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.

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, September 26, 2010

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

Today in the Department of Defense, Saturday, September 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.

This Day in Naval History - Sept. 24

From the Navy News Service

1918 - Ensign David S. Ingalls, in a Sopwith Camel, shoots down his fifth enemy aircraft, becoming the first U.S. Navy ace while flying with the British Royal Air Force.

1944 - Fifth Fleet carrier aircraft attack Japanese in Visayas, Philippines.

1960 - First nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), launched at Newport News, Va.

Diversity Crucial For America, Pennsylvania Official Tells NAVSUP Employees

By Tim Christmann, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- "The United States will be a better country if Americans continue to embrace diversity in everything they do," said Norman Bristol Colon, executive director of the Governor's Advisory Commission on Latino Affairs (GACLA) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, during a visit to Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Headquarters on Sept. 21 to promote National Hispanic Heritage Month.

"Diversity must be a top priority," said Colon, adding that America must reach out and help Latinos, who are the fastest growing ethnic group in Pennsylvania (more than 600,000) and the largest minority ethnic group (more than 45 million) in the nation. "These individuals bring strong family values, work ethic, and high hopes, dreams and aspirations to Pennsylvania ... the same strong foundations brought to America by our founding fathers."

"As we celebrate the contributions Latinos have made and continue making in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the nation, we continue to build stronger communities strengthened by educational, social and economic opportunities," said Colon. "Diversity is in the best interest of America."

Born and raised in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Colon was appointed by Pennsylvania Gov. Edward Rendell as director of GACLA, the Commonwealth's advocate agency for its Latino residents in 2003 at age 27. He is the youngest executive director in the 35-year history of the commission.

"I came from humble beginnings ... and arrived in Pennsylvania as a non-English speaking teenager," he said. "But I had a good mother who taught me strong values ... and thanks to her example, I knew that I would make it ... that I could accomplish anything I set my mind on."

He added that he's grateful he came to the United States because "in America anything is possible ... and millions of individuals in this country embrace this belief."

NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. naval forces with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods.

USS Hawaii Visits Guam

From Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

APRA HARBOR, Guam (NNS) -- The Virginia-class fast attack submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776) arrived Sept. 24 in Apra Harbor, Guam for a port visit during the ship's first deployment to the Western Pacific.

The ship departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific region Aug. 25.

With a crew of 136, this is the ship's first deployment from Pearl Harbor.

Hawaii will be conducting a multitude of missions while assigned to 7th Fleet during the next several months.

"Guam, as a port, plays a vital role in the U.S. military's efforts to fulfill our commitments to our allies and partners and to protect our nation's security," said Capt. John Russ, commodore for Submarine Squadron 15. "USS Hawaii's deployment to the Western Pacific with their unique capabilities helps strengthen our commitment to the prosperity, security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region."

Measuring 377 feet long and weighing 7,800 tons when submerged, Hawaii is one of the Navy's newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.

The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare and mine warfare.

Council Evaluates Navy Volunteer Program for CNIC, CNO

By Bill Doughty, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Community Service Program (NCSP) Council conducted its annual planning and review meeting Sept. 20-24 at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.

Commander, Naval District Washington, in coordination with Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) sponsored the annual meeting of the NCSP Council.

Several key regional representatives, from as far away as Guam and Florida, met with flagship program representatives to review the Navy's volunteer outreach throughout the past year.

Together, the group drafted fiscal year 2011 recommendations for the chief of naval operations (CNO) via CNIC.

Among the recommendations: updating related instructions, standardizing the community service awards program and capturing volunteer hours from every region to be able to demonstrate the effectiveness of NCSP's impact throughout the nation.

"When we can report the numbers of hours our Sailors give back to the community it helps people visualize just how much of an investment that Navy makes," said Dianne Parker, community service volunteer coordinator for Commander, Navy Region Southeast.

"It's huge. In our region alone, more than 23,000 of our service members donated over 385,000 hours of their time helping in one of the five flagship areas," said Parker.

