USS Ponce Showcases Capabilities During IMCMEX 12

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's first Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15), will showcase its much anticipated capabilities in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) during International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12), Sept. 16-27.

Designated as an amphibious transport dock (LPD) more than 41 years ago, Ponce was converted and reclassified as an AFSB(I) in April and arrived in Bahrain for duty, July 6, to fulfill a longstanding U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) request.

"The hard work of this crew gets just credit for providing Central Command options to maintain maritime security in the region, and the flexibility to support a wide range of contingencies," said Capt. Jon Rodgers, commanding officer of USS Ponce. "As the first dedicated afloat forward staging base, we look forward to integrating this new platform during IMCMEX 12 with all our coalition and regional partners."

During the exercise, Ponce will demonstrate its ability to stage people and equipment, and provide support to surface ship and mine countermeasures operations. Additionally, Ponce will embark, launch and recover helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and small craft.

"There is no script for this multi-lateral operation in Ponce, given the various equipment and gear from our partners; just an outstanding crew with a firm grasp of basic seamanship and a 'must do' attitude," said Rodgers. "Ponce celebrated her 41st birthday this year, yet with our team and the capable machine and repair facilities, we continue to provide great support to our ship and other naval assets in the region."

IMCMEX 12 brings together more than 30 international partners. The exercise will focus on mine countermeasure (MCM) operations, but will also include MCM support activities; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support; maritime security operations; visit, board, search and seizure events; maritime critical infrastructure protection; explosive ordnance disposal; maritime domain awareness and force protection.

Ponce Arrives In Bahrain

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MINA SALMAN PIER, Bahrain (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's first afloat forward staging base-interim, USS Ponce (AFSB-I), arrived in Bahrain for duty in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), July 6.

Prior to arriving in theater, Ponce, formerly designated as an amphibious transport dock (LPD), was converted and reclassified as an AFSB(I) in April to fulfill a long-standing U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) request for an AFSB to be located in its AOR.

"Ponce's role as an AFSB provides us with an enhanced capability to conduct maritime security operations, and gives us greater flexibility to support a wide range of contingencies with our regional partners," said Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT).

Ponce's primary mission is to support mine countermeasures (MCM) operations and other missions, such as the ability to provide repair service to other deployed units, including electrical, diesel engine, piping, and machinery repairs. Additionally, Ponce also has the capability to embark and launch small riverine craft.

Commanded by a U.S. Navy captain, Ponce will remain a U.S. Navy ship. The newly classed AFSB will be manned by a "hybrid" crew consisting of approximately 150 Military Sealift Command (MSC) civilian mariners and 55 U.S. Navy Sailors. Sailors will be primarily responsible for the ship operations. MSC personnel will man the engineering, deck and damage control departments.

"The versatility of Ponce, combined with the teamwork of its 'hybrid' crew, brings a unique capability to the region." said Capt. Jon Rodgers, commanding officer of Ponce. "As the first dedicated afloat forward staging base, we look forward to working closely with our coalition and regional partners to promote security and stability."

Ponce departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., June 1. Previously scheduled to decommission, Ponce delayed its scheduled decommissioning to serve as an interim AFSB until a permanent solution can be identified.

USFF Requests Volunteers for Afloat Forward Staging Base

From U.S. Fleet Forces Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF) began requesting volunteers from USFF activities to man the soon-to-be redesignated USS Ponce (LPD 15) for operations in the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR), Feb. 2.

USS Ponce will serve as an Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB), instead of its orginal plan to decommission in March. Ponce will deploy this summer in order to fulfill a long-standing request for an AFSB in the USCENTCOM AOR.

According to Capt. Cynthia Womble, USFF assistant deputy chief of staff for Fleet Personnel Development and Allocation, this is a great opportunity for some hard-charging Sailors to be on the leading edge of a new program.

