Enterprise, Carrier Air Wing One Complete Blue Water Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alex R. Forster, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and embarked Carrier Air Wing One (CVW 1) successfully completed their Blue Water Certification Oct. 21 during Carrier Strike Group Twelve's Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).

Blue Water Certification qualifies the carrier and air wing to conduct flight operations without a divert airfield available. Prior to becoming certified, aircrew can only fly with secondary landing sites in range, for use in case of emergencies.

"One strength of a carrier is being able to operate autonomously without the need of other airfields. Our assets launch from and return to our deck," said Cmdr. Carroll W. Bannister, the Big E's air boss.

The certification process took the ship and the air wing two days to complete and required everyone to work seamlessly together.

"It is a total team effort that must be continuously monitored, tweaked and executed – no one's part is more important than the other's," said Bannister. "Everyone has to work in an efficient manner for all facets of the certification to come together. My part is to ensure that the orchestration is done and to ensure all parties are acting in concert."

Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic provided an evaluation team for the event, with Big E earning an exceptional grade upon completion of Blue Water Certification.

"It is one of the final pre-deployment 'checks in the box' for Enterprise," said Chief Air Traffic Controller (AW/SW) Douglas E. Cooke, Case III Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) supervisor and leading chief petty officer of OC division.

This certifies that not only CATCC and the flight deck are ready to deploy, but that the ship as a whole is ready, said Cooke.

"The combat systems personnel must assure the radars and communications work, the reactor and engineering department have to supply steam to the catapults and propulsion plants, and supply and AIMD (Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department) must keep parts in stock and maintenance up-to-date to keep aircraft flying," said Cooke. "It's really a whole team evolution for the entire command."

Blue Water Certification was a monumental accomplishment for the Big E, as the crew gears up for its first deployment in three years.

"I couldn't be more proud of the Sailors and Marines serving on Big E," said Capt. O.P. Honors, USS Enterprise commanding officer. "We had a difficult goal to accomplish, and our team knocked it out of the park."

Enterprise Strike Group consists of Enterprise, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), the guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8), Carrier Air Wing 1 and Destroyer Squadron 2.

Enterprise Strike Group is conducting COMPTUEX as part of its work-ups in preparation for an upcoming deployment. For more information about Enterprise, Carrier Strike Group 12 or Carrier Air Wing 1 visit www.Enterprise.navy.mil, www.ccsg12.surfor.navy.mil, and www.cvw1.navy.mil.

Navy Demonstration Highlights Bio-Fuels Capability

By Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class William Jamieson

Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NORFOLK NAVAL STATION, Va., Oct. 25, 2010 – The U.S. Navy last week conducted a demonstration here featuring an experimental riverine command boat which uses an alternative fuel blend of 50 percent algae-based and 50 percent NATO F-76 fuel oil.

The demonstration is part of an initiative to support Navy Secretary Ray Mabus' efforts to reduce the fleet's reliance on fossil fuels and is part of a series of progressively complex tests and evaluations scheduled through 2012.

Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, Chief of Naval Operations' director of energy and environmental readiness, which leads the Navy's Task Force Energy, said the demonstration was a historic step on the road toward energy independence for the Navy.

"What you've seen today is a mean, green riverine machine," Cullom said. "This demonstration is a great example of the fleet answering the Secretary of the Navy’s call. He told us a year ago that by 2020 half of our platforms at sea would be operating on an alternative fuel other than petroleum. We made an important step toward that goal today."

The initiative toward a Navy running on alternative fuels is multi-purpose, the admiral said.

"Our primary mission for Navy energy reform is to increase warfighting capability, both strategically and tactically," Cullom said. "From a strategic perspective, we are reducing reliance on fossil fuels from unstable locations. Tactically, efficient use of energy resources extends our combat range and use of non-petroleum fuels assures multiple supplies are available."

Sailors assigned to Riverine Group 1 here conducted the demonstration, performing maneuvers meant to simulate actions taken during offensive operations.

Rear Adm. Michael P. Tillotson, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, said the most impressive aspect of the demonstration was that there was no functional impact on how the boat performed.

"The coxswain of the boat told me he couldn't tell a difference between the bio-fuel mix and the normal fuel," Tillotson said. "I think that is a testament to how practical and beneficial this fuel can be for our people, our Navy and our country."

Cullom said the bio-fuels program will benefit servicemembers by increasing efficiency and extending the ranges they can travel without refueling.

"This program is going to benefit our people," he said. "If this extends the range of a pilot, say, one more pass around a carrier, it could mean the difference in allowing that pilot to get home to his or her family safely."

The testing and demonstration of alternative fuels for ships is led by Naval Sea Systems Command's advanced fuels program office. The office, working in coordination with the Task Force Energy Maritime Working Group, supports the Secretary of the Navy's efforts to reduce total energy consumption on naval ships.

Bataan Makes ULTRA-C Preparations

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Erin Boyce, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- The crew of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) returned to Norfolk, Va. Oct. 22 following a week at sea preparing for an upcoming Unit Level Training Assessment for Certification (ULTRA-C).

During ULTRA-C, inspectors from Afloat Training Group (ATG) Mid-Atlantic will come aboard and review Bataan's training teams and crew in the areas of damage control, seamanship, medical readiness and combat systems.