There are five Navy volunteer "flagships," which include Personal Excellence Partnerships, devoted to education-related volunteer work with young people; Health, Safety and Fitness, focusing on health and sports-related volunteer programs; Campaign Drug Free, highlighting anti-drug education; Project Good Neighbor, spotlighting volunteer efforts with people who are less fortunate; and Environmental Stewardship, recognizing the importance of caring for and about natural resources.

Commands compete each year for NCSP awards in each flagship category. During the meeting, they looked for ways to streamline the awards process for Navy regions, installations and other commands.

"As the flagship sponsor for the Health, Safety and Fitness program, I see the value of volunteering, not only to the Navy and to young people in our communities, but also to individual Sailors," said Henry Giles, director of community service and outreach for Naval Education and Training Command.

Giles is also Navy's program manager for Starbase-Atlantis, a DoD youth outreach education program operating at 15 locations throughout the United States.

Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Paul Polach of CNIC, who led coordination of the council meeting, said that the minutes and recommendations of the council's meeting will be provided to the CNO via CNIC. He publishes information about NCSP through his magazine, "Navy Volunteer!"

"We'll be compiling a special report on the numbers of volunteer hours by Sailors, Navy-wide," Polach said. "I think people will be impressed with how much our Sailors give back."

Polach also coordinates the NCSP flagship awards and Bainbridge award program.

During the three-day meeting, the council trained together on legal aspects of volunteering, risk management, NCSP's role in natural disasters and other topics.

A highlight of the council meeting was attending a full honors arrival ceremony at the Washington Navy Yard Sept. 23, in which CNO Adm. Gary Roughead welcomed his counterpart, Adm. Nirmal Kumar Verma, chief of the naval staff of the Indian navy.

"We were privileged to be part of the audience to witness this special ceremony," said Olivia Hunter, of Commander, Naval District Washington, primary host of the council meeting.

"We, in turn, hosted 20 JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps) students from Suitland High School and joined them in a tour of the Navy Ceremonial Guard Facility," said Hunter.

Several students expressed an interest to council members about joining the Navy.

The council meeting concluded Sept. 23 with a plan for fostering the volunteer program in fiscal year 2011, engaging in social media and continuing interaction opportunities on line.

Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Participates in PANFLUEX

By Deborah R. Kallgren

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) and its branch clinics immunized nearly 4,000 personnel during the Chief of Naval Operations' pandemic flu exercise (PANFLUEX) Sept. 14-15.

Eighty-nine percent of NMCPs active duty staff, 67 percent of its General Service civilians, and 46 percent of its contractors were immunized against the flu.

NMCP is one of two medical treatment facilities to test the Navy's ability to surge in the event of a real pandemic. Naval Hospital Bremerton, Wash., also participated in the exercise.

When the influenza vaccine arrived at NMCP, the medical center's mobile vaccination teams had 48 to quickly respond and get the designated active duty and mission-essential civilians immunized.

Capt. Matthew Pommer, deputy commander, noted that the medical center had 124 staff deployed and 235 others on leave or temporary additional duty on the exercise days. Additionally, multiple staff members presented with possible medical contraindications and were unable to receive a flu vaccine.

"Given the variables, ongoing commitments, chiefs' initiation, E-4 exams and multiple hurdles, things went very well," Pommer said.

There are four phases of NMCPs surge capability. The first was at the medical center. Four teams of 20 fanned out to immunize personnel at the main hospital and its nine branch clinics. The remaining three phases are being conducted as vaccine is received.

"We wanted to stress the system and see how well and how fast we can get a large volume of our staff vaccinated," said Capt. Dexter Hardy, Public Health Services director.

Teams began administering flu injections and the nasal FluMist vaccine Sept. 14 at 7 a.m. They worked continuously through that night to immunize the overnight staff and into the next day. They completed PANFLUEX Sept. 15 at 11 p.m.

The teams got off to a good start the first day.

