This Day in Naval History - Jan. 25

From the Navy News Service

1922 - Cruiser USS Galveston (CL 19) lands her Marine Corps detachment at Corinto, Nicaragua, to reinforce the Managua legation guard during a period of political tension.

1945 - Navy surface forces bombard Japanese positions at Iwo Jima.

1963 - The 1st Seabee Technical Assistance Team arrives in Vietnam.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, January 26, 2011

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

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn; Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff, U.S. Army; Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, vice chief of Naval operations; Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., assistant commandant, U.S. Marine Corps; and Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, vice chief of staff, U.S. Air Force testify at a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee regarding proposed budget reductions and efficiencies initiatives at 10 a.m. EST in room 2118, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington D.C.

Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Ashton Carter delivers remarks at 9:30 a.m. EST on "US-India Defense Relations" at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace,

1779 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell will conduct a press briefing at 1:30 p.m. EST in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).  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.

Deployed Enterprise Engineers Vital for Flight Ops

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Peter Melkus, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) completed its first day of flight operations Jan. 22, since arriving in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

A key factor for successful flight operations aboard Enterprise are the ship's engineers below deck who provide the one thing that makes the magic happen - steam.

The main mission of Enterprise is to launch F/A-18 Hornets, Super Hornets, EA-6B Prowlers, C-2 Greyhounds, and E-2C Hawkeyes from the flight deck's four catapults. Without the machinist's mates in the Catapult Steam Shop, which is part of Engineering department's Auxiliary Division, the only aircraft that could get off deck would be the ship's helicopters.

Working six hours on and six hours off, the Catapult Steam Shop's Machinist's Mates harness the steam generated from the ship's eight nuclear reactors to provide 500 psi to the catapult systems to shoot high-tech aircraft into combat.

"We have the knowledge of the steam cycle and the same fundamental training as the other engineers on board, but we also have to learn how to apply this to our flight deck mission through on-the-job training," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Christopher Miller, from Clayton, N.Y. "Repetition is key, but since we launch a bird several times a minute, repetition is never a problem."

Miller said he loves his job and especially enjoys being unique in the engineering profession aboard the ship.

"We're really the only ones in our division who work hand-in-hand with the air ratings on a constant basis," he said.

The Catapult Steam Shop has 20 Sailors working around the clock to ensure the ship can complete its primary mission. Though their schedule only allows for about five hours of sleep at any given time, Miller is surprisingly upbeat.

"I stay up even longer because I want to complete some advanced qualifications to better my career," Miller said. "I like it though. My brother is in the Air Force and we talk about our jobs. I wouldn't trade places with him."

Enterprise is conducting theater security cooperation efforts and maritime security operations in the region while underway on its 21st deployment.

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

For information regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Lynn Assesses NATO’s Cybersecurity Progress

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

BRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan. 25, 2011 – NATO is moving ahead with plans to protect the alliance’s cyberspace domain, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III said here today.

In an interview at the European Defense Agency, Lynn said NATO leaders are taking concrete steps to defend cyberspace.

Lynn called his visit a “a bookend trip.” He had visited the alliance headquarters two months before NATO’s November summit in Lisbon, Portugal, to propose and coordinate U.S. ideas for defending cyberspace. His meeting today was part of the High Level Meeting of National Policy Advisors on NATO Cyber Defense. Coming two months after the summit, it was a chance for Lynn to assess progress.

“The first step for NATO is to protect its own networks,” the deputy secretary said. “We need concrete steps. We need to move to full operational capability of the NATO Cyber Incident Response Center, and make good on the promise of Lisbon to pull it forward from 2015 to 2012.”

Strong support exists in the alliance for this step, Lynn said, and while finances always are a concern, he said he sees that happening.

Lynn said the alliance also is putting centralized governance mechanisms in place to protect its networks.

“You have to have configuration control. You have to have a single management structure,” he said. “One of the outputs of the agency reform effort that NATO is undertaking will be to get that centralized governance structure.”

Lynn also participated in a public- and private-sector cybersecurity roundtable sponsored by Navy Adm. James G. Stavridis, NATO’s supreme allied commander for Europe. The roundtable included representatives from private companies, colleges and think tanks.

“It reflects the mutual interdependence of economic and security factors,” Lynn said. “It reflects the fact that [cybersecurity] is not a problem like air defense, where you would look to the government alone to provide the solution.”

Cybersecurity has to include private and nongovernmental entities, Lynn said, and the private-sector representatives didn’t really argue.

“The overall thrust [during the roundtable] is that companies believe this needs to be a partnership,” he said.

Lynn emphasized the word “partnership,” saying he believes the issue needs government resources and support, but not necessarily government orders. “I got the same message here as I did in the States,” he said.

The private sector has enormous technologies to share, and governments have resources to invest in those technologies. Still, Lynn said, it is a learning experience for both sides.

In the United States, the Defense Department works closely with firms making up the Defense industrial base to protect networks and data on those nets. At first, the firms were worried about sharing proprietary information, but now they see the value, Lynn said.

