Vice Adm. Copeman Visits Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Laurie Dexter, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. Tom Copeman visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) during a tour, May 14.

During the tour Copeman conducted an all-hands call in addition to visiting the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) and guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93).

Copeman's visit comes in the wake of Chosin and Chung-Hoon being awarded the Battle "E" Efficiency award, which were presented in March 2014.

The visit gave Copeman an opportunity to talk with Sailors and address any concerns or issues they may have.

"It's always significant when you have a three-star admiral, our boss, coming aboard to address the crew," said Cmdr. Troy Fendrick, executive officer of USS Chosin. "It lets the crew know that our chain of command is engaged and that we do care about what it is we do and our future. I think it is critical that he does come aboard to identify any issues and concerns that the crew has."

Copeman's main focus was training efficiency when he spoke with the crew of Chosin on the flight deck of the ship.

"I think the chiefs are the center of gravity in leadership, training and education," said Copeman. "At the end of the day, we can have the fanciest gear in the whole wide world and the most advanced weapon systems, but if the people that we have on these ships don't know how to operate it and maintain it, all is lost and we've wasted all our money."

The ship's hard work and dedication to proper training played a major role in its receiving of the Battle "E" award.

"When the crew heard they were a Battle 'E' winner," said Fendrick, "the morale went up. Looking back at all the hard work they did, it just paid off. It was huge."

The Battle "E" can be presented to ships, submarines, aviation and other units and is given only to those that achieve the highest standards of battle readiness.

To win the Battle "E" a ship must excel and earn Excellence Awards in Maritime Warfare, Engineering/Survivability, Command, Control, Communications and Information Warfare, Logistics Management, and Ship Safety.

Vice Adm. Howard Re-Enlists Sailor at Times Square New York City

From Navy Recruiting District New York Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Yeoman 1st Class (AW/IDW) Ebony Castro re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy May 15, 2014, during a ceremony that took place in New York City's historic Duffy Square (Times Square).

Vice Adm. Michelle Howard, Deputy CNO for Operations, Plans and Strategy, was the re-enlisting officer.

Howard has been confirmed as the next Vice Chief of Naval Operations, and will become the Navy's first female four-star admiral.

"It is such an honor and a privilege to be re-enlisted by Vice Adm. Howard in my hometown, because she is an inspiration for female Sailors like myself," said Castro.

"Our people are what make our Navy strong," said Howard. "Petty Officer Castro exemplifies the willingness and commitment of our Sailors to serve our nation, and it is inspiring to be here today as she reaffirms that commitment."

Castro, a Bronx native now assigned to Navy Recruiting District New York, was a high school student in chemistry class during the 9/11 attacks. She joined the Navy in 2003 at the age of 18 and has since served on deployments to Bahrain and Afghanistan.

Her family and close friends were able to attend the ceremony, and were recognized for their strong support over the years.

Castro says participating Sailors can expect a warm welcome during Fleet Week New York May 21-27.

"It's such a joy to wear the uniform," said Castro. "It's good to walk around this city and realize that you are loved, supported, and appreciated."

Governor proclamation Military Spouse Appreciation Day in South Carolina

by Maj. Cindi King
South Carolina National Guard

5/15/2014 - COLUMBIA, S.C. -- They are called the backbone of our military. They are seen waving goodbye from airports and piers, often holding a small child's hand or quietly wiping tears as they stand alone. They sustain the home front, endure empty nights, and carry the burden when service members are far from home. These unsung heroes are military spouses.

On May 8, 2014, at a special ceremony at the State House in Columbia, S.C., Gov. Nikki Haley read a proclamation declaring May 9 "Military Spouse Appreciation Day" in South Carolina.

Haley was joined by Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston Jr., the adjutant general for S.C., along with his wife, Barbara, Brig. Gen. Bradley Becker, commanding general at Fort Jackson, with his wife, Sherri, representatives from the S.C. Army and Air National Guard with their spouses, spouses from Shaw Air Force Base and Army Central Command, and Marines with their spouses from Parris Island and Beaufort Air Station.

"We are a strong patriotic state because of our military," said Haley. "Military spouses make sure our soldiers don't have to worry, so they can do what they do best, and that's protecting our country."

Haley is also a military spouse, married to S.C. Army National Guard Soldier, Capt. Michael Haley who recently returned from a deployment to Afghanistan.

Haley said being a military spouse does have its challenges when a loved one is away, sharing the time she locked herself out of the Governor's mansion one morning when her husband was deployed. But she added, every moment is filled with extreme pride and understanding that the service member is doing his or her duty to protect our nation.

Mrs. Barrie Hall, the spouse of Col. Clay Hall, commander of the 20th Fighter Wing attended and said, "It was my privilege to represent the military spouses of Shaw AFB at Governor Haley's Proclamation declaring May 9, 2014, Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Over the past 24 years, I have been encouraged and inspired by the incredible strength and perseverance I have witnessed in my fellow military spouses, and have been touched by their support and friendship. Our military loved ones better perform their duties and complete their missions due to the support of their spouses."

Military Spouse Appreciation Day was originally recognized by President Ronald Reagan when he stressed the profound importance of a spouse and their commitment to the readiness and well-being of military members and declared May 23, 1984, the first Military Spouse Day. The secretary of defense, Casper Weinberger, standardized the date by declaring the Friday proceeding Mother's Day as Military Spouse Day.

