Leyte Gulf (CG 55) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 104 of the 1997 volume:

vH| USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) BATTLE MED 97-1 DEPLOYMENT 25 NOVEMBER 1996-22 MAY 1997 i COMMANDING 0¥ CAPT Charles S. Vogan, Jr. EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDRJ.J. Costello i: LT Eric N. Fontaine y The Battle Of Leyte Gulf 22-26 October 1944 Cape tngano M JS ubmann -ink biiHktn Maao and Maya, f Sibil van . San Bernardino 5(wrt LEYTE GULF commemorates the largest naval battle in modern history, fought 23-26 October 1944 in the Philippines, virtually ending the Japanese Navy ' s capacity to fight as an organized force. The battle marked the end of centuries of naval warfare tradition in that is was the last sea battle between forces employing battleships. It also marked the last time surface ships employed the classic ma- neuver of crossing the T, when the Japanese ships attempted to enter the Gulf through Surigao Strait early on 23 October. The battle was showcased by three separate primary engagements. The Battle of Surigao Straits, the Battle off Samar Island, and the Battle of Cape Engano. Called the last of the great sea battles, the Battle of Leyte Gulf used every known weapon of naval war, except mines, and in sheer destruction the battle has no rival in naval history. The battle was noteworthy in another-sense in that it saw the first attack by Kamikaze planes, when, on 25 October, five planes swooped down upon escort carriers on the U.S. Seventh Fleet. The kamikazes might justifiably be considered the forerunners of modern cruise missiles and, therefore, form the histori- cal rationale for anti-air missile systems. Thus, the genesis of the AEGIS Weapon System has its root in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. No previous U.S. Navy ship has borne this name although three prior Navy ships carried the name LEYTE to sea. Leyte Gulf History USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) is the ninth Ticonderoga class AEGIS cruiser. The ship ' s keel was laid 1 March 1985 at Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, MS, and christened LEYTE GULF on 11 October 1986. One year later, USS LEYTE GULF was placed into commissioned service during ceremonies in Fort Lauderdale, FL. LEYTE GULF was on station in the Arabian Gulf in early 1991 in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. During the war, LEYTE GULF launched Tomahawk cruise missiles against Iraq and served as local Anti-Air Warfare Commander for a four Aircraft Carrier Battle Force. October 1992 saw LEYTE GULF return to the Mediterranean Sea following a three month Dry Dock Selected Restricted Availability in Boston, MA, providing support for Operation Provide Comfort in the Adriatic Sea joining other multinational forces in response to the suffering in the former Yugoslavia. In July 1993, LEYTE GULF proceeded to the Caribbean Sea in support of the war on drugs, dealing a severe blow to traffickers by coordinating an operation that prevented over 100 million tons of cocaine from reaching the United States. In July 1994, LEYTE GULF deployed to the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch and Vigilant Warrior. LEYTE GULF deployed as an independent deployer providing Ready Strike capabilities to United States Naval Forces Central Command but seamlessly integrated herself sequentially with two different Carrier Battle Groups, performing duties as Anti-Air Warfare Commander and Strike Coord ' inator for USS GEORGE WASHINGTON and USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER. LEYTE GULF ' s efforts in Maritime Interception resulted in the capture of over 25,000 tons of contraband Iraqi oil and in an unprecedented feat the cruiser successfully boarded and diverted three Motor Vessels transporting contraband oil in the same day. On 25 November 1996, USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) deployed for a six month deployment to the Mediterra- nean Sea with the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle Group. For the majority of the deployment, LEYTE GULF was the principal surface combatant escorting USS THE- ODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) and her embarked Carrier Air Wing THREE, and served as the Air Warfare Commander for the THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle Group. Displaying unmatched operational skills, LEYTE GULF repeatedly distinguished herself throughout a multitude of bilateral exercises and real-worid contin- gency operations, tracking and coordinating all air traffic within hundreds of miles of the Battle Group. Shortly after arriving in the Mediterranean, LEYTE GULF rendezvoused with a Royal Navy Task Group cen- tered around the carrier MHS ILLUSTRIOUS for a short PASSEX and then headed to her first port of call in Barcelona, Spain. After celebrating the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass with Pope John Paul II at the Vatican dur- ing her holiday port visit in Naples, Italy, LEYTE GULF operated in the Adriatic, performing Redcrown duties in support of the NATO Operation DELIBERATE GUARD in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, Eariy Febru- ary found LEYTE GULF operating in the Eastern Mediterranean with the Israeli Air Force and Navy in Exercise JUNIPER STALLION. In Mid-February, LEYTE GULF operated in the Western Mediterranean participating in a bilateral exercise, FAN FEV 97, with a French Carrier Task Group centered around the French carrier FS CLEMENCEAU. After several days of high tempo and demanding operations that included simulated battle scenarios between two Carrier Task Groups, both LEYTE GULF and the French Navy concluded the exercise with a substantially improved interoperability. Early March found THEODORE ROOSEVELT and LEYTE GULF participating in a new SIXTH Fleet exercise called INVITEX in the Ionian Sea, south of Italy, with ships and aircraft from Italy and NATO ' s Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED). When THEODORE ROOSEVELT departed the Mediterranean for the Arabian Gulf, LEYTE GULF was di- rected to proceed to the Adriatic Sea and support the NASSAU Amphibious Readiness Group conduchng a Noncombatant Evacuation Operation (NEO) of U.S. citizens from Albania. Upon arriving in the AdriaHc on 17 March and with the assistance of its embarked SH-60B helicopter, PROUD WARRIOR, 434, LEYTE GULF res- cued twenty Albanian refugees adrift in a derelict 40-foot vessel. Having been at sea for five days and without food or water for three days, the refugees were in need of immediate medical attention and assistance, which was readily provided by LEYTE GULF ' s medical personnel and crew. After supporting Operation SILVER WAKE off the coast of Albania during March and April, LEYTE GULF conducted operations in the Central Mediterranean with THEODORE ROOSEVELT prior to participating in the NATO Exercise DISTANT THUNDER in the Aegean Sea with the Turkish Navy and the Sixth Allied Tacti- cal Air Force. While deployed to the Mediterranean, LEYTE GULF conducted ten port visits — Barcelona, Spain; Naples, (twice) and Livorno, Italy; Antalya and Izmir, Turkey; Corfu and Rhodes, Greece; Haifa, Israel; and Toulon, France. Arrayed for Victory wherever she went, LEYTE GULF returned to the United States on 22 May 1997 with tremendous pride in having met the challenges of six months at sea and having represented the United .States Navy and the American People with distinction throughout the Mediterranean Sea. ' Fond Farewell A day to remember or a day to forget, 25 November 1 996? It was a day filled with a myriad of emotions, having to say goodbye to family and friends. Any depression was soon replaced with a feeling of pride, of loyalty, and dedication having meticulously prepared to steam in harm ' s way. There was also excitement in the air. For the adventurous, this would prove to be an experience of a lifetime. Through high winds and heavy seas, sunshine and starlight, we were prepared to proudly go where many had gone before. We stood back to back, shoulder to shoulder knowing that no matter what may befall, we would overcome. 25 November 1996, an eventful day, but when it was over we had 177 days and a wake-up. w in kX 25 N Y mliQr 1996 - 22 M y 199: ' MTS;STOMS COMPLETED: DATE kI ' KJi ' ♦ UK PASSEX 10 Dec 96 ♦ Exercise C6F USWEX 06 Jan 97 ♦ Adriatic Redcrown 08 Jan 97 ♦ Exercise JUNIPER STALLION 02 FeL 97 ♦ Exercise FAN FEV llFelD97 ♦ C6F INVITEX 03 Mar 97 ♦ Operation SILVER WAKE 17 Mar 97 ♦ Operation SILVER WAKE 05 Apr 97 ♦ Exercise DISTANT THUNDER 28 Apr 97 POPTVTSTTS: ♦ Barcelona, Spain 12 Dec 96 ♦ Naples, Italy 23 Dec 96 ♦ Antalya, Turkey 17 Jan 97 ♦ Haifa, Israel 27 Jan 97 ♦ Livomo, Italy 16 Feb 97 ♦ Corfu, Greece 27 FeL 97 ♦ Rnoaes, Greece 10 Mar 97 ♦ Toulon, France 26 Mar 97 ♦ Naples, Italy 18 Apr 97 ♦ Izmir, Turkey 28 Apr 97 ♦ Gaeta, Italy 09 May 97 MTLES TRAVELED: ♦ 35.002 Miles 11 Dec 96 14 Jan 97 14 Jan 97 07 FeL 97 15 FeL 97 07 Mar 97 24 Mar 97 16 Apr 97 07 May 97 16 Dec 96 06 Jan 97 23 Jan 97 02 FeL 97 23 FeL 97 03 Mar 97 15 Mar 97 03 Apr 97 24 Apr 97 30 Apr 97 09 May 97 BEPJtOYMENT STATISTIC; ♦ Days Deployed: ♦ Days at Sea: ♦ Days Inport: Mp ♦ Total Gallons of Fuel Expended: ♦ F-76: ♦ JP-5: ♦ Total Fligkt Hours: ♦ Cans or Soda Consumed: ►_ Numter of E gs Cooked: ♦ NumLer of HamLur er Patties Served: NumLer of Ckickens Cooked: Numker of Candy Bars Consumed: Pounds of Flour Used: Gallons of Mill? Consumed: Tons Mail Sent: Tons Mail Received: Underway ConnectedA ertical Repleiusknf 179 122 (68.2%) 57 (31.8%) 4,410,747 78,726 463.7 80,874 129,600 25,344 9,933 12,980 18,000 7,560 8 2 special Evolutions Faces In The Crowd 10 11 Commanding Officer Captain Charles S. Vogan, Jr. ■ M| ' ■ ' HHI K Captain Charles S. Vogan, Jr. was born in B B . ICBI Hm Berwyn, Pennsylvania, graduating from the Pl C a Ik United States Naval Academy in 1972 with a P A % a y K Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. t IPy ' Following a temporary assignment as As- I B ' . sistant Personnel Officer at the Naval Acad- I H gpi|HnB| |Qi««, emy after graduation, he reported to USS l l g M H FISKE (DD 842), homeported in Newport, PP THH HP Rhode Island, as Communications Officer. 