USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66)

Fighting Freddy Final Post

2009-08-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Friday morning, 14 August 2009, at approximately 10:45am, I said, "I stand relieved." In an instant I transferred all responsibility and accountability to GONZALEZ' new Commanding Officer. In a moment, I no longer bore the responsibility for a national asset, her Sailors, and her families - a moment of equal exhilaration and sadness. In a single moment I knew I would no longer receive phone calls late at night from my Command Duty Officer, and yet I no longer ruled the world.

Bravo Zulu to the crew of Fighting Freddy who put on a fantastic change of command, thank you to my family and friends who came from so far to see me and my girls, and congratulations to GONZALEZ' new Commanding Officer Commander Lynn Acheson.

The highlight of the ceremony for me was recognizing all my girls in my speech and celebrating Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez' 80th birthday as part of our change of command. For my final post, I'll let my speech (it looks long, but took me less than 15 minutes) and the television coverage do the honors. I intend to leave this final post up for a day or two and then shut down the Fighting Freddy blog. Fair winds and following seas. Beyond the Call. - CDR Brian Fort, former Commanding Officer, USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66)

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Good morning.
http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-uss-gonzalez,0,3543387.story

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wavy_norfolk_mother_warship_namesake_20090814

Excellent prayer Father Sousa! Very nautical in theme. Not too bad for an Army Chaplain. Commodore, thank you for your very kind words. It has been a pleasure to sail in DESRON Two. And to my fellow DESRON Two CO’s who could be here, thank you very much coming today. Your camaraderie always made this job even better than it already is.

Admiral Christenson, Commodore Williamson, Navy men and women, Marines (retired and active duty – no difference as far as I know), Army brothers, Father Sousa, my family, shipmates, friends, and guests, while it may be cliché I am going to say it anyway - I am humbled to have the honor to speak again and for the final time as Commanding Officer of this magnificent warship in the presence of our sponsor and mother of the proud warrior Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez for whom we are named - a lady who is truly a national treasure, Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez. Kelli and I and the entire crew cannot thank you enough for traveling from Edinburg Texas to be with us here today and see your ship on the day of our Change of Command.

And Ladies and Gentlemen, as if having Mrs. Gonzalez here weren’t enough, we also have two of Freddy’s cousins with us, Mrs. Isabel Martinez who traveled with Mrs. Gonzalez and Mr. Cody Cazares. We are also honored to have Travis “MadDog” Fryzowics and his wife Grace. Travis served with Freddy in Vietnam in 1966 on his first tour of duty as part of 3 / 4 Marines. And Travis brought Navy Chaplain Stan Beach with him. Travis and Chaplain Beach were medevac’ed together in 1966. Mr. Jim Beale, part of 1 /1 Marines, who served with Freddy at the Battle of Hue City also made the drive here in this morning. You don’t have to serve with me for more than a day to know how much I value history and heritage, and I am overwhelmed at your presence here with us today. Thank you for making what I know were some long journeys.

As Captain, my Sailors know that in addition to heritage and history events, I also like to use sports analogies when I speak. Even for my Sailors who haven’t played on sports teams or didn’t even like to watch sports they could always appreciate the comparison. So, imagine you have been selected to coach a professional baseball team. Imagine your first day on the job as the new coach is the opening day of the season. None of your players know you, the fans have never heard of you, and your starting line-up is what it is, a group of players whose strengths and weaknesses you don’t have a clue about except for their relative position in the batting order. Your first game starts in a few hours. The expectations from your players, the fans, and the team’s front office are the same as the coach you just took over from. You are expected to win, win in a hurry, get your team to the playoffs, and win the Baseball World Series. Oh, and you have only one season to accomplish this. On February 19, 2008, I faced these challenges. On a brutally cold Norfolk, Virginia day I took command of GONZALEZ and on the very same day sailed over the horizon for a six month deployment. None of my Sailors knew me, and none of my Sailors’ families knew me. I did not know the strengths and weaknesses of the men and women now standing combat and bridge watches onboard my ship. My “game” had already started and expectations were extremely high. My Squadron Commander expected immediate and positive results, the NATO Admiral I would soon report to expected Gonzalez to show up ready to serve as Air Defense Commander for the multi-national Task Force he commanded in the Mediterranean, and of course, the families of almost 300 Gonzalez Sailors expected me to bring everyone home safely in six months.

One year ago almost to the day, we returned from that deployment, having sailed with the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two Task Force; in company with 9 other NATO warships. We visited eight countries, took GONZALEZ pier side 17 times, anchored 9 times, and refueled at sea 14 times from oilers from 5 different NATO countries. We participated in the largest annual Turkish and Italian Exercises held by each country, provided air defense in the Eastern Mediterranean for air lift missions flying into the American Embassy in Beirut Lebanon, participated in community relations projects in Palermo Sicily and Toulon France, hosted 150 dignitaries in Koper Slovenia, NATO Parliamentarians, 4 Ambassadors, a Secretary of Defense, and exchange officers and Sailors from Turkey, Pakistan, Britain, Bulgaria, and Germany.

Following a short post deployment breather, GONZALEZ Sailors next overwhelmed the city of Morehead City, North Carolina with their generosity during a port visit to the Crystal Coast, completed the most demanding training evolutions required of destroyers, expertly executed some sensitive NORTHCOM tasking – rescuing two wayward sailboats in the process and being named an honorary Coast Guard Cutter, trained with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group, was the only surface ship to participate in the Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony in Washington DC, and hosted Sailors from USS JOHNSTON (DD 821) who shelled Hue City two days after Freddy fell. Oh, and we steamed more hours than any other ship in the entire Navy in 2008. For our family and friends here today who are not Sailors, that is just a small snapshot in the day and the life of a GONZALEZ Sailor – the finest group of men and women I could have ever imagined having the pleasure to command. Please join me in acknowledging my Sailors.

Nobody will remember what I said 18 months ago when I spoke for the first time as GONZALEZ’ Commanding Officer, but for my Sailors I’m certain they won’t be surprised to hear again that these were my first words as their Captain, “What a great day to get underway! We have a strong wind to sail in, there is a cold bite in the air, and the sun shines on GONZALEZ.” That was my way then and is today, my way of telling the men and women of my crew - best crew in the Navy that I was blessed to serve with them. I looked forward to these last 543 days in command since the day I departed my last ship as XO, and I have enjoyed every one of them. Okay, there was the one day I sent a CAT 4 CASREP on my SPY radar without calling Commodore Williamson first, but who remembers all that stuff?

The next line in that very first speech to my crew 18 months ago went something like this, “Service for our country, in defense of the ideals and foundations which make our nation great; service on a man-of-war on the high seas, ready to unleash both the power of our weapons and the power of our presence; service for our families and our way of life…none of which can be accomplished without the awesome power of United States Navy Sailors.” United States Navy Sailors – my Sailors – GONZALEZ Sailors – that’s what I will always remember about my command tour – My Sailors. I will never forget each and every one of you, your honor, your courage, and your commitment, and I very much look forward to hearing of your many and continued successes.

I could tell a personal story about each and every one of my Sailors, but it’s August, some of us are in our Chocker White Uniforms, and it’s still pretty hot. But Sailors are the reason we serve and the reason our Navy is as strong today as it was in the days of John Paul Jones so as I turnover command it is only fitting that I share with you just a few of their stories.

Gas Turbine Specialist Third Class - A native of Poland and a United States Citizen having taken his oath of citizenship in the White House with President Obama in attendance. He holds a bachelors degree and taught English in Chicago after he immigrated to America. And the ship can’t get underway without him, or his counterpart, for that matter, as he is also one of my two Search and Rescue Swimmers. He is working on his application to become a Naval Officer via Officer Candidate School, but what I will remember most about him…the tears in his eyes the day we frocked him to Third Class Petty Officer.

Boatswain’s Mate Seaman - He would tell you his job is “painting the ship, keeping the ship looking good, busting rust, and driving the ship and serving as a look out when we are underway.” Be he is so much more than that. In addition to being an outstanding young boatswain’s mate. He is also a husband and a father, and a good one too. He has long term goals to own his own home and when he has the chance to visit his family in Maryland he helps his brother run a bowling league for handicapped children. When I see him wearing his Yellow Petty Officer in Charge helmet on deck, I know it’s going to be a flawless deck evolution.

Culinary Specialist Second Class – This young lady has been doing the work of a Chief since she was a Third Class Petty Officer, and has too many collateral duties for me to list. She is one of the primary reasons GONZALEZ is eligible for the first time in 5 years for that BLUE E Award. She takes college classes and wants to retire after 20 years and become a Child Services Protective Agent. She writes the best evening prayers I have ever heard in 20 years onboard 6 ships, and I know I’m going to get in trouble for this, but that includes 4 ships with chaplains. She can’t be here today, but when as I wrote the first draft of this speech she was a Sailor I chose to recognize and so I didn’t change a thing when I knew she couldn’t attend.

And that’s only three Sailors of the best crew in the Navy.
Similarly, I wish I had the time to recognize every Chief in the Mess, but just a few parting shots: HMC Ferretta…Doc…thanks for keeping me in and out of stitches and perhaps at least one sling and yes, I’ll get my next flu shot but not without complaint; GMC Brown thanks for making sure the guns always worked and that the number of bullets always counted correctly; BMC Quick thanks for the best 150 sea and anchor details of my life, and Senior Chiefs Stallard, Thomson, Nichols, Sipes, thanks for running the ship. Master Chief Diane Ruhl, thanks for making my last 2 months in command as enjoyable as the first 16 and Master Chief Keith Thomas thank you for your mentorship, your friendship, and your leadership when I needed it most.

Lastly, my Wardroom – My Division Officers I hope you all realize just how special you are to me, and I expect you all to be great Captains of your own ships one day. I will remember you much like my fellow Division Officers in my own first wardroom: one of whom is in Major Command, one of whom has already completed his command ride, including myself 3 in command, 2 enroute to command, 4 Naval Reserve Commanders and OICs, and two EDO(N) Commanders. Not a bad run for a single wardroom on my first ship, USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25), and I think you have the potential to do better. By the way, thank you CDRs Jason Lloyd, Mike Gillette, Kurt Jacobs and your families. I am thrilled to have some Billy-B shipmates here today.

My Department Heads – you have the toughest jobs in the Navy. I worked you extremely hard and you never let me down. Former DH’s Jennifer, Derek, Brian, and Ed, and my current group, Rebecca, Audry, Kennis, Ashley, Jim, and Mark – you guys are the best. I very much look forward to your continued success. There are some lucky ships on the horizon with your names on them. Old CHENG, it great to see you and Kate here today – although I’m not sure you ever left, you seem to keep coming around.

I was also blessed with two outstanding XO’s during my tour and to both CDR Todd Whalen who is in Japan and the toughest XO on the waterfront, CDR Curtis Calloway, thanks for running the show for me and allowing me to have so much fun. Both are screened for command and both are going to be phenomenal Captains.

Lynn – congratulations – you have a phenomenal team to lead.

As I continued writing this speech, I learned quickly why they have the little blinking light at the Academy Awards – it’s to stop guys like me from cutting into commercial time. But quickly…

Thank you to my sister Laura who flew in from Arkansas and my Aunt and Uncle, Sarah and Al, who drove from Mississippi. My college roommate and his family, Brad, Carol, Ashley, and John Robert who came all the way from Oklahoma. Our former PACE Instructor, Mr. Dennis Saliny who came in from Illinois. Lt Col Bob Klein USA from my Joint Staff days, his wife Grit and their children. Our Port Engineer and Ship Supe, Mr. Tom Ellis and Mr. Jim Young who take such good care of the ship. Members of the Naval Academy Class of 66, former shipmates, neighbors and friends. And please excuse me for being remiss if I didn’t call your name personally and thank you for being here.

But I need to wrap it up and it’s only fitting that I close my speaking about all the women in my life.

Prior the 16th century, Sailors used masculine pronouns when speaking of ships. Interestingly enough, as it became more commonplace to sail over the horizon, Sailors began referring to ships by feminine pronouns. It’s not surprising that as voyages increased in distance traveled, ships took on the feminine form, things to be cherished and loved…things to be revered and respected. The same is true for the sea herself. And while the sea and my ships, particularly this great lady behind me, have been important in my life, they don’t compare to the three women in the front row. To my daughters Madison and Olivia, thank you for being such great kids and beautiful young ladies. Thank you for taking such good care of Mom for the past years while I was at some Navy school and deployed over seas. I hear we have a great home in Hampton somewhere. Don’t worry, I’ll be home tonight.

To my beautiful and elegant bride, thank you for every day of our first 19 years together. Thank you for always making families so important at every command we have served together at. Thank you for inspiring me, encouraging me, for being my best friend, and never letting me give up. My service would have been for naught without your support every day. I love you more, Babe.

There are other women in my life I need to also mention. More so than any other month, August has a broad swing of highs and lows for me. Two weeks from today, August 28th marks the 22nd anniversary of the day I raised my right hand and swore my first oath of service to our country. August 28th it is also a day of sadness, because on the very same day two years later, 20 years ago, my mother passed away while I was in training at Officer Candidate School. And while she never saw me in uniform, never saw me get married, and never met her grandchildren, she has never left my side. In fact, I am quite certain she helped get me assigned to GONZALEZ where I had the chance to bring another woman into my life, Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez. I tell every new Sailor who checks onboard that this is her ship and all her serve onboard her are sons and daughters of Dolia. We are all her family, but she holds very special place in my heart – not a void left behind by my own mother, but a cherished place alongside her. And if you don’t believe in miracles and the power of the human bond, please give me one final moment to make you a believer. Just last month at 2:13 in the morning I said farewell to my grandmother from my cabin onboard the ship before she took her last final breath. Kelli was with her along with my sister in her hospice room in Little Rock, Arkansas. And as if feeling the loss, Dolia called Kelli on the very same day just to check on her and let her know everything was going to be okay. Thank you for allowing me to serve on your ship, Dolia, may she continue to always have strong winds for the long run downwind.

And so today, just as I closed my very first words 18 months ago, I spoke to my crew, “I know our families and friends will be watching us closely from afar, as will Mrs. Gonzalez. As she is fond of saying, this is her ship. We owe her and our families our best at all times. They are the reasons we go Beyond the Call.” And so it is.

Before I finally read my orders, I have two official remaining acts as Captain.

The month of August is special for one more reason. We brought the ship home from deployment last year on 18 August. That was the first day I had the chance to meet Mrs. Gonzalez in person. It was also her birthday. And so while we may be 4 days early here on August 14th, it’s only appropriate that your Sailors sing Happy Birthday to you one more time. Please join the GONZALEZ crew…..Happy Birthday…

We also have two gifts to present to you as well, Dolia. A couple of weeks ago, a few of us happened to be on the flight deck, and as if my strange coincidence we found ourselves standing in formation in the shape of a 66….so we took a picture and thought we’d all sign it.

We have one more gift. Anyone who knows anything about historic painting of famous Marines will know the name Colonel Charles Waterhouse. Colonel Waterhouse fought as a PFC on Iwo Jima during WWII. On the morning of February 19, 1945, PFC Waterhouse landed on the extreme left flank of Green Beach, in the shadow of Mount Suribachi and suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder severing two nerves and nicked his artery, resulting in circulatory problems and loss of feeling in three and a half fingers. Fortunately, the right hand, his drawing hand, remained untouched. Thanks to my good friend, neighbor, and Marine, Retired Command Sergeant Major Mac Elvington and Mr. Hank Zartman of the Yorktown VA Detachment of the Marine Corps League, we are proud to present a special edition print to you Dolia of Freddy in action at Hue City. Embossed in the frame are coins from GONZALEZ, HUE CITY, 3 /4 Marines, and the Marine Corp League of Yorktown. Happy Birthday. We love you.

I will now read my orders…

The Beginning of the Lasts

2009-08-07T10:08:00.000-07:00

Today, I held my final Captain's Call onboard GONZALEZ. The first of my lasts...

"Since taking command of this magnificent ship, I have enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate many firsts – my first re-enlistment as Captain, my first Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pinning, my first Command Advancement, and more. But today is a last...today I pinned on my final Surface Warfare Officer pins as Captain (congratulations Lieutenant Junior Grade Hess and Ensign Camp)...and today is my last Captain’s Call. It’s okay for those of you who want to cheer for that too. But not to worry, while we are underway next week, you can guarantee to hear me on the 1MC at least twice more, and I’m sure I’ll have a few things to say next week at Change of Command. I know I am a bit of a talkative guy.

I also know that I often do what Captain’s are not supposed to do. I often wear my emotions on my sleeve, for better or for worse. I don’t hesitate to speak my mind, and I look for the hero in every one of you, regardless of other circumstances. Like any other officer in command, I have made a lot of decisions over the last 18 months which have affected all of us to some degree. I want you to know that every decision I made, I made with the best of intentions for every one of us and for the ship. Some were not popular, and not all were liked by everyone, but that is often the case with the toughest decisions.

As this is the last time I will speak without an audience or the PCO onboard, mostly what I want to say is simply thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to be your Captain, and thank you for making my command tour more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined. Every command tour has good days and bad days, and as I told the Commodore last week, I wouldn’t trade a tough day in command for a good day not in command.

So, last or first, this Captain’s Call is going to be no different than any other. We’re going to talk our schedule, I’m going to tell you what I think about the challenges of that schedule, and we’re going to recognize a few folks for doing some good stuff."

And then I did just that. We re-read and formally presented the Class of 66 Award for BM2(SW) Deng who was augmenting USNS COMFORT's deployment and couldn't receive his award in person from the President of the USNA Class of 66 and then recognized our Search and Rescue Team who won the 2008 Surface SAR Crew Award. Following that our Chief's Mess presented our new Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Qualification board, and then we all signed our "66" photo for Mrs. Gonzalez (see the previous post).

7 days remaining in command...the beginning of the lasts. - CO

Blog Posts Winding Down...

2009-08-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

First, thank you to all the GONZALEZ Family and Friends who offered some kind words to me for keeping up our command blog every day of our three-week summer cruise which ended a couple of weeks ago. It wasn’t as easy as you might think to take time to pause every day to jot down some thoughts and add a photo or two, but I enjoyed the challenge of keeping everyone up to date. The best part was that the blog caught the attention of some folks in Freddy Gonzalez’ family who I hadn’t touched base with before and other folks associated with the ship so we will have the privilege to have a few more special guests at Change of Command next week.
Change of Command is shaping up to be a very exciting day for the ship! I can’t spoil all the surprises, but we are honored once again to have Dolia Gonzalez visit us and because it’s August, you can figure Dolia’s 80th birthday will also play a very important role in the actual ceremony.

