FRANK BUCKLES -- AMERICA'S OLDEST LIVING VETERAN

FRANK BUCKLES -- AMERICA'S OLDEST LIVING VETERANFrank Buckles is now 109 and lives on a 330-acre cattle farm in Charles Town, West Virginia.

Frank Buckles, America's Oldest Living Veteran

He is America's oldest living veteran, and the United States’ last living veteran of World War 1, the “War to End All Wars” that lasted from 1914-1918.
To put that into perspective, there are 3 million living veterans from World War II, 3 million living veterans from the Korean War, and over 7 million living veterans from the Vietnam War.
On being among the last living “Great War” veterans, Buckles says, “For many years, I would read the figures in The Torch [a veterans magazine] in two columns -- one was the number of 4.7 million-something veterans who served, and the other, which kept going down, was the number of us that were still alive. I knew one day it would come to this."
In World War 1, Buckles served as an ambulance driver in England and France, and when the war ended in 1918 was assigned to a prisoner-of-war escort company charged with returning POWs to Germany.
Later in his life, while he was on business as a civilian in the Philippines in 1941 during World War, II, Buckles was taken prisoner by the Japanese. He was held prisoner in their notoriously harsh conditions for 3 ½ years, where he lost 50 pounds and witnessed executions of fellow prisoners. He was rescued in 1945.

Another U.S. World War 1 Poster

When asked about the secret of his long life, Buckles replied: "Hope."
He also added, "[W]hen you start to die... don't."
He said the reason he has lived so long is that,
"I never got in a hurry."
Considering that I was only able to serve for under two months but still have dozens of stories to tell about the experience and the wonderful characters who were around me in basic training, this last remaining World War I veteran must have countless memories that we all would love to know … and probably need to know to lend perspective to our times.
Surely if anything is a national treasure, the oldest living American veteran is.
Frank Buckles, I salute you, and all the veterans who risked their lives -- including the millions who

Flag Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Navy Capt.  James W. Crawford III, JAGC,  for appointment as legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half).  He is currently serving as legal counsel to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C.

First Enlisted Turbanned Sikh Soldier Successfully Completes Basic Training in Two Decades

Recruit Accepted by Fellow Soldiers and Excels During Training

(Columbia, SC)  November 10, 2010 – Another major barrier fell today in the campaign to end the U.S. military’s ban on turbaned Sikhs.  To great fanfare, Simran Preet Singh Lamba became the first enlisted Sikh soldier in more than two decades to complete basic training while maintaining his religiously-mandated turban and unshorn hair.

The past year has now seen Sikhs graduate as both an enlisted soldier and as commissioned officers. Enlisted soldiers are the U.S. Army’s “new recruits” who are below the rank of an officer.  All the Sikh graduates were represented by the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery LLP and the Sikh Coalition.

“I am thrilled to serve with my fellow soldiers and serve the United States of America,” said Simran Preet Singh Lamba. “I humbly believe I was able to excel in all aspects of my training. Most importantly, I was overwhelmed by the support and camaraderie I felt with my fellow soldiers and base leadership. I thank them all and look forward to my service.”

Recruited by the Army in 2009 through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program for his language skills in Punjabi and Hindi, Mr. Lamba was initially advised by an Army recruiter that his Sikh articles of faith would likely be accommodated. Subsequently, in March 2010, his formal request for a religious accommodation was denied. Lamba appealed the decision, and his appeal was accepted in September 2010.

Contrary to the concerns of some, Mr. Lamba was able to meet all the requirements of a soldier during basic training.  He wore a helmet over a small turban during field exercises. During gas mask exercises, he successfully created a seal. He also enjoyed deep bonds with fellow soldiers and his superiors.

Present Army policy still excludes Sikhs who maintain their turban and beard. Sikhs in the U.S. military may maintain their religiously-mandated turban and unshorn hair only if they receive an individual exemption to do so.

In 1981, the Army banned “conspicuous” religious articles of faith, including turbans and unshorn hair, for its service members.  The ban was enacted despite a long and storied history of Sikhs serving in the U.S. military with their religious identity intact. Sikh soldiers served in the U.S. Army as far back as World War I. Thousands of Sikh soldiers helped liberate France in WWII. Today, Sikhs serve in the militaries of England, Canada, India and Austria, among others, often alongside American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, the past year has seen welcome progress in the campaign to restore Sikh service in the U.S. military.  In March, Captain Tejdeep Singh Rattan, a dentist, became the first Sikh commissioned officer to complete basic training in more than two decades. In September, Captain Kamaljeet Singh Kalsi, a physician, became the second Sikh commissioned officer to complete basic training.  The addition of Mr. Lamba to the group of Sikh military graduates is a critical step forward in proving that Sikhs can successfully serve in the U.S. military.

