"News Updates"

USS Anzio CG-68

 

UPDATES

 

USS ANZIO Families and Friends –                                                           April/May 2008

 Hope 1 May is nice where you are. We have had really great weather during our training exercises and as you can see from the info below, the seas have generally been very smooth.

 Today we concluded Exercise JOINT WARRIOR and as I write this we are transiting back into Faslane to conduct an exercise debrief and give the ANZIO crew some liberty ashore.  Looking at the calendar, I just realized that today is the 50%+ mark of our time away from home with 27 days of 53 under our belts – we are looking forward to heading back home and enjoying some late Spring  weather with our friends and families. We are all happy that everyone is safe and sound following the violent weather in the Hampton Roads area earlier this week.

 

 Day 19 – Wednesday, April 23, 2008 – The Minches, North of the Isle of Skye, 216 NM distance covered today, 4,861 NM Total

Temp 50 F, Heavy overcast skies, 18 knot winds from the south, seas 1-2 feet

This morning we were blessed with another day of great weather and fantastic views as we continued our movement North along the West coast of Scotland.  Our first event for the day was an Oil Platform defense exercise, in which we provided air defense for our Task Group as well as intercepting suspect merchant vessels.  Because of the water temperature (46ºF) we were unable to deploy our boarding team. 

 

 Day 20 – Thursday, April 24, 2008 –  A Few Miles North of Cape Wrath, Scotland, 223 NM distance covered today, 5,042 NM Total

Temp 50 F, Partly Cloudy, 4 knot winds from the northeast, seas 3 -4 feet

 Today we went to Cape Wrath to conduct a firing exercise with our 5”/54 guns.  The last time ANZIO participated in a similar firing exercise was back in February, 2006.  The event involved us maneuvering ANZIO parallel to the coast while a Marine spotter ashore passed targeting information to our gunnery crew in the Combat Information Center.  We spent a couple hours on the range and completed our exercise successfully – great job to the team in CIC and manning our guns.

 Following the gun shoot, we headed Northwest to rendevous with the German Auxiliary ship, FGS RHÖEN (A1443). The underway replenishment detail was stationed at 2315 in preparation for a midnight fueling at sea, more to follow below.

 Good job to GSM2 Martinez-Melendez for restoring ANZIO’s Fuel Oil Coalescer to service, his efforts prevented us from having to shut down an entire engine room to perform maintenance.  Instead of accepting the equipment loss and waiting for a new part to come from stateside, he used his technical expertise and manufactured a diaphragm to bring the system back online.

 

 Day 21 – Friday, April 25, 2008 – 35 NM North of Butt of Lewis, 187 NM distance covered today, 5,259NM Total

49 F, Partly Cloudy, 18 knot winds from the southwest, seas 1 -2 feet

Although we thought that we would be alongside at midnight, this fueling at sea turned into a three and one half hour saga.  At midnight, we found out that the oiler was not ready for us, so we had to follow her South to reposition.  At 0116 we finally went alongside, however a line used to bring the fueling rig across failed and we were forced to remain alongside and wait while repairs were made.  Finally at 0219 they started pumping and we took on 153,609 gallons of fuel.  At 0330, we finished up and took off into an early Northeast sunrise.  Although we were up a majority of the night, our crew did a great job of remaining focused on the job at hand and keeping everything safe.  Great job to Rig Captain BM2 Dany Jones and Riggers BM3 Lee Klemme, SN Michael Dick, and SN Jeremy Smith.

 Today we received a message informing us that CTT1(SW) Eddie Phillips and CTT2 Eric Speight were selected for the prestigious Cryptologic Internship Program – 2 of only 8 selected from among all CTTs in our Navy…BZ!

 

Day 22 – Saturday, April 26, 2008 – 25 NM West of the Orkney Islands, 268 NM distance covered today, 5,527 NM Total

Temp 50 F, Rain, 26 knot winds from the southeast, seas 1 -2 feet

Today we graduated our first class of Sailors to complete our new Command Indoctrination Division (I-DIV).  The goal of I-DIV is to take all incoming Sailors and provide them with an opportunity to adjust to the requirements of shipboard life and complete all of their initial qualifications - this allows them to report, fully qualified, to their divisions and immediately get to work as a contributing member of the team. 

 This afternoon we held a birthday meal for everyone celebrating a birthday in March and April.  The Mess Decks were all decked out for the occasion, and as always, our Culinary Specialists presented an exceptional meal of steak and lobster, topped off with a birthday cake made by CS3 William Earle.

 

 Day 23 – Sunday, April 27, 2008 – The Minches, 134 NM distance covered today, 5,661 NM Total, 55 F, Light Clouds, 15 knot winds from the south, seas 1 -2 feet

Today we took advantage of Sunday to rest before the unscripted portion of the exercise starts on Monday.  LT Jim Bradshaw and ENS Laura Montoya also led services for our crew in Woody's Foxhole.

 

 Day 24 – Monday, April 28, 2008 – The Minches, 179 NM distance covered today, 5,840 NM Total, 50 F, Light Rain, 23 knot wind from the north, seas 1 -2 feet

This morning the unscripted portion of our exercise commenced.  Our initial tasking was to take position and provide radar coverage for our task group, however the plan was altered when we received information that a suspicious exercise vessel was transiting in our area.  We steamed off and found the vessel, then tracked it for a couple of hours while we queried him over the radio about his cargo, crew, and intentions.  After waiting for approval, we finally were ordered to conduct a boarding, so we lowered our small boat, loaded the boarding team, and went over to search the vessel.  FC1 Darnell Williams did a great job interacting with their crew and collecting information regarding their contraband.  While the team was onboard the vessel, two fast small boats came over the horizon and conducted attacks against us – I am happy to say that the Small Craft Action Team (SCAT) and our airborne helo successfully destroyed the threat. 