1 - m H| On completion of his tour in FISKE, he was I H W assigned as an Instructor at the Marine B H Corps Advanced Communications Officer B School in Quantico, Virginia, a position r from which he departed in 1977 for duty at ' the Surface Warfare Officer School in New- port, Rhode Island, as a student in the De- partment Head Course. Captain Vogan reported to San Diego in August 1978 for duty in USS PAUL F FOS- TER (DD 964) as Operations Officer. He subsequently was assigned as Operations and then Weapons Officer in USS GRID- LEY (CG 21), completing that tour in May 1982. Reporting to the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, as a student, he graduated in March 1984 with a Masters Degree in Systems Technology (Command, Control, and Communications). Returning to San Diego in June 1984, he was assigned to USS MERRILL (DD 976) as Executive Of- ficer, and December 1996, he reported to Commander, Destroyer Squadron FIVE as Chief of Staff Officer. Captain Vogan trans- ferred from COMDESRON FIVE in July 1987 for duty as a student at the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from which he graduated in May 1988. In August 1989, Captain Vogan commissioned USS INGRAHAM (FFG 61) as Commanding Officer, a position he held for two years, and during which he completed his fifth deployment to the West- ern Pacific and Indian Ocean areas. Following his relief, he reported to the Staff of Commander, U.S. SIXTH Fleet a Deputy Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations Plans in September 1991. Follow- in g duty in the Mediterranean, he transferred in October 1983 to the Staff of Commander, U.S. SEC- OND Fleet as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations Plans. During his tour, he was the Director for Operations for Commander, Joint Task Force 120, conducting maritime operations in support of Op- eration UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti. He reported to the Operations Directorate on the Staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet in December 1994 and held the positions of Deputy Direc- tor and then Director for Operations. Captain Vogan assumed command of USS LEYTE GULF (CG 55) on 14 November 1996. Personal Awards include the Legion of Merit (3), Meritorious Service Medal (2), and the Navy Achievement Medal. Captain Vogan is man-ed to the former Linda Schnabel of Oxon Hill, Maryland. The Vogan ' s have two children, Meagan ind Matthew and reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 12 Executive Officer LCDR J.J. Costello 14 Command Master Chief AVCM(SW AW) PJ. Barone 15 Family Support Group The family support group plays an integral part while the ship is deployed, planning fundraisers and activities such as a car wash, a Christmas party, and various crafts which helped time pass quickly. These were just a few of the many activi- ties that helped establish new friendships and support for LEYTE GULF families. 14 Comrel Projects The good will of LEYTE GULF Sailors permeated the air as we became shining ambassadors in all the ports we visited. Various community projects included visiting and conducting some routine maintenance on a handicapped peoples home, singing Christmas car- ols to the less fortunate, painting and cleaning a home founded by f 1other Teresa, and working side by side with the staff of Rambam Hospital in Haifa. The helping hands were always welcomed with smiles and hugs, making ev- eryone involved a little better off for the experience. Officer ' s Country 19 CPO Mess 20 Supply LCDR Pete Herald Supply Officer Air Detachment LCDR Glen Doyle Air Det. OIC Engineering LCDR David Snow Chief Engineer LTJG Randall Shaw Main Propulsion Assistant GSCS -V) Michael Ridgway Engir, ' ngDept. LCPO 22 m A- Operations LCDR Richard Brown Operations Officer CW04 Paul Haught Assistant Operations Office Combat Systems LCDR Douglas Nashold Combat Systems Officer LT Stephen Froelich Weapons Officer ENS Charles Coryell Systems Test Officer FCCM(SW) James Pardue Combat Systems Dept. 23 XX Division Admin is perhaps the most diverse Department onboard LEYTE GULF and is comprised of a variety of ratings. Handling tlie typing, filing and other clerical duties for the ship is the duty of tye Yeomen (YN). Maintaining the crevu ' s service records and manning issues is the re- sponsibility of the Personnelmen (PN). The Master-At-Arms (MA) assists in security matters, enforcing regulations and conducting investigations. Our Hospital Corpsmen (HM) provide health care for the crew such as first aid, minor surgery, patient