Gunston Hall (LSD 44) - Naval Cruise Book

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TABLE OF CONTENTS DECK DEPARTMENT ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT MEDICAL DENTAL DEPARTMENT OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT SUPPLY DEPARTMENT PORTS OF CALL

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OP IHHi SYMBOLISM SHIELD: The colors of the shield are taken from the coat of arms of George Mason, Revolutionary owner of Gunston Hall. The red cross, from the flag of England, reflects his country of origin and source of the name Gunston. The boarder of nine stars represents the nine battle stars earned for World War II and the nine battle stars earned in the Korean War. The red cross also refers to Operation Crossroads, the 1946 series of atomic bomb tests in which USS GUNSTON HALL partici- pated at Bikini Atoll. White, symbolizing high ideals and virtue exemplifies the part that Gunston Hall played in the U.S. Na- vy ' s humanitarian efforts in 1955 to evacuate almost 800,000 refugees from North to South Vietnam, Operation Passage to Freedom. CREST: The sea lion, taken from the device of the first USS GUNSTON HALL, represents here and recalls her long and distinguished service. The torteau refers to the World War II Pacific actions against Japan and the threat of Kamikaze at- tacks. The motto Defending the Constitution is referred to by the parchment in the sea lion ' s grasp, recalling also the Bill of Rights which was based on Virginia ' s Declaration of Rights, au- thored by George Mason. The tower refers to Gunston Hall es- tate and the security provided by the modern Dock Landing Ship. The red fleur-de-lis is adapted from George Mason ' s coat of arms. The grassy knoll stands for the land of Virginia and is a canting reference to the function of the Gunston Hall, i.e., it is an allusion to the landing ship. SEAL: The coat of arms emblazoned upon a white oval en- closed by a blue collar edged on the outside with gold rope and inscribed with the words USS GUNSTON HALL above and LSD 44 below in gold letters. MOTTO: Defending the Constitution.

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COMMANDER MICHAEL P. NOWAKOWSKI COMMANDING OFFICER Commander Michael P. Nowakowski was born in Torrington, Connecticut on October 22, 1952. Following graduation from Ohio University in 1974, he was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve. After attending various service schools, he was assigned as Communications Officer and Assistant First Lieutenant in USS BARNSTABLE COUNTY (LST 1197) in June 1975. Upon completion of his initial sea tour, he served as Missile Battery Officer in USS BID- DLE (CG 34) in April 1978. In July 1979, he assumed duties as Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, State University of New York Maritime College, located at Fort Schuyler. Upon completion of advanced Surface Warfare Officers School in February 1982, he re- ported to USS PHARRIS (FF 1094) as Engineer Officer, followed in October 1983 as Material Officer on the staff of Commander, Destroyer Squadron Ten. In April 1985, he reported to Surface Warfare Officer School Command, Newport, Rhode Island, and served as an instructor in the Department Head Steam Engineering Department. His next assignment, in December 1986, was Flag Secretary to Commander, Cruiser Group Eight. Following this tour in April 1988, he served as Executive Officer in USS WHIDBEY IS- LAND (LSD 41). In November 1989, Commander Nowakowski was assigned as Financial Management Officer for the Navy ' s Research and Development account in the Office of the Navy Comptroller, Washington, D.C. After completing Prospective Commanding Officer training in Surface Warfare Officers School Command in Newport, Rhode Island, Commander Nowakowski relieved as Command- ing Officer in July 1992. Commander Nowakowski ' s awards include: Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commenda- tion Medal with gold star in lieu of fourth award, as well as various unit and service awards. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Ohio University and a Master of Business Admin- istration Degree from Hofstra University. Commander Nowakowski, his wife, Marsha, and their children, Amy Marie and Michael Pe- ter, Jr., reside in Chesapeake, Virginia.