Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, May 11, 2011

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

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen hosts an honor cordon to welcome Australian Chief of the Defense Force Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston to the Pentagon at 10:30 a.m. EDT. The cordon will be held on the steps of the Pentagon River Entrance. Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only. Plan to arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the event; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-4272 for escort to the cordon.

Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health Affairs) Jonathan Woodson; Surgeon General of the Army, Lt. Gen. Eric B. Schoomaker; Surgeon General of the Navy, Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr. and Surgeon General of the Air Force, Lt. Gen. Charles B. Green testify at a hearing of the House Appropriation Committee on the defense health programs' fiscal 2012 budget at 10 a.m. EDT in Rayburn Office Building, room 2359.

This Day in Naval History - May 10

By Navy News Service

1775 - Force under Ethan Allan and Benedict Arnold cross Lake Champlain and capture British fort at Ticonderoga, New York.

1800 - USS Constitution captures Letter of Marque Sandwich.

1862 - Confederates destroy Norfolk and Pensacola Navy Yards.

1949 - First shipboard launching of LARK, guided missile by USS Norton Sound.

1960 - USS Triton (SSRN 586) completes submerged circumnavigation of world in 84 days following many of the routes taken by Magellan and cruising 46,000 miles.

General Officer Announcement

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

Air Force Col. David J. Buck for appointment to the rank of brigadier general.  Buck is currently serving as the director of space forces, U.S. Air Forces Central, Air Combat Command, Southwest Asia.

Mullen: America Must Help Its War Veterans

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

NEW YORK, May 10, 2011 – Navy Adm. Mike Mullen spoke about service member and veteran issues to a crowd primed for a Lady Gaga show here last night.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff found a nontraditional audience for his message about the military as part of a fundraiser for the Robin Hood Foundation at the Javits Center. The group raised $132 million last year for charities all over the city, and this year announced a special fund to help veterans in Metro New York.

Mullen followed celebrity crooner Tony Bennett -- who at 84 can still bring it -- and Seth Meyers of “Saturday Night Live.” The 4,000-member audience listened respectfully to the chairman, who was interviewed on stage by veteran journalist Tom Brokaw. Kid Rock and Lady Gaga followed.

Brokaw told the audience that as they were enjoying the $3,000-a-plate dinner, young Americans in Afghanistan and Iraq were putting on Kevlar and getting ready for another day of war.

“They represent less than 1 percent of the American population,” Brokaw said. “The rest of us -- 99 percent -- nothing is asked of us.”

Brokaw noted that New York has a growing problem with veteran homelessness and asked the chairman what the Defense Department is doing about it. As a Vietnam veteran, Mullen said, he is particularly concerned about the issue because veterans of that war were experiencing the same thing when the current wars started.

“My peers were still sleeping on the street in Washington and cities throughout the country, and I swore I would do whatever I could to address the homelessness challenge,” Mullen told Brokaw. “As we’ve engaged in this, I find we’ve generated homeless veterans at a higher rate than we did in Vietnam.”

The Defense and Veterans Affairs departments are working together on the issue, the chairman said, but it will require the commitment of people in local communities to solve.

“I find local leaders want to structure something to take care of our veterans,” Mullen said. “The focus is on education, employment and health, and the private side has to help.”

Communities will lose a lot if they do not help the veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the chairman told Brokaw and the audience.

“More than 2 million have served in the wars, and they are a generation that is wired to serve,” he said. “They are going to make a difference in the future. What they need is a bridge, and communities like New York need to provide that.”

Post-traumatic stress is another issue that Americans need to know about, Mullen said, because of reluctance in the military culture to seek help means that more than the reported 18 percent of today’s combat veterans are affected.

“We are fighting a stigma of asking for help, which is not strange for our country, and certainly not for the military,” the chairman said, noting that post-traumatic stress penetrates right to the heart of military families.

“It is the most significant invisible wound of these wars,” he said.

The chairman urged the crowd to reach out to the families of those who have lost someone in the wars. Many family members who have lost loved ones tell him their greatest fear is the country will forget the sacrifices service members have made, he said.

“These are extraordinary young men and women who go out every day, and in too many cases, give their lives for this country so we can be the country we are,” he added.

Mullen urged the crowd to connect with these families.

“They are very proud,” he said. “I promise you, they won’t ask for help, so figuring out how to connect with them to support them is really important.”

