Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has no public or media events on his schedule.

 Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn delivers remarks at 1:30 p.m. EDT at the USSTRATCOM Space Symposium at the Qwest Center, Omaha NE.  Media interested in attending should contact LT Charlie Drey at 402-294-4130.

 Director of the Department of Defense Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Task Force Lt. Gen. John Koziol addresses the Geospatial Intelligence Foundation Conference at 8:15 a.m. EDT at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, LA.

 Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead delivers remarks at 10 a.m. EDT at the Vice Adm. Stockdale Award Ceremony at the Pentagon Hall of Heroes.  Media interested in attending should contact CDR Charlie Brown at 703-692-5307.

 Army Chief of Staff Gen. George Casey, Jr. speaks at the “Stand Up For Heroes Show” at 8 p.m. EDT in New York City.  Media interested in attending should contact Lt. Col. Rich Spiegel at 703-693-4961.

Veterans’ Reflections: The Crew of the USS Oklahoma City

By Ian Graham

Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2010 – On Sept. 2, 1945, Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu boarded the USS Missouri to sign the Japanese instrument of surrender, effectively ending fighting on the Pacific front in World War II.

Off the coast of Japan, the USS Oklahoma City was hunting for mines, clearing a path for the eventual occupation of Japan. Shortly thereafter, crewmembers of the Oklahoma City were among the first U.S. servicemembers to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki after the cities had been destroyed by atomic bombs.

“The people were still bandaged up. Everything was just demolished,” Ray Palumbo said. “It was very emotional.”

Palumbo, Frank Zaccharo, Ralph Alfaro, Bill Crouch and Fred Kapanos all joined the Navy in 1944, serving together as the first crew of the Oklahoma City. Now all 84 years old, the five men looked back on their role in history with fondness and respect for their former enemies. The damage inflicted by the atom bomb is one seared into their memories.

“I wouldn’t say it was good, but it was a unique opportunity [to see Hiroshima],” Zaccharo said. “It’s something that’s still vivid in my memory.”

“It left a big, big impression on me,” Alfaro added.

By 1944, the war in the Pacific was in full swing. American forces were fighting in the Philippine and Palau islands and working to build airfields on Saipan, within B-29 range of Tokyo. For years, Americans had been hearing about the wars in Europe and the Pacific, and many young men were chomping at the bit to get into the fight.

For some, being drafted into the Army at 18 was all the opportunity they needed. Alfaro said he had a different idea in mind as his 18th birthday approached.

“At that time, when you were 18, you got drafted right into the Army,” he said. “When I was 17, I decided I didn’t want to walk. I said to myself, ‘I gotta get into something where I don’t have to walk, [where] I can ride on something.’ So I joined the Navy. I couldn’t wait to get in. Patriotism was running through my blood.”

Over the previous three years, the images in newspapers and stories told in radio broadcasts hadn’t prepared the young sailors for what they’d see as they prepared to set sail across the Pacific Ocean.

“It wasn’t until we left Pearl Harbor in 1944 to head out to the Pacific when coming into Pearl Harbor was an aircraft carrier called the USS Franklin that had just been bombed by kamikaze planes,” Zaccharo said. “That was when I realized the reality of being in this war, and believe me, I was scared.”

The men said fear wasn’t a negative feeling. Rather, they explained, it helped them to understand the gravity of the situation. Kapanos said what servicemembers endure today is every bit as daunting as what he saw in the 1940s, if not more so.

“We salute the young people serving today. They’re doing their share of what needs to be done,” he said. “We can only give them a lot of credit and keep them in our prayers.”

The Oklahoma City supported the campaign in Okinawa and screened 3rd Fleet aircraft carriers during intensified air operations as Allied forces grew nearer to Japan.

The Oklahoma City crew was very fortunate to be part of the fleet arriving to accept Japan’s surrender, Crouch said. While so many in the world celebrated the Allied victory in the Pacific, he and his comrades got to experience the surrender first-hand and take part in the beginnings of subsequent American presence in Japan.

“The pride that we came out victorious, and to see our nation lead the world -- that can’t be replaced,” Crouch said. “[We were] younger fellows at the time [who] shared our service to obtain that victory.”

The ship was relieved at the end of January 1946 and returned to the United States with its crew.

(“Veterans’ Reflections” is a collection of stories of men and women who served their country in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the present-day conflicts. They will be posted throughout November in honor of Veterans Day.)

Face of Defense: Amputee to Return to Pilot Training

By Joel Langton

47th Flying Training Wing

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Nov. 2, 2010 – A Laughlin officer who lost much of his right leg after a boating accident got word last week that he’ll soon return to pilot training here.

Since his accident nearly 14 months ago, Air Force 1st Lt. Ryan McGuire has completed rehabilitation using his prosthetics, completed the Air Force Marathon and competed in the Warrior Games. Since July, he's been back on duty here, but not in pilot training.

"When I first lost my leg, I never dreamed this day would come," McGuire said. "But leadership here has supported me every step of the way, and honestly, they're the ones who gave me this dream to come back."

Air Force Col. Michael Frankel, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, said it was a no-brainer to support McGuire in his efforts.

