BHR helps mold future naval officers
by MC2(SW/AW) Jennifer Hudson
USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At sea (NNS) -- More than 20 midshipmen from across the United States are learning about life at sea and developing the skills of future naval officers aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) (LHD 6).
Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy, various Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units and the Virginia Military Institute have been aboard since June 27, cycling through the BHR decks for three weeks and learning valuable sea life lessons.
"We are here on our summer training cruise so that we can live the life of an enlisted member and get to know the people that we will be leading in the future," said Midshipman 3rd Class Kyle Haith from the U.S. Naval Academy.
Although many of the midshipmen are familiar with the Navy through their respective academy or college NROTC programs, a ship -- for many -- is a completely new experience.
"For me, this is my first time being on a ship, and what I like most is that it's an amphibious ship, so we get to see Marines, pilots and you have Navy personnel. So you get a taste of everything," said Haith.
While taking tours of work spaces, midshipmen spoke with Sailors about their job specialties as well as what they look for in their future leaders in the Navy.
"It's a unique experience because I get to talk to a lot of the enlisted and get as much information that I can about their jobs and what they look for in future leaders, so it's a really good experience to be here," said Haith.
According to Midshipman 2nd Class Nicole Stockham, also from the Naval Academy, the ship is providing ample amounts of training. The crew on board has been generous in sharing knowledge with Stockham during this cruise.
"We are definitely getting the training that we need while on board. We got lucky being here while the ship is on [Rim of the Pacific exercise]. It has been really interesting to see the different international services that are on board here and to get to talk to them," said Stockham.
To avoid being overwhelmed by the size of the 844-foot-long ship, midshipmen are each paired with a running mate when they check on board. First class midshipmen are assigned to junior officers, and second and third class midshipmen are assigned to enlisted Sailors.
"This is my first time being a sponsor for a midshipmen, and I'm really enjoying it. We have the ability to mold our future division officers and get a great opportunity to teach and show them things about the ship," said Electricians Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Sandra Campbell, Stockham's running mate.
"I would definitely be a sponsor for a midshipman again because it is a great experience to learn different things from each other."
BHR visits Pearl Harbor
by MC3(SW/AW) Jeffery J. Gabriel Jr.
USS BONHOMME RICHARD, at Sea (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)(BHR) pulled into Naval Station Pearl Harbor June 27 for a 14-day port visit.
Prior to pulling into port, BHR Sailors and embarked personnel were out to sea for 11 days. The time in Hawaii will give those aboard BHR some much needed rest and relaxation on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.
"This is our first true liberty port since we left Australia last October," said Capt. Neil R. Parrott, BHR's commanding officer.
While in port, BHR Sailors and Marines will have a chance to enjoy the sites and base facilities as well as tours and sporting activities offered through the Moral, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program.
"Planning these programs for the crew of the BHR motivates me extensively," said Anne Bolton, BHR's MWR coordinator and fun boss.
BHR's MWR has a variety of activities planned for this port visit, providing a multitude of entertainment and adventure for Sailors and Marines on liberty.
"I have always wanted to snorkel, and Sharks Cove will be a thrill of a lifetime," said Machinist Mate 3rd Class (SW) Kenneth Maestas. "I just hope that I don't get the opportunity to see a shark face to face because that would be too much of a thrill!"
Although some Sailors will take the opportunity to explore the island with other shipmates, there are Sailors who will be spending time with family members.
"It's going to be my first time in Hawaii and what a better way to enjoy this time than with friends," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Cindy Dela Cruz. "I have a cousin and a couple of friends in Hawaii that I haven't seen in a while, and I want to go sight-seeing and visit them,"
BHR hasn't made a port visit in Hawaii since the ship's 2007 Western Pacific deployment. After the 14-day port visit, Sailors and Marines aboard BHR will turn their focus back to Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008, the largest biennial maritime exercise in the world.
BHR takes 16 of 20 trophies during RIMPAC Outrigger competition
by MC1 Kenneth Hunter and MC2 Justin Webb
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)(BHR) brought two teams and a total of 10 Sailors who gave it their all in the 2008 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Outrigger Canoe Competition July 5.
U.S. Navy ships including BHR and USS O'Kane (DDG 77) along with the Singapore Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force each brought teams to round out the field of 20.
BHR's team members were all over 40, and this was there first time to take part in a canoe race, but it didn't stop them from having a blast and even taking home some trophies.
