Detroit Red Wing Soars with Blue Angels

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joseph R. Wax, Naval Recruiting District Michigan Public Affairs

DETROIT (NNS) -- The Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels) provided a member of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Detroit Red Wings with the rare opportunity of a backseat ride in an F/A-18C Hornet, in Belleville, Mich., July 20.

Justin Abdelkader, Red Wings forward, was one of three individuals granted a 45-minute flight by the Blue Angels who were in town for the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show at Willow Run Airport July 23-24, during Detroit Navy Week 2011.

For Abdelkader, the ride with the Blue Angels fulfilled a dream he has had since childhood.

"Just like making the NHL, I grew up dreaming about being a jet pilot," said Abdelkader. "This is the top for me. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the Blue Angels."

Abdelkader grew up in Muskegon, Mich., and attended Michigan State University before joining the Red Wings.

"This is an unbelievable opportunity," he said. "It is an honor to get to go up there and experience it."

Abdelkader was able to see first hand the type of physical conditioning it takes to be a naval aviator.

"It was unbelievable; the (gravitational force) put on your body," said Abdelkader. "On the takeoff we shot straight up. You take the (gravitational force) right away. I was in and out a few times."

Lt. Dave Tickle, Blue Angels pilot and narrator, was the pilot for Abdelkader's flight. He said being a professional athlete certainly helped Abdelkader in the cockpit.

"He did phenomenal," said Tickle. "Of course being a top-notch athlete, he knows how to control his body."

"A lot of times, I didn't even know which way were going," said Abdelkader. "I was so focused on the breathing technique, I had no idea."

Chad Scaling, a local metro Detroit school administrator, and James Staley, an Indianapolis area school administrator, were also giving flights in the Hornet.

Afterward, Tickle presented Abdelkader, Scaling and Staley with commemoration lithographs celebrating their flight with the Blue Angels during the Centennial of Naval Aviation. Abdelkader likewise presented Tickle with a personalized Detroit Red Wings jersey.

Detroit Navy Week 2011, one of 21 Navy Weeks being held across American this year, began July 18 and ran through July 24. Sailors from USS George Washington (CVN 73), USS Michigan (SSGN 727), Naval Recruiting District Michigan, Naval Operational Support Center Detroit and the Navy Office of Community Outreach attended events throughout the city to raise local awareness about the U.S. Navy and its worldwide role as a global force for good.

Navy Weeks are designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Navy Kicks Off Week-Long Motor City Celebration

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Steve Johnson, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

DETROIT (NNS) -- Detroit Navy Week 2011 officially kicked off July 18 bringing together residents and Sailors who provided an in-person account of the Navy's significance.

The Navy took advantage of its most important resource — people — sending Sailors from Michigan's namesake submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) and a Navy band among others, to various events around the city. Among these events was a visit to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center near downtown Detroit where the Sailors toured the facility, and met with veterans and hospital staff.

"The veterans here are very excited the Navy is in town," said Rear Adm. John Jolliffe, vice commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. "They feel the love and support. I think it's important that those who are on active duty not forget about the veterans who have gone before us."

Detroit natives stationed aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) who were in town for Navy Week got a chance to tell their story on live TV. They also talked about the ship's recent exercise with the Royal Korean Navy, and humanitarian assistance Washington provided in the wake of Japan's devastating tsunami in March.

"I hope the people here in Michigan learn during the week how the Navy is a forward-deployed force that's fast and flexible," Jolliffe explained. "We're not only on the water in ships, under the water in submarines and over the water in aircraft to carry out our nation's maritime strategy. We also play a vital role supporting the war effort in Afghanistan, as well as providing humanitarian assistance around the world."

The Detroit City Council honored the Navy by declaring July 18-24 Detroit Navy Week. Councilman Andre L. Spivey presented a framed Detroit Navy Week proclamation to Jolliffe during the celebration, then put the spotlight on hometown Sailors from both USS Michigan and USS George Washington with "Spirit of Detroit" awards, honoring them for their Naval service.

Detroit Navy Week 2011 is one of 21 Navy Weeks being held across America this year. Navy Weeks are designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy as a global force for good and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

For more information about Detroit Navy Week news and scheduled events, visit navyweek.org/Detroit2011.

Nebraska, Michigan Awarded Battle "E"

By Lt. Ed Early, Commander, Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs

BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Two Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor submarines, Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) and guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727), were recognized Jan. 1 by Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as recipients of the 2010 Battle Efficiency Award (Battle "E").

Nebraska's Blue and Gold crews received the Battle "E" for Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 17, while Michigan's Blue Crew was awarded the Battle "E" for Submarine Squadron 19.

"Both Nebraska crews exemplified the spirit of teamwork with enthusiasm," said Capt. Paul Skarpness, commander of SUBRON 17. "Throughout 2010, Nebraska excelled in mission accomplishment, kept the ship in great fighting condition, and provided outstanding support to their families and the community. I am extremely proud of their accomplishments."

For Nebraska, the Battle "E" award announcement came on the same day that the boat's Gold Crew returned to Bangor after an 88-day strategic deterrent patrol.

"When we learned that we had won the award, the COB [Chief of the Boat] and I walked the ship to congratulate each Sailor on their efforts, and I was very pleased to see the pride that showed in all of them," said Cmdr. Mike Fisher, commanding officer of Nebraska's Gold Crew. "To receive the news while underway helped the crew return to port with an extraordinary sense of accomplishment."

Michigan's Blue Crew, commanded by Capt. Jerry Logan, is currently deployed to the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of responsibility after conducting a crew swap in Guam last November. Michigan made a routine port visit to Busan, Republic of Korea, in December.

"Michigan Blue's exceptional mission accomplishment and unmatched readiness for all peacetime and wartime mission areas made her the top crew in the squadron and provided relevant presence and capability in the western Pacific," said Capt. Dennis Carpenter, commander of SUBRON 19. "They demonstrated tremendous teamwork and esprit de corps while accomplishing two missions vital to national security."

The Battle "E" is an award of merit presented to the most proficient submarine crew in each squadron and recognizes sustained superior technical performance and continual combat readiness throughout the year. The awards are presented by the commodore of each squadron to the submarine under their command which has demonstrated the highest level of battle readiness during the evaluation year.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 9, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg9/.

This Day in Naval History - Jan. 04

From the Navy News Service

1863 - Blockading ship USS Quaker City captures sloop Mercury carrying despatches, emphasizing the desperate plight of the South.

1910 - Commissioning of USS Michigan (BB 27), the first U.S. dreadnought battleship.

1989 - F-14 Tomcats from Fighter Squadron 32 embarked aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) shoot down two hostile Libyan MiGs.