USS George H.W. Bush Receives Fleet's Top Honors

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Timothy Daughton, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) received the fleet's highest recognition for superior operational performance and excellence in safety during an awards ceremony in the ship's hangar bay, May 16.

Adm. John C. Harvey, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces (USFF), Rear Adm. Ted N. Branch, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic and Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle, commander, Naval Safety Center, presented the Battenberg Cup Award, 2011 Battle "E" Award and the Admiral Flatley Memorial Award, respectively, to CVN 77.

Prindle presented the Admiral Flatley award to Electronics Technician 3rd Class Thomas Ackerson, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Nieswand, from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, and Cmdr. Patrick Honeck, command safety officer, who accepted the award on the behalf of CVN 77 and CVW-8 for their overall safety performance.

In 2011, the CVN 77 and CVW-8 team logged more than 250 days underway, 30,000 flight hours, 14,000 sorties launched including 11,000 catapults shot, 15,000 aircraft recoveries and zero mishaps.

"The Bush and CVW-8 team, integrated professional execution of risk management in all you did and results, remarkably, speak for themselves," Prindle said.

The award is based on the overall safety record, including the number of Class A and B mishaps experienced by the ship and air wing, their exposure to hazards during the year, and a type commander assessment of the ship's safety program; including an evaluation of Operational Risk Management (ORM) readiness.

"A lot of safety is ORM driven," Honeck said. "Along with ORM, we also monitor 18 different Navy Safety and Occupational Health programs on board; everything from eye hazards, hearing protection, electrical safety and heat stress, to inspections of all of the ladders, trunks, hatches and non-skid aboard the ship."

Branch presented the 2011 Battle "E" award to Operations Specialist 1st Class Shanika Simms and Lt. Eric Andrews, as CVN 77 was selected as the top carrier in the Atlantic Fleet in the 2011 Commander Naval Air Force Carrier Battle Efficiency and Departmental Awards Program.

"The Battle 'E' award means that you have done everything not just well, but you have done everything the best," Branch said. "You have demonstrated excellence in all your warfighting capabilities and mission sets. In the short span of time that you have had to become operational and go to the tip of the spear to exercise your mission set and accomplishing the Navy's mission and doing it with such precision and such great results, is just simply incredible."

The Battle Efficiency Award, or Battle "E", recognizes superior operational performance, an assessment of the crew of George H.W. Bush who won the honors on the heels of the ship's first combat deployment. It was a clean sweep for the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, earning all 13 departmental awards and an additional nod to the combined George H.W. Bush and CVW-8 carrier maintenance team, making CVN 77 the only operational carrier to win honors in all categories.

"Winning the Battle 'E' is a great accomplishment and a testament to the skill of any crew, but it's all the more meaningful when you consider the fact that our crew earned it during the ship's maiden deployment, the first deployment ever for 40 percent of our Sailors," said George H.W. Bush Commanding Officer Capt. Brian E. Luther.

"I think the very essence of our success was teamwork. We had a common goal and we worked together to achieve that," said CVN 77 Command Master Chief (SW/AW) David Colton. "A key element is leadership. We train ourselves and we train our subordinates, and that's culminated in the clean sweep. I'm exceptionally proud of every member of this crew, because every one of them played a role in this, from the Sailors launching the aircraft up on deck to the Sailors working in the ship's laundry, it was truly an all hands effort that paid off."

Harvey presented the Battenberg Cup Award to Electrician's Mate 1st Class Daniel Kliche and Chief Navy Counselor Aaron Jackson, recognizing the George H.W. Bush crew as the top unit in USFF. The award is presented to the premier vessel among aircraft carriers, surface ships and submarines where they are ranked for "Battle Efficiency" and achievements in other areas such as operations, administration and leadership.

The Battenberg Cup, also known as the British Challenge Cup, was initiated by Rear Adm. Prince Louis of Battenberg. Under his command in 1905, four armored cruisers from the British Second Cruiser Squadron made a goodwill cruise to Annapolis, Md. Washington, D.C. and New York. The visit was hosted by then-Rear Adm. Robley D. Evans, commander in chief of the Atlantic Fleet. After returning to Great Britain, he created the cup to recognize the "good fellowship and wonderful entertainments" he and his men experienced in their visit to the United States. The large silver trophy he made stood three feet high and 11 inches in diameter at the top.

