February Landmark

The official publication of the USS Emory S. Land

THE

LANDMARK

Inside this issue PG. 9 LTJG Shellenberger PG. 11 Battle “E” Award PG. 17 Sister Ship Returns PG. 23 Canadian Visitors

FEB 2018

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THE COMMAND TRIAD COMMANDING OFFICER | Capt. Douglas A. Bradley EXECUTIVE OFFICER | Cmdr. Robert J. Lopez COMMAND MASTER CHIEF | CMDCM William T. Greene THE LANDMARK MAGAZINE STAFF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER | Lt. Daniel Moore ASST. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER | MC1 Timmy Wakefield LEADING PETTY OFFICER | MC1 Oliver Cole QUALITY ASSURANCE | MC1 Steven Khor LEAD EDITOR | MC2 Alex Miller SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER | MC2 Daniel Willoughby STAFF JOURNALIST | MCSN Destinyy Reed STAFF JOURNALIST | MCSN Benjamin Zuercher The Landmark 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 government, Dept. of Defense, Dept. of the Navy, or the Commanding Officer of the ESL. All news, photos, and information for publication in The Landmark Magazine must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer of the USS Emory S. Land. The Landmark Magazine is produced by ESL Media Services department.

ESL is manned by an integrated crew of Sailors and civilian mariners under the administrative control of Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and operational control of the Commander, Task Force 74. As a forward-deployed naval force, ESL is tasked to provide epeditionary, intermediate-level maintenance and repairs, hotel services, and logistics support to deployed GuidedMissile and Fast-Attack submarines deployed in the 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

REPRODUCTION OF ANY PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MUST BE AUTHORIZED BY THE PUBLISHER AND CREDITED TO THE LANDMARK MAGAZINE AND THE CONTRIBUTORS INVOLVED.

Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Brandon Stiles reunites with his wife during the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) homecoming celebration.

Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Destinyy Reed

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Capt. Douglas Bradley Commanding Officer, USS Emory S. Land

THE HIGHLIGHTS The crew was able to take a stand down period.

We were able to execute leave periods. Many of the crewmembers got a chance to go home for the holidays, and come back refreshed. In the meantime, we continued to sustain and provide support here on the waterfront.

The Frank Cable arrived in January. We’ve commenced the tender turnover process. We also hosted a number of visitors last month. We were able to provide support to our allies on the HMCS Chicoutimi throughout the month, which was a new experience for us. We continue to broaden our capabilities and outreach as a maintenance activity.

TENDER TURNOVER As you all know, the Frank Cable is back. We are going to commence the lead maintenance activity turnover. This is shifting lead tender responsibilities to the Cable. This is another historic movement of people and duties. We’ve done this once before and learned a number of lessons, and we are really two equal lead maintenance activities now. We’ve taken the lessons from our first turnover, and we have come up with a process that we think is going to work. It’s going to be a lot better for our crews and customers. We will be able to maintain our capabilities here and not lose a level of service. I’m ready to show people that we can do this efficiently!

SHOWING OFF THE SHIP It’s a great opportunity to show what we have. There are only two tenders left in the Navy, so many people don’t know what a tender is and what it does. I think it’s eye-opening to bring people aboard and show them what is inside the ship. It’s great to be able to show our capabilities, from the repair aspect of the machinery, the Sailors that work the machinery, to all of the other things that most people don’t associate with a tender. You get the idea of submarine maintenance, but you don’t necessarily recognize that there is a full medical and dental staff, weapons handling capability, snall boats, an entire cadre of MSC professionals. I like visitors. I think there are a lot of great things to show them.

ADMIRAL CALDWELL VISIT Admiral Caldwell is the director of the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program, with the title of Nuclear Reactors. He brought out his executive staff for a western pacific tour from Japan to Guam to Hawaii to do site visits with the units and also to meet with various government officials.

He has three points that he brought up to share with the ships and officials he meets. He wanted to thank them for their support of the Navy. He also wanted to thank them for their trust in the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program.

