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USS Lake Erie (CG 70)
Congratulations on your assignment to the multi-mission Aegis Guided Missile Cruiser USS LAKE ERIE (CG 70).
You are joining a ship that is rich in naval history. The ship’s name commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie, a major U.S. naval victory in the War of 1812. During this pivotal engagement, fought on September 10, 1813, Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry hoisted a crudely stitched flag bearing the dying words of his friend, Captain James Lawrence, “DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP!” That proud motto served as the battle cry and continues to inspire the crew of LAKE ERIE today.
Beyond the Great Lakes, our history started as the first cruiser to be commissioned out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on July 24 1993. LAKE ERIE had the privilege of serving as our nation’s Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Test Ship for over 30 years, enabling the development and employment of this critical modern deterrent capability. February 2008, LAKE ERIE successfully intercepted and destroyed a 5k pound U.S. National Reconnaissance Office satellite, safeguarding human life against the uncontrolled re-entry of the satellite. By Partnering with the Missile Defense Agency and through extensive testing, LAKE ERIE increased our nation’s battle space and extended the reach of our fleet thereby moving the fulcrum of geo-political leverage!
LAKE ERIE participated in an Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2020 with ten other nations, 22 ships, one submarine more than 5,300 sailors to foster and sustain cooperative relationships, critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
More recently, we successfully completed multiple integrated training exercises in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations in 2023, after a nearly two-year fleet absence following the ship's maintenance availability period. The reps and sets showcases LAKE ERIE ability in keeping operational primacy, good stewardship, professional development and safety at the forefront in all that we do, we provide our nation with the most ready and combat effective ship. We will fight and win where it matters, when it matters!
Your sponsor will contact and assist you during your transfer process and will remain with you the first days on board. The ship is homeported in San Diego, CA, so please reach out to the sponsor coordinator at sponsor@cg70.navy.mil.
Shipmate, once again congratulations on your assignment to LAKE ERIE and welcome aboard! Be ready to make history with one of the finest ships and crew in the fleet, through HONOR, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT. DONT GIVE UP THE SHIP!
B. Burkett
Captain, U.S. Navy
Commanding Officer
Aloha USS LAKE ERIE Ohana, The Ombudsman is an appointed representative of the Commanding Officer (CO) and serves in two important roles as both a communications liaison/link between the CO and command family members, and as a professionally trained information and referral specialist for the command’s families. Being appointed by the CO and acting as your link to the command helps the CO gain insight on the pulse of the family members and then take appropriate and timely action on issues of concern. Command family members have an avenue to express their concerns through their Ombudsman. I also work very closely with the Command Master Chief in efforts to improve and maintain family readiness.
The Ombudsman Code of Ethics is the essential foundation upon which an ombudsman’s credibility is established and maintained. Ombudsman must remain committed to strict adherence to this code, Ombudsman shall:
1. Support the command’s mission. 2. Work within the chain of command as directed. 3. Maintain confidentiality. 4. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
It is with great enthusiasm I have accepted the position as Lake Erie's Ombudsman. This past year, I have had the pleasure of working with many of you, in the LEO group, and now look forward to serving you and your family in the upcoming days and months ahead. I am here to assist with any support or guidance you may need.
If you are new to the ship; Welcome Aboard! Please contact me so that I can add you to the Ombudsman recall roster. This will enable you to receive ship updates and other useful resources that will come in handy. If you have been onboard for a while and you are not receiving information from me via email, I would ask that you contact me so I can update my records. Please feel free to contact me:
E-Mail: ErieOMB70@gmail.com
Phone: 619-200-2478
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.
UNIT 100515 BOX 1 FPO, AP 96671, USA