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Batman47 Board Founder/CNC User is Offline Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 363 Karma: 5 applaud / smite 392 points 0 warnings 0 tempbans	Posted: Fri Jul 04, 2008 10:16 pm    Post subject: Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2- (CPG) 2 -CTF-22 · Quote Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2- (CPG) 2 -CTF-22 Headquarters United States European Command http://www.eucom.mil/english/index.asp   Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet - CNE-C6F http://www.c6f.navy.mil Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Changes Command NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Adm. Mark Fitzgerald relieved Adm. Harry Ulrich III as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe during a ceremony at Joint Forces Command Naples on Nov. 30. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=33637 United States Sixth Fleet Task Force 61 is the Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG). It is composed of approximately three amphibious ships and their embarked landing craft. From these ships, United States Marine ground forces can move ashore by sea and air in amphibious assault of emergency evacuation missions. Once ashore, the ships of Task Force 61 logistically support the ground forces, until the objective of the landing has been accomplished, and the Marine Forces return to the ships. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_6th_Fleet   Commander, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMNAVSURFLANT) http://www.cnsl.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Story Archive http://www.news.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=91   COMNAVSURALANT Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic http://www.cnsl.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx   Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 Commander, Amphibious Strike Group Two COMEXSTRKGRU TWO Commander, Amphibious Group (CPG) 2 Amphibious Group Two Commander, Task Force 22 (CTF-22) COMPHIBSTRIKFOR (NATO) Amphibious Task Force - East PHIBGRU TWO http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibgru2.htm Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy http://www.nsa.naples.navy.mil Focus on Commander, Amphibious Group 2 http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cpg2   Commander, Amphibious Group 2 Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=316 Focus on Commander, Amphibious Group 2 http://www.navy.mil/local/cpg2 Commander, Amphibious Group 2 Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=316 Commander Amphibious Squadron TWO, FOUR, SIX and EIGHT are subordinate to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 (COMEXSTRKGRU TWO COMPHIBRON TWO http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron2.htm Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) – PHIBRON 2- ow-commandpost http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12929#12929 COMPHIBRON FOUR http://www.cpr4.navy.mil   http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron4.htm Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) – PHIBRON 4- ow-commandpost http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12928#12928 COMPHIBRON SIX http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron6.htm Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) – PHIBRON 6- ow-commandpost http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12926#12926 COMPHIBRON EIGHT http://www.cpr8.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibron8.htm Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) – PHIBRON 8 – ow-commandpost http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/owcommandpost-about1988.html PHIBGRU 2 Becomes ESG 2 Story Number: NNS061229-09 Release Date: 12/31/2006 9:00:00 AM By Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Public Affairs Office NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Amphibious Group (CPG) 2 was disestablished 31 December 2006, and commissioned as Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2, culminating nearly a year of preparation to become an operational command ready to deploy to the Middle East [COMEXSTRKGRU TWO], per CNO guidance regarding alignment of Expeditionary Strike Groups and Amphibious Groups. This culminated nearly a year of preparation to become an operational command ready to deploy to the Middle East. Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group TWO is an Echelon 4 command, reporting to Echelon 3 Commander, Second Fleet. CPG 2 provided valuable insight and training during two exercises this past year for the establishment of an expeditionary platform that will take the command from an administrative position at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., to a fully operational command based in Bahrain in February. “CPG2 was an administrative staff that trained, manned and equipped our expeditionary forces on the Atlantic coast,” said Rear Adm. Garry Hall, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2. “Our new role is more operational, and these exercises gave us an insight into how to plan and conduct operations at the joint task force level.” The new Expeditionary Strike Group 2 will conduct all amphibious and expeditionary operations in the Gulf region from Bahrain. Hall, and several members of his staff, embarked aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) in November as a deployable command element while the Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) conducted its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). “We embarked Bataan to show our ability to command and control and