Wasp (LHD 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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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headed for NWS Earle, New Jersey, where I loaded various weaponry in preparation and support of my future missions. I could feel the gratification. relaxation, satisfaction, and high self-esteem of my crew, which was expressed through personal conversations held internally and by letters, e-mails and phone calls made to loved-ones contacted on my way home. Later, we were able to invite the dependents and friends to spend a day onboard underway. They came in droves from far and wide to share with us this Dependents Day Cruise . Here they experienced and witnessed the work and activities of my crew and allow them to familiarize themselves, and have an understanding of what we do. Making it feasible to cope with the lonely days while I am gone. Itls Christmas-97 season, my relentless Crew looks forward to a well-deserved RSLR, and a time to be jolly. My bow and mast are highly decorated with streams of lights. I looked across the waterfront, and there I saw a mirror image of myself as many of the ships shared the same decorum. With fifty percent of my crew gone to celebrate in other States, during both leave periods, Oh! how I cried with great concern, wishing them the best and safest time. My next mission for my Crew was aimed towards the Caribbean Islands. Based on past experience, no other location does it better for ufun in the sun', than the Caribbean. Itls like going to Hawaii, vacationers are always excited by the tune of the steel drums. Enroute to Puerto Rico I was accompanied by other military forces, who merged with me and collectively we called it ITFEXH. I observed from a distance cautiously, like a mother watching her kids. Only this time, my f'kids played with live ammunition. When someone goes to High School or College, graduation is the main focus and proves success. Therefore, I had to graduate from these exercises and training for which were conducted over the months. Then it came time for final good-byes to loved ones and our dearest friends. I had to rehll on supplies to last five months. A quick stop was made in North Carolina to scoop-up my Marine Expeditionary Unit, the other half of my team. With my aircraft, amphibious vehicles and LCAC's embarked, I headed East for an adventurous mission across the pond to the Mediterranean Sea. No land insight across the horizon, but endurance and persistence would positively prevail. Ahead I saw this artistic landscape within the fog confirming I was nearing Spain. After twelve tedious days across the Atlantic Ocean. I moored in Rota, Spain. The Husbantling Agent came ottt to brief my crew on 238 various points of interest, NAS facilities and activities. The Naval Station served as a key location, and felt like home away from home for the adventurous. My Crew took advantage of the phrase and the opportunity to shop till you drop? I received official news that I had won the Ogden Award, for Firefighting Excellence. This was followed by notification of winning the HSECNAV Environmental, and Mission Area Excellence Awardf' confirming the pride and professionalism I always display. I departed Rota, Spain proudly with my ARG and headed further East to rendezvous with USNS Patuxent tTOA-201 J for RAS. I quenched my thirst with 700,000 gallons ofJP-5 on a brilliant sunny day, with temperatures in the high 60's, low 70's and continued my journey on the open seas, ready to execute my orders set forth by SIXTH FLEET. My CO invited ALL HANDS'l top-side via the IMC to view this enormous natural phenomenon called UGIBRALTARM. This mighty rock has been called 'fthe gateway to the Medl' by sailors throughout historys. As I trudged through the deep blue Western Med., cameras flashed and camcorders recorded the historic and unbelievable view. After three days of operational exercises, various in- house training and a photo setting for the crew's cruisebook, I headed for Naples, Italy for a quick R8LR to let the crew visit Rome, the Vatican, Pompeii, and NAS for those last minute shopping items. My departure from Naples, Italy led me to Split, Croatia, where I continuously went in coastal circles. Orbiting and navigating endlessly. I passed through and observed the same locations in bewilderment, However. the intolerable cycle subsided with the engagement of Exercise Dynamic Response 95-S. in Bosnia-Herzegovina. There, my Sailors and Marines were dispatched ashore to participate with forces from Italy. Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Turkey which made up the Stabilization Force tSFORj. Collectively. these six Nations accumulated over 5,000 hours of intensive training during this exercise. With Dynamic Response behind me. I headed for Thessaloniki. Greece. This religious country was where the apostle Paul did some of his Biblical writings. The incredible sites provided an adventurous and historic atmosphere. There was a busy schedule and short stay of four day s to tour and discover the scenery. IzmirTurkey called next, inviting my troops for a two-day visitation. which they gracefully accepted. Upon my departure and while underway. I received an emergency distress call from a Sea- Land Mariner Merchant Vessel. Approximately 50 miles westward, the vessel apparently suffered an explosion, which resulted in two fires aft. with one crew member injured and one in the water. I immediately launched a SAR helicopter from HC- 8 to analyze the situation and assist in rescue operations. They brought back two injured. while my RHIB boat transported firefighting teams to the scene. After an exhaustive two days of firefighting. we departed the scene and let the rescue tugs take over. Next I focused on Valletta. Malta. the most historic and extravagant country that I had .. u tC?.fL's X151 ' 1 L' .fi....s- tag. g Y-.: - SCT -k'L H.. . I' ,vc . .. VT., Ma. fii 21: gf- l.s-.t i Pte- gg' SS: if, ' I MIT: Clif. I lNx:f j'X 1' I 'P -- , be S i. J. waz orrrrrifzrerrsg... Of ull' things Qarge anfnnadj 2 m I Ktlvgyig 1 4 fi L, mann idly LgWmo iw-Sm... grub , tab. gm 'bfi .hymn mail ltr! .ts-'Ig v'l '-- i