Families Foster Future Military Working Dogs

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 6, 2012 – Navy veteran Hector Hernandez leans down to hug his dog as she pants noisily from her most recent dash around the living room. She nuzzles into his hand -- a momentary calm in the storm of activity that’s Bella.

 “She’s a good girl,” Hernandez said affectionately as he throws the ball she’s already fetched several times from across the room. But this time, she bounds to his wife and two daughters, pausing to lick each member of her new family.

Although they already have a dog and weren’t looking for another, the Hernandez family took Bella in about three months ago -- not out of a sense of obligation because she needed a home, but due to a deep desire to serve.

Like Hernandez, who retired from the Navy, Bella is destined for a lifetime of service. She is one of several future military working dogs placed with foster families across town. These families, all volunteers, raise these dogs for about five months before returning them for an intensive training program at the Defense Department’s Military Working Dog Breeding Program at Lackland Air Force Base here.

This program, administered by the 341st Training Squadron, breeds, trains and raises Belgian Malinois to serve alongside other military working dogs, a select group used by DOD and other government agencies for patrol, drug and explosive detection, and in specialized missions both stateside and overseas, explained Bernadine Green, the program’s deputy director.

The program solely breeds Belgian Malinois, since that breed tends to make outstanding working dogs, able to carry out a mission equally well on an installation or in a combat zone, she said.

Puppies spend their first months of life in the breeding center, where experts begin assessing them for signs of future promise. The puppies that show potential are placed with foster families -- a mix of active duty, veterans and community members -- starting at about 8 weeks old.

“Families love to do it,” Green said. “It’s their way of giving back to the community and the military, and also for the sheer pleasure of caring for a puppy.”

Hernandez, a training instructor for Naval Technical Training Center Lackland, said a sense of service was the driving force behind his decision to take in Bella. After he arrived at work one day, he saw the puppies walking outside and asked one of the trainers about the program. After a facility tour, he was hooked.

He’d been searching for a way to serve since he retired in January 2011, he said. “I miss the military,” he said. “I feel like I have a lot of good fight in me. I want to serve further.”

He came home that night and told his wife and daughters that he wanted to take in a future working dog. The family already had a full plate. Hernandez and his wife, Anita, are full-time students, caregivers of Herndandez’ mother, and also homeschool their two daughters, 17-year-old Tiffany and 10-year-old Brianna. Plus, they already have a dog, Rosie.

At first, Anita said she was taken aback. “I thought, ‘Really, another dog?’ But then I wanted to see what the breed looked like. I had to let it sink in. But the minute I saw her, I fell in love with her.”

Hernandez brought Bella home Sept. 1. While they’ll admit to a few rough spots, mainly between Bella and Rosie, who is used to being top dog in the house -- it’s been smooth sailing since.

The family has trained her to sit and fetch, and helps to develop skills that will serve her well in her military future. They’ll have her bite on a rag, Hernandez explained, which will later progress to bite training at school.

The family also ensures her well-being, keeping an eye on her eating, exercise and health. This day, the family entered crisis mode when they noticed Bella was bleeding slightly, but otherwise was fine. They did a brief examination and determined she had lost a baby tooth. “What a relief,” Hernandez said, holding the tooth in his hand.

To foster her social skills, Hernandez takes her with him everywhere he goes, whether it’s to run, to work or to meet with other foster families on base for “play dates” with other dogs, many of which are Bella’s littermates.

Hernandez is right on track, Green said, noting the importance of exposing the dogs to a variety of environments.

The foster phase serves several purposes, she explained. By living in a home, versus an austere kennel, foster families “broaden the puppy’s horizon.”

“This phase is probably the most integral part of the program,” Green added. “Without these foster parents raising puppies, … we don’t get well-rounded dogs.”

The families are offered help in basic puppy rearing and instructed on basic obedience. However, the biggest challenge for foster families isn’t the puppy care, Green noted, it’s when the time comes to return their now-beloved dog.

“We have a lady who fostered 13 puppies and one of the brood bitches,” she recalled. Each time she returns a puppy, “she cries a blue streak.”

Upon her return to the breeding program in about a month, Bella will move on to puppy training, which will last until she’s about a year old. At that time, if she’s up to the task, she’ll progress to the 341st Training Squadron’s Military Working Dog Training Program here, which is about 120 days and teaches the dogs how to patrol and detect drugs and bombs worldwide. As with her classmates, Bella will be assigned to a military unit stateside or overseas, where she’ll carry out patrol and detection missions.

While DOD dogs become part of the military working dog population scattered across the services, they always can be distinguished by their names. All DOD dogs have a double letter at the start of their names -- for example, Bella’s birth name is Bbella, Green said.

Hernandez said he hopes he can track her career and catch up with her someday when her career winds down.

“If they retired her at Lackland, I would be elated to adopt her,” he said, smiling at Bella, who finally had tired out and was sitting by his feet.

Meanwhile, Hernandez is determined to enjoy the brief time he has left with Bella. While he’ll be sad to see her go, Hernandez said, the thought of her future mission eases his pain.

