Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.
Deputy Secretary of Defense William J. Lynn has no public or media events on his schedule.
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, June 03, 2011
This Day in Naval History - June 02
From the Navy News Service
NOSSA Employee Recognized for Career Achievements by SAIGE
From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- John Mario Harley, traffic management specialist, for Naval Sea Systems Command's (NAVSEA) Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity (NOSSA), will be recognized with the 2011 Society of American Indian Government Employees (SAIGE) award, June 13.
The organization's eighth annual training conference will be held at the Hard Rock Hotel in Tulsa, Oka., June 13-17.
SAIGE awards recognize those who promote the recruitment, hiring, retention, development, and advancement; ensure equitable and fair treatment; foster communications; and establish employee associations of, and for, American Indians and Alaska Natives in the government workforce.
"Mr. Harley not only supports a myriad of Native American diversity programs," NOSSA Commanding Officer, Capt. Robert Fowler. "He's also a strong mentor within the Native American/Alaskan Native community, and has developed plans to target applicants for all areas of career opportunities to include Engineering, Science, Research and Development. We're very proud of his recognition."
In addition to his efforts as a youth mentor and counselor for his local tribe in the Southern Maryland area, Harley was instrumental in the establishment of the NAVSEA Native American Outreach Program and helped target the recruitment of Native Americans with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) skills. Harley's efforts also provided the opportunity for more than 1,000 Native American students to participate in hands-on STEM demonstrations at the 2010 United National Indian Tribal Youth (UNITY) forum in San Diego, Calif.
NAVSEA is an organization that values, and benefits from, a diverse workforce. Recognition of our workforce by organizations such as SAIGE helps the NAVSEA enterprise support the Chief of Naval Operations' objectives for the Navy to become increasingly diverse, to build an inclusive climate that retains talent, and have the Navy recognized as an employer of choice in the United States.
Yokosuka Increases Summer Safety Awareness for Sailors
By Mark Elrod, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hosted its 5th annual Safety, Health and Environmental Awareness Fair, May 25.
Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY) hopes such events will help reduce, or thwart summer mishaps by raising awareness.
"With the arrival of summer, many of us are going to start working and playing outside a lot more in the heat and humidity," said CFAY Commanding Officer Capt. David Owen. "Last summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day, there were 28 Sailors and Marines, who, unfortunately died, and they all could have been averted in what they were doing.
"We need to refresh our memories on how to keep ourselves safe. We need to remember things like ORM (Operational Risk Management). It does not only apply at work, but also at home," Owen said.
The event marks the beginning of a concentrated, proactive stance that CFAY takes regarding the safety of its service members, civilians and family members.
"This is the kickoff of our 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign," said CFAY Safety Officer Kordeen Kor. "We brought people in from a series of different vendors to be able to provide information to the Sailors and civilians who are working here at CFAY to help them get through the summer safely."
During the event, attendees had an opportunity to receive free literature, American Red Cross CPR demonstrations, auto-impact airbag demonstrations by Japanese police, a demonstration on the effects of alcohol by CFAY Security, and CNFJ Regional Fire Department provided an earthquake simulator and offered fire prevention tips.
Providing the information is only the first elements in promoting safety, these elements rely on implementation by community members.
"[People should] make sure they are in shape for what they want to do," said Kor. "Make sure they have done their operational risk management; that they have gone through and identified any hazards or potential hazards; that they have assessed those; they've made a risk decision and that they've implemented any controls that are necessary to make sure they can be safe."
NAVSEA Participating in Bold Monarch 2011
From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) is participating in Bold Monarch 2011, a NATO submarine rescue exercise, through June 10.
The exercise, held every three years, began May 30, off the coast of Spain near Cartagena.
The United States Navy's contribution to this year's Bold Monarch is the Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System's (SRDRS) Pressurized Rescue Module (PRM) Falcon, and the associated topside equipment and systems.
"Preparing for Bold Monarch 2011 has been a multi-month long effort that involved people from my office, NAVSEA's Naval Systems Engineering Directorate, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and the Deep Submergence Unit," said Capt. Gary Dunlap, Advanced Undersea Systems Program Office program manager.
One of the most important efforts during the exercise will be certifying the Russian Federation Navy's Kilo-Class submarine Alrosa (B-781).
"In April, NATO asked NAVSEA to send a team to Sevastopol, Ukraine, to conduct a rescue seat certification on the Russian Federation Navy's submarine Alrosa," said Dunlap. "This marks the first time that we have certified Falcon to mate to, and rescue submariners from, a Russian submarine and the first time that a Russian submarine will take part in a NATO exercise."
