Please keep our shipmates and family in your thoughts:

Contracting Office Address:

N00024 NAVAL SEA SYSTEMS COMMAND, DC 1333 Isaac Hull Avenue S.E. Washington Navy Yard, DC

The following are some photos taken at the Bremerton Yard in October 2011taken by Nick Baldwin.

Please Note:  Our membership directory will published in March as opposed to February as we normally do.

Baltimore, Maryland
April 13 & 14

For those interested in joining us for a get together for our first time ever spring time mini reunion, Rich Romeo and Marty Horowitz are planning this which we hope can be an annual meeting of whoever from the region wants to join in the fun things we have planned, Friday the 13^th, a good old fashion “bull session” after check in , and then a good time aboard the Frigate Constellation later that afternoon approximately at 5:00 pm at the Inner Harbor. There will be a  fee (Donation) for this gathering aboard ship. Then we will get together for a family dinner with all of us at one of the local restaurants. Saturday you’re on your own for the day to explore the many things around the Inner Harbor and the city of Baltimore itself after we decide where to have our farewell dinner, again at one of the local restaurants. Sunday, breakfast and departure. And, who knows what else we can come up with!!!

We had one of the very first reunions in Baltimore at the Inner Harbor and had one hell of a good time. The Frigate Constellation was glad we visited as a group and I’m sure they will be glad to see us again.

We would like to see how many of you would be interested in joining us so we can get a great hotel rate near the Inner Harbor for the group. “The more  the merrier”.  Our hotel is the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Downtown/Inner Harbor, 101 S. President Street, Baltimore, Maryland. Phone reservations 410-837-9900. The hotel is holding for us 10 rooms @ $149.00 plus tax, which includes a deluxe continental breakfast. I’m sure there will be ample other rooms available if we go over that number being held. Be sure to book your room by 03/22/2012. This date is the cutoff date that the hotel is holding rooms for us. After that date rates might be higher and or no availability. Reference when booking “USS Constellation mini-reunion” to get that special rate!!

There is not much time to plan this, so if you’re interested please feel free to contact Rich Romeo (past 1^st President) 215-969-3786 or Marty Horowitz (past President 2001) 203-393-0004, to advise us of your plans to attend. Please feel free to bring with you any old photos or memorabilia from when you were aboard the “Connie” to share with your fellow shipmates.  Looking forward to hearing and seeing you Sea going “Old Salts”, also wishing you a Happy & Healthy New Year 2012.

Marty Horowitz & Rich Romeo, Class of “61” Plankowners both.

Spring Texas Mini Reunion

The following is the text of a thank you letter for a generious donation to the Wounded Warriors Fund:  Click Here for the orginial letter

Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Tambasco
93-34 21Sth Street
Queens Village,NY 11428

Thank you for your generous donation of $600 to the Families ofthe Wounded Fund, Inc. given in memory of Steven Zembroski.

Your contribution will make such a difference to the families of our brave service men and women who have already sacrificed so much on our behalf. These dollars will go a long way to relieve the stress and financial burden that, up until now, so many of these families have shouldered alone.

Although you may never meet the families that you have helped -please know that you will be remembered in their thoughts and prayers.
Thank you again for your generosity.

Signed:  Debbie Golding

Recent Navy News

NNS120122-03. SECDEF Tours Enterprise, Addresses Crew

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) Leon E. Panetta visited the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 21 and 22.

Following his arrival on the carrier's flight deck via helicopter, Panetta was greeted by Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, and Capt. William C. Hamilton Jr., Enterprise commanding officer.

Following a brief meeting, Panetta ate lunch with enlisted Sailors on the mess decks and held an All Hands Call for more than 1,700 Sailors and Marines.

"Even after 50 years of service, because of your tireless work on the Big E, there is no other nation that can match this ship," Panetta told the crew. "This is a great ship, and all of you are a great crew."

Twenty-one of the Sailors gathered in the ship's hangar bay had the privilege of being reenlisted by Panetta, who also presented awards to 10 additional Enterprise Sailors.

"It's an amazing feeling, and it's something I never thought would happen," said Senior Chief Navy Counselor Ramous K. Fleming, one of the Sailors who reenlisted Jan. 21. "It fills me with pride to get to stand in front of someone as high ranking as the Secretary of Defense and renew my commitment to my country."

Following the all hands call, Panetta presented 200 Sailors with his personal coin.

"It was one of the coolest things I've done in my military career," said Machinist's Mate 1st Class James Holman, the Reactor Labs leading petty officer. "It'll be cool to show my parents the SECDEF coin I received and the picture I took with Mr. Panetta, because how many people can say they've met the Secretary of Defense?"

That evening, the SECDEF ate dinner in the Enterprise wardroom with junior officers before heading to the flag bridge to watch evening flight operations.

"I've had a really good tour," said Panetta. "I enjoyed every aspect of the ship, but the greatest thrill was watching the aircraft takeoffs and landings; a thrill I will never forget."

"Carriers play a major role in our military, not only today, but they will play a role in our future," said Panetta. "You are part of what keeps our force agile, flexible, quickly deployable and capable of taking on any enemy anywhere in the world."

Enterprise is currently underway conducting training exercises and evolutions as part of a composite training unit exercise in preparation for the ship's 22nd and final deployment following 50 years of Naval service.

For news regarding USS Enterprise or the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, visit www.enterprise.navy.mil or the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65 and follow us on Twitter @TheCVN65.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.




NNS120122-02. USS Halsey Gives Aid to Yemeni Dhow

From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

USS HALSEY, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Halsey (DDG 97) responded to a call of distress from M/V Albrouj, a Yemeni dhow that was en route to Somalia from Yemen, while the U.S. ship was conducting helicopter operations in the Gulf of Aden, Jan. 19.

The guided-missile destroyer Halsey, which was two hours away from the position of the dhow, immediately responded to the distress call. The Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49 air crew quickly relayed the vessel's position to Halsey. The ship responded quickly. Upon arriving on the scene, the ship launched two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB's) to provide assistance. Two electricians from Halsey conducted an investigation along with Albrouj's boat engineer, and discovered a faulty alternator and four dead batteries. The ship provided the dhow with two batteries to allow the crew to safely continue their voyage to Somalia.

"We quickly realized that the problem lay with the alternator and that the batteries were being drained extremely fast," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Clinton D. Easley, one of the Halsey electricians who boarded the Yemen dhow. "By providing them with a couple of spare batteries that we had onboard, the problem was solved and the dhow was quickly on its way."

"All mariners who sail the oceans should respond quickly to a fellow mariner's distress call. The sea can be an unforgiving place, when your vessel is adrift and without power," said Commodore Aage Buur Jensen from Commander Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. "I'm very pleased with the swift assistance that USS Halsey rendered on this occasion."

Halsey is currently the flagship of CTF-151 conducting counter piracy and maritime security operations.

Halsey has recently assumed the role of flagship to Commodore Aage Buur Jensen, Royal Danish navy and his multinational CTF-151 command staff. CTF-151 transferred command from the Pakistani navy who were stationed aboard the USS Kidd (DDG 100).

CTF-151 is one of three task forces assigned to combined maritime forces. Established in February 2002, the Task Force's key mission is to conduct counter-piracy operations in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. It protects and defends the legitimate use of the ocean by fisherman and merchants, and stands ready to assist any mariner in distress.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.




NNS120121-04. SECDEF Arrives Aboard USS Enterprise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kristin L. Grover, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta arrived aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) today to visit the Navy's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while the ship was underway in the Atlantic Ocean.

The visit marks Panetta's first time aboard an aircraft carrier as Secretary of Defense.

During his time onboard, Panetta is scheduled to visit several of the 50-year-old carrier's work centers, dine with Sailors and address the crew during an All Hands Call scheduled to be held in the ship's hangar bay.

Panetta is also scheduled to re-enlist and present awards to members of the Enterprise crew.

Enterprise is currently underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for her 22nd and final scheduled deployment.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.




NNS120120-31. Haney Assumes Command of U.S. Pacific Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda Dunford, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Adm. Cecil D. Haney, former deputy of the U.S. Strategic Command, relieved Adm. Patrick M. Walsh as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet during a change of command ceremony onboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 20.

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert presided over the ceremony and praised Walsh for his service in the Navy and the impact his leadership had on the command.

"He's had a marvelous career. He knows what it means to take care of a family, he knows what it means to take care of a command, and he's encouraged his staff to do the same," said Greenert to a crowd of almost 900 attendees. "He's (Walsh) all about being ready, he's harnessed that Pacific Fleet teamwork, the talent and resources."

Greenert also praised Walsh for his ability to foster strong international relationships. "Pat has been committed to the building and improving of our relationships in and around the Western Pacific."

Under Walsh's command, U.S. Pacific Fleet provided humanitarian relief for numerous countries struck by natural disasters including Operation Tomodachi, a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief effort conducted in response to the earthquake, tsunami and subsequent radiological crisis that impacted Japan in March 2011.

Commander, U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Adm. Robert F. Willard praised Walsh for his work leading all U.S. military support efforts during Operation Tomodachi.

"As the magnitude of this epic disaster reached an unprecedented scale of any of our experience, my senior staff implored me to assign our senior-most joint warfighting commander to lead the U.S. response. That morning Adm. Pat Walsh assembled elements of his joint task force staff and prepared to depart for Japan," said Willard. "Everyday I observed Pat's organization, initiative, imagination and drive to provide Gen. Oriki (Japan Joint Staff) and his forces every service they required, including nuclear engineering expertise on an unprecedented scale. Such leadership will never be forgotten in Japan nor in the Pacific Fleet. That is the legacy of Admiral Pat "Sponge" Walsh."

"In this region, sea power is an essential element of national power," said Walsh. "In the Pacific Century, sea power resumes its traditional role in the sea-lines of communication. It's an instrument of peace; it's an instrument of stability; it's a protector of trade and development."

He warned that other nations are gauging our commitment, particularly in light of budget constraints.

"They are watching with keen interest the effect of the U.S. economic challenges, the strain of more than a decade of war on the Navy's ability to remain forward, to remain engaged and ready," said Walsh.

But he stressed that the Navy has overcome such challenges before and remains committed to maintaining regional stability.

"Let's be very clear: we have been here before," said Walsh. "We have faced austere economic cycles in the past. And while the American public has kept faith with the Navy, they have not changed their view of our mission or their expectations of our response to crisis conditions."

Walsh, who is retiring after 34 years in the Navy, is confident in Haney's capabilities and leadership.

"If ever there were a person who's ready for the challenge to assume command of the Pacific Fleet with all its complexities, with all of its challenges and who has worked and held critical leadership positions at every level, it's Cecil Haney," said Walsh.

After reading his orders and assuming command, Haney thanked "our international allies and partners and our local community for (their) enduring relationship with the U.S. Navy" and expressed enthusiasm about his tour at Pacific Fleet.

"I look forward to getting acquainted with you and building on the foundation of trust and mutual respect that Adm. Walsh has nurtured," Haney said. "The U.S. Navy has been a dutiful servant of the nation and its people, and a champion of freedom, security and prosperity abroad. In the Pacific, our history is rich and we have played an integral role in furthering those principles to better the lives of others."

Haney said he will work with the other military services to support U.S. Pacific Command to enhance "maritime security and freedom of the seas with the talented men and women of Pacific Fleet and our allies and partners."

Haney said he is "most grateful to Adm. Walsh for his unparalleled leadership of Pacific Fleet and tireless efforts strengthening critical ties to enhance security of the region" as well as the Sailors "headquartered here and on station across the Pacific (who) performed remarkably across a wide spectrum of our Navy's mission areas."

Haney is the 33rd naval officer to command the Pacific Fleet since it was established in February 1941 with headquarters at Pearl Harbor. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science degree in Oceanic Engineering, Haney is also a recipient of the Vice Admiral James Stockdale Leadership Award for 1998.

The world's largest fleet command, U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses 100 million square miles from the west coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. The Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 180 ships, nearly 2,000 aircraft and 125,000 Sailors, Marines and Civilians. U.S. Pacific Fleet staff report administratively to the CNO and operationally to U.S. Pacific Command, whose headquarters are at Camp H.M. Smith.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cpf/.




NNS120120-21. Naval Special Warfare Celebrates 50 Years of SEAL Teams

From Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Naval Special Warfare community celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Navy SEAL teams Jan. 1.

In the late 1950s and early 1960, Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy determined a need for developing an unconventional warfare capability to counter a menacing Soviet threat, turmoil in places like Indonesia and Malaysia, and rising insurgency problems in South Vietnam.

In response to the demand for a maritime special operator, Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Arleigh A. Burke authorized the creation of the first two SEAL teams Jan, 1, 1962. SEAL Team 1 was established in San Diego, Calif. to support the Pacific Fleet. The team was established under the command of Lt. David Del Giudice. SEAL Team 2 was established in Little Creek, Va., to support the Atlantic Fleet. SEAL 2 was under the command of Lt. John Callahan. These first two SEAL teams were commissioned with a complement of 10 officers and 50 enlisted men taken from the ranks of the Navy's Underwater Demolition teams who made their mark in World War II and Korea investigating and removing all obstacles, both natural and manmade from beach landing locations.

Shortly after establishment of the teams, the inaugural class of Navy SEALs took to the jungles of Vietnam for reconnaissance, ambush, captures, raids, POW recovery, and other innovative and offensive efforts to disrupt Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army operations and infrastructure. The teams were among the most decorated units in the Vietnam War.

While the character and mission U.S. Navy SEALs carried out then and now have not changed significantly, SEALs today have matured their tactical skills and capabilities from the days of KA-BARs, M-16s and PRC-77s. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles is paying huge dividends in intelligence gathering and target tracking. Navy SEALs communicate intra-sound and across the world in real-time, and with video. Navy SEAL armories carry fearsome, hand-held weapons for every environment and situation. From the Mekong Delta to the Hindu Kush, deep at sea or far into the desert, SEALs have conducted some of our nation's most critical missions and are as relevant today, as they were when they were first created.

In spite of radical changes in technology and the times, the Navy SEAL of 2012 has the same dogged determination and exceptional toughness the 1962 "plank owner" possessed. Navy SEAL teams have an impressive battle field record, having earned every significant military award, including five Medals of Honor. Those successes do not come without countless acts of heroism and profound sacrifice. 'Never quit' and 'always win' are qualities that define the teams and its members vow to never compromise.

In his remarks to the force Jan. 10, Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, emphasized the importance of continuing the Navy SEAL legacy.

"I would ask you to look at the future, make a point to continue our successful legacy and keep our force relevant, continue to develop yourself personally, professionally, get education, get experience and look to the future and make sure that we continue to be successful and relevant for our Navy, for the Special Operations Command and for our nation," Pybus said.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsw/.




NNS120120-19. Early Retirement Option Approved for Some ERB-Separating Sailors

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As announced by NAVADMIN 025/12, released Jan. 20, the Navy will offer voluntary early retirement to certain Sailors separating due to the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB).

The National Defense Authorization Act, signed into law Dec. 31, 2011, reinstated the authority for the Department of Defense to implement Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) for Sailors who have completed at least 15 years of service. TERA is a temporary, voluntary program that offers voluntary early retirement at a reduced monthly retirement pay to eligible members with 15 to 20 years of active service.

"Our Sailors have served honorably and our Navy is committed to doing all we can to help them and their families successfully transition to the civilian sector," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West. "We have aggressively pursued the option to offer early retirement benefits to eligible Sailors since Temporary Early Retirement Authority was granted. This is the right thing to do, and it ensures we provide the strongest possible transition benefits to those who qualify for retirement under TERA."

Sailors who will have completed at least 15 years of active service as of Sept. 1, 2012, and who were considered, but not selected for retention by the ERB, will be eligible for early retirement benefits under TERA.

Eligible Sailors who desire early retirement under TERA must submit an application. As TERA is not an entitlement, all eligible members must apply to receive benefits, and all applications may not necessarily be approved. Eligible Sailors who wish to apply for TERA will have their ERB results held in abeyance to facilitate their application for voluntary retirement.

Navy Personnel Command (NPC) will contact every eligible Sailor or their command to ensure all eligible sailors are aware of this benefit.

A NAVADMIN outlining detailed application procedures for voluntary early retirement is forthcoming.
Sailors whose TERA application is approved will be retired voluntarily no later than Sept. 1, 2012, and will not be entitled to involuntary separation pay (ISP). However, Sailors will remain qualified for enhanced ERB transition benefits until their retirement date.

"We strongly encourage Sailors who are eligible for voluntary early retirement under TERA to discuss this option with their families and with their command retention team," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk. "Additionally, we're encouraging Sailors to continue to take advantage of the multitude of transition assistance benefits and resources available to them during the next few months."

Sailors eligible to apply for early retirement should request to remain in the Navy through Sept. 1, 2012. As referenced in NAVADMIN 025/12, NPC is now accepting Short Term Extension (STE) requests to extend a Sailors Soft End of Active Obligated Service (SEAOS) to Sept. 1, 2012, to ensure eligible Sailors have the opportunity to receive TERA benefits. Sailors should submit a request for an STE to PERS-81 via e-mail to pers-81(AT)navy.mil for expedited processing and approval. Because of their time-sensitive nature, commands are encouraged to expedite these requests.

Once program application procedures are established, Sailors may still be able to separate prior to Sept. 1, 2012 if their application is approved and they have accumulated 15 years of service.

ERB Sailors who will reach 15 years of service after Sept. 1, 2012, will not be eligible for TERA and must separate in accordance with ERB policies no later than Sept. 1, 2012, or at the end of their operational deferment, as applicable.

For more information on the ERB visit the NPC Web page www.npc.navy.mil or contact the NPC customer service center at CSCmailbox@navy.mil or 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.

More information on ERB transition assistance can be found on the NPC Web page at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ERB/Pages/TransitionInfo.aspx.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.


NNS120120-20. Online Records Ease Sailors' Selection Board Preparation

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- With the 2012 Navy-wide advancement exam for chief petty officer complete, first-class petty officers hoping to advance must now focus on reviewing their record and preparing a package for the board, officials said Jan. 20.

"The advancement process for chief petty officer is two-fold," said Navy Personnel Command (NPC) Force Master Chief (AW/SW/NAC) Jon Port. "Our first class petty officers must take an advancement exam and then, if they score high enough to become selection board eligible; their record will be reviewed by a selection board at Navy Personnel Command."

Approximately 33,000 active duty and Reserve first class petty officers participate in the exam annually. Last year about 20,500 first class petty officers were selection-board eligible and after a thorough review of the candidates records by a selection board of master chiefs and senior officers, 3,700 active duty and Reserve Sailors were selected for chief.

When the selection board convenes, its members are given quotas for each rate and a precept containing guidance on factors to consider when reviewing records from the candidates' official military personnel file (OMPF). It is up to the board to score each record based on those factors, which in the past has included leadership, education, personal and professional development, competency and skill expertise, overseas and arduous duty, and collateral duties.

"Your record represents you before the selection board and that is why, if you want to be competitive for selection, you need to make sure your record is as complete as possible. Because if you have a college degree or a recent award or significant qualification and it is not in your record, the board isn't going to know it," said Port.

Sailors should review their OMPF for completeness and accuracy. The OMPF consists of digital images of official documents amassed over the course of an individual's career by categories including fitness reports/performance evaluation, awards, professional history, personal data, orders, privileged information, and enlisted records. Sailors may access their OMPF online by selecting "My Personnel Info" link on the NPC website at www.npc.navy.mil.

"It is the responsibility of every Sailor to ensure their official military personnel file is up to date; they do this by regularly reviewing their official record to spot discrepancies or missing documentation," said Port.

Sailors who find items missing from their OMPF or discrepancies may submit a letter to the board and include the missing document or explain discrepancies for the board to consider. Sailors can confirm their package has arrived by clicking on the "Selection Board Status" link on the NPC web site, or by calling the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.

Letters sent to a selection board for consideration will not be permanently added to a service member's OMPF. BUPERSINST 1070.27 outlines all items that should or should not be submitted by officer and enlisted personnel and how to submit those documents.

Correspondence to the board for the Fiscal Year 2013 E-7 Selection Board must be received by the NPC Customer Service Center by April 30 for the Reserve chief selection board and June 4 for active duty chief selection board. Communication to the board must originate from the individual candidate. Correspondence from the command to the president of the board will not be accepted or considered.

Sailors may submit correspondence through traditional mail or by e-mail. Mailing instructions and detailed information can be found in NAVADMIN 349/11. The Reserve chief selection board convenes May 14. The active duty chief selection board convenes June 18.

The active duty chief selection board is the largest selection board conducted in the Navy. The board typically lasts five weeks, with their results forwarded to the chief of naval personnel for final approval.

For more information read NAVADMIN 349/11 and visit the "Boards" section at www.npc.navy.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.




NNS120122-06. Commander U.S. 5th Fleet Visits USS Makin Island

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Donnie W. Ryan, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet met with Sailors and Marines assigned to amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) during an overnight visit to the ship, Jan. 14-15.

Vice Adm. Mark Fox embarked the Navy's newest amphibious assault ship, observed flightdeck and well deck operations and met with the ship's crew and embarked Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during the visit.

