Deadline for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Extended

The Department of Defense announced today that the deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay (RSLSP) has been extended to Dec. 18.  The last deadline was Dec. 3.

To apply, or for more information on RSLSP, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss .

The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution signed by President Obama on Dec. 4, providing funding for federal government operations through Dec. 18.

RSLSP was established to compensate military members whose service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009.  Eligible members or their beneficiaries are required to submit a claim to their respective military service in order to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status.

When RSLSP began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible.  Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts throughout the year.  Efforts including direct mail, engaging military and veteran service organizations, social networks and media outlets, will continue throughout the period of eligibility.

First CID students graduate from ITOF pilot program

By Information Systems Technician Seaman Shaun Sandbloom,Center For Information Dominance Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Center for Information Dominance Corry Station held a ceremony Nov. 19, for the Navy's first graduating class of the newly established Information Systems Technician of the Future (ITOF) course.

ITOF was conceived in response to Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 8570.01-M, which called for a department-wide solution to train, certify and manage the Information Assurance workforce in response to the increasing cyber threats against networks based not only in the Department of Defense, but critical systems throughout the United States.

President Barack Obama recognized the importance of cyber protection and instituted measures to protect vital assets.

"Our technological advantage is a key to America's military dominance. But our defense and military networks are under constant attack," said the president in a May 2009 speech at the White House regarding the nation's cyber infrastructure. "Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups have spoken of their desire to unleash a cyber attack on our country – attacks that are harder to detect and harder to defend against."

In response to the ongoing cyber threat to national security, the president created a cyber security position in the National Security Council and ordered the creation of DoD Directive 8570.1. The new directive also requires technicians and managers to be trained and certified in specific fields.

"The (ITOF) course was geared in order to take care of the DoD requirements," said Information Systems Technician First Class James Dise, ITOF lead instructor. "Our primary focus was to take care of the requirements and burdens in order to administer the IT rating professionally and adapt our rating to the 21st century."

One of the main components of the new directive is that everyone with access to privileged systems will be required to have traceable and verifiable IT certifications in order to retain his or her job.

CID Corry Station's solution in ITOF has gone one step further to ensure that such education and learning happens early in a Sailor's career, establishing an unprecedented understanding of cyber warfare against global threats.

The ITOF pilot class consisted of 20 students, who received a pre-graduation pep talk from Capt. Gary Edwards, CID commanding officer Nov. 18 onboard Corry Station.

"Our mission here is to train Sailors in skills necessary to save lives," said Edwards. "Make no mistake, we are fighting a digital war, not just on the frontlines in Afghanistan, but here at home we are faced daily with the pressing need to enforce and reinforce our role in Information Dominance. The ITOF training you have just completed is integral to that process."

The success of the ITOF course keeps naval cyber forces on the cutting edge of an ever-evolving technological environment. With rapid and consistent changes in technology, the Navy has been presented with the challenge of keeping their information technology community up to speed on the world around them.

"The program is definitely improving the Navy and the IT rate," said Dise. "There are so many opportunities in the Navy available to Sailors just for being an IT and being a part of ITOF."

Those future opportunities are the product of a long and arduous course, compressing several topics into a condensed, 19-week program. Furthermore, the certifications awarded for completing ITOF require a comprehensive understanding of administrator level information technology skills, elevating the educational prowess necessary to succeed.

ITOF is currently the only training program in the DoD, which requires service members to earn certifications while attending "A" school as part of the curriculum and graduation requirements.

"I had no idea what I was getting into," Information Systems Technician Seaman Apprentice James Takeda, of Gardena, Calif., said. "I'm just thankful to be given the chance to do this. I had no background in computers at all, and now I am amazed at some of the stuff I know how to do."

Now that the first group of students has graduated, the pilot phase of ITOF has been approved to become the main Information Systems Technician course at CID beginning in January 2011, with 200 more students scheduled to begin training.

Dise and the other instructors will not be alone in assisting new students though. 16 current graduates are slated to begin "C" school at CID Corry Station in 2011, leading the future of ITOF into its next phase.

With the second generation coming aboard, current ITOF graduates are expected to help shipmates in the same fashion they were taught, making teamwork the staple of success.

Information Systems Technician "A" school Senior Enlisted Advisor Information Systems Technician Chief Petty Officer Jason Wiland emphasized that teamwork is critical to both individual success and the success of the new ITOF program.

"One of the first things I brief new students on is that there are others who have gone through this program before," said Wiland. "It takes a lot of discipline and dedication in and out of the class to get through this. These (newly-graduated) students now have the chance to be mentors."

Wiland instructed ITOF for the first five weeks of training, guiding students through their A+ certification, raising the bar for the weeks to come.

