Fleet Logistics Center Yokosuka Completes Talisman Sabre Support Mission

By H. Sam Samuelson, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka Office of Corporate Communication

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- A Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka logistics response team (LRT) returned to Japan from multiple sites in Australia and Guam Aug. 2, after providing support for exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.

"This biennial event is one of the biggest exercises in the Western Pacific theater of operations and provides an invaluable opportunity to test force and logistics interoperability with one of our closest allies," said Lt. Anthony Castleberry, NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka officer-in-charge of LRT operations.

Talisman Sabre is jointly sponsored by the U.S. Pacific Command and Australian Defence Force Joint Operations Command to train U.S. 7th Fleet and Australian Deployable Joint Headquarters staffs as a designated combined task force.

More than 22,000 U.S. and Australian personnel took part in the exercise designed to increase both countries' abilities to plan and execute contingency responses, from combat missions to humanitarian assistance efforts, including land, air and sea training.

Dozens of U.S. ships and hundreds of aircraft participated.

"All the operating forces including, of course, our Australian colleagues, needed continuous logistics support to successfully execute all the training elements of Talisman Sabre," said Castleberry. "That's where we came in."

Castleberry said the American-based LRT formed up with an Australian logistics contingent to create a combined logistics support element in Rockhampton, Queensland, including a nearby military airfield and the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

In concept, Castleberry's team was devoted to U.S. Forces and the Australian team served its forces.

"But that didn't really happen," Castelberry said. "We assisted each other. We worked as a single team and, at times, it wasn't a matter of which country's ship the material was going to; it was a matter of getting it there safely and on time."Still, the LRT arrived and served the exercise successfully."

The LRT concept was designed to more efficiently provide local, on-scene logistics support by logistics representatives who are familiar with the area-in this case the waters in and around Australia.

In years past, ships would establish beach detachments and assign logistics and supply specialists from inside the hulls to staff the detachments. Unfamiliarity would bread inefficiencies.

"The NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka team comes with experience and understanding of the area, of operations, bases, commercial and military support infrastructures," Castleberry said.

During the exercise, material such as parts, equipment, food stuffs, comfort items and even the mail was delivered to Guam and directly to sites within Australia. A NAVSUP FLC Yokosuka team in Guam sorted material and coordinated transportation via the Navy Air Logistics Office for further movement to Australia.

Castleberry and his team received the material from Guam, as well as prioritized supplies directly into Rockhampton via commercial shipping, sorted and coordinated further transportation to the units at sea.

Castleberry said the Guam LRT tracked 26 high-priority requisitions and expedited 90 line items for shipment by commercial air alone. The LRT also assisted with the quarantine and customs clearance of more than 40 personnel transiting to and from the exercise areas.

Eisenhower Conducts Burial at Sea

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rob Rupp, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) gathered to honor the deaths of two former Sailors in a burial at sea ceremony, Aug. 18.

"It was quite the honor to be able to participate in the ceremony and a humbling experience to meld the religious aspects with military honors for the burial," said Lt. Cmdr. Tom Statler, one of IKE's chaplains.

In earlier days, burial at sea was an absolute necessity when a death occurred on board a ship.

Today, it is seldom necessary to bury members at sea, except in time of war. On occasion, naval personnel who die ashore, or naval retirees, request a burial at sea.

These requests are honored whenever possible. Such requests are submitted to the cognizant naval area commander for approval. If authorized, the date of the burial will be determined by the availability of the concerned naval vessel.

"It takes a lot of preparation to conduct a burial at sea," said Statler. "Coordinating this ceremony involved a wide variety of people from the command, such as arranging the honor guard and a firing squad to be there."

The ceremony was composed of religious rites, which consisted of reading scriptures, prayer, the committal and Benediction. Military honors consisted of the firing of three volleys after the Benediction, Taps, and the folding and presentation of the United States flag to the Executive Officer and Command Master Chief, who received it on behalf of the deceased's next of kin.

"The families trust the Navy with the remains of their deceased to carry out their final wishes," said Statler. "Death can be such a great enemy at times, and remembering the life of someone that has passed away can be a great opportunity to bring comfort and joy to the families whom experienced such a significant loss."