"When we all came together this turned out to be an exciting event," said Operations Officer Cmdr. Michael R. Dickson. "None of us ever did this before, but we still came together as a team."
In the semifinal heat, BHR's "Old Navy" team placed first and the "Older Navy" team was able to pick up third.
"This was a great way to not only promote camaraderie among shipmates but to also foster an international partnership," said Commanding Officer Capt. Neil R. Parrott.
Both teams were looking poised to finish strong in the finals but with 18 other teams hot on their heals it would prove difficult. However, BHR's less youthful squads gave the younger teams a run for their money. Old Navy finished the competition with a second place trophy and Older Navy came in third.
Although this year's RIMPAC out rigger competition participants didn't take home the top prize, they are looking forward to having an outrigger event in the upcoming Surface Line Week Competition in San Diego.
"I predict that BHR will be victorious in all events of the Surface Line Week," said Dickson.
BHR Sailors give 'Mighty Mo' a face lift
by MC2(SW/AW) Jennifer R. Hudson
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) volunteered their time and skills during a community relations (COMREL) project on board USS Missouri (BB 63) July 9.
Sailors from various departments aboard BHR worked together to renovate most of the pier furniture as well as help build an awning mold that will be used to cover one of the many display models on board the ship.
"We rely on volunteer groups; our volunteers are the backbone of our organization," said Beth Remick, director of volunteers for USS Missouri.
"We need as much help as possible and every little bit we get helps out tremendously. We really appreciate active duty volunteers because they are well disciplined and because we like to share the ship's history with them. After all it's their naval history."
One Sailor, who was stationed on the USS Missouri as his first ship from December 1989 to the decommissioning in 1992, explained how happy he was to revisit his first ship.
"I am excited to be back here and see the ship, but mainly I'm just glad to be able to give back to the ship in any way I can," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW) Ron Ramage.
While most of the volunteers helped sand and paint the pier furniture, two members worked with members on board USS Missouri in the carpenter's shop, to help build an awning mold for a display case model.
"I enjoyed carpentering for the first time. Cutting wood isn't as easy as I thought though, it requires dead-on cutting, and there is very little room for error," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Leonard Eugene.
"I think I'll have to stick to being an AO for now, but if I ever decide to do this type of work again, I'll be sure to take a wood working class."
According to COMREL project manager and ship chaplain, Cmdr. John Shimotsu, USS Missouri is the crown of the surface Navy battleships.
After Sailors ate lunch, they were given a tour of the USS Missouri with a little lesson about naval history.
"This is my first COMREL I've ever been on, and I'm very happy that I volunteered for this project. It makes me feel as though I've contributed in some sort of way," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Manuel Penas.
"I feel like I'm helping out. Even though it may be a small contribution, I feel like I'm doing something good for the ship, and it is great to learn about our history."
While in port Hawaii, BHR Sailors volunteered for six COMREL projects, with the USS Missouri as their last.
BHR is currently in the region for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2008, the largest biennial maritime multinational exercise.
Gators Win RIMPAC Softball Tournament
by MC2 Daniel Taylor
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard's (LHD 6) (BHR) softball team, the Gators, won the championship game of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 softball tournament July 3.
The Gators beat Naval Information Operations Command (NIOC) Hawaii 12-11 in the final game, after coming from behind in the last inning, to clinch an undefeated record of 5-0.
Lt. Louis Mirabal said the Gators played three scrimmage games and five tournament games during BHR's port visit to Pearl Harbor.
"The team has been hitting the ball better and making fewer mistakes in the field," said Mirabal. "We are playing more as a team without worrying about individual accomplishments."
During the tournament, the Gators played the Japanese ship Haruna team, winning 19-1; the USS Milius (DDG 69)team, winning 15-13; the NSSC team, winning 11-1; the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) team, winning 19-4; and finished the tournament against the NIOC Hawaii team, winning 12-11 to become tournament champions.
The Gators improved since their last tournament in San Diego, where they were narrowly defeated in the championship game.
"This has been a very good season for us," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handling (AW/SW) Patrick Neely. "We started with some rough areas and have continued to build on our weaknesses. It paid off tremendously with the team finishing in second place in the Naval Base San Diego League prior to us leaving for RIMPAC, thanks to all of the time and effort put forth by each and every team member. BHR has won the RIMPAC Softball Tournament the last 2 times."
For those BHR Sailors who didn't get a chance to watch the Gators play, they will participate in a two-day tournament July 30-31 during the next Hawaii in-port period.
