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WELCOME ABOARD Shipmate!

WELCOME ABOARD the finest ship in the Pacific Fleet! Congratulations on your orders to USS DECATUR (DDG 73), home ported in San Diego, California. USS DECATUR is assigned to Destroyer-Squadron NINE under Commander Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN/NIMITZ CARRIER STRIKE GROUP.

USS DECATUR is the 23rd Arleigh-Burke Class AEGIS Destroyer named in honor of Commodore Stephen Decatur and is the fifth ship in the U.S. Navy’s history to bear the namesake. The Ship’s motto is, “In Pursuit of Peace,” a tribute to Commodore Decatur’s legacy that is reflected in our crew’s pride and professionalism in being “Always Ready.”

Prior to checking onboard, you are encourage to contact my Command Master Chief at cmc@ddg73.navy.mil vial email, or while in port at (619) 556-4660, or at sea (619) 545-7183 via telephone.

We are very dedicated to our DECATUR families. Our OMBUDSMAN can be a wealth of information in getting your family settled here in San Diego. Our OMBUDSMAN can be reached at decaturombudsman@gmail.com or at (619) 203-0068 via cell phone.

A sponsor will be assigned to you, to assist you with your assignment to USS DECATUR and if you are also planning to relocate in San Diego. The ship may be underway when you report, if so report to Regional Support Organization, Bldg 55, located at Naval Station San Diego. They will provide you with assistance with getting to the ship. If the ship is deployed out of the area, report to Transient Personnel Unit (TPU), Bldg 56, located at Naval Station San Diego for travel arrangements. You can also contact TPU at (619) 556-5272. Addition information about San Diego can also be found at http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw.html.

Our mailing address is:
USS DECATUR (DDG 73)
FPO AP 96663-1290

Sincerely,

R. Jimenez, Commander, USN
COMMANDING OFFICER
 

Sponsor Information

Request A Sponsor

Naval Base 32nd St

Naval Base 32nd St Base Map

Fleet and Family Service Center 32nd St

San Diego Airport USO

MWR San Diego

This web page serves as a supplement to the USS DECATUR Welcome aboard Package. It will help in your preparation, travel, and check-in processes. It is designed to give you an overview of specific items and information to make your transition and stay here safe and worry-free.
You will receive an official welcome aboard message from USS DECATUR. If you do not receive a timely response from your sponsor please email the command sponsor coordinator and you will be put in contact with your sponsor and chain of command.

Where do I report?
If the ship is in port, report in the Uniform of the Day to USS DECATUR quarterdeck. The Officer of the Deck will endorse your orders. Your sponsor will arrange for berthing and show you around the ship. Normal working hours are from 0700 to 1600. Daily quarters will be held at 0715.
If the ship is at sea, reporting personnel should report to the Transient Personnel Unit (TPU), Bldg. 3142 Naval Station San Diego CA. The telephone number is (619) 556-3185.
The uniform of the day is the Service Uniform for E-6 and below and Service Khaki for E-7 and above. Personnel attending schools will conform to the uniform policy of the respective training organization. Coveralls are not authorized off the pier.

Getting Around
There is ample public transportation in the San Diego area. Bus and taxi service is available almost around the clock, as well as a comprehensive San Diego Trolley system, which runs to the base. A base shuttle is available and stops at all points of interest on the naval base including piers, exchanges, PSD, barracks, clubs, and fitness centers. Numerous area maps are available from Family Service Center located on the hill across from NAVSTA Exchange.

Getting a Base Decal
Naval Base San Diego recognizes all DOD decals. Issuance of a NAVSTA San Diego (Navy South West Region) decal requires the following: A valid driver's license; current state registration certificate; proof of insurance with personal liability, property damage, and deductible coverage of at least $1,500/$1,500/$500 respectively; Pass the California Vehicle Smog Test requirement (even if it is registered in another state); and a current military ID. Personnel applying for a motorcycle base decal will be required to produce a valid stamped license and successfully complete the motorcycle defensive driving course prior to issuance of decal. For further information call Pass and Decal Office at (619) 556-1651.

Household Goods
Contact the Personal Property Office at Naval Station San Diego for information on your inbound personal property shipment. Their phone number is (619) 556-MOVE (6683).

Attractions

CORONADO: Trolley north to American Plaza Transfer Station. Walk to Broadway Pier, Take Coronado Ferry. Take Bus #904 around Coronado.

CORONADO CENTRAL BEACH: Runs along Ocean Boulevard with a back drop of fine homes and mansions, restrooms, and shower facilities. Lifeguards on duty. Tide pools, fishing in front of the Hotel del Coronado.

GLORIETTA BAY BEACH: Located south of the Hotel del Coronado and City Hall, it offers a unique view of the Glorietta Bay and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. There is a large grass-filled park, small beach area.

CORONADO GOLF COURSE: Public course features 18 holes with backdrop of Glorietta Bay, San Diego-Coronado Bridge and the Hotel del Coronado. A driving range, pro-shop, grill and meeting rooms are available. (619) 435-9485.