It’s that trust that enables us, unlike any other nuclear navy in the world, to bring our vessels into over 150 different ports in 50 different nations across the globe. Lastly, he reaffirms his commitment to maintain high standards within the Navy Nuclear Propulsion Program. Part of the visit involves reviewing the ships and reinforcing the high standards that are the bedrock of the program. Emory S. Land did very well to prepare for his visit and welcome him aboard. I appreciate the enthusiasm and energy of the crew. That goes a long way. We take good care of the ship, and that showed. We want to keep striving to be better.

BATTLE E I think it was a great year for the ship. You look at where we’ve come and what we’ve done. We as Emory S. Land went through this strange growth period, from expeditionary manning with a very small crew to a larger crew. With that came the responsibility of being the primary maintenance activity here in Guam. It’s a huge challenge. On top of that, we had the Frank Cable footprint that became enabled with us. We really gelled this year as a repair unit, developed joint instructions, built a better training program, and executed some really tough maintenance to name a few accomplishments.

When you look at the number of weapons handled safely, all the deployed units that received emergent repairs, we improved our metrics each time. I think Emory S. Land delivered in every aspect. You don’t get that without some of the other supporting elements being excellent too including Medical, Weapons, Personnel, Supply and Automated Date Processing. All of those departments enabled us to have the success we had. It was a great team effort and recognition for out Sailors this year.

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Cmdr. Robert Lopez Executive Officer, USS Emory S. Land

Interview conducted by MC2 Miller MC2: How is it having the USS Frank Cable back in Guam?

XO: Having FCB back in town is great.

They have been gone a long time and now they are able to reunite with family and friends.

Having both tenders here also allows us to work together on the two tender model to make it even better. I have known the XO on the Cable a long time so I am glad the ship is back.

MC2: What are you looking forward to about the turnover and our underway?

XO: I am looking forward to breaking suction from the pier. Many Sailors on this ship have no idea what it’s like being underway, but I absolutely love watching sunsets in the open ocean while the ship is steaming. Besides the beauty in an underway, we will get to train underway which is something we have not done in a long time.

MC2: You often talk about leadership and self-improvement. What is the importance of ownership and accountability, both in the context of work and as an overall character trait?

XO: When people take ownership for a project or activity, they produce a much better product. When they truly own it, they believe in it, and that drives them to make it the best.

Leaders must allow their personnel to drive the solutions because they will own it and it develops them into better workers, mentors and leaders. Leaders often find it easier to perform a job themselves rather than to hold personnel accountable for doing it but this does not develop our people. I will say that there is a difference between holding people accountable and micromanaging the project. Accountability is important because it makes us accept the responsibility for the project or job.

MC2: Valentine’s Day is here. The military

can take a toll on relationships. Sometimes it can be hard to maintain the right work/life balance or be there for all the birthdays and anniversaries that matter. How can Sailors adapt to these circumstances and prioritize spouses or significant others to ensure relationships maintain the strength they need?

XO: You often hear me discuss the “big rocks” in life and family is definitely one of my big rocks. You are right, there is a balance between work and home and sometimes we can’t be there for anniversaries, birthdays or other important milestones in life. It is these times that test us, it is these times where we must do something to show our appreciation for our family. It could be as simple as sending card, sending flowers, arranging something special before the event or find some way to celebrate so they know we care. Doing nothing is always a bad option.

MC2: When was a time you’ve had to miss an important event in your life due to military service and how did you handle it?

XO: I have missed many important events in life to include my grandpa’s funeral, anniversaries, birthdays etc. I have learned not to keep things bottled up inside me and instead I talk to shipmates MC2: How did your January triathlons go?

XO: They went well. I shaved off a few minutes from the first one, but the UMO still beat me. As always, I challenge the entire crew to come out, beat the XO, and have a lot of fun in the process.

MC2: Is there anything you’d like to add?

XO: I want to put in a plug for MYCAA. This program offers $4000 of free money for a spouse to attend higher education for eligible paygrades.

