FY 2010 CNO Environmental Award Winners Announced

By Katherine M. Turner, Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Winners of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Environmental Awards competition, sponsored by the CNO Energy and Environmental Readiness Division, were announced Feb. 17.

The annual CNO Environmental Awards program recognizes exceptional environmental stewardship by Navy ships, installations and people. Twenty-seven winners were selected in ten award categories. The winners, listed alphabetically within each category, are provided below.

Natural Resources Conservation, Large Installation Award:

- Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calif.

- Naval Base Coronado, Calif.

- Naval Base Ventura County, Calif.

Cultural Resources Management, Installation Award:

- Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev.

- Naval Base Guam

Environmental Quality, Industrial Installation Award:

- Fleet Readiness Center East, Cherry Point, N.C.

- Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga.

- Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach, Calif., including Detachments Corona and Fallbrook

Environmental Quality, Overseas Installation Award:

- Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan

- Navy Region Center, Singapore

- U.S. Naval Support Activity Bahrain

Environmental Quality, Small Ship Award:

- USS MOMSEN (DDG 92)

- USS STERETT (DDG 104)

- USS THACH (FFG 43)

Sustainability, Individual or Team Award:

- Environmental Sustainability Team, Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

- Fleet Readiness Center Southeast, Jacksonville, Fla.

- PMA-231 Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health Team, Naval Air Systems Command, Md.

Sustainability, Non-Industrial Installation Award:

- Naval Base San Diego, Calif.

- Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill.

- Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Environmental Restoration, Installation Award:

- Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, Calif.

- Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.

- Naval Station Norfolk, Va.

Environmental Excellence in Weapon System Acquisition, Small Program, Individual or Team Award:

- Battle Force Tactical Trainer In-Service Engineering Agent Design Team, Naval Sea Systems Command Combat Direction Systems, Dam Neck, Va.

Environmental Planning Team Award:

- East Coast Range Complex Environmental Planning Team, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command

- Southern California Range Complex Environmental Planning Team, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet

- Undersea Warfare Training Range Environmental Planning Team, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command

Vice Adm. William R. Burke, deputy chief of naval operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, commended the winners.

"Bravo Zulu to all award winners, and to the many other nominees," said Burke. "You exemplify the Navy's steadfast commitment to protecting and sustaining the natural environment as a global force for good."

The CNO award winners will be honored June 7, in a ceremony at the United States Navy Memorial in Washington, DC.

For more news from the Chief of Naval Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/environment/.

For more news from Ocean Stewardship, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/oceans/.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

This Day in Naval History - Feb. 18

From the Navy News Service

1846 - General order on port and starboard is issued. Port replaces the term "larboard."

1944 - An amphibious force under Rear Adm. Harry W. Hill lands troops on Engebi Island, Eniwetok, in the South Pacific.

1955 - The first of 14 detonations takes place during the Operation Teapot nuclear test.

Salvadoran CNO Visits HSV Swift, Accepts Project Handclasp Delivery

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Williams

High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) Public Affairs

PUERTO CORSAIN, El Salvador (NNS) -- El Salvador's senior naval officer went pier side to High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) to accept a Project Handclasp delivery from the Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011 team at Puerto Corsain, El Salvador, Feb. 18.

Cmdr. Mark Becker, SPS 2011 mission commander, greeted Jefe del Estado Mayor General de La Fuerza Naval de El Salvador, Contralmirante Juan Antonio Calderon Gonzalez, at the ship's brow to donate $86,000 worth of fire fighting gear and computer equipment to be used by a variety of agencies and local schools.

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

"The items donated will definitely be put to good use, and we appreciate the time, consideration and effort that went into making this delivery happen," said Gonzalez.

"Our entire team is excited about supporting Project Handclasp and continuing to provide assistance in conjunction with our partnership efforts in the region," said Becker. "In the end, everyone involved gains something from our exchanges, which is critical to mission success and fostering lasting bonds with the Salvadoran government."

Prior to the lunchtime delivery, Gonzalez and his staff were given a tour of Swift. After lunch aboard ship, Becker and Gonzalez headed to two sites ashore where U.S. Sailors and Marines were participating in subject matter exchanges with Salvadoran sailors.

"I felt it was important for him to see the cross training his Sailors are participating in with our Sailors," said Becker. "They are doing some amazing things in the community and learning from one another."

At the first site, U.S. Sailors were participating in physical security practical training applications with their counterparts. The second site the two leaders visited was an elementary school where Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 28 and Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Logistics Group were working electrical, plumbing and construction projects with their Salvadoran counterparts.

"Today was an opportunity to see how successful and effective these engagements are for my men and the American service members," said Gonzalez. "Hopefully we will continue to work together in the future."

Southern Partnership Stations are annual deployments of U.S. ships to the Caribbean and Latin America, in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. 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.

