Panetta Discusses First Week as Defense Secretary

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 9, 2011 – At the end of his first week as defense secretary, Leon E. Panetta boarded an E-4B airborne command post aircraft for the trip here.

While refueling, the plane hit some air pockets. The secretary said his first week at Defense was a lot like the plane ride.

“It’s big, it’s complicated, it’s filled with sophisticated technology, it’s bumpy, but in the end it’s the best in the world,” he said.

Panetta is trying to get a handle on all elements of a huge federal department, he told reporters traveling with him. He used the informal news conference to speak about his goals for the department.

“We have the strongest military force in the world and I want to ensure that it is the best trained, best-equipped and that it is agile and efficient in meeting the threats not only of today but down the road,” he said.

The secretary said he wants to create a vision of what the Defense Department will look like in five to 10 years. “I think that’s important to do particularly in light of the budget issues I’ll be confronting this year as well,” he said.

The U.S. military will prevail in the three conflicts it is involved with now, he said. U.S. military personnel will help Iraqi and Afghan security forces establish sufficient stability in Iraq and Afghanistan so al-Qaida and its allies cannot find safe havens. In Libya, “the objective is to do what we can to bring down the regime of [Libyan leader Muammar] Gaddafi,” he said.

Panetta will continue to work to counter nuclear proliferation, especially with Iran and North Korea, and at the same time maintain a strong U.S. nuclear deterrent, he said. And the secretary will stress defending the cyber grid, he said.

“Given the cyber threats we’re facing, we really need to strengthen our cyber capabilities,” he said. “I really do view this as an area in which we are going to confront increasing threats in the future and I think we’re going to need to be prepared for that.”

The secretary said he wants to do everything he can to support American troops and their families. Part of the trip to Afghanistan is to meet with the men and women on the front lines.

“One of the things I’ve already had to do is sign condolence letters to the families, and it makes me that much more aware of the responsibility we have to support these men and women and to do everything we can to support their families,” he said.

The secretary spoke about some of the practical changes he is making at the Pentagon. He has reached out to the civilian and military leadership of the department. He has met with the senior enlisted advisers. And he initiated a staff meeting each morning.

“It’s something that I’ve always used, so we will have the staff meeting each morning with the chairman, the vice chairman and the key undersecretaries to talk through the issues of the day and see if we can work together to confront whatever challenges we are facing that particular day,” Panetta said.

He said he used these meetings when he was the White House chief of staff in the Clinton administration and as the director of the Office of Management and Budget. In addition, the secretary will meet with the service secretaries and service chiefs weekly.

The defense budget will, of course, be among the top issues discussed and the secretary said he is quite worried about funding.

“I recognize … the importance of confronting the challenge that faces the country,” he said. “I understand the tremendous responsibility on the part of the president and the leadership to try to come to the tough decisions that have to be made regarding the deficit.”

He also understands that DOD will play a role in cutting the deficit, Panetta said. But, he added, “I do not believe that you have to choose between fiscal responsibility and a strong national defense. I think we can achieve savings and be able to have a strong defense force at the same time.”

Panetta said he is concerned if budget negotiators “suddenly pick a number and throw it at the Defense Department without really looking at policy or what makes sense.” This will lead to a hollow force, Panetta said.

He wants any budget decisions tied to good policy – not only because it makes the best sense for the nation's defense, but also because it is enforceable. “If savings are tied to good policy then it can be enforced. If it’s tied to bad policy then it could be a real problem,” he said.

Panetta is continuing with the review within the Defense Department, he added.

“I’ve also directed our people to engage with [Office of Management and Budget] with regards to the approach that would make the most sense in terms of protecting our national defense and achieving savings at the same time,” he said.

Truxtun Sailors Complete First College Course While Deployed

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin J. Steinberg, USS Truxtun (DDG 103) Public Affairs

USS TRUXTUN, At Sea (NNS) -- A group of Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) completed their first college course while on deployment through the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) July 5.

NCPACE courses provide Sailors with a distance learning process that allows them to continue their educational pursuit while at sea through classes taught on board ships.

Andrew Block, an instructor from Central Texas College, taught English 1301 to Truxtun Sailors.

"It's amazing how the Sailors find the energy and motivation to study, write essays and participate in class, while completing their responsibilities on the ship," said Block.

Although the Sailors had to purchase the required textbooks, NCPACE classes are free of charge.

"This was an opportunity that I'm really glad I took advantage of," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Isaac Henry.

All 17 Sailors who are students successfully completed the course.

