Alaska Ranger: Lessons from Coast Guard’s most challenging rescue

Posted by: Christopher Lagan

Guest post by Kalee Thompson

After the rescue of 42 crewmembers from the fishing vessel Alaska Ranger in 2008, author Kalee Thompson produced an in-depth report on one of the most challenging missions in Coast Guard history. She went on to write a book that examined the sinking, the rescue and the fishing industry. We asked for her thoughts on the recently released report of the Marine Board of Investigation since few have examined the case to the extent she has. All opinions expressed by Ms. Thompson are her own and posting her perspective in no way reflects the opinion of the United States Coast Guard.

When the bottom trawler Alaska Ranger foundered and sank in the Bering Sea in March 2008 the Coast Guard was ready. The 189-foot fishing vessel began taking on water around 2:20 a.m. on Easter morning. By 4:30, all 47 people on board had abandoned ship. More than half of them failed to get into life rafts. The first Coast Guard rescue asset-an HH-60 Jayhawk, forward deployed to remote St. Paul Island-arrived on scene at 5:00 a.m. and eventually plucked sixteen fishermen from the waves. More men were saved by the crew of an HH-65 Dolphin while a Kodiak C-130 flew cover and provided a communications platform for the rescuers below.

Dozens of Coasties ultimately contributed to the rescue effort and their work paid off: against all odds, 42 of the 47 crew of the Alaska Ranger were recovered alive from dark, 32˚ seas, twenty of them individually pulled from breaking swells by Coast Guard helicopters and then carefully lowered to the flight deck of the Coast Guard Cutter Munro. In terms of the number of people airlifted directly from the ocean, the rescue was unprecedented in Coast Guard history.

I originally reported on the Alaska Ranger case for Popular Mechanics Magazine and in 2010 published a nonfiction book, Deadliest Sea, on the disaster. From the start, it was obvious that much went right on that Easter morning-which is what makes the story both compelling and inspirational. But within a day of the disaster a team of Coast Guard investigators was tasked with investigating what went wrong. Their comprehensive report was released this week.

One veteran Coast Guard officer explained to me early on in my reporting that casualty investigations can be like peeling an onion. “There’s a limit to how far you can go,” he told me. “You never get to the core.” I was surprised to discover, for instance, that the marine board would not be considering past marine casualties involving the Fishing Company of Alaska, the company that owned the ship. To me, those events seemed entirely relevant to the poor safety culture witnessed onboard the Alaska Ranger. I was also disappointed that the board declined to call the company’s owner, Karena Adler, to testify. In the end, it feels like a company that put profit over safety time and again got off with little more than a slap on the wrist.

The MBI report is much harder on the Coast Guard’s own. The final report devotes dozens of pages to evaluating the multiple shortcomings of the regional ACSA program (Alternative Compliance and Safety Agreement) that governs the Bering Sea Head and Gut fleet and includes several suggestions for how helicopter rescuers might avoid future mishaps like the one that occurred when a hypothermic Alaska Ranger fishermen fell from a rescue basket during a hoist.

During the course of my book research, I spent time with Coast Guard fishing vessel inspectors in both Washington State and Alaska and found them to be deeply committed to their safety mission. But for years they have been fighting an uphill battle against a regulatory environment that protects the financial interests of industry over the safety of fishermen.

Unfortunately, it sometimes takes egregious tragedies to energize public–and Congressional–support for stiffer regulation. New safety standards– like those included in the recently passed Coast Guard Authorization Act — are crucial to providing the Coast Guard with the power to demand and enforce safer conditions in the commercial fishing industry. I hope these new laws will be accompanied soon with funding for more inspectors and resources. Hard-working Coasties and the fishermen they protect deserve nothing less.

Kalee Thompson is a contributing editor at Popular Mechanics Magazine and the author of the book Deadliest Sea: The Untold Story Behind the Greatest Rescue in Coast Guard History.

DOD Announces Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program

The Department of Defense announced today its program to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The program will:

• Thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans.

• Highlight the service of the armed forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the armed forces.

• Pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War.

• Highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War.

• Recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

DoD representatives will coordinate with other federal agencies, veteran groups, state, local government and non-government organizations for their input in Vietnam War commemoration activities. For more information call 877-387-9951 or visit the official website at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com/ .

Naval Base Coronado Sailors Remember Dr. King's Dream

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors and civilian contractors from Fleet Readiness Center Southwest (FRCSW), and guests, marched down the street and sang songs at Naval Base Coronado (NBC) Jan. 13 remembering and honoring the famous marches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The participants marched to the steps of the base theater, and upon entering Dr. King's famous speech "I Have a Dream" could be heard.

"We celebrate the actions of one man [Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.] who fought for diversity and recognized all people should be free," said Capt. John Smajdek, executive officer, FRCSW. "His passion, vision and courageous deeds should help us determine if our actions toward other races need improvement."

"Dr. King molded a vibrant multiracial nation and his actions should not be forgotten," said Smajdek.

Guests enjoyed the musical sounds of gospel recording artist Lanee Battle who sang the national, the black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and gospel hymns.