reach back to my staff in Little Creek, Va.,” said Hall. “Our visit to Bataan proves the concept that we can scale our staff, deploy and join the MEU and amphibious squadron to command from at-sea.” “Our forces can expect to be used in a very flexible and efficient manner as we support land forces ashore and as we engage in the theater,” said Hall. “Any time an ESG, an amphibious squadron or a MEU deploys, they are used in a multitude of events. They should expect the unexpected and be prepared for any mission to come their way.” Capt. Mike Barea, head of the Expeditionary Interdirectorate, believes that training for the deployment will extend beyond this exercise as the Navy tests its new overseas assets. “This upcoming deployment is basically an experiment for the Navy, and I think the lessons that we learn will give the Navy some important information on preserving critical mission areas,” said Barea. “There are a few issues that need to be ironed out, but we do know that it is an experiment, and we’re going to learn from it with regard to appropriate manning and the importance of focusing on what’s critical to the mission." CPG 2 tasked USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) with assisting in the evacuation of thousands of American citizens from Lebanon this past summer. The Iwo Jima ESG falls under the command of CPG 2, displaying the flexibility and quick-acting logistical support that the Amphibious Navy has to offer. Previously deployed ESGs have conducted emergency disaster relief operations in the U.S. Gulf Coast region after Hurricane Katrina, and in Pakistan and Indonesia to aid with earthquake and tsunami relief. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=27195 Since its inception during World War II, Commander, Amphibious Group TWO had been at the forefront of the Amphibious Navy. Consisting of 35 individual and diverse commands, the composition of the Group runs the entire spectrum of amphibious warfare with four Amphibious Squadrons, Naval Beach Group TWO, two Tactical Air Control Squadrons, 19 ships and over 12,000 personnel. As times have changed, so has the mission, vision, and guiding principles of the command. Units in the Group now employ some of the most technologically advanced equipment but, as always, the backbone of the Group is the young sailor or marine. The Chief of Staff is the executor for, and principal assistant to COMPHIBGRU TWO. He is responsible to COMPHIBGRU TWO for ensuring that the organization, administration, training, readiness, and operations of the Staff are carried out in conformance with the policies, plans, and intentions of COMPHIBGRU TWO. Under the Chief of Staff, the Staff is organized into eight departments as follows: N1 Administration N2 Intelligence N3 Operations and Plans N4 Logistics, Material, Maintenance N5 Plans, Policy, and Exercises N6 Communications N7 Readiness and Training N8 Aviation The Flag Secretary is the head of administrative and personnel functions under the Chief of Staff. The Assistant Administrative Officer assists the Flag Secretary in staff administrative functions as required, and works directly under the Chief of Staff for personnel and administrative matters pertaining to ships and other subordinate commands. The Assistant Chief Of Staff, Intelligence (ACOS INTEL) (N2) is responsible for the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of intelligence material required to carry out the COMPHIBGRU TWO mission. Acts as the principal Staff Assistant to the Group Commander on all matters of military intelligence data and force intelligence equipments. Ensures the provision of all-source intelligence data to maintain the military/political awareness of the Group Commander and his Staff. Directs the Joint Intelligence Center in the support of amphibious operations. Acts as a single point of contact within the Group for all interfaces with the fleet/theater/national intelligence communities in obtaining support and information on all countries within the prescribed areas of responsibility. The Assistant Chief Of Staff, Operations, Plans And Exercises (ACOS OPLANS) (N3) is responsible for the organization and employment of all amphibious ships and units per approved policies, directives, and plans; for preparing basic estimates, studies, operational plans, and orders derived from directives received from higher authority or as may be required for coordinating the planning activities of the Staff, and for the supervision of an evaluation of planned actions; for the preparation and execution of all assigned exercises and operational commitments. The Maintenance and Material Officer (N4) enhances operational readiness by providing direct fleet support for maintenance, repair, training and upkeep in the Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Force. Identify and advise Group Commanders of resource deficiencies causing adverse effects on unit readiness. Identify to TYCOM class problems and material readiness trends. The Operations, Plans, and Exercises Department (N5) provides subject matter expertise to LANTFLT for concepts development. Assists in doctrine and policy development. Serves as COMPHIBGRU TWO's lead representative at concepts, doctrine and policy conferences. Conducts long range planning for exercises other than pre-deployment training exercises. Planning responsibility continues through the Final Planning Conference (FPC), at which time final planning and execution are passed to the N3 section. Maintain EUCOM/NATO war contingency plans. Acts as principal point of contact for outside agencies in support of technology demonstrations and fleet experiments. Handles special projects as directed by COMPHIBGRU