NCPACE courses are offered free of tuition to deployed and overseas service members in geographically isolated locations.

Truxtun is assigned to Combined Task Force 151, supporting counter-piracy and maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Surviving Viet Nam Tales of a Narcoleptic Hangar Rat

With the addition of Specialst-5 Noah B. Dillion, Military-Writers.com now lists 1258 servicembers who haved authored 3976 books.  Additionally, Dillion's book is the 138th former military member to write about the Vietnam War.

Noah B. Dillion was drafted into the United States Army in January 1968. His active service includes “13 months in IV Corps serving with two historical aviation companies:  As a school trained 67B20 Bird Dog Crew Chief for 9 months at Soc Trang Army Airfield, 221st Recon Airplane Company; and, having been promoted in July 1969 to SP-5 in an OJT slot with the infamous 114th AHC located at Vinh Long Army Airfield as NCOIC of the Electrical hangar crew PMOS 68F20 until December 1969.”

In 1973, Noah B. Dillion “enlisted in the Kentucky National Guard in Sept 1973 and spent five days in the tornado zones around Frankfort in April 1974 earning an active duty ribbon.” According to Dillion, he “proudly wear the Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/palm device and Kentucky National Guard Active Duty Ribbon;. Air Crewman’s Badge, Expert Marksman’s Badge w/M-14 & M-16 bars, Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation.” Noah B. Dillion is the author of Surviving Viet Nam Tales of a Narcoleptic Hangar Rat.

Noah B. Dillion said about Surviving Viet Nam Tales of a Narcoleptic Hangar Rat, “This is not purely a book of war stories, it is a testimonial about my life long struggle with severe Narcolepsy/Cataplexy. I call Narcolepsy the "sleeping monster" because it knows no master. It has dominated my life since early childhood. The impact on my social life is nothing compared to the many who have become victims without knowing what was causing their incredible feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. I hope that this book will help one person find their way out of the "fog of Narcolepsy and into the sunlight of a new life". This is possible through professional diagnosis and treatment.”

Distant War: Recollections of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

Greetings to all military writers. First time here. Just wanted to alert you my new link: http://www.marcpyablonka.com/ and my new book, Distant War: Recollections of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia (published by Navigator Books). It's available through my web site, via Amazon.com, and is a compilation of 20 years of my own freelance reportage about the war since the fall of Saigon. The book, profiling people who were in Vietnam, runs the gamut from Hanoi Hilton POW V-ADM James Stockdale, "Wheel of Fortune" game show host Pat Sajak, to pilots who flew for Air America, AP photographer Nick Ut, dog handlers, and Vietnamese actress Kieu Chinh originally ran in the likes of Stars and Stripes, Army Times, Vietnam magazine, American Veteran (the quarterly publication of AMVETS, for which I was a contributing writer for 15 years), Military Heritage, Soldier of Fortune and many other publications. Hope you'll stop by the web site and say hello.

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, July 10, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta is traveling.

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

Mullen Makes Chairman's Visit to China

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2011 – Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen begins a visit to China today, a Defense Department official announced.

Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said Mullen is the first chairman to visit that nation since Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace did so in 2007.

Mullen travels to China at the invitation of Gen. Chen Bingde, chief of the general staff of the Chinese army, Lapan said.

“Admiral Mullen looks forward to continuing the engagement and dialogue that began during General Chen’s visit to the United States in May,” Lapan said.

The chairman’s trip will include a wide range of meetings with top Chinese military officials, as well as visits to Chinese army units, the colonel said. The chairman also is scheduled to speak to students at Renmin University in Beijing, he added.

This Day in Naval History - July 08

From the Navy News Service

1778 - Allied French fleet under Comte d'Estaing arrives in America.

1853 - Commodore Matthew C. Perry sails his squadron into Tokyo Bay.

1879 - USS Jeannette departs San Francisco to explore Arctic.

1944 - Naval bombardment of Guam begins.

DOD Orders Halt to ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ Enforcement

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 8, 2011 – The Defense Department today issued guidance on the July 6 federal appellate court decision ordering DOD to cease enforcing the so-called “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

In a memorandum for the secretaries of the military departments, Clifford L. Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, directed the services to comply with the injunction immediately.

“It remains the policy of the Department of Defense not to ask service members or applicants about their sexual orientation, to treat all members with dignity and respect, and to ensure maintenance of good order and discipline. Further, because the injunction is once again in effect, the department will process applications for enlistment or appointment without regard to sexual orientation,” the memorandum read, in part.

