USS Reuben James Arrives in Indonesia

By Ensign Ben Dalton, USS Reuben James Public Affairs

JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) arrived in Jakarta, Indonesia, for a port visit on Feb. 21.

"We are very privileged to enjoy the hospitality and warm welcome provided by the Indonesian Navy and people of Jakarta," said Cmdr. David E. Miller, Reuben James' commanding officer. " This visit gives our crew the unique opportunity to experience this fine country firsthand and to further our friendship."

Sailors from Reuben James will participate in community service projects and athletic events during their stay and approximately 30 Sailors will visit local schools.

The visit to the Indonesian capitol is to strengthening ties with regional partners through community service events, joint military training and multicultural social gatherings.

Reuben James is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and currently in the Western Pacific to build positive international relations with partners in Southeast Asia.

This article was sponsored by Navy Books.

Africa Command Makes Steady Progress, Ward Says

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2011 – U.S. Africa Command has made steady, understated progress with allies, regional organizations and international partners on the continent, Army Gen. William E. “Kip” Ward, Africom’s commander, said in an interview last week.

Ward, who took the reins as the first commander of America’s newest geographic command in 2007, will turn over command to Army Gen. Carter F. Ham next month.

Africom conducts sustained security engagement through military-to-military programs, military sponsored activities and other military operations. The command’s aim is to promote a stable and secure environment in support of U.S. foreign policy.

The goals are to help regional allies build security organizations that perform professionally and with integrity, and that have the will and means to direct, dissuade, deter and defeat transnational threats. The command also works to strengthen capabilities to support continental and international peace efforts.

Establishing the command was an uphill battle, Ward said. Critics in the United States assumed it marked another step in the “militarization” of U.S. foreign policy, he explained, and some on the continent saw the command as a new colonialist effort.

“Many thought that the command would be the conduit through which all activity of the U.S. government, continentwide, would pass,” Ward said. “It was never the case, but that was the impression, and since it was a brand-new command, there was no basis for comparison.”

Until Africom stood up, three U.S. commands had responsibility for the continent –- U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command. Africa Command was to combine the missions those commands were doing in Africa in a unified and thoughtful purpose.

“Still, the way things were said in the early days lent themselves to misinterpretations” by critics, the general said.

Allaying the concerns of critics in the United States and, especially, on the continent were the first missions Ward set for the command.

“I set out with a staff of folks to correct the message,” he said. “Just saying we’re not going to be in charge of development wasn’t enough. We will be supportive of governance and development, but we weren’t going to run the programs. We repeated that message to our friends, and it became what they heard from me, from my deputies, my directors and from our senior enlisted leaders.”

That message, he added, was followed up by how the command conducted itself. Members of the command listened more than they spoke –- in Africa and with interagency partners, he said. Soon, the general added, all could see that the command was not militarizing foreign policy, but furthering State Department or U.S. Agency for International Development programs.

“Seen through the lens of the foreign policy perspective, we weren’t leading -– we were, in fact, supporting the efforts of other U.S. government agencies,” Ward said.

Sustaining engagement in Africa was one reason the new command was formed. The three commands that had responsibility before had other matters to address, Ward explained, their attention to the world’s second-largest continent ebbed and flowed. Now that has changed, he said.

“[Leaders] know our focus is always on the continent of Africa and nowhere else,” the general said. “It is a huge factor, and they understood that we did care about them and we were prioritizing our work to concentrate on what concerned them.”

African allies have accepted the command, “and more importantly, it is effective on the continent,” he said. Africa has many ungoverned or under-governed areas, including Somalia, Darfur, Sudan and others. Africom covers 53 of the 54 nations on the continent -- Egypt remained in the U.S. Central Command area of operations -- and the command is working with many to facilitate peacekeeping operations and humanitarian relief operations.

The command’s activity is focused on three levels: country-to-country, regional and continental, Ward said. Africom works with individual countries to build security capabilities and with regional organizations to strengthen African responses. Finally, it works with continentwide groups.

“One of our priority objectives is to work with these regional economic communities and their stand-by forces as best we can,” the general said. “We also know that working through these organizations is terribly important.”

The command has worked with the Economic Community of West Africa States, the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community. “As they mature and as they ask for our support,” Ward said, “we provide it and encourage them in that regional approach.”

At the continental level, the command works with the African Union. “The first trip I made to the continent when we stood up the command was to [the Ethiopian capital of] Addis Ababa, to the African Union headquarters, to reinforce our support to the Africans’ continental organization,” the general said.

These capabilities have grown, Ward said, adding that he is pleased at the willingness of these regional organizations to work together.

“We see nations who are now partnering who 10 years ago were enemies,” he said. “I give them the credit. They have made the decision. We are there to reinforce this and provide the support they ask for.”

The International Military Education and Training program probably is Africom’s single most important tool, Ward said.

“I’ve been going to Congress and the Department of State, saying we ought to be doing all we can to reinforce and to enlarge and enhance our IMET program,” Ward said. “That is the long-term dividend in our engagement -- when officers, [noncommissioned officers,] and warrant officers from our partner nations can come to the United States, sit side by side with our men and women, and in addition to learning about the art of military science, also understand Americans as humans, the things we value, the role of a military in a democracy.”

The United States has seen the education and training program pay off in Egypt, Kenya and Cote d’Ivoire, Ward said.

“This long-term sustained engagement has caused the military to behave in ways that shows their neutrality, their impartiality and their role as protectors of their people and not oppressors of their people,” he added.

Ward stressed that the command follows the foreign policy direction of the State Department, noting that he constructed and staffed the command to mirror that priority.

