Part 13 (1/2)

I've always believed that the skill that separates great Navies from the also-rans is the ability to sustain a fleet at sea with underway replenishment (UNREP). Something of an American invention prior to World War II, UNREP is a little like an elephant ballet. The dynamics of conning a s.h.i.+p in close proximity to another are completely different from any other kind of s.h.i.+p handling, and Captain Deppe was about to give us a textbook lesson in the art.

Initially, he allowed Captain Stephen Firks, CO of the Seattle, Seattle, to come up on to come up on Normandy Normandy and position his s.h.i.+p on the cruiser's port (left) side. Once this was done, the and position his s.h.i.+p on the cruiser's port (left) side. Once this was done, the Seattle Seattle began to shoot messenger lines across the gap to the deck crews of the began to shoot messenger lines across the gap to the deck crews of the Normandy. Normandy. After these were recovered, the deck crewmen pulled larger lines across and began to rig the refueling lines. For this UNREP, only two refueling lines would be set, since only JP-5 jet fuel for the After these were recovered, the deck crewmen pulled larger lines across and began to rig the refueling lines. For this UNREP, only two refueling lines would be set, since only JP-5 jet fuel for the Normandy Normandy's gas turbine engines and helicopters was being transferred, so there would not be any ”high lines” for moving cargo or other supplies. There would also be no use of the Seattle Seattle's UH-46 Sea Knight Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) helicopters, as the Normandy Normandy was still well stocked with food and other consumables. was still well stocked with food and other consumables.

Within ten minutes, the lines were rigged, and the refueling hoses were pulled across the hundred feet/thirty meters or so of s.p.a.ce between the two s.h.i.+ps. Each hose has a ”male” probe, which locks into a ”female” receptacle on the receiving s.h.i.+p. These can be rapidly disconnected in the event of an emergency, what the Navy calls a ”breakaway.” When properly set and pressurized, each hose can move several thousand gallons a minute of distilled petroleum products. As soon as the refueling probes were secured into their receptacles, the Seattle Seattle began to pump JP-5 over to the cruiser. Gradually, the pressure was built up, and the flow increased. began to pump JP-5 over to the cruiser. Gradually, the pressure was built up, and the flow increased.

While all of this was going on, the two s.h.i.+p captains were carefully conning their vessels, making sure that the s.p.a.cing and alignment remained constant. This can be difficult with s.h.i.+ps of different sizes. Since the larger one wants to ”suck” the smaller vessel into its side, maintaining station during UNREPs is a delicate business measured in an additional rpm or two of shaft power, or a twitch of propeller pitch. This afternoon all went exceedingly smoothly, and Captains Deppe and Firks (of Seattle) Seattle) put on a show of s.h.i.+p handling that one could only admire. put on a show of s.h.i.+p handling that one could only admire.

Part of the beauty of this operation is that it is done virtually without radio or other electronic signals. To keep things simple and quiet, only lights and flags are used. After about thirty minutes of refueling, the call came up from engineering that the Normandy Normandy's fuel bunkers were full and the UNREP completed. As they uncoupled the hoses, the crews of both s.h.i.+ps were careful to limit JP-5 spills into the sea, to minimize pollution. Not many of us realize how tough pollution-control rules are on the military, and how hard they work to be ”green.” Once the hoses were retracted back to the Seattle, Seattle, the deck crews began to strike their lines and drop them over the side to be retrieved by the oiler's personnel. Now came one last ticklish operation. the deck crews began to strike their lines and drop them over the side to be retrieved by the oiler's personnel. Now came one last ticklish operation.

Captain Deppe ordered all ahead two thirds (about twenty knots/thirty-seven kilometers an hour), and then began a gradual turn to starboard, a maneuver designed to make the breakaway from the 53,000-ton oiler as smooth and easy as possible. Deppe ran the cruiser through a full 360 turn and almost 10,000 yards/9,144 meters of separation from the Seattle before he felt free to maneuver again. At the completion of this turn, he ordered the cruiser to head west to join up with some other s.h.i.+ps of the GW battle group. After that, we all adjourned below to freshen up for dinner.

