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USS Frank Cable Returns from Japan

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060823-04
8/23/2006

From USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- The submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) returned to its homeport of Guam, Aug. 18, after a five-week mission of training and community involvement.

After leaving Guam to complete two weeks of onboard training and a successful torpedo recovery exercise (TORPEX), the ship pulled into Yokosuka, Japan, July 24, for three weeks of regular maintenance and repairs.

Though trips to sea are normal for Frank Cable, this trip was a rare opportunity for the submarine tender to focus most of its efforts on itself. Under normal circumstances, the ship’s mission is to support U.S. 7th Fleet submarines.

Committing time at sea to training helped the crew develop a stronger working knowledge, while the time in Japan allowed the ship to shift the bulk of its man-hours towards preservation and rehabilitation.

“An old ship takes a huge effort to maintain,” said Frank Cable Commanding Officer, Capt. Leo Goff. “Yokosuka provided a dedicated opportunity to focus on self maintenance and preservation. Being pierside provided greater access to many areas that are really hard to get in a Med moor.” (“Med moor” places the ship perpendicular to the pier with the brow coming off the aft end.)

During the maintenance period, the crew worked hard, staying from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the first six days in port. As each week progressed, the quick completion of the maintenance goals resulted in shorter hours and more liberty.

In keeping with the ship’s culture of fitness, the crew proved their athletic skills as they took on Yokosuka Naval Base’s finest in six different events, including basketball, football and a triathlon. More than 170 Sailors also took on the challenge of climbing Mount Fuji, the famous volcanic mountain near Tokyo.

The crew also donated some of their off time to community relations projects, including two days of shopping and bowling with disabled students from a local high school. Personnel Specialist Seaman Apprentice Danielle Decker said the projects were worth giving up a little liberty.

“All of the projects that I have been a part of have been in some way to help the community, and I hope that everyone takes the time to experience at least one,” she said.

Between work and play, there was also an opportunity for pre-selected crew members to attend firefighting training. The type of training available in Yokosuka is unique to 7th Fleet.

“The team trainers available in Yokosuka aren’t available anywhere else in the region,” explained Goff. “It was a real win-win situation.”

In a final event that celebrated the success of the maintenance efforts, the ship’s Junior Enlisted Association (JEA)-sponsored “Sober Weekend” for the crew. The weekend kicked off with a block party on the pier that was open to the entire Yokosuka base and followed with events for crew members throughout the weekend. For 123 Cable Sailors who signed a pledge of sobriety, the JEA sponsored paintball, a pool party and bowling, along with several other events.

“I believe our ‘Sober Weekend’ assisted with the ship’s readiness and made people realize they don’t have to go to a foreign port and drink for entertainment,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Tyler Murray.

That readiness played a vital role when the ship departed the following Monday morning. The crew participated in two more days of drills and training in rough seas caused by a passing typhoon.

According to the ship’s acting Command Master Chief, Master Chief Hull Technician Timothy McNeil, the underway was a huge a success.

“This was probably the best underway in recent history for Frank Cable,” he said. “I’m proud of the teamwork and pride demonstrated by the crew through the many facets of our operation from the TORPEX, to the maintenance period and the ambassadorship while in Japan. I’m proud to be on this team of professionals and look forward to more great things from our talented crew.”