Alaska Guard Team Prepares for Snowmobile Race

By Kalei Rupp

Alaska National Guard

CAMP DENALI, Alaska, Feb. 18, 2011 – The Alaska National Guard team is putting the finishing touches on its machines and logging the last training miles in preparation for the start of the “Iron Dog” snowmobile race Feb. 20.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Pamela Harrington, of Palmer and Army Sgt. 1st Class Elaine Jackson of Anchorage will represent the Alaska National Guard in the pro-class division of what is known as the world’s longest and toughest snowmobile race.

As the only all-female team among the 28 teams entered in this year’s pro-class race, the two Guard soldiers will traverse more than 2,000 miles of Alaskan trails from Big Lake to Nome, then on to Fairbanks. If they finish, they will be only the second all-female team ever to finish the race, and the first since 2001.

For the first time, an ambassador team of riders, including an Alaska Army National Guardsman, will serve as goodwill ambassadors for the race, making public appearances in towns along the race route.

“The purpose of the team is to express the gratitude of both the Iron Dog race and the Alaska National Guard to all volunteers and local community members at each checkpoint along the race,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Lawendowski, Alaska Army National Guard recruiting and retention commander and ambassador team rider. “We will be moving at the trail-class pace and start with the trail-class riders, but we will travel the entire route of the pro-class race from Big Lake to Nome to Fairbanks.”

For the second straight year, the Alaska National Guard is the presenting partner for the Iron Dog. The Guard became the lead sponsor in 2009 to support a uniquely Alaska event and bolster the Alaska National Guard throughout the state and nation, officials said.

“We view the Alaska National Guard as an excellent partner to help us elevate the race and grow to the next level,” said Kevin Kastner, Iron Dog executive director. “With the Guard, we have the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with the community and work on the education side to really connect on the ground with the youth. If we can engage and excite the communities out there, that’s a huge benefit.”

The Alaska National Guard team has put in hundreds of miles of training for the race and spent countless hours preparing their machines for the rugged terrain. But ultimately, they hope their experience as Guard members will give them an edge.

“An advantage we have as National Guardsmen is that we train for the mental aspect –- the stamina, the sleep deprivation, the perseverance,” Harrington said. “You never quit, you never leave a fallen soldier behind. You know you will both prevail. That mental strategy is going to help us overcome any physical challenge.”

Harrington and Jackson will be among 12 rookie teams and 27 rookie drivers.

“We’re hungry and ready for the challenge,” Jackson said.

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, February 20, 2011

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

Southern Partnership Station 2011 Medical Team Visits El Salvadorian Island

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Williams, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

PUERTO CORSAIN, El Salvador (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy medical team and U.S. Marine Corps engineers visited the Unidad De Salud medical clinic on the island of Zacatillo, El Salvador, to assess public health needs in support of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011, Feb. 17.

The three Sailors and two Marines took a 30-minute boat ride from Puerto Corsain, El Salvador, to meet with medical officials at their sole medical clinic to discuss capabilities and limitations for providing quality medical care to 2,000 island residents.

"Basically, we wanted to see firsthand how they provide care, and evaluate our ability to work together and partner to provide the best public health for the men, women and children who live here," said Cmdr. David Blazes, SPS 2011 senior medical officer.

"We view this as a positive step toward improving the services we offer our patients," said Karen Ivania Ponce, Unidad De Salud primary care provider. "Our resources and funding are very limited, so we often face challenges which make it difficult to do our jobs."

After a briefing and tour of the facility by Ponce and her staff, the service members' attention shifted toward key concerns by island residents and medical clinic staff.

"The biggest problem we face here is potable water," said Rafael Antonio Martinez, Unidad De Salud head nurse practitioner. "We have three wells used to provide water throughout the island, but we don't have a quality filtering system, which allows bacteria and disease to travel through our water."

Because of the uncertainty and lack of ability to produce purified water, all residents are required to boil their water prior to consumption. There is also a limit on production capabilities, and residents are only provided with 18 gallons of water per week. The water provided is used for bathing, cooking, cleaning and drinking.

"This is a very important issue here, because water is critical to life," said Corp. Robert Wrobleski, 2nd Marine Logistics Group water support technician. "We're evaluating their equipment and procedures, and offering recommendations to improve their filtering process."

"Hopefully being able to walk through the streets of our town, and see our wells and purification process, will help in developing a joint plan to end this problem and provide limitless clean water to our people," said Ponce.

The team of service members spent five hours on the island walking and talking with residents prior to heading back to High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) to draft plans and document recommendations.

"There is so much value in these site assessments, because it allows us to gain an in-depth knowledge of how and what we can do, to provide assistance and continue to build and sustain enduring relationships with the El Salvadorian government," said Blazes.

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 news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. FOURTH Fleet, visit www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT, or www.public.navy.mil/comusnavso-c4f.

For more news from Southern Partnership Station 2011, please visit www.facebook.com/southernpartnershipstation or www.navy.mil/local/sps.

National Naval Medical Center Receives Joint Commission Accreditation

By Sarah Fortney, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs

Bethesda, Md. (NNS) -- The National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) received Joint Commission accreditation in recognition of the its safe and high quality care, treatment and services, Feb. 9.

The Joint Commission accredits and certifies more than 18,000 health care organizations and programs nationwide, ensuring health care provided is safe and effective.

