Fleet Week Ships' Sailors of the Year Honored at Navy League Luncheon

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) J. C. J. Stokes, USS Wasp Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy League United States Fort Lauderdale Council honored service members during their annual Enlisted Person of the Year luncheon in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 28.

Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen received awards from Rudy Oetting, president NLUS Fort Lauderdale Council, Debbie Ingram, Broward County Navy Days, and guest speaker Command Master Chief Anthony Josey, Expeditionary Strike Group Two.

"I am glad to see many Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard here today," said Josey. "Throughout the history of our Navy, from its birth in 1775 to today, Sailors have been the driving force of our Navy, defending our nation above, on, and below the sea. These fine Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen carry on that proud tradition 200-year-old tradition."

As an example of Sailors being the driving force of the Navy, Josey, mentioned Fleet Forces Sea Sailor of the Year, Wasp's Chief Ship's Serviceman (Sel) (SW/AW) Angela Zamora.

"Out of approximately 266,000 Sailors only four were chosen as the best of the best in our Navy, and it is my pleasure to have her here at this luncheon with us today," said Josey.

Zamora, a native of Ecuador, came to America when she was 15 and she could not speak English. She enlisted in the Navy and is the first ship's serviceman selected as Fleet Forces Sea Sailor of the Year.

"It is an honor to be here," said Zamora. "It really touched me when I received a standing ovation, it was a little overwhelming. When people came to congratulate me and thank me for my service, all I could say was no thank you, because it was you all whose shoulders I stand on."

According to Oetting, a former Marine, it's a matter of patriotism.

"I'm not a flag waver, but I've served my country like my father did in WWI. Being a part of the Navy League is a way for me to give back to the Navy and the men and women in uniform. This is why we do the luncheon, to show our appreciation for enlisted service members while they are here for fleet week because they are the workers. Thank you all for being here and serving our country. Semper Fi," he said.

With over 600 members, NLUS Fort Lauderdale Council has been serving Fort Lauderdale by providing a unit for the local Sea Cadets, raising awareness about the Navy and its benefits, and helping Sailors and Marines feel at home when they are away from their families.

Wasp is in Port Everglades April 25-30 as part of Fleet Week, which this year commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial. Overall, there are about 3,000 Sailors and Marines and six ships in attendance. The War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration is part of a series of city visits by the Navy that take place over the next three years. The commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who have served in our nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.

Leap Frogs Perform at Lauderdale Air Show

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luke Eastman, U.S Navy Parachute Team Public Affairs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, performed at the 14th Lauderdale Air Show, April 27-28.

The Leap Frogs performed three of five scheduled jumps but had to cancel two jumps due to inclement weather.

The team jumped with members of the Army 101st Airborne Division parachute demonstration team, the Screaming Eagles. The Leap Frogs and the Screaming Eagles jumped from a CASA HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft, flown by members of Coast Guard Air Station Miami.

More than 2,000 spectators watched the practice jump during the air show rehearsal on Friday. The Leap Frogs performed a second jump for more than 3,000 people at the air show take-off event later that evening.

"It was the most impressive thing I've ever witnessed," said Dan Dees, a spectator at the take-off event. "What I found most exciting was the speed at which they came down. I couldn't believe they jumped with this wind and were able to make such pinpoint landings."

The Leap Frogs were scheduled to jump during the national anthem to start the air show on Saturday, but they had to cancel the performance due to high winds and low cloud cover. After a few hours, the weather cleared up and the team was able to jump outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for a crowd of more than 500 people.

"The most exciting part was seeing the two guys tangle up together and do those tricks in the air," said Rafael Nieves, a spectator at the event. "This is the first time my kids have seen this and they're actually helping the SEALs pack their parachutes right now. It's a very cool experience. My son is only four years old but after seeing this today he told me it's something he wants to do when he gets older."

After the performance, members of the team showed spectators how to pack their parachutes. The Leap Frogs were also available to answer questions, sign autographs and pose for photographs.

"It's a great community event and a great way to bring the community together," said Jack Seiler, mayor of Fort Lauderdale. "More importantly it's a way for our community to show our admiration and appreciation for the men and women who serve this country. It's just fantastic and we thank all the men and women who sacrifice to serve this country; we really admire what they do."