“Many of their fears have fallen away, and we have a very good two-way street with them,” Lynn said. The fears are not completely gone, he acknowledged, but they have relaxed to the point that they see their data is being protected. And they “are gaining a much better understanding of what the threat is, where it is coming from and how other people are dealing with it,” he added. “Essentially, the rising tide is lifting all boats in its ability to protect.”

The Defense Department has learned important lessons in protecting U.S. military networks, Lynn said, and he reached out to the European Union and the European Defense Agency to share those lessons.

NSIPS, Other Tools Offline for Maintenance Upgrade

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) and its related tools will be offline for four days beginning the evening of Jan. 27, to implement a major maintenance upgrade.

According to a recent announcement sent out by the NSIPS/Electronic Service Record (ESR)/Career Information Management System implementation (CIMS) manager, affected tools include ESR, Electronic Leave (E-Leave), CIMS and all other tools accessible through NSIPS at https://nsips.nmci.navy.mil. Other NSIPS-accessible tools that will be affected include Navy Retention Monitoring System, Health Professionals Incentive Program, Web Ad Hoc and Analytics.

"The maintenance outage will begin at 6 p.m. Central time on Jan. 27, and will run for four days," said Art Tate, NSIPS/ESR/CIMS/NRMS implementation manager, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Systems Center Atlantic New Orleans Office. "We expect NSIPS and all its related tools to be back online by approximately 6 p.m. Central on Jan. 31. As always, we always try to get NSIPS back to operational status even sooner if possible."

According to Tate, the NSIPS home page will be up through most of the maintenance period displaying system status messages.

"For the most part, you'll be able to track the status of the system there, but we expect the home page to be down for a few hours at some point for an update, too," said Tate. "During that time users will get some sort of browser message that the server is unavailable or offline. Just try again a few hours later."

There will be no functional changes from this upgrade.

"When the updated NSIPS comes back online, users will see that there are no functional changes," said Tate. "The only differences will be cosmetic changes to NSIPS – a new look and feel."

E-Leave will be down during the maintenance period, but those who need to request leave will still be able to do so using an alternative method.

"Every command's leave program must continue to function during this outage, so we advised command leave administrators (CLA), reviewers and approvers on procedures to use during down time," Tate said. "Personnel should use the paper 'NC Form 3065 Leave Request/Authorization' to document leave. Once NSIPS is back online the CLA will input the leave request.

"CLAs will also have 'work arounds' for checking personnel out and in on leave, extensions and corrections," Tate said. "Basically they will need to document these items on paper until they can input the information when the system's back online. If they have questions they can contact the NSIPS help desk for assistance."

Those who handle NSIPS transactions, such as command personnel clerks and supervisors, may not receive system feedback as quickly as usual Jan. 27.

"System acknowledgement for transactions submitted Thursday (Jan. 27) will be suspended until the system comes back online Monday (Jan. 31)," Tate said. "Once NSIPS is offline, no transactions or feedback will be possible until it's running again."

Those with questions regarding NSIPS or any of its related tools are encouraged to contact the NSIPS help desk toll-free at (877) 589-5991 or e-mail nsipshelpdesk@navy.mil.

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/.

Safeguarding the North Atlantic right whale

Posted by: LTJG Stephanie Young

As a maritime service, with helicopters flying over inland lakes ready to save those that slip into icy waters, and cutters sailing the high seas enforcing international fishing agreements, the Coast Guard has become a key protector of our Nation’s marine resources.

The service’s legacy of environmental protection dates back to the late 1800s with the signing of the Fur Seal Act of 1897, charging the Coast Guard with the vital role of enforcing natural resource laws.

Yesterday, Coast Guard responders in Jacksonville, Fla., sprung into action when a North Atlantic right whale wandered into the St. Johns River, a major traffic route for naval vessels, commercial shipping and recreational traffic.

Protected by the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, the North Atlantic right whale is designated an endangered species with approximately 350 right whales left in the northern Atlantic Ocean. The species themselves are particularly vulnerable to human activities as they frequently linger at the surface, sometimes in areas of heavy vessel traffic.

With the whale swimming directly in the path of inbound and outbound commercial vessel traffic, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Jacksonville took steps to manage vessel traffic in the area, and ferry operations were suspended. Broadcast messages were sent out urging vessel operators to use caution and proceed at safe speeds in the area of the sighting. Recreational boaters were warned that intentionally approaching within 500 yards of the whale is prohibited and is in violation of federal law.

“While we understood the significant impact of the port closure, we were grateful for our long-established partnerships with our port partners,” said Capt. Andy Blomme, Sector Jacksonville commander.

The North Atlantic right whale is a designated endangered species with approximately 350 right whales living in the northern Atlantic Ocean. Photo courtesy of NOAA.

Yesterday’s events highlighted the fact that the Coast Guard’s stewardship role cannot be performed alone, and demonstrates the paramount importance of partnerships for protecting vulnerable marine species. As a result of the collective efforts of the Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, the off course whale eventually found its way to safety and port operations were restored.

