DARPA ‘Crowd Sources’ Combat Vehicle Design

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2011 – The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is leveraging the “power of the crowd” to reduce the time it takes to design and build complex, expensive combat vehicles, an agency official said today.

Army Lt. Col. Nathan Wiedenman, deputy program manager for the six-month Experimental Crowd-derived Combat-support Vehicle Design Challenge, told American Forces Press Service that the crowd includes service members, engineers, members of the public and others who usually have no way to contribute to military design.

“Soldiers love to give feedback, to put it nicely, about the limitations of their vehicles,” Wiedenman said.

“I spent months in Afghanistan hearing from soldiers about their issues with their vehicles,” he added. “So here’s an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to how we can do things better.”

The program will result in a fully functional concept vehicle that should be ready in June, he said, and offers a way to introduce the most innovative ideas for a better performing vehicle.

The agency is working to create a new, faster process for developing future military vehicles. This challenge – conducted with Local Motors, Inc., of Phoenix -- is one step in that process.

Local Motors will begin accepting design submissions Feb. 10 and close the process March 3. The competition is open to the public, and designs can be entered using anything from a sketch on a piece of paper to a computer-aided design system. The winner will receive $7,500, second place $1,500 and third place $1,000.

The competition involves use of a lightweight, tubular steel chassis and a General Motors power train from a car called the Rally Fighter built by Local Motors, which developed the vehicle in 2008 using a crowd-sourced process.

Those who take the challenge will use the chassis and drive train and design a vehicle body “that does the things soldiers need it to do,” Wiedenman explained.

To focus the contributors’ efforts, the challenge offers two mission sets -- one is combat delivery and evacuation and the other is combat reconnaissance.

“The intent is not to produce two separate vehicles but to give people something to shoot for,” Wiedenman said.

Combat resupply refers to the constant need in the battlefield to bring supplies forward and move people or equipment back, he explained. The challenge for this mission will be to conceptualize a vehicle body design that allows this to be done in the most flexible possible way.

A combat reconnaissance vehicle has to be light and fast. Sighting systems should be mountable on the vehicle. Inside, items such as camouflage and ammunition should be easily stowed but accessible, Wiedenman said.

“Because we realize that not everybody has the military background to understand these mission-set requirements,” he added, “we provided Local Motors with four different fictitious scenarios” that illustrate how the vehicles might be used during each mission.

“In the late 90s during a resupply mission … we found ourselves low on rations,” one of the fictitious scenarios begins, and tells how weather stranded a group of coalition forces for three days without food or water.

“If we’d had access to a fast vehicle,” the scenario concludes, “they could have provided the necessary supplies within 24 hours and our mission wouldn’t have been delayed. Fortunately the delay didn’t cost us any lives this time.”

According to the competition description, “The goal of the [concept] vehicle will be to transport items and people around quickly and efficiently in a potentially hostile but mobile environment.”

DARPA has successfully used crowd-sourcing for other projects, Wiedenman noted.

In 2009, the DARPA Network Challenge explored the roles the Internet and social networking play in the timely communication, wide-area team building and the urgent mobilization needed to solve time-critical problems.

The Network Challenge winner was the first to submit the locations of 10 8-foot balloons moored at 10 fixed locations in the continental United States.

During the current challenge, the agency and Local Motors will provide feedback to the competitors, Wiedenman said.

“As submissions are received, folks at Local Motors and DARPA will be providing feedback. There will be quite a bit of back and forth,” he said. “It’s not just one shot and you’re done.”

After the submissions are assessed, those that meet the challenge requirements will be up for vote on March 3 to 10.

“Everybody who wants to participate can vote on the designs, so it’s not just submissions that are crowd derived, but the winners of the vehicle body design will be crowd derived,” Wiedenman said.

DARPA is investigating potential uses for the concept vehicle, Wiedenman said.

“It’s something the larger military-vehicle-development community will be interested in,” he added. “So capturing those ideas and giving [the community] an opportunity to not just see how the competition goes but see that end result is going to be valuable.”

Chandler to Become Next Sergeant Major of the Army

Secretary of the Army John McHugh and Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. announced today that Command Sgt. Maj. Raymond F. Chandler III will become the sergeant major of the Army March 1.

"We have the utmost confidence in Command Sgt. Maj. Chandler and look forward to having him join our leadership team,” said McHugh. “He has the right qualities and credentials to assume this vitally important duty that Sgt. Maj. of the Army Preston has skillfully and adeptly performed for the last seven years."

Chandler is currently the commandant of the U. S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.  He will succeed Kenneth Preston, who has served since January 2004.

