United States Ship ESSEX Garnering its fourth consecutive Battle E , ESSEX set the standard before departing on this Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf deployment. The crew was among the best trained Sailors to ever man a modern amphibious warship. Safe, trained and ready to fight - the crew met every challenge, every day. This photo, taken off the coast of Kuwait, is a reminder of the hardships and accomplishments achieved by each Sailor. ESSEX spent an incredible 161 out of 183 days underway during this deployment. Though every Sailor gave his unselfish best to make ESSEX ' WestPac a complete success, this book is dedicated to the family and friends we had to leave behind. IT WestPac m Table of Contents I The Voyage Embarked Co 200 Deployment Map 182 An hibious i 202 Port Visits 186 Assault Cra: 232 VIP Visits 192 EOD Mobile I 248 A Day on ESSEX 193 Seal Team 256 New Shipmates 194 Fleet Surgi( 260 Tiger Cruise 196 HC-11 SAR Dt 274 Welcome Hcane 198 TACRON Elevt 4 History of ESSEX 6 The Voyage Begins 10 PHIBRON Five 12 Commanding Officers 15 Executive Officers 17 Command Master Chief 1 8 Wardroom 19 Chief s Mess Ship Company 20 34 50 76 78 90 94 ijadroii Five 110 kJnit Five 118 It Five 124 130 Team One 144 % Five 148 158 i( n Jiil: AIMD Department Air Department C4 Department Combat Cargo Deck Department Dental Department Engineering Department Executive Department Medical Department Navigation Department Operations Department Religious Ministries Repair Department Supply Department And so it came to pass tha Amenca was yoimg. While struggling to establish economic and political stability under her new constitution, the United States faced continued tlireats from French naval forces against a new and , thnvingmanhmeindustr . To protect these interests. Congress passed several acts to establish a token ; naval force; and on June 30, 1798, the act which enabled ESSEX to be built came into being. This act r allowed the President to accept vessels of war from private citizens on the credit of the United States hTrespoiisetothisaction,23dtizemofSalem,Massachusettsopeneda ' TatrioticSubscripti 17, 1798 to build a vessel of war for the United States of America. On October 25, 1 798, a meeting of the sponsors of the first ESSEX was held to determine the type of vessel to be built. From the Salem Gazette of October 26, 1798 came the following announcement which read in part: At a meeting in this town on Tuesday last, of those gentleman who have subscribed to build a ship for the service of the United States it was voted unanimously to build a frigate of 32 guns, and to loan the same to the government... A month later, the frigate ' s builder, Enoch Briggs, advertised for shipbuilding materials in a ringing appeal: Take Notice! Ye sons of freedom! Step forth and give your assistance in building the frigate to oppose French insolence and piracy! Let I every man in possession of a white oak tree feel ambitious to be foremost in hurrying down the timber to Salem... where noble structure is to be fabricated to maintain your rights upon the seas — and make the name of America respected among nations of the world! Your longest and largest trees are wanted... four trees are wanted for the keel, which altogether will measure 146 feet in length, and hew 16 inches square. Please call on the subscriber, who... will pay the ready cash. TliefrigatewaslaunchedonSeptember30,1799,beforeacrowdofl2,000people.Theexpectedwar with France did not materialize, but in the War of 1812, the fii t ESSEX compiled a record of battle untxiualed by any other man-of-war and by the close of 1813, ESSEX was the only vessel of worth to be operating (aU others liaving been captured, damaged or sunk). Tlie second ESSEX, an ironclad steamer, was built in 1856 for use as a feny. Originally NEW ERA, she was renamed ESSEX following purchase by the War Department on September 20, 1861 . She was assigneddutywiththeWestemFlotilla,anorganiza- tion maintaiiied, operated and controlled by the : Army, but commanded by a Naval officer She participated in action against the Confederate , i forces on the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers, Iailminating in the caph.ire of Fort Henry Tennessee, a battle in which she was seriously damaged. After extensive repairs, she returned to duty and saw - ' -li pSSSi action at Vicksburg and Baton Rouge before being s i3 fSm . . a legend was horn... decommissionai on July 20, 1 865. Tlie third ESSEX, a wooden-screw steamer, was- built by the United States at East Boston, Massachu- setts, and was commissioned at the Boston Navy Yard on October 3, 1 876. Regarded as one of the finest sliips of the fleet, ESSEX saw action with the North and South Atlantic Squadrons and on tlie Pacific and - .. -r-; Asian stations. She returned to New York via the Suez ■' •— ' ' ■' ™i ' i ■' canal and was placed out of commission in May 1889. She was the designated as a training sliip. ESSEX ■spent the next 1 4 years at Annapwlis and then was lent to the Naval Militia of Ohio and evenhiaUy was assigned to the Naval Reserve of the State of Minnesota before being stricken from the record in 1930. Most recently, an aircraft carrier (CV 9) carried the name ESSEX into duty as the lead ship in a class of World War II aircraft carriers. Commissioned in December 1942, she reported to the Pacific Fleet following shakedown cruises and embarked on a series of victories that would take her to Tokyo Bay. As flagship of Task Force 1 4, C V 9 struck Wake Island in October 1 943, launched an attack on the Gilbert Islands and participated in her first amphibious assault (against Tarawa) in November, then moved on to the Marshall Islands, Truk and the Marianas, Saipan, Tinian and Guam in early 1944. After her first overhaul, she returned to the Pacific, continuing her frontline action. In late 1 944, for the first time in her far-ranging operations, ESSEX received injury. A kamikaze hit the port edge of her flight deck, landing among planes gassed for takeoff, causing extensive ■. • ' damage, killing 15 and wounding 44. In the closing days of the war, ESSEX took part in the final telling raids against the Japanese home islands. She was decommissioned in 1947, then modernized and recommissioned in 1951, with a new flight deck and streamlined superstructure. As flagship for Carrier Division 1, she was the first carrier to launch twin-engine Banshee jet fightere in support of U.N. troops in Korea. She was reclassified (CVA 9) on October 1, 1952. saw duty in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets in the late 1950s. In 1960, ESSEX was converted to an ASW support carrier, reclassified (CVS 9) and participated in various NATO exercises. On October 22, 1968 she recovered the Apollo 7 astronauts in the Atlantic. She was decommissioned July 30, 1969. Overher27yearcareer,ESSEXwascreditedwithsinking92anddaniaging217shipsand destroying i 1,564 aircraft. The Navy ' s top ace of World War II, Medal of Honor wiiiner Commander David McCampbell, flew from the deck of ESSEX, shooting down 34 enemy planes. She received the Presidential Unit Citation and 13 battle stars for World war n service and flie Navy Unit Commen- dation and four battle stars for action in Korea. % ,1 -A % Ai t ' i !!ri - . A i-A ii m s nderway! Nothing is I tougher than to hear those words at the beginning of a WestPac. Leaving loved ones, family and friends behind to defend our nation ' s interests is a bittersweet reality for Sailors and Marines. Amidst tears, last-minute hugs and promises of I ' ll be home soon, the crew of ESSEX left June 22, 1998 to put themselves in harm ' s way. While the entire crew was focused on the task that lay ahead, none could for- get who, or what they were fighting for. The hardest part, as always, is the tears. ik u AMPHIBIOUS Co mmodo re Larry W. Nelms SQUADRON FIVE aptain Larry W. Nelms was born in Farmington, Missouri. He holds a Bachelor of Science de- gree from Southwest Missouri State Uni- versity in Zoology and Chemistry and a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. He entered the Navy through the Aviation Officer Candidate Pro- ram and was designated a Naval Aviator 1 May 1972. His first assignment was with Helicop- r Anti-Submarine Squadron FOUR, The lack Knights, embarking in USS ICONDEROGA (CVA 14), USS KITTY AWK (CV 63) and USS RANGER (CV 61). I December 1975, he reported to Helicop- n Anti-Submarine Squadron TEN as an istructor pilot and COMNAVAIRPAC H-3 ATOPS evaluator. His next tour, in Au- ust 1978, was as Air Boss aboard USS enver (LPD 9) where he earned his Sur- ice Warfare Officer (SWO) designation, ollowing the USS DENVER, Captain Nelms Hended Naval Postgraduate School where e received a Master of Science degree in anpower. Personnel and Training Analy- is. In December 1 982, he reported back to elicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron OUR, where he served as Administrative, Maintenance and Operations Officer while deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). Subsequently, he served in Washing- ton D.C. as Chief of Naval Operations Flag Idministrative Aide to OP-12 (Total Force Programming and Budgeting Division). Captain Nelms reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO, the World Famous Golden Dragons, as Executive Officer in December 1986 and assumed command in May 1988. Th e squadron was awarded the Battle E and CNO Safety award during his tour. Following his command tour, he re- ported to COMNAVAIRPAC in November 1989 serving as Helicopter Training and Readiness Officer. In March 1991, he re- ported to USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) as Executive Officer. During his tour, the ship replaced the USS MIDWAY (CV 41) in Yokosuka, Japan. In August 1992, CaptainNelms attended the Industrial Col- lege of the Armed Forces (ICAF), in Wash- ington D.C. Following ICAF, he reported to COMNAVAIRPAC as Assistant Chief of Staff for Aircraft Carrier Training and As- sessment (N7). Captain Nelms was Commanding Of- ficer of USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) from January 1 995 to November 1 996. The ship was awarded the Battle E and Safety Award during his tour. He reported as Operations Officer (N3), AMPHIBIOUS SQUADRON THREE in January 1997. He reported as Commanding Officer (Com- modore) of Amphibious Squadron Five on May 15 1997. Captain Nelms ' personal awards in- clude the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Ser- vice Medal (3 awards). Navy Commenda- tion Medal (3 Awards), Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Ku- wait). COMMANDING Captain Anthony L. Winns OFFICER aptain Anthony L. Winns is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. Graduat- ing with distinction from the United States Naval Academy, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in June 1 978. He completed initial flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida and advanced naviga- tortraining at MatherAFB, California where he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in January 1980. Following initial P-3 training at Patrol Squadron THIRTY-ONE (VP-31), Captain Winns was assigned to Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii in July 1980. Flying the P-3B MOD aircraft, he served as Legal Officer and Aircraft Division Officer. He completed two de- ployments to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and detachments throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In January 1984, Captain Winns was assigned to the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, D.C. During this tour, he served in the Aviation Junior Of- ficer Assignment Branch as Fixed Wing Initial Assignment Officer and VP Com- munity Shore Duty Detailer. In April 1986, Captain Winns reported aboard USS FORRESTAL (CV 59), homeported in Mayport, Florida, as Op- erations Administration Officer. He quali- fied as Fleet Officer of the Deck Underway and Tactical Action Officer, and deployed to the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, and the North Atlantic Ocean. Following this tour, Captain Winns attended the Na- val Postgraduate School in Monterey, Cali- fornia. He graduated with distincti on in December 1989, earning a Master of Sci- ence Degree in Financial Management. After refresher training in Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30), Captain Winns reported to Patrol Squadron FIFTY-SIX (VP-56) at NAS Jacksonville in June 1 990. During this assignment, he served as Special Projects Officer and Administra- tive Officer, and deployed to Keflavik, Iceland. In March 1 991 , Captain Winns reported to the Staff of Commander, Patrol Wing ELEVEN, where he served as CNO Spe- cial Projects Officer. He served as Execu- tive Officer and Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron ELEVEN (VP-11) from August 1992 to July 1994. Patrol Squad- ron ELEVEN deployed to Sigonella, Sicily and Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and was awarded the coveted Battle E , Golden Wrench (4th consecutive), and numerous unit awards. From August 1 994 to March 1 995 Cap- tain Winns was assigned to the Roles and Missions Staff of the Chief of Naval Op- erations in Washington, DC. He served as Executive Officer aboard USS GUAM (LPH 9) from August 1995 to December 1996 and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. Captain Winns reported aboard USS ESSEX (LHD 2) in December 1996 as the ship ' s Executive Officer and assumed command as Commanding Officer in May 1997. Captain Winns has been awarded three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service awards. COMMANDING OFFICER l aptain Stephen D. Gilmore, USN, a native of Canton, Ohio, attended the U.S. Naval ' Academy, graduating in June 1974. His initial duty assignment was to USS BAGLEY (FF-1069) where he served as Damage Control Assistant and First Lieutenant from November 1974 to January 1978. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Naval Military Personnel Com- mand where he was ADP Section Head for officer and enlisted detailers. During this Wash- ington tour, he was also a White House Social Aide for President Jimmy Carter. After attending Surface Warfare Officers School Department Head course, Captain Gilmore served as Combat Systems Officer on board USS ELLIOT (DD 967) from February 1 981 to December 1982. His department Head split tour was as Engineering Officer on board USS SCHENECTADY (LST 1 1 85) from April 1 983 to December 1 984. Captain Gilmore then attended the Royal Australian Staff College in Sydney, Australia from January to July 1 985 and was then assigned to the staff of Commander Amphibious Group THREE from July 1 985 to July 1987 as Flag Secretary. From October 1987 to June 1989, Captain Gilmore served as Executive Officer, USS GERMANTOWN (LSD 42). After his Executive Officer tour. Captain Gilmore attended the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, and was subsequently assigned as the Assistant Surface Commander Assignment Officer at the Bureau of naval personnel from June 1 990 to January 1992. He assumed command of USS TORTUGA (LSD 46) in July 1992 as her second Commanding Officer. During this tour, TORTUGA completed her first Mediterra- nean deployment and conducted humanitarian relief operations off Haiti. In June 1994, Captain Gilmore assumed duties as executive Officer, Surface Warfare Officers School Command in Newport, Rhode Island. Captain Gilmore then reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in May 1996 as the Branch Head for the Planning and Integration Branch within J8. Captain Gilmore assumed command of ESSEX on November 19, 1998. Captain Gilmore is entitled to wear the following awards: Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (gold star in lieu of fourth award), Navy Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of fourth award), Joint Unit Commendation Medal, Navy E Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Coast Guard Operations Ribbon. Captain Stephen D. Gilmore EXECUTIVE OFFICER native of Montclair, NJ, Captain Connelly graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and Lwas commissioned an Ensign in June 1976. In ipvember 1977 he was designated a Naval Aviator. ■' r pon completion of his initial P-3C Orion training at W trol Squadron THIRTY-ONE, he was assigned to I ! t trol Squadron FORTY-EIGHT from June 1978 to pi. lime 1981. Captain Connelly participated in three estern Pacific deployments and detachments in sup- ort of fleet operations. Captain Connelly was assigned to the Office of le Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) from 1981 to 984 and served in the Systems Analysis Division and s Staff Assistant to the Director, Naval Warfare. . He reported to USS MIDWAY (CV 41) in Septem- !er 1984 and served as Assistant Navigator, General •JUarters Officer of the Deck throughout his tour and as designated Command Duty Officer (Underway), aptain Connelly next served as Assistant Mainte- ance Officer and Administrative Officer while as- signed to Patrol Squadron THIRTY-ONE from May 1986 to October 1987. In December 1987 Captain Connelly reported to Patrol Squadron EIGHT where he com- jleted deployments to Rota, Spain and Keflavik, Iceland while serving as the Safety Officer, raining Officer and Operations Officer. Assigned to OPNAV from January 1990 to August 1991, he served as Assistant Branch lead of the Western Hemisphere Plans and Policy Branch within the Politico-Military Policy and lurrent Plans Division. Additionally, he was assigned as the Assistant Branch Head of the East sia Pacific Branch and Lead Action Officer for the Philippine Base Re-negotiations. He oncluded his tour by serving as Aide and Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval perations (Plans, Policy and Operations) during Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT TORM. Captain Connelly completed a one-year assignment as a National Security Fellow at the loover Institution on War, Revolution and Peace, Stanford University. In September 1992 he Imported to Patrol Squadron FORTY-SEVEN as Executive Officer and assumed command one sar later. Following command. Captain Connelly was assigned to the CINCPACFLT staff as the PA PU Operations Officer until reporting to USS INCHON (MCS 12) in August 1996, serving as 1ie Executive Officer until his transfer in April 1998. He reported to USS ESSEX (LHD 2) in July 398 and is currently serving as Executive Officer. Captain Robert J. Connelly ■J■,s::v ■-- ; : . .T?7■■?•.■. ■,T.j.-;jgt ai EXECUTIVE OFFICER ivMfe- aptain (Select) Douglas Whalen is a native of Michigan, where he was drafted Into the Army In 1971. After a tour In Vietnam, he was discharged In 1 973 and attended Michigan State University, graduating In 1976. Commander Whalen then at- tended Navy Officer Candidate School in 1977 at Newport, Rl, where he was commissioned an Ensign. Sea assignments Include Engineer Officer, USS IMPLICIT(MSO-455); com- missioning Main Propulsion Assistant, USS CALLAGH AN (DDG-994); Engineer Officer, USS ROARK (FF-1053); Engi- neer Officer, USS MOUNT VERNON (LSD-39); Main Propulsion Assistant, USS NEW JERSEY (BB-62); Executive Officer, USS MOUNT VERNON (LSD-39); Commanding Officer, USS COMSTOCK (LSD-45); Executive Officer, USS ESSEX (LHD-2). Shore Assignments consist of Engineering Readiness for Commander, Naval Surface Group Long Beach, CA; Readiness Officer, CINCLANTFLT Det South, Fort Amador, Panama; Executive Officer, Assault Craft Unit Five. Personal decorations Include the Navy Meritorious Service Medal (2), Navy Commendation Medal (4), Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. Commander Douglas Whalen 1 r COMMAND MASTER CHIEF aster Chief Gamiao was bom in January 1952, in the Republic of the Philippines. He J . enlisted in the Navy in January 1973 and attended Recruit Training in San Diego, California. ! = ollowing basic training, he reported aboard USS ' flkmerica (CV 66) where he made two cruises to the } yiediterranean. In May 1975, he completed Yeoman ■' A School at Naval Technical Training Center Me- i| 1dian, Mississippi where he graduated meritori- I 3usly. In November 1 976, Master Chief Gamiao was trans- ferred to the Armed Forces Examination and En- ' trance Station in Los Angeles, California. In Febru- ■ary 1981, he reported aboard USS LOCKWOOD (FF , 1064) homeported at Yokosuka, Japan where he r served as the ship ' s secretary. He was promoted to . Chief Petty Officer September 19, 1983. In May 1984, I tie was ordered to the Staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet Human Resource Management Support Division. During his tour, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration I degree from Waylan Baptist University. In January 1988, following a six-month tour as a student at the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas, Master Chief Gamiao reported to the Staff of Commander, Carrier Group 7, as Assistant Flag Secretary. He made three Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf deployments aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68), USS MIDWAY (CV 41), and USS RANGER (CV 51) for operation DESERT STORM. Master Chief Gamiao reported aboard USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) as Command Master Chief ! in March 1 991 . Soon after reporting on CLEVELAND, he deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean Persian Gulf and made two South Pacific cruises including four Pananma Canal transits. In October 1997, Master Chief Gamiao took on the duties as USS ESSEX (LHD 2) Command Master Chief. Master Chief Gamiao ' s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal. Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, (three awards), the Navy Unit Commenda- tion, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy E ribbon (two awards). Good Conduct Medal (five awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (eight awards), Kuwait Liberation Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait). YNCM(SW AW) James Gamiao Wardroom TOP: The WestPac ' 98 ESSEX Wardroom. ABOVE: ESSEX Academy graduates. RIGHT: Another fine wardroom function. BELOW: The Mustangs got there the hard way and made the difference each day. CPO Mess TOP: The WestPac ' 98 ESSEX Goat Locker. ABOVE: New Chiefs grin for the camera. LEFT: Departmental LCPO ' s looking their best. BELOW: Water? We don ' t need no stinkin ' water... Having fun in Jebal All. AIMD cment CDR. M. A. KANTOR Department Head .he mission of AIMD is to provide a range of intermediate repairs on a . variety of aircraft components in order to sustain self-sufficiency in replen- ishing supply stock with fully operational equipment for the embarked Air Combat Element. Additionally, the unique repair talents of this department have expanded in the area of Amphibious Ready Group Interme- diate Maintenance activity (ARIGMA), allowing support for both surface and aviation units operating with ESSEX ' Amphibious Ready Group. Department manning consists of a Limited Duty Officer, 2 Warrant Officers, 6 CPO ' s, and approximately 60 enlisted personnel. During deployment, AIMD is augmented with 60 Marine personnel. This group of highly trained professionals, commonly referred to as the AIMD Blue Green Team, are able to support a 31 aircraft complement consisting of 6 differ- ent types, both fixed-wing and rotary. IM-lDivtsion CW04 TOWLE CW02 SELLERS AVCM FAUE AZCS KRENN AMSCSMALLWOOD ATCS ZIMMERMAN PR1 ACEVEDO AS1 DOCKEN AK1 DUNGO AMS1 FERNANDEZ AE1 PEREZ AK1 SANCHEZ MIDDLE: Group pictures of IM-1. LOWER LEFT: Cdr. Kantor gives pass down to CW02 Sellers, Senior Chief Kline, and IVIaster Chief Faue. IM ' lDivtsion AZ1 SHEPARD AZ2 DORAL AK2 MACALMA M-l is made up of thn separate work centers, eac .with its own branch office Maintenance Administratic performs all administrativ functions for the departmer Here, all the correspondence typed, routed, and filed. Production Control, tl nerve center of the departmen coordinates and controls tf maintenance effort. Material Control ordei and receives test equipmei parts and other non-aircra repairables. Quality Assurance Tecl nical Publication Library is tf watch-dog for the departmen monitoring the maintenance e fort to ensure safe, correct mail tenance procedures are used I obtain the highest quaiit workmanship. AZ2 STENSTROM AZ2 WALSH AZAN TANZ AZAA DAVIDSON TOP: AVCM Faue is very happy to assist AZAN Tanz on the computer. LEFT: ATCS Zimmerman and AE1 Perez go over QA documents. IM.-2Dtvtsion ADC FRANCO AD1 BROWN AMS1 CARMODY AD1 SINGSON AMHI TADIARCA SGT AYALA SGT BURLEW SGT GONDAR SGT GONZALES PR2 KNIGHT AMS2 MAREINA SGT MOORE SGT NELSON AD2 RICHARDSON SGT RODRIGUEZ AD2 VAN SHAICK RIGHT: ADAA Villa and Cpl. Raimer check the pub on how to do the maintenance on the equipment. MIDDLE: I M-2 gath- ers together. M O ' J 5m AMS2 WALKER CPL CABRERA CPLCALLIHAN CPL CANNON CPL CRUZ AMS3 ELLIS IM ' lDtvtston I t-2 Division pro-vides Ivirdwarc and mainte nance to tiic ship ' s aircraft, enabling them to carry out their missions. Sailors and Marines are the most impor- tant tools in the seven work centers which support the embarked squadrons. From engines to tires, and bellcranks to life support equipment, the POWER HOUSE of ESSEX is ready to answer any call for help. L GARCIA •L ITURRIZAGA L MARCONI MS3 MEDOVICH L MOORE .D3 PEREZ CPL RAIMER CPL SHATTUCK LEFT: AMS2 Mareina NDI ' s a piece of equip- ment that needs to be done right away. IM-2Dtvision AD3 SOTO CPL TAYLOR CPL THOMPSON CPL VOSS CPL ZERVIS PRAN FROST LCPL HARVEY LCPL JEFFERYS LCPL RIGHTNOUR AMHANSEILER LCPL STOLTENBERG LCPL WOLFE ADAAASPIRAS ADAA THOMAS RIGHT: AMS3 Ellis tries to concentrate o his job while AMS1 Carmody gives in- struction FAR RIGHT: LCPL Jefferys mends Chief Franco ' s coveralls. lM-3Division AOCS KLINE AT1 DICKENSON A01 GILLES SSGT BISCHOFF AT1 HOMEWOOD AT1 MCGEE M3 Division per- forms the trouble jfcshooting, mainte- nance and complete repair of aircraft elec- tronics and weapon armament systems. This mixture of avi- onics ordnance tech- nicians ensures a top quality product and outstanding customer service to the em- barked squadrons and other ships in the ARC. AT1 ROARK AE1 ROBINSON SSGT SVENDSEN ET1 ST. DENNIS SGT ANDERSON SGT BROWN AT2 COLLIER SGT GREEN LEFT: The division gets together and says Liberty! lM.-3Diviston AT2 KELLER SGT RADKE SGT REAVES SGT RENARD CPL BARNES CPL BARRETT CPL BAXA CPL CARTER CPL CLARK CPL COX ABOVE: LCPL Neely and SSGT Bischoff trouble- shoot electronic equip- ment. RIGHT: AO Marines are busy making sure all gear is up and running. I II lM-3Division AT3 ECHOLS AT3 JARRETT CPL MAST CPL MURRAY CPL PASICHNYK AE3 PIGGEE CPL STALLMER CPL STROCHANSKY CPLWEIKERT CPL WILLIAMS iXi W l ' Mf LEFT: SGT Radke and CPL Williams work on electrical equipment that needs to be done ASAP. IM-SDivtsion LCPL DORN ATAN GAINES AOAN KNOTTS LCPL LINSACUM ATANMENDOZA LCPL NEELY LCPL ORTIZ LCPL PACK ATAN SIMMONS ATAN SPEARS LCPL TATE PVT COOPER ABOVE: AT2 Keller super- vises GPL Barret while he troubleshoots equipment for repair. RIGHT: GPL Garter has a grin on his face because he ' s almost done with his work, and he ' s about to go to chow. ff IM-4Dtvision ASC MAY AS1 BRANAM AS2 DELACRUZ SGT HOLCOMB AS2 HUBILLA AS2 JOHNSON AS2 MULVANIA AS2 PACLEB AS2 RAMOS () air support without 9 ground sup- ptirt and tlie strong arm of ESSEX are two slo- gans that describe Sup- port Equipment (IM4) Division. We maintain all ground equipment to make an aeronautical system operational. This encompasses the ships mobile fire fight- ing equipment, aircraft crash and salvage equip- ment, forklift material hand ling equipment, air- craft towing tractors, mo- bile power generators and aircraft servicing equipment. Without question, there is no job the divi- sion cannot handle. AS2 SANTOS AS2 THOMPSON AS2 WONG ASS ANDRADE LEFT: The men of IM-4, the Backbone of AIMD. lM.