USS Boone Completes Final Underway with NYC Patriotic Showing

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Sippel, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East, Detachment Southeast

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Boone (FFG 28) returned to its Naval Station (NAVSTA) Mayport homeport for the final time, Nov. 17, following a 10-day underway which included a visit to New York City.

Boone is scheduled to be decommissioned Feb. 23, 2012.

The visit to New York coincided with the city's Veterans Day festivities which included a remembrance and celebration at Citi Pond at Bryant Park and a Veterans Day Parade.

More than 400 Sailors and veterans from all branches of the military service participated in the parade that began at Madison Square Park Nov. 11. They marched up New York City's famed Fifth Avenue, while 600,000 spectators watched the festivities along the route.

"Visiting New York City this Veterans Day was a great privilege and honor for us. There was no better way we could have spent Veterans Day than celebrating with those who have served and given so much of their lives to defend this great nation of ours," said Cmdr. Roy Love, Boone commanding officer. "Marching in the parade alongside the veterans and all those serving on active duty from every service was an unforgettable experience. Being surrounded by New Yorkers who were cheering, praising, and thanking the veterans and Armed Forces was exhilarating. You could feel your heart beating in your chest, and the pride and joy well up deep within and come bursting out in loud cheers that harmonized with those of the crowd. What an exciting moment for all of us!"

The U.S. Navy, for the first time since the parade was founded in 1919, was this year's featured armed service. Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, served as the parade's Grand Marshal. Navy Band Northeast and the U.S. Naval Academy Women's Glee Club performed throughout the day. The parade theme this year was, "The 10th Anniversary of the Response to Sept. 11."

Boone, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate, had more than 200 Sailors participating in the ceremonies.

Along with the celebrations at Citi Pond and 5th Avenue, Boone Sailors participated in other patriotic-themed military appreciation events.

Quartermaster 2nd Class (SW) Anthony Banaszek, who was invited to attend the taping of the David Letterman Show, said it was an experience he'll never forget.

"The hospitality shown to us at the Letterman Show was fantastic. Upon arrival we were invited to the entrance where the celebrity guests for the show were. We witnessed the guests come in and we were given VIP passes into the show," said Banaszek. "The show itself was awesome and so funny. Everyone involved in the show was very supportive of us and then brought us down to the stage afterwards to take pictures. It was absolutely unforgettable."

On Nov. 12, Navy League New York Council members hosted a hoagie meal for Boone Sailors. Later, Boone reciprocated holding a reception on the flight deck with more than 200 invitees providing an opportunity for the crew to show their appreciation for the city's support.

"We were honored and humbled to be part of such a wonderful event," said Ehren Baxter, of Jersey City, N. J. "Last night (Nov. 12) was a once and a lifetime opportunity for us and we are so grateful that USS Boone included us in their ship's celebration. Taking the tour, meeting the officers and crew while celebrating such an important holiday was an amazing experience. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything."

"We hosted more than 250 people on board throughout the Veterans Day weekend. It was a once and a lifetime opportunity for visitors from New York City to visit the ship and the Sailors enjoyed every bit of it," said Lt. Jason Lautar, Boone's operation's officer. "One of the best things about the tours and reception were the New York Police Department (NYPD) guests. The police officers and detectives were fantastic hosts and guests at the same time. They represented more than half of the tour guests and it was a pleasure to meet all of them. We had Sailors volunteering to give tours and walk them through the ship. It gave us an opportunity to let them see for themselves what it is like to live on board a U.S. warship. They have done so much for New York City and we just wanted to show our appreciation to them as well by allowing their families and friends on board."

The ship was open to the public at Staten Island's Homeport Pier throughout Veterans Day weekend allowing the Boone crew to demonstrate their mission capabilities and underway-living conditions.

"Our interaction with the pier detail officers of the NYPD was an amazing experience," said Electronic's Technician 2nd Class (PJ) Michael Loftus. "We gave personal tours, traded hats, shirts, coins, patches and of course stories. We all sacrifice the same for this country but in different capacities and they treated us like their own. I was honored to have them on board and share a brotherhood that seemed to exist from the minute we moored to the pier. "

The Veterans Day weekend concluded with Boone and other local Sailors participating in a pre-game ceremony honoring them during the New York Jets and New England Patriots football game Sunday night. During this time, service members from all United States military branches unfurled a giant American flag during the national anthem.

