Speeches from Decommissioning CeremonyLCDR Jimenez Speech
Intro for Mayor Buol
Commodore Fuller, Mrs Fuller, CAPT Kitchener, COL Driscell, CAPT Cox,
CAPT Deehr, Deputy, Former CO's of Dubuque retired CAPT Goldend,
CAPT McCormack, CAPT Hejl, and CAPT Ursettie, plank -owners, former
Dubuque Crew members and guests. A Special welcome to, my wife Nancy,
my son Cezanne, daughter Katiah, my brother Jorge, his wife Angie, and
their boys Jr., Isaiah and Xavier.
Please know that I am humbled by your presence here today.
We have a special guest joining us today the Mayor of Duqubue, IA, the
Honorable Roy D. Buol. Mayor Buol is a Dubuque -native. Since 2002 he
has been the Director of the Landscaping and Grounds department at the
University of Dubuque. He holds Bachelor degrees in Business
Administration and Marketing from the University of Dubuque, where he
has also completed graduate coursework. He is currently enrolled in the
National League of Cities Certificate of Achievement Program and
represents Dubuque in the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Mayor Buol was first
elected to a four-year term November 2005, and re-elected for a second term
in 2009. It is my distinct pleasure to introduce the Honorable Roy D. Buol.
USS Dubuque Decommissioning Ceremony
Thursday, June 30, 2011
• Thank you. Good morning. As Mayor of Dubuque, Iowa it is my privilege to be
here today on behalf of my City Council colleagues and the 58,000 residents of
Dubuque. I am also honored to be joined by Former Dubuque Mayor Walter
Pregler who was Mayor of Dubuque in 1967. In fact, he attended the USS
Dubuque's commissioning ceremony in Portsmouth Virginia in September 1967,
along with Dubuque's then Police Chief and Fire Chief. (Ask Walt to stand)
= We are proud to be here today representing Dubuque and to extend our heartfelt
gratitude to the many men and women who have so commendably served on this
vessel over the years.
• The people of Dubuque have always felt a strong connection to this ship and the
ship's family as we followed your missions and accomplishments. We are
grateful to the current and past staff of the USS Dubuque who have maintained
the relationship with our city through correspondence, visits, and exchanges over
the years.
• We would also like to thank the Navy for the invitation to today's ceremony and
for the hospitality you have shown us during our brief visit. We are grateful to the
Naval History and Heritage Command for granting our request to loan the ship's
bell to the City of Dubuque and the Dubuque Navy League. I assure you it will
be proudly and prominently displayed in Dubuque for our citizens and visitors to
view.
• Notably, I bring our community's collective gratitude to all the service men and
women and veterans here today for protecting our freedom and for your service
on the USS Dubuque. The residents of Dubuque are proud to have been
connected to this vessel and extend an open invitation to you and your families to
visit us in Dubuque, our "Masterpiece on the Mississippi!"
At this time, I would like to read the official Resolution read into the record at Iowa's
General Assembly just yesterday:
A RESOLUTION
HONORING THE FOUR -DECADE SAGA OF THE USS DUBUQUE AND ITS CREW.
WHEREAS, after over 40 years of service, from Vietnam
to the Horn of Africa, the USS Dubuque is scheduled for
decommissioning on June 30, 2011, and will be placed in
reserve; and
WHEREAS, LPD-8, as the USS Dubuque is designated, was
commissioned in 1967 as an amphibious transport dock; and
WHEREAS, the USS Dubuque saw extensive duty in Vietnam,
earning eight campaign stars for Vietnam service, and in a
highly publicized event in October 1968, the ship returned 14
repatriated prisoners of war to North Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, in the final chapter of the Vietnam conflict, in
April 1975 the USS Dubuque participated in the evacuation of
Saigon and the rescue of refugees fleeing South Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, over the decades the USS Dubuque saw service
throughout the globe and has received two Navy Unit
Commendations, four Meritorious Unit Commendations, three
Battle Efficiency Awards, three Armed Forces Expeditionary
Medals, and four Humanitarian Service Medals, and participated
in countless amphibious exercises and operations throughout the
Western Pacific and Indian Oceans; and
WHEREAS, most recently in 2010 the USS Dubuque and its crew
completed a humanitarian mission, providing support services
in a massive humanitarian and disaster relief effort for the
flood -ravaged nation of Pakistan; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the
House of Representatives honors the men and women who have
served aboard the USS Dubuque and honors the ship itself for
over four decades of military and humanitarian service.
