Landmark November Edition

LANDMARK The official publication of USS Emory S. Land

VOL X / ISSUE VI

FEATURING Guadalcanal: A Critical Victory

By MC2 Richard Miller FMAA Days are Over

By MC2 Ed Thompson Becoming an ESWS Warrior

By MC2 Destinyy Reed

By MC2 Jordyn Diomede

LANDMARK MAGAZINE

TABLE OF CONTENTS THE COMMAND TRIAD COMMANDING OFFICER Capt. Michael D. Luckett EXECUTIVE OFFICER Cmdr. Ritchie L. Taylor COMMAND MASTER CHIEF CMDCM Nicholas J. Wallace

LANDMARK MAGAZINE STAFF PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER Lt. DeNealia Cunningham Peterson LEADING PETTY OFFICER MC1 Jason Behnke LEAD EDITOR MC2 Jordyn Diomede ASSISTANT EDITOR MC1 Jason Behnke SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER MC2 Richard Miller STAFF JOURNALIST MC2 Destinyy Reed STAFF JOURNALIST MC2 Edmund Thompson 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 Landmark Magazine must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer of the USS Emory S. Land. 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 Guided-Missile 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 LANDMARK MAGAZINE AND THE CONTRIBUTORS INVOLVED. 1

LEADERSHIP

Pg. 03 - Commanding Officer Pg. 05 - Executive Officer Pg. 07 - Command Master Chief

FEATURES

Pg. 09 - Second Chances Pg. 13 - Training with Brothers in Arms Pg. 15 - Guadalcanal: A Critical Victory Pg. 17 - FMAA Days are Over Pg. 19 - Legacy of the 20th CNO Pg. 21 - Becoming an ESWS Warrior Pg. 23 - Through the Lens

Photo by MC2 Jordyn Diomede 2

Capt. Michael Luckett Commanding Officer, USS Emory S. Land

ESL’s fall/winter deployment is nearly complete.

Looking back at the last few months, what do you see as ESL’s main achievements?

We have gotten a lot of great things done during the underway. The two main types of objectives we have during a deployment are supporting theater security cooperation with our partners and demonstrating the expeditionary logistic capabilities we are required to have for our wartime mission.

In terms of those, we have done a great job of both.

From a theater security cooperation standpoint, we had a great engagement with the Royal Australian Navy in Fremantle as well as another great engagement with the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam.

From the expeditionary logistics perspective, we demonstrated our ability to provide our services to a partner nation in Australia. In Puerto Princesa, we were able to provide weapons handling and resupply services to one of our own subs, the USS Asheville.

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ESL is in the middle of a number of inspections and certifications; why are these evolutions important, and how do they impact ESL’s overall readiness?

We had two physical inspections and one virtual one during our time in Subic Bay. For the virtual one, the Supply Department had their assist visit back in the summer and were scheduled to have a full-on

inspection here during the port visit, but the results during the assist visit were so positive that there was only one area that needed to have additional work done to fully certify the department for the year. Rather than bringing the team here, they were able to do the re-inspection remotely. I’m waiting on the results, but anticipate the outcome will be that our Supply Department will be fully certified to continue operations for the year. The most significant evolution has been the Fleet Maintenance Activity Assessment, where SUBPAC comes out and inspects our capability to support the repair of tended submarines as an Intermediate Maintenance Activity.

The crew has been working very hard over the last few months to ensure we were ready to demonstrate those capabilities all across the board. Overall, that assessment went well and we were satisfactory in all areas. There are a few things we need to continue to work on, and I am confident we will take those lessons to move forward and strive to be the best Intermediate Maintenance Activity in the Navy. The third and final event was an assist visit from SUBPAC pertaining to our radiological controls work. The objective was to make sure that we were on track to be prepared for our spring R5 evaluation. As of now, they are on track moving forward. We know our strengths and areas of improvement, but I appreciate seeing the program on a steady upward trend.

The ship will have a short time back in port before the schedule picks up again early next year. How should Sailors utilize the rest of this underway to better prepare them to balance time off for the holidays and the upcoming deployment?

We have a lot of things that we need to get done.

We’ll be closing out a month, quarter, and calendar year around the holidays as well as preparing to depart again early next year. We’ll be swapping out crew members, replenishing supplies, and ensuring the ship is in a good material condition to go to sea again. There’s a lot of work to be done, but fortunately a lot of the preparation can be done before we even return. The more we accomplish now, the more time we save at home when we would rather be with loved ones. Let’s get our work done at sea to maximize our family time.

What advice would you give to Sailors who were selected for advancement and the Sailors who were not?

For those who were selected, it’s both a reward and a challenge. The Navy’s screening and selection process has determined you have the potential to continue serving in areas of greater responsibility.

