Fox (CG 33) - Naval Cruise Book

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n 'PT From Representative Bill Nichols QR-ALI: . u 1 ' Dear Captain Mathis, Please allow me to thank you for the outstanding job you and your crew are doing in the gulf. lt is truly a difficult job escorting Kuwaiti tankers through the treacherous waters of the Persian Gulf. It certainly must be even more difficult due to all the scrutiny this mission is getting from people around the world. l have taken the liberty to enclose a copy ofthe Congressional Record from last Thursday which includes a letter I read to my fellow Congressmen from the wife of one of your crew members. The letter moved me very much and showed me the concern, as well as the confidence, this young lady has for her husband and the other crew members aboard the U.S.S. FOX. The letter appears on page H6599. Mrs. Strickland's letter also reflects my opinions about the U.S. Navy and the other branches of our armed services. It makes me proud to serve as an elected official in a country where men and women, such as you and your crew, volunteer for military service and defend our country so well. From the 23rd of July 87 Congressional Record: This member is proud to serve as an elected official. lMr. Nichols asked and was given permission to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend his remarksl. Mr. Nichols. Mr. Speaker, some twelve members of the House Committee on Armed Services recently returned from the Persian Gulf where we visited with our Navy personnel aboard the U.S.S. FOX. For the past forty years - with the support of Presidents from both parties -these United States have followed a policy which recognizes the need of maintaining and protecting the lanes of navigation and commerce in these important international waters in that area of the world. The one thing that left a lasting impression in my mind during our visit to the countries of Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, was the dedicated commitment of our American sailors serving in this troubled part of the world. Then yesterday morning when I turned on the television in my office here in the Rayburn Building, a big lump came in my throat as I saw proudly cruising along side the lead tanker Bridgeton the proud ship U.S.S. FOX which is homeported in San Diego, CA, and which carries a complement of 31 Officers and 487 Enlisted men. Mr. Speaker, I was priviledged to spend a little time with three enlisted members of the crew from my state of Alabama, and l would want the House of Representatives to know that this member of Congress is deeply appreciative of the sacrifices each member of this ship makes in his commitment as a member of the U.S. Navy. Summer temperatures in the Persian Gulf are extremely high. The opportunities for recreation are at a very bare minimum, and the sailors - like sailors everywhere - miss their families back home. I am proud to serve as an elected official in a country where individuals volunteer for military service, go where they are called, and perform admirably in situations which are not always easy. I would wish to insert into the record a response which I received from the wife of EM1 Matt Strickland - a proud member of the U.S.S. FOX along with the remaining members and officers of this proud ship - performing their duties in this troubled area of the world: Chula, Vista, CA. July 16, 1987. Dear Mr. Nichols: Today I received your letter dated July 10, 1987 which enclosed a picture of yourself and my husband, Matt F. Strickland, EM1, aboard the USS FOX, currently stationed in Bahrain. Thank you so much for the picture and the message you conveyed of my husband's love and good spirits. I know that since the attack on the USS STARK, the anxiety levels of us at home have been quite high. I do know, however, that Matt and the others serving our country, are in the Persian Gulf for a specific reason and are there making a presence for the United States. It is hard to understand at times, and of course, I wish that he did not have to be in such a hot spot in the world, but- I am proud to be his wife and know that he is defending our country and the freedom that we have earned and kept throughout the years. I am the Ombudsman for the USS FOX tliaison for the command to the families and vice versaj, and this often proves to be a stressful job reassuring wives and loved ones of the safety of their men. I do know that FOX is prepared fOr anything and they are algood ship with a great CO fCaptain Mathisl guiding them. I think that those in charge are doing the best they can in determining our policies, etc., and l do pray that the Lord will give them guidance and wisdom for each and every decision they make. Once again, as I am out of room, thank f th ' t f t' d f the very thoughtful letter. Mrs. Larell Strickland. you or e plc ure O my Swee le' an or 4.-in

