Thank you notes from 4th and 5th grade students at the Southwest Learning Center Charter School following a visit from LCDR Damon Runyan, USN(Ret)
June 6, 2013
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Update from CDR George Perez
May 15, 2013
Friends and Families of NEW MEXICO,
As we near the middle of our first deployment, I take pleasure in reporting that your ship and crew have performed exceptionally since departing Groton, CT in February. While I cannot go into the specifics, I can provide some general insights. First and foremost has been the resiliency of the crew to keep NEW MEXICO on the front lines, often with heroic efforts on the deckplates. As you might imagine, operating the most complex warship ever built by man in one of the harshest environments on the planet does not come without the occasional material issue. We have had our share on NEW MEXICO but in every case, the men onboard have either worked tirelessly to correct the problem, or they have implemented mitigating measures to maintain our operational capability. These efforts were instrumental in allowing NEW MEXICO to meet ALL operational tasking on time with NO reduction in capability. It has truly been inspiring to watch your sailors in action doing what they have trained their entire careers for - operating this warship at sea.
Life at sea has been challenging, particularly for those not used to extended operations without the ability to communicate with friends and family. This is probably equally if not more challenging for those at home. As difficult as it is, all of the sailors onboard understand and appreciate the need for such a strict communications posture. I can only encourage those of you at home to continue to reach out to your sailors as often as you possibly can using Sailormail and FAMILY GRAMS. If you are not familiar with these tools, please contact the OMBUDSMAN for assistance. I cannot stress enough how meaningful it is to your sailors when they receive communications from home. Your efforts in this area do not go unappreciated even though it may be months before you receive a reply based solely on the nature of our operations.
In other areas, we've had our share of challenges. As you can imagine, running out of crunchy peanut butter and bacon were crisis situations that had to be managed properly. Timely intervention by some of our Chief Petty Officers was able to mitigate the impact of these near catastrophic events. Qualifications have been superb as nearly every division onboard has made huge gains in this area. The long periods at sea have provided ample opportunities to excel in this area for every sailor onboard.
On the liberty front, as we enjoy our third port call, the crew has enjoyed the exposure to new cultures that can only be experienced with a port call in a foreign port. Many of our sailors joined the Navy to see the world, and for the first time in many of their careers, they are getting that opportunity. Their conduct ashore has been exemplary and I assure you that their role as ambassadors of the United States and the Navy is in very capable hands...
As we complete this port call, our preparations for the second half of deployment are rapidly coming to a close. The few material items requiring assistance from the home front have all been resolved. Food stores have been topped off with the final stores load yesterday. Critical spare parts have been received, communications with friends and family have been reestablished, and everything is going well. We've transferred off our few augmentees and received a handful of new personnel. Now, with everything in place, we will again take our position on the front line.
In closing, I can assure you that NEW MEXICO's reputation has only grown since our arrival in theater. The performance of the ship and crew has been outstanding and I have every confidence that the legacy we have established will remain with NEW MEXICO for decades to come. Of course, we could not do what we do without your continued support of the ship, the crew, and the families at home. Thank you!
Warmest Regards
CDR George Perez
Commanding Officer
USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779)
National Recognition for La Posta de Mesilla
by Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
Photos courtesy Rick Carver
May 8, 2013
USA Today has included La Posta de Mesilla, just days before Cinco de Mayo, on its list of the top ten Mexican restaurants in the nation. Housed in an 18th-century adobe building, La Posta is a historic landmark and is widely known for its enchiladas, carne adovada and other traditional New Mexican dishes.
"It's great for a local place to get recognized like that," said Capt. Tom Hutchinson, USN(Ret) who owns La Posta restaurant along with his wife Jerean.
This national recognition is doubly important because the Hutchinson’s have adopted the galley aboard USS New Mexico. It is affectionately known to our undersea warriors as “La Posta Abajo del Mar” or “La Posta Beneath the Sea.” The submarine’s culinary specialists have been trained at La Posta in New Mexico cuisine, in fact, every other Tuesday onboard is Fajita Tuesday. When the culinary specialists complete their qualifications onboard, the Supply Officer gives them a La Posta hat as an award of sorts. The La Posta-submarine connection does not stop there as the restaurant gift shop offers all sorts of USS New Mexico memorabilia and there is a 2-foot model of the submarine permanently anchored in the restaurant lobby.
Mexico celebrates Cinco de Mayo to commemorate a military victory, but in the USA, the day is a great excuse to head out for tacos, margaritas and other Mexican favorites. In order of closest proximity to Mexico, here is the top ten:
La Posta de Mesilla, NM
Café Poco Casa, Tucson, AZ
Las Casuelas Terraza, Palm Springs, CA
Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen, Houston, TX
Nachomama's Tex-Mex, St. Louis, MO
Panchero's Mexican Grill, Iowa City, IA
Alma Cocina, Atlanta, GA
Uncle Julio's Hacienda, Chicago, IL
Oyamel Cocina Mexicana, Washington, DC
Rosa Mexicano, New York, NY
Congratulations to La Posta de Mesilla, clearly one of the best Mexican restaurants in the nation, and as locals have always known, the place for true New Mexico cuisine.
Spring Edition of the USS New Mexico Family Times
April 15, 2013
Click Here to View the Full Publication
USS New Mexico (SSN-779) and USS New Mexico (BB-40) Featured in La Cronica de Nuevo Mexico
by Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
April 2, 2013
Click Here to View the Full Publication
A Glimpse into BB-40' Early Years
by Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
Photos Courtesy of the Harry Brewster Family
Battleship NEW MEXICO was commissioned into the fleet on May 20, 1918 as the Navy' first and only electric-drive battleship. She was a standout among her direct-drive, coal-burning sisters. At 32,000 tons, she was the largest battleship built to date and the first to have a clipper bow.