Bold Monarch 2011 brings together submarines and rescue capabilities from around the globe. During the exercise, submarines from Russia, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, will bottom themselves on the ocean floor to allow rescue assets from the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Russia, Sweden, France, Greece, the Netherlands, and Norway, to conduct rescue operations.
"With the addition of the Russian Navy to Bold Monarch, we are taking a great step in making submarine rescue truly international," said Capt. David Duryea, deputy commander, Undersea Warfare.
The SRDRS provides one of the most responsive and capable systems in the world for submarine rescue. Based at the Deep Submergence Unit located at the Naval Air Station in San Diego, Calif., the system is designed to be rapidly deployable and able to mate with a disabled submarine anywhere in the world in 72 hours.
The SRDRS consists of the Atmospheric Dive Suit 2000 (ADS2000) – manned, one-atmosphere dive suit that is used to inspect bottomed submarines and clear away debris that could cover an escape hatch, associated topside equipment and systems, and the PRM Falcon. Falcon is a tethered, remotely-operated submersible that is launched and controlled from the deck of a surface ship and transfers up to 16 submariners from a disabled submarine per dive.
Team Building Drove President’s Choices, Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, June 2, 2011 – Building a team was the most important consideration as President Barack Obama made his choices for top national security positions, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said today.
While he wouldn’t give specifics about his advice to the president, Gates told reporters traveling with him to the Shangri-La Dialogue security conference in Singapore that some reporting on the process of selecting Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld as the next chairman and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was inaccurate.
Gates said he has been talking about the succession matters with the president for at least a year. Reporting that current vice chairman Marine Corps Gen. James E. “Hoss” Cartwright was denied the chairmanship because he offered differing advice on Afghanistan is incorrect, the secretary said.
“I will tell you that some the negative things that have been reported as influencing the decision – for example, the Afghan piece – are completely wrong,” Gates said. “They had nothing to do with it whatsoever. Hoss Cartwright is one of the finest officers I’ve ever worked with. I think he is an outstanding vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I think he has made an enormous contribution, and I’ve enjoyed working with him for four years, and consider him a friend.”
The secretary said he talked with Obama about his own successor – the president chose current CIA Director Leon E. Panetta – as well as the whole range of positions that opened up as a result of his June 30 retirement and that of Navy Adm. Mike Mullen as chairman, whose second two-year term ends Sept. 30.
Building a good team was paramount in his mind in his discussions with the president, Gates said. “The cohesiveness we have had over the last two and a half years as a national security team, I think, has been an extraordinary asset for the president and for the country,” he added. “Foremost in my mind was how do I make recommendations to him, and how do we sustain the kind of teamwork that has been so critical?”
The relationships among those leaders – the president, vice president, secretary of defense, secretary of state, chairman, vice chairman and so on – is what drives these teams, the secretary said.
“Those were the kinds of considerations -- as we look to the challenges we will face in the future -- that were uppermost in my mind,” he said. “That’s the reality. This other stuff, … most of it’s garbage.”
Nations Want Better Relations with U.S., Gates Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT, June 1, 2011 – Despite all of its problems and controversies, the nations of the world want better relations with the United States, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said during a news conference en route to Singapore, where he will attend his fifth and final Shangri-La Dialogue.
The secretary will meet with leaders of many Asian nations – including China – during the annual conference.
Gates, who is retiring at the end of the month, said he remembers being struck when he first took office that “despite all the controversies in recent years … there has been very broad interest on the part of many countries to strengthen the relationship with the United States and have a stronger partnership with the United States.”
“I don’t think this is true anywhere more than in Asia,” he added.
The United States military has made extraordinary progress strengthening the military-to-military relationships with Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as traditional allies in Australia, Thailand Japan and South Korea, Gates noted.
Though the China-U.S. military-to-military relationship has been through a rough patch, he acknowledged, his visit to Beijing in January and a reciprocal visit by Chinese leaders to America last month indicate it’s on track.
The relationship with China is going well, Gates said, but it needs more time to grow.
“We need more of what’s always in short supply when it comes to the United States and its government – and that is patience,” he said. “Relationships take time to develop, and we get very impatient because our timelines are always short.”
The secretary said much of the Shangri-La Dialogue’s focus would be on Southeast Asia and the general recognition on the part of all of the countries in the region over the past several years that their security environments are evolving, along with a recognition that they may desire to adjust their own positions accordingly.
Meanwhile, the United States must be flexible, the secretary said, noting that the U.S. military cultivates relationships in the region in a number of ways.
