Ponce (LPD 15) - Naval Cruise Book

Text from Pages 1 - 130 of the 2001 volume:

BOSNIA • ; rzegovina V : ?a ajevP Bucharest BOLDOVA Constanta icvistop COOP PARTNER r 20Junc Black Sea - Abia : ’Sofo ,rmiwwwW ’ A -M M.A ’W 7$ A- 5 Varna Dulirmnik %.l. v I June Y MQNTEN MS RO’ Marmar'is 16 July Brindisi 2 July Aegean Sea turkey y Ionian Sea f r-fe Rhodes (CRKF.CE) j ABAN'IAN PHIBUEX 6 July Nicosia (Greece) CYPRUS SYRIA Lymassol lamascus Alexandria CZECH iina ★ ’ UKRAINE � • .tnr.rv ■ . a Budapest - v ' , ; HUNGARY ;; '■?r Chisinau Q(Wl r.. - J • Rl sf.A iTA Mediterranean Sen Gulf of Sidra rJi Sue . Canal • JORDAff Cairo '■•Su« LIBYA EGYPT USS PONCE USS PONCE (LPD 15) is assigned to Commander, Amphibious Group two as a member of the Naval Surface Force, United States Atlantic Fleet. USS PONCE’s mission as an amphibious transport dock is to embark United States Marine Corps and Navy support elements, and by both water and airborne means, conduct amphibious landings to obtain beach heads, prosecute further operations ashore or deny areas or facilities to the enemy. PONCE during the year 2000 spent the winter months in Metro Machine Shipyard for a short three month shipyard maintenance period. Then she embarked on a grueling spring and summer filled with exercise, inspections, and workups for next spring deployment. Keel Laid: 31 October 1966 Commissioned: 10 July 1971 Shipbuilder: Lockheed Shipbuilding Construction Company Seattle, Washington Length: 567 Feet, 9 inches Maximum Speed: In excess of 20 knots Beam: Width 84 Feet; including catwalk 100 feet Displacement: 8,720 Tons (light) 16,320 Tons (loaded) Ship Company: 28 Officers 367 Enlisted Men Embarked Marines: 72 Officers 851 Enlisted Men INDEX COMMANDING OFFICER 2 EXECUTIVE OFFICER 4 COMMAND MASTER CHIEF 6 DEPARTURE MARG 2001 8 EMBARK MSMC BEGINS! 10 THE BATTLE CAT!! 11 AIR DEPARTMENT 12 DECK AND WEAPONS 16 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 23 EXECMTIVE 39 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 43 DENTAL DEPARTMENT 45 OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 47 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 55 COMBATCARGO 64 AM, CT, SBM 65 ACM-2 LCM 66 BEACH MASTERS 70 HM-266 72 GOLF COMPANY 74 1ST PLATOON 76 2ND PLATOON 80 3RD PLATOON 83 4TH PLATOON 85 M5SG 24 89 ENLISTED CEREMONIES 91 IN ROUTE 2001 98 TANGIER, MOROCCO 96 GAETA, ROME ITALY 98 BRINDISI, rTALY 100 CROATIA 102 MARMARI, TURKEY 104 VALLETTA, MARTA 106 SPAIN 108 LYMAS50L CYPRUS 110 MED SHARK 111 COOP PARTNER 112 ALBANIAN PHIBLEX 113 COMMMNny RELATIONS 114 NEWS DADS OR DADS AGAIN 117 MSMC HOMECOMING 118 ARRIVAL NORFOLK 120 NAVY HOMECOMING 121 Photos J Vieua! Memories fy holography r! Reunion Specialists Portraits Groups Books 5348 Stewart Drive Virginia Bcach.VA 23464 (757) 479-3564 phcmcrp@cox.nct AND Layout Design by LI2 (SW) I. P. MARTINEZ Thanks to everybody for their HELP | AND COOPERATION MADE THIS MED’Ol CRUISBOOK | POSSIBLE I Special thanks to I ABFC (SW AW) Robert L. Bensinger | (Big Bob) COMMANDING OFFICER COMMANDER THOMAS J. CHASSEE Commander Thomas J. Chassee is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan and a graduate of Michigan State University. He was commissioned in October 1983 through Officer Candidate School. Newport. Rhode Island. His first duty assignment was as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer in USS BADGER (FF 1071). In September 1987 he reported aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60) as Main Engines Officer, completing his tour in April 1989. Upon transfer from SARATOGA, Commander Chassee attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, graduating in December 1990 with a Masters Degree in National Security Affairs. Commander Chassee’s Department Head tours included First Lieutenant aboard USS LAMOURE COUNTY (LST 1194), and Surface Operations Officer in USS GUAM (LPH 9). In January 1995 he was assigned as an OPNAV Fellow at the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA), Alexandria, Virginia. Commander Chassee reported aboard USS PONCE (LPD 15) as Executive Officer in September 1996. In March 1998 he was assigned as Future Operations Officer, Commander Amphibious Group Two. From August 1999 to June 2000 Commander Chassee was a student at the Marine Corps War College. Personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two gold stars), and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (one gold star). Commander Chassee is married to the former Jennifer Cobb, of Nashville, Tennessee, and together with their lour daughters, Abigail, Samantha, Katherine, and Lauren, make their home in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Commander Chasse taking care of some of the daily tasks as a commanding officer of the USS Ponce. 2 Commanding Officer Tangier. Morocco Preparing another clay. The arrival of CPR 6 Jun 5. Catania. Italy Ready for another rcnlistment ceremony. The arrival of the U.S. ambassador in Tangerie. Morocco. Marmaris. Turkey Valletta. Malta Armed with a Manpad, Man Portable Air Defense. CDR Chassee enjoys live fire exercise. Shooting 9mm gun qualification range. Dubrovnik. Croatia Time for afternoon stop with some friends in Ponce returning with MSSG 24 and other oiltcers. Rijeka. Croatia. Commanding Officer 3 EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR. LARRY J. A. FELDER While Dad's away... Lieutenant Commander Felder received his commission from the Navy Officer Candidate School. Newport. Rhode Island, in 1986. After commissioning, he reported to Surface Warfare Officer School. San Diego, California. Lieutenant Commander Felder reported to USS Alamo (LSD 33) in May 1987, serving as the AdministratiorvLegal Officer. Combat Information Center Officer. Electrical Division Officer and Boilers Division Officer. During this tour he completed two Western Pacific deployments. In 1990. following duty on the USS Alamo. Lieutenant Commander Felder reported to USS Dixon (AS 37). serving as Navigator and Operations Officer. During his tour, the ship successfully completed experimental underway replenishment of a submarine and recovered exercise torpedoes. Lieutenant Commander Felder attended professional military schools following his tour in USS Dixon; Marine Amphibious Warfare School in August 1992 and Surface Warfare Officer Department Head School in June 1993. Upon graduation from Department Head School. Lieutenant Commander Felder reported to USS George Philip (FFG 12) as Navigator and Operations Officer. During his tour, the ship completed two Counter Narcotics Operations. Lieutenant Commander Felder's next tour of duty was Operations Officer. Destroyer Squadron Two. Norlolk. Virginia. During this tour, he served as Squadron representative to USCOMSOLANT during the planning phases for UNITAS 37-96. In 1997. Lieutenant Commander Felder was assigned to the Operations Study Group at the Center for Naval Analyses (CNA) in Alexandria. Virginia, as an OPNAV Fellow doing Operations Research Analysis. After leaving CNA in 1999. Lieutenant Commander Felder reported to the U.S. Army Command and General Staff Officers College in Fort Leavenworth. Kansas. Lieutenant Commander Felder's personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with three gold stars and the Navy Achievement Medal. 