“It’s going to be tough on the family, but she’s going to go do a job, and it’s a very important job, and I’m contributing,” he said.

Hernandez’ 10-year-old daughter, Brianna, echoed her father’s pride. “I feel like I’m helping the military because I’m fostering their dog and they’re going to be … keeping America safe,” she said. “I feel like they’re blessings [and] should be treated with a lot of respect.”

Tiffany sat quietly as her sister spoke. She later noted her concern about Bella’s welfare. “I don’t want her to get hurt,” she said, staring affectionately at Bella.

Hernandez said he’d like to take in another dog since the program has an ongoing need for foster families, but will have to give it some time after he returns Bella. “A heartache needs healing,” he said.

Japanese Family Thanks U.S. 7th Fleet

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

TOMAKOMAI, Japan (NNS) -- The owner and family members of a Japanese fishing vessel, found missing by the U.S. Navy during Operation Tomodachi, visited the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to say "thank you," in Tomakomai, Japan, Feb. 5.

Shiho Orikasa and her family visited the crew to show their appreciation and gratitude for their help in locating their missing boat and helping Japan during the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.

"Thank you for inviting my family and I. I am happy to see you. We are appreciative of all your efforts in Japan," said Shiho.

During Operation Tomodachi, Shiho sent an e-mail entitled "I am a 14-year-old Japanese," to the 7th Fleet public affairs office asking for help in locating her father's fishing ship, after seeing images of the ship named HOUKI MARU NO.23 on the 7th Fleet website, www.c7f.navy.mil.

Lt. Cmdr. Mike Morley, the public affairs officer for Commander Task Force 73, volunteered to help the 7th Fleet public affairs office on board Blue Ridge during Operation Tomodachi, replied to Shiho's email.

Morley said 7th Fleet would look into getting details of the latitude, longitude and exact time the photographs were taken.

"We are also researching to see if there is more current information on where the ship may be now," Morley wrote back. "We will keep you informed of what we find."

Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) had encountered the missing ship March 13, 2011. The coordinates of the ship's location from that day were given to the family to use with the help of the Japan Coast Guard to locate the ship.

Two weeks after Curtis Wilbur's crew saw the missing the ship, Shiho emailed Morley that the Japan Coast Guard had located and retrieved the fishing vessel.

"It was fantastic to hear the Japanese Coast Guard had found the ship. It was a fortunate series of events that all started when Shiho had the courage to send that first e-mail, asking for help in finding her family's ship," said Morley.

While on board Blue Ridge, the Orikasa family received a tour of the ship's spaces and presented crewmembers with flowers. With the help of a translator, Yoshie Ushimaru, Shiho's father also expressed his appreciation for the Navy's help.

"At the time when he thought he had lost his ship, he didn't have any hope, but he ended up finding the ship and now he is able to (continue fishing), so once again he really wants to thank the U.S. Navy," stated Ushimaru.

Capt. Charles Williams, 7th Fleet chief of staff, also presented a thank you gift to the family for coming aboard the ship and expressed what a privilege it was to help them.

"It was a pleasure and certainly an honor to be of any help to you and of course to Japan," said Williams.

USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team-Pacific (FAST-PAC) are in Tomakomai for a port visit to participate in the 63rd Sapporo Snow Festival.

Community packs sendoff ceremony for 1157th Transportation Company

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Gov. Scott Walker and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined several hundred family members and friends at the Experimental Aircraft Association's Eagle Hangar in Oshkosh Feb. 4 to bid farewell to the 1157th Transportation Company.

Capt. Christian Menden, commander of the Oshkosh-based unit, said the 1157th was ready to continue its training at Camp Shelby, Miss.

"Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers have a great reputation as highly dedicated workers, and now it's time to prove that once again" Menden said. "I know the road ahead will be challenging and there may be many changes, but we will complete the mission."

State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper urged the Soldiers who had deployed before to support those who are entering their first deployment.

"You'll go forth and show the world what we already know," Stopper said, "that the best Soldiers in the inventory today are part of the Wisconsin Army National Guard."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, expressed his pride in the 1157th.

"I am absolutely confident from the top down that you are going to do a phenomenal job," Anderson said, "because you are Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers, and I know that's the caliber of Soldiers we have in our formation."

Anderson also thanked the families for their support of the 1157th.

"They could not do what they do without the support and love you provide for your Soldier," he said.

U.S. Rep. Tom Petri quoted President Theodore Roosevelt in saying that character is the decisive factor in the lives of individuals and nations.

"We've been blessed that men and women have stepped forward again and again to make sure that our freedoms endure and that our country is strong," Petri said. "You embody the spirit of Citizen-Soldiers that makes our country great."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, noted that the 1157th traces its origins to a rifle company that was formed April 8, 1880 - a legacy that has seen Guardsmen from Oshkosh in the Spanish-American War as well as both world wars. The commitment endures as the current unit will soon begin its fourth deployment to southwest Asia. He also commended the large turnout for the ceremony.

"This doesn't happen everywhere," Dunbar said. "It means a lot to the Soldiers and their families."

