Caron (DD 970) - Naval Cruise Book

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PRE-DEPLOYM T 1' ABOVE: STILL IN THE YARDS. RIGHT: PREPS FOR GITMO. LCDR MERKEL, FORMER WEAPONS OFFICER, INSPECTS A DRONE HIT BY CARON'S NATO SEA SPARROW

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i - . .- iv .-... ..,,-.-v-.-v-...,.....-W-.....-.k..............-.,.,....-..-.- 1, , - - - -.,...... .. V -an-sw M... H -- . A. --4 I TROD CTIO TO THE MEDITERRA EA To the uninitiated, a deployment to the Medi- terranean as a member of Task Force 60 May seem like a vague series of glamorous port calls interspersed with combat exercises and Port visits were the essential second side of CARON's cruise, and the crew took advan- tage of the distinctive flavors of eachg the food, the warm beer, and the crazy drivers. 4 -- . V. . A., -. . s--J-.- - .......,.- .,..,.,.-.1:f'-:1:fz-:nv-f:zne-11ve-x-::vx--f-ff--s-.--.sb-e-. -A-V---------H ---1 -- --- -' - -V - - - - -'- -1 liberal displaying of the flag. To those on the CAFZON, each day on board, whether under- way -or inport, was a learning experience, both cultural and professional. We saw at close hand the sobering weapons platforms of the modern Soviet Navy, as well as the reclusive Hasidic scholars with their tradition- al broad black hats, walking the ancient streets of Jerusalem. We often times felt frus- trations, and just as often basked in the lime- light. Combat readiness, the ability to defend our- selves and our national interests, was the primary mission, and the CARON could be counted on to do both with skill and confi- dence. With increased Soviet presence in the Med, the CAFiON's job, whether tracking a Charlie ll submarine or targeting a Krivak frig- ate for possible air strike, became increasing- ly significant, and much was expected of us. Getting to where we are today has required a high level of aggressiveness, coordination, material support, talent, a tremendous amount of hard work and true dedication to the task at hand. Deployment to the Med does not start when the ship leaves Norfolk, nor during the PASSEX, but months ahead of time. For the CARON, that meant the yard period in Portsmouth, outfitting with NATO Sea Sparrow, Classic Outboard, and Har- poon. lt meant helo certification, NWAI, OPPE, Full Power Trials, fire drills, and Fie- fresher Training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But the key ingredient to the success of our ship was the ability to work as a team, to pull each other through the tight spots. The photographs on the following pages are not all inclusive, but a mere pictoral reflection of the sights, sounds, and experiences of our cruise. Benjaman Disraeli once said, The secret of success in life is to be ready when your op- portunity arrives. With this first deployment CAFiON's opportunity has arrived, she was ready, and has proven her success time and time again.

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SHADES OF GUANTANAMO BA Y