Fort Worth Departs Singapore After Scheduled Maintenance

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Conor Minto, USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) Public Affairs

CHANGI NAVAL BASE, Singapore (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) departed its maintenance and logistics hub in Singapore April 30, after a five-day preventative maintenance availability (PMAV) and a two-week long repair availability (RAV).

The RAV was the first extended maintenance availability for the ship during its 16-month rotational deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

According to Cmdr. Michael Desmond, LCS Crew 103 executive officer, these maintenance periods make it possible for Fort Worth to remain in theater and underway for a majority of her extended deployment.

"Dedicated time in the ship's schedule to attend to maintenance is a key part of the LCS operating concept, and this inport period proved to be another success for Fort Worth," said Desmond. "The entire maintenance team worked very hard to complete a long list of routine checks and repairs. With the RAV/PMAV behind us, we're looking forward to completing our remaining underway milestones before turning Fort Worth over to Crew 102 in late May."

Fort Worth is the first LCS to deploy under the "3-2-1" manning concept, swapping fully trained crews roughly every four months. This concept allows Fort Worth to deploy six months longer than the 2013 USS Freedom (LCS 1) deployment and twice as long as typical U.S. Navy ship deployments, extending LCS forward presence and reducing crew fatigue for the entire 16-month deployment. It is named 3-2-1 because three rotational crews support two LCS ships, one of which is deployed.

"The maintenance period included more than 580 checks and 100 tag outs of engineering, deck and combat systems," said Lt. Lemont King, chief engineer for LCS Crew 103. "Some of the maintenance that was performed was originally scheduled to be completed during the first quarter of Fort Worth's deployment, but was successfully rescheduled after Fort Worth was reassigned to assist in the search efforts for AirAsia flight QZ8501."

Compared to other Navy ships, the LCS has a relatively small crew. Fort Worth's crew size is around 100 Sailors and consists of Sailors from LCS Crew 103, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM-35) Detachment 2 and Surface Warfare Mission Package Detachment 1. The LCS maintenance construct builds in time for inport maintenance that is normally beyond the capability of Fort Worth's optimally-manned crew.

"Contracting out some of the ship's maintenance is what allows us to operate the ship under an optimal manning construct," said Desmond. "This maintenance period will certainly go a long way in allowing Fort Worth to continue to meet her future operational commitments."

Fort Worth will conduct routine patrols in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations before returning to Singapore for the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) 2015 just ahead of the next crew swap in late May.

Throughout the summer and fall, Fort Worth will take part in most of the 2015 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series. In its 21st year, CARAT is an annual, bilateral exercise series with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations including, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare.

Fort Worth will employ the surface warfare (SUW) mission package for her entire deployment, augmenting her 57mm gun and rolling airframe missile launcher with two 30mm guns, two 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats, and two six-member maritime security boarding teams. Enhancing the SUW mission package is the embarked aviation detachment from Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 35, the Navy's first composite expeditionary helicopter squadron, which consists of one MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and one MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system. The Fire Scout complements the MH-60R by extending the HSM-35's range and endurance, enhancing maritime domain awareness.

The U.S. 7th Fleet conducts forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Asia-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy's largest numbered fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.

Blue Ridge Visits Singapore to Strengthen Multilateral Relationships

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Hendricks, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked staff arrived in Singapore, April 30, to emphasize the U.S. Navy's commitment to building and strengthening relationships in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.

The Blue Ridge team consists of more than 900 crew members including embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff, the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 and Marines from Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific.

While in port, Blue Ridge crew and U.S. 7th Fleet staff members will volunteer as part of community service projects, participate in friendly sports competitions with members of the Republic of Singapore Navy, and explore everything Singapore has to offer strengthening relationships with the people.

"Maintaining good working relationships is vital," said Chief Legalman Zandee Galang, Blue Ridge's legal officer. "Breaking down the cultural barriers is essential to our relationships with our allies, and we accomplish this by contributing our time and efforts through community service events and being open to learning about the different cultural settings."

"I love having the opportunity to play sports with other navies," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Christopher Dugas, sports organizer for Blue Ridge's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program. "It really breaks down the language barrier and brings two navies together. Everyone knows the rules when playing, and we all can understand each other because of it. These experiences make being forward deployed amazing."

Blue Ridge's crew and U.S. 7th Fleet staff members will take advantage of the opportunity to experience the unique melting pot of Singapore by touring landmarks and trying new foods through Blue Ridge's MWR program.

"There is so much to see and do in Singapore," said Chief Personnel Specialist Achilles Amante, Blue Ridge's personnel officer. "Getting out and seeing something new allows our Sailors to grow and really embrace different walks of life. Our MWR program on board is excellent at providing cultural opportunities."

Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to the Yokosuka, Japan, region for 35 years and is currently on patrol, strengthening and fostering relationships within the Indo-Asia Pacific Region.

AMC to relocate KC-135 simulator to Pittsburgh ANGB

by Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

5/1/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- As Air Mobility Command fields the KC-46A, displaced KC-135 simulators are being designated for relocation to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the Total Force mobility enterprise by maximizing flying hour cost avoidance through improved simulator access.   AMC previously announced a flight simulator would be moved from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., to the formal training unit at Altus AFB, Okla.

The next KC-135 simulator now identified for relocation is an operational flight trainer simulator slated to transfer from Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., to Pittsburgh ANGB, Pa., in March 2016.

Last year AMC and the Air National Guard worked together to identify a total of four KC-135 pilot flight simulators to eventually be relocated as a result of KC-46A allocations to McConnell AFB and Pease ANGB.

The KC-46A Pegasus is the first of a three-phase effort to replace the Air Force tanker fleet.