"This really is an excellent opportunity for Sailors step out of their comfort zone and be a part of something really unique. The AFSB is a concept that has been floated for quite some time now and the Sailors who volunteer for this mission are going to be the ones who have the greatest impact on the future of this program," said Womble. "In today's very competitive environment this type of assignment could make a difference in a Sailor's career options and promotion opportunities."

As AFSB(I) 15 (I for "Interim"), the warship will be commanded by a Navy captain and manned by a combined crew of officers, enlisted Sailors, and Military Sealift Command (MSC) government civilian mariners. Ponce will remain homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, with volunteer officers and Sailors serving on the ship under Individual Augmentees (IA) orders. Tour lengths will be 12 months.

While deployed, Ponce will support Mine Counter Measure and Coastal Patrol (PC) ships, and aircraft operations with the capability to support multiple mission packages as detachments when requested by USCENTCOM and/or U.S. 5th Fleet.

Commands with interested Sailors and officers should reference USFF message 250920Z JAN 12 REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS TO MAN AFLOAT FORWARD STAGING BASE. A link to the message is contained on the USFF website www.cffc.navy.mil.

Selected Sailors will serve a one-year tour aboard and receive IA credit for their tour. They will be eligible for Sea Pay and family separation allowance in addition to other special pays appropriate to duties in their operating location.

The majority of the Navy crew will be filled with, but not limited to, information systems technicians (IT), electronics technicians (ET), fire controlmen (FC), operations specialists (OS), gunner's mates (GM) and seamen.

For screening purposes, volunteers are required to satisfactorily screen for sea duty.

Nominee information is required via the Individual's Chain of Command to USFF NLT 9 Feb. 2012.

For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.cffc.navy.mil, or follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/usfleetforces.

Second Fleet Ships Prepared to Provide Assistance Following Irene

Emergency relief operations by the military happen more often than you think.  Check out these Navy and Coast Guard books.

From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Units from Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet stand able and ready Aug. 27 to support emergency response from the sea and land if requested in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Twenty-seven ships got underway from Hamptons Roads, Va., area Aug. 25 and rendezvoused with 11 other units already underway to avoid storm damage and maintain fleet readiness.

The ships have safely moved around the storm and are now coming in behind it, prepared to provide any requested support.

"Our ships have safely maneuvered out of the way of Hurricane Irene, to avoid the destructive winds and seas," said Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet. "We are now in position to respond if called upon to meet emergent needs and provide support to efforts along the east coast of the United States with a variety of capabilities from the sea including search and rescue, medical support and aviation lift."

USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS New York (LPD 21), USS San Antonio (LPD 17), USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) and USS Ponce (LPD 15) are available to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard with search and rescue efforts and medical evacuation if requested.

Wasp and other amphibious and support ships have helicopters available that can provide heavy and medium lift from a sea based staging area, provide surface/air ship-to-shore movement, search and rescue and trauma response capabilities and are ready to render assistance if called upon.

Navy P-3 Orion aircraft are poised to provide full motion video capability after Hurricane Irene passes in order to provide the government the ability to see what ground conditions are like in the aftermath of the storm.

Additional heavy and medium lift helicopters are being made available to support from the land as well. Other units are making preparations to support if required and include: a mobile dive salvage unit, a naval mobile construction battalion air detachment, an underwater construction team and an expeditionary command element naval mobile construction battalion.

Navy personnel and their families should use the Navy Family and Accountability and Assessment System, http://go.usa.gov/kQ4, call their command or call the Navy Personnel Command Emergency Coordination Center, (877) 414-5358, to muster with their respective commands.

A variety of information is available in support of family readiness during hurricane season including:

- State of Virginia Emergency Management, http://www.vaemergency.gov/readyvirginia, which has many resources for planning and preparing emergency kits, developing evacuation plans and addressing specific special needs for children, the elderly and others.

- Virginia Department of Transportation Hurricane Evacuation Guide, http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/hurricane_defauLT.asp, which provides more detailed information for preparing for a hurricane, hurricane evacuation and public shelters in Virginia.

- Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness Guide, http://www.preparehr.org/documents/RedCrossReadyHurricaneGuide2pg.pdf, which provides general overview of tips and guidelines for hurricane preparedness.

- Prepare Hampton Roads website, http://www.preparehr.org, which provides valuable tips for preparing for high winds and evacuation.

- Federal Emergency Management Agency's Ready America Hurricane webpage, http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/hurricanes.html, which has various information including about returning to your home following a disaster.

Kearsarge ARG Almost Home After Successful Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mann

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), entered U.S. 2nd Fleet area of responsibility (AOR)on May 8, after completing a deployment to U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.

Entering 2nd Fleet is one of the last phases of the deployment that begun Aug. 27, when the ships deployed one month early to provide humanitarian assistance to flood-stricken Pakistan.

A portion of the Kearsarge ARG/26th MEU team detached to support the flood relief efforts while the rest of the group continued support to maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AOR's. The Kearsarge ARG later participated in U.S. 6th Fleet operations by supporting Operation Odyssey Dawn and the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector.

"Now that we are in 2nd Fleet we are one step closer to the successful completion of a challenging, rewarding and safe deployment," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Charles Kates, Kearsarge command safety representative. "We still have a mountain of things to accomplish once we return to Norfolk. We should always keep safety in mind while on the ship and back home."

The entrance into the U.S. 2nd Fleet AOR triggers additional requirements for the Kearsarge ARG. The crew members now have to readjust to the policies and procedures of its home AOR.

"Entering 2nd Fleet is significant because all of the special entitlements that we received in 5th and 6th Fleet will stop at the end of this month," said Kearsarge Administration Officer Lt. Anthony Franklin. "We also will have an influx of new Sailors and people transferring out. The end of deployment does not mean the end of work; the crew just has different task to accomplish that are equally important."

The Kearsarge ARG is en route to disembark the 26th MEU in North Carolina and take on some family members for a "Tiger Cruise" back to homeport.

Kearsarge ARG is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 4, and is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50).

Embarked detachments include Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21-detachment 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is based out of Camp Lejuene, N.C., and consists of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/8, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced), 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine regiment and the Command Element.

USS Carter Hall Arrives in U.S. 2nd Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristin L. Grover, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4 Public Affairs

USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) returned to the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) May 8, nearly nine months after departing Little Creek, Va.

Carter Hall, which is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), will offload Marines and cargo from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and bring families on board for a Tiger Cruise before returning to homeport.

"This is the final stop in a very lengthy and highly successful deployment," said USS Carter Hall Executive Officer Cmdr. Damon Amaral. "Everyone on board has worked extremely hard during our time at sea and will continue striving to reach the ship's goals after we return. We are maintaining focus on the current mission and looking forward to seeing our loved ones again."

The 26th MEU will offload a portion of its personnel and equipment via landing craft air cushion (LCAC) in Camp Lejeune, N.C. before arriving in Morehead City, N.C. to unload the rest of the embarked Marines and cargo.

"We have accomplished so much since we left for deployment and it is exciting to think about returning home," said Cpl. Robert Walker. "This is my second MEU deployment, and I feel fortunate that I learned new things and improved my skills during the training and exercises we took part in."

After the Marines depart, the ship will host a Tiger Cruise which allows family and friends of crew members to come on board and ride the ship back to Little Creek. This provides many Carter Hall Sailors, like Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Robert Dye, with an opportunity to see their friends and families a few days prior to homecoming.

"It has been a long deployment, and everyone is eager to see their families again," said Dye. "My dad and two brothers will be riding back with us on the Tiger Cruise. I know they are excited about seeing me and riding the ship for a few days."

Carter Hall spent the greater part of the deployment operating independently in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR before reuniting with the Kearsarge ARG in the U.S. 6th Fleet April 13.

Kearsarge ARG is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 4, and is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Embarked detachments include Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21-detachment 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is based out of Camp Lejuene, N.C., and consists of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/8, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced), 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine regiment and the Command Element.