USS Chafee Completes OMSI in Support of Maritime Security

From USS Chafee Public Affairs

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) conducted an Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) with U.S. Coast Guard's 14th District, Aug. 5 - 21, in the Western Pacific Ocean.

OMSI is a maritime security operation designed to enhance maritime domain awareness, increase law enforcement presence, and expand at-sea law enforcement capabilities throughout Oceania.

"We were there to provide key presence in the region and build partner nation capacity for a critical oceanic partner," said Cmdr. Shea Thompson, Chafee's commanding officer. "Our presence with the Coast Guard and our partner nation set a new tone of deterrence in the region and will prevent future violations."

The Navy-Coast Guard team, including the two embarked MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 37, conducted a total of 19 external visual inspections and nine boardings to internally inspect fishing vessels across three separate jurisdictional areas - high seas, Marshall Islands and Nauru exclusive economic zones (EEZ). The boarding inspection resulted in some documented violations and, more importantly, demonstrated U.S. commitment to regulating these fishing areas in partnership with our friends in the region.

"Working side by side with Coast Guard in support of District 14's initiative was a unique and beneficial mission for Chafee Sailors," said Lt. Robert Eidson, Chafee's weapons officer. "Not only were we able to experience, first hand, the great efforts required for law enforcement at sea, we also had the privilege of working side by side with an elite Coast Guard Law Enforcement team. The team provided invaluable training to Chafee's Visual Board Search and Seizure team to include tactical team movements, tactical combat casualty care, and safe boarding techniques. Cognizant of the level of expertise that comes with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement team, we welcomed this training with enthusiasm."

OMSI is a Secretary of Defense program which leverages Department of Defense assets transiting the region to increase the U.S. Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness (MDA), ultimately supporting its maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania.

The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for patrolling the waters around the numerous islands associated with the United States throughout the region. Each of these islands have territorial waters stretching out to 12 miles from shore. Beyond that, stretching out to 200 nautical miles is an exclusive economic zone (EEZ), an area defined by international law that allows each nation exclusive rights to the exploration and use of marine resources. Oceania contains 43 percent, or approximately 1.3 million square miles, of United States' EEZs.

Chafee was deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

#GreatGreenFleet: USS Chafee Takes On Biofuel

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dustin W. Sisco, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) took on 250,000 gallons of alternative fuel, a 50/50 blend of advanced biofuel and traditional petroleum-based fuel, from the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) as part of the Great Green Fleet demonstration during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012.

The demonstration serves as another milestone in the Navy's pursuit to improve combat capability through improved energy efficiency measures.

Lt. j.g. Karen Smith, Chafee's fuels officer, said the use of biofuels on Navy ships further enhances the overall readiness of the fleet.

"Anything that takes away our need to use foreign fossil fuel is, I think, a step in the right direction," said Smith. "It gives the Navy a little bit more flexibility, and they know where it's coming from. Thinking about it economically, yes, it's a little bit pricier on the front end, but everything new is. I think that, as time goes on, that cost will drive down. The added benefit of having that operational capability is a plus, and now it's not left in foreign hands to decide what our fuel costs are."

The installation of an energy dashboard marks one more step in Chafee's move towards energy efficiency. The energy dashboard uses the Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS) to collect data from shipboard equipment.

"The energy dashboard has been a big help," Smith said. "It gives us instantaneous data of what we're doing, so we've been utilizing that tool to make sure that we're burning as little fuel as possible."

The dashboard includes the Fuel Management System (FMS), which assists pre-underway planning by recommending efficient equipment lineups. Along with energy dashboard, a series of light emitting diodes (LED) have been installed on board Chafee to replace incandescent and fluorescent lighting fixtures to improve lamp lifespan and drive down maintenance and sparing costs, as well as a stern flap, which will increase propulsion exhaust emissions to foster fuel cost savings while increasing both ship speed and range.

 USS Chafee is one of the five ships included in the Great Green Fleet demonstration.

Japan, U.S. Naval Ships Complete Dynamic Koa Kai Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii

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Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (NNS) -- Hawaii-based Destroyer Squadron 31 completed a week of dynamic training as ships returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Nov. 17-18, from the latest Koa Kai exercise in Hawaiian waters.

It was the first time U.S. Navy ships were joined by a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) surface ship for a Koa Kai exercise. The JMSDF helicopter destroyer JS Kurama (DDH 144) participated in the exercise that began Nov. 10.

"The Koa Kai exercise provided intense and comprehensive training for all of us," said JMSDF Capt. Shinji Maruzawa, commander, Escort Division 2. "It was remarkable how well we worked together, demonstrating good teamwork and sharing skills. We have great support from our U.S. Navy friends and partners here in Hawaii."