4 Executive Officer Serving up pizza on Ponce Pizza night. Visiting the hanger deck for a moment. Approaching to the port of Limassol.Cyprus. Sea and anchor detail 1 August 01 . Attending Chief Petty Officer Pinning Ceremony at the forward gun mount 14 Sep. Executive Officer - COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDMC (SW AW NAC) RICHARD P. NEAL Master Chief Neal enlisted in the U.S. Navy on 03 September 1979 after graduation from Madison Comprehensive High School. Mansfield. Ohio. Following recruit training in Great Lakes. Illinois, he successfully completed Aviation Structural Mechanic (Hydraulics). Naval Aircrew Candidate, and Aviation Rescue Swimmer schools prior to his first assignment at NAS Jacksonville. Air Operations Maintenance Department. While at Jacksonville from 1980 to 19S4. he qualified as an H-3 helicopter aircrew man and rescue swimmer. In 1984. he reported to HELSUPPRON SIXTEEN (HC-16). Pensacola. Florida, after completing 11-46 aircrew vertical replenishment training. While at HC-16 from 1984 to 1990. he served as crew chief in the H-46, H-3. and H-l helicopters. He was selected for Chief Petty Officer in 1988. In 1990. he reported for duty at HELSUPPRON TWO (HC-2). Norfolk. Virginia. While at HC-2. he served as Detachment One Chief Petty Officer for one tour in Naples. Italy in support of COMSIX'I'HFLT operations. He completed two tours as Detachment Two Chief Petty Officer with the world famous Desert Ducks in Manama. Bahrain in support of COMUSNAVCENT operations. After being selected for Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1993. he reported to HELANTISUBRON ONE (HS-1), Jacksonville. Florida. Here, he served the U.S. Navy's aviation and surface fleet as the Chief of Naval Operations Search and Rescue Model Manager (SARMM) Senior Enlisted Advisor. While with the CNO SARMM at HS-1. he and his enlisted staff implemented numerous initiatives that improved Navy SAR mission readiness fleet wide. Upon reporting back for duty at HC-2 in 1997. he was selected for Master Chief Petty Officer and the Command Master Chief Program. In 1998 lie successfully completed the Senior Enlisted Academy and reported for duty on board USS PONCE (I.PI) 15) for his initial Command Master Chief tour. Today, he serves with the Navy’s finest crew and amphibious ship in the fleet. Master Chief Neal’s decorations include: Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal w ith two gold stars: Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist. Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist, and Naval Aircrew Designations: and various unit and service medals. The most fortunate enlisted man onboard USS Fonce, to be working with the Navy finest crew, and amphibious ship. 6 CMDMC Enjoying the steel beach picnic. Speaking on the IMC, keeping the attaining and goals imposed onboard Ponce. Re-enlistment September 21. 20()1. Hard at work preparing for another port visit Valleta. Malta. CMDAAC 7 MARG 2001 DEPARTURE NORFOLK, VA. AND ENROUTE MOOREHEAD CITY, N. C. FOR EMBARK. 0700 April 25, 2001 PONCE once again began her deployment on a rain day morning. Families and friends had come to the pier on this wet, windy, better sweet day, to make another precious memory for their sailor to pack in his or her sea bag, for them to carry home. One more kiss... One more hug... One more smile and a wave. . . as oathe and obligation became service and sacrifice. Capable and confident, PONCE shifts colors and gets sail on a mission that will take them half way around the world. Whispered promises are tele graphed between the ship and the pier. “ I’ll meet you here in six months...” Chaplain Jamas Johnson It. USN Letter from IC3 D. M. Johnson Standing on the pier jutting out into the Chesapeake Bay, I watched you sail by on your maiden voyage. I waved. Not knowing if you were one of the men on deck or not. I saluted. Emotions swelled in me like the waves of a Nor’Easter. I realized that this day you were a real man. A United States Navy Sailor. Off to protect and defend that which you hold, and all those before you held, so dear ...Freedom. The old salt in me yearned to be onboard once again. To smell the sweet salt air of the Atlantic, Carribean, and Med. To feel the gentle pitching of the deck beneath my feet. The smell of diesel, the smell of the ship, the smell of... well sailor life. The dad in me yearned to be onboard with you. To protect you. To pick you up when needed. Not wanting to let go. But I also realize that we both need this separa tion. For me its to let you grow, learn, succeed, make decisions, and become an inde pendent man. I know that the “child” son image in my mind of you will have changed a “man” son image by the time you return. I am certain that this will be realized by both of us. Enjoy yourself. Be safe. Be smart. Grow. 1 am proud of you. Ronald L Johnson N ARG 2001DEPARTURE 9 Combat Cargo Officer CWO 2 Perry departing. EMBARK U SMC MS ra BEGINS! “READY TO F j 24 :k 10 EMBARK btSMC BEGINS Commenced the embark of marines onboard Pone ! The Battle Cat!! Tfte Battle Cat 11 Ponce’s Air Department consistently provides unparalleled service to embarked, and transient aircraft. Throughout deployment, they flawlessly conducted more than an unprecedented 3000 flight deck evolutions in support of Navy and Marine Corps helicopters. Landed throughout the fleet, these Rainbow Warriors truly are the best of the best! Aviation Boatswain Fuels (ABF) - Responsible for delivering clean, clear, and bright aviation fuel to aircrafts and embarked units on board the USS Ponce. Aviation Boatswain 1 landler (ABH) - Responsible for the launch and recovery of aircrafts and for the spotting securing of aircrafts on the flight deck. Aviation Support Equipment Technician (AS) - Responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the