Individuals eligible for this program are: active duty members of uniformed services; retirees and veterans who were honorably discharged, U.S. civilian marine personnel of the Military Sealift Command: and dependent family members of active duty personnel, retirees, and veterans of the uniformed services.

Eisenhower is currently underway conducting carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

Motorcycle Ride Kicks Off 9/11 Memorial Observances

By Donna Miles

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Tenth-anniversary commemorations of the 9/11 terror attacks will begin kicking off tomorrow, as almost 2,500 motorcyclists launch the 11th America’s 9/11 Ride that begins in Shanksville, Pa., and continues over the next three days to the Pentagon and World Trade Center crash sites.

The annual memorial ride, sponsored by America’s 911 Foundation Inc., honors more than 3,000 victims of the 9/11 attacks, including 184 killed when American Airlines Flight 77 exploded into the Pentagon, as well as the first responders who rushed to all three locations.

Sept. 11 survivors, families who lost loved ones in the attacks and first responders are among those registered for this year’s memorial ride, to kick off tomorrow evening in Pennsylvania’s Somerset County. There, the first phase of a new Flight 93 National Memorial honoring 40 people killed aboard the flight will be dedicated Sept. 10.

Following an evening memorial concert by rock ‘n’ roll “screamer” Donnie Iris Aug. 18, the motorcycle procession will depart early the next day for the Pentagon Memorial. There, riders will pay tribute to victims of the Pentagon attack, including the 58 passengers, four flight attendants and two pilots aboard the hijacked Boeing 757 and 125 people inside the Pentagon.

Country music star Aaron Tippin, best known in military circles for his “You’ve Got to Stand for Something” single that became a popular anthem for troops fighting in the Gulf War and his No. 1 post-9/11 hit, “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly,” will present a free concert that evening in nearby Arlington, Va.

The last leg of the ride will begin at the Pentagon early Aug. 20 as the motorcyclists travel to ground zero in New York. The following day, they will participate in a World Trade Center ceremony honoring 2,753 victims of the attacks there, which includes deaths from respiratory disease linked to the towers’ collapse.

Ted Sjurseth, who with his wife, Lisa, founded America’s 911 Foundation in October 2001, sponsored the first memorial ride the following month with 250 participants. The ride has increased in size over the past decade, and Sjurseth said he’s excited that the 10-anniversary ride will be the largest yet.

“We’re focused on making this year’s ride better than ever and taking what we’ve been working on over the past 10 years to the next level,” he said. “Through this year’s program, along with the ride, we will continue our primary mission to remember and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11.”

The ride also raises money for programs that support families of first responders, foundation officials said. Over the past six years, the foundation has awarded more than $180,000 in college scholarships to more than 75 children of emergency responders, and donated more than $500,000 in new equipment and contributions to first-responder departments.

“We're here to honor the heroes we have around us every day,” Sjurseth said.

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Receives Award for Reservist, Guard Support

From Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) was recognized for its outstanding support to employees serving in the Reserve and National Guard during an Aug. 12 ceremony.

The command received a Patriot Award and Department of Defense certificate of appreciation from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve committee, a Defense Department organization charged to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees.

In addition, the Washington State ESGR committee presented the shipyard with the prestigious Above and Beyond Award, hailing the extra mile which PSNS & IMF goes to take good care of its activated employees.

One of those employees, Jason Donat, nominated the command for the awards for the support he received from the command when he was recalled for duty in Afghanistan.

"I took a moment to think about my civilian employer, PSNS & IMF, and realized how fortunate I was that they continually supported me and my spouse, Samantha, throughout my extended orders away from my home, family and my civilian job," explained Donat. "So, I decided to nominate PSNS & IMF as a whole for the support they have provided and to show them the impact it makes."

Donat spoke of the exceptional support both he and his wife received from the command's human resources, the leadership in his code, the outpouring from co-workers, and the flexibility he was given in his schedule.

"What we try to provide, over and above requirements, is the easiest transition possible for our employees who are activated," said Capt. Mark Whitney, PSNS commander. "We make certain we are prepared to meet the needs of our reserve service members and answer their questions with efficiency and accuracy."

PSNS & IMF provides additional support through an Employee Resource Group specifically for veterans and reservists. This group assists with connecting employees and their families with resources needed when called back to active service. The command also makes every effort to make the transition back to the employee's civilian work as easy as possible.

