July 9,1994Decommissioning, Transfer

and Commissioning Ceremony

USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198)BASIC STATISTICAL DATA

Built by National Steel and ShipbuildingCompany, San Diego,California

Keel laid 13 February 1971Launched 4 December 1971Commissioned 5 August 1972Length on Deck 522 Feet, 3 InchesLength Overall 563 FeetBeam (Width) 69 Feet, 9.5 InchesDisplacement 8,300 Tons (Full Load)Mean Draft (Depth) 15 Feet (Full Load)Propulsion Twin Controllable/Reversible Pitch

Propellers, powered by six diesel enginesSpeed In excess of 20 knotsBow Thruster Single Controllable Pitch screw, located

forwardArmament Mark 15 20mm Rapid-Fire Close In

Weapons System (CIWS)Crew 15 Officers, 246 EnlistedTroop Capacity 18 Officers, 336 EnlistedCargo (Vehicles and/or Bulk) 2,000 Tons

DECOMMISSIONING CEREMONY

Each ship in the Navy holds two unique ceremonies during the course of its existence. Thecommissioning ceremony which bears the promise for a bright future, and the decommissioningceremony signifying the end of an era, honors all of the men and women who have given theirtime, their energy, and, for some their lives, to fulfill and surpass the aspirations of those whostood in the commissioning ceremony. The ceremony is not prescribed specifically by Navalregulations, but is instead an honored product of Naval tradition. Custom has established that thisceremony be formal and impressive — a solemn occasion on which we pause to reflect upon therich heritage of this ship and the United States Navy.

COMMISSIONING PENNANT

The commissioning pennant dates from the 17th century, when Dutch Admiral Van Trompdefeated an English fleet in 1652 and lashed a broomstick from the after truck of his flagship tosignify that he had "swept" the English from the seas. A year later, when the fortunes of war hadreversed, the English Admiral, Admiral Blake, hoisted a horse whip to indicate his intentions tochastise the Dutch. The British carried out their boast. Since then the narrow "coach whip"pennant has become the international symbol of a ship of war.

BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198)COAT OF ARMS

In April 1972 the Prospective Commanding Officer, CDR D. L. WAGGONER, traveled to

Bristol County, Rhode Island to establish close relations between the ship and the citizens of its

namesake county. He spoke to several groups, including the State Senate, Rotary Club, and

various town councils. Commander Waggoner told these groups about "their ship" while, at the

same time, learning about the heritage of the county and its old seafaring towns of Bristol (1680),Warren (1747), and Barrington (1770). During his stay in Bristol County he arranged for a local

artisan and highly respected plaque designer, Mr. Thomas Goff, to assist in designing the ship's

coat-of-arms or plaque. The county newspapers also got in the act by running a contest for the

best slogan or motto. Pictured above is our coat-of-arms and motto.

The coat-of-arms of USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198) reflects the background and spirit

of the area for which she is named. Basic to the coat-of-arms is the anchor, and symbolic on the

coat-of-arms are the state seal and flag of the State of Rhode Island, long symbols of strength and

hope for mariners.

The Square-Rigger and Tank Landing Ship on the ocean are symbolic of the old sailing vessels

that moored in the Port of Bristol, Rhode Island, and the new and versatile LSTs of today. Also

shown are the coats-of-arms of the towns of Bristol, Warren, and Barrington, the three towns

comprising Bristol County, and the dates these historical old seafaring towns were incorporated.

The motto, SHIPSHAPE'N BRISTOL FASHION, with its origin in the town of Bristol,

England in the 18th century, is a saying that noted the excellence of the ships that sailed from that

port. A full explanation of the motto is continued elsewhere in the program. It is a well known

complimentary expression still in use today.

The composite design symbolizes the historic relationship between USS BRISTOL COUNTY

(LST 1198), Bristol County, Rhode Island, and the sea.

SHIPSHAPE AND BRISTOL FASHION

I had been in the Navy only a very few days when I first heard the phrase "shipshape and Bristol

fashion." My introduction was made by a boatswain's mate who disapproved of my style of line-

coiling: he said it wasn't. I didn't know anything about the expression, but I got the generalmeaning from his tone of voice. When I asked what "Bristol fashion" was, he answered with a

growl. "It means getting it right."

Throughout my naval career I could not discover why or how this British port had been chosen

as the standard of the world in shipbuilding, maintenance, seamanship, and navigation. Bristol

is not a large port, though several centuries ago it was second only to London. Since then, many

other British ports have surpassed Bristol as a maritime center. So why isn't it "Liverpool fashion"or "Southampton fashion" or "Portsmouth fashion"? And other navies must like to think that their

seamanship is professionally superior. Of all the ports in the world, why "Bristol fashion"?

A few years after I retired from the Navy, personal circumstances brought me to England and

I settled near-you guessed it-Bristol. "At last," I thought, "I can unravel the mystery." I made the

acquaintance of British naval and merchant captains in the port. I researched the museums. I even,

in the true spirit of academic self-sacrifice, canvassed the quayside pubs. I think I finally know

what is meant by "Bristol fashion."

The expression seems to have originated in the early 18th century. It is derived from two aspects

of the city: the where and the how of Bristol. The city and port of Bristol date back at least 1,000

years to Saxon times. It was originally called "Brycg-Stow", the "bridge place" at the head of

navigation on the River Avon. At first sight it seems like an unlikely place for a port, but that was

exactly why it was chosen. Pirates used to cruise around England's south coast, and many cities

were raided and sacked. Not Bristol; the raiders' seamanship wasn't up to reaching the city.

Coming up to Bristol is one of the nautical experiences of a lifetime. First one enters Bristol

Channel, separating southwest England from Wales. Next is the Severn Estuary, home of the

"Severn Bore", which must be seen to be believed. It is an awesome natural phenomenon; a wall

of water moving up-stream at ten knots. Then one enters the River Avon at Avonmouth, a narrow,

tortuous channel ending in the Avon Gorge. Bristol awaits, seven miles up the Avon. Also

awaiting are 40-foot tides, which come in and out with a rush that rivals those of the Bay of Fundy.

As one captain said, "In Bristol, you don't just double up your lines and go off to the pub. You'll

find your ship hanging by her cleats when you return-or else downstream on the rocks." These

ferocious tidal characteristics demand a degree of attention not required in calmer ports.

Unprofessional seamanship has a short life in Bristol.

Sturdy tides require sturdy ship construction. Bristol shipbuilders refer to their vessels as

"robust", a word not often applied to ships. When a ship has to sit on the mud-or the rocks-twice

a day while in port, she has to be built better. Bristol-built ships had impressively solid frames-

and more of them. There are many instances of ships built for more tolerant harbors calling at

Bristol and straining hulls, scantlings, and seams. Ships built "Bristol fashion" held together.

Such stout construction increased a vessel's displacement. To maintain competitive speeds, sail

area was enlarged. This, in turn, required careful rigging tended with skilled seamanship. Ships

built "Bristol fashion" had to be maintained to the same high standards.

By the mid-18th century, Britain's troubles in North America were increasing. The "American

problem" meant that British political and military commanders in the Colonies needed instructions

and support. Communications depended on the transatlantic packet, or dispatch boats. Here the

carriage of passengers and cargo were secondary to speed.

