Wasp (LHD 1) - Naval Cruise Book

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WASP CRUISEBOOK STAFF: CRUISEBOOK OFFICER: LT COXE LAYOUT EDITOR: PH1 ARNOLD SALES OFFICER: AKC OWEN S CRUISEBOOK STAFF: SH1 FREEMAN, YN1 WRAY, AMS2 MORALES, AO2 RICHERT, SK2 MICU, PN 3 HUNT DT3 BENCO, IC3 HENNING, ABFAN ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHIC STAFF: PH1 ARNOLD, PH2 SWINLAND, AO2 RICHERT, AMS2 MORALES. PH3 ENGLAND, PH3 PACE, PH3 BRADLEY. PHAN DAWSON, PHAN STOKES THERE IS NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO THANK EVERYONE INDIVIDUALLY, BUT A SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO SHARED THEIR IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS, TALENTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO MAKE THIS CRUISEBOOK A SUCCESS. Walsworth Publishing Compun 2ll'l' Bmw J' ' ' Y ' ' 240

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. w S.'i 't iii! Q' 'Ru il 'fl-.2 'H at ig, , 'W' -Lg. I ' ' -Tff'-i T Q, J... Q .,i. visited during the deployment. I entered Malta's Grand Harbor. 56 years after my predecessor USS Wasp tCV-73 contributed to the liberation of this island nation from Nazi tyranny. I was greeted by vvaving and cheering crowds atop the walls of Yalletta. tthe islands' largest cityj built in 1571. 300 Sailors and Marines dressed in their service dress uniforms manned my rails as we pulled ashore. The hangar bay was festooned with signal pennants and the ship was rigged from bow to stern with white lights. We held a grand reception onboard for such dignitaries as the President of Malta, the U.S. Ambassador and several other distinguished guests. During the month of May, many of my Marines debarked to participate in a NATO-led exercise Destined Glory? This was an invaluable experience to see how other nations accomplished vital military tasks, and a direct reflection of how the L'.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps work together daily. All this was conducted prior to a five-day stop in Rhodes, Greece. Antalya Turkey was my next scheduled stop for a four day rest and relaxation visit. Unfortunately. on the third day, I had to display the PAPA flag and recall my crew. I had to leave forty members of my crew behind. I was directed by Sixth Fleet to head for Kosovo, Albania to conduct Operation Determined Falcon, restoring political stability in the region. The month of June ended with a three- day stop in Corfu, Greece, which has an area of 592 sq. km, and ow es it's sophistication and charm to the meshing of the different civilizations that have occupied it. Disappointed because I was unable to go to Haifa, Israel or Palma, Spain as earlier scheduled. I headed for Cantania, Sicily. With a population ol 5S5Il,IlIltJ, it is home to Italy's only active volcano. Mt. ETNA. Many of my crew brav ed the 100+ degree temperatures to climb the mountain and look out over the island and the Med. Surprisingly. I received exhilarating news that the SEC NAV and CNG received and accepted a fli 5 O . 0 0 0 donation on my behalf at a ceremony held at the Pentagon due to my participation in assisting the S e a - L a n d Mariner Vessel fire. The President and CEO of the Sea- Land Mariner Services Inc. donated the check donated to NMCRS, on behalf of my Sailors and Marines. With the climax and highlights of the Med. deployment accomplished, I headed for Rota, Spain once again to conduct a U.S. Agricultural inspection prior to my departure from Europe as I prepared to head home. My Sailors and Marines methodically dusted, scrubbed, washed and painted me with ffexceptional attention to detail? This inspection brought great concem and was very important to my crew, since a negative mark would delay my final departure. Like the many other tests put before me, I passed the Agricultural inspection with pride and remarkable distinction, while looking over the horizon in search of my sister ship. Then eventually, there she was, my relief was in sight and slowly approaching. You could feel the excitement build as my exhausted crew looked up and realized home was just a few days away. Asking myself, U how, does one spell 6'relief7,': USS SAIPAN CLHA-25 and her ARG. meaning that I would be properly relieved. The following day, I prepared for the long haul across the Atlantic, using the same route from where I once came. s A few miles away from my first stop, all MEUls aircraft were flown-off safely and successfully with little sadness and nostalgic feelings, leaving behind HC-8 to conduct SAR operations and be available to respond as necessary. With a clear. clean and practically empty flight and hangar deck all to themselves, my next stop and focal point of interest was Onslow Bay. Moorehead City, NC for MEU personnel debarkation and Tiger Team embarkation. I regrettably parted company with the MEU, and looked forward to welcoming the Tiger Team, who were very special and automatically became honorary members of my Crew on arrival. They celebrated with magnified excitement and relief, clinging to my Sailors communicatively. catching-up on the past and lost time. For the final stride home, my Sailor's eagerness and anticipation grew even stronger, few suffering from channel fever. I returned home on July 28th. 98 as scheduled and promised, and amazingly witnessed the most awesome Homecoming Celebration and Presentation ever. Welcome Home signs and greetings were flown all over: in the air, on vehicles and buildings, tugs, TV's, and radio stations, just to name a few. Approximately 500 patriotic colored balloons were traditionally released, expressing love, freedom, military support and appreciation for my crew. The band played, keeping the crowd entertained, while personal banners displayed names of loved-ones onboard and coded messages that were not understood by all. My hangar bay was overly crowded, congested and full to capacity, while new fathers were given the first opportunity to debark and greet their Stinger Babies . Numerous reunions were in progress, kisses, hugs and tears were very evident as I stood still in amazement, contented. and fully satisfied that I had safely delivered as expected and had taken care of my own. I feel proud knowing Ilve served my country and crew well. I've given them my allg they have given me their very best. Together we did more than either of us expected. Deep inside, I can hear my children talk of their experiences and how much they grew or of the joys and pains theylve shared. Like their loved ones who saw them leave so many times before, I'm the lonely one now. Yes, my hull is silent and the passageways empty, my children have gone to play and I return to my solitude. My boilers were shut down and once again I became a sleeping gray giant on the waterfront. I'm lonely now, but not to worry, my children will be back. Some have moved on, some will be new, while others will simply return home, and I will take care ofthem all. I guess that isjust another reason why I am better known as, and called: 'SMOTHERT ooooooooooooooooooo no

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