TWO. The Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications (ACOS COMM) (N6) arranges for reliable, secure and rapid communications based on wartime requirements adequate to meet the needs of COMPHIBGRU TWO in carrying out assigned mission. Prepares communications plans and directives, and reviews communication plans of subordinate commands. Maintains liaison with other services, joint or allied commands and other government and civilian agencies on communications matters. Functions as the Communications Security Officer for COMPHIBGRU TWO, implementing necessary directives to ensure maximum communication security enforced. Maintains liaison with the ACOS INTEL (N2) in matters of COMSEC, SIGSEC, and SIGEX implementation and posture. Assists in future plans, installations and continued reliable support for Group combat systems. N7 Readiness and Training Mission/Areas of Responsibility include matters of readiness and training for: tactical training strategy; inter deployment training cycle exercise planning; deck seamanship; inspections and assist visits; safety and environmental; Senior Officer Observer Team (SOOT); awards PQS review; Surface Warfare Training Week; Midshipman summer training; and foreign navy liaisons. The ACOS AVIATION is responsible for the coordination and monitoring of all air operations, maintenance, readiness and training for all COMPHIBGRU TWO air capable amphibious ships, pre-comm units and aviation units per approved policies, directives, and plans; for coordination and conducting all ISIC level inspections and evaluations as directed by higher authority; for management of overall long term aviation readiness planning to ensure all amphibious ships chop to the numbered fleet commander ready. In 1991 Marine Amphibious Ready Group Three, an eight-ship task force was diverted from sailing home after duty in Desert Shield/Desert Storm join Operation Sea Angel, the response to a devastating killer cyclone struck the nation of Bangladesh, killing over 100,000 people. The ships of Mediterranean Amphibious Ready Group (MARG) 2-93 and Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) marked the fourth month of deployment with their second major amphibious exercise, Alexandros '93. This was the first bilateral U.S.-Greek amphibious exercise since 1978. USS Saipan (LHA 2) participated in MARG 2-93 with USS Pensacola and USS Ponce (LPD 15). The Marines and sailors of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the USS Wasp (LHD 1) Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) participated in the 10-day trilateral exercise "Eager Mace '93-2." Eager Mace 93-2 demonstrated the continuing U.S. commitment to the security and stability of the Arabian Gulf region. The ARG, also comprising USS Nashville (LPD 13), USS Barnstable County (LST 1197 and USS El Paso (LKA 117), was involved in a total of four major amphibious exercises with Gulf region countries during its deployment to the Naval Forces Central Command area of responsibility. The USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) Amphibious Ready Group of the USS America JTG completed a six month Mediterranean deployment upon return to homeports of Norfolk and Little Creek, Va on 05 February 1994. The ARG, under the command of CAPT Guy Myslivy, consisted of USS Guadalcanal (LPH 7) CAPT Phil Sowa commanding, USS Shreveport (LPD 12) CAPT Al Harms commanding, and USS Ashland (LSD 48) CAPT Doug Keith Commanding, with 1,800 Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22 MEU) embarked. The MEU was under the command of Col Jan Huly. The ARG departed Norfolk, Va on August 11, 1993 and proceeded to Morehead City, NC to embark the Marines of 22 MEU. Upon completion of the Marine onload, the ARG joined other units of JTG 93-2 for the Atlantic transit. Arriving on station in the Mediterranean in late August, the ARG immediately assumed duties as Task Force Six One. During September and October, in addition to contingency operations in the Adriatic in support of operations Deny Flight and Provide Promise, the ARG participated in the amphibious exercise Spanish phiblex off the southern coast of Spain and exercise Dynamic Guard off the Turkish coast. Additionally, USS Ashland and elements of 22 MEU conducted Black Sea operations and a port visit to Constanta, Romania. On October 11,1993, the ARG transited the Suez Canal enroute to Somalia to conduct contingency operations in the vicinity of the capital city of Mogadishu. The ARG remained on station off of Somalia through October and early November before returning to the Mediterranean. After completing additional contingency operations in the Adriatic, the ARG was relieved as Task Force Six One by Commander Amphibious Squadron Four, embarked in USS Inchon, accompanied by USS Trenton, USS Portland, and USS Spartanburg County as the Amphibious element of the USS Saratoga JTG. In April 1994, after the highly successful completion of the bilateral amphibious exercise Alexander the Great 94, the ships of Marine Amphibious Ready Group 1-94 [MARG 1-94] sailed to their next ports of call. Inchon and Trenton steamed to Naples, Italy not only to relax, but to conduct an IMAV with the USS Simon Lake. USS Portland set sail North after Alexander the Great to conduct Black Sea OPS. Port visits were scheduled for the USS Portland in Istanbul, Turkey, Varna, Bulgaria, and Constanta Romania. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/phibgru2.htm COMEXSTRKGRU TWO SHIP'S AND SUPPORT UNITS The strike group includes Amphibious Squadron Two, Bataan, USS Shreveport (LPD-12), USS Oak Hill (LSD-51), USS Vella Gulf (CG-72), USS Nitze (DDG-94), USS Underwood (FFG-36), USS Scranton (SSN-756) and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C. http://www.eucom.mil/english/FullStory.asp?art=1228   Mount Whitney Expeditionary Strike Group Mount Whitney Amphibious Ready Group USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) http://www.mtwhitney.navy.mil/default.aspx USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) History http://navysite.de/ships/lcc20.htm   History of USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) http://www.mtwhitney.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx Homeported in Gaeta, Italy, USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC/JCC 20) was constructed by the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company and is named for the 14,505-foot peak in the Sierra-Nevada range in California, the highest point in the lower continental United States. It is the first ship in the U.S. Navy to bear this name. MOUNT WHITNEY (MTW) serves as the Command Ship for Commander, SIXTH Fleet/ Commander, Joint Command Lisbon/Commander, Striking Force NATO and has a complement of 150 enlisted personnel, 12 officers and 150 Civilian Mariners from Military Sealift Command. MTW was the first U.S. Navy combatant to permanently accommodate women on board. MTW carries enough food to feed the crew for 90 days and can transport supplies to support an emergency evacuation of 3,000 people. The ship makes 100,000 gallons of fresh water daily and carries over one million gallons of fuel, enough for a round trip, 16 knot, 35 day voyage from Norfolk, Virginia to Mozambique in the Indian Ocean. The ship's two anchors weigh 11 tons each and are attached to 180 fathoms (or 1,080 feet) of anchor chain. Each chain weighs almost 25 tons. Total electrical capacity is 7,500 kilowatts, a sufficient amount to power a small city. The ship's afloat communications capability is second to none. MTW can receive, process and transmit large amounts of secure data from any point on earth through HF, UHF, VHF, SHF, and EHF communications paths. This technology enables the Joint Intelligence Center and Joint Operations Center to gather and fuse critical information while on the move. As the most sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship ever commissioned, MTW incorporates various elements of the most advanced C4I equipment and gives the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command widely dispersed air, ground and maritime units in an integrated fashion. Since it’s commissioning in 1971, the ship has participated in fleet operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean and the Indian Ocean and Horn of Africa regions. MTW was a key participant in Exercise Strong Resolve 2002 in support of Operation enduring Freedom and JTFEX 04-2, Operation "BLINDING STORM" consisted of more than 40,000 participants from 26 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Partnership for Peace nations. In 2004, MTW was chosen to chart a new course with the integration of Civilian Mariners into her crew and relocate to Gaeta, Italy where she assumed the role as the Sixth Fleet Flagship. Since arrival in the European AOR in February 2005, MTW has steamed more than 32,000 nautical miles. MTW completed four major NATO exercises in 2005, including Loyal Diligence ’05, Moving Star ’05, Allied Action ’05 and Loyal Midas ’05. In January of 2006, MTW was honored to support the Liberian Presidential inauguration. Additionally, at various times since operating in the C6F AOR, MTW has served as the training platform for Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander Europe, Joint Forces Command Brunssum, Joint Command Lisbon and Special Operations Command Europe. Finally, MTW hosted several showcase events in 2006 including the Secretary of Defense Joint Civilian Orientation Course and EUCOM hosted Senior Commanders Warfighters Seminar. In 2007, MTW conducted unique dry dock maintenance availability in Palermo, Italy and various Theatre Security Cooperation missions throughout Europe and Africa and the Component Commander’s Conference in August 2007. http://www.mtwhitney.navy.mil/site%20pages/history.aspx Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) [BATESG] USS Bataan (LHD-5) "Big 5"   “Courage, Commitment ad Honor” http://www.bataan.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS Bataan (LHD 5) http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd5 USS Bataan (LHD 5) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=87 USS Bataan (LHD 5) History http://www.navysite.de/ships/lhd5.htm USS Bataan (LHD 5) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/08/0805.htm   Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) [BATARG] http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/navy/lhd-5.htm   CNE-C6F http://www.c6f.navy.mil Naval Support Activity, Naples, Italy, former Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. http://www.nsa.naples.navy.mil USS Bataan (LHD 5), Norfolk, VA – ow-commandpost http://www.freepowerboards.com/owcommandpost/viewtopic.php?p=12907#12907 USS Bataan (LHD 5) Deployment History http://www.uscarriers.net/lhd5.htm History of the USS Bataan http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd5 European Command's area of responsibility Jan. 11, 2007, supporting EUCOM's initiative to strengthen emerging and enduring partnerships. USS Vella Gulf (CG -72) VELLA GULF (CG- is named for the Battle of Vella Gulf, a naval engagement in the Solomons campaign of World War II. This engagement was historically significant because it was the first time that destroyers were allowed to operate independent of the cruiser force during the Pacific campaign. The battle was fought between the islands of Vella Lavella and Kolombangara on the night of 6 August 