Denver (LPD 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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The Silent Ranks I wear no uniforms, no blues or Army Greens. But I am in tine military in the ranks rarely seen. I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give. But the military world is the place where I live. I ' m not the chain of command, orders I do not get. But my husband is the one who does, this I cannot forget. I ' m not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line. But my job is just as tough; I ' m the one that ' s left behind. My husband is a patriot, a brave prideful man. And the call to serve his country not all can understand. Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free. My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me. I love the man I married. Soldiering is his life. But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Military Wife. Author Unknown Denver Family and Friends, It ' s been an honor and a privilege to serve the Denver Families as your Om- budsmen. We would like to sincerely thank not only the command but the entire crew for their outstanding efforts and dedication put forth not just the last 6 months, but every day. Your sacrifices for your family and your country make you true HEROES in our hearts. So our THANKS to all of you, for a JOB WELL DONE! Keily Anderson Christy Powell USS Denver (LPD-9) Ombudsmen

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CMDCM (SW FMF) M.S. Surla Command Master Chief Master Chief Surla joined the Navy in August 1975 and com- pleted Recruit Training at Recruit Training Command, San Diego, California. He attended Hospital Corps School at Naval School of Health Sciences, San Diego, CA. His first permanent duty station was Na- val Hospital, Portsmouth, VA where he was promoted to Petty Officer Third Class. He reported aboard the Big E , USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) in March 1978. This is where, in 1980, he was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class. In August 1980 he attended Field Medical Service School in Camp Pendleton, CA and graduated top of the class. He reported to 3 ' Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan in November 1980 and was assigned to 2 Battalion, 4 Marines. In May 1981 , he transferred to Naval Train- ing Center, Medical Clinic, San Diego, CA. He was assigned to 1= ' Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA in November 1984 and was assigned to 3 ' Battalion, 5 Marines. He graduated with honors and distinction from Independent Duty Hospital Corpsman School in May 1988. His first independent duty billet was the USS BUCHANAN (DDG 14) until its decommission- ing in October 1 991 . His next duty station was Beach Master Unit ONE as Independent Duty Corpsman and Command Senior Chief until his transfer to MARFORPAC, HI in January 1996. In 1 997 he attended the Senior Enlisted Academy. From there he reported aboard USS CURTS (FFG 38) homeported in Yokosuka, Japan as FIRST Command Master Chief. He reported to 1 MEF, Camp Pendleton, CA in March 2000. In 2001 he joined the mighty ship USS DENVER (LPD 9). Master Chief Surla is authorized to wear the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and the Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist de- vice. His personal decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal (1 gold star). Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two gold stars). Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (four gold stars), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Medal and various campaign awards.

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