By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 6, 2010 - The Army is continuing the most fundamental and profound series of changes it has seen since World War II, the service's chief of staff said here today.
Gen. George W. Casey Jr. spoke to the Defense Writers Group about the way ahead for the nation's senior service and his observations from a recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Army will continue rebalancing the force to handle the range of conflicts the nation faces today, Casey said. The fiscal 2011 budget now on Capitol Hill contains the resources to finish Army transformation from a Cold War-era formation to one that is relevant in the 21st century.
"We are moving to put the whole Army on a rotational model, much like the Navy and Marine Corps have been on for years," Casey said. "We have to do that, because I have to continue to generate trained and ready forces for employment around the world for the next decade or so."
The service will complete the "modularization" of the forces with the funds from the 2011 budget. Army officials also will continue to tinker with the shape of the force and the training that soldiers receive, the general said.
"We know a lot more about war today than we did in 2002-2003, when this idea was proposed," he explained. "We are going to continue to adapt."
The world is in a period of fundamental and continuous change, Casey said, and everything the Army does has to be flexible and adaptable.
Casey said he is optimistic about the security situation in Iraq. He said U.S. forces there are doing well in setting up the "advise and assist" brigades that will take over from American combat units in September. All U.S. forces will be out of Iraq by the end of 2011.
Casey also observed that Iraq's political situation "is still very difficult, as the government forming process goes forward."
Casey also visited regional commands South and East in Afghanistan. "In Marja, I walked down a street that you wouldn't have flown over a couple of months ago," Casey said. "I was very impressed with what the Marines are doing there as they move into the 'hold and build' phase. It's just going to take time." He noted "positive atmospherics" from the soldiers and Afghans. "There is a sense of positive momentum," Casey said.
Casey also discussed the need for better dialogue within the Army about risk.
"The superior commanders have to create an environment where their subordinates are comfortable coming back to them to say, 'I can't do what you've asked me to do on the timelines you want with the resources you've given me,'" the general said. The Army's "can-do" attitude sometimes gets the better of commanders, he said, and they will try to do missions without the resources they need.
Casey said he is proud of the way soldiers and their families have responded to almost a decade of war, noting that he'd have given a different answer five years ago if asked whether the Army could go to a cycle of one year deployed followed by a year at home.
"I would have said, 'You're nuts,'" Casey said. "What I've seen is you cannot discount the courage and commitment of this generation of young Americans. It is remarkable to me what they have done and what they have endured."
The vocal support of the American people and Congress for the armed forces has played a large role in holding the force together, he said.
"We've done some things that have helped this, too," he added. "We're a very competent, seasoned, confident professional force.
"But, we are stretched," Casey acknowledged, pointing out that Army families feel a great deal of that strain.
"We were asking them to endure [a] significantly greater burden than they signed up for," Casey said. "So, we doubled the amount of money dedicated to family programs. We also accelerated the growth of the Army."
The original plus-up for the Army was supposed to be finished in 2012. But families thought that was too far into the future, Casey said. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, he said, allowed the service to speed up recruiting for the larger force. The Army finished its plus-up last year.
"That additional growth has really helped us," the general added.
Some 94,000 American servicemembers are in Iraq, and 87,000 are in Afghanistan. Casey said roughly 90 percent of the soldiers in the Army have deployed, are in units with orders to deploy, or are in basic training and advanced individual training. "Everybody is moving toward the fight," Casey said.
Asked if the Army is ready to implement changes if Congress repeals the law that bars openly gay soldiers from serving, Casey said he needs to wait for the results of a study that Gates commissioned to investigate that question. Jeh C. Johnson, the Defense Department's general counsel, and Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe, are leading the study panel.
"We don't know what we need to do yet," Casey said. "This will take shape between now and the first of December."
Thursday, May 06, 2010
HSV 2 Swift Departs for Southern Partnership Station 2010
By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Robert A. Wood Sr., U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs.
May 6, 2010 - MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- MAYPORT, Fla. – High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), along with various embarked Navy and Marine Corps units, departed Naval Station Mayport May 5 for a five-month deployment for Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010.
While in port, Swift received 140 Project Handclasp pallets and two fire engines. The Wisconsin National Guard State Partnership Program donated the fire engines to Project Handclasp for transportation to Nicaragua, their partner nation.
Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients.
SPS is an annual deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region.
A compliment of U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines embarked on Swift will conduct training and subject matter expert (SME) exchanges with partner nations in the USSOUTHCOM AOR. During the SPS deployment, Swift will visit Barbados, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, and Suriname.
COMUSNAVSO is the naval component command for USSOUTHCOM and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the AOR. COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including Theater Security Cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations, and counter-illicit trafficking operations.
May 6, 2010 - MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- MAYPORT, Fla. – High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), along with various embarked Navy and Marine Corps units, departed Naval Station Mayport May 5 for a five-month deployment for Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010.
While in port, Swift received 140 Project Handclasp pallets and two fire engines. The Wisconsin National Guard State Partnership Program donated the fire engines to Project Handclasp for transportation to Nicaragua, their partner nation.
Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material on a space-available basis aboard U.S. Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients.
SPS is an annual deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region.
A compliment of U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines embarked on Swift will conduct training and subject matter expert (SME) exchanges with partner nations in the USSOUTHCOM AOR. During the SPS deployment, Swift will visit Barbados, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, and Suriname.
COMUSNAVSO is the naval component command for USSOUTHCOM and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the AOR. COMUSNAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the U.S. Maritime Strategy, including Theater Security Cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations, and counter-illicit trafficking operations.
Top Navy Officer Describes Navy's Busy Pace, Emphasizes Affordability
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
May 5, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead said the Navy's pace of operations remains busy due to global demands, and emphasized the importance of improving affordability during the Service Chiefs' Panel at the Navy League Sea Air Space 2010 Exposition in National Harbor, Md. May 3.
Roughead told audience members that he expects current multinational counter-piracy missions to continue, and pointed out the Navy's role at the forefront of ballistic missile defense in highlighting the Navy's versatility in global operations.
"Even as we're engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, we continue our normal activity, our normal presence, our normal assurance [and] deterrence in so many other places around the world," Roughead said. "Whether it's the Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, Africa or South America, we continue to keep watch in those areas."
Roughead, the Navy's 29th CNO, joined the Commandant of the Marine Corps General James T. Conway and the Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Thad W. Allen to address attendees of the exposition and discuss "Seapower and America's Security."
Roughead told the audience that in the face of future fiscal pressures and an industrial base that has "changed markedly since the last pressurization within the Defense Department," controlling costs will become increasingly important.
"We need to look at every way to improve affordability. Common hulls, common components, open architecture are key," said Roughead.
The Navy is focused on the "ability to fight the fights that we find ourselves in today," even as it develops future capabilities in programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship, the Joint High Speed Vessel, unmanned vehicles and in the cyber technology. According to Roughead, and affordability is central to developing those future capabilities.
"There's no question that in the coming years we will have to look extraordinarily hard at costs, not just procurement costs, but the issue of total ownership cost will continue to be foremost in my mind," said Roughead.
Prior to the panel, CNO helped kick off the event by attending the opening ceremony and being part of the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the official opening of the exposition.
May 5, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead said the Navy's pace of operations remains busy due to global demands, and emphasized the importance of improving affordability during the Service Chiefs' Panel at the Navy League Sea Air Space 2010 Exposition in National Harbor, Md. May 3.
Roughead told audience members that he expects current multinational counter-piracy missions to continue, and pointed out the Navy's role at the forefront of ballistic missile defense in highlighting the Navy's versatility in global operations.
"Even as we're engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, we continue our normal activity, our normal presence, our normal assurance [and] deterrence in so many other places around the world," Roughead said. "Whether it's the Indian Ocean, the Western Pacific, Africa or South America, we continue to keep watch in those areas."
Roughead, the Navy's 29th CNO, joined the Commandant of the Marine Corps General James T. Conway and the Commandant of the Coast Guard Adm. Thad W. Allen to address attendees of the exposition and discuss "Seapower and America's Security."
Roughead told the audience that in the face of future fiscal pressures and an industrial base that has "changed markedly since the last pressurization within the Defense Department," controlling costs will become increasingly important.
"We need to look at every way to improve affordability. Common hulls, common components, open architecture are key," said Roughead.
The Navy is focused on the "ability to fight the fights that we find ourselves in today," even as it develops future capabilities in programs such as the Littoral Combat Ship, the Joint High Speed Vessel, unmanned vehicles and in the cyber technology. According to Roughead, and affordability is central to developing those future capabilities.
"There's no question that in the coming years we will have to look extraordinarily hard at costs, not just procurement costs, but the issue of total ownership cost will continue to be foremost in my mind," said Roughead.
Prior to the panel, CNO helped kick off the event by attending the opening ceremony and being part of the ceremonial ribbon cutting, marking the official opening of the exposition.
CNO Meets with Navy Families Displaced by Flooding in Millington
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
May 5, 2010 - MILINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited Naval Support Activity Mid-South command to meet with Sailors and families affected by severe flooding and survey the damage to the base on May 3.
CNO was accompanied by Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Vice Adm. Mike Vitale. The Navy leaders got a firsthand look at the condition of the base and discussed the path ahead for the Sailors, Navy civilians and their families as they recover from the flooding that overtook the base Saturday, May 1.
