FROM THE CO S DESK

SEPTEMBER 2012 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
CMCs Call
Ccc news
4
4
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
OMBUDSMEN MEMOS
5
6-7
FRG
Chaplains corner
8
9
Crew Photos
MILIUS frontline
news
10
12
DEPLOYMENT RE-
SOURCES
13

USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER
Greetings Families & Friends of MILIUS! August was a big month for MILIUS as we fin-
ished operations in the Arabian Gulf and headed for home. We have spent most of the
month transiting, with liberty port visits in Phuket, Thailand and Manila, Philippines and
a working port visit to Apra Harbor, Guam. We crossed the equator, completing a
Crossing the Line Ceremony. We held Steel Beach Picnics as part of a cook off competi-
tion with excellent meals provided by the Junior Enlisted Association and the First Class
Petty Officers Association. We held a swim call over the Marianas Trench, where many
MILIUS Sailors went swimming in the 5 mile deep ocean.
This month MILIUS was also notified that we were the best Surface Combatant (Cruiser,
Destroyer, or Frigate) in Pacific Fleet for fuel economy last year with a fuel savings that
was 25% higher than any other Cruiser/Destroyer and earning MILIUS a bonus of
$23,000 to spend on things for the ship.

Upcoming events for MILIUS include:
- A Family Day Cruise on October 26
th
where able bodied individuals who are 8 years
and older and are invited by MILIUS crewmembers are welcome to join us on this one
day cruise.
- On November 2
nd
, I will be turnover over command to the Executive Officer Steve
Shedd at a change of command ceremony on pier 3 at 1000.
- On November 12
th
the ship will begin preparations for the shipyard.

Bravo Zulus:
- I received the following from C5F Future Ops Chief, "You and good ship MILIUS did a
superb job out here on deployment. My father always charged me with leaving things
better than I found them. You have most certainly done that here in this AOR. You
made a lasting positive impact on the relationships we have here with our partners,
friends, and allies and you advanced our IAMD capabilities. Fair winds and following
seas."
- From the Strike Group Commander we worked for in 5
th
Fleet, "Fair Winds and Fol-
lowing Seas to MILIUS as she outcrops. MILIUS' contribution to successful Maritime
Ops in the region were many and the crew can be justifiably proud. God speed and a
safe journey home."
- From RADM Faller, who was our Strike Group Commander at the start of deploy-
ment, "I have been watching your deployment with interest and pride. BZ to you and
your war fighters. Sail safe and enjoy homecoming."