So just a little more than a week now, and I will turn over command of this magnificent warship to a new Commanding Officer. Although we have been preparing for the event for some time, I don’t think it really hit me until last week. Sailors whom we have going off to Navy schools and won’t be onboard during the Change of Command started stopping by to say their farewells. To be honest, I hadn’t even considered who wouldn’t be onboard and naturally sought out the XO to make sure I had a chance to say goodbye to any of my Sailors who I will miss next week.
Just a few quick BRAVO ZULUs to catch everyone up on good things happening on the ship:

1. BZ to our 4 Chief Selects! We set a goal of having at least 4 First Class Petty Officers select for Chief and we made our goal!
2. BZ to our Engineers who are off to great start on a busy and demanding week of Engineering Training with the Afloat Training Group.
3. BZ to our Search and Rescue Crew! We learned today that the core team of GONZALEZ Sailors who helped rescue to wayward Sailboats last November won the coveted Surface SAR Crew Award for 2008!
4. BZ to our Sailors who supported the deployment of USNS COMFORT and returned home to GONZALEZ this past weekend.
5. BZ to the GONZALEZ Chief’s Mess who organized a brand new Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification board for the crew. Every Sailor who earned their ESWS pin in the last 18 months will now see their name proudly displayed and there is room enough for every Sailor who will earn their warfare qualification from now through the ship’s next deployment.

So that’s about it for now. I plan to add just a few more posts and then I will include my Change of Command speech as my final Fighting Freddy update. - CO

Summer Cruise_FINEX

2009-07-15T09:36:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning, GONZALEZ returned to our home port at the Norfolk Naval Base. While we missed our family and friends in Hampton Roads, it was great to be out to sea (including our 4th of July weekend stop at Mayport) for three weeks. And it was an excellent three weeks! I was exceptionally proud of everyone onboard. We worked and trained around the clock, accomplished our objectives, and did a phenomenal job of integrating our new Sailors into our underway routines. I was particularly proud of our 20 USNA Midshipmen and their GONZALEZ running mates. By the end of the three weeks, our Mids were indistinguishable from the crew. The deckplate skills and leadership lessons they learned will serve them well as future naval officers.

Our last 24 hours at sea certainly put our skills and endurance to the test. Following a morning General Quarters training session, we completed a two hour refueling at sea in the late afternoon and then five hours of day/night flight deck operations – finally finishing just after midnight. True to their resilience GONZALEZ Sailors were up early our final morning at sea, fresh water washing the decks in preparation for a flawlessly executed sea and anchor detail before returning to port.

So, we are now in our final preparations for our engineering assessment next week, and then we can settle into change of command preparedness. Only four weeks and two days remaining for me to command the best crew in the Navy. I envy my relief.

Change of command is shaping up to be a very special event though. In addition to the honor of hosting Mrs. Gonzalez and celebrating her birthday with her, we expect to also host her niece, a cousin of Freddy’s, possibly some Marines and a Navy chaplain who served with some of Freddy’s units, and even Freddy’s biographer. We are indeed a fortunate ship. - CO

FC1(SW/AW) Alvelo_Guest Blogger_2

2009-07-14T04:04:00.000-07:00

Another guest blog post from FC1 Alvelo...

Last saturday we enjoyed a little relaxation as our Food Service Division prepared a Pizza and Hot Wings night for dinner, followed up with a traditional Ice Cream Social, and MWR sponsored Spades Tournament. While seemingly small, these simple things are important to our morale…just ask a new Sailor like STGSN Cisneros who had Happy Birthday sung to him by the entire messdecks when it was learned last Saturday was also his birthday! The food was phenomenal and the rest of the evening went well as the team of GM1(SW) Johnson and HM3(SW) Martinez won the Spades tourney. Congratulations!

Ice Cream Socials have always been a great treat for the crew of a ship while underway. They are more than a chance to pile up your favorite toppings on your favorite flavor of ice cream though. It’s one of the few times when the entire crew eats together (officers normally dine in the Wardroom, chiefs in the Chief’s Mess, and the crew on the messdecks), and it's a nice reminder that we are “One Ship, One Fight” in more ways than one. Besides, you don’t have too many opportunities to have your Command Master Chief and Senior Chiefs serve you, so you take advantage of that!

The Captain said we did well on our recent evolutions, which is always a relief to see the hard work of so many pay off. The weary faces are evident as I know all of us are ready to be back in homeport, so it’s better to come back knowing we did our jobs well and that we can press on with the many things ahead of us.

Summer Cruise_Day 21

2009-07-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

Three weeks away from homeport with a weekend stop at the Naval Base in Mayport Florida over the 4th of July - And what a great three weeks it's been for GONZALEZ Sailors and our 20 USNA Midshipmen! The crew has worked exceptionally hard and performed magnificently. Our new Sailors have received excellent training and our Midshipmen have simply become part of the crew. It is an amazing transformation to watch our newest shipmates and guests integrate as one team. Today was no different than any of our other busy days at sea...more engineering training, a final general quarters drill, a two hour underway replenishment, and finally day and night training with an HSC squadron for deck landing and vertical replenishment qualifications. We improved every day underway and have really honed our skills. As our Chief Boatswain's Mate put it regarding today's refueling at sea, "The best UNREP we've done in some time." That's a nice compliment from the best Deck Department in the business - a team who holds themselves to exceptionally high standards. Enjoy the photographs...can you tell which are Mids and which are GONZALEZ crew members? Not so easy anymore. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 20

2009-07-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Unlike our last Sunday at Sea, today was a full and busy workday. We started the day with another set of engineering drills and evolutions and have another set of drills and evolutions scheduled this evening. We also took one more opportunity for some more undersea warfare training this afternoon. One of the implicit themes of our Command Every Day philosophy is not taking “no” for an answer. On our departure from Mayport last week, our very first undersea warfare training in junction with one of the Jacksonville Naval Air Station LAMPS Squadrons had to be cancelled because of inclement weather. Knowing that we would be passing back through the same operating area, but on a Sunday, we worked diligently with our Squadron back home and the LAMPS squadrons in Mayport to see if we could make the training opportunity work in everyone’s favor…and we were successful with all the right help. So this afternoon, we had the opportunity to conduct more undersea warfare training with HSL-60. Thanks guys!

As for other events, we also qualified another Engineering Officer of the Watch and another Officer of the Deck underway. As I look back over the last 17 months, it’s great to add up the number of GONZALEZ men and women who have achieved a range of qualifications. Bravo Zulu to FCO and GSEC who added two more significant qualifications to the ship! As for the strange picture at the top of the post...jelly fish. Surrounded by them today!

Summer Cruise_Day 19

2009-07-11T17:53:00.000-07:00

A great day for GONZALEZ! After last evening’s events went just past midnight, we had a bit of a slow morning (drills briefs, classroom training, Midshipmen self-defense training, etc) before lunch. We then followed the afternoon meal with an excellent set of engineering drills and evolutions capped off by our best main space fire drill and General Quarters drill during our summer cruise. GONZALEZ Sailors are the most resilient Sailors with whom I have ever had the pleasure to serve. Some of the Sailors in the Repair 5 Damage Control Locker even came up with a few creative ways to motivate the Sailors in their locker with Luchador masks. During the drill we also received a message from the range controller where we conducted our undersea warfare exercises that all of our maneuvers and simulated attacks were evaluated as satisfactory. Following the drill we then hoisted Bravo Zulu CA and Bravo Zulu OI on the starboard and port halyards respectively to recognize the excellent work of GONZALEZ sonar techs and operations specialists.

Finishing off the day in style, our culinary specialists served pizza and chicken wings, our leading culinary specialist senior chief organized an ice cream social, and the MWR committe organized a messdecks spades tournament. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 18

2009-07-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

Just a short blog entry from me today as I spent most of my day on the bridge and in Combat Information Center – a busy day onboard GONZALEZ conducting a whole host of undersea warfare training events and exercises. But check out the shot of the day – Bravo Zulu to the GONZALEZ Sonar Techs on a successful, exercise torpedo shot! - CO

CTT3 Riggleman_GONZALEZ Guest Blogger

2009-07-09T18:11:00.000-07:00

NASCAR: First, I would like to thank our MWR Team for putting together such wonderful events. We were lucky to be able to attend the NASCAR event and be so close to the action. The day started with a bus ride down to the very sunny Daytona Beach. It took a while for us to get settled, but after that it was amazing. We first witnessed a Bromus- Porsche race which was intense. The drivers were fighting and whipping around to get to the top spot. There were a couple of accidents but no major damage. After a break and before the NASCAR race, we were able to sign the start and finish line. I jumped at this chance knowing it would be very cool. I had my picture taken on that raceway and it smelt of burnt rubber even then. The Coke Zero 400 started, of course, with famous NASCAR words, “Gentleman, start your engines!” I had never been to a NASCAR race, but had seen them on TV, and I can tell you they are a lot better and louder in person. It was a night to remember, one I will never forget it. The last lap was the best! With the #18 and the #11 car battling for the top spot and a multi-car pile up at the finish line right in front of us - a great ending to an awesome, fantastic day.

FC1(SW/AW) Alvelo_GONZALEZ Guest Blogger

2009-07-09T17:57:00.000-07:00

We had a great July 4th weekend in Mayport/Jacksonville. And one thing that (shouldn’t have) surprised me was the number of shipmates spending the holiday together…golfing, taking advantage of free Daytona 500 tickets, and generally enjoying each other’s company. And that seems to be the main theme here…this ship more solidifies a family atmosphere than any other I’ve ever been a member of.

As we are back underway now, the routine has set back in, and everyone seems to be refreshed and ready to go. Training is at the forefront, as we have a very important Engineering inspection coming up. With so few days underway, the chain of command wants to ensure we are trained correctly, so that means more drills despite an already full schedule. Nobody said underway was easy, but everyone really seems to get the idea as all facets of the deckplates have been focusing on training the younger personnel, and knocking the rust off of procedures to ensure we are ‘beyond the call’ come inspection time. Constant Damage Control training has helped everyone reach a good working level of knowledge to do their jobs as investigators, boundarymen, and other fire party members. I have no doubt we will shine on inspection day, thanks to the ability of this ship to pull together and not only get the job done, but enjoy it as more than a job because they respect and enjoy the people they work with.

Summer Cruise_Day 17

2009-07-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Another busy day of engineering drills, evolutions, and a general quarters drill. Clearly, a successful engineering certification is our top priority! There is always a lot more happening on the ship though. Following all the morning fun, CF Division proudly showed off their more than 30 spaces during a zone inspection, we held CPR training in medical, ran a visit board search and seizure exercise, and our Midshipmen finished off the afternoon sunshine with a damage control wet trainer (which naturally involved a friendly fire hose handling competition). Our weather is magnificent and tomorrow is shaping up to be an excellent day for undersea warfare training and exercises. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 16

2009-07-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

Just Another Day At the Office! As I have said in many previous posts, the Fighting Freddy Blog is designed for family and friends of GONZALEZ Sailors. It’s not for commentary on operations or Navy policies or opinions other than those regarding my outstanding Sailors. So while I actually thought about offering an opinion on the concept of the “Hybrid Sailor,” that’s not what our blog is all about. Instead I thought I would offer a glimpse into what we "Non-Hybrid GONZALEZ Sailors" did today.

After an early morning workout and hearty breakfast, our first significant event of the day was an aircraft fire fighting drill. The drill included an emergency flight quarters situation resulting in a helo crash on deck and mass casualty. Our Flight Deck Fire Fighting Team is made up of Sailors who are Damage Control Specialists, Sonar Technicians, Yeomen, Gas Turbine Specialists, Culinary Specialists, Boatswains Mates, Gunners Mates, and more. And as for the mass casualty aspect, while our Midshipmen played the roles of the injured personnel today, they were patched up by a similar assortment of enlisted ratings. Fire fighting and first aid - skills sets for all Sailors.

Following our flight deck drill we expected to conduct some undersea warfare training, but inclement weather at the Naval Air Station prevented the helos from coming out to operate with us. So with so many new officers onboard, naturally I decided to shift gears right into some shiphandling training. We have 9 new Ensigns onboard so bridge time to practice man overboard recoveries and undersea warfare maneuvers is precious. When we have the time though, anyone who wants is given the opportunity to cross train and conn the ship. Operations Specialists, Cryptologic Technicians, Deck Seaman, Electronic Technicians, Quartermasters (even the Pace Instructor once last deployment) have all taken the opportunity to practice conning the ship. When my enlisted Sailors conn, I often put my junior officers on the helm. It’s not random folly either. Everyone onboard needs to be able to do someone else’s job. We have been known to run General Quarters drills where a simulated missile takes out most of the bridge crew resulting in someone other than the usual suspect conning the ship. In fact, as I write this blog post, an OS1 is standing watch as Officer of the Deck.

The best part of every Wednesday is lunch – Slider Day – Navy burgers. And the GONZALEZ Culinary Specialists make the best burgers in the business. After a hearty lunch, we then held two of my favorite ceremonies: re-enlistment ceremonies! This afternoon two outstanding First Class Petty Officers shipped over for a few more years.

Later in the afternoon we held an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Rodeo for Sailors working on their ESWS pins and then held several training and preparatory meetings for our upcoming engineering assessment. Onboard GONZALEZ, while a single department might be the lead for a specific assessment or certification, like everything else we do, these are all hands events. Everyone is onboard for success, particularly when it comes to damage control training, and more specifically when it comes to main space fire drills requiring the ship to go to General Quarters. More skills we all need to be able to keep our ship in the fight at all times.

We closed out the day with a meeting of all Sailors from Texas. Why Texas? Mrs. Gonzalez is visiting the ship for change of command in August! In addition to the honor of just getting to visit with her, we will also be helping her celebrate her birthday. A special committee of Texas Sailors is taking charge of helping plan her birthday celebration. It’s great to be back underway again! - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 15

2009-07-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Underway Again! After a great 4-day weekend in Mayport, Florida GONZALEZ is back underway again. We got underway early from the Naval Station this morning, tested out our new 25mm guns, fired some M240 rounds, and then went right into combat systems and engineering drills in the afternoon, which of course included a General Quarters drill. After some good liberty it was time to get right back to work. As for the excellent (but hot) Florida weather, I think we left that behind. The winds and seas have picked up quite a bit! Today’s photos include a rear view of our departure and a few practice shots against a very small target of opportunity. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 14

2009-07-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

Softball Challenge Rain Out! Unfortunately the afternoon Mayport rainshowers came early today and rained out the Wardroom Softball Challenge between Fighting Freddy and USS HUE CITY (CG 66). XO already spoke to the CO of HUE CITY though and we'll be looking for another opportunity the next time they are up in Norfolk.

It's been a great 4-day weekend. I won't speak for the entire crew, but I know I am personally ready to put to sea again. Hope all our GONZALEZ family and friends had a great 4th of July. We'll be home soon. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 13

2009-07-05T11:50:00.000-07:00

Morale Welfare and Recreation – Every Navy ship has a Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Committee. The MWR Committee is a team of Sailors who do just what their title implies – they are always on the lookout for good deals for Sailors. Naturally, GONZALEZ has an outstanding MWR team! In addition to ensuring the Sailors who had duty on the 4th of July had a Steel Beach Picnic, MWR arranged numerous tours and excursions for my Sailors during our 4-day weekend in Mayport. While I haven’t heard all the sand stories yet, I’m looking forward to learning about trips to the Disney Theme Parks, water parks, Busch Gardens Tampa, and of course just the regular trips to the beach. Thanks to our Operations Department Leading Chief Petty Officer (and MWR Committee Member Emeritus), a group of 40 GONZALEZ Sailors got free tickets to attend yesterday’s 4th of July Coca Cola 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Courtesy of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter, 40 Sailors were treated to awesome Sprint Tower seats – just a few rows away from the checkered flag finish line – and what a race! Hope you enjoy a few photos. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 12 - Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July! - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 11

2009-07-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

In yesterday’s post, like many previous posts, I spent time to write a few thoughts about how proud I am of the men and women who serve onboard GONZALEZ. I have been blessed in my Navy career to have served on numerous Battle Excellence award winning ships, was OPS onboard LAKE ERIE during her remarkable Blue-Gold days, and was XO of PORT ROYAL when she won the Spokane Trophy for 2002 as the best ship in the entire Pacific Fleet. And for all of that, I stand by my words that the GONZALEZ crew is the best crew in the Navy. They are the most resilient group of men and women I have ever served with and they have never let me down. In fact, during a recent interview for my next assignment I was asked to describe my ship and my crew. My answer to the Admiral was simple, “I don’t think we are the best at any one thing, but we are damn good at everything.” And that’s the truth. So with that in mind, I thought I would share a few edited words from my most recent Captain’s Call before we arrived at the Naval Base in Mayport to offer a small glimpse into the way we do business onboard…

“Very late last evening we had an engineering casualty which kept many of us busy until we corrected the problem. As I looked around at some tired faces in Engineering Department, I asked myself, and the XO who was also up with me well after midnight, if it were worth running our predawn General Quarters drill early this morning concurrent with our attack on the BLUE forces. If training has no value, then what’s the purpose? Everything we do must have purpose, or what’s the point? And as I looked at my Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer who had been standing port and starboard watch as an Engineering Officer of the Watch, and as I looked at my Chief Engineer who had stood the previous day’s 0200-0700 Tactical Action Officer watch, supervised our refueling during the 0700-1200 watch, was up for a main space fire drill on the 1200-1700 and had the 2200-0200 watch with another General Quarters drill on the 0200-0700 watch forthcoming, I thought hard about training value. And those are just two personal examples, I have pushed us all hard this underway.

So, yes I decided to go ahead with the drill.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is a ship of war, and while what we just completed was an exercise, our warship needs to be ready for tasking at all times, 24/7, 365 days a year. I have spent the last 17 months being up front with you and telling you what I thought we are good at and what we needed to work on. And there are things we need to work on…

So why, would a CO who is about to turn over command, come out and push the crew harder. Why would I come out and talk about anything other than all the good things we are doing….because we need it…because all of us need to have the same long term view. We owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our ship, our Navy, and we owe it to our nation and people like Dolia Gonzalez, the mother of Freddy Gonzalez who if anything should inspire us all. She turns 80 years old in less than two months and still works two jobs. She, better than all of us, understands the long view. She will be here to visit us in just 6 weeks and we had better be up to her inspection standards.

This ship has come a phenomenally long way. It started with a remarkably successful INSURV inspection and Engineering Operational Certification prior to deployment, long before I got here. It continued with a remarkably successful deployment and post deployment period during my time in command, and ladies and gentlemen we are going to cap this summer by crushing our next engineering certification in just a few weeks, but it is going to take a team effort. And that you owe to your new CO. That is what the long term view is all about. Many of us will not be here when the ship deploys next year, but shame on us if every one of us who is here right now is not fully involved in doing everything we can to make our ship, our home as combat ready as possible.