Denver Navy Week Injects Strong Navy Medicine In Community

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond, Navy Office of Community Outreach

DENVER, Colo. (NNS) -- Navy Medicine leadership met with local Denver health care providers, medical researchers, civic and educational groups, and the FBI to discuss Navy Medicine's role in the maritime strategy and shared medical initiatives as part of Denver Navy Week 2011, May 2-8.

Rear Adm. William M. Roberts, Fleet Surgeon, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, was the senior medical officer

representing Navy Medicine during Denver Navy Week.

"We are here to thank the citizens of Denver for the great job they are doing supporting the men and women of our armed forces," said Roberts. "Our Navy is proud to serve Americans and freedom seeking people world-wide."

Of the nearly 330,000 active duty Sailors across the Navy, 4,200 come from the Denver area. An additional 1,500 Reserve Sailors also hail from the state, and more than 6,000 retired Navy veterans live in Colorado, Roberts noted.

During a meeting with leaders at the FBI Denver Division, Roberts shared Navy Medicine's critical role in the maritime strategy and its shared initiative of building inter-agency and community relationships while protecting the United States.

"We are proud to have the opportunity to advance the relationship between the FBI and Navy Medicine," said Roberts. "The relationship between the FBI and other agencies is crucial in developing partnerships to protect our citizens and their freedom."

Roberts also met with emergency medical and rescue staff at the Denver Fire Department (DFD) to discuss trauma care, lifesaving techniques, and procedures currently used by Navy medical personnel on the battlefield in Afghanistan. Roberts further acknowledged DFD's nationally recognized advances in first responder procedures, and its cutting-edge professionalism, dedication, and courage which regularly saves lives.

"Navy Medicine has made great strides in providing resuscitative skills and medical/surgical interventions on the battlefield and at home, which have made a difference in saving lives of our Sailors and Marines," said Roberts. "Denver Navy Week has provided a great opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with over-the-top organizations like the Denver Fire Department."

As a global force for good, Roberts shared Navy Medicine's critical research and development role with executives of GlobeImmune, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for infectious diseases and cancer.

During the visit, Roberts noted that research and development is a top priority of the Navy Surgeon General, Vice Adm. Adam M. Robinson, Jr.

Roberts explained how research and development plays a critical role in the maritime strategy through not only vaccine research but also advances in life-saving technology on the battlefield such as a one handed tourniquet that can be applied quickly in combat.

Roberts noted that these lifesaving advancements have made a significant impact on the amount of lives saved, whereas many would have been lost in the past.

"Navy Medicine also plays a vital role in supporting the five 'hard power' capabilities of the maritime strategy: forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and maritime security, because no ship, submarine, aircraft or other Navy asset deploys without the support of Navy Medicine," said Roberts. "In addition, Navy Medicine projects and executes 'soft power', the maritime strategy's final priority, through its most visible role in humanitarian assistance/disaster relief (HA/DR) missions."

Other Navy Medicine engagements during Denver Navy Week included a visit with leaders at Denver Health; speaking with the physicians, residents and medical staff at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center; a presentation for the Rotary Club of Aurora, Colo.; and a discussion regarding post traumatic stress disorder and chaplaincy with professors at the Iliff School of Theology, among others.

Denver Navy Week is one of 21 Navy weeks across the country this year. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they make in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. Denver Navy Week events continue through May 8.

Parents Send Care Packages To Sailors Around The World

By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Susan Hammond, Navy Office of Community Outreach

ARVADA, Colo. (NNS) -- As part of Denver Navy Week, Navy parents from six states gathered at American Legion Post 161 in Arvada May 7 to greet the director of Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division and hold a "packing party" for care packages.

Nearly three years ago, Molly Gisi of Portland, Ore., founded Molly's Adopt a Sailor (MAS), an organization that supports deployed U.S. military personnel, sending them letters and care packages.

"With all its giant ships and technology, the Navy's most important asset is its people," said Rear Adm. Herman Shelanski, Director, Chief of Naval Operations Environmental Readiness Division.

He told the group the average age of a typical Sailor is 19 ½, and in the case of a Sailor on the deck of an aircraft carrier, he has the most dangerous job in the world.

He congratulated the mothers and the recruiters for their work in supporting those Sailors.

"Those Sailors have the training and experience to get the job done successfully," said Shelanski.

Gisi said she started Molly's Adopt a Sailor because she learned, when her own son went into the Navy, that one-third of the Sailors on his ship didn't get any mail while on deployment. MAS has grown to more than 5,000 volunteers in 47 states who have packed 12,000 boxes full of socks, snacks and comfort items that are donated.