Bristol became the logical departure port for these packet boats. With six horse changes, a

dispatch rider from London could reach the port in 12 hours. When a ship sailed, she was already

headed straight for America and did not have to navigate any of the treacherous south coast

channels. She would have a two-day advantage over a ship departing Portsmouth. A well-

maintained and well-handled dispatch boat could clip one to two weeks off the transit time of

frigates and merchantmen. Passages of two weeks between England and New York were notunusual for Bristol packets-no small thing at that time. Once again, vessels from Bristol gained

a reputation for maintaining a standard of service that was unequaled.

After the War of 1812, Bristol's importance as a great seaport declined. Gone were the days of

the fast packets to General Cornwallis. Then in the 1830's, one of the giants of the Industrial

Revolution burst onto the Bristol scene. Isambard Kingdom Brunei-engineer and entrepreneur

extraordinaire-built the Great Western Railway from London to Bristol. Tunneling through

mountains when necessary, Brunei's rail service cut coach travel between the two cities from

three days to five hours.

Next Brunei turned his attention to shipbuilding. In 1843 when his masterpiece, the Great

Britain, was commissioned, she was the largest ship in the world. She had a wrought-iron hull,

steam engine, and screw propeller. Brunei hadn't invented any of these things, but he was the first

to put them together in one ship. The Great Britain had to be built in dry dock instead of on

building ways. A lock had to be built to allow her to get to sea. A new era of iron ships was

launched "Bristol fashion."

What is to be learned from all of this? A ship built "Bristol fashion" has to be kept that way,

and this doesn't just happen. Throughout two centuries, the U.S. Navy has suffered more

casualties to ships and men from the sea and from accidents than it has during enemy action. The

accounts of grounding, turret and magazine explosions, fires, storm losses, men overboard,

submarine hull and induction flooding make somber reading. Almost every one was preventable.

The sea is always waiting for the careless. A seafarer would do well to acknowledge that there

is such a condition of material readiness as "Bristol fashion" and that it is attainable. The Navycould then concentrate on fighting an enemy and not be at war with her natural habitat. Once a

ship is build and maintained in "Bristol fashion" the "shipshape" part will automatically follow.

By Commander John H. Bothwell, U.S. Navy (Retired)

Reprinted from Naval History with permission: Copyright 1989, U.S. Naval Institute.

MS 031INI1 m HIM

CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

Dear Captain,

My best wishes go to you and to your ship's companyon the commissioning of BRISTOL COUNTY (LST-1198).

The earlier LSTs of World War Two and Korea, withthe unique ability to land large numbers of weapons andvehicles wherever they were needed, made a major con-

COUNTY, one of a new class of "super LST," bears littleresemblance to the earlier class. With greater speed,with larger capacity for heavy loads of equipment, ve-hicles, and personnel, and with, impressive versatility,your new ship will truly add a new dimension to amphib-ious warfare. You now have before you the demandingtask of welding ship and crew into a working, fightingteam.

Your selection as Commanding Officer of BRISTOLCOUNTY is a tribute to your past performance and atteststo your ability to meet the challenge of Command, themost cherished experience of a Naval career. You knowthe truth of Admiral Arleigh Burke's remark that anyship is "good because of the people in her; without them,she is an inert mass of steel." Our need for highly mo-tivated, experienced personnel has never been greater.I urge you to be keenly aware of the welfare of your men.There is no substitute for a crew who is well informedand whose talents are recognized. I encourage you todelegate responsibility down to the lowest level and inso doing, develop a real sense of being part of, what Iknow will be, one of our Navy's finest fighting units'.

On behalf of the Navy, I welcome BRISTOL COUNTY tothe fleet.

E. RCZTJMWALT, JR.Admiral, U.S. Navy

Commander Donald L. Waggoner, USNPCO, BRISTOL COUNTY (LST-1198)Long Beach Naval ShipyardLong Beach, California 90802

The Honorable John H. DaltonSecretary of the Navy

Admiral Jeremy M. BoordaChief of Naval Operations

THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVYWASHINGTON. D.C. 20350-1000

29 March 1994

Commander Robert c. Massey, USNCommanding OfficerUSS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198)FPO AP 96661-1819

Dear Commander Massey:

BRISTOL COUNTY has always been a bold ship ready to sail inharm's way in defense of American freedom. As BRISTOL COUNTYleaves active service, I would like to express my sincerestappreciation on behalf of the President and the entire Departmentof Defense to all who have served aboard her.

The role of our amphibious force was critical through theCold War in preserving the peace and assisting the defense of ourfriends and allies. Since her commissioning in 1972, BRISTOLCOUNTY served with distinction throughout the Pacific, supportingMarine and allied operations in the Far East, the Persian Gulfand elsewhere. The tasks of putting forces ashore, transportingcombat vehicles and material, and evacuating non-combatants maynot appear glamorous — but they remain critical elements ofpower projection from the sea. BRISTOL COUNTY did them well.

You and your fine crew, and all the many thousands ofSailors and Marines who have served aboard BRISTOL COUNTY shouldtake great pride in her legacy of professionalism, excellence,and courage. You have done much to protect and promote freedom,and all Americans are grateful for your service.

Sincerely,

ohn H. Dalton

CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

24 May

A MESSAGE FOR THE OFFICERS AND CREW OFUSS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198)

As you prepare to decommission USS BRISTOL COUNTY,I congratulate current and former crew members for your historiccontributions to our nation's security. It is always difficult to bidfarewell to old friends, but each of you can take justifiable pride inyour accomplishments throughout BRISTOL COUNTY'Sdistinguished career.

For more than two decades, BRISTOL COUNTY crews haveserved their country with distinction. From the day your fine shipwas commissioned in 1972, through ten deployments to theWestern Pacific, and numerous fleet exercises, BRISTOLCOUNTY has contributed to the defense of our nation superbly.She provided expert disaster relief to residents of the SolomonIslands in 1986, to our Philippine friends during the MountPinatubo eruption in 1991, and to victims of Hurricane Iniki in 1992As a result of these efforts, many people around the globe owetheir lives to the vigilance and bravery of BRISTOL COUNTYSailors.

Today's ceremony is not the final call of BRISTOLCOUNTY'S journey. Her memory will live on in the hearts of allthose who served aboard this great ship, and in the hearts offreedom-loving people around the world.

General C. E. Mundy, Jr.Commandant of the Marine Corps

Admiral R. J. KellyCommander in Chief,

U.S. Pacific Fleet

July 9, 1994

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS

On the occasion of the decommissioning of theUSS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198), I would like to takethis opportunity to express my deepest gratitude tothe Navy-Marine Corps team that manned her decksthroughout her illustrious career.

History has shown us that our National SecurityStrategy reguires a premier, ready and capableforce. The Navy-Marine Corps team provides ourNation with a naval expeditionary force having acomplete air, land, and sea capability. For morethan 22 years, the USS BRISTOL COUNTY has carved asignificant niche in the proud history of our navalforce. Whether serving with our allies in jointexercises, or constituting a show of force in theWestern Pacific, the USS BRISTOL COUNTY can beproud of her service to our country.

As she passes the torch to a new generation ofamphibious vessels, we feel a sense of loss forthis valued, old friend. On behalf of all Marines,I salute the USS BRISTOL COUNTY for her contri-bution to freedom for all mankind.

Farewell, great ship.

