First Lady Urges Hollywood to Tell Military Family Stories

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2011 – WASHINGTON, June 14, 2011 – The entertainment industry can help to shine the light on military families by incorporating their compelling stories into movies and television, First Lady Michelle Obama said yesterday during a panel discussion hosted by the entertainment guilds in Los Angeles.

Speaking to an audience of about 500 producers, writers, actors and directors, the first lady discussed her “Joining Forces” military-support campaign and how Hollywood can play a role in her quest to stir up national support for military families.

Writer-director J.J. Abrams, who moderated the panel, kicked off the discussion by asking Obama what sparked her passion for military family support.

The first lady traced it back to her time on the campaign trail with her husband. As she met in small groups with working women, she heard voices she hadn’t heard from before – military spouses. These women -- and men -- talked about juggling careers and deployments, raising kids and managing moves, and dealing with finances alongside post-deployment reconnections.

“These stories took my breath away,” she said, “because they were so unfamiliar to me. And I thought, ‘Well, if I don't know, and I’m educated and I consider myself aware, then where are we in this country? Why don't we know about these families? Why don't we know their struggles? Why aren’t we pushing for them?”

Obama said she vowed, if her husband got elected, to use her platform to give military families a voice, “because truly, these families are amazing.”

Military families also are strong, she noted, but because of this strength that’s so integral to military life, they often don’t complain or reach out for support.

“That’s one of the reasons we don’t know about them,” she said. “They count on each other, and they don't ask for help. Well, they shouldn’t have to ask for help.”

In a year’s time, the first lady said, she’d like see a nation where military families know their sacrifices are understood and appreciated, and that everyone, including the entertainment industry, can step up and help.

“It can be telling a story on the big screen, on the small screen, or it can be helping a neighbor mow their lawn,” she said. People can volunteer to babysit for an afternoon, cook a meal, offer to fix a heater, or reach out to a reserve family living away from the support of a military installation, she added.

“Small gestures can make a big difference,” the first lady said.

The entertainment industry can bring awareness to these families by showcasing their strength and sacrifice, Obama said.

“You have the vehicle to tell stories that just pull people in,” the first lady told the audience. “I … urge you to do what you do best. Be creative. Be funny. Be powerful. Move us, [and] move America to think differently about these issues and about these families, and about our men and women who serve so graciously.”

The task shouldn’t be too difficult for Hollywood storytellers, she noted, “because the stories are already compelling. The individuals are already pretty powerful.”

Obama thanked the industry for the work they’ve done already to spotlight military families. As an example, she talked about her next stop -- an upcoming appearance on “iCarly,” a Nickelodeon TV series about a teenager who hosts a popular Internet show. On the show, Carly’s dad is deployed. The first lady admitted some nerves about her TV appearance, but said she’ll push them aside to have the opportunity to spotlight military families on the small screen.

“This is an example of the way that we can integrate these story lines into shows,” she said, “and it’s important for kids to hear themselves in the shows that they love.”

Military families will need the nation’s support for the long haul, Obama noted, as the “real work happens when these men and women come home and they’re dealing with the ramifications of war.

“This is a forever battle,” she added. “We have men and women who are serving our country every day, and they’ll be dealing with the consequences of that dedicated service for the rest of their lives, and we have to be there for them and their children.”

To resounding applause, Obama said she and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, will continue shining a light on military families “so that America understands that when our country goes to war, we have families who are serving right along with them.”

CNIC Chefs Take First Place in All-Region Culinary Competition

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Monique K. Hilley,Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Two Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Culinary Specialists won first place at the Commander, Navy Installations Command's Food Services Ashore Culinary Competition in Washington, D.C., June 9.

First-place winners Culinary Specialist 1st Class Wayne Napples and Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Rodriguez, made up one of nine, two-person teams participating in the event. All regions were invited and teams were chosen from internal regional cook-offs.

"I think the Navy chefs are at another level," said Guy Mitchell, White House chef. "They're cooking better than five-star hotel and restaurant chefs. After forty years in the business, I am completely blown away by their enthusiasm, attitude and working skills."

Culinary specialists from Navy Region Northwest and Naval District Washington finished in second and third place respectively.

