Ponce (LPD 15) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 136 of the 1986 volume:

v iiiATi ■'Mill .Ml I vom % 4 MAKING SACRIFICE Liberty's price is not cheap, nor is freedom procured without sacrifice. We dedicate this book to those who sacrificed so much, our families and loved ones, in their support of us. We pray our efforts and theirs have in some way benefited all who long to be and to stay free. TABLE OF CONTENTS Navy Command, pg 4 Navy Officers, pg 12 Navy Crew, pg 28 MARG 1-86, pg 88 Marine Command, Pg  Marine Officers, pg 24 Marine Troops, pg 68 Homecoming, pg 124 3 CAPT Robert P. Lucas is a native of New York City, and served in both the Norwegian and United States Merchant Marine before attending the State Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. He graduated in 1958 and is a licensed Master Mariner. Captain Lucas made extended deployments to both the Arctic and Antarctic Oceans as Navigator aboard the icebreaker USS GLACIER (AGB 4). He then volunteered for submarine duty and subsequently qualified for command of submarines. In 1967 Captain Lucas attended the U.S. Naval War College and completed advanced studies at George Washington University. COMMANDING OFFICER In the course of his long and distinguished career Captain Lucas has served his nation admirably and faithfully on both ship and shore commands. He was commanding the Naval Amphibious School Little Creek when he assumed command of USS PONCE in January of 1985. 5 = TT EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR Todd Parrish enlisted in the Navy through the NROTC unit at the University of North Carolina. Graduating in May, 1973 he attended the pilot program for what is now Surface Warfare Officer's Basic. He has had a distinguished career both ashore and afloat, and was serving as scheduler for COMPHIBRON 2 prior to reporting to PONCE. LCDR Parrish has two children, TJ, 16, and Christy, 9. 6 COMMAND MASTER CHIEF PHCM(SW) Arthur Wiedmann was born in Ashley, North Dakota and enlisted in the Navy in December of 1952. Following basic training in San Diego, he served in Okinawa, Panama, California, Florida, the Republic of the Philippines and other varied duty stations, including a four-year tour in Washington as the Photographer's Mate Detailer. Master Chief Wiedmann's function aboard PONCE is to serve as the ship's Command Master Chief. Among his numerous duties, he functions as the primary liaison between the Commanding Officer and the crew, a job he says he finds very satisfying . 7 CO OF TROOPS J.R. ALLEN CAPT. USMC Captain John Allen graduated with honors from the United States Naval Academy in 1976, accepting a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the USMC. From 1977 to 1980 he served as company executive officer of Company F, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines. In 1983, Captain Allen attended the Defense Intelligence College in Washington, DC, graduating first in his class and receiving the Military Intelligence Award for maintaining a 4.0 academic average and for being the first student in the college's history to be awarded the institution's masters degree while in residence. He was subsequently assigned as Commanding Officer, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. He was appointed Commanding Officer of Troops aboard USS PONCE in October, 1985. I CO INDIA BATTERY 1 G.M. DALLAS CAPT. USMC ■ Captain George Dallas graduated from Ship-pensville State College in May of 1978 and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the USMCR. Following graduation from Basic School, he was augmented into the regular Marine Corps. He was then assigned to the Field Artillery Basic Course at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Captain Dallas then served as Executive