“NOAA’s partnership with the Coast Guard and others is essential to protecting endangered North Atlantic right whales,” said Eric Schwaab, NOAA assistant administrator for NOAA’s Fisheries Service. “Yesterday’s quick action to protect the right whale was a great example of this strong partnership at work.”

Fortuitously, Blomme and his staff had met with the NOAA Southeast U.S. Right Whale Coordinator just a week ago to discuss the possibility of a right whale entering the river and how they would handle that situation.

“These ties enabled us to make timely notification and react quickly to ensure the whale’s safety until it departed the river,” added Blomme.

The St. Johns River is within one of the seasonal management areas established by NOAA in 2008, and supported by Coast Guard and its partners. In these areas, a speed restriction comes into effect when whales are expected to migrate through the area, reducing the risk of ship collisions with North Atlantic right whales. These measures are just one example of managing human activities to reduce impacts to whales.

As the U.S. Coast Guard continues to meet the challenges that face our nation, including our 11 statutory missions, the service remains committed to the protection of our nation’s living ocean legacy including critical marine habitats and the endangered species that are dependent on them.

Mitscher Departs for Training Exercises

By Mass Communication Specialist Deven B. King, USS Mitscher Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Mitscher (DDG 57) departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Jan. 19, as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group.

The crew of Mitscher, more than 250 Sailors, is participating in a Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) to prepare for an upcoming deployment with the strike group.

"We're in our advanced stages of training," said Command Master Chief (SW) William Mullinax, USS Mitscher Command Master Chief. "This is to flex the crew and the ship to ensure we're ready to go in harm's way if need be."

Mitscher will serve many roles within the strike group, including anti-submarine warfare, carrier defense, maritime security operations, and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations.

"Mitscher's not only the jack-of-all-trades, but she's the master of them as well," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Wilson, combat systems officer. "Name a mission and we'll be there to execute it safely and professionally."

During their first 48 hours underway, the crew conducted a VBSS exercise and a force protection exercise designed to simulate an attack on the ship by small craft.

"It's training that has added value to Sailors," said Mullinax.

"Over the next month we'll fine-tune the skills we need to fine-tune a little more, tighten up those last few things we need tightened up, and we'll be ready to roll," Wilson said.

"The crew is ready for the COMPTUEX and JTFEX, and I think they'll meet every situation pressed upon them to the best of their ability," Mullinax said. "There are probably going to be things which will stump us a bit, but we have the right people in place, the right leadership and the right Sailors."

USS Mitscher is scheduled to deploy with the strike group in the spring.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnrma/.

General Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nomination:

Air Force Lt. Gen. Eric E. Fiel for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as commander, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla.  Fiel is currently serving as the vice commander, U.S. Special Operations Command, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Lincoln Sailors Save Shipmate

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Seth Clarke, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- The commanding officer of Helicopter Sea Squadron 12 awarded the Navy Achievement Medal to two Sailors from USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) Air Department Jan. 25 for quick, decisive actions that saved the life of one of their shipmates.

Cmdr. Patrick E. Keyes awarded the medal to Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Jesus J. Garcia, from Uvalde, Texas, and Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handler) Airman Samuel R. Scheidecker, from Philadelphia.

During flight operations Jan. 21, Garcia and Scheidecker took action simultaneously to halt the launch of an E2-C2 Hawkeye when they noticed a Sailor crossing the flight deck in the path of the aircraft.

Garcia works as an operator in the Integrated Catapult Control Station (ICCS), located between the forward catapults that launch aircraft off of Lincoln's flight deck. His job is to first ensure that he has the correct amount of steam pressure for the launch, and then to make sure the deck in front of the aircraft is clear.

After conducting his pressure reading Jan. 21, Garcia went up to check to see if he had a clear deck. When he looked up, he saw someone coming up out of the catwalk, onto the flight deck and directly into the path of the aircraft. He immediately suspended the launch. Had he indicated a clear deck forward, the launch would have proceeded.

Garcia said he was simply doing his job the way he was trained.

"Everyone that trained me, trained me properly," Garcia said. "It came in handy that night."

Independent of Garcia's actions, Scheidecker also followed the proper steps to suspend the launch. When he saw the Sailor enter the launch area, Scheidecker sent a suspend signal from the bow to the director topside.

"It was instantaneous," Scheidecker said. "As soon as you see something like that, you've got to react. We're watching out for one another up there. It's kind of cool that both of us, from two different divisions, saw her and stopped it in time. I'm glad we did."

Capt. Brad Jensen, Lincoln's Air department head, said the Sailors' extraordinary actions were the result of their ability to maintain focus, fight complacency and react according to their training.

"Everything that they do up there is to preserve life and to preserve assets," Jensen said. "Their first instinct was to recognize that they had someone in an area that wasn't supposed to be there. That made all the difference. If not for their actions, it would have resulted in the loss of life, without a doubt."

