A Conversation with the Commandant

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

If you could ask the Commandant of the Coast Guard one question, what would it be?

Five female cadets, in D.C. for the AcademyWomen Leadership Symposium, were faced with answering this question as they met with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Bob Papp. This once in a career opportunity made them privy to the ultimate insider tips on what it takes to be a Coast Guardsmen.

The intimidation factor was ever present as the five young cadets sat down across from Adm. Papp. But before the conversation started, Papp pulled out his chair from behind the desk and sat off to the side, creating an open atmosphere and helping to put the cadets at ease.

As the conversation began to unfold, First Class Cadet Jenna Carpenter asked a question about her opportunities for a first tour afloat. She had the desire to serve afloat, but was there space?

Papp replied frankly that this was one thing he was absolutely working on. While the service is acquiring new cutters with better co-ed accommodations like the National Security Cutter, it is also changing the structure on existing platforms to better accommodate female members.

“This is a challenge facing us now,” said Papp. “I want you to think about it, and shoot me an e-mail, I’m in the directory.”

The cadets laughed at the prospect of e-mailing him, but more importantly his imploring for ideas prompted First Class Cadet Laura Delgado to share her experience of being stationed on a 110-foot patrol boat for her summer assignment. She had issues with her berthing situation, but admitted the time aboard was invaluable for her professional development.

As Delgado spoke, there was a visible change in Papp’s body language. Previously leaning forward and animated, he sat back and took it all in.

Through the continued storytelling and exchanging of ideas, the once nervous laughter and chatter turned into a comfortable and honest dialogue.

“When you were a cadet, did you ever imagine becoming Commandant?” asked First Class Cadet Allison Majcher.

“There were days when I didn’t even think I would graduate the Academy,” said Papp. “I never imagined and I never planned to be Commandant, I just picked jobs I knew I would enjoy.”

The cadets had gone well over their allotted time, but there was still time for one more question – “What is something you know now, that you wish you knew as an Ensign?”

Papp unhesitatingly responded, “I wish I would have gone to the Chief’s Mess.”

The first time he visited the Chief’s Mess he was “requested” to be there, the Admiral noted. A request a junior officer should initiate rather than the Chiefs. He told the cadets that to this day he still seeks advice, guidance and counsel from the Chief’s Mess.

As the meeting drew to a close and the cadets took advantage of the photo opportunity, they also reflected on the conversations that just occurred.

“It was very flattering for the commandant to take time out of his day to meet with the five of us,” said 1/c Cadet Raven Holm. “A lot of amazing opportunities come up in the Coast Guard by virtue of it being such a small and versatile service, and Adm. Papp’s willingness to spend time with us really spoke to that.”

“My favorite part was when Adm. Papp talked about his family,” said Second Class Cadet Madeline Buchert. “It showed that as important as Adm. Papp is to the Coast Guard, his family still holds to be one of his highest priorities.”

Adm. Papp started the conversation by saying the cadet’s unvarnished observations were valuable to him. But, there was no doubt that the unvarnished responses from Adm. Papp were even more valuable to the cadets.

Missing WWII Naval Aviators Identified

The Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two servicemen, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and are being returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Navy Lt. Francis B. McIntyre of Mitchell, S.D., will be buried on Sept. 29, and Aviation Radioman Second Class William L. Russell of Cherokee, Okla., will be buried on Oct. 1. Both men will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

On Nov. 10, 1943, the two men took off on a bombing and strafing mission in their SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber from Munda Field, New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands.  Witnesses last saw the aircraft flying at low altitude through a large explosion on an enemy airfield on Buka Island, Papua New Guinea.  None reported seeing the crash of the aircraft itself.

The American Graves Registration Service searched numerous South Pacific Islands in 1949 in an effort to gather data about aircraft crashes or missing Americans.  The team was unable to find any useful information, and failed to recover any American remains in the area.  A board of review declared both men unrecoverable.

In 2007, a Papuan national found a World War II crash site near the Buka airport, which was reported to U.S. officials.  In May 2008, specialists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), working with the country’s national museum, investigated the crash site but were unable to excavate it because of inclement weather.  Local officials turned over human remains, McIntyre’s identification tag and other military-related items which had been recovered earlier.  After examining the remains in 2008 and 2009, JPAC determined that no excavation would be required since the two sets of remains were nearly complete.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dental comparisons for both men and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA which matched a sample from Russell’s relatives and DNA extracted from a hat belonging to McIntyre.

At the end of World War II, the U.S. government was unable to recover, identify and bury approximately 79,000 individuals. Today, more than 72,000 Americans remain unaccounted-for from the conflict.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, call 703-699-1420 or visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo.

Family Matters Blog: Guardsmen Help Families in Kosovo

By Heather Forsgren Weaver

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2010 – Heather Forsgren Weaver of American Forces Press Service is a regular contributor to Family Matters. Heather's been heavily involved in this blog from the start. She edits, helps write and posts content on a daily basis.

In this blog, Heather writes about soldiers from the Puerto Rico National Guard helping families in Kosovo.

'So Many Families in Need'

The Family Matters blog often explores issues dealing with servicemembers and their own families, but I recently came across a story about Puerto Rico National Guardsmen who are helping families in Kosovo, "Puerto Rico Guardsmen Work With Kosovo's Poorest" written by Army Pfc. Sarah A. Cummings of the 130th Public Affairs Detachment.

I wanted to share the article with you as an example of the contributions our servicemembers are making overseas even as their families are at home missing them.

"There are so many families here in need," Sgt. Marta Gonzalez, told Pvt. Cummings. "Each family is living in extremely poor situations."

Sgt. Gonzalez is a member of the 192nd Liaison Monitoring Team. Sgt. Gonzalez and other team members spend their time talking to families, business owners and government officials to find out about specific needs.

