By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 13, 2010 - Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' call last week for more efficiency and less waste is starting at the top, with Pentagon components being told they'll lead the rest of the department by example, the secretary's top policy advisor said here today. "We have been put on notice; we are going to start this review for efficiencies with ourselves," Michele Flournoy, undersecretary of defense for policy, said during an appearance at the National Press Club.
Flournoy said she's reviewing her own organizational chart to identify how the office can do its job more efficiently. The ultimate question, she said, is, "Where can we get some savings that we can contribute to the pie?"
"I think every single [Defense Department] component is going to go through that exercise," Flournoy said. For some components, she said, the review will involve "fundamental, existential questions: 'Do we need this particular organization that may have been created 40 years ago in the new world we are in?'"
Flournoy emphasized that Gates' May 8 speech at the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, Kan., was about cutting duplicative overhead, bloat and needless spending – not capability.
"It's not [about] defense cuts," she said. "It's saying, 'We have to become more efficient and make better use of taxpayer dollars in how we operate.'"
Broad reviews of how the Defense Department is organized are just one part of the equation, she said. Gates' mandate also includes reforming the acquisition process, conserving energy and creating greater efficiencies throughout the department. Savings, she said, would be reinvested where they are most needed to support current security needs and to prepare for future ones.
These efforts began with the fiscal 2010 budget, which Flournoy said represented a "pretty dramatic set of decisions." The Quadrennial Defense Review and fiscal 2011 budget request build on this start, she added.
Not all the decisions have been popular within the Pentagon or on Capitol Hill, Flournoy conceded.
Gates has made it clear he will recommend that the president veto the fiscal 2011 budget if Congress adds costly items such as more C-17 transport aircraft to it. "We have got to be able to make choices about how to invest our next dollar for the nation's defense needs," Flournoy said. "We can't be forced to buy things we don't need any more."
The defense secretary, Flournoy said, is putting together "far-reaching plans" aimed at improving efficiencies and providing the department with the capabilities needed in the 21st century and beyond. Many proposed changes, she said, will require congressional approval.
"We are putting together a dramatic reform package for export control reforms to update the system. We can't do it without Congress," Flournoy said. "We are seeing to overhaul the way we do security assistance. We can't do it without Congress. We need relief on the health-care front, and we absolutely have to have Congress to help us."
Flournoy turned her attention to what many on Capitol Hill have considered a sacred cow – military personnel costs, particularly for health care.
The United States has made great progress, particularly since 2001, in closing the gap between military and civilian pay, she said, but the problem is that as a show of support for the force, Congress has regularly increased pay over levels the administration requested.
"What's happening, cumulatively, is that we are not considering the tradeoffs," Flournoy said. This is particularly troubling in the health-care arena, she said, with the Defense Department extending Tricare coverage to military retirees.
"We are now in a situation where people in the private sector forgo their private-sector benefits because it is better for them to stay in Tricare," Flournoy said. "Employers are saying, 'Take the military benefit and then I will give you another benefit instead,' so the government is carrying a lot of weight for the private sector in health care.
"If there was an infinite pot of money, that would be fine," she continued. "The problem is there is not an infinite pot of money. So those dollars are dollars we can't invest in equipment that our military needs today, and in the capabilities they are going to need to adapt to the future."
The long-term impact will be devastating, she warned.
"When you look at the budget pie over time, the amount of discretionary spending available for investment is getting smaller and smaller and smaller," she said. "If we don't somehow address this trend, you are going to get to a point where you don't have enough investment dollars to equip the force you need."
Flournoy said Gates is totally "committed to the care and support of our military men and women." However, she added, Gates also is concerned for the military's financial future.
"He feels this stewardship part of his job very deeply," Flournoy said. "But he also feels that part of that is worrying about being able to ensure he can equip the force for the future. And we are on a ... bad trajectory there. We have somehow got to rebalance."
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Air Force Earns First Gold in Warrior Games
Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
May 13, 2010 - The Air Force Warrior Games team earned two medals, including its first gold, in cycling at the U.S. Air Force Academy today. Senior Master Sgt. Michael Sanders took gold in the 10-kilometer recumbent bike race, smoking the competition with a time of 24:03, six minutes ahead of the second-place finisher.
"After the first half mile or so, we shifted gears and just kept going really hard," he said. "We shifted into the hardest gears we could go and just kept hammering. I kind of pulled away at that point.
"Today I wanted to make a memory, and we made a memory today, and I praise God for all that," he said.
The 20-kilometer upright bike race was tight from the beginning, with the two Air Force cyclists, Staff Sgt. Marc Esposito and former Capt. Adam Tanverdi, leading the pack after the first 10 kilometers.
The team led the race until last kilometer.
"Marc was on my wheel [up the last hill and] as soon as we started to crest the hill, I pulled off and Marc took over," Tanverdi said. "I wanted to pull uphill to put him in a good position for the sprint."
Esposito finished five seconds behind the first-place Marine Corps cyclist, and two seconds behind the second-place Marine cyclist to earn bronze. Tanverdi finished shortly after in fourth place.
"I would've liked to have been first and second, but we raced exactly how we planned it," Tanverdi said.
Tech. Sgt. Israel Del Toro finished sixth in the recumbent 10-kilometer race with a time of 35:44, and Jeanne Goldy-Sanitate finished the handcycling 10-kilometer race in 42:24.
Army Earns Archery Medals, Has Top Swimming Qualifying Times
By Army Master Sgt. Doug Sample
Army News Service
May 13, 2010 - What a difference a day makes. After a dismal start during opening competition May 11 at the inaugural Warrior Games, Army teams now have something to cheer about after taking home four medals in archery and qualifying with the best time in 12 of 24 preliminary swim categories.
Army archers swept the recurve-bow medal round, with Sgt. Michael Lukow winning gold, Staff Sgt. Curtis Winston taking silver, and Staff Sgt. Jeffery Anderson earning bronze. Staff Sgt. Robert Price earned bronze in the compound-bow event, while Marine Corps Cpl. Beau Parra won the gold.
Lukow, who is from Colorado and has practiced the sport for two years, said his performance could have been better.
"I don't think I shot as good as I could have," he said. "I just came here looking to do my best, and I did." Now, he added, he wants to continue the sport in the Army World Class Athlete Program.
Winston may have been surprised by his performance as well, because he started shooting just a month ago.
"I came here with no expectations at all," he explained. "I really thought I would finish dead last. I started practicing an hour each day, and I started to pick it up more and more."
Price, who makes his own arrows, was determined to bring home one of the top prizes.
"I came here with a mission to bring home a medal, and I'm taking one home," Price said. "Everybody wants the gold, but I'll settle for the bronze. Can't be too greedy about it."
Meanwhile, Army swim coach Holly Roselle couldn't be more proud of her team's results heading into tomorrow's medal events, as Army swimmers turned in many of the best times during preliminary heats.
Sgt. Cayle Foidel and Sgt. Jonathan Moreno placed first and second in the men's 50-meter freestyle competition for swimmers with lower-back injuries, and Foidel again placed first in the 100-meter event. Sgt. Gavin Sibayan, another medal hopeful, had the fastest times in the men's 50- and 100-meter freestyle event for competitors with traumatic brain injuries, and the 50-meter backstroke in that category. For the women, Randi McCartney had the fastest time of 34.36 in the 50-meter freestyle event for swimmers with TBI.
"I'm really proud of my guys," Roselle said. "A lot of them came into this situation doing things they had never done before. I think to have the courage to step up and try something new, especially in a competitive environment, is so admirable. A lot of them overcame injuries and a lot of pain to be able to complete at these events. So this was a really great day, and I'm so proud of them. I think they did great."
In other Army news from the Warrior Games, the service's wheelchair basketball team may have found a new offensive weapon in Spc. Michael Ortiz. Ortiz was a one-man show yesterday with a team-high 15 points to give Army a 41-12 rout over Air Force. It was Army's highest point total of the tournament. He even surprised himself.
"Every time I was rolling down the court and scored, I looked over at my guys and I was like, 'Was that me?'" he said, jokingly. Army also got help from Sgt. Paul Roberts, who added eight points in the win. Staff Sgt. Chris D'Angelo led the Air Force squad with four points.
Army coach Alonzo Lunsford was all smiles to see his basketball team finally find its shooting range after a poor outing against the Marines on May 11, in which Army scored just two points the entire second half.
Lunsford said his Army squad looks like a "whole different team" now.
"We finally put our heads together," he said. "We came up with some new plays, we found out where the kinks are, and now we're going to make it happen on the floor."
The Air Force captured the bronze medal after defeating Navy 13-10 yesterday. The tournament continues today, pitting Army against the Marines for the gold medal, where the "Devil Dogs" are favored to win it all. But if you ask Sgt. 1st Class Jacques Keesler, Army won't just roll over.
"We are going to go in and do what we can," Keesler said, flexing his muscles. "If we face the Marines, then we are going to give them everything we've got."
Army News Service
May 13, 2010 - What a difference a day makes. After a dismal start during opening competition May 11 at the inaugural Warrior Games, Army teams now have something to cheer about after taking home four medals in archery and qualifying with the best time in 12 of 24 preliminary swim categories.
Army archers swept the recurve-bow medal round, with Sgt. Michael Lukow winning gold, Staff Sgt. Curtis Winston taking silver, and Staff Sgt. Jeffery Anderson earning bronze. Staff Sgt. Robert Price earned bronze in the compound-bow event, while Marine Corps Cpl. Beau Parra won the gold.
Lukow, who is from Colorado and has practiced the sport for two years, said his performance could have been better.
"I don't think I shot as good as I could have," he said. "I just came here looking to do my best, and I did." Now, he added, he wants to continue the sport in the Army World Class Athlete Program.
Winston may have been surprised by his performance as well, because he started shooting just a month ago.
"I came here with no expectations at all," he explained. "I really thought I would finish dead last. I started practicing an hour each day, and I started to pick it up more and more."
Price, who makes his own arrows, was determined to bring home one of the top prizes.
"I came here with a mission to bring home a medal, and I'm taking one home," Price said. "Everybody wants the gold, but I'll settle for the bronze. Can't be too greedy about it."
Meanwhile, Army swim coach Holly Roselle couldn't be more proud of her team's results heading into tomorrow's medal events, as Army swimmers turned in many of the best times during preliminary heats.
Sgt. Cayle Foidel and Sgt. Jonathan Moreno placed first and second in the men's 50-meter freestyle competition for swimmers with lower-back injuries, and Foidel again placed first in the 100-meter event. Sgt. Gavin Sibayan, another medal hopeful, had the fastest times in the men's 50- and 100-meter freestyle event for competitors with traumatic brain injuries, and the 50-meter backstroke in that category. For the women, Randi McCartney had the fastest time of 34.36 in the 50-meter freestyle event for swimmers with TBI.
"I'm really proud of my guys," Roselle said. "A lot of them came into this situation doing things they had never done before. I think to have the courage to step up and try something new, especially in a competitive environment, is so admirable. A lot of them overcame injuries and a lot of pain to be able to complete at these events. So this was a really great day, and I'm so proud of them. I think they did great."
In other Army news from the Warrior Games, the service's wheelchair basketball team may have found a new offensive weapon in Spc. Michael Ortiz. Ortiz was a one-man show yesterday with a team-high 15 points to give Army a 41-12 rout over Air Force. It was Army's highest point total of the tournament. He even surprised himself.
"Every time I was rolling down the court and scored, I looked over at my guys and I was like, 'Was that me?'" he said, jokingly. Army also got help from Sgt. Paul Roberts, who added eight points in the win. Staff Sgt. Chris D'Angelo led the Air Force squad with four points.
Army coach Alonzo Lunsford was all smiles to see his basketball team finally find its shooting range after a poor outing against the Marines on May 11, in which Army scored just two points the entire second half.
Lunsford said his Army squad looks like a "whole different team" now.
"We finally put our heads together," he said. "We came up with some new plays, we found out where the kinks are, and now we're going to make it happen on the floor."
The Air Force captured the bronze medal after defeating Navy 13-10 yesterday. The tournament continues today, pitting Army against the Marines for the gold medal, where the "Devil Dogs" are favored to win it all. But if you ask Sgt. 1st Class Jacques Keesler, Army won't just roll over.
"We are going to go in and do what we can," Keesler said, flexing his muscles. "If we face the Marines, then we are going to give them everything we've got."
Joint Task Force Haiti Prepares for 'New Horizon'
By Christen N. McCluney
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
May 13, 2010 - Joint Task Force Haiti is preparing to stand down its disaster-relief mission in Haiti at the beginning of June, nearly six months after a Jan. 12 earthquake devastated the country.
"We will stand down the joint task force on the first of June," Army Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, the task force's commanding general, said during a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday. "That is when I will take the last elements of United States Army South home and send those sister-services personnel back to their home stations."
More than 22,000 U.S. servicemembers were in Haiti at the height of the mission. Of those, about 14,000 were in ships at sea, while 8,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen were on the ground at any given time during the height of operations, Trombitas said.
The mission remains to save lives and alleviate suffering while transitioning into mitigating the ill effects of weather, the general said.
Currently, there are about 850 servicemembers on the ground in Haiti. Once the joint task force stands down, eight people will stay in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince to work with a traditional military liaison office. Their job will be to coordinate humanitarian missions with the U.S. Agency for International Development -- the lead U.S. federal agency in the effort -- and the Haitian government during an already-scheduled theater security cooperation exercise called "New Horizons."
The exercise will bring in about 500 soldiers, mainly from the Louisiana National Guard -- along with soldiers from the Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Puerto Rican and Virgin Island National Guards -- to conduct engineering activities and medical readiness training exercises around Gonaives, which is north of Port-au-Prince. The group will work on engineering projects that include rebuilding three schools and building a fourth. They also will receive training to become culturally aware of the activities in the country while bringing medical help to people in need.
When asked to measure the success of Joint Task Force Haiti so far, Trombitas said he doesn't believe that success can be measured in numbers.
"Our first success was the incredible flexibility of our military," he said. Success is measured, he added, in how the Haitian people see the U.S. effort.
"Our success is measured and will be continued to be measured in those things that we have done here and how the Haitian people remember us," the general said.
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
May 13, 2010 - Joint Task Force Haiti is preparing to stand down its disaster-relief mission in Haiti at the beginning of June, nearly six months after a Jan. 12 earthquake devastated the country.
