USS New Mexico

In late September 2007, in St. Louis, MO, 37 of the last remaining crew members of USS NEW MEXICO (BB-40) gathered for their 50 th annual reunion. This aging group of WWII veterans belongs to the 220-member USS New Mexico BB-40 Association . According to their president, Vernon Dascher, or “Ole Vern” as he is known among his shipmates, “We are happy to see each other each year.” While there were representatives from 2 nd, 4 th, 5 th, 6 th, A, B, E, F, C-S, V, S, N, I and L Divisions at this reunion, these sailors are really a family, no longer part of any division.

Over the years, the USS New Mexico Association has donated over $10,000 to the Nimitz Museum in Fredericksburg, TX. It also donates several $300 scholarships to UNM’s NROTC unit each year.

Our BB-40 sailors are following the development of submarine NEW MEXICO. At the reunion, Ole Vern asked for a show of hands by those who hope to attend the commissioning ceremony. Ten BB-40 sailors raised their hands. It will be a great honor to have as many battleship NEW MEXICO crewmembers at the commissioning as possible.

Ed and Cindy Giambastiani Looking Forward to New Mexico Visit

The nation’s seventh Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Edmund Peter Giambastiani, retired on July 27th after 37 years of commissioned service in the U.S. Navy. For his retirement ceremony, Admiral G, as he’s known throughout the ranks and by the White House, was right back where he started as a midshipman 41 years ago - at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. A native of Canastota, NY, Admiral G graduated from the Academy with leadership distinction in 1970.

Vice President Dick Cheney, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense Gordon England delivered remarks at the ceremony. Also in attendance were Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, JCS Chairman Marine General Peter Pace, and Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Samuel Alito.

“Ed is smart, he is ethical, he is a diplomat, he knows technology, he knows the Pentagon, he knows Washington, D.C.,” Mr. England told the crowd of about 600 well-wishers who were seated under tents on the academy’s parade grounds. When Mr. England was Secretary of the Navy, he selected the name NEW MEXICO for the Navy’s sixth Virginia-class submarine.

In paying tribute to Admiral G, Vice President Cheney said he has known the admiral since his days in Congress, where he served on the House Intelligence Committee. Admiral G at that time commanded “a vessel carrying out very sensitive missions for the country,” Mr. Cheney said of the Cold War Era. Mr. Cheney called Admiral G “someone you can count on,” and praised his lifetime dedication to making certain our armed forces are fully prepared to function in the modern world. “He reminds me of the submarines he has commanded; he runs silent and he runs deep,” Mr. Cheney said.

Active duty places many demands on military families, who so often and so freely put the interests of the nation above their own. The retirement ceremony not only honored Admiral G, but also his wife of 31 years, Cindy, and their entire family for their selfless devotion to our country. Defense Secretary Gates acknowledged that the Navy honored the 4-star submariner in another way earlier this year when Cindy Giambastiani was selected as the Ship’s Sponsor for submarine NEW MEXICO. She and her husband will be visiting the submarine’s namesake in October 2007. Cindy will christen USS NEW MEXICO (SSN 779) in 2009.

ADM Giambastiani and Vice President Cheney confer during the ceremony

Mr. Cheney praised Admiral G as the right man with the right capabilities to help lead the Defense Department through tremendous changes required to face current and future threats. Throughout his long naval career, Admiral G demonstrated “competence, reliability and something more,” the Vice President said. “Ed Giambastiani stands out as a visionary and a strategic thinker of the first order.”

When it came time for Admiral G to speak, he referred to his time as Supreme Allied Commander for NATO as a way of kidding Mr. Cheney, his old friend. “I often joked it is better to be the ’supreme’ of anything than the ‘vice’ of everything,” he said. He then apologized while the audience was laughing.

