Gary (FFG 51) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commanding Officer Commander Andrew L. Diefenbach Commander Andrew L. Diefenbach was born in Albany. New York on October 1 4. 1 955. Raised on Long Island, he graduated from Harvard College in 1 977, earning an honors degree in Government, and was commissioned an Ensign in April of 1978. Following completion of the Division Officer ' s course in Coronado. California and Main Propulsion Assistant Training in Newport, Rhode Island. Commander Diefenbach reported to USS W ADDELL ( DDG 24) where he served as an Engineering Division Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant. Following a tour as a Shipboard Management Instructor at Surface Warfare Officers School Detachment in Coronado. Commander Diefenbach completed Department Head School and was ordered to USS RAMSEY (FFG 2) as Chief Engineer. Commander Diefenbach then served as Flag Secretary on the staff of Commander. Cruiser Destroyer Group FIVE. Following completion of his Executive Officer Tour onboard USS BERKLEY (DDG 15), he was assigned to the staff of Commander, Carrier Group ONE where he served as the Staff Material Officer and Assistant Surface Officer. His final assignment, prior to reporting to USS GARY ( FFG 5 1 ), was as the Chief of Staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron TH I RT Y THREE. Commander Diefenbach ' s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, four awards of the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. Commander Diefenbach is married to the former Cherry Susan Starnes. They have three children and currently reside in Jamul. California. Commanding Officer

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Q SS 99lJ?y s JIC9SS900C USS GARY (FFG-5 1 ) is the forty-fifth ship of the Oliver Hazard Pens class of guided missile frigates. Consisting of 55 ships, tin- is the Navy ' s largest class oi surface ships, and newest class of frigate. Commissioned in November 17. l u K4at Long Beach Naval Station, Long Beach, California. ( IARY ' s mission is to pro ide anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface protection forunderwaj replenishment groups, com n s. amphibious forces and other military and merchant shipping. Many inno ative concepts were incorporated into her design. These innovations include modular construction techniques, the utilization include modular construction techniques. the utilization of numerous labor-saving devices, automatic control and monitoring systems, and shore-based maintenance support. The ship boasts some of the most comfortable h ing accommodations ever pro ided for the crew oia nasal surface combatant. Habitahihtv improvements include large and attractive In my complexes (each with its own lounge), dressing, sleeping and sanitarj areas. Success in the warfare en ironmentofthe 1990 ' sand hcvond w ill require thorough evaluation, rapid decision making, and almost instantaneous response to anv threat. The systems aboard GARY have been designed to meet these demanding and dynamic prerequisites and to do so vv ith minimum human interface. Her weapons include surface-to-surface and surface -to-air missiles, a rapid-fire 76mm gun. a close- in weapons systems, and anti-submarine torpedoes. The new LAMPS Mark III video data link system brings state-of-the-art computer technology to the anti-submarine wail are arena, and integrates sensors and weapons to provide a total offensive and defensive weapons system. In addition, computers control and monitor the gas turbine engines w Inch are the same model as those installed in DC- 1 1 1 aircraft) and electrical generators. Digital electronic logic circuits and remotely-operated valves are monitored in a central control station, w Inch can initiate engine start and result in a readv to go status in less than ten minutes, as compared to eight hours or more for conventional steam-powered ships. But the real heart of the ship is her crew. High technology, systems demand skilled technicians and professional leadership. The concept of ' minimum manning means, simply, that with professional sailors G RY can meet the challenges of modern naval warfare with approximately half the crew found on older ships of comparable si e and capability .

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Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Brian T. Smith I .( I)R Brian T. Smith was born in Washington. DC on July 1 1 , 1 96 1 . Raised in North Carolina, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1978 where he rose to the rank of Corporal prior to being awarded an NROTC seholarship. LCDR Smith graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in history and was commissioned an Ensign in April of 1984. Initially sen ing at Naval Security Group Activity, Philippines as a direct support officer. LCDR Smith then completed Submarine Officer ' s Basic Course in Groton, Connecticut, and was assigned to USS DARTER (SS 576) homeported in Sasebo, Japan. Onboard DARTER, he served as Supply Officer and Engineer Officer. Following his assignment on DARTER. LCDR Smith reported to USS CURTIS (FFG 38) homeported in Yokosuka. Japan. Onboard CURTIS, he served as Electronics Readiness Officer. Damage Control Assistant. First Lieutenant, and ultimately fleeted up to Operations Officer during Operation Desert Storm. Following Instructor Duty at Fleet Combat Training Center Pacific, he reported to CSS RENT . ( FF( ' . 46 1 as Operations Officer. LCDR Smith served as Operations Officer on the staff Commander. Destroyer Squadron Thirteen. His final assignment prior to reporting to I SS GARY ( FFG 5 I I was as the future Schedules Officer on the staff of Commander, US I ' h ird Fleet. During his tour at Third Fleet. LCDR Smith completed his masters in Business Administration at the University ofRedlands. LCDR Smith reported to GARY in July, 1997. LCDR Smith ' s personal decorations include the Bronze Star! with Combat Distinguishing De ice I. meritorious sen ice medal. Na y and Marine Corps commendations medal (third award), and Navy and Marine Achievement Medal (third aw aid). Executive )fficer