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April 26, 2013 U S S A N C H O R A G E • C O M M I S S I O N I N G C E R E M O N Y 1

U S S A N C H O R A G E

Commissioning Ceremony

U S S A N C H O R A G E • C O M M I S S I O N I N G C E R E M O N Y April 26, 20132

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TAblE Of CONTENTS

Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

Commitee Chairs . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Commitee Members . . . . . . . . . . 12

Commissioning Ceremony Overview . . . . . . 14-15

Schedule Details . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Navy in Alaska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Plankowner Plaque . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Ship Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23

The Ship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

The Crew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-29

Alaskan Sailor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Sponsors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Just for Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-37

page 14

page 23

page 24

COvER ART by JOHN HUmE

John is a long-time Alaskan whose love of art goes along with an interest in history. John specializes in military and historical aviation subjects which takes his art beyond the borders of Alaska. His subjects, range from early Alaskan bush pilots to heavy metal propliners to high-tech F-22 Raptors. Clients include

aviation museums, private, commercial and military pilots, air force units, and aerospace corporations across the United States and the Pacific Rim. John received his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Washington State University in 1981. Samples of his work can be seen at: theartofalaska.net


Planning and preparations for the arrival of this amphibious

transport vessel are well underway, with the ship due to arrive in late April, remaining at the Port of Anchorage through May 6, 2013 . Commissioning week will be full of special events involving the greater Anchorage community, with the formal Commissioning Ceremony held on Saturday, May 4, at 10 a .m .

“We are extremely honored to host the Anchorage in her namesake city,” said Dan Sullivan, Mayor of Anchorage . Commander Brian J . Quin is Captain of the PCU (Pre-Commissioning Unit) Anchorage, and along with key members of his crew, has visited Anchorage on numerous occasions to visit with local, state,

and federal leaders, promoting the ship’s commissioning and establishing strong community ties with Alaska residents . Captain Quin received his commission in 1991 through the NROTC program at Northwestern University, where he earned a bachelors of arts degree (with honors) in history . In 2007, he earned a masters of arts degree in national security and strategic studies and graduated with distinction from the Naval War College . From 2009 to 2011 he commanded the guided missile destroyer U .S .S . GRIDLEY (DDG 101), homeported in San Diego, California . Afloat, Captain Quin served in a variety of division officer billets in the U .S .S . CALLAGHAN (DDG 994), as fire control officer in the U .S .S . LAKE ERIE (CG 70), as

weapons and combat systems department head in the U .S .S . PHILIPPINE SEA (CG 58), and as executive officer in the U .S .S . SHILOH (CG 67) and the U .S .S . CAPE ST GEORGE (CG 71) . He has deployed to the western Pacific, the Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean Sea . Ashore, Captain Quin served as maritime homeland defense officer in the operations directorate ( J-3) of the Joint Staff, as deputy executive assistant and Flag aide to the commander, U .S . THIRD Fleet, and as combat systems officer (N65) on the staff of the commander, Naval Surface Forces . He also participated in the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff intern program and served in the Joint Staff ’s systems integration division ( J-6V) .

Capt . Brian J . Quin received his commission in 1991 through the

NROTC program at Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelors of Arts degree (with honors) in History . In 2007, he earned a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and graduated with distinction from the Naval War College . From 2009 to 2011 he commanded the guided missile destroyer, USS Gridley (DDG 101), homeported in San Diego, Calif . Afloat, Capt . Quin served in a variety of division officer billets in USS Callaghan (DDG 994), as fire control officer in USS Lake Erie (CG 70), as weapons and combat systems department head in USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and as executive officer in USS Shiloh (CG 70) and the USS Cape St . George (CG 71) . He has deployed to the western Pacific, the

Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean Sea . During his tours, Lake Erie participated in the 1996 Mountain Top advanced concept technology demonstration; Philippine Sea launched one of Operation Enduring Freedom’s opening Tomahawk salvos into Afghanistan in 2001; and Shiloh participated in Operation United Assistance, the 2004-2005 tsunami relief effort in Indonesia . Ashore, Capt . Quin served as maritime homeland defense officer in the operations directorate ( J-3) of the Joint Staff, as deputy executive assistant and Flag aide to the commander, U .S . THIRD Fleet, and as combat systems officer (N65) on the staff of the commander, Naval Surface Forces . He also participated in the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff intern program and served in the Joint Staff ’s systems integration division ( J-6V) . Captain Quin’s awards include the Defense Meritorious

Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Joint C o m m e n d a t i o n Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Joint Achievement Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three bronze stars), the Expert Rifle Medal, the Expert Pistol Medal, and various other personal and unit decorations . Cmdr . Haydel’s personal decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal (1 Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards .

