Thursday, May 07, 2020

U.S.-British Arctic Exercise Shows U.S. Concern for Region


May 7, 2020 | BY JIM GARAMONE , DOD News

A U.S. and British exercise underway in the Barents Sea highlights the importance of the Arctic region in a time of climate change.

"Three Arleigh Burke-class Aegis destroyers — USS Donald Cook, USS Porter and USS Roosevelt — are supported by fast combat support ship USNS Supply and joined by the Royal Navy's HMS Kent to assert freedom of navigation and demonstrate seamless integration among allies," a U.S. Navy news release said.

This is the first U.S. exercise in the Barents Sea since the mid-1990s, Navy officials said.

Climate change is affecting every country on the globe, and the U.S. military must adapt to provide defense, officials said. Whether it is increasingly dangerous floods, longer-lasting droughts, more and more powerful hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones, service members must change to operate and win in these new environments, they added.

Climate change is particularly fast in the colder regions of the globe, with glaciers and ice caps melting at alarming levels. That change means new operational environments.

For centuries, explorers looked for the fabled Northwest Passage from Europe across the top of North America to the Pacific. The straits and islands and bays still bear the names of Hudson, Frobisher, Ellesmere and Cook. Many explorers died looking for the water passage, but the Arctic ice cap was too large. It wasn't until the early 20th century that Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole, navigated a small boat from the Pacific to the Atlantic.

But climate change has opened that possibility. The Arctic ice cap is shrinking, and there is the possibility that a route may open for at least part of the year. The Arctic region above Russia is seeing the same warming trend.

The first commercial ship to transit the Northwest Passage was the SS Manhattan in 1969. The ship — refitted with an icebreaker bow — was an oil tanker testing to see if the route would work for carrying Alaskan crude out of Point Barrow.

But ships without special fittings can now transit the passage. In 2016, the passenger liner Crystal Serenity sailed from Vancouver, British Columbia, to New York City using the route. It took 28 days.

In 2013, the first commercial bulk carrier transited the passage. The MS Nordic Orion carried a cargo of coking coal from Vancouver to the Finnish port of Pori.

All this presents new geostrategic challenges, said Navy Adm. James Foggo, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe and the commander of NATO's Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, Italy.

"The High North is attracting global interest, with abundant natural resources and opening maritime routes," Foggo said in an article in Defense One.

Russia — with its long coastline on the Arctic Ocean — is aggressively seeking to assert its preeminence in the region. The Russians recently unveiled a new icebreaker, the Ivan Papanin, that can carry Kalibr cruise missiles. "Who puts missiles on icebreakers?" Foggo asked.

Russia is also deploying surface ships and new hybrid Kilo-class submarines. "We're seeing the Russians deploy more submarines in the North Atlantic, and these subs are deploying for longer periods of time and with more lethal weapon systems," the admiral said.

The Soviets had outposts all along its Arctic coast. These were abandoned following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. But Russia has returned to Soviet-era outposts and built new military facilities above the Arctic Circle.

Russia at least borders on the Arctic Ocean. China calls itself "a near-Arctic nation" and seeks to assert its rights in the region. The Chinese are calling for freedom of navigation in the Arctic, even as they try to suppress that right in the South China Sea.

There will be more deployments and more exercises in the High North, Foggo said. "The Russians are operating with state-of-the-art nuclear submarines," he said. "That said, we still have the competitive advantage. But they're good, and getting better."

Navy Podiatrist Aids in Fighting Spread of COVID-19


May 7, 2020 | BY Douglas Stutz , Naval Hospital Bremerton

Navy Lt. (Dr.) Aaron Chambers, a doctor of podiatric medicine and fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, is helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Chambers, originally from St. Louis is a 2006 graduate of Mehlville Senior High School and a 2009 alumnus of the University of Missouri. He relocated to Los Angeles to complete his degree in 2014 from Western University of Health Sciences.

For the last six years, Chambers has been a podiatrist with the Navy Medicine team, and he is assigned to Naval Medicine Readiness and Training Command Bremerton in Washington state.

Along with providing specialty service to keep sailors, Marines and their families ready, healthy and on the job, Chambers has also been actively engaged in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19.

"The great part of Navy Medicine is that everyone understands that we have a common mission and a dedication to our patients and service members," Chambers said. "This has resulted in a high level of coordination and frequent updates to our screening process. I am currently performing Level 1 screenings for all patients at the hospital, and if I see an area for improvement, I'm able to immediately address it to improve the mission."