I was escorted to quarters usually reserved for an embarked flag officer-very luxurious after the cramped quarters of the GW. GW. With only around 350 personnel, the With only around 350 personnel, the Normandy Normandy is much more intimate and pleasant than the carrier. People can actually find privacy here and there on is much more intimate and pleasant than the carrier. People can actually find privacy here and there on Normandy Normandy if they want it. Another nice thing about being on one of the ”small boys” was the absence of the hundreds of extra VIPs, observers, media personnel, and contractors now on the carrier, making s.p.a.ce and comfort more plentiful than aboard the if they want it. Another nice thing about being on one of the ”small boys” was the absence of the hundreds of extra VIPs, observers, media personnel, and contractors now on the carrier, making s.p.a.ce and comfort more plentiful than aboard the GW. GW. Perhaps the only thing I missed was the live video feeds from CNN and other networks provided by the onboard Challenge Athena system. Perhaps the only thing I missed was the live video feeds from CNN and other networks provided by the onboard Challenge Athena system.

As we gathered in the Normandy's Normandy's wardroom for dinner, I was struck by the youth of Captain's Deppe's officers. While the department heads were mostly lieutenant commanders, most of the others were lieutenants with less than five years service. Escort duty is a young person's profession, and around the table the majority of the faces were under thirty. Aboard the ”small boys” of the cruiser/destroyer/frigate force, the officers' wardroom is the center of their social world. The wardroom table is a place of open expression, with rank and position holding little sway. Here problems are discussed, a.s.signments made, and professional experience pa.s.sed along to young officers. There is wardroom for dinner, I was struck by the youth of Captain's Deppe's officers. While the department heads were mostly lieutenant commanders, most of the others were lieutenants with less than five years service. Escort duty is a young person's profession, and around the table the majority of the faces were under thirty. Aboard the ”small boys” of the cruiser/destroyer/frigate force, the officers' wardroom is the center of their social world. The wardroom table is a place of open expression, with rank and position holding little sway. Here problems are discussed, a.s.signments made, and professional experience pa.s.sed along to young officers. There is very very little formality. The only real rule is that everyone stands for the captain, and waits for him to serve himself before everyone else does so. As for the food, it's as good as any you will find in the fleet. From the little formality. The only real rule is that everyone stands for the captain, and waits for him to serve himself before everyone else does so. As for the food, it's as good as any you will find in the fleet. From the Normandy Normandy's small galley came a mountain of edibles, including a fine salad bar and excellent baked chicken and rice. The only problem you'll find is dealing with the roll of the s.h.i.+p. And therein lies a story.

The Ticonderoga- Ticonderoga-cla.s.s (CG-47) Aegis cruisers were built upon hulls originally designed for the Spruance- Spruance-cla.s.s (DD-963) general-purpose destroyers. They share a common structural hull power plant and many other systems. However, the extra load of weapons and other equipment a.s.sociated with the Aegis combat system has definitely ”maxed out” the original Spruance Spruance design. The design. The ”Ticos,” ”Ticos,” as they are known, displace fully 15% more than a as they are known, displace fully 15% more than a Spruance, Spruance, much of which is located in the tall deckhouses that mount the four big SPY-1 phased-array radars that are the heart of the Aegis system. What this all means is that the much of which is located in the tall deckhouses that mount the four big SPY-1 phased-array radars that are the heart of the Aegis system. What this all means is that the Ticos Ticos are top-heavy. Not enough to make them unstable or p.r.o.ne to capsizing, mind you; but enough to make them less than comfortable for those who don't enjoy pitching, swaying, and rolling. In fact, they handle the seas quite well and maneuver like a small Italian sports car in the hands of a professional. However, they do roll a are top-heavy. Not enough to make them unstable or p.r.o.ne to capsizing, mind you; but enough to make them less than comfortable for those who don't enjoy pitching, swaying, and rolling. In fact, they handle the seas quite well and maneuver like a small Italian sports car in the hands of a professional. However, they do roll a lot! lot! In a heavy sea or sharp turn, they can heel up to 40 from the vertical. It is not particularly uncomfortable, and does not tend to cause motion sickness. However, it does make activities like eating meals potentially exciting. And for us that evening, more than once the s.h.i.+p took rolls steep enough to force us to grab hold of plates and serving dishes. In a heavy sea or sharp turn, they can heel up to 40 from the vertical. It is not particularly uncomfortable, and does not tend to cause motion sickness. However, it does make activities like eating meals potentially exciting. And for us that evening, more than once the s.h.i.+p took rolls steep enough to force us to grab hold of plates and serving dishes.