“What we wanted to do was have representation of the interagency [relationship] as a part of the command -– not in the traditional sense of the interagency as members who sit off by themselves, but integrated members of our staff,” he said. The Africom staff includes a State Department deputy and representatives from U.S. Agency for International Development, the Agriculture and Energy departments, and other U.S. agencies.

“Their involvement in all our activities clearly lent itself to the notion that what we were doing was off by itself, but was being informed by our foreign policy and the range of activities that we were involved in -– be it State or the U.S. Agency for International Development or the Agriculture Department,” he said.

The command’s interagency aspect also serves to inform the agencies’ headquarters in Washington as the men and women there use their contacts and skills to help the command, and vice versa, Ward said.

“Having those interagency partners on our team, they could see how we were doing and were clearly there to help us do our planning and our work,” the general said, “but they could provide that input back to their departments.”

Challenges exist on the continent, Ward acknowledged. Somalia, al-Qaida in North Africa’s Mahgreb region and, illegal trafficking of people and drugs and weapons through porous borders are among the challenges the people of the continent must deal with, he added.

“It’s reinforced when you have challenges in development in infrastructure and energy and water, [and] when you have issues with governance,” he said. “All these challenges have to be looked at in a comprehensive way. This means the international community also has to play. They have to work together.”

But in addition to the challenges, the general said, Africa also presents vast opportunities. The continent has seen small but steady economic growth, even through the downturn in the American and European economies, Ward noted.

“The opportunities are great,” he said. “We are seeing more regional cooperation. With secure structures operating in more appropriate ways, we take advantage of those opportunities to reinforce success and we work as a global community on these challenges.

“How we reinforce and support the African Union mission in Somalia is important,” he continued. “How we reinforce and support the work being done by regional partners in East Africa is important.”

The command is “moving out smartly, and at a pace comparable to other geographic commands,” Ward said.

“But we haven’t been at it very long,” he added. “What we have done is charted a course where our work is seen as preventive. Our work will prevent a crisis, as opposed to [having] to respond and react to one. We think that is the best result for our nation -- if a crisis never gets started.”

'Commitment Remains Steadfast' in Asia-Pacific

By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Kenneth R. Hendrix, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

HONG KONG (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk told members of the Asia Society in Hong Kong on Feb. 21 that the Navy's increased capabilities and growing maritime partnerships reflect an enduring commitment to peace and stability in the region.

"The 7th Fleet has actually increased its capabilities in several significant ways. The ships and aircraft that we operate today are vastly more capable than they were just a few years ago. At the same time, we have enhanced our maritime partnerships with navies around the region, enabling us to work together cooperatively more than ever before," Van Buskirk said.

He said the numbers of ships operating in the 7th Fleet on any given day are about 70 on average, which is about the same or more than it was a decade ago with increased capabilities aboard those ships today.

Van Buskirk cited the deployment to Japan of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) -- with greater speed, range, ammunition stowage and endurance, as an example of how the fleet's capabilities have increased.

He also cited the deployment of the Ohio-class fleet ballistic missile submarines (SSBN), the 60-40 split of attack submarines from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the recent deployment of the Virginia-class submarine USS Hawaii (SSN 776), which reflects the fleet's growing capability under the sea.

Van Buskirk added that upgrades to surface ships, including Ballistic Missile Defense capability and enhanced sonar suites, making them "increasingly potent."

He rejected the notion that the U.S., with its sluggish economy and military operations in Afghanistan, is lessening its commitment to the region.

"U.S. Navy and defense leadership continue to give me exactly the forces I need to do my mission," Van Buskirk said.

Improvements in capability have been made even stronger by a deepening of our alliances and partnerships around the region, Van Buskirk commented.

"Our alliance with Japan continues to be the cornerstone of our forward presence in Asia, and has in my view been the foundation of security in this region for the past 50 years," Van Buskirk said.

He also expanded on the alliance with the Republic of Korea, interoperability with the Royal Australian Navy and growth of navy-to-navy relations in Southeast Asia.

Asia Society chairman Ronnie C. Chan said the group was delighted to hear Van Buskirk's views about security in the region.

"The vice admiral touched on subjects of interest to a wide range of our members. It was very well received."

Van Buskirk reiterated that the U.S. Navy remains "committed and engaged".

"That is the message. We remain committed to this region, we remain committed to the Pacific and actively engaging where ever we can to foster maritime partnerships," he said.

African Nurse Saved GIs at Battle of Bulge

By Martin King

Courtesy of Army News Service

BASTOGNE, Belgium, Feb. 22, 2011 – It was a bitterly cold winter morning when Augusta Chiwy's tram pulled into Brussels Central train station, Dec. 16, 1944.

On that very same day at 5:30 a.m., green troops of the 106th Golden Lion Division were rudely awakened from their winter sojourn by a hellish barrage of incoming artillery shells, "screaming meemies," accompanied by the menacing rumble of Tiger and Panther tanks on the move. Just over the German/Belgian border, out in an area known as the Schnee Eifel, three German armies had assembled almost under the noses of the allies.

Brussels was still alive with commuters going about their daily routines when Chiwy arrived at the train station. She had been working at St. Elizabeth General Hospital in the Flemish town of Louvain and was on her way to visit relatives in Bastogne.

Above the din of collective voices at the station, the public address system droned out monotone information about trains, platforms and destinations, adding that, "There will be no departures for Luxembourg or Bastogne. Passengers wishing to reach these destinations should take the 7:50 to Namur."