A Level 1 screening involves triaging high-risk patients coming to the hospital, screening for COVID-19 symptoms and directing patients to the appropriate level of care.

"If a patient is identified as high-risk in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, they are sent for prompt testing," Chambers explained. "If an OB patient in labor is identified, I activate our OB-response team, enabling prompt care for the child and mother. Even if patients are coming for routine appointments or pharmacy refills, they must be screened for respiratory illness. Our drive-thru screening process accommodates over 300 patients a day."

It has been a challenge during what's been labeled as the new norm, as Chambers and the rest of NMRTC Bremerton focus on preparing, responding and preventing COVID-19 at shore, on ships, in submarines and with squadrons.

"Knowing that things need to be fluid in terms of management can be a challenge in this time, but trusting in our team to provide the best quality of care helps significantly," he said. "This is an unprecedented time, but our military really shines in management of acute events. Additionally, being part of a smaller command allows me to know personally those that are at the top levels of leadership. When a new protocol gets established, I know it's coming from someone personally invested in its success. I'd trust them to treat my family, and I trust them in their abilities."

Chambers attests that patient response has been overwhelmingly positive as the facility works to protect its people, maintain military readiness and support the whole-of-government interagency response.

"Patients frequently comment to me that they are thankful that our team ... is making sure our community is safe," Chambers added. "Knowing that we are addressing their concerns and that the wider Bremerton area is safer because of it is very gratifying."

Addressing a pandemic might seem like medicine far removed from orthopedics, but Chambers and his department have immediately responded to help handle the outbreak while still providing acute patient needs.

"Our orthopedic department team demonstrates the best part of being in the Navy — the ability to rapidly respond to any challenge that faces us," Chambers stated. "Within a day of the COVID-19 response, we had changed our clinic schedule to having covering providers while the rest of us were dedicated to screening and testing. We switched immediately to phone meetings for updates to decrease the risk of transmission."

Chambers said he never really planned on pursuing a Navy career, but by happenstance, he made the best of what seemed like a good opportunity.

"During my last year of my [doctor of podiatric medicine] program, I was on clinical rotations at a residency program in San Francisco," Chambers said. "Two of the graduating residents were part of the Navy Health Services Collegiate Program, and they were extremely inspiring to be around. They had high energy, confidence and leadership skills that I strived to have. They viewed the Navy not as a means to an end, but as a chance to grow in personal and professional leadership abilities. We became good friends and they helped me during my application process to the Navy HSCP program. Once I began residency at the VA Loma Linda Hospital in Loma Linda, California, I began my career with the Navy.

"The Navy not only allows for one to grow professionally, but take part of leadership abilities I would otherwise not have the opportunity for," he continued. "I have served as division officer for the department of orthopedics, leading the enlisted hospital corpsmen to advance in rank and ability, and as well as the command duty officer, performing crises management like inclement weather responses and personnel issues."

Chambers has also served as project manager for a number of hospital wide process improvement projects, such as designing and implementing a "surgical passport" system for both orthopedics and podiatry.

"It is a clear, concise method to help patients obtain preoperative labs and clearances, obtain necessary preoperative imaging as well as ensure follow-up for their post-operative appointments and care," he explained.

Although the majority of his six years of service has been providing patient-centered care at stateside military treatment facilities, Chambers has supported Navy fleet needs during local sea operations.

"One exciting assignment I had was coordinating an educational clinic for shipboard physical therapists stationed on our carriers," he said. "I conducted a multiday hands-on workshop to teach the physical therapists how to perform safe injections and therapeutic modalities for their underway patients. It gave me the chance to see how life is aboard a massive carrier as well as improve the treatment abilities of their medical team."

Chambers noticed the difference in the podiatry needs on a Navy warship as compared to those at shore based installations.

"Due to the demanding shipboard environment, we see more sports-related injuries than our civilian counterparts," he said. "Frequently, I am performing ankle arthroscopies and ankle ligament repairs due to the repetitive stress and trauma on a ship. Additionally, I see a frequent level of foot traumas such as Jones fractures or Lisfranc injuries that necessitate surgery to get patients back to full duty as soon as possible. But compared to the civilian sector, I am not seeing as much diabetes related complications as I would in the civilian sector."

As a Navy Medical Service Corps officer, Chambers is part of a highly regarded group considered by many to be the most diverse organization in Navy Medicine.