Gates will talk at the conference about the evolution and the changes of regional nations’ positions and what the future may hold. “The one thing that has been brought back to me in this job is how many countries around the world truly do consider the United States the indispensible nation,” he said.
The United States often is the catalyst for the development of multilateral cooperation. A decade ago, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia were reluctant to cooperate to counter piracy in the Straits of Malacca. But the United States was a friend to each, and ultimately the three nations did cooperate. The result virtually eliminated piracy in the region, making one of the most important sea lanes safer.
Military, Guam Leadership Gather to Prepare for Typhoon Season
By Anna-Victoria Crisostomo
ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Leaders from military and the Government of Guam gathered at the JRM headquarters in Asan for the Exercise Typhoon Pakyo (PUHK-dzoo) Senior Leadership Seminar May 31.
The inaugural seminar was held in order to provide leadership a forum to review and discuss topics pertinent to typhoon preparation and recovery in recognition of the upcoming typhoon season on Guam. The island's typhoon season runs from June to December.
JRM Commander Rear Adm. Paul Bushong welcomed attendees. He stressed the importance of readiness and collaboration.
"It's been a long time since the island got hit by a typhoon, but be prepared for it," Bushong said. "We look forward to this seminar. We can talk about how we'd work together to make sure we're ready to respond to a storm."
Joint Region Marianas Training and Readiness Officer Timothy Moon echoed Bushong's sentiments. He added that the seminar was especially important because many of the leaders in the room have never experienced a typhoon either personally or in their current leadership roles.
"We look at the leadership at the table – the majority of us are new to typhoon season in our current position," Moon said. "This is an opportunity to align, standardize and synchronize topics important to everyone would be beneficial as we get into the typhoon season."
Topics discussed were divided into two categories – typhoon preparation and recovery. Throughout the seminar, leadership tackled issues including discrepancies with the current typhoon condition of readiness (TCCOR) warnings, heavy weather brief expectations, personnel accountability, immediate response authority (IRA), initial damage assessment, collaboration, communication, and mass care.
The seminar was also the initial meeting in preparation for Exercise Pakyo, or Exercise Typhoon, scheduled for June 10-17. The weeklong exercise will allow Guam's base installations and several government organizations to have real-time experience with preparing for an incoming typhoon and launching recovery efforts after the disaster.
Guam Gov. Eddie Baza Calvo said he was glad at the chance to meet with the military leadership. He added that the dialogue fostered an understanding of the different needs of the on- and off-base communities during a typhoon.
"I think this is good that we lay [these issues] out here now, because as we move forward in this exercise, we at least have a little advanced knowledge of how everybody's thinking here," Calvo said. "Then, when things do happen at the end of all this, we do some evaluation on what areas that we can correct certain deficiencies."
Moon said that was exactly what the seminar was set up to do.
Pacific Partnership Departs Papua New Guinea after Helping Thousands
By MC1 (SW/AW) R. David Valdez, Pacific Partnership 2011 Public Affairs
LAE, Papua New Guinea (NNS) -- After 13 days of working with local medical, dental and engineering professionals in Papua New Guinea, serving close to 11,000 people, Pacific Partnership 2011 concluded its mission May 31 and got underway aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7).
When USS Cleveland arrived, the Pacific Partnership 2011 mission commander was greeted with loud chants and leaping dances designed to demonstrate the strength of the community's warriors. However, when it was time to depart, the people of Papua New Guinea sang songs, expressed their gratitude in dance, and provided tokens of appreciation to the multinational crew that came to their shores.
In addition to delivering medical care to 11,000 Papua New Guineans, the Pacific Partnership team completed three main engineering projects, treated 124 animals, delivered 45 pallets of donated goods, and finished 10 community service projects conducted in and around Lae.
"The Papua New Guinea mission was designed to provide as much basic health care as possible," said Cmdr. Michael Smith, director of medical operations for Pacific Partnership. "We worked with the Papua New Guineans to engage in meaningful, on-the-job, subject- matter-expert exchanges (SMEEs) that are sustainable after we depart."
Medical personnel working with Pacific Partnership routinely treated over 1,000 patients in a given day. The team dispensed over 9,000 prescriptions and provided people with over 6,000 pairs of glasses.
"On the whole, we were successful," Smith said. "We have a very good group. All of the countries participating in the mission, from the U.S. and Australia to Spain and France, gelled together very well and achieved the peak of efficiency."
Smith further explained how the culture of interoperability contributed to the success of the medical mission. While the majority of the participants are military, regardless of what nation they come from, the non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working as a part of the Pacific Partnership team are just as important as their military counterparts.