tractors and support equipments on the flight deck. 12 AIR DEPARTMENT ABFC (SW AW) Robert L. Bensinger Landing signalman enlisted standing in front of two helicopters. The Sea Stallion helicopters arc ready for take off during routine operations. ABM Ant bony C. Ems lander AIR DEPARTMENT 13 More Flight Crew AS3 Dennis L Lorda ABF3 Reginald .. Brown ABF3 Cedric 1. Smith AN Adam M. Benton AMMAN Donismael C. Faustino ABHAN Rafael Borges AN Arturo J. Martinez ABHAN Daniel G. Garcia -C' Uriel A. Margalli 14 AIR DEPARTMENT ABH3 Daniel C. Bauer ABFAN Bradley IT Gerth AA Jun Y. Oh AIR DEPARTMENT 15 Comprised of two divisions (First and Third), deck department provides the professional seamanship and gunnery skills to ensure the proud lion’s appearance, rigging and defenses are ship-shape and always at the ready. The ship’s boatswain’s motto We’ll make them an offer they can’t refuse is apparent in the aggressive pride in which the men in deck department maintain a 30+ year old ship which looks and operates better than others a 1 3 of her age. Known to make things happen with rumors of insurance and the right weaponry available for friends of ours . The proud lion's deck mafia has “made many men. DECK Boatswain's Mate LTJG Daniel Cones LUG Michael A. Wilkins ENS Anna F.. Villalpando CW()2 Monte 7. Johnson Searching the sky during Officer of the Deck underway LTJG Cortes and LTJG Wilkins keeping the alertness for contact. 16 DECK AND WEAPONS CWQ2 Johnson assuming the watch as OOD underway. GMC and Gunsmatc keeping office’s paperwork update. BMC (SW) Jeffrey S. Pemberton GMC (SW) Michael T. Miller BMl (SW) David M. Williams BMC (SW) Sammie L Johnson Training for 9mm qualification. Liberty call, Shore Patrol is not an easy task for BMC (SW) Pemberton maintaining the order and safety of our shipmates during the Mcd’01. DECK AND WEAPONS 17 BM2 (S W) Brantley W. East BX12 (SW) Donald Burton BXI2 (SW) Gary L. Floyd DECK BM2 (.VIV) William A. Lester BM2 (SW) Christopher K. Glazier BM3 (SW) Franklin C. Junkins BMS Kory Aksamit BMS Ellis J. Collette BMSMilton Robinson 18 DECK AND WEAPONS Boatswain of the watch during the strait of Black Sea. DECK AND WEAPONS 19 SN Leslie T. Arnold SN Lenard R. Foote SN Nsilo S. Welsh SN Terrance L McBride BMSN My les J. Gregg BMSN Paul A. Schlieve SN Erick L Jannon SN Mustafa K. Wilson SN Koama C. Barker SN Darryl Herring SN Larry Hinex SA Delowe S. Duffie THE REST OF DECK DAWGS! THE REST OF DECK DAWGS! BMSN Richard M. Scoville SN Theodore L Simpson SR' Jacob W. Snyder SN Bert G. Southern SN Harold L Stallworth .S'.V Joshua F. Banish SN Cory L Jones BMSA James R. Steve r BMSA Jiutn C. Chumpitu: SA Nicholas J. Valente SA Rasana I.. Rose SA Sohola J. Sofidiya SA Samuel N. Amah SA Joseph K. Washington SA Jeffery I). Levels SA Marco M. Jacome SA Rod M. Soto SA Kurwin K. Jacques SA Omar J. Pettyjohn SA Clirles T. Skarzynski BMSR FI ton D. Jones SR OrviUe D. Temple 20 DECK AND WEAPONS GM2 Alfredo D. May IX '2 (SW) Anthony R. Mminor GM3 (SW) Joseph Rae I C3 (SW) Gary L Rehm GM3 Cnnis D. Hampton Gunner mate shooting. GM3 Montrell E. Dorsey GMSA Aaron D. Crawford Checking CIWS before FAM fire. DECK AND WEAPONS 21 22 DECK AND WEAPONS Use of targets for scoring. Gun shoots were frequently in the Med ‘01. BM2 (SW) East shooting drone in the water. Starboard machine gun shootiriglo the water. Showers on the water by 50 mm machine gun. Gun barrels replace by FC2 (SW) Mramor. M-14 and 9MM small arms qulification. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all propulsion, electrical, mechanical, and auxiliary systems, along with the maintenance of watertight integrity, firefighting and ballast operations. | ENGINEERING OFFICERS | Machinery Repairman ENS James R Hyssong ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 23 A Hull Maintenance JISH w Electrician’s Mate Interior Maintenance Electrician 24 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT MM CM (SW) Gregory T. Fuller MMC (SW AW) Mark L. Jones EMC (SW) Reginald Clark ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 25 mm mm ENC (SW) Thomas Russell I)CC (SW) Garland Steven 26 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT A M DIVISION Operation and maintenance of the ship’s propulsion and auxilliary turbines, ships service turbine generators, distilling plants, refrigeration and air conditioning, propulsion boilers, and auxilliary support services for the ship. A GANG 99 MR1 (SW AW) Scott R. Ferguson EN1 Fred C. Calloway MM I Gregory N. Guthrie MM I (SW) Marcel I us O. Norton MM I (SW) George A. Rhine MM I (SW) Bryan Chappelle MM2 (SW) Cory M. Bush MM3 Jesse Chambers ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 27 s Operates machinery equipment in order to make replace- Operation and maintenance of the ship's emergency ment parts for repair and overhaul of complex shipboard diesel generators, boat, cranes, elevators, ballast engineering, deck and auxiliary equipment. equipment, auxiliary support service for the ship. EN3 Brandon K. Higgs MM3 Michael E. Thacker MM3 Edw ard P. Mangum MM3 Michael R. Salvage MM3 Tony R. Webb EN3 Michael J. West ENFN Andrew J. Henry MMFN Christopher L. Dobbins ENFA Marcus T. Thomas 28 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT E -Division EMI (SW) Jeb S. Bair INTERIOR COMMUNICATION ELECTRICIAN - (1C) Operates and repair interior communications. commercial telephones. SITE TV. navigation, and gyro compass system. We'll keep the lights ELECTRICIAN’S MATE (EM) - Operation and repair the ship’s elcctical powcrplants, electrical equipment, distribution switchboards, generators, and motors. on! EMI (SW) Ferris A. Hayward IC1 (SW) Jerry J. James IC2 (SW) Thomas D. Greer EM3 Michael A. Greene EM3 Jamar J. Hector ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 29 Power Lighting And Telephone Jjp IC3 Dennis M. Johnson EM3 Christopher M. Justice f-si 1 '• 1 HP ,i_- 3ii EM3 Daniel Zamarripa EMFN Jon W. Lindsay a j| EMFN Antiwon O. Spradley EMFN Rodney D. Roberts Power Lighting and Telephone -------------— 30 ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT When all else fails. It must be Electrical! EM FA Lansworth E. Belton FN Shahkeem E. Williams 'ill FA Shaun C. Hicks Somewhere in the Black Sea, EMI (SW) FA Torrence I. Summers Hayward is figuring out. what is wrong with one of the generator. We never close! ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 31 MP-1 B - DIVISION MM (SW) Frank J. Watson MM2 John C. Newman The B-Division is categorized by few men. Such a hard work of 24 7 turning and burning the midnight oil. These men, they don 7 sleep, no joke they work. “Where the ship goes, vv£ thank to them”. 