15 April 1989
Dear Family and Friends of USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY,
This is my first Family Gram since assuming command 9 November. It Has been a very fast paced 6 months and I am proud to say the ship and crew continued to perform in an outstanding manner.
Following our change of command and visit ship, we were underway on 14 through 20 november for Combined Training Exercise (COMTUEX). This exercise allowed the combined battle group a chance to work together, developing our warfare skills, as we got ready for deployment.
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 33 (HSL-33), Detachment One, from Naval Air Station, North Island, joined the ship in preparation for deployment. Comprised of one Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopter - a SH-2F "Seasprite" model known aboard the ship as "Seasnake 19", four pilots (LT Steve Walls, Officer in Charge; LT Rick Garcia, Maintenance Officer; LT Jim Jones, Operations Officer and LTJG Tim Wilson, Administration Officer); one Chief Petty Officer (AEC(AW) Hill); 2 Aircrewmen and 10 maintenance personnel joined in as well. STANDLEY had not had a LAMPS detachment for a number of years and the detachment greatly adds to our capabilities. Their primary mission is anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance, but they also provide other services, such as over the horizon targeting (which allows us to "see" an enemy ship without them knowing where we're at), search and rescue, medical evacuation and carrying supplies and parts. Most importantly, they carry both our outgoing and incoming mail.
We returned to San Diego on 20 November and moored alongside USS CAPE COD. During this time STANDLEY commenced a repair availability with the CAPE COD and Fleet Valve Maintenance Facility (FVMF) through Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) San Diego. We remained outboard CAPE COD through the remainder of November and throughout December.
Congratulations are in order to GMCM Dell Auer and his volunteer assistants for planning the ship's Annual Christmas party held on the 12th of December at the Cafe Del Rey Morra. It was a fun time with door prizes, dinner, and dancing. Prizes awarded were two 12 speed mountain bikes were won by SK1 Henry Pollard and BT2 David Ehrhart, and a VCR won by LT Keith Schwaner. Numerous lottery tickets were also won.
As we came closer to the end of the year, we passed out last inspection, the Command Inspection on December 15th. COMCRUDESGRU THREE inspected all administrative and training programs on the ship in three days and then finished with a personnel and cleanliness/material condition inspection. Congratulations and well done to CM division for their fine showing as the best division on the ship in the personnel inspection. Finally we entered into the holiday leave and upkeep period which lasted until the 31st of December. A sad note was the tragic death of STGSN Lawrence "Andy" Anderson right before Christmas. A fine shipmate and sailor, his disheartening loss dampened our spirits. A memorial service was held onboard the ship. Our condolences go out to his family and friends; he will be missed.
Entering into the new year we started with a Readiness Exercise (READIEX 89-2A) beginning on the 6th and lasting until the 23rd of January. READIEX 89-2A, held to prepare the Battle Group for deployment, included submarine, surface and air warfare exercises. READIEX, by design, is challenging and 89-2A proved no exception. The Combat Systems and Operations Departments proved capable and ready. While conducting exercises off the coast of San Clemente Island, the STANDLEY/LAMPS team responded to an emergency medical evacuation. In just minutes Seasnake 19 was brought back to the ship from its submarine hunting mission, refueled and then relaunched. They landed on San Clemente Island, picked up the ill individual and speedily transported the patient to Balboa Hospital, 50 miles away. Well done and congratulations to the LAMPS Detachement.
February finally came and even though we were in a Pre-Overseas Movement (POM) period, there were many things to be completed. Supply department was very busy installing the Shipboard Non-tactical Automated Data Processing System (SNAP II) and getting people trained. In addition Supply had their hands full organizing the ship's supplies and stores onload. In the midst of the last minute activities in the week of the 13th, we also took crew photos for the deployment cruisebook. Then it happened, the 24th finally came and we were underway for our Western Pacific (WESTPAC) deployment. Initially some families thought that we had problems and were returning to port, as some wives looking from Point Loma saw us turn around and head back. In fact we were turning around outside Point Loma so we could pass across magnetic sensors that verify that our magnetic "signature" is at the correct level. When we were a few miles from shore, the LAMPS helicopter joined us from her shorebase at North Island. Following this, again Combat Systems and Operations were put to the test as we entered into READIEX 89-2B. Of course, the Engineers constantly provided us with power and water and Supply Department fed and paid us, did our laundry, kept us in parts and cut our hair.
