Date: May 18, 2010
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The Milwaukee-based 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard was prominent in last week's Armed Forces Week activities, being inducted into the Kiwanis Club of Milwaukee's Hall of Fame and hosting the 30th annual Milwaukee Civic Dinner Dance.
The Kiwanis recognized the 128th ARW for its continuing national defense role as well as contributions to the greater Milwaukee community by providing firefighting support at Gen. Mitchell International Airport as well as a strong, viable economic boost to Southeastern Wisconsin during a luncheon ceremony May 12 at the Milwaukee War Memorial.
Brig. Gen. John McCoy, commander of the Wisconsin Air National Guard, spoke of the refueling wing's history and support from local communities during remarks as the guest speaker. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and County Executive Scott Walker each proclaimed May 12 as an official day of honor for the 128th ARW.
Approximately 400 people attended the 30th anniversary of the Milwaukee Civic Dinner Dance, held May 13 at the 128th Air Refueling Wing's inspection hangar at Gen. Mitchell International Airport. Attendees included military members from throughout Wisconsin, elected state and local officials, and area citizens. The event was hosted by the 128th ARW and the wing's commander, Col. Ted Metzgar.
Army Capt. Brian Barth, commander of the 951st "Sapper" Engineer Company, 724th Engineer Battalion, was the guest speaker. He said he was privileged to share his experiences with fellow Guardsmen due to the ongoing teamwork his company experiences with the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
"I am honored to share the National Guard story and teamwork," Barth said. "It's good to see support from the community."
Dr. Tom Buck, the Civic Dinner Dance co-chairman, said, "This is one of the civilian and military events that help people express their appreciation for the military and to understand it. The 128th [ARW] is a vital asset to Milwaukee and the world."
The evening's emcee, Raymond Glowacki, reminded everyone in attendance that today's military is a volunteer service. McCoy said he feels "immense pride about being a part of this organization we call the United States military."
Otis "Bill" Weinhold, a prominent figure in the St. Francis community, was recognized for his accomplishments as a local business leader, a commissioner in the St. Francis Police and Fire departments, and as a founding member of the St. Francis Lions Club.
The event also included music from the Wisconsin National Guard's 132nd Army Band as well as various military displays, such as an assortment of weapons used by the 128th ARW security forces squadron, the various gear components used by the 128th ARW aircrew flight equipment squadron, and a mine-detection vehicle, or Buffalo, used by the 951st Engineer Company.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Gates, Clinton Urge Senate to Ratify Nuke Treaty
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2010 - Saying the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty strengthens America's defenses, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today urged the Senate to ratify the pact between the United States and Russia.
Gates testified about the treaty before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen lent their voices at the hearing in support of the treaty.
The treaty allows the Defense Department to maintain a strong and effective nuclear deterrent while modernizing the weapons to ensure that they are safe, secure and reliable, Gates said.
"This treaty reduces the strategic nuclear forces of our two nations in a manner that strengthens the strategic stability of our relationship and protects the security of the American people and our allies," the secretary said. "America's nuclear arsenal remains a vital pillar of our national security, deterring potential adversaries and reassuring allies and partners."
Under the treaty, the United States has an upper boundary of 1,550 deployed warheads; up to 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, deployed submarine-launched ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable heavy bombers; and up to 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments, Gates said.
"Under this treaty, we retain the power to determine the composition of our force structure, allowing the United States complete flexibility to deploy, maintain and modernize our strategic nuclear forces in a manner that best protects our national-security interests," he said.
The Defense Department will retain 240 deployed SLBMs, distributed among 14 submarines, each of which will have 20 launch tubes. This is the most survivable leg of the triad, and reducing the number of missiles carried on each submarine from 24 to 20 will facilitate Navy planning for the Ohio-class submarine replacement, Gates explained.
Manned bombers provide flexibility to the mix, and the United States will retain up to 60 deployed heavy bombers, including all 18 operational B-2s. At the same time, the Air Force is planning for a long-range strike replacement and plans to convert a number of B-52Hs to a conventional-only role.
"Finally, the U.S. will retain up to 420 deployed single-warhead Minuteman 3 ICBMs at our current three missile bases," Gates said.
Clinton stressed that the treaty does not affect U.S. missile-defense plans.
"Nothing in the new START treaty constrains our missile-defense efforts," she said. "Russia has issued a unilateral statement on missile defense, expressing its views. We have not agreed to this view, and we are not bound by this unilateral statement."
In fact, the United States intends to continue improving and deploying the missile-defense systems, Clinton said.
The new START does not restrict U.S. ability to develop and deploy prompt global strike or prompt conventional strike capabilities that could attack targets anywhere on the globe in an hour or less, Gates said.
"In my view, a key contribution of this treaty is its provision for a strong verification regime," the defense secretary said. "The treaty provides a firm basis for monitoring Russia's compliance with its treaty obligations while also providing important insights into the size and composition of Russian strategic forces."
The treaty allows each party to conduct up to 18 on-site inspections each year at operating bases for ICBMs, SSBNs and nuclear-capable heavy bombers, as well as storage facilities, test ranges and conversion and elimination facilities. The agreement establishes a database that will be initially populated 45 days after the treaty enters into force and updated every six months thereafter that will help to provide the United States with a rolling overall picture of Russia's strategic offensive forces, the secretary said.
The new treaty also allows both parties to track the movement and changes in status of the strategic offensive arms covered by the treaty. Each ICBM, SLBM, and nuclear-capable bomber will have a unique identifier.
Finally, the treaty provides for noninterference with national technical means of verification, such as reconnaissance satellites, ground stations and ships. "This provides us with an independent method of gathering information that can assist in validating data declarations," Gates said.
But to be an effective deterrent, nuclear weapons must be safe, secure and reliable, the defense secretary said, and the U.S. nuclear arsenal requires reinvigoration.
"That is, our infrastructure and our science, technology and engineering base," he said. "To this end, the Department of Defense is transferring $4.6 billion to the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration through fiscal year 2015. This transfer will assist in funding critical nuclear weapons life-extension programs and efforts to modernize the nuclear weapons infrastructure."
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2010 - Saying the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty strengthens America's defenses, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates today urged the Senate to ratify the pact between the United States and Russia.
Gates testified about the treaty before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen lent their voices at the hearing in support of the treaty.
The treaty allows the Defense Department to maintain a strong and effective nuclear deterrent while modernizing the weapons to ensure that they are safe, secure and reliable, Gates said.
"This treaty reduces the strategic nuclear forces of our two nations in a manner that strengthens the strategic stability of our relationship and protects the security of the American people and our allies," the secretary said. "America's nuclear arsenal remains a vital pillar of our national security, deterring potential adversaries and reassuring allies and partners."
Under the treaty, the United States has an upper boundary of 1,550 deployed warheads; up to 700 deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles, deployed submarine-launched ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable heavy bombers; and up to 800 deployed and non-deployed ICBM launchers, SLBM launchers and heavy bombers equipped for nuclear armaments, Gates said.
"Under this treaty, we retain the power to determine the composition of our force structure, allowing the United States complete flexibility to deploy, maintain and modernize our strategic nuclear forces in a manner that best protects our national-security interests," he said.
The Defense Department will retain 240 deployed SLBMs, distributed among 14 submarines, each of which will have 20 launch tubes. This is the most survivable leg of the triad, and reducing the number of missiles carried on each submarine from 24 to 20 will facilitate Navy planning for the Ohio-class submarine replacement, Gates explained.
Manned bombers provide flexibility to the mix, and the United States will retain up to 60 deployed heavy bombers, including all 18 operational B-2s. At the same time, the Air Force is planning for a long-range strike replacement and plans to convert a number of B-52Hs to a conventional-only role.
"Finally, the U.S. will retain up to 420 deployed single-warhead Minuteman 3 ICBMs at our current three missile bases," Gates said.
Clinton stressed that the treaty does not affect U.S. missile-defense plans.
"Nothing in the new START treaty constrains our missile-defense efforts," she said. "Russia has issued a unilateral statement on missile defense, expressing its views. We have not agreed to this view, and we are not bound by this unilateral statement."
In fact, the United States intends to continue improving and deploying the missile-defense systems, Clinton said.
The new START does not restrict U.S. ability to develop and deploy prompt global strike or prompt conventional strike capabilities that could attack targets anywhere on the globe in an hour or less, Gates said.
"In my view, a key contribution of this treaty is its provision for a strong verification regime," the defense secretary said. "The treaty provides a firm basis for monitoring Russia's compliance with its treaty obligations while also providing important insights into the size and composition of Russian strategic forces."
The treaty allows each party to conduct up to 18 on-site inspections each year at operating bases for ICBMs, SSBNs and nuclear-capable heavy bombers, as well as storage facilities, test ranges and conversion and elimination facilities. The agreement establishes a database that will be initially populated 45 days after the treaty enters into force and updated every six months thereafter that will help to provide the United States with a rolling overall picture of Russia's strategic offensive forces, the secretary said.
The new treaty also allows both parties to track the movement and changes in status of the strategic offensive arms covered by the treaty. Each ICBM, SLBM, and nuclear-capable bomber will have a unique identifier.
Finally, the treaty provides for noninterference with national technical means of verification, such as reconnaissance satellites, ground stations and ships. "This provides us with an independent method of gathering information that can assist in validating data declarations," Gates said.
But to be an effective deterrent, nuclear weapons must be safe, secure and reliable, the defense secretary said, and the U.S. nuclear arsenal requires reinvigoration.
"That is, our infrastructure and our science, technology and engineering base," he said. "To this end, the Department of Defense is transferring $4.6 billion to the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration through fiscal year 2015. This transfer will assist in funding critical nuclear weapons life-extension programs and efforts to modernize the nuclear weapons infrastructure."
General Officer Announcements
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:
Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III for appointment to the rank of general and assignment as commanding general, U. S. Forces-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Austin is currently serving as director, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
Army Lt. Gen. David H. Huntoon Jr. for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as superintendent, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Huntoon is currently serving as director of the Army Staff, Washington, D.C.
Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III for appointment to the rank of general and assignment as commanding general, U. S. Forces-Iraq, Operation Iraqi Freedom. Austin is currently serving as director, The Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.
Army Lt. Gen. David H. Huntoon Jr. for reappointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as superintendent, U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y. Huntoon is currently serving as director of the Army Staff, Washington, D.C.
Louisiana Guard Airlifts Sandbags in Oil Spill Response
1021st Engineer Company
May 18, 2010 - The Louisiana National Guard's 843rd Horizontal Company and 2225th Multi-Role Bridge Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, started joint operations with 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment by filling one of 16 breaches spanning more than seven miles from Pelican Island to Scofield Island near Empire, La., yesterday.
Operations consist of filling large sandbags on the ground and airlifting them with UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to repair gaps caused by coastal erosion as part of efforts to mitigate effects from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
The soldiers on the ground are filling as many sandbags as possible to stay ahead of the airlifts.
"With 24-hour, on-the-ground operations, I am confident that my troops will get the job done quickly and efficiently," said Army 1st Lt. James T. Gabler of Metairie, La., officer in charge of sling operations.
The 2225th assisted in placing the sandbags and recovering the sling cables used to haul the large sandbags.
Flag Officer Assignments
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:
Rear Adm. (lower half) Patrick H. Brady, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif. Brady is currently serving as deputy commander for undersea warfare, SEA-073, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas H. Copeman III, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as chief of legislative affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. Copeman is currently serving as commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, U.S. Southern Command, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Rear Adm. Philip H. Cullom, will be assigned as director, Environmental Readiness Division, N45, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Cullom is currently serving as director, Fleet Readiness Division, N43, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Robert J. A. Gilbeau, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Defense Contract Management Agency-International, Fort Lee, Va. Gilbeau is currently serving as deputy commander-aviation, Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia/Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia, Pa.
Capt. Kevin J. Kovacich, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, J35, future operations, U.S. Forces - Iraq. Kovacich is currently serving as deputy director, Naval Warfare Integration Group, N00X, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas J. Moore, will be assigned as director, Fleet Readiness Division, N43, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Moore is currently serving as deputy director, Fleet Readiness Division, N43, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Elizabeth S. Niemyer, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as director of the Nurse Corps/deputy chief wounded, ill, and injured, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C. Niemyer is currently serving as director, TRICARE Region West, San Diego, Calif.
Rear Adm. Robin M. Watters, will be assigned as chief of staff, U.S. Pacific Command, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Watters is currently serving as reserve deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Patrick H. Brady, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as commander, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif. Brady is currently serving as deputy commander for undersea warfare, SEA-073, Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas H. Copeman III, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as chief of legislative affairs, Office of the Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. Copeman is currently serving as commander, Joint Task Force Guantanamo, U.S. Southern Command, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Rear Adm. Philip H. Cullom, will be assigned as director, Environmental Readiness Division, N45, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Cullom is currently serving as director, Fleet Readiness Division, N43, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Robert J. A. Gilbeau, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Defense Contract Management Agency-International, Fort Lee, Va. Gilbeau is currently serving as deputy commander-aviation, Naval Inventory Control Point, Philadelphia/Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia, Pa.
Capt. Kevin J. Kovacich, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, J35, future operations, U.S. Forces - Iraq. Kovacich is currently serving as deputy director, Naval Warfare Integration Group, N00X, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Thomas J. Moore, will be assigned as director, Fleet Readiness Division, N43, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Moore is currently serving as deputy director, Fleet Readiness Division, N43, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Rear Adm. (lower half) Elizabeth S. Niemyer, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral, will be assigned as director of the Nurse Corps/deputy chief wounded, ill, and injured, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Washington, D.C. Niemyer is currently serving as director, TRICARE Region West, San Diego, Calif.
Rear Adm. Robin M. Watters, will be assigned as chief of staff, U.S. Pacific Command, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Watters is currently serving as reserve deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
GW Carrier Strike Group Departs for Carrier Qualifications
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group centered on the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan May 18 to conduct carrier qualifications in preparation for its upcoming annual deployment cycle.
George Washington is conducting equipment testing and carrier landing qualifications with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, following a 121-day Selective Restricted Availability (SRA) period and four-day sea trials.
During the SRA, multiple repairs and upgrades were made to operational systems and GW's 3,360 spaces. These renovations required more than 213,000 man-days of work. Specific repairs included upgrades, corrective and preventative maintenance to air-conditioning units, fire fighting systems, aircraft elevators, navigation systems, and crew habitability spaces.
Commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan, the George Washington Carrier Strike Group with more than 5,000 Sailors, is also comprised of 7th Fleet's: CVW-5; Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15) and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63). Commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the USS George Washington (CVN 73) replaced the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) last September as the flagship for the permanently forward-deployed carrier strike group.
George Washington is conducting equipment testing and carrier landing qualifications with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, following a 121-day Selective Restricted Availability (SRA) period and four-day sea trials.
During the SRA, multiple repairs and upgrades were made to operational systems and GW's 3,360 spaces. These renovations required more than 213,000 man-days of work. Specific repairs included upgrades, corrective and preventative maintenance to air-conditioning units, fire fighting systems, aircraft elevators, navigation systems, and crew habitability spaces.
Commanded by Rear Adm. Kevin Donegan, the George Washington Carrier Strike Group with more than 5,000 Sailors, is also comprised of 7th Fleet's: CVW-5; Destroyer Squadron 15 (DESRON 15) and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63). Commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the USS George Washington (CVN 73) replaced the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) last September as the flagship for the permanently forward-deployed carrier strike group.
Navy Freeing up Aviation Training Pipeline
By Wm. Cullen James, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- In an effort to reduce and stabilize the current wait time for training, the Navy is seeking to decrease the number of officers in the Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) student pilot pre-load.
Reductions to aviation fleet requirements and recent material challenges with training aircraft have caused the student pilot population to exceed the optimal preload by approximately 200 personnel.
"Typically, time from commissioning to API start should be three months. The current delays have increased this time to six months," said Capt. Mike White, director, Aviation Officer Distribution.
To assist in reducing the number of students in the pipeline, Navy officials have planned to offer redesignation to qualified volunteers.
"Qualified volunteers from the existing API pool will be solicited through June," White said. "Community managers and detailers will be available to answer questions and make assessments of volunteers' qualifications and affinities toward alternative paths. Following an administrative review board, those selected will be removed from training status and administratively redesignated. If an individual is not accepted, for whatever reason, they will continue aviation training."
Navy officials are also planning to offer delays or deferments via internships, graduate education, and other temporary additional duty options, prior to moving to Pensacola, Fla.
"We have been pursuing internship opportunities through various agencies in the Washington, D.C. area for our U.S. Naval Academy graduates," White said. "In addition, several newly commissioned officers will go directly to Naval Postgraduate School to pursue a graduate degree while graduates from Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units around the country will have the opportunity to work locally with their unit or perhaps in recruiting."
Beginning in December, some Navy ROTC graduates may be assigned to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) until their API start date.
"The length of time spent in the IRR will be dependent on their API class start date," White said. "Nominally, this period will be about three to six months."
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- In an effort to reduce and stabilize the current wait time for training, the Navy is seeking to decrease the number of officers in the Aviation Preflight Indoctrination (API) student pilot pre-load.
Reductions to aviation fleet requirements and recent material challenges with training aircraft have caused the student pilot population to exceed the optimal preload by approximately 200 personnel.
"Typically, time from commissioning to API start should be three months. The current delays have increased this time to six months," said Capt. Mike White, director, Aviation Officer Distribution.
To assist in reducing the number of students in the pipeline, Navy officials have planned to offer redesignation to qualified volunteers.
"Qualified volunteers from the existing API pool will be solicited through June," White said. "Community managers and detailers will be available to answer questions and make assessments of volunteers' qualifications and affinities toward alternative paths. Following an administrative review board, those selected will be removed from training status and administratively redesignated. If an individual is not accepted, for whatever reason, they will continue aviation training."
Navy officials are also planning to offer delays or deferments via internships, graduate education, and other temporary additional duty options, prior to moving to Pensacola, Fla.
"We have been pursuing internship opportunities through various agencies in the Washington, D.C. area for our U.S. Naval Academy graduates," White said. "In addition, several newly commissioned officers will go directly to Naval Postgraduate School to pursue a graduate degree while graduates from Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units around the country will have the opportunity to work locally with their unit or perhaps in recruiting."
Beginning in December, some Navy ROTC graduates may be assigned to the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) until their API start date.
"The length of time spent in the IRR will be dependent on their API class start date," White said. "Nominally, this period will be about three to six months."
Seabees Assist USAID in Timor-Leste
By Ensign Matthew Lundin, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 Public Affairs
DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 helped clean up U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) offices following a fire in Dili, Timor-Leste, May 13.
A fire broke out May 12 causing damage to a number of USAID offices.
The fire, though localized, did spread into the roofing system causing major damage. Even though many of the offices suffered only minor damage from the smoke, USAID had to vacate the premise and find a new secure location.
NMCB 11 Seabees came to USAID's aid by helping remove much of their vital electronic equipment and salvaging much of their office equipment May 13. Because the roof was severely damaged, the Seabees had to move fast.
They mobilized rapidly and also coordinated assistance from Australians, who are part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF). With help from the ISF, they were able to quickly remove sensitive equipment and transport it to a local warehouse.
The Seabees, with their vast knowledge and skills, also found themselves helping the local United Nations Police with their investigation of the scene.
NMCB 11's Construction Electrician 2nd Class Darius Michael, Construction Electrician 3rd Class Joshua Murphy and Equipment Operator 3rd Class Robert Shuaghnessy took a look and determined that the fire was most likely caused by faulty wiring.
With rain in the forecast, work was nonstop until everything undamaged by the fire was safely out of the building.
"You guys [the Seabees] are life savers" said Peter Cloutier, development director of USAID in Timor-Leste. "We owe you one."
USAID is currently focusing efforts on accelerating economic growth, strengthening democracy and governance and improving the health of the Timorese people.
DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 helped clean up U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) offices following a fire in Dili, Timor-Leste, May 13.
A fire broke out May 12 causing damage to a number of USAID offices.
The fire, though localized, did spread into the roofing system causing major damage. Even though many of the offices suffered only minor damage from the smoke, USAID had to vacate the premise and find a new secure location.
NMCB 11 Seabees came to USAID's aid by helping remove much of their vital electronic equipment and salvaging much of their office equipment May 13. Because the roof was severely damaged, the Seabees had to move fast.
They mobilized rapidly and also coordinated assistance from Australians, who are part of the International Stabilization Force (ISF). With help from the ISF, they were able to quickly remove sensitive equipment and transport it to a local warehouse.
The Seabees, with their vast knowledge and skills, also found themselves helping the local United Nations Police with their investigation of the scene.
NMCB 11's Construction Electrician 2nd Class Darius Michael, Construction Electrician 3rd Class Joshua Murphy and Equipment Operator 3rd Class Robert Shuaghnessy took a look and determined that the fire was most likely caused by faulty wiring.
With rain in the forecast, work was nonstop until everything undamaged by the fire was safely out of the building.
"You guys [the Seabees] are life savers" said Peter Cloutier, development director of USAID in Timor-Leste. "We owe you one."
USAID is currently focusing efforts on accelerating economic growth, strengthening democracy and governance and improving the health of the Timorese people.
Service Members Support Special Olympics on Guam
HAGATNA, Guam (NNS) -- Service members volunteered their time to coach Special Olympics Guam athletes at the Hagatna swimming pool on Guam May 15.
Sailors, Airmen and Marines are helping to prepare athletes for the annual Special Olympics swimming competition scheduled for June 5.
"These athletes are just really cool people. They're fun to work with," said Builder 2nd Class (SCW) Carle Spragle, of U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas' Self Help Department. "They work so hard, and that motivates you to work hard right alongside them because you want to see them succeed."
Spragle and fellow service members spent almost two hours at the pool, stretching out with the athletes, working on swimming techniques and swimming to improve overall coordination and endurance.
Carole Piercy, athlete coordinator for Special Olympics Guam, said the volunteers promote good sportsmanship and camaraderie amongst the athletes and help to improve the athletes' abilities. Piercy added that the athletes enjoy interacting with the service members.
"There are military personnel who have been with the athletes through various events, from bowling to track and field and with swimming," said Piercy. "They create relationships with the athletes, and that provides the athletes with a sense of constancy and a sense that they are cared for."
While only being on Guam for six months, I have already participated in several volunteer projects, enjoy working with the athletes and look forward to coaching more often, said Construction Electrician 3rd Class Jill Johnston, also of NAVFAC Marianas' Self Help Department.
"I think it's important for us to reach out to the entire community," said Johnston. "Our Special Olympics athletes are a part of our island community, and I'm glad that I'm able to help and do my part."
NAVFAC Sailors have assisted with tutoring and mentoring students at local public schools and partnered with community volunteers for islandwide cleanup projects, among other activities.
I also enjoy working with Special Olympics athletes, said 1st Lt. Nathan Waters, a Marine with Defense Information System Agency Pacific.
"All of us have an opportunity to serve our communities and this is one of the best ways," said Waters. "You see the smiles on their faces knowing that they have this opportunity to compete with each other and to have fun with each other and with us, their coaches."
Building that bond with the athletes and their families "makes it worthwhile," said Waters.
"Whether it's swimming or track and field, whatever event it is, it puts a joy in your heart to know you helped them reach their goals," said Waters. "As a military member, it's good to not only serve your country on the battlefield, but it's also good to serve your country outside the battlefield. We're showing that we're serving our community in more than one way."
Master Sgt. Dale Moring, of 36th Maintenance Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base and a volunteer swim coach, agreed that it's important for service members to get involved in local events and programs.
"It makes you feel good," said Moring.
Special Olympics Guam established its programs on the island in 1976 to provide sports opportunities for people with disabilities. The nonprofit group hosts annual events, such as bowling, swimming and track and field competitions, to boost its athletes' confidence, encourage friendship-building and give its participants a positive outlet for learning and recreation.
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 18, 2010
AIR FORCE
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $303,337,052 contract which will provide production of two Global Hawk Block 30 air vehicles, two Global Hawk Block 40 air vehicles, and related program sustaining support efforts. At this time, $17,681,554 has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-09-C-4001 P0004).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $287,449,968 contract which will provide two in-line airborne signals intelligence payloads (ASIP) and three ASIP retrofit kits. At this time, $82,318,446 has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-10-C-4007).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $30,000,000 contract which will provide for congressionally mandated advance procurement long-lead associated with two Block 30 and two Block 40 Global Hawk air vehicles; two in-line airborne signals intelligence payloads; two multi-platform radar technology insertion program sensors; two in-line sensors; and other items and activities required to protect the production schedule for Lot 10. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-10-C-4000).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded an $11,184,558 contract which will provide for 136 enhanced Paveway II and 100 enhanced Paveway II with height of burst guided bomb conversion kits. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PKB, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-10-C-0038).
Agbayani Construction Corp., Daly City, Calif., was awarded a $5,572,266 contract which will provide maintenance for 1390 military family housing units. At this time, no money has been obligated. 36 CONS, APO, AP is the contracting activity (F64133-01-D-0017, P00060).
NAVY
Tybrin Corp., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (N68936-10-D-0034); Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services, Gaithersburg, Md. (N68936-10-D-0035); and L-3 Services, Inc., Chantilly, Va. (N68936-10-D-0036), are each being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts for services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division's Combat Environment Simulation Division. Services to be provided include the acquisition and deployment of equipment or systems designed to provide a dense, realistic, and electromagnetic (encompassing radio frequency, infrared, electro-optic, and laser energy) environment to be used by the tri-service community for weapon systems development; training; test and evaluation; test and evaluation of defense suppression systems; electronic warfare systems; electronic countermeasures equipment; and electronic counter-countermeasures equipment. The estimated level of effort for these contracts over the five-year ordering period is 577 man-years. Tybrin Corp.'s ceiling is $241,540,417; Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services' ceiling is $207,806,616; and L-3 Services, Inc.'s ceiling is $210,998,077. Each company will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (80 percent), and Point Mugu, Calif. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were solicited under a multiple award electronic request for proposals; 30 firms were solicited and three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada, London, Canada, is being awarded a $29,682,828 firm-fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the procurement of 79 field service representatives to perform maintenance and repair services on the RG-31 Mine Resistance Ambush Protected vehicle fleet throughout the Afghanistan and Iraq areas of operations. Work is expected to be completed May 31, 2011. This contract modification was a sole-source procurement. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $15,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-5115) for engineering services for DDG 51 class and CG 47 class Aegis Combat System installation, integration, and test, and fleet life-cycle engineering support in support of the Program Executive Officer Integrated Warfare Systems. The required services for DDG 51 class ships and CG 47 class ships include program management and operation support; quality assurance; configuration management; ship design integration; fleet life-cycle engineering support; installation support; firmware maintenance; combat system test and evaluation; Navy furnished material support; special studies; and future-ship integration studies. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (50 percent); Baltimore, Md. (25 percent); Norfolk, Va. (8 percent); Washington, D.C. (5 percent); Akron, Ohio (5 percent); Mayport, Fla. (2 percent); San Diego, Calif. (1 percent); Oxnard, Calif. (1 percent); Bath, Maine (1 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (1 percent); and Dahlgren, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
CDWG Government, Inc., Vernon Hills, Ill., is being awarded a $9,345,894 firm-fixed-price delivery order under a previously awarded contract (W91QUZ-06-D-0003) for a quantity of 9,642 general purpose laptops for the Marine Corps operating forces computer refresh. This delivery order includes logistics support requirements, and a two-year extended warranty for a total of five years warranty service. Work will be performed in Vernon Hills, Ill., and is expected to be completed July 18, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. A mini-competition was conducted for this delivery order between seven contractors via posting to the Army Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions Web site, Army Desktop and Mobile Computing contract holders, with four offers received. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Sysco Eastern Maryland, LLC, Pocomoke City, Md., is being awarded a maximum $37,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity, prime vendor contract for full food service. Other locations of performance are North Carolina. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard job corps. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System with four responses. The date of performance completion is May 21, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-10-D-3126).
Food Services, Inc.*, Mount Vernon, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $8,350,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, sole-source contract for full line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is May 20, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3293).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $303,337,052 contract which will provide production of two Global Hawk Block 30 air vehicles, two Global Hawk Block 40 air vehicles, and related program sustaining support efforts. At this time, $17,681,554 has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-09-C-4001 P0004).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Integrated Systems Air Combat Systems, San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $287,449,968 contract which will provide two in-line airborne signals intelligence payloads (ASIP) and three ASIP retrofit kits. At this time, $82,318,446 has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-10-C-4007).