CNO said the Sailors' and Navy civilians' swift reactions to the flooding ensured the safety of those who work and live on the base.
"I can't say enough about how prepared this base was and how responsive everyone who serves here was," said Roughead,. "First and foremost [to] safety, but then volunteering and making sure that everybody was taken care of."
During a town hall meeting with Sailors, families, volunteers and other base personnel, Roughead told those affected that the entire Navy is working to ensure they remain safe and cared for during the difficult time.
"I want to assure everyone here that the entire Navy is going to lean forward to make sure that we take care of your needs, that we meet the needs of your family and that we get the base restored and get your lives back to normal as soon as we possibly can," said Roughead.
Roughead also expressed the importance of a quick recovery due to the business of the Navy that takes place in Millington.
"There is a lot that goes on here that affects everybody [in the Navy]," said Roughead. "I also want to make sure everybody understands we are going to do everything necessary to get Millington and the Navy personnel system back in battery, back in business and back to serving the fleet."
May 5, 2010 - MILINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited Naval Support Activity Mid-South command to meet with Sailors and families affected by severe flooding and survey the damage to the base on May 3.
CNO was accompanied by Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP) Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Vice Adm. Mike Vitale. The Navy leaders got a firsthand look at the condition of the base and discussed the path ahead for the Sailors, Navy civilians and their families as they recover from the flooding that overtook the base Saturday, May 1.
CNO said the Sailors' and Navy civilians' swift reactions to the flooding ensured the safety of those who work and live on the base.
"I can't say enough about how prepared this base was and how responsive everyone who serves here was," said Roughead,. "First and foremost [to] safety, but then volunteering and making sure that everybody was taken care of."
During a town hall meeting with Sailors, families, volunteers and other base personnel, Roughead told those affected that the entire Navy is working to ensure they remain safe and cared for during the difficult time.
"I want to assure everyone here that the entire Navy is going to lean forward to make sure that we take care of your needs, that we meet the needs of your family and that we get the base restored and get your lives back to normal as soon as we possibly can," said Roughead.
Roughead also expressed the importance of a quick recovery due to the business of the Navy that takes place in Millington.
"There is a lot that goes on here that affects everybody [in the Navy]," said Roughead. "I also want to make sure everybody understands we are going to do everything necessary to get Millington and the Navy personnel system back in battery, back in business and back to serving the fleet."
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Mullen to Continue 'Conversations With Country'
By Elaine Wilson
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will hit the road again soon for more "conversations with the country," an initiative to help local communities understand the value of their military veterans. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen kicked off this endeavor with an April 18 visit to Columbia University in New York, followed by stops in Pittsburgh and Morgantown, W.Va. He plans to continue his "conversations" with academics, community leaders and veterans in upcoming travels, officials said.
Mullen said he's trying to connect what he calls three "stovepipes" -- the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and communities throughout the country -- to better support veterans.
"We all need to look at how we work together in terms of assisting them, supporting them in the needs that they have: their education, their training, dealing with post-traumatic stress, dealing with the medical challenges, the injuries that have occurred," he said in a podcast to be broadcast next week.
The key is to engage communities, Mullen said, with an emphasis on universities and colleges, since they're community-based and so strongly linked to community leadership.
The chairman said he'd like to tap into the "sea of goodwill" that's grown over the past several years.
"There's an incredible amount of people who want to help," he said. "The question is how to do that. As our veterans return, I'm anxious to try to see if I can help make that connection to meet their needs."
It's his intent to reach a large number of communities, he said, as he aims to connect community leaders with people who "have a great deal to contribute to the community and to our nation for many decades to come."
"They're great young people; they've have made a difference," he said of veterans. "They've had life experiences that I think are incredibly valuable."
Mullen also called for support of families of the fallen and acknowledged their immense sacrifice.
"The biggest challenge is matching up what I would call a very clear need that these families have and the veterans have to a very clear ability to meet that need," he said.
"I want to make sure we're doing all we can to support them, because they've given so much to America," he added.
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2010 - The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will hit the road again soon for more "conversations with the country," an initiative to help local communities understand the value of their military veterans. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen kicked off this endeavor with an April 18 visit to Columbia University in New York, followed by stops in Pittsburgh and Morgantown, W.Va. He plans to continue his "conversations" with academics, community leaders and veterans in upcoming travels, officials said.
Mullen said he's trying to connect what he calls three "stovepipes" -- the departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and communities throughout the country -- to better support veterans.
"We all need to look at how we work together in terms of assisting them, supporting them in the needs that they have: their education, their training, dealing with post-traumatic stress, dealing with the medical challenges, the injuries that have occurred," he said in a podcast to be broadcast next week.
The key is to engage communities, Mullen said, with an emphasis on universities and colleges, since they're community-based and so strongly linked to community leadership.
The chairman said he'd like to tap into the "sea of goodwill" that's grown over the past several years.
"There's an incredible amount of people who want to help," he said. "The question is how to do that. As our veterans return, I'm anxious to try to see if I can help make that connection to meet their needs."
It's his intent to reach a large number of communities, he said, as he aims to connect community leaders with people who "have a great deal to contribute to the community and to our nation for many decades to come."
"They're great young people; they've have made a difference," he said of veterans. "They've had life experiences that I think are incredibly valuable."
Mullen also called for support of families of the fallen and acknowledged their immense sacrifice.
"The biggest challenge is matching up what I would call a very clear need that these families have and the veterans have to a very clear ability to meet that need," he said.
"I want to make sure we're doing all we can to support them, because they've given so much to America," he added.
National Navy Reserve Ombudsman Conference Successful
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charles White, Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command Public Affairs
May 5, 2010 - ORLANDO, Fla. (NNS) -- Nearly 200 Navy Reserve ombudsmen participated in the first National Navy Reserve Ombudsman Conference May 1-2 in Orlando, Fla.
The conference was designed to provide in-depth, Reserve-specific training in addition to showing gratitude to the dedicated ombudsman volunteers.
"All my questions were answered," said Kim Ryder, an ombudsman for Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Oklahoma City.
Now in its 40th year, the Navy's ombudsman program was founded by then Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Elmo Zumwalt in an effort to provide a Navy family a knowledgeable link to a Sailor's command.
And while maintaining its primary mission, the program has steadily increased in scope and importance.
Each ombudsman, usually a Navy Spouse, is a command asset, capable of disseminating official Department of the Navy and command information, as well as providing current resource referral services.
Ombudsmen are trained to mitigate issues affecting military families, and assist in the resolution of those issues that could later require command attention. And because the Reserve force structure is different than that of active duty Navy, Reserve ombudsmen require additional training for those issues unique to the Reserve.
"Many of the Reserve families and ombudsmen are not located close to fleet concentration areas, so they have some unique needs," said Debby Greene, a CNO Ombudsman-at-Large and chairman of Naval Services FamilyLine. "[The conference's goal] is to help meet the specific needs of the Navy Reserve ombudsmen."
Green said the ombudsman program relies heavily on feedback from those serving commands, and asked for questions from conference attendees in an effort to improve the program.
"I'd like to hear from you," she said. "I take this back to my advisory board, to our CNO and to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy."
The conference included presentations on operational combat stress, Navy family training, emergency case management, and operational security.
Guest speakers at the conference included Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, commander, Navy Reserve Force; Rear Adm. Lothrop S. Little, Navy Reserve Forces Command; and Navy Reserve Force Force Master Chief Ronnie Wright.
Debbink voiced his thanks for ombudsmen efforts during the conferences appreciation banquet, and as a Reservist, said he understands the role of being a citizen and Sailor.
"We are ready now, any time, anywhere, and that's our pledge to out shipmates, to the Navy and to the nation," he said. The healthy, self reliant and resilient families that this program enables."
Debbink also stressed CNO Adm. Gary Roughead's views on the Reserve forces, stating there is one Navy of which Reserve ombudsmen were a part.
"We are ready now to carry out the mission of the Navy Reserve which is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps teams and Joint Forces from peace to war," Debbink said. "It's your work that makes it all possible and allows us to live up to our force motto, and for that you have my deepest appreciation and my sincerest thanks."
Debbink also shared stories of support and gratitude received from around the country, including one from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Conference participants said they intended to share Debbink's remarks as well as the knowledge and training they received with their commands.
"I can take that back to the command and then go further out to the families and make sure they're properly served," Greene said.
May 5, 2010 - ORLANDO, Fla. (NNS) -- Nearly 200 Navy Reserve ombudsmen participated in the first National Navy Reserve Ombudsman Conference May 1-2 in Orlando, Fla.
The conference was designed to provide in-depth, Reserve-specific training in addition to showing gratitude to the dedicated ombudsman volunteers.
"All my questions were answered," said Kim Ryder, an ombudsman for Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Oklahoma City.
Now in its 40th year, the Navy's ombudsman program was founded by then Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Elmo Zumwalt in an effort to provide a Navy family a knowledgeable link to a Sailor's command.
And while maintaining its primary mission, the program has steadily increased in scope and importance.
Each ombudsman, usually a Navy Spouse, is a command asset, capable of disseminating official Department of the Navy and command information, as well as providing current resource referral services.
