USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62) HEADS OUT TO NEW

HOMEPORT IN JAPAN

by LTJG John Sullivan


     On July 7th, the men and women of the Aegis class cruiser USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG-62) will depart San Diego and head out to be forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan. CHANCELLORSVILLE will join the other ships and units of the Forward Deployed Naval Force (FDNF) in the SEVENTH FLEET area of responsibility. Operating together with units from the other military services, the FDNF is a key part of U.S. efforts to promote cooperation, maintain stability and deter aggression in the North East Asia and Pacific region.

     Since her commissioning in 1989, CHANCELLORSVILLE has been homeported in San Diego. Last year, CHANCELLORSVILLE completed a comprehensive overhaul in San Diego where she was fitted out with the Navy's latest combat systems suite and numerous other upgrades, making her one of the most capable warships in the fleet. Her crew has just successfully completed an intensive six month pre-deployment training work-up, as well as all the other preparations associated with moving crewmembers and their families to their new home, forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan.

     On July 1st, more than 300 dependents and guests joined crew members for an eight hour family day cruise in San Diego Harbor and the area offshore. For many of the guests, this was a final opportunity to see their son or daughter, husband, or wife prior to the ship leaving for Japan. Some will re-join their loved ones when the ship arrives in Yokosuka. Once out at sea, the guests were able to observe the ship and crew "in action". They watched the ship perform a 30 knot "full power run", and fire its 5" / 54 caliber guns and Close-in Weapons System gattling guns. While enjoying a picnic-style lunch on "steel beach," guests and crewmembers were treated to an exciting flight demonstration provided by two Marine F/A-18s from Miramar Air Station. Also included was a helicopter capabilities demonstration provided by an SH-60B from HSL 49 based at Naval Air Station North Island. It truly was a day to remember.

     Along the way to Japan, CHANCELLORSVILLE will be participating in RIMPAC '98, a large-scale, multi-national exercise in the Hawaiian operating areas. Upon completion of RIMPAC, CHANCELLORSVILLE will join up with KITTY HAWK and the rest of the SEVENTH Fleet battle group in Hawaii, and proceed to their new home forward deployed in Yokosuka, Japan.

     CHANCELLORSVILLE is commanded by Captain Vincent J. Andrews, a native of Plainview, New York.

USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62)