NNS150226-11. USS Fort Worth Conducts CUES with Chinese Navy
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NNS150226-07. MCPON Stevens Delivers Congressional Testimony
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NNS150225-19. USS Makin Island ARG Returns from Deployment
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NNS150226-22. High Seas Must Remain Open to All, Navy Leader Says
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NNS150226-20. AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System Tracks, Simulates Engagements of Three Short-Range Ballistic Missiles
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NNS150226-18. Hawaii Sailors Attend First Class Petty Officer Leadership Symposium
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NNS150226-16. USS New York: Praying for the 343 Firefighters of 9/11
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NNS150226-12. NAVSUP Headquarters Celebrates African American History Month
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NNS150226-09. USS San Diego Returns Home to San Diego Following Maiden Deployment
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NNS150226-06. Navy Entertainment Brings T-Pain to Team Carl Vinson
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NNS150226-05. Patient Satisfaction Leads to High Scores for Boone Clinic Recertification
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NNS150226-04. Naval Air Facility Misawa and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Conduct Security Training
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NNS150226-03. USS Frank Cable Celebrates African American History Month
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NNS150226-02. USS Pasadena Visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment
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NNS150226-01. USS Olympia Returns from Deployment
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NNS150225-20. IDCERTEX Advances Readiness in Pacific
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DNU -- In today's edition of All Hands Update, The USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to San Diego February 25th and the Navy's Supply Corps Celebrates 220 years keeping the Navy running.
-- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
DNU -- Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman tells how this special group of Sailors are trained to save lives as a part of Fleet Marine Forces.
-- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
DNU -- The Language, Regional Expertise and Culture program maximizes cultural and language skills for Sailors and Marines.
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NNS150226-21. Current All Hands Update
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NNS011213-37. This Day in Naval History - Feb. 26
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Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
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NNS150226-11. USS Fort Worth Conducts CUES with Chinese Navy
By Lt. Lauryn Dempsey, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) practiced the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) with the People's Liberation Army-Navy [PLA(N)] Jiangkai II frigate Hengshui (FFG 572) Feb. 23 enhancing the professional maritime relationship between U.S. 7th Fleet and the PLA(N).
Fort Worth and Hengshui were conducting routine training and operations in international waters of the South China Sea when the ships realized a training opportunity was present.
CUES, a set of procedures endorsed by naval leaders at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in April 2014, is a guideline for unplanned maritime encounters while at sea, providing standards for communication, safety procedures and maneuvering instructions for naval ships and aircraft.
"The interaction with the Hengshui was safe and routine, and the professionalism that was on display by both ships is commendable," said Cmdr. Matt Kawas, Fort Worth Crew 103 commanding officer. "As the first underway for Crew 103 aboard Fort Worth in U.S. 7th Fleet, this was a real-time situation where we relied upon our months of training in San Diego to execute."
Fort Worth and Hengshui rendezvoused and used CUES as a signaling protocol to indicate ship maneuvering.
"Having a standardized protocol of safety procedures, basic communications and basic maneuvering instructions is critical as we work together to prevent mishaps and miscommunications at sea," said Capt. Fred Kacher, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7. "This will likely not be the last time Fort Worth conducts CUES as she continues to operate extensively throughout Southeast Asia and expand her operational footprint to Northeast Asia during the remaining 12 months of her deployment to the Asia-Pacific."
Fort Worth departed Singapore Feb. 19 following the first of three crew swaps as part of the ship's maiden 16-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific. Fort Worth is the first LCS to deploy under the "3-2-1" manning concept, which allows LCS to sustain a 16-month forward presence without fatiguing the crew during the extended deployment. It is named "3-2-1" because three rotational crews will support two LCS ships and maintain one deployed ship. Two additional crew swaps will occur during the remainder of Fort Worth's deployment, roughly every four months.
During the first five days of the current underway period, the crew conducted at-sea workups to maintain the proficiency achieved as part of their deployment certification in San Diego. Fort Worth is now headed north for Foal Eagle in March. Held annually with the Republic of Korea navy, Foal Eagle is also the first exercise in Northeast Asia that incorporates LCS participation.
Fort Worth is the second LCS to deploy as part of an initiative for up to four rotational deployments of these ships simultaneously to U.S. 7th Fleet in the coming years. Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare.
Fort Worth will employ the surface warfare mission package for her entire deployment, augmenting her 57mm gun and rolling airframe missile launcher with two 30mm guns, two 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats, two six-member maritime security boarding teams, a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system.
The U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visitwww.navy.mil/local/c7f/.
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NNS150226-07. MCPON Stevens Delivers Congressional Testimony
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Stuart B. Phillips, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(AW/NAC) Michael Stevens testified before Congress Feb. 25.
Stevens appeared before the House and Armed Services Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies.
Stevens, along with the senior enlisted leaders from the Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, discussed the current status of their respective military branches, focusing specifically on quality-of-life programs and issues that are cause of concern for today's service members.
Stevens discussed the Navy's current operational tempo and told the subcommittee there are currently nearly 100 Navy ships underway with thousands of Sailors standing the watch. He went on to talk about quality of life for Sailors, and the uncertainty that sequestration has created.
"My regular interface with our Sailors and their families over the past year has shown an overall satisfactory quality of life; however, the ongoing discussion regarding possible changes to future pay and compensation has created an air of uncertainty," said Stevens.
He explained that Sailors are concerned there will be reductions in medical benefits, pay and compensation, and family programs. While they understand there will always be some degree of uncertainty in the geopolitical and operational world, ambiguity relating to military benefits is not as easily understood. Stevens zeroed in on a specific area of compensation during his testimony.
"If you were to ask me today to pick one [concern] with regard to pay and compensation, my greatest and immediate concern for our people is the future of health care," said Stevens. Health care is a quality of life issue that constantly resurfaces during my fleet interactions. It is extremely important to our Sailors and their families, and is very influential in recruiting and retention decisions."
Beyond military pay and compensation, MCPON expressed concerned about the deteriorating condition of single Sailor barracks - a deterioration that has been amplified by sequestration cuts. Ultimately, the Navy has had to prioritize warfighting requirements at the expense of investing in the maintenance of barracks infrastructure.
"This risk has resulted in the overall condition of our barracks falling to approximately 50% adequacy," said Stevens. Should sequestration resurface, I am concerned the condition of our barracks will decline further. This standard of living directly impacts our Sailors' quality of life."
Stevens also spoke about the importance of Family Support Programs such as: Navy Fleet and Family Support Centers; Navy Child and Youth Programs; Navy Ombudsman Programs; and Family Readiness Groups. He emphasized the positive impact of these programs and thanked the subcommittee for their continued support before delivering his final remarks on quality of life.
"As I have stated in prior testimonies, one of the most important and effective weapon systems we can provide our nation and Navy is a combination of individual and unit morale," said Stevens. And it is my firm belief that the support this subcommittee provides to the Navy greatly impacts our ability to sustain this weapon system."
The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy regularly testifies before Congress along with the senior enlisted leaders of the other services. This was his third appearance before this congressional subcommittee.
For more information on MCPON's activities, visithttps://www.facebook.com/
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NNS150225-19. USS Makin Island ARG Returns from Deployment
From Amphibious Squadron Five Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Nearly 4,500 Sailors and Marines with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) returned to San Diego Feb. 25, following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.
Deployed since July 25, the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU conducted a relocation of National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration researchers from Tropical Storm Iselle near Hawaii, conducted air strikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq, worked with British and Kuwaiti forces in Exercise Cougar Voyage 14, participated in Exercise Red Reef 15 with Saudi Arabian forces and performed Marine sustainment exercises in Kuwait and Djibouti.
"We've had a very intense deployment that required us to execute multiple mission sets simultaneously for long periods of time. The superb professionalism and work ethic of all members of the ARG/MEU team ensured we met and exceeded the mark every time," said Capt. Steve McKone, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5. "I know these Sailors and Marines are excited to be home."
The Makin Island ARG, led by PHIBRON 5, consists of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), PHIBRON 5 staff, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC-23) Detachment 2, scheduled to return to its home base on Naval Air Station North Island Feb. 24, Fleet Surgical Team 5, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Assault Craft Unit 5 and Beach Master Unit 1.
The 11th MEU is comprised of the 11th MEU Command Element; the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines; and the Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 11.
"The Sailors and Marines on this ship performed exceptionally well during this deployment," said USS Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Jon P. Rodgers. "This deployment marked the first for more than 65 percent of the crew. The teamwork was exceptional!"
During the deployment, the ARG transited nearly 35,000 nautical miles, flew approximately 3,100 sorties, and logged nearly 5,020 flight hours. Amphibious craft completed more than 4,000 passenger transfers and moved more than 90,000 tons of equipment to and from the shore.
"The Sailors of HSC-23 Detachment 2 provided support for all facets of aviation operations during deployment with the USS Makin Island ARG and the 11th MEU," said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Adams, HSC-23's officer-in-charge. "It was truly an honor to be a part of the exceptional effort, dedication, and professionalism displayed by the ARG/MEU team during this deployment."
This deployment was the first for San Diego and the second for Makin Island.
The Makin Island ARG conducted port visits in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Jordan, collectively. The visits provided an opportunity for the U.S. military forces to strengthen ties with the host nations and foster relationships.
The Iwo Jima ARG and 24th MEU relieved the Makin Island ARG in the 5th Fleet AOR in January.
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For more news from USS Makin Island (LHD 8), visithttp://www.navy.mil/local/
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visitwww.navy.mil/local/c3f/.
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NNS150226-22. High Seas Must Remain Open to All, Navy Leader Says
By Jim Garamone, DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The world's ocean trade routes must remain open to all to maintain global commerce, the vice chief of naval operations said Feb. 24.
"The world [economy] depends on those high seas staying free," Navy Adm. Michelle J. Howard told CNN's Jim Sciutto during the NewAmerica Future of War Project conference.
Noting that China is building its blue-water navy, Sciutto asked Howard how that could affect the maritime situation. China, she replied, "refers to itself as maturing and is starting to stretch its muscles in terms of who they are and how they see themselves as a world power."
Countries ask themselves if it is possible to be a world power without military power, and "China has taken the path that in order to be a global power, they have to have military strength," the admiral said.
*U.S. Navy Seeks to Maintain Advantage*
China is building its navy and following the path of many other countries in history, including the United Kingdom and the United States, copying what has been successful, the admiral said. But the United States wants to maintain its military advantage at sea, she added, and the Navy is continuing to acquire and adapt to maintain the lead.
But China is not what keeps her up at night, the vice chief said. North Korea and the capriciousness of its leader do worry her, she said. "When you have countries that have a certain amount of strength ... and then the leadership does not operate logically or on an agreed framework, then that creates a challenge," she added.
*Working With China on Framework*
The United States is working with China to create such a framework, Howard said. "We've made some tremendous progress with military-to-military contacts," she told Sciutto. "The chief of naval operations has had several engagements with his counterpart."
Last year at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, leaders from several nations, including China, agreed to adopt a code for unexpected encounters at sea, Howard said.
"We have a way at the tactical level for our ships to communicate with each other, to alleviate any misunderstandings," she added. "There has been great dialogue and great movement between our navies."
Sciutto asked Howard if she worries about China's naval build up.
*Alternate Futures*
"The world is always a magical place, there are always a number of alternative futures that can unfold," she said. "You can look at it as a potential conflict -- that's one alternate future. You can look at it on the strength of the trade partnership we have with China -- that's another. And it's not just with China. It's all the nations of the region -- Japan, India, South Korea.
"So there are alternative futures here," she continued, "and what are we doing to walk down a path that walks away from conflict or creates the stepping stones to conflict?"
Guiding China and working with China is the best policy for the future of the world, Howard said.
Howard was promoted to the rank of four-star admiral on July 1, 2014, during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office.
Howard is the first female four-star admiral in the history of the U.S. Navy.