C. E. MUNDY, JR.General, U.S. Marine Corp*s

Dear Commander Massey,26 May 1994

Congratulations to the crew of USS BRISTOLCOUNTY as you decommission after 22 years of loyaland dedicated service. The last ship in the proudclass of "NEWPORT" LSTs, BRISTOL COUNTY and hermany generations of outstanding sailors were trueteam players in the Pacific Fleet. Her trustworthyservice over the years played a key role inpreserving our nation's interests in this importantand highly volatile region.

A hard-working member of the "Gator Navy,"BRISTOL COUNTY served exceptionally throughout 11deployments and countless naval exercises. Sheproved her versatility by rendering fast and ampleassistance during relief operations in thePhilippines after the Mt. Pinatubo disaster. Shewas also quick to provide assistance to the peopleof Kauai, Hawaii after Hurricane "Iniki" devastatedtheir island.

The accomplishments and standards BRISTOLCOUNTY set over the years will serve as benchmarksfor future generations of naval ships and personnelto follow. On behalf of all your shipmates in thefleet, well done!

Sincerely,

R. J. KELLY IAdmiral, U.S. Navy

Vice Admiral David B. RobinsonCommander Naval Surface Force

U.S. Pacific Fleet

Captain David B. BradshawCommander Destroyer

Squadron One

COMMANDER NAVAL SURFACE FORCEU.S. PACIFIC FLEET

Dear Commander Massey,

Your performance as an amphibian has consistently exceededthe highest standards and brought immense praise to the UnitedStates Navy, since your commissioning 22 years ago, the crewof Tank Landing Ship DSS BRISTOL COUNTY has sailed her proudlythrough ten Western Pacific deployments and countless overseasoperations. USS BRISTOL COUNTY has impacted literally everycountry with a coast on the Pacific Ocean and Arabian Gulfthrough these international operations.

USS BRISTOL COUNTY has also distinguished herself as anoutstanding ambassador both at home and abroad. Traditionalallies throughout the Western Pacific have become accustomedto seeing L8T 1198 off-loading Marines onto the beach.Additionally, as command ship for Mount Pinatubo volcanorelief, uss BRISTOL COUNTY was instrumental in the humanitarianrelief of American and Philippine citizens devastated by theeruption. USS BRISTOL COUNTY'S outstanding South PacificDeployment and participation in Exercise Tafakula '93 receivedinternational attention for the outstanding relations createdwith the hundreds of island nations in the region.

Here at home, U6S BRISTOL COUNTY set the standard as thefirst U.S. Navy ship to participate in the now extremelysuccessful "Partnership in Education" program.

The United states navy is losing a real team player asUSS BRISTOL COUNTY is decommissioned. Youc great ship hasperformed well.

To the officers and crew, both past and present, I extendbest wishes in your future endeavors as you have personallycontributed to USS BRISTOL COUNTY'S proud history.

K

DftVID B.xROBlNSONVice Admiral, U .S . Navy

COMMANDER DESTROYER SQUADRON ONE

Dear Commander Massey,

As USS BRISTOL COUNTY closes her long and distinguished Navalcareer on 9 July 1994, I want to take this very special moment to

From her commissioning on 5 August 1972 and throughout her 22years of active service, BRISTOL COUNTY successfully completedten Western Pacific deployments, participated in variousexercises in support of Allied amphibious operations, andprovided humanitarian relief efforts in the Pacific, in SoutheastAsia and in the Persian Gulf. For over two decades, BRISTOLCOUNTY'S Sailors and Marines served the country, in peace and inwar, with dignity and courage. Some of whom unselfishly gave theultimate sacrifice.

Like her namesake county in the State of Rhode Island, BRISTOLCOUNTY is rich in tradition, culture and history. Indeed, thecrew, past and present, lived up to the challenges ofunpredictable and volatile worldwide threats, and contributedsignificantly in projecting power to deter such aggression.

As a former crewmember of BRISTOL COUNTY, I share your pride inthis noble "gator's" accomplishments that were always completedin "SHIPSHAPE'H BRISTOL FASHION". To all of you, "Fair Winds andFollowing Seas" as you prepare to conclude a chapter of Navalhistory and begin to write another. Well Done and Farewell.

D. B. BRADSHAW

Rear Admiral Lee F. GunnCommander,

Amphibious Group Three

Rear Admiral Lee Fredric Gunn is a native of

Pontiac, Michigan and a graduate of the

University of California, Los Angeles. He

received his commission from the Naval ROTC

program at UCLA in June, 1965.

Rear Admiral Gunn served in USS EVERETT

F. LARSON (DD-830) as FirstLT, ASW Officer,

and Navigator. Subsequent to completion of the

Destroyer School Department Head Course, he

served as Operations Officer in USS O'BRIEN

(DD-725). He was Executive Officer of USSALBERT DAVID (FF-1050) and commanded USS B ARBEY (FF-1088). Other fleet assignments

included Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans, Training, and Readiness on the staff of

Commander Naval Surface Combatant Task Force, Seventh Fleet. Rear Admiral Gunn's most

recent sea duty was command of Destroyer Squadron THIRTY-ONE, the Pacific Fleet Anti-

Submarine Warfare Squadron.

Rear Admiral Gunn is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey (Master of

Science in Operations Research), the National War College, the Senior Officer Ship Material

Readiness Course, and the CAPSTONE Joint Flag Officer Course. Other shore assignments have

included: Command Opportunity and Promotion Analyst, Bureau of Naval Personnel; Aide and

Flag Lieutenant, Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Atlantic Fleet Cruiser

Destroyer Placement Officer, Bureau of Naval Personnel; Surface Officer Community Manager,

Military Personnel and Training Division OPNAV; Director, Surface Officer Distribution

Division (NMPC-41), Naval Military Personnel Command; Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel

for Total Force Programming and Manpower (Pers-5); and Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel

for Personnel Policy and Career Progression (Pers-2). Rear Admiral Gunn currently serves as

Commander, Amphibious Group THREE.

Rear Admiral Gunn's personal awards include four awards of the Legion of Merit, two

Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal (combat V), and the Navy

Achievement Medal, in addition to campaign and service ribbons.

He is married to composer/conductor Dr. Lily Hood Gunn, formerly of Bakersfield, California.

They have two children, Eric and Amber.

Commander Robert C. MasseyCommanding Officer,

USS Bristol County (LST 1198)

Commander Robert C. Massey, United States

Navy is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Robert S. Massey

of Covington, Tennessee. Following his

graduation from the University of Mississippi,

he was commissioned an Ensign in 1973 from

the Officer Candidate Program. After specialty

training, he served four years at sea in the

aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE and destroyer

USS HAROLD J. ELLISON in communications

and weapons billets, respectively. During two

deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian

Ocean, Commander Massey participated in

Vietnamese refugee and Ugandan hostage contingency operations.

In 1978 he assumed command of Naval Reserve Center, Pacific Grove, California on theMonterey Peninsula. On completion of the Newport, Rhode Island department head course in1981, he served as Engineer Officer in destroyer USS JOHN HANCOCK while the ship wasdeployed to the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War. Commander Massey was next posted totank landing ship USS S AGIN AW as Engineer Officer during Lebanese peacekeeping operationsin 1984. From 1985 to 1987 he was the head of Engineering and Damage Control Training on theChief Of Naval Operations Staff. As Executive Officer in destroyer USS MOOSBRUGER, theship won the Group Commander's Retention and Battle Efficiency honors and the Atlantic andSixth Fleets' Anti-Submarine Warfare awards during deployments to the North Atlantic andMediterranean.