Jensen said that although flight operations that night ended without incident, it was important to remember to stay focused at all times while working in such a dangerous environment.

"You like to recognize great actions, but the flip side is that this could have been very bad," said Jensen. "This could have been a memorial service. Instead, we got to recognize a couple of Sailors for doing a great job and saving a life."

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.

Band of Brothers Deploy, Serve Together Aboard USS Enterprise

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jared M. King, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- As the Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) are deployed away from their families and best friends Jan. 22, Sailors who are as close as brothers are serving together.

Aviation Electronics Technician Airman James F. Jones, assigned to the 'Checkmates' of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, and his best friend since birth, Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Cody J. Loskot, assigned to the 'Screwtops' of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, are among the lucky few who have the opportunity to serve side-by-side.

"Loskot has always been a great friend," said Jones. "It helps a lot to be around somebody close to me that will experience the same things while we deploy with the Big 'E'. It's great to have my best friend with me. I can't imagine what it would be like to do this alone. We'll have lots of exciting sea stories to pass down to our children and grandchildren."

Jones also happens to have a younger brother Jacob, stationed aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), who will embark on a deployment later in this year.

It was at the urging of his brother and a need for a sense of direction that Jones finally decided to join the Navy. The two brothers, along with Loskot, enlisted together on the same day. In order to be near one another, all three decided to go into the aviation field.

"If the Navy was good enough for my brother and Loskot to join, then it was good enough for me," said Jones. "The plan was to stay together as long as we could, and luckily we were all able to be stationed in Virginia.

The three Sailors grew up together in Hillsboro, Ill., where they spent their summers at the lake. Their tight bond remained strong throughout the years, providing them a significant lifeline to help them weather the challenges of boot camp and adjust to their new life in the Navy. Once they arrived in Great Lakes, Ill., the Jones brothers were placed in the same division. Although they were separated from Loskot, he was still close by.

As the 'big brother,' a role Jones said he takes seriously, being in the same division provided extra comfort to Jones as he was able to watch over his baby brother throughout their time at recruit training command.

"Boot camp was very challenging but rewarding at the same time because I was able to be there for Jacob," said Jones. "I've been looking out for him since we were kids. While we were in boot camp, I made sure I motivated him all the way to the end."

Although Jones says he was hesitant about joining at first, he is proud to follow in his family's footsteps. The Jones brother's grandfather, Jim Jones, served as a boat coxswain during the 1940's. His father, also named Jim, was an electrician's mate who served in the 1970's aboard USS Wasp (CVS 18).

"I grew up listening to sea stories from my Dad; we're third generation Sailors in my family," said Jones. "I hope our grandfather is smiling down from heaven. I'm proud to carry on our family's legacy; we're a true Navy family."

As for Loskot, he said nothing could be better than sharing his Navy adventure with two of his best friends.

"People join the Navy and end up acquiring lifelong friends," said Loskot. "Jones and I started out as friends and now have become family."

While Enterprise's deployment has given Jones a chance to spend more time with friends and share an experience that his brother will soon share, Jones said he also had to make sacrifices. He will be away from his wife and daughter, and he will miss the birth of his second child.

While Jones said he is upset about missing his daughter's birth, he knows Loskot will be there to help him make it through his time away from home.

"I'm going to miss my second child's birth, and it helps a lot being around somebody close to me that has experienced the same things," said Jones.

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

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

'Call of the Ocean': Sonar Techs Listen in Defense of USS Leyte Gulf

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Robert Guerra, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS LEYTE GULF, At Sea (NNS) -- The 14 Sailors that comprise Weapons department's CA division aboard USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) have been steadily hearing "the call of the ocean" as they steam through U.S. 6th Fleet's area of operation, Jan. 25.

The sonar technicians are helping to protect the ship by listening to changes in the frequency in water, allowing for quicker response to potential threats.

Sonar technicians are trained to detect, classify, and localize incoming torpedoes. The technicians are also responsible for deploying the AN/SLQ-25A (NIXIE) torpedo countermeasure, a vital component to the ship's torpedo defense system.

The NIXIEs "soft kill" technology is able to confuse a torpedo and draw fire away from the ship through the use of a towed decoy device and shipboard signal generator. The combination can attract the passive sonar of an incoming torpedo by mimicking ship noise, such as a propeller or engine, which is more attractive to the torpedo's sensors than the ship.

"We train to rapidly deploy NIXIE, recognize incoming torpedoes and know what type of weapon the enemy is deploying against us," said Sonar Technician 3rd Class (Surface) Andrew D. Johnson. "It's vital in order to allow the ship to make the necessary evasive maneuvers."

Leyte Gulf's NIXIE "Quickdraw" was a recent training scenario designed to test the response time for getting NIXIE into the water when faced with aggression.

"It's important to keep personnel alert," said Ens. Maelina T. Sakaio, anti-submarine warfare officer. "You have to continually train in order to develop and improve."

