Walter S Diehl, MSC Far East Provide Aid, Build Friendships in Thailand

By Grady Fontana, MSC-Far East Public Affairs

RAYONG PROVINCE, Thailand (NNS) -- During a scheduled stop here to conduct routine voyage repair (VR) July 7-16, civilian mariners (CIVMARs) from the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) took the opportunity to visit the local communities in the surrounding area to build relationships.

Over the course of about a week, volunteers from the USNS Walter S. Diehl, the chaplain from MSC Far East and local supporters participated in four community relations (COMREL) events that benefited three communities, four primary schools and a hospital.

"By taking the time to meet with the local people and distribute much needed supplies, we are helping strengthen the bond between the United States and the Kingdom of Thailand," said Navy Lt. Glen D. Kitzman, chaplain, MSCFE. "These COMREL events enhance the image of MSC and USNS vessels while benefiting the local agencies in the Pattaya, Sriracha and Chantabury region."

During the first COMREL event, Kitzman, eight CIVMARs, five Thai Rotary Club members and the president of U.S. Navy League volunteered delivering and distributing one pallet of hygiene and medical materials from USNS Walter S. Diehl to the Pluakdang Hospital and School, which was located in the vicinity of Pattaya. This school was chosen because it was remotely located and it doesn't typically receive donations, according to Kitzman.

The volunteers interacted with more than 400 children and school faculty members at Pluakdang.

"I've been coming to Thailand and interacting with the local people for a while now, since 1982 when I was on active duty," said Allen Sallier, CIVMAR communications officer, USNS Walter S. Diehl. "I enjoy giving back and supporting the schools."

During the second COMREL event, the crew traveled to Nikom 3 School here and shared a different method of English lessons to about 210 children. The MSC volunteers used innovative music strategies and creative methods to teach English. This was an opportunity to exchange effective and rich dialogue between U.S. volunteers and Thai teachers and students.

Sallier, a retired Navy chief petty officer and former aviation electronics technician said he takes every opportunity to meet and greet with the people of Thailand. "In my 24-year-career I've participated in more than 30 COMREL events."

The third COMREL event, Kitzman and the CIVMARs partnered with a local hotel in Pattaya and travelled to Sriracha to volunteer their time at the Bantunglaham School in order paint the school's common areas with patterns and symbols that provided a colorful teaching tool for school children to learn colors and numbers.

Blue Ridge Departs Pattaya, Thailand

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mel Orr, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

LAEM CHAEBANG, Thailand (NNS) -- Sailors from U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked 7th Fleet staff, and Marines from the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific departed from Laem Chaebang, Thailand after a five-day port visit.

The port visit represented an opportunity for Sailors and Marines to serve as goodwill ambassadors from the U.S., promote peace and stability in the Southeast Asia region, to demonstrate commitment to regional partnerships, and foster growing relationships.

The religious program aboard Blue Ridge, led by Blue Ridge Navy chaplain Lt. Donald Baker, arranged community service (COMSERVs) events for Sailors to participate each day during the port visit.

"Our visits to these different sites were of the utmost importance in the grand scheme of things," said Baker. "Probably not much strategic importance or national defense importance, but being able to bring light in some really dark situations from a humanity perspective."

More than 60 Sailors visited Pattaya Children's Home, Child Development and Protection Center, Camillian Civilian Social Center, and Royal Thai Marine Corps Nursery Center as part of a COMSERV where they landscaped, played with children and interacted with local community members.

"Honestly, the experience was life changing," said Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Krista Stelzner who participated in all four COMSERVs in Thailand. "Going on those COMSERVs made me understand loving people. Every children's home we visited, the kids ran up to us and hugged us without even knowing who we were. All they wanted was love."

Another event involving Blue Ridge Sailors, gave several culinary specialists the opportunity to demonstrate their skill sets, have fun with rival Thai chefs, and reach out to a larger Thai audience through Thailand's Iron Chef television show that was filmed in front of a live audience in Bangkok.

