Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Auburn Parade Honors Sailors, Veterans

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SS) Dave Gordon, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

AUBURN, Wash. (NNS) -- Thousands lined the streets of Auburn, Wash., to thank active duty Sailors and veterans for their service during the 45th annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade Nov. 6.

"This parade is something you take pride in," said Lawrence Zipp, a former submariner who served on the submarine USS R-1 in World War II. "I've met Admiral Nimitz, and a day like today really blows you up inside with pride of doing something special for America."

Zipp, along with veterans from the Navy and other services, marched the parade route representing different eras of U.S. military service, from the Revolutionary War to current active and Reserve units stationed in the area.

"The people of Auburn opened their doors and community to us today," said Rear Adm. Douglass Biesel, commander, Navy Region Northwest. "I can't thank the city enough, including the military families who support and sacrifice for these heroes. I am honored to be here."

Biesel, escorted by the music from Navy Band Northwest, was one of a dozen distinguished visitors representing military services from local commands.

The mile-long parade featured nearly 200 entries, including more than 25 marching bands, drill teams, honor guards, veterans' floats, antique military vehicles and even the hull from a Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey helicopter.

"I am so proud of our veterans and the warm welcome from these people," said Mike Gregoire, a Vietnam veteran and husband of Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. "It's touching, very touching, to be here."

Green Bay Packers honor highly decorated Wisconsin veteran

By Tech Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard

The Green Bay Packers kicked off their Veterans Day celebration by honoring the most decorated Soldier in the history of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division before a Sunday night football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field Nov. 7.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) James "Maggie" Magellas, a Fond du Lac native, is the recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and many campaign medal - making him not only a legend of the 82nd Airborne Division, but the U.S. Army as well.

Magellas and his wife, Carole, were recognized on the field prior to the National Anthem and start of the game. Magellas considers himself a "hometown guy" and a life-long Packers fan. He said being at Lambeau Field was a real treat.

"I've been a true-blue Packers fan since I was 16," Magellas said. "Coming back here for this game, being honored and waving to 80,000 cheering fans ... it really is something that is so incredible to me."

Magellas attended his first Packers Game at Green Bay's City Stadium in 1933. He recalls purchasing a ticket, in the midst of the Great Depression, for only 25 cents and refers to himself as one of Green Bay's first fans.

"I'm one of the original cheeseheads," Magellas said. "Coming back here has special meaning and being part of this Veterans Day observance is also a great feeling."

To help honor his presence, the 82nd Airborne Division Honor Guard, from Fort Bragg, N.C., was also present on the field. Magellas, who is presently being considered for the Congressional Medal of Honor, served as an Army officer with the 82nd in Europe during World War II. He also served during the Vietnam War as a colonel commanding a civil affairs battalion.

To get a sense of his place in the lore of the 82nd Airborne, each year the division presents its most outstanding lieutenant with the Jim Magellas award. The World War II veteran recently wrote about his experiences in the European campaign in a book called "All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe."

Since his heroic actions with the 82nd, Magellas has been recognized many times. He admits that every recognition he has received is meaningful, but to be honored near his hometown is a oncein- a-lifetime moment.

"There is no truer test of what people feel and believe than in your own hometown ... the people that know you best," Magellas said. "That has to make you feel pretty darn proud."

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen speaks at 3:30 p.m. PST at the University of California Los Angeles, as part of their Bernard Brodie Distinguished Lecture Series at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Korn Convocation Hall, 110 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, Calif.  Media interested in attending should contact Alexandra Lieben, deputy director, Burkle Center for International Relations at 310-701-4900 alieben@international.ucla.edu or JCS Public Affairs, 703-697-4272.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead speaks at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C., Government Executive Breakfast at   Contact Cmdr. Charlie Brown at 703-692-5307.

Army Col. William Roy, commander of Task Force Wolverine and the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will brief the media live from Afghanistan at in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speak at at the Fisher House Dedication Ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del.  Contact Van Williams, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Office Public Affairs, at 302-677-23069 or van.williams@us.af.mil.  Fisher House POC is Jody Fisher, Rubenstein Communications, at 212-843-8296 or jfisher@rubenstein.com.