In order to deploy NIXIE, the division must first receive the order from the commanding officer. Once permission is given, NIXIE is lowered through an opening in the aft of the ship by a winch to a specified depth. It's a mixture of speed and precision that sonar technicians must work to achieve in order to successfully deploy the torpedo countermeasure.

"We conduct training on the equipment in order to better understand how the system works and also maintain proficient, safe winch operation," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class (SW) Robert W. Kibler, CA division leading petty officer. "The best training always remains the actual deployment of the NIXIE."

As Leyte Gulf continues with its scheduled deployment into the 6th and 5th Fleet areas of operation, the division continues to work toward mission success.

"Our division knows how real the threat is, and we do our best to train to it, and also educate the crew to the dangers as well," said Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) (SW/IUSS) Anthony Wagner, CA division leading chief petty officer.

Anti-submarine warfare has been a focus of Leyte Gulf long before deployment, and as they move closer to 5th Fleet, the sonar technicians will call upon their numerous training events to guide them.

"We've trained simulating merchant escorts, channel passages, anti-submarine and anti-piracy warfare, and even tracking subs to fire upon them," said Kibler.

As Leyte Gulf continues its deployment, they understand the importance of what they are listening to.

"We are the ship's first line of defense when it comes to anti-torpedo defense," said Wagner.

Leyte Gulf is deployed as part of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Enterprise CSG includes Leyte Gulf, CSG 12, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Destroyer Squadron 2, the guided-missile destroyers USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Mason (DDG 87), and the eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 1.

For more news from USS Enterprise (CVN 65), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Face of Defense: Guard Soldier Loses 100 Pounds

By Army Sgt. Rebekah Malone

Louisiana National Guard

PINEVILLE, La., Jan. 25, 2011 – Army Spc. Alejandro Zuniga of the Louisiana National Guard scored 401 points on his most recent Army physical fitness test -- something even he found hard to believe, considering the state he was in less than two years ago.

Zuniga, a member of the 1021st Engineering Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, overcame tremendous odds recently when he racked up well over the maximum number of points needed to score an excellent rating on the test.

Just 18 months ago, and 100 pounds heavier, Zuniga was battling despair and depression. One day, he’d had enough.

"When I was bigger, I was on the edge of depression. I felt helpless," Zuniga said. "Just one day something someone said struck me. I am so much more confident now."

Too large to run, Zuniga started by walking. Within a couple of months, he was able to run three miles without walking. Today, he runs four miles a day, six days a week, then boosts his workout with 100 push-ups a day and lifts weights for at least an hour. This strict program allowed Zuniga to achieve a feat few Guardsmen attain.

"I almost passed out when I heard," Zuniga said. His first sergeant had a similar reaction.

"I said, 'Are you serious?'" Army 1st Sgt. Jack Toney said about hearing Zuniga's score. "A perfect score is 100 points in each of three categories on the test, for a total combined score of 300. I have never seen a score like this one in 24 years of service."

Zuniga completed 112 push-ups, 117 sit-ups and ran the two-mile run in 10:07. An unofficial extended scale is used once a soldier passes the total event requirement for a perfect score. He was awarded one additional point for each push-up and sit-up, and six seconds off his time for the run.

Toney saw Zuniga's work ethic first-hand when they served together on Task Force Kout Men in Haiti last summer. Even after an exhausting day of construction work, the devoted soldier still made time for a workout.

"Zuniga would work, and I mean work, all day on his project site and come back to the base camp and run and do PT on his own," Toney said.

"It was incredible. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it myself," said Army Sgt. Patrick Mahoney, who graded Zuniga's fitness test. Mahoney said his main concern was being able to count fast enough.

Not content with his personal success, Zuniga has started helping others achieve their exercise goals as well.

"I want to be a trainer for the National Guard," he said. "I want to be that person to go to get help. If I was 265 pounds and lost 100 pounds, I know everyone else can, too."

Naval Air Force Commander in Pacific Visits NAS Whidbey Island

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Whidbey Island

OAK HARBOR, Wash (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Air Forces conducted a site visit to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Jan. 18-20.

Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers, who also serves as Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; toured the installation and visited various aviation commands.

During his three-day visit, Myers held a meeting at the NorWester Activity Center with ombudsmen and leadership from deploying commands. Before the start of the meeting, Myers thanked the crowd for coming and spoke on how well the base is supporting the aviation community.

The hour and a half meeting also covered Perform to Serve, deployment schedules, cost of living, and the downsizing of the military.

"Vice Adm. Myers gave us feedback on what is going on in Washington, D.C., and about the appropriation bill," said Cindy Carter of Tracy, Calif., an ombudsman for Patrol Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 10. "He came to talk about family concerns, the downsizing of the military, performance standards, how the rates are changing and Sailors' alternatives on keeping their careers."

Carter said the admiral's visit provided the opportunity for two-way conversation and a vehicle for feedback on ways to improve the installation.

"I think his presence here is great; it reinforces...that someone cares about us and wanted to hear all our feedback and what's happening with our military service members here on the base, as well as Navywide and what is going on overseas," said Carter.