1943. In the battle of Vella Gulf, six American destroyers - DUNLAP (DD 394), CRAVEN (DD 392), MAURY (DD 401), LANG (DD 399), STERTT (DD 407), and STACK (DD 406) - engaged a group of four enemy destroyers attempting to reinforce Japanese troops on Kolombangara. The American warships closed the enemy undetected with the aid of radar and fired torpedoes which sank HAGIKAZE, ARASHI, and KAWKAZE with no damage to our ships. This ship is the second named for the battle of Vella Gulf. The first USS VELLA GULF was an escort carrier (CVE 111) commissioned 9 April 1945 with CAPT Robert W. Morse in command. A COMMENCEMENT BAY class carrier, she displaced 11,373 tons, carried 34 aircraft, and held a complement of 1,066 men. VELLA GULF won a battle star for air strikes against Rots and the Pagan Islands in the Marianas in July 1945 and then participated with occupying forces after the surrender of Japan. CVE 111 was deactivated and decommissioned on 9 August 1946. VELLA GULF is sponsored by Mrs. Mary Ann McCauley and was commissioned into the Naval Service on 18 September 1993 in ceremonies at Norfolk, Virginia. Source:  spear.navy.mil                                                                                     https://wrc.navair-rdte.navy.mil/warfighter_enc/History/ships/vellaglf.htm   USS Shreveport (LPD-12) http://www.shreveport.navy.mil   Focus on USS Shreveport (LPD 12) http://www.navy.mil/local/lpd12 USS Shreveport (LPD 12) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=357 USS Shreveport (LPD 12) History http://navysite.de/ships/lpd12.htm USS Shreveport (LPD 12) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/09/0912.htm USS SHREVEPORT was one of the AUSTIN - class Amphibious Transport Docks and the fourth ship in the CLEVELAND - class because she was one of the five AUSTIN - class ships equipped with a flag bridge. SHREVEPORT was the second ship in the Navy to bear the name. Both decommissioned and stricken from the Navy list on September 26, 2007, the ship is now laid-up at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard awaiting final disposal. USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) http://www.oak-hill.navy.mil/default.aspx Focus on USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) http://www.navy.mil/local/lsd51 USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=73 USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) History http://www.navysite.de/ships/lsd51.htm USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/10/12/1251.htm History of Oak Hill and LSD 7 http://www.oak-hill.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/History_Oak_Hill.aspx The U.S. Navy names its vessels after persons, events and sites of historical importance. USS OAK HILL honors the residence of the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe. Monroe spent much time at Oak Hill making trips to and from the Capitol on horseback and carrying state papers in his saddle bags. While at Oak Hill, he penned the Monroe Doctrine, a pronouncement he made in 1823 staking out the Western Hemisphere as an American hemisphere of influence. After retiring from public life in 1825, he remained at Oak Hill until Mrs. Monroe’s death five years later, at which time he went to live with his daughter in New York. Oak Hill passed out of the family in the years following Monroe’s death in 1831. Confederate Colonel John W. Fairfax bought Oak Hill in 1854. His wife remained at the mansion to manage the plantation during the Civil War and was an unwilling hostess when Union General George G. Meade made it his headquarters during the Battle of Second Manassas. Today it still remains as a private residence, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Delasmutt. The historic mansion is a fitting monument to an important part of American History and to President Monroe. LSD 51 is the second ship honoring the residence of James Monroe. The first, USS OAK HILL (LSD 7) earned 11 battle stars for her service during WWII and Vietnam. As the successor, LSD 51 will continue that proud tradition. USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) (originally LSD 7) Originally designated as APM-7, USS OAK HILL (LSD 7) was laid down in Oakland, California and commissioned on January 5, 1944, with Commander Carl A. Peterson in command. The ship was designed to serve as a cargo and transport type amphibious ship and as a floating drydock.                                                                             http://www.oak-hill.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/History_Oak_Hill.aspx Following shakedown and amphibious training off Southern California, OAK HILL engaged in rehearsals for "Operation Forager", the thrust into the Marianas Islands. With tank bearing transports and troops of the 2nd Marine Division on board, she operated in the transport area off Saipan from June 15-22, 1944. On August 12, OAK HILL, with tanks and soldiers of the 710th Tank Battalion embarked, headed for the Palau Operation at Guadalcanal. Departing the Palaus on August 21, she proceeded to New Guinea, arriving at Humbolt Bay on August 29, to prepare for the invasion of the Philippines. On October 20, 1944, OAK HILL stood off Leyte Gulf and launched units of the 1st Cavalry Division toward White Beach. For the next two months she carried reinforcements from New Guinea to Leyte. On Christmas Day, she arrived at Morotai to prepare for the Lingayen Gulf offensive. Sailing to the Solomon Islands on February 2, 1945, OAK HILL rehearsed with units of the 1st Marine Division for her next operation - the Okinawa Campaign. On April 1, she arrived in transport area Baker, lowered her LCM’s for the assault on Blue Beach and