"When I first met Lieutenant McGuire, it was obvious that this young man is something special," Frankel said. "He has always had a positive attitude. I've never seen him down, never seen him upset. He's always been pressing forward, trying to achieve his goals. I look forward to the day when he graduates from pilot training and I can hand him a set of silver wings."

McGuire was injured Sept. 6, 2009, when he was yanked from a boat jetting across Lake Amistad at 40 mph. He was lifted out of the boat by a rope that was tied to an inner tube when the wind caught the tube, pulling him out. His hip was dislocated, his pelvis was fractured, and his right foot was mangled.

The aftermath was a nightmare for many, and a challenge for McGuire. He was taken by ambulance to Val Verde Regional Medical Center in Del Rio, Texas, and 10 hours after the accident, he arrived by helicopter at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

Initially, doctors attempted to repair the foot, but five weeks later, McGuire lost much of his right leg below the knee.

"It was so surreal," he said. "It probably really didn't hit home until I woke up after the surgery. I woke up after, and my mom started crying. I pretty much knew then it wasn't just a bad dream."

But that pain launched him onto the road to recovery. As a child, McGuire said, he wanted to be an Air Force pilot. His dream eventually led him through the Air Force Academy.

"I never wanted to give up my dream," he said. Through months of sometimes painful rehabilitation, he relearned to walk and then to run.

A medical board found McGuire fit for duty in August. Two days later, a waiver request was submitted to allow him to return him to pilot training, and the waiver was approved Oct. 29.

A few pilots are serving on active duty with prosthetics, but McGuire is the first student to be returned to training status. He said he's learned a lot through the whole ordeal, but that he especially learned the meaning of the words “Air Force family.”

"I went to the Academy, and it was a great time and we experienced a lot of camaraderie," he said. "However, throughout this, my Air Force family, and my real family, has been by my side throughout. The day of the accident, I had commanders at the hospital with me, helping take care of my real family, and ever since, they've been in my corner helping and pushing me as needed."

Navy Training Hosts Retired Flag Officers

By Steve Vanderwerff, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Retired flag officers from the Pensacola area gathered at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola conference center Oct. 26, for insight on ground operations and diplomacy in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rear Adm. Joseph Kilkenny, commander, Naval Education and Training Command hosted the bi-annual event to keep retired officers in touch with current military operations.

Discussions included Seabee and Marine operations, and religious leader engagement.

"The discussions provided insight into the ground and diplomatic portion over in Iraq and Afghanistan," Kilkenny said. "We clearly don't have a shortage of topics, and in the future I'd like to get somebody from the Air Force and the Army to speak. Many of our retired flag and general officers are from the different services, and even though I'm hosting, I do run a lot of joint schools. I think it would be pretty interesting for the retired flag officers to see a joint perspective," said Kilkenny.

Kilkenny said the conference attendees spent most of their lives in the military, planning and carrying out operations, just like those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The general/flag officers eat, live and sleep military operations," Kilkenny said. "They see this stuff, day in and day out, in the news and want to be kept informed about what's going on. They are also active members of the community's business and civic groups, and if someone asks a question about military operations, they have a little different perspective because they've heard it from people who have been boots on the ground."

Guest speakers at the event were Capt. Lou Cariello, commanding officer, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Miss.; Navy Chaplain Capt. Michael Langston, commanding officer, Naval Chaplaincy School and Center; and retired Marine Colonel William McLaughlin, who served as chief of staff, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

"My brief about the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade's activities last year at Camp Leatherneck, the main Marine base in the Helmand Province, gave an overview of what's going on in Afghanistan as far as U.S. activities," said Mclaughlin. "We have such a great group of retired folks in the community. It's great to keep them engaged."

Langston's brief, called "Religion and Diplomacy - Cleric to Cleric Religious Engagement," gave insight into his experience as the theater chaplain with Combined Forces Command Afghanistan.

"One of the key things I wanted them to take away from my brief was that the chaplain is an asset available to the military leaders," said Langston. "In this religious world that we live in, they have a subject matter expert on their staff that is trained and can be used to help them better understand the arena which they have to fight.

"These general officers, once they retire, still have tremendous influence and relationships with the men and women of our active force. I hope my brief helped them understand the dynamics of how a chaplain can be used, that was a little different than in their day. Hopefully, they'll go back and be able to mentor, shape and provide a foundation for our future leaders," said Langston.

A veteran of many retired flag officer conferences, Rear Adm. Bill Mathis said the conferences really helped those attending to better understand current operations.

"Each of these conferences is different," said Mathis. "They renew the knowledge level of the guys who used to do this for a living. We know operations in Afghanistan are very difficult, but until you get somebody like the colonel explaining what he's been doing the last five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, you have no idea of what is taking place over there."

Iwo Jima Sailors Earn Enlisted Warfare Qualifications

By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Mavis Tillman USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Public Affairs

PARAMARIBO, Suriname (NNS) -- Sailors on board the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) have been providing humanitarian assistance to 8 different countries, as well as bettering themselves professionally by earning their warfare qualifications during deployment.

A total of 366 Sailors have earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) or Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualifications, or both, since deploying in July.

Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Craig Harris, command ESWS coordinator, explains the importance of Sailors earning their qualifications.

"They [warfare qualifications] are beneficial for every Sailor in their Naval career," said Harris. "You have to have a knowledgeable crew of fully qualified personnel for a Naval vessel to be operational and ready to fight and to keep her afloat."

Warfare qualification is important for Sailors giving them a good familiarization of their ship. During the qualification process, Sailors are exposed to a vast number of jobs and learn the roles of everyone onboard.

The qualification process involves four separate parts: The Surface and Aviation Common Core qualification standards, the LHD specific qualification standards, written examination, and an oral board. The common core consists of policies, concepts, and responsibilities within the entire scope of Naval aviation and Naval surface warfare's from maintenance procedures to enlisted ratings.

The LHD specific qualification is unique to the Wasp class ship. "Sailors are responding to the program very well, and it's working," said Aviation Boatswain Mates Handling 1st class (AW/SW) Scott Lee, assistant EAWS coordinator. "They have remained consistently motivated even after very long and strenuous days working on the flight deck, engine room and ashore via community relations (COMREL) projects. These Sailors have worked tirelessly toward completing their examinations, practicing subject matter walkthroughs, and passing a rigorous board all to achieve both surface and aviation qualifications."

Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class Eliu Ortiz who came from Navy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Texas, joined the Iwo Jima CP10 team and took advantage to complete all prerequisites and both warfare qualifications.

"I basically used most of my time off to get signatures, go to training, and study for the written tests and the oral boards," said Ortiz. "I was surprised with the opportunity and time given to me to board earlier than I planned."

Sailors across the Navy are pushing towards obtaining their ESWS and EAWS. "Now that enrollment into these programs are mandatory and will directly affect a members Perform to Serve results, its very satisfying knowing that I play a huge role in helping to shape a Sailors career," said Lee

An estimated 85 more Sailors are expected to qualify before the ship returns to its homeport of Norfolk, Va. mid-November.

For more news from USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd7/.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, November 02, 2010

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

Veterans' Reflections: 'Serving a Cause Bigger than Myself'

By Ian Graham

Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2010 – If it weren’t for America, John Gunther Dean very well might not be alive today.

Born John Gunther Dienstfertig in Breslau, Germany, in February 1926, Dean had a good life to look forward to until the Nazi government started annexing surrounding nations by force -- persecuting, enslaving and murdering Jews along the way.

“This country was great to me,” he said. “I came as an immigrant, I was able to go to Harvard, I was fleeing Nazis. … I want to help the country.”

Dean’s family was one of the lucky ones; they escaped to the United States in the winter of 1938-39 and changed their surname. Dean was a quick study in Kansas City, Mo., where his family finally settled, and went off to study at Harvard at the age of 16. In 1944, he became a U.S. citizen and interrupted his education to join the Army.

“Every human being, regardless of age, has to decide at one point what they want to do with their life,” Dean said. “I wanted to serve a cause bigger than myself. Serving the country was a wonderful way of fulfilling that need.”

He originally was sent to Fort Belvoir, Va., to train as a combat engineer. But Dean -- a native German speaker who also is fluent in English, French and Dutch -- was a perfect fit to work in the Office of Military Intelligence at the infamous

P.O. Box 1142

, a facility housing teams that interviewed prisoners of war and made clandestine attempts to communicate with Allied prisoners held overseas.

After serving his enlistment, Dean returned to Harvard, where he finished his undergraduate studies in 1947. He studied law at the Sorbonne and got a degree in international relations from Harvard in 1950.

He would end up spending the next 39 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, eventually serving as the U.S. ambassador to Cambodia, Denmark, Lebanon, Thailand and India. But his time working with the military wasn’t over. He routinely worked side by side with top brass. In Vietnam, he oversaw a large contingent of U.S. diplomats as the war came to an end.

“I worked a great deal with the military from 1970 to 1972, in Da Nang, … I was given the equivalent rank of major general,” he said. “I had several hundred American advisors working for me in Vietnam. Unfortunately, 14 of them were killed.”

His unwavering dedication to telling the absolute truth in his diplomatic work often was unpopular, he said, but that didn’t keep him from speaking his mind to superior officers, secretaries of state and U.S. presidents.

“It wasn’t always much appreciated,” he said, noting that his honesty as a diplomat caused quite a few personal conflicts in addition to accolades.

He said his goal in his diplomatic career, fueled partly by his own life, has been to promote development around the world, irrespective of religious influence or culture, so long as the people represent good values and respect.

“I’ve tried to be the best possible representative for the good values the United States stands for, whether it was in military or civilian life,” he said. “We all come to this country, whether we’re Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus or Buddhists, we couldn’t care less – we care about our country, and it’s a wonderful country.

“I’m here today to help the country with the problems it has in 2010,” he added. “We’re all humans. We all make mistakes, and so I’m trying to help people learn to do things better.”

(“Veterans’ Reflections” is a collection of stories of men and women who served their country in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the present-day conflicts. They will be posted throughout November in honor of Veterans Day.)

