Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn have no public or media events on their schedules.

The Senate Armed Services Committee considers the nomination of Marine Corps Gen. James Amos for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commandant of the Marine Corps at 9:30 a.m. EDT in room SD-G50, Dirksen Senate Office Building.

German Maj. Gen. Hans-Werner Fritz, commanding general for Regional Command North, and his U.S. Army deputy, Col. Sean Mulholland, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973), to provide an update on current operations.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell will conduct a press briefing at 2 p.m. EDT in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Use Pick a Day to go to a different day. Check Other Events for additional listings, including air shows, band concerts, Congressional hearings, reunions and much more.

CNO Visits Sailors, Citizens in San Diego

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead was a keynote speaker at the grand opening of a new naval child development center (CDC), at the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) breakfast, and at the San Diego Fleet Week reception, Sept. 16 – 17.

CNO was joined by U.S. Rep. Susan Davis, of California, to be part of a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the grand opening of the new CDC aboard Naval Air Station North Island.

During his remarks, CNO said the Navy is made up of ships, airplanes and submarines; however, the people are its most important asset.

"There is no question in my mind that (the CDC) will contribute to the mission effectiveness of our Navy, to the well being of our people, to the retention and recruitment rates," said Roughead. "I believe more and more in the future, when young men and women look to the Navy, they'll look beyond the ships, the submarines, the airplanes and they'll look at what it means for their families."

At the SDMAC breakfast, Roughead had the opportunity to speak about the Navy, budgetary initiatives, operational readiness along with present and future quality-of-life programs.

"(These) initiatives are cost effective, they serve our mutual interest on bringing more war-fighting 'tooth' to our fleet concentration areas and they follow through on the Navy's commitment to quality of work and quality of life for our Sailors so that they can continue to focus on what our country asks them to do," said Roughead.

CNO also attended the San Diego Fleet Week reception where he helped promote three Sailors to chief petty officer and took time to speak to the other U.S. Navy supporters attending the reception.

"(The Navy) is an organization, it's a service, it's a calling that is truly unique in the world," said Roughead. "The capabilities that we have and what we do are really represented extraordinarily well in San Diego."

Navy Releases Record of Decision for Guam / Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Military Relocation

The Department of Navy announced today the release of the record of decision (ROD) on the Guam and Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Military Relocation Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

The ROD, a document required at the conclusion of the environmental review of a federal project or program, outlines the decisions the Navy has made to implement the proposed realignment actions and specifies associated with the mitigation measures.  These decisions are the result of thorough consideration of public and resource agency comments on the EIS, interagency discussions, and ongoing discussions with the Guam and CNMI communities and leadership.

The ROD includes the Navy’s decision to implement the preferred alternatives as identified in the FEIS for the main base, aviation and waterfront operations for approximately 8,600 Marines and their 9,000 family members who will relocate from Okinawa to Guam. The Army has decided to implement its preferred alternative for placement of an air missile defense task force should it be assigned this mission on Guam.

As stated in the FEIS, the Navy will defer a decision on a specific location for a transient nuclear powered aircraft carrier berth in Apra Harbor and will voluntarily collect additional data on marine resources in the two alternative site locations.

The Navy has also deferred a decision on the location of training ranges for the Marine Corps forces pending completion of the Section 106 consultation process under the National Historic Preservation Act.

“The decisions in the ROD begin the long-term strategic realignment of U.S. forces on Guam,” said Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, assistant secretary of the Navy for energy, installations and environment, who signed the ROD. “In reaching these decisions, we carefully considered the many comments received throughout the EIS process. We recognize that there are issues remaining to be addressed and we look forward to working with the people of Guam and CNMI to implement the military relocation in a way that will benefit the community at large – both military and civilian.”

Officials Announce Warrior Games 2011

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2010 – Some 200 disabled active-duty servicemembers and military veterans will compete in the second annual Warrior Games, scheduled to be held May 16 to 21 in Colorado Springs, Colo., officials announced today.

The U.S. Olympic Committee will host the games at the Olympic Training Center for the second year. The events will include shooting, swimming, archery, track and field, cycling, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

The Army will be represented by 100 competitors, chosen out of a pool of more than 9,000 active-duty soldiers recovering in Warrior Transition Units. The Marine Corps will send 50 competitors, the Air Force will send 25, and the Coast Guard and Navy will combine to send 25.

The Defense Department, USOC and the USO hope to build on the inaugural games’ success, helping to prove to even more wounded warriors the true healing power of sports, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in a Pentagon news conference.

