Ponce (LPD 15) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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

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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.