Curtis Wilber (DDG 54) - Naval Cruise Book

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Arabian Gulf Executive Officer USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) LCDR C. F. Williams United States Navy LCDR C. F. Williams L ieutenant Commander Charles Francis Williams was born 6 January 1963, son of John A. and Mary Ellen Williams. A native of Oakton, Virginia, he attended the University of Virginia where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. After receiving his commission through the NROTC program in 1985, LCDR Williams was ordered to USS DEYO (DD-989) in Charleston, South Carolina, where he served from September 1986 to June 1989 as Auxiliaries Officer and Damage Control Assistant. While on DEYO he deployed to the Meditranean and the Indian Ocean and participated in ERNEST WILL operations in the Straits of Hormuz. After this initial sea tour, LCDR Williams reported to the Naval Postgraduate School in Montery, California, where he received a Master of Science Degree in Systems Engineering Command, Control and Communications, in April of 1991. Following the Department Head Course at Surface Warfare Oflfiers ' School in Newport, Rhode island, he reported for duty in San Diego, California, as the Engineer Officer in USS ELLIOT (DD-967). Having met the ship in the Persian Gulf in November, 1991, he detatched from ELLIOT while again deployed there in October, 1993. Lieutenant Commander Williams reported aboard the precommissioning unit for USS FIREBOLT (PC- 10) in January, 1994, in Little Creek, Virginia. On June 10, 1995, he assumed command of the ship during her formal commissioning ceremony on the Potomac River in Old Town, Alexandria. LCDR Williams served in command of this Naval Special Warfare ship through her initial workups and first deplyoment to the Mediterranean and Black seas. After his tour in FIREBOLT, LCDR Williams reported to Newport, Rhode Island, where he attended the Naval Command and Staff College. Following his course of study he was awarded a Master of Arts in National Security Strategic Studies. After leaving the War College he completed the Prospective Executive Officer pipeline and reported for duty as Executive Officer USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG-54), for for- ward deployed as a component of SEVENTH FLEET in Yokosuka, Japan. Lieutenant Commander Williams ' personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal and various unit awards. 4 USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54)

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Deplovment 1999 A Philosophy on Command A philosophy is a system of principles for guiding practical affairs. The term Command represents my personnel perspective on being commanding officer. Simultaneously, it refers to USS CURTIS WILBUR itself Contained herein is an overview of the philosophy 1 bring to this command tour. This is not a How To instruction. It is not a Policy instruction. Rather, it articulates some of the principles upon which I will rely in executing my duties while in command. Likewise, these principles will guide my military, professional, and personal relationships. Equally as important, they are the principles by which CURTIS WILBUR, the command, will be guided in the execution of our duties; and in shaping our relationships. Identity CURTIS WILBUR is a U.S. Navy warship. Its crew is counted among America ' s Warrior Elite. Our mission; our reason for being is, first and always, to fight and win in war. More than what we do — this is who we are. Actions and activities that enhance the effectiveness with which we accomplish this mission are inherently positive — they will be identified and instituted. Actions and activities that detract from the effectiveness with which we accomplish this mission are inherently negative — they will be identified and corrected. ] Foundations • We believe in our God, Country, Service, Shipmates, and Ourselves. • We entrust our lives to each other • We go to sea ready for war; in order that those ideals, beliefs, and people we cherish might he pro- tected. • That those we love might live in peace ' . Guides • Our service and our lives are founded on fundamental truths • Honor is the prerequisite of glory. • Victory is meaningless in the absence of nobility. • Honesty matters more than comfort. Costs Making war can mean living with ghosts. Adcnowle Jge that come with a warrior ' s identity. 4. CURTIS WILBUR is a living entity. It is the crew that gives the ship its identity. Care about and for each other. CURTIS WILBUR is a weapon — keep it clean, sharp, and ready. CURTIS WILBUR is a symbol — of our nation, our service, and ourselves. Our every action reflects on and affects those we cherish. The only acceptable standard is Excellence — in reputation and appear- ance; as much as in action. ' B SCPtSG H In another age, sea chanteys were songs tnatsaiiors sang lo the rhyfnm of their work. Today that work is infinitely more complex. Spread throughout the ship, it never ceases. Nevertheless, some constants remain: We are sailors. The sea is eternally unforgiving of those jwho lack respect. We must work together if we are to fight and win. If we are to live on these seas. J embrace the profound responsibilities C o E. J. QUINN COMMANDING OFFICER USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) f S5 CVRTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) 3

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Deployment 1999 Command Master Chief USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) DCCM(SW) G. D. Provancha United States Navy DCCM(SW) G. D. Provancha Master Chief Provancha is from Carlsbad, New Mexico. He graduated from Carlsbad Senior High in 1977. He enlisted in the Navy in April of 1977 and came on active duty in October of that same year. He attended recruit training and Hull Technician A school in San Diego and Treasure Island California. He was assigned to the USS OUELLET FF-1077 from May 1978 to September 1981. He left active duty in September 1981, and returned home to Carlsbad.While at home he worked as a miner and was a drilling reservist at Carlsbad, Naval Reserve Center. He returned to active duty in April 1982. Since then he has completed sea tours aboard USS MAHLON S. TISDALE FFG-27, 1982-1985, USS CLEVELAND LPD-7, 1988-1990, and USS LONG BEACH CGN-9, 1991-1993. His other assignments include Recruit Company Commander, at Recruit Training Command, San Diego California, 1985-1988, Senior Damage Control Instructor, at Afloat Train- ing Group Pacific, San Diego, California, 1993-1996, and Safety Officer, at Naval Ship Repair Facility Detachment, Sasebo, Japan 1996-1997. Master Chief Provanchais personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (with gold star). Navy Achievement Medal (with two gold stars), Navy Good Conduct Medal (with four bronze stars), and the Navy Expert Pistol Marksman Medal. His other service awards include the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (with two bronze stars), Southwest Asia Service Medal (with bronze star), Sea Service Ribbon (with four bronze stars), Overseas Service Ribbon, Coast Guard Special Operation Ribbon, and The Kuwait (Kuwait) Liberation Medal. Master Chief Provancha is also a 1996 graduate from the Naval Senior Enlisted Academy. -L USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54) 5