Further guidance will come as developments warrant, Stanley wrote.

Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said lawyers in the Defense and Justice departments are reviewing the court’s ruling to determine what actions may follow.

In October, then-Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates directed that any discharges under the law be reviewed and approved by the service secretaries in consultation with the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness and the Pentagon’s general counsel.

Lapan said four service members have been discharged under the law since October, the most recent of which was effective June 23.

Any possible appeal to the injunction is “still being discussed and looked at,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lapan added, work continues on the department’s preparation to implement repeal of the law barring openly gay men and women from serving in the nation’s armed forces. The repeal act, passed by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in December, calls for training the force and for the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the secretary of defense to certify to the president that the conditions for repeal are met.

PCU Mississippi COB Participates in Two Significant Navy Milestones

From Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Chief of the Boat (COB) assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) participated in two unique voyages aboard PCU California (SSN 781), and later USS Constitution, during their annual holiday cruise, July 4.

Master Chief Machinist's Mate Bill Stoiber, Mississippi COB, participated in the Navy's newest Virginia-class submarine initial, or Alpha, sea trials aboard California, which ended successfully, July 2. Stoiber participated in California's sea trials for familiarization and preparation for Mississippi's sea trials to be held next year.

Stoiber, a native from Pittsburg, Calif., was pleased to participate in the submarine's first maiden voyage. "I was honored to say I was underway aboard the submarine named for my home state."

Immediately after returning to its pre-commissioning port in Newport News, Va., July 2, Stoiber traveled to Boston, for his next adventure aboard the world's oldest commissioned war ship, "Old Ironsides," for its annual Fourth of July Boston Harbor cruise.

"These two events were once-in-a-life time experiences because I was able to celebrate our great nation's freedom by starting out aboard PCU California, the Navy's newest ship, and capping it off with the Boston Harbor cruise aboard USS Constitution," said Stoiber. "I will never forget this day."

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

California is commanded by Cmdr. Dana Nelson a native of Clinton, Conn. California is currently undergoing Bravo sea trials followed by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey trials, which will commence in late July 2011. Built under a unique teaming agreement by General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls-Newport News, the submarine will be commissioned on Oct. 29, 2011 in Norfolk.

July Storms Prove Need for Portable Emergency Weather Radios

(MADISON) - Summertime in Wisconsin means outdoor activities such as camping, hiking and boating. It also can mean severe storms such as tornadoes, lightning and strong winds. That's why it is important to have a portable emergency weather radio to alert you and your family to potential severe weather.

Already this year, Wisconsin has had 31 confirmed tornadoes including one in northern Wisconsin last weekend. In addition, strong storms on July 1st caused one death and numerous injuries. A Park Falls couple believes a portable emergency weather radio saved their lives during a tornado outburst last summer.

Last July 27, Larry and Rita Krznarich were camping on the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage between Park Falls and Mercer. Just after 7:00 p.m., their emergency weather radio alerted them that a tornado was coming. They immediately told campers nearby and everyone took cover.

Larry was injured in the tornado but Rita and others were ok. Everything at the campsite was destroyed. “There was debris in chunks flying through the air,” said Rita Krznarich. “If you’ve ever heard one tree fall you can imagine 50 trees all cracking and falling around you."

Larry and Rita Krznarich believe that without the warning alert from their emergency weather radio - giving them the chance to seek cover - they would be dead. They are sharing their story in a powerful TV and radio public service campaign in hopes that more lives can be saved.

In the public service announcement, Rita and Larry urge everyone to buy an emergency weather radio. “Ever since the storm we’ve given weather radios to people as gifts. You can get them for $20 or in that range, so there’s no excuse not to have one or many.”

Wisconsin Emergency Management and its ReadyWisconsin preparedness program are sponsoring this campaign. “That early warning from the National Weather Service via the emergency weather radio is a lifesaver,” said Tod Pritchard, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. “Having a portable radio is essential if you’re camping or hiking.”

Along with the 30-second public service campaign, ReadyWisconsin is posting a longer version of Larry and Rita’s story at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov along with other tornado survivor stories from Kenosha and Eagle.

A copy of the public service announcement can be obtained from ReadyWisconsin by emailing Tod Pritchard at: tod.pritchard@wisconsin.gov.

Flags lowered to half-staff in Wisconsin for U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Michael C. Nolen

Flags at Wisconsin National Guard armories, air bases and other facilities across the state will fly at half-staff Saturday (July 9) in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Michael C. Nolen of Spring Valley, Wis., who lost his life while serving his country in Afghanistan. The Guard will render these honors in accordance with an executive order issued by Gov. Scott Walker.