32 ENCilNEERINC DEPARTMENT MM3 Christopher J. Riggs MM3 Michael S. Tred well MM3 Richard A. Jackson MM3 Tekaligh M. Kidane MM3 Michael J. Glaser ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 33 L 3 £■— MP-3 DIVISION MM I (SW) James E. Jones MM 1 (SW) Michael F. Mullen MM2 (SW) Jonathan Cord OIL LAB ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 35 4Ut MM2 Randle G. White MM3 Steven M. Constantino MM3 Steven P. Doherty •TV Michael J. Herbert FN Fernando M. Mejia FA Christopher R. Rentmeester aas EXECUTIVE LTJG Shawn P. Pope Department Head The Executive Department is responsible for maintaining personnel records, transfers, receipts, advancements, reenlistments, or any other changes in the status of personnel, and execute command directives, policies, and procedures. Provide an outstanding, well-orchestrated navigation team to ensure the safe navigation of PONCE underway or to anchorage. And provide efficient and meticulous preventive maintenance, safety and orderliness, religious programs, career information programs, digital reproduction for the ship's morale and readiness. Master At Arms MAC Luis A. Cruz MA2 (SW) J. P. Simpson 3M Office Coordinator The 3-M System coordinator is the assistant manager to executive officer in all the aspects of 3-M System. They ensure all preventive maintenance is conducted property to keep Ponce in top working order. M.MCM (SW) Ricky A. Steele BMC (SW) Clifford J. Varner BM2 (SW) Daniel M. Kendig MASTER-AT-ARMS (MA) - responsible for (he enforcement of good order and discipline, conducing investigations. lakes part in correctional and rehabilitative programs, and organizes and trains sailors assigned to police and security duties. Executive 39 Religious Programs RELIGIOUS PROGRAM SPECIALISTS (RP) - support chaplains in implementing Command Religious Programs (CRPs) to accommodate the religious needs and rights of sea service personnel and provide library sendees onboard ships. Top - RP1 (SW) Scipio in the LRMC preparing the schedules for the week. Left- Chaplain Johnson with ENS Burkeley a friend and candidate for the schools of Chaplains. Navigation QUARTERMASTERS (QM) - stand watch as assist to officers of the deck in the navigation of the ship; perform ship control, navi-QMCS (SW) King L. Moore gation, and bridge watch duties; procure, correct, use, and stow navigational and oceanographic publications and charts; maintain navigational instruments and keep correct _________________navigational time. QM2 (SW) Daniel R. Dickson 40 Executive QM2 James W. Atwood QM3 Jason M. Hill QM3 Albert J. Aguillard SA Timothy J. Harrington YEOMAN (YN) • responsible for the written and typed business and social correspondence, notices, directives. forms, and reports along with the maintenance of service records. PERSONNELMAN (PN) - responsible for keeping enlisted and officers service records up to date, prepare reports. type letters and maintain files along with assisting crew members and their families with legal aid and reassignments. PNC (SW AW) Charlton A. Flores YN1 John E. Breeden PN3 Phichai Thacngthong YN2 (SW) Thomas M. Holmes YNSN Alan C. Mullins PN2 Johnny R. Dean PN3 Matthew D. Andersen YNSN Cedrick E. Johnson YNSN Eric B. Webb Executive 41 NAVY COUNSELOR (NC) - responsible for assessing interests, aptitudes. abilities and personalities in order to provide career guidance to naval personnel. NCI (AW) Walter S. Miller 1,12 (SW) Ibrahim P. Maitinez LITHOGRAPHERS (LI) - perform digital reproduction utilizing desktop publishing systems, operate bindery equipment. : Med 2001 Admin Board || MEDICAL $ “Gators Finest in the Fleet” MEDICAL OFFICER LT Marcelo C. Darabos August 1999 to August 2001 LEADING PETTY OFFICER HMl (SW FMF) Richard K. Morrison Chief Petty Officer Selected MEDICAL DEPARTMENT The mission of our Medical Department is as varied as the corpsmen that work there. Saving lives and stamping out disease they work on the cutting edge of modern navy medicine. Whether a triage mass casualties or treating routine sickcall, the corpsmen of USS Ponce arc the epitome of Naval Medicine. LEADING CHIEF PETTY OFFICER HMC (SW AW)Steven M. Oberlander LABORATORY TECHNICIAN MEDICAL OFFICER LT Cynthia M. Bryant August 2001 to Present PREVENTIVE MEDICINE TECHNICIAN HMl (SW FMF) Patrick B. West HOSPITAL CORPSM AN (HM) - responsible for first aid. minor surgery, patient care and transportation, prescriptions, laboratory' work, and food service inspections. HM2 (SW SS) Jonathan S. Rascoe MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 43 HMl (SW) Morrison doing hematoma block. PH A RMACIST TECHNICIAN the alert. HM1 (SW FMF) West typical duties. GENERAL DUTY This is not a p-way shipmate. Female Georgians military are escorted by HM1 (SW FMF) West. V'T ?• r, 'i - on 44 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT Keeping medical instruments in proper condition. X-RAY TECHNICIAN GENERAL DUTY Morrison glimpsing the topside view of the Bosporus Strait. HN Kodi L Brannon UN (FMF) Ray man D. Culver Believe or not, Vm going through all the medical records everyday. DENTAL “You Can’t Fight If You Can Bite” DENTAL OFFICER LT Christopher M. Forster DTI (SW) Fajardo is filling cavities to a patient after a follow-up dental treatment. DTI Sonny P. Fajardo DT2 (SW) Williams interacting with some BLT medical personnel on the boat deck. DR Drew Oneal DR Domingo Molina DR Molina preparing the next schedules for the service members’ appointments. DENTAL DEPARTMENT 45 DENTAL DEPARTMENT USS Ponce’s Dental Department provides the highest quality of dental care to the sailors and marines entrusted to our care. We provide dental health care vital to their combat readiness and quality of life. The Dental Department believes that in order to be the Navy and Marines Corps leader in readiness, oral health and satisfaction are paramount. LT Forster enjoying a liberty in Gaeta. Italy. it's a wonderful day again, says DTI (SW) Fajardo. Well, here is the first best dental cleaning by DR Neal. 46 DENTAL DEPARTMENT Cavity Combat! DENTAI. TECHNICIAN (I)T) - responsible for “chairside laboratory, and administrative duties. USS Ponce’s Operations Department is headed by the operations officer who is responsible for the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of tactical and operational information. Operations Department consists of 5 divisions that ultimately work together for one common goal, “ready upon arrival.” Each division contains the necessary