Gov. Scott Walker also praised the 1157th.

"You need to remember that you are the best of the best," he said. "You are well trained and well equipped. You're ready for this mission."

Walker noted that the 1157th deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990, and supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005, as well as deployed to Fort Bragg in 2002 - with some serving in the Central Command area of operations - and Iraq in 2006. He recalled Wisconsin's veterans from previous wars, and said the members of the 1157th would continue their fine tradition of representing the state.

Pfc. Brian Johnson may reflect that tradition. The 41-year-old from Green Bay, Wis., joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 2008 for the challenge and for a rewarding experience. He said that people who experience a thrill upon hearing the National Anthem played will understand why he enlisted at age 38. He also said he expects an enriching experience and strong friendships from his first deployment.

"Helping out the people in their country and also supporting our Soldiers over there," he said.

Spc. William Betzlaff of Oshkosh has been with the 1157th for 14 years, and deployed three times. He said he plans to share his experiences with younger Soldiers.

"Just how things go," he explained. "Where to be when we get over there, how to do things, how to take care of things so that after a month or so they're going it as good as I can do it."

Menden agreed, citing Vince Lombardi's quote about individual commitment to a group effort.

"That's what makes a team work, a company work, a society work and a civilization work," Menden said. "And it's commitment that will allow the 1157th to continue its success."

Wounded Warriors Enjoy Super Bowl Party

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 6, 2012 – Super Bowl festivities were in full swing last night at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center here, as hundreds of wounded warriors and their families gathered for the big game.

The party, the largest since the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington and the National Naval Medical Center here merged in September, featured live entertainment, celebrity guests, door prizes and other giveaways, activities for the kids and all the traditional Super Bowl fare.

Wounded warriors and their families gathered around tables in the new wounded warrior barracks complex to cheer on their favorite team and enjoy the entertainment, both on and off the TV screens positioned around the hall.

Actor Jon Voight, former NFL stars Roy Jefferson and Carlton Kammerer and Washington Redskins cheerleaders mingled among them, shaking hands, posing for photos and thanking them for their sacrifices.

Professional impersonators brought the personas of Lady Gaga, Bette Midler, Elvis Presley and other stars to the party, and members of the New York Fire Department crooned the national anthem and other selections.

Meanwhile, a balloon artist entertained the kids, who also got a chance to do handicraft projects between visits to an egg cream soda station.

Other goodies served up during the party included pulled pork and chicken, as well as side fixings and finger foods ranging from Buffalo wings to pizza and nachos.

The event, hosted by Rolling Thunder, the Yellow Ribbon Fund, the USO and the New York City Fire Department, was designed to ensure every wounded warrior felt special, said Gary Scheffmeyer, national president for the Rolling Thunder veterans organization.

Rolling Thunder hosted Super Bowl parties at the now-closed Walter Reed Army Medical Center for the past six or seven years, he said, and joined this year with other groups to throw the biggest Super Bowl bash yet at the integrated Bethesda facility.

“Our major goal with these parties is to make sure these troops get what we didn’t,” explained Scheffmeyer, who recalled the poor reception he and his fellow Vietnam veterans received when they returned home from that conflict. “The bottom line is, this is good for the troops.”

Scheffmeyer said the Super Bowl is a particularly special time to celebrate. “Whether you are a Giants fan or a Patriots fan, this is the Super Bowl,” he said. “These troops get to watch it. They get to party. They get a break from their medical treatments. So it’s a really good reason to have a party.”

“The Super Bowl is real American tradition, one of the biggest events of the year in America,” agreed Navy Rear Adm. (Dr.) Alton L. Stocks, the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center commander. “So it’s a particularly important time for us to be able to say ‘Welcome home’ to these service members and make them feel at home.

“It’s a lot of fun for everyone, but it’s also a big part of the healing process,” Stocks said. “As these wounded warriors physically heal, events like this help them heal emotionally as well.”

Marine Cpl. Jesse Fletcher, a sniper wounded in Kajaki, Afghanistan, in October, said the Super Bowl party offered far more than the chance to cheer his New York Giants on to victory.

“The socializing here is great for us,” he said. “It’s great for our state of mind and outlook, and a great way for us to work on our recovery.”

Marine Sgt. John Peck, a quadruple amputee who was wounded two years ago in Afghanistan’s Helmand province, sported a New England Patriots jersey for the party. And although his team ultimately lost to the Giants, 21-17, the Super Bowl party made him and his fellow wounded warriors feel like winners. “It means people still care and show their support,” he said. “That means a lot.”

Army Sgt. Kevin Gatson, a 101st Airborne Division soldier wounded in Afghanistan in July, wasn’t going to let the fact that his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers weren’t playing keep him from wearing their team colors to the party. It’s the same attire he wore to last year’s Super Bowl, which Gatson watched at the White House with a personal invitation from President Barack Obama.

For Super Bowl XLVI, Gatson declared himself an “honorary Giants fan” and said he planned to spend the night rooting for a Patriots defeat.

