This is the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America, and on the world. 

Once again, it is a day to reflect and remember.  In fact, we who experienced the events of that day in any way must remember and share, lest we not forget.  If you don’t know about what happened that day, then you must become educated, and made aware of the events of that day in New York, Washington and Somerset County, Pennsylvania.  It was an attack driven by hate, and an attack on all of us. 

There is a saying that you die three times: when you take your last breath; when they cover your grave after your funeral; and when your name is uttered for the last time. 

This is what I remember, and what I choose to reflect upon every year on this day. You will indulge me, I hope, because it is necessary for me to share this with others and share it every year on this day for as long as I can do so.  It is the least I can do for a shipmate. 

So, join me in saying his name: Michael Noeth. 

*** Linseed oil: 

Some things have an evocative smell. 

When I was in command of the Naval Media Center in Washington, D.C., the executive officer of a ship based at Pearl Harbor – USS Russell (DDG 59) – called my staff at All Hands magazine in our Publishing Department.  The XO had a Sailor aboard the ship who wanted to be a draftsman. 

The “undesignated seamen” or SNs on a ship usually work in the deck force, chipping paint and handling lines. As they see what professional opportunities are available on board their ship, they can “strike” for a rating, like Radioman or Quartermaster. A “Striker Board” will convene and review the needs of the ship, and the desires of the individual. If the Sailor is squared away, has done a good job with the deck force and the ship needs a Quartermaster (QM), for example, he or she can strike for that rating, and becomes a QMSN. 

Seaman Michael Noeth wanted to be a Draftsman. The DM rating was one of the smallest ratings in the Navy. There were very few of them compared to Gunner’s Mates or Machinist’s Mates, and certainly none aboard a surface combatant. In fact, today the rating has been disestablished and the functions combined into the Mass Communications Specialist (MC) rating.   

In this case, the executive officer wanted to do something good for his Sailor. And this was extraordinary, because USS Russell was about to depart on deployment.  In spite of the fact that the ship was about to be on cruise for six months, the XO called us and asked if his Sailor could come and work with us to learn the DM rating so he would be prepared to take the DM test for Third Class Petty Officer. If he passed, he could become a DM3. If not, he could return to the ship and eventually strike for another rating. For our part of the deal, we had to cover his travel expenses.  We said yes. 

There are never enough Sailors in the Deck Force, especially on deployment, but the XO wanted to help a Sailor.  So, SN Michael Noeth came to work for us in the Publishing Department at the Naval Media Center in Washington, D.C.  

He was placed under the expert tutelage of our Draftsman First Class (DM1) Rhea Mackenzie.  Seaman Noeth quickly made himself at home in a back corner of the All Hands magazine production spaces.  And it was here he set up his easels, canvasses a and paints. When I would come by — which was often, because I was always wandering around Building 168 to see all of the interesting stories and projects our people were working on — I could smell the linseed oil he used for his brushes long before I reached his work area. He would have various canvasses and illustrations in various stages of completion posted around his desk, as well as examples of artwork he admired or wanted to emulate. 

As one of the 450 men and women of the Naval Media Center, he learned his trade from an experienced draftsman, created artistic content for All Hands magazine, and became a well-liked and contributing member of the command. At our Halloween party, he came in second place in our costume contest. He was a dead ringer “Alex” from Clockwork Orange, and was topped only by an even more convincing Cruella Deville from 101 Dalmatians. 

Whenever I got near his work area, I would be greeted by the smell of his linseed oil, and I knew I would be in for some kind of surprise. Seaman Noeth painted the cover for several issues of All Hands magazine (such as the one with a cut-out porthole that opened to an ocean panorama. To see him tackle these assignments was a joy, probably because he was enjoying his work, and appreciative of the opportunity. On my visits, I would see the many versions and sketches he was working on, and I could see it all come together with the finished product. 

He took the advancement exam and passed it. As his six-month temporary assignment came to an end, his command allowed him to transfer to my command on a permanent basis as they did not have any billets for a draftsman, and we did. Soon, he moved on to other Navy assignments as a Draftsman, all because his ship wanted to give him a chance to realize his dream, and my command wanted to help him get there. We felt good about helping him attain his goal.  But most of all, because he was a Sailor who deserved it. 

