U.S. 7th Fleet to Conduct Exercise

From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Naval personnel from India and the United States will participate in Exercise Malabar 2012, April 9-16.

Malabar is a regularly scheduled naval field training exercise and has grown in scope and complexity over the years. Malabar 2012 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues.

Participants from the U.S. Navy include the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), a logistics ship, P-3C aircraft and a submarine.

The exercise will feature both ashore and at-sea training. While ashore in Chennai, India, training will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on counter-piracy operations, carrier aviation operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations and anti-submarine warfare operations.

The at-sea portions will be conducted in two phases.

Phase I will take place in the vicinity of Chennai, while Phase II will be in the Bay of Bengal and west of the Nicobar Islands.

They are designed to advance participating nations' military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations in a multinational environment.

Events planned during the at-sea portions include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group operations; helicopter cross-deck evolutions; underway replenishments; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS); maritime strikes; air defense exercises; encounter exercises; shore-based surface strikes; and anti-submarine warfare.

The Indian Navy and U.S. 7th Fleet have a common understanding and knowledge of a shared working environment at sea. This exercise helps to advance the level of understanding between the countries' Sailors and both countries hope to be able to continue this process over time.

Royal Thai Navy Assumes Command of Combined Task Force 151

From Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

MUSCAT, Oman (NNS) -- The royal Thai navy assumed command from the royal Danish navy as Commander Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, during a change of command ceremony onboard USS Halsey (DDG 97), Muscat, Oman, March 29.

Rear Adm. Tanin Likitawong, royal Thai navy, relieved Commodore Aage Buur Jensen, royal Danish navy,

The ceremony concluded the royal Danish navy's first command of CTF 151, which consisted of a multinational staff embarked in Halsey. The three month operation further strengthened ties with other counter-piracy naval forces on operations in the region, as well as further developing communication and collaboration within the merchant shipping community.

Jensen's tenure as commander of CTF 151 included visits at sea to the flagships of Commander CTF 465 European Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), Capt. Jorge Manso, and Commander CTF 508 NATO, Rear Adm. Siman A. Tosum, as well as a meeting onboard the Adm. Tributs, flagship to Capt. Ilder Ahmerov, commander of the Russian counter-piracy task group in the region.

"Counter-piracy is a matter of concern for all nations and should be dealt with by all nations," said Jensen of his time as commander of CTF 151. He continued to highlight the coordination with the European Union, NATO, and independent deployers as an outstanding example of international cooperation, with all partners showed willingness to do their upmost to achieve the common aim of defeating piracy.

Since January CTF 151 has disrupted four piracy action groups (PAG), and conducted coastal monitoring for piracy activity along the northern area of the Horn of Africa, and the south Somali coast. International partnerships and eagerness to share information and assets has lead to a drop in piracy in the region. From the time January-March 2012 there was a decrease in piracy attacks on vessels from 41 to 11, and successful pirating from 13 to four over the same period in 2011.

"It is my intent to continue the outstanding efforts of Commodore Jensen, and the progress which he and his team onboard Hasley have made countering piracy in this region," said Tanin. "I am also greatly looking forward to working with all the different nations of CMF."

CTF 151 is one of three task forces under control of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), based in Bahrain. CTF 151 was established in 2009 to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy, protect maritime vessels of any nationality and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all. CTF 151's area of operation encompasses 1.1 million square miles in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin.

USS Carl Vinson Awarded 2011 Battle "E"

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Air Forces awarded the 2011 Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") for West Coast-based aircraft carriers to Sailors of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Feb. 10.

Vinson Commanding Officer Capt. Kent D. Whalen congratulated the Vinson Sailors who made the award possible.

"It is terrific to see this ship and crew receive this kind of recognition. It is a testament to their hard work and dedication and very appropriate for the announcement to come while forward deployed conducting combat operations," he said. "The spirit and enthusiasm on Carl Vinson amazes me every day. I couldn't be prouder of what these Sailors have accomplished."

The annual award was the culmination of 2011's 365 operational days, of which Vinson Sailors spent 235 at sea. This is Vinson's sixth Battle "E" overall, having previously earned the distinction in 1990, 1996, 1998, 2001 and 2004. This marks the first Battle "E" since returning from a refueling complex overhaul in 2009.

"I am very proud of our crew and honored to be a part of the team. I see their dedication and professionalism every day, and I am thankful they are being recognized for their accomplishments in 2011," said Executive Officer Cmdr. Paul Spedero. "I know our Sailors will wear the Battle "E" with pride and continue to serve our Navy with honor, courage and commitment."