As soon as things settled, we began an educational program with Mr. Dunston Boles, a civilian instructor working for the Navy teaching English skills. He held classes in the wardroom at 8AM (0800) and 1PM (1300) to help us improve academic skills.
The first week in March we bagan our final warfare exam, the Battle Group Evaluation (BGE). The objective was to determine how the battle group could perform in a surface, subsurface and air threat environment. The BGE ended a highly successful missile exercise with the delivery of two missiles on target. Congratulations to Combat Systems and Operations Department personnel for a job well done. Congratulations as well to our shipmates in One Fireroom and Two Engineroom, who received praise for the Commander, Training Command Pacific (COMTRAPAC) inspector who conducted a no notice tour and found everything inspection ready.
Our first port visit, in Hawaii, ran from the 8th to the 10th of March. While it was a working port, everyone had some, but not too much fun. It seems the the Operation's Specialists (OS's) held nightly musters at Baskin Robbins, getting ready for the semi-annual Physical Readiness Test (PRT) no doubt. Supply department again worked hard stocking the ship. During this time, we held advancement exams for Petty Officers First Class, Second Class and Third Class. I am looking forward to promoting some of our ver deserving STANDLEY sailors soon.
Leaving Hawaii, it was out to sea again. During our transit we were overflown regularly by various Soviet aircraft as well as some from Ranger. Exciting Photos were taken by many.
On the 26th of March we pulled into Subic Bay in the Republic of the Philippines. Subic Bay was also a working port and again Supply Department was busy with 3 days of onloading supplies. On the 28th and 29th of March, we held our make up Physical Readiness Test. On the 28th the Wardroom beat the Chiefs in a softball game that went into extra innings. However, the CPO's demand satisfaction and a rematch has been called for. Two days later we departed (on the 31st) enroute to Singapore.
During the first two days out of Subic Bay the RANGER conducted aircraft landing requalifications and STANDLEY escorted her, providing air, surface and sub-surface surveilalance. The third day out the rest of the Battle Group got underway and we all transited toward Singapore. During the transit, numerous Soviet aircraft performed surveillance of the Battle Group.
We anchored in Singapore Harbor on the 7th of April. There were many deals to be had and sights to be seen. The following tours were set up for Saturday and Sunday; Singapore "Discovery", touring historical and interesting places; "Leisure", going too parks and a water park; and a Singapore "Nightlife" tour on Saturday evening (Singapore cuisine and cultural show with Malay, Chinese and Indian dancers). We departed Singapore on the 10th, a little heavier (the ship that is), enroute to the Indian Ocean. Also in april, Mr. Boles will be teaching speech and English classes to interested crew members, this will keep some of us busy in the Indian Ocean!