He did, indeed, become a talented Navy illustrator and draftsman. He served aboard amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), and was later assigned to the Navy Command Center where he skillfully created briefings and presentations for Navy leadership. He was doing just that on September 11, 2001, when terrorists forced an airliner to crash into that building. 

We must not forget.  So, I choose to remember a bright, ambitious, creative young striker today, and whenever I smell linseed oil. 

We will continue to speak his name. 

-30- 

Please also see: 

https://allhands.navy.mil/Stories/Display-Story/Article/1839561/we-will-never-forget/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/metro/specials/attacked/victims/v_358.html

https://pentagonmemorial.org/explore/biographies/dm2-michael-noeth-usn

Release from UMS SKELDR 

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Monday 11th September 12:00 BST: UMS SKELDAR and Ultra Maritime are unveiling their jointly developed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) solution at DSEI 2023. The solution, a Rotary Wing UAS providing an ASW sonobuoy dispensing capability, is based on the SKELDAR V-200 Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) and was developed as part of a contract under the Canadian Department of National Defence’s (DND) Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program.  

This innovative development allows the SKELDAR V-200 to be used to deploy sonobuoys for the purpose of tracking potentially hostile submarines operating in the open ocean or close to coastal areas that could pose a threat to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) or other forces.   

“Until now, unmanned rotorcraft in the SKELDAR V-200’s weight class have been limited in their ability to identify hostile submersibles due to the lack of a sonobuoy dispensing capability,” says Richard Hjelmberg, Vice President of Business Development at UMS SKELDAR. “Only manned helicopters or larger fixed-wing unmanned aircraft with access to airfields could previously deploy sonobuoys. As a result, there has been a lack of a rapid ship-based responder that can support recognition efforts using passive sonobuoys, which is necessary for complementing ASW operations,” he explains.   

Clifton Flint, Manager Global Business Development Sonobuoy Systems for Ultra Maritime, explains: “At Ultra, new technologies are being continuously assessed to find ways to counter the danger posed by hostile submarines. The gap in the available technologies led us to enter this program to create a viable alternative. This program has proven that deploying sonobuoys from Rotary Wing UAS with a compact logistical footprint is a practical and effective solution, adding another resource to the ASW toolbox for the benefit of the warfighter”.  

Hjelmberg concludes: “We express our deep gratitude to Ultra Maritime for their invaluable collaboration and support during the development of this project. We are thrilled to showcase this groundbreaking solution at the DSEI event. The remarkable ability to respond swiftly, coupled with reducing the reliance on extensive crewed or unmanned aircraft, could potentially revolutionize how underwater autonomous systems enhance ASW operations.”  

The solution is on display at UMS SKELDAR’s DSEI stand in Hall 5 on stand H5-343. To book a briefing slot with the UMS SKELDAR and Ultra Maritime teams at DSEI, contact Andy Parker ([email protected]) or Isabel Pedreira ([email protected]).  

Release from Naval Special Warfare Command 

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08 September 2023 

From Lt.j.g. Martin Carey, Naval Special Warfare Command 

BERING SEA – East Coast based Naval Special Warfare Operators (SEALs) seamlessly integrated with USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) during Operation Polar Dagger, in the Alaskan Arctic region, demonstrating special operations forces capability to operate in austere locations to defend critical infrastructure and strengthen interoperability in the region. 

Operation Polar Dagger demonstrates the United States’ continued commitment to maintain mission readiness in various environments and to preserve capacity for follow-on operations. The integration of SEALs with Murtha, a San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship, underscored the flexibility and adaptability of the U.S. military in responding to the evolving strategic environment. 

“Integrating U.S. Navy SEALs with the USS John P. Murtha during Operation Polar Dagger further prepares our forces to operate effectively in the extreme environment of the high-north – while contributing to our national security objectives,” said Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Commodore Capt. Bill Gallagher. “Naval Special Warfare’s ability to operate with fleet assets provides combatant commanders greater flexibility in deploying forces to counter emerging challenges in the region.” 