 “Command Sgt. Maj. Chandler is the right soldier to lead our NCO Corps,” Casey said.  “He has demonstrated excellence in every position, and has the depth of experiences required to help us lead our Army.”

Chandler will be sworn into the new position March 1 in a ceremony at the Pentagon.

 “Being named the 14th sergeant major of the Army is truly an honor,” Chandler said.  “I am humbled, yet excited by the opportunity to serve our soldiers and their families in light of the challenges ahead.”

In June 2009, Chandler became the first enlisted commandant of the U. S. Army Sergeants Major Academy.

In his new position, Chandler will serve as the Army chief of staff’s personal adviser on matters affecting the enlisted force.  The role involves extensive travel and focuses on soldier training, noncommissioned officer development and the well-being of families.

The sergeant major of the Army recommends quality-of-life improvements to Army leadership and often sits on councils that make decisions affecting enlisted soldiers and their families.  He also routinely testifies before Congress on these issues.

Preston leaves the position as the longest serving SMA after being selected by previous Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker.

 “Many of the great CSMs and SGMs serving around the Army today are a product of CSM Chandler's leadership and development efforts,” Preston said.  “He brings a broad breadth of experience and I have no doubt he will provide the strategic vision and professionalism long associated with this position.”

Face of Defense: Airman's Lineage Spans Three Generations

By Mike Joseph

502nd Air Base Wing

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Feb. 7, 2011 – Growing up, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Paxton knew it was only a matter time before he would follow in his family's boot prints.

Though family lineages in military service aren’t uncommon, the Paxtons stand out for the way three generations chose to spend part of their Air Force careers.

Paxton is now going down the same path chosen by his father and grandfather as a military training instructor.

"Even when I was in high school, I knew I was going into the Air Force," said Paxton, who serves in the 323rd Training Squadron. "And I always knew at some point I was going to be a TI, because I thought it would be cool to be a third-generation TI."

The Paxtons’ military training instructor lineage started in 1970, when the sergeant’s grandfather, Jack Paxton, arrived here from Vietnam. He joined the Air Force in 1954 to leave West Virginia, he said, "because there was really nothing for me there.” He spent four years as a military training instructor here before retiring and taking a civilian job on the base.

It wasn't long after his father’s retirement before Jack Paxton Jr., one of six children, followed his lead into Air Force blue.

"About a year after high school [in 1978], Dad woke me up one morning and said, 'You've got an appointment at the recruiter's office,'" the younger Jack Paxton said. "I didn't know what I wanted to do -- my dad nudged me along. If I could go back and do it all over again, I'd do the same thing."

The "same thing" translated into an Air Force career. Twenty-two years later, he retired as a senior master sergeant. He spent eight of those years as a training instructor, section supervisor and superintendent.

"I knew I wanted to be a TI because I grew up with my father being a military training instructor," he said. "The same thing with Jason -- he was around this environment when I was an MTI."

Jason, who joined the Air Force in 2001, arrived here after deciding the time was right to apply for a military training instructor position. He was certified as an MTI in June.

Perhaps it was destiny calling when Paxton was assigned to the 323rd TRS. The squadron is housed in the same recruit housing and training building where his father spent six years in the MTI corps. But that's not the only connection. Jack Paxton Jr. was the MTI for his son's current supervisor.

So when the three generations of Paxtons gathered at the squadron recently, it was like coming home.

"Jason runs into people all the time who knew me," the sergeant’s father said. "When I see what Jason's going through, it brings me back. And every time I walk in this building, it's like nothing's changed.

"I saw some trainees at parade rest [while I was coming in], and I almost yelled at them," he added with a laugh.

But his personality and that of his father suggest otherwise.

"Anybody who meets Dad and Grandpa knows they are very, very laid back -– big time," Paxton said. "Dad never brought it home. And if I didn't know, I'd have never thought Grandpa was a TI."

His father quickly agreed about his own father. "People look at Dad as the nicest guy in the world," he said.

The sergeant’s grandfather said he enjoyed being an instructor and remembers his time here.

"I still go back to the TI business in my dreams,” he said. “It never leaves you. Sometimes I wake up marching, 'Hut, two, three, four.' Some of it is TI and [some is from Vietnam experiences]."

All three Paxtons agree job satisfaction far outweighs the long hours and demands involved in being a military training instructor.

"Three generations of TIs … says something about the career field," Jack Paxton Jr. said. "I'd do it all over again. This was by far the best job I ever had."

People’s Choice – Photo Contest, Round 4

Posted by: LT Connie Braesch

We are half way through our list of 40 nominations for this year’s Coast Guard Photo Contest People’s Choice award.