VCJCS ADM Edmund Giambastiani speaks at his retirement ceremony

He said his relationships with his fellow service members boil down to an expression he learned as a midshipman at the Academy: “Every day is a holiday; every meal is a banquet; and every formation is a family gathering,” he said. “We’re all a family,” he said, noting that sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines celebrate each others’ successes and grieve each others’ losses. “That is what the military is all about.”

Admiral G’s sea assignments included USS PUFFER (SSN 652) and USS FRANCIS SCOTT KEY (SSBN 657) (BLUE). While assigned to PUFFER, he was a 1973 winner of the Fleet Commander’s Junior Officer Submarine Shiphandling Competition. He commanded NR-1, the Navy’s only nuclear-powered deep-diving ocean engineering and research submarine and USS RICHARD B. RUSSELL (SSN 687), where the crew was awarded three consecutive Battle Efficiency “E”s, three Navy Unit Commendations, and two Fleet Commander Silver Anchors for excellence in enlisted retention. Admiral G also commanded Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, the oldest experimental unit of its kind in the Untied States.

Admiral G’s other shore assignments included an enlisted program manager at the Navy Recruiting Command Headquarters, Washington, DC, in the early days of the all-volunteer force; Special Assistant to the Deputy Director for Intelligence, Central Intelligence Agency; and, a fellowship with the Chief of Naval Operations’ Strategic Studies Group. As a flag officer, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Resources, Warfare Requirements and Assessments for the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Director of Submarine Warfare for the Chief of Naval Operations; Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Resources, Requirements, and Assessments; and as the Senior Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. His previous assignment was as NATO’s first Supreme Allied Commander Transformation and as Commander, United States Joint Forces Command, where he led the transformation of NATO and U.S. military forces, capabilities and doctrines and the introduction of new technologies.

While he has been awarded numerous decorations, he is most proud of his 19 unit awards and commendations because they recognize the participation and accomplishments of the entire team.

Of Ed and Cindy Giambastiani, Gordon England said it best. “Today, their fantastic voyage is not ending. Rather, it is only tacking onto a new course as they run with the wind in the years ahead.”

From the USS New Mexico Committee, congratulations to Ed and Cindy. It is our wish that your future hold fair winds and following seas, and many exciting times with USS NEW MEXICO.

The Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff render salutes

Defense Department photos by U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. D. Myles Cullen

Last May, the New Mexico Amigos 45th annual tour included visits in Norfolk, Williamsburg, Washington and Boston.

The New Mexico Amigos is a non-profit organization that has been officially designated as Goodwill Ambassadors for New Mexico. For their 2007 annual trek, these goodwill ambassadors, 146 New Mexico civic leaders and businessmen in all, broke into groups for visits aboard USS Nassau (LHA 4) and USS Minneapolis-St. Paul (SSN 708) at the Norfolk Naval Base.

Their base visit also included a luncheon hosted by Fleet Forces Command, with CDR Rob Dain, Commanding Officer of PCU New Mexico, as the honored guest speaker. This was followed by an evening get-together at the Kingsmill Sports Club on the James River in Williamsburg, VA, where Lt. Governor Diane Denish joined the Amigos. Rob and Lisa Dain posed for pictures with the Lt. Governor. In the background was the James River, the very first water that will wet the hull of our namesake submarine when she is launched in January 2009.

Pictured here, right to left, are Lt. Governor Diane Denish, CDR Rob Dain and his wife Lisa, and Amigos President Mike Pemberton of Roswell.

In Washington, the New Mexico Amigos met with President George Bush and Sen. Pete Domenici for an informal Q&A session at the White House. The President reflected on his experiences in office. The Amigos also posed for group photos with Sen. Jeff Bingaman at the U.S. Senate, and toured national monuments including the new WWII Memorial.

