Stethem Sailors Reach Out in Shanghai

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin V. Cunningham, USS Stethem Public Affairs

SHANGHAI, China (NNS) -- Crew members assigned to the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) joined with members of the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA N) in visiting the Shanghai School for the Blind, Nov. 18.

"It is an honor to host and share a little of our life with our own nation's Navy, as well as the United States Navy," said the school's principal, Hongmei Xu. "The students are more than happy meeting guests who care to learn what we do here."

The event started with musical pieces performed by the students, followed by those of both navies. Stethem Sailors ended their presentation with the gift of freshly baked cookies from the ship's galley.

Before leaving, Ms. Xu led the participants in a tour of the school grounds, giving a brief history of the 103-year old academy.

"The students' enthusiasm and joy made this a special event," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Jason Aldez, from Flower Mound, Texas. "The example and dedication of both the students and staff members reminds us of our own dedicated lives as Sailors."

Stethem arrived in Shanghai, Nov. 16, for a scheduled port visit to build relationships with the PLA N, and demonstrate the U.S. Navy's commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Stethem, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and a member of Destroyer Squadron 15, plays a vital role in maintaining partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

Established in 1943, 7th Fleet has been promoting security and stability for more than 70 years. 7th Fleet's area of operation spans from the International Date Line in the east to the India/Pakistan border in the west, and from the Kuril Islands in the north to the Antarctic in the south.

USS Ohio Hosts Royal Malaysian Navy

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zachary A. Kreitzer, USS Emory S. Land Public Affairs

SEPANGGAR, Malaysia (NNS) -- Sailors from the guided-missile submarine USS Ohio (SSGN 726) gave a tour to Sailors of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), while in Sepanggar, Malaysia, Nov. 17.

The purpose of the tour was to give Malaysian sailors a look into how U.S. submariners live and work aboard one of the largest submarines in the U.S. Navy.

"We wanted to know how the U.S. submarines operate," said Sub Lt. Syehmi Rohani of the MMEA. "We were very interested to know how you guys operate and live inside the submarine."

While aboard, the Malaysian Sailors were shown the torpedo room, battle management center, main control center, missile control center, diesel generator, dry dock shelters, medical and crew's mess.

"The U.S. has sub capabilities that no other country has in the world," said Master Chief Fire Control Technician William Greene, Ohio's chief of the boat. "To let them get a glimpse of what that looks like and what we have to bring to the table as a partner, I think is important. This breaks the ground for more working together in the future."

USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and Ohio's visit to Malaysia continues the U.S. Navy's ongoing commitment to theater security, cooperation and friendship with local partner navies.

Emory S. Land is a forward deployed expeditionary submarine tender on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tended moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

NAVSUP WSS Host DASN (Acquisition and Procurement)

By Jenae Jackson, Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support Office of Corporate Communications

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- Mr. Elliott B. Branch, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for Acquisition and Procurement (DASN (AP)) recently visited NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) Philadelphia.

"We are honored to host Mr. Elliott Branch," said Rear Adm. Paul J. Verrastro, commander, NAVSUP WSS. "This is a terrific opportunity for the NAVSUP WSS workforce to hear directly from Mr. Branch and share their acquisition initiatives and successes."

During the visit, DASN (AP) received a comprehensive brief on NAVSUP WSS' maritime and aviation contracting accomplishments, innovative successes and current acquisition initiatives. DASN (AP) also took the opportunity to walk through the workspaces and personally meet some of NAVSUP WSS' contracting and supply professionals.

Later in the day, DASN (AP) took the time to address the NAVSUP FLC and NAVSUP WSS workforces, including Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and Norfolk employees who participated via video teleconferencing.

DASN (AP) discussed the significance of both workforce's role in Navy acquisitions and his perspective on the challenges and opportunities that he foresees on the horizon, as the Navy's senior civilian responsible for acquisition and contract policy.

"NAVSUP WSS is an intricate part of our business and I'm amazed and impressed by your organization," said DASN (AP) in his closing remarks. "I just wanted to come here and personally say thank you, to each and every one of you, for all the great things you do in support of the warfighter."

The visit concluded with DASN (AP) opening up the floor for questions and giving NAVSUP WSS employees the opportunities to discuss peer reviews, negotiation techniques, and small business initiatives, among other topics.

A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) is the U.S. Navy's supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines.