Pg. 05 -- Emory S. Land’s Executive Officer, Cmdr. Robert Lopez, is an avid proponent of competing in triathlons. Check out our very own, Running Man and his story on how he got started in triathlon competitions.
Pg. 11 -- The Electrician’s Mate division makes all the difference in the submarine fleet forces. Check out their story about repairing various submarines around the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
March 2017 | Vol. VIII | Iss. III
An official publication of the USS Emory S. Land.
Pg. 19 -- Two Emory S. Land Sailors have been recognized as Commander, Submarine Fleet Force Pacific 2016 Sailor of the Year and Junior Officer of the Year. Check out their stories on how they made it to the top, self-reflect on their achievements, and pay homage to the leaders and to their junior Sailors who helped push them to win.
L AN D M ARK magazine is an authorized publication for Sailors aboard the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Contents herein are not the views of, or endorsed, by the United States
FROM THE EDITOR
government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy, or the Commanding Officer of the USS Emory S. Land. All news, photos, and information for publication in Landmark magazine must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer. Magazine produced by USS Emory S. Land Media Services. USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) is manned by an integrated crew of Sailors and civilian Mariners under the administrative control of Commander Submarine Force, United States Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and operational control of Commander, Task Force 74, Yokosuka, Japan. As a forward-deployed naval force, USS Emory S. Land is tasked to provide expeditionary intermediate level maintenance and repairs, as well as hotel service, and logistics support to deployed Guided Missile and Fast Attack submarines deployed in the 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. USS Emory S. Land is additionally capable of providing repair and logistic services to deployed surface combatants and ships. USS Emory S. Land is a fully capable and mission-ready Afloat Fleet Maintenance Activity poised to keep the fleet in the fight.
MEDIA SERVICES DIVISION PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. Bradley Newsad LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1(SW) Timmy Wakefield
COMMAND TRIAD
MEDIA SERVICES Ext. 7497 MC2(SW/AW)
COMMANDING OFFICER
Oliver Cole
Capt. Douglas Bradley MC2 EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Hello, and welcome to the newest issue of the Landmark. I’m pleased to introduce to our new layout and design where I take a minimalist and scientific approach to graphic design. The old phrase, “Less is more,” is something I have been taught throughout my education in Graphic Design and Communications, and with good reason. Taking this principle, I am able to present to you a modern, visually-appealing professional product that is the LANDMARK. This magazine is all about you, your successes, lessons learned, and other valuable information keeping this ship mission ready and capable. My team and I greatly accept input, story ideas, and other aspects of ship life that you feel would be of great benefit to the ship. So, please, feel free to get a hold of my stellar Mass Communication Specialists or myself and share your stories with us. Please enjoy our monthly publication, and as always, share this with friends, families, shipmates, and the fleet to let everyone the wonderful things you’re doing. We always post our publication on Facebook the first of the month. Add us on www.facebook.com/USSEmorySLand
Alex Miller
Very Respectfully,
Cmdr. Robert Lopez MC3(SW) COMMAND MASTER CHIEF
Jason Amadi
CMDCM William Greene MC3 Daniel Willoughby
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MC1(SW) Timmy Wakefield
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Command Triad Pg. 03 -- CO | Captain’s Call Pg. 05 -- XO | The Running Man Pg. 07 -- CMC | Ask the CMC
The Chaplain Pg. 09 -- Forgiveness
The Headlines Pg. Pg. Pg. Pg. Pg.