General Officer Announcements

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Air Force Brig. Gen. James M. Holmes has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general.  Holmes is currently serving as the principal director to the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Middle East policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Brett T. Williams has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general.  Williams is currently serving as the director, command, control, communications and computer systems, J-6, Headquarters U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Base Support Unit San Pedro Dedicates New Fitness Center in Honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal

By DCMS Log

SAN PEDRO, Calif. - U.S. Coast Guard Base Support Unit (BSU) San Pedro dedicated its brand new fitness center in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal, a deceased Coast Guard member, during a ceremony on Friday, October 29, 2010, at

Bruckenthal was the first U.S. Coast Guardsman to have been killed in combat since Vietnam. On April 24, 2004, while assigned to Tactical Law Enforcement South, Bruckenthal was on a security mission in the Persian Gulf when suicide bombers initiated a waterborne assault on the Khawr Al Amaya oil terminal. Bruckenthal was severely wounded, while defending the Iraqi terminal and later died from his injuries. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

“It is a true honor to dedicate this facility to Petty Officer Bruckenthal,” said Cmdr. Andy Clyburn, BSU commanding officer. “A new Fitness Center born from a need to support our Deployable Operations Group personnel could not be a more appropriate living historical monument. Having Nate’s former TACLET Commanding Officer and LEDET Officer in Charge join us today made for a truly special event.”

“WOW is all I can say! Two years ago this place was a bunch of disorganized unit storage cages,” said Mission Support Command Master Chief Kevin Ishwerwood. “Today, through a combination of self help initiative, strong Command leadership, and ‘Chiefly’ creativity, BSU San Pedro has a fantastic fitness facility. It's a win for the crew; a win for the Coast Guard; and a win for posterity in the recognition of a fallen Coast Guardsman.”

Upon entering the 2,100 square foot facility, visitors are welcomed by a bronze legacy plaque with Bruckenthal’s image. Inside, there is a large shadow box mounted on the wall where people can read more about this courageous Coastguardsman who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.

This new facility will play a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness and fitness for local DOG units as well as other operational and support units. One of the largest in-house undertakings at the in Base history the facility directly benefits the health and well-being of all Coast Guard members and stakeholders on Reservation Point. The new facility has state-of-the-art free weights and cardio equipment.

After crews painted out the new space and 16-foot high ceiling they installed a concrete porch, custom awning, railing, drinking fountains, ventilation, floor matting, and over 125 customs flag mounts that promote the Coast Guard’s international partnerships and allegiances to Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.

The Base plans to expand the fitness center over the next 12 months by adding a 1,800 sq. foot room where Coast Guard personnel can conduct boarding team training. This room will also house all cardio equipment and be a place where members can participate in video or instructor-led aerobic exercise classes.

The previous fitness center was a much smaller, off-base facility managed by the Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution. When it was announced that the FCI facility would be closed for an extended period of time, Marine Safety and Security Team Los Angeles – Long Beach, Port Security Unit 311, and other operational units on Base reached out to Cmdr. Clyburn for assistance. Realizing the importance of maintaining physical fitness for Deployable Operations Group units, BSU San Pedro quickly began construction on the west wing of the supply warehouse in March 2010.

Ceremony attendees included: Mrs. Arcola Washington-Adduci, Federal Corrections Institution Terminal Island Warden, Mr. Dave McDaniel of McDaniel Construction, lead contractor on the facility and Lt. Adam Burkley, Bruckenthal’s Law Enforcement Detachment officer-in-charge (at the time of his passing). The official party included Capt. Glenn Grahl, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), Bruckenthal’s commanding officer at the time of his passing and Command Master Chief Kevin Isherwood, CMC for the Coast Guard Chief of Staff. The ceremony preceded the grand opening of the Base’s brand new Chief Petty Officer Mess on the south side of Reservation Point. A brief reception followed both events.

Family saved after 6-day international search

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

U.S. Coast Guard and Royal New Zealand Air Force rescued a family of four Saturday who were missing since Halloween adrift at sea on a 13-foot skiff.

Without communications or water and only a couple of pieces of fruit, the two adults and two children were fortunately sighted about 2,300 miles south of the Hawaiian Islands by a RNZAF Orion aircraft.

The Orion crew notified Coast Guard Cutter Rush, who was in the area searching after being called to assist the Kiribati Maritime Police Branch on Thursday. Rush dispatched its small boat to the location rescuing the family just before sunset.

The skiff reportedly suffered engine problems during the intended seven mile boat ride to a neighboring island, leaving the family to drift at sea for more than 200 miles.