knowledge and background for their particular rate. The divisions T f 1 k iJ LT Christian T. Perry LCDR Frank R. Steinbach Operations Officer from Operations Officer from April 2000 to August 2001 July 2001 to Present LT Brian J. Baumer Combat Information Center Officer IT (Information Systems Technicians) ET (Electronic Technicians) SM (Signalmen) os (Operation Specialists) EW (Electronic Warfare Technicians) LTJG Rebecca N. Everett Communications Officer i LTJG Douglas L. Daniels Electrical Materials Officer LTJG Karl F. McCarthy Training Officer OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 47 Ponce’s Information Systems Technicians deal with the communications of the ship, whether it be communicating with other ships and shore commands or making sure that the crew’s e-mail is working properly so families can keep in touch with their sailor. They are also the division to go to when computer software isn’t working properly. Ponce’s ITs operate and maintain the all important communications link between units at sea and stations ashore, including various HF. VI IF, UHF and the Navy’s satellite telecommunications systems. They also provide operational and administrative support for a wide variety of state-of-the-art microcomputer systems, local area network and associated peripheral devices used throughout the fleet. They are also responsible for the accurate and timely process of all outgoing and incoming message traffic for all of Ponce’s over the counter customers. ITs are the experts when it comes to operating and coordinating the various telecommunication systems, automated networks and the full spectrum of data links and circuits of today’s NAVY. The Electronics Technicians are responsible for maintaining and fixing the electronic equipment throughout the ship. To effectively maintain all of their equipment, from communication gear to radars, they must maintain a complete expertise of the operator functions and internal mechanics of the equipment. You break it. they fix it. In other words they are the. (Mr. Fix Its) of the electronic gear aboard the ship. When something electronically breaks, these are the guys to go to. They go to technical schools that teach them how to troubleshoot a circuit, and locate where the problem has originated. With the use of technical manuals they are able to try and solve any problem thrown at them. The ETs are the only technical based non-operator division in the operations department. They also run the ship’s phones, in which a sailor can call home while they are overseas.The phones are not always available at any time, there are certain timeframes we must adhere to in order to share the satellite with other ships on the Med Cruise with us. The Operation Specialists make up a division that watches our ship’s radars, and make sure our waters and skies are friendly. They are directly involved with the bridge of the ship and the course of navigation. They too. monitor the ships voice communication circuits along with the Information Systems Technicians. FT They have a very important role and set the standard in the ship’s ability to operate both safely and efficiently in the completion of designated missions, mainly amphibious warfare. The OSs arc a unique division that operate from the nerve center within the ship during all underway periods. They have no small task while being the frontline for Intelligence Collection, contact verification, special operations missions, and incorporating the use of Ponce’s offensive defensive measures. The division is continually interrogated to exercise sound decision making under biting circumstances resulting from numerous maritime challenges and hazards that could possibly hinder the ship’s mission. It is the professional heart of these men and the rest of the crew on board the ship USS Ponce that has led a successful training cycle and safe deployments. The Signalmen have two very important jobs on board the ship. Their primary job is visual communications. Their secondary job, still important for the mission of the ship is to be expert lookouts. They communicate visually with the use of 12-inch incandescent searchlights, which has two functions as well. One, Morse Code and the second primary function is used for search and rescue. Plain and simple illumination can also be used with the light if needed. SM also use Semaphore flags or wands for close range signaling. During times of darkness, they use the Nancy Lights (AN SAT-2), which is the ship's infrared transmitting set. and are located on each end of the yardarms. The flags they use are for tactical maneuvering and in port situations. The SM arc also the expert lookouts while they are on watch when at sea. The only equipment they use to aid in lookout duties is the ship’s binoculars or often referred to as Big Eyes”. The Big Eyes have a 20X power range and is capable of seeing 12 to 14 miles. A signalman must know the different classes of military ships from the U.S. and foreign countries; as well as the different classes of merchant ships. Along with knowing about ships, they must know all military aircraft, foreign and domestic and the flags of every country of the world. Electronic Warfare Technicians engage in antiship missile defense. They operate and maintain electronic equipment used in detection, location, and the prevention of electronic detection by hostile forces. 48 OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT Operations Communication Division Information Systems Technicians and Signalmen ITC (SW) William F Parr IT I (SW AW) Russell L Hunter SMI (SW) Anthony Q. Robinson IT I Juan Torres iMureano IT I (S V) Boyd A. Turnbull SM2 (SW) Ronald J. Degnan IT2 (SW PJ) Willie Jennings TT2 Jason M. Loveland SM2 (SW) Timothy W. Umpkin IT2 (SW) Richard R. Maier SM3 Patrick R. Bourque SM3 Jerome IV. Reed IT3 Michael J. Araujo SM3 Harry St. Felix IT3 Andrew E. Haueisen ITSX Eugene C. Gaudel 1 Mi 1 I IT3 Jason M. Popour SMSX Dennis R. Matney ITSX Timothy M. Tripp L ETCS (SW) Jose P. Sierra Operations Electronics Division Electronic Technicians £77 George E. Monhole ET2 (SW) Sean C. Boyles t.T2 (SW') Steven W'. Croston ET2 (SW) Jonathan J. I)nice ET2 (SW) Roberto Flores ET2 (SW) Mark A. Mihalko ET2 (SW) Mathew A. Weaver Working hard to keep the copier alive! Found the problem, missing a cable Senior! The 67 40E radars, rotating and radiating. OPERATIONS 51 ET3 Jamie S. Brinkley ET3 (SW) Travis L Caddell ET3 Jesse F. Perez ET3 Johnathan SI. Schwartz You've got to be kidding! I will conquer you. Man, BM2 East won again? F.T3 (SW) Kurlist D. Vervynckt AT3 lyapo K. Randall 52 OPERATIONS Operations Information Division Operation Specialists and Electronic Warfare Technicians OSC (SW) Donald R. Hemsley EW1 (SW) Daniel K. Menard OSI (SW) William M. Novak 0S2 fSlVj Edwin L Allen 0S2 (SW) Timothy E. Clipp OS2 (SW) Hector R. Garcia OS2 (SW) Justine D. Joo 0S2 (SW) David W. Lee 0S2 (SW) Gordon L Lee EW2 (SW) Michael E. Marks OS3 Alvin L Satchell OSSN Edwin I. Baxter EWSN Miguel J. Fleming OSSN Brian M. Powell OSSN Mark Stachowski OSSN David W. Walton OSSA Brent J. Cough OSSA Richard J. Kilbournc OSSA Bary I. Philpot OSSR Nathaniel Hater 54 OPERATIONS SUPPLY OFFICER LT Michael T Gronberg WE’RE ALL ABOUT CUSTOMER SERVICE. The supply department touches every facet of shipboard life and directly effects the morale and well being of the crew. From parts support, preparing and serving meals, laundry, vending services, check cashing, and mail, we do it all. We are the logistics support people of the ship. If you need it. we'll coordinate the acquisition, delivery, and receipt. We prepare and serve 3 meals a day 365 days a year. Our Ship's Store operation provides much more than the basic needs of the crew at the lowest price. The profits from the Ship’s Store go back to benefit the crew in the form of MWR funds. The Supply Department is an organization committed to innovative and responsive offerings of quality products and services to the Sailors and Marines who live and work on PONCE. All Supply Corps officers wear tire symbol of an oak leaf with three acorns. The Oak leaf represents the mighty tree that supplied materials for the first American Naval vessels. From this first logistics support, a proud tradition of Navy Supply was formed. Like the mighty oak. llie Supply Corps strives to serve the fleet with an unwavering steadfastness. Naval Officers who wear the symbol are logistics experts and supply the fleet with the necessities required to cany out missions. SUPPLY BEPAHT1SIT SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 55 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT CHAIN OF COMMAND FOOD SERV ICE OFFICER LTJG Martin C. Thomas Until July 2001 RETAIL SALES SHC (SW) Richard G. Riggs FOOD SERVICE OFFICER ENS Tamilyn R. Ellis Mmm... I’m gonna be who? DISBURSING OFFICER ENS Charles M. Reed MSC (SW) Leon P. Easley until July 2001 FOOD SERVICE (S-2) DIVISION “Tighten up shipmate” 56 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT LEADING CHIEF PETTY OFFICER MSC (SW) Omar A. Williams FOOD SERVICE (S-2) DIVISION LEADING CHIEF PETTY OFFICER SKC (SW) Roderick O. Clay STORES (S-1 6) DIVISION POSTAL CLERK DIBURSING PCI (SW) Lloyd T. Brown PC3 (SW) Marcus D.Williams PC3 Jon I. Williamson CPL Clayton Sharpies marine postal clerk. DK2 Anthony J. Gaylord DK3 Sean Y. Omayas Mail call for Navy and Marine personnel. PC3 Willinison showing the mailing stamps for Med-2001. PCI (SW) Brown ready for another day. Sergeant Gonzales hard at work. DK3 Omayas I should have added that better. A SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 57 MESS SPECIALIST MSI (SW AW) Bethjoven. Dclosreyes “The Accountant MSI (SW) Michael J. Odell Hud Light MS! (SW) TroyM. Newsom Faded MSI Jeffrey J. Counts Count Don’t Count” MS3 Neil M. Pcnaflor Penny Penny” MS3 Peter M. Alntanfpr Jinpogi ” MS3 Jaycen M. Ferreira “Crisp ” MSSN Ruben R. Midetpons “Fuzz MSC (SW) Easley and MSI (SW AW) Dclosreyes together working in the office. What ’cha mean no beer on the pier! 58 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT PROUD LIONS M52 (SW) AM,, Colvin Coaster MS3 Jason O. Teasley Joe T MS3 Eric J. Gonzales Gonzo MS3 Thomas W. Brancato DooDoo ” welcome ADM Ellis sin OP-01. SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 59 MS3 Teasley at the dinner rush hour. the telephone. MSSN Muletpons says “I'm cooking . MS3 Almazor and (SW) Colvin having ready for the start of a new day. the Spanish Heritage Month. SUPPLY STOREKEEPER SK3 Matthew B. Durocher SK2 (SW) 'Zachary A. Shaver MAIN SUPPO in his office SK2 (SW) Dartri I). Clay SKI (SW) Horace A. Johnson 60 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT SKI (SW) Daniel L Muse SK3 Christian A. Gulierre: ISSUE SK3 (SW) Ramon P. Oaxaca SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 61 FCl (SW) Troy Daniel S. Daub BM2 (SW) Stacy D. Reddig SUPPLY SHIP SERVICEMAN SH2 Mike C-. Burris SH2 Brie Espada SH2 ('SWj Johnnie B. Home 62 SUPPLY DEPARTMENT SH3 Eldrin L. Walthall SH3 John S. Gibson SH3 Corey J. Williams DEPARTMENT SH3 Ranulfo Z. Jacob SH3 Andre J. Gilmore SUPPLY DEPARTMENT 63 SHSN Rodolfo J. Tapia SH3 Cave!I A. Jones COMBAT ti'CARGO CCO at the catwalk. CW02 Christopher F. Bergeron Combat Cargo Officer SSTGY Ezequicts Lerma Combat Cargo Assistant Combat Cargo during 64 COMBAT CARGO Aerographer’s Mate Crytologic Technician ACU-2 LCU 1660 BMC (SW) Robert H. Kdwards EN2 (SW) Jeffrey L. Russell The Landing Craft Utility’s (LCU) mission is to transport heavy tanks, troops and equipment during amphibious operations. It is a self-sustained craft with the typical habitability features found aboard ships. It's welded steel hull is built to U.S. Navy standards providing high durability capable of holding deck loads of 800 lbs. sq. ft. The craft’s length is 135 ft. and beam is 30 ft. EN2 (SW) Richard H. Bender BM2 (SW) Darrin L. Spoitedbird LM3 (SW) Adam R. Nickerson 66 ACIA-2 IDA 1660 BMC (SW) Edwards commanding LCU 1660. Cooking for real. And they think we are working. The Sazan Beach. Cooking duty. LCU in stemgate marriage with USS Ponce. Loaded with military tanks. Working out in the morning. ACIA-2 IDA 1660 67 ■■■■■■■■■■■Mi Some training. Home made beach in Georgia. 