Riverine Forces Make History with Well Deck Certification

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Michael R. Hinchcliffe, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors from Riverine Squadrons (RIVRON) 2 and 3 made history when they successfully completed the first well deck certification for the Riverine Command Boat (RCB) and Riverine Patrol Boat (RPB) aboard USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) May 31.

"What this proves is that, once and for all, we have the capability with the Riverine Command Boats and Riverine Patrol Boats to bring them on board the well deck of a ship," said Capt. Christopher Halton, commodore of Riverine Group 1. "With us being able to sustain operations out of the well deck, it opens up a variety of mission sets for the Riverines, from counter piracy missions, supporting amphibious operations or providing force protection for LCACs (Landing Craft, Air Cushioned) operating back and forth to the beach."

With completion of the well deck certification, the boats have the ability to deploy worldwide aboard an amphibious ship in support of the maritime strategy.

Amphibious operations reach across all six core capabilities of the maritime strategy which are forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritime security and humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

While Oak Hill was anchored in the Chesapeake Bay, the Riverine boats entered the well deck several times, testing the boats maneuverability and the crew's ability to safely bring the boats in, and work together with the Oak Hill crew.

After the RCBs and RPB were secured in the well deck with mooring lines, Oak Hill drained the deck so Riverine Sailors could inspect the boats and ensure they could be properly secured for sea during underway evolutions.

"The RCB was designed with the focus of being a mobile command and control boat, with the ability to control smaller Riverine boats up river," said Cmdr. Clay Wilson, commanding officer of RIVRON 2. "We've kind of pulled it (Riverine mission) out towards the coastal environment right now to fill Riverine needs and the craft has proven to be capable of doing more then just inshore missions."

"Once the last boat was clear of the well and it was clear that the events of the day were successful, my well deck team broke out into spontaneous cheers and applause," said Cmdr. David Bauer, commanding officer of USS Oak Hill. "They knew the importance of what they had just done. It was a very moving moment."

The Riverine Force, part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, is a combat-arms force that performs point defense, fire support and interdiction operations along inland water ways to defeat enemies and support U.S. Marines and coalition forces.

Reagan CSG Sailors, Marines Help Bahrain Schools

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Gray and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle Carlstrom

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 participated in community relations projects at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) and Bahrain Mobility International (BMI) in Bahrain, May 23 and 24.

Sailors and Marines from Reagan, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) volunteered their time during a scheduled port visit to help tutor students in conversational English and mathematics, renovate buildings and play games with the children during recess.

"These community relations projects are a way for us to extend a hand of friendship," said Lt. Evan Adams, Chancellorsville's command chaplain. "It is a way for us to learn about the culture and show a gesture of appreciation for allowing us to be a part of their commerce and society."

For the crew members who volunteered, the experience of giving back was rewarding and meaningful.

"It was an outstanding opportunity," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class William Vega. "It's always important to give back. Sometimes we take for granted what we have and if we brightened up their day a little bit more; it was worth it."

Sailors and Marines visited RIA and BMI. RIA specializes in the academic and social development of children with autism and serves both Bahraini and expatriate students, while BMI provides physically disabled individuals with social and recreational activities.

"This is a great way to show what type of ambassadors of the United States we can be," said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Joshua Elliott. "Getting to interact with the children and introducing them to another culture they may not experience again was a lot of fun."

The staff expressed appreciation for the crew's volunteer efforts.

"It helps out in many ways," said Eugenia Augustine, a teacher at RIA. "For the children, it's fun when the Navy comes in. Sailors take over for the teachers and do a little bit of spelling, reading and drawing and have fun with the children. They've [done] a good job. The children [felt] happy at the end of the day that they had something different. All of them love it when the Navy comes to visit; the children wait for them."

"Some of the kids in our school are very shy and they can't open up," said Anne Wilson, a teacher at RIA. "When new people come into the classroom, it helps the children to interact and communicate more, and builds their confidence."

The Ronald Reagan CSG is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan, guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes USS Preble (DDG 88). Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146, the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

Ronald Reagan CSG is conducting maritime security operations and missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, while deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

NSWC Port Hueneme Hosts VLS Forum, Strengthens Allied Relations

From Naval Sea Systems Command

PORT HUENEME, Calif (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme hosted an international forum on the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) with nine allied nations, May 18-20.

During the event, NSWC Port Hueneme provided allied VLS users with access to the latest technology in logistics and in-service engineering.