“To be an American is to be able to serve his or her country in the defense of the justice and equality we all enjoy as citizens.  We appreciate the U.S. Army’s willingness to consider the overwhelmingly positive experiences of Captains Rattan and Kalsi – as well as the success of dozens of Sikhs who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces over the past century – in giving Mr. Lamba the opportunity to serve the United States,” said Amandeep Singh Sidhu lead counsel for McDermott Will & Emery LLP.  “We hope that his success in enlisted basic training continues to dispel misconceptions about the ability of a Sikh solider to conform to the Army’s standards for neat and conservative uniformity, safety, military readiness, and unit cohesion.”

“We are grateful to the U.S. Army and its forward thinking here. We are hopeful that the success Mr. Lamba enjoyed during basic training will impress upon the U.S. military the necessity of ending its general policy of Sikh exclusion,” said Amardeep Singh, Program Director, Sikh Coalition. “Over the past year Sikh service in the U.S. Army has been successfully tried and tested. We know it works. All Sikhs should now be welcome in the military. We look forward to working with military leadership to make that happen. Our military and the United States of America will be stronger for it.”

To learn more, please visit our Campaign Media Center or email us at media@sikhcoalition.org.

Coast Guard Heroes: Isaac Mayo

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

With contributions from LTJG Ryan White

This Compass series chronicles the first 14 heroes the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters have been named for. These men and women, who stood the watch before us, lived extraordinary lives as they lit the way for sailors in times past, braved gunfire in times of war and rescued those in peril at sea. As Coast Guard heroes, their stories are a constant reminder of our service’s legacy. As the namesake of the Coast Guard’s newest patrol boats, they will inspire the next generation of Coast Guard heroes.

In the spring of 1879 a raging snowstorm blanketed the shores of the Northeastern United States. The perilous seas and weather caused a three-masted schooner to wreck on the shores of Cape Cod, Mass. Issac Mayo, a junior surfman at Life-Saving Station 7, displayed exemplary character during the disarray as he and his crew faced the storm to rescue the schooner’s sailors. In moments of chaos, Mayo was a leader and a hero.

On April 4, 1879, the three-masted schooner Sarah J. Fort was caught in the snowstorm and wrecked across the beaches of Cape Cod. A rescue boat head out, but with the heavy snowfall and darkness still looming, they could not reach the schooner. Mayo’s fellow surfmen worked tirelessly to get to the wreckage, but they could not reach the schooner and two sailors fell into the sea from exhaustion and perished.

The heavy seas and snow continued to build and buried the schooner causing the main and mizzenmasts to fall. The schooner’s remaining crew huddled together in the only part of the ship still in tact, the port bow. Another attempt to reach the vessel with a surfboat became possible when the tide went out, but the original rescue crew was too fatigued.

Mayo stepped in to lead the relief crew for the second rescue attempt and his boat launched but was forced to go back to the beach after it became filled with water. A second launch was made and the boat cleared the first breaker. As the boat went over the second set of breakers, Mayo and his crew were thrown from the surfboat, which was now broken beyond repair.

Mayo and his fellow surfmen could not fail, and another surfboat was brought to the beach. Mayo assumed command of the smaller boat, and chose a crew of fresh men, some from neighboring stations and some town volunteers.

Mayo navigated the boat through the violent seas and the mass of debris from the wreck and finally, after multiple attempts, was able to reach the Sarah J. Fort. The four survivors were brought aboard the surfboat and with Mayo captaining the boat, brought the rescued sailors were brought safely to shore.

There is no doubt that Mayo’s exemplary surfman skills shined the day he saved the Sarah J. Fort’s sailors and for his leadership throughout the challenging rescue, Mayo was awarded the Gold Lifesaving Medal on November 10, 1879.

A special place in the Coast Guard’s history

Chief Brian Guarino is the current Officer in Charge of a Coast Guard Station on the Cape, Station Woods Hole. His crews experience the same elements and hazards of the surfmen at Station 7, and he is constantly in awe of the surfmen in times past.

