US Navy Increases Cooperation, Enhances Partnership With Timor Leste Defense Forces During CARAT

From Task Force 73 Public Affairs

DILI, Timor Leste (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy and Timor-Leste Defense Force (F-FDTL) will conduct the third Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise in Dili, Timor-Leste, and in the vicinity of Port Hera Naval Base, July 27-28.

CARAT Timor-Leste is part of an annual bilateral exercise series between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of nine partner nations, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste. As a longstanding exercise series in Southeast Asia, CARAT enables regional navies to work together through cooperative training events, exchanges, and symposia.

"CARAT Timor-Leste provides an outstanding venue to broaden our partnership with the Timor-Leste Defense Force based on shared security interests," said Rear Adm. Charlie Williams, commander, Task Force (CTF) 73. "Through our bilateral training and exchanges, our Sailors are working side-by-side with their Timor-Leste counterparts, creating meaningful professional relationships and enhancing cooperation between our navies."

During this year's CARAT exercise, U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 and security personnel assigned to Navy Coastal Riverine Group 1 will conduct civil-engineer exchanges and security training with Timor-Leste defense forces.

CARAT Timor-Leste also includes a community service and outreach project providing an opportunity for U.S. and Timor-Leste defense forces to interact with the local community. Approximately 400 service members from the two militaries will participate in this year's exercise.

CARAT is one aspect of the growing U.S. and Timor-Leste partnership, which has included annual port calls by U.S. Navy ships, visits by senior U.S. Navy and Marine Corps leaders, and ongoing civic action projects by U.S. Navy Seabees deployed to Timor-Leste, over the past decade.

"Both navies benefit from this training," said Lt. Luis Ortega, Timor-Leste desk officer and exercise coordinator for CTF 73. "Together we learn from each other and exchange cultural knowledge and military skillsets, which increases capacity of our forces and allows us to work more efficiently together."

Following CARAT Timor-Leste, additional bilateral phases of CARAT will occur from August through November 2015 with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The exercises will provide a regional venue to develop strong maritime partnerships that contribute to the greater peace and stability of the region.

As U.S. 7th Fleet's executive agent for theater security cooperation in South and Southeast Asia, CTF 73 conducts advanced planning, organizes resources, and directly supports the execution of maritime exercises, such as the bilateral CARAT series, the Naval Engagement Activity with Vietnam, and the multi-lateral Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

Fitzgerald Implements SECNAV's New Initiative During a Darwin Port Visit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Dionne, USS Fitzgerald Public Affairs

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) implemented the Secretary of the Navy's (SECNAV) new initiative to pay husbanding service providers (HSP) during a port visit to Darwin, July 20-24 by using a new process, called Off-Ship Bill Pay (OSBP).

The new process was developed to simplify and address changes to the Navy's HSP procurement and bill paying, by removing the treasury check payment from the ship's disbursing officer during port visits, which will instead be paid via invoicing, receipt, acceptance, and property transfer (IRAPT).

The new OSBP process builds on the procure-to-pay (P2P) pilot program that was completed by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Mustin (DDG 89) in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility earlier this year.

"This was a tremendous opportunity to exercise SECNAV's initiative," said Cmdr. Christopher England, commanding officer of Fitzgerald. "This initiative allows for a better system of accountability for Navy ships in foreign ports and allows them to have further control over the quality of service they receive."

During Fitzgerald's port visit to Darwin, the ship met with representatives and contracting officers from Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Yokosuka and U.S. Pacific Fleet who helped to provide guidance on the OSBP initiative that will be implemented fleet wide in the new 2016 fiscal year, Oct. 1.

"OSBP will be a great asset to the Navy as it will provide additional checks and balances to ensure all billing information is correct and that we are receiving the services we ordered," said Lt. Bryce Hicks, the Fitzgerald's supply officer. "In the long term it will help simplify the process and having the opportunity to go live this week gives the Navy the ability to learn how to use the system in the most effective ways possible before Oct. 1."

U.S. Navy ships will be able to use the new OSBP initiative in order to provide a flexible mechanism to remove HSP bill payments from ships that can be utilized by all ship classes to provide necessities such as water, food, transportation and supplies during visits to foreign ports.

