USS Ramage, Ready to Run

By Lt. Naomi Reynolds, USS Ramage Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) departed Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 7 for an eight-month deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

"Despite a challenging schedule, the crew has formed an effective and efficient combat team with the invaluable assistance of the Norfolk training and maintenance communities," said Cmdr. Dave Stoner, Ramage commanding officer. "I have no doubt that we are equal to any and all challenges which we will face over the horizon."

The U.S. Navy 6th Fleet AOR covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Pole to Antarctica; as well as the Adriatic, Baltic, Barents, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean and North Seas.

"As a frequent deployer to the 6th Fleet AOR, the Ramage officers and crew are looking forward to reconnecting with our partners and allies throughout the Mediterranean," said Stoner.

Commissioned in 1995, Ramage is the first ship to carry the name and the 11th destroyer of its class. Ramage is named in honor of Vice Adm. Lawson P. Ramage, the distinguished World War II submarine commander who earned the Medal of Honor when he led the USS Parche (SS 384) on a daring nighttime attack on a Japanese convoy, sinking two enemy ships and damaging another three without sustaining any damage.

This is the 4th time the ship will deploy to the 6th Fleet AOR as part of the ballistic missile defense of Europe. The ship returned from her previous deployment on Jan. 26, 2012.

USS Ramage Returns Home

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samantha Thorpe, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Two hundred fifty Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) will return to Naval Station Norfolk tomorrow Jan. 27 from an eight-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.

Ramage departed May 20, and is one of six Atlantic-based ships equipped with the Ballistic Missile Defense system. This return home marks her third deployment in four years in support of the ballistic missile defense strategy. While deployed she conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the Mediterranean Sea.

Ramage conducted naval exercises with five countries and completed a rescue-at-sea after finding an Egyptian fisherman adrift 100 nautical miles from land. After recovery, the ship returned him to his home county.

The ship visited 18 ports in seven different countries and participated in Belgian Navy Days, similar to a Fleet Week event. While in Athens, Greece, four Sailors reenlisted during a visit by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Dr. Jill Biden. After having lunch with the crew, the Secretary and Dr. Biden took time to talk with Sailors about their families back home. Dr. Biden praised the Sailors for their resilience, pride and dedication to their jobs.

Ramage returns under the command of Cmdr. Kyle J. Colton who relieved Cmdr. Erik J. Eslich during a change of command ceremony Aug. 12, held in Rhodes, Greece. Ramage is named in honor of Vice Admiral Lawson P. "Red" Ramage, who was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II.

Ramage Departs for Joint Warrior

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 24, departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 23 and is in transit to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 2009 (EJW09).

EJW09 is a multiwarfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployments.

The exercise, which is scheduled Oct. 3-16, promotes Commander, 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve missions, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

Ramage will be working alongside the Royal Navy's HMS Illustrious's (R 06) strike group, acting as the air defense commander. The crew's mission in the scenario will be to defend friendly forces against air and missile attacks, as well as to perform maritime security operations and various warfare missions, such as defense against small boat attacks, air defense, anti-submarine warfare and boarding operations.

"Ramage's crew is looking forward to the outstanding training and once-in-a-lifetime, post-exercise liberty opportunities," said Ramage's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Peter Galluch. "The ship will get realistic training with great U.S. and allied forces that will prepare us for our upcoming deployment."

Ramage has prepared for this exercise since returning from deployment in April 2009. Since her return, the ship spent nine weeks in the shipyards, followed by a rigorous training cycle to ensure all equipment and personnel are mission-ready.

DESRON 24 Commodore, Capt. John Kersh, visited Ramage Sept. 25 to thank the crew for all their hard work.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your great work in making this ship so very ready to get underway for Joint Warrior [EJW09]," Kersh said. "You have all had a tough schedule, and I am very proud of you! Thank you for delivering a warship ready for tasking."

EJW09 is held twice a year and serves as a deployment certification for U.S. ships.