Guantanamo Prepares for Possible Destructive Weather from Tomas

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Leona Mynes, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Personnel at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, began preparing for possible destructive weather from Tropical Storm Tomas Nov. 1.

Installation leaders are tracking the storm and reviewing potential hazards, such as wind and rain, in an effort to establish a time line for setting condition of readiness (COR) levels to help protect base residents and property.

Tomas is expected to affect Guantanamo Nov. 6-7.

"We will most likely see anything from heavy rain and high seas to major high winds, flooding and damage," said Kevin Robarge, NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay's emergency manager.

The base completed a hurricane readiness exercise (HURREX) in May 2010 and is prepared for the possibility of destructive winds and rain, said Robarge.

"Coordination of resources is key to our preparation and success," said Robarge. "Each department is reviewing their instructions and making plans to begin accomplishing their required settings."

This Day in Naval History - Nov. 01

From the Navy News Service

1841 - "Mosquito Fleet" commanded by Lieutenant Commander J. T. McLaughlin, USN, carries 750 Sailors and Marines into the Everglades to fight the Seminole Indians.

1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt places Coast Guard under jurisdiction of Department of the Navy for duration of national emergency.

1967 - Operation Coronado IX began in Mekong Delta

1979 - Beginning of retirement of Polaris A-3 program begins with removal of missiles from USS Abraham Lincoln (SSBN 602). Last Polaris missile removed in February 1982.

General Officer Announcement

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

Maj. Gen. Suzanne M. Vautrinot, director, plans and policy, J-5, Headquarters U.S. Cyber Command, Fort George G. Meade, Md., to special assistant to the vice chief of staff, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Guard Bureau Officials Look Into Fraud Allegations

By Air Force Lt. Col. Ellen Krenke

National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 1, 2010 – National Guard Bureau officials are looking into allegations of fraud and abuse and, if necessary, revamping procedures for detecting fraud after it was discovered that several states may have disbursed funds as enlistment bonuses to those who may not have qualified for them.

"I am concerned and deeply disappointed about recent allegations involving mismanagement of funds in several state National Guards,” said Air Force Gen. Craig R. McKinley, chief of the National Guard Bureau. “These allegations will be thoroughly investigated by experts from across the NGB, [the Defense Department] and other federal entities. No stone will be left unturned.”

McKinley added that he has directed a review of National Guard Bureau management controls designed to prevent and detect potential financial mismanagement or abuse.

“I have directed U.S. fiscal and property officers in selected states to review similar controls at the state level,” McKinley said. “The results of these reviews will be submitted to me as soon as is practicable.”

The results of the review will be shared throughout the 54 states, territories and the District of Columbia to ensure the Guard’s personnel and processes abide by established legal and ethical standards, officials said.

McKinley has directed all fiscal and property officers to conduct a quick-reaction audit and review of pay compensation programs.

“I expect these actions to be your Priority One objective between now and the end of the calendar year,” McKinley said in a memorandum to the states’ adjutants general dated Oct. 29.

The allegations of fraud first surfaced in a news article in the Sacramento Bee newspaper after federal auditors reported them to the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service while looking into the disbursement of funds.

President Proclaims November as Military Family Month

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 1, 2010 – President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation designating this month as Military Family Month.

Here is the text of the president’s proclamation:

We owe each day of security and freedom that we enjoy to the members of our Armed Forces and their families. Behind our brave service men and women, there are family members and loved ones who share in their sacrifice and provide unending support.

During Military Family Month, we celebrate the exceptional contributions of our military families, and we reaffirm our commitments to these selfless individuals who exemplify the highest principles of our Nation.

Across America, military families inspire us all with their courage, strength, and deep devotion to our country. They endure the challenges of multiple deployments and moves; spend holidays and life milestones apart; juggle everyday tasks while a spouse, parent, son, or daughter is in harm's way; and honor the service of their loved ones and the memory of those lost.

Just as we hold a sacred trust to the extraordinary Americans willing to lay down their lives to protect us all, we also have a national commitment to support and engage our military families. They are proud to serve our country; yet, they face unique challenges because of that service.

My Administration has taken important steps to help them shoulder their sacrifice, and we are working to ensure they have the resources to care for themselves and the tools to reach their dreams. We are working to improve family resilience, enhance the educational experience of military children, and ensure military spouses have employment and advancement opportunities, despite the relocations and deployment cycles of military life. Our historic investment to build a 21st-century Department of Veterans Affairs is helping to provide our veterans with the benefits and care they have earned.

We are also standing with our service members and their families as they transition back into civilian life, providing counseling as well as job training and placement. And, through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, our veterans and their families can pursue the dream of higher education.

However, Government can only do so much. While only a fraction of Americans are in military families, all of us share in the responsibility of caring for our military families and veterans, and all sectors of our society are better off when we reach out and work together to support these patriots.

By offering job opportunities and workplace flexibility, businesses and companies can benefit from the unparalleled dedication and skills of a service member or military spouse.

Through coordination with local community groups, individuals and organizations can ensure our military families have the help they need and deserve when a loved one is deployed. Even the smallest actions by neighbors and friends send a large message of profound gratitude to the families who risk everything to see us safe and free.