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NNS150226-20. AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System Tracks, Simulates Engagements of Three Short-Range Ballistic Missiles
From U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY, Va. (NNS) -- The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), and USS Barry (DDG 52) successfully completed a flight test involving the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) weapon system.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. EST today, three short-range ballistic missile targets were launched near simultaneously from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia. Two Aegis BMD destroyers acquired and tracked the targets. Using this data, the Aegis BMD ships conducted simulated Standard Missile-3 Block IB guided missile engagements with the distributed weighted engagement scheme (DWES) capability enabled. The DWES provides an automated engagement coordination scheme between multiple Aegis BMD ships that determines which ship is the preferred shooter, reducing duplication of BMD engagements and missile expenditures while ensuring BMD threat coverage.
Several fire control, discrimination, and engagement functions were exercised. As no SM-3 guided missiles were launched, the test did not include an attempted intercept.
This test was designated Flight Test Other (FTX)-19. This was the first flight test to assess the ability of the Aegis BMD 4.0 weapon system to simulate engagements of a raid consisting of three short-range, separating ballistic missile targets. This was also the first time Aegis BMD 4.0 ships used the DWES capability with live targets.
The MDA will use test results to improve and enhance the Ballistic Missile Defense System and support the advancement of Phase 2 of the Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense in Europe to provide protection of U.S. deployed forces, our European allies and partners.
Aegis BMD is the naval component of the MDA's Ballistic Missile Defense System. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program. Additional information about all elements of the Ballistic Missile Defense System can be found at www.mda.mil.
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NNS150226-18. Hawaii Sailors Attend First Class Petty Officer Leadership Symposium
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jeff Troutman, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- First Class Petty Officers (FCPOs) stationed at Pearl Harbor gathered at Hickam Memorial Theater on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to attend a First Class Petty Officer's symposium, Feb. 25.
The symposium drew approximately 200 FCPOs who were looking to gain leadership and career advice from the Pearl Harbor Chief's Action Group, in conjunction with the First Class Petty Officer's Association.
"The purpose of this kind of get-together is to do some professional training with the Pearl Harbor FCPOs, to help them become future chief petty officers and to guide their junior Sailors along the way," said Master Chief Intelligence Specialist Jason Martin, who spoke to the Sailors about professional development and advancement. "My hope is that the Sailors who attended today's symposium will have a better understanding of the resources they have to be competitive for advancement. The opportunities are definitely out there; they just have to find them."
Topics covered during the symposium included important changes occurring in today's Navy, tips for maintaining an individual's electronic service record, career information and policies, Individual Augmentee assignments, and more.
Sailors who attended the symposium found the training worthwhile in conjunction with the goals they had set for themselves upon making first class and beginning their journey to the chief petty officer's selection board.
According to Air Traffic Controlman 1st Class Jolyn San Nicolas, assigned to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the information she received at the symposium would enable her to not only enhance her own career, but the careers of those around her as well.
"I'm all for educated knowledge and I'm excited to be here," said San Nicolas. "The evaluation writing block and the segment on uniform regulations were especially helpful, because it teaches me how to better serve my junior Sailors and be a better first class for them. "
Additionally, many of the topics during the symposium were geared toward helping the FCPOs better understand the often overwhelming process of preparing their service record for selection to chief petty officers. Navy heritage, ethics, proper fitness and nutrition were all covered in an effort to help even the newest FCPOs in attendance begin planning their route to khaki leadership.
"The Navy is always changing around us, so seminars like this enable me to stay current on things like proper fitness, proper ethics, and how to inspire the most out of myself and my junior Sailors," said Air Traffic Controlman 1st Class Courtney Seals, assigned to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. "It's just a great way to learn about the resources available to you."
Sears said he would advise other FCPOs who didn't attend the symposium to attend future outings if they were interested in enhancing their chances for selection to chief.
"The opportunity to network amongst your peers and the amount of combined knowledge in the room is a huge benefit to everyone in attendance," said Sears. "There's a bigger picture to the Navy than just what's in your office. From preparing your chief's package to actually taking the exam, the information you can walk away with from symposiums like this is enormous. I would highly encourage every FCPO who is looking to further their career to attend."
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacenhawaii
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NNS150226-16. USS New York: Praying for the 343 Firefighters of 9/11
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Trejo, USS New York Public Affairs
GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- Tattoo, Tattoo, lights out in five minutes, stand by for the evening prayer. These words are spoken over the ship's loudspeaker, or 1MC, every night on U.S. Navy ships around the world, but the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) uses this opportunity to pray for the families who have lost loved ones in the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001.
"I believe prayer changes things...343 firefighters lost their lives on 9/11 in selfless sacrifice, for people they did not even know by name," said Lt. Justin Bernard, an Aurora, Colorado, native and chaplain aboard New York. "My goal in praying for just one of their families every night is to remind our crew that we carry their torch of service, and that these families are our families now. Thousands of lives were impacted that day, so we pray for one at a time so they will never be forgotten."
Bernard reported aboard New York, September 2013. He was challenged by the executive officer, now commanding officer, Capt. Christopher Brunett, to come up with an idea to have the crew interact with the heritage of the ship.
After much thought and prayer, he came to the realization that the one thing he does every day is pray over the 1MC. "It's something that everyone hears," Bernard said. "I figured that would be a place I could integrate their families', story with our story and I could do that consistently every day."
People continue to talk about and reflect on the impact that 9/11 has had or things that have happened since then, but this is a way to make it personal. Some of these firefighters had large families, or wives who were pregnant, and have children they never had the opportunity to meet.
"I had the opportunity to pray for firefighter Lee Fehling of Engine 235, who perished on 9/11," Bernard said. "I prayed for his wife and his three daughters Kaitlin, Morgan and lastly Megan, who was born just one week after they laid him to rest."
"I think it is important that the crew is reminded of the significance of this ship's name," said Chief Electrician's Mate Luvendra Gosine, a Lady Lake, Florida, native stationed aboard New York. "It makes us stronger as a whole when we recognize the people who made that sacrifice for us. It signifies the importance of not only the ship's name but also where we were 14 years ago."
Every night Bernard chooses a firefighter from an alphabetical list and begins to do a little research about what they were doing on the day of and who their immediate family was. He uses a book titled "Collective Portraits of Grief," which contains a portrait and a brief couple of paragraphs about each person who perished on 9/11. He also searches for any memorial foundations or pages that may have been created in their name.
Just recently Bernard prayed for Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY) Firefighter Terrence Farrell, who, like many others, gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on 9/11. He also started contacting the families he prayed for and Sean Farrell, Terrence's nephew, heard about how the Sailors aboard New York were praying for his family.
"I am personally writing you to let you know how much that sincere and heartfelt act means to me," stated Sean. "I remember in 2009 when the USS New York (LPD 21) came to port in New York City, and my mother took her 14-year-old son, who couldn't be bothered with much of anything, to see and tour the ship. I can say that from the moment I walked down that gangway and back onto the pier, my life was without a doubt changed. To jump ahead a little more than five years, and I write this email as a Seamen Recruit with a SEAL contract waiting to ship out in March to Boot Camp and the opportunity of a lifetime. I am in this position because I am inspired and proud to come from a family in which service has been a tradition for generations. To see this reminder of where this journey started brings me a great deal of joy, and is much appreciated."
What started as a simple idea to connect the crew to the ship's legacy, has become so much more. It has become another opportunity that the Navy has given Bernard to serve his country by doing what he loves, which is lifting people up to God.
"I count it a blessing to not just be a chaplain in the Navy but to have the privilege to serve on a ship like this that means so much to our country and the families of 9/11," Bernard said. "It's humbling, and I'm glad we're able to make even the smallest of impacts in their lives, letting them know that we'll continue to fight for them."
New York is a part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8 , visitwww.navy.mil/local/cpr8/.
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NNS150226-12. NAVSUP Headquarters Celebrates African American History Month
By David Rea, NAVSUP Headquarters Office of Corporate Communications
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems (NAVSUP) Command Headquarters sponsored an African American History Month program for its military and civilian personnel Feb. 25. C. Kim Bracey, the first African-American Mayor of the City of York, Pennsylvania, served as the guest speaker.
Rear Adm. Jonathan A. Yuen, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and Chief of Supply Corps, said "We recognize our brothers and sisters year round, but February is African American History Month. It's one of our exciting months as we celebrate a lot of diversity," he explained. "Change is always possible. Our guest speaker today is C. Kim Bracey, and she's here to share her thoughts with us. During National African American History Month, we recall the inner strength that sustained millions in bondage and come together to pay tribute to the heroes of all colors and creeds who have worked to end oppression."
"Your theme, 'A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture' excited me," Bracey said. "I thought I would talk about tolerance and equality over the years, specifically during that century of black life, history and culture. Many of us are still basking in the glow of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington of 1963, and it bears repeating that the march was about two primary goals -- fighting racism and discrimination and fighting poverty and economic injustice."
"We may not be able to change the prejudices and backward notions of past generations, but we can open the minds and hearts of young people to appreciate and understand others and there's no excuse why we are not," Bracey explained. "We cannot just tolerate others, we must genuinely appreciate and understand others. There is a big difference. And it is a two-way street that can transform lives."
Bracey explained that tolerance is not a moral precept to practice. "It's not just about the golden rule and learning to tolerate different races, religion, and sexual orientations," she said. "It's a requirement of 21st century life. Getting beyond tolerance to appreciating diversity is becoming a requirement -- a way of life to build social capital, collaborate, forge new economic paths, and tackle poverty."
In closing, Bracey said, "The greatest paradox in life is that true happiness comes from helping others. Let us not forget, it was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said 'Life's most persistent and urgent questions is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
"My friends, our time is right now," Bracey said. "A Century of Black Life, History and Culture continues on."
Bracey was born and raised in York, where she attended York City schools and graduated from William Penn Senior High School, and Bloomsburg University. She joined the U.S. Air Force in 1984, and served until 1994 achieving the rank of E-6. Among her medals and citations, she received the National Defense Service Medal and three Air Force Good Conduct Medals. She is currently serving her second term as Mayor of York.
The NAVSUP and Navy Supply Corps team share one mission--to deliver sustained global logistics capabilities to the Navy and Joint warfighter. NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps' diverse team of more than 25,000 civilian and military personnel oversee a diverse portfolio including supply chain management for material support to Navy, Marine Corps, joint and coalition partners, supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, security assistance, and quality of life issues for the naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods. The NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps team forms a vast network of professionals who deliver unparalleled products and services to customers in the fleet and across the world.
For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/navsup/.
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NNS150226-09. USS San Diego Returns Home to San Diego Following Maiden Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Joseph M. Buliavac, USS San Diego Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) returned to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego Feb. 25 following completion of the ship's maiden deployment.
The only ship in the U.S. Navy stationed in its namesake city departed for the seven-month, 40,000 nautical mile deployment, as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) on July 25.
"San Diego deployed with a new, very young team yet was always up to answer the call in support of fleet commanders," said USS San Diego Commanding Officer Capt. John Menoni. "There's no doubt in my mind that the Navy-Marine Corps team on San Diego is among the best in the Navy."
San Diego's Engineering Department was able to conduct several major maintenance and repair evolutions while at sea ensuring the ship's mission was uninterrupted. This allowed for a 26-day full-power run from the northern Red Sea to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which can be a challenging feat for a ship of any class.
"Engineering department performed minor miracles on a daily basis to ensure USS San Diego was always mission ready," said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Dubose, San Diego's chief engineering officer. "These are the best Engineers I have worked with in my 23 years in the Navy; they do the hardest work on the ship and make my job easy."
The Operations and Combat Systems departments pushed Information Dominance Warfare, by aligning the ship's Information Dominance Corps ratings. The crew's intelligence, electronic warfare, cryptologic, and communications teams innovated by rescoping their mission sets and operated as an Information Dominance Operations Cell (IDOC). This unique alignment resulted record breaking results leading to the ship being recognized as the U.S. 7th Fleet Cryptologic Ship of the Quarter, 4th quarter 2014.
"I am extremely proud of, and grateful for, the team I have in Operations Department," said Lt. Cmdr. John Glover, San Diego operations officer. "My bridge, combat, and intelligence teams performed steadily and responded very well to a very fluid environment. My Sailors are professionals and are among the best in the fleet!"
