Constellation (CV 64) - Naval Cruise Book

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Connie's deployment not the usual routine WESTPAC Story by Lt. Robert V. Mills and JOC Martin W. Wicklund Photo by J O2 Steven D. Thompson After winning the battle efficiency award for Pacific Fleet carri- ers, America's Flagship embarked on an arduous six-month de- ployment on April 11, 1987. Constellation ended her 15th deploy- ment to the Westem Pacific and Indian Ocean and returned to homeport, San Diego, Calif, on Oct 13, 1987. The 86,000-ton supercarrier steamed over 35,000 nautical miles and spent 139 days at sea, including 79 consecutive days in the Indian Ocean and North Arabian Sea in support of national otjectives in that area. Aboard Constellation, Rear Adm. Lyle F. Bull, Commander Carrier Group Seven and Battle Group Delta, commanded the first battle group tasked with support of escort operations in the North Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf Constellation, Carrier Air Wing 14, and the entire complement of 5,000 officers and men once again displayed the utmost in operational readiness and personified the U.S. Navy's commitment to freedom of the high seas. A constant high tempo of operations resulted as Connie's aircraft provided airborne support during the escort of U.S. flag- ged merchant ships in their transits of the international waters ofthe Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. As the tankers and their surface escorts steamed through the Strait of Hormuz, Constellation and other battle group units took station in the North Arabian Sea. Connie's airbome early warn- ing aircraft provided critical sensor information to the convoys and supporting units, ensuring early detection of potential threats. Fighter and attack aircraft provided airborne cover -- ready to intercept and defend in the event of hostilities. Con- nie's protective umbrella was airbome throughout the most criti- cal phase of each transit. All of the aircraft of CVW-14, command- ed by Capt. Dennis W. lrelan, were instrumental in Constella- tion's mission success. The success of the first five tanker escort missions, which Constellation supported, was in no small part due to the hard work and sacrifice of Connie's fine air wing, crew and all of Battle Group Delta. Additionally, during her deployment, Constellation conducted training exercises with the Royal Australian Navy and Air Force. as well as the military forces of other allied and friendly nations. In June, Connie received special recognition as she was awarded the Secretary of the Navy's Environmental Protection Award in the large ship category for the third consecutive year. To round out the deployment, Constellation completed a highly successful Operational Propulsion Plant Readiness Examina- tion, which is an exhaustive inspection of all the ship's engineer- ing, personnel and working spaces and a series of intensive engineering and emergency situation drills. While setting and maintaining high standards of material readiness throughout the deployment, Constellation spent 45 total days in various ports or at anchor, twice visiting Subic Bay in the Republic of the Philippines. Other ports of call included Perth, Western Australia: Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and Diego Garcia which is part ofthe British Indian Ocean Tenitories. While anchored at Diego Garcia, Connie added two more famous firsts to her long list of laurels, when her air wing con- ducted flight operations while at anchor, or fIanchor ops. Con- stellation was the first West Coast carrier to perform this type of operation and was the first carrier ever to do so at Diego Garcia. All the port visits were well deserved and welcomed breaks from the demanding operational schedule and allowed Connie's crew the opportunity to visit far-away lands acting as ambassa- dors of good will for the United States. Steaming at the forefront of American diplomacy, Constella- tion spread goodwill throughout the world. A number of officers and men participated in Project Handclasp, overseen by Con- nie's Chaplain Department. While ashore in the Philippines, vol- unteers traveled to the village of Morong to paint and refurbish a local schoolhouse. In Diego Garcia, two teams of men worked to restore a 19th century church and cemetary, the principal his- torical landmarks for this British territory in the Indian Ocean. Connie's chaplains gave high praise to the men who volunteered their time and effort to the project and described them all as fine representatives of the Navy and America. Both at-sea and inport, American sailors on board Constella- tion continue to epitomize the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy. Constellation, commanded by Philip S. Anselmo, remains a major element of the front lines of America's defense and is proud to serve this great nation. 1987 Cruisebook 17

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