"It's great to be here," Fox told Sailors and Marines during an "all hands" call in the ship's hangar bay. "It's taken a lot of hard work and focused discipline to get where you are."

Fox spoke about the important role the Navy plays in maritime security operations and ensuring that the world's sea lanes remain open in the 5th fleet area of responsibility.

"You are the 9-1-1 force," said Fox. "An amphibious ready group is an extremely flexible force, and I am confident that the Makin Island ARG (Amphibious Ready Group) will excel in any mission that you are called upon to execute."

Fox also spoke about his first deployment as a young naval officer and the many challenges faced by military families.

"I understand the sacrifices it takes to serve," said Fox. "Thank you for your service."

During the all hands call, Fox also recognized the Makin Island Senior Sailor, Sailor, Junior Sailor and Bluejacket of the Quarter award recipients from the 4th quarter of 2011. He also presented Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals to two Marines from the 11th MEU.

"We are extremely proud Vice Adm. Fox took time out of his busy schedule to see how we operate," said Capt. Jim Landers, Makin Island's commanding officer. "This was an opportunity to show off the capabilities and professionalism of our Navy and Marine Corps team."

Makin Island is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects over the course of the ship's lifecycle, to see fuel savings of more than $250 million, proving the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps that will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve the secretary of the Navy's energy goals to improve our energy security and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.

Makin Island is the flagship of the Makin Island ARG, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Makin Island (LHD 8), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd8/.




NNS120120-33. USS Nitze Sailors Practice VBSS Operations

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs

USS NITZE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) participated in a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training exercise, Jan. 18.

The scenario tested the ability of the VBSS team to conduct a boarding after pirates attacked a vessel.

"They hit us hard," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Jehovani Berrocales, the assistant boarding officer for the VBSS team. "The scenario was difficult. This proves we need to be ready for anything."

The VBSS team boarded a training ship with personnel playing the role of foreign sailors to give the team a sense of what it may be like to actually board another vessel.

"We usually board the ships to verify their paperwork and documentation but also to make sure they do not have any contraband or weapons onboard," said Chief Fire Controlman Matthew Bergroschtje, boarding officer for the VBSS team.

In this case, a mock distress call was received from the training vessel and the VBSS team responded.

"When it happens for real, it is usually just like the training," said Berrocales.

After a search of the vessel, there were no pirates found remaining aboard.

"We need to be able to think on our feet," said Berrocales. "If there are non-compliant people, we need to know what to do immediately."

In most cases, the VBSS teams visit the other vessel to give them supplies and check documentation.

"Our guys are gaining experience and they are taking the training seriously," said Bergroschtje. "We need to get on the other vessel and help the people who need help."

"We will take them food, water and medical supplies," said Berrocales. "It is important to have a good relationship with the local boats."

At the end of the event, the team accomplished their goals.

"Everyone did really well," said Bergroschtje. "There are always areas to improve in but all major objectives were met."

The crew of the training vessel in the scenario was taken care of and the VBSS team helped restore power and operations to the vessel.

"It is very intense training," said Berrocales. "You don't know how you will react until you are in the situation and our guys did very well."

Nitze is part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is designed to bring every part of a strike group together to work effectively and efficiently as one cohesive unit, ensuring overall readiness prior to regular deployment.

For news regarding USS Enterprise or the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, visit www.enterprise.navy.mil or the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65 and follow us on Twitter @TheCVN65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.






NNS120122-04. Navy, Coast Guard Integrate to Complete Successful Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Krishna M. Jackson, Combined Task Group 56.1 Public Affairs

KUWAIT NAVAL BASE, Kuwait (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 2 and U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit (USCGPSU) 307 returned home Jan. 20, after completing a successful deployment as part of Commander, Task Group (CTG) 56.5.

"Our overall integration with PSU 307 was seamless. We completed every task with efficiency and professionalism." said Cmdr. Kevin K. Hanson, MSRON 2 and CTG 56.5 commanding officer.

USCGPSU 307 deployed from Clearwater, Fla., and MSRON 2 deployed from Portsmouth, Va., in July 2011. CTG 56.5 provides harbor defense and security for ports, seaward approaches and waterways ensuring the free flow of personnel, equipment and commerce in the U.S. Navy 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

"I've been in the guard a year and a half and to get to come out here and work with a different branch has been a amazing experience," said U.S. Coast Guard, Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Moulton LeBlanc. "It gives me a greater appreciation for the United States military as a whole."

LeBlanc is one of many Guardsman who took the opportunity to qualify on the Navy's coastal patrol craft; in turn, MSRON 2 Sailors, worked and qualified on USCG patrol boats and qualified to wear the USCG's Enlisted Port Security Badge.

In addition to boat qualifications, some PSU 307 Guardsman qualified to wear the Navy's Expeditionary Warfare Specialist pin.

"The deployment's been really good, especially the training," said Machinery Technician 2nd Class Steve Murdick. "The opportunity to get on Navy boats and learn something different was very valuable."

The Coast Guard uses a 25-foot transportable patrol boat, and the Navy uses a smaller Sea Ark tactical craft. CTG 56.5 conducts daily patrols ensuring security of the Kuwait Naval Base's harbor. USCGPSU 307 personnel operated and maintained some of the Navy's boats and shared operation and maintenance of the larger USCG patrol boats.

"It is a different platform, a completely different boat than what we use, but driving them is a lot easier because of the jet drive in comparison to the USCG patrol boat," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Steve Demboske.

An awards ceremony was held Jan. 6, with MSRON 2 and USCGPSU presenting awards and qualification pins to personnel. Cmdr. J. Brad Wallace, USCGPSU 307, commanding officer and Task Group 56.5 deputy commander, presented the Coast Guard awards and Hanson presented the Navy awards.

"This will pay many dividends down the road for the unit and the individuals," said Wallace.

"It speaks a lot to how well our units have integrated," said Hanson. "I am very honored to have had the opportunity to serve with all of you for the past six months."

MSRON 4 from Portsmouth, Va., and USCGPSU 305 from Fort Eustis, Va., assumed responsibility as 56.5 on Jan. 18.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.




NNS120123-03. SPAWAR Recognizes Space Cadre at Pinning Ceremony

By Tina C. Stillions, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs

CHANTILLY, Va. (NNS) -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) held an Information Dominance Warfare Officer pinning ceremony to recognize more than 60 Navy active duty and reserve officers Jan. 19.

Held at the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the event highlighted the SPAWAR Space Field Activity's contribution to the Information Dominance Corps and was presided by Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance Vice Adm. Kendall Card.

Rear Adm. James Rodman, SPAWAR chief engineer, received his pin during the ceremony and provided opening remarks before introducing Card.

"Just as the armored tank transformed land warfare and the aircraft carrier sea warfare, our networks and our ability to use information will transform the estate known as cyber warfare," said Rodman. "If Gen. Patton were alive today, he'd probably trade in his pearl handed six shooters for a smartphone and an iPad."

Rodman discussed the importance of information as the Navy's newest warfare domain. Information Dominance requires speed to identify, process and correlate data into a recognizable whole so that it can be used as an asymmetric warfighting advantage.

"The electromagnetic world has become the real world, and we have to dominate it," said Rodman. "That's a huge sea state change for our doctrine, our weapons and our people."

The Information Dominance Warfare pin is given to a select group of skilled individuals with expertise in intelligence, information warfare, oceanography, meteorology and space. Those who receive the designation must complete a rigorous training and qualification process before being awarded the insignia.

Card stressed the importance of bringing members of the space cadre into the fold and solidifying a vital link in the Information Dominance Corps architecture.

"The warfare pin represents a common warfighter identity for the Information Dominance Corps, and I'm here to welcome you to your community," said Card. "The qualification represents the significant gains we have made toward establishing the IDC as a key warfighting capability of the U.S. Navy."

The SPAWAR SSFA cadre is the Navy's presence at the NRO and also serves the Program Executive Office for Space Systems, which coordinates all Department of Navy space research, development and acquisition activities.

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 vital decision superiority to our forces at the right time and for the right cost.

For more news on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar/.


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For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar/.




NNS120120-25. Navy's Personnel Chief Reviews Aviation Training

By Senior Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate Thomas Hebert, Naval Air Technical Training Center Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The chief of naval personnel (CNP) got a detailed look at the broad spectrum of courses taught through the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), when he visited Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., Jan. 18.

From the intricacies of troubleshooting sophisticated electronics and engines on aircraft, to firefighting, rescue swimmer training and more, Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk saw firsthand how Sailors and Marines are trained.

Capt. Terry Burt, CNATT's commanding officer provided Van Buskirk with details and insight to the training administered by CNATT, and the training conducted at its learning centers and sites globally.

"It was a privilege hosting Vice Adm. Van Buskirk," said Burt. "The admiral was able to gain a better sense of CNATT's mission, and how we use a blended learning solution to provide world class training."

At CNATT's largest training command, Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), Van Buskirk spoke with instructors about the training they provide and the quality Sailors they produce.

"It was a pleasure and an honor having the chief of naval personnel take interest in the Aviation Structural Mechanic schoolhouse the way he did," said NATTC Instructor Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class (AW) Charles T. McCullum. "He wasn't only concerned with the training, but with how the school house was impacted by the recent Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) results. That means a lot because of the sensitivity of the situation."

Capt. Michael Price, NATTC's commanding officer, said he takes a great deal of pride in telling Navy leaders about the high caliber of instructors at his command.

"Having CNP take time off from his busy schedule to see how our instructors prepare Sailors and Marines for the fleet is very rewarding," said Price. "It gave me great satisfaction showing Vice Adm. Van Buskirk these individuals who exceed expectations as they train the thousands of Sailors and Marines, civilians, and foreign students that go through our courses annually."

Van Buskirk was equally impressed by the quality of the students and the training.

"CNATT and its learning centers and sites are a force multiplier, and a shining example of how Sailors and Marines are effectively and efficiently trained to meet the demands of our fleet operating at the tip of the spear," said Van Buskirk. "The blended training solution used in the classrooms and labs has proven to be very effective. Sailors receive an excellent balance of instructor-led classrooms, interactive courseware, and hands-on simulators that is leveraged towards the success of our Navy."

Van Buskirk finished his day observing Sailors learning to become rescue swimmers at Naval Aviation Schools Command's (NASC) Aviation Rescue Swimmer School.

"I was proud to have the opportunity to show CNP our Aviation Rescue Swimmer School. The hard work, dedication, and professionalism of our staff combined with a world class facility allow us to produce the finest rescue swimmers in the world," said Capt. James Vandiver, NASC's commanding officer. "Coming from 7th Fleet, I know the CNP understands the impact these rescue swimmers play in supporting the maritime strategy."

The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training provides operational and maintenance training that supports shore and afloat operations. This includes specialized skills training for enlisted ratings and officer designators supporting all facets of aviation maintenance and support. Selected courses cover maintenance and repair of avionics and electronics; rotary and fixed wing aircraft engines and structures; ordnance maintenance and support; flight deck operations and fire fighting, crash and salvage training; shore and shipboard air traffic control; and, radar operations and repair. Courses are taught through blended learning including standard classrooms, hands-on labs, simulations, as well as computer-based and interactive courseware training.

For more information about Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training visit their web site at https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cnatt/ .

For more information about Naval Air Technical Training Center, visit their web site at https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cnatt/nattc/Default.aspx .

For more information about Naval Aviation Schools Command, visit their web site at https://www.netc.navy.mil/nascweb/index.html.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.




NNS120122-05. Makin Island Sailors Attend Marine Corps Corporals Course

By Mass Communication Specialist Alan Gragg, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At Sea (NNS) -- Two Sailors assigned to USS Makin Island (LHD 8) were given the unique opportunity to participate in a Marine Corps leadership development course taught by the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Jan. 2-18.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Matthew Alexander, assigned to Makin Island's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, and Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Slenker, assigned to Makin Island's Supply Department, took part in the Marine Corps "Corporals Course."

The idea for Sailors to participate in the Corporals Course came from the 11th MEU's senior enlisted leadership. An invitation was issued to Makin Island Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Steve Alt for two Sailors to attend the course.

"This was an outstanding opportunity for our Sailors," said Alt. "Exposure through a leadership course of another service is unique and will be extremely beneficial to their growth as a leader."

Alt said the Sailors were able to participate side by side with the Marines, gaining experience to their culture and way of doing things.

"The opportunity to exchange ideas, sharing experiences while enhancing their development and leadership skills alongside their Marine Corps shipmates, is an outstanding tool they will add to their leadership tool box," added Alt.

The course emphasizes techniques a Marine corporal can use to become a more effective non-commissioned officer, and as a leader of subordinates. Course curriculum includes a daily physical training and combat conditioning regimen, as well as team-building exercises, which emphasize unity.

"I think the traditions that we were learning about the Marine Corps brings out more camaraderie than I've seen throughout the Navy," said Alexander. "Their ways of celebration and having fun goes hand-in-hand with the discipline that comes out of these Marines, and I think that's a great attribute to have, especially in the work environment."

Although the training materials and exercises are directed specifically toward Marines, the leadership principles can be applied in the Navy as well.

"In this course I've learned everything from navigation and war fighting, to the sword manual and guide-on handling," said Alexander. "We've covered a lot of Marine Corps traditions, which I feel is paramount to shaping a Marine, but it is great knowledge for any junior leader to have."

Alexander also said that by applying what students learn in the course, a Sailor can become more disciplined and precise in their own leadership style.

"Being a Sailor, I can take this back and instill what I learned into my workcenter," said Alexander.

Part of the course was very familiar to both Alexander and Slenker as it was based on the core values shared by both the Navy and Marine Corps - Honor, Courage and Commitment.

"The Corporal's Course is all about honor, courage and commitment," said Cpl. Deven Starnes from the 11th MEU, who also attend the course. "Honor means you honor your rank and the Marines around you. Courage is to be able to stand up and actually lead the Marines or Sailors; and commitment would be you're committed to your rank and your Marines."

According to Starnes, another valuable part of the course is public speaking. As part of the curriculum, students must individually present a topic to the class.

"Some Marines and Sailors are timid in front of an audience, they don't know what to talk about or they're nervous," said Starnes. "But you stand up and confidently present a class on something you know, that's leading; and your subordinates will feel confident in you and they're going to follow you."

More Sailors are expected to be invited by the 11th MEU to attend future Corporals Courses scheduled during the current deployment.

Makin Island is the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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NNS120121-05. Navy, EPA Negotiate on Kitsap Underground Storage Tanks Inspection

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Scott A. McCall, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) negotiated a settlement resolving violations of the Washington State Underground Storage Tank (UST) regulations at Naval Base Kitsap (NBK)-Bangor, Jan. 11.

During an EPA inspection in March 2010, the EPA noted record keeping deficiencies by EJB Facilities Services over the 12 months prior to the inspection. EPA also identified concerns with equipment. The total negotiated fine was $161,000. EJB will pay more than $127,000 of the fine.

EJB Facilities Services is responsible for maintaining and operating the USTs on NBK-Bangor along with maintaining compliance with environmental regulations.

"The EPA and Navy were working for over a year to agree to the facts of the situation, and we have recently come to an agreement and what an appropriate settlement would be," said Greg Leicht, NBK environmental director. "We did so in concert with legal counsel, technical staff and EJB."

Washington State UST regulations require that records for underground fuel storage tanks be kept on file for 12 months. The records are required to show the tank systems are monitored every month for possible leakage. In Washington, the Department of Ecology issues regulations implementing the underground storage tank amendment to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976.

Leicht described the settlement saying that the Navy was forceful in asserting the facts of the case during the negotiation process. "We spent a lot of effort to ensure EPA was using the correct facts. For example, we dug up two fueling stations to take pictures to prove to EPA they were constructed properly," said Leicht.

"The number one fact is that we did not have any leaks," said Leicht. "The other was, with few exemptions, the systems functioned as intended. The largest collective limitation was a lack of record keeping.

Leicht added that EJB was monitoring the USTs; it was that EJB did not properly document the monitoring by keeping adequate records.

"We were aware of the lack of record keeping prior to [inspection]. We, within the Navy, had taken action to identify the lack of record keeping to EJB management," said Leicht. "They took action and their record keeping improved prior to the inspection. But the (EPA) inspection window was 12 months, and they did not have 12 months of records for each tank."

According to a press release by the EPA, the Navy had the appropriate monitoring equipment in place at most of the sites, but failed to check the monitors on a monthly basis and document that the tanks and pipes were not leaking.

Brian Zimmerman, the Tank and Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Program Manager for NBK and Naval Magazine Indian Island said that was a key point that the EPA saw differently during the negotiations of the fine.

"The EPA takes a stance that if you don't document the monitoring, then it did not occur," said Zimmerman.

"The monitoring systems indicate leaks by setting off alarms. Anybody near the tanks would hear the alarms,"said Leicht.

"We conducted all the required maintenance on the monitoring systems, over and above what is required, and the tanks had people near them frequently," said Zimmerman. "If there ever was an alarming condition, assuming there was a leak, then we absolutely would have known about it and taken the appropriate action."

Zimmerman added that EJB has a fuel truck driver that checks the emergency generator fuel tanks weekly, and the fuel tanks have the levels checked weekly.

There were several other equipment deficiencies also identified by the EPA during the inspection that were included in the fine. These deficiencies were related to piping overfill alarms and release prevention equipment.

Zimmerman said the overfill alarm issue was not a risk to the environment in any way. In the pipeline issue, the pipe was in compliance with Coast Guard regulations, but a small section of the pipe that did not meet EPA regulations.

"There was another issue were the pipeline did not meet regulations because they are very specific about what equipment you must have, and we had alternate equipment that functions in a more conservative manner than they require," said Zimmerman. "It is not exactly what they require, but it functions in the same manner and they fined us for that as well, despite the fact that our set up offered enhanced environmental protection."

Naval Base Kitsap operates 53 regulated UST at 31 sites on NBK-Bangor. These tanks contain diesel fuel, gasoline and recycled oil. All are equipped with monitoring systems that provide audible and visual alarms if the tanks leak.

All the underground tank monitoring systems at NBK-Bangor are certified by an independent laboratory to provide protection to EPA standards, said Zimmerman. Technicians certified by the manufacturer annually inspect these monitoring systems.

According to Zimmerman, the Navy has completed more than $600,000 worth of projects on fueling systems since the EPA inspection.

The Navy has upgraded the monitoring systems for 15 tanks, installed new leak detection and overfill prevention equipment, upgraded pipeline monitoring for five tanks, installed five new fuel dispensers with remote leak monitoring, installed improved high level alarms, and installed five new mechanical pipeline leak detectors. The Navy has recently awarded an additional $375,000 worth of fuel system upgrade contracts. These projects address EPA concerns as well as installing voluntary upgrades.

"We're paying attention to this stuff and we're doing a good job of protecting the environment and the health of the Puget Sound and Hood Canal," said Zimmerman.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.




NNS120121-07. Bataan Participates in Community Relations Projects

From USS Bataan Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) volunteered for community relations (COMREL) projects while in Rota, Spain, Jan. 17.

Sailors and embarked Marines participated in two separate COMRELs during the ship's visit. Volunteers chose to give up some of their liberty to visit a local home for the elderly, while another group played a soccer game against a local Spanish team. A total of 17 Sailors and Marines of all ranks attended the events, which help to forge stronger bonds with the local community.

"COMREL events give our Sailors and Marines a chance to interact with people from another country," said Cmdr. Russell Graef, a Navy chaplain, Religious Ministries department head and coordinator of the COMRELS. "This helps to create good will between the U.S. and the international community. It builds bridges of understanding between people who would otherwise never get a chance to meet."

At the first COMREL, Sailors played guitar and sang for the residents at one home run by a Spanish convent.

"That put a smile on their faces," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Randy Howe, a participant in the music COMREL. "We let them know that people really care. It makes me proud seeing my fellow sailors give up a little of their liberty to help others."

Residents at the retirement home thanked the volunteers with a standing ovation.

A second group of 13 volunteers also played a soccer game against a local Divisional Two team from Rota. Although the American team lost to the more experienced Spanish team, Sailors agreed the game was still an excellent way to let off steam from a long deployment, and to have some fun.

"We had a chance to meet and play against some really great soccer players," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) Morden Joyles, who participated in the game. "We usually don't get a chance to practice onboard ship, so this was an excellent outlet."

Both of the COMRELs were considered a success by those who gave their time.

"We do COMREL projects because it gives all interested personnel a great opportunity to interact with civilians and military members from foreign countries in a venue that may not otherwise be available," said Graef. "There are many people on Bataan who want to give of themselves. They want to do things for others."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

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NNS120121-06. Sailors Enjoy Port Visit in Rota, Spain

By Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan Miles, USS Bataan Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- More than 2,500 Sailors and embarked Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed a port visit to Rota, Spain, Jan. 19.

The crew experienced the culture and sights of the city, and participated in tours in Rota and the surrounding area.

"The city was beautiful," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SW) Steven Ray, a native of Hickory Grove, S.C. "I especially liked the old look of the cobblestone streets, and the people were really helpful and kind."

The ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office provided a variety of tours for the crew including Sevilla, ancient Ronda and the Rock of Gibraltar.

