Haifa, Israel

We left Haifa, Israel a couple days ago after a few days to relax, see the country and enjoy some time inport.  Haifa is a wonderful city and Israel is full of history- literally everywhere you look.  The crew enjoyed tours to the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem.  About 50 people went on each tour.  Those who did not take the tour explored Haifa and the fine dining and culture Israel’s third largest city had to offer.  Some stayed close to the ship and enjoyed BBQ on the pier sponsored by the Chief’s Mess.  We are back at sea now, I’ll post again in a couple days with some of our underway activities.  Enjoy the pictures below, thanks for your support.    

Deployment 2011

Hello STOUT family, friends and fans.  After a brief lapse, we are starting up the blog again.  This will be the forum I use to communicate with everyone and keep you up date on what we have been doing.  So far deployment has been going great.  We made it across the Atlantic, following one storm and just ahead of another.  After change of command and a port visit in Souda Bay on the island of Crete, we headed to Haifa, IS for a few days and some exercises with the Israeli Navy and Air Force.  Since then, we have been on station in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.  In between the operations, exercises and drills, we found some time to have some fun.  We held STOUT Olympics, where each department formed teams and competed in push-ups, pull-ups, sit-ups, and a 10 mile treadmill relay.  All teams did exceptionally well and the competition was fierce, but in the end, Operations department came out on top.  The trophy ceremony was held during a flight deck BBQ.  We plan to do this a couple more times before we return to see if we can crown a new champion.  We also started "crazy hat Wednesdays" where Sailors can wear whatever hat they like.  Enjoy the pictures, thanks for your support.  -- CDR Nathan Borchers, Commanding Officer   

    

XO holds the trophy while I announce the STOUT Olympics winner.

Crazy Hat Day!!!

Preps before flight deck Firefighting drill

Weapons Department competes in the push up competition

Atlantic Crossing

30 Sept, 2010 - Hello Family and Friends of STOUT.  This past week was exciting for the crew as we traveled east from Norfolk to Faslane, Scotland.  We came to conduct a Joint Training Exercise. 

Departing Norfolk - Sept 2010

During the transit across the Atlantic we had time to train on exercise procedures, conduct flight operations, take on fuel, conduct engineering drills and test our weapons systems.  A few action pictures are attached.

Prepping the Guns

View from the Helo Control Tower

Taking on Fuel from the Oiler

The exercise will start in a couple of days and will test the crew in a challenging scenario.  In addition to working with several of our sister US Navy ships, we are looking forward to the chance to operate with our International Partners.

Family Day Cruise

12 August, 2010 - Frinds and Family Day Cruise.  We had a few extra passengers aboard today as we sailed off the coast of Virginia for a few hours.  About 230 frineds and family members were able to join us as we transited out to sea over the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Chesepeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, and through Thimble Shoals Channel. 
     The Executive Officer provided a guided tour on the outbound transit and a short history lesson on Admiral Stout as we made the return transit.  The Gunners demonstrated the 5 inch gun and some small arms in a live firing demonstration and the Engineers showed off the main engines in a fast speed run. We had one rain shower that pushed the flight deck picnic inside.  Once we cleared the rain clouds the rest of the day was clear sailing.

     Master Chief arranged for a mini-Surface Warfare qualification for the children and we handed our certificates for all those who completed the requirements.  Thanks to all those who were able to spend the day with us.

Tug Boats returning us to the pier

Boarding Team Training

11 August, 2010 - The past few days were filled with real time training for the boarding teams.  We worked with a training ship for three days to practice various situations that the boarding teams may see.  It was a long three days, especially for the members of the teams as well as the boat crews. 

RHIBs approaching the training ship

The Boarding Team prepares for action

Hard at work on the Boat Deck

Surface Forces Atlantic Visit

5 August 2010 - STOUT had the pleasure of hosting RADM Thomas today for a short tour. RADM Thomas is the Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Atlantic. He is responsible for the readiness of all East Coast ships, including STOUT. While aboard he met with the Officers in the Wardroom for a short discussion and Chiefs in the Chief Petty Officer's Mess. He also talked with several Sailors during a tour of the ship and addressed the entire crew on the 1MC (The 1MC is the general announcing system for those not familiar with Navy lingo).

Admiral with Petty Officer Kniess

RADM Thomas inspecting VLS

It was a great opportunity to get information on current issues from our chain of command as well as provide direct feedback. The Admiral had great messages on setting standards, leadership and how we can assist him in solving problems. RADM Thomas was the former CO of USS ROSS, a sister ship to STOUT. He really understands things from a shipboard perspective. The advice and guidance he provided today was on the mark and well received by everyone.

Admiral addressing the CPO Mess

Re-Enlistment

1 August 2010- Reenlistment.  As part of the all volunteer force crew members commit to serve a set number of years.  Once their enlistment is up they have the option to extend their service and re-enlist.  Recently Petty Officer Humbert signed up to serve a few more years and re-affirmed his oath in a short ceremony on the mess decks.  A couple of pictures from the day are posted along with the oath of re-enlistment at the bottom of the page.

Petty Officer Humbert with Re-Enlisting Officer

Petty Officer Humbert with a few friends

Oath of re-enlistment

I do solemnly swear

That I will support and defend

The Constitution of the United States

Against All enemies, foreign and domestic;

That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same,

That I will obey the orders

Of the President of the United States

And the orders of the Officers appointed over me,

According to the regulations

And the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

So help me God.