THE MESSAGE FROM THE CO is below. If you would like to read the entire Newsletter go here
To our BILLINGS families and friends, our deployment story continues to write its chapters.
Some months of deployment are measured in miles sailed. This month was measured in our ability to answer the call.
July began off the coast of Venezuela, where our Sailors and embarked aviation team supported humanitarian assistance following devastating earthquakes through reconnaissance, transportation, and coordination efforts while BILLINGS prepared to support the delivery of 77,000 lbs of humanitarian water – a reminder that a warship’s strength lies not only in its ability to fight, but also to help when humanity calls.
From there, we transitioned to Ponce, Puerto Rico, for our Mid-Deployment Voyage Repair period. Our Sailors and supporting teams tackled an aggressive maintenance package, restoring critical capability and returning BILLINGS back to sea ready for the second half of deployment.
In the final days of July, our aviation team helped locate and maintain contact on a vessel of interest, supporting U.S. Coast Guard and partner-nation forces as they closed the contact – another example that when called, BILLINGS is ready.
July was also about our people. We celebrated qualifications, recognized outstanding performance, strengthened our watch teams, and made time to enjoy liberty, competition, camaraderie, and a swim call at sea. As we cross the halfway point of deployment, I am extremely proud of what this crew has accomplished and who they continue to become.
Be All In, Go All Out! ATTACK!!
Very respectfully,
CDR Frank Lemene
Commanding Officer
USS Billings (LCS-15)
You can read the full Newsletter here