"The tours were a great way for everyone to relax," said Airman Juan Cardona, a native of New York. "It was also a good way for people to see parts of Spain they wouldn't normally have been able to experience on their own."

Several Sailors and embarked Marines attended community relation events while in port. Musicians aboard Bataan performed at a retirement home, and sports fans were able to play a game of soccer against a Division Two Team from Rota.

"I think the community relations were a great idea," said Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class (AW/SW) Evan Droegemueller, a native of Greeley, Co. "Not only did we help people, but it gave us a chance to relax and interact with the people of Spain."

Bataan is currently deployed as the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

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NNS120121-03. Navy Misawa CPO 365 Program Hosts Chili Cook-off Fundraiser for Adopted School

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Hueming Mui, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Members of the Navy Misawa Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 program hosted a chili cook-off fundraiser at Cumming's Elementary School at Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, Jan. 18.

Chief petty officers and first class petty officers (FCPOs) joined together to raise money for the elementary school they adopted as part of the Navy's CPO 365 Program. With all proceeds going directly back to the school toward funding future CPO 365 service projects, the combined efforts of these Sailors helped raise more than $700.

"We'll be utilizing these funds immediately," said Chief Navy Counselor Todd Wean, who serves as the Navy Misawa CPO 365 community relations coordinator. "The school has asked us to build shoe "cubbies" (cubicles) for the children, so they will have an organized area to put their wet snow boots when they arrive each morning."

Wean said volunteers will begin building the cubbies next and week, and will place them in classrooms soon after.

Navy Misawa Chief Petty Officer Association members adopted Cummings Elementary last year and have already organized several school-assistance projects along with Misawa FCPOs.

"We appreciate the Navy for helping out by putting together this wonderful event which will help raise money to support our children," said Cummings Elementary School Principal Scott Sterry.

Of the 15 chili entries that took part in the cook-off, Naval Air Facility Misawa Safety Officer Jeff Wilson took home the top prize: "The Golden Ladle."

"I was surprised I won," he said. "My secret for the chili is pork, beef, very few beans, lot of sugar, and then I smoke it."

NAF Misawa Executive Officer Cmdr. Dave Cotts took the second place prize, while Chief Mineman Scott Kopelwitz took home the third place award, "The Bronze Spork."

"It was wonderful that so many people came out to support the school and enjoy themselves tonight," said Sterry. "It was for a good cause, and I think our staff and children will really appreciate the cubbies."

CPO 365 is a program which provides CPO mentorship to first class petty officers, while also introducing greater aspects of senior enlisted leadership, responsibility and accountability.

For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, visit https://www.cnic.navy.mil/misawa/index.htm or check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nafmisawa.

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For more news from U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visit www.navy.mil/local/nafmisawa/.




NNS120121-02. Bataan Sailors, Marines Participate in Rota Run

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Turner, Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs

ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Sailors from the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and embarked Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit participated in an "End of Deployment Run" during a port visit to Rota, Spain, Jan. 17.

Approximately 100 Sailors and Marines chose to take part in the 5K, 10K, or half-marathon runs offered.

"While organizing the run, I was uncertain how many people would show up," said Marine Lt. Lindsey Slyman, one of the run coordinators. "The morning of the race was very cold, but that didn't stop our motivated Marines and Sailors from showing up."

Each service member had their own reason to run. Some wanted to evaluate how much their fitness had improved during the deployment, while others participated for sheer enjoyment.

"I ran because I love a good challenge," said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Kenneth Davenport, who participated in the 5K. "The final stretch of a run is my favorite part. Everyone is already tired, but that doesn't keep us from throwing in a final surge to finish strong. In a sense, it is how we are treating the final days of this deployment."

Approximately half of the Sailors and Marines selected the half-marathon as their run of choice.

After over 300 days separated from loved ones and home, many saw the run as commemorating all that they had achieved during the deployment.

"I chose the half-marathon because it only seemed suiting to run the longest run for the 'End of Deployment Run' after being out to sea for so long," said Cpl. Dwight Henderson. "I was a little nervous before it started, but during the run a lot of us stuck together and worked as teams to keep each other motivated the entire 13.1 miles."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan ARG and is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The Bataan deployed from her homeport of Norfolk, Va., March 23, 2011.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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NNS120120-26. USS San Juan Participates in 'Deplaquing Ceremony' at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

KITTERY, Maine (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) participated in a "deplaquing" ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Jan. 19, marking the end of the submarine's maintenance period.

"This was only achievable due to the efforts of the San Juan crew and project team. Together we overcame resource and material challenges through innovation and flexibility. We are anxious to get back to submarine warfighting and prepare this fine ship for the next ten years of success," said Cmdr. Ollie Lewis.

San Juan and its crew of 13 officers and 121 enlisted personnel arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard April 8, 2010. While at the shipyard, the submarine underwent an engineered overhaul consisting of various maintenance work and several system upgrades.

"San Juan is poised to return to the fleet as scheduled and in the best possible material condition," said Lewis.

During the submarine's maintenance period in Portsmouth, the crew participated in various community activities with their sponsoring community of Biddeford. Some of the activities include marching in the annual Memorial Day parade and Biddeford-Saco Veterans Day parade; providing clothing to the Maine Veterans' Home in Scarborough; and supporting the local Toys for Tots.

San Juan is the third ship of the U.S. Navy to be named for San Juan, Puerto Rico. The first San Juan (SP 1352) was acquired by the Navy from the San Juan Packing Company of Seattle and used as a minesweeper and patrol boat during World War I. The second San Juan (CL 54) was an Atlanta-class anti-aircraft cruiser that served during World War II. The third San Juan (SSN 751) was the first of the "improved" Los Angeles-class submarines, capable of under-ice operations.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/.




NNS120120-23. US Naval Observatory Donates Rare Book to Library of Congress

By Geoff Chester, U.S. Naval Observatory Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval Observatory's (USNO) James M. Gilliss Library donated a copy of a rare book to the Thomas Jefferson collection at the Library of Congress Jan. 20.

Rear Adm. Jonathan White, commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC), presented a Latin version of Sur la Figure de la Terre, written by the 18th century French mathematician and philosopher Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis, to Dr. James H. Billington, the librarian of Congress to help the library recreate its collection of books that were once owned by Thomas Jefferson.

While serving as the U.S. ambassador in Paris in 1789, Jefferson ordered a copy of Maupertuis' Latin version, Figura Telluris de Maupertuis, which was published in Leipzig, Germany in 1742. It was one of a number of books he selected from a catalogue issued by a book seller in Strasbourg, Armand Koenig.

The book was ordered June 29, 1789. It was sent to Jefferson and was included in a bill from Koenig dated July 17. It was entered without price by Jefferson in his undated manuscript library catalogue.

In 1815, Jefferson sold his books to the Library of Congress to restart its collection after the burning of the original library in the War of 1812. His library - now on display in the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress - was considered one of the finest in the United States at the time.

Over the years the Library of Congress' copy of Figura Telluris de Maupertuis was lost. The USNO library has two copies of the work, the original French edition printed in 1738, and the Latin version from 1742. Lt. James M. Gilliss purchased the French version and a copy of Maupertuis' Astronomie Nautique in 1843 in Paris. USNO has no record of when the Latin version was purchased.

The USNO library was established in 1842 with an $800 allotment from the $25,000 appropriation which funded the observatory's first permanent home in Washington's Foggy Bottom district. Today it holds more than 80,000 titles and is considered to be one of the world's premier astronomical libraries.

USNO's mission includes determining the positions and motions of the Earth, sun, moon, planets, stars and other celestial objects, providing astronomical data; determining precise time; measuring the Earth's rotation; and maintaining the master clock for the United States.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnmoc/.




NNS120120-22. Navy League Presents Awards to USS Bremerton

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council of the Navy League presented awards to four Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles-class submarine, USS Bremerton (SSN 698), for outstanding achievement throughout 2011 at the submarine piers on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Jan. 20.

Dr. Byron Faber of the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council of the Navy League presented awards to the following submariners: Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Charles Corcoran was awarded the 2011 Engineering "Go-to-Guy" award for engineering excellence. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SS) Bevon Drummond was awarded the 2011 Supply "Silent Specialist of the Year" for Supply Department excellence. Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SS) Christopher Beal was awarded the 2011 "Bowditch Award" for Navigation excellence and Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class (SS) Jerry Verant was awarded the 2011 "Tactical Adonis of the Year" for tactical and Weapons Department excellence.

"It is a great privilege to present these awards and recognize what a great job these Sailors are doing," said Faber. "This is our way of showing them that the citizens of Bremerton appreciate all that they do for our country."

The council sponsors USS Bremerton. The organization provides awards to four Sailors each year serving on USS Bremerton based on superior performance over the past year. This initiative was started in 2010 by Faber. He was also instrumental in the adoption of the submarine by the city of Bremerton. A ceremony commemorating this event was held in Bremerton in January 2011.

"Over the past year, Dr. Faber and the Navy League have provided outstanding support for USS Bremerton working to recognize superior performance and improve the quality of life of USS Bremerton Sailors and families," said Cmdr. Caleb Kerr, commanding officer, USS Bremerton. "This camaraderie between the city of Bremerton, the Navy League and the ship has paid big dividends in crew morale. It means a great deal to me that citizens of the fine city of Bremerton and the Navy League are supporting my Sailors and the ship particularly while we are deployed."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/subpac/.



NNS120124-11. NPC Officials to Discuss Post-ERB Matters and Transition Benefits at California Bases

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Representatives from Navy Personnel Command's fleet engagement team will meet with Sailors, families and leadership in California to discuss personnel policies and force management measures impacting the fleet, officials said Jan. 24.

"We'll be discussing post-Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) matters, with an emphasis on transition benefits," said Capt. Steven Holmes, director, community management branch, Bureau of Naval Personnel. Holmes and his team recently completed a post ERB fleet engagement visit to Japan and Hawaii, where they discussed Involuntary Separation Pay, transition benefits and Reserve affiliation options for transitioning Sailors.

The fleet engagement team is composed of representatives from the enlisted distribution division, enlisted community management division, career development program and the Navy's ERB transition assistance coordinator. They will conduct all-hands briefs at the following southern-California locations:

*Naval Base Coronado, Jan. 30
*Naval Base San Diego, Jan. 31
*Naval Base Ventura County, Feb. 1
*Naval Air Station Lemoore, Feb. 2

The all-hands briefs are geared for Sailors not retained by the ERB. Spouses are encouraged to attend the all-hands sessions.

The fleet engagement team will also conduct a leadership roundtable for commanding officers and their command teams at each site for commands that have ERB-affected Sailors.

"It is imperative that every leader in the chain of command take an active role in the transition process to ensure each Sailor is optimally prepared," said Holmes.

Sailors should contact their command career counselor for local briefing times and locations.

The Navy will conduct additional fleet engagement visits to the Pacific Northwest, Norfolk, and Mayport/Jacksonville in the coming months. Dates will be released as they become available.

For more information about transition benefits visit the Transition Assistance Web Page available under the Hot Links section of the Navy Personnel Command at www.npc.navy.mil or contact the NPC customer service center at CSCmailbox@navy.mil or 1-866-U-ASK-NPC.

More information on ERB transition assistance can be found on the NPC Web page at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ERB/Pages/TransitionInfo.aspx.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.




NNS120124-16. Reflecting on Naval History During the 2012 African American/Black History Month

By Ensign Amber Lynn Daniel, Diversity and Inclusion Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As announced by NAVADMIN 026/12 released Jan. 24, the Navy joins our nation in celebrating African American/Black History Month throughout the month of February.

With a national theme of "Black Women in American History and Culture," commands are encouraged to learn more about the contributions of African Americans to the Navy, including the Navy's female Sailors.

African Americans have a long and notable history of service, first with state and continental navies and continuing with the establishment of the Department of the Navy in 1798. During the Civil War, black Sailors fought against slavery on every type of Union warship, and eight were Medal of Honor recipients.

During the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864, landsman John Lawson was seriously wounded. A member of the ship's berth deck ammunition party, Lawson remained at his post despite his injuries and continued to supply USS Hartford's guns. For his heroism in that action, Lawson was the awarded the Medal of Honor.

In the 1880's, Ordinary Seaman Robert Sweeney was awarded the Medal of Honor twice within three years. Sweeney's first Medal of Honor was awarded for saving a shipmate from drowning while serving on board USS Kearsarge at Hampton Roads, Virginia on October 26, 1881. In addition while USS Jamestown was at the New York Navy Yard on December 20, 1883, Sweeney rescued another shipmate, A.A. George, who had fallen overboard and was drowning. Sweeney received a second Medal of Honor for his rescue of George.

On December 7, 1941, America was attacked by Japanese forces at Pearl Harbor. During the attack, Mess Attendant 2nd Class Doris "Dorie" Miller remained steadfast at his post, machine-gunning inbound Japanese planes. Miller received the Navy Cross for his actions during the attack, and became one of America's first national heroes of World War II.

In 1942, Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. began his career as a seaman apprentice in the U.S. Navy. Gravely rose through the ranks and achieved many firsts for African Americans during his career, including becoming the first African American to command a combatant ship. Gravely was also the first African American to be promoted to flag rank and the first to command a Naval fleet. On May 16, 2009, an Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer was christened the USS Gravely in his honor.

Following in Gravely's footsteps was J. Paul Reason. Raised in Washington, D.C., Reason initially chose to enter the U.S. Naval Academy because it seemed the most economical way to get an excellent education. Reason went on to make the Navy his career, and in 1996 he broke one of the most significant color barriers left within the Navy, becoming the first African American four-star admiral.

"I totally attribute my success to those who have gone before me - all minorities," Reason said during a 2009 interview with American Forces Press Service. "People who have broken down barriers by showing others they're capable of doing the expected task, that they can perform and it has nothing to do with color of skin or ethnicity - nothing to do with anything other than a person's capabilities."

The contributions of African Americans in Navy history aren't just reserved for men, however. In December 1944, Lt. j.g. Harriet Ida Pickens and Ensign Frances Wills made history when they became the first African American officers in the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES) program. African American females first enlisted in the Navy during World War I, and continue to serve with distinction and honor today.

When she was 12 years old, Michelle Howard told her older brother she wanted to join the Navy. A quarter century later, Commander Howard became the skipper of the USS Rushmore and the first African American woman to command a U.S. warship. Howard went on to lead an amphibious squadron, serve as senior military assistant to the Secretary of the Navy, and ultimately achieve flag rank. In 2010, she was selected to two-star rank and began serving as Chief of Staff to the Director of Strategic Plans and Policy on the Joint Staff.

African American/Black History Month serves as an important time for all Sailors to reflect on the history of our Navy, as well as its future. More information, including the many milestones achieved by African American Sailors and the history of the African American Navy experience can be found at the Naval History and Heritage Command http://www.history.navy.mil/special%20highlights/africanamerican/african-hist.htm.

More information on Navy diversity events, including African American and Black history, can be found on the Navy Diversity and Inclusion calendar. To view a list of all of the upcoming diversity events, visit www.npc.navy.mil/commandsupport/diversity.

Complete educational presentations on African American/Black History month can also be found on the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) website. Links include special observance presentations and a downloadable commemorative poster. For a complete list of available materials, visit http://www.deomi.org/SpecialObservance/presentations.cfm?CatID=2.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Diversity and Inclusion, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Office of Diversity and Inclusion, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/.




NNS120124-15. Navy Reminds Sailors of Member-Designated Benefits

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy is reminding Sailors of several benefits and programs where members may designate beneficiaries of their choosing, as outlined in NAVADMIN 028/12, released Jan. 24.

Recipients for these benefits may include anyone designated by the service member, including a dependent, friend, significant other, fiancee or fiance, co-worker, or a family member who is not a military dependent.

Sailors may designate any individual as beneficiary to a total of 15 benefits and programs, including:

-- Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI);

-- Post Vietnam-era Veteran's Educational Assistance Program (VEAP);

-- Basic Educational Assistance Death Benefit;

-- Death Gratuity Benefit;

-- Final Settlement of Accounts;

-- Wounded Warrior Act Designated Caregiver;

-- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP);

-- Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP);

-- Casualty Notification;

-- Escorts for Dependents of Deceased or Missing Members;

-- Designation of Persons Having Interest in Status of a Missing Member;

-- Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI);

-- Person Eligible to Receive Effects (PERE) of Deceased Persons

-- Travel and Transportation Allowance for attendance at Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program events; and

-- Person Authorized To Direct Disposition (PADD) of the Remains of a Decedent.

NAVADMIN 028/12 explains how Sailors can update or verify beneficiaries for each of these benefits. The NAVADMIN also outlines conditions and limitations for appointing beneficiaries.

"I can think of few things more important for our Sailors than ensuring their loved ones are provided for in case of an emergency," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk. "Ensuring this information is accurate and up-to-date is the responsibility of every Sailor."

A comprehensive listing of all benefits can be found in the Navy Pay and Benefits Guide, located online on the Navy Personnel Command webpage at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/career/payandbenefits/pages/default2.aspx.

For more information on member-designated benefits, contact your local personnel office or visit NPC's website at www.npc.navy.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.




NNS120124-12. Chief of Naval Personnel Visits NETPDTC

By Tom Updike, NETPDTC Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP), Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, visited the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center (NETPDTC) Jan. 19 on board Saufley Field, in Pensacola, Fla.

Van Buskirk's visit was part of a larger familiarization tour of commands in the Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) enterprise. During his visit he was briefed on the missions of NETPDTC, including the Navy Advancement Center, Systems Engineering and Technology Services, STARBASE-Atlantis, visual information and resources management.

Capt. Ann Burkhardt, NETPDTC's commanding officer, briefed Van Buskirk on how NETPDTC's mission touches all of the MPT&E enterprise.

"CNP's interest in NETPDTC's unique and varied mission is very encouraging," said Burkhardt. "Our role in support of training and education is integral to the professional development of every Sailor in the Navy, as well as those in NJROTC, NROTC, and many others in the uniformed services."

NETPDTC administers the Navy Enlisted Advancement System, provides audio-visual products and services, develops and maintains training information and training management support systems, operates the Navy's STARBASE-Atlantis Program, and provides resource management support services.

"The NETPDTC mission is relevant, responsive and rapid, but it's also transparent," said Van Buskirk. "The fleet doesn't know that all of this stuff is going on down here in Pensacola. It's seamless to the Sailor in a classroom in San Diego or taking an exam at sea."

CNP's visit included a tour of the Navy Advancement Center (NAC)/(N3) exam development spaces where visiting fleet subject matter experts research, evaluate and develop enlisted advancement exams. Annually, NAC develops 562 enlisted exams for active, reserve and full-time support enlisted Sailors eligible for advancement to the paygrades E4 through E7. Additionally, 42,000 selection board candidates are processed by NAC each year.

"I am surprised that the magnitude and scope of the work here is accomplished with so few people," said Van Buskirk.

The admiral also had time to meet with the Systems Engineering and Technology Services department (N6), the Central Design Activity/Enterprise Applications Service Provider (CDA/EASP) for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). N6 manages automated information system applications for the MPT&E enterprise, Navy-wide and for joint services. Some of the applications include Navy Knowledge Online (NKO), Corporate Enterprise Training Activity Resource Systems (CeTARS), Sailor-Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART), and the Navy Enlisted Advancement System (NEAS).

In a climate of declining military budgets, Van Buskirk said it is critical to make smart investments throughout the MPT&E enterprise. "We are a world-class organization and need a world class infrastructure. That's what NETPDTC provides," said Van Buskirk.

For more information about NETPDTC, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/netc/Commands/NETPDTC.aspx.

For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website, https://www.netc.navy.mil/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.




NNS120124-10. Navy Region Southeast Hosts Personal Readiness Summit

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sunday Williams, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Detachment Southeast

Jacksonville, Fla. (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) partnered with the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Personal and Family Readiness and the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) office to hold a personal readiness summit aboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Jan. 19-20.

The summit allowed senior leadership and other Sailors to give input to developers of Navy programs in order to make the programs better.

"This summit is great because it brings us face-to-face with Sailors, so we can get direct feedback from them," said Capt. Kurt Scott, Behavioral Health Program director.

To begin the summit, commanding officers, executive officers, command master chiefs and other senior leadership addressed any concerns or questions they had about various programs such as Physical Readiness, Suicide Prevention, Sexual Assault and Zero Tolerance.

Other personnel who attended the training included command leading petty officers (LPO), command fitness leaders (CFL), urinalysis program coordinators, drug and alcohol program advisors along with command coordinators for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, Command Managed Equal Opportunity program, and the family advocacy program.

"The summit was very beneficial, and I am a lot more clear on some of the instructions," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Carol Blue assigned to Navy Medicine Support Command. "I also learned how to teach the information to my command, so they will now have the correct information."

Dorice Favorite, director of NADAP, indicated the summit was a valuable communications tool for Sailors.

"As soon as the summit is over we review the information we get, and we immediately implement any changes we can," said Favorite.

Some recent changes implemented from Sailors' feedback included a policy that requires Sailors checking into a command and within a PFA cycle to take that PRT, provided they are medically cleared. This was a great way to keep Sailors responsible for their physical readiness when transitioning from one command to another.