"It's our responsibility to come to work every day to support our nation," Whitney said to Donat. "You are the one going 'above and beyond' going to war for the country."

Arkansas Navy SEAL Remembered

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jamica Johnson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element

GREEN FOREST, Ark. (NNS) -- Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief (SEAL/SW) Thomas A. Ratzlaff, 34, was honored in a memorial service at the Green Forest Assembly of God Church in Green Forest, Ark., Aug 16.

Ratzlaff was one of 30 U.S service members killed when a coalition CH-47 Chinook helicopter crashed in Afghanistan on, Aug 6.

Tuesday morning family, friends, service members and the community of Green Forest gathered to both celebrate the life and mourn the loss of their loved one.

The parking lot and walkways of the chapel were lined with volunteers from the Patriot Guard Riders and the Daughters of the American Revolution, all waving American flags and offering their support to the family of the fallen veteran.

Pastor Gray Hayhurst led the memorial service and spoke of Ratzlaff's life and Naval career. He consoled the family for their loss and thanked the veterans for their service.

Senior Chief Ratzlaff was described as being "selflessly dedicated to serving his family, country and brothers in arms. He was an extraordinary hero and his commitment to freedom will remain as a hallmark for Special Operations Warriors."

Ratzlaff was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor (5th award), Defense Meritoriously Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.

Ratzlaff's interment is scheduled to take place at Arlington National Cemetery later this month.

The family requests that Memorial Contributions in his honor be made to the Navy SEAL Foundation, nswfoundation.org, or the Ratzlaff Memorial Fund, c/o First National Bank of Green Forrest, P.O box 1900, Green Forest, AR 72638.

Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, August 19, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead will speak at 8:40 a.m. EDT at the 2011 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems National Symposium at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending should contact Melanie Hinton, AUVSI senior communications manager at 571-255-7786.

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 18

From the Navy News Service

1838 - Exploring Expedition under Lt. Charles Wilkes embarks on world cruise.

1911 - First Navy Nurse Corps superintendent, Esther Voorhees Hasson, appointed.

1965 - First major amphibious assault in Vietnam, Operation Starlight captures 2,000 Viet Cong.

1966 - First ship-to-shore satellite radio message sent from USS Annapolis (AMGR 1) in South China Sea to Pacific Fleet Headquarters at Pearl Harbor.

1974 - After flooding in Philippines, Navy helicopters begin six days of operations to rescue people and bring supplies (244 flights).

Don't forget the history and sacrifices of American heroes; discover these Vietnam veteran books where our heroes tell you their story.

NASCAR Star Visits Eisenhower

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zach Martin, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

AT SEA (NNS) -- National Association of Stock Car Automobile Racing (NASCAR) Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series celebrity driver Carl Edwards took time to travel to the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower on, Aug. 16.

Edwards is best known for winning the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series Rookie of the Year and 2007 Busch Series Champion awards, along with the 2011 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.

Edwards and his group made an arrested landing on the ship's flight deck in a C-2A Greyhound, part of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40, and spent time observing Dwight D. Eisenhower conducting carrier qualifications (CQ) from the flight deck.

"There's absolutely no comparison between what I do and what these men and women do for thirteen hours every day on the flight deck," Edwards said. "The sacrifices you guys make, taking huge risks, the dedication and the hours you all put in is incredible."

Master Chief Gunner's Mate (SW/AW) Jason Robertson, one of Edwards' escorts, said he's been a lifelong racing fan and was thrilled at the chance to meet Edwards not only for himself, but for his family.

"I like Mr. Edwards myself but I'm most excited because I will get a picture and autograph for my father-in-law," Robertson said. "I would also like to thank Mr. Edwards for taking time out of his busy schedule to show respect for all our service men and women."

Following the group's experience and watching flight operations in action, Edwards set up shop in the ship's hangar bay to sign autographs and interact with the crew.

"Everybody has been awesome, I've met people from all over the country, and even some from my hometown," Edwards said. "I even met someone whose sister went to prom with my brother!"

Lt. Raleigh Stahl, assistant air operations officer for Commander, Carrier Strike Group EIGHT, was one of the Sailors in line to receive an autograph from Edwards. "He's a NASCAR driver, and I'm excited to be here," Stahl said, "It's awesome to see one of the guys you watch every weekend here on the ship."