"The instructors could be hard and demanding, but it pushed us to do better," said Information Technicians System Seaman Zeerina Josan. "If you want it bad enough, you will get it, and we wanted it. Looking back, I appreciated how we learned our stuff because I can remember things based on how they were taught."

Along with Wiland and Dise were a team of instructors, civilian and military, which taught specific lessons based on their area of expertise. Experience, "sea stories," and on the job training complemented technical nomenclature and procedures, providing much needed context painting a picture of just what an Information Systems Technician might run into ashore or afloat.

"I feel like I am prepared for anything now," said Takeda. "I'm expected to get 100 percent right, and I will do it."

CID is the Navy's Learning Center that leads, manages, and delivers Navy and joint force training in information operations, information technology and cryptology.

With a staff of more than 1,050 military, civilian and contracted staff members, CID Corry Station oversees the development and administration of more than 168 courses at 16 learning sites throughout the United States and in Japan. CID Corry Station provides training for more than 19,000 members of the U.S. Armed Services and allied forces each year.

Mullen to Visit Seoul to Consult, Reassure Allies

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6, 2010 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will fly to South Korea tonight for high-level consultations with defense officials there, the chairman’s spokesman, Navy Capt. John Kirby, said today.

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen will consult with South Korean defense leaders and demonstrate the strength of the U.S.-South Korean alliance. The chairman will participate in meetings in Seoul, the nation’s capitol, Wednesday.

Mullen’s visit is the result of “an interagency decision made late last week,” Kirby said. The visit comes as tensions remain high on the peninsula following the North Korean artillery strike on Yeongpyeong island last month. The attack killed four South Koreans -- two civilians and two Marines.

The discussions will focus on the alliance and new ways to cooperate and improve interoperability, Kirby said. Army Gen. Walter L. “Skip” Sharp, who leads United Nations Command in South Korea, is to participate.

Mullen is to meet with new South Korean National Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin and Army Gen. Han Min-koo, the chairman of the South Korean military. He also is to meet with other members of the South Korean national security team.

The visit is intended to reassure South Korea “that we continue to stand by them in defense of their territory,” Kirby said. “This [visit] is not meant as a message to anybody. But, that said, we’ve made it very clear internationally … that we are there to stay, we are committed to that alliance, and nobody … should mistake our resolve.”

Kirby said this is not an emergency consultation.

“If it was an emergency meeting I suspect he would have been on a plane a lot sooner than tonight,” he said. “Obviously the situation remains tense on the peninsula, but I don’t believe anybody thinks we’re in an emergency situation. In fact, things are at a relatively stable level, given the unprovoked artillery attack … and South Korea’s restraint.”

Cutter Mackinaw continues “Christmas Ship” tradition

Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young

Post written by Petty Officer 3rd Class George Degener.

As the holiday season descends on Chicago and lights and decorations swathe the city streets, a Great Lakes icon sits along the waterfront at Navy Pier.

The Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, with a Christmas tree tied to its mast and a wreath placed on the superstructure, lies with its decks filled with more than 1,200 fir trees destined for the homes of deserving families in the Chicago area.

In 2000, the original Mackinaw’s crew began collecting Christmas trees from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to bring them south through Lake Michigan to Chicago. After the decommissioning of the first Mackinaw (WAGB 83), the new Mackinaw (WLBB 30) has taken up the tradition started by Capt. Herman Schuenemann, master of the three-masted schooner Rouse Simmons, the original “Christmas Tree Ship” that delivered thousands of trees to Chicago families in the early 1900’s. Rouse Simmons foundered and sank near Two Rivers, Wis., on Nov. 23, 1912, with all 17 souls onboard lost.

“The Christmas tree is a symbol of the holiday season that brings thoughts of family and home,” said Rear Adm. Michael Parks, commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District. “The fact that the Coast Guard can be part of bringing that symbol to less fortunate families in the Chicago area is truly heartwarming.”

Today, Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee works with the Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary to re-create the celebrated “Christmas Ship.” Under the supervision of volunteers from Marine Safety Unit Chicago, Coast Guard Auxiliary and Mackinaw’s crew, the trees are loaded into trucks by local youth volunteers, including Sea Cadets, Sea Scouts and Young Marines. Chicago’s Ada S. McKinley Community Services selects the tree recipients and then distributes them to families throughout the city.

Mackinaw’s crew took time out of their fall buoy run as part of Operation Fall Retrieve, the largest domestic aids-to-navigation operation, and traveled almost the exact same route that Capt. Schuenemann and the Rouse Simmons traveled in the early 1900’s. During the journey, Mackinaw crewmembers made a wreath out of branches from the trees and dropped it over the spot where the Rouse Simmons and its crew settled on the bottom of Lake Michigan.