"We will stand down the joint task force on the first of June," Army Maj. Gen. Simeon G. Trombitas, the task force's commanding general, said during a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday. "That is when I will take the last elements of United States Army South home and send those sister-services personnel back to their home stations."
More than 22,000 U.S. servicemembers were in Haiti at the height of the mission. Of those, about 14,000 were in ships at sea, while 8,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen were on the ground at any given time during the height of operations, Trombitas said.
The mission remains to save lives and alleviate suffering while transitioning into mitigating the ill effects of weather, the general said.
Currently, there are about 850 servicemembers on the ground in Haiti. Once the joint task force stands down, eight people will stay in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince to work with a traditional military liaison office. Their job will be to coordinate humanitarian missions with the U.S. Agency for International Development -- the lead U.S. federal agency in the effort -- and the Haitian government during an already-scheduled theater security cooperation exercise called "New Horizons."
The exercise will bring in about 500 soldiers, mainly from the Louisiana National Guard -- along with soldiers from the Arizona, Montana, Nevada, Puerto Rican and Virgin Island National Guards -- to conduct engineering activities and medical readiness training exercises around Gonaives, which is north of Port-au-Prince. The group will work on engineering projects that include rebuilding three schools and building a fourth. They also will receive training to become culturally aware of the activities in the country while bringing medical help to people in need.
When asked to measure the success of Joint Task Force Haiti so far, Trombitas said he doesn't believe that success can be measured in numbers.
"Our first success was the incredible flexibility of our military," he said. Success is measured, he added, in how the Haitian people see the U.S. effort.
"Our success is measured and will be continued to be measured in those things that we have done here and how the Haitian people remember us," the general said.
Husband, Wife Coach Marine Shooting Team
U.S Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment
May 13, 2010 - The Marine Corps teams competing at the inaugural Warrior Games here have a wealth of coaching knowledge available to their athletes. But the Marines on the shooting team have an unusual pair of coaches at their disposal.
Marine Corps Sgt. Mark Windmassenger and his wife, Marine Corps Sgt. Emily Windmassenger, are coaching the Marine shooters in the games. Both coaches are accomplished marksmen on the All-Marine shooting team in Quantico, Va.
"I absolutely love training Marines," said Mark Windmassenger, a 25-year old Quakertown, Pa., native. "Training the wounded warriors is the most rewarding thing I have done since I've been on the shooting team. They are extremely motivated, and are willing to train harder than most."
Emily, 23, agrees with her husband. "The feeling I get from watching these athletes overcome their struggles and disabilities and execute what I'm teaching them gives me more pleasure than improving my own skills," the Loves Park, Ill., native said.
Both coaches have been on active duty since 2005. In 2007, they met and married while they were finance clerks before qualifying for the marksmanship team.
Shooting is one of their passions, and they are ecstatic to be sharing it together.
"It's great that we're getting to do something that we both love so much and are so passionate about," Mark said. "I think the athletes are also getting a good deal out of it, because she and I work so well as coaches together."
Twenty Marine shooters will compete in both air rifle and air pistol events during the Warrior Games. The games feature some-200 wounded servicemembers and veterans competing in a variety of Paralympic-style events while representing their respective services.
Louisiana Guard Supports Shoreline Protection Mission
By Army Pfc. Tarell J. Bilbo
241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
May 13, 2010 - Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard's 1023rd Vertical Engineer Company, 528th Engineer Battalion, continued transporting water diversion system materials from here yesterday in support of the shoreline protection mission near the southwest pass of the Mississippi River delta. The water diversion system replaces sandbags, and it's composed of a series of interlocking flexible tubes that are inflated with water to form a temporary dam or levee.
After transporting the material, the soldiers will pre-position and construct 7.1 miles of the shoreline protection system along the southwest pass.
The 1023rd, with headquarters in Oak Grove, La., began preparing the equipment for transport by placing pallets into cargo nets to be wrapped for helicopter transport.
"Dealing with helicopter missions like this can be very dangerous," said Army 1st Lt. James G. Jones, executive officer for the 1023rd. "Safety is always paramount at a time like this."
This is a unique mission for the 1023rd, and morale is high among the soldiers.
"I'm very pleased with the great job we've been doing," said Army Sgt. Terrence L. Pleasant, heavy equipment operator. "We've been putting forth a great effort with all the missions that we've been tasked with."
241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
May 13, 2010 - Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard's 1023rd Vertical Engineer Company, 528th Engineer Battalion, continued transporting water diversion system materials from here yesterday in support of the shoreline protection mission near the southwest pass of the Mississippi River delta. The water diversion system replaces sandbags, and it's composed of a series of interlocking flexible tubes that are inflated with water to form a temporary dam or levee.
After transporting the material, the soldiers will pre-position and construct 7.1 miles of the shoreline protection system along the southwest pass.
The 1023rd, with headquarters in Oak Grove, La., began preparing the equipment for transport by placing pallets into cargo nets to be wrapped for helicopter transport.
"Dealing with helicopter missions like this can be very dangerous," said Army 1st Lt. James G. Jones, executive officer for the 1023rd. "Safety is always paramount at a time like this."
This is a unique mission for the 1023rd, and morale is high among the soldiers.
"I'm very pleased with the great job we've been doing," said Army Sgt. Terrence L. Pleasant, heavy equipment operator. "We've been putting forth a great effort with all the missions that we've been tasked with."
Pearl Harbor Shipyard Executes Double Undocking
May 13, 2010 - PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) successfully undocked USS Hawaii (SSN 776) May 5 and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) May 7.
Hawaii has been in Dry Dock 2 since March 31 for regularly scheduled maintenance. Hawaii became the inaugural Virginia-class submarine in the U.S. Pacific fleet to undock at PHNSY & IMF, a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) field activity. Shipyard workers then rapidly transitioned to Dry Dock 4 to undock Paul Hamilton two days later.
"It was a very challenging evolution conducted over three days - undocking Hawaii on Wednesday and returning the dry dock to normal condition in order to undock Paul Hamilton on Friday," said Shipyard Docking Officer Lt. Lorenz Tate. "It was especially challenging to plan the docking in accordance with the first- and second-shift personnel turnover, ensuring a safe maneuver."
Paul Hamilton underwent $20 million of hull preservation, shafting and valve work during the Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability. NAVSEA continuously improves its maintenance and modernization processes to ensure capability is delivered in a cost-effective way.
"The undocking was successful, and the ship is set to finish its availability on schedule on May 21," said Capt. Lynn Hampton, head of the surface ship maintenance department at PHNSY.
Hawaii is undergoing $2.5 million of regularly scheduled maintenance during its Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV) at the shipyard. Submarines are routinely dry-docked every 4-6 years to perform work that cannot be completed pierside. The Hawaii project team went through nearly two years of preparation for Virginia-class docking evolutions. During the undocking, Navy divers carefully inspected the warship as she lifted off the blocks in the dry dock - an extra precaution not normally employed for Los Angeles-class submarines.
"Superintendent Jeff Long and his project team did a superb job in executing the Hawaii CMAV," said PHNSY & IMF VACL Program Manager Cmdr. Leonard Laforteza. "The dry-docking of our first Virginia-class submarine not only validated what we had planned, but also provided us lessons learned that we can apply to future dry-dockings. We are now in a position to redefine some of the areas to improve in that only became evident after executing an actual dry-docking."
According to Laforteza, the Shipyard will perform its first Extended Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) of a Virginia-class submarine in summer 2012. Whereas a CMAV is a minor availability lasting two to six weeks, an EDSRA is a DSRA expanded in scope to include maintenance and modernization that cannot be accomplished in a DSRA. EDSRAs are major chief of naval Ooerations availabilities and are approximately 15 months in duration.
"The USS Hawaii docking and undocking have great significance for the Shipyard," said Capt. Greg Thomas, Shipyard commander. "Our future depends, to a large extent, on Virginia-class submarines. By successfully executing these complex evolutions on Hawaii, we are demonstrating our ability to support the Navy's next generation of submarines."
Hawaii, which arrived at Pearl Harbor on July 23, 2009, is the first Virginia-class submarine to be homeported in Pearl Harbor and the first commissioned U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the Aloha State. Hawaii represents the very latest in submarine technology and capability. The submarine features an advanced combat control system and sensors and improved surveillance, reconnaissance and special operations forces (SEAL) capabilities. Seventeen of the 30 Pacific-based attack submarines are homeported at Pearl Harbor, and each of these contributes about $17 million a year to the local economy in Hawaii, according to Gov. Linda Lingle.
PHNSY & IMF is strategically located about two weeks of steam time from potential major regional contingencies in East Asia and roughly seven days closer than sites on the West Coast. It is the largest industrial employer in the state of Hawaii with a combined civilian and military workforce of over 4,800. PHNSY & IMF has an operating budget of $687 million, of which more than $426 million is payroll for civilian employees.
Hawaii has been in Dry Dock 2 since March 31 for regularly scheduled maintenance. Hawaii became the inaugural Virginia-class submarine in the U.S. Pacific fleet to undock at PHNSY & IMF, a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) field activity. Shipyard workers then rapidly transitioned to Dry Dock 4 to undock Paul Hamilton two days later.
"It was a very challenging evolution conducted over three days - undocking Hawaii on Wednesday and returning the dry dock to normal condition in order to undock Paul Hamilton on Friday," said Shipyard Docking Officer Lt. Lorenz Tate. "It was especially challenging to plan the docking in accordance with the first- and second-shift personnel turnover, ensuring a safe maneuver."
Paul Hamilton underwent $20 million of hull preservation, shafting and valve work during the Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability. NAVSEA continuously improves its maintenance and modernization processes to ensure capability is delivered in a cost-effective way.
"The undocking was successful, and the ship is set to finish its availability on schedule on May 21," said Capt. Lynn Hampton, head of the surface ship maintenance department at PHNSY.
Hawaii is undergoing $2.5 million of regularly scheduled maintenance during its Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV) at the shipyard. Submarines are routinely dry-docked every 4-6 years to perform work that cannot be completed pierside. The Hawaii project team went through nearly two years of preparation for Virginia-class docking evolutions. During the undocking, Navy divers carefully inspected the warship as she lifted off the blocks in the dry dock - an extra precaution not normally employed for Los Angeles-class submarines.
"Superintendent Jeff Long and his project team did a superb job in executing the Hawaii CMAV," said PHNSY & IMF VACL Program Manager Cmdr. Leonard Laforteza. "The dry-docking of our first Virginia-class submarine not only validated what we had planned, but also provided us lessons learned that we can apply to future dry-dockings. We are now in a position to redefine some of the areas to improve in that only became evident after executing an actual dry-docking."
According to Laforteza, the Shipyard will perform its first Extended Dry-Docking Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) of a Virginia-class submarine in summer 2012. Whereas a CMAV is a minor availability lasting two to six weeks, an EDSRA is a DSRA expanded in scope to include maintenance and modernization that cannot be accomplished in a DSRA. EDSRAs are major chief of naval Ooerations availabilities and are approximately 15 months in duration.
"The USS Hawaii docking and undocking have great significance for the Shipyard," said Capt. Greg Thomas, Shipyard commander. "Our future depends, to a large extent, on Virginia-class submarines. By successfully executing these complex evolutions on Hawaii, we are demonstrating our ability to support the Navy's next generation of submarines."
Hawaii, which arrived at Pearl Harbor on July 23, 2009, is the first Virginia-class submarine to be homeported in Pearl Harbor and the first commissioned U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the Aloha State. Hawaii represents the very latest in submarine technology and capability. The submarine features an advanced combat control system and sensors and improved surveillance, reconnaissance and special operations forces (SEAL) capabilities. Seventeen of the 30 Pacific-based attack submarines are homeported at Pearl Harbor, and each of these contributes about $17 million a year to the local economy in Hawaii, according to Gov. Linda Lingle.
PHNSY & IMF is strategically located about two weeks of steam time from potential major regional contingencies in East Asia and roughly seven days closer than sites on the West Coast. It is the largest industrial employer in the state of Hawaii with a combined civilian and military workforce of over 4,800. PHNSY & IMF has an operating budget of $687 million, of which more than $426 million is payroll for civilian employees.
Army Releases April Suicide Data
May 13, 2010 - The Army released suicide data today for the month of April. Among active-duty soldiers, there were ten potential suicides: one has been confirmed as suicide, and nine remain under investigation. For March, the Army reported 13 potential suicides among active-duty soldiers. Since the release of the report, four have been confirmed as suicides, and nine remain under investigation. During April 2010, among reserve soldiers who were not on active duty, there were five potential suicides. For March, among that same group, there were nine total suicides. Of those, three were confirmed as suicides and seven are pending determination of the manner of death.
The Army is also announcing updated numbers for 2009 to now reflect 163 active duty suicides. This adjustment is based on subsequent review of additional case information by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, resulting in the re-characterization of 2 cases initially deemed to be accidental deaths, now confirmed as suicides, and one case, previously pending determination, now also confirmed as suicide.
"So far for 2010 we are noticing an upward trend in the number of non-active duty suicides. There are some indications that our reservists are being doubly affected with additional stress by the challenging job market, recovering economy and uncertainty" said Col. Chris Philbrick, director, Army Suicide Prevention Task Force.
"The Army continues engagement efforts with a multitude of veteran and military service organizations, other government agencies, concerned citizens, and the total Army family to develop innovative and comprehensive strategies to help both our active and non-active duty soldiers," said Philbrick. "Given the complex nature of suicide, and the different environments our soldiers serve in, and are returning to, we welcome the opportunity to develop relationships and common approaches to this national challenge. Our soldiers are representatives of our nation." he said.
Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact Military OneSource or the Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center. Trained consultants are available from both organizations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
The Military OneSource toll-free number for those residing in the continental U.S. is 1-800-342-9647; their Web site address is http://www.militaryonesource.com . Overseas personnel should refer to the Military OneSource Web site for dialing instructions for their specific location.
The Army's comprehensive list of Suicide Prevention Program information is located at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/default.asp .
Army leaders can access current health promotion guidance in newly revised Army Regulation 600-63 (Health Promotion) at: http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r600_63.pdf and Army Pamphlet 600-24 (Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention) at http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/p600_24.pdf
The Army is also announcing updated numbers for 2009 to now reflect 163 active duty suicides. This adjustment is based on subsequent review of additional case information by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner, resulting in the re-characterization of 2 cases initially deemed to be accidental deaths, now confirmed as suicides, and one case, previously pending determination, now also confirmed as suicide.
