In the Coast Guard, Mentoring Begins Right out of the Gate

Written by: CDR Glynn Smith

The Coast Guard’s future is being honed today at Training Center Cape May, NJ, where new recruits are molded into apprentice Coast Guard men and women.  Their training is focused on military orientation, seamanship, firefighting, first aid, and marksmanship; subjects that will prepare them to serve on the water.

But it also includes interactive discussion on how to succeed in the Service and steer clear of problems – friendly advice – from operationally tested and seasoned mentor volunteers.  And for Recruit Company Delta 184, one of their co-mentors is none other than Vice Adm. Sally Brice-O’Hara, vice commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.  The other co-mentor is Senior Chief Petty Officer Tracy Ripkey.

Vice Adm. Brice-O’Hara and Senior Chief Ripkey visited Delta 184 on Saturday, Oct. 23, after the company completed its first two weeks of basic training, the toughest part of the instruction.  They spent about two hours answering questions and providing insights on Coast Guard service.

“I can’t emphasize enough that the Coast Guard needs you,” said Vice Adm. Brice-O’Hara to the recruits, adding, “We need your talent, we need your energy, and we need your enthusiasm.”

The Coast Guard operates a variety of ships, boats, aircraft and electronic systems around the world.  It uses these assets to perform a number of duties like saving lives at sea and protecting our coasts, assisting other government agencies like the Navy with patrols in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and responding to disasters like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.  However, none of these assets or duties would be effective without the men and women who perform, conduct and support the operations.  They are the common element that ensures the Coast Guard accomplishes its mission.

The Recruit Mentoring Program allows the Coast Guard to begin shaping its most important resource, people, early in their careers.  By helping them find the road to success more quickly, the Service is improving its ability to serve the Nation.

“The Coast Guard is renowned for its professionalism, as well as its competence as a maritime, multi-mission, military organization, and that now includes you,” said Brice-O’Hara to the recruits.  “You are becoming men and women of character.”

This first mentoring session focused on meeting the recruits and developing a rapport.  Most of the recruit’s questions focused on assignments, duties and promotion opportunities.

For Vice Adm. Brice-O’Hara and Senior Chief Ripkey, however, it was important to help the recruits make sense of their first impression of military service and help them piece together the larger picture of how they contribute to the organization.  Basic Training is designed to rapidly transform and prepare recruits for Coast Guard service.  For many, it is quite a personal adjustment.

“Following orders is a habit that you need to develop right now, because when you go out and perform your Coast Guard missions, we are going to put you in some very trying circumstances,” said Brice-O’Hara to the recruits.  “There is not a single doubt in my mind that each of you will prevail and succeed.”

Vice Adm. Brice-O’Hara and Senior Chief Ripkey will visit Delta 184 after the fifth week of training and then again at graduation.

Coast Guard Heroes

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

“There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism.” –Alexander Hamilton

The Coast Guard’s history shines with such acts of bravery that the “father” of the Coast Guard Alexander Hamilton speaks of and these acts will forever be remembered as the Coast Guard’s new Sentinel-class cutters take the namesake of Coast Guard heroes and their valiant deeds.

These acts performed by men and women in the course of their everyday duties displayed devotion to duty and responsibility to the citizens of the nation for which they served. For some, their life-saving actions and heroic efforts resulted in the ultimate sacrifice of their life.

From the 19-year old, just one year out of boot camp, who remained aboard his sinking vessel so his crew could escape, to the lighthouse keeper who rowed two hours in a squall as she searched for a naval aviator whose plane went down, these heroes evinced astounding, and enormously humbling acts of bravery.

For many of these heroes, their powerful stories have long gone untold. But, with the arrival of the new Fast Response Cutter (FRC), their names and legends will enter the collective conscious of our service as all 58 planned FRCs will be named for the service’s heroes. We are proud to unveil the names of the first 14 FRCs here on Compass.

Bernard C. Webber

Richard Etheridge

William Flores

Robert Yered

Margaret Norvell

Paul Clark

Charles David

Charles Sexton

Kathleen Moore

Joseph Napier

William Trump

Isaac Mayo

Richard Dixon

Heriberto Hernandez

As individuals these valiant men and women earned a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Gold Lifesaving Medal, Silver Star, Navy Cross and Marine Corps Medal. These medals represent their personal bravery and sacrifice, but their legacy and the service’s legacy will carry on in the form of the Coast Guard’s newest patrol boats. Their names will continue to stand for freedom and the country for which they so loved.

“There is no better embodiment of the Commandant’s vision of the Coast Guard being defined by its missions, people and heritage than the naming of the new FRC’s after Coast Guard heroes,” said Master Chief Michael P. Leavitt, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. “We honor these heroes who have given so much and inspire future Coast Guard men and women.”

Naval Air Station Jacksonville Air Show Draws Record Crowds

By Clark Pierce, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla., held its 27th air show Oct. 23-24, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the station.

More than 277,000 people attended the air show, which featured the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team, the Blue Angels.