- From COMDESRON 50: "Bravo Zulu to the officers and crew of guided missile destroyer MILIUS for outstanding per-
formance Your diligence in the execution of Maritime Security Operations was integral to deterring maritime terrorist
acts and building regional state maritime counter terrorism capability. You have fulfilled your duties with alacrity and
were the most proactive ship during two command periods; conducting over 360 queries, 25 approach and assists, and 10
approach and assist visits. You have now become the yard stick for all vessels under our TACON. Your superb reputation
will be remembered long after your return home to your families. We wish you a safe voyage. Shukran Jahzeelan!"
- A former shipmate of mine sent me the following note, "During SOSMRC RDML Gale visited to brief us on Regional
Maintenance Centers - he mentioned that he had recently visited your ship in Bahrain and that it looked great! Congratula-
tions on impressing him with your ship and crew!"
- Bravo Zulu to the First Class Petty Officers Association on an excellent dinner. Though they couldn't do a steel beach
picnic due to down pouring rain, they did a fantastic job! The competition is going to be tough for this cook off!
- Bravo Zulu to our engineers who have safely taken over 4 million gallons F-76 on this deployment!
- BZ to the engineers for an outstanding Maintenance Figure of Merit report from Fifth Fleet. The metrics are not out for
July, but we exceeded the average DDG Equipment Operational Capability score and had the BEST score for all BMD
ships for 117 of our first 133 days. MILIUS Sailors were more self-sufficient than any others in Fifth Fleet and worked in
beast mode to quickly repair casualties to equipment and to maintain our hotel services. Guests have even commented on
how cool the ship was when they came onboard. Well done!
- Bravo Zulu to DC3 Sais and to GSE3 Ramos for taking prompt action and preventing cascading casualties. DC3 Sais no-
ticed a leaking mechanical seal on a Seawater Service pump and took action to isolate the pump and to prevent flooding.
GSE3 Ramos' prompt actions prevented cascading damage to a Fuel Oil Service pump. Both the pump and motor were
spared thanks to her decisive actions. Even though we have been gone for more than seven months and are getting close to
home, they are staying alert and doing their job to support us to make sure we ALL get home safely. Well done!!
- BZ to CF Division for an outstanding online testing test report; they outperformed the test metrics in every category!
The results are a testament to the Division Leadership's commitment to self sufficiency and the dogged determination of
our technicians. The test reports have steadily improved while on deployment and we can definitely say the overall suite is
in better shape now than when we left!
-BZ to the Sea & Anchor Detail and the UNREP Details on more excellent evolutions. Also a special well done to the
bridge & combat watchstanders, as well as the Navigation detail for their efforts ensuring a safe transit of the straits from
Manila through to the San Bernardino Straits, a 20+ hour long evolution.
- BZ to FC1 Gaa and FC2 Steyer for fixing FCS #3 while in port Manila. They put equipment ahead of liberty and got it
back on line before the underway. Well done!
- BZ to FCCS Allen, FC1 Harris, FC2 Beard, and OS2 Fejeran and the CIC watch teams. MILIUS performed to highest
level during 7th Fleet testing and BMD exercises. Pushing through some very difficult challenges they never gave up and
we were ready to go on time. They also stepped up with no notice to cover for the lead ship during the event when she
had a system causality. We took charge of not only our responsibilities but hers as well. MILIUS continues to live up to
her reputation as the best BMD ship in the Fleet. Well done everyone!!
- BZ to ENS Leo for great training provided to the new JO's during BMDEX!
- Bravo Zulu to the Junior Enlisted Association on a great Steel Beach Picnic!

FROM THE CO S DESK CONT.
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9
PAGE 2

- Bravo Zulu on well executed, liberty-incident-free port visits to Phuket, Thailand and Manila, Philippines! The whole
crew did a wonderful job!
- Bravo Zulu to LS2 Salinas as COMDESRON 21 Junior Sailor of the Quarter!
- BZ to IT1 Ellison and CC Division for getting MILIUS' Lan Accreditation package approved. MILIUS' package was rec-
ognized for its completeness, accuracy, and timeliness. BZ on a job well done!

Some information items:
- Navy Base San Diego is changing how access points are controlled. After September 10
th
they will scan IDs and compare
to DEERS from now until September 9
th
they will be using this system but not restricting access so if you have problems
you have until September 10
th
to get them fixed.
- Under the TSP Enhancement Act of 2009, TSP will begin offering uniformed service members the option to make an
election for Roth TSP. Due to the DJMS pay system constraints, the Roth TSP option will not be available until 1 Oct 12.
Roth catch-up will not be available at that time. Specifications for input will be released as soon as they become available.
The TSP processing rules are the same as for the traditional contributions. For more information, visit www.tsp.gov.
- The Imminent Danger Pay is a day-for-day pay of $250 a month. Due to an error, all MILIUS Sailors received the pay for
the whole month of August instead of for the 4 days we were entitled to this pay. As a result $202.50 will be recouped
from all MILIUS Sailors checks in September.


Sincerely,
CDR Nikki Bufkin
FROM THE CO S DESK CONT.
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9 PAGE 3
PAGE 4 USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER
Hello MILIUS Families!