The theme of this year's ceremony was "Passing the Torch." Guest speaker Farrell Chiles, chairman of the board of Blacks in Government, said every person that possesses the torch must stand up to the plate, make an impact in their communities and continue to strive for the advancement of civil rights.

"Each generation must carry the torch," said Chiles. "We are not measured by who we are, but by how well we can pave the road for those to come."

As the commemoration ceremony came to an end, audience members joined Battle in singing "You'll Never Walk Alone."

"Anytime we come together to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., it is encouraging to see that people still remember him," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class (AW) Alice Y. Wingo, an FRCSW Sailor who attended the event.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/.

Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran

The January 20, 2011, episode of American Heroes Radio features a conversation with Sergeant Clyde Hoch, United States Marine Corps, is the author of Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran.

Program Date: January 20, 2011
Program Time: 1500 hours, PACIFIC
Topic: Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2011/01/20/tracks-memoirs-of-a-vietnam-veteran

About the Guest
Sergeant Clyde Hoch, United States Marine Corps, is the author of Tracks: Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran. According to Sergeant Hoch, “I served in the USMC from 1965 to 1969. I have just completed a book about my experience. I tell what it was like to have my tank and crew abandoned on the battlefield. I tell what it was like to work with the Korean Marines in Vietnam. I tell what it was like to be in a tank the struck a large land mine. My book starts with high school through boot camp to coming home to an unfriendly situation. It also has short stories from other people I served with in Vietnam."

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2011/01/20/tracks-memoirs-of-a-vietnam-veteran
Listen from the Archive:
http://www.americanheroesradio.com/tracks_memoirs_vietnam_veteran.html

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Deploys

From USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) departed its homeport of Norfolk Jan. 13 to embark upon its first deployment since 2007.

Slated to deploy for operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleets, this deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe.

Working with allied and partner maritime forces, the Enterprise CSG units will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

The Enterprise CSG consists of approximately 6,000 Sailors who, during the last four months, have successfully completed refresher training and certifications to ensure they operate effectively and safely together.

"We have trained long and hard to get to this day," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander of the Enterprise CSG. "Since beginning workups in April of last year, this team of Sailors and Marines in our strike group have honed their skills at sea in order to be ready to execute our missions of forward naval presence, maritime security operations, theater security cooperation and crisis response, if required."

This is the third deployment leading an aircraft carrier into combat operations during the last three years for Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, who assumed duties as commanding officer of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Jan. 4. Mewbourne most recently commanded USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), where led her crew through two successful combat deployments.

"Enterprise has a proud history of more than 49 years. Our nation, our Navy and our families, too, should be proud of our crew who has gone above and beyond to make the ship ready to deploy," said Mewbourne. "Make no mistake, Enterprise and her crew are ready to answer our nation's call."

Before saying their goodbyes and pulling away from the pier, Enterprise Sailors were busy working around the clock to make final deployment preparations to ensure thousands of mission-essential supplies were properly on-loaded, off-loaded and stowed for sea.

"We've been running the crane every day for the past few weeks now, bringing on all kinds of materials for ship's company and the air wing," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Matthew R. Cascella, who works for the S-8 Division of Enterprise's Supply Department. "Our duty sections were working up to taps each day to make sure we have all the supplies we need and that they are organized and distributed."

This deployment, the 21st for the carrier since its commissioning in 1961, also marks the first deployment of the centennial year of naval aviation.

"For 100 years, we have operated aircraft from the decks of warships. It's appropriate that our most accomplished active aircraft carrier is the first to deploy this year," said Kraft.

The Enterprise CSG 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.

Navy SEALs Visit New York for 2011 Hispanic Games

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez, Naval Special Warfare Group Two Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- The Naval Special Warfare East Coast SEAL and Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewman (SWCC) scout team attended the 17th annual Hispanic Games, Jan. 7-10, at The Armory Indoor Track and Field Stadium in the Bronx, NY.

More than 8,000 athletes attended the games from high schools throughout the state of New York. The SEAL and SWCC scout team worked with members of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and mentored and encouraged athletes throughout the event.

"It was larger than I anticipated, and also allowed us to answer questions these kids had about our community and the Navy as a whole," said Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Eddie Lugo.

Lugo said many youth are interested in the Navy special programs such as SEALs and SWCCs, but rarely have the opportunity to talk with members of those communities who understand what it takes to get started in the special warfare field.

"Looking back at how I came into the NSW community, it was just by chance where somebody gave me a book about Navy SEALs, then I became interested in becoming a SEAL operator. An event like this gives me the opportunity to come back to my hometown and expose these young men to the SEAL community," said Lugo.

Lugo and other SEALs used a pull up challenge to mentor athletes and test their physical abilities. Lugo said SEAL challenge events are a great venue for interacting with youth and emphasizing the importance of fitness and conditioning.

"Events like these allow us to interact with people who could be the next generation of special warfare operators," said Lugo.

Athletes were also treated to a static display by SEAL and SWCC personnel, who demonstrated the equipment that special operators use in the field. Some of the items on display were parachutes, diving equipment, and body armor.