"This event allowed users to discuss issues, exchange knowledge, skills, and lessons learned with system experts at one location," said Stan Wypyszynski, NSWC Port Hueneme VLS FMS project office manager. "It also enables a more efficient and effective way to control total ownership costs and maintain the VLS at the highest level of capability."

The annual forum supports the U.S. Navy's maritime strategy by fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships with international partners. This is the fourteenth year international VLS system users have participated. NSWC Port Hueneme has hosted similar events for 20 years, and created a best practice for other programs to follow.

Foreign navy participants included Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Germany, Canada, Turkey, Japan, Netherlands and Spain.

"This is the most important conference for Vertical Launching Systems," said Gunnar Luckas from the German navy.

"This conference is very useful for us to exchange experiences, exchange knowledge, and improve our performance," said Cmdr. Manuel Golmoyo of Spain.

"There are so many systems to learn," said Cmdr. Shinya Akao, Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force technical liaison officer. "We are working on two new systems, and definitely need to keep in touch with this group."

In addition to the hosting warfare center, other Navy participants included Program Executive Office, Integrated Warfare Systems' Surface Ship Weapons Launchers and International Programs Offices; Surface Combat Systems Center; NSWC Dahlgren; NSWC Carderock; NSWC Indian Head, Detachment Earle Weapons Systems, N.J.; NSWC Corona; SEA21's International Fleet Support Program Office; and the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity.

The warfare centers are the Navy's principal research, development, test and evaluation assessment activity for surface ship and submarine systems and subsystems. In addition, the warfare centers provide depot maintenance and in-service engineering support to ensure the systems fielded today perform consistently and reliably in the future.

NSWC Port Hueneme, a division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command, integrates, tests, evaluates and provides life-cycle engineering and logistics support for surface warfare systems.

U.S., Chinese Leaders Note Progress on Military Ties

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

SINGAPORE, June 3, 2011 – U.S. and Chinese defense leaders are pleased with the progress the countries are making in re-establishing good military-to-military relations.

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Liang Guanglie held bilateral talks during the Shangri-La Dialogue here today. This is the first time the Chinese defense minister has participated in the annual Asia security conference sponsored by the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Gates and Liang continued discussions that began in January when the secretary visited Beijing. The Chinese suspended contacts with the U.S. military in 2009 in retaliation for the United States providing defensive weapons to Taiwan.

President Barack Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao call military-to-military contacts between the two nations “an underdeveloped” part of the broader relationship between the United States and China.

“In recent months, our two countries have made some progress toward rectifying this imbalance by jointly identifying areas of cooperation,” Gates said at the start of the Shangri-La meeting.

Gates, who will retire as defense secretary at the end of the month, said he believes the U.S.-Chinese military relationship is now on a more positive trajectory. “Going forward, the U.S. and China must do more to work together on issues where we have common strategic interest -- piracy, disaster relief and North Korea,” he added.

The secretary said the two countries agree in many areas, but that it is especially important that leaders continue to work together in areas where there is disagreement. This will allow leaders of both nations to have greater clarity on each other’s intentions, he said.

“Together, we can show the world the benefits that arise when great nations collaborate on matters of shared interest,” Gates said.

The meeting was productive and cordial, said Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell.

“It focused on moving forward with the agenda that they set forth during the secretary’s visit in January,” he said. “I think overall the meeting focused more on areas of agreement rather than disagreement. Of course, areas of disagreement were raised, but they were sort of acknowledged and moved on from. Far more time was spent on things that collectively need to be done moving forward.”

Liang recognized the efforts Gates has made to advance the military-to-military relationship, Morrell said.

“He noted at least a couple of times that the Chinese side appreciated Secretary Gates’ efforts, … and [that] without his personal efforts, the progress that has been achieved over the past year would not have been possible,” Morrell said. “The secretary thanked General Liang and said in retirement he hopes to monitor the forward progress with a fishing line in hand.”

The Chinese did raise issues they are concerned with, including arms sales to Taiwan, a “hyping” of the Chinese military threat and reconnaissance operations off China’s coast, said a senior defense official speaking on background.

Liang did bring up the Strategic Security Dialogue put in place following the January meetings, the official said, adding that U.S. officials were encouraged that the Chinese see this as a beneficial forum for discussion. Officials discussed cyber and maritime issues in the first meeting of the dialogue last month, and officials hope future meetings will discuss nuclear missile defense and space, the official added.

“There seemed to be agreement today that it would be worthwhile to dedicate more time to forthcoming discussions,” a senior U.S. defense official said.