Below is the next set of photos taking you behind the scenes and into the daily lives of your Coast Guard men and women…

To vote, you can go to our Flickr photo set (http://www.flickr.com/photos/coast_guard/sets/72157625698358095) to see all the pictures nominated so far and leave your comment there. It’s your choice… your People’s Choice.

General Officer Announcement

The chief of staff, Army announced today the following assignment:

Maj. Gen. William C. Mayville Jr., to commanding general, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, Fort Riley, Kan.  Mayville most recently served as deputy chief of staff, operations, International Security Assistance Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.

Second Fleet Commander Visits USS Gettysburg (CG 64)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Betsy L. Knapper, USS Gettysburg (CG 64) Public Affairs

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, Vice Adm. Daniel P. Holloway visited the guided missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), Feb. 3.

Holloway arrived aboard via helicopter to meet with Gettysburg's commanding officer and take a quick tour as the ship was conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) as part of the George H.W. Bush Strike Group.

"We talked a lot about different things that have been on our minds," said Capt. Patrick O. Shea, USS Gettysburg (CG 64) commanding officer. "We talked about individual augmentees, the funding for our ship, and managing the overall approach to deployment."

While touring the ship, Holloway reminded the crew that they were a maritime nation at war and to take full advantage of the training scenarios so that they can be ready on arrival.

"Vice Adm. Holloway was very encouraging [from] the stand point of where we are headed in our certifications and was very positive about the performance of Gettysburg thus far," said Shea.

Being able to operate so close with USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the embarked air wing and the other Strike Group ships during COMPTUEX, has made a positive impact on Holloway.

"I am very proud of what you are doing out here as part of the strike group," said Holloway over the ship's 1MC. "Have a wonderful port visit and a great [leave] period. Take care of your families … so you can come back out and successfully accomplish your mission."

Gettysburg is scheduled to deploy with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group in Spring 2011.

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

Stethem Makes Port Visit to Hong Kong

From USS Stethem (DDG 63) Public Affairs

HONG KONG (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) arrived in Hong Kong for a port visit during the Chinese New Year celebration Feb. 4.

"We on Stethem are excited to be back in Hong Kong, and are pleased to not only enjoy liberty in Hong Kong, but also to be here to witness the great traditions associated with the New Year's festivals," said Cmdr. Hank Adams, Stethem's commanding officer.

"Port visits like this are great for the crew, giving everyone a chance to broaden their horizons through exposure to new cultures and customs," Adams added.

During Stethem's visit, crew members will take part in a community service project at the Fu Hong Society in the Cheung Sha Wang Adult Training Center, and participate in the "Meals in the Home" program hosted by the Hong Kong American Women's Association.

Sailors dine in the homes of local Hong Kong families, as part of the Meals in the Home program. This enables them to eat local cuisine, experience Hong Kong culture and strengthens relations with the local community.

Additionally, the Stethem soccer team is scheduled to play a game against the Hong Kong University soccer team.

Stethem is currently on patrol in Southeast Asia to support U.S. 7th Fleet's interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralization warfare and maritime operations.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Southern Partnership Station 2011 Team, Guatemalan Service Members Celebrate Partnership

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Williams

High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) Public Affairs

PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala (NNS) -- The joint military crew aboard High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) supporting Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011 and Guatemalan sailors and soldiers celebrated a two-week subject matter expert exchange with a closing ceremony at the naval base in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, Feb. 4.

The ceremony included a traditional American style barbecue, a plaque exchange and volleyball.

"We just wanted to do something to show our appreciation for the opportunity to work with our American brothers," said Capitan de Navio Carlos Lainfiesta, commander of the Pacific Naval Base in Puerto Quetzal. "Today is just about celebrating our accomplishments and having a good time."

During the two-week exchange, the service members worked side by side, participating in information exchanges related to medical operations, practical self defense, construction, civil affairs and security.

"In our short time here, we have been able to do some incredible things and make tremendous strides in sustaining enduring relationships with the Guatemalan governments," said SPS 2011 Mission Commander Cmdr. Mark Becker. "And we look forward to future engagements, so we can continue to build and learn from each other.

SPS 11 is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is 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 area of responsibility. 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, please contact COMUSNAVSO/C4F Public Affairs by email at comusnavso-c4f_mypt_pao@navy.mil, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, at

http://www.facebook.com/pages/browser.php#!/pages/Southern-Partnership-Station/116426301746856 or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Flag Officer Announcements

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

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) George W. Ballance has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Ballance is currently serving as deputy commander, 7th Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan.

