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120704-N-WB378-403 ARABIAN GULF (July 4, 2012) An MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter assigned to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 15 prepares to land on the flight deck aboard the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB 15). Ponce is deployed to support maritime security operations and mine countermeasure efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Blake Midnight/Released)
120704-N-WB378-249 ARABIAN GULF (July 4, 2012) Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB-I) transits the Arabian Gulf. Ponce is deployed to support maritime security operations and mine countermeasure efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Blake Midnight/Released)
120704-N-WB378-427 ARABIAN GULF (July 4, 2012) Operations Specialist 1st Class Marcus Mitchell plots points for open ocean navigation from the combat information center aboard the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB 15). Ponce is deployed to support maritime security operations and mine countermeasure efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Blake Midnight/Released)
120706-N-UM570-040 MINA SALMAN PIER, Bahrain (July 6, 2012) Tugboats assist the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB 15) as the ship pulls into the Kingdom of Bahrain. Ponce is deployed to support maritime security operations and mine countermeasure efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ashante Hammons/Released)
120704-N-WB378-500 ARABIAN GULF (July 4, 2012) A Sailor monitors the SPA-25G radar console from the combat information center aboard the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB 15). Ponce is deployed to support maritime security operations and mine countermeasure efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Blake Midnight/Released)
Ponce's Refit Team Recognized For Outstanding Performance
Story Number: NNS120613-15 Release Date: 6/13/2012 10:29:00 PM A A A
By James Marconi, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, commander, Military Sealift Command (MSC), recognized 82 MSC military and civilian employees with commendations for their role in refitting USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) during a ceremony, June 12, on Naval Station Norfolk.
Ponce, formerly an amphibious transport dock ship, was refitted by MSC in approximately five months as an interim Afloat Forward Staging Base and deployed June 1 to U.S. Central Command.
Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Rear Adm. David M. Thomas, Jr., commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), concurrently presided over the ceremony with Buzby. Of MSC uniformed Navy personnel receiving awards, two were awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Eighteen MSC civilian personnel were given letters of commendation, and 62 others were awarded letters of appreciation. Additional Fleet Forces and SURFLANT personnel also received recognition for their achievements.
All personnel honored during the ceremony were presented with plaques incorporating a small piece of wood dunnage planking used aboard Ponce before its refit. They also received mugs emblazoned with Ponce's crest, which were donated by Rear Adm. Brian LaRoche, deputy commander, MSC.
Ponce's quick conversion to an AFSB(I), with major work occurring February 13 to April 15 at MHI shipyard in Norfolk, represents a true success story for MSC and the Navy, Harvey said during his remarks.
"The work done by the individuals recognized today was key to giving Ponce a second life and provided significant savings for taxpayers. We are very proud of what you have accomplished and are here to formally thank you for your contribution to our Navy, and to the men and women that deployed on USS Ponce," said Harvey.
Once in theater, Ponce will support mine counter-measure and coastal patrol ships, and aircraft operations. The ship also has the capability to provide flexible support as needed for embarked detachments of personnel when requested by U.S. Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.
To perform its new role, Ponce's bridge equipment and navigation sensors were replaced with modern automated systems to support reduced crewing by 152 of MSC's civil service mariners (CIVMAR), who navigate, operate and maintain the ship. Ponce is also crewed by 55 uniformed Navy personnel; the combined CIVMAR and Navy crew is commanded by a Navy captain. Additional modifications included overhauling Ponce's main propulsion boilers; cleaning the ship's main and auxiliary condensers; overhauling other existing ship's equipment; and refurbishing the galley and berthing spaces.
"Refitting USS Ponce from an LPD to an interim afloat forward staging base in five months required significant dedication from the MSC team members we recognized," Buzby said. "Thanks to the efforts of our people, Ponce got underway on schedule. I couldn't be prouder that once again, MSC delivered."
MSC operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civilian mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.
For more information, visit The U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy - Government Organization - Washington, DC | Facebook, or US Navy (USNavy) on Twitter.
Ponce Arrives In Bahrain
Story Number: NNS120706-01 Release Date: 7/6/2012 5:33:00 AM
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
MINA SALMAN PIER, Bahrain (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's first afloat forward staging base-interim, USS Ponce (AFSB-I), arrived in Bahrain for duty in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), July 6.
Prior to arriving in theater, Ponce, formerly designated as an amphibious transport dock (LPD), was converted and reclassified as an AFSB(I) in April to fulfill a long-standing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) request for an AFSB to be located in its AOR.
"Ponce's role as an AFSB provides us with an enhanced capability to conduct maritime security operations, and gives us greater flexibility to support a wide range of contingencies with our regional partners," said Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).
Ponce's primary mission is to support mine countermeasures (MCM) operations and other missions, such as the ability to provide repair service to other deployed units, including electrical, diesel engine, piping, and machinery repairs. Additionally, Ponce also has the capability to embark and launch small riverine craft.
Commanded by a U.S. Navy captain, Ponce will remain a U.S. Navy ship. The newly classed AFSB will be manned by a "hybrid" crew consisting of approximately 150 Military Sealift Command (MSC) civilian mariners and 55 U.S. Navy Sailors. Sailors will be primarily responsible for the ship operations. MSC personnel will man the engineering, deck and damage control departments.
"The versatility of Ponce, combined with the teamwork of its 'hybrid' crew, brings a unique capability to the region." said Capt. Jon Rodgers, commanding officer of Ponce. "As the first dedicated afloat forward staging base, we look forward to working closely with our coalition and regional partners to promote security and stability."
Ponce departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 1. Previously scheduled to decommission, Ponce delayed its scheduled decommissioning to serve as an interim AFSB until a permanent solution can be identified.
For more information, visit The U.S. Navy, U.S. Navy - Government Organization - Washington, DC | Facebook, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.>
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit Command Home Page.