"We received an email from one of our adopted Sailors who was halfway through his seven-month ship deployment," said Gisi. "He said the letter he got from one of our moms was the first thing he had received from home since he left."

The boxes packed at the packing party in Arvada are destined to go to Navy destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76). Each local MAS group may adopt a specific ship or unit to send their items to, sometimes on a monthly basis.

The Special Hugs Project, also part of Molly's Adopt a Sailor, supports wounded military personnel in combat hospitals with the same kind of care packages sent from home, said Kim Parks of Monteno, Ill. Parks works specifically to send out stuffed animals and other items, each with a special note from someone back home, to those being cared for in deployed medical facilities.

"An Army Chaplain at a Combat Hospital in Afghanistan asked us if we could send some cards and snacks to the wounded in January 2011," said Parks. "Of course, we responded, and the project keeps growing."

All MAS organizers and participants volunteer their time. The organization is an official not-for-profit charity and accepts donations as well as sponsorships to get the packages to the military members.

First Lady Invites Guard, Reserve Kids to Fitness Event

By Elaine Sanchez

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2011 – Alongside about 80 children of National Guardsman and reservists, First Lady Michelle Obama showed off her dance moves and football-handling prowess yesterday during a Let’s Move fitness and nutrition event for military families on the White House’s South Lawn.

The first lady invited the kids to “get going” at fitness stations -- led by members of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition – posted across the lawn. With the teens cheering her on, she danced to Willow Smith’s “Whip My Hair,” hopped through hula hoops in an obstacle course, practiced a few lunges, and took a few minutes to toss a football.

But before she got moving, the first lady first took time to spotlight two of her “top priorities” -- kids’ health and wellness and military families.

Military families, she noted in brief opening remarks, “are truly the force behind the force.” Over this past decade, she said, the nation has relied on its servicemembers and their families more than ever before.

“You might not be in uniform, but we all know that all of you make the same, if not more, of the sacrifice,” she told the families in attendance. “We know that when our troops serve, you all serve. It’s time we started doing everything as a country that we can do to show our gratitude for your contributions to this nation.”

That intent, she said, is what drove her and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, to start the Joining Forces military family support campaign. This national initiative calls on all sectors of society -- from citizens and communities, to businesses and nonprofit groups -- to support military families.

“It’s an effort to rally the entire country -- every American -- to recognize, honor and support all of our military families,” she said. “It is incumbent upon all of us to step up in some way to make sure these families know that we’re proud of them.”

As part of this initiative, the first lady unveiled three new Let’s Move commitments specifically designed for military kids and teens.

Members of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition have committed to doing a special series of events and outreach with military families across the country, Obama said, citing a few upcoming examples.

Championship NASCAR driver Carl Edwards will visit military bases in connection with his weekly races, and former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, along with a team of wounded warriors, will start climbing Mount Kilimanjaro today.

Additionally, the International Health, Racquet and Sports Club Association will offer free memberships to immediate family members of actively deployed National Guard and Reserve members, she said. Starting June 1, people can log onto the Let’s Move website at http://letsmove.gov to find a club in their area and sign up for free.

Also for these families, the American Council on Exercise has agreed to provide at least 1 million hours of free personal training and fitness instruction. Obama pointed out her own personal trainer in the crowd, noting that he’s the one responsible for her famously toned arms.

Obama encouraged military families to visit the Let’s Move website to learn more about these initiatives.

The Wisconsin National Guard cares about your relationships

By Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs– May 10, 2011

Maj. Doug Hedman

Chaplain, Wisconsin National Guard

Married couples typically spend more time planning their wedding ceremony than developing skills to build a happy, enduring marriage. Do the math — that doesn’t add up to happily ever after!

Current statistics (Olson&DeFrain, 1997) show that more than half of married couples are divorcing. A significant percentage of married couples experience serious marital conflict early on, indicated by the high divorce rate in the first years of marriage. The average marriage today lasts about six years — clearly, couples are not prepared to deal with the challenges of marriage.

However, right now I’m not talking about marriage, or trying to pressure anyone into marriage. I’m talking about relationships — I want to talk to those of you who have never dated, those who are currently dating, and those who have gone through a divorce and are looking for a healthy relationship.

A relationship has its ups and downs. The ups are great — the downs can prepare you for future dates. But the worst aspect of dating is going out with a loser. What exactly defines a loser is open to debate, but everyone agrees that they don’t want to date one! With an honest heart and a level head, you can avoid dating a loser.

