USS Constitution Sailors Participating in Spokane Navy Week

From USS Constitution Public Affairs

SPOKANE, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Constitution are participating in Spokane Navy Week, May 14-20.

Sailors will kick off their participation with an interactive history presentation about Constitution at Medical Lake Middle School in Medical Lake, Wash. They will also provide presentations at Mountainside and Horizon Middle Schools later in the week.

"Participating in the Spokane Navy Week affords USS Constitution's Sailors the opportunity to present the rich history of the ship to the populous of an area in the United States that may not have any exposure to it," said Lt. Albert R. Sharlow, USS Constitution operations officer. "The ship stands as a symbol of dedication, pride and service for this entire country, and it's our job as members of her crew to promote that message as widely as possible."

Sailors will also share their experiences of serving in the Navy and aboard Constitution to children at Boys and Girls Clubs.

"I hope by participating in this Navy week that we are able to greatly enhance the public's knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. military," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (EXW/SW) Marina Chavez.

Additionally, Constitution Sailors will support humanitarian projects for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank and a Caps for Kids event in which Navy ballcaps will be given to pediatric patients suffering with lifelong or chronic illnesses. They will also serve as the honor guard detail at a Spokane Shock arena football game.

This is the third of eight Navy Weeks Constitution Sailors are scheduled to participate in throughout 2012, celebrating the bicentennial of the War of 1812. They performed similar activities during Phoenix Navy Week, March 26-30, and New Orleans Navy Week, April 16-22.

The primary purpose of Navy Week is to increase Navy awareness by presenting the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence. Spokane Navy Week will showcase the mission, capabilities and achievements of the U.S. Navy and provide residents the opportunity to meet Sailors firsthand.

Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors per year. She defended the sea lanes against threat from 1797 to 1855, much like the mission of today's Navy. America's Navy: Keeping the sea free for more than 200 years.

Constitution's mission today is to offer community outreach and education about the ship's history.

For more information, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution or www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial.

Makin Island Honors Deployed Moms with Special Mother's Day Meal

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alan J. Gragg, USS Makin Island (LHD 8) Public Affairs

USS MAKIN ISLAND, At sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) held a special Mother's Day meal on the ship to honor deployed Sailor and Marine moms, May 12.

The ship's special dining area adjacent to the mess decks know as Carlson's Café provided a private section for mothers to reflect on their children and enjoy a meal socializing with the other moms on the ship.

The meal was held the day before the traditional May 13 Mother's Day due to the ship's operational schedule.

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Sabrina Pierce, one of Makin Island's food service personnel who helped prepare and serve the meal, said the event had special meaning as she is a mother herself.

"We go through a lot being away from home and we just wanted to set up a way to celebrate Mother's Day for all the moms on the ship," said Pierce. "It's nice to talk with some of the other moms, though, and know we're not alone when going through the same hard times."

The Sailor and Marine mothers were all treated to head-of-the-line privileges for the dinner, which consisted of steak, crab legs, shrimp cocktail, baked potatoes, corn on the cob and assorted desserts.

"It's nice to know I'm not the only mom who has a kid back home, and I'm not the only mom missing her kid," said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Nicole Whittaker, who is on her first deployment away from her two-year-old son.

"It's been rough, because I'm 'Mommy' and I should be able to take care of him when he's sick, tuck him in at night, and be there to kiss his 'boo-boos,'" she added.

Makin Island is the first U.S. Navy ship to deploy using a hybrid-electric propulsion system. By using this unique propulsion system, the Navy expects over the course of the ship's lifecycle, to see fuel savings of more than $250 million, proving the Navy's commitment to energy awareness and conservation.

This initiative is one of many throughout the Navy and Marine Corps that will enable the Department of the Navy to achieve the Secretary of the Navy's energy goals to improve our energy security and efficiency afloat and ashore, increase our energy independence and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy.

Makin Island is the flagship of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group that is currently deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Carl Vinson Returns to 3rd Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 returned to the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) May 11.

Vinson is currently transiting to her homeport in San Diego following a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East areas supporting maritime theater security operations in the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleets.

