PHIBRON deputy visits Harpers Ferry

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Mark El-Rayes | Machinist Mate 2nd Class Cynthia Velasco gives Capt. Keith Moore, deputy commander of Amphibious Squadron One, an overview of the main machinery room on the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49). Harpers Ferry is part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes/Released)  

ARABIAN SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA

01.02.2014

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Mark El-Rayes 

USS Boxer (LHD 4)

ARABIAN SEA – Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) leadership visited the amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49), Dec. 2, to tour the ship and gain insight from sailors.

Capt. Keith Moore, deputy commander, Amphibious Squadron One (PHIBRON 1) exchanged a typical ship tour for a walkthrough aimed at finding out more about the Harpers Ferry sailors. He asked them questions about morale, day-to-day operations and what his team could do to help them more effectively carry out their missions.

“On a scale of one to 10, I would give this ship a 12.5,” said Moore. “I walked around and all the sailors seemed happy. Everyone was motivated. That means leadership is doing their part.”

Moore brought a team of leading chiefs and petty officers with him who also talked with sailors and toured the spaces.

PHIBRON 1 Senior Enlisted Leader Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Shane Lazio said that after touring the engineering plant he could see many improvements.

“It’s a beautiful space down there,” said Lazio. “You can really tell the sailors are motivated and take pride in what they do.”

Sailors got a chance to interact with Moore and his team and answered questions about improving the ship and building morale.

“It was a really cool thing that he just stepped into our lounge and looked around and asked what improvements would make it better,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Joycelyn Bullard. “I really felt honored to give my feedback.”

Moore and his staff shadowed berthing inspections, engineering spot checks, and flight deck operations.

“I’m very proud of the Harpers Ferry sailors,” added Lazio. “These guys are really rocking and rolling.”

• Date Taken: 01.02.2014
• Date Posted: 01.07.2014 07:06
• Story ID: 118887
• Location: ARABIAN SEA, USAFRICOM, AT SEA