North Atlantic Ocean I Porto lECH I m 20-31 Bi mm mi m 0 02 Opemig USS AUSTIN (LPD-4) MARG 98-3 02 Ship ' s Shield 03 Ship ' s History 04 Commanding Officer 05 Executive Officer 06 Command Master Chief 07 Departure 08 Marine Onload 09 Deployment Schedule 10-11 Rota, Spain 12-15 Rhodes Greece 16-19 Antalya. Turkey 20-21 Brindisi, Italy 22-25 Odessa, Ukraine 26-27 Constanta. Romania 28-31 Valletta, Malta 32-33 POW MIA Day 34-37 Air 38 Combat Cargo 39 K Division 40-49 Deck 50-51 Dental 52-66 Engineering 67-68 Medical 69-71 Administration 72-73 Navigation 74-81 Operations 82-89 Supply 90 Chaplain ' s Page 91 €ld[) I Dethckmi iU 91-93 VC-6 94-95 ECU 1650 96 Seal Team2 Special Boat Unit 20 97 Commanding Officer MSSG22 98-99 MSSG 22 1 00 HMM- 1 62 VI Life. On Bowid 1 1 Navy Birthday 1 02 Lone Star Station 1 03- 1 04 Hump Day Talent Contest 1 05 Hat Day 106 Beard Contest 107 Texas Jake Band 108 Pizza Night 109 Holidays 1 10-110 General Quarters 1 12-1 13 UNREP VERTERP 1 14-1 15 Tiger Cruise 1 16-1 17 Homecoming 1 1 8 Cruise Stats 1 1 9 Cruise Book Staff 1 20 Closing Prayer July 1, 1998 To December 9, 1998 USS Austin 1 COAT OF ARMS I looit tfLP: icfthe. bcoii I ' ailiorout iConfigt detvof jyCH - friers a h? :1 11 Amphibious Transports (Dock) are named for cit- ies which in turn take their names from Americans who have made exemplary contributions in the ex- plorations and development of this country. So it is that the USS AUSTIN (LPD 4) was named for the city of Austin, capitol of Texas. Stephen Fuller Aus- tin, after whom the city was named, served as a leader in the settling of Texas and played an active role in freeing Texas from Mexico and establishing the Republic of Texas. The Lone star in the insignia symbolizes this as- sociation in name with the history of Texas. Addi- tionally, the color scheme has been adopted from the seal of the city of Austin. The fort serves the dual purpose of representing the Alamo and sym- bolizes the strength brought to our amphibious force 2 USS Auslin with the addition of the USS AUSTIN to the fleet The cross flanked by wings is indicative of faith i the concept and puipose of the AUSTIN ' S vertical envelopment capability. The lamp is a reminder oT ti ; cover the necessity for eternal vigilance. The motto for the USS AUSTIN. Potesta|{ie (|,( Marilimas per Mobilitate or Seapower througl Mobility emphasizes her capability of deliverinj combat-ready troops and dispatching them witi precision, by landing craft or helicopter, to the scerid of action at any position on the littorals of the earth and only requiring minimal time in transit. This insignia provides USS AUSTIN ' S officerslmili men and guests with a constant reminder of her lin) llis.Froi with the past as well as her important role for th lulure, in the preservation of freedom. r lapped- Ifcs a JDf, liicte( HIPS HISTORY r Named after the Capital of the State of Texas, USS ian assistance to the Island of Dominica in the fall : TIN (LPD-4) is the third ship to bear the name, of 1980 and repeated the effort a decade later, bring- 1 unit of the class of eleven Landing Platform ing disaster relief to the Virgin Islands in the wake llock (LPD) amphibious ships constructed between of Hurricane Hugo in 1 989. When the Yom Kippur 963 and 1971, USS AUSTIN was laid down in the War broke out in 1973. the ship supported the U.S. laval Shipyard, Brooklyn, New York on 04 Febru- Sixth Fleet ' s presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. ■y 1963. The ship was launched and christened on Ten years later, when the U. S. Marine Corps bar- 7 June 1964 by Miss Luci Baines Johnson, daugh- racks in Beirut was destroyed by a terrorist attack, ;r of the 36th President of the United States. Two the ship stood off the coast to support relief opera- sars and two days after the keel was laid, the ship tions. Following in the wake of Operation Desert as commissioned on 06 February 1965 and Cap- Shield Desert Storm. USS AUSTIN again con- in William H. Shaw assumed command of the ship ducted relief operations, this time for Kurdish refu- nd her 500-man crew. The Honorable Ralph W. gees in Northern Iraq during Operation Provide I ' arborough, senior Senator from Texas, delivered Comfort. During the ship ' s recent deployment to lie commissioning address. the Mediterranean, USS AUSTIN was ordered to i Configured with a 266-foot flight deck, USS race to the Adriatic Sea in August 1998 to insert USTIN is capable of carrying and operating a large over 200 combat-equipped Marines and SEALs for ety of aircraft, ranging from Navy MH-53 and the protection of U.S. citizens in Albania. y CH-47 heavy lift helicopters to Marine AV-8 The ever-flexible amphibious ship also acted as a riers and Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicles test platform for a wide range of new systems en- Y). The ship ' s 200-foot well deck can accom- tering the Fleet. In February of 1968, USS AUS- ate a myriad of amphibious assault craft includ- TIN conducted an evaluation of the new H-53 Sea nding craft air cushion (LCAC), landing craft Stallion helicopter. In one test, the 16.000 ton LPD ihetlet.ility (LCU), and amphibious assault vehicles was actually towed by the aircraft, helping the H- , ,f3Jil, ( AV). The ship can also carry, launch, and recover 53 earn the reputation as the workhorse of the heli- becial Warfare rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) copter community. In the early eighties, the ship ad cover 30 combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC). conducted well deck tests off Panama City, Florida, e ship can embark and support over 900 combat with the prototype JEFF boats, precursors of the ipped-Marines and SEAL ' s. carry dozens of ve- present-day LCAC. and in June of 1 986. USS AUS- cles, thousands of tons of ammunition and sup- TIN launched and recovered U.S. Marine Corps AV- ies, and close to a million gallons of diesel and 8 Harrier jets. iation fuel and gasoline. With repair shops, medi- The veteran of coundess operations and exercises il and dental facilities, and a large storage capac- and 1 8 major deployments to the Mediterranean Sea. y, this 569-foot LPD can conduct operations for Indian Ocean. Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. ) days anywhere along the world ' s oceans with- the Norfolk-based LPD has traveled as far north as It resupply. the Arctic Circle and as far south as the coast of In four decades of service. USS AUSTIN has Somalia in the Indian Ocean. Celebrating 34 years )nducted a wide variety of missions and opera- of commissioned service on 06 February 1999, the 3ns. From 1967 to 1970, the ship acted as support venerable LPD has become the oldest amphibious atform for the recovery of the Apollo IV. XII, and ship in the United States Navy. After four decades V space missions and conducted the withdrawal of proud service, the ship has truly earned the repu- iFthe Inter-American Peace force from the Domini- tation of being oldest and the best. Iin Republic in 1966. The ship brought humanitar- I y A svenii ■eminder pi Poles ,erthroy tileliveri ihem w loihe Dttheeai isii. rSoftici tofher (oletbr c o M M A N D I N G O F F I C E R I i  ' ii Commander Richard S. Callas was bom in Boston. Massachu- setts, and raised in Newton and Wellesiey. Massachusetts. He is a 1978 graduate of Boston College, receiving a Bachelors De- gree in Political Science. He entered the Navy through the Of- ficer Candidate School and received his commission in Septem- ber of 1979. His initial assignment was as a Towed Array Surveillance Sys- tem (TASS) Officer and Assistant Navigator on board USS MCCLOY (FF-1038) homeported in Norfolk. Virginia. He then reported to Okinawa. Japan, in June 1983 for duties as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to commander. Amphibious Group ONE CTF- 76. After completing the Department Head course in December 19X4. he reported to USS NICHOLSON (DD-982) as Operations Officer. In February 1987, he was assigned as Operations and Plans Officer (N3) for the staff of Commander. Amphibious Squadron TWO. In December 1988. he reported ashore to the 4 USS Austin Surface Warfare Officer School Command as an instructor ii I combat Systems and Amphibious Warfare, where he was twiaj selected as Instructor of the Year. In July 1992. he reported USS WHIDBEY ISLAND (LSD-41) as executive Officer. January 1994. he reported ashore to Commander. Surface Wa fare Development Group, assigned as the Ship ASW Readine Effectiveness Measuring (SHAREM) Program Officer and lalj became the Director of Undersea Warfare. Commander Callas personal decorations include the MeritorioB Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (two award the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), as well as othe unit and service awards. He hold a Masters Degree in Internaj tional Relations from Salve Regina University and is a gradua of the Naval War College Non-Resident Program. Commanc Callas is married to the former Nancy Ann Conway Framignham. Massachusetts. They have two daughters, Call and Elizabeth. I E X E C U T I V E O F F I C E R iminictor ommander Tranoris was born in Neptune, New Jersey and h «iw used in Asbury Park, New Jersey,. He is a 1984 graduate F Boston University receiving a Bachelor ' s Degree in Po- tical Science. He was commissioned through the NROTC ogram upon graduation. is initial assignment was as Boilers Officer followed by issiles Officer and Gunnery Officer onbard USS BIDDLE re 34) homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. He then reported  the Naval Safety Center in January 1 988 for duties as a ombat Systems Safety Analyst and Surveyor. He returned  sea as Boilers Officer onboard USS IOWA (BB 61) in lev 1988. In June 1990, he was assigned as the Plans and cial Operations Officer at Fleet Tactical Deception Group tlantic. After completing the Department Head course, he reported to San Diego. California in May 1992 for duties as Engineer Officer onboard USS DURHAM (LKA 114). In March 