2018 lava dog magazine - united states navy...from the captain’s desk cdr demeyer lava dog magazne...

LAVA DOG MAGAZINE

2018

USS RAFAEL PERALTA

“Fortis Ad Finem”

LAVA DOG MAGAZNE JUNE 2018

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LAVA DOG Families,

It is truly an honor to write to you from the

desk of the Commanding Officer! After

three years in support of our amazing first

CO, I was given the great fortune to relieve

him on April 4th in a beautiful ceremony on

the Flight Deck of the USS Midway

Museum. Unfortunately, our own ship was

(and still is) in an industrial availability, so

we could not showcase her for our guests,

but the world’s best Crew was there in

force to wish CDR Ribota a fond farewell.

As we’ve completed a change of command,

we’ve made several other significant

changes in the life of our great ship. The

end of the year saw the completion of

Combat Systems Ship Qualification Trials

(CSSQT), as well as Final Contract Trials

(FCT), both critical milestones for a newly-

commissioned ship. We are now nearly

complete with our Post-Shakedown

Availability (PSA), the final yard period in

which we complete deferred maintenance

from new construction and install a few

new “upgrades,” including a brand new

towed array SONAR and a pair of heavy

cannons, among other items. When these

modifications and repairs are complete, we

will rejoin the Fleet alongside every other

ship to prepare for “prompt and sustained

combat incident to operations at sea,” as

the surface force is charged to do.

This will be an exciting and challenging

period for team Rafael Peralta. Over the

next six months or so, we will be tested,

pushed, and stretched to ensure we can

maintain and employ every ship system and

program effectively, proficiently, and

tactically at the unit level. Our Sailors will be

placed in stressful situations, and will

emerge on the far side both stronger and

better trained, prepared to face the myriad

of challenges a guided missile destroyer can

expect when deployed at the tip of the

spear. At the end of Basic Phase training,

we can expect to be assigned integrated

tasking, and will prepare to work alongside

other Fleet units and deploy in support of

our nation’s defense.

I recently outlined a new philosophy for the

command: “Ready Ship, Ready Crew, Ready

Families.” This mantra highlights the ideals

we will strive to embody as we execute our

mission. Our families and support networks

are a key portion of this philosophy, and will

be crucial to our success as a ship.

I am confident in the enthusiasm,

knowledge, and skills of our Sailors. The

LAVA DOGS will meet this mission head-on,

and the support of our friends and family

will ensure our success.

Fortis Ad Finem!

A. P. DEMEYER

CDR DeMeyer and CDR Ribota at the Change of

Command Ceremony in April.

From the Captain’s Desk CDR DeMeyer


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Lava Dogs,

CMC Lira has been a part of the Lava Dog

Team since he led the Pre-Commissioning

team, who worked hard to get us to where

we are at today. We bid him "farewell and

following seas" to his new command. His

hard work and dedication will be

remembered by all who had the pleasure of

working with him. I know he will be a great

asset to his next command.

I will continue where CMC Lira left off. I am

truly honored to be a part of the Lava Dog

DDG-115 family. In my short time onboard

thus far, it was a pleasure meeting our

Commanding Officer, CDR DeMeyer, and

the entire crew. I am looking forward to

working with such a dynamic team who is

dedicated to the making our ship the best in

the fleet. My time onboard USS RAFAEL

PERALTA is sure to be a challenging and

fulfilling tour, and is one that I am very

much looking forward to.

Thank you for all of your hard work moving

off of the barge, out of the yards, and

transitioning back to 32nd Street. As we

move forward with Basic Phase, we will be

faced with even more challenging tasks. As

we have done before time and time again,

we will overcome these challenges

together. We need to stay positive and

continue to work as a team to get through

each phase. Again, thank you for your

support!

B. H. DIZON

CMC Lira on his last day as a Lava Dog as he is

“bonged off” the ship.

CMC Lira and CMC Dizon pose with the Commanding

Officer and Executive Officer at Sgt. Rafael Peralta’s

gravesite on Memorial Day. This was a major event

for the ship that they both got to be a part of before

CMC Lira officially left for his next command.