The crew spent the week drilling in each of these areas. Each day underway, the schedule featured a total ships survivability exercise (TSSE), which included flexing all 10 of Bataan's repair lockers, elements of the ship's combat systems, a fully manned combat information center, and the ship's medical team.

"Everybody has a role to fulfill," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Richard Rock, assistant leading petty officer of the medical department. "In any given scenario or drill, the integration of all the training teams will test the flexibility, capability and overall training of the crew to save and fight the ship."

In addition to proficiency, ATG inspectors will take a look at the crew's level of knowledge and qualifications, and evaluate a number of the ship's programs, including zone inspections and electrical safety.

Bataan's assistant damage control assistant, Lt. j.g. Robert Mayo said, starting, maintaining and finishing the week-long assessment with an strong, upbeat collective attitude will help carry the crew to success.

"The Sailors do a phenomenal job every time we have certifications to pass, and they demonstrated that throughout this week of training," said Mayo. "They always have great attitudes."

Although the crew picked up the pace of its preparations over the last week, Bataan's training teams provide consistent guidance and training year-round to keep the crew operating at high levels in all warfare areas.

"We've gone through several scenarios; integrated training team (ITT) training, stretcher bearer evaluations, and taken quick looks at our programs to gauge where we are at this time," said Rock.

He said he is 100-percent confident in the crew's ability to train, self assess and correct when necessary and that the combination of those three things will lead to success during ULTRA-C and moving forward.

CGC Healy – Return to port

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

Post Written by Ensign Emily Kehrt

After a summer in the Arctic, Healy pulled into our homeport of Seattle October 12.  On the way south, we stopped in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to drop off the scientists from our final mission, and Kodiak for a port call. We also pulled into Juneau to pick up friends and family for a Dependents Cruise. Some of our family and friends were able to join us on our transit home from Juneau because once the science parties depart Healy has extra berthing areas which can be use for dependents.

Although the weather wasn’t too great (96 knots of relative wind!), we were able to show our families and friends the beautiful Inside Passage. This is the same route that cruise ships usually take going between Seattle and Alaska. As we pulled into Pier 36 at Coast Guard Sector Seattle, many of the family members who weren’t able to join us for the cruise were waiting on the pier.

When I last posted, we were working with NASA researchers. Since then, we’ve had two more science missions. The second mission of the summer was our third year of collaborating with the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Louis S. St-Laurent, working together to map the Extended Continental Shelf and the Arctic seafloor. Healy has very good sonar bottom-mapping capabilities – we actually map the seafloor constantly whenever we’re underway. For this mission, however, we mostly broke ice for the Louis S. St-Laurent, who was trailing seismic gear which can map deep into the sediment layers of the seafloor. Our final mission this summer involved deploying subsurface moorings which measure various facets of the water column, such as conductivity, temperature and salinity.

Our summer science missions were very successful, but the crew was really excited to get home to their families and spend some time in Seattle. Buildings and trees are a nice change of scenery from white ice stretching into the horizon. Not to forget that sailing for months at a time crunching through thick, Arctic ice takes its toll on the cutter. Spending the winter in port allows for a long dockside maintenance period, which will give us time to get Healy ready for another Arctic summer next year.

ESG 5 Officers Earn Information Dominance Corps Warfare Qualifications

From Expeditionary Strike Group 5 Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- During a ceremony at Naval Support Activity, Bahrain, all eligible members of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5's staff officially became part of the Information Dominance Corps (IDC), Oct. 20.

After completing the qualification standards and passing a required exam, 12 members of ESG 5 were welcomed into the IDC as Information Dominance Warfare Officers (IDWO) and presented with the new warfare insignia.

"It is an exciting time to be in the information business," said Lt. Linda Laws, ESG 5's communications officer. "By combining all the information gathering communities into one organization we are increasing our capability to provide a clear picture of the operational environment to commanders."

The community, consisting of information professionals, intelligence officers, meteorological officers and information warfare officers, was established in Nov. 2009 to streamline the information sharing process within the Navy.

"In this new era the cyber domain has become increasingly dominant and it is vitally important to have individuals who are specialized in information dominance," said Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 5. "This ESG 5 team of cyber warriors is leading the fight."

The community, led by Vice Adm. Jack Dorsett, deputy chief of Naval Operations for Information Dominance, was established to empower a corps of professionals to improve Navy capabilities in the information domain.

"The awarding of the IDWO pin provides the same kind of visible recognition as other warfare-qualified officers," said Lt. Ryan Tashma, ESG5's knowledge manager. "It identifies IDC members as warfighters with basic proficiency in a critical warfare area."

ESG 5 was re-established in Nov. 2009 to support amphibious forces deployed to the region, mine warfare, contingency response missions and maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations within the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Amos Succeeds Conway as Marine Commandant

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2010 – In a sun-drenched ceremony here today, Gen. James F. Amos received the battle flag of the U.S. Marine Corps from Gen. James T. Conway and became the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who presided at the ceremony, praised both Amos and Conway for their military careers and their dedication to America.