"The entire experience was phenomenal," stated Lt. Jeffrey Carideo, from Holliston, Mass. whose father, William, was aboard the ship for the Tiger Cruise back to Mayport. "I felt honored to be a part of the flag ceremony with fellow military members from all branches."

Boone recently completed a six-month deployment in support of Southern Seas 2011 and counter illicit trafficking operations in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility, during which the Boone team circled the South American continent and made 18 port visits. The ship also transited the Straits of Magellan, Panama Canal and visited seven countries while participating in major multinational exercises including both Pacific and Atlantic phases of UNITAS.

USS Boone, USS Thach Conduct Exercises with Chilean Sub

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith

USS BOONE, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigates USS Boone (FFG 28) and USS Thach (FFG 43) completed a series of exercises with Chilean navy submarine Carrera (SS-22), June 10.

During the four-day passing exercise (PASSEX), ships from both navies trained with each other in a series of antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and surface warfare exercises to promote communications, interoperability and partnership.

"We typically hold a PASSEX when operating with ships of different nations for the purpose of training," said Sonar Technician (geographic) Chief (SW/AW) Dallas Brown. "The focus of this PASSEX was to provide excellent training opportunities in ASW for the sailors aboard Boone and Thach while providing surface warfare training for Chilean submariners."

The exercises included unit-level training in submarine familiarization, passive and active tracking, coordinated tracking exercises and coordinated tactical exercises.

"It was important for Boone to work with an asset, the Chilean sub, which we do not get to see often," said Ensign Loney Cason, Boone's antisubmarine warfare officer. "It was great to track a sub in real-time, which helps train sonar technicians, operational watch standers and lookouts."

This series of exercises also focused on coordination and effectiveness of tracking and hunting submarine threats.

"The primary goal during the PASSEX was to learn as much as possible from our Chilean counterparts," said Lt. John Hoy, Boone's combat systems officer.

Boone and Thach participated by leading the coordinated ASW exercises and alternately serving as the search and attack unit commander.

"One of our missions during Southern Seas 2011 is [to foster] theater security cooperation," said Hoy. "We are learning the fundamentals of how other navies function, and learning how to work with them in a tactical environment and beyond."

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

U.S. Embassy in Uruguay Hosts Reception Aboard USS Boone

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith, Southern Seas 2011 Public Affairs

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (NNS) -- The U.S. Embassy in Uruguay hosted a reception aboard guided-missile frigate USS Boone (FFG 28) during the ship's port visit to Montevideo, Uruguay, as part of Southern Seas 2011, May 13.

The reception provided an opportunity for the U.S. and Uruguay to highlight the partnership between the two countries and was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, David Nelson.

"Events like this put a human face on the relationships we are building," said Nelson. "There is a lot of mythology out there. These events show our cooperation in an extremely positive light in an area which most people don't expect."

More than 100 civilian officials and military guests from USS Thach (FFG 43), USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) and partner nations attended the reception and ship tours aboard Boone.

"Receptions and tours give us the opportunity to showcase the ship, and demonstrate our professionalism to our families, friends and partners," said Cmdr. Roy Love, Boone commanding officer. "It is an honor and a point of pride for the Sailors to show the ship to anyone who visits."

The reception gave guests an opportunity to interact in an international arena. The evening was the beginning of a weekend filled with events for the U.S. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to build relationships with the Uruguayan navy and local communities.

"Uruguay provides the largest supplement of peacekeeping operators and that is of a large benefit to the U.S.," said Nelson. "Our interactions help build a dialog between our governments and it shows how far we have come as a nation."

The Sailors of Boone were responsible for setting up the reception area, preparing the food and staffing the serving tables.

"The Sailors of the Supply Department and Food Services typically work behind the scenes," said Lt. Jeff Carideo, Boone supply officer. "This reception showcased their professionalism. The night was a great success and that is a reflection of their hard work and talents."

