USS Constellation
Association
News.
Send the webmaster any news pertaining to the USS Constellation
webmaster@ussconstellation.org
This Page was last updated:
05/19/2013
Welcome to our newest member(s);
The Constellation
Prayer List
Please keep our shipmates and family in your thoughts:
The family of Ronald A. Felice. Ron passed away May 18.
More news will be forthcoming.
Jacksonville Reunion News
Below are two letters of thanks to the Connie Family from the
Wounded Warrior Project for our annual reunion donation (click
on the letters and view as a pdf):
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
JACKSONVILLE 26 OCT 2012
Call to Order: The
General Membership Meeting
was called to order at 0903
26 Oct 2012 by Association
President Bill Smerekanicz.
Invocation: The
invocation was prepared and
delivered by Gayland
Rushing.
Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance was
initiated by Association
Treasurer Gayland Rushing
and recited aloud by the
membership in attendance.
Roll Call of Association
Elected Officers:
Self-introduction of elected
officers in the following
order: Bill Smerekanicz,
President; Paul McGeehee,
Vice President; Gayland
Rushing, Treasurer and Greg
Newbold Secretary.
New Members: The
following new members
present were identified and
welcomed: Rafael Rivas,
George Sylvester and George
Kerber.
Volunteers:
Volunteers who assisted in
the successful Jacksonville
reunion were recognized and
applauded. Mr. & Mrs. Tommy
Best were singled out for
their stellar efforts.
Treasurer Report:
Association Treasurer
Rushing reported the
Association had zero
liabilities at the end of
the 2012 3rd quarter.
Account balances totaled, as
of Sep 30, 2012, $67,184.17.
Membership Update:
Mr. Steve Ribak, Membership
Committee Chairman,
reported total membership at
436. There were 24 members
removed from the rolls for
non-payment of dues.
Currently the Association
has 154 Life Members and 49
Honorary Members.
Old Business:
1. The
Association is still in need
of a Chaplain. Membership
was asked to volunteer.
2.
Liability Insurance for the
Association was discussed.
Bill Stoddard related
obtaining insurance for the
reunion periods has been
difficult because of the
short period of coverage as
well as our reunions being
sited in different states.
Mr. Greg Newbold is
currently researching the
liability reunion issue.
3.
Obtaining an office on the
USS Midway: No progress
since last report. Mr. Greg
Newbold will research during
the 1st quarter of 2013.
New Business:
1. Bill
and Bobbi Stoddard
volunteered to copy, print
and post the STARSCOPE. (no
editing). Discussion among
the membership centered on
the necessity of a print
edition as the STARSCOPE as
remains the largest cost to
the our organization. A show
of hands of attendees
revealed there were only 5
members present who didn't
have a computer.
2.
Looking for a volunteer to
publish the yearly reunion
book.
3.
Tommy Best volunteered to
accept the position of
Association Chaplain.
4.
Membership in attendance
approved, by voice vote and
a show of hands, a $1000.00
donation to the Mayport Sea
Cadets, $500.00 to the
National Wounded Warriors
Foundation and another
$500.00 to the local Wounded
Warriors chapter.
5.
Melba Anderson brought a
suggestion from the floor
that future reunions be
contracted out in their
entirety.
6.
Floor discussion on shipping
ship's store merchandise,
cruise books, flag sets etc
on whether it's cost
effective and too
burdensome. An example: Is
it easier and cheaper to buy
a small coffee pot at each
reunion site or package and
ship existing coffee pot to
and from reunion sites?
7. An
Association reunion on board
a cruise ship was brought
from the floor. Advocates
said a cruise price would be
competitive with hotels and
would a break from the
routine. Departure ports
suggested included Tampa,
Savannah and Miami.
Proponents were going to
research.
8.
Reminder of the dinner
banquet tonight
2013
Reunion: Greg Newbold
briefed membership on the
2013 Reunion in San Diego,
Ca. Arrival and registration
is Saturday Oct 26th
and departure date is
Thursday Oct 31, 2013.
Hotel is the
Kona Kai on Shelter Island
with rooms at $109.00 plus
15% tax more or less. Hotel
has unobstructed views of
San Diego Bay, North Island
Naval Air Station and
downtown. Parking is $5 per
day. Free shuttle service
from the airport as well as
free shuttle service to the
San Diego trolley system and
buses.
Tours:
Tentative schedule:
Sunday: La Jolla Tour,
Mt. Soledad, University of
California San Diego Stephen
Birch Aquarium and box
lunches. $69.00 0900-1400
Sunday Night: Three Hour
dinner cruise of San Diego
Bay $67.00 1800-2130.
Monday: City Tour
including Coronado, Balboa
Park , Gaslamp, Seaport
Village. Harborside luncheon
at Tom Ham's Lighthouse
0900-1400. $59.00
Tuesday: Wild Animal
Park with hundreds of
animals roaming wild
followed by a stop at the
Orphelia Winery for a wine
tasting . $69.00 0900-1630
Wednesday: Memorial
Service at Ft Rosecrans
National Cemetary, Cabrillo
National Monument, lunch at
the Bali Hai with a 270
degree view of the harbor.
0930-1400 $49.00
Thursday: Departure Day
2014
Reunion: Mr. Bill
Stoddard gave a preliminary
briefing on our 2014 reunion
in Branson, Mo. Dates Sep 28
thru Oct 3rd 2014. Possible
tours presented included
fall folliage, riverboat,
matinee and evening
entertainment, and art
shows.
2015
Reunion: Tentatively
identified for Washington
DC.
Benediction: Association
Vice President Paul McGeehee
provided the benediction.
Adjournment: Association
general membership meeting
adjourned at 1042.
Submitted:
Approved:
Greg
Newbold
Bill Smerekanicz
Secretary
President
Recent Fleet News:
Berl Meyer< kygeology@gmail.com>
U.S. Navy Weekly Digest Bulletin
U.S. Navy< navy@service.govdelivery.com>
Sun, May 19, 2013 at 1:08 PM
To: kygeology@gmail.com
Navy News Service for Monday, May 13, 2013 05/13/2013
You are subscribed to Navy News for U.S. Navy. This information has recently been updated, and is now available.
DNU -- Headlines for Monday, May 13, 2013: 2013 Warrior Games Kick Off in Colorado Springs, Colo.; Navy Medicine Commemorates Nurse Corps' 105th Birthday -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18429
NNS130511-04. SECNAV visits USS Freedom in Singapore
From Commander, Logisitcs Group Western Pacific Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) May 11, commemorating her recent arrival in Singapore and maiden overseas deployment to Southeast Asia.
Mabus, the 75th SECNAV, delivered remarks on the flight deck of Freedom to more than 200 foreign dignitaries and representatives from 26 countries, U.S. citizens in Singapore, and Sailors.
Mabus' remarks focused on the Navy's longstanding presence in Southeast Asia and highlighted the new role of littoral combat ships to work with regional navies and promote shared interests.
"There are many key engagements between our allies, partners and friends within this region," said Mabus. "USS Freedom was tailor made for this area and LCS is going to be one of the most crucial platforms the United States Navy has available."
Mabus stressed the U.S. Navy's continued cooperation with regional navies and coast guards to protect freedom of navigation, support maritime commerce and ensure maritime security.
Also on hand to deliver remarks, U.S. Ambassador David Adelman emphasized the growth of the U.S.-Singapore defense relationship.
"The last three years has seen our relationship deepen dramatically," said Adelman. "We are committed to a safe and secure region."
Rear Admiral Tom Carney, Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific also addressed the guests.
"USS Freedom's deployment reflects the United States' enduring commitment to stability and security in the Indo-Asia Pacific and we look forward to engaging regional navies on another level in the coming months," said Carney
Later this month, Freedom will participate in the upcoming International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) in Singapore. In the months following IMDEX, Freedom will join regional navies and other 7th Fleet units as a participant in select phases of exercises Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) and Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT). Occurring throughout Southeast Asia, both exercises provide Freedom opportunities to train extensively with comparable-sized ships.
Fast, agile, and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surface warfare, mine countermeasures, or anti-submarine warfare.
Freedom is initially manned by her "Gold" crew of 91 Sailors to include mission package personnel and an aviation detachment to operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter.
Freedom will remain homeported in San Diego throughout this rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. Midway through Freedom's deployment, a crew-swap will be conducted with her "Blue" crew.
-USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-01. CNO Hosts All Hands Call in Singapore
From Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Jonathan Greenert visited Commander Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) May 13, during a trip to Singapore to meet with local officials, speak at an international maritime security conference and visit the littoral combat ship, USS Freedom.
The CNO addressed Sailors and Navy civilians assigned to COMLOG WESTPAC, Navy Region Singapore (NRS) and various tenant commands during an all hands call held at the NRS Terror Club recreation facility.
During the question and answer session, Greenert highlighted the littoral combat ship USS Freedom's (LCS 1) deployment to Southeast Asia as a crucial part in U.S. Navy support to the Asia-Pacific rebalance. The CNO stressed the importance of continuing exercises such as Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), a series of bilateral exercises held annually to strengthen relationships and enhance interoperability with nine regional navies. Freedom will participate in several phases of CARAT while deployed.
"The Navy's going to get bigger [in Asia Pacific]," said Greenert. "Freedom and her presence here is just the beginning. This part of the world is our focus for the future. This region is most important. The relationships and exercises here need to keep going."
Greenert discussed the current relationship and past roles COMLOG WESTPAC has with countries within the region.
"The logistics that COMLOG WESTPAC provides are critical. This is a primary logistics hub. During my time here before, we had the great tsunami of 2004. If it were not for COMLOG, we would never have gotten that operation to provide relief and aid off the ground," said Greenert.
Greenert also discussed the Navy's enduring commitment to maritime security and ensuring freedom of navigation in the region.
"The Asia-Pacific is an enormous area. We have alliances, partnerships and potential partnerships. What we have to do is work on the capabilities, the operations and the exercises that resonate with different regional navies."
The CNO also responded to questions from the audience on a wide range of topics, including the budget, new technologies, tuition assistance, perform to serve, bio-fuels, and sexual assault awareness and prevention.
"It was refreshing to get that level of candor from someone so high in our echelon of service," said Yeoman 2nd Class Eric Sly, assigned to COMLOG WESTPAC.
In closing, Greenert emphasized the importance of the Navy's presence in the Asia-Pacific and how regional Navy investments are paying off in a tangible manner as relationships with regional navies continue to evolve and strengthen.
NNS130511-01. USS Nimitz Arrives in Busan, Republic of Korea
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan R. McDonald, USS Nimitz Public Affairs
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 Sailors arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea, May 11.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the bond between the two nations, a bond Rear Adm. Michael White, commander, CSG 11, said has only strengthened with time.
"It is always a pleasure when we have the opportunity to meet with our allies in the Republic of Korea," said White. "I'm looking forward to deepening the close friendship enjoyed by the Republic of Korea and the United States."
Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz will have an opportunity to visit with the local community and businesses and take in a variety of sight-seeing activities while in Busan.
"It's great to be able to meet our friends from the Republic of Korea," said, Capt. Jeff Ruth, Nimitz's commanding officer. "This port visit will provide our Sailors and Marines the opportunity to experience this beautiful city."
CSG 11 is currently deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, and is comprised of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) along with embarked Carrier Air Wing 11, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Chosin (CG 65).
NNS130513-10. Team Navy Begins Competition at 2013 Warrior Games
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Erica R. Gardner, Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- The first day of the 2013 Warrior Games competitions kicked off with cycling events, wheelchair basketball and seated volleyball games at the Olympic Training Center at the Air Force Academy Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs, Colo, May 12.
Team Navy member retired Builder Constructionman Roy "Daniel" Peters, from Chicago, Ill., and Karl Erickson, his cycling pilot, netted the bronze medal in the men's mixed tandem cycling event.
Peters, who was blinded as a result of complications with brain tumor surgery in 2007, was excited to place in the event.
The Marine Corps and Army each claimed gold in two cycling events, while Special Operations Command and Air Force teams took gold in one cycling event each.
The cycling competition was followed by wheelchair basketball games that had the audience out of their seats and on their feet. Though Team Navy lost to the Marines, the game was fast-paced and exciting to watch.
"We played really well tonight. The members of the Marine team practice together every week - I play with a few of them. We knew it would be a really tough game, and I prepared the team for that," said Team Navy Wheelchair Basketball Coach Dan Cashen.
"Team Navy looked really good tonight, and they should do well the rest of the week," he added.
The day of intense, but friendly competition, concluded with two seated volleyball matches. In the first volleyball match against Air Force, Team Navy defeated Air Force after two games; 25-13 and 25-10.
Throughout the match, family and friends of Team Navy were cheering enthusiastically in the stands.
"I want them to know that we're supporting them and that we love them," said Teresa Pennington, whose husband works for the Navy's wounded warrior support program. "When you get personal with some of these guys it's almost like they are family and you just want to see them succeed."
The win against the Air Force created the adrenaline needed for an exciting match against the Marines. The Marines won the match in two closely-contested games, 28-26 and 25-19.
"It was a great game, really fun," said retired Aviation Electrician's Mate Steven Davis, from Turlock, Calif. "I think we are going to see the Marines in the finals."
Team Navy is sponsored by Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. The team members have upper-body and/or lower-body injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, serious illnesses, and/or post-traumatic stress.
For the latest news about the 2013 Warrior Games, visit the NWW Facebook page (facebook.com/navysafehabor).
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-09. Career Intermission Pilot Program Revisions Open Positions, Change Leave Policy
By Ensign Amber Lynn Daniel, Diversity and Inclusion Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- New guidance for the Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP), released with the update of OPNAVINST 1330.2B, includes a provision that now permits Full Time Support (FTS) personnel to apply for CIPP.
Announced in NAVADMIN 125/13, the revised instruction authorizes FTS personnel the option to participate in CIPP, which was previously closed to all Navy Reserve Sailors.
"These changes were in direct response to feedback we received from the fleet," said Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk, Chief of Naval Personnel. "CIPP allows us to meet the short-term needs of our Sailors, while ensuring they stay Navy for the long term. These important changes will now allow us take that mission further, providing more Sailors the opportunity to utilize this valuable program."
The revised instruction also authorizes up to 60 days of accrued unused leave to be carried over through a CIPP participant's intermission. It also clarifies authorization for disability processing, allowing participants that are critically injured or ill to be treated under the same provisions as a member serving on active duty.
CIPP presents a unique opportunity for Sailors to take a career intermission from the Navy, without penalty, and return to active duty to complete a successful Navy career.
During their time in CIPP, participants retain their full medical and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents, as well as exchange and commissary benefits. Participants also receive a small monthly stipend equal to 1/15th of their basic pay. Members may also choose a Navy-funded permanent change of station move to anywhere in the continental United States when entering the program.
Upon returning to Active Duty, the CIPP participant's date of rank/service is adjusted day for day to account for their intermission, ensuring participants compete in promotion boards with people at the same experience level.
Twenty officer applications and twenty enlisted applications are accepted for the program each year. Interested applicants must first submit an electronic package to Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion (OPNAV N134) program manager for consideration. Packages are then reviewed for eligibility and routed to the member's detailer community managers before final approval by the Commander of Navy Personnel Command.
All program participants will return to active duty at the end of the period prescribed and will incur a two-to-one service obligation for every month in the program. This obligation is in addition to any previously existing obligation. Time spent in the IRR will not count towards retirement, computation of total years of commissioned service, or high year tenure limitations.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Office of Diversity and Inclusion, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-04. Sooner Is Better When Transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Sailors who wish to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to eligible family members should act sooner rather than later to avoid missing out, according to Navy officials.
"The transferability option must be elected while the service member is serving in the armed forces," said Paul Wilder, program manager, Post-9/11 GI Bill, Navy Personnel Command. "Active-duty members who separate, retire, transfer to the Fleet Reserve, or who were discharged prior to August 1, 2009 are not eligible to elect transferability."
Despite efforts to educate personnel, some Sailors mistakenly believe that they may elect transferability after they leave the Navy, according to Wilder.
"Transferability under Post-9/11 GI Bill is a recruiting and retention incentive. While a service member may be eligible for education benefits provided by Post-9/11, generally the option to transfer a member's unused benefits to a family member requires an additional service commitment in the Armed Forces," said Wilder.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides eligible Sailors up to 36 months of tuition and fees for college, and may also include funding for books and supplies and a monthly housing allowance that may be used to offset living expenses. It also includes a provision for Sailors who obligate additional service to transfer benefits to a spouse and/or children. Sailors must be in the Armed Forces on or after August 1, 2009 to be eligible for transferability.
In order for Sailors to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits they must have at least six years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agree to serve four additional years from the date of election. The obligated service must be reflected in the service member's electronic service record (ESR).
A spouse may use the benefit immediately upon transfer, while the service member is serving in the military or after separation. Spouses are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance while the member is serving on active duty, but they are eligible for the books and supplies stipend. Spouses have up to 15 years after the service member's last separation from active duty to use the benefit.
Children may start to use transferred education benefits after the service member has completed at least 10 years of service. They are entitled to the monthly housing allowance and books and supply stipend even though the service member is on active duty and are not subject to the 15 year delimiting date, but cannot use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.
Sailors must be on active duty and family members must be listed as the member's dependents in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) at the time of transfer to be eligible for benefits. Once the member leaves active duty, there is no way to add new dependents for transfer of benefits.
Benefits are assigned in monthly increments at the time the member elects transferability. Sailors may elect to transfer all Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to one family member, or divide their unused benefits among their family members.
"Once a Sailor designates their family members for transferability, the service member can reassign the number of months a family member receives or revoke unused benefits, but they may not add family members (dependents who were not previously designated) once they leave the service," said Wilder.
"Some Sailors who elected transferability at the transfer education benefits web site never went back to verify the request was approved. By the time they realize they do not have an approved transferability they no longer have enough time on their current service obligation to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement," said Wilder.
The only recourse for these Sailors is to submit a request to BCNR (Board of Correction for Naval Records).
Last November NPC developed an automated email notification process that informs a Sailor when their request has been rejected. This email is sent to the address they have associated with their BOL (BUPERS Online) account.
Sailors with 90 days of active duty service after September 11, 2001, are eligible for education benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, with no buy-in costs.
Sailors must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the benefit.
More than 60,000 Sailors have elected to transfer education benefits since the program was implemented in 2009.
NNS130512-01. Navy Lieutenant Lights the Cauldron to Start the 2013 Warrior Games
By Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- Two-time Paralympic gold medalist and former Team Navy member Lt. Brad Snyder - alongside Britain's Prince Harry and U.S. swimming superstar Missy Franklin - lit the cauldron to kick off the fourth annual Warrior Games at the Olympic Training Center May 11 in Colorado Springs, Colo.
"I am humbled by the opportunity to still be a part of something very near and dear to my heart," said Snyder, who was blinded by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2011. "I love my Navy teammates and I am really proud of all of them."
Retired Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jim Castaneda was the Team Navy torchbearer. During a brief torch relay he and representatives from the other Warrior Games teams took turns carrying the torch toward the cauldron. Castaneda, who uses a wheelchair, was pushed by his teammate and friend, Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Angelo Anderson.
"I was so honored to be the torchbearer for Team Navy this year," said Castaneda, who has attended every Warrior Games since the event's inception three years ago. "When I carried the torch, it really represented who we are as a team, because I couldn't do it alone; I had Angelo helping me. That's who we are - we all help each other."
In October 2007, Castaneda suffered a stroke during muster aboard USS Tortuga (LSD 46) while the ship was underway near the Philippines. He is accompanied at the Warrior Games by his wife Alona, who provides encouragement and non-medical support to him during competition. This year, Castaneda will participate in seated shot put.
"After my stroke, when I was in bed recovering, I remember seeing inspiring things in the news that gave me motivation. I hope seeing me carrying the torch gave someone else recovering in bed some hope, and that they know they are not alone," Castaneda added.
At the conclusion of the Opening Ceremonies, Anderson participated in a brief press conference with athletes from the other Warrior Games teams, where he was able to interact with Snyder, Franklin, three-time Olympic gold medalist Misty May-Treanor and two-time Paralympic silver medalist Kari Miller.
"It was so cool to meet the Olympians," said Anderson. "I get an enormous amount of inspiration from Brad Snyder. He got me back in the pool last year."
Shortly after Opening Ceremonies, representatives from the five U.S. Warrior Games teams, as well as senior military leadership, participated in a seated volleyball exhibition against the U.K. team, which included Prince Harry. Retired Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate Steven Davis was among the Navy representatives, and he engaged in good-natured verbal sparring with the Prince.
"We were giving each a hard time when we sat directly across the net from each other. It was a lot of fun to play against him," Davis said.
The Warrior Games includes competitions in archery, cycling, seated volleyball, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball. The goal of the Warrior Games isn't necessarily to identify the most skilled athletes, but rather to demonstrate the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports.
Team Navy is sponsored by Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. The team members have upper-body and/or lower-body injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, serious illnesses, and/or post-traumatic stress.
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130512-02. Army General Visits Nimitz
By Mass Communication Specialists 3rd Class Chris Bartlett
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Army Gen. James D. Thurman, commander, United Nations Command, Republic of Korea - United States Combined Forces command, and United States Forces Korea, visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) upon the ship's arrival in Busan, Republic of Korea.
While on board, Thurman performed an award ceremony in the forecastle to present Sailors with Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist pins.
Rear Adm. Michael S. White, commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven introduced Thurman to approximately 200 Sailors at the ceremony.
"It's a special treat for us on board USS Nimitz," said White. "We've got a true warrior here. A man who has led troops in war and in peace, and around the globe."
During the ceremony Thurman shared a few words with the crowd.
"It's indeed my honor to come down and see you today and say thank you," said Thurman. "Thank you for your tremendous service to the United States of America."
After the ceremony, Thurman toured several spaces including diesel spaces, the flight deck, the pilot house, squadron ready rooms and the combat direction center. Along the way he talked to Sailors and Marines about their day-to-day jobs aboard the ship.
For Seaman Mikayla Farley, meeting Thurman was an insightful experience.
"The general was inspiring by the way he said we were here to help keep the peace," said Farley.
Thurman had a positive message for the crew during his time on board Nimitz.
"It's really a highlight of my day to come out on a beautiful day, when the sun is out, and step on board this great symbol of peace and symbol of the United States of America," said Thurman.
Nimitz is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
NNS130510-20. U.S. Pacific Fleet Hosts Senior Enlisted Leadership Training Symposium
By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tiarra Fulgham
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) hosted a Senior Enlisted Leadership Training Symposium at COMPACFLT headquarters May 8-9 with senior representatives from Pacific Fleet regional and type commander staffs.
The two-day training symposium provided an opportunity for senior enlisted leaders to interact directly with the new Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez and Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and to get a better understanding of the issues Sailors encounter in the Pacific Fleet.
"We thought to bring the leaders here so we could meet them and discuss the issues that are affecting our Navy today, issues including money and how we are battling that." said Ramirez. "We have to ask ourselves are we ready, can we maintain readiness, because we are war fighters and we want to be ready. When the time comes, we want to be able to deliver the power."
During this event leaders discussed the commander's intentions, policies, priorities and current force status while also shaping the commander's expectations regarding readiness, resources available and requirements.
Haney spoke to the senior enlisted leaders about the importance of how the U.S. Navy implements change.
"We are looking at how we do everything including funding, maritime strategy, manning and training," said Haney. "We must find different ways of doing business to ensure the solutions we come up with are sensible. I rely on the Chiefs' Mess to ensure that the messages we put out really resonate with our Sailors throughout the Pacific Fleet, as well as the Navy."
One of the major topics this year during the symposium was on efforts to effectively focus on sexual assault awareness. The mission of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program is to prevent and respond to sexual assault, eliminating it from the Navy ranks through a balance of focused education, comprehensive response, compassionate advocacy, and just adjudication in order to promote professionalism, respect, and trust, while preserving Navy mission readiness.
"We have come a long way, we still have a way to go and with leadership and mentorship I think we can get there," said Force Master Chief Cash Caldwell, Submarine Force Pacific Fleet. "If people just open their eyes and look around at what's going on around them and take note of their situational awareness, we can get this under control."
The symposium also discussed training, current and future manning, sea-shore rotation, updating instructions, and CPO 365 Training.
NNS130513-17. USFF and CNIC Navy Installations Conduct HURREX/Citadel Gale 2013 Exercise
From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), headquartered in Norfolk, Va., and Commander Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Washington D.C., are conducting the hurricane preparedness exercise, HURREX/Citadel Gale 2013, May 13-24.
The purpose of this annual exercise is to prepare the Navy to respond to weather threats to U.S. coastal regions, and to maintain the ability to deploy forces even under the most adverse weather conditions.
HURREX/CITADEL GALE 13 will involve three simulated storm systems developing and intensifying to hurricane strength, threatening the Caribbean Islands, East Coast and Gulf Coast regions.
All Navy commands with personnel in these regions will participate, to include reviewing and exercising heavy weather instructions and procedures and accounting for Sailors and Navy families in the affected regions through the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS).
There will be no U.S. Navy ship movements associated with this exercise.
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-16. NEX Expands Price Match Policy to Now Include Major Online Retailers
By Kristine M. Sturkie, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs
Virginia Beach, VA (NNS) -- The Navy Exchange (NEX) announced, May 13, that it has made a big change to its Price Match Policy.
The NEX will now match prices to Walmart.com, Target.com, Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Sears.com, ToysRUs.com and BabiesRUs.com.
"We expanded our Price Match Policy to be more responsive to our customers," said Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi (Ret), chief executive officer, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM). "More people are shopping online for their purchases and we want to assure them that they can get the same price at their NEX, so we are now matching major online retailers."
The qualifying competitive online price may be presented on a mobile device such as a tablet computer or smartphone. If the price difference is $10 or less, the price will be matched on the spot. No proof is required. If the lower price on one of the online sites listed above is more than $10, the price may be verified by a NEX associate or supervisor.