EXECUTIVE ORDER # 38 reads:

Relating to a Proclamation that the Flag of the United States and the Flag of the State of Wisconsin be Flown at Half-Staff as a Mark of Respect for Corporal Michael C. Nolen of the United States Marine Corps Who Lost His Life While Serving His Country During Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan

WHEREAS, Corporal Michael C. Nolen provided faithful and honorable service to the people of the State of Wisconsin and the people of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the people of Wisconsin mourn the death of Corporal Michael C. Nolen; and

WHEREAS, a memorial service will be held for Corporal Michael C. Nolen on July 9, 2011;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SCOTT WALKER, Governor of the State of Wisconsin, by the authority vested in me by Federal and State law, do hereby order that the flag of the United States and the flag of the State of Wisconsin shall be flown at half-staff at all buildings, grounds, and military installations of the State of Wisconsin equipped with such flags beginning at sunrise on Saturday, July 9, 2011, and ending at sunset on that date.

________________

All Wisconsin state government facilities are covered by the governor’s order and a 2007 amendment to the U.S. Flag Code now requires all federal facilities in Wisconsin to comply. Other government agencies, businesses and private residences with flagpoles may also honor Cpl. Michael C. Nolen by lowering their U.S. and Wisconsin state flags to half-staff during the daylight hours on July 9.

DOD Announces Appointment of DOD Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program Director

Kicklighter has been appointed director of DoD Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program.

Kicklighter, a Vietnam veteran with 35 years’ service in the U.S. Army, served as executive director of the United States of America 50th Anniversary of World War II Commemoration Committee, and provided oversight for the writing of the plan for the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War.  Most recently, he served as the director of the Center for Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security, at George Mason University.

The DoD Vietnam 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program is partnered with other federal agencies, veterans groups, state, local government and non-government organizations to:

Thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans. 

Highlight the service of the armed forces during the Vietnam War and the contributions of federal agencies and governmental and non-governmental organizations that served with, or in support of, the armed forces. 

Pay tribute to the contributions made on the home front by the people of the United States during the Vietnam War. 

Highlight the advances in technology, science, and medicine related to the military research conducted during the Vietnam War. 

Recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by the allies of the United States during the Vietnam War.

For more information call 877-387-9951 or visit the official website at http://www.vietnamwar50th.com.

Kansas National Guard Soldiers pose with Ugandan soldiers

Ugandan People's Defense Force soldiers pose with U.S Soldiers assigned to the 1st Battalion 161st Field Artillery, Kansas National Guard, at Camp Kasenyi, Uganda, after graduating the 16-week Kasenyi Special Forces Group Advanced Infantry Training Course, June 22, 2011. The U.S. Soldiers partnered with UPDF instructors to teach the course. From left to right: Army Spc. Daniel Dennett, UPDF Lance Cpl. David Esoru, U.S. Army Spc. Chris Shields, UPDF Pvt. Moses Irumba, U.S. Army Spc. Leymon Harris, UPDF Lance Cpl. Bosco Guma, U.S. Army Spc. Michael Stinger and UPDF Cpl. Stephen Baguma. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Ray Bowden)

Blue Ridge Arrives in Brisbane

By Mass Communication Specialist Mel Orr, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- The U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Brisbane, Australia, July 8 in support of exercise Talisman Sabre 2011 (TS11).

The exercise enhances joint combat readiness and interoperability between U.S. and Australian air, land and maritime forces and will focus on crisis action planning and execution of emergency response operations.

TS11 is jointly sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defense Force (ADF) Joint Operations Command and is designed to support and strengthen ADF's capability to defend Australia and its national interests.

"The U.S. and Australia have a proud, longstanding history of working together," said Blue Ridge Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Grieco. "This exercise will further strengthen ties between our two nations and enhance our ability to cooperatively operate our military force to further peace and stability in the region."

While in Brisbane, some Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff Sailors will visit Putrell Park and Karingal Campsite to help with cleaning, painting and planting, while other Sailors will visit children at Mater Children's Hospital as part of community service projects.

Sailors will take in the sights during the numerous scheduled tours and meet local Brisbane residents, all in the spirit of friendship and camaraderie.

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

President Considers Tax Credit to Hire Veterans

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2011 – A tax credit for companies that hire military veterans could be the next step in helping the acutely underemployed group, President Barack Obama suggested yesterday in his Twitter town hall meeting.

