Welcome Home Howard!!

We are all SO happy to have you home!!


 

A great night!!

A HUGE Thank you to everyone who attended last nights Homecoming Reception.  Even if it turned out to not be our "Night Before"....there was still a great deal of excitement in the air.  It was so wonderful to meet so many new wives, moms & dads and especially the "Howard Daughters".  There was SO much good food, I know we were all stuffed!  Congratulations to everyone that won a door prize!  Enjoy!  Thank you to everyone that purchased a pennant and bell.  I really cannot wait to see them waving high and the bells ringing loud for our sailors!  Just a few more days!!  Hang in there!!

If you have purchased a First Kiss ticket, check your #'s....the last 3 digits are 101!  We need to hear from you ASAP!!  Congrats!!!

Click HERE for photos (thank you Deb) and thank you again for such a great evening!!!

Gina 

You're Invited: Homecoming Reception

It's hard to believe that we're really talking about it, but it's almost here!! It's almost time to see your sailor again! Let the excitement begin! The week prior to Homecoming the FRG will be hosting a reception to CELEBRATE our Final Days of deployment! All families and friends of the USS Howard are invited to attend! Family in from out of town? Bring them too!

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When: November 26th, 2008 ~ 4-7pm

Where: Please log into the FRG website for exact details

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WHY SHOULD I GO?

Come and get the most up-to-date information on the time and location of arrival, unfortunately, it can not be given out over email! As well as learn about base access information and pier and ship safety! Here is an idea of the evenings events!

* FREE pot-luck dinner!
* Win a door prize!!!
* The FRG will provide posters and markers to make a welcome home sign for your Howard Sailor!
* Buy your Homecoming Bell & Pennants before we sell out!
* Find out who will win FIRST KISS! Will it be you?

Door prizes: Will have a raffle every hour starting at 4:30pm for fun gift baskets! There is no purchase necessary, but you must be present to win!!!

New Moms: Every new mom from the command that has had a baby since the ship left (May 19th) will be entered into a drawing for a special New Mom gift basket.

If you plan to attend please RSVP to our homecoming coordinator, Jeanette Miller at usshoward_hc@yahoo.com by Sunday, November 23rd and let her know how many children and adults you plan to bring with you. The celebration is open to all but we will need this information so we can arrange for the correct amount of food. Also, please let her know if you will need assistance with base access for this event.

Planning and setting up events like this is not an easy task. It takes many willing volunteers to help set up and clean up. If you can help with the set up and/or clean up please let us know. We will begin the set up at 3pm and will start clean up after 7pm.

Thank you so much for all your support! We look forward to a very fun celebration for all!!

The USS Howard FRG

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Concludes Operations .....

Photo by Mass Communications Specialist Third Class (AW) Joshua Scott

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Concludes Operations in the 7th Fleet AOR

By Mass Communications Specialist First Class (SW/AW) Bill Larned

AT SEA ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN - The six ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group concluded military operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) Nov. 14.

Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 is comprised of the flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). The more than 6,000 Sailors assigned to the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group departed its homeport of San Diego May 19.

"The talented and dedicated Sailors of this strike group performed at the highest levels of excellence," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander of CSG-7. "I'm tremendously honored to sail with them all."

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group's deployment was a busy one, to say the least. While in the 7th Fleet AOR, Sailors and aircrews from all six ships responded to the aftermath of Typhoon Fengshen in the Philippines. U.S. Navy and Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel coordinated efforts, forming an emergency response team to distribute immediate aid to stricken typhoon victims. Engineers from Ronald Reagan repaired two hospital generators, restoring electrical power. Aircrews flew 332 sorties around Panay Island, delivering more than 519,000 pounds of vital supplies to typhoon victims.

The strike group also participated in training exercise with key maritime partners. USS Howard participated in South East Asia Cooperation against Terrorism (SEACAT), training with the navies of Brunei, Singapore, and the Republic of the Philippines in maritime security operations. Later, the strike group took part in Exercise Malabar 2008, a bilateral training exercise with the Indian Navy, improving the communications and coordination capabilities of the two navies as a dozen US and Indian ships drilled in surface, air and subsurface training.

Another key mission area for the Ronald Reagan Strike Group was engagement. While in 7th fleet, CSG-7 ships made port calls to Sasebo, Japan; Hong Kong; Busan, Republic of Korea; Guam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand, and Singapore. During the port visits, Sailors enjoyed tours, purchased souvenirs, tasted Asian cuisine and volunteered their time in various orphanages, schools, and elderly care centers.