Picking up an extra rank isn’t just a time to say you’ve made it and get stagnant. Don’t just spike the football and leave the stadium. It’s a challenge to continue developing personally and professionally and fulfill those new responsibilities. For those who weren’t selected, keep charging. Advancement is very competitive and you just have to continue coming back with the same tenacity. Talk to your chiefs about how you can make yourself more competitive for the next cycle, whether it be through taking on new responsibilities, modifying habits for a better evaluation, or by focusing on weak points to better prepare for the next test.

we’re deployed, try to communicate with loved ones as often as possible. One of the advantages we have as a submarine tender is that we have good connectivity for the most part. Email is usually up and we are in port frequently, which makes it pretty straightforward to either go find WiFi or get a SIM card. It’s great to have a routine where you reach out to them, update them on what’s been going on with you, and find out what’s happening on the home front. On the other hand, the drawback to spending so much time in port is that it can get pricey. I would suggest Sailors have conversations with spouses about setting a budget for each port, as liberty costs can add up quickly. Have that realistic conversation, then stick to the goals you set. It’s important to have those agreements and follow through on them. If your family and financial situation supports it, I recommend bringing your spouse or significant other to the ports. My wife has visited three of the ports on this deployment, which is a tradition we started very early in my Navy career. I think that’s a good way to share some of the deployment experience with your spouse and if you can do that, I’d recommend it.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Once we return, we will have the holiday party on January 2nd. If you haven’t marked that on your calendar, take note of it and I hope to see you all there. We are also working on a family cruise for January 10th to show our family, friends and loved ones what our ship does while at sea. It would start early in the morning and we would return later in the afternoon. Family members really appreciate getting to see how a ship operates and it can be a great memory to hold onto.

The next year will be very busy for the crew. What advice would you give Sailors on how to balance family life with long absences from home?

While we have the time back home, take advantage of it as much as possible. Whether you stay on island or fly home to visit family and friends, make the most of the opportunity. While 4

Cmdr. Ritchie Taylor Executive Officer, USS Emory S. Land

We are getting ready to wrap up this first deployment. Looking back, what would you like to say to the crew about their accomplishments and performance on this underway?

I’m very proud of the entire crew. The sea counter versus the in port counter, in the end is going to be 54 days at-sea and 59 days in-port, which is not a normal deployment for some of the fleet returnees who are used to being on carriers, other ships, submarines and even aircraft.

So it makes it challenging, but we accepted the challenge, and we got our mission completed.

I was proud of how the Sailors represented themselves and their families, and how they were ambassadors for the United States and the Navy.

Everybody knows we had a few small issues, but we were able to handle those, for the most part, inside our lifeline.

Do you have a message for the family members of the crew?

It might sound cliché, but I think they’ve got the hardest part of the deal. A lot of people think that we’re deployed and we’re by ourselves when we’re out here at sea. That is the case, but we have a whole crew and we’re all working together, and it 5

keeps our mind off of it. Our families are sitting at home and they have to handle the bills and handle the daily grind. I think they have the hardest part.

And for them to always be supporting us, I just can’t thank them enough. I truly believe that the family at home is the base to our strength.

The holiday season is almost here. Is there anything you want to say about the holiday schedule, or is there any message you have for the crew about your expectations during the holidays?

First and foremost, for all of us, we need to reset our clock, reset our thinking and relax, so that we are ready for the next deployment. I think that’s the biggest thing. I try to talk to all the new checkins in indoc as well about work/life balance. This is the perfect opportunity to kind of kick back, let your hair down and just enjoy being at home relaxing. The other thing, every time I think about the holiday season, I know that for some people this is their first time away from home. And they might not be able to go home for whatever reason.

So, I highly encourage those Sailors, whether they’re married, single or whatever, that they reach out and talk to someone. It can be a working peer

or maybe their chain of command. You also have great resources with the Chaplain and Fleet and Family Support Center. I’ve received support from Chaplains and Fleet and Family Support Centers in the past. It’s free and they need to take advantage of that and not feel ashamed. It takes a strong person to go and seek help. Even though it’s a joyful time of the year, it’s also a time of year where some people get sad and can have some suicidal thoughts. I just want our Sailors to know there are resources and they should use those avenues to find help if they need it.

The second half of this deployment is just around the corner. What message do you have for the crewmembers who will be coming on that underway?

This deployment that we are finishing up is going to be 113 days. As crazy as it sounds, the next one is going to be 114 with one more additional port. So we’ll have nine ports on that one. Of course we always say, we know when we are going to start, we know when we’re going to finish, but we don’t know what will change during the deployment. I will say, though, the beginning of that deployment will be up north. So, you need to make sure you bring some winter weather gear, both for uniforms and personal clothing.

Also, bring some summer attire as well, because we’re going to be going south as well. We made a submission for what we would like to do, but our operational commander is ultimately going to tell us what we’re going to do. But, it’s going to be a good time. That one the in-port time versus the at sea-time is going to be even larger than this last one. So, bring a lot of money!

We recently completed a FMAA inspection. How did that go?