As before, the NEX will continue to match the regular, everyday shelf price or advertised price in a local competitor's current advertisement. Customers should present the advertised price in the form of a printed advertisement or displayed on a mobile marketing device such as a tablet computer or smartphone.
The NEX also has a 14 day price guarantee, so if you find the identical item for less at the NEX within 14 days of the original purchase we will match the lower price. The same 14 day price guarantee applies to a local competitor's advertisement or at a qualifying on line retailer; the NEX will match the price.
Items already on layaway also qualify for a price reduction due to a competitor's lower price or the NEX 14-day price guarantee.
"This new and improved price match policy is the best in the retail business," said Tess Paquette, Senior Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, NEXCOM. "The NEX is the only retailer to match everyday shelf prices and major online retailers as well as offer the 14-day price guarantee. We want our customers to know they will find the products they need at the best possible price when they shop our stores. We are excited to offer this new policy which will help ensure that they do."
NNS130513-03. USS Lassen Sailors Join Victory Day Events in Russia
From USS Lassen Public Affairs
VLADIVOSTOK, Russia (NNS) -- Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) joined in Victory Day events during a port visit to Vladivostok, May 9.
Victory Day is a major Russian holiday celebrating the end of World War II hostilities in Europe.
Lassen Sailors marched in the Vladivostok Victory Day Parade alongside the Russian military and sailors from a French ship, which was also in Vladivostok on a port visit.
Lt. Cmdr. Steven Dobesh, Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 51, detachment 3 Airboss, who led the Sailors in the parade said, "It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to march in a Russian parade leading a group of American Sailors. It was an Honor."
Additionally, Lassen Sailors joined the Russian veterans and their families in singing and dancing, telling stories and sharing a meal of traditional Russian military food.
"It was very special to see the sacrifices the veterans made, to talk to them about those experiences and realize that we in the military have so much in common," said Navy Chaplain (Lt. Cmdr.) William Stewart. "We just connected immediately, and it was a beautiful experience. One of the best COMRELS (community relations events) I have ever been on."
Interacting and volunteering are valued parts of many Navy port visits.
"Events like these give Sailors a tremendous opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with those of other cultures," said Stewart. "We get to be personal ambassadors for our country."
Lassen is part of Destroyer Squadron 15, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, to support security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
NNS130513-12. NETC Chief Operating Officer Honored by the Taft School
By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
WATERTOWN, Conn. (NNS) -- The Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Naval Education and Training Command was honored by the Taft School, May 10, with the Horace D. Taft Medal, recognizing significant achievements of alumni who have consistently gone beyond the call of duty to serve others.
Rear Adm. (Select) Cynthia Thebaud received the Taft medal at the Old Guard dinner during alumni weekend for the school in Watertown, Conn.
The Taft Medal is the school's highest alumni honor and is bestowed annually to a person whose life's work best typifies the school motto: Not to be ministered unto but to minister. The recipient's life and actions must demonstrate something humanitarian apart from their vocation or service; he or she must have gone above the ordinary demands of life or occupation. Success in a chosen field does not necessarily qualify a person for the honor.
"From the time Cindy enrolled at the Taft School, attended the Naval Academy and served in the U.S. Navy, she has consistently been diligent in all endeavors while exemplifying the Taft School's motto of service," said Rafe de la Gueronniere, chair of the Horace D. Taft Alumni Medal Committee. "Cindy's depth and breadth of service in military and humanitarian undertakings in today's complex and challenging geo-political environment makes her contribution to our country and the international community particularly important."
Thebaud was also featured in the Taft Bulletin, the school's magazine, and interviewed about her time at the Taft School, the Naval Academy and experiences as a Surface Warfare Officer, including deployments during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Middle East and a number of humanitarian and maritime security capacity-building efforts in Haiti and Africa.
"It never even crossed my mind that I'd been nominated, let alone selected for the award," said Thebaud. "Also, the fact that I'm the only female graduate to ever be so recognized is even more humbling. The school's motto, loosely translates from Latin to "Not to be served, but to serve," and I've always kept that motto in mind during my time in the Navy. This recognition is an incredible honor."
Thebaud credits the school's academic rigor, sports and team focus, and leadership opportunities for preparing her for the future. She notes that the character development, particularly the emphasis on honor, integrity and personal responsibility and accountability served her exceptionally well at the Naval Academy.
"The academics during my Plebe year at the Academy were almost easier than my academics my senior year at Taft," said Thebaud. "Although I was already a bit independent when I started Taft, the support I got there for forging my own road ultimately set me on the path that enabled me to succeed as a female Surface Warfare Officer in the fairly early days of the women-at-sea program, and on to where I am now."
As the commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73), the second female to command a U.S. Navy destroyer, Thebaud deployed to the Middle East in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. As the commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 60, the second female destroyer squadron commodore, she not only conducted traditional U.S. 6th Fleet missions, but also led two multi-national Africa Partnership Station deployments to the Gulf of Guinea.
As the NETC COO, Thebaud oversees the operation of learning centers and training support centers within the training domain with a continual focus on production management. She works to align training initiatives and professional development of Sailors, supporting the education and training mission of enabling the Navy to be ready anytime, anywhere.
For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil .
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130510-24. U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief Retires After 29 Years of Service
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Kolmel, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Shipmates, family and friends gathered to honor and bid aloha to Fleet Master Chief John Minyard, who retired May 10 following 29 years of service.
The former and most recent U.S. Pacific Fleet master chief, Minyard took over as the senior enlisted advisor to then-Fleet Commander Adm. Robert F. Willard in June 2009.
He subsequently served with and advised Adm. Patrick M. Walsh and current commander Adm. Cecil D. Haney on enlisted issues that affected the world's largest fleet command, encompassing 100 million square miles.
Minyard takes a lot of pride when asked about his time as fleet master chief and service on the U.S. Pacific Fleet staff. He traveled throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region talking with senior and junior enlisted personnel about issues that affect their daily lives and the readiness of the fleet.
"It was such a great honor to serve the 140,000 men and women in the Pacific Fleet," Minyard said. "Just having the privilege to be their senior enlisted leader and their voice to Navy leadership is an honor few people get in their career."
During a ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Haney spoke of Minyard's accomplishments during his naval career.
"He reinvigorated chief petty officer deckplate fundamentals, ethics and esprit de corps," Haney said. "Fleet [Minyard] is compassionate and caring as a leader, and his legacy will live on with all of us he has engaged. I consider myself one of those fortunate Sailors having benefited from serving alongside this incredible Sailor."
Following his remarks, Haney presented Minyard the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as fleet master chief.
Minyard was a driving force in implementing and improving many programs throughout the fleet such as the Chief Petty Officer Legacy Academies to benefit future chiefs. However, he said his proudest moment was hosting the Navy Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials in Pearl Harbor in November 2012.
"It was such a humbling experience to watch these phenomenal warriors compete for a spot on the Navy-Coast Guard team for the Wounded Warrior Games," Minyard said as he reflected on his tour. "It was such an honor to get to speak with each athlete and understand how they overcame obstacles in their life."
Minyard graduated from Operations Specialist "A" school in Dam Neck, Va., before being assigned to USS Gridley (CG 21), USS California (CGN 36), USS Howard (DDG 83), and Fighter Squadron 22 "Fighting Redcocks" (VFA 22). His shore duty assignments include Pacific Missile Test Center, Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and as command master chief to Commander, 3rd Fleet.
"There were so many proud moments in my career that I can't just name one. However, becoming a part of the Chiefs' Mess is one of them," Minyard said. "It was also a special and memorable occasion when I was able to have my brother (retired Cmdr. Scott Minyard) reenlist me on two separate occasions."
When reflecting on his career, he said it was not what he anticipated when he enlisted from Corsicana, Texas, in 1984. Upon graduating from Berkner High School in 1982, and unsure of his future, he decided to serve a tour in the U.S. Navy. He said he has shown that a young man from a small town in Texas can achieve his dreams.
Minyard said his family has supported him throughout his career, and they motivated him to achieve so much success.
"My family has been the glue that has kept it all together," he said. "My wife Mechele has been the rock of our family for the last 28 years. I also have two wonderful children that have kept me grounded and have been a blessing to me each and every day."
Mechele Minyard has also supported Navy families through her work at the Fleet and Family Services Center. She also serves on the board of advisors for the Naval Services FamilyLine as the command master chief (CMC) advisory board chairwoman.
"I love working with children and command ombudsman," Mechele Minyard said. "I truly believe that if the active duty members are comfortable and feel that their families are taken care of, then they [the active duty member] will be able to do their job better."
"The Mess has a long history of being the foundation of the Navy and this should never be taken lightly," Minyard said in his parting message to the Chiefs' Mess. "Continue to have the courage to lead and make those tough decisions. Your words and actions define the Chiefs' Mess and make a difference in our Navy."
NNS130510-22. Naval Hospital Bremerton Celebrates Navy Nurse Corps 105 Years
From Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton's (NBH) Navy Nurse Corps chose to officially celebrate the 105th birthday of the Navy Nurse Corps three days early, May 10.
The event was highlighted with a special Nurse Excellence Award presentation along with the traditional cake cutting ceremony.
Capt. Iris Boehnke, director of Nursing Services at NHB, shared the official birthday letter from Rear Adm. Elizabeth S. Niemyer, director of Navy Nurse Corps.
"Navy Nurses are innovators in quality patient care delivery; the theme of this year's National Nurses' Week, and we continue to forge new territory every day. Because of you, the Navy nursing team stands among the Navy's most prominent officers and respected clinicians. Thank you for remaining at the forefront of the extraordinary successes Navy Medicine has achieved during the more than a decade of war. It is because of your passion for the profession and strong commitment to patient safety, that we succeed," wrote Niemyer.
The event also featured birthday messages shared from directors and chiefs of Navy Medical Corps, Medical Service Corps, Dental Corps and Hospital Corps by designated representatives.
Capt. Brent Kelln, Medical Service Corps and NHB director of Branch Clinics, read the birthday wishes of Rear Adm. T.J. Moulton, Medical Service Corps director.
"I extend my warmest regards to you and all of the officers of the Nurse Corps as you celebrate this special day. The Medical Service Corps is proud to serve as partners with you as we lead military medicine into the future," Moulton wrote.
Lt. Jacques Bouchard, Medical Corps, read birthday greetings from Read Adm. C. G. Chinn, Medical Corps chief, "The over 3,700 officers of the Medical Corps join me in expressing a heartfelt 'happy birthday, Navy Nurse Corps!' We commend you and your fellow Navy Nurses as you celebrate another year of outstanding service, and look forward to our partnership with you as Navy Medicine continues to provide world-class care to our nation's sons and daughters."
Lt Cmdr. Kevin Hudson, Dental Corps shared Rear Adm. Elaine C. Wagner's birthday note, "We in the Dental Corps are most proud to call you our colleagues. My warmest personal regards to all the members of the Navy Nurse Corps as you celebrate yet another anniversary of unparalleled service."
Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Stephanie Montenegro represented the Hospital Corps and read the special birthday wishes from Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Force Master Chief S.E. Boss, director of Hospital Corps.
"The Nurse Corps plays an integral role in the professional development and training of hospital corpsmen. The rich history and success of the hospital corps is linked to the Nurse Corps which ensures an unprecedented level of readiness and protection to our service members and family. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Nurse Corps as we push forward to accomplish the Navy and Marine Corps mission," read Montenegro.
The birthday ceremony was also extra special for Lt. Jenique B. Keys of the Northwest Beginnings Family Birth Center. Keys was doubly surprised with not only being recognized with NHB's Junior Nurse Corps Excellence Award 2013, but receiving it in front of her entire family who snuck in without her having any prior knowledge.
"This is really a fun and exciting award because Lt. Keys is so deserving, although I think she wondered what was going on when her husband and children showed up," Boehnke said.
Keys thanked her co-workers and family for her support.
"The Hospital is a great place to work because I have so many nice people with me who care about what they do. Everyone is so committed to working at the peak of efficiency every day. It's nice to come home to my family knowing we're the best at what we do," said Keys.
Boehnke also prompted assembled staff members to remember those Nurse Corps officers not present due to overseas deployment commitments.
"Wish them well because they are not here with us. We all hope that they come home safely. Lt. Cmdr. Tara Moore, Lt. Megan Price, Lt. Isaac Hurley and Lt. Timothy Boring; our thoughts and prayers are with you," said Boehnke.
Earlier in the week, Nurse Corps members continued to establish a link with those who might be part of the corps future by holding their annual Speed Mentoring event. Speed Mentoring is designed to give interested service members - primarily enlisted personnel - the opportunity to meet with Navy Nurse Corps members in an informal setting and discuss professional pathways, network, and possibly find a potential mentor in specific specialties such as family nurse practitioners, executive medicine, nurse anesthetists, clinical nurse specialists, perioperative nursing, maternal child nursing, ambulatory, medical surgical, emergency, critical care nurses, pediatric and flight nursing, as well as share deployment experiences.
The week culminates with the 2nd annual Nurse Corps 5K Fun Run, Saturday, May 11. The Fun Run is open to everyone and starts at 9 a.m. by the Jackson Park Community Center. Runners, joggers, walkers and strollers are all welcome. Medals will be awarded for first, second and third place. The fun run adheres to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus' 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative to maximize each Sailor's and Marine's personal readiness by providing a convenient opportunity to enhance physical readiness.
On May 13, 1908, the Department of the Navy created the corps of nurses to meet needed health care needs. Every year, nurses around the globe celebrate National Nurses Week, which includes the birthday of Navy Nurse Corps and Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. Caring for the sick and injured, establishing sanitary methods and discipline during the Crimean War (1853-56) are some of the continued legacies of Nightingale.
There are 71 Navy Nurses stationed at NHB, including four of their members currently forward deployed. The Navy Nurse Corps has grown from 1908 with an initial group of 20 - known as the "Sacred Twenty" - to upwards of 4,000 active-duty and reserve nurses.
For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-13. San Diego Sailors Lead National City Cleanup
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Hogue, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 500 Sailors and civilians helped clean the streets around Naval Base San Diego (NBSD), May 11, during the 22nd bi-annual Main Street Cleanup.
The Main Street Cleanup focuses on picking up trash around the community and demonstrates how Sailors help maintain a relationship with adjacent National City, Calif.
The volunteers represented more than 20 different local commands.
"Our men and women that serve in the Navy have two callings in life. The first calling is to serve our country and defend our freedom, and our second calling is community service and being selfless servants," said Capt. Winton Smith, commanding officer of NBSD. Smith noted the cleanup is an opportunity for Sailors and their families to help the surrounding community of NBSD by cleaning up the streets and building a relationship with the city.
Ron Morrison, National City mayor, said the Main Street Cleanup shows the people of National City that the Navy does take an interest in the community instead of just staying behind the gate.
Sailors covered a seven-mile radius on the cleanup, stretching from the southern city limits of San Diego to downtown National City.
"They do a great job," said Morrison. "You can really see a huge difference if you were to go through the streets tomorrow."
Last fall, Sailors picked up more than 7,000 pounds of trash.
NNS130513-11. New York Reservists Host NATO Shipping Conference
By Lt. Cmdr. Mike Billips, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs
NEW YORK (NNS) -- Despite fiscal restraints, a New York-based Navy Reserve unit hosted the NATO Shipping Working Group conference for 40 representatives from NATO navies and observing nations, May 6-10.
Comprising delegations from 10 NATO countries as well as Brazil, the working group refined doctrine that allows allied navies to protect the world's sea lanes through communication with the civilian maritime industry.
Open lines of communication with merchant ships and companies allows theater commanders to keep shipping traffic safe from pirates and other hazards, even far out of range of their warships, said the working group's chairman, Royal Norwegian Navy Commander Stein Olav Hagalid.
"If civilian ships do as we ask them, to travel in areas and times of less risk, then we don't have to be there (with warships)," Cmdr. Hagalid said. "It's not all hard assets and frigates and how many missiles do we have. It's how you deal with your main customer, especially for counter-piracy."
More than 90 percent of the world's trade travels by ship, and Naval Cooperation and Guidance of Shipping (NCAGS) officers help keep that trade flowing, ensuring products make it safely to stores around the world. The U.S. Navy has six Reserve units aligned to the fleets that provide NCAGS capability to theater commanders.
The New York detachment is aligned to the U.S. 6th Fleet, providing NCAGS capability to the European and African areas of operation. The detachment frequently fills U.S. 6th Fleet billets in U.S. and NATO maritime command centers, as well as participating in the NATO Shipping Working Group. NCAGS in the U.S. and most allied navies is a Reserve-only capability. About half of the 130 Reserve members in NCAGS detachments work in the maritime industry in their civilian jobs.
U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) mans, trains and equips the NCAGS detachments for the fleets, providing NCAGS capability to combat commanders worldwide. Rear Adm. Anatolio B. "A.B." Cruz, reserve deputy director for USFF Maritime Operations, keynoted the conference, May 6, highlighting the importance of this event and NCAGS capabilities to the U.S. Navy.
"The United States has employed NCAGS functionality globally, in U.S. waters, overseas, and in combat environments," Rear Adm. Cruz told the group. "U.S. NCAGS has demonstrated flexibility in response to world-wide maritime needs"
"While the United States was scheduled years ago to host this year's annual conference, the current fiscal environment made it necessary to stage the meetings at no cost to the government. The connections and flexibility of the Reserve community were vital to making that happen," said the NCAGS New York Detachment Commander, Cmdr. James Polickoski.
"This is an example of how, as Reservists with diverse civilian jobs, we're able to leverage and network far outside the Navy to make things happen," Cmdr. Polickoski said. "This is what the citizen-Sailor brings to the table."
Cmdr. John "Dice" Gormley, the New York Detachment executive officer, began planning the conference more than a year ago. Through the Navy Reserve community network, he was able to obtain no-cost meeting space at the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York's financial district. His two-Sailor team coordinated with NATO maritime command staff to provide breakout rooms, audiovisual equipment and even coffee and refreshments with only the financing from the conference fee.
The result was indistinguishable from a similarly professional conference that could have cost the taxpayer thousands of dollars.
A New York City fire fighter who worked at Ground Zero, Sept. 11, 2001, Cmdr. Gormley also arranged a visit to the World Trade Center memorial, including a unique trip inside Fire Department of New York Ten House, a fire station located only yards from the Memorial.
"NATO expects some cultural immersion at these events, and finds that very valuable," Polickoski said. "We got the work done here, but with a visit they'll remember forever."
The conference's work product focused on three main areas - communications, including equipment and message traffic protocol; training and exercises, and publications and doctrine. The goal is to standardize terminology, techniques, tactics and procedures to ensure that all NATO militaries can operate smoothly in combination, as well as to be able to communicate their shipping-liaison mission effectively.
"There is one NATO NCAGS doctrine," Cmdr. Hagalid said. "Based on the experiences of the last few years, where NATO and the EU and other countries have been pursuing similar counter-piracy missions, we are developing a more flexible doctrine."
For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-06. Shining a Light on Skin Cancer at NMCP
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nikki Smith, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Service members have a lot of risk factors for skin cancer, and that's one of the reasons the Dermatology Clinic at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth held a Skin Cancer Rodeo, May 6-9, to lower the incidence of skin cancer among its beneficiaries.
The Skin Cancer Rodeo coincided with National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and made it easy for patients to schedule appointments with the clinic directly without needing a referral from their Primary Care Manager.
190 patients received screenings, and 88 biopsies were conducted.
"We're here trying to raise awareness," said Lt. Cmdr. Michelle Walters, an attending dermatologist for the Dermatology Clinic at NMCP. "The best chance of treating your skin cancer is finding it early. Navy, Marines and Army members have an increased risk of skin cancer. We have a population of patients who are out in the sun a lot. People are doing a lot of recreational events, tanning and spending time on ships. Skin cancer is on the rise, and if we can catch it early we can do much more for you than if we catch it too late."
The American Academy of Dermatology says two million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. The rodeo's aim was to reduce that number.
Patients were screened, and if suspicious growths were noticed, biopsies were conducted and sent to the lab for analysis. The swiftness of the biopsies ensured that any malignant growths were identified early for quick treatment. Whether the results are benign or malignant, each patient will know the results in about two weeks.
People came to the event for many reasons. Some were concerned about spots on their skin, while others wanted the peace of mind the exam would offer them.
"I just wanted to make sure everything was ok," said Margaret Zurschmit, an active duty dependent. "I was able to call the clinic directly and make an appointment, and they got me in right away. I had some spots I was concerned with, but I also just thought it would be good to get a full skin-cancer screening. I think this whole thing is great! I would definitely recommend it to anyone, and have already told one of my co-workers that she should call and get in here as well. I am very pleased with how my day went. I didn't have to wait long, they were able to treat the one spot on my face so I didn't have to worry about coming back a second time. So, I'm just very pleased with today."
Dermatology providers and volunteers from other NMCP clinics geared up for the Rodeo with excitement. The week allowed the staff members to see many patients back to back, while educating them about skin cancer and the importance of skin cancer preventative measures. Kevin Charles, physician assistant at the Dermatology Clinic, talked with each patient about different types of skin cancer and how to recognize the symptoms.
Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Glass, staff dermatologist at the Dermatology Clinic, noted the influence that education can have on skin cancer rates.
"Skin cancer is on the rise," Glass said. "It's important to educate people on how to take care of their skin. As much as our job is to treat skin cancer, our other job is principally to prevent skin cancer. If you can educate one person to use sunscreen, and use it regularly, and take precautions against skin cancer, we're not going to have to cut on them when they're 50, or they are not going to have to undergo chemotherapy or other treatments. Skin cancer has an impact on peoples' lives, and while it may not be an immediate, in-your-face impact like some other diseases, it will impact your life."
"It's important that Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen understand that we have a lot of risk for sun exposure," Glass continued. "Chronic sunburns and sun exposure add up over time, and I don't think that skin is something we should neglect. We should try to focus on preventing the skin cancer. It will have an effect on life expectancy and quality of life."
The American Academy of Dermatology says that more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in more than two million people each year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and by 2015, one in 50 will develop a melanoma in their lifetime. Melanomas are the deadliest form of skin cancer, but when caught early the cure rate is almost 100 percent.
With the sun shining more and more as summer approaches, NMCP Dermatology urges everyone to protect themselves from the sun: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and hats, when possible.
"Even if you don't come to dermatology, everyone should be doing their own skin cancer screening checks on themselves once a month or every other month," Walters explained. "Look at the moles you have or the spots you have on your skin to make sure nothing is changing. Look for the 'A, B, C, D and E's' - Asymmetry, Border Irregularity, Color, Diameter, Evolving - of melanoma, and if something is not healing for months, that can be other forms of skin cancer as well.
"We have seen a lot of melanomas rising in younger age groups. We've had people from ships and in their 20s getting melanomas, and that is the one that can kill you. So, we're definitely trying to make people aware of the risks. With the summer coming up, wear your sun block, the higher the SPF, the better. Make sure it has UVA and UVB protection and re-apply every two hours," said Walters.
For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-05. Bremerton Culinary Specialists Showcase Skills during Armed Forces Day Culinary Arts Competition
By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- From chili, to chicken, to cake, Naval Hospital Bremerton culinary specialists competed in the annual Armed Forces Day Military Culinary Arts Competition, May 11, in front of an appreciative and enthusiastic crowd.
According to official host of the competition, Chief Warrant Officer E. Van Hofwegen, food service officer at Naval Base Kitsap, the event showcases the ability of the Navy's culinary specialists, some of the unsung heroes of the service.
"We have the best chefs in the Armed Forces here today to show their culinary skill in this competition. They come from our Navy units afloat and ashore and are truly amazing with the level of talent they have. We are very proud and thank them for their service to our great nation," Van Hofwegen said.
There were eight commands from the greater Puget Sound area that sent their culinary specialists to the event. The competition had the teams showcasing their epicurean skills in eight different categories, such as decorating cakes, ice sculptures and garnish displays, hors d'oeuvres and appetizers, chicken wings, chili cook-off and an Iron-Chef competition, where a secret ingredient had to be added during the cook-off. Awards were given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category. Judges graded on a one to ten scale.
"What started out 40 years ago as a simple chili cookout get together with a few commands has branched out to the great event that it is today," said Cris Larson, Armed Forces Day Parade coordinator and unofficial ambassador of the Culinary Arts Competition.
NHB claimed several 'bragging rights' for their efforts. The entire team placed 2nd in the Garnishing category, along with the 2nd place finish in the chili cook-off category.
"I like creating something from nothing and seeing someone enjoying it and saying 'this is amazing.' It's really such a nice feeling, as it is to have our team and all the rest working together to make this a great event," exclaimed Bohn, from Vancouver, Wash., recognized with the 2nd place award for her chili, which featured ground turkey, bacon and roast, amongst other ingredients. "It's delicious, and others kept saying the same thing all morning."
Along with Bohn, NHB was represented by Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Portis, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Hooper, Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Brittney Crane and Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jacob Myers. Portis and Hooper were featured in the Iron Chef competition. The chili cook-off also had efforts from Portis and Crane. The chicken wing cook-off featured dishes made by Portis and Myers. Myers also baked an entry in the pie competition, the hors d'oeuvres category was handled by Crane, and the entire team taking part in arranging the garnish category effort.
Despite their initial first time jitters, Portis and Hooper handled their skill in the Iron Chef Competition with more than just a pinch of this and a dash of that. "It was surprising but we were surviving. It was crazy back there in the kitchen to start out. But once we got going, our dishes really came together," he said.
The Iron Chef Competition was the highlight of the event for the culinary specialists and featured the two-member teams pitted not only against each other, but also the clock. Each dish was presented and then judged on general appearance; presentation and creativity; display of skill; most originality; and taste and texture.