The meeting with Liang capped a full day of bilateral meetings for the secretary. Gates also met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mohamed Najib bin Abdul Razak, Japanese Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and Singapore’s Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen.

National Guard Responds to Tornadoes, Floods

By Army Staff Sgt. Jim Greenhill and Army Sgt. Darron Salzer

National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., June 2, 2011 – Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has declared a state of emergency and ordered up to 1,000 National Guard members to support civilian authorities after deadly tornadoes caused property damage and power outages across the state yesterday afternoon.

About 450 citizen-soldiers and -airmen already were on duty this morning, the Massachusetts National Guard reported.

At least four people were killed, dozens were injured, damage hit 19 Massachusetts communities and tens of thousands of residents were without power after severe weather, according to civilian media reports.

Among other duties, Guard members were expected to assist with damage assessment, debris removal, health and wellness checks, route clearance, traffic control points and road closures, Guard officials reported.

Air Guard officials were assessing possible damage at the Barnes Air National Guard Base near Westfield, Mass.

Meanwhile, the number of National Guard members responding to severe spring flooding rose to about 4,300 over the weekend as parts of the Missouri River began to swell in Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Other states -- including Tennessee, Vermont and Wyoming -- also are seeing flooding as flood operations in Kentucky come to a close.

As of 5 p.m. May 31, about 2,000 North Dakota Guard members were on state active duty in response to rising waters in Burleigh, Morton and Ward counties, as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened upriver dams oversaturated with heavy rainwater and snowmelt.

Snowmelt is predicted to cause flooding in Wyoming, where about 115 Guard members are performing sandbagging operations ahead of the floods as the state continues to see a warming trend. The Wyoming Guard has opened its state operations center and is working with civil authorities to stay ahead of the waters, a Guard official said.

Montana also saw more snow than usual in the mountains over the winter, and heavy rains combined with the snowmelt have caused flooding in that state as well. About 97 Guard members there are performing security operations.

Heavy rains have contributed to rising waters in Vermont, where more than 90 Guard members have been evacuating residents from around lakebed areas. Officials there said rains have been consistent almost every day for about a month.

In Louisiana and Mississippi, Guard members continue their battle after severe storms swelled the Mississippi River earlier this year. Operations in both states -- including transportation support, levee patrol and inspection, search-and-rescue missions and levee security missions -- are scheduled to continue, officials said.

(This article includes information from CBS Boston.)

Yokosuka Increases Summer Safety Awareness for Sailors

By Mark Elrod, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hosted its 5th annual Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness Fair, May 25.

Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hopes such events will help reduce, or thwart summer mishaps by raising awareness.

"With the arrival of summer, many of us are going to start working and playing outside a lot more in the heat and humidity," said CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen. "Last summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were 28 Sailors and Marines, who, unfortunately died, and they all could have been averted in what they were doing.

"We need to refresh our memories on how to keep ourselves safe. We need to remember things like ORM (Operational Risk Management). It does not only apply at work, but also at home," Owen said.

The event marks the beginning of a concentrated, proactive stance that CFAY takes regarding the safety of its service members, civilians and family members.

"This is the kickoff of our 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign," said CFAY Safety Officer Kordeen Kor. "We brought people in from a series of different vendors to be able to provide information to the Sailors and civilians who are working here at CFAY to help them get through the summer safely."

During the event, attendees had an opportunity to receive free literature, American Red Cross CPR demonstrations, auto-impact airbag demonstrations by Japanese police, a demonstration on the effects of alcohol by CFAY Security, and CNFJ Regional Fire Department provided an earthquake simulator and offered fire prevention tips.

Providing the information is only the first elements in promoting safety, these elements rely on implementation by community members.

"[People should] make sure they are in shape for what they want to do," said Kor. "Make sure they have done their operational risk management; that they have gone through and identified any hazards or potential hazards; that they have assessed those; they've made a risk decision and that they've implemented any controls that are necessary to make sure they can be safe."

"I challenge you all to help each other by helping our families, our friends, and other members of our community, in preventing these tragedies that can occur when people don't manage a risk," said Owen. "Being safe is something we take seriously. Whether you're driving a vehicle, or playing softball… the last thing we want is to lose friends or family members to something that they could have avoided."

USS Norfolk Departs Shipyard Early

From Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Norfolk Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (NNSY) completed a Continuous Maintenance Availability (CMAV) for USS Norfolk (SSN 714) one week early, returning the submarine to the Fleet May 27.