11 -- Making a Difference in the Submarine Fleet // Story and photos by MC3 Daniel Willoughby 13 -- Black History Month Celebration // Story by MC3 Daniel Willoughby / Photo by MC3 Jason Amadi 15 -- The Village of Merizo // Story and photos by MC1 Timmy Wakefield 19 -- COMSUBPAC Sailor of the Year // Story by Commander, Submarine Force Pacific 21 -- COMSUBPAC Junior Officer of the Year // Story and photos by MC3 Jason Amadi
Featured Stories
Pg. 23 -- Clippers // Story and photos by MC3 Daniel Willoughby
History
Pg. 27 -- USS Bushnell Pt. 1 // Research conducted by MC3 Daniel Willoughby
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Hafa Adai friends, family and crew of Emory S. Land! February was another challenging, but successful month for Emory S. Land. I was proud to represent Guam and the submarine tenders at the Group and Major Commanders Training Symposium in San Diego. It was a productive meeting evaluating progress on the Force Commander’s intent and discussing future needs. Recently, we’ve had a few casualties on board and I want to take this opportunity to give a Bravo Zulu to the Navy and Military Sealift Command personnel who responded swiftly and stopped small fires from escalating into major threats to the ship. These minor events have been good reminders of how dangerous our work environment is and why we emphasize basic firefighting skills to even the newest crew member. We work in a hazardous environment and when I tell you to be ready, events like the recent casualties on board are why. We have to be able respond as we did to those casualties in the face of any potential threat. Knowing how to respond
to various types of casualties is a vital skill, but the number one thing that I continue to emphasize to the crew is prevention in our daily work practices. We need to be attuned to the dangers of the workplace and everyone needs to look for potential problems before they become major problems. As we move towards integrating nearly 300 Frank Cable Sailors onto Emory S. Land, I think the addition of the Sailors will be a net positive for the ship. We’ll benefit from that increase in experience filling into divisions and it should create some opportunities for some flexibility and qualifications. Regardless of which command ball cap you’re wearing, we’re all tender Sailors here and working towards the same goals. As always, I challenge you to continue be active in the community and to be safe, be honest, be respectful, and be ready!
Commanding Officer Captain Douglas A. Bradley USS Emory S. Land (AS 39)
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Many Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) take advantage of fitness opportunities available on Guam. Some challenge themselves with long distance runs, while others test their conditioning with long bike rides or by submerging themselves in the island’s waters. At least one Sailor assigned to the submarine tender, specializes in all three forms of exercise.
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“the FIRST triathlon can be a little INTIMIDATING.” Cmdr. Robert Lopez, executive officer on Emory S. Land, has been a Sailor for nearly 30 years, but a tri-athlete for more than 12 years. Lopez, currently on his third tour of Guam, discovered triathlons during his first tour back in 2005 and never looked back. “My love affair with triathlons probably started on island when I was at Submarine Squadron 15,” said Lopez. “I had a good friend who was involved with triathlons. I already liked to run and bike, so when he offered to do a triathlon together, I said ‘Great, let’s do it.’ The opportunity to compete alongside world-class athletes here on Guam was simply amazing. After my first triathlon, I was hooked.” Lopez’s dedication to fitness became well known to other Sailors in 2007 during his second tour of the island, this time serving as the operations officer on the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40). While on Frank Cable, he would regularly organize hikes, bike rides and promotes fitness to those he served with. “It was an honor serving with him then and it’s an
honor serving with him now,” said Chief Machinery Repairman Sam Graves, a Sailor assigned to Emory S. Land. “He’s truly a motivator. He’s pretty quick too, so if you’re going to challenge him you’d better bring your ‘A-game.’ He loved motivating Sailors to get fit and the Sailors motivated him to keep going.” Lopez says Sailors looking to explore triathlons on Guam shouldn’t be discouraged by their first time, and should instead focus on just finishing the race and improving from there. “The first triathlon can be a little intimidating. I remember going out there to swim and I remember seeing the waves crashing over the reef. The current was so bad at one point that I was just watching a starfish that didn’t move for what I thought was at least five minutes. I was able overcome that, change up my stroke a little bit and get past that current. Once I got back on the bike I was able to get a bit of a breather. I remember being so tired on the run as the sun came out and thinking to myself ‘we’re going to finish’ and just kept trucking along.”