CApTAiN’S bACkGROUNd

THE U.S.S. ANCHORAGE iS COmiNG TO TOwN!


It’s such an honor that United States Navy Secretary Mabus selected Alaska for this special ceremony. We are thrilled to welcome the US Navy Sailors, Marines, families, loved ones, dignitaries, and citizens to our beloved city.

First Lady Lynnette and I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the men and women who willingly choose to serve our country.

The Navy’s tradition of a Commissioning Ceremony is as rich as the culture of residents that live here. I hope you enjoy your time here and always feel welcome to return to the largest city within the largest state of the Union.

Sincerely,

Mayor Daniel Sullivan

Welcome to Anchorage!

1915 - 2014T e n T C i T y T o i n T e r n aT i o n a l M e T r o p o l i s


I am so happy to welcome the USS Anchorage to its namesake city. This new state-of-the-art ship will be a huge asset to the US Navy, and a point of pride for Alaska.

The USS Anchorage “coming alive” in the city it’s named after is the culmination of years of effort. I first encouraged Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus to commission the USS Anchorage here in 2011, and since then, so many Alaskans have written their own letters of support asking that the ceremony be held in the greatest state in the union.

Even in tight budget times, the need to protect our waters does not diminish. As Arctic waters open up, new shipping lanes and opportunities are opening up. The nation needs our Navy more than ever, and the USS Anchorage now becomes an integral part of that fleet. I know she will bear the name of Alaska’s largest city well, and that the people of this great city will join me in welcoming the USS Anchorage and her crew with open arms.

Wishing the Crew of the USS Anchorage Fair Winds and Following Seas, Lisa MurkowskiUnited States Senator


Welcome to Anchorage! We are honored that the Secretary of the Navy selected Anchorage as the namesake for this new San Antonio class amphibious transport dock.

As the United States places increased emphasis on the Pacific, it is vital that our nation is prepared to project military force if necessary to protect US interests. This state-of-the-art vessel and it’s even more impressive crew demonstrate our national capabilities across the great distances of this theater of operations. Be it to counter military aggression or provide humanitarian relief after a natural disaster, LPD-23 provides an invaluable option to get the job done.

While you are here, I hope you have an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Alaska and the natural hospitality of Alaskans. Many groups are sponsoring events and businesses are providing discounts to enable you to get out and see our great state. I urge you take advantage of these offers.

We thank you for your military service to this great nation. Your willingness to spend months at sea away from your families enables us to sleep safe at night. I hope you enjoy your time in Anchorage. God Bless.

Sincerely,Senator Mark Begich

U S S A N C H O R A G E • C O M M I S S I O N I N G C E R E M O N Y April 26, 20131 0

As the Congressman for All Alaska, it is my privilege to honor Captain Brian Quin and crew of the U.S.S. Anchorage at its Commissioning Ceremony. Alaskans all across our great state are fortunate to share this historic day as the U.S.S. Anchorage joins the fleet as one of the Navy’s newest amphibious transport dock vessels. As a licensed tugboat captain and longtime mariner of Alaska’s waterways, I know only too well that the success of a ship lies not only in the strength of its steel and soundness of its framing, but in the character, commitment and mettle of her crew. I am confident that Captain Quin and his talented crew will make us all proud.

Alaskans share an especially unique bond with the military. This is evident in every region and neighborhood in the state, as our military population remains an integral piece of the social and economic framework that helps define Alaska’s identity. We welcome all visitors to join us for the Commissioning Ceremony on May 4, 2013. In particular, we welcome our veterans and thank them for their service in defense of our freedoms and way of life.

Sincerely,Senator Don Young

April 26, 2013 U S S A N C H O R A G E • C O M M I S S I O N I N G C E R E M O N Y 1 1

USS COmmiTTEE CHAiRS

U .S .S . Anchorage Commissioning Committee Chairs: listed in order left to right . Front row: Chair Shannon Jones, Mayor Dan Sullivan, Invitations Chair Esther Cox . Back Row: Municipal Manager George Vakalis, Events Chair Buddy Whitt, Public Relations and Committee Outreach Chair Lindsey Whitt, Gifts Chair Chris Schutte, Secretary Tim Benintendi, Port of Anchorage Chair Rich Wilson, Finance Chair Joseph Zimmermann .