Ombudsmen are trained to mitigate issues affecting military families, and assist in the resolution of those issues that could later require command attention. And because the Reserve force structure is different than that of active duty Navy, Reserve ombudsmen require additional training for those issues unique to the Reserve.
"Many of the Reserve families and ombudsmen are not located close to fleet concentration areas, so they have some unique needs," said Debby Greene, a CNO Ombudsman-at-Large and chairman of Naval Services FamilyLine. "[The conference's goal] is to help meet the specific needs of the Navy Reserve ombudsmen."
Green said the ombudsman program relies heavily on feedback from those serving commands, and asked for questions from conference attendees in an effort to improve the program.
"I'd like to hear from you," she said. "I take this back to my advisory board, to our CNO and to the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy."
The conference included presentations on operational combat stress, Navy family training, emergency case management, and operational security.
Guest speakers at the conference included Vice Adm. Dirk J. Debbink, commander, Navy Reserve Force; Rear Adm. Lothrop S. Little, Navy Reserve Forces Command; and Navy Reserve Force Force Master Chief Ronnie Wright.
Debbink voiced his thanks for ombudsmen efforts during the conferences appreciation banquet, and as a Reservist, said he understands the role of being a citizen and Sailor.
"We are ready now, any time, anywhere, and that's our pledge to out shipmates, to the Navy and to the nation," he said. The healthy, self reliant and resilient families that this program enables."
Debbink also stressed CNO Adm. Gary Roughead's views on the Reserve forces, stating there is one Navy of which Reserve ombudsmen were a part.
"We are ready now to carry out the mission of the Navy Reserve which is to provide strategic depth and deliver operational capabilities to the Navy and Marine Corps teams and Joint Forces from peace to war," Debbink said. "It's your work that makes it all possible and allows us to live up to our force motto, and for that you have my deepest appreciation and my sincerest thanks."
Debbink also shared stories of support and gratitude received from around the country, including one from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Conference participants said they intended to share Debbink's remarks as well as the knowledge and training they received with their commands.
"I can take that back to the command and then go further out to the families and make sure they're properly served," Greene said.
Thousands Attend NEX Customer Appreciation Weekend on Guam
By Oyaol Ngirairikl and Mass Communications 2nd Class (SW) Corwin Colbert, U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas Public Affairs Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Military service members and their families attended Navy Exchange (NEX) Customer Appreciation Weekend on U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) April 29 to May 2. From meeting Medal of Honor recipients to watching martial arts, fencing, magic, bike and skateboarding and musical performances, NEX patrons enjoyed the four-day long event.
NEX hosted the event to thank its customers and honor military personnel and families for their service.
Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Loretta Glenn, of Navy Exchange Service Command, said the weekend celebration was a collaborative effort between NEX, the Navy, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and their vendors.
"Our mission first and foremost is we provide quality products, and we support quality of life programs for the Navy," said Glenn. "This is a way for us to say to the Sailors and their families and the authorized patrons that shop NEX and MWR - thank you for supporting us."
Glenn said she was proud of what NEX Guam did to make the event possible for patrons, but also of what they do throughout the year.
"They just go out of their way to support the family members here in Guam. This event is proof of that. It's so successful and people are enjoying themselves, and that's our ultimate goal to give back to the families and have them just to relax and enjoy all the events, vendors, performers and the bands," said Glenn.
The events started April 29 with a concert by Musician 3rd Class Tommy Stanley, who opened for San Diego alternative rock band Switchfoot. Stanley, a vocalist with Navy Band Northeast, based in Newport, R.I., was a finalist in the 2008 season of "Nashville Star," a televised country singing competition. Stanley has also performed for Military Appreciation Day and said he enjoyed sharing his music with Guam's military members.
"It is great to see fellow service members having a great time listening to my music," said Stanley. "I was really excited at how many military people like my music. A lot of thanks goes to the NEX for running the show."
NEX had a fun run for adults at the Orote Commissary and footwear clinics inside the store April 30. There was a fun run for kids and an agenda of performances, including a Keebler Elves performance, a martial arts demonstration by Sideswipe and stunts by Bucky Lasek and other big-name biking and skateboarding athletes, May 1.
Mason Ludwig, a Guam High School student, got an opportunity to meet with one of his favorite skateboarders, Tony Alva, a Vans Skate Team rider.
"It was pretty cool getting to see all the skaters," said Ludwig. "It was awesome seeing Tony Alva in person. I also got to meet him during the autograph session, so that was good."
Tyler Brent, who is also a Guam High School student, said he enjoyed watching the skateboarding demonstrations and other events.
"It's been a really good time," said Brent. "I watched the performances, and they're all pretty cool."
The appreciation weekend ended May 2 with a fishing derby, a Humvee pull, video game competitions and a cooking demonstration by Peter Duenas, a chef and host of the local cooking show "The Outdoor Chef."
Lt. James David, of U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, and his family were among the thousands who filled the NEX May 1, watching various performances and getting autographs from Donald Ballard and Kenneth Stumpf, two Medal of Honor recipients.
"It's not everyday you get to meet and speak with the heroes, so I really appreciated the opportunity," said David. "It's even more special for us because our kids get to meet them as well. They got to see what real heroes are. They got to shake their hands and even talk to them. It's really exciting."
Since its inception in 1946, NEX's mission has been to provide its customers quality goods and services at a savings and to contribute to quality of life programs. NEX is one of the Navy Exchange Service Command's six primary business programs, which also include the Ships Stores Program, Uniform Program Management Office, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Navy Lodge Program and Telecommunications Program Office.
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Military service members and their families attended Navy Exchange (NEX) Customer Appreciation Weekend on U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) April 29 to May 2. From meeting Medal of Honor recipients to watching martial arts, fencing, magic, bike and skateboarding and musical performances, NEX patrons enjoyed the four-day long event.
NEX hosted the event to thank its customers and honor military personnel and families for their service.
Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Loretta Glenn, of Navy Exchange Service Command, said the weekend celebration was a collaborative effort between NEX, the Navy, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and their vendors.
"Our mission first and foremost is we provide quality products, and we support quality of life programs for the Navy," said Glenn. "This is a way for us to say to the Sailors and their families and the authorized patrons that shop NEX and MWR - thank you for supporting us."
Glenn said she was proud of what NEX Guam did to make the event possible for patrons, but also of what they do throughout the year.
"They just go out of their way to support the family members here in Guam. This event is proof of that. It's so successful and people are enjoying themselves, and that's our ultimate goal to give back to the families and have them just to relax and enjoy all the events, vendors, performers and the bands," said Glenn.
The events started April 29 with a concert by Musician 3rd Class Tommy Stanley, who opened for San Diego alternative rock band Switchfoot. Stanley, a vocalist with Navy Band Northeast, based in Newport, R.I., was a finalist in the 2008 season of "Nashville Star," a televised country singing competition. Stanley has also performed for Military Appreciation Day and said he enjoyed sharing his music with Guam's military members.
"It is great to see fellow service members having a great time listening to my music," said Stanley. "I was really excited at how many military people like my music. A lot of thanks goes to the NEX for running the show."
NEX had a fun run for adults at the Orote Commissary and footwear clinics inside the store April 30. There was a fun run for kids and an agenda of performances, including a Keebler Elves performance, a martial arts demonstration by Sideswipe and stunts by Bucky Lasek and other big-name biking and skateboarding athletes, May 1.
Mason Ludwig, a Guam High School student, got an opportunity to meet with one of his favorite skateboarders, Tony Alva, a Vans Skate Team rider.
"It was pretty cool getting to see all the skaters," said Ludwig. "It was awesome seeing Tony Alva in person. I also got to meet him during the autograph session, so that was good."
Tyler Brent, who is also a Guam High School student, said he enjoyed watching the skateboarding demonstrations and other events.
"It's been a really good time," said Brent. "I watched the performances, and they're all pretty cool."
The appreciation weekend ended May 2 with a fishing derby, a Humvee pull, video game competitions and a cooking demonstration by Peter Duenas, a chef and host of the local cooking show "The Outdoor Chef."
Lt. James David, of U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, and his family were among the thousands who filled the NEX May 1, watching various performances and getting autographs from Donald Ballard and Kenneth Stumpf, two Medal of Honor recipients.
"It's not everyday you get to meet and speak with the heroes, so I really appreciated the opportunity," said David. "It's even more special for us because our kids get to meet them as well. They got to see what real heroes are. They got to shake their hands and even talk to them. It's really exciting."
Since its inception in 1946, NEX's mission has been to provide its customers quality goods and services at a savings and to contribute to quality of life programs. NEX is one of the Navy Exchange Service Command's six primary business programs, which also include the Ships Stores Program, Uniform Program Management Office, Navy Clothing and Textile Research Facility, Navy Lodge Program and Telecommunications Program Office.
Fleet Master Chief Speaks on Navy's Zero Tolerance Drug Policy
May 5, 2010 - WASHINGTON (NNS) -- An aggressive policy of zero tolerance coupled with a vigorous random drug testing program is helping the Navy reduce drug usage among Sailors. Despite its successes, the ever changing illegal drug culture also means an ever changing approach to battle the use of illegal drugs.
In March, the Navy established new guidelines in NAVADMIN 108/10 with the same zero tolerance approach, but with a new effort to battle the increasing popularity of designer drugs.
