Ajax (AR 6) - Naval Cruise Book

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER Commander Joseph H. Steele III was born and raised in Wilmington. Delaware. In 1965. he graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He was commissioned an Ensign at the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport. Rhode Island on December 17. 1965. In 1975. he received a Master of Science degree in Information Systems-Telecommunications Management from the U.S. Naval postgraduate School in Monterey. California. Commander Steele ' s first Navy tour began March 1966. on board the USS HANCOCK (CVA19). homeported in San Francisco. During this tour, he served as the Signals and Radio Officer. He also served as the Communications Officer on board the USS MITSCHER (DDG-35). homeported in Norfolk Virginia. Commander Steele served as the commissioning Weapons Officer and subsequently as Engineer Officer aboard USS REASONER (DE 1063). homeported in San Diego, from 1975 to 1977. he served at the Naval Communication Area Master Station Atlantic as the Atlantic Communication Area Master Station Atlantic as the Atlantic Communications Area Coordinator. Prior to reporting for duty aboard the AJAX. Commander Steele served as the Engineer Officer aboard the USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7). homeported in Norfolk. Virginia. Commander Steele ' s decoration include the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation (with a bronze star), and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He is married to the former Ann V. Vilhauer of San Diego. They have two daughters: Tracey Leigh and Sydney Elizabeth. CDR JOSEPH H. STEELE III USH EXECUTIVE OFFICER Commander Kenneth R. Michna was born in Waukegan. Illinois, and raised in North Chicago. Illinois. In 1965 he graduated from the Wabash College in Crawfordsville. Indiana with a Liberal Arts degree. He was commissioned an Ensign at the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport. Phode Island on 11 February 1966. In 1975. he received a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. California. Commander Michna s first Navy tour began August 1966 on board the USS SNOHOMISH COUNTY (LSTI126). homeported in San Diego. California. During this tour, he served as the Damage Control Assistant and latter as the Engineer Officer. He also served as the Ship ' s Engineer Officer on the USS BENEWAH (APB-35). homeported in San Diego California and also served as the Engineer Officer on board the USS HARLOD E. HOLT (FF 1074). homeported in Long Beach. California. From 1975 to 1977. he served at the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center (NPRDC) at Point Loma. California and from December 1977 to January 1980. he served as the Main Propulsion Assistant to USS RANGER (CV-61). homeported in San Diego. California. Prior t o reporting for duty aboard the AJAX. Commander Michna served as the Material Logistic Officer on the Staff of Commander Amphibious Squadron THREE. Commander Michna ' s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal. Meritorious Unit Commendation. Presidential Unit Commendation. Sea Service Ribbon. Combat Action Ribbon. Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross). Vietnam Service Medal. Navy Expeditionary Medal. National Defense, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is married to the former Virginia Mutty of Newport. Rhode Island. They have two children: Steven Kenneth and Debra Louise. CDR KEHHETH R. MICHISA USH 12

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Dear AJAX Family, The history of the second deployment of AJAX to the Indian ocean is now complete. You hold in your hands the recorded memories of our voyage experiences and achievements over six and one-half months. In that period we steamed 26,364 nautical miles, 4,764 more than the distance around the world, to serve our Battle Fleets in the forward operating areas. We are proud to have served SEVENTH Fleet ships farther forward at Berbera, Somalia, than any other Tender or Repair Ship in recent history. Despite scorching heat, and daily desert sand storms, AJAX delivered the same famous Quality Services as in Diego Garcia or Subic Bay as firmly attested to by every ship served. Our ship is 39 years old on October 30, 1982 and has once again proven that it is quality and not age that counts. Through this book, we hope to share our cruise with families and friends who waited at home. Please share my honor and pride in being a part of AJAX. My warmest regards, RONALD W. KERSLAKE Captain, U.S. Navy Commanding Officer