Reserve Sailors Bring Support During RIMPAC

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Khor, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- Reservist Sailors from around the nation are at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to support Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Force, U.S. 3rd Fleet (CTF-34), participating in the world's largest international maritime exercise, the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), with activities situated in and around the Hawaiian islands.

RIMPAC brings together 22 nations, more than 50 ships and submarines, 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel from June 26 to Aug. 1.

Captain Rod Urbano, chief of staff for CTF-34, notes that reservists are a critical component to the success of exercises like RIMPAC.

"I view the Reserve Component as a powerful force multiplier for CTF-34 staff," said Urbano. "They are fully integrated into our Theater Anti-Submarine Warfare Watch Team, and without their support it would be impossible for us to execute all of our assigned missions. For RIMPAC specifically, our Reserve personnel have been involved in every phase, from planning to execution, and are a critical component to the successes we've been able to achieve."

Captain Timothy Wolters, commanding officer of Undersea Warfare Operations Detachment I and Submarine Force Reserve Component/RIMPAC coordinator, said reservists come from a multitude of backgrounds.

"There are a wide variety of military and civilian experiences that the reservists bring to the table," said Wolters. "More than half of the reservists supporting RIMPAC have performed an Individual Augmentee deployment, and civilian occupations range from stay-at-home parents, to university professors, to biomedical engineers, to independent business owners."

Reservist Electronics Technician 2nd Class Sarah Bostick and other enlisted reservists support CTF-34 by compiling and tracking units to provide the battle watch captains a picture of the battle space during RIMPAC and other exercises.

"I spent three years training and learning with my reserve unit," said Bostick, who drills at Navy Operational Support Center Fort Worth, Texas.

Enjoying the opportunity to put her training to practical use, Bostick added, "It's nice to be able put two and two together to understand the dynamics and relationships we have with the different component commands."

Despite many reservists leaving their fulltime jobs in the civilian world for sometimes undetermined amounts of time, and often faced with logistical challenges, they continue to support various assignments like RIMPAC and continue be an integral part of the Navy.

Wolters said reservists continue to help in the overall mission by providing critical skills at a moment's notice. "Since many reservists already have extensive active-duty experience, they already have the knowledge of how undersea warfare works and help save time and money for the Navy who would otherwise have to train new active duty personnel," he said.

"RIMPAC is a rewarding experience for both the reservists and the Navy," said Wolters. "It provides excellent training for the reservists and provides the Navy with quality, experienced individuals who fit the needs of the many positions required. The Reserve Force helps man the needed positions to complete any number of critical jobs to support a task force."

Reservist and RIMPAC participant, Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Hepola, commanding officer of Naval Reserve Expeditionary Unit, Detachment I in Louisville, Ky., has spent more than seven years on active duty including duty in Iraq, and currently works for Bell Helicopter.

"It's a good framework for organizing anything," said Hepola, referring to a military background as a strong foundation for civilian companies to hire prior military.

Hepola added that it is beneficial for reservists to participate in exercises like RIMPAC because it gives exposure to what is going on in today's Navy, allowing reservists the ability to keep their skills at optimal levels needed to be of support at a moment's notice.

In addition to helping reservists maintain proficiency with the active-duty Navy, being sent to many different places has other advantages.

Reservist and RIMPAC participant Electronics Technician 1st Class Long Han from Houston, Texas, said he enjoys the opportunity to bring family to the places he himself enjoys when not working. Han said he enjoys Hawaii very much, and would like to bring his family to Hawaii to enjoy the fun in the sun.

"Hawaii is always awesome," said Han. "When I'm not busy doing RIMPAC stuff, I can spend time at the beach, so that's kind of cool."

Han's involvement with RIMPAC as a database manager helps build the "digital picture," from which others can make decisions based on this picture.