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., was awarded a $30,000,000 contract which will provide for congressionally mandated advance procurement long-lead associated with two Block 30 and two Block 40 Global Hawk air vehicles; two in-line airborne signals intelligence payloads; two multi-platform radar technology insertion program sensors; two in-line sensors; and other items and activities required to protect the production schedule for Lot 10. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 303 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-10-C-4000).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded an $11,184,558 contract which will provide for 136 enhanced Paveway II and 100 enhanced Paveway II with height of burst guided bomb conversion kits. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PKB, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8213-10-C-0038).
Agbayani Construction Corp., Daly City, Calif., was awarded a $5,572,266 contract which will provide maintenance for 1390 military family housing units. At this time, no money has been obligated. 36 CONS, APO, AP is the contracting activity (F64133-01-D-0017, P00060).
NAVY
Tybrin Corp., Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (N68936-10-D-0034); Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services, Gaithersburg, Md. (N68936-10-D-0035); and L-3 Services, Inc., Chantilly, Va. (N68936-10-D-0036), are each being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts for services in support of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division's Combat Environment Simulation Division. Services to be provided include the acquisition and deployment of equipment or systems designed to provide a dense, realistic, and electromagnetic (encompassing radio frequency, infrared, electro-optic, and laser energy) environment to be used by the tri-service community for weapon systems development; training; test and evaluation; test and evaluation of defense suppression systems; electronic warfare systems; electronic countermeasures equipment; and electronic counter-countermeasures equipment. The estimated level of effort for these contracts over the five-year ordering period is 577 man-years. Tybrin Corp.'s ceiling is $241,540,417; Lockheed Martin Corp., Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Services' ceiling is $207,806,616; and L-3 Services, Inc.'s ceiling is $210,998,077. Each company will have the opportunity to bid on each individual task order. Work will be performed in China Lake, Calif. (80 percent), and Point Mugu, Calif. (20 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. These contracts were solicited under a multiple award electronic request for proposals; 30 firms were solicited and three offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., is the contracting activity.
Canadian Commercial Corp., General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada, London, Canada, is being awarded a $29,682,828 firm-fixed-priced modification under previously awarded contract (M67854-07-D-5028) for the procurement of 79 field service representatives to perform maintenance and repair services on the RG-31 Mine Resistance Ambush Protected vehicle fleet throughout the Afghanistan and Iraq areas of operations. Work is expected to be completed May 31, 2011. This contract modification was a sole-source procurement. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $15,000,000 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-03-C-5115) for engineering services for DDG 51 class and CG 47 class Aegis Combat System installation, integration, and test, and fleet life-cycle engineering support in support of the Program Executive Officer Integrated Warfare Systems. The required services for DDG 51 class ships and CG 47 class ships include program management and operation support; quality assurance; configuration management; ship design integration; fleet life-cycle engineering support; installation support; firmware maintenance; combat system test and evaluation; Navy furnished material support; special studies; and future-ship integration studies. Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J. (50 percent); Baltimore, Md. (25 percent); Norfolk, Va. (8 percent); Washington, D.C. (5 percent); Akron, Ohio (5 percent); Mayport, Fla. (2 percent); San Diego, Calif. (1 percent); Oxnard, Calif. (1 percent); Bath, Maine (1 percent); Pascagoula, Miss. (1 percent); and Dahlgren, Va. (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, D.C., is the contracting activity.
CDWG Government, Inc., Vernon Hills, Ill., is being awarded a $9,345,894 firm-fixed-price delivery order under a previously awarded contract (W91QUZ-06-D-0003) for a quantity of 9,642 general purpose laptops for the Marine Corps operating forces computer refresh. This delivery order includes logistics support requirements, and a two-year extended warranty for a total of five years warranty service. Work will be performed in Vernon Hills, Ill., and is expected to be completed July 18, 2010. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. A mini-competition was conducted for this delivery order between seven contractors via posting to the Army Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions Web site, Army Desktop and Mobile Computing contract holders, with four offers received. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Sysco Eastern Maryland, LLC, Pocomoke City, Md., is being awarded a maximum $37,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity, prime vendor contract for full food service. Other locations of performance are North Carolina. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard job corps. The original proposal was solicited via the Defense Logistics Agency Internet Bid Board System with four responses. The date of performance completion is May 21, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-10-D-3126).
Food Services, Inc.*, Mount Vernon, Wash., is being awarded a maximum $8,350,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery, sole-source contract for full line food distribution. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy and Air Force. There was originally one proposal solicited with one response. The date of performance completion is May 20, 2011. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM300-09-D-3293).
All Fingers and Toes
Editor's Note: The guest is former US Army.
On May 28, 2010, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Sergeant Greg Doyle, Upland Police Department (ret.) about his newest book, The Clarion Call of Christ.
Program Date: May 28, 2010
Program Time: 2100 hours Pacific
Topic: All Fingers and Toes
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/05/29/all-fingers-and-toes
About the Guest
Sergeant Gregory Allen Doyle, Upland Police Department, (ret.) was last assigned as a patrol sergeant. During his law enforcement career has served as a gang detective, street gang officer, undercover narcotics officer, school resource officer and patrol officer. Prior to entering law enforcement Sergeant Gregory Doyle served four years in the United States Army in a Mechanized Infantry Battalion. In addition to his law enforcement career, Greg Doyle is a writer who has published articles in professional magazines and the author of four books: The Sting of the Gadfly; God Is Not an Option; The Stinging Salve and The Clarion Call of Christ.
All Fingers and Toes is one of the short stories contained within Greg’s New Book, The Clarion Call of Christ. It begins, “My friends and colleagues often shake their heads in wonder at my tenure as a graveyard patrol supervisor. Over ten years of sleeping during the daylight and coming out at night to work might put me up there with the mythical vampires. While I have seen my share of suckers (meaning the clientele I dealt with), I have yet to have any close calls with Dracula-types. But anything is possible on the late night shift, so I kept my eyes open.”
Additionally, Gregory Doyle writes contemporary Christian music with Associate Pastor Don Maresh (Discovery Christian Church, Moreno Valley); and, together, Greg and Don lead the Good News Praise Band at Discovery and have professionally recorded three CDs of original music: No Other God (2000- 15 songs); The God That I Love (2002 - 19 songs); You're My God (2006 - 23 songs).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. American Heroes Radio brings you to the watering hole, where it is Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/05/29/all-fingers-and-toes
Archive:
http://www.americanheroesradio.com/fingers_toes.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
On May 28, 2010, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Sergeant Greg Doyle, Upland Police Department (ret.) about his newest book, The Clarion Call of Christ.
Program Date: May 28, 2010
Program Time: 2100 hours Pacific
Topic: All Fingers and Toes
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/05/29/all-fingers-and-toes
About the Guest
Sergeant Gregory Allen Doyle, Upland Police Department, (ret.) was last assigned as a patrol sergeant. During his law enforcement career has served as a gang detective, street gang officer, undercover narcotics officer, school resource officer and patrol officer. Prior to entering law enforcement Sergeant Gregory Doyle served four years in the United States Army in a Mechanized Infantry Battalion. In addition to his law enforcement career, Greg Doyle is a writer who has published articles in professional magazines and the author of four books: The Sting of the Gadfly; God Is Not an Option; The Stinging Salve and The Clarion Call of Christ.
All Fingers and Toes is one of the short stories contained within Greg’s New Book, The Clarion Call of Christ. It begins, “My friends and colleagues often shake their heads in wonder at my tenure as a graveyard patrol supervisor. Over ten years of sleeping during the daylight and coming out at night to work might put me up there with the mythical vampires. While I have seen my share of suckers (meaning the clientele I dealt with), I have yet to have any close calls with Dracula-types. But anything is possible on the late night shift, so I kept my eyes open.”
Additionally, Gregory Doyle writes contemporary Christian music with Associate Pastor Don Maresh (Discovery Christian Church, Moreno Valley); and, together, Greg and Don lead the Good News Praise Band at Discovery and have professionally recorded three CDs of original music: No Other God (2000- 15 songs); The God That I Love (2002 - 19 songs); You're My God (2006 - 23 songs).
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. American Heroes Radio brings you to the watering hole, where it is Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/05/29/all-fingers-and-toes
Archive:
http://www.americanheroesradio.com/fingers_toes.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Links Troops With Career Resources
By Sarah Lifshin
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2010 - As the United States' economic crisis lingers, returning veterans are finding it harder to translate the skills they have learned on the battlefields onto a resume, but some employers are working with the military to bridge the gap.
The Employer Partnership Office of the Armed Forces is providing the resources needed to help enlisted soldiers, veterans, retirees and spouses secure employment after their tours of duty end.
The program -- formerly known as the U.S. Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative -- was created in 2008 as an initiative under the leadership of Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve. It offers candidates a jump start into the private sector through partnerships with employers worldwide.
"Through employer partnerships, we can further cultivate an affordable operational reserve force by sharing our men and women with selected civilian employers, who, in turn, will help us to develop and maintain talents, capabilities and skills that are essential on the battlefield," Stultz wrote in the January/February issue of "The Officer."
"Participating employers see the skills our soldiers bring as value added to their enterprises, while we see employers' contribution in maintaining the skills the nation needs as value added to our force," Stultz added.
As of this spring, the office has recruited more than 1,000 employment partners, including 480 of the Fortune 500 companies. More than 500,000 jobs are currently listed on the employer partnership website.
Job seekers are matched with such employers as Wal-Mart, General Electric and Con-way. These companies respect servicemembers' experience and understand the skills and background they can bring to the job, officials said.
Servicemembers provide the necessary qualified and trained human capital needed to fill a variety of positions, defense officials said. Through their experience in the armed forces, they acquire abilities in management, leadership, project execution, team building and strategic planning.
Use of the program is a cost savings for employers, who often spend thousands of dollars in recruiting and screening expenses, officials said. Prior to employment, candidates receive background checks, medical screening and aptitude testing as a result of their military backgrounds.
The partnership has made great strides in career placement, defense officials said. Among its placement and credentialing services, candidates receive coaching, counseling and use of the program's job search engine, among other assistance. A new website the Employer Partnership Office will introduce later this spring will include tools to help veterans and employers translate military skills to civilian skills.
Faced with the insecurity of life after military service, veterans often find the civilian hiring process daunting, as hiring managers often don't understand how their skills will support their companies, said Dave Miller, senior vice president of global policy and economic sustainability at Con-way, a freight, transportation and logistics company.
About 3,000 of the 30,000 workers worldwide for the San Mateo, Calif.-based company have served in the military. Veteran-filled positions include service center managers, mechanics, truck drivers and administrators.
"We need to understand how to jump start their civilian careers," Miller said. "If we are going to support the all-voluntary military, where the defense of this nation rests on the shoulders of these soldiers, we must understand how to support their civilian and military careers, because they run concurrently. Employers need to put themselves into the shoes of those who protect our rights as Americans."
Employers often have difficulties understanding how military job skills will transition into the private sector, he added.
"If you are a colonel, you are an executive vice president," Miller said. "Many human resources professionals don't understand how you ran a forward unit or had a squad or company help set up a tribal village will help their companies," he said. "These veterans have worked in the most arduous situations and hostile environments, and they are being asked if they ever had a real job. That's demeaning."
One Con-way employee knows first-hand what it's like to cross over from the armed forces to the civilian work force, and he's using his military background to help in placing veterans into jobs.
Retired Army Lt. Col. David "Duke" Ellington now serves as Con-way's personnel supervisor in Plainfield, Ind. He said hiring managers often do not have an understanding of military job descriptions or what value recruiting veterans will bring.
"These candidates are drug-free, often have a security clearance, and [have] good work ethics – these are all advantages," Ellington said. "With their military backgrounds, they understand missions and can understand what a mission is. These analytical tools are essential in the corporate world."
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2010 - As the United States' economic crisis lingers, returning veterans are finding it harder to translate the skills they have learned on the battlefields onto a resume, but some employers are working with the military to bridge the gap.
The Employer Partnership Office of the Armed Forces is providing the resources needed to help enlisted soldiers, veterans, retirees and spouses secure employment after their tours of duty end.
The program -- formerly known as the U.S. Army Reserve Employer Partnership Initiative -- was created in 2008 as an initiative under the leadership of Army Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve. It offers candidates a jump start into the private sector through partnerships with employers worldwide.
"Through employer partnerships, we can further cultivate an affordable operational reserve force by sharing our men and women with selected civilian employers, who, in turn, will help us to develop and maintain talents, capabilities and skills that are essential on the battlefield," Stultz wrote in the January/February issue of "The Officer."
"Participating employers see the skills our soldiers bring as value added to their enterprises, while we see employers' contribution in maintaining the skills the nation needs as value added to our force," Stultz added.
As of this spring, the office has recruited more than 1,000 employment partners, including 480 of the Fortune 500 companies. More than 500,000 jobs are currently listed on the employer partnership website.
Job seekers are matched with such employers as Wal-Mart, General Electric and Con-way. These companies respect servicemembers' experience and understand the skills and background they can bring to the job, officials said.
Servicemembers provide the necessary qualified and trained human capital needed to fill a variety of positions, defense officials said. Through their experience in the armed forces, they acquire abilities in management, leadership, project execution, team building and strategic planning.
Use of the program is a cost savings for employers, who often spend thousands of dollars in recruiting and screening expenses, officials said. Prior to employment, candidates receive background checks, medical screening and aptitude testing as a result of their military backgrounds.
The partnership has made great strides in career placement, defense officials said. Among its placement and credentialing services, candidates receive coaching, counseling and use of the program's job search engine, among other assistance. A new website the Employer Partnership Office will introduce later this spring will include tools to help veterans and employers translate military skills to civilian skills.
Faced with the insecurity of life after military service, veterans often find the civilian hiring process daunting, as hiring managers often don't understand how their skills will support their companies, said Dave Miller, senior vice president of global policy and economic sustainability at Con-way, a freight, transportation and logistics company.
About 3,000 of the 30,000 workers worldwide for the San Mateo, Calif.-based company have served in the military. Veteran-filled positions include service center managers, mechanics, truck drivers and administrators.