Officer of Battery L 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines for two-and-a-half years. Subsequently, he was assigned to the Marine detachment aboard the USS Enterprise. In March of 1985, Captain Dallas assumed command of India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines. 9 XO COMPANY L First Lieutenant John E. Stone, XO of troops USS PONCE (LPD-15). Majoring in Classics, 1STLT Stone was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated from Florida State University in December 1982. Upon graduation he was commissioned a 2NDLT and reported to Marine Officers Basic School. Upon completion of Basic School and the Infantry Officer Course, LT Stone reported to the 3RD BN 4TH Marines in September 1983. Fie was promoted to 1STLT in December 1984. 1STLT Stone has served as a Rifle Platoon Commander, Anti-Armor Platoon Commander and as the Executive Officer of a Rifle Company. In addition, he is a graduate of the Army Airborne School and the Marine Corps Scoutsniper Instructiors School. As a member of the 3RD BN 4TFI Marines he has deployed to the Western Pacific, Central America and to the Mediterranean. He is married to the former Gayle Anne Callender. XO BATTERY I First Lieutenant David A. Vindich enlisted in the USMCR in August of 1977. 1STLT Vindich obtained an Associate's Degree from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College, and later graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a BS in Business Administration. Commissioned in 1983, he attended the Field Artillery Officers Basic Course in the top third of his class. From there, he assumed duties with India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines and was assigned as Executive Officer in February of 1985. ( 10 1st SERGEANT, LIMA COMPANY IstSgt Pruitt joined the Marine Corps in 1967, and his first duty assignment upon completion of basic training was in the Republic of Vietnam. After returning to the States, he was assigned to Marine Barracks Washington DC. In subsequent years he has seen duty as a drill instructor, an instructor at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia, and as an instructor at the Communication Electronics School. He has served with the 3 4 since December of 1985. 1st SERGEANT, INDIA BATTERY IstSgt Thomas J. Kamerick enlisted in the USMC in 1967 and spent one tour with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in Vietnam. He subsequently saw duty at Marine Barracks Treasure Island and as an MP with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. In 1972 he completed schooling as an Aviation Support Equipment Electrician and spent the next eleven years in various aviation units. He has served with India Battery since May of 1984. LCDR RICHARD B. GRAHLMAN, Air Officer 12 I = 13 14 1 16 1 LTJG DOUGLAS RANDLETT Combat Information Center Officer 17 LTJG ROSS GONEDRIDGE Food Service Officer LTJG MAURI ANDERSON M Division Officer LTJG JAMES WIGREN 2nd Division Officer 18 19 i ENS Thomas Springle V Division Officer ENS Barry Benzing Assistant Operations Officer ENS James Lennox 1st Division Officer 20 21 S CW03 James Fogarty Electronics Material Officer 22 RELAXING THE FATHER’S AI MANAC. 23 LIMA COMPANY OFFICERS 1st Lt H.S. Clardy 1st Plat. 1st Lt C.A. Catherine 2nd Plat. 24 1st Lt J.W. Orr 3rd Plat. 1st Lt C.C. Phillips WPN's Plat. INDIA BATTERY OFFICERS 25 1st Lt S.C. Thompson 1st Plat. FDO MTO 1st Lt B.F. Carey 2nd Plat. FDO Comm O BLT 3 4 OFFICERS 1st Lt Heesacker Combat Engineer 1st Lt Lindsay Artillery F.O. 26 1st Lt Repko Supply Officer ; 27 PONCE CREW The men that worked, played, laughed, cried, sweated, cursed, prayed, went on liberty, stood watches, and otherwise spent six-and-a-half months of their lives together in the defense of freedom and the American way of life. In short, the Brotherhood. 