"This marks another successful, short 688-class availability preceded by recent Dry-docking Selected Restricted Availabilities on USS Montpelier (SSN 765) and USS Boise (SSN 764)," said Oliver Bennett, submarine program manager.

The submarine docked at the shipyard Jan. 12, for scheduled maintenance work on her internal tanks, vibration reducer, fair-water planes, and significant upgrades to the sonar systems. The CMAV involved coordinated work between more than 20 activities outside of NNSY.

"The project went great," said Project Superintendent John Darlington. "We worked together as a family, as well as a team; looking out for each other."

NNSY, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, is the oldest and largest industrial facility belonging to the U.S. Navy, and specializes in repairing, overhauling and modernizing ships and submarines.

USS Gettysburg Departs Plymouth, England After Successful Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Betsy Lynn Knapper, USS Gettysburg Public Affairs

PLYMOUTH, England (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) completed its first port visit for its 2011 deployment in Plymouth, England, May 31.

While in port, Sailors were able to take a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored bus trip to London, Salisbury and Stonehenge, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

"It was great interaction and the Sailors had a blast," said Gettysburg Command Master Chief (SW) Brent H. Tidwell. "All of the people that I spoke to that had interaction with Gettysburg Sailors, said we had a great group of young men and women on the ship. That is one of the things I was really proud of and that just tops it off for me."

"I think the trips were definitely a success," said Lt.j.g. Kayla M. Johnson, Gettysburg MWR officer. "I've gotten great feedback from those who participated. Everyone who went to either London or Stonehenge and Salisbury had a great time and enjoyed seeing the historical sights."

The ship's MWR crew also set up a bus that picked Sailors up at the pier and dropped them off in downtown Plymouth throughout the day and late into the evening. Gettysburg Sailors were able to walk around the town, go shopping, try local food, and catch a movie.

"The English liaisons were extremely hospitable," said Johnson. "They played a huge role in our successful port visit in Plymouth."

Gettysburg made its way into Plymouth after departing Mayport, Fla., May 10, as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

The George H.W. Bush Strike Group consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 staff, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), guided-missile cruisers USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and USS Anzio (CG 68), and guided-missile destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USS Mitscher (DDG 57), and ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon (F 102).

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, June 03, 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.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at 9 a.m. EDT at the National Capitol Region Battle of Midway Wreath Laying Ceremony at the U.S. Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact Cmdr. Charlie Brown at 703-692-5307.

This Day in Naval History - June 02

From the Navy News Service

1941 - First escort carrier, USS Long Island (CVE 1), commissioned.

NOSSA Employee Recognized for Career Achievements by SAIGE

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- John Mario Harley, traffic management specialist, for Naval Sea Systems Command's (NAVSEA) Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA), will be recognized with the 2011 Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) award, June 13.

The organization's eighth annual training conference will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tulsa, Oka., June 13-17.

SAIGE awards recognize those who promote the recruitment, hiring, retention, development, and advancement; ensure equitable and fair treatment; foster communications; and establish employee associations of, and for, American Indians and Alaska Natives in the government workforce.

"Mr. Harley not only supports a myriad of Native American diversity programs," NOSSA Commanding Officer, Capt. Robert Fowler. "He's also a strong mentor within the Native American/Alaskan Native community, and has developed plans to target applicants for all areas of career opportunities to include Engineering, Science, Research and Development. We're very proud of his recognition."

In addition to his efforts as a youth mentor and counselor for his local tribe in the Southern Maryland area, Harley was instrumental in the establishment of the NAVSEA Native American Outreach Program and helped target the recruitment of Native Americans with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) skills. Harley's efforts also provided the opportunity for more than 1,000 Native American students to participate in hands-on STEM demonstrations at the 2010 United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) forum in San Diego, Calif.

NAVSEA is an organization that values, and benefits from, a diverse workforce. Recognition of our workforce by organizations such as SAIGE helps the NAVSEA enterprise support the Chief of Naval Operations' objectives for the Navy to become increasingly diverse, to build an inclusive climate that retains talent, and have the Navy recognized as an employer of choice in the United States.

Yokosuka Increases Summer Safety Awareness for Sailors

By Mark Elrod, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hosted its 5th annual Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness Fair, May 25.

Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hopes such events will help reduce, or thwart summer mishaps by raising awareness.

"With the arrival of summer, many of us are going to start working and playing outside a lot more in the heat and humidity," said CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen. "Last summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were 28 Sailors and Marines, who, unfortunately died, and they all could have been averted in what they were doing.

