• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Ramage Sailors Celebrate Deployment Milestone

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081224-14
Release Date: 12/24/2008 11:28:00 AM

By Ensign Patrick Whitmore, USS Ramage Public Affairs

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) celebrated the midpoint of their deployment as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) last week, marking the milestone with several events.

Halfway Day comes as a significant point in Ramage's deployment, allowing Sailors to reflect on the past months' efforts and accomplishments. Having completed numerous and demanding operations and exercises in the U.S. 5th fleet area of operations over the course of several months, including more than 80 approach and assist visits (AAV), Halfway Day was a welcome break from the steady work routine.

"Halfway Day was a good break from the daily grind of deployment," said Gas Turbine Systems Mechanic 3rd Class Matthew Platz. "Knowing that we're already half way to arriving back home helps push us to finish the next half just as successfully as the first."

The celebration was kicked off by a command-wide "Guitar Hero tournament" held on the mess decks, where more than 30 Sailors competed in the nighttime flight deck showdown. Later in the evening, Ramage Sailors enjoyed a made-to-order "Mongolian barbecue" on the mess decks.

"Keeping our shipmates happy that day was extremely worthwhile," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Gregory Williams. "Being away from family and from home can be difficult, so Halfway Day was a great opportunity to prepare a special meal for everyone to relax and enjoy together."

"With a day in the books of face-melting Guitar Hero performances, fantastic food and plenty of relaxation, Ramage is undoubtedly bound for a phenomenal second half of deployment," said Ens. Graham Van Hook.

Halfway Day's events concluded on the flight deck, with an all hands call, Sailor of the Year award presentations, and remarks from Ramage's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Peter Galluch.

"You can be proud of our accomplishments thus far in the deployment," said Galluch. "But remember that we can't get complacent. Stay focused on the mission, and stay safe."

Galluch presented the Sailor of the Year award to Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) James Osborne, the Junior Sailor of the Year Award to Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Morales, and the Bluejacket of the Year Award to Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class Maxwell Levey.

Ramage is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct maritime security operations (MSO). MSO helps develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.