Preble, Fitzgerald Enjoy Australian Culture In Darwin

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alonzo M. Archer, USS Preble Public Affairs

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Darwin, Australia, for a port visit, July 20 after successfully completing Talisman Sabre 2015 (TS15).

Sailors on both ships stood at parade rest in their dress white uniforms along the edges of the ship as they entered the port, as a gesture symbolizing respect and friendship otherwise known as "manning the rails."

This port visit follows both ships' participation in TS15, in which Preble and Fitzgerald were among the 21 ships from the U.S., Australian and New Zealand navies that participated in the exercise that trained more than 30,000 U.S. and Australian Defence Force in planning and conducting combined task force operations.

"Talisman Sabre was a very challenging exercise for us, but we emerged more capable than we were before we went into it," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Heames, commanding officer of Preble. "We've learned a lot and we've reinforced the strong relationship we have with our Australian partners. We're ready for the next challenge, and the next contribution for us in terms of promoting regional stability in the area."

Moored alongside Preble, is Fitzgerald. Having also played a large role in the rigorous TS15, they look forward to some time off and exploring Australia.

"Talisman Sabre provided a great opportunity to improve individual ship and strike group readiness in a complex multi-warfare environment with our Australian counterparts and serves to strengthen ties and improve our overall ability to work together," said Cmdr. Christopher England, Fitzgerald's commanding officer. Pulling into Darwin after the exercise provides a chance for the crew to unwind and enjoy the local Australian culture."

Preble and Fitzgerald are currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

Operation Gratitude Delivers Big On Board Ronald Reagan

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Anthony Johnson, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines on board USS Ronald Reagan received a surprise delivery of individual care packages June 30, sent from volunteers and members of Operation Gratitude, while deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Operation Gratitude is a non-profit organization that has supported forward-deployed troops around the world with care packages for eight consecutive years and counting.

"We sent packages to every person stationed on the USS Ronald Reagan, USS Chancellorsville and USS Preble," said Carolyn Blashek, founder and president of Operation Gratitude.

The organization sent more than 4,500 packages to the three ships out of the roughly 100,000 packages sent annually worldwide. Exhibiting a deep appreciation for servicemembers, volunteers and donors provide products for care packages, with an average box consisting of approximately $50 dollars worth of donated items.

"Operation Gratitude's mission is twofold; to put a smile on every servicemember's face, letting them know Americans care, and providing an avenue for every American to express their appreciation to our military and their families," said Blashek.

Blashek has oversight for the entire organization, but recognized volunteers and donors throughout the United States.

"We work with supporters all over the country who organize collection drives for us to provide items and letters for the packages," said Blashek. "There are several more opportunities to support our program such as recycling, knitting, and fundraising."

Volunteers of Operation Gratitude put a lot of care and effort into putting together care packages by hand-making stuffed animals, holding letter-writing campaigns throughout the community, recycling used cell phones, and even knitting and crocheting scarves.

"My satisfaction in sending the packages is in feeling that I am serving the United States, and at the same time, hopefully putting a smile on the face of a hero in harm's way," said Blashek.

Blashek said that so far more than 650,000 packages have been sent to deployed servicemembers and expects that number to increase to 250,000 annually.

Many Sailors and Marines aboard Reagan expressed gratitude for the surprising gesture.

"I think Operation Gratitude is awesome," said Chief Aviation Ordnancemen Jorge Maldonado. "I haven't received a single package during this deployment, so for people I don't even know to unexpectedly send something to me brought a lot of joy to my day."

Maldonado said he hopes crewmembers feel appreciative of the support, and seek opportunities to give back and support this organization and its members.

"If I could speak to Operation Gratitude organizers and supporters, I would say thank you. The program is very well thought out, you touch a lot of Sailors and Marines through care packages," said Maldonado

Many Sailors and Marines get a morale boost when they receive packages from home and unexpected packages such as those from Operation Gratitude boost morale even more.

"It makes you feel pretty good to get a package because it brings up morale," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Atiba Johnson, Reagan's post office leading petty officer. "It's definitely nice knowing someone's thinking of you. It adds excitement to life, and it reminds us why we're out here doing the type of job we're doing."

Ronald Reagan CSG is comprised of Ronald Reagan, guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88).

Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the Argonauts of VFA-147, the Blue Diamonds of VFA-146, the Death Rattlers of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the Black Eagles of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the Cougars of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the Providers of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the Black Knights of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

U.S. Army Ground Liaison Officers Embark Reagan

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexander Tidd, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Three U.S. Army Ground Liaison Officers (GLO) recently joined the Ronald Reagan Strike Group (RRSG) in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility to help coordinate air and ground support for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), June 17.

Army GLOs work with the RRSG team to provide ground commanders the effective air support they need.

