Thach (FFG 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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I . Chief always showed that he had the utmost confi- dence in my abilities as a Helo Tech. Even when things seemed impossible to accomplish, he would just give me that famous smile and I knew he was behind me one- hundred percent. I could talk to Chief as one ofthe guys, which was great because that made me comfortable with my job. You can never replace such a great leader, but only imitate his leadership. -AT3 Eduardo SaiZ-- I: I i I ...FROM THE HEART: REMEMBERING way, AMSCQAW RONALD HILAND READY AND ABLE GL. uxllagltii sim I have never seen a man work so hard. That's what made him happy, with that hahfsmile on his face, he would just look all over that Helicopter until he found something more to occupy his hands. He absolutly always wanted the best for us. He would talk about going to ports and all of us would be together having a good time sippin on a beer. I miss him. I really miss the man. -A WI Bobby Breed- Chief was a great man to me and I looked up to him in every way. Whether it was his personal virtues or his work ethic, I was always trying to be like him. I will always remember him in my heart and as a friend K even though he didn't know itj. I 'll never forget the day the accident happened, that day will live on inside my memories until the day I die. I 'll always remember to keep the fingerprints of the aircraft too. We miss you .... I miss you Chief -ADAN Brendan M. Slivinski- AMSCKAWQ RONALD HILAND 9

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Ugggg, ...FROM THE HEART REMEMBERING AMSCCAWJ RONALD HILAND i 'QA t II ll O I ' . I! . . J 5 E-. x 9. ' 4 X 1 ,N 1 1 '5!:: , : AUUBWWWUDU' Some people can touch you in a special way. Some people have that about them - to give and not be concerned about receiving. That was Chief Hiland. For the short time that Chief I-Iiland was with us he did just that, he touched us in that special way, a way that can not easily be put into words. He touched our hearts in the short time he was with us, but his heart and soul will remain with us forever. On behab' of the Air Department, we would like to extend our gratitude to the entire TI-IACH crew for all the kind words and assistance that was provided to us during this dwcult time. -Officers and Men of HSL-49 Det 8- AIWSCKAWQ RONALD HILAND The Chiefs of USS THACH are extremely saddened by the loss of Ron. Not only was he a fellow Chief but he was a friend to all. We were graced by his presence for such a short time, but he ayjfected all he met. His kind heart and lovable spirit will forever be a part of us. Those who worked for him and with him have truly benefited from his knowledge and leadership. It will not be long until one of the jirst classes fr0Wl his squadron make Chief and they will have learned from one of the Navy 's finest - how to be a Chief -THACH CPO Mess- H 1 ,N I U X t i Y f F F 8 R 9

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1 0 I I I I . I I I I I I I COMBAT SYSTEMS OFFICER LT WALTER TAYLGR I THACH's Western Pacific Deployment in 2001 gave the members of Combat Systems Department several opportunities to prove themselves in circumstances not normally faced. While the majority of Combat Systems ' Department fulfilled their duties in air-conditioned spaces, a number of them braved severe heat as members of THACH's Visit, Board, Search and Seizure Team CVBSSJ, enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq. ' CA Division, which includes Sonar Technicians CST'sJ and Torpedomen CTM,sJ, is responsible for an array of equipment which includes the SQQ-89 Undersea Warfare Suite, King Fisher Mine Avoidance System, and tht? MK 46 Torpedoes. Throughout the WESTPAC 601, CA Division proved themselves worthy preparing daily for W battle against any possible foe. I I I 4 I CE Division, the men of the Electronics Division, include Electronics Technicians CET,sJ and lnteri0f Communication Technicians CIC'sJ. These technical experts are responsible for the Surveillance Radars and I Communications equipment. CE Division is the interlocking force which ties all combat functions together. I The Fire Controlmen CFC, sb of CF Division are responsible for controlling THA CH ' s Weapons systems. From SM-l Missiles to Harpoon Anti-Ship Missiles, from 76MM rounds to 20MM rounds, CF Division coordinated the firing of all weapons in offense and defense of T HACH. During WESTPAC. The Gunners Mates CGM,sj of CG Division 4 . were responsible for maintaining all VBSS Weapons and gear during operations in the Arabian Gulf. CG Division ensured that all Small Craft Action Team Weapons were g 1 maintained to the highest possible readiness. In addition, CG Division maintained the MK 75 Gun andthe MK I I 13 Guided Missile Launcher in a state of maximum readiness. X I I I I I 4. I .