Awards or News
JMSDF Chief of Staff visits SUBPAC
Photos by: JOSN McClain Shewman
Adm. Yasumasa Yamamoto, Chief of Staff, Japan Maritime Self Defense
Force (JMSDF), recently paid a visit to Commander Submarine Force,
U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) where he discussed future engagement
between Naval Forces with Capt. John Brandes, Chief of Staff, COMSUBPAC.
Yamamoto and his party were briefed on general submarine issues at
headquarters before touring and enjoying lunch on USS Key West (SSN 722).
“We were glad to return some of the hospitality the Japanese have
shown us,” said Cmdr. Willy Hilarides, Key West Commanding Officer,
(pictured above) and native of Chicago, Ill.
January, 1999
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COMSUBPAC Press Release
USS Key West (Ssn 722) Returns Victoriously.
By Key West Public Affairs Officer
The nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine USS Key West (SSN 722), commanded by Cdr W. H. Hilarides, returned to Pearl Harbor after a deployment to the Western Pacific (WESTPAC). This represented the first deployment for more than twenty members of the crew and the second WESTPAC deployment for the submarine since joining the Pacific Fleet in the fall of 1996.
During the deployment, Key West participated in FOAL EAGLE 98, Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX), and a torpedo exercise. FOAL EAGLE is a regularly scheduled training exercise comprised of Republic of Korea (ROK) and U.S. forces, held at a variety of locations in and around the ROK. Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) is a combined exercise composed of Japan and U.S. naval forces, conducted in the Sea of Japan.
After ANNUALEX, Key West distinguished itself as the first submarine to conduct MK48 ADCAP exercise torpedo firings in foreign waters. To observe the historic torpedo exercise Rear Adm. Krol, Commander, Submarine Group SEVEN, embarked on USS Key West. Three Korean naval officers were also onboard to assist and observe the exercise firings.
Between exercises, the crew relaxed with port visits in Chinhae, South Korea; Yokosuka, Japan; Sasebo, Japan; and Guam. During the Thanksgiving inport period in Sasebo, 25 Sailors volunteered to clean up a local nursing home and conducted tours for several U.S. Department of Defense employees, students, and U.S. Navy personnel.
December 18, 1998
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COMSUBPAC Press Release
Key West Crew “cleans up” during recent port visit.
By LT David Smith, Key West Public Affairs
Crewmembers from the USS Key West (SSN 722) took time out from their Thanksgiving inport period to lend a hand cleaning the Hakujusou Kashimae Nursing Home in Sasebo, Japan. Twenty-five volunteers made the Saturday morning journey to participate in this worthy cause.
The Hakujusou Kashimae, located near the U.S. Navy compound, is home to over fifty elderly citizens in the city of Sasebo. Led by Cdr. W. H. Hilarides, the submarine’s commanding officer, the group was welcomed by Hakujusou Kashimae’s President and Administrative Assistant, who handed out cleaning assignments.
“One thing we definitely know how to do is clean,” said Lt. Cdr. Brian Vance, executive officer. “I’m glad we are working in a field where we have plenty of expertise,” added Chief Petty Officer Larry Ward, Chief of the Boat.
Split into teams of five and spread throughout the nursing home, the crew commenced cleaning. Many of the nurses were quick to point out that we should use our height to good advantage and clean the windows near the ceilings.
“Fortunately, we have more than a few guys over six feet tall who will make reaching these windows a little easier, but I’m not one of them,” added Petty Officer 3rd Class Joshua Ankney. During the cleaning, Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Borga bumped his head on a low overhead. As a result of this he received more than a little bit of sympathy from several on-duty nurses as well as unwanted attention from his shipmates. “They were just concerned about my well-being and wanted to ensure that I was alright,” replied Petty Officer Borga.
As the teams wrapped-up cleaning, the staff had staged refreshments for their new friends. While the groups were cleaning, many of the residents thanked the crew for helping clean their home. In his thank-you remarks to the Key West, the president of the nursing home stated, “Your work has resulted in the Hakujusou Kashimae looking like a whole new place.”
“We are glad that we could return some of the kindness that Sasebo has shown us,” said Cdr. Hilarides.
November 26, 1998
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COMSUBPAC Press Release
USS Key West Awards
On deployment --- USS Key West continues to lead the way in retention. Since being awarded the CINPACFLT Retention Excellence Award for the year 2000, 19 sailors have reenlisted during Key West’s Western Pacific Deployment. Ceremonies were held underway and savings were reaped by all, as the group received $638,956 in tax free SRBs.
Along with the reenlistments, Key West has seen many advancements this deployment, including the selection of five Petty Officers to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Chiefs John J. Adams, Scottie R. Dyer, Daniel Ponce, William Cook and Kevin M. Vanspeybroeck were frocked on September 15th, 2001. Additionally, the following personnel were advanced:
Accelerated
SK3(SS) Derrick D. Olson
MS3(SU) Daniel L. Yoder
E3 and Below
STSSN(SU) Steven D. Nichols
SA(SU) Joshua M. Norton
SN(SS) Danny A. Tirado
STAR
MM2(SU) Ollie C. Adcox
SK2(SS) Kenneth J. Cash
MM2(SS) Ferlin L. Espinal
ET2(SU) Jason D. Jensen
EM2(SS) Scott T. Wolfe
During the extensive underway periods, the qualification program has flourished. Sixteen personnel have qualified Submarines since leaving homeport on July 30. They are:
LTJG Michael J. Doniger
LTJG Christopher R. Watkins
MM2(SS) Joseph G. Braucher
EM1(SS) James A. Colley
MMFA(SS) Bernard J. Cruikshank
MMFA(SS) Gary L. Fox
HM1(SS) Elton L. Hedden
STS3(SS) Joshua M. Hegle
MM3(SS) Cody R. Hollingsworth
YN3(SS) Travis J. Lankford
SA(SU) Joshua M. Norton
SK3(SS) Derrick D. Olson
SA(SS) Kale E. Rogers
EM3(SU) Dustin T. Sinclair
STS3(SS) Travis A. Thomas
YNSA(SS) Mark W. Voynow
Key West has also shown its community support around the world. During a port visit to Singapore, volunteers spent their liberty time working at the Ling Kwang Nursing Home on Friday, 24 August 2001. Their efforts in preservation of the facility and enthusiastic interaction with the residents were commendable and a demonstration of the Key West spirit. The following volunteers are applauded:
STSC(SS) Casas
YNCS(SS) Kulbis
ETC(SS) Stone
ET3(SS) Johnson
ET1(SS) Sparkowski
ET1(SS) Krupka
MM1(SS) Adams
ET1(SS) Ponce
MMCS(SS) Treadwell
ET3(SS) McPherson
SK1(SS) Churchill
STSC(SS) Gill
SKSN(SU) Casey
CMDMC(SS) Shaw
YNCM(SS) Westphal
LCDR Jablon
November, 2001
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