Southern Partnership Station-Joint High Speed Vessel 2015 (SPS-JHSV 15) Divers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians Complete Mission

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kathleen Gorby

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Diver and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician training teams completed their third stop of the SPS-JHSV 15 mission Sept. 14 in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala.

The mission inlcuded an Adaptive Force Package (AFP) aboard the joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (EPF 1), operated by the Military Sealift Command.

The SPS-JHSV 15 mission to the region exemplifies U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command's commitment to cooperative partnerships in the Caribbean, Central and South America.

While ashore in Guatemala, Navy Divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Company 3-1 from Explosive Ordnance Dispoal Mobile Unit 3 (EODMU3) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians from Platoon 642, EODMU6 provided training and conducted Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) with their counterparts to build partner nation's capabilities to counter illicit trafficking.

The first few days of training were spent assessing the capabilities of the Guatemalan divers. In Guatemala, diving is a secondary job that is done only when the situation arises. This gives them very little opportunity to practice the basics of diving and remaining proficient.

"The Guatemalan Navy has a relatively high rate of turn-over," said Lt. Sean McSwain from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion and the AFP operations officer. "Many Sailors only serve for a few years, so it's hard keeping a consistent base line of training with eve-revolving Sailors."

Navy Diver 1st Class Joseph Olin of Mobile Diving and Salvage Company 3-1 from EODMU3, stationed in San Diego, said the Guatemalan divers were eager to learn our diving techniques.

"We started in the pool reviewing basic diving procedures and practiced different searching methods," said Olin. "By the end of our time in Guatemala, we were conducing searches off a pier in open water."

According to Olin, the Guatemalan divers were fast learners and grasped the different techniques.

"We emphasized the importance of the basics, such as fitness and diving fundamentals," said Olin. "Hopefully they will be able to continue with what we taught them and pass it on to new divers."

The AFP traveled to Honduras, Belize, and Guatemala and is heading to their last stop in Colombia. The deployment mission ends in mid-October.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations to counter illicit trafficking, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

Undersea Warfighting Development Center Holds Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

By Kevin Copeland, Submarine Force Atlantic Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The ceremonial opening of the Undersea Warfighting Development Center (UWDC) occurred during a ribbon cutting ceremony, Sept. 21, at U. S. Naval Submarine Base New London.

Under the command of Rear Adm. Jeffrey E. Trussler, the UWDC became operational, Sept. 1.

Featured speakers were Vice Adm. Joseph E. Tofalo, Commander, Submarine Forces, and Rear Adm. Trussler.

"The Undersea Warfighting Development Center will integrate our "undersea concept of operations and tactics, techniques and procedures in support of theater, anti-submarine warfare forces; prepare submarine crews to conduct all combat missions; and prepare carrier strike groups and independently deploying surface ships to perform integrated anti-submarine warfare," said Tofalo. "Our undersea forces have always been about being first: first to the fight and first to come to grips with the enemy. RDML Trussler and his people will ensure we stay poised to do that. This is crucial work and UWDC are the right people to do it."

UWDC will be responsible for training the submarine force in advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures for Anti-Submarine Warfare. The center has assumed the training missions, tasks, and functions for Theater and Integrated Strike Group Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) from the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC), based in San Diego.

"The establishments of Warfighting Development Centers have been several years in the making," said Trussler. "The stand-up of the UWDC is one of the last pieces of that puzzle to come together. As we move forward to support the undersea forces and undersea effort, our organization will be committed to being innovative, adaptive, and responsive."

In calendar year 2014 the Chief of Naval Operations ordered the establishment of Warfighting Development Centers (WDCs). The CNO approved Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces and Commander, Pacific Fleet in establishing WDCs for air, undersea, surface, and expeditionary forces. WDCs will conduct integrated advanced tactical training under the administrative control of supported Type Commanders now assigned responsibility for theater-to tactical-level warfare mission areas.

WDCs will provide advanced warfighting tactical training across air, sea, and space domains. This will enhance warfighting effectiveness by creating cohesiveness across all warfare communities.

Canfield Relieves Caldwell as CO of USS John Warner

By By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic Public affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Cmdr. Burt J. Canfield relieved Cmdr. Daniel B. Caldwell as commanding officer of the Virginia-class attack submarine USS John Warner (SSN 785) during a change of command ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., Sept. 18.

The event was the ship's first change of command since its commissioning on Aug.1, 2015 in its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. The ship was the 12th Virginia-class attack submarine to join the Navy's operating fleet, ready to fulfill its motto, "On a Mission to Protect Freedom."