House Resolution 62, p. 2
We, Kraig Paulsen; Speaker of the House of Representatives,
and W. Charles Smithson, Chief Clerk of the House, hereby
certify that the above and foregoing Resolution was adopted
by the House of Representatives of the Eighty-fourth General
Assembly.
0���Je �04tol�
KRAI PAULSEN
Speaker of the House
W. CHARLES SMITHSON
Chief Clerk of the House.
Igo c cua � ,
.41-
Intro for CAPT (ret) Ursettie
It is with great pleasure that I introduce our next speaker. He took command
of USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8) 44 years ago, the first commanding officer,
setting the stage of over 4 decades of proud and faithful service to a nation
by the ship you see behind me today. In honor of that fine day of September
151, 1967, we made the decommissioning program in the same style and with
many of the original photographs as the original commissioning program.
PA
It is a privilege to be here today, and I appreciate the
opportunity to say a few words.
I am fortunate to come full circle by being present for
both the commissioning and the retirement of this fine
ship.
I would like to recognize the citizens of Dubuque, Iowa.
They were very proud of having this ship named in honor
of their home town. When I went to their city as a
representative of the ship, they welcomed me with a
dinner and a parade.
The Dubuque was my last sea command and my favorite
command. At that time she was new and state of the art.
I see that she's had more than a few technological
upgrades since my time. It appears she has weathered the
seas well.
One of the most famous exploits that the ship is noted for
is the North Vietnamese prisoner release during the
Vietnam War.
The release of 14 North Vietnamese sailors had been
arranged in secrecy and good faith in the hopes that we
could get some of our captured pilots back. After four
months of planning and negotiation, a 48-hour designated
neutral zone was established in the Gulf of Tonkin where
we were to release the prisoners.
The Navy had bought an old fishing junk in Danang for
use by the prisoners, but when the time came, we couldn't
get its engines going. Because the prisoners needed to be
returned within the alloted time, Admiral Lacy gave
permission to use one of our stripped -down whale boats.
The prisoners got in the boat but had to be checked out on
how to run it. When they were ready to run the boat, they
stripped off their clothes down to their skivvies and piled
them up in the cabin of the whale boat. I called back my
crew, and we sent them off.
Now we needed to account for a missing boat.
In filling out the paperwork, we couldn't say how we lost
the boat because the prisoner release was highly classified
at the time. It took longer to make up a story and fill out
the paper work to account for the missing boat than it
took to do the actual prisoner release.
The Dubuque and all its crews over the years have a lot to
be proud of as we close out her history. I am honored to
have been a part of that history and wish you all smooth
sailing.
Commodore Fuller Intro
It is a great honor to welcome and introduce the guest speaker, my boss.
Commodore Fuller's biography is in the program, but let me tell you some
highlights of the greatness before you. He is a Surface Warrior earning his
commission from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. I
hope it wasn't during the winter months. I have first hand knowledge on
how brutal the winters in Newport can be. He has served on several
platforms, including the USS AMERICA (CV 66), the USS COMSTOCK
(LSD 45), the USS SPARTANBURG COUNTY (LST 1192),
COMDESRON THIRTEEN, COMPHIBRON SIX, and XO on USS
SHREVEPORT (LPD 12). He commanded the USS PEARL HARBOR.
His shore tours include the Officer of Force Transformation as the
Transformation Chairs and Joint Operational Concepts Program Manager.
He earned several Battle Efficiency awards in both his XO and CO tours.
He currently commands arguably the best squadron of expeditionary
warriors and ships in the world, Amphibious Squadron Three. He is
responsible for delivering our national treasure, our Sailors and Marines,
into the fight, any time, anywhere. He commanded the squadron throughout
the fifth fleet area of responsibility with ships, Sailors and Marines spread
out through several countries and oceans thousands of miles apart. He
demands nothing but success from his commanders. Commodore, thank you
for your dedicated and sincere concern for our Sailors, our ships, and our
Navy.
Ladies and gentleman, please welcome Commodore Fuller, Commander,
Amphibious Squadron Three. (applause)
Salutations
Good morning,
Mayor Buol, (Mayor of Dubuque Iowa),
Mrs. Buol, Mr. Pregler,
CAPT (ret) Ursettie, CDRE(ret) Kenny Golden, former
DUBUQUE CO
CAPT Kitchner
COL Driscell
CAPT(ret) Brian McCormack, former DUBUQUE CO
CAPT(ret) Jeffrey Miller, former DUBUQUE CO
HTC(ret) Ron Reeves, plank owner
RMC(ret) Rodney Cupples, plank owner
Fellow Captains, sailors and marines of USS Dubuque
This is a great day to conduct a ceremony!