"This was an outstanding and memorable week for military and civilian aviation enthusiasts in Northeast Florida," said NAS Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Jeffrey Maclay. "From everyone who worked diligently to organize the event to the roster of exhilarating of performers and interesting static displays – the commands of NAS Jacksonville teamed up to stage another first class air show starring the Blue Angels. There's no doubt in my mind that this was a huge crowd pleaser."

The air show's guest of honor was 91-year-old Alfred 'Al' Taddeo, the last living member of the original Blue Angels team that was established at NAS Jacksonville in 1946. Taddeo and his wife, Joan Taddeo, flew from their home in California to be guests of NAS Jacksonville and the Blue Angels.

In addition to speaking at air show receptions, Taddeo was front and center for each Blue Angels performance. After the final Blue Angels performance Oct. 24, Taddeo said he really felt a kinship with the Blue Angels in the air show.

"They perform their close diamond formations just the same as our 1946 Blue Angels team. But when you add the two solo pilots to the mix, today's team is just spectacular," said Taddeo. "This week has been an exciting blur of activity. Swapping stories with the Blue Angels pilots and crew, as well as talking with Air Force aviators, military parachute teams and talented civilian pilots was truly a special pleasure for me."

"The people here have been fantastic – especially Capt. Maclay, XO (Executive Officer) [Capt. Bob] Sanders and our tour guide, Ron Williamson. I think this was the most thrilling day of my life, because I'm getting to the age where an event like this makes me a little emotional. Joan and I sincerely thank everyone in Jacksonville who showed us such hospitality," said Taddeo.

Maclay gave special recognition to the NAS Jacksonville air show team, led by 2010 Air Show Coordinator Cmdr. Rob Surgeoner.

"Celebrating the sights and sounds of freedom is our way of giving back to the city of Jacksonville and surrounding communities that are so supportive of our military men and women," said Maclay. "And I couldn't be more proud of our 2010 NAS Jax Air Show team – from those who scheduled the performers to those who set up exhibits and those who cleaned up after each day's events. Teamwork and preparation were key to a successful air show."

"I salute everyone for their outstanding execution of an event that has thousands of moving parts. It's a great opportunity for the public to understand why America's Navy is a global force for good," said Maclay.

More than 4,000 public school students and Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) cadets visited the air station Oct. 22 for the air show dress rehearsal.

"For many of our students, this may be their first trip to an air show and their first experience seeing the Blue Angels perform their thrilling aerial demonstrations over NAS Jacksonville," said Ed Pratt-Dannals, superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. "We appreciate the commitment of the Navy and NAS Jax Air Show organizers to providing our students with this exciting opportunity."

Retired Master Chief Steve Waddell attended the event with 50 Navy JROTC students from Mandarin High School.

"This is a great time to get up close to aviation legends like the Blue Angels. There's so much for our kids to see and do – this is a not-to-be-missed opportunity," said Waddell.

Gregg Rutter, a Fleming Island resident, has attended every air show since 1999.

"It's a spectacular event that never fails to stir my sense of patriotism. We're lucky to have this free event that showcases the people and technology of America's military. I particularly enjoyed the Fat Albert C-130 demonstration that begins each Blue Angels flight," said Rutter.

U.S., Cambodian Navies Participate in Final CARAT 2010 Exercise

By Lt. Cmdr. Mike Morley, Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (NNS) -- Approximately 600 U.S. Navy Sailors are joining hundreds of Royal Cambodian navy sailors for six days of maritime safety and security exercises for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Cambodia 2010.

The exercise kicked off Oct. 25th during a ceremony aboard USS Crommelin (FFG 37). Other Navy units participating in CARAT 2010 include the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50), and units conducting training ashore, including Patrol Squadron Nine using the P-3C aircraft (in Phnom Penh), including Expeditionary Maritime Security Squadron Seven, and more.

Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, was the senior U.S. Navy representative at the ceremony.

"We have an ambitious schedule planned," said Landolt.

Listing out several training events planned throughout the week, Landolt said that while this was the Royal Cambodian navy's first year with CARAT, "we're already seeing advancements in our interoperability and in the friendships we're building."

CARAT Cambodia 2010 marks the last CARAT exercise of the year, and it is occurring in two phases; the first finished in June, and saw U.S. and Cambodian Marines conducting jungle training near Sihanoukville, along with Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams training near Phnom Penh.

The highlight of this year's exercise will be a series of underway events, during which U.S. and Cambodian navy ships will get underway for the first-ever at-sea maneuvers between the two countries for this exercise.

The training will focus on communications drills and surface gunnery events, marking the first time the two navies have operated at sea as part of a dedicated exercise in more than 40 years.

Other CARAT training will focus on a wide variety of maritime security areas, including diving and salvage operations; port security; small boat handling and maintenance; maritime interdiction; visit, board, search, and seizure operations; maritime aircraft operations; and engineering and medical civic action programs.

Sailors will participate in a series of community service projects, while the U.S. 7th Fleet band "Orient Express" will perform at several schools and community service projects in the Sihanoukville area.

Cambodia became the seventh Southeast Asian country to join CARAT, and the first new country to join the exercise series since it started in 1994.

