Rugged tablet computers make their move in military logistics applications

Mar 1, 2008

By John Keller

People in the military who routinely use checklists ought to consider rugged tablet computers—particularly if they work outside or in other potentially harsh operating environments, manufacturers say.

“You don’t want to carry a laptop on a carrier flight deck; you want a tablet strapped to your leg or your waist,” says Jim Vercruyssen, product manager for tablet computing at General Dynamics Itronix Corp. in Spokane Valley, Wash.

The rugged tablet computer market breaks down essentially into two segments: the convertible, or a laptop computer with a reversible touch screen; and the slate, which has a touch screen, some function buttons, but no keyboard.

“The slate market is a small-form-factor, powerful handheld device in a form more like a clipboard,” Vercruyssen explains. “Anything you do in paper, like a checklist or inventory, is easily converted to a slate.”

Think of a slate computer as a large-screen PDA with a much faster processor, Windows-like functionality, and often with a direct wireless network connection to computer servers to convey data in real time, and also to lessen the need for large amounts of data storage in the tablet, like hard disks.

Rugged tablet computers like the General Dynamics Itronix
Duo-Touch Tablet PC, shown above, are gaining in
popularity for applications involving checklists and clipboards.

“Anyone who is doing forms applications, like lists and field inspections, is a potential user of rugged tablets,” says Robert Farr, business development manager for the Panasonic Computer Solutions federal segment in Secaucus, N.J. “On the flight line are a lot of tablet users, and also anyone doing logistics, moving inventory, and doing any kind of checklist operations.”

The popularity of tablet computers—particularly for military and aerospace applications—is growing, and manufacturers are responding with several innovations.

Although the market for rugged laptop computers is about three times the size of that of rugged tablets, the rugged tablet market is growing much more quickly, says Ben Thacker, vice president of strategic marketing at General Dynamics Itronix.

“Our rugged tablet customers are asking for information assurance; this is why you see growth in the rugged market in general,” says Panasonic’s Farr. “Users need to access information anytime, anywhere—especially in mission-critical applications where they can’t have data fail.”

So how rugged is rugged where tablet computers are concerned? “MIL-STD-810F is really the benchmark,” says Itronix’s Vercruyssen. “You’re really not considered rugged unless you meet those. Industrial products, at a minimum, have to meet 810F for shock and vibration, and IP-54 for dirt, dust, and water intrusion.”

For battlefield military applications, rugged tablets must meet IP-65 standards, or even better, Vercruyssen says. These kinds of applications are somewhat rare in today’s military, however. “On post and in staging areas are where tablets really shine,” he continues. “In battlefield conditions there is not a lot of paper, so you don’t get the full advantage of the slate.”

Click photo to view larger version

Contributed by Bob Johnson's Computer Stuff

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, June 20, 2011

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has no public or media events on his schedule.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn is traveling.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at 10 a.m. EDT at the U.S. National Naval Ice Center 4th Symposium on Impacts of Arctic Ice at the U.S. Navy Memorial, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact Cmdr. Charlie Brown, CNO's public affairs officer at 703-692-5307.

Lynn Visits World War I American Cemetery in France

By John D. Banusiewicz

American Forces Press Service

BELLEAU, France, June 18, 2011 – “Time will not dim the glory of their deeds,” General of the Armies John J. Pershing said of U.S. service members. Near this village about 50 miles northeast of Paris today, Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III brought truth to that assertion as he paid his respects to 2,288 U.S. soldiers and Marines – 251 of whom have never been identified – buried on the site where they helped to stem a German offensive during World War I.

Lynn placed a wreath at the foot of the stairs of the chapel that overlooks the at the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, before visiting the chapel and the nearby Belleau Wood, where much of the fighting took place and many of the Americans buried at the cemetery died.

Flora Nicolas of the American Battlefield Monuments Commission, public affairs officer for the cemetery, explained that Belleau Wood was significant because it represented the last natural barrier between 300,000 advancing German soldiers and Paris. The 3rd U.S. Division was the first to arrive when reinforcements were called in to help the French defend the Marne River, and the 2nd U.S. Division – which included 9,000 Marines – was in a reserve position and came as quickly as possible to Belleau Wood.

The 2nd U.S. Division had to cross open wheat fields in Belleau, and took heavy casualties before the division’s Marines killed German machine gunners occupying higher ground. The battle lasted 20 days, and on June 26, 1918, Belleau Wood was taken from the Germans.