"I would like to see the Navy add a point system to the PRT that adds points to your advancement exam's final multiple in order to give Sailors a reason to strive for better results rather than just the bare minimum," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW) Robert Kenney, Navy Operational Support Center Jacksonville.

Scott indicated that personal readiness summits have proven to be beneficial not only for the Navy but for the Sailors and senior leadership as well. Instructors from the summit continued on from Jacksonville to visit cities across the United States and other countries, such as Japan.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Region Southeast, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nrse/.




NNS120124-09. MCPON speaks at TR's First-ever Mentorship Fair

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Jessica Echerri, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick West visited Sailors on board USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during their first-ever Mentorship Fair Jan. 19.

West spoke at an enlisted all hands call about the importance of mentoring today's Sailors from a holistic perspective and answered Sailors' questions.

"Mentorship is a very important part of the Navy," West said. "Mentorship fosters teamwork, which fosters success. It's about reaching out to each other and getting honest advice."

Sailors from various departments on board TR set up informational booths in the gym, each of which demonstrated areas in which Sailors might require mentoring. The advice provided in the displays was designed to help Sailors in their careers and personal lives by providing physical, spiritual and mental health, education and medical information.

"We set up a booth to educate the command about dental hygiene," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Rashad White. "It's one of the tools the ship provides to help Sailors stay healthy, which helps their career too. It's important for Sailors and their mentors to learn about everything they can take advantage of to succeed."

West gave Sailors insight on how mentorship helped him become the highest ranking enlisted Sailor in the United States Navy.

"I've had several mentors during my career," West said. "We always worked as a team. It's about having that person I could always go to with any question."

While having a mentor is important to a Sailor's career, West also stressed the importance of mentoring others and doing what is necessary to help a fellow Sailor.

"When you see a shipmate staring into trouble, that's when I expect you to step up," West said.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.




NNS120124-14. NAVFAC Southeast Announces Engineers of the Year

By NAVFAC Southeast Public Affairs Office

Jacksonville, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast announced Jan. 24 its 2012 Military and Civilian Engineers of the Year as Lt. Cmdr. Craig Clutts and Marcos Castaneda both from Public Works Department Corpus Christi, Texas.

"Every year we recognize a military and civilian engineer who stands out in his or her profession," said Capt. John J. Heinzel, commanding officer, NAVFAC Southeast. "The award recognizes their exceptional talent and achievements."

Clutts and Castaneda were selected on their education background, professional registration, continuing education achievements, professional and technical society activities, professional associations, awards or honors, civic and humanitarian activities, and engineering achievements.

Clutts is the public works officer at Public Works Department (PWD) Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas. He is a mechanical engineer by education, a professional engineer and certified energy manager, a member of the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers, and is the Vice President of the Coastal Bend Chapter of SAME. He has also published a paper on profitability versus construction equipment maintenance.

"He is a superb leader who combines engineering excellence with financial expertise and organizational skill," said Heinzel.

At Corpus Christi, Clutts directs a $139 million construction program that is readying the base for the arrival of the Navy's newest training aircraft, the T-6 "Texan II." He also continues to oversee a major expansion in energy conservation, including facility integrated photovoltaics and, in partnership with the City of Corpus Christi, a treated waste water effluent reuse program that will reduce groundwater irrigation needs by 200,000 gallons per day.

In his spare time, Clutts is an assistant coach for youth soccer, coaches T-ball for 4-6 year olds, serves as a chaplain at the Gideon camp, and volunteers at the Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Stables.

Castaneda is a construction manager at PWD Corpus Christi and is a registered professional civil engineer in Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M in Kingsville, Texas and is currently serving as the President of the Coastal Bend SAME chapter, as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and as a member of the Society of Professional Hispanic Engineers.

"Castaneda is a true standout among government engineers and is entrusted with managing the highest-profile, multidisciplinary project that the Navy has constructed in south Texas," noted Heinzel. "His accomplishments demonstrate a complete dedication to quality construction and an unwavering desire to meet mission requirements."

In his spare time Castaneda mentors Hispanic engineering students, encouraging them to complete their degrees and overcome the historically low graduation rate in engineering programs. He has spoken at the National Organization of Mexican American Rights conference, discussing Hispanics in the federal government.

Both engineers have proven to be truly among the "Best of the Best" in the Navy and the federal government.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/.




NNS120124-06. Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Enjoy MWR Tours in Italy

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rachael L. Leslie, USS Whidbey Island Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) spent five days in Naples, Italy, during a scheduled port visit Jan. 17-22.

Thanks to the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation committee, the crew of more than 700 Sailors and embarked Marines had the rare opportunity to visit Rome and Pompeii, tour one of the most well-known Italian cameo factories, or climb to the top of Mt. Vesuvius while on liberty.

"It's important for the Marines and Sailors to take advantage of these types of tours in order to learn about the world around them," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Ward. "So often we take for granted the history that is right in front of us, and if we don't capitalize on the opportunity, we will regret it."

The day trip to Rome offered Sailors and Marines the chance to visit the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and much more through a guided bus tour around the city.

"I have always wanted to go to Rome, especially the Vatican because I always heard about it on the news," said Logistics Specialist Seaman Kaisha Lewis. "When I think of Rome I used to think of ancient structures I wanted to see, and I got that opportunity. My favorite part was the city tour on the bus when we got to see a lot while the tour guide was explaining. I really loved the Trevi Fountain. The water looked so clean and pure, and I liked the story behind it."

The first stop on the day trip to Pompeii brought Sailors and Marines to the Donadio cameo factory, established in 1885, where they were able to watch one of the master carvers at work, browse the gallery of intricate cameos or purchase souvenir gifts for loved ones.

"It was completely amazing to see an 81-year-old master of his craft still in action producing the most amazing works of art," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Anson Ivey. "I purchased an earring and pendant set on Mt. Vesuvius made from a blue quartz stone found within the mountain, for the miracle in my life, my daughter."

The next stop for the group was the ancient Roman town of Pompeii, which was engulfed by erupting Mt. Vesuvius in A.D. 79, and rediscovered, excavated and opened to the public in the mid-18th century.

"The tour was fantastic and much more than I expected," said Ward. "The history, the architecture, the entire story of Pompeii backed up by the beauty of it all was amazing. My favorite part of the tour was learning how the structures were built to utilize the elements, for example; natural lighting, steam baths, etc. Seeing how many of systems were developed during these times led to how we build and structure our cities today was impressive."

The last stop of the day offered the more adventurous Sailors and Marines the chance to climb to the top of the still-active Mt. Vesuvius to take in the spectacular view of the city of Naples.

"The climb was tiring and cold but once at the top the views made the trek all worth while," said Ivey. "Just knowing you are standing on top of an active volcano, able to see almost a 360 degree view of pure beauty just takes you to a whole different realm. My favorite part of the tour would be split in two between the glory of the mountain and the vast array of the city frozen in time, walking through the streets of Pompeii and seeing the vast knowledge of the time is just breathtaking."

Most tour participants understood the value and rarity of the opportunity to see the sights via an MWR tour while in Italy.

"I think it is important for Sailors and Marines to take advantage of MWR tours because they are really cheap compared to if we had to do it on our own," said Lewis. "Another thing is we get to learn about a different place from experienced tour guides. The tour guides always try to keep us out of harm's way. I think if we had to do it alone we would get lost or go somewhere we might end up in trouble."

Whidbey Island deployed March 23, 2011 as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. The Whidbey Island has spent the past 10 months supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), visit www.navy.mil/local/lsd41/.




NNS120123-08. NAVSUP GLS Selects Junior Sailor of the Year

By Lt. j.g. Briana Platukis, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Jacksonville announced the NAVSUP Global Logistics Support (GLS) 2011 Junior Sailor of the Year (JSOY), Jan. 23.

Yeoman 2nd Class Diana McFadden was selected as this year's recipient by command master chiefs representing the seven NAVSUP FLCs during an annual board in San Diego.

McFadden, a native of Hinesville, Ga., joined the Navy at age 22.

"I came from a small town and saw an opportunity with the Navy," she said. "I had been working hard and not seeing a lot of results. When my recruiter explained that I could get financial help with my education and I could make a good paycheck at the same time, I was definitely in."

McFadden said the first portion of her time in the Navy was a challenge.

"Boot camp and 'A' school were really difficult for me, but now that I have earned my rank, I love it," she said.

McFadden said she loves the Navy so much that she has reenlisted until 2016.

Prior to this selection, McFadden was selected as the NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville Blue Jacket of the Quarter (Fourth Quarter) and Blue Jacket of the Year (FY11).

McFadden attributes her success to hard work and great mentorship by Chief Yeoman (SW/AW) Jeremy A. Campbell and Chief Navy Career Counselor Tarnasha Fabian who helped provide her with the tools for success.

Because she is a newly frocked second class petty officer, McFadden was bumped up to the Junior Sailor category and had not competed at this level before.

"I was shocked," said McFadden of her selection. "I'm a new second class, and the competition was tough."

"Having had the pleasure to mentor her over the past year, I am truly impressed with (the) composure and maturity that she displays," said Campbell. "I knew she would be selected as the NAVSUP GLS JSOY; she's just that well-rounded Sailor who always exceeds expectations."

"There has not been an obstacle too big for her to conquer; she rises to each and every challenge," said Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Teri E. Zehnacker.

McFadden is currently pursuing her associate's degree and plans to continue her education with the ultimate goal of obtaining a master's degree in business administration. She said her naval career ambitions include applying to the Seaman to Admiral Program and retiring from the Navy whether as an officer or enlisted member.

"YN2 McFadden's dedication to country, the Navy, her shipmates and herself were evidenced throughout the year, which led to her selection as GLS Junior Sailor of the Year," said Zehnacker.

"Seeing young Sailors work hard and excel is just tremendous, and being in a position to recognize that achievement is the best part of my job," said Capt. Kevin Head, NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville commanding officer. "YN2 McFadden is a committed Sailor and an excellent representative for the Navy, NAVSUP GLS and Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville. I couldn't be more proud."

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.


NNS120125-06. SECDEF Releases Statement on Hostage Rescue Operation in Somalia

From The Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta released the following statement Jan. 25 regarding the hostage rescue operation in Somalia:

Last night U.S. Special Operations Forces conducted, by order of the President of the United States, a successful mission in Somalia to rescue two individuals taken hostage on October 25, 2011. Ms. Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen employed by the Danish Demining Group, and her Danish colleague, Mr. Poul Thisted, were kidnapped at gunpoint by criminal suspects near Galcayo, Somalia.

Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted have been transported to a safe location where we will evaluate their health and make arrangements for them to return home.

This successful hostage rescue, undertaken in a hostile environment, is a testament to the superb skills of courageous service members who risked their lives to save others. I applaud their efforts, and I am pleased that Ms. Buchanan and Mr. Thisted were not harmed during the operation. This mission demonstrates our military's commitment to the safety of our fellow citizens wherever they may be around the world.

I am grateful to report that there was no loss of life or injuries to our personnel.

I express my deepest gratitude to all the military and civilian men and women who supported this operation. This was a team effort and required close coordination, especially between the Department of Defense and our colleagues in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They are heroes and continue to inspire all of us by their bravery and service to our nation.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil.




NNS120124-17. Mesa Verde Provides Assistance to Moroccan Mariners

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Josue L. Escobosa, USS Mesa Verde Public Affairs

USS MESA VERDE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) provided assistance to ten Morrocan mariners whose vessel had capsized three days earlier in the Mediterranean Sea, Jan. 24.

The mariners' vessel had capsized in rough seas leaving them without food or water for three days until members from Mesa Verde rescued them via a rigid hull inflatable boat.

"The Mesa Verde Sailors responded professionally, quickly and efficiently," said Ensign Matthew Colpitts, the boat officer. "They did exactly what we train to do. The crew impressed me more than anything; we had to turn crew members away that wanted to help, there was just too many people asking to lend a hand in whatever way they could."

After the stranded Moroccans were brought aboard, they were immediately taken to the ship's medical ward where they were examined and treated for hypothermia and dehydration.

"As soon as our lookouts saw the capsized vessel we had response teams manning up within seconds," Cmdr. John K. Reilley, USS Mesa Verde commanding officer. "It only took an hour and a half from the time we first saw them, to our recovery on board the ship. We couldn't have asked for a better response from our blue and green team."

The Mesa Verde boasts a medical ward, intensive care unit and an operating room. The ship also has a shock and trauma team, fleet surgical team, and several well-trained hospital corpsmen.

"I'm incredibly proud of all of the Sailors and Marines today," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF/SW) Shannon Kirby. "Our training paid off and when it was time to go, we all responded swiftly and professionally."

According to the mariners, other ships in the area had passed by and not offered assistance.

"The Moroccan sailors thanked us all profusely," said Cpl. Aaron Payne, a translator. "They credited us with being the only ones willing to help them when most others just passed them by."

The mariners were later transferred to the Spanish coast guard.

The Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and deployed from her homeport of Norfolk, Va., March 23. The Mesa Verde has spent the past 10 months supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility, and is returning home after having been relieved by the Makin Island ARG.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), visit www.navy.mil/local/mesa/.




NNS120125-15. US 3rd Fleet Commander Discusses Training Navy, Marine Corps Team at West 2012

From U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet discussed the importance of providing Sailors and Marines realistic, relevant training during a panel discussion Jan. 24, at "West 2012," a conference and exposition co-sponsored by the U.S. Naval Institute and the Armed Forces Communication and Electronics Association.

"It's our job to train [Sailors and Marines] and make sure that they excel in effectiveness when they go forward, especially in a time of high global demand," Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman said. "We train to a full range of missions, from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, to maritime security operations, to amphibious assault and disaggregated operations. Flexibility requires strength in all of those missions."

The topic of the panel was how the Navy and Marine Corps would face future challenges. Other panel members included Vice Adm. Terence Blake, the deputy chief of naval operations for the integration of capabilities and resources, as well as Maj. Gen. Melvin Spiese, the deputy commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force and Brig. Gen. Daniel O'Donohue, director, USMC Capabilities Development Directorate.

According to Beaman, the future of the Navy Marine Corps team is bright.

"We are going forward as a team. Our flexibility, our agility and our ability to adapt and be the first ones on call require that," Beaman said. "There will certainly be challenges, no doubt, but we'll meet those challenges together as a team, and our flexibility and agility will help us to overcome those challenges."

In response to questions from the audience, Beaman discussed the importance of training to mission areas such as mine warfare, as well as the need to develop applications of new technologies for the fleet through venues for experimentation such as the Navy's annual Trident Warrior events.

Beaman also discussed the training required for Amphibious Ready Groups and Marine Expeditionary Units to improve naval amphibious core competencies.

"We are in the process of [establishing] two exercises, 'Dawn Blitz' on the west coast and 'Bold Alligator' [on the east coast]," Beaman said. "They might appear to be traditional amphibious assault. They are certainly modernized versions of that."

The Western Conference and Exposition (West 2012) runs from Jan. 24 to Jan. 26 at the San Diego Convention Center. It is the largest event on the West Coast for communications, electronics, intelligence, information systems, imaging, military weapon systems, aviation, shipbuilding, and other topics, and is attended by military, government, industry and academic professionals.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.




NNS120125-18. Navy Announces 2012 Navy Week Schedule

From Navy Office of Community Outreach

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- From Boston to Sacramento, America's Navy will come home to 15 cities across the country in 2012 to show Americans why having a strong Navy is critical to the American way of life and to help commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy's flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, with 148 Navy Weeks being held in 62 different U.S. cities. In 2012, the Navy Week cities are Phoenix, New Orleans, Nashville, Tenn., Spokane, Wash., Baltimore, Boston, Sacramento, Calif., Sioux Falls, S.D., Milwaukee, Chicago, Toledo, Ohio, Cleveland, Detroit, Buffalo, N.Y. and Houston.

"Navy Weeks are designed to help Americans understand that their Navy is our nation's front line in war and peace, operating on, above and below the sea every day," said Cmdr. Kim Marks, Director of the Navy Office of Community Outreach, which plans and executes the Navy Week program. "Because the Navy is concentrated primarily on both coasts, we're challenged to communicate our mission away from fleet concentration areas. That's where the Navy Week program comes in," she added.

Navy Weeks focus a variety of outreach assets, equipment and personnel on a single city for a week-long series of engagements with key influencers and organizations representing all sectors of the market.

"During a Navy Week, 75-100 outreach events are coordinated with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and diversity organizations in the city," explained Lt. Cmdr. Pam Bou, Navy Week Program Manager. "We bring in as much of the Navy as we can. The Blue Angels, the Navy Parachute Team, bands, divers, Seabees, EOD teams, namesake ship and submarine crews, hometown Sailors, medical personnel, environmental displays, USS Constitution Sailors and equipment, and Navy recruiting properties all have participated in the Navy Week program."

Last year was the Navy Week program's biggest year to date. In 2011, there were 21 Navy Weeks across America that reached nearly 100 million Americans through more than 1,500 individual outreach events.

In 2012, all 15 Navy Weeks will help to commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812, with nine of the 15 events held in conjunction with one of the Navy's large-scale signature commemorative events on the Eastern Seaboard and on the Great Lakes. The week-long War of 1812 bicentennial signature events will include parades of warships and sailing vessels, public ship tours, air shows, international athletic competitions, community relations projects, and other city-wide activities.

For more information on the Navy Week program, visit www.navyweek.org.

For more information on the Navy's commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, visit www.ourflagwasstillthere.org.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit www.navy.mil/local/navco/.




NNS120125-02. VAW-123 Support Personnel Prepare for Enterprise's Final Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Peter Melkus, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- As the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) enters the second week of its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) Jan. 23, Sailors assigned to the carrier's squadrons continue to work around the clock to ensure their aircraft and the personnel who make them fly are ready for Big E's upcoming deployment.

For Sailors assigned to the "Screwtops" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the importance of keeping aircraft "mission ready" is amplified by the fact that they possess only a fraction of the aircraft their fellow squadrons have.

With only four E-2C Hawkeye aircraft aboard Enterprise, "Screwtop" mechanics have worked tirelessly since the conclusion of their last deployment in July to ensure their upkeep and repair skills remain on point.

"During the span of two months, our Sailors completed three major aircraft modifications that will improve the capabilities of the E-2C in relation to the strike group's deployment mission," said Kersey. "They have done an amazing job maintaining our aircraft while building upon their range of skills in the process."

From mid-July through the commencement of COMPTUEX, "Screwtop" Sailors completed more than 17,000 man hours of maintenance, which included nearly 6,000 preventive and corrective maintenance actions. The efforts of VAW 123 mechanics on the ground also paved the way for pilots to complete 459 flight training hours in the air.

"Unlike last deployment, 80 percent of our Sailors are now returning with previous deployment experience," said Lt. Robert Franklin Kersey III, VAW-123 assistant maintenance officer. "Our crew is much sharper now. They know what to expect and can correct issues in a shorter turnaround time."

While "Screwtop" mechanics are charged with the responsibility of keeping their aircraft in proper working order, VAW 123's administrative team is responsible for keeping the affairs of the more than 150-Sailor crew in order as well.

"Our job is to take care of the people taking care of the aircraft," said Yeoman 2nd Class Jarrell R. Riggins, who has worked with the VAW 123 administrative team for the last two-and-a-half years. "Whatever the issue, whether personal or career-oriented, we focus on those issues so our Sailors can, in turn, focus on their jobs."

Riggins said his team is very excited to be part of Enterprise's final deployment, and it's their goal to do the best job they can do every day in order to account for and take care of every Sailor within the VAW 123 command.

Enterprise is currently underway conducting training exercises and evolutions as part of a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for the ship's 22nd and final deployment following 50 years of naval service.

For news regarding USS Enterprise or the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, visit www.enterprise.navy.mil, or the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65 and follow on Twitter @TheCVN65.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.




NNS120125-09. Squadrons Team Up For E-2D Evaluation

By Clark Pierce, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 1 combined forces with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 to bring a joint detachment to Naval Air Station Jacksonville Jan. 16, to help meet its schedule for the E-2D Hawkeye Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.

The squadrons are conducting four weeks of operational evaluations in conjunction with the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) underway in the Atlantic Ocean.

The new Northrop Grumman E-2D Hawkeye is the Navy's latest carrier-based airborne early warning, battle management command and control system that works in concert with surface ships equipped with the Aegis combat system.

"The Hawkeye is highly valued by admirals who want to know what friends and foes are in the vicinity of their carrier strike group. Where naval surface ship surveillance systems like Aegis can only see as far as the horizon, VAW aircraft fly above the curvature of the earth to provide the strike group's command and control leadership with a more expansive look of potential battle spaces," said Officer-in-Charge Lt. Cmdr. Dave Champaigne of VAW-120.

VX-1 E-2D Operational Test Director Lt. Cmdr. Greg Harkins said, "The new E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is able to scan a larger area, detect smaller targets, process data about those targets faster, and transform all of that information into improved situational awareness for strike group leadership."

Champaigne said, "This is an unusual mission for VAW-120. We're glad to assist our brethren at VX-1 and help keep the fleet introduction of the E-2D on schedule."

VAW-120, based at Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field, is the fleet replacement squadron (FRS) for the E-2C and E-2D Hawkeyes, and the C-2A Greyhound. The FRS is responsible for training pilots, naval flight officers (NFOs) and maintenance personnel for fleet operational squadrons.

