Norfolk Supports Navy Families Returning from Japan, Bahrain

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class(AW) Tim Comerford, Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Emergency management members and support personnel aboard Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Va., are preparing to assist family members returning to the United States from overseas locations March 21, as part of authorized departures of DoD family members and non-emergency essential personnel living in Bahrain and Japan.

The Naval Station Norfolk Emergency Management Plan has a support annex for non-combatant evacuation or mass returning of families.

"The plan lays out what we would do in case a planeload of families is evacuated from Bahrain," said Eugene Lambert, NS Norfolk emergency management officer. "It doesn't take that long to get in place, we just have to make sure we have computers and phone lines ready. The repatriation team is set up on a phone alert system, and we just send out an alert with when the flight would be arriving, and how many people and when the team should report in.

"Our job would be to meet the plane at the AMC (Air Mobility Command) terminal when it arrives to greet the families and get them on buses and take them to a processing center that we would set up. We would take them through and provide any assistance that they may need," Lambert said.

Assistance could come in the form of information, money advances, travel fare, legal support, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) assistance, travel claims and veterinary services.

"Once the family gets there they would fill out a 2585 form," Lambert said. "That form asks what needs they may have, where they expect to establish themselves … and information about the families."

Lambert said overall the family members will be provided with services and resources to help them check into the United States and get them to their final destination.

"For folks that are staying in the area, we will find a staff member to be their sponsor to ensure they are provided all the information and resources that are available," said Alex Ottaviani, FFSC Norfolk site manager. "We will check and make sure that the families are entered into (the) Navy Family Accountability System (NFAS) and do preliminary needs assessments if that has not been done. Then we will manage those cases, or we will hand off those cases. If this is only a stopping point we can hand them off to another Fleet and Family Support Center."

The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society will also be on location to provide assistance to returning family members.

"If they have financial needs in the process we can fill that gap," said Kathy Nelson, NMCRS Norfolk director. "The assistance offered in per diem and travel has about a three day process, so waiting for that can cause a hardship. NMCRS is in the position to meet the families coming from Japan and Bahrain and offer financial assistance.

NMCRS is also helping out where they can in regards to the other Armed Forces.

"Army relief and Air force Aid are collaborating with us to learn from each other and help where our footprint is not so large," Nelson said.

Lambert said NS Norfolk is prepared for any amount of returning family members.

"If we were to get a flight with just a few families on it we're are set up to establish the assistance at the AMC terminal," Lambert said, "We would do the same thing just on a smaller scale. If we had a plane load of 230 people and we were processing all of them, we would get them through the whole process, from plane landing to final processing, in about four hours."

Lambert said he is not anticipating a mass exodus coming through the naval station.

"So far it does not look like we will be getting any large groups coming in to our MAC terminal," Lambert said. "Naval Support Activity Norfolk plans to have a FFSC rep meet families that are flying into Norfolk International to ensure they are helped with any assistance they may need.”

USS Constitution Sailors Lend Helping Hand During Austin Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

AUSTIN, Texas (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution volunteered to help those in need at Caritas of Austin in Austin, Texas, March 23.

Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Anthony Costa, Logistics Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Benjamin Hanson, Gas Turbine Systems Electrician Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jose Meza and Logistics Specialist Seaman Maria Escamilla, prepared lunch and handed out groceries as part of Austin Navy Week, March 19-26.

"A sense of pride that our Navy is big enough to help the community really makes me feel like I am a part of something much bigger than myself," said Escamilla.

Caritas is a non-profit organization that serves 20,000 homeless, working poor and documented refugees.

"It will be a good presence to have," said Melissa Demand, Caritas of Austin, development and faith coordinator. "To have a very positive and uplifting group with people who are willing to jump in and help in the kitchen will allow everything to run more smoothly."

Austin is the second of 21 Navy Weeks planned across America in 2011. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Constitution participates in more than 50 volunteer projects annually. The ship is the recipient of the 2009 and 2010 President's Volunteer Service Award and Commander, Navy Region (COMNAVREG) Middle Atlantic (MIDLANT) Good Neighbor Flagship award for small shore commands in 2010.

COMNAVREG MIDLANT gives the award to commands that have the best year-round community service program or special project that encourages activities to provide humanitarian assistance to the less fortunate.

The ship is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, March 25, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

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

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivers remarks at 10 a.m. EDT at a ceremony commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Medal of Honor at the Pentagon, Hall of Heroes.  This event will air live on the Pentagon Channel and stream live at pentagonchannel.mil.

This Day in Naval History - March 24

From the Navy News Service

1783 - At the conclusion of the American Revolution, Congress orders all Continental naval vessels and privateers home.

1903 - George Dewey is commissioned Admiral of the Navy with the date of rank, March 2, 1899. He was the only person to hold this rank.

1918 - The battleship Idaho (BB 41) is commissioned.

1988 - William L. Ball III becomes the 67th secretary of the Navy.

Play Shares Emotions of Deployments, Reintegration

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

HAMPTON, Va., March 24, 2011 – The “F-bombs” fell fast and furiously yesterday at an otherwise perfectly proper gathering of military health care professionals here as they broke away from their lectures and academic exchanges to watch a documentary play about the challenges many of their patients struggle to overcome.

