Welcome

Welcome Aboard Warfighter!

Congratulations on your orders to the USS RAFAEL PERALTA (DDG 115). It is truly an honor and privilege to serve alongside you as we train to fight this warship at its maximum capability.

You are joining a crew of one of our country's finest treasures, USS RAFAEL PERALTA is the 65th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, joining a long tradition of fighting warships in the largest ship production run in the U.S. history. But make no mistake, this is no ordinary DDG. We are packed with the latest and most sophisticated weapon and sensor systems at sea today. Your contribution to our team will be essential to the success of her mission, to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea in the support of national policy.

Duty aboard RAFAEL PERALTA provides many unique opportunities and challenges. Because of our mission, RAFAEL PERALTA Sailors have the obligation to conduct themselves as proper representatives of the U.S. navy both on and off liberty. I expect all the RAFAEL PERALTA Sailors to follow the core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment in all of their endeavors.

Our ship emblazons proudly the name of an American hero, a Marine who sacrificed his own life so others might live. Our motto, "FORTIS AD FINEM," which translates to "Courageous to the End," is a testament of his dedication to his country and his fellow Marines. Every Sailor in RAFAEL PERALTA must strive to earn the right to represent such fortitude and devotion.

If you haven't been contacted by your sponsor, please e-mail sponsor@ddg115.navy.mil to have one assigned. Communication with your sponsor is essential and will allow us to better support your needs and provide assistance when possible.

We look forward to you joining us as a Lava Dog of the 115, and I am confident this will be a very rewarding tour for you.
 

Stephen Szachta Jr.
Commander, USN
Commanding Officer

 

 USS RAFAEL PERALTA (DDG 115) pdf



 

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.