Commander Massey was Chief Staff Officer of the forward deployed Destroyer SquadronTwenty during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, and these six ships were the first forces engagedduring Operation Desert Shield on blockade operations in the Red Sea. Prior to his assumptionof command of USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198), he served on joint duty with the Air Forceon the faculty of the Air Command and Staff College. Under his command BRISTOL COUNTYearned the Humanitarian Service medal for relief operations on the island of Kauai followingHurricane Iniki. The ship also completed an independent deployment to the South Pacific wheremilitary exercises were conducted with Tongan and French forces and numerous civic actionprojects were carried out in six island nations. Commander Massey was recently selected forpromotion to Captain in 1995.

Commander Massey's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Achievementand Commendation Medals. He is married to the former Gail Northcutt of West Memphis,Arkansas, and they have two daughters Lauren (age 12) and Alana (age 9).

IT^ * ->•' ' SCHEDULE

DECOMMISSION

ARRIVAL OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY

*****IKPARADE THE COLORS

v ̂*****

NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

*****

INVOCATION

*****

WELCOMING REMARKSW*t*V*'-^t >• «Ml

^ «-

*****

PRINCIPAL ADDRESSRear Admiral Lee F. Gunn, USN

Commander, Amphibious Group Three

*****

COMMANDING OFFICER'S REMARKS

OF EVENTSING CEREMONY

DISEMBARK THE CREW

*****

STRIKE THE COLORS

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PRESENTATION OF THE COMMISSIONING PENNANT

*****

SECURE THE WATCH

*****

FINAL SALUTE

*****

BENEDICTION

*****

RETIRE THE COLORS

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DEPARTURE OF THE OFFICIAL PARTY

Charles H. Chenoweth

Executive Officer

Lieutenant Commander Chenoweth is a native of San Antonio, Texas andattended the University of Texas at Austin. He graduated in December of 1 978witn a B achelor of Science degree in Communications, and was commissionedas Ensign in September of 1979. He entered the Navy through OfficerCandidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.

Lieutenant Commander Chenoweth' s first assignment was as main propulsionassistant and navigator in USS MORTON (DD 948). During this initial tourhe participated in a Western Pacific deployment and qualified as a SurfaceWarfare Officer and Engineering Officer of the Watch. This assignment wasfollowed by a tour as operations officer in USS SCHENECTADY (LST 1185)which also included a Western Pacific deployment as the Amphibious SecondaryOperating Group.

He graduated from Department Head School Newport, Rhode Island in1985, prior to reporting to his next ship, USS AINSWORTH (FF 1090) asoperations officer. He reported on board as the ship began a Mediterraneandeployment during which AINSWORTH participated in Gulf of SidraOperations in the vicinity of Libya. He then reported to USS PREBLE (DDG46) and completed his second department head tour as operations officer. Just

prior to ending this tour at sea, Lieutenant Commander Chenoweth deployed with PREBLE as the United Statesparticipant and flag ship for the NATO Standing Naval Forces Atlantic.

Lieutenant Commander Chenoweth then reported to Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic Fleet as thesurface ship operations future scheduler. He reported to USS WICHITA (AOR 1) as executive officer in June of1992, decommissioned the ship in March of 1 993 and reported to USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1 198) as executiveOfficer.

His military awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, The Navy Expeditionary Medal and the HumanitarianService Medal along with numerous other unit awards.

Lieutenant Commander Chenoweth is married to the former Lori Jean Craig of Norfolk, Virginia. The Chenowethsreside with their daughter Amanda, in San Diego, California.

QMCM (SW/SS)Scott D. Shumway

Command Master Chief

I

Master Chief Quartermaster (Surface Warfare) Scott D. Shumway is anative of Wolf Point, Montana. He graduated from Wolf Point High Schoolin June 1976 and reported to Recruit Training Command, San Diego, Californiain September 1976.

Following basic training, he attended submarine school in New London,Connecticut. Upon graduation, he reported to his first assignment, USSFRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657) home ported in Charleston, SouthCarolina. Other sea duty assignments include the USS BREMERTON (SSN698), USS WORDEN (CG 18) and USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST 1198).Shore duty assignments include the Fleet Ballistic Training Center, Charleston,South Carolina and the Naval Education and Training Support Center Pacific,San Diego, California.

His Military decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, NavyAchievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious UnitCommendation, Navy "E" Ribbon, Good conduct Medal, Navy ExpeditionaryMedal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal,Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, EnlistedSurface Warfare Pin, Submarine Warfare Pin, and the SSBN Deterrent PatrolPin.

Master Chief Shumway is married to the former Ana Maria Guzman , ofHavana Cuba, and has twin daughters, Tina and Helen.

DECOMMISSIONING CREWOFFICERS

Name RankNguyen, Phong LTEspe, Benito L. LTHunt, Mark R. LTEady, Gus LTSiegle, Chrisotpher P. LTSmith, Neil A. LTRisseeuw, Scott P. LTNeuenschwander, Vernon E. LTMcGonigle, Matthew M. LTJGWylie, Jay D. LTJGMathis, Darrel L. ENS

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS

NameShumway, Scott D.Lorenzen, Timothy K.Shields, Thomas L.Smith, James H.Winterbottom, Gene R.Clark, Wayne P.Delles, Keith A.Foulk, James R.Sandifer, Anthony J.Teodoro, Arturo R.Ward, Billy J.

RankQMCM (SW/SS)ENCS (SW)ENCS (SW)MSCS (SW)HMCS (SW)SMC (SW)GMC (SW)ENC (SW)DCC (SW)EMCRMC (SW/AW)

NAVIGATION/ADMIN OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT

NameBuchmann, Thomas G.Caroline, Gil C.Gonzales, Michael A.Smith, Mark A.Anderson, Eric A.Coen, Trent R.Evans, Gary A.Minter, RonLaviste, Carlito N.

NameGalloway, RonaldCampbell, Thomas G.Clugston, LaforneCurrent, Richard A.Firebaugh, Martin T.Maldonado, LorenzoMyers, Gregory J.Serneo, Federico P.Shinkle, Jerry L.Upchurch, Walter M.Virgil, Danny R.Beck, Quint C.Bell, Rex K.Inman, Daniel P.Mason, Timothy R.Mique, Rizalito G.Norton, Lester D.

RankQM1 (SW)PN1YN1MAI (SW)QM2YN3PN3YN3PN3

NameAngelone, Gabriel R.Porter, Roy E.Ebue, Arnel R.Emmert, Kevin A.Johnson, Kris C.McCarson, Edward L.Sussan, Richard M.Arini, Samuel A.Littlejohn, Kenneth L.Long, John P.McKissock, Ian S.

RankET1 (SW)RM1OS2RM2 (SW)OS2 (SW)ET2SM2OSSRMSET3ET3

NameRizzo, Allynn S.Skinner, Ryan C.Smith, David A.Smith, Ronnie L.Swets, John C.Towle, Dennis F.Walls, Chadwick W.Bruun, Jesse G.Gragg, Bobby L.Hacker, Jodie L.