"Any drug use puts the lives of our Sailors at risk and endangers the success of our missions," said Master Chief Scott Benning, fleet master chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education, during a recent podcast.
Designer drugs are just as dangerous and deadly as well known narcotics on the street today such as heroin, cocaine and oxycontin. They may not have the stigma as their well known counterparts, but the results can be just as deadly.
"We never want to lose a Sailor because of a destructive decision," Benning said. "Education, enforcement and eradication of illegal drugs have to work together in order to have a strong Navy and stronger Sailors to meet the needs of our nation today and in the future."
In fiscal year (FY) 2009, the Navy separated nearly 1,400 Sailors for drug abuse and more than 300 Sailors have been separated since the beginning of FY 2010.
"We realize our Sailors are under more stress today with deployments and the operational environment needed to maintain our security," Benning said. "The Navy is committed to helping those in need before their decisions turn into life changing events."
In March, the Navy established new guidelines in NAVADMIN 108/10 with the same zero tolerance approach, but with a new effort to battle the increasing popularity of designer drugs.
"Any drug use puts the lives of our Sailors at risk and endangers the success of our missions," said Master Chief Scott Benning, fleet master chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education, during a recent podcast.
Designer drugs are just as dangerous and deadly as well known narcotics on the street today such as heroin, cocaine and oxycontin. They may not have the stigma as their well known counterparts, but the results can be just as deadly.
"We never want to lose a Sailor because of a destructive decision," Benning said. "Education, enforcement and eradication of illegal drugs have to work together in order to have a strong Navy and stronger Sailors to meet the needs of our nation today and in the future."
In fiscal year (FY) 2009, the Navy separated nearly 1,400 Sailors for drug abuse and more than 300 Sailors have been separated since the beginning of FY 2010.
"We realize our Sailors are under more stress today with deployments and the operational environment needed to maintain our security," Benning said. "The Navy is committed to helping those in need before their decisions turn into life changing events."
MILITARY CONTRACTS May 5, 2010
AIR FORCE
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $96,744,354 contract which will provide miniature air launched decoy low rate initial production contracts for a 24-month effort to include operational test and evaluation. At this time, $89,817,202 has been obligated. 692 ARSS/PK Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-10-C-0007).
Wyle Laboratories, Inc, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $13,744,106 contract which will provide for the research, test, development, and delivery of system requirements for the Reliability Information Analysis Center. At this time, $500,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
ATK Tactical Systems, W.Va., was awarded a $9,689,059 contract which will provide for a nose-mounted proximity sensor used on M117 and MK-80 series general purpose bombs, including the Joint Direct Attack Munitions. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PK, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8681-06-C-0009).
Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $13,542,075 contract which provides for the Weapons System Technology Information Analysis Center which will provide research, technical analyses, and testing that enable electronic warfare capability planning, development, acquisition, and sustainment. At this time, $235,110 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-99-D-0301).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded a $7,070,000 contract which will provide for a revision to the ground control station modernization program and will improve pilots/sensor operator ergonomics through a cockpit hardware architecture that will be upgradable to network warfare capabilities. Money will be obligated incrementally. 703 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028).
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $79,239,035 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of AN/AAQ-24(V)25 NexGen Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures Infrared (IR) Missile Warning Subsystem (MWS) sensors and IR processors for the H-53 and H-46 helicopters. This contract provides for the procurement of 487 NexGen MWS sensors and 99 NexGen MWS processors, including associated technical data. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill. (50.6 percent); Goleta, Calif. (20.9 percent); Lewisburg, Tenn. (9.2 percent); Ontario, Canada (5.2 percent); Saxonburg, Pa. (4.5 percent); Tipp City, Ohio (2.1 percent); Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (1.5 percent); Deer Park, N.Y. (1 percent); Westford, Mass. (1 percent); and various locations throughout the United States (4 percent). Work is expected to be completed in June 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.301-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0036).
Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc., Lexington Park, Md., was awarded a $73,376,702 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N65236-07-D-6881) for tactical command and control integration services for command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $533,118,433. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C. (63 percent); Lexington Park, Md. (25 percent); and Norfolk, Va. (12 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until April 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.
Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $18,434,609 firm-fixed price, estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for environmental services at Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value, including the base period, four option periods, and two award option periods, is $136,833,371. Work will be performed primarily at NAVFAC Southwest in San Diego, Calif., and the NAVFAC Southwest AOR, including California (90 percent), Arizona (2 percent), Utah (2 percent), Colorado (2 percent), New Mexico (2 percent), and Nevada (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed by April 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-10-D-4009).
Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,369,677 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2100) for common missile compartment special tooling design engineering services. The work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by August 2011. Contract funds not will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Olgoonik Technical Services, LLC*, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a maximum $13,177,216 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, sole-source contract for fuel management services. Other location of performance is Mississippi. Using service is Air Force. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2013. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-C-5037).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $9,199,905 firm-fixed-price contract for snow removal vehicles. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-01-D-0066-0056).
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., was awarded a $96,744,354 contract which will provide miniature air launched decoy low rate initial production contracts for a 24-month effort to include operational test and evaluation. At this time, $89,817,202 has been obligated. 692 ARSS/PK Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (FA8682-10-C-0007).
Wyle Laboratories, Inc, Huntsville, Ala., was awarded a $13,744,106 contract which will provide for the research, test, development, and delivery of system requirements for the Reliability Information Analysis Center. At this time, $500,000 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (HC1047-05-D-4005).
ATK Tactical Systems, W.Va., was awarded a $9,689,059 contract which will provide for a nose-mounted proximity sensor used on M117 and MK-80 series general purpose bombs, including the Joint Direct Attack Munitions. At this time, the entire amount has been obligated. 784 CBSG/PK, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8681-06-C-0009).
Alion Science and Technology Corp., Chicago, Ill., was awarded a $13,542,075 contract which provides for the Weapons System Technology Information Analysis Center which will provide research, technical analyses, and testing that enable electronic warfare capability planning, development, acquisition, and sustainment. At this time, $235,110 has been obligated. 55 CONS/LGCD, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., is the contracting activity (SP0700-99-D-0301).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Poway, Calif., was awarded a $7,070,000 contract which will provide for a revision to the ground control station modernization program and will improve pilots/sensor operator ergonomics through a cockpit hardware architecture that will be upgradable to network warfare capabilities. Money will be obligated incrementally. 703 AESG/SYK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8620-05-G-3028).
NAVY
Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Ill., is being awarded a $79,239,035 firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of AN/AAQ-24(V)25 NexGen Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures Infrared (IR) Missile Warning Subsystem (MWS) sensors and IR processors for the H-53 and H-46 helicopters. This contract provides for the procurement of 487 NexGen MWS sensors and 99 NexGen MWS processors, including associated technical data. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Ill. (50.6 percent); Goleta, Calif. (20.9 percent); Lewisburg, Tenn. (9.2 percent); Ontario, Canada (5.2 percent); Saxonburg, Pa. (4.5 percent); Tipp City, Ohio (2.1 percent); Fort Walton Beach, Fla. (1.5 percent); Deer Park, N.Y. (1 percent); Westford, Mass. (1 percent); and various locations throughout the United States (4 percent). Work is expected to be completed in June 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.301-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity (N00019-10-C-0036).
Eagan, McAllister Associates, Inc., Lexington Park, Md., was awarded a $73,376,702 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N65236-07-D-6881) for tactical command and control integration services for command, control, communications, computer, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to an estimated $533,118,433. Work will be performed in Charleston, S.C. (63 percent); Lexington Park, Md. (25 percent); and Norfolk, Va. (12 percent), and is expected to be completed by April 2011. If all options are exercised, work could continue until April 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, S.C., is the contracting activity.
Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded an $18,434,609 firm-fixed price, estimated indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for environmental services at Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), Southwest area of responsibility (AOR). The maximum dollar value, including the base period, four option periods, and two award option periods, is $136,833,371. Work will be performed primarily at NAVFAC Southwest in San Diego, Calif., and the NAVFAC Southwest AOR, including California (90 percent), Arizona (2 percent), Utah (2 percent), Colorado (2 percent), New Mexico (2 percent), and Nevada (2 percent). Work is expected to be completed by April 2017. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online Web site, with two proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N62473-10-D-4009).
Electric Boat Corp., Groton, Conn., is being awarded a $6,369,677 cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to a previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2100) for common missile compartment special tooling design engineering services. The work will be performed in Groton, Conn., and is expected to be completed by August 2011. Contract funds not will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Groton, Conn., is the contracting activity.
DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY
Olgoonik Technical Services, LLC*, Anchorage, Alaska, is being awarded a maximum $13,177,216 firm-fixed-price, total set-aside, sole-source contract for fuel management services. Other location of performance is Mississippi. Using service is Air Force. The date of performance completion is Sept. 30, 2013. The Defense Energy Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Va., is the contracting activity (SP0600-10-C-5037).
Oshkosh Corp., Oshkosh, Wis., is being awarded a maximum $9,199,905 firm-fixed-price contract for snow removal vehicles. There are no other locations of performance. Using service is Air Force. There were originally two proposals solicited with one response. The Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity (SPM500-01-D-0066-0056).
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Online Inbox Goes Live
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2010 - A new online inbox that enables servicemembers and their families to comment anonymously about the impact of a possible repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law has gone live.