"Over a 16-hour period, we vaccinated over 70 percent of our active duty staff," Hardy added.

CherylAnn Kraft, NMCP immunizations manager, said much of the PANFLUEXs success was due to the hard work of the immunization teams.

"We have increased our efficiency and reduced vaccination wait times by 50 percent in the pandemic model, getting patients through in 3 and a half minutes," said Kraft. "We are excited to share our lessons learned with our Navy family."

NMCP expects to administer about 130,000 flu shots this year, 60,000 of which will be administered in the pandemic surge exercise. The remaining allocation of flu shots is for TRICARE-eligible dependents and family members; flu shots for those individuals will be available soon.

Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to protect against the three flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. This year's vaccine contains three new flu virus strains.

The 2010-11 influenza vaccine protects individuals from getting sick from these three viruses, and it can make symptoms milder if the person contracts a related, but different influenza virus strain.

Influenza has the potential to significantly impact Navy force readiness and missions. In the U.S., influenza results in more than 25 million reported cases, more than 150,000 hospitalizations due to serious complications, and more than 30,000 deaths annually.

Officials Seek to Strengthen Reserve Components

By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

National Guard Bureau

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2010 – A report released this week will help Defense Department officials implement recommendations made by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserve two years ago.

“There is a very strong commitment to implement most of recommendations of [the commission],” Dennis M. McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said at a roundtable discussion here yesterday. “This [report] is going to help us sustain and maintain the momentum of that process.”

The Center for a New American Security report, which argues for a number of actions that will strengthen the Guard and reserves, combined with the 12 other studies being conducted by the Defense Department, also will help to inform defense leaders as they plan for the future of the reserve components, said Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau.

“This century obviously has been hugely challenging for all of us,” he said. “We are emerging into the second decade of this century and trying to figure out what are the proper sweet spots for the reserve components.”

McKinley said today about 64,000 National Guard men and women are serving overseas in support of the Army and Air Force, but equally important is their 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year support to their governors.

“Because we don’t know when the next crisis will hit, that requirement to be ready all the time … is very important for us to understand,” he said. “At any moment, we can be challenged with a disaster of natural or man-made proportions, … [and] we have to be ready to meet those challenges."

McCarthy said the Guard and its DOD partners have made “tremendous” progress in its support to civil authorities.

“We are definitely, in my opinion, moving in the right direction,” he said, adding that the Guard’s weapons of mass destruction and civil support teams didn’t exist a few years ago.

The report states the Army and Air Guard and other reserve-component branches lack about 25 percent of their required equipment, but McCarthy said it’s unrealistic to expect every unit to be fully equipped.

“I simply don’t think that we ought to knee jerk into the idea that every company and every battalion needs to have 100 percent of its table of equipment parked out on the back lot,” McCarthy said. “If that is the standard we use for measure, I think we are never going to get there, or we’re going to get there with old and outmoded equipment.

“We need to get beyond that,” he continued, “and do some things that are perhaps a little more creative and a little more useful.” He added that new approaches are needed, including the use of simulation.

“Making the reserve component an integral and indispensible part of the operational force will take a whole range of actions that … the department is committed to take,” McCarthy said.

Wounded Warriors Enjoy Summer Sports Clinic

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2010 – Traumatic brain injuries, amputations and other combat wounds aren’t getting in the way of a good time -– and a great rehabilitative experience –- for 75 disabled veterans participating this week in the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic in San Diego.

The clinic, sponsored by the Veterans Affairs Department, opened Sept. 18 and wraps up with closing ceremonies later today.

About a third of the participants were wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, with some still being processed through the disability evaluation system, officials reported. For many, the clinic is their introduction to adaptive sports and recreational activities, and the therapeutic value of sailing, surfing, cycling, kayaking and track and field events.

Raymond Warren, a 29-year-old Marine lance corporal severely wounded in Iraq when a grenade embedded shrapnel in his brain, legs, stomach and arms, said first learning of his severe traumatic brain injury felt like a death sentence.