We are going to jump start that this afternoon the way we always do before pulling into port, by taking care of the ship with a fresh water wash and then continue that all day tomorrow with all hands topside preservation.

We are then going to enjoy some very well deserved time off over the holiday weekend and then we are going to get right back to it for another week at sea before we return. Our engineering certification is the week after we return. Following that, we are going to embark some more midshipmen, and then we are going to get the ship ready for change of command. Following that, our attention will focus on pre-deployment preparations and continued operational prowess - the long view.

That’s why I ran the drill, and we can all expect more.”

After a long 24 hours before entering port and after taking care of our ship, the crew of GONZALEZ is enjoying a very well deserved and well earned 4-days off. Have a great weekend! - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 10

2009-07-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

GONZALEZ Pride – Next to freshwater wash down, the best crew in the Navy knows that my second favorite event is all hands topside preservation. During this all hands event, we relax to PT gear and play music topside which today got us only a few strange looks from the local Mayport ships. The primary purpose of topside preservation is obviously to maintain the material condition of the ship. Secondarily, taking care of the ship is a source of pride for the entire crew. GONZALEZ is our home at sea and is truly home to my Sailors who live onboard. Pride is just one of the ingredients which make GONZALEZ Sailors the best crew in the Navy. All hands topside preservation is also about leadership – leadership at every level onboard the ship. Fighting Freddy Sailors know that success comes from teamwork and camaraderie. The Officers and Chiefs work right alongside their Divisions on days like today. All hands topside preservation also requires organization and preparation. It’s not just a Deck Division evolution either. In addition to materials and supplies, there are hydration and heat stress concerns (particularly on hot days like today), hazardous material disposal concerns, and sunscreen concerns just to name a few. It is truly an all hands event, and it is our routine every time we pull into port. One of my favorite aspects of topside preservation is that whenever we have ship riders from other commands, they pitch right in and help. Just like our Marine Corps namesake – once a GONZALEZ Sailor, always a GONZALEZ Sailor. Today, our 20 USNA Midshipmen helped take care of Fighting Freddy just like they were going to be with us through our next deployment. By the way, nice parking job by Ensign Jaeger. Not too shabby, only 25 feet or so from USS ROOSEVELT (DDG 80).

Summer Cruise_Day 9

2009-07-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

DDG 66 (GONZALEZ) versus CG 66 (HUE CITY) - If I thought yesterday was good SWO stuff, today was even better. Overnight, we chased the BLUE force carrier and kept her escorts extremely busy. Then, knowing that a pre-dawn surprise attack by us and the other OPFOR ships was imminent, GONZALEZ went to General Quarters at 0430 and ran a series of challenging damage control drills. At 0530 with our drills in progress we attacked BLUE forces. After unloading all of our sim missiles, there was only one BLUE force ship Fighting Freddy had in her sights, the other 66 – USS HUE CITY! It was a glorious gun battle in which the GONZALEZ bridge team expertly took advantage of our strengths and the cruiser’s weaknesses, but in the end, one gun lost to two. At 0630, our drills secured, our guns ceased firing, the drill team coordinator played taps over the 1MC, and we saluted HUE CITY with a BRAVO ZULU flying from our starboard halyard as she passed close down our starboard side to ensure we were out of action.

We then took a little time for some morning holiday routine following our early GQ, held an awards ceremony and Captain’s Call on the flight deck, promoted a new LCDR, qualified a new Command Duty Officer, fresh water washed the ship, and pulled into Mayport for a port call in the late afternoon. Thursday (tomorrow) is an all hands topside preservation day followed by a 4-day holiday weekend! On the horizon GONZALEZ and HUE City have a wardroom softball challenge coming up, and I have two guest bloggers from the crew working on some blog entries of their own. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 8

2009-06-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

Great SWO Moments at Sea – With only 6 weeks left in command for me, GONZALEZ experienced one of those awesome Surface Warfare moments at sea which I will remember for a long time. All through the night, we stalked the BLUE force carrier and her escorts. Very early in the morning, two of the BLUE force escorts broke off to the north for a pre-dawn refueling at sea with the oiler in our operating area. After gaining sufficient sea room, the oiler and the two escorts turned south and connected to refuel. We then followed the carrier and her remaining escort at high speed on a reciprocal northerly course toward the refueling trio. The carrier then hauled out to starboard and we followed the one remaining BLUE force escort to the north. Just as the other two BLUE force ships broke away from the oiler, we suddenly became a BLUE force ship ourselves so that we could refuel with the remaining BLUE force escort we had been trailing. Just as we took the oiler down our starboard side, she put her rudder over right towards us. Now inside her turning circle and with the other BLUE force escort turning on the other side of the oiler to port to maneuver into station, my conning officer expertly swung around to port and then made an awesome full rudder turn back to starboard to bring us into station on the oiler’s starboard quarter with the other escort now on our port beam.

So if the excellent SWO shiphandling wasn’t enough, the as yet unnamed ship on the other side of the oiler taking fuel with us was none other than USS HUE CITY (CG 66). If you have followed the blog or know your Naval and Marine Corps history, you know Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez was the only Marine to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for gallantry and intrepidity at the Battle of Hue City – a great day at sea whenever DDG 66 gets to sail in company with CG 66. But wait there is more great SWO stuff! About 30 minutes into the refueling, the skies opened up on us and the heavens pelted all three ships with heavy, driving rain in 40 knots of wind. Both ships then very professionally executed emergency breakaways at the same time and hauled out to port and starboard respectfully and raced back to the carrier. Of course, photos rarely do the weather at sea true justice and there were no cameras on the bridgewing in the rain, but the included photo at least shows the approaching storm. The games continue….

Afternoon Update: The afternoon was filled with some more excellent shiphandling opportunities as the BLUE forces attempted to keep us from approaching their carrier. Naturally, we came prepared. We honed our warfighting and damage control skills further this afternoon with a General Quarters drill as well.

Summer Cruise_Day 7

2009-06-29T15:53:00.000-07:00

Fun with Aircraft Carriers – Today was our first day to operate with the BLUE Forces carrier. As part of our tasking, our bridge watchstanders and new Sailors had an opportunity to observe a nice air show as we performed our Opposing Force duties very well – some nice shiphandling and tactical maneuvering by GONZALEZ Sailors! Only a couple of photos today as I spent most of my time on the bridge.

Before maneuvering into the BLUE Forces operations area we had time to conduct a re-enlistment of a Gunners Mate up in the gun mount and kicked off DITS for the week. DITS is short for Division in the Spotlight. Each week all aspects of a single Division are reviewed by various leaders throughout the ship. We review administrative programs, Sailors in the DITS Division take various level of knowledge exams, there is a personal and space inspection, and a host of other events. We even run no-notice damage control and medical emergency drills on the DITS Division to make sure they are keeping their fundamental skills sharp. - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 6

2009-06-28T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday at Sea – Whenever our operations allow we respect Sunday at Sea as a day of rest as much as possible. Sometimes our duties don’t allow, but nonetheless we always offer church services led by our Lay Leaders as GONZALEZ does not have a Navy Chaplain onboard. We also do not pipe reveille on Sunday morning which allows everyone (except the morning watch unfortunately) an opportunity to catch up on sleep. Following Sunday brunch the ship comes to life again and various training opportunities arise. We held some training on the mess decks this afternoon and then participated in a search and rescue training exercise by marking a downed aircraft site for the blue forces. In the afternoon I took the opportunity to talk with our embarked Midshipmen about leadership and naval history related to the Battle of Trafalgar. And for those who asked, yesterday’s flag hoist was simply an A-L-O-H-A to the CO of our target ship.

On a completely separate note, one of the events which takes place in the wardroom each year, usually unheralded throughout this ship, is the Wardroom Mess Treasurer election. The Wardroom Mess Treasurer is typically a new Ensign who is charged with computing the monthly mess bill for the officers and then collecting monthly payments. It’s a somewhat unexciting but necessary duty. Given the number of new Ensigns GONZALEZ has onboard, the competition is heating up. The photo at the right says it all.

Lastly, it seems as if tensions between blue forces and the OPFOR are increasing so I suspect our action will increase dramatically very soon! -CO

Summer Cruise_Day 5

2009-06-27T15:37:00.000-07:00

Let the Games Begin! After stalking our contact of interest overnight we proceeded to disrupt their operations this morning through a range of tactics, techniques and procedures – what otherwise might be known as good Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) fun. We then maneuvered in close to give our Midshipmen a chance to observe their flight operations and surprised them with our ability to rapidly man up our ship self defenses – very good SWO fun! Not content with simply carrying out our OPFOR duties though, we also ran a series of engineering training evolutions in preparation for our upcoming engineering certification, completed a complex combat and strike scenario, and conducted several other training events throughout the ship. As part of our fun disrupting the operations of our contact of interest our new Ensigns and Midshipmen practiced station keeping, maneuvering board drills, and flag hoist drills. We even managed to hoist up a three halyard personal signal for the Commanding Officer of our contact of interest.

As for the weather...it’s very hot out here in the operating area. Much hotter off our southern coast than it was in the Mediterranean last summer, but our engineers are keeping the ship’s a/c plants running in peak condition to keep everyone as cool as possible, and they’re doing a great job! After just a few days at sea, everyone is settling into our underway routine, and we continue to improve our operational prowess every day. GONZALEZ Sailors continue to prove they are the best crew in the Navy and our Midshipmen are right at home with their running mates in the wardroom and crew!

Qualifications of course continue in earnest as we qualified a new Officer of the Deck last evening and expect to qualify a couple more before we return to port. I’m also very ready to qualify some more Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists and Surface Warfare Officers. Lastly, we held a special birthday meal this evening – steak, lobster tails, baked potatoes, and more. Another great day at sea! - CO

Summer Cruise_Day 4

2009-06-26T19:15:00.000-07:00

Battle Preparations! We started this Friday morning with a no notice torpedo evasion drill, man overboard drill, and general quarters drill in preparation for our OPFOR role in our training exercise. I expect there will be many more no notice events over the course of our training time at sea. In the afternoon we conducted visit, board, search, and seizure training while fulfilling another target role – no reason to waste any training time! And now, we are stalking the other forces. Should be a good night of hunting. -CO

Summer Cruise_Day 3

2009-06-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

Refueling at Sea – We started the morning with some more basic damage control training which finished with an impromptu fire hose handling competition. In the afternoon we moved on to some combat training and then finally joined up with other naval air and surface forces to begin training together. Truth be told, we are playing an opposing force (or OPFOR) role and for our first event we were simply a “target.” Being the target though, got us a couple of great fly bys which we enjoyed. The big event of the day was an early evening refueling at sea. Refueling at sea or what we refer to as Underway Replenishment or UNREP for short, is one of the most fascinating and exciting things we do at sea. More than 25,000 tons of naval power sailing together on the same course and speed at a distance of 150-160 feet lateral separation for more than an hour to take on upwards of 100,000 gallons or more of fuel! Today we refueled from the oiler USNS LARAMIE (TAO 203). We refueled on the LARAMIE’s starboard side while USS DEWERT (FFG 45) refueled on the other. Five new Ensigns had the opportunity to conn the ship alongside and a deck seaman stood her first watch as Rig Captain – all in all, another great day of training at sea.

Summer Cruise_Day 2

2009-06-24T13:18:00.001-07:00

Training, Training, Training, and Qualifications – As we sail out to the operations area where we will conduct training with other Navy ships, we have taken time today to focus on some individual training and qualifications. Probably the most important training which all hands focus on is Damage Control Training. In addition to being good Sailors and knowing our basic seamanship, all Navy Sailors have to be fire fighters, ready to combat damage at all times of the day or night. Perhaps a no-notice General Quarters drill later in the week? Today we did basic damage control training all day long for our newest Sailors. We also did or still have scheduled training for our Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure team, training for our tomahawk cruise missile operators and anti-submarine warriors, and engineering drills. We also worked on small arms qualifications today and gave our Midshipmen an opportunity to shoot. -CO

Summer Cruise Day 1 - Seamanship Training

2009-06-23T17:49:00.000-07:00

Seamanship Training – When it comes to training, GONZALEZ Sailors know we do more Seamanship Training than anything else, and I have always been very proud and impressed every time we have been called to demonstrate our seamanship skills (see our linked articles on Sailboat rescues last winter). So along those lines, today was a typical first day back at sea for us. After our sea and anchor detail transit to the Virginia Capes operating area, we conducted shiphandling training, small boat operations, and practiced man overboard recoveries. Today was a great day to work on line handling skills, give my newest small boat coxswain a chance to practice her skills, and put my newly qualified search and rescue swimmer through his paces. Our embarked USNA Mids also had an opportunity to participate in small boat operations and observe various man overboard recovery maneuvers. Pictures? Of course... - CO

Underway!

2009-06-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

The sun shines on GONZALEZ as we are underway again conducting training in the Virginia Capes. For this underway, I am going to try and make a small blog post each day for our family and friends and highlight a few of our training evolutions. In addition to 8 new Ensigns and a whole host of new Sailors joining the ship in the last month, we also have 20 United States Naval Academy Midshipmen embarked. Should be a great underway! -CO

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T07:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to all GONZALEZ Dads and Navy Dads everywhere! And congratulations to two GONZALEZ families who welcomed new Sailors to their families on Father's Day Weekend! It's great to be home and celebrate with family and friends this year, but I thought I would share a few photos and memories from last year's deployment when we celebrated Father's Day at sea in the Mediterranean. GONZALEZ had just left Souda Bay Crete a few days before and was enroute to Augusta Bay Sicily. In addition to our Sunday at sea routine, we held a special Father's Day celebration which included individualized gift bags for all the father's, music, a Steel Beach Picnic, video messages and songs from our families, and a flight deck movie. -CO

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GONZALEZ Family Update

2009-06-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

There have been so many events and changes onboard the ship lately that I have been remiss in updating the blog. In the past month we have had more than our share of re-enlistments, award ceremonies, frockings, promotions, retirement ceremonies, and even a change of Command Master Chief. Fair winds and following seas to CMDCM(SW) Keith Thomas and welcome aboard CMDCM(SW/AW) Diane Ruhl! Of course, being so behind in updating the blog, I'm going to take the easy route and just show of sampling of all our events! I hope you enjoy the photos. -CO

Actor Tom Hanks Has Brush with Fame

2009-06-10T18:45:00.000-07:00

On the 65th Anniversary of D-Day, I can't help but think one of the highlights of actor Tom Hanks' participation at the commemoration in France was getting to meet a Fighting Freddy Division Officer, Ensign Marcia Durrett. While temporarily assigned to USS PORTER (DDG 78) to work on her Officer of the Deck qualifications, Ensign Durrett participated in the D-Day commemoration with other PORTER Sailors and took advantage of the opportunity to give Mr. Hanks a brush with GONZALEZ fame.

Midway Day

2009-06-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

This year the GONZALEZ Wardroom will again be dining together to commemorate the 67th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. While deployed to 6th Fleet in 2008, DDG 66 paused in much larger fashion to commemorate the 66th Anniversary. Still some of my favorite photos... - CO

GONZALEZ Sailors Receive the USNA Class of 66 Awards

2009-05-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

When I took command of GONZALEZ in February 2008, I brought with me a short list of “historic” events in which I wanted GONZALEZ Sailors to participate.

1. Have DDG 66 sail with CG 66, USS HUE CITY, and take the first photos of the two ships with links to Freddy Gonzalez sailing together.
2. Host a very special commemoration on the 66th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.
3. Have Mrs. Gonzalez visit the ship.
4. Collect water from the seven seas, or at least from every body of water we sailed in, and then have GONZALEZ Sailors attend the Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington DC, and

5. Establish a special relationship with the Naval Academy Class of 66.

Well, having already completed #1 thru #4, we finally achieved #5 two weeks ago. Truth be told, the USNA Class of 66 had already established a great relationship with DDG 66, but to complete the "historic" list we finally awarded the 2008 Class of 66 Leadership Awards to GONZALEZ Sailors a couple of weeks ago.

Congratulations and BRAVO ZULU to LTJG Vince Falcon and BM2(SW) Aijan Deng! Several members of the USNA Class of 66, including Class President Vice Admiral (ret) Michael Haskins visited GONZALEZ and presented the awards. The First Lieutenant and Chief Boatswains Mate received the award for BM2 as he is currently on an Individual Augmentation assignment supporting the deployment of USNS COMFORT.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T07:49:00.001-07:00

GONZALEZ Family and Friends, I hope you are continuing to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Last year, the ship was deployed to the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility on Memorial Day, conducting operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. We paused last year on Memorial Day to read Freddy Gonzalez' Congressional Medal of Honor citation and then held a Critical Days of Summer Safety Stand Down. This year we are obviously in home port and able to spend all or part of the weekend with our family and friends. Last Friday before we put down liberty call, we again paused to continue the tradition of reading Freddy's citation, but added to it by summarizing the citations of the servicemen who have also received the Congressional Medal of Honor for our current conflicts.

So, I thought I would share the words from our Memorial Day Captain's Call. The Captain's Call followed an awards presentation and also included information on summer safety and changes to our long range scheduled which I have not included.
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Memorial Day 2009_Captain's Call

Good morning, Shipmates. First of all, congratulations to everyone who was selected for advancement yesterday. Well done - a round of applause for our award recipients and advanced Sailors. It’s finally starting to feel like summer again after our brief chilly spell, and at least according to the weather service, it’s going to be a beautiful three day weekend!

So this Monday is Memorial Day – a day off for those not on duty, but more importantly a day to honor those who served and continue to serve our country. So, naturally I want to speak for a few minutes about Memorial Day first and then we’ll talk about the critical days of summer, safety, and some important changes to our long range schedule. Memorial Day is set aside to pay tribute to those who paid the supreme sacrifice for our country. And while there are actually quite a few stories as to the origin of Memorial Day, what is known as fact is that 141 years ago on May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan issued General Order Number 11 to his Veteran's organization the Grand Army of the Republic:

“The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land…”

The order continued telling the crowd to cherish:

“…tenderly the memory of our heroic dead, who made their breasts a barricade between our country and its foes. Their soldier lives were the reveille of freedom to a race in chains, and their deaths the tattoo of rebellious tyranny in arms. We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance…. “

Lastly, General Logan closed with...

“Let no wanton foot tread rudely on such hallowed grounds. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no vandalism of avarice or neglect, no ravages of time testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

Eventually this day became a national holiday to honor fallen comrades from all our nation's wars, and so today we gather on the flight deck to remember those who served bravely in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq and other conflicts we faced as a nation. We also remember those POW’s and MIA’s who never returned home and the families who have never been able to bury their loved ones.