Team members don't just talk to people in Kosovo's villages; they also travel out to the countryside.

Once the team finds out about a problem, the next step is to find out what governmental agency or non-governmental organization can best help and then work to get that group involved.

For example, sometimes the team works with the local Red Cross to bring families vitamins, soap and toothpaste.

"This job is very important," said Sgt. Radiff Vega, a former wheeled vehicle mechanic with the Puerto Rico Guard who is now a team squadron leader. "We are the link between the people in Kosovo and the government. We are teaching them where to go to get things they need so that they can do this on their own."

"What we have to understand is that Kosovo is still in development," Sgt. Vega added.

Education Center to Enhance Vietnam Veterans Memorial

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27, 2010 – A major fundraising effort is under way to build an underground education center next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial here that’ll place faces and stories with the names etched in the smooth, black granite known simply as, “The Wall.”

“There is magic in that wall with its 58,000 names,” said retired Army Gen. Colin Powell, honorary chairman for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s education center campaign. “We want to make sure those names never become anonymous to future generations.”

As it keeps their memories alive, Powell said the center also will “pay tribute to all generations of GIs who answer the call to serve.”

The education center, as envisioned by Jan Scruggs, founder and president of the Memorial Fund, will provide interactive exhibits and primary source materials to help visitors better understand the profound impact of the Vietnam War on servicemembers’ families, their communities and hometowns and the nation. Planned exhibits include a "Wall of Faces," to feature photos of those lost in Vietnam and a gallery of the more than 100,000 items left in tribute at the memorial’s wall since 1982.

Retired Army Gen. Barry A. McCaffrey, VVMF’s advisory board chairman, said the center will ensure that the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam lives on.

“This moving underground facility will pay tribute to our veterans and will educate the public about these honorable men and women who gave their lives for their country,” he said.

Scruggs expressed hope that the center will help visitors to understand the importance of the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the role it continues to play in healing the physical, emotional and societal wounds left by the war.

Construction of the center will cost $85 million, all to be raised through private donations. So far, nearly $25 million in pledges has been raised, with donations from corporations, organizations, veterans groups and individuals. Major donors include: Time-Warner Inc.; the Heisley Family Foundation; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Peter M. and Julianna Hawn Holt; Lockheed Martin Corp.; Boeing Company; FedEx Corp.; and the Tawani Foundation.

Peter Holt, owner of the San Antonio Spurs National Basketball Association team, promised his fellow Texans to match up to $1 million in their donations. “Raise a million and I’ll match it,” he challenged.

The History Channel recently announced a $10,000 contribution to the campaign as it also helps the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund get teaching materials about the Vietnam War into America’s classrooms. The History Channel is helping VVMF distribute “Hometown Heroes,” an educational guide designed to help teachers and students identify Vietnam veterans and family members within their communities.

“Education is at the core of VVMF’s mission,” Scruggs said. “Everything we do, from teacher training to building an education center on the National Mall, is geared toward fostering a deeper knowledge of the Vietnam War and those who served.”

Scruggs expressed his appreciation for the generous monetary support received so far, adding he’s confident that it will continue until reaching the $85 million mark.

“As people begin to learn about the education center, we know they will find ways to help us build it,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to tell the stories behind every name on ‘The Wall,’ and to honor all of those who have served and those who will serve this great country in the future.”

Program Offers Hope for Treating Brain Injuries

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

BETHESDA, Md., Sept. 27, 2010 – Valerie Wallace was at her wits’ end when she first heard about a novel traumatic brain injury treatment program under way here at the National Naval Medical Center.

Her 22-year-old son, Army Sgt. John Barnes, was wounded in southwestern Iraq in 2006 during a mortar attack while he was deployed with the 101st Infantry Division.

He had slipped into a coma for 12 days, remembering nothing of the attack when he regained consciousness with a severe traumatic brain injury. He recognized his family members’ faces, but had lost much of his verbal and motor skills as well as his short-term memory.

After two months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, followed by treatment at the Department of Veteran Affairs’ Tampa Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, in Tampa, Fla., Barnes seemed on the road to recovery, his mother recalled.

But a fluid buildup within his brain stopped that progress cold, requiring an emergency craniectomy to relieve swelling. From there, as Barnes began his rehabilitation almost from square one, he fluctuated between extremes. At one point, his recovery was so successful that he’d started living independently and enrolled in college, but at other times, his condition was so dire that his mother feared he was spiraling out of control.

“Then the [post-traumatic stress disorder] set in and he began self medicating with whatever he could get his hands on,” his mother recalled. “It was just a disaster.”

The problem, she said, was that no program within the military, the VA or the civilian community treated all three of Barnes’ afflictions -- TBI, PTSD and substance abuse – simultaneously. “There was no place I could find capable of treating all three of these issues,” she said. “But I truly believed that they were all correlated and needed to be treated together.”

The one private program discovered online failed miserably, she said. After six weeks of treatment, Wallace’s son returned home “hostile, disrespectful and bitter,” she recalled, and lacking the supervision he now required, had blown through tens of thousands of dollars.

It was only by chance that Wallace learned through a friend about the National Naval Medical Center’s psychological health and traumatic brain injury team. The little-known team was stood up here about two years ago to address the complexities of brain and mental-health injuries.

Dr. David Williamson, the team leader, admitted Barnes for about a month of close observation in the six-bed TBI unit known as “7 East.”

“This is an environment where we can do very detailed evaluations of brain functions after a brain injury,” he explained.

“We have a whole portfolio of brain injury specialists, treating clinicians who look at all the basic aspects of brain function, like movement, balance and vision, up through the higher brain functions like memory and personality and emotional regulation,” Williamson said. “And the [patient’s] time here allows us to put together a very sophisticated assessment of all these different areas of brain function, and to identify what the needs will be downstream.”