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.

Command Master Chief April Beldo noted the importance of teamwork in the achievement.

"This is something I'll remember the rest of my career and long after. Look back at what this crew has accomplished, and there can be no doubt as to whether they deserved the "E"," she said. "Their spirit has been overwhelming and their will to succeed is the reason we're celebrating this. Individually, these Sailors are outstanding. Collectively, they are unbeatable."

Vinson earned 14 departmental efficiency awards for 2011 as part of the assessment - the Air Department Yellow "E," Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department Black "E," Combat Systems Green "CS," Damage Control Red "DC," Deck White Crossed Anchors with Black "D," Engineering Red "E," Medical Blue "M," Navigation White Ship's Wheel, Operations Green "E", Safety Green "S", Security Black "S", Supply Blue "E", Weapons Black "W", and Carrier Maintenance Purple "E".

"Our Sailors answered every bell with enthusiasm, technical expertise, an eye on safety and great pride in service. You don't win a Battle "E" on appearances. You have to excel in every area," said Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, commander, Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG 1). "Carl Vinson Sailors clearly demonstrated sustained superior performance, operational effectiveness and continuous readiness above all others. I couldn't be more proud."

Lt. Cmdr. Amy Hunt, Vinson's training officer, noted despite the different criteria for earning a departmental award, one common factor ran through the individual successes.

"We earned it because the Sailors worked really hard all year long," she said. "There were a lot of competitive exercises the departments had to perform. Whenever we had a graded general quarters drill, those went into the overall ship's grade."

Vinson Sailors were charged with completing 110 graded exercises throughout the year. These evolutions were spread out over nine departments.

"We trained very well and very hard, and our grades for those exercises were very good. We had two back-to-back combat deployments, and we demonstrated we were the go-to ship," Hunt said, citing Vinson's service in the 2011 Quicken Loans Carrier Classic NCAA basketball game. "Any time we were tasked with something, we did it. And we have a very good reputation as a ship because of our hardworking Sailors."

Carl Vinson, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97), and guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) comprise CSG 1. CSG 1 is conducting maritime theater security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group Arrives in U.S. 5th Fleet AOR

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

USS CARL VINSON, At sea (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Jan. 9.

While in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR, Carl Vinson CSG will conduct missions supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

Commanded by Rear Adm. Thomas Shannon, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 will also participate in routine scheduled exercises and engagements with coalition and regional partners.

"We will work closely with our regional partners to demonstrate our commitment to security and stability in the region," said Shannon. "Our arrival in Fifth Fleet represents our commitment to stand by our partners, friends and allies, and protect the free flow of commerce in the region."

The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is deployed with guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) and guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97). Embarked aboard Vinson is Destroyer Squadron 1 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, which include the "Fighting Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the "Sunliners" of VFA 81, the "Stingers" of VFA 113, the "First of the Fleet" of (VFA) 25, the "Garudas" of Electronic Attack Squadron 134, the "Tigertails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 125 and the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 15.

Carl Vinson and embarked CVW 17 departed its homeport of Naval Air Station North Island, Calif., Nov. 30, for a deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility. CSG 1 departed Hong Kong Dec. 30, after a three-day port visit, prior to transiting to U.S. 5th Fleet.

The U.S. Navy 5th Fleet AOR encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, parts of the Indian Ocean and 20 countries.

USS Halsey Returns to San Diego from Independent Deployment

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Halsey (DDG 97) returned to San Diego following an independent six-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and Western Pacific areas of responsibility (AOR), March 14.

Halsey participated in a Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in the Republic of the Philippines, Joint Task Force Presidential Support operations for President Barack Obama's first visit to Indonesia, and conducted counter-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea.

"This deployment has been tremendously successful, and our team performed as professionals and patriots," said Cmdr. Jordy Harrison, USS Halsey commanding officer. "A Navy deployment is unique amongst the armed services, in that it not only serves to defend our homeland, but also enables us to represent America as ambassadors and symbols of strength; we accomplished this mission."

On its way to the CENTCOM AOR, Halsey transited the Strait of Malacca and joined forces with USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), providing air defense control and maritime defense duties. Halsey also operated with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R 91) and the French frigate Forbin (D 620).

