U.S. 7th Fleet to Conduct Exercise

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Naval personnel from India and the United States will participate in Exercise Malabar 2012, April 9-16.

Malabar is a regularly scheduled naval field training exercise and has grown in scope and complexity over the years. Malabar 2012 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues.

Participants from the U.S. Navy include the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), a logistics ship, P-3C aircraft and a submarine.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. While ashore in Chennai, India, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on counter-piracy operations, carrier aviation operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations and anti-submarine warfare operations.

The at-sea portions will be conducted in two phases.

Phase I will take place in the vicinity of Chennai, while Phase II will be in the Bay of Bengal and west of the Nicobar Islands.

They are designed to advance participating nations' military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.

Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group operations; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS); maritime strikes; air defense exercises; encounter exercises; shore-based surface strikes; and anti-submarine warfare.

The Indian Navy and U.S. 7th Fleet have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. This exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between the countries' Sailors and both countries hope to be able to continue this process over time.

USS Carl Vinson Awarded 2011 Battle "E"

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

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Air Forces awarded the 2011 Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") for West Coast-based aircraft carriers to Sailors of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Feb. 10.

Vinson Commanding Officer Capt. Kent D. Whalen congratulated the Vinson Sailors who made the award possible.

"It is terrific to see this ship and crew receive this kind of recognition. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication and very appropriate for the announcement to come while forward deployed conducting combat operations," he said. "The spirit and enthusiasm on Carl Vinson amazes me every day. I couldn't be prouder of what these Sailors have accomplished."

The annual award was the culmination of 2011's 365 operational days, of which Vinson Sailors spent 235 at sea. This is Vinson's sixth Battle "E" overall, having previously earned the distinction in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2004. This marks the first Battle "E" since returning from a refueling complex overhaul in 2009.

"I am very proud of our crew and honored to be a part of the team. I see their dedication and professionalism every day, and I am thankful they are being recognized for their accomplishments in 2011," said Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul Spedero. "I know our Sailors will wear the Battle "E" with pride and continue to serve our Navy with honor, courage and commitment."

The Battle "E" is designed to measure and recognize a command's sustained superior performance and battle efficiency in an operational environment through the calendar year.

Command Master Chief April Beldo noted the importance of teamwork in the achievement.

"This is something I'll remember the rest of my career and long after. Look back at what this crew has accomplished, and there can be no doubt as to whether they deserved the "E"," she said. "Their spirit has been overwhelming and their will to succeed is the reason we're celebrating this. Individually, these Sailors are outstanding. Collectively, they are unbeatable."

Vinson earned 14 departmental efficiency awards for 2011 as part of the assessment - the Air Department Yellow "E," Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Black "E," Combat Systems Green "CS," Damage Control Red "DC," Deck White Crossed Anchors with Black "D," Engineering Red "E," Medical Blue "M," Navigation White Ship's Wheel, Operations Green "E", Safety Green "S", Security Black "S", Supply Blue "E", Weapons Black "W", and Carrier Maintenance Purple "E".

"Our Sailors answered every bell with enthusiasm, technical expertise, an eye on safety and great pride in service. You don't win a Battle "E" on appearances. You have to excel in every area," said Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG 1). "Carl Vinson Sailors clearly demonstrated sustained superior performance, operational effectiveness and continuous readiness above all others. I couldn't be more proud."

Lt. Cmdr. Amy Hunt, Vinson's training officer, noted despite the different criteria for earning a departmental award, one common factor ran through the individual successes.

"We earned it because the Sailors worked really hard all year long," she said. "There were a lot of competitive exercises the departments had to perform. Whenever we had a graded general quarters drill, those went into the overall ship's grade."

Vinson Sailors were charged with completing 110 graded exercises throughout the year. These evolutions were spread out over nine departments.

"We trained very well and very hard, and our grades for those exercises were very good. We had two back-to-back combat deployments, and we demonstrated we were the go-to ship," Hunt said, citing Vinson's service in the 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic NCAA basketball game. "Any time we were tasked with something, we did it. And we have a very good reputation as a ship because of our hardworking Sailors."

Carl Vinson, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), and guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) comprise CSG 1. CSG 1 is conducting maritime theater security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

USS Carl Vinson Strike Group Departs for Deployment

From Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 departed Naval Air Station North Island, Nov. 30, for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) deployed with Vinson as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, along with the embarked CVW 17 that includes the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the "Sunliners" of VFA 81, the "Stingers" of VFA 113, the "First of the Fleet" of VFA 25, the "Garudas" of Electronic Attack Squadron 134, the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 and the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15.

The mission of the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group will focus on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

The Carl Vinson CSG will help provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within U.S. 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the nation's maritime strategy when forward deployed.

Gridley Returns to San Diego After Successful Deployment

By Naval Surface Force, U.S Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) return to its San Diego homeport July 22, after completing a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific with the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) carrier strike group.