transportation, and prescriptions. The Religious Program Specialist ' s (RP) assist the Chaplain performing administrative and clerical duties, and the Navy Counselor (NO offers both vocational and reenlistment guidance. LT Jeffrey Milne Chaplain MAC(SW) Rick Porter Chief Master-At-Arms EMCM(SW) Arthur Lee PNC(SW) Brian Daviau 3-M Coordinator Personnel Officer FCCM(SW) Mark Snedeker 3-M Coordinator HMC Mark Graves Medical Officer W YNKSW) Michael Neeley YNl(SW)Cory Hayden YN 1 (SW) Terry Henderson PN2 George Mcintosh RP2(FMF) Damon Peavy RP2 Brian Miller HM3 Andrew Sanford YNSN Jarrod Simpson YNSA Greg Leviness HN Monte Vaughn PNSA Thomas Martin 25 . oc Division The Radiomen (RM) of OC division enable LEYTE GULF to communi- cate with the outside world. They handle all external communica- tions, operating throughout the frequency spectrum. Whether it ' s satellite comms, HE voice, or data comms; radiomen keep us connected to the rest of the world. ENS Michael Meredith Communications Officer RMCS(SW) Marcus Beamon Leading Chief Petty Officer RMl Theodore Pafundi Leading Petty Officer RMl(SW)JayLangwith Work Center Supervisor f f • r RM2 MarkAhlow RM2 Ernest Alfinez RM2(SW) Adrian McCoy RM2(SW) Robert Ramos RM2 Eddie Rosemond RMS Philip Rice RMS William Eubanks RMSN Christopher Mace RMSA Jerry Droessler RMSA Patrick Hawxhurst RMSA Dylan Dehart RMSA Kenneth Stewart 29 OD Division The Boatswain ' s Mates (BM) of OD division are expert seamen who maintain the ship and her boats. Deck Seamen provide the man- power necessary to carry out this mission. Division personnel serve on the boat and flight deck crews and stand watch as helmsmen and look- outs. In addition, OD personnel are responsible for the rigging and han- dling of deck equipment and for the coordination of loading unloading of cargo, ammunition, and fuel. The Boatswain ' s Mates earn their living by training, directing, and supervising personnel in all activities of deck sea- manship. ENS John Metcalf First Lieutenant BMC(SW) Glen Robertson Leading Chief Petty Officer BMC{SW) Anthony Bozzella Leading Petty Officer BM2(SW) Lyndon Jones Work Center Supervisor oi inSon BM2(SW) Reginald Washington BM2(SW) Wayne Welch BM2(SW) Jason Rinto BM3(SW) Hector Espaillat BM3 John Spears BM3 James Torrente BMSN Maurice Watson BMSN Jeremy Erickson SN Fredericl Farrell SN Rodney Beasley SN Leonardo Ewin SN Benjamin Foreman SN Paul Puchalski SN Curtis Tate SN Carmelo Richardson SN Donald Smith SN Kendrick Neal SA Omar Gonzalez 31 SA John Yokum SA Gregory Wolfe SA Ron White SA JohnSelva SR Cherer Sainte SR Michael Flanagan SR Thomas Hunter SR Dion Banks SR Henry Griffin SR Rakesh Douglas SR Troy Burress SR Michael Amos 33 ON Division The Quartermaster ' s (QM) are responsible for the save navigation of the ship and ensure a thorough plot is maintained on the bridge. They also as- sist the Navigator by maintaining accurate charts, sighting navigational aids, and recording daily events in the ship ' s deck log. Using flashing lights, semaphore and flag hoists. Signalmen (SM) enable LEYTE GULF to communicate with other ships within visual range both rapidly and co- vertly. LUG Eric Fontaine Navigator SMC(SW) Dwayne Stobaugh Leading Chief Petty Officer QMKSW) Steve Lane Leading Petty Officer QM2(SW) Reginald Brooks Work Center Supervisor .Oi i QMKSW) Kelly Wind SM2(SW) Paul Kertesz SM2 Dave Wagner QM2{SW) Joe Marquez SM2 Thomas Behr QM3(SW) Sean Welker SMS Darryl Runde SMSN Anthony Wilkins SMSN Kenneth McGilton QM3 Matthew Shirk SMSN Kevin Poe SMSA Phillip Nicholas 35 OI Division LEYTE GULF ' S Operations Specialists (OS) work in the ship ' s Combat Information Center. As the cornerstone of the Combat System ' s team, they are responsible for the gathering, processing, display, evaluation and dis- semination of all tactical information for Command and Control decision making. The OS ' s operate an array of complex equipment including com- munications, navigation, and computer systems. LTJG Paul Durso CIC Officer ENS Benton Vaughan 0! Division Officer OSCS(SW) Gregory Greene Departmental LCPO OSt Leading ' tael Morris rty Officer OSKSW) Eric Corn OSKSW) Patrick Dulaney OSKSW) Michael Lee OSl(AW) Rickey McReynolds OSKSW) Derek Newell OSKSW) Michael Spitler 0S2 Chris Bastoni 0S2 Aris Fernandez 0S2{SW) Tony Gooden 0S2 Roy Kramp 0S2(SW) Ryan Levan 0S2(SW) Christopher Rigby 052 Jason Terry 0S2(SW) James Thomas 0S2(SW) Charles Willingham 0S3(SW) Michael Morgan 053 Scott Sherman 0S3 Octavius Clark 37 0S3 Flamingo Hill 0S3{SW) James McMichael 0S3 Kevin Mech OSS Ray Tippen OSS Andrew Udziela OSS Eric Walrod OSS Damion Thomas OSSN Scott Bedner OSSN Luke Casey OSSN Marcus Green OSSN Timothy Hensley OSSN Craig Hodges OSSN Ramiz Mirza OSSN Robert Roetman OSSN James Robinson OSSN Ismael Santos OSSN Elliot White OSSN Joseph Wroath 39 OT Division The Electronic Warfare Technicians (EW) utilize electromagnetic en- ergy to exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic spectrum. They operate the AN SLQ-32A(V) 3, a passive surveil- lance and detection system with electronic jamming capabilities and the MK 36 SRBOC decoy launching system w hich utilizes a variety of chaff IR decoys to counter incoming missiles. Analysis and correlation of intelli- gence information from their own equipment, afloat cyrptologic equipped ships, aircraft, and shore facilities enable the Cryptologic Technicians (CT) to provide non-real time track data to Warfare Commanders. ENS Jay Paccapaniccia Electronic Warfare Officer CW02 Dave Henson Signal Warfare Officer CW02 King Solemen Smith Signal Warfare Officer EWC(SW) Scott Byrd Leading Chief Petty Officer CTOKSW) Jackie Kirk ISl Joseph Fontanella CTMKSW) Michael Goewey CTR2 John Guthrie EW2(SW) Dewey Torres EW2(SW) Doshy Ellison EW3 Todd Preston CT03 Ryan McGhee CT03 Paul Hill FW3 Chance Bertrand FW3 Jarman Jenkins LWSN Travis Crocket 41 CA Division CA Division is responsible for conducting Under Sea Warfare (USW) onboard LEYTE GULF and is always preparing for any unseen battle that may arise with an enemy submarine. Training and maintaining their equipment in fighting condition occupies the majority of the Sonar Technician ' s (STG) and Tor pedoman Mate ' s (TM) time at sea. LEYT GULF carries on the world ' s most sophisticated surface sonar suites and is- poised to confront any potentially hostile contact at a moments notice us- ing the hard hitting MK 46 torpedo. ENS William Garrett Under Sea Warfare Officer STGCS(SW) Steven Smith Leading Chief Petty Officer -- l STGKSW) Christopher Bemacki Leading Petty Officer STGKSW) David L cotti Work Center Supervisor If it M Jf O TIVI2 James Colley STG2 Steven Lowder STG2 Russell Coins STG3 Jason Stawarz STG3 Michael Bair STG3 Charles Tucker STG3 Tony Cooper STG3 James Fletcher TMSN Eric Goltowski STGSN Tommy Bishop STGSN Adam Newman I MSA John Gonzales 45 CE CI Division CE CI Division consists of Electronics Technicians (ET) and Interior Communications Technicians (IC). ET ' s maintain the ship ' s air and surface search radars, IFF equipment, TACAN beacon, satellite navigation receivers, and all exterior communication link data systems. IC men are responsible for the ship ' s gyro compasses which provide the ship its latitude and longitude and supply various inputs to numerous weapons systems. They also maintain interior communications throughout the ship and operate the ship ' s closed circuit TV system. ENS Coy Adams Electronics Material Officer ETCS(SW) Randall Lewis Leading Chief Petty Officer ETKAW) Stephen Gonzalez CE Leading Petty Officer ICKSW) Matthew Miller CI Leading Petty Officer ETl Shawn Gillian ET2(SW) Scott Finni ET2 Kenneth Lee ET2 Robert Maclaren ET2 Steven Rodriguez ET3 Robert Powell ET3(SW) Jason Howes ET3 John Hotaling IC3 Gregory Genette ICFN Christopher Byron 47 CF Division The AEGIS Weapon System is the most advanced weapon system currently installed onboard any Naval vessel. AEGIS class ships serve as the shield of the fleet providing anti-air, anti-surface, strike, and anti-submarine defense for the battle group. CF Division is re- sponsible for the SPY-IA phased array radar, the MK 99 Fire Control Sys- tem, ANUYK-43 Digital Computers, AEGIS Display System and various auxiliary equipment. Additionally, they are responsible for the Close-ln- Weapons System (CIWS) w hich fires a 20mm projectile at a rate of 4,500 rounds per minute making short vi ork out of anything that penetrates the ship ' s primary defense system. LT Kurk Mondlak Fire Control Officer FCCS(SW) Anthony Tall Leading Chief Petty Officer FCC(SW) Randy Rice Leading Chief Petty Officer FCKSW, lio Devlin Leading PeUy Officer 9. jmM m m 1 H iJoirJiiJitdi r r  ' - [ r ' Q FCKSW) Harold Ames FCKSW) Terry Clouse FCKSW) Cliff Russ FC2(SW) Ryan Lien FC2(SW) Jesse Ready FC2 Josh Quenemoen FC2 Brian Snyder FC2(SW) Adam Cejka FC2 Todd Landers FC2 Lynn Conerly FC2(SW) Phil Stubblefield FC3 David Taylor FC3 Thomas Welton FC3 Jason Williamson FC3 Eddie Ballard FC3(SW) Steve Bates FC3(SW) Daniel Frey FC3 Dominic Gallon 49 • • • ••.c ' 9 FC3(SW)JeffGulla FC3 Wayne White FC3(SW) Christopher Allen FC3 Brent Hinrichs FC3(SW) Jesse Tripp FC3 Richard Daniels FC3 Roy Clark 51 CG Division ENS Tony Mcittiiiez GimiH ' tv OIIk or FCCCiW) Willi, nil Moiiiils LeadiMnCliii-l I ' dly OIIk cr GM(;(SW) Rohcrl I ox L( ;i()iii;;Clm ' l felly Ollu ( r The Ciiiniu ' r ' s Mjlcs (CM) .iiid t ire Coiiliolinen (FC) of Gunnery Divi- SKIM lypi( .illy trs|)(iii(l Id iuistiir IIihmIs on Ihe siirtace and in the ,iii. (1ii linir ,ind on l.ut- ' .cl, tlic MK Hd dii;it,il conipnter directs gnn- lire agdinst Mirl,n e, slioie, and an larc.cls. Iwo ' i iiuli r)4 ralilxn MK 45 gnu nuninis [novidc llif lliniidcr lioin tlie mm, litiiii:; up to . ' (1 rounds a niinnic with diMiilv a( i iirai v I ln ' I lai|ioon W(M[ioii System is Ihe Navy ' s |iriinary Anii Snita( e Weapon and is i a|ial)|e ol