"Ronald Reagan Sailors were models of ambassadorship at each and every stop we made. Our Sailors consider these port visits 'duty ashore' and performed these duties in an exemplary fashion, showing our friends around Asia the best America has to offer," said Capt. Kenneth J. Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer.

Now in the U.S. Third Fleet area of responsibility, the ships of CSG-7 are scheduled to return to their homeport of San Diego later this month.

Homecoming Committee/Final FRG Meeting!

When: Wednesday, November 19th

Time: 6-8pm

Where: Check the website for details

Come help us plan the Night Before party, homecoming plans and decorations.  We need all your ideas and input!  We hope to see you there!

Fall Festival

Thanks to the First Class Association on board the Howard, our children had a fun filled evening full of games, prizes, food, crafts, cake and TONS of candy! We hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and a BIG thank you to the First Classes! Our children appreciated it (and I think the moms had fun too)!!

Oma's Pumpkin Patch

What a fun day at the Pumpkin Patch! Many of our families came out to share in the gorgeous weather and good time! We're glad that everyone made it! It was really nice to meet all the new faces and kiddos! Thanks so much for coming! Here are a few photos of our fun from the day!

Finishing up the Lei & Bell update!

Jeanette and Gina "fluffing" the lei!



Almost done!! YAY!!



Also, update on the bells...in keeping with staying unique to OUR ship's homecoming, we have changed the color of the bells from bright white to Navy yellow. For purchase information, please contact our treasurer, Melissa. The bells are $8, approximately 4" tall and will also have a red, white and blue ribbon attached to the top. GO HOWARD!

Bake Sale

Fun bake sale day!!

mmmmm....yummies.....

USS Howard Monitoring MV Faina

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain - The U.S. 5th Fleet continues to actively monitor the situation with Motor Vessel Faina, the Belize-flagged cargo ship, which was captured Sept. 25.

San Diego-based destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) is on station and is in visual range of MV Faina, which is anchored off the Somalia coast near the harbor city of Hobyo.

"Howard is on-station," said Cmdr. Curtis Goodnight, Howard Commanding Officer. "My crew is actively monitoring the situation, keeping constant watch on the vessel and the waters in the immediate vicinity."

Two other pirated vessels, MV Capt Stefanos and MV Centauri, are also anchored at this location.

This incident highlights the complexity of the situation in the region. MV Faina is owned and operated by "Kaalybe Shipping Ukraine," and is carrying a cargo of T-72 tanks and related equipment. Its crew is comprised of citizens from Ukraine, Russia and Latvia. There is no indication that the ship had a security team aboard.

Howard is part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Taken from Command, Carrier Strike Group Seven Website: http://www.ccsg7.navy.mil/news.html#story1

USS Howard Blankets

Snuggle up in these high quality 100% finest quality cotton blankets! Each blanket measures approximately 5.5'x4.5' and features a sketch design of the USS Howard, her crest and her battalion. They are $40 a piece and if you need it shipped to you, please add $8-10. To order one (or more) contact our treasurer Melissa Reyna for further details!

USS Howard Sailors Memorialize Mrs. Theresa Howard

ABOARD USS HOWARD IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC (Aug. 22, 2008) Ensign Linzy Lewis and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Bryan Smith lower a bouquet of flowers into the sea in remembrance of Mrs. Theresa Howard, USS Howard's sponsor. Fire Controlman 2nd Class Roger Beasley stands at attention holding the American flag during a memorial service held the same day a funeral service was held for Mrs. Howard in San Diego. U.S. Navy photo taken by Electronic Technician 2nd Class Matthew Marshall (Released).

By Ensign Kristi Coonfare USS Howard Public Affairs
AT SEA ABOARD USS HOWARD IN THE STRAIT OF MALACCA - USS Howard (DDG 83) Sailors held a memorial service Aug. 22 in remembrance of the ship's sponsor and in honor of her sacrifices and dedication to crewmembers, her family and her beloved husband, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Sgt. Jimmie Howard, the ship's namesake.

Mrs. Theresa Howard's memorial service was held aboard the guided-missile destroyer while sailing off the coast of Malaysia and on the same day a funeral service was held in San Diego. She passed away Aug. 17 after a four-month illness.

Shortly before USS Howard departed San Diego May 19 for its 2008 Western Pacific and Indian Ocean deployment, crewmembers learned that Mrs. Howard was hospitalized. Sailors sent cards and flowers and Cmdr. Curtis Goodnight, Howard's commanding officer, made a bedside visit.