Kurama joined guided-missile destroyers USS O'Kane (DDG 77) and USS Chafee (DDG 90); frigate USS Crommelin (FFG 37); and Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11). The surface ships of CDS 31 are joined by assets from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Helicopter Squadron Light 37, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2, and the Royal Canadian Air Force 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron.

"This is the first time we've had a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship participate in Koa Kai," said Capt. Dave Welch, commander, Destroyer Squadron 31. "They were a fantastic addition to the exercise. This gives us an opportunity to exercise in another area that our deployed ships deal with, operations with coalition and allied partners."

Hawaii-based surface combatants regularly deploy to the Asia Pacific region and often train with international partners while on deployment. Koa Kai demonstrates the Pacific Fleet commitment to forward readiness and prepares Middle Pacific ships to meet current and future challenges.

"The opportunity to work together gives our crews the chance to see that there is strength in the diversity of capabilities that our allies and partners bring and gives us a chance to work closely with them in a controlled training environment," Welch said. "It also gives our allies confidence in the rigor that we put in our preparations to go forward in deployed areas."

Sailors aboard the JMSDF and U.S. Navy ships participated in visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drills; tactical training; anti-submarine warfare and live-fire ammunition exercises; and other drills and training.

"We just returned from major exercise Koa Kai, which translates as 'Sea Warrior' from the Hawaiian language," said Firecontrolman 2nd Class Deborah Rosen, USS O'Kane. "It's a major test of the entire ship's battle readiness. It's challenging. It has to be. It's meant to be. It's designed to be. It's to make sure that we're really going to be ready to go out on deployment and accomplish our mission."

Units participating in Koa Kai 12-1, the first of two such training events in FY 12, conducted integrated flight operations, anti-surface and anti-submarine training and dynamic ship maneuvers.

Koa Kai supports the U.S. Pacific Fleet's mid-Pacific surface combatant operational employment program, which calls for all Hawaii-based surface combatants to use the strategic location in the Middle Pacific to conduct intermediate and advanced training in a multi-ship environment. The training helps each ship prepare to deploy and respond quickly to support the Maritime Strategy.

To Live and Fry in L.A.: Lincoln Sailors Compete in Cooking Contest

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Luciano Marano, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

LOS ANGELES (NNS) -- Culinary Specialists assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) competed against students from the Los Angeles Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in a cooking contest, July 26, as part of the Los Angeles Navy Week.

"I couldn't have picked a better team for this event," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jonathan Yates, the Lincoln team leader and a native of Greenville, N.C. "They're all great chefs, and that's important because in our world there's a big difference between cooks and chefs."

Each team was instructed to plan and prepare a breakfast menu to be judged by three randomly selected Sailors. Yates, as well as Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Jimmy Nguyen, Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SW) William Felix, Culinary Specialist Seaman Adrian Flanery and Culinary Specialist Seaman Jeremy Pierre were voted the winners of the cook-off by a panel of their shipmates.

"Cooking has always been a tradition in my family," said Pierre, a native of New Orleans. "We're here today in our house; we couldn't let ourselves lose."

"It's a real pleasure to be here," said Le Cordon Bleu Chef Instructor Michael Shane, himself a prior enlisted Mess Management Specialist 2nd Class, which is what Culinary Specialist were called prior to the name change. "Our guys cook the same way as these [Navy] guys. There is definitely a chain of command in the kitchen; it's really the same job."

The challenge was broadcast live from the ship's galley as part of the daily "Good Day L.A." news program.

"This is the biggest cooking challenge I've ever been in," said Yates. "We're cooking against an actual culinary school, and a great school at that. Bring on Bobby Flay. I'm ready for a throw down!"

The winning menu consisted of spinach and feta cheese omelet, cheese and bacon breakfast potatoes, steak, a peach tart and orange/pineapple juice.

Navy Week is an opportunity for the officers and crew of the visiting ships to help the Navy showcase the quality of its personnel to local citizens. Lincoln's participation in L.A. Navy Week will demonstrate to area leaders and the general public that the Navy remains an effective and vital tool of national defense and a viable career opportunity for young men and women.

The Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to showcase for Americans the investments they have made toward their national defense.

Participating in L.A. Navy Week 2011 are Lincoln, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90), mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 31, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 1.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in Los Angeles between at-sea training and certification periods ahead of a deployment scheduled for the end of the year.

Lincoln Sailors Build New Homes during Navy Week LA

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Brian Brannon, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

LAWNDALE, Calif. (NNS) -- Wielding hammers, saws, trowels, and drills, 25 Sailors from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and the mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4) volunteered with Habitat for Humanity to make two families' dreams of living in safe, affordable housing come true, July 26.

Erin Hale, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater L.A., thanked the Sailors for their skill and professionalism in working alongside her team.