San Diego's 410 Sailors and Marines, along with more than 575 Sailors and Marines from the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation exercises and events in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
"I give all of the credit to our blue green team," said Menoni. "Our Sailors and Marines came together as a truly cohesive unit, that showed day in and day out, from pre-deployment exercises to the final day of deployment. The strength of character they displayed every day was awe inspiring."
Sailors and Marines serving aboard San Diego assisted in the evacuation of three National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists as part of the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU emergent recovery operation at the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument.
San Diego, accompanied by the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), was the command ship for Malus Amphex 14, a bi-lateral amphibious exercise with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
The heavily integrated San Diego and 11th MEU team also participated in Cougar Voyage 2014 with the Royal British and French Navies; Red Reef 15 with Saudi Arabian Forces; and took part in sustainment training exercises in Kuwait and Djibouti. They also spent an extended period of time as a quick reaction force to help out American citizens at the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen while ensuring the safety of American citizens in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation.
Individuals were also recognized for milestones and qualifications during San Diego's maiden deployment as well. Five officers earned their Surface Warfare Officer qualification, three earned Command Duty Officer qualifications and 14 officers, one Senior Chief Petty Officer and one Chief Petty Officer completed the Officer of the Deck qualification. Four officers were also promoted to the next rank.
The Enlisted Surface Warfare qualification was awarded to 204 Sailors and 57 Sailors were advanced to the next pay grade.
Sailors and Marines aboard San Diego also took part in a variety of community relations activities in two countries while on deployment. These events included spending time with underprivileged children in Hong Kong, a soccer match with a Royal Jordanian Navy team, and a familiarization visit to a mosque.
During the deployment, San Diego made port visits to Aqaba, Jordan, and Port Khalifa, UAE, for routine maintenance; Hong Kong and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for liberty.
Ninety friends and family members joined the Sailors and Marines on the final leg of the deployment, to experience shipboard life as part of a scheduled Tiger Cruise.
Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds flew out to San Diego Feb. 24 to congratulate the crew for completing their deployment.
"You didn't just meet the standards, you set the standards. Now that you're back San Diego will be whole again because the city has its ship back," said Ponds. "Everything that you do and everything that you've touched has been golden, but the ship would be nothing without the Sailors and the Marines that man the deck. You are the greatest that our nation has to offer."
The ship is named for the city of San Diego, which has a large Navy and Marine Corps population, and pays tribute to the people of "America's Finest City" and its leaders for their constant support of the military. The ship was commissioned during a ceremony in San Diego, May 19, 2012.
During deployment San Diego completed five full vehicle and equipment offloads in five countries, received 4.1 million gallons of fuel produced 5 million gallons of water, conducted 40,000 man-hours in repairs, completed a full vehicle & equipment washdown in three and a half days vice the normal seven, flew 1821.2 flight hours, 2593 passenger movements, 12,146,725 lbs. of cargo, took on 908 tons of food, 507 tons in stores, parts and supplies, 65 tons of mail, completed 20 replenishments at sea and 37 well deck operations, and was at sea for 200 days out of a 216 day deployment.
San Diego, deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group with the 11th MEU, returned to homeport San Diego following a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and the U.S. Central Command areas of operation.
For more news from USS San Diego (LPD 22), visitwww.navy.mil/local/lpd22/.
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NNS150226-06. Navy Entertainment Brings T-Pain to Team Carl Vinson
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 hosted two-time Grammy Award winning artist, T-Pain Feb. 25.
The star's visit was a joint effort between Carl Vinson leadership and Navy Entertainment.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening T-Pain showed his appreciation to Sailors by chatting, posing for photos, signing autographs and performing a special concert.
"This was a once in a life time opportunity," said Information System's Technician Seaman Leonard Talton. "It was a lot of fun. Meeting T-Pain was an experience I will never forget."
The artist expressed what the military means to him and how he enjoys giving back to those who serve.
"I of course would like to thank the crew," T-Pain said "You can't be at the top of your game unless you meet the people who put you there. It is important to support our troops and our military. If you don't, I don't think you have done everything that's required to get to the top."
T-Pain's more than 10 year musical career includes, 60 hit songs, four albums and an eight year run of number one hits, albums, tours and a plethora of cameo appearances.
To follow Carl Vinson on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/
For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visitwww.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.
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NNS150226-05. Patient Satisfaction Leads to High Scores for Boone Clinic Recertification
By Rebecca A. Perron, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth announced Feb. 24 that positive feedback from parents happy with their children's care was a major contributing factor for the Pediatric Medical Home Port Clinic at Branch Health Clinic Boone receiving a near-perfect score and the highest level certification on its National Committee for Quality Assurance recertification.
The NCQA awarded the Pediatric MHP clinic a Level 3 certification and a score of 99 out of 100.
The branch health clinic, located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, is the first of NMCP's BHCs to apply for recertification of an outpatient clinic. The Pediatric MHP clinic was originally certified three years ago as a Level 3. Certifications are in effect for three years. Three more outpatient clinics at Boone also have a Level 3 NCQA certification.
"This recertification means that everything the (pediatrics) clinic has done over the last three years - including what process improvements we've brought into play - we've done well, not only for our staff, but for our patients also," said Cmdr. Gabriel Brown, Boone's officer in charge. "Level 3 means you cover all the aspects of patient quality and safety."
The Medical Home Port Program streamlines patient care using a team approach to provide comprehensive and integrated care. Patients receive continuity of care from a team of health care providers. The Home Port model focuses on the relationship and trust that grows between the health care team and the patient.
Brown said the committee uses patient feedback as a large portion of the score, as well as how care is documented in the electronic health record.
"Basically, your patients are grading you versus just an outside organization grading you, because they read all of your customer service feedbacks," Brown said. "Another big piece in the health care arena right now is how you document and share information. We do have a global electronic health record, as well as TRICARE Online, Relay Health and the Nurse Advice Line, so that helps us achieve the Level 3. Those combine to become a personal health record, and not many organizations have a personal health record."
The personal health record documents patient education, another NCQA requirement. Each facility must now prove how they educate their patients, in addition to the quality of care they provide.
"The communication with patients, the Relay Health initiative that has been pushed throughout the Military Health System, where we can actually communicate with the parents, and the patient is another initiative that we've done to help us maintain that level of certification," Brown said.
One of the newest components is the Nurse Advice Line. According to Brown, pediatrics parents use the Nurse Advice Line more than anyone, because it gives them 24-hour access to speak with a clinical provider and get information real-time without having to come into the emergency room.
"This is especially true when you are talking about infants 24 months or less," Brown said. "The main thing we've done is to put performance improvement measures into place, which creates team building and becomes a culture of the way we do things."
Also new to the recertification requirements is obesity screenings for children. The pediatric clinic began the only child obesity program in Navy Medicine, screening kids just like adults and forming a pilot program that Navy Medicine can use to develop programs at other treatment facilities.
"We started the obesity program to teach our youth and their parents good eating habits from the beginning," Brown said. "We found that there's a culture that they can eat candy and nothing will happen to them. But we are seeing more and more kids who don't have enough play time outside, and they are not eating the right things."
The obesity program works with parents to educate them about forming healthier habits with their children, including getting enough time playing outside. Multiple appointments over several weeks include seeing a nutritionist and a dentist.
"We identify kids, usually ages five to 10, who are having some of these health problems, and we give parents information about new healthy habits and things they can be doing in monitoring their children. There's a dental piece to this too. We analyze the children and see if there are any dental problems they may be having from the diet they are eating. The program is generally a six- to nine-week program where we monitor and we educate and coordinate with the parents on weight control, and those sorts of things."
After seeing the hard work the clinic staff has invested in making their Medical Home Port the standard in Navy Medicine, Brown said he is proud to be a part of this organization.
"I have four NCQA Level 3 certified clinics," Brown added. "I'm proud to be part of something that's a new initiative, not only in Navy Medicine, but in health care. Personally, for me, I think it's great to be a part of this."
NCQA is a private, 501©(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality in the U.S. Since its founding in 1900, NCQA has been a central figure in driving improvement throughout the health care system, helping to elevate the issue of health care quality to the top of the national agenda.
For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visitwww.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.
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NNS150226-04. Naval Air Facility Misawa and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Conduct Security Training
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ryan C. Delcore, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs
HACHINOHE, Japan (NNS) -- Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted security training at Camp Hachinohe Feb. 24.
JGSDF Soldiers and U.S. Navy Sailors shared security techniques and honed their skills while dealing with many challenging security scenarios.
"This is the first time this has ever been done with JGSDF and U.S. Navy Misawa security forces. We're very excited to get it done and very excited to work together. At the end of the day we hope to start a relationship that will last for many years," said Chief Master-at-Arms Marcus Williams, assigned to NAF Misawa
Vehicle-born improvised explosive devices (IED), personnel-carried IED, belligerent suspects, personnel searches, vehicle searches, and suspicious packages were a few of the scenarios encountered.
The NAF Misawa and JGSDF security forces who attended the training are responsible for protecting U.S. Navy fuel depots located in Hachinohe. Communication barriers and differences in security techniques were addressed during the training.
"This Force Protection Exercise (FPEX) is a great opportunity for both forces to integrate and work collectively to protect critical naval assets. Both forces have force protection training teams (FPTT) assessing and observing the evolutions which is critical when conducting after action reviews (AAR) at the conclusion of each scenario. This allowed us to identify what we need to improve jointly as well as what we need to sustain. The JGSDF are very professional and highly motivated. We look forward to continuing this professional relationship and future field training exercises," said Lt. Daniel Topper, officer in charge of NAF Misawa's Security Detachment.
NAF Misawa and JGSDF security forces spent a lot of energy planning this training in hopes that it will set the standard for future relations and training opportunities between the two services.
For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visitwww.navy.mil/local/nafmisawa/.
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NNS150226-03. USS Frank Cable Celebrates African American History Month
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg House, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian mariners assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) celebrated African American History Month during the ship's scheduled underway period, Feb. 24.
The ship's diversity committee sponsored the ceremony, which included remarks from the ship's Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Benjamin.
"This month is a time to tell those stories of freedom won and to honor the individuals who wrote them," said Benjamin. "We look back to the men and women who helped raise the pillars of democracy, even when the halls they built were not theirs to occupy. We trace generations of African Americans, free and slave, who risked everything to realize their God-given rights."
Benjamin went on to pay tribute to civil rights activists like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas and also acknowledged those who helped bring equality to the U.S. Navy such as the "Golden Thirteen", the first black officers in the Navy, commissioned during World War II.
Cmdr. Jay Turner also spoke at the ceremony about how growing up facing adversity shaped him into the Sailor he is today.
"My experiences taught me to be confident, that I can make solid contributions in any arena of life," said Turner. "They taught me how to face issues head on, regardless of what they may be."
Turner also shared his views on the importance of African American History Month.
"Celebrating African American History Month reminds us of the 'can do' spirit that African Americans bring to our country," said Turner. "Most importantly, it reminds us that the depths of our pride run as deep as our willingness and effort to learn about the tremendous accomplishments and take pride in them as Americans."
The ceremony concluded with a performance of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," sang by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Charles Green and Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Malcolm Portier.
Frank Cable, forward deployed to the island of Guam, conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
For more information on Frank Cable, visit www.cable.navy.mil or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
For more news from USS Frank Cable (AS 40), visitwww.navy.mil/local/as40/.
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NNS150226-02. USS Pasadena Visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment
By Lt. j.g. Drew Hanessian, USS Pasadena Public Affairs
FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Feb. 26 for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment.
The officers and crew of Pasadena are excited to be in Japan and on deployment in the Western Pacific. This represents a culmination of several years of hard work on the part of each crew member.
"I am very proud of each of them and look forward to seeing them continue to excel throughout this deployment," said Cmdr. Mark E. Cooper, commanding officer of Pasadena. "Pasadena's presence in the Western Pacific is important and our interactions with our allies and other friendly nations in the region will serve to demonstrate the United States' commitment to the region and develop closer ties."
Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Pasadena is one of the most mission capable and technologically advanced submarines in the world. This submarine supports a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and naval special warfare, which encompasses both special operations forces and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
"The Pasadena Sailors look forward to enjoying the change of seasons Japan has to offer," said Command Master Chief Mark A. Evans, Pasadena's chief of the boat. "The officers and crew will enjoy some well-deserved rest prior to beginning the second leg of a demanding deployment."
As Pasadena makes its first deployment following an extended overhaul in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this makes the first deployment experience for the majority of its crew, as well as their first visit to Japan.
"I'm really excited to visit Japan for the first time," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Ernesto Escamilla. "This being my first deployment, I'm particularly looking forward to having the opportunity to visit historic sites in the area and sample the local cuisine."
Pasadena's crew of 150 will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. Pasadena's participation in exercises with various foreign navies from around the Pacific Rim will also aid in solidifying the U.S. role in international maritime operations.
Commissioned in July, 1991, and currently homeported in San Diego, Pasadena is the U.S. Navy's second "improved" 688-class nuclear-powered submarine. Throughout its proud and illustrious 24-year history, Pasadena has deployed to and conducted operations in virtually every part of the world.
Today, Pasadena continues to answer the call of duty in conducting yet another Western Pacific deployment, truly living up to its motto of "Anytime, Anywhere."
For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visitwww.navy.mil/local/csg7/.
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NNS150226-01. USS Olympia Returns from Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) returned Feb. 25 from a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, welcomed by family and friends gathered at the submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
The submarine's commanding officer, Cmdr. Thomas Shugart, said the crew was outstanding and productive throughout the deployment.
"It was fantastic!" said Shugart, a native of Houston. "Our Sailors did a great job representing us and the nation overseas, working with our allies and projecting power forward in defense of peace and harmony in the Western Pacific."
Olympia successfully completed an array of undersea operations and training evolutions, and worked with allied partners in several multinational exercises, thus improving the overall mission readiness of U.S. and allied forces.
Shugart commended his crew for being great ambassadors on behalf of the nation and said they had a lot of fun.
"The guys were very excited to visit places like Korea and Japan," said Shugart. "They saw a lot of sights, which is a part of what joining the Navy is about; it's seeing the world."
Shugart added that the crew has a deep sense of pride brought on by their accomplishments while on deployment.
In addition to gaining the experience of operating in the Western Pacific, the deployment afforded Sailors the opportunity to work on qualifications.
"We had several Sailors and officers who received their Submarine Warfare Qualifications while on deployment," said Olympia's Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Electronics Technician Roland Midgett. "Through the various events Olympia participated in, we were able to present their "dolphins" uniform insignia at various ports or on the bridge during the underway period."
"We are elated to be back," added Midgett. "It's great to have accomplished all we have, and now the crew is ready to spend some time with the family."
Olympia returned home with a new second in charge, with Lt. Cmdr. Rob Walls having relieved Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Flaherty as executive officer of Olympia in a pre-scheduled relief during the deployment.
When Olympia rounded the corner inside Pearl Harbor to a crowd of family and friends, it became apparent that they were finally home.
Jana Miller, wife of Electronics Technician 1st Class Kyle Miller said she is looking forward to seeing his face and giving him a big hug. The couple hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
"Welcome home, guys!" exclaimed Miller. "We are gonna go camping and try to go home for the summer!"
Sonar Technician (Submarines) Seaman John Barnes, one of the newest Sailors on board, said he found the deployment challenging yet rewarding.
"It really makes you realize how close you become with your family on the boat, and there is nothing like it," said Barnes. "It was long, it was aggravating at some point, but in the end, it was well worth it. Definitely a good experience."
Many Sailors aboard Olympia distinguished themselves during this deployment period and were recognized through promotions, awards or having earned their submarine warfare pin signifying their qualification as submariners.
Olympia personnel who earned their submarine warfare pin, or "dolphins," are Lt. j.g. Zachary Copes; Lt. j.g. Louis Wu, of Gaithersburg, Maryland.; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Chad Wright, of Florence, Arizona; Information Systems Technician (Submarines) 3rd Class Justin Brennan, of Woodbridge, Virginia; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Christopher Floresrazo, of Norwalk, California; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Robert Marfut, of Bremerton, Washington; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Shaun Feeney-Moore, of South Mills, North Carolina; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Eric Martin, of Beverly, Massachusetts; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Guillermo Ramirez, of Lancaster, California; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 3rd Class Robert Krisko; Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Darren Ortilla, of Sacramento, California; Logistics Specialist Seaman Shawn Mallory, of Haslet, Texas; Sonar Technician (Submarines) Seaman Christopher Naquin, of Carpentersville, Illinois; Machinist's Mate Fireman David Phillips, of Essexville, Michigan; Electronics Technician Seaman Aaron Bailey, of Denham Springs, Louisiana; Sonar Technician (Submarines) Seaman Jonathan Barnes, of Summerton, South Carolina; and Fire Control Technician Seaman Jacob Warminton, of Flemington, Missouri.
More than 20 Olympia team members received promotions to the next rank during this deployment.
Lt. Lewis Im, of Bayside, New York, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander; and Electronics Technician 1st Class Derek Scammon, of Wibaux, Montana, earned a promotion to chief electronics technician.
Sailors promoted to the rank of petty officer first class include Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jory Anderson, of Austin, Texas; Electrician's Mate 1st Class Alexander Strickland, of Seattle; Electrician's Mate 1st Class Matthew Budny, of Nicholasville, Kentucky; Machinist's Mate 1st Class Aaron Minard; Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jameson Barlow, of Tampa, Florida; and Electronics Systems Technician 1st Class Cory Saunders, of Snellville, Georgia.
Those who received promotions to petty officer second class include Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Cameron Beswick, of Saugus, California; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Brandon Cummings, of Peoria, Arizona; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michael Donza, of Delray Beach, Florida; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Anthony Huber, of Framingham, Massachusetts;
Electronics Technician 2nd Jonathan Nogaj, of Honolulu, Hawaii; and Electronics Technician 2nd Bryan Smith, of Kenvir, Kentucky.
Receiving promotions to petty officer third class include Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Arnoldnoel Andrade, of Stockton, California; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Seth Cleaver, of Jerome, Idaho; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Eric Martin; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Guillermo Ramirez; Machinist's Mate 3rd Andrew Tyson; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 3rd Class Brandon Tackett, of West Carrollton, Ohio; and Sonar Technician 3rd Class Theodore West, of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Several Olympia Sailors had their superior actions on deployment recognized with letters of commendation, including Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jameson Barlow; Machinist's Mate 1st Class Michael Swatowski, of Madison, Ohio; Electrician's Mate 1st Class Matthew Budny; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Sebastian Whiting, of Waipahu, Hawaii; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Jeremy Williams, of Lapeer, Michigan; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jeremy Zila, of Overland Park, Kansas; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Brandon Cummings; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class John Valentine; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Joseph Vorce, of Honolulu, Hawaii; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Michael Gomez, of Hialeah, Florida; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Andrew Shipe, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania.; Electrician's Mate 3rd Class John Beatty, of Granger, Indiana; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Shawn Slutzky, of Williams, Indiana; Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Michael Taisacan, of Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Troy Wagner, of Canton, Ohio; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Eric Martin; Culinary Specialist Seaman Kyle Fitzpatrick, of Desoto, Texas;
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NNS150225-20. IDCERTEX Advances Readiness in Pacific
By Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Five U.S. Navy ships concluded a two-week independent deployer certification exercise (IDCERTEX) off the coast of Southern California and Hawaii Feb. 20.
The exercise provided a multi-ship environment to train and certify independent deployers in surface warfare, air defense, maritime interception operations, command and control/information warfare, command, control, computers and combat systems intelligence and mine warfare.
The exercise led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F) and executed by Commander, Carrier Strike Group Fifteen (CSG 15), included the guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Chosin (CG 65), guided-missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Chafee (DDG 90), littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) and USS Fort Worth's (LCS 3) Crew 102.
IDCERTEX served as CSG 15's final opportunity to evaluate and certify Preble, Chafee and Fort Worth Crew 102, embarked aboard Freedom, across multiple warfare areas prior to regularly scheduled deployments.
According to Rear Adm. Rick Williams, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (MIDPAC), IDCERTEX was a success for the ships involved that demonstrated their readiness to deploy and operate in an integrated, multi-ship environment. Crew 102's certification will enable them to turn over with Crew 103, who departed San Diego for Singapore Feb. 8 to relieve Crew 104.
"IDCERTEX was successful thanks to outstanding work and commitment by all participants," said Williams.
Chafee, Chosin, Lake Champlain and Preble conducted their training off the coast of Hawaii while Freedom participated off the coast of Southern California.
"Having a split location is challenging no matter what you're doing, and this is no different, yet this did not hinder our ability to train and assess them and get them fully certified," said Capt. Patrick Keyes, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, assistant chief of staff for plans, policy, training and readiness. "In the end, Chafee, Preble and Crew 102 were able to get fully certified, and now they are ready to execute all mission areas while deployed in the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf."
Crew 102 was certified in shipboard firefighting, man-overboard drills, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), and other ship specific training. The integrated phase consists of flight operations, submarine tracking, strait transit formations, replenishment-at-sea between multiple ships and aircraft, and other required mission evolutions.
"The fact that our crew has progressed from a shore-based training environment directly to the successful accomplishment of an advanced level independent deployer certification exercise in only three weeks is an amazing validation of the training concept for LCS rotational crews," said Cmdr. Michael Jarrett, commanding officer of LCS Crew 102. "The crew's ability to perform at a fast pace and demonstrate proficiency suitable for deployment is a testament to the enthusiasm and work ethic of our Sailors and their teammates from the Surface Warfare Detachment Four and Detachment three from the "Magicians" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35."
Supporting staffs included Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, DESRON 31, Marine Aircraft Group 24, Hawaii Air National Guard and the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade.
"This exercise advances our readiness to operate on, above and below the seas as one team," said Williams. "Certification demonstrates that our ships are focused, capable and ready to deploy forward."
Leading the naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line, U.S. 3rd Fleet provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visitwww.navy.mil/local/c3f/.
NNS150226-21. Current All Hands Update
From Defense Media Activity - Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three one-minute newscasts today.
First one-minute newscast-
- Headlines for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015: USS Makin Island Returns from Deployment;
U.S. Navy's Supply Corps Celebrates 220th Birthday
http://youtu.be/gCV0v4_BBh8
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
Second one-minute newscast-
- All Hands Magazine Sits Down With Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman
http://youtu.be/YViMkqHluOk
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
Third one-minute newscast-
- LREC Provides Cultural Training
http://youtu.be/OlwppebZ8gY
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
Defense Media Activity-Navy produces All Hands Update (AHU) newscasts each day. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).
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NNS011213-37. This Day in Naval History - Feb. 26
From Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division
1944 - Sue Sophia Dauser, Superintendent of the Navy's Nurse Corps, is the first woman in the Navy to receive rank of captain.
1945 - TBMs (VC 82) from USS Anzio (CVE 57) sink two Japanese submarines: I 368, 35 miles west of Iwo Jima, and RO 43, 50 miles west-northwest of Iwo Jima.
1945 - USS Finnegan (DE 307) sinks Japanese submarine I 370, 120 miles south of Iwo Jima.
1991 - During Operation Desert Storm, A-6E aircraft of VA-155 from USS Ranger (CVA 61) and Marine aircraft bomb Iraqi troops fleeing Kuwait City to Basra.
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Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at www.navy.mil or visit www.history.navy.mil.
Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342.