Well, September is FINALLY here and what a wonderful month this will be! We are excited for the Tiger Cruise
which is a wonderful chance to show off the ship. We also have the upcoming Family Day Cruise on October 26
th

for all of the families who couldnt make it to Hawaii to go to sea with us for a day. I want to take a moment to
tell you how outstanding your Sailors have been performing while on deployment. Each evolution and each inter-
action with other commands or countries I always have someone telling me how impressed they are with the qual-
ity of OUR Sailors. You can be proud of your Sailors and the fact that they represented YOU, the USS MILIUS,
US Navy and our country so well. As the end of deployment nears we are all anxious to be home with our loved
ones. You are the safe harbor in the storm and I want you to know while we have been apart we can appreciate
what you do for us more and more. So as we return please be patient with us as we readjust to the world we love
and are fighting for. We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Sincerely,
CMC
CMCs CALL
FROM THE COMMAND CAREER COUNSELOR

Aloha, MILUS Crew, Family & Friends,

Its hard not to count down the days but, we are almost there!
NAVADMIN 227/12, 228/12, 229/12, 230/12 was recently released
which could affect Sailors in the future. One of importance is NAVADMIN
228/12, Changes in Enlisted Distribution to Improve Sea Duty Manning.
It announces new initiatives to improve sea duty manning on our deploying
units and specifically addresses changes to the CMS/ID process.
Beginning with the Aug 2012 cycle, a single set of sea and shore billets, as estab-
lished by Manning Control Authorities, will be advertised and filled each cy-
cle. Sailors entering into their negotiation window retain the ability to apply for
jobs from the current slate of billets advertised in their rating/paygrade.
Sailors should submit five applications for advertised jobs to ensure their desires are
taken into account.
Failure to provide an input may result in assignment of a Sailor to a job without the
Sailors desires considered.
Since all billets advertised on CMS will be filled each month, detailers may be re-
quired to select a Sailor who has not applied for the assignment or is early in their
negotiation window.

If you have any questions, please ask your Sailor.


Sincerely,
NC1 (SW/AW) B. Baraoidan
Reenlistments
CTTCS (SW) James Anderson
GM1 (SW) Shakara Lawrence
Navy Achievement Medal
CSC (SW) Angelito Henzon
Officer Promotions
LTJG Robert Coslick
LTJG Jeremy McIntyre
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist
(ESWS)
PS2 (SW) Francis Fuentebella
EM2 (SW) Komi Ketemepi
FC2 (SW) Kody Bradyrittenberg
OS3 (SW) Shaniquia Finch
STG3 (SW) Andrew Savin
ET3 (SW) Brendan Boswell
HM3 (SW) Sebastian Guerrero
OS3 (SW) Christopher Beck
CS3 (SW) Alexey Podrezov
EM3 (SW) Roberto Batailleaquino
QM3 (SW) Tyler Newbanks
QM3 (SW) James Pannell
CSSN (SW) Taylor Brown
LSSN (SW) Nicholas Acosta
FC3 (SW) Saunjie Decembre
GSE3 (SW) Shannon Oleary
A big BRAVO ZULU to the following
Sailors on their recent Reenlistments,
Advancement, and Awards:

Happy Birthday and Anniversary to all!!

September 1- FRG Final Fling Dinner
September 2 - FRG Lei Fluffing Party
September 4 - Tigers arrive for cruise home
September 11 - HOMECOMING!!!
September 11 - 25 - 1st POM period
September 26 - Turnover day
September 27 - Oct 10 2nd POM period



* Annotates in-port, away from home port
Blue highlighted boxes annotate underway periods
PAGE 5 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9
SEPTEMBER
USS Milius
A
l
i
i

P
r
a
e

M
e

c.:
.c.:
..:
Welcome home
MILIUS crew,
You have been
missed!!
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30
September 2012
*
FRG
FRG
***
2nd
POM
HOMECOMING: WHAT NOT TO WEAR!!