The team then provides families “a complete briefing on what to expect,” Williamson said, while releasing the patient for follow-up care, typically to a VA polytrauma rehabilitation center.

“We know certain types of brain injuries are more associated with mood swings or depression or communication problems or judgment impairment,” Williamson said. “And we will look at the brain scans and the behavior of the patient while at Bethesda, and form an assessment that put in place strategies now to prepare this family and begin to work with this ahead of time.”

Williamson calls this approach “proactive intervention.”

But as word gets out about the psychological health and traumatic brain injury team’s capabilities, Williamson finds he’s getting calls from family members like Wallace, some whose loved ones have struggled with traumatic brain injuries for five, even 10 years.

“We’ll bring those people back to Bethesda and do an intensive evaluation or reevaluation of their brain injury, and look at new strategies for treatment, or maybe add additional elements to the treatment plan,” he said.

For Wallace, the National Naval Medical Center’s psychological health and traumatic brain injury team restored hope she’d all but lost in finding help for her son.

She worked closely with the entire team, which she said treated Barnes’ problems holistically rather than piecemeal. “It brought a component of completion, dealing with all the complex issues of brain injury,” she said. “It’s everything: the behavioral problem, the cognitive problem, the physical problem.”

Wallace reserved her highest praise for Williamson, whom she said “understands traumatic brain injury inside out, backwards, forwards and sideways.”

Williamson “sees the big picture,” she continued. “It’s not one dimensional; it’s multidimensional. There is a lot of mental illness that can come up because of the brain injury, and he understands that.”

The treatment “has made all the difference in John,” his mother said, crediting the PHTBI team with saving his life.

“John would be dead by now if he hadn’t been able to get there last summer,” she said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Unfortunately, Wallace’s story doesn’t end with a storybook “happily ever after.”

Her marriage dissolved during her son’s treatment. And her son, she noted, still has limited coping skills and occasionally self-medicates with an over-the-counter medication he knows the VA rarely screens for.

About four months ago, Barnes was readmitted to Bethesda for follow-on treatment by the PHTBI team. Wallace said she is resigned to the fact that it probably won’t be for the last time.

“John’s brain injury is never going to go away, and I don’t think there will ever be a real end to this,” she said. “I think that what will happen is that the need for interventions will become further and further apart. Instead of every three months, maybe it will be once a year. Then a couple of years from now, maybe it will be once every other year.”

That said, Wallace expressed hope her son will continue making progress under the PHTBI team’s guidance.

“It’s going to take a lot of time and consistency and dedication,” she said. “But that’s exactly what I’ve finally found in Dr. Williamson and his staff.”

(This is the last in a series of four articles about the military’s revolutionary new approaches to treating patients with traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.)

DOD Announces Absentee Voting Week; Launches Electronic Voting Support Wizard

The Department of Defense (DoD) announced today Absentee Voting Week from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4.  The week will encourage all citizens voting under the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act who have not received their absentee ballot to go to http://www.FVAP.gov  to fill it out as soon as possible.

Commanders and voting assistance officers will use this week to emphasize the importance of filling out and returning the absentee ballot.  They will also educate eligible personnel on how to use the new online tools to fill out their absentee ballot, plus encourage the use of emailing and faxing as an alternative to sending the voted ballot to local election officials where allowed.

 “We encourage all military personnel, their family members, and overseas citizens to exercise their right to vote,” said Clifford Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.  “We strongly recommend they complete and mail their absentee ballots immediately, so they are received by local election officials in time to be counted for the November general election.  Make your vote count.”

The Federal Assistance Voting Program is responsible for making the absentee voting process easier and more efficient.  One of their new initiatives is to provide military members, their families and overseas voters electronic alternatives to requesting, receiving or returning their ballots.  If someone has not received their state absentee ballot, it is not too late.

“This year, the states and FVAP launched new online products that make completing absentees ballots much easier.  In many cases voters can request their ballot, fill it out and mail or fax it back in 10 to 15 minutes,” said Stanley.  “When I was a junior officer, this process could take 30 to 40 days.  The new online tools have remarkably reduced the wait time.  Go to FVAP.gov to fill out your state ballot or the federal write-in absentee ballot online and send it, today.”

Naval Base Coronado Hosts Speed Festival During San Diego Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Naval Base Coronado Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The 13th annual Coronado Speed Festival took place aboard Naval Base Coronado Sept. 24-26 as part of San Diego Fleet Week.

The festival showcased three days of vintage car racing and static displays of military equipment and aircraft.

In addition to pleasing car enthusiasts, the Coronado Speed Festival also honored San Diego's Sailors and Marines who serve and protect the country. Free admission was offered for active duty military and their family members throughout the weekend.

"This is the fleet week premier event that Fleet Week's staff plans," said William Baugh, Coronado Speed Festival executive committee co-chairman. "The Coronado Speed Festival benefits the Navy and Marine Corps morale and welfare programs."

As part of the opening day activities, Sailors were given the opportunity to join the race car drivers in their vintage and current-model race cars on the track.

"It was an exhilarating ride," said Machinery Repairman 1st Class (SW) Regibert Agustino, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. "Every time the car turned the corners, it felt like we were going to tip over."

This year the festival celebrated the rich race heritage of Shelby American cars, from the legendary Cobra and the Daytona Coupe to the GT40 and GT350.

"I was riding in the Shelby Mustang, and it was the most exciting experience of my life," said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class Austin Bolter, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303. "I was kind of scared for a second, but I would do that a million times if I could."

Local car fanatics also visited the car corral which featured a variety of new and classic automobiles on display.

The Coronado Speed Festival is the only auto racing venue in the world held on an active U.S. Navy runway. In addition to the races, a landing craft air cushion display, Navy Leap Frogs parachute team performances, and flyovers took place during the weekend event.