Nations participating in EJW09 include Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

USS Cole, USS Hall, USS Ramage Depart for Joint Warrior 09

The guided missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) transits the Atlantic Ocean while participating in Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2. Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2 is a multi-national warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Bookwalter/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Destroyer Squadron 24 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS COLE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided missile frigate USS John L. Hall (FFG 32), and guided missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61) and USS Cole (DDG 67), led by Commander, Destroyer Squadron 24, departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 23 to participate in Exercise Joint Warrior 2009.

Joint Warrior is a multi-warfare exercise designed to improve interoperability between allied navies and prepare participating crews to conduct combined operations during deployments.

The exercise, which is scheduled to commence Oct. 5 - 23, promotes Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet's three focus areas: conducting safe and effective fleet operations to achieve mission, providing ready maritime forces for global assignment, and teaming with allies and partners in execution of the maritime strategy.

Hall, Ramage, and Cole, along with ships from the Royal Navy, Canadian Forces, the Royal Danish Navy, the Brazilian Navy, and the Turkish Navy will be participating. The Royal Navy's HMS Illustrious (R 06), Northumberland (F 238), Portland (F 79), Bangor (M 109), Penzance (M 106), and Shoreham (M 112); the Canadian Force's ship HMCS Halifax (FFH 330), Montreal (FFH 336), Athabaskan (DDH 282), and Preserver (AOR 510); the Royal Danish Navy's HDMS Absalon (L 16); the Brazilian Navy's BNS Defensora (F 41); and the Turkish Navy's TCG Orucreis (F 245), will be divided into separate groups to represent fictional forces. Scenarios will include small boat attacks, exercise air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and boarding operations. Ships will be required to respond appropriately in order to accomplish their mission.

"The ships are going to operate in a multi-warfare, multi-platform coalition environment with a variety of other nations," said Capt. John Kersh, commander, Destroyer Squadron 24. "This is a pretty rare opportunity; the Royal Navy puts together this very high-end training, and we are using this exercise as an opportunity to build relationships with other navies. The strength of our Navy is the ability to operate with a variety of other navies and platforms all at the same time."

Sailors on board Cole will be able to operate alongside NATO partners to improve interoperability, as well as enjoy liberty in Scotland, Finland and Estonia.

"I want the crew to enjoy some relaxation; most people join the Navy to go see places and this is a great opportunity," said Cole's Command Master Chief (SW) Steve Timmons. "Also, this is phenomenal training and nothing beats working with NATO countries. They bring so much to the table."

The exercise will take place off the coast of Scotland with a coastline Sailors don't typically see operating off of the East Coast of the United States.

"We will be conducting this exercise in a historic Royal Navy training area," Kersh said. "It is sparsely populated, hilly, rocky, and with deep water so the ships can operate safely."

Joint Warrior serves as a deployment certification for U.S. ships, as well as offers Sailors the opportunity to execute maritime strategy with allied partners. The training scenarios will be realistic and challenging in order to enhance U.S. capabilities for maritime security.

"Hats off to the three ships for getting underway for Joint Warrior," said Kersh. "The crews have really worked hard to get their ships ready; they have worked through all the materiel issues, training requirements, and certifications. Joint Warrior will be a valuable exercise and a positive experience for our crews."

Ramage Proves Multi-Mission Capability During Deployment

By Ensign Patrick Whitmore, USS Ramage Public Affairs

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) is wrapping up its seven-month deployment to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Operation as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and is making preparations to return to homeport at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Ramage's deployment marked the first east coast U.S. Navy ship to deploy equipped with ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities. This pivotal defensive capability gives Ramage the unique ability to intercept short and medium range ballistic missiles and provide crucial missile defense to America's interests and allies.

"Ballistic missile defense has become a core mission of the Navy and a key element of [the] maritime strategy and will continue to be well into the future," said Ramage's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Pete Galluch. "Ramage did an exceptional job in setting the standard for future BMD success."