"Iron Chef gives them the chance to go outside the box, show the talent they've learned from [Navy] schools and training and put their own personal touch on it," said Blue Ridge "chow boss" Chief Warrant Officer Brian Ware. "I think it's a great event, great morale booster, and something they'll never forget in their career.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class Frank Medina led a three-man team with Culinary Specialists 2nd Class Nelson Malaxi and Manuelito Belocura, who earned their spots on the team during a ship-wide competition while Blue Ridge was underway.

"I was humbled to take part in the show," said Medina. "I wanted to take this opportunity to learn from a master chef but I brought my best level of competition with my team members."

The U.S. has a longstanding relationship with Thailand going back to the early 19th century. In 1933, the two countries signed Treaty of Amity and Commerce, making Thailand (then called Siam) the 1st Southeast Asian nation to make a formal diplomatic agreement with the U.S.

USS Germantown Builds Relationship with Thai School

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Raul Moreno Jr., Commander Amphibious Squadron 11 Public Affairs

LAEM CHABANG, Kingdom of Thailand (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) participated in a community service (COMSERV) project at a local school, Feb. 23, during a scheduled port visit to Laem Chabang.

Twenty Sailors visited Ban Ronghip School to interact with local children and deliver school supplies and sporting goods such as soccer balls, volleyballs, and badminton equipment.

Germantown Chaplain Lt. j.g. Robert Hecox said the project was a great way for Sailors to lend a helping hand, meet locals, and experience the culture.

"In a big way, our COMSERV helped communicate to the Thai people of this area our commitment to their recovery after the flooding that happened last year," said Hecox. "7th Fleet had committed that we would be back to give help and give resources, and this is just one element of keeping that promise."

The Sailors who participated in the event read books, played soccer, volleyball, and played singing games like "Ring Around the Rosie," and "London Bridge is Falling Down."

The Thai children and the Sailors equally shared in the enjoyment of the visit. Quartermaster Seaman Aldannuvia Domiguez left no doubt as to whether she would participate in another community service project.

"My personal experience at the COMSERV was just breathtaking," said Dominguez. "I absolutely loved it."

Dominguez worked at a children's hospital before joining the Navy, and the COMSERV reminded her of being home.

"To be able to bring joy to somebody just makes me feel really good, and when you do it purely and from the heart, they see it ten times more," said Dominguez.

Germantown, with embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently underway after participating in exercise Cobra Gold 2012, an annual Thai-U.S. co-sponsored joint and multinational exercise designed to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region and enhance interoperability with participating nations.

Germantown, commanded by Cmdr. Carol McKenzie, was commissioned Feb. 8, 1986 and is capable of carrying more than 721 Sailors and Marines.

Face of Defense: Veteran Ensures Safety for Marines

By Marine Corps Cpl. Garry J. Welch
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

HAT YAO, Thailand, Feb. 23, 2012 – Deploying, embedding and ultimately ensuring the safety of the Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is just the start of what former Marine Corps Cpl. Edwin A. Ventura does here for the unit.

Working as the civilian tactical safety officer, “Ace,” as he is commonly called, works tirelessly to ensure the Marines are mindful of safety at all times.

Ventura has deployed with the 31st MEU five times to seven countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and he has spent more than 270 days of the last two and a half years away from his family.

“My job is important because it helps the commander in the decision-making process to ensure his Marines go into any given mission with the best information that will keep them safe out there,” he said.

The tactical safety officer’s main responsibilities are to oversee the commander’s safety program, assist the commander in incorporating training and risk management into planning, develop unit safety officers, and assist the commander with operational safety.

Although regimental and higher level units sometimes embed a tactical safety officer, Ventura’s work with the 31st MEU presents more challenges than other units, due to the nature of constant deployments.

“This MEU is so unique in the way it operates and the places it goes. I have to improvise a lot, and do a lot of last-minute things,” he said. “The biggest challenge is the mission of this MEU and the way it changes at a moment’s notice requires me to adapt quickly, and adapt my safety plan to those changes.”

One of those challenges is ensuring the Marines of the 31st MEU get their annual safety training. The training usually takes place before deployments, but because the unit deploys two to three times per year, Ventura sometimes conducts the training on a ship or in foreign countries between training exercises.

Ventura said he believes his job benefits all the Marines with the unit because it keeps them mindful of safety and encourages them to think something over carefully if they believe it might not be safe to do.