RankSMSRMSRMSET3SMSOSSOSSOSSNOSSNOSSN

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

RankICl(SW)EMl(SW)ENl(SW)ENl(SW)EN1EMl(SW)HTl(SW)ENl(SW)BTl(SW)DC1EN1DC2EN2EN2(SW)EN2EM2HT2

NameSalas, CesarClark, EugeneDaigle, Roy E.Harris, Shawn R.Ingram, Jaymorle L.Larkin, Christopher G.Palmer, TravisSnipe, Jerry W.Smith, Paul E.Smith, James H.Stallings, Thomas W.Taylor, David W.Attesi, John M.Biegener, Robert M.Davis, Sean M.Moulton, Jeremy J

DECK DEPARTMENT

NameCaliendo, John A.Crawford, Gordon G.Heatley, Harold J.Holton, Steven W.Whitfield, Michael D.Hrpcha, Thomas R.Peterson, John T.Snagg, Norman O.Abbott, Jason N.Burns, Myola L.Harris, MadisonMeier, Troy G.

RankGMGl(SW)BMl(SW)BMl(SW)GMM1FC1FC2BM2FC2GMG3BM3BM3BM3

NameAdcox, Timothy D.Bartholomew, Brian L.Bentley, Theodore L.Bulatao, Philip D.Estradafunes, Boris V.Greenthaner, Sean P.Harshfield, Gregory M.Horace, Joel A.Ore, Eddie I.Peeples, Earl J.Rummell, Raycen C.Smith, Kedrick D.

RankEN2ENSENSENSENSDCSENSENSIC3BT3BT3IC3ENFNENFNENFNEMFN

RankSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSNSN

Name RankPorter, Richard W. ENFNSimmons, Terrance A. ENFNWelch, Mark S. ICFNWilliams, Anthony HTFNWilliams, Corey I. ENFNCabriales, Eugene J. FNGuzmanbenitez, Milton FNHenry, Todd J. FNHills, Edward E. FNKing, Torrence D. FNJones, Rodrick K. FNLogsdon, Gregory W. FNMcNutt, Michael D. FNPascua, Aurin Victor A. FNTaylor, David B. FN

SUPPLY DEPARTMENT

Name RankBeffa, John A. SKl(SW)Duya, Ramon M. MSl(SW)Esmilla, Feliciano B. MSIKellough, Bobby L. SHIVerheecke, Christopher DKl(SW)Fulbright, Michael D. SH2Gamble, Jerry L. PC2Guno, Ulysis T. SK2Bernard, Kevin K. MS3Robbins, Johnny DK2Sarmiento, Rodante S. MS3Gagliano, Thomas C. SKSN

HISTORICAL SUMMARY

13 February 1971

23-24 May 197213 July 197227 July 197205 August 1972

09-19 November 1973

19 January 197431 January 197405 June 197430 May-17 June 1974

30 August 1974

04 October 197526 November-01 December 1975

16-21 April 197608-15 July 197601 November 1976

13 September 197710-22 October 1977

15-19 February 197810-17 March 1978

23 July 197917-23 August 19791018 October 1979

19-20 November 1979

18-28 August 1980

12 January 1981

12-21 January 198202 April 198215-20 April 198222-31 May 1982

18 March 1983

22-30 March 198306-14 December 1983

17 January 198427-30 January 1984

Keel laid by NASSCO, San Diego, CA

Builder's TrialsAcceptance TrialsNASSCO delivers ship to NAVSTA Long Beach, CA.USS BRISTOL COUNTY commissioned at NAVSTA Long Beach, CAby RADM Valdemar Lambert. Ship's sponsor is Mrs. Robert LeeTownsend, wife of VADM Robert Lee Townsend.

Exercise "Bell Bango" with USS JUNEAU (LPD 10) and USS POINTDEFIANCE (LSD 31)

First Western Pacific deployment, Battle Efficiency Ribbon.First crossing of the International Date LineFirst Shellback ceremonyJoint exercise "Kangaroo I" with USN, Australian, British and NewZealand Navies.First dry docking for overhaul in San Diego

Second Western Pacific deploymentProvided aid to motor vessel "Lolita Lopez" offshore Luzon Island.

Joint US-ROK exercise "Twin Dragon" in South Korea.Operation "Bearer Ice" in the North Pacific OceanSecond overhaul at San Diego, CA

Third Western Pacific deploymentAmphibious Assault exercise MAFLEX 1-78, Bayanihan IV / FortressLighting in Mindoro, Republic of Phillipines.

Single ship exercise "Quickjab XII" on Tinian.Joint US-ROK exercise "Team Spirit 78" in South Korea.

Fourth Western Pacific deploymentExercise "Fortress Gale" on Okinawa, JapanJoint exercise "Kangaroo III" with USN, Australian, British and NewZealand Navies.Joint US-NZ exercise "Caiman Kiwi 80" near Auckland, NZ

Exercise "Kernel Blitz" off southern California

Third overhaul at San Diego, CA

Surprise exercise "Kernel Egress" off southern CaliforniaFifth Western Pacific deploymentRIMPAC 82, a joint exercise with nations of the Pacific Rim.Exercise "Tangent Flash 82" in the Phillipines

"Adopted" Montgomery Junior High School (first School Partnershipprogram in the Navy).Readiness exercise "Kernel Blitz 83-1"Pre-deployment Exercise "Kernel Usher 84-1"

Sixth Western Pacific deploymentReadiness exercise "Kernel Blitz 84-1"

15-18 May 198424 May-03 June 198415-17 June 1984

07 January 1985

01 April 198618-25 June 198629 August-11 September 1986

05 January-12 February 1987

10-11 January 198710-23 November 1987

Joint US-Australian exercise "Valiant Usher 84-7AS" in AustraliaFleet exercise Battle Week 1984Joint US-ROK exercise "Valiant Usher 84-8KS" in South Korea

Fourth overhaul in San Diego, CA

Seventh Western Pacific deploymentJoint US-ROK exercise "Valiant Usher 86-3KS" in South KoreaOperation "Kennel Sun"-Solomon Islands disaster relief

Joint USN-USCG law enforcement and drug interdiction operation "BluePennant"Salvage operation for Coast Guard helicopter 1442Exercise "Kernel Usher 88-1" off southern California

14 January 19888-14 February 198810-16 May 198830 May-08 June 198812 October 1988

24 April-05 May 198908 July 198926 August 198923 September-27 October 198910-11 November 1989

20 April 1990

07 May 1990

29 May 199112 June 199118-25 June 1991

21 July-01 August 199113-19 August 199114-16 September 199102-09 October 1991

Eighth Western Pacific deploymentReadiness exercise "Valiant Usher 88-1"Joint US-ROK exercise "Valiant Usher 88-3KS" in South KoreaReadiness exercise "Valiant Usher 88-4"Fifth overhaul in San Diego, CA (second dry-docking)

Exercise "Kernel Usher 89" off southern CaliforniaNinth Western Pacific deploymentJoint US-Thailand exercise "Thaylay Thai 89" off Sattahip, ThailandUS-ROK exercise "PACEX 89" in South KoreaReadiness exercise "Valiant Usher 90-2"

Rendered medical assistance to injured crewmember of fishing vessel"Amy Lynn"Sixth Overhaul at San Diego, CA

