Nassau (LHA 4) - Naval Cruise Book

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PNCM Bruce E. Rowe United States Navy Master Chief Rowe's career in both the Navy's air and surface communities began with his graduation from Great Lakes RTC and assignment aboard USS Kretchmer CDER 329D in 1962. Subsequent assignments included USS Courtney QDE 1021j and Patrol Squadron 23 before his first tour of shore duty at NAS Quonset Point, R.I., in 1968. Master Chief Rowe returned to the fleet with an assignment to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Seven before returning to shore duty with Naval Security Group Activity, Winter Harbor, ME., in 1973. Command Master Chief SS ASSAU LHA 4 In 1977 Master Chief Rowe, then a Petty Officer First Class, returend to sea duty with a string of commands which included a tour as Command Career Counselor at VAW-121 at NAS Norfolk and Assistant Personnel Officer on both the USS Charleston CLKA 113D and USS Barney CDDG 65 before returning to shore duty as Personnel Officer at Per- sonnel Support Detachment, Norfolk, VA. In 1986, Master Chief Rowe marked his third return to sea duty when he reported aboard USS NASSAU QLHA 4? where, after a brief assignment as Assistant Personnel Officer, he became the Command Master Chief in 1987. W1 J E y z

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A Time For Leaving ri September 29, 1987 was a date everyone knew was coming but somehow wished wouldn't hap- pen. But arrive it did, bright and clear. All the preparations were behind us, all the PHIBREF- TRA's, onloads of everything from milk to clean- ing supplies and spare parts, Blue! Green workups and all the rest. Everyone had attended deploy- ment briefings and put all their personal affairs in order. But even with all the care that had been put into the preparation for our deployment, it all came down to saying good-bye. For many this is a repeat occurance, for others it may be the first time to be away from friends and family. But for all, it is an emotional moment. 6 . . ., Beginning the copntdown to homecoming. n- -.1 ?i1Y- v I 44