"There are multiple participation requirements that we have to meet in order to be accredited," said Gene Monroe, NNMC Joint Commission specialist. "Part of that includes our on-site survey that took place in November."

During the tri-annual survey, Nov. 15 through Nov. 19, 2010, commission surveyors conducted on-site observations and interviews, and assessed documents provided by hospital staff. Evaluating the hospital's efforts to improve performance, the commission also reviewed more than 1,500 standards, addressing areas such as medication management, emergency management, leadership, life safety, rights and responsibilities of the individual, treatment and services, and national patient safety goals.

"If you were to ask yourself what a high quality hospital looks like, these standards provide that picture for you," said Monroe. "We successfully completed the survey process, and that has resulted in our continued re-accreditation."

Department of Defense medical treatment facilities are required to seek and maintain accreditation, he added.

"It's one of the ways we validate we're doing great work, we're providing safe and quality health care to the beneficiaries," said Capt. Khin Aungthein, NNMC Joint Commission fellow.

Aungthein said even though the commission surveys the hospital tri-annually, they can survey the organization anytime between 18 and 39 months after a completed survey.

"We need to be ready at any given time," said Aungthein, adding that it is not just about meeting the Joint Commission's standards. "We're doing it for our patients to keep our patients safe, our staff safe and our organization safe."

"[The] National Naval Medical Center upholds a commitment of quality patient care," said Col. Charles Callahan, NNMC chief of staff. "Despite everything else we have going on, our staff is committed to providing quality primary care and specialty services in a patient and family-centered environment. The Joint Commission survey process is an opportunity to benchmark our hospital against the highest healthcare industry standards. Our warriors — past, present and future — and their families deserve nothing less."

Aungthein said in addition to the Joint Commission accreditation, the Medical Inspector General (IG) team also evaluates the hospital, making sure NNMC is also compliant with their requirements.

A separate organization, the IG visits at the same time as the Joint Commission, assessing efficiency, readiness and quality of health care in accordance with the secretary of the Navy, and Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED).

"All of those things are very important to make sure our organization is performing at the level we should [be]," said Aungthein.

This spring, the Joint Commission will return for a one-day, life-safety survey of the hospital's new spaces, said Monroe. Staff can also expect another visit within three to six months after integration, surveying Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda (WRNMMCB) as a new organization.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Today in the Department of Defense, Saturday, February 19, 2011

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

Navy Region EURAFSWA Installations to Participate in Exercise Citadel Shield 2011

From Commander Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Installations in Navy Region Europe Africa Southwest Asia (EURAFSWA) will join Navy installations worldwide participating in Exercise Citadel Shield 2011 (CS-11) Feb. 22-24, an annual security training exercise coordinated by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC).

The exercise will focus on areas of the Navy's anti-terrorism program, to enhance the training and readiness of naval security force personnel to respond to real-world threats. The Navy aims to make the exercise as realistic as possible by executing field training events aboard its installations.

"The drill's purpose is to test the capabilities of our security forces and is not in response to any particular threat," said Lt. Ken Frauenthal, EURAFSWA director of training and readiness.

Participating installations throughout EURAFSWA intend to minimize traffic congestion and any other inconveniences to local communities, that may result from the exercise's field training events.

"Throughout our region, this evolution will provide a realistic training environment for personnel, allowing us to work on command and control as well as communication with our force protection tactical commanders," said Stan Scott, EURAFSWA lead exercise controller.

During the exercise, a regional assessment team will collect information and look for inconsistencies in reporting processes and tactical procedures.

"Then we will relay the lessons learned back to CNIC headquarters in an effort to improve how Navy Region EURAFSWA and our six installations may respond in the future," said Frauenthal.

For more news and information about the EURAFSWA region, log onto www.cnic.navy.mil/europe or visit www.facebook.com/cnreurafswa.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnre/.

Navy Medical Research Unit Commissioned

By Larry Coffey, Naval Medical Support Command Public Affairs

LIMA, Peru (NNS) -- Navy Medicine's Medical Research Det. in Lima, Peru, conducted a commissioning ceremony, Feb. 10, transitioning the Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD) Lima to a command – the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit No. 6 (NAMRU-6).

"This is a pivotal day for Navy Medicine Research in Peru and for our partnership with the Peruvian people," said Rear Adm. Eleanor Valentin, commander, Navy Medicine Support Command (NMSC). "We are here to honor the historic, life-saving accomplishments of the American and Peruvian team that was Naval Medical Research Institute Det. Lima, celebrate the beginning of Naval Medical Research Unit 6, and mark what I believe will be an unprecedented future of equally significant accomplishments."

Naval Medical Research Institute Detachment (NAMRID) was established in Lima, Jan. 20, 1983, to study infectious diseases. Since then, the research operations have expanded from a limited number of research projects in Peru to more than 130 research, surveillance and response, and public health capacity building programs in 11 countries in South and Central America.

"Over the last 28 years, the research partnership between our two countries has been a tremendous success," said Valentin. "Our team has had a direct impact on research and patient care for diseases like malaria and Yellow Fever."