Three minutes before the start of the allotted 60-minute time, the teams were given the 'secret ingredient' to add, which in this case, was ginger root, tofu and peanut butter. They then had to add those components in the making of four meals for the panel of judges - Honorable Mayor Patty Lent of Bremerton, Capt. Maureen Pennington, Naval Hospital Bremerton executive officer, Naval Base Kitsap Command Master Chief Shaun Piersel, and chef Steve Lammer of Olympic College.
Portis and Hooper prepared a pork loin with potatoes for the judges and although they didn't place in the final three, they received thumbs up for their effort. "After 13 years stationed in Italy, I knew that potatoes are best served light rather than heavy which is what we did here. The ginger root was difficult because it's if not diced fine, it can be overpowering. We used the peanut butter as a binding agent," shared Hooper.
"Their dish was wonderful," said Mayor Lent.
"It really turned out well," added Lammer.
The event is held in conjunction with the annual Bremerton Armed Forces Day celebration which culminates with this year's 65th Annual Armed Forces Day Parade, billed as the largest west of the Mississippi. The Culinary Arts Competition has been moved to the Saturday before the annual parade to allow those interested in both events, a chance to attend each.
"They do make the difference in morale for all our units in the Navy, and this competition just gets better every single year," said Capt. Pete Dawson, Naval Base Kitsap commanding officer.
For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/ . -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-02. Physicians and Corpsmen Gather to Support 2013 Warrior Games
By Lt. Michael Fallon, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- Navy physicians and corpsmen have assembled in Colorado Springs, Colo. to support Team Navy's wounded warrior athletes in the 2013 Warrior Games May 11 - 16.
"The medical staff makes competing each day a little easier," said retired Navy Culinary Specialist Seaman Judi Boyce. "Without them, Team Navy would be struggling with sore muscles and injuries. They make each day better."
Boyce received an acupuncture treatment and sports massages throughout Team Navy's training week prior to the Warrior Games. During the event, she will compete in archery and track and field.
The Warrior Games, hosted by the U.S. Olympic Committee and presented by Deloitte, provides an opportunity for wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to participate in competitive sports with service members from other military branches and the U.K. armed forces. Team Navy is sponsored by Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy's wounded warrior support program.
The medical team assembled this year possesses a unique combination of skills and expertise. NWW Senior Medical Officer Cmdr. David Shapiro is coordinating the team, which includes an internal physician who specializes in wounded warrior care, a sport-medicine fellow-in-training and a physical therapist.
Cmdr. Doug Hawk is the senior physician at the Warrior Clinic at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., providing medical support to wounded warriors from all military branches.
"Cmdr. Hawk has extensive experience; however, he only gets to see wounded warriors at their worst, when they are struggling. This event gives him the opportunity to care for them when they are at their best and to see the results of his efforts," said Shapiro. "It also gives the sports-medicine fellow and the physical therapist the opportunity to train athletes that they don't normally get to see."
"The medical team's ability to provide high caliber athletic training and Cmdr. Hawk's knowledge of the unique challenges inherent in caring for veterans ensure that we are providing the best care and training possible for our athletes," he added.
The athletes of the Warrior Games are also supported by three Navy Hospital Corpsmen, all of whom have attended previous Warrior Games. For Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Bryant Hare - who is stationed at the physical therapy department at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth - this year marks his third visit to the Warrior Games.
"It's the camaraderie and the motivation in them that brings out the best in me," said Hare.
"It's amazing to see how far the wounded warriors have come in the past year, and how well they are playing," said Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Baodi Ngo, who is stationed at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va. "It's an honor to be here with them."
NWW coordinates the non-medical care of more than 1,000 seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and provides resources and support for their families. The program is a department of Fleet and Family Support within Commander, Navy Installations Command.
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130512-09. Northwest Sailors Compete in Culinary Competition
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Scott A. McCall, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest
BREMERTON, Wash. - (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to commands in Navy Region Northwest participated in the 21st Annual Armed Forces Culinary Arts Competition at the Olympic College Student Center, May 11.
The Iron Chef style competition was open to the public and featured Navy culinary specialists competing for top honors in several culinary specialties.
"This is a great event and the competition was intense, said Capt. Pete Dawson, commanding officer Naval Base Kitsap (NBK).
"I am always amazed at the dedication of the culinary specialists in our Navy," said Dawson. "They are truly artists ... and they really do make the difference in the Navy for morale."
Eight different Navy commands participated in the competition: NBK, Naval Station Everett (NSE), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), Naval Hospital Bremerton, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier John C. Stennis CVN 74), and the Ohio-class fleet ballistic missile submarines USS Nebraska (SSBN 733) gold crew, USS Maine (SSBN 741) gold crew, and USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) blue crew.
Each command had teams of culinary specialists competing in seven different culinary categories: cakes, chicken wings, chili, dessert pies, garnishments, hors d'oeuvres, and a main event.
The main event was an Iron Chef style competition, which consisted of a team of two culinary specialists. Each team had a 60-minute time limit to complete four culinary dishes with three secret ingredients: tofu, peanut butter, and ginger root. This category was judged on sanitation, safety, presentation, originality, and flavor.
Culinary Specialist 2nd Class(SS) Larry Hoogstraten, assigned to Naval Base Kitsap Galley, competed in the Iron Chef style competition for the first time with his teammate Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SS) Joshua Hall.
"I thought it was fun to see everyone else's, what they were doing because we all get the same ingredients," said Hoogstraten. "I thought was really interesting. It was just fun to see everyone's view of what we were given and what they came up with."
By watching the other Sailors in the crowded kitchen, it provided Hoogstraten with ideas that he could take back with him to the galley on NBK.
"I think you can always incorporate things you learn along the way like presentation, and what tastes compliment others," said Hoogstraten. "[Cooking] is always an ongoing learning process. It has me more interested in doing more competitions in the future."
The competition was part of the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce 65th Annual Armed Forces Festival.
"This gets better every single year," said Patty Lent, mayor of Bremerton and Iron Chef competition judge.
Louisiana won 1st place in the Iron Chef style competition with the two teams from Naval Base Kitsap winning both 2nd and 3rd place. Naval Base Kitsap won a total of 10 awards, with Louisiana winning five, NASWI and NHB winning two, and Maine and NSE with one each.
The Navy's more than 7,000 culinary specialists (CS), deployed around the globe, feed on average more than 92 million wholesome and nutritious meals per year, ensuring the Navy's fighting forces operate at peak performance and are ready to respond to threats worldwide.
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130512-08. Peleliu Celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage with Tigers
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dustin Knight, Peleliu Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors, Marines and their respective family members, or "tiger cruise" participants celebrated Asian-Pacific Heritage Month with history lessons, music and performances during a ceremony in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), May 10.
The ceremony included the history of Asian-Pacific Heritage Month, a cake cutting, "Travel around the Pacific" static display and featured remarks by Capt. John D. Deehr, Peleliu's commanding officer and guest speaker Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Hernando Pacuan.
"It is really an honor to be chosen as a guest speaker and to be able to speak to the group of Sailors, Marines and their tigers about the races that are represented during Asian-Pacific month," said Pacuan, a native of Manila, Philippines. "America is a melting pot for many different cultures and races and it is an honor to be acknowledged."
The celebration was held to educate and honor those Asian-Pacific American cultures that have contributed to U.S. and the Navy.
"It's an honor to be part of a celebration to commemorate not only who we are but what we've done and how we've contributed our skills both military and personally and to have a month dedicated not on a specific race or ethnicity but the culture in general gives me pride because I'm always learning something about my culture," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class George Jefferson Busto, Peleliu's Diversity Team vice president.
Other events included various cultural dances such as "Tininkling" and "Rom Vong", a Filipino martial arts demonstration called "Eskrima", and a performance of the song "Lemonade," each taken from various Asian-Pacific countries.
Asian-Pacific Heritage Month originated from a congressional bill presented by New York House of Representative Frank Horton and California House of Representative Norman Y. Mineta in June 1977, proposing the first ten-days of May honor Asian- Pacific Americans. President Jimmy Carter signed the bill in to law on October 5, 1978 designating the annual celebration. In 1992, President George H.W. Bush signed into law the changed the celebration from a week long to the entire month of May.
"You see [Asian-Pacific Americans] and get a feeling of where they have been and what they have been through," Pacuan said. "It's important to educate our Sailors, especially the younger generations coming in now, on the different cultures that do make up America and the Navy and that we aren't all different colors, we are one color and that color is blue."
The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked throughout, is returning from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
NNS130512-07. George Washington Hosts Sailors from Key Asia-Pacific Ally
By By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Devenberg
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The crew of the Royal Australian guided-missile frigate HMAS Sydney (FFG 03) visited the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) May 9.
Officers, chiefs and able seaman were given a taste of what they will experience when they join the George Washington Strike Group on patrol later this year.
"This ship is nearly three times the size of our ship," said Marine Technician Able Seaman Luke McKinnon, from Sydney Australia. "Just the general size is baffling when you look at how long your flight deck is as well as the hangers. It's amazing and completely different."
HMAS Sydney will be assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet, to provide defense for the George Washington Strike Group. It is armed with standard medium range anti-aircraft missiles, harpoon anti-ship missiles, developed vertical launch Sea Sparrow, 76mm gun to counter both air and surface threats and one 20mm Phalanx close-in-weapon system for anti-missile defense. For long range anti-submarine tasks, Sydney is equipped with a flight deck and hangers for two S-70B-2 Sea hawk helicopters. For close in anti-submarine defense, the ship is fitted with two Mk32 triple torpedo tubes.
George Washington Sailors were also given the opportunity to meet with their new mates during the tour and learn about each other's jobs.
"The Aussies were very intrigued about our ship in how big it is and they noticed the hard work our Sailors are putting in to make our ship even better for this next cruise," said Aerographer's Mate 3rd Class Takeo Wadriski, from Loxley, Ala. "I think it's pretty cool that they are coming underway with us to see how we run our Navy and to gain experience in operating in a strike group. I have much respect for Australia."
George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/ . -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130512-05. Nimitz Hosts Health Services Support Tour
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Aiyana Paschal, USS Nimitz Public Affairs
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The Health Services Department on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hosted a health services support tour, May 11.
Lt. T James N. Barlow, the medical administrative officer aboard Nimitz, led a tour of approximately 20 people.
The distinguished visitors were made up of Republic of Korea and American military personnel along with civilians working in the medical field.
"The tour was held to foster an understanding between us and our Korean counterparts," said Barlow. "We want to show them what our capabilities are, and then talk to them about their capabilities. We're excited to be showcasing the finest department on the Nimitz to our Korean [Republic of Korea] counterparts."
The group toured not just the medical department's spaces, but also the flight deck, bridge, flight deck control, and other spaces aboard Nimitz.
Dr. William Shin, the coordinating doctor of international SOS, was impressed with the tour, he said.
"I enjoyed the tour very much," said Shin. "It's a once in a lifetime chance to visit an aircraft carrier. I'm very impressed with this medical department and what it does."
International SOS is a company that provides integrated medical assistance, international health care and security services to organizations with international operations.
Nimitz is currently deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.
NNS130512-04. Peleliu, Tigers Celebrate Birthday at Sea
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Duran, USS Peleliu Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) celebrated the ship's 33rd birthday with embarked "tigers", May 8, during their return voyage to homeport San Diego.
Commissioned May 3, 1980, Peleliu is returning home from deployment having departed its last port visit, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, May 6.
During the Hawaii visit, family members and friends were invited on board Peleliu for a "Tiger Cruise," to join their Sailor or Marine for the week-long journey.
"The embarkation of family members of Naval and Marine personnel is intended to contribute to good morale and instill in service members a sense of pride in the Navy and their ships," said Capt. John D. Deehr, commanding officer of Peleliu. "It also enhances public understanding of the Navy and increases community awareness."
Having family members and friends on board during the ship's birthday celebration is a unique experience for the crew, having spent the last eight months deployed in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. The ship held a steel beach picnic on the flight deck for Sailors and Marines and their tigers so they could all spend quality time together and enjoy all-American charcoal-grilled burgers.
"It's amazing," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Claire Arnold who brought her father along for the cruise. "It makes me feel closer to home even though we aren't there yet."
"I am very proud to be here," said Joe Arnold, Claire's father who flew to Hawaii from Avon, Minnesota to join her. "I feel like it's a privilege that's been bestowed upon me by the U.S. Navy. Being on the ship and being with my daughter, I get to see what she does and see the important role she plays in our nation's defense."
Allowing family members and friends aboard a returning deployed vessel is a time honored tradition for the Navy. Formally known as a "dependent's cruise," the Tiger Cruise plays an important part in the Navy's effort to increase understanding between families and the military as well as improve morale and welfare throughout the fleet.
Family members and friends get the unusual chance to see first hand the capabilities of the ship and participate in several activities with their Sailor or Marine, such as Peleliu's birthday celebration.
At age 33, Peleliu is one of the oldest commissioned warships in the Navy. "I know the ship is old but I've noticed it's in extremely good shape," said Joe Arnold. "The people on the ship take care of it like they own it and, I know it's toward the end of it's service life, but I think all in all this ship has served our country very well."
The Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47), with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked throughout, is returning from an eight-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility.
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan R. McDonald
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hosted a reception May 11 for local dignitaries aboard the ship upon its arrival to Busan, Republic of Korea.
Representatives from the Republic of Korea (ROK) military and several community leaders attended the event, along with Rear Adm. Michael D. White, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, Rear Adm. Bill McQuilkin, commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea, and Capt. Jeff S. Ruth, commanding officer, USS Nimitz.
Both White and Ruth welcomed the military and community leaders aboard and introduced Vice Adm. Jong Ho-sub, commander, Republic of Korea fleet.
Ho-sub, reciprocated the welcoming comments, and spoke of the relationship between the Republic of Korea and United States.
"This year has a special significance since this marks the 60th anniversary of the ROK - U.S. alliance," said Ho-sub. "However, the relationship between both countries predates 60 years and the reason for that is because the U.S. Navy has helped the ROK Navy start and has been the role model for it ever since."
Ho-sub also directed comments at the friendship the two nations share, along with his well wishes for Sailors' and Marines' stay in the Republic of Korea.
"I am sincerely proud of the strong and solid relationship between the ROK and U.S. Navy and hope this relationship lasts everlastingly," said Ho-sub. "Although the duration of the visit is short, I sincerely hope all of you make cherished memories to bring back home."
CSG11 is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. The 7th Fleet area of responsibility covers more than 48 million square miles and extends from the International Date Line to the Western Indian Ocean.
NNS130511-03. Wounded Warriors Experience a Helicopter Simulator at HSC-3
By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Huntoon, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 3
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Wounded Warriors from Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), had the opportunity to experience a helicopter simulator at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, May 10.
The Wyakin Warrior Foundation (WYWF), a nonprofit organization which provides education and professional development to wounded veterans, in conjunction with the San Diego Leadership Forum (SDLF) and HSC-3, invited 10 Wounded Warriors to spend an evening at the HSC-3 helicopter simulation facility.
"It was a lot of fun and it was therapeutic. You are so focused on how you're flying and which direction you're going, that you aren't thinking about anything else. I have been at the hospital for over one year, and it can really wear you down, but getting out to events like this can really make a big difference," said Lance Cpl. Justine Carter, assigned to NMCSD's Marine Wounded Warrior West Battalion Balboa Detachment.
During the evening, the Wounded Warriors were treated to a pizza dinner, a flight brief, a tour of an MH-60S Knight Hawk helicopter, and the experience of being a co-pilot in the MH-60S Tactical Operational Flight Trainer.
"We put the Wounded Warriors in the simulator, and it seemed like they all had a pretty good time. They each had about 10 minutes in the simulator, in which they learned how to fly a helicopter, learned the capabilities of the simulator, and learned how difficult flying really is. So overall it was a good experience," said Lt. Tim Burfield, an instructor pilot assigned to HSC-3. "We also had some good food and I got a chance to talk to all of the Wounded Warriors and find out what their background is and how they got to where they are today."
Members of the WYWF hope to make this a quarterly event for the Wounded Warriors at NMCSD with the support of HSC-3 and the SDFL.
"This is a great opportunity for local community leaders to help support our local Wounded Warrior efforts. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for our Wounded Warriors who are currently going through treatment at NMCSD to do something that they normally would not have an opportunity to do, and also to tell them a little bit about the WYWF," said Mike Kuypers, development advisor of the WYWF.
The Wyakin Warrior Program is currently located in Southern Idaho, and because of its high success rate, they are working on developing the program in San Diego.
For more news from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Three (HSC 3), visit www.navy.mil/local/HSC3/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130510-23. Service Members Honored at 28th Annual Military Recognition Luncheon
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Diana Quinlan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii
HONOLULU (NNS) -- The month of May is recognized as Military Appreciation Month and as part of the tradition the annual Military Recognition Luncheon was held at the Hilton Hawaiian Village May 9.
Representatives of all military branches, including active duty, retired, reserve and their families attended the luncheon sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.
The luncheon began with a welcome speech from Jim Tollefson, president and chief executive officer of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, followed by a parading of colors by the Joint Services Color Guard. In addition, during the colors ceremony Janelle Holz of U.S. Coast Guard Fourteenth District provided a live rendition of the national anthem and Hawai'i Pono'i - the state's anthem.
Following lunch the main ceremony began with the presentation of Outstanding Service Members in Community Service awards, recognizing military personnel for their dedication and devotion of their time to the local communities such as coaching and mentoring in schools, cleaning beaches, serving meals to the homeless and other valuable services.
"All our services are linked to the community at every level," said Rear Adm. Frank Ponds, commander for Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. "This is yet another great opportunity to get together, to see how we can bridge this relationship, reinforce it and advance it forward."
Master-at-Arms 1st Class Paul S. Mobley, assistant leading petty officer for the security harbor patrol unit at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, represented the Navy in receiving the award.
"I am very honored to be recognized and that my hard work for the past year had paid off," said Mobley, who also advised service members to "try to do everything, break out of your comfort zone and make the difference."
The future military leaders, high school seniors and select service members who were chosen as the 2013 Appointees to the Military Service Academies, were also recognized as they were each presented with a traditional Hawaiian lei.
Ponds joined Rear Adm. Charles W. Ray, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Fourteenth District in congratulating the young men and women on their choice to serve their country and to lead future generations of military personnel.
"Today we recognize appointees who will attend service academies," said Ponds. "From my point of view, for those who have served in uniform, are serving or will serve, this shows tremendous commitment by young men and women that they want to serve their nation, they want to serve their country, to do good, and I am so proud to have them among us."
"It is pretty exciting and a once-in-a-life time opportunity," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Andrew Tamez, assigned to First Battalion Third Marines, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, and one of the 2013 attendees recognized. Speaking of his plans to attend Naval Academy Tamez said, "I want to go and explore, as I have never been to the East Coast. I am excited to go and see Washington D.C. and Maryland I've heard so many great things about."
Tamez also offered a word of advice to service members who are interested in becoming a leader. "Ask questions, ask questions, and ask questions," he said. "You learn most by asking the questions; don't be afraid to do so and if no one wants to or if they can't help you, look for answers yourself. I looked for answers and when I found them, informed my chain of command so they can help other Sailors who ask for help."
Upon completion of the official ceremonies, Ray offered words of thanks to all service members present and those serving everywhere for their commitment and dedication to the country, and the important mission of the United States Coast Guard and their commitment to defending the country's waters and eco system. The luncheon concluded with a rendition of songs from each branch of service performed by the Army's 25th Infantry Division.
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacenhawaii/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130510-21. Navy Medicine Commemorates Nurse Corps' 105th Birthday
By Valerie A. Kremer, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs
FALLS CHURCH, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Medicine leadership commemorated the Nurse Corps' 105th birthday, May 10, with a cake cutting ceremony and a message to Nurse Corps personnel.
Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, sent a message in honor of the Nurse Corps' birthday, which is May 13.
"On behalf of Navy Medicine, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation as the Navy Nurse Corps celebrates its 105th year of service," said Nathan. "Since May 13, 1908, the men and women of the Navy Nurse Corps have honorably served and evolved with the nation's needs in times of war and peace - at home, abroad, and on the front lines. They continue to selflessly volunteer to serve around the world, often deploying in harm's way, bringing with them compassionate health care that sets the world's standards."
In the letter, Nathan also discussed the critical role Navy Nurses play in Navy Medicine's Force Health Protection mission, ensuring a fit and medically force to answer the call at a moment's notice.
During the cake cutting ceremony, Rear Adm. Elizabeth Niemyer, director, Navy Nurse Corps and deputy chief, Wounded, Ill, and Injured, remarked on the dedication and service of Navy Nurses.
"Truly, the work of the military nursing team-active duty and reserve component, and the federal civilian and contracted nurses who partner with us-is not for the faint of heart," said Niemyer. "I believe it does take extraordinary ability and innovation to be a nurse. I want to thank each and every one of you for the work you do every day."
In October 1908, the first nurses, later called "The Sacred Twenty," reported for duty at the Naval Medical School Hospital in Washington, D.C. Since then, the Nurse Corps has peaked to more than 11,000 members during World War II, to its current state of 4,000 active duty and reserve personnel.
In his message, Nathan discussed the breadth and scope of the achievements from Nurse Corps personnel.
"Today, we honor the brilliant accomplishments, courage, and commitment of Navy Nurses who helped to set the bar high for military medicine around the world," said Nathan. "Our nurses are published and renowned scientists, researchers, teachers, providers and clinicians. Nurse Corps officers fly with wounded from battle-torn areas, work in the fleet and hospital ships, establish native nursing schools, clinics, and small hospitals in remote areas of the world, and administer or command Navy medical treatment facilities worldwide. Their continued work and dedication have earned them a prominent place in the United States Navy."
Nathan also acknowledged the vast populations the Nurse Corps serve on a daily basis being Sailors and Marines, their families, retirees, and those entrusted to their care.
"To the nearly 4,000 active duty and reserve Nurse Corps personnel, I thank you for your service, sacrifice and dedication," said Nathan. "Happy birthday Navy Nurse Corps!"
Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.
Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN-
-USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS020131-14. This Day in Naval History - May 13
From Navy News Service
1908 - Navy Nurse Corps established. 1943 - Bureau of Navigation renamed Bureau of Naval Personnel. 1945 - Aircraft from fast carrier task force begin 2-day attack on Kyushu airfields, Japan. 1964 - Organization and deployment of world's first all nuclear-powered task group, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), USS Long Beach (CGN 9), and USS Bainbridge (CGN 25), to Sixth Fleet. -USN- -USN- -USN-
Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
NNS130514-11. Naval Air Forces Commander Calls X-47B Catapult Launch from USS George H.W. Bush a Pivotal Moment in Naval Aviation
From Naval Air Systems Command Public Affairs
USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, at sea (NNS) -- The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator (UCAS-D) completed its first ever carrier-based catapult launch from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) off the coast of Virginia today.
"Today we saw a small, but significant pixel in the future picture of our Navy as we begin integration of unmanned systems into arguably the most complex warfighting environment that exists today: the flight deck of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier," said Vice Adm. David Buss, commander, Naval Air Forces, the Navy's "Air Boss".
The unmanned aircraft launched from the deck of George H.W. Bush at 11:18 a.m. It executed several planned low approaches to the carrier and safely transited across the Chesapeake Bay to land at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., after a 65-minute flight.
Buss called the launch a "watershed event" in naval aviation and said he expects that decades from now, a future "Air Boss" will have a picture of the X-47B launching from Bush behind his or her desk just as he has a picture of aviation pioneer Eugene Ely's first-ever landing on the deck of a ship in 1911 behind his desk today.
"This ship and her crew continuously meet the challenges placed before them," said the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Brian E. Luther. "The successful launch of the X-47B is yet another first on USS George H.W. Bush. We were excited to host the experimental aircraft, and are proud to know we have played a part in a significant milestone in naval aviation."
Completing another important first for the UCAS-D program, the team demonstrated the ability to precisely navigate the X-47B within the controlled airspace around an aircraft carrier at sea and seamlessly pass control of the air vehicle from a "mission operator" aboard the carrier to one located in the Mission Test Control Center at NAS Patuxent River for landing.
"The flight today demonstrated that the X-47B is capable of operation from a carrier, hand-off from one mission control station to another, flight through the national airspace, and recovery at another location without degradation in safety or precision," said Matt Funk, lead test engineer for the Navy UCAS program.
Prior to the catapult launch on Tuesday, the UCAS test team also conducted deck-handling and ship-integration testing to demonstrate the capability to safely operate the X-47B in the dynamic, unforgiving environment of an aircraft carrier flight deck.
"This event is a testament to the teamwork, professionalism and expertise of everyone involved with X-47B program," said Rear Adm. Mat Winter, program executive officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. "Their work will positively impact future unmanned aviation development for years to come."
Over the next few weeks, the X-47B aircraft will fly approaches to the ship multiple times and eventually land on the pitching flight deck, said Navy UCAS Program Manager Capt. Jaime Engdahl.
The UCAS team will conduct additional shore-based testing with the X-47B at NAS Patuxent River in the coming months before its final carrier-based arrested landing demonstration later this summer. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130514-18. Message from Secretary Hagel on Furloughs
From Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today that he has signed a memorandum directing defense managers to prepare to furlough most Defense Department civilian employees for up to 11 days between July 8 and the Sept. 30 end of the fiscal year.
Here is the text of the memo in its entirety:
As you are fully aware, the Department of Defense is facing a historic shortfall in our budget for the current fiscal year. This is the result of current law that went into effect March 1. It imposes deep across-the-board cuts on DoD and other federal agencies. Combined with higher than expected wartime operating costs, we are now short more than $30 billion in our operation and maintenance (O&M) accounts - which are the funds that we use to pay most civilian employees, maintain our military readiness, and respond to global contingencies.
The Department has been doing everything possible to reduce this shortfall while ensuring we can defend the nation, sustain wartime operations, and preserve DoD's most critical asset - our world-class civilian and military personnel. To that end, we have cut back sharply on facilities maintenance, worked to shift funds from investment to O&M accounts, and reduced many other important but non-essential programs.