"It was an amazing experience, and I loved it," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Wayne Napples, representing Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and currently stationed at Naval Station Norfolk's Galley. "The training was top-notch, and I want to share it with all of my fellow culinary specialists. Also, the opportunity to be able to meet and assist chefs from the Food Network like Chef Guy Mitchell was unreal, and I'm excited about working with him in the future."

During the competition, the teams created three-course meals comprised of soup, salad and an entrée, all of which contained the secret ingredient of parmesan, which was revealed at the beginning of the day.

"To watch my fellow judges who are chefs for the White House and vice president be impressed, and to see their reactions, their heads going back, is something you had to be there to see," said Mitchell. "These chefs have cooked for dignitaries and celebrities from all over the world. To hear them say they'd take any of these Navy chefs on their staff today; now that's what I'm talking about."

The teams were judged on food safety and sanitation, organizational skills, work habits, utilization of ingredients, cooking skills and craftsmanship, portion size, taste and presentation.

"When they say the Navy has the best chow, they should say the best food ever served," said Mitchell. "To see these young Sailors from all over the world dedicate their time to this art, it's unbelievable."

The competition was the culmination of a five-day workshop being held simultaneously with the event in Washington, D.C.

"This location affords participants the opportunity to visit and analyze a thriving and diverse local food and beverage industry, and establishments that deliver the desired future service outcomes of the Navy Food and Beverage programs," said Michael Bowlin, CNIC Galley/Flag Mess and ARO operations officer.

Wisconsin National Guard Airman responds to on-flight medical emergency

By Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin Army National Guard

A flight doctor for the Madison-based 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin Air National Guard, assisted a young woman aboard a civilian aircraft while returning home from a NATO training exercise in Iceland.

The situation took place while waiting for takeoff Sunday (June 12) aboard Delta Airlines flight 1126 from Boston Logan Airport to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Maj. William Lane, Green Bay, heard an announcement that the plane would be returning to the gate due to a medical issue on board. He immediately switched roles from airline passenger to on-board doctor.

"I looked back and saw a bunch of people standing around," Lane said. "I went back there and pretty much took charge" - something he is used to doing as a full-time emergency room doctor at the Appleton Medical Center.

The woman, in her 20s, experienced a seizure and seemed confused with symptoms of unresponsiveness and respirations, Lane said.

He observed as the flight attendants administered an oxygen mask to the passenger. Lane then stayed with the woman, stabilizing her airway to sustain an oxygen flow for about 10 minutes until the paramedics arrived to treat the woman inside the airport.

Lt. Col. Phillip Bunton, medical administration officer for the 115th Medical Group, wasn't surprised when he heard of Lane's actions.

"He's certainly one of the most dedicated flight docs that we have and he is always ready to step up and volunteer," Bunton said. "He makes himself available, even in between drill weekends, all the time."

This isn't Lane's first experience with helping someone outside of the normal doctor's smock or flight suit he wears on a daily basis. In 1998, he was asked by pilots aboard a flight to Florida to assist a flight attendant who was having a panic attack at the rear of the plane. He also assisted emergency responders following a motorcycle accident outside of Milwaukee. He was on his way home from training as a flight doctor with the Milwaukee-based 440th Air Reserve Wing at the time.

Lane, a 1984 graduate of Michigan State University with a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree, admits he really enjoys opportunities to serve as a Good Samaritan.

I'm proud to have skills that can help other people in need," he said. "I almost like it more on a random basis than when I'm being paid. It seems more pure that way."

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen testify at a hearing of the Senate Committee on Appropriations on the fiscal 2012 Department of Defense budget at 11 a.m. EDT in room SD-192, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn is traveling.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus delivers remarks at 10 a.m. EDT at the 2011 Naval Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Forum at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center Hotel in Alexandria, Va.  Media interested in attending may contact Peter Bietti at 703-501-6515.

This Day in Naval History - June 14

From the Navy News Service

1777 - John Paul Jones takes command of Ranger.

1777 - Continental Congress adopts design of present U.S. Flag.

1847 - Commodore Matthew Perry launches amphibious river operations by Sailors and Marines on Tabasco River, Mexico.

1940 - Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Naval Expansion Act to construct ships to increase Navy's tonnage by 11 percent.

1985 - Steelworker 2nd Class Robert D. Stethem of Underwater Construction Team 1 was killed by militant Shi'ite hijackers of TWA Flight 847. He later received a Bronze Star for his heroism.

Navy Departs the City of Roses

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Nathan Lockwood, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest Public Affairs

PORTLAND, Ore. (NNS) -- Fleet Week came to an end as the three visiting Navy ships departed the Tom McCall Waterfront Park sea wall in Portland, Ore. and began transiting the Willamette River, June 13.

The guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and guided-missile frigates USS McClusky (FFG 41) and USS Ingraham (FFG 61) were in Portland along with vessels from the Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers and the Royal Canadian Navy, in celebration of the 104th Annual Portland Rose Festival.

"It's a nice opportunity that the Sailors can come here and have some fun," said Gladys Stanton, Rose Festival Softball Tournament volunteer.

Stanton also said just being part of something that provides a little payback to the Sailors is her favorite part of the festival.

More than 5,000 visitors toured the Navy ships, allowing the public to interact with and see the character of the Sailors and the capability and quality of the ships. Festivities for Sailors during Fleet Week included several officially-hosted parties, a waterfront carnival, sports tournaments and the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade.

"It's been outstanding, the support of the public and outpouring of friendliness has been overwhelming," said Cmdr. Ron Candiloro, executive officer of Navy Recruiting District Portland. "Portland Navy Week is the chance the Navy gets to show off and the community really responds to it."

"I think the Navy being able to come out here is good for the community," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Erik Wilkins, assigned to USS Lake Champlain (CG 57). "It also gives the Navy a chance to see how much the community does for us."

The arrival of the USS Charleston in 1907 marked the first visit From a Navy vessel.

Department Leads Nationwide Food Drive

By Lisa Daniel

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2011 – The Defense Department is taking a leading role in a nationwide campaign challenging federal employees to donate to their local food pantries.

The “Feds Feed Families” campaign, announced by the Office of Personnel Management on May 26, will run through the end of August, Pat Tamburrino Jr., deputy assistant secretary of defense for personnel policy, said.

Tamburrino is the Defense Department chairman of the food drive, which DOD is co-leading with the Agriculture Department. It’s the third year for the White House-sanctioned program, which began as part of the 2009 United We Serve Act.

For the past two years, DOD officials have participated locally in the national capital region, collecting nonperishable items and distributing them -- thousands of pounds worth -- to food pantries here. This year, they are extending the campaign to DOD installations nationwide for their own local distribution.

“Being hungry is a local phenomenon,” Tamburrino said.

Organizers felt they could be more effective by placing collection boxes at all DOD installations, especially at commissaries, to provide whatever items are most needed in the local communities. “It’s contributed locally and used locally, and we thought that was a pretty nice idea for DOD to advance,” he said.

The Defense Department goal is to collect 733,800 pounds of items during the 90-day campaign, as part of the overall federal goal of 2 million pounds, Tamburrino said.

“There’s a lot of enthusiasm,” he said of the campaign. “We’ve had tremendous support in DOD and I’m really confident we’re going get to this goal.”

DOD officials “were stage ready” when the campaign began, and department civilians and military members have proven their willingness to give, Tamburrino said.

“My impression is federal employees just seem willing to say, ‘There’s a need in the community, I’m part of the community, if I can contribute, I will,’” he said.

The summer timing of the campaign is important, Tamburrino noted, to help recent victims of tornadoes and floods, and also to provide food to children who depend on public schools for two meals each day during the rest of the year.

Because the drive is locally managed, food pantries have included lists of items most needed in their areas, he said. Here, canned fruits and vegetables and boxed grains lead the list. In areas affected by natural disasters, he added, bottled water often is most needed.

From the types of foods the pantries request, Tamburrino said, $20 worth of food will give a family four or five days of nutritious meals. “That’s a big boon to a lot of people,” he said.

Because there are only three regular pickups from collection points -- one at the end of each summer month -- all items must be nonperishable, he said, and cash donations are not allowed.

Karen A. Spracher, chief of strategic analysis and reporting for DOD civilian personnel policy, is the DOD Feds Feed Families “champion.” Spracher said she is “getting emails from all over the place,” indicating the department will meet its campaign goal, and have fun while doing so.