"We need to understand how to jump start their civilian careers," Miller said. "If we are going to support the all-voluntary military, where the defense of this nation rests on the shoulders of these soldiers, we must understand how to support their civilian and military careers, because they run concurrently. Employers need to put themselves into the shoes of those who protect our rights as Americans."
Employers often have difficulties understanding how military job skills will transition into the private sector, he added.
"If you are a colonel, you are an executive vice president," Miller said. "Many human resources professionals don't understand how you ran a forward unit or had a squad or company help set up a tribal village will help their companies," he said. "These veterans have worked in the most arduous situations and hostile environments, and they are being asked if they ever had a real job. That's demeaning."
One Con-way employee knows first-hand what it's like to cross over from the armed forces to the civilian work force, and he's using his military background to help in placing veterans into jobs.
Retired Army Lt. Col. David "Duke" Ellington now serves as Con-way's personnel supervisor in Plainfield, Ind. He said hiring managers often do not have an understanding of military job descriptions or what value recruiting veterans will bring.
"These candidates are drug-free, often have a security clearance, and [have] good work ethics – these are all advantages," Ellington said. "With their military backgrounds, they understand missions and can understand what a mission is. These analytical tools are essential in the corporate world."
Illinois Guard participates in medical exercise in Tunisia
Illinois National Guard
(5/17/10) - Two Illinois National Guard Soldiers recently joined the Wyoming National Guard and Nevada Army Reserve for a joint training mission called Medlite-10 to Kharrouba Air Base in Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa.
Chief Warrant Officers Lucas Bohm and Chief Warrant Officer Lance Stafford spent about a week in April enhancing medical capabilities and improving medical interoperability between the two forces by participating in a disaster response and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) exercise. Both Soldiers are assigned to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion based in Peoria.
“We showed them the type of equipment we have, how we use it and what works for us,” said Bohm.
The Wyoming National Guard has a State Partnership Program with Tunisia like the Illinois National Guard has a State Partnership with Poland. Medlite started in 2000 between Wyoming and Tunisia and just completed its seventh combined medical exercise.
Medlite-10 included approximately 140 Tunisians and 37 U.S. military personnel.
The first two days of the training were spent in the classroom where Bohm and Stafford demonstrated the different CBRNE equipment used, such as gas masks and suits. Then they participated in an exercise based on a local chemical plant explosion causing multiple casualties suffering from CBRNE exposure.
“It was good hands-on training because they didn’t have much experience using any of the gear,” said Stafford. “They were able to gain knowledge from our experience.”
After CBRNE familiarization, Soldiers trained by performing casualty evacuation procedures.
Currently the Tunisian Air Force operates the HH-3 Pelican helicopter. Bohm and Stafford are both CH-47 Chinook helicopter pilots for the Illinois National Guard.
“It worked out really well because the litter system in both our aircraft and theirs are very similar,” said Bohm.
Bohm and Stafford deployed together, to Iraq in 2003 to 2004 and then to Afghanistan in 2009. As a result of their time overseas, they were able to take their first hand medical evacuation experience and show the Tunisian Air Force what techniques they used, said Bohm.
“I think for a growing country that doesn’t have a lot of experience with the equipment, they got a lot out of it by the end of the exercise,” said Bohm.
After the exercise the Soldiers had an opportunity to venture off base and explore part of the country and its culture.
“The Tunisians are very proud of their culture and it was a great opportunity to not only share military techniques with them but also learn about their culture,” said Bohm.
New York Guard hosts South African defense force chief
Story courtesy of the New York National Guard
(05/17/10) - South Africa's top general visited New York National Guard headquarters here Monday on the second day of a weeklong tour of American military headquarters.
Gen. Godfrey Ngwenya, chief of the South African National Defense Force, was briefed on New York National Guard disaster relief and civil support capabilities. He also heard about the role of the New York State Emergency Office from SEMO Director John Gibb, as well as getting a rundown on New York State Police and the functions of the New York State Intelligence Center.
Ngwenya, who has led the South African military since 2005, visited New York because the New York National Guard is teamed with South Africa as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program. Other stops on his trip to meet with American military leaders will include visits to United States Southern Command, United States Joint Forces Command, and United States Special Operations Command.
The State Partnership Program pairs developing nations with state National Guards to develop strong bilateral military and civilian relationships. Since 2003 New York National Guard members have visited South Africa to take part in training events and conferences, while South Africans regularly visit New York.
Later this year the New York Army and Air National Guard will participate in air show being sponsored by South Africa.
"South Africa learns a lot from this partnership," Ngwenya said. We learn from the United States, particularly when it comes to counter terrorism."
It was also useful to learn about the capabilities of the New York State Police, since crime is a major problem in South Africa, he added.
South Africa will be hosting the soccer World Cup in June and July so he is particularly interested in learning everything possible about counter terrorism efforts, Ngwenya said.
"We will be hosting the World Cup," he said, "but the World Cup belongs to the whole world."
"It was pleasing for me to learn from Americans that we are all together here sharing information and the kinds of facilities that they have, I think we stand to benefit from," Ngwenya said.
While the South African National Defense Force has a reserve component, it is very different from the National Guard, Ngwenya said.
"The National Guard has got a big mandate and it is independent and in South Africa we have the reserves and they are part of the Defence Force and they do not have the resources the National Guard has," he said.
South African law forbids using the reserves in the kind of local civil support role that the National Guard fills regularly in the United States, he explained.
But, he said, maybe that should change.
"We have learned from your people that you can mobilize those people any time you want," he said.
Hosting Ngwenya and his party was just one more way to develop the relationships that are so important in the modern, globalized world, said Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard.
"One of the things we have discovered, as we in the United States put together a package that supports internationally, is it is important to make relationships and develop relationships," Payne explained.
"The significance of Gen. Ngwenya coming to the United States, and us hosting him, is it shows the strength of commitment between the United States and the State of New York to support those issues that are relevant to South Africa," Payne added.
South Africa's top general visited New York National Guard headquarters here Monday on the second day of a weeklong tour of American military headquarters.
General Godfrey Ngwenya, Chief of the South African National Defense Force, was briefed on New York National Guard disaster relief and civil support capabilities. He also heard about the role of the New York State Emergency Office from SEMO Director John Gibb, as well as getting a rundown on New York State Police and the functions of the New York State Intelligence Center.
Ngwenya, who has led the South African military since 2005, visited New York because the New York National Guard is teamed with South Africa as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program. Other stops on his trip to meet with American military leaders will include visits to United States Southern Command, United States Joint Forces Command, and United States Special Operations Command.
The State Partnership Program pairs developing nations with state National Guards to develop strong bilateral military and civilian relationships. Since 2003 New York National Guard members have visited South Africa to take part in training events and conferences, while South Africans regularly visit New York.
Later this year the New York Army and Air National Guard will participate in air show being sponsored by South Africa.
"South Africa learns a lot from this partnership," Ngwenya said. We learn from the United States, particularly when it comes to counter terrorism."
It was also useful to learn about the capabilities of the New York State Police, since crime is a major problem in South Africa, he added.
South Africa will be hosting the soccer World Cup in June and July so he is particularly interested in learning everything possible about counter terrorism efforts, Ngwenya said.
"We will be hosting the World Cup," he said, "but the World Cup belongs to the whole world."
"It was pleasing for me to learn from Americans that we are all together here sharing information and the kinds of facilities that they have, I think we stand to benefit from," Ngwenya said.
While the South African National Defense Force has a reserve component, it is very different from the National Guard, Ngwenya said.
"The National Guard has got a big mandate and it is independent and in South Africa we have the reserves and they are part of the Defence Force and they do not have the resources the National Guard has," he said.
South African law forbids using the reserves in the kind of local civil support role that the National Guard fills regularly in the United States, he explained.
But, he said, maybe that should change.
"We have learned from your people that you can mobilize those people any time you want," he said.
Hosting Ngwenya and his party was just one more way to develop the relationships that are so important in the modern, globalized world, said Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard.
"One of the things we have discovered, as we in the United States put together a package that supports internationally, is it is important to make relationships and develop relationships," Payne explained.
"The significance of Gen. Ngwenya coming to the United States, and us hosting him, is it shows the strength of commitment between the United States and the State of New York to support those issues that are relevant to South Africa," Payne added.
(05/17/10) - South Africa's top general visited New York National Guard headquarters here Monday on the second day of a weeklong tour of American military headquarters.
Gen. Godfrey Ngwenya, chief of the South African National Defense Force, was briefed on New York National Guard disaster relief and civil support capabilities. He also heard about the role of the New York State Emergency Office from SEMO Director John Gibb, as well as getting a rundown on New York State Police and the functions of the New York State Intelligence Center.
Ngwenya, who has led the South African military since 2005, visited New York because the New York National Guard is teamed with South Africa as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program. Other stops on his trip to meet with American military leaders will include visits to United States Southern Command, United States Joint Forces Command, and United States Special Operations Command.
The State Partnership Program pairs developing nations with state National Guards to develop strong bilateral military and civilian relationships. Since 2003 New York National Guard members have visited South Africa to take part in training events and conferences, while South Africans regularly visit New York.
Later this year the New York Army and Air National Guard will participate in air show being sponsored by South Africa.
"South Africa learns a lot from this partnership," Ngwenya said. We learn from the United States, particularly when it comes to counter terrorism."
It was also useful to learn about the capabilities of the New York State Police, since crime is a major problem in South Africa, he added.
South Africa will be hosting the soccer World Cup in June and July so he is particularly interested in learning everything possible about counter terrorism efforts, Ngwenya said.
"We will be hosting the World Cup," he said, "but the World Cup belongs to the whole world."
"It was pleasing for me to learn from Americans that we are all together here sharing information and the kinds of facilities that they have, I think we stand to benefit from," Ngwenya said.
While the South African National Defense Force has a reserve component, it is very different from the National Guard, Ngwenya said.
"The National Guard has got a big mandate and it is independent and in South Africa we have the reserves and they are part of the Defence Force and they do not have the resources the National Guard has," he said.
South African law forbids using the reserves in the kind of local civil support role that the National Guard fills regularly in the United States, he explained.
But, he said, maybe that should change.
"We have learned from your people that you can mobilize those people any time you want," he said.
Hosting Ngwenya and his party was just one more way to develop the relationships that are so important in the modern, globalized world, said Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard.
"One of the things we have discovered, as we in the United States put together a package that supports internationally, is it is important to make relationships and develop relationships," Payne explained.
"The significance of Gen. Ngwenya coming to the United States, and us hosting him, is it shows the strength of commitment between the United States and the State of New York to support those issues that are relevant to South Africa," Payne added.
South Africa's top general visited New York National Guard headquarters here Monday on the second day of a weeklong tour of American military headquarters.
General Godfrey Ngwenya, Chief of the South African National Defense Force, was briefed on New York National Guard disaster relief and civil support capabilities. He also heard about the role of the New York State Emergency Office from SEMO Director John Gibb, as well as getting a rundown on New York State Police and the functions of the New York State Intelligence Center.
Ngwenya, who has led the South African military since 2005, visited New York because the New York National Guard is teamed with South Africa as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program. Other stops on his trip to meet with American military leaders will include visits to United States Southern Command, United States Joint Forces Command, and United States Special Operations Command.
The State Partnership Program pairs developing nations with state National Guards to develop strong bilateral military and civilian relationships. Since 2003 New York National Guard members have visited South Africa to take part in training events and conferences, while South Africans regularly visit New York.
Later this year the New York Army and Air National Guard will participate in air show being sponsored by South Africa.
"South Africa learns a lot from this partnership," Ngwenya said. We learn from the United States, particularly when it comes to counter terrorism."
It was also useful to learn about the capabilities of the New York State Police, since crime is a major problem in South Africa, he added.
South Africa will be hosting the soccer World Cup in June and July so he is particularly interested in learning everything possible about counter terrorism efforts, Ngwenya said.
"We will be hosting the World Cup," he said, "but the World Cup belongs to the whole world."
"It was pleasing for me to learn from Americans that we are all together here sharing information and the kinds of facilities that they have, I think we stand to benefit from," Ngwenya said.
While the South African National Defense Force has a reserve component, it is very different from the National Guard, Ngwenya said.
"The National Guard has got a big mandate and it is independent and in South Africa we have the reserves and they are part of the Defence Force and they do not have the resources the National Guard has," he said.
South African law forbids using the reserves in the kind of local civil support role that the National Guard fills regularly in the United States, he explained.
But, he said, maybe that should change.
"We have learned from your people that you can mobilize those people any time you want," he said.
Hosting Ngwenya and his party was just one more way to develop the relationships that are so important in the modern, globalized world, said Brig. Gen. Renwick Payne, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard.
"One of the things we have discovered, as we in the United States put together a package that supports internationally, is it is important to make relationships and develop relationships," Payne explained.
"The significance of Gen. Ngwenya coming to the United States, and us hosting him, is it shows the strength of commitment between the United States and the State of New York to support those issues that are relevant to South Africa," Payne added.
Commander, Fleet Forces Command Pays Tribute to US Merchant Mariners
By Laura Seal, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs
May 19, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) praised generations of U.S. merchant mariners for their contributions to the nation's defense at a ceremony attended by more than 200 people including government and industry leaders during Military Sealift Command's (MSC) National Maritime Day observance at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., May 18.
National Maritime Day was established by Congress in 1933 to honor the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. merchant mariners in defense of the nation. These dedicated men and women are frequently considered the unsung heroes of the nation's defense.
USFF Commander Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr. paid tribute to the more than 6,500 U.S. merchant mariners who serve aboard MSC's ships, and highlighted the mariners' critical support to U.S. and allied warfighters around the world.
"Today, our merchant mariners have a large footprint," said Harvey. "Their service and sacrifice, their pride and professionalism are the firm foundation of our global military operations."
Harvey also noted the mariners' role providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, most recently in Haiti where mariners expertly delivered urgently needed logistics support and medical care in the immediate aftermath of the January earthquake. Twenty-one ships owned by, chartered by or under the tactical control of MSC were on site or on standby to assist the people of Haiti.
Commander, Military Sealift Command, Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, hosted the event and expressed his gratitude to the thousands of civilians who crew MSC's ships. MSC, the single largest employer of U.S. merchant mariners in the world, employs more than 5,000 civil service mariners and more than 1,500 commercial mariners who work for private ship operating companies under contract to MSC.
"We at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, so it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. merchant marine," said Buzby.
