USS Mustin Joins Forces with New Zealand During Talisman Sabre

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David Flewellyn, USS Mustin Public Affairs

TIMOR SEA (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) participated in a surface-action-group versus surface-action-group (SAG vs SAG) exercise with the Royal New Zealand Navy Anzac-class Frigate HMNZS Te Kaha (F 77) during exercise Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS 15), July 12-17.

The purpose of a SAG vs SAG exercise is to practice how surface combatants would work together to engage potential enemy surface combatants. During the exercise Mustin and Te Kaha worked together against the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62).

"This exercise gives us a valuable opportunity to integrate with partner nations," said Lt. Jonathon Murray, Mustin's operations officer. "It provides us with the chance to strengthen interoperability, build relationships, and better prepares all involved to respond to potential situations in the region."

Integrating two different nation's navies can be challenging, however, especially during a complicated exercise like SAG vs SAG.

"Although we have a lot of the same equipment, doctrine and procedures, there are many differences in the way we think, communicate and therefore do business," said Lt. Cmdr. Alexandra Haughey, Te Kaha's operations officer. "We all want the same outcome so these challenges are overcome by being flexible and adaptable in the short term, and a willingness to learn from experience in the long term."

The SAG vs SAG was conducted as part of TS 15, a biennial exercise that provides an opportunity for nearly 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Forces to conduct operations in a combined, joint, and interagency environment that will increase both countries' ability to plan and execute a full range of operations from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts.

"I coordinated with fixed and rotary wing aircraft to properly identify track and engage simulated combatant targets," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Matthew Choi. "It was a bit challenging because we had to adjust our procedures to successfully integrate with our partner nations."

The interoperability between the partner nations was highlighted during a real world-world emergency, when two members of Te Kaha's crew required medical evacuations to George Washington.

"In both cases, at very short notice, the patients were transferred to George Washington by helicopter," said Haughey. "Te Kaha's helicopter transported the first patient...Mustin assisted with the helicopter transfer in the second. The outcome was that the personnel received the required medical attention, are now safe, and Te Kaha was able to continue with our mission in support of exercise objectives."

"Exercises like these build relationships, capabilities, understanding and the confidence that if required, these partnerships would be able to work together to respond to any stability or security issues in the region," said Haughey.

Te Kaha is homeported in Auckland, New Zealand, and is underway to participate in TS 15.

Mustin is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USS Mustin arrives in Ishikari

By Ensign Margaret Morton, USS Mustin Public Affairs

ISHIKARI, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived in Ishikari for a port visit Feb. 6.

Mustin's arrival corresponds with the start of the 63rd Annual Snow Festival held in Sapporo. While in port, Mustin Sailors will have the opportunity to join tourists from around the world to admire the amazing works of art the festival has to offer in the form of ice.

In addition to viewing the ice sculptures, Sailors also plan to partake in some of the many winter sports offered in the region such as skiing, snowboarding, and bushwalking.

"I'm looking forward to seeing the many statues and trying the regional cuisine. This is my first Japanese port outside of Yokosuka," said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 1st Class Hugo J. Perez. "I'm excited for an outstanding cultural and culinary experience. I especially want to try the seafood."

The Ishikari port visit gives the Mustin crew a chance to interact with the Japanese people in order to build upon the existing relationship with one of America's most important allies in the Pacific region.

"I anticipate the officers and crew to join in the many events associated with the festival and to gain an even greater understanding of the country and people that we partner to protect with the Japanese Self Defense Force," said Mustin's commanding officer, Cmdr. Scott A. Tait.

Mustin is one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet.

Pentagon Monitors Thailand Flood Situation

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25, 2011 – Defense officials are carefully monitoring the situation in Thailand as that nation faces the worst flooding it’s had in more than 50 years.

Recent flooding across Thailand has killed more than 360 people, and more than 2.5 million people have been affected, Thai government officials said.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta, who is traveling in Asia, has expressed serious concern about the disaster, said Pentagon Press Secretary George Little, who is with Panetta’s traveling party.

The defense secretary “offers his deepest condolences to all those who have suffered as a result,” Little said in a written statement. “The secretary is closely monitoring the situation, and applauds the Thai government’s quick response to this major natural disaster. Thailand is a close ally, and we will continue to work with Thai officials to assess what they may need in the form of assistance from the United States.”

When the flooding started, U.S. Pacific Command ordered the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, which was conducting a port visit to Singapore, to get underway earlier than scheduled to pre-position in case assistance was required. The command sent a 10-Marine humanitarian assistance survey team from Okinawa, Japan, to Bangkok, Thailand, to assess the situation in the country.

After meeting with Thai officials, the team determined that U.S. military assistance was not needed.

“The Thai government and military have led a tremendous effort to protect and help its citizens during the recent flooding,” Pentagon officials said.