But regardless of which team would win or lose, Gatson said, he was up for a good time. “This a fun time, getting everyone together and rooting for their teams and enjoying good camaraderie and good food,” he said.

Voight, who gave the wounded warriors autographed photos with notes of appreciation, said he wouldn’t miss the chance to share the Super Bowl with them.

“These guys are the reason we are living in peace and freedom,” he said. “All of us are in their debt, and every free American should find a way to do whatever they can to support these great heroes and their families.”

“Lindsay A,” as one of the Redskins cheerleaders is known, said she developed a soft spot for military members spending time with them during a goodwill tour to Iraq.

“I’m really excited about seeing them home and in such good spirits,” she said. She said she hoped her squad’s presence, along with the other Super Bowl festivities, would help give them an emotional boost.

Diane Shoemaker, a volunteer for the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which assists families as their loved ones are receiving care here, said throwing a big-scale party sends a strong message to the wounded warriors. “We want the injured service members to know that they are cared about,” she said. “So for me, being a part of this is very personal. I feel like they are my own family. I love them all.”

Former Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Colts and Washington Redskins player Roy Jefferson said he felt honored to be able to join in the party. “For me, it’s a no-brainer. I want to do as much as I can for them, because they have all given me so much,” he said.

About 30 members of the New York City Fire Department knew they had plenty of options for watching their home team take a Super Bowl victory, but elected to spend it hosting wounded warriors.

“This is a way to give back, and to thank them for their service,” said Bill Rautenstrauch. “I feel honored to be in their presence.”

USS California Culinary Specialist Learns California Cuisine from Five-Star Chef

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (NNS) -- A USS California (SSN 781) culinary specialist participated in an once-in-a-lifetime cooking experience during a one-week understudy here, beginning Feb. 4.

The week-long culinary understudy at the Crowne Plaza Hotel was provided by the Santa Barbara Navy League. Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Justin Cramer, of Moore, Okla., reflected on this opportunity to expound on his skills and how the training will benefit the boat's crew.

"This opportunity presents overwhelming joy to me," said Cramer. "I was speechless when I found out and for me it was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I never imagined I would participate in something like this when I joined the U.S. Navy."

Patricia Westberg, vice president, Santa Barbara Navy League reflected on this opportunity for the young chef.

"The Santa Barbara Navy League is honored to have CSSN Justin Cramer visit Santa Barbara and we hope that through his California cuisine training at the Crowne Plaza, he will be able to create a west coast climate on board the boat through menu planning and selections, so the crew will have a taste of our great state several times a month," said Westberg.

Executive Chef Luis Martinez will teach Cramer a variety of cooking-related skill sets, such as culinary arts and advanced food preparation.

"For the next three years I will have the opportunity to apply what I learned in Santa Barbara, bringing back valuable skills to benefit myself and my boat," said Cramer.

Cramer joined the Navy at the age of 23 in January 2011. He chose the culinary specialist rating from years of experience watching his parents enjoy the art of cooking.

"We have had a generation of five-star cooks in our family; it made sense for me to come into the U.S. Navy as a culinary specialist," said Cramer.

Lt. Angus McCallum, supply officer aboard USS California reflected on Cramer's selection.

"Seaman Cramer is going to be the bridge between the recently commissioned California and the Santa Barbara community," said McCallum. "With so much of the country between the boat and the city, this first opportunity forms a tangible bond between California and her home state."

McCallum added that Cramer is a valuable asset to their team. Despite being the most junior culinary specialist in California's Supply Department, Cramer was chosen to participate in the understudy based solely on his stellar performance since arriving aboard the newest Virginia-class attack submarine, said McCallum.

"After being on board for one month, Cramer qualified in all culinary specialist watch stations, which led to the selection as the culinary specialist of the fourth quarter in 2011," said McCallum.

Coast Guard’s 2012 Ice Season Begins!

Written by the International Ice Patrol.

Icebergs, bergy bits or growlers. Whatever you call them, these massive chunks of ice – some the size of a small country – all pose a threat for ships transiting the North Atlantic. But thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard’s International Ice Patrol and their partners, mariners will have the information they need to stay safe, and out of harm’s way.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s International Ice Patrol took over the ice-reporting responsibility from the Canadian Ice Service on Wednesday, officially marking the start of the 2012 ice season. The Ice Patrol is now responsible for issuing daily iceberg analysis products, which provides key safety information for mariners transiting in Atlantic waters.

 Prior to 2011, the Canadian Ice Service published a daily iceberg analysis for Canadian coastal waters and the International Ice Patrol published a seasonal daily iceberg warning when icebergs threatened transatlantic shipping lanes. Last year, the services combined efforts to produce one daily iceberg analysis to be issued by Ice Patrol during their traditional season – February through July – and to be issued by the Canadian Ice Service for the remainder of the year.

Both the International Ice Patrol and Canadian Ice Service now operate under the North American Ice Service, or NAIS, a unified source of ice information for the U.S. and Canadian governments.