29 Ol DIVISION ELECTRONICS WARFARE, OPERATIONS SPECIALISTS (L-R): EW1 Zembower, ENS Benzing, OSSN Madan, OSSA Neff, EWSN Mahone, EWSN Keller, OSSN Anderson, OS2 Austin, OSSN Vaughn, OS3 Brantley, OSSA Thibault, OS3 Richardson, OS2 Graham, LTJG Randlett, OSC(SW) Thomlison, (kneeling) OS1 Schmidtke, EW2(SW) Hatcher, OSSN Grisham, EW3 Casey, OS3 Lashier, OSSN Peplinski, OS3 O'Connor, OSSA Little, EWSN Crosland 30 OC DIVISION Radiomen Signalmen L-R: RM3 Moran, RM3 Edwards, RMSN Geiman, LCPL Randles, RMSN Taylor, SMSN Lucchetti, RM2 Haworth, RMSA Riccardone, SM2 Craig, RM2 Gross, SMSR Feeney, RMSN Andreadis, RM3 Choice, RMSN Fragoso, SM2 Pezzimenti, CPL Clark, RMSA Norris (kneeling) RM1 Nikolas, RM1 Byrom, ENS Hagner, SMI Osborne, SM2 (SW) Jackson (missing) RMC Cammel, SM3 Fisher, SMSA Landis 32 OE DIVISION ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS L-R: ET2 (SW) Reddy, ET3 (SW) Royals, ET3 Haseltine, ET1 (SW) McDermott, ET2 (SW) Hawkins, ET3 Nunn, ET3 Brown, ET3 Chase, ET3 Williams, ET3 Schwietz, ET1 Jones, CW03 Fogarty (missing) ETC Herzing, ETSN Farmer V DIVISION PONCE AIRDALES 36 L-R: ABF2 Freeman, ABHAA Smith, ASM3 Barlow, ABFAN Dorazio, ABH3 Miltenberger, ASEAN Widney, ABFAN Gibbs, AN Gonzalez, ABH2 Laursen, ABHAN Cluzel, AN Jewell, ABFAN Ferguson, AA Walker (kneeling) ENS Springle, ABH1 Holloway f 37 X DIVISION YEOMEN, PERSONNELMEN, RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALIST, LITHOGRAPHER, MASTER-AT-ARMS, JOURNALIST, POSTAL CLERK, NAVY CAREER COUNSELOR (L-R): 1STLT Arthur, SSCT Potts, PHCM Wiedmann, YNSN Nypaver, PN3 Thomas, RP2 Thomas, PNSN Menchaca, YN1 Scott, YN3 Broadway, SN Carrigan, NCC DeMint, LI2 Stowell, MACS Douglas (missing) J03 Kelly, PCSN Breakey, YN3 Dawson, YNSN Smith I NAVIGATION DIVISION QUARTERMASTERS S a 1st DIVISION BOATSWAIN'S MATES 42 (L-R): SN Newsome, SN Cruz, SN Balson, SN Sharpless, SN Lee, SN Choice, SN Jones, BMSN Miller, SA Rogers, BM2(SW) Gongoll, SA Carter, BM3 Butler, BM3 Dahlhauser, BM3 O'Leary, SN Hope, BMSN Brackens, SA Grinstead, SN Hurley, BM2 O'Bannon, BMSN Hart (kneeling) BMI(SW) Day, ENS Lennox, BMI(SW) Thomas (missing) BM2 Pack, SN Anderson, SN Blue, SN Johnson, SA Turner, SN Tepe, SN Howard (top) BM1 Thomas, artist at work, (above) SN Miller — Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I get angry ... (left) SN Anderson: Let me make you a deal on some blue striping. 43 2ND DIVISION BOATSWAIN'S MATES L-R: BM1 (SW) Ingalls, LTJG Wigren, SA Harris, BMSN Rogalinski, BMSN Jackson, SN Henderson, BMSN Blye, BM3 Odom, SR Heistand, SA Devine, BM3 Martin, BMSN Santoro, SN Burks, BM3 Carlow, SN Parnoff, BM2 Lloyd, SN Morris, BMSN Loffer, SN Brookman, SN Lipset, BM1 Hutson, BMC Powell (kneeling) BM3 Lewis, SN Manivong, SN Venable, BM3 McDowell, SN Grisham, SA Warnecke, SN Carter, BM3 Rodriguez, BM3 Holliday (missing) SN Ferguson, SN Thorbus 44 SIDE CREW BOATSWAIN'S MATES (top) BMSN Rogers (above) BMSN Santoro, BM3 Rodriguez, BM2 Gongoll, BM3 Dalhauser, BMSN Rogers, ENS Lennox (left) BMSN Darrel Tex Loffer 3rd DIVISION GUNNER'S MATES, FIRE CONTROL TECHNICIANS (L-R) SN Gamble, SN Barreto, GMGSN Robson, GMGSN Eacott, SN Young, SN Ostroot, GMGSN Collins, SN Carrigan, FC2 Thomas, GMG3 MacDonald, FC2 Roche, FC2 Harwood, CMG3 Shedd, SN Marshall, SA Jackson, SA Broderson, GMG2 Oliver (kneeling) GMG1 Downes, GMGC Riggs, LT Baker, FC1 Bailey (missing) SN Keul 46 «r 47 A DIVISION MACHINIST'S MATES, MACHINERY REPAIRMEN, ENGINEMEN (L-R): MMC Carter, MR3 Thompson, EN2 Spears, ENFN Taylor, MM3 Nayback, EN3 Bullock, MR2 Young, EN3 Brenner, EN3 Hagy, ENFN Rodey, MRFA Sparkman, ENFA Caron, ENFN Horneman, FA Witcher, LT Smallwood (kneeling) MM2 Lieteau, ENFN Osburn, MR3 Boudreau, ENFN Deery, ENFN Baugus, ENFN Woodworth, EN3 