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Mark J. Belton has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Belton is currently serving as reserve director, Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations Division, N41, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Robin R. Braun has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Braun is currently serving as deputy for operations/battle staff director, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, Germany.

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Russell S. Penniman IV, has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Penniman is currently serving as deputy reserve commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Navy Reserve Rear Adm. (lower half) Gary W. Rosholt has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral.  Rosholt is currently serving as deputy commander, Special Operations Command, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Sailor Provides Aid to Skateboarder After Accident

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Robert Winkler - Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A master chief assigned to Afloat Training Group Pacific (ATGPAC) provided assistance to an injured, 18-year-old skateboarder involved in an accident in Chula Vista, Calif. Feb 3.

Master Chief Operations Specialist Robert J. Young was making his morning commute to work at ATGPAC's Training Standards office, when he noticed an injured young man laying on the side of the road.

"I saw a person on the opposite side of the road in the bike path writhing in pain, no one else was stopping, about five cars passed, I didn't know if he was hit by car or what," said Young. "I couldn't just leave him there. I felt a moral, ethical responsibility to give aid. I would have felt horrible for a long time if I passed him up. I asked where he was injured and he indicated his right knee and face, which was obvious, due to bleeding."

After assessing the situation, Young called 911 and gave authorities the location and an injury report. Emergency services arrived quickly.

"He thanked me a couple of times for stopping; I let him know help was on the way. He told me he had bailed from his skateboard and did a face plant," said Young. "I asked him if he knew where his board was and he said, 'right now, I don't care.' I could understand that, and just tried to keep his mind off his injuries. My concern was a head or neck injury."

According to Young, the victim was not wearing any protective gear. "I did not move the victim, due to possible head and neck trauma, and made sure other cars did not run him over while waiting for emergency response, which arrived within seven minutes."

Young, reluctant to accept praise for his actions, feels he was simply doing his duty as a citizen and a Sailor.

"To live up to our core values, we must maintain a higher standard," said Young. "If you won't stop and help when you can, how could we trust each other for vital support in a shipboard emergency or combat situation? Out there, over the horizon, all we have is each other. We need each other to succeed and survive."

Young attributes part of his inclination to provide assistance to Navy training and culture. "Years of first aid training gave me the skills and confidence to stop," said Young. "I knew I had the skills and therefore the responsibility to give aid. Maybe others don't stop because they are not sure how to react in crisis situations. We Sailors, are all trained to respond. It becomes a natural reaction, almost instinctual."

There is also a more philosophical reason for us all to be good citizens according to Young.

"We all have to take care of each other whenever and wherever we can … makes good karma."

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.surfaceforces.surfor.navy.mil or follow the Surface Force at www.facebook.com/SurfaceWarriors.

For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Teams to Search Cambodia for Vietnam War MIAs

From a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command News Release

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2011 – Two archeological teams from the U.S. Joint Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command are scheduled to arrive in Cambodia soon to search for Americans unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War, and physicians and nurses from military commands in Hawaii will accompany them to participate in a health engagement mission.

As part of the recovery portion of this dual-purpose deployment, more than 40 recovery team members will excavate a burial site and an underwater aircraft crash site in search of four missing Americans in Cambodia’s Kampong Cham and Kracheh provinces.

The deployment, expected to last about 40 days, marks the command’s 44th joint field activity in Cambodia, officials said.

Recovery teams search for human remains, life-support items and other material evidence that may further the identification of Americans missing from past conflicts.

In addition to recovery efforts, U.S. and Cambodian personnel will participate in a medical engagement outreach event, treating 4,000 to 8,000 people in rural and highly underserved communities, officials said. The specialized 12-member team of experts in various medical specialties will provide basic health assistance, laboratory services and optometry examinations.

The U.S. medical team members are from Tripler Army Medical Center, the 18th Medical Command and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command. U.S. and Cambodian physicians will reinforce medical capabilities by participating in an information exchange, benefitting both countries educationally and socio-culturally, officials added.

“[Tripler] is sending physician residents from OB/GYN and family medicine to conduct expert exchanges with local physicians, and will be invited to work alongside the Khmer physicians and treat their patients,” said Army Capt. Drew Webb, a Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command physician assistant.

This will be the first time a Tripler resident program has deployed to a foreign country on a humanitarian outreach mission, Webb added.

“The big takeaway for all of this is that the [Tripler] residents will get training and experience in such a unique environment,” he said.

Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command is a jointly manned U.S. Pacific Command organization of more than 400 military and civilian specialists that has investigated and recovered missing Americans since the 1970s, officials said, noting that 1,702 Americans still are listed as missing in action from the Vietnam War.