The president addressed many economic issues surrounding his theme of how to reduce the federal deficit, and was asked about jobs for veterans while fielding questions submitted on Twitter.

A Twitter user asked the president, “Can you give companies a tax break if they hire an honorably discharged veteran?"

That, Obama said, is a subject he’s discussing with his staff.

“We've got all these young people coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan [who] have made incredible sacrifices [and] have taken on incredible responsibilities,” the president said. “You see some 23-year-old who's leading a platoon in hugely dangerous circumstances, making decisions [and]operating complex technologies. These are folks who can perform. But unfortunately, what we're seeing is a lot of these young veterans have a higher unemployment rate than people who didn't serve. And that makes no sense.”

The president said one idea under discussion is to combine a tax credit for companies that hire veterans with a campaign to get private companies to “do the right thing” and hire additional veterans.

An outreach program to hire veterans already exists in the federal government, the president noted.

“We’ve [put] huge emphasis on ramping up our outreach to veterans and hiring veterans,” Obama said, “and this has been a top priority of mine.

“The notion that these guys who are sacrificing for our freedom and our security end up coming home and not being able to find a job, I think, is unacceptable,” he added.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, July 08, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta is traveling.

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

Lynn to Step Down as Deputy Defense Secretary

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2011 – Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III will step down later this year to return to private life, Pentagon officials announced today.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta asked Lynn to remain in office until a successor is nominated and confirmed, officials said, and that’s expected to happen by autumn.

“Bill Lynn has provided outstanding advice and counsel to this department and to the nation over the course of his long career,” Panetta said in a Pentagon news release. “I will rely on his experience and expertise during this transition period. His service will be greatly missed.”

Lynn has been the face of the Pentagon’s cyber defense policy. He has worked within the department to strengthen DOD’s defense posture and put in place policies, procedures and techniques to safeguard data on the information superhighway. He worked closely with military officials to establish the U.S. Cyber Command – a four-star headquarters based at Fort Meade, Md.

Lynn also has worked with close allies such as Britain, Australia and Canada to ensure all nations work together to protect military information. He stressed the importance of cybersecurity to NATO, and the alliance adapted a roadmap to protect vital secrets during its summit last year.

Lynn also concentrated on DOD’s space and operational energy policies and the department’s Quadrennial Defense Review. In addition, he was instrumental in the process that led to award of the Air Force aerial tanker contract.

“It has been a rare privilege to serve in the Department of Defense during such a challenging time,” the deputy secretary said. “And it has been an honor to serve alongside an outstanding group of civilian and military members who every day demonstrate the value to this nation of their unwavering commitment and dedicated service.”

Lynn’s impending departure is the latest in a series of changes in Pentagon leadership. Panetta took over from retired Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates last week. Marine Corps Gen. James E. “Hoss” Cartwright is scheduled to step down as vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff next month, and Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will complete his four-year term as chairman of the Joint Chiefs at the end of September.

President Barack Obama must nominate Lynn’s successor. The Senate Armed Services Committee would hold a confirmation hearing, and the full Senate would vote on confirmation.

President Calls for Balanced Defense Spending Cuts

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, July 7, 2011 – Though he is committed to cutting the Defense Department budget as part of the overall reduction in the federal deficit, U.S.security and strategic needs must drive the effort, President Barack Obama said yesterday in his first Twitter town hall meeting.

Obama said he conducted the meeting to find out what the public thinks about how to reduce the federal deficit, what costs should be cut and which investments should be kept.

Responding to suggestions for cuts in the defense budget, the president said that is not an easy task.

“We can’t simply lop off 25 percent off the defense budget overnight,” he said. “We have to think about all the obligations we have to our troops who are in the field, and making sure they’re properly equipped and safe.” The need to replace outdated military equipment is another budget consideration, the president added.

“We’ve ended the war in Iraq, our combat mission there, and all our troops are slated to be out by the end of this year,” Obama said. And as Afghan forces take more responsibility for their country’s security, he added, U.S. forces will draw down there as well. But drawing down forces and beginning a new phase in Afghanistan must be done “fairly gradually,” he said.

Obama said that while decisions to cut defense spending will be tough, a reduction requires a balanced approach, as with any government program, to shrink the overall federal budget.

“Those who say that we can’t cut military at all haven’t spent a lot of time looking at military budgets,” he added.

However, the president said, the reductions must take place with the nation’s security in mind.

“One of the things that we have to do is make sure that we do it in a thoughtful way that’s guided by our security and our strategic needs,” he said. “And I think we can accomplish that.”