Lauderdale Air Show is one of 35 major events on the Leap Frogs' schedule this year. The team is based in San Diego and performs aerial parachute demonstrations across America in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting.

For more information about the Leap Frogs, visit www.leapfrogs.navy.mil.

For more information about NSW programs and opportunities, visit www.sealswcc.com. For more news from U.S. Navy Parachute Team, visit www.navy.mil/local/usnpt/.

Culinary Specialists Go to Battlestations in Fleet Week Galley Wars

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Greg Johnson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (NNS) -- More than 30 culinary specialists assigned to ships participating in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012 competed in Galley Wars April 28 at Hugh's Culinary in Oakland Park, Fla.

The event was designed to test the kitchen skills of participants and recognize their superior talents in the field of culinary arts through a fast-paced cooking competition, an event Hugh's Culinary owner and event organizer Hugh McCauley said is intended to bring the military and civilian communities closer together.

"Our main goal is to promote some camaraderie between the military and the community," he said. "We all enjoy the opportunity to interact with each other and mingle and this event is a great way to do that."

The competition featured one team from each ship, including the multi-purpose amphibious assault Ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile destroyers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64), the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS DeWert (FFG 45), the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Bernard C. Webber and the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Dallas (SSN 700). Each team had one hour to prepare two identical platters composed of several courses with at least one of those dishes including the secret ingredient - swordfish.

"It's one of those things you can't really prepare for," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Curtis Pacheco of Wasp. "You don't really know what you'll be working with until you get there. It was the first time I had done something like this and it was really fun," said Pacheco. "There was definitely a lot of competitiveness in the kitchen between the ships."

"Every participant from the ship has to bring their A-game to succeed here," McCauley said. "It's always a challenge, but they always bring their individual expertise and pull together a team effort to overcome a difficult environment."

Once the dishes were plated, they were judged by five celebrity judges. This year's Judges Choice Award winner was Dallas and the Audience Favorite Award winner was Bernard C. Webber.

However, winning and losing were not the most important aspect of the event, said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SS) Josue Ramirez, a culinary specialist assigned to Dallas.

"They all had great attitudes and teamwork," he said. "They were really some of the best cooks in the Navy and it was a great experience to compete against them and learn from each other."

According to McCauley, the competition was fierce and it was extremely difficult to choose a winner.

"All the teams were really close and they all did a great job at using their experience. Every one of them did a superb job with the secret ingredient and every team put forth a tremendous effort. All of them should be proud," he said.

The Navy's more than 7,000 culinary specialists (CS), deployed around the globe, feed on average more than 92 million wholesome and nutritious meals per year, ensuring the Navy's fighting forces operate at peak performance and are ready to respond to threats worldwide. Navy commanding officers agree that nothing impacts Sailors on a day-to-day basis more than the food CSs prepare for them; they believe these top quality meals contribute directly to Sailor quality of life and morale. Today's CSs have greater culinary instruction than ever before. With even more advanced training on the way. Sailors, both afloat and ashore, can look forward to even healthier and better-tasting meals in the near future.

Four U.S. Navy ships, a submarine and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter are participating in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012, an event designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

American Legion Hosts Sailors and Marines for Fleet Week

By By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) J.C.J. Stokes, USS Wasp Public Affairs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla (NNS) -- Sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and Marines assigned to the Marine Expeditionary Unit 26 embarked aboard Wasp attended the second annual American Legion Post 304 dinner in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., April 28 in celebration of Fleet Week Port Everglades.

American Legion Post 304 (Marshall LaBree) offered the event for the first time last year to the visiting USS Iwo Jima and decided to continue it this year by offering it to Wasp Sailors as a sign of appreciation for their service.

"I am glad I came to this dinner. The hospitality and service shown was excellent," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW) Eddie Berryhill IV, from Wasp. "This entire week in Ft. Lauderdale has been great, but the American Legion dinner was definitely the highlight of my Fleet Week."

The American Legion staff treated service members to food and camaraderie, entertainment, and special military gifts, as well as a chance to greet three WWII survivors who were witnesses to history.

