Reuben James Deploys to Western Pacific

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Reuben James (FFG 57) deployed from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Feb. 1, as part of an independent deployment to the Western Pacific.

Reuben James, commanded by Cmdr. David E. Miller, is deploying under the Middle Pacific Surface Combatant (MPSC) deployment concept in which Pearl Harbor-based ships deploy in support of operations, primarily in the Western Pacific. The crew of about 225 Sailors will conduct integrated operations in conjunction with coalition partners deployed to the Western Pacific.

"Reuben James has been preparing for this day since returning from our last deployment," said Miller. "Our focus of effort through continuous maintenance supplied by Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, training and assessments conducted by Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific, and exercises RIMPAC 2010 and Koa Kai 11-1, have fully prepared us to be 'ready on arrival' to support all missions and operations. Our Sailors are ready, our families are ready, and Reuben James is ready. Our motto says it all, 'Back with a Vengeance.'"

Miller said he also expects to support the wider mission areas of maritime interdiction operations (MIO) and theater security cooperation (TSC).

USS Reuben James Command Senior Chief Navy Counselor (SW) Johannes Gonzales said his biggest expectation for the deployment is to be able to work closely with the battle group the ship is about to join.

"It's going to be a new experience for many of the crew members," said Gonzales. "Our personal goal is to get better. We are going to go out there. We are going to do our mission and meanwhile we are going to get better."

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard teamed up with BAE Systems Hawaii Shipyards to successfully complete a continuous maintenance availability (CMAV) on Reuben James, on time, Jan. 10.

"We have to be ready to deploy at a moment's notice," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Walls, USS Reuben James main propulsion assistant. "Continuous maintenance allows our ships to be mission-ready at all times."

With 20 years of maintenance engineering experience in the Navy, Walls said the change to continuous maintenance keeps the ships in better condition than the previous way. Instead of only conducting maintenance during major availabilities a year or more apart, work is done in smaller increments more frequently when the ship is in port.

The original completion date for the maintenance period was Dec. 22. Due to new work and delayed delivery of material, the deadline was extended. The CMAV work package on Reuben James was mainly structural and mechanical work accomplished through a combined effort between prime contractor BAE Systems Hawaii Shipyards, subcontractors, the shipyard and ship's force.

Walls said the shipyard's fleet technical support division and gas turbine engine shop performed repairs on the ship's elevator, fins and gas turbine engines.

"We've had great support from both the shipyard and the contractors during this CMAV," he said.

Lester Lee, is the shipyard project manager for Reuben James.

"With the holidays and inclement weather, there were some challenges with obtaining necessary materials on time and quickly replacing the non-skid surfaces on all decks, but the team prevailed to accomplish the work on time," said Lee.

Another challenge the team faced was underwater repairs. Lee said that instead of dry-docking the ship, which would be more expensive, the shipyard's Navy divers and ship's force installed a cofferdam on the underwater hull. The cofferdam created a dry space, which allowed contractors to work below the waterline.

Walls said continuous maintenance allows work to be done more frequently when it is needed, and the ship's crew members become familiar with the civilian workers who perform the repairs.

"We see the same faces so often, they become like part of the ship's company," he said.

Guided-missile frigates are multi-mission surface combatants, capable of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASUW) missions.

USS Reuben James Deploys to the Western Pacific

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor for a deployment to the Western Pacific Jan. 15.

Reuben James, one of eight ships assigned to Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31, will be on an independent deployment to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

While on deployment, Reuben James will be conducting various missions, including a joint fisheries patrol with the U.S. Coast Guard and local nations in Oceania to protect vital natural resources. The ship will conduct humanitarian relief and goodwill projects and participate in several multinational military exercises to build relationships and strengthen regional stability.

Reuben James' commanding officer, Cmdr. David Miller, was very optimistic about the deployment, noting that the crew and the ship are readily prepared for the tasks ahead.