then began preparing landing craft. For the remainder of the war, OAK HILL transported men and equipment from the Central Pacific to the Philippines and Okinawa. Post-war duties in Jinsen, Korea and Tsingtao, China occupied the remainder of her tour in the Far East. In February 1946, she got underway for the United States, and on March 17, 1947, she decommissioned and was berthed at San Diego as a unit of the Pacific Reserve Fleet. After the outbreak of hostilities in Korea, OAK HILL recommissioned at San Diego on January 26, 1951. Assigned to the Pacific Fleet, she participated in "Operation Blue Jay" in Arctic waters. In the late summer months of 1951, and between May and December 1952, she took part in the atomic and hydrogen bomb tests in the Marshalls. Following that duty, she was transferred to the Atlantic Fleet and homeported at Norfolk. In January 1955, OAK HILL returned to San Diego and Pacific Fleet duty, departing for her first regular Western Pacific (WestPac) deployment on March 31. During her 1958 WestPac tour, she provided supplies to the Nationalist Chinese offshore islands as they withstood shelling by Chinese Communist guns. After 1965, her annual WestPac deployments took her to Southeast Asia, where she supported Naval operations in strife-torn South Vietnam. Upon completion of her final tour of duty, OAK HILL was decommissioned a second time in 1973. Through her distinguished and gallant service, USS OAK HILL (LSD 7) earned five battle stars during World War II and an additional six battle stars in Vietnam. http://www.oak-hill.navy.mil/Site%20Pages/History_Oak_Hill.aspx USS Oak Hill (LSD-51) is the third HARPERS FERRY class Dock Landing Ship and the second ship in the Navy to bear the name. http://navysite.de/ships/lsd51.htm   USS Nitze (DDG 94) http://www.nitze.navy.mil/default.aspx USS Nitze (DDG 94) History http://www.navysite.de/dd/ddg94.htm USS Nitze (DDG 94) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/05/01094.htm SHIP OF WAR: USS Nitze, the Navy's Most Advanced Destroyer http://images.military.com/pics/SoldierTech_Nitze-3.jpg History of Paul H. Nitze http://www.nitze.navy.mil/site%20pages/nitze.aspx USS Nitze commissioned http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-37893.html DDG 94's name honors Paul H. Nitze, whose distinguished government career included serving as the 57th secretary of the Navy from 1963 to 1967. During his time as the Navy secretary, he raised the level of attention given to quality of Service issues. His many achievements included establishing the first Personnel Policy Board and retention task force (the Alford Board), and obtaining targeted personnel bonuses. He lengthened commanding officer tours and raised command responsibility pay. Nitze became a strong advocate for officers' advanced education opportunities and worked to enhance greater integration of senior Navy staff by moving the Chief of Naval Operations' office next to his own. He also worked to ease unnecessary burdens on sailors by relaxing in-port duty section requirements and hiring civilian custodial workers. Born in Amherst, Mass., on Jan. 16, 1907, Nitze graduated "Cum Laude" from Harvard University in 1928. After working in investment banking where he was known as a Wall Street prodigy, he left in 1941 to enter government service. In 1942, he was chief of the Metals and Minerals Branch of the Board of Economic Warfare, until named director, Foreign Procurement and Development Branch of the Foreign Economic Administration in 1943. During the period 1944-1946, Nitze served as director and then as vice chairman of the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey for which President Truman awarded him the Medal of Merit. For the next several years, he served with the Department of State, beginning in the position of deputy director of the Office of International Trade Policy. In 1949, he was named deputy to the assistant secretary of State for Economic Affairs. In August of that year, he became deputy director of the State Department's policy planning staff, and was appointed director the following year. As director, Nitze was the principal author of a highly influential secret National Security Council document (NSC-68), which provided the strategic outline for increased U.S. expenditures to counter the perceived threat of Soviet armament. From 1953 to 1961, Nitze served as president of the Foreign Service Educational Foundation while concurrently serving as associate of the Washington Center of Foreign Policy Research, the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University. His publications during this period include "U.S. Foreign Policy: 1945-1955." In 1961 President Kennedy appointed Nitze assistant secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs and in 1963 he became the secretary of the Navy, serving until 1967. Following his term as secretary of the Navy, he served as deputy secretary of Defense (1967-1969), as a member of the U.S. delegation to the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) (1969-1973), and assistant secretary of Defense for International Affairs (1973-1976). Later, fearing Soviet rearmament, he opposed the ratification of SALT II (1979). He was President Reagan's chief negotiator of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty (1981-1984). In 1984, Nitze was named special advisor to the president and secretary of State on Arms Control. For more than forty years, Nitze was one of the chief architects of U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union. President Reagan awarded Nitze the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 for his contributions to the freedom and security of the United