"The biggest thing to remember about the Medical Service Corps is that while we may have very specific professions, we are all in the mission to provide exceptional care to our patients," Chambers said. "As an example, I focus on the foot and ankle for my profession, but if a patient is experiencing issues with other areas, I am the first to advocate and ensure they get prompt care. I have had patients that have had urgent psychological issues, emergent OB conditions and others, and I am always ensuring they get prompt care and a warm handoff to the specialist who can help them the best. During the COVID-19 pandemic I've been working with other MSC officers, Dental and Medical Corps officers, and we are all focused on the same goal. Frequently I am screening patients side by side with optometrists and physical therapists and performing duties that would ordinarily be outside of my scope."

Chambers says the best parts about his career in Navy Medicine is the support as well as the opportunity to grow professionally and personally.

"Navy medicine and the military has made me a more disciplined person and really challenged me on what I can accomplish," Chambers said. "My family and I have definitely seen a positive change in my confidence, stress management and public speaking abilities. My patient care abilities have definitely expanded as well with having access to experienced, trained mentors to rely on for advice."

"Being part of Navy Medicine means that I can serve my country and at the same time improve care for my service-members," Chambers added. "Nothing compares to the feeling of putting on my uniform and going to work knowing I am making a positive difference in the lives of patients."

With the Navy surgeon general priority on operational readiness and core mission of producing force medical readiness and medical force readiness, Chambers notes that if anything, the COVID-19 outbreak has shown Navy Medicine's commitment to helping those in need.

"The results speak for themselves I believe," he said. "During this time of crisis we are still functioning as a high-reliability organization. Our sailors are still getting the care they need and if an external need for deployment arises we are ready to serve."

When asked to sum up his experience with Navy Medicine in one sentence, Chambers replied, "The best decision I have ever made in my life."

Air Force Chaplains Continue to Inspire Despite COVID-19 Restrictions


May 7, 2020 | BY AIR FORCE SENIOR AIRMAN CHRISTOPHER QUAIL

With restrictions in place to keep people safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, chaplains at Dover Air Force Base, Del., channeled their creativity into finding new ways of inspiring airmen and offering innovative methods to support spiritual resilience.

''We started recording our Sunday services during the week in parts, so that each part comes together as if you are almost viewing the service in person,'' said Air Force Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Abner Valenzuela, the head chaplain for the 436th Airlift Wing. ''Using the camera, audio devices and editing tools is something that I am new to and enjoying learning more about. We are currently taking as much feedback as possible while trying to provide the best videos, so that others can still continue their services or spiritual guidance online.''

The Catholic and Protestant services air Sundays at 9 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., respectively, on the Dover chapel's Facebook page.

''This is the way we have adjusted for the COVID-19 environment,'' said Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Andre Davis. ''Nobody else is here except for us when we are recording it. We can watch it as a party with others, and the chaplains can interact with individuals during the live time.''

The services are available any time after the premiere on the Chapel's Facebook page.

A ''Thought of the Day'' video on spiritual resilience, ethics or morality is also posted every day at 9 a.m.

''We have been gaining some great momentum in our online services and intend to see how we can integrate this into normal operations moving forward,'' Davis said.

Adhering to the implemented health protection measures, chaplains, along with the base's first sergeants, also began weekly visits to airmen in the dorms.

''We meet with the first sergeants of the squadrons we are assigned to, and they have a roster with all the airmen's names on it,'' said Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Jonathan Dawson. ''After viewing the roster, the first sergeant and I will go room by room and knock on their doors. When the airman answers the door, we make sure to keep our social distance while wearing our masks and ask how they are doing, and if there is anything that we could do for them.''

Dawson said he offers airmen his cell phone number in case they ever need guidance or someone to talk to. He reassures them that he is only a text or call away.

While the chaplains are doing their best to reach out to all members on base, they are also making squadron visits, delivering food, snacks and offering a friendly face or ear to those in need.

''Chaplain [Capt.] Ryan Taylor-Byers and I just went and purchased a couple hundred dollars' worth of snacks and food,'' Dawson said. ''We then went and delivered the snacks to the squadrons, and airmen were glad to help us bring it in. In about two or three weeks, we will go and replenish the food and snacks.''

Every week, chaplains text or call leaders to see how they are doing, giving them updates on airmen and seeing if there is anything else they may need.

''We want everyone to know that the chaplains are still available 24/7 if anyone needs to talk,'' Davis said. ''We ensure confidentiality and will take the appropriate steps to take care of you, whether it be through Facetime, text, call, Facebook Messenger or face to face, wearing the appropriate gear.''

(Air Force Senior Airman Christopher Quail is assigned to the 436th Airlift Wing.)