Gary (FFG 51) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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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Command Master Chief Master Chief William A. Smith Master Chief Submarine Sonar Technician (Submarines Surface Warfare (Smith enlisted in the Navy in 1972 after graduating from Kalani High School. Honolulu Hawaii. After receiving his initial pipeline training as a Submarine Sonar Technician, he reported to USS POGY (SSN 647), where he achieved his qualification in submarines. Subsequently, he was assigned to Fleet Antisubmarine Warfare Training Center Pacific for advanced electronics training and assigned to USS ASPRO (SSN 648). Follow on tours include Submarine Training Facility, San Diego; USS GURNARD ( SSN 662 ), USS PINTADO ( SSN 672 ). staff duty at Commander. Submarine Group Seven, Yokosuka, Japan, and a tour as Chief of the Boat onboard USS CHICAGO (SSN 72 1 ). Prior to his assignment to USS GARY (FFG 5 1 ). where he has achieved the designation of Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist, Master Chief Smith completed a tour as Command Master Chief at Service School Command. San Diego. He and his wife, Kwan Ying, reside in San Diego, California. Command Master Chief