by Bill Foster, '80

PASCAGOULA -- Commander Ann Claire Phillips '83 is now in command of PCU MUSTIN DDG 89. The 510 foot long ARLEIGH BURKE class guided missile destroyer is currently under construction in Pascagoula, MS and is scheduled for commissioning 26 July 2003 in San Diego. It is a real honor to be selected as the commissioning Commanding Officer of a warship, especially one as impressive as MUSTIN. It is no wonder, after you read Commander Phillips' biography, why she was selected for this position.

Originally from Annapolis, Maryland, Commander Phillips earned a Bachelor of Arts in French while at UNC. Since commissioning on 14 May 1983, Commander Philips has had an impressive career in the Navy.

Commander Phillips' initial sea tour was on board USS LEXINGTON (AVT 16) where she served as First Division Officer, Damage Control Assistant, and Repair Division Officer. She completed her Surface Warfare Officer qualification in June, 1986. During that tour, she spent several months on board USCGC DAUNTLESS (WMEC 624), conducting law enforcement operations in the Caribbean. She then transferred to USS JASON (AR 8), serving as Navigator and Combat Information Center Officer and completed a Western Pacific deployment during OPERATION PRAYING MANTIS. After attending Department Head School, Commander Phillips reported to USS CAPE COD (AD 43) as Chief Engineer, serving through two deployments including an emergent deployment in support of DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM. Her next assignment was as Operations Officer on board USS SAN JOSE (AFS 7), homeported in Agana, Guam. While on board she participated in multiple joint exercises and served as Afloat Logistics Coordinator, deploying during Operations DESERT STORM, SOUTHERN WATCH, and RESTORE HOPE.

Commander Phillips then served as a Department Head instructor at Surface Warfare Officers School Command, Newport, Rhode Island, instructing Anti-Surface Warfare, Operations, Logistics, and Shipboard Readiness and Training. She is a designated Master Training Specialist.

Commander Phillips next served aboard the staff of Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group THREE as Flag Secretary, deploying with the CARL VINSON Task Group and participating in Joint Exercise RUGGED NAUTILUS, and Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and DESERT STRIKE. She then served as Executive Officer on board USS KINKAID (DD 965), deploying to the Arabian Gulf with the NIMITZ Battle Group and participating in Operations VIGILANT THUNDER and DESERT STRIKE. Most recently, she served as an Action Officer on the staff of the Director, Surface Warfare Division, Land Attack Branch, Future Ships - DD 21 Program.

Commander Phillips' personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (Gold Star in lieu of second award) , Navy Commendation Medal (Three Gold Stars in lieu of fourth award), Navy Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of second award), and other service and campaign ribbons. She is a member of the United States Naval Institute (USNI), the Surface Navy Association (SNA), the Tin Can Sailors Association, and the University of North Carolina Alumni Association.

To find out more about Commander Phillips' command, visit http://www.mustin.navy.mil/