Surflant News

Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, Military Sealift Command, recognized 82 MSC military and civilian employees with commendations for their role in refitting USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) during a ceremony yesterday on Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Ponce, formerly an amphibious transport dock ship, was refitted by MSC in approximately five months as an interim Afloat Forward Staging Base and deployed June 1 to U.S. Central Command. Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Rear Adm. David M.

Naval Surface Force Atlantic announced that the ship, delivered prematurely and tormented by years of mechanical malfunctions and mishaps, has been awarded the Battle Efficiency award, or Battle “E” — a coveted honor given annually to units that demonstrate the highest standards of performance and efficiency. “Everyone who believes that San Antonio is still broken and on the sidelines will now realize that we are not,” said the ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Neil Koprowski, quoted in a SURFLANT press release. The award caps a remarkable turnaround for the ship.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) H. With a $3.5 million price tag, the Norfolk Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST) opened June 9 after a ribbon cutting ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. Kevin Quinn, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT). From a plain, nondescript brick building at Naval Station Norfolk, Sailors can now travel to foreign ports around the globe, without ever even crossing a quarterdeck. In its first successful week of operation, a brand new, state-of-the-art shiphandling simulator is proving to be an invaluable asset for improving warfighting readiness and safety among Norfolk-based Sailors, explained Lt. Cmdr. Jim Quaresimo, a training officer with SURFLANT.

Rear Adm. Kevin M. Quinn relieved Rear Adm. D.C. Curtis as Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic, (SURFLANT) Feb. 22, during a ceremony aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) at Naval Station Norfolk. The ceremony marked the end of a successful tour for Curtis, a native of Chicago, who made priorities of warfighting readiness, the Navy of the future, and personnel readiness. During his tour, he oversaw the continued development of the Surface Warfare Enterprise. As the Enterprise's chief readiness officer, Curtis led the establishment of eight Surface Force Class Squadrons (CLASSRONs) responsible for manning, training, equipping, maintaining, and sustaining ships by class for the entire force.

Commander Naval Surface Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet (SURFLANT) toured two mine warfare class squadron’s mine countermeasures ships March 5 to evaluate the progress of the alignment of existing waterfront and type command organizations. Rear Adm. D.C. Curtis, SURFLANT, said he prefers to get out from behind his desk and visit his commands. “It’s the best way to get to know your Sailors, the ships, the needs,” he said. To strengthen surface forces and streamline costs, the Surface Warfare Enterprise formed eight class squadron (CLASSRON) implementation teams. Four of the eight CLASSRONs began operations Feb. 15 and will handle training, maintenance, personnel and logistics for ships by class. Capt.