As a civilian pastor, it bothered me that the church as a whole did not do a better job of helping people make better relationship choices. For many engaged couples who entered my office, taking the marriage survey was the first time they really asked the tough questions about different aspects of their relationship. Some decided not to marry until they truly took the time to discover who they were, and who the person was they planned on marrying.

I was excited to discover the P.I.C.K. (Premarital Interpersonal Choices and Knowledge) program to help people make better relationship choices. (Participants receive a book entitled “How to Avoid Falling for a Jerk [or Jerkette]” — can’t get much plainer than that!) However, for many singles the program was too expensive.

But the Wisconsin National Guard will provide this information to you for free, as part of a weekend retreat. One small preview to the P.I.C.K. retreat weekends is the following tool to help make good relationship choices:

For example: Too many couples don’t take the time to know someone before jumping into other relationship aspects, and discover later on that they went too fast.

The proven steps are:

1. Know the Person

2. Build Trust

3. Can You Rely on the Person?

4. How Committed are Both of You to the Relationship?

5. Touch.

One of the big mistakes people make is thinking they can change the other person, when in reality the only person we can change is ourselves.

Listed below is a small sample of some helpful hints in developing healthy relationships during a P.I.C.K. weekend:

1.    Take your time at the start of a relationship. While it may be fresh and exciting to meet someone new, it is only with time that you really get to know someone. A person can make a strong first impression and turn out to be a loser. Conversely, someone could make less of a splash at first, but turn out to be a true gem as time goes by.

2.    Be honest with yourself. If someone is incredibly attractive but you still feel like something is missing, then something is. Maybe the person you are dating is a little vain, or maybe they aren’t as caring as you would like them to be. Just ask yourself what you really want and whether this person can provide it.

3.    Give blind dating a try. Blind dating, when set up by a friend or someone you really trust, can be uncomfortable. Nevertheless, if your friend knows you well, he may actually be able to fix you up with someone who has everything you need.

4.    Leave anyone who ever does anything that physically hurts you–no exceptions. Some people fool themselves into thinking that their partner will never do it again, but why take the chance? Your safety should always be more important.

5.    Make sure your partner has plenty of his or her own interests. If they’re homebodies that never go out or motivate themselves to get involved in other activities, they’re probably never going to push themselves too hard to achieve their own dreams, instead relying on you to support them.

Here is what Staff Sgt. Connie Fueherer has to say about attending a P.I.C.K. weekend:

“I thought the weekend away was excellent! I learned a lot about myself and what goes into a picking a partner. I applied what I learned and am happily married to a service member who is currently deployed. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is serious about dating and finding the right person.”

Your relationship matters to us and we would love to have you come to one of our P.I.C.K. Retreat weekends. To learn more about the P.I.C.K. (Premarital Interpersonal Choices & Knowledge) program go  www.nojerks.com or register for a P.I.C.K. Retreat.  You can also visit Wisconsin’s Service Member Support Division site for information on P.I.C.K. and much more.

You can also call me at 608-630-1660 with questions or comments. And if you’ve attended one or our retreats why don’t you tell others about your experience here?

Stennis Begins Exercise In Preparation For Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kathleen O'Keefe, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

USS JOHN C. STENNIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The USS John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG) began its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) May 6 after pulling out of San Diego.

COMPTUEX, a three-week evolution required of each carrier strike group before departing for a deployment overseas, qualifies JCSCSG to deploy to any theater of operations world-wide.

"COMPTUEX is the cornerstone of our workup cycle," said Stennis' Strike Operations Officer, Cmdr. Stevin Johnson. "It will be the first full integration with the strike group, in which we will train for operations that we might face on deployment."

Stennis will work with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21, USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) and other independent Navy ships in combating different scenarios presented by Commander, Strike Force Training Forces Pacific (CSFTP).

"COMPTUEX really makes everyone come together as a team," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Patrick McKeever, who participated in COMPTUEX with Stennis during its last deployment cycle. "On a large scale all the ships come together and train for deployment. Internally, the ship's company trains with essentially everyone that will be on deployment. It really prepares the entire strike group for successful operations when we deploy."

The scenarios led by CSFTP will challenge ships, the air wing, and the entire strike group, in their ability to handle a variety of circumstances the strike group could potentially encounter while deployed. CSFTP will evaluate the strike group and present results to Commander, U.S. Third Fleet.

"We will be demonstrating the strike group's combat efficiency," said Stennis Executive Officer Capt. Michael Wettlaufer. "Everything on Stennis will be a key part to the success. From our communication links, satellites, launching aircraft, down to the propulsion plants, Stennis will act as a huge piece in this exercise."

