May 02, 2024
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NEWS OF USS PORTLAND (LPD 27)
(Nov. 1, 2021) The crew just enjoyed a liberty port in Manama, Bahrain recently and has departed to continue its patrol in the Persian Gulf area. This ship is on its first overseas deployment and is part of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group which includes the helicopter landing ship USS Essex(LPH-2) and the landing ship drydock USS Pearl Harbor (LSD-52). Over 700 Marines are embarked from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit on these ships.
In early August, Captain Matthew Thomas relieved Captain Karrey Sanders as Commanding Officer of the USS Portland (LPD27). CAPT
Sanders was fleeted up to Commodore of the Essex (LHD2), Amphibious Ready Group which is now on its way to Westpac which includes
the Portland. This is the Portland's first overseas deployment. Welcome, Captain Thomas!
Summary: CAPT Sanders' Presentation MORE
(April 30, 2021) Photos of recent underway training prior to near-term deployment:
Click Images For Full-Size Version
USS Portland Wins 2021 Battle Efficiency Award
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Kates)
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devin Kates)
This year's theme, "Honoring the Past, Securing the Future," was highlighted during the socially distanced event by recognizing the history, culture and contributions made by Hispanic Americans serving aboard.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emiline L.M. Senn/Released)
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emiline L.M. Senn/Released)
(July 30, 2020) Tour The USS Portland (LPD 27)
SEE VIDEO
(May 16, 2020) USS Portland's Laser Shoots Down Drone In First Demo Against Aircraft
SEE VIDEO
(April 20, 2020) The ship has just pulled into Port Hueneme, CA for training on their combat systems equipment after some at-sea operational training with
Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron THREE. Seen here refueling during flight ops.
Click Image For Full-Size Version
LCDR Brooks Rogers, the air boss aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Portland (LPD 27), watches flight
operations Feb 11 2020, as an MV-22B Osprey takes off from the flight deck to simulate an air assault on Camp Pendleton, Calif., during Exercise Iron Fist 2020.
Click Image For Full-Size Version
Recently a group of Navy League members from Portland traveled to San Diego for a "Portland Day" on the ship. CAPT Rodriguez welcomed the group and held the ship's Sailor-of-the-Year ceremony with
Navy League donating the perpetual SOY plaques. The Navy League also made a gift presentation of fourteen bicycles to the crew. In addition to recreational use they will be handy to ride around the
Navy Base. What's more appropriate then bikes from Portland, also known as Bicycle City!
Laser News -The ship is busy installing the 150kw laser (white covered item on structure) and hope to begin "shooting it" in next month or so.
Gary Piercy with CAPT Rodriquez
Our Spring Quarterly Dinner was a great success with 70 members and guests attending. CAPT Rodriquez, skipper of USS Portland (LPD 27) gave us an update on the ship's activities and told us about their
new Laser Weapon being installed. We're hoping to organize a group visit to San Diego for a ship's visit in October. More details later, but contact Gary Piercy,
503-803-2771 if interested.
NEWS OF USS OREGON (SSN 793)
Oregon sponsor, Dana Richardson, and her husband -- retired CNO -- John Richardson, visited Oregon on 19 January 2022. They were guests at the annual meeting and luncheon of Portland-Blueback Council of the Navy League of the United States.CLICK PHOTO FOR FULL-SIZE VERSION
USS OREGON DONATION
(July 27, 2020) VFW Post 1324's Commander, Greg Arnold presents Steve Daniel, Outreach Chair of the USS Oregon Commissioning Committee with a
$10,000 check to support the commissioning of the new submarine.
Also in attendance were Arlo Gatchel and Jim Lasher, co-chairs of the
Commissioning Committee.
Latest word is that the commissioning is now scheduled for March 2022 in Groton, CT.
(12/12/20) The Council recently presented face masks to its adopted ships including USCGC Bluebell (20), USCGC Alert (65) and USS Portland (400) with the ship's name and service's emblem on them.