Congratulations to all, weve survived deploymentHIGH 5!! Over the last several months we have been giving advice to some
of you on what to wear at Homecoming. We are not fashion experts or the fashion police, but since we have so many first timers,
we thought we would pass along some guidelines. There was a time when certain things were understood as inappropriate and did
not have to be discussed. However, in todays society there seems to be a need for reminders to reel it in. Dont be offended or
upset, we are only here to give guidance. Simply put: No nipple covers and/or G Strings please!!
LADIES:
Do NOT wear last years Halloween store slutty sailor uniform: Save that for the privacy of your bedroom.
DO WEAR underwear: If slipping a pair of panties into your sailors pocket is on your agenda, make sure your derriere is
covered under that sundress. Your sailor is the only one interested in seeing that naked!!
Lingerie is NOT real clothing: Im all about a little naughty something underneath, but again keep it in checkwe dont want
to see it!
Do NOT wear your prom dress: Congrats, if you can still fit in yours, but Homecoming is not a black tie event. Plan a fancy
night out for you and your sailor later in the week.
Do NOT wear heels: Stilettos, although attractive, are not sneakers, they may start out comfy, but by the end of the day you
will be bare footing it. Hot concrete is not fun, not to mention the blisters! Choose shoes that are cute and stylish, but comfort-
able.
Do NOT wear something in which you cannot chase your kids around, nurse or spend time waiting in; hurry up and wait is the
military protocol. We all know the routine. If you will have kids in tow, and your sailor likes you in a dress, please wear
shorts underneathwe would rather see Reebok, or Nike than London and France!
Do NOT wear Night Club Attire: This is a unanimous NO! Even if you have the body to be a back up dancer for Lady Gagas
music video, this is NOT the time to dress like one!
Most of all Ladies, We can GUARANTEE your sailor wont care what your wearing when you pick him up. He is wondering what
you will be wearing (or more to the point, NOT GONNA BE WEARING) when you get him home!!

MEN:
Guys you really have it so much easier, just throw on a pair of khaki shorts, pants or jeans and a nice collared shirt and you are
golden!

Whether or not you have IT to flaunt (or think you do) , the rest of us DO NOT want to have to invest in a blindfold (at least
not to have to have on the pier). Remember there will be children, parents, grand-parents, other spouses, significant others,
friends and the media on the pier. KEEP IT CLEAN! You dont have to be dressy, like for church, but you dont want to be
so far in the other direction that folks are thinking XXXkeep it in the middlebe conservative yet comfortable.
Remember, to bring lawn chairs, plenty of water and sunscreen and something to keep
your kids occupied while they are waiting!

As time gets closer to Homecoming Day, Teresa and I will start updating the Care line. This is a phone message center
where we will have ALL Homecoming information and details. The number is 1-619-338-1754. Check it daily
as Homecoming approaches to make any changes to your plans!