“When we focus on ability, rather than disability, we see that physical fitness and sports can have a healing effect on the mind and on the body and on the soul,” Mullen said. “The athletes that compete in the Warrior Games demonstrate that regardless of circumstance, physical fitness and a passion to win remain at the core of our military culture.

“And while these values are certainly important on the battlefield, they’re certainly important in the recovery process of our wounded, ill and injured troops,” he continued.

Mullen said he hopes more wounded warriors will compete for a spot in Colorado Springs.

“We encourage our wounded warriors with a desire to compete to notify their own squad leaders, [noncommissioned officers] or leading petty officers to get the application process started right away,” the admiral said. “The response to our inaugural Warrior Games was truly outstanding. We look forward to an even better experience next spring.”

Charlie Huebner, chairman of USOC’s Paralympics Committee, echoed Mullen’s remarks, saying the competition and drive the athletes showed at the inaugural games in May was an inspiration to all athletes and disabled people.

“I’ve been to a lot of sporting event …, but I’ve never felt more intensity, more emotion and more competitive spirit in my life at a sports event,” he said, recalling an Army-Marine Corps sitting volleyball match that came down to the wire. “We see it every day in the Paralympics movement, the incredible power of sports.”

Sports, Huebner said, give those who’ve suffered disabilities a “second chance,” whether it’s pursuing Paralympics dreams or simply playing basketball with friends in their community.

“Some 200 injured servicemembers who came to Colorado last year got to feel that magic; the power to heal, the power to compete and the power to dream,” he said. “They were touched by that at the inaugural warrior games, but the impact of these games, more importantly, is what happened when they went home.”

Stacy Pearsall, a retired Air Force staff sergeant who was injured in Iraq, found inspiration in her fellow competitors at the inaugural games. She recalled the efforts of retired Marine Lance Cpl. Chuck Sketch.

Sketch lost his sight in August 1997 from a brain tumor, and then had to be amputated from the waist down in January 1998 due to complications from the same tumor. His inaugural game events were swimming.

“The one thing that really got me going was seeing a Marine, blind and a double amputee, swimming,” Pearsall said. “I thought, man, ‘If he can do it, I can do it.’ It made me much more motivated in my recovery.”

Warrior Games 2010 was so successful and had a such a positive effect on the wounded warrior community that the field of athletes next year is likely to be even more competitive.

The competition is open to military members and veterans with bodily injuries as well as mental wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

Like the inaugural games, athletes will be recruited from each of the military services, including the Coast Guard, through an independent selection process. The games itself won’t be much different than last year, but the competition may be a little more challenging.

The Army and Marine Corps are already holding preliminary competitions, surely to strengthen their chances at gold.

The inaugural games was sort of a “feeling out” process, said retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. William “Spanky” Gibson, who lost his lower left leg in Iraq just more than four years ago.

“A lot of the athletes will come out in broader spectrum this time,” Gibson said. “That’s what the Marine Corps is going to do. We’re going to have competitions leading up to this stuff. We’re going to do what we naturally do. We’re going to train to compete.

“We want our best athletes out there, but we want more athletes to come out of the wood works and work their butts off to get there,” he said.

Regional Command North Commanding General and Deputy to Brief Live from Afghanistan

German Maj. Gen. Hans-Werner Fritz, commanding general for Regional Command North, and his U.S. Army deputy, Col. Sean Mulholland, will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EDT, Sept. 21, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) to provide an update on current operations.

Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

Defense Department Launches Annual CFC Drive

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2010 – The Defense Department’s 2010 Combined Federal Campaign kicked off here today, offering federal civilians and military members the opportunity to contribute to any of more than 4,000 pre-screened charities.

Deputy Defense Secretary William J. Lynn III launched the department's annual CFC drive in the Pentagon Library Conference Center, addressing gathered representatives of more than 20 Defense Department services, components and agencies.

“Your leadership has helped this department exceed its contribution goals year after year,” Lynn said. “I’ve returned today to ask all of you to do it again – not only to reach a new and higher target, but also to continue expanding the number of employees who choose to participate.”

Lynn invoked President Barack Obama in noting that CFC charities feed families who have lost their homes, help wounded servicemembers and their families, foster education in underprivileged areas and provide emergency supplies to disaster victims.

“Precisely because it may be harder to contribute this year, it is so vital that we continue to give,” he said. “President Obama has said that America’s success depends on the ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart – and the Combined Federal Campaign enables us to do just that.”