Buzby also recognized by name four civil service mariners from hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) – Chief Mate David Lieberman, Third Mate Joseph Kranz, Second Assistant Engineer Peter Barry and Boatswain Gerald Butch. They, and the rest of Comfort's crew, took the ship to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and sustained it there for seven weeks while medical personnel in the shipboard hospital treated nearly 900 earthquake victims.
Earlier in the day, Lieberman, Kranz, Barry and Butch were among 11 merchant mariners who received Merchant Marine Medals for Outstanding Achievement in recognition of their contributions to Haiti relief efforts at a U.S. Maritime Administration ceremony in Washington, D.C.
At the heart of MSC's ceremony was the placement of three wreaths to commemorate mariners lost at sea in peacetime and war. The solemn occasion drew to a close with a 21-gun salute by a seven-person firing party positioned on the Anacostia River waterfront just outside the gallery. The wreaths were later placed in front of the merchant marine bronze relief sculpture on the east wall of the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Merchant mariners have been a vital component of American sea power since the Revolutionary War when more than 11,000 mariners died in service. Today, mariners continue to play a critical role in the nation's defense, enabling the U.S. military to operate around the world.
MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces, conduct specialized missions, and replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea.
May 19, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF) praised generations of U.S. merchant mariners for their contributions to the nation's defense at a ceremony attended by more than 200 people including government and industry leaders during Military Sealift Command's (MSC) National Maritime Day observance at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., May 18.
National Maritime Day was established by Congress in 1933 to honor the contributions and sacrifices of U.S. merchant mariners in defense of the nation. These dedicated men and women are frequently considered the unsung heroes of the nation's defense.
USFF Commander Adm. J.C. Harvey Jr. paid tribute to the more than 6,500 U.S. merchant mariners who serve aboard MSC's ships, and highlighted the mariners' critical support to U.S. and allied warfighters around the world.
"Today, our merchant mariners have a large footprint," said Harvey. "Their service and sacrifice, their pride and professionalism are the firm foundation of our global military operations."
Harvey also noted the mariners' role providing humanitarian aid and disaster relief, most recently in Haiti where mariners expertly delivered urgently needed logistics support and medical care in the immediate aftermath of the January earthquake. Twenty-one ships owned by, chartered by or under the tactical control of MSC were on site or on standby to assist the people of Haiti.
Commander, Military Sealift Command, Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, hosted the event and expressed his gratitude to the thousands of civilians who crew MSC's ships. MSC, the single largest employer of U.S. merchant mariners in the world, employs more than 5,000 civil service mariners and more than 1,500 commercial mariners who work for private ship operating companies under contract to MSC.
"We at MSC are proud of our civilian mariners, so it is fitting that today is set aside to acknowledge the great debt of gratitude we owe to the dedicated men and women of the U.S. merchant marine," said Buzby.
Buzby also recognized by name four civil service mariners from hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) – Chief Mate David Lieberman, Third Mate Joseph Kranz, Second Assistant Engineer Peter Barry and Boatswain Gerald Butch. They, and the rest of Comfort's crew, took the ship to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and sustained it there for seven weeks while medical personnel in the shipboard hospital treated nearly 900 earthquake victims.
Earlier in the day, Lieberman, Kranz, Barry and Butch were among 11 merchant mariners who received Merchant Marine Medals for Outstanding Achievement in recognition of their contributions to Haiti relief efforts at a U.S. Maritime Administration ceremony in Washington, D.C.
At the heart of MSC's ceremony was the placement of three wreaths to commemorate mariners lost at sea in peacetime and war. The solemn occasion drew to a close with a 21-gun salute by a seven-person firing party positioned on the Anacostia River waterfront just outside the gallery. The wreaths were later placed in front of the merchant marine bronze relief sculpture on the east wall of the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Merchant mariners have been a vital component of American sea power since the Revolutionary War when more than 11,000 mariners died in service. Today, mariners continue to play a critical role in the nation's defense, enabling the U.S. military to operate around the world.
MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces, conduct specialized missions, and replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea.
USS Ronald Reagan Underway for Sea Trials
May 19, 2010 - USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departed Naval Air Station North Island for sea trials May 18.
The event marks the first time that Ronald Reagan has been underway since Oct. 21, 2009, when it completed its fourth deployment in four years. The three-time Battle "E" award-winning carrier is concluding a six-month planned incremental availability (PIA), a scheduled maintenance period designed to upgrade ship's systems and quality of life for its Sailors. Sea trials allow these systems to be tested and necessary quality checks to be performed.
Upon successful completion of sea trials, Ronald Reagan's PIA will officially conclude and the ship will rejoin the operational fleet.
NSHS Portsmouth Holds Disestablishment Ceremony
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Arthur N. De La Cruz, Navy Medicine Support Command
May 19, 2010 - PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's first Hospital Corps School was officially disestablished May 14, during a ceremony at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va.
The Naval School of Health Sciences (NSHS) Portsmouth is closing after more than a century of training Navy corpsmen, Army and Air Force medics.
"This institution should be honored and remembered for the corpsmen who have given their lives and their time, and the last full measure of themselves for their brothers and sisters in harm's way," said Navy Surgeon General, and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Vice. Adm. Adam M. Robinson Jr. "NSHS Portsmouth has been a mentor and a steward. They have in fact been a leader, and have been the example of leadership for our corpsmen."
The school was first established in 1902 as part of the former Norfolk Naval Hospital. The current command building was constructed in 1942 and named after the school's first graduate, Pharmacist Edward May, who was appointed as a warrant officer, and later served as an instructor. NSHS Portsmouth was officially established in October 1995. The command has provided 17 naval officer and enlisted training programs and is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and individual accreditations from a variety of national associations specific to particular training programs.
The school officially closes after its last class convenes in September, said NSHS Commanding Officer, Capt. Susan E. Herron, who also explained the school's future.
"NSHS is the people; people who have dedicated their all to our motto of excellence," said Herron. "NSHS is not building 104 – it is the Sailors who have graced its hallways and will continue to grace the hallways at Navy Medicine Education and Training Center and the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston, Texas."
According to Base Realignment and Closure 2005, the mission of the command will transfer to Fort Sam Houston, Texas to the consolidated services, medical training and research facilities moving to that site after the school's last class convenes.
The school has seen approximately 800 students a year since 1995. As an echelon five command, its commanding officer reports to Commander, Navy Medicine Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Command, who directly reports to Navy Medicine Support Command, based in Jacksonville, Fla.
"We are not disestablishing your obligation, we're only disestablishing one institution," said Vice Adm. Robinson, addressing students. "As NSHS Portsmouth disestablishes itself today it doesn't mean that it goes away, and it doesn't mean that there is something we should be sad about, because the best is yet to come."
May 19, 2010 - PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's first Hospital Corps School was officially disestablished May 14, during a ceremony at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va.
The Naval School of Health Sciences (NSHS) Portsmouth is closing after more than a century of training Navy corpsmen, Army and Air Force medics.
"This institution should be honored and remembered for the corpsmen who have given their lives and their time, and the last full measure of themselves for their brothers and sisters in harm's way," said Navy Surgeon General, and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Vice. Adm. Adam M. Robinson Jr. "NSHS Portsmouth has been a mentor and a steward. They have in fact been a leader, and have been the example of leadership for our corpsmen."
The school was first established in 1902 as part of the former Norfolk Naval Hospital. The current command building was constructed in 1942 and named after the school's first graduate, Pharmacist Edward May, who was appointed as a warrant officer, and later served as an instructor. NSHS Portsmouth was officially established in October 1995. The command has provided 17 naval officer and enlisted training programs and is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and individual accreditations from a variety of national associations specific to particular training programs.
The school officially closes after its last class convenes in September, said NSHS Commanding Officer, Capt. Susan E. Herron, who also explained the school's future.
"NSHS is the people; people who have dedicated their all to our motto of excellence," said Herron. "NSHS is not building 104 – it is the Sailors who have graced its hallways and will continue to grace the hallways at Navy Medicine Education and Training Center and the Medical Education and Training Campus at Fort Sam Houston, Texas."
According to Base Realignment and Closure 2005, the mission of the command will transfer to Fort Sam Houston, Texas to the consolidated services, medical training and research facilities moving to that site after the school's last class convenes.
The school has seen approximately 800 students a year since 1995. As an echelon five command, its commanding officer reports to Commander, Navy Medicine Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education Command, who directly reports to Navy Medicine Support Command, based in Jacksonville, Fla.
"We are not disestablishing your obligation, we're only disestablishing one institution," said Vice Adm. Robinson, addressing students. "As NSHS Portsmouth disestablishes itself today it doesn't mean that it goes away, and it doesn't mean that there is something we should be sad about, because the best is yet to come."
Curtis Wilbur Sailors Experience Shimoda, Participate in 71st Black Ship Festival
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brock A. Taylor, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan
May 18, 2010 - SHIMODA, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) steamed out of Shimoda Harbor May 17.
After spending almost a week celebrating the 71st Annual Black Ship Festival with the citizens of Shimoda, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) and hundreds of visitors from around Japan and the U.S., Curtis Wilbur departed Shimoda.
"I couldn't be more proud of my Sailors for what they have accomplished here in Shimoda. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to take part in this festival and I think we've had a great time out here," said Cmdr. Paul Hogue, Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer.
The festival commemorates the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Shimoda, and the establishment of the first U.S. Consulate in Japan at the Gyokusen-Ji shrine. It was here in 1854 that the two countries worked out the Treaty of Peace and Amity that led to ending the centuries old Sakoku, Japan's self-imposed isolationist policy. The policy forbade any Japanese to travel outside the country, foreigners from traveling to Japan and restricted trade with foreign countries to the port of Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu.
"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the treaty of mutual cooperation and security between Japan and the United States," said Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Richard Wren, during opening remarks at the festival commencement ceremony. "But our relationship goes back much further than that, all the way back to here, Shimoda, where Americans and Japanese first got to know one another and began the long and warm friendship that binds us together today."
That friendship was evident at a variety of events that brought the two nations closer together through friendly sporting competitions, tours and a parade featuring Sailors from the Wilbur, the JMSDF destroyer JDS Shirayuki (DD 123), the 7th Fleet Band and performances from a collection of local artists and Nile C. Kinnick High School students.
The officers and crew of the Shirayuki was anchored in the harbor along with Wilbur. Commanding Officer Cmdr. Hiro Kitamikado, reminded everyone in attendance of the long and proud tradition the two navies share and how important it is that they continue to grow and reinforce their friendship.
"We once fought a terrible fight across the Pacific Ocean, but now it is one of the widest and deepest relations among many navies in the world," said Kitamikado. "This year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japan – U.S. Security Treaty, which contributed to the development of Japan as well as the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific region. It is very important to maintain the bond between the JMSDF and U.S. Navy, the core of the Japan – U.S. alliance."
The four-day festival offered Sailors the chance to interact with and gain a better understanding of Japanese nationals.
"It was an outstanding experience; I'm glad we had a chance to come out here and hang out a little bit and walk around mingling with the local nationals. It means a lot," said Information Technician 1st Class (SW) Lucas Lewis. "Japanese people who live outside of Yokosuka don't get a chance to interact with Sailors very often, so this gives us an opportunity for them to meet us and let them know that we are here and that we are on the same team."
According to Gunner's Mate 1st Class (SW) John Hamrick, the festival was especially beneficial to Sailors new to Japan or the Navy.
"It helps the junior Sailors get a much more thorough understanding of the diversities of culture and it helps them do away with the myths that hear about," said Hamrick. "They can see for themselves that it's an exceptionally beautiful culture. They're very hospitable and that they are nice people. This isn't just a show and this visit gives them an opportunity to see it first hand and enjoy it."
May 18, 2010 - SHIMODA, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) steamed out of Shimoda Harbor May 17.
After spending almost a week celebrating the 71st Annual Black Ship Festival with the citizens of Shimoda, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Forces (JMSDF) and hundreds of visitors from around Japan and the U.S., Curtis Wilbur departed Shimoda.
"I couldn't be more proud of my Sailors for what they have accomplished here in Shimoda. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to take part in this festival and I think we've had a great time out here," said Cmdr. Paul Hogue, Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer.
The festival commemorates the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Shimoda, and the establishment of the first U.S. Consulate in Japan at the Gyokusen-Ji shrine. It was here in 1854 that the two countries worked out the Treaty of Peace and Amity that led to ending the centuries old Sakoku, Japan's self-imposed isolationist policy. The policy forbade any Japanese to travel outside the country, foreigners from traveling to Japan and restricted trade with foreign countries to the port of Nagasaki on the island of Kyushu.
"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the treaty of mutual cooperation and security between Japan and the United States," said Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan Rear Adm. Richard Wren, during opening remarks at the festival commencement ceremony. "But our relationship goes back much further than that, all the way back to here, Shimoda, where Americans and Japanese first got to know one another and began the long and warm friendship that binds us together today."
That friendship was evident at a variety of events that brought the two nations closer together through friendly sporting competitions, tours and a parade featuring Sailors from the Wilbur, the JMSDF destroyer JDS Shirayuki (DD 123), the 7th Fleet Band and performances from a collection of local artists and Nile C. Kinnick High School students.
The officers and crew of the Shirayuki was anchored in the harbor along with Wilbur. Commanding Officer Cmdr. Hiro Kitamikado, reminded everyone in attendance of the long and proud tradition the two navies share and how important it is that they continue to grow and reinforce their friendship.
"We once fought a terrible fight across the Pacific Ocean, but now it is one of the widest and deepest relations among many navies in the world," said Kitamikado. "This year we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Japan – U.S. Security Treaty, which contributed to the development of Japan as well as the peace and stability of the Asia Pacific region. It is very important to maintain the bond between the JMSDF and U.S. Navy, the core of the Japan – U.S. alliance."
The four-day festival offered Sailors the chance to interact with and gain a better understanding of Japanese nationals.
"It was an outstanding experience; I'm glad we had a chance to come out here and hang out a little bit and walk around mingling with the local nationals. It means a lot," said Information Technician 1st Class (SW) Lucas Lewis. "Japanese people who live outside of Yokosuka don't get a chance to interact with Sailors very often, so this gives us an opportunity for them to meet us and let them know that we are here and that we are on the same team."
According to Gunner's Mate 1st Class (SW) John Hamrick, the festival was especially beneficial to Sailors new to Japan or the Navy.