From the highs of the Roaring 20s to the lows of the Depression 30s, USS NEW MEXICO (BB-40) conducted routine patrols in both the Pacific and the Atlantic, "showing the flag" and conveying goodwill to various foreign nations.
In 1920, under the command of Capt. Arthur Willard, and with the ship' slogan "Let' Go!", NEW MEXICO visited West Coast ports and then cruised to Hawaii. She spent some time in drydock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington (see stern view above). At the time, her foremast and mainmast were caged rather than solid structures. After a visit in Seattle, she cruised south and entered San Francisco Bay.
NEW MEXICO again entered drydock, this time at Hunters Point Shipyard in southeastern San Francisco. Here, ship' company repainted the hull. And speaking of the hull, note the sliding rack protruding from the port torpedo tube.
Rickety Scaffolding Suspended along the 624-ft Length of the Ship
while Drydocked at Hunters Point Shipyard, San Francisco, California
BB-40 was built at a cost of $21 million. She had nine oil-fired boilers, three per boiler compartment, delivering steam to two giant 16,000-hp turbine-generators (17 feet wide and 53 feet long) which powered four 12-foot high, 7,000-hp electric motors, one for each propeller shaft. With such an efficient power-train, NEW MEXICO could reach a top speed of 21 knots.
Main Switchboard and Control Station Showing
Levers for Reversing and Changing Speed
Auxiliary Steering by Handwheels, One of Several Emergency Steering Methods
One of Six 300 KW Auxiliary Turbo-generators for Lighting
and Non-propulsion Electrical Machinery
Crew Members Sitting on Propellers; Line of Armor Belt above Propellers
From Hunters Point, NEW MEXICO cruised down the California Coast to San Pedro Naval Base near Los Angeles from which she conducted fleet exercises. She then headed west to Hawaii Territory where she made port calls at Honolulu and Hilo. Crew members were able to visit Kilauea Crater on the Big Island and witness active lava flows at night.
Loading Ammunition from Barge for 14-inch Guns
USS NEW MEXICO Moored in Honolulu.
The clock tower on the right may have inspired development of the Aloha Tower in 1926. That 184-foot tower has served as a guiding beacon and a welcome landmark to ships arriving in the port of Honolulu.
Street in Downtown Honolulu in 1920
NEW MEXICO became the first flagship of the Pacific Fleet and participated in exercises and competitions with other first-line battleships.
Mail Call
Note the giant ‘E’ on NEW MEXICO' stack. She won more battle ‘E’ awards than any other battleship; in fact, she won the coveted Battle ‘E’ Pennant for superior gunnery, engineering and battle efficiency in 1920-21 and again in 1927-28 and 1929-30.
Inspection on Forecastle, Port Side
Early in 1921, USS NEW MEXICO made a 6,000-mile goodwill voyage to Chile. Outbound from Panama Canal Zone, she was the lead ship among seven Pacific Fleet battleships, including NEW MEXICO' classmates, USS MISSISSIPPI (BB-41) and USS IDAHO (BB-42); older-class battleships USS WYOMING (BB-32), USS ARKANSAS (BB-33), USS NEW YORK (BB-34) and USS TEXAS (BB-35); plus 20 destroyers and six auxiliaries. Collectively, this fleet exceeded 28,000 sailors! NEW MEXICO was the flagship for Admiral Hugh Rodman, Commander-in-Chief of the newly designated U.S. Pacific Fleet.
It is interesting to note that at the same time, seven battleships of the Atlantic Fleet, including the flagship USS PENNSYLVANIA (BB-38), 19 destroyers and three auxiliaries transited the Panama Canal and cruised to Callao, Peru. The other Atlantic battleships were USS DELAWARE (BB-28), USS NORTH DAKOTA (BB-29), USS UTAH (BB-31), USS NEVADA (BB-36), USS OKLAHOMA (BB-37) and USS ARIZONA (BB-39). Incidentally, during his naval career, Rodman served as Commanding Officer of DELAWARE and NEW YORK.
The Good Ship NEW MEXICO Plunges South
NEW MEXICO crossed the equator at latitude 00-00, longitude 80-56W, just off the coast of Ecuador, on January 24, 1921, with 1,621 Landlubbers and 32 Sea-faring Shellbacks onboard. Chief Boatswain' Mate Harry Brewster of "R" Division, known as "Kid Brewster", was quoted as saying "I will never forget it." He was referring to King Neptune' initiation into the "Solemn Mysteries of the Orders of the Deep".
Chief Boatswain' Mate Harry C. Brewster on the Boat Deck
Admiral Rodman' Dining Room during Chile Cruise
(Normally Captain Willard' Dining Room) with Mahogany Furnishings
Officer' Wardroom
Crew' Lounge for Reading, Writing & Reception
Ship' Galley
All-Electric Bake Shop
Ship' Laundry
Inspections Starboard Aft, Coal-burning Battleships follow BB-40
Older class battleships, as in this photo, had port and starboard high-gun platforms, appearing from a distance as flying bridges.
Swabbing the Deck
Navigating Bridge
Housed on the navigating bridge are two engine order telegraphs, chart table, and helmsman station (in front of chart table) for steering by the use of a transmitting lever.
Crew Members on Forecastle
Note one of the ship' bells hanging from the searchlight platform on the foremast above the conning tower.
36-inch Searchlight on Foremast
Chiefs and Officers including Capt. Arthur Willard, Commanding
Officer, and Admiral Hugh Rodman, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Older Class Battleships in Background; Sailors in Formation, Port Side Aft
Mess Cook Inspection, Port Side Aft
NEW MEXICO sailors visited the port city of Valparaiso, Chile (where the new President of Chile visited the ship) as well as the capital city of Santiago. The crew also visited the nearby beach town of Vina del Mar.
