Mighty J Celebrates 20 years
Story Number: NNS030710-06
7/10/2003
By Journalist 2nd Class Rebecca Horton, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Jarrett (FFG 33) Sailors marked their ship's 20th anniversary July 2 with a cake cutting ceremony and a barbecue on Pier 5 here.
"It's kind of special for me to be celebrating Jarrett's 20th anniversary as its commanding officer," said Cmdr. Robert Hopsodar. "As a newly commissioned ensign during the summer of 1983, I saw the 'Mighty J' in its final phase of construction. We both have a few age lines these days, but Jarrett still stands able and excellent, and ready to deploy."
Gearing up for it's tenth deployment later this summer, Jarrett will be one of seven warships to accompany the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) on the first deployment of Expeditionary Strike Group 1 in support of the global war on terror. The addition of Jarrett and other surface combatants to the amphibious squadron would expand the missions and capabilities of the MEU, forming a versatile force with a much greater strike capacity than a traditional Amphibious Ready Group.
"The many quick reaction features inherent to a guided-missle frigate continue to make Jarrett an ideal platform for operating in littoral waters and supporting the global war on terrorism," said Hopsodar.
"I am ready to go, but I'm really going to miss my wife and son," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/SS) Kevin Carpenter. "But, the Jarrett's working incredibly well for a frigate that's 20 years old, so at least I know we'll be able to accomplish our mission, and I'll be safe on this warship."
Jarrett went down in history books in 1998 as the first U.S. Navy warship with a female commanding officer. Capt. Kathleen McGrath led Jarrett through two years of service, including a six-month deployment to the Persian Gulf.
McGrath, who recently passed away from breast cancer, opened the doors for more female Sailors to board warships. Five female officers are now stationed aboard Jarrett.
"I think Capt. McGrath showed the world that it doesn't matter what the commanding officer's gender is, as long as he or she can perform the job and take care of the crew," said Carpenter.
Jarrett is named for the late Vice Adm. Harry B. Jarrett, an outstanding Sailor during World War II. In addition to many other medals, he received the Navy Cross for heroism in the Battle of the Coral Sea and served with great valor as a destroyer screen commander for the fast carrier task force operations in the Pacific, as well as a bombardment group commander in the Marshall and Marianas campaigns.
Jarrett last returned from deployment May 2002. It has operated with USS John C Stennis (CVN 74), USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69), and USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Battle Groups as part of Destroyer Squadron 21.
For related news, visit the Navy Region Southwest Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cnrsw.
|