 At around 2000, we received notice that we were to proceed to conduct our second refueling with FGS RHÖEN (A1443).   Our initial plan was to transit to the North, however an enemy submarine was identified to be operating in an area we needed to transit.  So, we changed our plan and moved to the open waters South of us.  They were ready for us this time.  At about 2315, we got alongside and brought on 97,833 gallons of fuel in about 50 minutes. 

 Tonight we received word that there were some tornadoes in Hampton Roads along with a water spout that came ashore at Norfolk Naval Station.  I have seen some news reports and the damage seems extensive.  Our 29 personnel affected by the tornado called home and happy to say, all reported that their families and property were okay.  Still, our prayers go out to all of those in the community who suffered the loss of loved ones or property.

 

 Day 25 – Tuesday, April 29, 2008 – The Minches, 152 NM distance covered today, 5,992 NM Total, 47 F, Light Rain, 13 knot winds from the west, seas 1 -2 feet

This morning we were directed to form a Surface Action Group with HDMS ESBERN SNARE (L17) and proceed to Cape Wrath to shoot our guns against shore targets.  Once there, we formed up into a column and both ships got to shell the beach while aircraft conducted air strikes from above.  The event ended with us shooting 18 rounds, putting a round on target about every four seconds and surrounding our ship in a cloud of white smoke.  Great job once again to our Gunners Mates, Fire Controlmen, and the NSFS Team.

 

 Day 26 – Wednesday, April 30, 2008 – The Minches, 186 NM distance covered today, 6,178 NM Total, Sunny, 50 F, 12 knot winds from the north, seas 1 -2 feet

Today the scenario tension continued to increase.  Our day was smattered with jets flying fast and low overhead and small boats making attack runs on us.  Our training paid off, as the Small Craft Action Team, Bridge watchstanders, and CIC watchstanders defended us from all the threats. 

 Initially, it looked like we would take on fuel in the morning; however, about 20 minutes after I made an announcement about the next day’s fueling at sea plans changed dramatically.  FGS MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN (F218) and ANZIO were directed to leave our screen positions and proceed immediately to FGS RHÖEN (A1443) to go alongside and top off fuel.  We went alongside first, followed by FGS MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN.  The evolution was quick, we took on another 57,498 gallons of fuel in 35 minutes and then moved back into our screen to protect our forces.  Everyone on the fueling stations made this evolution a success – manning up the quickest that I have seen on board.

We received word from the JOINT WARRIOR staff that ANZIO was the first ship in the last five years to establish communication on a designated NATO teletype communications circuit.  ITC Paul Markey and IT3 Philip Kaszowki refused to give up and worked tirelessly to troubleshoot and establish communications throughout the exercise –BZ!

 

Day 27 – Thursday, May 01, 2008 – Sea of the Hebrides, 253 NM distance covered today, 6,431 NM Total, Partly Cloudy, 50 F, 10 knot winds from the East, seas 1 -2 feet

Today hostilities erupted at approximately 0630, and I believe we were victorious – we’ll see for sure at the debrief when we get in port.  We now turn our attention to transiting back to Faslane for the exercise debrief and to give the crew some liberty time after a fast paced two weeks at sea.

 I hope all is well back home – I expect to send our next update on 12 May following our port visits to Faslane and Belgium.

 S. A. Robinson

  
 

July 3, 2005, Sunday

  
 

 

Hello, today is Saturday, July 02, 2005.  I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of Anzio.

 
ANZIO is on our way home, and we expect to arrive mid-day on Wednesday, 6 July at Pier 2.  Please check with this careline again as we approach closer to the day of arrival, and I will update our arrival time.
 
ANZIO received a message from the Ambassador at the US Embassy in Finland that praised us and asked for us to return to Hewlsinki.  Specifically, the Ambassador said ANZIO did an absolutely fantastic job representing our nation and the Navy; countless Finns have told me that they were thoroughly impressed with your ship, but even more so with your Sailors.?  Needless to say, he was very impressed with how many Finnish diplomats, senior military leaders and elected representatives were ?decorated? with ANZIO deadhead pins!
 

We have been conducting a good amount of training while we are returning.  More than 30 Sailors have qualified in Surface Warfare.  More than 10 officers have qualified as Officer of the Deck and Engineering Officer of the Watch. 

 

  
        June 21, 2005,Tuesday June 27, 2005, Monday  
 

Hello, today is Tuesday, 21 June, 2005. I am Capt Jim Carr, Commanding Officer of USS ANZIO.

The most important (good) news is that the ships?  Email system is restored?  Or at least partially restored, so you should be receiving emails from your ANZIO Sailor soon. The bad news is

that much of what we received during the last several weeks is permanently lost. We may not ever be able to retrieve it.

ANZIO completed a safe and memorable visit to Kiel, Germany. The ship entered port and departed it without the use of tugs, under the very capable leadership of LT Rob Anderson, who drove the ship in and out of port. The harbormaster of Kiel told me that he thought it was masterful ship driving. Kiel is situated in a very large fjord that is internationally famous for recreational sailing regattas. While we were in Kiel, we watched thousands of sailboats racing in the fjord, we saw dozens of tall ships under sail, and many of us took tours to Hamburg and Berlin. We also hosted a wonderful reception for many local officials to return the hospitality of the German people in Kiel. It was a New Orleans theme reception that was put together and catered by CSC Stan Dawson, CS1 George Sharp, CS2 Kevin Mora who cooked up some wonderful Cajun cuisine. Many smiling German people left our reception wearing ANZIO Mardi Gras beads?  And I saw them in town many times during the week.