The inbox will enable servicemembers and families to offer their thoughts about how a repeal of the law that prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military might affect military readiness, military effectiveness and unit cohesion, recruiting and retention, and family readiness, a defense official explained.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates created an intradepartment, interservice working group to conduct a fair, objective, comprehensive and dispassionate review of these issues, the official said. The online inbox is one method the group will use to systematically engage with the force and their families.
A non-Defense Department contractor will monitor comments made through the inbox and eliminate any identifiable information inadvertently submitted to ensure anonymity, the official said.
The inbox is posted at http://www.defense.gov/dadt. Respondents must possess an official Common Access Card to provide input.
May 5, 2010 - A new online inbox that enables servicemembers and their families to comment anonymously about the impact of a possible repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law has gone live.
The inbox will enable servicemembers and families to offer their thoughts about how a repeal of the law that prohibits gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military might affect military readiness, military effectiveness and unit cohesion, recruiting and retention, and family readiness, a defense official explained.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates created an intradepartment, interservice working group to conduct a fair, objective, comprehensive and dispassionate review of these issues, the official said. The online inbox is one method the group will use to systematically engage with the force and their families.
A non-Defense Department contractor will monitor comments made through the inbox and eliminate any identifiable information inadvertently submitted to ensure anonymity, the official said.
The inbox is posted at http://www.defense.gov/dadt. Respondents must possess an official Common Access Card to provide input.
Volk Field Airmen thanked for service since Sept. 11, 2001
Date: May 5, 2010
By Tech Sgt. Jon LaDue
Wisconsin National Guard
Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 150 Airmen from Volk Field's 128th Air Control Squadron have deployed to the Middle East in support of the war on terror. Friends, family and Wisconsin National Guard leaders paid tribute to those Airmen during the Hometown Heroes Celebration May 1.
"These Airmen have made and continue to make sacrifices on behalf of their state and country," said Brig. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "Time away from their families and jobs, the stressful conditions of their deployments and the continuing demands of their outstanding service are all reasons they deserve recognition."
Dunbar was among senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders on hand for the ceremony. According to Senior Master Sgt. Bruce Arness, who has served five deployments in his 20 years with the 128th ACS, the ceremony is important for all unit members - but especially the young Airmen and their families.
"Most of the people associated with the 128th are really dedicated and supportive, and we're like a big family," Arness said. "I think it's important, now, for them to know the public and everyone else is on their side."
The operations tempo for the air control unit has remained steady over the last 15 years. Since 1995, the unit has supported U.S. operations in Bosnia, South America, Hungary and Romania, the Combined Air and Space Operations Center in Southwest Asia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The squadron deployed to Illinois to safeguard the air space around Chicago following the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001.
Every member that was recognized, including retired unit members, had deployed at some point since Sept. 2001. The unit typically deploys about one half of its unit at a time but some Airmen also deploy to other units as needed.
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"I get a great sense of pride in being with the 128th," said Staff Sgt. Kirk Slama, security forces specialist with the 128th. "We are very prepared to [deploy] on a moment's notice and I think our unit has done a great job at that."
Each of the Airmen who were recognized received a plaque of support and thanks - signed by the Chief of National Guard Bureau, Gen. Craig McKinley - as their names were read aloud.
Alpine pararescuemen train for mountain rescues
by Tech. Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/5/2010 - RAF LAKENHEATH, England (AFNS) -- Some people learn within the confines of a climate-controlled classroom; others learn sitting on top of glaciers more than 13,000 feet above sea level. Pararescuemen from the 56th Rescue Squadron here prepared for mountain operations, possibly in Afghanistan, by training within one of the world's most famous mountain ranges, the Alps, from March 27 through April 12.
During the first week, the team of 10 pararescuemen set up a base camp out of a cabin on the outskirts of Chamonix, France. Each day, they left camp and hiked into the mountains while learning how to pick the best routes of travel and spotting potential danger areas. They also trained on various rescue techniques, such as how to pull people from crevasses and how to save someone if they've been buried in an avalanche.
"We were enveloped in the training every day," said Senior Airman Nathan Simonson, a pararescueman with the 56th RQS. "I compare it to learning Spanish in a classroom versus learning and living it in Costa Rica."
They would wake up in the morning, start trekking into the mountains around 6 a.m. and stay out all day and into the night.
"There wasn't one point throughout the training that didn't help us tremendously," said Staff Sgt. Issaiah McPheron, a pararescueman.
The Airmen said the training was essential in today's fight because mountain operations occur in Afghanistan.
The Alps provide the Airmen an environment similar to what is seen in that country. While the highest peak in the Alps "only" reaches 15,774 feet (Mount Blanc), the Hindu Kush range in Afghanistan reaches 24,580 feet (Noshaq).
"We have (pararescumen) here who have had to save people from very dangerous and adverse mountain conditions in Afghanistan," Sergeant McPheron said. "History has taught us we need these skills and need to be trained for these conditions. We're supposed to go where other people won't go to save lives."
After the initial week of training, three of the pararescuemen had to fly home either for professional training or for personal reasons. The remaining seven readied themselves for the next stage of their training, taking the knowledge they learned with them as they skied through the Alps along the Haute Route.
They required a guide to accurately follow the route and avoid danger areas such as frozen lakes, avalanche areas and hidden crevasses. So with 45-pound ruck sacks on their backs, the seven skied their way through 106 miles of mountains in six days. Their trek started in Chamonix, France, took them through Italy and ended in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Each night they stopped at a cabin, which were strategically constructed along the route to give mountaineers a place of rest. It was at one of these huts that the pararescuemen left their student role and fell back into the medical profession.
"At one of the cabins we came across a gentleman who had an ear squeeze," Airman Simonson said. "He basically couldn't clear his ears, so we administered aid to the man and we were able to help."
Their assistance didn't stop at the cabin, all along the trail the pararescuemen came across people who needed assistance. The pararescuemen helped about five other people who were having problems with their knees, hips and lower back.
Once they concluded their route and arrived in Zermatt, Switzerland, the pararescuemen still weren't finished. Although they had already been up and down mountains for two weeks, they decided to celebrate not by relaxing by a warm fire and sipping hot chocolate, but by climbing Breithorn, one of 82 Alpine peaks which reach higher than 13,123 feet.
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Student pilots reach course milestone: airborne refueling
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/5/2010 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. (AFNS) -- Nearly 18,000 feet above Southern Arizona's desert landscape, students in the A-10C Pilot Initial Qualification Course here completed their first air-to-air refueling mission during the week of April 26. Twelve pilots from the 358th Fighter Squadron and 13 from the 357th FS are enrolled in the six-and-a-half month course.
Upon graduation in August, they will be fully trained A-10C Thunderbolt II pilots skilled in instrument flying, basic fighter maneuvers, basic surface-attack tactics and close-air support procedures.
The A-10C is an advanced version of the basic A-10, having received the most significant modifications in the airframe's 30-year history. Modifications include full integration of sensors, enhanced communication capabilities and cockpit upgrades including multi-functional color displays and a new hands-on-throttle-and-stick interface that increase situational awareness for the pilot and the ability to perform most tasks without removing his or her hands from the throttle or stick.
In order to attain proficiency in the various A-10 missions, 355th Fighter Wing personnel maintain a fleet of almost 90 A-10s that make up three squadrons. The 357th FS and 358th FS are both formal training units, while the 354th FS is one of only five active-duty operational squadrons, ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
One of the tasks required for graduation is air-to-air refueling.
For 1st Lt. Daniel Griffin, a student assigned to the 358th FS, refueling for the first time was one of the things he looked forward to during the program. Prior to the flight, he practiced in a simulator, studied pictures showing what refueling should look like and learned all he could from the experienced pilots in his squadron, including his assigned instructor pilot, Capt. Jason Bartels.
"Prior to my first refueling flight I was very nervous, but we prepared a lot," said Lieutenant Griffin, who flew the A-10C for the first time March 24. "The thing I was most nervous about was not being able to connect with the tanker and having trouble flying smoothly up to the connection from the astern position."
To complete the air-to-air refueling mission, the students, along with their instructor pilots, launched from Davis-Monthan's runway and flew to the Tombstone Military Operating Area over Southern Arizona where they rendezvoused with a KC-135 Stratotanker. The tanker and its crew were from the Kansas Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Squadron based out of Forbes Field, Kan.
Refueling is essential to an A-10's wartime mission. It is a force enabler, which allows the aircraft to stay aloft in an overwatch position almost indefinitely, protecting U.S. and coalition servicemembers.
Upon graduation, the pilots will be ready to support the wartime mission, which can require multiple refuelings over the course of an eight-hour mission.
To demonstrate proficiency, students needed to successfully hook up with the tanker and take on fuel from the boom for approximately two minutes. They repeated this process twice, receiving a total of 2,000 pounds of gas.
While airborne, the A-10 pilots connected to the KC-135 via a boom and receptacle system. This system uses a rigid, telescoping tube that an in-flight refueling specialist, also known as the boom operator, inserts into a receptacle on the topside of the A-10's nose.
If all of this sounds challenging, it is, according to the course instructors.
"It would be equivalent to you driving down the road, next to another car, both windows rolled down," said Capt. Jason Bartels, 358th FS instructor pilot and Lieutenant Griffin's assigned IP. "The person in the passing lane is staring at (your) car without looking down the highway and maintaining his lane, and then passing objects between the two cars while you're traveling down the road at 70 mph."