"Halsey traveled nearly half way around the world and displayed one of the world's finest warships to six different countries across two oceans," said Harrison. "We symbolized freedom and American resolve, reinforced our allies and deterred adversaries everywhere we traveled. Halsey fully executed the mission thanks to the 300 professional warriors on board and the hundreds of family members supporting them ashore."

Halsey crewmembers volunteered more than 400 man-hours and engaged in five community relations projects to help improve communities in the countries they visited.

Halsey helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile AOR in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

Abraham Lincoln Arrives at Pearl Harbor

By Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam for a scheduled port visit, March 10.

Lincoln is currently en route to her homeport of Everett, Wash., following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility supporting operations in 7th and 5th Fleets.

Lincoln serves as the flagship of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which worked alongside coalition partners in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

During the deployment, Abraham Lincoln CSG conducted exercises with coalition countries and other nations, including France, Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Oman; made port visits and conducted community relations and community service projects in Malaysia, Bahrain, UAE, Singapore, Saipan, Philippines, Seychelles, Japan, Israel, Thailand, Australia, Oman, Maldives, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.

The carrier strike group also hosted U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead and more than 30 international dignitaries and military officials.

The strike group and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 successfully flew more than 8,300 sorties and completed more than 23,500 flying hours, of which, more than 3,600 sorties and almost 11,000 hours were flown in support of U.S. and coalition ground forces.

Abraham Lincoln CSG played a key part of supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy, which calls for credible combat power to be continuously postured to protect America's vital interests, assuring friends and allies of the United States' continued commitment to regional security and to deter and dissuade potential adversaries.

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is comprised of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, Carrier Air Wing 2, flagship Abraham Lincoln, guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and guided-missile destroyers USS Momsen (DDG 92), USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Shoup (DDG 86).

USS Abraham Lincoln Arrives in Singapore

By USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 arrived in Singapore, Feb. 16, to enjoy liberty, meet with local professionals and colleagues, and serve the community.

Approximately 5,000 Lincoln and CVW 2 Sailors will visit the island to experience the rich culture and history of one of the world's most thriving nations.

While in Singapore, Lincoln will host a reception for nearly 400 distinguished visitors. Guests of honor include Republic of Singapore Navy Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Joseph Leong and U.S. Ambassador to Singapore David Adelman.

"Singapore continues to be one of our strongest strategic partners in Asia and a key contributor to international maritime security; the region is more stable, secure and prosperous than ever thanks to our maritime cooperation efforts," said Rear Adm. Mark Guadagnini, Commander, Abraham Lincoln Strike Group.

During the reception and following days, more than 1,000 visitors are expected to tour the ship, including notable guests from the Singapore Sailing Federation, members of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, numerous international ambassadors, law enforcement officials, and Ms. Singapore 2009 Rachel Kum.

Students from the National University of Singapore's School of Public Policy will also receive a tour and a special presentation on women in leadership roles from Capt. Carol A. Hottenrott, Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9.

While in Singapore, Lincoln Strike Group Sailors will participate in six community service events, including a visit to the Riding for the Disabled Association of Singapore, an organization which provides free, therapeutic horse riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities from all over Singapore.

"By working together to expand our partnership, Singapore and the United States will continue to foster and enable the conditions for prosperity within the Southeast Asian region, and free use of the sea lanes by all peaceful nations of the world," said Guadagnini.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. The ships of Lincoln Strike Group currently reach all corners of 7th Fleet, from the USS Shoup in Australia, to USS Halsey underway near Hong Kong, and

USS Cape St. George

visiting Phuket, Thailand.

Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group consists of flagship USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, San Diego-based guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), and the embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9. Ships assigned to DESRON 9 include the Everett-based destroyers Momsen (DDG 92) and Shoup (DDG 86), as well as USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Sterett (DDG 104).

For more information on Abraham Lincoln Strike Group and the USS Abraham Lincoln, visit www.facebook.com/usslincoln or http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.

USS Halsey Sailor Missing at Sea

From U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- U.S. and British units are searching for a Sailor from USS Halsey (DDG 97) who went missing while the ship was conducting operations in the Gulf of Oman Jan. 18.

The Sailor did not report to watch and after a search of the ship, man overboard was called away.

Helicopters from Halsey, USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7), and the Royal Navy's HMS Cumberland (F85) are currently conducting search and rescue operations to find the missing Sailor. F/A-18 Hornets from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and a P-3 maritime patrol aircraft have also been involved in the search.

The Sailor's name is being withheld while the search is ongoing.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.