Ingersoll (DD 990) - Naval Cruise Book

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I f INGERSOLL ' s Christening, 26 May 1979, Pascagoula, Mississippi ADMIRAL ROYAL E INGERSOLL Front row, left to right; Maid of Honor, Miss Grace Helen, Earle Ingersoll, Congressman Trent Lott, Proxy Sponsor, Mrs. Grace Al- lice Ingersoll Nagle Back row, left to right: RADM Thompson, Mr. Leonard Erb, Vice President, President Ingalls Shipbuilding Division USS INGERSOLL (DD 990)- KNOWN BY THE RESULTS A christening marks the birth of a new ship, and the commissioning marks the acceptance of a ship as a vessel in the operating forces of the U. S. Navy. At the moment of breaking the commissioning pennant, USS INGERSOLL (DD 990) became the responsibility of the Commanding Officer. The commissioning pennant is believed to date from the 17th century when the Dutch were at war with the English. The Dutch Admiral, Maarten Harpetzoon Tromp, hoisted a broom at his masthead to indicate his intentions to sweep the English from the sea. This gesture was answered by the English Admiral who hoisted a horsewhip, indicating his intentions to subdue the Dutch. The English were victorious, and ever since the narrow coachwhip pennant has been adopted by all nations as a distinctive mark of a ship of war. Named after ADM Royal Eason Ingersoll, the ship celebrated its tenth year anniversary while operating in the Persian Gulf. ADM Ingersoll, USNA Class of 1905, had a brilliant career. Serving in and commanding numerous warships, ADM Ingersoll represented the Navy at the London Naval Conference (1935-36), which was concerned with the treaty limiting naval armament. In January 1942, ADM Ingersoll was designated Commander-in-Chief. U. S. Atlantic Fleet and organized the thousands of ships and men required to ensure successful landings in North Africa. ADM Ingersoll is also credited with whipping the U-boat menace and solving the vast logistics required to keep men and material going to Europe. He retired in August 1946 and remained active in naval affairs until his death in May, 1976. ADM Ingersoll would be proud of the USS INGERSOLL (DD 990). The ship has deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf four times, USS INGERSOLL (DD 990), with Commander SEVENTH Fleet embarked, represented the U.S. in the Australian International Bicentennial Naval Review in Sydney Harbor in Oct 88. This impressive at sea pass in review involved 60 ships from 15 countries rendering honors to members of the British Royal Family. The ship hosted the Chinese warship ZHENG HE during China ' s historic first ever warship port call to a western nation. During our current deployment, INGERSOLL provided escort protection to U. S. flagged merchants in the Persian Gulf and Straits of Hormuz. The INGERSOLL has earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, four Sea Service deployment ribbons and the Meritorious Unit Citation in her fleet service. The ship, after commissioning, was homeported in San Diego, CA, until 1987 when it moved to its current homeport of Pearl Harbor, HI. A ship is much more than just steel, guns and missiles. It takes people to make her tick and give the ship its traditions. For ten years and counting the sailors of the USS INGERSOLL (DD 990) are continuing in the proud tradition of nautical service to the country.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS LCDR L. Mac VEHSLAGE LCDR Vehslage came aboard during the 1988 cruise. He was relieved in June 1990. Best wishes and enjoy your shore duty! LCDR W. J. MICKLER LCDR Mickler relieved during our last port visit in Bahrain. He and his fannily come to us from shore duty in Illinois. relieve you, sir!

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COMMAND MASTER CHIEF JOHN E. ESSEX MASTER CHIEF FIRE CONTROLMAN (SURFACE WARFARE) UNITED STATES NAVY Master Chief Essex is from Brooklyn, New York and joined the Navy in November 1967. After completion of Recruit Training in San Diego, Master Chief Essex attended Guided Missile School at Mare Island, California and reported to the USS WADDELL (DDG 24). Subsequent duty onboard USS BERKELEY (DDG 15) and an advanced fire control school in Great Lakes, Illinois found Master Chief Essex in Naples, Italy. This was followed by a tour in Pensacola, Florida and another sea tour onboard USS RICHARD L. PAGE (FFG 5). Master Chief Essex went on to serve in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and again in Mare Island, California prior to reporting to USS INGERSOLL (DD 990). His awards include the Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct (with five bronze stars), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry and the National Defense Medal. As the senior enlisted member in INGERSOLL, Master Chief Essex is the direct link between the crew and the Commanding Officer. He chairs a number of boards, committees and is largely responsible for the crew ' s morale and welfare. Master Chief Essex is married to the former Freda Crooks of Wombull. South Yorkshire, United Kingdom. They have two children, Catherine, age 16 and Robert, age 15.