The move to NAIS’ unified source of iceberg products was a significant step in improving efficiency. By combining resources and improving effectiveness they have created a one-stop-shop for the maritime community to get critical iceberg information. Both ice services spent considerable effort in harmonizing the iceberg products to provide a seamless transition for the countless mariners that rely on iceberg information for safe navigation in the Atlantic.

The 2012 ice season will be a busy one for the Ice Patrol, and in the upcoming weeks their crews will deploy the first ice reconnaissance detachment of the season to Newfoundland to meet with Canadian partners and conduct initial reconnaissance for the season.

After surveying the iceberg population during their Newfoundland deployment, Ice Patrol members will be able to determine the outlook for the 2012 ice season.

Iceberg reconnaissance is conducted primarily with aircrews from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., in an HC-130J Hercules airplane, the perfect platform for their mission. Using the aircraft’s specialized sensors, radar and visual observations are employed for iceberg detection and identification.

Last year’s ice season was comparatively lighter than previous years, based on the traditional measure of the number of icebergs passing south of latitude 48 degrees north. 2011 also provided distinctive threats to mariners, including an ice island that calved from the Petermann Glacier in August 2010. The ice calving produced several ice island fragments and hundreds of icebergs that traveled south along the coast of Labrador. Fortunately, most remained inshore and deteriorated north of Newfoundland without affecting major transatlantic shipping routes.

Another big part of the 2012 season will be commemorating 100 years since the sinking of RMS Titanic. The International Ice Patrol was established as a direct result of the sinking of RMS Titanic and commemorates the ship every year with a memorial wreath drop over the resting position. This year, in collaboration with the Titanic Historical Society, the Ice Patrol will conduct a special memorial drop of rose petals that were carried by museum visitors through Titanic exhibits.

Over the last century, Ice Patrol has established an enviable safety record – no ship heeding Ice Patrol warnings has ever collided with an iceberg. Ice Patrol strives to maintain that safety record throughout 2012’s ice season, with their Canadian Ice Service and National Ice Center partners.

Keep checking Coast Guard Compass in the upcoming months as we provide more updates from the International Ice Patrol and share the 100-year commemoration of the RMS Titanic.

This article first appeared on Coast Guard Compass, the official blog of the U.S. Coast Guard.

House Committee Leaders Visit USS Enterprise

By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Kristin L. Grover
Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE AT SEA, Feb. 5, 2012 – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Howard P. “Buck” McKeon of California, Vice Chairman Rep. William “Mac” Thornberry of Texas and Navy Adm. Kirkland Donald, director of naval nuclear propulsion, arrived aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise today as the ship was underway in the Atlantic Ocean.

The visitors witnessed carrier operations at sea and met with members of the ship’s crew.

During their time aboard the more than 50-year-old ship, the visitors toured the navigation bridge, engineering and medical spaces, weapons assembly area and the hangar bay.

The guests also took part in a brief lunch with Enterprise Carrier Strike Group leaders and observed aircraft launch and recovery operations on the flight deck before departing the ship on a carrier onboard delivery aircraft.

Enterprise is underway to participate in exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years.

Bold Alligator began Jan 30 and takes place afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina. The exercise concludes Feb. 12.

Panetta Calls for Europe, NATO Defense Investment

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

MUNICH  – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta today called for European nations to match the United States’ vote of confidence in the transatlantic partnership, through investment in common defense and commitment to a long-term solution in Afghanistan.

Panetta and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke before some 10 heads of state and 40 foreign or defense ministers attending the 48th Munich Security Conference at the Bayerischer Hof hotel here.

Panetta challenged his European counterparts to match the U.S. in maintaining military capability in the face of budget constraints.

“Like most nations on this continent, America faces a fiscal crisis,” he noted.

America’s congressionally mandated $487 billion cut in defense spending over the next decade prompted a strategy that will result in a smaller but increasingly capable force, intent on emerging challenges in the cyber and space domains and focused on Asia and the Middle East, with a robust global presence and response capability, the secretary said.

Panetta emphasized NATO is one of the central alliances underpinning the U.S. strategy.

“I believe that today’s strategic and fiscal realities offer NATO the opportunity to build the alliance we need for the 21st century … the core of an expanding network of partnerships across the globe,” the secretary said.

The United States offers concrete proof of its commitment to Europe and NATO, Panetta said. As part of the phased approach to European missile defense, he said, the U.S. will station missiles in Romania and Poland; deploy four cruisers to Rota, Spain, capable of shooting down ballistic missiles; and contribute major funding for the Alliance Ground Surveillance system -- consisting of five Global Hawk intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles and ground-based control equipment -- agreed to this week during NATO defense ministers meetings.

The United States will also identify a brigade to serve as the nation’s land force contribution to the NATO response force, the secretary said.

“The NRF was designed to be an agile, rapidly deployable, multinational force that can respond to crises when and where necessary,” Panetta noted. “The United States has endorsed the NRF but has not made a tangible contribution due to the demands of the wars -- until now.”

A U.S. Army battalion will rotate twice a year to Europe for training, Panetta said, while two Army heavy brigades will be removed from European basing. Still, the U.S. Army presence in Europe will remain the largest anywhere in the world outside the United States, he added.