“People are really excited about this,” she said. “I think it’s going to be something we really enjoy. People in the Department of Defense like to give, and this is going to make this summer a lot of fun.”

Tamburrino also offered a playful challenge to the campaign: “We’re a little bit competitive in DOD. I want to make my goal. I want to collect the most food. I want to be at the head of the class. I do not like being second, and many people who work here do not like being second either.”

Multinational Minesweepers Train Together in Baltic Operations 2011

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- Twelve minesweeping vessels representing five different Baltic nations and accompanied by the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), completed a series of close maneuvers, June 12, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2011.

The exercise began with the formation of a battle line, followed by an arrow, and concluding with an expanding star burst formation. The USS Mount Whitney served as a flagship and point of reference.

"The seamanship of these vessels and their crews is amazing," said Lt. Cmdr Tiffany Hill, USS Mount Whitney operations officer. "The ships performed flawlessly. To do this in a multi-national environment is an impressive accomplishment.

Ships participating in the exercise included the Latvian ships LNS Jotvingis and LNS Suduvis; Polish vessels ORP Gardno, ORP Druzno, and ORP Naklo; Estonian vessel ENS Ugandi; Germany's FGS Bad Rappenau; the Danish vessel HDNS Havkatten; and Lithuania's LVNS Visvaldis. Two manned drones from the Havkatten also participated.

Now in its 39th year, BALTOPS is a multinational naval exercise focusing on peace and security in the region. Baltic maritime operations continue through June 17.

236 years young, Army is strength of the nation

By Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs– June 14, 2011

My, but how the U.S. Army has grown and changed over the years.

At 236 years young today, traces of the Continental Army from the Revolutionary War can still be seen in today’s warriors. Yet there is more than war fighting and humanitarian assistance to the approximately 1 million members of the U.S. Army.

“From the first battles at Lexington and Concord to the streets of Mosul and Kandahar, Soldiers have always defended freedom and epitomized what is best about America,” said Gen. Martin Dempsey, the 37th Army Chief of Staff. “We will remain the nation’s decisive force, the clearest symbol of America’s commitment to freedom and the country’s preeminent leadership experience. We will remain America’s Army, the strength of the nation.”

Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed.

“I believe that in many ways, the story of the Army is the story of America,” Mullen said.  “I often talk about how the Army is the very center of gravity for our military — a force that understands the power of ballots as well as bullets, and culture as well as conflict. It’s a force that is able to defeat an enemy swiftly and silently one day and help build a school or dig a well the next — one that has made possible the success we’ve seen in Iraq, the progress we are now making in Afghanistan and the security we ensure around the globe.”

Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler paid tribute to those Soldiers marking the Army’s birthday in harm’s way.

“Happy birthday to those who make the Army what it is today, the premier fighting force in the free world,” Chandler said. “You are America’s Army, and you are Army strong.”

That really is the heart of why we continue to observe the Army’s birthday. True, we celebrate a magnificent organization, but that organization is nothing without the men and women who make up its ranks — what Adm. Mullen calls “the flesh and blood of the Army.”

“One of my greatest privileges over the last four years has been getting to know them and their families,” he said. “To every Army Soldier and civilian, family member and veteran, thank you for your service. I salute each of you for the difference you make for our nation and for the world.”

How will you observe the Army’s birthday?

Information for today’s blog provided by Army News Service and DoD Live.

Chairman’s Corner: Happy Birthday Army!

By Navy Adm. Mike Mullen

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

WASHINGTON, June 14, 2011 – Days like today remind us of the central and essential role of the United States Army throughout our Nation’s history. I believe that in many ways, the story of the Army is the story of America -- from our founding through the Civil War, a tumultuous 20th century, right up to today.

I often talk about how the Army is the very center of gravity for our military -- a force that understands the power of ballots as well as bullets and culture as well as conflict.

It’s a force that is able to defeat an enemy swiftly and silently one day and help build a school or dig a well the next -- one that has made possible the success we’ve seen in Iraq, the progress we are now making in Afghanistan and the security we ensure around the globe.