As America asks ever more of military families, they have a right to expect more of us -- it is our national challenge and moral obligation to uphold that promise. If we hold ourselves to the same high standard of excellence our military families live by every day, we will realize the vision of an America that supports and engages these heroes now and for decades to come.

Now, therefore, I, Barack Obama, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2010 as Military Family Month. I call on all Americans to honor military families through private actions and public service for the tremendous contributions they make in support of our service members and our Nation.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

Barack Obama

DoD Visitor Capability Recognized With DoD CIO Award

DISA’s DoD Visitor capability -- which essentially allows any user with a DoD Common Access Card (CAC) temporary access on any computer when they are away from their “home domain” (their normal duty station) -- was awarded 4th place in the 2010 DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO) Awards.

Learn more about this capability and how it improves efficiency and strengthens network security by visiting http://www.disa.mil/news/stories/dod_visitor_110110.html.

Bataan Completes ULTRA-C

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

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed a three-day underway Oct. 29 and returned to their homeport of Norfolk after passing their unit level training assessment - certification (ULTRA-C).

ULTRA-C is the evaluation portion of a 20-week basic training phase, allowing the crew an opportunity to certify in every major warfare area by conducting graded drills ranging from firefighting and defending the ship in simulated combat situations, to administration and personnel management.

"We evaluated how well Bataan prepared themselves in the integrated and sustaining phase," said Lt. Kelvin Harkin, the training liaison officer for Afloat Training Group (ATG) Mid-Atlantic. "They came together, performed to the best of their ability and were successful."

"This crew knocked it completely out of the park, and I couldn't be more proud," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan's commanding officer, as he addressed the crew over the ship's general announcing system. "I asked a whole lot of you this week and throughout the preparations leading up to it. As always, you delivered in true Bataan style."

Bataan Sailors have had ULTRA-C on their minds since early summer, and the final result was a culmination of focused training and teamwork.

"Since June or July, we have been drilling and working long hours preparing for this certification," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) Rodney Shaw, one of Bataan's damage control training team members. "[This week] Sailors' motivation was really high, and excitement was flowing throughout the ship."

While motivation wasn't on the grade sheet used by ATG Mid-Atlantic, it didn't go unnoticed.

"I loved the motivation from the Sailors who were out there; they made it happen," said Harkin. "They are the most motivated Sailors I've ever seen, from day one. Bataan is definitely setting the bar to a lot of ships as a model of how ULTRA-C is completed."

Bataan will continue training and making preparations for a scheduled 2011 deployment.

Office of Naval Research to Co-launch Science Studio in Bronx, N.Y.

From Office of Naval Research Corporate Strategic Communications Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The Office of Naval Research (ONR), the Navy and Marine Corps' science and technology provider; and Iridescent, a nonprofit group supporting underserved youth, are launching an educational studio in Bronx, N.Y., Nov. 4 to fuel that community's interest in science and mathematics.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will join Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Nevin Carr at the official opening of Iridescent's newest center.

"The Navy and Marine Corps have a stake in strengthening the future science and engineering workforce," Mabus said. "Our investment in programs like Iridescent demonstrates our commitment toward improving science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for students across the country. This program is transforming the lives of children who might not otherwise be exposed to the wonders of technology and innovation."

ONR's partnership with Iridescent is part of a Department of Defense-wide campaign to grow a diverse STEM talent pool that will benefit future warfighters.

"Iridescent gets students excited about learning and passionate about inventing," Carr said. "They take everyday science topics and bring them to life through inspiring mentors and hands-on experiments.

"Using the simplest of tools, they are able to create and build real-world items such as houses, birds, roller coasters and boats; and then test the underlying science or engineering concepts. It is truly amazing to watch these children as they experience their first 'a-ha' moment," said Carr.

Along with Navy officials, the event is expected to draw representatives from state and local government, as well as hundreds of youths and their parents to the 2,750-square-foot facility.

In addition to ONR, more than 11 exhibitors will be represented at the Nov. 4 event, including Naval Surface Warfare Center, Newport, R.I., and NASA.

Visitors to the science center will get hands-on experience with robotics and other interactive demonstrations.

Naval Base San Diego Conducts Multiagency Security Training Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephen Votaw, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Security officials from Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) took the lead in conducting a multiagency training exercise at the Pacific Beacon bachelor housing complex in San Diego Oct. 28.

The exercise was used to help prepare the base officials for a hostage scenario and to help integrate the base master-at-arms (MAs) with other professional

units.

Units from the Commander, Navy Region Southwest (CNRSW) Police Department, San Diego Police Department, as well as hostage negotiators and a Special Weapons and Tactics unit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), participated in the training exercise.

"It is important that we perform these types of exercises so that everyone knows how to respond," said Lt. David Deree, assistant security officer and force protection training team leader. "It is important to practice safety precautions for our Sailors and to help build communications with other agencies and departments."

Deree said that training advisers were on hand to answer any questions and give direction for those participating in the exercise.

According to Deree, NBSD conducts large-scale training exercises quarterly to help keep the highest level of readiness possible.