Chiwy noticed an inexplicable sense of urgency in many of the assembled passenger's demeanors as she boarded the train for Namur about 30 miles south of Brussels. The train stopped there, and passengers wishing to go to the next destination were herded into open cattle trucks and taken as far as Marche. From there, Chiwy hitched a ride from a GI who took her to the center of Bastogne.

She arrived in Bastogne around 5 p.m. and noticed that it was a hive of activity as news was beginning to filter through of an all-out German attack to the north and east of the city. In anticipation of the approaching storm, Bastogne civilians were leaving in droves and all roads west quickly became gridlocked with a seemingly endless trail of human traffic.

Bastogne was an old market town and natural junction where seven roads converged. The German army's high command had decided many months previous to the actual attack that it was going to be a prime strategic objective, but no one there had expected what was about to occur during the coldest winter in living memory.

Chiwy had already decided that it was best to go to her uncle's house first to see if she could gather some more information on the situation. Her uncle, Dr. Chiwy, had a practice close to the main square and the young nurse wanted to know if she could help out. By that time of night the civilians and military personnel still there could audibly make out the booming sounds of distant artillery shells exploding a few miles away.

Within a few days of her arrival in Bastogne, the U.S. Army had sent reinforcements to the city. The first to arrive were 2,800 men and 75 tanks of the 10th Armored Division. The following day on Dec. 18, the 101st Airborne Division arrived around midnight and almost immediately began taking up positions at the allocated roadblocks around Bastogne in support of the existing teams. These groups proved to be a stubborn barrier that would allow the necessary time to build Bastogne's defenses and prepare for the German army's main assault.

Chiwy set to work as a nurse by assisting both civilian and military wounded wherever she found them. These efforts didn't go unnoticed. GIs from the 10th Armored Division were on the lookout for medical supplies and personnel to assist with their Aid Station on the Rue Neufchateau.

On Dec. 20, Bastogne became a city under siege. The ever-decreasing perimeter had reduced a once-beautiful city to a blood-soaked and battle-ravaged collection of skeletal smoldering ruins. The only safe places were the dank freezing cellars of ruined houses where remaining civilians and soldiers huddled together for safety and warmth. They survived on basic rations and shared whatever supplies they could find. Chiwy hadn't had a warm meal since she left Louvain and had also been reduced to this grim subterranean existence.

On the morning of the Dec. 21, Chiwy left the safety of her uncle's cellar and along with Nurse Renee Lemaire, she volunteered to work for the 20th AIB, 10th Armored Division at the aid station on Rue Neufchateau where Dr. John Prior was in charge. The situation there was desperate. There were hardly any medical supplies, save for a few bags of sulpha powder and a couple of vials of morphine.

While Lemaire helped make the wounded soldiers as comfortable as possible, Chiwy dressed their wounds and never once shied away from the gory trauma of battlefield injuries.

On at least one occasion, Dr. Prior asked Chiwy if she would accompany him to a battle site east of the Mardasson hill. She was wearing a U.S. Army uniform at the time because her own clothes had become so dilapidated and blood stained. She was well aware that if she would have been captured by German forces it would have meant instant death for collaborating with the "Amies," the German name for the American soldiers.

During a raging blizzard Chiwy calmly loaded up onto a deuce-and-a-half and went to the outskirts of Bastogne. When they arrived there, she actually went out onto the battlefield with Dr. Prior and the two litter-bearers to retrieve wounded soldiers.

Mortar shells were falling close by and German heavy machine guns were raking the ground around Chiwy's small frame as she tended the wounded, but despite this she focused on her duties undaunted. Dr. Prior said the bullets missed Augusta because she was so small, to which Chiwy retorted, "A black face in all that white snow was a pretty easy target. Those Germans must be terrible marksmen."

The skies above Bastogne had cleared on Dec. 23, and C-47s had dropped desperately needed supplies, but the very next day on Christmas Eve, those clear skies gave the German Luftwaffe a chance to send out a few of their remaining bomber squadrons over the city to cause even further death and destruction.

A 500-pound bomb fell directly on the 20th AIB Aid Station, instantly killing 30 wounded U.S. soldiers, along with nurse Renee Lemaire. Chiwy was in the adjacent house with Dr. Prior and a lieutenant when the bomb hit. She was blown clean through a wall, but miraculously survived unscathed.

On the following day, the remaining wounded were taken to the 101st headquarters at the Heintz Barracks where Chiwy worked until they were all evacuated when Gen. George S. Patton's 3rd Army arrived Dec. 26.

Surviving members of the 10th Armored Division recently signed a letter of appreciation for her service to them during the battle. Her efforts had never been officially recognized until then.

This month, a letter was also received from King Albert II of Belgium stating that he acknowledges Augusta Chiwy's service and will officially recognize her courage and sacrifice during the Battle of the Bulge.

(Editor’s Note: Martin King is a British author who has spent 20 years in the Ardennes researching the Battle of the Bulge. He provided this article to Army News Service for the commemoration of National African-American History Month.)

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Essex Amphibious Ready Group Arrives in Thailand

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Eva-Marie Ramsaran

PATTAYA, Thailand (NNS) -- Ships of the forward-deployed Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit arrived in Pattaya, Kingdom of Thailand, for a scheduled port visit Feb. 21 after completing the multinational exercise Cobra Gold 2011.

Cobra Gold is a United States-Thai co-sponsored exercise that was designed to advance military-to-military relationships between pacific partner nations and build relationships between militaries and local communities. It demonstrated the ability of the involved militaries to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore.