States. http://www.nitze.navy.mil/site%20pages/nitze.aspx USS NITZE is the 16th Flight IIA ARLEIGH BURKE - class guided missile destroyer and the fist ship in the Navy named after Paul H. Nitze. The ship is the newest of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, boasting the AEGIS weapons system and an MK 41 Vertical Launch System that fires a combination of up to 96 surface-to-air and Tomahawk missiles as well as vertically launched ASROC torpedoes. In addition, the Nitze is outfitted with a remote control minehunting vehicle able to operate without a tether to detect, localize and identify mines in deep and shallow water. "It is perhaps the first ship built from the keel up with the sailor in mind," Lehman said. "This ship can go into harm's way and not only survive, but see that all its sailors survive." "This warship bears the name of a true American hero," Nowakowski said. "We honor his memory here today. Welcome, Nitze, to the U.S. Atlantic Fleet." Elisabeth Scott Porter, Nitze's wife and ship's sponsor, said her late husband was quite proud of the vessel. During its construction in Bath, Maine, Nitze often visited the shipyard, signing autographs for workers. "His strong spirit is with her today," Porter said, urging the ship's crew to man the rails and "bring her to life." Nitze, who died Oct. 20, 2004, advised eight presidents and for more than 40 years was one of the chief architects of U.S. policy toward the Soviet Union. As secretary of the Navy from 1963 to 1967, Nitze is credited with lengthening commanding officer tours and greatly improving quality of life for sailors and Marines. He is also the primary founder of the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. On awarding him the Medal of Freedom in 1985, President Reagan called Nitze "the wisest of counselors, exemplifying the powers of mind, commitment and character needed to fulfill America's world responsibilities." "Paul Nitze always had the long view in mind. He did not focus just on the last war or the crisis at hand," Lehman said. "His wisdom is needed now more than ever." http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-37893.html Bearing the name of a true American hero, the USS Nitze is a member of the elite Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers, and is tough enough to step into harm's way and make it out unscathed. Ahead of the game: As the most advanced destroyer ever built, the USS Nitze will play an important role in protecting U.S. forces at sea. The Navy commissioned its most advanced guided missile destroyer to date, USS Nitze (DDG 94), in a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on Saturday. Cmdr. Michael Hegarty took command of Nitze in a ceremony that included remarks from former Secretary of the Navy John Lehman, Undersecretary of the Navy Dionel Aviles, Rear Adm. Charles Hamilton II, Program Executive Officer, Ships, and Rear Adm. Michael Nowakowski, Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Fleet. U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott, 3rd District of Virginia, and Randy Forbes, 4th District, were among the honored guests. Lehman congratulated Nitze's inaugural crew, saying they are privileged to serve on a ship that will project U.S. power during wartime. "Our enemies seek weapons of mass destruction to kill as many Americans as possible," he said. "In 90 percent of cases, we will have to act from the sea. This ship will play a major part in that." Must-Have Gear Calling Nitze, "the most technologically advanced warship ever put to sea," Hamilton praised sailors for their hard work preparing Nitze for commission. "Never before has such a Navy crew taken on the spirit of its namesake," said Hamilton. Home to a crew of 300, Nitze is a Flight IIA Aegis destroyer. Significant upgrades include the addition of two helicopter hangars to house the SH-60 Seahawk Light Airborne Multi-Purpose helicopter. Located aft of the after Vertical Launching System (VLS), the hangar will be large enough to accommodate two SH-60s, support equipment, repair shops and store rooms. Modifications were also made for additional crew required for a helicopter detachment to deploy with the ship. As a result of the increased elevation of the after section of the ship, the aft facing AN/SPY-1D arrays were raised 8 feet to provide visibility over the hangar. The ship's Recovery, Assist, Securing, and Traversing (RAST) system is utilized to move the helicopter into and out of the port and starboard hangars. Helicopter facilities including the following: dual hangars with bridge cranes and Navy standard helo hangar doors, Helo Control Station, RAST Control Station, Torpedo, Missile and Rocket Magazine with bridge crane and weapons hoist, Landing and Helo In-Flight Refueling (HIFR) facilities for LAMPS MK III SH-60B helicopters. The new design also features a zonal electrical distribution system and other shipboard improvements. Starting with Winston Churchill (DDG 81), DDGs will have the 5"/62 cal. gun and dual SH-60R helicopter facilities. They also will have LASM, NFCS and Link 16. The forward fit of the 5 inch 62 caliber gun aboard DDG81, USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG81), which commissions in 2001, marks the beginning of the evolution of the highly successful Arleigh Burke class destroyer design to meet the rapidly expanding littoral war fighting mission. http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/archive/index.php/t-37893.html USS Underwood (FFG 36) http://www.underwood.navy.mil/default.aspx USS Underwood (FFG 36) History http://navysite.de/ffg/FFG36.HTM USS Underwood (FFG 36) Photos http://www.navsource.org/archives/07/0736.htm History of Captain Gordon Waite Underwood http://www.underwood.navy.mil/site%20pages/underwood.aspx Frigates - FFG http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1300&ct=4 Captain Gordon Waite Underwood was born in New York on 3 June 1910, and at an early age moved with his family to Portland, Oregon from where he was appointed to the US Naval Academy in the class of 1932.  