"We do these kinds of exercises for safety," said Deree. "Safety of both our security teams and our Sailors nearby the incident is always our highest priority, and we do everything possible to ensure the highest level of safety possible."

Base MAs and CNRSW police were the first to arrive and secure the scene until the San Diego Police Department and FBI officials arrived to take charge.

As part of the exercise, residents were cleared from the building prior to the scenario taking place to ensure the safest and most controllable training environment possible.

FBI agents played the role of the suspect and hostages barricaded inside of a room on the seventh floor of the Pacific Beacon bachelor housing complex.

Guantanamo Bay Media Invitation Announced

The Department of Defense and the Office of Military Commissions will provide seats for news media aboard military aircraft for travel to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, on November 8, 2010, for a military commissions hearing in the case of United States vs. Noor Uthman.  Return travel is planned for November 11, 2010.

Media reservation requests should be e-mailed to Tanya.bradsher@osd.mil.  All requests must be received by 5 p.m. EDT, November 2, 2010.  Due to a limited number of seats aboard the flight and limited accommodations at Guantanamo Bay, media travel is not guaranteed.

NORAD Dispatches Fighters to Escort Suspicious Aircraft

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2010 – The North American Aerospace Defense Command ordered four fighter jets today to escort a civilian aircraft with suspicious cargo.

NORAD diverted two Canadian CF-18s to track the aircraft as it flew into and over Canadian airspace, NORAD officials said in a statement. The civilian aircraft was passed to two U.S. F-15s as it transited into U.S. airspace and its ultimate destination at John F. Kennedy International Airport, they added.

NORAD dispatched the fighters “out of an abundance of caution,” the statement said.

Family Matters: Halloween Opens Doors to Community

By Elaine Wilson

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2010 – I went for a long walk the other night and found my new neighborhood had been transformed into an otherworldly lair. Ghosts hovered from branches and skeletons from rooftops. Toothless pumpkins, faces frozen in eerie smirks, leered at me from nearly every porch as I passed by. But rather than feel the onset of fear, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I've got a sneaking suspicion I moved into my new neighborhood just in the nick of time.

I moved to Maryland about a month ago, a journey I've been blogging about over the past several months, detailing my challenges with everything from house hunting to picking the right school for my kids. But now it's time for the final stage of my move: meeting the neighbors.

In my last community, I must admit I didn't spend much time on social endeavors. I had a newborn, two elementary-age children and a husband to balance with work, which kept me busy. But people didn't seem to gather for street-side chats each evening there, something I sorely miss from my military days.

I remember gathering in my cul-de-sac in Turkey with other military families just about every evening, watching the kids from folding chairs on the sidewalk until it grew too dark to see each other.

I'm always amazed at how military families create such strong bonds and a sense of community in such a short time, and while juggling very difficult demands. They are always willing to pitch in to help another military family in need, whether it’s with child care, a last-minute ride home or just a shoulder to cry on. I know I was the recipient of much of that support when I was a single mom on active duty.

Military families have an amazing gift of empathy and adaptability. And I hope I can put some of those social skills to work here, since I plan to establish roots and settle in for the long haul.

Hence the walk. I not only wanted to get the lay of the land, but also to see if I could meet and greet some neighbors. I ended up seeing more creepy crawlers and spider webs than humans, but Halloween is just a few days away.

As I escort my bear cub, woodland fairy and Darth Vader down the street this weekend, I hope to make some connections that will last over the long term. The holiday, after all, is the perfect excuse to knock every neighbor's door. I'm looking at the holiday this year as a chance to gather new acquaintances, as much as an opportunity to score some candy from my kids.

I may meet a few ghosts and goblins along the way -- and, I'm sure, a few Lady Gagas and Justin Biebers this year– but I also hope to meet a few great people.

Happy Halloween!

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, November 01, 2010

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

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen speaks at 8:50 p.m. EDT at the BENS Eisenhower Award Dinner honoring Mary and David Boies in the Grand Ballroom Gotham Hall, New York City, N.Y.  Media interested in attending should contact Jennie Moonis, jmoonis@bens.org 202-296-2125, ext. 1124 of JCS Public Affairs at 703-697-4272.

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, October 31, 2010

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

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery in support of the Marine Corps Marathon, occurs at 7:35 a.m. EDT and 7:41 a.m. with two CH 53E's and two F/A-18's.

Today in the Department of Defense, Saturday, October 30, 2010

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

This Day in Naval History - Oct. 29

From the Navy News Service

1814 - Launching of Fulton I, first American steam powered warship, at New York City. The ship was designed by Robert Fulton.

1955 - Ships of the 6th Fleet join U.S. military aircraft in evacuating American citizens from Egypt, Israel and Syria when war breaks out in the Middle East.

1980 - USS Parsons (DDG 33) rescues 110 Vietnamese refugees 330 miles south of Saigon.

1989 - A pilot making his 1st carrier landing and four others are killed when his plane crashes on the flight deck of of the training carrier Lexington (AVT 16) off the coast of Pensacola, Fla.