Now the ship is underway again, and will arrive in Helsinki, Finland by the time you listen to this careline. While we are there, we will celebrate American Independence Day with members of the American Embassy, and many Finnish friends.

We still make progress with our professional qualifications, and recently awarded surface warfare pins  Congratulations to all of them.

Hello, today is Friday, June 24, 2005. I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of Anzio.

 

ANZIO has departed Helsinki, Finland. It was a very successful port visit, and we all saw a new part of the world for the first time.

 

 The Senior Chief was featured on the front page photo of a Helsinki newspaper, and none of us could understand a word that was written about him! Hope it was good! ANZIO received a lot of other press, and participated in community relations visits of the Veterans Hospital, the Children's?  Hospital (where we handed out soccer balls), and the International Christian Center. Some of our crew were a big part of that event.

 

As most of you know, our email was not working for the entire port visit, but it is working now! You should be hearing from your ANZIO Sailor by now.

 

ANZIO will be turning our helicopter over to another ship, but our aviation crew will be returning with us. This aviation detachment has done a wonderful job, and really become a valued part of our team.

 

You can expect us home approximately 7 July. If we are able to squeak in a day early, we will do so, but please don't plan on that, yet.

 

That is all for now.
 

 

June 8, 2005, Wednesday

 
Greetings ANZIO Families and Friends from Somewhere in the Baltic sea ,

First and foremost thank you for all your support, prayers and love.  We draw strength from our support at home.  Today USS ANZIO is participating in the Initial Operations Phase of BALTOPS at sea.  So far this since Monday Morning under way week we have conducted training exercises with Naval ships from eleven coalition allies.  Russia Poland Germany Denmark / Sweden Finland USS Cole (CG 67) / Latvia Lithuania, Estonia England / Netherlands (Dutch) USS Tortuga (LSD-48) / Tonight we are conducting helicopter Flight operations, and safely operating in multi ship formations across the full spectrum of radio call signs, frequencies and languages.   Tonight is a relative term,  TAPS aboards a USN ship is at 2200, the sunset is not till after 2230 and sunrise is at appox  0400.  Veteran Sailors from years ago  may recall Radio men (RM) as the rating
responsible for  communication services.   The MARS system where HAM radio enthusiasts would connect shipboard Sailors with home Radio and telephones the final words of a phrase would be "OVER".   Yep, I love you honey OVER" was a past practice.
 

Today's rapidly changing communication,  and the revolution of the internet now has Information Systems Technician responsible for all the archived antenna systems, and now the LAN Technology, protective devices,
safety features,  that shares the internet with all our ANZIO Shipmates and connects us all at home. 
 

To build on the initial acquaintances started during our in port visit this past weekend a few ANZIO shipmates have cross decked to observe, in some instances admire, and see customs and practices aboard other countries Naval ships.  We are also hosting other Nations Sailors aboard ANZIO.  Inport Ventspeil, Latvia this past weekend provided many important Sailor to Sailor opportunities in receptions, sports events, tours, Community relations volunteer services to help others and liberty in town.
Receptions:   Our Culinary Specialists (CS) featured in last weeks note put on a Barb-Que to remember.  Every one in S-2 division provided significant contributions from homemade sauce from a family restaurant recipe passed down over the years.  For the visiting United States Ambassador to Latvia and the many support staff from our US STATE DEPT USS ANZIO crew hospitality, conversation and food were a welcome
reminder of home.    The menu of Ribs, Chicken,  Salads, Fresh fruit salads,  fresh baked Apple pie and beverages provided for the reception by our own ANZIO CS demonstrating professionalism that would be the envy of any catering service back home.
 

Indeed as part of the US Navy never ending quest for a better way to train, as part of a Chef at sea program  USS ANZIO is hosting Mr. Don Antinore a native of Rochester,  New York.   With decades of professional
performance in every position as a professional chef in many facilities Mr. Antinore is certified member of the American Culinary Federation, and a fountain of wisdom and life time of work experiences and perspective
that he freely shares with our ANZIO Sailors.


Sports events- Saturday morning volunteer sports leaders and Chief, drummed up support from ANZIO Sailors who participated in Basketball, track and field, Tug of war and Soccer.  ANZIO's championship basket ball team with the leadership of the coach and Assistant coach soundly defeated the Lithuanian Semi-Pro team to earn the first place trophy that is proudly on display on our crew food line.
 
In Track and Field competition ANZIO 4 X 100 meter relay team earned first place honors

In Tug of war ANZIO team turned on the big engines to pull in another first place trophy.
 
Addition all these ANZIO Sailors in the spirit of good sportsmanship competed alongside Warriors from USS Cole too complete their squad  in Soccer

Community service opportunities:  The LT and RP1 working with local community leaders lined up a Community Relations project initiated with  the local Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ventspils.  The
church has entered into a rebuilding phase for a church bell tower that required cleaning up assistance.  ANZIO volunteers helped them tremendously and afterwards there was a lunch of Latvian menu and cold soft drinks and wonderful company provided.  The members were great, and could not believe the big hearts, and giving spirit of visiting American Sailors that would share their off duty liberty to help them.  They were very humbled by Anzio's desire to assist.