Other participants include Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. Indonesia participates in the series, but refers to the exercise as "Naval Engagement Activity." Bangladesh also joined the series in late 2010.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates hosts an honor cordon to welcome Norwegian Minister of Defense Grete Faremo to the Pentagon at 10 a.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn is traveling.

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen speaks at the Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting at 11:30 a.m. EDT in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact Gaye Hudson, ghudson@ausa.org or 703-841-4300 ext. 313.

Airmen Missing in Action from WWII Identified

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

Army Air Forces Staff Sgts. Claude A. Ray, 24, Coffeyville, Kan., and Claude G. Tyler, 24, Landover, Md., will both be buried today -- Ray in Fallbrook, Calif., and Tyler in Arlington National Cemetery.  These two airmen, along with 10 other crew members, were ordered to carry out a reconnaissance mission in their B-24D Liberator, taking off from an airfield near Port Moresby, New Guinea, on Oct. 27, 1943. Allied plans were being formulated to mount an attack on the Japanese redoubt at Rabaul, New Britain.  American strategists considered it critical to take Rabaul in order to support the eventual invasion of the Philippines.  The crew’s assigned area of reconnaissance was the nearby shipping lanes in the Bismarck Sea.  But during their mission, they were radioed to land at a friendly air strip nearby due to poor weather conditions.  The last radio transmission from the crew did not indicate their location, and searchers that day and the following weeks were unable to locate the aircraft in spite of multiple searches over land and sea areas.

Following World War II, the Army Graves Registration Service conducted investigations and searches for 43 missing airmen, including Ray and Tyler, in the area but concluded in June 1949 that they were unrecoverable.

In August 2003 a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) received information on a crash site from a citizen in Papua New Guinea while they were investigating another case.  He also turned over an identification card from one of the crew members and reported that there were possible human remains at the site of the crash.  Twice in 2004 other JPAC teams attempted to visit the site but were unable to do so due to poor weather and hazardous conditions at the helicopter landing site.  Another team was able to successfully excavate the site from January to March 2007 where they found several identification tags from the B-24D crew as well as human remains.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA -- which matched that of relatives of Ray and Tyler -- in the identification of their remains

Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died.  At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans.  Today, more than 74,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call 703-699-1169.

Senior Executive Service Announcements

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service appointments and reassignments.

Cheryl J. Roby has been assigned as chief of staff, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, Networks and Information Integration/DoD Chief Information Officer, Networks and Information Integration, Washington, D.C.  Roby previously served as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense, Networks and Information Integration, Washington, D.C.

Robert J. Carey has been assigned as deputy assistant secretary of defense (information management, integration and technology), and deputy chief information officer, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington, D.C.  Carey previously served as the director of strategy and policy, U.S. 10th Fleet/Fleet Cyber Command, Fort Meade, Md.

Get Rid Of Depression

Are you blue, anxious, irritable, tired, inundated or emotionally delicate? These forms of mood disorders have become shockingly common, and in a lot of cases, may easily be resolved.

Depression and anxiety particularly have become so prevalent that it’s exceedingly common for individuals to be taking medication for one or even both of these mood disorders. As a matter of fact, the incidence of depression and anxiety has tripled since 1990 and more than twenty-five percent of the adult population in the U.S. suffers from one or more mood troubles.

Occasionally depression or a blue mood might have no evident cause and occasionally it might be caused by a number of elements. Keeping a journal is among the most potent tools available for personal growth and emotional mending. It may and should be a day-to-day ritual. Putting down our views lets us view them as separate from ourselves.

A wellness checklist ought to handle the needs of mind, body, and soul by rendering honest daily goals. It's meant to encourage you as you battle depression, not drown you, so keep it easy.

Beneficial nutrition is crucial when you need to battle depression. This is tricky, as depression tends to cut off the appetite. In order to battle depression, you need to take up enough calories and nutrients to provide your body and brain strength.

Sleep furnishes the armor you require to battle depression. Without enough rest, you're more susceptible to those damaging messages twirling around in your brain, and less able to do beneficial things on your own behalf. 

Depression might be among the worst illnesses we know, but it's highly treatable. Discovering what works might involve weeks or months - and occasionally even years - of frustration and heartbreak, but with the range of options we now have, your prospects are excellent. Furthermore, we're not helpless bystanders. The decisions we make affecting our lifestyles can dramatically better the odds in our favor. To those of you, who are depressed, please look for help - you shouldn't have to hurt one day longer than you have to. For those of you fighting with your treatments don't give up hope. A more brilliant future lies ahead. 

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Guyanese President Welcomes Continuing Promise 2010

By Cpl. Alicia Giron, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Continuing Promise 2010 Public Affairs

BERBICE, Guyana (NNS) -- Distinguished leaders welcomed Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10) to Berbice, Guyana, at an opening ceremony held outside of the Berbice Regional Health Authority Oct. 19.

Guyanese President H.E. Bharret Jagdeo, U.S. Chief of Mission Tom Pierce, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett and other key leaders helped commence the 10-day humanitarian civic assistance mission.