The results of Navy medical research in Peru directly impacts the health and well-being of Navy, Marine Corps and civilian personnel who work in this part of the world. The research also benefits the civilian population of U.S. partners in the region.

Valentin compared the life of NAMRID and now NAMRU-6 Lima, to the life of a Navy ship.

"There are four key ceremonies for a Navy ship," she said. "The first is the keel laying ceremony. On that day, the people building the ship celebrate its strong structure and dedicate themselves to build a capable vessel, worthy to join the fleet. The keel laying ceremony for us was Jan. 20, 1983, at the founding of NAMRID."

The second ceremony, Valentin said, is the christening ceremony. That is the ceremony in which the ship is given its name. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus christened NAMRU-6, Jan 13, 2011, giving the command its official Navy name, Valentin said.

"The third ceremony is the most important," Valentin said. "The commissioning ceremony is the day that a ship joins the fleet. Today, I congratulate our crew – the staff, family and friends of NAMRU-6 – as today you officially join our fleet of Navy Medicine Research Units. This ceremony indicates that we, the leaders of the U.S. and Peruvian navies, consider that your vessel and your crew are sea worthy."

Enterprise Chorus Reaches out with International Language of Music

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS Enterprise (CVN 65) chorus is learning new songs as the crew completes its second day of operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), Feb. 17.

Enterprise's 50–Sailor chorus conducted its first public performance, Feb. 8, and opened with their rendition of the Turkish national anthem before hundreds of Sailors, Turkish dignitaries and locals, as part of a hangar bay reception to kick off a port visit in Marmaris, Turkey.

"The chorus performed flawlessly," said Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Keith Oxley. "We could not be more proud of all of them."

The chorus director, Lt. Jonathan Pohnel, said the chorus exists to inspire the Sailors of Enterprise and act as a catalyst for international friendship between the United States and its allies. He said it is not part of the job to bring Turkish nationals to tears in gratitude for quality of the performance, but it is a benefit.

"It's not only to inspire our Sailors, but to inspire unity with other nations," Pohnel said. "You can use music to do that. Music is an international language, and we want other nations to know we care enough to learn their music," he said. "We may not be able to learn Turkish conversationally before a port visit, but we can learn their songs, and I think that goes straight to the heart."

Pohnel said he was a member of the United States Marine Corps Band before becoming a naval officer. While performing for foreign guests is a goal, Pohnel said he put together the chorus to perform at ceremonies and events for the ship itself.

The music will be a mixture of 'sea shanties', classical, sacred, and patriotic songs. Pohnel said he wants Enterprise Sailors to feel as strongly when they hear the chorus sing the national anthem as the Turkish guests did when they heard theirs. He said he wants the music to bring "goose bumps" to the back of listeners' necks.

The ship's chorus is less than a month old. Auditions were performed Jan. 22, and judged by Pohnel, who holds a degree in music. The chorus practices once a week in harmony and pronunciation, often breaking words down phonetically, especially foreign words. Choral members are also expected to take recordings of the songs with them for personal practice.

"It's cool to have that out-of-rate experience, to do what I used to do and sing," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Shauna Matheny, who has been singing since she was 11 and has a background in musicals and opera performance.

Matheny is also a member of a special, 12-member ensemble within the choir, put together to provide chamber music for smaller events such as formal dinners.

While the chorus is a voluntary act, it could lead to larger possibilities for those in the choir. Within the Navy's music community, there are numerous opportunities for skilled vocalists including "Music for Recruiting," which gives Navy vocalists the chance to recruit new Navy musicians.

For anyone interested in joining the chorus, Lt. Pohnel is still accepting auditions. While the process is rigorous and much is expected of its members, existing members say it's rewarding.

"I think the chorus lets people know there are opportunities on the ship outside of your job," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Skyler Mullis. "We are still Sailors, but we get to enjoy our time while we get to show what we do to different people around the world."

"This is not just something for people to put on their evaluation," said Pohnel. "This helps people remember that they are serving on Enterprise, that they are serving the United States of America, and the music reminds us of our of mission."

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on a routine deployment to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.

For news regarding Enterprise Strike Group's deployment, log onto www.navy.mil/local/cvn65, or 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/.

Gates, Mullen Take Budget to Senate Committee

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 – The Defense Department’s request for a $553 billion base budget and an additional $117.8 billion to fund overseas operations for fiscal 2012 is the right amount for preserving America’s fighting strength during tight budget times, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates told a Senate committee today.

Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, took their case for the budget to the Senate Armed Services Committee, the day after presenting it to the House Armed Services Committee.

“These budget decisions took place in the context of a nearly two-year effort by this department to reduce overhead, cull troubled and excess programs, and rein in personnel and contractor costs – all for the purpose of preserving the fighting strength of America’s military at a time of fiscal stress for our country,” Gates said.

Full funding of the budget would continue the department’s efforts to reform its business practices, fund modernization efforts for future conflicts, reaffirm the nation’s commitment to the all-volunteer force, and ensure that troops and commanders on the front lines have the resources they need, he said.