Army Maj. Brendan McShea, assigned to 4th Battlefield Coordination Det. (BCD) explained the importance of the GLO team being aboard the ship.

"We are here because we get the ground concept," said McShea. "We coordinate with the ground commanders and interpret their needs, then pass that along to the pilots."

GLOs are experienced soldiers, who have previously served on the ground in the designated combat zone. They have first-hand experience working in a hostile environment, giving them a unique perspective to help guide the missions.

"When I'm aboard this aircraft carrier, I am the link between the air wing and the ground forces," said Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Palumbo, assigned to 1st BCD. "When they leave, it's important for the air crews to have situational awareness of the area.

A primary element GLOs bring to the table is flexibility of how the air support is employed. They help field the request that come from the ground commander and coordinate with the RRSG team to coordinate the best course of action.

"Realistically, the battlefield is fluid," said Palumbo, a veteran of four combat deployments. "We work with the Carrier Intelligence Center (CVIC) to produce a product, trimming it down to the essential issues. We give the pilots the best info we can in order to get the best results."

Not only are the GLOs necessary to interpret the scenario, they often help interpret.

"The fact is, the Army and Navy don't always speak the same language," said Palumbo. "Different words, different meanings—even different acronyms. Ground Commanders appreciate having someone who speaks their language and knows where they are coming from, which all helps the success of the mission."

GLOs are typically deployed for a year at a time, half of which is usually spent aboard aircraft carriers. Regardless of where they are working, the end goal is always the same.

"I know our teamwork brings benefits directly to the battlefield," said McShea. "At the end of the day, we hope to make everything go well for the guys in the line of fire."

Ronald Reagan CSG is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88). Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146, the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

Reagan CSG Sailors, Marines Help Bahrain Schools

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Gray and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle Carlstrom

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 participated in community relations projects at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) and Bahrain Mobility International (BMI) in Bahrain, May 23 and 24.

Sailors and Marines from Reagan, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) volunteered their time during a scheduled port visit to help tutor students in conversational English and mathematics, renovate buildings and play games with the children during recess.

"These community relations projects are a way for us to extend a hand of friendship," said Lt. Evan Adams, Chancellorsville's command chaplain. "It is a way for us to learn about the culture and show a gesture of appreciation for allowing us to be a part of their commerce and society."

For the crew members who volunteered, the experience of giving back was rewarding and meaningful.

"It was an outstanding opportunity," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class William Vega. "It's always important to give back. Sometimes we take for granted what we have and if we brightened up their day a little bit more; it was worth it."

Sailors and Marines visited RIA and BMI. RIA specializes in the academic and social development of children with autism and serves both Bahraini and expatriate students, while BMI provides physically disabled individuals with social and recreational activities.

"This is a great way to show what type of ambassadors of the United States we can be," said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Joshua Elliott. "Getting to interact with the children and introducing them to another culture they may not experience again was a lot of fun."

The staff expressed appreciation for the crew's volunteer efforts.

"It helps out in many ways," said Eugenia Augustine, a teacher at RIA. "For the children, it's fun when the Navy comes in. Sailors take over for the teachers and do a little bit of spelling, reading and drawing and have fun with the children. They've [done] a good job. The children [felt] happy at the end of the day that they had something different. All of them love it when the Navy comes to visit; the children wait for them."

"Some of the kids in our school are very shy and they can't open up," said Anne Wilson, a teacher at RIA. "When new people come into the classroom, it helps the children to interact and communicate more, and builds their confidence."

The Ronald Reagan CSG is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan, guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes USS Preble (DDG 88). Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146, the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

Ronald Reagan CSG is conducting maritime security operations and missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, while deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Enters 7th Fleet AOR

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group arrived in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), March 9.

While in the 7th Fleet, the carrier strike group (CSG) will conduct exercises and port visits to enhance maritime partnerships and promote peace and stability in the region.

"We continue to seek opportunities to train and build partnerships with our allies," said Rear Adm. Robert Girrier, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7. "We are looking forward to every opportunity to enhance our commitment to the region."

The U.S. 7th Fleet AOR spans 48 million square miles, from the International Date Line to the Western Indian Ocean.

The strike group will participate in Foal Eagle, an annual field-training exercise designed designed to enhance combat readiness of Republic of Korea and U.S. supporting forces through combined training. The exercise highlights the longstanding military partnership and enduring friendship between the United States and Republic of Korea.

The CSG is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes USS Preble (DDG 88).

The embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 on board Ronald Regan includes Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 154, (VFA) 147, (VFA) 146; Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323; Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113; Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139; Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

Ronald Reagan departed from its homeport in San Diego Feb. 2, for a training exercise and its deployment to the 7th Fleet and U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. Ronald Regan's last deployment to 7th Fleet was in 2009.