"It was a humbling experience to see those military legends remaining active and thanking me for my service," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Michael Michaud, from Wasp. "All in one night I was able to meet a Marine who survived Iwo Jima, and two Sailors, one from USS Missouri and the other from USS Waldron, who watched the Japanese surrender to the American forces aboard the Missouri. This was definitely a moment in my life I will cherish forever."

William Eckerth, the Iwo Jima survivor; Richard Klug, from USS Missouri; and Albert Trapanese, from USS Waldron (DD 699) came to the event to greet the men and women serving their country as they once did.

"If I died today I've seen it all," said Eckerth. "I just could not pass up the opportunity to come down and spend time with you. Thank you for coming and spending time with us old guys at the Legion and for serving our country."

Wasp is in Port Everglades April 25-30 for Fleet Week which, this year, commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial. Overall, there are about 3,000 Sailors and Marines and six ships in attendance. The commemoration is part of a series of city visits by the Navy that will occur over the next three years, and is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who have served in our nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.

USS Gunston Hall Departs Albania With Lasting Impressions

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

DURESS, Albania (NNS) -- USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed the Republic of Albania, April 27, after a scheduled port visit where the crew participated in numerous events including a reception and a community relations (COMREL) project.

Gunston Hall Sailors and Marines will leave with many lasting memories of strengthened relationships with their ally through a reception held aboard the ship and a COMREL held at an orphanage.

The COMREL, which was a two day effort, was held at the Bethany Christian Orphanage in Tirana, Albania. The project consisted of 60 Marines and Sailors completing a playground renovation that previously was overrun with weeds and grass.

"Well over 100 Sailors and Marines volunteered, but we ended up using just more than half the volunteers," said Lt. Jeff Augustin, Gunston Hall's chaplain. "We're a small ship that packs a big punch."

The team completed a drainage ditch that ran under the playground. The ditch should prevent future flooding on the playground. They also pulled weeds and provided overall beautification to the overall compound.

Finally, they engaged on a larger drainage project that redirects water away from one of the building's foundations to a sewer. That ditch should prevent further erosion to the roadway and children's living quarters.

"The staff and children of Bethany Christian Orphanage will have a fantastic summer on their newly renovated playground and will not have to worry about future erosion on their road network or building due to the hard work and efforts of the volunteers from the USS Gunston Hall," said Maj. Mark T. Berlenbach, U.S. Army bilateral affairs officer, assistant chief, office of defense cooperation Albania, United States Embassy.

Another highlight of the Gunston Hall's visit to Albania was a reception held on board the ship while in Duress.

"This is a momentous occasion. It has been over nine years since we [U.S. Navy] have had a ship pier side here in Duress," said Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. "A way we get to strengthen our teamwork [U.S. and Albania] is through port visits like this one. Where our Sailors and Marines get to visit this beautiful country and make good friends."

During the reception, Pandolfe and Gunston Hall's chain of command socialized with the local officials, military members.

"It is an honor to be here. I understand that we are the first ship to come pier side in Duress in quite some time," said Capt. Andy Loiselle, commanding officer of USS Gunston Hall, addressing the audience during the reception. "The entire crew aboard Gunston Hall takes immense pride in knowing that we are here today to develop and improve upon all relations with our fabulous NATO allies."

In conjunction with the reception, the crew of Gunston Hall offered guided tours of the ship to the distinguished visitors, showing them how day-to-day operations are carried out, as well as life aboard a U. S. Navy ship.

"It's really a great honor to be on board the USS Gunston Hall," said Deborah Jones, U.S. charge d' affairs to Albania. "I think the impressive tour that we just experienced underscores the importance of the hard work of USS Gunston Hall and of course, the extraordinary work of the U.S. Navy."

"I'm sure that this port call will be quite memorable for the members of Gunston Hall, and I believe that its impact on Albania will be just as lasting," said Jones. "We look forward to many more visits and appreciate the opportunity that you, Adm. Pandolfe, and Captain Loiselle have given us to come tour your ship."

"This visit, along with the COMREL project, will go a long way in strengthening our ties with this key ally," said Capt. Mark H. Scovill, commodore of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. "Gunston Hall did a great job."

Gunston Hall is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Gunston Hall is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.