Myers toured several other commands and installations, including attending briefs with Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 prior to flying in the back seat of an EA-18G Growler.

"We are excited to know that Vice Adm. Myers is coming here to visit and take a look at the Growlers specifically, and I'm able to take him flying and show him the big difference in the EA-18G Growler and its capabilities," said Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Inabnit of Helena, Mont., assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129. "He's Super Hornet-qualified right now, so we're concentrating on the differences between the F-18F Super Hornet and the EA-18G Growler. We want to show the admiral what the operator sees in the cockpit and what we have available to us in the Growler compared to the Hornet."

The flight over the Olympic Peninsula military operating area lasted an hour and a half. According to Inabnit, Myers really enjoyed his first flight in the Growler and was impressed with its capabilities.

On the final day of Myers' visit, he visited Fleet Readiness Center Northwest (FRC NW) Sailors in the transmitter, electronics, engine and structural work centers.

"I just think it's an honor and a privilege to have him come to Whidbey Island and be able to visit the squadron and the FRC NW spaces," said Cmdr. Kimberly Schulz, FRC NW commanding officer.

Schulz said she was excited to hear Myers thoughts and what he sees the in future of Naval aviation.

"Vice Admiral's visit here is really important for the Sailors," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class (AW) Gabriel Shaw, of Oak Harbor, Wash., and FRC NW's Sailor of the Year. "It shows he has an interest in us and can see we're doing our jobs as we were trained in school."

During the three-day visit, Myers received in-depth briefs and met with leadership from the Electronic Attack Wing, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10, and NAS Whidbey Island, leaving with a better understanding of how 'Team Whidbey' works together to successfully accomplish their mission.

"I'm impressed by Team Whidbey," said Myers. "The pride and professionalism of Whidbey's Sailors, Marines, civilians and their families is evident in their performance and in everything I had the privilege to observe this week. Your passion for getting the job done and taking care of each other is commendable. Team Whidbey's contributions to naval aviation and our Navy are invaluable and truly appreciated."

Naval aviation plays a prominent role in conducting every core capability of the maritime strategy. This year marks the 100th anniversary of naval aviation. For more information on the Centennial of Naval Aviation, visit www.navy.mil/flynavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.

Frontline Psych with Doc Bender: Get the Best Out of Your Mental Health Treatment

By Dr. James Bender

Dr. James Bender spent 12 months as the brigade psychologist for the 4-1 CAV out of Ft. Hood. He served for four and a half years in the Army. During his deployment, he traveled through Southern Iraq, from Basra to Baghdad and many spots in between. He writes a monthly post for the DCoE Blog on mental health concerns related to deployment and being in the military.

Hello. This month I’d like to direct my column to service members who are either in or considering mental health treatment. When I was seeing patients, I often could tell who would get better and who would not. The patients who improved were the ones who wanted to do what ever it took to get better. They weren’t passive; they asked questions and acted on information I gave them.

Mental health concerns are treatable and getting treatment if you need it is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those around you. There are things you can do that will improve your mental health treatment; here are a few:

Be Patient with the Process but Expect Results

It may take six to eight weeks before you start to feel better or see any major results. But if you’ve been in treatment for longer than two months without any improvement, you and your provider need to figure out why. It could be that the medication isn’t working, you’re not doing your therapy assignments, or maybe you and your provider aren’t right for each other.

Be a Responsible Patient

Follow your doctor’s advice and be honest about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Don’t be afraid to say if something isn’t working or if you’re unable to comply with an aspect of treatment. A doctor-patient relationship is a partnership that requires input from both sides. Most therapists require that you do things outside the therapy session (homework). Depending on the type of therapy, this homework can be crucial to your recovery. Also, many psychotropics (medications used to treat mental illness) require that you take them consistently for them to work. Your medication won’t work properly if you’re skipping dosages.

You should know what your diagnosis is and what medication, if any, you’re taking. Most importantly, you should know your treatment plan, what you and your provider are going to do to get you better, and how you two are going to do it. Don’t forget to include goals to let you and your provider know if progress is being made.

Don’t Expect Medication to Fix Everything

Treatment often includes more than taking a pill every day. For most people, improved mental health comes from a combination of therapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Changing your habits to allow for more sleep, regular exercising and healthy eating all require effort but can dramatically improve your mental health. Studies have shown that exercise can be an effective treatment for depression and anxiety. Sleep is a crucial body process and lack of it is directly related to poor mood and concentration. Further, the Real Warriors Campaign answers the question, “Why is Sleep Important?” in a recent article.

Mental health treatment is like a lot of other things; what you put into it determines what you get out of it. Studies have shown that patient involvement and effort in treatment is strongly related to getting better.

Next month I’ll talk about finding a good therapist. Stay safe (and warm for you guys in Afghanistan and Northern Iraq) and thanks for your service.