Mullen, too, said full support is necessary “to reset the joint force needed to protect the American people.”

The chairman called the mounting U.S. deficits and national debt the country’s “greatest threat to national security.”

Because of that, he said, “We must carefully and deliberately balance the imperatives of a constrained budget environment with the requirements we place on our military in sustaining and enhancing our security.”

Resetting the military after ten years of war will be costly, Mullen said. Defense leaders will have to continue with efficiency savings Gates started last year to support the costs, he said.

“For too much of the past decade we have not been forced to be disciplined with our choices,” Mullen said.

Gates addressed four areas of concern he said he has heard since releasing the budget Jan. 6:

- First, he said, Congress’ failure to pass the fiscal 2011 Defense budget, resulting in the department operating under a continuing resolution is affecting readiness by delaying and disrupting programs, causing cuts to maintenance and operations, and in other areas.

- Second, the four-year plan to reduce the budget until it flattens in 2014 and 2015 still protects personnel, modernization and readiness, Gates said.

- Third, the budget’s projections for cutting end strength will not harm readiness or dwell time and will, in fact, leave the Army with 40,000 more soldiers than it had when Gates took office in 2007, he said.

- Finally, plans to save money in the TRICARE healthcare system are necessary to sustain the program, Gates said. Otherwise, he said, the military “risks the fate of other corporate and government bureaucracies ultimately crippled by personnel costs and health care.”

USS Theodore Roosevelt Sailors Mentor Elementary School Students

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sandra Pimental, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sailors partnered with Campostella Elementary School staff during an assembly, Feb. 17, in Norfolk, Va., to address bullying in schools.

In attendance were students and Sailors who participated in an interactive video and judging panel.

"The children are our future," said Cmdr. Richard D. Jones, USS Theodore Roosevelt Air Department assistant air officer. "Interacting and sharing the information with them while they are young is everyone's responsibility."

The goal of the assembly was to educate children in the different ways to handle a bully situation, and the effects it can have on a child.

"TR and Campostella have had a long standing relationship," said Jones. "Our participation helps bring the Navy and the Norfolk County School system together."

The videos showed four different scenarios in which Sailors played both the bullies and the victims. During the video, Jones addressed the students and Sailors as to whether the scenarios presented were in fact bullying or horseplay. This allowed for students to ask questions and give feedback on personal situations where bullying was present.

"It was good to learn how bullying could affect you," said Angellee Hayes, a fifth grader at Campostella. "I liked the video and was happy the Sailors came; they made it fun."

One Sailor, who was depicted as both the victim and the bully, felt proud to help in the making of the video.

"I think that having this kind of learning for the children so young is great," said Yeoman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Sheena Taylor. "It helps them become comfortable enough to talk to an adult when something happens."

"If you are being bullied you should tell someone," said Hayes. "Children should never feel helpless. They need to know that they can go to anyone they trust, a parent, teacher or even the janitor."

Norfolk Public School District Superintendent, Dr. Richard Bentley, and Campostella's principal, Dr. Laguna Foster, said they the program will filter to neighboring schools, and throughout the school system itself.

"I appreciate the Navy being present," said Bentley. "My son is in the military, and I know how important service is."

Bullying has become a national issue. This is one way TR is attempting to reach out to the community and help alleviate the problem.

TR is currently undergoing a 39-month Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.

DOD Strives to Strengthen, Empower Military Families

By Elaine Wilson

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 – From education opportunities to spouse employment, Defense Department officials are expanding military family support programs to better meet families’ current needs, as well as to empower them for the challenges that lie ahead, the DOD official who oversees military family programs said today.

“It’s not just about providing fish -- it’s teaching to fish as well,” Robert L. Gordon III, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, told an audience of politicians, spouses and service organization leaders during the Congressional Military Family Caucus Kickoff in the U.S. Capitol building here.

The caucus’ goal is to educate Congress members and staff about the unique challenges –- including mental health, wounded warrior care, health care, education and disability –- service members and their families face.

The military community is diverse and vast, Gordon said, with more than 2 million service members, 1.59 million military-connected children and nearly 800,000 spouses. “The question is: How do we look at that community and address their needs, but also empower them for the future?” he said.

The nation is an era of “fiscal austerity,” Gordon acknowledged. However, he added, families continue to have the same needs and concerns, including education, behavioral health support, employment and community reintegration.

Gordon called for an increase in DOD partnerships to bolster family support in the years ahead. The department must continue to foster relationships with nonprofit and military spouse groups and the commercial and entertainment sectors, he added.

Leadership also is “absolutely key” when addressing the military community’s most-pressing issues and concerns, he said, but it will take more than just Defense Department leaders to do the job. Government and nonprofit group leaders and senior military spouses, Gordon said, must be “focused like a laser beam on the issues and concerns of our military community.”

Families have a plethora of support programs available to them, but leaders must ensure those programs are effective and adequately address needs, he added. Toward that end, Gordon touched on a few of the programs and initiatives the department is looking at to increase education and career opportunities.

