Vice Chief Thanks Boston and Sailors for Navy Week Support

By Lt. Cmdr. Chris Servello, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

BOSTON (NNS) -- The vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) met with Boston city officials and U.S. Sailors July 5 to thank them for their hardwork work during Boston Navy Week.

Adm. Mark Ferguson met with Mayor Thomas Menino at Boston City Hall to thank him for the warm hospitality that the city showed Sailors while USS Wasp (LHD 1) and USS Gravely (DDG 107) were in port for Navy Week.

"Boston is a Navy town with a rich maritime heritage dating back to the earliest days of the American colonies," said Ferguson. "Throughout this week, the citizens of Boston, state and city governments and area businesses have treated our Sailors with warm hospitality."

A celebration of the nation's sea services, Boston Navy Week provides an opportunity for the citizens of Boston and New England to meet Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen, as well as see the latest capabilities of today's maritime services firsthand.

"Our Sailors have greatly enjoyed their visit," said Ferguson. "This week has been a success in sharing America's Navy with Boston and celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812."

Ferguson also visited Wasp and Gravely to say thank you to their crews for the work they did to showcase America's Navy to the thousands of local visitors who toured the ships and interacted with Sailors.

Wasp and Gravely participation in Boston Navy Week from June 28 to July 6, gave their Sailors the opportunity to tour the city and interact with locals, as well as participate in community relations events.

"I could not be more proud of the Sailors who represented our Navy during Boston Navy Week," said Ferguson. "They were the embodiment of our values of professionalism, service, honor, and integrity, and were outstanding ambassadors for the naval service."

Boston Navy Week is one of many signature events around the country commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and "The Star-Spangled Banner." The commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who served in all the nation's conflicts since then, and who continue defending freedom around the world today.

Since winning independence in 1776, the United States has been a maritime nation, relying on unobstructed access and free use of the world's oceans, which are essential to our national security and prosperity. The performance of America's Sailors and Marines in the War of 1812 set the standards upon which the nation's naval forces continue to build today.

For more information, visit the official Boston Navy Week Web site at www.bostonnavyweek.com or search "Boston Navy Week" on Facebook.

Service Members Provide Hope to the Help Bronx Morris Ave. Shelter

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Monique K. Hilley, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Service members visited the Help Bronx Morris Avenue Shelter in Bronx, N.Y., during Fleet Week New York 2012 to play games, make crafts and have lunch with the children staying at the shelter May 26.

The event was part of a Times Square Church Military Ministry event called Project Hope, which has brought hope to the shelter during Fleet Week New York for the past five years.

"We're here today to work with the families and kids and the program that the Times Square Church has established. To come along and inspire and bring them hope and just show them that there's a different way to do things," said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Weems, a chaplain stationed aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1).

"We thought this was a great opportunity to bring in some Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen to bring encouragement and hope to inner-city children that are living on the streets," said Dr. Bill Butler, volunteer director, Times Square Church Military Ministry. "Most of these kids come from broken families. None of them even have the hope that they're ever going to get out of this neighborhood or the situation that they grew up in. For somebody in uniform to come and spend an afternoon with them to get to know them, encourage them, and just have fun with them makes a world of difference and will have a long-lasting impact on their life and perhaps, maybe even some of these children will choose a career in the armed forces."

The day began with each service member choosing one child to mentor and spend the day with. Once they met and talked for a bit, everyone had lunch while enjoying a musical performance by the U.S Navy Band Northeast. The children enjoyed a puppet show and had their photos taken with their new friends so that they could have a memento to bring home as a reminder of their day.

"I feel good about what I'm doing here today with Chana," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Jason Webster, stationed aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1). "He may not get much support from other people, but maybe I can show him and give him a tiny little bit of hope, and let him know that this may be where you're at right now, but this is not where you have to sleep."

Chana, the nine year old boy that Webster mentored, said that he was really happy to see all the Sailors at the shelter today and wanted to thank them for supporting him. Chana, who currently lives at the shelter, wants to be a professional sports player when he grows up.

"The Navy does projects like this all over the world because we're a global force for good, and with that, it's a benefit to the Sailor to get outside their normal sphere of influence and influence others and also see the needs that are in the local communities and hopefully inspire and help some people," said Weems.

USS Constitution Sailors Depart for New York Fleet Week

By Seaman Michael Achterling, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution will be participating in New York Fleet Week, May 23-25.

Fleet Week New York 2012 is an annual event that provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and is being held May 23-30.

"New York City Fleet Week is one of the 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration signature events," said Cmdr. Matt Bonner, Constitution's 72nd commanding officer. "It is a wonderful opportunity to share Constitution's rich history and her mission today with Fleet Week's large audience and especially have the public meet the Sailors that make up her crew."

Constitution Sailors are expected to serve as the color guard detail for national recording artist Katy Perry, who will be performing a private concert to Fleet Week personnel. They'll also be giving interactive historical presentations of Constitution's history to the Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, Brooklyn, and Paramus High School in Paramus, N.J.

National media will focus on Constitution Sailors with appearances on "The View" and NBC's "Today Show."

"New York City Fleet Week is an impressive tradition, going back since 1984, that honors the Navy and Marine Corps," said Sonar Technician Submarine 1st Class (SS) Mark Comeiro of Constitution. "It's important for Constitution to participate this year due to the bicentennial of the War of 1812 celebration happening throughout the country. Our ship was a major naval presence then and Sailors carry on her legacy today, because in reality, the mission of today's Navy hasn't changed much from the past."