Battenberg mailed the cup to Evans, with an accompanying letter stating the cup was intended for the enlisted men under Evans' command. The letter also requested the cup to become a challenge cup. In accordance with Battenberg's wishes, Evans subsequently set up racing rules so that British sailors would compete with American Sailors in using U.S. Navy standard racing cutters.

From 1906 until 1940, competitions were held until the war years disrupted them and they never resumed until 1978. That year Adm. Isaac C. Kidd Jr., commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; reinstated the Battenberg Cup Award, not for racing cutters, but as a symbol of operational excellence within the Atlantic Fleet.

"You have institutionalized excellence and the right way to do business in the United States Navy, taking the might and mission of the Unites States on deployment," Harvey said. "That's what you have done and you have done it better than anybody else in the Navy."

Other ships in the Battenberg Cup competition included the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) representing Naval Surface Forces Atlantic; and the nuclear submarine USS New Hampshire (SSN 778) representing Submarine Force Atlantic.

"Today, I join my father in thanking you for not only serving this nation but for making sure the Avenger rises to the top. The Battenberg Cup and Admiral Flatley Memorial Awards are the result of your passion, your commitment to the Navy, to serving others, to safety and to quite simply, being the best the Atlantic fleet has to offer," Koch said. "The 'E' in the Battle 'E' stands for efficiency, but I know it represents many more attributes all of you process; excellence, experience, expertise and elite. My dad is honored and humbled by the work and dedication of each of you, the elite leaders and crew of this ship."

"This is a perfect example of hard work being recognized and I am honored to be the commanding officer to the crew. Receiving these awards shows the relentless dedication and superior performance the crew on this warship displays on a continuous basis to keep it maintained at the highest levels of excellence," said Luther.

Competition, Dedication Drives Battle "E" Brothers

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW)Joshua Horton, USS George W. Bush

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The San Diego-based Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and Norfolk, Va.-based USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) were selected for the Navy's Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") honor Feb. 10.

The Battle "E" is awarded annually to the small number of U.S. Navy ships that win their battle effectiveness competition. The Battle "E" is designed to measure and recognize a command's sustained superior performance and battle efficiency in an operational environment through the calendar year.

And on the two ships - separated by the length of the United States - serve two lifelong friends, each a winner in the competition.

Carl Vinson's Culinary Specialist (CS) Seaman Phillip Collins, assigned to Supply Department's S-2 division, grew up with Bush's Aviation Ordnanceman (AO) Airman Ryan Cowan, assigned to Weapons Department's G-1 division, in their hometown of Los Angeles. Though not related by blood, the "godbrothers'" relationship runs deep throughout the years spent together.

"We grew up together, went to all four years of high school together, and our parents are really good friends," Collins said. "I've known him all my life."

Throughout their lives, the spirit of competition has and will always be a key element in their relationship.

"We're always competing with each other," said Cowan. "Whether it's sports, video games, or professional accomplishments, we're constantly trying to out-do the other."

In high school, the brothers' thoughts turned to the future. Both were determined to join the Navy together as hospital corpsmen (HM). Collins elected to go to college first, while Cowan chose to join the Navy immediately.

"At the time he joined, he wanted to leave immediately. But HM wasn't open, and AO was, so he took that," Collins said. "When I finally decided to go about a year later, CS was open, and I didn't want to wait to be an AO or HM."

Their families' reaction to the brothers' decision was initially of concern.

"They wanted both of us to go to college. They were kind of scared, they didn't want us to get hurt or anything like that," Collins said. "But now they're very proud of us."

Collins reported to Carl Vinson September 2010, and contributed to the effort in Supply Department's earning the highest recorded score of 99.3 for the ship's Supply Management Inspection three months later. The inspection was worth 40 of 100 points for the "Blue 'E'" Battle "E" departmental award.

Although the distance separating them is great, both Collins and Cowan make it a priority to communicate with one another on a regular basis.

"We send emails regularly to stay in touch, but anytime I have an opportunity to travel back to California, we get together," said Cowan.

It's through those e-mails and occasional vacation time, that they keep their competitive streak alive, incorporating the achievement of professional goals.

"We battle about warfare pins. I'm working on my surface pin, and he's working on his air pin. I'm winning right now, because I'm about to take my murder board," Collins said.