"Boone is a great ship, with an exceptional crew, and it served as an exceptional venue for the honor of entertaining our distinguished guests and partners," said Love.

After Montevideo, Boone and Thach will continue with the Southern Seas 2011 deployment within the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

U.S, South American Navies Train and Prepare while in Rio de Janeiro

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith, Southern Seas 2011 Public Affairs

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (NNS) -- U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships, along with their South American partners, prepared for the second half of the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 52 May 1, while in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from guided-missile destroyer Nitze (DDG 94), guided-missile frigates USS Thach (FFG 43) and USS Boone (FFG 28), and USCGC cutter Escanaba (WMEC 907), attended various training and preplanning briefs in preparation of the second half of UNITAS, alongside their Brazilian, Mexican and Argentinian counterparts.

"These sessions allowed the team the opportunity to clearly understand the exercise design and answer any safety questions related to the complex events ahead," said Capt. Marc Weeks, commander, Task Group 138.0. "It also allows participants to cover any shortfalls or concerns about the exercise before the ships return to sea."

In addition to the training sessions, each country hosted a reception during which their respective navies were able to showcase their ships, crews and customs in a social environment.

"These events were the highlight of our stay in Rio de Janeiro," said Weeks. "The receptions enabled the re-establishment of old friendships, the development of new individual friendships, and it was a venue for each participating Navy to showcase their individual honors, customs and traditions."

Sailors also gathered for a day of soccer, tug-of-war and other friendly competitions during a sporting events day.

The six-day stop in Rio de Janeiro marked the midway point of the three-week exercise, which runs April 15-May 9.

The ships will spend seven days at sea for the final portion of the exercise. The Atlantic phase will end with a community relations project, wreath laying memorial ceremony and closing ceremony, in Rio Grande, Brazil.

UNITAS, Latin for "unity," is a combined South American and U.S.-sponsored annual exercise series. Active participants for UNITAS 52 include Brazil, the United States, Argentina, Mexico, Peru and Chile.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

UNITAS 52 Sets Sail to Strengthen Security Cooperation

By Lt.j.g. Matthew Comer, Southern Seas 2011 Public Affairs

SALVADOR, Brazil (NNS) -- Three U.S. Navy ships, one U.S. Coast Guard cutter, four Brazilian navy ships and one Mexican navy ship departed Salvador, Brazil for the first sea phase of UNITAS Atlantic 52, April 19 and 20.

Guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 98), frigates USS Boone (FFG 28) and USS Thach (FFG 43), and USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) will work with a total of six ships, two submarines and nine aircraft from the Brazilian and Mexican navies.

UNITAS, Latin for "unity," is an annual SOUTHCOM-sponsored, multinational naval exercise to enhance security cooperation and improve coalition operations.

At-sea participants for UNITAS LANT 52 phase one include Brazil, the United States, and Mexico.

Prior to departing, the naval group completed an initial planning conference which allowed the captains and crews of all vessels to discuss the upcoming events and become familiar with each other before getting underway.

"The participating ships came together for pre-sail information sharing, in order to exchange exercise specifics, discuss safety of operations, and to answer any questions prior to commencing the at-sea portion of the exercise," said Capt. Marc Weeks, Task Group 138.0 commander.

During their time in port, task group commanders met to discuss the upcoming week which will focus on maritime surface, air and submarine defense. Navies will spend the next week developing seamanship and maneuvering capabilities through maritime interdiction operations, replenishment at sea, and various aircraft and submarine exercises.

"UNITAS is designed to foster trust and develop international partnerships via the common language of naval mariners," said Weeks.

The participants spent time getting to know each other both as mariners and as individuals. Vice Adm. Carlos Autran, Brazil's Second Naval District commander, hosted a reception for the staff and officers participating in UNITAS at Fort San Antonio. The reception featured food and music from the region and exposed partners to the local culture.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and U.S. 4th Fleet (C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Coast Guardsman Train aboard Boone

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith, Southern Seas 2011 Public Affairs

USS BOONE, At Sea (NNS) -- Three U.S. Coast Guardsmen from USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) embarked guided-missile frigate USS Boone (FFG 28) April 9, to experience first-hand how the Navy operates in a joint service environment.