1994, he was assigned as Material Officer for Com- mander, Destroyer Squadron ONE. He returned to Norfolk, Virginia in August 1996, reporting onboard USS WASP (LHD 1 ) as first Lieutenant. Commander Tranoris personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), the Navy Achieve- ment Medal, as well as other unit and service awards. He holds a Master ' s Degree in Business from Webster Univer- sity. He is married to the former Lisa Wefald of Westwood, Massachusetts. They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia with their two sons, Peter and Paul. USS Austin 5 Master Chief Gray entered the Navy in August 1974 shortly after gradu- ating from high school. After completing recruit training in Orlando, FL he reported to NATTC Memphis. TN for training as an Aviation Electronics Technician (AT). In November 1975. he transferred to his first command. Training Squadron Three (VT-3) at NAS Whiting Field in Milton. FL. where he was a plane captain and electronics technician for the T-28B C aircraft. His next assignment was to Attack Squadron Thirty Five (VA-35) based at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. While in VA-35. he worked as an electronics technician and Quality Assurance Representative for the A-6E TRAM and KA-6D aircraft and made three deployments onboard the USS NIMITZ (CV-66). in- cluding participation in Operation Evening Light to rescue the Ameri- can hostages in Iran and Freedom of Navigation exercises in the Gulf of Sidra. Following that assignment. Master Chief Gray returned to Orlando. FL as a Basic Electricity and Electronics instructor for Service School Com- mand, where he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 1984. He re- turned to sea duty in January of 1 986 onboard the USS AMERICA (CV- 66). His duties included Avionic s Division LCPO and Production Con- trol CPO for the Aircraft Intermediated Maintenance Department ( AIMD). During that tour, he qualified as an Enlisted Aviation Warfare « ... .r ..«r . 1 1  «_j; J 1 « ...u; u include combat operations in the Gulf of Sidra against Libya. His next shore duty was with the staff of Commander. Fighter Wing ONE (CFW-1 ). based at NAS Oceana, where he served as the Avion- ics Electronic Warfare (EW) Advisor and Controlled Equipment Man- ager for all Atlantic Fleet F-14 squadrons. While assigned to CFW-1. he personally coordinated the redistribution of limited EW and Phoi Reconnaissance assets during the simultaneous deployment of five A lantic Fleet aircraft carriers to the Arabian Gulf during Operations Dese Shield and Desert Storm . ' ' In 1992. Master Chief Gray attended the Senior Enlisted Academy i Newport. RI then reported for duty on the staff of Commander. Carrie Air Wing SEVEN (CVW-7) as the Damage Control Assistant. Duriii that period. CVW-7 and the maiden deployment of the USS GEORC.l WASHINGTON (CVN -73) and participated in NATO operations i the Adriatic Sea and operations against Iraq in the Arabian Gulf. George Washington. Master Chief Gray qualified as an Enlisted Sm face Warfare Specialist (ESWS). In 1996. he returned to shore duty . Naval Air Station Norfolk, where he was assigned as AIMD Leadiii; Chief Petty Officer. There he was advanced to Master Chief Petty 01 ficer and selected for the CMC Program. In January 1998. he reporter to the USS AUSTIN (LPD-4) as Command Master Chief. Master Chief Gray ' s awards and decorations include the Navy Con mendation Medal (two awards). Navy Achievement Medal (two awards Navy Unit Commendation (three awards) Meritorious Unit Commen dation (two awards). Battle E Ribbon (two awards). Good Condik Medal (six awards). Navy Expeditionary Medal. National Defense S Service Deployment Ribbon (four awards) and the NATO Medal. Master Chief Gray is married to the former Vicki Joyce of ChesapeaK V A. They reside in Chesapeake with their three daughters. Jana. Meg and Tara. USS Austin AUSTIN Heads to Sea Day of Departure: Wednesday 01 July 1998 UPPER RIGHT: IC2 Nunn and baby mug ot the camera. MIDDLE AND MIDDLE RIGHT: PNC Uy and Df3 Leonard pose with their families. UPPER LEFT: The Captain speaks to the crew and families on the night deck. MIDDLE LEFT; The XO and his son share time together on the tlight deck. LOWER LEFT: One last embarce. LOWER RIGHT: This little girl .sums up how many people felt that day. Good-by my love.... maybe for forever Good-by my love. ...the tide waits for me. Who knows when we shall meet again. ...if ever. But time. ...keeps llowing like a river.. ..to the sea. ...to the sea. Lyncs from the song Time by Ihe Alan Parsons Projecl Marine onload 02 July 1998 m I This Is Our History Med Cruise 1998 )1 July )2 July )3 - 14 July 4 -16 July 1- 26 July 9 Jul - 05 Aug )6-12Aug 4-22 Aug - 03 Sep -17 Oct Oct Departed Norfolk, VA Onload Morehead City, NC Transit Atlantic Turnover with Wasp ARC Rota, Spain Exercise Matador ' 98 Seals and USS Al host Today Show Crew Rhodes, Greece Antalya, Turkey Operation Resolute Response Exercise tive Assembly IMAV Rota, Spain Operation Silver Night(Lone StSTStation, Albania) Brindisi, Italy Transit Dardanelles and Bospoj Odessa, Ukraine Exercise Sea Breeze ' 98 Odessa, Ukraine Constanta, Romania Exercise Rescue Eagel ' 98 Constanta, Romanii Valletta, Malta Turnover with Na s wfARG. Rota, Spain Transit Atlantic Offload embarked Marines Homecoming. Norfolk, VA Rota, Spain 14-16 JULY, 27 AUG - 03 SEP, 21-26 NOV 98 The city of Rota is located on the south coast of the Andaliisian region of Spain. The AUSTIN visited this port three times, for the purpose of turn- overs with the WASP and NASSAU Amphibious Ready Groups, and an IMAV (Intermediate Main- tenance Availability) sandwiched in-between. Al- though each visit was a working port, AUSTIN s sailors and Marines managed to take advantage of what Rota had to offer and spend some pesetas, which the crew quickly rename potatoes. Rota was AUSTIN ' S tlrst experience with a Eu- ropean city, make all the better because we could explore it from the relative safety of the joint Span- ish and American Naval Base. The Base and MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) facilities were awesome and enjoyed by many of the crew. Those who were more adventurous went out to the city of Rota as soon as they could. They found Rota to be more like a small seaside town than a city and en- joyed the people and the sights while remembering not to touch the Orange trees owned by the King of Spain. Destruction or perceived destruction of these trees would result in jail time. Many of the crew explored the nearby city of Seviila and the British territory of Gibralter in September, during the AUSTIN ' S second visit. The third and final v isit found the crew busy with the Agricultural Wash-down, the command Physical Readiness test, and the turnover with the incoming NASSAU ARG. Rota was the gateway to our Mediterranean deployment and it was approached with great anticipa- tion and excitement and we left it with a sense of relief and expectation of being reunited with our friends and loved-ones A shot of the populace of Rota, Spain on a beautiful summer evening. Rhodes, Greece 29 July - 05 August 98 Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and the fourth largest is land In Greece. The city of Rhodes combines the cosmopolitan charac tcr of a contemporary city with the quaintness of a medieval town un- touched by the passage of time, the juxtaposition of monuments and ruins dat- ing from antiquity, the Byzantine period, the European Middle Ages, and the centuries of Turkish rule, combined with the beautiful scenery, a mild climate and a well developed infrastructure of hotels and other facilities have truly made Rhodes, the Island of the Sun About 14()0 B.C. Mycenaean Greeks settled on the island and about 1 1(X) B.C. they were followed by Dorians. In 408 B.C., a unified .state was estab- lished on the island with the town of Rhodes as its capital. Successfully with- .standing an attack by Macedonia in 305 B. C, the Rhodians erected a 98 foot high statue called the Colossus of Rhodes. It was the shortest-lived of the Seven Wonders of the World and collapsed in an earthquake in 227 B.C. A new era began in Rhodes in 1309, when the order of St. John established itself on the island after the loss of the Holy Land. In 1522, the Knights were compelled to surrender to the Turks, and the 1 80-surviving Knights moved from Rhodes to Malta. After two hundred years of European rule the island fell under Turkish control for 390 years. In 1912 the Italians captured Rhodes and occupied the island until 1947. Rhodes became a part of Greece in 1948. The bronze statues of a stag and a doe sit on top of pillars at the entrance of Mandraki harbor. According to legend, the Colossus of Rhodes stood at the same site with a leg on each side of the harbor entrance. The male and female deer are symbolic of Rhodes. The Marine Gate entrance to old town Rhodes which was built by the Knights of Saint John. A beautiful flowering bush next to one of the entrances to old town Rhodes. USS AiiMin There are actually three sets of stairs in this picture The most recently built steps are being used by Austin sailors to reach the entrance to the Acropolis of Lindos. The second set, in rums, are to the immediate left, and the third set, which were built by the knights, are located in the upper left hand corner of the pic- ture against the fortress wall. The USS AUSTIN LPD-4 is moored in Rhodes, Greece Is it okay to throw up now? Two Austin sailors are having fun bouncing in a bungee ball. Do we have enough Dracula. .1 mean Drachman for another round? A group of Austin Sailors enjoy a cool drink at a Falaraki Beach club. Antalya, Turkey 6- IZ AUGUST 1997 The first thing that comes to mind about Antalya Turkey is how HOT it was. The Average temperature during the day was a blistering 105° F, which baked the good ship Austin as well as her crew. However, the plucky AUSTIN sailors and marines took advantage of the beaches, and a water slide park to beat the heat. In the evening , when it was cooler, Antalya ' s night life beckoned. There were plenty of beautiful restaurants, bars, and shops nestled in the cliffs above Antalya Harbor to accommodate everyone. Quite a few people managed to get good deals on leather products, Turkish rugs, and gold jewelry. The tours offered by the husbanding agent were outstanding. All who participated, commented on how beautiful and interest- ing the ruins of the city of Perge, and the Roman Amphitheater at Aspendos were. The tour ended at a cool lush waterfalls which really helped with the heat. The few brave souls who went white water rafting had a blast. The river was a two hour drive from Antalya in the rugged and sparsely populated mountains to the north. The long drive was worth it, because the river was enough of a challenge for everyone. The freezing cold water was a welcome relief from the heat. All in all, Antalya was a good port, even if we all spent a little too much money. The USS AUSTIN had an opportunity to pass by one of many resort areas Antalya had to otter. In background you can see the Taurus mountain range. 