For Collins, the Battle "E" represents a personal and professional point of pride and a well-deserved acknowledgement for Vinson's back-to-back combat deployments.

"It's a great accomplishment. I'm proud of my chain of command, my ship. It's pretty cool. We worked really hard these two deployments. We haven't been home a lot, and we're being recognized for those sacrifices," he said.

Cowan said that for him, the Battle "E" is a culmination of the hard work and sacrifice that he and so many others put in during deployment.

"This award reflects the dedication to success that we have on board the ship," said Cowan. "Our Weapons Department worked really hard for this, and I'm happy to be a part of something special."

Biden Welcomes Sailors Home From Deployment

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – Alongside hundreds of military family members and friends, Vice President Joe Biden today welcomed about 350 sailors home as the USS Gettysburg returned to Mayport Naval Station in Jacksonville, Fla., after a seven-month deployment.

"You did a great job,” Biden told the sailors. “We're proud of you." The vice president personally thanked each sailor, shook hands, and handed out vice presidential coins to everyone on the ship.

The guided missile cruiser and its crew were deployed with the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. While deployed, the strike group supported military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with maritime security operations in the Mediterranean and Arabian seas.

Hundreds of family members and friends turned out to welcome the sailors home. Some held up homemade welcome home signs and others danced to the beat of a New Orleans-style jazz band to keep warm as they waited in the chilly weather.

The vice president greeted the sailors’ family and friends, and also thanked them for their sacrifice and service. "It's an honor to be with you today to welcome home your sailors," Biden said.

"They've missed weddings. They have missed funerals. They have missed holidays," he added. "And let me tell you, you've missed it with them."

Seven sailors would be meeting their new infants for the first time today, the vice president noted. "I've spoken to each one of them,” he said. “They're brilliant.

“They all said the same thing: Beat Army Saturday," joked Biden, referring to the fierce rivalry between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen, who will square off Dec. 10 on FedEx Field here.

Biden kept his remarks brief. He said he understands from personal experience not to stand in the way of a family reunion. He recalled when his son, Army Maj. Beau Biden of the Delaware Army National Guard, would return home after a military-related absence.

"I learned early, early on, if anyone got -- no matter who it was, the president, the Lord almighty -- got between his mother and him or his wife and him as he was getting off that bus and on a ship, they would have been trampled,” Biden said. “I promise I'm not going to get between you and that ship coming in here."

Also sailing into Mayport was the USS George H.W. Bush, which was on its first deployment since being commissioned. Nearly 6,000 sailors aboard the carrier strike group’s ships, including the George H.W. Bush, are scheduled to return to their homeport in Norfolk, Va., Dec. 10.

Navy Rear Admiral Nora Tyson, the commander of the carrier strike group, joined Biden in thanking each sailor who exited the Gettysburg.

George H.W. Bush CSG Homecoming Goes Social: Streamed Live on Internet

From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- When the nearly 6,000 Sailors of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) return from a seven month deployment to their homeport of Norfolk Dec. 10, Navy friends and families will be able to see it live on the internet.

To enhance the homecoming experience, the Navy is using social media to allow individuals to participate virtually, while encouraging those present to share their experience from the pier.

Navy family, friends and fans may view the homecoming of USS George H.W. Bush live via the U.S. Navy Facebook page (www.facebook.com/usnavy) or on the Navy Livestream channel directly at http://www.livestream.com/usnavy on Saturday beginning at 10 am EST.

Livestream is a web based platform that the Navy and other government agencies use for real time audience engagement by streaming live video and chat over their social media properties. The Navy has found this type of technology useful in sharing events and experiences predominantly located near the coast with interested viewers who are unable to attend in person.

A Foursquare event entitled "George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Homecoming" has also been created for in-person attendees to "check-in" to. Foursquare, is a location-based social networking site for mobile devices where users "check-in" at events or venues by selecting from a list the program locates nearby. The Navy intends to use this type of engagement platform for fleet events like deployments and homecomings as well as community outreach events like Navy and Fleet Weeks during its upcoming bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812.

The homecoming, as well as the seven-month deployment supporting operations with the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleets, will be highlighted and discussed on Navy and command specific Facebook and Twitter accounts as well. The Twitter hashtag for this event will be #GHWBCSG.