It went really well. The Repair Department worked really hard to prepare for it, and it was evident by the low number of findings. Immediate corrective actions were super low numbers, some were zero in certain areas and very low

in other areas. So, we got great compliments from the inspection team across all the areas that were inspected. But, you know we could always do better, and we’re going to take a turn on those comments that they gave us. One of the inspectors said he’s done four of these inspections and this was the first time there were no immediate corrective actions. It was a team effort with Weapons and Repair, and everyone who supported. I’m very pleased with the overall result.

We’ve had some amazing port visits this deployment. Are there any highlights for you?

Everybody gets tired of me saying how long I’ve been in the Navy, but I think for some of these Sailors, my amazement was for them. Some of us spend an entire career trying to get to some of these ports. This was my first time in Subic Bay. Last year on winter patrol was my first time pulling into the Philippines. This deployment, to hit the eight ports we hit, that is like a Navy lifelong goal for some people, and we were able to do it in four months. So, I think that is probably my favorite thing. I also enjoyed the traditional shellback ceremony. I like how we do it the right way. It’s always about the Sailors. It’s also about the sunsets, smoking cigars, hanging out and just being with the crew. Port visits are fun, but it’s the crew and seeing them happy. That’s my highlight.

Is there anything else you would like to say to the crew?

You know XO’s saying, do the right thing, because it’s the right thing to do. That’s at work, on duty, during stand down, back home in the States, if you’re up north driving in the snow, if you’re scuba diving in Guam; just be safe. We want everyone to come back alive with all their fingers and toes and enjoy it, we’ve earned it. We’re going to go out and do it again. It’s going to be a good time. Just take care of each other. Keep doing the right thing.

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CMDCM Nicholas Wallace Command Master Chief, USS Emory S. Land

Can you tell the readers a little about your career in the Navy?

I’ve been in the Navy for roughly 21 years. I joined the Navy in 1998. I’m a career submarine Sailor. I’ve been on the USS Alaska, USS Jimmy Carter, USS Ohio, USS Connecticut, USS Seawolf and a few others, spending most of my time in the Pacific Northwest. I also did a three and a half year tour in Great Lakes as a Recruit Division Commander. My original rate was a machinist’s mate auxiliary (MMA) before becoming a CMC. What are your expectations for the ESL crew?

As the CMC my expectations are the same as the Captain’s expectations and his philosophy - trust, professionalism, ship and shipmates. I’m a basic type of Sailor. In order

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for us to be successful, we have to be brilliant about the basics. We should be on top of the simple things that we can master as Sailors.

We should show up at the right place at the right time in the right uniform. I expect everyone to stand professional watches, follow the rules and do your job. We need to be the masters of the basics. If we master the basics, everything else is going to fall into place.

We’ve recently had several Sailors advance in paygrade and others who didn’t advance during this cycle. Is there anything you’d like to say to the new leaders on the ship and to the Sailors hoping to make it the next time around?

To the Sailors who did get promoted this time I’d like to give you a bravo zulu and good job shipmate. Keep up the good work. For those who didn’t make it this cycle, don’t get

“If we master the basics, everything else is going to fall into place.” discouraged. Sit down with your profile sheet and look to see what it is that’s needed for you to close the gap and get to that next paygrade.

What advice do you have for the Sailors and civilian mariners going on the next deployment?

Make sure during the short time in port that you recharge, refresh and get ready to get back at it. This is just a pit stop or port call in Guam as some may call it. Spend time with your family and friends because we’ll be gone again before you know it. When it comes to our schedule, I encourage everyone to stay flexible.

It’s always ever-changing regardless if you’re on a submarine tender, fast-attack submarine, or guided-missile destroyer. There’s always flex in the schedule.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

As I ease into this position as CMC of the mighty ESL, I am humbled and proud of both military and MSC onboard. I’m super impressed with what I’ve seen and I couldn’t be more proud of the work that everyone accomplished during this deployment.

We need to continue capitalizing on those successes and get ready for part two of our deployment.

What’s your message to the crew and their families for the holidays?

A lot of people are staying in Guam as well as going back stateside. I know I’ll be taking leave for about 10 days to go see my wife, little man and fat dog. I want everyone to be smart, be safe and have fun. We need everyone back, it doesn’t matter if you’re going on the next deployment or staying behind. Just take the time to enjoy the holidays and relax. We’ll see everyone again after the new year.

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second chances A Sailor’s journey from china to the U.S. Navy

Story and photos by mc2 jordyn diomede Every Sailor who has served or is currently serving has a story that has led them to become a U.S. Navy Sailor. Some were inspired to join when the terrorist attacks on 9/11 occurred. Others felt the urge to join for the opportunities the Navy offered.

Then there are some Sailors like Retail Service Specialist Seaman Xue Wang, a Sailor assigned to USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), who joined the Navy for a better life altogether.

