Vandegrift (FFG 48) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING OFFICER CDR Christopher H Johnson Cdr. Johnson is a 1970 graduate of Stanford University, where he earned Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps while at Stanford and at graduation was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Cdr. Johnson's first three assignments were at sea. He served as Assis- tant Electronics Officer onboard USS BON HOMME RICHARD QCVA-313, Combat information Center Officer in USS COOK QFF-10831, and as Aide and Flag Lieutenant to Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group Five. These assignments involved duty off the coast of Vietnam, a circumnavigation of South America, and operations throughout the Far East. From 1975 to 1978 Cdr. Johnson was assigned shore duty in San Diego at the Operation- al Test arid Evaluation Force, Pacific. Here he participated in testing Navy satellite communications systems and electronic warfare weapons. In 1978 Cdr. Johnson returned to sea duty, serving consecutive tours as Operations Officer in USS ENGLAND CCG-229, Navigator of Liss NEWIJERSEY IBB- 62J, and Executive Officer Iin USS RAMSEY CFFG-23. These assignments involved operations in the Indian Ocean and Far East, and participation in USSNEW JERSEYfS deployment off the coast of Beirut, Lebanon. I . Cdr. Johnson comes to VANDEGRIFT from the Pentagonwherehe served on the staffof the Chief of Naval Operations QOP-956jO76j and was involved in analyzing Navy policies in electronic warfare and space sys- tems. I I . I I Cdr. Johnson's wife, Stephanie, is a native of San Diego, California. They have a son, Daniel, who is three years old. They now make their home in Garden Grove. . . Cdr. Johnson's personal decorations include the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. Cdr. Johnson has commanded VANDEGRIFT since April of 1989. I f I j ' ,W .. . J . bgsww fanzkfvigz Father and Son together at last. Another soft landing? it me LE Km. ,,,,, ' 4 ' WQL , ,ff 5

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1! USS VANDEGRIFT USS VANDEGRIFT is the 42 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate. She was built by Todd Pacific Shipyard Corporation of Seattle, Washington. Her keel was laid 13 October 1981. She was launched 15 October 1982 and commissioned 24 November 1984. She has been awarded a Meritorious Unit Citation, Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal, and three Sea Service Ribbons for her performance through one world cruise and two Middle East Force deployments.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER LCDR Thomas R. Andress Lieutenant Commander Andress is a I978 graduate of Pennsylvania State University. where he received a Bachelor's Degree in Science. He was a member of the Naval Officer Training Corps and at graduation was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. Lieutenant Commander Andress completed his initial sea tour onboard USS EDSON CDD-9463 as Gunnery Officer, Fire Control Officer, Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and First Lieutenant. During the assignment. EDSON was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for service as the Atlantic Fleet Engineering School Ship, and also completed extensive operations in the Caribbean. From l982 to l985. Lieutenant Commander Andress was assigned to Fleet Training Corps, Guantanamo Bay. Cuba, where he served as Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and as Training Liaison Officer for United States Navy, Coast Guard, and foreign navy ships undergoing Refresher Training. He was designated a Master Training Specialist for Anti-Submarine Warfare by the Commander of the Atlantic Fleet Training Command. Returning to shipboard duty in l986, Lieutenant Commander Andress reported to the Pre- Commissioning Unit for RODNEY M. DAVIS QFFG-605 as prospective Combat Systems Officer. Following commissioning in l987 and shakedown, the ship transferred to Seventh Fleet and shifted its homeport to Yokosuka, Japan. Following completion of a deployment to the Arabian Gulf, RODNEY M. DAVIS participated in an unprecedented port visit to Shanghai, China. Lieuten- ant Commander Andress reported to USS VANDEGRIFT CFFG-483 as Executive Officer in De- cember of I989. Lieutenant Commander Andress' personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal. His wife, Krystal, is a native of Glenside, Pennsylvania. They have a daughter, Lauren, who is seven years old. They currently reside in Garden Grove, California. X ...-T.---......,-,.-..4..,.... ., . e rx so ? ff! X LTJG Melvin teaches XO The Pose. 6 7 vi I m issed you Daddy.