For RIMPAC, Navy Reserve Sailors have filled or are filling billets in support of Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC), as well as CTF-34. The functions range from planning to watch-standing to naval liaisons at sea with our international counterparts. Reservists are an excellent, cost-effective way to augment the active-duty component for large exercises like RIMPAC, bringing extended expertise to the table and saving taxpayers money.

"With approximately 130 members serving during RIMPAC for at least 16 days each, reservists have been an integral part of this exercise," added Wolters.

Active, reserve Airmen take over maintenance duties on C-145A

by Tech. Sgt. Cheryl L. Foster
919th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

7/28/2014 - DUKE FIELD, Fla. -- Active duty and reserve Air Force maintainers took over responsibility for the upkeep and repairs of the 16 C-145As assigned here from Sierra Nevada Corporation contractors, July 1.

Airmen from the 592nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron and the 919th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron became accountable for the care of the C-145As here and at two deployed locations. As the Air Force maintainers completed training faster than anticipated, the contract was moved forward from the original end date in December.

"As a credit to the trainers, the folks that built the lesson plans, and the mechanics learning, leadership was able to back the contract up six months and save the Air Force about $11 million," said Chief Master Sgt. Brett Elledge, 592nd SOMXS superintendent .

The 592nd SOMXS stood up in June 2013 as an active duty maintenance unit for the new Air Force Special Operations Command's Aviation Foreign Internal Defense mission with the c-145As.

Active duty and reserve Airmen work together on the mission through a practice known as Total Force Integration. Both components share resources, including aircraft, maintenance and support, to conduct its mission.

Previously, the 919th owned their aircraft, but with the new AVFID mission standup the aircraft belong to AFSOC.

"Our leadership works well together. That's a big reason for us to be able to work well together, too," said Master Sgt. Dustin Hurlbut, a 592nd SOMXS specialists section chief.

The two units work side by side on the aircraft, but follow different chains of command. Reservists provide a level of continuity the active cannot due to PSCs, according to Master Sgt. Ron Hoeft, a 919th SOAMXS crew chief.

"I have been here since 1998. I've learned a lot and have a lot to pass on," he said.

Each C-145A has a dedicated crew chief and an assistant dedicated crew chief assigned to it. One is an active duty Airman and the other is a reservist with equal numbers between the two components.

Leading up to the July 1 takeover, the biggest challenge the Airmen faced was becoming qualified to work on the C-145A. There is no technical school or military guidance for the new aircraft. It was a civilian-made aircraft with no U.S. military connection until it was selected for the AFSOC mission.

"It's a daily learning curve. We are writing a new chapter for the Air Force," said Hoeft.

The maintainers had to build the lesson plans and training requirements from scratch.

The 15 active and reserve trainers created a 60-day course, including classroom and hands on training. They also adapted a 15-day classroom course to meet the needs of the 919th's traditional reservists.

The trainers and mechanics also had to convert the civilian manual to Air Force standard procedures and regulations.

The changes and processes are continuously fine-tuned daily to ensure the airframe meets regulations and is safe to fly. As situations occur, the new issues are annotated and funneled up the chain to leadership for inclusion in the procedures.

"It's an excellent learning environment for individuals to be diverse. We have a lot of experience working on aircraft and we've used that extensively to learn how to adapt to this particular airframe," said Hoeft.

Even though the changeover just occurred, the Airmen are already deployed in maintenance roles with the aircraft.

Since AVFID mission requires the Airmen to deploy to more diverse and sometimes dangerous locations, each maintainer must attend the 30-day air commando course at Hurlburt Field.

This course trains them to be able to defend themselves in hostile environments where they will not always be protected by a security detail. According to Elledge, the Airmen of the 592nd SOMXS and the 919th SOAMXS are the only maintenance Airmen in the Air Force required to attend this class.

To celebrate the successful takeover, the maintainers launched all the C-145As on the flightline.

"We've overcome so much (to get here) and we always have," said Chief Master Sgt. Pamela Duvall, the 919th SOAMXS superintendent. "I think that comes from the Talon days and the gunships before that. It's just the mindset of the Airmen we have."