Tempered by ten years of war, the Army has transformed to deploy more modular and flexible capabilities than ever before, literally rewriting just about every rule in the book and revamping essential doctrine in order to adapt to the challenges of today’s dynamic and uncertain world.

But what impresses me the most is the flesh and blood of the Army -- the extraordinary young men and women who signed up willingly to risk their lives for something greater than themselves. One of my greatest privileges over the last four years has been getting to know them and their families. I am simply awestruck at the manner in which they do their duty every single day.

To every Army soldier and civilian, family member and veteran, thank you for your service. I salute each of you for the difference you make for our Nation and for the world.

On behalf of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Happy 236th Birthday!

Vietnam Veteran and Author Announces Book Signing at Welcome Home 2011 - PR.com

Vietnam Veteran and Author Announces Book Signing at Welcome Home 2011 - PR.com

Comedians Bring Laughter to Bataan's Crew

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Julio Rivera, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The Comics on Duty world tour embarked aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) to perform for the 2,500 Sailors and Marines, as the ship operated in the Mediterranean Sea, June 8-9.

Navy Entertainment sponsored the comedy tour, featuring celebrity comedians Paul Ogata and J.R. Brow for a pair of two-hour shows featuring original stand-up routines on the ship's mess decks.

"I'm here to pay it back," said Brow. "My father was a military man. Both of my brothers were in the service; my grandfather. I'm the only male who didn't enlist, and it's kind of nice to be able to come back and help out the people that serve our country."

The comedians provided a break from day-to-day operations and were happy to see and hear how much of an impact the laughter they provided had on the crew.

"People got to put deployment in the back of their minds and just get to laugh a little bit," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Gerard Van Dyke.

"It was fantastic; I laughed so hard I almost cried. It was very good," said Cpl. Alleia Arthur.

The comics said seeing the joy on people's faces, hearing their laughter and learning more about the audience is why they do this for a living.

"I like to find where you guys are from, what you do, and how you got to be here," said Ogata. "I want to learn about everything going on here on the USS Bataan."

Comics On Duty is celebrating its 19th year of entertaining service members. Tour Executive Producer Rich Davis said Comics on Duty is responsible for more than 3,500 shows for deployed service members around the world. The current tour was developed specifically for deployed Sailors and Marines aboard Bataan, the dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily.

"From my perspective, the best part is how we're able to affect the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines," said Davis. "By putting the tour together with an all-headliner show, each show is different, and each comic is different. There is no warm-up, so from start to finish, you have a real solid show."

Bataan is the command ship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

DOD Libraries Launch Summer Reading Program

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 13, 2011 – Defense Department libraries have launched a summer reading program in the hopes of inspiring children -- and adults -- of all ages to read throughout the summer.

Visitors to libraries on 270 military installations around the world are invited to join “A Midsummer Knight’s Read,” an activity-packed reading program with a medieval twist.

“The idea is to encourage kids to come in and see the library and look at the books and other materials, [and to] encourage them to participate,” said Margie Buchanan, libraries division chief for the Air Force Services Agency.

This open-enrollment program lasts for about eight weeks on average, she said, and military family members from all service branches, whether active or reserve, are welcome to participate.

Some libraries already have kicked off the program with a theme-driven opening event, Buchanan said, citing a few examples. One library hosted a renaissance fair featuring dancers and jousters, and at another, a librarian dressed up as a queen and “knighted” new program participants.

Once the program is under way, libraries typically host weekly events for children and adults, and can pick from a wide array of medieval-minded ideas, Buchanan said, such as candle-making, planting an herb garden, learning to weave, creating a sorcerer’s hat or ballad writing. They also can make snacks such as smothered bread, chocolate toads, dragon’s breath candy mix and medieval gingerbread.

The program inspires a love of reading in children, Buchanan said, and “the activities offer them a chance to learn more about arts and crafts and music.”

To track reading progress, libraries ask children to fill out a handwritten log or, in some cases, an online log. Children who participate are asked to complete the books on their own or, for younger children, with the help of a parent. Book choice is left to the reader’s discretion, Buchanan said, noting they can read a variety of fiction and nonfiction.

Libraries offer incentives along the way and, at summer’s end, prizes to people with the most books read or with the longest time spent reading, Buchanan said. However, she added, everyone will get a prize, such as a certificate or ribbon.