Over 500 BB-40 Sailors on Deck, in Masts, on Guns, on Boat
Cranes and Hanging in Radio Antenna Support Structures
USS NEW MEXICO (BB-40) returned to Pearl Harbor on March 6, 1921, after her voyage to Chile.
USS NEW MEXICO (BB-40) and USS S-7 (SS-112)
While anchored at Pearl Harbor, the submarine USS S-7 glided by, offering a rare camera view of BB-40 with one of our earliest S-boats. This photo (not part of the Brewster collection) is somewhat foreboding, because nine decades later, there is submarine USS NEW MEXICO (SSN-779).
S-7 was commissioned on July 1st, 1920 so she and BB-40 were of the same vintage. The submarine was less than a year old and the battleship was just a few years older when the photograph was taken.
Postscript:
Capt. Arthur Lee Willard, Commanding Officer,
USS NEW MEXICO, May 10, 1919 – May 31, 1921
Arthur Willard graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1891. During the Spanish-American War, he was the first serviceman to raise the American flag on Cuban soil. He served aboard USS MAINE (BB-10) when she was part of the Great White Fleet' around-the-world journey. Holding the rank of Captain, Willard was brought in as the new commandant of the Washington Navy Yard where he promptly put things in order. He supervised the preparation of plans and specifications for placing surplus 16-inch naval guns on railcars for land use on the western front in France in the fall of 1918. For his invaluable service during WWI, Willard was awarded the Navy Cross by President Wilson. He then returned to sea duty as the Commanding Officer of USS NEW MEXICO. Later, attaining 3-star rank, he led a series of fleet exercises that validated the increasing importance of aircraft carriers and the need to launch attacks from beyond the range of battleship guns. From 1932 until his death in 1935, he commanded the Fifth Naval District. Willard Park, located at Washington Navy Yard, is named in honor of Vice Admiral Arthur Willard.
USS NEW MEXICO SSN-779 DEPLOYS! THERE SHE GOES, PROUDLY FLYING OUR NEW MEXICO FLAG
by Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry
February 13, 2013
Friends and family wave to USS New Mexico as she transits the Thames River and heads out on her maiden deployment, taking her turn on the front line.
USS New Mexico Calls on New Mexico Piñon Coffee Company
by Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
February 8, 2013
Last July and again last month, the New Mexico Piñon Coffee Company (NMPC) donated some of their award-winning coffee to the crew of USS New Mexico, altogether about 70 pounds! During their recent visit to the state, Commanding Officer George Perez and Chief of the Boat Steve Fritzler wanted to personally thank the owners and staff for their generous contributions.
The visit included a tour of the plant by owners Cindy and Frank Bassett, and son Allen, who just celebrated their 4th anniversary of owning the company. Cindy described how coffee beans and piñon nuts are blended, roasted, packaged and distributed across the state and far beyond. Every year they roast nearly one million pounds of the finest high-altitude Arabica coffee available. As for the nuts from New Mexico’s official state tree, they recently acquired 2,000 pounds of raw piñon from the Gallup area.
With the CO scheduled to visit Governor Susana Martinez the day following the NMPC tour, Cindy donated a bag of the Governor’s favorite for special delivery. It should be noted that NMPC is a 3-time winner of the "National Roasting Award", 2-time winner of the "Best Coffee in the West" - Travel West Magazine, and, among other honors, has been the "Best Selling Coffee" at the New Mexico State Fair for seven years.
The Bassett’s believe that each cup of their coffee will bring a touch of the Land of Enchantment to the crew while deployed overseas and in fact they plan to make regular contributions to the boat. As they say at NMPC, great coffee is a matter of a piñon!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 7, 2013
Contact: Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
(505)238-1584
The video above was taken by KOAT TV, Albuquerque, January 30, 2013, at North Star Elementary. CDR George Perez and ETCM(SS) Steven Fritzler of the USS NEW MEXICO SSN-779 deliver letters from the crew to the school children.
Dick Brown and his 779 Committee Vice Chairman, retired LCDR Damon Runyan, have spearheaded this collaboration opportunity with the USS NEW MEXICO SSN-779 and New Mexico including this letter-writing initiative with North Star Elementary School in Albuquerque. Forty-five students attending the North Star Elementary School sent letters to the crew of the Virginia-class submarine in 2012, to which USS NEW MEXICO Sailors have responded. "We received 45 letters back from individual crew members addressed to the kids," said Brown. "What a wonderful opportunity for a pen-pal exchange."
Copies of the letters submitted by the students of North Star Elementary School can be viewed online at this link: www.ussnewmexico.net.
USS New Mexico CO and Chief of the Boat Visit Namesake State
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander
Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs, navy.mil
Photos courtesy of Rick Carver
January 31, 2013
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (NNS) -- USS New Mexico (SSN 779) commanding officer and chief of the boat visited the Virginia-class attack submarine's namesake state, Jan. 29-31, in honor of the ship's commissioning nearly three years ago.
Cmdr. George Perez, commanding officer, USS New Mexico and his chief of the boat, Master Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Steven Fritzler met New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R-NM), members of the USS New Mexico Committee and the New Mexico Navy League members.
"As USS New Mexico prepares to depart on her maiden deployment, it is important for us to personally convey to our namesake state and the New Mexico Committee just how much the crew appreciates their support," said Perez.
Dick Brown, chairman, USS New Mexico Committee coordinated the visit as a way to continue forging the strong bonds between the state and their namesake submarine.
"Scheduling a meeting between our governor while the State Legislature is in session and the commanding officer of a submarine is quite a challenge," said Brown. "But it's all part of our committee's work in helping to maintain strong ties between the submarine and its namesake state."