"So far for 2010 we are noticing an upward trend in the number of non-active duty suicides. There are some indications that our reservists are being doubly affected with additional stress by the challenging job market, recovering economy and uncertainty" said Col. Chris Philbrick, director, Army Suicide Prevention Task Force.
"The Army continues engagement efforts with a multitude of veteran and military service organizations, other government agencies, concerned citizens, and the total Army family to develop innovative and comprehensive strategies to help both our active and non-active duty soldiers," said Philbrick. "Given the complex nature of suicide, and the different environments our soldiers serve in, and are returning to, we welcome the opportunity to develop relationships and common approaches to this national challenge. Our soldiers are representatives of our nation." he said.
Soldiers and families in need of crisis assistance can contact Military OneSource or the Defense Center of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Outreach Center. Trained consultants are available from both organizations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.
The Military OneSource toll-free number for those residing in the continental U.S. is 1-800-342-9647; their Web site address is http://www.militaryonesource.com . Overseas personnel should refer to the Military OneSource Web site for dialing instructions for their specific location.
The Army's comprehensive list of Suicide Prevention Program information is located at http://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide/default.asp .
Army leaders can access current health promotion guidance in newly revised Army Regulation 600-63 (Health Promotion) at: http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/r600_63.pdf and Army Pamphlet 600-24 (Health Promotion, Risk Reduction and Suicide Prevention) at http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/p600_24.pdf
Marines Dominate in Early Competition at Warrior Games
American Forces Press Service
May 12, 2010 - The Marine Corps team is on top after yesterday's first day of competition at the inaugural Warrior Games here, sweeping their opponents and finishing 4-0 in team play. Team Marine ended the day 2-0 in sitting volleyball and 2-0 in wheelchair basketball at the U.S. Olympic Training Center.
The Marines' run started on the volleyball court with a victory over Team Army 2 in the opening match. Team Army 2 fought hard, but the Marines took the first two games of the best-of-three series fairly easy.
The second game, against Team Army 3, was a different story. The Marines barely pulled off the win in a 30-28 Game 3 nail-biter. After losing the first game, Team Army 3 took a quick 8-0 lead in the second game. But, the poised Marines patiently clawed their way back to tie the game at 20. The intensity in the bleachers picked up, as bellowing chants of "Let's go, Army!" and "Marine Corps! Marine Corps!" thundered back and forth across the court.
In the end, the pressure was just too much for the Army, and it was the Marine cheering section that rushed the floor to celebrate victory.
"This is great!" Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Marcus Wilson shouted. "This is what we've been training for the last two weeks."
Wilson gave credit to the Army team. The victory was much sweeter against a strong opponent, he said, and Team Army 3 was a tough squad.
"They were tough, and they did a great job with a lot of heart, but this is what we've been training for – this exact situation," Wilson said. "This type of scenario is something our coaches have been working on with us in practice, so we were ready."
The Marines also dominated competition the basketball court. With their high field goal percentage and quick guard play, the Marines showed why they are heavily favored to win the gold medal. The Marines routed the Air Force 68-13 in their first game, and followed up that win by beating Army 45-18 in a game that was a little closer than the score indicates.
The Air Force didn't have an answer for the speed of Retired Marine Corps Cpl. Travis Greene and Cpl. Raymond Hennagir. The two double-leg amputees zipped up and down the floor in tandem, while Air Force defenders could only watch.
The Army, however, made a strong showing again early on in the second game. But their hope of winning slowly began to fade with the loss of smooth-driving point guard Spc. Craig C. Smith to a leg cramp in the second half. The Marines took advantage of Smith's absence, cruising to victory behind a 20-2 run.
After getting through the first day of competition unscathed, the Marines are going into today's second day of competition optimistic about their chance to win the Chairman's Cup, the games' top award that will be presented to the service with the highest medal count.
"The first day of competition, we rock-and-rolled," Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Luis Nino, the senior staff noncommissioned officer for the Marine Corps Wounded Warrior Regiment, said. "To turn around and see my Marines, my country's Marines, do so well in competition is highly motivating."
An avid sports fan, Nino said watching yesterday's competition was more exciting than sitting in the stands at Yankee Stadium in October, where he watched his New York Yankees come from behind on a late-inning home run from Alex Rodriguez in a playoff game.
"Even that game didn't compare to the last game we played against the Army in volleyball," Nino said. "I've never screamed as loud as I did or got light-headed from cheering the way I did in that game."
Although the athletes have proven to be highly competitive, the Warrior Games are about more than victory and medals. Most importantly, the games are about competitors rising to new challenges and gaining a sense of normalcy and renewed confidence.
So far, the Warrior Games have panned out to be better than the athletes and organizers ever could have imagined, said U.S. Paralympian and Army Gulf War veteran John Register.
"I don't think the first day of competition could've gone any better," said Register, who lost his left leg to a hurdling accident in 1994 while training for the 1996 Summer Olympics. "Even though we're one team, one fight as a country, when you get the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps [and] Coast Guard in here, it's a phenomenal experience to see the camaraderie and esprit de corps take over. We're seeing that right now with our servicemembers.
"When you look around, you see no one harping on disabilities," Register added. "It's all about ability and getting into the spirit of the games."
Official Day 1 results are:
In sitting volleyball:
-- Marines defeated Army 2; 2-0; 25-11, 25-8
-- Air Force defeated Army 1; 2-0; 27-25, 25-16
-- Marines defeated Army 3; 2-0; 25-7, 30-28
-- Army 2 defeated Navy; 2-0; 25-22, 25-13
-- Army 1 defeated Marine 2; forfeit for not enough players
-- Army 4 defeated Marine 2; forfeit for not enough players
In wheelchair basketball:
-- Army 15, Navy 10
-- Marines 68, Air Force 13
-- Marines 45, Army 18
-- Air Force 22, Navy 18
Today, athletes are set to compete in archery, cycling and swimming, as well as the second round of pool play in wheelchair basketball and sitting volleyball.
The inaugural Warrior Games, which run through May 14, feature about 200 wounded warriors and disabled veterans from all five branches of military service in Paralympic-type competitions. The U.S. Olympic Committee hosts the games in partnership with the Defense Department and the USO.
Patriot Returns from Spring Patrol
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Richard Doolin, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Mine counter-measures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) returned to Sasebo, Japan, May 12, after an almost four-month spring patrol.
Patriot made five theatre security cooperation (TSC) port visits with navies of Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Malaysia and Thailand.
"The chance to get to participate in just one TSC visit, working and training with just one foreign country's navy … that's a pretty special feeling," said Command Master Chief Brent Tidwell, "but the opportunity to get to do that five times has been an incredible honor."
Patriot also participated in five community service projects during its deployment.
Mineman 2nd Class Zachary Sund, who has not missed a service project since reporting to Patriot two years ago, participated in all of them.
"The one that hit me the most was Cambodia," said Sund, where Patriot brought backpacks, mosquito nets and soccer balls provided by Project Handclasp to the Village D'Enfants orphanage.
"We didn't have enough things for everybody, so we all pooled our money together and went out and bought a bunch of stuff for the kids. We all kind of came back with a whole bunch of new toys and things, I'm sure they weren't expecting," said Sund.
Commanding Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Walter Mainor was pleased with the crew's performance during Patriot's 10-port, eight-country, 10,360 nautical mile odyssey.
"The crew has performed outstanding. There are a lot of repairs that we made that normally would take, maybe days or weeks in port, that we did in hours. They were wonderful ambassadors on shore duty. They performed just superbly. I couldn't ask for a better crew or a better ship," said Mainor.
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Benjamin Rogers was looking forward to returning to Sasebo.
"It was a good cruise. We saw a lot of ports. But, on the other hand, it was a lot of work, and I think this was a very long cruise for a minesweeper. To be on a ship this small for four months straight can take a real toll on somebody. But, right now, looking forward to getting back with the wife, spending some quality time," said Rogers.
The Patriot crew reports to Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, based in Okinawa, Japan.
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Mine counter-measures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) returned to Sasebo, Japan, May 12, after an almost four-month spring patrol.
Patriot made five theatre security cooperation (TSC) port visits with navies of Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Malaysia and Thailand.
"The chance to get to participate in just one TSC visit, working and training with just one foreign country's navy … that's a pretty special feeling," said Command Master Chief Brent Tidwell, "but the opportunity to get to do that five times has been an incredible honor."
Patriot also participated in five community service projects during its deployment.
Mineman 2nd Class Zachary Sund, who has not missed a service project since reporting to Patriot two years ago, participated in all of them.
"The one that hit me the most was Cambodia," said Sund, where Patriot brought backpacks, mosquito nets and soccer balls provided by Project Handclasp to the Village D'Enfants orphanage.
"We didn't have enough things for everybody, so we all pooled our money together and went out and bought a bunch of stuff for the kids. We all kind of came back with a whole bunch of new toys and things, I'm sure they weren't expecting," said Sund.
Commanding Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Walter Mainor was pleased with the crew's performance during Patriot's 10-port, eight-country, 10,360 nautical mile odyssey.
"The crew has performed outstanding. There are a lot of repairs that we made that normally would take, maybe days or weeks in port, that we did in hours. They were wonderful ambassadors on shore duty. They performed just superbly. I couldn't ask for a better crew or a better ship," said Mainor.
Electronics Technician 2nd Class Benjamin Rogers was looking forward to returning to Sasebo.
"It was a good cruise. We saw a lot of ports. But, on the other hand, it was a lot of work, and I think this was a very long cruise for a minesweeper. To be on a ship this small for four months straight can take a real toll on somebody. But, right now, looking forward to getting back with the wife, spending some quality time," said Rogers.
The Patriot crew reports to Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, commander of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, based in Okinawa, Japan.
Task Force Tackles Integration of Women into Sub Crews
By Ian Graham
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
May 12, 2010 - A Navy task force is relying on the service's experience with similar milestones as it works to implement the lifting of a long-standing ban on women serving on submarine crews.
In a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday, Navy Rear Adm. Barry L. Bruner, commander of Submarine Group 10 and leader of the integration task force, noted that the first female sailors were assigned to noncombat ships in 1978, and the 1994 repeal of the Combat Exclusion Law allowed women to serve on Navy combat ships.
"As we go back and look at the lessons we learned in both 1978 and 1979, and again in 1994 and 1995, the Navy's got a great history of working our way through an integration like this," he said.
The first batch of officer trainees has been accepted into the submarine training program, and will serve on crews by late 2011 or early 2012, the admiral said. The Navy is considering the cost of modifying submarines to allow enlisted women to serve on their crews, he added, though no timeline is set for integrating enlisted crews yet.
One concern about bringing women onto submarines was that living quarters offered little privacy and weren't considered suitable for mixed-gender habitation, Bruner said.
"We're trying in a very deliberate fashion to ensure that one, we're treating the men and women exactly the same, and two, to be brutally frank, we're very careful that we're doing the right thing both in representing the taxpayers' dollars and America as a whole," he said.
Over the past 40 years, Bruner said, the percentage of men in the Navy going to college and earning technical degrees has dropped from 70 percent to 25 percent, while the number of women earning technical degrees in the Navy has risen.
"Today, women are actually earning more technical degrees than men are," he said. "We really need to open up the talent pool so we can maintain the best options available in our submarine force."
Implementing the policy change will begin by assigning three female officers in eight different crews of guided-missile-attack and ballistic-missile submarines. The assignments involve two submarines on the East Coast and two on the West Coast, each of which is supported by a Blue and Gold crew, Bruner explained. More living space is available aboard these platforms, he noted, so no modifications are necessary, permitting the Navy to move quickly on integrating female officers into submarine crews.
"We may end up with more than three or four women being brought into these crews –the plan right now is to have two ensigns and a supply officer," Bruner said.
The integration of women into the submarine force is an emotional topic for some, the admiral acknowledged, but the Navy is taking the correct measures and is going about the integration in a deliberate fashion.
"As we implement this, we'll learn lessons," he said. "Based on what we learn, then we'll make a decision on what the next step ahead is."
Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity
May 12, 2010 - A Navy task force is relying on the service's experience with similar milestones as it works to implement the lifting of a long-standing ban on women serving on submarine crews.
In a "DoD Live" bloggers roundtable yesterday, Navy Rear Adm. Barry L. Bruner, commander of Submarine Group 10 and leader of the integration task force, noted that the first female sailors were assigned to noncombat ships in 1978, and the 1994 repeal of the Combat Exclusion Law allowed women to serve on Navy combat ships.
"As we go back and look at the lessons we learned in both 1978 and 1979, and again in 1994 and 1995, the Navy's got a great history of working our way through an integration like this," he said.
The first batch of officer trainees has been accepted into the submarine training program, and will serve on crews by late 2011 or early 2012, the admiral said. The Navy is considering the cost of modifying submarines to allow enlisted women to serve on their crews, he added, though no timeline is set for integrating enlisted crews yet.
One concern about bringing women onto submarines was that living quarters offered little privacy and weren't considered suitable for mixed-gender habitation, Bruner said.
"We're trying in a very deliberate fashion to ensure that one, we're treating the men and women exactly the same, and two, to be brutally frank, we're very careful that we're doing the right thing both in representing the taxpayers' dollars and America as a whole," he said.
Over the past 40 years, Bruner said, the percentage of men in the Navy going to college and earning technical degrees has dropped from 70 percent to 25 percent, while the number of women earning technical degrees in the Navy has risen.
"Today, women are actually earning more technical degrees than men are," he said. "We really need to open up the talent pool so we can maintain the best options available in our submarine force."
Implementing the policy change will begin by assigning three female officers in eight different crews of guided-missile-attack and ballistic-missile submarines. The assignments involve two submarines on the East Coast and two on the West Coast, each of which is supported by a Blue and Gold crew, Bruner explained. More living space is available aboard these platforms, he noted, so no modifications are necessary, permitting the Navy to move quickly on integrating female officers into submarine crews.
"We may end up with more than three or four women being brought into these crews –the plan right now is to have two ensigns and a supply officer," Bruner said.
