NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka Supports Diplomacy Tours

By H. Sam Samuelson, NAVSUP GLS Corporate Communications

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka lends ongoing logistics support to President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during their visit to the Asia-Pacific region Nov. 16-20.

"Our sites in Singapore, Indonesia and the Republic of the Philippines are a networked military logistics backbone for these visits," said Cmdr. Jose Sanchez, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka's operations officer.

"From area transportation, to lodging, and direct fleet support to ships with Joint Task Force (JTF) POTUS Support, we are ensuring the president and the secretary of state receive everything and anything they need to accomplish their missions," he said.

Obama will visit Indonesia for a security summit with Asian nations; meanwhile, Clinton will visit the Philippines to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the U.S. - Republic of the Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.

Obama's visit to Indonesia requires significant logistics planning among NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka and Sites Jakarta and Singapore.

Preparations for the executive level visit began when a logistics line of communication (LOC) system was established to ensure the supply and delivery of immediate or emergent material support for JTF POTUS platforms USS Essex (LHD 2) and USS Stethem (DDG 63) when and as often as needed.

"One true measure of the LOC is how quickly it allows our different sites and dets to connect, communicate and respond," Sanchez said. "It's providing the right support at the right time, every time."

Sanchez said NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka, Site Jakarta partnership with the Embassy of the United States Jakarta, remains a critical link for the POTUS visit.

"We're juggling resources from multiple agencies to provide direct logistics support for this visit," said NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Site Jakarta's Logistics Specialist 1st Class Mark Bettencourt, FLC Yokosuka's go-to logistics point of contact in Indonesia.

Meanwhile NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka's Site, Manila arranged logistics support for the USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) the selected platform for the U.S - R.P. Mutual Defense Treaty 60th anniversary commemoration at which Clinton attended to represent the United States.

"Even before the secretary's visit, we rushed parts, equipment and mail to the Fitzgerald while arranging to get the ship pier side," said NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Site Director Jun Garcia. "And one day before the ceremony, we delivered four pallets of administrative supplies.

"We take a lot of pride in providing logistics services to the fleet," Garcia said, "especially when one of those fleet platforms serves as the center stage for an important event as the mutual defense commemoration and a visit by the secretary of state.

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.

Seventh Fleet to Conduct Exercise Malabar with Indian Navy

By U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Naval personnel from India and the United States will participate in exercise Malabar 2011, April 3-10.

Malabar is a regularly scheduled bilateral naval field training exercise and has grown in scope and complexity over the years. Malabar 2011 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises conducted to advance multinational maritime relationships and mutual security issues.

The at-sea portions will be conducted in the western Pacific Ocean, east of the Luzon Strait and east of Okinawa. The location coincides with the Indian Navy's western Pacific deployment. The exercise is designed to advance U.S.-Indian military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations.

Events planned during the exercise include liaison officer professional exchanges and embarks; communications exercises; surface action group exercise operations; formation maneuvering; helicopter cross deck evolutions; underway replenishments; humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; gunnery exercises; visit, board, search and seizure; maritime strike; air defense; screen exercise; and anti-submarine warfare.

U.S. Navy participants include USS Sterett (DDG 104), USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Reuben James (FFG 57) and a nuclear powered attack submarine. Indian Navy participants include INS Dehli, INS Ranvijay, INS Ranvir, INS Jyoti and INS Kirch.

Stethem Makes Port Visit to Hong Kong

From USS Stethem (DDG 63) Public Affairs

HONG KONG (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Hong Kong for a port visit during the Chinese New Year celebration Feb. 4.

"We on Stethem are excited to be back in Hong Kong, and are pleased to not only enjoy liberty in Hong Kong, but also to be here to witness the great traditions associated with the New Year's festivals," said Cmdr. Hank Adams, Stethem's commanding officer.

"Port visits like this are great for the crew, giving everyone a chance to broaden their horizons through exposure to new cultures and customs," Adams added.

During Stethem's visit, crew members will take part in a community service project at the Fu Hong Society in the Cheung Sha Wang Adult Training Center, and participate in the "Meals in the Home" program hosted by the Hong Kong American Women's Association.

Sailors dine in the homes of local Hong Kong families, as part of the Meals in the Home program. This enables them to eat local cuisine, experience Hong Kong culture and strengthens relations with the local community.

Additionally, the Stethem soccer team is scheduled to play a game against the Hong Kong University soccer team.

Stethem is currently on patrol in Southeast Asia to support U.S. 7th Fleet's interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralization warfare and maritime operations.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.