Brown and his committee vice chairman, retired Lt. Cmdr. Damon Runyan, have been spearheading other collaboration opportunities with the boat and the state to include a letter-writing initiative between an Albuquerque-based elementary school. Forty-five students attending the North Star Elementary School sent letters to the crew of the Virginia-class submarine in 2012, to which Sailors have since responded.
Copies of the letters submitted by the students of North Star Elementary School are also viewable online at the committee's website: www.ussnewmexico.net.
New Mexico was commissioned March 27, 2010 and was the sixth Virginia-class submarine to be commissioned. There are currently 127 officers and enlisted Sailors assigned to New Mexico.
For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.
Happy New Year Message from CDR George Perez
January 8, 2013
NEW MEXICO Family and Friends!
Happy New Year! I hope all of you had a wonderful and joyous holiday season. I can assure all of you that your NEW MEXICO sailors enjoyed their well-earned vacation over the holiday period. After a grueling three-month stretch that saw NEW MEXICO complete the second of two Pre-Overseas Movement maintenance availabilities, complete Advanced Pre-deployment Training, and successfully complete an engineering evaluation, the ship and crew needed a period of rest and relaxation before entering the final phases of pre-deployment. The amount of activity onboard the ship over the last three months has been incredible to say the least. Multiple agencies, maintenance organizations, and support groups have had a near 24/7 presence onboard getting the ship ready for her inaugural deployment. Through it all, the crew's performance has been superb.
As I reflect on what has been an outstanding first full year of operations for NEW MEXICO, 2012 was a year to be remembered. Achieving surge deployment status five months early, strong performances in two major engineering assessments, a strong Supply Management Inspection, a strong performance in our Tactical Readiness Evaluation, strong performances in our 3-M and Quality Assurance assessments, Submarine Command Course Operations, serving as the host platform for the OMSUBLANT Change of Command, outstanding performance in shallow water exercises where we out hit our opposition at a 2-1 rate, and our unparalleled performance against HMS ASTUTE in the US-UK Fellowship 12 Exercise are all testaments to how well the ship and crew have performed. As I often tell the crew, submarines that perform well across the spectrum of submarine operations are performing at an excellent level. I am happy to tell you that that holds true for your sailors onboard this ship. So strong was the ship's performance in 2012, that NEW MEXICO was recognized by COMSUBRON FOUR for outstanding performance in Personnel Readiness and Navigation, earning top honors in Squadron FOUR in these categories.
In addition to the crew's overall strong performance, I'd like to take a moment to recognize five of our sailors for absolutely outstanding individual performance. For 2012, EM1(SS) Gerhart was selected as NEW MEXICO's Sailor of the Year, MM1(SS) Millsaps was selected as NEW MEXICO's Junior Sailor of the Year, FT3(SS) Watts was selected as NEW MEXICO's Bluejacket of the Year, and LT Michael Rose was selected as NEW MEXICO's Junior Officer of the Year. On a separate front, HMC(SS/SW/AW) Conner was formally recognized by COMSUBLANT as the Submarine Force's ndependent Duty Corpsman of the Year. Congratulations to each of these fine warriors for a job well-done. Each of them is truly an inspiration!
As we turn our sights to 2013, NEW MEXICO will take her place on the front lines during her first overseas deployment. I couldn't be more proud of what this ship and crew have accomplished and I have every confidence that they will continue to impress each and every one of you in the months ahead. As always, we could not perform at the level we are without your continued support. Thank you.
Warmest Regards,
CDR George Perez
Commanding Officer
USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779)
NLUS NEW MEXICO COUNCIL'S USS NEW MEXICO COMMITTEE MAKES LOCAL NEWS
From KRQE.com
December 24, 2012
Click on the link below to see the featured story on KRQE TV News 13, December 24, 2012. We wish however, to make the following correction to this interview.
Contrary to this report, past attempts to secure state funding for public outreach have not died in committee. They in fact have made it through all New Mexico Legislative Committees and have passed the New Mexico House and Senate. The problem has been at the budget bill level where the line-item request was accidentally dropped or, in the case of last year, vetoed. The Navy League New Mexico Council's USS New Mexico Committee wishes to point out that the 2006 and 2008 New Mexico State Legislatures approved $100,000 and $200,000, respectively. These funds were used for Commissioning events and for raising public awareness.
This story is based on information provided by Major Josh Vance, a KC-130 pilot with the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA, and Dan Farnham, a Navy veteran living and working on Kwajalein, Republic of Marshall Islands.
The Marshall Islands extend over 600 miles of the South Pacific and include Kwajalein Atoll, one of the world's largest coral reefs enclosing a lagoon. USS New Mexico (BB-40), having left Pearl Harbor on January 22, 1944, arrived off Kwajalein Atoll for the pre-invasion battering of the Japanese scheduled to start on January 31st. This was part of Operation Flintlock, with the 4th Marine Division in the north at Roi-Namur and the 7th Army Infantry Division in the south at Kwajalein. USS Idaho (BB-42) and USS Pennsylvania (BB-38) were also part of Operation Flintlock. While shelling Ebeye and Kwajalein, New Mexico suffered her first casualty of the war.
BB-40 Kingfisher float plane
BB-40 Naval Aviation Division 1943-1944
Two Kingfisher spotter float planes from New Mexico were sent buzzing over embattled Kwajalein, their skilled pilots and radiomen relaying vital topographical information and target locations to the ship's gunners. At 1522, an OS2N-1 Kingfisher piloted by LTjg Forney O. Fuqua, USNR, with Radioman Second Class Harrison D. Miller in the rear cockpit, was struck by enemy anti-aircraft fire from Ebeye. Fuqua radioed his ship: "Cockpit full of gasoline fumes . . . hit very badly . . . am making emergency landing . . ." Mortally wounded, Fuqua instructed Miller to bail out. Instead, Miller took over the controls and attempted to bring the crippled plane down to the surface of Kwajalein's giant lagoon. With no prior flying experience, no instruments and only an emergency control stick, Miller succeeded in making a water landing.