The Defense Department, for example, plans to conduct an education review to ensure a “world-class” education for military children. Of the 1.2 million military-connected children in schools, roughly 85,000 are in DOD schools, about 70,000 are in public schools on military installations and the rest, Gordon noted, attend off-base public schools.

The 172-day review will look at science, technology and engineering, math, early child education and languages, he said, to ensure all 1.2 million military children are being adequately prepared for 21st-century demands.

For younger children, Gordon said the department is working to expand the number of child care slots within communities. The Defense Department has 923 child development centers with 200,000 young children needing care and a shortfall of about 30,000 slots, he said.

To alleviate the shortfall, Gordon said, DOD officials have partnered with 13 states to increase military family access to community-based, quality child care. This focus on community care makes sense, he noted, since roughly 70 percent of families live off base.

“We have to have partnerships where we provide those sorts of resources where the communities are,” he said.

Officials also are focused on improving spouse employment opportunities, Gordon said. Of the 800,000 military spouses, about 77 percent would like work, he said. However, he acknowledged, spouses are hindered by frequent transitions and deployments.

The department is engaging in a spouse education and career opportunity initiative to alleviate some of those employment challenges, Gordon said. The initiative includes expanding the Army Spouse Employment Program into the Military Spouse Employment Program so all spouses can benefit, he said. The Army’s program helps connect spouses with opportunities in Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 companies.

These are just a few of the programs the department is working on, Gordon said, noting many others are outlined in the White House report, titled: “Strengthening our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment.” This report describes the sweeping interagency effort under way to better support military families. Federal agencies, he added, have made nearly 50 commitments in terms of family support.

Moving ahead, Gordon said it will take a mix of innovation and creativity to meet military families’ needs, while ensuring they’re empowered “to be the best they can be.”

This Day in Naval History - Feb. 17

From the Navy News Service

1864 - The Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley sinks USS Housatonic.

1942 - The 1st Construction Battalion (Seabees) arrives at Bora Bora.

1944 - U.S. carrier aircraft strike the Japanese fleet at Truk, sinking ships and destroying aircraft.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, February 18, 2011

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

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen hosts an honor cordon to welcome French Chief of Defense Staff Adm. Edouard Guillard to the Pentagon today at 12:45 p.m. EST.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz will attend the 6th Annual Stars and Stripes Military Tribute at the BEYA Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Global Competitiveness Conference at 7 p.m. EST.  BEYA point of contact is Miller Roberts at 410-244-7101 x124.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead delivers remarks at 8:30 p.m. EST at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards Stars and Stripes Dinner at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact LT. Laura Stegherr at 571-499-3123.

German Army Maj. Gen. Hans Werner Fritz, RC-N Commander will brief the media live from Mazar-e Sharif, Afghanistan, at 10:30 a.m. EST in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 1:05 p.m. EST with two T-6's.

MCPON Designates Bill Cosby Honorary Chief

By By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Sonya Ansarov, Office of the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West, along with Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus recognized celebrity actor/comedian and former Sailor, Bill Cosby, as an honorary chief petty officer in a ceremony held at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center Feb. 17.

Cosby began his relationship with the Navy in 1956 when he joined as a hospital corpsman and attended recruit training at Naval Training Center Bainbridge, Md.

During his four-year tour, he was stationed at Marine Corps Base Quantico, National Naval Medical Center Bethesda, Naval Hospital Argentia, Newfoundland, USS Fort Mandan (LSD 21), and Philadelphia Naval Hospital.

During his time at Quantico and Bethesda, Cosby worked in Physical Therapy helping to rehabilitate Korean War veterans, a duty he liked and excelled at.

He was also an athlete for the Navy playing football, basketball, baseball, and running track and field.

Cosby said that the Navy transformed him from an aimless, uneducated kid into a man with drive, discipline and self-respect.

"Bill Cosby is not just a comedian and an actor, although he's pretty good at both, he's also been a tireless advocate for social responsibility and education – and a constant friend to the Navy," said Mabus. "Last year was the highest compliment I've ever received – being made an honorary chief petty officer, and now Dr. Cosby – you're about to get the same honor."

MCPON and SECNAV placed the Chief anchors on Cosby in front of a huge gathering of Chief Petty Officers and Sailors. MCPON helped Cosby don a Chief Hospital Corpsman service dress blue jacket and SECNAV presented Cosby with a Chief's cover.

"I will tell to you like I tell all of our new chiefs … when I pin these anchors on you, your job isn't over and your journey is just beginning," said West. "There is no greater honor than having earned the title "Chief" and the responsibility to our Sailors and our Navy that comes with it and we will expect more of you."

"Thank you all," said Cosby. "The years I spent in the Navy and so many moments remembering that the Navy gave me a wake-up call. The Navy showed me obedience and that's the thing that pushed me to realize the mistakes I had made in my young life at 19-years-old and that I could do something with myself and become somebody."

Cosby was honorably discharged in 1960 as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class. His awards included Navy Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He also received the 2010 Lone Sailor Award from the U.S. Navy Memorial.

For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.