After dinner, we were given a tour of the engineering departments and combat center. While Normandy Normandy is almost ten years old (she was commissioned in 1989) and coming to the end of her second five-year operating period, she is in terrific shape. In fact, I was amazed how well her crew has maintained her. Everything was spotless, even the deck corners; and all the sensor and combat systems were ”up” and ready for action. is almost ten years old (she was commissioned in 1989) and coming to the end of her second five-year operating period, she is in terrific shape. In fact, I was amazed how well her crew has maintained her. Everything was spotless, even the deck corners; and all the sensor and combat systems were ”up” and ready for action.

Normandy is representative of the ”Baseline 3” is representative of the ”Baseline 3” Ticos, Ticos, with improved lightweight SPY-1B radars (each Aegis s.h.i.+p has four of these) and new computers. Following the 1997/98 cruise, she will head into the yard for a major overhaul, which will completely update her Aegis combat system to the latest version. When she comes out of the yard sometime in 1999, she will be equipped with the new SM-2 Block 4 SAM, which will give her an ability to engage and destroy theater ballistic missiles (TBMs). Eventually, the entire fleet of Aegis cruisers and destroyers will have this capability, which will greatly reduce the risks from enemy TBMs to our forward-deployed forces. Today, the crew of the with improved lightweight SPY-1B radars (each Aegis s.h.i.+p has four of these) and new computers. Following the 1997/98 cruise, she will head into the yard for a major overhaul, which will completely update her Aegis combat system to the latest version. When she comes out of the yard sometime in 1999, she will be equipped with the new SM-2 Block 4 SAM, which will give her an ability to engage and destroy theater ballistic missiles (TBMs). Eventually, the entire fleet of Aegis cruisers and destroyers will have this capability, which will greatly reduce the risks from enemy TBMs to our forward-deployed forces. Today, the crew of the Normandy Normandy and the Aegis destroyer and the Aegis destroyer Carney Carney were simulating some of the engagement techniques that will be part of that future capability. were simulating some of the engagement techniques that will be part of that future capability.

After the tour, I headed down to the commodore's stateroom and sleep. John and I were scheduled to return to the GW GW in the morning, as we had been hearing rumors that the ”hot war” part of the JTFEX scenario might start within a day or two. I had wanted to be aboard the in the morning, as we had been hearing rumors that the ”hot war” part of the JTFEX scenario might start within a day or two. I had wanted to be aboard the GW GW when that happened in order to have the best possible view of the start of the hostilities. As it happened, things didn't work out according to schedule-to our great good fortune, for we ended up experiencing the most interesting day of the exercise. when that happened in order to have the best possible view of the start of the hostilities. As it happened, things didn't work out according to schedule-to our great good fortune, for we ended up experiencing the most interesting day of the exercise.

Sat.u.r.day, August 23rd, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 6: The Koronan government today continued to pressure Kartuna by test firing several SCUD ballistic missiles on their test range. This is seen as a sign that they are bringing their theater ballistic missile combat units to a high state of combat readiness. In addition, the Koronan fleet has been surged out of their ports, and is currently moving into position to track and trail the Coalition Naval forces ma.s.sing in the Gulf of Sabani. Meanwhile, elements of the 24th MEU (SOC) and Guam ARG have commenced their NEO of the American emba.s.sy compound in Temal. It is expected that this operation will be completed early on the morning of August 24th.