Army Brig. Gen. R. Mark Brown, a military representative to the National Capital Area CFC, also spoke as part of today’s kickoff. He challenged Defense Department employees to treat CFC as “part of our mission.”

“Your gifts will serve the needy, comfort the ill, search for cures, protect the environment, and reach out to help in countless other ways,” he said.

“Sometimes, our battlefield … is not the sands of Iraq or the mountains of Afghanistan. Sometimes, that battlefield is the unemployment line, the food line, and the rehab room,” he added. “We cannot accept defeat in these causes any more than we can accept defeat on the battlefield when we are sent to fight.”

The department’s 2010 CFC campaign will continue through Dec. 15.

Since 1971, CFC has been the sole authorized workplace charitable campaign for the federal service. CFC administrators and volunteers reach potential donors through more than 200 local organizations, and givers may contribute via cash, check, or payroll deduction. Pledge forms are available through local coordinators and online at regional CFC Web sites.

Charities wishing to participate in CFC must complete an annual application process. Organizations may apply to be listed as local, national or international charities depending on their area of service. The Office of Personnel Management, which oversees the program, maintains strict eligibility and public accountability criteria that all participating CFC charities must meet.

According to OPM figures, 2009 CFC pledges totaled nearly $282.6 million, a 2.7 percent increase over the previous year. The campaign has garnered more than $6 billion in charitable contributions since its inception in 1961.

Fallen Airman to Receive Medal of Honor

From a U.S. Air Force News Release

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2010 – An airman who was killed 42 years ago in Laos will receive the Medal of Honor for actions he took after enemy forces overran a clandestine U.S. radar site.

Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Richard L. "Dick" Etchberger, 35, died March 11, 1968, after being shot following an overnight battle on Mount Phou Pha Thi at Lima Site 85, as the radar location was known to Americans, where he helped to maintain equipment that aided the U.S. bombing campaign of North Vietnam.

Despite having received little or no combat training, Etchberger single-handedly held off the enemy with an M-16 rifle while simultaneously directing air strikes into the area and calling for air rescue. Because of his fierce defense and heroic and selfless actions, he was able to deny the enemy access to his position and save the lives of some of his crew.

With the arrival of the rescue aircraft, Etchberger again deliberately risked his life, exposing himself to heavy enemy fire to place his three surviving wounded comrades into rescue slings hanging from a hovering helicopter waiting to airlift them to safety.

With his remaining crew safely aboard, Etchberger finally climbed into an evacuation sling himself, only to be fatally wounded by enemy ground fire as he was being raised into the aircraft.

"He should have a 55-gallon drum full of medals," said retired Air Force Tech. Sgt. John G. Daniel, 71, of La Junta, Colo., who was one of the three rescued airmen. "I wouldn't be alive without him."

Following a 2008 personnel board of review of the chief's actions, Air Force Secretary Michael Donley nominated the Hamburg, Pa., native for the U.S. military's highest decoration, which is awarded "for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty."

President Barack Obama approved Etchberger’s Medal of Honor, which will be presented at a White House ceremony tomorrow. The following day, Etchberger will be inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes.

Pakistan Aid Approaches 8 Million Pounds

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20, 2010 – U.S. military personnel continue to aid millions of Pakistanis affected by flooding in the country, defense officials said today.

Marine Corps helicopters transported nearly 317,000 pounds of relief supplies in Pakistan yesterday, Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said. Fixed-wing aircraft operating out of Afghanistan transported 44,000 pounds of supplies, and U.S. military aircraft rescued 701 displaced people yesterday, he added.

Unusually heavy monsoon rains caused the Indus River and its tributaries to overflow in late July. The floods washed away bridges, roads, railways and thousands of buildings. The Pakistani government ordered millions of people to evacuate their homes and villages, and it now is struggling to keep up with the evacuees’ needs and rebuilding the country.

The amount of U.S. aid provided to Pakistan to date has been impressive, Lapan said. U.S. military aid operations began Aug. 5 with Army helicopters from Afghanistan delivering supplies and rescuing those trapped by flooding. Marine helicopters from the USS Peleliu replaced the Army aircraft, and together they have delivered 4.8 million pounds or relief supplies. Air Force C-130s and C-17s have been delivering aid since Aug. 16. To date, airmen have delivered 3.1 million pounds of aid. This brings the total to almost 8 million pounds of aid, Lapan said.

The U.S. military aircraft have rescued 16,299 people to date. All American aid is at the request of the Pakistani government, the colonel said.

