Fife (DD 991) - Naval Cruise Book

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the ' L uss 1FE uss FIFE is one of the world ' s most modern and technologically advanced warships and is an integral part ol ' the U.S.Navalpowerandpresencevvhich will defend America well beyond the year 2000. FIFE, a Spruance Class Destroyer armed with sophisticated weapons and sensors, represents a lethal opposition to any land. sea. or air based threat. Built by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi. FIFE, the 29th Spruance Class Destroyer, proudly Joined the Pacific Fleet in San Diego. California after her commissioning in 1 9 S0. While in San Diego she was assigned to Cruiser Destroyer Group FIVE and Destroyer Squadron NINE. Herdesign. which accounted for future improvements and the capacity for growth, allowed FIFE to be overhauled in 1 987. introducing some of the mo.st advanced weapons in the U.S. Navy ' s arsenal. On October 1 990 FIFE, a member of battle group ALFA, sailed for the North Arabian Sea in response to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. During Operation Desert Shield, FIFE participated in the Multinational Interception Force (MIF) to enforce trade sanctions against Irag. As Operation Desert Storm commenced. FIFE would pro e to he a key element in the initial strikes on Iraq. The first two weeks of the Gulf War saw FIFE launch 60 Tomahaw k land attack missiles, more than any other ship during the entire conflict. FIFE provided escort and air protection for mine counter-measure vessels and naval gunfire support forces immediately preceding and during the ground offensive. Also, in a unique role, FIFE pro ided lead-through services for an amphibious task group through the narrow swept channel of a minefield. After the conclusion of hostilities. FIFE returned to ' okosuka in April 1991. This was soon followed by the announcement of the Spokane Trophy, which was simultaneously earned with the Chief of Naval Operations Surface Ship Safet Award. The Spokane Trophy was a very distinctive honor for FIFE, as it is awarded to the single surface combatant ship in the Pacific considered to be the most proficient in overall combat systems readiness and warfare operations. Highly automated weapons and engineering s stems allow FIFE, the same si e as a World War II Light Cruiser, to be manned by a rclati el small crew of 25 Officers, 25 Chief Petty Officers, and . 00 Enlisted personnel.

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OTICS

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C OMMANDING FFICER Stephen H. Huber, cdr, usn Commander Stephen H. Huber, was horn in West Chester, Pennsylvania in 1957. he graduated from the United States Naval Academy and was commissioned in 198(K having earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in oceanography. After graduation. Commander Huber served as a Naval Academy Seamanship and Navigation Instructor aboard a 44-foot Luders Yawl, followed by Surface Warfare Officers ' School in Coronado, California. He reported to LISS STEIN (FF 1065)in 1981, where he served as Gunnery Officer, AS W Officer and Navigation Administrative Assistant. In October 1983, Commander Huber reported to Naval District Washington DC as Aide to the Commandant. Following Department Head School in June 1986, he reported to USS REASONERA FF 1063) as Weapons Officer. He then reported to Destroyer Squadron FIVE as Operations Officer in February 1988. In January 1990, he reported to the staff of C mimander in Chief, II.S. Atlantic Fleet as the Assistant Surface AS W Officer and Special Operations Officer. From Norfolk he moved to Newport, Rhode Island where he began his studies at the Naval War College in March 1 992. In October 1 993 he reported aboard USS GARY ( FFG 5 1 ) as Executive Officer. His following tour was with the staff of Commander, THIRD Fleet as Flag Secretary. He most recently served as the Combat Systems Training Officer on the staff of the Surfacce Warfare Division of the Chief of Naval Operations. Commander Hubers ' awards include the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, the Navy Commendation Medal with four gold stars, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, the Battle F fficiency Ribbon, the Southwest Asia Campaign Ribbon, the National Defense Ribbon, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Navy Sea Service Ribbon with two stars and the Navy Expert Pistol Ribbon. He was designated an Acquisition Professional in the Spring of 1 997. He holds a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from Old Dominion llniversity and a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. CDR Huber ' s w ife Eileen is from San Leandro, California. They have four children, Stephen Jr., Elizabeth, Kathleen, and Daniel.