Tours:  MWR tours set up with local contacts, our Supply Officer and MWR leadership and Chief.  Over one hundred ANZIO Sailors took advantage of MWR subsidized tours For only five dollars ANZIO Sailors rode luxury tour bus two 1/2 hours to Latvia's capitol city Riga.   With an 800 year history, architecture samplings in walled city boundaries, churches and rebuilt apartment buildings atop storefronts.  Seemingly frozen in time in some places or preserved  in time over generations of wars, occupations from hostile conquering kingdoms.   Now zestfully celebrating freedom and democracy since 1991, and refurbishing many parks, rivers and buildings that were once neglected now carefully restored before this is one of the cleanest cities ever visited.  In the old town center parks, cobblestone streets, sidewalk cafes and vendors with hand made  porcelain other crafts.   After walking, dining and more shopping the bus ride home was mostly silent except for the occasional sleeper snoring bringing us back to our pier at midnight. 


Supply Department S-3/ S-4 division Ships servicemen (SH) & Disbursing Clerks (DK) LCDR, and ENS with SKCS(SW/AW) LCPO.  Ship service providers were very busy, disbursing converting NAVY Cash electronic transactions to Dollars and providing NAVY Cash services to visiting coalition Navies cross deck trainers wishing to purchase souvenirs like Disney and Universal studios tourists.  Our Ships store operators provide ships store sales, vending machine operations, haircuts, ships laundry and a host of behind the scenes services that are indispensable to our daily life aboard, crew morale, and convenience.   Plus all profits are kept aboard for our crew Morale Welfare and recreation fund used for our crew benefit. 

Upcoming USS ANZIO EVENTS to mark your calendars and sign up
 

18 JUNE FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING  Armed services YMCA,
Independence Blvd.  Virginia Beach
18 JULY COMMAND PICNIC
28 JULY FAMILY DAY CRUISE

June 1, 2005 MESSAGE FROM YOUR FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP PRESIDENT

It's OFFICIAL - I have scheduled a Family Support Group Meeting for June 18, 2005 - Saturday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Armed Services YMCA.  I have planned a Scrapbook Event for Father's Day - We will be raffling off a "First Kiss" for FREE for all those who attend.
Scrapbooks and materials will be provided FREE of charge as well. There will also be materials for younger less agile children to make Father's Day cards...
EVERYONE IS WELCOME... including wives without children, so please come...

(I have attached directions to the location.)
All those who wish to attend please email me at:  TIMANDDEE@peoplepc.com
18 JULY COMMAND PICNIC Same location as last year Leland Park Centrally located off Terminal Blvd, Hampton Blvd and I 564.  Will post sign ups and more info soon. 

28 JULY Family day cruise Safety first, Minimum age 8 years old,   Families and friends are welcome.  We will share safety precautions and more details soon.
 
ANZIO BEACHHEAD VETERANS OF WWII
That bond is felt from the Commanding Officer to the most junior Sailor.  Every one of us wears the ANZIO Death Head on our uniform.  In every message released by the ship, we close with your motto from the Beachhead:  "Stand and Fight!"  In every passageway in the ship, we pass the photos of 22 of your comrades who were recipients of  the Congressional Medal of Honor in every passageway.  Each photo has a citation that tells the story behind the heroism of each of those young Americans at ANZIO Beachhead.  Every ANZIO Sailor, before he is certified by a warfare qualification board, must tell the story of the ANZIO Veteran of his choosing.  Our Sailor's all study and use the internet in our library, dubbed Woody's Foxhole (for Woody Hoercher), the VET who is most aggressive in making sure CMC McCormack and I are doing right by your Sailors.  In our parking lot, there is always a parking spot reserved for any of veteran that choose to visit us...and we can count on a visit from one of you more than once a month. 
<http://www.anziobeachheadveteransofwwii.com/reunionforapril20051.htm>


ANZIO OMBUDSMAN
No one person could ever do this, or any other significant accomplishment without a significant amount of assistance.  Yet it is our volunteer ombudsman, spouses of an ANZIO crewmember Mikki Larocque and Ruth Davis have earned our respect, and trust and is the source of  information directly from our Commanding officer ,Captain Carr  . There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.   Their  commitment and passion just could not be advertised for in a newspaper ad, and no financial compensation could inspire such dedication in service to with a common goal of supporting their Sailors and families. Thankfully, we have the
best.  Please, do not shoot the messenger if Mikki or Ruth do not have information from the ship to answer every question.  ANZIO Family and Friends Support Group Leader Billie Dee McGuire is also a wonderful volunteer.  As always asking for additional volunteers to assist Billie.  Please take share your creative ideas and energy, enthusiasm to make it happen bringing together.  Families back home for social meeting
opportunities, and meeting new friends and families.   If you have been waiting for an opportunity to broaden your circle of contacts for company and just want to get involved again in our support and information
newwork.  All families and friends, newly weds and seasoned veterans with the T shirt and cruise jackets are welcome to share.

IMPORTANT CONTACT INFO
CARELINE UPDATES (757) 444-6831
CARELINE toll free (888) 435-1994

USS ANZIO on the WEB www.anzio.navy.mil 

Thank you for all your support, prayers and love.   We draw strength from our support at home.
Respectfully,
Command Master Chief Roger McCormack
USS ANZIO (CG 68)
STAND AND FIGHT

  

 

 

June 3, 2005, Friday
Hello, today is Thursday, June 02, 2005.  I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of ANZIO.
 