“These heroes of the surf did with wooden boat and oar what we do today with twin props and rudder,” said Guarino. “They did with oilskin and kapok what we do with dry suits and gore-tex. The weather was just as foul in Chatham and Provincetown then as it is now. The water of Woods Hole Pass was just as swift and cold then as now. They did with stars and compass azimuth what we do with gadgets and gizmos.”

Today, as in the past, Coast Guard men and women continue to operate in the unforgiving surf and on the shifting seas to save those whose lives are in peril.

“The Coast Guard has the privilege to live out a proud set of core values every day, and upon a visit to Plymouth, Provincetown, Chatham, or the Islands of Cape Cod, one can see not only the pride of the Guardians in their stations, but they can see the tradition kept secured in the old station houses as well,” said Guarino. “Our proud people have always led this tradition of excellence in one of the more unforgiving areas to conduct our business and we continue to honor their memories and strive each day for excellence in our missions.”

This Day in Naval History - Nov. 10

From the Navy News Service

1775 - Congress votes to raise two battalions of Continental Marines, establishing the Marine Corps.

1941 - U.S.-escorted convoy WS-12, carrying 20,000 British troops to Singapore, sails from Halifax.

Veterans’ Reflections: 'It Was a Thing I Had to Do'

By Ian Graham

Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2010 – Buster Adams dedicated his life to serving his country, though he didn’t intend initially to do it through military service.

Originally from Texas, Adams moved here to work as a civilian for the U.S. Army Signal Corps in 1942, when the Pentagon was still under construction and the War Department was based in downtown Washington.

His talents with encryption came in handy when he was drafted into the Army in 1942. He would end up spending three years in the service, encoding messages at Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s rear headquarters in Oro Bay, New Guinea.

He hadn’t intended to join the Army, he said, but when he got his draft notice, he knew he had an obligation to fulfill.

“I wasn’t particularly happy about it [at the time],” he said. “It was a thing I had to do, so I did it.”

Adams’ Signal Corps experience paid off in more ways than giving him the skills needed to be a cryptographic clerk. His island station, he recalled, was sandwiched between sandy beaches with clear, warm water and coconut plantations.

Timing was on his side, as well.

“When I first arrived there, the Battle of Buna was over,” he said. “It was still technically a combat zone, but the combat had already moved up the coast away from us.”

Upon returning to the United States in early 1946, Adams put away his uniform and became a government civilian employee with the Signal Corps. He ended up serving more than 30 years of federal service as a servicemember and civilian. He retired from his job with Naval Air Systems Command on Jan. 1, 1977.

Though he hadn’t intended to don the uniform when he started working for the Army, he said, he learned a lot of valuable lessons as a soldier -- lessons he thinks every young person needs to learn.

“I think it builds character,” he said. “It gives people an appreciation for what we stand for in our country, and I think everybody, every male at least, should have some military duty.”

(“Veterans’ Reflections” is a collection of stories of men and women who served their country in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the present-day conflicts. They will be posted throughout November in honor of Veterans Day.)

Why Is Veterans Day Always Celebrated on November 11?

Veterans Day is an American federal holiday honoring military veterans. It is also celebrated in many countries around the world every November 11, where it is known as Armistice or Remembrance Day. It marks the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.

November 11 was declared "Armistice Day" in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to honor the soldiers of World War I, and was changed to "Veterans Day" in 1954. Today Veterans Day is intended to thank veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

Veterans Day is always observed officially on November 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The Veterans Day National Ceremony, like most ceremonies around the nation, is held on Veterans Day itself. However, when Veterans Day falls on a weekday, many communities choose to hold Veterans Day parades or other celebrations on the weekend before or after November 11 so that more people can participate.

The Veterans Pride Initiative encourages America's veterans to wear their medals or miniature replicas on civilian attire on patriotic national holidays.

The Library of Congress (LOC) maintains the Veterans History Project (VHP). The VHP collects and preserves the remembrances of American war veterans and civilian workers who supported them. These stories are made available to researchers and the general public.

Veterans’ Reflections: Volunteers Who Join the Fight

By Ian Graham

Emerging Media, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Nov. 9, 2010 – Like many young people in the 1940s, Jessie Clark didn’t think of the military so much as an option after college, but rather as an obligation.

When she enlisted after graduating from Lasell College in Newton, Mass., there was no questioning her motive or reasoning.

“Well, everybody was going to war,” Clark said. “At that time that’s what you did, I thought, so when I graduated from college, I joined the Navy.”

Clark was stationed at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Corvallis, Ore., near a naval auxiliary air station. As a hospital corpsman, the young petty officer cared for troops who were ready, or almost ready, to be released from care.