Selectee has volunteered with the submarine community for over 30 years

WASHINGTON , D.C. — The Secretary of the Navy has named Mrs. Cindy Giambastiani of Arlington, Va., to be the sponsor for the submarine USS New Mexico (SSN 779), currently under construction at Northrop Grumman Newport News. Mrs. Giambastiani is married to Navy Adm. Edmund Giambastiani, who currently serves as the second-highest ranking officer in the armed forces as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

U.S. Navy ship sponsors are designated during the construction process and are a key element as the ship “comes to life.” The sponsor will officiate at the ship’s keel laying ceremony (or keel authentication ceremony in the case of a submarine), christen the ship when the ship is launched, and when the ship is commissioned and delivered to the Navy for active service, the sponsor gives the orders to the crew to “Man our ship and bring her to life!”

“I am so excited and honored to be the sponsor for USS New Mexico,” Mrs. Giambastiani said. “I have seen already that the state of New Mexico has a wonderful history with the Navy and the submarine community, and I know her citizens are excited about the Navy’s newest submarine being named for their state.”

Mrs. Giambastiani has been a strong advocate for the submarine community for over three decades. She was raised in a military home and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nutrition before marrying and raising two children.

For more than 31 years, Mrs. Giambastiani has been serving in support groups and organizations in local military communities, to include numerous volunteer jobs supporting submariners and their families, as well as her children’s extracurricular activities. In July 2005, she was awarded the Distinguished Public Service Award for her continued dedication to military spouses and families. In July 2000, she was awarded the Meritorious Public Service Award by the Navy for her selfless support of the Submarine and Navy communities.

SSN 779 will have its keel authentication ceremony later this year at the Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard in Newport News, Va. She is scheduled to be christened in 2009, and delivered to the Navy by 2010. She will be the second ship named for the state of New Mexico. The previous USS New Mexico was a battleship (BB 40) which served in World War I and World War II.

The naming of SSN 779 after the state of New Mexico was the culmination of more than five years of effort from state officials, veterans and Navy supporters in New Mexico. The New Mexico Council of the U.S. Navy League will be working closely with the crew and the shipyard to prepare for SSN 779’s entry into the Fleet.

“ New Mexico and submarines have a wonderful history together, despite our landlocked status,” said Dick Brown, chairman of the USS New Mexico christening committee and president of the Rocky Mountain Region of the Navy League. “ New Mexico’s landmark contributions to the development of nuclear power have made possible the technologies behind SSN 779, the most advanced submarine the world has seen.”

“The State of New Mexico has a long proud tradition of support for our military and that continues with the USS New Mexico,” said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. “From our earliest territorial days to Bataan, and right up to today’s conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, New Mexicans have always answered the call. We are proud that the latest addition to our nuclear Navy will bear our state’s proud name around the world.”

The commanding officer of the pre-commissioning unit (PCU) New Mexico is Navy Cmdr. Robert Dain, a New Mexico native. To learn more about SSN 779, USS New Mexico, visit www.ussnewmexico.net.

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Seven members of the USS New Mexico Committee traveled to Santa Fe on a cold and snowy day on January 23rd to attend the Legislature’s Veterans Day and a special “Tribute to Women in the Military” hosted by the NM Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS). In attendance were Damon Runyan, Joe Zanetti, David & Marlene Mathis, Joe Loisel, Jim Fordice, Nora Lozoya and Dick Brown.
The committee set up an exhibit in the East Wing of the Capitol Rotunda with displays of Virginia-class submarines, fact sheets, and other information. On easels were poster-size copies of the top 30 ship’s crest designs and the winning crest design by Emilee Sena.

CDR Robert Dain and Chief of the Boat Roger Meffley are introduced to the State Senate.

Special guests among the SSN 779 group were the Commanding Officer, CDR Robert Dain, and the Chief of the Boat, Roger Meffley, plus Emilee and her parents, Patrick and Kerrie Sena. CDR Dain, Chief Meffley, the Sena family, committee members visited both sides of the Legislature and were introduced and recognized on the House and Senate floors.