Memorial Day will always be more special to me because of my service with you onboard GONZALEZ. Having spent the past year and a few months learning and reading as much as I can about Freddy Gonzalez, I have come to realize how much more we as a nation can do to honor our Veterans and more specifically, our true American heroes - our Congressional Medal of Honor winners, Marines like Freddy Gonzalez. First, of all, I hope everyone out here realizes that whether you serve a single term of enlistment or twenty years or more, we will all be veterans ourselves one day. Secondly, and as I posted on our blog several weeks ago from an article written by someone else, how many of us on the flight deck today can name all the Congressional Medal of Honor winners from the current wars in which we are serving? Compare that against how many of us can name at least 1 American Idol winner. The point is certainly not intended to take a shot at American Idol, the point is to note what we consider important in our country. And I’m no different than anyone else. Until I thought about it myself, read the article and then took the time to read the bios of the Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors who had won the Medal of Honor since 9/11, I too, could have named more American Idol winners.

So on this Memorial Day we honor shipmates like Freddy Gonzalez. There is no greater gift a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine can give than to lay down his life for his country, his shipmates, and his God. The gift of one’s life for one’s country must never be forgotten or devalued. In 1971, our Congress made this day into a 3-day weekend with the National Holiday Act. In my humble and junior opinion, that particular act made it easy to be distracted from the spirit and intent of this day. This and every Memorial Day is about our duty to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives so that we may live in a free country. This and every Memorial Day is about shipmates like Freddy Gonzalez, for all those who have fallen in combat. They were Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, young and old, men and women, from all walks of life and every creed. They fought bravely, and died not in vain, but in the glory of knowing that others will live to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Let us never forget their sacrifices - not today, not on Memorial Day, not on any day.

So for this Memorial Day, we are going to do something old and something new. We are going to take a moment to read Freddy Gonzalez’ Medal of Honor citation once again and then take a moment to honor our most recent Medal of Honor recipients.

Attention to award:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A. On 31 January 1968, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city. While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire. One of the marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded marine to a covered position for treatment. Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a fortified machine gun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly across from the bunker. Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades. Although seriously wounded again on 3 February, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On 4 February, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire. Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements. He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded. The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sgt. Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

And now a moment to recognize those who have been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Marine Corporal Jason Dunham
Smothering a live hand grenade with his helmet and body, Dunham saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country.

Army Sergeant First Class Paul Smith
With total disregard for his own life, Smith maintained an exposed position to engage the enemy force. During this action he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers.

Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy
While suffering grave gunshot wounds and knowingly exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy’s undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and inspirational devotion, in the face of certain death, ultimately led to the rescue and recovery of his fallen comrades.

Army Specialist Ross McGinnis
In a gallant act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, McGinnis pinned a live grenade thrown by an insurgent between his body and a vehicle. His extraordinary heroism and selfless action saved four men from certain serious injury or death.

Navy Petty Officer Second Class Michael Monsoor
Without hesitation and showing no regard for his own life, Monsoor threw himself onto a grenade hurled by an enemy fighter, smothering it to protect his teammates who were lying nearby. His courageous and selfless actions saved the lives of two fellow SEALS.

GONZALEZ Hosts USS JOHNSTON (DD 821) Sailors

2009-05-14T17:49:00.000-07:00

Gonzalez Sailors are currently at sea conducting a wide variety of tactical, seamanship, and engineering training evolutions. Of course, my favorites are always the no-notice drills or surprising the XO by taking over as boat officer to have a waterline tour of the ship in one of the small boats! And it's been a very good underway for us too, as many new and first term Sailors who reported during our SRA period are having their first chance to see the ship put through her paces. Naturally, the best Sailors in the Navy have risen to the challenge and are already showing off their operational prowess.

But I need to catch up our family and friends on an event which took place two weekends ago when we had a very unique opportunity to host some special guests onboard. As Gonzalez Sailors know, linking the past and the present and finding ways to incorporate heritage and history into our daily routine is easy and one of my favorite parts of the job. I'll let my PAO do the rest. - CO

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On Saturday, 2 May, 71 former Sailors and family members from USS Johnston (DD-821) visited the Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) as part of the Johnston’s annual reunion weekend. Although it is common for Navy ships to give tours, the destroyers Johnston and Gonzalez not only share a special bond and but also came together under a unique set of circumstances.

A month earlier in April, Gonzalez Sailors participated in the Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony in Washington DC. In addition to meeting many of the guests and former Sailors in attendance, the Gonzalez crew had the opportunity to meet Mr. Toby Mack, Vice President of the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation. The meeting proved to be fortuitous as Mr. Mack had previously volunteered to coordinate a Norfolk ship tour for his former ship, USS Johnston’s forthcoming summer reunion. “At the Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony, Toby asked me if we would host him and his former shipmates for a tour and knowing the great legacy of the name Johnston from the Battle of Leyte Gulf, I couldn’t resist,” said Gonzalez’ Commanding Officer, Commander Brian Fort. “What I didn’t know at the time was the historic link that also binds Johnston and Gonzalez.”

USS Johnston (DD 821) was a Gearing class destroyer laid down in March 1945 and commissioned in August 1946. She was named for her fallen predecessor USS Johnston (DD-557), sunk on October 25, 1944 in the incredibly heroic battle against a much more heavily armed Japanese Task Force at the Battle of Leyte Gulf. For most of her career Johnston was a Cold Warrior, making many deployments to the Mediterranean and operating in the Atlantic and Caribbean out of Newport, Rhode Island and Charleston, South Carolina, but in late 1967 she deployed to the Western Pacific for Vietnam gun line and Tonkin Gulf escort duties. After surviving a typhoon in the mid-Pacific in late 1967 and doing escort duty with USS Ranger in the Gulf of Tonkin during January 1968, Johnston finally arrived off Hue City on 6 February and immediately engaged in intense gunfire support during the height of the Battle of Hue City. Remaining in a continuous gunfire support role until mid-March of 1968, the ship then returned to Charleston having expended over 10,000 5-inch rounds. Two days before Johnston’s arrival off Hue City, on 4 February 1968, Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez gave his own life, displaying gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, to save his fellow Marines while simultaneously and single-handedly repelling numerous enemy firing positions. The President posthumously awarded Sergeant Gonzalez the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions, the only Marine to be awarded such a decoration for the Battle of Hue City. Meanwhile, Johnston’s actions in the days after Sergeant Gonzalez fell allowed the Marines to continue their assault on Viet Cong forces in the city. Johnston remained in commission until 1980 and was then transferred to the Taiwanese Navy and served until 2004 – an incredible 58 years of continuous service.

When Sailors from the two destroyers met for the first time during the Johnston’s reunion tour, it was an emotional moment for both generations as they learned their linkage in history. “The group of Veterans who came onboard were the best tour group we have had. They were enthusiastic about being here and asked a myriad of questions about the ship, the crew, and the modern day Navy. The contrast between the Navy of yesteryear and today was interesting, and I would gladly lead another tour group for them any day,” commented Gonzalez Petty Officer Lemanda Lovelace.

Gonzalez Petty Officer Stephanie Ramales had a similar experience, “Our meeting with the Sailors of USS Johnston was enjoyable for us, and I think enlightening for them. It gave us the distinct opportunity to show how advanced our ships have become technologically, but more importantly, it showed us that some things never change, like our pride in service. If any of the Sailors from Johnston or their spouses have an opportunity to read an article about their Gonzalez tour, I would like to thank them for coming onboard and allowing us to show them how proud we are to serve our country.”

Mr. Toby Mack couldn’t have agreed more, “The courtesies and professionalism of Gonzalez Sailors were fully apparent as they showed us around their fabulous ship. Our guys were thrilled with the opportunity and fascinated with how far technology has come in 40+ years, as well as how many things haven’t changed. It was the highlight of our reunion by a mile. Gonzalez truly rolled out the red carpet for us, which we deeply appreciate.”

Happy Mother's Day Mrs. Gonzalez

2009-05-10T07:35:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is alway a special day onboard USS GONZALEZ - not only a day to honor our own mothers, but also a day to honor a remarkable woman who is a national treasure to us, Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez. Sailors onboard Fighting Freddy know we are all part of Mrs. Gonzalez' family. We are all her Sailors, her sons and daughters. Happy Mother's Day, Dolia!

Update from Fighting Freddy

2009-05-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

The best news of the day for Fighting Freddy Sailors is that GONZALEZ is finally and fully complete with our maintenance period and back at sea again! Post maintenance Sea Trials are done, and we are underway training and completing required certifications. It's been a long two weeks since my last post and GONZALEZ Sailors have been very busy. Outside of getting ready for sea, we held our quarterly Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Event (see PAO article below), got fully certified for electronic navigation, hosted 71 former USS JOHNSTON (DD 821) Sailors and their family members onboard during their reunion weekend, and even managed to have a GONZALEZ shipmate become a U.S. Citizen in a White House naturalization ceremony with the President in attendance. So, yes, I need to catch up with our blog posts as we have a special visit and leadership awards ceremony forthcoming with the USNA Class of 1966 and our Battle of Midway Commemoration events. So, for now, from the world's best DDG PAO.....

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From GONZALEZ Public Affairs:

Sailors from the Norfolk-based destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) held a Bowling Tournament in April fulfilling one of the command’s 2009 Goals to sponsor a Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) event each quarter. The Bowling Tournament, hosted by the Norfolk Naval Station Bowling Alley, was a ship-wide celebration upon completion of a successful maintenance Selective Restrictive Availability (SRA) period. Held during working hours, the tournament was wildly popular among the crew. “It was nice to have a Thursday off to relax and have fun after the yard period,” said Operations Specialist 1st Class Rob Lello, the Gonzalez MWR President.

To kick off the MWR event, all lanes were open for recreational bowling, and over the course of the day, Gonzalez sailors consumed 50 pizzas and 700 hot wings. “The food was plentiful,” laughed Gas Turbine Specialist Mechanical 1st Class Terence Rambeau. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Harold Edge won the Individual High Score Award, bowling 214 in a single game. Edge exclaimed, “I go bowling a lot after work. It was a blast to bowl with the ship!” For his high score, Petty Officer Edge won the use of the Executive Officer’s parking spot for one week.

The main event of the afternoon was a Captain’s Cup competition among the ship’s divisions. CA Division, consisting of Sonar Technicians, triumphed after defeating a combined Supply Department Team in the final bracket. “We were down the entire tournament, but I knew we would win,” boldly said Ensign Tim Henderson, the CA Division Officer. Henderson secured CA Division’s victory by bowling three consecutive strikes in the final game.

Next up from the Gonzalez MWR team will be a command picnic in the early part of the summer months.

I Am A GONZALEZ Sailor - Return Remix

2009-04-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

It's not quite Friday yet, but it feels like it should be. GONZALEZ Sailors are in the midst of completing an Aviation Certification, Aviation Readiness Qualification, Fleet Synthetic Training, and an Engineering Team Trainer...all while wrapping up remaining items from our shipyard period before sea trials. As I watch some of my Sailors participate in two or even all three of these significant training events, I am easily reminded of how amazing Navy Sailors truly are.

So, I figured it was time to bring back our GONZALEZ recruiting video! The Sailor's Creed is an important aspect of many ceremonies onboard our ship and to honor the best crew in the Navy, we incorporated a GONZALEZ version of the Sailor's creed with pictures and video from our 2008 deployment. The full DV version looks much better, but this compressed version was suitable for publication on the blog. Hit play on the video below to check it out.

I am a GONZALEZ Sailor.

I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and

I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and

all who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.

I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

GONZALEZ Sailors Promote Motorcycle Safety

2009-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

As Commanding Officer a Navy ship, I have the best job in the Navy, and with a crew like mine, I also have the easiest job onboard GONZALEZ. At the beginning of 2009, we published command goals for the year. My only direction was to set achievable and measurable goals. My XO and CMC then drafted a set of goals based around our command philosophy, vetted them through the crew, and then I had the easy job - I approved them. Under our category of "Do Our Best at Everything," we have a goal to 'Maintain Eligibility for all Safety and Health Awards." Not only did we win our third consecutive Fleet Health and Wellness Award - what we call the GREEN H - we also recently took a proactive approach toward motorcycle safety. All I asked was that we find a way to put out a positive motorcycle riding story and my motorcycle riders did the rest - again, I have the easy job. My Public Affairs Officer tells it best...only fitting too that I included a picture of our GREEN H winning Doc on his bike as well. - CO

---- Gonzalez Public Affairs (ENS Monika Hess)

(NORFOLK) —Motorcycle riders onboard the Norfolk based destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) decided it was time for a positive news story regarding the increase in motorcycle usage and the military. On 9 April, seven Gonzalez Sailors went on a command-sponsored, group motorcycle ride around the Hampton Roads beltway to promote motorcycle safety and to raise a little money for the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) at the same time. With a $10 buy-in, the Gonzalez riders added an additional $70 to the command’s total to NMCRS, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide emergency financial assistant to Sailors and Marines.

With recent and renewed Department of Defense-wide attention placed on motorcycle safety, proper protective equipment, and required motorcycle riding courses, Gonzalez riders joined together to show off the positive aspects of riding, build camaraderie and support the Navy’s motorcycle safety requirements. “This was a great opportunity for new bikers to get comfortable on their motorcycles with more experienced riders,” said Hospital Corpsman Chief Petty Officer Mike Ferretta. The riders met up at the Naval Exchange Service Station at the Norfolk Naval Base, completed a ride around the Hampton Roads beltway, and then met up with the rest of the command at the Norfolk Naval Station Bowling Alley for a command Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Bowling Tournament as part of a ship-wide celebration for completion of a successful Selective Restrictive Availability (SRA) period.

After a safety brief, the Gonzalez riders departed for their ride wearing proper riding jackets, reflective garments, and helmets. The road captain, Fire Controlman First Class Randy Sturgill, planned the route which looped around Hampton Roads through Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Pungo, and Chesapeake. “It was a great day for a ride. We rode for about two hours with several stops along the way,” said Information Technician Chief Petty Officer Brent Robinson. The group traveled on interstates, highways, two-lane roads, and winding country roads. Despite the different driving environments, the group maintained a staggered formation with a road captain, a tail, and two road guards.

Fire Controlman First Class David Belt, a seasoned motorcycle rider, was among the Gonzalez riders. Belt who had recently been in a motorcycle accident when another motorist pulled into his lane unexpectedly commented, “When you ride a motorcycle, you may get in accident at some point. The Basic Riding Course [the Navy’s required motorcycle safety course] gave me a foundation to safely get on the road and mitigate an injury. The Basic Riding Course is a great training tool.” Gonzalez anticipates more group rides to continue to promote awareness and safety.

A Late Join to the Piracy Blogosphere

2009-04-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

It has been an intriquing, interesting, and amazing week and a half for the United States Navy...and I mostly missed it all! My family and I took a week of leave (no internet, email, or television - only a cell phone in case of an emergency), and I returned to a inbox, blogosphere, internet and television full of anti-piracy successes, concerns, and questions. First of all (and I know it's a little late), congratulations from the men and women of GONZALEZ to CDR Frank Castellano, the crew of USS BAINBRIDGE (DDG 96), and the embarked SEALS on safely and professionally executing their mission tasking. Well done! As a former "Billy-B" Sailor on USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25), I was particularly proud to see a ship with such a strong heritage in the news. I was also a little amused at some of the initial commentary (well more than a week old now) which suggested that the current BAINBRIDGE was an "old nuclear cruiser." Reminded me of a day back in 1992 when I was touring the American History Museum in Washington DC and a young boy pointed to a model of the nuclear cruiser BAINBRIDGE in her original designation as DLGN-25 and said to his father, "Dad, look at the model of this really old ship!" BAINBRIDGE was indeed some 30 years old at the time, and having overhead the conversation, I couldn't help but point out that "she wasn't that old and that I happened to live right there (pointing to the model) on the O-2 level aft." I always thought it was funny that my first ship in the Navy was actually on display as a model in a Smithsonian museum while she was still in commission. Anyway...

Naturally, as Commanding Officer of a ship which has previously been involved in an actual exchange of fire with pirates off the coast of Somalia in 2006 (although I was not in command), my family and friends were interested in my thoughts and opinions on the Navy's role in countering piracy. For my GONZALEZ family and friends and other readers of our blog, you know by now that I have never considered our blog as the appropriate forum while I am in command for my personal commentary on Navy missions. I will offer something for consideration though to put into perspective the tenacity, resiliency, and professionalism of GONZALEZ husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters and all Navy shipmates.

Consider the angst of the average sports fan who grimaces each time his or her favorite athlete strikes out, misses a putt, drops a ball, fumbles, misses a free throw, or doesn't achieve a specific standard, particularly when the pressure is on and a national/international audience is watching. Many professional athletes get paid millions of dollars for what they do. Some of them have been playing their particular sports since the time they started walking. They train, practice, and rehearse the same basic fundamentals of pitching, catching, putting, throwing, kicking, passing, etc., over and over and over again. At the end of the day, athletes play games for the competition and our entertainment. Now, I am a sports fan myself, and of course have my favorite professional athletes and teams, but consider this....Navy Sailors don't get paid millions of dollars for what they do and the average Sailor has only been doing his or her job for a very short time, usually just a few years. Many of the missions we are assigned, we have never specifically trained for or at a minimum have only limited training. Sometimes we only get one or no rehearsals. The broad, generalities of our training don't necessarily cover detailed specifics like working with FBI negotiators or picking up parachuting SEAL Team members or working with SEAL snipers. And as the recent piracy coverage validated, we always have a significant national/international audience watching and commenting, particularly if it goes wrong. These are often complex and challenging missions and the pressure of having lives on the line is very real. But we do these missions, and we do them with style and professionalism. Everyday. Many of them we do so we can continue enjoy the freedoms we do in our great country, like sitting on the armchair to watch our favorite sporting events.

A very welcome home to the Captain and crew of the Maersk Alabama, but let us not forget, BAINBRIDGE and her crew are still on station, still executing the missions to which they are assigned.

GONZALEZ Underway Again!

2009-04-07T18:12:00.000-07:00

GONZALEZ finally got underway again this morning! It was only a short journey from the BAE shipyard back to the Norfolk Naval Base, but it nice to head back up the Elizabeth River and put downtown in the rear view mirror.