By Sat.u.r.day morning, much had happened in JTFEX 97-3. Overnight, the Normandy Normandy and the other escorts had rejoined the and the other escorts had rejoined the GW, GW, and the combined battle group had entered the northern end of the Gulf of Sabani. Pa.s.sing by the (imaginary) Willo and Hirt Islands, the group turned south into the Gulf to support the and the combined battle group had entered the northern end of the Gulf of Sabani. Pa.s.sing by the (imaginary) Willo and Hirt Islands, the group turned south into the Gulf to support the Guam Guam ARG/24th MEU (SOC) in their NEO of endangered personnel from Kartuna. ARG/24th MEU (SOC) in their NEO of endangered personnel from Kartuna.

Meanwhile, the USACOM J-7 exercise leaders were working hard on the ”flex” part of the scenario, trying to bait Admiral Mullen and his commanders into actions that would cause hostilities to break out immediately. For the admiral and his staff, their job was to keep a ”lid” on the scenario for as long as possible-important in the light of the NEO the 24th MEU (SOC) which had begun in the predawn hours. Here was to be the ”eyeball-to-eyeball” phase of the exercise, simulating the ”short-of-war” realities that our commanders would face in an actual crisis. Even though this was a training exercise, you could feel the tension of the emerging situation. Everyone in the battle group knew that they were being evaluated for their readiness to go into a potential combat situation during JTFEX 97-3, and n.o.body wanted to let the rest of the force down.

All around the battle group, s.h.i.+ps from the Atlantic Fleet were being used to simulate Koronan Naval vessels in an ”aggressor” role. And numerous other s.h.i.+ps were simulating neutral s.h.i.+pping traffic, trying to get clear of the emerging fracas, or to get one more cargo run in before the ”war” started. The final proof that the ”hot” phase of the exercise was about to begin arrived on a UH-46 transport helicopter's morning run in the form of the Normandy's Normandy's SOOT team representative. This was Captain James W. Phillips, the CO of the Aegis cruiser SOOT team representative. This was Captain James W. Phillips, the CO of the Aegis cruiser Vella Gulf Vella Gulf (CG-72), who had come aboard to observe the proceedings and to evaluate the performance of Captain Deppe and his crew during the exercise. Captain Phillips is a courtly gentleman who quickly attached himself to Jim Deppe, and they were soon chatting away like two old friends working out the best place to catch a prize ba.s.s. But you only had to look out a porthole of the (CG-72), who had come aboard to observe the proceedings and to evaluate the performance of Captain Deppe and his crew during the exercise. Captain Phillips is a courtly gentleman who quickly attached himself to Jim Deppe, and they were soon chatting away like two old friends working out the best place to catch a prize ba.s.s. But you only had to look out a porthole of the Normandy' Normandy's wardroom during breakfast to see that the game afoot in this pond beat the h.e.l.l out of any fis.h.i.+ng you might find ash.o.r.e.

Things were about to get very interesting in this little patch of the Gulf of Sabani. About 1,000 yards/914 meters off the starboard beam, a Normandy Normandy whaleboat was taking a maritime inspection team to the frigate whaleboat was taking a maritime inspection team to the frigate Samuel Elliot Morrison Samuel Elliot Morrison (FFG-13), which was currently playing the part of a neutral merchant s.h.i.+p. Breakfast was hardly finished when the word came over that the frigate had a real casualty who needed to be evacuated back to the mainland, an action that caused a problem for John and myself. The diagnosis was hepat.i.tis, and the patient was being transported over in the whaleboat with a corpsman. (FFG-13), which was currently playing the part of a neutral merchant s.h.i.+p. Breakfast was hardly finished when the word came over that the frigate had a real casualty who needed to be evacuated back to the mainland, an action that caused a problem for John and myself. The diagnosis was hepat.i.tis, and the patient was being transported over in the whaleboat with a corpsman.