Not pictured: Crew Activities Chair Julie Saupe, Fundraising Chair Bill Popp


USS COmmiTTEE mEmbERS

Sitting: Julie Saupe, Sally Bowers, Chair Shannon Jones, Esther Cox, Ellen McKelvey, Lindsey Whitt, Char McClelland .

Standing: Chris Schutte, Joseph Coslett, LCDR Charles Pelton, Joseph Zimmermann, Bob Doehl, Tim Benintendi, Rich Wilson, Aves Thompson, Buddy Whitt, Miles Baker, Adam Leggett, George Vakalis .

Not pictured: Steve Ribuffo, Cherie Curry, Jeanne Ostnes, Chad Padgett, Nancy Dahlstrom, Jacqueline Duke, Sen . McGuire, Rep . Millett, Rep . Saddler .

fOllOwiNG THE SHip

To follow the U.S.S. Anchorage after the commissioning and adopt-a-sailor visit: www.ussanchoragenavy.com.

The Navy League of the United States (NLUS) was founded in 1902 with the encouragement of President Theodore Roosevelt . The Navy League has provided a powerful voice for a stronger sea service to Congress and to the American people . The Navy League has grown into the foremost citizens’ organization to serve, support, and stand with all the sea services – U .S . Navy, U .S . Marine Corps, U .S . Coast Guard and U .S .-flag Merchant Marine .

The Navy League is comprised of 46,000 civilians in more than 250 councils around the world working to support sea service members and their families . We do this through a variety of education programs that remind our fellow citizens that the United States is a maritime nation whose national economic and security interests are inextricably tied to the freedom of the seas .

The Navy League has three missions: to enhance the morale of active duty personnel and their families; to inform Congress and the American public on the importance of strong sea services; and to support youth through programs such as the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC and Young Marines that expose young people to the values of our sea services .

To join the Navy League online: www.navyleague.org/ $50 membership and monthly Anchorage meetings.


The commissioning ceremony for U .S .S . ANCHORAGE (LPD 23) will take place in her namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska on

May 4, 2013 . She is the second ship to be named after this great city, which had humble beginnings in 1914 as a tent city for workers on the Alaska Railroad . It emerged at the mouth of Ship Creek and has since grown to be Alaska’s most populous city with nearly 300,000 residents, overcoming the devastating effects of the Good Friday Earthquake in 1964 .The city includes many cosmopolitan attractions including the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Native Heritage Center and a myriad of parks and wilderness that respect and celebrate the diverse culture of Alaska’s 11 indigenous peoples . U .S .S . ANCHORAGE has the distinction of being the first U .S . Navy ship to be commissioned in the state . To assist in this celebration, a committee was formed in January 2012 which brings together members of the Alaska chapter of the U .S . Navy League with representatives of the Municipality of Anchorage and the Port of Anchorage . The committee’s main functions will be to coordinate crew activities, and community outreach projects during the 5-day commissioning celebration .

COmmiSSiONiNG CEREmONy OvERviEw

mAy 4, 2013


The CelebrationThe amphibious transport dock, USS Anchorage (LPD-23), will

be formally commissioned into the United States Navy on Saturday, May 4, 2013, in an ceremony held at the Port of Anchorage . This commissioning will mark the first time a US Navy vessel has entered into service in Alaska . The ship will be in Anchorage for 5 days .

The MissionOur mission is to serve the crew and community . A committee to

oversee the series of events surrounding the Commissioning Ceremony was established in January 2012, and is comprised of individuals from the U .S . Navy League-Alaska Chapter, Municipality of Anchorage, the Port of Anchorage, and sub-committees to organize crew activities, transportation, fundraising, finance, events, public affairs, community outreach, and a host of other important aspects of the event .

SHiEld: The shield is shaped like the patch worn by the crew of the original USS ANCHORAGE. The two colors of the shield, Scarlet and Navy Blue, represent the teamwork demonstrated between Marines and Sailors onboard. The transposed pile symbolizes the ship’s ability to transport a landing force of up to 800 combat Marines in support of any operational contingency. The crossed fouled anchors derive from the anchor in the seal of the Municipality of Anchorage and also identify this as the second ship designated USS ANCHORAGE. The entwined rope, which forms the letter “A,” represents the families of ANCHORAGE’s Sailors and Marines.