Since becoming a Sailor, she has not only become more proficient in the English language, but she has been put on the path to become a U.S. citizen.

Wang spent most of her life in China. While she was in college, she worked as a nurse at a cancer hospital, before going to work at a mental hospital for two years, where she took care of patients and ensured they took their medications.

“People, when they get better, they say something like, ‘thank you so much,’” she said. “I feel so successful.”

She came to the U.S. for many reasons, but the most important for her was that lesbians cannot be married in China, and she wanted to marry her girlfriend at the time.

She said that there was too much pressure on her relationship in China.

She also left to pursue her master’s 9

degree. However, a few challenges stood in her way.

“It’s really expensive to be an international student and I don’t want my parents spend too much money,” she said. “So I give up.”

Before she went to Los Angeles she said she was childish. She didn’t know the challenges that were waiting for her.

“When I got to LA with my mom, I realized in this country, I don’t have friends, I don’t have enough money to continue my education, I don’t know their language, and I don’t know their culture,” said Wang.

She said she lived in a house with more than 20 people and only a rack to call her own. She was upset every day, and her mom was disappointed in her. She started to feel better after she went to an English as a Second Language class and met friends.

From her day job as a waitress to driving for Uber at night, she worked constantly to make ends meet.

“I thought I can save money and then continue my education,” she said. “But after six months, I didn’t save any money.”

After she saw a recruiting advertisement online, she called her local Army recruiting station.

However, they required she have a resident’s card for at least a year.

After her divorce from her first wife in 2018, she said she didn’t eat

anything and didn’t leave the couch for three days. She found herself wondering why she was in such a miserable situation.

“I finally realized I was totally lost in LA,” said Wang. “I was so proud of myself, but at that time I feel that I’m trash. Nothing was done within four years. I was a failure.”

Her friend, who was a petty officer second class in the Navy, asked her if she wanted to be successful or continue to be a loser.

“I got one more dream, to be a soldier or a Sailor,” she said.

Those first five years in America were filled with disappointment, financial difficulty, betrayal, a hopeless marriage and divorce, but she said she finally made the right decision by joining the Navy.

While preparing for boot camp, she met her fiancée, who supported her in her dream of becoming a Sailor.

Many Sailors join the Navy after graduating high school, but Sailors like Wang live a whole life before their career in the Navy even begins.

“I never knew I can find my second life in the Navy,” she said.

“It is the same feeling with before working in hospitals, saving lives.

During boot camp, I felt something come from my soul, it kept telling me I belong to military and this is my life mean to be. I found my belief here, and right now, I feel proud

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“She’s a breath of fresh air.” of myself again. My families are so happy for me, especially my mom.

She’s a strong woman, but during my graduation, she cried.”

Wang has begun the process of becoming a U.S. citizen, which requires half a year of service and the submission of lots of paperwork.

She has been working on it for the last three months, and she’s almost finished.

Along with applying for her citizenship, she is working every day to improve her English. Within a month of being onboard ESL, she went to the ship’s store to be the retail store operator.

She said that her chain of command believed being in the ship’s store would help her learn the language, and it would help her get to know more people on the ship.

It was Retail Service Specialist 3rd Class Karrina Hampton who trained Wang on taking over the ship’s store operations when she arrived in July.

“The moment Wang came aboard, we saw she had the hard charging attitude and initiative it takes to be in charge of the store,” said

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Hampton. “The store is one of the best places of operation to really learn a lot about our rate, and the store really breaks down how the operation really works. Interaction with other sailors was important for her to really get her out of her comfort zone and experience the customer service side of the job.”

She believes Wang has not only kept up her old standards as the ship’s store operator, but has also set new ones for the next in line.

“I couldn’t be more proud,” said Hampton.

Wang said learning the language is hard and the ship store is a challenge, but no matter where she was needed, she said she would be fine. She faced the challenge head on.

“Since day one she has been a motivated Sailor,” said Retail Service Specialist 1st Class Serena Simpson, leading petty officer of the sales and services division. “Since I put her in the operations I haven’t had any issues.”

She added that Wang stays on top of her work and her language, and that although she has a language

barrier, she understands the concept of what needs to get done.

The ESL’s store is visited by more than 30 Sailors each day, many of whom speak highly of Wang.

“I think Wang is a really good worker, because every time I come into the ship’s store it’s always quick, but she’s also always really nice,” said Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Sarah Flanders. “She always says ‘have a great day’ even if I come in five times. It’s really nice. She’s a breath of fresh air.”

From working in hospitals in China to restaurants in LA, Wang has finally found her purpose as a U.S. Navy Sailor serving aboard ESL. Her hard work as a retail store operator has also earned her the title of October’s Retail Service Specialist of the Month.

Within less than a year in the Navy, Wang has demonstrated that she will not waste the second life she has been given through her service in the Navy.

“I share this story with all of my shipmates,” she said. “I hope in the future, no matter what happens, please don’t give up. Remember, what doesn’t kill me, makes me stronger.”