“What really helps prevent mishaps is just good common sense and good planning,” he said. “Knowing what we are going to be doing, what we are going to be involved with, and knowing the dangers associated with those things, we can be prepared for anything as we move forward.”

His efforts have been a key enabler in the continued success of the expeditionary unit while conducting regional security operations, the unit’s commander, Marine Corps Col. Andrew R. MacMannis, said.

“He is always where he needs to be making sure the MEU operates in a safe manner. His presence, work ethic, and knowledge make him invaluable,” MacMannis said. “The MEU is always looking to reduce the risk to very complex and inherently dangerous activities. Our safety record could not be matched without him. It would take years to replace him and find someone else who could operate at his level.”

The former corporal said the opportunity to still be around Marines is the best part of his job, and added that a big part of his continued success as a tactical safety officer is the support he receives from MacMinnis.

“The most important thing about safety with any unit in the Marine Corps is commander support,” Ventura said. “Without the commander’s support, nothing can be accomplished in terms of safety, so in my case, without Colonel MacMannis’s support, I couldn’t do everything that I do, and the MEU’s safety program wouldn’t be as successful as it is.”

The 31st MEU, which recently concluded Exercise Cobra Gold 2012 here, is the only continuously forward deployed Marine expeditionary unit.

Thailand: Guard members dedicate new school building they help build

Washington National Guard Courtesy report

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand -- Army National Guard Soldiers and members of the Royal Thai Armed Forces attended a dedication ceremony with members of the local community to commemorate a new school building here, Thursday.

Soldiers from the 176th Engineer Company, Washington Army National Guard, constructed the new building over the last few weeks, with their Royal Thai counterparts from the 2nd Development Division, Royal Thai Army, as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2012.

“No matter where in the world each of us is from, we all share a common desire: to ensure the quality of our children’s future,” said Army Maj. Gen. Gary Beard of U.S. Army Pacific.

The multipurpose building is slated to be used as a secondary school for the Ban Wang Nam Khiao School, and is one of six humanitarian action projects built during Exercise Cobra Gold.

“Our armies’ combined efforts to provide an appropriate venue for learning to prosper is a down-payment on the future, as these young students advance the United States – Thailand relationship into the next generation,” Beard said.

Beard said Exercise Cobra Gold is vital for increasing joint military cohesion in preparation for disaster response and other future missions in the region.

A medical civic action project was held in conjunction with the dedication ceremony.

Service members from the U.S. Navy’s 3rd Medical Battalion and the U.S. Army’s 65th Medical Brigade provided general medical and dental care along with pediatric and optometry services, alongside medical personnel from the Royal Thai Armed Forces.

Service members from Japan, the Indonesia, Republic of Korea and Malaysia also provided medical care.

Cobra Gold 2012 is the thirty-first iteration of the joint, multinational exercise held to increase interoperability with participating nations and to advance security throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Cobra Gold 2012 is scheduled to conclude today.

Abraham Lincoln Arrives in U.S. 5th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary Welch, Carrier Strike Group 9 Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived for a routine deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Jan. 19.

Abraham Lincoln conducted work-ups for months to train, man and equip the CSG prior to it deploying to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO, to support maritime security operations, counter-piracy operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and conduct air missions over Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.

"Our strike group has trained countless hours to ensure our Sailors are ready to conduct vital operations," said Rear Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, CSG 9. "We're looking forward to working closely with our coalition and regional partners to keep the sea lanes safe and secure for the free flow of maritime commerce that is so important for the continued prosperity of nations in this region and around the world."

Abraham Lincoln CSG is comprised of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, which includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

"From our air wing to the destroyer squadron and other surface combatant ships, we have a fantastic team," said Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln's commanding officer. "We provide a flexible, adaptable and persistent force that will support the regional commander by providing the greatest assets the Navy has to offer."

The arrival of Lincoln brings the number of aircraft carriers to two within the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO. Carl Vinson arrived in theater, Jan. 9. A second aircraft carrier in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility (AOR) ensures the U.S. military has the naval and air capabilities to support operational requirements while adequately meeting other security commitments in the region. The aircraft carriers will simultaneously conduct operations in different areas of the AOR, to adequately provide support operations requirements and other security commitments in the region.