The Navy ships have been released to participate in a previously scheduled annual exercise with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, Pentagon officials said. The destroyer USS Mustin now plans a previously unscheduled port visit to Laem Chabang, Thailand, to conduct community service events and military-to-military engagements.

Pacific Command officials are working with the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok to determine if U.S. military assets are needed to support the Thais.

USS Mustin Arrives in Thailand

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LAEM CHABANG, Thailand (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived in Laem Chabang Oct. 21 for a port visit and to participate in community service events to strengthen ties between the U.S. and the Kingdom of Thailand.

The U.S. Navy extends its sincere condolences to the people of Thailand in the aftermath of the recent flooding that has affected the nation.

While in port, the crew of USS Mustin will participate in community service projects in an effort to build upon existing ties between the two nations. The crew will also engage with their Royal Thai Navy counterparts to build on the relationship they have established with their ally.

"Our ship visited Thailand earlier this year and received a very warm welcome from the Thai people," said Mustin's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Scott A. Tait. "The men and women of Mustin are truly looking forward to return their kindness. We are looking forward to engaging the community in any way we can."

George Washington Returns to Sea After Visit to Thailand

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juan Pinalez, USS George Washington Public Affairs

LAEM CHABANG, Thailand (NNS) -- The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Laem Chabang, Thailand following five days of rest and relaxation for the crew during its most recent patrol Aug. 11.

"Just before we pulled into Thailand, the crew worked around the clock for 56 days at sea, so they definitely earned this time off," said George Washington Commanding Officer Capt. David Lausman. "In port, they proudly represented our country while enjoying themselves. I couldn't be prouder of them."

George Washington Sailors enjoyed tours and cultural activities offered by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation department during the port visit.

"The one thing I wanted to do in Thailand was to ride an elephant and I'm glad I did it," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Hermajesty Ford from Fresno, Calif. "That's something I will remember for the rest of my life."

Sailors from George Washington also participated in a friendly cook-off competition at a local hotel, allowing them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills. Chefs from the hotel also took time to share a few Thai recipes with the culinary specialists.

The competition consisted of seven teams; four from USS George Washington, two from USS Cowpens (CG 63) and another from USS Mustin (DDG 89).

"Our secret ingredient was love. If you love your food, it's going to be great," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Benjamin Batenhorst, one of the Sailors in the competition.

The crew also made a difference in the lives of Thailand's less fortunate by coordinating nearly a dozen community service (COMSERV) projects.

"These COMSERV opportunities are not only beneficial to the children but also serve to enrich the lives of the Sailors too," said Lt. Cmdr. Jose Pimentel, George Washington COMSERV coordinator. "The kids really like seeing service members from around the world, so when the crew rests and relaxes in Pattaya they can also spend time to have an impact on the lives of those living in hardship."

Thai people see these gestures of good will as true symbols of friendship, explained Pimentel. And while the goal of the port visit was to rest and relax following a long tour at sea, the crew also conducted training with the Royal Thai Navy, focusing on anti-surface warfare and search-and-rescue operations.

"We have learned a lot and are happy to have this opportunity to conduct military-to-military training," said Royal Thai Navy Commodore Somkiat Somksawat, Naval Air Division, Royal Thai Navy.

For nearly 600 people, the port visit provided them with the opportunity to tour a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Tour groups included local businessmen, children from an orphanage, Boy Scout packs, members of a Veterans of Foreign Wars post and families from the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok. George Washington's executive officer provided a tour to a member of Thailand's royal family, Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.

George Washington returned to patrolling the waters of the Western Pacific June 12, 2011, departing her forward operating base of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. More than 5,500 Sailors are aboard from George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5. George Washington's mission is to ensure security and stability in the 7th Fleet AOR and to be in position to work with our allies and regional partners to respond to any crisis across the operational spectrum as directed.

George Washington Begins Summer Patrol

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG), centered around the Navy's only full-time forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), returned to sea to begin their summer patrol, June 12.

"After a six month long maintenance period, George Washington is an [increasingly] modern, state-of-the-art warship," said George Washington's commanding officer, Capt. David A. Lausman. "I am excited to return to sea and work in international waters with our regional partners."

In addition to George Washington, GWCSG consists of 7th Fleet's Carrier Air Wing 5, Destroyer Squadron 15, guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Stethem (DDG 63). Also included in the strike group are guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67).

Carrier Air Wing 5 is composed of Strike Fighter Squadron 27, Strike Fighter Squadron 102 Strike Fighter Squadron 115, Strike Fighter Squadron 195, Electronic Attack Squadron 136, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Detachment 5 and Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 14.

More than 5,500 Sailors are currently stationed aboard George Washington.

George Washington's mission is to ensure security and stability in the Western Pacific and to be in position to work with our allies and regional partners to respond to any crisis across the operational spectrum as directed.