Aerial operations in Pakistan are challenging, officials said. Much of the country’s infrastructure was washed away with the floods. The increased moisture has meant troubles with fog and haze. In the northwestern part of the country, rough terrain and high altitude further complicate the aid missions.

The military helicopters come from the USS Peleliu, and are operating from Pakistani air bases and the amphibious assault ship. The USS Kearsarge is joining the Peleliu in international waters off the coast of Pakistan. The two crews will work together to bring aid to the millions of Pakistanis affected by the floods.

“They both may be there for some period of time,” Lapan said. “It will not be a hand-off. It depends … on what the need is that determines when the Peleliu departs.”

CNO Helps Open Child Development Center at Naval Base Coronado

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Josh Cassatt, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- A new Child Development Center (CDC) was officially opened for business with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead at Naval Base Coronado (NBC) Sept. 17.

One of two centers funded by the First 5 Commission of San Diego at NBC, the CDC opening marks the first time in nearly seven years NBC will have a childcare facility available for use by personnel stationed there.

"This project has played a key role in highlighting the need for more Navy childcare infrastructure for our families," said Greg Young, deputy director of family readiness for Commander, Navy Installation Command. "The 7,000 Navy families that utilize this facility can focus on their mission of defending this great nation, knowing that their children are well-cared for."

The First 5 Commission of San Diego is a program promoting early childhood development for children ages newborn through five years old in San Diego County. First 5 believes providing child development for children of NBC Sailors is a good opportunity to bring quality childcare to a base that has not had the facilities available recently.

"It is important for our military families to be confident their kids are given the necessary tools they are going to need to succeed in life," said Nick Macchione, First 5 commissioner and director of San Diego County Health and Human Services. "This facility is a chance at socializing and learning for children; it is about early childcare and education and preparing kids for success."

The completion of the CDC was the result of collaboration between federal, state and county entities, bringing the highest quality care to military families and their children.

"I am so pleased that so many have come together to make this project possible," Roughead said. "It is something that will last a lifetime, many lifetimes indeed, so I thank all who made it possible. It allows us, as we serve in our Navy and go forward with our Navy, to know that those who serve will have their children cared for in a place they can develop."

U.S. Rep. Susan Davis, of California, also attended the event.

The NBC facility has the capacity to serve 112 children and includes site development for play areas, new parking, drop-off areas and a service entrance. The facility has also been designed to accommodate future expansion to be able to care for approximately 300 children.

The opening of the NBC facility brings the number of CDCs in the San Diego metro area to seven, with other CDCs located at Naval Base San Diego, Naval Base Point Loma, Marine Corps Recruiting Depot, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Medical Center, and Murphy Canyon housing area.

General Officer Announcement

The chief of staff, Army announced today the following assignment:

Brig. Gen. Ross E. Ridge, commandant, U.S. Army Field Artillery School, U.S. Army Fires Center of Excellence, Fort Sill, Okla., to commander, Task Force 2010, Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan.

Three lives saved from a three-minute phone call

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

How much information can you gather in three minutes? This past weekend, Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector St. Petersburg found enough information in a mere three minutes – to save three lives.

On Sunday, Sector St. Petersburg received a 911-relay call from local county dispatch reporting a boat taking on water on the north side of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Tampa, Fla. Taking the call in the command center was Petty Officer First Class Robert Davis, an operations specialist.

Seconds into the phone call, Davis realized the mariner provided him with information that did not correlate with being on the north side of the bridge. Using his familiarity with the area, and buoy numbers the mariner was passing to him, Davis recognized the distressed boat was actually on the east side of the bridge.

With water flooding into the boat, Davis knew there was little time to take action. He instructed the boaters to put on their lifejackets and that he would contact them again in ten minutes.

Davis did not even take the time to hang up the phone before he and the command center watchstanders “hit the SAR alarm.”

Hearing the SAR alarm was the on duty crew of Station St. Petersburg. The coxswain, Boatswains Mate Third Class Matthew Garcia, and his crew, launched their 25-foot small response boat and set out to the position plotted by Davis.

Eight minutes later, after several failed attempts to contact the mariner through cell phone, Davis had lost communication with the sinking vessel. Despite not being able to communicate with the boater, and with no further information coming into the command center, Davis had faith in the Station St. Petersburg crew.

“I trust the station crews,” said Davis. “The stations go out with minimal information and come back with phenomenal results.”

Maneuvering through 17-knot gusts and choppy waters, Garcia and his crew approached the plotted position and found a boat – but it was not the one in distress. To add to the frustration, the mariner aboard this fishing vessel had not seen another vessel, especially not one that was sinking.