For more on this topic, read “The Proactive Patient: Taking Charge for Successful Recovery” in the January edition of DCoE in Action.

Trident Refit Facility Divers Participate in Tampa Bay Navy Week

By Stacey Byington, Trident Refit Facility Public Affairs

TAMPA BAY, Fla. (NNS) -- Six Navy divers from Trident Refit Facility, Kings Bay, Ga., are diving in the Florida Aquarium through Jan. 29, as part of Tampa Bay Navy Week 2011.

Led by Chief Navy Diver Kevin Moore, the divers are demonstrating their skills and equipment twice a day in the aquarium's Coral Reef exhibit, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

In addition to the dives in the aquarium, the divers also have several media appearances, both in the aquarium and at Tampa network studios, and they are participating in several community service projects.

"Tampa is an exciting town, and we are delighted to be able to participate in Tampa Bay Navy Week," said Moore. "This is a great opportunity to show what Navy divers do. A couple of our divers brought their family members, and it was the first time some of them had seen us dive."

The Tampa Bay Navy Week celebration, held during the Gasparilla Pirate Festival, kicked off Jan. 22 and runs through Jan. 29. The week-long event gives area residents an opportunity to meet some of the Navy's Sailors and learn about the Navy's critical mission and its broad-ranging capabilities.

The U.S. Navy conducts approximately 20 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy. During a Navy Week celebration, the Navy concentrates a variety of outreach events in a metropolitan area, sharing the Navy story with as many people as possible.

In addition to the Trident Refit Facility divers, other Navy personnel participating in Tampa Bay Navy Week include the USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the U.S. Navy, special performances by Navy Band Southeast and other units from all over the region. Senior Navy leaders are engaging with local corporate, civic, government and education leaders during the week.

Other cities and states hosting a 2011 Navy Week are Austin, Texas; Mississippi; Dallas-Fort Worth; Denver; New Orleans; Philadelphia; Chattanooga, Tenn.; the Quad Cities; Chicago; Rochester, N.Y.; Detroit; Los Angeles; Fargo, N.D.; Indianapolis; Cincinnati; Omaha, Neb.; New England; Albuquerque, N.M.; El Paso and San Antonio, Texas.

Detailed information on Tampa Bay Navy Week and the other Navy Weeks can be found at the Navy Week website, www.navyweek.org.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit www.navy.mil/local/navco/.

Naval War College Faculty Lectures in Uganda

From Naval War College Public Affairs

JINJA, Uganda (NNS) -- U.S. Naval War College (NWC) faculty members visited Jinja, Uganda, Jan. 17-20, to kick-off the Uganda People's Defense Force (UPDF) Senior Command & Staff College 2011 academic year.

The visit was at the request of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the U.S. Embassy at Kampala, Uganda.

Professors from NWC's National Security Decision Making and Strategy and Policy departments, Larry McCabe, Al Shimkus and Dex Wilson, delivered presentations to students about the history and theory of armed conflict, strategic considerations for armed conflict, military technology, and strategic leadership.

The lecture series is designed to provide the students a strategic foundation to support a nine-month course on strategy, war, and leadership, as well as military operations and tactics.

In addition to the lectures, McCabe, Shimkus, and Wilson met with the student syndicates to facilitate an in-depth discussion on strategic leadership, and they met with the college faculty to discuss curriculum development.

This is the third year NWC has provided support to the Uganda Command & Staff College.

The College Director, General Gutti, said "the lectures by the Naval War College faculty have become critical to our success as they introduce my students to the key concepts they will study throughout the year. We always look forward to (NWC's) visit. We make a good team."

This year's class included students from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Southern Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi. The students from the Sudan People's Liberation Army were particularly interested in discussions on national strategy development and strategic leadership.

The senior student from Southern Sudan, an autonomous region seeking independence, said "these are the issues our new country must understand if we are to be secure and successful."

NWC support to Uganda is one of several Newport programs providing primary military education support to operational commanders' theater security engagement programs.

"Working directly with our international partners is a clear win-win for the NWC and theater commanders," McCabe said. "We strengthen important relationships and deliver useful content to our regional allies while gaining extraordinary insight and experience to support our Newport curriculum."

USAFRICOM's representative to the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, Lt. Col. Vince Golembeski, chief, Office of Security Cooperation, considers NWC support to the UPDF to be a key component of his engagement program.

"NWC support to the college has been great," Golembeski said. "We look forward to strengthening the program over the next several years."

For more news from Naval War College, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwc/.

This article was sponsored by Military Writers.

Commander, US Strategic Command Addresses Kings Bay Submariners

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(SW) James Kimber, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs

KINGS BAY, Ga. (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Strategic Command held an all hands call aboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., Jan. 19.

Air Force Gen. Kevin P. Chilton addressed the importance of the ballistic-missile submarines' (SSBNs) role in strategic deterrence and how vital each submariner's responsibility is to the "silent service."