“ReEntry,” co-written by K.J. Sanchez and Emily Ackerman, is based on actual interviews with Marines and their loved ones, and it explores their raw, realistic and often tender experiences related to repeated combat deployments and redeployments. The playwrights spent hundreds of hours interviewing Marines returning from Afghanistan and Iraq as well as their families, then used their exact words in the play.

Navy Capt. Paul S. Hammer, director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, introduced the play at the first Armed Forces Public Health Conference. Before the actors took their places on the stage, he warned the audience not to be surprised by the play’s “salty” and “irreverent” humor.

“This is dialogue from real people and real characters. It is not a composite,” he said. “It’s about the very real human reaction to the stressful experiences of war and how that impacts the ability to integrate, all told in their own words. It’s the use of the arts in telling the story and helping understand the experience.”

Two of the major characters in the play are based on Ackerman’s brothers who served with the Marine Corps in Iraq. One suffered from post-traumatic stress and even contemplated suicide after returning home, but was saved when his family intervened. The other was wounded in a roadside-bomb attack that killed his best friend and blinded another Marine.

Sanchez initially hired Joseph Harrell, a former Marine Corps drill instructor, as a military consultant to bring realism to the play. She ultimately signed him on to play the part of the commanding officer – a role Harrell said helped him realize that he, too, had long-undiagnosed post-traumatic stress that wasn’t related to combat.

“From researching the character I played, from reading books, meeting clinicians, talking to people, I found out a lot about myself,” he said. “And through the process, I started to find healing. I started to find answers, and I mapped out my entire life as a result of this play.”

Harrell said he saw “ReEntry” have that same healing effect on the family of a friend as it helped them finally understand changes in him after he returned home from combat.

“That’s why I am attached to this play and why I will always be attached to it -- because I know what it can do for people,” he said. “There is not a person on this planet that can tell me this does not have healing properties. So I am in it. I am in it all the way.”

“ReEntry” explores the many aspects of military service – the sacrifice, the pride, the unity its members feel:

-- A wounded Marine sees his combat wounds as a failure -- “the gunfight I lost” – and shares the pain of being determined unfit for service. “It stings,” he said. “No matter how much you are expecting it, it stings.”

-- A sister tells of sending care packages to her deployed brother and trying not to worry about him. She admits to saving his phone messages on the voice recorder. “It might be the last time I hear his voice,” she said.

-- A commander worries that he’s become impervious to death and developed a “stone mask” that hides what’s really inside.

-- A mother shares her need to telephone the family of the fallen Marine who died in her son’s arms and the one who was wounded in the attack.

-- A gunnery sergeant’s wife says, “I am not just married to a Marine. We are a Marine family.” And although she maintains a poker face to the world, she admits to going into the bathroom to cry in private without being discovered.

-- A Marine tells a comrade he thinks he has post-traumatic stress and assures him it’s OK to go “straight to see the wizard.”

Sanchez emphasized during a panel discussion following yesterday’s performance that she doesn’t intend “ReEntry” to speak for everyone’s experiences. But Hammer called the very real human experiences portrayed in the play a valuable tool to help military members deal with conflict they may feel, and for others to better understand them.

“‘ReEntry’ is an example of the creative use of performing arts to further our understanding of the challenges faced by, as well as the strength and camaraderie of, our combat warriors and their families,” he told the gathering.

The show made its military debut in May at the Navy and Marine Corps Combat Operational Stress Control Conference in San Diego, and is making the rounds at military bases and Veterans Affairs hospitals. The troupe presented it in November at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., where it received a standing ovation, and in February at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., where it was mandatory viewing for all drill instructors.

In September, “ReEntry” will go to Camp Lejeune, N.C., and eight family-day performances are on the schedule for reserve units.

“ReEntry” also played at civilian theaters in Red Bank, N.J., and Baltimore. It is scheduled to run in October at a civilian theater in Bethesda, Md., also home of the National Naval Medical Center, to be redesignated as the Walter Reed National Medical Center.

“It resonates with them,” Hammer said. “It’s telling the story, and allowing audiences to interact with the story.”

One Army civilian health care provider fought back tears as she thanked Sanchez following yesterday’s presentation for giving her new insights into the men and women she cares for every day.

“You opened my eyes and let me get inside their bodies,” she said. “Now I will have a better understanding and appreciation of how they feel.”

Navy Helo Squadrons Join Forces in Support of Operation Tomodachi

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Devon Dow, U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan Public Affairs

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 14 (HS-14) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 51 (HSL-51) are continuing their humanitarian support for Operation Tomodachi from Naval Air Facility Misawa (NAFM), March 24.

The squadrons are providing additional rotary force to Navy ships off the eastern-Japanese coastline by transporting humanitarian aid. Their repositioning to NAFM has decreased their time in transit and increased their number of daily missions.

HS-14 and HSL-51 are performing their maintenance and operations from the same hangar bay at NAFM. While it is a unique environment for the squadrons, they say they are happy to be of service.

"It's great to be in Misawa," said Cmdr. Geoff Moore, commanding officer of HS-14 and a native of Middletown, Conn. "The base has been very supportive in receiving us. The base commanders for NAFM and Misawa Air base have been doing a superb job working hand-in-hand helping us get what we need to maintain our aircraft, and accommodating lodging for our people."

"Coming together here, our squadrons are combined on every level. The crews are briefing together, and departments are working in the same office space, we are seeing unparalleled cooperation," he added.