-4Division TOP: ASAN Serrano completes maintenance work on the Flight Deck Scrubber. RIGHT: AS2 Ramos and ASS Qiu trouble- shoot the Manlift for discrepencies. FAR RIGHT: ASAN Francisco doing corro- sion treatment on the 4k EE forklift. lM ' 4 Divtsion LEFT: AS2 Pacleb fills up the NanCart with Nitrogen to support the ACE. AIR CDR KEY LT PATTO Aircraft H T SKIFF Officer ABFCM MCGEHEE Department LCPO fssex Air Department is responsible I for the safe and expeditious execu Jtion of a iation operations for the Am- pliibious Readiness Group. Tlieir job is to assist in the deliver) ' of tlie Marine Expeditionar) ' Unif sairassetsand ordnance to arrive on target, on time, even ' tin e in support of national secu- rity ret]uirements. Tliis is done through the meriailous execu- tion of aircraft nnovements on the Right Deck and Hangar Bay, aircraft launches and recover- ies, control of flight operaHons and sequencing of aircraft within fi ' e miles of the ship, fire fighting and aircraft sahage operaHons as well as fueliiig of aircTaft and assault veliicles. VlDtvtston -1 Division is comprised of 64 , personnel. They have one of the most respected jobs in the Navy, ranging from aircraft han- dUng, directing, tractor and crane operations; as well as rescuing crew members and salvaging burning aircraft. Working long days and nights, flight quarters seems like an ever-going evo- lution. To go along with the long hours of plane handling, V-1 yellow shirts have an ongoing process of qvialifying blue shirt in a wide range of subjects. From flight deck observation, chock chaining, to elevator operator, the list goes on and on. ABHC VASQUEZ ABH1 PETTWAY ABH1 TARDUGNO ABH1 TAYLOR LT CONLEY RIGHT: ABH2 Flournoy launches a Har- rier. ABH2 ANDERSON ABH2 ANIES VlDivision ABH2 CARRASCO ABH2 FLOURNOY ABH2 VALLE ABH3 DOWNING ABH3 ENGLISH ABH3 FITZMORRIS ABH3 GEIER ABH3GUNN TOP: Everybody works hard when tying down birds. LEFT: V-1 Division: Yellow shirts, Blue shirts , Red shirts. ViDivision ABH3MACIAS ABH3 MARQUEZ ABH3 MCKINIGHT ABH3 SANCHEZ ABH3 WESTON ABHAN BYRD ABHAN FLEMING ABHAN HAWORTH ABHAA CHATHAM ABHAATRAUGHBER ABHAR WHITE AN EZCAMAN AN GADDIS AN HERNANDEZ RIGHT: Crash Salvage gather around P-16 to evalu- ate a fire drill. TOP: ABHC Rossi, ABH3 Weston, and ABH2 Flournoy compile administrative informa- tion. LEFT: AN McCain ABH3 Gunn take a breather after a long day of flight operations. VlDtvtston k i y iiZi r w TOP: Harrier Row. RIGHT: Blue shirts after a hard day of moving and securing aircraft during exhaustive flight ops. YlDivision ARDIAZ AR GOTTULA AR HAGER ARHURNDON AR HUSBANDS ARJACOBORUIZ ARORDONIA AR PADILLA AR SNYDER AR STREB TOP: ABH3 Weston in- structs AN Hernandez on elevator operation. LEFT: ABH1 Tardugno brings in a CH-53 for a safe landing aboard USS Essex. L.=r V3Diviston 1 LT. JOUHAL ABHC BARDENAS ABHC JOHNSON ABH1 TORRECAMPO ABH2 JONES ABH2 TRINIDAD ABH3 HAWKINS ABH3 JENNINGS ABH3 JIMENEZ ABH3 PARDO ABH3 RYKTARSYK ABH3 SIERRA ABH3 YEE ABHAA ESPINZOA AN DAVENPORT AN DURANTE RIGHT: When it comes to an aircraft move, ABH3 Yee, AN Hittner, and AN Williams know how to get the job done. Y3Division Ihe Hangar I3a s main mission is to . supportembarked troopsand squadron per- sonnel for up keep of the embarked 31 aircraft. V-3 Division provides the movement and spotting ofmaintenanceaircraftin a safe and expeditious manner. Additionally, the Hangar Bay is often used by the crew as a gathering place and supports better qual- ity of life for the crew. AN FUCHS AN GARZA AN GRIFFIN AN HOLLOWAY AN MICHALSKI AN POLLARD AN SUMAYAH TOP: V3 gathers to- gether. LEFT: AN Pollard, AN Griffin, AN Yambao, and ABH3 Hawkins know how to look good for the camera. V3Dtvtsion I AN WILLIAMS AN FERRER AN HITTNER AA BELANDRES AAMALDONADO AA PORTILLOBACA AA YAMBAO TOP RIGHT: Another typical Friday in the Hangar Bay. RIGHT: So this is what they mean by turn to . Y4Diviston -4 Division personnel, affection r ately known as the Grapes , are the pace-setters for the Air Depart- ment. Always a class act, they are respon- sible for the often volatile Aviation Fuels System. Whether its pumping JP-5 to aircraft on the Flight Deck, ships boats, support equipment or Marine Corps vehicles, V-4 can always be counted on to do an out- standing job. These hardworking individuals put in countless hours at sea to support operations. The men of V-4 work hard and they love to play hard when the liberty bell sounds. LT HENDERSON ABFC JONES ABFC ANDERSON ABF1 BERGADO ABF1 RAVENS ABF2 SMITH ABF2 CAMAGONG ABF2 GRAYER TOP: The mighty Grapes LEFT: Refueling is a team effort. Y4:Dtvision ABF2T0MADA ABF2 BAKER ABF2 NOWLIN ABF3 CREWS ABF3 MATTEWS ABF3 PEAH ABF3 COSEY ABF3 ARQUILLANO TOP: Flightdeckers have a meeting of the minds in flight deck control. RIGHT: The BelowDecks crew. Y4tDivision ABF3 OSTERHOUDT ABF3 ROBINSON ABF3 FLINGA ABFAN MORRISEY ABFAN ROBINSON AN TRAPSI AN DILL AN FRANKLIN AN CASTILLO TOP: Bestowing the hose after topping off a CH-46. LEFT: Cleaning of the JP-5 purifier is one of the many duties of the pumproom operators. V Division AR ARROYO AR BURT AN JORDAN AN SAMAYOA AR COLLETT AR CROSS AR GLOVER AR HERNANDEZ TOP: With hundreds of valves to choose from, the right ones need to be opened for correct operation of the JP-5 system. RIGHT: Another Cobra AH-1 topped off. W Division TOP: AN Jones shows the air crewman a JP-5 fuel sample, while fueling. LEFT: ABF3 Flinga sends sevice to the flight deck. C4 evanment LCDR MILLER Department Head LT D. SALTER EMO FCCM VASQUEZ Department LCPO t 4 Department consists of seven divisions and is responsible for all Command, Control, Communi .- cations, and Computers in the ship. Data Systems maintains and repairs all tactical and non-tactical computer systems. Electronics Repair maintains and repairs all communi- cations systems, radar systems, and performs micro min- iature electronic repair. Interior Communications operates and maintains all telephone, sound-powered phone, announcing, alarm, in- ertial navigation and aircraft landing systems. Fire Control operates and maintains all weapons-re- lated radar svstems, all air-defense missile and gun sys- tems and all electronic warfare systems. Radio operates all line-of-sight communications, sat- ellite communications, and computer networks. Marine Tactical Communications Systems opera tes and maintains the Position Location Reporting System, Ma- rine computer networks and all Marine communica- tions systems. Weapons Division performs all ordnance related func- tions for the ship and embarked Marines. Each division in the Department plays an integral part in the command and control of the ARG and in the defense of the ship. He?.37 Bl I CD • • g 1 g, ion I I D, or Data Systems Division, is staffed  fc with professional tech- nicians whose job it is to main- tain all computer systems and electronic display equipment on board. Whether tactical, non-tactical, SNAP, lT-21 or JMCIS, the professionals of CD Division keep ESSEX con- nected ENS WILLIAMS RIGHT: CD Division group photo. Just happy to be here! DSC ADVERSALO DS1 BARR DS1 BERGER DS1 BURNS CVDivtston DS1 AMBRECHT DS2 GOMEZ DS2TRAUSCH DS2 VIZCAINO DS3 CARLIN TOP: DS3 Wilson and DS2 Trausch trouble shooting the OJ- 451 (V)9. MIDDLE: DSC(SW) Adversalo at quaters. BOTTOM: Happy to be here . CDDivision DS3 HAMILTON DS3 RANDELL ET3 STEWART DS3 WILSON TOP: Hey, Bring on the shwarmas and the belly dancer.!! MIDDLE: DS2 Ambrecht trouble shooting the UYH- 3. BOTTOM: First Class OS ' s coallition. CEDruision ENS GRAHAM ETC SOLLAZZO lE Divison is comprised of 20 Electronic Technicians responsible for the preventive and corrective mainte- _ ' nance of the ship ' s electronic radar, navigation and communications systems installed on Essex. Our communications workcenter maintains ESSEX ' abil- ity to transmit and receive secure HE, VHF, UHF, EHF and SHE tactical and administrative messages, as well as the ship ' s eight satellite systems, such as POTS, IMMARSAT and Sailor Phone. The radar workcenter maintains all surface search, navi- gation, 2D air search, air traffic control and precision control approach radars. Navigation systems consists of the Global Positioning Satellite system which is used to provide accurate ship ' s position information. In addition, they maintain the Tac- tical Air Navigation system used to provide ships location to in-flight aircraft. ETC WALLACE ET1 MIKEALSON ET1 RICHARDSON ET1 SKILLRUD ET2 CABRERO ET2 CURRIER ET2 DUCUMMON ET3 FIELDS LEFT: Proud to serve, Happy to be here. CEiAinston CEDivision ET3 THORNSON ET3 WILLIS ET3 WOJCIK ETSN WEBB TOP: Papa Smurf and his entourage. MIDDLE: Another one bites the dust. BOTTOM: Hey guys, how is the satellite recep- tion now. CEDwision f it flies, it dies. That ' s the motto of CF Division. Composed of Fire X ontrolmen and Electronic Warfare Technicians, CF Division is charged with the self defense of the ship, encompass- ing 2 surface-to-surface air missile sys- tems, tv ' 0 fire control radars, three auto- mated gun mounts, a passive and active electronics warfare antenna, and torpedo countermeasures. Within the realm of CF Division ' s equip- ment, operators in the Combat Informa- tion Center (CIC) can detect, localize, target and destroy a threat to ESSEX within a matter of seconds. FC1 WEBB FCI ENSTAD FC1 FIELDS FC1 LONGUEPEE LTWILGENBUSCH FCC EDWARDS EWC TUOVINEN EW1 SOMERVILLE FC2 ASHLEY FC2 BACKARIC FC2 DUCRAY RIGHT: FC3 McLemore positions the RAM missile for loading. CFDivision FC2 MCHUGH FC2 PIFER EW2 REYNOLDS FC2 RYLAND FC3 COUSINO FC3 COX CFDwision EW3 DRESHER EW3 GRZYBOWSKI FC3 JONES FC3 LAVIGNE FC3 Le DUG EW3 LEYVAS ABOVE: Safety, baby, yeah! ABOVE: EW2 Reynolds and EW3 Leyvas on watch in CIC. CFDivision TOP: RAM Missile on its way to a target. LEFT: Birds away! QDwision fj division is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the ..•h-iterior Communications systems on board USS Essex. The systems include navigational equipment, interior voice com- munication switchboards. Ship ' s Informa- tion, Training and Entertaiiinient System (SITE), and all alarm and warning systems. Tlie navigational equipment allows for the safe navigation of the ship. Interiorcommunicationsswitchboardscon- trol all internal voice communications capa- bilities and ensure the smooth flow of criti- cal information. SITE TV allows us to broadcast crucial infor- mation and training as well as provide the crew with entertainment wliile inport or vmderway. AH alarm and warning systems, which are monitored at various remote sta- tions tlirovighout the ship, allows for the safe operation of vital engineering equipment. ENS FENDRICK ICC SEWELL IC1 BURNETT IC1 VERA IC2 CHORD IC2 HOADLEY FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: IC1 Burnett, IC3 James, IC2 Hoadley, IC3 Brisentine, ICFA Whalen, IC2 Sullivan, IC3 MalnardI, IC3 Kello. BOTTOM ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: ICC Sewell, ICIVera, IC3 Simmons, IC2 Legarda, IC2 Khounnoraj, AND IC2 Chord CjDivision TOP: With great atten- tion to detail, and a keen sense of aware- ness, IC3 James at- tempts to troubleshoot a defective piece of equipment. BOTTOM: During his daily routine, IC1 Burnett attempts to hone his computer skills while conducting normal business on OMMS. CJDivision ABOVE: As IC3 Brian Mainardi gazes atten- tively, ICC Sewell in- structs him on the intrica cies of the PMS tagout system. CRDivision S V |tt|B| ■1 1 r ' pp 1 1 1 i B B l « p w « y fi i he CR Division is responsible tor provid- ing and maintaining reliable, rapid and - secure external communications in sup- port of all Commanci and Control requirements for ESSEX, embarked staffs, and tenant com- mands. The Radioman and Data Processing Techni- cians of CR Division provide three separate ser- vices. Joint Message Center, which processes all data messages; the Technical Control Facility, which establishes and maintains the external com- munications path for all shipboard circuts; and the Data Processing Center, which maintains vi- tal shipboard LANs. Jointly, all three areas work in tandem to provide ESSEX with the premier communications suite on the waterfront. LTJG SANDERS W02 GAITHER MCS WARD MC EUGENE MC MCCONKEY Ml TROY M1 DOYLE M1 HIDALGO TOP: Have computer.... Will fix!. BOTTOM: CR Division, the best communicators on the water front.. CRuwision RM1 JACKSON RM1 JOHNSON RM1 MOORE RM1 SCHNEIDER RM1 WEBB RM2 BERRY RM2 BLACK RM2 CARNES RM2 CLERICO RM2 GARDNER TOP: I hope we have the right pose for this picture... BOTTOM: Hello Mr. President, RM2 Man- ning has been standing by waiting for your call. CRDiznsion RM2 GUZMAN RM2 HOLT RM2 KIRKSEY RM2 KNIGHT RM2 LOWE RM2 MANNING RM2 MASON RM2 MERLIN RM2 MILLS RM2 RODRIGUEZ TOP: Hey, this isn ' t my account! BOTTOM: At last, e-mail is up. What a way to start the day! CRDtvision RM2 ROSE RM2 THOMAS RM3 BLANTON RMS BRIGGS RMS CANTRELL RMS CARTER RMS GATES RMS COLLINS RMS COPOUS RMS DECARLO