GONZALEZ Sailors Attend the 2009 Blessing of the Fleets at the Navy Memorial

2009-04-05T08:02:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, afternoon a group of the best Sailors in the Fleet made an early drive up from Norfolk, Virginia to our Nation 's capitol to participate in the 2009 Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony at the Navy Memorial. This year marked the 18th iteration of the event held annually in conjunction with the Washington DC Cherry Blossum Festival. GONZALEZ Sailors proudly manned the fountain ring as Sailors from the Washington DC Ceremonial Honor Guard charged the fountains with waters from the seven seas. Afterwards, we took an opportunity to pose with the Memorial's signature Lone Sailor statue and even managed to get a photo with 94-year old Ruthanna Weber, a World War II Veteran and former WAVE. Stars and Stripes put together a nice article on the ceremony and Ruthanna's visit. Although it was a very long day, weather in Washington DC could not have been better as evidenced by some of the largest crowds I

have ever seen in the city. In the end, GONZALEZ Sailors had a chance to show off Navy excellence, briefly tour the capitol and even make a few new friends. - Captain

Ship of War 101

2009-04-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

Fighting Freddy's time in the shipyard is almost complete, and we will soon be ready to return to our home at the Norfolk Naval Base. While critical to maintaining our ship in top fighting form, maintenance availabilities also provide unique and challenging opportunities for both me as Commanding Officer and my Sailors. So one of the things we have done each week while we have been in the shipyard is to host a weekly Captain's Call every Friday just before lunch. Of course, my Sailors would probably tell you it was just a chance each week for me to work on my improv routine, but I found it was a great way to communicate both weekly successes and challenges before we put down Aloha Friday liberty call. With so many strategic events happening in the Navy (both on the operational and personnel sides of the Fleet), it has also proven to be an opportunity for me to address our schedule, future operations, training, upcoming events, and weekend safety. My favorite part of each weeks Captain's Call though has been the "Friday Follies."

Starting week one of the shipyard period, I used the Captain's Call to recognize top performers from each Department, but also point out things in which we didn't do so well - the point being to learn from our less than successes. After all the top performers and follies were recognized, I selected a single Sailor from the list of top performers to recognize with a command coin. That Sailor also received a large, framed piece of rusted deck. Rusted deck? Yep, rusted deck! The purpose of the framed piece of rusted deck was to remind everyone of our purpose for being in the shipyard - to take care of GONZALEZ. The winning Sailor then had to proudly display the framed rust in his or her workspace for the week.

At last week's Captain's Call, I also issued a completely different, but even more important reminder to my crew. I reminded them of the first line in our Command Philosophy: "GONZALEZ is a ship of war, designed to sail into harms way, dominate an enemy, and win our Nation’s wars." I reminded them that our shipyard period was coming to an end, we had friends and shipmates conducting important national security missions all around the globe, most recently highlighted by ships on station in the Pacific Rim and off the Horn of Africa, and that we needed to be ready if called. After many weeks in the shipyard, it just seemed like to right time to remind myself and my crew of our mission - Ship of War 101.

America's Heroes

2009-03-24T18:02:00.000-07:00

I have previously served on ships named for great American Naval Officers, Bainbridge, Ingersoll, and Nimitz, and ships named for historic battles, Lake Erie and Port Royal. Of course, I currently have the pleasure to command a warship which bears the callsign of a great American warrior and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez. I will always remember the day, I learned I was to command Gonzalez. I was working on the Joint Staff in a Pentagon office with officers from representing every military Service. As soon as I announced the name of my future ship, the Marine Corps Officer in our office immediately told me all about Freddy Gonzalez. He didn't have to look anything up on the internet. He just knew. I've always admired that about Marines.

I got an email the other day from that same Marine and thinking about his own personal knowledge of American heroes and Medal of Honor recipients made me think of an article which has been making it's way around the internet recently. I copied it below with an accompanying link (make sure you see the link - it will give chance to pause) for Gonzalez family and friends and any readers of our Fighting Freddy blog. I know I already have links to Freddy's Congressional Medal of Honor Citation on the blog but I added his own citation at the end. In concert with the excellent article below, when it comes to real American heroes, we should all pause to read their citations, over and over again. - Captain
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Who Are America's Heroes? http://www.defenselink.mil/home/features/2009/0309_moh/presentation.html
By Donna Miles American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2009—The challenge issued by a flight attendant during a recent commercial air flight seemed innocuous enough: Name just one of the five Medal of Honor recipients from the current engagements in Afghanistan or Iraq, and get a free drink coupon. But the passengers’ response – more specifically, the inability of all but just one to respond – revealed how little the average American knows about its military heroes.

Bombarded by superhero lore almost from birth, many Americans grow to revere fictional heroes as well as sports and celebrity icons. But silence descended over the cabin of a flight bound from Jacksonville, Fla., to Baltimore when the conversation turned to those who had earned the nation’s highest honor for valor – even when a free cocktail hung in the balance. Dale Shelton, an Annapolis, Md., resident who served five years as a Navy intelligence specialist, was the only passenger to press the button over his seat to beckon the attendant. Shelton’s response: Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, the first Medal of Honor recipient in the global war on terror, and in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Smith received the highest military honor for valor posthumously on April 3, 2005, two years to the day after saving more than 100 soldiers in the battle for Baghdad’s airport. His young son and widow accepted the award on his behalf during a solemn White House ceremony. The flight attendant gave free drink coupons to Shelton, as well as his wife Jean and two other traveling companions. Then he returned to the crew area to announce over the intercom that only one person had correctly answered the challenge.

This time, the attendant offered a second challenge: name an American Idol winner. The cabin lit up like a pinball machine as 43 passengers scrambled to push their attendant call button. Passengers named various Idol winners. The attendant announced that he wasn’t going to award drink coupons for that answer, telling the passengers that "naming an Idol winner was not worth a free drink," Shelton recalled. "He concluded his announcement with the question: ‘What’s wrong with our country when out of 150 passengers, only one can name a Medal of Honor recipient, but 43 can name an American Idol winner?’"

Later during the flight, Shelton shared with the attendant his own frustration over "the current lack of appreciation of our military heroes." The attendant asked Shelton if he knew the names of the other four Medal of Honor receipts from the current military operations. Shelton said he was able to name three: Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor and Army Spc. Ross McGinnis. All were killed sacrificing themselves to protect their comrades during enemy attacks. Murphy, a Navy SEAL, died June 28, 2005, trying to save his team members during Operation Red Wing in Afghanistan. Monsoor, also a SEAL, died in Iraq Sept. 23, 2006, using his body to absorb a grenade blast that likely would have killed two nearby SEALs and several Iraqi soldiers. McGinnis died Dec. 4, 2006, after throwing himself on a hand grenade in Iraq to save four fellow soldiers when insurgents attacked their Humvee.

Shelton said he regretted that he had forgotten the name of Marine Cpl. Jason Dunham. Dunham died April 15, 2004, using his body to shield fellow Marines in Iraq from a hand grenade. The flight attendant didn’t hold Shelton’s memory lapse against him. "He gave me all the remaining drink coupons he had in his possession and shook my hand," he said.

Congressional Medal of Honor - Freddy Gonzalez

CITATION:
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as platoon commander, 3d Platoon, Company A. On January 31, 1968, during the initial phase of Operation Hue City, Sgt. Gonzalez' unit was formed as a reaction force and deployed to Hue to relieve the pressure on the beleaguered city. While moving by truck convoy along Route No. 1, near the village of Lang Van Lrong, the marines received a heavy volume of enemy fire. Sgt. Gonzalez aggressively maneuvered the marines in his platoon, and directed their fire until the area was cleared of snipers. Immediately after crossing a river south of Hue, the column was again hit by intense enemy fire. One of the marines on top of a tank was wounded and fell to the ground in an exposed position. With complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Gonzalez ran through the fire-swept area to the assistance of his injured comrade. He lifted him up and though receiving fragmentation wounds during the rescue, he carried the wounded marine to a covered position for treatment. Due to the increased volume and accuracy of enemy fire from a fortified machine gun bunker on the side of the road, the company was temporarily halted. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sgt. Gonzalez exposed himself to the enemy fire and moved his platoon along the east side of a bordering rice paddy to a dike directly across from the bunker. Though fully aware of the danger involved, he moved to the fire-swept road and destroyed the hostile position with hand grenades. Although seriously wounded again on February 3, he steadfastly refused medical treatment and continued to supervise his men and lead the attack. On February 4, the enemy had again pinned the company down, inflicting heavy casualties with automatic weapons and rocket fire. Sgt. Gonzalez, utilizing a number of light antitank assault weapons, fearlessly moved from position to position firing numerous rounds at the heavily fortified enemy emplacements. He successfully knocked out a rocket position and suppressed much of the enemy fire before falling mortally wounded. The heroism, courage, and dynamic leadership displayed by Sgt. Gonzalez reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

The Resilency of U.S. Navy Sailors

2009-03-17T19:06:00.000-07:00

Since February, GONZALEZ has been in a maintenance period called a selected restricted availability or SRA. Time in a naval shipyard is a demanding time for any ship. First and foremost, the ship is thrown from her normal routine into a period of intense, industrial maintenance. Almost nothing on the ship looks normal and because of the nature of the work we are doing, we can't even live or conduct non-repair type of work on the ship. We live, work, and eat on a barge moored alongside us. In many ways our entire, normal shipboard routine is challenged. At the same time though, we still carry on doing the business of Sailors which our sister ships continue do at the naval base or while deployed or underway in the local operating areas. We still have planning, maintenance, and schedule meetings. Sailors still take advancement exams, re-enlist, conduct training, run drills, and do PT. We are still assessed by other Navy organizations, have inspections, stand shipboard watches every day, and execute our everyday routine. Shipboard safety is also still very important, even more so than usual, and so we wear hard hats and safety goggles while we are onboard the ship during an SRA. One of the toughest things though is that because we are in an industrial, shipyard environment, our family and friends cannot visit us on the ship, and I miss that.

Through it all though, Sailors endure. They never miss a beat. They adjust to the changes, the challenges, and frustrations, particularly of not being able to live and work on the ship we call our home. Whether deployed away from families, working hard in port or in a shipyard, U.S. Navy Sailors always have been and always will be among the most resilient folks I have ever known, and I am fortunate to serve with the very best in the business.

Freddy Gonzalez Heritage - Marine Corps Style

2009-03-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

No military Service understands or values their heritage better than the United States Marine Corps. A short story to back up that assertion...I am fortunate to have a retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major as a friend and neighbor. He is famous for saying, "I never walk by another person who's serving and not speak. Life is all about who you hang out with." And he lives by it. Not only does he know and take care of everyone in the neighborhood, he is also the kind of guy who can tell you how many Congressional Medal of Honor recipients are buried in the local cemetery. Last week, he told me the story of Army First Lieutenant Ruppert Sargent of Hampton, Virginia who, like Freddy Gonzalez, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. He told me this story because Lieutenant Sargent is buried in the Hampton National Cemetery near our homes and today, 15 March 2009, was the 42nd anniversary of the day he earned his Medal of Honor. Lieutenant Sargent's citation can be found at http://www.mishalov.com/Sargent.html.

So my neighbor obtains a donated wreath and invites to me to join him and some other members of the Yorktown Virginia Marine Corps League for an impromptu ceremony at the National Cemetery to commemorate the anniversary of Lieutenant Sargent's death. For me, it was simply an honor to be in the presence of so many outstanding Marine Corps veterans. But it gets even better. As part of the personal ceremony my neighbor organized, the Commandant of the Yorktown Chapter presented me with a special challenge coin and a picture of him holding up a painting of Freddy Gonzalez painted by famous Marine Corps painter, Col (ret) Charles Waterhouse. Not only did these Marines take time out on a rainy Sunday afternoon to honor an Army Medal of Honor recipient. They knew I am fortunate to command a great ship like GONZALEZ and found a way to make it special for me as well. My neighbor is right...never pass up the opportunity to talk to someone serving or who has served. You never know who you might get to hang out with. So, XO, if you are reading the blog, stand by to organize a tour for some great Americans! Go Navy and Semper Fi Marines!

Building Bridges

2009-03-07T06:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was another first for me in command of the best crew in the Navy. Yesterday, on Friday the 6th of March, I administered a commissioning oath to one of my Sailors for the first time. Just after 10am in the morning, Fire Control Chief Petty Officer Brandon Bridges became Ensign Brandon Bridges. Indeed, it was a great day for GONZALEZ. The only downside, of course, is that my Chief Petty Officer's Mess loses an outstanding Chief and another wardroom on the waterfront will soon gain an outstanding new Officer - such is the path of transitioning a Chief from the Mess to the Wardroom.

As the spring weather finally returned to Hampton Roads, the day couldn't have started out any better for GONZALEZ as we also re-enlisted another outstanding GONZALEZ Sailor on the same morning. Not too bad for a March Friday - administering an Enlisted and Officer oath in the same day!

Navy History and Heritage - GONZALEZ Style

2009-03-03T22:22:00.000-08:00

When the March issue of Proceedings magazine arrived this week, I was instantly drawn to an article in the "Nobody Asked Me But..." section entitled, "The Navy Is Giving History a Bad Name" by Lieutenant Colonel Brian Hanley, U.S. Air Force (retired). Unfortunately, over the last few years, this is not the first time a member of another armed Service has commented in Proceedings on the Navy missing the beat or the boat when it comes to history and heritage.

Anyone who has ever served with me knows I am a Navy history and heritage enthusiast. Oddly enough, I don't come from a Navy family, was born in the landlocked state of Arkansas, have a degree in Electrical Engineering not history, and earned my commission through Officer Candidate School not the Naval Academy. So where does my history and heritage enthusiasm come from? I credit, or blame depending on point of view, my two year service with the Royal Navy. Why mention this on the GONZALEZ blog? Well, as long as I have served in the Navy, there seems to have been a consistent cry that Navy history and heritage don't play the important role they should. Yes, even I voiced my opinion in the June 2006 issue of Proceedings. For all the ideas, changes and proposals which have been put into place over the years, I think a fundamental point has been missed - history and heritage begins on board ships, submarines, and squadrons. It can't be force fed to Sailors. It must be fun, and it must be a part of what Sailors at sea do. Ships and Sailors are involved in history and heritage events all the time, and there are a lot of easy ways for Sailors to be involved...so naturally I decided to post a few thoughts on Navy History and Heritage - GONZALEZ style:

Embrace the ship's namesake: Every ship has a great name. On board DDG 66, we bear the proud call sign of a great Marine Corps warrior and hero, Freddy Gonzalez. Every Sailor who qualifies Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) and every officer who qualifies Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) knows that to pass their qualification board they must be able to answer questions related to Freddy. At SWO boards, junior officers are also required to describe a naval battle and naval hero of their choice. I used to ask questions about specific battles or naval heroes, but I wanted my Junior Officers to learn on their own and read, so rather than have them memorize answers to questions about history that they know interest me, I leave it to them. All of my new Sailors also learn about Freddy Gonzalez during command indoctrination.

Seek out a Singular Moment To Make History (big or small): While on deployment last summer, we arranged a PASSEX with USS HUE CITY (CG 66). Whether by accident or by design, both GONZALEZ and HUE CITY have the same hull number, and Freddy Gonzalez was the only Marine at the Battle of Hue City to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor. As far I know, no one had previously taken a photo of GONZALEZ and HUE CITY sailing together, and our PASSEX was a fortuitous passing on a Sunday afternoon in May 2008. The PASSEX occurred while both ships were deployed and was simply a matter of luck. GONZALEZ was heading to the Eastern Mediterranean for a mission while HUE CITY was heading west across the Med.

Share a Heritage Moment With Family: Given that I am fortunate to command a warship named for a Vietnam War hero, before I took command, I took my children to Washington DC to the Vietnam War Memorial. While there I had them find Freddy’s name on the wall, create a pencil impression and then they helped me create a shadowbox which is displayed in my stateroom on the ship.

Maintain a Relationship With the Ship's Sponsor: Next to my relationship with my officers and crew, my personal relationship with my ship’s sponsor, Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez, is the best part of commanding GONZALEZ. I wrote Mrs. Gonzalez my first week in command, and she plays an important role in many parts of all of our lives on board the ship. I write her often, we speak on the phone, and she has visited the ship once during my command tour. The highlight of my relationship with Mrs. Gonzalez came when we helped her celebrate her 79th birthday on the day of our return from deployment last year. Mrs. Gonzalez was there to greet us on the pier, and more than 200 of her Sailors sang Happy Birthday in their white uniforms from the foc'sle after we moored.

Involvement with the USNA: While I am not a USNA Graduate, the USNA is a cornerstone of officer training and tradition for wardrooms. We are fortunate to have a hull number which allows us to have a very special relationship with the USNA Class of 66. Each year the President of the Class of 66 presents a very special leadership award to one junior officer and one petty officer selected by the command. The award is great, but the interaction with the Class of 66 is the best part.

Commemorate the Battle of Midway: Given the opinions I have offered about ships commemorating the Battle of Midway, naturally, Gonzalez did so last year and will do so again this year. Last year's commemoration was particularly special because it was the 66th Anniversary of Midway, matching our hull number. In addition to hosting a special wardroom dinner at sea and taking vintage WWII photos, we also held a swim call in honor of Ensign George Gay, Jr., who was shot down during VT-8’s torpedo run during the battle. Ensign Gay then watched the battle from the Pacific until he was rescued. As far as we know, our event was truly the Inaugural George Gay, Jr. Swim Call.

Involve the Chiefs: Nothing is done well without the involvement and support of the Chief Petty Officer’s Mess. All of the Navy’s new uniforms notwithstanding, a great way to involve the Chiefs in heritage and history was my Command Master's direction to have GONZALEZ Chiefs put on their old school khaki for a day on the anniversary of the Chief's Birthday. We happened to be making a port call in Haifa, Israel with our NATO Task Force last year for the Chief's Birthday so it was a great way to celebrate with our NATO shipmates.

Don't Just Take the Day Off on Holidays: Holidays are more than simply days off or times for safety stand downs. In addition to taking a day off and talking about safety, we used these holidays to specifically remember those who have gone before us. For instance, on both Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day, after opening remarks we played Taps. On Memorial Day we also read aloud Freddy Gonzalez’ Congressional Medal of Honor citation.

Outreach Events: In April of this year, a group of GONZALEZ Sailors will participate in the Blessing of the Fleets Ceremony in Washington D.C. In addition to the opportunity to interact with Sea Cadets and Veterans, it's an easy way for my Sailors to reach out to the community as well.

No organization grades us or assesses us on how well we honor our heritage, but I think we are giving history a pretty good name. -CO

A Short Story of Brotherhood and Solidarity

2009-02-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

As I have said in many of my posts, my blog is designed for the family and friends of GONZALEZ Sailors. It is also my personal blog though, and so I am taking a moment with this post to share an amazing story of brotherhood and solidarity.

Following an appointment at Portsmouth Naval Hospital today, I stopped by the barbershop in the hospital to get a haircut. I had to wait for a short time as one barber was cutting the hair of another man and the second barber was preparing to give a young man a haircut. The young man whom I would have guessed to be about 17 or 18, had somewhat long hair and was accompanied by his mother, his aunt, and two younger cousins who also had long hair. As he sat down in the barber chair, I realized this was a special day and a special haircut. As the barber proceeded to give him a military style crew cut, his mother took pictures while his younger cousins watched with smiles of anticipation. Because I was in a military hospital and in my opinion, at least one if not both of the women where clearly military spouses, I presumed the young man was having his head shaved in advance of joining the military, probably the Marine Corps, or so I thought to myself.