"It helps the junior Sailors get a much more thorough understanding of the diversities of culture and it helps them do away with the myths that hear about," said Hamrick. "They can see for themselves that it's an exceptionally beautiful culture. They're very hospitable and that they are nice people. This isn't just a show and this visit gives them an opportunity to see it first hand and enjoy it."
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Mullen Calls Treaty Ratification 'Right Thing to Do'
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2010 - The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia is "the right thing for us to do," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, who spoke for all of the service chiefs during his testimony, urged the senators to vote to ratify the agreement.
Mullen said the conclusions and recommendations that grew from the Nuclear Posture Review informed the negotiations with Russia.
"The chiefs and I believe the new START treaty achieves important and necessary balance between three critical aims," Mullen said. "It allows us to retain a strong and flexible American nuclear deterrent. It ... strengthens openness and transparency in our relationship with Russia. It also demonstrates our national commitment to reducing the worldwide risk of nuclear incidents resulting from the continuing proliferation of nuclear weapons."
The chairman stressed that the treaty's central limits allows each side the freedom to determine its own force mix. The treaty also provides the United States with the flexibility to field the right force structure to meet the nation's needs.
"We plan to retain our triad of bombers, ballistic-missile submarines and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles in sufficient diversity and numbers to assure strategic stability between ourselves and the Russian Federation," Mullen said. "We will also maintain sufficient capability to deter other nuclear states."
Mullen said the treaty provides an array of verification measures to ensure compliance.
"This treaty is also a critical element in the president's agenda for reducing nuclear risks to the United States, our allies and partners and the wider international community," the chairman said.
START is important by itself, and should also be viewed in wider context, Mullen told the senators.
"It makes meaningful reductions in the U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals while strengthening strategic stability and U.S. national security," he said. "Coupled with the administration's clear commitment to prudently invest in our aging nuclear infrastructure and in nuclear-warhead life extension programs, this treaty is a very meaningful step forward."
American Forces Press Service
May 18, 2010 - The new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty with Russia is "the right thing for us to do," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today.
Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, who spoke for all of the service chiefs during his testimony, urged the senators to vote to ratify the agreement.
Mullen said the conclusions and recommendations that grew from the Nuclear Posture Review informed the negotiations with Russia.
"The chiefs and I believe the new START treaty achieves important and necessary balance between three critical aims," Mullen said. "It allows us to retain a strong and flexible American nuclear deterrent. It ... strengthens openness and transparency in our relationship with Russia. It also demonstrates our national commitment to reducing the worldwide risk of nuclear incidents resulting from the continuing proliferation of nuclear weapons."
The chairman stressed that the treaty's central limits allows each side the freedom to determine its own force mix. The treaty also provides the United States with the flexibility to field the right force structure to meet the nation's needs.
"We plan to retain our triad of bombers, ballistic-missile submarines and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles in sufficient diversity and numbers to assure strategic stability between ourselves and the Russian Federation," Mullen said. "We will also maintain sufficient capability to deter other nuclear states."
Mullen said the treaty provides an array of verification measures to ensure compliance.
"This treaty is also a critical element in the president's agenda for reducing nuclear risks to the United States, our allies and partners and the wider international community," the chairman said.
START is important by itself, and should also be viewed in wider context, Mullen told the senators.
"It makes meaningful reductions in the U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals while strengthening strategic stability and U.S. national security," he said. "Coupled with the administration's clear commitment to prudently invest in our aging nuclear infrastructure and in nuclear-warhead life extension programs, this treaty is a very meaningful step forward."
City of Bremerton Honors Veterans
May 18, 2010 - BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Service members throughout Kitsap County participated in the 62nd Annual Dignity Memorial Armed Forces Day Parade in Bremerton, Wash., May 15.
The parade is one of the many events during Armed Forces Week, where the city of Bremerton pays tribute to all veterans past and present.
"The city of Bremerton is integrated with the military, and this is our way of honoring our veterans and active duty service members," said Greg Wheeler, District 5 council member, City of Bremerton. "They are very important to us. Bremerton is a one-of-a-kind city. We are very welcoming and accepting of the military."
According to Chris Larsen, chairman of the Armed Forces Festival in Bremerton, this armed forces parade is the longest-running parade of its kind in the country. A parade in honor of a local war hero blossomed into a national day for all cities to honor all who have served.
"Sixty-two years ago it started here in Bremerton because of a man named John Bud Hawk, who was a war hero, and for two years this town put on a parade in his honor," said Larsen. "Our nation decided to set aside the third Saturday of May, 60 years ago, to hold up on high, all of the men and women of the armed forces."
Larsen also added that this year's parade has been the largest so far.
"There were 147 different entries in the parade, with each group having anywhere from 10 to 500 people in their respective groups. Approximately 40,000 people lined the streets along the parade route to watch, with nearly 500 volunteers helping with the parade," said Larsen.
Active duty service members who participated in the parade felt a great sense of appreciation for the support the city gives to its military citizens.
"It's an honor to participate in today's parade. Just the idea of being in the largest, longest running Armed Forces Day parade in America is just amazing," said Sonar Technician (Submarine) 1st Class (SS) Zachary Neubauer from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. "It's a good feeling to see the public's support of the military. There are a lot of places that don't have this kind of support, and I guess we're very lucky here in Kitsap County to have this kind of support."
Many veterans also walked the parade route, and they too, were appreciative of the support the city demonstrated.
"Being here is an emotional high," said Signalman 2nd Class Burke Waldron, a Navy veteran who served from 1943 to 1946. "I can't express in words, but it's just a great feeling to see the support for the military. The interaction with the crowd is just great."
Larsen credits the support of the bases throughout the area to help make the parade a success.
"With all of the help and support from Naval Base Kitsap, I just can't tell how over the top this year's parade is. By far, this is the largest," said Larsen. "I don't think there's any other town in America that loves their military more than Bremerton. We should be celebrating Armed Forces Day every day, because we want this to be the number one homeport for all of our service members. This is a safe and happy place, a place that loves and supports the military."
Swift Sailors Deliver Project Handclasp Aid in Jamaica
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rachael Leslie, Swift (HSV 2) Public Affairs
May 18, 2010 - PORT ANTONIO, Jamaica (NNS) -- Sailors on board high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) made two Project Handclasp aid deliveries in Port Antonio, Jamaica, May 12.
The group first visited the Port Antonio Hospital, where it delivered basic medical supplies, stuffed toys and other much-needed equipment such as stretchers, electro-surgery machines, suction machines and food items.
"I'm very honored to be able to transport the material that was brought to this hospital for you all from the United States," said Capt. Kurt Hedberg, mission commander of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010. "It's fantastic being here in Jamaica, and I hope we can extend this partnership long into the future."
The Navy's Project Handclasp program is designed to transport educational, humanitarian and goodwill material on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the U.S. Navy, along with the U.S. Embassy, for this donation," said Wendy Allen-Davis, senior medical officer at the Port Antonio Hospital. "We hope that we will continue this partnership and that we can also look forward for these gifts we are so very grateful for in the future."
Swift Sailors also stopped at the Port Antonio Infant School to deliver boxes of school supplies and toys. The Sailors also had the opportunity to spend some time playing and talking with the children at the school.
"It made me so happy to be able to interact with the children today," said Yeoman 1st Class (SW) Ursula Wilson, from New York. "It was great to be able to bring smiles to their faces and to both give and get hugs from them."
SPS 2010 is a deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the Caribbean and Latin America, with the primary goal of information sharing with navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout the region. This is the fourth SPS deployment in the USSOUTHCOM AOR and the vision is to continue this effort to maintain a persistent presence in the region as a way to further enhance strong relationships.
Swift is operated and navigated by 17 civilian contract mariners working for a private company under charter to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.
May 18, 2010 - PORT ANTONIO, Jamaica (NNS) -- Sailors on board high speed vessel Swift (HSV 2) made two Project Handclasp aid deliveries in Port Antonio, Jamaica, May 12.
The group first visited the Port Antonio Hospital, where it delivered basic medical supplies, stuffed toys and other much-needed equipment such as stretchers, electro-surgery machines, suction machines and food items.
"I'm very honored to be able to transport the material that was brought to this hospital for you all from the United States," said Capt. Kurt Hedberg, mission commander of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010. "It's fantastic being here in Jamaica, and I hope we can extend this partnership long into the future."
The Navy's Project Handclasp program is designed to transport educational, humanitarian and goodwill material on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the U.S. Navy, along with the U.S. Embassy, for this donation," said Wendy Allen-Davis, senior medical officer at the Port Antonio Hospital. "We hope that we will continue this partnership and that we can also look forward for these gifts we are so very grateful for in the future."
Swift Sailors also stopped at the Port Antonio Infant School to deliver boxes of school supplies and toys. The Sailors also had the opportunity to spend some time playing and talking with the children at the school.
"It made me so happy to be able to interact with the children today," said Yeoman 1st Class (SW) Ursula Wilson, from New York. "It was great to be able to bring smiles to their faces and to both give and get hugs from them."
SPS 2010 is a deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the Caribbean and Latin America, with the primary goal of information sharing with navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout the region. This is the fourth SPS deployment in the USSOUTHCOM AOR and the vision is to continue this effort to maintain a persistent presence in the region as a way to further enhance strong relationships.
Swift is operated and navigated by 17 civilian contract mariners working for a private company under charter to the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command.
Navy Week Concludes with Spokane Lilac Festival Torchlight Parade
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs
May 18, 2010 - SPOKANE, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 160,000 people from Spokane, Wash., surrounding communities and visitors attended the 72nd Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade May 15.
The parade was the conclusion of Spokane Navy Week during which the Navy Office of Community Outreach, Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Seattle and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Spokane joined forces to showcase the Navy May 10-15.
Spokane Navy Week, anchored alongside Spokane's Lilac Festival, was one of 20 Navy Weeks being held across the United States in 2010.
"It's a privilege and honor to have the Navy with us this week," said Spokane Mayor Mary Verner. "The city wants to honor and thank the Navy and all our military."
Highlighting the Navy's participation in the festival, Vice Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5), served as an honorary grand marshal of the Lilac Festival Parade. Clingan also made appearances at the Spokane Sea Services Museum, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51 and NOSC Spokane May 15.
"I am privileged to serve with you," said Clingan, addressing the Navy Reservists at NOSC Spokane. "You have a vocal advocate for your service and your needs."
Clingan and Rear Adm. James A. Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest, also participated in several engagements earlier in the week.
Clingan helped judge a car show during festival activities in Riverside Park in downtown Spokane. He was also interviewed by radio personalities broadcasting live in the park.
Navy Region Northwest's rock band, "Passage," entertained park visitors prior to the parade, and a Navy simulator, featuring live-action Navy films programmed to move in sync with point-of-view imagery presented on a large screen, provided additional entertainment.
Spokane's Navy Week was packed with Navy Band concerts, civic, corporate and area school engagements and history presentations, as well as other community service projects supported by Sailors from USS Constitution, NOSC Spokane and NRD Seattle. Sailors volunteered at the regional food bank and helped at a Habitat for Humanity job site.
May 18, 2010 - SPOKANE, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 160,000 people from Spokane, Wash., surrounding communities and visitors attended the 72nd Spokane Lilac Festival Armed Forces Torchlight Parade May 15.
The parade was the conclusion of Spokane Navy Week during which the Navy Office of Community Outreach, Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Seattle and Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Spokane joined forces to showcase the Navy May 10-15.
Spokane Navy Week, anchored alongside Spokane's Lilac Festival, was one of 20 Navy Weeks being held across the United States in 2010.
"It's a privilege and honor to have the Navy with us this week," said Spokane Mayor Mary Verner. "The city wants to honor and thank the Navy and all our military."
Highlighting the Navy's participation in the festival, Vice Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, deputy chief of naval operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5), served as an honorary grand marshal of the Lilac Festival Parade. Clingan also made appearances at the Spokane Sea Services Museum, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 51 and NOSC Spokane May 15.
"I am privileged to serve with you," said Clingan, addressing the Navy Reservists at NOSC Spokane. "You have a vocal advocate for your service and your needs."
Clingan and Rear Adm. James A. Symonds, commander, Navy Region Northwest, also participated in several engagements earlier in the week.
Clingan helped judge a car show during festival activities in Riverside Park in downtown Spokane. He was also interviewed by radio personalities broadcasting live in the park.
Navy Region Northwest's rock band, "Passage," entertained park visitors prior to the parade, and a Navy simulator, featuring live-action Navy films programmed to move in sync with point-of-view imagery presented on a large screen, provided additional entertainment.
Spokane's Navy Week was packed with Navy Band concerts, civic, corporate and area school engagements and history presentations, as well as other community service projects supported by Sailors from USS Constitution, NOSC Spokane and NRD Seattle. Sailors volunteered at the regional food bank and helped at a Habitat for Humanity job site.
Blue Angels Highlight Joint Service Open House
May 18, 2010 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. (NNS) -- As the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team roared overhead, more than 79,000 visitors at the Joint Service Open House stood in awe at the spectacle at Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington on May 15 and 16.
The two-day event kicked off with opening comments from Lt. Gen. Phillip M. Breedlove, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Plans and Requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington. Steven Shepro, commander 316th Wing and Installation Commander of Joint Base Andrews, and the national anthem being sung by Ms. Brook Poklemba, Miss Maryland 2009.
"This air show is a way to thank the community in the Washington capital region for all the support that they give all the branches of the military," said Capt. Timothy Fox, commanding officer of Naval Air Facility, Washington. "It's special because of the fact that it hosts every branch and presents an air show that highlights the power and projection of the U.S. military."
The Joint Service Open House at Andrews showcased aerial performers from all branches of the military services, as well as civilian stunt pilots and dozens of ground displays.
Other aerial highlight included the Army's Golden Knights parachute team, an Air Force F-22 Raptor and a Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier.
The Blue Angels generally alternate with the Air Force Thunderbirds for the open house, which has been held nearly every year since the 1940s.
This was the first Joint Service Open House conducted by Team Andrews members at the newly minted Joint Base Andrews, underscoring the essential nature of joint operations in today's military.
Sasebo Motorcyclists Stay Safe Through Training, Practice
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey H. Kyhl, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det., Sasebo
May 18, 2010 - SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Sailors and DoD civilians participated in a motorcycle safety training course May 14 in Sasebo, Japan.