"We're very excited that the Navy's out here because we know that not only have these Sailors given tremendous service to our nation, they've also done a lot of service and humanitarian aid while they're out at sea. The fact that while they're here in Los Angeles at the port, that they're spending time with Habitat for Humanity means so, so much to us," she said.

Candy Royce is scheduled to move into one of the homes around Thanksgiving, along with her mother and three adopted children. She was honored to have Navy volunteers help build her new home and encouraged Sailors to leave messages on the unfinished walls.

Although the notes will eventually be covered with drywall, Royce is collecting photographs of the faces and writings of everyone who has worked on her home.

"Almost everyone writes messages on the walls," she said. "They have some funny things that they say and some very sincere things. And I can say this house was built with love."

With instruction from regular Habitat for Humanity volunteers called "Rusty Nails," Sailors framed porches, built stairs, added trusses, put stucco on walls, and performed electrical work.

Lincoln Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Rockie Johnson enjoyed the chance to make a difference in the community.

"We're helping good people out here; a good family," he said. "I wasn't too fortunate before coming in, and to give to someone else that's not, it's just [satisfying]."

Navy Week is an opportunity for the officers and crew of the visiting ships to help the Navy showcase the quality of its personnel to local citizens. Lincoln's participation in L.A. Navy Week will demonstrate to area leaders and the general public that the Navy remains an effective and vital tool of national defense and a viable career opportunity for young men and women.

The Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to showcase for Americans the investments they have made toward their national defense.

Participating in L.A. Navy Week 2011 are Lincoln, Champion, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 31, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 1.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in Los Angeles between at-sea training and certification periods ahead of a deployment scheduled for the end of the year.

Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Los Angeles for Navy Week

From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

LOS ANGELES (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and several other ships arrived in Los Angeles, Jul. 25, bringing several thousand Sailors to visit the city and surrounding areas as part of L.A. Navy Week 2011.

Navy Week is an opportunity for the officers and crew of the visiting ships to help the Navy showcase the quality of its personnel to local citizens. Lincoln's participation in L.A. Navy Week will demonstrate to area leaders and the general public that the Navy remains an effective and vital tool of national defense and a viable career opportunity for young men and women.

The Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to showcase the investments Americans have made toward their national defense.

Rear Adm. Troy M. Shoemaker, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, said the visiting ships and personnel are eager to interact with the people of Southern California.

"We're excited to be here in Los Angeles to participate in Navy Week," Shoemaker said. "We're looking forward to showing the people here how much pride we have in our Navy and what we do in defense of our country."

Shoemaker said the visit to L.A. would highlight two complementary aspects that make the United States great. "The L.A.-Long Beach port is one of the biggest in the world. It's an incredibly important part of America's economy, and the Navy ensures sea lanes remain secure, open and free for trade and travel."

While in Los Angeles, Sailors will contribute to the local economy by taking part in a variety of Southern California activities, from attending L.A. Dodgers baseball games to visiting Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. Lincoln Sailors are also scheduled to participate in community relations projects building houses for local residents in cooperation with Habitat for Humanity.

Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln's commanding officer, said he expects Lincoln Sailors to make a favorable impression on the people of L.A.

"We have some incredibly talented and hard-working personnel serving aboard this ship," Alexander said. "Every day, our Sailors positively contribute to the American way of life by serving in this great organization. No matter how remarkable the people of Southern California find our ships, they'll be even more impressed by the pride and professionalism of our people."

Participating in L.A. Navy Week 2011 are Lincoln, guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90), mine countermeasures ship USS Champion (MCM 4), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and personnel from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9, Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 31, Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 3 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit 1.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in Los Angeles between at-sea training and certification periods and prior to a deployment scheduled for the end of the year.

All MIDPAC Ships Receive Green "H" Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Surface Group Middle Pacific (CNSG MIDPAC) announced that all 11 of its Hawaii-based Navy surface ships received the 2010 Force Health and Wellness Award, or the Green "H", May 6.

"The Green H Award is a milestone we all can take pride in as it encompasses everything from Safety/Operational Risk Management to Tobacco Cessation, all of which affect the lives of our most precious resource - our people," said Vice Adm. D. C. Curtis, the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC). "Without the professional oversight of SURFPAC's very own medical department, the awareness and execution of these programs would not have achieved this impressive milestone."

The purpose of this unit award is to recognize the Sailors aboard ships who demonstrate their dedication to helping Sailors make constructive changes in their life by conducting activities like cardiopulmonary resuscitation training, smoking cessation courses, regular health fairs, fitness sessions and education on healthy living.

"It has never happened before," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Timothy George, the independent duty corpsman program manager for CNSG MIDPAC. "This is the first time that we have attained a hundred percent of our ships getting Green H. It also tells that more focus is being placed on health and wellness programs on board these ships. It means these ships have realized that a healthier ship is a better ship to go out a fight with."