Vice Chairman Honors Legacy of Naval Aviation

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2011 – Days after celebrating the 50th anniversary of USS Enterprise, the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff hosted a video conference last night with commanders of the Navy’s newest carrier, USS George H.W. Bush, during a gala commemorating the centennial of naval aviation.

Navy Adm. James A. "Sandy" Winnefeld Jr. treated attendees to a live conversation with the USS George H.W. Bush’s leaders a day after the carrier passed through the Strait of Gibraltar en route to its Norfolk, Va., home port after its first combat deployment.

Navy Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson, commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, which Winnefeld commanded from 2004 to 2006, reported a successful deployment that allowed the state-of-the-art carrier and its crew to shine.

Winnefeld noted that the crew conducted more than 2,200 combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and the region and Operation New Dawn in Iraq.

Tyson, a naval aviation pioneer as the first woman to command a carrier strike group, said this performance reflects the capability carrier strike groups deliver. They provide a forward presence, she said, and an ability to respond quickly to promote security, prosperity and vital U.S. interests around the world. "In my opinion, the carrier strike group is and will remain for the foreseeable future an important instrument of our national security," she said.

Navy Capt. Brian "Lex" Luther, USS George H.W. Bush's commanding officer, praised the crew members who continue to live up to the standard set by the carrier's namesake from the "greatest generation."

"This spirit makes them the greatest of this generation," he said.

"They are proud to be part of the legacy," agreed Navy Capt. Jeffrey A. "Jack" Davis, commander of Carrier Air Wing 8, embarked on the carrier. "Like the naval aviators before them, they are the nation's best."

Davis achieved a personal milestone during a deployment, completing his 1,000th flight deck landing, or "trap," aboard USS George H.W. Bush in August.

Winnefeld, a career naval aviator, said the celebration of the" heart and spirit and honor and courage and commitment of naval aviation" can't overlook its most vital component.

"Our top weapon system, our ready-on-arrival platform, one that delivers time and time again and answers our nation's call, the true secret to our success, of course, is our people," he said.

Naval aviation -- which includes Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard air operations -- is a community effort, he emphasized. It includes not only air crews, but also the maintainers at all levels and ship's companies who work tirelessly to keep these aircraft safely airborne. Also key are industry partners who have driven innovation for the past century and will continue to do so into the future.

But behind the scenes, the admiral added, it all hinges on families, whom he called "the true strength behind our uniform and our service and our enterprise."

Winnefeld got an opportunity to thank some of the pioneers behind this effort earlier this week when he visited USS Enterprise for its 50th anniversary celebration.

Known throughout the fleet as "The Big E," Enterprise was commissioned in Newport News, Va., on Nov. 25, 1961. The one-of-a-kind vessel, considered by many to be a marvel of modern engineering, is the only carrier in the Navy's fleet powered by eight nuclear reactors.

Beginning with the Cuban missile crisis in 1962, Enterprise has served in almost every U.S. armed conflict since its commissioning.

Speaking at the Nov. 28 anniversary commemoration, Winnefeld told dozens of “plank owners” – original crew members -- and current and former Enterprise sailors and officers that he first laid eyes on the carrier he would later command on a National Geographic magazine cover in 1963.

"I remember thinking, 'There's something special about that,'" he told the group.

Little did he know at the time that he would lead "Big E" through its 18th deployment, which included combat operations in Afghanistan immediately after the 9/11 attacks.

Now scheduled to make its 22nd and final deployment this spring, Enterprise is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2015. Winnefeld its legacy set the standard for the future.

"I can only stand here and wonder what the next Enterprise will be," he said.

Panetta, Defense Leaders Celebrate Naval Aviation

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2, 2011 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta commemorated the 100th anniversary of naval aviation last night, praising military aviators’ boldness and courage and expressing hope that Congress will draw inspiration from it in tackling the nation’s financial challenges.

Speaking at the Naval Aviation Centennial Gala here, the secretary expressed concern about additional, automatic across-the-board cuts the Defense Department could face if Congress doesn't take action in the next year.

Those cuts, if implemented, would undercut all of the department's strategy-driven efforts, he said, and he called on Congress to draw inspiration from the aviation community and put partisanship aside to find a solution to the country's fiscal problems.