“As commandant, Jim made the health of the force a top priority, ensuring his Marines had the right tools for the job and new Marines were of the highest quality,” Gates said. He noted that on Conway’s watch, the Marine Corps grew to 202,000 members exceeding both DOD and Marine Corps standards. Gates gave the service five years to increase by 27,000 Marines and they accomplished the mission in less than half that time.

Conway also put aside the resources needed to care for ill or injured Marines, Gates said.

“He established the Wounded Warrior regiment to provide state-of-the-art care and outreach to wounded or sick Marines and their families, and to do so long after they had left the service,” the secretary said.

Gates called the Marine Corps “one of America’s most-cherished institutions and one of the world’s most feared and respected fighting forces.”

The Marine Corps, the secretary noted, has spent the last eight years essentially as an army force, without employing its famous amphibious skills.

“They need to preserve both their maritime soul and the hard-won counterinsurgency skills they've developed during this past decade,” Gates said. “Doing this will demand an intellectual capacity similar to that of Marine Corps forebears who developed novel amphibious warfare concepts in the years leading up to World War II.”

Gates said that Amos, the first Marine aviator to be commandant, is the man to tackle the challenge.

“He will, I'm confident, find the right balance to create what is needed to win the wars we're in, while ensuring Marines remain the expeditionary force in readiness for the 21st century,” Gates said.

Conway thanked the secretary and praised his successor. The outgoing commandant also spoke of American servicemembers in harm’s way.

“There’s lots of work still to be done, and a close fight still to be won,” Conway said. It’s important, he added, that Americans “understand the important job” performed by the Marines and other U.S. servicemembers deployed in war zones.

“We want them to win and come home safe. So I ask you to continue to provide that support. And I think you'll be pleased with the outcome,” Conway said.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, October 25, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey deliver opening remarks at Association of the United States Army Annual Symposium followed by press briefing at 11:45 a.m. EDT in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact AUSA at 202-249-4161.

Pentagon Prepares for Possible WikiLeaks Publication

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2010 – The Defense Department is preparing for an additional publication by WikiLeaks of classified military documents from Iraq operations, DOD officials said here today.

A DOD task force has been combing through the Iraq data base to assess the damage that a proposed WikiLeaks publication of 400,000 significant activity reports could pose to the U.S. military, Iraqi allies, and on-going operations.

“We strongly condemn the unauthorized disclosure of classified information and will not comment on these leaked documents other than to note that ‘significant activities’ reports are initial, raw observations by tactical units,” Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters. “They are essentially snapshots of events, both tragic and mundane, and do not tell the whole story.

“That said, the period covered by these reports has been well-chronicled in news stories, books and films and the release of these field reports does not bring new understanding to Iraq’s past,” Morrell added.

In a note to news organizations, Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said the department does not know for sure what Wikileaks will publish, but officials expect the same type of documents the organization put on the Internet in July about the Afghan conflict. WikiLeaks put 77,000 documents from the Afghan data base on line in that breach of national security.

“If the release of documents is four times what it was for the Afghan logs, this is larger in that sense,” Lapan said. “But in view of the types of information, the two are very similar.”

Task force officials, he said, concluded that WikiLeaks might release the names of Iraqis who cooperated with the coalition and information that could aid enemies in operations.

The potential breach is dangerous, but not fatal, Lapan said, noting neither the Iraq, nor Afghanistan data bases contain intelligence sources and methods.

“That’s a different level, and that’s not what is in these documents,” he said.

The data bases contain reports of every company level significant activity, Lapan said.

“These are raw observations from the tactical level of combat operations,” he said. “They could be casualty incidents; they could be IED incidents, information on working with Iraqis –- any number of things that units use this database to report.”

WikiLeaks should not publish anything, the colonel said.

“The problem with WikiLeaks is it goes beyond just taking out names of people,” Lapan said. “There is lots of other information that could be damaging, and they don’t have the expertise to know what they are.”

Lapan said if WikiLeaks does publish the documents on the Web, servicemembers and DOD civilians should steer clear of the site.

“The information remains classified even if it is released publicly,” Lapan said. DOD personnel should not access that website from their government computers, he said, lest they create a security breach.

“We deplore WikiLeaks for inducing individuals to break the law, leak classified documents and then cavalierly share that secret information with the world, including our enemies,” Lapan continued. “We know terrorist organizations have been mining the leaked Afghan documents for information to use against us, and this Iraq leak is more than four times as large.”

WikiLeaks’ actions are putting the lives of troops and civilians at risk, Lapan said.

“The only responsible course of action for Wikileaks at this point is to return the stolen material and expunge it from their websites as soon as possible,” he said.

George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Rescues Sailor at Sea

From USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, At Sea (NNS) -- George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group search and rescue assets successfully rescued a Sailor at sea who was missing from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) Oct. 20.

The Sailor was rescued after spending more than five hours in the water off the coast of North Carolina and was transported to USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) for evaluation by the ship's Medical Department.

George H.W. Bush Commanding Officer Chip Miller, said the Sailor was located by another Sailor standing aft lookout aboard USS Philippine Sea (CG 58).

Philippine Sea launched a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to rescue the Sailor, who was then transported to the carrier by Helicopter Combat Sea Squadron (HSC) 9, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8.