"The sheer number of kids participating in this event is what made this weekend successful; we were able to give them a small peek behind the curtain and expose a diverse group of young men to the SEAL and SWCC communities," said Senior Chief Navy Counselor (CRF/SW) Gio Giovanetty, a Navy special programs coordinator.

"Now there is an effort being made to introduce diverse communities to opportunities in Naval Special Warfare. I think this is good for the Navy and good for young Americans of all backgrounds as well," said Giovanetty.

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, January 13, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn and General Counsel Jeh C. Johnson deliver remarks at 8:30 a.m. EST at the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. observance in the Pentagon Auditorium, room BH650. This event will be carried live on the Pentagon Channel and streaming live on www.pentagonchannel.mil.

Commanding general for Regional Command South, Maj. Gen. James Terry and senior civilian representative for Regional Command South, Henry Ensher will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EST 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.

This Day In Naval History - Jan. 12

From the Navy News Service

1813 - U.S. frigate Chesapeake captures the British warship Volunteer.

1848 - Sloop Lexington attacked in San Blas, Mexico.

1953 - Aircraft landings are tested aboard USS Antietam (CVS 36), the first angled-deck carrier.

Namesake Submarine Adopted by Bremerton Navy League

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Dagendesh, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Northwest

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Navy League United States (NLUS) Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council hosted an adoption ceremony for the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) at Norm Dicks Conference Center, Jan. 11.

USS Bremerton was the second United States Navy ship to be named in honor of Bremerton, Wash., a city which has been long associated with both the Navy and submarine force.

Mayor Patty Lent hosted the ceremony and NLUS Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Council signed the official adoption papers of USS Bremerton.

"Tonight's celebration commemorates the official adoption of USS Bremerton and her crew by Bremerton-Olympic," said Congressman Norm Dicks. "This is a proud day of the city of Bremerton and its citizens. As a native of Bremerton it is an honor to welcome Cmdr. Kerr and his wife Hilary to our city. And we offer our deepest thanks to the 130-person crew serving our country on board USS Bremerton.

"I am thankful that the Bremerton-Olympic Peninsula Chapter of the Navy League has demonstrated support for the crew and its namesake submarine. This partnership is a testament to the patriotism of every Navy League member as shining examples of how much this community supports service members and their families," said Dicks.

The electric boat division of General Dynamics Corporation in Groton, Conn., was awarded the contract to build the submarine Jan. 24, 1972; the keel was laid May 8, 1976, and was launched July 22, 1978 by sponsor, Mrs. Henry M. Jackson.

USS Bremerton was commissioned March 28, 1981, and Capt. Thomas H. Anderson was its first commanding officer.

Byron Faber, Navy League Trips and Tours worked closely with area organizations and USS Bremerton to make the event possible.

"As soon as we knew the Bremerton got the port call here a year ago, several of us in Navy League wanted to do everything we could to show our support to the crew," said Faber. "I gave them rides in my Ferrari and got to know the crew; we just had a blast...and we got the idea 'why don't we adopt this boat.' I've been the liaison ever since doing the spade-work to get it done…a lot of chatting with the CO to see what we could do. I'm just proud we can support our military any way we can."

Cmdr. Caleb Kerr, USS Bremerton commanding officer, and his wife flew in from Pearl Harbor to attend the ceremony to represent the boat and sign the official papers.

"I thank all who are here, for welcoming my wife and myself to this auspicious occasion," said Kerr. "The crew and I are very excited about the patriotic city Bremerton adopting our ship. I cannot tell you what it means to all of us on the crew to know there are people in Bremerton fully supporting us; especially significant for us as we prepare for a six-month deployment. All of your support is appreciated."

Blue to Green Is Option for Sailors Facing Separation

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- In a climate where Sailors may face separation due to high year tenure or Perform-to-Serve/Fleet Rating Identification Engine, Navy leadership is reminding Sailors in 2011 that Operation Blue to Green could keep them serving.

"Sailors should be aware of all avenues to stay in the military," said Capt. Hank Roux, head enlisted community management.

According to the Army's Operation Blue to Green website, the program allows highly qualified Sailors the opportunity to continue in military service, maintain benefits and gain new training.

Benefits of transitioning to the Army via Blue to Green include:

* E-1 through E-5 retain their grade and date of rank.

* Rates that convert into an Army military occupational specialty (MOS) will only need to attend Basic Combat Training.

* Retraining into another MOS may be possible.

"Of course we want all of our Sailors to stay Navy, whether that is active, full time support or Reserve component, but if a Sailor's facing separation Blue to Green is a great option for them," Roux said.

In fiscal year 2010, only 43 Sailors took advantage of the program.

To qualify, Sailors must be physically fit, meet the Army's height and weight standards, have a minimum of three years time in service and have an approved Request for Conditional Release (DD Form 368).

For more information, speak with your career counselor, review SECNAVINST 1000.7F, MILPERSMAN 1300-081 and the Army's Operation Blue to Green website at http://www.goarmy.com/benefits/additional-incentives/blue-to-green.html.