Willard Cites Need for Asia-Pacific Stability

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 – The Asia-Pacific region is the engine of global economic growth now, and the U.S. Pacific Command is a strong force for stability in the area, Navy Adm. Robert F. Willard said at a Foreign Press Center news conference here today.

Willard has been in command of U.S. Pacific Command for 16 months. He said the same issues that confronted the command when he arrived still exist.

Pacom provides security for the Asia-Pacific region, the admiral said, by ensuring international access to sea and air lines of communication and commerce, and fostering good relationships with countries across the area.

The Asia-Pacific region remains the center of gravity for global prosperity and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future,” Willard said.

“I look forward to U.S. Pacific Command continuing to contribute to the security of this critically important part of the world,” he said.

Two nations in the region -– China and India –- are becoming global superpowers. Willard said he is focused on developing military-to-military relations with China, and making those relationships with India –- already good -– closer.

Willard discussed his command’s thinking as part of the Global Posture Review for American forces. The posture review looks at the positioning of all American forces and the means it takes to deliver those forces to trouble spots.

“The posture of U.S. Pacific Command forces is a holistic discussion: It’s more than just the forward basing in Japan and South Korea. It involves a discussion of my deployed forces as well,” the admiral said.

American forces are concentrated in Northeast Asia due to history and necessity, Willard said, noting the United States has pledged to defend Japan. Also, he added, there are 28,000 U.S. forces in South Korea that are a force for stability on the peninsula.

America has vital national interests throughout the Asia-Pacific region, Willard said.

“I am required to be present in Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania, and I have to do so through the deployed forces and sustainment of forces at great expense,” the admiral said of Pacom’s presence across the region.

Meanwhile, Pacom is maintaining that presence while it works with U.S. allies in the region, Willard said.

Currently, he said, the U.S. footprint in the Asia-Pacific region has “to do with how to adjust the disposition of where those forces operate from to relive some of the economic and other pressures on U.S. Pacific Command.”

Japan remains a cornerstone for the U.S. efforts in the region, Willard said. The relationship between the U.S. military and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, he said, is long-standing and very close.

“We have discussed and continue to encourage the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to provide for the larger Asia-Pacific region as they can,” the admiral said. “They have supported us in the past during Operation Enduring Freedom in the Indian Ocean region, and they continue to engage with many partners in the Asia-Pacific.”

The admiral also answered questions about Chinese missiles.

“Certainly, they have a formidable missile capability that has continued to grow,” he said. “We watch this very carefully. The idea that, in combination with other [People’s Liberation Army] capabilities, this could constitute a broader anti-access or area denial threat to the region -- be that Japan or the Philippines or Vietnam or the Republic of Korea -- and can become a regional concern.”

Willard said it is important that China “be open with and prepared to dialogue with” the United States and other countries of the region.

'Military Saves Week' Approaches

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) LaTunya Howard, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- "Military Saves Week," Feb. 20-27, is an important part of the Department of Defense (DoD) personal financial readiness campaign in which commands are encouraged to provide training and financial resource information to Sailors and their family members.

According to NAVADMIN 011/11, it is imperative that commands create a culture encouraging savings and financial readiness to better position Sailors in an ever-changing economy. The campaign is designed to alter money-handling behaviors through education on achieving long-term financial fitness.

The theme this year is "Building Wealth, Not Debt." During the financially focused week, Sailors and their families can attend lectures or participate in forums and contests, that promote personal savings, debt reduction and good financial habits.

"At the beginning of each year, many individuals and families reflect on what was accomplished financially in the previous year, and what can be improved upon in the new year," said Stacy Livingstone-Hoyte, Fleet and Family Support Center financial educator, Naval Support Activity Mid-South. "Military Saves Week is an excellent opportunity to allow experts to assist with that annual financial review."

The campaign is a combined effort between the DoD and the Consumer Federation of America.

Command leadership is urged to tap into local organizations such as banks, credit unions, public affairs and Fleet and Family Support Services. Enlisted advisors, installation relief societies, spouse groups, and child and youth programs are also additional resources.

"Self-education is key," said Livingston-Hoyte. "Spending a few minutes each day capturing financial news and headlines can empower anyone to become a better money manager."

"Financial readiness is a decision Sailors make by setting financial goals and working toward them," said Vice Adm. J.M. Bird, director, Navy staff. "Sailors and their families can become military savers by making a personal commitment."

Chairman’s Corner: Ask the Chairman

By Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 – I am getting ready to launch my third installment of “Ask the Chairman: A Virtual Town Hall,” and I need your support.

Over the next few weeks, I will be seeking and collecting your questions on any topic you want to raise. This is a great opportunity for troops past and present, their families, and other concerned citizens to get to me directly and in an interactive manner.

For service members, especially those who have served abroad, this is your chance to address the decisions we make here in the Pentagon that affect you on a day-to-day basis. Let me know what’s working, and what’s not. Let me help explain something that may seem confusing to you now.

But, as I said, “Ask the Chairman” is not limited to our troops. I hope to hear from family members, other concerned Americans, and citizens of the world as well, because in these critical times, there are challenges across the globe which demand our attention and our steady focus.

