Denver (LPD 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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NCCM(SW AW) Ruben Paquian Jr. Command Master Chief USS Denver (LPD-9) Master Chief Ruben Paquian was bom 27 September 1 958 in El Paso, Texas. Rejoined the Navy on 28 July 1 976 and completed Recruit Training at Recruit Training Command, San Diego, California. His duty assignments include USS Mount Vernon (LSD 39) ; Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; USS Sylvania (AFS 2), USS Cochrane (DDG 21), Yokosuka, Japan; Navy Recruiting District Albuquerque, New Mexico, NRS Santa Fe; USS Tarawa (LHA 1 ); Commander, Sea Control Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). He is a graduate of the United States Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. His awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Gold Star in lieu of fourth award), N avy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of fourth award). Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Navy Battle E (two awards). Navy Expeditionary Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal with Silver Star, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal with Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with three silver stars, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon, Recruiting Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait). Master Chief Paquian has two children, Guillermo and Christina Paquian. Guillermo is a sophomore at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. Christina is ajunior at San Diego State University.

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LCDR Todd P. Klipp Executive Officer USS Denver (LPD-9) Lieutenant Commander Klipp is a native of Greenport, New York and is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Raymond E. Klipp, Sr. H( enlisted in 1 975 and served as an Aviation Electrician, assigned to Attack Squadron Forty-six, for three years before beinj honorably discharged in 1 979. Following graduation from State University of New York, at Albany, New York in 1 984, hi earned his commission as an ensign through Officer ' s Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island in July 1 985 . He promptl; attended Surface Warfare Officers School basic course in Newport, Rhode Island. In October 1 985, Lieutenant Commander Klipp reported to USS Exploit (MSO 440) for his first sea duty assignment. Durio} this tour he served as Damage Control Assistant, Electrical Officer, and Assistant Engineer. He then reported aboard USS Preblt (DDG 46) as Navigator in May 1988 and deployed to the North Atlantic with Standing Naval Forces Atlantic. Following a tour as Operational Propulsion Plant Exam scheduler for Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic and thei department head training. Lieutenant Commander Klipp reported to USS Ashland (LSD 48) as the Operations Officer in Marcl 1 993 . After seventeen months of intensive amphibious operations, including Ashland ' s maiden deployment to the Mediterraneai Sea, Black Sea, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean, he commissioned Amphibious Group FOUR as the Training and Readiness Office forthe secondhalf of his split tour department head rotation. Lieutenant Commander Klipp reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in March 1 996 and served in the Officer Performana Branch as separations section head before receiving orders to Denver. He reported as Executive Officer in March 2000 whih Denver visited Singapore. Lieutenant Commander Klipp ' s personal awards include the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold stars) the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with two gold stars) and numerous campaign and service awards. Lieutenan Commander Klipp is married to Lieutenant Commander Crystal Vella of Danville, PA and their three daughters are, Marisa Alexa, and Marcela. The Klipp family resides in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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Mrs. Laura Hughes Ombudsman USS Denver (LPD-9) Q What is an Ombudsman? The Navy Family OMBUDSMAN is a Navy Volunteer Spouse, appointed by the Commanding Officer. Mrs. Laura Hughes, wife of HT 1 Mark Hughes, served as the official liaison between the families of the DENVER and the Commanding Officer. Her duties were many and varied. Mrs. Hughes acted as the command Troubleshooter, providing information and referrals to our families at home. She coordinated ship welcome programs, and much more. The role of the OMBUDSMAN is a tough job, but a vital and rewarding one. From the crew of Denver we are very grateful for your superb efforts and the outstanding dedication you displayed. THANK YOU for a job WELL DONE .