"If our aviators, if our men and women in uniform, are willing to put their lives on the line, are willing to fight and to die for this country, then surely our elected leaders should be able to take a small risk in order to do what's right for this country," he said.

Panetta joined a long list of aviation luminaries and military and defense leaders in paying tribute to the achievements naval aviators have made since aviation pioneer Eugene Ely first launched from the bow of the Navy test ship Pennsylvania in 1911.

“Boldness has been at the heart of our aviators ever since,” he said, and remains critical as aviation assets provide a capability “absolutely essential to projecting power overseas.”

While providing “an unrivaled force” on the seas, the secretary noted, their contribution also extends inland. “In Afghanistan, hundreds of miles from the nearest sea, carrier aviation assets account for fully half of all air combat missions and one-third of close air support for our troops in contact with the enemy,” he said.

Meanwhile, aviation assets provide critical relief in times of crisis, he added, recalling his visit last month to USS Blue Ridge, which dispatched helicopters loaded with food, water and supplies via helicopter after Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.

“All this takes a talented team of more than just pilots,” Panetta said. He recognized the forward air controllers, logistics specialists, maintainers, rescue swimmers, crew chiefs and weapons system specialist who are integral parts of the naval aviation community.

“They, too, are the heroes we celebrate tonight,” he said.

That boldness will remain critical to maintaining air superiority into the future, he told the group. “We need the entire military to be bold – to take the offensive, to innovate, to embrace risk,” he said.

That, Panetta said, includes adapting -- not only to a changing strategic environment, but also to a new period of fiscal constraint.

As the department focuses on building a strong military for the future while meeting its fiscal responsibilities, Panetta offered assurance that it will remain the world’s best military while keeping faith with troops and their families.

Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, Assistant Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Joseph Dunford Jr., Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. all joined Panetta last night in paying tribute to a century of naval aviation.

Mabus noted the vision that has guided naval aviation for the past century. "[It] has adapted, grown and evolved over the past 100 years," he said. "It is continuing to do so, and due to the courage, skill and professionalism of every sailor and marine, naval aviation will remain an integral part of the most formidable expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known."

Greenert recognized that people – not equipment or technology – are the heart of naval aviation. "As we turn our focus to the future, it is important that we remain focused on winning today and in the future, always work together to provide offshore options for our nation, and utilize our diverse and talented force responsibly when employing our resources," he said.

Dunford, who said he has witnessed aviators flying into harm's way to support troops under attack or provide lifesaving medical evacuation support, thanked the community for its strict code of honor to its comrades.

Papp recognized the commitment aviators repeatedly demonstrate as they put themselves into harm’s way to protect or save others.

Winnefeld, a career aviator, congratulated the aviation community for its first century of successes and looked to the future with a live video feed from USS George H.W. Bush as it transits home after its first deployment.

“You are the best,” Panetta summarized in his address to the aviation community. “You are great citizens. You are great warriors. You are great patriots.”

Face of Defense: Navy Officer Donates Marrow, Saves Life

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Jared Marquis
Defense Information School

FORT MEADE, Md., Dec. 1, 2011 – During the holidays, people all over the country spend time with family, eating, watching football and enjoying the opportunity to reflect and give back.

Navy Lt. Cmdr. John T. Schofield, a 15-year military veteran, is doing much the same thing, save one difference. Three days before Thanksgiving, Schofield was in a hospital undergoing a procedure to extract his bone marrow.

While the procedure usually takes no more than two hours, Schofield’s path toward becoming a bone marrow donor started more than two years ago.

In July 2009, Schofield was stationed aboard the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush. The ship’s senior medical officer asked him to market a marrow-donor registration drive for the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program.

The goal was to add to the more than 622,000 people already in the system. Already a regular donor of blood and platelets, Schofield not only was willing to help publicize the event, he also registered. Nearly three years and two moves later, the instructor and Navy element commander at the Defense Information School here got the call he never expected.

“They called me early last month and told me I had been identified as a potential match for someone in need of a bone-marrow donation,” he said.

Until that call, Schofield said, he had forgotten he had registered in the system. But that did not change his willingness to give.

“From the second I received that call two and a half months ago until this very moment, it has been hard for me to think of anything else,” the Salt Lake City native said.