Avalos (missing): ENFA Thomas, ENS Benson, EN1 Beyerle 0 B DIVISION BOILER TECHNICIANS (L-R): BTCM Hawkins, BTC Ranson, BT2 Gulbranson, BT3 Conant, BT2 Dittman, FN Redic, BT2 Evans, BTFN Smith, BT2 Sloan, BT2 Surmick, BTFA Mayfield, BTFN Revelle, BT2 Stevenson, BTFN Clark, BT1 Laguana, BT1 Munkacsy, LTJC Pfirrmann 50 (L-R): BT3 Watson, BT3 Holman, BTFN Norman, BT2 Roberts, BTFN Martin, BT3 Hutchison, BT2 Jones, BTFN Lawrence, BT3 Hopper, FN Folz, BTFA Grous (kneeling): BTC Gary, BT1 Wilson (BSS E DIVISION ELECTRICIAN'S MATES, INTERIOR COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIANS f 52 (L-R): EM2 Rogers, IC3 Herzog, EM3 Chamernik, EM3 Vaskas, EM3 Evans, IC3 Logan, IC2 Kelley, EMFN Beeks, EMFA Waring, FR Kruger, EMFN Sabol, ICFN Russell, EMFN Thornton (kneeling) EMC Banaag, LT Wallace, IC1 (SW) Stevenson i I I I M DIVISION MACHINIST'S MATES 54 (L-R): MM2 Cox, MM2 Furby, MM2 Vickers, MMFN DeSantiago, MM2 Phillips, MMFN Talford, MMFN Borseth, MMFN Upham, MM3 Sutcliffe, MM3 Railey, MM3 Garner, MMFN Whitlock, MMFA Hall, MM3 Dunleavy, MM3 Dunkin (kneeling): MMCM (SW) Bushey, LTJG Anderson, MMC (SW) Klamer I je 55 R DIVISION HULL TECHNICIANS m I L-R: HTC (SW) Sancken, HT1 (SW) Baird, HT3 Key, HTFN Piland, HTFN Stuber, HT2 (SW) Davis, HT2 Hernandez, HTFN Tyson, HT3 Montanya, HTFN Plante, HTFN Kreutzer, HTFN Costa, HT3 Wrona, HTCS (SW) Bell, HTFN Edwards, CW02 Watkins (missing) HIER Hager, HT(SW) Morrison 1 1 (L-R): HT3 Montanya, HT2 Davis, HTFN Piland, HTFN Edwards, HT3 Key, HTC Sancken, HTFN Costa, HT2 Hernandez (kneeling): HTFN Tyson 57 '114. S-1 DIVISION STOREKEEPERS (L-R): SKI (SW) Ponder, SK2 Pearce, SKSN Baxa, SKSN Van Dyke, SKSN Gumbarevic, SKSA Youren, SKC Nowakowski S-2 DIVISION MESS MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS (L-R): LTJG Gonedridge, MSI Smith, MS2 Lanore, MS2 Hider, MSSA Batcha, MS2 Alexis, SN Lyons, MSSN Schrader, MSSN Madison, MSSN Scacchi, MS3 Rivera, MSSN Grunlien, MS3 Jackson, MSSN Peterson, MS3 Fisher, MSI McDaniel KO SMOVUIO 60 (top) MSI Smith and MS2 Alexis: Double Trouble (above) You want us to fill the milk machine? (left) We looked so good on the other page, we had to show you how we really look! ■ VKK1 S-3 DIVISION SHIP'S SERVICEMEN S-4 DIVISION DISBURSING CLERKS H DIVISION HOSPITAL CORPSMEN T L-R: HM1 Dunn, HMC Striley, HM2 Schlonker, HM2 (SW) Linley, HN Danowski, HM3 Bode, HN Rutkowski 64 L-R: DTI Loe, DN Maclachlan, LT Wren H DIVISION DENTAL TECHNICIANS 66 LCU-1664 BOATSWAIN'S MATE, QUARTERMASTERS, ENGINEMEN, MESS MANAGEMENT SPECIALISTS, ELECTRICIAN'S MATES (L-R): BM3 Ross, BM1 Titus, EN1 Hanson, MS3 Hammack, BM3 Logan, EN3 McGlothlin, QM2 Boyer, EMI Dixon, BMSN McMaster S LIMA COMPANY 3rd BN 4th MAR HQ'S PLAT (L-R): LT Stone, GYSGT Rogers, LCPL McCalister, LCPL Crowe, CPL Raiford, LCPL Cador, LCPL Necklen, CPL Post, HM2 Stephens, HM3 Kulhanjian, 1STSGT Pruitt, CAPT Allen (kneeling): SGT Crocker, CPL Kyllonen, LCPL McLemore, LCPL Cox, LCPL Gooch, PFC Norrid FIRST PLAT (L-R): SSGT Smith, SGT Stevenson, CPL Benjamin, PFC May, SGT Queen, PFC Perkins, LCPL Leary, LCPL Thompson, CPL Davenport, LCPL Pegues, PFC McCarthy, PVT Moorer, CPL Schneider, PFC Rawls, LCPL Byrd, LCPL Taylor, LCPL Macias, PFC Reaves, LCPL Hall, PVT Smith, HN Drescher, 1STLT Clardy (kneeling): SGT Shepard, LCPL Williams, CPL Theroux, LCPL Nara, CPL Ciotti, LCPL Felisbret, LCPL Hundley, LCPL Carey, LCPL Gregoire i 68 SECOND PLAT (3rd row, L-R): CPL McGuire, LCPL Kwiatkowski, PFC Richardson, CPL Schrader, LCPL Updegraff, LCPL Stover, LCPL Barney, CPL Simmons, LCPL Smith, LT Catherine (2nd row): SSGT Serverson, SGT Taylor, CPL Clark, PVT Edwards, PFC Essig, LCPL Vandeusen, LCPL Rueda, PFC Hall, HN Doyle, CPL Welch, PFC Trejo (kneeling): CPL Mens, LCPL Velarde, PFC Bunch, LCPL Dumas, PFC Muller, CPL Harrison, PFC