“They had to go through a period of observation and rehabilitation before they could be sent home,” she explained.

During her service, she learned a lot about nursing and medicine, a skill set that would help her later on in life when her late husband, himself a pilot and veteran of World War II, became sick in his later years.

“I learned a lot about medicine and about taking care of patients,” she said. “It was very helpful for me, because my husband became ill, and it didn’t bother me to care for him. I took care of him for 20 years.”

Clark said her husband was the more admirable of the two of them – though the patients who stayed in Corvallis may disagree. He flew some 30 missions over Germany, and survived being shot down once while he was based in Italy.

“To me, he was more of a hero than I was,” she said.

During a recent visit here, Clark visited the World War II Memorial for the first time. Though the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, resident had visited the National Mall previously, she had yet to see the memorial dedicated to her service and the service of her peers.

“It’s this massive thing!” she exclaimed. “It brings back memories. You can see people. The Atlantic, I think of my husband. The Pacific, I think of my brother. You see the states, and you think of people you knew from those states.”

Clark said it’s important for people to keep in mind that today’s conflicts aren’t fought by everyone; they’re fought by a group of volunteers who signed up to join the fight. Servicemembers, she said, should be proud of that.

“Servicemembers should feel honored to be able to serve the country,” she said. “And people should honor those who do serve. They volunteer, it’s what they want to do, and they should be allowed to. They should be honored, every day.”

(“Veterans’ Reflections” is a collection of stories of men and women who served their country in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the present-day conflicts. They will be posted throughout November in honor of Veterans Day.)

Navy Commissions New Guided Missile Destroyer Jason Dunham

The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Jason Dunham, during a 10 a.m. EST ceremony Saturday, Nov. 13, 2010, at Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.  The new destroyer honors Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, the first Marine awarded the Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Amos will deliver the ceremony's principal address.  Debra Dunham will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son.  The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”

Dunham was born in Scio, N.Y., Nov. 10, 1981, sharing the same birthday as the U.S. Marine Corps.  On April 14, 2004, Dunham’s squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in Karabilah, Iraq, when his battalion commander’s convoy was ambushed.  When Dunham’s squad approached to provide fire support, an Iraqi insurgent leapt out of a vehicle and attacked Dunham.  As Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground, he noticed that the enemy fighter had a grenade in his hand and immediately alerted his fellow Marines.  When the enemy dropped the live grenade, Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, covered the grenade, and threw himself on top to smother the blast.  In an ultimate selfless act of courage, in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of two fellow Marines.

Designated DDG 109, Jason Dunham, the 59th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, will be able to conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection.  Jason Dunham will be capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare in keeping with “A Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower.”

Cmdr. M. Scott Sciretta, born in South Amboy, N.J., will become the first commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel.  The 9,200-ton Jason Dunham was built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company.  The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet.  Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

The commissioning ceremony will be webcast live at the following location:  http://www.navy.mil/.

Auburn Parade Honors Sailors, Veterans

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SS) Dave Gordon, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

AUBURN, Wash. (NNS) -- Thousands lined the streets of Auburn, Wash., to thank active duty Sailors and veterans for their service during the 45th annual Auburn Veterans Day Parade Nov. 6.

"This parade is something you take pride in," said Lawrence Zipp, a former submariner who served on the submarine USS R-1 in World War II. "I've met Admiral Nimitz, and a day like today really blows you up inside with pride of doing something special for America."

Zipp, along with veterans from the Navy and other services, marched the parade route representing different eras of U.S. military service, from the Revolutionary War to current active and Reserve units stationed in the area.

"The people of Auburn opened their doors and community to us today," said Rear Adm. Douglass Biesel, commander, Navy Region Northwest. "I can't thank the city enough, including the military families who support and sacrifice for these heroes. I am honored to be here."

Biesel, escorted by the music from Navy Band Northwest, was one of a dozen distinguished visitors representing military services from local commands.

The mile-long parade featured nearly 200 entries, including more than 25 marching bands, drill teams, honor guards, veterans' floats, antique military vehicles and even the hull from a Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey helicopter.

"I am so proud of our veterans and the warm welcome from these people," said Mike Gregoire, a Vietnam veteran and husband of Washington Governor Chris Gregoire. "It's touching, very touching, to be here."

