USS CARR Families and Friends –
This week CARR and her crew were engaged in the following activities:
Day 41 – Sunday, July 24th (In Port Tallinn, Estonia)
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Today we all enjoyed another beautiful day in port Tallinn, Estonia – there were no major scheduled events, allowing our off-duty Sailors to relax and enjoy the town.
I would like to thank the Sales and Service Division (S-3) for their superb performance throughout our deployment thus far – despite being undermanned with only three Ship Servicemen, they get the same job done that most frigates do with 5 Sailors. S-3 Division provides vital support services to our entire crew; this includes haircuts, laundry, vending machines, and ship’s store. We have been faced with a significant challenge with regards to laundry – with so many port visits and the demand to wear so many different uniforms; however, SH2 Justin Howard and SHSN Ulises Hernandez have worked efficiently to get the job done. There performance is noteworthy because they are supporting 200 personnel with only one 60# washer (a home washer is about 20#). Also, to ensure everyone looks their best on liberty and at special events, SHSR Hernandez extended barbershop hours to ensure everyone had a chance to get their hair cut. Again, thank you to SH1 Jason Zarcone, SH2 Justin Howard, and SHSN Ulises Hernandez! Job well done!
Day 42 – Monday, July 25th (In Port Tallinn, Estonia)
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Great job to EA Division – throughout our port visit they worked to correct a low temperature condition on a cylinder in one of our Diesels.
Today we held a reception for the American Embassy to Estonia, hosting Estonian government and military officials, along with local businessmen. The senior representative from the United States was the American Chargé d’Affaires ad interim to Estonia, Mr. Robert S. Gilchrist. Since the U.S. Ambassador was out of country, his Chargé d’Affaires ad interim assumed the responsibilities and privileges normally afforded to the head of mission (Ambassador). For those interested in diplomacy, some countries do not have Ambassadors, in those cases a Chargé d’Affaires may be appointed as head of mission. Great job by our Culinary Specialists for again putting out a great spread of food and drink to support our diplomatic mission – CSSN Timothy Keith and CSSN Aaron Kinchen don’t get a lot of visibility at these events because they are down in the galley getting the cooking done. Great job – we have received many compliments on the quality of food preparation.
Special thanks to EM1 Antwone McWhirter, who continues to demonstrate his skill as an electrician day in and day out. Although he was already dressed in his whites to serve as a member of the color guard for the reception, he troubleshot and replaced a faulty power cord for both our juice fountain and coffee pot less than 10 minutes before the start of the reception.
Day 43 – Tuesday, July 26th
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Today we were underway at 1500 from Tallinn, Estonia. It was a quick one hour sea and anchor detail and we were once again patrolling the Baltic Sea. That afternoon we also had the opportunity to conduct seamanship training drills to keep our bridge team sharp, these included a loss of gyro drill (the gyro is our primary electronic compass that we steer by) and low visibility drill (testing our ability to navigate without being able to look at any landmarks). Later in the evening, the Engineers conducted engineering evolutions and drills to continue to prepare for our Unit Level Training and Readiness Assessment, Sustainment (ULTRA-S) later this fall. Additionally, the Engineers continued to focus on space preservation to keep ahead of corrosion.
We also received another round of 13 Midshipmen from both the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA). Welcome aboard to them!
Day 44– Wednesday, July 27th
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This morning SN Michael Dimick and BM3 Matthew Mudderman worked to replace a loose detachable link on our anchor. The first step was to secure the anchor with chains to hard points; otherwise it would have fallen into the sea – a very bad thing on the bad thing scale. They then broke a lead seal and knocked out a pin to disassemble the shackle, replacing it with a new one that was tight. We took this opportunity to get all the unqualified division officers down on the Foc’sle to observe and learn – in order to better understand how the shots of anchor chain are assembled. The detachable links are used to link together “shots” of anchor chain that are manufactured already connected – without the detachable links we would not be able to detach the anchor or install new lengths of chain to replace damaged ones.
