Photo By Sgt. Spencer Rhodes | Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Cluts, a Soldier with Joint Task Force Guantanamo,...... read more read more
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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Despite being far from home and the passing of time not always traveling at the rate we all wish it would, being deployed or stationed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay does have its perks. Finding new activities and sights is a great distraction, and those who are proactive will always find something to occupy their day; an endeavor many pursued April 8 and 10 when the USS Halyburton announced they would be giving tours during its weeklong stay.
The USS Halyburton, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate currently deployed to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility, is actively supporting the United States Southern Command by performing drug trafficking interdiction operations.
According to Navy Cmdr. David E. Fowler, the ship’s commanding officer, this will be the Halyburton’s last deployment as it is one of the oldest ships in the Navy and is the second oldest frigate still in service.
Among the many groups to tour the historic ship was the Joint Task Force Guantanamo Staff Judge Advocate office who made the trip together. Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Noel, an SJA NCO said the tour was a great opportunity to see a military environment completely foreign to what Soldiers in the Army typically experience.
“I was really impressed with how well they were able to function with just over 200 people for the whole ship,” said Noel. “They were very intense, I’m not saying that others are not, but they were all particularly committed about their operation, and I thought that was really cool.”
For those who have never been on a naval vessel, it’s an environment that contains unusually close quarters and is engineered with the intent of total and constant efficiency. In walking through the different levels, items are kept in the unlikeliest of places, and it quickly becomes apparent that nothing is designed or placed without a specific purpose. Even the treadmills are placed neatly to the side in various halls to conserve space and make more room for weights in what is already an incredibly cramped fitness area. As with all other sea-going missions, Sailors on board the Halyburton have adjusted to life aboard the cramped ship adeptly and with a strong sense of camaraderie.
Spc. Alyssa Rouse, also a team member of JTF’s SJA office, had never been on a ship prior to seeing the Halyburton. Rouse said she was impressed with the condition of the ship, considering its age, and the labyrinth like interior’s extreme organization.
“I enjoyed the fact that they let us go from floor to floor on the ladders, just like in the movies. I liked to see all aspects of Navy life including their work and living and recreation areas,” said Rouse. “I was surprised that the USS Halyburton was still conducting daily operations while allowing us to tour. It was interesting to see the crew in their respective elements performing their duties.”
Aside from the scheduled tours, the Halyburton command also accommodated an NCO who wished to re-enlist on the deck of the historic ship.
Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Cluts, who works under the Joint Detention Group, said that when asked where he wanted to do his re-enlistment ceremony, the first thought that came to mind was to ask if there were any ships in port.
Luckily for Cluts, the crew of the USS Halyburton was more than willing to accommodate his choice to continue serving, with Fowler even coining him in honor of the event.
| Date Taken: | 04.24.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.24.2014 13:42 |
| Story ID: | 127444 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY, CU |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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