16 USS Austin LCU 1650 gets a chance to break dw.iy iium ihe AUSTIN and play for a little while This is an ancient avenue found in the city of Perge near Antalya. Turkey. Perge (pronounced PER-GAY) was settled by the Greeks, then Romans. It was abandoned after a severe earthquake. These ruins used to house the public baths in Perge. Believe it or not, this bath house was lined with marble and the Romans developed a heating systems to heat the water. These are the ruins of Hellenistic gate constructed by the Greeks and later used and modified by the Romans. This was once a fountain. The statue in the center depicts the river god Kestros. The fountain was spring-fed and water flowed from underneath the statue to a canal which stretched down the middle of Perge. Why? Early air conditioning. USS Austin 1 7 ' H - ' J X ' UPPER LEFT: This structure is the outside wall of the Aspendos amphitheater. It was built Into the side of a hill ABOVE: Austin sailors seek shade near the stage of the Aspendos amphitheater LEin : The Aspendos amphitheater Is one of the best-preservl Roman amphitheaters around today. BELOW: Hard to believe this lush and green waterfalls could even exist in the dry and hot conditions of Southern Turkey. These are the Kursunlu waterfalls. BOTTOM LEfH : The acoustics are so good in the Aspendos amphitheater, that it is said that a person from the top tier of seats could hear a person whisper from the stage. iifatscnit Nne of the many ferries the AUSTIN had to avoid while transiting Me Bosporos Straits view of one of the many Islamic Mosques along the straits of losporas. BRINDISL ITALY 17-20 OCTOBER 98 Brinclisi. a tbrtitlL-il seaport in the district of Apulia, is situated on the strait of Otranto. 270 miles east of Naples. It is an agricultural town with one of the best har- bors on the Italian Adriatic coast. The original settlement at Brindisi was captured by the Romans in 267 B. C, after which it became a Roman naval station. Virgil died there in 19 B.C. The town was captured, destroyed and rebuilt many times by foreign conquering armies through the ages. The town was dev- astated by pestilence in I34S and plundered in 1352 and I . 83. but an earthquake did the greatest damage in 14.56. It was an important naval ba.se during World War 1 , when the harbor was considerably deepened. The population owes much of its subsistence to the presence of an Italian Naval Base and Brindisi ' s connec- tion to the sea is evident throughout the town. Although, the time spent at this port was short, the sailor ' s and marines made the most of Brindisi and en- joyed a well-deserved rest. Some of the crew went on tours through Castellana. and Rome while others enjoyed good Italian food and camaraderie. Many took advantage of the facilities at a local U.S. air base. Brindisi had something to offer for everyone and the people there made the crew feel most welcome. The Mariner ' s monument visible from the outer Harbor Is Rudder-Shaped and is 174 ft high. I| was erected to pay homage to the seaman of Italy USS AUSTIN (LPD-4) entering the port of Brindisi. In the background an old Fortress guards the harbor ' s entrance. 20 USS Austni la ' am, ituolaCi «« Cwntown BrindisI on a warm autumn evening. im«tit A beautiful anchor-shaped fountain serves as a reminder of the importance of Brindlsi ' s maritime heritage. The many quiet cafes in BrindisI allow Austin ' s crew to catcl their breath after 43 days at sea on Lone Star Station ODESSA, UKRAINE 25-27 OCT - 01-04 NOV 1998 Hundreds of Ukrainians greeted the AUSTIN at the pier on the day of her arrival and a mili- tary band played the national anthems of both coun- tries. The Ukrainians were very curious about the Americans and asked the sailors and marines may (.|uestions about life at home, to pose with them for pictures, and believe or not to sign autographs. The dominant Language is Russian, although many people spoke Hnglish and were eager to practice their English with us. In rural areas, Ukrainian is spoken. Odessa is located on the Black Sea coast of the Ukraine, a former republic of the Soviet Union. Catherine the Great, who wanted a Seaport on the Black Sea, founded it at the turn of the 1 8th century. She was advised that the location was unsuitable due to lack of water, but she was not dissuaded and ca- nals and cisterns were constructed to overcome this problem. Nowadays, Odessa is home to 1 .5 million people, and growing. It ' s development as a seacoast resort community has contributed to a population that ' s tripled over the last hundred years. Hundreds of street vendors had stands set up in a park located in the main shopping district. Artwork, nesting dolls, Soviet Union military paraphernalia were among the most popular items sought out and purchased by the crew of the AUSTIN. Good deals were the order of the day, especially since the ex- change rate was 3.5 Ukrainian Hryvnia (pronounced Greevna) to 1 U.S. dollar. Street musicians performed traditional Ukrianian folk music as thousands of people strolled through the tree-lined street and re- laxed at cafes. Plenty of tasty food was available and ranged from Borscht to pizza. Throngs of people and a military brass band welcomes the AUSTIN to Odessa. 22 USS Ausini A shot of the welcoming center as the AUSTIN pulls into the port of Odessa bmeslonesl :obblestone street int he shopping district of Odessa. This man is dressed in a traditional cossack outfit. He was seen by many of the crew and readliy posed for pictures. Chiefs Simandira and Dent haggle with street vendors ■■i4 - J A beautiful Eastern Orthodox Church basks in the lal afternoon sui ( i These women will sell you a nesting doll and give you a free Ukrainian history lesson SH2 Graham and a marine sergeant insure the AUSTIN ' S crew is safe while on shore patrol 24 USS Austin Austin sailors on tour listening to Anna speak about the history of Odessa. USS Austin 25 Constanta, Romania 05 -06 Nov, 10-11 Nov 1998 in sol Constanta (pronounced Constantsa) is located in the southeastern region o Dobruja. about 1 70 miles to the east of the capital city of Bucharest. It is Romania ' s principal seaport and Black Sea resort area. Constanta had the look and feel of a former .Soviet eastern bloc country and was not as cosmopolitan as Odessa. The area was initially inhabited by the Dacians nearly 2. ' ()0 years ago. The Greeks founded the colonies of Hitia. Callatis. and Tomis on the Black Sea in the 6th century BC. The ruins of the ancient town of Tomis form the foundations of contemporary Constanta. We were told to be careful in town due to the high rate of street crimes such as bag snatching, pick pocketing and robbery. One Austin sailor had his wallet stolen during the first hour of liberty. Gypsies were abundant in Constanta and were easy to spot because of the outrageously colorful clothes they wore. Alas, due to the operatie)nal commitments of Rescue Eagle, the AUSTIN was only in port for two days. Also many of the bars and restaurants located in the resort areas were closed for the season. Tours were not an option either because of the lack of time. Despite these obstacles the intrepid marines and sailors made do and squeezed as much fun out of this port as they could by sampling the food and culture of Constanta. This monument greeted the Austin as she steamed into Constanta harbor on a cold November day. Trhis sailor and marine salute after laying a I wreath on a World War II monument in (Constanta. This marked the end of a ceremony jneld on November 5th to commemorate the jRomanian soldiers who fell in battle during liWorld War II. u ' HJMp riini ' . QBmruutii L ▼ KT 1-1 A. . The Captain toasts the food service assistants and Jthe mess specialists for putting on a superb VIP |reception for Romanian Navy and Government Officials. h ommander Callas presents a framed jpy of the Declaration of Independence ■one of the Romanian Admirals who .tended the VIP reception that was held 1 the upper vehicle deck of the USS USTIN. M li USS Austin 27 Valletta, Malta 74- 16 November The island of Malta was the AUSTIN ' S last port and a very appropriate last stop for many reasons. Our first port visit was the island of Rhodes, former home to the Knights of St. John. It just so happen that when the knights were forced to leave Rhodes by the Turks in 1522, they made the island of Malta their new home. Consequently, the town of Valletta looked very similar to Rhodes as Austin sailed into Grand Harbor, with the fortifi- cations looming above. The town of Valletta looked very different from Rhodes in that it ' s archi- tecture was distinctly Italian. Small wonder, since the Island is only .seventy miles from Sicily. The island was a feast for the eyes with the contrasting colors of the azure sky with the yellows and reds of the buildings. Malta has had a very interesting history, and has had a definite influence on western society. It was first settled by prehistoric people who left evidence of their existence with ruins very similar to Stonehenge. It was used by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and every other seafaring nation in the Medi- terranean as a port of call and base of operations. It was even visited by Saint Paul before being brought to trial in Rome. Coincidentally, Saint Paul also visited Lindos on Rhodes and Perge Turkey too. The knights of St. John had a profound influence on the history of Malta. They founded the town of Valletta. Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, gave them the island in 1530. The fee for the island was one falcon per year. Do any of you remember the movie The Maltese Falcon ? Malta became a colony of Britain, and suffered terrible damage during World War II. However, Churchill, and President Roosevelt met here to dis- cuss strategy in 1943 and 1945. The island gained it ' s full independence in the early seventies after which it allied itself with Libya and the Soviet Union. As result, U.S. Navy ships were not allowed to make port calls here until the end of the Cold War. Proudly, Austin has been one of the few U.S. Navy ships to visit with the normalization of relations. The people of Malta couldn ' t have been nicer or more interesting. Most people were at least bilingual and many were multilingual. The two domi- nant languages were Maltese and Italian, but quite a few spoke English. Having once been a British colony, many of the signs were English, so il made getting around a bree e. The shopping was great, as was the food. The tour of Valletta was very interesting and focused on the history and architec- ture. It ended with and hour-long multimedia show on Malta. Certainly, the only bad thing about Malta was AUSTIN left too soon. 28 U.S.S Austin Above: The USS AUSTIN LPD-4 moored in the Grand Harbor, Malta. Left: Grand Harbor in the early morning. Fort St. Elmo is in the center background Right: Fort St. Elmo guards Grand Harbor. Below: Fortifications outside the capital city of Valletta, Malta. A courtyard in the Grand Master ' s Palace . The Palace contains the Maltese Parliament, the Ministry of Justice, the armory, and other governmental Offices CDR Callas, Commanding Officer of the USS AUSTIN LPD-4, presents a photograph of the AUSTIN to the United States Ambassador of Malta during a VIP reception for Maltese dignitaries. A view of the Grand Harbor from Valletta. rt This is fort St. Elmo witfi the city of Valletta behind it, at the entrance to Grand Harbor. This is Republic street in the city of Valletta. Not only is this the mam street of Valletta, but it is also where the majority of shops are located. Some of the AUSTIN ' S crew on tour in the city of Valletta. OW MIA REMEMBRANCE DAY SPEECH 18 SEPTEMBER 1998 nored Shipmates: rhe United States of America is a unique country; unique in the history of the world for its character, its spirit, its sense of justice, and its preci ous regard for the value of each individual human being. In truth, the United States is not a democracy, which is ruled by the consent of the majority of the people. The United States is a republic, ich is ruled by law. And our laws, our sacred Constitution, protect not the rights of the majority, but rather, protect rights of the individual. No other nation in the history of the world has had greater concern for the individual than lerica. That is why this special day, this POW MIA Day of Remembrance, is so uniquely American. Throughout our great nation, there stand literally thousands of monuments honoring the lives of dedicated Ameri- is who sacrificed their lives in combat going back over two centuries. Yet most sacred of them all, are the tombs of unknown, which commemorate those Americans, whose names and identities we have lost, who gave their lives for ir country. With these unknown serviceman are the names of Americans we do know, but who have not yet returned 1 remain unaccounted for, and it has been the resolve of the Government and the People of the United States of lerica that we account for all our service members. That is why this day is so special. k.s veterans of the sea service, it is appropriate that on this day, on the eve of an important mission, off the coast of a lubled nation where we have committed our Marines and Sailors, while the sun sets along the western horizon, that should cause this great ship to heave to, assemble all hands on deck, parade the glorious colors of our great nation ll our great Navy and Marine Corps, and remember the soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coastguardsmen who Timitted their lives in the defense of this great nation and who have yet to return to their families and friends. We )uld, therefore, resolve not to forget them. USS Austin 33 A I DEPARTMENT The ability to operate with military helicopters in support of am phibious operations is one of AUSTIN ' S most important missions. The flight deck is capable of handling any helicopter in the United State inventory from the diminutive Army OH-58 Kiowa, to the mighty Manne Corps CH-53E Super Stallion, as well as many allied helicop- ters, day or night. There are 2 primary landing spots on the flight deck, and 4 expanded spots enabling up to 4 spinning helicopters to occupy the deck simultaneously. The men responsible for accomplishing this safely, make up Air De- partment, a small department of all ' Airedales ' : Aviation Boatswain ' s mate Fuels technicians. Aviation Boatswain ' s Mate Handlers, Aviation Support Equipment Technicians and 2 Naval Aviation Officers. Handlers wear yellow shirls on the flight deck and are the link be- tween the pilots and the flight deck, responsible for signaling the heli- copters down to a safe landing, or up into a hover for takeoff. During a deployment with a permanent aircraft detachment embarked, the Han- dlers also meticulously control the movement of helicopters by tow trac- tor for the next days flight operations. The ' fuelies ' , as they ' re affectionately known, are led by the Aviation Fuels Chief Petty Officer and are responsible for a 216,000 gallon air- craft fuel system and a 21,000 gallon automotive or MOGAS system. They wear purple shirts on the flight deck and are ready at a moment ' s notice to quickly haul the heavy fuel hose out to the spot and pump the much-needed clean, clear and bright ' champagne ' to the aircraft. The Aviation Support Equipment Technicians wear red shirts and in addition to maintaining the tow tractors and flight deck firefighting equip- ment, are the primary Crash and Salvage experts or ' Crash and Smash Guys ' . In the event of a fire on the flight deck, they ' re the first ones on the scene and are responsible for donning the ' hotsuits ' to assist the aircrew in evacuation. The Air Department also works very closely with the Combat Cargo Sailors and Marines, in the orchestration of loading and unloading of all the necessary supplies, equipment and combat loaded Marines in sup- port of any amphibious mission AUSTIN might be called on to perform. I . Lieutenant Mario Mifsud Air Boss Lieutenant Rich Brown Mini Boss ,i4 I ' S.S AusUii DIVISION Y ABFC Stephen Simandira ABH1 Ricardo Kiner ABH1 Charles Riddick AS2 Joseph Varcasia 1 ABH3 Marvin Henry ABF3 Lacey Jones ABH3 Mario Renderos USS Austin 35 V Division ASl Melton Woods ABF3 Wilfred Wuhee ASAN Awali Brown AN John Ortiz 36 V Division AN Harry Ventura AA Garrett Pendleton AA Ilie Retezatu AR Wayne Giscombe COMBAT CARGO Chief Warrant Officer-2 Max Clifford Combat Cargo Officer Gunnery Sergeant Roonie Toole Combat Cargo Assistant 38 USS Austin C )nibal Cargo is a special stall department of twti Marines permanentl assigned to the ship. The Combat Cargo Officer (CCO) . CW02 Maxwell Clifford and Com- bat Cargo Assistant. GYSGT Ronnie Toole, work directly for the CO advising on all material pertaining to the embarked landing force. Their mission is to coordinate with embarked troop units and appropriate heads of deparlmeiits in the preparation and execution of plans required tor the embarkation and debarkation of triKips, the loading and stowage of troop cargo . the unloading of lri)op cargo, and the billeting and messing of embarked troops. During deployment, working in tandem u ith Air department and Deck department. Combat Cargo coordinated the execution of multiple operations and exercises, embarking and debarking o er 6000 personnel, M5 tt)ns of cargo and one half million rounds o ammunition ia Helicopter and Landing Craft. K Division EW2(SW)Chucky Nance DC3 James Bates FA Ronald Corley SR Rogers K- Division is an ad hoc entity of ship ' s crew assigned to Combat Cargo for maintenance and preservation of troop berthing areas with a capacity of 915 combat-laden Marines. The mission of K division is to handle all routine basic maintenance or repair of troop living spaces and other related jobs or projects as required. During deployment K division was manned with only three personnel. EW2 Nance (allias Tom Sawyer) coordinated the completion of hundreds of trouble calls, persuading Marines and Sailors to accomplish their own trouble calls. EMFN Corley (allias Ghost) slowly but consistently repair electrical discrepancies and DC3 Bates (allias Smiley) always smiled while repairing toilets and urinals. These three sailors consistently main- tained the quality of life within the embarked troop living spaces. Normally during non-deployment periods K division is manned with 1 5 personnel from all departments. Petty Officer Nance assumes Petty Officer of the Watch in Brindisi Harbor. USS Austin 39 bEPARTME ARTMENT Since the days of wooden sailing ships, the group of sailors responsible for the rigging and topside maintenance of ships has been a vital cog of an efficient Navy. Today, that group is known as the Deck Department, but its modern role goes far beyond that essential original function. On USS AUS- TIN (LPD-4,), the Boatswain ' s mates and Gunner ' s Mates of Deck