Decatur (DDG 31) - Naval Cruise Book

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The Ship: Always in the Right Our Country' In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right but our country right or wrong Stephen Decatur April 1816 DDG-31 is named in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur, a famous naval hero of the early ninteenth century. It is the fifth Navy ship to carry the title, but was originally comissioned as DECATUR IV CDD-936D in 1956: following a severe collision with an aircraft carrier in 1964, DD-936 was converted to the first of a new class Guided Missile Destroyer, and was recommissioned as DDG-31 on 29 April 1967. The primary mission of DECATUR is to operate offensively with a fast carrier strike force, providing anti-air and anti-submarine defense. Another mission is to provide shore bombardment in support of amphibious assault operations. Associated tasks include the protection: and screening of support forces and convoys against submarine, air and surface threats. USS DECATUR is 420 feet in length, with a maximum beam of 45 feet. The ship's draft is 23 feet for a displaycement of 4200 tons. The ship is powered by four 1200 psi boilers that drive two steam turbines, creating 35,000 shaft horsepower each. Under full power, the ship can maintain speeds over 30 knots for an extended period. Armament includes a single arm TARTAR CAAWJ missile launcher, an anti-submarine rocket CASROCJ launcher, two triple-tube torpedo launchers, and a single 5-inch 54 caliber gun mount.

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W' Commander Michael J. Mills Commanding Officer 3 July 1981 - Present Comander Mills was born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. He graduated from St. Mary's College, Winona, Minnesota and after attending Officer Candidate School was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in June 1964. Commander Mills' initial assignment was in USS Valley Forge QLPH-85 in the pacific. He was subsequently assigned to the staff of Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Far East in Yokohama, Japan. After attending the Naval Destroyer School Department Head Course he served in USS HOEL fDDG13J as Operations Officer. He was then assigned to the Bureau of Naval Personnel. Commander Mills attended the Naval War College in 1974-1975 and graduated with high distinction. Assigned to USS REEVES QCG-241 from September 1975 to January 1977 he then assumed the duties as Executive Officer of USS HENRY B. WILSON QDDG-72 from April 1977 to October 1978. From December 1978 to November 1980, Commander Mills served on the Staff of the Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. Commander Mills is married to the former Karen Marie Mooberry of Benson, Minnesota. They have one daughter, Sandra. 7