It was what happened next that surprised me. As I sat down in the other barber chair for my own haircut, the other barber finished shaving the young man's head, and then the two younger cousins each took a turn getting their own heads shaved. All the while more photos were taken, and I started to overhear comments between the two sisters, the mothers of this trio of boys, of how nice it was of the two younger boys to support their older cousin.

After the five of them left the barbershop, the barber now cutting my hair said to me, "Wasn't that nice. That young man has cancer and has to receive chemotherapy treatment. His cousins had their heads shaved too to support him."

I do not know the families involved and I may not have all the facts right based on my observations alone, but without question for me it was one of the most heartfelt moments of brotherhood and solidarity I have ever personally witnessed.

USNA Ship Selection Night 2009

2009-02-20T19:18:00.000-08:00

Being a University of Arkansas Alumnus, my blood will always run red and white for the Razorbacks. Go Hogs! But being a Naval Officer, my blood also runs blue and gold, and on February 19th, I enjoyed the opportunity to make a visit to the United States Naval Academy in the great city of Annapolis, Maryland. Two of my Division Officers who are Academy graduates and I made the drive up from Norfolk for the 2009 Ship Selection Night. This is the night when the Senior Midshipmen who have chosen to become Surface Warfare Officers select their first ships. The Midshipmen are organized by class rank, and then one by one, each chose their ship by selecting a placard with the ship’s name off the big board. It’s an exciting night for the Mids, the parents in attendance, alumni, and visiting officers. For me, it was just as exciting to see the two GONZALEZ name placards on the big board. And yes, much like an expectant father, I waited in anticipation for two Mids to make the best selections of the night. And yes, my Division Officers and I did some recruiting both before and during the event! We presented each Mid who chose GONZALEZ with a ballcap, t-shirt, patch, coin, and welcome aboard package. At the right, my Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and I welcome the first Midshipman to choose GONZALEZ to the Wardroom.

Routine But Inherently Dangerous

2009-02-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

The USS GONZALEZ blog is different from many of the excellent blogs on the web. As Commanding Officer of an Arleigh Burke Class destroyer, this is my personal blog and an avenue for me to reach out to the family and friends of GONZALEZ Sailors and give them an insight into the good things their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends and shipmates are doing. I do not view it as an appropriate venue for me to comment on the goods and others related to my own training, maintenance, or operations for instance. For that type of commentary there are many excellent Navy sponsored and Navy-centric blogs such as:
The U.S. Naval Institute's Blog:
http://blog.usni.org/
US Southern Command's Blog:
http://www.southcom.mil/AppsSC/Blog.php
and
Observations of an Armchair Admiral:
http://informationdissemination.blogspot.com/

Of course, there are many others, but the above are three that sprang to mind as I started writing this post.

But for this post, I am going to offer something a bit different. Over the last two weeks the Navy has endured two tragedies I felt compelled to comment on for GONZALEZ family and friends. Earlier this month, a Sailor onboard USS SAN ANTONIO (LPD 17) died at sea during an accident which occured while lowering a small boat. Less than a week later, USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73) grounded off the coast of Oahu while conducting a small boat transfer at night. Both of these events hit very close to home for me. The Commanding Officer of SAN ANTONIO is a very good shipmate of mine, and I am a former Executive Officer of PORT ROYAL. Particularly after the grounding of PORT ROYAL, I received many questions from Sailors onboard my own ship and from my own family and friends asking how these events could have happened? First, I do not have any personal insight into either event, and it would be inappropriate to speculate as to the circumstances of either event otherwise. In fact, what I told my Sailors and family and friends is that speculation is exactly what is not needed at times like these. What is needed is thoughts and prayers for the Sailors and families involved. The Sailors involved in both tragedies are shipmates and what they need is our support. At the end of the day, the Navy will conduct an investigation into both events, and we as professional mariners will learn from any mistakes made. What we do every day at sea, whether forward deployed or in home waters, is often routine, but always inherently dangerous. All Navy men and women are professionals who serve their country with honor, courage, and commitment, but even in the most professional organizations and services, tragedies occur. Until the investigations are complete, our continued thoughts and prayers are what the Sailors and families of SAN ANTONIO and PORT ROYAL need more than speculation.

DDG Sailors - A Day in the Life

2009-02-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, we arrived at BAE Shipyard for a maintenance availability. This will be the longest GONZALEZ has been pierside since I took command a year ago last February, and I know that by the end of our shipyard period I will certainly be ready to take her to sea again. With that in mind, I asked my two Assistant Public Affairs Officers to put together a short piece on what life onboard GONZALEZ was like over the last two months leading up to our maintenance period. Their article speaks volumes about the resiliency of Navy Sailors and offers a snapshot of two months in and out of homeport onboard a DDG. And as you will read, even though the two months of December and January encompassed a short holiday leave and upkeep period, a Day in the Life of a DDG Sailor is never short of tasking...

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On the morning of 10 December, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) sailed from Norfolk into the unforgiving winter Virginia Capes Operating Area. Gonzalez was not sailing for deployment nor conducting a homeland security or humanitarian assistance mission though. The men and women of the Arleigh Burke class aegis destroyer were sailing on a series of training missions under the observant eye of the Afloat Training Group to complete the Unit Level Training and Readiness Assessment Certification (ULTRA-C). Following two days of preparation, drills, and admin review in port, Gonzalez Sailors were heading out to sea to demonstrate their war fighting prowess. Over the course of an intense three days, the crew worked long days and nights to fight fires, flooding, fend off simulated sea based and terrorist attacks on the ship, and even take on fuel before returning home. Through high seas and chilling winds, the crew pushed on, excelling drill after drill. Each and every Gonzalez Sailor worked as a team, from Engineers to Hospital Corpsman and Food Service Attendants, burning the midnight oil. Culinary Specialist Senior Chief Ken Stallard, who checked onboard only one day before ULTRA-C said, “This is a well oiled machine. I couldn’t have picked a better ship to retire on. The crew works well together and holds pride and professionalism to the highest level. I wanted to go out of the Navy on a positive note and I feel I can certainly do that onboard Gonzalez.” Impressed with the Sailors he met during each training evolution, he stood back and watched with pride as enthusiasm and training carried the day toward an extremely successful ULTRA-C by the end of the week.

Two days later on the morning of 12 December Gonzalez returned pierside ready for Command Master Chief Keith Thomas’ popular “Liberty Call! Liberty Call!” ready for the next set of evolutions, the Command Holiday Party and the Gonzalez Children’s Holiday Party. Fresh on the heels of ULTRA-C the ship hosted the annual Holiday Party at the Lesner Inn the Saturday after returning from sea. With door prizes ranging from a big screen television to a laptop computer and much more, Gonzalez Sailors kicked back and enjoyed an outstanding meal and live entertainment which included a dance contest. During an exciting dance off, the three dance contest finalists brought out their best moves. LTJG Chris Edwards showed his best moves and seemed to be the front runner, until GM2 Miquel Vargas won the crowd over with his combination of footwork and dark sunglasses. Neither finalist could ultimately compete with ENS Kurt Bogart who broke out an 80s old school move called “The Worm.” While he enjoyed the fun of the Holiday Party and dance off, GM1 Lamarcus Hopson said his highlight of the evening was simply, “enjoying the camaraderie amongst the crew. It was nice to see smiling faces, relax and enjoy some good conversation.” While the Holiday Party was full of laughter and fun, there was still something missing: the amazing children of the moms and dads who serve on Gonzalez. The very next day, after breaking down from the Holiday Party, the ship’s MWR Committee set up and entertained more than 65 children ranging in age from a one-month to twelve year old pre-teens at a special Children’s Holiday Part at Liberty Lanes Bowling Center. Each child received a special gift from Santa and had fun bowling, playing games, and eating as much pizza as their hearts desired. The MWR committee wrapped over 70 presents decorated the bowling hall and threw an amazing party which everyone, moms and dads included, enjoyed.

The week of ULTRA-C and Gonzalez holiday’s parties was only one week in the life of DDG Sailors. After a short holiday leave and upkeep period, Gonzalez was back underway again for two weeks from 5-18 January supporting the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group’s Composition Two Exercise as an Opposing Force (OPFOR) ship in the Jacksonville Operating Area. Two days after returning from sea, Gonzalez plunged right into two major inspections, the Supply Management Certification and the Maintenance, Material and Management Inspection. The very next week Gonzalez sailed up the York River, spending a week at the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station Offloading all primary weapons from the ship before arriving at BAE shipyard this week for a maintenance availability.

Every week brings new challenges and new opportunities, but don’t expect to find a tired or weary crew when you cross the Gonzalez Quarterdeck. In fact, what you will find instead is the most resilient group of men and women on the waterfront, Sailors ready to defend their country, ready to greet guests with a smile or a kind gesture, and always ready to go “Beyond the Call.” - IT2 (SW/AW) Donaldson and CS2 (SW) Clark

Life As a New GONZALEZ Sailor

2009-01-27T18:30:00.000-08:00

The number one tenant of the GONZALEZ Command Philosophy is taking care of Sailors. It reads: "There is no need for a mission without Sailors to execute it - plain and simple. With the exception of the most newly reported, most junior seaman recruit, every Sailor on GONZALEZ is responsible for someone else. We treat each other with respect and dignity without preference or prejudice. We are all Shipmates, and in any moment of crisis or conflict, I expect each of us to rise to the occasion with honor, courage, and commitment to support each other. I expect GONZALEZ leadership to praise in public and reprimand in private. Taking care of Sailors extends to families as well. Our sponsor program, family readiness group and command websites should be the pride of the fleet."

The last line above hits home on an extremely important aspect of taking care of Sailors and that is our GONZALEZ sponsor program, a program of which I am very proud. The part of the sponsor program particular to me is ensuring each new Sailor checks in with me within 24 hours of arrival. During the check in, I get the opportunity to congratulate the newest GONZALEZ Sailor on joining the best crew in the Navy! Just ask any GONZALEZ Sailor, they will tell you I welcome every new Sailor the same way. I then get a chance to learn about our newest shipmate, tell him or her a little about GONZALEZ and our proud heritage, and share my expectations. For Sailors reporting to their very first ship for the very first time, it is always a pleasure to hear their stories of why they joined the Navy and be a part of their excitement about serving at sea in their first term. It has been a long time since the day I reported to my very first ship for the first time though. So with that in mind, I asked one of my Public Affairs writers to capture a few thoughts on life as a new Sailor. She captured a few things I hadn't thought of in a while. Enjoy...

Every Navy Sailor knows that their former life as a civilian is much different than life in the United States Navy. One of the things which comes to mind in the early days of training for every new Sailor is being told what to wear, where to go, and when to be there. While there is certainly structure to the civilian world new Sailors leave behind upon joining the Navy, when learning what to wear, where to go, and when to be there, all new Sailors learn how quickly they used to take daily liberties for granted. Even for such a simple decision as hair style, the Navy already has an answer. This level of structure, routine, and daily discipline goes a long way though to help the Navy and Sailors, new and old, be ready for any mission and any task.
New Sailors reporting to USS GONZALEZ have had many different reactions to checking onboard their first ship. Some reported confusion from the moment they stepped onto the pier. Some weren’t sure where they were supposed to go or how to cross the brow? Should they salute the flag with a sea bag on their back and all their worldly possessions in their arms? Although they had all practiced their first day onboard their new ship at Recruit Training Command, many thoughts filled their mind as they requested permission to come aboard for the very first time. And too, they knew every eye on the ship’s Quarterdeck was on them. Who is this new check-in? Where are they from? Fresh out of boot camp or time in an ‘A’ School?
Checking onboard the ship is an important event for all hands, not only is the new Sailor unfamiliar to the ship, but the ship is now responsible for making sure the new Sailor is properly checked in, taken care of, and learns their way around. Everything onboard the ship is a new experience. From the moment a new Sailor steps inside the skin of the ship, the smell of metal overwhelms them. Walking by the galley they smell the aromas of morning Navy chow and a fresh pot of coffee just brewed. None of this reminds them of home. Every step is taken carefully so as to not hit their head on a battle lantern or shin on the knee knockers. And why they are called “knee knockers” and not “shin killers?” And while everyone is speaking English, it is definitely a different language. It sounds like boot camp, just more complicated. All of his happens within the first few hours of checking onboard. Some new Sailors said they felt like their head was going to explode with information.
So how do new sailors cope with the change of atmosphere, the language that doesn’t seem to have a dictionary, and the bells, whistles, and alarms that seem to come from nowhere? Some feel like they have it a little easier from the start. “It was a pretty easy transition for me. My Dad was in the military so I grew up around it,” offered Operational Specialist Seaman Recruit Freeman Stephens. He felt calm and comfortable the day he checked aboard. He had grown up around Navy-speak and felt comfortable transitioning from being a “Navy Brat” to a Sailor. Many other didn’t feel the same, “When I reported to the ship, I had to fly into Madrid to meet the ship in Rota, Spain. Nobody spoke English and no one knew where we were supposed to go. They almost sent us to the wrong country,” exclaimed Sonar Technician Third Class Petty Officer David Barthel.
While it is an exciting time for new Sailors and their new Division onboard the ship, most said boot camp prepared them well and that it was important to remember there is no such thing as a dumb question. So what is the author’s best advice for newly reported Sailors? Breathe. After all, new Sailors, like everyone else onboard, will wake up, get up, and do it all over again tomorrow. - CS2(SW) Julie Clark

January Gulf Stream Weather

2009-01-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

GONZALEZ Sailors returned home to their family friends today after 2 weeks of training at sea to kick off the new year. We sailed in several operating areas up and down the East Coast in both warm weather and cold for the month of January. One of the more interesting weather phenomena we observed occured while crossing the Gulf Stream off the Cape Hatteras NC coast. Although the temperature outside was in the low 40s, we recorded a sea surface temperature of 76F in the Gulf Stream. With relative winds more than 30 knots over the bow, the weather outside the ship was bitter cold. The temperature differential between the air and sea though almost made it look like the ocean was boiling. As it was close to dusk when I took some pictures, the camera didn't capture the full effect, but it was quite a strange phenomena to see.

2009 - I am a GONZALEZ Sailor

2009-01-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

The Sailor's Creed is an important aspect of many ceremonies onboard GONZALEZ. To honor the best crew in the Navy, I incorporated a GONZALEZ version of the Sailor's creed with pictures and video from the 2008 deployment. The full DV version looks much better, but this compressed version was suitable for publication on the blog. Hit play on the video below to check it out.

I am a GONZALEZ Sailor.
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and all who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment.
I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.

The GONZALEZ Year in Review - 2008

2008-12-31T17:15:00.000-08:00

2008 was a great year to be 66! While I look forward to the events of 2009, it is a pleasure to look back on the personal and professional accomplishments of GONZALEZ Sailors during the last year. Many of those accomplishments are captured in the posts or links on my blog, but I couldn't resist posting a quick top 5 highlights.

1. Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2) Deployment. From the 19 February to 18 August, GONZALEZ deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as the US Navy component to the SNMG-2 task force. While deployed to 6th Fleet, GONZALEZ Sailors experienced first hand many tenants of the Maritime Strategy.

2. Commemorating the 66th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway. What better way for the Sailors of DDG-66 to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Midway than to pose for some retro photos to remember those who have gone before us.

3. Celebrating Mrs. Gonzalez’ birthday. On the day of our return from deployment, we had the honor of combining our homecoming with Mrs. Gonzalez’ birthday. I will never forget the image of GONZALEZ Sailors singing happy birthday after we moored.

4. Participating in the North Carolina Seafood Festival. After such a successful overseas deployment, GONZALEZ Sailors had a chance to demonstrate their pride and professionalism during a port visit to Morehead City, North Carolina.

5. Successfully completing our Unit Level Training Readiness and Assessment Certification (ULTRA-C). While GONZALEZ Sailors will continue to be faced with assessment and inspection challenges in 2009, wrapping up 2008 with a successful ULTRA-C was an excellent conclusion point for the year.

Gonzalez Holiday Cheer

2008-12-29T13:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays to all of our GONZALEZ family and friends! It’s that last time of the year between Christmas Day and New Years Eve, that time when children are out of school and for many of us things seem to be moving in slow motion as we await the New Year. Even though the ship is in a holiday leave and upkeep period, your Sailors still stand their watches, still stand duty, and still stand ready for the call. And while we are always ready, the best crew in the Navy certainly knows how to take care of our family and friends during the holidays. This year we held both a GONZALEZ Holiday Party and a Children’s Holiday Party. The GONZALEZ Holiday Party was a tremendous success and a real testament to the Sailors of the planning committee who organized it. Well done! One of the hits of the party this year was the dance contest. While we may not have anyone quite ready to dance with the stars, we did have a few stars of our own.

The very next day, we hosted our Children’s Holiday Party at the Bowling Center on the Naval Station. The GONZALEZ kids had a great time bowling, sampling pizzas and cake and taking part in a few special contests. The best part, of course, was the visit of Santa who brought gifts for everyone! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! - Captain

Fighting Freddy BLOG Update

2008-12-17T04:07:00.000-08:00

GONZALEZ Family and Friends,

We are two weeks away from closing out 2008, and as Commanding Officer of the Best Crew in the Navy it is easy to look back on the year with a swell of pride. Not only did we complete a very successful deployment to the Mediterranean, returning home with broomsticks lashed to the yardarms, we just passed our Unit Level Training Readiness Assessment Certification (ULTRA-C). Completing ULTRA-C caps off successfully completing every inspection, assessment, and certification since returning from deployment. The men and women of GONZALEZ (your sons, daughters, husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, friends, and shipmates) are batting 1000% for the year, and we are taking that record into 2009. Keeping us so busy has meant less time for me to update the blog and tell you about all the great things your Sailors have been doing, and I am woefully delinquent on some significant updates. So here we go...

Way back in September after we returned from deployment, the Hampton Roads Surface Navy Association sponsored their inaugural Enlisted Shiphandling Competition. While GONZALEZ has several Sailors and Chiefs who have stood and still stand watch as Conning Officer on the bridge, I naturally selected our most junior and only qualified enlisted Officer of the Deck Underway, OS2(SW) Dennis Denk, to compete in the contest. I'll let the links below speak for themselves on Petty Officer Denk's performance.

http://pentagonbrief.wordpress.com/2008/12/12/uss-gonzalez-sailor-wins-shiphandling-award/

http://www.navy.mil/dnu.asp?id=11564

In November, we had the opportunity to conduct a towing exercise with our DESRON TWO sister ship, USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47). It just so happened that we conducted this exercise just days before we took part in two actual rescues at sea (see our earlier post: GONZALEZ to the Rescue). I thought you might want to check out of few pictures of our work with NICHOLAS. As a well done to the Chief Boatswain's Mate and the Best Deck Crew in the Fleet, the Officer of the Deck closed up BRAVO ZULU OD Division on the starboard halyard.