Emilee Sena was introduced to both Governor Bill Richardson and Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish. The ship’s crest was officially unveiled and Emilee was made an Admiral in the Rio Grande Navy. She later commented she was really impressed with the accomplishments of the women officers in the services.

Master of Ceremonies and DVS Cabinet Secretary John Garcia recognized veterans and spoke about their contributions in the crowded Rotunda. Several individual women were introduced and recognized for their service. Governor Richardson also addressed the crowd and later mingled with people on the floor. He conversed and posed for pictures with CDR Dain, COB Meffley, and Emilee. The SSN 779 Committee’s photographer, Jerry Goffe, captured numerous photos depicting all the scenes and events of the day.

Emilee Sena is presented her appointment to Admiral in the Rio Grande Navy by Governor Bill Richardson with Committee Chairman Dick Brown looking on.

Emilee Sena explains her crest design to Governor Richardson while CDR Dain, Master Chief Meffley, Ramon Runyan, and Joe Loisel listen in.

Electrician’s Mate First Class Aaron P. Mills was selected as the PCU NEW MEXICO Sailor of the Quarter. Aaron is a native of Waterloo, IA where he graduated from Waterloo West High School in 1996.  He enlisted in the Navy in July 1996.

EM1(SS) Aaron Mills

Aaron was selected for this quarter due to his outstanding efforts as the Engineering Department Log Room Yeoman.  His outstanding efforts concerning the training, examination, and operation of the Engineering Department ensured the crew was properly trained and tested, ready to meet all levels of knowledge requirements in support of the Initial Fill of the Reactor Plant Primary System.

Congratulations to NEW MEXICO’s Sailor of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter 2007, Aaron Mills of Waterloo, IA.

Junior Sailor of the Quarter

Machinist Mate Second Class Kyle Decker of Aztec, NM has been selected as the PCU NEW MEXICO Junior Sailor of the Quarter. Kyle graduated from Aztec High School in 2002 with a 4.25 GPA.  He played varsity baseball and was a member of both the National Honor Society and the Science National Honor Society. He also attended San Juan Community College in Farmington, NM, 2002 – 2004, making the Dean’s each year. He worked part time at the Aztec Hardware Store for two years and the 24/7 Supply and Rental in Aztec for nine months.

Kyle’s mother, Anna Buck, and stepfather, Jon Buck, reside in Aztec. His sister Abby Buck (age 10) and Evin Buck (age 5) also reside in Aztec. His father, Steve Decker, resides in Fresno, CA.

Kyle joined the Navy on October 21, 2004 and attended Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL and “A” School, Nuclear Power School, and Nuclear Prototype Training in Charleston, SC. He reported on board PCU NEW MEXICO on September 13, 2006. Kyle is married to Kayla Miller. They currently live Gloucester, VA.

MM2(SS) Kyle Decker

As the Reactor Laboratory Divisional Repair Parts Petty Officer, Kyle was selected for this quarter for his excellent performance. He identified, ordered and tracked over 500 parts for the establishment of Reactor Plant Chemistry.  Additionally, he constructed several divisional training aids that significantly enhanced his division’s reactor plant chemistry level of knowledge, operational comprehension, and proficiency.

Kyle earned his Enlisted Submarine Warfare Silver Dolphins on January 27 th this year and is the first crewmember to earn his submarine dolphins after reporting to PCU NEW MEXICO. He also earned the SSBN Strategic Deterrent Patrol Pin on March 2 nd while temporarily assigned to the Blue Crew of USS NEVADA SSBN-733. Currently, Kyle is authorized to wear the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, M-16 Marksman Ribbon, and 9MM Sharpshooter Ribbon.

Congratulations to NEW MEXICO’s Junior Sailor of the Quarter, 2nd Quarter 2007, Kyle Decker of Aztec, NM.

The USS New Mexico Committee had special engraved wooden plaques made and sent to the shipyard in time for presentation ceremonies for SOY Mills and JSOY Decker.