Big story today reminded me of an Alfred Hitchcock movie – attack of the Baltic Bees!! For some reason unknown to us, there were thousands of bees buzzing around topside – rumors began to circulate that Sailors were being stung and some Sailors who were allergic were having reactions. The OOD quickly moved to secure the weather decks to all hands and sped up to get away – the number of bees began to dwindle. The following day there were thousands of dead bees topside. Upon further investigation we discovered that although a nuisance, these bees don’t sting – still a mystery why they were attracted to us.
Day 45 – Thursday, July 28th
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Early in the morning we were all awoken to an announcement our restricted visibility – fog had quickly rolled in and our bridge team couldn’t see more than half a mile! The low visibility watches quickly manned up after we slowed and began sounding fog signals every two minutes. Our embarked weather forecaster from Fleet Weather Center Norfolk, AG2 Kristian Shelley, immediately began gathering data to determine the extent of the fog and where we could proceed to minimize its effect. A few hours later we were back in the clear and headed to Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Lots of good things today that deserve Congratulations:
– BZ to IT2 Eric Koss, STG2 John Harrold, and ET2 Michael McCullick. These extremely motivated sailors recently earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification. Each dedicated countless hours learning and demonstrating a vast amount of information. After dinner we assembled the crew on the flight deck and presented them with their ESWS pins – Job well done! I am looking forward to many more of our Sailors earning their ESWS qualification before our return to Norfolk.
– Today I had the opportunity to sign a recognition certificate to congratulate CTTSN Sean Booker for being selected as Food Service Attendant for the month of July – in addition to the certificate of recognition (this will be awarded at an upcoming awards ceremony), he will also receive a 72 hour liberty pass.
– BZ to BM3 Justin Arnold, OS2 Thomas Becker, and FC2 Justin Gunderson, our newest Seamanship Training Team (STT) members. As members of the STT, they provide supervision during drills and training to ensure we are executing small boat operations, man overboard procedures, and ship handling evolutions correctly. This week they provided superb oversight during man overboard drills with BM3 Arnold ensuring First Division donned protective gear correctly and verified that safety procedures were not violated during our small boat launch and FC2 Gunderson acting as Safety Officer on the forecastle while lowering our SAR swimmer in the water. In the Combat Information Center OS2 Becker ensured his team used proper procedures for effective coordination and communication during the rescue.
– Thank you to QMC Jory Mason for re-enlisting to serve our Country and our Navy for another three years! A special thanks goes out to CS2 Kevin Prekopa for baking a cake for the occasion.
Day 46 – Friday, July 29th (In Port Klaipedia, Lithuania)
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First off, congratulations to IT3 Chris Erickson upon receiving orders to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) School where he will undergo over 300 days of training to become a Navy EOD Technician. EOD Technicians job includes rendering safe all types of ordnance, both conventional and unconventional, including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).
Today we arrived safely in Klaipedia, Lithuania – receiving a warm welcome from the Mayor of Klaipeda and Commander in Chief of the Lithuanian Navy. I had the opportunity to conduct office calls with both of them along with my Combat Systems Officer, LT Sean Scanlon and Public Affairs Officer, ENS Brian Lance. This is always a great opportunity to meet with officials from the host nation and thank them for allowing us to visit their country. We were also able to present each with a Carr plaque to show our appreciation.
The Mayor told us we had perfect timing, arriving at the start of Klaipeda’s annual Sea Festival. This is a time when people (nearly half a million in total) from all over Lithuania as well as from foreign countries come to enjoy a few days of non-stop celebration. The Sea Festival dates back to 1934, its main purpose was to strengthen an image of the city and all of Lithuania as a maritime nation. The Sea Festival is highlighted by concerts, cultural events, sailing regattas, and a market with a wide variety of folk art, fish, beer, amber and many other gifts.