The Murtha’s advanced capabilities and cutting-edge technology played a pivotal role in the successful deployment of SEALs and combat craft assault boats. Equipped with state-of-the-art command and control systems, the vessel offers unparalleled flexibility in orchestrating amphibious operations. Its well deck and specialized equipment facilitate swift and seamless launch and recovery of NSW assets, enabling precision missions even in challenging environments like the Arctic. This integration not only showcases the synergy between modern fleet assets and elite special forces but also underscores the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a technologically advanced and adaptable fleet. 

“Amphibious transport dock ships, such as ours, have many unique capabilities that make them ideal platforms to support special operations forces,” said Capt. Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of USS John P. Murtha. “The amphibious Navy’s participation in Operation Polar Dagger in the High North allows us to test new capabilities and advance response options, giving our joint force an asymmetric advantage over our competitors in a maritime environment.” 

During the operation, the SEALs deployed from the well deck of the Murtha in combatant craft assault boats in the Bering Sea, navigated to a remote island, conducted an over-the-beach patrol, and exfiltrated via helicopter. The joint operation underscored the strategic importance of the Arctic region, while also highlighting the United States’ commitment to employing a multi-faceted approach to homeland defense. 
Naval Special Warfare Group TWO produces, supports, and deploys the world’s premier maritime special operations forces to conduct full-spectrum operations and integrated deterrence in support of U.S. national objectives. For more information, visit https://www.nsw.navy.mil/

Release from Naval Sea Systems Command 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Engineers at the Naval Sea Systems Command have achieved an important milestone with the installation of the Global Energy Information System (GENISYS) suite onboard DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers.

The GENISYS suite includes a Shipboard Energy Assessment System (SEAS) and digital log books (eLogBook) to link fuel consumption, mission, and environmental data to provide operators afloat and ashore an integrated platform from which they can monitor and manage energy consumption across the Fleet.

“One of our main priorities at NAVSEA is digital transformation so that we can provide the best level of support to the Fleet,” said Peter McCauley, NAVSEA technical warrant holder for machinery integration and program manager for fleet energy management. “This initiative is a great example of how we are harnessing feedback from our Fleet commanders, leveraging innovation from the Navy’s Small Business Innovation Research Program, and linking it to other applications such as condition-based maintenance to drive a greater understanding of our onboard equipment to optimize operational excellence.”

The Shipboard Energy Assessment System integrates sensors and other sources of energy-related data from human and equipment performance trends to produce a real-time operational data model. The model then serves a command and control function as it delivers recommendations to inform operator actions pertaining to energy usage and availability.

The eLogBook provides Sailors with a smart logging capability for the bridge deck log, engineering log, daily fuel and water log to automate data collection directly into the Navy Energy Usage Reporting System. Combined with SEAS, data aggregation and reporting is significantly enhanced providing greater mission presence and awareness, operational decision-making, and more effective prioritization of energy investments.

“We now have the capability to align shipboard energy consumption against mission data at multiple levels, including individual ship, operational commander, homeport, ship class, or by the assigned Fleet,” said Capt. Megan Thomas, Naval Surface Force Atlantic’s force materiel officer.

Following rigorous field-testing earlier this year, both systems are now being installed on DDG 51 class destroyers where they will undergo testing and crew training before becoming operational later this year. Installation of the system onboard San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships is planned to commence in 2024.

NAVSEA is the largest of the Navy’s six system commands, responsible for the building, buying, maintaining, and inactivation of ships, submarines and systems for the U.S. Navy. The Naval Systems Engineering and Logistics Directorate (SEA 05) manages the engineering and scientific expertise, knowledge and technical authority necessary to design, build, maintain, repair, modernize, certify and dispose of the Navy’s ships, aircraft carriers, submarines and associated combat and weapons systems.

Release from U.S. Seventh Fleet Public Affairs 

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By Petty Officer 2nd Class Askia Collins 

YOKOSUKA, Japan  –  The Ticonderoga-class guided missile-cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) departed Yokosuka, Japan, on Sept. 5 to transit to its new homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of a planned rotation of forces in the Pacific. 
 