In November we celebrated Thanksgiving onboard GONZALEZ with a phenomenal holiday feast. Is that the XO on the serving line?

In December we also selected our Sailors of the Year and held our Holiday and Children's Holiday Parties. I'll post a holiday and congratulatory blog next.

- Captain

GONZALEZ to the Rescue

2008-11-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Every day of the year the United States Coast Guard rescues people and property all across the United States, on our inland waters and territorial seas, on the high seas, and around the world. During our last training period at sea, GONZALEZ Sailors experienced two opportunities to provide rescue and assistance to other mariners on the high seas and work with the Coast Guard at the same time. On the 8th of November we responded to a distress call from the sailboat Gypsy Dane. Just a few days later, we responded to a second distressed sailboat, the Reina Del Sol. In the case of the Gypsy Dane, GONZALEZ Sailors repaired a completely destroyed rudder post and cut away approximately 50 feet of line tangled around the sailboat’s rudder, shaft, and propeller. Just as we finished our repairs, the Coast Guard Cutter SENECA arrived on the scene and made sure the vessel and master were good to go as we continued on with our training.

On the Reina Del Sol, repairs were not possible, so we towed the sailboat with our 7 meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and embarked the two crew members for the night until the Coast Guard Cutter SPENCER arrived the next morning. SPENCER took the sailboat under tow for further transfer to the Canadian Coast Guard. All in all, I can’t express well enough in words how proud I was of every GONZALEZ Sailor who participated in our two rescue and assistance missions. The Coast Guard Atlantic Area Commander even said he would welcome us into the Coast Guard Fleet as an honorary cutter…as long as we could get just a few more search and rescues under our belt.

Training, Training, Training

2008-10-30T11:52:00.000-07:00

One of the questions I often get asked by family and friends is, “What does the ship do while you are in port?” Day for day, it seems that in port we are always much busier than when we are at sea. At the same time, it is actually much easier to explain what we do while we are at sea on deployment rather than explaining what we do all day in port. Primarily our in port days are filled with training and maintaining GONZALEZ in the best material condition possible so we are always ready for any range of mission whether that be a surge deployment, a homeland defense, or a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief call.

During October we were afforded an opportunity to do some training with our installation command, the Norfolk Naval Base. We participated in an Exercise called Citadel Protect 2008. Check out the link to the exercise to read more. GONZALEZ Participates In Citadel Protect

Seafood and Tigers!

2008-10-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, the 1st of October, Fighting Freddy sailed for Morehead City, North Carolina to participate in the 22nd Annual North Carolina Seafood Festival. The morning of our departure we also embarked 37 Tigers – family and friends who joined us the ride down to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina. Our Tigers got to see us put the ship through her paces over the two and half-day transit during which some of the highlights included a gun shoot, damage control drill, F-18 fly-by, and a demonstration of our maximum speed. Mostly, I think the Tigers enjoying seeing their Sailors at work and getting to experience a few days of life at sea on a ship of war.

We arrived at the port of Morehead City early on Friday morning and moored as close to down town as our draft allowed. From the moment of our arrival we participated in a host of Seafood Festival Activities, including the opening ceremonies, the 8K Twin Bridges Race, and the Blessing of the Fleet. We also took the opportunity to visit the Harbor View Towers Nursing Home and volunteer with the North Carolina Coastal Federation. Of course, we also opened up the ship for tours and had almost 2000 festival attendees tour the ship on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

For me personally, following our six month deployment to the Mediterranean, I enjoyed the opportunity to visit a great American city and see GONZALEZ Sailors ashore in their white uniforms. I was very proud to see local folks shake the hands of my Sailors and thank them for their service. At a time when there are concerns about so many things going on in all of our lives, it was an honor to simply be surrounded by such a strong community whose livelihood, like ours, also depends on the seas. Please take a moment to check out some of the local news we generated.

GONZALEZ Sailors Participate in NC Beach Clean Up

News from GONZALEZ Tigers

We're Back!!

2008-09-23T07:51:00.001-07:00

We’re back! After a six month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two, GONZALEZ is home again. And what a homecoming! Not only was it great to see all of our family and friends, but Mrs. Dolia Gonzalez, our sponsor and mother of our namesake Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez, was on the pier to greet us. Even better, the day of our homecoming was also her 79th birthday, and we helped her celebrate in style with a 200 strong chorus of GONZALEZ Sailors in their dress white singing “Happy Birthday’ to her from the bow of the ship. In addition to Commander Second Fleet, Commander Carrier Strike Group Twelve, and Commander Destroyer Squadron Two, we were honored to also be welcomed home by a contingent of Marines, both active duty and retired. To see our entire GONZALEZ family gathered together as one on homecoming was a great reminder of the experience of serving with the best crew in the Navy!

Now that we are home, I intend to update our blog every other week or so to keep our family and friends up to date with all of the great things we will be involved in between now and our next deployment. In case you missed them, enjoy the new links to the media coverage of our homecoming. All the best, Captain.

USS GONZALEZ 4th of July and NATO Change of Command

2008-07-31T03:57:00.000-07:00

It is tradition onboard USS Gonzalez for morning reveille on the ship’s announcing circuit to be preceded by a song chosen by the Officer of the Deck, but only when underway, not in port or at anchor. Yet, as Gonzalez swung on her anchor in the Italian port of Taranto on the 4th of July, the ship’s Command Career Counselor, NC1(SW/AW) Lisa Stocks, broke tradition by playing the American National Anthem to wake up the crew. Sailors rose out of their bunks to come to attention at the playing of the National Anthem, and then after the Anthem finished, the Commanding Officer, Commander Brian Fort, directed the crew to remain at attention. He then discharged and re-enlisted OS2(SW) Byron Harris over the same announcing circuit. After morning colors, CDMCM(SW) Keith Thomas re-enlisted IT3(SW) Franklin Fielder on the flight deck, and the Supply Officer, LT Kennis Sigmon, re-enlisted SK2(SW/AW) Mychal Travers in the Supply Support Office. What a great way for three outstanding Gonzalez Sailors to honor our National Day of Independence!
The 4th of July had only just begun for the crew of Gonzalez, however. On the same morning, 40 Gonzalez Sailors assembled on the pier at the Italian Naval Base of Taranto across from the Turkish Flagship, TCG Salehreis, and the Italian Flagship, ITS Luigi Durand De La Penne. Standing in a smart formation with platoons from Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Great Britain, they stood by for the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2) Change of Command, in which Italian Navy Rear Admiral Giovanni Gumiero relieved Turkish Navy Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul. As is tradition, Rear Admiral Ertugrul commanded SNMG-2 for one year, always at the ready as the NATO Reserve Force and conducting a number of important exercises and operational training program events. During Gonzalez’ participation as the U.S. contribution to the task force, SNMG-2 participated in the Turkish Exercise Mavi Balina and the Italian Exercise Mare Aperto. Rear Admiral Ertugrul also led SNMG-2 through several periods Operation Active Endeavor (OAE) surge operations. As part of OAE, Gonzalez and the ships of SNMG-2 conducted maritime security operations throughout the Mediterranean. Using Automated Information Systems (AIS) carried onboard NATO ships, Gonzalez’ Combat Systems Officer, Lieutenant Brian Maynard summarized the purpose of OAE, “Our goal is to know who is who, and to detour merchant ships from any illegal activity. If we do that then our mission is successful.”
With the operational handover completed, Rear Admiral Gumiero will now lead the SNMG-2 ships into more further OAE missions and a similar training and exercise program. During his Change of Command speech he praised the work of Rear Admiral Ertugrul and the crews of the SNMG-2 ships. For the Gonzalez Sailors in formation on the pier, it was a moment of pride to hear both Admirals talk about how well the task force had performed. FC2(SW) Mona Healey recounted her thoughts, “I was very impressed with the honor Rear Admiral Ertugrul illustrated as he reviewed each platoon and saluted each flag one after the other. The symbolism was amazing especially being the Fourth of July, it was definitely liberating.” As the sun beat down on the band, color guard, and NATO platoons, STG3 Shawn Donahoe explained his feelings as part of the Gonzalez platoon, “It was great being a part of the platoon. Standing at parade rest for 30 minutes in the heat was difficult, but it was an honor to stand there with my shipmates, and all the NATO ships on the 4th of July.”
Gonzalez will conduct one more operational training program at sea and one more period of OAE surge operations with the Italian Flagship, ITS Luigi Durand De La Penne, and HMS Somerset before detaching from NATO and returning home during the NATO Summer Dispersal.

Teaching at a Different PACE

2008-07-31T03:48:00.000-07:00

There have been many Navy College Programs Afloat College Education (PACE) Instructors who have walked the passageways of USS Gonzalez over the years, but none quite like Mr. Dennis Saliny. He was a unique PACE Instructor who not only understood the importance of education but also the discipline and dedication of military personnel, particularly those who invest in a higher education while deployed overseas.

A commissioned officer in the United States Army with a Bachelors Degree in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University, he served seven years in the Army including more than two years working with the South Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. As a Vietnam Veteran he was particularly in tune with Gonzalez’ namesake, Sergeant Freddy Gonzalez, who received the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty at the Battle of Hue City during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge from the Army, Dennis worked for the Western Electric Company, Bell Laboratories, and Motorola, completing a Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. In 2001 he after serving as the Manufacturing Director for the Automotive and Consumer Electronics Group for Motorola, he took an early retirement. Not long after retirement, however, he returned to Northwestern were he taught business and math courses. After four years at Northwestern, he needed a change of pace and a change of environment. In May 2006, Dennis joined the ranks of NC-PACE instructors, having found the perfect opportunity to combine his love for education and his dedication to the military.

Prior to reporting to Gonzalez, Dennis deployed as the NC-PACE Instructor onboard the cruisers USS Shiloh and the Chancellorsville where he taught business and math courses and most recently onboard USS Carter Hall where he taught another math course will deployed to the Horn of Africa. Like all Sailors, he had to learn to make the transition from life ashore to life afloat, getting great support one the home front from his wife, Melva, who also served in Vietnam as an Army MASH nurse. Dennis joined Gonzalez on March 16, 2008 while the ship was at anchor off Antalya, Turkey. From the day he joined, not only his Sailor students, but the entire crew knew he was going to be special – an outstanding shipmate. As the NC-PACE Instructor, he taught College Algebra I and II over the course of his four months onboard. Like the Gonzalez motto, he went “Beyond the Call” of mere instruction. He conducted two teaching sessions a day to ensure that any Sailor who wanted had the opportunity to attend his classes, and he conducted additional study sessions throughout the day so Gonzalez Sailors who may have been having difficulties in some areas would have the opportunity for personal tutoring. Added the Commanding Officer, Commander Brian Fort, “During Dennis’ time as our PACE Instructor, he was truly a member of the crew. He participated in everything we did underway and inport – drills, awards ceremonies, Captain’s Cup events, re-enlistments, fresh water washes, sea and anchor details. He even helped out on working parties and conned the ship for a man overboard drill. You name it, Dennis was there and involved.”

Being deployed with the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2) Task Force, Dennis’ devotion wasn’t confined within the bulkheads of Gonzalez either. After seeing Dennis topside during some close order tactical maneuvering the Commanding Officer of the British ship in SNMG-2 asked about the presence of a civilian onboard. After learning of Dennis’ qualifications, HMS Somerset (F82) asked if he might be available to assist some their Sailors as well. He then spent a week onboard the Royal Navy frigate where he conducted a preparatory course helping British Sailors prepare for a mathematics test given by Cambridge University, pertinent to them for either advancement purposes or as a pre-requisite for a GED-like test or college placement upon discharge from the Navy. He held classes twice a day for six days and tutored eight students in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and beginning Calculus. He even assisted a British Sailor who was taking a physics course as part of a distance learning course.

Dennis further influenced Sailors onboard Gonzalez in teaching them that there is no limit to learning. STG2(SW) Benjamin Lane stated, “Mr. Saliny is a real go getter, and also a very unique instructor whose passion for teaching or passing down any type of knowledge is apparent. Even students who have had little knowledge for math in their previous years were brushing the cobwebs off with ease.”

Of course when asked why he loved to teach Dennis simply smiled and said, “I love and respect the Sailors. They are giving up their free time to do this in addition to working and completing pertinent qualifications. I have been impressed with their interest and dedication.” After a special ceremony to recognize Dennis’ service to Gonzalez, when asked what he liked most about the ship, he added, “I love how the ward room and Chiefs and the Sailors are so close and supportive of each other. I have also had the chance to interact more with the crew onboard this ship.”

Dennis departed Gonzalez and returned to his family with one month left to go in the ship’s deployment. To date, this was his longest period at sea as a NC-PACE Instructor. On behalf of the men and women of Gonzalez, fair winds and following seas to an outstanding instructor, Sailor, and shipmate.

USS Gonzalez Makes Port Visits to Trieste, Italy and Koper, Slovenia

2008-06-26T05:09:00.000-07:00

The Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) recently made back-to-back port visits in Trieste, Italy and Koper, Slovenia while part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2). Gonzalez, commanded by Commander Brian Fort, is on a routine deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and joined the ships of SNMG-2 in March. In addition to Gonzalez, SNMG-2 is currently comprised of warships from Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Greece. SNMG-2’s mission is to provide an operationally ready force while serving as part of the Standing Maritime Element for the NATO Response Force (NRF). The SNMG-2 Task Force is commanded by Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul, Turkish Navy, embarked on the flagship, TCG Salihreis.

In Trieste, Gonzalez Sailors had their first opportunity to sample some of the best of Italian cuisine. More than half of the crew also enjoyed the opportunity to take the train from Trieste to Venice and enjoy one of the most beautiful and recognized cities in the world. Continuing the theme of international comraderie, the Gonzalez Chief Petty Officers’ Mess accompanied Chiefs from several of the NATO ships in celebrating an April version of Octoberfest onboard the German frigate, FGS Niedersachen.

In Koper, Gonzalez hosted several distinguished visitors, conducted tours for local guests, and hosted the NATO Force Reception on behalf of CSNMG-2. Among the distinguished visitors were the Slovenian Minister of Defense, Mr. Karl Erjaven, Chief of Slovenian General Staff, General Albin Gutman, and Koper’s Deputy Mayor. During the tours onboard Gonzalez, over 100 Slovenian naval personnel from the 430th Slovenian Naval Detachment and 75 students and faculty from the maritime academy enjoyed learning about the American destroyer.

The highlight of the ship’s port visit to Koper was hosting the NATO Force Reception for over 125 guests. In addition to officers and Chief Petty Officers from the NATO sister ships, Gonzalez hosted Slovenian military personnel and several American Embassy guests, including the Charge d’Affairs, Maryruth Coleman, and acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Grace Shelton. Other distinguished guests included the Turkish and German Ambassadors to Slovenia. Gonzalez Sailors beamed with pride to open their ship to such a broad range of multi-national guests. Culinary Specialist Third Class Julie Clark noted that the reception “reminded me of how much our Navy is committed to an atmosphere of excellence. I was proud to welcome visitors from other countries to show them how professional we are.” Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Recruit Staton added that “being part of the reception was the coolest thing I’ve ever done in the Navy.”

The two port visits also allowed Gonzalez Sailors the opportunity to say farewell to Sailors of the Greek frigate, HS Hydra while continuing to get to enjoy knowing their NATO shipmates. Although Trieste and Koper are sister ports, separated by only a few miles, the SNMG-2 ships sailed overnight between the ports. The overnight sailing providing an excellent opportunity for a traditional NATO Sail Past Exercise in which the departing Greek frigate sailed past Gonzalez the other ships at a close interval. In addition to rendering honors, Gonzalez Sailors said farewell with music from the ship’s band and a damage control exercise, including a display of the ship’s long range firemain capability. After bidding farewell to HS Hydra, in Koper Gonzalez served as the host ship to welcome the newest ship to join SNMG-2, HS Kountouriotis. Several Gonzalez Sailors also joined in on another international sports competition against the Slovenian Navy in soccer and volleyball. Fifteen Gonzalez Sailors also attended a SNMG-2 tour to the caves at Postojna and the capital city of Ljubljana, and while not touring the sites of Slovenia, Gonzalez Sailors enjoyed liberty with their NATO shipmates in the resort city of Portoroz.

Since joining SNMG-2, Gonzalez has made other port visits in Spain, Turkey, Israel, and Greece. The ship is currently in Palermo, Italy preparing to host NATO Parliamentarians and getting ready for their next big, multi-national exercise, Mare Aperto 2008. Gonzalez departed her homeport of Norfolk, Virginia in February and expects to return from her routine six-month deployment in August and rejoin Destroyer Squadron Two.

NATO, Turkey and Pakistan Join Together for Maritime War Games in Exercise Mavi Balina

2008-06-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

The Turkish Navy Invitational Exercise MAVI BALINA ’08 took place last week off the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The Turkish Navy invited the Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG-2) and Pakistani Navy to participate in various naval exercises driven by synthetic tensions between fictionalized opposing forces. SNMG-2 is currently comprised of warships from Turkey, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands. The mission of SNMG-2 is to provide an operationally ready force while serving as part of the Standing Maritime Element for the NATO Response Force (NRF). The SNMG-2 Task Force is commanded by Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul, Turkish Navy, embarked on the SNMG-2 flagship, TCG Salihreis.

The main objective of Mavi Balina was to provide operational training for units and staffs in planning and conducting anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare. The exercise enabled the staff and ships of SNMG-2 to hone their combat skills in a complex multinational environment, better preparing the force for combat operations in support of the NATO Response Force. Exercise Mavi Balina consisted of four phases: Force Assembly, Combat Enhancement Training/Force Integration Training, Tactical Exercises, and Force Disassembly.

The Force assembled in Aksaz, Turkey on March 7 in order to conduct pre-sail conferences and working group meetings in preparation for the exercise. The SNMG-2 ships comprising the Brown Forces included TCG Salihreis, USS Gonzalez, HMS Somerset, HNLMS Amsterdam, FGS Niedersachsen, ITS Euro, and HS Hydra. The Blue Forces were commanded by Rear Admiral Fikret Gunes, Commander of the Turkish Southern Task Group. The Blue forces were comprised of Turkish and Pakistani ships, including TCG Kemalreis, TCG Gelibolu, TCG Zafer, TCG Bartin, TCG Preveze, TCG Yildiray, PNS Tariq, and PNS Moawin.