Based out of Naval Air Facility Atsugi, the squadrons' have a cooperative history providing support for the USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group and Destroyer Squadron 15. Cmdr. Sil Perrella, commanding officer of HSL-51 and native of Fountain Valley Calif., said he and his crew have received tremendous support since their arrival to NAFM and look forward to their ongoing support of Operation Tomodachi.

"This has been a fantastic opportunity for us to assist in this mission," he said. "In Atsugi, our squadrons work in separate hangars, here that is not the case. We are all one team one fight, pulling together to get the job done and that has my crew excited. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Increasing their productivity and teamwork while at NAFM, Master Chief Aircraft Maintenanceman Gregory "Woody" Behrends, maintenance master chief for HSL-51, said the two squadrons working together has created a bond that will strengthen both sides efforts.

"Integrating the two squadrons had its hiccups at first, but we are molding like a unit now, brothers and sisters, working together for a common good. We know our mission and we are supporting to the best of our abilities, he said. "The support we have been receiving from the Japanese and the base here has been nothing short of outstanding."

For some crewmembers the proximity of working together had its challenges, but according to Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Christian Evangelista, assigned to HSL-51, overcoming those challenges was easy because of the task ahead of them.

"This is a new experience for some of the crewmembers, it is good to see everyone adjusting and making it work" said the Passaic N.J. native. "We all share one common goal, to get humanitarian relief to the Japanese people as fast and safely as we can.

Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Apprentice Alvin Witt, assigned to HS-14, said he could relate to the needs of the Japanese people affected by the recent natural disaster.

In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the community of the Beaufort, Miss. native, leaving behind a path of destruction. Witt said working alongside HSL-51 to provide humanitarian aid is something he is proud to be apart of.

"This is my first command, and I feel really good about being here," he said. "I feel good to know that I am here helping better the situation the Japanese are going through. It is much worst than what I went through. For me to give back after something like this happening makes perfect sense."

America's Navy is committed to Operation Tomodachi and supporting our longtime ally. Humanitarian assistance and disaster response is a core competency of the maritime strategy.

DOD Issues Stop Work Order on the JSF F136 Extra Engine Program

The Department of Defense (DoD) today issued a stop work order in connection with the Joint Strike Fighter extra engine program.

The administration and the DoD strongly oppose the extra engine program, as reflected in the President’s fiscal 2012 budget proposal that was recently submitted to Congress, which does not include funding for the program.  In our view it is a waste of taxpayer money that can be used to fund higher Departmental priorities, and should be ended now.

The House of Representatives has recently expressed its own opposition to the extra engine in its passage of H.R. 1 including the adoption of the Rooney Amendment which removed all fiscal 2011 funding for this program.  In addition, funding for the extra engine was not authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2011, enacted in January.  In light of these recent events, Congressional prerogatives, and the administration’s view of the program, we have concluded that a stop work order is now the correct course.  The stop work order will remain in place pending final resolution of the program’s future, for a period not to exceed 90 days, unless extended by agreement of the government and the contractor.

Misawa Kennel Ready to Receive Voluntary Departure Pets

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jose Lopez, U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan Public Affairs

MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Misawa Air Base Pet Kennel is caring for pets, while families participate in the Department of Defense–authorized voluntary departure of Japan, beginning March 22.

The kennel workers will provide care services for pets of departing family members, and ensure that their beloved pets are safe and secure as they travel back to the U.S.

"Many pets will stay with the service member while the family has (voluntarily) departed," said Tanesha Wilcox, animal caretaker lead at the Misawa Pet Kennel. "But those service members have to work, so they will bring in their pets for us to look after. Many of them have been on long shifts since the earthquake and don't want to leave their pets alone."

The kennel has a capacity for 61 dogs and 18 cats, which was not enough to take care of Misawa family pets. Kennel personnel worked with the Post Exchange to acquire more kennels to keep the pets in.

"The flight could only take 100 pets, so we prepared to receive about 200 animals," said Meghan Skelton, a pet caretaker at the kennel. "We got new kennels, set up and we are prepared if [pets] do come in."

Animals that arrive at the kennel can expect good treatment. The kennel operators say the dogs get boarding, three daily walks and play time. They also get a bath and normally get a night walk.

Kennel workers say that in crisis situations like these, people have a tendency to leave their pets with friends. While they don't say it is a bad idea, they do add that pets will act abnormal when they are away from their family members. In some cases, the animals may feel the stress.

"While they are here, we make them comfortable and we provide food and water," added Wilcox. "If the pet experiences any problem, we will take them to a veterinarian if needed. They are completely safe here. Not that they are not safe with friends, but people do get busy."

Currently there are ten volunteers who assist the kennel operators with walking the dogs. The dogs, along with cats, also get play time. Kennel personnel are on site from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

"We also leave the radio on for them so it doesn't feel like they are alone," concluded Wilcox.

Face of Defense: Marine Finds Way to Help Tsunami Victims

By Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Cindy Fisher

Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP COURTNEY, Japan, March 24, 2011 – Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Yamile Brito is proving the truth of former President John F. Kennedy’s statement that “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”

Brito, with Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, is the driving force behind a food drive at the commissary here on the Japanese island of Okinawa for victims of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck mainland Japan on March 11.

Reading news reports of the devastation in mainland Japan affected her deeply, Brito said, and she knew she needed to help. One article she saw hit her particularly hard, she added, as it detailed the experience of a Japanese man who had been in the water for four days and saw his wife die in the tsunami.