RMS DUBOSE RMS GULLABA RMS HINDMAN RMS HLADE RMS KIMBRELL RMS MILLER RIGHT: Hey Lowe - you almost have Tetris - two more blocks to go. CRDivision RM3 PAYNE RMSN GRIEGO RMSN HODGES RMSN JASPER RMSN McWILLIAMS RMSN MERCADANTE RMSN PIGFORD RMSN PLUMLEE RMSN THOMPSON RMSA SHELTON BOTTOM: Just show me the money ! That ' s all - just show me the money RIGHT: Hi mom , it ' s not just a job. CWDivision iW is composed of four different workcenters, Avia-tion Ordnance Control (AOC), Flight Deck Ord-nance, Weapons Assembly team, and the Ar- mory. AOC is responsible for the ordering, accounting and inventory of all ordnance on board Essex. Flight Deck ordnance personnel issue all ordnance to the Air Combat Element (ACE), and act as safety observers during all weapons handling evolutions on the flight deck. The Weapon Assembly team is responsible for the safe issue, storage, receipt and assembly of various weapons. The Armory is composed of six Gunner ' s mates. They are responsible for the upkeep, maintenance and safe opera- tion of all small caliber weapons on board Essex. CW Division performs flawlessly as one team, assur- ing full mission readiness. This is where you will find the Best of the best. lYAOYAS GMC ELMER A01 FUENTES A01 BUSH GM1 DEGEORGE I CW03 STEMLER AOC RILEY A01 MARTINEZ A01 NEPOMUCENO A01 POE A01 SMITH RIGHT: Mess with the best, die like the rest! I YAOYAS III CWDivision TOP: ESSEX Bomb Assembly Team: A01 Nepomuceno, A03 Tenorio, A03 Duran, A03 Castro, A03 Jacobsen, A03 Cain, AOAN Jennings. LEFT: A03 Tenorio and A03 Duran shows how team work really really pays off. RIGHT: ESSEX Ordi- nance Control: All work and no play.... CWDivision r A03 BLACK A03 CAIN A03 CASTRO A03 CROMER A03 DRAKE A03 DURAN A03 FORTIER A03 GODFREY A03 HARRIS A03 JACOBSEN TOP: A01 Poe, A01 Nepomuceno, and A01 Martinez hangin ' loose. RIGHT: Hey you, get some BOOM!! say ' s the Gunner ' s Mate CWDiznsion A03 JANSSEN A03 KING GM3 LAYMAN A03 OTIS A03 PUGH A03 ROBERTS A03 RODINA A03SICKELS A03TEN0RI0 A03 VAUGHN, E. TOP: Ready on the nose, ready on the tail, lift!!! LEFT: ESSEX Missile Shop -- A01 Smith, A03 Woodham, and AOAN Capps - oh, and A03 Sickels in the back. Don ' t mess with us CWDivision A03 VAUGHAN, J. A03 WILBURN A03 WOODHAM AOAA CAPPS AOAA GROSS AOAA JENNINGS TOP: Without ordnance, it ' s just another unsched- uled airline flight. RIGHT: Hey, aren ' t we supposed to be building bombs right now ? CXDbision J LEFT: SSgt Canedo GQ pose in the night lights of Hong Kong. RIGHT: Capt IVIcCamish and LT Bardot kayaking in Thailand. SS I CWDiuision m A03 VAUGHAN, J. A03 WILBURN A03 WOODHAM AOAA CAPPS AOAA GROSS AOAA JENNINGS TOP: Without ordnance, it ' s just another unsched- uled airline flight. RIGHT: Hey, aren ' t we supposed to be building bombs right now ? X Division, also known as Marine .- Tactical Com- mand and Control Sys- tems (MTACCS) is a per- manent shipboard com- munications nucleus for theembarked Marine Ex- peditionary Unit. RIGHT: Group photo- graph of MTACCS. GySgt Hope, Capt McCamish, and SSgt Canedo CAPT MCCAMISH GYSGT HOPE SSGT CANEDO J 23 FEBRUARY 1945 OLDaOBYWAUAiltDON THIS JITEBYMEMBEW OF THE 2nd Bn.?8rh fcqt FIFTH MARINE DIVISION LEFT: SSgt Canedo GQ pose in the night lights of Hong Kong. RIGHT: Capt IVIcCamish and LT Bardot kayaking in Thailand. LEFT: GySgt Hope on top of Mt. Suribachi, Iwo JIma. CombatCargo his deployment ' s Combat Cargo team was made up of dedicated, hardworking b. Marines and Sailors. The flight deck team were responsible for the safe loading and unloading of all troops, mail and cargo from the helicopters. The Well Deck team handled the Upper and Lower vehicle decks. They were respon- sible for maintaining a safe and secure area for the loading and unloading of troops, cargo and vehicles aboard LCACs. Personnel and equipment safety was always a top priority during every evolution. Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of these Marines and Sailors, Team ESSEX once again proved her mettle. CAPT DAWKINS Combat Cargo Officer MIDDLE: I thought that there were only three musketeers. RIGHT: During an abondon ship drill Lcpl. Agular is caught making fun of Sgt. Rose ' s broke finger. First Row: Sgt Oestreich, Cpl Raj, Lcpl Streb, LCpl Marotta, LCpl Harbison, Cpl Damron, Sgt Rose Second Row: Pfc Hurtado, Cpl McCarter, Cpl Gooden, LCpl Fleck, LCpl Godsey, LCpl Rodriguez, LCpl Bejarano, Cpl Aguilar, LCpl Pan Third Row: Cpl Szymula, Cpl Garza, LCpl Rumsey LCpl Hartman, LCpl Wilson, LCpl Brown, Pfc Whelai CombatCargo irst Row: LCpl Harris, Sgt Haigler, LCpl Pereyra, MSN Vigil, AD3 Soto, Cpl Olsen, LCpl Aguilera, Cpl Cook, DKSN Matacruz, AK3 Jones, Cpl ■odriguez :econd Row: Cpl Cannon, Cpl Santillan, Cpl hillips, Cpl Webb, LCpl Singh, LCpl Johnson, LCpl lUtts, Pfc Bobbins, Lcpl Clark, ASS Andrade, LCpl yordlaw hrid Row: LCpl Rush, Cpl Hale, BMSN Cooks, hpl Hansen, LCpl Sager, A03 Black, Cpl Peck MSGT IGNACIO GYSGT CHUMBLEY SSGT MENDEZ TOP LEFT: Friends Forever, Cpls. Santillian, Perez, and Hale. TOP RIGHT: After a hard mornings vertrep. FAR LEFT: Sending it all back, PH3 Pylarnos hooks up during a retro- grade. LEFT: Hard at work during a vertrep. Deck CW04 KOVAR Ship ' s Boatswain BMCS WRIGHT Deck LCPO ork hard, play hard. That ' s the motto ( f the hard-charging deck ' department team - work hard un- derway, and play hard on liberty. Deck Department consists of First and Second divisions. First Division is in charge of the Foc ' sle, OOD stations, and ESSEX ' two 40,000 lb. anchors. Second Divison is in charge of all small boats and the well deck. Both divisions unite to perform underway replen- ishments and LCAC LCU operations. Deck department is involved in every underway bridge watch team including OOD, JOOD, JCX)W, CIC, BMOW, Helmsman, Lee hlelmsman, and kx)kouts, making us key players in the ship ' s navigational team. Both divisions turn to daily conducting maintenance and preservation that keep ESSEX looking itsabsolute best. Buteven through all 183 days of exhaustion, hard work and stress. Deck Department iiad its fun along the way. T IstDivision ] St Division supports several evolu-tions that are carried out - on ESSEX, in addition to main- taining a stringent daily routine. These include: watch standing, flight operations, small boat, well deck, UNREPs, refueling other ships, and anchoring and mooring. It is also the responsibility of 1st Divi- sion to assist in the overall shipboard preservation, and that has truly re- flected the great pride and profession- alism of ESSEX and the crew that sails her. Asa vital part of Deck Department, 1st Division is a focal point of knowledge, professionalism and dedication. BM1 GORDON BM1 POWELL BM2 HAYNES LTJG FIELDEN BMC LEWIN BM1 CROSS RIGHT: Our Family Portrait! IstDtviston BM2 KELLEY BM2 MEDBERY BM2 SCHMIT BM2 VARGAS BM3 CHEN BM3 KOO BM3 MICHELS BM3 SALVIO TOP: LTJG Fielden demonstrates her hula hoop strategy. LEFT: DeckDept. prepares Station 1 to give fuel to USS JARRETT. IstDivision BMSN HOWARD SN BAUMAN SN CARMONA SN ESSIENTE SNHARROLD SN HUGHES SN JOHNSON SN LEWIS SNMERRYWEATHER SN MILLER TOP: BM1 Cross and his trusty shellbacks show off their flexing skills. RIGHT: BM3 Koo goes for an LCAC ride. IstDivision SN RAMIREZ SN SPRUILL SN VIGIL SA CARTER SACAVAZOS SA DENNY SA HARRIS SA KRAUS SAMATHENY SN BRYAN TOP: Are we ready for this UNREP or what? LEFT: Did you guys see those girls pass us bbbbbbby? IstDivision ABOVE: One, two... Lift!!! 1st Division turns two . LEFT: These guys were always ready when these words were passed; Now set the anchor detail . IndDivision ENS SWAIM BMC FAHEY BM1 BEYER BM1 EDWARDS BM1 FUKUCHI BM1 MINES f one was to take a stroll around the -ESSEX on almost any given day while un- derway, they would see 2nd Division in action. From the well deck to the RHIB davit to the fantail, all members of 2nd Division strive to make ESSEX the best amphibious ship in the Navy. During LC AC opera- tions, 2nd Division works together to safely launch and recover LCACs. If a man were to fall overboard dur- ing the night, the boat crew, led by 2nd Divi- sion, would man up the recovery boat and re- cover the man. The Boatswain ' s Mate rate is the oldest rate in the Navy. Pip- ing, fancy work, han- dling lines and taking part in honors and cer- emonies all display the pride of 2nd Division. iakM m TOP: BMC Fahey and BMCS Wright look on as ESSEX conducts another flawless UNREP. LEFT: CHOCK one up for another successful LCAC recovery. IndDivision TOP: BM2 Hill and his UNREP detail await to come along- side . RIGHT: Small boat operations are in progress in the Well Deck. mm. IndDivision SN ALCAZAR SN ALMEIDA SN BROBST SN COLMAN SN COOKS SN EASLEY SN ESSIENETE SN JOHNSON SN ORLANDI SN OSUNA TOP: BMSN Amezcua enjoys a birds eye-view of Singapore. LEFT: Are we manned and ready yet? 2nd J wisbn SN VEGA SN VELAZQUEZ SN WONG SA ESTRADA SA FLORES SA HENRIQUEZ SA HODGE SA PENSON TOP: SN Johnson from downtown durring ESSEX 3-on-3 tournament. CENTER: Just look- ing like straight up tourists in Thailand. RIGHT: Chillin ' at the park on a Sunday afternoon. IndDivision SR SPRY SA SOLLE SR FREEMAN SR ZAPOLI TOP: LT Marker does his best to ensure the local citizens of Singapore know how friendly we Americans are - notice the smile... CENTER: Just kickin ' it with my homies and my friends. LEFT: Master P , Silk the Shocker and Deck Dept. are BOUT IT Dental o nt i« aBi LCDR ROBACK Department Head ihe mission of the USS Essex Dental Department is to pro ide comprehen- - sive dental care for almost 3,000 Sail- ors and Marines. The ship ' s dental staff consists of one dental officer and four Dental Technicians. When the Marines embarked the dental staff was augmented with one Dental Officer and one Dental Technician from MSSG-15. The de- partment is outfitted with three dental oper- ating rooms, one surgery suite, t vo modern dental X-ray units, and a prosthetics labora- tory. ESSEX ' dental capabilities included Endo- dontics, oral surgery, operative, preventive dentistry, and limited Prosthodontics. We keep the Sailors smiling and give the Devil Dogs their bite! JDentalDivision MIDDLE : DT3 Joyce compares root canal files for the next patient, BOTTOM : DT1 Wash- ington asks about a set of x-rays he just took on a patient. DentalDivision MIDDLE: DT2 Gonzalez gets ready to clean this patient ' s teeth . BOTTOM: DT3 Rodriguez takes a patients blood pressure while LCDR Robacl anrl nT1 Innk nn EngmeenngDepartment •W !.- LCDR R. J. Lyon Department Head LT. T. West Main Propulsion ssistant MMCM RAMOS Department LCPO e true heart of ESSEX is the Engi neering Department. Providing the - steam to propel the ship, power elec- trical generators and maintaining auxiliary systems in a high readiness condition, re- quires constant vigilance and attention to detail. Through strong desire, initiative and determination the Engineering Department team performed flawlessly on ESSEX ' most demand ing WestPac in her history, and com- pleted it casualty report free. The exact- ing standards adhered to on this deploy- ment demonstrated to the entire Fleet that when it comes to the IRON GATOR, there are no limits to what can be accomplished. I EN1 BRADSHAW EN1 BROWN MM1 GONZALES MM1 MORRIS MM1 RODRIGO MM1 SAUQUILLO EM1 WEBB MM2 BELANTES MM2 CABRAL MM2 DELOSSANTOS TOP: This Sailor is way too happy. RIGHT: Diesel Shop - We pull the load when others can ' t. ADiviston Y EN2 HENDERSHOT EN2 ROWLEY MM2 SPENCER EN2 VOGELEY he Auxiliary Division kept the air conditioning plants cold, _L the small boats pvirring, and the elevators cycling. The Machinist Mates, Enginemen and Electrician ' s Mates formed a cohesiveunit that maintained, operated and repaired countless pieces of equipment throughout the ship. Tliis equipment was essenHal not only to the primary mision of ESSEX but also to the health and comfort of the crew. As anyone could tell you, hot water and cold air conditioning make a big difference in the life of a Sailor! MM2 WARRAS EMS AHANSAL EM3 CROCHET MM3 ENRIQUEZ EN3 GILLESPIE MM3 HUGHS EN3 KING MM3 McCASKILL FAR LEFT: AC R Shop - MM2 Belantes sweats so you stay cool. LEFT: Battery Shop - Looking good takes priority. ADivision MM3 NAJADERA MM3 NAOTOLA EN3 PINKNEY ENS SANTOS FN BROWN FN CARVALLO FA EWING FA FLAHERTY FR GONZALES FN IZOBO MMFN JESSMAN FALE FA MARQUEZ FR MEDINA RIGHT: Hydraulic shop - manned and ready at all times. ADivision LEFT: Compressor shop - MM3 Hughes, MM1 Roberts, MM3 Nojadera operate the anchor windlass. EDtvision • Division is responsible for pro- H viding electrical power — throughout the ship, perform- ing preventive and corrective main- tenance on main propulsion electri- cal and distribution systems, and w orking on galley, laundry, ventila- tion and air conditioning units. They are also responsible for main- tenance of all flight deck lighting systems as well as 400hz distribu- tion systems. The division is overall responsible for shipwide electrical safety. LTJG LEE CW03 KELLY EMCS MERRIFIELD EM1 BALANZA EM1 BEDNORZ EM1 DIZON EM1 MACABASCO EM1 ONDEVILLA EM1 RANKIN EM1 SASPA EM2 ALIHAN EM2 BASTA RIGHT: EMs rewind one of the many motors to keep ESSEX and the accompanying Amphibi- ous Ready Group Ships running during deployment. EDiviston EM2 COLOMA EM2 ELEVADO EM2 ISAAC EM2 LONGORIA EM2 QUAiZON EM2 TANA EM2 VASQUEZ EM3 ANAYA EMS BONILLA EM3 CHRISTISON EM3 CLARK EM3 GANN EMS METZGER EMS MILLER FAR LEFT: After coils are set and wrapped, the motor is tested and ready for dipping . LEFT: EMs lower a finished motor into dip tank. E 1 % • • ■S fc. ' i § EM3 NAPUTO EM3 PARKER EMS PETERS EMS SORIANO EMS WYSOLZANSKI FN BACON EMFN CAPARAZ EMFN CARTMELL