"Whether full participants, augmentation planners, or observer nations – all contributed to the overall success of the exercise; their involvement highlights the very best in regional cooperation," said Capt. Bradley Lee, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11.

During the visit, Sailors and Marines will participate in multiple community service projects and experience Thai customs through tours offered by the ship's morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) department.

"I think the Sailors will get great interaction with the local people in Thailand," said Lt. Jason Dart, an Essex chaplain who helped coordinate the community service projects. "People will see the goodwill toward Thailand and experience first hand the unity between two nations in a personal, meaningful way."

On Feb. 22, volunteers from USS Essex (LHD 2) will deliver games, school supplies and interact with 300 Nohong Charg Ngaw Elementary School children.

"The kids will teach us some of their activities or songs and we will trade our games with them," said Dart. "The kids there will have new supplies, games and a lasting memory of Essex Sailors."

Sailors and Marines will also get to experience Thailand through a variety of MWR tours, including a trip to Bangkok to see the Grand Palace, the floating market, the Golden Buddha Temple and Hellfire Pass. Many Sailors on the ship expressed their excitement to visit Thailand and are ready to experience everything the country has to offer.

"I plan on going on an elephant-riding tour," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice Vanessa Roberts, who will be visiting Pattaya for the first time. "I'm looking forward to checking out the culture and sightseeing."

The elephant-riding tour is just one of many tours MWR offers that should make it easier for Essex Sailors and Marines to experience the local culture, said Matthew Olszyk, Essex afloat recreation specialist.

"These tours give Sailors the opportunity to engage in historical opportunities in Thailand," said Olszyk. "It's a place with huge tourism in their economy and famous for their nightlife."

Others, such as Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Herman Dickens, who has visited Pattaya on five other occasions, said he would take the opportunity to unwind after the hectic schedule of exercise Cobra Gold 2011. "I plan on getting a hotel to relax and going shopping for the family," said Dickens.

The Essex Amphibious Ready Group is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9),amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) and guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG 106).

The Essex ARG reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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

USS Monterey Sailors Earn College Credits While Underway

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sandi Grimnes, USS Monterey (CG 61) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors on the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) have the opportunity to earn their degrees while underway through instructor-taught college level courses provided by Central Texas College and distance-learning courses with the Navy College Program Afloat College Education (NCPACE).

The at sea college classes are each three-semester-hour credit classes. There are 21 Sailors currently enrolled in the Business 101 course and an additional 18 enrolled in academic skills math.

Each class is taught three times a week, once in the morning and then repeated that evening for students who were unable to attend because of work or watch, said John Bruce, an instructor with Central Texas College who is currently teaching on board Monterey.

"Central Texas College is a community college and the courses taught on board are freshman and sophomore level that are transferable to the college of the Sailor's choice," said Bruce. "If the Sailor wanted, they could complete an associate degree with NCPACE courses, then complete a bachelor's degree at another college or university."

Another option for Sailors who are continuing their education while deployed is the distance learning courses, said Chief Personnel Specialist (SW) Paul Jiolia. While the instructor-lead classes are typically freshman and sophomore level, the distance learning classes continue through a master's degree.

The distance learning classes are self-paced and the student has 90 days to complete the course, said Jiolia. The course is administered on a CD-ROM, which does not require Internet access, and all exams are proctored.

"It's a great opportunity that takes self-discipline, especially with the distance learning because it's at your own pace," said Jiolia. "Sometimes you get so focused on the mission of your job, it's easy to forget you should be spending time on college everyday."

Monterey has 10 Sailors taking 21 distance-learning classes this deployment, said Jiolia. Each Sailor can take two classes a semester, a total of four during deployment, for only the cost of the books.

"Most Sailors joined the Navy for money for college," said Jiolia. "NCPACE courses gives them the avenue and the tools to continue their education while serving."

This article was sponsored by Navy Books.

USS George H.W. Bush Strike Group Certified Combat Ready

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Misty Trent, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The George H.W. Bush (GHWB) Carrier Strike Group is certified ready for combat operations after successfully completing its first Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX), Feb. 21.

The Strike Group assets departed their various homeports on or about Jan. 19 to begin final exercises before embarking on its first overseas deployment scheduled for spring of this year.

"This Strike Group was absolutely ready for these exercises, and our Sailors hit the ball out of the park," said Commander, Carrier Strike Group Two, Rear Adm. Nora W. Tyson. "This is America's newest strike group in America's newest aircraft carrier, and our team is strong and ready to go. At the end of the day, COMPTUEX and JTFEX are really tests of our ability to work as a team, and we nailed it. From the Sailors on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) supporting the squadrons in the air wing to the cruisers and destroyers doing their job protecting and defending the carrier along with performing maritime security operations, everyone did their part, and because of that, this team excelled."

During COMPTUEX, the GHWB Strike Group entered into an intensive training scenario loosely based on geo-political conditions from around the globe. The scenarios, designed and executed by Strike Force Training Atlantic (SFTL), simulated many real-world situations that the GHWB Strike Group could encounter on deployment, including small boat attacks, mines, strait transits in hostile waters and aerial, surface and sub-surface threats. Each scenario built on the one before, testing both the individual components of the GHWB Strike Group, as well as its collective effectiveness.

"COMPTUEX is a complicated and advanced exercise, and it requires every asset within the Strike Group to be fully trained and ready to execute their mission," said SFTL commander Rear Adm. Dennis E. FitzPatrick. "I was very impressed with the level of commitment to success I saw throughout the Strike Group. The dedicated Sailors of the Strike Group were trained, mentored and assessed, and excelled at every challenge SFTL placed in front of them."