Abraham Lincoln departed its homeport of Everett, Wash., Dec. 7, for a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AOOs. The ship departed Laem Chabang, Thailand, Jan. 10, following a four-day port visit prior to transiting to U.S. 5th Fleet. Following deployment, Lincoln will change homeports from Everett, Wash., to Norfolk, Va., for a periodic refueling complex overhaul.

Lincoln Concludes Thailand Port Visit

From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

LAEM CHABANG, Thailand (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), accompanied by guided-missile cruiser Cape St. George (CG 71), departed Laem Chabang, Thailand, Jan. 10, following a four-day port visit.

While in Thailand, Sailors from the two ships visited with the people of Thailand, experienced the local culture and participated in a series of community service projects (COMSERVs) to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Sailors painted schools, cleaned local temples and visited with children at schools and medical facilities as part of the COMSERVs.

The Lincoln Chiefs Mess visited with HIV/AIDS-stricken children and adults at the Camillian Relief Center in Rayong. Chief Religious Program Specialist Elliot Warley said spending time with the children was the most worthwhile part of his time in Thailand.

"Even though these kids are sick, they're still kids," Warley said. "We interacted with them, we played with them, and we gave them toys. It was a really good experience."

Other highlights from the port visit included tours of temples and historic sites, elephant rides, jungle adventure tours and visits to the Sriracha Tiger Zoo.

The visit also included military-to-military talks and ship tours for several local groups including Royal Thai navy personnel, local businesses and school children. Additionally, Lincoln Sailors delivered Project Handclasp supplies to local organizations. Project Handclasp, the Navy's worldwide outreach program, donates humanitarian, educational and goodwill materials to people in need overseas.

Lincoln, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, is in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) as part of a deployment to the western Pacific and Indian Oceans en route to support coalition efforts in the 5th Fleet AOR. The visit to Thailand was the first port call of Lincoln's 2011-2012 deployment.

CSG 9 is comprised of Lincoln, Cape St. George, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, which includes guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

Following deployment, Lincoln will change homeports from Everett, Wash., to Norfolk, Va., for a periodic refueling complex overhaul.

Lincoln Carrier Strike Group Arrives in Thailand for Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman K. Ashley Lawrence, Carrier Strike Group 9 Public Affairs

LEAM CHEBANG, Thailand (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser Cape St. George (CG 71), arrived in Leam Chebang, Thailand, for a port visit, Jan. 6.

While in Thailand, strike group Sailors will visit with the people of Thailand, experience the local culture and conduct a series of community service projects (COMSERVs) to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Cmdr. Denis Cox, Lincoln's chaplain, said the COMSERVs will be a great opportunity for CSG9 Sailors to get to know the people of Thailand.

"Our Sailors will get to interact with the great institutions of Thailand and meet Thai people in their community," Cox said. "They'll get to know our Sailors for what they really are: servants, leaders and genuinely good people. And nothing will expose our Sailors to what it means to be Thai more than working on these projects."

For the COMSERVs, Sailors will paint schools, clean local temples and visit with children at an orphanage in Pattaya.

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Caleb R. Thomas, assigned to Lincoln, said he can't wait to go on one of the many Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored tours that will be available to strike group Sailors in Thailand. In addition to historical sites such as Bangkok's Grand Palace and the ruins of Ayudhaya, Sailors will also have the opportunity to visit the Sriracha Tiger Zoo, ride elephants and have fun in Thailand's tropical rain forest.

"I plan on having a great time in Thailand," Thomas said. "I can't wait to enjoy a few days relaxing on the beach and cable riding through the jungle."

Ensign Deborah I. Frazier, assigned to Lincoln's combat systems department, said she is also looking forward to relaxing, and she wants to develop a firsthand appreciation for the rich heritage of Thailand.

"Now that I have the chance to see their culture, I'd really love to see their temples," Frazier said. "We're incredibly lucky that we get to spend time here."

Lincoln is in the 7th Fleet area of operations (AOO) as part of a deployment to the western Pacific and Indian Oceans en route to support coalition efforts in the 5th Fleet AOO. Thailand is the first port call of Lincoln's 2011-2012 deployment.