EMFN THOMPSON EMFA ABRAHAN EMFA NAVARRO FA NELSON FA ORDINARIO EMFA SANDERSON EMFA SATAUA FR McKENDRICK RIGHT: How many EM ' S does it take to change a light bulb? FAR RIGHT: Cus- tomer Service and Safety are Priority One at Tool Issue! ■FlDivision LTJG POST MM1 BABCOCK MM1 ORE MM1 SONS tire water... and a lot of both is 1 what it takes for ESSEX to steam over 34,000 miles during a six- month deployment. Yet, even more impressive are those who have to work in the spaces which create the fire, water and steam. Often unnoticed, these snipes work long hours which can make days seem like weeks. These individuals have the know-how and the ability to fix, main- tain and operate every single system in the Forward Main Machinery Room MM2 BAGGS MM2 HINDS MM2 SIMS MM2 YAZZIE MM3 EVANS LEFT: MMCCarr orders plant status, MM1 Morris reviews the log, and BT2 Tooley does hand gestures: I love this place, you see! PlDivision MM3 FEW MM3 JEANTETE MM3 LYDECKER MM3 MAJORS MM3 MASSIE MM3 MENAOBANDO l IM3 RAMOS, N MM3 WILLIAMS FN BECKETT FN BEST FN COOK, B FN HOLLIMAN FN JACKSON FN MARTINEZ FN MILLER RIGHT: MMS Hughes doing cross-training In Forward EDG Room. FAR RIGHT: Auxilliary rover MMFA Gonzales tal es a breal . Can ' t wait for some liberty! PlDtvtsion FA ADAMS FA BOUBEL FA JOHNS FASHERBERT FR COOK, T FR COOKS FR FARINAS FR GAGNON FR LYNCH FR VAN HEMERT TOP: MM2 Baggs, ship ' s Oil King, holds training with his disciples, FN Miller and FN Martinez. Safety is paramount when handling chemicals. Proper use of pro- tective gear is always a must. LEFT: FN Howard, qualifying as a Boiler Console Operator. Tedious studying and hands-on training will qualify him on this watchstation. FlOwiston ' ' ork, work and more work.. .That ' s the Hfe of a snipe in the Aft Main Ma- chinery Room. Much as in Forward, the engineers in Aft keep the number one boiler and aft main engine operat- ing at peak efficiency. With constant equipment pres- ervation, maintenance and repair, of- ten in temperatures exceeding 110 de- grees, P-2 Division proved its worth every day during WestPac. ENS BRYANT MMC ULLMAN MM1 DELEON MM1 MASON MM1 RITUMALTA MM1 SCOTT, T MM2 ALLEN TOP: BT1 Ritumalta argues with his detailer: I ' m not an MM, I ' m a BT! RIGHT: MM2 Scott, MM3 daywalt and MM3 Tran brush up on their upcoming exam. No cheating, guys! V lDivision k lK TOP: The Goodfellas. Can you find Waldo the Engineer?. LEFT: BT3 Boyd reading his bible BCO EOP. Ah... Well, I think this is it... OOPS! PlDivtsion ABOVE: MMFN Albert, The Deckplates Master, qualified from Messenger to MM Lower Level during the deployment. TOP: MM1 Scott gives instructions to MM2 Scott, BT2 Jenkins and BT3 Patterson... yea, yea, yea. ABOVE: MM1 Scott negotiates his order on the telephone while MM2 Scott (middle) and BT2 Jennings work on a crossword puzzle. P2Division MMFN KAMARA MMFN MAOZiAR MMFA CLARK MMFR PITTS MMFR TAPIAORTEGA FN BENOIT FN FISHER FN ROACH FRDEW FR VAUGHN ABOVE: MM3 Jackson tells sea stories to MM2 Scott and BT2 Jenkins. Yeah, I ' ve been there and done that. RIGHT: MM3 Allen does a RMS check on a C02 bottle. ExecutiyeDevartment LCDR ZENGOTITA Department Head Tlie Executive department is multi- faceted and provides a wide ar- .. ray of services to the crew. The department consists of several ratings which provide services that include person- nel support, career counseling, law enforce- ment, safety, shipboard repair and associated tracking, legal services, printing and drafting, educational services and general administra- tion. Each workcenter is staffed with profession- als who take pride in providing first-rate ser- X-lDivision -1 Division includes the Administra-tive Office, the Per Lsonnel Office, and the Captain ' s yeoman along with the Command Career Counselor, the DAPA, the Safety Office, the Print Shop and the 3M coor- dinator. Education programs ranging from Navy advancement tests to college course credits are also coordinated through this division. This eclectic group of essential services are performed by a varied and talented group of professionals who work together to provide the best customer service in the Pacific Fleet. LT CURTIS ENS GREER PNCS JONES i EMCS SANTOS YNC GAINER PN1 APONTE AS1 BAUTISTA TOP: EMCS Santos, the 3M God. RIGHT: AS1 Bautista files safety reports. X-lDivtston NC1 BOYER BM1 JOHNSON BM1 MCNEILL LI1 SNIDER YN1 STEINLY PN2 BORERRO TOP: PN2 Garcia works the phones while PN1 Aponte turns and burns. LEFT: YNSN IVIartinez tries to figure out what ' s going on in the Admin Office! N - Si  ■X-lDivisiofi YN2 COOPER YN2 GARCIA RIGHT: ENS Greer doing what DivO ' s do best... You figure it PN2 GARCIA YN2 WIGGINS DM3 COLLETON YN3 GWINN XADivismT PN3 HARRIS YN3 HAUGER YN3 KUYKENDALL PN3 LAMY YN3 PAGE YNSN MARTINEZ LISN SMITH PNSN WAYMIRE TOP: Observing the buddy system, and hangin ' in Hong Kong. LEFT: LISN Smith cuts paper in the print shop. X-2 • • a - l ion I Ihe Security Division in ESSEX is a multi-faceted organization, tasked  with a myriad of different respon- sibilities. First and foremost is the safety and security of ESSEX, her crew and the assets contained therein. In addition to physical security and law enforcement, ESSEX Security Divi- sion has gained the respect as one of the front runners in force protection afloat in the Pacific Fleet. Although, to protect and serve has been the police officer ' s motto for years, on ESSEX we prefer our motto — Shipmates helping shipmates . MA2 VAN LUE MA2 GOMEZ MA3 DAVIS ENS JOHNSON ' ?? ' . MA1 MEDINA LN1 MILLER w mm i ' A yv-. i M - ( 1 « ■1 1 91 -5%f[ . ' ■5 1 : .. ABOVE: It ' s hard to believe, but MA ' s actually do smile. X-lDivision MAC DECENT MA1 ANDREWS MAI MORSE ABOVE: An outing in Hong Kong, but without a Bullseye, these guys get lost! MedicalDepartment i CDR WALL Department Head T he Medical Department performs ESSEX ' secondary mission - that of - hospital ship. As the centerpiece of the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), ESSEX is the primary casualty receiving and treatment ship. Responsible for the medical care of over 5,000 Sailors and Marines, she possesses one of the largest medical facilities afloat, second only to the Navy ' s dedicated hospital ships. Equippeti with a complete medical and surgical staff, ESSEX is able to provide health care comparable to many large hospitals. The full compliment of ancilliary services includes: two x-ray rooms, a laboratory with blood banking capabilities, three surgical suites, an intensive-care unit, a general medicine ward, a full-services pharmacy, a central steriliza- tion room, and a daily sick-call. The Medical department , ever vigi- lant, lives by its motto, Standing by, ready to assist. Huivtsion LT PHILLIPS LT ROSSI HMCS IGNACIO HMC LOPEZ TOP: Doc Wall get some pointers from LT Wilkes. CENTER: Where ' s the space bar on this thing? RIGHT: HN Boral checks a Marine ' s vital signs. HDivision HM1 MCCLINTOCK HM1 NIEMI HM2 BACALSO HM2 DUBE HM2 CARBAUGH HM2 GATTUSO HM2 HALL HM2 TRAMMEL TOP: HM1 Neimi, The Bug Avenger! MIDDLE: HM2 Trammell checks the status of patients in the Ward. LEFT: HM2 Hall performs an EKG on a patient.. HDivision HM3 LYMES HM3 PEREZ HM3 ROGERS HN ALBERT TOP: What do you think? I think he had chili for lunch. RIGHT: HM2 Gattuso tries to look busy, but we know better. HN BORAL HN BORKERT HN PRATHER HN PYLE TOP: Even Corpsmen can do those really tough DC tasks - Quick, here comes the DCA! LEFT: HN Pyle hands HN Borkert one of the more than 2300 health records maintained in Medical. Navisation LCDR GABION Department Head avigation Department is com prised of two of the oldest ratings in the Na y, namely the QM and SM ratings. Their main jobs are to ensure the safe passage of ESSEX in her traxels, and all external visual communications with other naval and merchant vessels. Even though the tvvi ratings have very different job descriptions, our de- partment has come together as one team, each lending a distinct capabilitv to the department as a whole. Whether it is shooting bearings while entering or leaving port, sending tactical signals to maneuver the ships in the ARG or laying tracks to take us to our next destination, the professionals in ESSEX ' Navigation Department can be relied upon to provide the best ser- vice in the Fleet. NAVutvision TOP: Fun on liberty. w, ABOVE: Just think - we know how to use all this. FAR LEFT: Some good times I with old and new- found friends. , LEFT: The pointy end is that , way Sir. mi HSfAVD • • • ivtsion QM3 LINDEMANN QM3 LOUGHERY LEFT: A little training is the key to our sucess. BOTTOM LEFT: En- joying time off with friends. BOTTOM RIGHT: Any one know where we left the ship? NAVDivision NAVDivision SMSN MACIAS SMSN NIXON LEFT: Sigs daily fruit allowance. BOTTOM LEFT: Gas! Gas! Too slow. Some- one call the Vet. He is foaming at the mouth. BOTTOM RIGHT: Stand by your bag - signal in the air. OpeTati-onsuepartmen t 1 CDR Mark Donahue Department Head perations Department makes it hap- pen! Essential to every mission that ■ESSEX conducts. Operations depart- ment personnel are involved in all stages of the planning process from initial formula- tion through final execution. Some of the key responsibilities that fall on the talented people in Ops Depart- ment include: scheduling and coordination of all events, devising and executing tactical strategy, gathering and disseminating op- erational and signal intelligence, control- ling fixed wing and rotary aircraft, predict- ing the weather, and providing journalistic and photographic coverage of all events. The nerve center of every amphibious exer- cise, both on the surface with LCACs and in the air, is within Ops Department. We fight the war! Comprised of five divisions totaling just over 100 personnel. Operations Department ' s highly skilled warfighters have been major contributors to ESSEX ' many accomplishments, most notably in the 1997 Battle E award. The Aerographer ' s Mates, Air Traffic Controllers, Operations Specialists, Cryptological Technicians, In- telligence Spedalists, Journalists, and Pho- tographers Mates who make up the Ops department epitomize the talent and dedi- cation of Team ESSEX. I OADivision A Division Aerographers provide fuU- spec-trum operational and tactical meteorologi-cal oceanographic (METOC) support to ESSEX Amphibious Ready Group staffs and ships in company. ESSEX METOC support is provided 24- hours a day consisting primarily of hourly sur- face weather observations and upper air sur- veillance using weather observers, shipboard automated sensors, and radiosonde balloon launches. Local weather briefs are provided for Navigation briefings, LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushion) operations, and numerous other Navy Marine Corps operations. Capable, timely, and precise, OA Divi- sion provides the best weather forecasting to mission planners and operational commanders anywhere. „„.««« AG1 BRIGGS AG1 FISHBAUGH LCDR COLUCCI AGC GEORGE AG1 WATSON AGS ENNIS RIGHT: Weather balloon launches give ESSEX up- to-the-minute weather information. OADivision AG3 MBANG AG3 MIDDLETON AGAA GONZALES TOP: The weather- guessers strike a pose. LEFT: AG3 Littleton takes a temperature reading in tine Gulf. Hey, we already know it ' s hot.. 9V oc sion le Helicopter Direction Center is responsible for making the - real-time decisions necessary for safely and efficiently sequencing and separating air traffic. By follow- ing the guidelines set forth in the LHD NATOPS, coupled with the strong abilities of our TEAM ESSEX controllers, the ship ' s mission is per- formed smoothly and with unparal- leled excellence. Working closely with the Air Operations Officer, crucial coordination and decisions are made to make USS ESSEX the safest air traffic control center in the U.S. Navy. AC1 KERBY AC1 LILL AC1 THOMPSON AC2 BATES AC2 MILLARD AC3 CISNEROS MAJ TILLMAN LTALLVORD ACC PALMER S?K kY-3 RIGHT: TheHDC gang finally gets some sunlight OCDivision AC3 HARDING AC3 MILLER ACS SCHEMPP AC3 WARDY ACAN BEASLEY ACAN VAZQUEZ ACAA LYLE TOP: ACS Miller brings another helo in safely. LEFT: Where are they? AC2 Millard l eeps track of all the birds in the air at the plotting table. OljJivtsion ft mbat Intorniation Center, or CIC, is manned by the Opera «-i tionsSpe-cialists of OI Division, and is the true nerve center of ESSEX. The primary mission of CIC is to gather tactical information from the ship ' s radars, voice communications, message traffic, electronic warfare and IFF systems. That information is then pro- cessed, displayed, evaluated, and then disseminated to the ship ' s vital com- mand and control stations so that timely and accurate tactical decisions can be made. CIC is a very busy place, day or night, at sea, and our mission never ends. 0S1 MCDONALD 0S1 SIDES 0S1 STEINMAN LCDR SCHMITT LT LOVERICH OSC DUFFY 0S1 HARRIS 051 TURPIN 052 BURGESS 0S2 CREWS 0S2 GHOLSON RIGHT: OSC Duffy consults with ENS Bryant about ESSEX ' next move. FAR RIGHT: 0S1 Turpin, SWC, ensures ESSEX is ready to meet all threats. 