Green Bay Packers honor highly decorated Wisconsin veteran

By Tech Sgt. Jon LaDue

Wisconsin National Guard

The Green Bay Packers kicked off their Veterans Day celebration by honoring the most decorated Soldier in the history of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division before a Sunday night football game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field Nov. 7.

Lt. Col. (Ret.) James "Maggie" Magellas, a Fond du Lac native, is the recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Stars, two Bronze Stars and many campaign medal - making him not only a legend of the 82nd Airborne Division, but the U.S. Army as well.

Magellas and his wife, Carole, were recognized on the field prior to the National Anthem and start of the game. Magellas considers himself a "hometown guy" and a life-long Packers fan. He said being at Lambeau Field was a real treat.

"I've been a true-blue Packers fan since I was 16," Magellas said. "Coming back here for this game, being honored and waving to 80,000 cheering fans ... it really is something that is so incredible to me."

Magellas attended his first Packers Game at Green Bay's City Stadium in 1933. He recalls purchasing a ticket, in the midst of the Great Depression, for only 25 cents and refers to himself as one of Green Bay's first fans.

"I'm one of the original cheeseheads," Magellas said. "Coming back here has special meaning and being part of this Veterans Day observance is also a great feeling."

To help honor his presence, the 82nd Airborne Division Honor Guard, from Fort Bragg, N.C., was also present on the field. Magellas, who is presently being considered for the Congressional Medal of Honor, served as an Army officer with the 82nd in Europe during World War II. He also served during the Vietnam War as a colonel commanding a civil affairs battalion.

To get a sense of his place in the lore of the 82nd Airborne, each year the division presents its most outstanding lieutenant with the Jim Magellas award. The World War II veteran recently wrote about his experiences in the European campaign in a book called "All the Way to Berlin: A Paratrooper at War in Europe."

Since his heroic actions with the 82nd, Magellas has been recognized many times. He admits that every recognition he has received is meaningful, but to be honored near his hometown is a oncein- a-lifetime moment.

"There is no truer test of what people feel and believe than in your own hometown ... the people that know you best," Magellas said. "That has to make you feel pretty darn proud."

Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.

Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen speaks at 3:30 p.m. PST at the University of California Los Angeles, as part of their Bernard Brodie Distinguished Lecture Series at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, Korn Convocation Hall, 110 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, Calif.  Media interested in attending should contact Alexandra Lieben, deputy director, Burkle Center for International Relations at 310-701-4900 alieben@international.ucla.edu or JCS Public Affairs, 703-697-4272.

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead speaks at the National Press Club, Washington, D.C., Government Executive Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. EST.  Contact Cmdr. Charlie Brown at 703-692-5307.

Army Col. William Roy, commander of Task Force Wolverine and the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team will brief the media live from Afghanistan at 10:30 a.m. EST 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.

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz speak at 1 p.m. EST at the Fisher House Dedication Ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, Del.  Contact Van Williams, Air Force Mortuary Affairs Office Public Affairs, at 302-677-23069 or van.williams@us.af.mil.  Fisher House POC is Jody Fisher, Rubenstein Communications, at 212-843-8296 or jfisher@rubenstein.com.

General Officer Announcements

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has made the following nominations:

Air Force Brig. Gen. James M. Holmes has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general.  Holmes is currently serving as the principal director to the deputy assistant secretary of defense for Middle East policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, Pentagon, Washington, D.C.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Brett T. Williams has been nominated for appointment to the rank of major general.  Williams is currently serving as the director, command, control, communications and computer systems, J-6, Headquarters U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii.

Base Support Unit San Pedro Dedicates New Fitness Center in Honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal

By DCMS Log

SAN PEDRO, Calif. - U.S. Coast Guard Base Support Unit (BSU) San Pedro dedicated its brand new fitness center in honor of Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Bruckenthal, a deceased Coast Guard member, during a ceremony on Friday, October 29, 2010, at 10 a.m.

Bruckenthal was the first U.S. Coast Guardsman to have been killed in combat since Vietnam. On April 24, 2004, while assigned to Tactical Law Enforcement South, Bruckenthal was on a security mission in the Persian Gulf when suicide bombers initiated a waterborne assault on the Khawr Al Amaya oil terminal. Bruckenthal was severely wounded, while defending the Iraqi terminal and later died from his injuries. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

“It is a true honor to dedicate this facility to Petty Officer Bruckenthal,” said Cmdr. Andy Clyburn, BSU commanding officer. “A new Fitness Center born from a need to support our Deployable Operations Group personnel could not be a more appropriate living historical monument. Having Nate’s former TACLET Commanding Officer and LEDET Officer in Charge join us today made for a truly special event.”