Jagdeo said that continued relations between the two countries has been "very beneficial to the people of the country" and cited decreasing AIDS as a specific positive result.

"We are happy you are here and that you are focused on health care. We are training more doctors but we still need a helping hand," said Jagdeo.

While in Guyana, the CP10 team is offering five medical sites, open on different days, at local schools and hospitals capable of providing a wide range of health services. The primary site is located in Rosehall and is open until Oct. 26. These services include general surgery completed on board USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), basic medical evaluation, dental screening and treatment, optometry care and health education. Free general surgical screenings were conducted at the primary medical site Oct. 19 and will be conducted again Oct. 22. No prior screenings are required.

In addition to medical sites, CP10 is also providing three engineering sites, a community relations event and roving preventative medicine and veterinarian teams.

"Though we bring doctors, and dentists, veterinarians and engineers, what we really bring is a message of commitment and partnership," said Capt. Thomas M. Negus, commodore, CP10. "A message best born out through our actions and deeds; our sweat and effort will be our testimony to the strength of our partnership in the spirit of our common humanity and with the ideal of building a better community."

CP10 is an annual mission dedicated to bringing medical, dental, engineering and civic action assistance to host nations in Latin, Caribbean and South America. This year's mission is supported by Iwo Jima, service members from every branch of the military, including a Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force and New Harmony Air Force Band of Flight, international military professionals and non-governmental organizations.

Special Showing of Documentary, "Chosin"

Survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign of the Korean War take viewers through one of the most savage battles in American history.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 1 p.m.

WHERE: 4th Floor Auditorium

Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

2002 Holcombe Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77030

WHAT: A special showing of the 86-minute documentary, “Chosin,” will take place on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 1 p.m. in the 4th Floor Auditorium at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center,

2002 Holcombe Blvd.

BACKGROUND:

In the winter of 1950, 15,000 U.S. Soldiers and Marines were surrounded and trapped by an overwhelming force of communist Chinese soldiers in the frozen mountains of North Korea. Facing impossible odds, the men fought 78 miles to freedom and saved the lives of 98,000 civilian refugees. “Chosin” is the first-ever documentary on the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. The stories of the Veterans are supplemented with rare black and white and color archival footage gathered from hundreds of hours of research. After 60 years of silence, the survivors of the campaign take viewers on an emotional and heart-pounding journey through one of the most savage battles in American history. These first-hand accounts, combined with footage never before seen by most Americans, create a visceral, emotionally charged experience unlike that provided by any other war documentary.

Members of the audience will include survivors of the Chosin Reservoir Campaign.

The movie was produced by Iraq War Veterans Brian Iglesias and Anton Sattler. It was directed by Brian Iglesias.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

WikiLeaks’ Redaction Doesn’t Remove Danger

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2010 – Despite WikiLeaks’ attempt to redact the names of Iraqi informants from its recent leak of classified military reports, some of those people are still in danger, a Pentagon spokesman said today.

On Oct. 22, WikiLeaks released more than 400,000 sensitive documents chronicling military operations during the Iraq war from 2004 to 2009.

“We had identified 300 or so people whose names were [mentioned in the documents] that possibly would be put at risk if their names were published,” Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said.

Of that group, he added, the names were removed but “in a few dozen cases there’s still information that could identify those people.”

Such remaining information includes job titles, he said.

The U.S. Central Command has the names of those potentially at risk and “is deciding whether they’re going to make notifications or not,” Lapan said.

A joint task force led by the Defense Intelligence Agency is comparing the original with redacted documents, he said, to assess the damage that WikiLeaks’ publication of the classified Iraq significant-activities reports, called the SIGACTS data base, could pose to the U.S. military, Iraqi allies and current operations.

During an Oct. 22 State Department press briefing with Pakistani Foreign Minister Mahmood Qureshi, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton denounced the WikiLeaks release of sensitive military documents.

“We should condemn in the most-clear terms the disclosure of any classified information by individuals and organizations which puts the lives of United States’ and partner servicemembers and civilians at risk,” she said, “threatening our national security and the national security of those with whom we are working.”

The count of civilian war deaths in Iraq –- 15,000 more than reported by the Pentagon, according to some news reports and the nongovernmental organization Iraq Body Count -– is one topic arising from the WikiLeaks’ release.

“We have rejected the premise that … the U.S. has not been tracking civilian casualties. We have. We report that on a regular basis to Congress,” Lapan said.

Also in the reports to Congress, he added, “We note carefully that these are not a complete picture. … We don’t profess to have knowledge about every civilian that’s killed across Iraq. We can only report on the ones that we’re aware of.”

All reports of civilian casualties –- even those that put the number of casualties at 15,000 more than the U.S. has reported -- all come from the same SIGACTS data base, Lapan said.

“The matter of trying to estimate Iraqi civilian casualties in the war has been an ongoing issue,” he said, including a June report by the Congressional Research Service.

“To suggest that there is some kind of precise number that some organization has, I find hard to believe,” he added, “because over the years it has been impossible for any of the various organizations that have tried to come to agreement on a specific figure.”

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has no public or media events on his schedule.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn is traveling.

