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.

George Washington Begins Summer Patrol

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG), centered around the Navy's only full-time forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), returned to sea to begin their summer patrol, June 12.

"After a six month long maintenance period, George Washington is an [increasingly] modern, state-of-the-art warship," said George Washington's commanding officer, Capt. David A. Lausman. "I am excited to return to sea and work in international waters with our regional partners."

In addition to George Washington, GWCSG consists of 7th Fleet's Carrier Air Wing 5, Destroyer Squadron 15, guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Stethem (DDG 63). Also included in the strike group are guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67).

Carrier Air Wing 5 is composed of Strike Fighter Squadron 27, Strike Fighter Squadron 102 Strike Fighter Squadron 115, Strike Fighter Squadron 195, Electronic Attack Squadron 136, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Detachment 5 and Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 14.

More than 5,500 Sailors are currently stationed aboard George Washington.

George Washington's mission is to ensure security and stability in the Western Pacific and to be in position to work with our allies and regional partners to respond to any crisis across the operational spectrum as directed.

SECNAV Says Tomodachi Made US, Japan Alliance Stronger

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Fidel C. Hart, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) thanked more than a thousand 7th Fleet Sailors and Marines in Yokosuka Apr. 20 who participated in disaster relief operations off the coast of Japan.

The Honorable Ray Mabus expressed his gratitude to Sailors assigned 7th Fleet ships USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS Shiloh (CG 67), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), Stethem (DDG 63), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), and USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) who gathered at the Yokosuka waterfront for an all-hands call with SECNAV.

"To be as flexible as you were, to go from one mission to suddenly turn and do humanitarian assistance and disaster relief without costs, without changing any equipment, any people, changing any training and going from your normal day-to-day jobs without any hesitation and doing it so well, no other country can do that and no other service can do that like the people here," Mabus said.

Within hours of the earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan March 11, much of the U.S. 7th Fleet was on the move, re positioning ships and aircraft to assist the Japanese Self Defense Force in their relief efforts.

The U.S. Navy brought 22 ships, 132 aircraft and more than 15,000 personnel to conduct missions as part of Operation Tomodachi.

Tomodachi is the Japanese word for 'friendship.'

In the days and weeks that followed, 7th Fleet forces delivered more than 260 tons of relief supplies to groups of isolated people ashore. They systematically mapped and cleared harbors from obstuctions to navigation, provided fuel and supplies to Japanese ships and aircraft, and searched more than 2,000 square miles of ocean in a concerted effort to find the remains of victims.

"There is no other force in the world other than the United States Navy and Marine Corps that could have done what you all did," Mabus said.

Mabus said Operation Tomodachi demonstrated the U.S. commitment to its longtime alliance with Japan.

"The partnership between America and Japan was made stronger because of what you did," Mabus said.

Following the all-hands call, Mabus took questions from the collection of Sailors and Marines and took the time to personally meet with many of them.