Belleau Wood (LHA 3) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 14 text:

EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMMANDER M. ALAN COBLE A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Commander Coble was commissioned an Ensign after graduating from the University of Piotre Dame with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1968. Me served his initial three tours of duty in USS HOOPER (DE-1026) as First Lieutenant, USS POR- TERFIELD (DD-682) as navigator; and USS WILLIAM R. RUSH (DD-714) first as Navigator then as First Lieu- tenant. In 1971, Commander Coble began a three year tour at the United States naval Academy as a nav- igation and sailing instructor. While at Annapolis, he earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Management from George Washington Uni- versity. This tour was followed by the Department Head Course at Surface Warfare Officers School Com- mand and sea duty assignments in USS BROWnsON (DD-868) as Operations Officer and USS PENSACOLA (LSD-38) as Engineer Officer. He was next assigned as the Budget and Plans Officer at the Fleet Combat Direction Systems Support Activity, Dam neck, Virgin- ia. It was during this tour that he completed a Mast- ers in Business Administration from Old Dominion University. In 1982 Commander Coble reported to USS MAN- ITOWOC (LST-1180) as Executive Officer. During this tour, MAniTOWIC participated in Beirut Contingency and Peacekeeping Operations and Operation UR- QEnT FURY, the invasion of Grenada. Following MAMI- TOWOC, Commander Coble served as Military Assis- tant and Financial Management Analyst to the Assis- tant Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). Commander Coble reported to BELLEAU WOOD from USS CAYUGA (LST-1186) where he was Commanding Offi- cer. Commander Coble and his wife, Janyce, have two daughters, Kiley and Cathy, and make their home in Irvine, California. 10

Page 13 text:

BELLEAU WOOD is 820 feet long, 141 feet wide, and displaces 39,000 tons. The ship has a crew of 870 (60 officers and 810 enlisted men). During West Pac ' 89, an additional 1800 Marines embarked. Two boilers, the largest ever manufactured in the U.S. and the largest in current service on any navy ship, provide steam to turbines which drive the twin screw ship at speeds in excess of 20 knots. The ship possesses the capability to create enough fresh water each day to supply the needs of 6,000 people. The 300-bed hospital is the largest on any combatant ship and contains four operating rooms. There is also a complete dental department with three dental operato- ries. BELLEAU WOOD is armed with two 5-inch guns on the bow for self-defense and for conducting gunfire sup- port missions. Tor anti-air self defense against missiles and aircraft, there is a Phalanx Close-in Weapons system (CIWS; a 20 millimeter gatling gun) forward of the bridge and a Basic Point Defense Missile System (BPDMS) on the stern.

Page 15 text:

COMMANDER M. ALAN COBLE