Congratulations to ESL’s Sailors of the Year!

Hull Sailors of the Year

PS1 Raymundo Aguilar Senior Sailor of the Year

MC2 Jordyn Diomede RSSN GABRIELLA BUENO Junior Sailor of the Year

Blue Jacket of the Year

Repair Sailors of the Year

ND1 Mike Thomason Senior Sailor of the Year

BM2 Angela Brummitt MM3 Paschea Williams Junior Sailor of the Year

Blue Jacket of the Year 12

Training with brothers in arms Story by MC2 Jordyn Diomede Photos by USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

T

he submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) completed ordnance handling training with USS Asheville (SSN 758) while the submarine was moored alongside, Nov. 11.

Land recently completed similar training earlier this deployment while pierside. The crew again demonstrated their ability to transfer ordnance and provide hotel services to a submarine, but this time the evolution happened while Land was anchored.

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“It’s to show the capability that the tender can moor a submarine outboard at anchor and still be able to conduct ordnance movements,” said Lt. j.g. Joel Walter, Land’s weapons handling officer. “It allows us to demonstrate our capabilities, not just in port, but out to sea as well.”

This training evolution showed the unique and critical support Land provides to submarines, further demonstrating that submarine tenders are essential in helping to keep submarines forward deployed around the globe.

“It’s important that we continually hone our skills to ensure we can support the critical mission of the fleet,” said Capt. Michael Luckett, Land’s commanding officer. “Both crews did an excellent job of completing this training flawlessly. It’s important for us to be able to provide everything our submarine force needs, whether at home or deployed, and be there to support them no matter the task at hand.”

Land arrived in Puerto Princesa Nov. 7 and is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support theater security cooperation efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. routinely demonstrates its commitment to its partners through forward presence and operations. Land’s deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations reflects the United States’ commitment to support theater security cooperation efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

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GUADALCANAL A CRITICAL VICTORY Story by MC2 Richard A. Miller, Photos by Naval History and Heirtage Command

November marks the anniversary of one of the Navy’s most significant World War II battles. The Battle of Guadalcanal was the climax of the first major Allied offensive in the South Pacific, marked a major victory for the Allies, and continued the process of turning the tide in the war in the Pacific.

The naval battle was part of a longer campaign in Guadalcanal, lasting from August 1942 to February 1943. Allied forces put an invasion plan in action in response to Japanese forces building multiple air bases in the Solomon Islands, including a large airfield at Lunga Point in Guadalcanal.

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“The Japanese presence in Guadalcanal was a major threat to the supply lines between United States, Australia, and New Zealand,” said Capt.

Michael Luckett, commanding officer of the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39). “Our victory not only ensured the safe passage of supplies between the Allies, it provided a major psychological boost. While we had already bloodied the Japanese navy at Midway a few months before, this was our first decisive victory over the muchfeared Japanese army.”

Marines landed on the islands of Tulagi, Gavutu, and Tanambogo under

cover of bad weather between August 6th and August 7th. Japanese forces put up a strong resistance against the Marines, but eventually lost all three islands.

When Marines landed on Guadalcanal itself, they did not experience the same resistance. The Japanese troops and construction units had already fled the airstrip at Lunga Point, leaving behind food, supplies, and construction equipment. Marines moved into the airfield and renamed it Henderson Field after deceased Marine aviator Lofton R. Henderson.

Henderson Field became the main base of operations for U.S. forces on

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OUR VICTORY NOT ONLY ENSURED THE SAFE PASSAGE OF SUPPLIES BETWEEN THE ALLIES, IT PROVIDED A MAJOR PSYCHOLOGICAL BOOST.

the island. Japanese forces attempted to recapture the base multiple times, culminating in the naval battle that took place from November 13th to 15th.

In early November, Allied intelligence learned about a Japanese plan to use two battleships, Hiei and Kirishima, to bombard and destroy Henderson Field, which would enable Japanese transports to reach the island.

U.S. reconnaissance aircraft spotted the approach of the bombardment force, led by Vice Adm. Hiroaki Abe, and passed a warning to the Allied task groups, led by Rear Adm. Daniel Callaghan and Rear Adm. Norman Scott.

Callaghan ordered all usable combat ships to intercept the Japanese forces, but the conflict was marked by confusion.

“It was extremely dark and overcast,” said Luckett. “The weather conditions led the American and Japanese forces to open fire in close quarters. The first night of the battle was confusing for both sides and the Navy suffered heavy losses.”

Abe’s ships sank nearly every ship in Callaghan’s force, killing both Callaghan and Scott in the process. Despite this victory, Abe ordered his warships to retreat without bombarding Henderson Field. The Hiei sank the same day due to repeated attacks from aircraft from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV 6). Because of Abe’s failure to neutralize the airstrip, the troop transport convoy was ordered to wait an additional day before heading towards Guadalcanal alongside additional warships from Truk commanded by Vice Adm. Nobutake Kondo.