"The tasking of our joint detachment at NAS Jax comes to VX-1 from Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR) and Commander Strike Force Training Atlantic (CSFTL). VX-1, based at NAS Patuxent River, Md., is in the midst of a big wave of operational evaluations that include programs for the P-3C and the new P-8A platform -in addition to programs for C-2A, E-2C and the new E-2D platform," explained Harkins.

Champaigne said, "VAW-120 acts as a trusted agent for VX-1. Our job is to determine how well the E-2D compares to what the Navy asked for, and how it operates in the real world as opposed to a controlled test environment."

"We're already getting qualitative assessments from aircrew and maintainers, including good feedback on the glass cockpit," he continued. "NFOs are liking the large 17-inch monitors at their workstations, as well as the option for the co-pilot to plug in as a fourth mission systems operator."

Harkins said, "We brought a cross-section of junior and senior flight crew because we want the perspective of those fresh from the FRS, as well as those with five or more years of operational experience in the Hawkeye community."

Over the next six months, the detachment will travel around the country to evaluate how it functions in large-force exercises, strike group and air wing exercises and joint exercises. During their time in Jacksonville, the sqaudrons will be part of the Enterprise JTFEX, the strike group's final operational exam before being certified for overseas combat operations.

"Since E-2s have the biggest footprints on the flight deck, the Enterprise air boss isn't going to be happy when we add two more to the mix. But they understand we're doing these tests to provide a new and improved platform to the fleet. So, we'll put two E-2Ds on board Enterprise and fly our other pair from NAS Jacksonville," said Harkins.

"To this point, the aircraft has proven it can meet developmental requirements. Now it's up to this detachment to assess everything in a more fluid and realistic operational environment," said Champaigne.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/.




NNS120125-08. Navy Updates High Year Tenure Policy

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced changes to the High Year Tenure (HYT) policy and the merging of the active and reserve policy into one Total Force policy in NAVADMIN 030/12, released Jan. 25.

"High Year Tenure is a vital and effective force management tool we use to properly size and shape the Navy," said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy. "After a thorough review of the policy, we saw a need for updating the policy to keep pace with and support the other force management tools. This change will improve retention and advancement opportunity for top performers."

The NAVADMIN outlines several significant changes to HYT. Under the new policy, HYT for E-2 Sailors will be four years, down from six. Additionally, E-3 Sailors will reach HYT at five years vice six, and continuation to eight years for passing a Navy Wide Advancement Exam has been eliminated. These Sailors would have had a minimum of six opportunities for advancement before reaching HYT.

Policy changes outlined in the NAVADMIN will take effect July 1, 2012. Effective July 1, active and full time support E2 and E3 Sailors with active service in excess of these HYT length of service gates must separate by Mar. 31, 2013, unless advanced or waived.

HYT waiver procedures can be found in MILPERSMAN 1160-120.

Sailors who have been granted a HYT waiver for a specific assignment and cannot fulfill their commitment will have their HYT waiver canceled and will have to separate, transfer to the Reserves or retire.

These HYT changes will not affect Sailors who have reached sanctuary, which occurs at 18 years of cumulative active duty. Additionally, nuclear rated Sailors will be managed separately by their community manager. HYT policy for E-4 through E-9 has not changed.

For more details on the HYT changes, read NAVADMIN 030/12 by visiting the Navy Personnel Command website at www.npc.navy.mil.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.




NNS120125-17. SOUTHCOM Commander Briefs NPS Regional Studies Students, FAOs

By Amanda D. Stein, Naval Postgraduate School Public Affairs

MONTEREY, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) students in the National Security Affairs Western Hemisphere curriculum and regional Foreign Area Officers gathered on the university campus for a detailed briefing on the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) from the commander himself, Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser, Jan. 23.

The briefing gave students a firsthand perspective on both the unique challenges and areas of progress within Latin America. Fraser spoke highly of the partnerships that the U.S. has and continues to strengthen with the 31 countries in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility (AOR).

"This is our real goal: security, stability, prosperity," said Fraser. "We will stay ready to conduct joint and combined full spectrum operations, but we really don't see that as an issue today. We have great military relationships with almost every military in the region. Our real objectives are to defend the southern coast of the United States, foster regional security, and be an enduring partner."

Fraser explained the importance of the region, particularly as the issue of transnational organized crime (TOC) and trafficking reach a critical point. Fraser explained that illicit trafficking is one of the most expensive and dangerous problems facing the region as drugs, weapons, counterfeit goods, humans and exotic animals are trafficked from country to country.

The lucrative practice of illicit trafficking, a $394 billion global industry, means that criminal activity is crossing country boundaries, making the issue one that takes full regional cooperation to solve. It also adds to other regional challenges, such as narco-terrorism, gang activity, and natural disasters. Fraser noted that interagency boundaries are difficult enough within a single country, but that problem becomes exponentially more difficult when it crosses physical borders.

"The real issue that we are all going to face through this next century is, in my opinion, transnational organized crime. And the reason it's going to be such an issue is that institutions, our government as well as other governments, are set up to work bilaterally," he noted. "It's not easy to work across interagency boundaries within our own country, and it gets even more restrictive if you go government to government.

"That's where the challenge will be. Transnational organized crime crosses all of those boundaries," he continued. "It doesn't respect those boundaries, and that's why I focus on it as much as I do."

In addition to a strong focus on the developing interagency, inter-government cooperation to combat crime, Fraser noted that sheer demographics alone provide a compelling reason to focus on developing positive and mutually-beneficial relationships with the nations within SOUTHCOM's AOR.

"You look at the Southwestern part of the U.S., there are today counties where over 50 percent of the population is of Hispanic heritage. That will influence our country and it will influence how we look and how we act," said Fraser.

"It truly is an important region. There is a land bridge from Latin America and South America to the United States. And the oceans that have protected us still protect us, but not in the same manner that they did before. So what we are very focused on is building partnerships."

While addressing the challenges facing the Combatant Command, Fraser also noted there has been significant progress made in several capacities, and that growth over the past decade plus should not be overshadowed.

The region's growing literacy rate, reduction in poverty, and sustainable gross domestic product among others, Fraser noted, provide a positive hope that, despite being a region with some of the highest homicide rates in the world, the countries do have some foundational stability upon which to grow. Fraser emphasized the progress that has been made in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts as well.

Prior to fielding a handful of questions from the students in attendance, Fraser encouraged the group to be strong, firm leaders and to see the region for its true potential.

While visiting NPS, Fraser took the opportunity to hear briefings from departments across campus, and to speak with university leaders about the school's mission and objectives. He came away noting that NPS serves a unique purpose, especially in bringing together international communities to help foster those critical global partnerships.

"I see it throughout the world, in everyone we integrate with, and I hear it from our Latin American partners as well. The educational opportunities we have allow students a chance to talk over issues that they see in common. And they otherwise might not have the opportunity to see it from the perspective of someone who is not in that region," Fraser said. "It is critical to building an understanding and a relationship. When you know somebody, you can break through a lot of barriers that you wouldn't be able to otherwise. It is critical that our partners are here so that we understand them and they understand us."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Postgraduate School, visit www.navy.mil/local/nps/.




NNS120124-21. USS Frank Cable Arrives in Hawaii

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Chris Salisbury, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) arrived in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a port visit, Jan. 23.

Frank Cable is currently in the Pacific Ocean headed to Portland, Ore., for a regular overhaul and dry-docking (ROH).

"I'm kind of excited", said Yeoman 2nd Class Christopher Brown, a Sailor assigned to the USS Frank Cable. "I've never been there, so it's something new to see."

During their two-week voyage from Guam to Hawaii, Sailors worked on qualifications and participated in many fire, flooding, man-overboard and abandoned ship drills.

"This underway has been focused on training and qualifications. The Sailors on board have done exceptionally well in completing much needed qualifications to support our upcoming availability," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate Walter Brillhart, USS Frank Cable acting command master chief. "We have conducted numerous fire drills to increase the proficiency of our crew's casualty response."

Pearl Harbor is the only port visit during Frank Cable's voyage to Portland, Ore.

"We are stopping to off-load equipment for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard to take and process, or refurbish," said Cmdr. Timothy Sparks, USS Frank Cable executive officer.

Sparks said the opportunities in Hawaii for Sailors are limitless. From surfing and whale watching, to just enjoying the local culture and history, Hawaii has something to do for everyone.

"If someone has not been to Hawaii before, a luau is a great treat," said Sparks. "I would recommend each crew member to choose something to do each day -- go to the North Shore, Waikiki and to the East Shore and explore the island. It is paradise."

Frank Cable is temporarily relieved from conducting maintenance of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility by sister tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39).

Following the dry-docking and maintenance, sea trials will be conducted prior to Frank Cable transitioning back to Guam.

For more news from USS Frank Cable (AS 40), visit www.navy.mil/local/as40/.




NNS120125-16. 2011 SURFLANT Sailor of the Year Competitors Kick off a Busy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kayla Jo Finley

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) kicked off Sailor of the Year (SOY) 2011 Week for nine Sailors at the Westin Hotel in Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 23, with the Hampton Roads Navy League hosting the welcome brief.

U.S. Fleet Forces Fleet Master Chief (AW/NAC) Mike Stevens was there to give opening remarks at the event.

"I would like to congratulate the SOY nominees who made it to this level of the competition. It is a very challenging process to get here and I believe that the Navy does a very good job of selecting the right people," said Stevens.

Force Master Chief (AW/SW) James Williams was also there to support and congratulate the SURFLANT Sailors.

"The SURFLANT SOY is someone who is hard working and has shown a consistent dedication to job performance," said Williams, emphasizing the role that consistency plays in the nomination process. "SOY is not just for the year, and it's really for Sailors who do it throughout their career with over-all superior performance."

Nine Sailors from various SURFLANT commands are competing: Navy Counselor 1st Class Marcelo Almonte from USS Normandy (CG 60), Yeoman 1st Class Stanley C. Battle Jr. from USS Monterey (CG 61), Personnel Specialist 1st Class Muhammad Davis from USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), Electronics Technician 1st Class Cahill Disharoon from USS Vella Gulf (CG 72), Information Systems Technician 1st Class Timitra Easton from SURFLANT, Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Anthony F. Garcia from Afloat Training Group Mayport, Fla., Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Daniel A. Parker from Assault Craft Unit 4, Ships Serviceman 1st Class Anthony Wright from USS Robert G Bradley (FFG 49), and Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Angela A. Zamora from USS Wasp (LHD 1).

The selected Sailors had many to thank for helping them get to this point. Garcia described how others guided him through his career.

"My command played a huge role," said Garcia. "My mentors have helped me get where I am. It's an honor to be nominated from my command. It feels really good to be rewarded for the things I have done and to be able to take it back to my command to reflect on the people that helped me get here."

The welcome aboard brief was just the beginning of a four-day event before the winning results are announced. The list of activities includes visits to a virtual environment ship bridge simulator and the battleship Wisconsin, dinner hosted by Hampton Roads Navy League, board interviews, dinner at the residence of Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, Rear Adm. David Thomas, and the final announcement Thursday at a SOY breakfast held on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Va.

At the announcement breakfast, two Sailors will be selected, one representing sea and one representing shore. Sailors selected from both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets will then compete at United States Fleet Forces Command to become the Fleet SOY. The Sailor chosen at this level will be automatically selected for chief petty officer.

The Chief of Naval Operations established the SOY Program in 1972 to recognize the outstanding Sailors of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet. The program is designed to recognize the best all-around Sailors from the ranks of E-4 through E-6.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.




NNS120125-11. San Diego Learning Center Recognized for Information Management, Technology Excellence

By Steve Vanderwerff, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Center for Sea, Air, Land and Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewman (CENSEALSWCC) was presented the Navy Information Management/Information Technology (IM/IT) Award at the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Conference at the San Diego Convention Center Jan. 24.

In his commendation the Department of the Navy's Chief Information Officer Terry Halvorsen wrote, "Your team's foresight and innovative use of the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) database has resulted in system-wide enhancements and increased functionality. Now operational commanders Navy-wide can quickly and accurately extract detailed capabilities of their units and individuals within their units."

CENSEALSWCC changed the Navy's E-7 advancement process for Special Warfare Operators and Special Warfare Boat Operators, which increased the commanders' knowledge management, improving how commanders can employ their personnel.

"Information that previously took days or weeks to compile is now available to decision makers in minutes," said Gerald Moy, director, Knowledge Management Department. "Operational commanders can now easily and quickly determine how many Joint Terminal Attack Controller qualified personnel are assigned to a specific SEAL team, and which SEALs assigned have a language capability. This enhanced functionality is not limited to Naval Special Warfare (NSW), but can be used by all Navy commands."

The effort is the result of four years of identifying requirements and enhancing NSIPS to accommodate a Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) approved NSW Alternative Final Multiple Score (AFMS) project. NSW AFMS determines NSW Selection Board Eligibility (SBE) by adding five variables - Leadership, Deployments, Qualifications, Awards and Ethos to the Navy's existing two variables - Performance Mark Average (PMA) and Standard Score. The goal of modifying the system was to enable war-fighting commanders and the Navy enterprises to use additional selection criteria to shape their forces to meet their communities' unique needs and values. CNP directed that any enhancements created for NSW AFMS must be exportable to other Navy communities as well.

"The challenge for the CENSEALSWCC team was to meet the requirement that all information used for advancement purposes is authoritative and legally defensible if challenged," said Harold Farley, Knowledge Management Process manager. "The information needed to be collected and extracted from an enterprise system that would capture and combine the NSW factors with current exam scores and PMA of any given advancement cycle."

Enhancements were made to the Electronic Service Record (ESR) and NSIPS Analytics. The ESR modification enabled the capture of NSW relevant skills such as medic, sniper, range safety officer, or other specialties. Information entered such as deployments, leadership and ethos count for points to determine E-7 Selection Board eligibility.

Within NSIPS, an electronic worksheet was developed to display the NSW AFMS factors to the individuals. The worksheet is used by leaders and mentors to provide individuals with a snapshot of their career achievements and how they relate to NSW community values.

One example of the enhancements and improvements that were made to NSIPS included language, an item of critical importance to NSW. Previously, it was necessary to use six different objects when forming an NSIPS query, to find out whether an individual had a particular language skill, which was complex and time consuming. These were combined into one language object, and a single language query filter was added. The result was a substantial improvement to the existing language reporting capability.

Individual Personnel Tempo (ITEMPO) panels were developed to track an individual's time served on deployments, including Individual Augmentee (IA) deployments, in leadership positions, and while on temporary assigned duty, in country and out of country. This provides NSW commanders the capability to track and report on individuals who are away from their assigned units at any given time. he report automatically calculates personnel in violation of the Navy ITEMPO and Special Operations Command (SOCOM) dwell time policies.

"Leveraging an existing enterprise IM/IT system saved time and money, improved the knowledge management of NSW commanders, increased effectiveness and vastly improved electronics records management," said Moy.

For more information about the Center for SEAL and SWCC visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/censealswcc/.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.




NNS120125-10. NSC Offers Winter Safety Tips

By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Much of the continental U.S. has experienced a milder than average winter, but that's no reason to get complacent. The month of February often packs a big winter punch, and it's not too late to prepare. The Naval Safety Center (NAVSAFECEN) offers tips to help Sailors and their families get ready for inclement weather.

One of the most important things to do before winter weather strikes is to prepare the vehicles. A NAVSAFECEN "Safe Tips" factsheet entitled "Winter, Your Car, and You" states that the first order of business is a winter checkup that includes inspecting the battery, the ignition, breaks, wiring, hoses, and fan belts; changing and adjusting the spark plugs, ensuring tires have adequate tread, and checking the antifreeze level.

An emergency situation can arise without much warning, so it's important to keep a winter survival kit in the trunk at all times. Essential supplies include a working flashlight and spare batteries; a first aid kit; an ice scraper and snow brush; non-perishable, high energy foods such as nuts and granola bars; and blankets.

For stranded motorists, these items could mean the difference between life and death. However, it's also important to note that it is usually a good idea to stay put in the vehicle when stranded. Don't leave the car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and you are certain that leaving the car will improve your situation. Never leave the car while blizzard conditions continue.

Many make the smart choice not to drive during winter storms, but there are still other risks associated with extreme cold weather and snow and ice. NAVSAFECEN has an entire factsheet dealing with the dangers of shoveling snow. Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield looked at hospital emergency admissions in Michigan after a blizzard and found that the number of people suffering from cardiac-related conditions skyrocketed 59 percent during the first 24 hours of the storm. This is because people were shoveling snow and many of those people were unaccustomed to strenuous activity.

When you do go out to shovel the driveway, it's important to take it slow. Drink plenty of water, because dehydration also stresses the heart. Dress in layers, and wear a hat. Much of the body's heat is released through the head. Don't ignore chest pain or tightness. Assume the worst if it strikes and call an ambulance or have someone take you to the emergency room.

Finally, even those who choose to ride out the storm indoors with a cup of hot chocolate may face risks. Space heaters can pose a significant fire hazard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns consumers to only use those space heaters that have been certified by a national testing laboratory. Place heaters on a level, hard, nonflammable surface such as a tile floor. Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and drapes, keep it away from children and pets, and never leave it unattended.

For more information about winter safety, visit www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Safety Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsc/.




NNS120125-07. Mesa Verde visits Barcelona

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Josue L. Escobosa, USS Mesa Verde Public Affairs

USS MESA VERDE, At Sea (NNS) -- After 314 days deployed from their homeport of Norfolk, Va., the Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) enjoyed a final liberty port visit in Barcelona, Spain, Jan. 20-23.

The visit marked the crew's seventh foreign port call of the deployment.

"It feels good to end with this as our last port visit," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Emanuel Hills, from Conway, S.C. "The city was very beautiful and had great sights, but I think we're all ready to go home."

The crew took part in several tours sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department. The tours offered included a wine tasting, a city tour of Barcelona and a trip to an aquarium. The city tour took Sailors and Marines to visit the Olympic Stadium and Sacred Familia, Barcelona's iconic church designed by Gaudi, while the wine tasting allowed the crew to sample many different varieties of local wine.

"This was easily our best port," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF/SW/CAC) Winfield Lattibeauder, from Miami. "The wine tasting tour was better than in any of the other ports."

The MWR committee also provided buses to the town to allow Sailors and Marines to explore Barcelona, the second largest city in Spain and the country's largest port city. The service members were dropped off near Las Ramblas, one of the most extensive city centers from medieval Europe.

"The city was beautiful," said Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) Natalie Jackson. "The shopping and the nightlife were incredible here. I'm glad we're on our way home, but this is definitely the best port I've been to."

"As a plank owner it definitely means something for this to be my last port with Mesa Verde," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class (AW/SW) Cory General, from Augusta, Ga. "It was a great port to end with."

Although this was the last port visit of the deployment, many Sailors and Marines who had established firm friendships over the past 10 months resolved that it would not be their last experience enjoying each others' company.

"I made some great friends on this deployment, so for me it's not really goodbye, and I plan on seeing these guys sometime after we get back," said Lance Cpl. Aaron McGrudder, from Raleigh, N.C. "After working with the blue side all these months, I can definitely say I have made some great friends.

"In the past staying in touch was more difficult, I think, with just talking over the phone, but especially the younger guys that are really into Facebook and all the social networking will be able to stay in touch and see what each other are doing."

The Mesa Verde is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and deployed from her homeport of Norfolk, Va., March 23. The Mesa Verde has spent the past 10 months supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility, and is returning home after having been relieved by the Makin Island ARG.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), visit www.navy.mil/local/mesa/.




NNS120125-01. Enterprise Remembers Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors of all rates, ranks and backgrounds aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) came together in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jan. 23.

The Enterprise's Multi-cultural Heritage Committee hosted the ceremony to recognize King for his dream and contributions to American society, and his leadership in the fight for equality.

Key speakers recounted stories of witnessing the impact King had on their personal lives, as well as his effect on our nation and our Navy.

"I was born in 1956 in the state of Alabama, and so as you can imagine, I grew up in a time when Dr. King was sorely needed," said Capt. William C. Hamilton, USS Enterprise commanding officer. "The brilliance of Dr. King was that, while he was a very intelligent man, he also had a vision."

"Actively keeping pace with our nation's diversity, there are now more than 90,000 African-Americans serving in the United States Navy, including 19 active and Reserve flag officers, 105 command master chiefs, and 16 members of the senior executive service," said Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander of Carrier Strike Group 12. "These numbers show that the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other minority leaders have made a difference in the future of this nation."

A slideshow played on a projection screen to serve as a visual representation of how King lived and who he was. Enterprise's Sailors of the Year recited key portions of King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

"It was definitely powerful," said Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Jose M. Perez, an Enterprise Sailor who attended the ceremony.

During the hour and a half event, Sailors recited poetry and listened to several performances by Enterprise's gospel choir and band. The celebration concluded with a specially prepared cake and ice cream.

"I enjoyed the event," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Anna Chow. "I especially enjoyed the choir and the poem."