Boone and Escanaba will join guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) and guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) for UNITAS Atlantic phase (LANT) in South America. UNITAS LANT is a joint exercise involving navies from Brazil, the United States, Argentina, and Mexico.

Days before the exercise kicked off, Escanaba and Boone used the time for information exchanges, training and familiarization.

"This is our first time exclusively working with the U.S. Navy," said Ensign Alicia Flanagan, Escanaba combat information center officer and communications officer. "We have a lot of the same equipment and a lot of the same standards and procedures. I'm actually quite surprised at how similar the two services are. It's been an easy integration."

During UNITAS, forces will participate in a series of theater security cooperation events, including military-to-military cooperation, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, combined exchanges, exercises and operations, and maritime security.

"I think we have a lot to benefit from each other, especially now, with the Coast Guard expanding its missions and the locations we are working," said Flanagan. "I know the Navy is heavily involved in anti-drug trafficking and that's also one of our primary missions, but we bring the law enforcement capability. It's important that we're able to work together."

Aside from the larger interoperability scenarios and exercise planning, much of the information came down to simple hands-on experience with the smaller issues. The Coast Guardsmen learned how to tie down a Navy helicopter on a Coast Guard cutter, travel as part of a battle group and basic Navy combat watch stations.

"It's always good to get a perspective from how different U.S. services operate," said U.S. Coast Guardsman Operations Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Fojtik. "You understand the capabilities and limitations of the other ships, for example, how often can they set flight quarters? They might not be able to support the same things we can."

The Coast Guardsmen spent four days aboard, standing the regular watch rotation in the combat information center (CIC) and on the bridge.

"I had a great experience cross-training with the Navy," said U.S. Coast Guardsman Operations Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Goodson. "Understanding what the other ships that we're steaming with are doing is definitely a great experience. I found it very beneficial and would recommend it to other Coast Guardsmen."

COMUSNAVSO/C4F supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

USS Boone Begins Southern Seas 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Stuart Phillips, USS Boone Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Boone (FFG 28) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 44 Det. 4, departed Naval Station Mayport, Fla., April 1, to conduct Southern Seas 2011.

Southern Seas is a U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)-directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and carried out by Combined Task Group 40.0 (CTG 40.0).

Southern Seas involves the deployment of CTG 40.0, USS Thach (FFG 43), USS Boone (FFG 28), and HSL 44 detachment 4, which will sail the waters from the East Coast of the United States to the Caribbean, Central and South America from April through September 2011.

"We're scheduled to visit countries like Brazil, which is hosting the Atlantic phase of UNITAS," said Cmdr. Roy Love, Boone's commanding officer. "Chile is hosting the Pacific phase of UNITAS and of course Panama is hosting PANAMAX."

UNITAS, which means "unity" in Latin, is the U.S. Navy`s longest-running annual multilateral exercise, building ties with partner nation navies since 1960.

Supporting USSOUTHCOM objectives for enhanced maritime security in its area of responsibility, Southern Seas 2011 concentrates on strengthening relationships with regional partner nations and improving operational readiness for all assigned units. In addition, Southern Seas provides the opportunity for U.S. and other forces to operate in the multinational environment, refine coordination, improve interoperability and demonstrate flexibility.

"It's extremely important for us to strengthen relationships in these regions," said Love. "Part of the mission for U.S. 4th Fleet is to conduct theatre security cooperation exercises. This will be important, not just to protect the U.S. from terrorists who may try to come up through South America, but also in terms of drug-interdiction and the prevention of human trafficking. What we're doing is working to solidify ties and build cooperation with South and Central American countries."

"This is about building a partnership of education between us and these countries we'll be visiting," said USS Boone Command Master Chief Charles David Slaton. "We'll teach them a lot and we hope to learn a lot from them."

Love anticipates Boone's crew will benefit from this deployment not only in terms of training, but culturally as well.

"For the crew this is going to be a great experience," said Love. "Many of them have never been outside of the U.S. This will be a great learning experience, and it's going to increase their cultural understanding of other nations."

COMUSNAVSO/C4F supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.