The cruiser and destroyers in the strike group will act as defense perimeters against air, submarine and surface threats, protecting Stennis so it can project its force abroad.

"COMPTUEX is the final stone, and will bring us into joint task force exercise [JTFEX], where other branches of the military will work with the strike group and we can train as a joint service," said Johnson.

JTFEX is the final exercise Stennis and the strike group must complete before deployment.

COMPTUEX will bring JCSCSG ships and aircraft together to prepare a force capable of protecting the nation's interests and security anywhere in the world.

Guantanamo Supports Coast Guard Ships, Missions in Caribbean

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Leona Mynes, Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs

GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Medium-endurance cutter USCGC Vigilant (WMEC-619) departed Naval Station (NS) Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, May 8 after a two day port visit.

For Quartermaster 2nd Class (SW) Carlton Jones, a dockmaster attached to NS Guantanamo Bay's Port Operations Department, it was the base's 880th successful ship movement since he arrived in July 2009.

"The dockmaster is the liaison between the vessels coming in and out of port, and all of the services offered here in GTMO," said Jones. "We're the middle man for all of these ships."

Vigilant and several other U.S. Coast Guard ships frequently conduct missions in the Caribbean Sea and are regular customers of NS Guantanamo Bay, said Jones.

"Vigilant usually takes on fuel, gas, stores, water, makes liberty calls and will sometimes onload helicopter support kits," said Jones. "They can do all of that here, and we provide the support for those missions."

Providing efficient support to ships like Vigilant can present several challenges to members of the port operations department, said Jones.

"I would say the most challenging part is being able to piece everything together for the ship you're supporting," said Jones. "Between sending e-mails back and forth between the ship and here, and coordinating logistical request replies, our tasks have to be managed in a timely and professional manner."

Among the tasks Jones must coordinate for ships are fuel and stores provided by the Fleet Industrial Supply Center–Jacksonville (FISC–J) Detachment aboard NS Guantanamo Bay; weapons training facilitated by NS Guantanamo Bay's weapons department; and locations for swimming qualifications, physical readiness tests, and group workout sessions provided by Morale, Welfare and Recreation Guantanamo Bay.

Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, May 10, 2011

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

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus delivers remarks at 9:45 a.m. EDT at the U.S. Green Building Council 2011 Government Summit in Washington, D.C.  Media interested in attending may contact Lt. Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence at 703-697-5342.

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

This Day in Naval History - May 09

By Navy News Service

1926 - LCDR Richard Byrd and Chief Machinist Mate Floyd Bennett make first flight over North Pole; both receive the Medal of Honor.

1942 - USS Wasp in Mediterranean launches 47 Spitfire aircraft to help defend Malta.

Kearsarge ARG Almost Home After Successful Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua Mann

USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), entered U.S. 2nd Fleet area of responsibility (AOR)on May 8, after completing a deployment to U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.

Entering 2nd Fleet is one of the last phases of the deployment that begun Aug. 27, when the ships deployed one month early to provide humanitarian assistance to flood-stricken Pakistan.

A portion of the Kearsarge ARG/26th MEU team detached to support the flood relief efforts while the rest of the group continued support to maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AOR's. The Kearsarge ARG later participated in U.S. 6th Fleet operations by supporting Operation Odyssey Dawn and the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector.

"Now that we are in 2nd Fleet we are one step closer to the successful completion of a challenging, rewarding and safe deployment," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Charles Kates, Kearsarge command safety representative. "We still have a mountain of things to accomplish once we return to Norfolk. We should always keep safety in mind while on the ship and back home."

The entrance into the U.S. 2nd Fleet AOR triggers additional requirements for the Kearsarge ARG. The crew members now have to readjust to the policies and procedures of its home AOR.

"Entering 2nd Fleet is significant because all of the special entitlements that we received in 5th and 6th Fleet will stop at the end of this month," said Kearsarge Administration Officer Lt. Anthony Franklin. "We also will have an influx of new Sailors and people transferring out. The end of deployment does not mean the end of work; the crew just has different task to accomplish that are equally important."

The Kearsarge ARG is en route to disembark the 26th MEU in North Carolina and take on some family members for a "Tiger Cruise" back to homeport.

Kearsarge ARG is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 4, and is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50).

Embarked detachments include Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21-detachment 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is based out of Camp Lejuene, N.C., and consists of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/8, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced), 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine regiment and the Command Element.

