NATO Prepares for Challenges From East, South

By Jim Garamone

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, March 12, 2015 – NATO commanders are putting in place the infrastructure that will allow the alliance to adapt to new threats, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the press yesterday at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Mons, Belgium.

Stoltenberg spoke alongside Air Force Gen. Philip M. Breedlove, NATO’s supreme allied commander, after NATO commanders briefed the secretary general on progress toward meeting the goals of the Wales Summit.

Both men noted the security environment in Europe has grown complicated and that the alliance must change to deal with these new threats. While the alliance continues the train, advise and equip mission in Afghanistan and the peacekeeping operation in Kosovo, it is changing to confront new issues.

Threats From East, South

“We see threats both from the East with the more aggressive actions of Russia in Ukraine, [and] also from the South with violence and turmoil spreading to the Middle East and North Africa,” Stoltenberg said.

The answer to both challengers is a boost to collective security, he added.

The alliance is more than doubling the size of the NATO Response Force from 13,000 to 30,000 troops.

“We are setting up a new 5,000-strong quick reaction Spearhead Force, with some units ready to move within as little as 48 hours,” Stoltenberg said. “And we are also creating six command-and-control centers in the Baltic states and three other eastern allied states.”

‘Deliberative and Unified’ Changes

Breedlove said those moves are on track. “We’re in full swing moving forward with our assurance and our adaptation measures and these will make our alliance even more ready and responsive in the future,” the general said.

“The United States is sending 3,000 troops and equipment to the Baltic region for training,” Stoltenberg said. “And in the south, we are preparing to hold this autumn our biggest exercise for many years, expected to include over 25,000 troops in this exercise.” NATO also has ships exercising in the Black and Baltic seas, he added.

The measures are defensive, proportionate and in line with international commitments, the secretary general said.

Changing the alliance posture is tough, involved work, Breedlove said. “We are tackling these changes in a deliberative and unified fashion,” he said. “I’ve spent many years serving among our European allies and I’m pleased to say that I’ve never seen a greater degree of cohesion, resolve and determination to ensure that NATO is ready to meet our future challenges, and I’m confident this will continue as we secure our future together.”

USS Theodore Roosevelt Deploys for World Tour

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Wyatt L. Anthony, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) departed its homeport in Norfolk for an around-the-world deployment, March 11.

TR and its Sailors will conduct operations in the U.S. Navy's 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility during the deployment.

"The crew has done an absolutely stellar job getting TR ready for deployment," said Capt. Daniel C. Grieco, TR's commanding officer. "We're at the point where the ship's systems are perfect and ready to go and the crew is as sharp as they can possibly be."

The deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of U.S. forces supporting maritime security operations in international waters around the world.

"This is a unique deployment that will actually encompass three different areas of responsibility or AORs," said Grieco. "We will start off going to 6th Fleet, which is in the Mediterranean, then head on to 5th Fleet, the Middle East, and we will continue through 7th Fleet area of operations before we wind up at the end in San Diego."

Working with allied and partner maritime forces, TR will focus heavily on maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts, which help establish conditions for regional stability.

"This is my first deployment," said Damage Controlman Fireman Norman Sanders, from Portage, Indiana. "I just know that it will be a great learning experience, and will give me opportunities I have never had before, so I am very excited."

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG) consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, TR, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2 staff, the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81).

"This will be my 11th deployment and my fifth set of work-ups in a command position. We are more ready to conduct sustained operations at sea as we embark on this deployment than ever before," said Rear Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12. "The Strike Group's components, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, Carrier Air Wing One, Destroyer Squadron 2, and the USS Normandy, are mission-focused and well led. We are grateful for the support of the maintenance and training communities as well as the type commands preparing us for this deployment. I want to thank the families and friends of our people for their support and service to our Navy. I know you are tremendously proud of each and every Sailor and Marine in the Strike Group. I am personally committed to their safety and security, and I am confident these great Americans will persevere in every mission."

The five ships and nine aircraft squadrons of TRCSG consist of approximately 6,000 Sailors and Marines who have spent the last year conducting intensive training and certification exercises to establish a safe, cohesive organization capable of performing a wide variety of missions across the globe, ranging from counter-piracy and ground support operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

TR's deployment will be a world tour, which will end with her completing a homeport shift to San Diego. TR's change in homeport is part of a three carrier shift involving the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and the USS George Washington (CVN 74).

Theodore Roosevelt, named in honor of the 26th U.S. President, was commissioned Oct. 25, 1984 as the 4th Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

USS Hawaii Returns to Pearl Harbor

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Swink, Pacific Submarine Force Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Friends and families of the crew of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) gathered at the submarine piers to welcome back the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine, returning March 10 to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam after completing a deployment to the Western Pacific.

"I couldn't be more proud of the crew of Hawaii," said Cmdr. William A. Patterson, Hawaii's commanding officer, a native of Holliston, Massachusetts. "Every one of them represented the submarine force, the Navy and the nation through seven port visits and did a fantastic job tactically when we were out doing our mission."

Hawaii returned home with a new second in charge, as Lt. Cmdr. Charles Phillips relieved Lt. Cmdr. Mark Robinson as executive officer of Hawaii in a pre-scheduled relief during the deployment.

As this was the first deployment for more than one-third of the crew, Phillips said one of the keys to mission success was how well Sailors supported each other.

"Our junior crew members eagerly met all challenges," said Phillips. "All first-time deplorer's took advantage of every opportunity to start and finish as many qualifications as they could."

During the deployment, 23 Sailors and six officers earned their designation as qualified in submarines and now wear their coveted "dolphin" warfare insignia.

Additionally, 18 Sailors advanced in rank and five Sailors were initiated into the chiefs' mess.

During the seven-month deployment, Hawaii strengthened relations with multiple countries taking part in maritime exercises and conducted port visits to Stirling, Australia, and the cities of Yokosuka and Sasebo in Japan.

Machinist's Mate 1st Class Darren Polston, a native of Tucson, Ariz., expressed his pleasure in helping to coordinate community relations events during the various port visits.

"During my 14 years of submarine service, I have always heard of boats visiting Australia, and now I finally got to go," said Polston. "I loved meeting current submariners and veterans from all over the world, and being able to speak at an Australian High School."

"We were fortunate to be in town for the Royal Australian Navy's 100th year celebration of their submarine force," said Phillips.

Hawaii's crew participated in ceremonies held at the Maritime Museum and hosted distinguished visitors including both senior military and civilian leaders.

Upon her return from deployment, the "War Canoe," as the crew calls her, was escorted to the historic submarine piers of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam by outrigger canoes from the Honolulu Pearl Canoe Club, and greeted by hula dancers performing traditional chants.

"It was a huge honor to support the military community in this way," said Jason Leavitt, an outrigger canoe paddler. "It's not every day you get to paddle under the Ford Island Bridge, stop and pay your respects at the Arizona Memorial, and then meet up with the submarine USS Hawaii to escort her to the pier."

Friends and family crowded the pier with "welcome home" banners as they greeted loved ones following their scheduled deployment.

"It feels really amazing, I have been so nervous lately," said 8-year-old Briana Polston, looking forward to seeing her dad arrive. She said she was looking forward to doing the things they normally do. "We usually just chill at the house and have family time," she said.

"I am looking forward to spending time with my wife and daughter," said Polston, "as well as visiting with other family and catching up with friends."

Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii was the third Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first to be named after the Aloha state, recognizing the tremendous support the Navy has enjoyed from the people and state of Hawaii, and in honor of the rich heritage of submarines in the Pacific.