Navy Re-opens Norfolk Powder Coating Facility

By Susan Lawson, Navy Regional Maintenance Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy officially re-opened the Norfolk Ship Support Activity's powder coating facility on board Norfolk Naval Station July 1, re-establishing the capability to apply corrosion-resistant, powder-based paint to shipboard equipment on Norfolk-based ships.

Originally closed in the mid-90s when the Norfolk Regional Repair Center was moved to Norfolk Naval Shipyard, the powder coating facility was re-established to make corrosion control capabilities more accessible to surface ships.

The facility is one of a number of maintenance facilities the Navy is re-establishing and re-manning, in an effort to improve intermediate level surface ship maintenance support.

The new powder coating facility will use a variety of powder coatings, depending on the type of parts or equipment requiring protection. The coatings are comprised of plastic powders and other durable materials, which, when sprayed or applied, contain materials that immediately bond to the surfaces of parts being repaired.

"With corrosion a relentless adversary, this new powder coating shop will help reduce maintenance costs and provide a much needed asset for our surface ships," said Commander, U.S. Navy Surface Forces, Atlantic, Rear Adm. Dave Thomas. "We've waited 16 years to get our intermediate maintenance facilities back on line and I'm delighted we're growing these capabilities, one step at a time."

Powder coatings can provide maximum protection to ships' components because they are applied in a very controlled manner using more optimal layers of thickness where needed, as opposed to paint, which is applied at a thickness that cannot be greatly varied. Powder coating, unlike a standard painted surface, is much harder and durable application that resists corrosion for a longer period of time.

Old paint is sandblasted from parts in a special booth prior to being given a fresh coating in the powder-coat spray booth. They are then placed in bake-on ovens to seal the powder coatings.

"By using powder coating, Sailors are able to reduce surface ship corrosion on a great variety of parts throughout an entire ship. Powder coating works especially well for the environments our ships face at sea. The coatings are weather resistant, making parts more anti-corrosive than other coverings, and they are environmentally friendly," said Norfolk Ship Support Activity production manager Ronnie Saunders.

Air Force Pilot 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 returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Air Force Maj. Richard G. Elzinga of Shedd, Ore., will be buried on July 8 in Arlington National Cemetery.  On March 26, 1970, Elzinga and his co-pilot went missing when their O-1G Birddog aircraft failed to return to base from a familiarization flight over Laos.  Fifteen minutes after the last radio contact, a communication and visual search showed no sign of the men or their aircraft.  Search and rescue missions continued for two days with no results.

Between 1994 and 2009, joint U.S.-Lao People’s Democratic Republic teams led by Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, analyzed leads, interviewed villagers and surveyed possible crash site locations.  During several joint field surveys, teams recovered human remains, aircraft wreckage, and crew-related equipment.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory also used mitochondrial DNA -- which matched that of his aunt and cousin -- in the identification of Elzinga’s remains.

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 Germantown Arrives In Australia, Begins Talisman Sabre 2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Johnie Hickmon, USS Germantown Public Affairs

TOWNSVILLE, Australia (NNS) -- USS Germantown (LSD 42) and embarked Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Townsville, Australia, for a port visit July 7.

The visit also marks the beginning of Talisman Sabre 2011 (TS11), a bilateral command post and field training exercise designed to maintain a high level of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces.

During the port visit, the crew will have the opportunity to not only shop and participate in several Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, but lend a helping hand to the local community. The ship's first class petty officer association will sponsor a community relations project at the Cancer Institute and Endeavor, where Sailors and Marines will do yard maintenance and interact with individuals there.

For many Sailors and Marines, this will be their first visit to Australia. Pfc. Christopher Dutzer said he has always wanted to visit Australia and is excited about the visit.

"I'm looking forward to enjoying the sites," he said. "I've had friends who have visited Townsville, and they told me the people are very friendly. I think this will be a unique experience."

For others, this will the first time they've visited Australia in a few years. Culinary Specialist 2nd Class(SW) Caesar Ulsano said he last visited Australia four years ago and is looking forward to the friendly hospitality provided by the locals.

"I had a real good time the last time I visited," he said. "I'm looking forward to making new friends and enjoying the country."

In addition to the 31st MEU, units from Air Craft Unit 5 are embarked aboard Germantown for the exercise. They offer three landing craft air cushions, 15 amphibious assault vehicles, three 7-ton vehicles and several Humvees to support the mission.