While approaching the boom, the students used visual references to position their aircraft, and they also received guidance from both the boom operator and instructor pilot via radio.
"When I was under the boom it was really exciting," Lieutenant Griffin. "I talked myself through the process and at the same time my instructor was talking me through it. When I finally connected it was a lot easier than I thought it would be because once the boom connects it kind of holds on to the A-10 a little bit. You can gauge where you are, not only by the boom operator telling ... but there are colors on the boom that tell you how far you are out, and on the belly of the tanker there are some indicator lights."
Capt. Jeanie Moughan, wife of Capt. Pete Moughan, a student assigned to the 358th FS, flew aboard the tanker April 27 to learn more about the refueling mission. She also had the unique opportunity to not only watch her husband fly, but also to watch him refuel for the first time.
"I was excited and proud of him," she said. "All I have been able to see, prior to this mission, was him taxi on the runway and takeoff, so it was really cool to see him in the air and hear him on the radio."
She said her husband spent the night before practicing for the mission by "chair flying" in their kitchen.
While listening to him on the radio during the actual refueling, she could hear his breathing intensify as he flew up to the boom.
"I could see and hear that he was nervous," she said with a smile. "They're all perfectionists and want to get it right."
Between now and graduation the students will fire the A-10C's 30 mm GAU-8/A seven-barrel Gatling gun, air-to-air refuel at night and work with joint terminal attack controllers during a simulated combat situation.
Multiple Guilty Pleas Entered in Portsmouth Naval Medical Center Corruption Probe
May 5, 2010 - NORFOLK, VA—Wendy Walters, 47 of Portsmouth, Va.; Bryan Fox, 34, of Chesapeake, Va.; and Todd Jenkins, 48, of Virginia Beach, Va., today pled guilty in Norfolk federal court to bribery charges.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement and commended the joint effort of the agencies involved in this multi-agency public corruption investigation.
“Bribery isn’t just the cost of doing business—it’s a serious crime that threatens the public’s confidence in our government,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Our office has renewed its focus on public corruption, and we’re aggressively investigating allegations on all levels of government.”
Senior U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. accepted Walter’s plea; U.S. Magistrate Judge Tommy E. Miller accepted Fox’s plea; and Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar accepted Jenkins’ plea. Walters will be sentenced on November 1, 2010; Fox will be sentenced August 6, 2010; and Jenkins will be sentenced on August 30, 2010. Each faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, full restitution, forfeiture, and at least three years of supervised release.
According to court records, Walters, an employee at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, accepted bribes in her official capacity from January 2006 until December 2009. Walters received approximately $20,000 in cash and other items, in exchange for placing $450,000 in orders with local medical supply vendors on behalf of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.
Fox, an E-5 Supply Petty Officer at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, accepted bribes from July 2007 through June 2009. The bribes amounted to approximately $26,000 in cash and other items in exchange for placing $625,000 in orders with local medical supply vendors on behalf of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.
Jenkins was a co-owner of a medical supply company. According to court records, Jenkins paid bribes in the approximate amount of $50,000 in cash and other items in exchange for receiving approximately $500,000 in orders placed with his companies by the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.
Two more individuals, Joseph Cafiero, 63, of Virginia Beach, Va. and Thomas Michael Mullen, 30, of Chesapeake, Va., have also been charged and have scheduled change of plea hearings on May 14, 2010.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Naval Audit Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. Seidel, Jr. and Kevin Comstock are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Neil H. MacBride, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, made the announcement and commended the joint effort of the agencies involved in this multi-agency public corruption investigation.
“Bribery isn’t just the cost of doing business—it’s a serious crime that threatens the public’s confidence in our government,” said U.S. Attorney MacBride. “Our office has renewed its focus on public corruption, and we’re aggressively investigating allegations on all levels of government.”
Senior U.S. District Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. accepted Walter’s plea; U.S. Magistrate Judge Tommy E. Miller accepted Fox’s plea; and Senior U.S. District Judge Robert G. Doumar accepted Jenkins’ plea. Walters will be sentenced on November 1, 2010; Fox will be sentenced August 6, 2010; and Jenkins will be sentenced on August 30, 2010. Each faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, full restitution, forfeiture, and at least three years of supervised release.
According to court records, Walters, an employee at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, accepted bribes in her official capacity from January 2006 until December 2009. Walters received approximately $20,000 in cash and other items, in exchange for placing $450,000 in orders with local medical supply vendors on behalf of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.
Fox, an E-5 Supply Petty Officer at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, accepted bribes from July 2007 through June 2009. The bribes amounted to approximately $26,000 in cash and other items in exchange for placing $625,000 in orders with local medical supply vendors on behalf of the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.
Jenkins was a co-owner of a medical supply company. According to court records, Jenkins paid bribes in the approximate amount of $50,000 in cash and other items in exchange for receiving approximately $500,000 in orders placed with his companies by the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center.
Two more individuals, Joseph Cafiero, 63, of Virginia Beach, Va. and Thomas Michael Mullen, 30, of Chesapeake, Va., have also been charged and have scheduled change of plea hearings on May 14, 2010.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the Naval Audit Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Robert J. Seidel, Jr. and Kevin Comstock are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
Hammond Man Pleads Guilty to Interfering with the Safety of U.S. Army National Guard Aircraft
May 5, 2010 - NEW ORLEANS, LA—CHARLES CLAUSEN, age 58, a resident of Hammond, Louisiana, pled guilty today in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sally Shushan to a one-count bill of information charging him with impeding and interfering with certain officers of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the previously filed court documents, CLAUSEN’s arrest on October 28, 2009, stemmed from an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Federal Air Marshal Service after receiving information from the U.S. Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 244 Assault Helicopter Battalion, based at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport, Hammond, Louisiana. Specifically, on October 6, 2009, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the U.S. Army National Guard flight crew of a UH-60 Military Blackhawk helicopter were returning to base at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport after conducting a training operation. The operation included five (5) additional UH-60 Blackhawks and one (1) C-12 aircraft, all of which were in-flight in close proximity. While approaching the airport, pilots and crew were temporarily blinded several times by a strong light emanating from the ground and aimed at the nose of the aircraft. (Crew members were flying on night vision goggles which automatically shut down when exposed to too much light.) Further investigation revealed that, on October 6, 2009, CLAUSEN aimed a Brinkmann Q-Beam, three million candle power flood light at the miliary aircraft in an effort to deter it from flying near his home. CLAUSEN’s actions deterred pilots and flight crew from conducting normal operational procedures, thus endangering the safety of those on board, other aircraft, and citizens.
Speaking to these developments, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten stated: “Today’s conviction of an individual who interfered with military helicopter flight operations by attempting to blind the crews is evidence of our commitment to bring federal laws to bear to protect those men and women of the military who in turn make sacrifices to protect us. We will not tolerate abuses of the military, nor will we tolerate interference with the safety and efficiency of transportation in this country.”
CLAUSEN is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2010 and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one (1) year, a fine of $100,000, and one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Air Marshal Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
According to the previously filed court documents, CLAUSEN’s arrest on October 28, 2009, stemmed from an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Federal Air Marshal Service after receiving information from the U.S. Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 244 Assault Helicopter Battalion, based at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport, Hammond, Louisiana. Specifically, on October 6, 2009, at approximately 8:00 p.m., the U.S. Army National Guard flight crew of a UH-60 Military Blackhawk helicopter were returning to base at the Hammond Northshore Regional Airport after conducting a training operation. The operation included five (5) additional UH-60 Blackhawks and one (1) C-12 aircraft, all of which were in-flight in close proximity. While approaching the airport, pilots and crew were temporarily blinded several times by a strong light emanating from the ground and aimed at the nose of the aircraft. (Crew members were flying on night vision goggles which automatically shut down when exposed to too much light.) Further investigation revealed that, on October 6, 2009, CLAUSEN aimed a Brinkmann Q-Beam, three million candle power flood light at the miliary aircraft in an effort to deter it from flying near his home. CLAUSEN’s actions deterred pilots and flight crew from conducting normal operational procedures, thus endangering the safety of those on board, other aircraft, and citizens.
Speaking to these developments, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten stated: “Today’s conviction of an individual who interfered with military helicopter flight operations by attempting to blind the crews is evidence of our commitment to bring federal laws to bear to protect those men and women of the military who in turn make sacrifices to protect us. We will not tolerate abuses of the military, nor will we tolerate interference with the safety and efficiency of transportation in this country.”
CLAUSEN is scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2010 and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of one (1) year, a fine of $100,000, and one (1) year of supervised release following any term of imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Air Marshal Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Kennedy.
National Guard (In Federal Status) and Reserve Activated as of May 4, 2010
This week the Army, Navy and Coast Guard announced a decrease in activated reservists, while the Air Force and Marine Corps announced an increase. The net collective result is 956 fewer reservists activated than last week.
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 99,882; Navy Reserve, 6,162; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 17,942; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,701; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 833. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 131,520, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100504ngr.pdf
At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease. The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 99,882; Navy Reserve, 6,162; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 17,942; Marine Corps Reserve, 6,701; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 833. This brings the total National Guard and Reserve personnel who have been activated to 131,520, including both units and individual augmentees.
