USS Monterey (CG 61) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 64 text:

It started with two Sailors. Guitarists Chris- topher Hammond and Mike Vilano barely knew each other when the Chief results came out in 2001, but during the grueling initiation process, they came to find that they had at least one thing in common: a love of rock and roll. The two new Chief Petty Officers played together every chance they got, but it wasn ' t until both transferred to USS MONTEREY that their talents could be truly unleashed. On MONTEREY, the duo found a receptive ear in Command Master Chief Leland Moore, who began canvassing the crew for other dedicated rockers. The search quickly unearthed Ryan Griffin, whose years of piano experience trans- lated easily onto Hammond ' s combination syn- thesizer and drum machine. With Mike Vilano on bass and vocals, and Emily Nelson ' s power- ful vocals adding a distinctive edge to the mix, Gear Adrift was born. The band played several Steel Beach picnics, and had its first moment of glory at the Desert Dome in Bahrain. Mike Vilano started to sing lead on more songs, and before long, his distinc- tive velvety growl was a familiar sound at every show. Nothing good lasts forever, though, and when Nelson transferred, she left a significant hole in Gear Adrift ' s set list. That hole, at least ashore, would soon be filled by Griffin ' s wife, Natalie, whose previous performance background had been in country music and whose straightforward lyrical style cut through the mix like a knife. Soon after, the band recruited rhythm guitarist Tom Hathcock, who soon earned the stage name Ogre for his inability to avoid tripping over ANYTHING (mic stands, small children, the occasional piece of carpet lint). In the fall of 2005, Vilano took a much-needed hiatus from the band, and Hathcock stepped in to play bass. He found a true affinity for the in- strument and soon acquired a small collection of four-, five-, and six-string basses. His melodic grooves and unbridled stage presence brought a new energy to Gear Adrift. During a rare extended in port period, the band found themselves with plenty of time to rehearse. Hammond and Griffin brought out some original material they had written. Before long, a dozen new songs were laid down for digi- tal posterity, from the lyrical Let Myself Fall and In His Cry to the galloping thunder of Now and the seminal Dreams. Many of the originals debuted at small gigs around Norfolk and Virginia Beach. During 2006 ' s Partnership of the Americas and Neptune Warrior deployments, Vilano returned to the band, both as a vocalist and also with a new toy: a digital drum set. Vilano ' s natu- ral rhythm suited the instrument well, but to take full advantage, a new singer was needed for certain songs. Enter Morgan Terry, whose youthful energy and alt punk leanings shifted Gear Adrift ' s sound in a new and edgier direc- tion. Featured shows included Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and an Independence Day performance in Oslo, Norway. Chris Hammond ' s transfer just prior to MON- TEREY ' s Mediterranean deployment in October 2006 left another empty spot in Gear Adrift ' s roster, one that would be difficult to fill. After auditioning several potential guitarists, the band asked Hathcock to take the lead guitar spot. Vilano returned to holding down the bottom end, and Griffin continued to program the drum machine, with Max Ducharme occasionally lend- ing his powerful drumming to the mix. On top of several Steel Beaches, the band had three memorable performances that tour - an im- promptu show in Barcelona, Spain; a near-rain- out in Naples, Italy; and an emotional homecom- ing performance from the 04 Level as MONTEREY returned to Pier 2 at Naval Station Norfolk. Although the underway face of Gear Adrift continues to change with Vilano ' s retirement in June 2007, the core band - Hammond, the Grif- fins, Vilano, and Hathcock - keeps on rockin ' , with gigs in the Richmond and Tidewater areas. What will the future bring? Stay tuned for the next Behind the Music. 62

Page 63 text:

-JD Hsi 46 61

Page 65 text:

Gear Adrift wishes to thank: CAPT Robert Oldani - for his unwavering support and being our biggest fan... And of course, the crew of USS MONTEREY. Every performance needs an audience, and you guys are the best! 63