COMPTUEX was a 23-day evolution, and included all assets within the Strike Group, from the flagship George H.W. Bush to the squadrons of Carrier Air Wing EIGHT (CVW-8), the guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Monterey (CG 61), and USS Anzio (CG 68), Destroyer Squadron 22 ships USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and the Spanish frigate ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbón (F 102). All told, nearly 7,500 Sailors played a direct role in the evolution.

"The amount of coordination that goes into an exercise like COMPTUEX is phenomenal. The only way it works, the only way the assets within the Strike Group accomplish their own individual missions, is if they communicate effectively and work together. That teamwork mentality is vital, and our success during COMTPUEX and JTFEX tells me that this Strike Group is ready to deploy in support of our nation's interests and execute any tasking we may receive," said Tyson.

FitzPatrick echoed Tyson's sentiments.

"Teamwork is the key to mission accomplishment, and COMPTUEX and JTFEX are designed to test you. Every single Sailor had a role to play and every unit was critical to success. From the cruisers, to the destroyers, to the squadrons, to the aircraft carrier; each is strong as a single unit, but integrated effectively together and their overall strength is greater than their sum. This Strike Group knows how to work together and achieve mission success," said FitzPatrick.

Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class (SW/IUSS) Thomas Hoban, assigned to Operations Department aboard USS George H.W. Bush, is responsible for coordinating the Strike Group's antisubmarine warfare efforts, acting as the liaison between USS George H.W. Bush and the other ships in the Strike Group.

"This has been a very high operational tempo underway, from tracking submarines at 3 a.m. to standing your watch to going into general quarters," said Hoban. "It's been non-stop action all day long."

During COMPTUEX, boarding teams from ships throughout the Strike Group performed more than 20 practice visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) evolutions, and the eight squadrons assigned to the embarked air wing flew nearly 3,800 hours during 1,800 sorties.

On Feb. 11, George H.W. Bush moored pierside at Naval Station Mayport for the carrier's first ever liberty port. During the three-day visit, Sailors participated in events sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Office, including trips to Walt Disney World and the Daytona International Speedway, as well as a community relations project at the Florida Baptist Children's Home in Jacksonville. Other Strike Group ships visited Port Canaveral, Port Everglades, and Key West.

"We just relaxed and did some shopping and got something good to eat," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Jesse C. Daniel of George H.W. Bush's Combat Systems Department. "It was really nice to catch up on sleep and recharge and get some time to clear my head."

The Strike Group returned to sea Feb. 14 to begin the final exam – JTFEX. For nearly 10 days, SFTL evaluated the overall combat readiness of the GHWB Strike Group, specifically focusing on the Strike Group's ability to interact and operate with other U.S. military and coalition forces.

The Spanish frigate Borbón and its 240 sailors were fully integrated throughout both exercises, including several exchange visits between Borbón and George H.W. Bush Sailors. Because Borbón will participate in the early stages of the Strike Group's deployment, full engagement of crews, systems and protocol was critical. French navy assets, including the destroyer FS Primauguet (D 644) and the submarine FS Perle (S606), joined the Strike Group for JTFEX as well.

"The scenarios [the crew] experienced during COMPTUEX/JTFEX are based on real-world operations today's carrier strike groups can expect to face in the deployed environment," said FitzPatrick. "Geo-political situations are fluid and ever-changing across the globe, and leadership needs the multi-mission flexibility a strike group brings to their area of responsibility. The mission of our carrier strike groups can change at a moment's notice depending on real time events, and the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Sailors are ready to deploy and accept any mission given to them."

"The Navy's carrier strike groups are critical to the nation's maritime strategy," said Tyson. "Our combined capabilities allow us to deploy to any region around the globe to lend support, whether it's to U.S. forces on the ground or to mariners in distress or to countries reeling from natural disaster. We are a powerful force for good, and our success during COMPTUEX and JTFEX is proof that this Strike Group is ready to take on any tasking we are given."

This article was sponsored by Navy Books.

Essex ARG Completes Cobra Gold 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Casey H. Kyhl

USS ESSEX, At sea (Feb. 19, 2011) (NNS) -- The Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed its part in the U.S and Kingdom of Thailand sponsored joint, multinational exercise Cobra Gold 2011 (CG 11) Feb. 19 in the Gulf of Thailand.

Throughout the exercise, militaries of the Kingdom of Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia worked with more than 7,200 U.S. service members to demonstrate the ability to rapidly deploy a joint task force to conduct combined operations at sea and ashore.

"We were able to achieve all our goals of interoperability and training by working side-by-side with our Thai counterparts," said Capt. Bradley Lee, commander, Amphibious Squadron 11 (PHIBRON 11). "We were additionally able to learn some lessons from our Thai counterparts and we greatly appreciate their hospitality to our Sailors and Marines."

CG 11 was punctuated with multiple training evolutions, including a non-combatant evacuation operation (NEO) exercise, a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise and a mock amphibious raid. The raid involved more than 11,000 personnel from various nations and employed almost all of the ARG's assets.

"The amphibious assault best exemplified the team work and bilateral training that we get from this exercise," said Lee. "The coordination of air space and sea space furthered our understanding of each other's tactics and techniques, which will prove invaluable should we have to do any of the scenarios in a real environment."

For the NEO exercise, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and Assault Craft Unit 5 worked together to transport approximately 50 Japanese and American mock evacuees from Hat Yao Beach to Essex for medical care and processing.

The exercise demonstrated the ARG's ability to evacuate civilians during a time of crisis.

