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USS Port Royal Celebrates Midpoint of Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060526-26
Release Date: 5/26/2006 1:48:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class Cassandra Thompson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

NORTH PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- While conducting maritime security operations (MSO), USS Port Royal (CG 73) crew members celebrated the midpoint of deployment, May 17, with a week packed with morale-boosting activities.

Despite long watches and infrequent port calls, the crew of the Aegis-class guided-missile cruiser has consistently come up with innovative ways to boost spirits and keep entertained.

“We have a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team that goes out to each division and asks them what they want to do,” explained Yeoman 3rd Class Javier Solis, the ship's MWR coordinator and a native of Aurora, Colo. “Once we get all of our ideas together, we submit them to the captain. He'll look at it and figure out what we can do.”

Departmental input was responsible for the fifth installment of “Port Royal Idol,” May 14. The program, broadcast internally though all the ship's televisions, gave shipmates the opportunity to fill the roles of Randy, Simon and Paula Abdul from the popular television series “American Idol.” More than two dozen Port Royal Sailors performed that day for a very receptive audience.

Additionally, on May 17, department-driven teams competed against each other in Port Royal's version of the game show, “Family Feud,” and members of the first class petty officers' association hosted an ice cream social to show their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of their shipmates.

Steel Beach picnics and the monthly Port Royal Press, which gives department heads the opportunity to publicly commend their most dedicated Sailors, also play a part in maintaining crew morale.

Port Royal has conducted MSO in the Horn of Africa and in the Persian Gulf. The ship also won the prestigious Battle “E” award for the second year in a row. Port Royal's leadership is quick to recognize the contributions of the crew.

“In warfighting, engineering, seamanship and in every area imaginable, our ship and its crew consistently ranked at the top of its game,” said Capt. David Matawitz, Port Royal's commanding officer. “I am extremely proud of every Sailor who stands watch, from the bottom of the engineering plant to the top of the bridge. It's my distinct pleasure to sail with such a seasoned and well qualified crew.”

“Despite the exceptionally high tempo of operations, the crew manages to maintain high morale and continues to perform with extreme pride and professionalism,” added Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Hanson, Port Royal's executive officer. “I can't express to you how honored I am to work with them.”

After nearly six weeks in theater and a month in the Persian Gulf, the crew's pride and professionalism has led to an improved quality of life, even at the junior level.

“Everyone's staying healthy, no one's getting injured, and everything we've taken for action has pretty much been a success,” said Gas Turbine Mechanic 2nd Class Avery Chester. “As the deployment progresses, the crew is getting stronger. The work ethic has picked up; we have people putting forth everything they've got.”

Port Royal, as part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3, departed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Feb. 28, to begin a scheduled six-month deployment in support of MSO in the North Persian Gulf.

MSO helps et the conditions for security and stability in the North Persian Gulf and protect Iraq's sea-based infrastructure, which provides the Iraqi people the opportunity for self-determination.