Welcome

08 MARCH 2024

From: Rushmore Crew

To: Prospective Shipmates, Friends, and Family Members of USS Rushmore

Subj: WELCOME ABOARD

Congratulations on receiving orders to USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47). We are 7^th Fleet’s mightiest LSD, currently home ported in Sasebo, Japan. If you have received orders to USS RUSHMORE (LSD 47), please email sponsor@lsd47.navy.mil and we will provide you with a sponsor to help make your move to Japan as smooth as possible. We are excited to have you on board and welcome you to the RUSHMORE!

The RUSHMORE crew is the backbone of the ship. We take pride in being named after one of our country’s most noble monuments and try to live up to the standard of the hardworking men and women that built it. We look forward to having you join our team of hardworking and dedicated Sailor’s and the impact you will make on the important work our ship does.

RUSHMORE has a valiant past, taking part in Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a participant of multiple humanitarian assistance missions. The ship participates in naval and amphibious exercises all over the world to include, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, and many other valuable allies of the United States. We are proud to be a part of 7^th Fleet!

USS RUSHMORE
 
We look forward to your arrival onboard. In order to assist with your arrival and transition, please contact the Sponsor coordinator at sponsor@lsd47.navy.mil. Use the Subject line “Incoming RUSHMORE Sailor – seeking sponsor” and include the Command Master Chief as a cc address using cmc@lsd47.navy.mil. These individuals will ensure a sponsor is assigned and your prospective chain-of-command is aware of your plans. Your sponsor will forward information about the ship and will find the answers to any questions you may have. As your Command Sponsor Team, we are here to help. But in order for us to do so, we ask that you contact your sponsor and let us know if you have special needs.

For more information on moving to Sasebo, please check out the pdfs below and the links at the bottom of the page. For more questions reach out to our Ombudsman at rushmoreombudsman2@gmail.com. If it has been more than two weeks since you emailed for a sponsor and you have not received anything please email xo@lsd47.navy.mil.

 Sasebo Info Packet

 Sasebo Sponsorship on Demand

Command Mission

USS RUSHMORE is the 7th of 8 ships in the WHIDBEY ISLAND Class. This ship’s mission is to embark Marines with their combat equipment and vehicles, then remain at sea as an on-call force to conduct a diverse range of amphibious operations such as: training with international partners, providing humanitarian assistance or disaster relief, executing noncombatant evacuation, and assaulting a hostile shore. In times of both war and peace, these missions are highly relevant to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Cooperative Maritime Strategy. RUSHMORE is designed primarily to embark and operate Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) assault hovercraft, which are able to carry a 60-ton payload and travel at speeds in excess of 40 knots. Using this versatile craft, RUSHMORE can conduct amphibious operations across a wide range of the world’s beaches and at much greater distances than previous generations of amphibious ships and conventional landing craft.

Officially designated a Landing Ship Dock (LSD), RUSHMORE accomplishes the mission through the use of a well deck and ballasting system to enable the loading, launching and recovery of landing craft. After departing the ship, assault craft are directed to shore by the ship’s Combat Information Center (CIC). The ship has robust command, control, and communications equipment. It carries an electronic warfare suite and surface-to-air missile launchers to protect from anti-ship cruise missile attack. It also carries a variety of machine guns for self-defense against surface threats. Using its own small boats and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) teams, RUSHMORE can also conduct Maritime Security Operations, such as anti-piracy and maritime surveillance.

With a 440-foot well deck capable of holding four LCACs, a flight deck able to land and launch two CH-53E (heavy lift) helicopters, the Navy’s latest diesel propulsion and engineering technology, advanced repair facilities, a sophisticated air defense system, complete medical and dental facilities, and troop berthing accommodations for up to 500 embarked Marines, the warship RUSHMORE represents an exciting and formidable amphibious and maritime security capability.

The ship has a crew of approximately 300 and is organized into six departments: Operations, Deck, Engineering, Supply, Medical, and Executive.

USS RUSHMORE is named after Mount Rushmore National Monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota. RUSHMORE was built by Avondale Industries in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mrs. Meredith Brokaw, wife of NBC News anchorman Tom Brokaw, christened the ship on May 6, 1989.

Commissioning ceremonies were held on June 1, 1991 along the banks of the Mississippi River at the River Walk in New Orleans.

AOB/ICR

This training is MANDATORY for all military and civilian employees arriving to commands in Sasebo within 30 days, in accordance with COMNAVFORJAPANINST 1740.5. Family members are highly encouraged to attend, as well. It ensures newly-arrived personnel understand reporting process and are fully aware of all CFAS policies, programs, services, responsibilities and facilities in accordance with CFASINST 1740.1D. Additionally, certified attendance is required for anyone who intends to obtain a U.S. Forces Japan driver’s license during their stay in Japan. For those relocating from another duty station in Japan, Day 1 and Day 2 of AOB/ICR are still required as it pertains specifically to CFAS.

Reservations are required and suggested to be made four weeks prior to arrival in the Sasebo area. Your sponsor can sign you up for this program in advance or you can register yourself.
 
Children are not allowed to attend AOB/ICR. Child care reservations should be made prior to attending AOB/ICR no greater than 30 days in advance. Age limits and contact numbers for each of the centers are outlined in the “Childcare” section.

Connect with your Command Ombudsman and Family Readiness Group

Have you reached out to your command family Ombudsman recently? If so, then you are aware that your Ombudsman is a trained volunteer who has been officially appointed by the Commanding Officer to disseminate information to families. Your Ombudsman may have reached out to you upon your arrival to a new duty station or presented at your command deployment brief.

Ombudsmen may distribute vital command information and resources and may also maintain an official Facebook page, where you can connect and communicate with them and other families. Whatever the means of communication, it is impor­tant to make sure that you are connected to your Ombudsman and are receiving the valuable information that they provide.

Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) are non-federal entities that provide family members with a support network that is informational and social.  They provide support during deployments, help families adjust to challenges and to support one another in time of personal crises, and coordinate social events.  

Ombudsmen and FRGS work together to support Navy families.  Both are an integral part of a support network.  They are here to support you!

Useful Information

Your new mailing address while attached to RUSHMORE:

Rank or Rate/Name

Assigned Division

USS RUSHMORE (LSD-47)

FPO AP 96677-1735

You will receive a ship e-mail address after you check aboard.

More Information

You can learn more about the ship and the arrival procedures at the ship’s official website USS Rushmore (LSD 47) (navy.mil)

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 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

4. 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.