Following the signing, Edwards joined the crew on the ship's mess decks for dinner, and was surprised with a belated birthday cake celebrating his day-prior Aug. 15 birthday.

Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Samantha Fergus, who designed, baked and built Edwards' birthday cake, said the chance to create pastry art for a sports celebrity was an opportunity for her to showcase her talents.

"I'm really excited," Fergus said. "It was my first real celebrity experience."

Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, August 18, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

Alisa Stack, International Security Assistance Force Joint Command deputy chief of staff for stability, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on governance and stability efforts in Afghanistan.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

A National Capital Region Flyover of Arlington National Cemetery occurs at 11:48 a.m. EDT with one KC-135.

Face of Defense: Guardsman Aids Injured at Indiana State Fair

By Army Sgt. John Crosby

120th Public Affairs Detachment

INDIANAPOLIS, Aug. 17, 2011 – An Indiana Air National Guardsman leaped into action to help others here Aug. 13 when a concert stage collapsed at the Indiana State Fair, killing five people and injuring at least 40 others.

Air Force Master Sergeant James Stranahan of Shelburn, Ind., assigned to the 53rd Civil Support Team, was in the third row of the stands when the stage collapsed onto about 50 people. He jumped over the guard rail and took action.

Stranahan, a senior medic, triaged, treated and helped to evacuate more than a dozen injured people. Having responded to mass casualty situations before on deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, he said, the tragedy at the fair hit very close to home.

“In the military, there’s always that potential [for death or injury],” Stranahan said. “But, an accident of this magnitude, it’s tough. I’m an older guy; I feel like I can handle it. I feel bad for those kids that have to live with this memory for the rest of their lives.”

Stranahan has more than 29 years in the military, including more than 20 years in the Indiana Army and Air National Guard. His mission with the 53rd CST is to respond to civil emergencies, from natural disasters to attacks from weapons of mass destruction.

Stranahan attended the fair with this girlfriend, he said, noting they’d watched the opening act from the sand pit located just in front of the stage. Stranahan and his girlfriend returned to their seats after the opening act, he said.

About 30 minutes later, tragedy struck. Stranahan described the strong and sudden 60-mph gust of wind that collapsed the stage.

“Within just a few minutes, the wind picked up and the temperature dropped,” Stranahan said. “I could see just a wall of dust and debris tear through the Ferris wheel.”

Stranahan said the wind then hit the stage, causing it to fall within seconds.

“With all my military training, and the medical side, I knew I needed to spring into action to help these injured people,” he said.

“After the collapse of the stage, we started using whatever we could to help evacuate the casualties out from underneath the stage. We used the chairs that were knocked down -- we folded them up and used them as litters. Guys were cutting pieces of tarp, taking pieces of the collapsed stage -- whatever they could find -- to help these injured people.”

Stranahan said he and others worked for more than an hour through the storm to try to help as many people as they could. He treated head wounds, lacerations, broken bones and other injuries, and said he was amazed by the multitude of bystanders who stepped forward. Doctors, nurses, and service members sprang into action to aid the injured, he said.

“It was very gratifying to me, being military and me being a Hoosier, to see so many people come together so quickly from all different walks of life to help save those injured folks,” Stranahan said.

Stranahan’s enlisted supervisor praised his actions at the fair.

“His many experiences range from deploying for Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Operation Iraqi Freedom, to responding to Hurricane Katrina,” said Army 1st Sgt. Tyson Johnson, 53rd CST. “All of this contributes to his immediate responsible reaction to the incident at the fairgrounds.”

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 17

From the Navy News Service

1812 - Frigate President captures British schooner L'Adeline in North Atlantic.  Read about this and other battles that saved this country from these War of 1812 books.

1942 - Submarines USS Nautilus (SS 168) and USS Argonaut (SS 166) land 222 Marines on Makin Island, first amphibious attack made from submarines.

1959 - Adm. Arleigh Burke re-appointed as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for third two-year term, serving longest term as CNO.

1962 - Navy's first hydrofoil patrol craft, USS High Point (PCH 1) launched at Seattle, Wash.

Panama Canal Defense Exercise Begins

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2011 – One of the world’s largest multinational military exercises gets under way today to test plans to defend the Panama Canal.

Some 3,500 military and civilian personnel from 17 countries are participating in the 12-day exercise dubbed PANAMAX 2011, U.S. Southern Command officials said.