First and foremost 1 would like to thank Captain Jiminez
for requesting me to speak today. Note that we had
many speakers for today's ceremony and 1 will keep my
comments brief and to the point.
1 would first like to recognize the sailors and marines of
Dubuque for a great job in getting the ship ready for this
transition to inactive status. They have worked hard for
this turnover and have done a fabulous job in closing up
the ship. 1 applaud you for your efforts.
1 would also like to thank the color guard and the
2q PPA"-% iAfgANc. Ca,&PS 6P,.,k
for their support for
today's event. Great job to you as well.
2
It was a team effort by the waterfront and many hands
had a part in this transition effort and my hat is off to all
iu AL- t v c sEKLIL� .
of you who helped Dubuque get ready fort .
1 wanted to talk about a couple a things: One point 1
want to mention is about the forthcoming budget
constraints that will impact the future of the
amphibious fleet and my second point 1 would like to
make is that the capability of today's Amphibious Ready
Group brings a significant bang for the buck and
Dubuque, this great ship, has led the way in her historic
career to demonstrate taxpayer's return on their
investment.
Historically in recent years the Marine Corps ship
inventory requirement to support worldwide operations
3
has been somewhere around 38 amphibious ships. This
number of 38 ships has been debated over the years.
And to date the Navy has been challenged in meeting
this Marine Corps inventory requirement for lift
capability.
Today we have approximately 28 ships in our
amphibious ship forces worldwide. As you can see
ladies and gentlemen the adage of doing more with less
is alive and well in today's amphibious forces. This
delta of ten ships is a huge disparity.
As 1 mentioned, we will further experience resource
constraints that will impact our sponsor on the CNO's
staff. These funding pressures coupled with our ever-
4
expanding mission requirements for our amphibious
forces will be a daunting assessment task.
Programs will be carefully assessed across the board,
ship construction timelines will be adjusted`,as well as
decommissioning requirements in the future. These
fiscal defense plan challenges will have a significant
impact in how we support our national defense
objectives and goals for years to come.
We are indeed faced with doing more with less and this
fiscal reality is by no means a small issue for naval
forces.
Across the board war fighter requirements are in
jeopardy to be either cut or simply deleted from the
fiscal defense plan all together. This is a hard reality
R
but a needed one considering our national economic
struggles. The budget programmers will have tough
choices to make.
Now, one of the of great things going for the amphibious
forces today is - if the demand signal is high for the
Amphib fleet it will be very hard to cut or delete
amphibious lift requirements in the future years defense
budget plan. 1 submit, amphibious forces are in fact in
high demand by fleet commanders and PELARG and
others have responded well to these demanding high
optempo requirements.
Now what 1 will describe to you later in this speech will
clearly illustrate the need to not only maintain our
current amphibious force ship numbers but also
2
validate the need to increase the amphibious forces
worldwide. And we can thank the good sailors and
marines of Dubuque and those hard -charging devil dogs
of 15" MEU for their accomplishments they achieved
together in the past two years and frankly we have set
the stage in how we should train and employ
amphibious force capability in the 215t century and
Dubuque has truly led the way and her legacy will be
felt for years to come.
Now that I have talked about the fiscal budget
challenges of the future of amphibious forces now 1
want to tell you how we the amphibious forces provide
a significant return on investment- that bang for your
buck factor - and how the sailors and marines of
Dubuque coupled with 15` MEU exemplify the best of
the best naval forces has to offer.
When 1 assumed command of PELARG back in 2009
IS Dubuque was getting ready for a Pacific
Partnership deployment. However if you recall then the
swine flu was pandemic and unfortunately many
members of ship's company came down with the flu.
This unfortunate incident put a stop to deployment
plans for the ship in supporting humanitarian assistance
operations in the south pacific.
But this set back was only temporary. Dubuque had a
very ambitious work up cycle and achieved things that
others would have dreamt of. Significant of note was
that she not only certified in her cycle early she
9
accomplished engineering certification during her initial
assessment. Folks that single achievement in itself of
AlIIAI ASSeSSMfni
certifying the engineering departmentthad only been
accomplished by a couple of ships in naval history and
this was a 43-year-old ship at the time when she
achieved such status. A fantastic achievement indeed!