“We followed a very similar path and experienced some very similar weather to what Capt. Schuenemann and the sailing vessel Rouse Simmons did on that cold November night in 1912,” said Cmdr. Scott Smith, Mackinaw’s commanding officer. “It is with great pride that the Coast Guard, including the Marine Safety Unit, the Auxiliary and the Cutter Mackinaw, has been able to partner with the entire Chicago marine community to come together on a project that serves so many deserving families in the Chicago metropolitan area.”

In the years that both the old and new Mackinaw have acted as Chicago’s Christmas Ship, the Coast Guard has helped to deliver more than 10,000 trees and bring the classic evergreen symbol of the holiday spirit into thousands of homes that would otherwise be without.

The Chicago Christmas Ship Committee has taken their motto from the words of Ruthie Gibson, who as a 4-year-old girl waiting for the Rouse Simmons in 1912, refused to leave the dock, saying, “It just won’t be Christmas without a Christmas tree.”

Gates Visits With USS Abraham Lincoln’s Crew

By John D. Banusiewicz

American Forces Press Service

MUSCAT, Oman, Dec. 6, 2010 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates flew from here today to land aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln for an overnight visit with the aircraft carrier’s 5,000-member crew.

The Nimitz-class supercarrier is nearing the midpoint of its seven-month deployment supporting the war effort in Afghanistan.

After taking a C-2 Greyhound cargo plane to reach the Lincoln, the secretary visited the carrier’s combat direction center and then spoke briefly with some aircraft mechanics near an F/A-18 Hornet parked in front of one of the ship’s hangars. He then headed to a ward room for lunch with about a dozen enlisted sailors.

“Ask me questions and tell me [the] things you need,” Gates told the sailors, noting he’d appreciate their unfiltered viewpoints.

To show the sailors he was sincere in seeking their views, Gates told them that a question posed to him by an Army spouse during a similar meeting at Fort Hood, Texas, led to a change in law that now permits servicemembers to transfer GI Bill education benefits to their families.

“That was all because one spouse of an enlisted soldier asked a question,” Gates said.

The question-and-answer session was closed to the media pool covering the visit.

After lunch, the secretary visited the ship’s bridge, where Navy Capt. John Alexander, the ship’s commanding officer, presented him with a “skateboard” -- slang for a wooden plaque in the shape of an aircraft carrier. “It doesn’t have wheels, but you can put them on later,” Alexander joked as he handed the plaque to Gates.

Gates then went to watch daytime flight operations from Vulture’s Row, a catwalk on the ship’s “island,” where he saw two F/A-18s take off with engines roaring and watched an E-2C Hawkeye and an EA-6 Prowler land. He then went to one of the ships “ready rooms,” where pilots plan their flight operations. Gates met with 25 pilots, shook their hands and handed each a commemorative secretary of defense coin.

“Thank you for your service,” he told the pilots. A subsequent question-and-answer session with the pilots was closed to the media pool.

The visit is the secretary’s first to a deployed carrier, and while en route to Oman yesterday, Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said it’s something Gates has wanted to do for a long time.

“He wants to thank the aviators and sailors of the Lincoln personally, and by extension, all who have served at sea in the region over the past decade,” Morrell said. “He knows what they do for the ground forces in Afghanistan, and he wants them to know he and the American people appreciate it.”

Gates praised the work performed by the Lincoln’s sailors and aviators, noting their efforts are an important part of the war effort, Morrell said. The USS Abraham Lincoln provides one-third of the fixed-wing close-air support for ground forces in Afghanistan.

Through yesterday, the carrier’s aircraft had flown 3,863 sorties totaling about 9,300 hours during this deployment -– which reaches its halfway point Dec. 17 -- including 1,571 sorties totaling more than 4,000 hours in November

The Night I Got Killed

With the addition of Samuel Sy Brenner account of his experiences as a World War Two POW, Military-Writers.com now lists 3922 books authored by 1232 US Military Servicemembers.

According to the book description of The Night I Got Killed, it “is a non-fiction account of the harrowing and lighter side experiences of Sy Brenner, a WWll ex-P.O.W. medic. Brenner was the “Man of Confidence” for the Lazarett (hospital) prisoners. He went underground and was regularly passed information from a woman thought to be the wife of a German general.”

More Information
http://www.military-writers.com/army/samuel_sy_brenner.html

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2011 MILITARY CHILD OF THE YEAR AWARD

Deserving Young Patriots Will Win $5,000

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Operation Homefront today announced the expansion of the 2011 Military Child of the Year Award and opening of the nomination period. Beginning in 2011, the award will be given to an outstanding military child from each Service – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. The winners, who each will receive $5,000, will be flown with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for special recognition ceremony on April 7, 2011. Nominations are being accepted online until January 31, 2011 at www.OperationHomefront.net/MCOY.