According to the Joint Service Safety Council, motorcycle safety and training is the number one non-combat safety concern across the services.
May is Motorcycle Safety Month and is geared to lowering the annual number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities among service members.
"Riders need to have safety on their minds every time they climb onto a bike," said Roland Kallead, CFAS traffic safety instructor. "They need to wear the proper personal protective equipment and know how to skillfully control their bikes. This course teaches that."
The course began with an overview of motorcycle riding and its inherent dangers.
Takachi Ueno, lead instructor and a Japanese motorcycle police officer, spoke with each participant about the capabilities of their motorcycles. The specifics of cruisers, power scooters, sport, enduro and touring bikes were all discussed.
"The most important aspect of motorcycle safety is knowing your bike," said Ueno. "Every type of bike rides differently."
"Motorcycle Safety Month isn't just for motorcycle riders," said Kallead. "Warmer weather will bring more motorcycles onto the streets, and all drivers need to be aware of that and look out for them. A community of defensive drivers would be a safe one to travel through."
Kallead said that the most common mistakes riders make are speeding and trying to push the envelope.
"Courses like this serve to break bad habits before they start," said Lt. Mark Ames, USS Denver (LPD 9) command chaplain. "This is the third safety course I have attended since I began riding, and I know it keeps me riding safely."
Thirteen participants navigated various skill courses and practiced emergency braking for more than two hours, while four Japanese motorcycle police officers performed examples and offered advice.
"This course improves the skills and techniques of the participants so that they will be better prepared for the hazards and normal obstacles they will come across out in town," said Kellead. "Motorcycle safety is not luck. It's about practice, training and being prepared."
May 18, 2010 - SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Commander, Fleet Activities Sasebo (CFAS) Sailors and DoD civilians participated in a motorcycle safety training course May 14 in Sasebo, Japan.
According to the Joint Service Safety Council, motorcycle safety and training is the number one non-combat safety concern across the services.
May is Motorcycle Safety Month and is geared to lowering the annual number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities among service members.
"Riders need to have safety on their minds every time they climb onto a bike," said Roland Kallead, CFAS traffic safety instructor. "They need to wear the proper personal protective equipment and know how to skillfully control their bikes. This course teaches that."
The course began with an overview of motorcycle riding and its inherent dangers.
Takachi Ueno, lead instructor and a Japanese motorcycle police officer, spoke with each participant about the capabilities of their motorcycles. The specifics of cruisers, power scooters, sport, enduro and touring bikes were all discussed.
"The most important aspect of motorcycle safety is knowing your bike," said Ueno. "Every type of bike rides differently."
"Motorcycle Safety Month isn't just for motorcycle riders," said Kallead. "Warmer weather will bring more motorcycles onto the streets, and all drivers need to be aware of that and look out for them. A community of defensive drivers would be a safe one to travel through."
Kallead said that the most common mistakes riders make are speeding and trying to push the envelope.
"Courses like this serve to break bad habits before they start," said Lt. Mark Ames, USS Denver (LPD 9) command chaplain. "This is the third safety course I have attended since I began riding, and I know it keeps me riding safely."
Thirteen participants navigated various skill courses and practiced emergency braking for more than two hours, while four Japanese motorcycle police officers performed examples and offered advice.
"This course improves the skills and techniques of the participants so that they will be better prepared for the hazards and normal obstacles they will come across out in town," said Kellead. "Motorcycle safety is not luck. It's about practice, training and being prepared."
Wasp Puts Sexual Assault Awareness in the Forefront
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Justin Thomas, USS Wasp Public Affairs
May 18, 2010 - USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) took time, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, to acknowledge this serious issue that people all over the nation face almost daily.
According to the Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website, approximately 35 new sexual assault cases are initiated each month by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
During fiscal year 2009, aggravated sexual assault comprised 43 percent of reports, wrongful sexual contact comprised 20 percent, and rape reports 15 percent. Statistics also show that 62 percent of all Navy reported sexual assaults were service member on service member, making it what is widely believed to be one of the most under-reported crimes in the Navy and nation.
In an April 16 podcast to the fleet, Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, director of the Navy's personnel, plans and policy division said, "the Navy stands behind the nation in its efforts to raise awareness and promote the prevention of sexual assault across the country by focusing on internal initiatives, programs, and policies during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the theme, 'Hurts one, affects all.' Preventing sexual assault is everyone's duty."
Holloway encouraged individuals to embrace their role in stepping forward to stop sexual assault and underscored the services efforts to eradicate sexual assault among its ranks.
According to Ensign Jodi Biermann, Wasp's sexual assault prevention and response coordinator (SAPR), the significance of the month cannot be understated because it affords Sailors an opportunity to learn about a topic that is often considered taboo.
"This month is a time to reflect on how SAPR offers preventative education, victim intervention services, and comprehensive victim advocacy," said Biermann. "Also, it promotes sensitive, coordinated and effective management of sexual assault cases with command Sexual Assault Victim Intervention representatives and medical personnel."
In 2005, the Pentagon created the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to coordinate military-wide education and response efforts by a network of sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates. This office allowed service members to make confidential "restricted" reports of sexual assaults — to seek care without triggering an investigation — in order to get more victims to come forward.
Sexual assaults are considered by many to be purely a physical attack; however, sexual assaults can affect a person's psyche, and leave a person's family traumatized with feelings of guilt because they weren't able to "protect" the victim.
"[A sexual assault victim's] family and friends can suffer just as well as they do," said Biermann. "Guilt is a large ordeal that the family will go through, and it can make the situation for all parties involved even more difficult."
The Department of Defense's has a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual assaults and offenses are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
"Sexual assault is not acceptable in any situation, whether it is an unwanted touch of any kind, or even the worst case of rape," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Annie Davis. "I'm glad that there are various programs such as the SAVI, which assists and empowers victims to get the help they need to move on from such a tragedy."
May 18, 2010 - USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) took time, in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, to acknowledge this serious issue that people all over the nation face almost daily.
According to the Navy's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response website, approximately 35 new sexual assault cases are initiated each month by the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
During fiscal year 2009, aggravated sexual assault comprised 43 percent of reports, wrongful sexual contact comprised 20 percent, and rape reports 15 percent. Statistics also show that 62 percent of all Navy reported sexual assaults were service member on service member, making it what is widely believed to be one of the most under-reported crimes in the Navy and nation.
In an April 16 podcast to the fleet, Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, director of the Navy's personnel, plans and policy division said, "the Navy stands behind the nation in its efforts to raise awareness and promote the prevention of sexual assault across the country by focusing on internal initiatives, programs, and policies during Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the theme, 'Hurts one, affects all.' Preventing sexual assault is everyone's duty."
Holloway encouraged individuals to embrace their role in stepping forward to stop sexual assault and underscored the services efforts to eradicate sexual assault among its ranks.
According to Ensign Jodi Biermann, Wasp's sexual assault prevention and response coordinator (SAPR), the significance of the month cannot be understated because it affords Sailors an opportunity to learn about a topic that is often considered taboo.
"This month is a time to reflect on how SAPR offers preventative education, victim intervention services, and comprehensive victim advocacy," said Biermann. "Also, it promotes sensitive, coordinated and effective management of sexual assault cases with command Sexual Assault Victim Intervention representatives and medical personnel."
In 2005, the Pentagon created the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office to coordinate military-wide education and response efforts by a network of sexual assault response coordinators and victim advocates. This office allowed service members to make confidential "restricted" reports of sexual assaults — to seek care without triggering an investigation — in order to get more victims to come forward.
Sexual assaults are considered by many to be purely a physical attack; however, sexual assaults can affect a person's psyche, and leave a person's family traumatized with feelings of guilt because they weren't able to "protect" the victim.
"[A sexual assault victim's] family and friends can suffer just as well as they do," said Biermann. "Guilt is a large ordeal that the family will go through, and it can make the situation for all parties involved even more difficult."
The Department of Defense's has a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual assaults and offenses are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
"Sexual assault is not acceptable in any situation, whether it is an unwanted touch of any kind, or even the worst case of rape," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Annie Davis. "I'm glad that there are various programs such as the SAVI, which assists and empowers victims to get the help they need to move on from such a tragedy."
Recalled Helmets No 'Direct Risk' to Soldiers
By Army Master Sgt. Doug Sample
Army News Service
May 17, 2010 - The Army recall of 44,000 Advanced Combat Helmets that were issued to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan is the result of a Department of Justice investigation as well as independent tests that show the helmets do not meet Army standards, military officials said today.
Army officials say the recalled helmets are not a "direct risk" to soldiers.
Army Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller told reporters today that while the helmets failed to meet Army standards, there is no evidence that any soldier was ever harmed from their use. The recalled helmets provided a safe degree of protection, Fuller said, but they were "just not up to our standards." The Army, he said, is withdrawing the helmets from the field.
Fuller heads up Program Executive Office-Soldier, a Fort Belvoir, Va.,-based organization that oversees the development and testing of Army equipment.
The recall involves about 4 percent of about 1.6 million Advanced Combat Helmets that are in the Army's inventory, PEO-Soldier officials said.
Fuller said the Army issued a May 13 directive to combatant commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan calling for the immediate turn-in of helmets manufactured by ArmorSource, the contractor.
The recall, Fuller explained, is the result of a Department of Justice investigation, and individual tests conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., which proved the helmet did not meet Army standards. The general said he could not elaborate on the DOJ findings because of the ongoing investigation.
"Our number-one mission is to ensure every soldier's lethal survivability equipment can survive in any environment, and a helmet is a personal piece of equipment that provides that survivability," Fuller said. "We want to make sure they never have any question as to whether or not this will be able to stop what it needs to stop."
Fuller said the Army began the recall process immediately upon notification of the DOJ investigation and after the results of independent testing revealed flaws in the ballistic capability of the helmet. In January, the Army was notified by the DOJ of the investigation after the paint on some helmets began peeling. The helmets were then subjected to further tests by the Army, which determined the ballistic defect.
The recall notice was issued as a precautionary measure, Fuller said.
So far, none of the recalled helmets have been found at the Bagram Airfield Central Issue Facility, the main supply hub for troops deployed in Afghanistan, PEO-Soldier officials said.
Mike Brown, the director of supply for Army logistics, said helmet inspections are currently underway in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recalled helmets are being turned in, he said.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bernard C. McPherson, the PEO-Soldier senior enlisted advisor, said the Army is working at every level to ensure all affected helmets are accounted for.
"Helmets in the field will be detected during pre-combat checks and inspections by sergeants and [other] leaders," McPherson said.
Army Col. William Cole, the project manager for Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, said ArmorSource had manufactured roughly 102,000 of the Advanced Combat Helmets. Of that number, he said, 55,000 helmets remain in the warehouse supply system, with about 3,000 having been issued to other services through the Defense Supply Center, Philadelphia.
The Army is committed to finding and obtaining all of the defective helmets, Cole said. "That's why we are doing this through diligence, right now, to find them," he said.
The Army has three other helmet manufacturers. They are: MSA North America, BAE Systems, and Gentex Corp.
Army News Service
May 17, 2010 - The Army recall of 44,000 Advanced Combat Helmets that were issued to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan is the result of a Department of Justice investigation as well as independent tests that show the helmets do not meet Army standards, military officials said today.
Army officials say the recalled helmets are not a "direct risk" to soldiers.
Army Brig. Gen. Peter Fuller told reporters today that while the helmets failed to meet Army standards, there is no evidence that any soldier was ever harmed from their use. The recalled helmets provided a safe degree of protection, Fuller said, but they were "just not up to our standards." The Army, he said, is withdrawing the helmets from the field.
Fuller heads up Program Executive Office-Soldier, a Fort Belvoir, Va.,-based organization that oversees the development and testing of Army equipment.
The recall involves about 4 percent of about 1.6 million Advanced Combat Helmets that are in the Army's inventory, PEO-Soldier officials said.
Fuller said the Army issued a May 13 directive to combatant commanders in Iraq and Afghanistan calling for the immediate turn-in of helmets manufactured by ArmorSource, the contractor.
The recall, Fuller explained, is the result of a Department of Justice investigation, and individual tests conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., which proved the helmet did not meet Army standards. The general said he could not elaborate on the DOJ findings because of the ongoing investigation.
"Our number-one mission is to ensure every soldier's lethal survivability equipment can survive in any environment, and a helmet is a personal piece of equipment that provides that survivability," Fuller said. "We want to make sure they never have any question as to whether or not this will be able to stop what it needs to stop."
Fuller said the Army began the recall process immediately upon notification of the DOJ investigation and after the results of independent testing revealed flaws in the ballistic capability of the helmet. In January, the Army was notified by the DOJ of the investigation after the paint on some helmets began peeling. The helmets were then subjected to further tests by the Army, which determined the ballistic defect.
The recall notice was issued as a precautionary measure, Fuller said.
So far, none of the recalled helmets have been found at the Bagram Airfield Central Issue Facility, the main supply hub for troops deployed in Afghanistan, PEO-Soldier officials said.
Mike Brown, the director of supply for Army logistics, said helmet inspections are currently underway in Iraq and Afghanistan. Recalled helmets are being turned in, he said.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bernard C. McPherson, the PEO-Soldier senior enlisted advisor, said the Army is working at every level to ensure all affected helmets are accounted for.
"Helmets in the field will be detected during pre-combat checks and inspections by sergeants and [other] leaders," McPherson said.
Army Col. William Cole, the project manager for Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment, said ArmorSource had manufactured roughly 102,000 of the Advanced Combat Helmets. Of that number, he said, 55,000 helmets remain in the warehouse supply system, with about 3,000 having been issued to other services through the Defense Supply Center, Philadelphia.
The Army is committed to finding and obtaining all of the defective helmets, Cole said. "That's why we are doing this through diligence, right now, to find them," he said.
The Army has three other helmet manufacturers. They are: MSA North America, BAE Systems, and Gentex Corp.
Navy Announces New SRB levels
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
May 18, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy has adjusted Selective Reenlistment Program (SRB) levels to match reenlistment needs for critical skills and ratings, including the hardest to fill areas such as nuclear operators, Aegis fire controlmen, and air intercept controllers.
NAVADMIN 175/10 approves 24 increases in SRB award levels and 10 decreases. Award levels in 124 categories remain unchanged, one was added and 12 award levels were removed.