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WHAT MEASURES IS THE COMMAND TAKING TO PREVENT FUTURE ALCOHOL-RELATED INCIDENTS? I want people that are of age to enjoy alcohol responsibly. The message has never been “alcohol is bad.” We want you to be able to drink as long as you have a plan and execute it. What we’ve been seeing lately is a rash of underage personnel getting caught with alcohol and I think it’s stemming from the barracks. We’ve upped the inspections and alcohol is no longer allowed in common areas. Underage people can access alcohol in common areas and give it to other underage people. We’ve had sailors show up late for duty, we’ve had sailors hospitalized, all underage. I want people to keep their barracks privileges, but they can be taken away if they don’t do it right. If they won’t follow rules, I’ll put somebody there who will. WHY ARE SAILORS MOVING OUT OF THE BERTHING AND HOW WILL WE ACCOMMODATE CABLE’S CREW? We’re in a unique position. There’s nowhere else in the Navy you’ll see a ship leave most of its crew behind, requiring accommodation on another ship. I understand our crew is a little upset about the move. Everybody wants their space, whether it’s something to call their own or one of the nice racks in hull berthing. The plan is to move everyone who lives aboard to hull berthing so they can have the best possible living situation. Another thing I’d like everyone to remember, so we can keep it in perspective, is the Cable crew is going to stand duty. That will take us from six to eight sections. Moving is a little bit of a pain, but it’ll pay off in the end. Another reason for the switch is it’s in the tender ops manual that we have enough space to accommodate the SSGN crew turnover. We have a few coming up and our barge is in the yards, so we need to be ready. WHAT NEEDS TO BE WORKED ON OR IMPROVED? We need to be ready to get underway. We need to know our roles and be ready in case we get the call. Over the next few months we’re going to be working on making sure everyone knows what they will do and whether they will stay or go if we get underway. I also want to mention the majority of people are doing things right. I don’t want that to get lost. Sometimes we focus on the negative things that happen, but overall we are doing well and people are working hard to support our mission. I appreciate that, keep up the good work.
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noun noun: forgiveness; plural noun: forgivenesses the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven. synonyms: pardon, absolution, exoneration, clemency, mercy;
Most believe, if one forgives someone, it means they’re letting the offender go and will no longer be held accountable for their actions. This is not true. When someone hurts you, whether it is a family member, loved one, or friend -- it can leave an indelible mark etched in your mind, heart and soul. Transgressions, if not dealt with properly, can change a person into becoming bitter, angry, closed off, and distant. In some cases, people will spend their whole lives not achieving their full potential because they are holding on to the pain that was inflicted upon them. Many lost dreams, hopes, and relationships have been a victim of a painful transgression because of the inability and refusal to forgive. I am sure you have heard that forgiveness is not for the transgressor, but the transgressed. Unfortunately, none of us has a time machine to go back in life and fix whatever happened to us in the past. We can’t remove the memory from our minds or hearts. However, we should be open to forgive. The one thing we have to understand is that we are humans, and humans err. Sometimes the offense is intentional, sometimes it is a misunderstanding and sometimes it is truly a mistake. Whatever the reason in order for the transgressed to be whole again then he/she have to forgive. Forgiveness is not forgetting or letting someone off the hook. It is acknowledging the event or transgression. Realizing there is nothing that can be done to change the event
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that has occurred but how does one move on. How one moves on is up to the transgressed. Depending on the situation and circumstance the transgressed has every right to forgive but not to stay in an unhealthy friendship or relationship. If there is a way to rebuild the trust that has been broken then forgiveness is the first start of letting go and not recounting the event every time the transgressor does something that reminds one of the event. Forgiveness takes time and the person who is forgiving may need physical space to heal. One just doesn’t “get over” being mistreated. This is definitely the wrong approach. The transgressor may not be open to apologizing but one should forgive anyway. I have a saying -- “Don’t become a victim of your past, make your past a victim of you,” meaning, do not let negative situations and circumstances, as bad as they may be, hold you back from achieving your dream, having a healthy relationship, friendship, or living. You have every right to live your best life regardless of those who have hurt you along the way. Let them go, forgive and be the best you that you have to offer. If you do this, you will begin to see the world in a very different light.
“Forgiveness has nothing to do with absolving a criminal of his crime. It has everything to do with relieving oneself of the burden of being a victim--letting go of the pain and transforming oneself from victim to survivor.” ~C.R. Strahan
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Electrician’s Mate Fireman Raven Williams, a Sailor assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), conducts maintenance on a de-energized grinder drill in the ship’s machine shop.
Electrician’s Mate Fireman Ketab Hairston and Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Erik Wenthe, both Sailors assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), conduct maintenance on a de-energized grinder drill in the ship’s machine shop.
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With the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) serving as lead tender on the Guam waterfront, the repair department and its divisions are crucial to the mission-readiness of submarines and surface ships in the region. A vital cog in the repair department’s success is the motor rewind and outside electrical repair work-center, comprising of 25 Sailors within the electrical repair division. The work-center performs maintenance on generators, motors, and most electrical or electrically charged equipment on the Emory S. Land, usually during shifts and on “fly-aways” to submarines and surface ships in other ports. The work-center’s leading petty officer, Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Aldwin David, said the electrician work on tenders varies from other surface ships, and his job is to make sure his Sailors are getting necessary training. “The work we do on submarines is often challenging, but at the same time very rewarding,” said David. “We do a lot of on-the-job training, and allow proper rotation for new Sailors to get the experience they need. Everyone has to be versatile. Each Sailor we have in here pitches in. If the submarine is here longer than they should be, we feel that it’s on us, even if it may not be.” Last December, the work-center sent
multiple Sailors to Japan to assist with repairs on a generator for the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752). “It was an emergent repair,” said David. “We had to be able to fix their generator, or they wouldn’t be able to move. We were able to finish ahead of schedule and not have any liberty incidents. We received multiple “Bravo Zulus” from the Navy leadership in Japan and here in Guam.” Electrician’s Mate Fireman Raven Williams said the work they do is very hands-on and described other aspects of the job, being paramount and the division’s top priority. “As an electrician, our most important job is to verify equipment is de-energized for safety,” said Williams. “We have to be complete with everything we do to make sure the submarines can go out to sea. They have to be up to par. We do daily maintenance, safety checks, and assist other work centers for anything electrical that they may need help with. I like being hands-on and working on submarines. It’s very rewarding.”
We do a lot of on-the-job training, and allow proper rotation for new Sailors to get the experience they need. Everyone has to be versatile. Each Sailor we have in here pitches in. ~Electrician’s Mate 1st Class Aldwin David
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Electronic Technician 3rd class Kiontre Daniels and Yeoman Seaman Ladarius Green, assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), perform various songs during a Black History Month event in the Naval Base Guam theater Feb. 24. Photo by MC3 Jason Amadi.
“I share this experience not to place blame or judgment, but to acknowledge why we have made great strides as a nation and people.� ~Lt. Takana Jefferson
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The diversity committee of the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) organized and held a Black History Month event at the Naval Base Guam Theater Feb. 24. Various Sailors spoke, presented, read poetry, shared experiences, and sang to commemorate the history, struggles, and accomplishments of black Americans of the past and present. “I share this experience not to place blame or judgment, but to acknowledge why we have made great strides as a nation and people,” said command chaplain Lt. Takana Jefferson during a presentation. “There is still work that needs to be done. There is a knowledge that needs to be shared, which is why diversity committees and celebrations like these are so much needed.” Chief Yeoman Angela Williams, chairman of the command’s diversity committee, said the event could not have
been possible without the support of her shipmates within the committee and other volunteers from the command. “The whole purpose of our committee is to bring awareness to different cultures,” said Williams. “Each month has a theme. For example, March is Women’s History Month, April is Holocaust Remembrance, and May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. We hope to have events like this every month.” Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Thea Hernandez, command climate specialist, said part her job is to bring awareness to diversity and special observances. “We hold these events to have fun learning about different heritages,” said Hernandez. “The diversity committee is diverse themselves, which is an example itself of how far we have come as a Navy. With each observance, we will try to bring something new and allow Sailors to bring out their creativity.” 14
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MERIZO, Guam – Thirty-five Sailors attached to bridge. You have helped make our community safer by USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) participated in a community brightening this bridge to make it safer for our people.” relation (COMREL) event in the village of Merizo, Guam. The Land’s Navy chaplain and COMREL officer, The Sailors were asked by Merizo mayor, Ernest Lt. Takana Jefferson said this COMREL has been Chalguaraf, to help make in development for “COMREL events like these help the community safer by nearly ten months. build camraderie between the crew and painting a high-traffic “Were finally glad to the local community. I enjoy helping bridge to make it more be working with our sister the local community any time I can.” visible to the community. village, Merizo,” said Chalguaraf expressed Jefferson. “It’s been a long his gratitude addressing time in the making. Watching Sailors at the beginning of the event. “Words cannot our Sailors and the community partner together is express the gratitude I have for the United States Navy an uplifting experience because it shows the true in helping us out with this project,” Chalguaraf said. essence of the Navy’s spirit and goodwill.” “Thank you all coming out here and painting this A variety of Sailors, enlisted and officer, foreigner
~Ensign Rodway McCloggan
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and native, had one thing in common to helping the community—duty and responsibility to their host, Guam. “I’m a native of Guam so not only am I ambassador of the Navy, but I’m providing a service and increasing safety in my community,” said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Jomar Macaraeg, a Guam native. “I’m out here reconnecting with nature. There is so much beauty in nature-- the ocean breeze, the sound of the waves crashing the shore, the trees and the flowers in bloom. It’s a joy to be out here with my fellow Sailors and community.” Chief Logistics Specialist Bryan Reid felt a sense of duty to show the local community that he cares and takes pride in being stationed in Guam. “We’re doing this to give back to the community and to help beautify this village,” said Reid. “Its our
duty and responsibility to Guam to show that we, the Navy, care about the communities we are in.” “I like working with my shipmates and representing the USS Emory S. Land,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman KeAdre Harrisfarmer. “Being a good ambassador to the Guam community is important to me and I try to make it to all COMREL events.” “Community relations events like these help build camaraderie between the crew and the local community,” said Ensign Rodway McCloggan, the Land’s stock control officer. I enjoy helping the local community in any time I can.” Emory S. Land Sailors’ volunteer work continues the U.S. Navy’s commitment to cooperation and friendship with the communities of Guam. 18
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SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) announced its Sea and Shore Sailor of the Year (SOY) selections for fiscal year 2016, Jan. 27, during a reception at Naval Base Point Loma. The reception concluded COMSUBPACs participation in SOY recognition week, where 10 candidates representing various commands from the Pacific submarine community participated in events with each other and other finalists from throughout the Pacific Fleet. “It was my pleasure to meet and greet 10 of the best submarine force Sailors who are serving on our submarines, support ships, and supporting commands,” said COMSUBPAC Force Master Chief Paul Davenport. “It’s been a wonderful opportunity to host this event here in San Diego, with the help of Submarine Squadron 11, and to pick two of the finest Sailors of the Year that the submarine force has seen to date.” Yeoman 1st Class Mujahideen Alikhan, from submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), was selected as COMSUBPAC Sea Sailor of the Year. “I am extremely proud to be representing the submarine community, COMSUBPAC, and my fellow submarine Sailors,” said Alikhan. “I look forward to working hard, continuing to represent the Navy in the best way I know how, and taking this experience and carrying it back to the fleet.”
Sonar Technician (Submarines) 1st Class Marquis Perry, assigned to COMSUBPAC staff, was named COMSUBPAC Shore Sailor of the Year. The two SOYs will go on to represent COMSUBPAC in the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet SOY competition. “I am absolutely excited to represent COMSUBPAC at the next level, and I also can’t wait to get back to my Sailors and educate them about what this week was all about and influence them to continue to do their jobs to the best of their ability,” said Perry. “What has led me to be here are those Sailors who I take care of, and who take care of me back at home. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.” “The Sailors here represent every Sailor in our submarine force,” said Davenport. “Across the fleet, they represent 17 different warfare categories. We are the most diverse, versatile, and strong force the Navy has and the world has ever seen. Our submarine force gets stronger and stronger each year, as I’ve witnessed the last five years from being a judge of these candidates.” “I think the one thing we have most in common is heart,” said Gregory. “I think we care a lot about the Navy, the people that we serve for, and who serve for us. I think that’s one of the reasons we all grew so close -- because we are all compassionate and caring people.” According to Perry, the strongest asset the SOYs share is their dedication. “We all make sure that we’re accountable for each and every thing that we do, and we know how to have fun at the same time,” said Perry. He emphasized many of them can trace this trait back to inspired mentorship. “I have been fortunate to have some pretty amazing leaders in my career so far,” said Perry. “So what I’ve taken from those leaders is their sense of dedication and the way that they deal with Sailors each and every day. They have such a passion for what they do that has bled off to me and led me to be so passionate, as well.” Alikhan agreed, while also highlighting their shared sense of camaraderie.
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Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet recognized Ensign Jace Waller, planning and estimating officer on Emory S. Land, as the 2016 submarine tender Junior Officer of the Year for his contributions to Emory S. Land. “Nominating someone for Junior Officer of the Year comes at the department head level,” said Cmdr. Ethan Fiedel, repair officer on Emory S. Land. “As a group, we looked at everything ranging from performance, to qualifications attained, to involvement with the command and community. We decided we wanted the Junior Officer of the Year to be an example of everything our ship works towards, so Ensign Waller was our selection.” Fiedel believes that Waller’s dedication to junior Sailors set him apart from other candidates. “He’s an all-around phenomenal individual. He has a home out in town, but there have been situations where he’d stay on the ship for two or three days when the work demanded it. He’s about as dedicated as they come. Outside of his job, he’s probably one of the most respected mentors to junior Sailors on 21
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this ship. Sailors are continuously going to him for advice. His name comes up often when it’s time for Sailors to reenlist or get frocked,” said Fiedel. Waller is proud of his accomplishment, though he believes his selection as Junior Officer of the Year is more reflective of his Sailors’ efforts than his own. “For me, this just means that people are recognizing the hard work my junior Sailors are doing,” said Waller. “All of the other stuff I get to do and the time I spend on qualifications, bettering the command and the island, it’s all based on the work my Sailors have done,” said Waller. Waller, a former chief petty officer, has served as a limited duty officer (LDO) since October 2015. He became a chief after just 8 years and credits an early mentor for his Navy success. “When I got to my first ship I had a senior chief who had this saying ‘qualify
in something year-over-year.’ He would always emphasize that even if you’re senior in rate and fully qualified, there’s something else you can qualify. If someone tells you that you’re too junior for a qualification, make them tell you ‘no’ again. Every time I hit a roadblock, I just kept qualifying in something else until my superiors would tell me ‘yes.’ I kept heading in that direction until I picked up chief,” said Waller. Waller says his decision to trade in his anchors for gold bars came as a result of his desire to affect policy rather than just junior Sailors. “I miss my anchors from time to time. I miss being a chief and being on the deck plate. I feel over time, some power has been taken away from chiefs. I wanted my chance to give back some of that power to the chiefs and their Sailors. I wanted to go to the other side where I could make that difference,” said Waller.
For me, this just means that people are recognizing the hard work my junior Sailors are doing.