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-- http://www.navy.mil/search/
NNS150226-07. MCPON Stevens Delivers Congressional Testimony
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/
NNS150225-19. USS Makin Island ARG Returns from Deployment
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/
NNS150226-22. High Seas Must Remain Open to All, Navy Leader Says
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/
NNS150226-20. AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System Tracks, Simulates Engagements of Three Short-Range Ballistic Missiles
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/
NNS150226-18. Hawaii Sailors Attend First Class Petty Officer Leadership Symposium
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/
NNS150226-16. USS New York: Praying for the 343 Firefighters of 9/11
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NNS150226-12. NAVSUP Headquarters Celebrates African American History Month
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NNS150226-09. USS San Diego Returns Home to San Diego Following Maiden Deployment
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NNS150226-06. Navy Entertainment Brings T-Pain to Team Carl Vinson
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NNS150226-05. Patient Satisfaction Leads to High Scores for Boone Clinic Recertification
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NNS150226-04. Naval Air Facility Misawa and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Conduct Security Training
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NNS150226-03. USS Frank Cable Celebrates African American History Month
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NNS150226-02. USS Pasadena Visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment
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NNS150226-01. USS Olympia Returns from Deployment
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NNS150225-20. IDCERTEX Advances Readiness in Pacific
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DNU -- In today's edition of All Hands Update, The USS Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Marine Expeditionary Unit returned to San Diego February 25th and the Navy's Supply Corps Celebrates 220 years keeping the Navy running.
-- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
DNU -- Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman tells how this special group of Sailors are trained to save lives as a part of Fleet Marine Forces.
-- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
DNU -- The Language, Regional Expertise and Culture program maximizes cultural and language skills for Sailors and Marines.
-- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
NNS150226-21. Current All Hands Update
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NNS011213-37. This Day in Naval History - Feb. 26
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Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
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NNS150226-11. USS Fort Worth Conducts CUES with Chinese Navy
By Lt. Lauryn Dempsey, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) practiced the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) with the People's Liberation Army-Navy [PLA(N)] Jiangkai II frigate Hengshui (FFG 572) Feb. 23 enhancing the professional maritime relationship between U.S. 7th Fleet and the PLA(N).
Fort Worth and Hengshui were conducting routine training and operations in international waters of the South China Sea when the ships realized a training opportunity was present.
CUES, a set of procedures endorsed by naval leaders at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium in April 2014, is a guideline for unplanned maritime encounters while at sea, providing standards for communication, safety procedures and maneuvering instructions for naval ships and aircraft.
"The interaction with the Hengshui was safe and routine, and the professionalism that was on display by both ships is commendable," said Cmdr. Matt Kawas, Fort Worth Crew 103 commanding officer. "As the first underway for Crew 103 aboard Fort Worth in U.S. 7th Fleet, this was a real-time situation where we relied upon our months of training in San Diego to execute."
Fort Worth and Hengshui rendezvoused and used CUES as a signaling protocol to indicate ship maneuvering.
"Having a standardized protocol of safety procedures, basic communications and basic maneuvering instructions is critical as we work together to prevent mishaps and miscommunications at sea," said Capt. Fred Kacher, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 7. "This will likely not be the last time Fort Worth conducts CUES as she continues to operate extensively throughout Southeast Asia and expand her operational footprint to Northeast Asia during the remaining 12 months of her deployment to the Asia-Pacific."
Fort Worth departed Singapore Feb. 19 following the first of three crew swaps as part of the ship's maiden 16-month deployment to the Asia-Pacific. Fort Worth is the first LCS to deploy under the "3-2-1" manning concept, which allows LCS to sustain a 16-month forward presence without fatiguing the crew during the extended deployment. It is named "3-2-1" because three rotational crews will support two LCS ships and maintain one deployed ship. Two additional crew swaps will occur during the remainder of Fort Worth's deployment, roughly every four months.
During the first five days of the current underway period, the crew conducted at-sea workups to maintain the proficiency achieved as part of their deployment certification in San Diego. Fort Worth is now headed north for Foal Eagle in March. Held annually with the Republic of Korea navy, Foal Eagle is also the first exercise in Northeast Asia that incorporates LCS participation.
Fort Worth is the second LCS to deploy as part of an initiative for up to four rotational deployments of these ships simultaneously to U.S. 7th Fleet in the coming years. Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare.
Fort Worth will employ the surface warfare mission package for her entire deployment, augmenting her 57mm gun and rolling airframe missile launcher with two 30mm guns, two 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats, two six-member maritime security boarding teams, a MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and a MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system.
The U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visitwww.navy.mil/local/c7f/.
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NNS150226-07. MCPON Stevens Delivers Congressional Testimony
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Stuart B. Phillips, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(AW/NAC) Michael Stevens testified before Congress Feb. 25.
Stevens appeared before the House and Armed Services Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies.
Stevens, along with the senior enlisted leaders from the Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force, discussed the current status of their respective military branches, focusing specifically on quality-of-life programs and issues that are cause of concern for today's service members.
Stevens discussed the Navy's current operational tempo and told the subcommittee there are currently nearly 100 Navy ships underway with thousands of Sailors standing the watch. He went on to talk about quality of life for Sailors, and the uncertainty that sequestration has created.
"My regular interface with our Sailors and their families over the past year has shown an overall satisfactory quality of life; however, the ongoing discussion regarding possible changes to future pay and compensation has created an air of uncertainty," said Stevens.
He explained that Sailors are concerned there will be reductions in medical benefits, pay and compensation, and family programs. While they understand there will always be some degree of uncertainty in the geopolitical and operational world, ambiguity relating to military benefits is not as easily understood. Stevens zeroed in on a specific area of compensation during his testimony.
"If you were to ask me today to pick one [concern] with regard to pay and compensation, my greatest and immediate concern for our people is the future of health care," said Stevens. Health care is a quality of life issue that constantly resurfaces during my fleet interactions. It is extremely important to our Sailors and their families, and is very influential in recruiting and retention decisions."
Beyond military pay and compensation, MCPON expressed concerned about the deteriorating condition of single Sailor barracks - a deterioration that has been amplified by sequestration cuts. Ultimately, the Navy has had to prioritize warfighting requirements at the expense of investing in the maintenance of barracks infrastructure.
"This risk has resulted in the overall condition of our barracks falling to approximately 50% adequacy," said Stevens. Should sequestration resurface, I am concerned the condition of our barracks will decline further. This standard of living directly impacts our Sailors' quality of life."
Stevens also spoke about the importance of Family Support Programs such as: Navy Fleet and Family Support Centers; Navy Child and Youth Programs; Navy Ombudsman Programs; and Family Readiness Groups. He emphasized the positive impact of these programs and thanked the subcommittee for their continued support before delivering his final remarks on quality of life.
"As I have stated in prior testimonies, one of the most important and effective weapon systems we can provide our nation and Navy is a combination of individual and unit morale," said Stevens. And it is my firm belief that the support this subcommittee provides to the Navy greatly impacts our ability to sustain this weapon system."
The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy regularly testifies before Congress along with the senior enlisted leaders of the other services. This was his third appearance before this congressional subcommittee.
For more information on MCPON's activities, visithttps://www.facebook.com/
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NNS150225-19. USS Makin Island ARG Returns from Deployment
From Amphibious Squadron Five Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Nearly 4,500 Sailors and Marines with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) returned to San Diego Feb. 25, following a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.
Deployed since July 25, the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU conducted a relocation of National Oceanographic Atmospheric Administration researchers from Tropical Storm Iselle near Hawaii, conducted air strikes against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Iraq, worked with British and Kuwaiti forces in Exercise Cougar Voyage 14, participated in Exercise Red Reef 15 with Saudi Arabian forces and performed Marine sustainment exercises in Kuwait and Djibouti.
"We've had a very intense deployment that required us to execute multiple mission sets simultaneously for long periods of time. The superb professionalism and work ethic of all members of the ARG/MEU team ensured we met and exceeded the mark every time," said Capt. Steve McKone, commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5. "I know these Sailors and Marines are excited to be home."
The Makin Island ARG, led by PHIBRON 5, consists of amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8), dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22), PHIBRON 5 staff, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23 (HSC-23) Detachment 2, scheduled to return to its home base on Naval Air Station North Island Feb. 24, Fleet Surgical Team 5, Tactical Air Control Squadron 11, Assault Craft Unit 5 and Beach Master Unit 1.
The 11th MEU is comprised of the 11th MEU Command Element; the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 163 (Reinforced); the Ground Combat Element, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines; and the Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 11.
"The Sailors and Marines on this ship performed exceptionally well during this deployment," said USS Makin Island Commanding Officer, Capt. Jon P. Rodgers. "This deployment marked the first for more than 65 percent of the crew. The teamwork was exceptional!"
During the deployment, the ARG transited nearly 35,000 nautical miles, flew approximately 3,100 sorties, and logged nearly 5,020 flight hours. Amphibious craft completed more than 4,000 passenger transfers and moved more than 90,000 tons of equipment to and from the shore.
"The Sailors of HSC-23 Detachment 2 provided support for all facets of aviation operations during deployment with the USS Makin Island ARG and the 11th MEU," said Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Adams, HSC-23's officer-in-charge. "It was truly an honor to be a part of the exceptional effort, dedication, and professionalism displayed by the ARG/MEU team during this deployment."
This deployment was the first for San Diego and the second for Makin Island.
The Makin Island ARG conducted port visits in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Jordan, collectively. The visits provided an opportunity for the U.S. military forces to strengthen ties with the host nations and foster relationships.
The Iwo Jima ARG and 24th MEU relieved the Makin Island ARG in the 5th Fleet AOR in January.
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For more news from USS Makin Island (LHD 8), visithttp://www.navy.mil/local/
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visitwww.navy.mil/local/c3f/.
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NNS150226-22. High Seas Must Remain Open to All, Navy Leader Says
By Jim Garamone, DoD News, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The world's ocean trade routes must remain open to all to maintain global commerce, the vice chief of naval operations said Feb. 24.
"The world [economy] depends on those high seas staying free," Navy Adm. Michelle J. Howard told CNN's Jim Sciutto during the NewAmerica Future of War Project conference.
Noting that China is building its blue-water navy, Sciutto asked Howard how that could affect the maritime situation. China, she replied, "refers to itself as maturing and is starting to stretch its muscles in terms of who they are and how they see themselves as a world power."
Countries ask themselves if it is possible to be a world power without military power, and "China has taken the path that in order to be a global power, they have to have military strength," the admiral said.
*U.S. Navy Seeks to Maintain Advantage*
China is building its navy and following the path of many other countries in history, including the United Kingdom and the United States, copying what has been successful, the admiral said. But the United States wants to maintain its military advantage at sea, she added, and the Navy is continuing to acquire and adapt to maintain the lead.
But China is not what keeps her up at night, the vice chief said. North Korea and the capriciousness of its leader do worry her, she said. "When you have countries that have a certain amount of strength ... and then the leadership does not operate logically or on an agreed framework, then that creates a challenge," she added.
*Working With China on Framework*
The United States is working with China to create such a framework, Howard said. "We've made some tremendous progress with military-to-military contacts," she told Sciutto. "The chief of naval operations has had several engagements with his counterpart."
Last year at the Western Pacific Naval Symposium, leaders from several nations, including China, agreed to adopt a code for unexpected encounters at sea, Howard said.
"We have a way at the tactical level for our ships to communicate with each other, to alleviate any misunderstandings," she added. "There has been great dialogue and great movement between our navies."
Sciutto asked Howard if she worries about China's naval build up.
*Alternate Futures*
"The world is always a magical place, there are always a number of alternative futures that can unfold," she said. "You can look at it as a potential conflict -- that's one alternate future. You can look at it on the strength of the trade partnership we have with China -- that's another. And it's not just with China. It's all the nations of the region -- Japan, India, South Korea.
"So there are alternative futures here," she continued, "and what are we doing to walk down a path that walks away from conflict or creates the stepping stones to conflict?"
Guiding China and working with China is the best policy for the future of the world, Howard said.
Howard was promoted to the rank of four-star admiral on July 1, 2014, during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus presided over the ceremony and administered the oath of office.
Howard is the first female four-star admiral in the history of the U.S. Navy.
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NNS150226-20. AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System Tracks, Simulates Engagements of Three Short-Range Ballistic Missiles
From U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY, Va. (NNS) -- The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66), and USS Barry (DDG 52) successfully completed a flight test involving the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) weapon system.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. EST today, three short-range ballistic missile targets were launched near simultaneously from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia. Two Aegis BMD destroyers acquired and tracked the targets. Using this data, the Aegis BMD ships conducted simulated Standard Missile-3 Block IB guided missile engagements with the distributed weighted engagement scheme (DWES) capability enabled. The DWES provides an automated engagement coordination scheme between multiple Aegis BMD ships that determines which ship is the preferred shooter, reducing duplication of BMD engagements and missile expenditures while ensuring BMD threat coverage.