0S2 HORNE 0S2 JARVIS 0S2 MATTISON 0S2 RALLOJAY 0S2 TINGLE 083 BIBBY OIDivision 0S3 ELLISON 0S3 GARCIA 0S3 HARRISON 0S3 HIDALGO TOP: Keeping a sharp eye on the air picture is 083 Jones. LEFT: DV Warfare expert 081 Harris gives one of the many guided tours of CIC. OIDivision 0S3 JONES 0S3 OTWELL 0S3 PENNYCUFF OSS SIERS 0S3 THOMAS 0S3 WAGNER OSSN FRELOW OSSN MOLANO OSSN VARTOUGUIAN OSSN VASQUEZ OSSN WHITE RIGHT: Greetings from the Blue Light Cafe gang. Hey... who ' s that guys still working? wJ r ' OSDiviston LT REUER CTRC CROYLE CTR1 GONZALES CTR1 GOWIN CT01 RUFFING meCTsofOSDivi • sion operate be ' _ hind the green | door of the Ship ' s Sig- nal Exploitation Space (SSES). These special in- I telligence experts pro- i vide real-time locating i data on potential targets ; in direct support of fleet operations. . SSES is able to in- tercept, analyze, and lo- ■cate targets, and also op- ; era tea communications ; suite which enables the ESSEX to maintain se- ; cret, direct, real-time ; communications with i Fleet, Regional, and Na- i tional authorities. CTM1 SHOWALTER CTR2 FREEMAN CTR2 GOLDEN CTR2 HEINZ TOP: CTRC(SW) Croyle doing super secret stuff again? LEFT: The Behind the Green Door People! OSDivisio CTR2 MCLAUGHLIN CTA2 OAKS CTM2 THOMPSON CT03 DANIEL CT03 FORBES CTR3 SECKORA CTRSN COYER CTRSN GINN CTRSN TANNER CTRSA STOLTE TOP: CTA2 0aks scans for threats to ESSEX. RIGHT: A hot threat tip is passed by the CT ' s to the TAO!!! OZDivision rTTihe warfighters of the OZ Division are I comprised of an eclectic group of spe i cialists - IS ' s, PH ' s and JO ' s. IS ' s acquire information from national and organic sources and fuse it into timely, accurate intelligence for use by ESSEX ARG decision-mak- ers. PH ' s provide the organic imagery support for the Joint Intelligence Center by placing cam- eras onshore, in the water, and in the air. They also capture the memories that will last for ever, taking photos of awards, re-enlistments and special events. JO ' s interface between ESSEX and the public media, provide the latest current events to thecrew, and are rsponsible for the number-one entertainment op - tion for the crew - SITE-TV. LCDR HUNT ENS SWEET ISCS NIKOLA JOC UPDIKE ' PH1 ABELL TOP: Intel Officer LCDR Hunt caught by surprise. LEFT: The Intel gang hard at work.... I think. OZDivision 151 MARTIN 152 CAPE IS2 DISENSO iS2 GILDEA PH2 HOULIHAN IS2 LEWIS PH2 LEWIS iAlVi -Vk ABOVE: The folks from the land of OZ gather together. Who has the ruby slippers? IS2 THOMAS IS3 BRELAND PH3 PYLARINOS ISSA O ' BRIEN PHAA PAL LAY TOP: I want the truth! You can ' t handle the truth! Another typical interview for JOC Updike. LEFT: Hey, who ' s taking the picture? The photogra- phers pose in their favorite place - the Snoopy Team bridge. IDR J. R. Fisher partment Head -ir 1 xplore Your Faith. The high seas have H always been the setting for exploration -iand discovery. In the history of man- kind, exploration has lead to the discovery of new lands, an increase of knowledge in sci- entific fields, the wonder of complex technol- ogy and the creation of responsible men and women. The four elements that have contrib- uted to the successes of past explorations are visionary leadership, people of strength, the energy of desire and the support of commu- nity. During WestPac ' 98, the Religious Ministries Department challenged the Sail- ors and Marines of TEAM ESSEX to join them in a journey of exploration. However, the uncharted waters of this journey included the complexities of the soul, the hidden re- cesses of the heart and depth of relationship with one ' s God and community. With the Chaplain Corps Vision State- ment as its guiding star, the Religious Minis- tries Department sought to: Energize Sailors and Marines with hope Mobilize TEAM ESSEX with moral leader- ship Strengthen people through pastoral care Build community among nine commands representing TEAM ESSEX In the years that lay ahead, it is the prayer of the Religious Ministries Depart- ment that members of TEAM ESSEX will warmly reflect on WestPac ' 98 as a journey of faith and discipleship. Chaplain ' sDroision I LT LOGAN RIGHT: Good evening ship- mates, Chaplain Fisher here... Chaplain Fisher giving the evening prayer, ...and may God be a shield of protection over this ship, and guide us safely through the night. Amen. BELOW LEFT: I can take one more question, and then I have to move on! RP1 Manansala always willing to help a ship- mate! BELOW RIGHT: Chaplain Logan celebrates Catholic Mass in the forecastle. RP1 MANANSALA RP3 MORRISON T Chaplain ' sDivision FN SHAHID SN GILLIAM LEFT: SN Gilliam types another Ameri- can Red cross Mes- sage, with a smile on his face! BOTTOM LEFT: What ' s the movie tonight??? FN Shahid and RP3 Morrison rigging for Cinema-at- Sea, Woo-hoo!! BOTTOM RIGHT: Chaplain Logan and FN Shahid take care of a wounded patient in a General Quarters drill. RevaiiDevartment LTJG J.D. Wellington Division Officer epair Department consists of a group of dedicated Hull Maintenance Techni Lcians,DamageControlmen and Machin- ery Repairmen; they are responsible for keep- ing ESSEX habitable, safe and seaworthy. i Our damage controlmen insure all rirefighting systems, from Halon 1301 to AFFF sprinkling systems, are ready to fight any casuality. Additionally, they keep and main- tain all of ESSEX ' damage control firefighting equipment, which is critical for ensuring the safety of the ship. Hull Technicians, known as Jack of all trades , are very versatile and involved in ev- erything from the repair of catastrophic steam leaks to all required welding to maintain ESSEX ' high state of readiness. If you need a lock picked or a safe combo changed, the machinery repairmen are the ones to call. MRs also manufacture, repair and cut needed machinery parts for ESSEX and the additional ARG ships deployed . Repair pumntru HTC LEWIS HT1 BROYLES HT2GR0SSKRUETZ HT2 KLAYKO HT2 LOPEZ HT2 WEEKS TOP:HT2Grosskruetz enjoying another fine Navy; day. i ABOVE: HT1 Broyles shows FN Sullivan the ! reason why water doesn ' t always flow down hill. ' LEFT: HT3 Strader ensuring he has proper posi- . tion before starting to TIG weld. I RepaixDepartment OP: HT2 Lopez doing what he does best, jrning and burning. iBOVE: HTFN IVIilewski and FN Sullivan show leir natural delight while cleaning a CHT pipe. IGHT: DCS Asbell is not quite sure how he got mself into this mess. What HT1 , you want me ' do what? RepaiiDqiartment iW- St R K SSV IKtW ' vf ' DCCS WEBER DC2 ALEX DC2AMAECHI DC2 BARBER DC2 COCHRAN DC2 GENAO DC2 LEONARD DC2 SEIDEL TOP LEFT: DCS Ball.... did your CD player break again? TOP RIGHT: DC2 Genao even the SOY needs rest!! LEFT: DC2 Alex makes sure we keep our water tight integrity up to specs. RepairDepartment DC2 WRIGHT DC2 VICK DC3 ASHTON DC3 ASBELL DC3 BALL DCS BRIGHT DCS PREJEAN FN KECK FN NGUYEN DCFN YAMASAKI AB0VE:DC2 Genao, DC2 Leonard, and DCS Ball re-enlist. LEFT: DCS Prejean restows an FFE. RIGHT: DC2 Vick, DCFN Yamasaki, and DC2Genao have a much needed laugh.... RepamDepartment TOP RIGHT: MM1 Mack contemplates next week ' s valve PMS BOTTOM RIGHT: MR1 Vergara works his magic on the engraving machine. rOP: MRFN Hertel double check- ng precise measurements while nachining a part to complete a job or the ESSEX ARG. ?IGHT: After spending a day on he beach MRS Hernandez puts lis liberty partner to sleep. Flying Left to Right: Top row: CDR Boyd, MRFN Hertel, DC3 Ashton, DC3 Blight. HTI Conyers. HT2 Weeks, HTI Rust, DC2 Genao, EN3 Dolcker. DCFN Yamasaki, FN Nguyen. DC3 Prejean, HTFN KoIskI AMS2 Walker, LTJG Wellington. Front Row: HTFN Merritt. bC3 Ball Anva. EM3 Metzszer. DC3 Asbell. HT3 Fenhrich . LEFT: Number-one Nozzleman demostrates proper crouching tech- nique during training. RIGHT: Number-one Nozzleman an( Team Leader worl together as a tea to advance into the space and to attack the fire. FAR RIGHT: HTI Conyers teachs a possible future Flying Squad membr how to use a Naval Firefighters Ther mal Imager. TlyingSquad DC2 Cochran . CTM2 Thompson. DC2 Amaechi. FN Keck, DC2 Siedel. HT2 Klayko. FN SiilMvan. Middle Row: DC2 Vick. DC2 Leanord. HT3 Paiiin. HM3 Lyons. HTFN Milewski. DC2 Wricht. DCCS Weber. A03 Jacobsen. HT3 Edberg. EM3 Snp-plyDepartnient CDR R. Berube Supply Officer LCDR G. DeVries Asst Supply Officer he USS ESSEX (LHD 2) Supply Department proudly embraces the - motto Ready for Sea . Earning their fourth well deserved Supply Blue ' E ' , each of the nine divisions within the Supply Department stands readv to pro- vide the Sailors and Marines of the ESSEX ARG team with the highest level of cour- teous customer service. Under the lea dership of CDR Ray Berube, the Supply Department exceeds the expectations of all of its customers. Whether it ' s providing IMPAC card ser- vices, serving hundreds of meals from ESSEX ' four messes, doing your laun- dry, operating theGator Pit and vending machines, cutting hair, maintaining pay records and stocking the ATMs, deliver- ing your mail, stocking and inventory- ing over 40 storerooms, managing HAZMAT or running a replenishment at sea evolution and steel beach picnic - the Supply team is always at work for you. The Supply Department plays a key role in maintaining the highest qual- ity of life for the Sailors and Marines, as well as keeping ESSEX ready for per- forming her mission on the tip of the spear during WESTPAC 98. • S-lDivision • -1, or Stock Con trol as it is also called, is the heartbeat of Supply. Stock Control does everything from balanc- ingamillion-dollarship budget, to researching parts. Over 40 divisions on ESSEX depend on S- 1 for their technical needs. S-1 is just one reason thatSupply Department is the Blue E winner. LT BOOTH LTJG BREZOVICK SKC PASILIAO SK1 BASSIG SKI BERNARDEZ AK1 BRUMFIELD SK2 JORGE AK2 KRAMER ABOVE: Anyone got a buffing rag? S-lDtvtsion TOP: AK2, we have to order - these cups! p MIDDLE: SK1 Bernardez goes -g on strike. BOTTOM LEFT: No pictures, please ABOVE: E-mail is up!! S ' lDivision Hhe Food Service Division also - known as Gator Glade, provides over 9,500 quality and well- balanced meals daily to the ship ' s crew and em- barked marines. For the welfare and morale of the crew and embarked person- nel, the Food Service Di- vision, also focuses on special events like steel beach picnics, all you can eat ice cream and pizza socials, and birth- day meals. The incredible work done each day by the Food Service Divi- sion proves ESSEX ' motto of NUMBER TWO ON THE HULL BUT SECOND TO NONE ! LT NORBY I MSCM APOSTOL U MSC NAVARRO K TOP: S-2 group hug. RIGHT: The crew gives S-2 a helping hand, during one of the working parties. MS1 WASHINGTON MS2 LARSEN MS3 RAMOS S-lDivision MS2 BENZ MS2 JACKSON MS2 NAZARETH MS3 FIELDS MS3 JERDAN MS3 ODVINA MSSN MINES MSSN TENEBRO TOP: MS3 Fields pre- pares Essex famous dinner rolls. MIDDLE: MS3 Jordan and his crew take care of the reefers onboard Essex. LEFT: MS2 Nazareth looks on as MSSN Tenebro prepares a meal In the CPO Mess. S-lDivision TOP: MS2 Forkell tries to keep up with the plastics room. RIGHT: S-2Can Do is the team concept for the food service division. SlDivision :. TOP: MS2 Ramos carves f a self portrait in some rm cabbage. iM---.-. BOTTOM LEFT: IVIS1 Abutin gives sanitation inspection to the vegetable k area as MSSN Torres H looks on. S-3Dtviston TOP: The people that make up the great customer service that is S-3. BOTTOM: SH3 Delpesh and SH3 Hart give haircuts to the crew. I S-3 msion SH2 COLON SH2 EALA SH2 MARTINEZ SH2 RICE SH3 CARPIO SH3 DELPESH OP: SH3 Yabut gives a haircut to HMCS Ignacio. BOTTOM LEFT: SH3 Carpio and SH3 ||liranda empty the dryer. BOTTOM RIGHT: SH1 Bouyer hands change to a customer in the lip ' s store. • S ' 3Division TOP: SH2 Martinez and SH2 Rice discuss the breakout for the day. MIDDLE: SH2 Colon prepares to fill the soda machines. BOTTOM: SH3 Singson empties the change machine. LTJG HOLTON DKC BURKLE DK1 LIM DK2 VEGA DK2 PERALTA SADtviston .he S-4 Division is home for the most critical of the Supply Department services ... mail and pay. There is nothing more important to a deployed Sailor or Marine than receiving a care package or letter from a loved one back home. During our WESTP AC deployment, the Postal Clerks on board ESSEX kept morale high by process- ing over 300,000 pounds of letters and bulk mail. The Disbursing Clerks manage a crew payroll of over $2,000,000 a month, with cash disbursements exceed- ing $300,000. Mail and pay are often taken for granted until there is a problem; however, ESSEX ' DKs and PCs are professionals who tackle any problem with effi- ciency and accuracv. DKSN VILLALOBOS DKSN YANG DKSN MATACRUZ LEFT: DK2 Vega and DK2 Perralta fill the ATMs for the crew . S ' 4iDivision j mk. i 1 D V 1 TOP: S-4 division struts their stuff MIDDLE: PC2 coordinates mall call. ABOVE: DKSN Yang, showing the money. RIGHT: PCS Inguanzo laying down on the job. mr - LTJG TIU S-SDivision Hie mission of S-5 is to provide a home away from home for all the embarked Navy and Marine - Corps officers. Also known as Officer ' s Country, we provide exquisite dining and five-star hotel accommodations to 250 officers on board. We serve over 900 meals daily and provide round-the-clock service, which includes daily room clean-up and housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and various other services. With over 250 spaces, we own more real estate than any other department or division on board the ship. Our award winning chefs and Mess Management Specialists routinely provide world class dining and are experts in VIP receptions, which cater to local and for- eign dignitaries. f5f y ' r M i --i - ABOVE: Throughout the deployment, these hard working individuals kept the ESSEX, MEU and I embarked Officers well fed with outstanding meals at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Additionally, I they were responsible for all the services that kept each officer clean and happy during WestPac I ' 98 so Wardroom members could keep their minds on the operations. S-SDiviston TOP: MS1 Parkhill looks on as MS1 Tana makes a great S-5 desert. LEFT: MS2 Holsberg is hard at work preparing liis meal for dinner. RIGHT: MSSN Dickensheet gets help sorting officer laundry. S-SDivision OP: S-5 ' s top dogs take a second to say