The integration of women into the submarine force is an emotional topic for some, the admiral acknowledged, but the Navy is taking the correct measures and is going about the integration in a deliberate fashion.
"As we implement this, we'll learn lessons," he said. "Based on what we learn, then we'll make a decision on what the next step ahead is."
Marine Publishes Book of Poetry
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
May 12, 2010 - Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Laura Stanislaw looked down at her desert camouflage uniform through big, piercing blue eyes. Her slender fingers and well-manicured fingernails played with the pen on her desk as she considered a question from a visitor who wanted to know what motivates her to get out of bed every morning. "I'm just happy," Stanislaw finally said with a shrug and a smile. The family readiness officer for Marine Aircraft Group 40 described her job as the most rewarding work she has done in the Marine Corps.
Stanislaw's work, and every other piece of her day-to-day life, has inspired her to publish a book of poetry. "One Heart, True Words" is slated to be published by the end of May and will feature 18 poems she has written since 2005.
It all started with the poem "Passion," Stanislaw said. She was dating a man and spontaneously decided to write a poem about the relationship. She then easily transitioned into writing about everything in her life, she explained, good or bad.
"I've been through a lot in my life," she said. "Over the years, I've learned to turn every negative into a positive. I've been sad and unhappy before. That's no place to be. It's unhealthy."
Stanislaw's poetry probes every aspect of her life without preference or prejudice, a feature she described as being important to the therapy the poems provide.
"She is an ambitious and energetic person," said Dawn Rae, the family readiness officer for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. "She seems to get great satisfaction from helping people."
Stanislaw said when she was participating in an advanced course in Quantico, Va., a gunnery sergeant stood up and told a story about a friend of his who was killed by a roadside bomb. As he told his story, Stanislaw said, she could see the shrapnel wounds from the event on the Marine's face. That event was the driving inspiration behind the poem "Sacrifice," one of her favorite poems from her book.
"Life is not as perfect as a bed of roses," Stanislaw said. "There are ups and downs, positives and negatives. In the end, stick it out and turn into the person you want to be."
Rae said she is a big fan of Stanislaw's poetry and finds it absolutely inspiring. "Through her words, feelings and emotions come alive," Rae said.
More Information
Laura Stanislaw
Klakring Delivers Project Handclasp Materials to Shelter
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael J. Scott, CTG 40.0 Public Affairs
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (NNS) -- The Center for the Promotion of Human Dignity (CEPRODIH), a shelter for battered women received a special gift May 8 from USS Klakring (FFG 42) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Det. 10 Sailors on behalf of Project Handclasp.
U.S. Navy Sailors unloaded pallets of hygiene items and stuffed animals from the ship right into embassy vehicles waiting on the pier. No ceremony or fanfare was made, but the women will benefit from the generosity and kindness of others.
"Project Handclasp donations such as those delivered by USS Klakring provide an opportunity for us to put smiles on the faces of mothers and children," said Cmdr. George Boudreau, Uruguay's U.S. Embassy Navy representative, "in this case a battered women's shelter located in one of Montevideo's poorest neighborhoods."
Project Handclasp accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material overseas on a space-available basis in U.S. Navy ships. Materials are distributed directly to needy recipients by U.S. service personnel stationed in overseas areas or embarked in U.S. Navy ships that visit these areas. Klakring was in Montevideo as part of the six-month Southern Seas 2010 deployment to the Caribbean and Latin America in support of U.S. Southern Command's (USSOUTHCOM) Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy.
Through the cooperation of numerous donors, Project Handclasp has been able to ship approximately 1.5 million pounds of charitable materials overseas annually for the past several years.
CEPRODIH is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization. Their main mission is to promote initiatives to assist the poorest sectors of society and defend their rights and interests. They provide help for families and victims of domestic violence, as well as caring for abandoned and forsaken elderly.
Since 2000, CEPRODIH has been carrying out an integral program which works with families to: improve all aspects of family life (lodging, nutrition, health, documentation, etc.); provide training in areas like hygiene, gastronomy, information technology, sewing; and assist personnel in obtaining employment through partnerships with various firms and/or the formation of cooperative enterprises/associations.
"The donations were delivered today by the U.S. Embassy. The women and children were very happy, and wanted me to send my thanks to the Klakring crew, and to the American people," said Boudreau.
Klakring, as part of Task Group 40.0, is on a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2010 (SS10). Southern Seas is an annual USSOUTHCOM-directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and executed by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0. Southern Seas focuses on conducting a variety of exercises and multinational exchanges to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability, and build and maintain regional relationships with partner nations. SS10 includes the guided-missile frigate, USS Klakring (FFG 42), HSL-42 Det. 10, and DESRON 40 serving as the command element.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (NNS) -- The Center for the Promotion of Human Dignity (CEPRODIH), a shelter for battered women received a special gift May 8 from USS Klakring (FFG 42) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Det. 10 Sailors on behalf of Project Handclasp.
U.S. Navy Sailors unloaded pallets of hygiene items and stuffed animals from the ship right into embassy vehicles waiting on the pier. No ceremony or fanfare was made, but the women will benefit from the generosity and kindness of others.
"Project Handclasp donations such as those delivered by USS Klakring provide an opportunity for us to put smiles on the faces of mothers and children," said Cmdr. George Boudreau, Uruguay's U.S. Embassy Navy representative, "in this case a battered women's shelter located in one of Montevideo's poorest neighborhoods."
Project Handclasp accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material overseas on a space-available basis in U.S. Navy ships. Materials are distributed directly to needy recipients by U.S. service personnel stationed in overseas areas or embarked in U.S. Navy ships that visit these areas. Klakring was in Montevideo as part of the six-month Southern Seas 2010 deployment to the Caribbean and Latin America in support of U.S. Southern Command's (USSOUTHCOM) Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy.
Through the cooperation of numerous donors, Project Handclasp has been able to ship approximately 1.5 million pounds of charitable materials overseas annually for the past several years.
CEPRODIH is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization. Their main mission is to promote initiatives to assist the poorest sectors of society and defend their rights and interests. They provide help for families and victims of domestic violence, as well as caring for abandoned and forsaken elderly.
Since 2000, CEPRODIH has been carrying out an integral program which works with families to: improve all aspects of family life (lodging, nutrition, health, documentation, etc.); provide training in areas like hygiene, gastronomy, information technology, sewing; and assist personnel in obtaining employment through partnerships with various firms and/or the formation of cooperative enterprises/associations.
"The donations were delivered today by the U.S. Embassy. The women and children were very happy, and wanted me to send my thanks to the Klakring crew, and to the American people," said Boudreau.
Klakring, as part of Task Group 40.0, is on a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2010 (SS10). Southern Seas is an annual USSOUTHCOM-directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) and executed by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0. Southern Seas focuses on conducting a variety of exercises and multinational exchanges to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability, and build and maintain regional relationships with partner nations. SS10 includes the guided-missile frigate, USS Klakring (FFG 42), HSL-42 Det. 10, and DESRON 40 serving as the command element.
SECNAV Visits USS New Mexico
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Kevin S. O'Brien
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited Sailors aboard the Navy's newest Virginia-class submarine, USS New Mexico (SSN 779), during his first submarine embark as secretary May 11.
Mabus experienced the ship's movement during angles and dangles, high speed turns, and standing on the bridge in the ship's sail while the submarine was surfaced.
"This has been such an informative day. I am amazed at the level of skill and the level of expertise of our Sailors," Mabus said. "The ability to fully operate a Virginia-class submarine and all of its complex systems is truly remarkable. Our Sailors continually show that they are the best trained and the best skilled force our nation has seen."
Mabus also took part in a submarine warfare qualification pinning known as the Dolphin Ceremony. It recognizes enlisted and officers' completion of a yearlong qualification process that familiarizes them with virtually all of the submarine's systems. Mabus pinned the newly acquired submarine warfare insignia on Lt.j.g. Vincent Bove and Sonar Technician Seaman Kyle Hassler.
"This has been an extraordinary experience for me. The reason I'm here today is to thank you for you service," Mabus said. "Your expertise is so crucial to the Navy's mission. Because of your vital role, you spend more time away from home and your families. I want you to know that I appreciate you and your families' service and sacrifice."
New Mexico is the sixth submarine of the Virginia-class. It has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements to meet the challenges of the 21st century and the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus visited Sailors aboard the Navy's newest Virginia-class submarine, USS New Mexico (SSN 779), during his first submarine embark as secretary May 11.
Mabus experienced the ship's movement during angles and dangles, high speed turns, and standing on the bridge in the ship's sail while the submarine was surfaced.
"This has been such an informative day. I am amazed at the level of skill and the level of expertise of our Sailors," Mabus said. "The ability to fully operate a Virginia-class submarine and all of its complex systems is truly remarkable. Our Sailors continually show that they are the best trained and the best skilled force our nation has seen."
Mabus also took part in a submarine warfare qualification pinning known as the Dolphin Ceremony. It recognizes enlisted and officers' completion of a yearlong qualification process that familiarizes them with virtually all of the submarine's systems. Mabus pinned the newly acquired submarine warfare insignia on Lt.j.g. Vincent Bove and Sonar Technician Seaman Kyle Hassler.
"This has been an extraordinary experience for me. The reason I'm here today is to thank you for you service," Mabus said. "Your expertise is so crucial to the Navy's mission. Because of your vital role, you spend more time away from home and your families. I want you to know that I appreciate you and your families' service and sacrifice."
New Mexico is the sixth submarine of the Virginia-class. It has improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements to meet the challenges of the 21st century and the Navy's multi-mission requirements.
Personnel Systems have Scheduled Outage for Continued Cleaning
By Wm. Cullen James, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Due to ongoing flood recovery efforts, some Navy Personnel Command (NPC) information technology systems are being taken offline for building cleaning and inspection May 14-17.
The following systems will be unavailable from 7 p.m. May 14 to 6 a.m. May 17, Central time:
• BUPERS Online and associated applications (including, but not limited to: Web Enabled Record Review, Navy-Marine Corps Mobilization Processing System, Physical Readiness Information Management Systems, Corrections Management Information System, Flag Fitness Reports, Overseas Screening, view orders, and e-submissions)
• Electronic Military Personnel Record System
• NMCI connectivity for all Millington NMCI users (Internet, e-mail and shared drive access)
This scheduled outage is being performed to continue the cleanup and restoration efforts of the data server building following the flood that occurred at Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tenn., May 1.
"Some of the electrical cabling needed additional cleaning to make it environmentally safe for our watch standers," said Randy Wyatt, NPC Application and Engineering Branch Head. "So we're going offline to perform a thorough cleaning."
According to the NPC IT Services Branch, scheduled outages are part of routine business.
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Due to ongoing flood recovery efforts, some Navy Personnel Command (NPC) information technology systems are being taken offline for building cleaning and inspection May 14-17.
The following systems will be unavailable from 7 p.m. May 14 to 6 a.m. May 17, Central time:
• BUPERS Online and associated applications (including, but not limited to: Web Enabled Record Review, Navy-Marine Corps Mobilization Processing System, Physical Readiness Information Management Systems, Corrections Management Information System, Flag Fitness Reports, Overseas Screening, view orders, and e-submissions)
• Electronic Military Personnel Record System
• NMCI connectivity for all Millington NMCI users (Internet, e-mail and shared drive access)
This scheduled outage is being performed to continue the cleanup and restoration efforts of the data server building following the flood that occurred at Naval Support Activity Mid-South, Millington, Tenn., May 1.
"Some of the electrical cabling needed additional cleaning to make it environmentally safe for our watch standers," said Randy Wyatt, NPC Application and Engineering Branch Head. "So we're going offline to perform a thorough cleaning."
According to the NPC IT Services Branch, scheduled outages are part of routine business.
Abraham Lincoln Completes TSTA and FEP
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Eric Powell, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs
USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received an overall grade of outstanding after successfully completing a Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) May 10.
The Afloat Training Team (ATG) Pacific evaluated Lincoln's crew during several complex unit level exercises, placing emphasis on the ship's Integrated Training Team (ITT)'s ability to conduct training and assess the ship's watch standing, warfighting and survival capabilities across all required warfare areas.
ITT is comprised of multiple training teams which include, combat systems, damage control, medical, seamanship, navigation and air. The training team has reached a level of proficiency that has enabled them to properly integrate and conduct advanced strike group exercises.
In particular ATG recognized the Damage Control (DC)team and the ship's air department for their level of professionalism and dedication across the board.
"All junior damage control personnel in Lincoln's DC division 'carried the day' on multiple occasions throughout the training cycle," wrote Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Elias Robles III, ATG's damage control team leader. "By far all of these outstanding Sailors should be most recognized for their determined and dedicated efforts during this arduous command-wide evolution."
Over the course of two days Lincoln Sailors successfully demonstrated their ability to respond to major conflagration and mass casualties, as well as conduct torpedo evasion maneuvers, underway fueling and man overboard exercises amongst a myriad of other drills throughout the ship.
With TSTA and FEP complete, Lincoln will return to its homeport of Everett, Wash., and begin preparations for its next test: Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).
USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) received an overall grade of outstanding after successfully completing a Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) May 10.
The Afloat Training Team (ATG) Pacific evaluated Lincoln's crew during several complex unit level exercises, placing emphasis on the ship's Integrated Training Team (ITT)'s ability to conduct training and assess the ship's watch standing, warfighting and survival capabilities across all required warfare areas.
ITT is comprised of multiple training teams which include, combat systems, damage control, medical, seamanship, navigation and air. The training team has reached a level of proficiency that has enabled them to properly integrate and conduct advanced strike group exercises.
In particular ATG recognized the Damage Control (DC)team and the ship's air department for their level of professionalism and dedication across the board.
"All junior damage control personnel in Lincoln's DC division 'carried the day' on multiple occasions throughout the training cycle," wrote Chief Damage Controlman (SW/AW) Elias Robles III, ATG's damage control team leader. "By far all of these outstanding Sailors should be most recognized for their determined and dedicated efforts during this arduous command-wide evolution."
Over the course of two days Lincoln Sailors successfully demonstrated their ability to respond to major conflagration and mass casualties, as well as conduct torpedo evasion maneuvers, underway fueling and man overboard exercises amongst a myriad of other drills throughout the ship.
With TSTA and FEP complete, Lincoln will return to its homeport of Everett, Wash., and begin preparations for its next test: Comprehensive Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).
