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Crommelin Celebrates 26 Years of Service

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090622-07
Release Date: 6/22/2009 2:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Wallace Ciccarelli Jr., USS Crommelin Public Affairs

USS CROMMELIN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Crommelin (FFG 37) celebrated its 26th birthday June 18, four days after leaving Naval Station Pearl Harbor (NAVSTAPH) for a scheduled six-month deployment to the western Pacific.

The guided-missile frigate was commissioned in Seattle, Wash., June 18, 1983, becoming the 28th ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class.

It is the first ship in the U.S. Navy named after three brothers: Vice Adm. Henry Crommelin, Cmdr. Charles Crommelin and Lt. Cmdr. Richard Crommelin.

"The Crommelin brothers were true Navy Sailors who exemplified honor, courage and commitment," said Yeoman 1st Class (SW) George Padjen. "As we hold up to these standards as indestructible on our ship, we also need to celebrate the Crommelin's great history and what it has done for America."

Crommelin joined Destroyer Squadron 31 Sept. 1, 1991, making it the oldest active ship stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

During its lifetime, the ship has been home to nearly 3,000 Sailors.

Damage Controlman Fireman Jason Hazenfield said the Crommelin has a special parallel to his own service.

"It's amazing to be stationed on a ship that is just a couple of weeks older than me," Hazenfield said. "I've been on this ship for a little more than two years and this is truly the best ship on the waterfront - happy birthday, Crommelin."

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Cody Brites, who is well known for his baking skills, worked on the ship's birthday cakes for three days.

"This day only comes around once a year, and it's important to show the ship crew that this is more than a ship, it's our home," he said. "So I made this cake not only so that we can remember the great history of this Crommelin, but for the Sailors aboard who make it the greatest ship in the Navy."

Crommelin is supporting U.S. Coast Guard fisheries enforcement in Oceania while transiting through the Western Pacific on a routine deployment.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.