Click Here to Read the Full Story
Letters to the Crew of the USS NEW MEXICO (SSN-779) from North Star Elementary 4th Graders
Class teachers are Ms. Hague and Ms. Reiff.
(Notice from webmaster: Get Kleenex before reading!)
Click Here to Read More
Recent Activities Surrounding USS New Mexico
By Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
Photo by Rick Carver.
US Navy Photo
Photo by the boat’s EMC (a Red Sox fan).
Photo by Jose Salazar, WSMR
Photo by Jose Salazar, WSMR
Photo by Jose Salazar, WSMR
USS New Mexico Sailor Receives IDC Of The Year Award
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
From Navy.mil on Sat 11/10/12
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- An Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC) aboard the Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) was recognized as the Submarine Independent Duty Corpsman of the Year for 2012 at a command awards ceremony in Groton.
Chief Hospital Corpsman (SS) Retroyreo Conner was named IDC of the year for 2012 earlier this year, but was later presented the award in October due to the submarine's underway schedule.
"It was a total surprise I can honestly say that," said Conner. "I have a great crew and I can say that I received this recognition based on their stellar performance and support of me."
The IDC of the year award is also presented to a surface and shore IDC annually. Last year, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SS) Aaron P. McKnight, who was assigned to USS Toledo (SSN 769), was the recipient of the award, which is presented annually to enlisted medical professionals who have significantly contributed to the combat readiness and overall health of Sailors aboard submarines.
"Chief Conner's dedication to the health and well-being of the New Mexico crew, his constant drive to help those around him achieve success, and his positive, infectious attitude makes him an inspiration to every Sailor onboard. He is, without a doubt, one of the finest Sailors I have ever had the privilege of serving with in my 26-year career," said Cmdr. George Perez, commanding officer, USS New Mexico.
Conner, who has served in the Navy for 14 years, said his tour aboard New Mexico marked his first IDC tour and first submarine. During his three-year tour Conner said one of his highlights was learning and qualifying to pilot the submarine.
"Serving as the IDC for the past three years has been career enhancing for me personally because you are truly an independent duty corpsman when the submarine is at sea," said Conner. "You are the sole provider for your crew and assisting with their medical needs allows me to keep sharp on my medical knowledge mainly because every medical case isn't always the same."
In addition to receiving IDC of the Year, Conner was also pinned chief petty officer in September.
"This award and my performance aboard USS New Mexico definitely contributed to [my] pinning on chief petty officer this year," said Conner.
In order to qualify as an independent duty corpsman, IDCs attend 18-months of training at both Naval Undersea Medical Institute and Naval Submarine School. To qualify as an IDC, Conner took a variety of training at NUMI consisting of clinical patient care, laboratory, pharmacy and general preventive medicine.
USS New Mexico Sailors Participate In Namesake Visit
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
From Navy.mil on Sat 10/20/12
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (NNS) -- Four USS New Mexico (SSN 779) Sailors are participating in a three-day namesake state visit to New Mexico, Oct. 19-21.
Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Steven Fritzler, Lt. Cmdr. Chris Blais, Lt. j.g. Justin Will, and Chief Fire Control Technician (SS) Frank Saviano will meet with the Navy League, USS New Mexico Committee, submarine veterans, and attend the 237th Navy Birthday Ball in Albuquerque.
"The contingent of USS New Mexico Sailors are looking forward to this namesake state visit and appreciate the committee's continued support of our submarine," said Blais, USS New Mexico's engineer officer. "We look forward to further expanding that relationship during the lifetime of our submarine."
Blais, one of the featured speakers at the Navy Ball in Albuquerque, will provide an update on the Virginia-class attack submarine.
"This year our Navy celebrates its 237th birthday, and attending the Navy Ball in our namesake state is a wonderful way to reflect on our Navy's rich history," said Blais.
Submarine veterans, Navy League members and other supporters of the Navy will attend the ball in Albuquerque. Also included in that contingent are cadets from the largest organization of the sea cadets in the nation.
"Every student at the Bataan Military Academy is a sea cadet and about half of the student body is coming to our ball," said Dick Brown, chairman, USS New Mexico Committee, which is part of the Navy League New Mexico Council. "This is a great opportunity for these sea cadets, many who will probably serve in the military one day, to connect with their active duty counterparts."
Brown, who is coordinating the Sailors' three-day visit to his state reflected on meeting members of the New Mexico crew.
"It's the first visit the crew has been able to make this year," said Brown. "We are anxious to see them and meet their new chief of the boat, who we haven't met yet."
New Mexico was commissioned March 27, 2010, and was the sixth Virginia-class submarine to be commissioned.
The ship is named in recognition of the people of the "Land of Enchantment." The battleship New Mexico (BB 40), in commission from 1918 to 1946, and the only other ship named after the 47th state, earned six battle stars for World War II service, which included providing shore bombardment support for landings in the Gilbert and Marshall Islands, Guam, Tinian, Saipan, the Philippines, and Okinawa. BB 40 acted as the flagship for the Pacific Fleet during the 1920s. She was present at the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay.
Submariners discuss deep history behind state's vessels
October 17, 2012
by Dianne Stallings
Reposted from Ruidoso News
New Mexico isn't near the ocean, but the state boasts three nuclear submarines as namesakes.
