Best Friends
Where to start: Juan Cabrera, Sn Saxton, Jenn Kessler (Banks), Andy Choate, Donny Bryant, Tom Walker, Pretty much the entire Batallion.
Best Moment
Got my NAM's, for busting out hundreds on cans working on the night shift. Going to Norway! Everyone who went knew that place ROCKED!
Worst Moment
Toughest moment for sure was getting deployed right before Christmas 2002 to Diego Garcia for the build up for the Iraq war. Didn't go over well at all with my family.
Other Memories
ROCKIN NORWAY! Met some very nice people there including 2 locals who took Andy, Donny, and myself in for a traditional Norwegian dinner. Also, going snowboarding on the most pritine powder ever at OPPDAL resort. WOW that was amazing.
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. MoreHide
Description Camp Justice is a United States military base on Diego Garcia, a small, strategically located, isolated island in the Indian Ocean. The island is in the Chagos Archipelago, part of the British Indian Camp Justice is a United States military base on Diego Garcia, a small, strategically located, isolated island in the Indian Ocean. The island is in the Chagos Archipelago, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. American forces have used the Island since at least the mid-1960s, under lease from the United Kingdom. The island has both port facilities and an airstrip, capable of handling the largest aircraft.
The population is estimated at 1700 military personnel with a further 1500 civilian contractors, which are mostly American with around 50 British troops stationed there.
Starting as early as 2004 rumors began to surface that the USA had been using Diego Garcia for the detention and torture of individuals captured in the "Global War On Terror". In 2006 Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, one of the "high-value detainees," was suspected to have been held in Diego Garcia.
The camp was renamed to "Camp Thunder Cove" in July 2006.
Formally, the base is known as Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia (the U.S. activity) or Permanent Joint Operating Base (PJOB) Diego Garcia (the UK's term). ... More
People You Remember CHB-5 air det (at the time we were the air det). We were mobilized a few days before Christmas to deCHB-5 air det (at the time we were the air det). We were mobilized a few days before Christmas to deploy to DG for a little over 3 weeks. We were to return home then re-deploy for 6 months back there. I remember getting the call and my family and I were returning from my sister in laws house. My wife's grandmother had just passed away so this was a tough time already. My brother in law was a few days from coming home. He was stationed at Ali Al Salem, had been there since August. So things were very tough. I remember having Christmas the Saturday before I left and that same day my wife took all the xmas stuff down and put it away. SHE WAS MAD. So we left for DG by way of Seattle, Tokyo, Yakota air base and Singapore. Well we got stuck in Singapore as the KC-10 we were hitching a ride on conveniently broke in Sing. (they were headed for Afghanistan,hmmm). We spent xmas in Singapore along with all of our cash. We finally made it to DG and got to work. A whole 6 days during this MOB. The work was hard but the play was harder at times. We had it good. Decent rooms, good food courtesy of whichever merchant ship's galley we were working on. Nice equipment. One of the merchant ships even had a swimming pool in it and a bar. Well toward the end we were working 2 ships at a time and managing quite well. I remember having to tie down cans while our ship got underway from the pier to make anchorage in the lagoon. When we finished the tie down we had chow and then departed the ship by way of a liberty launch that runs to all the ships for the MM's to go ashore. Well while we were going from ship to ship, a nasty little squall came up and was rocking that little launch BAD. I remember my buddy Wiseman hunched over with his face in his hardhat trying not to lose his lunch. Sorry Dave but that was funny. Anyway, It was a great time. I wish I could have gone to the big deployment but had to tend to things back home. ... More
Criteria The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in... The Naval Reserve Medal was awarded to commissioned officers and enlisted members of the Naval Reserve upon completion of ten years service in the Naval Reserve Force, National Naval Volunteers, or in any Federally recognized naval militia force in either active or in-active status. The award of the Naval Reserve Medal was discontinued on September 12, 1958, and has been replaced by the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. MoreHide
Criteria The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achieveme... The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces in the grades of lieutenant commander (or major) and below. It is awarded for meritorious service or achievement in either combat or noncombat based on sustained performance or specific achievement of a superlative nature but which does not warrant a Navy Commendation Medal or higher. It may not be awarded for service involving participation in aerial flight after January 1, 1969. 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
Description While several operations occurred in the geographical areas described above between April 12, 1991, and November 30, 1995, including Operation Provide Comfort (June 1, 1992 – November 30, 1995), OperaWhile several operations occurred in the geographical areas described above between April 12, 1991, and November 30, 1995, including Operation Provide Comfort (June 1, 1992 – November 30, 1995), Operation Southern Watch (August 27, 1992 – April 29, 2003) and Operation Vigilant Warrior (October 14, 1994 – December 21, 1994), these operations were covered under the third campaign, Southwest Asia Cease-Fire. Service in Operations that extended beyond the final campaign date of November 30, 1995 were recognized by awards of either the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal or the Armed Forces Service Medal. Thus, the maximum number of bronze service stars that are authorized to be worn for the Southwest Asia Service Medal's ribbon or streamer is three.... More
Best Moment
My first day on the ship. My first command.
Worst Moment
Busting my damn hand in a scuttle. The reason I had to leave the command. I had to fly to the Lincoln only to be sent to Guam from there. Without uniforms and a service record I made my way back to San Diego via Okinawa, Yokota Air Base, Hickam Air Base, HI, Travis Air Base CA, to Miramar, to Balboa. Not a fun trip with busted digits.