CREST: The Municipality of Anchorage is represented in the crest by the HMS RESOLUTION (another feature from the municipality’s seal) in a pictorial of Cook Inlet. RESOLUTION was commanded by Captain James Cook, for whom the inlet is named, and figures prominently in the heritage of Anchorage, Alaska. The moose antlers framing the pictorial represent the municipality’s motto: “Big Wild Life.” The six red battle stars recognize the wartime accomplishments of the first ship named to honor Anchorage, LSD 36.

SCROll: The scroll hangs from the sprigs from a Sitka Spruce tree, the official tree of Alaska. Red, white, and blue are the national colors and denote the allegiance Marine Corps and Navy servicemen and women have for their country.

SUppORTERS: The crossed Navy officer sword and chief petty officer cutlass and Marine Corps officer and non-commissioned officer swords symbolize teamwork of the ship’s Navy-Marine Corps war fighting team.

SymbOliSm Of THE USS ANCHORAGE

CREST

live streaming on the USS Anchorage Commissioning Ceremony

www.kTUU.COm &www.mUNi.ORG


USS ANCHORAGE COmmiSSiONiNG

pUbliC EvENTS wEdNESdAy, mAy 018:00a .m . Ship arrives at Port of Anchorage . . Viewing points include

Captain Cook Monument, Earthquake Park, Government Hill .

10:15a .m . Dena’ina blessing by Alaska Native Elder

10:20a .m . Alaska Native- Eklutna Dancers

5:00-9:00p .m . Dock at the Block Party - Anchorage Town Square

THURSdAy, mAy 02 1:00-8:00p .m . Public Ship Tours*

fRidAy, mAy 03 2:00-8:00p .m . Public Ship Tours*

ALL DAY Anchorage Museum to Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center FREE to Crew & Families

SATURdAy, mAy 04 10:00a .m . Commissioning Ceremony at Port of Anchorage .

See page 15 for details .

SHip TOUR dETAilS

1 .) Parking for the tour shuttle and access to the U .S .S . Anchorage tour is at the Northway Mall or the Sears Mall . The POA is a secured facility and members of the general public will not have access through the main POA entrance .

2 .) Visitors, both adults and children must be prepared to walk through a metal detector . Adults, over the age of 18, must provide government issued identification such as a driver’s license, passport or military credentials .

3 .) Visitors are highly recommended to wear sensible shoes and pants . Please refrain from bringing backpacks and large handbags; space is limited on the motor coach and the vessel .

4 .) The ship is not handicapped accessible . If you are handicapped, virtual tours are strongly recommended, as climbing ladders and walking up ramps may be involved in touring the ship .

5 .) All tours are non-smoking .


WELCOME USS ANCHORAGECongratulations on your commissioning.

www.shell.us/alaska

Correspondence mail to; 40&8 Grand du Alaska, 902 Cook Ave. Kenai, AK 99611

La Societe des 40 et 8 Grand du Alaska

Is a Non-Profit Veteran’s Organization Supporting our U. S. Military Men and Women Veterans from all Branch of Service and their family members. Americanism, Youth Sports, Nurses Training are some of the few programs that our organization sponsor within our communities throughout Alaska and the Nation.

USS ANCHORAGE (LPD-23) AND SHIP’S COMPANY, “WELCOME TO THE FLEET”

Serving America’s Veterans from The past, present and to the future ! THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF ALASKA 1550 Charter Circle Anchorage, AK 99508


13-BP-2000 USS ACNHORAGE_3A_bc-OL.indd 1 4/8/13 12:58 PM


• TobeaPlankownerofashipisoneofthe most incredibly significant moments during the career of a US Navy Sailor . A plaque is given to each member of the ship’s company .

• TheCommissioningCommitteeisresponsible for purchasing the Plankowner Plaques .

• Specialcommitteemembers,donorsandAlaskans will be given the Honorary Plankowner title and plaque .

• Thecommitteehaspurchased600plaquesfor the ship’s company .

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The U .S . Navy has long and wide wake in the state’s history and

is about to make history again with the commissioning of its newest warship in Alaskan waters .

While most people have heard of christening a ship, the ceremony of commissioning is less commonly known . Commissioning inducts the ship into the operating fleet of the United States Navy .It is a formal rite of passage in the life of warship when the commanding officer comes aboard, calls the crew to their quarters and reads aloud the naval orders .