Still, these steps have not been enough to close the shortfall. Each of the military services has begun to significantly reduce training and maintenance of non-deployed operating forces - steps that will adversely impact military readiness. And even these reductions are not enough. Since deeper cuts to training and maintenance could leave our nation and our military exposed in the event of an unforeseen crisis, we have been forced to consider placing the majority of our civilian employees on administrative furlough.
After extensive review of all options with the DoD's senior military and civilian leadership on how we address this budget crisis, today I am announcing that I have decided to direct furloughs of up to 11 days for most of the Department's civilian personnel. I have made this decision very reluctantly, because I know that the furloughs will disrupt lives and impact DoD operations. I recognize the significant hardship this places on you and your families.
After required notifications, we will begin the furlough period on July 8 at the rate of one furlough day per week for most personnel. We plan to continue these furloughs through the end of the current fiscal year. If our budgetary situation permits us to end furloughs early, I would strongly prefer to do so. That is a decision I will make later in the year.
Furloughs for 11 days represent about half of the number we had originally planned, reflecting the Department's vigorous efforts to meet our budgetary shortfalls through actions other than furlough. There will be exceptions driven by law and by the need to minimize harm to the execution of our core missions. For example, all employees deployed or temporarily assigned to a combat zone will be excepted from furloughs.
Your managers have been given authority to develop specific furlough procedures to minimize adverse mission effects and also limit the harm to morale and productivity. They will be in touch with you to provide guidance and answers.
The President and I are deeply appreciative of your patience, your hard work, and your dedication and contributions to the critical mission of helping protect America's national security. I am counting on all of you to stay focused on this vital mission in the days ahead. As I said the day I assumed the responsibilities of Secretary of Defense, I'm proud to be part of your team and I'm proud to serve with you. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130514-10. CNO Visits USS Freedom
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Detachment Sasebo Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert held an all-hands call with Sailors stationed aboard littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), May 14.
Freedom is the first ship of the littoral combat ship class, and is in Singapore during a maiden overseas deployment to Southeast Asia.
As part of the all-hands call, Greenert reenlisted two Sailors, pinned three newly qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialists and one Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist, spoke to the assembled crew about the current and future relevance of the LCS platform, as well as current issues impacting their careers as LCS Sailors.
"I'd like to think that [Freedom's] time down here is about focusing the rebalance on fostering relationships with our regional partners, theater security cooperation and humanitarian assistance," said Greenert, who fielded questions on issues ranging from uniform changes, Perform-to-Serve, advancement opportunities and sequestration.
Greenert, the 30th CNO, also praised the crew for their continued efforts in successfully projecting the value of the LCS platform as the most integrated and versatile, non-nuclear platform to date. He emphasized his commitment to making sure that the LCS platform was adequately funded, and consistently tested. He also noted that LCS platforms could be used for a range of maritime security missions, including counter piracy, counterterrorism, special operations, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure missions and drug interdiction.
"I'm very excited about the possibilities," Greenert said. "This ship has had its challenges, like any other new platform, but this crew has been the mortar that held this wall together. They are very proud of their ship and very motivated."
Fast, agile and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surfaces warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare. Her "Gold" crew of 91 Sailors include mission package personnel and an aviation detachment to operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter initially mans freedom.
Freedom will remain homeported in San Diego throughout this rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. Midway through Freedom's deployment, a crew-swap will be conducted with her "Blue" crew.
NNS130514-19. Victories for Team Navy at the 2013 Warrior Games
By Lt. Michael Fallon, Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- Team Navy member Lt. j.g. Laura Root became the first female to ever win a gold medal in shooting at the Warrior Games, May 13, in Colorado Springs, Colo.
Root took gold in the Air Rifle Prone position Open category. After excellent shooting in the qualifying rounds, Root entered the finals with a four-point advantage that could not be overtaken by her competitors.
"It was awesome to be able to represent women in the military like that. That was for all of us," said Root.
Root, who was diagnosed with a serious illness in 2011, outscored a field of 29 men and women in the competition. The shooting events are mixed gender, with the competitions being divided by type of gun, shooting position and type of disability of the athlete.
Retired Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class John Kremer took gold in the Air Rifle Prone position SH1 category (lower-body injury). His gold medal was the first for Team Navy at these Warrior Games. To qualify for the final competition, Kremer shot a near-perfect score of 399 out of a possible 400 to put him in the highest seeding going into the finals.
After the shooting events, Team Navy competed in a wheelchair basketball game against Team Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The teams were closely matched throughout the game, with Team Navy up by three points with two minutes left in the game. Then, a late rally gave Team SOCOM a lead of one point. In the final minute of the game, a two-point shot by Retired Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate Steven Davis secured the win over SOCOM, 27-26.
Team Navy member retired Lieutenant Rickey Bennett, a chaplain who suffers with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a traumatic brain injury after multiple combat deployments, led the spectators in enthusiastic cheers.
"It's awesome to see him like this," said his daughter, Bonnie Bennett, who accompanied him to the Warrior Games. "This is how he was before PTSD. He is so happy here."
The final events of the day were sitting volleyball matches, pitting Team Navy against teams from SOCOM and the British armed forces, with both matches going to three sets. Team Navy won the match against SOCOM and narrowly lost the match against the British, bringing the record of Team Navy's volleyball team to 2-2.
Team Navy is sponsored by Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. The team members have upper-body and/or lower-body injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, serious illnesses, and/or post-traumatic stress.
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130514-22. Cooperative Religious Ministry Duty Section Supports Hampton Roads Military
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Garst, U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Lt. Todd Trumble, chaplain at Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (CNSL) Ministry Center, answered the phone at 1 a.m., May 14, to a frantic mother who thought her son wanted to hurt himself.
Trumble didn't panic. His composed, decisive tone provided the woman with a calming influence. He asked a few simple questions, "What is his name? What command is he attached to? What city does he live in?"
Trumble has 15 years of pastoral experience, and he immediately put that experience to work.
He is one of about 90 chaplains in the Hampton Roads area who is handling calls like this on a regular basis. In October 2011, U.S. Fleet Forces established the Cooperative Religious Ministry Duty Section.
"The institution of the military can seem very cold at times," says Trumble. "It's our responsibility and our privilege to provide the type of care you would expect from a huge organization, but make it very personal and make it very safe."
The Cooperative Religious Ministry Duty Section means there's always a chaplain available for service members, spouses, children and other family members in need-24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
"The duty chaplain is there to help or to find the phone numbers for organizations, such as Fleet and Family Support Center, that can help," says Cmdr. Hal Scott, command chaplain for Joint Forces Staff College. "We will walk you through the steps to find some kind of resolution, or answers to the problem."
Each duty chaplain is familiar with the mission and expertise of local agencies. They have a unique understanding of who to reach out to in just about every situation.
"All of our chaplains are trained to ensure quality care is received for everyone who calls," says Cmdr. Russell Graef, a chaplain who oversees training and certification for the Fleet Chaplain's Office at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
Graef said it's a common misperception that chaplains only perform counseling and provide religious accommodation, but in fact they work across six main focus areas:
1. Counseling: In times of personal, family, and/or professional distress 2. Information and Referral: Rich resource and an advocate for seeking information 3. Religious Accommodation: Locating worship opportunities (on or off base) 4. Facilitating Communication: Assist families and deployed Sailors in making contact 5. Emergency Response: Assist in dealing with Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Substance Abuse, or Operational Stress 6. Individual Augmentee (IA) Sailors and Family Support: Preparing for, serving in, or returning from an IA
The focus doesn't change for the duty chaplains. From counseling to deployment support, to locating a family member, they're available to assist.
It didn't take Trumble long to track down the subject of his early morning phone call. The Sailor was at a nearby hospital, but he was safe. He immediately reached back to the family and gave them the news. They were relieved and grateful that their son was receiving the care he needed.
Sailors finding themselves, another service member, or a family member in a troubling situation and needing to talk to a duty chaplain in Hampton Roads can always call (757) 438-3822.
For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130514-01. USS Kearsarge Visits Israel
From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
EILAT, Israel (NNS) -- The multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), along with embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) arrived in Eilat, Israel for a regularly scheduled port visit, May 14.
While in port, the officers, Sailors and Marines will meet with local officials, participate in community engagement projects and experience the rich history and culture of the region.
This visit is not associated with, nor a reaction to, any world events.
Kearsarge is the flagship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which includes the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Along with the embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), the Kearsarge ARG is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Devenberg, USS George Washington Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted four Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters, May 13.
UFC fighters Anthony Njokuani, Todd Duffee, Matt Brown and Kurt Shrout toured the ship's hangar bay, flight deck and navigation bridge learning about shipboard operations and the lifestyle of Sailors stationed aboard.
"The ship is amazing," said Brown, from Columbus, Ohio. "The pictures and video you see on television do not do it justice and the Sailors are awesome. I relate to them because the Sailors are warriors and we are warriors too, so there's a mutual respect."
Sailors were also given the opportunity to receive autographs and meet with the fighters one-on-one.
"It's a childhood moment for me," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Jeffery Vaillant, from Bronx, N.Y. "I'm a huge fan of mixed martial arts and having the fighters come out and meet with us has been a great experience."
Armed Forces Entertainment, in collaboration with Morale Welfare and Recreation, arrange visits from celebrities and athletes to provide opportunities for Sailors stationed overseas to meet with positive role models and boost morale.
"Service members are a big part of our support base and it's exciting to meet all of the fans that are involved in the sport," said Duffee, from Raleigh, Ill. "We had the chance to meet with [George Washington Sailors] and they are doing a service for our country that isn't always noticed. It's a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation."
The UFC fighters also met with Yokosuka-area Sailors in the evening at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Fleet Recreation Center to share grappling moves, fighting techniques and their experiences in mixed martial arts.
George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that supports and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130514-16. Prince Harry Visits Troops, Staff at Walter Reed Bethesda
By Bernard S. Little, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs
Bethesda, Md. (NNS) -- Staff and patients at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC) welcomed Prince Harry of Wales to the Nation's Medical Center, May 10.
Rear Adm. (Dr.) Alton L. Stocks, WRNMMC commander, his senior staff and Capt. Frederick Kass, Naval Support Activity Bethesda commanding officer, greeted the prince who was wearing his British Army Air Corps combat uniform and desert boots upon arrival. A captain in the British army, the prince, known as Captain Wales in the military, has served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Visiting the Gait Lab, Computer-Aided Rehabilitation Environment (CAREN), Prosthetics Lab and Military Advanced Training Center (MATC) at WRNMMC, Prince Harry took in the state-of-the-art technology used to treat patients at Walter Reed Bethesda with great interest, but he appeared more engaged hearing from staff, wounded warriors, and their families who receive care here.
"I believe it would be a wonderful opportunity for everyone in America to spend a day or two on this campus and see the spirit of these families and the spirit of these warriors, and their determination to move forward in their lives, whether in the military or as a full members of society," Stocks said. "It is truly amazing, and not one that I have spoken to has any regrets. They are so proud to have served their country."
Prince Harry witnessed this spirit firsthand during his visit to the Nation's Medical Center.
In the CAREN, the prince observed Army Spc. Corey Garmon, injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in July 2012, go through a session in the high-tech room which combines integrated virtual reality environments with motions platforms, instrumented treadmills, surround sound and other functions. The CAREN is used to improve the balance, stability and other capabilities of patients following serious injuries and illnesses, such as amputations, traumatic brain injuries and strokes.
When asked by the prince about the care he's receiving at WRNMMC, the Army specialist described it as "awesome." The prince thanked Garmon for his service and sacrifice, and the Soldier said he appreciated his words of encouragement.
The prince also observed WRNMMC staff at work in the prosthetics lab, where they make and fit innovative prosthetics, including powered knees, hands and ankles, allowing many amputees to perform numerous daily activities and functions.
In the MATC, Prince Harry met wounded warriors, other patients and their families, and observed their rehabilitation in the facility with the latest cutting-edge equipment helping in their recovery. He shared stories with one Soldier, Master Sgt. Cedric King, whose unit was deployed to Afghanistan and served alongside British forces from the same unit as the prince.
"It was awesome that he came out to see everyone," said Army Spc. Eric Hunter, who was receiving therapy in the MATC when the prince arrived. "It always means a lot when someone like that visits," added the Soldier, injured by an IED May 31, 2012, while on patrol in Afghanistan.
Marine Cpl. Nathan Jakubisin agreed it was an honor meeting the prince. "He thanked us for what we do," added the Marine, also injured by in IED while conducting patrol in Afghanistan in June 2012.
A family member receiving care in the MATC at WRNMMC, Andrew McCaffery, 14, said the prince wished him well during their brief conversation. "It was pretty cool" meeting the prince, added the teenager. "Everyone doesn't get to meet a prince. It's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing."
Andrew's mother, Lisa McCaffery, agreed. "The question that [Prince Harry] asked Andrew was, 'What was his story?' I thought that was really neat. I just think the fact that [the prince] took time to stop in here and see how our Soldiers are recovering, is wonderful."
For more news from National Naval Medical Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nnmc/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130514-20. Naval Academy Sea Trials Builds Plebes' Teamwork
By Jessica Clark, Naval Academy Public Affairs
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- The Naval Academy Class of 2016 completed 14 continuous hours of rigorous physical and mental challenges, May 14, during the academy's annual Sea Trials training exercise.
Sea Trials is a capstone event for the freshman "plebe" midshipman modeled after the Marine Corps' Crucible and the Navy's Battle Stations recruit programs.
Taking place at different locations throughout the Yard and Naval Support Activity Annapolis, events included a variety of physical challenges that simulate situations naval and Marine officers might encounter in the fleet.
A 2:30 a.m. wakeup is a challenge for anyone, but before the sun was up the plebes found themselves running obstacle courses and simulating urban security clearance operations.
Other stations included shore defense, damage control, land navigation, survival skills, simulated bridge defense and demolition, Marine combat fitness tests, pugil stick jousting, casualty evacuation and a two-mile regimental run.
The overall exercise is designed to test the plebes' teamwork and reinforce their bonds as a company and class, while also providing a leadership challenge for the upperclass midshipmen who lead each station.
"It's a real test of the plebe class. At this point they've been broken down and built back up together as a team, and I think this is the ultimate test of the teamwork they've developed over the course of their plebe year," said Midshipman 2nd Class Shelby-Wayne Williams.
Williams commanded the wet and sandy station, which involves physical exercises on the beach by the Severn River and crawling through a trench covered with barbed wire while carrying supplies.
"The trench is designed to test their mental fortitude," he said. "They've already done a lot so they're tired. Low crawling is difficult at this point in the day. They have to have the mental fortitude to just push through it and motivate each other."
Midshipman 2nd Class Tim Winkler, commander for one of the combat fitness stations, said the evolution provides the plebes the opportunity to build camaraderie within their class while also accomplishing the academy's physical mission.
Building camaraderie is just what Midshipman 4th Class Brissa Medina, of 1st Company, said she hopes to gain from the experience.
"It's really cool to do things together as a class because during the academic year, you're kind of to yourself," said Medina. "With events like this, you get to know people better.
"It's something we looked forward to getting through together," she said. "The reward is being able to get to that finish line and not be a plebe anymore."
The company of plebes who demonstrated the top unit performance through endurance and spirit during Sea Trials will be recognized with the Iron Company award.
NNS130514-09. USS Monterey Celebrates Mother's Day
By Mass Communications 3rd Class Billy Ho, USS Monterey Public Affairs
USS MONTEREY, At Sea (NNS) -- The First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey celebrated Mother's Day with a special brunch and poetry, May 12.
Machinist's Mate 1st Class David Paez, vice president of the FCPOA, kicked off the event by reading a special poem for his mother over the ship's general announcing system.
"Some roses are red, they say violets are blue," said Paez. "So I write a poem of love and of beauty; I write it for you. For it was you who chased away the nightmares, and taught me to be strong, to love, to live, to laugh. Who made me smile when I was down, and guided me when I was wrong...I may win some, I may lose some but forever I love you."
Members of the FCPOA helped in preparing food, setting up tables, printing out menus and poems and serving meals for all the mothers aboard the ship.
"We show all the mothers that we appreciate them, especially, the ones who serve on the ship," said Paez. "When I see them laughing, I know our efforts have paid off."
The ship's culinary specialists spent many hours preparing the special meal and deserts for mothers.
"The event gave culinary specialists a chance to cook a special meal for the crew, to show their skills, and to build morale on the ship," said Ensign Kimberly Robillard, the ship's food service officer.
Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Paribia Reed felt blessed and emotional when she was honored by the FCPOA.
"My mom passed away and I was raised by my grandmother until she passed away," said Reed. "My Aunt Michele took care of me after that. So for me, Mother's Day brings back a lot of memories."
Reed said if she was home today she would take her Aunt Michele to dinner, buy her flowers and write a poem for her. Since she was deployed aboard Monterey this year, she wrote a poem for all mothers aboard the ship instead.
"As a child we dreamed of being a mother, or pretended that we were. Now our dreams have come true, and those make believes are now a blur. Leaving our children behind is a challenge within itself, but God has made us strong...Leaving our children is the hardest part of what we do. However, it's a little easier when you're a part of the world's finest armed forces and USS Monterey crew. To all the moms, happy Mother's Day to you!"
Monterey is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130514-06. NAVFAC Pacific Embraces Diverse Workforce, Kicks Off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
By Christine Rosalin, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific kicked off Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a May Day celebration, May 9.
"Today, we pause and reflect on our friendship and camaraderie, and take time to appreciate and enjoy Hawaii's culture," said NAVFAC Pacific Commander Rear Adm. Scott Weikert. "It's important to embrace and learn about the local values and customs because we are all members of this wonderful and diverse community."
The national theme of this year's heritage month is "Building Leadership: Embracing Cultural Values and Inclusion," and the May Day celebration provided that opportunity for employees to embrace diversity, celebrate the Hawaiian culture and experience its traditions.
One learning opportunity featured exhibits showcasing several replicas of artifacts found in the Pacific, including models of native Hawaiian artifacts. The display allowed employees to learn more about NAVFAC's cultural resource mission and how it ties into its construction operations.
Another educational opportunity was learning how to make a lei, which is commonly used in Hawaii. The instruction was taught by volunteers within the workforce.
In addition to educational opportunities, a lei-making contest and assortments of local and international foods were available. Entertainment performed by a magician and local live band put many smiles on the faces of those who participated.
"The event had a perfect balance from start to finish," said Chantel Foster, NAVFAC Pacific administrative support assistant. "It gives me a simple reminder that we come from an incredible place with special people. It is the Aloha spirit."
According to HawaiiHistory.org, Lei Day became an official holiday in 1929. During those first years the event included the selection of a Lei Day queen and court. Lei Day celebrations continue today, marking the first day of May with lei-making competitions, concerts, and the giving and receiving of lei among friends and family.
NNS130514-05. Navy Surgeon General Delivers Keynote Address at World Congress for Brain Mapping
From Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs
BALTIMORE (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's surgeon general delivered the keynote address at the 10th Annual World Congress of Society of Brain Mapping and Therapeutics (SBMT), May 13.
Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan, surgeon general of the Navy and chief of the Navy's Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, encouraged the audience to renew their enthusiasm for exploring medical advances of the future.
"It is my honor to speak to you to reignite your passion for medicine, and in particular neurological disorders and traumatic brain injury," said Nathan.
Nathan spoke of the challenge the military and our nation faces as our service members are surviving this war at unprecedented rates compared to previous wars due to battlefield advancements in combat casualty care and our moral imperative to take care of them.
"The good news is our Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are surviving at an unprecedented rate," said Nathan. "The challenge for us is that there is a whole population of people who have suffered traumatic brain injury compounded by over ten years of war. Those veterans are going to saturate our communities, and we need a game-changer in the way we diagnose and treat TBI."
Nathan noted that what we thought was impossible ten years ago in the realm of medical advancements is now possible, and he reaffirmed his confidence in the attendees to explore medical advancements in molecular diagnosis and molecular genetics.
"We have to figure out the pathways at the bio cellular and molecular levels that will help us determine who is at risk for concussive injury. We're going to get to that point, and you are going to take us there," said Nathan. "I know you are going to figure it out. So thank you in advance for moving the dial, even just a little bit, and making a difference in someone's life."
The annual world Congress of SBMT is a multi-disciplinary forum designed to facilitate cross-pollination and dissemination of technological and medical advances and scientific discovery. This year's conference "Breaking boundaries of science, technology, medicine, art and health care policy" included continuing medical education sessions, hands-on tutorials, lectures, workshops and exhibits.
As the Navy surgeon general and chief bureau of medicine and surgery, Nathan leads a global healthcare network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.
NNS130514-02. Center for Service Support Holds Change of Command
From Center for Service Support Public Affairs
NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Center for Service Support (CSS) held a change of command ceremony, May 10, in Newport, R.I.
Capt. Mark Murphy relieved Capt. Dana Weiner as commanding officer during a ceremony at the Officer's Club aboard Naval Station Newport.
The ceremony culminated 30 years of service for Weiner, who served the Navy in both the Surface Warfare and Supply communities. He explained that although CSS is headquartered in New England, the majority of those who fall under the auspices of the learning center are located throughout the country from San Diego to Mississippi to Virginia.
"The men and women of CSS prepare our Sailors and Marines as they head out to support operational forces. Our staff of active duty, retired military and civilians ensure our troops know what they are doing and are ready to support the operational warfighter," said Weiner. "It's the folks at CSS, in our headquarters and at our learning sites who do that."
Naval Education and Training Command Chief Operating Officer Rear Admiral (Select) Cynthia Thebaud officiated the change of command. She commended Weiner on his leadership during his tour at CSS.
"Dana has performed his duties throughout a myriad challenges very well," Thebaud said. "So well in fact, he led CSS in earning recognition as the top learning center of all 13 centers in Naval Education and Training command. Thank you for all you have done."
Upon taking command, Murphy also celebrated support received from his family and friends then pledged his commitment to CSS, the staff and faculty, and to the thousands of students who receive CSS training.
"My philosophy is built from leaders who have taught me: work hard, work smart and have fun," said Murphy. "Work hard: be brilliant on the basics and take care of our people. Work, study and learn at the job you've been given. Be ready when opportunity knocks. Work smart: mission first, safety always. Push decision making to the lowest level. Communicate up and down the chain. Have fun: Keep a balance, keep a sense of humor and test your ideas. Present options."
Murphy arrives at CSS after serving as Comptroller, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support, Philadelphia, Pa.
Weiner's retirement ceremony followed the change of command. Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and Chief of Supply Corps Rear Adm. Mark F. Heinrich was the guest speaker.
Heinrich praised Weiner's professional performance spanning 30 years of service.
"You set the bar high, Dana," Heinrich said. "And I think the entire Navy Supply community and the entire service community is better because of that."
Weiner spoke of the importance of family in his retirement address.
"Service is temporary, family is forever," he said. "And I am so blessed with great family. You can't pick your family, but even if I could, I couldn't have done a better job. I can't adequately thank you all for all you have done."
CSS was established Feb. 7, 2003, in response to Naval Education and Training's (NETC) initiative to address challenges in Fleet training and to improve Sailors' professional development products and processes. In streamlining the business of delivering training, NETC charged 15 learning centers like CSS with specific areas of naval training. NETC organized the centers around their functional areas and appropriately aligned schools and respective training sites to each center.
Today, CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand in hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 officers and enlisted who graduate from CSS courses annually. The team remains dedicated to providing quality training and professional development products to Sailors serving the Fleet in the administration, logistics and media communities.
For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse L. Gonzalez Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- U.S. Third Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force's 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing assets participated in an interagency and joint wildfire training exercise with CAL FIRE and the San Diego Sheriff's Department, May 9.
This cooperative exercise allows military assets to integrate with CAL FIRE and local agencies by preparing personnel and equipment to combat wildfires.
MH-60S Seahawks from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 along with one CH-46E Sea Knight from the "Knightriders" of Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron (HMMT) 164 and various CAL FIRE assets trained to establish effective coordination and execution of combating wildfire outbreaks in Southern California.
"It's important that everybody is accustomed to working in a joint-agency environment so we have a good clean method of doing things safely," said John Winder, deputy chief of tactical air operations.
Through these annual exercises, military units train to increase their proficiency in combating wildfires. The most recent example occurred May 3 at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu where three flight crews from (HSC) 3 and (HSC) 21 dropped roughly 20,000 gallons of water to save threatened housing areas from a wildfire on base.
"We are already having significant fire activity with the fires in Ventura and some incidents up in Northern California," added Winder. "It is extremely rare to have that kind of fire activity this early in the year. It's no secret that it has been a dry year, and we're anticipating what could potentially be a very busy season."
This is the sixth annual exercise according to Lt. Col. Dena Gemmingin, the deputy director of aviation Marine Corps Installations West. Since the 2007 Southern California wildfires, the Navy and Marine Corps have supported CAL FIRE during numerous firefighting efforts such as 2012 Ranchita wildfires where U.S. Third Fleet and I MEF assets assisted local authorities for three days, eventually putting out the fire.
"Today demonstrated how the world's greatest fighting force and the greatest Navy supports domestic efforts for wild land firefighting both on installation and, if needed, off installation," said Gemmingin. "It also showcases the great partnership that exists between the Navy and the Marine Corps and, in addition, the partnership that has been established with CAL FIRE and local agencies."
"Concurrently, Assault Craft Unit 5 (ACU 5) and CAL FIRE conducted a load exercise in case of wildfire outbreak on Catalina Island," said Gemmingin. "Local agencies don't have the capability of projecting forces in a timely fashion without the support of the Navy. The Navy is able to load the fire engines on the landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and send them over to the island in order to combat the fire."
"It's exciting for me to come down here annually and see this training exercise. It's huge to know that we have the surge capabilities from the military sources down here in Southern California, and it is truly a model that is being looked at nationwide for the military to be able to help out there local communities," said Winder.
Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. Third Fleet and I MEF's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/ . -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130513-27. San Diego Students Spend the Day with Navy SEALs
By Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael Russell, Naval Special Warfare Center Public Affairs
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Special Warfare Center (NSWCEN) hosted students from the San Diego School Safety Patrol (SDSSP) and officers from the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) during a day with Navy Sea Air and Land (SEAL)s, May 11.
SDPD Juvenile Services, Southeastern Division teamed up with the Naval Special Warfare Center to provide the once in a lifetime opportunity for more than 177 School Safety Patrol students from the San Diego Unified School District.
The day began with a Navy SEAL video and motivational speech to give the students a basic understanding of Naval Special Warfare. Fifteen SEAL instructors and staff members then led the students and officers through the obstacle course where students climbed ropes, balanced logs and maneuvered under barbwire on the Basic Underwater Demolitions SEAL (BUD/s) compound.
"Our strong partnership with San Diego Police Officers brings this event together," said Capt. Bill Wilson, commanding officer of the Naval Special Warfare Center. "Most of the children have never spent a day at the beach, and they live within 10 miles of the ocean. It's a fun day for both the kids and our instructors."
After a face-painting session, the students played a game of tug-o-war on the beach and saw a static display of assorted weapons and armored vehicles.
NNS130514-21. Purdue University NROTC Midshipmen Commissioned
By Lt. Evan Ballinger, Purdue University NROTC Public Affairs
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (NNS) -- Seventeen Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen were commissioned as naval officers during a joint-service commissioning ceremony at Purdue University, May 10.
The nine Navy-option and eight Marine-option NROTC midshipmen, officer candidates and Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) students were among 52 people to be personally recognized by U. S. Air Force Brigadier Gen. Michael T. Brewer, commander, 412th Test Wing, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., in front of more than 300 people.
Prior to the joint ceremony, each of the 17 NROTC midshipmen conducted a private commissioning ceremony.
The individual ceremonies allowed family, friends, and NROTC staff members to participate in this special occasion. Ensign Keely Hughes arranged for her father, U. S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Shawn Hughes, commanding officer, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 167, read her Oath of Office from a forward operating base in Afghanistan via a live video feed. The colonel's image was displayed on a video screen during the ceremony.
"It was the best part of the weekend," said Hughes, whose brother-in-law, Navy Lt. j.g. Brian Chapman, and uncle, Marine Corps Master Sgt. (ret.) Curtis Hughes, also participated in her commissioning ceremony.
"Having my Dad commission me is a moment I will never forget. It made the ceremony even more special because my brother-in-law and uncle were also able to participate," she said.
Ensign Hughes will begin her Navy service as a Surface Warfare officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58), homeported in Norfolk, Va.
During his commencement address, Brewer encouraged the newly-commissioned officers by quoting from Theodore Roosevelt's famous "Citizenship in a Republic" speech, "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."
Ensign Thomas Smith, said the speech was very inspiring. "That is the type of leader that I want to be someday," said Smith, who is scheduled to attend flight training in Pensacola, Fla., as he pursues his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator.
The NROTC Unit at Purdue University consistently produces highly-talented officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. Multiple opportunities exist within the program including full four-year scholarships (which pay for tuition, books, fees, and include a monthly stipend).
The NROTC program, overseen by Rear Adm. Dee L. Mewbourne, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, loyalty and Navy core values in order to commission college graduates as Naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the Naval service and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.
Mewbourne and NSTC oversee 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy. This includes the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at more than 160 colleges and universities; Officer Training Command (OTC) on Naval Station Newport, R.I.; Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy's only boot camp, at Great Lakes, Ill.; and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide.
Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN-
-USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS020131-15. This Day in Naval History - May 14
By Navy News Service
1801 - Tripoli declares war against the United States. 1836 - U.S. Exploring Expedition authorized to conduct exploration of Pacific Ocean and South Seas, first major scientific expedition overseas. 1845 - First U.S. warship visits Vietnam. 1975 - Marines recapture Mayaguez, go ashore on Koh Tang Island and release the crew.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval historical Center Web site at http://www.history.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN-
Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN-
Navy Plan of the Day Announcements, 16-22 May 05/15/2013
'Navy Plan of the Day Announcements' is a weekly product pushed to Navy subscribers of www.govdelivery.com. A consistently updated online version exists at http://www.navy.mil/planOfDay.asp. This weekly product includes four sections- Plan of the Day Announcements, Navy Leader Planning Guide Notes, This Week in Naval History, and stories associated with Plan of the Day Announcements.
Navy Plan of the Day Announcements
Career Intermission Pilot Program Revisions Open Positions, Change Leave Policy New guidance for the Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP) was released with the update of OPNAVINST 1330.2B, announced in NAVADMIN 125/13, CIPP presents a unique opportunity for Sailors to take a career intermission from the Navy, without penalty, and return to active duty to complete a successful Navy career. Twenty officer applications and twenty enlisted applications are accepted for the program each year.
Up-to-Date Page 2 Keeps Sailors' Families Covered Sailors must review, update and sign their Page 2 annually and after any significant life event such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, addition of dependents or change of duty station. The Page 2 is a document that lists a member's dependents, designates next of kin to be notified in the event of a member's serious injury or death and lists beneficiaries for unpaid leave, allowances and pay.
Navy Embraces Inclusion During 2013 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month NAVADMIN 115/13 announces the Navy is joining our nation in celebrating the contributions of generations of patriots during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout the month of May. This year's national theme is "Building Leadership: Embracing Cultural Values and Inclusion."
Navy Leader Planning Guide
May Evals/FitReps May 31 - O-1 (All)
May Mid-Term Counseling E-6 (All)
May Selection Boards May 20 - FTS SERAD (PERS 92) May 28 - NFO to Pilot (PERS 43) May 28 - Aviation Dept. Head Screen (PERS 43)
This Week in Naval History
17 May 1973: 1st woman to hold a major Navy command On 17 May 1973, Captain Robin Lindsay Catherine Quigley became the first woman to hold a major Navy command when she assumed command of U.S. Navy Service School, San Diego, California. Before assuming command, she served as the Director of the WAVES, from 1970 to 1972. Captain Quigley was commissioned in 1954 and retired from the US Navy after this tour.
18 May 1775: Captured British sloop, renamed Enterprise On 18 May 1775, during the American Revolution, Colonel Benedict Arnold captured a British sloop at St. Johns, Quebec, Canada and renamed her Enterprise -- the first of many famous ships with that name. During the evacuation of Ticonderoga on 7 July 1777, Enterprise was with a small American force which was no match for the British fleet and along with two other vessels, she was run aground and burned to prevent capture.
19 May 1813: USS Congress captured British merchant ship Jean On 19 May 1813, during the War of 1812, the frigate Congress, commanded by John Smith, captured and burned the British merchant brig Jean in the Atlantic. Three days later, she captured the British merchant brig Diana.
20 May 1844: USS Constitution departed NY for World Cruise On 20 May 1844, the frigate Constitution, commanded by John Percival, sailed from New York to depart on her 32,279 mile round-the-world cruise. Heading eastward, she visited places such as Brazil, Zanzibar, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Hawaii before returning back to Boston, Massachusetts, in September 1846.
21 May 1918: MOH – Ensign Daniel A. Sullivan, USNRF On 21 May 1918, during World War I, while serving as an officer of USS Christabel (SP-162), Ensign Daniel A.J. Sullivan, USNRF, exhibited "extraordinary heroism" in securing live depth charges that had come loose during combat with a German U-Boat. For his action on this occasion, he received the Medal of Honor. Sullivan attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander before leaving the reserves and died on 27 January 1941.
22-23 May 1958: F4D-1 set five world records in speed On 22-23 May 1958, Major Edward N. LeFaivre, USMC, piloted an F4D-1 at Naval Air Missile Test Center (NAMTC), Point Mugu, Calif., to five world records in speed of climb to 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 meters with marks of 44.392, 66.095, 90.025, 111.224, and 156.233 seconds.
Plan of the Day Announcements – Associated Stories
Career Intermission Pilot Program Revisions Open Positions, Change Leave Policy
Release Date: 5/13/2013 1:41:00 PM
By Ensign Amber Lynn Daniel, Diversity and Inclusion Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- New guidance for the Career Intermission Pilot Program (CIPP), released with the update of OPNAVINST 1330.2B, includes a provision that now permits Full Time Support (FTS) personnel to apply for CIPP.
Announced in NAVADMIN 125/13, the revised instruction authorizes FTS personnel the option to participate in CIPP, which was previously closed to all Navy Reserve Sailors.
"These changes were in direct response to feedback we received from the fleet," said Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk, Chief of Naval Personnel. "CIPP allows us to meet the short-term needs of our Sailors, while ensuring they stay Navy for the long term. These important changes will now allow us take that mission further, providing more Sailors the opportunity to utilize this valuable program."
The revised instruction also authorizes up to 60 days of accrued unused leave to be carried over through a CIPP participant's intermission. It also clarifies authorization for disability processing, allowing participants that are critically injured or ill to be treated under the same provisions as a member serving on active duty.
CIPP presents a unique opportunity for Sailors to take a career intermission from the Navy, without penalty, and return to active duty to complete a successful Navy career.
During their time in CIPP, participants retain their full medical and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents, as well as exchange and commissary benefits. Participants also receive a small monthly stipend equal to 1/15th of their basic pay. Members may also choose a Navy-funded permanent change of station move to anywhere in the continental United States when entering the program.
Upon returning to Active Duty, the CIPP participant's date of rank/service is adjusted day for day to account for their intermission, ensuring participants compete in promotion boards with people at the same experience level.
Twenty officer applications and twenty enlisted applications are accepted for the program each year. Interested applicants must first submit an electronic package to Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion (OPNAV N134) program manager for consideration. Packages are then reviewed for eligibility and routed to the member's detailer community managers before final approval by the Commander of Navy Personnel Command.
All program participants will return to active duty at the end of the period prescribed and will incur a two-to-one service obligation for every month in the program. This obligation is in addition to any previously existing obligation. Time spent in the IRR will not count towards retirement, computation of total years of commissioned service, or high year tenure limitations.
Sooner is Better When Transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits
Release Date: 5/13/2013 1:29:00 PM
From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Sailors who wish to transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits to eligible family members should act sooner rather than later to avoid missing out, according to Navy officials.
"The transferability option must be elected while the service member is serving in the armed forces," said Paul Wilder, program manager, Post-9/11 GI Bill, Navy Personnel Command. "Active-duty members who separate, retire, transfer to the Fleet Reserve, or who were discharged prior to August 1, 2009 are not eligible to elect transferability."
Despite efforts to educate personnel, some Sailors mistakenly believe that they may elect transferability after they leave the Navy, according to Wilder.
"Transferability under Post-9/11 GI Bill is a recruiting and retention incentive. While a service member may be eligible for education benefits provided by Post-9/11, generally the option to transfer a member's unused benefits to a family member requires an additional service commitment in the Armed Forces," said Wilder.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides eligible Sailors up to 36 months of tuition and fees for college, and may also include funding for books and supplies and a monthly housing allowance that may be used to offset living expenses. It also includes a provision for Sailors who obligate additional service to transfer benefits to a spouse and/or children. Sailors must be in the Armed Forces on or after August 1, 2009 to be eligible for transferability.
In order for Sailors to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits they must have at least six years of service in the Armed Forces on the date of election and agree to serve four additional years from the date of election. The obligated service must be reflected in the service member's electronic service record (ESR).
A spouse may use the benefit immediately upon transfer, while the service member is serving in the military or after separation. Spouses are not eligible for the monthly housing allowance while the member is serving on active duty, but they are eligible for the books and supplies stipend. Spouses have up to 15 years after the service member's last separation from active duty to use the benefit.
Children may start to use transferred education benefits after the service member has completed at least 10 years of service. They are entitled to the monthly housing allowance and books and supply stipend even though the service member is on active duty and are not subject to the 15 year delimiting date, but cannot use the benefit after reaching 26 years of age.
Sailors must be on active duty and family members must be listed as the member's dependents in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) at the time of transfer to be eligible for benefits. Once the member leaves active duty, there is no way to add new dependents for transfer of benefits.
Benefits are assigned in monthly increments at the time the member elects transferability. Sailors may elect to transfer all Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to one family member, or divide their unused benefits among their family members.
"Once a Sailor designates their family members for transferability, the service member can reassign the number of months a family member receives or revoke unused benefits, but they may not add family members (dependents who were not previously designated) once they leave the service," said Wilder.
"Some Sailors who elected transferability at the transfer education benefits web site never went back to verify the request was approved. By the time they realize they do not have an approved transferability they no longer have enough time on their current service obligation to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill entitlement," said Wilder.
The only recourse for these Sailors is to submit a request to BCNR (Board of Correction for Naval Records).
Last November NPC developed an automated email notification process that informs a Sailor when their request has been rejected. This email is sent to the address they have associated with their BOL (BUPERS Online) account.
Sailors with 90 days of active duty service after September 11, 2001, are eligible for education benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, with no buy-in costs.
Sailors must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the benefit.
More than 60,000 Sailors have elected to transfer education benefits since the program was implemented in 2009.
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Navy officials remind Sailors to keep their emergency data updated, according to a Navy message released, May 13.
NAVADMIN 122/13 discusses the importance of Sailors keeping their Dependency Application Record of Emergency Data NAVPERS 1070/602 (Page 2) up-to-date and reflecting desired beneficiaries for notification and compensation in the event of a member's injury or death.
According to the message, Sailors must review, update and sign their Page 2 annually, and after any significant life event such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, addition of dependents or change of duty station. The Page 2 is a document that lists a member's dependents, designates primary and secondary next of kin to be notified in the event of a member's serious injury or death and lists beneficiaries for unpaid leave, allowances and pay.
The Page 2 may also determines eligibility for funded bedside travel in the event a member is very seriously injured, In the event of death the Page 2 designates which family member the Sailors would like to receive the death gratuity payment, a tax free $100,000 payment used to offset costs encountered by families when a service member dies on active duty and in some Reserve statuses. Additionally, siblings may now be listed on a Sailor's Page 2 for transportation to attend burial services for service members who die on active duty.
Sailors must make sure addresses are current and all relatives and beneficiaries are clearly identified and accurate. Outdated information can delay notification of next-of-kin, or result in erroneous payments of benefits to persons other than those intended by the member.
Whether married or single, Sailors need to take time to review available benefits and determine their insurance needs, according to the NAVADMIN.
The message provides a summary of information on Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, Family Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance, and Veterans' Group Life Insurance available to Sailors and their families.
To learn more, read NAVADMIN 122/13 available at www.npc.navy.mil.
Navy Embraces Inclusion During 2013 Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Release Date: 4/29/2013 3:40:00 PM
By Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy joins our nation in celebrating the contributions of generations of patriots during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May.
The Navy announced April 29 in NAVADMIN 115/13, this year's national theme is "Building Leadership: Embracing Cultural Values and Inclusion,"
Inclusion is a recognition that diversity of ideas, experiences, areas of expertise, and backgrounds contribute significantly to the Navy's ability to fulfill its variety of missions both today and in the future. USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) exemplified this year's theme of embracing cultural values and inclusion by utilizing the talents, language skills, and cultural backgrounds of three Sailors to further their mission in the US Navy's first bilateral anti-piracy exercise with China's People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)).
In September 2012, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and the Chinese Frigate Yi Yang (FF 548) conducted visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) drills near the Horn of Africa to enhance cooperative anti-piracy efforts. During the exercise, three Churchill Sailors were utilized as translators.
Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Junwen Liang, Ship's Serviceman Seaman Qing Su, and Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Guo Rui Liu, all Chinese immigrants, played an integral role in the success of the exercise by bridging both the language and the cultural gaps between the two crews.
Liang, who immigrated to the United States from China at age 20, said he came to America speaking almost no English and joined the Navy after pursuing further education in New York. During the exercise, Liang performed as translator for Cmdr. Chris D. Stone, commanding officer of USS Winston S. Churchill.
"This is a unique opportunity to use both my native and adopted languages in service of my country," said Liang. According to Stone, "On-site translation and briefing on customs helped ensure solid communication between U.S. Navy and PLA(N) Sailors, along with aiding us in understanding the cultural nuances that help both sides better understand each other."
"My opportunity to take part in this exchange, and in the Navy itself, reminds me that I serve a country that accepts people from many different parts of the world," said Liang. "No matter where and how I serve, I'm still serving for my freedom and my country."
Asians and Pacific Islanders of various nationalities and ancestry have been serving in our Navy since the early 19th century. Asians and Pacific Islanders have continued to be at the forefront as leaders in every aspect of American life, including Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Hawaii's first Congressman and the first Japanese American to serve in Congress. Having enlisted in the US Army at age 17 and serving during the Second World War, Senator Inouye was a great champion of all the armed forces throughout his career. He received the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary heroism and indomitable leadership during an engagement in World War II. On Dec 17, 2012 Senator Inouye passed away, leaving behind a noted legacy of leadership and a drive to enhance inclusion in our Armed Forces and across our country.
In 2013, Sailors of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage comprise 6.5 percent of our active duty Naval force. Over 20,000 active duty Sailors, 4,000 Reservists, and 18,900 Navy civilian employees identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander, including 10 flag officers, 9 members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), and 176 master chief petty officers. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders encompass over 50 ethnic and language groups, representing a vast array of cultures, nationalities, and historical roots.
Directed by Congress in 1978 and established by Presidential Proclamation in 1979, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week was first observed the week of May 4, 1979. In 1990, President George H. W. Bush expanded the observance to encompass the entire month, and in 1992, Congress passed a law permanently designating May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.
The Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute provides printable posters, presentations, guidance for organizing observance, and educational facts on their website, http://www.deomi.org/ under the section "Special Observances."
NNS130515-10. Pearl Harbor Sets Sail for Pacific Partnership 2013
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samantha Webb, USS Pearl Harbor Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) departed its homeport of Naval Station San Diego, May 14, as the command platform for Pacific Partnership 2013.
This year's mission will partner the U.S. Navy with non-governmental organizations and regional partners including Australia, Canada, France, Japan and New Zealand to improve maritime security, conduct humanitarian assistance and strengthen regional disaster response preparedness.
Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet said missions such as Pacific Partnership strengthen international relationships, build trust and open the kind of dialogue between leaders that are necessary to deter conflict and address some of the most urgent and complex issues of our time.
"The U.S. Pacific Fleet is always prepared for battle, but we also operate to preserve the peace," said Haney. He added that multilateral missions like Pacific Partnership provide a huge benefit to the maritime security of all participating nations by increasing regional stability leading to peace and prosperity.
This year's mission commander is U.S. Navy Capt. Wallace Lovely, commodore of Hawaii-based Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 31. Lovely said this year's mission is unique in that it is the first to share mission leadership with partner nations.
"Australia will lead in Papua New Guinea, New Zealand will lead in both Kiribati and Solomon Islands, and the United States will lead in Samoa, Tonga and the Marshall Islands," said Lovely.
According to Lovely, sharing the lead responsibilities, and logistical resourcing among partner nations, will help the mission remain sustainable across of a range of future fiscal challenges. "I could not be more proud of the multilateral planning effort that has gone into this year's mission," Lovely said, "It has been a true team effort."
According to a U.S. Pacific Fleet release, Pacific Partnership, and missions like it, is a clear demonstration of the U.S. Navy's commitment to enhanced regional security and long-term stability throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
NNS130515-04. U.S. 5th Fleet Concludes Maritime Symposium
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command hosted the sixth Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium (MIPS), May 13-15, which brings together industry professionals, security personnel, and maritime corporations, with regional and coalition partners every 18 months.
MIPS is a three-day event, and had more than 130 attendees from countries throughout the region and from around the globe.
MIPS is designed to improve the defense and crisis response of partner, coalition, and infrastructure-related organizations. Presentations ranged from identifying and detecting infrastructure threats to the private sectors role in maritime security.
"When we look at these threats together: mines, pirates, terrorism, cooperation among states is both necessary and reasonably easy to achieve. Continued cooperation grows our collective interoperability," said Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, commander, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Forces Maritime Component commander.
The symposium brought together experts and stakeholders and included presentations, discussions, and working groups. The participants had opportunities to meet and discuss various concerns in person while fostering relationships to better execute infrastructure protections efforts.
"I was very pleased to see so much face to face discussion and interaction during the breaks," Miller said. "We grow out capacity for defensive, partnered ops by understanding each other." "That starts with a conversation, person to person exchange of ideas," added Miller.
The MIPS presentations centered on operations in government and private sectors focusing on the protection of infrastructures in the Arabian Gulf, but that could be easily adopted by concerned parties in all regions of the world.
"It is clear that we brought the right industry partners here, and that we have the right relationships with industry going forward to ensure that we continue to think beyond the problem today," said Miller.
The symposium included recommendations on collaborative approaches to maritime infrastructure protection, such as bi-lateral and multi-national exercise scenarios involving attacks against port infrastructures, coastal refineries, narcotics trafficking, and smuggling of people and equipment for an attack against gas and oil terminals.
"The maritime domain is a very complex and challenging place to operate. Those who seek to challenge us in the maritime environment through aggression, malign activity, or criminality in the sea lanes present a threat not only to regional stability but the entire global economy," Miller said. "Threats must be confronted by a collective body of mariners operating to keep the global commons open for responsible traffic. That collective body of mariners does not just mean militaries, it includes industry, and governmental organizations."
NAVCENT is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, parts of the Indian Ocean, and 20 countries. U.S. 5th Fleet's mission is to conduct maritime security operations, defeat violent extremism, and strengthen partner nations' maritime capabilities in order to promote security and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
Collaborating to conduct maritime security and protect valuable infrastructures is necessary for regional stability.
Maritime Security Operations (MSO) help set the conditions for security in the maritime environment. Security promotes stability which results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue of attack or to transport personnel, weapons, or other material.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-03. USS San Antonio Participates in IMCMEX 13
From USS San Antonio Public Affairs
SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) departed Bahrain in support of the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2013 (IMCMEX13), May 14.
Cmdr. Neil Koprowski, commanding officer, San Antonio, welcomed aboard officers from seven nations including the United Kingdom, Australia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) partners.
"It's a pleasure to welcome on board USS San Antonio so many fellow [international] naval officers for the first time," said Koprowski. "Our job during IMCMEX13 is to establish and test our ability to operate in partnership, to combat threats to maritime trade."
San Antonio is the flagship of the Combined Task Force (CTF) 523 for IMCMEX13. The command team aboard San Antonio will plan and execute numerous defense exercises using joint and coalition surface and air forces.
The ship's participation introduces Maritime Infrastructure Protection (MIP) serials to this year's exercise, which focuses on protecting maritime points of origin and arrival, such as ports or offshore terminals. This portion of the exercise will include shore and harbor security operations; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams; and the use of specialized aircraft.
San Antonio is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-15. Safety Handbook Launched for Training Commands
By Ensign Jacqui Wengler, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola announced the launch of a safety handbook, May 14, which will be used by collateral duty safety personnel at training commands around the world.
NETC has had a 68 percent reduction in on-duty lost time cases and a 58 percent off-duty lost time case reduction, the lowest case rate in more than five years for the domain, through the efforts of the collateral duty personnel throughout the training domain.
Cynthia Vargas, a safety specialist at NETC, credits educating the staff on known risk events for on-duty and off-duty activities such traffic safety, recreation and the motorcycle safety program as a factor for the reduction of safety incidents.
"Being proactive prior to any holidays, during Sailors' liberty and leave periods and during off duty recreational activities has made a huge impact in the thought process a Sailor makes in ensuring they make good risk choices," said Vargas.
To further help personnel, the handbook was created with the combined input from other safety professionals including collateral duty personnel within NETC and information from Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and the Naval Safety Center.
The CDSL handbook will serve as a pass-down to those who volunteer as a Collateral Duty Safety Liaison.
"Too often volunteers receive little to no turn-over from their predecessor and gaps within the organization occur to increase this problem," says Vargas. "The handbook provides a good foundation on which to build, and outlines their responsibilities to ensure successful operation of the Navy's Occupational Safety and Health programs. It identifies the four core elements necessary for a successful program: Mishap Reduction Efforts, Communication, Organization, and Compliance."
In order to continue decreasing the number of safety incidents, Vargas says communication is the important.
"We have to continue to provide information before major holidays," said Vargas. "Mentor young Sailors as you communicate with them daily, and ensure everyone has a capability to communicate safety shortfalls."
The Collateral Duty Safety Liaison (CDSL) handbook was developed by several safety specialists and collateral duty safety personnel throughout the NETC domain and is available to NETC staff through the Safety and Occupational Health webpage on the Enterprise Safety Applications Management System (ESAMS) website https://esams.cnic.navy.mil/ESAMS_GEN_2/LoginESAMS.aspx .
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-06. Navy Accepts Delivery of USNS Montford Point
From NAVSEA Office of Corporate Communications Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy accepted delivery of the first Mobile Landing Platform, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), from General Dynamics-NASSCO, May 14, in San Diego, Calif.
The Mobile Landing Platform is a new class of ship and highly flexible platform that will provide capability for large-scale logistics movements such as the transfer of light and heavy vehicles and equipment from sea to shore.
"MLP-1 has gone from concept to delivery in under five years, a remarkable feat reflecting the diligent work of the Navy and shipbuilding team from design through testing and trials," said Capt. Henry Stevens, PEO Ships' program manager for strategic and theater sealift. "With its open, reconfigurable mission deck, USNS Montford Point will deliver innovation and exceptional flexibility to future Fleet operations."
Delivery of Montford Point represents the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy and is a major milestone in the ship's transition to operational status. Delivery follows the successful completion of Acceptance Trials, evaluating the ship's major systems and equipment.
