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Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Visits USS Tarawa

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050615-14
Release Date: 6/15/2005 7:04:00 PM

From USS Tarawa Public Affairs

ABOARD USS TARAWA (NNS) -- With military operations in full swing, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense Brad Berkson made a brief visit to USS Tarawa (LHA 1) during pre-deployment training exercises off the coast of Southern California June 14.

Berkson, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Logistics and Material Readiness, made the stop aboard the San Diego-based amphibious assault ship to get a firsthand look at the Navy/Marine Corps amphibious team in action. Tarawa, the flagship for Rear Adm. Michael A. LeFever, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1, was participating in its last exercise prior to deployment, called Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX).

“We on the Tarawa feel very fortunate to have the Deputy Under Secretary on board to interact with our Sailors and Marines,” said Cmdr. Mike McPeak, Tarawa’s supply officer, who presented the brief on his department. “It’s a rare opportunity at our level to let our concerns be known to someone who establishes much of the logistics policy for the Department of Defense.”

During the tour, Berkson observed flight and landing craft operations, and visited various departments along the way, including Medical, Aviation Maintenance and Supply. Berkson also made a point to talk with the Sailors and Marines aboard the “Big T.”

“It means a lot to our guys to have him stop by and listen to what we do,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1st Class (Aviation Warfare) Silverio Cruz, the ship’s power plant supervisor. “It’s not too often that someone from the Secretary of Defense’s office stops by my shop.”

Before finishing his visit, Berkson reminded his hosts that he was there to help them back in Washington, D.C.

“It’s good to see the other side of this. Up in the Pentagon we’re thinking about big thoughts, but the devil is in the details, and this is where it’s all happening,” he said. “It makes me very proud to be able to serve you guys.”

JTFEX is the last step for Tarawa and the rest of ESG 1 as they prepare for their upcoming Western Pacific deployment in support of the global war on terrorism later this summer.