Boat Forces Tour – RB-M Program

Written by: Dan Bender

The Response Boat-Medium is the Coast Guard’s replacement for the aging fleet of 41-foot Utility Boats, a venerable platform that was known as the workhorse of the Coast Guard for most of it’s 25-year-long service life.  Making that transition, from planning to delivery, is the business of the RB-M Program in Kent, Wash.

The team here have a broad mandate to ensure the quality of the boats being delivered to the fleet.  This involves directly monitoring assembly, observing test trials, engineering and supporting the operators who use these boats.

“It’s definitely a multifaceted program,” said Lt. Andrew Hoag who handles warranty issues and tracking reliability and maintenance of the platform.  “Our mission is ensuring quality control of the RB-Ms being constructed.  The feedback I’ve heard has been mostly positive but with any new acquisition there’s always going to be design elements that can be improved.”

Learning what to improve comes from vigorous testing.  Much of that testing is done before the boats ever leave Washington but the ultimate shakedown comes when these highly capable boats are put into service.  Feedback from the fleet is an important source of information.

Input from operators has been an integral part of the design process from the outset.  While the program was still in the planning stages, 22 highly experienced Coasties were brought in to lend their experience.

A welder pieces together an aluminum RB-M keel. Photo by PA2 Dan Bender

“Input from real operators is priceless,” said David Shepard, a boat project specialist from the Office of Boat Forces.

From the comfortable air-conditioned cabin, to the safety of its self-righting capabilities this boat far exceeds the capabilities of the UTBs it is replacing.  That couldn’t happen without the crew of the program who work behind the scenes to ensure their shipmates in the fleet have the best platform possible.

Secretary of State Visits Service Members on Guam

By Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

Yigo, GUAM (NNS) -- More than 1,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines attended a speech given by Secretary of State of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton at Andersen Air Force Base Oct. 29.

Clinton visited the base as part of her trip to the Asia-Pacific Region. She began her speech by thanking local military leaders along with the governor of Guam and other officials.

She reaffirmed Guam's importance to the nation, and her gratitude to the service members for their dedication and sacrifice.

"This (Asia-Pacific) region is the center of much change, and many challenges of the 21st Century," Clinton said. "We are engaging even more actively in the region with our allies, our partners, with emerging powers, and with institutions that are being built in order to keep peace and advance prosperity and stability."

The secretary added that service members continuously prove themselves indispensable. She highlighted the importance of the role our troops stationed in Guam have in our Asia/Pacific strategy.

"As we step up our engagements, we will depend more than ever on each of you. The men and women of our armed forces are one of the most important assets we have for engaging the world," she said. "Your mission is evolving for the 21st Century and no one understands this better than you. You are called on to perform a wide variety of services, in a wide variety of places. For instance, earlier this year, Sailors from Guam were part of a five-month humanitarian deployment of the USNS Mercy, delivering medical and dental care to Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea and Palau. And after the devastating earthquake in Haiti last January, the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle, like the one now based here, was used to survey the damage and identify safe landing places for aircraft carrying relief supplies."

Clinton stated that more and more, service members are also called on to cooperate with forces from other countries. She recognized these efforts that strengthen our joint security and show our allies that we remain deeply committed to them.

"I know that today, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 is hosting members of the South Korean military for joint training on identifying and eliminating Improvised Explosive Devices. This is the kind of collaboration that saves lives and leaves both countries better off," she said.

Brig. Gen. John Doucette, 36th Wing commander was appreciative of the positive message Clinton relayed.

"I would like to thank Secretary Clinton for taking time out of her schedule to address the service members here," said Doucette. "It is through the efforts of all the service members that our Nations mission is accomplished. The visit has served as a reminder of what we are fighting for: the safety of not only those we love, but the country we took an oath to protect."

At the conclusion of the event, Clinton came off the stage and entered the crowd to take photos and shake hands with service members in attendance.

Coast Guard Heroes: Robert J. Yered

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

This Compass series chronicles the first 14 heroes the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters have been named for. These men and women, who stood the watch before us, lived extraordinary lives as they lit the way for sailors in times past, braved gunfire in times of war and rescued those in peril at sea. As Coast Guard heroes, their stories are a constant reminder of our service’s legacy. As the namesake of the Coast Guard’s newest patrol boats, they will inspire the next generation of Coast Guard heroes.

Engineman Robert J. Yered’s fearless actions set him apart as he stood duty in the explosive loading detail at the United States Army Terminal, Cat Lai, Vietnam, on February 18, 1968.

In the early morning hours the terminal at Cat Lai was attacked by enemy rocket, mortar and small arms fire. As the heavy rounds beat into the terminal, one of the rockets struck a barge carrying several hundred tons of mortar ammunition. The barge was quickly engulfed in flames, and threatened to destroy three nearby ammunition ships carrying more than fifteen thousand tons of explosives.

Engineman Yered courageously exposed himself to enemy gunfire as he helped extinguish fires on the burning barge. His bold act averted not only the destruction of his own ship but also that of the entire terminal.

Yered’s valorous character shone through many times throughout his career and he is one of 12 Coast Guardsmen awarded the Silver Star. Among his other awards are the Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze stars and a Purple Heart Medal.