"OSBP takes advantage of existing technologies that will help simplify procuring and paying for services while providing a level of accountability that did not exist before," said Cmdr. Robert Shu, the Fitzgerald's executive officer.

Fitzgerald, one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Oregon National Guard leadership visit 123rd EFS

by Senior Airman Dylan Nuckolls
52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/27/2015 - CAMPIA TURZII, Romania -- Leaders from the Oregon National Guard visited the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron during an immersion visit July 22, 2015, at Campia Turzii, Romania.

U.S. National Guard Maj. Gen. Daniel Hokanson, Oregon National Guard Adjutant General, U.S. Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt.Patrick Gauntz, command chief, Oregon Air National Guard, U.S. ANG Col. Paul Fitzgerald, 142nd Fighter Wing commander and U.S. ANG Chief Master Sgt.t Julie Eddings, 142nd FW command chief, visited Airmen of the 123rd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron stationed there as part of the Theater Security Package.

The U.S. Air Force's 123rd EFS F-15 Eagle aircraft and the Romanian air force's 71st Air Base's MiG-21 fighter aircraft partnered together for training to enhance both nations' joint capabilities and ensure a stronger partnership as a part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.

"The relationships they are building here with the Romanians is something that will last for years and just critical to what we do," said Hokanson.

While participating in this TSP, the squadron also participated in a Romanian air show celebrating their air force birthday.

"We're very proud of what we've done, and it's good to be able to show some of the folks back home of what we've been able to accomplish in such a short time, how everybody was been able to take their jobs from home and do it in an austere location and with a lot less resources and still get the mission done," said U.S. Air National Guard Lt. Col. Sean Sullivan, 123rd EFS commander.

More than 200 U.S. ANG Airmen and active duty Airmen from across U.S. Air Forces in Europe serve in various operations, maintenance, mission support, medical and wing staff functions there, reflecting a combat capable force able to respond to a wide variety of operations.

"Every time I visit this unit they impress me," Hokanson said. "Great Airmen doing wonderful things."

Going the distance

by Senior Airman Stephanie Morris
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

7/27/2015 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Chief Master Sgt. Geoff Weimer, 5th Bomb Wing command chief, ran 52 miles on the McAdoo Sports and Fitness Center outdoor track to support the Air Force Enlisted Village and Chief Master Sergeant. Scholarship Fund at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, July 24, 2015.

Weimer was able to raise $1,733.60 for the Air Force Enlisted Village and Chief Master Sergeant Scholarship Fund, by collecting 52 cent donations from 5th Bomb Wing Airmen.

Weimer explained his desire to take on the monumental run was due to the fact that unlike some of the major annual charitable contribution campaigns, the Chief Master Sergeant Scholarship Fund and Air Force Enlisted Village do not have broad publicity and the formal structure to generate the same high levels of support. Nonetheless, the fund and the scholarship are important components of taking care of Air Force families today and in the future; his main goal was to generate support for them.

"It is one of many events that serves to remind us as Warbirds and Rough Riders, we are Bomber Airmen and Missile Airmen who provide deterrence and assurance. But, above all, we are also Air Force Airmen who support the world's greatest airpower team and families," Weimer said.

It's possible, and very motivating, for Airmen to blend their personal interests and goals with professional pursuits and the betterment of their missions and organizations, Weimer said. It can bring balance to their lives and sustains their momentum by way of physical and mental endurance when they face significant stressors and challenges.

The event incorporated the aspects of physical fitness and the mental fortitude to set and achieve challenging goals which supported a worthy contribution effort, Weimer said.

To prepare for the event, Weimer made distance adjustments to his regular running routine and factored in fatigue and physical stress.

"For this particular event, I basically stepped up the mileage from 32 miles per week to 50 to 60 and then tapered down the final two weeks with rest the final two days," Weimer said. "There's much more detail to it, but mileage and nutrition are the two top components."

However, this was not the first extended run Weimer has participated in. He has run ultra distances, many in the form of relays in the past.

He explained the relay experiences were particularly helpful in ultra training because the team aspect builds relationships while gaining experience and expertise from other avid runners.

"Running is a life-long interest and activity, so I've read and adjusted many times over the years," Weimer said.

In addition to supporting the CMSAF Scholarship Fund and Air Force Enlisted Village, Weimer also hoped to send a message to base Airmen that personal wellness, professional success and quality of life depend on a long-term approach to building strength, skills and meaningful relationships.