Co-sponsored by Southcom and the Panamanian government, PANAMAX is a joint, combined operation focused on defending one of the world’s most strategic and economically crucial waterways for global trade, officials said.

This year’s exercise focuses on building the interoperability and capacity that would be necessary to defend the canal in the event of a threat, Southcom spokesman Jose Ruiz said.

“We hope the Panama Canal will never have to be defended from a serious threat,” Ruiz said, “but capacity is a very important part of being able to respond to emerging threats.” While the participating countries have an interest in the canal, two-thirds of the canal’s shipping traffic is from the United States, Ruiz noted.

The exercise will develop and test the command and control of forces at sea, involving participants in maritime, air, land, space and cyber operations, he said. Scenarios include open water diving operations, counterdrug interdictions and simulated river operations.

PANAMAX will take place off the coasts of Panama, Texas, Florida and Mississippi through Aug. 26.

The PANAMAX exercise series began in 2003 with the United States, Panama and Chile participating, Ruiz said. Interest in the exercise and in protecting the canal has grown over the years, he added, and participation has expanded to as many as 20 partner countries, he added.

“We worked with our partner nations for many years with the approach that regional security challenges require regional solutions and approaches,” he said.

NMCB 7 Completes Field Training Exercise, Deployment Certification

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Yan Kennon, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 7 completed Operation Bearing Duel, the battalion's field training exercise and final evaluation period (FTX/FEP) at Joint Training Facility Camp Shelby, Miss., Aug. 9.

The FTX/FEP evaluated the battalion's abilities in every NMCB mission area and certified NMCB 7 as the Atlantic Fleet Seabees' Independent Unit Ready for Tasking.

The successful FTX/FEP culminates of the battalion's homeport training and signifies it is ready for its scheduled early 2012 deployment to U.S. Central Command's area of operations (AOR) , as well as confirms that the battalion can be deployed anywhere in the world and is capable of executing any assigned construction mission.

"Despite extreme heat, thunderstorms and rain, the battalion did an amazing job to succeed," said NMCB 7 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gordie Meyer. "The training was hard and physically demanding. It tested the battalion and showed our strength to complete a successful deployment in any environment, at any location. With the completion of FTX, our focus for the remainder of the homeport will continue to be military training, construction project completion, construction skill attainment and overall deployment preparation."

FTX/FEP is an around the clock exercise which tests a battalion's capability to perform scheduled tasking in the midst of extreme adversity. Construction operations are accomplished under constant hostile activity as aggressors and role players attempt to penetrate camp defenses and disrupt any momentum the battalion may have built. Seabees, in this environment, see very long days as watchstanders, construction workers and defensive security elements. For Seabees, the primary mission is contingency construction, but they must also be ready to defend their camp and accompanying assets at all times.

During the FTX, the battalion maintained a mainbody site while simultaneously deploying and maintaining their Air Detachment, Bridge Detachment and Sierra Detachment.

The battalion's Air Detachment conducted a successful field 48-hour mount out, redeployment to a predetermined location, conducted and maintained 24-hour defensive security and performed construction tasking under constant hostile aggressor attacks.

"The men and women of Air Detachment were faced with numerous obstacles and moving parts," said Air Detachment Leading Chief Petty Officer Chief Builder Joe Williams. "Through perseverance, dedication, and teamwork, Air Detachment met all challenges head-on and succeeded as planned. Despite continued aggressor attacks, the Air Detachment completed construction of a crow's nest, hardened sentry post and a heavy timber bunker, ahead of projected schedule."

The battalion's Bridge Detachment, under similar conditions, erected a Mabey Johnson Bridge.

"Due to the extreme summer temperatures at Camp Shelby, our Seabees performed the bulk of construction during the evening and night hours," said Bridge Detachment Leading Chief Petty Officer Chief Builder Shawn Cody. "Having the ability to perform contingency construction tasking while defending our position exemplifies the Seabee motto, 'We Build, We Fight!'"

The battalion's Sierra Detachment was tasked with the construction of a 30-foot timber tower and a heavy timber bunker, accumulating more than 50 man-days of contingency construction.

"Both construction crews worked with determination through excessive heat, torrential down pours, and long hours to safely and successfully complete their projects," said Sierra Detachment Assistant Officer-in-Charge Lt. Sean Hughes.

