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Samuel Booker Roberts (12 May 1921 - 27 September 1942) was born in San Francisco CA and enlisted in the US Naval Reserve in 1939. Called to active duty in 1940, he served in USS California (BB 44) and USS Heywood (APA 6) before being transferred to the troop transport USS Bellatrix (AKA 20).
In 1942, Bellatrix was assigned to Task Group Four and became part of the Guadalcanal Assault Force. As a coxswain for one of the Bellatrix’s assault (Higgins) boats, Roberts became extensively involved in the landing of Marines ashore and the transporting of supplies from ships at sea to what was a very tenuous beachhead.
As a result of the heavy fighting at sea beginning 7 August, Coxswain Roberts was transferred to the Beachmaster unit on the island of Guadalcanal to perform transport and medevac duties. Early on the morning of 27 September 1942, Roberts volunteered for a rescue mission to save a company sized unit of marines who had been surrounded by a numerically superior Japanese force. Initially the rescue group of several Higgins boats were taken under heavy enemy fire and was perilously close to failure. Realizing the state of the rescue mission, Roberts unselfishly volunteered to distract the Jap forces by passing directly in front of their lines and drawing their fire. The decoy act was performed effectively until all the Marines had been evacuated. However, as he was about to withdraw from the range of the Japanese guns, Roberts‘ boat was hit and he was mortally wounded. For his valor and courage in the face of enemy fire Coxswain Samuel Booker Roberts was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
FFG-58 was named in his honor, as were DE-413 and DD-823. (US Navy Photo a pencil drawing from the National Archives) |
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4 February 1986: Bath ME - A port bow view of the guided missile frigate Samuel B. Roberts as it departs Bath ME on sea trials. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-89-00167 by Bath Iron Works, Inc. from the Defense Visual Information Center) |
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4 February 1986: Kennebec River ME - A port bow view of Samuel B. Roberts as it heads down the icy Kennebec River to sea trials. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-89-00173 by Bath Iron Works, Inc. from the DVIC) |
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4 February 1986: Kennebec River ME - A port bow view of Samuel B. Roberts as it passes an old coastal fort during sea trials. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-89-00174 by Bath Iron Works, Inc. from the DVIC) |
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4 February 1986: the Atlantic Ocean - A port bow view of Samuel B. Roberts underway during sea trials. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-89-00164 by Bath Iron Works, Inc. from the DVIC) |
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4 February 1986: the Atlantic Ocean - An elevated starboard bow view of Samuel B. Roberts underway during sea trials prior to its commissioning. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-90-04991 by Bath Iron Works, Inc. from the DVIC) |
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4 February 1986: the Atlantic Ocean - A starboard bow view of Samuel B. Roberts during sea trials. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-89-00170 by Bath Iron Works, Inc. from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - A US Marine Corps color guard display the colors during the commissioning ceremony. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-86-06792 by PH2 Alexander C. Hicks, Jr. from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - Guests wait for the commissioning of the guided missile frigate Samuel B. Roberts to begin. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-86-06793 by PH2 Alexander C. Hicks, Jr. from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - Crew members march in formation during the commissioning
ceremony. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-86-06796 by PH2 Alexander C. Hicks, Jr. from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - Commander Paul X. Rinn, first commanding officer, speaks during the commissioning of the guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58). (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-86-06807 by PH2 Alexander C. Hicks, Jr. from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - Photo montage of USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE 413) crewmembers in attendance at the commissioning of the next Samuel B. Roberts. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SN-86-05740, DN-ST-86-06798, DN-ST-86-06799, DN-ST-86-06800 by PH2 Alexander C. Hicks, Jr. and PH2 K. Tharpe from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - Crew members run to man the ship during the commissioning ceremony. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SN-86-05736 by PH2 K. Tharpe from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - Crew members board Samuel B. Roberts during the ship's commissioning. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-86-06822 by PH2 Alexander C. Hicks, Jr. from the DVIC) |
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12 April 1986: Bath ME - Crew members raise their hats in a salute while manning the rails during the commissioning ceremony. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-86-06821 by PH2 Alexander C. Hicks, Jr. from the DVIC) |