68 AOA-2 IDA 1660 ■---- II Pack them in boats. Working alongside. Relaxing. Loading. Look! I'm painting. Kidd is painting or sleeping I guess. Loading. Chief is taking fresh air during underway. ACIA-2 LCH 1660 69 BEACHMASTERS 4 UNIT 2 TEAM 2 SMI (SW) Jeffrey J. Greenough SM3 (SW) Timothy IV. Taylor CMS Amani Woolfolk F.OS Matthew Mequaig SjV John IV. Santiago CMCN Jason D. Smith Beachmastcrs at work. The LARC V exiling surf at Sammar Beach, Morooco. OS3 Sherard M. Cooley SA Jeremy J. Granillo CM3 Nicholas A. Vicars SA Todd R. Hillard The mission of the Beachmaster Unit is to provide the nucleus of the Naval Elements (landing force beach party) for the landing force shore party. Beachmastcrs facilitate the initial landing and movement of troops, equipment and supplies. They also provide for the evacuation of casualties and prisoners of war. BEAamsreRS i 72 HM-266 DeckSpoiting Flight Deck handlers move a UH IN ‘'Huey” as we pull in to port in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Capt Mullin awaiting takeoff. CH 46E Landing HM-266 VI Hliey in Georg io Hueys parked at Poti airfield. Georgia r (seated)Cpl. Trout, Sgt. Lopez, LCpI. Dorsett, LCpl. Leeks, Cpl. Willis. Cpl. Cast in,Sgt. Lozano, LCpl Coleman, LCpl. Moll, Cpl. M re I wee. LCpl. Reed (kneeling)Cpl. Guerriar, Cpl. Crilly, Cpl. Mcdowell, Cpl. Lopez, PFC Washer. Cpl. Vonhagel, LCpl. Herald. LCpl. Runk, LCpl. Thomas. Cpl. Ranova, Cpl. Kaminski, Cpl. Johnson (hending)SSgt. Booher, Cpl. Mclellan, LCpl. Newman, LCpl. Hall, LCpl. MArks, SGt. Martin, Sgt. Meier, Sgt. Cunningham, Cpl. Pinyati. Cpl. Duprey, Cpl. Decker, Lcpl. Lundy. Cpl. Buckheit. Cpl. Muffley, LCpl. Howell, HMC Martin, PFC Robertson, LCpl. Hahernaas. Sgt. Vollweiler, Sgt. Williams, Sgt. White (standing: SNCO's Officers)Maj. Maida, Capt. Demoss, Capt. Mullin, Capt. Mcmeans.SSgt. Allen. Lt. Simon, Capt. Campbell, Capt. Makarewicz. LtCol. Preble, Capt. Smith, Capt. Lawnicvak, SSgt. Lachance, CW02 Clemons, Capt. Atkinson, SSgt. Barrett, Lt. Frantsve, SSgt. Wise, Capt. Raymond, Lt. Glover, SSgt. Robinett (not pictured Sgt. Morgan, PFC Cisneros) Three Phrogs over Miriya Airfield in Poti Geiorgia Huey’s crewchief observes the Ponce from above. Marines and Sailors of the 24th MEU (SOC) participate in some helo casting May 22 as they leave Morocco and head into the Mediterranean Sea for more Split-ARG training. Capt Raymond in fight gear. HM-266 73 BLT 2 8 GOLF COMPANY “BLACKFOOT” , Capt David S. Owen CO Commander T� ' w -c.' 74 HQ PLATOON ISTSWT Myles C. Thorne 1ST LT Derek A. Szopa GYSGTStanley L. Foster LCPL Alex J. Rivera I CPL Curtis W. Collins CPL David P. Bra slow LCPL Daniel J. Holderman LCPL Nick J. Poitlan HQ PLATOON 75 « BLACKFOOT” “1ST” PLATOON SSGT Kicky E. Si John SGT Matthew R. Eggeman SGT Earl K. Hall 'N 76 1ST PLATOON SGT Jason R. Jones CPL Charles W.. Flower III LCPL Christian A. Duggan CPL Donteze L. Haskins CPL Kyle Jackson LCPL David S. Leclair LCPL Adam T. Seerley CPL Jason E. Ash CPL Nicholas J. Jensen LCPL David E. Williams 1ST PLATOON 77 LCPL Krzysztof M. Wla nski PVT 'Thomas A. Gudmunds 2NDLT Dennis O'Donnell, SSGT ST. John, and SGT Klassen. PTC Gary L. Dyer 1ST Platoon at Bivouac Site. PFC Daniel N. Engle “USMC” 1st Plat 78 1ST PLATOON fi 1ST PLATOON 79 1STSGT Thorne showing weapons confiscated during the Cordon Sea. You're gonna cut off what! 1 ST Platoon Flying again! 1st Lt Colon taking smooth break after a hard day. SGT John M. Austin HN James A. Shumaker HN Peter O. Ehanks CPL Jason J. Austin SSGT Hugo R. Aguilar SGTRui M Dutra SSGT Kenneth V. Campbell SGT Mark A. Wlaschin 1st U Brian S. Steidle 80 2ND PLATOON LCPL David M. Schindler JR. LCPL Jeremy R. Wheat LCPL Jacob D. Wilcken LCPL Fidencio Lamas LCPL Nicholas J. Vinci PVT Matthew M. Mengel LCPL Ernesto I). Santillan JR. LCPL Robert K. Knapp “USMC” 2nd Plat 82 2UDPIMDDN KFOOT” 3RD PLATOON 2nd LT Chad W. Ragan Fire team participating with the Moroccans. SSGT Kevin R. Sweeney CPL Todd M. Sapena SSGT Melvin K. Fanner CRT James R. Shumate SGT Snider Marseille SGT Michael IX Sylvester UN Brylon R. Riggins LCPL Dennis D. Capistrant 3RD PLATOON 83 LCPL Nicholas R. Brown LCPL Gregory G. Hall II LCPL Patrick A. Barrett LCPLChad J. Duplain LCPL William Gonzales III LCPL Victor J. Gonzales 84 3RD PLATOON 2nd LT James S. Putman LCD bringing them after long days in operation. GKFOOT” 4TH PLATOON SGTScott A. Benaske SGT Fletcher J. Klassen SGT Christopher I). Northcott CPL Kelly J. Burger “USMC” 4th Plat 4RD PLATOON 85 CPL Vincent W. Gizzarelli CPL Jason I). Hagley CPL Keith A Hayes CPI. Anthony T. Lent CPL Alan Payton CPL Tavis S. Tindal CPL David A. Torza HN Paul M. Turner I.CPL Phillip A. Baugh I.CPL Cliffton I.. Behner 86 4TH PLATOON LCPL Nicholas M. Blackmon I.CPL Rodney L. Blackshear LCPL Jason M- Bryant LCPL Joel A. Connick LCPL Guiltgaume C. Cummings LCPL Douglas A. Danielson LCPL Kevin M. Hickey 4TH PLATOON 87 LCPL Daniel G. Rochet te LCPL Johnathan R. Slock RFC James A. liurch RFC David C. Kophamer LCPL Andy Van Orden LCPL Patrick T. Gaynor . “USMC” 4th Plat RFC John C. Sala S 1 Braced for stern gate recovery. 88 4TH PLATOON SSGT Minton machine gun shooting. II Two marines in Operation Med Shark In a mandatory readiness preparing for the worst. MSSG 24 f ' . ■€ M X D72 George W. Odom HM2 Steven R. Kaufman HM2 Jorge C. Merced CPL Antonio Perez M5SG24 89 90 M55G 24 Others MSSG 24 personnel at shore in Spain. The picture was taken during a restoration of a clinic. AWARDS ADVANCEMENTS RENLISTMENTS There were over 275 marines. and shipmates pointed after very hard work. CEREMONIES Enlisted Ceremonies 91 We can say, after long clays of work. And the starting in the morning with work-out, and bouncing. From a little rest at night, sailors on the Ponce always have that vigorous stamina. They don't know where it coming from. But, they know at the end of a steel beach. Shipmates had cooked over 3,000 hamburgers, 2500 sodas, and 500 gallons of fruit juice. And singing at the pace of karokee in one night over 50 country songs. There were time when the Mod Zebra Band showed everytime a debut of live music, following with a talent show of musician, singers, and comedians. The formidable pie on the face during the sunset, and one time sud buster at dinner. One more time with raffles, j popcorns, and bingo at nights, Ponce's shipmates never tired in a journey of 29,105 miles deployment. 92 in Route 2001 IN ROUTE 2001 More.... Pie on THE FACE 94 !v Route 2001 In Route 2001 95 ■■■■ This city is crowded with me places'and narrow street tiny shops.' Ideal to, visit tor ' tourism, and shopping.; 96 Tangier, Morocco EBaHnHnBBgHaHBBDBnnBBwni ITALY Gaeta and Rome Ponce’s crew taking photos from St. Peter Cathedral while waiting for the appearance of the Pope. 98 Italy, Gaeta, Rowe In Saint Peter's Cathedral this door f is sealed for the next 25 years. L? “Are you havin’ fun yetT View of the street .• from Gaeta. VI BRINDISI HM1 Morrison “beer on the pier collecting the loot for MWR. MSs having a walking around the Brindisi’street. 100 Brindisi, Italy Situated on the Adriatic coast of the Salentino peninsula, the town area is rejoicing of historic old parts and buildings. Brindisi, Italy 101 Chief Steven and FN Howard i enj°ying a little liberty.... SOUVfNIRS T-SHIRT 02 Croatia - showing DCs and HNGs shopping aroum DUBROVNIK AND RIJEKA hipmates m the oW -uv asking two you ig croatians for direct ons. MARMARIS, TURKEY 104 MARMARI, WRKEY Discotheque at night in Marmaris.... starting here. MS3 AI man or, AMHAN Faustino. and ABF3 Brown jamming. Dancers, they're not wasting time, all in one night! Dancers enjoyng the night. Dawn in Mannaris’s harbor. Turkish Bath is traditional in Tukey as well in United States. 