cheese! ABOVE LEFT: MS1 Tana and MS2 King take are of meal preperations. ABOVE RIGHT: MSSA Gamboa takes his job seriously while sweating ver a hot kettle in the galley. S-6Division The Aviation Stores Division (S-6) is a microcosm of the people aboard _ ESSEX; Sailors and Marines work- ing together towards a common goal while providing the finest aviation logistical sup- port to our customers and embarked units. The Iron Gator AK ' s and Marines set the standards for amphibious aviation sup- port by which every other amphibious ship is judged. AKC HOPKINS AKC LEGASPI AKC FABILA CWO MOLL 1LT COLLINS AK1 CALAGUAS SSGT WALTON AK2 COCHRAN AK2 DAVILA TOP: AK3 Jones is just happy to be here. RIGHT: 8-6 blue green team in their group hug. S-SDivision AK2 DESMEDT AK2 MAMARIL AK2SCHR0EDER SGT GAYLE SOT PAGAN CPLBRICENO AK3 JONES CPL ROCHA TOP: Customer service at it ' s best with AK2 Sciiroeder and CPL Shaw. LEFT: 1stLt Collins takes the time to write a letter to the home front. S-Suwision CPL SHAW CPL WIMPY LCPL RODRIQUEZ LCPL TREVINO AKAN ALBOREZ TOP: AKC Hopkins taking care of business in S-6. ABOVE: LCpl Rodriguez checks a NALCOMIS terminal. ABOVE: Sailors and IVIarines work togetlier for a common goal - Iron gator effectiveness! J I S-6Division CONTRACTING CENTER SINrAPORE f AKAN GEORGE AKAN MARTINEZ AKAA KELSO AN REYES TOP: Some of S-6 enjoy much needed liberty in Singapore. CENTER: AK1 Calaguas wins yet another game of Solitaire. BOTTOM: AKC Legaspi tests the shredder for safety. Good to go . S-SDivision lien it comes to the care of twenty-three storerooms and the inven- tory contained therein, it is not a simple task. S-8 is a blue ' E ' division. We are a small group with a great team attitude. Everybody contributes greatly to the many successes this division has accom- plished. Our motto is pride, professionalism, and excellence. If a job is a must do job, it ' s usually S-8 that gets the call - the job is always done with pride, professionalism, and excellence. TOP: S-8 Division. RIGHT: SKCS Escoto, our fearless leader, says KARAOKE! S ' SDivision — — - Wa . •.-.- H TOP: What did I order again? TOP LEFT: SK2 Walker, I hope those aren ' t feet on that desk. LEFT: Our specialty - Customer Service with a smile ABOVE: It looks like SK2 Rillo and SK3 Gonczy have the RMS blues. S-10 j.  - i %y s LJ 1 1 s I ' Iso known as ' Toxic Aveng- L ers , HAZM AT Division is responsible for receipt, stowage and issue of more than 650 line items of hazardous materials like spray paints, greases, oil, acids, solvents and other chemicals used in pre- ventive maintenance and repair of all critical equip- ment on board. We ensure that these wastes were prop- erly inspected, docu- mented and safe for dis- posal. We are proud to say: We help to keep our environment clean for our sons and daugh- ters to live in. TOP: A Hazardous group indeed! RIGHT: SN Johnson gives a fellow toxic avenger a hand with hazmat. S-lODivision TOP: How can we have three hundred cans of elbow grease? MIDDLE: ASS Sendzik provides customer service from the Hazmat trailer. BOTTOM: Our fearless leader busy on the phone. COMPHIBRON FIVE RIGHT: The Staff Tactical Watch Officer maintains a command and control radio circut log. COMPHIBRON FIVE CW02 MANN OSCM POPEJOY EWCS FLYNN MMCS CABARDO YNCS LAWRENCE GYSGT BOWMAN MSC WARD RMC CARR cm DEVEZA EW1 PASCUAL LEFT: Lt Whiting, RMC Carr and RM1 Wittum seeing the sights in Hong Kong. COMPHIBRON FIVE 0S1 CLAYTON 0S1 WHITE QM1 JOHNSTON RM1 JACKSON RM1 WITTUM CTR2 MCHALLUM CTR2 MILLWOOD CTT2 WORKMAN MS2 HERNANDEZ 0S2 ARINI I TOP: Commodore Nelms ari ' Colonel Zilmer pose for a photo at Mount Surbachi. LEFT: RM1 Jackson, 0S1 White, RM2 Williams, and 033 Cheek enjoy dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe in Singapore. COMPHIBRON FIVE 0S2 QUACH PN2 LUMANLAN RM2 WILLIAMS CTR3 ADAMO CTR3 DAVIS 0S3 CHEEK OSS CLAUSSEN OSS GILLESPIE OSS LONG OSS SLATER YNSROSENSTOCK CTRSN GATES TOP: 083 Gillespie plots the ARG ' s position and determines if it is on the intended track. RIGHT: QM1 Johnston checks his morning message traffic on the local area network. Assault Craft Unit Five V LT B. WALLIS DET-EOIC GSCM ALLEN DET-E LCPO YN1 TUCKER SK1 BUG, ' ssault Craft Unit 5 Det ECHO, ' homebased in Camp Pendelton, CA., L played one of the most important roles during WestPac ' 98. Deployed with the ESSEX ARC are five high-speed amphibious assault Landing Craft Air Cushioned (LCAC), two onboard USS ANCHORAGE and three on ESSEX. Each craft crew consists of six enlisted personnel: a Craftsmaster, an Engi- neer, a Navigator, a Loadmaster, and two Deck Mechanics. Together they bring this awesome 200,000 lb. war machine to life. The detachment ' s Maintenance Team conducts major hull and electrical repairs ensuring the LCACs are always full mission capable. Four 4,000 horsepower gas turbine en- gines power each LCAC, enabling them to attain speeds in excess of 50 knots while fully loaded. With the ability to transport a 75 ton payload at high speeds to over 70% of the world ' s beaches by the element of surprise, the LCAC is indeed the ideal delivery vehicle for our elite fighting force in today ' s modern amphibious warfare operations. ACU-5 ' s motto: No Beach out of Reach It Detatchment Echo LCACASCrew BMC DICKMAN GSM1 PERALTA 0S1 EVERETTE BM2 DAVIS GSM2 ARREOLA FN RICCI MIDDLE LEFT: LCAC 45 ' s top 3 Engineers. MIDDLE RIGHT: Force Recon spray painted on a large box of toys to glorify photo. RIGHT: FN Ricci sitting in as the cool loadnnaster. FAR RIGHT: An engineer ' s work is never done. TOP : LCAC 45 looks tough with Kuwait City in the background. LCAC-61Crew GSEC MUNOZ QM1 CARD GSM2 CLARK BM2 ROSALES GSM2 GARCES FN HOWELL TOP: The only thing LCAC 61 caught after a day of fishing was a pod case of sunburn. MIDDLE LEFT: 61 s Leading Seaman, QM1 Card The Riddler , wondering where the heck they ' re at. MIDDLE RIGHT: Re- laxing after a long day of fishing. FAR LEFT: FN Rambo Szurnicki displays his weapon of choice. LEFT: Is it San Miguel time yet? LCAC-62Crew OSCS BOSSE GSM1 CHOLGER QM1 DENTON BM2 PICKENS GSM2 ADAMSON GSM3 RUTZ MIDDLE LEFT: LCAC 62 and 61 race for the beer, I mean beach. MIDDLE RIGHT: BM2 Pickens, Boats , helps himself to another LCAC ' s mooring lines. LEFT: A Kodak moment as GSM2 Adamson breaks a smile. FAR RIGHT: Badges, we don ' t need no stinking badges! . TOP: Riding high with the boys of Company Six-Two! MedntenanceCrew HTC ROGERS GSE1 BRIERRE HT2 MAYER ET2 KOSE HT2 HULL MM3 THOMPSON HTFN DEFTEREOS HTFN McVEY GSEFN SHIH FA SZURNICKI LEFT: Det Echo Maintenance conducting post WWF wrestling repairs to an Essex space. CENTER: GSEFN Shih looks for stray trons in a breaker panel onboard LCAC-45. RIGHT: HT2 Mayer displays what a little hard work and dedication can bring you. NSWTUESSEX ' aval Special Warfare Task Unit ESSEX provided theC3 y element for all Naval Spe- cial Warfare Assets attached to the ARC. Comprised of threeSEALsand two communicators, the Task Unit provided vital C3 and logistical sup- port to all Special Warfare exercises and operations during deployment in the Fifth Fleet AOR. On Sea, Air, or Land, the Task Unit was poised and ready to com- plete the mission. CDR RUEHLIN LTJG WATSON BMCS YARBRO RM1 TSETHLAKI DS1 FRANZEN TOP: NSWTU gath- ers in debark Control. RIGHT: RM1 Tsethlikai and DS1 Franzen set up por- table communications equipment FAR RIGHT: RM1 Tsethlikai and BMCS Yarbro receive digital imagery via satellite EODMUTHREE LT BRASEK BMC JAKUBIAK ttatched to USS Essex, Explo sive Ordnance Disposal Mo Lbile Unit Three, Det 03. pro- vides ready response in the area of unexploded ordnance, naval mines, improvised explosive devices, and any chemical, biological or radialogical threat. DC1 ENGLEHART BM1 PETERSON QM1 BOYLES QM1 ROSENAK BOVE: QM1 Brad Rosenak demonstrates de nining techniques on Purple Beach in Kuwait. ABOVE: A fly away drill, to the USS Duluth. FLEET SURGICAL hat exactly is a Fleet Surgical . Team (FST)? We are a surgi cal medical augnientation unit consisting of an Officer in Charge C ATF surgeon, a division officer (Medi- cal Service Corps), a general surgeon, a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist, an operating room nurse, an internist, a ward ICU nurse, and various Hospital Corpsmen. The function of the FST is to aug- ment an amphibious ready group or amphibious task force as directed by higher authority. Our platform is usu- ally a large amphibious ship, such as an LHD or LHA. The FST will support military operations, disaster relief mis- sions, fleet exercises and scheduled fleet deployments. HERRMANN LT COOPER LT WEBB CAPT MCDONALD • CDR DIXON LCDR BRADLEY HM1 HERNANDEZ HM2 SLICK HM2 GUEVARRA HM2 WESTBY 1 wk O LEFT: Ward corpsmen with LT Cooper in the ICU ward. TOP RIGHT: FST1 staff take a break from a hard day ' s work to strike a pose. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM LEFT: Lab techs studying blood samples. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM RIGHT: There isn ' t a surgical procedure too difficult for us to handle. TEAM ONE HC-11 C-11 Det5,vvithits compliment of 23 -enlisted and 8 of- ficers, is deployed to oper- ate and maintain two HH- 46D helicopters, which pro- vide SAR 24 hours a day. Pride and professionalism in action... HC-11 Gator SAR Det Five rocks! LT KLINE LT LINCH LTJG JOSHWAY LTJG KEITH LCDR SMITH LT BELL LT HOWELL LTJG ORLOSKY AEC ENRIQUEZ AMH1 BLACKWELL AD1 FERGUSON AD1 MEYERS AMS1 NICHOLSON AE1 ONDARZA AZ2 BRYDEN RIGHT: The crew that lives up to the motto, So others may live . SAR Detachment 5 AT2 DAVIS AK2 DEL VALLE AMS2 ENOS AT2 FLETCHER AT2 HESCOCK AD2 MEDINA AD3 CABRERA AT3 KAMIN PR3 LOPEZ AMS3 MCCAMMON AE3 PULLEN AMS3 SAGADRACA ! B0 VE: The Pit Crew day and night ensures Bide Flare is first off the deck, and last to land. ABOVE: Holiday for the boat, routine as usuaul . TACRON 11 actical Air Control Squadron . Eleven Detachment Four is re L. sponsible for the control of Air Operations, Air Space Control and Air Defense of the three ships in the Essex Amphibious Ready Group. In addition, the detachment coordi- nates air operations and exercises with friendly nations during the deploy- ment. From the tactical perspective, within an Amphibious Operating Area or AOA, the detachment will control air power in the Close Air Support of Marines on the ground and direct air-to-air engagements as necessary. CAPTROLEFF ACC BAILEY IS1 BAUMANN 0S1 MAGNETTA CDR MCCAMPBELL LCDR COLLOM LCDR MILLER LCDR ROTHENBERGER 051 MITCHELL AC2 DELUNA 052 GREEN 0S2 LEWIS RIGHT: Commander McCampbell advises 0S2 Green on the finer points of Harrier control. DETIV AC2KIRVES MS2 MITCHELL AC2 REICH RM2 NELSON YN2WILBURN AC3 ALBO AC3 GORE AC3 MCKAY ACS WARE ACS YAPLE AN DOYLE SN TULP TOP: AC2 Deluna coordi- nates deck hits. LEFT: 0S1 Mitchell on the deck during twilight. CltVCltl - A- s ' cy iiM£ y jL -: '  .- siP CLOCKWISE from upper left: Polynesian dancers put on a great show at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Koko Head Lighthouse on Oahu. The USS Missouri (BB-63) rests next to the USS Arizona (BB-39) Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Chaplain Logan takes in one of Oahu ' s beautiful beaches. Three of ESSEX ' finest posing on another of Oahu ' s picturesque white sand beaches on the North Shore. Scenes like this can only be found in the paradise called Hawaii! History of Iwo Jima: Following the Allied invasion of the Philippines in October 1944, the United States was ready to begin its drive towards the home islands of Japan One of the most important islands we needed to capture was Iwo Jima, (Japanese for ' Island of Sulfur ' ) a forbidding rock of volcanic ash only eight square miles in area. The island was very heavily defended by over 22,000 Japanese troops and strongly fortified against invasion. On February 16, 1945 , a force of eleven American battle- ships and cruisers , supported by carrier-based aircraft , began pounding targets steaming in hallowed wa- ters... At left, ESSEX sails past Iwo Jima. Clearly seen on the southern end of this World War II battle ground is Mt. Surabachi, where the famous scene of the American flag being raised by U.S. Marines took place. Although the ESSEX Amphibious Ready Group did not make a stop here, this image will be long remembered by each Sailor and Marine that went topside and viewed this historic Pacific island. Above, A03 Fortier kneels at the Iwo Jima memorial atop Mt. Surabachi. Fortier was one of a few Sailors and Marines that had the opportunity to go ashore. Commodore Larry Nelms and Colonel Richard Zilmereach took time to recognize the Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice during this short visit. ' Shore. On February 19, 1945 , the Marines began ianding 68,000 troops on Iwo ima. Taking 2,420 casualties the first day, the Marines cut the island in half. On the ifth day, the Marines sent a patrol to the top of Mt. Suribachi , the peak dominating he island, where six Marines raised a U.S. flag. It took several weeks to secure the stand , at a cost of 21,000 enemy killed, and only 212 captured. 