More determined than ever, Garcia, a qualified coxswain for only a month and a half, used his knowledge of the tides and currents, and headed east of the buoy.

One and a half miles east of the original position, two crewmen aboard the 25-foot response boat saw something in the water.

Not knowing what it was, Garcia slowly approached the object and encountered a debris field. There, amongst the debris, were three people in the water, with their life jackets on,  and only four feet of their boat’s bow visible above the water.

Garcia worked swiftly to position the 25-foot response boat between the submerged vessel and the survivors. As Garcia maneuvered the vessel, the two other crewmembers aboard threw heaving lines into the water and pulled the boaters to safety.

“This was my first rescue as a coxswain,” said Garcia. “Pulling those people out of the water felt really good.”

The Coast Guard men and women involved in this case worked so seamlessly that despite very little information gathered, the three people were rescued within 30 minutes after their initial call for help was made.

Congratulations to the watchstanders of Sector St. Petersburg and crews of Station St. Petersburg for your exemplary teamwork that led to a successful search and rescue mission!

DOD to Hold Hall of Heroes Induction Ceremony

Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger will be inducted into the Hall of Heroes on Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. EDT, in the Pentagon Auditorium (Room BH650).  Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy and Etchberger’s family will participate in the ceremony.

President Barack Obama is expected to present the Medal of Honor to Etchberger’s family at a ceremony at the White House on Sept. 21, 2010.

On Sept. 3, 2010 the White House announced Etchberger will be posthumously awarded the nation’s highest military honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty on March 11, 1968.

Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 45 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Media interested in covering this event please call Air Force public affairs at 703-695-0640 for escort into the building.

Continuing Promise Returns to Nicaragua for Fourth Year of Service

By Marine Corps Sgt. Samuel R. Beyers, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force, Continuing Promise 2010 Public Affairs

BLUEFIELDS, Nicaragua (NNS) -- An opening ceremony was held by local residents and leaders to celebrate Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10) - Partnership of the Americas - at Colegio Moravo in Bluefields, Nicaragua, Sept. 16.

The event was attended by leaders from CP10, local government and the U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua.

"Mission Continuing Promise 2010 shows our strong commitment to the Nicaraguan people with respect to their health, prosperity and democracy," said Robert J. Callahan, U.S. ambassador to Nicaragua. "In every aspect, this mission benefits both the United States and Nicaragua."

Over the next nine days, Sailors, Marines, Army, Air Force and non-governmental organization (NGO) members embarked aboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) are working together to conduct humanitarian assistance and subject-matter expert exchanges.

The CP10 team incorporates 13 participating nations to include Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Netherlands, Paraguay and Nicaragua. CP10 brings a team of medical, dental, veterinary and engineering professionals working alongside their Nicaraguan counterparts.

"We are very excited to be in Bluefields bringing Continuing Promise back to Nicaragua for the fourth year in a row," said Capt. Thomas M. Negus, commodore, CP10. "Continuing Promise is an equal partnership humanitarian mission that serves as a strong and meaningful demonstration of our commitment to our neighbors here in Nicaragua."

Sailors and Marines assigned to the Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) 2010 will provide translator support, engineering support, medical assistance and air transportation. The SPMAGTF has been organized, trained and equipped to provide humanitarian aid and disaster relief to Latin, Central and South America.

"I pledge to you the work of all our hands and the spirit in all of our hearts over the next nine days as we work side by side with Nicaraguans for Nicaragua," said Negus.

CNO Visits SPAWAR to Discuss Information Dominance

By Nicole Collins, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) visited the Space and Naval Warfare Systems (SPAWAR) Command Sept. 16, meeting with the SPAWAR Commander, and other team members who deliver Information Dominance.

In addition to a tour of the campus, where Team SPAWAR acquires, develops, delivers and sustains information capabilities for the warfighter, the two-hour visit focused heavily on discussing SPAWAR's progress in executing the five key taskers that directly align with the CNO and SECNAV's top priorities established at the beginning of SPAWAR Commander Rear Adm. Patrick Brady's tenure in early August 2010.

CNO Adm. Gary Roughead and Rear Adm. Brady discussed SPAWAR's progress of each tasker, which focus largely on fleet support and implementing efficiencies from a Department of Navy perspective.

The CNO also observed four ongoing science and technology projects that demonstrate how Team SPAWAR is leading the charge to turn the CNO's information dominance vision into a reality for the Navy.