What is more during her work up cycle an Inspection
Survey was scheduled prior to deployment in 2010.
Frankly 1 was worried that this mandatory
congressional inspection was being held on this very
old but sweet platform. And to my amazement when
these top Navy inspectors came on board every thing
worked according to specifications. Unbelievable. Then
Capt Nosenza commanded the ship, and it validated his
confidence in this crew that they indeed knew how to
M
train and they knew how to maintain in keeping this fine
warship mission ready.
We were fortunate to have Capt Bolt follow in command
and he continued the ship's outstanding performance
through a complex work -up schedule.
But there was an added twist to the work -up cycle for
Dubuque and its sailors and marines. The CNO and
Commandant directed PELARG and ISth MEU to conduct
a proof of concept for establishing an opposed vessel
board search and seizure capability. Yet another
daunting task using limited resources and expanding
the mission requirements of the ARG.
10
Dubuque led the way for PELARG and I designated
Dubuque as my VBSS proof of concept platform and
she worked very closely with the embarked 15"' MEU
marines to develop tactics, techniques and procedures
to conduct an opposed ship take down capability for
others to emulate. At the time in early 2010 we had no
idea that Dubuque and 15t' MEU would actually conduct
a mission of this magnitude but 1 will talk about that
later.
Now 1 will fast forward -
During the work -up cycle this crew conducted multiple
training evolutions with 151'' MEU demonstrating ship
take down tactics. It was a sight to see her launching
multiple rhibs, attack helicopters, the ship's security
force, snipers manned on the ship upper levels, snipers
in helicopters, and cobra's airborne at the ready to
support on a moments notice for either an air or surface
take down. PELARG demonstrated this capability over
and over for our boss VADM Hunt in his role as
COMTHIRDFLT and to say the least he was very pleased
-rKr
and impressed with capability.
During deployment Dubuque was our lead theater
security cooperation ship and she conducted multiple
bi-lateral exercises with the countries such as Yemen,
Bali, Kuwait, and Jordan to name a few. Thdyoerformed
superbly as ambassadors of good -will to these
countries.
12
Now when Dubuque was operating in the Arabian Gulf
working with the Kuwaitis, 1 received a call from C5F to
support national tasking to the country of Pakistan -
Pakistan was suffering from the worst monsoon season
ever that resulted in the worst natural disaster in thier
history. Pakistan experienced flooding that spanned
from Main to Florida from the East Coast to the
Mississippi River. The farm lands were inundated with
flooding and we were tasked to provide humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief.
Now this was a task on a monumental scale. We
conducted the longest amphibious ship to shore
movement ever recorded in history by inserting 15
helicopters 700 nautical miles inland, with 300 marines
and sailors on the ground. Those sailors and marines
13
delivered over 7.5 million pounds of disaster relief
supplies and evacuated thousands from the affected
flood areas, spanning over a three month period.
Meanwhile, we directed Dubuque to re -aggregate the
Combat Logistic Battalion from Kuwait and rendezvous
with Peleliu to provide additional support off the coast
of Pakistan. However, by the time Dubuque arrived on
station we were told by the Pakistani government that
they would only allow 300 boots on the ground.
So this led my staff to come up with new tasking for
Dubuque. So we transferred all of our remaining
transport helicopters from Dubuque and inserted them
in Pakistan and placed our Cobra helicopter element on
Dubuque and sent her down to the Gulf of Aden to
14
support the multinational forces that were escorting
commercial vessels from the Gulf of Aden to the
Northern Arabian Gulf.
Peleliu and Pearl Harbor remained on station off the
coast of Pakistan and we had a very interesting routine.
On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, we supported
disaster relief efforts in Pakistan, and on Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and Saturdays, we launched AV-8 Harriers
into Afghanistan providing close air support for
Operation Enduring Freedom.
This dynamic and flexible capability of the ARG/MEU
team that 1 just described illustrates an incredible
capability. In other the words, on the one hand during
the week we were conducting soft power operations in
15
Pakistan and on the hand we were conducting hard
power operations dropping bombs in Afghanistan.
Now back to Dubuque and her operations. Ladies and
gentlemen the climax of our deployment is when
Dubuque arrived on station in the Gulf of Aden. We
received a distress call from the Motor Vessel Magellan
Star indicating that they were under attack by pirates.