Several fire control, discrimination, and engagement functions were exercised. As no SM-3 guided missiles were launched, the test did not include an attempted intercept.
This test was designated Flight Test Other (FTX)-19. This was the first flight test to assess the ability of the Aegis BMD 4.0 weapon system to simulate engagements of a raid consisting of three short-range, separating ballistic missile targets. This was also the first time Aegis BMD 4.0 ships used the DWES capability with live targets.
The MDA will use test results to improve and enhance the Ballistic Missile Defense System and support the advancement of Phase 2 of the Phased Adaptive Approach for missile defense in Europe to provide protection of U.S. deployed forces, our European allies and partners.
Aegis BMD is the naval component of the MDA's Ballistic Missile Defense System. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD program. Additional information about all elements of the Ballistic Missile Defense System can be found at www.mda.mil.
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NNS150226-18. Hawaii Sailors Attend First Class Petty Officer Leadership Symposium
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jeff Troutman, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- First Class Petty Officers (FCPOs) stationed at Pearl Harbor gathered at Hickam Memorial Theater on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to attend a First Class Petty Officer's symposium, Feb. 25.
The symposium drew approximately 200 FCPOs who were looking to gain leadership and career advice from the Pearl Harbor Chief's Action Group, in conjunction with the First Class Petty Officer's Association.
"The purpose of this kind of get-together is to do some professional training with the Pearl Harbor FCPOs, to help them become future chief petty officers and to guide their junior Sailors along the way," said Master Chief Intelligence Specialist Jason Martin, who spoke to the Sailors about professional development and advancement. "My hope is that the Sailors who attended today's symposium will have a better understanding of the resources they have to be competitive for advancement. The opportunities are definitely out there; they just have to find them."
Topics covered during the symposium included important changes occurring in today's Navy, tips for maintaining an individual's electronic service record, career information and policies, Individual Augmentee assignments, and more.
Sailors who attended the symposium found the training worthwhile in conjunction with the goals they had set for themselves upon making first class and beginning their journey to the chief petty officer's selection board.
According to Air Traffic Controlman 1st Class Jolyn San Nicolas, assigned to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii, the information she received at the symposium would enable her to not only enhance her own career, but the careers of those around her as well.
"I'm all for educated knowledge and I'm excited to be here," said San Nicolas. "The evaluation writing block and the segment on uniform regulations were especially helpful, because it teaches me how to better serve my junior Sailors and be a better first class for them. "
Additionally, many of the topics during the symposium were geared toward helping the FCPOs better understand the often overwhelming process of preparing their service record for selection to chief petty officers. Navy heritage, ethics, proper fitness and nutrition were all covered in an effort to help even the newest FCPOs in attendance begin planning their route to khaki leadership.
"The Navy is always changing around us, so seminars like this enable me to stay current on things like proper fitness, proper ethics, and how to inspire the most out of myself and my junior Sailors," said Air Traffic Controlman 1st Class Courtney Seals, assigned to the Marine Corps Base Hawaii. "It's just a great way to learn about the resources available to you."
Sears said he would advise other FCPOs who didn't attend the symposium to attend future outings if they were interested in enhancing their chances for selection to chief.
"The opportunity to network amongst your peers and the amount of combined knowledge in the room is a huge benefit to everyone in attendance," said Sears. "There's a bigger picture to the Navy than just what's in your office. From preparing your chief's package to actually taking the exam, the information you can walk away with from symposiums like this is enormous. I would highly encourage every FCPO who is looking to further their career to attend."
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacenhawaii
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NNS150226-16. USS New York: Praying for the 343 Firefighters of 9/11
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Trejo, USS New York Public Affairs
GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- Tattoo, Tattoo, lights out in five minutes, stand by for the evening prayer. These words are spoken over the ship's loudspeaker, or 1MC, every night on U.S. Navy ships around the world, but the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) uses this opportunity to pray for the families who have lost loved ones in the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001.
"I believe prayer changes things...343 firefighters lost their lives on 9/11 in selfless sacrifice, for people they did not even know by name," said Lt. Justin Bernard, an Aurora, Colorado, native and chaplain aboard New York. "My goal in praying for just one of their families every night is to remind our crew that we carry their torch of service, and that these families are our families now. Thousands of lives were impacted that day, so we pray for one at a time so they will never be forgotten."
Bernard reported aboard New York, September 2013. He was challenged by the executive officer, now commanding officer, Capt. Christopher Brunett, to come up with an idea to have the crew interact with the heritage of the ship.
After much thought and prayer, he came to the realization that the one thing he does every day is pray over the 1MC. "It's something that everyone hears," Bernard said. "I figured that would be a place I could integrate their families', story with our story and I could do that consistently every day."
People continue to talk about and reflect on the impact that 9/11 has had or things that have happened since then, but this is a way to make it personal. Some of these firefighters had large families, or wives who were pregnant, and have children they never had the opportunity to meet.
"I had the opportunity to pray for firefighter Lee Fehling of Engine 235, who perished on 9/11," Bernard said. "I prayed for his wife and his three daughters Kaitlin, Morgan and lastly Megan, who was born just one week after they laid him to rest."
"I think it is important that the crew is reminded of the significance of this ship's name," said Chief Electrician's Mate Luvendra Gosine, a Lady Lake, Florida, native stationed aboard New York. "It makes us stronger as a whole when we recognize the people who made that sacrifice for us. It signifies the importance of not only the ship's name but also where we were 14 years ago."
Every night Bernard chooses a firefighter from an alphabetical list and begins to do a little research about what they were doing on the day of and who their immediate family was. He uses a book titled "Collective Portraits of Grief," which contains a portrait and a brief couple of paragraphs about each person who perished on 9/11. He also searches for any memorial foundations or pages that may have been created in their name.
Just recently Bernard prayed for Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY) Firefighter Terrence Farrell, who, like many others, gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on 9/11. He also started contacting the families he prayed for and Sean Farrell, Terrence's nephew, heard about how the Sailors aboard New York were praying for his family.
"I am personally writing you to let you know how much that sincere and heartfelt act means to me," stated Sean. "I remember in 2009 when the USS New York (LPD 21) came to port in New York City, and my mother took her 14-year-old son, who couldn't be bothered with much of anything, to see and tour the ship. I can say that from the moment I walked down that gangway and back onto the pier, my life was without a doubt changed. To jump ahead a little more than five years, and I write this email as a Seamen Recruit with a SEAL contract waiting to ship out in March to Boot Camp and the opportunity of a lifetime. I am in this position because I am inspired and proud to come from a family in which service has been a tradition for generations. To see this reminder of where this journey started brings me a great deal of joy, and is much appreciated."
What started as a simple idea to connect the crew to the ship's legacy, has become so much more. It has become another opportunity that the Navy has given Bernard to serve his country by doing what he loves, which is lifting people up to God.
"I count it a blessing to not just be a chaplain in the Navy but to have the privilege to serve on a ship like this that means so much to our country and the families of 9/11," Bernard said. "It's humbling, and I'm glad we're able to make even the smallest of impacts in their lives, letting them know that we'll continue to fight for them."
New York is a part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and, with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.
For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8 , visitwww.navy.mil/local/cpr8/.
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NNS150226-12. NAVSUP Headquarters Celebrates African American History Month
By David Rea, NAVSUP Headquarters Office of Corporate Communications
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems (NAVSUP) Command Headquarters sponsored an African American History Month program for its military and civilian personnel Feb. 25. C. Kim Bracey, the first African-American Mayor of the City of York, Pennsylvania, served as the guest speaker.
Rear Adm. Jonathan A. Yuen, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command and Chief of Supply Corps, said "We recognize our brothers and sisters year round, but February is African American History Month. It's one of our exciting months as we celebrate a lot of diversity," he explained. "Change is always possible. Our guest speaker today is C. Kim Bracey, and she's here to share her thoughts with us. During National African American History Month, we recall the inner strength that sustained millions in bondage and come together to pay tribute to the heroes of all colors and creeds who have worked to end oppression."
"Your theme, 'A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture' excited me," Bracey said. "I thought I would talk about tolerance and equality over the years, specifically during that century of black life, history and culture. Many of us are still basking in the glow of the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington of 1963, and it bears repeating that the march was about two primary goals -- fighting racism and discrimination and fighting poverty and economic injustice."
"We may not be able to change the prejudices and backward notions of past generations, but we can open the minds and hearts of young people to appreciate and understand others and there's no excuse why we are not," Bracey explained. "We cannot just tolerate others, we must genuinely appreciate and understand others. There is a big difference. And it is a two-way street that can transform lives."
Bracey explained that tolerance is not a moral precept to practice. "It's not just about the golden rule and learning to tolerate different races, religion, and sexual orientations," she said. "It's a requirement of 21st century life. Getting beyond tolerance to appreciating diversity is becoming a requirement -- a way of life to build social capital, collaborate, forge new economic paths, and tackle poverty."
In closing, Bracey said, "The greatest paradox in life is that true happiness comes from helping others. Let us not forget, it was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who said 'Life's most persistent and urgent questions is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
"My friends, our time is right now," Bracey said. "A Century of Black Life, History and Culture continues on."
Bracey was born and raised in York, where she attended York City schools and graduated from William Penn Senior High School, and Bloomsburg University. She joined the U.S. Air Force in 1984, and served until 1994 achieving the rank of E-6. Among her medals and citations, she received the National Defense Service Medal and three Air Force Good Conduct Medals. She is currently serving her second term as Mayor of York.
The NAVSUP and Navy Supply Corps team share one mission--to deliver sustained global logistics capabilities to the Navy and Joint warfighter. NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps' diverse team of more than 25,000 civilian and military personnel oversee a diverse portfolio including supply chain management for material support to Navy, Marine Corps, joint and coalition partners, supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, security assistance, and quality of life issues for the naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods. The NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps team forms a vast network of professionals who deliver unparalleled products and services to customers in the fleet and across the world.
For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visitwww.navy.mil/local/navsup/.
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NNS150226-09. USS San Diego Returns Home to San Diego Following Maiden Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Joseph M. Buliavac, USS San Diego Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) returned to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego Feb. 25 following completion of the ship's maiden deployment.
The only ship in the U.S. Navy stationed in its namesake city departed for the seven-month, 40,000 nautical mile deployment, as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) on July 25.
"San Diego deployed with a new, very young team yet was always up to answer the call in support of fleet commanders," said USS San Diego Commanding Officer Capt. John Menoni. "There's no doubt in my mind that the Navy-Marine Corps team on San Diego is among the best in the Navy."
San Diego's Engineering Department was able to conduct several major maintenance and repair evolutions while at sea ensuring the ship's mission was uninterrupted. This allowed for a 26-day full-power run from the northern Red Sea to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, which can be a challenging feat for a ship of any class.
"Engineering department performed minor miracles on a daily basis to ensure USS San Diego was always mission ready," said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Dubose, San Diego's chief engineering officer. "These are the best Engineers I have worked with in my 23 years in the Navy; they do the hardest work on the ship and make my job easy."
The Operations and Combat Systems departments pushed Information Dominance Warfare, by aligning the ship's Information Dominance Corps ratings. The crew's intelligence, electronic warfare, cryptologic, and communications teams innovated by rescoping their mission sets and operated as an Information Dominance Operations Cell (IDOC). This unique alignment resulted record breaking results leading to the ship being recognized as the U.S. 7th Fleet Cryptologic Ship of the Quarter, 4th quarter 2014.
"I am extremely proud of, and grateful for, the team I have in Operations Department," said Lt. Cmdr. John Glover, San Diego operations officer. "My bridge, combat, and intelligence teams performed steadily and responded very well to a very fluid environment. My Sailors are professionals and are among the best in the fleet!"