Schofield said donating a part of himself to someone for a lifesaving procedure is one of the most meaningful things he has done. He knew from the moment he got that phone call he wanted to donate, he added, and his only fear was not being able to. This fear followed him throughout the next couple of phases of the process.

Being matched in the database does not guarantee a donor’s marrow will work, Schofield explained. It takes several more tests before the donor is identified as both physically and medically capable of donating. Just getting a preliminary match to a nonrelative is a one in a million chance, said Schofield. It was still only a one in a hundred chance he would actually be able to donate.

But after all the follow-up tests, Schofield got the news he hoped for. The donation was a go.

A month passed from the time he got the first phone call to the time he went into the operating room. That didn’t give Schofield much time to worry, but he didn’t do a lot of worrying anyway, he said. His wife and children were a different story.

Susan Schofield, who also is on the registry, said she was concerned at first, because she wasn’t really sure what was involved. But, she added, her husband put her at ease with his assurances that the surgery was not dangerous and he would be fine.

With his wife’s fears calmed, it was time to focus on the children -- three boys, ages 3, 5 and 7 -- who were not particularly aware of what was taking place, Schofield said.

“They knew daddy was going to the hospital, and would be home in a couple of days,” Susan said.

“The only question they really had was, ‘Will it hurt?’” Schofield said. “Once I assured them it wouldn’t, they were fine.”

In addition to easing his family’s concerns, Schofield used the opportunity to teach his kids it is important to help out those in need.

“I feel that this transplant sets a good example for my kids in that I want them to see at a very early age that kindness and service are very good things,” he said. “It doesn’t take a lot of work. … Just being available and being willing is sometimes all it takes to save someone’s life.”

That lesson, and motivating people to do their part, is why Schofield volunteered for the registry. Now that he is out of the hospital, he said, he is humbled by all the appreciation he received from the doctors and nurses following the surgery. But as much as he appreciates it, he said, it was not necessary.

Schofield said the 57-year old patient needed his marrow for a chance at life. There never really was a choice for him, he said.

“[It] doesn’t seem to me that it’s something you should be thanked for,” Schofield said. “It is something you should do.”

Post-surgery, Schofield’s goal is to raise awareness for the marrow-donor program.

“The process is so simple,” he said. “It took mere minutes to register. There is nothing about this that was difficult." And the pain, said Schofield, who spent one night in the hospital, was minimal.

“At its worst, the pain was no more than what I would have after a day spent raking leaves,” he said. The average recovery time is about two weeks, but Schofield said he is able to do pretty much everything he could do before the surgery.

Schofield added that he hopes more people come forward to volunteer their marrow. The experience has affected him profoundly, he said.

“When you break it down, you are availing yourself to someone for a lifesaving procedure,” Schofield said. “I really don’t think I’ll have that opportunity to do something that special again.”

For her part, Susan said the experience has motivated her to be a donor. She already was on the registry, but after experiencing the process through her husband, she said, she hopes to get the same call. Her aunt was a marrow donor recipient, she noted, but they were never able to find a complete match, and she hopes to be that complete match for someone else.

Holiday Giving: Navy Lieutenant Commander Donates Marrow, Saves Life

By U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jared Marquis, Defense Information School Public Affairs

FT. MEADE, Md (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to the Defense Information School is home recovering after a surgical procedure on Nov. 21 in which he donated live-saving bone marrow to a person he does not know.

During the holidays, people all over the country spend time with family, eating, watching football and enjoying the opportunity to reflect and give back. John T. Schofield is doing much the same thing, save one difference. Three days before Thanksgiving, Schofield was in a hospital undergoing a procedure to extract his bone marrow to save someone else's life.

That someone is a seriously ill 57-year old woman who may die without Schofield's donation.

While the procedure itself is usually no more than two hours, the path to the hospital bed started for the 15-year veteran and Navy lieutenant commander more than two years ago.

In July 2009, Schofield was stationed aboard the Navy's newest aircraft carrier, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). Schofield was asked by the ship's senior medical officer to market a marrow-donor registration drive for the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program.

The goal was to add to the more than 622,000 people already in the system. An already regular donor of blood and platelets, Schofield was not only willing to help publicize the event, he also registered. Nearly three years and two moves later, the instructor and Navy Element Commander at the Defense Information School here got the call he never expected.

"They called me early last month and told me I had been identified as a potential match for someone in need of a bone-marrow donation," he said.