Fleet and Family Support Centers Help Sailors, Families Adjust to Military Life
By Bruce Moody, Commander, Navy Installations Command, Navy Family Readiness Program
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installation Command's Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) help Sailors and their families learn skills for confidently managing the Navy lifestyle.
"The Navy lifestyle is unique, no doubt about it," said Kathy Turner, an analyst with the FFSC's Counseling Advocacy & Prevention Program.
However, many people just assume they'll naturally adjust to their surroundings on a base far from home with spouse or parent who is underway.
Back home, one may have effectively dealt with anger, sadness or stress when they lived near family and friends they've known their whole life. But, leaving this personal support system may be stressful and require adjustment. That's why FFSC offers life-skills classes and services for Sailors and Navy families - to help figure out how to adjust and even thrive in these situations.
"It's not whether you have the strength or love or determination to succeed with your family," Turner said. "We know you do. That's why we are here. We understand the unique aspects of Navy life, and we can help you learn to navigate it."
One example is the New Parent Support Home Visitation Program which helps parents develop or improve parenting skills in the privacy of their own home.
"The time and energy you invest to increase your parenting skills through this program will positively affect your children and your family," said Turner.
"It's a step toward creating a home environment for your children that will be full of love, caring, fun, happiness and guidance."
Also available is short-term clinical counseling, designed to help Sailors and families obtain the tools necessary to cope with the challenges of daily living.
These programs can help one adjust to the military lifestyle and cope with the challenges you are facing, such as marital discord, parenting issues, personal crises, and grief.
The courses and the counseling are free and are available to both service members and their spouses. People are welcome to come in anytime, without an appointment or a referral from the command.
There are a couple of misconceptions about attending or signing up for FFSC support services that need to be cleared up:
The first is that FFSC's notify commands of who are attending classes or receiving counseling. FFSCs do not provide commands with any information on personnel who have signed up for any class or counseling.
Members and spouses getting couples' counseling does not automatically result in the opening of a Family Advocacy Program (FAP) case. Everyone has disagreements and arguments. Unless there is abusive behavior, FAP does not get involved.
Another misconception is that signing up for prevention support such as classes or counseling impacts one's security clearance. This is not the case. The Department of Defense now excludes a service member's history of marital or family-related counseling on the security clearance form and now publicly urges troops to voluntarily seek this type of counseling.
"Sailors who succeed with their careers and their families have the strength to ask for help before a problem gets out of hand," Turner said. "The Navy knows this, which is why they provide places to get help. Stop by your local FFSC or call us."
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installation Command's Fleet and Family Support Centers (FFSC) help Sailors and their families learn skills for confidently managing the Navy lifestyle.
"The Navy lifestyle is unique, no doubt about it," said Kathy Turner, an analyst with the FFSC's Counseling Advocacy & Prevention Program.
However, many people just assume they'll naturally adjust to their surroundings on a base far from home with spouse or parent who is underway.
Back home, one may have effectively dealt with anger, sadness or stress when they lived near family and friends they've known their whole life. But, leaving this personal support system may be stressful and require adjustment. That's why FFSC offers life-skills classes and services for Sailors and Navy families - to help figure out how to adjust and even thrive in these situations.
"It's not whether you have the strength or love or determination to succeed with your family," Turner said. "We know you do. That's why we are here. We understand the unique aspects of Navy life, and we can help you learn to navigate it."
One example is the New Parent Support Home Visitation Program which helps parents develop or improve parenting skills in the privacy of their own home.
"The time and energy you invest to increase your parenting skills through this program will positively affect your children and your family," said Turner.
"It's a step toward creating a home environment for your children that will be full of love, caring, fun, happiness and guidance."
Also available is short-term clinical counseling, designed to help Sailors and families obtain the tools necessary to cope with the challenges of daily living.
These programs can help one adjust to the military lifestyle and cope with the challenges you are facing, such as marital discord, parenting issues, personal crises, and grief.
The courses and the counseling are free and are available to both service members and their spouses. People are welcome to come in anytime, without an appointment or a referral from the command.
There are a couple of misconceptions about attending or signing up for FFSC support services that need to be cleared up:
The first is that FFSC's notify commands of who are attending classes or receiving counseling. FFSCs do not provide commands with any information on personnel who have signed up for any class or counseling.
Members and spouses getting couples' counseling does not automatically result in the opening of a Family Advocacy Program (FAP) case. Everyone has disagreements and arguments. Unless there is abusive behavior, FAP does not get involved.
Another misconception is that signing up for prevention support such as classes or counseling impacts one's security clearance. This is not the case. The Department of Defense now excludes a service member's history of marital or family-related counseling on the security clearance form and now publicly urges troops to voluntarily seek this type of counseling.
"Sailors who succeed with their careers and their families have the strength to ask for help before a problem gets out of hand," Turner said. "The Navy knows this, which is why they provide places to get help. Stop by your local FFSC or call us."
Sleeperstar Performs for USS Constitution Sailors
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs
CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- The alternative rock 'n' roll band, Sleeperstar, performed a concert for crew members aboard USS Constitution, May 6.
Nick Box on guitar, Chris Pearson on lead vocals, Shaun Menary on drums, Brandon Rosas on bass, and Jake Lester on keyboard set up on the top deck of the ship prior to evening colors and played a 45-minute set.
"The idea of all those people giving up their lives, giving their time and everything you guys give so that we have the freedom to play music, those are the kinds of thoughts that go through my head when they told us 'Oh hey, go play a show for free,'" said Jacob Combs, tour manager.
The band also gave Sailors a free copy of their album "To Speak, To Love, To Listen."
"It was my first time hearing them," said Damage Controlman Fireman Javier Ibarria. "It was completely and utterly amazing."
Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Wallace, Constitution's volunteer programs coordinator and a fan of the band, called Sleeperstar's booking agent about a month prior to the concert. Wallace asked their agent if the band would like a tour of the ship while they are in Boston. The agent not only accepted the offer, but proposed to have the band perform for Constitution's Sailors.
"Of course because I'm a fan of the group I was in shock," said Wallace. "I didn't even think they would have time to visit the ship because of their touring schedule, but when they offered to perform for the crew in addition to that, I knew I had to do what was necessary to make this happen."
After the concert, the band observed evening colors and received a tour of Constitution, where they learned about her history and mission today.
"We were so excited, just to get to stand face-to-face and say thank you for everything you guys do," said Pearson. "If you guys didn't do what you do, we obviously wouldn't have the freedoms to do what we do."
Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard of Boston Harbor. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.
CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- The alternative rock 'n' roll band, Sleeperstar, performed a concert for crew members aboard USS Constitution, May 6.
Nick Box on guitar, Chris Pearson on lead vocals, Shaun Menary on drums, Brandon Rosas on bass, and Jake Lester on keyboard set up on the top deck of the ship prior to evening colors and played a 45-minute set.
"The idea of all those people giving up their lives, giving their time and everything you guys give so that we have the freedom to play music, those are the kinds of thoughts that go through my head when they told us 'Oh hey, go play a show for free,'" said Jacob Combs, tour manager.
The band also gave Sailors a free copy of their album "To Speak, To Love, To Listen."
"It was my first time hearing them," said Damage Controlman Fireman Javier Ibarria. "It was completely and utterly amazing."
Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class (SW) Jacob Wallace, Constitution's volunteer programs coordinator and a fan of the band, called Sleeperstar's booking agent about a month prior to the concert. Wallace asked their agent if the band would like a tour of the ship while they are in Boston. The agent not only accepted the offer, but proposed to have the band perform for Constitution's Sailors.
"Of course because I'm a fan of the group I was in shock," said Wallace. "I didn't even think they would have time to visit the ship because of their touring schedule, but when they offered to perform for the crew in addition to that, I knew I had to do what was necessary to make this happen."
After the concert, the band observed evening colors and received a tour of Constitution, where they learned about her history and mission today.
"We were so excited, just to get to stand face-to-face and say thank you for everything you guys do," said Pearson. "If you guys didn't do what you do, we obviously wouldn't have the freedoms to do what we do."
Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard of Boston Harbor. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.
NRD Miami Recruiters Run 18-Hour Relay for Life
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Gabe Puello, Navy Recruiting District Miami Public Affairs
BRANDON, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting District Miami recruiters ran a continuous 18-hour relay, May 7 and 8 at Brandon High School's track, in Brandon, Fla., and collected nearly $30,000 for cancer research.
Sailors, led by team captain Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class Kristianne Chardon, whose grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, camped out at the local high school and took turns running around a track. Each team was had a representative on the track at all times during the event.
"We had some motivated Sailors like Chief Electronic Technician Brian Glass and Operations Specialist 1st Class Jamal Atkins running out there and actually seeing who could outlast each other," said Chardon. As the night wore on, a lot of teams thinned out but not the Navy. "We kept going to the end; this was truly a successful and fun event."
"Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length," said Navy Career Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Christy Miller, recruiter in charge, Bradenton. Miller was elected to Brandon's Community Committee for Relay for Life this year and sponsored her shipmates from NRD Miami's Zone 6.
The Navy runners were one of the more 40 teams and 485 participants who took part in this event which also fostered greater Navy awareness in the Brandon community. At the relay's opening ceremony each team displayed a sign showing which type of cancer they were raising funds for along with their team colors NRD Miami recruiters funded bladder cancer research.
Throughout the night, as the Navy team maintained a runner on the track at all times, announcers kept everyone's spirits alive by coming up with different themes and names for each lap such as quitters' lap, bed head lap and twins lap.
"I have family members that passed with cancer including both grandfathers with lung cancer and my grandmother with stomach cancer," said Chief Navy Career Counselor (SCW) Dewayne Benjamin, supervisor, Zone 6.
"That is why we wanted to help in any way we could. After discussing it with the Zone and finding out several other recruiters had family members who suffered with various types of cancers, we all chipped in to participate and help with the cause."
Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones who died, and fight back against the disease. Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays, where cancer can't claim another year of anyone's life.
BRANDON, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy Recruiting District Miami recruiters ran a continuous 18-hour relay, May 7 and 8 at Brandon High School's track, in Brandon, Fla., and collected nearly $30,000 for cancer research.
Sailors, led by team captain Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class Kristianne Chardon, whose grandmother is a breast cancer survivor, camped out at the local high school and took turns running around a track. Each team was had a representative on the track at all times during the event.
"We had some motivated Sailors like Chief Electronic Technician Brian Glass and Operations Specialist 1st Class Jamal Atkins running out there and actually seeing who could outlast each other," said Chardon. As the night wore on, a lot of teams thinned out but not the Navy. "We kept going to the end; this was truly a successful and fun event."
"Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length," said Navy Career Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Christy Miller, recruiter in charge, Bradenton. Miller was elected to Brandon's Community Committee for Relay for Life this year and sponsored her shipmates from NRD Miami's Zone 6.
The Navy runners were one of the more 40 teams and 485 participants who took part in this event which also fostered greater Navy awareness in the Brandon community. At the relay's opening ceremony each team displayed a sign showing which type of cancer they were raising funds for along with their team colors NRD Miami recruiters funded bladder cancer research.
Throughout the night, as the Navy team maintained a runner on the track at all times, announcers kept everyone's spirits alive by coming up with different themes and names for each lap such as quitters' lap, bed head lap and twins lap.
"I have family members that passed with cancer including both grandfathers with lung cancer and my grandmother with stomach cancer," said Chief Navy Career Counselor (SCW) Dewayne Benjamin, supervisor, Zone 6.
"That is why we wanted to help in any way we could. After discussing it with the Zone and finding out several other recruiters had family members who suffered with various types of cancers, we all chipped in to participate and help with the cause."
Each year, more than 3.5 million people in 5,000 communities in the United States, along with additional communities in 19 other countries, gather to take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer. The American Cancer Society Relay for Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones who died, and fight back against the disease. Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays, where cancer can't claim another year of anyone's life.
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 12, 2010
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded an $186,632,406 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2110) as part of the planned increment of detailed design engineering work supporting Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) construction. This modification increases the level of effort under the existing cost-plus-fixed-fee detail design platform. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding will complete the detail design and construction of CVN 78 including engineering; integration; related development efforts including drawing and work package development; advanced planning; design weight estimate; lifecycle support products and related logistics data; production planning; test and evaluation; further definition of initiatives to reduce CVN 78 class total ownership costs; and other data necessary to support construction. The design efforts will continue to be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be complete by September 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
TEC, Inc., JV, Charlottesville, Va., is being awarded a $14,415,884 estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification under a combination firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62742-06-D-1870) to exercise Option 4 for architect-engineer services for environmental planning to support strategic forward basing initiatives and related technical services for projects and activities at various locations. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $65,000,000. Work will be performed predominantly in Guam (95 percent); and in Hawaii, Saipan, and various locations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific area of responsibility (5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Buffalo Supply, Inc., Lafayette, Colo.*, is being awarded a maximum $51,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for spinal implant products and hand instruments, and blood bank items. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 99 proposals solicited with 68 responses. This contract covers a five-year base with no options included. The date of performance completion is May 11, 2015. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-10-D-8212).
AIR FORCE
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $23,510,453 contract which will develop information assurance solutions to meet the mission-critical demands in accordance with the government's compliance initiatives. At this time, $20,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, Delivery Order 0406).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,888,892 contract which will provide combat-ready forces to conduct secure cyber operations in and through the electromagnetic spectrum, with air and space operations. At this time, $545,635 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, Delivery Order 0404).
Weldin Construction Inc., Palmer, Alaska, was awarded a $10,000,000 contract which will provide simplified acquisition of base engineer requirements at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. At this time, $250,000 has been obligated. 3 CONS/LGCA, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (FA5000-10-D-0023).
MacAulay-Brown, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a $5,691,116.64 contract for director labor for Depot On-site Contract Augmentee Team to perform maintenance and related tasks at 309 Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Tucson, Ariz. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. OO-ALC/PKEMS, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8224-08-D-0011-0005).
Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, Inc., Newport News, Va., is being awarded an $186,632,406 modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-08-C-2110) as part of the planned increment of detailed design engineering work supporting Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) construction. This modification increases the level of effort under the existing cost-plus-fixed-fee detail design platform. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding will complete the detail design and construction of CVN 78 including engineering; integration; related development efforts including drawing and work package development; advanced planning; design weight estimate; lifecycle support products and related logistics data; production planning; test and evaluation; further definition of initiatives to reduce CVN 78 class total ownership costs; and other data necessary to support construction. The design efforts will continue to be performed in Newport News, Va., and is expected to be complete by September 2015. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity.