Happy Homecoming from your Ombudsman Team,
Jeri and Teresa
OMBUDSMAN MEMO
USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER
Ombudsman Info:
ombudsman69@gmail.com
OMB Phone 619.417.9980
Careline 619.338.1754
PAGE 6
PAGE 7
FFSC HOMECOMING TIPS
HINTS FOR A HAPPY HOMECOMING!!
Cooperation:
Each of you has been making daily decisions for yourself . Now you will have to relearn cooperation, from what shows to
watch on TV, to what's for dinner.
Responsibilities:
Homecoming provides a great opportunity to reevaluate and reassign family chores. Who manages the money, mows the
lawn, laundry and walking the dog are the types of daily chores that must be done. Discover which family member enjoys
doing a particular chore and fairly divvy up the unpleasant ones.
Friendships:
You both may have made some very good friends during the deployment. You may miss the camaraderie and daily con-
nection. Take time to meet each others new friends.
New Stresses:
Physical, social, and psychological consequences of combat deployment may present challenges. The birth of a child, a
serious illness in the family, a possible surge of deployments or a PCS move, or other significant changes can be stressful.
If you need assistance contact your local FFSC at 619-556-7404 , a Chaplain, Military One Source, a psychologist or psy-
chiatrist through your local PCM.
Communication:
Learning to cooperate can be challenging because of your communication skills may be rusty. Service members have to
soften their communication style as they are used to giving and receiving orders without much discussion.
You're not use to reading your partners non-verbal skills. What did he mean by that sigh? Did she roll her eyes when I
said that? Watch for these non-verbal signals and calmly ask if youre not sure what is being SAID.
Those at home may have to help their service member catch-up with missed experiences. Sailors may have to clean up
their language and social skills. You may have to adjust to different access to privacy that was experienced during deploy-
ment.
TIPS FROM EXPERIENCED NAVY COUPLES:
Be careful not to pay the ,Who had it worse game.
Plan time together as a couple.
Share your feelings...Its natural to have mixed emotions at this time...excitement and happiness with nervousness and
insecurity.
Be Realistic...This perfect reunion fantasy is just that A FANTASY!
Expect to be tired!
Intimacy involves emotional, as well as physical closeness. Talk about each others expectations for reconnecting physi-
cally.
Communication openly and honestly with your partner about your feelings, expectations, needs and worries is a sure
way to help make this Homecoming the best it can be!
If Homecoming Day is a duty day, plan to make the best of it! Have dinner together on the mess decks, Chiefs mess,
or Wardroom...which ever applies to you! Bring a home made picnic dinner, with all the trimmings...I know your
sailor will be looking forward to it!!
PAGE 8 USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER
FRG NEWS AND NOTES
Happy September Milius family, and more importantly HAPPY HOMECOMING!
The USS Milius Family Readiness Groups families couldnt be more elated to soon welcome home our mighty vessel and its sailors. Eight
long months, a couple of seasons later and perhaps even some new family members later and were all itching to reunite with our sailors!
We're proud of the USS Milius successful deployment and the demanding work our sailors have tackled. But theyre not the only ones whove
been busy; weve been busy, too OK maybe not as busy as a crewmember on a U.S. guided missile destroyer, but you get my point.
Each month weve gathered several times for some great activities and events. Along this trek weve made some great friends and connections.
A flourishing FRG has evolved from dedicated family members eager to get out, get connected and get involved. We cant thank you enough
for your participation!
Heres a look at our August:
We started out the month with an afternoon art, rallying at Daydream Ceramics Caf in Chula Vista. Participants painted some fabulous pieces
and had a lot of fun in the process!
In mid-August, we drew for our First Kiss and First Hug winners at our last meeting. Congratulations to First Kiss winner: Claudia
Savin, and to First Hug winner: Aubrey Hunter (Karis daughter)!!!! FFSC briefed us on all things homecoming and we created
homecoming posters.
The FRG wont go into hibernation just yet. Heres a look at whats to come:
Homecoming dinner
We look forward to seeing everyone at our Homecoming dinner on Sept 1st! GOOD FOOD + GOOD FRIENDS = A GREAT TIME!!
We will be having several drawings for post-deployment gift baskets created by the FRG We are excited to be kissing this deployment
goodbye, and celebrating your amazing resilience!
Thank you to all...we look forward to sharing the night with you!
Lei fluffing party
If you thought we said sayonara to our work on the ships lei, think again. Despite our hard work attaching more than 1,500 plastic bags to the
garland, were not finished yet! Our final step is to fluff the plastic bags, causing the rope to come to life by puffing out. Join us at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 2
nd
at Mackenzie Creek Park in Chula Vista. Its located at 2775 Mackenzie Creek Road, Chula Vista, CA 91914.
Bring your sunscreen and all your energy to tackle fluffing our lei! The 65-foot lei will adorn the bow of our ship for homecoming. We need
all able hands to put the finishing touch on our lei. Bring your friends and neighbors! The FRG will provide beverages and light snacks.
Family Day Cruise
Mark your calendars for the USS Milius 2012 Family Day Cruise. We hope youll join us! The FRG is working on providing transportation up
to Seal Beach for our commands Family Day Cruise thats set for Oct. 26
th
. If all goes according to plan, the FRG would bus families up from
NBSD, on 32
nd
Street to Seal Beach, and families would cruise back home
with the ship. For further information, keep a look out at our website mil-
iusfrg.org.