18,070 Marines were ounded, and 6,891 Marines paid the ultimate sacrifice to God, their country and he U.S. Marine Corps. HongKong Clockwise from upper left: Ruins of Catholic Churcti on Macao. A famous Hong Kong double-decl(er bus! The beautiful Hong Kong skyline lights up the night Some of Essex ' Chief Petty Officers taking advantage of the great shopping. The Essex ' OS gang taking m the sights of Wanchai. The famous Hong Kong ' Shishi Dog. ' The lights of the old Phil- ippine Consulate attract a crowd on a warm summer evening in Victoria. mM. r •• ' - ■i- j s vigiimami - -:TM -n '  ifiS«rJ? -- fc ' ■■' ■■i ' k 1 - ■■■• M._ S S s: r «—i S==il 5 1 Clockwise from upper left: Another beautiful skyline at night in Hong Kong, as viewed from the top of Victoria Peak. Many people visit the Peak every year, riding the tram or hiking to the top to take advantage of the breathtaking views. The Iron Gator, as seen from a liberty boat, rides peacefully at anchor in I Hong Kong harbor. The liberty boats normally mAooka leisurely forty-five uminutes to get back and forth from Fen wick Pier to the ship. One of many Essex tour groups takes In some of the scenic outer islands around Hong Kong. This scene is most likely at Aber- deen on the south coast of Victoria Island. The famous ' Horse Building ' in Hong Kong attracts locals and tourists alike! How did they ever get the horse up there any- way? Two Essex ship- mates on some well learned liberty in Hong Kong pose for their pho- tographs as they prove that the ' buddy system ' does work - and can be a lot of fun too! ong i)V '  ' T ' j ' - t f • 1 Hi I M '  imn fl ■Jm ICIockwise from upper lleft: Scenic Sentosa Is- land beckons Essex Sail- ors and Marines for lib- erty. Ttie Terror Club at Sembawang provides rest and relaxation for the crew. The famous Singapore Merlion 1 protects inhabitants and visitors alike! A tour group visits one of Singapore ' s many temples. A pedacab provides convenient transportation for three of Essex ' Off leers enjoying a night on the town. Main Space performs for the crew. ThctUand. Clockwise from upper left: An Essex crewmember is silhouetted against a strilcing Thai sunset. One of the odd geological displays near the island of Phuket. A lively group of AIM D Sailors enjoying their jeep tour of the island. One of the many underwater caves found around Phuket. Many Essex Sailors and Marines found the exotic white sand beaches the best place to spend their liberty! Two liberty hounds pose for their picture on a busy street in Patong, the main resort location in Phuket. The Essex as viewed from a departing liberty boat rides serenely at anchor. ■i v lg 10 . ' IHI i - r i 4i ■' ■9 mk _ --- . ■•- ' ' ' --•■-• ™«™ -4 ' --jggpM«MMi||g| - ■.-■;. ia nv). ;-;y -jM ' fl ThaUami Clockwise Uom upper left: Monkey chilling at the beach. Another liberty incident? Sun- set on the beach, a Buddhist temple, a happy group o1 Essex folks at Patong Beach. m Clockwise from upper left: Kayaking near Patong Beach. Inside one of the ornate Buddhist temples, with giant heads of the Bud- dha made of real gold! The Essex Chief Petty Officers Mess holds a CPO party with the exotic scenery of the Thai Jungle in the back- ground. 0S1 Steinmanand 0S2 Home show that with a little practice, (and luck) anyone can master the art of riding a Thai elephant! I Clockwise from upper left: An ancient fortress over looks Muscat. These young ladies I from the Philippines sang every night to ecstatic crowds at the Sheraton! The SECNA V receives a gift from the CMC of Essex. One of the largest mosques in Muscat . A little Omani boy greets tourists from the Essex. A herd of wild camels slowly make their way across the trackless sands of the Omani desert. These young Omanis are just taking it easy, trying to beat the scorching noonday heat! €hnan mm Clockwise from upper left: Shopping at the Gold Souk. One of our sentinels provides se- curity for ESSEX. A shot of Essex in Jebel All. The famous Gyro Guy makes another sale. A town vendor bangs a pot for a customer. Some of ESSEX ' Chief Petty Officers Mess do some serious pierside shop- ping! The beautiful and talented belly dancer of Jebel AliU! Some ESSEX Essex crewmembers even found time to get in a few rounds of golf in the desert oasis golf courses in the U.A.E. There were plenty of sand traps to avoid!!!! m.. If weoulcliop soon the tiger cruise could still happen. Right? 1 agree wiUi them Let ' s get out now before tlie BIG GUY ' clianges liis mind. Well, lets ask him. .. BIG GUY what do you think? 3 For now all I cati say for sure is, BEER DAY If we leave by the ll ' we could be home on time. Right? LtCol Barrow LT3 -I - c4r LCDR MILLER CAPT BROWN CDR Donahue, m Our beloved OPSOf! MEET THE OPERATlD iS DPFICER mm -H) tEfRESHEH VHMHIHG ) AH UHDERVJAV REPlEMlSHMENf, ; CODMTLESS fimr OPERATIONS) - , w:i AfJD OME SONAR . iV WITHOUT SLE P FOR W 1 TviO PAVS. MOW; AS TjlE TEMPO SLOUlS, HE FORWARD TA i 00t K I OPSO, IS 1 7 miles too SLEEF far to launch the - r RHIB to Anchorage?? to Sydney is cancelled Hawaii nngl« be cancelled Peril) IS cancelled On (he briglilcr side gcnllcincn. when is BEER DAY ! I SN GILLIAM -II i.ir()LR). i I CAPr H ' lNNS COL ZIIMER LIl ' OLnONNICAN On November 19, 1991 ESSEX held a change command while underw off the coast of Ki wait. Captain Anthonl L. Winns was relieve! by Captain Stephen [. Gilmore as the Iroi Gator ' s Commandini Officer. The ceremon was held in the ship ' Hangar Bay. Captai Gilmore is ESSEX ' fift commanding officer. tHiange of Commanil f I MWR What would a deployment be without Big Bucks Bingo, the gym, casino night or spades tourna- ments? Answer: Pretty boring. All these functions, and more, were provided by ESSEX ' superb MWR comittee, who ' s sole job was to improve the quality of life for Sailors and Ma- rines on WestPac. Whether sponsoring low-priced tours, running an ironman competition or checking out athletic gear, MWR kept ESSEX having fun. m % • ' w A deployment gives Sailors and Marines liie opportunity to meet and greet people of many diverse Ciltures while spreading International goodwill. The Command Cbaplaln took charge of the many volun- teers In each port ESSEX visited and con- ducted the extremely well received Com- munity Relations Prelects. A little elbow grease went a long way and was evident by the smiles and warm hospitality that was exchanged with the host nations. Projects ranged from building renovauon to basic sweeping an d upkeep. COMM UNITY RE LA TIONS DeStmgUtShcd VISITORS: essex operated on the up of the spear during WestPac ' 98, and hosted several top military leaders during the deployment. Clockwize from above: RADM David Brewer, Commander Amphibious Group Three; the Honorable John Dalton, Secretary of the Navy; LtGen C.W. Fulford, Commander Marine Forces Pacific; VADM Charles Moore Jr., Commander Fifth Fleet; the Honorable James Larroco, United States Ambassador to Kuwait; the Honorable Stephen Green, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore; and, VADM Mike Bowan, Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific. I , 1 Hk ■■■' VL i H SPECIAL EVENTS. l 3N 0. SPECIA L EVENTS. Throughout the deployment, ESSEX hosted several events that improved crew morale, built friendships, and highlighted the accomplishments of many crewmembers. From Steel Beach Picnics to the Native American Heritage Celebration, and from Swim Call to Beer Days, the special events brightened everyone ' s spirits and made the six-months during WestPac ' 98 go by quickly. THANKSCIVINC. Even though ESSEX was thousands of miles from home and Mom ' s home cooking, the hard-working supply department put on a phenomenal spread for Thanksgiv- ing. Belts were loosened in the Wardroom, Chief ' s Mess and on the Messdeck. If you look at the bottom of the opposite page, you ' ll see a very rare site! Yup... That ' s the Flying Squad Christmas Carolers. CLOCKWISE from upper left: A Landing Signal Enlistedman brings in an Air Combat Element aircraft for one of the more than 5000 safe landings made on ESSEX ' Flight Deck. The CH-46 Helicopter was a workhorse during the deployment meeting every mission throughout the deployment. A CH-53 Sea Stallion comes in for a landing - this helicopter is capable of carrying the heaviest pay load in the U.S. Military. CLOCKWISE from top: A Sea Sparrow is fired from ESSEX ' forward launcher. The Close in Weapons System (CIWS) is the ship ' s last line of defense. The Rolling Airframe Missile is also a self-defense system to protect the ship from enemy missiles. C4 Department loads ' m up. • « - w ;is -• CLOCKWISE from upper left: One of the many work- ing parties brings on fresii fruits, vegetables, frozen and dry foods, as weli as parts. Tile ttiirsty ESSEX gets fuel while transiting across the Pacific. Show- ing its diverse capabilities, the ship refuels the USS JARRETT (FFG 33). A CH- 46 lifts cargo during a VERTREP evolution. m mmgmB memsm mem- ESSEX spent an incredible 161 out of 183 days underway during WestPac ' 98. The watciistanders shiowed their dedication and pro- fessionalism throughout the de- I ployment by standing the watch I and keeping America ' s interests safe. CLOCKWISE from upper left: Quartermasters safely guide the Iron Gator. LT Allvord looks for surface contacts. Engineers stand the watch in the EOS. The Air Boss guides in one of the thou- sands of safe landings on the ship ' s Flight Deck. LT Patton and V-1 I personnel make room to park the embarked aircraft. An unsung hero stands the watch below decks in the Arabian Gulf. vV J r t --1_ iSli. i . C ' f l I r HL ' mi NEWShipmates CDR STUYVESANT LCDR BEESON LTLAC ISC PHILLIPS HT1 CONYERS HT1 RUST A03 BATEMAN RM3 BRENNAN GM3 GREEN ISSN BROWN AN DAEL ASAN GRAPPI ADAN VILLA AA KARTO AA RILEY NEWShipmates -I ETCM VARGA MSCS GARCIA PRCS PARAGAS AC2 EVANS CTR2 GANN GM2 RODGRIEGUEZ ET3 RENFRO AOAN APPLE ETSN BRAVO ISSN GREENE ANLE OSSN NAJEEULLAH ASAA WILLIAMS AR BETTS OSSR BROWN NEWShipmates AR FARILLAS SR FERRER EN3 PINKNEY AGAR MORDHURST RMSR PRICE AR QUINA AR SANCHEZ AR STOCHS AR F. TAYLOR RMSR CHANZA AR TAYLOR CTRSR WHITE W£LCOM£ ABOARD! ESWfSfEAWSQualifiers x IBI ' kI ' € ' W TICER CRUISE The ESSEX Tiger Cruise was a complete success! After embarking over 400 family and friends in Hawaii, the Sailors and Ma- rines on board opened their doors and wel- comed the opportunity to show off the Iron Gator . Events throughout the week kept everyone busy, and the Tiger PQS proved to be an exciting challenge. TI6ER CRUISE SSEX TI6« tSSH TIBER CRUISE • - i j ML 1 3 m 4 i B ir iJ CiB Aid I SSS ! Each Tiger that completed the Personnel Qualification Standard was given a certificate of completion, and an Amphibious Warfare Insignia. Completing the PQS was no small task! Over 200 line items had to be completed and signed by a qualified Sailor or Marine. Each Tiger was required to climb all over the ship to get the signatures, and complete many tasks. Also given out at the ceremony were prizes for top finishers in several events that occurred during the week. Tiger Jeopardy, the Tiger Rally and other events were enjoyed by everyone that participated, including the sponsors. It ' s rare that military personnel get an opportunity to take their friends or relatives to work to see what they do each day, but to do that at sea made the Tiger Cruise that much more fulfilling. BABIES The ESSEX family grew in 1998! EN3ANAYA KIM Proud Parents of ROSE MARIA ANAYA Born: 06-18-98 A03 DURAN AN Proud Parents of ANTHONY A. DURAN Born: 06-22-98 MM3 HUGHES MARIS Proud Parents of KIANA M. HUGHES Born: 06-28-98 HT2 WEEKS BRENDA Proud Parents of ' ' CORDELL Q. WEEK Born: 07-12-98 . ' N2 GARCIA ANGELA Proud Parents of ANGEL A. GARCIA , Born: 07-15-98 SN COLEMAN MELISS) I Proud Parents of KALEB W. BATES Born: 07-29-98 SN RAMIREZ MICHELLE Proud Parents of JUSTINE RAMIREZ Born: 07-27-98 V4 SKSN MAINE JENNY Proud Parents of CORY E. MAINE Born: 08-26-98 PCSN JOHNSON CYNDI Proud Parents of TIAHANA L. JOHNSON Born: 09-07-98 MAC MEDINA ALICIA Proud Parents of WESELEY K. MEDINA Born: 09-19-98 A bundle of joy during WestPac! NEW BABIES . ' :, . ' .-7 : i :!S£i ' S 3iJ A -3 iSSiSf!S Jii;S M9S£) Proud Parents of KAMRYN KNOTTS Born: 07-06-98 A03 CROMER LADONNA Proud Parents of GRADY A. CROMER Born: 07-03-98 PR2 KNIGHT MISSY Proud Parents of BRIANNA L. KNIGHT Born: 07-10-98 AK1 SANCHEZ PATRICIA Proud Parents of LUIS A. SANCHEZ Born: 08-03-98 PC3 INGUANZO LETT Proud Parents of ATALIEA.INGUANZC Born: 08-26-98 IS2 DISENSO LEAH Proud Parents of yRISTOPHER DISENSO Born: 07-29-98 AN WILLIAMS LaSHANTHA Proud Parents of MALIK X.L.WILLIAMS Born: 08-10-98 03 JACOBSEN ERIN Proud Parents of VICTORIA A. JACOBSEN Born: 09-28-98 DT3 JOYCE DEBBIE Proud Parents of ALEXIS N. JOYCE Born: 10-19-98 ABH3 VACA RAQUEL Proud Parents of BRANDON E. VACA Born: 11-13-98 ' - ' 9 smi xs xv A December 22, 1 998 Nothing can describe the feeling Sailors get when they round the turn in San Diego Harbor and see the Coronado Bridge. Knowing that hugs and kisses wait on the pier following this incredible six-month journey is part of the overall deployment experience. Homecomings are a right of passage that each Sailor fondly remem- bers for years after the last line is tied up and the reunions begin. WelcomeHomeESSEKi x-. ' Am 9! M J -  ft l si1ff d li T ( «. t.A N - , i m ■0 i« ,r . . ' fc ' A ■nHB «tf HUM I .?5 , TT1 fiTOim « «V T«T«««t ' mmt f t •v aesw i ' i ' ag ' te .-   — ta y I ■ :. ■■ip wi h -w i .I ' .J.tH K CRUlSEBOOKS 3Xi JL From left: Back Row - RM1 Jackson, DC2 Ashton, ASS Serrano, 0S1 Har ris, ABF3 Flinga, HT2 Klayko, A03 Duran, ABH3 Weston, SM2 Jones, RM3 Williams, Front Row - OSC Duffy, AS2 Ramos, PH2 Houlihan, 0S2 Arini JOC Updike Special thanks to: FCCM Vasquez, SMC Pullins, LT Webb, ENS Greer, ENS Sweet, J01 Myers, HM3 Lynes, AK2 Kramer, MAS Davis, FN Roach, BMSN Amezcuafukutak, RP3 Morrison, GSM1 Peralta, LISN Smith, OSS Otwell, IS1 Martir AZ2 Stenstrom and all of the crewmembers that submitted photographs Cruisebook Photographers: PH1 Abell, PH2 Houlihan, PH2 Lewis, PHS Pylarnios and PHS Pallay Cruisebook Coordinator: JOC Updike
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