Elrod (FFG 55) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDER DONALD P. LOREN UNITED STATES NAVY Commander Loren was bom in Massapequa, New York in 1952. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1974, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree (Operations Research). His early assignments included Naval Nuclear Power Training, and afloat assignments as Reactor Controls Officer in USS LONG BEACH (CGN 9) and Combat Systems Officer on the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron THIRTY-ONE. Subsequent afloat tours were as Operations Officer in USS PETERSON (DD 969), COMDESRON TWO Squadron Operations Officer, Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications on the Staff of Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group EIGHT, and Executive Officer in USS JOHN HANCOCK (DD 981). Com- mander Loren ' s ashore tours include one year of independent study at Old Dominion University where he was awarded a Master of Science Degree (Education), Flag Secretary to the Commander in Chief U.S. Naval Forces Europe, and NATO politico-military planner for the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate of the Joint Staff. Commander Loren ' s personal awards and decorations include the Defense Meritori- ous Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with two gold stars), the Navy Commen- dations Medal (with two gold stars), and the Navy Achievement Medal. Commander Loren is married to Major Maureen M. Lynch, United States Marine Corps, of Columbia Pennsylvania.

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Coat of Arms USS EIrod FFG-55 The ship ' s crest is a heraidic representation of Marine Major Henry J. EIrod ' s heroic actions during the Battle of Wal(e island in December 1941. It was during this battle that Major EIrod was killed and for his actions was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The colors of blue, red, and gold (yellow) are those of the Navy and the Marine Corps. The chevron in the shield has fifteen crenellations to represent the number of days the embattled Marines held Wake Island against a vastly superior Japanese invasion force. The fireball in the upper part of the shield represents Major EIrod ' s single-handed sinking of the Japanese destroyer Kisargi after being the sole U.S. plane to penetrate a squadron of enemy fighter-bombers protecting the Japanese battle groups. Similarly, the pheons on both sides of the fireball represent the two Japanese planes shot down by Major EIrod. The broken aviator ' s wings and the war hammer symbolize Major EIrod ' s further distinguished actions in ground combat after all of the aircraft in his squadron had been destroyed. The hammer also signifies the destructive force of the guided missile frigate EIrod. Major EIrod ' s service as a Marine Officer is symbolized by the unsheathed mameluke sword, which also draws attention to the fact that he was among the first to engage the Japanese in World War Two. The blue background and thirteen stars represent the Medal of Honor awarded to Major EIrod for his heroic actions on Wake Island. The gold wreath, pointed downward, commemorates his honorable death in action.

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THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR C.S.D. WITTEN EXECUTIVE OFFICER m m m LCDR LACKIE EXECUTIVE OFFICER The X.O. and C.S.C. prepare for visitor honors. X.O. ' s call Bahrain!