Brig. Gen. Joseph Osterman, commanding general of Task Force Leatherneck and First Marine Division Forward, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 11:30 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Swift Boat Sailor Makes 1230 Servicemembers

With the addition of Swift Boat Sailor Weymouth D. Symmes, USN, and his two books War on the Rivers A Swift Boat Sailor’s Chronicle of the Battle for the Mekong Delta and This is Latch The Story of Rear Admiral Roy F. Hoffmann, Military-Writers.com now lists 1230 servicemembers and their 3919 books.
More Information
http://www.military-writers.com/

This Day in Naval History - Oct. 25

From the Navy News Service

1812 - USS United States (Capt. Stephen Decatur) captures HMS Macedonian.

1924 - Airship USS Shenandoah (ZR 1) completes round-trip transcontinental cruise that began Oct. 7.

1944 - During Battle of Leyte Gulf in Battle of Surigao Straits, U.S. battleships execute the maneuver of "crossing the tee" of the Japanese forces. In Battle Off Samar, escort carriers, destroyers and destroyer escorts heroically resist attacks of Japanese Center Force. In Battle Off Cape Engano, 3rd Fleet carriers attack Japanese Northern Force, sinking several small carriers.

1950 - Chinese Communist Forces launch first offensive in Korea.

1966 - Operation Sea Dragon logistics interdiction began.

1983 - U.S. Marine and Army troops land on Grenada to evacuate U.S. citizens threatened by the island's unstable political situation.

Bataan Team Completes Deck Landing Qualifications

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin Boyce, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) wrapped up a week at sea Oct. 22 where they conducted deck landing qualifications with the Second Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) and a detachment from Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) 26.

The ship's flight deck is a necessary ingredient for the required Deck Landing Qualifications (DLQs), which can serve as the initial or recurrent qualification of aircrews required to carry combat troops and passengers to and from amphibious ships.

"Recurrent DLQ periods keep the air department and Amphibious Air Traffic Control Center (AATCC) current and proficient in the handling of aircraft," said Marine Corps Maj. James Lukehart, Bataan's air operations officer. "The more proficient the ship is, the more effective and efficient we are at providing services to the Aviation Combat Element (ACE) of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU), resulting in a safer, more combat-ready force."

For Bataan's flight deck team, the DLQs served as an opportunity for some necessary training.

"We carry out DLQs to ensure pilots flying aircraft are in good hands," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 1st Class (AW/SW) Louis Citizen, Bataan's flight deck supervisor. "That means landing signal enlisted personnel (LSE) are qualified to land them safely on deck; aviation boatswain's mates (Fuels) understand the proper fueling and defueling requirements of the aircraft, and crash and salvage personnel are fully qualified to handle any causality that may happen."

Lukehart, also a Marine Corps rotary-wing pilot, said launching and landing from ship's like Bataan can provide one of an aircrew's most challenging environments.

"There is no such thing as too much training aboard the ship," said Lukehart.

MV-22B Osprey's from Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 and 261; CH-53E Super Stallions from Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 464; AH-1W Super Cobras from Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons (HMLA) 169 and 269; UH-1N Hueys from HMLA-467; and MH-60S Seahawks from HSC-26 took part in the qualifications aboard Bataan.

"Bataan has been extremely supportive throughout all of our evolutions," said Lt. j.g. Philip Saulnier, the HSC-26 detachment communications officer. "Bataan's air department provided us with air traffic control support for three helicopters, particularly during the DLQs, replenishments at sea, and AATCC services."

Saulnier said the direct support from Bataan has led to a more robust search and rescue capability for fleet support during upcoming deployments.

"When coordinating with my counterparts in the Fleet Marine Force (FMF), I am extremely proud to be part of the Bataan team," said Lukehart. "The crew of Bataan has consistently exuded a can-do attitude, and provided excellent support. Marines feel at home when they come aboard this ship."

USS Constitution Celebrates 213th Launching Day Anniversary

By Seaman Shannon S. Heavin, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution and her crew got underway Oct. 21 to celebrate her 213th launching day anniversary.

More than 300 Sailors and guests embarked the ship as she departed her pier in Charlestown at approximately 8 a.m., following morning colors.

"For over 200 years, this ship has used both force and diplomacy to advance American interests all over the world," said Cmdr. Timothy Cooper, Constitution's 71st commanding officer. "Her mission today is one of education and outreach, and I can think of no better way to accomplish that mission than getting Constitution underway. The fact that today is her 213th birthday makes this underway all the more special."

The ship then fired a 21-gun salute in the vicinity of Fort Independence on Castle Island. Fort Independence is a state park that served as a defense post for Boston Harbor at one time. Sailors also taught guests about "Old Ironsides'" history.

"With buoyant spirits, we embarked upon this vessel filled with awe and pride to celebrate the eagle of sea's 213th birthday," said Bobby Power, local historian.

The ship also fired an additional 17 shots as she passed the U.S. Coast Guard Station, the former site of the Edmund Hartt shipyard where Constitution was built. Each round of this salute honored the 16 states that comprised America when Constitution launched in 1797 and one in honor of the ship. Constitution then returned to her berth at approximately 10:30 a.m.