Peleliu ARG, 15th MEU Reach Halfway Mark During Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Omar Dominquez, USS Peleliu Public Affairs

USS PELELIU, At Sea (NNS) -- Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (PEL ARG) and 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) reached the halfway point of their deployment Sept. 4 while operating as U.S. Central Command's theater reserve force in the Navy's 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

Since departing San Diego in May, PEL ARG and 15th MEU have completed multilateral military training, maritime security operations, close air support operations in Afghanistan, counter-piracy operations, and have elements currently conducting humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HA/DR) operations in support of the government of Pakistan.

Prior to beginning their 5th Fleet deployment, ARG command ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) participated in Exercise Crocodilo in Timor-Leste in the 7th Fleet AOR.

The exercise was designed to enhance military training in a tropical environment and cross train with the Timor-Leste Defense Forces and the International Security Forces from New Zealand and Australia.

Also while in the 7th Fleet AOR, USS Dubuque (LPD 8) conducted Marine Exercise 2010, a bi-lateral exercise promoting cooperation through community relations programs and military training with Indonesia.

Once in 5th Fleet, the PEL ARG and 15th MEU conducted maritime security operations and sustainment training while working with partner nations to improve relations and engage in valuable military to military training.

While elements of PEL ARG were engaged across the 5th Fleet AOR, the heaviest monsoons in recent history caused devastating floods throughout Pakistan. Peleliu and 15th MEU were mobilized in response to the government of Pakistan's urgent request for flood relief and were directed to move toward Pakistan.

The ship, along with her embarked Sailors and Marines, arrived in the vicinity of Karachi Aug. 9. They remain there nearly two months later, continuing their support operations.

PEL ARG and 15th MEU provided 15 heavy and medium-lift helicopters and supplies to assist the people affected by the flooding. The combined efforts of the PEL ARG and 15th MEU have resulted in the rescue of more than 8,000 internally displaced persons, and the transfer of more than 4 million pounds of relief supplies and equipment.

Demonstrating the flexible nature of the ARG-MEU team, AV-8B Harriers assigned to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 165 (Reinforced), embarked on Peleliu also flew close-air support missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as Peleliu was supporting Pakistan HADR efforts. Aircraft assigned to PEL ARG and 15th MEU flew for more hours in the first half of deployment than they were scheduled to complete during the entire deployment. This was due in large part to the Pakistan HA/DR support operations.

While Peleliu operated in the vicinity of Pakistan, Dubuque departed to support Combined Maritime Forces' counter-piracy mission under the command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. CTF 151 responded to distress calls from M/V Magellan Star, after it was hijacked by suspected pirates Sept. 8. Dubuque's embarked Maritime Raid Force of the 15th MEU boarded the hijacked ship the next day, rescued the 11 crew members, and took custody of the suspected pirates without firing a shot.

As the theater reserve force, the ships of PEL ARG and the embarked 15th MEU have flexed their unique capabilities to conduct simultaneous combat operations and humanitarian relief in multiple and far-reached parts of the AOR. The deployment has, so far, exemplified what the amphibious Navy and Marine Air Ground Task Force team can accomplish while working together.

The PEL ARG and 15th MEU are executing a regularly scheduled deployment to the region in support of ongoing maritime security operations, and serve as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command.

The team reports directly to Expeditionary Strike Group 5, which is responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet, and oversees the planning and execution of contingency response missions and maritime HA/DR operations.

Honoring America’s Veterans

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

“Today provides us the opportunity to reflect upon and honor your service – as well as the service of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. You defended our freedoms, and protected our ideals. We must never forget – and never let our children forget that freedom is not free.” – Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Bob Papp

Yesterday, Adm. Papp visited with the more than 100 World War II veterans and their escorts from Central Florida who visited the nation’s capital on the Volusia Honor Air Flight.

The Honor Flight Network – a federal nonprofit organization that transports America’s veterans from all over the nation to Washington, D.C., – brings our war heroes to visit memorials dedicated in honor of their service and sacrifices. Many, if not all, of the veterans who visit the memorials are doing so for the first time and may have never had an opportunity if not for the Honor Flight program.

“Since America felt it was important to build a memorial to the service and the ultimate sacrifice of her veterans, the Honor Flight Network believes it’s equally important that they actually get to visit and experience THEIR memorial.”

This is the philosophy behind the Honor Flight Network’s service, which is provided free to our veterans. What started in May 2005 with the transport of 12 veterans on six small planes has transitioned into commercial airline carriers transporting 17,832 veterans in 2009.

The World War II veterans on the Volusia Honor Air Flight visited the National World War II Memorial along with other national landmarks including lunch in the Montpelier Room at the Library of Congress.

“On behalf of the men and woman currently serving in the armed forces, thank you. Now it’s our duty – our responsibility to safely pass along your story – and continue in your footsteps defending our freedom,” said Papp.

Also participating in yesterday’s welcoming ceremony was Mrs. Patricia Mica, wife of Congressman John Mica (R-7th/FL); Congresswoman Susanne Kosmas (D-24th/FL); and Congressman Steven Buyer (R-4th/IN). Mrs. Mica is also the sponsor of CGC Alligator, out of St. Petersburg, Fla.

Hollywood Films 'Battleship' Aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A Universal Pictures production crew was aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Sept. 7-24 to film the new action-adventure movie "Battleship," based on the Hasbro board game.

Directed by Peter Berg, Battleship will feature the U.S. and Japanese navies stumbling upon the point of an alien invasion. Berg's previous directorial works include "The Kingdom," "The Rundown" and "Hancock."

"I've always been a huge fan of the Navy," said Berg. "My father was a Marine and a naval historian. I was brought up learning about Pearl Harbor, the campaign of the Pacific, and the Battle of Midway. He was particularly obsessed with World War II. The idea of making a film about naval warfare was something that was always interesting to me. What better place to set it than Pearl Harbor?"