A cumulative roster of all National Guard and Reserve personnel who are currently activated may be found at http://www.defense.gov/news/d20100504ngr.pdf
Tennessee Guard Continues Flood Support Missions
By Air Force Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith
National Guard Bureau
May 5, 2010 - Almost 300 Tennessee National Guard members continue to assist civilian emergency responders in Nashville today after nearly 20 inches of rain drenched the state over the weekend. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen called out the Guard as the resulting flash floods and rising river waters stranded residents in their homes, flooded roadways, cut power and damaged property and infrastructure. It also caused a reported 10 deaths in Nashville, and eight more around the state, officials said.
Randy Harris, a spokesman for the Tennessee Guard, said the rapidly rising flood waters cut off assistance for some residents.
"The 1176th Transportation Company assisted in about 230 rescues," he said.
Today, the Tennessee Army Guard delivered water to their armory in Centerville and to stranded residents in Cheatham County. Twelve soldiers from the 212th Engineer Company with three 5-ton dump trucks and Humvees also removed flood debris in Weakley County.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported that Guard soldiers worked side by side with the Ashland City Fire Department to airlift food and water to stranded citizens in Cheatham County.
"The 1-230 Air Cavalry Squadron aircrew, along with volunteers and Ashland City Assistant Fire Chief Brian Biggs, loaded two truckloads of water onto the aircraft and then flew it to people in need," TEMA officials reported.
TEMA also reported that the Army Guard aviators landed in fields, front yards, and even the driveway leading to the Christian Care Center of Cheatham County.
"It's my first mission since being back from Iraq this past year," said Army Sgt. Caleb Bucy, a helicopter crew chief. "I'm proud to get out and help Tennesseans any way I can."
Flood warnings from the National Weather Service remained in effect today in the central and western parts of the state. Only a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms was forecast for the next nine days.
Harris said that the Guard might see continued cleanup missions as the water levels drop.
"Flooding is sort of new to us, but they have done an excellent job," he said.
Tennessee National Guard https://tn.ngb.army.mil/
Article sponsored by computer repair online.
National Guard Bureau
May 5, 2010 - Almost 300 Tennessee National Guard members continue to assist civilian emergency responders in Nashville today after nearly 20 inches of rain drenched the state over the weekend. Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen called out the Guard as the resulting flash floods and rising river waters stranded residents in their homes, flooded roadways, cut power and damaged property and infrastructure. It also caused a reported 10 deaths in Nashville, and eight more around the state, officials said.
Randy Harris, a spokesman for the Tennessee Guard, said the rapidly rising flood waters cut off assistance for some residents.
"The 1176th Transportation Company assisted in about 230 rescues," he said.
Today, the Tennessee Army Guard delivered water to their armory in Centerville and to stranded residents in Cheatham County. Twelve soldiers from the 212th Engineer Company with three 5-ton dump trucks and Humvees also removed flood debris in Weakley County.
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reported that Guard soldiers worked side by side with the Ashland City Fire Department to airlift food and water to stranded citizens in Cheatham County.
"The 1-230 Air Cavalry Squadron aircrew, along with volunteers and Ashland City Assistant Fire Chief Brian Biggs, loaded two truckloads of water onto the aircraft and then flew it to people in need," TEMA officials reported.
TEMA also reported that the Army Guard aviators landed in fields, front yards, and even the driveway leading to the Christian Care Center of Cheatham County.
"It's my first mission since being back from Iraq this past year," said Army Sgt. Caleb Bucy, a helicopter crew chief. "I'm proud to get out and help Tennesseans any way I can."
Flood warnings from the National Weather Service remained in effect today in the central and western parts of the state. Only a slight chance of rain and thunderstorms was forecast for the next nine days.
Harris said that the Guard might see continued cleanup missions as the water levels drop.
"Flooding is sort of new to us, but they have done an excellent job," he said.
Tennessee National Guard https://tn.ngb.army.mil/
Article sponsored by computer repair online.
Obama Signs Veterans, Caregivers Legislation
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2010 - President Barack Obama signed legislation today to improve health care for veterans and to recognize the important role that family caregivers play in the recovery of wounded personnel. Obama recognized retired Army Sgt. Ted Wade and his wife, Sarah, during his remarks before signing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act during a White House ceremony.
A roadside bomb wounded Wade when he served in Iraq in 2004, and his wife was an important reason why the sergeant made it through, Obama said.
The legislation expands mental health counseling and services for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, including reserve-component servicemembers.
"We're authorizing the [Veterans Affairs Department] to utilize hospitals and clinics outside the VA system to serve more wounded warriors ... with traumatic brain injury," the president said before signing the bill.
The new law also increases support for veterans in rural areas with the transportation and housing needed to reach VA hospitals and clinics. It also expands health care for women veterans to meet their unique needs, including maternity care for newborn children, and it allows VA to launch a pilot program to provide child care for veterans receiving intensive medical care.
The legislation also eliminates co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled, and it helps veterans who are homeless.
"We're expanding support to homeless veterans, because in the United States of America, no one who has served this nation in uniform should ever be living on the streets," Obama said.
The president said the legislation marks a major step forward in America's commitment to families and caregivers who tend wounded warriors every day.
"They're spouses like Sarah," he said. "They're parents, once again caring for their sons and daughters. Sometimes they're children helping to take care of their mom or dad.
"These caregivers put their own lives on hold, their own careers and dreams aside, to care for a loved one," he continued. "They do it every day, often around the clock. As Sarah can tell you, it's hard physically and it's hard emotionally. It's certainly hard financially. And these tireless caregivers shouldn't have to do it alone."
The law gives caregivers a stipend to care for a severely injured veteran from Afghanistan or Iraq. They also will receive lodging allowances and get the training they need to care for their loved ones.
"If you need counseling, you'll receive it," Obama said. "If you don't have health insurance, it will be provided. And if you need a break, it will be arranged – up to 30 days of respite care each year."
The president said the new law recognizes the obligation Americans have for those who served.
"Just as we have a responsibility to train and equip them when we send them into harm's way," he said, "we have a responsibility to take care of them when they come home."
The president said his administration has dramatically increased funding for veterans' health care, especially for those with the signature wounds of today's wars: post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. He also mentioned that VA has received its largest budget increase in history last year.
American Forces Press Service
May 5, 2010 - President Barack Obama signed legislation today to improve health care for veterans and to recognize the important role that family caregivers play in the recovery of wounded personnel. Obama recognized retired Army Sgt. Ted Wade and his wife, Sarah, during his remarks before signing the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act during a White House ceremony.
A roadside bomb wounded Wade when he served in Iraq in 2004, and his wife was an important reason why the sergeant made it through, Obama said.
The legislation expands mental health counseling and services for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, including reserve-component servicemembers.
"We're authorizing the [Veterans Affairs Department] to utilize hospitals and clinics outside the VA system to serve more wounded warriors ... with traumatic brain injury," the president said before signing the bill.
The new law also increases support for veterans in rural areas with the transportation and housing needed to reach VA hospitals and clinics. It also expands health care for women veterans to meet their unique needs, including maternity care for newborn children, and it allows VA to launch a pilot program to provide child care for veterans receiving intensive medical care.
The legislation also eliminates co-payments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled, and it helps veterans who are homeless.
"We're expanding support to homeless veterans, because in the United States of America, no one who has served this nation in uniform should ever be living on the streets," Obama said.
The president said the legislation marks a major step forward in America's commitment to families and caregivers who tend wounded warriors every day.
"They're spouses like Sarah," he said. "They're parents, once again caring for their sons and daughters. Sometimes they're children helping to take care of their mom or dad.
"These caregivers put their own lives on hold, their own careers and dreams aside, to care for a loved one," he continued. "They do it every day, often around the clock. As Sarah can tell you, it's hard physically and it's hard emotionally. It's certainly hard financially. And these tireless caregivers shouldn't have to do it alone."
The law gives caregivers a stipend to care for a severely injured veteran from Afghanistan or Iraq. They also will receive lodging allowances and get the training they need to care for their loved ones.
"If you need counseling, you'll receive it," Obama said. "If you don't have health insurance, it will be provided. And if you need a break, it will be arranged – up to 30 days of respite care each year."
The president said the new law recognizes the obligation Americans have for those who served.
"Just as we have a responsibility to train and equip them when we send them into harm's way," he said, "we have a responsibility to take care of them when they come home."
The president said his administration has dramatically increased funding for veterans' health care, especially for those with the signature wounds of today's wars: post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury. He also mentioned that VA has received its largest budget increase in history last year.
COMDESRON 9 Ships Train for Global Operations
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest
EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Five Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 9 ships conducted an emergency sortie exercise to get underway from Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett, May 4.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Halsey (DDG 97) and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates USS Ford (FFG 54) and USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) performed the sortie.
The evolution was coordinated by COMDESRON 9 and NAVSTA Everett Port Operations to meet commander, 3rd Fleet's emergency sortie requirements and to test the ships' capabilities to conduct quick tasking, as well as train port operations to get quickly and efficiently underway according to Lt. Tim Satrom, COMDESRON 9 public affairs officer.