At the Naval Academy he proved to be an outstanding student and superb athlete.  He earned letters and starred in football and track.  He was awarded the coveted "Academy Sword" for athletic excellence. Following his graduation from the Naval Academy, Captain Underwood served on USS OKLAHOMA.  Training at the US Submarine School in New London, Connecticut followed this tour.  After his graduation he served in the Submarine School S-21, on USS MISSISSIPPI, and USS VEGA.  In 1941, he attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned a Masters Degree in Marine Engineering.  Upon his return to sea duty he was assigned to the Staff of Commander Submarine Squadron TEN as Squadron Engineer supporting submarines on war patrol. In January 1944, he was assigned as Commanding Officer of USS SPADEFISH (SS-411).  On this ship during three war patrols he was credited with destruction of seventy-six thousand tons of enemy shipping including one aircraft carrier, the HIJMS SHINYO.  For each of his war patrols he was awarded a Navy Cross and in recognition of the great successes of the first two patrols SPADEFISH was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.  His record of success in his war patrols remains one of the most notable in the history of the US Navy Submarine Service. Captain Underwood, following his retirement from the Navy in 1962 after 30 years service with distinction, became associated with Spelin Inc., Mountain View California, in which he was Vice President.  He was also Vice President of Filter-Aire of Hollister, California until his retirement.  He died January 15, 1978 at the age of 67. http://www.underwood.navy.mil/site%20pages/underwood.aspx Homeported in Mayport, Florida, UNDERWOOD is the twenty-ninth OLIVER HAZARD PERRY CLASS Guided Missile Frigate and the first in the third generation (Flight III) of the class. Frigates fulfill a Protection of Shipping (POS) mission as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys. The guided missile frigates (FFG) bring a short range anti-air warfare (AAW) capability (provided by their Phalanx Close-In Weapon System) to the frigate mission, but they have some limitations. Designed as cost efficient surface combatants, they lack the multi-mission capability necessary for modern surface combatants faced with multiple, high-technology threats. They also offer limited capacity for growth. Despite this, the FFG 7 class is a robust platform, capable of withstanding considerable damage. This "toughness" was aptly demonstrated when USS Samuel B. Roberts struck a mine and USS Stark was hit by two Exocet cruise missiles. In both cases the ships survived, were repaired and returned to the fleet. USS Stark was decommissioned in May 1999. The Surface Combatant Force Requirement Study does not define any need for a single mission ship such as the frigate and there are no frigates planned in the Navy's five-year shipbuilding plan. The lead ship of the class, USS OLIVER HAZARD PERRY (FFG 7), and the following ships have been decommissioned: FFG 9-16, 19-27, 30, 31, & 34. FFG 17, 18, 35, & 44 were built for Australia. http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1300&ct=4 USS Scranton (SSN 756) http://www.csg2.navy.mil/Scranton/scranton.htm   26th Marine Expeditionary Unit http://www.usmc.mil/26thmeu Commander Destroyer Squadron 22 COMDESRON TWO-TWO http://www.cds22.surfor.navy.mil   COMAFLOATRAGRU Afloat Training Group, Atlantic and Afloat Training Group, Pacific. http://www.atg.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx   Afloat Training Group provides dynamic, quality afloat training to Navy and Coast Guard Sailors to ensure a combat ready force capable of performing a broad spectrum of maritime missions. Special emphasis is placed on training ships’ training teams, special evolution teams, and watch teams to institutionalize the onboard capability to sustain and improve combat readiness throughout an employment cycle. ATG proudly employs the best Sailors in the Navy and keeps their warfare expertise sharp by maintaining technical in-rate currency of professional knowledge and skills through a robust training program of formal Navy schools, installation and factory training, technical symposiums, informal training and self study. Afloat Training Organization (ATO) http://www.dcfp.navy.mil/train/ato.htm   Assault Craft Unit TWO (ACU 2), Norfolk, VA. Assault Craft Unit TWO provides trained personnel and combat ready landing craft to operational commanders in support of amphibious operations and training. http://www.acu2.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx   Assaualt Craft Unit FOUR, Norfolk, VA. http://www.acu4.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx Assaualt Craft Unit FOUR provides combat ready craft that fully meet operational tasking world wide, on time, every time. To accomplish this we provide the best quality training to our people; maintain all craft and equipment in the highest state of readiness through economical, timely, and high quality craftsmanship; provide the best possible administrative, financial, logistical, operational, and technical support. http://www.acu4.surfor.navy.mil/site%20pages/Mission.aspx   _________________ U. S. Navy Veteran  August 1977 to July 1983 Yoeman Second Class, with student pilot's license
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