#Warfighting: CNO and MCPON to Host Worldwide Navy Birthday All Hands Call

From Defense Media Activity Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In celebration of the Navy's 237th birthday, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) will hold a worldwide all hands call, Oct. 11, at 1:00 p.m. EST.

The all-hands call will be televised on Direct-To-Sailor (DTS), The Pentagon Channel (www.pentagonchannel.mil) and online without the chat function at www.navy.mil, and with the chat function at www.livestream.com/usnavy.

Questions may be submitted in advance for CNO and MCPON to answer live at the all-hands call. Submissions should be emailed to usntownhall@gmail.com prior to and during the all hands call. Questions can also be posed during the all-hands call via www.livestream.com/usnavy. Personnel submitting questions should include their name, rank, rate and command.

"October is the month of our Navy's birth and as such it is an appropriate time to reflect on the integral role we play in accomplishing the Navy's warfighting mission," Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, director of the Navy Staff in the Pentagon, explained in the NAVADMIN announcing the event.

Information about the Worldwide Navy Birthday All Hands Call can be found in NAVADMIN 303/12 http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2012/NAV12303.txt.

October is #Warfighting Month focusing on Navy warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide to preserve peace, protect commerce, and deter aggression on, above, and below the sea.

CNO Returns to the Submarine Capital of the World, Discusses Future of the U.S. Navy

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

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited Naval Submarine Base New London, the Submarine Capital of the World, and spoke with more than 1,300 Sailors during an all hands call, Aug. 22.

During the nearly two-hour conversation with Groton-based Sailors, which was streamed live online via livestream.com, Greenert spoke on a variety of topics to include undersea dominance, cyber warfare, future manning levels and the future of the force as a whole.

"This is a great opportunity for Sailors across the U.S. Navy Fleet to watch the all hands call, join the conversation and ask questions through the live chat feature on the website," said Greenert in a Facebook post a few days prior to the event. During the conversation, Greenert also took questions both from the audience and online viewers.

While addressing the packed auditorium at Dealey Center, Greenert reflected on returning to Naval Submarine Base New London, where his professional career began.

"This is like coming home," said Greenert, who added that the last time he sat in the auditorium at Dealey; he watched the popular movie, the Matrix.

"I was professionally born here and all submariners are born in Groton, Conn., at the Naval Submarine Base," said Greenert. "This is where we build and launch our submarines to go to sea and this is the place where we intellectually build our submariners."

Greenert added that having the base in proximity to where we launch our submarines "on time and under budget" is also where "we launch our best minds" of the submarine force.

Greenert also reflected on how the Naval Submarine base has evolved and its importance to the U.S. Navy and submarine force.

"We must continue to own the undersea domain," said Greenert.

The CNO also discussed the Navy's shift to the Asia-Pacific Region and the submarine force's role.

"We are rebalancing to the Asia Pacific that is the key part of our maritime defense strategy and another key part of the defense strategy is we have to own the undersea domain which is very clearly written and the submarine force is the centerpiece of that," said Greenert.

Before the all hands call began, the CNO reenlisted six Sailors from Naval Submarine Base New London assigned commands. He thanked the Sailors families for their ongoing support.

"Thank you for your support of your son or daughter," said Greenert, who instructed all Sailors to call, text or email their mothers this week and thank them for her support.

The Sailors who were reenlisted by the CNO include: Information Technology Submarines Second Class (SS) Timothy E. Cockrell, USS San Juan (SSN 751); Logistics Specialist Second Class (SS) Andrew J. Jolley, USS San Juan (SSN 751); Engineman Second Class John C. Kovac III, Naval Submarine Base New London Port Operations; Personnel Specialist Second Class Shana L. Michaud, Naval Operational Support Center New London; Logistics Specialist Third Class Rafael Munoz, USS Dallas (SSN 700), and Electronics Technician Third Class Nestor Gallardo, Naval Submarine Support Facility.

Prior to the all-hands call, the CNO also met with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) at Naval Submarine Base New London.

During the CNO's visit to the base, he also saw firsthand the continuing infrastructure improvements to include a 500-foot-long, 65-foot-wide pier; a six-lane, synthetic track and field with a 400-meter rubberized surface; and a high-tech, 20-lane indoor small arms range.

VP-62 Receives Safety Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christian Eskelund, Patrol Squadron 62 Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Patrol Squadron (VP) 62 received the Chief of Naval Operations Naval Aviation Safety Award, also known as the 'Safety S,' for 2011, during a presentation Aug. 13.

 The award was issued in recognition of performance related to quality contributions to the Naval Aviation Safety Program including control of aviation related mishaps, application of safety programs, timely reporting of hazards, and submission of suggestions for improvements pertaining to all appropriate related issues, such as maintenance and various subjective criteria.

 The award was presented to VP-62 by Capt. Eric S. Wiese commodore of Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11.

 "This award represents the culmination of 32 years of accident free flying and 100,000 hours of Class A mishap free flying," said Cmdr. Jerry Dearie, VP-62's commanding officer.

 VP-62 safety officer, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Monturo said, "During all of the 1305 hours flown by VP-62 crews in 2011, the squadron sustained zero mishaps, zero injuries and zero loss of workdays, fostering a command climate of safety.

 Squadrons who win this award receive engraved plaques and citations for permanent display, and are entitled to paint a prominent green "S" on their aircraft until the next year's selections are made.

Association of Naval Services Officers' Convention Welcomes CNO

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Byron C. Linder, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West San Diego

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert addressed attendees of the Association of Naval Services Officers' (ANSO) 32nd annual convention at a luncheon, Aug. 9.

ANSO fosters the growth, advancement and recognition of Hispanic officer and enlisted personnel in the uniformed naval services, encompassing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Their annual convention focuses on leadership, professional development and training through a series of workshops.

