Best Friends
My Rifle... Named, Geronimo... My pistol, Pancho Villa.
Best Moment
My best moment, hopefully will be checking in... Due to necessity, I was extended temporarily at my previous command. I can't wait to get started on my gaining command once my whole week and a half of leave is over... That's right... You read it correctly, after 14 months in Bahrain and after completely fulfilling ALL necessities... There was only about 15 days left, but my military flight had us stuck in Portugal for 4 days... So, I have just enough time to hug the family and get on to my next mission. No regrets!! I live for it, and thankfully my loving family accepts it.:)
Best Friends
The shipmates who have had my back the whole time.
Best Moment
This is what happens when you KNOW you're doing your job... -your own subordinates become all that you intended and more.
Worst Moment
Realizing how difficult it is to teach the true meaning of SELFLESS SERVICE in today's Navy... Everyone is out for paper, few are out for the finished product or the success of the mission. Walking away, I know I gave it my best shot, maintained my dignity, and shared my pride in service.
Other Memories
nick-named "short fuse" by my section, when i was forced to explain that there is NO EXCEPTION to excellence, and that anything less is UNACCEPTABLE. needless to say, they are razor sharp!
the largest amount of special warfare candidates i've ever inspired or assisted in 11 years. 80% of them are either in school or awaiting orders. bless their hearts!
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Best Friends
We'll keep it simple. I firmly believe that it's NOT who you know, but WHAT you know... No matter where you go.
Best Moment
For EVERY Action There Is a Reaction of Equal or GREATER Force...
Chain of Command
It is quite amazing at what can be accomplished when the challenging tasks are actually delegated to those with the adequate skills in operations, tactics, and organization... Talk is cheap... Action is everything.
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Criteria The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Best Friends
I'm not serving my country for buddies or to be liked...I serve with Integrity and a devotion to Selfless Duty... Some like it, some don't. I have Self-Respect and an Honest Loyalty to the Honored traditions of our Military Services... How many other sailors can honestly say their conciensce rests?
Best Moment
My first day of work at the Auto Hobby Shop... I gained some of the most incredibly honorable influence EVER from my supervisors, co-workers, and customers alike... I spent the very best 8mo. to a yr of my life absorbing every bit of knowledge and wisdom these technical, mechanical, and combat EXPERTS of all pay grades (civilian and military) had to share.
Worst Moment
Being made fun of for being too inquisitive...
Chain of Command
You could not ask for a more involved or more motivating Top Chain.
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty ... This ribbon is awarded to officers and enlisted personnel of the Navy, Naval Reserve, Marine Corps, and Marine Corps Reserve for 12 months consecutive or accumulated duty at overseas shore-based duty stations. Each Service has distinct criteria that delineates eligibility; Navy personnel assigned to Marine Corps units follow Marine Corps policy, and vice-versa. MoreHide
Criteria The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have participated in or served in support of Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001 and to a future date to be determined. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determine... Individuals authorized the award of this medal must have been deployed abroad for service in the Global War on Terrorism operations on or after September 11, 2001, and to a future date to be determined MoreHide
Criteria The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Criteria The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the B... The U.S. Navy has issued two marksmanship ribbons: the Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon and Navy Rifle Marksmanship Ribbon, since 1920. The pistol ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the Beretta 9mm pistol, while the rifle ribbon is currently awarded for qualification on the M14 and M16 assault rifle variants. The Navy issues the marksmanship ribbon in three levels, that of Marksman, Sharpshooter, and Expert. The basic ribbon is awarded for the Marksman level while the specific Marksmanship Device is awarded for qualification as a Sharpshooter or Expert. Those receiving an Expert qualification receive the Marksmanship Medal, in addition to the Marksmanship Ribbon. MoreHide
Worst Moment
Graduating and knowing we weren't coming to class again...:(
Chain of Command
BM2 Salazar-Coxswain Course Instructor
Other Memories
One of the BMC's from LHD6 was also there at the time... It was great to see a friendly face (rate) in that schoolhouse, since I was stuck in a room of a bunch of cops all trying to learn how to drive boats... Yikes!!
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria
The Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal is intended to provide Naval Reservists an award which is the equivalent to the Navy Good Conduct Medal.
Criteria The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need n... The Armed Forces Reserve Medal is awarded to United States Armed Forces Reserve component members (or former members) who complete (or have completed) a total of ten years service. This service need not be consecutive, if it was performed within a period of twelve consecutive years. For the purpose of this award service as a member of a Reserve component MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous ... The Meritorious Unit Commendation may be awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to any unit of the Navy or Marine Corps that distinguishes itself under combat or noncombat conditions by either valorous or meritorious achievement which renders that unit outstanding compared to other units performing similar service, but not sufficient to justify the award of the Navy Unit Commendation. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 r... The Navy Good Conduct Medal (NGCM) is a decoration presented by the United States Navy to recognize members who have completed three years of honorable service. Medals awarded before January 1, 1996 required four years of service. MoreHide
Criteria The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian... The Humanitarian Service Medal is an individual award, presented to individuals who are physically present at the site of immediate relief and who directly contribute to and influence the humanitarian action. The Humanitarian Service Medal is only awarded for service during the identified "period of immediate relief;" eligibility for the Humanitarian Service Medal terminates once (if) the humanitarian action evolves into an "established ongoing operation beyond the initial emergency condition." MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Criteria The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, f... The Sea Service Deployment Ribbon is awarded to members of the Navy and Marine Corps assigned to U.S. homeported (including Hawaii and Alaska) ships, deploying units, or Fleet Marine Force commands, for 12 months accumulated sea duty, or for duty with the Fleet Marine Force that includes at least one deployment of 90 consecutive days. MoreHide
Description The role of the International Force in East Timor, or INTERFET, is to support the multinational peacekeeping effort that restored order in East Timor following an independence referendum. US troops diThe role of the International Force in East Timor, or INTERFET, is to support the multinational peacekeeping effort that restored order in East Timor following an independence referendum. US troops did not have a combat role, but provided transportation, logistics, command and control, communications, intelligence, and sustainment support for the peacekeeping operation. The US force, comprised of Marines, airmen, sailors and soldiers, provided logistical support -- transporting troops, and providing communications and intelligence. Hundreds of American troops were involved in this UN peacekeeping operation in East Timor that helped restore order.