"It has been a tough past few months with all the inspections, but the crew is more than prepared for this deployment and I have no doubt that they will perform nothing short of outstanding," said Miller. "We're ready to go and we're proud to serve."
Miller also said that Reuben James will have the opportunity to lend a hand to the local communities during port visits.

"We will make quite a few stops while on the deployment where we'll take the time to help out underprivileged communities in foreign countries with community relations projects," said Miller.

Friends and family waved farewell as they watched their Sailors aboard Reuben James depart Pearl Harbor en route to the Pacific Ocean.

"It's really sad to have him leave today, but I know that this is his job," said the wife of a deploying Sailor.

"I never like to see my husband leave, but it is something that I'm used to, and I just look forward to him coming home," added another wife of a Reuben James Sailor.

U.S. Navy guided-missile frigates fulfill a protection-of-shipping mission as anti-submarine warfare combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys.

USS O'Kane, USS Reuben James Depart Pearl Harbor for Western Pacific

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs



PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) departed their homeport of Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor Sept. 25 for a Mid-Pacific Surface Combatant Operational Employment.

The Mid-Pacific Surface Combatant Operational Employment program calls for nine of the 11 Hawaii-based surface combatants to conduct intermediate/advanced training and regular deployments in the Western Pacific, and is designed to improve the U.S. Pacific Fleet's war fighting readiness and effectiveness.

Friends and family watched from the pier as their loved ones set sail for the Pacific Ocean.

"It's what they're here to do," said the spouse of an O'Kane Sailor. "The best we can hope for is they come back to us safely."

"We're absolutely ready to do this," said Cmdr. Joseph Naman, commanding officer of Reuben James. "We've spent a lot of time underway recently and are trained in all areas, so this is nothing new to the crew."

Reuben James and O'Kane returned June 8 from a two-month deployment as part of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in support of the global war on terrorism.

Departing their friends and family after a short period of time can be strenuous, but the Sailors are ready for the challenges that are to come.

"It's going to be another great experience," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) Adan Ramos, assigned to O'Kane. "We're all confident and ready to do everything we're tasked to do."

Guided missile destroyers provide multimission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.

Frigates fulfill a Protection of Shipping (POS) mission as Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys.

O'Kane, Reuben James Join Nimitz CSG

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) departs Naval Station Pearl Harbor. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) departed Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor, April 18, to join the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group (CSG).

Friends and family waved goodbye as the ships left the pier for a surge deployment with the strike group in support of the war on terrorism.

"I know it's part of the job, but I'm going to miss him like crazy and at the same time I'm more proud of him than ever," said a spouse of a Reuben James Sailor.

"Our leaving today is part of the whole new concept of being ready at any time we're asked to deploy and I think the crew understands that and everyone's ready and looking forward to it," said Cmdr. Joseph Naman, commanding officer of Reuben James.

Reuben James returned Feb. 22 from a six-month deployment in support of the war on terrorism, where they also conducted community relation projects in Guadalcanal, Tonga and Samoa.

Having to leave their friends and family behind as they return to sea two months after a major deployment is strenuous on the crew of Reuben James but the crew is still upbeat about another underway period.

"I'm pretty excited to get out there, go underway and do whatever it is we may have to do," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Stephen Coffmann, assigned to Reuben James.

O'Kane has been in Pearl Harbor since returning from a seven-month deployment in the Persian Gulf with the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) CSG on Aug. 20, 2007.

Cmdr. Tom Druggan, commanding officer of O'Kane, believes that despite the long wait between deployments, the crew is up to the task and ready for their deployment.

"In the end, this is what we're hired to do," said Druggan. "This is why the Navy maintains a ready posture throughout the fleet and we are answering the call."

One O'Kane Sailor said he looks forward to getting back underway and supporting the nation while at sea.

"I think all of us are ready to go out and do what we're meant to do, which is go underway and defend our country," said Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class (SW) John Grunnels, assigned to O'Kane.