The ship's namesake is John Warner, a five-term U.S. Senator from Virginia who also served as 61st Secretary of the Navy from 1972 to 1974. Warner is also the only Secretary of the Navy who served as both an enlisted man and an officer, in both the Navy and the Marine Corps.

"We are honored to have Mrs. Jeanne Warner, our ship's sponsor, with us here today," said Caldwell, a native of Milford, Ohio, and graduate of the University of Cincinnati. "Jeanne, you have been there beside us the entire way and have infused your spirit into this magnificent submarine. You have blessed us with your grace and charm. The crew of John Warner could not have asked for a better sponsor.

"To the crew of John Warner, you have impressed and inspired me on a daily basis with your hard work and dedication. You have followed in the footsteps of Senator Warner and made a commitment to join the Navy to protect freedom around the world and I know he is proud of each and every one of you. You have been asked to flex. You have asked to be agile. You have asked to be patient. Where many submarine crews have stumbled you have soared. You have met every challenge head on and you have delivered first time success every time including earning the highest score ever for readiness in the history of the Virginia-class submarine program.

"Sometimes it is hard to see what you are accomplishing through the day to day drudgery of building and operating a submarine. Every time a Virginia-class submarine is commissioned, the whole world takes notice and our adversaries spend a little more time thinking about the awesome capabilities of these ships. While Newport News Shipbuilding and Electric Boat built this amazing warship with state of the art weapons systems, it is you - the crew - that breathed life into this ship. Your training and your ability to employ the capabilities of this warship are the difference between victory and defeat when this ship is tasked to engage the enemy. You have brought the most lethal warship in our Navy to life, you have made the country safer and our nation stronger. You have demonstrated resilience and agility that is second to none and most importantly you supported your shipmates and you succeeded with honesty and integrity. I could not have asked for a better crew. You have much to be proud of. Well done men. Well done!"

Capt. Paul Snodgrass, commander, Submarine Squadron Six, was the guest speaker.

"I can feel something special in this change of command today," said Snodgrass. "This is not your normal, run of the mill Navy change of command. Today is the first change of command for the USS John Warner, the ship named for a living legend, a Virginia gentleman, a true United States patriot and statesman. Jeanne, I want to thank you and Senator Warner for all you have done for this crew, our submarine force, our Navy and our nation.

"We are here to celebrate the success of USS John Warner, and success of its first commanding officer, Dan Caldwell, a great leader. Dan is an officer that always thinks about development of his subordinates and finds ways to put his officers, chiefs and Sailors in positions to learn, grow and develop their professional skill. Dan is that leader who is always pushing his people into the limelight when it is time to heap praise and step to the front to accept responsibility if things don't go so well. The times that things did not go well were very few and far between because Dan Caldwell made John Warner and her crew function so well. Dan, it has always been very enjoyable for me and my staff to work with your crew. The crew always has a positive attitude, is proactive, receptive to feedback, and always looking to improve. That is a direct reflection on you and your leadership.

"All of my anxiety about Dan's departure from command of John Warner was removed when I found out who was going to be his replacement - Burt Canfield. I was assured that this ship would be able to carry on in the same excellent performance with him at the helm. Burt, you are ready for this job and I am confident you will do it well.

"While we are primarily celebrating the success of Dan Caldwell, and wishing Burt Canfield a successful future, both of them will be the first to tell you that today is really a celebration of the honor, privilege, and unique opportunity given to very few by our nation and Navy - to lead a submarine crew. This crew is the heartbeat of John Warner, and will be forever linked to the legacy of the great Senator John Warner."

A native of Damascus, Pa., Canfield graduated with honors from New York Maritime College in 1998 with a Bachelors of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and a U.S. Guard Third Mate's License. He earned a Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2005.

"Men of warship John Warner, I could not be more impressed," said Canfield. "The camaraderie, the pride, but most of all, the professional excellence which each one of you exhibits surpasses that of any crew I've had the pleasure of being acquainted with. Clearly, you and Cmdr. Caldwell's hard work have transformed this ship and crew into one of the finest in the fleet. Within a year you have brought this amazing warship to life. We will be deeply into deployment preparations and training, getting ready to deploy the nation's newest fast-attack submarine to the tip of the spear and breathe life into our motto, "On a Mission to Protect Freedom." I am humbled and honored to be part of John Warner as we go forward."