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CMDCM William Greene Command Master Chief, USS Emory S. Land

Interview conducted by MCSN Reed

Valentine’s Day is all about romance and expressing your love to those you cherish most.

Putting forth a little effort and some planning will not only create a very special day, but also create an experience that will be memorable.

To get you started, the CMC has a few tips for planning that perfect day.

MCSN: How long have you been married?

CMC: 15 years (Jan. 21st 2003) MCSN: How do you plan for Valentine’s Day? CMC: I don’t put a lot of thought into Valentine’s Day because I try to be spontaneous.

MCSN: What does a typical Navy Valentine’s Day look like for you and your wife?

CMC: I usually take my wife out to dinner and I’ll do something nice for her such as getting her a manicure and pedicure. Sometimes I’ve gotten her jewelry; it just all depends on what I think she wants.

MCSN: What’s been your most memorable Valentine’s Day? CMC: Valentine’s Day is a day to do something nice for your significant other, but I’ve never done anything drastic for Valentine’s Day such as a marriage proposal or buying my wife a brand new car.

MCSN: What tips would you give the junior Sailor attempting to pull off a successful Navy Valentine’s Day?

CMC: The biggest tip I can give anyone is to at least do something. Even if you only buy flowers and a bear, don’t not do anything.

Usually the FRG sells some sort of Valentine’s gifts. Try to figure out if your significant other likes chocolate or something. Do something special to show that you appreciate them.

Appreciation is what this day is all about.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant; it’s the thoughtful gesture that goes a long ways.

MCSN: How do you feel about the USS Frank Cable (AS-40) return to Guam?

CMC: I’m glad the Cable is back. The Cable being back opens the door for us to get underway and go do what we’re supposed to be doing by supporting the 7th Fleet missions.

I’m extremely glad they’re back and I’m looking forward to seeing how they do as Lead Maintenance Activity.

MCSN: Anything you would like to say to the crew?

CMC: I want the crew to get ready because this deployment is coming. We have a small underway as soon as our propulsion plan is 100%. The Frank Cable is back, so we’re getting underway and we’re looking to deploy around the April time frame. A lot of people think that we’re never getting underway, but I just want to say that it’s coming, so be ready.

Keep up the good work and keep pushing as LMA.

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MISSION FIRST SAILORS ALWAYS Story and photos by MC2 Daniel Willoughby

“Mission first, Sailors always.” This is what Lt. j.g. Brandon Shellenberger keeps at the forefront of his mind as the assistant weapons officer and antiterrorism officer aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). Shellenberger carried this mentality as he rose through the enlisted ranks to chief petty officer, eventually earning a commission as a limited duty officer. It is this mentality that helped Shellenberger win Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet’s Junior Officer of the Year (JOOY) award.

Although this award is due to Shellenberger’s efforts, he believes he could not have succeeded without the support of the Sailors who work for him.

“I did not achieve this by myself,” said Shellenberger. “This is pretty much a command award.

Yes, my name is on it, but as the antiterrorism officer, the duty sections work day-to-day, and they are as deserving of this as I am. The only way I’ve made it this far is because of the personnel I’ve worked with, the mentors I’ve had, and the Sailors who worked for me. You can’t make it that far by yourself.

Shellenberger said he also attributes his success to his family.

“My wife and kids give me a sense of purpose and are the reason I do what I do,” said Shellenberger. “You’ve got to find something that you love and go for it.”

Shellenberger shared some advice on how he took his own knowledge and leadership to the next level.

“Never think you are done,” said Shellenberger.

“There is always something at the end of the day that needs to get done. Always strive to get it finished. That doesn’t mean stay until midnight finishing everything, but understand there’s always something that could be done. It is this mentality that drives the motto of, ‘Mission first, Sailors always’. The mission has to be done, which is a given. You’re always caring about your Sailors though.

You can’t complete the mission without the Sailors. Look out for them.”

Although Shellenberger takes great pride in supporting his Sailors, he also realizes that working with different personalities can be a challenge.