Until that call, Schofield said, he had completely forgotten he had registered in the system. But that did not change his willingness to give.

"From the second I received that call 2 1/2 months ago until this very moment, it has been hard for me to think of anything else," said the Salt Lake City native.

Schofield said donating a part of himself to someone for a lifesaving procedure is one of the most meaningful things he has done. He knew from the moment he got that phone call he wanted to donate. His only fear was not being able to. This fear followed him throughout the next couple of phases of the process.

Being matched in the database does not guarantee a donor's marrow will work, said Schofield. It takes several more tests before the donor is identified as both physically and medically capable of donating.

Just getting a preliminary match to a non-relative is a one in a million chance, said Schofield. It was still a one-in-a-hundred chance he would actually be able to donate.

But, after all the follow-up tests, Schofield got the news he hoped for: The donation was a go.

Once the surgery was on, there was nothing to do but wait, something he didn't have to do much of. From the time he got the first phone call to the time he went into the operating room, a little over a month had passed. That didn't give Schofield much time to worry, which he said he didn't do a lot of. His wife and kids were a different story.

His wife, Susan Schofield, who is also on the registry, was concerned at first because she wasn't really sure what was involved, she said. But, her husband put her at ease with his assurances that the surgery was not dangerous and he would be fine.

His wife's fears calmed, it was time to focus on the children.

Schofield and his wife have three boys. At ages 3, 5 and 7, they were not particularly aware of what was taking place, said Schofield.

"They knew daddy was going to the hospital, and would be home in a couple of days," said Susan.

"The only question they really had was 'Will it hurt?'" said Schofield. "Once I assured them it wouldn't, they were fine."

In addition to easing their concerns, Schofield used the opportunity to teach his kids it is important to help out those in need.

"I feel that this transplant sets a good example for my kids in that I want them to see at a very early age that kindness and service are very good things," he said. "It doesn't take a lot of work. Sometimes just being available and being willing is sometimes all it takes to save someone's life."

That lesson, and motivating people to do their part, is why Schofield volunteered for the registry.

Now that he is out of the hospital, he said he was humbled by all the appreciation he received from the doctors and nurses following the surgery. But as much as he appreciated it, it was not necessary.

This 57-year old patient needed his marrow for a chance at life. There never really was a choice for him, he said.

"The act of being a donor doesn't seem to me that it's something you should be thanked for," he said. "It is something you should do."

Post-surgery, Schofield's goal is to raise awareness for the marrow-donor program.

"The process is so simple," he said. "It took mere minutes to register. There is nothing about this that was difficult."

As far as the pain, Schofield, who spent one night in the hospital, said it was minimal.

"At its worst, the pain was no more than what I would have after a day spent raking leaves," said Schofield. The average recovery time is approximately two weeks, but he said he is able to do pretty much everything he could do before the surgery.

He added that he hopes more people come forward to volunteer their marrow. The experience has impacted him profoundly, he said.

"When you break it down, you are availing yourself to someone for a lifesaving procedure," Schofield said. "I really don't think I'll have that opportunity to do something that special again."

For her part, Susan said the experience has motivated her to be a donor. She was already on the registry, but after experiencing the process through her husband, she hopes to get the same call. Her aunt was a marrow donor recipient, but they were never able to find a complete match. She hopes to be that complete match for someone else, Susan said.

Now, as he continues to recover, and follow through with his Thanksgiving plans to participate in a 5K run/walk, cook and deliver a turkey to junior service members and enjoy time with family, Schofield has something else to be thankful for: that his marrow is giving someone else the opportunity to do the same.

To find more information on the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program, or to request a registry recruiting trip, visit DoDmarrow.org.

USS Mitscher Pulls Into Lisbon

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Deven B. King, USS Mitscher Public Affairs

LISBON, Portugal (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, for a regularly scheduled port visit, Nov. 23.

The visit serves as a continuing effort for U.S. 6th Fleet to build global maritime partnerships with European nations and improve maritime safety and security.

"Liberty is a mission for the ship, and we were looking for a good port to visit to strengthen relations and be good ambassadors for the (U.S.) Navy and the United States," said Cmdr. Brian K. Sorenson, USS Mitscher commanding officer.