San Diego's 410 Sailors and Marines, along with more than 575 Sailors and Marines from the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted maritime security operations and theater security cooperation exercises and events in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
"I give all of the credit to our blue green team," said Menoni. "Our Sailors and Marines came together as a truly cohesive unit, that showed day in and day out, from pre-deployment exercises to the final day of deployment. The strength of character they displayed every day was awe inspiring."
Sailors and Marines serving aboard San Diego assisted in the evacuation of three National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists as part of the Makin Island ARG and 11th MEU emergent recovery operation at the Papahnaumokukea Marine National Monument.
San Diego, accompanied by the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock (LSD 45), was the command ship for Malus Amphex 14, a bi-lateral amphibious exercise with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
The heavily integrated San Diego and 11th MEU team also participated in Cougar Voyage 2014 with the Royal British and French Navies; Red Reef 15 with Saudi Arabian Forces; and took part in sustainment training exercises in Kuwait and Djibouti. They also spent an extended period of time as a quick reaction force to help out American citizens at the U.S. Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen while ensuring the safety of American citizens in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation.
Individuals were also recognized for milestones and qualifications during San Diego's maiden deployment as well. Five officers earned their Surface Warfare Officer qualification, three earned Command Duty Officer qualifications and 14 officers, one Senior Chief Petty Officer and one Chief Petty Officer completed the Officer of the Deck qualification. Four officers were also promoted to the next rank.
The Enlisted Surface Warfare qualification was awarded to 204 Sailors and 57 Sailors were advanced to the next pay grade.
Sailors and Marines aboard San Diego also took part in a variety of community relations activities in two countries while on deployment. These events included spending time with underprivileged children in Hong Kong, a soccer match with a Royal Jordanian Navy team, and a familiarization visit to a mosque.
During the deployment, San Diego made port visits to Aqaba, Jordan, and Port Khalifa, UAE, for routine maintenance; Hong Kong and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for liberty.
Ninety friends and family members joined the Sailors and Marines on the final leg of the deployment, to experience shipboard life as part of a scheduled Tiger Cruise.
Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3 Rear Adm. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds flew out to San Diego Feb. 24 to congratulate the crew for completing their deployment.
"You didn't just meet the standards, you set the standards. Now that you're back San Diego will be whole again because the city has its ship back," said Ponds. "Everything that you do and everything that you've touched has been golden, but the ship would be nothing without the Sailors and the Marines that man the deck. You are the greatest that our nation has to offer."
The ship is named for the city of San Diego, which has a large Navy and Marine Corps population, and pays tribute to the people of "America's Finest City" and its leaders for their constant support of the military. The ship was commissioned during a ceremony in San Diego, May 19, 2012.
During deployment San Diego completed five full vehicle and equipment offloads in five countries, received 4.1 million gallons of fuel produced 5 million gallons of water, conducted 40,000 man-hours in repairs, completed a full vehicle & equipment washdown in three and a half days vice the normal seven, flew 1821.2 flight hours, 2593 passenger movements, 12,146,725 lbs. of cargo, took on 908 tons of food, 507 tons in stores, parts and supplies, 65 tons of mail, completed 20 replenishments at sea and 37 well deck operations, and was at sea for 200 days out of a 216 day deployment.
San Diego, deployed as part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group with the 11th MEU, returned to homeport San Diego following a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and the U.S. Central Command areas of operation.
For more news from USS San Diego (LPD 22), visitwww.navy.mil/local/lpd22/.
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NNS150226-06. Navy Entertainment Brings T-Pain to Team Carl Vinson
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Curtis D. Spencer, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 hosted two-time Grammy Award winning artist, T-Pain Feb. 25.
The star's visit was a joint effort between Carl Vinson leadership and Navy Entertainment.
Throughout the afternoon and into the evening T-Pain showed his appreciation to Sailors by chatting, posing for photos, signing autographs and performing a special concert.
"This was a once in a life time opportunity," said Information System's Technician Seaman Leonard Talton. "It was a lot of fun. Meeting T-Pain was an experience I will never forget."
The artist expressed what the military means to him and how he enjoys giving back to those who serve.
"I of course would like to thank the crew," T-Pain said "You can't be at the top of your game unless you meet the people who put you there. It is important to support our troops and our military. If you don't, I don't think you have done everything that's required to get to the top."
T-Pain's more than 10 year musical career includes, 60 hit songs, four albums and an eight year run of number one hits, albums, tours and a plethora of cameo appearances.
To follow Carl Vinson on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/
For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visitwww.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.
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NNS150226-05. Patient Satisfaction Leads to High Scores for Boone Clinic Recertification
By Rebecca A. Perron, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth announced Feb. 24 that positive feedback from parents happy with their children's care was a major contributing factor for the Pediatric Medical Home Port Clinic at Branch Health Clinic Boone receiving a near-perfect score and the highest level certification on its National Committee for Quality Assurance recertification.
The NCQA awarded the Pediatric MHP clinic a Level 3 certification and a score of 99 out of 100.
The branch health clinic, located at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, is the first of NMCP's BHCs to apply for recertification of an outpatient clinic. The Pediatric MHP clinic was originally certified three years ago as a Level 3. Certifications are in effect for three years. Three more outpatient clinics at Boone also have a Level 3 NCQA certification.
"This recertification means that everything the (pediatrics) clinic has done over the last three years - including what process improvements we've brought into play - we've done well, not only for our staff, but for our patients also," said Cmdr. Gabriel Brown, Boone's officer in charge. "Level 3 means you cover all the aspects of patient quality and safety."
The Medical Home Port Program streamlines patient care using a team approach to provide comprehensive and integrated care. Patients receive continuity of care from a team of health care providers. The Home Port model focuses on the relationship and trust that grows between the health care team and the patient.
Brown said the committee uses patient feedback as a large portion of the score, as well as how care is documented in the electronic health record.
"Basically, your patients are grading you versus just an outside organization grading you, because they read all of your customer service feedbacks," Brown said. "Another big piece in the health care arena right now is how you document and share information. We do have a global electronic health record, as well as TRICARE Online, Relay Health and the Nurse Advice Line, so that helps us achieve the Level 3. Those combine to become a personal health record, and not many organizations have a personal health record."
The personal health record documents patient education, another NCQA requirement. Each facility must now prove how they educate their patients, in addition to the quality of care they provide.
"The communication with patients, the Relay Health initiative that has been pushed throughout the Military Health System, where we can actually communicate with the parents, and the patient is another initiative that we've done to help us maintain that level of certification," Brown said.
One of the newest components is the Nurse Advice Line. According to Brown, pediatrics parents use the Nurse Advice Line more than anyone, because it gives them 24-hour access to speak with a clinical provider and get information real-time without having to come into the emergency room.
"This is especially true when you are talking about infants 24 months or less," Brown said. "The main thing we've done is to put performance improvement measures into place, which creates team building and becomes a culture of the way we do things."
Also new to the recertification requirements is obesity screenings for children. The pediatric clinic began the only child obesity program in Navy Medicine, screening kids just like adults and forming a pilot program that Navy Medicine can use to develop programs at other treatment facilities.
"We started the obesity program to teach our youth and their parents good eating habits from the beginning," Brown said. "We found that there's a culture that they can eat candy and nothing will happen to them. But we are seeing more and more kids who don't have enough play time outside, and they are not eating the right things."
The obesity program works with parents to educate them about forming healthier habits with their children, including getting enough time playing outside. Multiple appointments over several weeks include seeing a nutritionist and a dentist.
"We identify kids, usually ages five to 10, who are having some of these health problems, and we give parents information about new healthy habits and things they can be doing in monitoring their children. There's a dental piece to this too. We analyze the children and see if there are any dental problems they may be having from the diet they are eating. The program is generally a six- to nine-week program where we monitor and we educate and coordinate with the parents on weight control, and those sorts of things."
After seeing the hard work the clinic staff has invested in making their Medical Home Port the standard in Navy Medicine, Brown said he is proud to be a part of this organization.
"I have four NCQA Level 3 certified clinics," Brown added. "I'm proud to be part of something that's a new initiative, not only in Navy Medicine, but in health care. Personally, for me, I think it's great to be a part of this."
NCQA is a private, 501©(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality in the U.S. Since its founding in 1900, NCQA has been a central figure in driving improvement throughout the health care system, helping to elevate the issue of health care quality to the top of the national agenda.
For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visitwww.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.
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NNS150226-04. Naval Air Facility Misawa and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Conduct Security Training
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ryan C. Delcore, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs
HACHINOHE, Japan (NNS) -- Naval Air Facility (NAF) Misawa and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) conducted security training at Camp Hachinohe Feb. 24.
JGSDF Soldiers and U.S. Navy Sailors shared security techniques and honed their skills while dealing with many challenging security scenarios.
"This is the first time this has ever been done with JGSDF and U.S. Navy Misawa security forces. We're very excited to get it done and very excited to work together. At the end of the day we hope to start a relationship that will last for many years," said Chief Master-at-Arms Marcus Williams, assigned to NAF Misawa
Vehicle-born improvised explosive devices (IED), personnel-carried IED, belligerent suspects, personnel searches, vehicle searches, and suspicious packages were a few of the scenarios encountered.
The NAF Misawa and JGSDF security forces who attended the training are responsible for protecting U.S. Navy fuel depots located in Hachinohe. Communication barriers and differences in security techniques were addressed during the training.
"This Force Protection Exercise (FPEX) is a great opportunity for both forces to integrate and work collectively to protect critical naval assets. Both forces have force protection training teams (FPTT) assessing and observing the evolutions which is critical when conducting after action reviews (AAR) at the conclusion of each scenario. This allowed us to identify what we need to improve jointly as well as what we need to sustain. The JGSDF are very professional and highly motivated. We look forward to continuing this professional relationship and future field training exercises," said Lt. Daniel Topper, officer in charge of NAF Misawa's Security Detachment.
NAF Misawa and JGSDF security forces spent a lot of energy planning this training in hopes that it will set the standard for future relations and training opportunities between the two services.
For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visitwww.navy.mil/local/nafmisawa/.
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NNS150226-03. USS Frank Cable Celebrates African American History Month
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg House, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian mariners assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) celebrated African American History Month during the ship's scheduled underway period, Feb. 24.
The ship's diversity committee sponsored the ceremony, which included remarks from the ship's Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Benjamin.
"This month is a time to tell those stories of freedom won and to honor the individuals who wrote them," said Benjamin. "We look back to the men and women who helped raise the pillars of democracy, even when the halls they built were not theirs to occupy. We trace generations of African Americans, free and slave, who risked everything to realize their God-given rights."
Benjamin went on to pay tribute to civil rights activists like Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglas and also acknowledged those who helped bring equality to the U.S. Navy such as the "Golden Thirteen", the first black officers in the Navy, commissioned during World War II.
Cmdr. Jay Turner also spoke at the ceremony about how growing up facing adversity shaped him into the Sailor he is today.
"My experiences taught me to be confident, that I can make solid contributions in any arena of life," said Turner. "They taught me how to face issues head on, regardless of what they may be."
Turner also shared his views on the importance of African American History Month.
"Celebrating African American History Month reminds us of the 'can do' spirit that African Americans bring to our country," said Turner. "Most importantly, it reminds us that the depths of our pride run as deep as our willingness and effort to learn about the tremendous accomplishments and take pride in them as Americans."
The ceremony concluded with a performance of the song "Lift Every Voice and Sing," sang by Senior Chief Operations Specialist Charles Green and Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Malcolm Portier.
Frank Cable, forward deployed to the island of Guam, conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
For more information on Frank Cable, visit www.cable.navy.mil or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
For more news from USS Frank Cable (AS 40), visitwww.navy.mil/local/as40/.
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NNS150226-02. USS Pasadena Visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment
By Lt. j.g. Drew Hanessian, USS Pasadena Public Affairs
FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Feb. 26 for a visit as part of its Western Pacific deployment.
The officers and crew of Pasadena are excited to be in Japan and on deployment in the Western Pacific. This represents a culmination of several years of hard work on the part of each crew member.