History: Women at the Coast Guard Academy

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Post written by Scott Price, Coast Guard historian

The recent Compass post on the selection of Rear Adm. Sandra L. Stosz as the next superintendent of the Coast Guard Academy marked a historic occasion but brought up some questions on the history of the Coast Guard, its Academy, and the introduction of women to the Corps of Cadets. Since “first” exclamations draw considerable attention I’ve put together a timeline of events that led to the integration of the Class of 1980 in the summer of 1976. Below is a brief summary of those events and what in fact the Coast Guard may claim as “firsts.”

It may be hard for some to believe, given the overall success of integration efforts, there was a time not very long ago when women were restricted in what they were permitted to do if they wanted to serve their nation in uniform. They’ve only been able to serve in the active-duty and reserve components of the Coast Guard since December 5, 1973, when the separate Women’s Reserve was abolished. Even then, there were still limits to women’s service.

At that time, women were still barred from attending the service’s academy, from entering certain rates, and serving aboard cutters. Nonetheless, the elimination of the Women’s Reserve as a separate and distinct component was the watershed “Women’s Equality” event of the era for the Coast Guard. From that point forward, all remaining restrictions to women’s service were inevitably going to fall by the wayside—it was only a matter of time.

The social, cultural and political forces demanding equality for women had reached a national crescendo by the early 1970s and, after the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment in 1972, changes came more quickly. Ratification seemed certain and with the open support of the Nixon Administration, institutional barriers to women’s service were targeted.

Efforts centered on the integration of the federal academies by the mid-1970s. The distinction of being the first federal academy to admit women belongs to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. They did so in 1974—two years ahead of the other service academies. The movement to admit women into America’s service academies had now begun in earnest. Members of Congress continually introduced bills to force the Naval Academy, West Point, and Air Force Academy to open their doors to women while other Congressmen introduced separate bills that would force open the doors of the Coast Guard Academy.

In late 1974 and early 1975, Coast Guard Academy Superintendent, Rear Adm. Bill Jenkins, upon orders of the Commandant, Adm. Chester Bender, established a planning committee to study the issue of integrating women into the corps of cadets—an issue they had been informally studying for a few years already.

On July 8, 1975, Congressman Lester R. Wolff of New York introduced H.R. 8414 that called for the admission of women to the Coast Guard Academy. Wolff’s efforts were communicated to William Thaddeus Coleman, Jr., the Secretary of the Treasury at the time, who asked the Commandant, Adm. Owen Siler, “Admiral, are there any really valid reasons why women should be kept out of the Coast Guard Academy?” Siler replied in the negative. Coleman then asked “Do we have to wait for Congress to act upon this?” Again, Adm. Siler responded in the negative.

On July 29, 1975, Representative Charles H. Wilson of California introduced H.R. 9011 “A Bill Relating to the Admission of Female Individuals to the Coast Guard Academy.” On the same day Wolff introduced H.R. 9013 with the same name as Congressman Wilson’s bill. Three similar bills introduced in less than two months—the Coast Guard (and DOT) needed to act on their own or Congress would force the issue. But the bureaucratic wheels were already in motion.

On August 11, 1975, the Department of Transportation issued a press release announcing Adm. Siler’s proclamation “that women will join the Corps of Cadets at New London” and noted that “his decision to admit women to the Academy was based on the many contributions he expected women to make in the peacetime missions of the Coast Guard.” To placate Congress, “he noted that current statutes do not bar the admission of women to the Coast Guard Academy and that action by Congress will not be required. This decision is also in keeping with the strong commitment of the leadership of the Department of Transportation to assure equal rights for women.”

The other service academies followed suit on October, 7 1975, when President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 94-106 (DOD Authorization Act) that carried an attached rider which authorized the admission of women into the other three armed service academies, two months after the Coast Guard made their announcement.

On February 3, 1976, the Coast Guard Academy announced the first round of appointments for the Class of 1980, and the list included three women. The Coast Guard News Release announcing the appointments proudly stated: “Of the four largest federal service academies (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard) the Coast Guard Academy is the first to offer an appointment to a woman.”

So the Coast Guard may legitimately claim two “firsts” regarding the introduction of women to federal armed service academies:

1) They were the first to open the application process to women.

2) They were the first to issue appointments to women.

The Academy cannot claim to be the first to have women become part of the Corps since the Class of 1980 reported to New London the same day as cadets at the Air Force Academy on June 28, 1976.

One factor to take into account regarding the success of these efforts though and one that is often overlooked is the pragmatism, foresight, professionalism, and devotion to duty of the Coast Guard’s senior leadership. Although many privately (and some even publicly) admitted they did not agree with the integration efforts at the Academy, they still implemented, with minimal disruption to the service’s abilities to fulfill its missions, the new policies as mandated by their civilian leaders.

Surface Navy Association Kicks Off Symposium

From Defense Media Activity - Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Surface Navy Association kicked off its annual three-day National Symposium in Arlington, Va., Jan. 11.

The theme of this year's symposium is "Surface Naval Forces: Relevant Capabilities for a Challenging Future."