With only a single HS-11 sortie scheduled to fly from Normandy Normandy to to GW GW that day, this meant that the casualty and corpsman would take our places on the Seahawk, and we would have to wait another day or two to return to the carrier. Captain Deppe made it clear that he would do his best to get us back as soon as possible. And besides, he went on to say, there was plenty of room for us aboard, and since it was Sat.u.r.day in the ”real” world, it would be pizza night on the that day, this meant that the casualty and corpsman would take our places on the Seahawk, and we would have to wait another day or two to return to the carrier. Captain Deppe made it clear that he would do his best to get us back as soon as possible. And besides, he went on to say, there was plenty of room for us aboard, and since it was Sat.u.r.day in the ”real” world, it would be pizza night on the Normandy. Normandy. Since Since Normandy Normandy had one of the best galleys in the Atlantic Fleet, this sounded like making the best of a bad situation. had one of the best galleys in the Atlantic Fleet, this sounded like making the best of a bad situation.

After the HS-11 Seahawk arrived and collected the casualty and corpsman, the s.h.i.+p pa.s.sed into a comfortable high-pressure zone, which had the effect of dropping the temperature to a refres.h.i.+ng 80 F/27 C, and drying out the air to a sparkling clarity. Visibility became almost unlimited, with line-of-sight ranges running to almost 30,000 yards/27,400 meters. It soon became the most beautiful day I'd seen in months, with a flat calm sea and almost no wind. Meanwhile, the ”bubble” of visible s.p.a.ce around us had become crowded with s.h.i.+ps.

Later that afternoon, around 1600 (4 P.M.), as I stood on the helicopter platform aft, I noticed something strange. One of the nearby s.h.i.+ps suddenly closed from astern to around 2,000 yards/1,828 meters, and tried to move around us, much as a car tries to pa.s.s a truck on an interstate highway. A moment later, I felt the deck shudder underneath my feet, and heard the sharp whine of the Normandy's Normandy's four LM-2500 gas turbines going to full power. In just seconds the cruiser jumped from twelve to thirty knots, and Captain Deppe radically cut in front of the other s.h.i.+p, blocking the pa.s.s. Somewhat dazzled by this maneuver, I looked aft at the other vessel, a four LM-2500 gas turbines going to full power. In just seconds the cruiser jumped from twelve to thirty knots, and Captain Deppe radically cut in front of the other s.h.i.+p, blocking the pa.s.s. Somewhat dazzled by this maneuver, I looked aft at the other vessel, a Spruance- Spruance-cla.s.s destroyer that I initially expected to be the USS John Rodgers John Rodgers (DD-983) from our battle group. But then I noticed that this (DD-983) from our battle group. But then I noticed that this Spruance Spruance did not have the ASROC launcher of the did not have the ASROC launcher of the John Rodgers, John Rodgers, and a quick glance at her pennant number confirmed my suspicions. It was the USS and a quick glance at her pennant number confirmed my suspicions. It was the USS Nicholson Nicholson (DD-982)-a VLS-equipped (DD-982)-a VLS-equipped Spruance Spruance simulating a Koronan simulating a Koronan Kas.h.i.+n- Kas.h.i.+n-cla.s.s guided-missile destroyer. Clearly the JTFEX 97-3 scenario was growing hotter. John and I headed forward to the bridge at a dead run to find out what was going on.

As we arrived on the port bridge wing, I saw the Nicholson Nicholson trying to slip up our beam. Over at the edge of the bridge were Captains Deppe and Phillips, watching intently as the destroyer maneuvered. At the same time, the TBS (Talk Between s.h.i.+p) radio circuit came alive with traffic from all around the battle group. Two frigates simulating Koronan guided-missile gunboats were maneuvering aggressively. Looking to one of the young lieutenants, I asked, ”What the h.e.l.l is going on?” trying to slip up our beam. Over at the edge of the bridge were Captains Deppe and Phillips, watching intently as the destroyer maneuvered. At the same time, the TBS (Talk Between s.h.i.+p) radio circuit came alive with traffic from all around the battle group. Two frigates simulating Koronan guided-missile gunboats were maneuvering aggressively. Looking to one of the young lieutenants, I asked, ”What the h.e.l.l is going on?”

”They're playing chicken,” he said, ”like the Russians.” The remark was like a trip through time for me.

