Lewis Puller (FFG 23) - Naval Cruise Book

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■ H mI 1 1 Lieutenant Commander Stephen J. Bobal U.S. Naval Reserve Selected Reserve Administrator A Slatington, PA native, Lieutenant Commander Bobal received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Education fron Shippensberg University in 1978. Receiving his commisssion in 1981, Lieutenant Commander Bobal completed Surface Warfare Officer School located at Coronado, CA and was then assigned to USS PELELIU (LHA 5) as Electrical Warfare Officer. Leaving active duty in 1984 he immediately affiliated with the Naval Reserve program with ACU-l LCU Det 1819. With ACU-1 (based in Coronado, CA) he served as Boat Group Commander during numerous Silver Strand landing exercises and participated in Philblots-85. In December of 1985 Lieutenant Commander Bobal transferred to USS JOHN A MOORE (FFG 19) where he spent one year as Training Officer of the Pre-commissioning unit. In January, 1987 Lieutenant Commander Bobal and the unit were transferred to the Naval Reserve Crew. Holding many administrative positions, Lieutenant Commander Bobal was selected as the Selected Reserve Administrator in October of 1990. After standing numerous watches as Officer of the Deck and Command Duty Officer, Lieutenant Commander Bobal has significant experience with the FFG 7 class ship in Southern California and Northern Pacific operations. In civilian life Lieutenant Commander Bobal is part of the U.S. Merchant Marine Fleet, holding a U.S. Coast Guard Document and a Master ' s License. He is currently employed by PacTow (Foss Maritime) in Long Beach, CA where he works aboard Tugboats, performing harbour assists and coastal towing. 167

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Commander Roger D. Watkins U.S. Naval Reserve Selected Reserve Coordinator A Woodland Hills, CA native and a 1970 graduate of USC, Commander Watkins received his commission from Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1970 but vision limitations prompted his transfer to the surface navy where his first assignment was as Electrical Warfare Officer in USS CHICAGO (CG 11). Commander Watkins affiliated with the Naval Reserves in 1975 where his first reserve assignment was as CIC Training Officer in Fleet Training Group Det 6219. In 1977 he transferred to NR USS ALBERT DAVID Det 219 as Training Officer and later Executive Officer. In 1979 he was selected for his first reserve Commanding Officer assignment to NR USS JASON (AR 18) Det 219. A two year assignment followed as Commanding Officer, NR CINC WWMCCS Det 119 in 1981. Subsequently, Commander Watkins began a three year tour with Special Boat Squadron One; first as Tactical Development and Evaluation Officer and later as Chief Staff Officer Selected Reserve Coordinator, his third command. He then reported to Commander, Amphibious Group Three briefly in October, before his fourth command as Selected Reserve Coordinator, USS WADSWORTH (FFG 9) in March 1987. During this tour, USS WADSWORTH became only the second NRF command to earn the coveted GOLDEN HELM award from the Chief of Naval Reserve for reserve training and retention excellence. In October 1990, Commander Watkins reported to USS JOHN A. MOORE (FFG 19) as Selected Reserve Coordinator, His fifth Naval Reserve Command. Commander Watkins was selected for Captain in January, 1991. Captain (select) Watkins personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal and various service and unit awards. In civilian life Captain (select) Watkins obtained a Masters degree in contract management from American Graduate University in 1981 and is employed by Rockwell International. He is married to the former Bonni Johnstone; they have three children. 166

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GSMC(SW) Barry L. Hemphill United States Navy COMMAND CHIEF A native of Walhalla, South Carolina, GSMC(SW) Hemphill enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1977 as an Undesignated fireman. After completing Boot Camp at Orlando, FL, his first duty station was the USS BOLDER (LST 1190) in Little Creek, VA. Attaining the rank of Engineman Second Class, GSMC(SW) Hemphill took advantage of the Navy ' s conversion oppor- tunities and converted to GSM (Gas Turbine System, Mechanic) in 1981 where he put his new expertise to work in USS DEYO (DD 989) and USS JOHN ROGERS (DD 983). After completing his sea tour, GSMC(SW) Hemphill became an instructor at the Gas Turbine Systems C School located in Great Lakes, IL. Returning to sea duty in 1986 GSMC(SW) Hemphill was selected for the Pre-commissioning crew of the ANTIETAM (CG54) where he served until February 1990 at which time he was assigned to USS JOHN A. MOORE (FFG 19). GSMC(SW) Hemphill assumed duties as Command Chief of USS JOHN A. MOORE (FFG 19) in January of 1991. GSMC(SW) Hemphill ' s personal awards include the Battle Efficiency Ribbon (3 awards). Navy Achievement Medal, Sea Service Ribbon (3 awards). Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (3 awards and the Enlisted Surface Warfare Pin. 168