The detachment also laid the ground work for the battalion's mainbody move-in from its previous location, performing initial security sweeps, camp layout, and the erection of essential command posts, enabling a seamless transition from Detachment Sierra to mainbody control.

"If the detachment's attitude and skill level is any indication of the battalion's performance to come on our upcoming deployment, then we're going to be in good shape," said Hughes.

The Convoy Security Element (CSE) is an essential component of the battalion during a combat deployment. During FTX/FEP, NMCB 7 CSE conducted more than 60 missions, including convoy escort; Traffic Control Points; Marine Expeditionary Force reconnaissance; simulated humanitarian support; and VIP escorts. Two teams consisting of seven gun trucks and 32 Seabees worked around the clock providing measures of battalion security.

"Though each mission had its challenges, battalion convoy security proved to be the most challenging, due to the enormous amounts of Civil Engineering Support Equipment to transport from one site to another," said CSE Operations Chief Builder Jesse VanAusdoll. "Our training, teamwork, and detailed planning ensured that we were prepared to accomplish each mission."

Operation Bearing Duel took place in various phases, to include Receipt, Staging, Onward-Movement and Integration; Operations; Sustainment; and Retrograde. As NMCB 7 makes its final preparations for deployment, the battalion will continue to fine-tune tactics, responses, and capabilities that will allow the battalion to continue to operate at the tip of the spear during its combat deployment in support of U.S. Central Command tasking and objectives.

NMCB 7 is one of the original 10 Seabee battalions authorized by the Chief of the Navy's Bureau of Yards and Docks in 1942.

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta hosts an honor cordon to welcome Denmark’s Minister of Defense Gitte Lillelund Bech to the Pentagon at 9:45 a.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

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

This Day in Naval History - Aug. 16

From the Navy News Service

1812 - USS Constitution recaptures American merchant brig Adeline.

1954 - Beginning of Operation Passage to Freedom, the transport of refugees from Haiphong to Saigon, Vietnam.

Don't forget the history and sacrifices of American heroes; discover these Vietnam War books where our heroes tell you their story.

Resilience Study Can Help DOD Strengthen Programs

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2011 – The military has a plethora of programs aimed at building resilience in service members and their families, but needs a better system in place to measure their success, a study has revealed.

Commissioned by the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, the Rand Corp. study examined 23 military and civilian programs that address psychological resilience and offered recommendations on how the military can improve their quality and effectiveness.

Resilience is a keystone to a service members’ overall fitness, said U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr. George Durgin, the centers’ resilience division chief in the resilience and prevention directorate.

“If you have a service member who can adapt and overcome to adverse events and then turn back to a steady plane -- a green zone -- that’s what we’re looking for,” he said.

The question, he added, is “How do we get into a heightened event and then get back to that green zone?”

To start, experts reviewed 270 scientific publications on psychological resilience. From the literature, the team identified 20 factors -- including positive thinking and coping, realism and behavioral control -- that were scientifically proven to be the most effective at building resilience.

The team then gathered information on 23 service-specific resilience programs that are targeted to military members and their families and addressed at least one phase of deployment. Their purpose was to see if the factors they had identified as effective were integrated into these programs and, if so, to what extent.

Experts also looked to see how these programs assessed their success.

According to the study’s findings, published in the report “Promoting Psychological Resilience in the U.S. Military,” the programs incorporated several of the resilience factors, but need a more standard evaluation system to measure success. The programs employ a wide range of measures to gauge their effectiveness, the report noted, and just five of the 23 programs have conducted formal assessments.

"These programs are popular with leaders and troops, and intuitively we think they are having a positive effect," Durgin said. "But the bottom line is there hasn't been a formal approach to measuring success."

The findings also showed programs have a wide range of definitions for resilience.

The study listed a series of recommendations aimed at improving the quality and delivery of resilience programs. First, Defense Department leaders and policy makers should create a departmentwide definition of resilience, the report suggested. This will help to focus programs, it explained, and provide guidance for measuring outcomes.

DOD also needs to strengthen existing programs, the report said, through an evaluation of existing programs’ strengths and weaknesses. Programs that show the most potential can be combined, the report suggested, citing the Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program as a possible candidate.

Officials also should standardize resilience measures to allow for program comparison.