delivering an over-the-ho- ri on atlai k W!P r I v ' GMGl lames Murphy I eadiiic I ' elty Ofli(:(!r G DiV IHKBB 1%. ,; f kW GMGUSW) Robert Sanderson GMGKSW) Timothy Roberts FC2 Bobl)y Brandon FC; John Dillard GMG2 Jason Macy FC2 Steplien Cloer FC3 Jeremy Bacon (iM(;j Mart: Cason GMGJ Fills Williams GiVIG3 Leonardo iVIiclat FC3 Bol)t)y LaMarco GMG3 James Itiornton 53 CM Division CM division is responsible for maintaining and operating one of the most higfily complex and sophiisticated missile systems available to, the Navy today. The Vertical Launching System (VLS) provides both offensive and defensive capabilities in the blink of an eye. The types ofj missiles available are the Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile and the SM-2 Surface to Air Surface Missile. The MK37 Tomahaw k Weapons Sys- tem is capable of delivering America ' s fire power deep into enemy territory with precision accuracy and is the most feared of conventional weapons systems. LTJG Randall Bell Strike Officer FCC(SW) John Farrell Leading Chief Petty Officer GMC(SW) Jerry Ruff Leading Chief Petty Officer GMMl(SW)Darryl Ellis Lee ling Petty Officer GMMl William Peeples GMMKSW) William Pyle GMMKSW) Francis Petsch FC2 Robert Novak GMM2 Scott Ross GMM2 Avery Smith FC2 Brian Snyder FC2 Oswald Taylor GMM3 John Mazur GMM3(SW) James Stanley 55 A Division Auxiliary Division is literally the jack-of-all trades within Engineering Department. Comprised of Enginemen (EN), A-gangers maintain a wide variety of equipment. Air conditioning, refrigeration, small boats, high and low pressure air production, steam distribution, and galley machinery are just a few of the systems that they are responsible for main- taining. A Division continually strives to provide the highest level of auxil- iary equipment readiness and operation. LTJG Phillip Meekins Auxiliaries Officer ENC(SW) Andrew Patrick Leading Chief Petty Officer ft ' ' -,, ENC(SW) Joseph James Leading Chief Petty Officer mmM] ENl V ' lam Rose Leading i 1y Officer mil. EN2 Eric Edwards EN2 Leon Murphy ENS Daniel Fleming EN3 Benedicto Braun EN3 Jonathan White EN3 Christopher Rose ENS Joseph Tapley ENS Eric Barriger ENFN James Washington FN Harvey Teetz ENFA James Williams FA Frederick Vargas 59 Division The men of E Division maintain the ship ' s entire 60 HZ electrical dis tribution system. Comprised of Electrician Mates (EM), they are also responsible for maintaining hotel services for the ship such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and galley equipment. E Division also en- sures that all personal electrical gear is safety checked and ready for ship- board use. ENS Michael Martino Electrical Officer EMC(SW) Derrick Robinson LeadingChief Petty Officer EMC(SW) Alexander Glover Leading Chief Petty Officer ■SW) Fred Strozier U ig Petty Officer .4r ImEM EM2 Fipencio Solis EM2 Jeffrey Decker EMS Carl Clary EM3 John Beam EMFN Marcus Mines TMFN Jofin Boyette ( N Benny Vanzant FN Marcus Mines 61 MP Division Main Propulsion Division is made up of Gas Turbine System Tech- nicians-Electrical (GSE) and Gas Turbine System Technicians- Mechanical (GSM). GS ' s operate, repair and maintain LEYTE GULF ' S four Gas Turbine Engines and three Gas Turbine Generators. The engines provide in excess of 80,000 horsepower and the generators pro- vide enough electric power to light all of Mayport. Main propulsion ma- chinery (including gears, shafting and controllable pitch propellers), as- signed auxiliary equipment, propulsion control systems, electrical and electronic circuitry, and alarm and warning circuitry are also their respon- sibility. GS ' s ensure that LEYTE GULF is always ready to answer all bells to 30 + knots. LT JG Juan Fanjul Main Propulsion Officer GSEC(SW) Eric Benn Leading Chief Petty Officer GSMl(SW)MarkMcDaniel Leading Petty Officer ENl(SW)Simmie Stewart Oil King GSMl Raulito Deguzman GSE2(SW) William Stokes GSE2 Fitz Dasal GSM2 Robert Indelicato GSM2 Donald Crum GSM2 Robert Crumrine GSM2 James Kreitzer GSE3 Frank Thomas GSE3 Jesus Melendez GSM3 Walter Jurgiewicz GSM3 Earl Meroney GSM3 Dwayne Williams GSM3 EvartCory GSM3 Gerald Durst GSM3 Jesse Burke GSMFN Daniel Hayes FN David Simms GSMFA Gabriel Farley 63 FN Randall Barry GSMFN Damon Bohanon GSM FN Ismael Reyes-Cruz GSEFN Randall Cramberg GSEFN Julian Pardal FN Samuel Bell FN Juwan Thomas FN Joseph Vacks FN Andres Velasco FN Stephan Sanders 65 DC R Division R Division is comprised of Damage Controlmen (DC), Hull Techni- cians (HT), and Machinery Repairmen (MR). The Damage Control- men are responsible for maintaining the ship ' s fire-fighting readi- ness and ensuring that portable fire-fighting equipment is kept opera- tional. The Hull Technicians are responsible for all welding, brazing and machining required onboard. They also maintain all permanently installed fire-fighting systems. Repair Division, as a whole, is responsible for the ship ' s sewage and maintaining operational