Levy, PFC Ehl, CPL Millias, LCPL Beers THIRD PLAT (3rd row, L-R): CPL Chiaet, LCPL Causey, LCPL Alexander, LCPL Wachtel, PFC Greenplate, PFC Scott, PFC Gill, PVT Taylor, PFC Clark (2nd row): SSGT Stevens, SGT Young, SGT Slaven, LCPL Barnes, LCPL Williams, LCPL Zubey, LCPL Barnaby, LCPL Kane, LCPL Landes, LCPL Ford, HA Loera, 1STLT Orr (kneeling): SGT Winchester, CPL Bennett, LCPL Cockfield, LCPL Camerone, LCPL Sacro, LCPL Halfback, LCPL Voorhees, LCPL Hudson, PFC Shoulders 69 WEAPONS PLAT (Top, L-R): SGT Herner, LCPL Brown, PVT Ahern, LCPL Demilta, LCPL Reed, CPL Gray, LCPL Lewis, LCPL Jakubczak, LCPL Wrable, CPL Segreto, SGT Trowbridge (Middle): LT Phillips, SGT Williams, LCPL Black, LCPL McGuigan, LCPL Gamble, CPL Reber, LCPL Barfield, LCPL McCarthy, PFC Brown, HN Huebner, GYSGT Lemmon (Bottom): SGT Switzer, SGT Schomberger, LCPL Brayton, CPL Vance, CPL Ashton, PFC Davis, LCPL Farrell, CPL Friedhof, CPL Dristle, SSGT Thibodeau DRAGONS (back): 1STLT Lindsay, CPL Harrison, SGT Brown, LCPL McKenna, CPL Bruno, LCPL McDuffie, PFC Kingston, LCPL Robinson, LCPL Ward, LCPL Astgen, LCPL Watson, LCPL Wilbert, SSGT Smith (front): CPL Mitchell, LCPL Johnson, CPL Milroy, PVT Leach, LCPL Rose 70 TOW'S (L-R): 1STLT Lindsay, CPL Zimmerman, SGT Williams, LCPL Stopinski, LCPL Rossi, LCPL Mayes, LCPL Eiler, LCPL Dinardo, LCPL Bruff, LCPL Bouchard, LCPL Schaberg, CPL Dahnhauer, SGT Hahner ENGINEERS (Back, L-R): CPL Justice, CPL Torres, CPL Morrison, CPL Colbeth, CPL Strathy, LCPL Bard, LCPL Rittenhouse, LCPL Goodson (Front): SGT Kratz, PFC Hickey, LCPL Bates, LCPL Moore, LCPL Desrosiers, LCPL Brown, CPL Roach, LCPL Munday, 1STLT Heesacker ! H S (Back, L-R): Lt Repko, LCPL Booher, LCPL Nelson, LCPL Limberg, LCPL Morrill, LCPL Fortune, SSCT Deaton, SSCT McClusky (Front): PFC Colpean, SCT Fields, LCPL Rozario, PVT Conyers, LCPL Arce 72 73 74 75 76 1 11 - 78 = ■ INDIA BATTERY 3rd BN 10th MAR  S' HQ Plat FDC (Back, L-R): LCPL Drummer, LCPL Parker, CPL Bishop, CPL Thurber, CPL McElroy, LCPL Hale, SSCT Newman (Middle): 1STLT Thompson, SSGT Lane, SGT Sartell, LCPL McLaughlin, LCPL Baxter, LCPL Canady, PVT Chapman, CPL Noguess, SSGT Taylor, 1STLT Carey (Front): SGT Avila, CPL Pride, LCPL Wall, PVT Bobbitt, LCPL Howard HQ Plat Comm (Back, L-R): 1STLT Carey, LCPL Cupstid, CPL Clark, LCPL Lappin, LCPL Kinkead, LCPL Vasquez, LCPL Chicka, LCPL Randles, SSGT Wedding (Front): CPL Krementz, LCPL Setser, LCPL £jehle, PFC Okiwelu, LCVL Ross, CPL Anderson, CPL Wiseman 80 HQ PLAT MT (Back, L-R): SSGT Fields, CPL Moize, LCPL Wideman, LCPL Williams, LCPL Gant, CPL Howard, LCPL Guime, SGT Hines, 1STLT Thompson (Front): LCPL Valerio, LCPL Davis, PFC Emry, LCPL Spodeck, LCPL Palms, LCPL Bates, LCPL Gazzara, LCPL Smith I HQ'S PLAT (L-R): SGT Thomas, CPL O'Neil, CPL King, CPL Wilford, CPL Moore 81 ■= s MSSG-26 HST (L-R): LCPL Ettinger, LCPL Sporleder, LCPL Riley, LCPL Tillman, LCPL Manyen, LCPL Bosse 1st PLAT GUNS (Back, L-R): 1STLT Quigley, LCPL Kautz, LCPL Dicks, LCPL Rodney, LCPL Ebert (Front): LCPL Huie, LCPL Rothenburger, CPL Hollis, LCPL Bearden, LCPL Edwards, LCPL Francis, SSGT Williams 82 1st PLAT GUNS (Back, L-R): LCPL Pinkerton, LCPL Terry, PVT Reagan, LCPL Slorp, LCPL West, LCPL Stearns (Front): SCT King, LCPL Naples, LCPL Cottrill, LCPL Hernandez, LCPL Gray 1st PLAT GUNS (Back): LCPL Strauss, LCPL Lowery, LCPL Montgomery, LCPL Parker, PFC Simelton, LCPL Smith (Front): SGT Stevens, LCPL Shelly, LCPL Phillips, LCPL Gryskwicz, LCPL Raese 83 2nd PLAT GUNS (Front, L-R): PFC Daise, CPL Cains, SGT Bowers, 1STLT Rosdahi, SSGT Alexander, LCPL Guerrera, LCPL Jacobs, LCPL Emm (2nd Row): CPL Jenkins, LCPL Bell, LCPL Crowe, LCPL Breitfeller, LCPL Scheidler, PVT Peay 2nd PLAT GUNS (Front, L-R): CPL LaPrade, CPL Porter, SGT Laird, LCPL Donnelly, LCPL Robinson, LCPL Palmer (2nd Row): LCPL Martens, LCPL Young, LCPL Stone, LCPL Parker, LCPL Hall, PVT Peay 84 2nd PLAT GUNS (Back, L-R): LCPL Price, CPL Cains, LCPL Watson, CPL Sharp, LCPL Nenichka, LCPL Campbell (Front): CPL Martin, LCPL Garcia, LCPL Danny, LCPL Doherty, LCPL Camp, SSGT Kerr 85 1 s 86 87 j USS PONCE is a member of that versatile class of amphibious assault ships designated LPD. She contains the latest equipment and highly-trained personnel to enable her to perform her mission in modern amphibious warfare. 