Tenth Western Pacific deploymentReadiness exercise "Valiant Usher 91-8" off Iwo Jima, JapanCommand ship for Operation "Fiery Vigil"-Mount Pinatubo disasterreliefReadiness exercise "Sea Soldier III" in the Arabian GulfReadiness exercise "Sea Soldier IV" in the Arabian GulfParticipated in search and rescue for MH-53 helicopter "Desert Duck"Readiness exercise "Sea Soldier V" off Oman

24 February 199218 September-19 October 1992

15 July 199320-28 August 1993

24 January-24 February 199418 March 1994

9 July 1994

Sixth Overhaul in San Diego, CAOperation "Garden Isle"-Hurricane Iniki disaster relief

South Pacific Deployment "SOPAC-93"Joint USN, Tongan and French Exercise "Tafakula 93"

Amphibious Operation "Kamehameha" in Hawaii.Moroccan crew starts embarking and BRISTOL COUNTY commencesdecommissioning/transfer preparations.USS BRISTOL COUNTY (LST-1198) is decommissioned, transfered tothe Royal Moroccan Navy and recommissioned as (BSL-407) SIDIMOHAMMED BEN ABDALLAH

BRISTOL COUNTY RHODE ISLAND

Mile for mile, the tiniest county in the tiniest stateboasts more museums, magnificent waterfront vistas,summer festivals and parks than any place you canname.

And for patriotic spirit, you'd be hard pressed to topthese small towns by the bay. Bristol's Fourth of Julycelebration is renowned nation wide as the oldest andarguably the largest in the land. Like museums? BristolCounty has a host of excellent places to explore the past.

Bristol offers the Herreshoff Marine Museum,Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, CoggeshallFarm Museum, Blithe wold Mansion & Gardens and theBristol Historical & Preservation Society Museum.

In Barrington, look for the town Preservation SocietyMuseum. And in Warren there is the old Maxwell Houseand the Firemen's Museum. At about 20 square miles,the county is indeed small, but since much of it ispeninsula, you're never far from a fine NarragansettBay water view. It's a three town county, with Barringtonto the north, Warren in the middle and Bristol to thesouth. Providence is a short drive further north andNewport about the same distance to the south. See manyof the sights by driving Barrington's County Road,Warren's Main Street and Bristol's Hope Street (Rte.114).

Better yet, hop on your bike and pedal down thebicycle path that connects the three communities andhugs the waterfront north toward Providence. That pathis your ticket to some of the county's foremost parks andbest views.

THE ORIGIN of Bristol County can be traced to thebeginning of the nation. The Wampanoag Indians usedthe area as summer fishing and hunting grounds longbefore English settlers came from nearby "Plimoth" andBoston during the mid-1600s. At that time the county'sfirst business, an English trading post established in1632 on what is now Tyler Point Road in Barrington,was already flourishing.

Wampanoag Chief Osamequin, whose title, Massasoit,translates as "The Great Leader," sold a large tract to theLand Court at Plymouth for 35 pounds. The part of thatland known as Sowams included present day Barringtonand Warren. The territory remained a part ofMassachusetts until 1747 when it was incorporated into"Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" by royaldecree.

BARRINGTON, a part of Warren at first, wasincorporated as a separate town in 1770, with the 1774census showing a population of 610. Growth was slowand it remained a quiet farming community into the 20thcentury. In the 1800s, a strong brickmaking industrydeveloped as the area's fine clay was discovered, this

industry that continued until World War II. Its formerlocation is now scenic Brickyard Pond. As Providencegrew, city dwellers began coming to bayside cottageshere for summer retreats, some staying on or returninglater as year-round residents.

The town showed rapid growth after World War II,and by 1990 records listed a population of 15,849 in aland area of 8.9 square miles. Barrington today is knownfor its attractive homes, tree lined streets and boat filledharbor. Its focus is the Government Center, housingtown and school administrative offices as well as anextensive library, busy senior center with meal site andPreservation Society museum. A children's playgroundis nearby and Wood's Pond has been refurbished withgazebo and picnic area especially for seniors.

Barrington public schools are well ranked and includefour elementary schools, a Middle School and BarringtonHigh School. Also in town are Barrington ChristianAcademy, St. Luke's (Roman Catholic) School and St.Andrew's (private) School as well as Zion Bible Institute.

An active community, Barrington boasts nine churchesand a synagogue, a country club, a yacht club and townbeach. There's also a host of clubs and recreationalgroups for all ages, including youth sports groups,garden clubs, GFWC Woman's and Junior Women'sClubs, and League of Women Voters. BarringtonCommunity School offers classes and trips for all ages.

East Bay Mental Health Center serves Bristol Countyand neighboring East Providence, and Tap-In, a localnonprofit referral agency tackles problems of the needy.An expanded YMCA with handsome facilities alsoserves neighboring towns. Of special interest: BarringtonCongregational Church (the White Church, corner ofCounty and Federal roads) is as old as the town, thoughthe present building went up in 1806; Tyler Point andAllin Cemeteries (first grave 1702); Osamequin BirdSanctuary overlooking Hundred Acre Cove and Walker'sFarm public garden plots.

BRISTOL, settled in 1680, today has a population of21,625 in a land area of 10.2 miles, with its locationalong Narragansett Bay near Mountaup (Mount Hope)one of its charms. The area was the site of the first battleof King Philip's War in 1675, a rebellion by theWampanoag Indians against settlers who bought landfrom Philip's late father, Sachem Massasoit. Philip wasdefeated, and his Indian name, Metacom, now marksone of Bristol's main roads. As a result of the war,Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts retained Bristollands, finally releasing them to Rhode Island in 1747.

Today it enjoys national fame for its bang-up Fourthof July parade, recognized as the oldest and (arguably)largest Fourth of July parade in the country, with

spectators arriving by boat, bike, car and baby stroller.From the first, Bristol has flourished as a commercial

and maritime center, and in the 1700s was a major portfor the slave trade. Later, privateering also flourishedhere.

During the American Revolution, Bristol sufferedseveral attacks by British troops. As the colonists foughtback, the Joseph Reynolds House on Hope Street servedas headquarters for the Marquis de Lafayette and hisstaff in 1778.

Proof of better times in the 1800s are the town's manyhandsome homes, some designed by noted architectRussell Warren. These include Linden Place on HopeStreet, now being restored as a prime showplace;Governor Francis Dimon House, Capt. Josiah TalbotHouse and architect Warren's own house.

Also notable: First Congregational Church, oldestCongregational church in the state, whose presentbuilding was erected in 1856; St. Michael's Episcopal(the first church was burned by the British in 1778 andthe present building rebuilt in 1861) and First BaptistChurch (1814), oldest original Bristol church stillstanding. Today there also are three active RomanCatholic churches. Special, too, are the Customs House,the Court House, marble-pillared Colt Memorial Schooland the Bristol Historical and Preservation Societyheadquarters, located in the former county jail (with oldcells on view):

Scenic stops include Colt State Park on the Bay, oncea farm and summer retreat of wealthy industrialistSamuel Pomeroy Colt and now a favorite recreationarea, Coggeshall Farm, an 18th century working farmand Blithewold Mansion & Gardens on the Bay, originallythe summer house of Pennsylvania coal baron, AugustusVan Wickle. Newly refurbished waterfront parks linethe harbor off Thames Street in the downtown area.