To help wade through the vast number of programs, the report said, DOD should develop a resource guide that compares and contrasts programs for service members and their families.

The Defense Centers of Excellence is developing a database of service-specific programs, Durgin noted. This will help people find programs quickly and also help to direct future programs. If an effective program already is in place, he said, “Why reinvent the wheel?”

The report also cited a need to ensure that scientifically proven resilience factors -- such as positive thinking, coping and behavioral control -- are incorporated into programs.

Finally, DOD should engage senior military leaders and ensure rigorous program evaluation is in place.

Studies such as this one, along with research by the Defense Centers of Excellence, can help the military focus and strengthen its resilience programs, Durgin noted.

The overall goal, he added, is to ensure service members and their families remain resilient. It’s normal to move out of a steady state when confronted with combat and other wartime challenges, Durgin said, “but the key part for us is that they can always get back. And if they can’t, that’s when we have to step in to help them.”

Constitution Molds Chief Selectees

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution began its 14th annual Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Heritage Weeks training for CPO selectees Aug. 15.

Constitution's CPO mess designed CPO Heritage Weeks to instill pride in naval heritage and build esprit de corps while selectees lived and trained aboard the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world.

"The wonderful part about CPO Heritage Weeks is that Constitution Sailors get the opportunity to not only learn about the fleet but also meet the leaders who are out there," said Cmdr. Matt Bonner, Constitution commanding officer. "The big takeaway for the chief selects is they learn about and see all the things that Sailors assigned here do and how they live, plus they experience what life was like in the early Navy through gun and boarding pike drills, sail training, and living aboard 'Old Ironsides.'"

During CPO Heritage Weeks, Constitution's crew teaches approximately 300 chief selectees a variety of time-honored maritime evolutions. Selectees will learn boarding pike and War of 1812-era gun drills using Constitution's traditional 24-pound naval long guns. They also will learn small boat operations and how to climb the ship's shrouds.

"I hope to gain a deeper knowledge of our naval heritage through the selectee training," said Chief Culinary Specialist (Select) (SW) Brian Pettee. "Just recently being assigned to the USS Constitution and finding out I was selected to become a chief petty officer was an extremely humbling."

"One of the highlights of my first few weeks in command was calling in the three Sailors to tell them they were selected for chief," said Bonner. "It is a great feeling seeing the Sailors assigned to Constitution be recognized for all the outstanding work they have done both here and throughout their careers and demonstrates that we are getting the right people at this command."

Additionally, selectees supported the local community by helping at the New England Homeless Veterans Center, Old Soldier's Home in Chelsea, Mass., and Harvard-Kent Elementary School in Charlestown.

Mentor CPOs guide and train selectees as they endure the rigors of the CPO induction process.

"The chief selectees will be challenged throughout the week," said Senior Chief Yeoman (EXW) Anthony B. Iadevaia, a mentor chief for CPO Heritage Weeks. "The USS Constitution is a unique ship that truly exemplifies the need for teamwork. Selects will learn that only with teamwork will they be able to load the guns, raise the sails and get underway. These are only a few examples of tasks that require teamwork, effective communications, and leadership. All are critical to being 'the chief' and are decisive in their development as future CPOs."

Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history, as she welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year.

Memorial Run Honors First Female Marine Killed in Action During OIF

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Whidbey Island

NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- More than 225 competitors hit the pavement during the 5th Annual Major Megan McClung Memorial Run aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, Aug. 13.

The memorial run, consisting of five- and 10-kilometer runs, is held each year in remembrance of McClung, who died Dec. 6, 2006 in Ramadi, Iraq.

She was the first female Marine Corps officer to be killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was also an avid marathon runner and six-time Ironman competitor.

Proceeds and donations from the run will go to support the Semper Fi Fund for wounded Marines.

"This is my third year participating, and it's great tribute, not only to Megan, but those that serve and put their lives on the line," said Christine Johnson of Sedro-Wooley, Wash.

Marine Corps Col. Bradley Close, Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 53 commanding officer, was impressed with the command's cohesion and participation in this event.

"It's a great turn-out, we're really happy to see so many people come out and show their support for the Major McClung Memorial Run," said Close. "It's for a great cause; for a fallen warrior, one of our own and all the funds go to the Semper Fi Fund, which again goes to help wounded warriors and help with their transition."