"The dedication demonstrated by every Sailor up and down the chain of command was the key factor in accomplishing every mission objective for our time in the 5th and 7th Fleets," said Vinson's Commanding Officer Capt. Kent D. Whalen. "With our return to 3rd Fleet, our focus may have changed but our mission-ready mindset continues."

Vinson serves as the flagship for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, led by Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, which also consists of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97), guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and CVW-17.

CVW-17 encompasses the "Sunliners" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81, the "Stingers" of VFA 113, the "Redcocks" of VFA 22, the "Fists of the Fleet" of VFA 25, the "Garudas" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134, the "Tiger Tails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 125, the "Rawhides" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 and the "Red Lions" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 15.

In addition to supporting its primary mission throughout the deployment, Carl Vinson completed the following:

- From Jan. 9 to March 24, flew 1,085 Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) missions, totaling 6,600 total flight hours. This included close air support missions, support for coalition ground forces, airborne electronic warfare missions and airborne command and control missions.

- Deployed 7,283 pounds of ordnance and expended 1,717 rounds of 20mm ammunition in support of OEF.

- Conducted exercises with coalition countries and other nations, including Singapore, Britain, India and Australia.

- Made port visits and conducted community service projects in Hong Kong, Jebel Ali, India, and Australia.

- Earned the 2011 Commander Naval Air Forces Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award for West Coast-based aircraft carriers.

- Hosted former CBS Evening News anchor and 60 Minutes correspondent Dan Rather for a three-day visit as the subject of a segment for television news magazine Dan Rather Reports.

- Sailed over 53,200 nautical miles.

Third Fleet leads naval forces in the eastern Pacific from the west coast of North America to the international date line.

Submarine Development Squadron 12 Changes Commanders

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Submarine Development Squadron (DEVRON) 12 held a change of command ceremony May 11 aboard Los Angeles-class submarine USS San Juan (SSN 751) at Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn.

During the time-honored ceremony, Capt. William Merz turned over command to Capt. Vern Parks.

Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic, served as guest speaker, and praised Merz for his leadership.

"It's always wonderful to be in Groton, the submarine capital. It's a special treat to be here to take a moment to pause and reflect on Commodore Bill Merz's superb tour in command of SUBDEVRON 12," said Richardson. "DEVRON 12 is unique in the Submarine Force, with a dual nature; there is the waterfront side, where Bill commanded the squadron of seven submarines, including deployments to the CENTCOM and EUCOM theaters of operation."

Richardson praised Merz for his leadership of the squadron's tactical development side, where he led a "team of top-notch analysts that study and define our intellectual warfighting base. In both areas, Bill was superb."

Richardson also reflected on Military Spouse Appreciation Day and recognized Merz's wife Martha.

"She has shared in the sacrifices and joys, doing her part while Bill did his," said Richardson. "Our Navy would not run without the very special teamwork between Sailor and spouse, and Bill and Martha have been a stellar example of how good that team can be."

Richardson added that the true legacy of Merz's leadership "will be the people you have trained and led. Our Sailors and their families are the most important part of our success; they have always been our secret weapon."

Richardson welcomed Parks to his new assignment as commodore of DEVRON 12.

"Capt. Vern Parks, welcome to the team. You are no stranger to leadership and command. You are perfectly suited to take this job, and we are all dedicated to your success," said Richardson.

Merz, a native of San Diego, will next serve as the Chief of Staff, Commander Submarine Force Atlantic and reflected on his time in command of DEVRON 12.

"It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity. The men and women we have the honor to serve, and to serve with, both ashore and afloat, are truly inspiring. DEVRON 12 represents the heartbeat of the submarine force and both the experience and the education have been incredibly enriching," said Merz.

Merz added that at no time during his 26 years in the submarine force has he felt more connected to the submarine community.

"What else could you ask for? I envy my relief, Capt. Vern Parks. He is just the right officer at just the right time to take over the helm, and I wish him the best," said Merz.

In addition to his role as commodore of DEVRON 12, Merz also served as chairman of the Submarine Tactical Requirements Group, in which he guided the Submarine Force Acquisition Community, ensuring the Force remained focused and capable of delivering precision warfare technology to the fleet.