Shiloh arrived on station at Yokosuka Naval Base in August 2006 to fulfill the obligations of the U.S.-Japanese ballistic missile defense program and to support operations within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations (AOO). 
 
“For nearly two decades, USS Shiloh provided our Forward-Deployed Naval Forces the agility and firepower to support our carrier operations, protect sea lanes, deter aggression, and reassure allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Adam Cheatham, commanding officer of Shiloh. “We’ve built long-lasting personal and professional relationships here in Japan that will stay with us forever. Shiloh’s contributions were significant, reinforcing valuable connections over shared visions of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 
 
“It’s sad to be leaving this place that means so much to us, but we believe USS Shiloh made a difference during her time forward-deployed to Yokosuka, and we are proud of that,” he continued. “On behalf of the crew, I want to offer my deep gratitude to the people of Japan and this community for their friendship over the years. It will never be forgotten.” 
 
In addition to serving in the 7th Fleet AOO, Shiloh deployed to the 5th Fleet AOO in support of operations Allies Refuge and Freedom Sentinel in 2021. 
 
U.S. 7th Fleet exercises operational control of its units through designated Task Forces or Task Groups. These groups are organized along domain and functional lines. Shiloh is assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 70, the theater strike warfare commander and theater air and missile defense commander. 
 
CTF 70 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet in the world, and with the help of and network of alliances and partners from 35 other maritime nations, the U.S. Navy has operated in the Indo-Pacific region for more than 70 years; providing credible, ready forces to help preserve peace and prevent conflict. 

Release from US Department of Defense

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SEPT. 7, 2023 

The secretary of the Navy and acting chief of naval operations announced today the following assignments: 

Rear Adm. Eric C. Ruttenberg will be assigned as reserve deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Ruttenberg is currently serving as reserve deputy for maritime operations, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

Rear Adm. Larry D. Watkins will be assigned as vice commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe; vice commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa; and Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander Europe, Naples, Italy.  Watkins is currently serving as deputy commander, Third Fleet, San Diego, California. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Kenneth R. Blackmon, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as vice commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia.  Blackmon is currently service as reserve director for maritime operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) David H. Duttlinger will be assigned as deputy for naval construction force, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Duttlinger is currently serving as deputy commander, Naval Facilities, Washington, D.C. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Robert C. Nowakowski, selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as deputy commander, Naval Education and Training Force Development, Pensacola, Florida.  Nowakowski is currently serving as reserve vice commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command, Fifth Fleet, Manama, Bahrain. 

Rear Adm. (lower half) Mark A. Schafer, is assigned as commanding general, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Central, U.S. Central Command, Doha, Qatar.  Schafer recently served as commander, Navy Region Korea; commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea; commander, Naval Component, United Nations Commander, Korea, Pusan, Korea. 

Release from the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations 

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06 September 2023

WASHINGTON — Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy Vice Adm. Gene Black, and Acting Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies and Operations Maj. Gen. Roger Turner jointly announced the designation of a new executive agent (EA) for maritime fires, May 16, 2023. 

The new maritime fires EA will be a single entity to oversee maritime fires, and will improve the planning, coordination, execution and assessment of all-domain fires by the Navy and Marine Corps. In Department of Defense vernacular, “fires” are defined as “the use of weapon systems or other actions to create specific lethal or nonlethal effects on a target.” 

“This designation demonstrates a significant step forward in naval service integration, increasing maritime force readiness and lethality,” said Black. “This initiative will drive improvements and efficiencies to Navy and Marine Corps doctrine, organization, and training. It will enable us to deliver maritime fires with precision and timeliness in every domain, when required.”

Echoing Black, Turner added how a centralized EA facilitates U.S. Navy and Marine Corps integration. 

“This is naval integration in action. Maritime fires integration is absolutely something we have to get right and this is a great step forward for our services,” said Turner. “This designation is going to enable us to better leverage the full force of the Navy and Marine Corps team.” 

Commander, Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) has been selected to fill the role as EA. In that capacity, PACFLT is making a plan and identifying resources to support several lines of effort, including development of doctrine and policy, the maritime fires training continuum, and a campaign of learning through experimentation, war-games and exercises.  