Enterprise's Multi-Cultural Heritage Committee works to promote an awareness of the diversity and experience amongst Sailors through entertaining ways while celebrating the crew's cultural diversity.

For news regarding USS Enterprise or the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, visit www.enterprise.navy.mil, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65, or follow on Twitter at @TheCVN65.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

NNS120125-19. Current All Hands Update

From Defense Media Activity - Navy



NNS120126-07. USS Ramage Returns Home

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samantha Thorpe, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Two hundred fifty Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) will return to Naval Station Norfolk tomorrow Jan. 27 from an eight-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.

Ramage departed May 20, and is one of six Atlantic-based ships equipped with the Ballistic Missile Defense system. This return home marks her third deployment in four years in support of the ballistic missile defense strategy. While deployed she conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the Mediterranean Sea.

Ramage conducted naval exercises with five countries and completed a rescue-at-sea after finding an Egyptian fisherman adrift 100 nautical miles from land. After recovery, the ship returned him to his home county.

The ship visited 18 ports in seven different countries and participated in Belgian Navy Days, similar to a Fleet Week event. While in Athens, Greece, four Sailors reenlisted during a visit by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Dr. Jill Biden. After having lunch with the crew, the Secretary and Dr. Biden took time to talk with Sailors about their families back home. Dr. Biden praised the Sailors for their resilience, pride and dedication to their jobs.

Ramage returns under the command of Cmdr. Kyle J. Colton who relieved Cmdr. Erik J. Eslich during a change of command ceremony Aug. 12, held in Rhodes, Greece. Ramage is named in honor of Vice Admiral Lawson P. "Red" Ramage, who was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War II.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.




NNS120125-28. Bold Alligator 2012 to Revitalize Amphibious Operations

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Commander, United States Fleet Forces (USFF) and Commander, Marine Corps Forces Command (MARFORCOM) will lead the East Coast's largest joint and multinational amphibious assault exercise in the past ten years officials announced Jan. 25.

Exercise Bold Alligator 2012 (BA12) will revitalize Navy and Marine Corps amphibious expeditionary tactics, techniques and procedures, and reinvigorate its culture of conducting combined Navy and Marine Corps operations from the sea.

BA12 will be a live and synthetic, scenario-driven, simulation-supported exercise designed to train Expeditionary Strike Group 2 (ESG 2), 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2d MEB) and Carrier Strike Group 12. Staffs will plan and execute a MEB-sized amphibious assault from a seabase in a medium land-and-maritime threat environment to improve naval amphibious core competencies.

The exercise will run Jan. 30 through Feb. 12, ashore and afloat, in and off the coasts of Virginia, North Carolina and Florida

"Amphibious forces are a critical element of maritime power projection that ought to be a high priority for support, even in a resource constrained environment, because they are a cost effective option for accomplishing a wide range of military operations," said Adm. John C. Harvey, commander, USFF.

The units involved include the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Expeditionary Strike Group 2 (ESG-2), 2d Marine Expeditionary Brigade (MEB), Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) as well as various other ships and units.

Nine countries are participating in exercise BA12, providing maritime, land and air units or observers. The countries participating with the U.S. forces are Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain and the United Kingdom.

One of the exercise's priorities is to incorporate lessons learned over the past 10 years of challenging combat operations, overseas contingency operations, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR), noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO) and homeland defense.

The exercise will focus on the fundamental aspects and roles of amphibious operations to improve amphibious force readiness and proficiency for executing the six core capabilities of the Maritime Strategy - forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.

"In today's world, the Navy-Marine Corps team must remain capable of gaining access to an operational area, and projecting and sustaining a sizable landing force ashore," said Lt. General Dennis Hejlik, Commander, MARFORCOM. "We have the legislated responsibilities to be able to conduct these operations, and we certainly must be ready to do so beyond the ARG-MEU level where we routinely operate today."

The culmination of Bold Alligator 2012 will include three large-scale events within the exercise: an amphibious assault at Camp Lejeune, N.C.; an aerial assault from the sea into Fort Pickett, Va.; and an amphibious raid on Fort Story, Va.

Embedded within their participation in BA12 is the Enterprise CSG's Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX); the Iwo Jima (ARG) and 24th MEU certification exercise (CERTEX); and Riverine Group 1 (RIVGRU 1) Maritime Security Operations Ready (MSO-R) certification by Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).

For more history and information on Bold Alligator 2012, see Harvey's blog at http://www.usfleetforces.blogspot.com/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. Join the conversation about Bold Alligator 2012 on social media using #BA12.

For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/clf/.




NNS120126-05. Navy Tuition Assistance Policy Updated

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Policy changes to the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance program and Navy Voluntary Education were announced in NAVADMIN 029/12, released Jan. 24.

The changes were needed to provide better quality control over courses taken by service members as well as to reflect the realities of fiscal pressure to reduce Department of Defense (DoD) spending.

"Navy leadership is committed to providing Sailors the opportunity to pursue their education goals," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk. "We know the investment we make in Sailors comes back to the Navy in numerous ways. It's an investment well made in our workforce to make them better critical thinkers, performers and ultimately, better Sailors."

DoD instruction 13222.25 released in March 2011 required a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with academic institutions and DoD by January 1 to be eligible to receive TA funding. DoD recently moved the due date to April 1. As a result, the Navy's policies for authorizing Tuition Assistance (TA) have changed and Sailors will not be able to use TA for courses at intuitions without a signed MOU by April 1. To help Sailors through this transition process, Sailors who meet all requirements for TA and submit a command-approved TA request prior to April 1 for courses beginning between April 1 and May 1 will be approved for TA regardless of their institution's DoD MOU status.

Sailors who meet all the above requirements but whose TA request is submitted after April 1 will be approved for TA only if their institution has a signed DoD MOU. Sailors can check the DoD MOU status of the academic institution they are attending by going to www.DODMOU.com and clicking on the "Participating Institutions" tab.

Sailors enrolled in Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) courses will not be affected by the DoD MOU requirement.

The NAVADMIN also outlines the requirement for Sailors to obtain a satisfactory grade of a "D" for undergraduate-level courses and a "C" for graduate-level courses. Sailors who fail to obtain a satisfactory grade will be required to payback TA funds.

The Navy will continue to provide TA funds up through the master's degree level for both officers and enlisted personnel. However, effective with the release of the NAVADMIN, the Navy will no longer authorize TA funding for new program starts above the master's degree level. The approximately 550 officers and enlisted actively pursuing doctoral-level degrees before the release of the NAVADMIN will be able to continue until completion of their degree program.

The combined cap for tuition and fees remains at $250 per semester hour for up to 16 semester hours of course work a year.

Sailors are encouraged to talk with the Navy College Office or Virtual Education Center counselors about their options, including changing schools, and use of GI Bill benefits or scholarships. Another consideration for Sailors in pursuit of a degree is to choose academic institutions that award maximum credit for military training and ratings as evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). Those credits, along with the college credit exam program offered by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), can help Sailors maximize non-traditional credits and may get them closer to a degree with less expense.

Go to www.npc.navy.mil for more details in NAVADMIN 029/12.

For more information about the Navy College Program, visit https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.




NNS120126-01. Nitze Sailors Practice Strait Transit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton, Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs

USS NITZE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) participated in a practice strait transit, Jan. 23.

In the scenario, the Nitze, along with Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), transited the fictional "Beryl Strait" off the coast of the equally fictional country "Amber."

During the simulated transit, the small craft action team (SCAT) stationed at weapon mounts on board the ship closely monitored the actions of suspicious vessels.

"The scenario was pretty close to reality," said Chief Gunner's Mate David Hill, the anti-terrorism watch officer directing the crew-served weapons during the training scenario. "Although this was an extreme case, we need to prepare (for) anything."

In the scenario, Nitze came under attack by small craft while transiting the strait.

"We were set up the way we will be when we transit future straits," said Lt. Greg Trach, USS Nitze weapons officer.

"The scenario was run as if it was real," said Hill. "When we see small boats inbound like we did today, we will act accordingly."

During an actual strait transit, there will be many factors and possible dangers for the crew on the Nitze to look out for.

"Small boats are one of the many threats we need to be concerned with as we transit a strait," said Trach.

During the practice strait transit, the crew on board the Nitze was able to defend the ship against the aggressors.

"We were able to use pre-planned responses until the threat increased to a level where the ship needed to defend itself," said Trach.

"The aggressors displayed weapons, fired on us and we engaged them," said Hill.

The purpose of the training is to get the crew used to what they may see in the worst case scenario. It gives them the ability to act immediately and without hesitation in a bad situation.

"The training is to prepare the crew in the event of an actual attack," said Trach. "It will help them rely on training instead of freezing up when something goes wrong."

"The crew was outstanding and professional even in this training environment," said Hill. "They performed in the manner in which they were trained to defend the ship."

Nitze is part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is designed to bring every part of a strike group together to work effectively and efficiently as one cohesive unit, ensuring overall readiness prior to regular deployment.

For news regarding USS Enterprise or the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, visit www.enterprise.navy.mil or on the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65 and follow on Twitter @TheCVN65.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.




NNS120125-27. ACU4 Certifies French Ship FS Mistral in Preparation for Bold Alligator 2012

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samantha Thorpe, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Assault Craft Unit Four (ACU4) Sailors trained with the crew of French projection and command ship (BPC) FS Mistral (L9013) Jan. 24-25, to certify the ship's well deck for operations with the U.S. Navy's landing craft, air cushion (LCAC) in preparation for Bold Alligator 2012.

"We have worked with the French navy not only here, but also in Toulon, France, to ensure our landing craft and the Mistral's well deck are compatible," said Capt. Mike Ott, ACU4 commanding officer. "This exercise today is the culmination of that planning and work we did overseas."

FS Mistral typically works with displacement crafts, and not American LCACs. There are many challenges to face in the adaptation of a new craft into the well deck including how the well deck accepts the new craft; the level of water required for the different crafts; how to handle lines; along with the loading and unloading, both on board and on the beach.

"This provides the opportunity to ensure that both the French and U.S. sailors understand differences in the crafts and can adapt correctly to them, so we can execute any mission safely," said Ott. "It is critical that we are able to conduct these operations, so that at any time and place in the world we could join forces with our French allies for any operation, such as Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya, with little warning and little preparation and be 100 percent combat ready in a very short time."

The two-day training evolution, held off the coast of Virginia, not only strengthens interoperability between the two navies, it serves as a rehearsal for operations slated during the upcoming Bold Alligator 2012, which begins next week.

"The biggest benefit of this operation is working together to bring military power from the sea to the land whether by air or with amphibious crafts," said Capt. Xavier Moreau, FS Mistral commanding officer. "It is impossible for one navy to do everything and be everywhere by itself. While working in coalitions, each navy brings different equipment which increases assets such as carriers, amphibious ships, frigates and aircraft.

The first day of operations focused on certifying the crew and ship to receive and operate LCACs. Second-day activities addressed outstanding certification requirements and the dress rehearsal which included numerous LCAC trips ashore from Mistral.

"The French Navy and the U.S. Navy must be able to work together using our different equipment," added Moreau. "It is very important to our navy, and we are happy to be here for this exercise."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.




NNS120125-24. Sailors Cross-Train aboard Vicksburg during COMPTUEX

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Scott, Enterprise Strike Group Public Affairs

USS VICKSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- The Operations department aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) took on some additional crew members while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 19.

Sailors from other platforms including aircraft carriers and shore commands, are underway with Vicksburg during its composite unit training exercise (COMPTUEX) to learn how the many moving parts of a carrier strike group come together to accomplish a larger mission.

"It is important to cross-train on various platforms," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class (SW) Andrew M. Jowder, USS Vicksburg Operations department.

"A lot of the junior Sailors may not see the big picture, especially if they have only been on the carrier or on shore," said Jowder.

Performing on a variety of platforms is meant to not only help Sailors perform their in-rate skills better, but also give them experience in other areas as well.

Junior Sailors are taught, through real-world experience, what the role of the guided-missile cruiser is within the strike group and how it can be accomplished most effectively.

"I've learned things more completely than I had before," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Seaman Apprentice Brennen O'Brien-Cahill, who is temporarily assigned to the Vicksburg from aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

"I'm learning more about maintenance and getting a lot of good mentorship from the operations community here," said O'Brien-Cahill.

"On a larger platform it's difficult for someone as junior as I am to get real hands on experience at the strike group level," said O'Brien-Cahill.

Sailors from larger platforms have the potential to learn what it is like to be a Sailor on a smaller ship where the mission is to protect the carrier, and to understand what that really means.

"I feel more involved in every aspect and I get to know more people," said O'Brien-Cahill.

The mentorship and experience Sailors get from this exchange is also meant to prepare them for real combat scenarios.

"COMPTUEX is as close to major combat operations as we get for training purposes," said Lt. Cmdr. Noble Hetherington III, USS Vicksburg operations officer.

"This is where the rubber meets the road. We need this type of tailored training or we could potentially lose the valuable lessons we learned on our last deployment," said Hetherington.

First-time Sailors can see tactical training in the most basic phases of a ship's certification."

Mentorship is another aspect of this exchange and provides senior Sailors an opportunity to pass down their years of experience to junior Sailors.

"It is imperative that we have this training on ships at the deckplate level," said Hetherington.

Vicksburg and the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group are underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX is designed to bring every part of a strike group together to work effectively and efficiently as one cohesive unit, ensuring overall readiness prior to a regular deployment.

For news regarding USS Enterprise or the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, visit www.enterprise.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65 or Twitter @TheCVN65.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.




NNS120126-06. CNP Visits CID Corry Station

By Gary Nichols, CID Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) visited the Center for Information Dominance (CID) Corry Station, Jan. 19.

CID is the Navy's Learning Center that leads, manages and delivers Navy and joint force training in information operations, information technology, cryptology and intelligence.

With a staff of nearly 1,300 military, civilian and contracted staff members, CID oversees the development and administration of more than 168 courses at four commands, two detachments and 16 learning sites throughout the United States and in Japan. CID provides training for approximately 24,000 members of the U.S. Armed Services and allied forces each year.

"It's my first exposure to all the tremendous training that's going on down here," said Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, Chief of Naval Personnel. "It's wonderful to see all the enthusiasm, both from instructors and students, and how the delivery of new and cutting edge technology and skills to our young Sailors is preparing them for the fleet."

Though it was his first visit to CID, the learning center has been a bright blip on the CNP's radar, thanks in large part to the implementation of the Information Dominance Corps (IDC) in early 2010.

As part of a recent CNP initiative to align training for the IDC under one roof, the Center for Naval Intelligence merged with CID, transforming the newly blended learning center into one of the largest, most geographically-dispersed and complex centers within the Naval Education and Training Command domain.

One new program CID is helping to develop is Digital Tutor (DT), which Van Buskirk toured during his visit.

DT is a research and development pilot program that is being tested at CID to model computer-based training for the next generation of cyber warriors. In partnership with Acuitus and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), DT has extensively studied how the best instructors teach and how they adapt to individual students' learning style. This information is then incorporated into an adaptive learning delivery system, which will enable the DT to teach each student one-on-one in an instructor-led, computer-based environment.

Van Buskirk said he was particularly encouraged by the high level of instruction being conducted at CID.

"This cutting edge type of instruction shows how much we continue to invest in our ability to train our folks," Van Buskirk said. "I'm awestruck by some of the methods that are being used, as compared to when I was trained when I went out to the fleet."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Information Dominance, visit www.navy.mil/local/corry/.




NNS120126-02. Vinson Holds Memorial FOD Walk-down for Nimitz Sailor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 held a memorial foreign object damage (FOD) walk-down Jan. 25, for a fellow shipmate who was killed two days prior.

Lt. Cmdr. Regina Mills, formerly Rogers, was assigned to USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in Bremerton, Wash., as the Navy's only female aircraft handling officer. She was struck and killed by a vehicle when she stopped to assist others involved in a traffic collision in Gig Harbor, Wash., Jan. 23.

Though she was never stationed aboard Vinson, she made an impact as a member of the Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AB) community, explained Master Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AW/SW) Raul Castillo, an El Paso, Texas, native and Vinson's senior enlisted aircraft handler. Castillo served with Mills for two tours of duty, one aboard the Nimitz and one at Afloat Training Group San Diego. She was his division officer at both commands.

"Being part of such a small community, we all know each other," he said, explaining how the Navy's 21 total platforms for ABs to serve at sea, combined with high attrition and turnover rates, resulted in longtime ABs being a premium. "Everybody loved her and respected her passion for life. She shared a lot of moments with me that would have broken a person down, but her passion for life is what will always stick with me."

Castillo said FOD walk-downs were a favorite for Mills, and a memorial FOD walk-down was most appropriate.

"In the seven years I knew her, that was her thing," said Castillo. "She found it a way to relax. When she called it, she'd take off her gear and go out there. She really liked being out there with the young ABs. She was a big promoter of female ABs because there are not very many, and the places she went in her career should be very inspirational to young female ABs to pursue the same route."

Hundreds of Sailors from a wide range of departments and divisions gathered on the flight deck for the walk-down. At 4:26 p.m., the attendees observed a moment of silence. The walk-down commenced one minute later, and concluded at 4:35 p.m., the sun descending on Vinson's port side.

Chief Religious Programs Specialist (SW/AW/FMF) Monica Kuhl, a Cheyenne, Wyo., native and USS Carl Vinson Command Religious Ministries department leading chief petty officer, was one of the hundreds in attendance. She had served aboard the Nimitz with Mills, and noted her influence spanned far beyond the flight deck.

"I just knew her from around the ship, but she was the highest-ranking female there," Kuhl. "A lot of the junior females looked up to her and respected her because she had done so much in the Navy. She set the example for everybody, and I would like to be that kind of leader."

Mills' leadership also affected and continues to impact Lt. Paul Dussault, a Barrington, R.I., native and Vinson's flight deck officer.

"I served on several ships with her, and she was one of my best friends ever," he said. "She was the emcee at my commissioning and one of my mentors when I became an officer. She was an amazing human being and one of the best ABs I've ever known. She had to overcome some hurdles that we as males did not, and I always respected her for that."

"The AB community lost not only a great person but a great AB and one of my personal friends," Castillo added. "She truly will be missed. This tragedy happened because she was trying to help somebody else. She'd take the shirt off her back to give to someone in need. She gave a lot to the community, and she gave a lot to the young ABs in hopes that one would take her spot."

Carl Vinson and CVW-17 are conducting maritime theater security operations in U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.




NNS120125-26. West 2012 Brings Military, Industry Leaders Together

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA), and U.S. Naval Institute (USNI) are hosting West 2012 at the San Diego Convention Center through Jan. 26.

West 2012 kicked off Jan. 24, and addresses the theme: "America's Military at the Crossroads: What's Out and What's In for 2012 and Beyond?"

The three-day event is designed to bring government agencies and private industry together to see products and solutions the government may need from the private sector.

12,000 visitors viewed more than 400 defense and information technology exhibits, along with a career expo, small business conference, a veterans' retraining initiative and a reception at PETCO Park featuring the Wounded Warrior amputee softball team.

"It is important to hold events like this because it's where all the upcoming technology comes from," said Master Chief Information Systems Technician Gary Myers, Navy Cyber Forces senior enlisted advisor. "These are the individuals that can help us achieve our goals."

Military members asked questions about the latest technology and equipment, and some asked questions about older equipment at their commands.

"At this conference I found and talked to a representative that works for the company that made our equipment, and he was able to inform me of free schools that we can take part of and they will be willing to train us," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Walter Holt. "I am glad that I came to this event, because not only can we keep our old equipment, my command can get the proper training on how to install and reprogram the equipment for free."

The conference also featured speakers and panel sessions which gave attendees the opportunity to question experts one-on-one about the latest policies and technology in the defense community.

"This is the best military we ever had, an all volunteer force made up of 1 percent of the American population," said retired Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. "But we need to be ready and to sustain our readiness through training, education, time in the sea, the air, and the ground, and it will also take joint military exercises."

This is the 21st year that the AFCEA and USNI have co-sponsored the event, displaying the latest advancements in first responders' communication systems, rugged computers, battlefield communications, biometric security devices, and security systems.

AFCEA International is a non-profit membership association serving military, government, industry and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, information technology, intelligence and global security.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Region Southwest, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.



NNS120126-18. Navy's Commitment to Renewable Energy Takes the Nation's Center Stage

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW) Sam Shavers, Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy's energy security goals, including its efforts to produce or consume one gigawatt of new, renewable energy on its naval installations was one of two U.S. Navy highlights during President Barack Obama's State of the Union address Jan. 24.

"I'm proud to announce that the Department of Defense, the world's largest consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history - with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a quarter of a million homes a year," the President said.

This initiative continues progress toward the five energy goals outlined in 2009 by the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Ray Mabus, the broadest goal being by no later than 2020, at least half of all Navy energy, afloat and ashore, would come from non-traditional sources.

"Changing the way we get and use energy is a priority for the Navy because energy security is critical to our national security," Mabus said. "One gigawatt of renewable energy produced from sources like solar, wind, and geothermal could power a city the size of Orlando, Florida, while increasing the security and flexibility of the energy grid."

Secretary Mabus has established a "1 GW Task Force" to assess and select renewable energy projects that will achieve this goal. The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment (EI&E), the Honorable Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, will chair the task force.