Bristol's early history makers also include theHerreshoffs of boat-building fame, especially HerreshoffManufacturing Company with Capt. NathanaelHerreshoff, builder of America's cup defenders; theColts, who established the National India Rubber Co.,forerunner to US Rubber Co., and the DeWolfs, whosenumerous enterprises included slave trade, trade withChina, banking and shipbuilding.

Too good to miss: Roger Williams University, locatedin Bristol near Mount Hope Bridge, with a student bodyof nearly 3,800, offering a wide range of courses fromcreative writing to architecture; the Herreshoff MarineMuseum at 7 Burnside Street, and the HaffenrefferMuseum of Anthropology, part of Brown University,featuring collections of artifacts of North AmericanIndians and Asians, Oceanic, African and Meso-Americans as well. The latter museum is located on thesite of the Wampanoags' summer camp over lookingMount Hope Bay.

WARREN, a settlement of 18 houses by 1653, wasincorporated into Rhode Island from Swansea in 1747and quickly emerged as an important colonial port.After the American Revolution, maritime trade, whalingand shipbuilding all flourished, and water-relatedbusinesses continue here.

In 1847, the first stone cotton mill was erected onNorth Water Street, the beginning of the textile industry'srise, and fall in the area. The town's ethnic diversitystems from those who came to work in the mills, includingFrench Canadians, Italians, Poles, Irish and Portuguese,and accounts for the active ethnic churches nowcontinuing. Warren today boasts a population of 11,385and a land area of 5.8 miles. Its quaint Water Street is theaddress for assorted shops of antiques and collectiblesas well as such well-known businesses as Blount Marine,Blount Seafood and Dyer Boats. From here the popularVista Jubilee sails forth for day and evening cruises onthe B ay, and American-Canadian Line cruise ships headfor points south.

Proud of its history, Warren schedules a number oflocal historical celebrations, including the occasionalre-enactment of the burning and looting of the town byBritish and Hessian troops in 1778, with action on theTown Common and beach.

Historic buildings include the Baptist Church on MainStreet (where Brown University's predecessor wasorganized in 1764; the white-steepled Methodist Churchon Church Street, dating to 1844, first of its denominationin the country; the 1793 James Maxwell House at 59Church St., an on-going restoration project of the localMassasoit Historical Association; and the MasonicTemple on Baker Street, built in 1796 of timbers salvagedfrom British frigates sunk in Newport Harbor.

The former Burr's Tavern (corner of Main and KingStreets, now Washington Street) was known as the besthostelry in the colonies, with Washington, Lafayette,Jefferson, Putnam and the Marquis of Chastellux amongfamous guests.

The George Hall Library, successor to the WarrenPublic Reading Room Association formed in 1871,includes a museum of Indian relics excavated at nearbyBurr's Hill plus other town mementos. The Victorianbuilding erected in 1888 and recently renovated, isrecognized for its handsome stained glass windows andbeamed interior.

Not to be overlooked are town historic cemeteries,including Serpentine Road burial grounds on the banksof the Kickemuit Reservoir, with marked stones from1699. A Fire Museum on Baker Street housing the LittleHero pumper is open by appointment.

THE REIGN OF SIDI MOHAMMED BEN ABDELLAH(1757-1790)

The Sovereign pacifier, Sidi Mohammed reestablished order, restored the "cherifienne"authority and reconstructed a ravaged country.

In 1757, upon the death of his father, Moulay Abdellah, he was the Khalife of Marrakech, andalready recognized as the heir. This designation did not pose a major succession problem and itis in this context that his uncontested legitimate reign began. For the new sultan, the priority wasto put down the power of "Abids". To be in the position to control their power, he aligned himself,like his father before him, with the "Magils" tribes of the south. These actions broke the powerof the "Abids", leaving only 15,000 in several garrisons. These remaining "Abids" were pushedout by a contingent of Berbers.

The military re-organization of the kingdom was complete. The Sultan now fortified the coastaltowns with artillery. He had also decided to end the Christian presence on certain points of theMoroccan coast and therefore was preparing to respond to probable maritime reprisals.

Cleverly, the sultan successfully developed privateering while maintaining and even enlargingthe number of commercial partners with Morocco. It is thus that he signed numerous treaties ofcommerce and friendship, notably: in 1757, a treaty with Denmark which obtained a commercialmonopoly with Safi; in 1760, a treaty with England; in 1763, a treaty with Sweden and in 1765a treaty with Venice and again with England. In 1767 he signed a treaty with Spain and anothertreaty of commerce with France.

To develop privateering and construct a real Moroccan Navy, Sidi Mohammed tried to procureequipment from Sweden and Turkey, but because of the lack of seamanship experience inMorocco, his efforts failed. The Corsairs of Sale and Tetouan were certainly intrepid seamen, butthey were the only ones in Morocco, Arabs and Berbers were men of the earth; infantrymen,splendid riders who did not relish the service of the seas. Sidi Mohammed had guessed correctlythat European powers, specifically France, would react to the development of privateering. In1765, a French squadron bombarded Sale and Larche. Then in 1766, a daring French raid turneddisastrous when the squadron of Du Chaffautput several embarked companies to sea on launches.They crossed the bar of Loukkos and set fire to the Corsair's ships. Upon their return, however,many among them could not cross the bar and 260 men including 30 officers were drowned ortaken prisoner.

In 1769, thinking that he had recovered the power of the Moroccan military, Sidi Mohammedtried to again conquer the last Christian possessions on the coast of his kingdom. He laid siegeto Mazagan, which was occupied by the Portuguese. Considering the uselessness of thispossession and the cost of its defense, they chose to evacuate. A realist, the Sultan understood thathe did not have enough military strength to attack Ceuta. In 1774, however, he did try to takeMelilla. It was a failure and Spain retained its Moroccan possessions.

In 1777, a year after the United States' Declaration of Independence, Morocco recognized thesovereignty of the United States. Ten years later a treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed, thisis the oldest active treaty in the history of the United States of America. In 1789, GeorgeWashington, addressed to the Sultan Mohammed Ben Abdallah a letter of thanks for theMoroccan intervention which permitted the liberation of American sailors kept in prison inTripoli.

Mohammed Ben Abdallah had many ambitious projects. He wanted to concentrate the externalcommerce of Morocco in a port that he could easily control. The bay of Mogador was an idealplace for this port. He called upon a French captive, Francois Cornut, originally from Toulon, tocomplete this task. The Frenchman was an engineer that had become a prisoner at the time of thedisaster at Larache in 1766. With the aid of 400 Christian prisoners, he built the majority of thetown and its fortifications. The town of Mogador-Essaouira had a quarter reserved for foreigncommerce and was modeled after European ports. This policy of external openness employed bythe Sultan resulted in the modernization and the equipping of the port of Dar El Beida(Casablanca).

Upon his unexpected death in 1790, Sidi Mohammed left a rebuilt county.