“It made me feel horrible, terrible,” she said, admitting she’s come close to tears several times reading some of the articles and seeing the images of destruction. The news stories and photographs burned into her memory also created in her a strong desire to provide some kind of aid to those in need, she said.

“Half the platoon left that weekend, and I was really frustrated, because I wanted to go with them,” she said. “I kept thinking that there has to be something I can do.”

Brito told her fiance, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cameron Perry, also with Headquarters Battalion, that she was disappointed at being on Okinawa and unable to help. “He suggested I do a canned food drive,” said Brito, from New York City.

Perry, of Natchitoches, La., said he got the idea for a food drive based on what people in New Orleans needed following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. While he wasn’t in Louisiana for the hurricane, he said, he has clear memories of the devastation and the shortfalls that ensued.

“I knew Katrina victims, and I knew what they needed when they were in shelters,” he said.

Brito said she had never coordinated a food drive or done anything like this before, but she jumped on the idea and brought in Perry and another friend, Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Erin Hollingsworth, from New Virginia, Iowa, to help. By March 12, Brito had contacted the commissary for approval to place donation boxes at the store’s entrance. Michael E. Shannon, the store administrator, said he gave the go-ahead and by the next day, donation boxes were in place requesting canned food for mainland victims.

Shannon said he was surprised someone was willing to give time out of an already busy schedule to spearhead this effort, but that he admires Brito and the Marines helping her for what they are doing. Brito and Hollingsworth remind him of his daughter, who is about the same age, he added, and he found it heartening to see them start the effort to help others.

He also was amazed by the generosity of the people in Camp Courtney’s military community. “We were overwhelmed at the response of our customers,” he said.

More than 15 grocery carts of food and other items were donated by March 18, Shannon said. That’s more than $4,000 worth of goods, and the donations are still coming in, he added.

The response has been unbelievable, Brito said. In addition to canned food, people also have donated diapers, hygiene items, boxes of rice and other foods, she said. After the Kadena Air Base youth center announced March 15 it could no longer accept donations due to space issues, people also began donating blankets and other items, she added.

Brito and her assistants have been collecting the donations from the commissary and boxing them up for shipment to the mainland.

The operational tempo of Brito’s unit has increased, as Marines are being sent to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. And the canned food drive is consuming more of Brito’s off-duty hours. But all the extra work is worth it for the peace of mind it has given her, she said.

“I needed – for me – to be OK with not being there. I needed to do something,” Brito said.

She said she thinks others felt that way as well, as evidenced by the donations she has received. For some, she explained, “this is the only opportunity we have to make a difference. It could have been us but it wasn’t, and there are thousands of people that will really appreciate the help.”

Brito said she hopes to continue the food drive throughout March and then reassess to see if there is still a need before continuing the food drive in April.

One-of-a-kind Navy Ship Participates in US/Korean Exercise

By Edward Baxter, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

ANMYEON, Korea (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command offshore petroleum distribution system ship MV Vice Adm. K.R. Wheeler (T-AG 5001) participated in a combined, joint military exercise off the coast of Anmyeon, Republic of Korea, March 23.

Combined Logistics Over the Shore 2011 demonstrated the U.S. Navy's ability to project power over the sea in coordination with host nation military forces.

Part of the annual Korea peninsula defense exercise Foal Eagle 2011, this year's CJLOTS was the first conducted in partnership with the Republic of Korea and the first conducted off the peninsula's west coast.

The one-day exercise included demonstrating portions of both the at-sea and ashore operations involved in pumping fuel from a tanker to shore, as well as the deployment of military cargo aboard barges onto the beach .

More than 200 U.S. Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines worked side-by-side with 26 civilian mariners aboard Wheeler, to simulate delivering fuel to military forces operating ashore from a tanker at sea - a vital capability for sustaining operations where port facilities are inadequate. While CJLOTS was conducted in a single day, exercise planners have been on the ground at Anmyeon for the past week making final preparations.

Wheeler, which is specially designed to serve as a pumping station capable of transferring fuel from a tanker at sea to shore through eight miles of flexible pipe stored on the ship's weather deck, trained with a South Korean fuel tanker for the first time.

Operating about 3.5 miles off the coast of Anmyeon, the 165-foot Fast Tempo, a powerful offshore supply vessel designed to support Wheeler in real-world operations, ran a tow line to the tankers' stern, securing the ships together the same way they would be during a real-world scenario.

While neither the float hose connecting Wheeler to the tanker, nor the flexible pipe connecting Wheeler to shore were deployed, hooking up with the South Korean tanker provided valuable training for the ship's civilian mariners working for a private company under contract to MSC.

"In real-world operations, we may work with a South Korean tanker, so this training validates that we are ready if tasked," said Wheeler's civilian Master Capt. Jon Skoglund.

Ashore, U.S. soldiers practiced setting up equipment used to receive, distribute and store the fuel that Wheeler would pump to shore. The key piece of equipment is a receiving device called a Beach Terminal Unit that would hook up to Wheeler's flexible pipe, and relays the fuel pumped ashore to inflatable bladders used to store large quantities of fuel. No fuel was pumped during this exercise.

Five Reserve Sailors from Bronx, N.Y.-based Expeditionary Port Unit 102, one of MSC's highly mobile units that set up port operations even under the most difficult situations, deployed to Anmyeon.

"Our mission is to ensure that Wheeler had everything it needed to complete the mission," said Lt. Sean Strawbridge, EPU 102.