An executive agent (EA) is a designation for a role with substantial responsibility to execute a noteworthy task or the function is particularly sensitive or complex. EAs are tasked to provide defined levels of support for either operational or administrative missions.

Release from the U.S. Department of Defense 

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SEPT. 6, 2023 

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: 

Navy Rear Adm. Blake L. Converse for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  Converse is currently serving as deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 

Navy Rear Adm. Jeffrey T. Jablon for appointment to the grade of vice admiral, with assignment as deputy chief of naval operations for installations and logistics, N4, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.  Jablon is currently serving as a special assistant to director, Navy Staff, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. 

Navy Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael A. Brookes for appointment to the grade of rear admiral.  Brookes is currently serving as director, National Maritime Intelligence Integration Office; and commander, Office of Naval Intelligence, Washington, D.C. 

Navy Capt. Bryan E. Braswell for appointment to the grade of rear admiral (lower half).  Braswell is currently serving as commander, Naval Information Warfighting Development Center, Norfolk, Virginia. 

Release from Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet 

***** 

01 September 2023 

San Diego, CA, UNITED STATES 
 
Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), the 11th ship of its class, was recognized for more than 35 years of naval service during a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego, Sept. 1. 
 
During the ceremony guest speaker Vice Adm. Thomas H. Copeman III (Ret.) wished the current crew fair winds and following seas as they bid farewell to their ship. Copeman was a former Lake Champlain executive officer and the 17th Commander, Naval Surface Forces. 
 
“Behind me is a machine of wonderous complexity and capability. It is truly a marvel of modern technology dedicated to decisive combat operations at sea,” said Copeman. “The fact that she is sitting here, still mission capable is a tribute to the surface Navy and all the people tasked to support the surface fleet. It is those Sailors who have literally given the primes of their lives to the United States Navy keeping this machine in fighting shape that we are really here to pay tribute to.” 
 
The former commander concluded, “Without all these dedicated Sailors, officers and enlisted, the ship behind us would have been nothing but a monument to technology. For 35 years it was the home for thousands of Sailors.” 
 
Lake Champlain’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Steven M. Foley reflected on the service of his crew and those who came before. 
 
“It truly has been my honor and privilege to have served as Lake Champlain’s 19th and final commanding officer,” said Foley. “I served before on this fine warship as a chief and senior chief and was also selected as an officer. CHAMP built a reputation on the waterfront for bringing out the best in her Sailors, just like she did in me. To all the CHAMP Warriors – past and present – Fighting 57 will be eternally grateful and proud of your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence! As we bid farewell, we thank all those that stood the watch and give special thanks to the family and friends for their continued love and support over three and half decades. CHAMP may be gone, but the memories we shared and the legacy we made will live forever in our hearts.” 
 
Selected for the limited duty officer program while both were assigned to Lake Champlain, Foley credits Copeman’s guidance throughout his career for the opportunity to serve as the ship’s final commanding officer. 
 
Lake Champlain maintained a crew of 40 officers, 31 chiefs and 300 enlisted Sailors, and never changed homeports from San Diego. The ship was built in Pascagoula, Mississippi, by Ingalls Shipyard Company and commissioned Aug. 12, 1988, in Manhattan, New York City, New York. Through the course of its distinguished service, Lake Champlain supported Operations Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch, Global War on Terrorism, Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG), and counter piracy operations and was awarded 11 Battle Effectiveness (Battle “E”) Awards, three Navy Unit Commendations, and two Meritorious Unit Commendations. 
 
Lake Champlain’s rich deployment history spans three and a half decades. With its first deployment beginning in 1989, the ship completed 17 major deployments. In 1990 the ship responded to an SOS from the Chinese cargo ship M/V Huazhu which was in distress and taking on water. Upon arrival, Lake Champlain and four other ships joined other merchant vessels in the search but could find no sign of the stricken ship or its crew. In heavy seas and with the weather worsening through the day, they searched for the crew. Eventually, USNS Navasota (T-A0 1061) spotted logs and survivors clinging to debris. In ten-to-twelve-foot seas and darkening, overcast skies, the helicopter flight crews and rescue swimmers battled the elements and the added danger of Huazhu’s adrift cargo to pull survivors out of the frigid waters in the Northern Philippine seas. One of Lake Champlain’s petty officers spotted a survivor among a drift of logs that were being buffeted by the heavy seas. Disregarding his own personal safety, he jumped into the rough waters and pulled the man out. He was later awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic actions. In worsening weather conditions and his body trapped in a particularly large drift of debris, only the Huazhu’ s captain was not recovered. 
 
