Oldendorf (DD 972) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commander Mark C. Nesselrode C OM MANDI N G OJHQYCER

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Dedication . . . X This Cruise Book is dedicated to the men and women of USS OLDENDORF and to all of the families and friends who so faithfully sup- ported us during our six month deployment to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf I December 1995 to 16 May 1996. As a surface combatant assigned to Nimitz Battle Group, OLDENDORF performed superbly in every mission assigned. Starting with the pre-deployment work-ups. You trained to become a coordinated team of tactical experts and established an internal support system that en- sured the ship could go anywhere for almost any length of time. You maintained the highest levels of crew morale which not only increased the quality of life onboard but also enhanced the combat readiness ofthe ship. As recognized by the Battle Group and various Fleet Commanders, you dedicated your efforts to absolutely superb performances. The fol- lowing are some specific highligh ts.' Diversion to Hawaii to repair the Sonar Dome and subsequent independent transit across the Pacific Ocean and through the Malacca Strait. Numerous queries and boardings of vessels in the Northern Arabian Gulf during the Maritime Interception Operations in support of United Nation is sanctions. Superb performance as Nimitz Battle Group Tomahawk Strike Platform during Operation Southern Watch. Successfully supported thirteen Maritime Prepositioning Ships and Army War Reserve Ships at MODLOC station in the Central Arabian Gulf Expeditiously transit from the Arabian Gulf to the Straits of Taiwan for national contingency operations which culminated with 53 con- tinuous days at sea. Outstanding support of operations Desert Storm and Vigilant Sentinel and numerous Flight Quarters, Unreps, Conreps, Vertreps and many many more ... Those courageous volunteers back home also contributed enormously to the success of this deployment. The actively involved support structure was headed by a superb team of Ombudsmen and a Family Support Group. Their efforts kept the families informed, supported and involved in many events helping bide the time of separation. Their periodic newsletters and the weekly changing phone messages kept loved ones in touch with the lives and events occurring both home and aboard. To all of you associated with the deployment, many thanks and congratulations for a job well done. This book is dedicated to you.' S ,. ' A 9 ers N. , M223 4 fr.-.gg Q - YM.. .K lyw, .. f if-3:

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Commander Nesselrode's service at sea has been exclu- sively in cruisers and destroyers. Upon completion of Nu- clear Power training, he was assigned to the engineering de- partment of USS SOUTH CAROLINA 1CGN 372. he served a second tour as the Main Propulsion Assistant aboard USS MISSISSIPPI 1CGN 402. After the Department Head course he was assigned as Operations Officer aboard USS HOEL 1DDG 132. He served a second department head tour as Elec- trical OfHcer aboard USS LONG BEACH 1CGN 92. During his assignment as Executive Officer aboard USS HORNE 1CG 302, Commander Nesselrode saw action in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in Mathematics, Commander Nesselrode is also a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School and holds both a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and the degree of Me- chanical Engineer. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army War College. Commander Nesselrode has also served as a manager ofthe National Military Command Center on the Joint Staff His various awards include the Defense Meritorious Ser- vice Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal 1with Combat V and 3rd Gold Star in lieu of 4th award2, the Navy Achievement Medal 1with Gold Star in lieu of 2nd award2 and the Combat Action Ribbon. Commander Nesselrode is married to the former Martha Blum of Gig Harbor, Washington. Martha is a graduate of both Washington State University and George Mason Uni- versity, and holds both a Bachelors and Masters Degree in Nursing. The Nesselrodes have three daughters. Laurin 1162. Christine 1142, and Lynne 1122. 5 X-sl xxx, v-fe 'v I., ,Lf