"We need to refresh our memories on how to keep ourselves safe. We need to remember things like ORM (Operational Risk Management). It does not only apply at work, but also at home," Owen said.

The event marks the beginning of a concentrated, proactive stance that CFAY takes regarding the safety of its service members, civilians and family members.

"This is the kickoff of our 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign," said CFAY Safety Officer Kordeen Kor. "We brought people in from a series of different vendors to be able to provide information to the Sailors and civilians who are working here at CFAY to help them get through the summer safely."

During the event, attendees had an opportunity to receive free literature, American Red Cross CPR demonstrations, auto-impact airbag demonstrations by Japanese police, a demonstration on the effects of alcohol by CFAY Security, and CNFJ Regional Fire Department provided an earthquake simulator and offered fire prevention tips.

Providing the information is only the first elements in promoting safety, these elements rely on implementation by community members.

"[People should] make sure they are in shape for what they want to do," said Kor. "Make sure they have done their operational risk management; that they have gone through and identified any hazards or potential hazards; that they have assessed those; they've made a risk decision and that they've implemented any controls that are necessary to make sure they can be safe."

"I challenge you all to help each other by helping our families, our friends, and other members of our community, in preventing these tragedies that can occur when people don't manage a risk," said Owen. "Being safe is something we take seriously. Whether you're driving a vehicle, or playing softball… the last thing we want is to lose friends or family members to something that they could have avoided."

NAVSEA Participating in Bold Monarch 2011

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is participating in Bold Monarch 2011, a NATO submarine rescue exercise, through June 10.

The exercise, held every three years, began May 30, off the coast of Spain near Cartagena.

The United States Navy's contribution to this year's Bold Monarch is the Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System's (SRDRS) Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM) Falcon, and the associated topside equipment and systems.

"Preparing for Bold Monarch 2011 has been a multi-month long effort that involved people from my office, NAVSEA's Naval Systems Engineering Directorate, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the Deep Submergence Unit," said Capt. Gary Dunlap, Advanced Undersea Systems Program Office program manager.

One of the most important efforts during the exercise will be certifying the Russian Federation Navy's Kilo-Class submarine Alrosa (B-781).

"In April, NATO asked NAVSEA to send a team to Sevastopol, Ukraine, to conduct a rescue seat certification on the Russian Federation Navy's submarine Alrosa," said Dunlap. "This marks the first time that we have certified Falcon to mate to, and rescue submariners from, a Russian submarine and the first time that a Russian submarine will take part in a NATO exercise."

Bold Monarch 2011 brings together submarines and rescue capabilities from around the globe. During the exercise, submarines from Russia, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, will bottom themselves on the ocean floor to allow rescue assets from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Sweden, France, Greece, the Netherlands, and Norway, to conduct rescue operations.

"With the addition of the Russian Navy to Bold Monarch, we are taking a great step in making submarine rescue truly international," said Capt. David Duryea, deputy commander, Undersea Warfare.

The SRDRS provides one of the most responsive and capable systems in the world for submarine rescue. Based at the Deep Submergence Unit located at the Naval Air Station in San Diego, Calif., the system is designed to be rapidly deployable and able to mate with a disabled submarine anywhere in the world in 72 hours.

The SRDRS consists of the Atmospheric Dive Suit 2000 (ADS2000) – manned, one-atmosphere dive suit that is used to inspect bottomed submarines and clear away debris that could cover an escape hatch, associated topside equipment and systems, and the PRM Falcon. Falcon is a tethered, remotely-operated submersible that is launched and controlled from the deck of a surface ship and transfers up to 16 submariners from a disabled submarine per dive.

Team Building Drove President’s Choices, Gates Says

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, June 2, 2011 – Building a team was the most important consideration as President Barack Obama made his choices for top national security positions, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.

While he wouldn’t give specifics about his advice to the president, Gates told reporters traveling with him to the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore that some reporting on the process of selecting Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld as the next chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was inaccurate.

Gates said he has been talking about the succession matters with the president for at least a year. Reporting that current vice chairman Marine Corps Gen. James E. “Hoss” Cartwright was denied the chairmanship because he offered differing advice on Afghanistan is incorrect, the secretary said.

“I will tell you that some the negative things that have been reported as influencing the decision – for example, the Afghan piece – are completely wrong,” Gates said. “They had nothing to do with it whatsoever. Hoss Cartwright is one of the finest officers I’ve ever worked with. I think he is an outstanding vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I think he has made an enormous contribution, and I’ve enjoyed working with him for four years, and consider him a friend.”

