Halyburton (FFG 40) - Naval Cruise Book

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Executive Officer LCDR Gregory S. Higgins USS HALYBURTON FFG-40 «% LCDR Higgins, born in Union, New Jersey, attended Villanova University, lo- cated in Villanova Pennsylvania. He re- ceived a BE in Electrical Engineering and was commissioned through the NROTC program in May 1985. Fol- lowing commissioning he completed Basis Surface Warfare Officers school. LCDR Higgins first tour was on board USS EXPLOIT (MSO 440), stationed in Newport Rhode Island, where he served as Supply officer. While there he quali- fied a variety of watch positions, includ- ing Officer of the Deck underway, Engi- neering Officer of the watch (EOOW), and qualified as a Surface Warfare Of- ficer. In February 1988 he transferred to USS CAPODANNO (FF 1093), also homeported in Newport, where he served as Navigator and Administration officer. LCDR Higgins started his first shore tour in September 1989, reporting to Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington DC where he served as Executive assistant to the Deputy Commander NAVSEA (Surface Combatants). Upon completion of department head school in March 1991 , LCDR Higgins reported to USS McCLUSKY (FFG 41), forward deployed to Yokosuka Japan, as Combat Systems Officer. During this tour McCLUSKY deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of operation Desert Storm. In October 1992 he transferred to USS VIR- GINIA (CGN 38), homeported in Norfolk Virginia. While on VIRGINIA he sewed as Combat Systems Officer and Qualified for Command at Sea. Upon completion of his department head tours LCDR Higgins attended Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey California, from June 1994 to May 1996. While there he earned a Masters degree in Systems Technologies, specializing in Space operations. In June 1996 LCDR Higgins reported to Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group One in San Diego, California, as Communications officer for the CONSTEL- LATION Battle Group. Upon completion of his tour he attended PXO school in Newport Rhode Island. LCDR Higgins is married to Stephanie Crawford of Macomb IL. Personal awards include the Navy Commendation medal, with four gold stars and the Navy Achievement medal, also with four gold stars.

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CDR Larson SHOWS HIS NEW- FOUND FRIEND, RAFAEL, AROUND HALYBURTON in naples, thereturned out to be no truth to the rumor that Rafael was aboard as the prospective CO. CDR Larson assumed command in Oct of 1998. He arrived just after HALYBURTON had STRUGGLED TO COMPLETE ENGINEERING CERTIFICA- TIONS NECESSARY FOR DEPLOYMENT. JUST MONTHS LATER. HALYBURTON WAS RECEIVING HIGH PRAISE FROM THEATER COMMANDERS FOR HER OUSTANDING TURN-AROUND AND PERFORMANCE DURING HER SUC- CESSFUL DEPLOYMENT.

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Command Master Chief PNCM(SW) William F. Renaud USS HALYBURTON FFG-40 Master Chief Renaud checked aboard USS HALYBURTON just days before deployment, but it did not take long for his impact to be felt throughout the crew. He was the the driving force behind helping to keep the morale of the crew high during a demanding MEF deployment. Advancement onboard HALYBURTON is at its highest rate in years and that can be directly attributed to Master Chief Renaud and his dedication to his shipmates. A former Navy exam writer, he offers a unique perspective to the sailors to help them succeed on their respective advance- ment exams. Whether he is running on the ' HALYBURTON Race Track ' or out on the deck plates, Master Chief always has time to lend an ear to the crew.