“Anywhere that you work, whether in the Navy or not, you are going to deal with people that are hard to work with,” said Shellenberger. “It may have been my chief; it may have been my coworker. The challenge is figuring out how to get by day-to-day. People come and go. You may be

THE ONLY WAY I’VE MADE IT THIS FAR IS BECAUSE OF THE PERSONNEL I’VE WORKED WITH, THE MENTORS I’VE HAD, AND THE SAILORS WHO WORKED FOR ME.

in the perfect work environment, and next thing you know, people come in that you don’t gel with. That’s one thing that makes the Navy the Navy.”

Capt. Douglas A. Bradley, commanding officer of the Land, shared his thoughts on Shellenberger’s award.

“Another sign of our amazing group of Sailors on the ship is our officer group,” said Bradley. “We have a number of superstars. I was proud to nominate Lt. j.g.

Shellenberger to represent our ship. I think he’s done some excellent work onboard with the weapons department. From weapons handling and gun shoots, to equipment and test gear, to force protection and training, he’s made the other units better warfighters, and on top of that, he’s made our ship better as a top command duty officer. I was proud to

nominate him and recognize his great effort.”

Shellenberger received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his JOOY award and was promoted to lieutenant junior grade Feb. 1, a day he said he will always remember.

With orders penciled in for USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), Shellenberger is returning to where he started his career in 2004. On Louisiana, Shellenberger stood watch, cleaned, painted, and conducted maintenance as a junior missile technician. Years later, after serving on three different classes of ships, making chief and officer, and receiving a JOOY, Shellenberger will continue to carry on, “Mission first, Sailors always.”

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2017 BATTLE “E” DEPARTMENTS

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CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE, SHIPMATES

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I THINK EMORY S. LAND, AND OUR COMBINED TEAM, DELIVERED IN EVERY ASPECT. IT WAS A GREAT TEAM EFFORT AND RECOGNITION FOR OUR SAILORS THIS YEAR. - CAPT. DOUGLAS A. BRADLEY

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FRANK CABLE, RETURNING Story by MC3 Heather C. Wamsley Photos by MC2 Alex Miller and MCSN Destinyy Reed

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Sailors and civilian mariners of the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), returned to their homeport of Naval Base Guam, Jan. 23.

Frank Cable, which departed Guam March 6, 2017, completed maintenance, renewal and repairs which returned the 40 year-old ship to its designed mission capabilities.

Family, friends and shipmates gathered on the pier with signs and flowers to welcome the ship and her crew as she pulled into the harbor.

“This feels like a real homecoming,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Benjamin Duff, from Barrigada, Guam. “We have our shipmates and friends back in Guam, and it’s going to be a good reconnection. It’s going to be a good gathering.”

After being away for ten-and-a-half months, and sailing more than 12,614 nautical miles, the island was a welcome sight for many Sailors aboard the ship.

“It doesn’t feel real yet because we’ve been gone for almost 11 months,” said Duff. “Now that I see the island, it’s becoming more of a reality. It feels nice to be back.”

For some Sailors who checked onboard while the ship was undergoing maintenance, it was

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their first time seeing their new home.

“It feels good being here after 10 months,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Kelly Lane. “It’s been 10 months since I PCS’d from my last command, so I’m happy to finally get to homeport.”

Whether new to the command or previously onboard, many of the Sailors were looking forward to enjoying life on land.

“It’s the simple things, like being able to have my own car, hang out with my friends and go to the beach, like I used to,” said Duff. “I’m excited to be back home just for the simple things.”

Now that the ship has returned to Guam, and family and friends have reunited, the crew can refocus on the mission of Frank Cable.

“It feels great to be back in Guam,” said Capt. Jeff Farah, commanding officer of Frank Cable. “Not only are the friends and families getting a chance to reunite, but we get a chance to build the camaraderie of our forward-deployed Naval forces, and represent our primary mission of repairing, rearming and resupplying surface and submarine forces.”