Sailors, Marines Conduct Live-fire Event with Colombian Coast Guard

From Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011 Public Affairs

COVENAS, Colombia (NNS) -- USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) Sailors and Security Cooperation Task Force (SCTF) Marines participated in weapons a training course with Colombian coast guardsmen, Jan. 31.

The course was held at the 100-meter range on the Colombian Marine Infantry Training Base in Covenas, Colombia.

"The weapons exchange is a great opportunity for us to get with Colombian coast guardsmen to share information and to get to know each other," said Gunner's Mate 1st Class Michael J. Braun, small arms and marksmanship instructor aboard Gunston Hall. "We have different methods; it is great to be able to understand different ways to do things."

The SCTF is embarked aboard Gunston Hall on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility supporting Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011 (A-SPS 11).

Exchanging knowledge of weapons will aid in the continuous effort to build strong relationships with Colombia and other partner nations.

"We hope that this experience will benefit the U.S. military as well," said Lt. Mario Alex Cabezas Hiuestroza, commanding officer of the coast guard base in Covenas. "It has been a very kind and professional exchange."

The service members exchanged knowledge on the Colombian Galil assault rifle, U.S. M4 Carbine assault rifle and Beretta 9 mm pistol. The SCTF military police brought 3,000 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, used with the Galil and M4 rifles, and 700 rounds of 9 mm ammunition for the exchange.

"We were able to get a lot of good information from the exchange today," said Staff Sgt. Chad Hatfield, SCTF range safety officer. "We were able to observe the way that they train, and it is very different from us. They have levels that they work up to for live fire; it was a great experience for us to have."

During A-SPS 11, Sailors and Marines work together alongside partner nation civil and military services, sharing expertise, information and ideas that will expand and enhance regional maritime security.

"This has given us more experience and it has shown us different methods," said Cabezas Hiuestroza. "It has been a wonderful experience, and we are building stronger relationships."

A-SPS 11 is a United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)directed operation implemented by Commander, United States Naval Forces Southern Command (COMUSNAVSO), supported by United States Marine Corps Forces, South (MARFORSOUTH) and carried out by Commander, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero (CDS40), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and a Marine Corps Security Cooperation Task Force.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit COMUSNAVSO/C4F Public Affairs by email at comusnavso-c4f_mypt_pao@navy.mil, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f

For more news from Commander, U.S. Marine Forces South, visit http://www.mfs.usmc.mil/organization.htm

For more news from Commander, U.S. Southern Command, visit http://www.southcom.mil/

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

General Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Army Maj. Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general and assignment as the commanding general, U.S. Army Central Command/Third U.S. Army, Fort McPherson, Ga.  Brooks is currently serving as the commanding general, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Division-South, Operation New Dawn, Iraq.

USS Harry S. Truman Dons Battle "E" for Sixth Time in Twelve Years

From USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) was named the 2010 Battle Efficiency, or Battle "E", award winner by Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic, Feb. 2.

This is Truman's third consecutive Battle "E" award and the sixth award in the ship's twelve-year history. The ship also won the award in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009.

"Success breeds success," said Capt. Joseph M. Clarkson, USS Harry S. Truman commanding officer. "When a carrier is able to perform the way Truman has and manages a 'three-peat repeat'; it is obvious there is something being passed down through the crew over the years that is reflected in their performance as a team."

Clarkson, who took command of Truman shortly after it received the 2008 Battle "E" Award, said he is impressed and proud to be Truman's commanding officer.

"In my opinion, there is no better crew in the fleet," said Clarkson. "Their personal motivation and ability to maintain the high standard of excellence they set for themselves is inspiring."

Truman crew members are both proud and excited to be a part of an award winning and operational successful team.

"I was extremely excited when I found out I had orders to Truman," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Frances Vasquez. "I heard about Truman's reputation while in 'A' school. I arrived on board during deployment and will wear my Battle 'E' ribbon proudly."

After a very successful 2010, during which Truman was deployed for 213 days and conducted nearly 3,000 combat sorties in support of ground forces in Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, Truman is authorized to wear the "E" on its superstructure until next year's winner is announced.

Following a brief underway period in which the ship will participate in the E-2D "Advanced Hawkeye" carrier suitability testing, Truman will spend the majority of 2011 in an extended maintenance period.

