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Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Visits USS Donald Cook

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090221-07
Release Date: 2/21/2009 7:23:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Jerry Foltz, U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), visited Sailors stationed aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), at Naval Station Norfolk Feb. 19 as part of his ongoing face-to-face visits with the waterfront.

Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert spent the morning touring the ship with Cmdr. Derek B. Granger, Donald Cook's commanding officer and answering questions from the ship's crew.

In the Combat Information Center, Greenert awarded medals to Chief Fire Controlman (SW) Charles R. Hudson, Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Nikko A. Edwards and Fire Controlman 2nd Class Blake E. Hudson for their superior performance in Donald Cook's recent Joint Fleet Synthetic Training (FST-J) drill. During the drill, Donald Cook served as Air Defense Commander for the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group and was able to conduct complex, realistic training with multiple ships for four days while pier-side.

"I would like to see more synthetic training [throughout the fleet]," said Greenert. "We need to stimulate and simulate the opposing force better and with higher fidelity."

FST provides a virtual setting for the Navy to train on critical warfare skills and certify required war-fighting capabilities. FST also allows training with federal agencies and international allies while minimizing impact on the environment, equipment and people.

Greenert also commended Donald Cook for instituting a four-day work week. Donald Cook was able to maintain a normal operational tempo, passing more than 20 critical shipboard qualifications and inspections by adjusting working hours from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. The increased productivity and in port schedule planning efficiency were reflected in the crew's morale and retention figures, earning their second consecutive Golden Anchor award.

"It all comes down to ship, shipmate and self," said Granger.

Throughout the visit Greenert listened to individual concerns and answered questions. Sailors gained a better perspective of the fleet as a whole and their role in the mission.

"It's comforting to know that big Navy is looking out for us," said Machinist Repairman 1st Class (SW) David J. Van Dyke, Donald Cook's Sailor of the Year.

Donald Cook is currently conducting work-up cycles in preparation for a scheduled deployment later this year.

For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/.