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Having grown up in Prior Lake, Minnesota, Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Andrew Larson had always been around barbershops and hair salons. His mother, Deb, has been hair-styling for more than 30 years and managed eight salons during her career. 23
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YOU HAVE TO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND PEOPLE AND KNOW WHAT THEY WANT. Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Andrew Larson
Larson remembers his mother, and her passion for cutting hair, giving him the best haircuts. Having been in a culture of perfecting the trade, he learned the ins-and-outs of the family tradition that continues to this day. After joining the Navy and becoming a ship’s serviceman, Larson learned Navy regulation haircuts, how to lead his Sailors, and run a barbershop. On the submarine tender, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), the barbershop is a place where Sailors and civilian mariners can relax and feel comfortable as they get their hair cut. 25
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“You got to be confident,” said Larson. “You have to try to make the experience go as smooth as possible. You have to be able to understand people and know what they want. I love finishing a haircut and seeing positive expressions on their faces. It’s like art.” The common phrase, “practice makes perfect” bears true to the craft of cutting hair. It takes time and dedication to perfect the Navy regulation haircut. “I was cutting for five years before I even went to barber school,” said Larson. “After that, it took me a couple years to master. When I was in school, I would cut my wrestling teammates’ hair, and
fail a lot. To be a barber, you have to learn from mistakes, and practice.” Larson said the best part of being a Navy barber is training his Sailors and seeing them perfect a trade he has known for so long. Leading by example is something Larson has prided himself in during his nine-year career. Take it from one of his junior Sailors, Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Recruit Keadre Harrisfarmer. “Larson is approachable, I think that is why he is a good leader,” said Harrisfarmer. “He has taught us that each customer is an individual with individual expectations. He has a unique way of teaching, because
of his experience, and it really helps me understand what he is teaching.” For Larson, being a barber is more than just a haircut, it is about providing a comfortable experience, superior customer service, and teaching junior Sailors about the trade that he has known for more than 25 years. Larson is continuing the family tradition, and will continue it for the rest of his career. Additionally, Larson said he plans on retiring after 20 years of naval service, living the life as a barber, and creating his barbershop. 26
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USS Bushnell (AS 2) acted as tender for submarines operating off the shores of Queenstown, New Zealand until the end of WWI. She later escorted captured German submarines (pictured above) to England. Canada, and the United States.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command.
HUMBLE BEGINNINGS The Bushnell was named after David Bushnell, a pioneer of submarine design and veteran of the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. The “Turtle” was the craft designed by Bushnell, which laid out mine attacks on unsuspecting British vessels. The tender USS Bushnell (AS-2) was christened by Esculine Warwick Bushnell, great-grandniece of David Bushnell, and launched on Feb. 9, 1915. When commissioned on Nov. 24, 1915, the ship displaced 3,142 tons; was 350’6” in length overall; had a beam of 45’8”; drew 19’6” of water; could make 14 knots at speed; was manned by 151 officers and men; and was armed with four 5-inch guns and two 21-inch torpedo tubes. 28
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In April 1917, the United States Congress approved President Woodrow Wilson’s declaration of war against Germany. The U.S., being a neutral country at the onset of World War I, now had to support its allies in Europe with an expanding army and navy. A large part of the naval dominance in the Atlantic by Germany involved its submarines, and its ability to control allied shipping lanes. German submarines were wreaking havoc on British, French and American vessels in the region. Something had to be done. The British Navy instituted a flotilla of “hunter-killer” submarines to cover the north and west coasts of Ireland. The United States answered the call to support the British Navy in the northern Atlantic. Seven L-Class submarines of Submarine Division 5 were escorted to Ireland by the submarine tender USS Bushnell (AS-2). The Bushnell, and its crew, provided needed respite for submariners. Much like tenders of today, the ship provided repairs, hotel services, and equipment. The tactics of the U.S. submarines, similar to the tactics of 18th-century submarine designs, involved cruising on predetermined courses, at periscope depth, and catching German submarines that were unaware. The only successful means of
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spotting enemies were with sight. Listening devices were used, but they did not give the most accurate bearing of contacts. Many contacts were made with enemy submarines, but technology was in its infancy, so “kills” did not occur. Over the course of the year and throughout 1918, the submarines conducted patrols and were a presence in the region. German naval leaders were aware of the U.S. submarine patrols and were wary of continuing with such confidence in the northern Atlantic. With the Armistice of 1918, the U.S. had no need of the expeditionary submarine force in Ireland. The Bushnell and the seven submarines departed Ireland to a send-off from crowds lining the shore. While not being the key piece in the victory of the Allied nations, the submarines and tender of Submarine Division 5 made their impact in the way they could. Being a presence in waters of Ireland and England proved to be instrumental to the ability of Allied nations to move supplies and troops freely. Part II of the USS Bushnell (AS 2) will be continued in the April issue of the Landmark. The next part will be about the ship and its mission during WWII submarine operations. Be sure to check out our next issue.
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Layout and design by MC1 Timmy Wakefield
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