Navy Medicine Presents Global Health at World Affairs Seminar

By Capt. Dora Lockwood, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

WAUKESHA, Wis. (NNS) -- The Navy Medicine deputy surgeon general delivered a keynote presentation during the World Affairs Seminar at Carroll University, June 25.

Rear Adm. Forrest Faison, deputy surgeon general and deputy chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery spoke to more than 300 high school students about Navy Medicine's role in global health and how that engagement contributes to security around the world.

"Navy Medicine is committed to global health," said Faison. "Whether we are conducting research at one of our labs around the world, providing medical care through humanitarian assistance efforts or partnering with host nations, non-governmental organizations or local ministries of health, we are committed to making the world a safer and stronger place for all."

The World Affairs Seminar (WAS) is a weeklong interactive educational program for students interested in global issues. This year's theme is world health.

According to Thomas Plantenberg, WAS executive director, the seminar includes a diverse set of speakers who share insights of issues surrounding world health. Plantenberg recognized Navy Medicine's contribution to global health and invited the Navy's deputy surgeon general to be a keynote speaker.

"We attract young people from around the world to study complex topics. This year we have students representing 21 countries and five continents," said Plantenberg. "Our purpose is to instill a sense of interaction among young people so that when they inherit this world, they will solve problems and make the world a better place."

The students think at a college level and are very excited to learn, according to Plantenberg.

"I've been to camps before, but I've never done anything quite like this," said Peter Lovejoy of Massachusetts. "I've been pleasantly surprised by this seminar. It has been very informative. I've learned a lot about different cultures by talking to other participants and hearing the perspectives of the speakers has helped me understand global health."

Participating students gained a better appreciation of the importance of world health.

"Attending this seminar has helped me learn more about health care issues around the world," said Lindsay Anderson from Minnesota. "I'm interested in going into the nursing field, and I was really curious about hearing what the speakers had to say. They really motivated and inspired me."

Faison also gained something from his engagement with the students.

"Being able to engage with these insightful students has been a great opportunity," said Faison. "It is an honor for me to share with them what Navy Medicine does to support health around the world."

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

GW Sailors Help Restore, Renew and Revive Lives

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Beverly J. Lesonik, USS George Washington Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) volunteered for a community relations (COMREL) project with the Andrew and Grace (AG) Home, June 26.

Participants from the event, made up of teenage girls from 12-19, played basketball, volleyball and soccer with Sailors at the Sembawang Naval Base.

"We have played many times with groups from the U.S. Navy, but this is a new group of girls who are really looking forward to the event," said Devi Shandar, the program executive for AG Home.

AG Home's mission is to reach out to troubled youths and families and provide them with a temporary place of refuge in order to restore, renew and revive lives. Pastor Andrew Choo established the home with his wife, Grace, in 1998 for teenage girls who are struggling with issues such as psychological, physical and sexual abuse.

"This is a good event to let the girls see there are people who have their own challenges and that there are people who care about them," said Shandar. "They are shy and the interaction with the Sailors brings them out of their shell and lets them express themselves."

The AG Home also welcomes children who lack adequate family support and are without a home. It can provide care services for up to 60 girls.

"Given the backgrounds of these girls, I hope that our interaction today gives them a new perspective on how people can be as a whole," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Dijan Thomas, from Dallas. "It was great to get out, meet native people and do something good for people who have been through a lot. This is my first COMREL and I plan on doing a lot more after today."

COMRELs were established by the Department of Defense in order to foster and further good relations with communities around the world. They help to earn public support and understanding of operations, missions and requirements of the Military Services, and to increase understanding of U.S. defense posture and capabilities by increasing public exposure.

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 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.

20th Annual CARAT Philippines 2014 Commences in Subic Bay

From Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs

SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy task group comprised of ships, aircraft, Sailors and Marines arrived in the Philippines to commence the 20th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), June 26.

Guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Subic Bay, while diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) arrived in Sangley Point. An opening ceremony was held on board the Philippine navy ship, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16), one of two former Hamilton-class Coast Guard Cutters transferred to the Philippines navy in recent years.

CARAT Philippines is part of a broader bilateral exercise series the U.S. Navy conducts with nine partner navies in South and Southeast Asia to address shared maritime security priorities, strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance interoperability among participating forces. The Philippines has participated since the series began in 1995, and the past two decades CARAT are a clear example of the longstanding and close U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy relationship.

"It's safe to say that after two decades, many of the senior officers and enlisted here today probably participated in a past CARAT Philippines, and this coming week, more than 1,000 U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines will join the ranks of CARAT alumni," said Rear Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of Task Force 74 and 7th Fleet's executive agent for CARAT Philippines.