The film is set in modern day, during a Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. RIMPAC is the largest real world multinational maritime exercise that occurs every two years in and around the Hawaiian islands. This year, seven nations participated in RIMPAC, showcasing more than 30 modern naval ships, with the goal of building relationships, increasing interoperability and improving readiness among allied countries.

Berg said there have been a number of films with old battleships like the USS Missouri.

"I thought it would be interesting to introduce the audience to the modern surface warfare," he said, "and some of the current destroyers, missile cruisers and some of the other things that the Navy has now, that they didn't have back in the old days."

One of the modern U.S. Navy destroyers featured on "Battleship" is USS Hopper (DDG 70), where the film crew shot several action scenes on the ship.

"The movie gives the Sailors a chance to see what Hollywood is like, and believe it or not, they are not unlike us," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jim Dewitt, USS Hopper. "It brings a lot of different people out to see what the Navy is all about. All the people who are in the background, and all the people who are working for Hollywood themselves probably never got to do some of the stuff that we get to do."

When the casting call was announced for scenes aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial, Dewitt signed up to play an extra in the film. More than 300 Sailors and actors playing Sailors signed up to participate in the filming aboard Missouri.

The scenes shot aboard the Missouri included actors Taylor Kitsch, Brooklyn Decker, Alexander Skarsgard, Rihanna and Liam Neeson.

"I met most of the actors and actresses, and they are all very nice," said Dewitt. "They are very approachable individuals. A lot of people were kind of 'should I talk to them, should I not?', but they are as excited about being here as much as we are."

JBPHH Chief Staff Officer Capt. Lawrence Scruggs, showed his support for the movie by signing up to be an extra as well.

"The real value of having Sailors as part of that production is that we could "Sailorize" the actors who have no military affiliation," said Scruggs. "With Battleship, this is an opportunity for the Navy to reach out to the civilian population and say, 'Hey, look at us and look at what we do.'"

Scruggs said it is important to depict U.S. Sailors accurately.

"Somebody is going to see Battleship and see those actors and extras, and that's going to be their only impression of the Navy," said Scruggs. "You want that to be a good impression, because there are 330,000 Sailors and Marines out there right now who are just doing great stuff for the country. We want to portray those individuals accurately as well as those Sailors who have come before us."

Berg said he believes in research and authenticity, citing his previous movies "Friday Night Lights" and "The Kingdom," in which he used actual football players and FBI agents.

"As an actor, I like taking people who have never acted before and helping them find their inner actor," said Berg. "We all have an actor inside of us. To have the guys and gals on board ships like the Hopper, Shoup, Ronald Reagan, and some of the other ships that we have been on, do what they do…we could not teach an actor to do as well as they do it. They have a lot of fun. They're good at it, and it is fun to put real Sailors in the movie."

Dewitt said he hopes that he could at least be seen in the movie.

"There were a few scenarios where we had some close-ups done, but you just never know," said Dewitt. "It was still a fun experience. I expect that we will have a good portrayal of the Navy. They've done a lot of good Navy shots, incorporating a lot of the Sailors and service members around Hawaii. I also think that we are going to see a lot of action in this movie. They're pulling off a lot of different stunts and a lot of different things. They're going to show what the Navy is all about."

Battleship is scheduled to be released May 18, 2012.

Iwo Jima Sailors, Marines Revitalize Nicaraguan Park During Continuing Promise 2010

By By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund, USS IWO JIMA Public Affairs

BLUEFIELDS, Nicaragua (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines embarked aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) gave their time and effort to revitalize Las Carmeles Park in Bluefields, Nicaragua, Sept. 21.

A new backboard for the basketball court, new playground equipment, trash removal, and a fresh coat of paint were the benefits provided by service members participating in the project as part of Continuing Promise 2010.

Cmdr. Tim Oswald, Iwo Jima command chaplain, emphasized the importance of participating in charitable activities as a way to connect with one's fellow man abroad.

"The direct impacts you have on individuals are long lasting," said Oswald. "It (charitable work) creates a greater sense of our global community and shared humanity."

Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class Shane Hotzenbiler, of Wilmington, N.C., took pride in knowing his efforts in improving the park made it a better place for children to play.

"Our work gives the children a better soccer field, and the playground gives the small children somewhere to play," said Hotzenbiler. "Seeing the smiles on the childrens' faces, makes my work fulfilling and doing projects for children has made the Continuing Promise 2010 mission worthwhile for me."

Cryptologic Technician Interpretative 2nd Class Alicia Williamson, of Arlington, Texas, said she understands that cleaning up a park can have a larger impact than some may realize.

"It's good to have a positive presence in Latin America," said Williamson. "Some of these Latin American countries are undecided about their opinions on the United States, and projects like these show we have friendly intentions."

Community relations projects have provided an opportunity for approximately 500 servicemembers aboard Iwo Jima to participate in the Continuing Promise 2010 mission.

The humanitarian mission has provided an opportunity for ship's company to interact with, and have a lasting impact on residents of host nations.

"I hope the mission reinforces a volunteer spirit," said Oswald. "They'll (service members) want to give their time, their energy, and their resources in service to others. I think volunteering is one of America's virtues, and its one of those things that makes us special."

Continuing Promise 2010 is a humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) mission. The assigned medical and engineering staff embarked aboard Iwo Jima will work with partner nations' teams to provide medical, dental, veterinary, and engineering assistance to eight different nations to improve mutual understanding of current medical issues.

USS Shoup Adds Realism to Egress Training

By Lt. Jacquelyn R. Bengfort, USS Shoup Public Affairs

USS Shoup, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Shoup (DDG 86) conducted a series of shipboard emergency egress training sessions Sep. 20-25 during its current deployment with Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9.

