Wasp (LHD 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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236 DEPLOYME T SCHED ULE PER 28 MAR 12-16 MAR 19-21 APR 6-7 APR 9-13 APR 14-16 APR 27-MAY 01 MAy 21-23 MAQV 28-30 JUN 01-03 JUN 08-11 JUN 12-22 JUN 23-26 JUL 01-05 JUL 09-15 JUL 26-27 JUL28 DEPARTED NoRI'oLIc, VA ROTA, SPAIN NAPLES, ITALy SPLIT: CROATIA THESSALONIKI, GREECE IZMIR, TURKE31 VALLETA, MALTA ROTA, SPAIN RHCDES, GREECE VOLOS, GREECE ANTALyA, TURKEY Kosovo, ALBANIA CoRE U, GREECE CA TANIA, SICIL31 ROTA, SPAIN TIGER CRUISE IONSLOW BAY RETURNED T0 NCRPCLK, VA 'WASP steamed 23, 980 miles and was deployed 152 days, with more than 100 of them underway 'We produced over 21, 120 MegaWatts of electricity to power the ship 'Aired more than 2,000 movies and 3,000 hours of music played Number of meals fed: 93 7,998 4 Ground beef fbulkj- 44,108 lbs Ground beef lpattiesl- 21,434 lbs 4 Milk - 27,698 gallons ' More than 125,000 e-mails sent from the ship Handled more than 150,000 lbs of mail Had 3,207 aircraft takeoffs and landings ' Logged 824 hours at flight quarters ' Unclogged about 750 drains 3' Chicken - 57,690 lbs 3' Eggs - 398,992 each or 33,249 dozen Coffee -3,227 lbs More than 250,000 e-mails received Processed nearly 600 awards packages Made 3,181 aircraft moves Issued over 8,000 overhead light bulbs I Ei fi fi EH HF ,U ,,,g,,. A., . Sf- Ln' AL. . - 'jig' , ,.,- 3 fl 15' 7 ,arr'.x' I -3 an .. EL... I , iw .fs --sg-- ,, - 5-5-11 G 1, Ajay' , '51 15 ,, QNEZW' an I ep i M535 .- i1QHf,5pg,1. AiZi??,1i,,' ,.x, i L Wir. f. . 3 '62-an A PM 1E -'S -S . in miwqis, M , be .I , 11 ' 3 1 r ' 2 f N m '?ru, Eg:-p. all-. in '51 'lu

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WASP SPEAKS or HER REFLEcT1oNs taprii 96 - July 985 By Lt. Hilary St.R0se Under the command, direction and guidance of my new Commanding Officer. I reported to Norfolk Naval Shipyard QNNSYD. Portsmouth Y.-X. to be evaluated and undergo an eleven month Complex Overhaul which was previously scheduled and now over-due for accomplishment. Included are maintenance upkeep. various modifications, along with some interior and exterior beautification. Personnel at the NNSY welcomed me with open arms. and treated me with respect and Tender Loving Care. as I prepared for my first physical make-over. I was finally removed and rescued from the waters seven years after my conception, exposing areas of my body that were only viewed by divers and the deep. Though I felt weak, tired, ragged and sluggish due to the many missions I had to fulfill. I continued to display my patriotism, strength. and determination of survival. Within a few days I was stripped, drilled, sanded and loaded with various materials and equipment. Hoses. tubes and lines of numerous dimensions sprang through me like a patient in the OR. My engineering plants were diagnostically checked thoroughly, which reminded me of an EKG: My fuel systems were drained, tanks purged and decontaminated. making me feel like I was quarantined. Several spaces were modified and rehabilitated for various necessary reasons. Specific attention was given to those selected spaces which would accommodate my incoming female sailors. I actually felt like a newly-built, well- tuned engine preparing for the Daytona 500. With continuous determined efforts and magnificent progress accomplished, I emerged revitalized. physically activating every muscle which etrengthcried me from within. l was reborn with cl ery intention to maximize, train. and solidify Q. mixed-gentler crew. lrcceiped my first wave ol approximately lffr tcmalc sailors. many embarked lor their very iff'-f imc Thug. were all geared-up. pre-hriefcd. .Q and eorrie slightly nervous but ready to go. 'vll male aailora w ho have manned me thus far showed no hesitation, disapproval, or envious aggression. They too were previously briefed .very supportive and curiously awaiting the eventful arrival. With a clean-bill-of-health towards the end of the shipyard period, I sometimes felt like a 'lSleeping Giant, potentially energized and nowhere to go. My operative systems were up and running, ready to be tested at a moments notice. With great anticipation, self-assurance and determination, I eagerly awaited Sea Trials . I was a newly manufactured Rolls-Royce sitting and waiting patiently for it's first road-test. It was time to evaluate my performance, modifications, integrity and crew cohesiveness in order to regain and qualify for the number one spot in the Amphibious Fleet. The long awaited time of showmanship had arrived with excitement, eagerness and curiosity. The massive flow of cold water rushing steadily upwards under my body made my outer layer cringe. My props and rudders were startled while my chains and anchors were drawn up in total amazement. The eleven month drought was over. I was no longer on blocks, tied or supported by external forces, but rather under my own power. The shackles of inertia were released, replaced by freedom and self-propelled power of movement which I proudly demonstrated as I trudged through the Portsmouth and Norfolk waterways. Seems like this happens to the best of us: while welre feeling comfortably stable, here comes l'Changel'. I experienced another change-of- command just as I got used to the management and leadership styles of my old Commanding Officer. By adding vital ingredients of professionalism which inspired my crew, he directed and steered me northwards to New York City for Fleet Week- 97, an event which my crew was prepared to attend. They spruced me up for the memorable occasion. Spotless like a Cathedral expecting a visit from the Pope. I entered Manhattan and moored on pier 86, across from another great warrior, The USS Intrepid CCV-l lj. With my new outstanding haze-gray outht and rails uniformly manned with great decor, I gracefully reflected undeniable attractiveness. I boastfully strutted my stuff to New York City and to all participating sea-going commands. My sailors and Marines proudly displayed and represented my image as State Ambassadors. The ever increasing the number of visitors who waited for hours to embrace this opportunity was overwhelming. About 20.000 visitors came across my brow and worked their way through my inner chambers. Soon it was time to secure liberty, account for my crew and depart the area of hospitality. We said our good-byes and thanked New York City for a splendid, enjoyable, and flawless week. I 237