During the deployment, Ramage was called upon to support a wide range of missions. From fulfilling duties as a strategic BMD asset within 5th and 6th Fleet, to conducting more than 100 approach-and-assist visits in the Central Arabian Gulf, to defending Iraq's maritime oil infrastructure – all skill sets of Ramage's crew were called upon to complete these missions.

"Our deployment has been a testament to the dedication and commitment that is required to complete such a broad range of tasks," Galluch said. "That Ramage was able to respond quickly and effectively to any mission given is a direct reflection of the continual vigilance and professionalism that our Sailors maintain. By their flexibility and perseverance, they have earned a very well-deserved return home."

Ramage also conducted counterpiracy operations, cooperative training with foreign navies, air defense operations with U.S. aircraft carriers, and other critical missions while maintaining a safe and professional work environment.

"This deployment clearly shows just how challenging and flexible the crew can be in flawlessly accomplishing multi-faceted missions and at many times conducting the missions simultaneously," said Ramage's Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jack Killman. "From the moment we entered 5th Fleet, our taskings drew national attention, and Ramage quickly earned the reputation of being the 'go-to ship' to get the job done. I am very proud of the crew and our many accomplishments executed safely and professionally on deployment."

Junior and senior Sailors achieved numerous qualifications and professional achievements while deployed. A large portion of their successes was attributed to the experience and leadership aboard Ramage.

"Deployment is a time to use and show off the skills and training that the crew developed throughout the year leading up to a deployment," said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Gerald Coulson. "During our deployment, Ramage Sailors were challenged with many operational tasks. The crew met and excelled in all warfare areas."

"Likewise, they improved themselves personally by completing numerous college-level courses, surface warfare officer (SWO) and enlisted surface warfare specialist (ESWS) qualifications, along with many watch station qualifications," continued Coulson. "We held two advancement exams during this deployment, and our Sailors once again excelled by achieving a 38.5 percent advancement rate -- well above the 25 percent national rate."

By committing themselves early in the deployment, Ramage leadership ensured success for the entire crew.

"Many of their successes were products of the guidance offered by their chain of command and leading chief petty officers," said Coulson. "These efforts were a direct result of Ramage's new dedication towards the mentorship program. Ramage Sailors know that operational excellence is an all-hands effort."

Ramage is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditonary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations (MSO). MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

1st East Coast DDG With BMDS Deploys as Part of ESG

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Michael Starkey, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) transits the Atlantic Ocean. Ramage is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Flordeliz Valerio)

The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) is underway in the Navy's 5th and 6th fleet area of operations with new technology added to its arsenal. The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), part of the Iwo Jima ESG, is the first East Coast ship equipped with a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system.

The new BMD system not only allows the strike group to defend themselves against missile attacks, but other areas as well.

"This contributes greatly to the ESG operations," said Cmdr. Peter Galluch, Ramage's commanding officer. "It gives our ESG commander and theater commander another capability that's never been deployed from the East Coast. We can detect and identify, track and engage short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles. So whatever theater we go in, we can defend population centers, or assets from attacks from aggressive nations with ballistic missiles. That's never been the case before."

Although there are numerous DDG's homeported on the East Coast, Ramage was specifically selected to be the first to receive the BMD system.

"Ramage, with our base-line Aegis load, makes us eligible to have the BMD software," said Lt. Cmdr. Harry Marsh, Ramage's Combat Systems officer. "With our timeline, the timing of our yard period, and when our deployment was scheduled, we were in the right place at the right time. Our crew has proven that it was also the right ship, we've met all of the requirements and expect to continue to do so."

A vast amount of time was spent in training Ramage's Sailors on the operation of the BMD system.

"The crew underwent very intensive training," said Galluch. "Their rates got them in the ballpark; working on Aegis, working in the combat information center, and their 'A schools' had a lot of it, but then they had a month of specific technical & tactical training on the system."

The training hasn't stopped.

"After the certification we've been running scenarios and drills and technical training to keep up the proficiency and build our operational excellence," Galluch continued. "The Ramage has a great reputation, so they knew what ship to put it on."

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of Ramage; the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast-attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.