Egress training is required every six months for all Sailors assigned to sea commands, to ensure they can escape from workspaces and berthing areas in the event the ship sustains major damage.

Under close supervision, Sailors are typically blindfolded and tasked to find their way to safety without sight, sometimes travelling hundreds of feet in the process.

In order to add more intensity to the training, the USS Shoup Damage Control Training Team used smoke machines, strobe lights, and sound effects to heighten the sense of urgency to evacuate.

Shoup Sailors were also required to locate and don Emergency Escape Breathing Devices before making their way out of darkened spaces.

"Now that we are on deployment and heading toward uncertain waters, it is extremely important that we be creative in our damage control training to make it as realistic as we possibly can," said Lt. Elisabeth Erickson, USS Shoup damage control assistant.

The overall goal of the training is to make certain all Sailors know both the fastest and alternate routes in case the ship suffers damage leading to fire or flooding, and to increase their confidence in their ability to egress safely in darkness or heavy smoke.

"Egress training will save the lives of our Sailors if the ship takes damage," added Erickson.

USS Shoup is currently underway on a scheduled deployment to the 7th and 5th Fleet Areas of Responsibility with Abraham Lincoln Strike Group.

USS Abraham Lincoln is the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, which consists of embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, San Diego-based guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and the embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, which includes the Everett-based destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Shoup, as well as the San Diego-based destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

Carrier Strike Group Twelve Conducts Change of Command on Big "E"

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (EXW) Stacy D. Laseter, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) held a change of command ceremony for the embarked Commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve (CCSG-12) Sept. 17.

Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft relieved Rear Adm. David H. Buss as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve. Buss had commanded the strike group since Oct. 20, 2009.

"Bringing Enterprise strike group together and through the first part of the work-up cycle was a great experience," said Buss. "I'm confident I'm turning a great strike group and staff over to a great commander."

"Dave Buss and the Enterprise team have done a fantastic job getting ready for integrated training," said Kraft. "It's great to be back in the fleet."

CCSG-12 is embarked aboard USS Enterprise and is participating in workups as the strike group prepares for its upcoming 21st deployment.

Buss has been confirmed to become the Director, Naval Warfare Integration Group, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington.

Kraft was previously the Director of ISR Capabilities on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations.

For more information about USS Enterprise, Carrier Strike Group 12, or Carrier Air Wing One, visit www.Enterprise.navy.mil, www.ccsg12.surfor.navy.mil, or www.cvw1.navy.mil.

Whidbey Island Search and Rescue Crew Receives Commendation

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Maebel Tinoko, Commander, Navy Region Northwest Public Affairs

SHELTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The Mason County Sheriff's Office recognized Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel at the Little Creek Casino Resort, Sept. 24 for saving the life of a teenager in August.

"I would like to take this opportunity to commend all of you for your heroic and spectacular rescue," said Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury. "Your conduct during this operation reflects favorably on the United States Navy; during this mission you all demonstrated the highest standards of dedication, bravery, and professionalism to the mission of public safety.

"Because of the brave rescue you accomplished that day, Ruth Powell is alive and expected to recover fully from the injuries she sustained that day. Accordingly, I am awarding you this commendation on behalf of the citizens of Mason County, the Mason County Sheriff's Office, and Mason County Fire Districts number four, number six, and number nine."

The SAR personnel responded to a call for assistance from the Mason County Sheriff's Office Aug. 17 after 16-year old Powell fell off a cliff and into the river in Skokomish River Canyon while hiking with her family.

SAR launched an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter with a crew of six personnel. Ground rescue teams reached the injured hiker and rendered first aid.

Once on location, the SAR crew analyzed the situation and began conducting basic operational risk management, taking everything into consideration in order to embark on a safe and successful extraction mission.

During the awards ceremony, the SAR crew, which included Lt. Brandon Sheets, pilot and mission commander; Lt. Scott Zenner, pilot; Chief Naval Aircrewman (NAC) Jeremiah Wilkins; Naval Aircrewman (NAC) 1st Class Andrew Worth; Naval Aircrewman (NAC) 2nd Class Brian Casey and Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (NAC/AW) Richmond Roy, each were given a challenge coin from Mason County Sheriff Casey Salisbury and a letter of commendation.

"This is a huge honor to be recognized by the community," said Roy. "They were working just as hard as we were, and for them to recognize us means a lot. It is personally rewarding to be able to get a chance to build a great relationship with the community and help save those who get stuck in bad situations."

"I am proud of the SAR crew for what we do as a unit, and it's nice to be recognized," said Zinner. "This job is very rewarding, and any chance we get to help people who need us; we are there, trained and ready to help."

Naval Medical Center San Diego Hosts 'Theater of War' to Heal

From Naval Medical Center San Diego Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) hosted the 114th performance of "Theater of War" - a dramatic reading of two ancient Greek plays followed by a town hall discussion about the challenges faced by combat service members and veterans for approximately 150 members of the community Sept. 20.

A project of the Defense Center of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE), Theater of War is conducting performances and town hall meetings in military communities across the nation in an effort to reduce stigma and encourage service members to seek needed assistance for psychological health concerns.

"No one returns from combat without being affected," said Commander, Naval Medical Center San Diego, Rear Adm. C. Forrest Faison III. "War can expose many of our staff and patients to horrific things, but this is a safe place to talk about it, seek care, and start to heal."

The production began with a performance from professional actors who read a modern translation of two plays written by Sophocles, a Greek general officer and renowned playwright from 400 B.C.

Cast members participating in the performance, included Reg E. Cathey, Josh Hamilton, Erica Tazel and Frank Harts.

"Ajax" tells the story of a Trojan War hero who is driven to madness by the same habits that made him a legend on the battlefield. "Philoctetes" is about a warrior whose men abandon him on an island because of an injury.