Named in honor of the 20,000 African-American Marine Corps recruits trained at Montford Point Camp, N.C., MLP-1 is a modular, adaptable platform that may be used across a broad range of military operations supporting multiple operational phases. Acting as a mobile seabase, MLP will be part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to provide prepositioned equipment and supplies with flexible distribution.
The 83,000 ton, 785-foot ship will leverage float-on/float-off technology, allowing Montford Point to partially submerge, facilitating easy movement of cargo and craft. Additionally, the ship's size allows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle and equipment stowage space and 380,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel storage. MLP-1 has a maximum speed of 15 knots and range of 9500 nautical miles.
Following delivery, the ship will undergo test and trials period to install and incorporate the ship's Core Capabilities Set (CCS) in Portland, Ore. The CCS includes modules that support a vehicle staging area, sideport ramp, large mooring fenders and up to three landing craft air cushioned (LCAC) vessel lanes. With this set of capabilities, MLP-1 is able to easily transfer personnel and vehicles from other vessels such as the large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSRs) onto LCAC vehicles and transport them ashore.
The ship is owned by U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) and operated by a 34-person civilian-mariner crew under contract to MSC. The Navy plans to integrate an MLP into each of MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadrons. These ships, coupled with a maritime prepositioning force (MPF), auxiliary dry cargo/ammunition ship (T-AKE) and legacy platforms, provide a first step in crafting a sea-based capability and illuminating future seabasing requirements.
MSC operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets - while balancing affordability and capability - is key to supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy.
NNS130515-13. New National Strategy for the Arctic Region has Implications for Navy
By Bob Freeman, Office of the Oceanographer of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The White House released a new National Strategy for the Arctic Region Friday, May 10, reflecting a growing recognition that the Arctic is opening up for human enterprise and will increasingly become a strategic priority for the United States.
As a maritime domain, the Arctic is also a key area of interest for the U.S. Navy. In 2009 the Navy signaled a renewed interest in the region with the release of an Arctic Roadmap to guide Navy policy, actions, and future investments related to the region.
"In the past the Arctic Ocean was largely inaccessible due to sea ice," said Rear Adm. Jon White, the Navy's senior oceanographer and director of Task Force Climate Change. "But diminishing sea ice is opening the region for greater economic development and human activity."
In a posting on the White House blog site, Patricia Cogswell of the National Security Staff stated that the new strategy "sets the U.S. Government's strategic priorities for the Arctic region." She described the end goal as "an Arctic region that is stable and free of conflict, where nations act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation, and where economic opportunities are pursued in a sustainable and responsible manner."
The strategy identifies three primary lines of effort for the federal government, each of which impacts the sea services. The first line of effort is "advancing U.S. security interests," a primary mission area of the Navy.
"The U.S. Navy is currently engaged in strategic planning to increase operational capabilities and infrastructure in the Arctic in future years," White said. "Within the next decade, I believe we'll be operating routinely in the Arctic with an appropriate presence that includes more than just submarines. We need to start preparing for that now," he added.
While he sees no imminent threat of conflict in the Arctic, White believes the presence of well-meaning naval forces acts as a stabilizing influence toward mutual prosperity and safe maritime activity.
A second line of effort is "pursuing responsible stewardship."
The strategy points out that the U.S. territorial waters in the Arctic are potentially rich in oil, natural gas, and mineral resources, and also offer commercial fishing and shipping opportunities. It emphasizes the management and development of resources in a sustainable manner that respects the fragile environment and the interests of indigenous peoples.
This line of effort includes an emphasis on research to better understand the changing climate and improve Arctic weather forecast capabilities, and on high resolution surveying of the seabed.
According to White, the Navy is already investing in significant Arctic research. "It is important that we improve our understanding of the environment for safety of operations," White noted, "because the Arctic will remain a harsh and challenging environment even as it becomes more accessible and active."
White pointed out that the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center, Miss., has assets that can assist in this national effort. The command manages a fleet of six world-class ocean survey vessels and operates some of the world's finest oceanographic analysis and prediction computer models.
The Navy also partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor polar ice movement at the National Naval Ice Center in Suitland, Md. This is in line with the National Arctic Strategy's third line of effort - building and maintaining cooperative relations with other federal agencies, as well as with Arctic nations and allies.
In an article posted by the American Forces Press Service on Friday, Dr. Daniel Y. Chiu, deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, said "DoD sees the opening of the Arctic waters in the decades ahead as a prime opportunity to work cooperatively in multilateral forums over time to promote a balanced approach to improving human and environmental security in the region."
"The Navy's global area of responsibility is growing as we add new coastline and a new ocean," White said. "With the fiscal challenges confronting us, we must use cooperative multilateral partnerships to successfully build an Arctic-capable force for the future."
White noted that the remoteness of the region, the vast area, the harsh environment, and the lack of supporting infrastructure combine to make the Arctic a more challenging environment than other oceans.
"The Navy will work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other Arctic nation sea services to ensure we can meet the same mission requirements in the Arctic as we do in, on, and above every other ocean in the world," White said.
The new Arctic strategy also emphasizes the importance of U.S. accession to the U. N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to White, the Convention preserves the rights, freedoms, and use of the sea while addressing resource development and national sovereignty claims. "The Navy has long supported ratification of the convention," White said. "Our allies and partners need the U.S. to acceed to the convention so that we may help influence the resolution of complex issues in every ocean." -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-08. Navy Lodge Program Earns First Ever Gold and Silver LEED Awards
By Susan Langless, NEXCOM Navy Lodge Program Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) Navy Lodge Program announced, May 15, that the U.S. Green Building Council has awarded the Navy Lodge North Island, Calif., a LEED Gold certification and the Navy Lodge Gulfport, Miss., a LEED Silver certification.
LEED is the nation's preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.
"The Navy Lodges underwent a $50 million expansion in 2012 with an eye on sustainability," explained Mike Bockelman, Vice President NEXCOM and Director of the Navy Lodge Program. "At the top of our priority list was long-term sustainability and good environmental stewardship. This green initiative will lead to lower operating costs and increased Navy savings, reduce waste sent to landfills and conservation of energy and water. We are proud to have achieved this prestigious distinction."
During its development and construction, the Navy Lodge North Island and the construction company, RQ Construction, took significant measures to ensure that the design, building and operation of the facility would reduce the impact on the environment.
Some of the sustainable features of the Navy Lodge North Island include sophisticated building controls system that continually monitors and adjusts energy usage; low flow water fixtures that significantly reduce water consumption; native landscaping that reduces the extent of required irrigation; in room energy management systems that avoid energy consumption in unoccupied guest rooms; maximized access to natural daylight; windows, walls and roofs with higher insulation values to minimize heat transfer and light reflective roofing materials. The Navy Lodge also participates in a recycling program which diverts cardboard from the landfills.
Navy Lodge Gulfport and the construction company, Yates Construction, also took significant measures to ensure that the design, building and operation of the facility would reduce the impact on the environment.
Some of the sustainable features include windows, walls and roofs with higher insulation values to minimize heat transfer in the warm southern climate; use of building materials with high recycled content including the carpeting which was made of recycled materials and installed without harmful Low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) adhesives; high efficiency HVAC systems route heating and cooling throughout the building based on individualized, local controls using much less energy than traditional temperature control systems; and the use of LED or compact fluorescent lighting which significantly reduces electrical usage. The Navy Lodge also participates in a recycling program to divert cardboard from the landfills
"We are extremely proud to have two of our Navy Lodges designated LEED certified properties," said Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi (Ret), chief executive officer, NEXCOM. "This significant certification recognizes the proactive efforts the Navy Lodge Program, NAVFAC, the Installation and the construction company took to design, build and operate more efficient, green lodges for the U.S. Navy."
NNS130515-07. Tuskegee University NROTC Holds First Commissioning
From Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs
TUSKEGEE, Ala. (NNS) -- The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit at Tuskegee University commissioned its first two naval officers in the University Chapel, May 10.
Ensigns Raymond Lanphere, 22, from Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Vandesscia Hamilton, 22, from Stone Mountain, Ga., received their commissions in the U.S. Navy as surface warfare officers.
"We could not be more proud of our graduates from Tuskegee University," said Rear Adm. Dee L. Mewbourne, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), who directly oversees the Naval ROTC program. "There is such a great tradition of military service and these new ensigns are following in those footsteps."
The NROTC program was established in 1926 to educate and train qualified young men and women for service as commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. Tuskegee University, known as the "pride of the swift, growing south" was founded July 4, 1881, in a one room shanty, near Butler Chapel AME Zion Church. Thirty adults represented the first class and Dr. Booker T. Washington was the first teacher. The Tuskegee NROTC unit stood up in 2009 and partners with the Auburn University NROTC unit because of their close geographic proximity. Tuskegee University is an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) that is located 20 miles away from Auburn University.
"Tuskegee University has a long-standing and illustrious relationship with the United States Armed Forces and its training programs in higher education, as evidenced by Tuskegee producing more African-American flag officers than any other college or university in America," said Gilbert L. Rochon, Tuskegee University president. "We are proud of the first cohort of graduating midshipmen and our entire NROTC program. We look forward to strengthening the partnership between the U.S. Navy and Tuskegee University for the betterment of students and the nation."
Before Hamilton and Lanphere took their Oath of Office, Capt. Richard Fox, commanding officer of the Auburn-Tuskegee Consortium and a Professor of Naval Science (PNS), challenged the two to lead from the front and remember they are the first two Tuskegee Navy officers and to blaze the trail for the midshipmen remaining in the unit and those yet to arrive.
"This is a momentous occasion for Ensigns Lanphere and Hamilton, but also for the Naval ROTC program and Tuskegee University," said Fox. "After four years of hard work and dedication these two individuals have accomplished a major milestone in their young lives and in our program. I have no doubt that the two officers will do great things in the fleet and I wish them all the best in their future endeavors."
The NROTC scholarship program fills a vital need in preparing future officers for leadership and management positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps. A four-year NROTC scholarship features full tuition at a select college or university, all college or university educational fees, a stipend for text books, all uniforms, three summer training events and a subsistence allowance for each academic month.
"I am extremely proud and overwhelmed that I made it," said Hamilton. "I entered into the Naval ROTC program my sophomore year from the Air Force ROTC program. To see myself finish as one of the first shows the determination, dedication, and sacrifices you must make. No matter what program you may complete, what matters is to be an effective leader and impact others positively.
Speaking to the rest of the unit and family and friends at the commissioning, Lanphere said everyone has potential, "but one thing we must first realize is that we have it, then activate it, and use it," he said. "To midshipmen across the nation, we are all faced with trials and tribulations but the main thing is to keep your goal in mind and work hard for what you want. Make decisions, learn from your mistakes, and continue to grow as an individual and as a leader. The only person or thing stopping you is you but never forget where you came from and help those around you."
Hamilton came into the Tuskegee NROTC program four years ago as a "plank owner" (the first group of midshipmen) and now "I'm the only one that made it through on time," she said. "It's really a testament to the rigorous training and demand the naval services put on future naval officers. I was honored to be given this opportunity four years ago and am truly thankful to all my friends and family that gave me the support I needed to come out on top."
The NROTC program was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, loyalty and Navy core values in order to commission college graduates as Naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the Naval service and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.
Mewbourne and his NSTC staff, headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., oversee 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy. This includes the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at more than 160 colleges and universities; Officer Training Command (OTC) on Naval Station Newport, R.I.; Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy's only boot camp, at Great Lakes, Ill.; and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide.
NNS130515-05. International Frigate Working Group Visits Southeast Regional Maintenance Center
By Chris D. Tucker, Southeast Regional Maintenance Center Public Affairs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The International Frigate Working Group (IFWG), hosted by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., visited the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (SERMC), May 9.
The working group consisted of partner countries that use the Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate, including Australia, Egypt, Turkey, Poland, Taiwan and Pakistan. The group meets annually to share ideas and lessons learned relating to the frigate class.
After being briefed by the commanding officer and executive director on the role SERMC serves for the surface ships, including valuable lessons learned from maintaining the Perry-class frigate, the members of the IFWG were provided an in-depth tour of the production facilities at SERMC.
"I was very impressed with SERMC, especially the extent of the facilities and the wide-array of capabilities here. I wish [SERMC] personnel could come to Australia to share their lessons learned with our maintenance personnel," said Capt. Mona Shindy, an attendee from the Royal Australian Navy.
Though all of the remaining Perry-class frigates in the U.S. Navy fleet are scheduled to be decommissioned over the next few years, there is a lot of corporate knowledge at U.S. Navy maintenance centers, such as SERMC. Working groups, such as the IFWG, provides an excellent opportunity to share that knowledge and lessons learned with our allied partner countries.
For more news from Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Centers, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrmc/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-02. Reps. Wittman, Scott Host Families at Service Academy Day at NWS Yorktown
By Mark O. Piggott, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs
YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Rep. Rob Wittman and Rep. Bobby Scott, both of Virginia, hosted more than 200 high school and middle school students, their parents and school guidance counselors at Service Academy Day, May 11, aboard Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Yorktown.
The briefing and panel discussion provided a comprehensive overview of the United States service academies, their admission process as well as how to get a nomination from your local congressional representative.
"Today is about giving you some insight in the academy selection process," Rep. Wittman told the audience. "These are extraordinary, world class institutions. If you got to any publication that rates academic institutions of higher learning, you will find these five schools are always ranked in the top ten."
The schools represented include the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.; U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y.; U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Co.; U.S. Coast Guard Academy at New London, Conn.; and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, N.Y. The advice Wittman and all the service academy representatives gave to the students and their families was simple; be well-rounded in everything.
"You have to think of it as a 'whole person concept' when applying. It's academics, standardized test scores, athletics, extra-curricular activities and participation in the community; there's not one element that stands alone," Rep. Wittman explained. "You need to have a broad experience, doing as much as you can and excelling at all the different aspects of your life. If you do that, you will be tremendously competitive."
Wittman represents the First District of Virginia. He serves on the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Armed Services Committee where he is the Chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. Additionally, he is on the Board of Visitors for the U.S. Naval Academy. A majority of people applying for an academy nomination comes from military families and knows what it takes to be successful in the military; leadership.
"Our job is to train future leaders of this country, period," said David Harriss from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. "The academics are rigorous, but when you graduate, you get a skill that's immediately marketable."
"All the academies represented here are about leadership training," said Col. Robert "Tex" Turner, U.S. Army (Ret.), speaking for the U.S. Military Academy. "We train to lead; to lead our Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to face the enemy."
The selection process starts with individual congressional district's convening a Service Academy Board, consisting of former academy graduates who help review applications of students wanting a nomination from their representative. Each congressional district gets 10 nominations for each academy. On an average, more than 150 applications are submitted annually to Wittman's office for a nomination letter.
"Once those 10 nominations are put in place, the service academies select from those nominations," Rep. Wittman continued. "On an average every year, about 1-3 students from those 10 nominations are selected for admission to the service academies. It is a very competitive process."
After a panel discussion and "Question and Answer" session with the attendees, the service academy representatives as well as representatives from the congressional staffs spoke "one-on-one" with students and parents to help them through what will be a long application process. But for them, the reward is worth the wait.
"At this point in your academic career, you have the ability to choose your own path about the courses that you take, the activities that you're involved with and your athletic pursuits. All those are things you can do now to prepare yourself to be competitive for this process," Rep. Wittman concluded.
NNS130514-35. NAVFAC Pacific Welcomes New Commander to Helm
By Krista K. Catian, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Pacific Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Capt. Bret Muilenburg relieved Rear Adm. Scott Weikert as commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific during a change of command ceremony May 14 at NAVFAC Pacific headquarters.
NAVFAC Commander and Chief of Civil Engineers Rear Adm. Kate Gregory delivered the keynote address and welcomed Muilenburg back to the NAVFAC team and praised Weikert for the sacrifices he's made to serve in the Pacific.
"We are lucky to have Bret Muilenburg take on this position. There's nobody better suited for this job," said Gregory. "He really understands what we, the NAVFAC team, does out in the Pacific. We welcome and thank you for all that you've done to prepare and be here for this."
Muilenburg, a familiar face around the Navy community in Hawaii, most recently served with Commander, Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) as a staff member; chief of staff for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH); and commanding officer of NAVFAC Hawaii.
Muilenburg was nominated in March for appointment to the rank of rear admiral and assumes command of approximately 4,000 military and civilian men and women who work for NAVFAC Pacific and its three Facilities Engineering Commands in Hawaii, Guam and Japan. He will also serve as the PACFLT Civil Engineer.
A native of Titusville, Fla., Muilenburg was commissioned a Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) officer after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1984. His extensive educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science Degree in Engineering Management from George Washington University, and Master of Science Degree in Environmental Engineering and Science from Stanford University. In addition, Muilenburg completed the Executive Education Advanced Program at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
He is a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) Officer and his operational tours of duty include assignments with Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB) 62, 133 and 7, along with the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (NCR). Prior to reporting to PACFLT in 2012, Muilenburg served as commodore, 30th NCR; and commander, Task Force Forager and theater engineers for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command in Afghanistan.
"It's nice to be back, we're delighted and particularly glad to have the opportunity now to work with NAVFAC Pacific," said Muilenburg. "This organization is known for decades for handling tough jobs with extreme competence and achievement with quality individuals, which I've had the pleasure to work with these past months, and I look forward to the future with you. I'm very proud to serve with all of you folks."
Muilenburg is a registered professional engineer in Virginia, a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and his personal awards include Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and the Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Environmental Quality Award.
"Admiral Weikert sacrificed a lot to make sure our Navy could do what it needed to do to provide security out here in the Pacific," said Gregory. "It's truly a tremendous effort, and I thank you for all you've done to make that happen. You have really shown what it means to be a naval officer and citizen of the United States."
Weikert served as NAVFAC Pacific commander from October 2012 to May 2013. During his tenure, he led and inspired the team in fiscally challenging times and was a tremendous leader and team player. He will continue to serve as deputy commander for NAVFAC and deputy chief of civil engineers. Weikert plans to retire from the Navy in September 2013.
"This has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying experiences in my professional career," said Weikert. "I've never served in Hawaii and didn't know what Ohana was about, but I do now. I have the greatest respect and admiration for you, your patience, your perseverance, your professionalism and for the broad range of products and service you provide to our Navy. I thank you for everything you've taught me, and I will forever be grateful for that."
NNS130514-34. SPAWAR Spearheads Wounded Warrior Networking Event for REBOOT Graduates
By By Tina C. Stillions, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) and National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (NVTSI), organizers of the REBOOT Workshop, hosted a senior leadership panel discussion and networking forum for wounded warriors, May 14.
The event is part of an effort facilitated by SPAWAR to provide employment support and mentoring opportunities for the region's wounded warriors and transitioning veterans. SPAWAR leadership has made a commitment to help veterans, in particular wounded warriors, find employment as they transition from active duty. One of the ways they are supporting the community is through networking opportunities co-sponsored with NVTSI.
Capt. Scott Hoffman, deputy commander for contracts at SPAWAR, kicked off the panel session.
"Wounded warriors and veterans, we are an Information Dominance systems command but please don't let the IT scare you off," said Hoffman. "There are a lot of positions throughout the organization. We have exceeded our wounded warrior hiring goals these past few years and once the hiring freeze is adjudicated. We will be looking to increase those numbers again at SPAWAR."
The networking event was developed as part of national effort to help veterans, many of whom are wounded, ill or injured, as they transition to civilian life and find employment. SPAWAR works with organizations such as NVTSI to mentor veterans and help smooth the process as they move from active duty to the civilian world.
According to Kelly Price Noble, business development director for NVTSI and REBOOT, the organization has graduated more than 800 participants and held 50 classes to date.
"The REBOOT Workshop has taken off, and we are now national," said Price Noble. "Our leadership at NVTSI has been in contact with the current administration in Washington, including Michelle Obama. They have been informed about the national program and are supportive of our efforts."
The REBOOT Workshop program started in 2010 as a way to assist transitioning service members who had spent part of their working life on active duty. NVTSI coined the workshop REBOOT because when entering the military one "boots up." Hence, the name REBOOT when crossing the blue line off active duty into the civilian world.
The three week workshop consists of training in developing interviewing techniques and advice on how to sell their skill sets to future employers. It is intended to augment the military's Transition Assistance Program, assist with the networking process and help bridge that gap between active duty and civilian employment.
More than 18 businesses, from large corporations to small businesses and nonprofits, participated in the networking portion of the event. Representatives from Indus, Booz Allen Hamilton, POGO Inc. and Client Solution Architects, to name a few, provided booths and resources for veterans and wounded warriors interested in mentoring advice or employment opportunities.
"It's all about networking today," said Mark McLean, SPAWAR's event organizer. "Individuals getting out of the military often don't have a network. We brought in organizations like AFCEA and NDIA to facilitate the process, which will certainly help them with their networking."
Transitioning veterans attending the day's event were hopeful and found value in the panel discussion and networking opportunities.
Carlo Luna was one of those veterans attending the networking event. Luna spent seven years in the Navy as an aircraft mechanic and left active duty in October of 2012. He is currently attending Coleman College and is studying computer information systems. He went through the REBOOT Workshop after leaving active duty.
"The REBOOT Workshop helped me organize my goals and determine what I needed to do to get back to a civilian lifestyle," said Luna. "I highly recommend attending REBOOT, especially if you are uncertain about transitioning. It helps get a good first step. They reach out to you and give you help when you need it."
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the unemployment rate for veterans is higher than the general population. Part of the problem is that veterans who entered the service right out of high school often lack the education necessary to succeed in today's stiff job market. Veterans with disabilities often face an even more difficult challenge due to their injury.
John Funk, who recently left the Navy after 28 years of service and is now deputy for the SPAWAR Fleet Readiness Directorate, summed it up.
"I've been on both sides of the table, so I know how the uncertainty feels," said Funk, a retired Captain. "When I'm hiring, I want someone who is enthusiastic and passionate. I want to see those qualities during the interview process. I want to see that you've done the research, tailored your resume and have targeted it for a specific job. I want to see that fire in your belly that I know you have from being of service to your country."
The Navy's Information Dominance Systems Command, SPAWAR participates regularly in events and programs for wounded warriors with a goal of providing support to the men and women who have served their nation. The senior leadership panel discussion and networking forum is part of an ongoing series of programs that facilitate employment and mentoring opportunities for wounded warriors and transitioning veterans.
NNS130515-09. Team Navy Sprints to Gold at 2013 Warrior Games
By Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor Public Affairs
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- Team Navy racked up 14 medals, including six gold medals, at Warrior Games track and field events at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., May 14.
Retired Builder Constructionman Roy "Daniel" Peters collected two gold medals in the men's shot put and discus competitions for visually impaired athletes. His teammate, retired Master-at-Arms Seaman Steven Hancock, earned two gold medals in the same competitions for wheelchair athletes.
"It felt really good to get those gold medals for Team Navy. I tried my best, and my best prevailed," said Hancock, who was injured in 2009 and is now confined to a wheelchair. "It made all of my hard work during the past year-and-a-half worth it. Now I am just going to keep working towards the Endeavor Games next month, which are followed by the Nationals."
Additionally, retired Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Max Rohn, a lower-body amputee, clinched the gold medal in a men's discus contest (other ambulatory). On the track, Lt. Timothy Kraynack took home a gold medal in a men's 1,500-meter race (below the knee (single and double).
"We saw six lifetime-best throws on the field today," said Team Navy field coach Kent Pagel. "It was just an outstanding performance from some very hard-working men. Both Hancock and Peters have the potential to work their way up to the Paralympic level."
Despite weather challenges and delays, Team Navy also collected two silver medals and six bronze medals - including a bronze in the men's 4x100-meter relay (open) and various other track and field events.
While the track and field events were concluding, some members of Team Navy and their families enjoyed a lively wheelchair tennis clinic hosted by the U.S. Tennis Association at the U.S. Air Force Academy's indoor tennis facility. Nearly 50 people received an introduction to the sport and tried it out on the courts.
In the evening, Team Navy went head-to-head against Team Air Force on the basketball court, ultimately earning a decisive victory of 33-18. That win advances Team Navy to the bronze medal game against the Marines, May 15.
On the seated volleyball court, Team Navy fell to both the Army and the Marines in two sets. The team will face off against the United Kingdom, May 15, for the bronze medal in what promises to be an exciting rematch.
Team Navy is sponsored by Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. The team members have upper-body and/or lower-body injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, visual impairments, serious illnesses, and/or post-traumatic stress.
For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-16. Nurse Corps Birthday in Djibouti Observed by Naval Hospital Bremerton Deployers
By Douglas H Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash and CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- Being forward deployed halfway around the world didn't dissuade Two Navy Nurse Corps officers from Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) celebrated their corps'105th birthday on May 13, at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti.
Lt. Cmdr. Tara Moore and Lt. Megan Price, currently assigned to Camp Lemonnier Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF), took a brief respite to enjoy the traditional celebratory cake in their corps honor.
NHB made certain that although both are gone, they are not forgotten. During the recognition ceremony of the Navy Nurse Corps' inception at NHB several days earlier on May 10, a table was set aside for signing cards and adding personal touches to boxes being readied to mail overseas.
"Support to our deployed nurses typically includes emails, letters and care packages from the Nursing Association, their immediate nursing leadership and their sponsor. We forwarded the birthday messages to them as well. In addition, I send cards to our nurses on the various holidays throughout the year as well as including them in our quarterly nursing newsletter," said Capt. Iris Boehnke, NHB Nursing Services Director.
Moore, from Dickinson, N.D. and Price, a Craig, Colo. native are staff nurses providing medical services to approximately 4,500 U.S., joint and allied forces military and civilian personnel, and U.S. Department of Defense contractors.
For Moore, the difference is striking from her last deployment to Afghanistan.
"In Afghanistan, I worked more with the local nationals. We couldn't leave the base and there was a different mission. There we took care of mostly war trauma, and here it's more sports trauma," said Moore, adding that the EMF is small and because everyone knows everyone, they all work together in a big family-like atmosphere.