The Navy has implemented a variety of energy initiatives in pursuit of that goal, including using advanced drop-in biofuel to power the fleet and renewable energy to power naval installations. All of which is part of President Obama's Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future.

The other Navy highlight from the President's address to the nation was at the end of his speech when he referred to the U.S. Navy SEALs' successful mission against Osama Bin Laden.

For more news from Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs, visit www.navy.mil/SECNAV




NNS120127-08. USS Bataan Completes Final Deployment Port Visit to Lisbon, Portugal

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dylan Miles, USS Bataan Public Affairs

LISBON, Portugal (NNS) -- Sailors and embarked Marines aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) visited Lisbon, Portugal from Jan. 20 to Jan. 25, as the last port visit prior to their return home from a deployment which started Mar. 23, 2011.

The crew explored the country's capitol city of Lisbon, and experienced the culture of Portugal during their five-day stay.

"The city was amazing; there was so much to do," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Airman Eric Tomlinson, a native of Detroit. "I was really surprised by how friendly and willing to help the people of Portugal were."

The ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office provided the crew with a variety of activities. They were able to participate in tours to the villages of Sintra and Fatima, and a Jeep Safari.

"I think the tours were good for the ship," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman Marcglenn Orcullo, a native of Aiea, Hawaii. "They were great to help people unwind, and I thought they were an excellent way to finish our deployment."

Several Sailors and Marines participated in community relation events while in port. Some of the crew assisted at a women's institute, while other members played a game of soccer against the Portuguese Navy.

"I went to the women's institute to help stock food and I thought it was amazing," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Patrick May, a native of Nacogdoches, Texas. "Interacting with the women and people that work there was fun, even if there was a pretty big language barrier between us."

Bataan also hosted a reception during their stay in Lisbon, with more than 150 guests including U.S. Ambassador to Portugal the Honorable Allan Katz, Portuguese Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Jose Montenegro, and other distinguished ambassadors from more than 20 nations.

"This was definitely a fitting way to close out a highly successful deployment," said Capt. Erik M. Ross, commanding officer, USS Bataan. "Now we're focused on a safe return home, getting a little time with our families, and prepare the ship ready for our next tasking."

Bataan surged three months early on Mar. 23, 2011, and will have completed a ten-and-a-half month deployment by the time she returns home, the longest deployment for a U.S. Navy ship since the early '70s. Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more news from USS Bataan, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.




NNS120127-19. Transition Benefits: Involuntary Separation Pay Requirements Reminder

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) LaTunya Howard, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- With the release of NAVADMIN 036/12 Jan. 27, Sailors are reminded of eligibility requirements for Involuntary Separation Pay (ISP).

ISP has Navy Reserve requirements and obligations. Career counselors and command leadership can assist Sailors on applying for affiliation in conjunction with ISP.

All Sailors who apply for ISP must obligate in the Ready Reserve for a minimum of three years past their initial military service obligation. The Ready Reserve has two branches, the Selected Reserve (SELRES) and Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

The SELRES consists of drilling reservists and units. These designated Reservists are available for recall to active duty status. SELRES typically fulfill the traditional service commitment of one weekend a month and two weeks a year.

The IRR offers Reserve affiliation benefits without the SELRES drill requirements or Reserve pay. Sailors in the IRR have to maintain mobilization readiness and must keep the Navy informed of any address changes or conditions that may affect their readiness.

While the Navy wishes to afford every Sailor an opportunity to transition to the Navy Reserve, SELRES billets are limited. Involuntarily separated Sailors E3 through E6 can apply for a SELRES quota via Perform-to-Serve/Fleet RIDE. Once approved for a quota, Sailors can contact the Career Transition Office (CTO) to complete the process. If a SELRES quota is not available, Sailors can request to affiliate with the IRR.

A Sailor who affiliates with the IRR must have their command complete a NAVPERS 1070/613 form and send it to their supporting personnel office. This must be accomplished prior to separation to ensure payment of this benefit, according to the message. If a signed Reserve affiliation contract is not completed prior to separation, Sailors must petition the Board of Correction for Naval Records to receive ISP.

Under current legislation, Sailors who collect ISP and later qualify and collect a military retirement must repay their ISP upon retirement. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service will reduce retirement payments until the ISP amount is repaid.

Read the message for more information or contact the CTO via email CTO.enlisted@navy.mil, call the Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC or email CSCMailbox@navy.mil.

More information on ERB transition assistance can be found on the NPC Web page at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/boards/ERB/Pages/TransitionInfo.aspx.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.




NNS120127-05. Historical All-Female Flight Takes Place Aboard USS Carl Vinson

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Rosa A. Arzola, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Five "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron One Two Five (VAW-125), embarked aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as part of Carrier Air Wing Seventeen (CVW-17), flew an historic flight on Jan. 25 when they participated in the Navy's first all-female E-2C Hawkeye combat mission.

Carrier Aircraft Plane Commander Lt. Cmdr. Tara Refo, Mission Commander Lt. Cmdr. Brandy Jackson, Second Pilot Lt. Ashley Ruic, Air Control Officer Lt. Nydia Driver, and Radar Operator Lt. j. g. Ashley Ellison flew an E-2C Hawkeye- the Navy's all-weather, carrier-based tactical battle management airborne early warning and command and control aircraft. The aircraft was also manned up by multiple female maintainers including Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class LaTasha Lawrence, Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Farzana Lively, Aviation Structural Mechanic (Equipment) 2nd Class Ana Wilson, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Denise Birchfield, and Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Racheal Watson who ensured the safe launch and recovery.

"I have only had the opportunity to fly with one other female pilot," Ruic said. "It is nice to be a part of history, not just because we are females, but because we are also close friends. It was a unique experience."

Ellison added, "We got the mission accomplished and had fun at the same time. It was a flight I will never forget."

"Since April 2011, when Ellison checked on board as the fifth female in the squadron, we have been attempting to organize the all-female combat mission flight. Due to operational constraints, it had not been possible until now," stated Jackson, the squadron's operations officer.

The Tigertails are one of twelve active-duty VAW squadrons in the Navy. Eleven are carrier-based, but as Driver explained, VAW-125 is the only fleet Hawkeye squadron with enough females to fill a complete flight crew.

The number of female Hawkeye pilots in the fleet is still small, sitting at less than 5 percent, but the number of female naval flight officers appears to be growing, Refo noted. "During my junior officer tour from 2003 to 2006, I was the first female officer and only female pilot in my squadron," she said. "Now having five women in the same squadron with varying rank and experience, it is gratifying to witness the progression of women in the community."

The opportunities opened up by women aviators like Capt. Sarah Joyner, the first female deputy carrier air wing commander, and Cmdr. Val Overstreet, the first female VAW commanding officer, have allowed many females to pursue their dreams with no limitations.

After the flight, Jackson expressed interest in repeating this event should the opportunity arise. "We are getting a new female naval flight officer soon, and we can't wait for her to join us as we continue to make history as naval aviators," Ellison commented.

Carl Vinson and CVW-17 are conducting maritime theater security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.




NNS120127-18. Program Manager for LCS Program Assigned to Temporary Duty

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Program Manager for the Littoral Combat Ship program (PMS 501), Capt. Jeffrey Riedel, has been temporarily reassigned by Rear Adm. James Murdoch, Program Executive Officer, Littoral Combat Ship (PEO LCS) pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate personal behavior.

Mr. Edward Foster will serve as the acting program manager until the investigation is complete.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/




NNS120127-07. Navy Diver Dies Conducting At-Sea Operations

From Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12 embarked in the Canadian navy ship HMCS Summerside died while conducting diving operations off the coast of North Carolina in the Atlantic Ocean, Jan. 26.

The service member was transported to Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune and was pronounced dead on arrival.

The service member's name is being withheld pending notification of family members.

EODMU-12 was operating with HMCS Summerside in preparation for Bold Alligator 2012, an amphibious training exercise.

Naval Expeditionary Combat Command is conducting an investigation into the death of the Sailor.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit www.navy.mil/local/necc/.




NNS120127-04. Momsen Conducts Boarding Exercise

By Ensign Claire Clancy, USS Momsen Public Affairs

USS MOMSEN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Momsen (DDG 92) conducted helicopter visit board search and seizure (HVBSS) training Jan. 17 to prepare for operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

The guided-missile destroyer's 12-man VBSS team was joined by the members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 11, who are currently embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

The EOD team fast-roped onto Momsen from a helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 in order to maintain proficiency and qualifications for both the EOD Sailors and the helicopter pilots. Following that evolution, they conducted training for Momsen's VBSS team.

"The training was phenomenal and really helped to prepare the team for whatever encounters we may have in Fifth Fleet," said Lt. j.g. Stephen Dutton, VBSS team officer in charge. "Everybody is definitely fired up to increase the intensity and accomplish what we are out here to do."

In preparation for potential counter-piracy operations, the EOD team trained the Momsen Sailors on improvised explosive device (IED) recognition aboard ships and walked them through trip-wires they had simulated throughout the destroyer. They also concentrated on shipboard tactical movements and communication as a boarding team.

"I feel much more prepared now," said Cryptologic Technician Collection 2nd Class (SW) Nathan Cook, a member of the VBSS team. "It was great to have our training reinforced by such a high-intensity team. We learned a lot as a group and are ready to support whatever mission we are called to execute in the next couple of months."

Momsen and Lincoln are currently deployed with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (ALCSG), which also includes embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. DESRON 9 ships include Momsen and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

ALCSG is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.




NNS120126-16. USFF Sea, Shore Sailors of Year Named

From U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The 2011 U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) Direct Reporting Activities (DRA) Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) were named by USFF's Chief of Staff during a ceremony at the command's headquarters, Jan. 26.

Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini named Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Richard A. Lehmkuhl Jr., Fleet Weather Center Norfolk, of Panama Canal Zone, Panama, as USFF DRA Shore SOY. Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Atiba D. Mathlin, of Brooklyn, N.Y., assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Regiment Norfolk, was named USFF DRA Sea SOY.

Prior to announcing the winners, Guadagnini praised all seven candidates.

"The Sailors standing up on this stage represent the best and brightest the Navy has to offer," said Guadagnini. "The time I've been privileged to spend with them this week has been more than a pleasure. They've impressed me with their intelligence and their devotion to duty. These future leaders bode well not only for our Navy, but for our Nation, and I want to congratulate each and every one of them for their accomplishments."

The Sailors of the Year announcement came after a week of activities designed to highlight the individual accomplishments of the seven finalists for the awards. Social functions sponsored by local Hampton Roads military and civilian supporters led up to the final step of the SOY competition, an intense review board for each candidate to determine who would be chosen to represent USFF as the USFF Sea and Shore SOYs.

"I was shocked when they announced my name," said Mathlin. "This is an incredibly impressive group of Sailors, and at the same time a great group of people to spend time with and get to know."

Lehmkuhl echoed those sentiments.

"It was a nerve racking week, but I really enjoyed getting to know this amazing collection of Sailors. Its obvious why they were selected, but I'm still trying to wrap my head around why I ended up here," said Lehmkuhl.

Lehmkuhl's spouse, Heather, was able to answer that question.

"He told me he didn't deserve this, but I told him it isn't how he sees himself, it's how others see him and that's why he's where he's at," said Heather Lehmkuhl. "I know he doesn't think he deserves this, but I am so incredibly proud of what he's accomplished."

Both Sailors said neither would be there without the support of their commands.

"My chain of command made all of this possible," said Lehmkuhl. "I wouldn't be here without the guidance and direction of my mentors and to a phenomenal team of Sailors working with and for me, and most especially from my wife Heather."

Lehmkuhl and Mathlin spoke about their secrets to success.

"Take care of your Sailors," said Lehmkuhl. "If you put their welfare before your own it will all fall into place."

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the Sailors I lead," said Mathlin. "They made this all possible."

Both Mathlin and Lehmkuhl will now compete against Sailors selected from both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets, and will compete to become the Fleet SOY. The Sailor chosen at this level will be automatically selected for chief petty officer.

The chief of naval operations established the SOY Program in 1972 to recognize the outstanding Sailors of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet. The program is designed to recognize the best all-around Sailors from the ranks of E-4 through E-6.

The other finalists nominated for USFF DRA Sea Sailor of the Year include:

- IT1 (SW/AW) Tiffany A. Grace, Carrier Strike Group 12

- IT1 (SW/AW) Jonathan S. Pollard, UNSN Mercy (T-AH 19)

- ND1 (DSW/FMF/SW/PJ) Jacob M. Schonacher, Sr., 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion

The other finalists nominated for Fleet Shore Sailor of the Year include:

- BM1 (SW/EXW) Zane Allen, Port Operations Officer Military Sealift Command European and Africa in Naples, Italy

- MN1 (SW) Michael J. Lynch, Navy Munitions Command, Unit Charleston in Goose Creek, S.C.


For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/.




NNS120127-15. Fleet Cyber Command, Navy Cyber Forces Name Joint Sailors of the Year

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist(SW/AW) Aaron Strickland, Navy Cyber Forces Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FLTCYBERCOM) and Navy Cyber Forces (CYBERFOR) named joint 2011 Sailors of the Year in a ceremony in Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 26.

Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class (IDW/SW) Christopher Cook, based at Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Georgia, is the FLTCYBERCOM/CYBERFOR Sea Sailor of the Year.

Information Systems Technician 1st Class (IDW/SW) Richard Skees, a computer specialist assigned to Navy Cyber Defense Operations Command (NCDOC) in Virginia Beach, Va., is the FLTCYBERCOM/CYBERFOR Shore Sailor of the Year.

Sea Junior Sailor of the Year is Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 2nd Class (IDW/SW) Craig Pitcher from NIOC Norfolk, and Shore Junior Sailor of the Year is Information Systems Technician 2nd Class (IDW/SW) James Boger, NIOC Colorado.

"Any of our 10 finalists could have been selected as the Sailor of the Year and would have performed equally as well at the U.S. Fleet Forces competition," CYBERFOR Force Master Chief (IDW/AW/SW) Jay Powers Powers said. "Long after the master chiefs that sat this board are piped ashore, these Sailors will be shaping our Navy and positively impacting our information dominance corps, whether from the CPO Mess or the wardroom. I am extremely proud of them and their families."

Skees said his selection was a surprise, and it humbled him.

"I'm honored to be chosen from such a great group of Sailors," the Lexington, Ky., native said. "Being picked as Sailor of the Year is a result of the great job the Sailors around me do to make NCDOC a success."

Cook, who hails from Birmingham, Ala., said he counts himself blessed to be chosen.

"My Sailors put me in a position to show what we're about at NIOC," he said. "When you put God first and have an awesome support team, and I mean my family and my command, anything is possible."

FLTCYBERCOM/TENTHFLT Command Master Chief (IDW/SW) Christopher Welch said this is the first year FLTCYBERCOM and CYBERFOR conducted a joint Sailor of the Year program and that the nominees demonstrate why Navy cyber and the Navy as a whole remain strong.

"We had candidates from our subordinate communities representing their fellow Sailors from within the information dominance corps and those from the myriad of other Navy ratings we depend on every day for mission success," Welch said. "It is our ability to work together that is the foundation from which our accomplishments in this new warfare area will come. These Sailors will lead us in those achievements."

The other nominees for Sailor of Year were Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class (IDW/NAC) Daniel Adkins, NIOC Whidbey Island, Wash.; Information Systems Technician 1st Class (IDW/SW) Jennifer Pate, Naval Communications Security Material System, Washington; Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) 1st Class (SS) Kelly Rixies, Jr., NIOC Norfolk; Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class (IDW/NAC) Jason Snyder, NIOC Misawa, Japan; Electronics Technician 1st Class (IDW/SW) Jerry Behimino, Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific, Hawaii; Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class (IDW/SW) Kristalina Greene, NIOC Colorado; Information Systems Technician 1st Class (IDW/SW) Bryan Hamel, NCTAMS Atlantic, Va.; and Yeoman 1st Class (IDW/SW) Classie Mejia, Navy Cyber Forces Headquarters, Va.

Both Sailors of the Year will compete for U.S. Fleet Forces Command Sailor of the Year in March.

For more information on Navy Cyber Forces, visit www.cyberfor.navy.mil, or www.navy.mil/local/ncf, or follow the command on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/USNavyCyberForces.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Cyber Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/ncf/.




NNS120127-06. SUBLANT Recognizes 2011 Sailors of the Year

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic (SUBLANT) Vice Adm. John Richardson recognized the 2011 SUBLANT Senior and Junior Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a luncheon held at the Vista Point Center, Naval Station Norfolk Jan. 25.

"We are here today to celebrate excellence," Richardson said. "These Sailors are the Submarine Forces' equivalent to the Plays of the Day. These Sailors are the folks that make up our highlight reels, the very best of the best. Their dedication and talent inspires us all to dig deeper and achieve more, to raise our game up a notch or two. They are the examples that we look to. It's a privilege to be amongst our superstars. They are an inspiration to me, our force and our Navy."

The 2011 SUBLANT Senior Sea Sailor of the Year was Electrician's Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class (SSW) William Nagel, assigned to the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753), home ported in Norfolk. The 31-year-old Sailor is from Montgomery County, Texas, and joined the Navy in August 1998.

"It is just a tremendous honor to be nominated, and for being selected I am lost for words," said Nagel. "This means everything because of the great support I got from my wife and family. I don't know what separated me from the other Sailors, but being the Educational Services Officer onboard helped. As the ESO, I mentored a lot of junior Sailors and was involved with every junior Sailor in providing them tools for advancement."

Yeoman 1st Class (SSW) Scott Biden was recognized as the 2011 SUBLANT Senior Shore Sailor of the Year. Biden was born in Monica, Calif., but raised in Upland, Calif., and joined the Navy in February 2000.

"Without the support and guidance of my wife, and the support of my shipmates, I would not be standing here today," said Biden. "This is a tremendous award for all my mentors who have helped me get here, and continue to help me."

As the Senior Shore and Sea Sailors of the Year, Nagel and Biden will represent SUBLANT in the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) Sailor of the Year competition.

The USFFC competition will be held in March with other Atlantic Fleet type command winners. The Atlantic Fleet sea winner from that competition will be meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer, while the Atlantic Fleet shore winner will enter the Chief of Naval Operations competition in Washington, D.C.

The 2011 SUBLANT Junior Sea Sailor of the Year was Fire Control Technician 2nd Class (SSW) Mike Blizzard, a 25-year-old assigned to the Ohio-class ballistic submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), home ported in Kings Bay, Ga. He is from Scranton, N.C., and joined the Navy in February 2007.

"We have a great command," said Blizzard. "This means a lot and can't really think of any additional words to describe emotions. Amazing and shows what hard work can do for someone's career."

Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Alexander Hiller was honored as the 2011 SUBLANT Junior Shore Sailor of the Year. He is a 25-year-old assigned to the staff at Commander, Naval Submarine Support Facility, home based in New London, Conn.

Hiller is from Dunkirk, N.Y., and joined the Navy in August 2003.

"This is a great honor, particularly being a surface Sailor working in the submarine fleet," said Hiller. "It was not just the award, but coming here and meeting all the high-level people and achievers. This was significant because it indicates the impartiality of the submarine fleet, and their willingness to recognize excellence."

Force Master Chief Kirk Saunders, SUBLANT Force Master Chief, stated he was proud of the professionalism, civic-mindedness, and family-oriented focus always exhibited by all enlisted submarine force Sailors. But he said this group was special and possessed a sharper edge.

"The Sailor of the Year program is an excellent forum to recognize our top performers," said Saunders. "For the past several days during the selection process, I have gotten to know the Sailors and their families. I have truly been honored and inspired by them. These Sailors are carrying the torch in leading our commander's vision for the submarine force. They are preparing and ensuring our submariners are ready forces able to engage in current, forward, and future operations and warfighting."

The other candidates for Senior Sea Sailor and Senior Shore Sailor of the year were Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SSW) Jessy White and Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/EXW) Sean McLaughlin, respectively.

The other candidate for Junior Sea Sailor of the Year was Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SSW) Clair Dopson, IV, while Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) Edward Martin was the other Junior Shore Sailor of the year.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/sublant/.




NNS120126-17. SURFLANT 2011 Sea, Shore SOYs Announced

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samantha Thorpe, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) announced its 2011 Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony, Jan. 26.

Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Anthony F. Garcia from Afloat Training Group, Mayport, Fla., was named the 2011 SURFLANT Shore Sailor of the Year, and Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Angela A. Zamora, from USS Wasp (LHD 1), was named the 2011 SURFLANT Sea Sailor of the Year.

"This was an amazing experience," said Zamora. "I am humbled and grateful for all the support my command and shipmates have given me. It was an honor going through this process with the best of the best."

Rear Adm. David Thomas Jr., commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, announced the winners before a crowd of supporters for the nine nominees.

During the week leading up to the ceremony, the nominees ate together, participated in group physical training and a ship driving simulator, toured the Battleship Wisconsin, and were each interviewed by award selection boards made up of senior enlisted SURFLANT Sailors.

"The best part of the week for me was the camaraderie, spending time with the other candidates and their spouses, and just going through this experience together," said Garcia. "I am thankful for all the people I got to meet: the board members, the master chiefs and the other Sailors of the Year. It was a great experience, and I will take that with me."