Navy ships participating in New York Fleet week are: USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Donald Cook (DDG 75), USS Gonzalez (DDG 66). USCGC Eagle (WIX 327), along with coalition ships, and many other tall ships from around the world will also be in attendance.

Many of the ships in attendance will be open for public visitation May 23-30, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. She defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. America's Navy: Keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.

Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history. Currently, her crew is planning to commemorate bicentennial of the War of 1812 through public demonstrations and educational activities at eight Navy weeks across the U.S. in 2012.

Culinary Specialists Go to Battlestations in Fleet Week Galley Wars

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Greg Johnson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 30 culinary specialists assigned to ships participating in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012 competed in Galley Wars April 28 at Hugh's Culinary in Oakland Park, Fla.

The event was designed to test the kitchen skills of participants and recognize their superior talents in the field of culinary arts through a fast-paced cooking competition, an event Hugh's Culinary owner and event organizer Hugh McCauley said is intended to bring the military and civilian communities closer together.

"Our main goal is to promote some camaraderie between the military and the community," he said. "We all enjoy the opportunity to interact with each other and mingle and this event is a great way to do that."

The competition featured one team from each ship, including the multi-purpose amphibious assault Ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile destroyers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64), the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS DeWert (FFG 45), the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bernard C. Webber and the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Dallas (SSN 700). Each team had one hour to prepare two identical platters composed of several courses with at least one of those dishes including the secret ingredient - swordfish.

"It's one of those things you can't really prepare for," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Curtis Pacheco of Wasp. "You don't really know what you'll be working with until you get there. It was the first time I had done something like this and it was really fun," said Pacheco. "There was definitely a lot of competitiveness in the kitchen between the ships."

"Every participant from the ship has to bring their A-game to succeed here," McCauley said. "It's always a challenge, but they always bring their individual expertise and pull together a team effort to overcome a difficult environment."

Once the dishes were plated, they were judged by five celebrity judges. This year's Judges Choice Award winner was Dallas and the Audience Favorite Award winner was Bernard C. Webber.

However, winning and losing were not the most important aspect of the event, said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SS) Josue Ramirez, a culinary specialist assigned to Dallas.

"They all had great attitudes and teamwork," he said. "They were really some of the best cooks in the Navy and it was a great experience to compete against them and learn from each other."

According to McCauley, the competition was fierce and it was extremely difficult to choose a winner.

"All the teams were really close and they all did a great job at using their experience. Every one of them did a superb job with the secret ingredient and every team put forth a tremendous effort. All of them should be proud," he said.

The Navy's more than 7,000 culinary specialists (CS), deployed around the globe, feed on average more than 92 million wholesome and nutritious meals per year, ensuring the Navy's fighting forces operate at peak performance and are ready to respond to threats worldwide. Navy commanding officers agree that nothing impacts Sailors on a day-to-day basis more than the food CSs prepare for them; they believe these top quality meals contribute directly to Sailor quality of life and morale. Today's CSs have greater culinary instruction than ever before. With even more advanced training on the way. Sailors, both afloat and ashore, can look forward to even healthier and better-tasting meals in the near future.

Four U.S. Navy ships, a submarine and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter are participating in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012, an event designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Fleet Week Sailors Get Fired Up at DC Olympics

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Andrew M. Rivard, USS Wasp Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), USS Dewert (FFG 45), USS Dallas (SSN 700), and the USCGC Bernard C. Webber (WPC 1101) participated in a Damage Control Olympics April 26.

The event was hosted by the Resolve Maritime Academy while Wasp is in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades whic this year commemorates the Bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Approximately 40 damage control personnel from the Navy and the Coast Guard spent eight hours conducting various events, such as pipe-patching and P-100 firefighting, to determine which of the six Fleet Week ships was best at fighting ship-board fires.

"All in all, I'd say this event was a huge success", said Cmdr. Richard Sessoms, Wasp's damage control assistant. "Being able to get all the DC teams out to have some fun while getting training on different shipboard firefighting perspectives is a chance we just can't pass up."

While the Sailors participated in their events, a number of organizations came out to help show their support for the U.S. Armed Forces. Breakfast and lunch, energy drinks, smoothies, and live entertainment were provided for all military members in attendance.

"We've been doing this for the past 12 years and it just keeps getting better," said Cliff Charlock, manager of the Resolve Maritime Academy. "Our DC Olympics is a lot of fun and it helps to build camaraderie throughout the Navy."

Over the course of the entire event Sailors from every ship joined together to not only have fun but to also learn new things and take away fond memories from this experience.

"I love damage control so this event turned out to be a blast", said Hull Technician Fireman Eric Greenwald. "Each ship got to show their potential, and I will remember this time for the rest of my career."

Following the event, all of the workers at the Resolve Maritime Academy came out to present plaques to not only the top three ships, but also to give out honorable

mention plaques to the ships that did not place in the event.

The top three ships were:

1st Place - USS San Jacinto

2nd Place - USS DeWert

3rd Place - USS Gettysburg

"Though we could have done better during this event," said Sessoms, "I believe everyone not only had fun, but also took away a great deal of knowledge, and that's all that really matters."

The Sailors will be in Fort Lauderdale from April 25-29 celebrating Fleet Week and during that time will participate in a wide range of events including a variety of receptions, community relations projects and inter-ship competitions.