Along with sports-trauma injuries, the daily sick call fills with such ailments as orthopedic concerns and internal medicine needs, there are on-base accidents and incidents that require immediate medical attention. The harsh Horn of Africa setting also lends to heat related injuries, respiratory infections, gastro-intestinal illness, and skin-care/dermatologic conditions.
Moore and Price also help provide acute medical care, emergent and limited elective surgical care, preventive medicine services, physical therapy, pharmacy, laboratory and radiological services.
"I take care of anybody who comes into the EMF. The illnesses and injuries in this area of responsibility are more heat related and there are also frequent cases of diarrhea," Moore explained, noting that one difference from NHB to the EMF is that the nurses - four registered nurses and one certified registered nurse anesthetist - have more autonomy in carrying out their responsibilities.
"Taking care of the wide array of patients here is challenging. You have to know a little about everything versus being back home where you work in a specific ward. So you get a little more out of your comfort zone. The most gratifying aspect is that I learn something new every day," said Moore.
"The services we provide here are different because of there's a difference in the type of patients. I saw a lot older demographic at NHB. The service members here are younger and healthier," added Price, sharing that the EMF nurses rotate through the one ward while managing sick calls and triage needs during the course of the work day.
"What's gratifying is that I get to see the full effect of my care on our patients. I get to see them healthy and back to work," Price said.
A typical day at the EMF revolves around just where the strategic location of Camp Lemonnier. The former French base, named after French Gen. Emile Lemonnier- an artillery officer, was used for field and air defense artillery batteries, and is situated near the Djibouti coast straddling the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The average temperature for this time of year hovers just below triple digits. The arid terrain and unforgiving climate put a premium on constant medical awareness when working in such a sun-bleached environment.
A typical day for Moore has her "applying sun block, drinking lots of water, taking doxy (malaria medication), putting on bug spray, working out and working," she said.
The unexpected perk for both nurses is been the opportunity to experience the local culture. Each has come away with favorable memories.
"I've spent some time in Djibouti City, and I've enjoyed experiencing the different cultural perspective on life. I also really enjoyed participating in medical English discussion exchanges with local Djiboutian medical students," said Price.
"Just being able to leave the base, unlike on other deployments, and experience the culture has been fun. I've been able to go scuba diving and visit the animal preserve. This is a different part of the world in the sense that it isn't commercialized. There aren't tourists," Moore said.
The two Navy Nurses are providing agile and adaptable capabilities in carrying out their deployment duties in support of the warfighter. They have fit their skill-sets to the job at hand and recommend other following to do the same.
"Ensure your clinical skills are as strong as they can be. Also, be flexible and willing to work with anyone and everyone," Moore said.
Price echoed the same sentiments, "Be flexible and adaptable and make the best of your time here. The teamwork here is really good. Everyone pulls together to get the job done."
Camp Lemonnier is the primary base of operations for U.S. Africa Command in the Horn of Africa and is home to Commander, Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa, and operates and sustains superior service to support regional and combatant command requirements; and enables operations in the Horn of Africa while fostering positive U.S.-African Nation relations.
Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN-
-USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS020131-16. This Day in Naval History - May 15
By Navy News Service
1800 - CAPT Preble in Essex arrives in Batavia, Java, to escort U.S. merchant ships. 1942 - First Naval Air Transport Service flight across Pacific. 1991 - Amphibious Task Force arrives at Chittagong, Bangladesh, for relief operations after Cyclone Marian.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval historical Center Web site at http://www.history.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN-
Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
DNU -- Headlines for Thursday, May 16, 2013: Secretary of Defense Orders Recruiter,SAPR Retraining; NEX Announces Changes to Price Match Policy -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18443
NNS130516-07. Motorcycle Mentorship Program Required at All Commands
By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The most recent change to the Navy's Traffic Safety Instruction, OPNAVINST 5100.12J, requires commands to set up mentorship programs for motorcycle riders. These programs are designed to give experienced riders the opportunity to teach new riders how to be successful on their bikes.
"Mentors are those who have been through it," said Stan Jones, the Naval Safety Center's Motorcycle Safety Representative and an advisor to mentorship programs across the fleet. "It's a mindset. Experienced riders have the moral authority to provide tips on riding that the training courses don't have the time to go into."
Required training courses, such as the Basic Rider Course and Military Sportbike Rider Course, are designed to teach the basics of bike handling and risk management.
"Training provides the basic skills in a controlled environment, but mentorships are about getting out on the open road, in traffic, riding outside of the square box of a training course," Jones said.
He suggested that Sailors look for mentors who ride the same type motorcycle. Sportbike riders should pair with other sportbike riders and cruiser riders should seek mentors who have experience on cruisers because the nuances of the bikes are different.
He also suggested that the traditional rank structure of the Navy may be relaxed during mentorship discussions and rides.
"There will always be that respect for rank, but it's important to move from that mentality to a rider role. You don't want new riders to feel pressured. They should want to be there," Jones said.
He also pointed out that when it comes to motorcycles, inexperienced riders come in all ages and ranks.
"A Second Class Petty Officer who grew up on sportbikes may be a mentor to a Chief who is just transitioning from a cruiser to a sportbike," he said.
The requirements for mentorship in the instruction leave a lot of latitude for commands to design their own programs. The instruction states, "Commands should tailor the motorcycle mentorship program to address the individual commands' training requirements, ridership, local area and resources available."
To that end, small commands with few riders are permitted to team up with other commands to maximize the mentorship opportunities.
In fiscal year (FY) 2012, 20 Sailors and Marines lost their lives in motorcycle accidents. As of May 10, 2013, as the spring and summer motorcycle riding season was beginning, that number for FY 2013 stood at 18. Department of the Navy leadership believes preventable deaths like these are simply unacceptable. They have reinvigorated Navy and Marine Corps efforts to ensure the safe use of motor vehicles and motorcycles with the expectation that senior Sailors and Marines set the example of zero tolerance for: unsafe driving, failure to comply with requirements and regulations, and drinking and driving. Under the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative, it is expected that leaders at all levels will establish formal policy to ensure any drinking and driving infraction is properly reviewed prior to promotion.
Safety is an important element of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine initiative which consolidates a set of objectives and policies, new and existing, to maximize Sailor and Marine personal readiness, build resiliency and hone the most combat-effective force in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. The Department of the Navy is working to aggressively to ensure today's Sailors and Marines serve in the safest, most secure force the Department has ever known.
Help raise awareness by joining the conversation on social media using #NavySmartRide and #Motorcycle.
-USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-09. Navy Leaders Say for Wounded Warriors, Best Yet to Come
By David Vergun, Army News Service
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (NNS) -- The biggest message everyone should take away from this week's Warrior Games is that "the best time in the lives of wounded warriors is still ahead," said a top Navy leader.
Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs Juan M. Garcia spoke May 15 during wheelchair basketball games at the Air Force Academy.
He said the motivation and commitment wounded warriors have shown here demonstrates that they will succeed at anything they put their minds to.
These wounded warriors "were great athletes before they were injured and now they're even better athletes, having overcome their physical and emotional challenges," he said.
And, the Navy and the other services will have their backs, he added.
"I want all service members and their families to know that even in this difficult budget environment, wounded warrior programs are fenced off," he said. "That's our commitment to these young men and women who raised their right hands and went into harm's way. It's a lifetime commitment."
Garcia didn't just visit the wounded warriors this week, he interacted with them on a personal level, even joining the Navy/Coast Guard team and later the Marine Corps team in wheelchair basketball practice sessions.
The experience "was humbling," he said, adding that he was sore from the games for a long time.
The athletes take the competition seriously, he said, while watching the Navy/Coast Guard team play the Marines. He said he was conflicted over which sea service team to root for.
Also speaking at the wheelchair games May 15 was Vice Adm. Kevin Michael McCoy, commander of Naval Sea Systems Command.
He described the atmosphere at the games as "supercharged."
"These athletes are showing the same passion and tenacity as they had on the battlefield," he said. "That's a real testament to what these folks can do. They still have the heart and the teamwork and the perseverance."
McCoy said that he and his NavSea command are so impressed by the wounded warrior's skills, experience, achievements and attitude that over the past four years, they've hired some 1,600 wounded warriors who are now designing, building and overhauling the Navy's fleet of ships.
NavSea is the largest employer of wounded warriors in the government and he said he can't hire enough of them -- from all the services.
McCoy has visited Warrior Games every year since its conception in 2010.
Another thing he said that impressed him was the "incredible development of those athletes who choose to return to the games each year."
He added that it's also great to see their families in attendance to support them.
By U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The sixth Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium (MIPS), a three day symposium held from 13 - 15 May, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, concluded today after a senior leader panel that included representatives from industry and international militaries.
MIPS saw more than 130 attendees from countries throughout the region and globe, gather to discuss security, technology and environmental concerns.
Presentations included Liquid Natural Gas Shipping and Safety Concerns, unmanned underwater vehicle developments, Cyber Threats to Maritime Infrastructure, Law of Naval Mining, Marine Mammal Systems, and Oil Spill Response: Security Considerations and Overview of International Response Systems to name a few.
"When we look at these threats together: mines, pirates, terrorism, cooperation among states are all necessary and reasonably easy to achieve. Continued cooperation grows our collective interoperability," said Vice Adm. John Miller, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command; Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces.
Besides the myriad of briefings and the senior leader panel, participants had the opportunity to share ideas in working groups and lessons learned panels as part of interpersonal and international engagements designed to raise collective knowledge of MIP. These interactions also foster relationships to better execute infrastructure protections efforts.
"I was very pleased to see so much face to face discussion and interaction during the breaks," Miller said. "We grow our capacity for defensive, partnered operations by understanding each other," he said. "That starts with a conversation, person to person exchange of ideas."
While briefings and discussions focused mainly on regional threats and issues, the topics, techniques and practices in these discussions could be adapted to global environments, which participants from all 41 countries could benefit from.
The MIPS symposium is held every 18 months and typically enjoys a multitude of international participants.
"The maritime domain is a very complex and challenging place to operate. Those who seek to challenge us in the maritime environment through aggression, malign activity, or criminality in the sea lanes present a threat not only to regional stability but the entire global economy," Miller said. "Threats must be confronted by a collective body of mariners operating to keep the global commons open for responsible traffic. That collective body of mariners does not just mean militaries, it includes industry, and governmental organizations," he said.
U.S. Naval Forces Central Command is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, parts of the Indian Ocean, and 20 countries. U.S. Fifth Fleet's mission is to conduct maritime security operations, defeat violent extremism, and strengthen partner nations' maritime capabilities in order to promote security and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-12. USS Essex Recognized as Most Pro-Active SAPR Command
By Communication Specialist 1st Class Sandra M. Palumbo
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Essex (LHD 2) was one of five commands recently awarded most SAPR pro-active command during a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate recognition ceremony held at Naval Base San Diego (NBSD).
"The Essex has amazed me since the moment I have taken over as the SARC a year and half ago," said Kat Wager, NBSD sexual assault response coordinator.
"From the leadership to the deck plate, people on the Essex know about the SAPR program," she added.
Wager explained some of the reasons Essex received the award May 10, including the ship's participation in support of NBSD's SAPR program, its complete and diverse SAPR team, and the fact she has yet to meet an Essex Sailor who didn't know who their victim advocates were.
Fleet and Family Support Center San Diego hosted the event and 19 NBSD commands were nominated for the award, but only five commands were recognized because they demonstrated SAPR awareness, educated their Sailors throughout the year and celebrated the spirit of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in unique ways.
"There were five commands recognized because the Fleet and Family Support Center wanted to represent all command platforms to include large, small, afloat and ashore commands," said Wager.
Besides Essex the other commands recognized included Naval Medical Center, San Diego, Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, USS Milius (DDG 69) and Afloat Training Group San Diego.
Also recognized at the ceremony was Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Alberto Nixon of Essex's dry-docking planned maintenance availability quality and assurance team. He received runner-up for the 2013 NBSD Victim Advocate of the Year award.
"I never once thought I would get this type of recognition for doing something like SAPR," said Nixon. "I always do this from the heart. It means a lot and I am happy to be recognized."
To be nominated for the Victim Advocate of the Year award a candidate must have served as a victim advocate for six months, be in compliance with the SAPR VA program training requirements, worked directly with victims of sexual assault, demonstrated compassion and respect, participated in command SAPR trainings and SAAM events as well as help broaden SAPR awareness at their command.
Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Soda Mean is Essex's SAPR command point of contact and oversees the ship's SAPR program as well as the ship's 15 SAPR victim advocates.
"I am very proud of the Essex SAPR Program," said Capt. Joker L. Jenkins, commanding officer of Essex. "I am very proud of Senior Chief Mean who runs the program and I am proud of AO1 Nixon. They have done it all on their own initiative. All of the SAPR victim advocates have been self starters and have been doing this for the benefit of the crew and the command."
Essex is currently undergoing an 18-month maintenance phase that is scheduled to be complete in early 2014.
NNS130516-16. U.S. and Mexican Navy Enhance Logistics by Information Exchange
By By Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Oliver-Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) hosted a delegation of Mexican Navy staff members May 7 for a shipboard demonstration of the U.S. Navy's unit-level logistics process.
The Mexican Navy staff's visit to Third Fleet and I Marine Expeditionary Force units is intended to strengthen military operations between the U.S. and Mexico by familiarizing senior logisticians with U.S. Navy supply and maintenance systems.
"USS Gary can't operate without a comprehensive logistics system," affirmed Cmdr. James Brown, Gary's Commanding Officer. "If our nations understand each other's logistics systems, we each can work together more effectively."
Brown led the Mexican Navy staff members on a tour of Gary, as crewmembers simulated a discrepancy in a routine maintenance check. Brown was able to showcase how a non-supply rated petty officer could order a part and maintain the ship's equipment at sea.
"Our technicians are more than capable and our training has showcased the ease of the Navy's supply corps," said Lt. Pedro Vargasdiaz, the supply officer aboard Gary. "A good supply corps enables a ship to complete its mission. Engineering departments and even combat systems understand the mission is dependent on supply's ability to support them."
The Navy's logistics system empowers Sailors from the lowest levels to be able to maintain their own equipment and systems. With a global network of assets and warehouses, a deployed naval unit can receive resources at sea without the need to pull into port.
"During our last deployment to Panama, we had interaction with the Mexican Navy as we performed anti-drug operations in the 4th Fleet," said Brown. "Now in port these demonstrations give an opportunity for us to know our partners on a personal level and have that discussion on what has worked well."
Gary also used this opportunity to showcase how Navy logistics aides the sustainment of the ship while at sea. These efforts will set conditions for future sustainment engagement events with the Mexican Navy to enhance cooperation.
Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. Third Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect collective maritime interest of the U.S and its allies and partners.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-02. Carbon Leaf Performs For IKE Sailors
By MCSA Kameren Guy Hodnett
U.S. 5TH Fleet Area of Responsibility (NNS) -- Carbon Leaf performed for Sailors aboard the deployed aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) in the ship's hangar bay May 15.
The Southern Celtic-rock band played many of their hit songs such as "Let Your Troubles Go By," which was dedicated to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7. A few hundred Sailors attended the performance, enjoying some downtime at the end of flight operations.
"I thought the concert was awesome," said Lt. Tommy Powers an E-2C Hawkeye Pilot assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121. "I'm a huge fan of Carbon Leaf and could probably name every song they sang tonight."
While aboard IKE, the band toured the ship, observed flight operations, and signed autographs.
"It has been pretty inspiring coming aboard IKE," said Barry Privett, Carbon Leaf's lead singer. "I've been on an aircraft carrier before once as a kid, but I've never performed on one so this was a true experience for me."
Carbon Leaf is originally from Richmond, Va. and has been together since 1992. The band consists of Barry Privett, Terry Clark, Carter Gravatt, Jason Neal and Jon Markel. Their genre is a mix between indie rock, alternate country, folk rock and Celtic, which gives their music a unique sound.
Since many Sailors were familiar with the band, Carbon Leaf received song requests via Facebook before they came aboard.
"I guess I thought the Sailors out here probably never heard of us," said Clark, the band's lead guitarist. "To my surprise, we got emails and Facebook messages from Sailors around the ship requesting songs. Everybody we've met has been from Virginia, which is pretty cool because we are from Virginia."
During the concert, the band expressed their gratitude not only to IKE Sailors but for service members around the world.
"I think it is a unique privilege to come out to the Eisenhower and see how the Sailors operate and to perform for everyone aboard," Pivett told the crowd. "If anyone wants to reach out to us send us a Facebook message, we love hearing from people and we try to respond to everyone especially service members because we really appreciate everything they do for the country."
For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-23. Continuing Promise Gift Helps American Veterans
By Commander Lewis Preddy, COMUSNAVSO/COMFOURTHFLT Communication Synchronization Public Affairs
TALLAHASEE, Fla. (NNS) -- When the Navy cancelled Continuing Promise 2013 deployment due to sequestration, 280 brand-new wheelchairs from The Wheelchair Foundation, provided for the deployment mission to 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility. (AOR), no longer had a final destination.
Turns out these wheelchairs were just what some American Veterans needed for their visit to the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.. The Tallahassee, Florida, Chapter of the Honor Flight Networ was planning a trip for Veterans from the Tallahassee area, but needed wheelchairs for the mission.
The Honor Flight Network is a non profit organization that transports American Veterans to Washigton D.C. to visit their memorials, with the priority being to senior Veterans such as World War II survivors. "We need wheelchairs because the youngest of our World War II Veterans is 85 years old," said Captain Scott Barry, Special Operations Director for the Leon County Florida Emergency Management Service. "The wheelchairs allow us to safely transport many of the Veterans and help keep them comfortable as they go from place to place."
Capt. Barry contacted the Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Chapter of the Wheelchair Foundation, who had provided the 280 wheelchairs to U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. Fourth Fleet (USNAVSO/FOURTHFLT) for Continuing Promise 2013. After a few phone calls and emails, the wheelchairs, located in Norfolk, Virginia, were redirected to the Honor Flight Network.
But one hurdle remained how to get the wheelchairs loaded onto trucks in Norfolk and taken to Tallahassee in time for the Veterans' trip to Washington, D.C. That's where a group of Fleet Logistic Center Norfolk volunteers contributed their time and talents to palletize the wheelchairs and stage them for shipment. Approximately 20 Sailors and civilians loaded approximately 35 Pallets on two United Parcel Service semi-trucks for the trip to Tallahassee.
On May 11th, 79 Veterans made the trip to Washington, D.C. Volunteers from the Honor Flight Network,, greeted the Veterans at the Tallahassee and Baltimore airports, and provided a police escort to and from the Memorial, all to say thank you for their service. "Many of the Veterans told me this was one, if not best day of their lives," said Capt. Barry. "Not only did they get to visit the Memorial but also made connections with other Vets in our area and now will continue to support each other in their final years."
"We are pleased that we were able to play a small role in helping these American heroes see their Memorial," said Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/Commander U.S. 4th Fleet.. Harris went on to say.
"We like to say that we do real work to help real people to make a real difference, and in this instance, we were fortunate to have just what the Honor Flight Network needed for a memorable day."
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
To learn more about the Veterans' Trip to Washington, D.C. on May 11th, visit the Tallahassee Democrat's Website at www.tallahassee.com. For more information about the Honor Flight Network please visit www.honorflight.org
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-04. Nimitz Sailor Continues Family Naval Service
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Linda S. Swearingen
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- There are many Sailors currently serving in the Navy who have had a least one member of their family serve in the military. Maybe they had a grandfather who served for a short time during WWII or an uncle who was called to service during Vietnam.
For some families, however, following in the footsteps of their forefathers' military service has become a family tradition and part of not only their honor, but also their courage and commitment to defending and preserving the American way of life.
Twenty-three-year-old Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Mason Nichols, a Sailor on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), comes from a long line of family serving in the Navy.
Nichols, a native of Seneca, S.C., is a fourth generation Sailor. His great-grandfather, three grandfathers, father, brother and himself have all served as Sailors in the Navy for the past 69 years, almost continuously since WWII.
"I've been in the Navy for three years," said Nichols. "I joined when I was 20 years old because I didn't want to continue with college and wanted to start a career. The military was the right route for me. I never thought of joining any other branch except for the Navy. I wanted to travel and have my college paid for. At the time I joined I needed maturity and respect. I thought the Navy could give me that."
When Nichols was five years old and his brother was seven years old, they were adopted by the Nichols family. Dwayne Nichols, their father, had just finished a ten-year service in Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class only a few years prior to adopting the two boys.
"My dad really liked being in the Navy," said Nichols. "He joined after high school when he was 18 years old and served from 1982 to 1992. While he was in the Navy he got his Bachelor's degree in Electronic Management and when he got out he continued his education by obtaining a Master's degree in Business."
During Dwayne's time in the Navy, he obtained his wings and as part of an aircrew traveling all over the world performing aviation electronic technician work in H-3 helicopters and P-3 aircraft. His squadron, HS-15, took him to two ships: the USS Independence (CV-62) and the USS Forrestal (CV-59). Dwayne served in VP-45, as well as being designated as a master training specialist during his time in the Navy, training aviation electronics technicians.
In addition to working in the aviation field, Nichols and his father had another thing in common during their time in the Navy.
"He was also stationed in Jacksonville and we were stationed in the same hangar just at different times," said Nichols.
Dwayne made rank quickly during his time in the Navy going from E-1 to E-6 in six years. He was also awarded the Coast Guard Special Operations ribbon during his service, which is rarely awarded to Navy personnel.
"My dad tells me all the time that he is very proud to have both my brother and I in the Navy," said Nichols. "I joined first, then my brother joined when I was in DEP [Delayed Entry Program]. Now that I'm in the Navy I feel honored to follow in my family's naval tradition."
Mason's brother, Lt. j.g. Justin Nichols, is currently a helicopter pilot stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Mayport, Fla., attached to squadron Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, flying MH-60Rs.
"He came in under the BDCP [baccalaureate degree completion program] officer program about three years ago during his junior year in college and he chose [to work in] aviation," said Nichols. "There were only two applicants selected for the BDCP program in the state of South Carolina that year, and my brother was one of them. I was very proud of him and glad that he was selected once he graduated college. Later he moved to Pensacola, Fla. to do his aviation flight training, while I was stationed at [Fleet Readiness Center Southeast] FRCSE in NAS Jacksonville, Fla., and we were able to see each other."
According to Nichols, it is a personal goal for him and his brother to be stationed together eventually at the same command or at the very least at the same base so they can see each other more often.
Although Nichols and his brother were adopted, they still kept in contact with members of their biological family, including their biological grandfather, retired Chief Petty Officer Rodney Powers, who is now deceased.
"My biological grandpa on my biological mother's side was a chief petty officer," said Nichols. "Before he made chief he was a gunner's mate who worked in aviation. He was stationed on the Kittyhawk, the Lexington and the Enterprise and was also a member of the aircrew."
In addition to his biological grandfather being in the Navy, Nichols' mother's father, retired Aviation Structural Mechanic (Handling) 1st Class William E. Bowman, and his father's step-father, Machinist Mate 3rd Class Roy J. Vehorn, also served in the Navy.
"That man [Bowman] loved the Navy," said Nichols. "He was enlisted for 24 years and served during both WWII, Korea and Vietnam. At first he came in as a tail gunner on a SBD Dauntless Dive Bomber during WWII. That's where he was awarded his Purple Heart, after his aircraft returned to the ship with many bullet holes and he and his pilot crashlanded on the deck.
Unfortunately the pilot did not survive. After WWII Bowman was honorably discharged from the Navy. However, when the Korean conflict started, he was called back and was designated as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. At that point he chose to stay in and make it a career. He retired in 1968. During his career he served on the USS Essex (CV-9), 83rd Construction Battalion in Pearl Harbor, 96th Construction Battalion in Tykuh, China, USS Hector (AR-7), USS Jason (APH-1), USS Brass Canyon (AF-36) and with squadrons VP-40, VP-31, VF-174, HS-9 and VC-4.
After Bowman retired from the Navy, according to Nichols, he became very religious. He went on to become a church pastor and pastored several churches in the Southern Baptist Convention. Bowman passed away in 2003.
"My grandpa was a great Sailor and a great guy all around," said Nichols. "He flew not only the American flag, but the Navy flag in his front yard until he died."
Machinist Mate 3rd Class Roy J. Vehorn, Nichols' father's step-father also served in the Navy during WWII and received the WWII Victory Medal for his service from 1944 to 1945. He served on board the USS Wharton (AP-7).
"He [Vehorn] loved the Navy," said Nichols. "Everything in his house was Navy related and he went to annual get-togethers with his friends that he was stationed with on USS Wharton until he died. Everyone on that ship stayed in contact with one another throughout the years. There was so many letters [my grandfather] had from all the guys he served with on that ship from over the years. He told me countless stories about his port calls, but none of which can be repeated. He had a lot of fun during his time in the Navy."
In addition to his brother, his father and three grandfathers serving in the Navy, Nichols' great-grandfather is also a military veteran.
Seaman 1st Class [E-3 today] Eli R. Layne, Nichols' father's grandfather, also served in the Navy during WWII from 1944 - 1945 and was awarded the WWII Victory Medal.
Besides Layne and -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-21. Naval Hospital Oak Harbor Resumes Sexual Assault Forensic Exams
By Lt. Cmdr. Rachael Hernandez, Naval Hospital Oak Harbor Public Affairs
OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) resumed sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) services, May 9.
NHOH has been actively pursuing a way for victims of sexual assault to be examined in the facility aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) facility. Recently a team of doctors, nurses and hospital corpsmen volunteered to be members of the NHOH Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) team to provide 24/7 on-call forensic examinations for victims.
The SAFE team received a 40-hour training course taught by Cmdr. Cynthia Ferguson, a certified sexual assault nurse examiner.
"This training helps us meet our mission of caring for people and helps Sailors and family members after one of the most traumatic events they can experience," said Capt. Edward Simmer, NHOH commanding officer, to the attendees. "Your dedication and hard work may well save a life."
