USS Curtis Wilbur Changes Command

By Lt. j.g. Jonathan Peterson, USS Curtis Wilbur Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) held a change of command ceremony, Sept. 1.

Cmdr. Amy Graham relieved Cmdr. Hans De For as Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer during a ceremony on board Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka.

While De For was in command, Curtis Wilbur reached a milestone for sustained readiness as she completed an extended dry-dock selected restricted availability (EDSRA). The planned maintenance period was part of the DDG Modernization program and focused on mid-life upgrades to hull, mechanical and engineering systems. Lasting 335 days, it was the longest and most extensive overhaul in Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) history to date.

"Taking the ship through an extended yard period, where the ship is completely ripped apart and then built again is not an easy task," said Capt. Christopher Sweeney, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. "But [Cmdr. De For], you made it look easy, and ensured Curtis Wilbur was ready to fight and win."

Upon leaving the dry-dock, Curtis Wilbur's schedule has been compressed with training events and inspections, making her operationally ready and prepared to provide maritime security to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

"This was a fantastic tour," said De For. "It was an honor to be able to serve amongst the finest America has to offer."

With those words, De For saluted his relief, former executive officer, Graham, and transferred the absolute authority, responsibility and accountability of his command.

As executive officer, Graham played a critical role in ensuring the ship returned to peak operational readiness after the maintenance availability period. De For is confident that Graham is ready to face the challenges ahead and strongly believes in the crew's ability to tackle the future.

"To take the reins from Cmdr. Hans De For is bittersweet. I could not have asked for a better commanding officer to serve as executive officer," said Graham. "[Cmdr. De For], you gave me the latitude to learn and grow, all the while preparing me for this day. Your mentorship, sage advice, professional expertise, and friendship have made me a better officer. Thank you! We will keep [Curtis Wilbur] on course."

Curtis Wilbur is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 to support security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USS Porter Arrives in Haifa, Israel

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

HAIFA, Israel (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Haifa, Israel, for a scheduled port visit July 26.

The port visit serves to enhance U.S.-Israeli relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous region.

Quote:

"Most of my crew has never had the opportunity to visit Israel and they are extremely excited about exploring all of the historical sites and experiencing the local culture. We will also have several opportunities to interact with the Israeli Navy, enabling us to share our experiences and improve our integration for combined operations." - Cmdr. Blair Guy, USS Porter commanding officer

Quick Facts:

While in port, Sailors will have the opportunity to visit the local sights, experience the culture, and interact with the people of Israel.

U.S. and Israeli divers recently participated in the annual bilateral exercise Noble Melinda July 13-23, 2015.

The U.S. Navy routinely visits Haifa. USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Ross (DDG 71) made a port visit in March of this year.

Porter departed its homeport in Naval Station Rota, Spain, June 29, 2015, to conduct naval operations with partners and allies in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint and inter-agency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.