The symposium provides an opportunity for discussions on a broad range of professional and career issues for the surface community. The event also featured government-contracted defense companies, suppliers and commands who exhibited the latest in surface warfare technology and shared future projects and technologies.

The event's first keynote speaker was Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert. He addressed some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for surface Sailors.

"We've got to sustain the fleet. We've had a decade of higher op tempo than we anticipated and we planned for and that has taken its toll. We have got to get to the expected service life of our units," said Greenert.

Other speakers on the first day included Vice Adm. Derwood C. Curtis, commander, Naval Surface Forces/commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; and Rear Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, director, Surface Warfare Division.

"The Surface Navy is the foundation of the 'Global Force for Good,' operating in the maritime domain with capabilities that span the range of military operations. The pride and professionalism of our Sailors and the dedication of their families makes it possible for us to expertly carry out our Maritime Strategy," said Curtis.

One of the highlights of this year's symposium was an enlisted roundtable that provided junior enlisted Sailors an opportunity to ask questions of senior enlisted Navy personnel.

"There's a lot of things that our enlisted Sailors may not know, in particular with the surface Navy," said Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic Force Master Chief (SW/AW) James Williams. "Sometimes that information doesn't always get down to the lowest person, so that's a great opportunity to address us straight on one-on-one."

The symposium also featured a junior officer roundtable.

"So it really gives the opportunity for people, regardless of pay grade or whether they're civilian or military to come talk about things that are surface warfare related outside of their normal daily work routine," Capt. Mary Jackson, Naval Station Norfolk commanding officer.

The Surface Navy Association was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military, business and academic communities who share a common interest in naval surface warfare and to support the activities of Surface Naval Forces.

Airmen Missing From Vietnam War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of two servicemen, missing in action from the Vietnam War, have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors.

Air Force Col. James E. Dennany, 34, of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Maj. Robert L. Tucci, 27, of Detroit, will be buried as a group Jan. 14, in the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery.

On Nov. 12, 1969, Dennany and Tucci were flying the number three aircraft of three F-4Ds escorting an AC-130 gunship on a night strike mission over Laos.  After the gunship attacked six trucks and set two of them on fire, the AC-130 crew’s night vision equipment was impacted by the glow from the fires.  They requested that Tucci attack the remaining trucks.  During the attack, gunship crew members observed anti-aircraft artillery gunfire directed at Tucci’s plane followed by a large explosion.  No radio transmissions were heard from the F-4D following the attack and no parachutes were seen in the area.  An immediate electronic search revealed nothing and no formal search was initiated due to heavy anti-aircraft fire in the area.

Beginning in the mid-1990s analysts at DPMO and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) developed case leads they collected from wartime reporting and archival research.

In 1994, a joint U.S.-Lao People’s Democratic Republic (L.P.D.R.) team led by JPAC analyzed leads, interviewed villagers, and surveyed five reported crash sites near the record loss location with negative results.

In 1999, during another joint survey, officials in Ban Soppeng, Laos, turned over remains later determined to be human, two .38 caliber pistols and other crew-related equipment that villagers had recovered from a nearby crash site.  Between 1999 and 2009, other joint U.S.-L.P.D.R. teams pursued leads, interviewed villagers, and conducted three excavations.  They recovered aircraft wreckage, human remains, crew-related equipment and personal effects.

JPAC scientists used forensic tools and circumstantial evidence in the identification of the remains.

With the accounting of these airmen, 1,702 service members still remain missing from the conflict.

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

Southern Partnership Station 2011 Delivers Wheel Chairs, Aid

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Jeffery Tilghman Williams, High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift Public Affairs

MANTA, Ecuador (NNS) -- The Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011 team aboard High Speed Vessel (HSV) 2 Swift delivered more than 30,000 pounds of Project Handclasp donations for Ecuadorian medical facilities at Puerto Manta in Ecuador Jan. 10.

A generator and 99 wheel chairs were unloaded from the ship's mission bay by members of the joint military and civilian crew as U.S. Embassy officials, Ecuadorian Sailors, reporters and representatives from various hospitals and clinics in the region awaited.

"This is what this mission is all about," said SPS 2011 Mission Commander Cmdr. Mark Becker. "It's about sharing and helping each other, because we share common interests, and both our nations are committed to sustaining a solid partnership."

"The products delivered will be put to good use by people in our country. Those in need will benefit from this donation, and it's welcomed and appreciated," said Ecuadorian Capitan de Navio Jaime Moscoso, joint commander for the Manabi Region, who provided a team of Ecuadorian Sailors to assist with the offload of supplies.

Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material donated by America's private sector on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients. The approximate value of the items donated is $93,000.

The wheel chair pallets were donated by Hope Haven International Ministries in Iowa, and the generator was donated by Bayside Medical Missions and Educational Outreach Inc. in Alabama.

"We are very thankful and appreciative for this donation," said Liliana Andrade de Garcia, Club Rotario Portoviejo Gobernadora Electa. "On behalf of our organization and our country, I'd like to say thank you."

The HSV 2 crew has delivered Project Handclasp materials to Chile and Haiti so far as part of SPS 2011 and is scheduled to deliver items to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua before the conclusion of the mission in April 2011.