"This was a total strike group effort," said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 2 Rear Adm. Nora Tyson. "From the helicopter squadrons and search and rescue swimmers to the shipboard lookouts and medical personnel, everyone played a role in saving this Sailor's life."

At approximately 12:15 p.m. local time, USS Mitscher personnel could not locate the Sailor during a muster of the crew. The ship immediately conducted standard procedures to determine if and when a Sailor went overboard. After a complete personnel roll call, it was determined that the Sailor was not accounted for, and was assumed overboard.

The entire strike group immediately initiated search and rescue operations using all sea and air assets, and the Sailor was rescued at approximately 5:40 p.m. local time.

"This is exactly what I mean when I talk about the awesome teamwork of the George H.W. Bush Strike Group," Tyson said. "I am so incredibly proud of everyone for their commitment and dedication. This Sailor is alive today because we train as we fight, and when the time came, we all knew what to do."

A full investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the incident.

Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin Monday for Marine Cpl. Justin Cain

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Monday (Oct. 25) in honor of U.S. Marine Cpl. Justin Cain of Manitowoc, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Operation Enduring Freedom. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Jim Doyle.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 333 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Corporal Justin Cain of the United States Marine Corps Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country in Operation Enduring Freedom

WHEREAS, on October 13, 2010, Corporal Justin Cain, who was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California, died while serving his country in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Justin Cain provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Corporal Justin Cain; and

WHEREAS, Corporal Justin Cain will be laid to rest on Monday, October 25, 2010;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JIM DOYLE, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Monday, October 25, 2010, and ending at sundown on that date.

All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor’s order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Corporal Justin Cain by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on Oct. 25.

Coast Guard seizes a ton of marijuana

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta Disco, public affairs specialist, and Lt. Ari Fitzwater, CGC Edisto commanding officer, contributed to this post

The Coast Guard interrupted a suspected drug smuggling operation about 40 miles from San Diego last Friday, seizing 25 large bales of marijuana weighing almost a ton.

During a routine air patrol a C-130 Hercules aircraft crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento sighted a vessel off the coast of Mexico heading north in international waters. The vessel was operating at speeds in excess of 35 knots without navigation lights, raising the suspicion of the aircrew. They alerted the closest Coast Guard cutter, the Edisto.

As Mexican authorities were being notified, the Edisto diverted to intercept the vessel. As the Edisto set its course and brought engines up to flank speed, the aircrew saw suspicious items floating in the water near where the vessel had been sighted.

Unable to intercept the speeding boat as it evaded authorities into Mexican Territorial Waters, the Edisto proceeded to locate the suspected jettisoned contraband. With the help of the powerful spotlights from the aircraft and Edisto, the cutter’s small boat began retrieving bale after bale of contraband, each weighing approximately 40 to 60 pounds with some closer to 80 pounds. After illuminating the entire area with flares, Edisto confirmed no further contraband was in the water.

The final count was 25 bales, which took up the majority of the open deck space on the 110-foot cutter. The bales later tested positive for marijuana.

“The successful outcome of this interdiction is the direct result of the outstanding teamwork that happens in the Coast Guard every day,” said Lt. Ari Fitzwater, Edisto’s commanding officer.

The bales of marijuana were offloaded from the Edisto on Monday and custody was transferred to members of Maritime Task Force San Diego.

Smoking Lamp Grows Dim On Submarines

By Kevin Copeland and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Todd Schaffer, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Since Commander, Submarine Forces (COMSUBFOR) announced a policy change which would ban smoking below decks aboard all U.S. Navy submarines effective beginning Dec. 31, the efforts by submarine personnel in meeting that goal early has been outstanding.

All levels of submarine force leadership fleet-wide have provided education and training to Sailors since the announcement on April 8, hoping to meet or better the deadline.

"Based on the input from the enlisted leadership, close to 50 percent of our boats have established cessation dates prior to the end of the year deadline, so we are absolutely headed in the right direction," said Cmdr. Mark Bourne, Deputy Force Surgeon at COMSUBFOR. "The senior leadership of the submarine force has done an excellent job communicating to our sailors that the deadline is quickly approaching. We've provided the training as well as the materials to ensure our sailors are successful in making the smoke-free transition."

The change in policy resulted after extensive research revealed the significant exposure to second-hand smoke for all hands within the self-contained environment of submarines at sea.

Once the policy was announced to the fleet, members of the SUBFOR Medical Staff traveled to medical training facilities (MTFs) fleet-wide to train and educate personnel on a Tobacco Cessation Program (TCP) developed by them with guidance and cognizance from the Bureau of Medicine.

Once the staff determined that the MTF personnel were well-versed on all training methods and techniques, they turned the TCP over to them and went into the monitoring mode.

The trained MTF personnel then conducted eight-hour TCP training courses with two tobacco facilitators from each submarine. The submarine facilitators, volunteer non-smokers, are currently conducting weekly TCP training sessions to smokers onboard their submarines. The training program incorporates education techniques and nicotine replacement therapy, such as nicotine patches and nicotine gum.

However, trained facilitators on each submarine are not part of their medical division.