The port visit comes after almost seven months of deployment, five of which were spent conducting operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

During Mitscher's time in port, Sailors will have the opportunity to tour the city and learn about the culture and history that Lisbon has to offer.

"Lisbon was our number one choice, because we know it's a tremendous city with great culture, has a warm demeanor and great hospitality," Sorenson said. "It's a great opportunity for Mitscher to spend time in the 6th Fleet AOR, as we're coming back from our deployment to the 5th Fleet AOR."

The visit also serves as a beginning point for an antisubmarine warfare exercise Mitscher is scheduled to participate in with the Portuguese navy, beginning shortly after the ship departs Lisbon.

Mitscher is deployed as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG) to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and support missions.

The strike group consists of Carrier Strike Group 2 staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron 22 staff, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg (CG 64), and USS Anzio (CG 68) and the guided-missile destroyers Mitscher and USS Truxtun (DDG 103).

USS George H.W. Bush Breaks Advancement Records

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Misty Trent

USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) produced record-breaking promotion numbers with the release of the results from the Fall 2011 Navy-wide Advancement Exam, Nov. 18.

The Navy's newest aircraft carrier, which is wrapping up its first operational deployment, advanced 432 Sailors to first, second and third class petty officer, nearly 200 more than promoted off the previous cycle. In addition to breaking the ship's own advancement record, George H.W. Bush also experienced the highest promotion of all carriers in the past seven years with not only its total number but also its 30.3 percent advancement rate.

"Our Sailors truly connected the importance of studying to the results of Perform-to-Serve and the Enlisted Retention Boards," said Command Master Chief David Colton. "We provided the avenue through some creative training and incentive programs, but our Sailors were the ones who really put forth the time and effort to set themselves up for success."

One big incentive came in the form of a personal challenge from the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Brian "Lex" Luther. More than 240 Sailors advanced off the Spring 2011 exam, and during an all hands call, Luther offered a 96-hour special liberty if at least 275 Sailors advanced during the next cycle.

To meet that goal, members of the crew took advantage of down time on deployment to study for the fall exam, and the ship also offered additional opportunities to study. One command program, "Professional Pursuit," focused on Professional Military Knowledge (PMK) topics, to include Enlisted Surface and Aviation Warfare Specialist material, as well as damage control, 3M, and Navy history. Initiated by the ship's Training department and run by the First Class Petty Officers' Association, the program was a combination board game and television game show in which Sailors competed in teams of five on the ship's mess decks in elimination-style rounds. Competitors won prizes ranging from head-of-the-line passes to free drinks at the ship's coffee bar, Lonestar Café. Each winning week's winning team carried the Professional Pursuit trophy to their departmental spaces.

"I knew most of the PMK questions on the test because of Professional Pursuit," said Aviation Boatswain's Mat (Handling) Airman Vanessa Pierson of Air Department, who was selected for advancement to third class petty officer. "It was fun and rewarding, not only because of how it helped me on the advancement exam, but because my team won the overall competition, we'll be some of the first Sailors to get off the ship when we return from deployment."

In addition to the challenge from the captain and unique study programs, Colton also credited leadership on the deckplates for creating an environment focused on success. For example, the ship's Legal Department enjoyed 75 percent advancement, with three of four Sailors promoting. Chief Legalman James Connor credited his Sailors' performance to a tailored training program, rotating his personnel through various positions throughout the department, and a sense of personal ownership.

"We created a focused training plan geared towards the bibliographies," Connor said. "My Sailors implemented the Legalman 52-week training program, and they took ownership over their training topics and conducted outstanding training that benefited each of them."

The ship's educational services office (ESO) also played a critical role in the command's success. ESO verified nearly 1,550 service records and four electronic databases to ensure the flawless administration and processing of each exam. As a result, the Naval Education and Training Professional Development and Technology Center reported zero exam discrepancies for the ship. According to educational services officer Lt. j.g. Aquichia Brown, advancement to E-6 Navy-wide was 10.3 percent from the Fall cycle, and George H.W. Bush more than doubled it with 23.9 percent promoting to first class petty officer.

"The crew looked around to see what they could do better and implemented tools such as Professional Pursuit, PMK training, and leadership group training," said Brown. "Of course, the dedication of Sailors applying themselves to study played the biggest part in all of this."

George H.W. Bush is supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The Navy's final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., May 11.