Always highly competitive, Warren feared when he first awoke at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., that an important part of his life was forever gone. “It hit me pretty hard,” he said.

But this week, as he ran hurdles, kayaked and tried his hand at sailing, surfing and other clinic events alongside his fellow veterans, Warren said he found himself focusing on his abilities rather than his disabilities.

“This shows me I’ve still got what I used to have,” he said. “There’s nothing that can stop me from accomplishing the goals I’ve set forth in front of me.”

Like Warren, Carlos Figueroa always had been a devoted ‘jock’ before he was medically evacuated from Afghanistan with a traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and nerve injuries to his left leg.

“I’ve always been really competitive and big into sports, but when I got out of the service with my injury, I realized that I could no longer do any of the sports I used to play because I couldn’t run,” said the 31-year-old medically retired Marine. A friend introduced Figueroa to mixed martial arts and jujitsu, which have helped to renew his competitive spirit. “Once we hit the floor, I am no longer disabled,” he said. “It’s a fair game for both of us.”

Both Figueroa and Warren got their first exposure to VA’s sports clinic program while attending the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic in Snowmass, Colo. Warren has participated three times. Figueroa attended the clinic for the first time this spring.

“Since my injury, I’ve competed in other events, and typically I would be the only disabled participant,” he said. “But the satisfaction of competing at the winter sports clinic felt 10 times greater -- just being around other disabled veterans, with everyone trying their hardest and knowing that, whether you succeed or not, everyone has achieved a goal in some way, just by being there.”

A joker at heart, Figueroa said the winter sports clinic restored the smile he’d lost and instilled a newfound self-confidence that has helped him resume a full life.

“What I took back from it was not to underestimate myself, not to let my disability control me,” he said. “There are still tons of things I can do out there.”

While relishing the competition at their first summer sports clinic, both Warren and Figueroa say they’re buoyed just as much by the camaraderie they’ve found among their fellow disabled veterans.

“You’re with people who know what you’re going through,” Warren said. “We understand each other, so this is like a second family, away from your family.”

“This is great for veterans,” agreed Figueroa. “I see the smile on so many veterans’ faces while we are competing. … You get participating in an event, and somehow, the pain goes away. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s just the simple fact that you are around other disabled veterans.”

Warren said he has benefitted greatly from the lessons shared by veterans with more experience living with their disabilities.

“When you fall down, get up. Keep going forward,” he said. “And don’t let anything hold you down.”

Warren has taken those lessons to heart, noting he shares them with the newer disabled veterans he meets.

“Don’t give up on your goals,” Warren said he tells his comrades. “And come to these events, because you are among other veterans going through what you are going through, and they will help you through it.”

All-Military Wilderness Challenge 2010 Kicks Off

By Mark O. Piggott, Naval Weapons Station Yorktown Public Affairs

YORKTOWN, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department is scheduled to hold its 10th annual All-Military Wilderness Challenge Oct. 7–9 in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and on the New and the Gauley Rivers in West Virginia.

More than 300 military personnel representing 60 teams from around the world are expected to compete.

The All-Military Wilderness Challenge brings together the best athletes in the armed forces in a series of five outdoor adventure races designed to enhance camaraderie, competition and team spirit between all five branches of the military.

Teams of four will compete in an 8-kilometer mountain run, a 14-mile mountain bike race, a 14-mile forced hike through the mountains, a 13-mile whitewater raft race and a 7-mile kayak race.

Among this year's competitors are three returning All-Military Wilderness Challenge champions and two Wounded Warrior teams, comprised of military personnel injured in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Alexander Details U.S. Cyber Command Gains

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2010 – Establishing U.S. Cyber Command closed the gap that prevented the Defense Department from defending its crucial information networks, the organization’s commander told the House Armed Services Committee yesterday.

Cybercom, based at Fort Meade, Md., merges the offensive and defensive sides of DOD’s cyber world into one organization for the benefit of both sides, said Army Gen. Keith B. Alexander, who also is director of the National Security Agency.