Brace yourself for a brief trip through Lithuania’s history:
Back in 1240 AD the pagan Lithuanian tribes were united and in 1251 they were converted to Christianity. A few years later their leader was assassinated and the people reverted to paganism. In 1316 Lithuania was again united, this time by a grand duke who built Lithuania into a strong duchy. Lithuania expanded eastwards into what is now Belarus and Ukraine; however they faced a growing threat from the Teutonic knights (German knights who crusaded against pagans in the Baltic). In 1398 the Teutonic knights captured portions of the province. In 1410 the Poles and Lithuanians combined forces to defeat the Teutonic knights at the battle of Tannenberg, ending the threat from the Teutonic knights forever. In 1569 the treaty of Lublin established a Polish-Lithuanian commonwealth. The two states kept their own laws and armies, but agreed not to make treaties with foreign countries without the other’s consent. In the 16th century Russia became an increasing threat to Lithuania. In 1512 the Russians took over the Lithuanian city of Smolensk. In the early 17th century they fought another war with the Russians and in 1611-1612 a Polish-Lithuanian force briefly occupied Moscow. In 1654 the Russians countered and captured the eastern part of Lithuania and Poland. In the 18th century Poland and Lithuania’s influence declined. In 1773 Prussia, Austria and Russia agreed to divide up Polish-Lithuanian territory amongst them with Russia taking a large slice of Lithuania. A second partition took place in 1793 and Russia took still more territory. In 1795 a third partition took place which resulted in Poland and Lithuania ceasing to exist as independent nations, with Lithuania coming under Russian rule. In 1915 the Germans moved in and occupied Lithuania until the Germans was defeated. On 16 February 1918, Lithuania declared independence. In 1940 the Russian army occupied Lithuania and in August 1940 Lithuania was absorbed into the Soviet Union. Germany invaded Russia in June 1941 and shortly afterwards they captured Lithuania, resulting in Nazi rule for 3 years. In 1944, the Russians recaptured Lithuania and ruled until around 1991 (last Russian troops left in 1993) when Lithuania once again became an independent nation. In September 1991 Lithuania was admitted to the UN, and in 2004 Lithuania joined NATO and the European Union. Although they still have their own currency, they will shortly convert to the EURO. The population of Lithuania is approximately 3.5 million.
Day 47 – Saturday, July 30th (In Port Klaipedia, Lithuania)
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Farewell and following seas to LT John McKinney and HT1 Kenneth Bryant, both of whom departed Carr after superb tours on board! It is tough to see talented Sailors depart; however, it is great to know they are staying in our Navy and will have a chance to spread their talents. LT McKinney is headed to the Board of Inspection and Survey – Atlantic to be an inspector. HT1 Bryant is headed to Southeast Regional Maintenance Center in Mayport to support the fleet by providing support to all ships based in Mayport as well as visiting ships – I am sure we will see him again!
Thank you to everyone who turned out to support our efforts to raise the spirits of some local children at the Rytas Orphanage. Upon arrival, the children sang songs and played instruments for us; along with presenting us with a picture (I would like to place that picture on the mess decks when the remodel is done). For a few hours about 45 members of our crew played games with the children and enjoyed a barbecue that we provided along with the U.S. embassy. ITC Joseph Wert is going to head up efforts to send the orphanage some gifts this upcoming Christmas – more to follow on that.
On the continuing path to improve our material condition there was significant progress this week on many fronts. Great job to EN3 Joshua Young for putting forth his best effort preserving and painting Auxiliary Machinery Room Number 3. EN3 Young took immediate ownership of this space and his efforts are significantly raising the material condition of Carr. We are also continuing to improve the condition of the mess decks, SN Joshua Fiddler and SN Zachary Chambers demonstrated great initiative this week in repainting all the tables and booths. Our painting plan for the mess decks also includes painting a mural on the wall for everyone to enjoy.
We are anxiously awaiting the Chief Petty Officer results – I am hoping they will be released later this upcoming week…
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For the Carr spouses it is time to nominate candidates to serve as officers to stand-up our Family Readiness Group (FRG) – the positions available are President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. I will accept additional candidates until next Saturday (06AUG11) – after that I will solicit votes via email next Sunday (07AUG11). Voting will close on 13AUG11 and I will announce results on 14AUG11. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Lemons via the Wives’ Group Facebook Page.