"Team SPAWAR's mission is to make the Navy's Information Dominance vision a reality," said Brady. "It is our job to provide our warfighters the technology to succeed in the operational environment and I am proud we could share some of our many contributions to the warfighter with the CNO today."

Rear Adm. Brady and the CNO reviewed Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) systems maintenance and modernization improvements; Tenth Fleet operational initiatives; and Team SPAWAR's initiatives for instilling a culture of efficiency within the Department of Navy. Roughead was briefed on command and control rapid prototyping continuum, computer vulnerability management, and unmanned systems capabilities which support the execution of Information Dominance and cyber space operations.

"Cyber space is on the bottom of the ocean because 95 percent of what moves in cyber space moves on cables that rest on the bottom of the ocean. That's the maritime domain. That's the domain of the United States Navy," Adm. Roughead stated on the importance of cyber space operations.

As the Navy's technical lead for Command, Control, Communications,

Computers and Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), SPAWAR provides the hardware and software to connect our warfighters at sea, on land in the air. Cyber space operations are one of Team SPAWAR's areas of expertise continuing to defend the Navy's communications and networks.

To learn more about SPAWAR, who delivers advanced information technologies to the fleet, please visit http://www.spawar.navy.mil/.

Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945

I didn’t jump into the book as an expert in Naval or World War II history. The book was recommended to me as a well-told and captivating story. I found it to be just that.

The Battle of Leyete Gulf is noted as the “largest and most complex naval battle” in history. The Battle, however, is overshadowed by our collective recollection of Midway as being the pivotal battle of the Pacific War. The author, Evan Thomas, takes an interesting literary track by telling us the story of Leyete Gulf by actually telling us the story of four prominent Naval figures: Two American and Two Japanese.

To me, the Battle itself was the author’s means to tell us the story of the four human beings. The Americans were Admiral William Halsey and Commander Ernest Evans. I don’t think you could read enough about Evans’ fighting of the Destroyer Johnston. It seems the quintessential American story of the clear underdog fighting with gallantry and tenacity. Every man on the Johnston was a hero and author brings that out.

In my opinion, Admiral Halsey’s northward chase of the Japanese feint is also the quintessential story, but a leadership story. I don’t know enough about Naval tactics to criticize Halsey’s decision. However, we did when the battle and war. What was more compelling was how Admiral Chester Nimitz responded to Halsey’s actions. Halsey the man and Naval warrior was going to do what he was going to do. He was given command and increasingly important commands because he was what the public and the Navy needed. Nimitz’s leadership afterwards was to recognize Halsey was Halsey. He defended Halsey, especially to Admiral King. The moral, it seems, is when you hire someone to act a certain way and they act that way, don’t be surprised.

The author also follows two Japanese figures: Admiral Takeo Kurita and Admiral Matome Ugaki. For me, while the Battle gave us insight into the two Americans (mostly, however Halsey), the Japanese Admirals give us insight into World War II Japan. I think this was tougher for the author to pull off. Clearly, the author, Thomas, understands American culture and can look backward into history and provide us with interpretation. I think he was a little less suited to use the Japanese Commanders in the same way. Now, this may be me. After all, I, the reader, identified with the two Americans, but less so with the Japanese.

That being said, we do get a view into the development of not only the World War II Japanese Navy but the militaristic government, also. Moreover, the reader is exposed to the development of the suicide attacks as well as a closer look into culpability of the Japanese high command and the Emperor, himself.

It is a good read filled with interesting characters, stories and facts.

POWs/MIAs Honored, Remembered at NAS Whidbey Island

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nardel Gervacio, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Detachment Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Air Station Whidbey Island hosted a Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Recognition Day ceremony at the POW/MIA Sentinel Memorial on the Seaplane Base, Sept. 17.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day honors the courage of those who were held as prisoners of war in foreign conflicts and ensures those who remain missing in action are never forgotten.

Lt. Cmdr. Brian Danielson, of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, who expatriated his father Capt. Ben Danielson's remains from Laos and laid him to rest June 15, 2007 spoke to the crowd of more than 200.

During his speech, Danielson began by reading the POW's code of conduct, "Words that tend to be forgotten after basic training but is always refreshed and re-enforced throughout a service member's career."

Danielson continued his speech and said "The honoring of POW/MIA's and the importance of returning them all home exist as a reminder of the great importance that our country place on the value of a human life."