ANZIO pulled into Ventspils, Latvia this morning.  It is sunny and mild, though a little cooler than Norfolk is.  This country is so far north that the sun does not set until nearly midnight.  We have spent the last several days navigating through some tricky passages in Northern Scotland and through the Danish Straits, but our arrival in Latvia was safe and easy, and the scenery was historic and interesting.
 
Our Family Support Group has scheduled a “scrapbook seminar” as a fun way for families to get together while we are away.  It will be held at 1 PM, Saturday June 18 at the Armed Forces YMCA on Independence Blvd, near Little Creek Gate 4.  There will be a raffle for the First Kiss when we return from this exercise at sea!  Don’t miss it, have some fun with other family members, and win a first kiss!
 
If you know someone who does not receive the careline by email, please let them know that they can receive it if they send their email address to our ombudsmen at anzioombudsman@aol.com or anzioombudsman1@aol.com. 
 
That is all for now.  Thank you for calling our care line, and please call again soon.

 

June 1, 2005, Wednesday

  
 Greetings ANZIO Families and Friends from Somewhere in the North Atlantic,
First and foremost thank you for all your support, prayers and love.  We draw strength from our support at home.  
This weekend we all remember MEMORIAL DAY a moment of pause and respect before the shopping, sales, sports 
events and picnics.  QUOTE OF THE DAY. "Our citizens live in freedom because patriots are willing to serve and sacrifice 
for our liberty. And on Monday, I will lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery in honor of those who have made the 
ultimate sacrifice. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II, a victory for freedom in which more 
than 400,000 Americans gave their lives. Today a new generation of Americans is making its own sacrifice on behalf of 
peace and freedom, and some have given their lives.  In their hometowns, these soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines 
are more than names on a roll of honor. They were friends and neighbors, teachers and coaches, classmates and 
colleagues. Each was the most important person in someone's life; each had hopes for the future, and each left a place 
that can never be filled. We mourn their loss, and we honor their sacrifice. We pray for their families.  And we take heart 
in knowing that these men and women believed deeply in what they were fighting for."  President George W. Bush, 43rd 
President of the United States, 29 May 2005 radio address to the Nation. 
All letters and packages should contain at a minimum the following info.
Rate/rank  First Name, Middle initial,  last name
Division        
USS ANZIO(CG-68)
FPO AE 09564-1188
Here is a sampling of the famous names our Postal Clerk PC2 Morris reads every mail call.  We urge you to continue 
e-mail's, we look forward to our first mail call later this week.  All packages and regular mail with photos and hand 
written notes to remain in touch.  All are greatly appreciated.  Please ask your Sailor for their specific division for ease 
of delivery.
2 Anderson's     2 Bell's        4 Brown's   2 Bradshaw's    11 Johnson's     3 Clark's   7 Jones's   3 Wilson's  
You can be very proud of your ANZIO Sailors performance this past week underway transiting the ATLANTIC OCEAN for 
our next mission.  Just like Jeff Lawson and Jim Lawrence on TV at home open the news with their best guess,  our 
Daily briefings start with AG1 (AW) Baldwin and AG3 Davis from Strike Group Oceanography Team Norfolk presenting 
detailed maps down loaded from the web.  Today their initial forecast (best guess) was for poor weather,  however 
sunshine and breezy winds were on the menu today instead.  Days like this we enjoy their rare wrong guesses.  
They have been very helpful to Captain Carr advising for future travel plans.  Our ocean " highways" and our four 
Marine Gas Turbines for propulsion offer significant flexibility to speed up, divert North or South away from forecast 
bad weather or rough seas.   

SUNDAY AT SEA STEEL BEACH PICNIC
Today our  Wardroom with the combined talents of our USS ANZIO Commissioned Officers,  embarked Commander 
Strike Group Twelve staff and our embarkd Air Squadron HSL 42 DET 4 from Mayport, Florida volunteered to team up 
with our Culinary Speciaists (CS's) to prepare, set up,  cook and clean up a "Steel Beach " Picnic on our aft Missile 
deck today. (Sunday 29 MAY) Our menu of Bar-b- Que ribs,  Marinated chicken,  Brats on a bun, variety of Salads, 
and fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.  Cold sodas were provided from our Morale Welfare and recreation funds.  
A 10,000 ton  NAVY ship moving through the water at over 25 knots, (about 30 MPH) can never go on auto pilot, 
so Sunday at sea for all but the on watch team offers an opportunity to relax, read a book , write a e mail message 
home or a note to put in the regular mail to be mailed out in out  next port visit.
 
As we are transiting to our next exercise, conducting training  exercises on many weapon systems we simply can not 
conduct in port Norfolk pier side.  Our Sonar Technicians (STG 's) and Torpedomen (TM's) of CA division conducted 
several training exercises this week.  One involved Electronic Mini Mobile Acoustic Tracking Target (EMMATT).  With this 
trainer our sonar men can simulate submarine or other sonar contact for active or passive search, track localize and 
acoustic target and prepare a firing solution.  Taking into account many variables beyond the control of our shipboard 
techs such as water temp, depth,  pressure, and even the salinity of the water this is truly a underwater science project 
requiring training, patience, persistence and skill.  Another with with a  Recoverable Exercise Torpedo (REXTORP). After 
successfully tracking and detecting a simulated target our technicians fired this training torpedo, and with the 
assistance of our First Division Bosun mates, retrieved the torpedo for use another day. Our two ANZIO SAR swimmers 
retrieved the torpedo and safely recovered back aboard ANZIO.