“WOW is all I can say! Two years ago this place was a bunch of disorganized unit storage cages,” said Mission Support Command Master Chief Kevin Ishwerwood. “Today, through a combination of self help initiative, strong Command leadership, and ‘Chiefly’ creativity, BSU San Pedro has a fantastic fitness facility. It's a win for the crew; a win for the Coast Guard; and a win for posterity in the recognition of a fallen Coast Guardsman.”

Upon entering the 2,100 square foot facility, visitors are welcomed by a bronze legacy plaque with Bruckenthal’s image. Inside, there is a large shadow box mounted on the wall where people can read more about this courageous Coastguardsman who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country.

This new facility will play a critical role in maintaining the operational readiness and fitness for local DOG units as well as other operational and support units. One of the largest in-house undertakings at the in Base history the facility directly benefits the health and well-being of all Coast Guard members and stakeholders on Reservation Point. The new facility has state-of-the-art free weights and cardio equipment.

After crews painted out the new space and 16-foot high ceiling they installed a concrete porch, custom awning, railing, drinking fountains, ventilation, floor matting, and over 125 customs flag mounts that promote the Coast Guard’s international partnerships and allegiances to Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty.

The Base plans to expand the fitness center over the next 12 months by adding a 1,800 sq. foot room where Coast Guard personnel can conduct boarding team training. This room will also house all cardio equipment and be a place where members can participate in video or instructor-led aerobic exercise classes.

The previous fitness center was a much smaller, off-base facility managed by the Terminal Island Federal Correctional Institution. When it was announced that the FCI facility would be closed for an extended period of time, Marine Safety and Security Team Los Angeles – Long Beach, Port Security Unit 311, and other operational units on Base reached out to Cmdr. Clyburn for assistance. Realizing the importance of maintaining physical fitness for Deployable Operations Group units, BSU San Pedro quickly began construction on the west wing of the supply warehouse in March 2010.

Ceremony attendees included: Mrs. Arcola Washington-Adduci, Federal Corrections Institution Terminal Island Warden, Mr. Dave McDaniel of McDaniel Construction, lead contractor on the facility and Lt. Adam Burkley, Bruckenthal’s Law Enforcement Detachment officer-in-charge (at the time of his passing). The official party included Capt. Glenn Grahl, U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.), Bruckenthal’s commanding officer at the time of his passing and Command Master Chief Kevin Isherwood, CMC for the Coast Guard Chief of Staff. The ceremony preceded the grand opening of the Base’s brand new Chief Petty Officer Mess on the south side of Reservation Point. A brief reception followed both events.

Family saved after 6-day international search

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

U.S. Coast Guard and Royal New Zealand Air Force rescued a family of four Saturday who were missing since Halloween adrift at sea on a 13-foot skiff.

Without communications or water and only a couple of pieces of fruit, the two adults and two children were fortunately sighted about 2,300 miles south of the Hawaiian Islands by a RNZAF Orion aircraft.

The Orion crew notified Coast Guard Cutter Rush, who was in the area searching after being called to assist the Kiribati Maritime Police Branch on Thursday. Rush dispatched its small boat to the location rescuing the family just before sunset.

The skiff reportedly suffered engine problems during the intended seven mile boat ride to a neighboring island, leaving the family to drift at sea for more than 200 miles.

The family was treated for dehydration, exposure and malnourishment but had no injuries. The Rush crew gave them food, water and berthing during the transport back to Butaritari Atoll.

“It was great to be able to find them after five days drifting at sea,” said Captain James McCauley, commanding officer of Rush, in an interview with CNN. “This is a testament to the great coordination by the Coast Guard in Honolulu and the New Zealand Air Force.”

Rush is a 378-foot High Endurance cutter whose operations can take it’s crew to every part of the Pacific Ocean as well as to the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea.

Saluting our nation’s veterans

Written by: Christopher Lagan

This Thursday, America will honor those who have worn the uniform in service to our country. For millions of Americans, Veterans Day is more than a day off of work. It may be a bittersweet day for those remembering a lost loved one who once served in the military, but it is also a celebration of those citizens who defended our freedoms before going on to accomplish other things in life.

For the Coast Guard, Veterans Day is a day for those who wear the uniform to honor those who went before. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Bob Papp will join members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the President in honoring fallen veterans at Arlington National Cemetery. Coast Guard units across the nation will hold their own events to honor our living veterans and remember those who have crossed the bar.