It was fortuitous that Dubuque was on station near the
Magellan Star and she had a crew trained to rescue a
ship under such circumstances. And less than 24
hours of getting the word of mission go Dubuque and
15th MEU boarded the Magellan Star, nine pirates were
captured, and eleven crew members were rescued. An
amazing feat to say the least.
16
What is more, PELARG and 15th MEU were conducting
air strikes in Afghanistan, and providing disaster relief
in Pakistan all on the same day. Again, this capability
resides only in the amphibious forces and clearly
justifies sustaining the force for the future. There is no
question that no other capability exists around the
world that can conduct this type of simultaneous
operations spanning a geographic theater as expansive
as COMFITHFLT in the Middle East.
So in closing 1 would like to acknowledge this good man
who has taken the helm over the past few months.
Ivan, and 1 might add, the best looking commanding
officer in my group, you have done a fantastic job during
your tour as the ship's Executive Officer and Ship's
Captain. Ivan your impeccable attention to detail,
17
outstanding character, and superb leadership during
this tour has made my job much easier.
You guided this ship in being the best of the best and
earning the distinction as the best ship in my group and
being awarded the Battle "Efficiency" award for 2010, PAID ma T-�
Pq
as one4he top ships in Navy. Not bad for a 44 year old
ship. Ivan you and the crew of Dubuque have my
highest respect and 1 wish you well.
Now as for Ivan's family, Nancy, Cezan, Katia 1 thank
you too, for supporting this very fine naval officer. But
o,a v.cls p"�.-'ems
as you know Nancy your husbandis off to another
arduous sea duty command heading to the USS
Vandegrift but 1 know you are up to the task.
H
thank you for the opportunity to address
this group during this ceremony. God bless you all and
long live Dubuque one of the finest ships to ever sail the
seven seas. Faremrsll and following seas to a legend
that will never be forgotten.
19
Main Speech
Thank you Commodore Fuller. The crew and I are truly honored by your
words.
Even though a decommissioning ceremony is not prescribed by Naval
Regulations, it is instead an honored product of Naval tradition. It is worth
conducting because formal occasion allows the opportunity to show off the
crisp uniforms of the crew, the fine condition of the ship, and, as the
Captain, I must recognize the heroes of this great crew and offer a sincere
"thank you" in front of the Commodore and invited dignitaries.
Today we are gathered to celebrate the 44 years of service of the USS
DUBUQUE. Or are we here to honor the people that provided service, care
and countless hours of maintenance, cleaning, and preservation that have
allowed her to remain the great ship that she is. I think it is the latter.
The USS Dubuque was a tremendous success over the past few years solely
due to the dedication of individuals. It didn't just happen. YOU, who are
manning the rails and working behind the scenes, did the work and deserve
the praise. The Sailors and Marines that served aboard the DUBUQUE for
the past 44 years are the reason she served our nation with extreme success,
even on this last day, as you can see by her superb condition. The Sailors
and Marines of DUBUQUE made it all happen.
Sailors like SM3 Reedy who served from March 1968 to November 1969
and was on board when the Dubuque was off the waters of Hanoi during a
POW exchange, a first for the U.S. Navy.
EM2 Plunkette: He served from September 1969 through October 1972, and
is quoted saying, "Great ship, great crew, busy times. Worked hard and
partied harder — many great memories, but most of all great people!"
And most recently, Sailors like ABH3 Ingua, who safely launched and
recovered more than a 1000 helicopters without incident. Only the big decks
do more.
BMl Certa, who safely launched 210 individual AAVs from our well deck
in the past year, 26 LCU launches, and an LCAC sending hundreds of
Marines ashore over and over again.
Engineers MMl Row and EM2 Dunlap, who kept the boiler steaming,
turbines and shafts spinning, and power going to all the auxiliary equipment
despite the 115 degree temperatures in the main spaces below deck while in
the Middle East. I wish I could mention all the engineers by name. They
especially deserve the recognition.
The Dubuque's Chief s Mess —
I truly believe that Chiefs run the Navy. Or, at least they should. In good
commands (like Dubuque), they did. You have the most challenging, yet
rewarding, job in the world — the ability to affect lives. You teach, train,
discipline, reward, and watch Sailors mature into the future of our Navy.
You taught me that no one is inherently any better, or any smarter, than
anyone else. Differences arise from natural skills, acquired knowledge,
experience, and maturity. You lived the example of all great organizations,
"If you take care of the people, the people will take care of the mission."