88 WORKUPS During preparations for the cruise, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 210th birthday, an occasion that was celebrated in high style aboard PONCE. CAPT Lucas and MSSA Grunlien, the oldest and youngest crewmembers aboard, cut both birthday cakes (one from the ship's bakeshop, the other supplied by the embarked Marines). In additin, LTJG Smallwood and LTJG Baker were both promoted to lieutenant. It was a memorable evening for all. (top) LT Smallwood receives his bars from LCDR Parrish and CAPT Lucas. (middle) CAPT Allen, CO of Troops, presents a birthday message to the Navy, (right) Cargo on the flight deck awaits stowage in Morehead City. 90 (left) BM2 Gongoll, GYSGT Elliot and 1STLT Arthur (bottom left) CAPT Allen, unidentified marine and LT McQuown during the onload. PONCE picked up her complement of Marines and their equipment at Morehead City, North Carolina. It was a very busy day for all, especially Deck Department, who came through as always. Onloads can be very dangerous operations, but on board PONCE, the key word was always safety . (far left) LT McQuown supervising. (left) Marines ready to come aboard. SIERRA de RETIN The mountains of Sierra de Retin, Spain were the location of our amphibious operation. With a company of Spanish marines attached, new terrain and the opportunity to work with foreign troops introduced the Marines of BLT % to the challenges of a Mediterranean deployment. ' ' Two days of rain turned the roads into near impassable obstacles. The resulting mud clung to everything tenaciously and the flight deck of the PONCE resembled a swamp as men and their equipment were washed down. TUNISIA PHIBLEX 86 Tunisia greeted us with warm weather and sunny skies. One week of extensive training saw us shake out everything from small unit tactics to amphibious raids with combat rubber raiding craft. After 1l 2 months spent either at sea or in port, the training was a welcome opportunity. An added bonus was the chance to share our training with Tunisian Para-Commandoes. The true meaning of the saying every Marine is an ambassador was driven home as Marines of all ranks and billets served as instructors to our allies. 93 a SARDINIA If the ship was our second home, then the Island of Sardinia was our third. Twice we journeyed there for amphibious operations. Sardinia 1-86 was a joint and combined operation, with French, Italian, and U.S. ground naval forces. In addition, four AV-8 Harriers and a Marine KC-130 refueling aircraft flew from the United States to join 26 MAU (SOC). Distant Hammer 86 was a NATO exercise combining forces from the U.S., Spain, Italy, France and the Netherlands. Live fire was the key phrase during these exercises, as every weapon organic to 26 MAU (SOC) was fired on the island. % The beauty of a sunrise over the ocean is unsurpassed, but there were times when everyone was just too busy to appreciate the breathtaking sight. Air and amphibious operations by the dawn's early light were common occurences in the Med, with everyone involved working long and hard to complete the task at hand. It was only later, over a cup of coffee or a cigarette, that crewmembers could ask, Did you see that sunrise this morning? and shake their heads in awe and admiration for God's beauty. 