The program also has an added benefit. Studies indicate there’s a significant summertime loss in literacy and learning if kids stop reading, she said, citing a Dominican University study that showed students who read throughout the summer scored better in reading achievement tests in the fall, and had better literacy and analytical skills.

“Students who read recreationally outperform those who don’t,” she said.

This year marks the second for a DOD-wide summer reading program. Officials adopted a worldwide program last year to pool resources and offer military children consistency when making a summer move, and a way to get involved once they’re at their new base, said James Ellis, program analyst for the Pentagon’s office of military community and family policy’s morale, welfare and recreation office.

“The summer reading program helps families transition during the busy [moving season] that routinely happens during summer months,” he said.

“It’s a great program for all our military families,” Buchanan added. “We thought this would be a good way to de-stress and have some fun.”

For more on this program, people can stop by their local library or read about it online at http://www.ila.org/dodsumread. Military families who aren’t near a base can email dodsumread@navy.mil to find out how to participate.

Buchanan also pointed out a few of the other programs military libraries have to offer this summer, including reading groups, story times, reading program parties, online books, downloadable audio books for car rides, online study guides for summer school attendees and access to Tutor.com, a site that offers free tutoring services 24/7 to military members and their families.

Libraries also have a host of other resources, including military and voluntary education study guides, online databases for college test exams, computer labs, CDs, DVDs and, in some cases, wireless Internet.

George Washington Begins Summer Patrol

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG), centered around the Navy's only full-time forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS George Washington (CVN 73), returned to sea to begin their summer patrol, June 12.

"After a six month long maintenance period, George Washington is an [increasingly] modern, state-of-the-art warship," said George Washington's commanding officer, Capt. David A. Lausman. "I am excited to return to sea and work in international waters with our regional partners."

In addition to George Washington, GWCSG consists of 7th Fleet's Carrier Air Wing 5, Destroyer Squadron 15, guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), USS Lassen (DDG 82), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS Stethem (DDG 63). Also included in the strike group are guided-missile cruisers USS Cowpens (CG 63) and USS Shiloh (CG 67).

Carrier Air Wing 5 is composed of Strike Fighter Squadron 27, Strike Fighter Squadron 102 Strike Fighter Squadron 115, Strike Fighter Squadron 195, Electronic Attack Squadron 136, Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 Detachment 5 and Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 14.

More than 5,500 Sailors are currently stationed aboard George Washington.

George Washington's mission is to ensure security and stability in the Western Pacific and to be in position to work with our allies and regional partners to respond to any crisis across the operational spectrum as directed.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates delivers remarks at 11 a.m. EDT in honor of the 236th Army Birthday in the Pentagon courtyard.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy Plans and Programs Sharon Burke will brief the media at 2 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to discuss the DoD Operational Energy Strategy.  All journalists must be seated by 1:50 p.m.  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.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen delivers remarks at 10:30 a.m. EDT on community blueprint demonstration projects at the Give an Hour event at the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington Cemetery.  Media interested in attending may contact Lauren Itzkowitz at 240-533-1669.

Soldier Missing from Korean War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office (DPMO) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Cpl. A.V. Scott, 27, of Detroit, Mich., will be buried June 22 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.  On Feb. 12, 1951, Scott’s unit, the 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, was supplying friendly forces approximately 70 miles east of Seoul, South Korea, when Chinese Communist units attacked the area and forced a withdrawal.  Scott was captured by enemy forces and marched north to a prisoner-of-war camp in Suan County, North Korea.  Surviving POWs within the camp reported Scott died in April 1951.

Between 1991 and 1994, North Korea gave the United States 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200 to 400 U.S. servicemen.  North Korean documents turned over with one of the boxes indicated the remains were exhumed near Suan County, which correlates with Scott’s last known location.

Among forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command used dental comparisons, and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA, which matched that of Scott’s cousins, in the identification. 

More than 2,000 servicemen died as prisoners of war during the Korean War.  With this identification, 7,993 service members remain missing from the conflict.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call 703-699-1169.

This Day in Naval History - June 13

From the Navy News Service

1881 - USS Jeannette crushed in Arctic ice pack.