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15 April 1988: The Persian Gulf - A port bow view of Samuel B. Roberts being towed after the ship struck a mine on 14 April 1988. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-93-01434 by PH2 Rudy D. Pahoyo from the DVIC)
*** Feature Page for Samuel B. Roberts’ Repair and Return Home After Being Mined on 14 April 1988 ***
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Fred Weiss |
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19 January 1989: Samuel B. Roberts shown being carried by the Dutch heavy lift ship Mighty Servant II after striking a mine in the Persian Gulf. |
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28 March 1991: Newport RI - The crew of Samuel B. Roberts mans the rails as the ship returns to Newport following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-91-08769 by PH2 Dolores L. Anglin from the DVIC) |
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28 March 1991: Newport RI - Members of a local girl scout troop hold a banner welcoming the crew of Samuel B. Roberts upon the vessel's return from deployment in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-91-08049 by PH1 Bob Shanks from the DVIC) |
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28 March 1991: Newport RI - A sailor from Samuel B. Roberts embraces his wife as television cameras record their reunion. Samuel B. Roberts has returned to Newport following its deployment to the Persian Gulf region for Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-ST-91-08768 by PH2 Dolores L. Anglin from the DVIC) |
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20 August 1995: Chesapeake Bay VA - A port side view of Samuel B. Roberts crossing the Trimble Shoals while en route to Norfolk Naval Base after putting to sea for five days to avoid the effects of Hurricane Felix. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SC-95-02269 by Don S. Montgomery from the DVIC) |
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July 1996: Photo of Samuel B. Roberts I took from the flight deck of USS George Washington (CVN 73). We were on our way home from a deployment. (photo © Wendell McLaughlin) |
Wendell R. McLaughlin, Jr. |
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18 August 2000: Norfolk VA - Crewmembers of Samuel B. Roberts wait anxiously to greet loved ones who are gathered on pier 25, at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SD-03-1116 (6000818-N-0872M-505) by PH1 Martin Maddock from the DVIC) |
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18 August 2000: Norfolk VA - Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Tony Cunningham from Hampton, Virginia, assigned to Samuel B. Roberts gets a welcome home kiss from young son, Desmond. (US Navy Photo DVID #DN-SD-03-11118 (000818-N-0872M-507) by PH1 Martin Maddock from the DVIC) |
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25 April 2002: At sea - The US Navy guided missile frigate Samuel B. Roberts and nuclear powered Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Baltimore (SSN 704) (top) pull alongside the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) during a battle group formation exercise, 17 July 1996. The George Washington battle group will be returning to homeport, July 23rd after completing a scheduled six-month deployment to the Mediterranean, which included sustained operations in support of NATO-led peacekeeping in Bosnia and UN sanctions against Iraq in the Arabian Gulf. (US Navy photo #960717-N-9975P-002 by PH1 Greg Pinkley from the Navy News Stand |
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25 April 2002: Souda Bay, Crete - Samuel B. Roberts arrives in Souda Bay, Crete, for a scheduled port visit. Roberts is assigned to NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean and is currently deployed in support of Operation Active Endeavor. Task Force Active Endeavor will maintain an active presence in the operational area of the Mediterranean east of Sicily as a demonstration of the solidarity and resolve of NATO in the war against terrorism. (US Navy photo #020425-N-0780F-001 by Paul Farley from the Navy News Stand |
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11 July 2005: Pacific Ocean - The guided missile frigate Samuel B. Roberts underway along side the U.S. Coast Guard cutter USCG Forward (WMEC 911) in the Pacific Ocean. Samuel B. Roberts and Forward are part of a multinational naval and coast guard force from six nations conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase off the coasts of Colombia. The Colombian Navy in this year’s UNITAS Pacific Phase hosts Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the United States. During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region. (US Navy photo #050711-N-4374S-002by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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16 July 2005: Vasco Nunez de Balboa, Panama - Samuel B. Roberts approaches the Panama Canal to transit from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea while conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase. Roberts is part of a multinational naval and coast guard force from six nations conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase off the coasts of Colombia. The Colombian Navy in this year’s UNITAS Pacific Phase hosts Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the United States. During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region. (US Navy photo #050716-N-4374S-001 by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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19 July 2005: Caribbean Sea - Samuel B. Roberts maneuvers into a formation along with naval and coast guard units from Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Panama during UNITAS 46-05 prior to a live-fire exercise. Samuel B. Roberts is part of a multinational naval and coast guard force from six nations conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase. The Colombian Navy in this year's UNITAS Pacific Phase hosts Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the United States. During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region. (US Navy photo #050719-N-4374S-002 by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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19 July 2005: Caribbean Sea - Samuel B. Roberts maneuvers into a formation along with naval and coast guard units from Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Panama during UNITAS 46-05 prior to a live-fire exercise. Roberts is part of a multinational naval and coast guard force from six nations conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase. The Colombian Navy in this year's UNITAS Pacific Phase hosts Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the United States. During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region. (US Navy photo #050719-N-4374S-001 by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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19 July 2005: Caribbean Sea - A BQM-74E aerial target drone launches from the flight deck of Samuel B. Roberts . The BQM-74E provides dynamic airborne threat simulation and supports the Fleet worldwide. Samuel B. Roberts is part of a multinational naval and coast guard force from six nations conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase. The Colombian Navy in this year's UNITAS Pacific Phase hosts Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the United States. During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region. (US Navy photo #050719-N-1159B-048 by JO1 Brian Aho, from the Navy News Stand |
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19 July 2005: Caribbean Sea - A BQM-74E aerial target drone launches from the flight deck of the Samuel B. Roberts. The BQM-74E provides dynamic airborne threat simulation and supports the Fleet worldwide. Samuel B. Roberts is part of a multinational naval and coast guard force from six nations conducting UNITAS 46-05 Pacific Phase. The Colombian Navy in this year's UNITAS Pacific Phase hosts Ecuador, Panama, Peru and the United States. During the two-week exercise, participating units have the opportunity to train as unified force in all aspects of naval operations, from maritime interdiction to anti-submarine and electronic warfare. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command sponsors UNITAS exercises with the objective to foster cooperation and develop interoperability among the navies of the region. (US Navy photo #050719-N-4374S-003 by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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21 October 2005: Atlantic Ocean - Samuel B. Roberts, leading front of a formation, executes a divisional tactical maneuver with the naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, and Uruguay during UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic Phase. UNITAS is the largest multi-national naval exercise conducted with naval forces from the U.S., the Caribbean Sea, and South and Central America. The exercises focus on building multinational coalitions, while promoting hemispheric defense and mutual cooperation. (US Navy photo #051021-N-4374S-007by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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21 October 2005: Atlantic Ocean - Samuel B. Roberts executes a divisional tactical maneuver with the naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, and Uruguay during UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic Phase. UNITAS is the largest multi-national naval exercise conducted with naval forces from the U.S., the Caribbean Sea, and South and Central America. The exercises focus on building multinational coalitions, while promoting hemispheric defense and mutual cooperation. (US Navy photo #051021-N-4374S-008by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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21 October 2005: Rio De Janeiro, Brazil - Samuel B. Roberts transits through the waters of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, during UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic Phase. Naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Uruguay and the United States are participating in UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic phase. This is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise that enhances friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies by enhancing interoperability in naval operations among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. (US Navy photo #051021-N-4374S-002 by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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22 October 2005: Atlantic Ocean - Spanish sailors assigned to the oiler SPS Marques De La Ensenada (A 11) perform a replenishment at sea with Samuel B. Roberts off the coast of Brazil. Naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Uruguay and the United States are participating in UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic phase. This is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise that enhances friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies by enhancing interoperability in naval operations among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. (US Navy photo #051022-N-4374S-011 by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand) |