The family was treated for dehydration, exposure and malnourishment but had no injuries. The Rush crew gave them food, water and berthing during the transport back to Butaritari Atoll.

“It was great to be able to find them after five days drifting at sea,” said Captain James McCauley, commanding officer of Rush, in an interview with CNN. “This is a testament to the great coordination by the Coast Guard in Honolulu and the New Zealand Air Force.”

Rush is a 378-foot High Endurance cutter whose operations can take it’s crew to every part of the Pacific Ocean as well as to the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea.

Saluting our nation’s veterans

Written by: Christopher Lagan

This Thursday, America will honor those who have worn the uniform in service to our country. For millions of Americans, Veterans Day is more than a day off of work. It may be a bittersweet day for those remembering a lost loved one who once served in the military, but it is also a celebration of those citizens who defended our freedoms before going on to accomplish other things in life.

For the Coast Guard, Veterans Day is a day for those who wear the uniform to honor those who went before. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Bob Papp will join members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President in honoring fallen veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. Coast Guard units across the nation will hold their own events to honor our living veterans and remember those who have crossed the bar.

“Our Nation owes its existence to the generations of Americans who have fought and died, and who continue to fight and die—or suffer physical and mental wounds—defending our freedoms,” said Admiral Papp in an all-hands message to the Coast Guard. “It’s a debt that can’t truly be paid. What we can do—what we must do—is to use this occasion to show our gratitude by honoring their service.”

Here at the Compass, we’ve been honoring our veterans throughout November with a series of stories on Coast Guard heroes whose names will appear on the hulls of the next generation of Fast Response Cutters. We’ll continue the series through Veterans Day and invite you to reflect on the accomplishments of these true American heroes.

There are more than 24 million veterans living in America today. They are our neighbors, family members, and coworkers. They are our teachers, nurses, and coaches.

Find your own way to honor those who have sacrificed to protect each and every one of us. Visit your local veterans’ hospital and thank the wounded for their service. Visit your local cemetery and help preserve the memory of one of our fallen heroes by cleaning his or her headstone and placing an American flag. Run a 10k to support a wounded warrior organization. Or just thank a veteran in your community for their service the next time you see them.

We challenge you to make every day Veterans Day.

Coast Guard Heroes: Joseph Napier

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young
With contributions from LTJG Ryan White

This Compass series chronicles the first 14 heroes the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters have been named for. These men and women, who stood the watch before us, lived extraordinary lives as they lit the way for sailors in times past, braved gunfire in times of war and rescued those in peril at sea. As Coast Guard heroes, their stories are a constant reminder of our service’s legacy. As the namesake of the Coast Guard’s newest patrol boats, they will inspire the next generation of Coast Guard heroes.

As keeper of the Saint Joseph Life-Saving Station, Station 6, Joseph Napier demonstrated his heroism during multiple rescues as a career lifesaver on the Great Lakes. His gallantry was no more visible than on the day he risked his life and led his crew into gale-force winds to save six souls aboard a stranded vessel.

On Oct. 10, 1877, the schooner D. G. Williams was on her way into port when a heavy gale stranded the vessel on the outer bar. The schooner’s crew of six clung to the rigging for safety as the waves continued to break over the side of the ship. Napier found three volunteers from his crew to face the dangers of the storm and together they head out to rescue the men on the wrecked schooner.

On the first attempt of the rescue, his boat capsized in the breakers and never made it to the vessel. Napier and the three other crewmen pulled themselves back onto their rescue boat and readied themselves for a second attempt.

The second attempt proved to be more successful and the life-saving crew brought back two sailors. Napier and his crew went out for a third trip when their boat became completely swamped with water. The rescue of the remaining crew seemed impossible, but Napier and his crewmen bailed the boat as they continued to battle breaking seas and again reached the vessel taking off two more men from the D. G. Williams.

On the fourth attempt Napier and his crew were thrown out of the boat during a surge of waves, and one of his legs was seriously inured. As one of the men safely swam ashore Napier was able to pull himself towards the rescue boat from a line that a crewmember threw to him. Napier, now battling his leg injury along with the harsh seas, succeeded in righting his boat and brought it alongside the schooner. The remaining two men were taken aboard and finally, after every last effort was made, the crew of the D. G. Williams was joined together safely ashore.

A special place in the Coast Guard’s history


In 1855, the federal government began a program to provide port cities equipment to be used during maritime emergencies. St. Joseph, Mich. was a busy port on the Great Lakes and was among the first Great Lakes cities to be designated for a Life-Saving station.