99 Si During amphibious operations with NATO exercise Sardinia 86, PONCE logged her 25,000th consecutive safe helicopter landing. ABH2 Robert Laursen, LSE, had the honor of landing the CH-45E piloted by LCDR Nickle and CAPT MacNamara. AN Cluzel and MR3 Boudreau did the honors of chocking and chaining the aircraft. It was just one of many PONCE milestones achieved in the Med. 102 Whatever the task, when a dirty, long and hard job needed to be done, it was Deck Department that was called. Throughout the deployment, they never failed to come through, whether it was cargo handling, underway replenishments, boat ops, or any of a number of difficult and dangerous jobs. Their hard work and dedication was what helped make PONCE such a hard charger throughout the deployment. -v cvv Like everything else, when it came time to celebrate St. Patrick's Day the men of PONCE did it in style. The Wives' Club had sent a banner full of good wishes, which was strung across the mess decks, and several packages full of surprises that'were auctioned off in a large raffle that had everyone in tremendous spirits. Refreshments were served, and CW03 Fogarty did a stellar job as auctioneer. The party lasted well into the night and helped remind all of us of home, our loved ones, and the reason we were out here. PASSOVER Once again, a holiday was celebrated without our loved ones, but as always PONCE chose to press on with style. Thanks to the efforts of CDR James Apple, one of only fourteen Navy rabbis, PONCE was able to do it right. Not, of course, without the Wives Club, who sent all the ingredients needed for a traditional meal, and MSI James McDaniel, who prepared it. BARCELONA Christmas and New Year's Day saw PONCE docked in Barcelona, Spain. A city of tremendous history, beauty and culture, there was no shortage of activities to keep us busy and help fight the depression of spending the holidays away from our loved ones. 106 It was hard not to find something fascinating in Barcelona. Whether it was the history of the city from which Columbus sailed to discover a new world the beauty of breathtaking architecture or the uniqueness of an albino gorilla in the city zoo, there was indeed something for everyone. 107 108 ‘ (left) CAPT Noel Ruppert, Amphibious Squadron 6, with CAPT Lucas and newly pinned ESWS and SWO PONCE crewmembers. - -1 -■  _ (above left) LTGEN Al Cray, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic (above right) Mr. Robert Smolik, Under Secretary of State, European Affairs. (far left) CAPT Ruppert (near left) COL Myatt, 26 Marine Amphibious Unit 109 HAIFA, ISRAEL During our port visit to Haifa, crew-members selflessly donated hours of their time to cleaning, repairing and painting the home of a 105-year-old woman. These men, all volunteers, spent an entire day on the job, and only when they were finished did they go out and see the sights. S5 Once again, architecture and culture were the highlights as PONCE visited Naples, Italy. From museum tours to sampling genuine Italian cuisine, the crew made the most of it all. 112 I While visiting Palma de Mallorca, PONCE crewmembers again showed their selflessness by helping to paint an orphanage and hosting a tour for a local scout group. PALMA DE MALLORCA One of the most fascinating ports that PONCE visited while in the Med was undoubtedly Venice, Italy, the City On The Water . Gondola rides through the canals were favorite activities, but there was plenty to do on dry land, too. 114 s MARSEILLE, FRANCE The ship's visit to France was a highpoint for many. Rich in legend and history, Marseille was a fascinating port visit for all. THE MED For many of PONCE's crew, MARC 1-86 was their first overseas deployment, and for many others it was merely the latest of several. But all agreed