Greenert took the stage and reflected on the history of Hispanic contributions to the naval services, noting former Secretary of the Navy and ANSO founder Edward Hidalgo and Adm. David Farragut, the first Hispanic admiral in the U.S. Navy.

"I need some ideas to be better in our ability to recruit and retain Hispanic officers and enlisted leaders," he said. "We need to continue to nurture and bring this along, and ANSO is a very good source for that. It's a very good institution."

Greenert emphasized the importance of diversity in the naval services, citing teamwork between the services as a key element to successfully accomplishing the nation's tasking.

"When all of us are out there as a team, that's when we're most effective. We need the imagination of a diverse force. It's a military necessity and a business necessity," he said. "The best are out there. It's about mining that wide range of people. It's not about quotas. A diverse team will always perform better than a group of similar thinkers from the same background."

Greenert proceeded to take questions on a variety of topics, ranging from perform to serve (PTS) to educational opportunities. ANSO president, retired Rear Adm. Will Rodriguez, presented Greenert with a package of ANSO coasters to bring the luncheon to conclusion.

Rodriguez noted the ANSO convention provided many unique opportunities for the attendees.

"The CNO understands what we need to do. He's dedicated to what we do and to the Sailors. We can't fight without the people, and that's his number one focus," said Rodriguez. "If you come to ANSO, you're going to get access to these key leaders and commercial leaders that can help you transition. You're going to get things like one-on-one flag mentoring that you wouldn't be able to otherwise."

The ANSO convention will conclude Aug. 10.

CNO Commemorates 68th Anniversary of Guam Liberation

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert attended the Wreath-Laying Ceremony for the National Commemoration of the 68th Anniversary of the Liberation of Guam and the Battle for the Northern Marianas at the Tomb of the Unknowns in the Arlington National Cemetery, July 17.

Following the ceremony CNO recognized the significance of remembering our history and the veterans who have gone before us.

"We remember our veterans, Sailors and Marines," said Greenert. "Many who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle for the Northern Marianas."

He highlighted the partnership between the United States and Guam, and how this important relationship continues today.

"Guam and our Navy have a proud, shared history, and many of Guam's sons and daughters continue to honorably serve our country today," said Greenert.

The event focused on the importance of supporting events like the wreath-laying ceremony so that pivotal moments in a nation's history and the Navy's history can continue to be recognized.

"It was a great honor to join this special event," said Greenert. "Thanks to all those who supported."

Greenert was joined by members of Congress, the Honorable Madeleine Z. Bordallo and the Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan, along with flag and general officers from all services to recognize the sacrifices of the United States service members who gave their lives to liberate the people of Guam during World War II.

#GreatGreenFleet: USS Nimitz Receives Biofuel

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Renee L. Candelario

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) took on more than 900,000 gallons of 50-50 biofuel in preparation for the Navy's Great Green Fleet demonstration, July 18.

The fuel will be used for aircraft and other naval surface ships to reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil by blending traditional petroleum-based fuel and biofuel made up of a mixture of algae oil and waste cooking oil.

"There has been a lot of rigor in our Navy to try to test bio fuel and see how we can be more efficient in terms of how we operate our engines and aircraft," said Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander Carrier Strike Group 11. "If the biofuel works it can potentially increase our legs in combat maneuverability in terms of our ability to fly longer and sail further."

Nimitz received the fuel delivery July 17, from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) using connecting fuel hoses between both of the ships. The fuel will be tested for accuracy and similar properties as unblended fuel in the ship's fuel laboratory.

"This is the last step," said a representative from NAVAIR. "To make this Great Green Fleet possible with the expertise of these sailors, [this evolution] will not be a problem."

The Great Green Fleet demonstration will be attended by the Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operation Jonathan Greenert.

"It's more than biofuel when you talk about energy efficiency," said Gumataotao. "The bottom line is [the fuel] improves our combat capability and improves the way we fight."

Nimitz is currently underway for participation in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 surface ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands.

RIMPAC is world's largest international maritime exercise and provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.

Chief of Naval Personnel Emphasizes Readiness to Sailors in Naples

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (EXW/DV) Jack Georges, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- The chief of naval personnel stressed the chief of naval operations' three tenets of 'Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready' during an all-hands call at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, July 12.

Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk emphasized Naval Personnel Command's efforts to manage a sustainable and resilient force composed of the right number of Sailors with the right skills for the job while attracting, recruiting and retaining the highest quality personnel.

"I don't think there is a better example of the chief of naval operations' three tenets of 'Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready' than all of you here today. You are doing it all in probably the most dynamic theater in the world," said Van Buskirk.

While acknowledging the valuable work of service members in the region, Van Buskirk said the three tenets must also guide the Navy as it considers future challenges.

"One of the areas we have a challenge has to do with jobs on ships that require very specific critical skills. We have some gaps at sea for some very technical ratings," said Van Buskirk.

In response to these vacant positions, the Navy has sought to provide incentives to Sailors with critical skills who return to sea duty early. Incentives include increased opportunities for retention as well as advantages when choosing new assignments.

"I think you may even see some more sea-duty incentive pay available for more ratings too," said Van Buskirk.

Filling sea-duty billets that require critical skills enables the Navy to effectively meet the chief of naval operations' sailing directions.

Van Buskirk said the key is to find the right mix of skill sets, sea and shore billets and to continue providing incentives for sailors to help encourage Sailors to select sea-duty billets.

Van Buskirk is scheduled to continue his trip to Naval Station Rota where he will also interact with Sailors in an effort to hear directly what issues are important to today's Sailors based overseas.

Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia delivers efficient and effective shore service support to U.S. and allied forces operating in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.