The secretary said he talked with Obama about his own successor – the president chose current CIA Director Leon E. Panetta – as well as the whole range of positions that opened up as a result of his June 30 retirement and that of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen as chairman, whose second two-year term ends Sept. 30.

Building a good team was paramount in his mind in his discussions with the president, Gates said. “The cohesiveness we have had over the last two and a half years as a national security team, I think, has been an extraordinary asset for the president and for the country,” he added. “Foremost in my mind was how do I make recommendations to him, and how do we sustain the kind of teamwork that has been so critical?”

The relationships among those leaders – the president, vice president, secretary of defense, secretary of state, chairman, vice chairman and so on – is what drives these teams, the secretary said.

“Those were the kinds of considerations -- as we look to the challenges we will face in the future -- that were uppermost in my mind,” he said. “That’s the reality. This other stuff, … most of it’s garbage.”

Nations Want Better Relations with U.S., Gates Says

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, June 1, 2011 – Despite all of its problems and controversies, the nations of the world want better relations with the United States, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a news conference en route to Singapore, where he will attend his fifth and final Shangri-La Dialogue.

The secretary will meet with leaders of many Asian nations – including China – during the annual conference.

Gates, who is retiring at the end of the month, said he remembers being struck when he first took office that “despite all the controversies in recent years … there has been very broad interest on the part of many countries to strengthen the relationship with the United States and have a stronger partnership with the United States.”

“I don’t think this is true anywhere more than in Asia,” he added.

The United States military has made extraordinary progress strengthening the military-to-military relationships with Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as traditional allies in Australia, Thailand Japan and South Korea, Gates noted.

Though the China-U.S. military-to-military relationship has been through a rough patch, he acknowledged, his visit to Beijing in January and a reciprocal visit by Chinese leaders to America last month indicate it’s on track.

The relationship with China is going well, Gates said, but it needs more time to grow.

“We need more of what’s always in short supply when it comes to the United States and its government – and that is patience,” he said. “Relationships take time to develop, and we get very impatient because our timelines are always short.”

The secretary said much of the Shangri-La Dialogue’s focus would be on Southeast Asia and the general recognition on the part of all of the countries in the region over the past several years that their security environments are evolving, along with a recognition that they may desire to adjust their own positions accordingly.

Meanwhile, the United States must be flexible, the secretary said, noting that the U.S. military cultivates relationships in the region in a number of ways.

Gates will talk at the conference about the evolution and the changes of regional nations’ positions and what the future may hold. “The one thing that has been brought back to me in this job is how many countries around the world truly do consider the United States the indispensible nation,” he said.

The United States often is the catalyst for the development of multilateral cooperation. A decade ago, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia were reluctant to cooperate to counter piracy in the Straits of Malacca. But the United States was a friend to each, and ultimately the three nations did cooperate. The result virtually eliminated piracy in the region, making one of the most important sea lanes safer.

“I think that as the kinds of problems the world is facing make it more difficult to be successful with a unilateral approach, the opportunity to build these partnerships become even more important,” Gates said.

Military, Guam Leadership Gather to Prepare for Typhoon Season

By Anna-Victoria Crisostomo

ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Leaders from military and the Government of Guam gathered at the JRM headquarters in Asan for the Exercise Typhoon Pakyo (PUHK-dzoo) Senior Leadership Seminar May 31.

The inaugural seminar was held in order to provide leadership a forum to review and discuss topics pertinent to typhoon preparation and recovery in recognition of the upcoming typhoon season on Guam. The island's typhoon season runs from June to December.

JRM Commander Rear Adm. Paul Bushong welcomed attendees. He stressed the importance of readiness and collaboration.

"It's been a long time since the island got hit by a typhoon, but be prepared for it," Bushong said. "We look forward to this seminar. We can talk about how we'd work together to make sure we're ready to respond to a storm."

Joint Region Marianas Training and Readiness Officer Timothy Moon echoed Bushong's sentiments. He added that the seminar was especially important because many of the leaders in the room have never experienced a typhoon either personally or in their current leadership roles.

"We look at the leadership at the table – the majority of us are new to typhoon season in our current position," Moon said. "This is an opportunity to align, standardize and synchronize topics important to everyone would be beneficial as we get into the typhoon season."