Marines and Sailors from Task Force 76; U.S. Naval Forces, Korea; MSC Office Korea; and Expeditionary Strike Group 3 also participated. Personnel from the Korea-based U.S. Eighth Army established a living support element and set up the Beach Terminal Unit, while U.S. Air Force members provided weather information services.

Simultaneously, 270 South Korean army and navy personnel deployed cargo to the beach from commercial barges and military landing craft. A crane lifted palletized cargo onto the beach, while wheeled and tracked vehicles, including armored personnel carriers, rolled down the barge's ramp onto the beach.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, U.S. merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces.

USMAP Serving 50,000 Active Apprenticeships

By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- After 35 years of providing sea-service military members with journeyman-level certifications that document their skills through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) reached the milestone of 50,000 current active participants on March 18.

The USMAP team works closely with DOL to provide nationally-recognized apprenticeship programs that result in journeyman-level Certificates of Completion for members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. During their apprenticeship, service members document their military duties while working in their rating or military occupational specialties (MOS). Earning the DOL certificate costs the service member nothing and does not normally require working additional off-duty hours.

"We've made significant upgrades to the program, making it easier for service members to sign up, manage and complete the program," said Cmdr. Mitzi Ellis, Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) Detachment Saufley Field site director. "With the recent improvements, we've seen an increase in weekly program completions of 68 percent over the last two years and an increase in the interest level, bringing us up to 50,000 service members actively working toward their USMAP certificates."

One Sailor who has embraced the program is Chief Hull Technician (SW/AW) Jonathan Purvis, Executive Department leading chief, aboard USS Stout (DDG 55). Purvis currently holds five DOL certifications, ranging from Plumber to Welder.

"I started working on USMAP apprenticeships during my first enlistment, when I wasn't sure whether I was going to stay active duty, and I knew that it could help me get a job in the civilian sector," said Purvis. "But throughout my career, working on several apprenticeships has helped me focus on different skill areas and made me a better technician. That focus and knowledge has also helped me train my junior Sailors."

USMAP enables documentation of a Sailor's formalized and structured training. It combines on-the-job training (OJT) and related technical instruction. All the individual is required to do is regularly document the hours worked in the various skill areas either in a hard-copy log or electronically through the Web and have it verified by their supervisor. In addition, the service member submits a report every six months and a final report once their required OJT hours are complete.

"Each apprenticeship requires anywhere between 2,000 and 10,000 hours of on-the-job work and training," said Marybeth Whitney, USMAP senior registrar. "Working a typical 40-hour week, many individuals can complete an apprenticeship within a year. There are 123 trades available, ranging from aircraft mechanic to x-ray equipment tester. More than 96 percent of Navy enlisted rates, 85 percent of Coast Guard enlisted rates, and 232 Marine Corps MOS' are eligible for these trades."

USMAP trades apply to virtually all members of the services, including those who have been serving for several years.

"Pre-registration credits can be awarded to those who have time-in-service and can even be applied toward college credits," said Tom Phillips, USMAP Certifications and Credentialing Program lead. "The maximum credit a service member could possibly receive is 50 percent of the required OJT. For example, an E-6 with ten years of service interested in an apprenticeship requiring 8,000-hours can receive a maximum of 4,000 credits toward their certificate, cutting their requirements for hours of logged OJT in half."

"It's about quantifying what you've accomplished," added Phillips. "Service members are already doing the work; it's just a matter of documenting what they do. Now they have their work 'on the record' and a completed apprenticeship shows significant professional development, and can look good to promotion boards. Certificates can also open doors once a service member decides to hang up the uniform."

Any active duty Sailor, Marine, or Coast Guardsman can become an apprentice as long as they have been designated in a rating, have sufficient time to complete the program while on active duty and possess a high school diploma or GED. The selected trade must be their primary job at their current command.

Ho-Chunk warrior, Guard member promoted

By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Ellis

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

In a ceremony complete with ceremonial Native American raiment and music, a Ho-Chunk Nation warrior was promoted to lieutenant colonel in the Wisconsin Army National Guard Saturday (March 19) at Joint Force Headquarters in Madison.

David James Whitehorse Klauser of Madison, an assistant staff judge advocate assigned to Joint Force Headquarters and a state public defender in Janesville, was lauded for his 14 years of service to the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

"He is a good example of a Ho-Chunk warrior and officer in the Wisconsin Army National Guard," Robert Mann, veterans service officer for the Ho-Chunk Nation, said of Klauser. "He served his people, his country, and the Wisconsin National Guard proudly. He has earned the status of warrior ever since he signed up and went into the military."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, agreed.

"It was not hard to realize his tremendous effort and dedication, what he has already accomplished, what he has done, what he has been, and the value he has provided to this organization and nation," Anderson said.

Klauser is one of 74 Wisconsin National Guard members of Native American or Alaskan native heritage. Mann related how, during a 2007 deployment to Iraq with the 332nd Rear Operations Center, Klauser raised the Ho-Chunk Nation flag over the headquarters building.

"That just shows the type of person he is," Mann said. "He is very proud of his heritage."  

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, March 24, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

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

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivers remarks at 7 p.m. EDT at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress 44th Annual Awards Dinner and accepts the Eisenhower Award on behalf of the U.S. Armed Forces at the Willard Hotel, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact Jonathan Murphy at 202-872-9800 ext 223.

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. John "Red" Walker, commander of Mehtar Lam Provincial Reconstruction Team in Regional Command-East, accompanied by Governor of Laghman province, Mohammad Iqbal Azizi, will brief the media live from Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

This Day in Naval History - March 23

From the Navy News Service

1815 - USS Hornet captures HMS Penguin in a battle lasting 22 minutes.

1882 - The Secretary of the Navy, William H. Hunt, issues General Order No. 292, creating the Office of Naval Intelligence.

1917 - USS New Mexico (BB 40) is launched as the first dreadnought with turboelectric drive.

1945 - Carriers begin pre-assault strikes on Okinawa; kamikaze attacks follow.

1958 - Simulated Polaris missile is launched from a submerged tactical launcher facility off California.

1965 - Lt. Cmdr. John W. Young, pilot of Gemini 3, completes three orbits in four hours, 53 minutes, at an altitude of 224 km. Recovery was by helicopters from USS Intrepid (CVS 11).

CNRH Establishes Support Programs for Families Arriving from Japan

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

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Region Hawaii set up support programs March 21 for family members of active duty service members arriving from Japan at the Honolulu International Airport.

CNRH is teaming with the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam's Warfighter and Family Services (WFS) office, and Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) to help families that have been displaced by the recent events in Japan.

"We currently have staff members at a reception desk at the airport to accommodate any families arriving from Japan and Guam. We are here to reach out to them and provide any services they may need," said WFS Director Margaret Scurfield. "It is important for us to greet these families upon arrival and facilitate their needs after they've had to leave their home and take a long flight back to the U.S."

While there has not been a large number of families arriving in Hawaii, WFS staff will remain at the airport to support, according to Scurfield.

"So far we've only had a handful of people arrive here in Hawaii, but we expect that number to increase," Scurfield said. "It is important for these families to know that we are here to support them in whatever they may need."

WFS provides counseling services, assistance with lodging, relocation, child care, new parent support and phone contact information.

Paul Belanger, director of NMCRS Pearl Harbor, said his organization offers a variety of services to incoming families.

"Currently we are offering short term immediate assistance to all of the families arriving from Japan, including loans and access to our thrift shop at minimal cost," Belanger said. "NMCRS is here to support our active duty service members and their families in this time of need."

Service members and families can contact the Warfighter and Family Services Office at 808-474-1999 or call 808-473-1222 on weekends.

For more information on the voluntary authorized departure for eligible DoD family members from designated areas in Japan, read NAVADMIN 093/11 at www.npc.navy.mil.>

All Sailors or family members who are in need of assistance should utilize the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System support site at www.navyfamily.navy.mil to ensure the Navy can track and assess support requirements for all parties affected. Navy Fleet and Family Support Center has a 24-hour hotline available to provide family support information at 866-854-0638.

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Deploys

From Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployed from Norfolk and Little Creek, Va., in support of Operation Odyssey Dawn, March 23.

The decision to deploy the Bataan ARG/22nd MEU ahead of its previously scheduled deployment date was made based on continuing urgent needs in Libya and the region.

"Amphibious ships are optimally suited for executing a wide range of missions, from humanitarian assistance to theater and maritime security operations," said Capt. Steven J. Yoder, Bataan ARG commander. "There is no doubt in my mind that our Sailors and Marines will excel at whatever task we are called upon to perform."

Sailors and Marines of the Bataan ARG/22nd MEU successfully completed months of unit level training to ensure they can operate effectively and safely. During the next few days, the Bataan ARG will transit to Camp LeJeune, N.C., to complete on-load of the 22nd MEU and will continue to conduct integrated blue/green training until they arrive in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility.

The Bataan ARG/22nd MEU will provide the combatant commander a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options and humanitarian assistance in maritime, littoral and inland environments, in support of the Navy's Maritime Strategy.

"This team is extremely well prepared to execute whatever mission our nation calls upon us to do," said Capt. Steve Koehler, USS Bataan (LHD 5) commanding officer. "Our Sailors and Marines have worked extremely hard over the last year to make sure we were on time throughout our training cycle, so when the time came, we'd be ready for any tasking. It's why we're here."

Following their assignment in the Mediterranean, the Bataan ARG/22nd MEU will continue with its scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation (TSC) efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

The Bataan ARG includes Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6; Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22; Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 8; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28; and Naval Beach Group (NBG); which includes Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU-4 and Beachmaster Unit (BMU) 2.

ARG ships include the Norfolk-based Bataan, USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), homeported aboard Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story, Va.

The 22nd MEU is comprised of its Command Element; a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced); and Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 22.

First Total Force Survey Results Released

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Personnel announced the results of the Navy's first ever Total Force survey March 23.

This initial survey was sent to roughly 45,000 active and Reserve Sailors, and civilian employees throughout the Fleet, with the goal of providing a baseline understanding of their perceptions on work-life quality and other hot button issues.

While the Navy has used surveys in the past to uncover perceptions in the Fleet, none were shared across the active, Reserve and civilian workforce or used similar questions to allow for useful comparison.

"The Navy Total Force survey has taken the best aspects of previous questionnaires and applied them to all elements of the Total Force," said Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, chief of naval personnel. "In doing so, we can better understand how the entire team views their quality of life-work balance, job satisfaction and career intentions."

The survey was administered by the Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology (NPRST) team from February to September 2010. NPRST was then tasked with compiling, and analyzing the results for senior leadership. Once completed, they were able to deliver a credible and valuable comparison tool.