While deployed, Gridley's mission focused on theater security cooperation, increasing stability and cooperation among regional allies. Gridley conducted exercises with ships from other navies, including the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea Navy, and Republic of Singapore Navy. In conjunction with Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines (JSOTF), Gridley combated violent extremism through training events and professional exchanges.

"We have a remarkable relationship and growing partnership with many countries throughout the Western Pacific, and I'm pleased that our Sailors had the opportunity to experience rich cultures while acting as ambassadors for the United States," said Cmdr. Benjamin Allbritton, Gridley commanding officer. "Gridley was able to demonstrate goodwill and cooperation through community service projects, selected group tours, and other interactions during scheduled port visits."

Gridley Sailors participated in community relations projects in Korea, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Gridley deployed with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, led by Rear Adm. Samuel Perez, and Destroyer Squadron 1, led by Capt. John Steinberger. Helicopter Squadron Light (HSL) 49 Detachment Five was embarked. Other ships in the CSG included USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and USS Stockdale (DDG 106).

Gridley helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile area of responsibility in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

Pearl Harbor Maintains High Operations Tempo, Recognizes Strategic Importance

By Bill Doughty, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- As Hawaii bid farewell to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), June 10 following a brief port visit, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Port Operations continues to be busy with the largest group of visitors since last summer's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

Among the visitors are two Australian navy ships – HMAS Perth and HMAS Sydney – that routinely operate with U.S. Pacific Fleet. Perth is the newest ship of the Australian navy, Sydney is the oldest.

International partners and allies train routinely with the U.S. Navy in Hawaiian waters, including at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai.

"The busy [operations] tempo both here at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, highlights how vital Hawaii is, not only for our own national security but also for our friends and allies who help us maintain stability throughout the region," said Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith.

"We train, equip, refuel and support the fleet, as well as visiting ships and partners, in order to help them meet their responsibilities," Smith added. "They know they are welcomed, with Aloha, here in Hawaii."

Among vistors to JBPHH is Military Sealift Command's USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187), lead ship in the T-AO class of underway replenishment oilers. The ship is named after Henry J. Kaiser, a pioneer in the shipbuilding industry with strong ties to Hawaii who built the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Hawaii Kai area of Honolulu.

A second Military Sealift Command ship, the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10), is also visiting JBPHH. Named after an African-American pioneer in blood storage and management, the ship will mark the end of its first year of service in July.

Other visitors this week included USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).

Many of the 11 homeported ships and 18 submarines of Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific and Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet are also in port.

According to JBPHH's operations officer, Cmdr. Colin Caswell, "We are busy, yes, but we always keep safety and security as top priorities. It's a privilege to take care of these ships and their crews."

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Hawaii's largest industrial employer, takes care of the maintenance of the fleet and keeps ships and submarines "fit to fight." Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific conducts training routinely and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One divers and other authorized divers operate in and around Pearl Harbor.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam also supports U.S. Coast Guard vessels, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and various research ships. Each year, approximately 1.4 million visitors take Navy-operated, renewable energy-fueled boats from the National Park Service's Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.

The busy tempo in Pearl Harbor, coupled with the nine maritime patrol aircraft and 10 helicopters operating out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe, provides a boost to the local economy. Sailors, DoD civilians, families and visiting family members and friends are eager to see the islands, sample the hospitality and learn about the culture of Hawaii.

In a published press release June 1, a Rand study reported, "DoD expenditures in Hawaii during FY 2007-2009 averaged $6.5 billion per year in 2009 dollars - $4.1 billion for personnel and $2.4 billion for procurement. These expenditures were associated with $12.2 billion worth of Hawaii's output - 18 percent of Hawaii's 2009 GDP - and 101,000 jobs."

USS Carl Vinson Welcomes Republic of Philippines President

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

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 welcomed aboard the president of the Republic of Philippines May 14.

Benigno Aquino III, the president of the Republic of Philippines, arrived on board Carl Vinson as the ship was transiting to Manila Bay, Philippines, for a scheduled port visit.

Aquino greeted Carl Vinson Sailors as he toured the bridge, flight deck control and pri-fly areas. More than 100 Filipino Sailors gathered in Carl Vinson's Hangar Bay 2 to meet Aquino and take a group photo with the president.

"It is very exciting to visit the Carl Vinson," said Aquino. "We are very proud, and because of what you do here, we have peace and stability to make progress in our country."

Following Aquino's remarks, the Sailors surrounded him to shake his hand and take personal photos.

Senior Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Raymond Gloria, born in the Philippines, explained the importance of Aquino's visit to the ship.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the president. His family is well-known, and they have made a lot of changes," said Gloria. "Most of the people out here have left their homeland for one reason or another. Being recognized by the president of their homeland of birth or nationality, they know they're welcome."