During the early years, the station was just a boathouse and was manned by local townspeople who volunteered whenever they were needed. The station’s commander, or keeper, lived on the site year-round. Because there was a need for skilled and committed rescuers the surfmen were taken into the Life-Saving Service as paid employees in 1877.

Napier was appointed the keeper of the station and was responsible for training a crew of six surfmen to man the station. The station officially began operating in spring of 1877, but Napier and his crew began training in 1876 and are known to rescue those in peril late in that year.

“Joseph Napier continues to serve as an inspiration not only to this crew but also to the community,” said Chief Adam Kane, Officer in Charge of Motor Life Boat Station St. Joseph, the Coast Guard Station that resides in the same place as the old Life-Saving Station. “Since taking command of this unit in June citizens of St. Joseph have educated me on the history of his accomplishments and the dedication he showed during his storied career as a lifesaver. The stories of his heroic rescues’ serves as motivation to the past and current Guardians of Coast Guard Station St. Joseph.”

More than 134 years after the Life-Saving station was established with Napier as keeper, the Coast Guard continues to operate along the shores of the Great Lakes. While the station’s response boats are more capable than their predecessors, and their crews are no longer local volunteers but men and women from all over the United States, their dedication to the mission and the community remains steadfast.

Secretary of the Navy’s Veterans Day Message to the Fleet

On November 11 each year, the United States formally honors the service and sacrifice of more than 20 million living American veterans through their service, as well as all the men and women who have guaranteed our freedom and kept America secure against those who would harm us throughout the years.

Our veterans represent the best of America.  Coming from every background and every walk of life, they represent the rich tapestry of our Nation and the multitude of cultures that make the United States unique upon the earth. 

On Veterans Day, we have an opportunity to thank them, to thank every Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Airman, and Coast Guardsmen who has ever worn the uniform for what they have done, and to thank those of you still in uniform for what you continue to do for the United States every day.

Thank you for your service, Godspeed.

Ray Mabus
Secretary of the Navy

ESPN Salutes America's Heroes from USS George H.W. Bush

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sandi Grimnes, USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) Media Department

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) hosted a live broadcast of ESPN2's First Take on the ship's flight deck, Nov. 8.

ESPN First Take broadcasted from the Navy's newest aircraft carrier as part of their week-long Salute to America's Heroes, said Dana Jacobson, ESPN First Take host.

"The one thing that really steps out, for all of us, is the discipline that all of these men and women have and how focused they are, and every person on this ship has such a specific job," said Jay Crawford, ESPN First Take host.

The two-hour broadcast was the culmination of weeks of work by the entire crew. The ship's Supply Department coordinated the crane onload of ESPN's equipment, with Air and Engineering Departments running the ship's aircraft elevators and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department running forklifts to move the gear around the ship's hangar bay and flight deck. Combat Systems Department provided communications support for the broadcast, and the Operations Department provided security.

During the event, hundreds of Sailors had the opportunity to participate in the live broadcast. In a live interview with the carrier's island in the background, Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Miller gave all the credit to his crew.

"The most impressive thing about the ship and team is these guys right behind me," said Miller.

Several Sailors had the chance help First Take analysts Derrick Brooks and Jon Richie demonstrate how the Steelers and Bengals might play in their game during a Monday Night Football demo on a mock-gridiron setup on the flight deck.

"I enjoyed being a part of this history of this ship," said Yeoman 3rd Class Thomas Moffit. "It was an amazing time and I am very grateful for being allowed to participate."

In preparation for the broadcast, a production team from ESPN flew out to the ship during a recent underway to get footage of the carrier and crew in action. In addition, ESPN filmed duty section personnel watching Sunday night football on the ship.

Marine Corps Commandant Marks 235th Birthday On Board USS Ronald Reagan

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS Ronald Reagan, At Sea (NNS) -- The Commandant of the Marine Corps, arrived aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to celebrate the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 along with Sailors from Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven and Carrier Air Wing One Four, Nov 5.

This was Gen. James F. Amos', the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, first visit to the Ronald Reagan. Amos assumed command as commandant in a ceremony last month. Amos is the first Marine aviator to become commandant. With almost 40 years of service, Amos talked about the proud history of the Marine Corps.

"When I see the young men and women in this uniform who sacrifice so much and I get asked [Are they made of the same stuff] I answer the veterans, 'We still make them precisely the same way."

