Julius Furer (FFG 6) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING OFFICER ' S CLOSING REMARKS Each of us can be extremely proud of the part that we played in completing this long and arduous cruise. Our cruise was extended four times and our participation in the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf operations made our over 7V2 month cruise the most demanding in memory since the Viet Nam era. Our initial requirements involved two major NATO exercises. Distant Hammer and Open Gate tested all aspects of warfare and NATO coordination and included over 75 units from ten nations. In both exercises JULIUS A. PURER earned a reputation for cunning, stealth and bold action. Our allies found out just how effective a war-fighter JAP is. The Mediterranean period also featured superb port visits to Malaga and Palma, Spain. They were, however, our last times of rest and relaxation for many months. The Palma visit was shortened by almost a week due to the situation in the Persian Gulf. JAP rapidly sortied and proceeded to join the USS AMERICA Battle Group enroute to the Indian Ocean. After an uneventful passage through the Suez Canal, the battle group transitted the Red Sea. This became somewhat harrowing since 29 ships had recently reported being damaged by terrorist mines. We were assigned a variety of tasks, from plane guard to anti-air warfare picket station and we carried them out with the can do professionalism that has become a JAP trademark. Regardless of the task the greatest enemy was the omnipresent 12-22 foot seas of the North Arabian Sea. Winds from its Southwest Monsoon generated seas that for three months rocked us back and forth, disrupted our sleep and generally made our lives difficult. No other deployment compares with the monsoon season in the Indian Ocean. The I.O. operations were briefly interrupted by a port visit to Muscat, Oman. It was a fascinating visit to a traditional Arab country but we will remember it principally as the first dry land since leaving Palma 74 days before! Leaving Muscat, JAP with aid of COMDESRON TWENTY, CAPT Robert Goodwin, coordinated the largest ever joint U.S.-Omani Naval exercise. All units performed well and these three days will surely be part of a foundation for improved bilateral relations. After the Indian Ocean we proceeded to the last major phase of our deployment: Persian Gulf operations. When we arrived the war between Iran and Iraq was in full swing where both sides were conducting air strikes on merchant ships in the Gulf and there was increasing land fighting at the mutual border. The role that we played was of a neutral stabilizing the area without becoming involved in the conflict. We saw at close hand ships that had been bombed only hours before, we spoke with Iranian aircraft daily, always warning them to remain away from us, and we carried out close surveillance on United States merchant ships. In short, we were the insurance to maintain freedom of the seas in this troubled area. In recognition of this exacting but dangerous existance, the Secretary of the Navy proudly awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation to the officers and men of JULIUS A. PURER. The 9,000 mile trip home began as soon as we left the Persian Gulf. We retraced our courses through the Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Suez Canal, and Mediterranean. We were availed a lovely brief return to Malaga, Spain and then joined the AMERICA Battle Group for the Atlantic crossing. Throughout the entire deployment, our sense of fun and humor never waned. All Star Mess Cook Night, Ras Al Hadd Olympics, Pantail picnics, skits, 4th of July fireworks, JAP nightly news and the Hump Day festivities all kept our cruise in the proper perspective. We were all glad to be back with our families and be able to share our many adventures to anyone who will listen. Our seven and a half months together will be a time of which we can all be extremely proud and one which will keep the reputation of the JULIUS A. PURER as the Pirst Team Prigate safe for years to come. WILLIAM B. HUNT

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4 ALRIGHT, ALRIGHT, I ' LL REENLIST! GEE BRAD, HOW DO YOU OPERATE ONE OF THESE THINGS? GO AHEAD, MAKE MY DAY THERE, TAKE ► THAT!

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The Cruise Book Committee would like to thank all hands for the photos and captions that were provided for the book. Special thanks oes to EWSN Kittfor drawing all the introductory pictures and BM2 Siplefor helping with the layout and captions of the last section. It was a long and memorable cruise and so was the making of this book. We especially appreciate your patience and encouragement during the layout phase of this book. To the Crew members of Julius A. Purer, you are The First Team. Thanks again, Carl Relyea David Coe