"What you do for U.S. Strategic Command, how you train to do that mission for Strategic Command, how you maintain that equipment to do that mission for Strategic Command, where you are and what you're doing when you're at sea for U.S. Strategic Command, is on my radar scope every day," said Chilton. "Every day that I come into the office, I check on the health and status of the SSBN fleet."

Chilton then explained to the submariners why deterrence is so important, and why the SSBN is critical to the security of the United States.

"We're preventing warfare with this deterrent every single day," said Chilton. "We use our SSBNs every single day. The deterrent underpins our entire Department of Defense operations. It's no coincidence, in my mind, that's there hasn't been a conventional World War III on this planet.

"You read back in your history books, all the way back, to the birth of history there have been conventional global scale wars. Whether they're the entire continent of Europe involved in them when that was considered the world or beyond that. But suddenly in August 1945, the thought of having another war like World War I or World War II with the existence of nuclear weapons started to fade away from people's minds."

Chilton said deterrence has two essential elements - capability and will. Without the capability to back up the language or to not have the will to use the capability available, the mission of strategic deterrence fails.

"[Deterrence] underpins our conventional might," Chilton said. "It provides the backbone and the foundation for our nation's political leaders when they stand toe-to-toe with potential adversaries and stare them down in the better interest of the United States and prevent wars from happening. Our leaders provide the will, you provide the capability."

Missile Technician 2nd Class(SS) Michael Melendez, USS Alaska (SSBN 732), said this message especially rang true with him.

"We keep the missiles ready to go and our leaders know that we do our job fully and correctly," said Melendez, the Fayetteville, N.C., native. "MTs (missile technicians) play a huge role in strategic deterrence because no one wants to go to war. When we do our job, everyone else can do theirs confidently. Gen. Chilton really makes you take the time to look at what you do and how important it really is. He's very motivational."

The SSBN mission is to preserve world peace by remaining an undetected, battle ready presence as the most reliable deterrent against attack.

"The old Teddy Roosevelt moniker 'speak softly but carry a big stick' has never been more appropriate," said Rear Adm. Barry Bruner, commander, Submarine Group Ten. "The submarines in Kings Bay and Bangor are our country's big sticks. The crews that man them, the families and commands that support them are critical to their success."

Chilton told the submariners that the fact there is little recognition for the work they do every day is fine, if they remember they are part of something bigger than themselves.

"It really bothers me that there are no ticker-tape parades for the nuclear-deterrent forces," said Chilton. "Heck, we take you guys and put you underwater. There are no fly-bys for you on Armed Forces Day or Memorial Day. In fact, we're not even allowed to talk a lot about what you do. Along with that comes, in the 'silent service,' a sense of pride that what you do is special."

"It was really good to know that someone that high up really understands what we do," said Culinary Specialist Seaman (SS) Jaron Wright, a security watch for Naval Submarine Support Center Kings Bay who also served aboard USS West Virginia (SSBN 736). "Even though he knows no one can really talk about us, he took the time to give his appreciation for our service and I really appreciated his effort."

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 10, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg10/.

CNO Visits US Central Command

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Watterworth and Chief Mass Communication Specialist Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) started out the new year with a trip to the Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) to meet with leadership and engage with Sailors in the region, Jan 15-23.

CNO Gary Roughead started his trip in Riyadh, meeting with leadership of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), Vice Adm. Wagdani, commander of RSNF; and visiting Sailors, then toured the Naval Forces School at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

While in Bahrain, CNO, along with Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West, told the Sailors and Marines of Navy Central Command (NAVCENT) that the ability of the Department of the Navy to put power in place calls for the Navy and Marine Corps team to be a ready force; and that force is the young men and women who serve.

Roughead went aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) to meet with leadership and talk with Sailors. He had the opportunity to reenlist Sailors during a ceremony in the hangar bay prior to an all hands call where he told the crew how important their presence in the Arabian Gulf was.

CNO said the Lincoln has provided an important amount of air support to the fight over Afghanistan, which is making a difference for the troops on the ground and the ability to do it from the sea is the beauty of an aircraft carrier.

"The Lincoln has done a terrific job, and I know that is going to continue throughout the deployment," he said.

While in Iraq, Roughead met his counterpart of the Iraq Naval Forces, Rear Adm. Ali. He also spoke to Sailors and other service members serving at the joint command about current Navy operations and the great teamwork between the services.

During the all hands calls, CNO and MCPON spoke to the Sailors about personnel matters, the Navy's newest capabilities and the future force of the fleet.

"What we are doing here where we have young Sailors, Soldiers, Airman and Marines; coming together, not necessarily at a headquarters, but doing the business of fighting a war; that is really the joint effort and they are doing an extraordinary job."

The last stop for CNO was in Afghanistan where he met with Sailors throughout the country deployed to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), ISAF IJC, the detention facility in Parwan, Shindand Airbase and Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah. He thanked them for their dedication to the efforts in Afghanistan.

"I'm proud of what you are doing," said CNO. "We couldn't do what we do if it wasn't for Sailors like you serving here."

For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visit www.navy.mil/local/cno/.