Moosebrugger (DD 980) - Naval Cruise Book

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LT Daryl S. Burke, Engineering Officer LT Thomas E. Steffen, Supply Officer LT James P. Robinson, Weapons Officer LT Gary Stussie, Operations Officer LTJG Tom Litowinsky, Navigation Officer EMCS(SW) Robert A Cox, SCPOC

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER CDR. Gerald C. Mello, USN Commander Mello was born in Maiden, Massachusetts on 29 August 1948. He attended local schools in Newport, Rhode Island. In June 1970, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Upon graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign and reported to the USS BARRY (DD-933) as Communications Officer. Following this tour, he served as Communications Officer, USS GUAM (LPH-9). During this tour, USS GUAM was awarded the squadron Communications Excellence Award for 1972, 1973, and 1974. In May 1974, he reported to Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Facility, Brawdy, Wales for duty as Communications Officer. While assigned at NAVFAC Brawdy he also served as Administrative Officer and qualified as a SOSUS Watch Officer. In August of 1976, Commander Mello reported to the Surface Warfare Officer School Command Department Head Course in Newport, Rhode Island. Upon completion of Department Head School, he reported to the USS CONNOLE (FF 107G) for duty as Engineer Officer. During this tour, USS CONNOLE was awarded the squadron Battle Efficiency . ward and successfully passed the FEB Light Off Exam (LOE). Following this tour, he reported to Commander Surface Squadron Two for duty as squadron Combat Systems Officer serving for almost two years. In February 1983 he reported to NAVFAC Centerville Beach, California for duty as Operations Officer for his second SOSUS tour. Selected for assignment to XO, he reported to USS MOOSBRUGGER in April 1983. Commander Mello has been decorated with the Navy Commendation Medal, Na ' y Achievement Medal (two awards!. Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards). Battle Efficiency Award (three awards). Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Expert Pistol (three awards). Commander Mello has two sons, Brian Scott and Christopher Charles, who currently reside in Newport, Rhode Island.

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DECORATIONS Often, despite excellent organization and superior efforts, outstanding achievement is slow to be recognized and awarded. On the MOOSE, where More Than Required is our daily guideline, such accomplishments can be lost in the day to day operation of the Navy ' s finest destroyer. Fortunately, such efforts are highly visible and readily observed by the upper echelons of the chain of command, as sighted in the citation below: For excellence during the competitive period from 1 April 1982 to 30 September 1983. the Desron Six Battle Efficiency Award is presented to the ship that maintained the highest degree of combat readiness among ships of Destroyer Squadron Six. thereby contributing significantlv to an improved readiness posture within the Squadron. In addition, ' MOOSBRUGGER received mission area efficiency awards m Anti-Submarine Warfare; Anti-Air Warfare; Navigation and Deck Seamanship; Engineering; Anti-Surface Warfare (Gunnery and HarpoonI; Command. Control and Communication; Electronic Warfare; Damage Control; and Supplv- This represents achievement of all awards possible by USS MOOSBRUGGER , For exceptionally meritorious achievement in action against an armed rebel force threatening the personal safety of American citizens and the established government of Grenada and in subsequent operations in support of the Multinational Force. Lebanon from 20 October 1983 to 3 March 1984. the Nai-y Unit Commendation is awarded. Through exceptional resolve in the face of open hostilities, the officers and enlisted personnel of the Independence Carrier Battle Group provided the offensive striking power and naval gunfire support n€cessar to subdue rebel forces in Grenada, saving the lives of hundreds of American citizens and restoring a legitimate government. While serving with the U. S. Multinational Forces in Lebanon, these units maintained a positive U. S. presence under the most demanding circumstances during a period of extremely dynamic, interrelated, and complex execution of duty, under the most arduous conditions, embarked personnel performed in an exemplary manner. By their exceptional performance, personal sacrifice, and steadfast devotion to duty, the officers and enlisted personnel of Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group Eight (Staff, Commander Destrover Squadron Thirtv-Two (Staff). USS INDEPEND ENCE (CV 62), Carrier Air Wing Six. USS RICHMOND K. TURNER (CG 20), USS CARON (DD 970), USS MOOSBRUGGER (DD 980), EOD Mobile Unit Two. Detachment Sixteen, and Helicopter Anti- submarine Squadron Light Thirty-Four. Detachment Six reflected great credit upon themselves and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service . In addition the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Navy Expeditionary Medal are awarded for the aforementioned operations. For the Mediterranean Deployment of October 20. 1983 - May 2. 1984. the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is presented to USS MOOSBRUGGER and the embarked helo detachment. In addition. Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light Thirty-Four. Detachment Six was awarded the Captain Arnold Jay Isbell Air ASW Excellence Award. The men of the MOOSE gratefully accept these recognitions for a job well done and ensure that the trust to continue a tradition of excellence is not misplaced. Through the determined efforts of her officers and crew, the MOOSE will remain ever vigilant and ready to serve.