Results of the survey among active and Reserve Sailors revealed consistent and positive results on key indicators such as job satisfaction, compensation, and intent to stay with Navy. When measuring career intentions, the survey found enjoyment of job and benefits such as retirement and healthcare to be top reasons to continue serving, while the frequency and duration of deployments were cited as top reasons to leave.

Among Navy civilians, they were found to report fewer problems in balancing their personal life with their career, but were also shown to be less satisfied than their uniformed counterparts in career progression.

"Overall, the survey showed the Total Force is satisfied with the quality of their service, their leadership, and their compensation," said Ferguson. "We view these results as a baseline to measure our future efforts to improve our quality of life programs. This will be our 'Total Force' starting point for the future."

Southern Partnership Station 2011 Kicks Off Mission in Nicaragua

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffery Tilghman Williams, High Speed Vessel Swift Public Affairs

CORINTO, Nicaragua (NNS) -- The joint military construction team supporting Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2011 kicked off its mission Corinto, Nicaragua, March 22.

The construction team consists of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 28 detail bravo Sailors and 2nd Marine Logistics Group (MLG) members, who will conduct subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) at Instituto Parroquial Pbro. Emilio S. Chavarria with Nicaraguan military members.

During the SMEE, service members are working together to construct two Southeast Asia huts (SEA hut), to be used as a classroom and library for the children and faculty at the school.

"This is going to be a challenging project for us, because we are attempting to construct two 16-by-32-foot wood frame structures in five days, while participating in an information sharing exchange with members of the Nicaraguan military," said Lt. Rama Mutyala, NMCB detail bravo officer-in-charge. "But I'm confident our team is more than capable of performing the task at hand."

The construction project is the first of several SMEEs U.S. Sailors, Marines and Airman have planned during their nine-day engagement in Nicaragua. Additional SMEEs focusing on physical security, medicine, civil affairs and counter terrorism techniques are scheduled during the visit.

"We're focused for this mission, and committed to this cross training venture with our foreign counterparts," said Construction Electrician 1st Class Sammy Hill, NMCB detail bravo leading petty officer. "Today's the first day, and we've already learned a few things from the Nicaraguan sailors, which goes to show the importance of SPS."

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.

Military Children Need Nation’s Support

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 23, 2011 – Military children need the support not just of the Defense Department, but the “whole of nation” to ensure they’re ready for the future, a DOD official said here today.

“Military children are resilient, but they need a lot of help,” said Robert L. Gordon III, deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy. “We’re doing much more in the within the Department of Defense and federal government, but it will not be enough, because this is an American problem -- it’s not just a problem of the Department of Defense.”

Gordon touched on the challenges facing military children and some of the programs the Defense Department is implementing to help them during a roundtable on the education of military children, one of the culminating events of an education summit called “Building a Grad Nation.”

Military families today have different challenges from those their predecessors faced, he sai, most notably multiple deployments. “Again and again we are seeing service members deployed and spouses having to take care of their families back home,” he said. “It’s been very difficult.”

Gordon said he just returned from a trip to Europe, where he met with spouses and children. Some of the spouses he met had never been out of the United States before, yet were asked to move overseas with their children and without their military spouse, who was deployed directly into the combat theater. Most of these spouses, he noted, were under 25 years old.

“That is the world in which we live today,” he said. Scattered around the world are about 2 million military children, Gordon said, 1.2 million of school age.

Of the 1.2 million, roughly 90,000 are in the military school system, and about 70,000 are in public schools on military installations across the country. The other roughly 1 million children are scattered throughout the United States in the public school system.

“One the issues is finding them, understanding where in the world they are and what they are doing,” Gordon said. Then, he added, it’s “finding and engaging them.”

This will take a concerted effort that extends far beyond the reach of the Defense Department, he said.

Gordon praised President Barack Obama’s Presidential Study Directive 9, which directed federal agencies to determine how they can better support military families. A report titled “Strengthening Our Military Families: Meeting America’s Commitment” outlines the nearly 50 commitments federal government agencies made on behalf of military families. Many are specific to military children and their education.

“It is a whole-of-nation approach,” Gordon said. “All 16 agencies of the federal government focused on military families. It’s about strengthening military families.”

Within the Defense Department, Gordon called for leadership involvement to help bolster military children and praised the efforts of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Deborah Mullen, who also spoke at the roundtable.

“The chairman could … prioritize a lot of different things – this is the DOD – but it has been our children that they have prioritized,” he said. The chairman and his wife have gone across country and brought back pertinent issues and avenues of change, he noted, which “helps us craft our programs.”

Additionally, DOD leaders have commissioned a 270-day education review, currently under way, to “ensure world-class educational opportunities for all 1.2 million military children,” he said.

The review will look at curriculums for military children, the impact of transitions and deployments, and facilities.

Gordon also highlighted the military family life consultant program, which is designed to provide support to service members and their families. Consultants provide parent education, information on support services, and helps individuals and families develop coping mechanisms.

The program includes 40,000 consultants, he said, who assist with nonmedical counseling for a set length of time. They also can work within schools for a semester at a time. “This is a huge success story,” he said.

Overall, it will take a combination of strong leadership seeking areas of improvement and the support of the entire nation to ensure military children receive the support they need and deserve, Gordon said.

After all, he noted, “military children are American children.”

