Briscoe (DD 977) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

Combat Systems Department LT WILLIAM SILLS, USN Combat Systems Department is composed of CA (Anti-Submarine), CE (Elec- tronics), CG (Gunnery) and CM (Missile-Fire Control) divisions. Responsibility for the maintenance and operation of BRISCOE ' s sonar, torpedo tubes, ASROC launcher, communication equipment, radars, data systems, gun mounts, MK 86 Gun Fire control system, HARPOON cruise missiles, NATO Sea Sparrow Missile system, Vulcan Phalanx close-in-defense-weapon-system lies with the men as- signed to the department. BRISCOE ' s primary warfare mission is Anti-Submarine warfare, but modern Anti-Surface, Anti-Ship Missile defense and Naval Gunfire Support capability make her a formidable platform in all mission areas.

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Executive Officer LCDR MARK A. STEARNS, USN Born in Oskosh, Wisconsin, 5 April 1954, Lieutenant Commander Stearns attended the University of Wisconsin, graduating in 1977 with a degree in Business Management Manpower and Economics. Following commissioning 1 July 1977 at Officers Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island, he reported to the USS CHARLESTON (LKA-113) where his assignment included deck, gunnery and engineering. In September 1980 to September 1982, LCDR Stearns served as the Flag Lieutenant to the Commander Naval Safety Cen- ter, Norfolk, Virginia. Upon graduation from Department Head School, LCDR Stearns served in USS DONALD B. BEARY (FF-1085) from June 1984 until January 1985 as Chief Engineer. His second Department Head tour was in USS FARRAGUT (DDG-37) from January 1985 through November 1986, again, as Chief Engi- neer. In December of 1986, LCDR Stearns reported to Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) Newport, Rhode Island, serving as a Department Head In- structor, as well as overseeing simulator procurement and operations. De- taching SWOS in August 1989, he reported for duty as Executive Officer of USS BRISCOE (DD-977). LCDR Stearns ' awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation and the Navy Expeditionary Medal. LCDR Stearns is married to the former Sandra Lynne Milne of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They have one child, James, born 18 October 1988.

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CA DIVISION £ LT JOHN MOLLEUR, USN Composed of Sonar Technicians and Torpedomen, CA Division earns its reputation as BRISCOE ' s finest by detecting, classifying, tracking, and de- stroying hostile submarines. Responsible for the maintenance of one of the most complicated pieces of equipment on the U.S. Naval inventory, the AN SQS-53 sonar, CA Division also keeps the Nixie torpedo decoy system, the XBT system, the SQR-17 passive acoustic processor, the MK 116 Underwater Fire Control System, and the tube launched torpedo battery in a constant state of combat readiness. The true Renaissance Men among sailors, sonar- men must be familiar with valve and pump maintenance, underwater acous- tics, and electronics. He must also know the enemy better than he knows himself. The torpedomen are also versatile performers; experts in explosives, hydraulics, and magazine sprinklers. During UNITAS, BRISCOE Audio Unlimited, took advantage of chances to work against nuclear and diesel submarines from the U.S. and South Amer- ican navies, distinguishing themselves and leading all UNITAS ships in sonar contact time. Additionally, several sonarmen cross decked for a few days to the U.S. submarine, TINOSA, to get a taste of life on a target. On the surface or below, CA division epitomizes the phrase, Nobody Does it Better.