"The focus of the independent duty corpsman from each submarine will be implementing and monitoring the Tobacco Cessation program," said Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (Submarines) George A. Shelton, COMSUBFOR Force Corpsmen. "From lessons learned in previous efforts in tobacco cessation programs, it has been medical's perspective that the biggest difference makers and best facilitators for these programs are your hard charging first and second class petty officers. These are the Sailors who constantly interact daily with their shipmates on the deckplates while standing watches around the clock."

While the cessation dates for each submarine are set by the commanding officer, the targeted date for each submarine usually aligns itself with other significant events occurring with the boat, such as deployments or upcoming shipyard maintenance periods. Combining shipboard training along with limited smoking hours and smoke-free days established by submarine leadership, has produced some significant successes.

Considering that 40 percent of the submarine force personnel smoke, and 50 percent uses some form of tobacco product, it is a testament to the training and leadership that 21 submarines force-wide are completely smoke-free.

No TCP was more successful than the one onboard the guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) (Blue), home ported in Bangor, Wash. The smoking lamp was extinguished nearly six months prior to the deadline – at 7:27 a.m. on July 27th. The date and time were chosen by leadership to honor the ship's hull number.

"The TCP helped me to get over the hump of needing a routine after-watch cigarette," said Sonar Technician 2nd Class (Submarines) Joseph Camerlin, a 12-year smoker. "I feel really good about not smoking."

According to the boat's senior enlisted personnel, the command's plan was for the Sailors to quit while deployed, and then return home with a fresh start and plenty of support from their family and friends.

"As a former smoker for more than 10 years, I understand the challenges of quitting smoking," said CMDCM(SS) Victor Smith, Michigan blue crew's command master chief. "It is extremely hard to stop when you are at sea. We want our Sailors to be successful, so we decided to put the smoking lamp out during this mission cycle. The day we extinguished the smoking lamp onboard was a significant event in the lives of our Sailors. I cannot think of a more appropriate day to start a new and healthier life than 727 day."

The blue crew onboard the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729), home ported in Kings Bay, Ga., had a similar success. The commanding officer and command master chief had announced for several months that the smoking lamp would be extinguished on an underway period, August 15, 2010.

"Not being able to smoke onboard after December 31st will be difficult for some," said CMDCM(SS) Richard Rose, blue crew master chief. "This change will be hard, but will be for the better in the long run. Promoting and building a healthier submarine force is the right thing to do for the Sailors in the Navy today."

Flag Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Navy Rear Adm. Gerald R. Beaman for appointment to the rank of Vice Adm. and assignment as commander, Third Fleet, San Diego, Calif.  Beaman is currently serving as deputy chief of staff for Global Force Management and Joint Operations/Concept Development and Experimentation, N3/N5/N9, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

General Officer Announcement

The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignment:

Brig. Gen. Anthony J. Rock, commandant, Air Command and Staff College and vice commander, Spaatz Center for Officer Education, Air University, Air Education and Training Command, Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., to director, Iraqi Training and Advisory Mission - Air Force, U.S. Forces - Iraq, U.S. Central Command, and commander, 321st Air Expeditionary Wing, Air Combat Command, Baghdad, Iraq.

Recapitalization: The Fast Response Cutter

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

For more than two centuries, Coast Guard Cutters have patrolled America’s waterways, executing the service’s missions. In the coming months, the service will welcome a new generation of patrol boat to the fleet in the form of the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutter (FRC).

The new Sentinel-class patrol boats will patrol 95,000 nautical miles of U.S. coastline to conduct vital port, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, search and rescue and national defense missions for our nation.

At 154-feet long, Sentinel-class cutters have space and berthing to accommodate a 23-person mixed-gender crew, allowing the cutter to spend as many as five days underway and will spend 2,500 hours per a year at sea. These extended underway periods, longer than any previous coastal patrol boat, will enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to carry out its underway missions.

Boosting the Coast Guard’s capabilities during security, law enforcement and national defense missions, the FRC will be capable of speeds of 28-plus knots and will be armed with a 25mm chain gun and .50 caliber machine guns.

FRCs will also continue to build on federal, state and local agency partnerships as their integrated command, control, communication, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems are fully capable of operating with existing Coast Guard assets along with those of our partners in the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Defense.

The first FRC, Bernard C. Webber, held its keel laying ceremony on April 9. The cutter is named for one of the service’s most recognizable heroes and is expected to be delivered to its homeport of Miami, Fla. in spring of 2011 where it will support vital law enforcement and national security missions throughout the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico.

Following the commissioning of CGC Bernard C. Webber, all of the anticipated 58 fast response cutters in the Sentinel class will bear the names of heroes who served in the enlisted ranks of the Coast Guard and its predecessor services.

Tune into the Compass a week from today as we launch a series to announce the names of the next 13 FRCs and share the stories of these Coast Guard heroes.

This Day in Naval History - Oct. 21

From the Navy News Service

1797 - USS Constitution is launched at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass. The ship is now the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy.

1842 - Commodore Thomas Catesby Jones, commander, Pacific Command mistakenly seizes Monterey, thinking the United States has gone to war with Mexico.

1942 - A British submarine lands Capt. Jerauld Wright and four Army officers at Cherchel, French North Africa, to meet with a French military delegation to learn the French attitude toward future Allied landings.

Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Kenneth J. Glueck Jr. to serve as the commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force; commander, Marine Corps Bases, Japan; and commander, Marine Forces Japan and for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general.  Glueck is currently serving as the director of operations and logistics, U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany.

Soldier Missing in Action from WWII Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from World War II, have been identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Staff Sgt. John R. Simonetti, 26, of Jackson Heights, N.Y., will be buried on Oct. 25 in Arlington National Cemetery.  Following the Normandy invasion, allied troops began the deadly task of engaging regrouped German forces in the pastures, hedgerows and villages of France.  On June 16, 1944, Simonetti was among the advancing infantrymen of the 9th Infantry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Division.  The soldiers were met with heavy automatic weapons and mortar fire and were forced to stop and take cover before they reached the French town of St. Germain-d’Elle.  During the battle, the Americans sustained heavy losses, including Simonetti.  Two members of his unit later gave conflicting information on the location and disposition of his remains.  In the first account, the witness stated his body could not be recovered due to enemy activity, and the second said his body was evacuated to the battalion aid station.  Two post-war investigations failed to recover his remains and he was declared non-recoverable by a military review board in 1950.

In May 2009, a French construction crew uncovered human remains and military equipment—including Simonetti’s identifications tags—when excavating a site in St. Germain-d’Elle.  French police turned over the remains and artifacts to U.S. officials for analysis. 

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command used dental comparisons in the identification of his remains.

At the end of the war, the U.S. government was unable to recover and identify approximately 79,000 Americans.  Today, more than 74,000 are unaccounted-for from the conflict.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO Web site at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call 703- 699-1169.

Memorial Remembers Cuttermen Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

Written by: CDR Glynn Smith

The new Cutterman’s Memorial, dedicated to those lost in the line of duty while serving aboard our cutters, was dedicated at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. today. Etched into the Memorial’s six granite panels are the names of the fallen and the ships they served in, along with the poem “Hurrah for the Sea” and a cutterman’s insignia. Set into the background are some of the cutters and battle streamers.

 “These shipmates were simply doing their duty, performing the mission,” said Adm. Bob Papp, commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. “They gave everything to our Service and Nation. This Memorial is a small token of our appreciation. We can never forget them.”

Coast Guard cuttermen are a proud group with a long history of service to our Nation that dates back to the first cutter, believed to be Vigilant, which was launched in March 1791. ADM Papp’s words highlight a stark reality known and shared by all cuttermen who operate in a dynamic and demanding environment at sea. While we honor and remember all shipmates lost in the line of duty, the Memorial was established to remember those who gave their lives aboard cutters in service of their country.

The Coast Guard has operated more than a thousand different cutters across its 220 year history. They span the age of wind driven sail, steam powered paddle wheels, and diesel-electric driven propellers. They saw intense action in war and peace, operating in all corners of the globe. They also include legendary names like Eagle, Bear, Hudson, and Tampa. But behind all of the technology, operations and exploits; are the people: the cuttermen.

“When I entered the Coast Guard Academy, all I wanted to do was be a cutterman,” said Papp. “I spent much of my career at sea fulfilling the responsibilities of our Service. I could not have imagined doing anything else.”

And while cuttermen have performed great feats in service to our Nation, they have also known great sacrifice. We have lost 124 vessels, 83 of which were during wartime operations. Since 1917, 1242 cuttermen, our shipmates, have made the ultimate sacrifice. Among them, 11 crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Cuyahoga, which was lost 32 years ago today at 8:45 p.m. near the mouth of the Potomac River in a collision with the 521-foot Argentinean bulk freighter Santa Cruz II.

“Our work is difficult and sometimes dangerous,” said Papp, adding, “The sea is unforgiving—it always has been.”

Official Details DOD Cybersecurity Environment

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2010 – Cyberspace is a new world and a new domain for combat. The Defense Department is working to understand the threats and opportunities that this new domain poses.

Robert J. Butler, deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, is one of the officials charged with developing defense capabilities in this crucial domain. And there has been progress.

“For the past 14 months, we have been trying to continue to grow [U.S.] Cyber Command and its capabilities, at the same time looking at strategy and policy,” Butler told reporters at the Defense Writers’ Group here today. “We need to find ways to operate more effectively in cyberspace.”

DOD needs new operating concepts for the new domain. The department has done a lot of work in systems, education and training, “and beyond that, things like active defense and new ways of looking at resiliency and new ways to operate in different environments,” he said.

It comes back to the warfighter, he said. The DOD cyber world needs to focus on ensuring warriors can deploy, get the information they need when they deploy, track supplies and personnel and ensure logistics, he explained. They also must remain in contact with neighboring units and the home front, along with a variety of other tasks, he added.

Defense Department officials have reached out to Great Britain, Australia, Canada and NATO to defend against cyber threats that include nations, rogue states, terrorist groups, criminal gangs and just plain hackers, Butler said.

“The focus within the strategy is to go ahead and build partnerships with like-minded nations in the areas of shared awareness, shared warning and collective response,” he said. “As we move forward, we are trying to build capacity at one level, and at another level – interdependence – you are actually laying a foundation for deterring bad behavior in cyberspace.”