"My advice is to establish life-long goals based on a vision of your future self, and then plot the incremental milestones necessary to achieve the vision," Weimer said. "On a daily basis, simply plan your run and run your plan."

Separated but not alone

By Senior Airman Lauren-Taylor Levin, 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs / Published July 27, 2015

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (AFNS) -- As the dawn broke out over the mountains, I woke up to the sun peeping through my window. Once I got up I went straight to the kitchen to make my family breakfast yet in the back of my mind, all I could think about was, “how am I going to manage taking care of my children, dogs and work life.” Just the thought of knowing I'll have twice the amount of things to do at home all while balancing my military work, made my heart sink a bit.

Growing up as a military child myself, I knew separation could be extremely hard and hit at any time. Looking back, I now know how alone my mother felt whenever my father went on deployments or TDY. It seems like an eternity waiting for your loved one to return home so you aren't carrying all the weight on your shoulders.

There are dozens of base agencies to make these separations easier, but I didn't realize it yet.

After just three days of being with my children and trying to balance everything I felt like the world was crashing down on me. It was as if I was a first-time mother trying to figure out if I was doing anything right and becoming completely overwhelmed. My office was starting to notice a change in my attitude and how quickly I would become agitated to otherwise insignificant events.

My co-worker and I decided to hang out once a week to discuss everything that was on our minds. Although it was nice to vent and get some relief, it only went so far with reducing the stress.

Unfortunately, because of the hours my husband worked, I could only see him for an hour or two each day on Skype, after I put the children down to sleep for the night.

A week went by and I had to pick up my children one afternoon, and I was stopped by a staff member at the child development center.

She asked, "Is there anything going on in your household?"

I explained how my husband was currently on TDY and I've been dealing with a lot of stress lately.

Shortly after my explanation she notified me that my son wasn't acting like himself either. I was so consumed with my own problems I didn't even notice how my family was doing.

The caregiver said, "Your son is starting to become antisocial, not eating as much food and becoming a bully at daycare."

I felt as if I was failing as a mother and I had to get help, not only for my son, but myself as well. The only problem is I had no idea where to start.

The caregiver gave me a pamphlet about dealing with separation and inside was a card. I called to make an appointment to talk to the counselor about how I could help my son and myself through this time of separation.

As I met with the counselor, we discussed my everyday routine. Not only did I find out I wasn't failing as a mother, but I felt some kind of comfort.

The counselor explained that regardless of a child's age, they can tell when a family member is gone or stressed. Although you may think it won't rub off on them, it does.

As we continued our conversation he recommended I try some exercises with my children and see their reactions to it.

One exercise in particular was the 1-2-3 method, also known as the "count" to stop behavior method. If your child happens to have a tantrum or isn't listening this is a great exercise to try.

This exercise helps to lead your child to learn, think and take responsibility for their actions. Doing this gives the message that your authority is not negotiable before you act with a consequence. This consequence doesn't necessarily have to be a big thing. It can simply be redirecting your child toward doing something else, like assisting you with putting items away or reading a book with them.

He explained that the more I get involved with my children's life, the better. I should replace that sense of separation with love and care, helping to distract that feeling of loneliness.

Once we finished discussing how I could help my children; the counselor asked, "how are you handling all this?"

Just as I was going to start talking my face turned bright red because I knew everything I was carrying on my shoulders was finally about to be lifted off of me. I began to discuss my struggles of trying to make sure everything was the same as it was before my husband left. I was so focused on trying to make sure everything was perfect I became overwhelmed and stressed, not only myself, but my kids too.

He later explained that no matter how much I want things to be the same, they aren't, and all I can do is make the best of each situation. Not only that, but I should take time to help myself relax by finding a hobby to diminish the stress.

I really took what he said to heart. My son is no longer being antisocial; he's eating more and being a lot nicer. I still have to deal with his "terrible-two" moments, with and my 1-year-old daughter deciding to join him, but with some redirection, they're back to normal.

Even when you feel there's nowhere to turn for help, there's always someone who cares and can guide you in the right direction. There are other resources on base to support you in times of need, such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center, key spouse groups, first shirts and mental health.

Whether it's a friend, family member, counselor or even just writing a journal there are always avenues for help.