"The NEO exercise was an enormous undertaking, but it went very smoothly," said 1st Lt. Patrick Grainey, 31st MEU NEO team leader. "We utilized helicopters and amphibious craft from various countries and hit our timelines right on the dot."

The 31st MEU Force Reconnaissance Platoon conducted a VBSS exercise aboard USNS 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011) Feb. 18. Fifty-six Marines fast roped from five CH-46E Sea Knight helicopters and searched the vessel for an on-board target designated in the training scenario.

"We conducted a fast, safe boarding and secured our target," said Marine Capt. Tyson N. Schroeder, assault force commander. "A good VBSS team is an invaluable asset to have when conducting operations at sea. There are a lot of challenges to taking control of a steaming ship, but our team proved they have what it takes."

The U.S. and the Kingdom of Thailand have been working together for 178 years. CG 11 was the latest in a continuing series of exercises designed to promote peace and security in the Western Pacific. This year's exercise marked the 30th anniversary of the CG series.

"I look forward to the next Cobra Gold and hope that we are able to build on the synergy that we achieved this year to create an environment even more integrated and efficient," Lee said.

The ARG consists of the 31st MEU, embarked aboard Essex, the amphibious transport dock USS Denver (LPD 9) and the dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). The Essex Amphibious Ready Group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

Intelligence Personnel Keep Kearsarge Ships Informed

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman

USS KEARSARGE, Red Sea (NNS) -- The ships belonging to Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) require vast amounts of intelligence to stay aware of possible maritime threats in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

The Joint Intelligence Center (JIC) is where intelligence personnel attached to amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 4, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21, collaborate to create an intelligence network that is ever expanding, and more defined as time goes on.

The JIC scans civilian media to find and disseminate to area commanders credible information regarding threats to ships or commands in the U.S. 5th fleet AOR.

"We provide indications and issue warnings, not only for the Kearsarge itself, but for all units associated with the Kearsarge ARG," Lt. William Barth, assistant intelligence officer for PHIBRON 4, said

JIC personnel keep the Kearsarge ARG and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) chain of command informed of situations in the AOR and around the world. Intelligence reports created from local and international news, media networks, newspapers and the internet are given during the daily briefs.

"During the ship's intelligence briefs, we only cover pertinent information that would affect the ships of the ARG," Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Antonio Garcia, leading petty officer for PHIBRON 4's Intelligence Department said. "Our briefs help the chain of command make informed decisions about future operations of the ARG."

JIC draws personnel from a variety of intelligence organizations. JIC personnel are brought in from Navy Information Operations Command, a fleet intelligence detachment from Office of Naval Intelligence and the Naval Strike Air Warfare Center. These intelligence professionals come together and form one team aboard Kearsarge.

"We work with the ship, so we stand the same positions and watches they do," Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Dynesha Scantling, the JIC manager said. They stand everything from JIC supervisor, a position that puts someone in charge of the intelligence personnel and equipment to different analyst positions, such as imagery analyst. This watchstander analyzes pictures provided by other sources. They can come from the front line, the signal bridge of the ship or media sources."

With so many individual pieces of intelligence that make up a larger picture that only the area commanders are aware of, JIC personnel don't always receive instant gratification from their work. Instead, they must appreciate how their job affects the ARG and the region as a whole. They don't always know what the information they have collected is in support of, but they understand that it benefits the overall mission.

Kearsarge is the command ship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, February 21, 2011

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

Enterprise, CVW-1, CCSG-12 Earn Retention Excellence Award

From USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Carrier Air Wing 1 (CVW 1) and Carrier Strike Group 12 (CCSG 12) earned the fiscal year 2010 Retention Excellence Award, Feb. 18.

Enterprise, along with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), were the four aircraft carriers under Commander, Naval Air Force, Atlantic to receive the award.

Award-winning commands must pass the annual Career Information Program Review with a score of 85 points or higher, meet or exceed reenlistment rates of 55 percent for Zone A Sailors (Sailors with zero-to-six years in service); 60 percent for Zone B (six-to-10 years in service); 71 percent for Zone C (10-to-14 years in service), and achieve a Zone A attrition rate of 5.5 percent or lower for fiscal year 2010.

"Your successes represent your command's commitment to the growth and development of your Sailors and will serve as the foundation of fleet readiness; congratulations and well done," said Adm. John C. Harvey, Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Enterprise will once again be authorized to fly the Retention Excellence Award pennant and will be authorized to paint the carrier's anchors gold.

"Developing Sailors' careers and improving retention rates are extremely important to the Navy, and we couldn't be more proud to receive an award that illustrates Enterprise's commitment and success in this program," said USS Enterprise Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Keith G. Oxley. "This award is for all of our mentors and career counselors who dedicate their time and efforts toward educating our Sailors, and advising them to make smart career choices."

Chief Navy Career Counselor (SW/AW) Ramous Fleming, USS Enterprise command career counselor, said the carrier's third-straight Retention Excellence Award was due to a combined team effort from Enterprise leadership.

"The name 'Enterprise' is associated with a proud legacy that Sailors want to be a part of," said Fleming. "Sailors who reenlist here do it not only because they enjoy the Navy, but because they are proud to be a part of this ship's history. We have won this award three years in a row now, and we are on track to do it again."

In addition to the air wing itself, three CVW-1 squadrons, the "Red Rippers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, the "Knighthawks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 and the "Checkmates" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, each individually received the Retention Excellence Award as well.