"I think we've fostered a good working relationship (with COMDESRON 9). We take a lot of pride in how we conduct our business and the work that we do. The key to success is coordination; if we don't meet and coordinate and plan ahead of time, it won't work," said Stewart Schrock, NAVSTA Everett port operations installation program manager.
The event marked the start of a multi-ship training regimen involving six of seven COMDESRON 9 ships in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of operations with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) strike group.
The ships will join USS Momsen (DDG 92), already underway, to conduct certification exercises before meeting with Carrier Strike Group 9 in San Diego. USS Sterett and USS Halsey transited up to NAVSTA Everett from their homeport of NAVSTA San Diego to participate in the training.
"It's almost unprecedented for all six ships to operate together at sea. (USS) Ford will break off after a day of steaming with us and do training, but the remaining five ships will steam in company together to San Diego," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Rice, COMDESRON 9 operations officer. "We'll be practicing our basic skill sets as surface warriors as we drive as a group down to San Diego to meet with the rest of the strike group."
"It's important because it allows us, as commanding officers, to work together confidently, getting familiar with operating close to each other so that, when we are on deployment, if any situation occurs, that familiarity is always there and there's no ambiguity.," said Cmdr. Joe Nadeau, USS Shoup commanding officer. "A lot of times on deployment you don't have time to wonder what you're going to do next; we have to have it already planned and ready to go, and this underway will allow us to refine those plans."
"The more time we have together the better we're going to be. Knowing how each ship operates really helps so when we meet up with the rest of the strike group we'll have a better understanding of each other while we perform our exercises," said Lt. Brent Jackson, USS Sterett operations officer.
According to Rice, the group sail objectives are to fulfill basic training requirements in multiple warfare areas, methodically increase operational tempo (optempo) in a multi-ship and helicopter maritime strike squadron (HSM) environment to improve tactical proficiency, build on the ability to shift to alternate warfare commanders and integrate multiple communications paths to increase operation proficiency.
"Our goal is to set the conditions for success as COMDESRON 9 assets transition to Abraham Lincoln Strike Group operations," said Rice. "This is the first opportunity for Abraham Lincoln Strike Group escorts to operate together with our assigned HSM 77 assets. The goal is to frame and refine the way we operate together as strike group elements and independent deployers with precision and style."
EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Five Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 9 ships conducted an emergency sortie exercise to get underway from Naval Station (NAVSTA) Everett, May 4.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS Halsey (DDG 97) and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates USS Ford (FFG 54) and USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) performed the sortie.
The evolution was coordinated by COMDESRON 9 and NAVSTA Everett Port Operations to meet commander, 3rd Fleet's emergency sortie requirements and to test the ships' capabilities to conduct quick tasking, as well as train port operations to get quickly and efficiently underway according to Lt. Tim Satrom, COMDESRON 9 public affairs officer.
"I think we've fostered a good working relationship (with COMDESRON 9). We take a lot of pride in how we conduct our business and the work that we do. The key to success is coordination; if we don't meet and coordinate and plan ahead of time, it won't work," said Stewart Schrock, NAVSTA Everett port operations installation program manager.
The event marked the start of a multi-ship training regimen involving six of seven COMDESRON 9 ships in preparation for upcoming deployments in support of operations with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) strike group.
The ships will join USS Momsen (DDG 92), already underway, to conduct certification exercises before meeting with Carrier Strike Group 9 in San Diego. USS Sterett and USS Halsey transited up to NAVSTA Everett from their homeport of NAVSTA San Diego to participate in the training.
"It's almost unprecedented for all six ships to operate together at sea. (USS) Ford will break off after a day of steaming with us and do training, but the remaining five ships will steam in company together to San Diego," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Rice, COMDESRON 9 operations officer. "We'll be practicing our basic skill sets as surface warriors as we drive as a group down to San Diego to meet with the rest of the strike group."
"It's important because it allows us, as commanding officers, to work together confidently, getting familiar with operating close to each other so that, when we are on deployment, if any situation occurs, that familiarity is always there and there's no ambiguity.," said Cmdr. Joe Nadeau, USS Shoup commanding officer. "A lot of times on deployment you don't have time to wonder what you're going to do next; we have to have it already planned and ready to go, and this underway will allow us to refine those plans."
"The more time we have together the better we're going to be. Knowing how each ship operates really helps so when we meet up with the rest of the strike group we'll have a better understanding of each other while we perform our exercises," said Lt. Brent Jackson, USS Sterett operations officer.
According to Rice, the group sail objectives are to fulfill basic training requirements in multiple warfare areas, methodically increase operational tempo (optempo) in a multi-ship and helicopter maritime strike squadron (HSM) environment to improve tactical proficiency, build on the ability to shift to alternate warfare commanders and integrate multiple communications paths to increase operation proficiency.
"Our goal is to set the conditions for success as COMDESRON 9 assets transition to Abraham Lincoln Strike Group operations," said Rice. "This is the first opportunity for Abraham Lincoln Strike Group escorts to operate together with our assigned HSM 77 assets. The goal is to frame and refine the way we operate together as strike group elements and independent deployers with precision and style."
Curtis Wilbur Receives 2009 Spokane Trophy
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Smith, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Japan
May 5, 2010 - YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The officers and crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), forward-deployed to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, learned their command was announced as the 2009 Spokane Trophy recipient on April 15.
The award recognized the hard work of the ship's 270-plus crew members last year, as they maintained a high level of operational readiness, demonstrated in both training scenarios and real world events.
"Across the board, all awards are very important," said Cmdr. Paul Hogue Jr., Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer. "It feels good to get the recognition, whether it's the Spokane Trophy or any unit award; it's very important for the crew to get recognition for what they do. It was definitely a team effort. If one division can't support the mission, it affects the whole crew."
The Spokane Trophy is an annual award presented to the Pacific Fleet's surface ship with the highest level of operational readiness in areas ranging from coordinated air warfare, surface warfare and undersea warfare operations.
"We supported the command mission by making sure the ship stayed as ready as we could make it," said Damage Controlman 1st Class Kevin Christopher, repair division's leading petty officer. "It helps our morale by letting us know that we are appreciated."
The Spokane Trophy dates back to 1907, when the Spokane Washington Chamber of Commerce worked with the city's Spanish War Veterans to commission the construction of the trophy to honor Spokane Sailors. The trophy, crafted from 400 ounces of silver, is worth nearly $4 million. In 1908, it was first awarded to USS Tennessee for superior marksmanship. The annual award was temporarily halted in 1941 prior to World War II and resumed again in 1984. Curtis Wilbur is the 34th ship to be named as Spokane Trophy winner in the award's history.
"I spent a lot of my time tracking contacts and participating in training scenarios," said Operations Specialist Seaman Rasha Urtecho. "It is an accomplishment, we worked really hard and everybody made sacrifices. It's recognition for all the work that we did."
Curtis Wilbur participated in various training exercises in 2009, showcasing the interoperability between the U.S. Navy and partner nations. The crew put its training to good use, turning potential into outstanding performance while working alongside Republic of Korea Navy counterparts in Foal Eagle 09 and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force sailors at Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX).
"I have always known we have an outstanding crew and this award just validates that," said Hogue. "I think that this was an outstanding accomplishment and a lot of hard work went into it."
Curtis Wilbur is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
May 5, 2010 - YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The officers and crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), forward-deployed to Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, learned their command was announced as the 2009 Spokane Trophy recipient on April 15.
The award recognized the hard work of the ship's 270-plus crew members last year, as they maintained a high level of operational readiness, demonstrated in both training scenarios and real world events.
"Across the board, all awards are very important," said Cmdr. Paul Hogue Jr., Curtis Wilbur's commanding officer. "It feels good to get the recognition, whether it's the Spokane Trophy or any unit award; it's very important for the crew to get recognition for what they do. It was definitely a team effort. If one division can't support the mission, it affects the whole crew."
The Spokane Trophy is an annual award presented to the Pacific Fleet's surface ship with the highest level of operational readiness in areas ranging from coordinated air warfare, surface warfare and undersea warfare operations.
"We supported the command mission by making sure the ship stayed as ready as we could make it," said Damage Controlman 1st Class Kevin Christopher, repair division's leading petty officer. "It helps our morale by letting us know that we are appreciated."
The Spokane Trophy dates back to 1907, when the Spokane Washington Chamber of Commerce worked with the city's Spanish War Veterans to commission the construction of the trophy to honor Spokane Sailors. The trophy, crafted from 400 ounces of silver, is worth nearly $4 million. In 1908, it was first awarded to USS Tennessee for superior marksmanship. The annual award was temporarily halted in 1941 prior to World War II and resumed again in 1984. Curtis Wilbur is the 34th ship to be named as Spokane Trophy winner in the award's history.
"I spent a lot of my time tracking contacts and participating in training scenarios," said Operations Specialist Seaman Rasha Urtecho. "It is an accomplishment, we worked really hard and everybody made sacrifices. It's recognition for all the work that we did."
Curtis Wilbur participated in various training exercises in 2009, showcasing the interoperability between the U.S. Navy and partner nations. The crew put its training to good use, turning potential into outstanding performance while working alongside Republic of Korea Navy counterparts in Foal Eagle 09 and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force sailors at Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX).
"I have always known we have an outstanding crew and this award just validates that," said Hogue. "I think that this was an outstanding accomplishment and a lot of hard work went into it."
Curtis Wilbur is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
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