Dixon (AS 37) - Naval Cruise Book

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CHAPLAIN Seen from a distance, the DIXON is just one more large gray ship in the water, indistinguishable from many other submarine or destroyer tenders. However, aboard the DIXON live and work over 1100 human beings. Each with his or her own cares, feelings, needs, and desires. The frustations and irritations aboard such a large vessel can be enormous. Add to them the agony of worry about the welfare of loved ones back home and you can have a very upset person. Dr. Hettish, the Chaplain aboard the DIXON, is a haven for those of us oppressed with worry and problems. One of the most trusted persons on the ship, the crew knows they can go to his stateroom, close the door, and let it all hang out. In addition to the counseling offered the crew, the Chaplain also schedules and arranges spiritual services for all faiths found on the ship. Chaplain Hettish knows better than most, the value of communication with God and, while we were gone, a very dynamic network of lay leaders for the various faiths worked with him to help us maintain that link with God. A skilled listener, the Chaplain has a way of guiding us to our solutions in a manner that makes us feel as though we discovered them ourselves. Thank you Chaplain Hettish, you were there when we needed you. Command Master Chief The USS DIXON, as a United States ship, follows a very strict and rigid chain of command. In order for the ship and her crew to accomplish their assigned tasks in both war and peace, this chain of command seems to work in only one direction, down. At the top, the Commanding Officer makes a decision that affects the ship and, after awhile, the seaman on deck finds himself turning to on some task as a cog in this machine of humanity and material we call DIXON. In reality, however, the chain of command works upward too. This function can be the most frustrating and difficult of evolutions though because sometimes problems involving people seem to get pushed aside and higher priorities are placed on production and mission. This situation is where the Command Master Chief comes in. HTCM John Davis is the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Command. Master Chief Davis, a veteran of over twenty years of service is the only enlisted person on the DIXON who has an open door to the Captain. As a liason between the crew and the command structure, the Master Chief can many times iron out seemingly impossible problems. Master Chief Davis can be found anywhere on the ship working on some problem. He is always ready to listen to the crew but will always ask first, Have you tried your chain of command? If you have and seem to have reached a road block, the Command Master Chief is the man to see.

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Executive Officer CAPT. R. G. Hubbard Captain Hubbard, a native of Birmingham, Michigan, received his commission via the Regular NROTC Program at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. Graduating in 1961, he served in the destroyer USS EPPERSON (DDE 719) before commencing submarine training. Following submarine school, he served in USS CUBERA (SS 347) , USS Robert E. Lee (SSBN 601) (GOLD) and (BLUE) crews before serving on the Staff, Commander Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet. Following these tours, he was assigned to the USS GRAYBACK (LPSS 574) as the Navigator and Project Diving Officer followed by a tour in the USS PICUDA (SS 382) on the Joint Strategic Staff followed by a tour of duty as Commanding Officer, USS COUCAL (ASR 8) in Hawaii. Before reporting to USS DIXON (AS 37) in June 1979 as Executive Officer, he served as the Diving Systems Officer on the Staff of Commander Submarine Development Group One. Captain Hubbard is a qualified Mixed Gas (Helium Oxygen) Diving and Salvage Officer. Captain Hubbard has been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal.

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