The command stood up in May. Before that, Joint Task Force Global Network Operations was responsible for defense.

“That task force got one level of intelligence and could see one part of the network,” Alexander told the committee. “Operating on the other side was the Joint Functional Component Command Net Warfare trained at a different level with different intel insights at a different classification level.”

Two organizations had responsibility for the same network, the general explained. “And if you were operating at the National Training Center, you wouldn’t have the defensive team out there defending, and then take them off the field and run out with an offensive team,” he said. “It’s the same team.”

The offense and defense cannot be different, because these operations will occur in real time, the general said.

“It’s also an experience that we’ve seen in some of our red team and blue teams of what's happening in our networks,” he said. “And I think that's a huge and a positive step and goes significantly toward providing better support to the [combatant commands].”

A subunified command under U.S. Strategic Command, Cybercom has about 1,000 servicemembers and civilian employees. The command has a budget of about $120 million this year, and is programmed for about $150 million in fiscal 2011.

“We need the continued support of Congress and the resources that the department is putting forward for the component commands that we have here,” Alexander said. “It is going to have to grow. Each of them are looking at this and addressing that, and we will need your continued support to make that happen.”

But the command also needs authorities and guidance from Congress and the White House to ensure a good defense. Alexander said the thinking is that any cyber defense will require a team effort incorporating the Homeland Security Department, the FBI, the Defense Department and other concerned public and private agencies.

“Right now, the White House is leading a discussion on what are the authorities needed and how do we do this and … how will that team operate to defend our country?” he said. “What they will look at across that is what are the authorities, what do we have legally, and then given that, what do we have to come back to Congress and reshape or mold for authorities to operate in cyberspace?”

Alexander went on to describe different forms of the cyber threat.

“Since the inception of the Internet, as it were, probably the key thing that we’ve seen is hacker activity and exploitation,” he said. “That’s where someone comes in and takes information from your computer, steals your credit card number, takes money out of your account.”

That threat endures, and it possibly is the most significant form of the threat, the general said. It is not just stealing American intellectual property, he noted, but also involves theft of U.S. secrets and compromising other parts of U.S. networks.

Fast-forward to 2007, when Estonia became the first nation attacked in cyberspace.

“We see a shift from exploitation to actually using the Internet as a weapons platform to get another country to bend to the will of another country,” Alexander said. “While it’s hard to attribute that to a nation state, you can see it did happen when two nations were quarreling over political issues.”

Disruptive cyber attacks on Georgia followed in 2008. “A disruptive attack prevents you from doing your business for the time being,” the general explained, but it’s normally something that you can recover from and then go on and do your business.

“What concerns me the most,” he continued, “is destructive attacks that are coming, and we’re concerned that those are the next things that we will see.”

Destructive attacks destroy equipment, Alexander said, and the victim cannot take the same equipment and just drive forward.

“It’s not something that you recover from by just stopping the traffic,” he said. “It is something that breaks a computer or another automated device and, once broken, has to be replaced. That could cause tremendous damage.”

DOD is concerned if that happens in a war zone to defense networks, Alexander said.

“If that were to happen in a war zone, that means our command and control system and other things suffer,” he said. “We’ve got to be prepared for that both from a defensive perspective, and then to ensure that the enemy can’t do that to us. Again – a full operational capability.”

DOD classified networks have been breached. A foreign intelligence agency used a flash drive to put a virus into U.S. Central Command networks in 2008. The department launched Operation Buckshot Yankee to combat the worm, and Cybercom has drawn lessons from the experience.

“We actually had three parts that came out of that Operation Buckshot Yankee – culture, conduct and capability,” Alexander told the representatives. “On the culture side, it was getting commanders to understand this is commander’s business. This isn’t something that you say, ‘I’m going to have one of my staff run it.’ This is commander's business. Commanders are responsible for the operation of their command. And this operational network, it’s important to them.”