USS MAHAN ASSOCIATION

5 July 2005

Another half a year gone by and I am still trying to compose something that I think you would be interested in. Seems that after we have had our reunion there is always lots to talk about and just before we arc going to meet I go brain dead.

I was in contact with Mike Conran, Command Master Chief, and asked him if he would get me an interview with one of the female sailors aboard the DDG 72. 1 thought it would be interesting to know something about them being as most of us in the association come from an all male navy.

Anyway here is what she had to say:

"My name is Cryptologic Technician (Administrative) First Class Jennifer D. Rivas

I enlisted in April 1992 in Meadville, Pennsylvania and attended recruit training at RTC Orlando, FL. and CTA "A" in Pensacola FL. In October 1992 I was assigned to Naval Security Group Activity, Edzell, Scotland where I served as an assistant in the Special Security Office. In October 1995 1 was assigned to the Gordon Regional Security Operations Center (GRSOC) at Fort Gordon, Georgia where I served as the Crytologic Direct Support Administrative Assistant. In October 1998 I was assigned to staff duty for Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, Coronado, California where I performed duties of Leading Petty Officer and Special Security Officer.

In 2001 I accepted orders to Defense Courier Service Station (DCSS), San Antonio, Texas where I served as a courier for highly classified, time-sensitive national security material. During this tour I obtained qualification as a Naval Air Observer and was selected as DCS Sailor of the Year and Runner-up OPNAV Sailor of the Year.

In July 2004 I reported aboard MIGHTY MAHAN for my first tour of duty at sea. I am the Commanding Officer's direct representative in all matters pertaining to sensitive compartmented information (SCI) and personnel security. In addition, I perform duties as the passport and naturalization officer for non-U.S. citizens serving with distinction aboard MAHAN.

For most of you, a woman serving at sea is new and unusual. USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER

(CVN 69) was the first combatant to have females permanently assigned. " Not in my navy". That is what my dad used to say. I am proud to say that over 50 women, both officer and enlisted, have been integrated into every duty, department and division aboard MAHAN. We are integral members of the team aboard our ship, from Damage Control to Fire Control we are proud to serve. I am grateful for the additional opportunities, knowledge and trust placed in the women aboard this mighty warship. I am a proud navy daughter who continues the tradition of Naval Service."

Now for the sad part of my duties, and that is to report the passing of our comrades. I received the following notices:

        James C Ogorek ETC who was a plankowner of the DLG-11 however I could not come up with a date.

Let me send my heart felt condolences to all as I am sure it is felt among the entire association.

As you may know, MAHAN association members and Sea Cadets from the Mahan Division recently had a chance to meet and swap 'sea stories' aboard the USS MAHAN’s (DDG-72) recent deployment.

While I was not in participation, our Escort 0fficer and all cadets in attendance came back from the cruise with nothing but the utmost respect for the MAHAN veterans in attendance. Our young cadets could not have received a better educational experience, hearing the stories first hand from the men that were there is as real as it gets.

I hope and look forward to our organizations developing a working relationship. I believe it will greatly benefit all parties involved.

Greetings,

I hope this finds you well. The reunion this fall promises to be spectacular. I know Jerry has worked hard to put this package together for us and we don't want to pass up the opportunity to see old friends again and swap a few sea stories. We even have some members with a couple of new sea stories as they had a chance to ride DDG-72 for a three day shakedown cruise. See you in Branson, MO.

All the Best,

Jeff Sweet,

President, USS Mahan Assn.

ON BOARD UNDERWAY OPERATIONS DDG 72 VACAPES MAY 2005
By Dave Krumlauf - Plank owner DLG -11

Back in early May of this year, DDG-72 gave four of us ex Mahan blue jackets the opportunity to go out to sea to observe the ship's three day pre-deployment shakedown that was scheduled just prior to their going to the Med. Unfortunately, as they only had limited berthing available, only Board members were invited with the knowledge that only a few of them would be able to make it. Jeff Sweet DDG-42, Russ Owens DLG-11, Al James DD-364 and I signed up. At the last minute, Jeff got caught with jury duty and was not able to make it, so then Mal Wiseman DLG-11 got to go along, as he lives nearby in Washington and had the time available.

If my count is correct we have signed up 28 new members to the association since last January. Let me say to all welcome aboard.

When the newsletter was mailed in January I enclosed a post card for everyone to fill out and return to me concerning mailing, e-mailing, and website posting of the Newsletter. As of this time out of 628, 1 believe was the count at mailing, I have received back 140. Not too good of an average. If you haven’t returned your pre-stamped postcard please do it. It would save the association quite a sum of money and would make posting the Newsletter easier.

The reunion in Branson is scheduled for 5-9 Oct. Please note that ½ of the registration fee must be paid by the 5^th of August and the remainder by the 5th of September, as reservations must be made for tickets to shows and for the dinner show on the Showboat. Reservations can be made on line at the reunion website, http://www.reunionproregistration.com/ussmahan.htm or with the enclosed registration sheet.

Jerry Emmett

6832 Shepherd Rd. Shepherd, Mt. 59079

Mail completed form with check payable to USS Mahan Association to: USS Mahan Ship's Store

For larger orders contact: ShipStore@ussmahan.org                                                                                                     12314 Woods Rd.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Franklin, WI 53132-1369