Finally, Cooper announced the 2010 junior and senior Sailors of the year and the 2010 winners of the Berenson and leadership awards. The Berenson award winner went to the Sailor who consistently gave the best tours of Constitution. The leadership award went to the Sailor who demonstrated the best leadership qualities as determined by peers.

"Winning junior Sailor of the year on board the USS Constitution's birthday underway is a sheer honor, in that I see the rich history that has shaped us today," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Wallace. "I am proof that hard work pays off."

It took Constitution's crew three attempts in 1797 before successfully launching her Oct. 21. The first failed attempt came Sept. 20 and the second two days later. She kept getting stuck in the mud due to her heavy weight.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston Harbor. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.

Enterprise, Carrier Air Wing One Complete Blue Water Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alex R. Forster, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) successfully completed their Blue Water Certification Oct. 21 during Carrier Strike Group Twelve's Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

Blue Water Certification qualifies the carrier and air wing to conduct flight operations without a divert airfield available. Prior to becoming certified, aircrew can only fly with secondary landing sites in range, for use in case of emergencies.

"One strength of a carrier is being able to operate autonomously without the need of other airfields. Our assets launch from and return to our deck," said Cmdr. Carroll W. Bannister, the Big E's air boss.

The certification process took the ship and the air wing two days to complete and required everyone to work seamlessly together.

"It is a total team effort that must be continuously monitored, tweaked and executed – no one's part is more important than the other's," said Bannister. "Everyone has to work in an efficient manner for all facets of the certification to come together. My part is to ensure that the orchestration is done and to ensure all parties are acting in concert."

Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic provided an evaluation team for the event, with Big E earning an exceptional grade upon completion of Blue Water Certification.

"It is one of the final pre-deployment 'checks in the box' for Enterprise," said Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Douglas E. Cooke, Case III Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) supervisor and leading chief petty officer of OC division.

This certifies that not only CATCC and the flight deck are ready to deploy, but that the ship as a whole is ready, said Cooke.

"The combat systems personnel must assure the radars and communications work, the reactor and engineering department have to supply steam to the catapults and propulsion plants, and supply and AIMD (Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department) must keep parts in stock and maintenance up-to-date to keep aircraft flying," said Cooke. "It's really a whole team evolution for the entire command."

Blue Water Certification was a monumental accomplishment for the Big E, as the crew gears up for its first deployment in three years.

"I couldn't be more proud of the Sailors and Marines serving on Big E," said Capt. O.P. Honors, USS Enterprise commanding officer. "We had a difficult goal to accomplish, and our team knocked it out of the park."

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

Enterprise Strike Group is conducting COMPTUEX as part of its work-ups in preparation for an upcoming deployment. For more information about Enterprise, Carrier Strike Group 12 or Carrier Air Wing 1 visit www.Enterprise.navy.mil, www.ccsg12.surfor.navy.mil, and www.cvw1.navy.mil.

Navy Demonstration Highlights Bio-Fuels Capability

By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Jamieson

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NORFOLK NAVAL STATION, Va., Oct. 25, 2010 – The U.S. Navy last week conducted a demonstration here featuring an experimental riverine command boat which uses an alternative fuel blend of 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO F-76 fuel oil.

The demonstration is part of an initiative to support Navy Secretary Ray Mabus' efforts to reduce the fleet's reliance on fossil fuels and is part of a series of progressively complex tests and evaluations scheduled through 2012.

Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, Chief of Naval Operations' director of energy and environmental readiness, which leads the Navy's Task Force Energy, said the demonstration was a historic step on the road toward energy independence for the Navy.

"What you've seen today is a mean, green riverine machine," Cullom said. "This demonstration is a great example of the fleet answering the Secretary of the Navy’s call. He told us a year ago that by 2020 half of our platforms at sea would be operating on an alternative fuel other than petroleum. We made an important step toward that goal today."

The initiative toward a Navy running on alternative fuels is multi-purpose, the admiral said.

"Our primary mission for Navy energy reform is to increase warfighting capability, both strategically and tactically," Cullom said. "From a strategic perspective, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels from unstable locations. Tactically, efficient use of energy resources extends our combat range and use of non-petroleum fuels assures multiple supplies are available."

Sailors assigned to Riverine Group 1 here conducted the demonstration, performing maneuvers meant to simulate actions taken during offensive operations.

Rear Adm. Michael P. Tillotson, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, said the most impressive aspect of the demonstration was that there was no functional impact on how the boat performed.

"The coxswain of the boat told me he couldn't tell a difference between the bio-fuel mix and the normal fuel," Tillotson said. "I think that is a testament to how practical and beneficial this fuel can be for our people, our Navy and our country."

Cullom said the bio-fuels program will benefit servicemembers by increasing efficiency and extending the ranges they can travel without refueling.

"This program is going to benefit our people," he said. "If this extends the range of a pilot, say, one more pass around a carrier, it could mean the difference in allowing that pilot to get home to his or her family safely."