Germantown departed Sasebo, Japan, June 24 for TS11. The ship was commissioned Feb. 8, 1986, and is capable of carrying more than 721 Sailors and Marines. It is 610 feet long and can travel at speeds up to 20 knots.

USS George Washington Crew Safely Navigates Through Sunda Strait

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard forward-deployed, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) successfully navigated the ship through the Sunda Strait July 6.

The strait links the Java Sea to the Indian Ocean.

"There is a lot that can go wrong during this evolution. The narrowest point in the straits is just two miles wide and the water is only 18 meters deep," said Cmdr. Wes McCall, George Washington's navigator. "If the ship's keel was sitting on the sea floor right now, the mast would be sticking out of the waters - it's that shallow."

To assist George Washington, ships from the Australian and Indonesian navies escorted the carrier through the tricky waterway.

The Sunda Strait, which separates Java from Sumatra, is also busy with hundreds of smaller commercial ships moving commerce around the globe.

"The trickiest part is contact avoidance, making sure that we all get through here safely. That's the only thing on my mind right now," said McCall.

To mitigate that danger, George Washington's lookouts were out in full force, armed with binoculars and sound powered phones to instantly report any hazards.

"We had our work cut out for us today," said Chief Quartermaster (SW/EXW) Jarrod Collins of George Washington's Navigation Department. "For transits like this, it sometimes takes a couple of days to prepare - sometimes a couple of weeks. We research the area we're traveling through, make sure we are aware of the restrictions and that we are adhering to them."

While it is easy to be swept away by the beauty of the clear blue water and passing islands, the crew of George Washington was reminded that the Sunda Strait is also a graveyard for U.S. and Allied Sailors from World War II. In 1942, cruiser USS Houston (CA 30) and HMAS Perth (D 29) were sunk in the Sunda Strait by Imperial Japanese forces.

"All the waters of the 7th Fleet area of responsibility are steeped in history," said Capt. David Lausman, George Washington's commanding officer. "Our crew gains valuable insight, professionalism and understanding in all waters that we navigate."

The average age of the crew aboard George Washington is just 26 years old. To successfully navigate a massive 1,092 foot-long carrier for nearly 12 hours through a busy and tricky waterway is a credit to the skill of these young Sailors.

"We have some young quartermasters aboard, as well as Sailors who have only been doing the job for a few months. To see them navigating these waters is very impressive," said McCall. "These guys are the best that we have, and I'm very proud of them."

George Washington returned to patrolling the waters of the Western Pacific June 12 after departing the ship's forward operating base of Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. There are more than 5,500 Sailors, from George Washington and Carrier Air Wing 5, on board the ship.

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.

Eisenhower Named As 2010 SECNAV Safety Award Winner

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Marshall, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) was awarded the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Safety Excellence Award in the large deck combatant category at an award presentation at the U.S. Navy Memorial and Naval Heritage Center Theater in Washington, D.C., July 7, 2011.

The Department of the Navy Safety Excellence Awards were established in 2002 by the Honorable Gordon R. England to personally recognize Navy and Marine Corps commands that demonstrate extraordinary excellence by sustained mission success with simultaneous exemplary safety performance.

All award recipients of the award are presented with the SECNAV's distinctive white-and-green safety flag, which they are entitled to fly for one year.

"Our uses of operational risk management (ORM) during the 2010 deployment and our time in the shipyard is what got us here," said Commander Thomas F. Stanley, Dwight D. Eisenhower's safety officer. "Training, fixing problems on the spot and being knowledgeable about the risks kept IKE safe."

According to SECNAV Ray Mabus, safety and risk management are intrinsic to Dwight D. Eisenhower to effectively prepare for and complete her mission, whether at home or deployed in harm's way.

"Your safety accomplishments are proof-positive of your mission first, safety always command culture and your commitment to each other, to safety excellence, to the nation, and to the advent of the department of the Navy as a world class safety organization," Mabus said in a message announcing the awards.

Sailors aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower have been in a post incremental availability period since September of last year, but that has not stopped Sailors from catching the attention of SECNAV Mabus.

"We set a standard this past year and hopefully USS Dwight D. Eisenhower's safety continues to improve," said Stanley.

Game Day at the Brain Fitness Center

By Jayne Davis, DCoE Strategic Communications

The veteran walks onto the playing field - game face on. But there’s no standard athletic equipment here, no bats, no balls, no clubs. Instead, the equipment is a chair and a computer.

Like physical competitive play, speed, accuracy, agility and strategic thinking will be tested. Unlike physical play however, only the mind, not the body, will be put through the paces.