Army forces in Europe will decrease from roughly 47,000 soldiers to 37,000, defense officials said, with a total U.S. assigned troop strength in Europe of around 80,000, including Air Force, Navy and Marine troops.

Panetta said the United States would like to see European nations invest similarly in NATO’s current and future capabilities.

He cautioned against too-deep cuts under NATO’s “smart defense” initiative, aimed at combining nations’ military resources.

“Approaches like ‘smart defense’ help us spend together sensibly -- but they cannot be an excuse to cut budgets further,” the secretary said.

As the Chicago NATO summit in May approaches, he added, smart defense “should be part of a longer-term plan to invest in a NATO force for 2020 that is fully trained and equipped to respond to any threat and defend our common interests.”

The 50 nations contributing troops to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force must maintain their mutual commitment to long-term success in Afghanistan, to the end of security transition and beyond, Panetta said.

The international community must provide enough financial support to sustain Afghan army and police forces, he said.

Panetta said even as ISAF nations work to reduce the costs of Afghan forces over time, “we cannot shortchange our commitment.”

The NATO alliance has proven its 21st-century relevance over a decade of war, the secretary said.

Panetta quoted President John F. Kennedy’s remarks at the first Munich conference in 1962, highlighting Kennedy’s vision that one day the United States could partner with a revitalized Europe, “on a basis of full equality in all the great and burdensome tasks of building and defending a community of free nations."

That vision is “closer than ever” to realization, the secretary said, but emphasized NATO must remain prepared, as the United States has committed to remaining prepared, to deal with global threats as they occur.

Navy Misawa Sailors Complete Lone Sailor Snow Sculpture

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Daniel Sanford, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

SAPPORO, Japan (NNS) -- After fours days of enduring sub-freezing temperatures and driving snow, the Navy Misawa Snow Sculpture Team completed its 'Lone Sailor' sculpture Feb. 4, just in time for the 63rd Annual Sapporo Snow Festival here.

The six-man team, comprising Sailors assigned to Naval Air Facility Misawa or one of its tenant or deployed commands, worked diligently through the week to create the sculpture from nothing more than a six-foot-by-six-foot block of compressed snow - give or take a few inches.

"The block's measurement weren't quite as advertised," said Snow Team Leader Christopher "Billy" Knox, who sketched out the intended design on graph paper prior to arriving in Sapporo. "Transferring the sketched draft of the Lone Sailor from graph paper to the block was a bit of a challenge because we had to make adjustments on the fly. But once we made compensations for its actual size, it was easy to chalk up some proportionate graphing lines."

Following the tedious process of measuring and drawing out equally distanced horizontal and vertical lines, the team used the lines to draw out the design on the snow using markers. Upon completion, the team began to sculpt.

Carefully sheering away excess snow and ice, it wasn't long before a Navy white hat began to take shape.

"Once we got an idea of how it would all look, we started chipping away and eventually began making some headway," said Cryptologic Technician Collection Seaman Herschel Moore, a native of Bandera, Texas, and snow team member. "I think the biggest challenge arrived when we had to make the face. Ensuring the face and ears were even on both sides took some effort."

Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Zachary James said his biggest challenge was working in the Sapporo weather.

"The cold," said the Seattle native. "Out here in the elements, eight hours at a time, it can take its toll. You're dealing with frozen hands, frozen toes, but we're dressed warm and in layers so it hasn't been very detrimental."

By the end of the first day, a human form began to take shape, and with every subsequent day, progress was made before the team retired each night.

"The team's performance has been outstanding," said Knox, who hails from Chapin, Ill. "They are extremely motivated; a lot of heart and soul went into this whole project."

The team's prodigious effort also drew an audience of onlookers each day. Team members were inundated with questions and photo requests, which they were always willing to provide with a smile.

"The fellas love interacting with the locals that passed by each day," said Knox. "Many of the spectators were very curious about what we were making, where the original 'Lone Sailor' is located, and the overall meaning of it. It may have slowed down our progress some, but getting the opportunity to interact with the Japanese people is the most gratifying part of this whole project."

Every member of the team seemed enamored with Sapporo and its citizens.

"The city has been amazing," said Moore. "The people are so nice and kind, they go out of their way to make you feel welcome."

That may be the reason Knox decided to add a late addition to the sculpture's base. On the final day of sculpting, Knox added a small display made of snow just underneath the sculpture's chin. On it, he carved out the Japanese Kanji symbol for friendship: "tomodachi."

"We may not speak the same language, but I think we understand the important relationship we share with each other, " said Knox. "We want the locals who come out and see the sculpture to know that our hearts and friendship is here with it. We're happy to live and serve in Japan."

This is the 29th year that Navy Misawa has sent a delegation of Sailors to Sapporo to build a sculpture and represent the base during the festival. The 63rd Annual Sapporo Snow Festival runs from Feb. 6-12, 2012.