The USS Oregon Commissioning Committee, with co-chairs of Jim Lasher and Arlo Getchel leading the group, is meeting monthly. Contact Jim at
elasher6@comcast.net or Arlo at
gatchels@yahoo.com for more information.
USS Oregon (SSN 793) Commissioning Info
A very successful Christening was held in Groton, Ct on October 5th with Dana Richardson, Ship's Sponsor breaking the bottle of Oregon sparkling wine on the
boat. Representative Greg Walden from Oregon was the principal speaker at the ceremony. Commissioning is expected a little over a year away.
Captain Daniel Patrick with four crew visited Portland during Rose Festival/Fleet Week (June 4-9) for consultation with the Commissioning Committee and outreach to the Oregon communities. He announced the
Christening of the boat will be October 5, 2019 in Groton, CT. In addition to taking part in various Fleet Week activities, he and the crew members visited a school, were presented with a flag from BB 3, was
knighted as a Rose Festival knight, visited the original radio room of USS Oregon(BB3), attended the Rose Festival parade and attended various Navy and Navy League receptions.
(Dec. 22, 2021) Gary Piercy, President of the Portland-Blueback Council presents the Theodore Roosevelt Youth Medal to Sea Cadet Chief Conner Doppelmayr
for his leadership and activities both within the Sea Cadets and in his community. This award was presented at the same time Doppelmayr was pinned as
a Chief, the second in the Roseburg Division's history.
Navy League at McMinnville Airshow
Pictured are some of the team that served free meals to the airshow participants. Included is Tom Finneran (third from left) and Tony Sebbio (far right),
organizers of the event that served over 600 meals over the weekend with 30 volunteers.
Gary Piercy, Council President presents face masks to CAPT Tyson Scofield (left) and LTJG Ryan Brumm, Support Officer of USCGC Alert (WMEC630)
Board Member Performs Patriotic Serenade
(May 10, 2021) Portland Blueback Board Member and Treasurer Jim Main has recently been performing a short patriotic ceremony each evening from his front
porch. At sunset he plays "Taps" with his bugle and his neighbors love it.
See his performance here , which was
(May 15, 2021) Board Member Adam Baker representing the Portland Blueback Council at the Blessing of the Rose Festival ceremony. This event commemorates the passing of members of various Rose Festival organizations and was held in-person for the first time in two years.
USCGC Alert's Recent Patrol Activities
(10/27/2020) RADM Okon, CO Meteorology & Oceanography, Discusses the Navy's Unmanned Underwater Vehicles
SEE VIDEO
(Sep 15, 2020) Portland Sea Cadet Commanding Officer Ben Garrett presents the Theodore Roosevelt Award for outstanding service to Cadet Chief Halderman and promotes Cadet Herzig to Sea Cadet Chief.
SEE VIDEO
(Aug 6, 2020) Tour USCG Alert (WMEC-630), Capt Tyson Scofield personally gives us a tour of his cutter from Astoria, OR.
SEE VIDEO
COL Aaron Dorf, US Army Corps of Engineers, Commander Portland District, gives an update on projects including rebuilding the Columbia River breakwater during his presentation to the Port;and Council's luncheon on February 20.
Portland Council's tour of USS Coronado, Dec 7, 2019
MajGen Chris Owens, USMC (Ret) gave a very interesting and provocative presentation that included various scenarios on possible naval actions in Asia. Afterwards, the Council welcomed CDR Tyson Scofield,
Commanding Officer of USCG Alert (WMEC 630) home after a very successful patrol off our southern coast. The business section of the meeting included our annual election of new officers.
Portland Council held its annual Early Arrivals Reception for over 100 members of the Canadian Navy, Coast Guard and other "early arrivals" to the Rose Festival/Fleet Week. The Multnomah Athletic Club
(MAC)'s president, Holly Lekas gave a welcoming speech and received the Council's thanks with an engraved plaque for the MAC's hospitality.
With the recent government shutdown, many Coast Guard personnel had their finances stretched thin (or worse). Your Council's Board voted unanimously to donate $500 to the Coast Guard's Third Fleet donation account. Our small part in supporting our Sea Services.
COUNCIL SPONSORS