Amos' visit to Ronald Reagan was the first visit from a USMC commandant, truly solidifying the Navy-Marine Corps team.

"This is a testimony of the brotherhood and the sisterhood, and the fraternal spirit between our two services," said Amos. "Together there is no more powerful a force on the face of the earth than the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps."

The celebration included a multimedia presentation on the history of the Marine Corps, focusing on several battles from the Korean War, as well as the ceremonial March of the Cake and a speech from Amos.

The ship's first Marine Corps squadron, VMFA-323 was commissioned in 1943 and is currently embarked aboard Ronald Reagan.

"This was a great first with Gen. Amos being a fellow Aviator," said Sgt. Eduardo Ayala, VMFA-323 career planner. "This is a great morale booster. To have him out here to celebrate with us is a real treat."

Ronald Reagan is currently underway for a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) to earn its blue water certification prior to deployment. Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which include the guided missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146, the "Death Rattlers" of VMFA-323, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

Coast Guard Heroes: William Trump

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young
With contributions from LTJG Ryan White

This Compass series chronicles the first 14 heroes the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters have been named for. These men and women, who stood the watch before us, lived extraordinary lives as they lit the way for sailors in times past, braved gunfire in times of war and rescued those in peril at sea. As Coast Guard heroes, their stories are a constant reminder of our service’s legacy. As the namesake of the Coast Guard’s newest patrol boats, they will inspire the next generation of Coast Guard heroes.

On June 6, 1944, Motor Machinist’s Mate First Class William Trump was aboard one of the many Coast Guard-manned ships that landed on the beaches of France on D-Day.

The Coast Guard-manned LCI(L)s, or landing crafts, were 158-feet long and 23-feet wide, and were the smallest sea-going amphibious craft involved in the invasion. Trump was aboard LCI(L)-90, which was commissioned on February 6, 1943 and after months of trainings and exercises the crew sailed across the Atlantic.

Trump and his crew participated in the occupation of Tunisia on June 1, 1943, the invasion of Sicily on July 9, 1943 and the landings at Salerno on September 9, 1943. The crew then sailed for England as part of Flotilla 10, in preparation for the invasion of Normandy.

As a member of the landing craft infantry, Trump studied detailed maps of the terrain and memorized key landmarks along the coastline that would guide them to their assigned landing area.

The crew of approximately 27 men aboard each craft carried 200 troops in the invasion and the crew’s mission was to get the soldiers safely onto the beaches of France. The beaches were treacherous enough, but Trump volunteered for a duty that would put him directly in the line of fire. Trump volunteered to disembark his landing craft and head onto the beach to anchor a line that troops would use for safety.

Already under severe enemy fire, Trump met an abundance of beach obstacles as he waded between the heavily mined beach and dragged an anchor and anchor-line to shallow water. He safely managed to secure the line that acted as a safety line for troops to follow as they transited the beach.

Trump put himself in the line of fire to aide others and due to his valor in action in the assault phase of the landing at Normandy, and was awarded a Silver Star.

A special place in the Coast Guard’s history

There were a total of 99 warships and large landing vessels manned by Coast Guardsmen for Operation Neptune and the Coast Guard lost more vessels that day than on any single day during its history. Eighteen Coast Guardsmen gave their lives in service to their nation, while 38 more were seriously wounded.

Of the landing crafts that were involved in the invasion, seven were lost with three swamped in the heavy surf and four sunk by artillery fire.

John L. Gatton, Jr. I was a Chief Quartermaster on LCI(L)-96 and was assigned there from the date of its commissioning, February 15, 1943, until shortly before the Flotilla returned to the states for overhaul. Gatton remembers the ever-present dangers and complexities of the operation that each crew faced.

“The 96 carried men from the 4th Infantry Division and was scheduled to go to Utah Beach, but, while in the English Channel, on the 6th of June, we were ordered to go to Omaha Beach,” recalls Gatton. “We were armed with four 20 mm guns and during actual landings, two men floated an anchor, attached to a life line into the beach for the troops. Flotilla Ten lost four Units at Omaha Beach.”

After departing Operation Neptune, LCI(L)-90 was involved in other key naval battles and in June of 1945, which engaged in a smoke screen, was hit by a Japanese suicide plane and was forced to departed for repairs. On April 8, 1946 the landing craft was decommissioned after valiant service to the nation.