A special place in the Coast Guard’s history

Some 8,000 Coast Guardsmen served in various roles during the Vietnam War and during the course of the conflict 59 were wounded and seven lives were lost.

Coast Guard 82-foot cutters were a perfect fit for the shallow waters required for operations in Vietnam. The cutters spent 70 percent of their time underway as they inspected vessels for contraband, intercepted and destroyed North Vietnamese and Viet Cong craft and provided fire support for friendly forces.

As the 82-foot cutters patrolled inshore, larger cutters helped in forming an offshore barrier against infiltration. A total of 30 high endurance cutters served with Squadron Three, which consisted of 10-month deployments from 1967 and 1971.

Retired Senior Chief Kennith Spoor had duties in the explosive loading detail, much like Yered, when he served in Vietnam from July 1969 to July 1970. Spoor vividly recalls the very real dangers of standing the watch at the Army Terminals.

“Our job with the Coast Guard was to supervise the off loading of explosives because they were having too many accidents,” said Spoor. “One of our biggest worries was a swimmer attack that would put explosives under a ship, which did happen in Qui Nhon.”

The manifestation of their biggest fears came true that day in Cat Lai, but despite this persistent threat, Yered exhibited gallantry at the highest level, as he put his life on the line for others- he truly is a Coast Guard hero.

With contributions from LTJG Ryan White

This Day in Naval History - Oct. 28

From the Navy News Service

1864 - Steamer General Thomas and gunboat Stone River destroy Confederate batteries on Tennessee River near Decatur, Ala.

1882 - Orders issued for first naval attache (Lt. Cmdr. French Chadwick sent to London).

1933 - The development of the PBY Catalina flying boat is begun by awarding the contract to the Consolidated Aircraft Company.

Air Force School Focuses on Cybersecurity

By Ian Graham

Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29, 2010 – “The wars of the future will be fought in the cyber domain” sounds like a bad movie tagline from 20 years ago, but it’s becoming truer by the day, and the Air Force is readying troops for that battle.

During an Oct. 27 “DOD Live” bloggers roundtable, Air Force Brig. Gen. Walter D. Givhan, commandant of the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, discussed the importance of cybersecurity and the newest class of students graduating from the AFIT Center for Cyberspace Research.

AFIT itself has been in existence since 1919, researching and expanding the technology available to the U.S. military, beginning with flight.

“Even at that time, there was a new technology -- flight, the ability to fly,” Givhan said. “Part of what had to be core to us in dealing with this new technology was education -- education and research -- and that we couldn't just depend upon others, but it had to be part of what we were doing, directly connected to us.”

Now, Givhan said, AFIT has added graduate-level cybersecurity education and research to its academic offerings. Some training and research has been going on already, since the advent of computer networking on a large scale, but now AFIT offers master’s degrees and doctorates in cyber fields.

“What we are doing is truly continuing education -- it's not training,” he said. “We're educating [students] on the capabilities, with a little bit of hands-on work as well on particular technology and capabilities within that technology. But it's not like we're giving them a specific cyberweapon and teaching them how to fire or use that specific cyberweapon.”

The two main courses, Cyber 200 and Cyber 300, give students two slightly different looks at cyber operations, but cover the same main topics: the technology, the policy, the doctrine and the law as they relate to the cyber domain.

Cyber 200 is intended for field grade officers and some noncommissioned officers with six to eight years of service and some experience in the cyber domain. In the three-week course, Givhan said, students focus on tactical and operational issues relevant to what they may face in their line of work.

The more advanced two-week 300 course, designed for higher-ranking officers with 12 or more years of total service with at least six of those years working with cyber issues, focuses on broader concepts, the general said.

“These are the folks who are actually going to be helping make this happen in terms of what the joint force commander needs and how to integrate our cyber capabilities into his plan and to accomplish his objectives,” Givhan said.

The first class of Cyber 200 and Cyber 300 students graduated yesterday.

The venture is exciting, Givhan said, because it involves new technology. They’re testing limits, he added, rather than working within “safe” parameters. Thanks to the growth of computer networking jobs in the private sector, he noted, the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard can be involved closely as well.

“They're actually involved in this on the outside, in civilian jobs having to do with cyber,” he said.

The field’s growth in the private sector also helps to bring in recruits who have worked for civilian companies in network administration or security. AFIT has begun some programs for ROTC cadets, Givhan said, adding that he hopes those will expand as people learn more about the importance of cybersecurity and as the Air Force can teach more about it.

“This is a conversation. … This is not a one-way sort of delivering lectures and things, and people are just soaking it up,” the general said. “This is all so new and exciting and rapidly changing.

“We depend upon the participation of everyone who's part of the class and the instructors,” he continued, “and we all learn from each other in this. And it's changing so fast that the iterative process that we use to reinforce what we're doing … is going to change every time we give it.”

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, October 29, 2010

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

Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivers remarks at the Joint Forces Command Assumption of Command by Gen. Ray Odierno at 10 a.m. EDT at the JFCOM Headquarters in Suffolk, Va.  Media interested in attending should contact JFCOM Public Affairs Kathleen Jabs at 757-836-6553 or JCS PA Jennifer Harrington at 703-697-4272.