In all, 14 survivors were rescued and five bodies were recovered. Taken onboard Lake Champlain for transport to Subic Bay, Philippines, the ship’s two-person medical department treated the men. Two were severely injured and received immediate and intensive care that would later be credited with saving their lives. The rescued crewmen waved as they went ashore and the ship’s crew lining the rails waved back. One of the seriously injured was miraculously able to walk off the ship with some assistance and thanked the captain on the pier. Overcome with emotion, he hugged him before allowing himself to be led off to the ambulance. Lake Champlain departed Subic Bay 31 minutes after arriving. 
 
The following year, CG 57 again stopped briefly in Subic Bay, Philippines to support Operation Fiery Vigil evacuations after the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. The ship evacuated 844 personnel in three runs, covering 2,500 miles in five days. 
 
In 1993 Lake Champlain seized over 7-tons of cocaine, after intercepting Mexican vessel Oso IV, during counter-drug Operation Tidal Wave in the eastern Pacific. 
 
Lake Champlain lived up to the legacy of its predecessors. 
 
CG 57 was the third U.S. Navy warship named to commemorate the victories during the War of 1812 in the waters of Lake Champlain and the lakeside town of Plattsburg, New York. 
 
On Sept. 11, 1814, Brigadier General Alexander Macomb and his troops defended Plattsburg while Master Commandant Thomas MacDonough and his ships defended Lake Champlain from the converging British forces. The defense of Plattsburg and Lake Champlain solidified the American advantage and withheld British territorial gains. 
 
The first ship of the fleet to bear the name Lake Champlain (AC 7) was a cargo ship during World War II making three round trips to Europe, carrying various supplies such as coal, ammunitions, provisions, and soldiers. AC 7 was decommissioned on March 20, 1919. 
 
The second ship of the fleet to bear the name was an Essex-class aircraft carrier, USS Lake Champlain (CV 39) commissioned on June 3, 1945, and was the last U.S. Naval aircraft carrier with an axial flight deck. Too late to see action in World War II, the ship was assigned to “Magic Carpet” duty repatriating US military personnel. Decommissioned briefly in the late 1940s, the ship again served in the combat zone off Korea providing air support, later served off the coast of Lebanon in 1957, and was active during the 1962 quarantine of Cuba. The ship was also part of both the Mercury and Gemini Programs prior to decommissioning on May 2, 1966. 

 
The decommissioning of CG 57 supports department-wide business process reform initiatives to free up time, resources, and manpower in support of increased lethality. 

Release from U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs 

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Sept. 4, 2023 

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs 

SOUTH CHINA SEA   –  U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class guided missile-destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) and Philippine Navy guided-missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) conducted a bilateral sail in the South China Sea Sept. 4, to enhance the interoperability between the two navies. 

During the sail, the ships completed division tactics (DIVTACS), which is at-sea training designed for ship handlers to practice maneuvering within close proximity to other vessels and improve the confidence of the bridge teams to manage more challenging sailing conditions. 

“This was a great opportunity to continue improving our ability to operate alongside our allies from the Philippines,” said USS Ralph Johnson Officer Of The Deck (OOD) Lt.j.g. Vince Smetona, from San Clemente, California. “The relationship between our navies has been incredibly strong for a long time, and evolutions like this allow us to keep strengthening those bonds at a ship-level.” 

U.S. 7th Fleet routinely sails with allies and partners to build interoperability and address shared maritime security challenges. 

 “U.S. 7th Fleet will continue to find opportunities to sail alongside our allies and partners and reinforce the importance of professional maritime operations at sea anywhere international law allows.  Our U.S.-Philippines alliance remains vital to Indo-Pacific security and stability in the region,” said Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet.  

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.