LCI(L)-90 earned five battle stars for service in World War II and all of the landing craft infantry of Flotilla 10 were retroactively awarded the Coast Guard Unit Commendation for their service in the invasion of Normandy.

Air Force Takes Steps to Defend Cyber Domain

By Ian Graham
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2010 – Computer networks can do a lot of things. They can turn your neighbor’s kid into a viral video phenomenon, they can let you know you’re about to miss your connection in Atlanta, and they can be a line of defense in protecting national assets.

Maj. Gen. Michael J. Basla, vice commander of Air Force Space Command at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., is concerned with the latter.

In a “DOD Live” bloggers roundtable yesterday, Basla discussed the Air Force’s cyberspace mission, cybersecurity and the training and education the Air Force is providing to airmen in the field.

Basla said the Air Force’s mission emphasizes mission assurance: how to conduct operations in, to and from cyberspace and how to react as quickly as possible to emerging threats.

“There’s a great threat to American security out there in the cyberspace domain, and it's real, it's significant, it's persistent, and we are under attack every day,” Basla said. “The defense of our networks is essential for us to conduct all kinds of day-to-day activities -- in the commercial sector, in the public sector, in the military sector.

“So the Department of Defense recognized this,” he continued, “and as the Department of Defense does, they said we need to have a capability organic to our Department of Defense so that we could carry out anything our government might ask us to do in the defense of our networks.”

The general said the Air Force looked at its core capabilities -- related to speed, access and distance –- and determined how to best meet the Defense Department’s requirement to defeat threats from cyberspace. That starts with teaching new officers and enlisted airmen how to fight on the digital battlefield, Basla said.

The Air Force is reconciling that need with the requirements of the job. Basla said 100 percent of the service’s original cyberspace officers had to have technical degrees before being admitted to the cybersecurity program. Now, only about 80 percent need them.

“We wanted to have tech, math, science, and engineering degrees, but we were advised that there are some folks that could come from the social sciences that could contribute -- you know, something about looking at the problem a little differently,” he said. “So we've allowed for some exceptions.”

Interest in the field has increased generally, he said, because the young people enlisting and enrolling at the Air Force Academy have grown up with computers, at least in their schools.

“There's a great deal of interest, I will tell you, and that's the encouraging thing,” he said. Potential cyber airmen “want to understand what their responsibilities will be, and how they can get involved,” he added. “And so I'm encouraged about that.”

Part of his encouragement is related to the prevalence of computing –- though most recruits come to the Air Force with working knowledge of computer systems, many don’t understand the risks associated, such as phishing scams and virus attacks. Basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas now includes two sections on being a good “cyber wingman” and taking care of the network, and the Air Force Academy now offers a cybersecurity major.

“It's hands-on lab work. It's ‘red versus blue forces’ exercises. It is instruction. It is classroom work,” he said.

The increased capabilities, though, come with an increased demand for people. The Air Force plans to bring in 220 people under a new Air Force specialty code, and Air Force schools will graduate another 50 cyber specialists yearly.

“As I talk to the folks in the field and we get feedback from the combatant commands that are now starting to understand that cyberspace brings another aspect of warfighting capability to the fight, some of the things that we are hearing are that we want more of these,” he said.

Integrating the new specialty -- a consolidation of 11 other specialties including airfield systems maintainers, network operators and information managers -- into planning and execution cycles still a work in progress, Basla said. He pointed out that the cyber field has two sides.

“When you look inside of that specialty -- and certainly that specialty includes these ‘3-Deltas’ -- there are two pieces to that picture,” he said. “The one piece is the technical experts who help develop and create and sustain that cyberspace domain that we've been talking about. And then there's another component of that picture that are the operators that operate inside that domain that was just created.”

One group is made up of people who are facilitators and maintainers of networks, he explained, and the other is made up of those with operational capabilities.

He said today’s problems regarding network operations and security are drastically different from those of the past, and that creates the need for both operators and facilitators. In the past, a blinking light meant a network interruption needed fixing. Now, that blinking light could signify an attack, rather than the need for a routine repair.

“Today, the operator must say first, ‘Is there some adversary that is getting into my networks that is trying to interrupt my mission assurance capabilities?’ So that's the difference, and we need both,” he said.