Frank Cable, forward deployed to Guam, repairs, rearms and re-provisions deployed U.S. Naval Forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

IT FEELS GREAT TO BE BACK IN GUAM. NOT ONLY ARE THE FRIENDS AND FAMILIES GETTING A CHANCE TO REUNITE, BUT WE GET A CHANCE TO BUILD THE CAMARADERIE OF OUR FORWARD-DEPLOYED NAVAL FORCES.

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Electrician’s Mate 1st Class John Rogers reunites with his family during the USS Frank Cable (AS 40) homecoming in Apra Harbor, Guam.

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A CENTURY OF BLACK LIFE, HISTORY AND CULTURE. Infographic provided by Naval History and Heritage Command

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MAINTAINING PARTERNSHIPS Team Tender Welcomes Royal Canadian Navy

Story by MC2 Alex Miller

Story and photos by MC2 Alex Miller

The Navy has a long history of celebrating the achievements of its Sailors. Despite performing at a high level, the Navy cannot be measured solely by the accomplishments of its Sailors alone, but also by the ability to work side by side with America’s allies. Team Tender Sailors had the opportunity to band together, tackle obstacles, and achieve a common goal with a likeminded repair team when the Canadian submarine HMCS Chicoutimi pulled into Apra Harbor.

Chicoutimi, homeported in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, arrived in Guam with personnel from Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton to undergo a maintenance period with assistance from Sailors assigned to the USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40) repair departments. Prior to Chicoutimi’s arrival, no Canadian sub had visited Guam in more than 50 years.

“The tender Sailors have done a lot to assist with our mission,” said Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Chris Niewiadomski, officer in charge of the Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton team.

“They’ve done everything from small metal work, to woodworking and carpentry, to sheet metal fabrication.

The American Sailors have been just as excited to work alongside us as we have been with them. It’s great to see that mutual enthusiasm and respect.”

Niewiadomski was impressed with how quickly the different organizations involved built a strong working relationship, which helped the process run smoothly.

“The majority of our production team is comprised of civilian public servants,” said Niewiadomski. “There’s been a familiarity with people in uniform that’s great to see, and that extends to our American friends as well. It’s always good to come to a different maintenance facility, whether it’s a tender or the Emergent Repair Facility, to see the equipment and how the other maintenance team performs its tasks.”

Despite flying different flags, the Canadians and Team Tender Sailors found they had a lot in common.

“The US Sailors have been great to us,” said Petty Officer 1st Class John Lacasse, senior naval combat information operator on board Chicoutimi. “It’s been a pleasure welcoming them into our submarine

IT FEELS GREAT TO BE BACK IN GUAM. NOT ONLY ARE THE FRIENDS AND FAMILIES GETTING A CHANCE TO REUNITE, BUT WE GET A CHANCE TO BUILD THE CAMARADERIE OF OUR FORWARD-DEPLOYED NAVAL FORCES.

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for tours and I appreciate the hospitality on their part as well.”

Both Niewiadomski and Lacasse used the visit to explore Guam and try to see as much of the island as the schedule would allow.

“Guam’s a wonderful place with a lot of history,” said Niewiadomski.

“I made sure to see historical sites like Asan Beach and spent a day looking at the different markers on Naval Base Guam. This is my third time getting to see the island and I always enjoy driving up to the beaches on the north side of the island. It’s cold, rainy and snowy back home, so Guam is a welcome change from what we’d usually experience in the winter.”

Even in a different climate, Niewiadomski appreciated how Team Tender could make him and his crew feel at home.

“I’m struck with the similarities between Canadian and American Sailors,” said Niewiadomski. “Walking through the tender gives a sense of familiarity, down to the sights, smells and announcements. While the Americans may not share all our traditions and eat soup every morning at ten like we do, the camaraderie is strong.”

The allied team completed its tasks within two weeks of the submarine’s arrival. As the HMCS Chicoutimi crew and Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton staff departed Guam and set their sights on the icy waters of the Northern Pacific Ocean, they left with professional and personal relationships that know no geographical boundaries.

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safe respectful honest ready