Rigorous training required to serve on USS Santa Barbara

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Executive Officer Paul Richardson said that one thing that the USS Santa Barbara got “incredibly right” is the training pipeline, which is very rigorous. And for good reason.

For instance, the officer of the deck must be able to monitor and process about 10 screens to ensure safe passage and clear communications. This writer got to sit in the officer of the deck’s chair, and all of the information is overwhelming if you are untrained.

With all of the advanced capabilities of ICLCS, it is hard to not wonder if there is any rivalry between these ships and the other naval vessels, such as destroyers and cruisers.

When asked about a friendly rivalry between ships, all

Commanding Officer Brian Sparks had to say is “(We) can settle any talk of rivalry with a speed race,” which the USS Santa Barbara would probably win.

An ICLCS has a full speed of 40-plus knots and can stop from full speed in only 600 yards, and according to Commanding Officer Sparks, the USS Santa Barbara “can spin around on a dime.”

Another interesting aspect of the USS Santa Barbara is that it’s easy to forget you’re on a ship.

A big part of this is because the USS Santa Barbara was designed with the sailors in mind. Although people still have to watch their step and watch their head in certain places, the USS Santa Barbara does not feel as cramped as you might expect. You can even walk through most of the hallways without fear of walking into something. email: cbeeghly@newspress.com

There are even some places for the sailors to sit during their watches (which is unusual for naval vessels). And there is a ship store that sells USS Santa Barbara merchandise, such as hats and snacks like honey buns and energy drinks.

Command Senior Chief Rose Thibodeaux emphasized these creature comforts may seem small, but they are very important for sailors wanting to keep their sanity during deployment, which can last for up to six months before a break. This is where the Navy’s MWR program is very important. Standing for Morale, Welfare and Recreation, MWR provides various activities for the soldiers to enjoy.

Whether it’s providing board games or cornhole for leisure time, or providing exercise and weightlifting equipment to help the sailors stay in peak physical form, MWR provides a needed sense of normality.

Although the USS Santa Barbara’s story is just beginning, she is the product of countless hours of work and training put in by her engineers and crew. Like the city of Santa Barbara, the new ship is showing its resilience and determination.

RUIZ, Donald P. JR.

Donnie Ruiz passed away on March 6, 2023. He was born on February 9, 1970 to Erlinda and Donald Ruiz, Sr. in Santa Barbara, California. Donnie was a lifetime resident of Santa Barbara and was a graduate of Santa Barbara High School.

Donnie is predeceased by his parents and older brother Vincent Ruiz. Donnie is survived by his son, Isaac. He is also survived by his older sisters Stephanie Ruiz and Desiree Milling and younger brother Jesse Ruiz as well as multiple nieces and nephews.

There will be a viewing held at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel’s downtown location on Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to noon. A celebration of life will follow at Oak Park.

Donnie was loved very much and will be greatly missed.

CHELINI, Edward Frank Sr.

February 11th, 1935 - October 2nd, 2022

Preceded in Death by wife Lita Chelini (Anderson 2013) and son David Chelini (1980)

Survived by his large extended family: Son Edward F. Chelini Jr and daughter in-law Janice Marie Chelini (Ware), grandsons and their wives: Anthony and Angela Chelini (Williams), Garrett and Aleta Chelini (Walsh), and Kristopher and Dana Chelini (Rodriquez), greatgrandchildren: Charlotte, Ashton, Sydney, Alexander, Thomas, Benjamin, and Alijah Chelini.

Edward was born in Santa Barbara California to parents; Josephine Chelini (Cota) and Georgio Chelini, an immigrant from Lucca Italy. He was the youngest of the family of seven children. He went to Franklin Elementary School, Santa Barbara Junior High, and Santa Barbara High School. He later graduated from California Polytechnic San Luis Obispo (BS Printing). He served in the Army Reserves and was honorably discharged after graduating from college. He returned to Santa Barbara where he met his wife, got married, and worked for various local printing companies such as Channel Lithograph and Haagen Printing. He spent most of his career at Haagen where he eventually became President after the employee purchase of the business. During his life he spent a lot of years volunteering in various organizations. He was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) and was President in 1968. He also was a member of the Santa Barbara Boys Club, where he was introduced to printing, which became his profession after graduating from Cal Poly. He volunteered for the Santa Barbara Fiesta organization and became El Presidente (Old Spanish Days) in 1978. Later he served on the Board of Directors of the West Side Boys Club. With his older brother, George Chelini (Executive Director of United Boys Club), they showed the deep commitment to the local Boys Club organization in Santa Barbara. He lived a full life and loved Santa Barbara, which he called home, for his entire life. Many thanks to his fine caregiver, Darlene Leavitt, whose help made it possible for Edward to live out the rest of his life in his own home. He leaves a large loving family as his legacy. In lieu of any flowers we ask for donations in his name to the United Way Boys and Girls Club, PO Box 1485, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.

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