SPS is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (AOR) in the Caribbean and Latin America, involving information sharing with navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout the region.

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO) is the naval component command for U.S. Southern Command and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the AOR. COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations and counter-illicit trafficking operations.

For more information, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT.

CNO Presents 'Call to Service' Award to Retired CMC

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) presented the Presidential Volunteer Service Award to a retired U.S. Navy command master chief during an awards ceremony at Sharkey Theatre on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Jan. 7.

James Taylor, volunteer Pearl Harbor survivor liaison for Navy Region Hawaii, was awarded with the Call to Service pin by Adm. Gary Roughead.

Taylor has been personally responsible for planning, overseeing and conducting approximately 250 burial honors for Pearl Harbor survivors, and has donated more than 3,000 hours of his time during the last two years to the Navy.

"For 54 years, you have served our nation in uniform, in civil service, and now as a volunteer for Commander, Navy Region Hawaii," said Roughead. "It is individuals like you who make our Navy and nation a better place, and I know your work is especially appreciated by all who have received your support. Your actions bring great credit to our Navy, and I send you my personal thanks for extending yourself to veterans and their families."

Taylor stated that he was both surprised and honored when he got called on stage to receive the award.

"I was shocked when I first found out that I was receiving an award from the president of the United States," Taylor said. "It is an honor to be nominated for this, and it is an honor to have it presented by the CNO."

Taylor also said he could not have earned the award by himself.

"There are a lot of people in my life that helped me get to where I'm at, and I feel they are the true reason why I'm standing where I'm at today," Taylor stated.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award Call to Service pin is reserved for those who have committed themselves to more than 4,000 volunteer hours during their lifetime.

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making throughout the community.

Face of Defense: Soldier Prepares for Recording Contract

By Army Sgt. Janell Emerson

10th Combat Aviation Brigade

LOGAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan, Jan. 7, 2011 – The origin of Army Spc. Brian Stowe’s military career isn’t much different from other soldiers’ stories.

Stowe, of Elkmont, Ala., joined the Army in June 2008 and attended basic and advanced individual training as a human resources specialist at Fort Jackson, S.C.

He has deployed twice since his enlistment. He spent seven months in Iraq and now is deployed to Forward Operating Base Shank here with Task Force Knighthawk, assigned to the 10th Mountain Division’s 10th Combat Aviation Brigade.

But this is where his story becomes a little bit different: Stowe’s musical ambitions have led him to a recording contract in the Christian Contemporary genre after he simply had sought some feedback.

“I sent my song to them, not really looking for a contract so much,” he explained. “I was really hoping for a critique and just wanting to know what they would think.”

In June, Stowe got a phone call in which executives offered him a recording contract. “I was a bit overjoyed,” he recalled, “then a little disappointed, because we were about to deploy.”

The company’s executives decided they were willing to wait.

“They told me we could start recording once I returned,” Stowe said, “so it looks like [in] November or December … I’ll take some leave and start recording.”

Stowe is not alone in his endeavor. As the lead singer of his group, Sanctify Me, his band includes his younger brother Johnathan on bass and school friend Brittany Gibson on guitar. The trio has played together since high school.

“I can play drums and sing when we record, and I’ll play the keyboard when applicable,” he said.

He laughed as he recalled the moment when his band and family reacted to the news. “They were very happy and excited, of course. They were almost more overjoyed than I was.”

Stowe credits his wife, Evelyn, and the rest of his family in Elkmont as the sustaining factor for his music and ambitions. “I have awesome support with everything. … You know, this is our dream,” he said.

The dream began during his sophomore year of high school. Stowe was given his first instrument, a white First Act electric guitar. He quickly discovered his natural affinity for music by teaching himself to play the guitar, along with picking up the drums, keyboard and bass soon after. Creating a band was a natural evolution.

Stowe said he enjoys the camaraderie and support of his unit and looks to their continued backing as he moves forward with his music. The soft-spoken soldier said his fellow troops encourage his musical aspirations.

“They support me,” he said. “They keep my morale up.” At the prompting of his co-workers, Stowe works on his lyrics and sharpens his skills with several instruments available at the local chapel and, at times, in the office.

“I do it because they ask me to and for their morale,” he explained

Army Spc. Nicholas MacAlpin, Task Force Knighthawk chaplain assistant, said his friend’s goal of succeeding in contemporary Christian music is a no-fail aspiration.

“He is the most amazing guy I have ever known in my life,” said MacAlpin, a native of Painesville, Ohio. “He is a man who encompasses the Army values, and his music surpasses most artists for his age.”

This Day in Naval History - Jan. 11

From the Navy News Service

1863 - CSS Alabama sinks USS Hatteras off Galveston.

1900 - The gunboat Princeton takes possession of the Batan Islands in the northern Philippines.

1944 - Aircraft from USS Block Island (CVE 21) lead the first aircraft rocket attack on a German submarine.

This Day in Naval History - Jan. 10

From the Navy News Service

1847 - U.S. Naval forces occupy Los Angeles during the Mexican-American War for the first time.