CENTCOM Commander Visits CVN 77

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Connor McDermott, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs

ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander, U.S. Central Command, spoke to the crew of the aircraft carrier USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77), provided an update on current events and thanked them for their service July 26.

"I just wanted to come out today and tell everyone thank you for what you do," said Austin. "Thanks for what you've done most recently as part of our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Austin added that he wanted to remind Sailors that their country and he personally appreciated what they are doing in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I know you're out here sweating on the deck, and you're wondering if you are making a difference or what you're doing is important. Well I'm here to tell you face-to-face today that it is important, and you're making a hell of a difference," said Austin.

After Austin finished his speech he made time to answer questions from Sailors on important strategic issues like operations in Iraq, the future of central command, Middle East exit strategies and hazardous duty pay.

"Gen. Austin lived up to his reputation, addressing my question perfectly," said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Charles Gillum, of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87.

"The eyes of the world are on the conflict in Iraq and on this strike group because they know you bring the punch to where it matters and that you can make things happen," said Austin.

Austin ended the all hands call with a heartfelt thank you to all of the Sailors and their families.

"You're helping to promote the interests of the United States of America," said Austin. "Thanks for what you do. You're doing very well and we're all grateful."

Commanded by Rear Adm. DeWolfe Miller, George H. W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWB CSG) is comprised of the aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 22, the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

GHWB CSG deployed Feb. 15, 2014, and is operating in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

NAVEUR Commander Visits USS Mount Whitney

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mike Wright, USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs

GAETA, Italy (NNS) -- Adm. Mark Ferguson, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, visited the U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in Gaeta, July 25, for the first since taking command.

During an all-hands call with Sailors, Ferguson expressed his appreciation and gratitude for the hard work they do on a daily basis. He also said he plans to spend more time with the crew in the near future.

"The missions that Mount Whitney conducts are important," said Ferguson. "I am proud of each and every one of you."

While onboard, Ferguson toured department spaces, had a brief lunch with the ship's Commanding Officer, Capt. Mark Colombo, and pinned two Sailors with their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin.

"It really made me feel good to have a four star admiral pin my Enlisted Surface Warfare qualification," said Electronic Technician 3rd Class Rachel Stewart. "I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. It definitely gives me another story to talk with friends and family about."

Ferguson recently relieved Adm. Bruce Clingan as Commander, Allied Joint Force Command, Naples/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

Mount Whitney, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation, deck, engineering and supply service operations, while military personnel support communications, weapons systems and security. It is one of only two seaborne joint command platforms in the U.S. Navy, both of which are forward deployed.

DIA Chief: Transparency Builds Public Trust

By Claudette Roulo

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

ASPEN, Colo., July 27, 2014 – Transparency has to be a watchword for the intelligence community if it is to regain the public’s trust, Army Lt. Gen. Michael T. Flynn, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said here yesterday.

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“What transparency does is, transparency breeds trust,” Flynn told an audience at the Aspen Security Forum. And the intelligence community cannot afford to lose the trust of the American people, he added.

“When it happened in the past, this community got gutted and we failed the country again,” Flynn said.

The damage done by Edward Snowden was terrible, the director said. "This country can sustain big body blows, we will sustain this one, but … there will be risk,” Flynn said.

Since the leaks by Snowden, he said, the intelligence community has worked to correct itself.

“This is about transparency, security, civil liberties, our ability to protect this nation and trust. And I think the most [important] of all those is trust,” Flynn said.

The American public will regain its trust in the intelligence community if they know the community is abiding by laws approved by Congress, the executive branch and the judiciary, he said. There needs to be a national conversation about the role of intelligence, the general added.

Many of the threats and issues the intelligence community deals with every day are likely to be around for a long time, the director said. The nation is not safer for having been at war for the past 13 years, Flynn added.