USS Carter Hall Arrives in U.S. 2nd Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristin L. Grover, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4 Public Affairs

USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) returned to the U.S. 2nd Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) May 8, nearly nine months after departing Little Creek, Va.

Carter Hall, which is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), will offload Marines and cargo from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and bring families on board for a Tiger Cruise before returning to homeport.

"This is the final stop in a very lengthy and highly successful deployment," said USS Carter Hall Executive Officer Cmdr. Damon Amaral. "Everyone on board has worked extremely hard during our time at sea and will continue striving to reach the ship's goals after we return. We are maintaining focus on the current mission and looking forward to seeing our loved ones again."

The 26th MEU will offload a portion of its personnel and equipment via landing craft air cushion (LCAC) in Camp Lejeune, N.C. before arriving in Morehead City, N.C. to unload the rest of the embarked Marines and cargo.

"We have accomplished so much since we left for deployment and it is exciting to think about returning home," said Cpl. Robert Walker. "This is my second MEU deployment, and I feel fortunate that I learned new things and improved my skills during the training and exercises we took part in."

After the Marines depart, the ship will host a Tiger Cruise which allows family and friends of crew members to come on board and ride the ship back to Little Creek. This provides many Carter Hall Sailors, like Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Robert Dye, with an opportunity to see their friends and families a few days prior to homecoming.

"It has been a long deployment, and everyone is eager to see their families again," said Dye. "My dad and two brothers will be riding back with us on the Tiger Cruise. I know they are excited about seeing me and riding the ship for a few days."

Carter Hall spent the greater part of the deployment operating independently in the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR before reuniting with the Kearsarge ARG in the U.S. 6th Fleet April 13.

Kearsarge ARG is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 4, and is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), amphibious transport dock ship USS Ponce (LPD 15), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50). Embarked detachments include Fleet Surgical Team (FST) 6, Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 21-detachment 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4, Beach Master Unit (BMU) 2, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22.

The 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) is based out of Camp Lejuene, N.C., and consists of Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 3/8, Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 26, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 (Reinforced), 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine regiment and the Command Element.

Carrier Strike Group One Arrives in 7th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Byron C. Linder, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 returned to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) May 6 after spending 95 days supporting maritime theater security operations for Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation New Dawn (OND) in the 5th Fleet AOR.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) is deployed with USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), Destroyer Squadron 1 and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. CSG-1 will reunite with USS Stockdale (DDG 106) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) which remained in Seventh Fleet during the deployment.

For OEF and OND, Carl Vinson and CVW 17 flew 1,656 combat sorties, logging a total of 9,140 hours of flight time. For OEF, the ordnance expenditure added up to 33 bombs and 2,970 rounds of 20mm ammunition.

Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG-1) is led by Rear Adm. Samuel Perez.

"Every member of the strike group played an important role in our 5th Fleet Deployment. Our Sailors thwarted piracy, advanced partnerships in the region and supported our ground troops in the fight against insurgents," said Rear Adm. Samuel Perez, Commander, CSG-1. "From the most junior airman to the most senior pilot, Carrier Strike Group 1 Sailors played a vital role in achieving 5th Fleet Theater objectives."

"We have completed, in fine fashion, our operational tasking in protecting our men and women on the ground," said Vinson Commanding Officer Captain Bruce Lindsey. "The Sailors have worked hard every day, and have done a fantastic job."

On the last day in the 5th Fleet AOR, CSG-1, in coordination with international forces, prevented a pirate attack against the Chinese owned and crewed M/V Full City.

With the major operational tasking complete for Carl Vinson's Western Pacific deployment, there remain several tasks for Vinson and CVW 17 Sailors to complete. While in the 7th Fleet AOR, the Strike Group will conduct routine exercises with their allies and partners and visit ports around the region.

"We have a little more to finish for this deployment, and there's not a doubt in my mind we'll finish with style, grace and professionalism," said Perez.

Leap Frogs Descend on Denver Navy Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (PJ) Michelle Turner, U.S. Navy Parachute Team Public Affairs

DENVER (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, made several performances during Denver Navy Week, May 6-7.

The Leap Frogs visited Standley Lake High School and Valor High School, and performed during the Cinco de Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park to showcase opportunities in the Navy and to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy as a global force for good.

The jumpers, Navy SEALs and support personnel from Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, Calif., parachuted onto the athletics fields at both schools and were welcomed by a crowd of cheering of students and teachers.

"It was outstanding," said Jeff Pearson, Standley Lake High School principal. "Any time high school kids get to see something that's out of the ordinary it's going to go home with them. For them to see something that they might want to do in the future that looks adventurous; it makes an impact on our kids."