"My role as chairman was to bring together some of the best and brightest of the submarine force to not only learn from them, but to conceptualize how their multi-tasking capabilities can be applied to improve the future of the submarine force," said Merz.

Parks, who previously served as commanding officer of USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) and executive officer of USS Helena (SSN 725) is looking forward to taking the helm of DEVRON 12, which is to support the Navy's vision of the future by developing and evaluating submarine tactics, both war fighting and forward presence, and disseminating those tactics to the operating forces.

"I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the commander of Submarine Development Squadron Twelve, supporting the officers and crews of our submarines in all they do and continuing the 60-plus year legacy of my predecessors in tactical development for our submarine force," said Parks. "The team that Capt. Merz has led for the past 20 months, has excelled in all areas, and I am looking forward to the future with the outstanding men and women of DEVRON 12."

Parks graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science holds a Master's of Business Administration from Brenau University and a Masters of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College.

Goodwill® and Walmart Foundation Connect Veterans with Job Success

ROCKVILLE, MD — A new program, funded by the Walmart Foundation and administered by Goodwill®, will empower military veterans with  the tools they need to find employment, advance in their careers and ensure long-term financial stability for their families. The Walmart Foundation’s grant of $1 million will support the program, known as Operation: GoodJobs, at Goodwill agencies in the three key markets of Austin, Houston and Tacoma through 2013. Together, Goodwill and the Walmart Foundation will collaborate with a broad array of community partners to help ensure that veterans and their families have every opportunity to succeed.

“Everyone is struggling to find good jobs these days, but veterans face particular challenges and it is our duty as a nation to support these young men and women who are having difficulties transitioning back into civilian life," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “We at Goodwill believe it is absolutely imperative that we give each of these veterans every opportunity they need to thrive.”

Operation: GoodJobs assists veterans with job training and placement, but also plans for each participant’s continued success by designing individualized, holistic plans that support the needs of their entire family and helps ensure economic security for participants and their families in the long-term. Each participant in Operation: GoodJobs will receive a complete career assessment and an individualized development plan that will include a range of family needs, from basic needs like nutrition, shelter and child care, to specific job training identified in the assessment process.

“As one of the nation’s largest private employers of veterans and those on active duty, we share Goodwill’s vision of a country where every veteran has a chance to succeed economically and support his or her family,” said retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Gary Profit, senior director of military programs at Walmart. “Making that vision a reality starts today through Operation: GoodJobs. These young men and women stood up for us, and now it’s our turn to stand up for them.”

Veterans return home as proven leaders who have demonstrated their work ethic and commitment to achieving results as part of a team. Operation: GoodJobs will help to provide the necessary career counseling, resume help and skills training, so that veterans can obtain employment positions and in turn, employers can realize their skills and talents and match those skills with available employment opportunities.

If you know of a veteran who would benefit from these services or have questions, please call 800-GOODWILL.

Background: Our Returning Heroes
As the military works to withdraw troops from Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) — two conflicts that represent the longest-running military engagements in U.S. history — the need for a continuum of coordinated, integrated services for veterans and their families is at an all-time high. Too many service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are finding it difficult to secure employment so they can continue their service and support their families. In 2010, there were more than 20 million veterans in the United States. That number is increasing every day as troops come home. Under current plans, at least 100,000 men and women will leave military service in the next five years. This news is troubling as a stubbornly bleak job market translates to high unemployment for veterans, especially those ages 18-24, who face an employment rate of more than 20 percent — more than twice the national average.

About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with 14 affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,600 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill agencies also build revenue and create jobs by contracting with businesses and government to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2011, more than 4 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 82 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl or find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

About Philanthropy at Walmart 

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support initiatives that are helping people live better around the globe. In May 2010, Walmart and its Foundation made a historic pledge of $2 billion through 2015 to fight hunger in the U.S. The Walmart Foundation also supports education, workforce development, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness initiatives. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.

Contact:

Lauren Lawson-Zilai
Goodwill Industries International
Direct: (240) 333-5266
Lauren.Lawson@goodwill.org

Tara Raddohl

Walmart Corporate Communications
Direct: (479) 277-7589
Tara.Raddohl@wal-mart.com
www.walmartstores.com/reporter