Santa Barbara (AE 28) - Naval Cruise Book

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On June 3, 1991, CDR Michael Watson relieved CDR Mike Frimenko as Commanding Officer while anchored in the Naples Harborg two men whose style of leadership could not be more dwerent, and yet whose strength of leadership ensured a smooth transition and continued smooth sailing. The following is CDR Watson 's speech from the Change of Command: I will now read my orders: To Commander Michael Grant Watson, United States Navy, Student, Naval War College, Newport Rhode lsland. When directed, detach duty, proceed to the port which USS SANTA BARBARA may be and upon arrival report to the Commanding Officer for duty as numerical relief for Com- mander Michael Frimenko, JR. ' I relieve you sir. Commodore, Honored Guests, but especially CDR Frimenko and the officers and crew of Santa Barbara, Your Captain has told me that he really meant it when he said that this was the best ship and crew in the Navy. In the few days I have spent with you I can see what he means. Captain, we thank you and wish you a safe journey home. We look forward to seeing you in your new capacity at the squadron. I am honored and a little humble to be with you now. You have done so much, not only in the last few months, but over the last few years, that many are in awe of what you have accomplished. To steal a thought from Shakespeare: Those lying ahed at home now curse tliejute that kept them there and caused them to miss the trials and triumph of the storm. I am not sure what you have heard or seen about the receptions your compatriots are receiving across the nation. l can only tell you that our return should be unlike any you may have expe- rienced or thought of. We are anchored in historic waters. We sail through historic seas. The spirits of men and women through thousands of years of history are. perhaps. present with us. Perhaps those spirits are looking upon you now and accepting you into the ranks of those who have contributed something significant to the history of the world. Remember. yours was not merely a walk-on pan. lt was much more and there is a much greater part to play. Again. I am honored to have been chosen to be with you for it. santa barbara Those lying ahed at home now curse the fate that kept them there and caused them to miss the trials and triumph ofthe storm T31 as ' ix I f . As.,

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aptain tSelJ Frimenko was bom in Bethle- hem, Pennsylvania. He is the son of Captain CUSN Retl Michael and Mary Frimenko, who now reside in Wilmington, Nonh Carolina. After graduating from the University of Nonh Carolina in June 1970, he was commissioned through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate School. Pensacola, Florida. After commissioning, he attended Vietnamese Language School and subsequently served incountry with the lst Anglico Sub Unit One in the Republic of Vietnam. His initial sea tour was aboard the USS BRISTOL COUNTY ILST ll98J where he served as the First Lieutenant. Subsequent tours include duty as Chief Engineer in USS MERRIDITH tDD 8903. Staff Material Oflicer with COMDESRON 24. First Lieutenant in USS LEXINGTON IAVT lol . amd as Executive Otiicer in USS CAMDEN lAOE 21. Captain l SELI Ftimenko htm served tuhore where he was assigned under the C ommandant of Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy as the 3-lth Company Oliicer. He most recently served as the Prospective Executive Oflicer Course Coordinator and Combat Logistics Force Instructor in the Prospective Commanding Ofticer Course at Newport. Rhode Island. Captain ISELI Frimenltos next assignment is as Chief Staff Officer QCSOJ for Commander Destroyer Squadron Four. Charleston, SC. Captain LSELI Frimenko's personal decora- tions and service medals include: Navy Com- mendation Medal t2l. Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation. Reptiblic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Vietnam Service Medal with Fleet Marine Combat Operations Insignia, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. Captain tSell Frimenko is married to the former Sue Sanderson of Pensacola. Florida. They have one son. Michael III. the Captain. Capt Frintenkofs thoughts when meeting the Santa Barbara upon her return 'To see the ship come up the river returning home, and know that you were a part her crew-that may be the hardest thing about having been J! sting behind the storm

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ommanding fficer CDR Michael Grant Watson DR Watson is originally from Vancouver. Washington. hut includes Sacramento. California as home as well. He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in l975 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Alter receiving his commission in June 1975. he was assigned to USS KIRK tFFl087J as the Main Propulsion Assistant and later served as Combat lnfonnation Ofticer. ln 1979 he was assigned to USS WORDEN QCG l8J as Fire Control Officer and then moved to USS REEVES CCG 245 as Missile Otlicer. Upon completion of the Depart- ment Head course at the Surlace Wzufare Otiicer's School in Newport. Rhode lsland. Commander Watson assumed the duties as Engineer Oliicer on hoard USS VALDEZ tFF l096J. Following that tour he served as Engineer Oliicer on USS PLATTE tAO l86J. ln Januaiy l988 he reported aboard USS SAN JOSE tAFS 75 as Executive Oliicer. His shore assigmnents have included a tour as one of the Organization Effectiveness consultants for Commander. Naval Forces Japan and as student at the Naval War College. College of Naval War- fare. While in Newport he was awarded a Master of Arts degree in lntemational Relations from Salve Regina College. Commander Watson's awards include the Meri- torious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal ttwo awardsj, Navy Achievement Medal, Presi- dential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation CUSNJ, Meritorious Unit Citation CUSCGJ and various other unit and personal awards. Commander Watson is married to the former Dianna M. Jones of Palo Alto, Califomia. They have four children: Benjamin, Jesse, Alix and Claire. sting behind the stomv A