In a recent blog post by Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, he said the Navy is increasing the capability to provide timely, readily accessible medical-forensic examinations
"Last month, we made revisions to Navy Medicine policy establishing training requirements for health care providers to conduct SAFE examinations," said Nathan. "Standardized SAFE increases capability and improves the patient experience. Standardization also allows for consistent evidence collection and reporting, whether it is at one of our military treatment facilities at home or in a forward-deployed operational area."
Also during the training, Naval Criminal Investigative Service Agents, victim advocates, a legal officer, the chaplain, and a forensic psychiatrist also shared their expertise.
"This training has been very informative," said Lt. Elyse Braxton, a member of the 24/7 SAFE team. "It will be invaluable in our ability to provide a full spectrum of care to any victims of sexual assault who may present to our facility."
The training used high fidelity mannequins, and included how to perform examinations on alleged perpetrators of sexual assault.
Great emphasis has been placed on sexual assault prevention and response in an effort to eliminate this criminal act of violence and ensure proper care for victims.
The medical community plays a significant role in responding to victims of sexual assault and each victim is offered a medical exam that includes forensic evidence collection, and patients are also offered treatment and counseling options.
Until now, NHOH had contracted with Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett, Wash., to provide sexual assault forensic examination (SAFE) services. This meant victims of sexual assault had to drive more than an hour and a half to be examined, which resulted in delayed care and potential loss of evidence that could help in prosecuting the perpetrator of the sexual assault.
NHOH began offering SAFE services once the course was complete.
Active duty service members and beneficiaries 18 years or older are eligible for these services. If you are a victim of sexual assault please contact your victim advocate or call the Department of Defense (DOD) SafeHelpLine at 877-995-5247.
-USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-19. Pekari Takes Helm as Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain and Naval Station Rota, Spain
From Naval Station Rota, Spain Public Affairs Office
ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain and Commanding Officer, Naval Station Rota held a change of command ceremony, May 16.
Captain Gregory S. Pekari relieved Captain Scott C. Kraverath, who had served in both positions since May 2011.
The Honorable Alan D. Solomont, United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and Andorra, congratulated Kraverath on Naval Station Rota's many accomplishments, and remarked that Kraverath's efforts in nurturing the U.S-Spanish relationship was more important than ever, as the base prepares to homeport four Aegis destroyers as Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in 2014-15.
"Susan and I would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to Capt. Scott Kraverath, [and] his wife Barbie, for their contribution to the U.S.-Spain relationship, for their service to our country and for their friendship," said Solomont. "Scott has strengthened the partnership between the American and Spanish navies and he has fostered a close relationship between Rota Naval Base and the surrounding communities."
Spanish Navy Rear Adm. Cristbal Gonzalez-Aller Lacalle, Admiral in Chief of Base Naval de Rota praised Kraverath's leadership and willingness to work closely with his Spanish partners for the betterment of the base.
"We also share this naval station for more than 60 years, always working together with the spirit of collaboration, close mutual support," Lacalle said. "Captain Kraverath has contributed a great manner to keep and make better this spirit with his work and leadership. As a result of his work and mutual cooperation we have very much increased the strength of our base."
During the ceremony, Kraverath welcomed Pekari and his family, telling him if his future in Rota is much like Kraverath's was, "it will fly by in a kaleidoscope of new experiences, friends and 'you won't believe what happened today' stories. Soon you will recognize every face in the commissary and NEX. Enjoy it; this is a once-in-a lifetime tour, welcome and best of luck."
Pekari commended Kraverath on the successes the command had experienced during Kraverath's two years leading Team Rota, including the thorough planning and preparations associated with moving the destroyers to Spain.
"Your team, partnered with our Spanish friends, has done a fantastic job," Pekari said. "Thank you for your leadership and paving the way for FDNF."
He also expressed to the command his enthusiasm to begin working with the service members, civilians and families who keep Rota moving.
"To the men and women of Naval Station Rota - I look forward to the opportunity of serving you these next couple of years," said Pekari. "I am both honored and humbled to be part of this fabulous team."
Pekari graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a degree in oceanography in 1989. He began his aviation career as a Naval Flight Officer on the S3-B Viking, which included deployments in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. He later transitioned to the P-3C Orion where he completed a tri-site deployment to Qatar, Sicily and El Salvador, prior to assuming squadron command. Pekari reported to Rota from the Pentagon, where he served on the Joint Staff, J-8 directorate working in the Capabilities and Acquisition Division.
Kraverath, a 1989 graduate of Miami University (Ohio), is an E-6 Mercury Naval Flight Officer. His next assignment is Professor of Naval Science and Commanding Officer of NROTC, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn.
Naval Station Rota, Spain is strategically located just north of the Strait of Gibraltar and is at the halfway point between the United States and Southwest Asia. Situated upon a Spanish Navy base, Naval Station Rota provides support for U.S. and NATO ships, supports the safe and efficient movement of U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force flights and passengers and provides cargo, fuel, and ammunition to units in the region.
NNS130516-13. Navy Suspends Official Spending on 'Presentos'
From Navy Office of Information
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy released new guidance to commanders May 16 suspending the expenditure of official funds on presentation items such as plaques, ball caps, coins, etc.
"We have significantly reduced our rate of expenditure of appropriated funds to preserve mission essential operations," said Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson in NAVADMIN 128/13 which suspends authority to purchase presentation items until further notice.
According to the NAVADMIN, previously purchased items may be distributed in accordance with existing policy. Additionally, the new guidance does not apply to items purchased with personal funds or to the purchase of items with the use of official representation funds following appropriate review and approval.
Ferguson expressed his appreciation for the continued support of commanders as the Navy looks for ways to reduce expenses while maintaining readiness. He also said he would provide updated guidance as the situation warrants.
NNS130516-10. Naval Station Norfolk Holds Job Fair for Military Spouses
By Mass Comunication Specialist Seaman Scott Barnes, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- A job fair for military spouses was held in coordination with Naval Station Norfolk Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) May 10 at the Lincoln Military Housing Clubhouse on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.
The annual event, conducted since 2010, caters to military spouses and gives them employment opportunities in the Hampton Roads area.
"Our military spouses support our service members and this is our way of supporting them," said Paulina Thompson, transition and employment educator for FFSC Little Creek. "They have a variety of backgrounds so we try to provide as many companies as we can to help cater to each individual who attends."
This year's event included more than 20 booths from local employers, who provided literature and applications for prospective employees.
"We have a multitude of resources available for military spouses and this is the event that brings them all together," said Amanda Slosson, Work and Family life lead for FFSC Little Creek. "To give spouses a chance to actually sit in front of an employer and have the opportunity to gain employment is the reason for what we do here at the job fairs."
Employers attending ranged from retail businesses and banks to the City of Virginia Beach parks and recreation, which helped provide the applicants attending a wide variety of career fields to cater to their specific qualifications.
"There are a lot of job fairs in the Hampton Roads area and they always target the service member," said Slosson. "This event is unique in the fact that it targets the spouse and lets them know that they are equally important and that we are doing something just for them and not just including them," said Slosson.
FFSC has slotted two upcoming events geared toward military spouses. A military family employment-networking event is scheduled for July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to noon at FFSC Little Creek. In addition, a military transition symposium is scheduled for July 27 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Lincoln Military Housing Club.
NNS130516-08. Lt. Dan Band Performs for Servicemembers
By MC3 Justin Wolpert
PORTSMOUTH, VA. (NNS) -- The Lt. Dan Band, featuring front-man Gary Sinise, hosted a "Tribute to the Troops" concert for active-duty service members, Department of Defense personnel, and their families at nTELOS Wireless Pavilion in Portsmouth May 11.
In a career spanning 21 years, Sinise has appeared in movies and television shows such as Apollo 13, The Green Mile, CSI: NY and most notably as Lt. Dan Taylor in the Academy Award-winning picture Forrest Gump.
A well-known actor, Sinise earned a role in the movie Forrest Gump as Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor for which the band is named. Apollo 13, and currently stars on television in CSI: NY.
Sinise, a known supporter of the military, devotes his personal time, energy and talent to armed forces members through touring with the Lt. Dan Band and with the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF).
GSF honors the nation's active-duty military as well as veterans, first responders and families by creating programs designed to inspire, entertain, educate and support. GSF recently partnered with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation in order to build modified homes for the most severely injured warriors.
"We build these homes so that their lives can be more manageable and more independent," said Sinise. "We want these warriors to come home and have an opportunity in life to at least be independent within their living space."
The shows for the Lt. Dan Band in 2013 are all focused around raising funds to build smart technology homes for severely wounded service members. Sinise also hopes to raise awareness concerning the struggles of our wounded and retired service members to receive help from agencies such as the Department of Veteran Affairs.
"All around the country people are trying to get some of the things and get some of the help they deserve," said Sinise. "They have to fight for it too much, and that's not right. We need to fight for them."
The band covered songs from a wide variety of noted artists such as The Police and Zac Brown Band.
"I want this to be a show that families can enjoy," said Sinise. "From little kids to older veterans, and everybody in between. It's a cover band- we play a lot of songs that everybody is going to enjoy."
Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, Commander Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, who attended the concert, expressed his joy at seeing his sailors let loose and have a great time. "Its wonderful," said Alexander. "You can see the smiles on their faces. They're up and dancing and they're hopefully with their families too so the families are getting to enjoy it. He puts on a great show, very family friendly and that's what this is all about."
Since it's inception in 2003, Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band have played between 30 to 40 shows a year both in the continental United States and at military installations overseas, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the support of the troops.
NNS130516-06. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Promotes Recreation Water Illness and Injury Week
By Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMPCHC) announced May 16, that the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) designated May 20-26, 2013 as Recreation Water Illness and Injury (RWII) Prevention Week, marking the ninth anniversary of this observance.
The aim is to raise awareness about recreational water illness and Injuries (RWIIs). The campaign encourages swimming pool patrons and pool operators to take simple steps to ensure a healthy and safe swimming experience for everyone. This year's RWII Prevention Week theme is "How We Swimmers Contaminate Pools."
According to Mr. Anthony Carotenuto, NMCPHC Preventive Medicine, pools in cooler and moderate climate regions traditionally open on Memorial Day weekend. "It's not too early to start talking about the importance of observing healthy behaviors when we're planning to head to the pool," said Carotenuto.
Healthy Swimming behaviors are needed to help protect swimmers from Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) by preventing germs from getting in the pool in the first place.
"These illnesses can be less apparent and affect both young and old swimmers alike," said Lt. Nina Paddock, NMCPHC Environmental Health Officer (EHO). " RWIs are germs that spread from person to person by swallowing water, breathing in mists, or direct contact with contaminated pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, water parks, fountains, lakes, rivers, or oceans."
The most common RWI is diarrhea. Diarrhea is most often caused by common but bad germs. Common RWIs also cause skin, ear, respiratory, eye, and neurologic infections. Children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk for RWIs.
Secondly, while injury prevention is not this year's main theme, it is also very important to pool safety. Every year we hear about the tragedy of drowning, and entrapments injuries at pools. Drowning is preventable especially for young children who should constantly be under supervision of a responsible adult. Diving accidents can be caused by poorly maintained equipment or diving in prohibited locations. For pool operators the mishandling and storage of chemicals can lead to serious and deadly consequences. Most of these injuries can be catastrophic but preventable when being vigilant, following pool rules and adhering to health and safety requirements.
The following are some basic steps you can take to protect yourself and others: 1. Don't swim when you have diarrhea. 2. Take young children on bathroom breaks or check their diapers often. 3. Diapers must be changed only in designated changing areas and not at poolside. 4. Avoid swallowing pool water. 5. Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap and water before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing a diaper. 6. Keep your eye on your child at all times. Kids can drown in seconds and in silence. 7. Use appropriately fitting life jackets * http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/life_jacket_wear_wearing_your_life_jacket.aspx These are recommended instead of "water-wings" or "noodles". These are toys not designated to keep children safe. 8. Use sunscreen at least SPF 15 and both UVA and UVB protection and reapply it after swimming.
"Swimming is a lot of fun; it is a great way to exercise and is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together," said Carotenuto. "Overall, a well-maintained pool poses no major infection risk to healthy individuals. We encourage everyone to have a good summer and follow these basic principles for good health and safety."
For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcphc/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-05. NAVELSG CPO 365 Supports Hampton VA Medical Center Patient Appreciation Day
From Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group Public Affairs
HAMPTON, Va. (NNS) -- Chief petty officers and first class petty officers from Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) volunteered during the Hampton Veterans Medical Center "Patient Appreciation Day," May 14.
Sailors participated as part of the Chief Petty Officer 365 training program (CPO 365).
The annual outdoor event included carnival games, music and lunch for the in-patients. Sailors and military members from the area partnered with patients, and assisted them with the games and spent the afternoon enjoying lunch and conversation.
"I enjoyed meeting several veterans and other military personnel from across the Hampton Roads region," said Yeoman 1st Class Caleb Burney, NAVELSG. "The highlight of my day was assisting a disabled Navy veteran through all of the games; giving me a chance to get to know him and learning about his past. It was a humbling feeling at the end of the event when you get a moment to thank them for their service knowing you helped brighten their day."
CPO 365 is a year-long development and training program for 1st class petty officers, first introduced in 2010 under former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick West.
"It is a gift to be able to interact with veterans. We can't thank them enough for their service," said Chief Mass Communication Specialist Lucy Quinn, NAVELSG. "For those of us in the military, they are our living heritage. And CPO-365 is about knowing our heritage and developing leaders."
NAVELSG delivers expeditionary logistics capabilities with mobilization-ready Navy Reserve Forces and active duty Sailors and provides a wide range of supply and transportation functions critical for peacekeeping, crisis response, humanitarian, and combat service support missions. NAVELSG is part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), a global force provider of adaptive force packages of expeditionary capabilities to joint war fighting commanders.
For more news from Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/nelsf/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130516-03. Joint Region Marianas Celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
By By JoAnna Delfin, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs
ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Command Sailors and personnel gathered to recognize Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month at the Joint Region Marianas (JRM) headquarters in Asan, Guam, May 15.
JRM Commander Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne said it's important to celebrate diversity events as each individual culture brings unique aspects and perspective to the workplace.
"Each of these little places is separate and distinct," he said. "They all have culture that is different, they have many common values (and) we honor the same general things. Everyone is a great contributor in what we do but it's almost a microcosm of what I view as sort of the Department of Defense the diversity that's present in the Department of Defense."
Cmdr. Tara McArthur-Milton, JRM Total Force Manpower director, helped coordinate the event, which included a traditional Samoan dance, trivia game and a special video presentation of monologues from JRM personnel.
"Where we're located we're just in the center of things in terms of the Asian-Pacific culture," she said. "So we have a lot of diversity amongst our staff so I think it's important that we recognize that and educate ourselves on those different cultures and recognize contributions from those cultures."
McArthur-Milton added that educating others about different cultures offers a chance for people to get to know each other better in order to work better and more efficiently.
"It's really important that they understand one another and understand the strengths that these people bring to the table and really leverage those strengths as we work towards making sure that we're meeting all our objectives when it comes to mission accomplishment," she said.
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-20. SPAWAR Commander Discusses Priorities and Budget Realities with the San Diego Defense Community
By By Tina C. Stillions, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 400 people were on hand to listen to Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Commander, Rear Adm. Patrick Brady address the importance of cyber warfare to the Navy and discuss the impact of sequestration during the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) breakfast May 15.
The event is held to advance partnerships between the government and local business industry and help facilitate dialog about the economic impact and contributions of the military to the greater San Diego community.
Brady highlighted three areas during his discussion, including the rise of Information Dominance as an important warfighting capability; his priorities as SPAWAR's commander; and the budget implications of sequestration and impending Department of Defense furloughs.
Despite the government-wide fiscal uncertainty and austerity, Brady was upbeat about how the local San Diego area could contribute to the strategic pivot of U.S. national security policy to the Asia-Pacific region.
"It is very hard to extrapolate what this Pacific pivot will mean to the West Coast and San Diego businesses," said Brady, "But the signs tell me San Diego's naval stock is going up."
The rise of the information warfare arena and accompanying growing importance of cyber to national defense makes the San Diego region strategically positioned to weather some of the anticipated economic impact to communities that rely on the defense sector as sequestration begins to take effect. Of all jobs created in San Diego, 25 percent have some tie to the military. According to a San Diego Military Economic Impact Study, San Diego received an estimated $20.6 billion of defense spending in fiscal year 2012.
Brady said the Navy plans to increase the cyber force by 800 in fiscal year 2013 through realignment and by 1,000 through 2016. In addition, the Navy is forming 40 computer defense, attack and exploitation teams and creating a new cyber-focused core curriculum at the U.S. Naval Academy. He said two major SPAWAR acquisition programs, the Consolidated Afloat Network Enterprise System (CANES) and Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) which reduce networks and applications, will be key structural enablers in the burgeoning information warfare arena.
Leading that fundamental shift as the Navy's Information Dominance systems command, Brady said there will be a greater need for new tactics, techniques and procedures to be instituted, training programs developed and a cadre of experts grown and groomed capable of handling the kind of technical rigor that will ensure synergy in the Navy IT portfolio.
"Like aircraft, ships and submarines, information has its own unique environment and cyberspace permeates that battlespace," said Brady. "Control of the environment is critical to our future warfighting capability because future conflicts will be fought and won in the electro-magnetic spectrum of cyberspace. We will need to develop a comprehensive approach that touches everything throughout the kill chain, from strategy to systems to our people."
In order to maintain that readiness of SPAWAR systems deployed in the fleet today, including the much anticipated future CANES installs and NGEN program launch, Brady laid out his key priorities for the coming fiscal year, reiterating that keeping the fleet ready to fight was his number one objective. To support the Information Dominance vision of the CNO, Brady detailed the command's establishment of the Fleet Readiness Directorate and SPAWAR's role as the designated Technical Authority lead for the Navy.
"The plan is to create a unified Technical Authority for all new and legacy IT systems and networks afloat and ashore. If someone is deployed, they shouldn't see a difference in capability. We are making good progress and getting positive feedback," said Brady. "We didn't get here overnight, so it will take us some time to get there. It is important for the Navy to add rigor."
Brady expressed concern about sequestration and the impact it is having on the organization's ability to fill billets and support the organization's wounded warrior hiring efforts.
Though the government-wide hiring freeze is still in effect, Brady said once authority is restored he will focus hiring on the wounded warriors transitioning back into the civilian world. He applauded industry present at the breakfast and encouraged them to continue supporting those wounded, ill and injured who have served their country.
"The hiring freeze is negatively impacting the Navy's ability to offer meaningful careers to our wounded warriors," said Brady, reaching out to industry to encourage hiring. "I look at the hiring of our wounded warrior like an NFL draft. Their resume may not be exactly what you're searching for, but once you get them on board, you will see that they are the best athlete. They are the best for the job. I continue to encourage your support."
As the Navy's Information Dominance systems command, SPAWAR designs, develops and deploys advanced communications and information capabilities. With more than 8,900 active duty military and civil service professionals located around the world and close to the fleet, SPAWAR is at the forefront of research, engineering, acquisition and support services that provide decision superiority for the warfighter.
For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar/ . -USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS130515-19. Iowa State University NROTC Midshipmen Commissioned
By Lt. Joshua A. Riley, Iowa State University NROTC Public Affairs
AMES, Iowa (NNS) -- Seven Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) midshipmen were commissioned as Navy and Marine Corps officers, May 11.
Five Navy-option and two Marine-option NROTC midshipmen were commissioned by Capt. Ricks W. Polk, commanding officer of the Iowa State University NROTC unit, at a commissioning ceremony held during Iowa State University's spring commencement activities.
Additionally, they were personally recognized by retired Cmdr. Larry Spencer, a former Vietnam POW, in front of an audience of family, friends, alumni, fellow students and the Iowa State NROTC staff.
"Receiving their commissions in front of more than 150 people is an experience our new officers will never forget," said Spencer. "It certainly brings back memories from the base where I was commissioned. It's a new Navy every year and certainly every generation the Navy changes. But the one thing that stays constant is that it's a people oriented business. Working with the people in this service is the highlight of their military career. So we certainly wish them god-speed and favoring seas."
Being part of a commissioning ceremony wasn't just a new experience for these minted officers. Retired Navy Chief Warrant Officer Charles Winchester, commissioned his grandson, Ens. Tyler Maksymicz, into the naval service.
"This is the first time I've been to anything like this," said Winchester. "I feel honored to be here and above all to be here for the commissioning of my grandson. And he's the first one who's followed me into the Navy. I have two in the Air Force and one in the Army, Marines and Coast Guard."
During his remarks, Polk expressed words of encouragement to the graduates and newly-commissioned officers.
"I could stand up here and wax on about history and heritage, but this is your day, gentlemen," said Polk.
After all the new officers had completed their respective oath, Polk returned to the podium to share one "sea story" and introduce the new ensigns and 2nd lieutenants to the crowd. In his story, Polk mentioned that his grandfather had only written him one time in his life. That letter came after he joined the Navy. It was short and sweet: "Throw all your civilian clothes away...Stay in the Navy for 20 years...and keep your nose clean." Polk said, "Gentlemen, I hope you enjoy your careers as much as I have enjoyed mine."
The other family members and guest of the graduates and newly-commissioned officers demonstrated how proud they were when they gave a standing ovation to the Navy and Marine Corps' newest officers.
Marine Capt. Jerome Borden administered the oath of office for 2nd Lt. John Martin.
"I thought it was a really lovely ceremony and a lot of moving aspects," said Midshipman 1st Class Stephanie Palacheck. "When different generations of Sailors put on the new ranks, it was touching."
"We commissioned some great future warriors and leaders here today," said Borden.
The NROTC program, overseen by Rear Adm. Dee L. Mewbourne, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty, loyalty and Navy core values in order to commission college graduates as Naval officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the Naval service and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of command, citizenship and government.
Mewbourne and NSTC oversee 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy. This includes the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at more than 160 colleges and universities, Officer Training Command (OTC) on Naval Station Newport, R.I., Recruit Training Command (RTC), the Navy's only boot camp, at Great Lakes, Ill., and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide.
NNS130516-20. Naval Helicopter Association Commences Annual Symposium
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Hogue, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West San Diego
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) held its annual symposium in San Diego, May 13-16
They association honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the rotary wing community at an awards luncheon. Other events included a 5K run, golf tournament and an aircrew competition.
Vice Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, welcomed the participants by making an address and answering questions the pilots and aircrewman had regarding the future of rotary wing aviation.
"This is a great time to be a Naval Aviator and a Naval Aircrewman," said Beaman. "I can't think of a time in our history where the developments in the helicopter community have been more prevalent than they are today."
Beaman discussed how important helicopters are to the fleet today and how the advances in rotary wing aircraft will be used.
Following his address, the NHA began the awards luncheon.
The NHA is geographically divided into five regions. Once a year, each region selects Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard service members whose distinguished performance merits specific recognition in the areas of helicopter operations, tactics, and aircraft maintenance. The regions forward their selections to the national organization, which determines the awardees for the various categories.
Award categories included Aircrewman of the Year, Pilot of the Year, Rescue Swimmer of the Year and Commanding Officer of the Year.
This year the Rear Adm. Tomaszeski Squadron Commanding Officer Leadership Award was presented to Cmdr. Patrick Jankowski from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71. The award is given to a helicopter-designated officer in an O-5 command position in recognition of his or her unit's overall excellence and positive command climate. The recipient must exemplify an outstanding example, and have the ability to motivate subordinates and enforce standards. HSM-71 was embarked upon Carrier Strike Group 3 for an eight month deployment.
The Pilot of the Year award is awarded to the pilot who throughout the year, has consistently demonstrated superior aeronautical ability and performance by his or her assigned billet. This year's recipient of the award was Lt. Cmdr. Devon M. Hockaday from HSM 70.
The Rescue Swimmer of the Year award is awarded to an enlisted Rescue Swimmer who accomplished the most notable waterborne rescue mission during the year. The award was given to Naval Aircrewman 2nd Class Salomon E. Padilla from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25.
The Aircrewman of the Year award is awarded to the enlisted service member whose performance throughout the year consistently demonstrated superior aeronautical ability and performance in his/her billet. The award was given to Naval Aircrewman 1st Class Peter J. Caron from the Airborne Mine Countermeasures Weapon Systems Training School.
The awards ceremony was capped with the "winging" of Ensign George Meszaros from Navy's Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 28 and 1st Lt. Elliott Joses from HT-8.
NNS130516-14. Executive Officer of Beachmaster Unit 1 Relieved
From Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The executive officer of Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 1 was relieved May 16 because of inappropriate comments sent in text messages and e-mails to members of his command.
Cmdr. Allen Maestas was relieved by Commander of Naval Beach Group (NBG) 1, Capt. Kevin Flanagan. Lt. Cmdr. Geoffrey Belanger, BMU-1 operations officer, has assumed the duties as acting executive officer. A permanent relief is expected to arrive in June.
Maestas has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of NBG-1. Beachmasters manage the transfer of equipment and personnel from ship to shore.
NNS130516-25. Current All Hands Update
From Defense Media Activity - Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features five newscasts today - one two-minute newscast and four one-minute newscasts.
Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN-
-USN- -USN- -USN-
NNS020131-17. This Day in Naval History - May 16
By Navy News Service
1820 - Congress becomes first U.S. warship to visit China. 1919 - Three Navy flying boats begin 1st trans-Atlantic flight from Newfoundland. 1965 - First U.S. gunfire support in Vietnam by USS Tucker.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval historical Center Web site at http://www.history.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN-
Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN-
Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy containing stories recently posted to the Navy web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Activity - Navy, 6700 Taylor Ave, Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
Site Map
The USS Constellation CVA/CV 64 Association is a
not-for profit organization (501 3c).
All of our membership dues and other contributions are fully tax deductible to
the extent of IRS laws
