Sample (FF 1048) - Naval Cruise Book

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, LCDR Gerald R. Hess, USN BEING THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER IS NO EASY TASK. SOME CALL IT THE PUNISHMENT TOUR OF DUTY IN THE NAVY, AND SOME CALL IT THAT FOR GOOD REA- SON. BUT WHAT MAKES AN XO TICK? HOW DOES HE HANDLE THE MULTI- FACETED PRESSURES OF ONE OF THE MOST DEMAND- ING IOBS ANYWHERE. LCDR HESS TALKED ABOUT IT. WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE THE XO OF A UNITED STATES FRIGATE? There is no argument that the bil- let is extremely demanding, how- ever, I assure you it is a thrill. I have never considered being Executive Officer as a punishment tour . It is a position that every line officer should strive for. There is, with certainty, only one assignment better Command at Sea. HOW WOULD YOU RATE THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE SAMPLE? I think this is an unfair question since no one would believe I'd say anything adverse about my ship. In truth, I liken the officers to those of my first Wardroom fourteen years ago and I honestly believe this Wardroom is better. I have re- peatedly observed the crew rise to the challenges both at sea, on the playing field and shore. In each case they have excelled and estab- lished an enviable reputation for professionalism and smartness. HOW DOES THE SAMPLE IT INTO TODAY'S NAVY? The SAMPLE plays a vital role in today's Navy. Considering that the peacetime mission of the Navy is to project power at sea, to train men, and to be ready for war, you can see that SAMPLE fits well into the general goals of today's Navy. We are mobile, we are a platform on which to place experimental sys- tems, and we are a small ship, of- fering virtually unlimited chal- lenge and opportunities for train- ing young men. When I began in the Navy there were 143 destroyers in the Pacific fleet alone. Now there are less that 150 in BOTH fleets. Escort!ASW platforms are necessary to fleet de- fense and so, again, the SAMPLE plays a vital role. WHERE DOES THE SAMPLE GO FROM ITS MISSION TODAY? That is very difficult to answer in terms of specifics. But you can be sure that Navy planners are count- ing on a minimum of 10 more years service from SAMPLE. Therefore I'm sure that a rich and challeng- ing future for SAMPLE still lies ahead. The general mission won't change, though, I believe SAMPLE will continue as an experimental ASW platform while fulfilling the need for fleet escorts and training the sailors of the future.

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