TEC, Inc., JV, Charlottesville, Va., is being awarded a $14,415,884 estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification under a combination firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N62742-06-D-1870) to exercise Option 4 for architect-engineer services for environmental planning to support strategic forward basing initiatives and related technical services for projects and activities at various locations. The total contract amount after exercise of this option will be $65,000,000. Work will be performed predominantly in Guam (95 percent); and in Hawaii, Saipan, and various locations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific area of responsibility (5 percent). Work is expected to be completed by May 2011. Contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Buffalo Supply, Inc., Lafayette, Colo.*, is being awarded a maximum $51,000,000 fixed-price with economic price adjustment contract for spinal implant products and hand instruments, and blood bank items. There are no other locations of performance. Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. There were originally 99 proposals solicited with 68 responses. This contract covers a five-year base with no options included. The date of performance completion is May 11, 2015. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM2D1-10-D-8212).
AIR FORCE
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $23,510,453 contract which will develop information assurance solutions to meet the mission-critical demands in accordance with the government's compliance initiatives. At this time, $20,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, Delivery Order 0406).
Booz Allen & Hamilton, Inc., Herndon, Va., was awarded a $19,888,892 contract which will provide combat-ready forces to conduct secure cyber operations in and through the electromagnetic spectrum, with air and space operations. At this time, $545,635 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-98-D-4002, Delivery Order 0404).
Weldin Construction Inc., Palmer, Alaska, was awarded a $10,000,000 contract which will provide simplified acquisition of base engineer requirements at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska. At this time, $250,000 has been obligated. 3 CONS/LGCA, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, is the contracting activity (FA5000-10-D-0023).
MacAulay-Brown, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, was awarded a $5,691,116.64 contract for director labor for Depot On-site Contract Augmentee Team to perform maintenance and related tasks at 309 Aircraft Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Tucson, Ariz. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. OO-ALC/PKEMS, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8224-08-D-0011-0005).
Air Guard security forces train as they fight
Date: May 12, 2010
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing
Five calm Airmen huddled together in the spring morning air. Weapons in hand, the Airmen discussed their objective: to recon various points on the perimeter of Gen. Mitchell International Airport.
Their plan made, the five Airmen moved with caution and experience. They were expecting resistance during their mission.
Such was the training atmosphere at the 128th Air Refueling Wing as security forces team members conducted their annual training on May 1.
The training gave security forces team members the opportunity to refresh their valuable combat skills, which could be used at home station or during a deployment, said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Ratka, a 128th ARW security forces specialist.
Most of the training events incorporated techniques and information that apply to off-base missions in non-urban environments, but the training situations did enhance teamwork and the ability to work as a cohesive unit in any situation, Ratka added.
The training was conducted with the use of the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES gear. These devices allow for the use of simulated ammunition, and they can identify an Airman as a target or victim of an enemy shooter by emitting a high-pitched noise.
Training scenarios utilized proper compass use, land navigation techniques, reactive fire to nearambush situations, and combat life saver skills, Ratka said.
"In addition to the [deploying] teams, we think it's important to keep all teams up on their training," said Master Sgt. Mark Warner, the 128th security forces training manager.
Warner said the training environment used by the 128th security forces squadron is identical to down-range training and techniques.
"We learned this from the Army, and this is the way we do things," Warner said.
In addition to conducting field training, security forces team members performed their weapons qualifications, said Master Sgt. Matthew Knight, a 128th security forces combat arms training and maintenance instructor.
Team members qualified with the M-4 assault rifle and the M-9 sidearm using simulateddistance targets at the on-base range, Knight said. Other weapons the team members train with include the M-203 grenade launcher, the M-249 squad automatic weapon and the M-240B crewserve weapon, he said.
Security forces weapons qualifications differ from main-base Airmen's qualifications by introducing shooting-in-movement scenarios and by allowing the team members to operate their weapons ambidextrously, Knight said.
Weapons training is conducted annually or as needed for deployment purposes, Knight said. The day's field training concluded with the successful completion of the reconnaissance mission. By being proactive in their defensive efforts and utilizing their collective experience, the security forces team members were able to mitigate the loss of life, subdue their enemies and end the day with the knowledge that they are prepared to perform their duties in any global environment.
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing
Five calm Airmen huddled together in the spring morning air. Weapons in hand, the Airmen discussed their objective: to recon various points on the perimeter of Gen. Mitchell International Airport.
Their plan made, the five Airmen moved with caution and experience. They were expecting resistance during their mission.
Such was the training atmosphere at the 128th Air Refueling Wing as security forces team members conducted their annual training on May 1.
The training gave security forces team members the opportunity to refresh their valuable combat skills, which could be used at home station or during a deployment, said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Ratka, a 128th ARW security forces specialist.
Most of the training events incorporated techniques and information that apply to off-base missions in non-urban environments, but the training situations did enhance teamwork and the ability to work as a cohesive unit in any situation, Ratka added.
The training was conducted with the use of the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES gear. These devices allow for the use of simulated ammunition, and they can identify an Airman as a target or victim of an enemy shooter by emitting a high-pitched noise.
Training scenarios utilized proper compass use, land navigation techniques, reactive fire to nearambush situations, and combat life saver skills, Ratka said.
"In addition to the [deploying] teams, we think it's important to keep all teams up on their training," said Master Sgt. Mark Warner, the 128th security forces training manager.
Warner said the training environment used by the 128th security forces squadron is identical to down-range training and techniques.
"We learned this from the Army, and this is the way we do things," Warner said.
In addition to conducting field training, security forces team members performed their weapons qualifications, said Master Sgt. Matthew Knight, a 128th security forces combat arms training and maintenance instructor.
Team members qualified with the M-4 assault rifle and the M-9 sidearm using simulateddistance targets at the on-base range, Knight said. Other weapons the team members train with include the M-203 grenade launcher, the M-249 squad automatic weapon and the M-240B crewserve weapon, he said.
Security forces weapons qualifications differ from main-base Airmen's qualifications by introducing shooting-in-movement scenarios and by allowing the team members to operate their weapons ambidextrously, Knight said.
Weapons training is conducted annually or as needed for deployment purposes, Knight said. The day's field training concluded with the successful completion of the reconnaissance mission. By being proactive in their defensive efforts and utilizing their collective experience, the security forces team members were able to mitigate the loss of life, subdue their enemies and end the day with the knowledge that they are prepared to perform their duties in any global environment.
More bases to advertise vacancies on USAJOBS
by April Rowden
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Eight additional locations will begin using USAJOBS.gov on May 24 to advertise vacancies to current Air Force employees.
Charleston AFB, S.C.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; McChord AFB, Wash.; Langley AFB, Va.; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Andersen AFB, Guam; and the Air Force District of Washington’s Bolling AFB and the Pentagon make up Phase II of the Air Force’s civilian initiative to use USAJOBS to announce jobs vacancies to internal and external candidates.
Osan AB, Korea; Goodfellow AFB, Texas; and all the U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases launched the program Feb. 22, 2010.
By phasing in the use of USAJOBS, Air Force officials are able to test system enhancements, verify that the program creates a more timely hiring process, and respond to feedback from the field.
“Above all, we want to ensure we allow time for feedback from our selecting supervisors, local civilian personnel section staff, employees and applicants that this recruitment tool is meeting their needs,” said Jamie Beattie of the Air Force Personnel Center.
The feedback has been positive.
“Our internal Air Force employees feel they are receiving fair consideration by applying via a resume in lieu of career briefs with skills coding, and our selecting supervisors appreciate receiving only one certificate with both internal and external candidates instead of the two they received in the past,” according to Ms. Beattie.
Individuals applying for jobs at the test bases will apply through USAJOBS instead of the Air Force Civilian Employment Self-Nomination Application found on the Air Force Personnel Center’s secure website.
After creating an account through USAJOBS, employees will have the ability to build and save up to five different resumes. Applicants then select which resume they want to submit based on the qualifications needed for the job vacancy. From there, an applicant can track when the application is received, when it’s assessed for qualifications, and if it’s referred to a selecting official.
Applicants can verify the announcement is available to current Air Force civilian candidates by looking for the “Current Permanent Air Force Employee” eligibility statement on jobs advertised in USAJOBS. Applicants should identify themselves as current Air Force employees in the assessment questionnaire included in the vacancy announcement.
USAJOBS can be accessed by computer or smart phone using a username and password 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For guidance on preparing resumes, interview techniques or other career-search assistance, contact the local Airman and Family Readiness Center.
For more information on USA Staffing, Air Force employees may call the 24-hour Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102.
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs Office
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Eight additional locations will begin using USAJOBS.gov on May 24 to advertise vacancies to current Air Force employees.
Charleston AFB, S.C.; McGuire AFB, N.J.; McChord AFB, Wash.; Langley AFB, Va.; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Andersen AFB, Guam; and the Air Force District of Washington’s Bolling AFB and the Pentagon make up Phase II of the Air Force’s civilian initiative to use USAJOBS to announce jobs vacancies to internal and external candidates.
Osan AB, Korea; Goodfellow AFB, Texas; and all the U.S. Air Forces in Europe bases launched the program Feb. 22, 2010.
By phasing in the use of USAJOBS, Air Force officials are able to test system enhancements, verify that the program creates a more timely hiring process, and respond to feedback from the field.
“Above all, we want to ensure we allow time for feedback from our selecting supervisors, local civilian personnel section staff, employees and applicants that this recruitment tool is meeting their needs,” said Jamie Beattie of the Air Force Personnel Center.
The feedback has been positive.
“Our internal Air Force employees feel they are receiving fair consideration by applying via a resume in lieu of career briefs with skills coding, and our selecting supervisors appreciate receiving only one certificate with both internal and external candidates instead of the two they received in the past,” according to Ms. Beattie.
Individuals applying for jobs at the test bases will apply through USAJOBS instead of the Air Force Civilian Employment Self-Nomination Application found on the Air Force Personnel Center’s secure website.
After creating an account through USAJOBS, employees will have the ability to build and save up to five different resumes. Applicants then select which resume they want to submit based on the qualifications needed for the job vacancy. From there, an applicant can track when the application is received, when it’s assessed for qualifications, and if it’s referred to a selecting official.
Applicants can verify the announcement is available to current Air Force civilian candidates by looking for the “Current Permanent Air Force Employee” eligibility statement on jobs advertised in USAJOBS. Applicants should identify themselves as current Air Force employees in the assessment questionnaire included in the vacancy announcement.
USAJOBS can be accessed by computer or smart phone using a username and password 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
For guidance on preparing resumes, interview techniques or other career-search assistance, contact the local Airman and Family Readiness Center.
For more information on USA Staffing, Air Force employees may call the 24-hour Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102.
First Lady Calls on Nation to Support Military Families
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
May 12, 2010 - First Lady Michelle Obama issued a national challenge today to all sectors of American society: mobilize and take action to support and engage military families.
"One percent of Americans may be fighting our wars, but we need 100 percent of Americans to support them and their families," the first lady said. "This has to be all hands on deck. This is a challenge to government."
The first lady made this call to action during her remarks to the National Military Family Association's summit: "When Parents Deploy: Understanding the Experiences of Military Children and Spouses."
"We know that our military families are some of the most patriotic, some of the most dedicated, the most service-oriented Americans you will ever meet," she said. "But we also know ... that these strong families are being tested like never before."
President Barack Obama and his administration have made military families a priority, she noted, with increased pay and benefits as well as increased funding for military housing and child care and spouse counseling and career development. The Family and Medical Leave Act also has been extended to more military families and caregivers, she added.
The budget for next year is slated to continue to strengthen military family support programs, the first lady said.
"And last week, my husband signed into law legislation that many of you fought for – expanding veterans' health care and giving unprecedented support to caretakers," she said.
Within the Defense Department, the first lady lauded the leadership of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen for the progress made in military family programs.
Still, much work remains to be done to better understand how to serve military families, she said.
To that end, the Defense Department has launched the Military Family Life Project, the first lady said, a landmark study of more than 100,000 spouses and servicemembers that is slated to launch this month. This survey will assess families' quality of life to give officials a better sense of how families are experiencing deployments and improve the support provided to them.
Spouses and servicemembers, selected at random from all services, will be invited via mail to participate in the online survey, defense officials said.
"I want to encourage all the spouses who were selected to fully participate in this project, because the more that this nation knows about your priorities, the more we can do to meet them," Obama said.
Along with the federal government, Obama extended her challenge to encompass state and local governments "whose services touch military families in so many ways." The Interstate Compact that eases the school transfer process for military children has been adopted by 30 states, she noted as an example.
"And we are going to need the other 20 states to help by adopting it too," she said.
In the private sector, businesses large and small also can make a difference, the first lady said.
"Maybe it's offering services, pro bono, to a military family or veteran," she suggested. "Maybe it's helping a military spouse or a veteran develop their job skills and find a job. Maybe it's hiring them – because you know the discipline and dedication needed to succeed in the military are the same traits that any business would want in their employees."
Obama encouraged community-based organizations to continue their work on behalf of military families, pointing out the contributions of organizations such as Sierra Club, which partnered with the National Military Family Association to create Operation Purple summer camps for military children.
"There are so many organizations with skills and interests that can be shared with military families and we need to get them involved," she said.
In communities, Obama called on people to reach out to military families, particularly those living far from military installations. Even in communities without a base, people can find ways to reach out, she said, and many partnerships are waiting to be forged.
The first lady pointed out a national network that she and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched last Veterans Day. Mission Serve brings civilian and military service groups together not only to help support troops and veterans and their families, but to encourage communities to use the talents and skills of military families and veterans, she said.
From a federal government leader to a next-door neighbor, her challenge ultimately extends to all Americans, she said.
"Everyone can do something, whether it's reaching out to a local family or supporting an organization serving families or sharing your skills or being a voice in your community or just saying, 'Thank you,'" she said. "Even small things send a big message."
It may take time to come to fruition, Obama said, "but if Americans respond to this challenge, if we mobilize every segment of society, if we work together, if we hold ourselves to the same high standard of excellence that our military families live by every day, then I know we can succeed," she said. "I know we can realize our vision of an America that truly supports and engages our military families not just now, but for decades to come.