Ideal candidates for the Military Child of the Year Award demonstrate resilience and strength of character, and thrive in the face of the challenges of military life. They demonstrate leadership within their families and within their communities.

“The sons and daughters of America’s service members learn what patriotism is at a very young age,” said Jim Knotts, chief executive officer, Operation Homefront. “Children in military families understand sacrifice and live with the concept of service. This is what the Military Child of the Year Award honors.”

Nominees must:

·         Must have valid military ID or currently be enrolled in DEERS

·         Must be between the ages of 8-18

·         Must be able to travel to Washington, D.C., for the ceremony on April 7, 2011

Finalists must have a background check to confirm legitimacy of information provided in the nomination and must provide references.

About Operation Homefront: Operation Homefront provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and wounded warriors.   A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront leads more than 4,500 volunteers across 23 chapters and has met more than 267,000 needs since 2002. A four-star rated charity by watchdog Charity Navigator, nationally, $.95 of total revenue donated to Operation Homefront goes to programs. For more information about Operation Homefront, please visit www.OperationHomefront.net.

Members of U.S. Military Stand Up To Become U.S. Citizens During American Heroes Air Show

Be sure to land your entire family at the admission-free American Heroes Air Show when U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services hosts a Naturalization Ceremony for members of the military. In conjunction with Texas Military Forces and the American Veterans Traveling Tribute [ AVTT ], the American Anthem presentation is sure to be an emotionally charged ceremony as serving and retired members of the U.S. military affirm their support for and love of America by taking their formal Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. Citizens in front of AVTT’s inspiring replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

We’re proud to have as part of the American Heroes Air Show, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute’s inspiring Cost of Freedom presentation. Based out of Texas, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a veterans-owned project that travels the country to provide a forum for communities to HONOR - RESPECT - REMEMBER those who have sacrificed their lives for our country's freedom. The Cost of Freedom Tribute includes a September 11 tribute, a Cost of Freedom display of Gold Dog Tags (identifying each service member killed since Vietnam), and the centerpiece of the exhibit: an 80% scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, displaying all 58,253 names of the men and women killed in the Vietnam War.

“It is a special privilege for us to provide our Vietnam Memorial Wall as the backdrop for members of the U.S. military as they recite their Oath of Allegiance”, explained Colonel Don Allen, Executive Director of AVTT and retired U.S. Army Special Forces. “We’re proud to be part of this event at the Lee County Sports Complex while we honor all Veterans and those currently serving by letting them know they will never be forgotten,” Allen added.

"This will be a memorable way to honor those serving in our military", said Bryan Smith, the event’s Volunteer Director. "We are honored the American Veterans Traveling Tribute will be with us to provide an emotional backdrop to all the heroes that will stand up and take their Oath of Allegiance.”

Event Director Smith has been working for months with the team from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [ USCIS ] on the scheduling and presentation details. “It’s been an eye-opening privilege to work with USCIS Field Office Director Brett Rinehart and his team from Tampa,” Smith noted. “The naturalization or ‘NATZ’ ceremony, as they call it, is highly aligned with the theme of the American Heroes Air Show – and it’s an especially poignant reminder to our guests that many serving our country in the military are fighting to defend citizenship benefits that they themselves don’t fully enjoy.”

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts naturalization ceremonies at public locations, such as the American Heroes Air Show, to reinforce the value and meaning of the process through which the United States naturalizes citizens – many of them serving in the military. As part of the Department of Homeland Security, (DHS), USCIS naturalized 10,505 members of the military in fiscal 2009, with 1,655 of those men and women taking the Oath of Allegiance at ceremonies overseas. Since 2001 USCIS has naturalized more than 55,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines at ceremonies across the country and in 17 nations around the world.

More Than Just Another Air Show The American Heroes Air Show is admission-free at sites from coast-to-coast and dedicated to educating the public about the unique capabilities of helicopters in law enforcement, fire service, public / private EMS, homeland defense and national security. Produced by the American Heroes Aviation Network, the event also includes the CODE3 Career Fair which delivers recruiting teams from law enforcement, public safety, government service, volunteer agencies and the military who are on-scene to profile their mission and provide information on their hiring, training and application processes.

As a long tradition at American Heroes Air Shows around the country, collectible event trading cards will be available and free in limited quantities to early event arrivals. These popular trading cards feature photos of participating aircraft plus flight performance and mission profiles.

In Fort Myers, the USCIS Naturalization ceremony and the Cost of Freedom Tribute are part of the admission-free American Heroes Air Show.

Date: Saturday, January 22nd 2011 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The American Anthem Naturalization Ceremony is 11 a.m.