"Winning the Retention Excellence Award means we're doing something right," said CVW-1 Command Master Chief (AW/SW) John T. Lery. "Leaders and career counselors are proactively ensuring the personal and professional growth of our Sailors, and this award is the proof."

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 http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn65 or visit the USS Enterprise Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65.

This article was sponsored by Military Books.

CNO Attends BEYA

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer Stephen Watterworth

Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) attended the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) Stars and Stripes dinner, Feb. 18 in Washington, D.C.

CNO, Adm. Gary Roughead honored John H. James, Jr., Rear Adm. Arthur J. Johnson, and many others as recipients of the 2011 Stars and Stripes Award during the 2011 BEYA Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Global Competitiveness Conference.

While speaking at the dinner, CNO expressed the importance of STEM in the Navy and how organizations like BEYA contribute to the success of the Navy.

"Navy participates with BEYA and other activities that stress STEM and diversity because we really believe that as a Navy, we will be a better Navy if we represent all of America," he said.

Roughead said it's key for the Navy to team up with BEYA and to look for opportunities to reach out and mentor the young men and women throughout the country and inform them of the benefits of the Navy.

"We are a technological Navy," he said. "We operate at the very high end of technology. We operate in every domain of the planet whether its under the sea, on the sea or above the sea, and now more than ever in cyberspace and the sailors and the young men and women who come into our Navy if they have that STEM background, they are going to be much more natural fits for who we are and the world in which we are going to operate."

"There are just a variety of activities that we participate in and we are always looking for new opportunities to be able to present what the Navy does to the young men and women of America," Roughead continued. "We have programs, for example, StarBase Atlantis and we have a STEM academy at the Naval Academy."

The BEYA conference and award program recognized young men and women from around the country who demonstrate outstanding performance in a technical field and show great potential for shaping the future course of engineering, science, math and technology.

Sailors Learn to Overcome Stress, Anger

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-West

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to various commands on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island attended a stress and anger management class at the Nor'Wester Fleet and Family Support Center Feb. 17.

The class covered ways of controlling and overcoming physical effects of stress and anger through the changing of one's thoughts and attitudes.

"The big thing I try to do in the class is to make sure they have resources," said David Thomason, master trainer, and education services facilitator at Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. "We look for all kinds of books (Quick Series), different publishers who have all kinds of insight and different methods of handling and managing stress."

Some people may experience sleep disruption, loss of energy, loss of appetite and feelings of guilt when dealing with stress and anger, according to Thomason.

"My job is to teach the very core of what stress is and how it affects us, and how anger plays [a role]. I give them the very basic tools on changing their body chemistry," said Thomason. "The way they think, the way they respond to stress, so they can improve their lives."

Signs of stress also include feelings of sadness and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.

"I came here today because I was having difficulty dealing with the day-to-day stresses of the job, and to learn more about what causes it," said Sonar Technician 3rd Class Meosha Jefferson, a San Diego native assigned to Naval Ocean Processing Facility at NAS Whidbey Island. "The examples the instructor gave were very helpful. [The way] he included his own personal stories made it easier for everyone to relate to."

Students learned to evaluate and deal with problematic situations as demonstrated in video presentations, and through class discussion, slides, and reading materials.

The class was an open forum encouraging students to learn and interact on a variety of potentially stress-causing issues.

"There were a lot of things discussed in the class that I can relate to. The examples given and the videos shown on anger and stress were helpful to me," said Aviation Electronic Technician Airman Trevor Voshell of Pullman, Wash., assigned to Naval Hospital Oak Harbor.

Keeping fit, eating right and learning to relax are all helpful in overcoming stress Thomason added.

"Stress impacts our health, our relationship, jobs, stress and anger impacts who we are," said Thomason. "Managing it does not require equipment or medications; all we have to do is teach people the skills and help them learn them and they can totally improve their quality of life."

FFSC provides service members and their dependents with many personal and professional support services. Whatever the need, FFSC offers the tools necessary for success.

"The biggest thing is that they have a new perspective," said Thomason. "When they start getting stressed and angry, they can employ the basic tools I gave them and see success. Productivity improves, accidents go down, and illness goes down; all the good things happen."

For more news from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/naswhidbey/.

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

Leaders Outline Improved Health Care Services

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 – The Defense Department has taken a number of recent steps to improve health care and family support services for military members and their families, the department’s two top leaders told a Senate panel yesterday.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee about several areas of improvement during a hearing about the department’s fiscal 2012 budget.

Gates said he has made quick implementation of the shift to electronic medical records for service members and veterans one of his top priorities. The issue is important enough, he said, that he and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki met one-on-one two weeks ago to discuss how to push the change faster. They will meet again in March and follow up with a staff meeting in April on the issue, he said.

“I have found with these huge bureaucracies, whether it’s DOD or VA, that things don’t move very fast unless they get high-level attention,” he said. “We’re committed to getting fast progress on this. We’ve made a lot of progress, but it’s not fast enough as far as Secretary Shinseki and I are concerned.”

Officials also have stabilized programs, particularly in mental health and family support services, by removing them from the supplemental war funding budget to the base budget, Gates said. In the past three years, he added, “we’ve moved virtually all of it to the base budget, so long after the war funding ends, we’ll still be able to sustain these programs.”

The Defense Department has improved the delivery of mental health services by hiring 6,000 mental health care workers since 2001, when the department had only about a thousand, Mullen said. “There have been extraordinary efforts to address this within the services,” he said, noting that civilian health care also is short of mental health practitioners.

Because of that and education and outreach campaigns, officials have a better understanding of problems like post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries, the chairman told the senators.