Soldier Missing from Korean War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Cpl. Floyd E. Hooper, 27, of Stratton, Colo., will be buried on Nov. 13 in his hometown.  In February 1951, his unit, the 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division, fought against Chinese Communist forces in support of Operation Thunderbolt, an operation to sweep and clear enemy forces occupying areas south of the Han River.  Strong enemy forces supported by artillery fire forced his unit to withdraw to a defensive perimeter where he was captured on Feb. 4, 1951, near Yangp’yong, Korea.  After the 1953 armistice, it was learned from surviving POWs that he had been held in a POW camp in Suan County, North Korea, and died of malnutrition and dysentery just a few months later. 

Between 1991 and 1994, North Korea gave the United States 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 servicemen.  North Korean documents turned over with one of the boxes indicated the remains were exhumed near Suan County.  This location correlates with Hooper’s last known location. 

Analysts from DPMO developed case leads with information spanning more than 58 years.  Through interviews with surviving POW eyewitnesses, experts validated circumstances surrounding the soldier’s captivity and death, confirming wartime documentation of his loss. 

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command used dental comparisons and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA – which matched that of his brother – in the identification of his remains.  

More than 2,000 servicemen died as prisoners of war during the Korean War.  With this accounting, more than 8,000 service members still remain missing from the conflict.

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

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Veterans Day 2010

240 years of American wartime veterans from our families as of 11 November 2010

Morris, Lewis
Captain
NJ Militia, Continental Army
Revolutionary War

Pangborn, Lines (Died while on guard duty 30 Dec. 1781)
Private, NJ Militia
Revolutionary War

Pangborn, Nathaniel
Private, NJ Militia
Revolutionary War

Herbert, James
    Private NJ Militia, Continental Army
    Revolutionary War

Herbert, Thomas
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

Crawford, William
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

Suydam, Richard
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

Hillyer, John
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

Hillyer, William
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

VanDeventer, Peter
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

Emley, Jonathan
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

Emley, Joseph
    Private NJ Militia
    Revolutionary War

Emley, Samuel
    Private NJ State Troops
    Revolutionary War

Morris, Joseph
Private, Infantry
NJ Indian War 1791, War of 1812

Schwarz, Hermann
Private, 12th Calvary Regiment (New York)
Grand Army of the Republic
Civil War

Wilson, Anson
    Seaman, Navy
    Grand Army of the Republic

Wilson, Edward
    Private, Infantry
Grand Army of the Republic
    Civil War

Schliessmann, John Joseph
Pvt Co A 146th Regiment Indiana Infantry
Grand Army of the Republic
Civil War

Schliessmann, Philip
Pvt Co H 21st Infantry Regiment
U. S. Army
1875-1879

Steiniger, Louis P.
    Pvt. US Army
    World War I

Lappe, Frank Emil
    Pvt. US Army
    World War I

Koch, William
    Pvt. US Army
    World War I

Schliessman: Henry Hugo
Battery A 5 B Trench Artillery
PFC US Army
World War I

Schliessman, John
US Army
World War I

Schliessman, Louis
23 Co. MT Detachment
Pvt US Army World War I

Schliessmann: Peter
US Army
World War I

Schliessmann William (wounded in action)
    8 Co. 152 Dep. Brigade / Co. F 315 Infantry
Pvt US Army World War I

Lappe, Charles H.
    WO US Army
    World War II

Lappe, Herman C.
    WO US Army
    World War II

Schliessman, Charles
World War II

Schliessmann, John J. Jr
SSGT US Army
World War II

Schliessman, Lawrence F. Sr
CPL US Army Air Corp
World War II

Schliessman, Martin A Jr
World War II

Schliessmann. W.E. (KIA - Killed in Action)
    PFC US Army
    World War II

Schliessman, Walter H
National Guard
World War II

Schliessmann, Donald Sr.
    Captain
    World War II

Schliessmann, Robert Mark
    CWO4   US Army
    World War II, Korea

Wilson, Louis Philip
Private US Army
Occupied Japan Post WWII

Cater, Alma Schliessman
    LTC US Army
    Korea, Vietnam
   
Schliessman, Edward
    US Army
    Vietnam

Schliessmann, Donald Joseph Jr
    US Army
    Vietnam
   
Schliesman, Jerrold J. K.I.A. (Killed In Action)
Sgt US Army
B Company1ST Battalion 5th US Calvary
Vietnam

Schliessmann, Lawrence F
    Sgt US Army
3/60th Infantry 9th Division/493 MI
    Vietnam