The testing and demonstration of alternative fuels for ships is led by Naval Sea Systems Command's advanced fuels program office. The office, working in coordination with the Task Force Energy Maritime Working Group, supports the Secretary of the Navy's efforts to reduce total energy consumption on naval ships.

Bataan Makes ULTRA-C Preparations

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin Boyce, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- The crew of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) returned to Norfolk, Va. Oct. 22 following a week at sea preparing for an upcoming Unit Level Training Assessment for Certification (ULTRA-C).

During ULTRA-C, inspectors from Afloat Training Group (ATG) Mid-Atlantic will come aboard and review Bataan's training teams and crew in the areas of damage control, seamanship, medical readiness and combat systems.

The crew spent the week drilling in each of these areas. Each day underway, the schedule featured a total ships survivability exercise (TSSE), which included flexing all 10 of Bataan's repair lockers, elements of the ship's combat systems, a fully manned combat information center, and the ship's medical team.

"Everybody has a role to fulfill," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Richard Rock, assistant leading petty officer of the medical department. "In any given scenario or drill, the integration of all the training teams will test the flexibility, capability and overall training of the crew to save and fight the ship."

In addition to proficiency, ATG inspectors will take a look at the crew's level of knowledge and qualifications, and evaluate a number of the ship's programs, including zone inspections and electrical safety.

Bataan's assistant damage control assistant, Lt. j.g. Robert Mayo said, starting, maintaining and finishing the week-long assessment with an strong, upbeat collective attitude will help carry the crew to success.

"The Sailors do a phenomenal job every time we have certifications to pass, and they demonstrated that throughout this week of training," said Mayo. "They always have great attitudes."

Although the crew picked up the pace of its preparations over the last week, Bataan's training teams provide consistent guidance and training year-round to keep the crew operating at high levels in all warfare areas.

"We've gone through several scenarios; integrated training team (ITT) training, stretcher bearer evaluations, and taken quick looks at our programs to gauge where we are at this time," said Rock.

He said he is 100-percent confident in the crew's ability to train, self assess and correct when necessary and that the combination of those three things will lead to success during ULTRA-C and moving forward.

CGC Healy – Return to port

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

Post Written by Ensign Emily Kehrt

After a summer in the Arctic, Healy pulled into our homeport of Seattle October 12.  On the way south, we stopped in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to drop off the scientists from our final mission, and Kodiak for a port call. We also pulled into Juneau to pick up friends and family for a Dependents Cruise. Some of our family and friends were able to join us on our transit home from Juneau because once the science parties depart Healy has extra berthing areas which can be use for dependents.

Although the weather wasn’t too great (96 knots of relative wind!), we were able to show our families and friends the beautiful Inside Passage. This is the same route that cruise ships usually take going between Seattle and Alaska. As we pulled into Pier 36 at Coast Guard Sector Seattle, many of the family members who weren’t able to join us for the cruise were waiting on the pier.

When I last posted, we were working with NASA researchers. Since then, we’ve had two more science missions. The second mission of the summer was our third year of collaborating with the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Louis S. St-Laurent, working together to map the Extended Continental Shelf and the Arctic seafloor. Healy has very good sonar bottom-mapping capabilities – we actually map the seafloor constantly whenever we’re underway. For this mission, however, we mostly broke ice for the Louis S. St-Laurent, who was trailing seismic gear which can map deep into the sediment layers of the seafloor. Our final mission this summer involved deploying subsurface moorings which measure various facets of the water column, such as conductivity, temperature and salinity.

Our summer science missions were very successful, but the crew was really excited to get home to their families and spend some time in Seattle. Buildings and trees are a nice change of scenery from white ice stretching into the horizon. Not to forget that sailing for months at a time crunching through thick, Arctic ice takes its toll on the cutter. Spending the winter in port allows for a long dockside maintenance period, which will give us time to get Healy ready for another Arctic summer next year.

ESG 5 Officers Earn Information Dominance Corps Warfare Qualifications

From Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- During a ceremony at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, all eligible members of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5's staff officially became part of the Information Dominance Corps (IDC), Oct. 20.

After completing the qualification standards and passing a required exam, 12 members of ESG 5 were welcomed into the IDC as Information Dominance Warfare Officers (IDWO) and presented with the new warfare insignia.

"It is an exciting time to be in the information business," said Lt. Linda Laws, ESG 5's communications officer. "By combining all the information gathering communities into one organization we are increasing our capability to provide a clear picture of the operational environment to commanders."

The community, consisting of information professionals, intelligence officers, meteorological officers and information warfare officers, was established in Nov. 2009 to streamline the information sharing process within the Navy.

"In this new era the cyber domain has become increasingly dominant and it is vitally important to have individuals who are specialized in information dominance," said Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 5. "This ESG 5 team of cyber warriors is leading the fight."

The community, led by Vice Adm. Jack Dorsett, deputy chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance, was established to empower a corps of professionals to improve Navy capabilities in the information domain.

"The awarding of the IDWO pin provides the same kind of visible recognition as other warfare-qualified officers," said Lt. Ryan Tashma, ESG5's knowledge manager. "It identifies IDC members as warfighters with basic proficiency in a critical warfare area."