Ten American divisions joined the fight and pushed back the German lines, crushing the offensive and marking the beginning of the end of World War I, Nicolas said.

The cemetery here was one of many temporary wartime cemeteries established by the Army’s Graves Registration Service, and was known as the American Expeditionary Forces Cemetery No. 1764 - Belleau Wood. In 1921, Congress authorized retention of the cemetery as one of eight permanent World War I military cemeteries on foreign soil. The following year, an agreement with the French government granted its use as a military cemetery forever, free of charge or taxation.

Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Lawrence D. Nicholson, Lynn’s senior military assistant, placed a wreath at a memorial in Belleau Wood honoring the U.S. Marines who fought there as part of the U.S. 2nd Division.

Two members of Congress – U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller of Florida and U.S. Rep. Devin Nunes of California – also were on hand for the visit, which included a stop at the famous “Devil Dog Fountain,” which honors the fighting spirit of the Marines who took Belleau Wood in June 1918.

U.S., Japanese Navy Bands Partner in Seattle

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jonathan A. Colon, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

SEATTLE (NNS) -- Navy Band Northwest performed a free concert with the traditional Japanese Taiko drummers and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Fleet Band at Westlake Plaza in Seattle, June 17.

The JMSDF flagship Kashima visited Seattle's port June 15-18, as part of a four-month deployment to multiple ports in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru and Chile. During the training the JMSDF band is embarked as the ship's crew.

"We felt very welcomed, and we felt we received a lot of energy from the crowd performing," said Lt. j.g. Masamichi Tanabe, bandmaster, JMSDF Training Band. "It was absolutely wonderful, and we were absolutely honored to play with the U.S. Navy band."

The Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, said this year's visit is especially meaningful to Japan, which has received significant assistance from the U.S. and its military, in response to rescue and recovery efforts immediately following the devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck the Tohoku region this past March.

"This type of concert gives us awareness of each other's talents," said Musician 3rd Class John Head, a member of Navy Band Northwest. "It's a joy to be a part of."

The mission of Navy Band Northwest is to provide musical support for official Navy functions and Navy recruiting efforts, and to serve the communities of the Pacific Northwest in a public relations capacity.

"It's an honor to play with these great musicians from Japan and they are all very good musicians," said Head. "It's very humbling."

Navy Band Northwest performs more than 500 engagements each year, including military and civic ceremonies, dances, school clinics, parades and public concerts.

More than 200 service members, Department of Defense personnel, and civilians from the Seattle area attended the event.

JSMDF have made such deployments since 1957, marking its 55th year on such deployments. The last time a JSMDF vessel visited Seattle was in 1998, when the JSMDF Escort Flotilla visited.

Kashima is staffed by nearly 300 crew members, including 116 officer trainees in the JSMDF.

14th Navy Reserve Force Master Chief Appointed

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Merriam, Commander, Navy Reserve Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The 14th Force Master Chief (FORCM) of the Navy Reserve was appointed during a ceremony at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C. June 16.

FORCM(AW) Chris T. Wheeler said it is an honor and a privilege to be given the chance to lead Sailors and advise on important Navy matters.

"It's an honor to work for such a great Navy Reserve," Wheeler said. "[FORCM(FMF) Ronney A. Wright] did a fantastic job with leading us in the direction we need to be. Of course, we have some big challenges ahead, and we feel we have everything in place to meet those challenges. I'm looking forward to taking on those challenges. It's what we Sailors do best."

Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, spoke at the ceremony about how chief petty officers drive the Navy Reserve forward, and passing the position of force master chief would greatly change Wheeler's world, but he would be up to the challenge.

"The new force master is certainly ready for the job," Debbink said. "He was carefully selected by a board of master chiefs, and I had the privilege of reviewing the selection process and I'm very confident he will do a great job. I guess my words of advice are 'hang on. It's going to be a fast ride.' I'm sure he will do a great job serving and supporting our force and our Sailors."

Following the appointment of Wheeler, departing FORCM Wright retired after 31 years of service.

"As the 14th FORCM you will be humbled by the opportunities you will have to meet and share with service members and families around the country and serving around the world," Wright said. "Be true to yourself and depend on the outstanding leadership in this room. They will support you because if you fail, they fail, and failure is not an option. Go forth and do great things for our Navy Reserve and our Navy."

The Navy Memorial auditorium was standing room only and as Wright gave his retirement speech, he asked everyone who serves to stand and recite the Sailor's Creed. As a united group the crowd stood and the Sailors Creed thundered through the room.

MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West spoke during his speech about the legacy Wright would leave behind.

"You never hear me say Navy Reserve unless I am making a point, and there is a reason for that," West said. "It wasn't always the case. He closed the gap. I get in a room; it's a room full of Sailors. There is no difference. If I go on a ship; it's a ship full of Sailors."

Wheeler has served 29 years in the Navy, previously serving as command master chief for Commander, Naval Air Force Reserve Command, and command master chief for Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific.

Gates, Mullen Support ‘Stand up for Heroes’

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2011 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke for the need for enduring support for service members at a fundraising event for wounded warriors and their families.

The Defense Department leaders spoke before a crowd of about 800 who gathered in the Ronald Reagan Building here for the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s ‘Stand Up For Heroes’ event.

“I would like to thank Bob and Lee Woodruff for all they’ve done and continue to do for our wounded warriors and their families,” Gates said.

Families of the wounded have sacrificed and suffered much, the secretary said, adding, “America is grateful and eternally in your debt for the care and support you provide every single day to our heroes.”

Gates told the wounded veterans in attendance, “I am continually amazed by your grit and your resilience.”

When he became defense secretary and first thought of visiting wounded men and women in uniform, Gates said, “I wasn’t sure I could handle it, or what I would say. Seeing firsthand the incredible sacrifice … I frankly wasn’t sure I could keep it together.”

Gates said people kept telling him, “They will lift you up.”

“And you have,” he said. “More than you can possibly imagine.”

When he became secretary, Gates said, he pledged to provide the best-possible care for those wounded in combat.

“I am confident with the commitment and help and advocacy of military leaders like Admiral Mullen and his wife, Deb, our local communities, and organizations such as the Woodruff Foundation, this Department of Defense and this country will do what is necessary to continue to fulfill our obligation to our wounded heroes,” Gates said.

At the heart of the volunteer force is a legal, social and sacred contract between the United States and the people who serve in its military, Gates said.

That contract, he said, is “an inviolable promise, that when young Americans step forward of their own free will to serve, they can do so with the expectation that they and their families will be properly cared for.”

That promise is carved in stone within President Abraham Lincoln’s memorial, Gates noted.

“His words echo through time,” the secretary said, “calling on us today to care for ‘him who shall have borne the battle.’”

“The debt owed by all Americans to those of you who have given so much can never be fully repaid,” Gates said. “You have my deepest gratitude and respect for all that you have given. Know that I, along with many others here tonight and all across the country, will be an advocate for you for the rest of my days.”

Mullen also emphasized the need for Americans to remember what service members and their families have contributed to the nation.

“We are grateful not only to the men and women who wear the uniform, but the families who have made so much possible and made such a difference in so many lives,” he said.

“We live in a time where so much is changing,” Mullen said. He noted that since Bob Woodruff, an ABC News correspondent, was injured by a roadside bomb in Iraq in 2006, there have been significant improvements in battlefield medicine and support to wounded veterans and their families.

Still, there are “many, many who are sustaining these wounds, visible and invisible,” the chairman said.

“We have to figure out a way to make sure we are with them, in support, for the rest of their lives,” he said. “We can never forget what they’ve done … the sacrifices that they have stepped forward and made for our country, so we can be who we are.”

Mullen thanked the Woodruffs, who established the foundation after the newsman’s injury, for their dedication to helping wounded veterans and their families.

They “have chosen not to walk away,” the admiral said. “They set such a great example for so many to follow, … making sure we never forget those who have given so much.”

Mullen also paid tribute to Gates and his wife, Becky Gates, as a “very special couple.”

Gates will retire from his position at the end of this month, Mullen said, adding that his dedication as defense secretary “could not be matched, and could not have come at a more appropriate time.”

“I can tell you, firsthand, that there’s nobody, no one I have met, who is more dedicated to those of us in uniform than Bob Gates,” the chairman said. “He had been ferocious in his defense of us; he has been ferocious in seeking solutions to very difficult problems.”

“We will miss you, and we are forever grateful for all you’ve done,” Mullen told the secretary and his wife.

Navy Dad Receives Military Fatherhood Award

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ryan Riley, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- A Naval Base Kitsap Sailor received the 2011 Military Fatherhood Award during a ceremony in Bremerton, Wash. June 16.

The National Fatherhood Initiative (NFI) selected Logistics Specialist 1st Class Christopher Cady, leading petty officer at priority material office headquarters aboard Naval Base Kitsap, from nominees around the world.