1967 - Operation Great Bend in Rung Sat Zone, Vietnam.

Pearl Harbor Maintains High Operations Tempo, Recognizes Strategic Importance

By Bill Doughty, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- As Hawaii bid farewell to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), June 10 following a brief port visit, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Port Operations continues to be busy with the largest group of visitors since last summer's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

Among the visitors are two Australian navy ships – HMAS Perth and HMAS Sydney – that routinely operate with U.S. Pacific Fleet. Perth is the newest ship of the Australian navy, Sydney is the oldest.

International partners and allies train routinely with the U.S. Navy in Hawaiian waters, including at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai.

"The busy [operations] tempo both here at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, highlights how vital Hawaii is, not only for our own national security but also for our friends and allies who help us maintain stability throughout the region," said Commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith.

"We train, equip, refuel and support the fleet, as well as visiting ships and partners, in order to help them meet their responsibilities," Smith added. "They know they are welcomed, with Aloha, here in Hawaii."

Among vistors to JBPHH is Military Sealift Command's USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187), lead ship in the T-AO class of underway replenishment oilers. The ship is named after Henry J. Kaiser, a pioneer in the shipbuilding industry with strong ties to Hawaii who built the Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Hawaii Kai area of Honolulu.

A second Military Sealift Command ship, the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10), is also visiting JBPHH. Named after an African-American pioneer in blood storage and management, the ship will mark the end of its first year of service in July.

Other visitors this week included USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Bunker Hill (CG 52).

Many of the 11 homeported ships and 18 submarines of Commander, U.S. Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific and Commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet are also in port.

According to JBPHH's operations officer, Cmdr. Colin Caswell, "We are busy, yes, but we always keep safety and security as top priorities. It's a privilege to take care of these ships and their crews."

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Hawaii's largest industrial employer, takes care of the maintenance of the fleet and keeps ships and submarines "fit to fight." Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific conducts training routinely and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit One divers and other authorized divers operate in and around Pearl Harbor.

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam also supports U.S. Coast Guard vessels, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and various research ships. Each year, approximately 1.4 million visitors take Navy-operated, renewable energy-fueled boats from the National Park Service's Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to visit the USS Arizona Memorial.

The busy tempo in Pearl Harbor, coupled with the nine maritime patrol aircraft and 10 helicopters operating out of Marine Corps Base Hawaii at Kaneohe, provides a boost to the local economy. Sailors, DoD civilians, families and visiting family members and friends are eager to see the islands, sample the hospitality and learn about the culture of Hawaii.

In a published press release June 1, a Rand study reported, "DoD expenditures in Hawaii during FY 2007-2009 averaged $6.5 billion per year in 2009 dollars - $4.1 billion for personnel and $2.4 billion for procurement. These expenditures were associated with $12.2 billion worth of Hawaii's output - 18 percent of Hawaii's 2009 GDP - and 101,000 jobs."

USS Boone, USS Thach Conduct Exercises with Chilean Sub

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith

USS BOONE, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigates USS Boone (FFG 28) and USS Thach (FFG 43) completed a series of exercises with Chilean navy submarine Carrera (SS-22), June 10.

During the four-day passing exercise (PASSEX), ships from both navies trained with each other in a series of antisubmarine warfare (ASW) and surface warfare exercises to promote communications, interoperability and partnership.

"We typically hold a PASSEX when operating with ships of different nations for the purpose of training," said Sonar Technician (geographic) Chief (SW/AW) Dallas Brown. "The focus of this PASSEX was to provide excellent training opportunities in ASW for the sailors aboard Boone and Thach while providing surface warfare training for Chilean submariners."

The exercises included unit-level training in submarine familiarization, passive and active tracking, coordinated tracking exercises and coordinated tactical exercises.

"It was important for Boone to work with an asset, the Chilean sub, which we do not get to see often," said Ensign Loney Cason, Boone's antisubmarine warfare officer. "It was great to track a sub in real-time, which helps train sonar technicians, operational watch standers and lookouts."

This series of exercises also focused on coordination and effectiveness of tracking and hunting submarine threats.

"The primary goal during the PASSEX was to learn as much as possible from our Chilean counterparts," said Lt. John Hoy, Boone's combat systems officer.