Department are an omnipresent force with myriad responsibilities. Inport or at sea, the impact of deck personnel can be felt. In the performance of the ship ' s amphibious role, an LCD or AAV would never make it out of the well deck to head for the beach without Deck sailors to perform all line handling and supervisory duties. Vital supplies and fuel would be unattainable without Deck personnel handling all aspects of the underway replenishment, from the firing of shot lines by Gunner ' s Mates to the tending of the phone-and-distance and high lines by junior personnel. No liberty boats would leave the ship, and no visitors would come onboard when at anchor or underway without the flawless coordina- tion of Deck Department sailors operating the B A Crane and tending lines to ensure the safe movement of the ship ' s boats fr om their skids to the sea. An- choring and mooring evolutions could not be conducted without the expertise of senior Deck department leadership and the hard work and practiced skill of the Boatswain ' mates, whose job it is to make these things happen. If a man is lost overboard, the coxswain, his crew, and the SAR swimmer who man the motor whaleboat to pick him up come from the ranks of the Deck Department. On watch. Deck sailors man the helm, lee helm, and lookouts, making it pos- sible for us to drive the ship. The Boatswain ' s mate of the Watch is not only the enlisted watch supervisor on the bridge, but also has the vital job of keeping the crew notified of events and emergencies over the IMC public address system. He must be a master of the age-old nautical instrument, the Boatswain ' s Pipe, with which he delivers whistle signals that add a touch of professionalism to the passing of word and represent a constant connection with our Navy ' s history. In fact, the rating of Boatswain ' s Mate is probably the most historic in the Navy. In no other rating has the baseline knowledge required of its members remained so constant. Marlinespike seamanship, the common field of expertise shared by all BMs, existed before our nation was ever born. When it comes to defending the ship. Deck Department leads the way as well. The ship ' s 50 caliber and 25 millimeter machine gun mounts are all manned by Deck sailors if the threat of combat rears its head. The Gunner ' s Mates have the responsibility for the care and distribution of the ship ' s small arms, and lead the way in the Ship ' s Self Defense Force, guarding against the possibility of any terrorist action or enemy boarding of AUSTIN. Finally, without the gargantuan efforts of Deck personnel in the preservation and maintenance of the exterior of the ship, she would have been decommis- sioned years ago. The fact that AUSTIN, at 34 years of age, is still a viable fighting platform capable of performing her mission at a high level is a testament to the men of Deck Department, who over the years have struggled against the elements and time itself to keep her in peak material condition. In short, without the Deck Department, nothing else on USS AUSTIN could be accomplished. Pride in that knowledge is what motivates us to do our jobs every day. Lieutenant Jose Ramos First Lieutenan 40 USS Austin ECK JUNIOR OFFICERS y Lieutenant Junior Grade Peter Segersten Weapons Officer Ensign Alex Domino Division Officer is ' 2 ' Ensign Tony Holds Division 1 ' 2 ' Division Ships Boatswain Chief Warrant Officer-4 Jerry Stephens Ship ' s Boatswain Senior Chief Homer Morris f Division BMC(SW) William Peters BMl Eric Hamilton BMI(SW AW) Alton Smith BM2 John Evans BM2 Calvin Toirance BM2 Dale Swan BM3 Michael Sweitzer BM3 Marvin Pope 1 42 f Division SN Ricardo Briscoe SN Terrell Brown SN Maynor Espinal SN Keith Gaither SN Michael McCray SN Dorian Samuel SN Demetrice Saunders SA Nickoy Elliot SA Krepps f Division SA Andres Sala ur SA Michael Samuel SR Dowell SR Francis SR Miguel Gualdamez SR Robert Gaurdiola SR Brian Hargrove SR Rodney Hassel r V SR Juan Martin SR Jason Muckey Deck show their stuff during an UNREP with the USS TORTUGA in July 1998 44 r Division BM2(SW) Steven Mancini BM2(SW) Thomas Smith BM2(SW) Patrick Taffe BM3 Joshua Fernandez Two sailors from deck spruce up the USS AUSTIN before tfie translant in November 1 1 SN Friendenbach ' s Impression of ttne Tin Man from thie Wizard of Oz. A long day of painting the AUSTIN ' S hull In Rota, Spain in November ' 98. Members of deck department man the rails as the USS Austin enters Constanta, Romania ' s harbor on a cold November day, 43 r Division SN Darius Chislcy SN Joshua Friedenbach SN Albert Gaspard SN Derrick Hendricks BM3 Brillant and SN C Brown hard at work chipping paint on the port catwalk. 46 USS Austin As they watch flight operations, two helo pilots from HMM sailors from deck try to stay cool in the shade provided by the Caitlin M 162andtwoAUSTfc 7° Division SN Paul Mignott SN Miguel Morales SN Daniel Pabon SN Anthony Perry Imotor whaleboat is launchi il |m [rim a ( i dummy during a man overboard dri The motor whaleboat being recovered on a September day after recovering the remains of a UAV that had crashed in the Adriactic Sea. USS Austin 47 r Division SA Christopher Childs SA Adam Daingerfield SA Larry Brown SA Thomas McGee SA Bradley Zimmerman SA Charles Brown SR Christopher Daniels SR Thomas Dysard Members of the Deck department watch a Ukrainian Ship pass by during exercise BM2 Mancini and SN Freidenbach paint the starboard side of the USS Sea Breeze in November ' 98 AUSTIN In Rota during the turnover with the Nassau Amphibious Ready Group in November. = Jo ilei), 48 USS Austin 3 Division GMG2 Rockston Arnold GMG2 Prentiss Bickham GMG3 Jose Maranda GMG3 Brian Shulken GMSN Barry Brazos GMSN Marcos Brioes-Arias GMSN Nickolas Walton GMSN Jeffrey Wiederhold -A 56, I wonder what we are suppose to do here?!! Would you care to squeeze off a few rounds ' GMG1 Martin and GMSN Welderhold man the 25 Cal. USS Austin 49 DENTAL The Dental Department consists of one Dental Officer and three Dental Technicians. Although the department is small, it is tasked with providing high quality treatment and the prevention of den- tal disease. Our goal is to maintain optimal dental readiness without sacrificing the quality of care for AUSTIN sailors. During the deploy- ment, the Dental Officer is charged with providing dental support for ships without dental assets, embassy personnel, the detachments on board, and emergency treatment for U.S. citizens living abroad. The Dental Officer is also responsible for advising the Commanding Of- ficer on all dental issues. The Dental Department has two dental chairs, x-ray processor, ster- ilizer, and is outfitted to provide state of the art dental care. During a typical deployment, the Dental department is augmented with a Den- tal Officer and Dental Technician. These additional personnel are TAD from a Fleet Mahne Force Dental Company and are responsible for the dental health of the 900 marines that come aboard. Another function of dental is to assist the medical department with the treatment of casualties sustained from combat, damage control, or operational mishaps. This is accomplished through the manning of battle dressing stations or on the mess deck in an event of a mass casualties. We are serious about our role on board the good ship AUSTIN and we are dedicated to contributing towards the safety, quality of life and the readiness of its personnel. Lieutenant Commander Randy Stanton Dental Officer Lieutenant Robin Foutenot MSSG 22 Dental Officer 30 USS Austin IVISION % DTC (SW AW) Seymour Ottey DT3 Robert Leonard DN Alan Allen DN McCormick prepares the operatory for patient care. He was stationed at Camp Lejune and TAD to Marine Service Support Group 22 (MSSG) during the cruise. USS Austin 5 1 EN GINEERING Austin ' s Engineering Department is comprised of a capable group of rugged individuals that know how to get things done the old fash ioned way. At its most basic, the function of the Engineering Depart- ment is to get AUSTIN from one place to another safely and provide all the ship ' s service along the way. The majority of the Engineers belong to Main Propulsion Division ' s One and Two. They are responsible for running both of the Ship ' s Main Machin- ery Rooms that provide the steam for propulsion, electricity, and all other ship ' s services. They are the first onboard before getting undenway and the last to leave after pulling in. Their work is the Genesis for all other evolutions. The Repair Division is another elite group of highly skilled individuals that carefully maintain and repair a variety of equipment ranging fromi Damage Control Readiness to welding of stanchions to the maintenance of the plumb- ing system. It is because of their tireless eff orts that AUSTIN ' S 30 plus year old support systems stay functional. Auxiliaries Division (A gang) ensures that the ship is constantly provided with air conditioning, water heaters. Galley equipment, conveyors, elevators and the small boats. The scope of their responsibility extends from bow to stern. Making certain that the crew is comfortable and the ship has the nec- essary equipment operating to perform her mission. All modern devices have the common need for electricity and electrical systems. Maintaining those systems is the job of E Division. They ensure the proper operation of the power distribution systems for everything from the Ship ' s Close-In Weapons System to the lights. They are a ' so AUSTIN ' S phone and cable TV company, managing the CCTV and telephone systems. From the first moment of light off to the running of all her equipment, it is the Engineers that provide AUSTIN with her lifeblood of mechanical and electrical systems to perform her mission. :n • an Lieutenant Ed Oleykowskl Chief Engineer 52 USS Austin Lieutenant Jeff Hinkle Damage Conrc Assistant NGINEERING JUNIOR OFFICERS LTJG Ron Rutan Main Propulsion Assistant LTJG Channing Steele P-1 Division Officer LTJG Matt Harper A Gang Division Officer ENS Sim James P-2 Division Officer ENS