"I think it's always important to remember service members who served before us and never came home, in my situation I've been friends with Lt. Cmdr. Danielson a long time and followed his family's journey," said Cmdr. Lee Jackson, commanding officer, VAQ-129. "It's hard to hold back emotions with ceremonies like this."

Also mentioned at the ceremony was the return of the remains of U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Scott Speicher. Speicher was shot down in an F/A-18 Hornet on the first night of Operation Desert Storm, Jan. 16, 1991, approximately 100 miles west of Baghdad, Iraq. On Aug. 13, 2009, at 3 p.m., Speicher's remains arrived in NAS Jacksonville, Fla., and he was laid to rest at the Jacksonville Memory Gardens.

The names of 57 repatriated remains from this year were read by Jackson.

"The ceremony was very moving, how they read the names, thought that it was very nice. These type of ceremonies is so important because a lot of people don't think about it very much," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Robarts of Tampa, Fla., assigned to VAQ-129. "People take this country and freedom for granted. When the names were read of the service members still missing in action, I was unaware of it and I believe so many others don't know also, so many families still do not have closure and it's sad."

The raising of the POW/MIA flag, a 21-gun salute by the NAS Whidbey Island honor guard and music played by the Oak Harbor High School Band marked the conclusion of the ceremony, which ended with a fly-by by VAQ-129.

"It was a very nice ceremony; it's good to know that we still remember the Prisoner of War/Missing in Action and all the men and women who gave their lives for this country, it's an honor to be part of this event," said Lance Cpl. Arturo Ibanez Jr., of Corsicana, Texas, assigned to Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) 53.

In conjunction with the event, a motorcycle ride and rally was held in honor of the day and featured 250 riders from around Northwestern Washington. A supporter of and contributor to the day's activities, VAQ-134 grilled burgers and provided food, drinks, and music, as well.

"The ceremony was very moving, it was an honor to come here and show my support, POW/MIA Day to me means that my country will not forget our service members," said David Brown of Marion, Iowa, an honorary member of Star Touring and Riding Chapter 154 Northwest Cascades. "I feel this ceremony today honors those and the family who are still waiting for some type of closure."

McKinley: National Guard is a national treasure

By Sgt. Darron Salzer

National Guard Bureau

OXON HILL, Md., (9/14/10) - The National Guard is a national treasure that we need to preserve and protect, the Guard’s senior officer told attendees here at the 2010 Air Force Association Air and Space Conference today.

“The dual mission of the National Guard, and its ability to combine and work with local, state and federal governments, makes us a force that I think is arguably a force that this nation cannot do without,” said Air Force Gen. Craig McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The National Guard has always had a dual mission at home and abroad, but it is now also considered an operational reserve providing forces for missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Sinai, Haiti, the Horn of Africa and Kosovo.

“The citizens of the United States expect the full might of the armed forces to come to their aide in the event of a natural disaster, and the National Guard has been there every time,” McKinley said.

Since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and then Katrina in 2005, the Guard has made rapid improvements to its response with local, state and federal governments.

“Our domestic mission is a piece of our fabric, it’s a piece of our culture,” he said.

McKinley also described the overseas missions the Guard has been a part of since the attacks in New York City on Sept. 11, 2001.

“The Army Guard has been involved in operations for the last nine years, while the Air Guard is going on nearly two decades,” he said. “The Air Guard has been supporting the Air Force, and has been fully integrated into operations, such as Northern Watch and Southern Watch.

“Under great leadership, the Air Guard has been able to achieve this full integration with the active force and perform its missions in a very professional manner.”

Currently, about 44,000 Soldiers and 10,000 Airmen are deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Over the last 20 years, we’ve made some dramatic changes in the National Guard, changing from what the Guard use to be, to what it is today,” McKinley said.

NAVSEA Promotes Fleet Readiness at Symposium

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) participated in the Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium (FMMS) 2010 in Virginia Beach, Va., Sept. 14.

Organized by the Tidewater Section of the American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE), FMMS featured technical presentations and paneled discussions on Navy ship maintenance advances and challenges, along with exhibits by military and industry representatives showcasing their initiatives and products.

"Life cycle support, including technical rigor imbedded in well-defined class maintenance plans, and effectively executed maintenance processes are key focal points across NAVSEA. These are the key enablers to ensuring our ships remain effective war fighting platforms and achieve their full design service lives. This is Job No. 1 for all of us at NAVSEA - we are the team that must deliver material readiness for the fleet," said Vice Adm. Kevin McCoy, NAVSEA commander. "We are responsible, and we are accountable. We want to be not only responsive, but more importantly proactive, as we work to ensure every ship is ready to respond to the Navy's missions."