The follow-on town hall session started with comments from a panel of members who responded without prepared or rehearsed remarks about what they saw and heard in the plays that connected with their own experiences at war and at home.

The panel featured Capt. Paul Hammer, director, Naval Center for Combat and Operational Stress Control; Lisa Marcolongo, a Marine Corps spouse; Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. David Rhode, a Purple Heart recipient; and Jack Lyons, a Vietnam veteran. All panel members offered their personal insights on deployment and reintegration into society, which helped facilitate audience discussion.

"One of the things I got from the plays was when the character Tecmessa (Ajax's wife), asked for help from Ajax's friends and comrades," said Marcolongo. "After my husband's second deployment to Iraq his buddies traveled from all over to be with us in Texas and help him."

Doerries, the New York based writer, translator, director, educator and founder of Theater of War remarked, "These events offer powerful opportunities for the audience to safely discuss and constructively reflect on physical and emotional injury, death and life-threatening experiences; stigma, grief and loss, supportive relationships and the timeless relevance of these lessons in prolonged combat."

Working with producing partner Phyllis Kaufman, Doerries has been presenting readings of his translations to military communities since 2008.

For more information on Theater of War, visit: http://www.theater-of-war.com/about.html.

Inside the California Guard's border security mission

By Army Staff Sgt. Jessica Inigo

California National Guard

SAN DIEGO (9/21/10) - In the month since becoming fully operational on the U.S.-Mexico border, the California National Guard members assigned to Joint Task Force Sierra have launched a three-pronged attack to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in its mission.

Watching over the land and sea make up the first two avenues of approach, and then criminal analysts bring up the rear by ensuring all available data is pored over to remain one step ahead of the game.

In all avenues of approach, the Soldiers and Airmen act as a stable force, leaving ample time and space for Border Patrol agents to focus on their mission of stopping illegal activity of all sorts on the border between the two countries, said Capt. Daniel R. Fox, the task force company commander.

The land watchers are made up of small groups of Entry Identification Team (EIT) members who are placed at strategically selected spots throughout San Diego County. While positioned toward the south, these teams train their eyes to notice any movement across the vast, rolling hills between them and the Mexico border. 

Operating 24 hours per day, these teams ensure that when Border Patrol agents move to make an apprehension, that there are no gaps in detection coverage.

Depending on the time of day, service members use binoculars, infrared sensing devices and stationary truck-mounted cameras to determine exactly what is on their radar.

“You really have to remain aware of all movements, even when it seems like nothing is going on — there is no room for complacency,” said an EIT member who wishes to remain anonymous because of mission safety reasons.

Known as the “coast watchers,” these groups of EIT members have the same basic mission as those who watch the land, but they have the added obstacle of monitoring at an ever-moving object. Instead of training the eye for movement, they look for specific shapes through highly advanced optics provided by Border Patrol.

“The Guardsmen provide added personnel, giving CBP an additional layer to our detection capability,” said Border Patrol spokesman Justin M. De La Torre. “This directly increases our likelihood of apprehending anything that illegally enters our country in-between the ports of entry.”

Along with the already combined efforts of the California National Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Border Patrol also joins forces with the Coast Guard for the maritime mission, reporting any suspicious activity to be halted on the sea or detained on land.

Intercepting Mexican panga boats crossing illegally into country makes up the bulk of the activity, according to De La Torre. These boats can carry a large load for human or drug trafficking. 

“There really is a different look to the pangas than anything else we’re seeing out there. It’s different than other vessels and it’s different than wildlife,” said a coast watcher, who also requested anonymity.

Working along with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, the criminal analysis mission remains largely classified by officials. However, according to the agency’s website, ICE is the largest investigative agency in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

It was formed in 2003 as part of the federal government’s response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and its primary mission is to protect national security, public safety and the integrity of the U.S. borders through the criminal and civil enforcement of federal laws governing border control, customs, trade and immigration.

Electronic databases, including fingerprint identification, remote video surveillance and mobile surveillance systems, enhance detection. The handful of military analysts assisting CBP and ICE also utilize more low-tech human intelligence capabilities. The specifics of their gathering methods, exactly what they are viewing and how they are viewing it cannot be discussed in detail, according to De La Torre, but he emphasized that the mission is going smoothly.

Being plugged in on the intelligence side ensures that the California National Guard is not only acting as an extra set of eyes and ears, but that the CNG is actively involved in future operations to protect California from activities that could be detrimental to Americans, according CBP leadership. 

With all the various angles to the mission come different skill sets, as well as numerous hurdles the troops must overcome. According to leadership, service members are learning the ins-and-outs of their mission working alongside Border Patrol agents.

The three approaches, coupled with what Border Patrol agents were already doing, have kept illegal entry numbers down 42 percent from last year, according to Border Patrol statistics.

Plus, many of the natural skill-sets needed for the mission are already possessed by military members, according to Fox, making them vital to the on-going mission.

Though the majority of the criminal activity continues to be human and narcotic trafficking, there is another side: Officials anticipate that terror groups could also try this avenue of approach to get into the United States.

According to De La Torre, more than 95 percent of illegal border-crossing is done by Mexican nationals, with the remainder coming from anywhere else in the world. As a sort of regional war on terror, both military and CBP officials said this joint partnership is helping to “disrupt, dismantle and ultimately defeat” illegal smuggling and entrance of all sorts between the two countries.

As an added bonus, the Southwest border mission acts as a nice transition for those recently returning from missions in Iraq or Afghanistan. This Homeland Security deployment on California soil is a more gradual introduction back into the American day-to-day, according to veterans currently serving on the task force.

Of course, the mission also brought troops who are normally dispersed throughout California into San Diego County, sometimes keeping them away from families. However, the mission is worth it, said Fox.

