Captain’s Corner

Hello to all our JOHN PAUL JONES families,

May has been a great month for us. We began the month doing

some patrol work in the Western Pacific. During that time we

transited to Singapore to transport three Sailors from HIGGINS,

CHAFEE, and NIMITZ who were on emergency leave. We did a

lot of weapons firing for both new qualifications and proficiency training.

After more patrol work, we then pulled into Singapore for four days to take

on fuel, repair some equipment, and have some fun. Singapore is the

Jewel of the orient. One of the cleanest countries on the continent, it makes an enjoyable place to explore. We certainly added to the economy of Singapore in the many shops, restaurants and hotels. Some people went to explore Sentosa Island and others took the night safari at the world-renowned Singapore Zoo. We had quite an adventure the second day there, when we had to move the ship from one berth to another. During the shift, we were delayed by the movement of other ships and a large thunderstorm came up, reducing visibility

to less than 50 yards for about a half-hour. Though the Singapore pilot aboard wasn’t especially helpful, the team performed extremely well, keeping the ship safe until the storm cleared and the other ships cleared the pier for us to moor.

After Singapore, we transited to Okinawa, Japan. Okinawa was a good break for most people’s bank accounts as most of us stuck primarily to the U.S. Naval Base at White Beach, Kadena Air Force Base, and Camp Foster. Some people did manage to spend some time out on the Japanese economy to do a little sight seeing and take in the culture. After taking on fuel in Okinawa, re-supplying the ship, and a tremendous amount of topside preservation, we departed enroute to Palau. Our three-day transit was marked by some intensive training, especially in the area of tactics. With only a short time underway, it was important to get in as much training as possible.

Palau was a spectacular port visit. The visit was an important event for engagement with Palau. No other U.S. combatant ship had visited Palau for several years, and the Palauan government very much appreciated our being there. Upon arrival around 1pm, the crew launched into a flurry of well choreographed activity. While I went to visit the Minister of State, then the Vice President, then the President of Palau in their offices, everyone else contributed to getting ready for a reception that evening. The stringing of “friendship lights” up and over the mast, rigging of signal flag decorations around the flight deck, setting up of tents on the flight deck, rigging of evening-style lighting in the tents, setting up of food tables and a bar, preparation of the food and drinks, spotless cleaning of the arrival and tour routes, and many other tasks were all completed. Oh, did I mention that a torrential downpour started 1 hour before the party and lasted ½ hour? That’s right, but by the time the first guests arrived (the Vice President and his family), everyone was looking great in their white uniforms and ready to be gracious hosts. The reception was a huge success. The guest list was pretty much a who’s who in Palau. All but one cabinet Minister, tribal High Chiefs, state Governors, education and business leaders, Ambassadors and other representatives from Israel, the Philippines, and Japan, were all in attendance. We also had military representation from Australia. In all, 6 countries were represented aboard JOHN PAUL JONES the evening of May 24^th. The next day was no let-up, with several of us attending the commencement exercises at the local college, touring the National Hospital, devoting time to build playground equipment near the national capital, and providing medical care on another island. Additionally more VIP tours were given every day of the port visit by many of our Sailors. The next day more people were able to take advantage of the rich beauty that is Palau, with the official functions slackening off to a visit to the Community Action Team’s camp. Most people did several of the following activities: visited the beaches, snorkeled, went diving, toured the unique islands, sailed, ate the outstanding cuisine, and drank with the local population. Some of us went

to Jellyfish Lake, a natural phenomenon where millions of stinger-less jellyfish populate a saltwater lake and you can swim among them. This was one of the reward challenge prizes on “Survivor Palau” and it was definitely rewarding for those who went.

As we closed out the month, we joined the ESSEX Expeditionary Strike Group and crossed into the Southern Hemisphere. For many, this was their first time crossing the equator and they chose to participate in the ancient ritual of passage from slimy pollywog to Honorable Shellback in an enjoyable ceremony. Though we don’t do many of the harsh or disgusting things of the past in the modern version of the initiation, it will still remain a vivid memory for every new Shellback and we welcome them gladly as Sons and Daughters of Neptune.

I bid a fond farewell to our outgoing Ombudsman, Georgia Bear. Unfortunately with her husband’s transfer to San Diego, she could not continue to serve in this position. Georgia did some great work and we’ll miss both her and her husband, FC1 Kelly Bear, as part of the JPJ team. Fortunately, we were able to find a couple of superior candidates for the job and I selected Heather Cox as our new Ombudsman. Heather had been serving as our Family Support Group President and has taken on the job of Ombudsman with great enthusiasm. Please contact her if you need assistance. Our Family Support Group may have lost Heather, but is as strong as ever under the leadership of Julie Gushlaw, who volunteered to step in as interim President until elections can take place. Julie had been serving as the FSG Vice President and has done an awesome job. Thanks to all three of these ladies for their generous devotion of time and effort.

Keep the card, letters, and emails coming to the ship. Everyone enjoys hearing from home.

Sincerely,

James J. Housinger

CDR USN