Editor's Note: Material for this article was added by Capt. Ashley Norris, 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Los Angeles Native Keeps GW's Helm in Good Hands

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly Lesonik

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- A Los Angeles native, steered by his search for greater adventure and opportunity, now does the steering aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73).

Operations Specialist Seaman Anief Haughton, a 2011 graduate of Verbum Dei High School, was capped a master helmsman by Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer.

"As a master helmsman, I man the helm for sea and anchor details, replenishments-at-sea, restricted waters, or when pulling in and out of a port," said Haughton.

Haughton is one of only four master helmsmen on the ship of 5,000 Sailors who are entrusted to steer the carrier in restricted maneuvering evolutions during George Washington's patrol.

"When I started in deck department, I wanted to become a master helmsman in order to distinguish myself from my peers," said Haughton. "It takes a lot of time and effort to get this qualification, and it is a qualification I was determined to get."

After joining the Navy out of high school, Haughton enlisted as an undesignated seaman where he began his year-long qualifications that he continued when he struck for operations specialist.

"Not including the basic helm qualifications, it took about 50-60 hours of being on the bridge during restricted maneuvering evolutions to become a master helmsman," said Haughton.

Although other deck seamen and quartermasters man the wheel on a 24-hour rotation, a greater skill is required when maneuvering close to land or coming alongside other vessels at 180 feet distances.

"My step father was in the Air Force and he was an influence for me to join the Navy, but I would have to say that I owe a lot of my success in becoming a master helmsman to my instructor, [Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class] Bruce Medeiros," said Haughton.

Medeiros, from Bristol, R.I., another master helmsman aboard George Washington, takes pride in Haughton and others he has instructed.

"After all that I taught him, I love to see him teaching others as well," said Medeiros. "It shows that he has a thorough knowledge of what he does in every situation behind the wheel."

By becoming a master helmsman, Haughton takes up the task to steer the ship for his captain. He has earned the confidence of his command and the trust that if anything were to happen, George Washington's helm is in good hands.

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USS City of Corpus Christi Receives 2014 Ney Award

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Swink

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) earned the 2014 Captain Edward F. Ney Award for best submarine galley in the Navy, announced recently by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.

The annual award, co-sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association (IFSEA), encourages excellence in Navy Food Service programs with the objective of improving the quality of life for Navy personnel.

"Winning this award allows the Culinary Specialist division to be properly recognized for the hard work and persistent dedication they devote to the crew members on a daily basis," said Lt. j.g. Franklin Roberson, the supply officer on board City of Corpus Christi. "The ability to maintain an exceptional operation speaks volumes for culinary specialists."

The Culinary Division on the City of Corpus Christi is made up of 10 Culinary Specialists who prepare three meals a day for the 150 crewmembers.

"Teamwork was the key to success," said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Gerald Davis. "To accomplish this with such a young group of guys is my favorite part."

Many crewmembers stated that their high morale was in a large part due to the quality of the food served aboard.

"Everyone enjoys the food," said Sonar Technician Submarines Seaman Stuart Wright. "To win this award lets us know we are getting the best food."

"I really like the variety, it's the best," said Wright, echoing other crew members with what they enjoy most of their galley. "We get everything from authentic southern country cooking to Asian and Hispanic foods."

"It was a big morale boost for the whole boat, not only the Culinary Specialist Division," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Bickert upon winning the award. "The whole crew was pulling for us to win it."

The Ney award is given to the ship that most successfully sets the standards for cleanliness in the galleys, quality of food, and overall service of the food support team.

City of Corpus Christi is the second ship to be named after the Texas city, and is capable of conducting both anti-surface and anti-submarine operations along with guided-missile strike operations using conventional Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles.

For more information about Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.csp.navy.mil.

Hagel Meets With American, Israeli Service Members

By Claudette Roulo

American Forces Press Service

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 15, 2014 – "When the world is full of great opportunities, it's also full of great threats," Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said today during a troop talk to U.S. and Israeli troops taking part in the Juniper Cobra 14 exercise at Hatzor Airbase.

Hagel thanked the troops for their efforts, adding that they were doing "important work at an important time."

Defending a nation and helping build a peaceful world is about three things, the defense secretary said: people, capability and partnership.

"It wouldn't happen without people, no matter how sophisticated the technology and the systems. ... We must assure that our people are not only capable, but have the most significant capacity of any force in the world," he said.

The Juniper Cobra exercise is a "clear demonstration” of an effective, relevant, important and timely partnership, Hagel said.

Juniper Cobra is a joint U.S. Israeli missile defense and humanitarian response exercise. Held every two years since 2001, this year's exercise involves more than 700 U.S. troops in Israel.

Other American service members will participate remotely from U.S. European Command and other locations, defense officials said, bringing the total number of participating U.S. troops to more than 6,000. Two U.S. Navy Aegis-class ships will also take part from off the coast of Israel.

Planning began 18 months ago, the officials said, and the exercise is not tied to any specific regional threat or situation.

"You are essentially pioneers in building missile defense capability and capacity," Hagel told the gathered troops. "You are defining an important time in our world as we go forward."

Joint exercises and training like Juniper Cobra are essential for building partner capacity, the defense secretary said.

"This is as complicated and dangerous a part of the world as there is, and what you're doing as you build for the future and give people hope for that future is one of the most important assignments any of us can ever have," Hagel said.