Another ANZIO Combat Systems that we can operate as designed and demonstrate targeting and hitting  at sea is the 
Mount 51 and 52  5 inch 54" guns prominently installed on the focsle and fan tail. These sophisticated guns capable of 
rapid fire 20 rounds per minute, eight miles high and 13 miles away from ANZIO.
Our Gunners mate' s (GM's) from CO division operate and maintain these in top condition. Leadership for CO division 
round ( barrels)  

Additionally our ships range master GM2 assisted by GM1(SW), GM2(SW) and all the gunners mates have been actively 
training and qualifying our shipmates in crew served weapons firing from our ship into targets backed by the open ocean.
Certification and qualification to safely handle and shoot accurately 9MM,  M-14,  shotguns, 50 Caliber weapons is a 
proficiency and skill to be maintained with frequent practice.
 
HSL 42 DET 4  Provided training opportunities ar sea operating flying hours for our pilots to maintaining proficiency flying 
in a variety of conditions from sunny day light to night landings with limited visual assistance. It is remarkable that  Flight 
deck crew and maintenance team from Mayport, FL require 14 hours maintenance time for every hour the aircraft is flying 
to combat the sea spray, salt water, corrosion,  ocean winds in this challenging environment.  Compared with getting an 
occasional oil change and check the wiper blades if streaking after 100 hours of driving the family car or van at on the 
local roads at 30 MPH (3000 Miles) this is simply amazing.  Preventive and corrective maintenance is tracked and 
supervised by veterans who simply have no time or tolerance for the phrase  " Good enough for Government work" or" 
close is good enough in horseshoes."  The display of pride and professionalism daily by our shipmates maintain this 
complicated collection of millions of operating parts in perfect condition is an eyeopening experience.   But very little 
happens without assistance.

Our ANZIO ships force comprised the Flight deck safety crew.  Many positions in a rainbow of uniform colors each signifying 
a position of skill and training, trained and ready to respond in an instant if needed.   In addition to standing their regular 
watch station, conducting preventive and corrective maintenance on their equipment out here thousands of miles away from 
a civilian tech rep.   The MAYTAG repair man does not fly out to repair our equipment if it is not in perfect operating order.  
We carry our spare parts onboard or share with our sister ships operating out here.    One more reason it has been said that 
the NAVY runs on Strong black coffee and diesel fuel.

This is just a snap shot of a few of our shipmates,  more to follow in the upcoming weeks CMC notes home MORE NEWS 
hopefully you can use.

NAVAL STATION  NORFOLK  COMMANDING OFFICER speaking points:
1. Parking lot repaving and new lines is a on-going occurrence 
2. Pedestrian safety  Have your Sailors and all drivers on base pay attention to the cross walks.  Pedestrians have the right 
    of way.  Cars must stop for pedestrians in the cross walk
3. BRAC changes effecting Navsta Norfolk 
    a) Subs will increase from 12 to 23       b) Parking garage for sub piers    c) A new barracks     
Gate 5 Updates:   
1. Closed from 6 July to 7 October 
2. New Traffic patterns are on the NAVSTA web site.  www.navstanorva.navy.mil/ 
3. Traffic tunnel construction under rail road tracks on Hampton Blvd will start this fall. Traffic will be detoured around the site 
    through fleet rec park.
Base Housing .. Privatization of Family Housing: 
1. 1 August 2005... all personnel in base housing E-1 through O-10 will automatically have BAH re-instated. 
2. You will have to sign a lease to live in base housing. *** If the active duty member is deployed than they will only allow 
    the spouse to sign the lease with the active duty members power of attorney only*****
3. Members in housing will pay rent with a check, or allotment, Allotments are high encouraged. If a members can't pay the 
    rent than they will be evicted. 
4. Barracks will be next to go private and require a lease, time frame for barracks at this time unknown. 
5. All units will have meters attached and a average of utilities will be takes over a period of 2 years.  The members will than 
    pay the difference of the utilities above the average for that unit. 

ANZIO BEACHHEAD VETERANS OF WWII
That bond is felt from the Commanding Officer to the most junior Sailor.  Every one of us wears the ANZIO Death Head on 
our uniform.  In every message released by the ship, we close with your motto from the Beachhead:  "Stand and Fight!"  In 
every passageway in the ship, we pass the photos of 22 of your comrades who were recipients of  the Congressional Medal 
of Honor in every passageway.  Each photo has a citation that tells the story behind the heroism of each of those young 
Americans at ANZIO Beachhead.  Every ANZIO Sailor, before he is certified by a warfare qualification board, must tell the 
story of the ANZIO Veteran of his choosing.  Our Sailor's all study and use the internet in our library, dubbed Woody's
Foxhole (for Woody Hoercher), the VET who is most aggressive in making sure CMC McCormack and I are doing right 
by your Sailors.  In our parking lot, there is always a parking spot reserved for any of veteran that choose to visit us...and 
we can count on a visit from one of you more than once a month.  
<http://www.anziobeachheadveteransofwwii.com/reunionforapril20051.htm>
ANZIO OMBUDSMAN
No one person could ever do this, or any other significant accomplishment without a significant amount of assistance.  
Yet it is our volunteer ombudsman, spouses of an ANZIO crewmember Mikki Larocque and Ruth Davis have earned our 
respect, and trust and is the source of  information directly from our Commanding officer ,Captain Carr  . There is nothing 
stronger than the heart of a volunteer.   Their  commitment and passion just could not be advertised for in a newspaper ad, 
and no financial compensation could inspire such dedication in service to with a common goal of supporting their Sailors and 
families. Thankfully, we have the best.  Please, do not shoot the messenger if Mikki or Ruth do not have information from 
the ship to answer every question.
 