"Not many states can claim that," said Dick Brown, chairman of the USS New Mexico (SSN-779) Committee of the New Mexico Council of the Navy League of the United States. "The USS Albuquerque is based in San Diego, Calif., the USS Santa Fe at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the USS New Mexico at Groton, Connecticut."
Brown, a veteran of submarine duty during the Cold War, and Leo Davis, 90, who served on submarines conducting seven war patrols during World War II, were guests Friday at WhiteSandsMissileRange for a celebration of the Navy's 237th birthday. Thursday, they stopped at Bill Pippin Real Estate in Ruidoso with Millie Woods of Military Appreciation Week for a reception. They stayed overnight at the home of author and rancher Bob Johnson.
"It's tradition that any Navy group anywhere try to celebrate the annual birthday," Brown said of the founding of the Navy on Oct. 13, 1775. "We have a Naval detachment of about 24 at White Sands. They called themselves desert sailors. Leo and I were the honored guests speakers arranged by Millie. It was very special ceremony at the range headquarters. The youngest and the oldest traditionally cut the cake and Leo cut the cake at White Sands.
"I talked about the USS New Mexico and he spoke about how the torpedoes didn't work quite right at the beginning of WW2, but finally were fixed. I think the young sailors were interested."
Brown said as a former submarine sailor who served six years in the 1960s, he instigated the formation of the USS New Mexico (SSN-779) Committee and lobbied for a new nuclear sub to be named after New Mexico.
"The Navy began naming submarines after states and it had been six decades since New Mexicowas honored," he said. "I formed the committee within the New Mexico Council of the Navy League and began lobbying the Secretary of the Navy, who makes the decisions."
The first warship named after New Mexico was a battleship, the USS New Mexico BB-40. The new submarine is not only a great honor for the Land of Enchantment, but a salute to those who served aboard BB-40 and a tribute to all New Mexicans, who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces, Brown said. The ship's crest was designed by Emilee Sena, a high school senior inAlbuquerque at the time.
The new submarine is designed to conduct early strike warfare from close proximity, to deploy and retrieve special operation forces, to excel in destroying an adversary's operations at sea, to conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, and to fight the global war on terror, according to literature about the craft. She is armed with Mark 48 torpedoes and vertically launched Tomahawk cruise missiles.
History
After successful sea trials, the USS New Mexico was delivered to the Navy on December 29, 2009, four months ahead of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding contract schedule. Several months of shakedown operations were conducted in the Caribbean, proving that she was combat-ready. OnMarch 27, 2010, she was commissioned into the fleet during a special ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk. The commissioning ceremony included 92-year-old BB-40 veteran Chief Warrant Officer George Smith, who helped set the first watch by passing the traditional long-glass to the officer of the watch, symbolically bridging the gap between the end of the last watch on the battleship and the first watch on the submarine.
On June 1, 2010, the USS New Mexico arrived at her first homeport, Submarine Base New London, the submarine capital of the world. Her vital statistics include that she is 377 feet long, represents 7,800 tons of displacement, her submerged speed is 25 knots or 28.7695 miles per hour, she's fueled for life and has a diving depth of more than 800 feet. The most technologically advanced submarine in the world, she carries the motto "Defendemos Nuestra Tierra," which means "We Defend Our Land." The USS New Mexico is the Navy's sixth Virginia-class, fast attack nuclear submarine.
Brown explained just securing the name didn't end the committee's involvement. Members arrange crew visits to the state, provides Sailor of the Quarter plaques to the boat, contribute to the crew's onboard living quarters and support other special activities that recognize sailors' accomplishments and raise awareness of the "awesome" submarine.
The committee, in association with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce, provides long-term support for the submarine. Through their combined efforts, the sub's interior decor has a distinctive New Mexico flair - Southwest-style bunk curtains, manufactured in Las Cruces, and the crew's mess is dubbed La Posta Abajo del Mar, or La Posta Beneath the Sea after a well-known La Posta de Mesilla restaurant, according to information provided by Brown.
FROM CDR GEORGE PEREZ
Commanding Officer
USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779)
NEW MEXICO Families, Friends and Supporters,
CDR George Perez
Commanding Officer
USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779)
USS NEW MEXICO SSN-779 and New Mexico Statehood
September 19, 2012
By Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
Throughout the New Mexico Statehood Centennial year, the Navy League New Mexico Council's USS New Mexico Committee has been involving our undersea warriors in celebrating our state's 100th birthday.
Early this summer, the committee purchased 140 New Mexico Centennial T-shirts from Zia Graphics and shipped them to the crew. These golden yellow T-shirts, which become part of the crew's PT outfit, show the Palace of the Governors and the State Seal with the words "Land of Enchantment – NEW MEXICO – 1912-2012" – Celebrating 100 years" on the front and in red letters on the back "USS NEW MEXICO SSN 779".
In early January, in a video posted on YouTube, the crew broadcast the following birthday message: "From the officers and crew of the most powerful warship in the Navy, Happy Birthday, New Mexico!"
Front Bottom (Left to Right) MMC Caswell, ITSC Dora, CSC Sturtz, MMC Mullins
Back (Left to Right) MMCM Arroyo, MMCS Kuczirka, MMCS Vivian in front of ETC Fisher, STSC Hairston, COB (MMCM Fritzler), MMC Medert, ETC Edwards
The committee supplied the submarine with a special centennial license plate, SSN*779, with the sub's hull designation and number. And true to the state having only rear license plates, the special plate is displayed at the aft end of the sail when in port. The committee's first thought was to ask the Navy to permanently mount the plate on the rudder which breaks the surface about 20 feet aft of the superstructure but it would probably not hold up to long saltwater exposure when the submarine is submerged.
