Thursday, October 06, 2011

A Farewell Message to the Defense Department

By William J. Lynn III
Deputy Secretary of Defense

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2011 – As I depart the Pentagon after thirty-two months in office, I want you to know that serving as our nation’s 30th Deputy Secretary of Defense has been the greatest privilege of my life.

I am grateful for the strong leadership provided by President Obama, by Secretary Bob Gates, and now by Secretary Leon Panetta. I also want to thank my colleagues at DOD. There is no better team for these times, no stronger set of leaders for the challenges we face, no more dedicated group of people to work with in support of our troops.

Each day in this job, I have stood in awe of the young men and women who strap on body armor and go out on patrol, not knowing whether they will return to base safe. Each day, I have been humbled by the quiet determination of our military families and especially our wounded warriors, who have sacrificed so much. Each day, I have admired the dedication of our civil servants, who, a decade after 9/11, return every morning to a building once subject to brutal attack.

As I walk down the Pentagon steps a final time, I am confident our Department is well positioned to weather the institution challenges our fiscal environment presents. I wish you well in the months and years ahead as you continue to protect and defend our great nation.

MCPON Visits Sailors on Korean Peninsula

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Brianna K. Dandridge, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick D. West conducted an all-hands call with Sailors in Seoul, Republic of Korea, Oct. 5, to discuss prominent topics including Perform-to-serve, new uniforms and the future of Individual Augumentee (IA) assignments.

With the Navy's retention rate at an all-time high, manning has become imbalanced in some job fields (rates), said West. Some rates have become critically overmanned, while leaving others undermanned. With so many Sailors deciding to stay in uniform, West said there are three actions Sailors can take to enhance their chances of staying Navy.

"One, it is important to put a lot of detail and effort into evaluations. Next, ensure that you have all the looks in Fleet RIDE (Rating Identification Engine) and PTS. Lastly, be open to changing ratings and more opportunities," said West.

Fleet RIDE is a Web-based program which electronically matches Sailors' career interests and qualifications with the jobs for which they are best suited.

During the all-hands, MCPON took the opportunity to thank Sailors for serving and for being a "top quality and diverse force."

"Only one percent of the nation wears the military uniform," said West. "We have the special honor of serving our country, and I thank each of you for your outstanding service and dedication"

West encouraged Sailors to "stay the course," and to continue to excel in the Navy.

"You need to stay fit to fight, physically, mentally, and financially," said West. "It is important to be ready to take care of business."

Many Sailors said they were honored to have met with the Navy's senior enlisted advisor.

"I was glad that MCPON West was here," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Nathaniel Draper. "Junior enlisted Sailors need to hear the thoughts and concerns of senior leadership."

West also visited Sailors assigned in the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, including Japan and Bahrain.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea, is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the commander for the United Nations Command; the Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command; and commander, U.S. Forces Korea. CNFK also serves as liaison to the ROK navy and the Combined Forces commander staff in armistice and in wartime to commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, based in Yokosuka, Japan.

Navy Band Kicks Off Albuquerque Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse L. Dick, Navy Office of Community Outreach

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (NNS) -- Area Sailors kicked off Albuquerque Navy Week with a rousing performance from Navy BandSouthwest, "The Destroyers" at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, Oct. 2.

The Destroyers will continue to play free performances throughout the community and at the Balloon Fiesta performing Top 40, classic rock hits, Motown, country, funk and jazz.

Sailors representing Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Phoenix, Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Albuquerque and the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) will spend the next week participating in various community events in Albuquerque.

Albuquerque Navy Week runs through Oct. 9 and will include civic, corporate and educational engagements attended by Assistant for Administration to the Secretary of the Navy, Carla E. Lucchino and Deputy Director, Concepts and Strategies for Information Dominance, Rear Adm. Michael W. Broadway.

"We've brought a lot of great people to Albuquerque, a lot of active duty, reserve and civilian folks," said Lucchino. "I want to talk about the Navy as a, 'Global Force for Good,' and explain to people all the great opportunities in the Navy and our contributions to the national defense."

Officers and Sailors are scheduled to participate in various community and corporate events including visits to the Joy Junction Homeless Shelter and the University of New Mexico Children's Hospital. Other events will have Sailors showcasing their culinary expertise in a televised chili cook-off contest, and later a visit to the Ronald McDonald House. The week culminates in performances by the Navy Parachute Team, "Leap Frogs."

"It's very important to get the Navy word out," said Lucchino. "We are the American people's Navy, and we want them to know what we do. We want them to know we're under the water, on the water and above the water."

Albuquerque Navy Week is one of 21 Navy Weeks being held across America in 2011. For regularly updated information and a schedule of events, visit the Albuquerque Navy Week website at http://www.navyweek.org/albuquerque2011/.

High-resolution photos from previous Navy Week celebrations including Navy Band photos, and information about the Centennial of Naval Aviation are available at the website.

Recovered remains of Korean War soldier to be buried at Arlington - News - Stripes

Welcome home, Soldier.

Recovered remains of Korean War soldier to be buried at Arlington - News - Stripes

Now, scroll down and read the comment at the end.

Wow.