Commander El Houssaine El FatmiCommanding Officer

Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah

Commander El Houssaine El Fatmi was bornin 1950 in Boulemane, a village in the MiddleAtlas. He joined the Navy in 1970 and graduatedas an Ensign in 1973 from the Royal NavalAcademy in Casablanca. He then went to Britainfor the Sub Lieutenant Course (1 year). Back toMorocco in 1974, he served on board differentships as head of various departments and asExecutive Officer of a Patrol Boat and LandingShip. He assumed his first command, a fastpatrol boat, in 1978. He has had the opportunityto command four more times at sea since then.His last command was DAOUD BEN AICHA (a

French Batral Class). He also served three times ashore as, Executive Officer of the third base inDakhla (Sahara), Executive Officer of the Armes and Systems in the Headquarters of the Navy,and as Executive Officer of the First Base in Casablanca, this being the last assignment beforebecoming Commanding Officer of SIDI MOHAMMED BEN ABDALLAH (EX-USS BRISTOLCOUNTY). In 1983, he graduated from the School of Specialist in Toulon, France with thediploma of Missiles, Gunnery, and Arme Systems, and in 1990 from the Staff College in Newport,Rhode Island. Commander El Fatmi is married and has five children (4 daughters and one son)Bouchra 17, Naima 15, Siham 12, Naziha 8 and Tarik 3.

LCDR Abdelaziz AichoucheExecutive Officer

Lieutenant Commander Abdelaziz Aichoucheis a native of Fes, Morocco. He graduated as anEnsign in July 1978 from the Royal NavalAcademy in Casablanca. His first sea tour wasin 1979 as an Exchange Officer in USSEDWARD MCDONNELL (FF 1043) duringher 6 month Mediterranean deployment. InAugust of that year, he reported to his secondship, the landing ship BATRAL ABOUABDELLAH AL AYACHI as Gunnery Officer,followed by assignment to the fast patrol boatPR OKBA in August of 1981 as OperationsOfficer. In February of 1983, LieutenantCommander Aichouche assumed command ofthe fast patrol boat P32 EL MIKDAM. In 1985,he attended department head school in Newport,Rhode Island, followed by an Electronic Warfarecourse and Combat Information Center WatchOfficer course at Naval Station, Dam Neck, Norfolk, Virginia. He then attended the Air SupportControl Officer course at Twenty Nine Palms, California. In January 1986, he was assigned asan Instructor at the Royal Naval Academy, Casablanca. Lieutenant Commander Aichouche wasthen assigned as Executive Officer of the missile launcher patrol boat PLM CDT BOUTOUB A.He assumed his second command, the newly commissioned patrol boat PHM EL KARIB, anOSPREY class ship in October of 1990. In October of 1993 he was assigned to the Royal NavalAcademy before coming to the USA as Executive Officer of SIDI MOHAMMED BENABDALLAH (EX-USS BRISTOL COUNTY). Lieutenant Commander Aichouche is married toGhrairi Latifa. They have a daughter Samia 10 and a son Yassine 6.

ROYAL MOROCCAN NAVY OFFICERS AND CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS

First NameEl HoussaineAbdelazizAhmedHassanKamalDrissMiloudiAbdellatifMohamedAbdelazizM'HamedLahoussineAbid

OFFICERS

Last NameEl FatmiAichoucheYedeanEl BoukhariBeni AzzaEl MaaroufiWahbiHarissJaouharMourajidEnnahiAit ArejdalSalem

CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS

RankC.FC.CL.VL.VL.VIM 1CNEEV1EV 1IM2LT MedecinLT AdministEV2

First NameSalahAhmedMustaphaMohamedMohamedMohamedLahoucineLahcenMohamedM'HamedMohamedRahalM'HamedEl Miloudi

Last NameEl BoudadiEl MabtoutiEs-SkouriLafquihiSafsafiMaaroufZagmouzAlilouKhadimOuardiFliouEl HaddaouiZouineLabid

RankMPMPMPMPP.MP.MP.MP.MP.MP.MP.MP.MP.MP.M

SpecialityManoueuvrierMecanicienElectricienInfirmierSecretaireInfirmierManoeuvrierMacanicienDetecteurCuisinierTimonierFuilierMecanicienInfirmier

FIRST CLASS PETTY OFFICERS

First NameMohamedHachemiBrahimMohamedEl HabibBouchtaBoujemaaAbdelkarimAliMohamedMohamedLhoucineMostaphaAbdelaziz

Last NameChaanounEl HannaouiEl BaghoudiMoujahidHmer JnahEl FilaliCheggourGuissaAnesrahHadikM'HaouchHamdaAbdelaciChriki

RankS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.1S.M.1S.M.1S.M.IS.M.IS.M.I

SpecialityTimonierManoeuvrierMecanicienMissilierDetecteurElectricienManoeuvrierCuisinierRadioManoeuvrierSecretaireCuisinierNag.De CombatFusilier

First NameAbderrazakMohamedOmarOmarOmarLahcenMohamedAbdellahAbdellahAbdelazizDrissAbderrazakMohamed

Last NameRayEl OuadghiriTouatiBalouneLamrikOuamoulanahMajdoulZinouneAdmariWahabNahlanZazouf

RankS.M.IS.M.1S.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.IS.M.I

SpecialityDetecteurCuisinierRadioMecanicienElectricienMecanicienRadioMissilierRadioFusilierRadioManoeuvrierManoeuvrier

Top Row:

Bottom Row:

BRISTOL COUNTY'S AWARDS

JOINT MERITORIOUS UNIT AWARD,NAVY "E" RIBBON (4), NATIONALDEFENSE SERVICE MEDAL (2)

SOUTHWEST ASIA SERVICE MEDAL(2), HUMANITARIAN SERVICE MEDAL(2), SEA SERVICE DEPLOYMENTRIBBON (11)

CaptainThe Job Behind The Title

THE PRESTIGE, PRIVILEGE AND THE BURDEN OF COMMAND

Only a seaman realizes to what extent an entire ship reflects the personality and ability of oneindividual, her Commanding Officer. To a landsman this is not understandable, and sometimesit is even difficult for us to comprehend — but it is so.

A ship at sea is a distant world in herself, and in consideration of the protracted and differentoperations of the fleet units, the Navy must place great power, responsibility and trust in the handsof those leaders chosen for command.

In each ship there is one man who, in the hour of emergency or peril at sea, can turn to no otherman. There is one who alone is ultimately responsible for the safe navigation, engineeringperformance, accurate gunfiring and morale of his ship. He is the Commanding Officer. He is theship!

This is the most difficult and demanding assignment in the Navy. There is not an instant duringhis tour of duty as Commanding Officer that he can escape the grasp of command responsibility.His privileges in view of his obligation are almost ludicrously small, nevertheless command isthe spur which has given the Navy its great leaders.

It is a duty which most richly deserves the highest time honored title of the seafaring world —"CAPTAIN".

Joseph Conrad

COMMAND AT SEA

AT THE HELM

CDR D. L. WaggonerAug 1972 - July 1973

CDR J. A. O'ConnelJuly 1973 - Apr 1975

CDR P. R. GivenApr 1975 - July 1977

CDR R. B. McMannisJuly 1977 - Apr 1979

CDR C. D. BrownApr 1979-Apr 1981

CDR C. A. WeegarApr 1981 - June 1983

CDR T. A. FitzgibbonsJune 1983 -June 1986

CDR D. L. BrewerJune 1986 - Sep 1988

CDR M. W. TreemanSep 1988 - Sep 1990

CDR R. L. AlsbrooksSep 1990 - Sep 1992

CDR R. C. MasseySep 1992 - July 1994