A commissioning pennant is hoisted up the mast with the Stars & Stripes−and the moment is noted on the first page of the logbook . For sailors, it is at this moment the ship is said to ‘come alive’ as she receives the official designation USS, United States Ship . Now under orders, she and her crew are charged with the honor and responsibility to support the citizens of the nation in peace and defend it in time of war .

The U .S . Navy first dispatched a vessel into Alaskan waters on a peacetime mission in the summer of 1855 . USS FENIMORE COOPER, a 3-gun, 95 ton wooden sailing schooner was tasked to find any survivors or word of a missing New Bedford whale ship MONONGAHELA . Rumor of a cask from the ship had been reported the previous year floating in the Bering Sea . So the COOPER detached from her survey mission off the China coast and sailed north under Commander C . Ringgold through the Aleutian Islands, searching for and hoping to rescue survivors . None were found .

So, with the autumn storms increasing by mid-September, the COOPER followed the Japanese Current across the top of the North Pacific bound for

the Russian American capitol: Novo Arkhangelsk (New Archangel) . The port, later to become Sitka, was the most important seaport on the Pacific coast of North America, boasting a working shipyard with carpenters, shipwrights and ironworkers; all the professional services a sailing ship of the times might need . Commander Ringgold, well aware that the COOPER would be the first U .S . Navy ship to enter the Russian port, adhered to Navy protocol . Upon entering Sitka Sound in front of the governor’s mansion prominent on the hill of the town, he ordered a booming three gun salute before dropping anchor .

The mansion was home to Governor S . V . Voyevodsky, lately an admiral in the Russian Imperial Navy . The governor promptly sent out a small vessel, cordially inviting Commander Ringgold and his officers to a fine welcome . In Russian Navy style, with all the best the cosmopolitan capitol had to offer he ordered a formal ball to be held and several rich feasts . They swapped a lot of sea stories and

toasted each others’ ships and country with a lot of vodka . The political situation which had pitted the Russians against the British and French in the Crimean War, favored a closer relationship with the young American nation . Gov . Voyevodsky obliged with gusto .

Several days later, heads and hearts throbbing, the two seafaring commanders parted fast friends . In full uniform, saluted by the Russians, the officers boarded the lightering vessel and were rowed out to their ship . The USS FENIMORE COOPER sailed out on the morning high tide headed for the deep ocean swells of the Pacific . By the time she pulled into San Francisco Bay in late October, the days-long party had become a legend, launching a long beneficial relationship between the U . S . Navy and Alaska .

©2012 J Pennelope Goforth

With permission for first North American publication use by the USS ANCHORAGE Commissioning Committee .

submitted by: J . Pennelope Goforth

THE UNiTEd STATES NAvy iN AlASkA1855 - 2013


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Mast Stepping Ceremony

AVONDALE, LA . (Sept . 7, 2012) Annette Conway, sponsor for landing transport dock ship Anchorage (LPD 23), addresses Sailors and Marines assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit Anchorage during an all hands call held on the flight deck . Conway visited the ship to take part in a mast stepping ceremony, which is a shipbuilding tradition that dates back to ancient Rome . During the ceremony, coins and other affections are placed into the mast prior to it being secured in place . The coins are meant to bring the ship luck as well as to “pay the crew’s way” in the event the ship sinks . Conway is wife of Gen . James T . Conway, USMC (Ret .), 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps .

Ship DeliveryAVONDALE, LA . (Sept .

17, 2012) Capt . Brian Quin, commanding officer for amphibious landing transport dock ship Anchorage (LPD 23), Cmdr . Joe Tuite, deputy of operations for Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast, and Bruce Knowles, LPD 23 program manager for Huntington Ingalls Industries Shipbuilding sign the documents signifying transfer of custody of Anchorage to the U .S . Navy during a ceremony held on the ship . Anchorage will be commissioned next spring in her namesake city of Anchorage, AK .


THE SHipExpeditionary! It’s more than just a word . It is a mindset…a way of

operating that has its roots in the birth of the U .S . Navy and U .S . Marine Corps more than 235 years ago .

The expeditionary character and versatility of maritime forces including the San Antonio Class, forms the foundation for the 21st century Maritime Strategy which implementing forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security, responses to crises worldwide, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response wherever and whenever needed . Expeditionary is the essence of naval operations from the sea – anytime…anywhere .