1917 - The Navy places the first production order for aerial photographic equipment.

1934 - Patrol Squadron 10F flies the first non-stop formation flight from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, arriving Jan. 11.

1946 - The first Navy nuclear power school is established at Submarine Base New London, Conn.

Gates’ China Trip Aims for Lasting Military-to-Military Relationship

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ official visit to China next week is designed to lay the foundation for a lasting military-to-military relationship between the two nations, a Defense Department official said here today.

The “on-again, off-again” relationship the United States has had with China is harmful and it is in both countries’ interests to develop better and enduring military-to-military relations, Michael Schiffer, deputy assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs, said at a National Press Club forum hosted by the International Institute of Strategic Studies.

Gates is scheduled to leave Jan. 8 for his first official visit to China since 2007. Chinese officials suspended military relations with the United States early last year in protest of U.S. arms sales to Taiwan.

U.S. officials are optimistic that military-to-military relations with China can get back on track, Schiffer said, noting that representatives of both sides talked about moving forward during the Defense Consultative Talks held here in December. Also, he said, officials of China’s Peoples Liberation Army have been quoted in the Chinese media about the “dangers” of not having military ties with the United States.

In building a durable framework for lasting relations, Schiffer said, Gates and his Chinese counterpart must show their nations’ mutual respect and trust of each other, have reciprocity in areas such as military cooperation and trade, work for the countries’ mutual interests, work to reduce security risks in Asia, and continue to talk even when there are disagreements.

Gates’ goals for his meetings with Chinese officials include creating clear and open channels for dialogue and having greater transparency into each other’s militaries, Schiffer said.

“These need to be substantive engagements,” he said. “Not engagements for engagements’ sake.”

“We have an important opportunity here to recast military-to-military relations,” Schiffer added. “We believe these relations are too important to let them lag.”

Still, Schiffer said, Gates also plans to discuss specific military issues that could be contentious, including nuclear missile defense, space and cyber operations, and containing threats from North Korea.

DOD Directs Army, Marine Drawdowns for 2015, 2016

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 – Budget pressures that have proven greater than anticipated mean the Defense Department will trim end strength in its ground forces beginning in four years, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

“Under this plan, the U.S. Army's permanent active-duty end strength would decline by 27,000 troops, while the Marine Corps would decline by somewhere between [15,000] and 20,000, depending on the outcome of their force structure review,” Gates said.

The secretary and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to reporters at the Pentagon on the results of defense efficiencies initiatives begun in May to trim support costs and ensure funding for military modernization.

“The projected reductions are based on an assumption that America's ground combat commitment in Afghanistan would be significantly reduced by the end of 2014, in accordance with the president's strategy,” Gates said. The Army also will lose the 22,000 troops it added in a temporary end-strength increase approved in July 2009, he added.

“Ever since taking this post, now more than four years ago, I have called for protecting force structure and for maintaining modest, but real, growth in the defense topline over the long term,” Gates said. “I would prefer that this continue to be the case, but this country's dire fiscal situation and the threat it poses to American influence and credibility around the world will only get worse unless the U.S. government … gets its finances in order.”

Gates said even after force reduction, both services would remain larger than they had been when he became secretary -- the Army almost 40,000 troops larger, and the Marine Corps anywhere from 7,000 to 12,000 troops larger.

Both services support the decision, the secretary said, noting Marine Corps leaders have spoken of trimming back the increases their force structure has seen in recent years.

“I think [the Marines] see this as … more of an organic process within the Marine Corps in terms of their priorities and their needs,” Gates said. “In the case of the Army, this is a situation where the Army is supportive of this decision. I think … that support derives from understanding the importance of this in terms of their other priorities, as well.”

Defense Department to Prune Senior Ranks, Freeze Staffing

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 – The Defense Department will reduce its senior ranks and freeze civilian staffing levels, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

“The monetary savings from … reductions in senior personnel will be relatively modest, and mostly consist of the extra staff and amenities that, by tradition, follow high rank,” Gates said.

The secretary and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke to reporters at the Pentagon on the results of defense efficiencies initiatives begun in May to trim support costs and ensure funding for military modernization.

The primary purpose of reducing senior rank structure is “to create fewer, flatter, more agile -- and thus, more effective -- organizations,” Gates said.

In announcing the second set of initiatives in August, Gates said he would appoint a senior task force to assess the number of positions for general and flag officers and Senior Executive Service employees. As a result of that assessment, the department will eliminate more than 100 general officer and flag officer positions from the 900 it currently authorizes, the secretary said today.

“Of those, 28 are billets that were created after 9/11, primarily for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” Gates said. “They will be reduced as appropriate, as major troop deployments wind down.”

More than 80 other flag or general-officer positions spread among the services, the Defense Department and the combatant commands “will be eliminated or downgraded,” Gates said.

Defense will also eliminate nearly 200 of the 1,400 civilian positions from the department’s Senior Executive Service or equivalent positions, Gates said.

As the department prunes its senior ranks, it also will put a check on overall staff numbers by freezing the number of employees at current levels for the next three years, Gates said.