While underway we held an awards ceremony. Congratulations to the following personnel:
Awards
SAILOR OF THE YEAR FOR USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY
YN1 JOHN R. CRAZE
NAVY COMMENDATION MEDAL
LCDR PAUL SCHNITTGER - COMNAVAIRSYSCOM, WASHINGTON, DC
RM1 DANIEL L. WARNER - NAVCOMMSTA, YOKUSKA JAPAN
GOOD CONDUCT AWARDS
GMCM DELL M. AUER (FIFTH AWARD)
RMCS DOMINGO DELROSARIO (SIXTH AWARD)
SMC LORD N. HAWKINS (THIRD AWARD)
STGC MICHAEL W. TOMCHO (THIRD AWARD)
DSC JOHN T. MCCORMICK (FOURTH AWARD)
CTT1 DOUGLAS T. WEIGAND (THIRD AWARD)
QM1 FREDRICK G. RICHMOND (SECOND AWARD)
GMG2 MARK A. KASTER (FIRST AWARD)
STG2 NOEL M. BATTLE (FIRST AWARD)
OS1 EARL F. EMERY (FIRST AWARD)
FC2 DANIEL S. WILCOX (FIRST AWARD)
MM2 SHAWN P BORBA (FIRST AWARD)
ET3 LARRY L. DAVID (FIRST AWARD)
FC2 JAMES R. FORSETH (FIRST AWARD)
FC3 ERIC J. MATHERNE (FIRST AWARD)
BT3 IVAN G. MERKLE (FIRST AWARD)
ET3 JOHN C. PROVENZANO (FIRST AWARD)
EM3 RICHARD KELLENBERGER (FIRST AWARD)
STG3 HERBERT E. SCHNEIDER (FIRST AWARD)
MERITORIOUS UNIT COMMENDATION
LT BISHOP S. DOUGLAS - USS DOWNES (FF 1070)
ARMED FORCES EXPEDITIONARY MEDAL
FC2 DANIEL S. WILCOX - USS STERETT (CG-31)
LETTER OF COMMENDATION
STGC MICHAEL W. TOMCHO - CO, FLTASWTRACEN, PAC
CTT1 FRANK HERMAN - COMNAVSECGRUCOM, WASHINGTON DC
RM1 DANIEL L. WARNER - COMTELCOM, WASHINGTON DC
DK1 REYNALDO F. CANLAS - OIC, PERSUPP DET, BANGOR WA
DS2 ROLPH E. FARGO - CO, USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY (CG 32)
HT2 STEPHEN B. ROUPP - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
DC3 JEFFREY D. STURGESS - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
MMCM JAMES M. WALZ - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
BT2 JOHN F. DILATUSH - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
BT2 DOUGLAS M. GLEASON - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
MM3 JOHN S. DIEMERT - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
EM3 ANTHONY S. TURRISI - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
EN3 TERRY R. FREE - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
MR1 NORBERTO A. PABLO - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
MM3 CRAIG B. MORROW - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
MMC JOHN R. MACON - COMNAVSURFPAC, SAN DIEGO, CA
MM3 MICHAEL R. STEVENSON - COMNAVBASE, SAN FRANCISO, CA
SAILOR OF THE QUARTER FOR USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY
OS3 MICHAEL A MACDONALD
MSSA STANLEY J. KING
CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION
FC2 WALTER C. MASTER - FLEMATSUPPO, MECHANICSBURG PA
LETTER OF APPRECIATION FOR OPPE FROM USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY
LCDR WILLIAM R. EDWARDS LT BISHOP S. DOUGLAS
LTJG EDWARD P. KEARNS ENS DANIEL L. LYNE
ENS FELIX G. VILLARREAL CWO3 LEE E. WALKER
BTC JOHN W. TOWNSEND BTC JULIAN J. LEVONS
BT1 JOHN G. DIDDEN BT1 KERRY K. CHASE