Location: Lee County Sports Complex 14100 Ben C. Pratt / Six Mile Cypress Parkway Fort Myers, FL. 33912

Media contacts for follow up:

Deputy Bryan Smith

Lee County Sheriff’s Office – Aviation Section

(352) 328-4248

Email: BGSMITH @ Heroes-airshow.com

More event details are available on our website: www.heroes-airshow.com

Jim Paules, Volunteer

USA Producer American Heroes Air Show Network

Cell (818) 631-8132

Email: Jim@Heroes-airshow.com

Commandant’s Testimony on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

Written by: CDR Glynn Smith

Earlier today, I testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, along with my fellow Service Chiefs.  The purpose of the hearing was to allow the Committee to collect the Services’ views on the findings of the Report examining the impacts of repealing the law known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” – which bans gay and lesbian Americans from openly serving in the armed forces.

First and foremost, I want to let all of you know how proud I am of Coast Guard men and women, whose strong survey response rate helped inform the Report.  Our active duty response rate was 54%; our Reserve response rate was 39%; and our spouse response rate was also 39% – which demonstrates your understanding of the importance of this issue.

During my opening statement, I said to the committee, “I concur with the Report’s recommendations on how to implement repeal of the current law.  Allowing gay and lesbian Americans to serve in the Coast Guard openly will remove a significant barrier to those Coast Guardsmen who are capably serving, but who have been forced to hide or even lie about their sexual orientation.  Forcing these Coast Guardsmen to compromise our core values of Honor, Respect and Devotion to Duty to continue to serve is a choice they should not have to make.”

I realize, however, as with any controversial issue, that there are a wide range of viewpoints.  I also know that should Congress repeal the law, implementation will pose challenges – including challenges specific to units and localities.  Therefore, I told the Congress that if they repeal the law, we will need to proceed with caution, and ensure we fashion an implementation strategy that takes into account the attitudes that may relate to how our personnel at varying commands, and within varying communities, live and serve.

The bottom line is that if Congress repeals Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, I have absolute confidence that our officers, chiefs, and senior petty officers will provide the leadership to successfully implement this change.  Similarly, as I told the Congress, I do not harbor the slightest hesitation that Coast Guard men and women will be up to the task.  You prove every day that you are among America’s very best.  I have unshakable confidence in you, and your ability to professionally and effectively implement any change ordered by Congress.

I recommend everyone review the available information on this important issue.  My written testimony is available here, video of today’s hearing is available here, and the report is available here.

Semper Paratus,

Admiral Bob Papp

Commandant

Navy Band Northwest Kicks Off Holiday Season

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

OAK HARBOR, Wash (NNS) -- More than 500 people attended a free holiday concert by the Navy Band Northwest at Oak Harbor High School Performing Arts Center, Dec. 1.

The concert was titled "A Salute to the Season" where spectators enjoyed musical tunes ranging from holiday music, country, jazz, traditional, classical and opera.

The performance was a chance for the band to show their appreciation and continued support between the U.S. Navy and the local community.

"Tonight, Navy Band Northwest is presenting a holiday concert for the citizens of Oak Harbor as well as Whidbey Island in general," said Lt. Patrick K. Sweeten, director of Navy Band Northwest. "It's an annual concert that we look forward to and it's our opportunity to give back to the community."

The mission of Navy Band Northwest is to provide musical support for official Navy functions and Navy recruiting efforts, and to serve the communities of the Pacific Northwest in a public relations capacity.

"The holiday concert performances that we play around the states are really a chance for us to bring the spirit of the holidays to the entire region," said Musician 3rd Class Derek Brainard of New York. "People come out in masses every year to celebrate the holidays with us and it a fun way to kick off the season and get into the spirit of Christmas."

Through the years, Navy Band Northwest has built a reputation for quality musical performances. The 35 rated musicians are called upon to perform in various musical units including the Ceremonial/Parade Band, Big Band/Fleet Jazz Ensemble, Contemporary Entertainment Ensemble, Brass Quintet, and Jazz Combo.

Navy Band Northwest performs over 480 engagements each year, including military and civic ceremonies, dances, school clinics, parades, and public concerts.

"The turnout of the crowd was fantastic. The attendance was greater than last year and we get that support from Oak Harbor and Whidbey Island every year we come out here and at the same time the concerts gets bigger every year," said Brainard. "It was phenomenal to see everyone come out tonight, the crowd were really responsive. It was great to see and hear their reaction."

The concert, which lasted an hour and a half ended with a Christmas sing-a-long and a surprise appearance from Santa Claus who passed out candies to the kids and interacted with the crowd.

"This concert was fabulous and it was the best we had, great music, good acoustics, multi-talented musicians, they were able to play a variety of instruments, putting a new twist on familiar Christmas songs and I loved every minute of it," said Dr. Rick Schulte, superintendent of Oak Harbor School District No. 201.