The 2012 Navy Misawa Snow Sculpture Team consists of Knox, James, Moore, Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Alvin Zuilan, originally from San Diego, Electronics Technician 2nd Class James Johnston, originally from Kaneohe, Hawaii, and Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Trevor Teschel, a native of Pensacola, Fla.

To follow the Navy Misawa Snow Sculpture Team's progress, check out the NAF Misawa Facebook page Facebook.com/nafmisawa.

Face of Defense: Curiosity Drives ‘Ghost Hunter’

By Scott Prater
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

WASHINGTON, Feb. 3, 2012 – When Air Force Capt. Stan Maczek was a young child, he responded to frightening sights and sounds in the dark like most of us: He pulled the covers up over his head and hoped the event would pass quickly. Nowadays, Maczek sprints enthusiastically toward such events.

He's not sure what to call himself -- ghost hunter, spirit seeker, paranormal investigator -- but he's sure this is the most exciting hobby he's discovered yet. His fellow paranormal investigator, Josh Burger, thinks the same way. He also plays golf and the guitar, but paranormal investigating has pretty much captured his attention during the past six months.

It all started last year when Burger, a contractor here, mentioned his parents owned a haunted home nearby in Calhan, Colo.

"Our investigations began recently, but I've been fascinated by this phenomenon since I was a child," said Maczek, who works with the 1st Space Operations Squadron. "I grew up in a haunted house in Maryland. My parents used to hear voices in their bedroom. I figured if just one of them heard them we could explain that as some sort of schizophrenia, but not both of them.

“My father was a U.S. Army research lab scientist and very skeptical,” Maczek added. “He didn't believe in paranormal stuff -- until this happened."

Another part of the hobby Maczek enjoys is performing research. Prompted by the strange events that occurred at his house in Maryland, he managed to find some history on the property.

"The house was relatively new, built by an original owner who employed subcontractors," Maczek said. "As it turns out, he had some financial trouble and didn't pay the subcontractors.”

Maczek said the house fell into disrepair, noting his parents then bought it at an auction.

He relayed his story to Burger, who responded by relaying his own story of his parents' home in Calhan, and of the strange events that were happening at his current home. The investigators researched both homes and found nothing eventful, but the process spiked their curiosity.

That's when Burger purchased some equipment, including an infrared motion-sensor camera.

"I kept noticing this shadow in my basement, so I turned the camera on that spot and left it on overnight," Burger said. "The next day I found the camera had captured the strange shadowy mass and it's something I can't really explain. Since then we started making plans to investigate other places."

A ghost hunter’s tools are a gadget enthusiast's dream, the duo said.

The investigators carry an electro-magnetic field detector, what some folks call a ghost detector, but Maczek said it just reveals whether an electro-magnetic field is present or not. They also use Burger's infrared camera, which presents a green-tinted image and allows the investigators to shoot in dark rooms.

"People may be familiar with the [infrared] image because that's what they use on those television ghost [-hunting] shows," Maczek said.

While Burger's motivation for investigating is to debunk those types of TV shows, Maczek said his motivations stem from his curiosity, his psychology education and his religious leanings.

"I'm attempting to answer life's big questions, but with my psychology background I don't just believe something at face value; I've got to have evidence," Maczek said. "I've got to see it and record it and I've got to be able to show it to somebody and say there is a face or a body or something there. That's kind of the challenge. Nobody has really found that, yet."

Both admit that their reactions to strange events run the gamut.

"We get mixed reactions in most cases," Maczek said. "First, I explain I'm not crazy and that I'm as sane as the next person, but that I'm just trying to investigate and see what I can find out. Even though I'm in the Air Force, I'm in no way associated with the Air Force or [Department of Defense], as far as this investigating goes. It's just my own fascination."

Sometimes, Maczek and Burger said, they are warmly received and other times they are not. Many people remain skeptical, they said, but most often agree to let the paranormal investigators go ahead with their research.

"We've had only a few investigations so far that haven't revealed much, but we're planning to visit locations on Fort Carson and the Pioneer's Museum downtown," Maczek said. "Word-of-mouth has spun around my neighborhood, too, so I've done some investigations there."

Burger finds the proposition of investigating buildings where people have reported activity extremely exciting and even plans to bring his teenage son along for upcoming investigations.

In the meantime, Maczek's squadron commander has sent well wishes to the pair.

"I encourage our entire 1st SOPS team to find ways to get involved with our local community to make a positive impact," said. Air Force Lt. Col. Mike Manor, the 1st SOPS commander. "Although some people may be skeptical about this type of research, I'm sure there are many within our community who are equally interested in Maczek's work.”

Volk Field receives second straight Air Force excellence award

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

Air Force officials recently announced the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center as one of eight units nation-wide to earn the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (AFOEA).

This is the second consecutive AFOEA for the CRTC and the fourth in unit history.

"Having the Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center announced as a recipient of the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award is a worthy tribute to the dedicated Airmen and civilians that are giving their very best effort each and every day," said Col. Gary Ebben, Volk Field commander.

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, expressed his gratitude for those efforts.