NFI honors a military father every year who is dedicated to his children and displays ongoing commitment to father from a distance while deployed, balances military life and family life, and helps mentor other military fathers and children who are separated from each other.

"It's extremely humbling," said Cady. "I didn't learn about the award until I found out I was nominated; extremely humbling."

Out of nearly 600 nominations, Cady was narrowed down to one of the three finalists by NFI. The public then was able to vote for the winner through a special Facebook page which had video stories of each finalist.

Cady said NFI sent the finalists video cameras and instructions for making their video submissions.

"I don't think I'm doing anything that any other father wouldn't do," Cady said. "I am honored and humbled to receive this award."

NFI President Roland C. Warren said Cady exemplifies the best of what involved, responsible and committed fatherhood is all about. He said Cady has fully dedicated himself to caring for his son, but also honorably serves the Nation as an exemplary Sailor.

"NFI is truly honored to give this award to a truly amazing dad and Sailor," Warren said.

Cady is a single father who cares for his 11-year-old son, Joshua, who was born with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and is legally blind and deaf. CMV affects muscle control and can cause seizures.

Cady says he's not comfortable being in the limelight but he likes the attention CMV is getting throughout his experience.

Navy Medicine Flies to Trauma Center During Chattanooga Navy Week

By Valerie A. Kremer, Navy Medicine Public Affairs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (NNS) -- Erlanger Health Care System and Navy Medicine examined shared initiatives in emergency medicine and trauma care as part of Chattanooga Navy Week, Tenn., June 16.

Rear Adm. Donald Gintzig, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, deputy chief medical operations and future plans, was the top Navy medical officer during the visit.

"We are honored Rear Adm. Gintzig visited our facility during Chattanooga Navy Week," said James Brexler, chief executive officer, Erlanger Health System. "It was a great opportunity to show our MEDEVAC transport capabilities and share best practices on patient care with the Admiral. In addition, it provided great insight as the care provided to service members on the battlefield is similar to the care we provide to our trauma patients every day."

During the visit, Gintzig was taken by helicopter to Erlanger Health Care System where he met with leadership, staff, and patients and toured the facility.

"As this region's trauma center, Erlanger sets itself apart in terms of a tertiary level referral center with their MEDEVAC capability to reach out to a wide population of those in need," said Gintzig. "Meeting with Erlanger leadership was a great exchange in discussing the similar roles in the care Navy Medicine provides to our patients."

During his presentation to staff, Gintzig shared how Navy Medicine's emergency medicine and trauma care is a critical piece of the chief of naval operation's maritime strategy. Along with traditional roles like deployments and projecting power abroad, Gintzig discussed how international partnerships and providing care through humanitarian assistance missions has further demonstrated how Navy Medicine's emergency medicine and research and development has made an impact on a global scale.

Erlanger, located in Chattanooga, Tenn., is a non-profit, academic teaching center affiliated with the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Erlanger is also a Level-One Trauma Center for adults and the only provider of tertiary care services for the citizens of an entire four-state region, encompassing southeast Tennessee, north Georgia, north Alabama and western North Carolina. In addition it offers both emergent and non emergent care to Children's Hospital located on the Erlanger campus.

Navy Medicine is a global healthcare network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

Chattanooga Navy Week is one of 21 Navy weeks across the country this year. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they make in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

Wisconsin Guard aviators back on home soil

Wisconsin Army National Guard Public Affairs Office

The approximately 300 men and women of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 147th Aviation Regiment returned home today (June 17) to family, friends and welcome home celebrations in Madison.

"On behalf of the 5.6 million people here in the state of Wisconsin, welcome back to not only the land of beer, brats and cheese, but in the last year the home of the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers," Gov. Scott Walker, commander-in-chief of the Wisconsin National Guard, said to Wisconsin's newest combat veterans. "We are so pleased to have the men and women of the 147th back ... It's important to remember that freedom isn't free."

The 147th "Iron Hawks" mobilized one year ago and deployed in September in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were among the 50,000 U.S. troops to remain in Iraq after Operation New Dawn began, and were responsible for all aviation operations - including troop and cargo movements, medevac and attack missions - in United States Division-South, which covers nine provinces of Iraq, including the area south of Baghdad.

"Our nation, the United States Army, the Army National Guard and I owe you guys all a debt of gratitude that I can never repay," Lt. Col. Marty Pond, commander of the 147th, told his battalion as well as family and friends gathered for the brief welcome home ceremony at the 64th Troop Command headquarters in Madison.

"The accolades for the 147th keep rolling in," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Craig Krenz, state command chief warrant officer. Krenz acknowledged the battalion's recognition as the 2010 Army Aviation Association of America National Guard Unit of the Year for its accomplishments over the past 12 months.

Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, also praised the 147th, noting that the battalion essentially replaced 2,000 aviators in Iraq as they assumed a larger role following the safe and responsible drawdown of forces during the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn.

"They flew more hours and did the job better," Dunbar said. "It is extraordinary what you have done."

Lisa Brown, whose husband Spc. Adam Brown was among the returning Soldiers, savored the end of the deployment.

"It was a long year with him being gone," she said. "But now that I look back at it, it seems like it flew by. I'm just glad he's back."

The Soldiers were released from active duty following the ceremony, having already completed their demobilization at Fort Bliss, Texas before returning to Wisconsin.

Army Announces Site for National Museum

[This release has been updated to state that the NMUSA is scheduled to open in June 2015; it originally said June 2013.]

The Army announced today that the North Post of Fort Belvoir, Va., will be the site of the National Museum of the U.S. Army (NMUSA), scheduled to open in June 2015.  Secretary of the Army John M. McHugh approved the decision this week, which also marked the Army's 236th birthday.

"In presenting the Army's storied 236-year history, this long-overdue facility will offer the American people a unique opportunity to connect with our soldiers and better understand and appreciate their many and glorious stories," McHugh said.

"Now that a site for the Army's museum has been determined, the development of the museum's master plan can be finalized," said Judson Bennett, executive director of the NMUSA project office at Fort Belvoir.  Building of the museum will be funded privately through the Army Historical Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the Army's heritage.

Initial construction will include a multi-story, main museum building with exhibit halls, theater, Veterans' Hall, food service and retail areas, administrative areas, an experiential learning center and a lobby with visitor reception area.

The Army is currently the only service without a centralized museum.  The Navy Museum is located at the Navy Yard in Washington D.C.; the Marine Corps Museum is located at the Marine Base Quantico in Prince William County, Va.; and the Air Force Museum is located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

For more information, media may contact Army Public Affairs at 703-697-5344.

RIVRON 3 Conducts Live-Fire Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Michael R. Hinchcliffe

FORT KNOX, Ky. (NNS) -- Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 Sailors conducted category IV live-fire training on the Salt River aboard Fort Knox, Ky., June 6-11.

Category IV live-fire consists of taking riverine boat crews through one to four-boat formations, reacting to land and waterborne events, contacts and various possible angles of pursuit, and patrolling river ways. Four-boat formation is a tactic used by riverines to defend against enemy attacks both on the river ways and on land when they are extracting hostiles or inserting a riverine security team ashore.

"We are progressing each day and taking it step-by-step," said Lt. Mark Howell, RIVRON 3 Det. 2 officer in charge. "This training allows us to venture out to new territories and operate effectively on any river. This is basic riverine unit level training, more or less, the fundamentals of our craft and the way we operate on any river."

The RIVRON boat teams practiced various exercise scenarios they could encounter in live combat. Some of the events included defending against enemy assaults, towing inoperative boats and firing various different weapons at posted targets simulating enemy contacts on the hill sides. After each evolution the boat crews debriefed and discussed discrepancies and strategy during the training.

During the live-fire evolutions one of the riverine boats would power down to simulate a loss of power during an attack. The boat closest would use a line to tie-up and drag the downed boat out of danger while the other two boats provided cover fire.

Riverine boat crews are composed of gunners training on their specific area of responsibility and sector of fire, the coxswain who trains on navigating the boat and positioning the boats in formations away from the danger areas, and the boat captain who assesses every aspect of his boat from the functions and capabilities down to the Sailors and their responsibilities.

The Sailors manned the boats donned in full-body armor. Each gunner had a range safety officer standing behind them to provide guidance and advice, and to ensure the safety of the Sailors on the boat. Every scenario and drill helps to proficiently hone the skills of riverine Sailors, ensuring they are qualified and capable of deploying with their detachment.

"Those three positions are what we are training on here and how they not only work as one boat, but also as a four-boat formation," said Howell. "There will never be an untrained Riverine Sailor deployed. We have a standard to stick to and wickets to meet, and we will not send anybody out that doesn't have the tools and skills to combat the threat at hand."