Among the crowd who enjoyed the concert was retired Master Chief Radioman Richard Scoble of Coupeville, Wash.

"I came here tonight with my wife and a few of our friends and we really enjoyed the Navy Band performance. It was worth the trip here and we all enjoyed the evening," said Scoble.

Obama: Servicemembers Prove America’s Best Days Lie Ahead

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 3, 2010 – The bravery, resolve, expertise and commitment of American servicemembers proves that America’s best days lie ahead, President Barack Obama said at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan today.

Obama thanked American servicemembers and civilians for their sacrifices during a visit to the headquarters of Regional Command East. The command, built around the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, is responsible for some of the toughest territory in Afghanistan.

Obama arrived at Bagram and met with Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, the commander of NATO’s International Security Assistance Force, and U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Karl W. Eikenberry. The president visited the Bagram hospital and awarded five Purple Heart medals to wounded servicemembers there. He then met with a platoon of 101st Airborne troopers who lost six soldiers Nov. 29 when an Afghan Border Police trainee opened fire on them.

Obama spoke to more than 3,500 servicemembers in a hangar at the base. He thanked them for their service and said they are part of an unbroken line of Americans “who have given up your comfort, your ease, your convenience, for America's security.”

The president traced the sacrifices of previous generations of Americans who’d also found themselves serving in war during a season of peace.

“They did it for the same reason that all of you do,” Obama said. “Because the freedom and the liberty that we treasure, that’s not simply a birthright. It has to be earned by the sacrifices of generations -- generations of patriots, men and women, who step forward and say, ‘Send me.’”

A year ago, the president ordered a surge of 30,000 more American troops into Afghanistan. Some 95,000 U.S. servicemembers and thousands of American civilians now serve in Afghanistan.

“Thanks to your service, we are making important progress,” the president said. “You are protecting your country. You are achieving your objectives. You will succeed in your mission.”

The NATO effort has halted the Taliban’s momentum in Afghanistan, the president said, as NATO and Afghan government forces have reclaimed and held large swaths of the nation. “You're going on the offense, tired of playing defense, targeting their leaders, pushing them out of their strongholds,” he said.

Obama told the servicemembers and civilians they can be proud that because of their efforts and sacrifices, Afghanistan today has a more hopeful future.

Progress is slow, the president acknowledged, and has come at a high price.

“So many of you have stood before the solemn battle cross -– the display of boots, a rifle, a helmet -– and said goodbye to a fallen comrade,” Obama said. “This year alone, nearly a hundred members of the 101st have given their last full measure of devotion. There are few days when I don't sign a letter to a military family expressing our nation's gratitude and grief at their profound sacrifice.”

Obama said the servicemembers in America’s military come from every conceivable background and unite to serve a greater cause. “Through your service, you demonstrate the content of the American character,” he said. “Some people ask whether America's best days lie ahead or whether our greatness stretches back behind us in the stories of those who’ve gone before.

“When I look out at all of you, I know the answer to that. You give me hope,” he continued. “You give me inspiration. Your resolve shows that Americans will never succumb to fear. Your selfless service shows who we are, who we always will be, united as one people and united as one nation, for you embody and stand up for the values that make us what we are as a people.”

He said the United States of America is not defined by borders, but by a common creed eloquently stated in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are the right to life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

That creed, Obama told the servicemembers, is what Americans have fought for through history and are fighting for in Afghanistan.

“And that belief is more powerful than any adversary,” he said.

History – Milestones of the U.S. Life-Saving Service

Written by: LT Connie Braesch

Post Written by William H. Thiesen, Ph.D., Atlantic Area Historian

Coast Guard history has been shaped in no small part by the nation’s response to natural and man-made disasters. Nowhere is that lesson clearer than in the evolution of the service’s search and rescue mission. Interestingly, many milestones in the history of the U.S. Life-Saving Service took place in the month of December. This was due in part to the heavy loss of life resulting from severe weather experienced during the autumn and early winter.

A series of marine accidents that befell the East Coast beginning in 1837 highlighted the need for a formal search and rescue organization. That year, the Barque Mexico came ashore near New York Harbor with the loss of over 100 passengers and crew. This tragedy is what led Congress to recognize the need for government assistance to vessels in distress. On December 22, Congress passed legislation assigning naval vessels and, later, Revenue Cutter Service vessels the responsibility for patrolling during severe weather and aiding ships in distress.

Two major maritime disasters in 1854 led Congress to enact one of the most sweeping bills in the history of the Life-Saving Service. In April, more than two hundred lives were lost when the Powhattan wrecked off the New Jersey shore and, in November, nearly 220 lives were lost when the New Era also came ashore. These incidents demonstrated flaws in earlier lifesaving legislation – legislation which provided funding to build and furnish lifesaving stations, but left the facilities manned by disorganized groups of local volunteers that were untrained and unreliable during severe weather.

