Sailors assigned to submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) welcomed members from the United States Navy League Guam Council aboard for a luncheon and tour, Jan. 29.
Members were escorted aboard and taken to the Chief Petty Officer Mess where they dined with Frank Cable’s Commanding Officer, Capt. Pete Hildreth, and executive officer, Capt. Timothy Sparks.
Both men introduced themselves to their guests and gave a little background into their careers and the ship’s mission and importance in 7th Fleet.
“The Navy League has a lot of new members and [Frank Cable] had been gone for most of last year so we wanted to bring them on board and show them the ship and re-engage with them again,” said Sparks.
Frank Cable normally hosts the Navy League at least once of year, but due the ship’s yards period from January through July 2012, followed almost immediately by port visits to the Republic of Philippines and later on to Hong Kong, members missed the opportunity last year.
“This was a good chance to socialize our membership with the Frank Cable because we have new members so we wanted to re-familiarize with the ship and kick-off this year’s activities,” said John Dennet, vice president of the Navy League Guam Council . “Plus to get [members] excited, Frank Cable is a great venue for that and gives them a flavor of the Navy and you all do.”
After lunch Hildreth and Sparks broke members into two groups and took them to the bridge and through Frank Cable’s various repair facilities. Members entered the Periscope, Machine, Pipe Fitting, Sheet Metal and Carpenter shops where Sailors were waiting to explain to members what they do and tools they use for submarine maintenance.
“A lot of them didn’t realize really what a tender does and how much of an industrial capability it has, said Sparks. “It’s important that they understand that, more importantly, it keeps us viable in the community and it shows them our strategic importance overall to the Navy and the reason we are here.”
Dennet agrees with Sparks stating that he hopes his members get a better understanding of and complexity of the job and the ship’s mission on Guam and in the 7th Fleet. In return, he hopes that Sailors and their families also understand what an important role the Navy League plays in sponsoring activities and events for the Navy, Coast Guard and Marines.
“They do sponsor a lot of stuff for the Navy, and probably one of the biggest sponsors of the USO here on island and they’re a big sponsor of the Navy Ball and USO Ball,” said Sparks.
Frank Cable conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, January 31, 2013; Image: US Navy