Antietam Grand Opening - USS Antietam

Navy Supply Corps Newsletter, Jan-Feb, 2003 by Melinda A. Johnson

USS Antietam (CG 54) recently held a Grand Opening of our newly remodeled Ship Store. Antietam's ship's servicemen worked many long hours assembling the new shelves and counters in order to save over $28,000 in Ship Store profits. The store was opened with an official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by the Commanding Officer CAPT R.T. Rushton.

The new shelving allows for multiple adjustable dividers for added stability at sea. Clothing racks and basket bins were added for more flexibility to enhance the display of merchandise. Along with the new store, we have added a lot of variety to include more nutritious snacks requested by the crew. The changes to the store have greatly increased sales and crew morale.

During Antietam's recent six-month Drydock Selected Restricted Availability the ship's servicemen received many new upgrades to their spaces. Self-service laundry was added to allow crew members to do some of their own laundry in port as well as at sea. We also received all new washers, dryers, and presses as a part of the ship's conversion from steam to all-electric.

Along with all of this new equipment, we are preparing to receive "Navy Cash." Navy Cash is part of the Naval Supply Systems Command's Supply Department of the Future initiative that replaces the good old American greenback with a "commercial debit card" that can be used both aboard ship and ashore. Antietam's crew will be able to transfer money from home bank accounts to the card, or the other way around, while at sea. The vending machines, soda machines, ship's store, wardroom and chief's mess accounts, and even MWR are being converted to take the Navy Cash Card. Counting quarters will be a thing of the past on Antietam.

Navy Cash system is scheduled to "go live" on Dec. 10. USS Antietam will be the fifth ship and the first West Coast cruiser to receive this financial system that is being tested to replace the ATMs-at-Sea system.

Our SHs are very excited to be moving forward with all of the new technology the Navy is offering them.

LTJG Melinda Johnson has been in the Navy six years. As a prior FC2 (SW), she was stationed on USS Inchon (MCS 12) during Operation Shining Hope. Her prior enlisted experience has helped her understand the importance of ship's services. She was commissioned in Officer Candidate School June 2000 and served as food service officer for her first year on Antietam.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Melinda A. Johnson, SC, USNR, Disbursing/Sales Officer, USS Antietam (CG 54)