Fahrion (FFG 22) - Naval Cruise Book

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THEMAYPORT MIRROR USS Fahrion has eventful first year January 16 marked a significant event in the young history of USS Fahrion (FFG-22). Exactly one year before, the ship was commissioned, joining the rapidly expanding inventory of Oliver Hazard Perry-class Trigates. Fahrion was built by Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation in Seattle, Washington, and since her commissioning has logged over 7,500 miles. After successfully completing the Light Off Ex- amination administered by the Pacific Fleet Propul- sion Examination Board and crew certification ad- ministered by Commander Destroyer Squadron Eight, Captain M.P. Kallercs, and his staff, Fahrion onload- ed ammunition and departed Washington ' s Pugel Sound. The 6,500-mile transit to Mayport included a visit to San Diego and several unique training oppor- tunities. The crew tested its skill off the coast of Mexico when Fahrion rendezvoused with USS Niagara Falls (AFS-3) for an underway replenishment. When Fahrion broke away, after receiving fuel and stores, she became the first FFG to complete an underway replenishment evolution on her maiden voyage. On March 12, Fahrion transited the Panama Canal. The ship headed through the windward passage and then due north to Mayport, arriving on March 16. Refresher training at Guantanamo Bay would be the next opportunity to excel. The damage control organization proved itself by the satisfactory comple- tion of every at-sea fire drill on the first attempt. Ship control and combat systems departments completed exercises such as underway replenishment and general quarters. All drills and exercises were completed in a timely manner and Fahrion was ready to continue with the post delivery tests and trials to be conducted through the first year after commissioning. Fahr ion arrived in Fort Lauderdale on March 29, and commenced weapons systems accuracy trials, then conducted anti-submarine warfare training at the test range in the Bahamas. Next in the sequence was Com- bat Systems Ship Qualification Trials. The purpose of these trials is to demonstrate the maintainability and operabilily of Combat Systems equipment, provide training for Combat Systems personnel, and conclude with a live firing exercise. On June I 1, Fahrion hosted a family cruise for the dependents of the crew. Tours of the ship were con- ducted as she sailed out of the St. Johns River, and later that morning, the firM showing of the motion pic- ture of Fahrion ' s commissioning was shown to the families in the Enlisted Dining Facility. Final contract trial preparations were the next event on the schedule and they consumed every waking hour until July 23. The Board of Inspection and Survey, headed by Rear Admiral James D. Bulkelcy, con- ducted the trials which were an unqualified success. On August 23, Fahrion took in all lines, exited the Mayport basin and headed north lor post shakedown availability at Bath Iron Works, Maine. Alter a weapons offload at Earlc, New Jersey and a port visit to New York City, Fahrion arrived in Bath on September 3. Immediately the shipyard went to work rigging the devices that would supply the welders, burners, chippers and other essential industrial ser- vices. Fahrion made use of the valuable time inport and sent as many crewmembers to training as possible. The post shakedown availability arrival conference on September 6 made clear the point thai Fahrion had arrived in excellent condition and that she would depart in excellent condition. Fahrion was drvdocked onpetober 21. Her hull was cleaned and all suction and discharge ports were thoroughly checked. By November 15, most of the major industrial work had been finished and only touch-up and testing re- mained. On December 2, successful sea trials were conducted. The two-day evolution tested the many new systems and modifications installed during the availability. On December 10, the ship was underway for Mayport. Norfolk was the first stop on the trip south. She then moved to the Naval Weapons Station at Yorktown where ammunition was onlo.idcd. Fahrion arrived in Mayport on December 20, con- cluding a highly successful year of operations, tests, and training. To close out her first yeai of commission, an an- niversary was held at the Mayport CPO Club on January 14 and an ecumenical service, awards and reenlistment ceremony was held two days later. Fahrion had proven herself duiablc and seaworthy, and up to any task. The crew is now ready 10 prepare for the next evolution, another readiness evaluation to be followed by full refresher training at Guantanamo Bay. ANNIVERSARY REUP-During (he first anniversary ceremonies on the USS Fahrion, ' SaK reenlisted. Commanding Officer CDR T.M. Da (left) administers a simultaneous enlistment oath to eft to rieht) HT2 Lewis Robertson, BM1 Bruce Smith MS2 Timothy Sullivan and QM2T.moth, Wood ' . MS2 Sullivan was also named the ship s bailor of the Quarter.