USS Simpson officers embark Underwood

            I am Ensign Andrew Miller. I am embarked on the USS Underwood (FFG 36) with my fellow colleague Ensign Brody Henderson. We are on this ship to receive Surface Warfare Officer training because our permanent command, the USS Simpson (FFG 56) is back in Mayport, Fl. in dry-dock getting repairs done to it. With Simpson being unable to get underway, our commanding officer arranged for us to go to Underwood to get our qualifications.

            The Surface Warfare Officer qualification is a long process involving twelve to eighteen months of different areas of training such as combat information center watch officer, Officer of the Deck underway, and Officer of the Deck in-port. All of this training culminates in an oral board. The goal of all of this is to become designated as a fully qualified Surface Warfare Officer.

            I embarked on the “Wood” on Sept. 15 in Key West and was received with open arms by the officers and enlisted personnel aboard the ship. I would rather be underway focusing on the mission rather than being back in port filling out paperwork. I find it exciting and rewarding to be out at sea and am looking forward for my colleague and I to get pinned as Surface Warfare Officers. It is a big step in our careers and carries with it greater responsibility as officers. It has been a great experience so far and the training has been invaluable.

Very Respectfully,

Ensign Andrew Miller