USS Samuel B. Roberts Honors Ship's Past

On April 14, 1988, Sammy B. was rocked by a mine blast while underway in the Persian Gulf. USS Samuel B. Roberts Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Wally Lovely, and five other crewmembers traveled to Portland, Maine on April 11 to commemorate the 20-year anniversary of the mine blast. The weekend of remembrance included a welcoming reception, a presentation from Bath Iron Works Corporation, the company that built Sammy B., and concluded with a ceremonial dinner in downtown Portland.

The opening ceremonies began with a reception at the Eastland Park Hotel, which was hosted by the original crewmembers of USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58). The atmosphere during the reception resonated with energy. There was chatter in every corner of the room and the feeling of camaraderie was overwhelming between all of the former Sailors. The bond between the Sailors that served on Sammy B. 20 years ago and the group that traveled from Mayport was immediate and heartwarming.

"The energy and camaraderie between the men of FFG 58 was definitely present throughout the weekend" Lovely said. "Those gentlemen showed that they truly cared for each other."

The morning of April 12 provided the current Sammy B. crewmembers the opportunity to journey further north of Portland to Bath, Maine. There they were treated to a presentation alongside 1,000 Bath Iron Works (BIW) company employees who had either been part of the original build of Sammy B. 22 years earlier or who repaired the ship after it courageously survived the mine blast.

Sammy B. Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, Ensign Corey Leewright, was among the crew to visit BIW. He spoke of the emotion that existed throughout the weekend, "it was easy to sit with people you felt comfortable with, everyone there treated us like family." The presentation at BIW concluded with the introduction and a standing ovation to the Sailors of the Sammy B. that had survived the mine blast.

"The goose bumps were everywhere and there were few dry eyes in the house. As the former crew members made their way through the crowd, the applause was ear piercing," said Damage Controlman 1st Class (SW) Christopher Nelson, Sammy B.'s Sailor of the Year. "It was evident of the love and appreciation felt between the workers at BIW, the former crew members of Sammy B., and ourselves."

The visit by the current crew concluded Saturday evening with a ceremonial dinner back in Portland, Maine at the Eastland Park Hotel. The evening was full of laughter as former crew members took the podium, and recalled sea stories.

Retired Capt. Paul X. Rinn, the first commanding officer of Sammy B., was in command during the mine incident. He gave accounts of the heroism, loyalty, and devotion to duty which he saw firsthand. Rinn referenced a brief he received from Naval Sea Systems Command who determined that the mine blast "should have sunk the ship in less than thirty minutes."

He ended his remarks by stating that "the ship would have sunk had it not been for the expertise and hard work of the members of BIW, and the dedication and determination of the crew."

The dinner speeches were highlighted by Jack Yusen a survivor from the first Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), which was sunk on October 25, 1944, protecting American escort carriers during the Battle of Leyte. Yusen's speech resounded with the camaraderie that had made itself evident between all of the Sailors of Sammy B., past and present. Commander Second Fleet, Vice Adm. Evan Chanik was the guest speaker for the dinner event. His powerful remarks were given without notes as he as he fed off the energy of the evening.

Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Equipment (SW/AW) Carolan, current Command Senior Chief was quoted, "The Mine Hit reunion experience over this past weekend reminded me of the reasons I joined the Navy 20 years ago. It's not about the travel, money or work satisfaction, it's about the bond you develop with your shipmates."

"I wish the entire crew of the Roberts could have been here to feel the energy and know what a privilege it is to serve on a warship with a truly rich history and proud heritage," said Ensign Rudy Mason, the current Disbursing officer in Sammy B.