After days of increasing pressure by the international community, Indonesian President B.J. Habibie announced on Sunday 11 September 1999 that Indonesia would accept peacekeepers in East Timor. Indonesia's willingness to accept a UN-backed international peacekeeping force has brought calls for a swift deployment to the violence torn province.
Australia, with its advanced military, led the mission. Australia and New Zealand initially said they expected a total of eight-thousand troops would be deployed in East Timor. The main objectives were to protect the UN mission there, protect refugees, and to safeguard humanitarian aid. The majority of the force are from the Association of Southeast Asian Nation member countries. Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand have all have pledged support. Japan, whose constitution limits the role of its military overseas, has said it will consider sending humanitarian and financial aid.
Indonesian parliamentary leaders said they understood the President's reasons for accepting UN peacekeepers in East Timor. But the leader of the Indonesian parliamentary commission said that Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, and the United States did not deserve to be involved in a peacekeeping mission.
The crisis in East Timor caused a ripple effect on US Navy forces. The National Command Authority and the Pacific Commander decided that the United States would support the Australian-led peace keeping operation in East Timor by providing heavy lift helicopters. Because of East Timor infrastructure difficulties and force protection considerations, it was decided that sea-based helicopters provided the most appropriate and timely response. The only ship that could meet the required time line was the USS BELLEAU WOOD, whose homeport is Sasebo, Japan. Because of a previous emergent deployment and a large percentage of time already out of homeport, BELLEAU WOOD could not stay on station in the Timor Sea for the period of time desired by the U.S. commander. Therefore, it was decided to have USS PELELIU sail early from the Arabian Gulf and relieve BELLEAU WOOD. This resulted in no ARG/MEU(SOC) presence in the Central Command area of responsibility, resulting in increased risk to CENTCOM objectives and the loss of training and engagement that PELELIU would have provided the Central Command Commander. Until a recent decision was made to use civilian contract helicopters to sustain the heavy lift requirement, USS ESSEX was preparing to deploy on two-week notice from San Diego. Had the Navy been required to deploy ESSEX, this would have violated some of the Navy's quality of life PERSTEMPO rules, but it was the only other solution that met the heavy lift requirement to support forces deployed to the area. Additionally, East Timor required the unplanned deployment of the Kitty Hawk battle group and the Belleau Wood ARG. Although the Navy met the requirements dictated by the East Timor crisis, this increased presence near Indonesia necessarily caused a reduction in Naval presence in both Southwest Asia and near Korea.
... More
People You Remember
Commissioning Crew of LHD6
Memories They sent the paper pushers to weapons qual to guard the Chaplain... Seriously... I just don't underThey sent the paper pushers to weapons qual to guard the Chaplain... Seriously... I just don't understand sometimes.... More
Best Moment
DJ'n Steel Beach Pic-Nics... And wrenchin' the days through...
Chain of Command
ABF1 Williams--He taught us that we are only as strong as the truth and integrity that backs our own word... And to fight for what is right, no matter what the cost is to ourselves... It's the morale behind every action that counts.
Other Memories
Let's not get it twisted... Don't let the badge fool you. I will always be a BROWN SHOE service member... However, there are times when you have NO choice. My loyalty to my country and its services run deep... I still claim AB.
Criteria The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Natio... The Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who, after July 1, 1958, participate in specified United States operations or those in direct support of the United Nations or friendly foreign nations MoreHide
Best Friends
They KNOW who they are... Noland, Purdy, Joseph, etc...
Best Moment
Leaving my mark with my artistic lead (she was a WAY better artist) on the quarterdeck of Ship 8... And of course, grabbing my orders to the BHR...
Worst Moment
Saying goodbye to my homeboy, Noland...
Chain of Command
It was NAVY boot camp... There was a chain of command there?... Just kidding...
Other Memories
Some of the best friends and memories anyone could ever have had...
My Rifle... Named, Geronimo... My pistol, Pancho Villa.
My best moment, hopefully will be checking in... Due to necessity, I was extended temporarily at my previous command. I can't wait to get started on my gaining command once my whole week and a half of leave is over... That's right... You read it correctly, after 14 months in Bahrain and after completely fulfilling ALL necessities... There was only about 15 days left, but my military flight had us stuck in Portugal for 4 days... So, I have just enough time to hug the family and get on to my next mission. No regrets!! I live for it, and thankfully my loving family accepts it.:)