Topics discussed were divided into two categories – typhoon preparation and recovery. Throughout the seminar, leadership tackled issues including discrepancies with the current typhoon condition of readiness (TCCOR) warnings, heavy weather brief expectations, personnel accountability, immediate response authority (IRA), initial damage assessment, collaboration, communication, and mass care.

The seminar was also the initial meeting in preparation for Exercise Pakyo, or Exercise Typhoon, scheduled for June 10-17. The weeklong exercise will allow Guam's base installations and several government organizations to have real-time experience with preparing for an incoming typhoon and launching recovery efforts after the disaster.

Guam Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo said he was glad at the chance to meet with the military leadership. He added that the dialogue fostered an understanding of the different needs of the on- and off-base communities during a typhoon.

"I think this is good that we lay [these issues] out here now, because as we move forward in this exercise, we at least have a little advanced knowledge of how everybody's thinking here," Calvo said. "Then, when things do happen at the end of all this, we do some evaluation on what areas that we can correct certain deficiencies."

Moon said that was exactly what the seminar was set up to do.

"A typhoon is one example of our 'one Guam' approach to exercises," he said. "A typhoon doesn't affect just one entity. It doesn't affect just the Navy. It doesn't affect just the Air Force. It doesn't affect solely the Government of Guam. It affects all of us."

Pacific Partnership Departs Papua New Guinea after Helping Thousands

By MC1 (SW/AW) R. David Valdez, Pacific Partnership 2011 Public Affairs

LAE, Papua New Guinea (NNS) -- After 13 days of working with local medical, dental and engineering professionals in Papua New Guinea, serving close to 11,000 people, Pacific Partnership 2011 concluded its mission May 31 and got underway aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7).

When USS Cleveland arrived, the Pacific Partnership 2011 mission commander was greeted with loud chants and leaping dances designed to demonstrate the strength of the community's warriors. However, when it was time to depart, the people of Papua New Guinea sang songs, expressed their gratitude in dance, and provided tokens of appreciation to the multinational crew that came to their shores.

In addition to delivering medical care to 11,000 Papua New Guineans, the Pacific Partnership team completed three main engineering projects, treated 124 animals, delivered 45 pallets of donated goods, and finished 10 community service projects conducted in and around Lae.

"The Papua New Guinea mission was designed to provide as much basic health care as possible," said Cmdr. Michael Smith, director of medical operations for Pacific Partnership. "We worked with the Papua New Guineans to engage in meaningful, on-the-job, subject- matter-expert exchanges (SMEEs) that are sustainable after we depart."

Medical personnel working with Pacific Partnership routinely treated over 1,000 patients in a given day. The team dispensed over 9,000 prescriptions and provided people with over 6,000 pairs of glasses.

"On the whole, we were successful," Smith said. "We have a very good group. All of the countries participating in the mission, from the U.S. and Australia to Spain and France, gelled together very well and achieved the peak of efficiency."

Smith further explained how the culture of interoperability contributed to the success of the medical mission. While the majority of the participants are military, regardless of what nation they come from, the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working as a part of the Pacific Partnership team are just as important as their military counterparts.

"Project Hope, World Vets and the other NGOs are a great asset, and they bring something different to the table," Smith continued. "They don't accept anything as impossible."

Smith also spoke to the expertise of the Australian Defence Force, which has been a part of the Pacific Partnership 2011 mission since the planning stages of the deployment.

"The Australians know this area," he said. "They know the diseases, the people, and the cultures. They have a lot of enthusiasm for this mission. I think it's kind of like our Army counterparts here. They are a little outside of their comfort zone, but they end up thriving in an unfamiliar environment like a U.S. Navy ship."

While the Pacific Partnership medical, dental and veterinary team worked together in a variety of locations, the engineering team, made up of U.S. Navy Seabees and Australian Sappers, worked with Papua New Guinean engineers.

"Our multi-national team built three classroom structures, two six-stall toilet facilities and installed roofs on two schools," said Lt. Michael Sardone, officer in charge of civil engineering for Pacific Partnership 2011. "Now the local children will have no need to miss hours of school because they have to go home to use the restroom. Now they can study without the need to feel embarrassed about going to the bathroom outside. Here, too, a small change – building a bathroom – will impact a generation of school children."

The impact of Pacific Partnership may not be a new experience for Papua New Guinea, but there is always a warm welcome for the joint, multinational crew and their NGO partners.

"Papua New Guinea is a welcomed and regular stop for the Pacific Partnership mission," said Capt. Jesse Wilson, Pacific Partnership 2011 mission commander and Commander, Destroyer 23. "We see our differences in culture and training as something to be celebrated, as anyone would appreciate the unique qualities of a friend. We are also seeing that the bond between us is growing stronger every time we come to these shores."

