Wasp (LHD 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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l c 1 FLEX ll J f1'Fl.1l0i1l'll1i9llllllli 1998 may have been the year of the deploy- ment, but none ofthe successes enjoyed during that time could have occurred had it not been for the year long complex overhaul CCOHD period that ended in early 1997. More than 1250 SIMA, shipyard, and ship's force jobs were completed during this time. consum- ing in excess of 25.000 man-hours. The flight deck was resurfaced and more than a hundred spaces had rehab and paint work done, including major alterations to berthing areas in preparation for the embarkation of WASP's first female Sailors. One department in particular that accom- plished a monumental amount of work during COH was the Engineering Department. Virtually every sys- tem in the plant was overhauled and returned to ser- vice, including the chill water system, HP and LP air. hotel steam, potable water, and both the ill and 442 boil- ers. Extensive Work was also done on damage control equipment. All 10 repair lockers, 50AFFF hose reels, and 6 AFFF stations were rehabbed, not to mention the flushing ofthe entire firemain system. Luckily, all ofthis work was completed with- out any major injuries occurring. putting WASP on the right track to begin the vvorkup cycle and have a suc- cessful and professionally enriching deployment. 12

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Command Master Chief USS WASP CLHD- lj SliCMtSSl Thielen is a native of Miami, Florida. He enlisted in the US. Navy in November 197-1 and attended recruit training in Orlando. Florida. He then completed Storclceeper School at NTTC Meridian, Mississippi and immediately entered the Submarine Force at Basic Submarine School, Groton. Connecti- cut. He reported to his first submarine. USS CASIMIR PLL.-XSKI QSSBN 6331 Gold Crew in May 1975. completed four SSBN patrols, earned his Dolphins, and xx as promoted to SK31SSl. He then split toured to the USS FINBACK CSSN 6701 in October 1977 and reenlisted for orders to the PRECOMUNIT DALLAS QSSN 7001 in Groton, Connecticut. In October 1979 he received orders to the PRECOMUNIT SAN FRANCISCO CSSN 71 lj as the Leading Storekeeper. After sailing with the SAN FRANCISCO to the west coast he returned in October 1981 to Norfolk. Virginia as Leading Storekeeper aboard USS LAPON QSSN 6611 where he completed a Mediterranean Sea deployment and was selected for the Naxys EEAP program . In September 1983 he was frocked Chief Petty Officer. He earned an Associates Degree in Management and in May 1985 he reported to FBM NAVIGATION TEST UNIT, a Naval research detachment embarked on USNS VANGUARD, Cape Canaveral. Florida. In June 1987 he was selected for duty at Naval Reactors Division of the Department of Energy, Washington. DC and advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. In July 1989 he reported to the USS OKLA- HOMA CITY ISSN 7231 as the Leading Storekeeper and Assistant Chief of the Boat. He was selected Master Chief Petty Officer in April 1990. SKCMCSSJ Thielen's next assignment was the USS L.Y. SPEAR IAS-361 as assistant SUBSAT OFFICER from January 1992 to October 1992. ln October 1992 he reported to the USS KEY WEST ISSN 7221. Norfolk. Virginia, as the Chief of the Boat CCOBJ. In April 1994 , SKCMCSSJThie1en was selected Squadron Master Chief, Commander Submarine Squadron 8,Norfo1k, Virginia until January 1997. He then attended the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy. Newport. Rhode Island. Upon graduation, he reported for duty to USS WASP KLHD- l J, Com- mand Master Chief. SKCMISSI Thielcn's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal. Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal fwfgold starl, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal KWX3 gold slarsl, Good Conduct Medal fvvflour bronze starsl. I He is married to the former Robin Bailey ol' Hampton. Virginia and has one son. Pele .lr.

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