“Our Nation owes its existence to the generations of Americans who have fought and died, and who continue to fight and die—or suffer physical and mental wounds—defending our freedoms,” said Admiral Papp in an all-hands message to the Coast Guard. “It’s a debt that can’t truly be paid. What we can do—what we must do—is to use this occasion to show our gratitude by honoring their service.”

Here at the Compass, we’ve been honoring our veterans throughout November with a series of stories on Coast Guard heroes whose names will appear on the hulls of the next generation of Fast Response Cutters. We’ll continue the series through Veterans Day and invite you to reflect on the accomplishments of these true American heroes.

There are more than 24 million veterans living in America today. They are our neighbors, family members, and coworkers. They are our teachers, nurses, and coaches.

Find your own way to honor those who have sacrificed to protect each and every one of us. Visit your local veterans’ hospital and thank the wounded for their service. Visit your local cemetery and help preserve the memory of one of our fallen heroes by cleaning his or her headstone and placing an American flag. Run a 10k to support a wounded warrior organization. Or just thank a veteran in your community for their service the next time you see them.

We challenge you to make every day Veterans Day.

Coast Guard Heroes: Joseph Napier

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

With contributions from LTJG Ryan White

This Compass series chronicles the first 14 heroes the Sentinel-class Fast Response Cutters have been named for. These men and women, who stood the watch before us, lived extraordinary lives as they lit the way for sailors in times past, braved gunfire in times of war and rescued those in peril at sea. As Coast Guard heroes, their stories are a constant reminder of our service’s legacy. As the namesake of the Coast Guard’s newest patrol boats, they will inspire the next generation of Coast Guard heroes.

As keeper of the Saint Joseph Life-Saving Station, Station 6, Joseph Napier demonstrated his heroism during multiple rescues as a career lifesaver on the Great Lakes. His gallantry was no more visible than on the day he risked his life and led his crew into gale-force winds to save six souls aboard a stranded vessel.

On Oct. 10, 1877, the schooner D. G. Williams was on her way into port when a heavy gale stranded the vessel on the outer bar. The schooner’s crew of six clung to the rigging for safety as the waves continued to break over the side of the ship. Napier found three volunteers from his crew to face the dangers of the storm and together they head out to rescue the men on the wrecked schooner.

On the first attempt of the rescue, his boat capsized in the breakers and never made it to the vessel. Napier and the three other crewmen pulled themselves back onto their rescue boat and readied themselves for a second attempt.

The second attempt proved to be more successful and the life-saving crew brought back two sailors. Napier and his crew went out for a third trip when their boat became completely swamped with water. The rescue of the remaining crew seemed impossible, but Napier and his crewmen bailed the boat as they continued to battle breaking seas and again reached the vessel taking off two more men from the D. G. Williams.

On the fourth attempt Napier and his crew were thrown out of the boat during a surge of waves, and one of his legs was seriously inured. As one of the men safely swam ashore Napier was able to pull himself towards the rescue boat from a line that a crewmember threw to him. Napier, now battling his leg injury along with the harsh seas, succeeded in righting his boat and brought it alongside the schooner. The remaining two men were taken aboard and finally, after every last effort was made, the crew of the D. G. Williams was joined together safely ashore.

A special place in the Coast Guard’s history

In 1855, the federal government began a program to provide port cities equipment to be used during maritime emergencies. St. Joseph, Mich. was a busy port on the Great Lakes and was among the first Great Lakes cities to be designated for a Life-Saving station.

During the early years, the station was just a boathouse and was manned by local townspeople who volunteered whenever they were needed. The station’s commander, or keeper, lived on the site year-round. Because there was a need for skilled and committed rescuers the surfmen were taken into the Life-Saving Service as paid employees in 1877.

Napier was appointed the keeper of the station and was responsible for training a crew of six surfmen to man the station. The station officially began operating in spring of 1877, but Napier and his crew began training in 1876 and are known to rescue those in peril late in that year.

“Joseph Napier continues to serve as an inspiration not only to this crew but also to the community,” said Chief Adam Kane, Officer in Charge of Motor Life Boat Station St. Joseph, the Coast Guard Station that resides in the same place as the old Life-Saving Station. “Since taking command of this unit in June citizens of St. Joseph have educated me on the history of his accomplishments and the dedication he showed during his storied career as a lifesaver. The stories of his heroic rescues’ serves as motivation to the past and current Guardians of Coast Guard Station St. Joseph.”