While Abe’s second bombardment force formulated its plan, cruisers and destroyers under the command of Vice Adm. Gunichi Mikawa attacked Henderson Field on November 14th.

The attack caused heavy damages but

failed to put the airfield out of operation.

Mikawa’s forces retired towards Rabaul and the transport convoy, thinking the airfield was destroyed, began its approach. Aircraft from Henderson Field and Enterprise launched a counterattack on Mikawa’s forces and the transport convoy, sinking one cruiser and seven transport ships.

As Allied forces battled against Mikawa’s forces, Kondo’s ships approached from Truk to bombard Henderson Field. Two United States battleships, the USS Washington (BB 56) and the USS South Dakota (BB 57) arrived alongside four destroyers from the Enterprise task force to intercept Kondo’s bombardment.

Shortly after Washington and South Dakota arrived, Kondo’s forces sank three of the four destroyers and heavily damaged South Dakota. While the Japanese warships concentrated on South Dakota, Washington approached unnoticed and caused fatal damage to the Kirishima. After briefly pursuing Washington towards the Russell Islands, Kondo ordered his warships to retire without bombarding Henderson Field.

As Kondo’s forces retreated, the four remaining transport ships beached themselves on Guadalcanal and began unloading. Less than two hours later, U.S. aircraft and artillery began attacking the beached transports, destroying all four ships along with most of the supplies they carried.

Because of the failure to deliver most of the troops and supplies, the Japanese canceled their offensive on Henderson Field. The Allied victory at Guadalcanal marked a crucial strategic victory and played a pivotal role in the decision by Japanese leadership to begin withdrawing from the area in December.

This victory secured Allied supply lines

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and supported subsequent offensive operations throughout the remainder of the war in the Pacific.

“Guadalcanal empowered the Allied forces,” said Luckett. “Until crucial victories like Midway and Guadalcanal, the Japanese military appeared to be unstoppable. Guadalcanal showed what we were truly capable of. That momentum carried us forward toward our eventual victory over our adversaries.”

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FMAA Days are Over Story by MC2 Ed Thompson

The submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) participated in a Fleet Maintenance Activity Assessment (FMAA) conducted by Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CSP), Nov. 19-21, 2019.

FMAA is conducted annually by CSP aboard submarine tenders to ensure tended units are provided with first-time quality maintenance.

Inspectors examine the entire repair department onboard checking all the planning, procedures and paperwork associated with repair jobs conducted since the previous inspection.

“They look for deficiencies in all of our programs,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Joshua R. Taylor, a Sailor assigned to Land’s quality assurance division. “They review all controlled work we’ve accomplished to ensure that we’ve used the correct materials and conducted the correct tests. As the controlled materials petty officer, my program is evaluated by an inspector to ensure the material is properly tracked and documented.”

The inspection can be broken down into two main parts: maintenance and material management (3M) and quality assurance (QA).

The 3M portion evaluates the repair department’s day-to-day operations, material conditions and training to ensure repair personnel have the proper materials and are adequately qualified to complete maintenance tasks.

“It’s their job to make sure that we’re at onehundred percent readiness, or as close to it as possible,” said Lt. j.g. Christopher A. Lambach, mechanical repair divisional officer and FMAA coordinator. “They ensure anything that could reduce capabilities is being assessed, out of commission equipment is getting replaced, necessary funding is available and the right jobs are being placed. Inspectors also confirm our training program is up-to-snuff and we’re 17

giving our Sailors all the tools they need to get their qualifications.”

On the other hand, the QA part of the assessment examines the routing, paperwork procedures associated with maintenance and ensuring quality assurance forms are filled out properly and follow up-to-date instructions and guidance.

“The quality assurance portion is really a huge part of FMAA, because having that objective quality evidence and all the paperwork associated with high-level maintenance items, we’re being evaluated on our ability to conduct maintenance safely and deliver first-time quality,” said Lambach.

Land’s FMAA inspection was slated to conclude Nov. 22, but finished a day early due to the repair department’s hard work and performance during the assessment.

“Material wise we had some evolutions we really knocked out of the park,” said Lambach. “We didn’t have any major material deficiencies that n e e d e d i m m e d i a t e corrective actions.

Everything was satisfactory a n d improving, that’s what the final grade was. Quality assurance is very specific. There are a lot of requirements. A lot of first-time controlled work packages were made so they’re going to find deficiencies there.

There was nothing major though, just some minor discrepancies that need corrective action, and we’re definitely going to make

them better down the road.”

Submarines play an important role in 7th Fleet’s area of operations. Land’s mission is repairing, rearming and resupplying those submarines overseas. This year’s FMAA proves that even though Land has been in service for over 40 years, it’s still ready and able to provide maintenance to the fleet.