America’s expeditionary warships with their Marine Expeditionary Units (Special Operations Capable) (MEU [SOC]) execute multi-mission requirements, exploiting strategic maneuver in a sea based environment . These expeditionary forces mix highly mobile air and ground repower with self-sustainable forces that can quickly project compelling power, withdraw rapidly, and then reconstitute to re-deploy for follow-on missions . Or the ships may be called upon to render humanitarian aid much like USS Mesa Verde LPD 19 performed along with other forces after the devastating Haiti earthquake in 2010 .

Designed from the keel up for such missions, the LPDs (Amphibious Transport Dock) ships will support sustained and continuous expeditionary operations in this challenging environment . Usually referred to as amphibious transport docks, the 15 LPDs in older ship classes and the new San Antonio (LPD 17) class each have a well deck in the after part of the ship . The ship will ballast her stern to either completely ood the well deck for launching or recovering conventional landing craft or only partially for a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) . These landing craft and vehicles then exit or enter the well deck when the stern gate is opened . Upon completion of these operations, the ship then deballasts and operates with a dry well . Well deck operations may be conducted pierside, at anchor, or at sea while LPDs are moving through the water


Free parking in all EasyPark garages:

JCP Garage

5th & B Garage

6th & H Garage

7th & G Garage

Visit the parking booth at the event and your garage ticket will be validated.Join us on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, from

5:00-9:00pm in Town Square for a communityblock party to welcome the sailors of the USS Anchorage and their families to our city!

Enjoy a wide assortment of foods, live music, entertainment & activities for the kids, and beer & wine garden. Activities are along 6th Avenue between E and F Streets. Let’s welcome the crew of the USS Anchorage to our city!

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WELCOME,USS Anchorage!

Welcome USS Anchorage and Crew

AT&T is proud to support the USS Anchorage commissioning ceremonies.

©2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

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THE CREw

Capt. Brian J. Quin Capt . Brian J . Quin received his

commission in 1991 through the NROTC program at Northwestern University, where he earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree (with honors) in History . In 2007, he earned a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and graduated with distinction from the

Naval War College . From 2009 to 2011 he commanded the guided missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101), homeported in San Diego, Calif . Afloat, Capt . Quin served in a variety of division officer billets in USS Callaghan (DDG 994), as re control officer in USS Lake Erie (CG 70), as weapons and combat systems department head in USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and as executive officer in USS Shiloh (CG 70) and the USS Cape St . George (CG 71) . He has deployed to the western Pacific, the Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean Sea . During his tours, Lake Erie participated in the 1996 Mountain Top advanced concept technology demonstration; Philippine Sea launched one of Operation Enduring Freedom’s opening Tomahawk salvos into

Afghanistan in 2001; and Shiloh participated in Operation Unied Assistance, the 2004-2005 tsunami relief effort in Indonesia .

Ashore, Capt . Quin served as maritime homeland defense officer in the operations directorate ( J-3) of the Joint Staff, as deputy executive assistant and Flag aide to the commander, U .S . THIRD Fleet, and as combat systems officer (N65) on the staff of the commander, Naval Surface Forces . He also participated in the Office of the Secretary of Defense/Joint Staff intern program and served in the Joint Staff ’s systems integration division ( J-6V) . Captain Quin’s awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), the Joint Achievement Medal, the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three bronze stars), the Expert Rifle Medal, the Expert Pistol Medal, and various other personal and unit decorations .

Captain Quin’s personal decorations include: Meritorious Service Medal (1 Award), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (6 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various campaign and unit awards .

Cmdr. Joel Stewart Cmdr . Joel Stewart, a native of

Great Falls, Mont ., began his Navy career by enlisting in 1985 as a Fire Controlman, trained to maintain and operate the Tomahawk Weapons Control System . He advanced to the rate of FC1 before he received his commission through the Enlisted Commissioning Program . He

graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in University Studies . He attended the Naval War College’s Command and Staff College as a Halsey Scholar and graduated with distinction in 2007, earning a Masters of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies .

His operational tours include duty as a Tomahawk technician in USS Hewitt (DD 966); damage control assistant and operations officer in USS Fife (DD 991); operations officer in

USS Chancellorsville (CG 62); as current operations action officer on Commander Multi-National Forces-Iraq’s staff; future plans and public affairs officer for Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group ONE; in USS Mahan (DDG 72) USS Normandy (CG 60) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96); and commissioning navigator in USS Makin Island (LHD 8) before reporting as executive officer in USS Anchorage .