“We have established a good working relationship with CBP and we will continue to build that relationship for whatever the future holds,” he said.

Fox added that part of mission success is ensuring home-life happiness remains. “We couldn’t do this mission without the support of our families. We make every effort to make sure the Soldiers and Airmen get home to see their families on a frequent basis.”

California’s portion of the Southwest border mission requires about 260 Guardsmen to support CBP, which will give CBP time to train and hire new officials. This is part of a larger tasking from President Barack Obama, who asked this year for an additional 1,200 troops to be placed along the four border states.

California was the first to become fully operational and has maintained a reserve of trained Soldiers and Airmen to fill in as needed throughout the yearlong mission.

Senegal president praises Guard partnerships

By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill

National Guard Bureau

BURLINGTON, Vt., (9/22/10) - The National Guard State Partnership Program is increasing understanding between African countries and the United States, the president of Senegal said here Sept. 19.

“Each country can learn something from another,” President Abdoulaye Wade said in an interview here at the end of a two-day visit to Vermont. “The National Guard … will know better Africa, because to know a country is to know the people. You should have contact with the people.

“We have invited the National Guard to Senegal. At any time, they would be welcome.”

The West African country is paired with Vermont in the almost 20-year-old, 62-nation National Guard State Partnership Program.

The SPP initially focused primarily on former Soviet Bloc countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It has expanded into Africa with the establishment of U.S. Africa Command and Defense Department emphasis on building partnership capacity.

Wade’s visit here en route to the United Nations in New York included cultural visits and meetings with Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas; Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael Dubie, the adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard, and other elected and appointed state and local leaders, business executives and private citizens.

It was Wade’s second visit to the United States and his first to his nation’s partner state.

“I did not know where was Vermont,” Wade said, speaking in English, a second language after his native French, the official language stemming from 19th century French colonization. Senegal gained independence in 1960.

“I am very, very happy to be here,” Wade said. “I regret only to have not been here before. … Now I think that beyond the [official partnership], we have an opportunity to establish relations between the Vermont private sector and Senegalese private sector.”

The SPP has enriched Wade’s understanding of the United States, he said. “Generally, … we talk only to the federal people,” he said. “I had the opportunity to meet the governor. … I met also the mayor [of Burlington] and the [state legislative] representatives.

“From this … I note that the officials of Vermont are very interested in knowing more about Senegal and to establish very good cooperation.”

The warmth of Vermont Guardmembers and residents, the green landscape and the prosperity of the about 208,000-resident Burlington-South Burlington Metropolitan Statistical Area were all striking to Wade, who quizzed civic leaders about the state’s economic model.

“I was wondering how [this] number of people … could create this city which has the same level of development as the great cities of the states,” Wade said.

Leaders explained the contribution of business, services and tourism to Vermont’s quality of life, Wade said.

“I’m sure that coming back to my country I’ll take benefits from this short experience,” he said.

Ambassadors have said that one of the benefits of the SPP – one program among combatant command and State Department tools – is that it establishes long-term relationships at the more personal state level, giving partner nations a better understanding of the United States.

An individual state with one or two partnerships can develop closer relations than at the federal level, where government must juggle contacts with 193 sovereign states and additional states with de facto or emerging sovereignty.

Vermont’s relationship with Senegal started as a purely military-to-military partnership that Wade characterized as very strong and based on mutual cooperation.

Until the partnership, the president was unaware of the National Guard. “This was for me a surprise,” he said. “I did not know that the governor had the National Guard. …

“I was very impressed by the people. … I was impressed by the presence of women in this army, and the size of [the Guard’s] … military capacity. Senegal’s army will really benefit from cooperation with the [Vermont] National Guard.”

Since it’s pairing with Vermont, the Senegalese military has introduced females into the noncommissioned officer ranks and also increased the profile of NCOs, for example by including NCOs in leadership meetings they previously were not invited to attend.

The Vermont National Guard has contributed training and experience to Senegal’s army, Wade said.

Among the president’s goals, which he said the SPP can help:

“First of all, the strengthening of the cooperation with our army,” he said. “We need many things. We need arms, we need trucks … we need training of our soldiers. We need also cooperation between the two armies for military exercises.”

Wade expressed interest in sending members of the Senegalese armed forces to U.S. military schools and in pilot training.

The president wants to improve the education of all Senegal residents.

“Education is the most important thing we have to do,” he said. “It’s the basis of development. Senegal is the one country in the world that spends 40 percent of its budget on education. … This is to win long-term development.”

The level of education spending might not be sustainable because of the need to invest in health and other sectors, he said.

The president said he is interested in exchanges between Vermont professors and students and their Senegalese counterparts, academic research and medical assistance and education.

“I believe in research,” he said, especially related to agriculture, industry and production.

Wade wants to establish stronger relations between Senegal’s emerging private sector and the United States and increase Senegalese exports and U.S. business investment.

The president talked with Vermont leaders about the African Growth Opportunity Act, a decade-old U.S. initiative that offers tangible incentives to African countries to continue opening their economies and building free markets.

Although Senegal is included, “We have not exported to the United States because of the state of our economy do not allow us,” Wade said. “We have not the capacity. … I call Americans … to come to Senegal, to invest in Senegal, to benefit from the [AGOA] advantages given by their own government.”

Wade invited Vermont business leaders to visit. Senegal, whose president called the nation “the jewel of Africa,” is geographically the closest African country to the United States, a seven-hour flight to the capital city of Dakar.

Unlike many African nations, Senegal has a convertible currency pegged to the Euro, Wade said. It is a member of the 15-nation, 300-million population Economic Community of West African States.

Senegal, a 94-percent Muslim nation, is one of the most stable democracies in Africa, according to the CIA World Factbook.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, September 27, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.