Ponce (LPD 15) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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

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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