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From Chairman HASC: On behalf of my colleagues I would like to personally thank the entire crew of the USS FOX for their attention and assistance during the recent visit of the Armed Services Committee Delegation. Serving under the most difficult of conditions, the spirit, resolve and determination of your men was most impressive. While the Persian Gulf is many miles from home, the crew of the USS FOX may rest assured that all America is grateful for the job being done. As you continue with your mission, my colleagues and I wish your crew every success and a safe return home. Les Aspin From CMEF: ln regards to EABNEST WILL 87001: The professional, can do attitude of everyone in Middle East Force, and in particular, the extraordinary efforts of the men of KIDD, FOX, and CFIOMMELIN have been superb. Please pass on a well done to all. Warm regards. BADM Bernsenf' From SECDEF: The highly professional manner in which members of your command supported the first-ever deployment of the DOD National Media Pool to cover an actual operation in which it was necessary to maintain operational security is greatly appreciated. This initial effort provided a splendid look at your Navy units in operation and has been praised in numerous communications from media organizations to OSD. From C7FLT: Bill, in case you have not seen it, Time Magazine Q3 Aug 875 reported the July 22nd EW Operation. Good picture of FOX with BBIDGETON and KIDD in background, colored ph'oto of CIC and CAPT BILL lBig Daddyl Mathis looking through binocs on the bridge. The caption under the photo Scanning an aquamarine sea with binoculars: Captain William Mathis aboard his ship, the FOX as it carried out its first escort mission last week. It was a good profile - you looked good. Thank everyone for the good visit I had with FOX. Enjoyed the WB!Chief's Quarters discussion. All the very best to every man on the FOX. We're proud of you - stay pumped up and do good, warm regards. Paul David. From USCINCCENT: A Escort mission number 87002 is now completed and I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you and all who supported you in this highly professional effort. I know the work was hard, the hours were long and the environment was not the most pleasant for such an operation. However your diligence paid off. Bravo Zulu. Well done - and keep it up. General George B. Crist. From CMEF: National Media Pool Embarkation Number Two: I would like to extend a well done to the officers and crew of USS FOX for the outstanding hosting provided to the Media Pool during the escort of GAS PRINCE. As I have come to expect, FOX accomplished this sensitive task with ease and in doing so, portrayed a positive image of the entire force. Keep up the good work. BADM Bernsen sends. From the 8th of July, 1987 Congressional Becord: u Our Outstanding Sailors: fMr. Weldon asked and was given permission to address the house for one minute and to revise and extend his remarksl. Mr. Weldon. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a special group of young Americans protecting freedom in the troubled Persian Gulf area. I had occasion to board the U.S.S. FOX, stationed in the gulf. While on board I spent two hours in briefings, meetings with officers and crew, and inspecting the ship. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you how proud I am of the pride, dedication, and enthusiasm the sailors whom I met on the FOX displayed. Their ship and its crew are outstanding examples of the competence and preparedness of those whose efforts weusometimes take for granted. I know that all of my colleagues join me in this tribute to the crew of the FOX, and all sailors, as outstanding Americans. - Representative Curt Weldon QB-PAQ '109

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If From CO USS GUADALCANAL: The recent escort services provided by USS FOX! REEVES were flawless and totally professional in every respect. From VADM Miller: As you depart SEVENTH FLEET for home and a well deserved reunion with loved ones, congratulations on your exceptional performance as a member of Middle East Force and CONNIE BATTLE GROUP. You successfully met the demanding challenges of the shipping escort duties, setting a professional standard for all who follow. Your sacrifices and hard work were recognized fully and are greatly appreciated. You can be proud of a job truly well done. All the best. VADM Paul Miller. , ' From ADM Lyons: l wish to convey my congratulations and appreciation to the officers and men of BATTLE GROUP DELTA for your superb performance during your recently completed Indian Ocean!Western Pacific Deployment. BATTLE GROUP DELTA significantly contributed to the peace and stability of areas vital to U.S. interest. As the first OVBG to support freedom of navigation operations in the NASXGOGXSOH, you set the standard for operational excellence in a uniquely difficult environment. The dedication and hard work by every man in the Battle Group is an inspiration to us all. Well done and keep charging. Admiral Ace Lyons. From RADM Bull: ' Bill, as you and your exceptional crew turn to families and loved ones, l would like to take this opportunity to express my personal thanks for the superb support FOX provided BATTLE GROUP DELTA during the deployment. FOX'S accomplish- ments in everything she undertook, were splendid. Whether providing AAW coverage for the Battle Group, escorting reflagged commerical tankers in support of national tasking, or performing as the Persian Gulf showboat for COMI- DEASTFOR, FOX represented the best the US Navy has to offer. You did it right friend. It has been a tremendous pleasure serving with you and your fine ship. It would be my sincere pleasure to do it again with your super professionals, anytime anywhere. Keep charging. FOX, FOX. The Bull. '111