ESG 5 was re-established in Nov. 2009 to support amphibious forces deployed to the region, mine warfare, contingency response missions and maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Amos Succeeds Conway as Marine Commandant

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2010 – In a sun-drenched ceremony here today, Gen. James F. Amos received the battle flag of the U.S. Marine Corps from Gen. James T. Conway and became the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who presided at the ceremony, praised both Amos and Conway for their military careers and their dedication to America.

“As commandant, Jim made the health of the force a top priority, ensuring his Marines had the right tools for the job and new Marines were of the highest quality,” Gates said. He noted that on Conway’s watch, the Marine Corps grew to 202,000 members exceeding both DOD and Marine Corps standards. Gates gave the service five years to increase by 27,000 Marines and they accomplished the mission in less than half that time.

Conway also put aside the resources needed to care for ill or injured Marines, Gates said.

“He established the Wounded Warrior regiment to provide state-of-the-art care and outreach to wounded or sick Marines and their families, and to do so long after they had left the service,” the secretary said.

Gates called the Marine Corps “one of America’s most-cherished institutions and one of the world’s most feared and respected fighting forces.”

The Marine Corps, the secretary noted, has spent the last eight years essentially as an army force, without employing its famous amphibious skills.

“They need to preserve both their maritime soul and the hard-won counterinsurgency skills they've developed during this past decade,” Gates said. “Doing this will demand an intellectual capacity similar to that of Marine Corps forebears who developed novel amphibious warfare concepts in the years leading up to World War II.”

Gates said that Amos, the first Marine aviator to be commandant, is the man to tackle the challenge.

“He will, I'm confident, find the right balance to create what is needed to win the wars we're in, while ensuring Marines remain the expeditionary force in readiness for the 21st century,” Gates said.

Conway thanked the secretary and praised his successor. The outgoing commandant also spoke of American servicemembers in harm’s way.

“There’s lots of work still to be done, and a close fight still to be won,” Conway said. It’s important, he added, that Americans “understand the important job” performed by the Marines and other U.S. servicemembers deployed in war zones.

“We want them to win and come home safe. So I ask you to continue to provide that support. And I think you'll be pleased with the outcome,” Conway said.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, October 25, 2010

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

Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey deliver opening remarks at Association of the United States Army Annual Symposium followed by press briefing at 11:45 a.m. EDT in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact AUSA at 202-249-4161.

Pentagon Prepares for Possible WikiLeaks Publication

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2010 – The Defense Department is preparing for an additional publication by WikiLeaks of classified military documents from Iraq operations, DOD officials said here today.

A DOD task force has been combing through the Iraq data base to assess the damage that a proposed WikiLeaks publication of 400,000 significant activity reports could pose to the U.S. military, Iraqi allies, and on-going operations.

“We strongly condemn the unauthorized disclosure of classified information and will not comment on these leaked documents other than to note that ‘significant activities’ reports are initial, raw observations by tactical units,” Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters. “They are essentially snapshots of events, both tragic and mundane, and do not tell the whole story.

“That said, the period covered by these reports has been well-chronicled in news stories, books and films and the release of these field reports does not bring new understanding to Iraq’s past,” Morrell added.

In a note to news organizations, Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said the department does not know for sure what Wikileaks will publish, but officials expect the same type of documents the organization put on the Internet in July about the Afghan conflict. WikiLeaks put 77,000 documents from the Afghan data base on line in that breach of national security.

“If the release of documents is four times what it was for the Afghan logs, this is larger in that sense,” Lapan said. “But in view of the types of information, the two are very similar.”

Task force officials, he said, concluded that WikiLeaks might release the names of Iraqis who cooperated with the coalition and information that could aid enemies in operations.

The potential breach is dangerous, but not fatal, Lapan said, noting neither the Iraq, nor Afghanistan data bases contain intelligence sources and methods.

“That’s a different level, and that’s not what is in these documents,” he said.

The data bases contain reports of every company level significant activity, Lapan said.

“These are raw observations from the tactical level of combat operations,” he said. “They could be casualty incidents; they could be IED incidents, information on working with Iraqis –- any number of things that units use this database to report.”

WikiLeaks should not publish anything, the colonel said.

“The problem with WikiLeaks is it goes beyond just taking out names of people,” Lapan said. “There is lots of other information that could be damaging, and they don’t have the expertise to know what they are.”

Lapan said if WikiLeaks does publish the documents on the Web, servicemembers and DOD civilians should steer clear of the site.

“The information remains classified even if it is released publicly,” Lapan said. DOD personnel should not access that website from their government computers, he said, lest they create a security breach.

“We deplore WikiLeaks for inducing individuals to break the law, leak classified documents and then cavalierly share that secret information with the world, including our enemies,” Lapan continued. “We know terrorist organizations have been mining the leaked Afghan documents for information to use against us, and this Iraq leak is more than four times as large.”

WikiLeaks’ actions are putting the lives of troops and civilians at risk, Lapan said.

“The only responsible course of action for Wikileaks at this point is to return the stolen material and expunge it from their websites as soon as possible,” he said.