Back in the Cold War, the s.h.i.+ps and submarines of the Soviet Navy used to trail our CVBGs the way Nicholson Nicholson was doing. This was a favorite tactic of the late Admiral Sergei Gorshkov (the longtime chief of the Soviet Navy), and took advantage of the ”freedom of navigation” rules accorded s.h.i.+ps on the high seas. The idea was to maneuver for a clear line of sight to the carrier the way they'd do just before the outbreak of a real conflict. In the ”first salvo” of that war, the s.h.i.+ps and subs would fire their missiles, torpedoes, and guns and attempt to put the flattop out of action. The only way to defeat this threat was for our own escort s.h.i.+ps to maneuver aggressively, physically placing themselves between the enemy s.h.i.+ps and the carrier. At times, vessels of both sides would actually ”b.u.mp.” Such aggressive maneuvering now and then increased tensions between the superpowers. was doing. This was a favorite tactic of the late Admiral Sergei Gorshkov (the longtime chief of the Soviet Navy), and took advantage of the ”freedom of navigation” rules accorded s.h.i.+ps on the high seas. The idea was to maneuver for a clear line of sight to the carrier the way they'd do just before the outbreak of a real conflict. In the ”first salvo” of that war, the s.h.i.+ps and subs would fire their missiles, torpedoes, and guns and attempt to put the flattop out of action. The only way to defeat this threat was for our own escort s.h.i.+ps to maneuver aggressively, physically placing themselves between the enemy s.h.i.+ps and the carrier. At times, vessels of both sides would actually ”b.u.mp.” Such aggressive maneuvering now and then increased tensions between the superpowers.78 We used to call it ”Cowboys and Russians,” and I had thought that it was a thing of the past. 1 was clearly wrong. We used to call it ”Cowboys and Russians,” and I had thought that it was a thing of the past. 1 was clearly wrong.

Though it's not publicized by the U.S. Navy, the tactic of interposing an escort s.h.i.+p between an opponent and the carrier is still practiced; it resembles the ”ha.s.sling” that fighter pilots engage in to keep themselves sharp. But ”dogfighting” with billion-dollar cruisers and destroyers is riskier. Clearly the USACOM training staff wanted to stress Admiral Mullen and his staff into a situation where the Koronan forces could claim a provocation and initiate hostilities while the 24th MEU (SOC) was still conducting their NEO in Temal. The challenge was clear. If a Koronan s.h.i.+p was able to draw a line-of-sight bead on the GW, then the escorts would be required to ”fire” on the offending vessel to keep the flattop safe. At the same time, because GW GW was conducting flight operations, there was very little Captain Rutheford could do to help combat the intruders. was conducting flight operations, there was very little Captain Rutheford could do to help combat the intruders.

The destroyer USS Nicholson Nicholson (DD-982), during her maneuvering duel with the USS (DD-982), during her maneuvering duel with the USS Normandy Normandy (CG-60). (CG-60).

JOHN D. GRESHAM.

[image]

For the next few hours, it would be up to the ”small boys” of the battle group to keep the Koronan missile s.h.i.+ps at bay. Clearly, the Normandy's Normandy's Sat.u.r.day night pizza tradition was about to go on hold for a while. Captain Deppe, immediately grasping the challenge, went to the task with a grin on his face. Opportunities were rare to maneuver his s.h.i.+p to its limits against a fellow skipper in an almost perfectly matched s.h.i.+p. This was just such a chance. Although there are clear exercise rules about how close opposing combatants are allowed to approach, these rules were about to be bent. In fact, the only rule seemed to be: Don't actually Sat.u.r.day night pizza tradition was about to go on hold for a while. Captain Deppe, immediately grasping the challenge, went to the task with a grin on his face. Opportunities were rare to maneuver his s.h.i.+p to its limits against a fellow skipper in an almost perfectly matched s.h.i.+p. This was just such a chance. Although there are clear exercise rules about how close opposing combatants are allowed to approach, these rules were about to be bent. In fact, the only rule seemed to be: Don't actually touch touch the other guy! the other guy!