BT1 NELSON F. RANKIN BT1 ROMEO A. MANZANA
BT2 DOUGLAS M. GLEASON BT2 DAVID L. EHRHART
BT2 JAMES M. CLARK BT2 JOHN F. DILATUSH
BT2 MICHAEL J. DOSS BT2 WYLIE C. HENDERSON
BT2 RAYMOND D. LATOUR BT2 MARK A. LEONARD
BT2 STEVEN H. SPURGEON BT2 JOHN A. WEBB
BT3 CARL J. CASTAGNA BT3 ALFONSO E. CHA
BT3 JOHN R. GALE BT3 IVAN G. MERKLE
BT3 RICHARD T. MASON BT3 LARRY F. ROBINSON
BT3 ROBERT L. SITZE BT3 JOHNNY J. WARD
BTFN GARY R. RADEL FN VINCENT P. SMITH
FN ROBERT E. ANDERSON FN CLEMENTE ESCALENTE
FN SCOTT D. AVERY FA JAMES E. NEWCOMB
DCC DONALD M. BARNES DC1 ERIC J. HOFMAN
HT1 JIMMIE W. REICHARD HT2 STEPHEN B. ROUPP
DC3 PHILLIP L. JONES HT3 STEVEN R. ROSITZKI
DC3 JEFFREY D. STURGESS DCFN ROBERT W. PARSONS
HTFN THOMAS R. INGOLD HTFN ERIK R. LEHTO
FN MICHAEL J. KELLY MR1 NORBERTO A PABLO
DCFN ALAN J. WILLIAMS EM3 REYES C. CRUZ
EM1 LAWRENCE NANCE EM3 FREDDIE C. BALITANG
EMFN GREGORY A. PORTER EM3 RICHARD KELLENBERGER
EM3 ANTHONY S. TURRRISI FN LEONARDO A. MARQUEZ
FN GARY L. CUNNINGHAM FN MIKE HANZE
MMC RONALD W. WICKLIFFE EMFR NORMAN D. FLORES
EMC MELCHOR I. RIVOR MM2 GONZALO T. DELARA
EN1 MILTON J. WALBORN MM2 CALVIN L. CARR
MM3 TY L. WARMAN EN3 TERRY R. FREE
MM3 ROGER A. MCCOMB FN ENRICO V. LIWANAG
FN DANIEL S. CUSTANCE FN BRUCE A LARSON
MMCM JAMES H. WALZ MMFR MICHAEL E. LOONEY
MMC JOHN R. MACON MM1 JON J. DENNIS
MM1 ROBERT W. BROTHERS MM1 EDWARD J. DAVIS
MM2 ARNOLD D. GRANDE MM1 ROBERT A JENKINS
MM2 SHAWN P. BORBA MM3 STACY S. BURGAN
MM2 LAVANCE ROSS MM2 DENNIS M. RUSSELL
MM3 SCOTT A. HARBAUGH MM3 ROLAND HERNANDEZ
MM3 NEIL X. JACKSON MM3 JERRY C. MCCULLOUGH
MM3 CRAIG B. MORROW MMW ALBERTO M. SALES
MM3 JOSEPH C. SCHEER MM3 TEODORE W. SCHELIN
MM3 ERIC G. VOTAVA MM3 BYRON C. YONCE
FN GUILLERMO ESCOBAR FA STEPHEN E. FOSTER
MMFA STACY J. GRAVES FR KEVIN L. O'MALLEY
MMFN LLOYD S. SAWYER FN JAMES L. THOMPSON
FN MARIO VENCES EM2 TIMOTHY W. SIDDERS
EM2 KEVIN J. O'TOOLE SK2 SCOTT E. THOMAS
FA SHANE D. KESSLING YN2 KEVIN W. STUFFLEBEAN
LETTER OF APPRECIATION FOR TIGER TEAMS FOR USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY
GMCS JERRY P. KOEHMLEIN OSCS RICHARD J. SHERIDAN
GMGC RICHARD A. GAHRIG FCC DAVID J. KARTES
FCC RUSSELL L. HILBERT GMMC LOUIE FONG
STG1 ROBERT L. THOMPSON STG3 ALCABAIDE W. BROUSSARD
STG3 HERBERT E. SCHNEIDER ET3 THOMAS A TAFT
FC3 JAMIE J. CARRIE FC3 CRAIG W. BODAY
FC3 JAMES R. FORSETH FC3 KENNETH L. RUFFE
FC3 KENNETH L. BYRD FC3 MICHAEL J. HOLT
FC3 BRIAN C. MAZUR FC3 JOHN K. HOPE
EW3 JAMES T. SHOAFF EW3 WALTHIN M. CARDWELL
OS3 BRIAN W. BRUMBAUGH GMM3 R. A. HEMMINGWAY
GMM3 DONALD J. JOHNSON GMM3 MICHAEL S. BUCARUM
CTR3 MARTIN A. MORENO CTM2 SCOTT M. BEERS
ET3 KENNETH B. BRICKZIN GMMSN CHARLES D. WATSON
GMMSN DANIEL J. MCGILLIS OSSN JAMES J. KLOPMEYER
OS3 JOSEPH P. PETRO OSSN KENNETH W. LEE
PS3 LANCE L. BARTHOLOMEW PC3 TIMOTHY R. ECKLEY
STGSN LEONARD F. LANGSTON QM3 PETER P. MILEY
GMGSN MICHAEL E. WHITE CTRSN CRAIG D. MILLES
RPSN JOHNNIE L. BOYD YNSN ANTHONY V. CHAVEZ