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (Nov. 19, 2019) - Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class Noah F. Kavanagh, assigned to the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land’s weld shop, presents a controlled material locker to Lt. Daniel Wilkins, a quality assurance officer assigned to Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, during an annual Fleet Maintenance Activity Assessment inspection in Subic Bay, Philippines, Nov. 19. Land is in Subic Bay for a scheduled port visit to conduct a series of inspections for Land’s Fleet Maintenance Activity Assessment.

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20th Chief of Naval Operations Leaves Behind Legacy of Service From Naval History and Heritage Command Public Affairs Adm. James L. Holloway III, former chief of naval operations (CNO), died Nov. 26 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was 97.

Holloway, a native of Charleston, South Carolina, served as the 20th CNO July 1, 1974-July 1, 1978. He was a combat veteran of WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. “Our Navy mourns the loss of Adm. James Holloway,” said current CNO Adm. Mike Gilday. “He was a trailblazer who led the Navy through difficult times and a visionary leader who profoundly impacted the naval aviation community of today.

“Adm. Holloway’s far-reaching impacts include advocating for the Navy’s future F-18 aircraft and developing the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) program, which we still use today,” Gilday said. “While our ships, submarines and aircraft are made of steel, it is the Sailors, like Adm. Holloway, who give our Navy its lifeblood.

“He was a true warrior, man of honor and committed patriot. We have truly lost a great leader and shipmate.”

Relieving Adm. Elmo Zumwalt as the Navy’s top military leader in 1974, Holloway served at a time of great transition for the United States, as the nation and the Navy were healing from the trauma of Vietnam and transitioning from the draft to an all-volunteer force.

He also served as acting chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1974.

“Adm. Holloway was both a warrior and a true believer in the importance of our Navy knowing our history,” said retired Rear Adm. Sam Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command. “For decades after his retirement, he was a highly visible advocate for the preservation, study and use of the history of the United States Navy.”

During his tenure as CNO, Holloway faced the challenges of inflation and defense spending cuts during the height of the Cold War. After the fall of Saigon in 1975 and rising tensions with the Soviet Union, Holloway persuaded President Gerald Ford to end the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT) II proposal to ban the cruise missile, still the Navy’s principal weapon for a number of surface and underwater platforms.

Holloway established the Battle Force Fleet organization, which would exploit the expanded warfare capabilities of surface combatants and enable a full range of naval abilities to handle hostile threats. This is now considered one of his most significant contributions to the Navy as CNO. Holloway’s leadership and ability to advocate for the Navy were also evident during the early days of the F/A-18 Hornet. In 1975, he successfully argued to Secretary of Defense James Schlesinger to sign off on the Navy’s fighterattack F-18 type rather than the Air Force’s preference of the F-16 Light Weight Fighter (LWF). The F-18 type was designed for the all-weather capable AIM-7 Sparrow III missile, while the F-16 LWF was designed for the Sidewinder missile system, which operated best under clear-air conditions. The F/A-18 replaced both the A-7 attack plane and the F-14 Tomcat, with the Hornets coming into the fleet in 1983.

When Holloway’s tenure as CNO ended in 1978, he had served in that role under three presidents: Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter.

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Born in Charleston in 1922, he and his father, Admiral James L. Holloway Jr., both served as four-star admirals in the U.S. Navy on active duty—the only son and father to do so.

Holloway began his naval career when he graduated as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy class of 1943. During World War II, he served aboard destroyers in the North Atlantic and African waters. In the Pacific, he participated in the Saipan, Tinian, Palau and Leyte Gulf campaigns as gunnery officer of the destroyer USS Bennion (DD-662).

Following WWII, he became a naval aviator and flew missions during the Korean War and served as commanding officer of Attack Squadron 83. In 1959, as the deputy CNO for Air Warfare, he developed the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) program. This program is still in effect more than 55 years later and has been credited with substantially reducing naval aviation accidents.

He served as commanding officer of USS Enterprise (CVAN-65) for two combat cruises in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War. In 1968, he returned to the Pentagon where he established the Navy’s Nuclear Powered Carrier Program, and in 1970 was promoted to rear admiral. With his promotion, he was assigned as the commander of U.S. Seventh Fleet where he directed strike operations against objectives in North Vietnam during Operations Linebacker I and II. In 1974, he was named by President Nixon to be the next CNO. In 1978, Holloway retired from the Navy with 36 years of service. Still closely involved after retirement, he served as president of the Naval Historical Foundation (NHF) from 1980–1998 and 10 years more as chairman. In 2007, Holloway published Aircraft Carriers at War, and was instrumental in the online publishing of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships project.

During his lifetime of service, Holloway received 28 American military personal decorations, unit awards and campaign and service medals and ribbons. He received 20 foreign decorations as well.

As a civilian, he received the Distinguished Public Service Medal for his service as president of the NHF and was technical advisor to the movie “Top Gun.” In addition, a dormitory at Saint James School in Washington County, Maryland, was named “Holloway Hall” in honor of him—one of the high school’s most notable alumni.