readiness of the ship ' s CBR Defense System. By far, their most important job is to ensure that all per- sonnel on LEYTE GULF are trained in Basic Damage Control and all phases of shipboard fire-fighting. ENS Sunil Ramchand Damage Control Assistant DCC(SW) Barton Gauthreaux Leading Chief Petty Officer DCKSW) Michael Sternberg Leading Petty Officer HI i, A ' Scott Lundgren Leading Petty Officer P p Ip ' 9 n MRKSW) Scott Hall HTKSW) Patrick Rueger DC2 Frank Napolitan DC2 Scott Kallas HT3 Christopher Wills DCFN Douglass Clemens HTFN Shaun Canova DCFN Charles Deal DCFA David Gowdy FN Jayson Bolton FN Greg Hightower FN James Pullin 67 m. kf S-1 Division The Store Keeper ' s (SK) of SI Division work hard providing the re- quired repair parts and consumables needed for sustaining a ship at sea. They see that much needed supplies are available, including everything from clothing and machine parts to forms and food. SK ' s are re- sponsible for the proper and legal expenditure of government funds allo- cated by the Type Commander. They also procure the necessary services that allow the ship to pull into ports for those much needed liberty stops. SKC{SW) Ronnie Jackson Leading Chief Petty Officer SKl(SW)JohnMinskey Leading Petty Officer SKI Oscar Harris Work Center Supervisor PC2 Donald Lewis Postal Clerk 1 i J ' r m k t -i ' ' W m m. SK2(SW) Melvin Hampton SK2(SW) Tommy Ben SK2 Irvin Washington SK3(SW) Daniel Hemandez SK3 Kenneth Lewis SKSA Roy Gaffney 71 S-2 Division The Mess Management Specialist ' s (MS) of LEYTE GULF work around the clock preparing all the meals for the ship. From baking cakes for reenlistments to personalizing an omelet for breakfast, they maintain the highest level of morale onboard through hard work and dedication. Keeping a varied but nutritious menu is the key to their suc- cess. The MS ' s serve over 1,200 meals a day and are always on time. They also coordinate some of the crews favorite functions like steel beach picnics. ENS Steven Marshall Food Services Officer 1 MSCS John Kulas Leading Chief Petty Officer MSKSW) Edward Johnson Leading Petty Officer ...( ' ' sx MS2 Floyd Harris Work Center Supervisor MS2 Gorden Stavis MS2 Daniel Bogowitz MS2(SW) Herbert Moorman MS3 Preston Brown MS3 Marco Jeffries MS3 Stacy White MS3 David Slauson MSSN Michael Torbert MSSN Antonio Curtis 73 S-2 S-3 Division Ship ' s Servicemen (SH) are the retailers for the fleet. A full range of ne cessity and luxury items are provided for sale in the Ship ' s Store. The day to day needs of the crew are provided by SH ' s, including Barber Shop and Laundry Services. Additionally, candy and soda machines are stocked and maintained by the SH ' s. Disbursing Clerks (DK) attend to the financial needs of the crew. They compute the payroll, cash checks, pay travel claims, and make deposits to the U.S. Treasury. The DK ' s also pre- pare government financial reports to account for the ship ' s financial af- fairs. SH2 Juan Natal SH3 Don Sayarath SH3 John Arthur SH3 Michael Gomez SHSN Marvin Lynn SHSA James Mathis 75 AIR Department The Air Detachment of LEYTE GULF is composed of the members from HSL-42 Detachment Three. Six pilots and 17 enlisted men make up the team for the sophisticated SH-60B Seahawk Anti-Sub- marine Warfare helicopter. Proud Warrior 433 and 434 are expertly main- tained by the Aviation Machinist ' s Mates (AD), Aviation Electrician ' s Mates (AE), Aviation Electronics Technicians (AT), Aviation Maintenance Administration men (AZ), Aviation Structural Mechanics (AM), and the Aviation Warfare Systems Operators (AW). These professionals perform the demanding maintenance on their aircraft in order to keep them in an UP status. Flying over 700 mishap free hours, Detachment Three proved that they can do it all and do it safely, setting an example for other Air Det ' s to emulate. LT Robert Arseneault LT Brad Collins LT Andrew Harold LT Jeb Hendricks ll LT Roger Allenbaugh ADC(AW SW) Daniel Neal AMHKAW) James Ellis AT2(AW) Aric McCosh AZ2 Delano Hill AE3 John Baker AE3 Christopher Crabili AD3 Richard Davis ADS Kevin Garrety AMS3 Dale Smith AW3 Larquis Sowell ATAN Jamie Spafford AZAA Joshua Krettler AA Hector Calderonzorilla 79 Rn Battle Group Operations 82 83 o4 rrfrrffffffrrfffrffffffrffirm MED 97-1 Qualified Surface Warriors Surface Warfare Officers ENS John Metcalf ENS William Garrett LTJG Phillip Meekins LTJG Randall Shaw ENS Sunil Ramchand Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists PNC(SW AW) Brian Daviau CTMl(SW) Michael Goewey CTOl(SW) Jackie Kirk FCl(SW) Clifford Russ FCl(SW) Michael Vail FCl(SW) Brian Devlin GMMl(SW) Darryl Ellis GMMl(SW) William Pyle MSl(SW) Edward Johnson OSl(SW) Derek Newell SKl(SW)JohnMinskey ET2(SW) Scott Finni ET2(SW) Greg Pellegrino FC2(SW) Adam Cejka FC2(SW) David Tavlor FC2(SW) Jason Williamson FC2(SW) Brian Snyder QM2(SW) Reginald Brooks MS2(SW) Herbert Moorman OS2(SW) Christopher Rigby SK2(SW) Irvin Washington SM2(SW) Paul Kertesz ET3(SW) Jason Howes FC3(SW) Christopher Allen FC3(SW) Steven Bates FC3(SW) Daniel Frey FC3(SW) Jeffrey Gulla FC3(SW) Jesse Tripp GMM3(SW) James Stanley OS3(SW) James McMichael 85 Barcelona, Spain After more than two weeks at sea, Barcelona was our first port of call and a welcome sight for all. It is the second largest city in Spam with a population of approximately 3.5 million and was host to the 1992 Olympic games. Even though our visit was not during tourist season, Barce- lona still offered a variety of entertainment, food, and history which proved to be the perfect diversion. 