Nitro (AE 23) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING OFFICER con JOSEPH A. .1ocKEi., Jn. UNITED STATES NAVY 0' Commander Joseph A. Jockel, Jr., was born in Queens, New York, on 3 March 1937. He is a Cum Laude graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Ma. where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 1959. He was also commissioned an Ensign upon completion of the NROTC Program. CDR Jockel's graduate studies included a Master of Arts Degree in International Relations and Organization, earned with distinction in 1967 from the School of International Service of the American University in Washington, D.C. He is also a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy International Studies. CDR Jockel has served as an instructor in political science at the Naval Academy, and is designated as a proven sub-specialist in Politico-Military Strategic Planning. CDR Jockel is a designated Surface Warfare Officer and is also qualified in submarines. Prior to reporting for command of NITRO, his previous assignments have included: USS ELOKOMIN IAO-551 1959-60 USS CHOPPER QSS-3421 1960-62 USS BARRACUDA QSST-31 1962-64 USNA llnstructorl 1965-67 USS GRAMPUS ISS-5231 1967-68 USS SEA POACHER ISS-4061 1968-69 USS GRENADIER QSS-5251 1969-70 USNA llnstructorl 1970-73 USS DETROIT lAOE-41 1974-75 OFFICE of CNO lPoliticaI-Military Policy Divisionl 1976-78 CDR Jockel wears the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. CDR Jockel is married to the former Miss Maureen Anne Carney, also from Queens, New York. They now reside in Edgewater, Md., with their four children,-aged thirteen to nineteen.

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NITRO again deployed to the Med in April for three months, visiting Palma, Naples, Lisbon, Morrocco, and Athens, among others. In July, NITRO returned to Her new homeport at Naval Weapons Station, Earle, New Jersey. On 15 November, 1974, NITRO deployed to the Mediterranean. During this six month cruise, over 1700 tons of ammunition were transferred while servicing 38 ships. While deployed the ship had an opportunity to visit Malaga, Valencia, Palma, Lisbon, and Naples. The ship returned to Naval Weapons Station, Earle, on 24 April 1975 for six weeks and then spent nearly two months in Norfolk for repairs. During the period that followed the ship provided services to units of the Atlantic Fleet. She participated in a COMPTUEX in late November, which resulted in a Well Done from Commander Cruise Destroyer Group EIGHT. NITRO also provided services to three aircraft carriers, USS NIMITZ, USS FORRESTAL and USS SARATOGA. NlTRO'S 13th Mediterranean deployment began in mid April, 1976.,NlTRO cruised 26,000 miles and at the end of the deployment traveled to Glen Douglas, Scotland before returning to its homeport of NWS Earle, in mid November. On 13 December, NITRO got underway for Philadelphia Naval Shipyard where on 5 January 1977, the ship commenced an entensive overhaul which would take 13 months to complete at a cost of over nineteen million dollars. During the yard period, the engineering plant received an extensive overhaul, the communications center was redesigned and a new satellite transceiver system was added to it. The location of radio antennas were changed and two cargo booms aft were removed. In December, with the overhaul nearly complete, NITRO got underway for the first time in a year to conduct sea trials. NITRO'S regular overhaul ended on 16 January, 1978. At the end of February, NITRO once again returned to homeport after an absence of more than a year. Post overhaul inspections and certifications occupied the next several months. From 5 April to 17 May, NITRO conducted refresher training at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. ln July, NITRO once again moved back into the operational fleet. During July and August the ship sailed to Charleston, South Carolina for service to the aircraft carriers EISENHOWER and SARATOGA. This was EISENHOWER'S first at sea ammo onload. While at Naval Weapons Station, Charleston, Change of Command Ceremonies were conducted on 9 August. NITRO returned to NWS Earle on 18 August and completed final preparations for a Mediterranean deployment. On 22 September NITRO was once again headed for the Med . For the remainder of the year NITRO provided services to Sixth Fleet and visited Sicily, Spain, Italy, and France. The NITRO returned to Earle, New Jersey on February 7, 1979. She had operational commitments from that time until August 1978, when the crew began preparation for the present deployment.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDFI DON M. CHGWN UNITED STATES NAVY Lieutenant Commander Don M. Chown was born on May 6, 1943 in Schenectady, New York. He attended The State University of New York, graduating in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. LCDR Chown received his commission from Officer Candidate School in 1966. Prior to assuming Executive Officer responsibilities aboard USS NITRO in July 1979, LCDR Chown's previous assignments have included: DCA!Chief Engineer USS FINCH IDER-3281, Guam. Staff Material Officer COMPHIBRON ll, Norfolk, Va. Destroyer School Newport, Fil. Chief Engineer USS CHARLES P. CECIL IDD-8351, , Newport, Fil. Bureau of Naval Personnel Washington D.C. Chief Engineer USS SOMERS IDDG-34J, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii LCDR Chown is married to the former Miss Ellen Kramer of Pelham, New York. They have two children, Jeffrey, age 8, and Christopher, age 6. They reside in Colts Neck, New Jersey. X - mi,-ff.