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Jourdan Borcena, from San Diego, will be making his second trip to the Philippines, where he plans to meet his parents.

"I didn't expect the president. I thought there would just be some military personnel, and I was pretty surprised. It brings a lot of morale since there's such a large number of Filipinos on board," said Borcena.

"It's an honor to have the president visit our Sailors. My father was in the Navy, and he took me as a young boy to visit the Philippines. It's great to come back," said Capt. Bruce Lindsey, Carl Vinson's commanding officer. "The strength of the ship are the Sailors, and whether Philippine or U.S., Sailors are one and the same."

Carrier Strike Group 1, consisting of Carl Vinson, guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and Destroyer Squadron 1's guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 104) and guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67), are transiting to Manila Bay, Philippines, as part of a western Pacific deployment.

Carrier Strike Group One Arrives in 7th Fleet

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

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 returned to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) May 6 after spending 95 days supporting maritime theater security operations for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) in the 5th Fleet AOR.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is deployed with USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), Destroyer Squadron 1 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. CSG-1 will reunite with USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) which remained in Seventh Fleet during the deployment.

For OEF and OND, Carl Vinson and CVW 17 flew 1,656 combat sorties, logging a total of 9,140 hours of flight time. For OEF, the ordnance expenditure added up to 33 bombs and 2,970 rounds of 20mm ammunition.

Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1) is led by Rear Adm. Samuel Perez.

"Every member of the strike group played an important role in our 5th Fleet Deployment. Our Sailors thwarted piracy, advanced partnerships in the region and supported our ground troops in the fight against insurgents," said Rear Adm. Samuel Perez, Commander, CSG-1. "From the most junior airman to the most senior pilot, Carrier Strike Group 1 Sailors played a vital role in achieving 5th Fleet Theater objectives."

"We have completed, in fine fashion, our operational tasking in protecting our men and women on the ground," said Vinson Commanding Officer Captain Bruce Lindsey. "The Sailors have worked hard every day, and have done a fantastic job."

On the last day in the 5th Fleet AOR, CSG-1, in coordination with international forces, prevented a pirate attack against the Chinese owned and crewed M/V Full City.

With the major operational tasking complete for Carl Vinson's Western Pacific deployment, there remain several tasks for Vinson and CVW 17 Sailors to complete. While in the 7th Fleet AOR, the Strike Group will conduct routine exercises with their allies and partners and visit ports around the region.

"We have a little more to finish for this deployment, and there's not a doubt in my mind we'll finish with style, grace and professionalism," said Perez.

USS Higgins Makes Port Call to Maldives

By Ensign Samantha J. Carnahan, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

MALDIVES (NNS) -- USS Higgins (DDG 76) arrived in the Maldives, Feb. 25, in support of the U.S. Navy's agreement to provide maritime domain awareness (MDA) to the Maldives Coast Guard.

The port visit will also give crew members the chance for cultural and professional exchanges with the people of the Maldives.

"Our port visit is just one small action that reflects our nation's continued commitment to the Western Pacific," said Cmdr. Rome Ruiz, USS Higgins commanding officer. "We view this port visit as another excellent opportunity to increase our friendship with the people of the Maldives."

While in the Maldives, Higgins Sailors will participate in a variety of activities including maritime security training, a joint physical training (PT) program with the Maldivian navy, a women's outreach seminar and a reception with tours for more than 100 distinguished guests.

Higgins Sailors will conduct a PT exercise with Maldives Naval Defense Force (MNDF) to familiarize MNDF with the U.S. Navy's fitness model. The exercise will include a warm-up and workout that incorporates the Navy operational fuel and fitness system which is the latest fitness exercise initiative implemented by the Navy. There will also be a discussion that includes aspects of the physical fitness assessment (PFA), how the Navy prepares for the PFA, and an open question and answer session.

Female Sailors will partake in a women's outreach program led by Lt. Megan Granger, USS Higgins weapons officer. There will be a tour, lunch, and then an open discussion about women in leadership roles.

For recreation, Higgins Sailors will have the opportunity to discover the Maldives by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) renting an island exclusively for the crew. The crew will be able to experience the local culture through the beach, food, and renting outdoor gear for snorkeling and diving.

This port visit represents an opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region and is an outward demonstration of U.S commitment to the Maldives and fostering relationships throughout South Asia.

USS Higgins is assigned to the Carl Vinson Strike Group homeported in San Diego, and has been operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility since departing in January 2011.

Prior to the Maldives, the ship made a port visit to Phuket, Thailand, and participated in a passing exercise with the Royal Thai Navy.

The Carl Vinson Strike Group consists of the flagship USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, guided-missile cruisers USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and the embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1. Ships assigned to DESRON 1 include USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Rentz (FFG 46) and USS McClusky (FFG 41).