An FRG is a private organization, closely-affiliated with the command, comprised of family members who provide support for adjusting to Navy deployments and separations, and serve as a link between the command and Sailors’ families. FRGs help plan, coordinate and conduct informational, care-taking, morale-building and social activities to enhance preparedness, command mission readiness, and increase the resiliency and well-being of Sailors and their families. FRGs are an integral part of a support service network that includes ombudsmen, fleet and family support centers (FFSCs), chaplains, school liaison officers, and child development centers at the command-level, to provide services in support of service members and their families.
The following are broad descriptions of the positions available.
– The president shall preside at all regular meetings of the group and perform all other duties necessary to carry out the business of the group.
– The vice president shall assist the president and, in his or her absence, shall assume the duties of the president.
– The secretary shall keep the minutes of all meetings of the group and the executive board. The secretary shall have the minutes ready for duplication upon request by the next regularly scheduled meeting. The secretary is the custodian of all the permanent records of the group. The secretary shall handle all the correspondence of the group as directed by the president.
– The treasurer shall be responsible for all FRG funds, to include those funds raised by dues, FRG fundraising activities, or private donations. The treasurer is responsible for safeguarding funds, establishing and overseeing accounts in appropriate financial institutions, reconciling financial statements, providing a statement of finances at all regular FRG meetings, filing necessary Federal, State, and local tax documents (if applicable), and submitting to an audit at least annually by the executive board or other designated reviewer.
FRG Candidates thus far are:
PRESIDENT:
– Mrs. Melissa Lemons
VICE PRESIDENT:
– Mrs. Britnee Graf
I am very detail oriented, organized, friendly and able to make best of the time I get. I understand I am young but I would love the opportunity to put my best foot forward. I have two toddlers and a baby; I am a stay at home mom and would be available all hours of the day and love being able to help people. I love being involved as much as I can in what I can, I’m also easy to get along with, easy to talk to, very open to new ideas and input for everyone involved and no matter how bad things may be I always put a smile on, push on and take it day by day. If there is another position that I may be a better fit for I would also be open to that. I really hope to receive the position and be able to prove how great of an asset I can be to the FRG.
– Mrs. April Linton
I’m very interested in being involved with our ship and families. I believe this would be a great way to involve myself as well as my family with the Carr family. I feel that I could help make a difference for us all, though I don’t have experience with the FRG, I would love to gain some. Thank you in advance for considering me for this position.
– Mrs. Kathi Robinson
I would actually love to do any of the positions that are available. I think I would be good for amu position, because I am involved in the activities, and would love to do anything I can to be involved with the families, helping the wives and kids. Planning events and learning as much as I can about family readiness.
– Mrs. Woodruff
I really want to be more involved with the wives of the Carr and would love to be a part of homecomings and family events! My first suggestion would be to make shirts for their homecoming. I was here for their Persian Gulf tour and everyone absolutely loved the shirts that were made for them. I have tons of free time since I have no children and would be readily available to help with meetings and get togethers.
TREASURER:
– Mrs. Kristal Frontone
I love working with numbers. I am currently serving as treasurer for a group for which I am a member. I know how to do paper ledgers and spreadsheets. I currently use Microsoft Word to create my cash-flow sheets, but that can change to meet the groups needs. I worked as a tax preparer earlier this year. I am willing to serve in any position.
– Mrs. Britnee Graf
See above
– Mrs. Kathi Robinson
I would actually love to do any of the positions that are available. I think I would be good for either position, because I am involved in the activities, and would love to do anything I can to be involved with the familes, helping the wives and kids. Planning events and learning as much as I can about family readiness.
SECRETARY:
– Mrs. Britnee Graf
See above
– Mrs. Kathi Robinson
See above
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Please join us on Facebook:
CARR Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FFG52
Jessica Meissner OMBUDSMAN http://www.facebook.com/pages/USS-CARR-Ombudsman/219688138070847?sk=wall
Melissa Lemons CARR Wives’ Group http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_137767426300026&ap=1;
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Errata: Last week I incorrectly listed STG2 Botel as STG3, my apologies.
Until next week, stay safe!
CDR Patrick Kulakowski
Commanding Officer
USS CARR (FFG 52)
“Courage, Will, Determination
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