SURFPAC Sends Community Leaders to Sea

By Lt. j.g. Alanna Strei, Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twelve community leaders hit the high seas July 13-15 for three, one-day embarks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) as part of the Leaders to Sea (LTS) program.

Through the LTS program, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) provides an opportunity for leaders from business and civic organizations to experience the daily operations on board a Navy warship and to become familiar with the capabilities of the surface force.

Halsey Sailors gave the guests an in-depth ship tour, including a trip to the Sailors' living quarters and dining facilities and introductions to different mission-centric spaces throughout the ship. Tours of combat systems, the sonar room and the pilothouse culminated with a visit to engineering spaces, where they learned that Halsey was the 2009 small ship category winner of the Secretary of the Navy's Fuel Conservation Award.

"It's really great to see the efforts made to conserve fuel and energy, especially as a taxpayer," said David Genecov, founder and director, International Craniofacial Institute. "I was truly impressed by the Sailors' enthusiasm and pride in not only their award but their entire ship."

Genecov also said he enjoyed learning about present-day missions. The LTS program offers the opportunity for community leaders to develop an educated understanding of how U.S. Navy warships carry out the Maritime Strategy. Doing more than assisting with conflicts around the world, they also provide critical support for humanitarian efforts, help train allies during multilateral exercises and provide security in strategically sensitive waterways around the world.

"I love this part of the job," said Cmdr. Jordy Harrison, Halsey's commanding officer. "The ability to show the great people that are part of our ship and to let them tell their stories is what makes Leaders to Sea so successful."

LTS participants had the unique opportunity to witness a MK38 MODII 25 milimeter weapon shoot.

"Having worked with defense systems for years, it is rewarding to see some of the things we have helped design in action," said David Marlow, vice president of sales and marketing, ClientCentric Solutions. "It has been amazing to see the Navy's application of such sophisticated systems."

The community leaders included several members of the Dallas Committee on Foreign Relations.

"It is remarkable to hear about all of the humanitarian assistance the Navy provides," said Sarah Soong, director, Hunt Consolidated, Inc. "Hearing about how the Navy has often been first response for disaster relief amplified my respect for all of their hard work."

Halsey is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer attached to the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, which is currently conducting training exercises off the coast of California. The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is preparing for a deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.