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Paul Hamilton Conducts Exercises with Russian Navy Ships

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031114-11

Release Date: 11/14/2003 3:54:00 PM

By Ensign Jason Cipriano, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Pearl Harbor-based destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) conducted operations with the Russian Navy vessels Marshall Shaposhnikov and Pechenga, Oct. 28 and 29.

During the two-day event, the three ships conducted multiple exercises, including a simulated search and rescue operation, flag hoist drills and formation maneuvers. This marked the first time in nearly a decade the two countries conducted joint maritime operations in the Hawaiian operating area.

For two Paul Hamilton officers, Lt. j.g. Cozy Bailey and Ensign Paul Haberlein, the experience included embarking for a night on the Marshall Shaposhnikov.

"It was a great experience, and I got to see how a foreign navy operates, which was eye-opening," noted Bailey on his return to Paul Hamilton.

In addition to the officers who embarked on the Russian destroyer, many members of Paul Hamilton's crew said they gained valuable experience by conducting operations with two foreign navy vessels.

"It was a great experience for us, especially the younger signalmen who may not have had the opportunity to work with a foreign navy before," said Signalman 2nd Class (SW) Gilbert Kreutzfield.

For other bridge watchstanders, coordinating exercises that involved maneuvering at close ranges provided a worthwhile learning experience.

"It was a great opportunity to work on navigating close to other ships and a little bit challenging because of the language barrier," observed Ensign Chris Gahl, who was responsible for maneuvering Paul Hamilton on station to conduct a personnel transfer. "Navigating close to American ships is one thing, but the introduction of a Russian ship and a bridge that speaks little English made the event even more challenging."

Over the course of the two-day event, all three ships had opportunities to experience a foreign navy's way of doing business.

"I was impressed by the level of professionalism displayed by both Russian ships," noted Cmdr. Bill Johnson, Paul Hamilton's commanding officer. "The exercises also allowed our crew to get a unique training experience. The exercises were well planned and executed safely, which is a testament to the crews of all three ships."

Finally, after two days and multiple exercises, Sailors aboard both ships waved goodbye and headed for their respective homes on opposite sides of the Pacific.