"Unfortunately, because of our shipyard period we will not be in the running for the award next year," said Clarkson. "Truman will be forced to let another carrier shine – but it is okay. I have confidence that Truman's crew members will maintain their exemplary work ethic and return to the sea with the same vigor and self-determination that has made them a stand out carrier for the past three years."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Egypt’s Military Remains Neutral, Mullen Says

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4, 2011 – With hope for “an orderly, peaceful, violence-free transition” in Egypt, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today he will continue his discussions with the chief of staff of Egypt’s armed forces.

In an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “Good Morning, America,” Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said the Egyptian military is working hard to remain neutral.

Lt. Gen. Sami Anan has assured him that “he’s not going to fire on his people,” Mullen said.

“They are very focused on the people of Egypt,” the chairman said of the Egyptian military. “They would like this clearly to transition peacefully. There are more army forces out today, and you can see them in the pictures. They work very hard to remain neutral, and they really want to continue to do that.”

Mullen cited the long-standing, strong relationship between the U.S. and Egyptian militaries, noting that Egypt has received $1.3 billion in U.S. funding over the past 30 years.

“Beyond just the equipment and those sorts of things, what that has also done is establish a relationship with the Egyptian military, between our militaries, which is one of great strength,” Mullen said. “There are intangibles associated with that tied to how [Egyptian service members] handle themselves and how they focus and what they understand about who they should be, which are very positive.”

The admiral said the United States has “plenty of military presence throughout the region” and that the Defense Department is in a higher state of awareness but has not increased alert levels or readiness levels there.

President Barack Obama has made it clear that he would like to see the transition sought by many of the protesters in Cairo “move reasonably quickly,” Mullen said.

“But at the same time,” he added, “this is really up to the Egyptian people [and] the Egyptian government.”

The chairman cautioned against rushing into action on the question of whether the United States should freeze or halt funding for Egypt.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty out there,” he said. “I’d like to understand a little bit more about what’s going on before we take any specific action.”

Lincoln Receives Battle "E" Award During Deployment

From USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Public Affairs

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) earned distinction as the Naval Air Forces Pacific Battle Efficiency Award winner, Feb. 2, prevailing in an extremely close competition amongst the six aircraft carriers in the Pacific Fleet.

"Winning the 'Battle E' identifies USS Abraham Lincoln as the epitome of leadership, tactical acumen, and combat preparedness within all of naval aviation," wrote Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Pacific, Vice Adm. Allen G. Myers in his congratulatory award message.

Earning distinction for sustained superior performance in an operational environment, the "Battle E" is the latest of several achievements earned by USS Abraham Lincoln, currently deployed in the Arabian Sea. In addition to winning the overall "Battle E" award, Lincoln won 13 of 14 departmental awards, more than any other carrier in the Navy.

It's been a banner year for Lincoln, which began early January 2010 with its first underway in nine months after completing an extensive $350 million maintenance period, which was completed on time and on budget.

The crew then completed a satisfactory Board of Inspection and Survey assessment a mere 43 days after sea trials.

In preparation for a 5th and 7th Fleet combat deployment in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, Lincoln spent 216 days away from its homeport in 2010, yet still increased its overall advancement rate by 21 percent and Zone A retention by 10 percent.

Lincoln wrapped up deployment preparations and scored a 95.1 percent during its Final Evaluation Period almost immediately before departing its homeport of Everett, Wash., Sept. 7, 2010.

To date, during deployment, Lincoln has sailed across more than 36,000 nautical miles of open ocean and conducted the safe and expeditious completion of 8,500 arrested landings. The ship and Carrier Air Wing 2 launched more than 7,000 sorties, with nearly 2,000 directly supporting troops on the ground in combat.

Lincoln's Supply department recently earned a score of 96.8 percent for the 2010 Naval Air Forces Supply Management Inspection. This inspection was highlighted by hotel services, disbursing, and hazardous material (HAZMAT) divisions scoring 98 percent or above, including a 100 percent accurate HAZMAT inventory, a first for an aircraft carrier.

Lincoln's media department won the Chief of Naval Information Thompson-Ravitz Award for best internal communication program, and overall "Best in Show" among all award winners.

Additionally, the Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department received "outstanding" results and comments on the CNAF Aviation Maintenance Management Team Aviation Maintenance Inspection, with 39 of 43 programs on-track, which was "five programs above the Fleet average."

Capt. John D. Alexander, Lincoln's commanding officer, said earning the Battle "E" highlights the outstanding efforts of Lincoln's crew in 2010 and 2011.

"We always strive for the best, but I never put any pressure on the crew to get the 'Battle E.'" It shows the crew wanted it, and we earned it," Alexander said. "I'm very proud of each and every Lincoln Sailor."