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BECOMING AN ESWS

WARRIOR Story & Photos by MC2 Destinyy Reed

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There is a mix of anxiety and excitement onboard USS Emory S. Land as Sailors search through the passageways looking for signatures, walkthroughs and study partners in order to earn their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) warfare device.

The ESWS qualification is unique to every ship and requires copious amounts of planning, studying and practicing to ensure that all evolutions are passed and Sailors succeed at obtaining their warfare device. To prepare Sailors for their ESWS qualification, coordinators take on the responsibility of leading the ESWS program.

“I became an ESWS coordinator in order to give Sailors the help that they need and guide them in the right direction towards earning their pin,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class Mike Lee, one of Land’s five assistant ESWS coordinators onboard. “The ESWS program is designed to teach Sailors the basics of each department onboard. It gives Sailors an opportunity to get out of their work center and understand the fundamentals of being a Sailor on the platform where they work.”

The ESWS program is a big part of mission readiness around the fleet. The information that the program covers teaches Sailors the basic knowledge about the ships they serve on to be successful warfighters. Each field is critical for reinforcing the warfighting capabilities of the ship and the Navy.

“I want to make sure that Sailors truly understand the damage control (DC) portion of the ESWS program from the building blocks all the way up,” said Damage Controlman 1st Class Jon Gerringer, Land’s DC ESWS coordinator. “My goal is that every Sailor onboard knows the basics of damage control and knows how to save the ship if things go south.”

The road to earning the ESWS pin includes five parts: two book signings, an exam, eight walkthroughs, an oral board and a DC practical. For many, this is a challenging and lengthy process, but once it’s done the relief sets in.

“Sailors must finish all of their prerequisites and training sessions where they learn the fundamentals of each department and get signatures on their personnel qualification standard (PQS) books,” said Lee. “Prerequisites include inport watch station qualifications, basic maintenance qualifications and damage control qualifications. After everything is signed off, Sailors take a written test and then they go to the oral board. Finally, the last obstacle is the DC practical where Sailors will be tested hands-on for their damage control knowledge.”

Earning the title as an Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist is no easy task. It signifies that a Sailor has achieved a level of proficiency in surface ships. Those who earn their ESWS pin are considered by many to be significant contributors to the surface force.

“Understand that your days will be full of maintenance, watch standing and lack of sleep, all while going for your pin,” said Gerringer. “But once you earn it, it’s a major accomplishment in your naval career and then you can move on to bigger and better things.”

Land has qualified 45 enlisted Sailors since departing its homeport at Apra Harbor, Guam, Aug. 19. Land is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support the United States’ commitment to support theater security cooperation efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It’s a major accomplishment in your naval career.”

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Through The Lens Photos by USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

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Congratulations to ESL’s Newest Petty Officers!

EM3 JOEL HARRY EM3 STEFON MCCRAY EM3 ARTJOMS PETROVS EM3 LIAM PIEPER EM3 OLIVIA ROBINSON-JOHNSON EM3 BLANCA SEPULVEDA GM3 ROBERT CORCORAN HT3 CHRISTOPHER DICKSON HT3 SARAH FLANDERS HT3 TREVER ZIMMERMAN HT3 CAMERON LEBORGNE HT3 TYLER MEADOWS HT3 IMANI SIMMONS HT3 EVAN SUTTON HT3 VICTORIA WEIDNER

IT3 CAMERON HARRIS LS3 FRANCIS CARL ESPIRITU LS3 STEPHEN OWUSUAGYEKUM MM3 BRANDON MARTINEZ ESCALANTE MM3 DERICK SANTANA RIVERA MR3 PRESTON FLEURY MR3 EDIL MARTINEZ MR3 ROBERT MCGORRY MR3 EUGENE MOORE MR3 ALEXIS POLLARD MR3 DAVID QUINTERO MR3 MICHAEL SCHORNAK MR3 JUSTIN WANG

EM2 SAMPSON TERPENING EN2 COADY WELCH ETR2 TIMOTHY TERRY HM2 JOSHUA VELAS HT2 BRIAN HAMEL HT2 COLE HANSEN HT2 NOAH KAVANAGH HT2 NICKALAS PETO HT2 BRITTANY TIMMONS LS2 ELISHA BAILEY

LS2 EMILY DOTSON LS2 CRISSEL GRAVINOLEBRON LS2 ARIEL AARON LIM MR2 JUSTIN KEATHLEY DERAS MM2 LUKE KUAHIWINUILEE MM2 BRANDON SCHAEFER ND2 JAKE BUYESKE PS2 RAZHEE WILLIAMS

IC1 SCOTT PRESTON MMN1 TIMOTHY MERCURE MMN1 CHRISTOPHER ROBINSON MMN1 CORY SEALY MMN1 JOSEPH VENSKUS STS1 JEREMY LEE