Ashore, Cmdr . Stewart served on the staff of Transient Personnel Unit San Diego, (LPO & CMAA) and Navy Warfare Development Command, as the ballistic missile defense concept development lead . Cmdr . Stewart’s personal awards include the Joint Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (7), the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), the Navy Good Conduct Medal (2), the NATO Medal, various unit citations and campaign awards .


CMDCM Pete Santos CMDCM Pete Santos enlisted

in the United States Navy in August 1987 . He completed Basic training in San Diego, Calif . His first duty station was USS Wisconsin (BB-64) Norfolk, VA, where he was assigned as a member of 5th Division . He then transferred to the USS Missouri (BB-

63) Long Beach, Calif ., assigned as a member of 3rd Division, where he achieved the rank of Petty Officer Third Class . His next assignment was NAS Sigonella, Sicily, where he was assigned to Security Department where he was promoted to Petty Officer Second Class . His next assignment was Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit EIGHT Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily . There, he garnered the rank of First Class Petty Officer, receiving various assignments such as Leading Petty Officer (LPO) Maintenance Division and Command 3-M Coordinator . He then transferred to Readiness Reserve Center, Alameda, Calif ., as LPO Training and Manpower Department . In September 2000, he transferred to USS Elliot (DD 967) as Deck Division LPO . On there, he completed cruises in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, he then transferred to

the USS Coronado (AGF-11) . His genuine Sailorization efforts were soon recognized by the Navy and he was therefore promoted to Chief Petty Officer (CPO) . In 2003, he was assigned to the USS Higgins (DDG-76) as Deck Leading Chief Petty Officer (LCPO) completing several deployments, and later was promoted to Senior Chief Petty Officer . He reported aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52) in 2006, as Deck Department LCPO, also completing several deployments . In October 2008, he reported to the USS Cleveland (LPD-7) as Department LCPO, where he was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer . In 2009, he was assigned to USS Boxer (LHD-4) as Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, where he was selected into the Command Master Chief program . CMDCM Santos is a March 2008 graduate of the Senior Enlisted Academy Non-Residence Course and Command Master Chief (CMC)/Chief of the Boat Class 73 . Command Master Chief Santos served as the CMC for the USS Cape St . George (CG-71) prior to his current assignment as CMC for USS Anchorage (LPD-23) .

His personal awards includes the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards), Navy Achievement Medal (5 awards), Good Conduct Medals (5 awards), and numerous campaign, personal, and unit citations . Master Chief Santos is a qualified Surface Warfare Specialist .

USS AnchorageWelcome

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Info: 800-321-6518Reservations: 800-544-0552AlaskaRailroad.com


ANCHORAGE SAilOR AimS TO SHOw HOmETOwN THE ‘GOld STANdARd’

SAN DIEGO, Calif . – It’s a phrase often heard in the passageways of the future USS Anchorage (LPD 23) .

“Execute the gold standard with precision and style .”

Before the phrase even entered his vernacular, Seaman Cruz Boseman, 21, who is one of three Sailors on aboard the ship who call Anchorage, Alaska home, was already embodying the gold standard .

“I was raised to be a hard worker and to always have a great sense of pride in that work as well as anything I choose to take on,” said Boseman . “When I arrived at the ship before it was delivered, I recognized that those same standards my parents instilled in me were evident in both the ship’s construction and my new shipmates .”

Anchorage’s crew has been assembling and training over the last two years, seeing the ship from final construction to its Sept . 17 delivery .

Anchorage will be commissioned May 4 and Boseman, who enlisted in May 2012, said his selection to the crew of the new warship that will bear his hometown’s name was a great honor .

“I had orders to another ship in hand and was already making plans to head to Norfolk [Virginia] when I received word that my orders were modified to send me to Anchorage,” he explained . “It was a great surprise and I knew then that it was not only a chance to bring a little hometown flavor to the crew, but represent my home .”

The son of a former Army corporal and a restaurant waitress, Boseman decided that military service was his ticket to achieving his ultimate goal of being independent and earning money for an education . Prior to his enlistment, he was completing general studies at the University of Alaska and working

alongside his mother at Village Inn in the Northern Lights area of Anchorage, where he had worked since he was 14 .

“I feel like I’m still carving out what I want to accomplish, but the Navy offers me an opportunity to explore, serve my country, and gain valuable experience that will ensure my success in whatever I choose to do,” he said . “Anchorage will always be home and I feel being away and

serving the country will help me to better appreciate that .”