"I couldn't be prouder of the men and women of Volk Field," Dunbar said. "Their contributions to the 'Total Force' and 'Joint Training' concepts serves as a force multiplier. The CRTC at Volk Field has an enduring legacy of excellence – this is the latest chapter."

This AFOEA recognizes the CRTC for meritorious service from Oct 2009 through September 2011.

And deservedly so – the CRTC hosted training for 475 units - encompassing Army and Air National Guard, Air Force and Air Force reserve, and non-Department of Defense units. Volk Field also hosted numerous multi-agency, large scale exercises, including Patriot, Northern Lightning and the international NATO exercise Ramstein Rover.

Volk Field host one of the only Air National Guard bases that maintains its own airfield and control tower. This allowed the CRTC to schedule and monitor more than 4,500 sorties in over 12,000 square miles of Special Use Airspace over central Wisconsin.

In a memorandum announcing the awardees, Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, director, Air National Guard, spoke to the meritorious service of each of the eight units.

"The dedication and commitment of the members of these organizations enable the Air National Guard to fulfill its commitment to the missions of peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, domestic improvement, and most important of all – Defense of America," Wyatt said.

The AFOEA is awarded to units who are unique, unnumbered organizations that operate or perform missions like a numbered unit would Volk Field won the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award in 2007 but National Guard Bureau determined the CRTC was more appropriately placed in the AFOEA category.

"The track record of accomplishments doesn’t just happen ... it is built with hard work," Ebben said. "These professionals are as fine a group as I have ever had the pleasure to work with in my career. "

USS Simpson Concludes Visit to Casablanca

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Felicito Rustique, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe

CASABLANCA, Morocco (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Simpson (FFG 56) and senior staff members from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa concluded a three-day port visit of training, band engagements, and senior staff talks in Casablanca, Feb. 2.

During the visit, Simpson conducted visit, board, search and seizure training with Royal Moroccan Navy personnel and received a tour of the Royal Moroccan Navy vessel Tarek Ben Zayid. Staff members from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa met with senior leaders from the Royal Moroccan Navy to strengthen maritime partnerships, while members from the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band conducted two community service projects at a girls' orphanage and boys' center in the city.

Rear Adm. Kenneth Norton, deputy chief of staff for Strategy, Resources, and Plans at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, along with his staff and the crew of Simpson, hosted the U.S. ambassador to Morocco, Samuel Kaplan, his wife and his staff, and top commanders from the Royal Moroccan Navy and Army, honoring the relationship between Morocco and their U.S. partners.

Royal Moroccan Army Col. Mohammed Amharouch said he was happy to have the Simpson crew visit his city.

"It's good to form bridges between our two nations," said Amharouch. "More visits, like the Simpson's, will help our navies and countries move together into the future with vision."

Cmdr. Leonard Milliken, USS Simpson commanding officer, commented on the events and training the two countries completed during their time in Casablanca.

"Today was a great day," said Milliken. "We had tours where we provided training aboard to members of the Royal Moroccan Navy and some of our Sailors visited and boarded a Moroccan vessel as well. Our visit to Morocco has been a success."

Norton also spoke to the guests by offering praise to the Simpson's crew and stressing the importance of partnership between the U.S. and countries like Morocco.

"I'd like to conclude [the evening] with this thought: maritime security allows for economic opportunity," said Norton. "And economic opportunity allows for prosperity, and I think that's in all our best interest."

USS Simpson, homeported out of Mayport, Fla., is currently conducting theater security cooperation and maritime security operations in the Naval Forces Africa area of responsibility.

DOD Begins Prorating Imminent Danger Pay

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – Service members now will receive imminent danger pay only for days they actually spend in hazardous areas, Pentagon officials said here today.

The change, which took effect yesterday, was included in the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act, which President Barack Obama signed into law Dec. 31.

“Members will see the prorated amount in their Feb. 15 pay records,” Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. John Kirby said.

The act called for DOD to pay service members imminent danger pay only for the time they spend in areas that qualify for the pay. In the past, service members received $225 per month if they spent any time that month in an area where the pay was authorized. “This is a more targeted way of handling that pay,” Kirby said.

Now, service members will receive $7.50 a day for days spent in these areas. Personnel who travel to the designated areas for periods less than 30 days should keep track of the number of days they are in the area to verify that they are paid for the correct number of days, officials said.

The military services are working to waive or remit debts for members who may have been overpaid for January, officials said. The services can waive this “when there is no indication of fraud, fault, misrepresentation, or when members were unaware they were overpaid,” Pentagon spokeswoman Eileen Lainez said.

Proration is based on a 30-day month, which translates into a rate of $7.50 per day. It does not matter if the month is 28 or 31 days long, officials explained; if service members serve in affected areas for the complete month, they will receive the full rate of $225 per month.

The Defense Department defines imminent danger pay areas as places where members are subject to the threat of physical harm or imminent danger because of civil insurrection, civil war, terrorism or wartime conditions.

Service members who come under fire, regardless of location, will receive the full monthly hostile-fire pay amount of $225.

Service members will receive notification of the change via emails, on the MyPay system, on social media sites and via the chain of command.