OSSN BRADFIELD G. BURT ICFA KENNETH D. COOPER
LETTER OF APPRECIATION FOR NGFS FROM USS WILLIAM H. STANDLEY
LTJG MERVIN D. LARSON LTJG MICHAEL E. BRALEY
FCCM PETER S. DURLAND OSCS RICHARD J. SHERIDAN
OS1 HARRY E. TOOMEY FC1 KENNETH M. SALAZAR
OS3 BRIAM W. BRUMBAUGH OS1 EARL F. EMERY
OS3 STEPHEN A ANKERS OS2 ROBBIE W. FERGUSON
OS2 MICHAEL B. DAVIS OS3 ALAN M. KARBS
FC2 JAMES R. KINNAIRD FC2 RICHARD D. YOUNGBERG
FC3 KENNETH L. RUFFE FC3 ROBERT C. HAGEMAN
FC3 ROBERT A. DESHAZER FC3 ROBERT E. HYLTON
GMG1 JOHN D. DEARING GMG2 CHRISTOPHER G. FICKE
GMGSN MICHAEL E. WHITE YN3 SEAN D. POPE
SN CRAIG D. PIERCE
NAVY RELIEF SOCIETY CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION (FOR SERVING
AS DIVISIONAL REPRESENTATIVE)
LT LEOPOLDO D. GIL DS1 ULDERICO R. LOANZON
ET1 WILLIAM L. BELLINGER GMG2 CHRISTOPHER G. FICKE
GMM1 BERNARDO A. JIMENEZ BT2 JOHN F. DILATUSH
EM2 KEVIN L. O'TOOLE MM1 ROBERT W. BROTHERS
SK2 HENRY J. POLLARD MS2 TIMOTHY R. ELLER
OS1 JEFFERY A. PROWDLEY RM1 HARLEY R. MARSHALL
STG2 VICTOR L. GERTH CTT1 DOUGLAS R. WEIGAND
EMC MELCHOR I. RIVOR BM2 BART W. ELLIS
COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN, CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION (FOR
SERVING AS DIVISIONAL REPRESENTATIVE)
STG1 ROBERT L. THOMPSON DS2 KARL E. DAINES
ET2 NICHOLAS D. FINNEL FC1 JEFFREY R. CARNABY
FC2 MATTHEW R. SCHWARTZ GMC LOUIE FONG
MM1 ROLLYN F. ABUGAN BT3 JOHNNY J. WARD
EM2 FREDDIE C. BALITANG MM2 LAVANCE ROSS
HT3 STEPHEN A. THOMAS HM1 JUSTUS K. EHLERS
SM2 DAVID M. GARTH BM2 ROBERT LOPEZ
OS3 ALAN W. KARBS CTR3 FREDERICK E. GOODALL
SK2 HENRY J. POLLARD MS2 TIMOTHY R. ELLER
DK1 REYNALDO F. CANLAS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW PARENTS
STG1 Bryan and Jacinta Funderburk on the birth of their daughter, Carrie, on 27 February.
FC3 Gordon and Elizabeth Harper on the birth of their daughter, Chantel, on 7 March.
IS1 Stephen and Anina Foster on the birth of their son, Andrew Maxwell, on 6 February.
FC3 Eric and Annette Matherne on the birth of their son, David, on 7 March.
SN Justin and Dawn Strauss on the birth of their daughter, Halley Michelle, on 10 April.
MSSN David and Gina Sterling on the firth of their son, Robert, on 17 February.
GMM2 David and Christina Sima on the birth of their son, on 5 April.
We plan to continue west in order to conduct operations in the Indian Ocean and I want to remind you that mail service will be slow at times. It will be our longest at sea period. I know that times of family separations are not easy and you miss your loved one. All of us on board miss our family and friends. I plan to send out another Family Gram in a month. Your sacrifice is noteworthy; you are the invisible members of the STANDLEY crew. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
s/Andrew W. Fahy
Captain, U. S. Navy
Commanding Officer
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