Scheduled speakers for the event included Assistant Secretary of the Navy Sean J. Stackley; Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead; Adm. John C. Harvey Jr., commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and Rear Adm. John Clarke Orzalli, NAVSEA vice commander.

NAVSEA exhibits at the event included the Fleet Readiness Engineering Office (FREO); a collaborative Naval Surface Warfare Center booth representing Divisions Carderock, Dahlgren, Corona and Dam Neck; and NAVSEA 21, the dedicated life-cycle management organization for the Navy's in-service surface ships.

"The Fleet Maintenance and Modernization Symposium is a good venue for us to showcase some of the maintenance- and fuel-saving technologies we bring to the fleet," said FREO Director Doyle Kitchin. "There's usually a good mix of Navy maintenance professionals, Sailors and vendors who stop by our booth."

The annual symposium, which drew more than 1,100 participants and exhibitors, alternates venues between the East and West coasts. FMMS 2011 is scheduled to be held in San Diego.

MCPON Visit Inspires Patriotism, Professionalism, Pride

By H. Sam Samuelson, U.S. Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Yokosuka Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Master chief petty officer of the Navy (MCPON) met and discussed Navy issues with Sailors from Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) Yokosuka, Japan, Aug. 31.

MCPON (SS/SW) Rick D. West's 18-day trip included all hands calls, tours and visits with enlisted members in Hawaii, Guam, Japan and Korea, discussing topics such as manning, rate mergers, education, uniforms and the future of the Navy.

FISC Yokosuka's Western Pacific enterprise includes 20 sites, detachments and fuel terminals spanning 19 countries. While on his visit, MCPON met with a number of FISC's Sailors, including Chief Logistics Specialist Ulysses Lor, from FISC Atsugi, and Logistics Specialist 1st Class LaShawna Calloway, from FISC Korea.

"The MCPON was very friendly, very positive and is genuinely interested and concerned about enlisted issues," said Calloway. "And, he also talked about family issues and how important they are in our military lives."

"He inspires. You can tell by his dedication to his role as the Navy MCPON that he is devoted to ensuring success in Sailors' professionalism and personal lives as well," said Lor.

It was during his final wrap-up visit to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka that FISC Yokosuka Command Master Chief (CMDCM) (SW/AW) Juan Morales engaged the MCPON on various enlisted issues.

"It was an informal but very enlightening talk," said Morales. "He had just delivered a pep talk to chief petty officer (CPO) selectees, providing them some very inspirational words about patriotism, leadership, pride and professionalism. He hasn't changed in the 10 years I've known him," said Morales.

Morales and West were acquaintances when West was force master chief for Commander, Submarine Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet in 2001.

"He was and remains one of the most energetic people I know; he's definitely one of the most energetic MCPONs I've known," said Morales.

Morales said it is that energy that helps the MCPON connect with younger Sailors.

"For his age, he is very connected with our younger Sailors," said Morales. "He knows how to communicate with them. He has presence on both Facebook and Twitter. The MCPON and younger Sailors may be from a different generations, but he shares with them a common understanding of the basic values of pride and professionalism."

Morales said he discussed the MCPON's priorities.

"His priorities include professionalism, physical fitness and being professionally competitive," said Morales.

Morales said the MCPON was proud that the Navy boasts the highest retention rate among the services and very low attrition.

"He told our CPO selectees that the next two to five years are going to be the most challenging in today's competitive Navy; performance will be more competitive than ever," said Morales.

Morales said the MCPON inspired what he communicates to his enlisted Sailors.

"Stay competitive, get your education, follow your sea-shore rotation schedule and performance, performance, performance," said Morales.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, September 20, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates hosts an honor cordon to welcome Ecuador’s Minister of Defense Javier Ponce Cevallos to the Pentagon today at 1:30 p.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Secretary Gates also hosts an honor cordon to welcome Israeli Minister of Defense Ehud Barak to the Pentagon today at 3 p.m. EDT.  The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance.  Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the River Entrance only.  Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification.  Please call 703-697-5131 for escort to the cordon.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn hosts DoD’s Combined Federal Campaign Kick-Off at 11:30 a.m. EDT the Pentagon Conference Center.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, along with Charlie Huebner, chief of U.S. Paralympics and USO President Sloan Gibson, will give brief remarks during the Warrior Game press event in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973).  Media should contact Erich Langer, Army Warrior Transition Command, at 703-201-7638 for more information.