"The Selective Reenlistment Bonus program allows Navy to properly incentivize high-demand Sailors with critical skills in order to maintain a prepared force, which is ready and able to execute global operations in today's complex security environment," said Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, director of Navy's Personnel, Plans and Policy division. "Having a flexible and responsive SRB program helps minimize over or under execution of critical skill retention goals and allows Navy to maximize use of our allotted resources."
SRB is a dynamic market-based incentive designed to retain Sailors in the Navy's most critical ratings and NECs. The science of behavioral economics informs our decisions when we adjust SRB.
"People are our most valuable resource and we are a world class Navy because of their skills and professional dedication," said Holloway. "The intent of the SRB is to reward those who attain training in skills most critical to Navy's current needs and mission requirements. We know our Sailors have a strong direct effect on all readiness resource areas; we must never forget this."
May 18, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy has adjusted Selective Reenlistment Program (SRB) levels to match reenlistment needs for critical skills and ratings, including the hardest to fill areas such as nuclear operators, Aegis fire controlmen, and air intercept controllers.
NAVADMIN 175/10 approves 24 increases in SRB award levels and 10 decreases. Award levels in 124 categories remain unchanged, one was added and 12 award levels were removed.
"The Selective Reenlistment Bonus program allows Navy to properly incentivize high-demand Sailors with critical skills in order to maintain a prepared force, which is ready and able to execute global operations in today's complex security environment," said Rear Adm. Dan Holloway, director of Navy's Personnel, Plans and Policy division. "Having a flexible and responsive SRB program helps minimize over or under execution of critical skill retention goals and allows Navy to maximize use of our allotted resources."
SRB is a dynamic market-based incentive designed to retain Sailors in the Navy's most critical ratings and NECs. The science of behavioral economics informs our decisions when we adjust SRB.
"People are our most valuable resource and we are a world class Navy because of their skills and professional dedication," said Holloway. "The intent of the SRB is to reward those who attain training in skills most critical to Navy's current needs and mission requirements. We know our Sailors have a strong direct effect on all readiness resource areas; we must never forget this."
Sesame Street Entertains Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Families
May 18, 2010 - VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Local military families from the Hampton Roads, Va., community enjoyed four performances by five characters from the hit children's TV show, "Sesame Street," at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek's Gator Theater May 15–16. Sponsored by United Service Organizations (USO), the 25-minute "Sesame Street/USO Experience for Military Families," featuring Elmo, Grover, Cookie Monster, Rosita and Zoe, is designed to address the concerns of today's military families as they deal with the hardships of deployments and lengthy separations.
"The show is based on 'Sesame Workshop's Talk, Listen, Connect' DVD," said Lonnie Cooper, USO tour producer for the show. "It serves as a resource to help military families deal with the challenges of having a parent deploy, while also providing family entertainment."
Not only did singing and dancing fill the air, but so did the message the puppets had for the packed auditorium.
"It's the messages in the songs that really resonate with kids and parents," said Cooper. "I can't tell you how many times I've heard how a family went to the show, listened to the messages and then went home and listened to what their kids had to say about the experience."
"I couldn't agree more with what the show brings home to military families," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Kristopher Duncan, assigned to USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79). "I'm about to deploy, so sharing this experience with my wife and little girl was good for us."
"I've been in [the Navy] for 15 years, and this was my first experience with the program," continued Duncan. "The show was great and my daughter loved it."
Planning for the show took time and careful consideration.
"Sesame Workshop and the USO have worked hard to bring the tour to life and onto the doorsteps of today's military families," said Cooper. "Countless hours have gone into this process as each installation we present the show at is carefully and thoughtfully planned out."
Cooper added that installations with the greatest deployment rates are put at the very top of the list when choosing where to perform next.
What began in 2008 is now the longest-running entertainment tour in USO history and the first-ever traveling USO tour designed specifically for military families.
It has logged more than 45,500 miles spanning nine countries and has been viewed by more than 120,000 service members and their families at 76 military bases.
U.S., Vietnam servicemembers continue humanitarian efforts
36th Wing Public Affairs
5/17/2010 - TRUONG THANH, Vietnam (AFNS) -- U.S. and Vietnamese servicemembers continued their humanitarian efforts in villages surrounding Can Tho as part of Operation Pacific Angel 2010 scheduled through May 15 here.
The U.S. and Vietnamese civil engineering teams supporting Pacific Angel 2010 have increased the maximum capacity of two local village clinics here and in Tan Thoi, Vietnam. The CE teams installed lights, repainted walls, installed new ceiling fans, windows and doors at the clinics. Rooms at both clinics received final touch-ups, and site clean-up continues at both sites. Additional masonry and signage was also completed at both sites.
In addition to work being provided by civil engineers here, the U.S. and Vietnamese medical teams provided care for 1,605 patient visits to the pediatrics, family practice, optometry, dental, and women's health clinics respectively. Of the 1,605 patient visits, 474 were at pediatrics, 582 at family practice, 328 at optometry, 126 at dental, 95 to the women's health clinic and 3,500 prescriptions were provided to those patients seen.
Despite the language barriers between U.S. and Vietnamese servicemembers, translators are helping to make the mission a success. The translators are helping to ensure two-way communication between doctor and patient is effectively communicated and patients receive proper care and treatment during their visit.
"We grab meds and we give them to the Vietnamese pharmacists," said Airman 1st Class Hai Nguyen, from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. "And if they have any questions about any of the (prescriptions) that our doctors write in English, I'll go ahead and translate it for them."
Operation Pacific Angel is a Pacific Air Forces program led by the 13th Air Force at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
The operation is a joint and combined humanitarian assistance operation conducted in the Pacific area in support of the members of the U.S. Pacific Command's capacity-building efforts. It also provides an opportunity for civil and military operators to train together with a focus on civic assistance.
Air Force senior leaders take FY 2011 budget request to Capitol Hill
by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
5/17/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force's top two leaders addressed the service's fiscal year 2011 budget request before the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee May 12 here.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained how the request for baseline funds of $119.6 billion and overseas contingency operations funds of $20.8 billion would enable the service to prevail in current and future conflicts as outlined in the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.
During opening remarks, the secretary said Air Force officials will continue to balance resources and risks as they invests in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; space and space-related systems; and surge operations in Afghanistan.
"Our priorities are clear, we must make the most of those resources available to balance capability against risk and balance winning today's wars against preparing for tomorrow's," Secretary Donley said. "We must prevent and deter future conflict where we can and continue to be prepared for and succeed across the full spectrum of conflict."
All Airmen understand the importance of fulfilling their mission, guided everyday by the Air Force core values, General Schwartz said.
"The United States Air Force is fully committed to effective stewardship that (the Senate) and the nation place in our trust," General Schwartz said. "Guided by integrity, service and excellence, our core values, America's Airmen are performing courageously every day with precision and reliability on behalf of the American people."
The secretary and the chief responded to questions from the senators on a variety of subjects ranging from force structure to maintaining the aerospace industrial base. Of particular interest to the committee was Air Force officials' progress on the service's recapitalization efforts for its tanker and fighter fleet, as well as manpower, given rising personnel costs.
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), chairman of the subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, asked how the service planned to meet personnel requirements in new and emerging missions.
Secretary Donley answered, "This has been a tremendous challenge that the Air Force has stepped up to do.
"Our end strength is planned to be stable at about 330,000, but inside that active-duty end-strength, we are making the internal adjustments necessary to man the (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems and the intelligence support as it comes online," Secretary Donley said.
The Senate Appropriations Committee-Defense testimony was the final Air Force Posture hearing to Congress on the FY11 budget request.
(Master Sgt. Russell Petcoff and Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson contributed to this story.)
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
5/17/2010 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force's top two leaders addressed the service's fiscal year 2011 budget request before the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee May 12 here.
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explained how the request for baseline funds of $119.6 billion and overseas contingency operations funds of $20.8 billion would enable the service to prevail in current and future conflicts as outlined in the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review.
During opening remarks, the secretary said Air Force officials will continue to balance resources and risks as they invests in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; space and space-related systems; and surge operations in Afghanistan.
"Our priorities are clear, we must make the most of those resources available to balance capability against risk and balance winning today's wars against preparing for tomorrow's," Secretary Donley said. "We must prevent and deter future conflict where we can and continue to be prepared for and succeed across the full spectrum of conflict."
All Airmen understand the importance of fulfilling their mission, guided everyday by the Air Force core values, General Schwartz said.
"The United States Air Force is fully committed to effective stewardship that (the Senate) and the nation place in our trust," General Schwartz said. "Guided by integrity, service and excellence, our core values, America's Airmen are performing courageously every day with precision and reliability on behalf of the American people."
The secretary and the chief responded to questions from the senators on a variety of subjects ranging from force structure to maintaining the aerospace industrial base. Of particular interest to the committee was Air Force officials' progress on the service's recapitalization efforts for its tanker and fighter fleet, as well as manpower, given rising personnel costs.
Senator Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), chairman of the subcommittee and the Senate Appropriations Committee, asked how the service planned to meet personnel requirements in new and emerging missions.
Secretary Donley answered, "This has been a tremendous challenge that the Air Force has stepped up to do.
"Our end strength is planned to be stable at about 330,000, but inside that active-duty end-strength, we are making the internal adjustments necessary to man the (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) systems and the intelligence support as it comes online," Secretary Donley said.
The Senate Appropriations Committee-Defense testimony was the final Air Force Posture hearing to Congress on the FY11 budget request.
(Master Sgt. Russell Petcoff and Tech. Sgt. Phyllis Hanson contributed to this story.)
U.S. Air Force delivers humanitarian cargo to flood-stricken Tajikistan
by Capt. Justin Brockhoff
618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
5/17/2010 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- An Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III aircrew delivered approximately 100,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies valued at $250,000 to Tajikistan May 16, following two weeks of flooding and mudslides in the nation.
The flooding, caused by heavy annual rains, killed at least 24 people, destroyed homes, schools and flooded hundreds of roadways. The cargo delivered by U.S. forces includes tents and other supplies to provide temporary shelter for families displaced by the disaster.
The C-17 and its crew are assigned to the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Southwest Asia. They flew the mission from their deployed location to Kulob, Tajikistan, approximately 70 miles southwest of Dushanbe, the Tajik capital. The mission was operated in coordination with Soldiers from the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade.
Airmen from the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. planned, tasked and acted as command and control for the region. As the 18th Air Force's hub for global operations, members of the 618th TACC plan, schedule and direct a fleet of nearly 1,300 mobility aircraft in support of strategic airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations around the world.
"The C-17 crews and aircraft that make up the expeditionary airlift squadrons are deployed primarily to provide airlift and airdrop capabilities to (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and (Operation Enduring Freedom)," said Capt. Dan O'Keefe, a C-17 pilot and the lead 618th TACC mission planner for the relief mission. "But our operations are flexible and the missions we coordinate from the 618th TACC can move other requirements when and where they're needed."
Planning for a humanitarian effort is a more complicated compared to everyday planning for missions flying in Iraq and Afghanistan, Captain O'Keefe said.
"In this case, we're moving away from the established process we have for flying missions in OIF and OEF and adding more layers of coordination since we're flying into a different country," he said. "It has taken continuous, ongoing communication with (Central Command) officials, direct coordination with the Defense Attaché's Office at the Embassy in Tajikistan and more."
The response in Tajikistan comes while AMC Airmen are still actively engaged in recovery efforts in Haiti, following the 7.0-magnitude quake that devastated the nation in mid-January.
"Our role as Air Mobility Command's execution arm is to support the needs of U.S. and coalition troops around the world, but we can quickly shift our operations to support a humanitarian operation when a disaster strikes," said Brig. Gen. Randy A. Kee, the 618th TACC vice commander. "That was the case when we started operations in Haiti in January and again when we delivered supplies to Chile after an earthquake there a couple months later. Now, we're working to answer that call again, this time in Tajikistan, all while continuing to fly missions in support Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom."
618th Tanker Airlift Control Center Public Affairs
5/17/2010 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) -- An Air Mobility Command C-17 Globemaster III aircrew delivered approximately 100,000 pounds of humanitarian supplies valued at $250,000 to Tajikistan May 16, following two weeks of flooding and mudslides in the nation.
The flooding, caused by heavy annual rains, killed at least 24 people, destroyed homes, schools and flooded hundreds of roadways. The cargo delivered by U.S. forces includes tents and other supplies to provide temporary shelter for families displaced by the disaster.
The C-17 and its crew are assigned to the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in Southwest Asia. They flew the mission from their deployed location to Kulob, Tajikistan, approximately 70 miles southwest of Dushanbe, the Tajik capital. The mission was operated in coordination with Soldiers from the 321st Civil Affairs Brigade.
Airmen from the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. planned, tasked and acted as command and control for the region. As the 18th Air Force's hub for global operations, members of the 618th TACC plan, schedule and direct a fleet of nearly 1,300 mobility aircraft in support of strategic airlift, air refueling and aeromedical evacuation operations around the world.
"The C-17 crews and aircraft that make up the expeditionary airlift squadrons are deployed primarily to provide airlift and airdrop capabilities to (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and (Operation Enduring Freedom)," said Capt. Dan O'Keefe, a C-17 pilot and the lead 618th TACC mission planner for the relief mission. "But our operations are flexible and the missions we coordinate from the 618th TACC can move other requirements when and where they're needed."
Planning for a humanitarian effort is a more complicated compared to everyday planning for missions flying in Iraq and Afghanistan, Captain O'Keefe said.
"In this case, we're moving away from the established process we have for flying missions in OIF and OEF and adding more layers of coordination since we're flying into a different country," he said. "It has taken continuous, ongoing communication with (Central Command) officials, direct coordination with the Defense Attaché's Office at the Embassy in Tajikistan and more."
The response in Tajikistan comes while AMC Airmen are still actively engaged in recovery efforts in Haiti, following the 7.0-magnitude quake that devastated the nation in mid-January.
"Our role as Air Mobility Command's execution arm is to support the needs of U.S. and coalition troops around the world, but we can quickly shift our operations to support a humanitarian operation when a disaster strikes," said Brig. Gen. Randy A. Kee, the 618th TACC vice commander. "That was the case when we started operations in Haiti in January and again when we delivered supplies to Chile after an earthquake there a couple months later. Now, we're working to answer that call again, this time in Tajikistan, all while continuing to fly missions in support Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom."
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