"I am very proud of each of them and look forward to seeing them continue to excel throughout this deployment," said Cmdr. Mark E. Cooper, commanding officer of Pasadena. "Pasadena's presence in the Western Pacific is important and our interactions with our allies and other friendly nations in the region will serve to demonstrate the United States' commitment to the region and develop closer ties."
Measuring more than 360 feet long and displacing more than 6,900 tons when submerged, Pasadena is one of the most mission capable and technologically advanced submarines in the world. This submarine supports a wide range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and naval special warfare, which encompasses both special operations forces and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
"The Pasadena Sailors look forward to enjoying the change of seasons Japan has to offer," said Command Master Chief Mark A. Evans, Pasadena's chief of the boat. "The officers and crew will enjoy some well-deserved rest prior to beginning the second leg of a demanding deployment."
As Pasadena makes its first deployment following an extended overhaul in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this makes the first deployment experience for the majority of its crew, as well as their first visit to Japan.
"I'm really excited to visit Japan for the first time," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Ernesto Escamilla. "This being my first deployment, I'm particularly looking forward to having the opportunity to visit historic sites in the area and sample the local cuisine."
Pasadena's crew of 150 will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. Pasadena's participation in exercises with various foreign navies from around the Pacific Rim will also aid in solidifying the U.S. role in international maritime operations.
Commissioned in July, 1991, and currently homeported in San Diego, Pasadena is the U.S. Navy's second "improved" 688-class nuclear-powered submarine. Throughout its proud and illustrious 24-year history, Pasadena has deployed to and conducted operations in virtually every part of the world.
Today, Pasadena continues to answer the call of duty in conducting yet another Western Pacific deployment, truly living up to its motto of "Anytime, Anywhere."
For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visitwww.navy.mil/local/csg7/.
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NNS150226-01. USS Olympia Returns from Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Olympia (SSN 717) returned Feb. 25 from a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, welcomed by family and friends gathered at the submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
The submarine's commanding officer, Cmdr. Thomas Shugart, said the crew was outstanding and productive throughout the deployment.
"It was fantastic!" said Shugart, a native of Houston. "Our Sailors did a great job representing us and the nation overseas, working with our allies and projecting power forward in defense of peace and harmony in the Western Pacific."
Olympia successfully completed an array of undersea operations and training evolutions, and worked with allied partners in several multinational exercises, thus improving the overall mission readiness of U.S. and allied forces.
Shugart commended his crew for being great ambassadors on behalf of the nation and said they had a lot of fun.
"The guys were very excited to visit places like Korea and Japan," said Shugart. "They saw a lot of sights, which is a part of what joining the Navy is about; it's seeing the world."
Shugart added that the crew has a deep sense of pride brought on by their accomplishments while on deployment.
In addition to gaining the experience of operating in the Western Pacific, the deployment afforded Sailors the opportunity to work on qualifications.
"We had several Sailors and officers who received their Submarine Warfare Qualifications while on deployment," said Olympia's Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Electronics Technician Roland Midgett. "Through the various events Olympia participated in, we were able to present their "dolphins" uniform insignia at various ports or on the bridge during the underway period."
"We are elated to be back," added Midgett. "It's great to have accomplished all we have, and now the crew is ready to spend some time with the family."
Olympia returned home with a new second in charge, with Lt. Cmdr. Rob Walls having relieved Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Flaherty as executive officer of Olympia in a pre-scheduled relief during the deployment.
When Olympia rounded the corner inside Pearl Harbor to a crowd of family and friends, it became apparent that they were finally home.
Jana Miller, wife of Electronics Technician 1st Class Kyle Miller said she is looking forward to seeing his face and giving him a big hug. The couple hails from Colorado Springs, Colorado.
"Welcome home, guys!" exclaimed Miller. "We are gonna go camping and try to go home for the summer!"
Sonar Technician (Submarines) Seaman John Barnes, one of the newest Sailors on board, said he found the deployment challenging yet rewarding.
"It really makes you realize how close you become with your family on the boat, and there is nothing like it," said Barnes. "It was long, it was aggravating at some point, but in the end, it was well worth it. Definitely a good experience."
Many Sailors aboard Olympia distinguished themselves during this deployment period and were recognized through promotions, awards or having earned their submarine warfare pin signifying their qualification as submariners.
Olympia personnel who earned their submarine warfare pin, or "dolphins," are Lt. j.g. Zachary Copes; Lt. j.g. Louis Wu, of Gaithersburg, Maryland.; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Chad Wright, of Florence, Arizona; Information Systems Technician (Submarines) 3rd Class Justin Brennan, of Woodbridge, Virginia; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Christopher Floresrazo, of Norwalk, California; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Robert Marfut, of Bremerton, Washington; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Shaun Feeney-Moore, of South Mills, North Carolina; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Eric Martin, of Beverly, Massachusetts; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Guillermo Ramirez, of Lancaster, California; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 3rd Class Robert Krisko; Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Darren Ortilla, of Sacramento, California; Logistics Specialist Seaman Shawn Mallory, of Haslet, Texas; Sonar Technician (Submarines) Seaman Christopher Naquin, of Carpentersville, Illinois; Machinist's Mate Fireman David Phillips, of Essexville, Michigan; Electronics Technician Seaman Aaron Bailey, of Denham Springs, Louisiana; Sonar Technician (Submarines) Seaman Jonathan Barnes, of Summerton, South Carolina; and Fire Control Technician Seaman Jacob Warminton, of Flemington, Missouri.
More than 20 Olympia team members received promotions to the next rank during this deployment.
Lt. Lewis Im, of Bayside, New York, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant commander; and Electronics Technician 1st Class Derek Scammon, of Wibaux, Montana, earned a promotion to chief electronics technician.
Sailors promoted to the rank of petty officer first class include Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jory Anderson, of Austin, Texas; Electrician's Mate 1st Class Alexander Strickland, of Seattle; Electrician's Mate 1st Class Matthew Budny, of Nicholasville, Kentucky; Machinist's Mate 1st Class Aaron Minard; Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jameson Barlow, of Tampa, Florida; and Electronics Systems Technician 1st Class Cory Saunders, of Snellville, Georgia.
Those who received promotions to petty officer second class include Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Cameron Beswick, of Saugus, California; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Brandon Cummings, of Peoria, Arizona; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michael Donza, of Delray Beach, Florida; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Anthony Huber, of Framingham, Massachusetts;
Electronics Technician 2nd Jonathan Nogaj, of Honolulu, Hawaii; and Electronics Technician 2nd Bryan Smith, of Kenvir, Kentucky.
Receiving promotions to petty officer third class include Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Arnoldnoel Andrade, of Stockton, California; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Seth Cleaver, of Jerome, Idaho; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Eric Martin; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Guillermo Ramirez; Machinist's Mate 3rd Andrew Tyson; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 3rd Class Brandon Tackett, of West Carrollton, Ohio; and Sonar Technician 3rd Class Theodore West, of West Palm Beach, Florida.
Several Olympia Sailors had their superior actions on deployment recognized with letters of commendation, including Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jameson Barlow; Machinist's Mate 1st Class Michael Swatowski, of Madison, Ohio; Electrician's Mate 1st Class Matthew Budny; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Sebastian Whiting, of Waipahu, Hawaii; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Jeremy Williams, of Lapeer, Michigan; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Jeremy Zila, of Overland Park, Kansas; Sonar Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class Brandon Cummings; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class John Valentine; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Joseph Vorce, of Honolulu, Hawaii; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Michael Gomez, of Hialeah, Florida; Electronics Technician 2nd Class Andrew Shipe, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania.; Electrician's Mate 3rd Class John Beatty, of Granger, Indiana; Electronics Technician 3rd Class Shawn Slutzky, of Williams, Indiana; Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Michael Taisacan, of Saipan, Northern Marianas Islands; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Troy Wagner, of Canton, Ohio; Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Eric Martin; Culinary Specialist Seaman Kyle Fitzpatrick, of Desoto, Texas;
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NNS150225-20. IDCERTEX Advances Readiness in Pacific
By Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Five U.S. Navy ships concluded a two-week independent deployer certification exercise (IDCERTEX) off the coast of Southern California and Hawaii Feb. 20.
The exercise provided a multi-ship environment to train and certify independent deployers in surface warfare, air defense, maritime interception operations, command and control/information warfare, command, control, computers and combat systems intelligence and mine warfare.
The exercise led by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet (C3F) and executed by Commander, Carrier Strike Group Fifteen (CSG 15), included the guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), USS Chosin (CG 65), guided-missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Chafee (DDG 90), littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) and USS Fort Worth's (LCS 3) Crew 102.
IDCERTEX served as CSG 15's final opportunity to evaluate and certify Preble, Chafee and Fort Worth Crew 102, embarked aboard Freedom, across multiple warfare areas prior to regularly scheduled deployments.
According to Rear Adm. Rick Williams, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific (MIDPAC), IDCERTEX was a success for the ships involved that demonstrated their readiness to deploy and operate in an integrated, multi-ship environment. Crew 102's certification will enable them to turn over with Crew 103, who departed San Diego for Singapore Feb. 8 to relieve Crew 104.
"IDCERTEX was successful thanks to outstanding work and commitment by all participants," said Williams.
Chafee, Chosin, Lake Champlain and Preble conducted their training off the coast of Hawaii while Freedom participated off the coast of Southern California.
"Having a split location is challenging no matter what you're doing, and this is no different, yet this did not hinder our ability to train and assess them and get them fully certified," said Capt. Patrick Keyes, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, assistant chief of staff for plans, policy, training and readiness. "In the end, Chafee, Preble and Crew 102 were able to get fully certified, and now they are ready to execute all mission areas while deployed in the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf."
Crew 102 was certified in shipboard firefighting, man-overboard drills, visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), and other ship specific training. The integrated phase consists of flight operations, submarine tracking, strait transit formations, replenishment-at-sea between multiple ships and aircraft, and other required mission evolutions.
"The fact that our crew has progressed from a shore-based training environment directly to the successful accomplishment of an advanced level independent deployer certification exercise in only three weeks is an amazing validation of the training concept for LCS rotational crews," said Cmdr. Michael Jarrett, commanding officer of LCS Crew 102. "The crew's ability to perform at a fast pace and demonstrate proficiency suitable for deployment is a testament to the enthusiasm and work ethic of our Sailors and their teammates from the Surface Warfare Detachment Four and Detachment three from the "Magicians" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35."
Supporting staffs included Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, DESRON 31, Marine Aircraft Group 24, Hawaii Air National Guard and the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade.
"This exercise advances our readiness to operate on, above and below the seas as one team," said Williams. "Certification demonstrates that our ships are focused, capable and ready to deploy forward."
Leading the naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line, U.S. 3rd Fleet provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visitwww.navy.mil/local/c3f/.
NNS150226-21. Current All Hands Update
From Defense Media Activity - Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three one-minute newscasts today.
First one-minute newscast-
- Headlines for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015: USS Makin Island Returns from Deployment;
U.S. Navy's Supply Corps Celebrates 220th Birthday
http://youtu.be/gCV0v4_BBh8
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
Second one-minute newscast-
- All Hands Magazine Sits Down With Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman
http://youtu.be/YViMkqHluOk
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
Third one-minute newscast-
- LREC Provides Cultural Training
http://youtu.be/OlwppebZ8gY
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.
Defense Media Activity-Navy produces All Hands Update (AHU) newscasts each day. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).
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NNS011213-37. This Day in Naval History - Feb. 26
From Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division
1944 - Sue Sophia Dauser, Superintendent of the Navy's Nurse Corps, is the first woman in the Navy to receive rank of captain.
1945 - TBMs (VC 82) from USS Anzio (CVE 57) sink two Japanese submarines: I 368, 35 miles west of Iwo Jima, and RO 43, 50 miles west-northwest of Iwo Jima.
1945 - USS Finnegan (DE 307) sinks Japanese submarine I 370, 120 miles south of Iwo Jima.
1991 - During Operation Desert Storm, A-6E aircraft of VA-155 from USS Ranger (CVA 61) and Marine aircraft bomb Iraqi troops fleeing Kuwait City to Basra.
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Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at www.navy.mil or visit www.history.navy.mil.
Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342.
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