CSG 9 is comprised of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, which includes the guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

Following deployment, Lincoln will change homeports from Everett, Wash., to Norfolk, Va., for a periodic refueling complex overhaul.

Face of Defense: U.S. Troops Combat Floods in Thailand

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matheus J. Hernandez
Marine Corps Bases Japan

BANGKOK  – U.S. Marines, airmen and sailors worked in tandem with their Thai military counterparts to provide flood relief late last month at the Don Mueang International Airport here.

The U.S. service members and Royal Thai soldiers and airmen transported equipment from the Laem Chabang port to fight flooding at the water-inundated airport Nov. 29.

Marines and sailors assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 3, part of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force’s 3rd Marine Logistics Group, performed water removal operations with the Thai air force. Before the operation, Thai airmen placed sandbags as barriers around the airport’s four flooded maintenance facilities.

“The Marines were tasked to drain a specific area of the airport that the Royal Thai Air Force had isolated,” said Marine Corps Maj. Jonathan A. Derosier, engineering officer for the 3rd MEF’s flood relief command element. “They had a mission, which was to drain a specific targeted area, and that was within the scope of our capability.”

U.S. forces provided equipment to assist in draining the area, including hose-and-reel systems, 600-gallon-per-minute fuel pumps and vehicles to transport the equipment.

“They wanted to accelerate the natural drainage of the flood water, and to do that we deployed the hose reel to pump the water from the isolated area and routed it through the hose down to a drainage canal,” Derosier said. “That was going to allow the water to naturally flow [from the canal].”

U.S. Marine Corps and Army engineers and civil engineers with the U.S. Air Force’s 36th Contingency Response Group worked with Thai service members, officials said, to determine how to conduct the flood-relief operations, including routing flood water to minimize the length of hose needed, and determining the amount of water to be moved.

Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Julio C. Dominguez, the engineering detachment officer in- charge with the logistics regiment, said the American and Thai service members worked diligently during the successful operations.

“The Marines were able to adapt to the environment and complete their mission,” Dominguez said. “Completing our mission allowed the Thai people to get back to work by gaining access to their buildings.”

Donilon: Obama Calls for ‘All-in’ Asia Strategy

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – National Security Advisor Tom Donilon discussed the administration’s “all-in” Asia strategy during a press conference in Indonesia today.

Donilon said the president’s weeklong engagements with Asian leaders culminating in the East Asia Summit “is the implementation of a substantial and important reorientation in American global strategy.”

The summit has occurred annually since 2005, with the United States and Russia participating for the first time this year along with Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Vietnam, India and China.

Donilon noted that from the president’s hosting of the 19th annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meeting in Honolulu through a trip to Canberra and Darwin in Australia and culminating with the summit in Bali, Obama worked this week with 25 nations “in the fastest-growing economic region in the world,” and attended formal bilateral meetings with 10 countries’ heads of state.

A White House fact sheet on the summit noted while the gathering’s traditional agenda includes regional concerns such as education, finance, energy and the environment, Obama called for discussions on security topics including maritime cooperation and nuclear nonproliferation. The president also pledged support to advance humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region.

Donilon said the administration has worked for three years on a strategic rebalancing of what officials viewed as an “underweighted” U.S. involvement in Asia.

“We set about, through three lines of quite specific work, to address that underweighting,” he said.

Donilon outlined those approaches: strengthening alliances and security partnerships; engaging with emerging regional power centers such as China, India and Indonesia; and participating in and helping to form regional, multilateral economic, diplomatic and security institutions.

The president has given “clear guidance” that the United States will allocate the resources to maintain a strong security presence in Asia, Donilon said, in the midst of what he described as a $489 billion spending reduction over 10 years.

“With Asia, that means being all in, and doing the things that are required here with the resources that are necessary,” the national security advisor said.

“From our perspective, we've been able to positively advance each of the key goals that we had for the course of this trip,” he added. “And I think that's been in the U.S. interest.”

Defense-related announcements during Obama’s Asia trip included an agreement with Australia to establish a rotational deployment of Marines to train with Australian military forces and a transfer and upgrade of 24 Excess Defense Article F-16s to the Indonesian air force.