Fitzgerald Implements SECNAV's New Initiative During a Darwin Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Dionne, USS Fitzgerald Public Affairs

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) implemented the Secretary of the Navy's (SECNAV) new initiative to pay husbanding service providers (HSP) during a port visit to Darwin, July 20-24 by using a new process, called Off-Ship Bill Pay (OSBP).

The new process was developed to simplify and address changes to the Navy's HSP procurement and bill paying, by removing the treasury check payment from the ship's disbursing officer during port visits, which will instead be paid via invoicing, receipt, acceptance, and property transfer (IRAPT).

The new OSBP process builds on the procure-to-pay (P2P) pilot program that was completed by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Mustin (DDG 89) in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility earlier this year.

"This was a tremendous opportunity to exercise SECNAV's initiative," said Cmdr. Christopher England, commanding officer of Fitzgerald. "This initiative allows for a better system of accountability for Navy ships in foreign ports and allows them to have further control over the quality of service they receive."

During Fitzgerald's port visit to Darwin, the ship met with representatives and contracting officers from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka and U.S. Pacific Fleet who helped to provide guidance on the OSBP initiative that will be implemented fleet wide in the new 2016 fiscal year, Oct. 1.

"OSBP will be a great asset to the Navy as it will provide additional checks and balances to ensure all billing information is correct and that we are receiving the services we ordered," said Lt. Bryce Hicks, the Fitzgerald's supply officer. "In the long term it will help simplify the process and having the opportunity to go live this week gives the Navy the ability to learn how to use the system in the most effective ways possible before Oct. 1."

U.S. Navy ships will be able to use the new OSBP initiative in order to provide a flexible mechanism to remove HSP bill payments from ships that can be utilized by all ship classes to provide necessities such as water, food, transportation and supplies during visits to foreign ports.

"OSBP takes advantage of existing technologies that will help simplify procuring and paying for services while providing a level of accountability that did not exist before," said Cmdr. Robert Shu, the Fitzgerald's executive officer.

Fitzgerald, one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Fitzgerald's ADEX Improves Readiness During Talisman Sabre 2015

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Dionne, USS Fitzgerald Public Affairs

TIMOR SEA (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) participated in an air defense exercise (ADEX) July 16 during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS 15).

The exercise provided the ship the opportunity to test its MK45 5-inch lightweight gun and its Phalanx Close-in weapon system (CIWS) in a real time environment.

"Live fire events such as this serve to improve overall readiness by providing the gunnery team with a dynamic target and the opportunity to get trigger time," said Cmdr. Christopher England, commanding officer of Fitzgerald. "There is no substitute for live fire events and we take advantage of every opportunity."

The exercise, which consisted of Fitzgerald firing its CIWS and 5-inch gun at a simulated target, is part of TS 15, a biennial exercise that provides an invaluable opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment.

"The exercise allowed us to test watch stander capabilities, team procedures, and test and deploy procedures and tactics in an integrated strike group environment," said Lt. John Volkle, the ships weapons officer. "Everything about it went well, we established communications early, all the watch standers did an excellent job and the equipment performed as designed."

The exercise kicked off with a Lear jet towing a drone on a 22,000-foot cable, which served as a target for the ships 5-inch gun.

"The 5-inch is a crucial piece of equipment because it uses high-explosive rounds that can be used to neutralize surface, land and air targets," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Frederick Alayon, leading petty officer of combat gunnery division. "My group of Sailors got together to successfully engage the target and in order for this to happen it took a lot of attention to detail and precision. They did a wonderful job and I am very proud of them."

Sailors had the opportunity to fire the gun locally, providing valuable training time and to learn and operate the advanced and powerful system.

"Being able to fire the 5-inch was exhilarating and I was so happy to get the chance to do it," said Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Megan Smith. "I love what I do and I never thought I would have the opportunity to do something as exciting as this before the Navy."

Following the firing of the 5-inch, the jet made another pass over Fitzgerald towing a drone connected by a 13,000-foot cable to test the ships CIWS.

"[CIWS] has the ability to track and engage incoming targets and during the exercise it performed flawlessly," said Chief Fire Controlman Travius Caldwell. Any time we get the opportunity to test our communications and equipment in a combat systems scenario is priceless."

The CIWS is a point-defense weapon used for detecting and destroying short-range missiles and aircraft using both air and surface capabilities.

"The exercise was a great experience, we got to shoot about 400 rounds and the gear performed well," said Chad Schmidt, the mount captain for the CIWS. "The fact that it was able to aim and fire at such a small target is incredible. This gave us life-like training so that it becomes second nature to us if we need to use it in a real-life scenario."

Fitzgerald is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Preble, Fitzgerald Enjoy Australian Culture In Darwin

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alonzo M. Archer, USS Preble Public Affairs

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Darwin, Australia, for a port visit, July 20 after successfully completing Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15).

Sailors on both ships stood at parade rest in their dress white uniforms along the edges of the ship as they entered the port, as a gesture symbolizing respect and friendship otherwise known as "manning the rails."

This port visit follows both ships' participation in TS15, in which Preble and Fitzgerald were among the 21 ships from the U.S., Australian and New Zealand navies that participated in the exercise that trained more than 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force in planning and conducting combined task force operations.

"Talisman Sabre was a very challenging exercise for us, but we emerged more capable than we were before we went into it," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Heames, commanding officer of Preble. "We've learned a lot and we've reinforced the strong relationship we have with our Australian partners. We're ready for the next challenge, and the next contribution for us in terms of promoting regional stability in the area."

Moored alongside Preble, is Fitzgerald. Having also played a large role in the rigorous TS15, they look forward to some time off and exploring Australia.

"Talisman Sabre provided a great opportunity to improve individual ship and strike group readiness in a complex multi-warfare environment with our Australian counterparts and serves to strengthen ties and improve our overall ability to work together," said Cmdr. Christopher England, Fitzgerald's commanding officer. Pulling into Darwin after the exercise provides a chance for the crew to unwind and enjoy the local Australian culture."

Preble and Fitzgerald are currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.