Operations in Afghanistan and Iraq – and the trust those operations have built among the coalition – have helped to speed this international cooperation, Butler said.

The threat constantly changes, and the department has to keep on top of this aspect of cybersecurity, Butler told the group. “Every day, people think of new ways to use the Internet,” he said. “As I look at the advent of social networking sites and what that has done, people have learned to use the Internet to not only communicate in traditional ways, but to build new networks that create both opportunities as well as threats.”

The cyber domain is new, and policy has not caught up to reality. Government and private officials are grappling with basics such as what constitutes a cyber attack and who has responsibility to defend against threats. The White House is leading the effort, Butler said, but it is clear that the Department of Homeland Security has the lead inside the United States. The Defense Department has responsibility to defend military networks, and can assist Homeland Security and other civilian agencies when required and ordered.

Who does what and when they do it is under discussion with other government agencies.

“We have our viewpoints laid out, and we’re trying to determine the best way to move forward,” Butler said. “One of the key things is to agree on the taxonomy. We hear a lot of discussion about cyber war and cyber attacks, and there’s legal terminology with hostile intent, hostile acts. Making sure everyone understands the taxonomy is really important.”

Butler credited the Homeland Security exercise Cyber Storm 3 with helping officials think through responses. The national cyber incident response framework exercise, conducted at the end of August, looked at the way the U.S. government and private industry faced a cyber threat.

“We were able to work out what the threat was, what the appropriate response was, who takes action, how do you determine conditions and postures,” he said.

The exercise included federal and state entities, the private sector and international partners. “It was a huge learning experience for the department,” he said.

But no one can stand still, Butler said.

“We recognize as we face this evolving threat that more will be required,” he said. “The question is what kind of hybrid models, what kind of rules, what kind of things do we need to counter a threat that continues to advance? We’ve got congressional support. We got a blueprint, and we’re working on it.

President to Award Soldier Medal of Honor Nov. 16

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2010 – President Barack Obama will award the Medal of Honor to Army Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta in a Nov. 16 White House ceremony, officials announced yesterday.

The 25-year-old noncommissioned officer -- who will be the first living soldier since the Vietnam War to receive the nation’s top military honor -- learned of his selection in a Sept. 9 phone call from Obama.

Giunta was a 22-year-old rifle team leader serving in Afghanistan’s Korengal Valley with the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team’s Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, when insurgents attacked his squad the night of Oct. 25, 2007. When approaching insurgents formed an L-shaped ambush, splitting Giunta’s squad into two groups, Giunta braved enemy fire to pull a squad member back to cover.

He later saved another soldier while trying to connect with the other half of his squad. He saw two insurgents carrying off the second squad member and recovered him while shooting and killing one enemy fighter and wounding and driving off others.

Giunta administered medical aid to the wounded soldier while the remainder of his squad caught up with them and secured the area. Despite Giunta’s efforts, the soldier died the next day during surgery.

Giunta enlisted in the Army in November 2003 and has completed two combat tours of Afghanistan, totaling 27 months. His wife, Jennifer, and his parents, Steven and Rosemary Giunta, will join him at the ceremony.

Philippines Requests Aid in Killer Typhoon’s Aftermath

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2010 – The Philippine government has asked for assistance after Typhoon Megi struck the island nation yesterday with sustained winds of 140 mph, Defense Department officials said here today.

Philippine officials announced that the storm killed at least 13 people, with thousands driven from their homes and more than 3 million left without power.

“The Philippines has submitted a formal request for assistance,” said Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan. “They’ve indicated a need for fixed-wing aircraft as well as heavy-lift helicopters.”

The U.S. Agency for International Development has sent a team to the Philippines to assess the damage and coordinate what U.S. assets might be needed. “We do have capabilities in the region that can be called upon if necessary,” Lapan said.

Officials said the effort will not draw resources or aircraft from the on-going humanitarian mission to aid flood victims in Pakistan.

The typhoon passed over the island and is on course for southern China and Vietnam and is regaining whatever strength it lost over the Philippines. Officials in China have ordered the evacuation of at least 140,000 people from a coastal area in the storm’s path.

The most recent report from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center said the storm has sustained winds of 115 mph with gusts up to about 145 mph, and waves at 34 feet. Officials said they expect sustained wind speeds to rise to more than 130 mph today, with gusts of more than 160 mph.

Senior Executive Service Announcements

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced the following Department of Defense Senior Executive Service appointments and reassignments.

John B. Allen has been appointed to the Senior Executive Service and is assigned as deputy director, naval warfare, director, Operational Test & Evaluation, Washington, D.C.  Allen previously served as senior associate, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, N.M.

Sajeel Ahmed has been assigned as director, Facilities Services Directorate, Washington Headquarters Services, Washington, D.C.  Ahmed previously served as program manager, Pentagon Renovation/Construction Program Office, Washington Headquarters Services, Washington, D.C.

James Bexfield has been assigned as director, Joint Analytic Support Division, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.  Bexfield previously served as director, Study and Analytical Support Division, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.

Richard Burke has been assigned as deputy director, cost assessment, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.  Burke previously served as deputy director (resources analysis), Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.