"Bringing the KC-46A online remains one of the Air Force's top three acquisition priorities, and is a critical step in recapitalizing the tanker fleet and maintaining our unrivaled global reach capabilities," said Maj. Gen. Michael S. Stough, Director of Strategic Plans, Requirements and Programs at Headquarters Air Mobility Command.  "However, the KC-135 will remain the backbone of our tanker fleet during this recapitalization process.

"As we work  with our Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command partners to select new locations of the KC-135 simulators, our goal is to select the most efficient and effective locations to best support Total Force training," said Stough.

AMC operates 19 KC-135 pilot flight simulators and nine Boom Operator Weapons System Trainer at 13 regional sites worldwide to support 42 KC-135 units.

Secretary of the Air Force visits Aviano

by Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/1/2015 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James visited Team Aviano, April 30, 2015, and thanked them for their service and dedication to the mission.

During her visit, James spoke with Airmen and wing leaders and toured base facilities. She also had the opportunity to sit with junior Airmen, attend a mission brief and host a base-wide all call. She addressed Air Force challenges and opportunities with the budget, operations tempo and most importantly, according to James, taking care of Airmen.

"Days like today are the part of my job I enjoy the most, because I get to see our great Air Force in action," said James.

According to James, as she visits Air Force installations, the number one issue Airmen bring to her attention is the impact of force shaping.

"The downsizing is over and we are even asking for upsizing," said James. "Size matters because you can't be everywhere at the same time. We are a busy, global force. The number one priority in the budget is for us is trying to get sequestration lifted."

James said she's learned that its people that make great organizations. The secretary applauded the men and women of Aviano for their dedication and passion to the service's demands.

"We are performing magnificently as an Air Force and that is attributed to all of you," exclaimed James.

James also highlighted the upcoming Public Service Recognition Week. The week-long event honors and celebrates the impact of civilian Airmen on mission accomplishment.

"To the almost 400 civilian Airmen here at Aviano -- thank you," James said. "You are a crucial part of executing the Air Force mission. We couldn't do it without your contributions."

During her remarks, she congratulated the 31st Fighter Wing's recent success during an Estonia deployment, the Libyan Embassy evacuation and other joint-efforts in which the wing participated.

"I want you to know how proud I am of you, Team Aviano, for all you do to support missions in both the fighter and mobility world," said James.

Alert Soldier Saves Drowning Child

By Army Staff Sgt. Kristen Duus

1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

WASHINGTON, May 1, 2015 – For one El Paso family, Army Sgt. 1st Class Lynnette Hobson-Shearwood was fortunately in the right place at the right time.

Hobson-Shearwood hails from Trinidad and Tobago. She’s the Supply Support Activity platoon sergeant for 1st Armored Division’s Alpha Company, 501st Brigade Support Battalion, “Ready First” Brigade Combat Team,.

The senior noncommissioned officer has been working evenings in preparation for the unit’s rotation to the National Training Center in mid-May.

But Hobson-Shearwood left work early April 23 and arrived home shortly after 6:00 p.m. Instead of following her normal routine, she went straight to her backyard to water her plants.

‘I Thought It Was a Doll’

"I heard a baby making a whimpering sound," Hobson-Shearwood recalled. "I didn't see an adult in the yard and I noticed a little boy in pampers and he was over the pool, pulling on something in the water. I thought it was a doll."

Fearful that the 2-year-old boy would fall in, she called out to the neighbors. No one heard her, so she jumped the fence. It was not until she approached the child that she realized it was not a doll in the water. It was a one-year-old boy, submerged in the water. Only his ankle was above water.

"I came around to the pool and I could get him without jumping in," Hobson-Shearwood said. "I picked him up, put him on the side of the pool, and started doing CPR on him.”

The fully-dressed child was unconscious and had already starting to turn blue when she grabbed him from the water.

‘Please God, Don’t Let Him Die’

"When I was doing mouth-to-mouth, all I was saying was, 'Please God, don't let him die,'" Hobson-Shearwood said.

After what seemed like an eternity of performing CPR, the infant, named Troy, coughed up water.

"Once he started breathing, I put him on his side in the recovery position and I went knocking on the back door to get the attention of somebody in the house," she said.

Troy’s grandmother was home and she immediately called 911. Hobson-Shearwood continued to tend to the child until the paramedics arrived.

‘He Started to Regain His Color’

"When he took his first breath, I was so glad," Hobson-Shearwood said. "He started to regain his color and I was hoping he didn't suffer any brain damage."

Hobson-Shearwood said Troy’s family has visited her several times to thank her for her actions, and told her after several days in the intensive care unit that he is showing signs of a full recovery.

The soldier credits her quick actions on the training she has received in her 20 years in the Army. She said she doesn't consider herself a hero, adding that anyone would do the same thing in that situation.

‘An Incredible Act’

"It's an incredible act," said Army Capt. Ramses Diaz, Hobson-Shearwood's company commander. "Anyone who has kids, anyone who has been around kids, I'm sure would feel that was an act of bravery that she performed. She doesn't want to be considered a hero, and we would all like to think we'd do the same thing, but we are not all put in those situations and she was that night, and she acted in a heroic manner."

While Hobson-Shearwood downplays her heroics, she said she can't emphasize enough the importance of water safety.

"I am always big on teaching children to swim," she said. "You can start to teach them to swim from three months old. I think once you have children around, you should learn CPR and basic first aid."

Troy’s family is forever grateful to her for saving the life of their child, and want to now celebrate two birthdays for him, to include the day he was brought back to life, April 22, Hobson-Shearwood said.

"I think it was an act of God that I was there in time to help him," she said.