“Since the beginning of this fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, we've been operating under a freeze in the number of positions, with very limited exceptions … within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the defense agencies and field activities and the combatant commands,” the secretary said.

Gates said he instructed those organizations to “conduct a clean-sheet review” to rebalance resources, staff and functions within and across their components to reflect the department's most pressing priorities.

“The resulting review produced a number of opportunities to trim the size of the work force, yielding more than $4 billion in savings over the next five years,” he said. “I will recommend to the president that we hold to these limits in overall DOD staff levels for the next three years.”

While new requirements may emerge that require further staff support, the secretary said, those needs should be met by shifting personnel from other, less important activities within the organization.

Joint Chiefs Fully Agree With Gates’ Efficiencies

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2011 – The members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are fully behind Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ proposed efficiencies for the military, the nation’s top military officer said today.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters at a Pentagon news conference that “the chiefs and I are in complete support of these decisions.”

The military leaders were integral to the process that looked for and found $154 billion in savings over the next five years, Mullen said.

“This is the second time we’ve been through this kind of review with the secretary, and it has been managed in the most inclusive, detailed and deliberate way,” he said. “He gave us broad guidance. We helped craft the specifics, and these are our decisions, too.”

The services will be able to reinvest the savings they found in higher-priority programs. All services will invest in more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets. The Navy will disestablish the 2nd Fleet and will use those savings and more to fund additional ships. The Army will cancel a missile system and use the funds to refurbish armored vehicles and fund suicide prevention activities. The Air Force will consolidate three numbered Air Force staffs and use the savings to ensure U.S. access to space.

The secretary restructured the F-35 joint strike fighter program and agreed with the recommendation to eliminate the Marine Corps’ expeditionary fighting vehicle. The plan in the out years calls for a reduction in the size of the Army and Marine Corps.

The chairman often has said he sees the growth of the national debt as a security threat to the United States. The secretary’s efficiencies, reforms and budget proposals help the Defense Department to attack the debt situation, he said today.

“We can’t hold ourselves exempt from the belt-tightening,” he said. “Neither can we allow ourselves to contribute to the very debt that puts our long-term security at risk.”

The efficiencies aren’t solely about cutting or savings, the chairman said, but rather are about readiness.

“Not only do these reforms preserve essential capabilities – which is the highest priority of this process -– but it will improve this process,” Mullen said. “We will do things smarter, more efficiently and more in line with the challenges we face and the fiscal environment we are in.”

NORAD Flight Exercise Planned for Washington, D.C.

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and its geographical component, the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR), will conduct a three-day exercise -- Falcon Virgo 11-04 -- beginning Tuesday in the National Capital Region, Washington, D.C.

Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s flights are scheduled to take place between 11:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m EST.   Thursday’s flights are scheduled to take place between 11:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m.

In the event of inclement weather, the exercise will take place the next day, until all training requirements are met.  If bad weather continues, officials will then make a decision to postpone or cancel the exercise.

For more information on Falcon Virgo exercises, please contact CONR Public Affairs at 850-283-8080, or the NORAD Public Affairs Office at 719-554-6889.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey delivers remarks at 9:50 a.m. EST at the Rest and Recuperation Leave Program's one millionth R&R passenger milestone commemoration at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.  Media interested in attending should contact Army public affairs at 703-693-4961.

Enterprise Strike Group to Deploy

By Commander, Second Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK , Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Second Fleet announced Jan. 7, that Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (ENT CSG) will deploy for operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas Jan. 13.

This deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the globe. Working with allied and partner maritime forces, ENT CSG units will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts which help establish conditions for regional stability.

"I'm extremely proud of the men and women of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander of ENT CSG. "These sailors and Marines have exceeded all expectations in a very short amount of time. We are trained and ready to go over the horizon and support our joint and coalition partners in the execution our nation's maritime strategy."

ENT CSG consists of approximately 6,000 sailors who, over the last four months, have successfully completed refresher training and certifications to ensure they operate effectively and safely together.

"Enterprise returned to the waterfront last spring ready to tackle her upcoming deployment. The strike group spent most of October at sea training during a challenging Composite Training Unit Exercise, and after a successful Joint Task Force Exercise in December, we spent our time ensuring the ship, our Sailors, and our families were ready for this deployment," said Kraft.

This is the third deployment leading an aircraft carrier into combat operations over the last three years for Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, who assumed duties as commanding officer of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Tuesday. Mewbourne most recently commanded USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and while in command he completed two successful combat deployments supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

"It is clear Team Enterprise is trained and ready to accomplish the missions that lay ahead. I am honored to be joining such a professional crew and to be a part of the legacy and heritage of Enterprise," Mewbourne said.

ENT CSG is made up of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12, the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, the guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), and USS Mason (DDG 87). The squadrons of CVW 1 embarked in Enterprise are Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11 "Red Rippers," VFA 136 "Knighthawks," VFA 211 "Fighting Checkmates," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 251 "Thunderbolts," Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 "Screwtops," Carrier Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 137 "Rooks," Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 "Rawhides," and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11 "Dragonslayers."

For news regarding ENT CSG's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65.