USNA Welcomes Family, Friends of the Class of 2019

By Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Nathan Wilkes, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- Thousands of family members and friends arrived at the U. S. Navy Academy (USNA) to witness the culmination of the Class of 2019's Plebe Summer training during Plebe Parents' Weekend, Aug. 13-16.

Plebe Parents' Weekend provided an opportunity for parents to reunite with their sons and daughters after the intensive six weeks of Plebe Summer that leads into a midshipman's freshman year.

Plebe Summer, which began July 1, is a demanding, fast-paced boot camp-style orientation that begins four years of preparation before commissioning as naval officers. Plebes are subjected to physical and mental challenges, with the purpose of developing leadership ability, motivation, moral strength and physical skills.

Of the 1,191 men and women that began Plebe Summer six weeks ago, only 13 voluntarily dropped from the training; one of the lowest attrition rates of recent history. The USNA staff attributed the success to a focus on safety and well-planned training.

"The Class of 2019 has worked hard and done extremely well during their six weeks here at the academy," said Commandant of Midshipmen, Marine Corps Col. Stephen Liszewski. "This year we had one of the lowest attrition rates that we have seen in a long time, and by no means has the summer been easy. We have pushed them; molded them. They have endured and earned their place here."

The Class of 2019 is composed of 859 men and 324 women from all over the United States, as well as 12 international students. Ninety-two percent of the class competed in varsity athletics during high school and 32 percent come from college and post-high school preparatory programs.

"We are proud to say that this new class is one of the most culturally diverse and highly competitive that we have ever had at the academy," said Vice Adm. Ted Carter, USNA superintendent. "This is also the largest class of women and varsity athletes that we have ever had."

Many parents said they didn't recognize their sons and daughters, as, in just over a month, most of them had changed drastically. They stood taller and straighter, saying "sir" and "ma'am" and use Navy terms, acronyms and abbreviations with ease.

"This being the first time that we have been away from our child, it's been really hard and a huge adjustment for our family," said Wynette Bodily, mother of Midshipman Fourth Class Kalib Bodily. "We couldn't be more proud and we are so excited to see him."

During the three-day weekend, parents watched the plebes' formal parade, toured the dorms at Bancroft Hall, and met with faculty and staff members to get a glimpse of the life at the Naval Academy.

"We are incredibly excited and this is all really a lot to take in," said Mary Colton, mother of Midshipman Fourth Class J.P. Colton. "It's great to have the opportunity not only to support him during this huge time in his life, but to be able to get involved in some of the things that the plebes experience just makes you feel better about the whole thing."

The Class of 2019 is scheduled to join the entire Brigade of Midshipmen during a reform ceremony, Aug. 18. After the ceremony, plebes will move to their permanent company spaces in preparation of the academic school year.

USS Santa Fe Visits Japan during Western Pacific Deployment

By USS Santa Fe Public Affairs

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) arrived at Yokosuka, Japan Aug. 17 for a visit as a part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 150, Santa Fe will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the endurance and flexibility of the submarine fleet.

"Santa Fe is proud to contribute to the 7th Fleet commander's initiates," said Cmdr. Timothy Poe, Santa Fe's commanding officer.

Santa Fe is making its 2nd deployment to the Western Pacific in the last three years. Combining stealth, fire power and persistence to remain on station indefinitely, Santa Fe is crucial to the U.S. Navy's, and its allies' underwater dominance in the region.

"This port call is important to the crew of the Santa Fe as a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication over the last several months," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Juan Gonzalez, the chief of the boat aboard Santa Fe. "The crew has been put through their paces and has stood tall and strong through all challenges. This is also a great opportunity to show military presence and foster a stronger relationship between our two countries."

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Santa Fe is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions. Commissioned on Jan. 8, 1994, Santa Fe is the 52nd ship of the Los Angeles-class and is based out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

U.S. Navy to share its story with the "City of Fountains"

By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (NNS) -- The world's largest Navy arrived to the "City of Fountains," Aug. 17, to begin Kansas City Navy Week, a week-long series of community and outreach events.

Navy weeks focus a variety of assets, equipment and personnel on a single city, to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

The events and special programs to take place throughout the Kansas City, Misouri area are the culmination of planning and preparation over many months by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, multiple Navy assets, and Kansas City community leaders.

"Our goal is to share the Navy's story through engagements by senior Navy leaders, U.S. Navy Parachute Team, explosive ordinance disposal technicians, Navy divers, and USS Constitution and namesake Sailors," said Gary Ross, lead planner of Kansas City Navy Week.

Vice Adm. William Hilarides, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, will received a mayoral proclamation to kick off the week during Navy Night, Aug. 18, at the National World War I Memorial and Museum. This free, public event will feature U.S. Navy Band Southeast and other Sailors, who will honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of WWI veterans.

"The band's goal is to perform one of our most important missions -- community outreach," said Master Chief Musician Vincent Burrell, assistant director of Navy Band Southeast. "Kansas City Navy Week is a prime example of the opportunities we have to showcase the talents of our Sailors, who are truly outstanding Navy Ambassadors."

Shawnee, Kan. native Rear Adm. Mark Darrah, program executive officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, will return to his hometown for Navy week.

"Kansas City Navy Week provides me the opportunity to give back to a community which helped establish the educational foundation that enabled me to serve my country," the admiral said. "To be able to return to Kansas City and share my Navy experiences is an amazing opportunity. I am fortunate to spend a few days here to thank those in my home state who continue to produce exceptional people who may someday join our great Navy."

Sailors from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman will be involved in several community outreach projects throughout the week, including a build for Habitat for Humanity, and visits with the Boy Scouts and the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City. They will also volunteer for After the Harvest, where Sailors will deliver leftover produce from local farmers to food banks throughout the Kansas City area.

"It's a pretty big deal, and humbling, to be selected from a crew of about 3,000 Sailors to represent them by returning to my hometown," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Ross Taylor. "I look forward to sharing my stories about my job and work on the flight deck. It's really exciting."

Truman Sailors will also work with explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Navy divers at the Sea Life Aquarium. On Aug. 20-21, attendees at the aquarium will have a unique opportunity to see diving demonstrations and talk one on one with Sailors.

Additionally, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, will execute several aerial demonstrations, including pre-game jumps at Friday's Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks football game and Saturday's Parkville Days celebration at English Landing Park.

The Kansas City Aviation Expo Air Show will also feature the Leap Frogs, Aug. 23, along with the Navy's flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels. Gates open at 9 a.m. at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport.

Historically, Navy week events draw thousands of attendees to participate and create a dialogue between Sailors and local residents.

"Several businesses, local government, educational institutions and local sports organizations have graciously invited our Navy Week team to visit with them," added Darrah. "My goal is to ensure they all know what role they play in encouraging and preparing young people from the Kansas City area to contribute to strengthening the foundation of what our country was built on....innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and a strong desire to serve whether in uniform or as a citizen. And, of course, to have a better understanding of the role our Navy is playing across the world."

Kansas City Navy Week is the eighth of only 12 Navy weeks in 2015.