Since the first mission in 2006, Pacific Partnership has visited 15 countries, treated more than 230,000 patients and built over 150 engineering projects in 15 countries. During this year's mission, the Pacific Partnership team has treated more than 21,000 patients, participated in thousands of contact hours of formal SMEEs, and built classrooms and water catchment systems in all three of its mission ports.

Pacific Partnership is an annual humanitarian assistance mission sponsored by U.S. Pacific Fleet. This year, Pacific Partnership has completed its mission in Tonga, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea and will continue on to Timor-Leste and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Labor Department Grants to Provide Veterans Job Training

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2011 – As part of an interagency effort to support America’s veterans, the Labor Department today announced $37 million in grants to provide job training for about 21,000 veterans, many of them homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis announced the grants today, awarded to continue successful programs into their second and third years.

Twenty-two grants totaling more than $9 million will provide job training to about 4,000 veterans to help them succeed in civilian careers, Labor Department officials said.

Those funds, provided through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, emphasize training in “green” jobs related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, modern electric power development and clean vehicles.

“Our veterans sacrifice so much for our country, so it is important that we provide assistance to them when they return home from active duty,” Solis said. “These grants will help veterans access the resources they need to find good jobs and build a bright future for themselves and their families.”

Solis also announced 122 grants totaling more than $28 million to provide job training to about 17,000 veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

These grants, awarded under the Labor Department’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, include $4.3 million for the Homeless Female Veterans and Veterans with Families Program and $3.9 million for the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program that helps veterans who have served time in justice facilities, officials said.

Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job-search and placement assistance and follow-up services, through the programs.

“The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is recognized as an extraordinarily efficient and effective program, and is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless,” Solis said. “I am pleased that the department can assist these veterans and their families.”

The Labor Department grants are awarded to state and local agencies, boards and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated through first-year funding their ability to administer effective programs to veterans within their geographic areas, officials said.

More information on the Labor Department’s unemployment and re-employment programs is posted at http://www.dol.gov/vets.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen has been a staunch advocate of programs to support veterans who have transitioned from military service.

“They bring home a potential that is unimaginable for the future of our country,” he said May 11 at Arizona State University’s Phoenix campus. “This is an exceptional group, and they will make a difference for a long time to come.”

Mullen recognized the Post-9/11 GI Bill as a big step in helping tens of thousands of veterans get the training and education many seek. But he also called communities a key part of helping combat veterans make a smooth transition following wartime service.

“If we can just open up our lens to be inclusive of them as they return home, with that little boost, I really believe they will take off and make a huge difference for the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki is leading President Barack Obama’s effort to eliminate homelessness among veterans by 2015.

“As the president has said, 'We're not going to be satisfied until every veteran who has fought for America has a home in America,'" Shinseki told the Marine Corps League in February. "If you wonder what I will be working on for the next several years, this is it. We will end veteran homelessness in 2014."

USS Missouri Sailors Aid Tornado Victims in Namesake State

By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg

Submarine Group 2

GROTON, Conn., June 1, 2011 – Eight sailors assigned to the USS Missouri, a Virginia-class attack submarine, left their homeport here today to assist with recovery efforts after a tornado tore through their ship’s namesake state last month.

The sailors elected to take leave for a week to assist tornado victims and clean-up efforts in Joplin, Mo.

"The real story here is simply Americans helping Americans,” said Navy Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode, Missouri’s commanding officer. “I am so proud of our sailors, and I continue to find inspiration every day in the commitment of these young men to serve their nation, making a difference in the lives of others.

“The efforts of these sailors are consistent with what we see in these types of events,” he continued. “Our sailors are everyday people taking time away from work and spending their summer vacation budgets to help out where they can."

The sailors participating in this relief effort are Lts. j.g. Joe Innerst and Ryan Sullivan; Chief Petty Officers Mike Shea, C.J. Kohlhofer and Andy Scott; Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Fenley; and Petty Officers 2nd Class Travis Fitzgerald and "Pat" Patterson.

The Missouri sailors will be volunteering with Americorps, the American Red Cross and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency.

"Our crew's affiliation with the state of Missouri and its people is quite strong,” Rexrode said, “and we prize that affinity in the tradition of our ship's motto, 'United We Stand.'"

Rexrode and his crew sent their prayers and condolences to the people of Missouri on May 22.

Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State."