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."

Secretary of the Navy Visits Enterprise

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

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in the Arabian Sea Aug. 6-7, as the carrier continued its 25th and final deployment.

Enterprise Sailors and Marines, currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, used this opportunity to welcome Mabus to the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Following his arrival on the carrier's flight deck, Mabus was greeted by Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENTCSG) and Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr., Enterprise's commanding officer.

Mabus was then escorted to the ship's navigation bridge and primary flight control before moving to the hangar bay where he addressed more than 3,000 Sailors and Marines gathered for an all-hands call.

 "I'm happy to be here with you all," said Mabus as he addressed Big E's crew. "I'm happy to be here on this historic ship, on its historic last voyage."

During his address, Mabus thanked the crewmembers for their service and told them that he understands that what they do is not easy.

"The Navy and Marines are America's 'away team,'" said Mabus. "The people at home never know just how skilled you are. They never see what it takes to do what you do and put on that uniform on a daily basis. On their behalf, I want to say 'thank you.'"

Mabus continued his expression of gratitude, saying, "I know that this ship and all of our ships have had an incredibly high operational tempo. I understand the stress that it puts on your families. The importance of what you all are doing for America cannot be overstated."

He also spoke of how the Navy's role in maritime combat operations will change in the future.

"We're going to build the fleet," said Mabus. "We are going to begin to use ships differently. We are growing the fleet to meet the new responsibilities of the new national defense strategy that the president announced in January."

During the event Mabus also presided over the reenlistment of 32 Sailors and Marines and presented awards to members of the Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 team.

"The United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps are the finest expeditionary fighting force that the world has ever known," Mabus told the crew. "You are making part of the history of not only this Enterprise, but of all of the Enterprises that have sailed on behalf of our Navy and our nation."

After concluding his remarks, Mabus answered questions from the crew of the Big E and CVW-1 and posed for photos with those gathered in the hangar bay before heading to dinner with members of the enlisted crew on the carrier's mess decks.

Following dinner, Mabus was escorted on a tour of the legendary ship, visiting, among other areas, Medical department spaces, a weapons magazine, the combat direction center, carrier air traffic control center, a squadron ready room and the machinery repair shop. He was also able to observe flight operations from the flight deck, both in daylight and after sunset.

Enterprise is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security operation efforts and support missions as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Panetta Accelerates Stennis Carrier Strike Group Deployment

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2012 – The Navy will deploy the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and its strike group four months early and shift its destination to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, DOD officials said here today.

The deployment late this summer is in response to Central Command’s requirement for an extended carrier presence, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said. The move affects 5,500 sailors aboard the Stennis and the Aegis cruiser USS Mobile Bay.

Last week, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta approved a request from Central Command commander Marine Corps General James N. Mattis to accelerate Stennis’ deployment. “The decision will help support existing naval force requirements in the Middle East and reduce the gap caused by the upcoming departure of the USS Enterprise Strike Group,” Little said. “It is in keeping with our long-standing commitments to the region.”

Aircraft carrier strike groups provide commanders with ample and flexible air assets to enhance interoperability with partner nations and maintain strong military-to-military relations as well as respond to a wide variety of contingencies, Little said.

The Bremerton, Wash.-based Stennis strike group was due to deploy at the end of the year to U.S. Pacific Command. The group returned from duty in the Middle East in March.

The accelerated deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility is not aimed at any specific threat. “In keeping with Centcom’s requirements, this is a very important region for our defense strategy,” Little said. “We’ve had a presence in the region for decades and we have a range of interests that this extension of our capabilities will support.”

Nor, he said, is the deployment a direct response to tensions with Iran. The U.S. military is “always mindful of the challenges posed by Iran, but … this is not a decision based solely on the challenges posed by Iran,” Little said.

Currently the USS Enterprise and USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike groups are deployed to U.S. Central Command. The USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is due to relieve the Lincoln group shortly. The Stennis group will relieve Enterprise.

The Navy continues to operate at a high operational tempo in order to meet U.S. security needs around the world,. “Our deployment strain is as great as or greater today than it has been at any time in the past 10 years,” a Navy official said.

Sailors and their families have been informed of the change, Little said. Navy officials looked at a wide range of options to ensure Navy commitments and combatant commander mission requirements are met and to lessen the impact of schedule changes.