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25 October 2005: Atlantic Ocean - A Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure team from Samuel B. Roberts departs for Maritime Interdiction Operation training with the Uruguayan frigate ROU General Artigas (ROU 2) off the coast of Brazil. Naval forces from Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Uruguay and the United States are participating in UNITAS 47-06 Atlantic phase. This is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored exercise that enhances friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating navies by enhancing interoperability in naval operations among the nations of the Western Hemisphere. (US Navy photo #051025-N-4374S-003 by PH2 Michael Sandberg from the Navy News Stand |
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9 April 2007: Caribbean Sea - The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate Samuel B. Roberts sails in the Caribbean during a PHOTOEX. Roberts joined the Standing NATO Maritime Group One for the day to work on training exercises and a PHOTOEX. (US Navy photo #070409-N-5459S-445 by MCSN Vincent J. Street from the Navy News Stand) |
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9 April 2007: Caribbean Sea - Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate Samuel B. Roberts navigates in the Caribbean Sea during an exercise. Samuel B. Roberts operating together with Chilean Ship CS Almirante Latorre (FFG-14) as part of Partnership of Americas 2007. POA focuses on enhancing relationships with partner nations through a variety of exercises and events at sea and ashore throughout South America and the Caribbean. (US Navy photo #070409-N-5459S-109 by MCSN Vincent J. Street from the Navy News Stand) |
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2 May 2007: Puerto Belgrano, Argentina - Samuel B. Roberts is moored behind the Argentine ARA Patagonia during exercise UNITAS in Puerto Belgrano, Argentina. The exercise includes participants from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Spain and the U.S. and is a combined annual exercise that enables the assembled forces to organize and conduct combined naval operations in a multinational task force and test its responsiveness to a variety of maritime scenarios. (US Navy photo #070502-N-8861F-001 by MC2 (SW) Lenny M. Francioni from the Navy News Stand) |
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2 September 2007: Caribbean Sea - Samuel B. Roberts patrols the waters off the coast of Panama during PANAMAX 2007. Civil and military forces from 19 countries are participating in PANAMAX 2007, a U.S. Southern Command joint and multi-national training exercise co-sponsored with the government of Panama, in the waters off the coasts of Panama and Honduras. (US Navy photo #070902-N-1810F-324 by MC2 Todd Frantom from the Navy News Stand) |
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9 September 2007: Baltimore MD - Fire Controlman 1st Class John Michael Broughton shakes hands with Boston Red Socks pitcher Curt Schilling before an Orioles-Red Sox game at Camden Yards. In recognition of Patriot Day, United Services Automobile Association staged a surprise reunion of Broughton with his wife and stepdaughter at the game. Broughton is assigned to the guided-missile frigate Samuel B. Roberts. (US Navy photo #070909-N-5319A-010 by MC1 Brian Aho from the Navy News Stand) |
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26 September 2007: Mayport FL - Jacksonville Jaguars mascot Jaxon Deville salutes sailors aboard guided-missile frigate Samuel B. Roberts as the ship returns to Naval Station Mayport. Roberts deployed in support of Partnership of Americas, which took the ship as far as the southernmost part of South America as the ships participated in numerous multi-national exercises. (US Navy photo #070926-N-1522S-005 by MC2 Leah Stiles from the Navy News Stand) |
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26 September 2007: Mayport FL - More than 200 Sailors aboard Samuel B. Roberts return to their homeport of Naval Station Mayport. Roberts deployed in support of Partnership of Americas, which took the ship as far as the southernmost part of South America as the ships participated in numerous multi-national exercises. (US Navy photo #070926-N-1522S-003 by MC2 Leah Stiles from the Navy News Stand) |
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26 September 2007: Mayport FL - Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Dereck Staincliffe embraces his daughter for the first time at the homecoming ceremony for Samuel B. Roberts. Roberts deployed in support of Partnership of Americas, which took the ship as far as the southernmost part of South America as the ships participated in numerous multi-national exercises. (US Navy photo #070926-N-1522S-012 by MC2 Leah Stiles from the Navy News Stand) |
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1 February 2008: New Orleans LA - The Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58) is assisted by two tug boats as the ship docks at the Governor Nichols Wharf. Roberts is in New Orleans for a five-day port call. (US Navy photo #080201-N-0857S-001 by Sam Shore from the Navy Newstand) |
Robert M. Cieri |
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1 February 2008: New Orleans LA - Musician 3rd Class Jay Gillespie, assigned to the Navy Band New Orleans, plays his saxophone as the Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG-58) docks at the Governor Nichols Wharf. Roberts is in New Orleans for a five-day port call. (US Navy photo #080201-N-0857S-002 by Sam Shore from the Navy Newstand) |