Embarking on our journey in service of this great country, we leave our traditional families behind. Those people whom we have depended on for most of our lives are

CMC’S Corner CMC Dizon

A Family Away from

Family OS2 Kelly


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no longer the people we necessarily turn to on a day-to-day basis. As Lava Dogs, our new family is led by the spirit of our namesake, Rafael Peralta. The Peraltas are the center of our larger family onboard. They are who we must honor and remember every day onboard this ship, as we are representatives of a son, brother, and friend who was loved dearly. I personally have spent 3 ½ years with this new family. I am far from home, but I am very close to my RAFAEL PERALTA family here in San Diego. I have spent the last three Christmas holiday periods with my new brothers and sisters here on the ship, rather than with my traditional family back home. Last year, I spent Christmas Day at FC3 Giacobbe’s house with other members of this tight-knit crew. I felt at home because of the camaraderie I have been able to build with the people I get to work with every single day. I remember on that very day thinking, “Man, this is really a family here.” Each week at Command Quarters, somebody always talks about “lifelines.” I think that is so important to this ship in particular because we know each other better than almost anyone. We are always there for each other and back each other up. Our brothers and sisters help us become better every day. When you are in need of something, there is at least one person there to lend a hand, regardless of what you may be going through. One thing I have learned during my time here is that you are never alone in this great family. If you happen to be a new addition to the RAFAEL PERALTA crew, know that you are not just another Sailor joining an average ship. You are a member of something

greater than that. You get to represent the Peralta family every time you step foot on the ship. Furthermore, you get to be a part of a family that will both push you to become better and support you in times of need. Welcome home! T. R. KELLY

Worlds collided last summer when the Lava Dog family welcomed their families and friends from

home to ride onboard the ship for the Family Day Cruise.

Members of the Lava Dog family pose together while on the Kennebec River.


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It is important to remember that on Memorial Day, we do not celebrate our surviving Veterans, nor should the community be thanking us for our Service as active members of the military. Memorial Day is the day we remember those who fell in the cause of our freedom and liberty. It is a day to honor those members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our great country. For our ship, we honor Rafael Peralta every day, but Memorial Day is a designated time that is near and dear to the hearts of both the crew and his family. This year, RAFAEL PERALTA Sailors chose to spend the morning of Memorial Day at the gravesite of our namesake, Sgt. Rafael Peralta. A personal ceremony was conducted at Fort Rosecrans Cemetery, where Lava Dogs came together with members of Sgt. Peralta’s family. Many RAFAEL PERALTA Sailors brought their family members to the event as well. ET2 Smith gave a beautiful invocation to begin the ceremony, and CDR DeMeyer spoke eloquently about the importance of Memorial Day—especially for our crew in particular. We were honored by the presence of our ship’s Matron, Mrs. Rosa Peralta, who is the mother of Sgt. Peralta. It was a beautiful, emotional day for all in attendance. Having the opportunity to come together with the Peralta family was a great opportunity to remember the importance of upholding our namesake’s legacy. We not only represent our own ship, but we also represent Sgt. Peralta and all of his brothers and sisters who both

loved him and served alongside him. He made the ultimate sacrifice, and this Memorial Day highlighted his heroic act for his country and our role as Lava Dogs in ensuring his spirit lives on forever. Fortis Ad Finem! T. N. BEASLEY

Sgt. Rafael Peralta’s gravesite was decorated for Memorial Day.

Many Lava Dogs brought their families to be a part of the ceremony to honor our namesake.

Memorial Day CTT1 Beasley


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ET2 Smith gave the invocation at the ceremony.

After he gave a few words, CDR DeMeyer embraces Rosa Peralta.

RAFAEL PERALTA Sailors who checked into PCD San Diego in 2015 remember attending the opening of Wounded Warrior Battalion-West’s new building, which is also named

after our namesake. On June 1st, the Marines of Wounded Warrior Battalion-West and the Sailors of DDG-115 got together for some good-natured competition in the second annual 10 Nautical Mile Relay Race Challenge. Sailors and Marines came together, along with their families and friends, to run for a great cause. The fast running by our team of Engineers led them to be victorious and win the event. After the relay race, everyone was able to decompress and enjoy themselves at a picnic. It was a fun day because we were all able to honor our namesake and had fun while doing it! We are all looking forward to the future 10 Nautical Mile Relay Race Challenges! T. N. BEASLEY