In response to this horrific loss of life, Congress passed what came to be known as the Act of December 15, 1854. This act greatly expanded the ability of the federal government to support lifesaving operations. It allowed for the construction of new stations along the New Jersey and Long Island coasts and a superintendent for both districts to oversee their operation. Furthermore, it provided upgrades necessary to existing stations and their gear. Most importantly, it funded the appointment of a salaried keeper for each station. These paid keepers were responsible for maintaining the stations, their boats and gear; as well as training volunteers. And these keepers led the volunteer crews in carrying out rescue operations and responding to vessels in distress.

The late summer and early winter of 1870 proved a deadly season for ships in U.S. waters. Storms and severe weather swept the Great Lakes and East Coast, blowing ashore numerous ships with the loss of countless lives. These fatalities pointed to the need for further improvements in the government’s effort to prevent loss of life in marine accidents.

George S. Boutwell, Treasury Secretary under President U.S. Grant, responded in part by appointing a qualified superintendent to oversee a Revenue Marine Division which included steamboat inspection, marine hospitals and lifesaving stations. By December 1870, Secretary Boutwell had in mind a skillful manager and administrator named Sumner Kimball. Appointed in February 1, 1871, Kimball oversaw the expansion of the lifesaving station network from the Long Island and New Jersey to encompassing the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, West Coast and all of the East Coast. His appointment initiated a rapid expansion of the government’s lifesaving service and, in 1878, he oversaw the formal establishment of the U.S. Life-Saving Service as a separate agency within the Treasury Department.

The marine accidents listed above are but a few of many that helped shape the U.S. Life-Saving Service. After its official founding in 1878, the service would continue to experience growing pains, but the shipwrecks and maritime disasters that helped start the service would continue to help shape its development into an effective shore-based search and rescue organization. And, in much the same way, marine accidents would help shape other Coast Guard missions, such as marine safety, marine environmental protection, law enforcement and several others.

General Officer Announcement

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

Army Col. David C. Coburn has been nominated for appointment to the rank of brigadier general.  Coburn is currently serving as executive officer to the assistant secretary of the Army for financial management and comptroller, Washington, D.C.

Flag Officer Announcement

Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates announced today that the President has nominated Navy Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt for reappointment to the rank of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Naval Surface Forces/commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, San Diego, Calif.  Hunt is currently serving as commander, Third Fleet, San Diego, Calif.

Today in the Department of Defense, Monday, December 06, 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.

Today in the Department of Defense, Sunday, December 05, 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.

U.S. Soldier MIA from Korean War Identified

The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Army Sgt. First Class Wallace L. Slight, 24, of Yates City, Ill., will be buried Dec. 3 in Van Meter, Iowa.  On Nov. 1, 1950, Slight was assigned to M Company, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, occupying a defensive position in North Korea, along the Nammyon River, near a bend known as the “Camel’s Head.”  Two enemy elements attacked the 1st Cavalry Division’s lines, collapsing their perimeter and forcing a withdrawal.  Almost 400 men, including Slight, were reported missing or killed in action following the battle.

In 1953, a U.S. soldier captured during the same battle reported that a fellow prisoner of war had told him Slight had died on the battlefield during the attack.

Between 1991 and 1994, North Korea gave the United States 208 boxes of remains believed to contain the remains of 200-400 U.S. servicemen.  North Korean documents turned over with one of the boxes indicated the remains in one of the boxes were exhumed near Unsan County, North Pyongan Province.  This location correlates with the location of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment on Nov. 2, 1950.

Analysts from DPMO and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) developed case leads with information spanning more than 58 years.  Through interviews with eyewitnesses, experts evaluated circumstances surrounding the soldier’s captivity and death and researched wartime documentation of his loss.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, scientists from JPAC used dental comparisons and the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory used mitochondrial DNA -- which matched that of Slight’s brother and half-brother -- in the identification. 

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for missing Americans, visit the DPMO website at http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo or call 703-699-1169.

Navy Christens Littoral Combat Ship Fort Worth

The Navy will christen littoral combat ship (LCS) Fort Worth, Saturday, Dec. 4, during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony at Marinette Marine Corp. shipyard in Marinette, Wis.

The ship's name recognizes the city of Fort Worth, Texas. For more than 150 years, the patriotic citizens of Fort Worth have supported the Navy and the men and women in uniform. Home to Ranger outposts, training facilities, aviation depots, and defense manufacturing, Fort Worth has answered the call whenever the nation needed it.

Former Deputy Defense SecretaryGordon Englandwill deliver the principal address at the ceremony. Rep. Kay Granger of Texaswill serve as the ship's sponsor. The ceremony will be highlighted by Granger breaking a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship, which is a time-honored Navy tradition.