As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the submarine can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities. John Warner is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. It will operate for 33 years without ever refueling.

Table set to remember

by Senior Airman Deana Heitzman
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

9/18/2015 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- "We call your attention to this small table, which occupies the place of dignity and honor," reads Tech. Sgt. Maurice Carbajal, 31st Communications Squadron knowledge management center NCO in charge, while members of the base honor guard sharply pop to attention.

When this line is read from the historic script, the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action table ceremony begins, kicking off Aviano Air Base's POW/MIA Remembrance Week.

"They are unable to be with their loved ones and families today, so we join together to pay a humble tribute to them," Carbajal continued with the script.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, there are 83,114 service members who are still unaccounted for since World War II. Across many military installations, attendees honor these service members by displaying a "missing man table" in dining facilities and during official ceremonies.

"This table symbolizes the fact that members of our Armed Forces are missing from our ranks. We call them POWs and MIAs," Carbajal continued.

During the ceremony, honor guard members presented symbolic items to those who are missing, while the narrator explained the meaning.

"The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood they have shed to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America," Carbajal read.

With five different service hats placed on a round table draped in white, they are adorned with a single red rose, a bread plate with a salted lemon, an inverted glass and an empty chair.

"The slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt, when sprinkled onto the plate, reminds us of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait," Carabajal continued to read. "The glass is inverted--they cannot toast with us this day. The chair is empty--they are not here. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home."

The ceremony ended with an excerpt for all the missing comrades to return to their ranks and their families.

"Seeing this table gave me the opportunity to honor not only those who are still missing, but the families who are still waiting for their loved ones to come home," said Carbajal. "I always tear up thinking about how my children would feel if they would constantly be waiting for me to come home."

Annually, the Air Force Sergeants Associations hosts various events leading up to National POW/MIA Recognition Day, the third Friday in September. This year, Team Aviano came together with a memorial run, retreat and the table ceremony to remember fellow service members.

Pease ANGB breaks ground for KC-46 hangars

by Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz
157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

9/21/2015 - PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H.  -- A groundbreaking ceremony was held on base Sept. 18 to mark the start of the KC-46A Hangar Expansion and Modernization Project.

New Hampshire Gov. Maggie Hassan, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte as well as The Adjutant General of the N.H. National Guard Maj. Gen. William N. Reddel III and 157th Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Shawn "Rob" Burrus" spoke at the event.

"It's your skill, your hard work and your devotion to our nation's defense that is bringing the KC-46A to New Hampshire," Hassan said during remarks to those in attendance. "You've distinguished yourselves as one of the most accomplished operations group in the country and you are a great source of pride for the people of New Hampshire."

The hangars, built in the 1950s, were originally built to support Strategic Air Command's B-47 Stratojet bombers and KC-97 Stratofreighter tankers.

The intent of the project is to remodel buildings 253 and 254 to maximize the operational space in order to promote efficiency and productivity in preparation for the arrival of 12 KC-46A tankers in February 2018.

"Today's groundbreaking represents a significant milestone in that path to fielding the new tanker, and once again reflects the collective hard work of our state leaders, our congressional delegation as well as their dedicated staff, local leaders, and outstanding 157th members," Burrus said.

Air Force officials last year announced that Pease ANGB was selected as the first Air National Guard-led KC-46A main operating base because of its highly successful existing active-duty association, which would lead to lower active-duty manpower requirements. Its location in a region of high air refueling receiver demand was also a key consideration.

"Though the renovations will look different and the aircraft flying out of Pease will have increased capabilities, there is one thing that will not change and that is the integrity, service  and commitment to excellent from the Airmen at Pease Air National Guard Base," Reddel said during his remarks.

The KC-46A will provide improved capability, including boom and drogue refueling on the same sortie, world-wide navigation and communication, airlift capability on the entire main deck floor, receiver air refueling, improved force protection and survivability and multi-point air refueling capability.

Reddel thinks the N.H. Air National Guard has a bright future.

"The KC-46 is a national asset and it is the cornerstone of the Air Force for refueling capabilities for decades to come," the general said. "The new tanker will provide Airman here with advanced capabilities for global reach and support Airman, Marines, Soldiers, and Coastguardsmen all around the world."

He added, "It will enhance operation effectiveness and efficiency and communications and but most importantly it will allow the men and women of the 157th Air Refueling Wing and 64th Air Refueling Squadron to operate and maintain these missions forever."

Officials expect construction to be completed in calendar year 2017.