Howell said after this training, Det. 2 can deploy and handle the worst case scenario, which would be an assault by a squad-size (platoon) enemy infantry threat or light vehicles with heavy armor.

"This exercise is the culmination of what riverines train for so they have the ability to go out on any river and have the tools to succeed," he said.

Howell stated, RIVRON 3 Det. 2 is in a deployment window and will be ready to answer the call when needed.

"The Riverine force is an extremely flexible fighting force providing operations across the entire spectrum of military operations," said Cmdr. Peter Berning, chief staff officer Riverine Group 1. "We also provide the unique ability to bring the Navy's core mission of maritime security operations into the riverine environment. No other unit has the ability to operate in that unique and strategically important geographic area."

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

Navy Divers Entertain Crowds during Chattanooga Navy Week 2011

By Stacey Byington, Trident Refit Facility, Kings Bay Public Affairs

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (NNS) -- Six Navy divers from Trident Refit Facility aboard Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga., are diving in the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, TN, entertaining crowds of people, June 14-17, as part of Chattanooga Navy Week 2011.

Led by Chief Navy Diver Kevin Moore, the divers are demonstrating their skills and equipment in the aquarium's Secret Reef exhibit, swimming among sharks, stingrays, and numerous types of fish while answering questions about their lives as Navy divers and talking to visitors at the aquarium. The exhibit replicates the Flower Garden Banks National Sanctuary, located about 115 miles south of Texas, which is the northernmost reef in North America.

"Chattanooga is a great town, and we are delighted to be able to participate in the Riverbend Festival and Chattanooga Navy Week," said Moore. "This is a great opportunity to show what Navy divers do. A couple of our divers have family members living in the Chattanooga area, and it is the first time some of them have seen us dive."

In addition to the dives in the aquarium, the divers are manning a static display of current and past diving equipment every day, interacting with Chattanooga area media, and participating in several community service projects.

The Chattanooga Navy Week celebration, held during the Riverbend Festival, kicked off June 11 and continues through June 18. The week-long event gives area residents an opportunity to meet some of the Navy's Sailors and learn about the Navy's critical mission and its broad-ranging capabilities.

The U.S. Navy conducts approximately 21 Navy Weeks each year, reaching out to communities across the country to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy as a Global Force for Good. During a Navy Week celebration, the Navy concentrates a variety of outreach events in a metropolitan area, sharing the Navy story with as many people as possible.

In addition to the divers from Trident Refit Facility, other Navy personnel participating in Chattanooga Navy Week included Sailors from USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned warship in the U.S. Navy; several Sailors from USS Tennessee (SSBN 734), homeported in Kings Bay; and other units from all over the region. Navy musicians from Navy Band Mid-South also gave special performances at various venues around the city.

Senior Navy leaders engaged with local corporate, civic, government and education leaders during the week. Headlining Chattanooga Navy Week are Vice Adm. Harry Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., commander, U.S. 6th Fleet; Rear Adm. Donald R. Gintzig, deputy chief Medical Operations and Future Plans, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery; and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick D. West.

Other cities and states hosting a 2011 Navy Week are the Quad Cities; Chicago; Rochester, N.Y.; Detroit; Los Angeles; Fargo, N.D.; Indianapolis; Cincinnati; Omaha, Neb.; New England; Albuquerque, N.M.; El Paso and San Antonio, Texas.

Live from Annual Training – New Army tents are not half bad

By Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs– June 17, 2011

By Command Sgt. Maj. Rafael Conde

32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

For as long as I can remember, the Army issued a shelter half — three poles, three pegs plus a rope — to each Soldier as a means of protection from the elements during field problems. The system worked by having two Soldiers put each half of their issued tent together to make a small two-person tent.

The system made several assumptions — first, you must find two Soldiers that could at least tolerate each other for a minimum of 10 days in the field. Then you had to make sure that each Soldier brought all of their equipment to ensure a successful marriage of two tent systems — we refer to this as pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections, or PCCs and PCIs. Then you have to make sure you choose a good place to set up a location for your tents.

Even if everything worked in your favor, once the rain came, the tents would always fail. This forced the Soldier to purchase commercial tents to attempt to keep their equipment dry. The purchase of “civilian” tents was the misery of every command sergeant major. Once all of the tents were erected, it made Fort McCoy look like a KOA camp site.

This year, two battalions and several companies of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team deployed to the field with the latest high-speed Army-issued tent. The one-man rain-proof tent consists of a floor, a rain fly, poles and tent pegs. Total weight is less than three pounds. The great thing about the tents is that each Soldier has their own living space — we no longer expect two Soldiers to share a tent, especially after being in the field without a shower for a couple of days.

The new tents were put to the test on Wednesday as we received heavy rains throughout the day. The tents not only held up, but the Red Arrow Soldiers were able to keep their equipment dry and have a dry place to sleep. At last, the Army got it right.

We hope to issue all 32nd IBCT Soldiers their own tents prior to next year’s AT.

Stay tuned for more blogs in the coming days. What are some of your more memorable field shelters, expedient or otherwise, from back in the day?

(blogging from Fort McCoy, Wis., at annual training).

Airman Missing from Vietnam War Identified

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

Air Force 1st Lt. David A. Thorpe of Seneca Falls, N.Y., will be buried June 23 at Arlington National Cemetery.  On Oct. 3, 1966, Thorpe’s C-130E, with four other men aboard, failed to arrive at Nha Trang Air Base following their departure from Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam.  Rescue personnel found their remains at the crash site in South Vietnam eight days later approximately 40 miles west of Nha Trang. The cause of the crash is not known.

Between 1984 and 1996, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) received human remains tentatively linked to Thorpe and the other crew members from various sources including refugees from the Vietnam War and Vietnamese citizens. Lacking advanced scientific tools and complete records during this time period, JPAC was unable to make an individual identification of Thorpe’s remains, so he was buried as part of a group at Arlington.  Other remains associated with the entire group were held at JPAC’s laboratory for future testing.

As DNA testing procedures improved in the late 1990s, JPAC’s forensic anthropologists applied the latest technologies from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory to include mitochondrial testing, a sample of which matched the DNA from Thorpe’s sister.  His dental records also helped confirm the identification.

With the accounting of this airman, 1,687 service members still remain missing from the Vietnam War.

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.

USS Barry Holds Change of Command in Italy

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

GAETA, Italy (NNS) -- A change of command ceremony was held aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) while in port Gaeta, Italy, June 14.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Kevin Byrne relieved Cmdr. Adolfo Ibarra as Barry's commanding officer (CO).

"This has been an amazing experience," said Ibarra. "From working with our coalition partners to combat operations off the coast of Libya, Sailors aboard Barry have always risen to the challenge, and I am proud to have served with them," said Ibarra. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve with the best Sailors that the United States Navy has to offer."

Ibarra assumed command of Barry in 2009 and departs the ship for his next assignment at U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany. Byrne, Barry's former executive officer (XO), has served aboard the ship since August 2010.

"I'm truly honored by the opportunity to take command of a United States warship," said Byrne. "Because of the leadership and work displayed daily, I know this ship is ready to meet any challenges that may come our way."

Byrne said throughout his tour as CO, Ibarra took great care of the Barry crew.

"Barry is blessed to have had [Ibarra] as their captain, and I wish him nothing but the best," said Byrne.

As Barry's new CO, Byrne said his goals are to look after his crew in every way, both professionally and personally. He also looks forward to finishing a successful deployment and bringing the Barry Sailors back home safely to friends and families.

Cmdr. Thomas Dickinson assumed duties as XO of Barry.

"The new CO and XO are going to make a great team," said Ibarra. "Both Cmdr. Byrne and Cmdr. Dickinson are ready to keep up the Navy tradition of high standards. I wish them the best of luck."

After Barry's return to the U.S., she will make preparations to go through an eight-month Extended Docking Selective Restricted Availability (EDSRA) for a complete hull, mechanical and electrical system overhaul.

Barry is part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, conducting maritime security operations in U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Dr. Biden Urges Cable Industry to Support Military Families

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2011 – Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, last night called on the cable television industry to use its vast reach to help educate the public about military families and rally national support for “the very best of our country.”

Biden, speaking at the National Cable and Telecommunications Association's annual convention in Chicago, echoed the message first lady Michelle Obama took to Hollywood earlier this week.

“The cable industry is uniquely positioned to help Americans learn more about the challenges and needs of military families and to showcase the families’ strength, resilience and service to our nation,” Biden told the assembly.

A Blue Star mother herself, Biden said she experienced firsthand what military families endure when her son, Army Capt. Beau Biden, deployed to Iraq in 2008 with the Delaware National Guard.

“I can honestly say that not a day passed during his deployment that I didn’t worry about his safety,” she said. “That year gave me a small insight into what some of our military families have experienced for years, through multiple deployments in two different war zones.”

Families serve right along with their loved ones in uniform, she said, particularly during deployments when they keep the home fires burning and provide critical emotional support.

“They do it with pride and with no complaint,” Biden said. “Without the steadfast support of their families, our military personnel could not do what they do.”

The federal government is committed to supporting the families who stand behind their loved ones in uniform, and it has made 50 specific commitments to improve the lives of military families, Biden said. These range from protecting families from financial scams to improving education for military kids and spouses to stepping up the fight against veterans’ homelessness.

“And the president has said that he will not be satisfied until we meet every last one of these commitments,” she said.

Biden emphasized the nation’s responsibility to support military families -- the focus of the Joining Forces initiative she and the first lady launched earlier this year.

“We want all Americans to understand and appreciate what our troops and their families do for our country every day,” she said. “That’s why we started Joining Forces, a nationwide campaign to rally all Americans to recognize, honor and support our military families.”

The program has had “overwhelming response” from groups, individuals and businesses that have joined forces to support military families, she said. Their support runs the gamut, from employment, education and wellness services to babysitting care to free income-tax assistance to top-name hockey equipment donated for military children.

“Companies like Sears and Siemens Corporation, as well as the chamber of commerce, the PTA, the YMCA, the American Heart Association and many others have stepped up with exciting programs to employ and support these families,” Biden said.

Biden said she’s seen personally through her work with the Delaware Boots on the Ground organization “the difference that organizations and companies like this can make.”

Biden recognized the cable TV industry for its support for Joining Forces. “Some of you are telling the stories of military families through [public service announcements] and television programming,” she said. “Others are extending access to technology so military families can communicate with loved ones during separations and deployments.”

Discovery Education, for example, is helping teachers of military children share content to boost student achievement. In addition, its “Help on the Homefront Challenge” encourages classrooms to develop projects supporting military families in their neighborhoods.

Verizon and Comcast have been recognized for their support of their National Guard, reserve and veteran employees, Biden said.

In addition, the first lady made a cameo appearance on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” show earlier this week, and Biden said she appeared on A&E’s “Army Wives” show last year.

Such collaborative efforts with the TV industry, Biden said, help to educate the public about military families.

“I hope you will continue to educate, entertain and open our eyes to the lives of those around us. Because the truth is, our military families represent the very best of our country,” Biden said. “They are our fellow Americans who get up every day to protect this country. They ask for so little, but they deserve so much.”

Biden encouraged the audience to seek out ways to express their thanks and show their support. “I hope that all of you will join forces with us to serve these extraordinary Americans as well as they have served this country,” she said.

The first lady took a similar message to the entertainment industry earlier this week, encouraging Hollywood producers, writers, actors and directors to incorporate military families’ compelling stories into movies and television.

“You have the vehicle to tell stories that just pull people in,” the first lady said during a panel discussion hosted by the entertainment guilds in Los Angeles. “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.”

MCPON Sends Hospital Corpsman Birthday Message

Special Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following hospital corpsman birthday message to the Fleet June 17.

"Shipmates,

For 113 years, hospital corpsmen have been deployed with our Sailors and Marines worldwide, have served in every major battle and have always been ready to answer the call 'Corpsman Up!' The hospital corpsman legacy is one of pride, consummate professionalism, dedication to duty, and always placing a shipmate's needs before their own.

As I travel around the Fleet, I'm always inspired by your dedication and devotion to duty, whether in combat, underway on, above or under the world's oceans, during humanitarian relief missions or helping our Sailors, Marines, families and retirees here at home.

I recently visited your new training facilities in San Antonio, and I was very impressed by the enthusiasm of our young future Navy corpsmen and the staff leading them. I have seen your training pipelines and know first hand that Hospital Corpsman training is some of the longest and most intense training available to our Sailors. This is evident through the outstanding medical treatment you provide everyday at home and abroad. I'm not surprised that we are experiencing the lowest battle mortality and non-battle injury rates in the history of armed conflict which is due to your exceptional training and skills, and your willingness to help all those you come in contact with in their greatest time of need.

To the thousands of hospital corpsmen who serve our great Navy, I am extremely proud of each and every one of you for answering the call to duty and for your selfless service. I ask that you stay vigilant and committed to one another and to the values and principles that have defined your past and will forge your future. Happy Birthday Navy corpsman … you're making a difference every day as you have been your last 113 years.

HOOYAH Warriors!

Very Respectfully,

MCPON"