that, first trip or fifth, the Med is an educational place to visit. ■X-lvX;! democracy and freedom should never be taken for granted. No one wants to fight, but all who serve on board PONCE are ready to do so if necessary to defend our country, our loved ones, and our way of life. For all of us, that was the purpose of being here. 119 I SUPPORT SERVICES (above) PCSN Lance Woodis and PCSN Karl Breakey, post office (top right) J03 Bud Kelly, CCTV Station Manager (right) SH3 Danny Scott, ship's barber While nothing can compare to the comforts of home, it is the responsibility of a ship's support services to try. The post office is responsible for ensuring that the mail travels as quickly and smoothly as possible. CCTV, the ship's closed-circuit television system, runs movies and TV shows daily, and the barber is responsible for helping all hands maintain a clean and professional military appearance. 120 I I We are on a long journey halfway 'round the earth. Some sailors and marines missing their children's birth. Families are so far away, but still within our heart. Wives and girlfriends pray for an end to the time apart. Friends will wait for stories of all the things you've done. But now you're only thinking of the journey you've begun. Time begins to go by slow, letters just ain't enough. You want to see your loved ones, you know you must be tough. SH2 Tim Burks (top), ship's store operator, is responsible (or maintaining the ship's store, which stocks such health and comfort items as toiletries, clothing items, candy, and cassette tapes. SH3 David Puchi (above) runs the ship's laundry and keeps everyone's clothes and uniforms clean and pressed. One quarter left to go now, the time is close at hand. Think of friends and families, balloons and big brass bands. The offload has now started, we have just one more day. The homecoming now so close that once seemed far away. Now you won't need letters to show the way you feel. The homecoming has arrived, all the happy faces are for real. — MM3 Michael E. Railey 121 Several times during the cruise, PONCE was the beneficiary of the Department of Defense Overseas Shows program, which sponsors music groups who come out to entertain on deployed ships. The combination of talented performances and pretty girls was a winning one that made these USO shows very special occasions indeed. 122 ■ OFFLOAD The date was June 3, 1986; the place was Morehead City, North Carolina. Returning home, our first stop stateside was to offload our embarked Marines and their assorted equipment. The evolution was completed quickly and safely, and soon PONCE was underway for Norfolk ... and home. 124 h With our Tigers aboard we sailed into Hampton Roads eagerly awaiting the once familiar sights of the Naval Base piers. Meanwhile, our loved ones had gathered to see who would be first to see the Proud Lion return. And then, as we rounded Pier 2, the end was finally in sight for us all. ■ At long last, it was all over. The hardships, missed holidays, loneliness and depressing times were all behind us. Reunited with our loved ones at long last, we knew why we had been out there and asked ourselves, Was it worth it? The answer is that this is what we were out there to protect: our loved ones and our way of life, and if deployment is the price we must pay for these things, then it was worth it. F EDITOR: LT Lyman Smith PRODUCTION STAFF: J03 Bud Kelly DN Alexander Maclachlan % m m-. PHOTOS: Lucas, LT S. Baker, LCPL T.L. Stopinski, LCPL D. Bouchard, PFC M. Bosse, LCPL Sporleder, 1STLT S. Thompson, LT R. Wren, LT D. Henslee, LCDR R.B. Grahlman, LT L. Smith, J03 Bud Kelly, QMSN W. Hawes, LT D. Smallwood, EM2 J. Plyler, LI2 A. Stowell. POEM on page 121 written by MM3 Michael E. Railey r NAVY DEPARTMENT LIBRARY 3 0399 0007 5843 3