BOATING and FISHING: Gloreitta Bay Marina (619) 435-5203, and Loews' Crown Isle Marina (619) 424-4000. Both feature boat rentals ranging from paddleboats to sailboats to jet skis to deep-sea fishing. Charter connection dining yachts is anchored at Glorietta Bay Marina. Water-skiing in South Bay off Loews Marine. Fishing on pier at Ferry Landing Marketplace. Fishing off Hotel Del Coronado breakwater. Surf-fishing along the ocean.

BALBOA PARK / RUEBEN H. FLEET / MUSEUMS / SAN DIEGO ZOO: Trolley north to City College Station, 12th and C. Walk to corner of 12th and B, take #7 direct to Balboa Park.

DEL MAR RACE TRACK AND FAIR: Trolley to 3rd Avenue and Broadway in front of U.S. Grant Hotel, #34 northbound, transfer at the VA Hospital to #301 to Via de la Valle.

GASLAMP QUARTER: Trolley to Imperial and 12th Trolley Transfer Station. Go to back of building, get on east line trolley "El Cajon" going west, get off at Gas lamp Quarter.

OLD TOWN / BAZAAR DEL MUNDO: Trolley to 5th Avenue, stop at 5th and C.


When does my sea pay start?
Upon checking onboard. For amount, please visit  www.dfas.mil.

When do we get underway/deploy next?
Please contact your sponsor or the sponsor coordinator.

Where do I report if USS DECATUR is underway?
Report to 32nd Street Naval Station Transient Personnel Unit (TPU), BLDG 3142/Burton Hall (dry-side) to coordinate further travel arrangements.

May I get a tour of the ship prior to my report date?
Absolutely, please contact your sponsor to make arrangements to ensure the ship is in port.

I have not received a Welcome Aboard Message, or I have not been contacted by my sponsor who do I contact?
Please contact the sponsor coordinator.

Do I need to report in uniform?
Yes, you are required to report onboard in Service Dress Blue/Dress White. However, if you are meeting the ship will we are underway you will be instructed on what to wear before you travel to meet the ship.

Is there a gym onboard?
Yes. We have a Weight Room and Cardio Workout Room onboard.

Where should I look for a place of residence for my family and I?
Please contact you sponsor, they should be able to point you in the right direction. An abundant amount of information regarding schools, crime rate, amenities, community, price range, etc. can be found online.

What pier is the ship berthed at?
Contact your sponsor for up to date information or security upon entrance to Naval Base San Diego as they have a current listing. You may also call base information at (619)556-1011.

What items should I bring with me to the ship if it is pierside or I'm being flown out to meet the ship?
Bring a full seabag and any personal hygiene items you may need. For more ideas or questions about specifics, please contact your sponsor.

Will I be able to contact my family while underway?
Yes. The ship has email and U.S. Postal Service onboard. USS DECATUR is also equipped with a Sailor Phone.

If something happens to a family member while I'm underway and they need me, what should they do?
Have them contact the American Red Cross. They are able to contact the ship if the service member’s family is in distress.

How do I get a Command Ball cap?
The Commanding Officer will present you with the Command Ball Cap upon your check in.

How do I get Unit Identification Markers?
The Command Master Chief will issue E-6 and Below UIM for your Dress uniforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is an Ombudsman?
Every Command has an Ombudsman who is a spouse of a sailor at the Command. The Ombudsman serves as the liaison between the command and the families. The Ombudsman is the point of contact for the families. He or she can assist families with navigating through Navy life through resources and information.

2. How can an Ombudsman help me?
Navy Family Ombudsmen are key resources for family members, particularly during deployments. Ombudsmen maintain current resource files with information on military and civilian community agencies that can help families solve a variety of problems, and successfully meet the challenges they face before, during, and after deployments. In addition to providing referral information, Ombudsmen can facilitate communication between the Command and family members. Ombudsmen may publish or contribute to command newsletters or maintain care lines, which have recorded messages with information for command families that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Ombudsmen can also assist families in contacting the Command for a variety of reasons.

3. What is the role of the COMNAVSURFPAC Force Ombudsman?
The Force Ombudsman provides oversight and guidance for all the Surface Ship's Ombudsmen in the Pacific Fleet Area of Responsibility. You can contact the Surface Forces Ombudsman at (619) 301-6983 or send an email to surfaceombudsman@gmail.com

4. What is an IA assignment or tour?
An IA is an Individual Augmentee. A Sailor may receive orders to go IA and this means that he or she will deploy as an Individual, not with their command. Sometimes an IA will deploy and be stationed with another branch of the Military. http://www.ia.navy.mil/

5. What is NFAAS?
Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System. This is how the Navy will track your family and assess your needs during an emergency. https://www.navyfamily.navy.mil

6. How can I find out more about medical, dental or Navy family resources?
Contact your Command Ombudsman. He or she will guide you to your resources.

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USS Decatur (DDG 73)

Pearl Harbor, HI

                                  
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