Rick Rivera E Division Officer USS Austin 53 A Division MMC (SW) Christopher Lewis ENl Kirk Kimble MM 1 Keith Proctor MMl (SW AW) Michael Puckett ENl Carey Starling EN2 Raymond Lewis MM2 George Selvie MM2 (SW) Curtis Shoemaker 54 USS Austin A Division EN3 Michael Buglione MM3 Robert McDonough MM3 Jamie Moriera EN3 David Porier m !f MM3 David Smith ENFN Gary Quain MMFN Juan Villanueva FA Rau hn John FR Jovan Kiiby FR Lee Smith 1 USS Austin 55 E Division EMC (SW) Brian Deni EMI (SW) Glen Santos ICl (SW)MikcFann IC2 William Nunn 56 USS Austin E Division EM3 Julio Suazo ICFN Joel Holland EMFN Santiago Cruz EMFN Jason Hayes EMFN Chris Moore EMFN Jason Foster EMFA Eric Alberger EMFA Robert Bevitt P-IDivision MMl Kenneth Eiiirich MMl Gregory Hewitt MM KSS) Thomas Knott MMl Miehuel Whittuker MM2 Wilham Harvey MM2(SW) Matthew Dudek MM2 Brian Duncan MM3 Benjamin Duke P-1 Division MM3 Floyd Harris MM3 Christopher Herr MM3 Abe Kritz MM3 Peldin Miller MM3 Gabriel Passmore MM3 Tony Reyonlds MM3 Sean Sorrentino MM3 Terry Sprayberry USS Austin 59 P-l Division MM3 Justin Brittingham MM3 Jeffrey Ulmer MMFN Gabriel Dorantes MMFA Micha Owens FR Michael Bryant FR Devon Greene 60 USS Austin P-2 Division MMC(SW) Randall Free MMC(SW AW) Ten7 McDonnell MMl Christopher Boggs MMI Jerry Land MMl Kevin Schwartz MMKSW SS) Joel Stone MMl(SW) Robert Suter MMl Donald Ward USS Austin 61 P-2 Division MM2 Ace Backer BT2(SW) Joseph Barnes MM2 Richard Hubbert MM2 Shane Morrison MM2 Jesus Rodriguez MM3 Julian Hiilman MM3 Jason Laviolette MM1 Stone ' s retirement ceremony. MM1 Stone and ENS James cut the retirement cake in the first class mess with a ceremonial navy sword. Do you want to buy a ship? ENS James poses during a simultaneous UNREP of the AUSTIN and SAIPAN 62 USS Austin P-2 Division MM3 Wiiam Mcdevitt MM3 Michael Porter MM3 Brian Reeves MM3 Derrick Smith MM3 Corey Traux MM3 Christopher Washington MM3 Jeremy Wheater MMFN Keith Anselmo P-2 Division FN John Rodrique FA Jamie Marlowe FA Anthony Collins FR Sharome Eveline FR Juan Flores FR Kendrick Parker FR Lumumba Quow FR Jason Whitehurst Food service assistants standing by at the start of a reception hel ' | on the AUSTIN in Constanta, Romania i Members of repair locker 5 pose for a picture during an Austin Damage Control Olympics. 64 w R Division AUSTIN FIXES AUSTIN DCCS(SW) Robert Hart DCl Gerald Aaron MRl Douglas Brown HTl Toby Little DC2 Jose Aldama HT2 Carl Alexander HT2 John Stachowiak 65 DIVISION DC3 Douglas Bramblett DC3 David Cartwright HT3 (SW) Steven Ozburn MRFN Ryan Burd eut( ' aul edi( DCFN Matthew Reeves FA Christopher Packer DCFA Damon Hackney Hello, allow me to introduce myself. I am Austin Power ' s arch- nemesis, Dr. Evil. Have you seen Mr. Bigglesworth? HT1 Little, hard at work in the HT Shop. HT2 Stachowiak, still smiling DC3 Bramblett steadies the ram fan during operation. IVIRI Brown using an eductor to empty a pail of water, during DC Olympics which pitted repair locker against repair locker. MEDICAL Jeutenant aul Glisson yiedical Officer The mission of the AUSTIN IVIedical Department is to provide primary care to the crew of AUSTIN, expedite access to specialized medical care at Portsmouth Naval Hospital, provide preventive health mea- sures that will keep the maximum amount of the crew healthy and on the job, and to maintain the medical spaces onboard to include all required functions of a full sized department on AUSTIN. While deployed, this mission changes slightly. There is no one there to offer you advice, there is no major medical center for help in serious medical matters, and there is no one else to do the job. This is why each person in the AUSTIN Medical Department works as a team member and plays an important role in health care delivery. In many ways, AUSTIN is a miniature hospital with all the required services. There is an 8 bed hospital, a 2 bed isolation room, and two patient treatment rooms, as well as a dark room, a pharmacy, and a laboratory. This alone was enough to impress the medical communities of many of the countries that AUSTIN visited in 1998. In his first edition of The Surgeon ' s Mate. Dr. John Woodall spoke in 1617 of the taxing rigors of sea travel and its effects on a ship ' s sailors. Loneli- ness, danger, and hardship were major concerns to a sailor. Times have changed greatly since then and medical care has advanced beyond Dr. Woodall ' s wildest imagination, but not much has changed for the sailors of our time. Loneliness, danger, and hardship are still major concerns of AUSTIN ' S crew. The Medical Department played an important role in keep- ing the crew safe from all of these hazards and more. To help in these mat- ters, the Medical Department was assisted by the latest technology, includ- mail, Telemedicine, and many medical advances. The department may old, but AUSTIN Medical is keeping up with modern medicine. Dr. Glisson gives comfort and ex- amines a little girl at the Casa Speranta (House of Hope) Orphan- age in Romanian. Despite having AIDs and having to endure the ob- vious hardships, she is still happy and well adjusted child. This youngster is HIV positive, as were most of the children of the orphanage. USS Austin 67 I I DIVISION HMC (AW) Dave Orskey HM1 (SW) Ray Gerwe HM1 (SW) Dave Whitney HM2 Phil Klah HM2 Jake IVlearse HM3 John Henry HM3 Radford Mitchell HM3 Hipolito Ruiz HM2 Klah HM3 ruiz inventory mass casualty box before drill. Medical, standing by ready for action. t ADMINISTRATION hi Lieutenant Commander Peter Gregory Chaplain A t elcome to the good ship AUSTIN Administrative department! We comprise 4 workcenters namely: If m Ship ' s Office, Chaplain ' s Office, Master-At-Arms Office, Command Career Counselor ' s Office plus if V the Command Master Chief ' s Office. I In the Ship ' s Office, the Ship ' s Secretary and the yeomen process all official incoming outgoing mail and aperwork, officer service records, awards, enlisted evaluations, officers fitness reports and publishes the an of the day. The ship ' s secretary also runs the e-mail program. The Personnel Officer and the personnelmen process enlisted receipts, transfers reenlistments, separa- Dns, advancements, leave accounting and emergency recall bill, military and dependent ID cards, and nlisted service records. The personnel officer also administers navy wide advancement exams and grade Dn-resident training course. He is in charge of the non-combatant evacuation admin processors and funded id program and services as the enlisted manpower manager, educational services assistant, command dvancement program advisor, striker board member and ADMIN LCPO. The print shop which is operated out of the ship ' s office provides welcome aboard brochures to local and verseas visitors, foreign liberty port guides, change of command and holiday programs and various other ubiications as the command requires. The Chaplain ' s Office is run by the chaplain and RP2. The division provides multi-denominational prayer nd worship services, Navy Marine Corps relief society grants and loans, heads local and overseas commu- ity relations projects and volunteer programs and maintains the ship ' s multi-media library. The Master-At-Arms Office enforces good order and discipline, processes report chits, carry out non- jdicial punishments, serves as prisoner escorts, administers the urinalysis program and maintains berthing ssignments. The Command Career Counselor is responsible for the crew ' s professional development and runs the tention program. He also provides pre-separation counseling and fleet reserve benefits information. USS Austin 69 X Division EMCS (SW) Amulfo Campos PNC Nelson Uy YNl (SW) Steven Brown MAKSW AW) John Pelaez ■r W ' ' 1 J 1 1 A fl 1 NCI (SW) Marcel Risislione 70 X Division YN2 Kevin Harden LI2 Danny Hawkins PN2 Paul Long MA2 (SW AW) Charles Smith RP2 Eddie WilHams YN3 Gary Espiritu YN3 Lucas Holt NAVIGATION Eternal vigilance is the price of safety. -Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz These words, spoken during a time of war, still ring true in today ' s peacetime Navy. Safely navigating the ship through all hazards, known and unknown , is a daunting task and an awesome respon- sibility. AUSTIN ' S quartermasters were more than up to task as they kept the ship in safe waters for over 25,000 nautical miles during deployment. Navigating in and out of the many foreign ports was no easy job, especially with language barriers and minimal chart support. In addition to constantly keeping track of the ship ' s exact location, quartermasters monitor the weather, calculate times for sunset and sunrise, observe the stars and planets, and record everything the ship is doing in the Ship ' s Deck Log. Inport, Navigation Depart- ment is responsible for the upkeep of every nautical chart and pub- lication kept onboard. Many detailed corrections are received weekly, sometimes daily, and these must be carefully reproduced on every applicable chart or publication. Under QM1 (SW) Overly ' s watchful eye, the quartermasters worked extremely hard in maintaining the pristine appearance of AUSTIN ' S 34-year-old bridge area. QMS McEntire and QM3 Stockton com- pletely refurbished the port and starboard bhdge wings several time during deployment, while QM 3(SW) Long finished a lengthy pres- ervation and painting job on the front porch in the sweltering 1 03- degreee heat of Antalya, Turkey. Chief Samotis undertook a spe- cial project in June in an effort to reclaim all of the original brass fittings on AUSTIN ' S bridge. By deployment ' s end, the bridge was truly a magnificent showplace. Sailors belong on ships, ships belong at sea, and land is noth- ing but a hazard to navigation Lieutenant Junior Grade Harold Mars Blackmorl Navigator LTJG Blackmon poses in front of Grand Harbor of thie island IVIalla. 