The CET/FIT phase took place over the first three days of the exercise. The aim of this phase was to enhance interoperability in the principal maritime warfare areas through individual and mission-oriented events, including basic/intermediate anti-submarine warfare training and submarine vs. submarine operations in the Eastern Mediterranean. The final three days of the exercise consisted of the Tactical Exercise. The events during this portion of the exercise involved a wide spectrum of advanced anti-submarine training in a multi-threat environment, including convoy operations and advanced submarine vs. submarine operations. Exercise Mavi Balina culminated in a port visit to Antalya, Turkey, where the force conducted event debriefings and enjoyed some time ashore.

In addition to preparing ships and staff for complex maritime warfare training, Mavi Balina provided an opportunity for strengthen the NATO bonds between warships and their crews. The exercise demonstrated the solidarity and cohesiveness of coalition organizations such as SNMG-2. During the Force Assembly phase, Rear Admiral Gunes hosted a reception onboard his flagship, TCG Kemalreis, where Sailors from every ship in both forces joined together to celebrate the spirit of cooperation. Additionally, many Sailors spent time on other ships before, during, and after the exercise, giving them a chance to see how their NATO shipmates operate on a day-to-day basis. Sailors were quick to learn that while they may be of different nationality, they are very much alike, as they share a common bond of being mariners dedicated to their countries and families.

SNMG-2, previously known as NATO Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean, is a permanent, peacetime, multinational, naval squadron composed of destroyers, cruisers and frigates from the navies of various NATO nations. The Force operates and trains as a group, exercising NATO maritime tactics and procedures. Since it’s creation in 1967, the group has involved a total of over 500 ships and more than 150,000 service-men and -women. It annually schedules a series of NATO and national exercises designed to maintain readiness and foster interoperability.

USS Gonzalez Participates in NATO/Israeli Navy Exercise

2008-06-26T04:19:00.000-07:00

The Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) recently participated in a combined NATO/Israeli Navy exercise as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2). Gonzalez, commanded by Commander Brian Fort, is on a routine deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and joined the ships of SNMG-2 in March. In addition to Gonzalez, SNMG-2 is currently comprised of warships from Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Greece. SNMG-2’s mission is to provide an operationally ready force while serving as part of the Standing Maritime Element for the NATO Response Force (NRF). The SNMG-2 Task Force is commanded by Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul, Turkish Navy, embarked on the flagship, TCG Salihreis.

During the NATO/Israeli exercise, SNMG-2 ships conducted several at-sea and inport training events with the Israeli Navy. For the underway exercises, the Gonzalez, Turkish frigate Salihreis, and Greek frigate Hydra participated in a Search and Rescue exercise with the INS Lahav and INS Keshet. Upon completion, the five ships conducted close-order tactical maneuvering drills and a tactical communications exercise.

After the underway events, the ships of SNMG-2 moored in Haifa, Israel for four days. While inport, Gonzalez held a damage control exhibition for over fifty Israeli Sailors, including equipment demonstrations on the ship’s flight deck and an internal fire fighting drill. “The United States Navy has made Damage Control a huge priority and I think foreign navies admire this and want to learn more about the successes we have had in this field,” noted LTJG Mary Scott, Gonzalez’s Damage Control Assistant. Gonzalez also hosted sixty Israeli Sailors for general tours, and several Gonzalez Sailors visited Israeli ships. Gonzalez Sailors also joined their NATO shipmates in friendly soccer, basketball, and volleyball competitions against Israeli Sailors. These events provided excellent opportunities for the Sailors from other countries to come together professionally and socially, share ideas, and build a sense of fellowship.

The ship’s visit to Israel afforded the crew numerous opportunities to explore the rich history of Israel, including tours of Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Dead Sea, and Mount Carmel. “It is almost hard to take in how important this area is to our world religions. I will remember this trip for the rest of my life,” said Hull Technician Third Class Cameron Davis. The Commanding Officers of the NATO ships also attended a wreath laying ceremony with Rear Admiral Ertugrul at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem. “I cannot imagine a more endearing moment for this deployment than the opportunity I had to see the Admiral represent NATO at Yad Vashem. After the wreath laying ceremony as we toured the Children’s Memorial, I couldn’t help but notice that as we passed through and listened to the names of children being read aloud that the last name we heard was that of a 16 year old Turkish girl key who died in a concentration camp. With Admiral Ertugrul being from Turkey, it was indeed a powerful moment for all of us,” added Commander Fort.

Gonzalez and the ships of SNMG-2 are currently participating in Operation Active Endeavour, NATO’s maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea in support of the global war on terror. Gonzalez’s last port of call was Volos, Greece. The ship departed Norfolk, Virginia in February and expects to return from its routine six-month deployment in August and rejoin Destroyer Squadron Two.

Onboard USS Gonzalez: 30 Days of 21st Century Seapower as part of a NATO Force

2008-06-26T04:10:00.000-07:00

On March 6, 2008, less than three weeks after departing Norfolk for a routine six month deployment, the guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) sailed over the Mediterranean horizon south of Crete and joined the other ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2). Gonzalez reported for duty to the Turkish Flagship, TCG Salihreis, took station in a SNMG-2 Screen Wimbledon, and one hour later received fuel from the Dutch Oiler HNLMS Amsterdam. Over the next 30 days, the ship made port calls to both Aksaz and Antalya, Turkey; Volos, Greece; and Haifa, Israel, mooring pierside, outboard another ship, and anchoring twice. She served as Air Defense Commander for the NATO forces in the multi-national Exercise Mavi Balina 2008, conducted a PASSEX with the Israeli Navy, and commenced a period of Surge Operations in support of Operation Active Endeavor. Over those 30 days, Gonzalez Sailors experienced first hand the Navy’s role in the Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.

“One of the tenants of the our maritime strategy is to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with more international partners. Specifically, the strategy notes that trust and cooperation cannot be surged. That is exactly what Gonzalez’ role in NATO has been all about so far. Over our first 30 days we worked hard to build the trust of the SNMG-2 Admiral. He needed to know that while we were just another team player in his task force, we were ready to be his Air Defense Commander and ready to execute a broad range of NATO missions. We spent our first weeks in SNMG-2 learning to think with a multi-national NATO mindset as opposed to the U.S. Navy mindset. Without a doubt our first thirty days in NATO set the expectations for the deployment,” added Gonzalez’ Commanding Officer, Commander Brian Fort, a native of Little Rock, Arkansas. “In fact, I look back on our first month in NATO and can’t help but think we truly experienced, and are still experiencing, the 21st century vision of seapower the Chief of Naval Operations signed up for with the Commandants of the Marine Corps and Coast Guard.”

Soon after joining SNMG-2, Gonzalez participated in the Turkish Navy Invitational Exercise Mavi Balina 2008, which took place off the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The Turkish Navy invited the ships of the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2) and Pakistani Navy to participate in various naval exercises driven by synthetic tensions between fictionalized opposing forces. The main objective of Mavi Balina was to provide operational training for units and staffs in planning and conducting anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare. The exercise enabled the staff and ships of SNMG-2 to hone their combat skills in a complex multinational environment, better preparing the force for combat operations in support of the NATO Response Force. The exercise also provided an opportunity to strengthen the NATO bonds between warships and their crews, and many Sailors spent time on other ships during the exercise, giving them a chance to see how their NATO shipmates operate on a day-to-day basis. On completion of Mavi Balina and enroute to the port call in Antalya, Turkey, Gonzalez had the unique opportunity to shoot 5” rounds on a live Turkish gunnery range as opposed to a virtual range.

After Mavi Balina 2008, unique opportunities continued to spring up for Gonzalez. First, the destroyer made a rare port call to Volos, Greece; the first U.S. ship to visit Volos in more than seven years. While in Volos, several Gonzalez officers made a journey to see the site of the Battle of Thermopylae, popularized in 2007 in the movie 300, and the ruins of the Temple at Delphi. For Lieutenant Derek Cedars of Denver, Colorado, a history major from the Naval Academy, visiting Thermopylae was a once in a lifetime experience. “It was not my first battlefield visit, having visited many of the American Civil War sites in the Mid-Atlantic region while a Midshipman at the Naval Academy; however it was a great opportunity to visit the site of a major battle that took place over 2,000 years ago. There has been some substantial soil erosion and the current coast is about 20 miles from the original cliffs, but you can still feel the energy and picture the combined Greek Army battling the Persians.”

Upon sailing from Volos and enroute to Haifa, Israel, Gonzalez and the other ships in SNMG-2 participated in a robust underway training program to hone the task force’s air defense and maritime interdiction operations skills. Daily the SNMG-2 ships participated in link and air defense exercises and practice boardings, rotating between the U.S., British, Greek, Italian, German, Turkish, and Dutch ships in the group. On the day prior to pulling into port in Haifa, Gonzalez was selected to serve in a combined exercise with Israeli Navy ships in the Eastern Mediterranean. Although it is not uncommon for U.S. Navy ships to exercise with the Israeli Navy, the PASSEX opportunity was quite historic for NATO ships, the Turkish Flagship Salihreis, and Greek frigate Hydra. The three NATO ships participated in a search and rescue exercise with the INS Lahav and INS Keshet, and upon completion, conducted close-order tactical maneuvering drills and a tactical communications exercise. Once in Haifa, Gonzalez held a damage control exhibition for over fifty Israeli Sailors, including equipment demonstrations on the ship’s flight deck and an internal fire fighting drill. Later, Gonzalez hosted a variety of Israeli Sailors for general tours.

Common amongst all port visits as part of a NATO task force, Gonzalez participated in force receptions, personnel exchange programs, sporting contests, and other forms of positive engagement with both the other NATO ships and host nation community and Navy; all of which are inclusive to the overall maritime strategy of international partnership, camaraderie and fellowship among Sailors. Many Gonzalez Sailors quickly realized they had a lot in common with their foreign shipmates and found themselves looking forward to visiting with their new friends in the next port of call. They were quick to learn that while they may be of different nationalities, they are very much alike, sharing the common bond of being mariners at sea dedicated to their countries and families.

Of course, the port calls have also offered Gonzalez Sailors the opportunity to explore the rich historical cultures of the Mediterranean. Trips sponsored by Gonzalez’ now world-renowned Morale, Welfare, and Recreation committee took Sailors to places from the ancient ruins at Ephesus in Turkey to the holy city of Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, and Nazareth. Operations Specialist Second Class (SW) Travis Holloway from Norfolk, Virginia, noted, “I would never have imagined being fortunate enough to visit Jerusalem if it had not been for the Navy’s operations with NATO. Until recently, not many ships had come here. This was truly the chance of lifetime.”

Thirty days after Gonzalez reported for NATO duty, the SNMG-2 ships sailed from Haifa, and commenced a period of Operation Active Endeavour surge operations, NATO’s maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea in support of the global war on terror.
Over the remainder of her current deployment, Gonzalez will continue to serve in SNMG-2, participating as the U.S. Navy representative to the NATO Response Force, supporting the tenents of the Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower. Gonzalez departed her homeport of Norfolk, Virginia in February and expects to return from her routine six-month deployment in August.

USS Gonzalez Joins Standing NATO Maritime Group Two and Makes a Port Visit to Aksaz, Turkey

2008-06-26T04:09:00.000-07:00

The Norfolk-based guided missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) joined the ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG-2) on March 6, 2008 while deployed to the 6th Fleet Area of Operations. In addition to Gonzalez, SNMG-2 is currently comprised of warships from Turkey, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands. SNMG-2’s mission is to provide an operationally ready force while serving as part of the Standing Maritime Element for the NATO Response Force (NRF). The SNMG-2 Task Force is commanded by Rear Admiral Sinan Ertugrul, Turkish Navy, embarked on the flagship, TCG Salihreis. Upon reporting for duty, Gonzalez refueled with the Dutch oiler, HNLMS Amsterdam, and then made a port visit with the other SNMG-2 ships to Aksaz, Turkey in support of exercise Mavi Balina 08.

Exercise Mavi Balina 08 is a Combined Multinational Exercise designed to provide an advanced training opportunity in the various aspects of undersea warfare and submarine to submarine operations in a multinational, intense and complex environment and to improve cooperation and interoperability between the participating units. The ships of SNMG-2 are participating in the exercise at the invitation of the Turkish Navy. In addition to attending pre-sail conferences and syndicate meeting associated with the exercise, the Commanding Officer of Gonzalez, Commander Brian Fort, attended a reception onboard the Pakistani Naval Ship, PNS Tariq. PNS Tariq and PNS Moawin also arrived in Aksaz with the SNMG-2 ships and will join up the force again in Antalya, Turkey at the end of the exercise. Members of the Gonzalez Wardroom and Chiefs Mess also attended a reception onboard the Turkish ship, TCG Kemalreis, which is serving as Flagship for the opposition force during Mavi Balina-08.

While in Aksaz, Gonzalez Sailors enjoyed playing soccer and basketball with Sailors from other SNMG-2 ships. Gonzalez Sailors held their own in basketball, but succumbed to the excellent and fancy footwork of their NATO friends. Most importantly, engagement on the sporting field helped build a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among all players. Gonzalez Sailors also enjoyed liberty in Aksaz and MWR-sponsored trips to Marmaris and the ancient ruins at Ephesus. LTJG Per Lindstrand said, “Ephesus embodied the Turkish identity of East meeting West. The whole crew was amazed by the rich heritage and history of the Turkish culture.”

After departing Aksaz, the ships of SNMG-2 began the underway portion of Exercise Mavi Balina 08. In the final phase of the exercise, the SNMG-2 ships will make a port call in Antalya, Turkey. Gonzalez departed Norfolk on 19 February and expects to return from their routine six-month deployment in August 2008.

USS Gonzalez Begins Deployment with Port Visit to Rota, Spain

2008-06-26T03:56:00.000-07:00

USS Gonzalez (DDG-66) completed her first deployment port visit to Rota, Spain from February 29 through March 3. The ship left Norfolk, Virginia on February 19 on a routine six-month deployment to conduct multi-national and maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea.

Gonzalez crew members enjoyed spending time ashore in Rota and had the chance to participate in several tours coordinated by the ship’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team. Many Sailors visited the historic cities of Seville and Cordoba, attended an evening flamenco performance, and climbed the Rock of Gibraltar. Ensign Scott Chase, the ship’s MWR Officer, said that “it was overwhelming being able to climb the rock of Gibraltar and look out in the distance to see another continent.” Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Carlos Talavera said “the Flamenco dancers were tremendous, and it was a great chance to experience Spanish culture.”

While moored at Naval Station Rota, Gonzalez Sailors held true to the ship’s motto, “Beyond the Call,” by helping a sister ship with repairs. Gonzalez engineers manufactured a coupling for the fast attack submarine USS Dallas (SSN-700), enabling the submarine to receive potable water from a shore connection. “This attests to the fact that the Navy is a small world and also a family who helps each other out,” said Gas Turbine Systems (Mechanical) First Class Mitchell Couture. Later, Gonzalez and Dallas Sailors welcomed one another onboard for ship and submarine tours, giving them a chance to share sea stories of their respective communities.

Rota was Gonzalez’s first foreign port visit in over eighteen months. The ship will join the Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) Two in March and conduct coalition operations with ships from several NATO countries during the course of deployment.

USS GONZALEZ Lebanon Evacuation 2006

2008-06-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

“I've told the story a couple of times, I'll briefly go over it again, and it just -- it really has touched me. We carry a fair bit of our passengers here in civilian ferries, so we don't only have military transport, but we try and use, of course, as much civilian ferry transport as we can as well. And a few evenings ago, on a ship called the Orient Queen, it had come out of Beirut harbor fairly late in the day and it was making its way to Cyprus. As I mentioned earlier, I believe, we escort these vessels because of the precious nature of the cargo that's on board -- wonderful American citizens, and they are the most precious thing you could possibly image, if course, to us, and we guard them very carefully. So we had escorts guarding the Orient Queen. Normally we keep these escorts at a distance and they're unseen by the civil master of these vessels. They're not generally used to having large American steel that close abeam them. So we keep them out of sight just over the horizon, but still close enough to provide adequate coverage in case the vessel were to be attacked. At any rate, evening was setting, a light fog had rolled in; visibility was not that great. And in the setting rays of the sun that was going down, the USS GONZALEZ steamed out of the mist, close abeam the Orient Queen. And the last rays of the sun flashed upon the stars and bars flying proudly in the breeze. Every American onboard that Orient Queen broke into spontaneous sustained applause and cheering. And I had a Marine abroad who was part of the security detachment, and he got on his phone and he called and he said that that moment when that happened was the most patriotic moment of his life. This is a major in the Marine Corps who's been around the block a couple of times. He said he never felt prouder of being an American at that moment. And I can tell you that I think the American citizens on the Orient Queen never felt prouder themselves to be citizens of the United States.”

Brig. Gen Jensen, CTF 59 during his Pentagon Press Corps interview August, 2006

Hue City

2008-06-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

USS HUE CITY (CG 66) and USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66) meet in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Gonzalez is named after Freddy Gonzalez, a Sergeant in the Marine Corps, who was the only individual to be awarded the Medalof Honor during the Battle of Hue City in Vietnam. HUE CITY is returning from a routine six month deployment to the North Arabian Gulf.

Half Way There

2008-06-17T01:42:00.000-07:00

Aloha from the EasternMediterranean Sea,The Half-Way Day of ourdeployment has come and gone. While I know there have been some long days at sea and longer days at home, as I look back over the last three months I really wonder were the time has gone. It has been an amazing deployment thus far, and the remarkable men and women of GONZALEZ have answered every call and executed every mission with pride, professionalism,and operational excellence. It is my honor and privilege to serve as Commanding Officer, and I could not be more proud of our Sailors. I have every confidence weare the best ship on the waterfront! Just check our awards, advancements and promotions. My job as Captain could not be easier with the amazing array of talent and skill onboard GONZALEZ. Since the first week of March we have served in the Standing NATO Maritime GroupTwo (SNMG-2) Task Force which currently includes ships from Britain, Germany,Italy, Greece, and Turkey, inaddition to ourselves. We have had the unique opportunity to make port calls inRota Spain; Aksaz and Antalya Turkey; Volos Greece; Haifa Israel; Trieste, Taranto and Nisida Italy; Koper Slovenia; and Palermo Sicily, and we still have more port visits onthe horizon, including possibly the island of Malta,France, Crete and Spain and Italy again. We have also participated in two major MediterraneanExercises, Mavi Balina and Mare Aperto, and done more training in our first three months alone than I can recall having completed on entire deployments. This has been a remarkable deployment experience for the ship, and I hope you havehad the opportunity to read about our missions and successes in our press releases and in Navy News. If not, just give us a Google andyou can read all you want about your Sailors.