“Early on, there was a great deal of focus on spouses in terms of their stress, but there’s been an increasing awareness and understanding to address the whole family, including kids,” he said, noting that today’s military children have had parents at war most of their lives.

Public awareness campaigns such as the one President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama announced last month about the health of military families also go a long way in helping service members and their families, Gates said.

The White House campaign “is a huge step forward in giving this visibility in a way we just haven’t had before,” he added.

USS Blue Ridge Arrives in Hong Kong

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Melvin Orr, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

HONG KONG (NNS) -- Seventh Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Hong Kong on Feb. 20 for the ship's first port visit since March 2010.

In addition to participating in community service events, more than 70 Blue Ridge, 7th Fleet embarked staff Sailors and Marines from Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Pacific, will experience the hospitality of 18 families who will host them in their homes for lunch or dinner through the "Meals in the Home" program.

"Meals in the Home" is an exchange program designed to connect local Hong Kong residents with U.S. Navy Sailors to encourage cultural differences and experiences in a domestic setting.

"I'm looking forward to meeting new people and having new experiences," said Yeoman 3rd Class Ashley Laws.

Sailors will also participate in community service projects at Fu Hong Society and Hong Chi Pinehill Village where they plan to clean rooms, playgrounds, and roofs, and to perform landscaping in the surrounding areas.

The crew will also have the opportunity to experience Hong Kong through Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours to visit nearby Chinese cities Guangzhou and Shenzen, Ocean Park and Disneyland Resort theme parks, China's gaming city of Macau, and Victoria Peak to see "A Symphony of Light," an exterior building light and laser display presented every night.

"Hong Kong is a favorite port of many Sailors, one rich with culture and history," said Blue Ridge Command Master Chief David A. Unnone. "Over the next few days, our Sailors will enjoy the warm hospitality and vibrant city landscapes this international city so proudly embraces. We look forward creating new and lasting friendships while participating in community service and while on liberty."

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the command ship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. CTF 76 is headquartered aboard White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan; with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

California Business, Community Leaders Visit USS Makin Island at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Andrew Wiskow, USS Makin Island Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Twenty-one business and community leaders embarked ampibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Feb. 15-17.

The California-based leaders embarked the ship for one-day embarks as part of the Leaders to Sea (LTS) program.

Through the LTS program, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) provides an opportunity for leaders from business and civic organizations to experience the daily operations on board a Navy warship and to become familiar with the capabilities of the surface force.

Lynn Reaser, chief economist for Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, said she was thrilled to be chosen to tour the Makin Island.

"I wish that every single American citizen could participate in this experience because it truly gives you an appreciation of the equipment, the technology and the capabilities that we have to defend our nation," she said.

Makin Island Sailors gave the guests an in-depth tour, including a trip to the ship's medical and engineering facilities and introductions to different mission-centric spaces throughout the ship. They learned about Navy jobs, watchstanding procedures and the responsibilities placed on young Sailors.

"We hope that the embarked guests take away with them a feeling of satisfaction that they've seen an example of America's best fighting force, and that they've seen the pride and professionalism that our Sailors have in what they do, day in and day out, in defense of their country," said Capt. Jim Landers, Makin Island's commanding officer.

Makin Island is a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, which currently conducting training exercises off the coast of California. The ship is preparing for a deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation later this year.

March 4 is Final Day to Claim ‘Stop Loss’ Pay

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 18, 2011 – People whose military service was involuntarily extended or whose retirement was suspended between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009, have until March 4 to file for retroactive payments of $500 for each month of their extended service under the “Stop Loss” policy.

The deadline ends the second extension for eligible people to apply to receive the retroactive pay.

“This is a timely payment for services already rendered,” said Lernes "Bear" Hebert, the Defense Department’s director of officer and enlisted personnel management. “It’s a no-strings-attached program -- one where they fill out a simple form and attach a few documents [to show] their service.”

Each service branch will work with potential applicants to determine eligibility, he added.

The program also applies to beneficiaries who lost loved ones in the ultimate sacrifice during their service, Hebert said.

Applying through the Internet or by mail is easy, and usually takes less than 30 minutes, Hebert said, adding that once eligibility is established, the money “just shows up in your bank account.”

“There’s nothing more to it,” he said. “You probably won’t hear from the military again unless you initiate contact.”

Applications sent via computer or postmarked by March 4 for delivery by mail will have met the deadline, Hebert said.

“This unique program for Stop Loss special pay is to recognize servicemen and women and the sacrifices they made to their country without hesitation,” Hebert said.

An estimated 145,000 people are eligible for the special pay, Defense Department officials said, noting that 77,000 claims have been paid. Other applications are being processed, and officials strongly recommend that all potential applicants apply before the March 4 deadline, even those who received a bonus for voluntarily re-enlisting and those who think they’re not eligible because they extended their service.

“The program is to make sure service members receive the recognition that the nation appreciates their service, and for serving beyond their initial contract,” Hebert said.

An outpouring of support for service members to receive money they’re due has come from the government and the community -- from President Barack Obama, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and other senior military leaders, to veterans organizations and others trying to reach those who likely are eligible, Hebert said.

“The services have done a tremendous job at getting the word out,” he said.

“In all my years of service, I’ve never seen a program in both the government and [veterans service organization] communities that’s been such a tremendous effort,” Hebert said, adding that he has received many notes of gratitude from those who’ve received their Stop Loss pay.

Hebert asks service members to spread the word to others who have served, and beneficiaries, to make sure no one is left out before the March 4 deadline.

“We don’t want people to wake up March 5 and decide that’s the day they plan to apply,” he said.