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 information about USS Abraham Lincoln follow the carrier on its facebook page at www.facebook.com/usslincoln.

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

General Officer Announcements

The chief of staff, Air Force announced today the following assignments.

Maj. Gen. David J. Scott, director, operational capability requirements, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans and requirements, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Pentagon, Washington, D.C., to director, air and space operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Maj. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield, commander, 76th Maintenance Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., to special assistant to the commander, Air Force Materiel Command, located at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

Gunston Hall Sailors, Marines Renovate Colombian Elementary School

From Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011 Public Affairs

COVENAS, Colombia (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock-landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) participated in a community relations event at Bella Vista elementary school, Feb. 1, as part of Amphibious Southern Partnership Station 2011 (A-SPS 11).

Gunston Hall Sailors and Marines from the Security Cooperation Task Force (SCTF) painted four classrooms and the outer walls of the school, cleaned the playground, and repaired plumbing and electrical wiring.

"It really warms my heart to be the commanding officer of this crew that is so generous with their time and energy to come out and do something like this," said Capt. John Meier, Gunston Hall commanding officer. "It goes well beyond just being a Sailor or Marine, we really have a tremendous opportunity to be able to make an impact in the lives of these children."

More than 60 Sailors and Marines worked alongside students and teachers from the school in a joint effort to renovate the building.

"It's a great opportunity, and I wish we had more time to actually do more for the community," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Christian Sherman. "It honestly makes me feel like I made a difference that you can't really explain unless you're a part of it."

During the visit, members of the crew gave away "Loving Hugs" stuffed animals, backpacks from "Give a Kid a Backpack" and soccer balls as part of Project Handclasp.

"It's pretty cool to get the chance to come out and see the children," said Lance Cpl. George Ruiz of SCTF. "It's nice to see their faces light up when they see the soccer balls and their school being painted. It is a small thing like this that makes a big impact on the kids as well as the crew."

Project Handclasp is an official U.S. Navy program that receives, transports and delivers humanitarian, educational and goodwill material donated by corporations, charitable organizations and private citizens to help the lives of citizens in the developing world.

In addition to community relations projects, A-SPS 11 will focus on strengthening existing U.S. Navy regional partnerships and encouraging the establishment of new relationships through the exchange of maritime mission-focused knowledge and expertise so each participating country will improve capabilities in what it considers key maritime security mission areas.

Colombia is Gunston Hall's first visit during the A-SPS 11 mission. During the mission, visits to Belize, Guatemala and Jamaica are also scheduled.

A-SPS 11 is a United States Southern Command-directed operation implemented by Commander, United States Naval Forces Southern Command, supported by United States Marine Corps Forces, South and carried out by Commander, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero (CDS40), Gunston Hall and a Marine Corps Security Cooperation Task Force.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit COMUSNAVSO/C4F Public Affairs by email at comusnavso-c4f_mypt_pao@navy.mil, visit www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f>

For more news from Commander, U.S. Marine Forces South, visit http://www.mfs.usmc.mil/organization.htm>

For more news from Commander, U.S. Southern Command, visit http://www.southcom.mil/>

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.

Fallen Marine's Family Adopts His Best Friend

By Randy Roughton

Defense Media Activity-San Antonio

LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Feb. 4, 2011 – "Whatever is mine is his," Marine Corps Pfc. Colton W. Rusk wrote about Eli, his military working dog, in the final days of their deployment in Afghanistan.

Yesterday, Rusk's family helped to prove his words true when they adopted the black Labrador retriever in a retirement and adoption ceremony at the military working dog school here.

After Rusk, 20, was killed Dec. 5 in Afghanistan’s Helmand province by Taliban sniper fire, Marine Corps officials told Darrell and Kathy Rusk, his parents, that Eli, the young Marine’s infantry explosives detector dog, crawled on top of their son to protect him after he was shot.

The Rusks drove here from their home in Orange Grove, Texas, along with their sons -- Cody, 22, and Brady, 12 -- as well as Rusk's aunt, Yvonne Rusk, and his grandparents, Jan Rusk and Katy and Wayne O'Neal.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jessy Eslick of the Defense Department’s military working dog research and development section handed the leash to the family, praising Eli as "a dog that brought Marines home to their families."

Eli immediately began licking Kathy Rusk's palms and fell into the arms of his former handler's father.

"In his last letter we got the day before we buried him, at the very top was a little smudge that said 'Eli's kisses,'" said the fallen Marine’s mother, who wore a two-sided pendant with a photo of her son on one side and another snapshot of him with Eli on the other. "[Colton] thought whatever was [his] was Eli's. "We're Colton's family, so it's just right that we're Eli's family now."