MATSG 53 hosted the event, and according to McClung's parents and members of MATSG 53, they hope to gain even more support in upcoming years.

McClung's father, Michael, spoke about the event.

"Today's event is important for Megan's memory because Megan believed in mind, body and spirit, she believed that you need to be athletic, to get out and exercise, to clear you mind which will raise your spirit," said McClung. "It's a great turn-out; Megan encouraged people to run,. When she would run, she would finish the race, go back and help the slower runners along. Megan always said that it's not about winning the race, it's about finishing it."

Coming in first place in the 10-kilometer run was Brian Comer of Sammamish, Wash., at 37 minutes and 29 seconds. Matthew Reith of Oak Harbor, Wash., finished in first place in the five-kilometer run with a final time of 19 minutes and 8 seconds.

Marine to Receive Medal of Honor for Gallantry in Afghanistan

From a White House News Release

WASHINGTON – A former active-duty Marine now serving in the Inactive Ready Reserve will receive the Medal of Honor from President Barack Obama here Sept. 15 for conspicuous gallantry almost two years ago in Afghanistan, White House officials announced today.

Dakota Meyer will be the third living recipient - and first Marine - to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Meyer is receiving the nation’s highest military honor for actions Sept. 8, 2009, while he was serving with Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Afghanistan’s Kunar province.

He was born in Columbia, Ky., on June 26, 1988, attended local public schools, and graduated from Green County high school. In 2006, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He completed his active duty commitment last year and now serves in the Inactive Ready Reserve of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve as a sergeant.

Meyer deployed twice to the combat theater, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Gen. James F. Amos, commandant of the Marine Corps, praised Meyer in a statement issued after the White House announcement.

"I am extremely pleased by the news that the president has announced that he will award the Medal of Honor to Sgt. Dakota Meyer,” he said. “Sergeant Meyer embodies all that is good about our nation's Corps of Marines. He is a living example of the brave young men and women whose service, fidelity and sacrifice make us so proud.

“Sergeant Meyer's heroic actions on Sept. 8, 2009, in the Ganjgal village in Afghanistan serve as an inspiration to all Marines and will forever be etched in our Corps' rich legacy of courage and valor,” Amos continued. “Speaking on the behalf of all Marines, I congratulate Sergeant Meyer on this auspicious news and look forward to his award ceremony here in Washington, D.C., in mid-September."

USS Blue Ridge Arrives in South Korea for Ulchi Freedom Guardian

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Norman, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK), Aug. 13, in support of Commander U.S. 7th Fleet's participation in combined forces exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian, alongside the ROK navy.

While in Busan, Blue Ridge and embarked U.S. 7th Fleet Sailors will be directly engaged in the annual exercise, which strengthens U.S. and ROK forces' interoperability and capability to defend the ROK through field exercises and cyber scenarios.

"The purpose of the exercise is to demonstrate the U.S. commitment to the ROK-U.S. alliance and enhance the combat readiness of ROK and U.S. supporting forces through combined and joint training," said Blue Ridge's Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Ralston. "During the coming weeks, our Sailors will work closely with their ROK military counterparts to build upon relationships vital to achieving our shared goals.

Sailors will also have the opportunity to participate in community service (COMSERV) projects, enjoying the local culture of Busan.

COMSERV project volunteers are slated to visit the Blue Bird Senior Citizen's Center, where Sailors and Marines will go on walks and sing songs with the residents.

Volunteers will also visit Hee Rak-Wan Children's Welfare Facility and Jinhae Hope Children's Home, where they will play games with children and help clean the grounds of the facilities.

"I can't wait to play with the local boys and girls at the children's home that I'm volunteering for," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Nicolette Lockwood. "It's always a pleasant experience seeing the children's faces light up whenever our Sailors enter the room."

Many Sailors will also have the opportunity to take part in Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored tours which will include the shopping district of Osan and the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

"This is my third time to South Korea," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Mark Jean. "I always look forward to coming here. The different foods they offer here are always good and I'm constantly finding something I've never seen before."

There are also several sporting events such as basketball, soccer and volleyball in which U.S> Sailors will compete against ROK sailors. Sailors will also take to the street for the U.S. 7th Fleet-ROKN Liberation Day 5K run with ROK navy sailors Aug. 15.

Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7/Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, August 15, 2011

Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.