The Wardroom:
Your professionalism and leadership made the difference in creating the
outstanding command environment that made our ship the best on the water
front.
Continue to take care of your people,
Trust your Chiefs,
And become experts in the jobs you are assigned. Become that "go to"
officer.
There are 1000's more Sailors that have served the Dubuque's needs and
that have been served and protected by the good ship Dubuque.
It was the Sailors, the leadership, and the guiding principles that have kept
Dubuque alive for 44 years. The Sailors, Marines and the families made the
ship special and alive. The Dubuque is alive today because of the people
like us, everyone here; people who care about where we are and understand
what has to happen.
Lastly and most importantly, please allow me to thank my family; my wife
Nancy, son Cdzanne, and daughter Katiah. The Navy lifestyle is difficult,
but rewarding. My children have attended 5 different schools through only
the 5" grade.
The saying is true, "Navy Spouse, the toughest job in the Navy."
(pause for flowers to go to Nancy and Katiah)
0
My wife Nancy has the patience of a saint, she is a counselor, a
cheerleader, she is the kindest woman on the planet, and she is my best
friend. Thank you for supporting me every step of the way. I love you!
"I will now read the Decommissioning Order."
M/C: "Ship's Company, ATTENTION"
*NOTE: Official Party Stands*
LCDR Jimenez FROM Commmander naval surface fleet
PACIFIC, TO expeditionary strike
group three, amphibious squadron
THREE, USS DUBUQUE (LPD 8). SUBJECT:
USS DUBUQUE(LPD B) DECOMMISSIONING
GUIDANCE. PER REFS A AND B, uss
dubuque HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED FOR FY11
DECOMMISSIONING. THIS Message
PROVIDES AUTHORIZATION TOCOMMENCE
INACTIVATION AND SUBSEQUENT
DECOMMISSIONING. USS dubuque WILL
BE DESIGNATED as A
RETENTION/MOBILIZATION ASSET AND
CLASSIFIED OUT OF COMMISSION IN
RESERVE ON THIS DAY, 30 JUNE 2011.
DECOMMISSIONING
LCDR Jimenez (Remains at podium)
"Executive Officer, Make
preparations to Decommission United
States Ship DUBUQUE."
XO Aye aye, Sir!
(Turns to Dept Heads..)
Department Heads, REPORT!
XO (returns salute) "Very well."
(Turns to CO and Salutes)
"Sir, DUBUQUE is ready for
Decommissioning."
LCDR Jimenez (Returns salute) "Very Well.,,
h
LCDR Jimenez (Turning To CAPT Fuller) "CDRE, Request
permission to decommission the
ship."
CAPT Fuller "Decommission the ship."
(Permission is granted.
LCDR Jimenez (Salutes CAPT Fuller) "Aye aye, Sir."
"Executive Officer, De -Mann the
ship!"
XO (Salutes) "Aye aye, Sir. Officer of the
Deck, De -Mann the ship."
OOD (Reports to the Executive Officer) "Sir,
The ship is de -manned. "
XO (Salutes) "Very Well."
(reports to CO) "Sir, the ship is
De -Manned."
LCDR Jimenez "Very Well."
(Remains at Podium)
"Strike eight bells. Haul down the
Colors!"
secured by conclusion of TAPS.
LCDR JIMENEZ
Xo
1055
Fuller,
CAPT Fuller
Adjutant
LCDR Jimenez
(Upon conclusion of Colors LCDR Jimenez
turns to the XO and orders..)
"Secure the Watch!"
(Salutes) Aye aye, Sir. Officer of the
Deck, Secure the Watch."
LCDR JIMENEZ turns toward Captain
salutes, and reports decommissioning to
CPR3. "COMMODORE, I have been
relieved and USS DUBUQUE has been
decommissioned. Decommissioning of
USS DUBUQUE is complete.,,
"Very Well."
"Ship's Company, PARADE REST"
NOTE: Official Party is seated. Pennant
presented.
LCDR Jimenez (Takes the podium)
"Mayor Buol, Please join me at
the Podium."
(The Mayor joins LCDR Jimenez at
8
the Podium)
"On Behalf of a grateful nation I would
like to present you with the final National Ensign to fly
aboard USS DUBUQUE after 44 years of faithful service.,,
M/C: "Will the guests please rise and
remain
Retiring of
standing for the benediction,
the Colors and the departure of the
official party."
0