Special Warfare Operator 1st Class (SEAL) Justin Gonzales was the first team member to jump from the ramp of the Minnesota Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft. He trailed blue smoke from a smoke grenade attached to his foot bracket to indicate the performance was about to begin. Moments later, when all the jumpers were in the air, they maneuvered their parachutes toward one another to create canopy formations. Some jumpers stacked their parachutes to form biplanes while others swirled colored smoke across the sky and flew different flags.

After the performances, the Leap Frogs invited students and spectators to watch them pack their parachutes. They even let some spectators actually help pack their parachutes, under a watchful eye, giving the public a chance to ask questions about life as a Navy SEAL.

Navy Recruiting District Denver is part of a nationwide recruiting team looking for the best and brightest candidates to serve in the U.S. Navy, said Cmdr. Scott Hendrix, Navy Recruiting District Denver commanding officer.

"We're in the heartland of America, and there are not a lot of Navy people around here," said Hendrix. "Any time we can get Naval assets here it's great because they [the public] get to see a little snapshot of the fleet."

Taylor Goff, a senior at Valor High School, didn't need any convincing and has already decided to dedicate his life to Naval service, he said.

"I've known I was going to do it [join the Navy] since I was 11 or 12," said Goff. "This just solidified it again."

The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform aerial parachute demonstrations across America in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy Recruiting.

Bataan Contributes to First Hundred Years of Naval Aviation History

By MC1(SW) Michael J. Scott, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, Mediterranean Sea (NNS) -- Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) added to the Navy's 100 years of aviation heritage and Bataan's flight legacy as its Sailors and Marines spent the day conducting flight operations in the Mediterranean Sea, May 8.

Ships named Bataan have been leaving their mark on aviation history for more than 67 years, since the first Bataan (CVL 29), a light aircraft carrier was commissioned in November 1943.

"We're extremely proud of Bataan's naval aviation legacy," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan's commanding officer, an F-14 Tomcat pilot by trade, who was in command of VFA-143 when the squadron made its own history and transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. "From the missions CVL-29 flew during World War II and Korea, to the air strikes launched from our decks during Operation Iraqi Freedom, to the first at-sea operational deployment of the [MV-22] Osprey in 2009, to standing the watch off the coast of Libya today, our Navy-Marine Corps team has always been a true representation of naval aviation."

CVL-29 served the Navy from 1943 through 1954, earning a total of 13 battle stars. "Big 5" was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and has flown missions in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom; conducted search and rescue efforts in the Gulfport, Miss., and New Orleans areas in support of Hurricane Katrina relief efforts; and provided relief supplies ashore and conducted medical evacuations in support of Operation Unified Response in Haiti following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

"What an honor to be making history," said Lt. Jack Parker, Bataan's aircraft handling officer. "One hundred years ago, naval flight was in its infancy, and today we're carrying out missions all across the world."

Bataan's current mission includes maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area or responsibility, as well as providing support as required for coalition forces assigned to the NATO-led Operation Unified Protector.

"It's good to be here in the middle of the sea carrying out these missions, flying day in and day out," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Fabian Gallegos. "It's going to be written down in history someday, and I can tell my kids I was a part of it, and this is what we did."

The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Air Combat Element (ACE), Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263 (Reinforced), is currently operating a complement of MV-22B Ospreys, CH-53E Super Stallions and AV-8B Harriers from Bataan's decks. The Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Detachment 2, is providing search and rescue support with MH-60S Seahawks. Bataan's Air Department is serving as the maestro by safely directing, launching and recovering the aircraft.

"It's nice to be a part of this history," said Capt. Charles Arnold, a naval flight officer and the assistant aircraft maintenance officer for VMM-263. "Almost everything we do is integrated within the Navy. The best part is when you are executing the missions and they go off like planned. It takes everybody coming together for that to happen."

Cmdr. Heath Howell, Bataan's air boss, said as science and technology increase, they will enlarge the sphere of influence and capabilities of the ship and her air-strike team.

"We're a floating airfield, and we can deploy anywhere in the world," said Howell. "It allows us greater flexibility in strategic planning. I don't see naval aviation ever going backwards."

Demonstration Pilot Eugene Ely flew a small aircraft from a temporarily erected flight deck on the fo'c'sle aboard USS Birmingham (CL-2) in 1910, while the ship was at anchor in the Chesapeake Bay. A few months later, Ely landed his plane on an armored cruiser in the San Francisco Bay. Ely's work led the Navy to the requisition of the service's first aircraft May 8, 1911, considered to be the birth date of naval aviation.

