RADM Dan Stone visits USS Tarawa

On Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004, RADM Dan Stone, Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and 43rd Chief of Navy Supply Corps, visited USS Tarawa (LHA 1) as part of an "All Calls" in conjunction with a series of briefs and meetings with various commands in San Diego. He was accompanied by CNOCM (SW/AW) Dan Warner.

Upon his arrival, the Chief was met by LCDR Eric Oxendine, Tarawa Assistant Supply Officer and CDR Michelle Skubic, Commander Naval Surface Force Pacific Deputy Force Supply Officer. Because of the stellar reputation earned by the "Big T," CDR Skubic handpicked Tarawa to host the Chief from a long list of outstanding ships on the waterfront.

After a quick courtesy call with the Commanding Officer, CAPT John Riley III, RADM Stone was given a guided tour of the ship's Supply Department. Led by CDR Mike McPeak, Tarawa Supply Officer, and myself, the Aviation Stores Division Officer, the group visited several spaces to include Stock Control, Disbursing, Ship's Store, Post Office, Stores Office, Crew Galley, and Mess Decks.

RADM Stone met with each division, chatted about their jobs, and posed for group pictures. "I appreciated the fact that RADM Stone took the time to meet and shake the hands of every Sailor in the department," said Storekeeper 1st Class David Trimble, S-6 Leading Petty Officer. "His visit here showed that there is someone on a higher level who is looking out for the needs and careers of all supply personnel."

Immediately after the tour, the Chief addressed Supply Department on the Mess Decks. He briefed the crew and answered questions regarding issues such as the Navy's transformation in support of Sea Power 21, sea-shore rotations, ratings mergers, Fleet Readiness Training Plan, manning, and billeting. According to Storekeeper 2nd Class Martha Maya, "It's good he came because the Admiral needs to be aware of how Supply Departments function at different commands. It is also important the Admiral keeps us informed and updated of changes such as rating mergers."

RADM Stone recognized and presented coins to five personnel: Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Marvin Tan, SK2 (SW/AW) Robert Devore, and SKSN Alfonso Limtengco as Supply Sailors of the Quarter; Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeffrey Espinosa and CS3 (SW/AW) Jaqueline Garcia for their efforts within their divisions. An excited CS3 Garcia said, "It's not every day we get to meet the Chief. I'm honored I was recognized by him in front of my shipmates!"

CDR McPeak then presented RADM Stone with a Tarawa ball cap engraved "Chief of Supply Corps." RADM Stone then closed by saying "I really appreciate all your hard work. Keep it up. After touring your spaces and meeting all of you, I know why the Big T, Eagle of the Sea, is number one on the hull, number one in our hearts, and second to none!"

LT Vince Fonte is a recent lateral transfer from the Surface Warfare community. Prior to Navy Supply Corps School, he served as Fire Control Officer on board the recently decommissioned USS O'Brien (DD 975) which was homeported in Yokosuka, Japan.

Lieutenant Samuel Vince A. Fonte, SC, USN, Aviation Stores Division Officer, USS Tarawa

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