The next few hours went by very quickly, as we parried and thrusted with the Nicholson. Nicholson. The captain of the The captain of the Nicholson Nicholson (Commander Craig E. Langman) was extremely aggressive, doing everything he could to get past us. He never succeeded. Captain Deppe maneuvered the (Commander Craig E. Langman) was extremely aggressive, doing everything he could to get past us. He never succeeded. Captain Deppe maneuvered the Normandy Normandy like a Formula I racing car, keeping the destroyer solidly away from the flattop. At times we raced ahead at over thirty knots, only to crash-stop within a s.h.i.+p length or two. Then we might sit for ten or fifteen minutes, with just a thousand yards or so separating the two vessels. Suddenly, the like a Formula I racing car, keeping the destroyer solidly away from the flattop. At times we raced ahead at over thirty knots, only to crash-stop within a s.h.i.+p length or two. Then we might sit for ten or fifteen minutes, with just a thousand yards or so separating the two vessels. Suddenly, the Nicholson Nicholson would jam on the speed, and the maneuvering would begin again. Each time, Captain Deppe would match his counterpart move-for-move. At times the would jam on the speed, and the maneuvering would begin again. Each time, Captain Deppe would match his counterpart move-for-move. At times the Normandy Normandy would heel as much as 40, and you could hear the sounds of pizza pans and crockery hitting the deck back in the galley. Other times, it would be a race to see if the would heel as much as 40, and you could hear the sounds of pizza pans and crockery hitting the deck back in the galley. Other times, it would be a race to see if the Nicholson Nicholson could inch ahead just a little, followed by a radical turn to try to gain position. could inch ahead just a little, followed by a radical turn to try to gain position.

It wasn't until sometime after 2000 (8 P.M.) that the Nicholson Nicholson and the other two Koronan intruders finally turned away, and the jousting was over. As Captain Deppe ordered the engines throttled back and began to con the and the other two Koronan intruders finally turned away, and the jousting was over. As Captain Deppe ordered the engines throttled back and began to con the Normandy Normandy to her a.s.signed position in the defense screen, Admiral Mullen's voice came up on the TBS circuit. For several minutes, the admiral commented on the performance of each s.h.i.+p in the screen, after which he paid a glowing compliment to the skippers of the three escorts that had fended off the Koronan wars.h.i.+ps. After his hearty ”Well done,” you could feel the tension ease around the s.h.i.+p. Though we did not know it at the time, the to her a.s.signed position in the defense screen, Admiral Mullen's voice came up on the TBS circuit. For several minutes, the admiral commented on the performance of each s.h.i.+p in the screen, after which he paid a glowing compliment to the skippers of the three escorts that had fended off the Koronan wars.h.i.+ps. After his hearty ”Well done,” you could feel the tension ease around the s.h.i.+p. Though we did not know it at the time, the GW GW battle group had pa.s.sed a significant test; they had bought two more days of ”peace” for the Kartunans and their coalition allies. battle group had pa.s.sed a significant test; they had bought two more days of ”peace” for the Kartunans and their coalition allies.

Aboard the Normandy, Normandy, life began to settle back to normal. Down in the galleys, the mess specialists salvaged what they could of the pizzas they would serve at mid-rats. Though the 2300 (11 P.M.) feeding was heavy that night, many of the officers and crew chose to just hit their racks and grab some sleep instead. These were the veterans, who knew that what they had seen today was only the beginning of what could be another two weeks of ”combat.” Those with less experience and more adrenaline munched on thick-crust pan pizza, and chatted about the terrific s.h.i.+p-handling Captain Deppe had shown the entire battle group that day. As I lingered over a piece of the baked pie, I answered a question that had been in my mind for some time: Since the end of the Cold War, the surface forces of the USN have not had a serious enemy. Such a condition can breed complacency and lead to ”sloppy” habits in commanders and crews. Jim Deppe's performance on the bridge of the life began to settle back to normal. Down in the galleys, the mess specialists salvaged what they could of the pizzas they would serve at mid-rats. Though the 2300 (11 P.M.) feeding was heavy that night, many of the officers and crew chose to just hit their racks and grab some sleep instead. These were the veterans, who knew that what they had seen today was only the beginning of what could be another two weeks of ”combat.” Those with less experience and more adrenaline munched on thick-crust pan pizza, and chatted about the terrific s.h.i.+p-handling Captain Deppe had shown the entire battle group that day. As I lingered over a piece of the baked pie, I answered a question that had been in my mind for some time: Since the end of the Cold War, the surface forces of the USN have not had a serious enemy. Such a condition can breed complacency and lead to ”sloppy” habits in commanders and crews. Jim Deppe's performance on the bridge of the Normandy Normandy this Sat.u.r.day evening convinced me that this Sat.u.r.day evening convinced me that our our surface Navy still has ”the right stuff.” surface Navy still has ”the right stuff.”