 ANZIO Family and Friends Support Group Leader Billie Dee McGuire is also a wonderful volunteer.  As always asking for 
additional volunteers to assist Billie.  Please take share your creative ideas and energy, enthisiasm to make it happen 
bringing together.  Families back home for social meeting opportunities, and meeting new friends and families.   If you 
have been waiting for an opportunity to broaden your circle of contacts for company and just want to get involved again 
in our support and information new work.  All families and friends, newly weds and easoned veterans with the T shirt and 
cruise jackets are welcome to share. 

MPORTANT CONTACT INFO
CARELINE UPDATES     (757) 444-6831
CARELINE toll free  (888) 435-1994
anzioombudsman1@aol.com
ANZIO Ombudsman     
anzioombudsman@aol.com
ANZIO Ombudsman
timanddee@peoplepc.com
ANZIO Family and Friends Support Group Leader
USS ANZIO on the WEB     www.anzio.navy.mil  

IMPORTANT EVENTS UPCOMING
Billie Dee McGuire is working to put together a FSG event, REQUEST contact Billie  to assist and find out more info soon.
18 JUNE   Details To Be FINALIZED this week.   Creating Scrapbook for dad for Fathers day and a creating Fathers day cards.  
Location TBD    

ANZIO FAMILY DAY CRUISE     Late JULY 2005   Will share specific details, requirements and date when confirmed. Minimum 
age 8 years old.   
Thank you for all your support, prayers and love.   We draw strength from our support at home.
Respectfully,
Command Master Chief Roger McCormack
USS ANZIO (CG 68)
STAND AND FIGHT
  

 

Hello ANZIO Families and Friends   May 23, 2005

From some where in the Atlantic Ocean,  Well a while has passed since the
last Command Master Chief (CMC) note home. 
Will work the steady strain and keep this weekly for BALTOPS 2005.
Captain Carr ANZIO CARELINE 757 6831

It has been months since returning from Europe last year, yet for many in
our crew this is their first travel and learning opportunity at sea away
from the Virginia operating area.  For our new families and friends I see
daily first hand the fantastic Sailors onboard bringing lifeand enthusiasm
to best ship in our Navy.  
      Along with all of our crewmembers,and our family too will feel the
pressures of the increased demands we are now experiencing.
We are already into fourth day underway,  and have settling into a rhythm
transiting the same ocean that explorers sailed at the whims of the wind
and weather for years.
     Tonight writing this our Engineers are conducting  tightly rehearsed
casualty control  exercises on our propulsion and elecric plant for our
newly qualifying watch standers.  A single General Electric main
propulsion Gas Turbine has 25,000 HP.  One of our generators have the
capability to provide electric power over 200 homes.
      Our aggressive shipwide training program is providing are the providing
the opportunity to qualify in many varied watchstation positions and
qualifications.  Most pleasing for all to note is the exhuberance that our
junior Sailors are demonstrating in moving up into quals and watch
positions of responsibility normally reserved for Commissioned Officers
and Chief Petty Officers.   Some highlights of our last week or so are
noted below.
     ANZIO ON THE TELEVISION NEWS  Friday morning 20 MAY,  Norfolk's own
channel 3 WTKR sent news reporter Priscilla Monti and camera man and WAVY
10 Rob Rizzo, interviewing ANZIO Sailors including Captain Carr, GMSN
Steensland,  Petty Officer Oldach and his family and friend seeing him off
to sea for the first time. 

The interview was to be on the 1200 and 1700 news cast. 
     We receive via satellite CNN, FOX news and all the major networks
(ABC,NBC,CBS) news and shows without the commercial interruptions.
     Thanks to the support of the networks American military servicemen
and women through out the world receive news, sports and entertainment.
     You may have noticed at the beginning of a sporting event the
announcers welcoming our military serving around the world.  
     Our Interior Communication  techs (IC) operate and maintain our Site
Television network, with TV sets in our crews berthing lounge areas,
administrative offices, Wardroom, CPO lounge and three TV's on the
mess decks in our ANZIO SPORT ZONE.

     ADVANCEMENT RESULTS  
     Saturday ANZIO received our Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8)
Results.  Only the 3% of all enlisted Sailors earn this distinctive
promotion to a position of great responsibility accountability and trust.
Congratulations to Gas Turbine Systems Technician Senior Chief Eicks.
Only wish we had many more of our great Chief's selected this year.
 
     Thursday ANZIO received the results from the MARCH 05 Navy wide
advancement exams.
     39 of our shipmates have been selected promotion earning that extra
stripe, responsibility and compensation for their dedicated service. 
     Additionally from our Embarked HSL 42 Det 4 from Mayport, Florida.