To participate, just send your question via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, or any other medium from now until the end of the month. I will answer those questions in the next and future segments of “Ask the Chairman.” Send your questions today. I’m waiting to hear from you.

Flag Officer Announcements

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced today the following assignments:

Rear Adm. (lower half) Barry L. Bruner will be assigned as commander, Navy Warfare Development Command, Norfolk, Va.  Bruner is currently serving as commander, Submarine Group Ten, Kings Bay, Ga.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Walter E. Carter Jr. will be assigned as commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve, Norfolk, Va.  Carter is currently serving as commander, Joint Enabling Capabilities Command, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. (lower half) James D. Cloyd will be assigned as commander, Navy Region Japan / commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Japan / commander, Naval Component, U.S. Forces, Japan, Yokosuka, Japan.  Cloyd is currently serving as commander, Task Force Seven Zero and commander, Carrier Strike Group Five, Yokosuka, Japan.

Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael T. Franken will be assigned as commander, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, U.S. Africa Command, Camp Lemonier, Djibouti.  Franken is currently serving as vice director, plans and policy, J5B, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Rear Adm. Mark D. Guadagnini will be assigned as director, readiness and training, N4/N7, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.  Guadagnini is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Nine, Everett, Wash.

Rear Adm. (lower half) John R. Haley will be assigned as commander, Task Force Seven Zero and commander, Carrier Strike Group Five, Yokosuka, Japan.  Haley is currently serving as director, operations and plans, N31, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

Rear Adm. Arthur J. Johnson will be assigned as director, Assessment Division, N81, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.  Johnson is currently serving as commander, Naval Safety Center, Norfolk, Va.

Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle will be assigned as commander, Naval Safety Center, Norfolk, Va.  Prindle is currently serving as director, Assessment Division, N81, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.

Capt. Joseph E. Tofalo, who has been selected for promotion to rear admiral (lower half), will be assigned to commander, Submarine Group Ten, Kings Bay, Ga.  Tofalo is currently serving as director, joint operations, N3, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Norfolk, Va.

The War Within: Preventing Suicides in the Military

The increase in suicides among members of the military has raised concern among policymakers, military leaders, and the population at large – especially over the past few years. While the Defense Department and the military services have had a number of efforts under way to deal with the increase in suicides among their members, in 2008 the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs specifically asked the RAND National Defense Research Institute (NDRI) to identify best practices and determine if the Defense Department and service programs employed such practices. RAND focused on the following research activities:

■Review of the current evidence detailing suicide epidemiology in the military

■Identification of “best-practice” suicide-prevention programs

■Description and catalog of suicide-prevention activities in the Defense Department and across each service

■Recommendations for ways to ensure that the activities in the Defense Department and across each service reflect best practices

“Throughout the Defense Department the issue of suicide is taken very seriously. The RAND study helps us to identify areas that need improvement so that we can continue to provide the most comprehensive health care for our service members – from the inside out,” said Director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Navy Capt. Paul Hammer.

From September 2008 to November 2009, RAND conducted a literature search, reviewed relevant policies, interviewed subject matter experts within the Defense Department and in the field of suicidology, and assessed Defense Department and service programs based on information gathered.

The report contains information on the epidemiology of suicide; reviews of scientific evidence and suicide prevention activities; a summary of funding and responsibilities within the services; an assessment of service prevention programs; and a number of specific recommendations for suicide prevention.

“Suicide is a tragic event, and, although evidence is scant, comments from the experts we interviewed, in addition to the literature we reviewed, suggest that it can be prevented,” said Dr. Rajeev Ramchand, a RAND researcher who led the study. “Our investigation into the suicide-prevention programs in DoD and across the services revealed examples of programs following best practices as well as those lacking in a number of domains. The recommendations we provide represent the ways in which the best available evidence suggests that even more of these untimely deaths could be avoided.”

The report was written for health policy officials and suicide prevention program managers in order to update program managers and to inform program and policy developers regarding suicide prevention strategies in the military. However, the results should also be of interest to health policy officials within the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Health and Human Services and the U.S. Congress.

“This report will help inform how Defense Department can improve suicide prevention programming and efforts to prevent further suicides in the military,” said Hammer. For questions, please contact CDR Janet Hawkins at Janet.Hawkins@tma.osd.mil.

General Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Conant to serve as deputy commander, U.S. Pacific Command and for appointment to the rank of lieutenant general.  Conant is currently serving as commanding general, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing in Miramar, Calif.

General Officer Announcements

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

Army Maj. Gen. Joseph L. Votel for appointment to the grade of lieutenant general and assignment as commander, Joint Special Operations Command/commander, Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.  Votel is currently serving as chief of staff, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Army Reserve Col. Kaffia Jones has been nominated for appointment to the grade of brigadier general and assignment as commander, (troop program unit), 359th Signal Brigade, Fort Gordon, Ga.  Jones is currently serving as chief of staff, (troop program unit), 335th Theater Signal Command, East Point, Ga.