The committee worked with the U.S. Postal Service to develop a special USS NEW MEXICO first day cover to help mark 100 years of statehood. This "Submarine Mail" was cancelled in Santa Fe on January 6, 2012, has been to sea aboard the submarine, and has been signed by the commanding officer, CDR George Perez, certifying that it has been to test depth.
These special collectibles are for sale; one can place an order by contacting the committee through this website.
USS NEW MEXICO Hosts Sub Force Change of Command
September 7, 2012
by Dick Brown, Chairman, USS New Mexico SSN-779 Committee
For the COMSUBFOR Change of Command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk on September 7, 2012, USS NEW MEXICO (SSN-779) was moored at Pier 12 to serve as the host platform. A special onboard stage was mounted just aft of her sail where the brow connected to her starboard side. It displayed the Sub Force command crest against a blue background and patriotic bunting decorated the platform and brow. The crowd of 800, including ship's company, was sheltered under a white tent on the pier. According to COMSUBLANT Deputy PAO Kevin Copeland, "NEW MEXICO rocked!"
incoming CSF VADM Mike Connor (right)
When VADM John Richardson relieved VADM Jay Donnelly in November 2010, the Los Angeles-class USS MONTPELIER (SSN-765) served as the host platform. But VADM Richardson asked for a Virginia-class to serve as the platform when he turned over command of U.S. Naval Submarine Forces to VADM Mike Connor. According to NEW MEXICO's Commanding Officer, CDR George Perez, NEW MEXICO was selected for a myriad of reasons. One obvious reason was that NEW MEXICO was already in the neighborhood, having just spent the Labor Day weekend at the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis. NEW MEXICO is one of nine Virginia-class submarines in service; six more are under construction.
Presiding over the ceremony was ADM John Harvey, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. As he addressed the crowd, he referred to our 19,000-strong Submarine Force as a national treasure, vital to our Navy and our Nation. Harvey awarded Richardson the Distinguished Service Medal for meritorious service. A week later, ADM Harvey was relieved by ADM William Gortney. Harvey is retiring after 39 years of naval service, including three years as Commander of Fleet Forces.
At left is VADM Tim Giardina, Deputy Commander, U.S. Strategic Command
As top sub commander, Connor will also directly oversee all Atlantic
subs and will head up NATO's Allied Submarine Command.
During his tour of duty, Richardson integrated the first women officers into our submarine force and he decentralized authority in order to give sub skippers more flexibility. Later this year Richardson will be promoted to 4-star and will relieve ADM Kirk Donald as the new Director of Naval Reactors.
From the home support team, the USS NEW MEXICO Committee, to VADM Connor, "Welcome aboard, sir!"
Images courtesy US Navy Photos
See USS New Mexico (SSN-779) and the U.S. Navy's Silent Strike Force
September 14, 2012
A feature look at the US Navy's Silent Strike Force and its capabilities. At the 17-minute mark there is good coverage of USS NEW MEXICO and at the 25-minute mark the USS SANTA FE is mentioned.
USS New Mexico Visits U.S. Naval Academy
September 4, 2012
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- The crew of Virginia-class attack submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779) visited the U.S. Naval Academy, Aug. 31 - Sept. 3, to provide awareness of the undersea platform to future naval leaders.
"It's exciting to show some of the future leaders of our Navy and Marine Corps one of the most sophisticated and advanced warships in the world, which some of them may end up serving on," said Lt. Joel Holwitt, navigator, USS New Mexico.
Despite returning to his alma mater, Holwitt missed the opportunity to see the season opener of Academy football, when the Blue and Gold squared off against Notre Dame Sept. 1 in Dublin at the Emerald Isle Classic.
Holwitt is one of two U.S. Naval Academy graduates currently serving aboard the attack submarine. Graduating in 2003, Holwitt reflected on sharing the proud history and heritage of the Academy with the crew.
"The Naval Academy remains one of the best things that ever happened to me, and I am thrilled to be able to share some of that positive experience with my shipmates on board USS New Mexico," said Holwitt.
The last Groton-assigned boat to visit the U.S. Naval Academy was the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757). The attack submarine visited the capital city in Maryland Oct. 21-22 for the USNA's homecoming game.
USS New Mexico Sailors Recognized at New York Yankees Game
August 21, 2012
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
NEW YORK (NNS) -- Sixteen USS New Mexico (SSN 779) Sailors were recognized at a New York Yankees game in New York, Aug. 15.
With a capacity crowd in attendance, Cmdr. George Perez, Jr., commanding officer, USS New Mexico and 15 Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class submarine attended the Yankees vs. Texas Rangers game and were recognized by the Major League Baseball team on the team's Jumbotron in the middle of the third and fifth innings.
"Attending the game is an outstanding morale-building event for the New Mexico," said Perez. "The officers and crew of USS New Mexico are sincerely grateful for the opportunity to represent the submarine force at the game."
Perez also thanked local Connecticut businessman John Ranelli, chairman and CEO of Woolrich, Inc., and a former submariner for providing the opportunity to attend the Yankees game, as well as the New York Yankees.
USS New Mexico (SSN-779) Now Has New XO and COB
August 21, 2012
Following are bios for LCDR Michael Grubb, NEW MEXICO's new Executive Officer since March, and ETCM(SS) Steven Fritzler, NEW MEXICO's new Chief of the Boat as of August 17.
Executive Officer - LCDR Michael Grubb
USS NEW MEXICO Executive Officer, LCDR Michael Grubb
The Executive Officer is Lieutenant Commander Michael Grubb. LCDR Grubb, a native of Southampton, New York, graduated from the University of Michigan in 2000 with a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and was commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC).