Designated LCS 3, Fort Worth is an innovative combatant designed to operate quickly in shallow water environments to counter challenging threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast-surface craft. It is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. Fort Worth will address a critical capabilities gap in the littorals. Carrying out the Navy's mission, it will serve to enhance maritime security by deterring hostility in troubled waters, maintaining a forward presence, and by its ability to project power and maintain sea control.

A fast, agile, and high-technology surface combatant, Fort Worth will be a platform for the launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. To meet increased demand for mission-tailored packages, its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine countermeasures, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. The LCS will be able to swap out mission packages pierside in a matter of days, adapting as the tactical situation demands. The modular approach also allows us to incorporate new or improved systems into the fleet as advanced technologies mature, providing flexibility and evolving capability. These ships will also feature an advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.

Fort Worth will be manned by two rotational crews, Blue and Gold, similar to the rotational crews assigned to Trident submarines. These core crews will be augmented by one of the three types of mission package crews as well as an aviation detachment. The prospective commanding officer of the Blue crew is Cmdr. James R. Blankenship, from Ironton, Ohio. The prospective commanding officer of the Gold crew is Cmdr. Warren E. Cupps, from Fort Worth, Texas. Upon being commissioned in the future, Fort Worth will be homeported in San Diego, Calif.

More information on the LCS can be found at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1650&ct=4

GTMO Provides Support to USCGC Sitkinak

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Bill Mesta, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Personnel attached to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay's (GTMO) Port Operations Department received USCGC Sitkinak (WPB 1329) Dec. 1 for a port visit.

Sitkinak pulled into the naval station to take on 4,500 gallons of diesel fuel, potable water, supplies and take liberty.

When a ship arrives in Guantanamo Bay, Port Control is the communication hub for the entire evolution.

"We have a check list that we go by that breaks down all of the responsibilities that our watch sections must cover for a ship to pull into GTMO," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Frederick Trahan, Port Control's leading petty officer.

"As Sitkinak approached the harbor, we made calls to inform everyone in the bay that the ship was coming in," said Trahan. "We also notified the Coast Guard here so that they could provide an escort for the ship. We then notified the line handlers so that they could ready to receive the ship."

Once the line handlers were notified, the dock master was informed that the ship has arrived as scheduled.

"The communication between Port Control and the dock masters is important because we want to ensure zero mishaps occur in Guantanamo Bay," said Lt. Cmdr. Lareava Meschino, the Port Operations department head.

The dock masters make all of the preparations for meeting a ship's necessities prior to the ship pulling into GTMO. They are also responsible for ensuring that the vessel is moored to the pier safely.

"Prior to Sitkinak arriving we received a logistical requirements request," said Quartermaster 2nd Class Carlton Jones, the dock master's leading petty officer. "The requests listed all of the needs the ship was going to have while they are in Guantanamo Bay."

Once GTMO received Sitkinak's requirements for the visit, a message was sent back to them to inform them of the cost involved for the logistical support, said Jones.

"When Sitkinak arrived to the pier, I was there to meet it," said Jones. "I made sure that they lined up correctly with the fueling station and that their brow was in a safe position. These are the two most important things for getting the ship moored to the pier."

MCPON Sends 2010 Holiday Message to the Fleet

Special from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (SS/SW) Rick D. West

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick D. West released the following Holiday message to the fleet Dec. 1:

"Shipmates and Navy Families,

In anticipation of the holiday season, I would like to take a few minutes to wish you 'happy holidays' and to thank you and our Navy families for the outstanding service and support that you provide our great Navy and nation every day. I could not be more proud of you!

As you know I'm a competitor, and this holiday season I have a challenge for each of you. Are you up for it? The challenge is simple. Be mindful of your shipmates' holiday plans and don't leave any shipmate behind. Take the time to find out what plans your shipmates have over the holidays. No one should be left alone sitting aboard a ship, in the barracks or at home. You've worked hard all year and so have they. Just as our nation supports us and our Navy, let's support each other by making this season one where we are providing our shipmates with the best holiday memories that we can as a Navy family.

Take on this challenge and you'll receive the gift of pride knowing that we each contributed towards making this a memorable and joyous holiday season for our entire Navy family.

Additionally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention and thank those out doing the job. Today, thousands of our shipmates are deployed around the world vigilantly keeping the watch and ready to answer our nations call. Thank you for working hard for our nation's freedom.

As we bring 2010 to a close, please remember to keep safety at the forefront of your daily activities both on and off duty. We've had a great year in safety, and I want to see you continue this trend throughout the end of the year and into 2011.

Happy Holidays, Shipmates, and HOOYAH!"