"And I can promise you this today, this will remain one of my defining missions as first lady," she added.
American Forces Press Service
May 12, 2010 - First Lady Michelle Obama issued a national challenge today to all sectors of American society: mobilize and take action to support and engage military families.
"One percent of Americans may be fighting our wars, but we need 100 percent of Americans to support them and their families," the first lady said. "This has to be all hands on deck. This is a challenge to government."
The first lady made this call to action during her remarks to the National Military Family Association's summit: "When Parents Deploy: Understanding the Experiences of Military Children and Spouses."
"We know that our military families are some of the most patriotic, some of the most dedicated, the most service-oriented Americans you will ever meet," she said. "But we also know ... that these strong families are being tested like never before."
President Barack Obama and his administration have made military families a priority, she noted, with increased pay and benefits as well as increased funding for military housing and child care and spouse counseling and career development. The Family and Medical Leave Act also has been extended to more military families and caregivers, she added.
The budget for next year is slated to continue to strengthen military family support programs, the first lady said.
"And last week, my husband signed into law legislation that many of you fought for – expanding veterans' health care and giving unprecedented support to caretakers," she said.
Within the Defense Department, the first lady lauded the leadership of Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen for the progress made in military family programs.
Still, much work remains to be done to better understand how to serve military families, she said.
To that end, the Defense Department has launched the Military Family Life Project, the first lady said, a landmark study of more than 100,000 spouses and servicemembers that is slated to launch this month. This survey will assess families' quality of life to give officials a better sense of how families are experiencing deployments and improve the support provided to them.
Spouses and servicemembers, selected at random from all services, will be invited via mail to participate in the online survey, defense officials said.
"I want to encourage all the spouses who were selected to fully participate in this project, because the more that this nation knows about your priorities, the more we can do to meet them," Obama said.
Along with the federal government, Obama extended her challenge to encompass state and local governments "whose services touch military families in so many ways." The Interstate Compact that eases the school transfer process for military children has been adopted by 30 states, she noted as an example.
"And we are going to need the other 20 states to help by adopting it too," she said.
In the private sector, businesses large and small also can make a difference, the first lady said.
"Maybe it's offering services, pro bono, to a military family or veteran," she suggested. "Maybe it's helping a military spouse or a veteran develop their job skills and find a job. Maybe it's hiring them – because you know the discipline and dedication needed to succeed in the military are the same traits that any business would want in their employees."
Obama encouraged community-based organizations to continue their work on behalf of military families, pointing out the contributions of organizations such as Sierra Club, which partnered with the National Military Family Association to create Operation Purple summer camps for military children.
"There are so many organizations with skills and interests that can be shared with military families and we need to get them involved," she said.
In communities, Obama called on people to reach out to military families, particularly those living far from military installations. Even in communities without a base, people can find ways to reach out, she said, and many partnerships are waiting to be forged.
The first lady pointed out a national network that she and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, launched last Veterans Day. Mission Serve brings civilian and military service groups together not only to help support troops and veterans and their families, but to encourage communities to use the talents and skills of military families and veterans, she said.
From a federal government leader to a next-door neighbor, her challenge ultimately extends to all Americans, she said.
"Everyone can do something, whether it's reaching out to a local family or supporting an organization serving families or sharing your skills or being a voice in your community or just saying, 'Thank you,'" she said. "Even small things send a big message."
It may take time to come to fruition, Obama said, "but if Americans respond to this challenge, if we mobilize every segment of society, if we work together, if we hold ourselves to the same high standard of excellence that our military families live by every day, then I know we can succeed," she said. "I know we can realize our vision of an America that truly supports and engages our military families not just now, but for decades to come.
"And I can promise you this today, this will remain one of my defining missions as first lady," she added.
Flag Officer Assignments
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:
Capt. David M. Boone, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as director, Ashore Readiness Division, N46, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations/vice commander, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C. Boone previously served as commanding officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Fifth/Seventh Fleet, Atsugi, Japan. Buck is currently serving as executive assistant, deputy director for operations, J5, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Charles M. Gaouette, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command, Bahrain. Gaouette is currently serving as executive assistant to Integration of Requirements and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Ronald Horton, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific/commander, Task Force 73/commander, Navy Region Singapore. Horton previously served as commanding officer, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Margaret G. Kibben, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as chaplain of the Marine Corps/deputy chief of Chaplains/deputy director of Religious Ministries, N097B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Kibben is currently serving as executive assistant to the chief of Chaplains, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Matthew J. Kohler, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for Customer Relationships, Signals Intelligence Directorate, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Md. Kohler is currently serving as director for Intelligence and Security, Joint Interagency Task Force South, Naval Air Station, Key West, Fla.
Capt. Dietrich H. Kuhlmann III, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as director, Operations Division, Office of the Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller/director, Operations Division, Fiscal Management Division, N821, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Kuhlmann is currently serving as Capt. Mark C. Montgomery, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Plans and Policy, ECJ-5, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. Montgomery is currently serving as branch head for Strategy Concepts, N513, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Tilghman D. Payne, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill. Payne is currently serving as executive assistant, Installation and Environment, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Glenn C. Robillard, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Navy Exchange Service Command, Norfolk, Va. Robillard is currently serving as commanding officer, Fleet Industrial Supply Center, San Diego.
Capt. Phillip G. Sawyer, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as vice commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, San Diego. Sawyer is currently serving as executive assistant, U.S. Strategic Command Special Activities Atlantic, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. John W. Smith Jr., U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Interagency Task Force, U.S. Southern Command, Key West, Fla. Smith is currently serving as chief of staff, Navy Cyber Forces, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. David F. Steindl, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Service Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Steindl is currently serving as division director for the Surface Warfare Officer Career Management Division, PERS 41, Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tenn.
Capt. James D. Syring, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C. Syring is currently serving as major program manager for DDG 1000 Destroyer Program, Program Executive Office for Ships, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Kevin M. Sweeney, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Surface Warfare for Combat Systems, N86F, Officer of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Sweeney is currently serving as executive assistant, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Joseph E. Tofalo, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as director, Joint Operations, N3, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Tofalo previously served as executive assistant to the vice chief of Naval Operations, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Michael S. White, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as chief operating officer, N7, Naval Education and Training Command, Norfolk, Va. White is currently serving as division director for the Aviation Career Management Division, PERS 43, Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tenn.
Capt. Mathias W. Winter, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. Winter is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif.
Capt. David M. Boone, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as director, Ashore Readiness Division, N46, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations/vice commander, Navy Installations Command, Washington, D.C. Boone previously served as commanding officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Sean S. Buck, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Fifth/Seventh Fleet, Atsugi, Japan. Buck is currently serving as executive assistant, deputy director for operations, J5, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Charles M. Gaouette, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces, U.S. Central Command, Bahrain. Gaouette is currently serving as executive assistant to Integration of Requirements and Resources, N8, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Ronald Horton, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific/commander, Task Force 73/commander, Navy Region Singapore. Horton previously served as commanding officer, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Margaret G. Kibben, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as chaplain of the Marine Corps/deputy chief of Chaplains/deputy director of Religious Ministries, N097B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Kibben is currently serving as executive assistant to the chief of Chaplains, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Matthew J. Kohler, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director for Customer Relationships, Signals Intelligence Directorate, National Security Agency, Fort Meade, Md. Kohler is currently serving as director for Intelligence and Security, Joint Interagency Task Force South, Naval Air Station, Key West, Fla.
Capt. Dietrich H. Kuhlmann III, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as director, Operations Division, Office of the Budget, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller/director, Operations Division, Fiscal Management Division, N821, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Kuhlmann is currently serving as Capt. Mark C. Montgomery, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Plans and Policy, ECJ-5, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany. Montgomery is currently serving as branch head for Strategy Concepts, N513, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Tilghman D. Payne, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Midwest, Great Lakes, Ill. Payne is currently serving as executive assistant, Installation and Environment, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Glenn C. Robillard, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Navy Exchange Service Command, Norfolk, Va. Robillard is currently serving as commanding officer, Fleet Industrial Supply Center, San Diego.
Capt. Phillip G. Sawyer, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as vice commander, Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command, San Diego. Sawyer is currently serving as executive assistant, U.S. Strategic Command Special Activities Atlantic, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. John W. Smith Jr., U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy commander, Joint Interagency Task Force, U.S. Southern Command, Key West, Fla. Smith is currently serving as chief of staff, Navy Cyber Forces, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. David F. Steindl, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Service Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill. Steindl is currently serving as division director for the Surface Warfare Officer Career Management Division, PERS 41, Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tenn.
Capt. James D. Syring, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as program executive officer for Integrated Warfare Systems, Washington, D.C. Syring is currently serving as major program manager for DDG 1000 Destroyer Program, Program Executive Office for Ships, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Kevin M. Sweeney, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as deputy director, Surface Warfare for Combat Systems, N86F, Officer of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C. Sweeney is currently serving as executive assistant, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.
Capt. Joseph E. Tofalo, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as director, Joint Operations, N3, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va. Tofalo previously served as executive assistant to the vice chief of Naval Operations, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
Capt. Michael S. White, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as chief operating officer, N7, Naval Education and Training Command, Norfolk, Va. White is currently serving as division director for the Aviation Career Management Division, PERS 43, Navy Personnel Command, Millington, Tenn.
Capt. Mathias W. Winter, U.S. Navy, who has been selected for promotion to Rear Adm. (lower half), will be assigned as commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif. Winter is currently serving as vice commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif.
National Guard (in Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of May 11, 2010
This week the Army announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard announced an increase. The net collective result is 491 more reservists activated than last week.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 99,843; Navy Reserve, 6,459; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 18,108; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,767; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 834. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 132,011, A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found online at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100511ngr.pdf
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 99,843; Navy Reserve, 6,459; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 18,108; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,767; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 834. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 132,011, A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found online at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100511ngr.pdf
General Looks to Warrior Games' Future
Army News Service
May 12, 2010 - Only one day into the inaugural Warrior Games for wounded, ill and injured servicemembers at the U.S. Olympic Training Center here, the commander of the Army's Warrior Transition Command already is dreaming about future competitions. Brig. Gen. Gary H. Cheek, who also is the Army's assistant surgeon general for warrior care and transition, said he hopes the games will become an annual event with additional sporting categories, winter sports and even the participation of U.S. allies.
Cheek helped to conceive the competition after a 50-mile bike ride in April 2009 with Ride to Recovery, which takes wounded warriors on a 500-mile, cross-country ride. The games came from a conversation Cheek had with Ride to Recovery's founder and a USO representative who asked what else the USO could do for wounded warriors.
"And between the three of us, we kind of came up with ... an Olympic competition, where we bring all these warriors from the services to compete against each other and really maximize this notion of physical competition," the general explained.
"The thing that was so neat about that ride is I rode 50 miles and I hadn't ridden a bicycle since high school," Cheek continued. "I got a sense of accomplishment that I made it 50 miles on a bike, and so did all those warriors. And heck, they went on and rode for 500 miles. That's what we're trying to get. There's a much greater sense of accomplishment by doing something very, very challenging. ... [The Warrior Games competition] gets them out here, knocking heads, competing hard, doing things that are difficult. It gives a sense of purpose and reward."
The games have exceeded his wildest expectations, Cheek said as he watched Army beat Navy during yesterday's wheelchair basketball preliminaries. It shows servicemembers that there is life after their injuries, he noted, and also is testimony to the care and skill of military medical professionals, especially as some of the soldiers have been injured only months ago and are competing in as many as three events at the games.
"It's pretty miraculous what our medical departments in the various services have been able to do to help all of these warriors heal and continue to move forward," the general said. "And the fact that they're doing multiple sports partly is because we wanted them to do multiple sports, but they did as well. And so they are all competing in things - some things that they did before, but other things that they've never done before - and that's where they find these new abilities and new sports that they can potentially do for the rest of their lives."
Cheek said he hopes the warriors will take their new competitive spirit and inspire their comrades and battle buddies.
"The No. 1 thing I asked all of them to do was to take this flame, this Olympic torch, this spirit it has brought into them ... back to their comrades who are also recovering and moving forward and light that spark in them -- get their comrades back into life and into physical activity, and other things as well," Cheek said. "[The] real purpose of these games is to have a greater impact in the programs we're running across all the military services in the future."
Army Regroups After First Day of Competition
By Army Master Sgt. Doug Sample
Army News Service
May 12, 2010 - You win some, you lose some.
That statement sums up the Army's scorecard after the first day of competition at the inaugural Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Center here.
Yesterday's games featured preliminary rounds in sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball, where the Army finished the night with one win and four losses, including a total blowout by the Marine Corps on the hardwood.
In volleyball, the Army teams put of a good fight, but came up short on both sides on the gym. On the near court, the Marine Corps team led by as many as 10 points over Army before winning 25-11, thanks to retired Lance Cpl. Travis Green's eight aces, followed by Pfc. Jessie Schag, who added three aces and two kills. At one point, the Marines ran off 18 unanswered points.
But the second matchup between the two services told a different story. After a solid defeat by the Marines, the Army team wanted vindication, coming out strong for a 6-0 lead before the Marines rallied back to tie. The two teams had exchanged the lead three times when Army's Sgt. Jonathan Moreno, serving with a 25-24 lead, had a chance to steal the win.
With the crowd chanting "Army, Army," on one side, and "Go Marines" on the other, Moreno lost his focus and his serve on a net ball. From there, the Marines marched on to victory.
"We had them, but that's just the way it goes sometimes," Moreno said. "We'll get them next time. This is not just about the Army or the Marines. It's about wounded warriors. We all won today. That's the important thing today."
Despite the close defeat, Army assistant coach Roderick White said his team will bounce back in the tournament.
"We had enthusiasm and spirit, we played together as a team, and we will be OK," he said. "The most important thing is that the warriors got a chance to get out here, have a good time and play team ball."
While congratulating his opponents, Army Sgt. David Marklain of the Fort Jackson warrior transition unit had only praise for the Marines.
"I know we tried our very best, but the Marines' best was better," he said. "And I'm proud of them. I know we are here to beat them, but when I look at my brothers in arms, I have to give my hand to them."