This is tough stuff with a formidable opponent: the brain. This particular veteran has a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and he’s about to voluntarily spend repeated, small chunks of time playing games with his mind.

The setting is the Brain Fitness Center. It’s a small room with a half-dozen computers running programs that sound and look like video games. Veterans and active-duty service members who have difficulty remembering things, trouble focusing or paying attention – all possible cognitive symptoms of TBI – “play” with shapes, pictures, sounds, paired associations, speech patterns, puzzles and a host of programs to stimulate visual processing, critical thinking, language, calculation and other brain functions that can challenge veterans with TBI.

The games are meant to be fun and entertaining ways to stimulate the brain. On some days, however, the games can be as grueling as any physical workout.

Housed inside the Military Advanced Training Center at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the Brain Fitness Center is one program the Defense Department is using to help veterans with TBI. The center is part of the Walter Reed TBI program, which incorporates more than 12 different components to address this multifaceted injury with a broad spectrum of symptoms and disabilities.

The computerized brain training program is meant to supplement traditional rehabilitative therapies. “This is a complex issue,” said Dr. Louis French, a neuropsychologist and clinical site director for the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, a component center of Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). ‘‘We must have multiple interventions,” he said.

The center has a library of products, some developed in a clinical setting and others that come from the commercial market. Access to the products comes by appointment at the center, take-home software, web-based technology and hand-held devices, all of which allow service members and veterans to train wherever they have a computer and an Internet connection.

Though many users say they’ve found help and improvement with these products, brain training remains experimental. Kathleen Sullivan, speech pathologist and director of the Brain Fitness Center, says research shows that the brain can continue to learn and become stronger at any age. But the research is still out on definitive claims of success in treating TBI.

Michael Merzenich is a neuroscientist and co-founder of Posit Science, which makes one of the brain training programs used at Walter Reed and other military and veterans’ hospitals. He admits that although brain training programs have not been scientifically tested on brains, let alone injured brains, he believes they are helping. “[It] doesn’t mean that everyone is going to be in the tip-top shape they were in before they went over to Afghanistan,” he says, “but most of the people can be substantially better.”

New website offers Guard members greater access to benefits information

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

It's 2 a.m. on a sleepless night, and you want to check the status of a Veterans Administration disability claim related to your last deployment. A new one-stop website means you won't have to wait for the start of the workday to get the information you are looking for.

eBenefits - a VA web portal developed by the 2007 President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors - provides National Guard members and all veterans access to a catalog of direct links to information on services ranging from VA claims to education benefits and life insurance.

Jeffrey Unger, transition assistance advisor with the Wisconsin National Guard, enrolled in eBenefits in January.

"One of the things I like is it allows you, in the privacy and security of your own home, to get access to anything in the Veterans Benefits Administration," he said.

"It's a tool for personal information organization," said Vernell Hill, the National Guard Bureau Interactive Personnel Electronic Records Management System senior access control manager. "The sooner you get in and get up to date, the easier it is for everything to fall into line, especially in the event something unforeseen happens and your family needs information."

Hill said Guard members can sign up using one of four methods: with their common access card, through myPay, a defense enrollment eligibility reporting system real-time automated personnel identification system terminal, or go directly to the closest VA center for face-to-face assistance.

Service members with a common access card (CAC) will be directed to obtain an eBenefits logon either upon enlistment, reenlistment or by 2013, according to Clifford L. Stanley, undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness.

"The DS [DOD Self-Service Logon] is a secure, self-service logon ID that allows beneficiaries affiliated with the DOD or the VA access to several websites using a single username and password," Stanley said. "DS Logon will allow all service members and veterans secure access through the eBenefits web portal to benefits information specifically tailored to their needs, for the lifetime of their affiliation with the DOD or VA."

Hill recommended that Guard members who are still part of the uniformed service use their common access cards to enter the system since it is easier.

"CAC registration is especially critical for our wounded warriors, since it may be more difficult to travel to a RAPIDS or VA site," he said.

Unger said that eBenefits will soon be even more useful to National Guard members. He noticed that the site linked mostly to the VBA or state veterans affairs departments. Based on his suggestion, the NGB will cooperate with the VA to quickly incorporate transition assistance advisor information for each state, as well as other veterans services provided by state National Guard organizations.

"This will provide direct access to a knowledgeable, in-state resource who will walk the transition process with them," Unger explained, "building their self-esteem and letting them know they are not the first, they won't be the last, and they are not alone in this process."

Tech. Sgt. John Orrell of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report.