Bon Homme Richard (LHD 6) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commander Arbter received his commission in 1983 through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at the University of Mississippi, having been awarded a regular USN commission. He attained initial warfare qualification on USS OLIVER HAZARD PERRY (FFG 7). Upon selection for the Personal Exchange Program, he attended eight months of language training at Defense Language Insitute prior to reporting as Navigator on Federal German Ship SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN (D 182). During this two-year assignment, he participated in Standing Naval Forces Atlantic, Naval On-call Force Mediterranean, TEAMWORK 88, and MAY FLY 89 deployments. He attained the unique qualification of Leistungsnachweiss Stufe II (Unrestricted Watch Officer) during this tour. Following a one-year stint in the Naval Reserve, Commander Arbter returned to active duty as Operation Officer on USS ESTOCIN (FFG 15). A second department head tour on USS CHOSIN (CG 59) and deployment to the Arabian Gulf as part of Constellation Battle Group followed. In 1996 he reported as Executive Officer on USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73), completing an Arabian Gulf Deployment as part of NIMITZ Battle Group. After a brief temporary duty on the Staff of Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, he commenced studdies as a Federal Executi e Fellow at the Fletcher School of International Law and Diplomacy in Medford, Massachusetts. In 1999 he joined the staff of the Command Leadership School, Newport, Rhode Island as a course facilitator. Most recently. Commander Arbter completed a command tour on USS VALLEY FORGE (CG 50). Commander Arbter is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service medal and various other individual and unit awards.