Munch noted that CARAT was part of a broader series of U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy exercises, exchanges and staff talks that occurred throughout the year.

"These engagements share a common theme, that our security cooperation not only supports mutual interests, it contributes to regional stability and prosperity - a formula that is truly positive sum," said Munsch.

The CARAT series promotes regional maritime cooperation with many participating navies. Planning for each phase of CARAT begins a year in advance and exercise phases take place during the same general timeframe each year. CARAT 2014 began in late May and recently completed phases with Malaysia and Indonesia. Additional phases will continue through end of year with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore and Timor-Leste.

Continuing through July 1, this year's CARAT Philippines will focus on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, and maritime patrol and reconnaissance flights. Sailors and Marines will train with their Philippine Armed Forces counterparts during multiple drills, professional exchanges and seminars ashore. Civil action projects, community service events and band concerts will facilitate interaction with the local community.

2014 Exercise events will occur in several locations ashore and at sea including Subic Bay, San Antonio in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite City, and Ternate. Previous CARAT exercises were held in Mindanao (2012), Palawan (2011), Subic Bay (2010 and 2013), Cebu (2009) and other locations. As in years past, the sea phase will take place in international waters west of Subic Bay.

"We're very much looking forward to getting underway for the at-sea phase of CARAT," said Capt. Paul Schlise, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7 embarked on McCain. "These training opportunities are critical to enhancing our interoperability, safeguarding freedom of the seas and ensuring we're ready to respond in partnership with the Philippines in case of an HADR scenario or other crisis."

More than 1,000 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Philippines 2014. Participating units include McCain, Ashland (LSD 48) with embarked Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Safeguard (T-ARS 50) with embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 and a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft. Also participating are Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, a platoon from Riverine Squadron 1, a platoon from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5, staff from Commander, Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron 7, and the 7th Fleet Band Orient Express.

George Washington Carrier Strike Group to Experience "Lion City" Chronicle

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas, USS George Washington Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) arrived in Singapore for a goodwill port visit, June 26.

This marks the fifth visit to the "Lion City" since USS George Washington (CVN 73) relieved the now-decommissioned USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier in 2008.

"This has always been a favorite port of mine and I'm sure the crew will share the same sentiments once they experience the rich culture this seafaring city has to offer," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer. "I am excited to be here once again and we all look forward to fostering relationships and building new friendships with the welcoming people of Singapore."

During George Washington's visit, the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation's afloat recreation team arranged 14 tours and the ship's Command Religious Ministries department organized nine community relation (COMREL) projects.

"Our junior Sailors volunteer their free time to participate in these COMRELs," said Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Brandon Reed from Seattle, Washington. "I look forward to interact with Singaporeans and for our Sailors to do something meaningful. Participating in COMRELs creates lasting impressions on the foreign nationals with whom our Sailors are able to meet, greet and create friendships with. I hope that the work we do will add to the rich Singaporean history."

Singapore's nickname "The Lion City" is derived from its Sanskrit name "singa" (lion) "pura" (city). The city has a rich historical record in the name of "Pu-luo-chung" or "island at the end of a peninsula" and "Temasek" or "Sea Town" dating back to 1298. Singapore is a den rich with murals and landmarks that tell an abundant chronicle Sailors will have an opportunity to see firsthand.

"I look forward to having breakfast with orangutans and going to Singapore's Universal Studios," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Armstrong, from Latrobe, Pennsylvania. "I never thought I would be able to visit Singapore prior to enlisting in the Navy. It is good that we visit numerous ports because we are able to see their culture with our own eyes and we can give a true representation of American culture rather than what is perceived."

The GWCSG consists of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5; Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam (CG 54) and USS Shiloh (CG 67); and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100).

The GWCSG is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to support security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USS Donald Cook Arrives in Durres, Albania

From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

DURRES, Albania (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) arrived in Durres, Albania, for a port visit, June 26.

This port visit serves to continue U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet's efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships in order to enhance regional stability.

While the ship is in port, USS Donald Cook Sailors will be conducting a maritime interdiction operations exchange with their counterparts from the Albanian navy, Border Police, and Customs Service. Senior officers and officials from the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Embassy, and the Albanian government and military will take this opportunity to discuss regional cooperation and efforts between the two nations.

These exchanges and discussions will help build command understanding of maritime tactics and increase the professionalism, cultural understanding and trust between the U.S. and Albanian navies.

Donald Cook is the first of four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to be forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, to serve as part of the President's European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) to ballistic missile defense in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.