'cause not place for dance YNSN Johnson jumped on the bar table. MARMARI. tlARKEV 105 VALLETTA, MALTA Shipmates listening to music at beer on the peer. I lalfway along the Adriatic coast, on the fringes of the fertile Terra di Bari, the city of Malta consists of two dis-tinct parts, the old city, a maze of twisting lanes, which lies on a small peninsula between the bays of the old and new ports, and the modern SK3 Oaxaca and DR Molina having a town stretching inland as well quick stop for making calls back home. as along the coast, built to a -------------------------------------- neatly square plan. SH2s having a break after a hard working day. Panoramic view of the bay. 106 VALLETTA, MARTA Palma T arragona Spain Catania MED SHARK 111 112 COOP PARTNER Coop Partner Albanian Phiblex ALBANIAN PHIBLEX 113 Community Relations The PONCE enjoyed a banner year for Community Relation (COMREL) Programs. The PONCE was able to accomplish work and outreach at eight individual areas throughout the Med Cruise providing a total of 526, man-hours of service to underprivileged organizations and people seeking hope and affirmation. These Community Relation projects ranged from soccer and basketball games to the standard chipping, painting, and cleaning. It was exciting to see the intense effort put forward by the Sailors and Marines. In many situations, the Sailors and Marines who volunteered for COMREL projects were just coming off watches and duty turnovers when they had to quickly change and leave for all day projects involving painting and cleaning. Sometimes the projects were in the cool of indoor areas. At times, the projects involved sweating under the sun. Regardless of the type of projects, every volunteer gave 110% of himself. Even with language barriers, the language of smiles was expressed profusely. Every project member, whether painting in the sun, or playing soccer in the shade, was a true ambassador of good will. Smiles, laughter, and friendly pats on the back were the language that all were able to share, as the distance across the ocean was bridged by friendship. One of the highlights of any COMREL project is the food. When far from home, it is a pleasure to enjoy a home-cooked meal...even if not from your own home. Any true cultural exchange involves a sampling of the native culture of an area. One of the greatest ways that this can be done is through enjoying the local cuisine that is provided by the COMREL hosts. In all. this year's Med Cruise provided a wonderful opportunity to share in the opportunity to make life a little better for people of a different land and culture. All totaled, 81 people donated 50 hours of their time to enhance the lives of people they may never see again. However, on a larger scale, the United States has made an investment into the lives of people who will always remember the day a small “Band of Brothers” came from across the sea to make their lives better! Gospel Fest ‘01 For all those who attended, the GospelFcst extravaganza provided a joyful time in the Lord. Spearheaded by Chaplain Barnes and DKC King from the CARTER HALL, this proved to be a wonderful opportunity for brothers and sisters in Christ to come together and fellowship in an inviting atmosphere of Worship and Praise. Although the VTA (Vehicle Turn-around Area) on board the CARTER HALL seemed like a strange place for a “spiritual gathering”, it quickly proved to be the perfect location for believers to gather in the name of Jesus! Supporting this event were various Praise Worship groups from the KEARSARGE ARG. which included the USS PONCE and the USS CARTER HALL. Also in attendance were members of the USS EMORY S. LAND Praise Choir. The evening provided all in attendance the opportunity to experience and share their various forms of Praise Worship expressions. Highlighting the evening was a dramatization performed by Chaplain Barnes to the tune of “We Fall Down” by Donnie McClurkin. His heart touching performance had everyone on their feet excited about the redemptive power of Jesus Christ. As the evening drew to a close, Chaplain Worman from the EMORY S. LAND closed the service with a moving story that brought to mind the necessity of looking beyond denominational labels and being ready to receive instruction from the Lord from whatever source He decides to use. As everyone gathered together holding hands, making a circle which symbolized the unity of all in attendance, Chaplain Barnes led a closing prayer for this powerful meeting. The festivities did not end there, however. Even as the equipment was being broken down and taken away, several members of the different groups gathered to continue in singing and rejoicing in the Lord and what He had accomplished. This was truly an evening to be well remembered for many years to come. 116 COMMUNITY RELATIONS New Dads or Dads Again Congratulations to ET2 (SW) Jonathan J. Dulce and the following shipmates: FN Derek N. Ford SN Leslie T. Arnold ABF2 Gabriel Hackett OS3 Michael E. Linton New Dads or Dads Again 117 u s M C 0 M I N G The Sweenny Family Sgt and Mrs. Klasscn The Glegola Family 118 H5MC HOMECOMING Sgt and Mrs. Roberts V Sgt and Mrs. Hagley Doc Mrs. and Baby Shumaker Sgt and Mrs. Northcott The Austin Family The Farina Family The Wlazlinski Family The Engle Family Shumate with the Shumate Family The Riley Family Lcpl and Mrs. Barrett Lcpl and Mrs. Barrett IA5MC HOMECOMING 119 Roses, Roses Arrival Norfolk Ponce’s shipmates arc preparing their roses for the next day in Norfolk. With the help of CMC. Ombudsmen and MWR members, it was possible to have the best homecoming of all the ships in the licet. anmnn KHHHHnHHHflBMI Moored, Ship Colors, Norfolk, Virginia u H s 0 M N E A C V 0 Y M 1 1 N G NAVY HOMECOMING 121 i wim 11 hi ———I OF LCPL CLINTON MORRIS MSSG 24 AND THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES ON 9 11 2001 Walstvorth Publishing Company Madeline. MiuoatS 6-1658 USA Barry Brown. Janaf Office Bldg. Suite 519 Norfolk. VA. 23502 I (757M66-7575 Bjrry.Brown wjUworth.com Luxembourg! GERMANY North Atlantic Ocean Gcnafy FRANCE in Marino Marsei Ic Monaco CORSIG (FRANCE) , f ' Barcelona fZ. ■r Balearic Sea Porto Maddalcna SARDINIA !' (nAL? Tyrrhenian Sea lencia PORTUGAL Palermo • Gibraltar (UK) Strait of Gibraltar SouviC Rabat (Casablanca' ' y MWM?' r ALGERIA y je JRecfih