Wednesday, September 12, 2012

“No Easy Day” Author Broke Promise to Country, Panetta Says



By Claudette Roulo
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Military personnel who take part in sensitive operations like the one that took out Osama bin Laden must stand by the promises they made to the United States, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during an interview broadcast on “CBS This Morning” yesterday.

"There's no question that the American people have a right to know about this operation. This is why the president spoke to the American people when that operation happened," Panetta said. "But people who are part of that operation, who commit themselves to the promise that they will not reveal the sensitive operations and not publish anything without bringing it to the Pentagon so that we can ensure that it doesn't reveal sensitive information, when they fail to do that we have got to make sure they stand by the promise they made to this country."

Two issues are involved, Panetta said. The first is that the book reveals sensitive information, he explained, and the larger issue is that the author deliberately chose not to have the book reviewed by the Pentagon before publication.

"I cannot, as secretary, send a signal to SEALs who conduct those operations, 'Oh, you can conduct those operations and then go out and write a book about it … or sell your story,'” he said.

“How the hell can we run sensitive operations here that go after enemies if people are allowed to do that?" Panetta added.

CSADD Holds Bowling Extravaganza for Sailors



By Sue Krawczyk, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors descended on Rynish Bowling Center Sept. 7 as part of a bowling extravaganza coordinated by the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) Great Lakes Chapter at Naval Station Great Lakes.

"We just had an idea that we ran with to show Sailors that we can have fun on base, even on a Friday night," said Fire Control Technician Seaman Angus Heiman, president of CSADD, Great Lakes Chapter.

"This proved you can have fun on base without having to go off base and do something stupid. It also shows that rather than sitting around in your room being a 'room rat,' you can get out and go bowling and have fun on a Friday night," said Heiman.

All 32 lanes were full during the biggest turnout the center has seen since the Hospital Corpsman A-school left the base in mid-2011.

"What we discovered at bowling Friday night was that a lot of the students didn't even know the bowling alley was even there," said Capt. Peter R. Lintner, commanding officer, Training Support Center (TSC). "So, they've never been there but once they got there, they had a blast."

Lintner stated that many students are not aware of everything that is available to them through MWR (Morale, Welfare & Recreation department), including the bowling alley and marina.

"They don't realize there's a rock wall, a batting cage and a golf tee, fitness center in Bldg. 4. It's important because we spend a lot of money in developing world-class facilities for the students here," said Lintner.

CSADD volunteers went from barracks to barracks to promote the bowling event.

"We are promoting these activities to get the kids out and doing fun events, safe events and recognize the fact that you can have a good time on this base without alcohol, or how to be responsible when there is alcohol," said Lintner. "The clubs are a good time. CSADD advertises that as well, and when they do get out in the clubs, they promote responsible drinking which is important for our students to learn."

CSADD has a new goal, to coordinate big, quick, easy events on base about once a week.

"Everyone was having a good time and asking, 'Why haven't you done this before?'" said Heiman. "We're already planning more activities including dodge ball and a talent show."

Recognizing the Signs of Suicide



Would you know the signs of a suicidal person? Will simply asking someone about suicide put the idea in their head? September marks national Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and military officials are educating the community about the signs of suicide. The Defense Department’s theme for this month’s observance, “Stand By Them,” is a reminder to the community to keep an eye out and get involved when you spot a problem.

Jacqueline Garrick, acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, says, “The first key factor is to understand the signs and symptoms of suicide, and not to be afraid to ask the question. It’s a myth that if you ask somebody, ‘Are you feeling suicidal?’ that you’ll put a thought in their head.”

Relationship issues and financial crises are often factors in the lives of people at risk for suicide. Garrick says any swings in moods or changes in behavior are warning signs. Excessive risk-taking, substance abuse, giving away possessions and changes in life insurance arrangements can all be indicators that something is going wrong.

Garrick encourages military family members to reach out to chaplains, commands and call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) and press 1 for help. The crisis line also has an online chat option and a texting option, reachable by smartphone at 838255.

To learn more about the warning signs of suicide, visit the DoD news site.

Read more about suicide prevention awareness on health.mil.

Wisconsin National Guard brigade notified of possible deployment



Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Wisconsin Army National Guard's 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team has received a notification of sourcing regarding a potential deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, possibly as early as the fall of 2013.

The brigade's approximately 3,400 Soldiers were notified this past weekend during a regularly scheduled drill. The location of the potential deployment has not been determined yet. Current Department of Defense policy calls for a 12-month mobilization, which includes nine months overseas. The total number of 32nd Brigade Soldiers that may deploy is not known at this time.

A notification of sourcing gives a unit advance warning that it has been identified for a deployment, which in turn allows additional time and federal funding for training. Notification of sourcing does not mean that the notified unit will definitely deploy.

The 32nd Brigade last deployed in 2009 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The brigade performed multiple missions at numerous locations in Iraq, including base security and detainee operations.

Big E Honors Victims of 9/11 Attacks



By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian G. Reynolds, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- When most Americans rolled out of bed Tuesday morning, Sept. 11, 2001, it probably never crossed any of their minds that the entire geopolitical world would be shaken to its very core that day.

The terrorist attacks that occurred in New York City and Washington, D.C. 11 years ago changed the world, and the effects of those attacks were felt in the hearts of Americans around the globe.

On the 11th anniversary of the attacks, Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) took time to honor those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001, in a ceremony held in the carrier's hangar bay, a fitting tribute given the Big E's history.

Eleven years ago, Enterprise was beginning her voyage home from the Persian Gulf, following her 17th deployment, when the attacks occurred. Without orders, the carrier returned at flank speed to the waters off Southwest Asia near the Persian Gulf, outrunning her escorts, and becoming one of the first carriers to launch attacks against the perpetrators of the attacks.

Enterprise Commanding Officer Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., opened the ceremony with remarks about the impact the attacks had on not only the military, but all Americans.

"Eleven years ago, today, our nation was devastated by the harsh reality of terrorism," said Hamilton. "It was one of those days that we will always remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard of the attack."

Hamilton's speech was followed by a rendition of "Amazing Grace," sung by Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Ralph A. Oliver.

In closing, Sailors and Marines observed a moment of silence to honor the lives lost during the attacks. The moment of silence was followed by a benediction, led by Lt. Cmdr. Henry F. Holcombe, a chaplain aboard Enterprise.

The ceremony was coordinated by the Enterprise chief selects.

Chief (select) Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Johann E. Tonnessen, who assisted with coordinating the ceremony, was present in Lower Manhattan during the attacks.

"It was a great honor to be a part of this [ceremony]," said Tonnessen. "Not only because I was actually in Manhattan when the attacks happened, but also because there are many serving aboard this ship who were also there. On top of that, there are also many Sailors and Marines who either lost a loved one that day or know someone who did."

Though some Sailors and Marines currently serving on Enterprise may have been too young to realize the substantial effect that the attacks had upon the American way of life, they see the after effects of that day in September in everything they do.

Today, the crew of Enterprise pushes on with its mission - on its 25th, and final, deployment - remembering those who lost their lives on that day in September. More than a decade later, the crew of Enterprise is still vigilant in taking the fight to the enemy - playing a vital role supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"On the eleventh anniversary of that dreadful day, we continue to stand the watch and take the fight to those who would do us harm," said Hamilton. "This morning we remember the victims of [9/11] through song, silence and prayer. We must remain vigilant; keep the fight off of our shores and at the enemy's door. [On this day] we remember the victims and pledge to remember their sacrifice - always."