The carrier strike group will be ready to deploy even given the accelerated timeline, Little said. “The U.S. Navy is well-equipped to ensure our sailors are trained and ready for this deployment,” he said.

Navy leaders understand the operational and personnel impacts this accelerated deployment will have. These include training cycle adjustments, crew and family uncertainty and reductions to quality of life port visits.

As more information becomes available, the Navy will release it, officials said, noting defense leaders are “committed to keeping sailors and their families informed about current and future deployments to the best of our ability.”

Big E Begins Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions Program

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gregory White, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Service members aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) formed a Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) committee aboard the ship July 10.

CSADD is a peer-to-peer mentoring program geared toward assisting Sailors in making positive decisions in all areas of their lives.

The program was originally created for those in ROTC, JROTC and similar programs. However, it quickly spread throughout the Navy and is now a resource for all Sailors.

Enterprise Command Master Chief Dwayne E. Huff, initiated the organization of the program aboard the carrier after attending a number of captain's masts which he felt could have been prevented if the Sailors involved were better informed before making the decisions that landed them in trouble.

"I believe that if Sailors have a program like CSADD and the mentorship that it offers, we will all benefit from it," said Huff. "I've been involved in the program at previous commands and I've seen how successful it can be when it is utilized correctly."

The purpose of the program is peer mentorship. The goals of its members are to get a group of Sailors who, through networking and discussion, can create ways to inform and inspire others to make better decisions, and to equip all hands with the tools they need to make those decisions.

"Once fully organized and established, we will meet weekly to put together ideas to help with the message we're driving to our Sailors," wrote Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Kyle T. Gregory, a member of CSADD, in an e-mail to the other members of the coalition.

The coalition has different topics they want to focus on every month in an effort to raise awareness about these issues. Topics range from addressing problems such as sexual assault to everyday issues such as car buying.

"Once or twice a month we will give training to the command via posters, skits, departmental training, etc.," wrote Gregory.

"With a program like CSADD in place Sailors have an option to ask questions and gain perspective before making decisions that could affect them in an unexpected manner," said Huff. "If we get the volunteers needed to get involved and get this program off of the ground, and if we gain interest from Sailors in utilizing the tools we offer, then the program can be a real success here."

Huff said that he believes CSADD will help Sailors make informed decisions, build trust and develop healthier relationships. It may not totally alleviate certain problems but it will definitely help.

CSADD recently held its first meeting and plan to meet at least once per month throughout the rest of deployment.

Big E Hosts Cystic Fibrosis Run/Walk

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) participated in a flight deck walk and run to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis, May 6.

Chief Warrant Officer Two Rahzine Brown, of Enterprise's Reactor department, began organizing the event in honor of Brady Keep, the 3-year-old son of Brown's long-time friend and shipmate, Chief Electronics Technician Jeff Keep, who serves aboard Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Norfolk (SSN 714). Brady is currently battling cystic fibrosis.

"We came out to show support for our friends and families back home so they know, just because we're on deployment, we still remember them and their struggles," said Brown. "There was a cystic fibrosis walk in Virginia Beach [May 5], so we decided to show our support by having one on the ship [May 6]."

Cystic Fibrosis, also known as mucoviscidosis, is a genetic disorder affecting the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestinal tract. The most serious symptom is difficulty breathing caused by frequent lung infections. Other symptoms include sinus infections and stunted growth, along with pancreatic scarring and cyst formation.

"I got an email saying that there was a run to support a little boy with cystic fibrosis," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Patricia Melendez. "I'm a runner and hate running on treadmills, so I said 'why not?' It's for a good cause."

The event was coordinated by Brown in conjunction with Enterprise's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) staff, and was approved through the chain of command.

"It didn't take as much to organize this as I thought it would," said Brown. "I received support from everyone I talked to about this event, including the executive officer, who approved the Walk-A-Thon, and the Handler (Aircraft Handling Officer) who secured part of the flight deck for us for the run. It came together quite well."

MWR staff and volunteers were on the flight deck providing water to the runners to help combat the Arabian Sea's heat and humidity.

"It feels like an honor to be able to show someone back home that we care even in the middle of deployment," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Tabitha Gentry. "It's a nice Sunday morning to get out and run for a good cause."

The awareness walk and run was held on a no-fly day, a rare commodity as Enterprise continues its 22nd and final deployment. Enterprise is currently operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.