You're not alone.

ANG's Outstanding Airman of the Year: Senior Airman Jonathan Smail

by Staff Sgt. John E. Hillier
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

7/28/2015 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- A thirst for knowledge and making connections with people is what motivates Senior Airman Jonathan R. Smail, the Air National Guard 2015 Outstanding Airman of the Year.

Smail is a RF Transmissions Systems Journeyman with the Colorado ANG's 233rd Space Communications Squadron, based in Greeley, Colorado. He was chosen for his commitment to improving the programs and people in his unit.

Smail says that he has always wanted to make a life out of serving others. He was a college student working towards a teaching degree when a friend joined the Air Force. After talking with him about his experience, Smail felt the call to join something bigger than himself.

"I thought it was cool what he did, how he's serving," said Smail. "I wanted to emulate that, to be involved in an organization as powerful as that - doing something to serve others, doing something significant. Within the next 30 minutes, I had reconstructed my entire life plan, incorporating how to serve. I was working at a hotel that some of our Guard members stay at during drill weekends, so they set me up with a recruiter."

"When I came back [from basic training,] I fell in love with the uniform, and being able to go to the base each day working with the people there, doing something significant."

Smail was chosen out of thousands of Airmen across the ANG for this honor, but he takes very little of the credit for the honor. That, he says, belongs to his family and his teammates at the 233rd.

"My father is the man who showed me what it means to work hard and care for a family," said Smail. "He's spent years on graveyard shift, working weekends and 12 hour shifts to take care of us. Some days are extremely physical and really take a toll on him, but he drives in day after day. I have a strong work ethic because of my dad."

"[This award] is a representation of how much my unit, my shop, my supervisors and co-workers have put into me to develop me and take care of me," he said. "All the people who have taken me under their wing, everyone who's pulled me aside to talk - they all had a piece in getting me to where I am now. They tucked a little nugget or idea in my ear... but everything people have done for me has meant just so much for me. I'm absolutely blessed by them."

Wanting to ensure others get the same opportunities he's had, Smail makes it a point to pass on his knowledge and experience on to new Airmen who join the unit.

"I remember how tough it was [first coming in,]" Smail said. "I wanted so badly to work hard and show my new shop that I could keep up and be an asset. But when you're new and working around millions of dollars of equipment, it can be a problem to do that. Airmen might have been farmers or ranchers before - I was a coal miner - so we know how to work hard. But the job is so technical, so I try to make sure that those Airmen who want to work hard have a role."

Smail is also a PT leader in his unit, and relished the opportunity to put his coaching experience to work as well.

"I definitely like to help those individuals who are struggling with fitness and show them how to improve," he said. "Our unit has a good program for identifying those who are struggling or about to fail and take turns running with them, working with them on form for push-ups, sit-ups, or helping them with meal preparation. I love helping people that way, the training and teaching aspect is really cool.

It was during the 2013 Colorado floods that Smail was able to witness the significant impact the Guard has on the people they serve. Volunteers from the 233rd were among the many Soldiers and Airmen called out by the Governor to provide disaster relief.

"What was so great about it for me was that when the damage happened, we were there and able to see the faces of the people who were affected," Smail said. "We were in a river up to our knees, moving rocks trying to make a levee with rocks and sandbags [to protect a neighborhood.] For two or three hours, we had Army, we had Air Force, and we had civilians working together to protect their property. It didn't matter who was who right then, we were all just there working as hard as we could trying to steer the river away from those homes, which we did."

Making a personal connection is not only the goal for Smail, it's the payoff as well. Meeting people in his community and learning about what they do is what fuels him to serve.

What I really enjoy doing is just going out to experience a new place or new community," said Smail. "My girlfriend and I will pick a new place and go check it out, get to know the owners/managers and learn their story. She always gets annoyed, because I can't just enjoy a city - I'm always studying it and want to learn everything about it."

"It's motivating to see that you can do many things to serve your community in the Guard," he said. "Even as a technician, I'm able to find time to build a piece of the community through volunteering, attending city meetings, advocating for local causes, and supporting local businesses.  I take great pride in being able to serve a federal mission, a state mission, and a community mission.  The idea that you can provide value as a citizen yet still serve your country - that's the secret to having the most significant experience in the Guard."