Guided-missile destroyers provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, expeditionary strike groups, and underway replenishment groups. Frigates fulfill a protection of shipping mission as anti-submarine warfare combatants for amphibious expeditionary forces, underway replenishment groups and merchant convoys.

Reuben James Returns From Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David N. Dexter, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs



PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Pearl Harbor-based Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) returned to its homeport of Naval Station Pearl Harbor from a six-month deployment, Feb. 22, as hundreds of friends and family members waited on the pier with open arms.

Sailors reunited with loved ones were ecstatic when they spotted their friends and family waving for them from the pier.

"I'm happy I get to see my family again," said Storekeeper 3rd Class (SW) Romulo Villanueva.

While underway, Reuben James performed various missions in support of the war on terrorism and conducted community relation projects in Guadalcanal, Tonga and Samoa.

"We went to several countries and conducted counter-terrorism missions," said Cmdr. Joseph Naman, the ship's commanding officer.

During port visits to Guadalcanal, Samoa and Tonga, Reuben James Sailors spent time building relationships with the local communities by volunteering to help with construction of hospitals and houses, clearing land and painting women's shelters.

"Every port we pulled into we would do community relations projects," said Naman. "Normally we would have about 20 volunteers from the command for each project."

Reuben James also took part in the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. As a tribute to service members and local Solomon Islanders who lost their lives during the Guadalcanal campaign, the crew of Reuben James conducted several traditional ship-handling maneuvers across Iron Bottom Sound.

"It was good for us because it was a chance for us to connect with some history," Naman added.

USS Reuben James Visits Malaysia

By Ensign Fallon Rossi, USS Reuben James Public Affairs



PENANG, Malaysia (NNS) -- USS Reuben James (FFG 57) entered port in Penang, Dec. 30, just in time for the crew to ring in the New Year.

Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Rich Haidvogel said, "We really enjoyed spending some time in Penang. This port visit presented a golden opportunity for us to enjoy some of the customs and traditions of Malaysia while enhancing our growing relationship for peace and prosperity."

Seaman Jason Seaton enjoyed spending the holiday in Malaysia, saying, "I got to check out the historical and cultural sites and eat some good food."

In addition to taking part in cultural activities and hosting special guests on board the ship, several Sailors volunteered to participate for a few community relations projects while in Penang.

Ensign Josh Lewis said he feels "a sense of accomplishment when volunteering time and energy in helping others. I like fostering a good image of the United States while being deployed abroad."

The volunteers helped to complete some yard work as well as arrange and clean a few storerooms at the Spastic Children Association, for children living with cerebral palsy, and the St. Nicholas Home, for blind children. Reuben James was also able to donate extra office supplies and books to the two homes.

The ships presence in Malaysia and other countries allows the U.S. Navy to strengthen ties in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

Reuben James Departs Pearl for WestPac

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
Friends and family gathered at the pier on Naval Station Pearl Harbor Aug. 24, to say goodbye to more than 240 Sailors of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate, USS Reuben James (FFG 37).

The ship departed its homeport for a deployment to the Western Pacific in support of the global war on terrorism.

"We are extremely excited about this deployment," said Cmdr. Rich Haidvogel, commanding officer of Reuben James. "We have been training for this and the crew is ready to complete the tasking of the mission."

For months prior to deploying, Sailors anxiously awaited the day they would get underway.

"We've been pumped up so much for the last couple of months, and we're ready to go," said Operational Specialist 3rd Class Jeremy Zimmer.

During a deployment, the Sailors must rely on each other more than a typical workplace, due to the close quarters that a Navy vessel provides.

"We come together more underway and go from being co-workers to more like a family because all we have is each other, said Zimmer.

Reuben James is a multi-mission platform designed to escort and protect carrier strike groups, expeditionary strike groups, underway replenishment groups and convoys, in addition to conducting anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.