Following nuclear power and submarine officer training, Lieutenant Commander Grubb reported aboard USS MIAMI (SSN 755) in October 2001 and served as the Chemistry and Radiological Controls Assistant and the Communications Officer. During his tour MIAMI completed a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf, as well as a surge deployment to the North Atlantic Ocean.
Following his tour on MIAMI, in August 2004 Lieutenant Commander Grubb reported to the staff of Destroyer Squadron Twenty Two in Norfolk, Virginia. Serving as the staff Submarine Operations Officer, his tour included a deployment to the Arabian Gulf embarked on USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. In February 2006 Lieutenant Commander Grubb reported to the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., where he earned a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and completed Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I.
From September 2007 to October 2009 Lieutenant Commander Grubb served as the Engineering Officer aboard USS PENNSYLVANIA (SSBN 735)(BLUE). During this time PENNSYLVANIA (BLUE) completed three strategic deterrent patrols and earned the 2008 COMSUBRON 17 Battle Efficiency Award.
In October 2009 Lieutenant Commander was assigned to the Naval Reactors Line Locker in Washington, DC, where he served as the Technical Assistant for S8G, S9G, and prototype reactor plants.
Following completion of the Submarine Command Course Lieutenant Commander Grubb reported as Executive Officer aboard USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) in March 2012.
Lieutenant Commander Grubb is single and resides in Mystic, CT.
Chief of the Boat - Steven B. Fritzler, ETCM(SS)
The Chief of the Boat is Steven B. Fritzler, ETCM(SS). Master Chief Fritzler was raised in Worland, Wyoming and enlisted in the Navy 12 July 1988. He completed Recruit Training in Great Lakes and Radioman “A” School in Groton, Connecticut.
Master Chief Fritzler’s sea duty assignments include USS SAN JUAN (SSN 751), USS ANNAPOLIS (SSN 760) and USS NEW HAMPSHIRE (SSN 778). His shore duty assignments included Naval Submarine School and on the staff of Commander Submarine Squadron 4.
Master Chief Fritzler first qualified in submarines in 1991 on board the USS SAN JUAN. During this tour he was advanced to RM1 and completed two deployments to the North Atlantic.
Following his tour on USS SAN JUAN he reported to Naval Submarine School where he earned the Master Training Specialist certification and was advanced to Chief Petty Officer.
His follow-on assignment was the USS ANNAPOLIS, where he served as the Navigation Operations Department Enlisted Advisor, Communications Division Leading Petty Officer and advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer. During this tour he completed one deployment to the Mediterranean.
Upon completion of his tour on USS ANNAPOLIS he was assigned to the staff of Commander Submarine Squadron 4 where he served as the Communications Assistant from 2004 to 2007.
He then reported to the commissioning crew as the 3M Coordinator on board the USS NEW HAMPSHIRE. During this tour the NEW HAMPSHIRE deployed to AFRICOM and was the first Virginia-Class to complete an overseas deployment.
Master Chief Fritzler returned to Commander Submarine Squadron 4 where he served as the Communications Assistant from 2010 to 2012.
Master Chief Fritzler reported to USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) in August 2012 and is currently serving as the Chief of the Boat.
Master Chief Fritzler’s personnel awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (four awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (seven awards) and various unit and campaign awards.
New Mexico’s Chief of the Boat Wins Leadership Award
August 1, 2012
The winner of the coveted 2012 Naval Submarine League Master Chief Frank A. Lister Award for Exceptional Leadership and Motivation while serving as the Chief of the Boat has been awarded to Master Chief Electronics Technician (SS) Eric J. Murphy, COB, USS New Mexico (SSN 779).
Established in 2000, the Master Chief Frank A. Lister Award recognizes a COB who has displayed exceptional leadership and motivation of his crew while serving as the COB for a submarine.
According to a Submarine Group Two news announcement, Lister was selected twice to serve as the Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force Master Chief, first in 1975 and then again in 1979. He was also selected three times, in 1975, 1978 and 1982, as a finalist for Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
Eric Murphy, who has served as the COB for three years, received the news during morning quarters on July 30th. He credits the crew of USS New Mexico. "This award is a testament of the hard work, dedication and commitment of the New Mexico sea warriors," said Murphy. "I am honored to serve with a crew of this caliber."
In mid-August, Eric will be transferring to his next assignment, Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, SC, where he will no doubt continue to instill exceptional leadership and motivation in the next generation of submariners.
The Naval Submarine League is dedicated to educating the American public and promoting awareness of the importance of submarines to national security and defense. At the League’s 30th annual Symposium in October, ETCM(SS) Murphy will be recognized as the 2012 winner of the esteemed Master Chief Lister Award.
Click here to read the story and view the photographs
Operating with Sister Battleship USS Idaho in the Gilbert Islands
and other Islands of the Pacific Theatre during World War II
Compiled by Dick Brown, Chairman of the Navy League New Mexico Council’s committee that supports New Mexico’s new namesake warship, the fast-attack nuclear submarine USS New Mexico (SSN-779).
Click here to read the story and view the photographs
Watch the USS NEW MEXICO Commissioning! The USS NEW MEXICO was commissioned on 27 March 2010 at the Norfolk Naval Base and is now officially a member of the fleet of the United States Navy. The hugely successful commissioning events were a result of the tremendous financial and in-kind support provided by the citizens of New Mexico and many other states.
As the host state, New Mexico has a continuing obligation to support the crew of USS NEW MEXICO. The SSN 779 Committee, a part of the Navy League's New Mexico Council, has taken on a continuing effort to raise funds and organize in-kind support for the SSN 779 crew.
Some projects the SSN 779 Committee is organizing support for in 2010 are:
- Decoration of the Crew's Mess
- Replacement of Passageway Curtains with New Mexico style fabrics
- Host the new Commanding Officer in New Mexico