Eli, who was trained in the military working dog program here, reportedly is the second working dog the Marines discharged to permit adoption by a fallen handler's family. Cpl. Dustin J. Lee's family adopted his German shepherd, Lex, after the Quitman, Miss., Marine died from wounds he received in a mortar attack in Iraq’s Anbar province March 21, 2007. The corporal's family worked for nine months with an online petition and congressional help to secure the adoption.

Kathy Rusk said her family didn't have as many obstacles in their quest to adopt Eli. Texas Gov. Rick Perry started the process of working with the Marines on the dog's discharge, and Scooter Kelo, who trained Eli and also taught Rusk on working with the dog, also helped to make the adoption possible.

"It gets our mind off the sadness of losing Colton," she said, "just knowing we're going to have a little piece of Colton in Eli. I just wished he could talk and tell us some stories. Just to know we're going to be able to share the love we have for our son with something that he loved dearly."

Rusk joined the Marines after he graduated from Orange Grove High School and committed himself to the Marines the same week that his best friend, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Justin Rokohl, lost both legs in southern Afghanistan. Rusk deployed to Afghanistan on his 20th birthday, with Eli, as part of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Regiment, from Camp Pendleton, Calif.

"He wanted to be a Marine since he was 10 years old," his mother said of her fallen son. "We talked to him about maybe going to college first, but he said he had to fight for his country first."

Rusk often told his parents how dogs like Eli were well-trained here and in South Carolina, where he was trained as a bomb detector dog handler.

"We've had dogs all of our lives," Darrell Rusk said. "Since all of the boys were babies, they had one. Colton was probably the better handler of the bunch. When he went to train in South Carolina, he said, 'Dad, we don't know how to train dogs. These dogs here will bring you a beer, they'll open the can for you, but sometimes they'll drink it for you, too.' He said that was how well-trained the dogs were, and he was really amazed how much you can do with a dog once you've worked with them."

The dog Rusk liked to call "My boy, Eli" earned a reputation for wanting to be wherever his handler was. Eli didn't want to sleep on the ground; he slept in Rusk's sleeping bag. They even ate together outside after Rusk found out that Eli wasn't allowed to eat in the chow hall.

"He told a story of when they were in the chow line one time," the fallen Marine’s father said. "One of the Marines kicked at the dog one time and told him to get the dog out. Colton and the Marine got into a little scuffle. They told Colton he could stay inside and leave the dog outside, but from then on, Colton and Eli ate outside. That's how tight he and the dog were."

The family met Eli once when they visited Rusk at Camp Pendleton the week he deployed. After the retirement and adoption ceremony, the Rusks took Eli to their home on more than 20 acres of land, which he will share with the family, their horses and three German shepherds.

Jan Rusk said this was another way to honor her grandson’s memory, but it also will help the family as they continue to cope with their loss.

"Eli was a part of Colton, and now they have a little part of Colton back," she said.

USS George H.W. Bush Conducts Two Appendectomies Underway

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jessica Echerri, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Health Services department surgical team completed two appendectomies aboard the ship Jan. 25 and Jan. 31.

The team performed a total of two appendectomies that took between one to four hours each and both patients were released from medical within 24 hours.

"We are here to support the battle crew," said Lt. Kennett Radford, George H.W. Bush certified registered nurse anesthetist. "We are the community hospital for the strike group."

Part of Health Service department's mission is to provide medical assistance to enhance the mission readiness of the crew, said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Knipp, George H.W. Bush general surgeon.

"During one of the surgeries, there was no flying anywhere because the weather was bad," Knipp said. "So it's a good thing that we can perform general surgeries on board."

The ship's operating room (OR) is similar to an OR in a shore-based hospital, but the doctors have to make use of their limited resources.

"A regular hospital has a lot more diagnostic capabilities, so we have a lot more practice using basic physical exam skills," Knipp said. "For example, a CT scan is too big to fit on the ship so we have to do without it."

Knipp said another difference between working on a ship instead of a shore-based hospital is the people he works with.

"When I worked on shore, the surgical technicians I worked with changed every surgery," Knipp said. "One wonderful thing about working here is I know who my team is going to be. We've gelled into one, cohesive unit."

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Marc Maribao and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (SW) David Cumpian are the ship's surgical technicians. They assist the surgical team by prepping the OR, accounting for supplies used during surgery, and caring for patients after surgery.

"So far, every surgery is a success," Knipp said. "I have my great team to thank for that."

George H.W. Bush is underway in the Atlantic Ocean conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for a combat deployment this spring.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.