MCPON Sends Submarine Birthday Message 2012

By Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Submarine birthday message to the fleet April 11.

"Happy 112th Birthday Shipmates!

The Submarine Force has had a great year! With the design of a new Class in progress, the commissioning of USS California (SSN 781) in October and the introduction of women on submarines, the community and its Sailors are ready for both today's missions and tomorrow's challenges. The force is truly a crucial part of the greatest Navy the world has ever known, and critical to the security of our nation and freedom around the world.

You operate in complex, high consequence environments where vigilance is always required. More than ever, America requires a robust submarine capability to gather critical intelligence, maintain strategic deterrence, and prepare the battlespace for joint forces in a world of evolving and unpredictable challenges.

But our boats don't do it alone. There are those whose expertise allows our submarines to stay mission ready: The submarine headquarters staffs ashore (Force, Group and Squadron), the nation's two submarine tenders, service support commands, and training commands. And there are remarkable families, who often times have the hardest job of keeping life on track back in homeport. Together, they do the difficult work it takes to ensure we are sending our Submariners to sea ready to do what the nation asks of them.

The most technologically advanced equipment means nothing without a 21st Century Sailor running it. Our submarine Sailors are the strength and foundation of a ready force. This point is driven home by Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay recently placing first in the Large Shore Command category for the Health, Safety and Fitness Flagship award, sponsored by the Naval Education and Training Command.

Thank you Shipmates, for demonstrating the dedication and teamwork needed to sail safely, swiftly and silently, and for your many mission successes around the world.

For those who have worn the coveted dolphins and retired from service thank you too for your contributions and influence on our modern day Submarine Warriors.

Happy Birthday, Submariners! You may be called the silent force but your contribution to our great Navy speaks volumes.

Going deep ...

HOOYAH!

Very Respectfully,

MCPON"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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