The SOY program was established in 1972 to recognize outstanding Sailors who represent not only each command, but ultimately the Navy over all.

The program aims to recognize hard working Sailors throughout the Navy. Sailors are chosen primarily due to their exceptional work ethic, superior performance on and off duty, and leadership skills.

"It is a tough time to be in the military, where we are shrinking the Army and shrinking the Marines, but we still have to have a forward presence," explained Thomas to the nominees. "These are tough challenges, but this is our time to lead. I am humbled because you represent the hundreds of Sailors that you lead on board your ships and at your commands."

Senior Chief Information Technician Marluis Stokes, SOY 2011 coordinator, said that during the boards, when asked what the hardest part of leadership was, the SOY nominees all responded with the word courage.

"It takes a lot to stand up and say when your Sailors are doing the wrong thing and correct them," said Stokes. "You are all great leaders, and I am very proud of you. Even though only two of you got the award, you are all winners. You can go back to your commands with your heads held high."

When the SOY program began, only the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Sea Sailors were recognized. Within ten years, the Sailor of the Year program was expanded to include the shore establishment and Navy Reserve Sailors.

Garcia and Zamora will go on to compete with the 2011 Pacific Fleet Sailors of the Year, Feb. 12-16, during U.S. Fleet Forces Command SOY week in Norfolk.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/.




NNS120127-10. Naval Supply Systems Command Names 2011 Sailor of the Year

By David Rea, NAVSUP Office of Corporate Communications

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- The Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) named NAVSUP's 2011 Sailor of the Year during a ceremony held at Naval Support Activity Mechanicsburg, Pa., Jan. 25.

Mineman 1st Class (SW/AW) Rebecca Cross is currently serving as a Requisition Manager at NAVSUP Logistics Operations Center (LOC) Norfolk.

"Petty Officer Cross has certainly earned this honor," explained Command Master Chief SW/AW) Sidney Dawson, who serves as the command master chief for the supply enlisted community. "She is truly a consummate professional and leader, and she represents the very best from across the NAVSUP enterprise."

In his remarks during the ceremony, Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich presented Cross with a plaque and coin, recognizing her many contributions to her command and the Navy.

Heinrich lauded the fact that the three Sailors who competed for Sailor of the Year truly represent "the best of the Navy."

While addressing the senior enlisted board members who made the selection, he added that he did not envy the decision they had to make.

"Each of these Sailors represents the best of our supply community," said Heinrich. "They have great futures and represent the many ratings that help make our supply enlisted community very successful."

Cross enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July 2000, after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Pensacola, Fla. She completed basic training at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, then reported to Mineman "A" school, Ingleside, Texas, where she was the first Sailor to graduate with a score of 100 percent.

She has served with Mobile Mine Assemble Unit (MOMAU) 10, Okinawa, Japan; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87, Virginia Beach, Va., as the Automatic Data Processing leading petty officer; Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC) crew force aboard USS Raven (MHC 61), forward deployed to Bahrain as the weapons leading petty officer; and as leading petty officer, High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV2), Little Creek, Va.

In her current position as a requisition manager, she manages more than $2 billion of conventional ordnance for the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, ensuring combat capability of Navy operations and missions in support of coalition campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as operations in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces during Operations Odyssey Dawn and Unified Protector.

"I have had an outstanding time while working in Navy logistics," Cross said. "This experience will only better prepare me to succeed in future assignments."

NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. Additionally, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.




NNS120127-02. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Holds Annual Suicide Awareness Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) held its annual suicide awareness training, Jan. 22-23.

NAVCENT leadership, chaplains and medical personnel shared firsthand accounts, showed videos, conducted role playing, and held a 3-kilometer run/walk to educate military personnel and civilians of the signs and steps to assist a friend, family member, or shipmate contemplating suicide.

Vice Adm. Mark Fox, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, began the training by sharing personal accounts of how suicide can impact individuals.

"It [suicide] creates a whole lot of different kinds of emotions," said Fox. "Suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem. I don't care what your problem is, suicide is not the answer."

Fox emphasized the importance of shipmates helping shipmates.

"I've flown probably more than 100 sorties in combat, and every single time I've launched and gone across the beach, I've always had a wingman. We need wingmen; we need to look at each other with the attitude that each person that is here is more than just another Sailor, somebody that's passing in the crowd, that each one of you is irreplaceable, each one of you is valuable."

Lt. Laurie Steurer, a social worker assigned to the Mental Health Department of Naval Branch Health Clinic, Bahrain, talked about resiliency, and gave tips on physical and mental fitness. She advised Sailors against worrying about what you can't control; rather to exercise, have a positive outlook, have a sense of humor, be religious or spiritual, see the good in a situation, ask for help, enjoy life, get enough sleep and eat well.

Lt. Clayton Jones, a Navy chaplain assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 50, talked about stress, and how to deal with demands of the military lifestyle.

"So you deploy, well so does everybody else. So you move, so does everybody else. And so we grow indifferent to the amount of stress, and how it impacts people. Why, because we're all doing it. But we need not to do that. We need to realize that our [military] lifestyle's extremely stressful, and there are going to be times when we need help," said Jones. "If you notice someone is not doing well, you should take the initiative and talk to him or her."

Jones talked about the need to take personal accountability.

"If there's too much weight on your shoulders, get some help," said Jones. "It really is no big deal anymore. There's not that stigma attached to it."

Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Stall-Ryan, NAVCENT Fleet/Force Deputy Chaplain, spoke about the Navy's suicide program, ACT, which stands for ask, care and treat. He emphasized the need to be involved in other people's lives and the need to ask that big question: 'Are you thinking of hurting yourself?'

"We need to have the courage to ask that tough question. And that's not just for the people we like, but also for the people we don't like," said Stall-Ryan.

"The training was pretty good," said Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Andre McClain. "You need to know what your Sailors are doing. You need to get into their lives; you need to ask what's going on. I'm a true believer in that."

The training impressed Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Paulina Castro.

"It was good training," said Castro. "I liked that there was a lot of heart-felt stories and relatable material. That was, I think, the biggest takeaway. It was different from every other suicide training I've been to."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.




NNS120127-12. SWIFT-SPS Veterinarians Visit Peru Anti-venom Research Facility

By Specialist Jennifer Grier, High Speed Vessel-Southern Partnership Station 2012 Public Affairs

CHORRILLOS, Peru (NNS) -- Veterinarians attached to High Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift visited a snake and spider anti-venom clinic in Chorrillos, Peru as part of HSV-Southern Partnership Station 2012 (HSV-SPS 12), Jan. 25.

The seven-person HSV-SPS 12 medical and veterinary team visited the National Center of Biology anti-venom clinic with an officer of the Naval Peruvian Hospital and the Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) 6.

The group discussed species of venomous snakes and spiders, the differences between venoms, and the potential signs and symptoms of patients in the hospital recorded to have been victimized by the species living in Peru.

"It's important to educate U.S. service members of all types about these creatures," said Lt. Cmdr. Luis Loayza, a doctor and liaison of the Naval Peruvian Hospital and NAMRU-6. "I've learned from working with the U.S. Navy that service members travel a lot, and you never know when these sorts of exchanges between countries about anti-venom will come in handy."

The tour of the facility began with a slide show describing the different types of venomous snakes and spiders within Peru, and continued with a subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) between the medical team and the researcher.

"Snakes and spiders are more afraid of you than you are of them," said Monica Chacon Paz, research specialist and tour guide. "From an ecological point of view the world needs these creatures, and we need them to continue valuable research."

The anti-venom facility houses three different types of live, venomous snakes in Peru and a small variety of venomous spiders. The center hopes to keep researching the species and make tours of the center available to increase education and awareness worldwide.

"This was an important visit," said Tech Sgt. Andrew Clarke, a medical technician attached to the veterinary and medical team on Swift. "It's important to see how other research facilities are run in countries that have different species that we are not accustomed to seeing."

The team of veterinarians is scheduled to perform more SMEEs and participate in more animal research within different facilities as a part of HSV-SPS 12.

Service members from each of the armed services are working with host nation partners, conducting exchanges of techniques and information in Navy Criminal Investigative Services, medical, small-unit leadership and engineering practices.

Southern Partnership Station is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility in the Caribbean, Central and South America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with partner nation service members and civilians in the region.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command 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.

For more information, please contact COMUSNAVSO/C4F Public Affairs by email at comusnavso-c4f_mypt_pao@navy.mil, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.




NNS120127-01. Sea Services Train Together during Kitsap Joint Leadership Course

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lawrence Davis, Naval Base Kitsap Public Affairs

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen aboard Naval Base Kitsap Bangor joined forces as 20 junior service members participated in a non-commissioned officers training course conducted by the Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion (MCSFBN) Bangor, Jan. 9-27.

This was the first time MCSFBN Bangor's annual three-week course has encompassed integrated material from all three services including the Marines' Corporal Course and Navy and Coast Guard's Petty Officer Indoctrination courses.

"It teaches our [personnel] leadership, military history and the core values of honor, courage and commitment, which applies to all branches," said Sgt. Maj. Richard Smith, course chief instructor, MCSFBN.

During the course, service members participated in daily combat conditioning, incorporating a main theme of "no one left behind."

According to Sgt. Ryan Hurst, assistant faculty advisor, students were forced out of their comfort zones to learn that their mind will fail before their bodies.

Participants also attended instructor-led classes with a curriculum of customs, courtesies and traditions of each branch.

"The course is designed to not only challenge them mentally and physically, but it also gives them a new sense of camaraderie," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class (SW) Clarence Judd, assistant faculty advisor, MCSFBN.

Weekly group counseling also took place throughout the course, allowing instructors to express expectations, help build student goals and to make any necessary improvements.

"These students are the main frame of the future," said Judd. "They're encompassing the knowledge of their respective branch of service as well as that of their counterparts."

Coast Guard Maritime Enforcement Specialist 3rd Class (ME3) Richard Trujillo, a course participant, said that with the training and the knowledge gained from the course he feels a bit "ahead of the curve."

"We learned a lot about the histories of the different branches and were able to see how each service actually works together to accomplish missions," said Cpl. Jared Connor, a course participant.

The course concluded with an early morning eight-mile hike around the base before a celebratory dinner and graduation.

"It's a tough course, but with everything I learned and experienced, it was definitely worth it," said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Erica Bost, MCSFBN.

For more news from Naval Base kitsap, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/kitsap/.




NNS120126-19. Navy Advances Electrical Protection for Shipboard Sailors

From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors aboard U.S. Navy ships soon will have new protective clothing for low voltage maintenance work, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced, Jan 26.

A new type of coverall featuring flame resistant fabric and accompanying safety equipment will provide Sailors greater comfort and protection against arc flashes. Sailors will be able to use the coveralls like standard shipboard coveralls while conducting initial voltage verification checks, fuse removal, authorized energized work, or when an electrical circuit breaker is installed or removed.

"The new electrical safety coveralls are designed for initial voltage verification or approved work on energized equipment, and are designed to protect Sailors from inherent heat, excessive pressure," said Khosrow Moniri, NAVSEA electrical systems technical warrant holder.

Sailors can expect to use the coveralls and associated equipment such as a face shield by late spring, on board naval ships with electrical systems between 300 and 1,000 volts, such as Arleigh Burke destroyers.

The clothing compliments existing heavier and bulkier coveralls designed for high voltage verification checks on board naval ships with electrical systems greater than 1,000 volts, such as aircraft carriers.

The low- and high-voltage coveralls are rated at 12-calorie and 40-calorie (per centimeter squared). NAVSEA determined that these ratings adequately provide the required amount of thermal energy protection based on National Fire Protection Association and U.S. naval warship design criteria. The calorie/cm-squared rating represents a value of the energy necessary to pass through any given fabric to cause a 50 percent probability of a second or third degree burn.

Both types of coveralls protect Sailors against arc flashes, which occur when an electrical current passes through air gaps between ungrounded conductors or between conductors and grounded components. Use of electrical systems on board U.S. Navy ships is increasing rapidly. Accordingly, the probability of arc flashes increases as well. The blast or explosion that results from arc flash may be fatal or cause major injuries such as burns, the loss of eyesight and hearing.

"While arc flashes don't happen often, this new safety equipment represents a significant advancement in how we protect our Sailors," said Moniri.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.




NNS120127-14. SPAWAR Speaker Series Key Attraction at WEST 2012

By By Tina C. Stillions, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) provided a full line-up of speakers as part of the largest defense and technology exhibition on the West Coast at the San Diego Convention Center, Jan. 24-26.

The SPAWAR speaker series covered a variety of topics, including the Navy's data center consolidation initiative, the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) program and SPAWAR's role as the Navy's single technical authority for command, control, communications, computers and intelligence (C4I).

"This conference brings together talented people from around the fleet and industry to discuss the way ahead for the Navy's information dominance vision," said Rear Adm. Patrick Brady, SPAWAR commander. "These types of panel discussions and professional engagements encourage the incubation of new ideas and opportunities."

During his session, Brady reflected on command priorities over the past year and provided insight into his goals for SPAWAR in the coming year. He highlighted the past year's focus to support the fleet while aligning efforts with 10th Fleet and the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance to help SPAWAR realize its potential as the Navy's information dominance systems command. Brady outlined his priorities for the coming year as keeping the fleet ready to fight and building information dominance technical authority into the Navy's information technology portfolio. He also emphasized the need to focus on work that is integral to the Navy's future.

Among SPAWAR leadership participating at the conference were Rear Adm. Jerry Burroughs, program executive officer for C4I, Rob Wolborsky, SPAWAR's chief technology officer and Capt. DJ LeGoff, tactical networks program manager for CANES.

LeGoff agreed that the SPAWAR speaker series was the right venue for encouraging dialogue between government and industry.

"I think the series provided a great opportunity to meet with industry and talk about the fleet's future requirements," said LeGoff. "Because of our acquisition process, we don't always get the kind of feedback we need to provide better capability to the warfighter."

Co-sponsored by the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) and the U.S. Naval Institute, AFCEA West 2012 featured exhibits from 400 technology leaders and discussions by leading military experts.

West 2012 organizers acknowledged the value of the SPAWAR speaker series.

"The SPAWAR speaker series brought greater insights into the workings of a tremendous government organization and gave business a better appreciation of the complexity and yet opportunities to serve our government," said John A. Dubia, executive vice president AFCEA International. "The speakers were able to better explain in greater detail what they do for our men and women in uniform."

Attendance was up at this year's conference. According to Toby Jackson, director of marketing and public relations for AFCEA International, more than 9,000 attendees passed through the door. The SPAWAR speaker series had 16 speakers throughout the three-day conference, with an estimated 50 to 100 attendees per session.

"The SPAWAR speaker series was a chance to sharpen the saw and to learn the current status of programs, focus areas and future projections," said Virginia Bayer, a defense acquisition teacher at the Naval Postgraduate School and speaker series attendee. "It provided a rare opportunity to hear information personally and directly from leadership."

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 vital decision superiority to our forces at the right time and for the right cost.

For more news on the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar/.

For more information on SPAWAR, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/spawar/Pages/default.aspx, http://www.facebook.com/spaceandnavalwarfaresystemscommand, http://twitter.com/SPAWARHQ, or http://www.youtube.com/teamspawar

For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar/.




NNS120126-11. Surface Warfare Officers School Hosts the Ship Material Readiness Course Board of Visitors

From Surface Warfare Officer School Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) is hosting a Board of Visitors (BOV) for the Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course (SOSMRC) in Newport, R.I. Jan. 25-27.

An annual event until the previous SOSMRC curriculum was disestablished, this is the first BOV since 1995. SWOS Commanding Officer Capt. Neil Parrott welcomed the advisory group as the meeting kicked off.

"We reestablished the SOSMRC based on the recommendation of the Surface Warfare Enterprise and the first course of the new curriculum convened in January 2010," said Parrott. "This five-week course for prospective surface ship commanding officers and executive officers is designed to improve their knowledge of material readiness requirements and improve the material condition of the fleet, two things that are vital to success during an afloat command tour."

"We are constantly improving the course and ensuring that we are teaching the most current topics to the future commanding officers of our ships," said Capt. Glenn Zeiders, SWOS department director for SOSMRC. "SOSMRC is the only course in the command pipeline to provide training on improving ship material readiness, and the BOV gives us an opportunity to brief flag stakeholders on current SOSMRC curriculum, focus areas, initiatives, statistics and metrics, measures of effectiveness, and resource requirements or shortfalls. It is a key part of validating and improving our curriculum, and we appreciate the time of so many experts from the surface Navy."

Over the course of three days, the BOV advisory group, comprised of 10 captains and commanders from commands throughout the Navy, will receive briefings on the SOSMRC curriculum and prepared recommendations for the BOV principals group consisting of seven flag officer stakeholders. Chaired by Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, Naval Surface Force, the principals group will convene Jan. 27. Hunt emphasized the importance of upholding and refining a strong professional development curriculum.

"We must instill a culture of ownership, and re-establish rigor in the maintenance and material readiness process," said Hunt. "That starts with ensuring every member of the crew, from the commanding officer to the youngest Sailor on the deckplate, has a thorough knowledge of their ship's equipment and that they can repair and maintain that equipment throughout the ship's service life."

The SOSMRC BOV is slated to become a biennial event in the future.

To find out more about the SOSMRC or other courses of instruction at SWOS, visit http://www1.netc.navy.mil/swos/. You can also reach SWOS through Facebook, Twitter, and SWONET.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.




NNS120127-13. CSS Celebrates 30 Years Accreditation

From Center for Service Support Public Affairs

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Center for Service Support (CSS) received a certificate from the Council on Occupational Education (COE) for 30 years of accredited education and training during a ceremony held Jan. 26 in Newport, R.I.

Naval Education and Training Command's Acting Commander Rear Adm. Clifford Sharpe presented the award to CSS Commanding Officer Capt. Dana Weiner.

"Your command embodies the ideals of a Navy Total Force that values the strength and contribution of a diverse organization," said Sharpe. "The recognition you earned reflects true commitment to the spirit of persistence, teamwork, and service, and exemplifies the Navy's resolve to be a world-class training organization and employer of choice for the best and brightest of this generation."

"It's an honor for the CSS domain to be recognized for developing and delivering world-class training," said Weiner. "The training our students receive is on par with any public institution of higher learning, and COE's accreditation validates the quality and capability of the professionals who make up this organization."

The Center for Service Support's mission is to provide Sailors in the naval administration, logistics and media communities the knowledge and skills to support the fleet's war fighting mission.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/.




NNS120127-09. CPPD Reservists Attend Professional Development Instructor Training

By Susan Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Reservists from three regional Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) Reserve Component (RC) Detachments attended several training courses Jan. 17-27 at CPPD's headquarters to develop their skills as Navy instructors and facilitators in support of fleet requirements.

CPPD's reserve units support the command's mission by delivering required personal and professional development training to the RC and CPPD Active Component CPPD Learning Sites. CPPD RC instructors and facilitators serve on mobile training teams that travel to any one of 126 Navy Operational Support Centers nationwide or in support of 16 CPPD Learning Sites worldwide.

Officer and enlisted professional development instructors from CPPD Regions Northeast, Southeast and West attended Professional Development Instructor Training (PDI) as well as course-specific train-the-trainer instruction. This training is in preparation to qualify them to deliver required personal and professional development training globally.

All 23 instructors attended a one-day PDI In-Serve Training together on Jan. 16. The officers then began three days of Department Head Leadership Course Train-The-Trainer followed by observation of the Senior Officer Leadership course. The enlisted instructors completed the Command Training Team Indoctrination Course followed by Alcohol and Drug Abuse Managers/Supervisors (ADAMS) Facilitator Training. Some also attended a "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" course at the end of the second week.

"There is a backlog of Reserve Sailors needing officer leadership, ADAMS for Supervisors and Leaders, and PREVENT (Personal Responsibility and Values Education and Training)," said Steve Poellinger, CPPD's operational support coordinator and also an RC command master chief. "This training will help us tackle that backlog."

CPPD Commanding Officer Capt. Chuck Hollingsworth said, "Professional development training improves the quality of leadership at all levels and enhances any command's ability to execute the mission and serve Sailors. The ADAMS and PREVENT courses directly impact the lifestyle and well-being of Sailors and their families, so it's time well spent to get our CPPD RC instructors ready to deliver these courses."

CPPD RC Sailors account for 22 percent of all CPPD instruction. In 2011, CPPD RC delivered more than 300 courses and graduated more than 6,000 Sailors.

"Many new Sailors reported to the CPPD Reserve Component Dec. 1. This training quickly prepares them to deliver training to Reserve Component Sailors and support CPPD Active Component Learning Sites," said Capt. James Rooney, commanding officer of CPPD's Reserve Component Headquarters Unit. "Every CPPD reserve Sailor is professional, motivated to contribute to CPPD's mission, and eager to get started. In fact, four newly reported officers facilitated a Senior Officer Leadership Course two days after we completed the training."

For more information about CPPD, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cppd/. For more news from the CPPD, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.

To connect with CPPD on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Center-for-Personal-and-Professional-Development/100056459206.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/.