When the ship pulls into the Port of Anchorage for her commissioning ceremony, Boseman said he looks forward to being able to share the Alaskan experience with his shipmates .

“It’s a great city with friendly people,” he said . “The ‘gold standard’ of Anchorage simply means to me that we are as proud and hardworking as the people for who this ship will represent, and it was be a great honor to show my family, friends, and fellow Alaskans what we have accomplished . It’s awesome to have been able to be apart of this experience .”

Anchorage is the seventh San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock .

She was built at the Huntington Ingalls Industries Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La . and delivered to the U .S . Navy Sept . 17 . The ship will be commissioned in May in her namesake city of Anchorage, Alaska and is the second ship to be named for the city .

“ANCHORAGE will

AlwAyS bE HOmE

ANd i fEEl bEiNG

AwAy ANd SERviNG

THE COUNTRy will

HElp mE TO bETTER

AppRECiATE THAT.”

Seaman Cruz Boseman, far right


Correspondence mail to; 40&8 Grand du Alaska, 902 Cook Ave. Kenai, AK 99611

La Societe des 40 et 8 Grand du Alaska

Is a Non-Profit Veteran’s Organization Supporting our U. S. Military Men and Women Veterans from all Branch of Service and their family members. Americanism, Youth Sports, Nurses Training are some of the few programs that our organization sponsor within our communities throughout Alaska and the Nation.

USS ANCHORAGE (LPD-23) AND SHIP’S COMPANY, “WELCOME TO THE FLEET”

Serving America’s Veterans from The past, present and to the future ! THE AMERICAN LEGION DEPARTMENT OF ALASKA 1550 Charter Circle Anchorage, AK 99508

Call (907) 561-7737to begin your subscription.

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your local newspaper

)

s

Radiation fears, government distrust linger in Fukushima disaster’s aftermath

Miyako, Iwate prefecture

March 12, 2011 March 1, 2013

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013Volume 5, No. 11 ©SS 2013

HELL AND HIGH WATERTWO YEARS LATER

AP

TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013

Welcome USS Anchorage

and Crew!Get all of your arts and entertainment events.

Pick it up free every Thursday!

Who’s buyingyour vote thiselection?

Arts, page 18Pamyua’s long-awaited Side A/Side B

Top 10, page 9The Bennies of brunch

ALASKA’S MOST OPEN AND TRANSPAPP RENT NEWSPAPP PER

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WHERE THE CORN IS AS HIGH AS AN ELEPHANT’S EYE IN DIMOND

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The history of Anchorage has always been entwined with the history of the military in Alaska, from the engineers and communications officers who helped connect our communities at the turn of the century to the thousands of military personnel who have served tours in Anchorage — many staying or returning to make the city their permanent home.

The commissioning of the USS Anchorage marks the beginning of a two-year celebration of Anchorage, its hundred-year history, and the shared journey of all those who have called the city “home.” We invite you to join the celebration by sharing your Anchorage stories, photos, home movies and memorabilia!

The story of Anchorage is the story of us. Share your story at AnchorageCentennial.org.

AnchorageCentennial.org

CELEBRATING A CENTURYOF SERVICE

Alaska Railroad Collection; Anchorage Museum, B1979.002.G1590


SpONSORS$25,000 pACifiC OCEAN lEvEl•AlaskaUSAFederalCreditUnion•IngallsShipbuilding •MunicipalityOfAnchorage•PortOfAnchorage

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Single Event Sponsorships:

Chairman’s Reception primary $10,000 AT&T

major $5,000

ASRC Federal Philadelphia Gear

Supporting $2,500

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post Commissioning Ceremony $7,500

Wells Fargo


U.S.S. Anchorage Crest


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Find the words hidden vertically, horizontally & diagonally

WORD SEARCH Find the words hidden throughout the puzzle


U.S.S. ANCHORAGEPROUD SUPPORTER

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878992_08090

7" x 9.5"

4C

© 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. (878992_08090)

878992_08090 7x9.5 4c.indd 1 4/8/13 10:45 AM


OF JET FUEL FOR JOINT BASE ELMENDORF RICHARDSON100%OF JET FUEL FOR TED STEVENS ANCHORAGE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT60%

MUNICIPAL TAXES USED TO RUN THE PORT0%

OF CEMENT FOR ALASKA60%

OF CONSUMER GOODS FOR 85% OF ALASKA90%

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