Were looking forward to seeing you at the pier!
Kayla Newbanks and the FRG Team
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9 PAGE 9


Hello MILIUS families and loved ones-
I hope this finds you well. I appreciate everything you have done at home in the absence of your
sailor. That help has really benefited the crew these last few months.
You are very close to reuniting with your loved ones; I hope it is a time of celebration for all! It has
been a joy being able to provide chaplain support to the crew. As I have mentioned before, the people
on board as well as everybody at home are reasons why this command is the high quality place it is.
As you may know the MILIUS is part of DESRON 21. They have a fantastic chaplain on staff; Chap-
lain Jim Myers. He will be assuming primary chaplain coverage for the command at the completion
of the deployment. Please remember that chaplain support is always available to you. I will be re-
turning to my office responsibilities at the Surface Force Ministry Center, as I have been TAD
(temporarily assigned) to the command.
If you are in the area at some point while at Naval Station San Diego, it would be great to share a cup
of coffee and, or a visit with you. I continue to keep you all in prayer. Enjoy this new chapter to-
gether on your journey.
Take care.
Have a great day.
Peace,
Chaplain Shane Freiberg

PAGE 10
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9
CREW PHOTOS
PAGE 11 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9
CREW PHOTOS

After months of hard work and long hours, MILIUS Sailors were welcomed into the towns and beaches of
Thailand, Philippines and Guam to get some relaxation, sight-seeing and celebration before reaching home.
Thailand was my favorite, said Petty Officer 3
rd
Class Joshua Rodriguez. Manila was cool too. I did
some sightseeing and went out to explore. It was fun.
In addition to seeing some new places, MILIUS had the opportunity to show off their hard work and pro-
vide tours to Filipino journalists and welcome the U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, the Honorable
Harry K. Thomas, Jr. As always, the last month has been productive for the crew with only a few minor
setbacks due to weather.
These last few days have been rough for corrosion control, said Petty Officer 1
st
Class Lucky Hughes.
The water seemed to wipe most of what we painted off. We got a lot done but there is still more to ac-
complish.
Along with final preparations for the homecoming, the crew developed a cook-off competition between
the different groups onboard.

First up was the Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) who served a variety of foods.
We served chicken curry, steaks, grilled chicken salad, a mango chicken salad, potato salad and a water-
melon fruit platter, said Petty Officer 2
nd
Class Kody Bradyrittenberg. There were a lot of changes at the
last minute, but it came together really well.
The JEA was followed by the First Class Petty Officer Association and their twist with the infamous
California burrito. The FCPO cooked chicken, steak and shrimp burritos, French Fries, homemade salsa,
beans, fruit empanadas, and BBQ corn.
Next up, the Chief Petty Officers, the Wardroom and
finally Supply will step up to the grill to present their
best for the crew as the ship continues it travels home.
PAGE 12
MILIUS FRONTLINE NEWS
By Ensign Rhianna Cole
If you have questions, comments or suggestions for MILIUS
FRONTLINE NEWS, please email the Public Affairs Officer
at PAO@ddg69.navy.mil. Also, please check the Facebook
page and contact our Ombudsmen for more information!
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9 PAGE 13

Deployment Resources & Information

Naval Base San Diego FFSC (619) 556-7404 or (866) 923-6478
American Red Cross (877) 272-7337 www.redcross.org
Military OneSource (800) 342-9647 www.militaryonesource.com
FOCUS (619) 556-6075 www.focusproject.org
NBSD Legal (619) 556-2211 www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/nlso/nlso_southwest.htm
Tri-West Healthcare Alliance (888) 874-9378 www.triwest.com
TRICARE Dental Program (800) 866-8499 www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com
NMCRS (619) 238-1587/88 www.nmcrs.org
USO Downtown Center (619) 235-6503 www.usosandiego.org
Naval Base Chapel (619) 556-2658 www.chaplincare.navy.mil
Armed Services YMCA (858) 751-5755 www.militaryymca.org
Child Development Center (619) 556-8491
Operation Home front (866) 424-5210 www.operationhomefront.net
211 www.211sandiego.org
Sitter city www.sittercity.com/dod
Women, Infant, & Children (WIC ) Program (800) 500-6411 www.sandiegowic.org

Monthly Bread Ministries & Monthly FREE Food Ministries (858)688-5015
Bring your ID card, bags to carry food items. Please contact them for locations and times.
We have plenty of other resources for you from Healthy Military Families and Toddler Time
to Furniture and Used Items to Websites and Re Sale Goods Items.
Call the Ombudsman for more details.
DEPLOYMENT RESOURCES