Scott Comes has been assigned as deputy director, program evaluation, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.  Comes previously served as deputy director (strategic, C4 and ISR programs), Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.

Eric Coulter has been assigned as deputy director, force structure and risk analysis, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.  Coulter previously served as deputy director, strategic assessment and irregular warfare, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.

Malcolm Ewell has been assigned as director, force structure assessments, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.  Ewell previously served as director, Analytic Integration Division, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.

Krystyna Kolesar has been assigned as director, Force and Infrastructure Analysis Division, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.  Kolesar previously served as director, Force and Infrastructure Cost Analysis Division, Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, Washington, D.C.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, October 21, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Canadian Army Maj. Gen. Stuart Beare, deputy commanding general for police, NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10 a.m. EDT, Oct 21, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Navy Selects First Submarines for Female Officer Assignments

From Commander, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- USS Wyoming (SSBN 742) and USS Georgia (SSGN 729) homeported in Kings Bay, Ga., and USS Maine (SSBN 741) and USS Ohio (SSGN 726) homeported in Bangor, Wash., are the initial four submarines that have been selected to integrate female officers into their crews.

The blue and gold crews of the four submarines will each be assigned three female officers.

Two of the women will be submarine officers, and the third female officer will be a warfare qualified supply officer.

They will be assigned to their first submarine duty station after completing training, which consists of nuclear power school, prototype training and the Submarine Officer Basic Course. They are expected to report to their assigned submarines beginning December 2011.

Professional Golf Lessons Offered in Guantanamo Bay

By Chief Mass Communications Specialist (SW) Bill Mesta, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY (NNS) -- Golfers residing at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay (GTMO), Cuba had the opportunity to improve their golf game when a professional golfer visited the base to provide lessons Oct. 14-18.

To help the base residents improve their golf game, Guantanamo Bay's Moral Welfare and Recreation (MWR) office brought Jon Fine, Professional Golf Association (PGA) golf professional, to visit the base for four days beginning Oct. 14.

Fine said he came to GTMO to give free golf lessons to service members and their families stationed on the island. This was his first visit to the naval station.

"It is always exciting to try and teach someone who has never hit a golf ball before and get them to elevate the ball," said Fine.

Fine has been playing golf for 34 years and is currently the manager at the Naval Station Mayport, Fla. golf course.

Fine gave golf lessons, lead a chipping contest and played in a 'beat the pro' tournament with base residents.

"The winners of the chipping contest played nine holes with me," said Fine. "I enjoyed the golf here immensely and as far as giving the lessons, I love to teach. I love to try and help people out."

Fine complimented the naval station on how the golfing facilities were set up more like a service than a business ultimately benefiting the GTMO community.

"If people can pick up the game of golf and recreate out here at the course as opposed to less than positive activities that is a good thing," said Fine.

"To me golf is very much like life," said Fine. "You have good days and you have bad days. Sometimes you feel like breaking every club in your bag. While other days you want to rejoice and think that the game is the most incredible thing that you have ever done in your life."

IKE CELEBRATES 33 YEARS

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ridge Leoni USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors onboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) celebrated the 33rd anniversary of IKE's commissioning while kicking off the Planned Incremental Availability (PIA), Oct. 18.

IKE, the second Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, is currently docked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for scheduled maintenance and modernization.

IKE's Commanding Officer, Capt. Marcus Hitchcock, shared the history of IKE's official start in the United Stated Navy while addressing the crew and NNSY workers in the ship's hangar bay.

"Today we are celebrating IKE's commissioning which happened on this day in 1977," said Hitchcock. "IKE was commissioned on Pier 12 at Norfolk Naval Station, by the Honorable Harold Brown, then Secretary of Defense, and Mamie Eisenhower, the ship's sponsor and wife of President Eisenhower was in attendance."

While celebrating the anniversary of IKE's commissioning, Hitchcock and the crew took the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of PIA.

"I know we are going to do the best we can during this project," said Hitchcock. "Our shared values during PIA are teamwork, energy, dedication, respect and most importantly integrity; this is how we will get through this project smoothly and on time."

Chrystal Brady, NNSY's Project Superintendent for IKE's PIA, also spoke of the significance of the team concept during the availability.

"We have all pulled together very well so far in the set up of PIA," said Brady. "This will be the largest PIA ever done in a six-month availability and calls for teamwork and diligence to make the due date in April."

On July 28 of this year, IKE returned home to Norfolk Naval Station wrapping up the second of two nearly back-to-back deployments within a seventeen-month period. Hitchcock stated that IKE has earned this overhaul period.

This Day in Naval History - Oct. 20

From the Navy News Service

1824 - U.S. schooner Porpoise captures four pirate ships off Cuba.

1944 - 7th Fleet lands more than 60,000 Army troops on Leyte, Philippines, while Japanese aircraft attack.

1952 - Task Force 77 establishes Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) Hunter/Killer Teams of two ECM-equipped aircraft and an armed escort of four Skyraiders and four Corsairs.

1967 - Operation Coronado VII began in Mekong Delta, Vietnam.

1983 - Due to political strife, USS Independence (CV 62) is ordered to Grenada.