The defeat by the Marines wasn't the only disappointment on the night. Army volleyball teams lost straight matches to the Air Force, 27-25 and 25-16, making them 0-3 against the services.
Meanwhile, in the first wheelchair basketball contest of the Warrior Games last night, Army edged Navy 15-10, to tally its first win of the four-day competition.
In a game that highlighted lots of defense and little offense, Staff Sgt. Curtis Winton, Spc. Chris Smith and Spc. Rashawn McDowell, each scored four points to lead Army in the win, while Petty Officer 3rd Class Mike Johnson netted four points for Navy.
Army coach Alonzo Lunsford said the win set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
"Regardless of Air Force, Navy or Marines," Lunsford said, "we've got the spirit, and we're out to win this thing; we're going to make it happen."
However, Lunsford said, he now realizes his team will have to beat the Marines, and after last night's matchup, he knows that won't be easy.
The Marines cut short the Army celebration with a 45-19 blowout in the second game, a win much like the 68-15 drubbing they handed Air Force in their earlier matchup.
In both contests the Marines' Schaq and the team's "big man," Lance Cpl. Justin Martin, appeared unstoppable. Against Army, Schaq led all scorers with 15 points, mostly off the fast break and outside set shots, while Martin poured in 12 points, mostly from underneath the basket and offensive rebounds.
Spc. Chris Smith, the Army's leading scorer, had nine points. He left the game in the second half with severe muscle spasms.
"We just did play the game like we were taught," Schaq said afterward, wheeling his way over to congratulate his Army buddies, many of whom are in rehab with him at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, Lunsford is hopeful for a different outcome when the two teams meet again later this week.
"It's going to be a different day," the Army coach said, mulling over his next game plan. "We'll have to wait and see what the outcome will be."
Army News Service
May 12, 2010 - You win some, you lose some.
That statement sums up the Army's scorecard after the first day of competition at the inaugural Warrior Games at the U.S. Olympic Training Center here.
Yesterday's games featured preliminary rounds in sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball, where the Army finished the night with one win and four losses, including a total blowout by the Marine Corps on the hardwood.
In volleyball, the Army teams put of a good fight, but came up short on both sides on the gym. On the near court, the Marine Corps team led by as many as 10 points over Army before winning 25-11, thanks to retired Lance Cpl. Travis Green's eight aces, followed by Pfc. Jessie Schag, who added three aces and two kills. At one point, the Marines ran off 18 unanswered points.
But the second matchup between the two services told a different story. After a solid defeat by the Marines, the Army team wanted vindication, coming out strong for a 6-0 lead before the Marines rallied back to tie. The two teams had exchanged the lead three times when Army's Sgt. Jonathan Moreno, serving with a 25-24 lead, had a chance to steal the win.
With the crowd chanting "Army, Army," on one side, and "Go Marines" on the other, Moreno lost his focus and his serve on a net ball. From there, the Marines marched on to victory.
"We had them, but that's just the way it goes sometimes," Moreno said. "We'll get them next time. This is not just about the Army or the Marines. It's about wounded warriors. We all won today. That's the important thing today."
Despite the close defeat, Army assistant coach Roderick White said his team will bounce back in the tournament.
"We had enthusiasm and spirit, we played together as a team, and we will be OK," he said. "The most important thing is that the warriors got a chance to get out here, have a good time and play team ball."
While congratulating his opponents, Army Sgt. David Marklain of the Fort Jackson warrior transition unit had only praise for the Marines.
"I know we tried our very best, but the Marines' best was better," he said. "And I'm proud of them. I know we are here to beat them, but when I look at my brothers in arms, I have to give my hand to them."
The defeat by the Marines wasn't the only disappointment on the night. Army volleyball teams lost straight matches to the Air Force, 27-25 and 25-16, making them 0-3 against the services.
Meanwhile, in the first wheelchair basketball contest of the Warrior Games last night, Army edged Navy 15-10, to tally its first win of the four-day competition.
In a game that highlighted lots of defense and little offense, Staff Sgt. Curtis Winton, Spc. Chris Smith and Spc. Rashawn McDowell, each scored four points to lead Army in the win, while Petty Officer 3rd Class Mike Johnson netted four points for Navy.
Army coach Alonzo Lunsford said the win set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
"Regardless of Air Force, Navy or Marines," Lunsford said, "we've got the spirit, and we're out to win this thing; we're going to make it happen."
However, Lunsford said, he now realizes his team will have to beat the Marines, and after last night's matchup, he knows that won't be easy.
The Marines cut short the Army celebration with a 45-19 blowout in the second game, a win much like the 68-15 drubbing they handed Air Force in their earlier matchup.
In both contests the Marines' Schaq and the team's "big man," Lance Cpl. Justin Martin, appeared unstoppable. Against Army, Schaq led all scorers with 15 points, mostly off the fast break and outside set shots, while Martin poured in 12 points, mostly from underneath the basket and offensive rebounds.
Spc. Chris Smith, the Army's leading scorer, had nine points. He left the game in the second half with severe muscle spasms.
"We just did play the game like we were taught," Schaq said afterward, wheeling his way over to congratulate his Army buddies, many of whom are in rehab with him at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.
Meanwhile, Lunsford is hopeful for a different outcome when the two teams meet again later this week.
"It's going to be a different day," the Army coach said, mulling over his next game plan. "We'll have to wait and see what the outcome will be."
Official Urges Reserve Component Funding, Predictability
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
May 12, 2010 - Emphasizing the critical role the reserve components play in U.S. national defense, the senior Pentagon reserve affairs official emphasized to Congress today the importance of adequately funding the force and providing predictability about deployments.
"As we reinforce policies, implement strategies and continue to call on our reserve components, we must remember that 'judicious use' is still the watchword," Dennis M. McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said in his prepared statement to the Senate Armed Service Committee's personnel subcommittee.
McCarthy was joined by the six reserve component chiefs at his first hearing before the panel since his confirmation in June.
He told the panel he's committed to implementing policies Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has approved to ensure proper use of the Guard and Reserve, reducing the operational burden on them and ensuring adequate notice about call-ups. These changes, recommended by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, ultimately will help to increase the strategic capacity of the total force, he said.
Defense Department officials have written mobilization policies that institutionalize "judicious use" as the core principle of reserve-component participation, McCarthy told the panel. These policies also provide the foundation for predictability within the operational reserve about upcoming deployments, he said.
McCarthy also expressed support for the so-called "continuum of service" concept that enables servicemembers to transfer between components – active, Guard, Reserve or civilian -- during their military careers.
"The COS program provides greater flexibility and predictability for retaining valuable skills over a lifetime of service to the nation," he said. "In the future, [the Defense Department] will seek necessary legislative changes to assist in duty status reform."
McCarthy cited progress toward that goal as the department implements 53 recommendations from the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves that Secretary Gates approved in November 2008.
Among the recommendations' high points are improvements in the oversight of equipment readiness and the transparency of reserve component procurement funding, McCarthy told the panel. He also noted the establishment of the Yellow Ribbon GI Enhancement Program that enables colleges and universities to supplement tuition expenses paid under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.
McCarthy also noted that the fiscal 2011 budget request provides about $50 billion for pay, training, equipment and facilities to support the reserve components, providing tremendous value.
"The funds provide about 43 percent of the total military end strength for 9 percent of the total base budget," he said.
Providing the proper funding, policies and support programs is essential to ensuring that the National Guard and Reserve are postured to remain a critical, mission-ready element of U.S. national security strategy, McCarthy said.
"Working together, we can ensure that the reserve components are trained, ready and continue to perform to the level of excellence that they have repeatedly demonstrated," he said.
American Forces Press Service
May 12, 2010 - Emphasizing the critical role the reserve components play in U.S. national defense, the senior Pentagon reserve affairs official emphasized to Congress today the importance of adequately funding the force and providing predictability about deployments.
"As we reinforce policies, implement strategies and continue to call on our reserve components, we must remember that 'judicious use' is still the watchword," Dennis M. McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, said in his prepared statement to the Senate Armed Service Committee's personnel subcommittee.
McCarthy was joined by the six reserve component chiefs at his first hearing before the panel since his confirmation in June.
He told the panel he's committed to implementing policies Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has approved to ensure proper use of the Guard and Reserve, reducing the operational burden on them and ensuring adequate notice about call-ups. These changes, recommended by the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves, ultimately will help to increase the strategic capacity of the total force, he said.
Defense Department officials have written mobilization policies that institutionalize "judicious use" as the core principle of reserve-component participation, McCarthy told the panel. These policies also provide the foundation for predictability within the operational reserve about upcoming deployments, he said.
McCarthy also expressed support for the so-called "continuum of service" concept that enables servicemembers to transfer between components – active, Guard, Reserve or civilian -- during their military careers.
"The COS program provides greater flexibility and predictability for retaining valuable skills over a lifetime of service to the nation," he said. "In the future, [the Defense Department] will seek necessary legislative changes to assist in duty status reform."
McCarthy cited progress toward that goal as the department implements 53 recommendations from the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves that Secretary Gates approved in November 2008.
Among the recommendations' high points are improvements in the oversight of equipment readiness and the transparency of reserve component procurement funding, McCarthy told the panel. He also noted the establishment of the Yellow Ribbon GI Enhancement Program that enables colleges and universities to supplement tuition expenses paid under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill.
McCarthy also noted that the fiscal 2011 budget request provides about $50 billion for pay, training, equipment and facilities to support the reserve components, providing tremendous value.
"The funds provide about 43 percent of the total military end strength for 9 percent of the total base budget," he said.
Providing the proper funding, policies and support programs is essential to ensuring that the National Guard and Reserve are postured to remain a critical, mission-ready element of U.S. national security strategy, McCarthy said.
"Working together, we can ensure that the reserve components are trained, ready and continue to perform to the level of excellence that they have repeatedly demonstrated," he said.
Another change in arrival time for some Wisconsin Guard Soldiers
Date: May 12, 2010
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing
Five calm Airmen huddled together in the spring morning air. Weapons in hand, the Airmen discussed their objective: to recon various points on the perimeter of Gen. Mitchell International Airport.
Their plan made, the five Airmen moved with caution and experience. They were expecting resistance during their mission.
Such was the training atmosphere at the 128th Air Refueling Wing as security forces team members conducted their annual training on May 1.
The training gave security forces team members the opportunity to refresh their valuable combat skills, which could be used at home station or during a deployment, said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Ratka, a 128th ARW security forces specialist.
Most of the training events incorporated techniques and information that apply to off-base missions in non-urban environments, but the training situations did enhance teamwork and the ability to work as a cohesive unit in any situation, Ratka said.
The training was conducted with the use of the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES gear. These devices allow for the use of simulated ammunition, and they can identify an Airman as a target or victim of an enemy shooter by emitting a high-pitched noise.
Training scenarios utilized proper compass use, land navigation techniques, reactive fire to near ambush situations, and combat life saver skills, Ratka said.
"In addition to the [deploying] teams, we think it's important to keep all teams up on their training," said Master Sgt. Mark Warner, the 128th security forces training manager.
Warner said the training environment used by the 128th security forces squadron is identical to down-range training and techniques.
"We learned this from the Army, and this is the way we do things," Warner said.
In addition to conducting field training, security forces team members performed their weapons qualifications, said Master Sgt. Matthew Knight, a 128th security forces combat arms training and maintenance instructor.
Team members qualified with the M-4 assault rifle and the M-9 sidearm using simulated-distance targets at the on-base range, Knight said. Other weapons the team members train with include the M-203 grenade launcher, the M-249 squad automatic weapon and the M-240B crewserve weapon, he said.
Security forces weapons qualifications differ from main-base Airmen's qualifications by introducing shooting-in-movement scenarios and by allowing the team members to operate their weapons ambidextrously, Knight said.
Weapons training is conducted annually or as needed for deployment purposes, Knight said. The day's field training concluded with the successful completion of the reconnaissance mission. By being proactive in their defensive efforts and utilizing their collective experience, the security forces team members were able to mitigate the loss of life, subdue their enemies and end the day with the knowledge that they are prepared to perform their duties in any global environment.
By Senior Airman Ryan Kuntze
128th Air Refueling Wing
Five calm Airmen huddled together in the spring morning air. Weapons in hand, the Airmen discussed their objective: to recon various points on the perimeter of Gen. Mitchell International Airport.
Their plan made, the five Airmen moved with caution and experience. They were expecting resistance during their mission.
Such was the training atmosphere at the 128th Air Refueling Wing as security forces team members conducted their annual training on May 1.
The training gave security forces team members the opportunity to refresh their valuable combat skills, which could be used at home station or during a deployment, said Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Ratka, a 128th ARW security forces specialist.
Most of the training events incorporated techniques and information that apply to off-base missions in non-urban environments, but the training situations did enhance teamwork and the ability to work as a cohesive unit in any situation, Ratka said.
The training was conducted with the use of the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, or MILES gear. These devices allow for the use of simulated ammunition, and they can identify an Airman as a target or victim of an enemy shooter by emitting a high-pitched noise.
Training scenarios utilized proper compass use, land navigation techniques, reactive fire to near ambush situations, and combat life saver skills, Ratka said.
"In addition to the [deploying] teams, we think it's important to keep all teams up on their training," said Master Sgt. Mark Warner, the 128th security forces training manager.
Warner said the training environment used by the 128th security forces squadron is identical to down-range training and techniques.
"We learned this from the Army, and this is the way we do things," Warner said.
In addition to conducting field training, security forces team members performed their weapons qualifications, said Master Sgt. Matthew Knight, a 128th security forces combat arms training and maintenance instructor.
Team members qualified with the M-4 assault rifle and the M-9 sidearm using simulated-distance targets at the on-base range, Knight said. Other weapons the team members train with include the M-203 grenade launcher, the M-249 squad automatic weapon and the M-240B crewserve weapon, he said.
Security forces weapons qualifications differ from main-base Airmen's qualifications by introducing shooting-in-movement scenarios and by allowing the team members to operate their weapons ambidextrously, Knight said.
Weapons training is conducted annually or as needed for deployment purposes, Knight said. The day's field training concluded with the successful completion of the reconnaissance mission. By being proactive in their defensive efforts and utilizing their collective experience, the security forces team members were able to mitigate the loss of life, subdue their enemies and end the day with the knowledge that they are prepared to perform their duties in any global environment.
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