72 USS Au.siin NAVIGATION Petty Officers Stockton and Long Paint the port Bridgewing while AUSTIN is on Lone Star Station. QM3 Long takes a break from swabbing the deck to pose In the hot Turkish sun. In the background, the Taurus mountain range can be seen on the left abruptly ending on the plain where city of Antalya, Turkey has grown in recent years. QM3 McEntire straightens up paperwork on the Bndge. A bearded and motley crew on the bridge while AUSTIN patrols Lone Star Station off the coast of Albania USS Austin 73 OPERATIONS The Operations Department on board can b e best described as the eyes, ears and the mouthpiece of AUSTIN. This department con sists of highly trained and dedicated personnel that are charged with collecting and evaluating combat and operational information to ensure the safety of the AUSTIN and her crew. Operations is composed of many dif- ferent ratings including Operation Specialists, Radiomen, Signalmen, Elec- tronic Technicians, Electronic Warfare Specialists, and Fire Controlmen. The Radiomen are the vital link between the AUSTIN and the outside world. Their responsibilities include sending and receiving daily telecommunica- tions via message traffic, radio, and satellite. Whether the information they gather is vital or mundane, they ensure the Captain has all the information needed to make an informed decision. The Electronic Technicians main- tain and repair equipment used by the department. The expertise of the Electronic Warfare Specialists lies in defending AUSTIN against missile attack. The Fire Controlmen maintain and operate the AUSTIN ' S defensive weapon systems. The Signalmen are responsible for all visual communica- tions with other vessels. This includes sending and receiving visual mes- sages via flashing light, semaphore (use of two hand-held flags), and flaghoist. The signalmen are indispensable during underway replenishments. The Operations Specialists use radar and other instruments located in the Combat Information Center to assess air and surface threats, assist with navigation, and naval gunfire support. They also interpret and evalu- ate presentations and tactical situations and make recommendations to superiors duhng watch conditions. Obviously, the duties and responsibili- ties of each division of the Operations department are many and could easily fill several pages. Suffice it to say, that talented people are required, and indeed can be found in the Operations department. The crew of the AUSTIN can be truly proud of them and be grateful for their enduring vigi- lance and professionalism. Lieutenant Jeff Ward Operations Officer LT Coml C( 74 USS Austin pPERATIONS LT Sean Kranick Combat Information Center Officer cef LTJG Brian Mutty Combat Information Center Officer ENS Will Weiland Communications Officer ENS Hezekiah Nafta Electrical Materials Officer CW02 William Calhoun Electrical Materials Officer USS Austin 75 OC Division SMC(SW) Wendell Buchanan SMI (SW) Donald Mc Kinney SM2 Robert Rayburn SMSN Anthony Leverette SMSN Larry Morton SMSN Toshi Watanabe RADM Holder, Cominanuei Amphibious Group TWO makes a slop dunny his loui of the USS AUSTIN on Lone Star Station and shares a light moment with SMC Buchanan. 76 USS Austin OC Division RM 1 James Boese RMl Charles Taylor RM2 Kenneth Clark RMSN William Lindon RMSN Lawerence Middleton RMSA Marshall Logan RMSA Courtney Bryce RMSR Alex Gutierrez USS Austin 77 OE Division ETC (AW) Mark Sanschargrin ETI Samuel Damiano ETl (SW) Robert Detlotr FCl (SW) Richard Flowers 78 USS Auslin OE Division EW2(SW)JohnHerr FC2 Michael Otto ET2 Brian Reeder EW3 Jamid Shupe USS Austin 79 Ol Division OSC(SW) Michael McKay OSUSW) Kenneth Mitchell OS 1 Charles Wade OS2 Jamen Censure 0S2(SW) Randy Johnson 0S3 Robert Cabino 0S3 Kelvin Curry OS3 Denarrow Oneal 80 USS Austin Ol Division 1 OS3 Louis Salvatore 0S3 James Sloan OSSN Harry Casby OSSN Wayne Caudle OSSN Reginal Crosby OSSN Dwayne Dade OSSN Tom Kuriakose OSSN Bashari Stephens USS Austin 81 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT One of the vital departments onboard USS AUSTIN, Supply Depart ment is responsible for providing services one normally takes for granted. Whether the ship is undenway or in port, sailors and ma- rines must be paid, have their laundry washed, have their hair cut, eat three square meals each day, fix equipment with spare parts, mail letters and packages, and buy sodas, snack and necessities. Although the service Sup- ply Department provides has a profound effect on the crew ' s morale and can seem overwhelming, the work doesn ' t end there. Throughout the de- ployment, innumerable additional requirements were placed upon Supply Department, such as VIP receptions, special meals for the crew and ma- rines, morale-boosting flight deck picnics, ship ' s husbanding service coordi- nation, dealer ' s bill payments, transportation sen ices, and plastic and solid waste disposal. All these requirements were accomplished while maintain- ing the necessary services to support the sailors and mahnes. When AUSTIN moored in Constanza, Romania and Valletta, Malta, Food Service Division (S-2) hosted two superb VIP receptions attended by high- ranking foreign and U.S. State Department officials. AUSTIN ' S cooks and FSAs prepared and served hors d ' oeuvres and beverages to over 250 Mal- tese dignitaries and 100 Romanian Navy and government officials, receiv- ing a multitude of accolades and compliments from the distinguished guests. With the port visits and receptions also come port charges, bills and tours. Stores Division (S-1) processed for payment all charges incurred for the ship ' s berthing, fresh fruits and vegetables, waste disposal, tug and pilot services, transportation and rental vehicles, and crane services. Receiving the port charges with only one to two hours remaining before AUSTIN left port. Stores Division processed tens of thousands of dollars in bills each port visit and Disbursing (S-4) paid these bills, without error and mostly in cash. In addition AUSTIN hosted tours to the general public in several for- eign ports and Sales Division ' s (S-3) hard work and support was never more evident. Setting up emblematic merchandise display tables, consisting of ball caps, ship ' s belt buckles, mugs, and cigarette lighters, Sales Division personnel underscored the tours by providing foreign guests and officials with the opportunity to bring an AUSTIN souvenir home with them. These are just a few examples of Supply Department ' s countless contributions to the success of MARG 3-98 and to the quality of life for embarked sailors and marines. Lieutenant Mike Andrews Supply Officer «2 USS Austin SUPPLY DEPARTMENT JUNIOR OFFICERS I Lieutenant Junior Grade Corey Cook Food Service Officer Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel Sullivan Disbursing Officer S-1 Division SKC(SW) Peter Maurer SKI (SW) Michael Upson SKI (SW) Keith Durham 84 USS Ausim S-1 Division SKSR Pemell Hammond PC2 (SW) Robert Shaw PC3 Brandon Doak PCSR Russell Strecker ib] USS Austin 85 S-2 Division MSC (SW) Duncan Gaines MSI (SW) Johnny Greene MSI (SW) Robert Smith MS2 Kenneth Jones MS2 Jaques Moore MS3 Martin Cisneros MS3 Marshal Owens MSSN Joseph Densmore S-2 Division MSSN Stephen Price MSSN Demontrich Scruggs MSSN Jamie Wasson MSSA Jose Martinez 87 S-3 S-4 Division SHC Timothy Paster SHI (SW) Rickey Johnson SH2 Henry Graham SH3 Wilham Barton S-3 S-4 Division SH3 (SW) Jason Wisdom SHSN Leslie Immel DKl Julius Marzan DK3 Enyaffe Shemi Chaplain ' s Page The Pastoral Care staff of LCDR Gregory and RP2 Williams sup- ported a number of special programs and projects during the cruise. Over 70 AUSTIN sailors gave themseKes to community relations projects in five countries. Also, over 2 tons of Project Handclasp Material were provided to schools, orphanages, and children ' s homes in the Urkraine, Turkey and Albania. Pastoral care department exists for the sole purpose of witnessing to the human spirit as created by God. and priniding for the full ex- pression of faith and belief for the AU.STIN team. In the Pastoral Care Department, all ol AUSTIN ' S crew found a place of acceptance, hea ing and peace. 90 USS Austin LCDR John Brawford Officer in charge VC-6 o t M iK i i HJII P El l§t ' i( ' LT Leo Paiz LTJG Ken Porter USS Austin 9! VC-6 AMSC (AW) Ruzzene AMSC (AW) Castillo LCUK J. Brawlurd. LI 13. I ' ai . Ll.Ki K. I ' oikT, AMSC K. (.aslillo. AMSC I-. Ku eiic, ATI C, Oa ic. ATI Lyliston, ATI D. Miller, ISl J. Richards, AKl R. Swindon, AS2 D. Dunning. AZ2 D. Evans, AE2 G. Lewis, AMS2 W. Jones, A,S2 R. Randolph, A()2 atta, AF? J. Reynolds. AM.S. .1. Thompson. AE3 B. Wood, AMSAN J. Anderson, AHAN B. Hi.xson, ADAN A. Loviii, AMSAN J. Warren 92 USS Austin I VC-6 USS Austin 93 LCU 1650 LCU 165() crevv Bcaclimastci ' s 94 USS Austin USS Austin 95 SEAL TEAM 2 SPECIAL BOAT UNIT 20 96 USS Austin c M F M F A 1 N C D E 1 R N G M S S G 2 2 LtCol. Charles M. Herndon was born December 19, 149 and is a native of Norfolk, VA. He attended local ihools and graduated from Princess Anne High )hool in 1968. After a tour with the U.S. Army, Lieu- nant Colonel Herndon attended Atlantic Christian allege and received his Bachelor of Science degree Physical Education in May of 1976. In August of at same year, he was commissioned a second lieu- mant in the Marine Corps. Upon completion of The Basic School, he was des- nated a Field Artillery Officer and assigned to the asic Cannon Officer Basic Artillery Officer School at Dft Sill, Oklahoma. Upon graduation from artillery ;hool. LtCol. Herndon was assigned as both the Com- unications and Maintenance Management Officer for ' 175mm Gun Battery, 2d Field Artillery Group, 2d Dree Troops, Camp Lejeune, N.C.. When Force -oops transitioned to the Force Service Support roup, he was assigned as the logistics officer for the wly formed 5 ' Battalion, 10 marines were he re- ained until 1979. During this time he was also re- Bsignated a Logistics Officer. LtCol. Herndon has served at Marine Corps Inte- ' ated Maintenance Management School in Albany, GA., as the logistics officer for Third Battalion, Fourth Marines, the Officer of Charge, Maintenance Manage- ment Basic and SNCO Courses, Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, VA., Force Maintenance Manage- ment Officer. Fleet Marine Force, Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii, Assistant Operations Officer, Logistics Officer, for Maritime Preposition Forces One and Two, and Logistics Operations Officer, Fourth Marine Expedi- tionary Brigade. LtCol. Herndon has attended both Amphibious War- fare School and Command Staff College. Most recently he was assigned as the senior logistics planner for the Commander, U.S. Marine Corps forces, Atlantic, where for four years he served as Logistics Plans Officer, Logistics Operations Officer and the Deputy Assistant Command and Staff Logistics Officer. His personal decorations include the Navy and Ma- rine Corps Commendation Medal with one gold star. Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon. LtCol. Herndon is married to the former Maryfances Anthes of Elizabeth, NJ. LtCol. and Mrs. Herndon have two daughters. Nisha and Cathryn. USS Austin 97 MEU Service Support Group 22 M Golf Company 98 USS Austin K MEU Service Support Group 22 HMM-162 Aviation Combat Element I Nc t KM) USS Austin I ' Navy ' s 223rd Birthday on AUSTIN Lone Star Station The AUSTIN spent ten days off the coast of Albania participat- ing in the exercise Cooperative Assembly in August. Hovve er. her job was not o er and she returned in early September to pairo the area which became know as Lone Star Station. The AUSTIN ' S mission was to provide support for Marines ashore who were pro- tecting U.S. citizens, and pro ide a platform to which these ci ij- ians could be evacuated if the need arose. She was relieved after a 43 consecutive days at sea. The crew of the AUSTIN persevered by working hard and using their time creatively to make the time go by more quickly. Hump Day Hump Day marks the half way point of the cruise. The AUSTIN reached this day on September 22nd. As is the custom, the AUSTIN celebrated with a flight deck ceremony, a special dinner of Surf and Turf, and topped off the festivities with a talent contest. w T i 4 diA- ' iSi 1 i Roland VK- mh r ,! 4- USS Austin 103 Talent Night 104 USSAusiiii f Hat Day Each Sunday on Lone Star Station was designated Hat Day. The Crew was authorized to wear any hat of their choosing and the crazier the better. gl Vfi9 1 mLJm H fd T ' M t ;SA Jm JUi U Bi Beard Contest Another di crsion to help pass the days on Lone Star Station was a Beard growing contest. A donation of $10.00 was the en- try fee. Beards were judged after three weeks of growth in such categories as bushiest, grayest, ugliest, and most stylish, liven if you didn ' t win. it was great not hav- ing to shave and more than $20()().{)() were raised for the Navv Relief. iif f 106 Texas Jake f sr ji ; f e - ii . - I ' 1 Texas Jake is the now famous AUSTIN ship ' s band, comprised of members of the crew from all walks of life onboard. LT Rich Brown, LT Paul Glisson, and CW02 Max Clifford, playing key- boards, guitar, and bass guitar respectfully, formed the band in the winter of 1997 and began gearing up for the 1998 world tour by doing small gigs in Puerto Rico and on the ship ' s flight deck. Right away, LCPL Jeff Spam Sheahan joined the band on drums, taking over for Ltjg Rivera who was a plank owner for the band and AS 1 Varcasia joined in on guitar. The band was finally completed when SN Action Figure Lovitt from VC-6 took over on lead vocals. The band enjoyed the worid tour that included beer on the pier in Rhodes. Greece, and Antalya. Turkey. From there, the band went on to play at Paddy ' s Irish Bar in Rota. Spain where the pub owner was taken to jail for allowing the band to break the curfew and the local hazardous noise exposure level. Double hearing protection was re- quired. Later, the band made history by being the first American band to take the stage in Odessa. Ukraine on the famous Castro Club Center Stage, international relations were strained w hen the club owner insisted that the band turn the volume down. Only later when the club ' s bouncer ex- plained in much more graphic detail, did the band finally understand it was lime to turn down. The grand finale w as in Valetta. Malta where the band look the stage in Rock Cafe ' . The last American band to play on that stage was Black Sabbath several years before. What a honor, and what a way to end it all for the band. It was a night to remember for all that attended. V ' _ x % iX ' ' u t •MtJJWv N ' i Pizza Night Pizza was served to the crew as an after dinner snack several limes while on Lone Star Station, and boy did the crew love it. Nothing like Pizza to satisfied that junk food craving. The mess specialists also put a couple of Fajita Nights together. The crew was appreciative, and it really helped to relieve the tedium of the many days underway. ] USS AiisliM The Holidays on board AUSTIN i USS Austin 109 General Quarters The ship abilil) to withstand damage for continued operation is based on training. General Quarters is the single most important training evolution to enhance the damage control readiness of any command. Through count- le ss hours of intense main machinery and emergency diesel generator room class bravo tire drills and various battle damage scenarios, the crew of the AUSTIN have progressed to a highly knowledgeable and decision making damage control team capable of withstanding damage of any type, anywhere in the world. H) USS Austin w USS Austin 1 1 1 UNREP and VERTREP The AUSTIN received supplies and fuel from supply ships a tiUal of fourteen times, and was resupplied once by air during the deployment. The ship ' s crew must come together as a team during these dangerous e i)lutions. so it can be executed smoothly and vs ithout mishap. Not many navies in the world can accom- plish an underway replenishment with two ships separated by only 160 feet, and make it look as if it is child ' s play. Replenishment by air. also known as a VERTREP. is not an easy task either and requires the coordinated efforts of the crews of both ships and the holo pilot. 112 USS Austin USS Austin 113 Tiger Cruise 1 14 USS Austin F ■mm ' I 96-2-L W i i 1 mtl Mm -R %-inH k V mS Umlm I S2I)IY 1 imj 1 |( rsaiti M, H 1 i iflP ' ' w _H i l iOV ' Wiffl I 1 ■j m USS Austin 115 Homecoming 09 December 1998 I Id I SS Aiisiin sa i fififlK 1 5 , ? V V g f ' S Sj %4| E H ' _ 1 ■r K r n 94| ■1 H . B K. ' fl l Ul BliHiiitt i USS Austin 117 ( Cruise Stats Helo Landings Night Day Gallons JP-5 pumped Gallons Mogas pumped No. of Personnel Departed Arrived Ammo expended Rounds Grenades Demo charges Rockets Missiles CAr n trnnsf ' p.n-ed in tons ' im 2,140 651 1,489 147,706 405 2,612 2,654 63,197 ,259 1,075 it,977 16 4 Vi;, Hein i-jq 1 Via LCU 12 E-mail sent 17,387 E-mail received 20,450 ESWS Awarded 37 Personnel transferred 37 Personnel reported 39 Worship services 643 Counseling sessions By Chaplains 1.173 Messages sent Via CUDIX 2,832 Messages received Via CUDIX 35,623 LCU launched ■r- 20 CRRC launched 43 RHIB launched 38 GIG launched 2 LCPL launched 3 UB launched m 1 Stem gate marriages | ■' ' Mooring evolution ' s ' H 9 n Underway refueling ™ 9 Vertical replenishment 1 B A crane evolutions 82 ilor Phone usage Plickages sent N ail received IV ail Dispatched S amp sales T )ilet Paper used A mount of food consumed IV eals served S )da consumed Merchandise sold rcuts ndry washed nding machine sales [TM Withdrawals Hii L lur V A 47.977 1.057 48.011 lbs 7.913 lbs $15,043.00 1,200 $692,421.00 301,708 181,388 $288,031.05 1,702 66,028 lbs $36,720.10 $316,532.55 Total disbursements Personal Checks cashed Total Ports Costs Medical Patients seen Audio ' s Labs x-rays Dental fillings Cleanings Annual Exams x-rays Fuel F-76 gallons used Fuel ■IP-5 gallons used $713,311.22 $452,944 $1,082,179.89 1010 LCU recovered CKKC recovered RHIB recovered GIG recovered LCPL recovered UB recovered Anchoring evolutions Leapfrog approaches Underway replenishments Close-in rig refueling Miles traveled 18 US.S Austin CI DC LT Q Cruisebook Staff Editor LCDR Randy Stanton I Text Contributors CDR R. Callas LT R. Brown LT G. Glisson LT M. Andrews LTJG M. Blackmon LTJG B. Mutty ENS S. James CW02 M. Clifford DCCS (SW) R. Hart PNC(SW)N. Uy DN A. Allen Photo Contributors LCDR P Gregory LTJG M. Blackmon LTJG C. Cook DTC(SW AW)S. Ottey QM3 J. McEntire DN A. Allen Sales DTC(SW AW)S. Ottey PNC(SW)N. Uy ABHl (AW)Riddick HTl (SW) Little MS2 Jones DT3 R. Leonard 0S3 Stephens DN A. Allen SN Hendricks A big thanks to all the divisional representatives who provided input for their pages. USS Austin 119 EVENING PRAYER AT SEA 08 DECEMBER 1998 OUR FATHER, AGELESS GOD OF THOSE WHO GO DOWN TO THE SEA IN SHIPS. ON THIS LAST NIGHT OF OUR DEPLOYMENT WE THANK YOU FOR THE CONSTANCY OF CARE YOU HAVE GRACED US WITH DURING THESE FIVE MONTHS AT SEA. WE KNOW YOU WERE THERE WITH US IN RHODES, ANTALYA, ODESSA, BRINDISl, LONE STAR STATION, EVERY SEA AND ANCHOR DETAIL. WE THANK YOU FOR SEE- ING US THROUGH COMPLICATED AND DANGEROUS EVOLUTIONS. AS WE RETURN TO NORFOLK AND HOME HELP US TO SHIFT AND ADOPT TO LIFE WITH OUR LOVED ONES ONCE MORE. GIVE US EYES TO SEE, EARS TO LISTEN . ARMS TO HOLD, HEARTS TO LOVE LORD MAY THE END OF THIS DEPLOYMENT BE MARKED BY ONE SIMPLE FEELING, GRATITUDE, THAT WE ARE SAFE, WE ARE WHOLE, WE LEFT HOME 1 JULY TOGETHER AND WE RETURN TOGETHER, MISSION COMPLETE GOD BLESS OUR COMMANDING OFFICER, GOD BLESS THE AUSTIN, GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 120 USS Austin Wtil.swDiih Huhlisliiiifi Compaiiv Manrclinc. Miswuri 6J65« USA Barry Bn wn. Janaf OfTicc. Suilc 519 Norfolk. VA :.150: |757)4M -7575 HIPS. ON WOF IRINDISI, ■OR SEE- TO LIFE ,. RMS DELING, IGETHER iD BLESS ' -1 ZECH Budapest HUNGARY agrc;i BOSNIA- UKRAINE ChJsinau Vq Bucharest stJ BlA Sofia RL ' JLCjARL Varna Ionian Sei llena .TA Mediterranean Sea i :[Si;-- i P y Irakis CRETE- (Greece) Alexandria. iMahli • ' SYRIA CYPRUS EGYPT y Tel Aviv_jr L ' ■I : I -A-Amman . ---l ISRAEL ' Afusalcm Porl Said ' 5««Ca«i 7]ORDAN y Sue. ■Vi; _
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