Sailors and Marines warm up before the race. 2nd 10 Nautical Mile Relay Race Challenge

CTT1 Beasley


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The team of Engineers celebrates after they win the

10 Nautical Mile Relay Race Challenge.

After we completed our live firing events and Final Contract Trials, where Bath Iron Works proved to the Navy that our ship and her systems were built to specifications, we prepared to transition to the BAE shipyard. The shipyard period—the second for the majority of the plankowners onboard—returned our warship to a more industrial lifestyle. This included wearing hard hats, operating out of a barge, and supporting hundreds of contractors who worked on the ship daily. In addition to warranty repairs, the ship received new system and equipment installs and modifications to existing compartments. The new systems will ensure her ability to conduct her role in Ballistic Missile Defense, while also defending herself against a vast array of threats she may encounter on future

deployments in support of National Defense.

Now that we are slowly transitioning out of the maintenance availability, the crew will return its attention to recertifying the ship’s systems. The primary focus will be on preparing the ship for, and guiding her through, Basic Phase. This period of time on the ship certifies that both the ship and her crew are ready and able to conduct normal underway and deployment operations prior to RAFAEL PERALTA’s maiden deployment. As plankowners are beginning to depart the ship for new commands and civilian careers, new Sailors are continuing to check into the command. Despite the turnovers that are occurring throughout the ship, the Lava Dog mentality will carry on as the ship becomes a fully functional asset in the surface fleet.

J. A. RANDALL

CDR Trubilla addresses the crew during Command Quarters while the ship was in “the yards.”

Started from the Shipyard, Now We’re Here

OS1 Randall


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CWO3 Smith

LT Sullivan

LT Bolena

LT Perry

LTJG McPike

All of the Officers who recently were promoted pose

with the CO and XO at the Mount Soledad Veterans

Memorial.

Senior Chief Segovia

Chief Segovia was recently selected for Senior Chief.

MM2 Gong MM3 Gilliland STG2 Arnold MM3 Hooper STG2 Justus EN3 Wade DC2 Wherley CS3 Collins EM2 Treasure CS3 Mabilog GSM2 Rojas GM3 Thomas CS2 DelCastillo GM3 Snowden BM3 Davis GM3 Isla OS3 Webb

17 Lava Dogs were recently frocked.

ET1 Deakle STG3 Moore CTR2 Snow CTT2 Frage CTR2 Reyes CTM2 Mead HN Toparis

Congratulations To… …The Officers Who Were

Promoted:

…The Chiefs Selected for

Senior Chief:

…The New Frockees:

…The Sailors Who Earned Their ESWS Pins:


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CTM2 Mead was one of the five Lava Dogs who earned their ESWS pins this past April.

…The Sailors Selected for the Meritorious

Advancement Program (MAP):

YN1 Vallejo

GSM2 Njuraita STG2 Moore ET2 Barrera

GM2 Arrington LS3 Dupriest YN3 Miraglia GM3 Stout

8 Lava Dogs were selected for promotion by the CO.

As the editors of this fine magazine, we would like to extend our appreciation to the PAO team that made this possible. Amidst all of the schedule changes and many other requirements that are expected from these Sailors, there were a handful of Lava Dogs who always stepped up when we needed someone. Primarily, we would like to thank STG3 Eliston for being our go-to photographer and CTT1 Beasley for assigning and organizing the articles for this issue of Lava Dog Magazine. Moving forward, ENS Condie is turning over with LTJG McPike to officially assume the role of PAO. If anyone is interested in joining our tenacious team that captures every moment onboard, please reach out to either one of us. Additionally, if anyone would ever like to submit an article or work of art for the next issue of Lava Dog Magazine, send it our way! As a ship, we are constantly looking to improve, and our PAO team is no different in that aspect. We are always looking for motivated Sailors who are committed to showing off how special our ship is to the rest of the world. We hope you enjoyed our latest issue of Lava Dog Magazine. We look forward to capturing all of the moments to come! A. R. MCPIKE S. J. CONDIE

A Note from the Editors

LTJG McPike ENS Condie


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LAVA DOG MAGAZINE

2018 lava dog magazine - united states navy...from the captain’s desk cdr demeyer lava dog magazne...

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