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Previous commanding officers and executive officers of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) gathered to attend a luncheon and tour the ship with the current commanding officer and executive officer for the ship’s 25th anniversary November 16, 2018.
“Having the chance to celebrate the ship’s 25th year in commission with so many former commanding and executive officers was truly special,” said Capt. Rob Thompson, the current commanding officer of the Vella Gulf. “While the Navy may change year to year, being in command is a timeless experience and hearing sea stories from deployments past helped solidify the bonds that unite the Vella Gulf Sailors.”
Twenty-five years is a long time for a ship and the technology that goes into it. The previous commanding officers and executive officers were able to see how new technologies and the needs of the Navy have changed the ship. However, the biggest reason for this event was for the previous commanding officers and executive officers celebrate the Vella Gulf’s life together.
“After 25 years, the Vella Gulf is still going strong,” said Lt. Jaqueline Nedd-Griffith, the Vella Gulf’s Supply Officer and anniversary event organizer. “It’s an old ship, but she’s still out there competing and completing her mission. These [commanding officers and executive officers] came back aboard and got to see the job they did and that the ship is still moving forward.”
The former commanding officers and executive officers along with the currents ones shared a meal as well as lots of stories and fellowship relived their days aboard the Vella Gulf.
“Vella Gulf’s culinary specialists really out did themselves, and I know all of the former commanding officers were excited to meet the Sailors who man their ship,” said Thompson.
They were also able to share a lot of knowledge and appreciation for the ship’s history.
“I reached out to the former commanding officers and executive officers, and they were so supportive and gave me a lot information about the Vella Gulf’s history,” said Nedd-Griffith.
Nedd-Griffith ended up putting together a shadow-box with information about the ship’s namesake and developments since the commissioning so the former commanding and executive officers could see everything that had changed since their command.
“No one ever really loses their connection to a ship that was such a large part of their career,” said Thompson. “We all look forward to an opportunity to welcome more former shipmates back aboard as we continue our celebration of Vella Gulf’s 25th year in commission.”
| Date Taken: | 11.16.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.29.2018 12:37 |
| Story ID: | 305743 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VA, AF |
| Web Views: | 178 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, USS Vella Gulf Celebrates 25 Years of Service, by PO1 Andrew Waters, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