"I'm not sure that I will be on the pier when you all return," Mrs. Howard told Goodnight shortly before the ship deployed. "You take good care of our ship and crew."

From the moment Theresa learned that a new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer would be named after her husband following his death in 1993, Mrs. Howard was a constant presence and inspiration to crewmembers.

Mrs. Howard was present at every major ship event including the christening, change of command ceremonies, Christmas parties, and tiger cruises. Every time she visited the ship, Howard sailors lined up for hugs from her. Although crewmembers never met her heroic husband, his legacy lived on vicariously through Mrs. Howard.

Theresa's husband, 1st Sgt. Jimmie Howard, was awarded the Medal of Honor for honorable service during the Vietnam War. Of the 18 Marines in Jimmie's platoon, six were killed; the other 12 were wounded. All platoon members, both living and dead, were awarded the Purple Heart; 13 were awarded the Silver Star and four received the Navy Cross. 1st Sgt. Howard was the only member to receive the Medal of Honor for his fearless leadership as platoon leader in the face of overwhelming odds during combat atop Hill 488. His actions prevented the loss of his entire platoon.

While Jimmie served in Vietnam, Theresa still managed to cook dinner for her six children every night before she worked a late-night shift at a local restaurant. After 1st Sgt. Howard died from a heart attack, Theresa led her family through their devastating loss.

After Jimmie Howard met Theresa in 1950, they married within a year on February 17, 1951. Surviving several deployments to Korea and Vietnam, Jimmie and Theresa raised seven children - Jimmie, Yvonne, Yvette, Barbara, Linette, Darlene and Joseph.

Howard Sailors paid their final respects to their beloved sponsor. After the invocation and remarks from Cmdr. Goodnight, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Eric Bash sang Mrs. Howard's favorite song, "Ave Maria," the song she requested at her wedding. A wreath of flowers was lowered into the water and the honor platoon fired a rifle salute.

USS Howard has lost someone dear. All on board will miss her smiling face and kind words

We made it Halfway!!

Well families and friends, we have made it halfway thru this deployment! Just a few more months and we will be holding our loved ones again! We had a great time at the Halfway BBQ Potluck last night and hope that everyone enjoyed themselves and meeting new faces of your Howard family!

Here are just a few photos! If you have any from the event, please send them to howardfrg@gmail.com so we can post them here!!

USS Howard Builds Partnerships in SEACAT Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott
Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

ABOARD USS HOWARD OFF THE COAST OF BRUNEI, (Aug. 20, 2008 ) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) trained with the navies of Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Republic of the Philippines Aug. 17-20 during the Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism (SEACAT) exercise.

The seventh-annual exercise focused on improving the interoperability between regional navies and their ability to collectively intercept vessels using the seas to transport criminals, contraband or terrorists.

During the first day of the exercise, while Howard acted as an opposing force vessel, a commando team from the Brunei Special Forces boarded her. The Royal Navy of Brunei and the Royal Brunei Air Force tracked Howard and assisted the team in the maritime intercept. U.S. Sailors from Heloborne Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HVBSS) Team 1, embarked aboard Howard, acted as crew members assigned to the rogue vessel.

"The training was a big success," said Lt. Nathaniel Shick, Howard's weapons officer. "The Brunei forces were very professional."

Capt. Rasman, boarding officer for the Brunei special operations unit, agreed that the training was particularly effective. "It was a good platform for future operations. If we do this again, we'd love to come to Howard."

On the second day of the exercise, Howard boarding teams conducted small boat operations in rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIBs), while coordinating with a P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft from the Republic of Singapore Navy.

During their time operating with partner navies, U.S. Sailors were impressed by the skill of their counterparts.

"They performed professionally and efficiently," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Ericson, a member of HVBSS Team 1 who played the role of ship's master aboard Howard for the exercise.

As the boarding team of Bruneian commandos prepared to depart the ship, Howard executive officer Lt. Cmdr. Charles Grassi thanked his ship's guests.

"On behalf of the Captain and crew of USS Howard, it was a pleasure to have you on board, and we look forward to operating with you again," Grassi said.

SEACAT presents its multinational participants with realistic situations involving criminal and terrorist threats requiring international coordination, communication and decision making. U.S. ships involved in the exercise include Howard, USS Tortuga (LSD 46), USS Ford (FFG 54), USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC 722) and U.S. military sealift command ships USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50), USNS 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (T-AK 3010) and MV Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr. (T-AK 3000). In addition, a U.S. P-3C from VP-16 is participating in the exercise.

Howard is a member of the USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, currently in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region.

Fun Lei Making Ladies!!