The ships under CNSG MIDPAC include USS Chafee (DDG 90), USS Chosin (DDG 65), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USS Crommelin (FFG 37), USS Hopper (DDG 70), USS Lake Erie (CG 70), USS Okane (DDG 77), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Reuben James (FFG 57) and USS Russell (DDG 59).

"My personal congratulations to all commands that made submission and special recognition is extended to this year's winners," Curtis said in an official message. "You have again demonstrated unfailing commitment to the health and wellness of our Sailors, our Navy's most valuable asset. Their welfare is absolutely essential to our readiness and to the success of our mission. Continue to provide tools and awareness to out Sailors so they may be successful."

The qualifying period for this award was from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010. Ships that receive the COMNAVSURFOR Force Health and Wellness award can paint a Green "H" on the ship's bridge wing. Hash marks are painted below the "H" to indicate sequential awards. Commands awarded the Green "H" five consecutive times are authorized to paint a green star above the Green "H".

"It took a constant push to remind Sailors how important fitness, safety and mission readiness," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW) William Triplett, the independent Corpsman assigned to Port Royal. "It was only accomplished through a collaborative effort from the drug and alcohol prevention advisor, command fitness leaders, Morale, Welfare and Recreation, safety officer and the food service officer. Without their help and drive, we would not have been able to pull this off."

Port Royal and Hopper received their 12th consecutive Green H award.

"For most, I think it shows that our decrease in alcohol related incidents, physical fitness assessment failures and reduction in overall mishaps has not gone unnoticed," said Triplett. "This ship has come a long way in a short time and her crew is finally reaping the rewards for getting her back in the game."

Koa Kai Trains Above, Below and on Sea Near Hawaii

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Surface Navy and other combatant units are participating in an integrated training environment called Koa Kai 11-2 in waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands, March 31 to April 5.

Conducted by Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 31, Koa Kai is a semi-annual exercise event for mid-Pacific Navy combatant units, including submarine and aviation assets. The designation "11-2" signifies the second iteration of the exercise in fiscal year 2011.

"My expectations are to take full advantage of the six days at sea," said Capt. David Welch, the commander of DESRON 31. "We'll accomplish quite a bit in terms of training and certification readiness for each of the independent deployable units."

Guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), USS O'Kane (DDG 77), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS Chafee (DDG 90); and guided-missile cruisers USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and USS Port Royal (CG 53) are participating in the semi-annual exercise.

"Our focus is to prepare our ships, which are all independent units, preparing them for forward deployment operations to either 7th or 5th Fleet, depending on where they are scheduled to operate," said Welch.

Attack submarines were also included in the exercise as they provided submarine familiarization training to surface and air units.

Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, Patrol Squadrons (VP) 9, 47 and the 407th, which is a Canadian Air Force P-3 squadron, participated, as well.

Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oilier USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) also took part in the exercise, not only to provide key services to Koa Kai participants but also to serve as a high-value unit from which ships rallied and protected.

French navy frigate FS Prairial (F 731) also joined the ship-maneuvering portion of the exercise.

"We've got some great resources out here with our submarines, our ASW squadrons and our ships," said Welch. Welch said that because each of these units is so busy in port, Koa Kai gave them rare opportunities to put so many assets at sea at once.

In one exercise, Port Royal, Russell, Chafee, Chung-Hoon and Prairial operated in unison performing ship maneuvering and formation.

Cmdr. Justin Orlich, executive officer of Chung-Hoon, said that Hawaii-based destroyers do not normally perform work-ups in a battle group environment.

"It provides us with a higher-level intermediate training that we don't normally get by being out here in Hawaii," said Orlich. "In the old days, we had to go to San Diego to work in a strike group before deploying, which took up a lot of time. It was time away from family and time away from our own training."

Orlich said that the ability to work with other ships in close proximity and in an integrated environment allowed Chung-Hoon to prepare for its upcoming deployment.

In another exercise, Chief Fire Controlman Robert Jennings, assigned to Chung-Hoon, led a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team to Yukon.

Jennings said that the exercise allowed his team to integrate its newer members. The VBSS team had four new members added for a total of 15 VBSS trained Chung-Hoon Sailors.

"We run drills per quarter, but to be able to use a USNS ship, that's something we get to do once or twice a year," said Jennings. "It's a good opportunity to get aboard another ship of a similar design to what we get to see on deployment."

VBSS teams are used extensively for maritime interdiction and anti-piracy operations.

"We have a crew that's very experienced," said Orlich. "I think we have a very well-trained crew. What's super about Koa Kai is that it affords the crew the opportunity to flex and see them at a higher-level. It's nice to have the opportunity like this to showcase our crew in this type of environment."