Boone and Thach participated by leading the coordinated ASW exercises and alternately serving as the search and attack unit commander.

"One of our missions during Southern Seas 2011 is [to foster] theater security cooperation," said Hoy. "We are learning the fundamentals of how other navies function, and learning how to work with them in a tactical environment and beyond."

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Indiana National Guard members receive instruction for sandbagging operations, in response to flood support

Indiana National Guards members stand in formation, receiving instructions during sandbagging operations in Winslow, a small town on the Patoka River in southern Indiana, in response to rising river levels Tuesday, April 26, 2011. Indiana National Guard photo by Sgt. John Crosby

JR Hildbrand 2011 Indy

JR Hildebrand, driver of the #4 National Guard-ESGR-Project ChalleNGe-Lincoln Tech sponsored Honda-Dallara Indy Car will be wearing the Army Multi-Cam paint scheme as the team starts in Row 3 of the 100th Anniversary running of the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" - The Indianapolis 500.

Angels Build Futures with Habitat for Humanity

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Russell C. Tafuri

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Members of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's flight demonstration squadron, joined forces with Pensacola Habitat for Humanity members to install headers, doors and windows on houses in a Habitat subdivision at Camshire Meadows, Pensacola, Fla., June 10.

According to Rachael Cox, volunteer services manager for Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, having the military volunteers is a big help and the organization appreciates what the service members bring to the effort.

The importance of that effort isn't lost on the Sailors.

"Working with Habitat for Humanity is a great experience knowing we are building homes that people in our community really need. It feels good to do this work. Plus, it's the right thing to do," said squadron team member Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class John Phillips. "A significant portion of the units in this development will be built by volunteers. And with the subdivision being so close to (NAS Pensacola), as an additional blessing, we get a lot of military volunteers here," said Cox.

The Camshire Meadows subdivision, owned by Pensacola Habitat for Humanity, will ultimately consist of 114 units, built in partnership with the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), a federal housing recovery program established to help communities suffering from foreclosures and abandoned properties.

Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is building more than 240 additional units in the Escambia/Santa Rosa area.

"The military volunteers are often available during the work week which helps out a lot because that's when it is most difficult to get volunteers from the community to come out. We couldn't do this without the military volunteers," said Cox. "Plus, it's pretty neat to work side-by-side with the Blue Angels."

Founded in 1981, Pensacola Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical, Christian ministry whose purpose is to build homes and improve communities in partnership with low and very low income families in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

Pensacola Habitat is a pioneer affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International and has completed more than 740 homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties since its inception.

The Blue Angels 2011 show season is in full swing and team members regularly volunteer in the local community when they are not out of town at an air show. For more information about the Blue Angels, including the 2011 Blue Angel Air Show and practice schedules, log on to blueangels.navy.mil.

Sailors Bring Rose Festival to Hospitalized Children

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Nathan Lockwood Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) visited Shriners' Hospital for Children in Portland, Ore., June 10, continuing a tradition that Sailors have carried out each year during the Portland Rose Festival.



Service members visited the hospital to bring a part of Rose Festival to the children who can't leave to attend the festival.

Susan Gallegos, child life specialist at Shriners, said it was important to visit children at the hospital to let them know the Navy cares about them.



"Oh, they love it. We all do, it's not just the patients, it's the staff too," said Gallegos. "It really does make it nice, knowing that [the Sailors] come in every time and take their time off the ship and spend it with the kids."



Sailors were divided into groups and moved through the hospital to hand out ball caps from various commands. They were also able to talk to children and posed with them for souvenir pictures and even watched a magic show put on by one of the patients.



"They are great; they are cheering up," said Ens. Jorge Fuentes, Ingraham's fire control officer. "Their parents are telling us it's the happiest they have ever been in the hospital."



The hospital provides specialized care for children under the age of 18 and is funded by the Shriners Hospital for Children Endowment Fund, which is maintained through gifts, bequests and contributions.



"I'm grateful that we can cheer them up even in their pain," Fuentes said.

Ingraham Sailors also visited the Veterans Administration Hospital and Sailors from the Canadian navy visited Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

 For more news from Navy Region Northwest, visit navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.