NPC Clarifies Japan PCS Stop Movement

From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office

MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- In the wake of an immediate stop movement order, Navy Personnel Command (NPC) has provided clarification for Sailors with orders to Japan in NAVADMIN 100/11 released March 23.

As directed in NAVADMIN 084/11, the Navy has issued a temporary stop movement order for all personnel scheduled to report to Japan as either an ultimate duty station or an intermediate duty station in conjunction with a permanent change of station (PCS) move.

Under the new guidance, commanding officers and officers-in-charge in the affected areas are now able to request waivers and operational holds to fill critical billets. Further, the new message adds clarity regarding Sailors who have orders to Japan, including adding Immediate Superior-in-Commands (ISIC) and Navy Operations Support Commands (NOSC) as places where Sailors can report. The message also includes information about intermediate duty stations, guidance regarding placing Sailors on temporary additional duty (TAD) and changes the accounting code receiving commands should use to classify those Sailors on orders to Japan.

"We want Sailors to know that we're in constant contact with forces in Japan and that our decisions are based on the best information and assessments available," said Capt. Robert Weitzman, NPC director of Distribution Management. "As the situation changes we'll keep you updated."

Commanding officers and officers in charge who want a waiver to the stop movement for critical billets should request one through their chain of command. The Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet is authorized to approve or disapprove waiver requests.

Approvals will be sent through record message traffic and will specify whether the member is authorized to bring family members. Upon approval, Personnel Support Detachments (PSD) will process Sailors to transfer.

Personnel with orders to commands in Japan who have not yet detached from their current command are directed to remain in place unless their orders direct them to report to intermediate duty stations en route. Those Sailors should execute their orders and will stop at their final intermediate station.

Ships and embarked units getting underway and that cannot retain detaching Sailors should put those service members on TAD orders to the Beach Detachment or the ISIC until further notice. Commands who gain these Sailors should notify NPC immediately.

Members who have detached from their command, but have not left their homeport area should check into their previous duty station, local transient processing unit (TPU) or ISIC.

Members who have already detached from their command and have commenced travel to Japan, should report to the nearest naval installation or NOSC.

Members assigned overseas, other than Japan, and who have orders to Japan should contact NPC for specific guidance.

Installations, ISICs, NOSCs, TPUs and Beach Detachments who receive these Sailors, are directed to place them on TAD orders under Accounting Classification Code (ACC) 350. This is a change from the previous NAVADMIN. This ACC better fits the status of those Sailors affected by this message.

According to the message, there are two categories of personnel affected by the message: those with orders to areas other than the island of Honshu (such as Okinawa and Sasebo); and those with orders to Honshu (Atsugi, Misawa and Yokosuka).

Service members who have orders to areas other than Honshu are not eligible for authorized allowances – they receive the normal permanent change of station allowance. Since all entitlements are dependent on personal circumstances, Sailors should read the message and NAVADMIN 084/11.

For questions regarding allowances, members should contact their nearest disbursing office or PSD.

The stop movement does not impact Sailors with outbound orders from Japan, and they should continue to execute their orders.

Commands are directed to make every effort to contact affected Sailors in order to advise them of the contents of this message and have them contact NPC.

Sailors who have already shipped household goods (HHG) and vehicles to Japan should contact the Naval Supply Systems Command HHG helpline at 1-800-444-7789 or e-mail at nvtrnshhghelpline@navy.mil.

For more information, members or commands should contact the NPC Emergency Coordination Center at 1-877-414-5358 or via e-mail at NPC.CAT.CAPTAIN@navy.mil. Sailors are also reminded to log into the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System at https://navyfamily.navy.mil to help the Navy track and assess support requirements. Further questions can be directed to the NPC Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (866-827-5672).

Gates Reaffirms U.S. Support of Egypt

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

CAIRO, March 23, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met with Egyptian leaders here today as part of a visit officials said is designed to reaffirm U.S. support and advance the nations’ defense partnership.

“It’s always a pleasure to be back in this vibrant and historic city,” Gates said, “especially during a time of monumental promise and change both in Egypt and elsewhere in the region.”

America’s historic relationship with Egypt is a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East and North Africa, Gates said. The U.S.-Egyptian military partnership has grown over 30 years, he added, “and it is an integral part of the way our two countries pursue our common interests and advance stability in an often tumultuous region.”

Rapid change in the region holds potential new opportunities for the United States, Gates said.

“I would point to the longstanding relationship between the United States military and the Egyptian military and the constructive role the Egyptian military has played in the events of the past couple of months,” he said.

“For existing governments that undertake a process of reform and that we work with today, those relationships will continue,” Gates added. “And I think where change is underway we may have even greater opportunities.”

After his meeting today with Prime Minister Essam Sharaf and other Egyptian officials, Gates said the leaders “do see a need for economic assistance, not just from us, but from all their friends.” The Egyptian leaders see the connection between political progress and people seeing concrete improvements in the quality of their lives, which means a growing economy, the secretary added.

“The key here is the stability that the Supreme Council has brought and the naming of the interim government that we hope in the short term will allow for a return of the tourist trade, which is an important source of income,” Gates said.

As private industry observers see a process of democratization going forward, he added, they will see opportunities for investment in Egypt, “which is at the end of the day, both inside Egypt and from external investment, the long-term solution to their economic problems.”

Gates will meet tomorrow with Field Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the nation’s commander in chief and chairman of the Egyptian Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.