36 Antalya and Izmir, Turkey Antalya is magnificently situated atop ttie cliffs of a wide crescent-shaped bay surrounded by ttie tow- ering peaks of the high Taurus mountains that are covered with pine forests. It is one of the few resorts in the Mediterranean that still has crystal clear waters and offers an unbelievable view to those who dine on the iffs. .zmir offered some of the best shopping in the Mediter- ranean with very low prices. Those who did not purchase the colorful and durable Turkish rugs in Antalya were given a second chance while in Izmir. Unfortunately, this uort visit stay was much shorter due to our participation 111 NATO Exercise Distant Thunder. 87 Naples, Italy At a glance, the first sight of Naples is overshadowed by the awesome presence of Mount Vesuvius which rises high over the city. Naples is the commercial, cultural and artistic center of southern Italy. While strolling through the piazzas our senses were overwhelmed by the smells of home- made bread, brick-oven pizzas and fresh pastries. Naples was also the hub through which the men of LEYTE GULF took ex- citing and historical tours throughout the rest of Italy. w Livorno, Italy Livorno IS one of northern Italy ' s largest ports and proved to be a busy, modern port facility. As with other ports, Livorno pro- vided easy access to other cities in northern Italy, including Florence and Pisa. Florence is a pristine city with a truly astounding collection of re- naissance art and architecture. Pisa, on the other hand, is a quaint little town that offers a breathtaking view of the famous leaning tower constructed in the 12th century. 89 Corfu And Rhodes, Greece Rhodes is a historic island dominated by an imposing 15th century walled city, Greek temples and miles of unspoiled beaches. One of the seven wonders of the an- cient world, The Colossus of Rhodes, once overlooked the city harbor. Corfu gave us the opportunity to relax on the beach and walk the narrow, picturesque streets, observing the little squares and churches with their tall belfries. When the sightseeing was done in these wonderful Greek cities, many crewmembers set out to enjoy the superb dining experiences with such favorites as souvlakia, dolmades, gyros and baklava. 90 Toulon, France Toulon IS the largest French Naval Base on the Mediterra- nean coast. The crew spent time on liberty enjoying smash sandwiches and refreshments at several water- front cafes. Some LEYTE GULF Sailors took advantage of the con- venient rail system, journeying to Pans, Nice, and Monaco. Each region of French has its own culinary specialties and the most no- ticeable custom was the eating of the mam meal at noon. 91 Haifa, Israel Through Haifa, LEYTE GULF sailors were able to access much of the Holy Land including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada, and the Dead Sea. Jerusalem is the religious capi- tal to half of the human race. For the Jews, it is a reminder of their past glories and represents their hopes for the future. For the Christians, it is the city of Jesus ' last ministry and the city which saw Jesus die and rise from the dead. For the Moslems, it is the city where the Prophet Mohammed is believed to have ascended to heaven. 93 Homecoming We go to sea because it is our profession. Very few people in the world understand the sacrifices that make LEYTE GULF a success and, which in turn, enable the United States to powerfully go where no other country can. The biggest sacri- fice is made by our families who provide the support and dedication necessary to deploy for six months. It is to those who waited anxiously on the pier and to those who waited in homes across the nation for our return that we the men of USS LEYTE GULF extend our love and heart- felt thanks. 1 ■ f % ' ' , w KT - FV iT I iP; ' ' --;J 3 ' J- ' - ti ft 95 Cruisebook Staff LT Eric Fontaine (Editor, left) and LT Jeff Milne (Asst. Editor, right) putting the finishing touch on the cruisebook. Cruisebook Committee GMM3(SW) James Sfanley BM2(SW) Jason Rinto LT Juan Fanjul EN:1(SW) Simmie Stewart QM3 Matthew Shirk OSSN Timothy Hensley STG2(SW) Darrell Brown YNl(SW)CoryHayden FC3 David Taylor ET2 Steven Rodriguez DC2 Scott Kallas OS3(SW) David Fluornoy MS2(SW) Herbert Moorman EM2 Jeffrey Decker EN3 Benedicto Braun FC2 Stephen Cloer RP2 Brian Miller yb Wt««to. |C ' 7::i (SJ