Sunday, August 24th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 7: The 24th MEU (SOC) completed their NEO early today, and is evacuating the civilians to a neutral location. The aggressive actions of Koronan Naval forces yesterday have been reported to the UN Security Council, which has issued an additional resolution allowing expanded use of force in the event of further hara.s.sment. The only Koronan government response has been additional mobilization of their military forces.

The morning after the game of ”Cowboys and Russians” dawned humid, overcast, and stormy. I awoke to a knock on my door from a chief petty officer at 0600 (6 A.M.). He informed me that the captain had arranged for a UH-46 VERTREP helicopter to pick up us and shuttle us over to the GW. Quickly showering and packing up my bag, I met John in the wardroom for breakfast, and we discussed our plans for returning to the carrier. Since the helicopter was due overhead at 1000 hours (10 A.M.), I took the time to go up to the bridge and thank Captain Deppe for his hospitality. Afterward, on my way down, I ran into Captain Phillips, who confirmed my own thoughts about the previous night's proceedings. He had noted Normandy's Normandy's impressive performance in his report to the SOOT team leader aboard the command s.h.i.+p impressive performance in his report to the SOOT team leader aboard the command s.h.i.+p Mount Whitney. Mount Whitney. ”Keep an eye out for things to break tomorrow,” he added slyly. Armed with this information, John and I collected our bags, and then headed aft to the helicopter hangar to await our ride back to the ”Keep an eye out for things to break tomorrow,” he added slyly. Armed with this information, John and I collected our bags, and then headed aft to the helicopter hangar to await our ride back to the GW. GW.

At the hangar, a chief handed us float coats and cranial helmets, and gave us a quick safety briefing on the Sea Knight. And then at the appointed time, the UH-46 set down gently on the Normandy's Normandy's helicopter pad. The big twin-rotor Sea Knight was a tight fit on the small landing platform, and you could see the deck personnel carefully watching the clearance between the rotor blades and the superstructure. We quickly boarded the bird and strapped into our seats. Two minutes later, the crew b.u.t.toned up the UH-46 and lifted off into the overcast. The ride back to the GW took about fifteen minutes. helicopter pad. The big twin-rotor Sea Knight was a tight fit on the small landing platform, and you could see the deck personnel carefully watching the clearance between the rotor blades and the superstructure. We quickly boarded the bird and strapped into our seats. Two minutes later, the crew b.u.t.toned up the UH-46 and lifted off into the overcast. The ride back to the GW took about fifteen minutes.

In the ATO office, Lieutenant Navritril had good news for John. Since many of the VIPs, contractors, and other extra s.h.i.+p riders had flown home, he would now get to occupy a two-man stateroom up on the O-2 level near mine. He also let us know that the Challenge Athena link was working well, which meant that we could expect to see one of the opening-day NFL football games the following Sunday. ”So take it easy,” he told us, ”and relax the rest of the day.” Both of us gratefully took him up on this suggestion, and retired to our staterooms for a little ”down” time. If things got ”hot” on Monday, I wanted to be ready.

Monday, August 25th, 1997JTFEX 97-3-Day 8: At dawn this morning, the armed forces of Korona began a general invasion of the Kartunan homeland. Elements of every branch of the Koronan military are involved, and have been identified, and are rapidly overrunning the country. The UN Security Council, the U.S. government, and the government of all coalition allies have condemned this action. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council has voted a number of resolutions, including one which encouraged ”use of all necessary and appropriate force” to halt the aggression.