Chain of Command
I only remember a few names but BM1 Straub and BM2 Kroll (SP) come to mind as they were my first work center sups. Cant forget BM2 YAZZIE and carrying his drunk you know what back form the Seaman Center in Jubel Ali only to have to stand drunk watch. HA HA Good times. Pancho Villa's in Dubai need I say more as that was the only thing to do there at the time. That and Leisureland where we wrecked the go-karts and got kicked out.
Other Memories
Anyone who was on the ship when we went to Bunbury Australia will remember it being off the planet. What a beautiful place, and being the only ship in port while the rest of the squids were in Perth fighting over attention could not have been any better.
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
Description Description Pending
1993
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
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 The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west ... The Southwest Asia Service Medal is awarded for service in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees North latitude and west of 68 degrees East longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Individuals serving between January 17, 1991, and November 30, 1995, in Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Syria, and Jordan (including their air space and territorial waters) are also eligible; however, they must have directly supported combat operations (e.g., embassy guards are not eligible). 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 Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gu... Awarded to members of the Military Coalition who served in support of Operation Desert Shield or Desert Storm in one or more of the following areas between 2 August 1990 and 31 August 1993: Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, that portion of the Arabian Sea that lies north of 10 degrees north latitude and west of 68 degrees east longitude, as well as the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. MoreHide
Description Operation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by United States special operations forces with the primary mission of capturing faction leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The operation occurredOperation Gothic Serpent was a military operation conducted by United States special operations forces with the primary mission of capturing faction leader Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The operation occurred in Somalia from August to October 1993 and was supervised by the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).
As part of the operation, the soldiers were deployed in a mission to arrest two of Aidid's lieutenants. That mission's result – executed under the command of Gothic Serpent – became known as the Battle of Mogadishu.
On the afternoon of 3 October 1993, informed that two leaders of Aidid's clan were at a residence in the "Black Sea" neighborhood in Mogadishu, the task force sent 19 aircraft, 12 vehicles, and 160 men to arrest them. During the mission, Private Todd Blackburn (who, contrary to the film adaptation of the events, arrived in Somalia at the same time as the rest of the 75th Ranger Regiment) missed the rope while fast-roping from an MH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. He fell 70 feet to the street below, badly injuring himself.
The two Somali leaders were quickly arrested. The prisoners and Blackburn were loaded on a convoy of ground vehicles. However, armed militiamen and civilians, some of them women and children, converged on the target area from all over the city. Sergeant Dominick Pilla and a Somali combatant spotted each other and fired at the same time. Both were killed. The operation's commanders were stunned to hear that a soldier had been killed, as they expected no casualties during the operation. During the battle's first hours, the MH-60 Black Hawk, Super Six One, piloted by Cliff Wolcott, was shot down by a Somali combatant using a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). Both of the pilots were killed, but the crew survived the crash landing.
Later, another Black Hawk helicopter, Super Six Four, was shot down by an RPG fired from the ground. No rescue team was immediately available, and the small surviving crew, including one of the pilots, Michael Durant, couldn't move. Two Delta snipers — Master Sergeant Gary Gordon and Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart provided cover from a helicopter, and repeatedly volunteered to secure the crash site. On their third try, they were given permission, both men aware that it would probably cost them their lives. When they arrived, they attempted to secure the site, but Gordon was killed, leaving only Durant and Shughart. Eventually, after holding off and killing more than 25 Somalis, Shughart was killed and Durant taken hostage.
Meanwhile, the remaining Rangers and Delta operators fought their way to the first crash site, where they found the crew. They soon found themselves surrounded by Somali Habr Gidr militia. The Somali commander, Colonel Sharif Hassan Giumale, decided to kill the U.S. troops with mortar fire, and Somali militia prepared to bombard the besieged Americans with 60mm mortars. However, Colonel Giumale called off the mortar strike after information of possible civilian hostages arose. Repeated attempts by the Somalis to overrun U.S. positions were beaten back with heavy small arms fire accompanied by strafing and rocket fire from helicopters. A rescue convoy was organized, made up of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division and Malaysian and Pakistani forces. In heavy combat with the Somalis, the rescue convoy broke through the encirclement and rescued the besieged forces.
The mission's objective of capturing Aidid's associates was accomplished, but the battle turned out to be the most difficult close combat that U.S. troopers had engaged in since the Vietnam War. In the end, two MH-60 Black Hawks were shot down, another was seriously damaged, and 18 U.S. troopers and a Malaysian soldier on the rescue convoy were killed, and 85 were wounded. Estimates of Somali fatalities are around 1,000 militiamen killed during the battle, with over 3,000 wounded. The Delta snipers, Gordon and Shughart, were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their sacrifice.... More
Memories I remember steaming for some much needed liberty in Australia when the USS Ingraham collided during I remember steaming for some much needed liberty in Australia when the USS Ingraham collided during UNREP with the fueler. We were well past the Mog when we had to turn around and support operations there. We lost a few days in Bunbury but we had no choice.... More
Where to start: Juan Cabrera, Sn Saxton, Jenn Kessler (Banks), Andy Choate, Donny Bryant, Tom Walker, Pretty much the entire Batallion.
Got my NAM's, for busting out hundreds on cans working on the night shift. Going to Norway! Everyone who went knew that place ROCKED!
Toughest moment for sure was getting deployed right before Christmas 2002 to Diego Garcia for the build up for the Iraq war. Didn't go over well at all with my family.
ROCKIN NORWAY! Met some very nice people there including 2 locals who took Andy, Donny, and myself in for a traditional Norwegian dinner. Also, going snowboarding on the most pritine powder ever at OPPDAL resort. WOW that was amazing.