Welcome

Congratulations on your orders to USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54)! The fourth of the most powerful and survivable class of destroyers ever put to sea. Named in honor of the forty-third Secretary of the Navy, we are the first to carry the name and first to the fight. If you have received orders to the USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54), please email sponsor@ddg54.navy.mil and we will provide you with a sponsor to help you make your transition as smooth as possible. We are excited to have you on board and welcome you to sunny San Diego, California!

USS CURTIS WILBUR is home to The Best Crew In The Navy. She brings together a team of professionals who work together and know how to get the job done. We are proud of our heritage, namesake, and commitment to excellence. Being a part of the CURTIS WILBUR crew means you are joining the finest team of knowledgeable sailors and inspiring leaders. This ship comes to life with the help of her hard-working crew and we believe you’ll fit right in!

Curtis D. Wilbur’s courage, honor, and commitment to justice inspires us every day. He was held in high regard as a man of high intellect and with a character of “unimpeachable integrity”. As Secretary of the Navy, he achieved success in enlarging and modernizing the fleet and established a naval air force, which would grow to become a key component during World War II.

USS CURTIS WILBUR is homeported in San Diego, CA. One of eight ships in Destroyer Squadron Nine, "Steel Hammer" is an integral part of THIRD Fleet’s deployable forces. We look forward to your arrival and for you to join our team of outstanding professionals. Please consult the reporting information in the web page and don’t hesitate to reach out to your sponsor for additional information.

If you have questions, please use the command page links to contact myself, the Executive Officer, or the Command Master Chief at any time. As you get ready to step aboard, prepare to work hard! Soon enough you’ll become a valued member of this amazing Steel Hammer team. We provide training, educational challenges, and have a good time while doing it. Being a Curtis Wilbur sailor is a hard but important job and you are joining the best fighting force in the fleet. I hope you are as excited to serve alongside the CURTIS WILBUR crew as I am having you aboard.

Welcome to the Steel Hammer Team!

Commander Joseph Foster, USN

USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54)

SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR

Welcome! From your Command Sponsor Coordinator. I want to be the first to say welcome aboard the best ship in the navy! You are reporting to one of the finest Destroyers in the fleet. This assignment will be challenging, but also very rewarding. Please browse the website for information about the command and check out our electronic Welcome Aboard Package below about reporting aboard in San Diego, CA. To receive a sponsor please contact me via email: sponsor@ddg54.navy.mil. I look forward to seeing you on the deck plates, shipmate!

“Judicious power for Country”

Sponsor Coordinator, USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54)

sponsor@ddg54.navy.mil

WELCOME ABOARD PACKAGE

Congratulations and welcome aboard the Steel Hammer! You have orders to the “Steel Hammer of the Fleet”, one of the finest Destroyers in the fleet, and the best if I may say so. On this page you’ll find a vast amount of information pertaining to Naval Base San Diego, your transition, and services available to military service members in the region. Please feel free to reach out and ask any questions you may have regarding reporting aboard. We look forward to you joining the Steel Hammer team!

Public Affairs Officer, USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54)

pao@ddg54.navy.mil

OMBUDSMAN

Welcome friends and family of the USS CURTIS WILBUR!

I am your command ombudsman. The ombudsman is a volunteer position designated by the command to serve as a liaison between sailors and friends and family for command information. I am available at all times to assist. I am your advocate ready to support and guide you with the Navy family resources required by the Navy Family Ombudsman Program.

One of my essential responsibilities to the USS CURTIS WILBUR and our families is to maintain accurate contact information and excellent communication. I am standing by 24/7 for any and all inquiries regarding the ship and its sailors either at sea or in port. Many thanks for all you do to support our crew and I look forward to meeting you!

Ombudsman, USS CURTIS WILBUR (DDG 54)

ombudsman.cdw54@gmail.com

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.