<p>Eleven midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy and universities around the United States are getting a taste of shipboard life aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) during their midshipmen summer cruise. </p>
<p>"We set it up so that they're seeing every major warfare area on the ship," said Lt. j.g. Ryan Thowson, the ship's training officer and coordinator for the program.</p>
<p>During their time aboard, each midshipman is assigned a "running mate," a member of the crew who acts as a guide and mentor.</p>
<p>"It's different training between the first class midshipmen and the second and third [classes]," said Thowson. </p>
<p>"Seconds and thirds learn the role of the enlisted personnel, really get down there and get their hands dirty, so to speak. First classes are going to be officers within a year, so they get a lieutenant or a 'j.g.' running mate and they really learn how to be an officer."</p>
<p>Having enlisted running mates for the junior midshipmen also gives them important perspective for when they become commissioned officers, Thowson added.</p>
<p>"Getting a taste of what enlisted personnel do will give them a greater respect when they're officers and help them to think about the decisions that they make," said Thowson.</p>
<p>"I love it," said Midshipman 3rd Class Angela Roush. "All of the enlisted are so dedicated to what they know, and they're so willing to share what they know too. Once I'm commissioned I will really have a great respect for those that I'm leading because I'll know what a profound knowledge they have and how much they enjoy what they do."</p>
<p>Curtis Wilbur, which operates out of Yokosuka, Japan as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, visited Vladivostok, Russia while the midshipmen were aboard.</p>
<p>"This was a great opportunity for me," said Roush. "I realize that each and every one of us are ambassadors, so it's very interesting seeing another culture, but even more so it's a lot more fun to be able to represent my country as best I can, so I really enjoy this opportunity."</p>
<p>"Being on a forward-deployed ship made me realize that these people are pretty much on the job 24/7," said Midshipman 3rd Class Kevin Fleischer. "They spend months at a time being overseas, being away from their families. It gave me a respect for them."</p>
<p>"The ship's really excited to have them here," said Thowson. 'The officers and the running mates are taking this seriously so hopefully they're enjoying themselves."</p>
<p>Curtis Wilbur is assigned to the U.S. 7th Fleet and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. </p>
<p>Operating in the western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.</p>
<p>The U.S. Navy issued the following press release:
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gabriel S. Weber
Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Japan
Copyright 2007 HT Media Ltd.
All Rights Reserved
US Fed News
July 9, 2007 Monday 1:02 AM EST</p>