Ceremony Honors Fallen EOD Warriors

By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (NNS) -- The names of 15 fallen EOD warriors were added to the EOD Memorial wall during a ceremony at the Kauffman Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training Complex aboard Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., May 7.

The names were of Army, Marine Corps and Air Force EOD technicians killed in action last year in Iraq and Afghanistan. This 42nd annual ceremony gave family, friends and members of the EOD community, past and present, a chance to honor their fallen comrades.

The event is sponsored by the EOD Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the legacy of fallen EOD warriors by providing for the maintenance and upkeep of the memorial at Eglin. Hosted by the Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal, all preparations were coordinated and executed by staff volunteers from all four services at the school.

"The EOD Memorial Foundation funds the memorial's maintenance and assists EOD families with scholarships and travel expenses to and from the annual memorial ceremony," said Foundation President Robert Fay. "We work closely with the services to document and verify that the member was killed during an EOD-related incident to be eligible to earn a place on the memorial's wall."

Oversight and management of the EOD school is the responsibility of the Navy, with joint-service manning by the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and the Air Force. The school's mission is to train officers and enlisted personnel in the best methods of detection, identification, render safe, and disposal of explosive ordnance and related devices.

Capt. Adam Guziewicz, the school's commanding officer, said reading the new names placed on the wall at the annual memorial is a poignant reminder that EOD technicians are on the front lines, risking their lives every day. The fallen warriors added to the wall in this year's ceremony consisted of five Army, eight Marines and two Air Force EOD technicians. All received their training at the EOD School aboard Eglin.

"They sacrificed all for their country, and we will never know the countless lives they have saved," said Guziewicz. "Their legacy will live on in the lives of those they left behind."

Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James F. Amos, served as the guest speaker for the ceremony.

"This memorial stands as a testament to the sacrifice and fidelity of our brothers and sisters-in-arms who gave everything so that Americans might live in peace," said Amos. "The explosive ordnance disposal family is a unique fraternity with a special bond, and we will always remember those noble warriors and their families for their supreme courage and steadfast loyalty to our nation and each other."

The EOD Memorial was originally built by EOD technicians in Indian Head, Md., the location of the first EOD School. The memorial was relocated to the Kauffman EOD Training Complex when the school moved to its present location in the late 1990's. The new memorial incorporates elements of the original in recognition of its history.

Gates Visits Littoral Combat Ship USS Independence

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

NAVAL BASE MAYPORT, Fla, May 7, 2011 – Seeing one of the littoral combat ships in the flesh was one of the items on Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates’ bucket list, and he got to mark that off yesterdayfollowing a visit to the USS Independence here.

“This ship is the embodiment of the revolution in military affairs,” Gates told the crew gathered in the ship’s hangar.

The crew size is just one aspect of the revolution Gates was talking about. There are only 40 crewmen (eight officers and 32 enlisted) who man a ship 104 feet wide by 418 feet long. The crew is augmented by sailors in charge of the various “packages” the ship takes aboard, and it can be configured for different missions.

In its different configurations, the ship can perform anti-mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare and humanitarian relief.

The ship can carry helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles or a mix of the two. It is a trimaran with a top speed of 44 knots, and while it is labeled the LCS-2, it is the first of its class. Much of the ship is aluminum, and several sailors spoke about how that means they don’t have to paint it.

The Navy plans to buy 55 of these littoral combat ships.

Gates joked that the first Navy ship that bore the name USS Independence was bought in 1814 to fight pirates. The current Independence, which can operate in blue water and “green water” close to shore, will be handy in the same mission. “The more things change... ” Gates quipped.

The secretary received a tour of the ship with chiefs and petty officers explaining just how different the ship is from anything else the Navy has.

The bridge is huge, and sailors don’t steer with the typical wheel. Instead, the ship is steered at computer stations and a joy stick. The bridge is carpeted, and the ship is like a floating computer network.

The berthing area is also a revelation with some rooms having two-men per room and others four. The crew is relatively senior, with the lowest-ranking person on the crew being a petty officer second class, and all personnel are trained in multiple jobs on the ship.

In Mayport, the ship was at the end of a long dock with the traditional Arleigh Burke frigates. The first view of the ship is striking. One member of Gates’ party noted that the ship looks like a floating Stealth Fighter.

“It looks sinister,” the secretary said. “That’s a good thing.”