“We have a whole gang of new actors out there that are far more extreme than al-Qaida,” he said, and they are involved in increasingly complex regional conflicts in places like Syria and Iraq.

And it is a mistake to underestimate these groups, Flynn noted.

"We look at some of these people as if they were in shower shoes and bathrobes, but twice they were defeating the most sophisticated military in the world -- in 2006 in Iraq and 2009 in Afghanistan,” he said. “And they're watching everything that's going on in Iraq as we transition out of Afghanistan."

These individuals have every intention to come to the United States and do damage, the general said.

One of the most dangerous threats that the U.S. faces, Flynn said, is the possibility of a group like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant getting their hands on chemical weapons in Syria.

“So, we're worried about foreign fighters coming out of there, doing attacks here in this country or maybe against our partners, but actually, there's still chemical capabilities in that part of the world and in the hands of people who I know have the intent to use them and we need to be concerned about that,” he said.

Nation-states around the world are being challenged, Flynn said. The world is in a period of prolonged societal conflict, the general continued, and the United States needs to recognize that it cannot win alone.

And while the U.S. will always play an important international role in addressing these failures, he said, it may not always be a deciding one.

Northern Command Chief Explains Key Mission Areas

By Jim Garamone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2014 – U.S. Northern Command epitomizes the changes over the past decades in defending the United States of America, Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., the commander of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command, said yesterday.

Jacoby told attendees at the Aspen Security Forum in Colorado that he spent his first 34 years as a soldier “out there” -- meaning concentrating on overseas threats -- defending the United States. “The distinction between the home game and the away game is really changed and really less significant than it’s been in the past,” he said.

The mission of U.S. Northern Command falls into three groups, Jacoby said.

The command’s bedrock is the defense of the homeland, he said. This is more than just defending the shores from an invasion, and includes missile defense, cruise missile defense, maritime defense and cyberdefense.

“The second basket of things … is defense support to civil authorities,” he said. “That’s a mission set we have always performed, but I will tell you the first half of my career we wouldn’t have said that support to civil authorities was a core military task. It was something that we would do -- sometimes grudgingly.”

But after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, DoD understood that the American people had a legitimate expectation that the military would be there and be an effective partner to civilian authorities. “We would deliver at times of our citizens’ greatest needs,” the general said.

This second basket includes defense support to law enforcement and to the Department of Homeland Security.

The final group is working with North American partners -- Canada, Mexico and the Bahamas, he said.

Civil support is the mission that most people are familiar with. The command aids civil authorities during natural or man-made disasters. The command works with partners across the United States to develop and maintain relationships with other federal agencies and with state and local authorities.

The command also works with intelligence agencies to spot and hopefully interdict threats to the homeland.

Jacoby’s command “resists taking control” of a situation unless ordered by the president or unless local and state authorities ask.

And the command is always planning for the “what ifs” and seeking to make improvements. Since 2011, the command has restructured the chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear enterprise. “This was done with some view of what happened to the Japanese at Fukushima [nuclear power plant],” he said.

Today there are about 18,000 service members available to the command to respond within 24 to 96 hours to a chemical, biological or radiological event.

The command was tested during Hurricane Sandy in 2012. “I look back on it and we could have expected that a major hurricane slamming into the borough of Manhattan was not going to be just a Manhattan issue,” he said. The effect of a major hurricane hitting the nation’s largest city, he added, was going to be felt across the country and worldwide.

An example of that, Jacoby said, was when the first person to speak at a meeting on Hurricane Sandy was Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. He said it was imperative to get the markets running or the economic recovery would stall.

The command has to be prepared to bring huge industrial response to the problem, the general said. For Sandy, this meant providing pumps that drained the subways and tunnels. It meant deploying a Marine unit ashore. It meant airlifting electric company trucks aboard Air Force C-17s to fix the power grid.

“We have to be prepared to lean forward without leaning into or crowding,” Jacoby said. “It’s a bit of a balancing act.”