 

  
Hello, today is Friday, May 27, 2005. I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of ANZIO.
ANZIO has been underway for a week, and we have made some great progress in training and readiness for a major international exercise. I hope you saw GM3 Henry Oldach and his family on TV before we left. We have not yet made our first port visit, but it won’t be too long. We certified our ship and helicopter crews as ready to conduct full helo ops in only one day. That is the fastest I have ever observed, and it may be the first time it has ever been done that fast, largely thanks to ADCS Michael Hoftyzer and his crew of maintainers.
Congratulations to our recently promoted petty officers. 33% of all ANZIO Sailors that took advancement exams in March promoted from that exam. That is nearly twice the Navy average! 75% of all ANZIO Sailors who took the Third Class exam promoted! Six ANZIO Sailors received the highest score in the US Navy. Special congratulations to GSCS Tom Eicks who was promoted to Senior Chief.
Congratulations to GSM1 Bill Trammell, who was just named the American Petroleum Institute Fuels Petty Officer of the Year! He joins the ranks of some prestigious ANZIO Sailors that have received National personal awards.
If you know someone who does not receive the careline by email, please let them know that they can receive it if they send their email address to our ombudsmen at anzioombudsman@ aol.com or anzioombudsman1@aol.com.
That is all for now. Thank you for calling our care line, and please call again soon.
Hello, today is Friday, March 13, 2005. I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of ANZIO.
 
ANZIO will get underway early Monday morning, 16 May and remain underway overnight to conduct sea trials of some repairs we have made while in port. We will return early Tuesday afternoon to Pier 4.
 
On Friday, 20 May, ANZIO will get underway to participate in an international exercise in the Baltic Sea. We will be operating with about 40 different ships from a dozen different nations including Russia, Sweden, Latvia, Germany, and more. Your ANZIO Sailor will return with some good sea stories, that is for sure!
 
Welcome to Billie Dee McGuire, who has stepped up to act as our Family Support Group Leader. Our most recent FSG event was a day at Busch Gardens last week. Expect to be hearing much more in the weeks ahead.
 
Also, welcome to the families of Proud Warrior "Horsemen" in HSL 42 Det 4 who will be joining us during our Baltic exercise.
 
If you know someone who does not receive the careline by email, please let them know that they can receive it if they send their email address to our ombudsmen at anzioombudsman@aol.com or anzioombudsman1@aol.com.
 
That is all for now. Thank you for calling our care line, and please call again soon.
  

This is from Roger McCormack

A PICTURE WORTH 1000 WORDS

GENERATIONS OF VALOR

 

Just click on the picture and read the bottom.

 

Hello, today is Monday 18 October.  I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of ANZIO.

As most of you know, we are underway for an extended time at sea for the first time in more than a year.  Normally, ships can expect a lot of problems with that kind of preparation for operations at sea, but ANZIO has performed superbly during our first few days.  Our equipment performed as advertised and our warfare teams fell into their rhythm quite quickly.

Sea conditions in the fall can be pretty rough, and the Atlantic Ocean is performing as advertised.  As I make this careline call we are fighting very heavy seas.  Don’t worry, we are battened down well, and know how to ride a storm safely.

Congratulations to IT1 Horace Wesley, who is now running our Surface Warfare Training Program.  Last night he had 70 ANZIO Sailors attending his training.  We are hoping that a good portion of them get their ESWS pins while we are underway.

On Saturday night we celebrated our traditional pizza night with the Officers and Chiefs cooking and delivering Pizza to Sailors in the messdecks and at their watch stations.  Sunday night we celebrated October birthdays with a steak and cake and ice cream dinner served by the CO and the CMC.


Please consider attending Family Support Group events while we are away…they present a good way to develop a “lifeline” or support network while your Sailor is away.  I cannot tell you where our next port of call is, but if you continue to check this careline, I will let you know when we have arrived there safely.

Hello, today is Friday 22 October.  I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of ANZIO.

I promised you that I would report when we had arrived in port.  This morning we safely dropped anchor in Greenoch, Scotland, a suburb of Glasgow.  The weather is a little dreary, gray and windy with a few hints of sunshine.  It gets dark about 5pm, and the days are very short.  But the countryside is dramatically beautiful.  You may be hearing from your ANZIO Sailor over the next several days.

After our port visit here, we will be participating in an international exercise with British, Danish, Dutch and French ships.  I believe the sea and wind will be rough, but we are becoming accustomed to that.  We have renewed respect for the awesome power of the sea. 

Congratulations to our newest father FC1 Wambold.  Congratulations to our newest Surface Warriors, GM2 Parler, FC3 Wright, and FC3 Slover.  They are wearing their pins proudly.

Please consider attending Family Support Group events while we are away…they present a good way to develop a “lifeline” or support network while your Sailor is away.  I cannot tell you where our next port of call is, but if you continue to check this careline, I will let you know when we have arrived there safely.
   

Hello, today is Monday 25 October.  I am Capt Jim Carr, CO of ANZIO.

We are underway again.  I can’t tell you where we are operating, but it is a uniquely challenging part of the globe.  I am sure your Sailor will return with stories about the countryside, the seas and the weather. As I have told you, we are participating in an international exercise with British, Danish, Dutch and French ships. 

We had a very nice, but short visit to Greenoch, Scotland, which is very near to the birthplace of William Wallace in Braveheart.  Many of our Sailors went on the Braveheart tour.  Several more participated in a community service event, clearing paths in a local natural preserve to permit elderly and wheelchairs to get to the water’s edge.

ANZIO made two frontpage articles in the local paper, discussing how well behaved Americans are, and how generous with their time.  We are very proud of Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, TM1(SW)  Waters, YN1(SW)  Wilds,  HT1(SW)  Davis, HT2(SW) Agro, GM2(SW) Parlier,  FC3 Gonzalez, STG3(SW) Stewart,  GSMFN Denham and FN Nguyen.

Please consider attending Family Support Group events while we are away…they present a good way to develop a “lifeline” or support network while your Sailor is away.  I cannot tell you where our next port of call is, but if you continue to check this careline, I will let you know when we have arrived there safely.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

"NEWS UPDATES"