More than 134 years after the Life-Saving station was established with Napier as keeper, the Coast Guard continues to operate along the shores of the Great Lakes. While the station’s response boats are more capable than their predecessors, and their crews are no longer local volunteers but men and women from all over the United States, their dedication to the mission and the community remains steadfast.

Secretary of the Navy’s Veterans Day Message to the Fleet

On November 11 each year, the United States formally honors the service and sacrifice of more than 20 million living American veterans through their service, as well as all the men and women who have guaranteed our freedom and kept America secure against those who would harm us throughout the years.

Our veterans represent the best of America.  Coming from every background and every walk of life, they represent the rich tapestry of our Nation and the multitude of cultures that make the United States unique upon the earth. 

On Veterans Day, we have an opportunity to thank them, to thank every Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Airman, and Coast Guardsmen who has ever worn the uniform for what they have done, and to thank those of you still in uniform for what you continue to do for the United States every day.

Thank you for your service, Godspeed.

Ray Mabus

Secretary of the Navy

ESPN Salutes America's Heroes from USS George H.W. Bush

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sandi Grimnes, USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) Media Department

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) hosted a live broadcast of ESPN2's First Take on the ship's flight deck, Nov. 8.

ESPN First Take broadcasted from the Navy's newest aircraft carrier as part of their week-long Salute to America's Heroes, said Dana Jacobson, ESPN First Take host.

"The one thing that really steps out, for all of us, is the discipline that all of these men and women have and how focused they are, and every person on this ship has such a specific job," said Jay Crawford, ESPN First Take host.

The two-hour broadcast was the culmination of weeks of work by the entire crew. The ship's Supply Department coordinated the crane onload of ESPN's equipment, with Air and Engineering Departments running the ship's aircraft elevators and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department running forklifts to move the gear around the ship's hangar bay and flight deck. Combat Systems Department provided communications support for the broadcast, and the Operations Department provided security.

During the event, hundreds of Sailors had the opportunity to participate in the live broadcast. In a live interview with the carrier's island in the background, Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Miller gave all the credit to his crew.

"The most impressive thing about the ship and team is these guys right behind me," said Miller.

Several Sailors had the chance help First Take analysts Derrick Brooks and Jon Richie demonstrate how the Steelers and Bengals might play in their game during a Monday Night Football demo on a mock-gridiron setup on the flight deck.

"I enjoyed being a part of this history of this ship," said Yeoman 3rd Class Thomas Moffit. "It was an amazing time and I am very grateful for being allowed to participate."

In preparation for the broadcast, a production team from ESPN flew out to the ship during a recent underway to get footage of the carrier and crew in action. In addition, ESPN filmed duty section personnel watching Sunday night football on the ship.

Marine Corps Commandant Marks 235th Birthday On Board USS Ronald Reagan

From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

USS Ronald Reagan, At Sea (NNS) -- The Commandant of the Marine Corps, arrived aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to celebrate the 235th birthday of the Marine Corps with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323 along with Sailors from Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven and Carrier Air Wing One Four, Nov 5.

This was Gen. James F. Amos', the 35th Commandant of the Marine Corps, first visit to the Ronald Reagan. Amos assumed command as commandant in a ceremony last month. Amos is the first Marine aviator to become commandant. With almost 40 years of service, Amos talked about the proud history of the Marine Corps.

"When I see the young men and women in this uniform who sacrifice so much and I get asked [Are they made of the same stuff] I answer the veterans, 'We still make them precisely the same way."

Amos' visit to Ronald Reagan was the first visit from a USMC commandant, truly solidifying the Navy-Marine Corps team.

"This is a testimony of the brotherhood and the sisterhood, and the fraternal spirit between our two services," said Amos. "Together there is no more powerful a force on the face of the earth than the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps."

The celebration included a multimedia presentation on the history of the Marine Corps, focusing on several battles from the Korean War, as well as the ceremonial March of the Cake and a speech from Amos.

The ship's first Marine Corps squadron, VMFA-323 was commissioned in 1943 and is currently embarked aboard Ronald Reagan.

"This was a great first with Gen. Amos being a fellow Aviator," said Sgt. Eduardo Ayala, VMFA-323 career planner. "This is a great morale booster. To have him out here to celebrate with us is a real treat."

Ronald Reagan is currently underway for a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX) to earn its blue water certification prior to deployment. Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the ships of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which include the guided missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146, the "Death Rattlers" of VMFA-323, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30, and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.