Iwo Jima (LPH 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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SHIP ' S COMPANY : - -r Mi

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SHIP ' S HISTORY USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2). the first ship designed from the keel up as an amphibi- ous assault ship, was originally stationed in San Diego. California. In Sept. 1963 IWO JIMA made her first deployment to the Western Pacific. In all. the ship would make six deployments to the region. During these the ship played an active role in Southeast Asian opera- tions, participating in over 30 amphibious landings in Vietnam. While operating from the West Coast. IWO was also assigned as the pri- mary recovery ship for the Apollo XIII space mission. In May 1972, IWO JIMA departed for her new homeport of Norfolk. Virginia. Shortly after arriving on the East Coast. IWO departed for her first Mediterranean deployment. During the deployment she participated in NATO exercise Deep Furrow. before returning to Norfolk in January 1973. Later that year the ship re- ceived the Arleigh Burke Trophy as the most improved ship in the Atlantic Fleet. In reaction to the Middle East crisis between Israel and Egypt in October 1973. IWO JIMA deployed more than a month early. During her second deployment to the Mediterranean she took part in opera- tion Nimbus Star. clearing mines from the Suez Canal. In 1976 IWO JIMA hosted more than 1,200 guests during the Bicentennial Mardi Gras in New Orleans. In June of the same year. IWO commenced her fourth Mediterranean deployment and par- ticipated in the second evacuation of civilians from Beirut. Leba- non. IWO JIMA was again the center of attention in 1979 as she played host to the Bob Hope Birthday Special in New York City. The television program later aired nationwide. After undergoing an extensive pier-side repair period during the summer of 1980. IWO deployed to Northern Europe to partici- pate in the multinational exercise Teamwork 80. While deployed to the Mediterranean for the seventh time, IWO was involved in contingency operations off the coast of Leb- anon, where the ship stood by to evacuate American citizens in January 1981. After the ship completed a major overhaul in 1982, she was once again notified that she was the recipient of the Atlantic Fleet Arleigh Burke Trophy as the most improved ship on the East Coast. The helicopter carrier ' s next deployment was again to the area of Beirut. Lebanon, where she provided command, control and logistic support for the U.S. contingent of the Multinational Peacekeeping Force. That deployment began in May 1983 and ended December 1983. IWO JIMAs ninth deployment began July 3. 1985 as the flag- ship for Marine Amphibious Ready Group 2-85. During this de- ployment. IWO took part in two major amphibious exercises, Bright Star 85 and Display Determination 85. This deploy- ment ended on December 20. 1985. In 1986 the ship was a part of Ocean Venture 86. an amphib- ious operation in the Caribbean operating area during April and May. In July 1986 the ship began her latest regular overhaul at Nor- folk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corporation in Norfolk. After con- ducting refurbishments of living spaces and modernization of equipment. IWO JIMA returned to operational status at Naval Sta- tion Norfolk in March 1987. USS IWO JIMA departed for this, her tenth, Mediterranean deployment on February 29, 1988. Since her commissioning. IWO has been awarded the Admi- ral Flatley Award for aviation safety four times. IWO JIMA has also received numerous battle efficiency awards for excellence in all areas of mission readiness.

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COMPHIBRON EIGHT CAPTAIN J. C. VAN SLYKE, JR. Captain James C. Van Slyke. Jr.. a narive of Downers Grove, Illi- nois, graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy in November 1961. His first assignment was aboard the USS BUCK (DD 761 ) as the Communication Officer. In February 1964 Capt. Van Slyke attended U.S. Naval Postgradu- ate School as a student in the Engineering Science curriculum. After completing his schooling he was Operations officer aboard USS PLATTE (AO 34) during 1965-1967. After completion of Destroyer School in 1968. he was assigned as Operations Officer of USS EPPERSON (DD 719) until October 1969. He then assumed command of USS MEEKER COUNTY (LST 980). After leaving the Meeker County he attended the Armed Forces Staff Col- lege in 1971. His next assignment as a strategic planner for the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff. During this tour, which lasted from August 1971 to July 1974, he earned a Masters Degree from Creighton University. Capt. Van Slyke was then selected to participate in the Navy ' s Personnel Exchange Program, subsequently being assigned as Senior Staff Officer for Surface Operations at the headquarters of Com- mander, Maritime Forces Pacific in British Columbia, Canada. In February I9 ' ' 6 Capt. Van Slyke was named Executive Officer of USS EL PASO (LKA I I 7). where he served until February 1978. In April of 1978 he assumed command of USS SPIEGEL GROVE (LSD 32) He served as Commanding Officer of the amphibious landing ship un- til April 1980. In August 1980 he became Commanding Officer of Navy Recruit- ing District Albuquerque, where he served for two years. Capt. Van Slyke reported to Commander Amphibious Group Two in late 1982 for duty as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. In 1983 he became Chief Staff Officer for Commander Amphibi ous Group Two. In December 1984 he assumed command of USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13). serving there until March 1987. Capt. Van Slyke assumed duties as Commander Amphibious Squadron Eight in April 1987. His awards included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star. Merito- rious Service Medal. Joint Services Commendation Medal. Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and other campaign and service medals. Capt. Van Slyke is married to the former Gwynne Larson of Lo» Angles, California. They have two children, Jimmy and Susan, and re- side in Virginia Beach. Virginia.