"Project Hope, World Vets and the other NGOs are a great asset, and they bring something different to the table," Smith continued. "They don't accept anything as impossible."
Smith also spoke to the expertise of the Australian Defence Force, which has been a part of the Pacific Partnership 2011 mission since the planning stages of the deployment.
"The Australians know this area," he said. "They know the diseases, the people, and the cultures. They have a lot of enthusiasm for this mission. I think it's kind of like our Army counterparts here. They are a little outside of their comfort zone, but they end up thriving in an unfamiliar environment like a U.S. Navy ship."
While the Pacific Partnership medical, dental and veterinary team worked together in a variety of locations, the engineering team, made up of U.S. Navy Seabees and Australian Sappers, worked with Papua New Guinean engineers.
"Our multi-national team built three classroom structures, two six-stall toilet facilities and installed roofs on two schools," said Lt. Michael Sardone, officer in charge of civil engineering for Pacific Partnership 2011. "Now the local children will have no need to miss hours of school because they have to go home to use the restroom. Now they can study without the need to feel embarrassed about going to the bathroom outside. Here, too, a small change – building a bathroom – will impact a generation of school children."
The impact of Pacific Partnership may not be a new experience for Papua New Guinea, but there is always a warm welcome for the joint, multinational crew and their NGO partners.
"Papua New Guinea is a welcomed and regular stop for the Pacific Partnership mission," said Capt. Jesse Wilson, Pacific Partnership 2011 mission commander and Commander, Destroyer 23. "We see our differences in culture and training as something to be celebrated, as anyone would appreciate the unique qualities of a friend. We are also seeing that the bond between us is growing stronger every time we come to these shores."
Since the first mission in 2006, Pacific Partnership has visited 15 countries, treated more than 230,000 patients and built over 150 engineering projects in 15 countries. During this year's mission, the Pacific Partnership team has treated more than 21,000 patients, participated in thousands of contact hours of formal SMEEs, and built classrooms and water catchment systems in all three of its mission ports.
Pacific Partnership is an annual humanitarian assistance mission sponsored by U.S. Pacific Fleet. This year, Pacific Partnership has completed its mission in Tonga, Vanuatu, and Papua New Guinea and will continue on to Timor-Leste and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Labor Department Grants to Provide Veterans Job Training
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 1, 2011 – As part of an interagency effort to support America’s veterans, the Labor Department today announced $37 million in grants to provide job training for about 21,000 veterans, many of them homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis announced the grants today, awarded to continue successful programs into their second and third years.
Twenty-two grants totaling more than $9 million will provide job training to about 4,000 veterans to help them succeed in civilian careers, Labor Department officials said.
Those funds, provided through the Veterans Workforce Investment Program, emphasize training in “green” jobs related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, modern electric power development and clean vehicles.
“Our veterans sacrifice so much for our country, so it is important that we provide assistance to them when they return home from active duty,” Solis said. “These grants will help veterans access the resources they need to find good jobs and build a bright future for themselves and their families.”
Solis also announced 122 grants totaling more than $28 million to provide job training to about 17,000 veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
These grants, awarded under the Labor Department’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program, include $4.3 million for the Homeless Female Veterans and Veterans with Families Program and $3.9 million for the Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program that helps veterans who have served time in justice facilities, officials said.
Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job-search and placement assistance and follow-up services, through the programs.
“The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is recognized as an extraordinarily efficient and effective program, and is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless,” Solis said. “I am pleased that the department can assist these veterans and their families.”
The Labor Department grants are awarded to state and local agencies, boards and nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated through first-year funding their ability to administer effective programs to veterans within their geographic areas, officials said.
More information on the Labor Department’s unemployment and re-employment programs is posted at http://www.dol.gov/vets.
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Navy Adm. Mike Mullen has been a staunch advocate of programs to support veterans who have transitioned from military service.
“They bring home a potential that is unimaginable for the future of our country,” he said May 11 at Arizona State University’s Phoenix campus. “This is an exceptional group, and they will make a difference for a long time to come.”
Mullen recognized the Post-9/11 GI Bill as a big step in helping tens of thousands of veterans get the training and education many seek. But he also called communities a key part of helping combat veterans make a smooth transition following wartime service.
“If we can just open up our lens to be inclusive of them as they return home, with that little boost, I really believe they will take off and make a huge difference for the future,” he said.
Meanwhile, Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric K. Shinseki is leading President Barack Obama’s effort to eliminate homelessness among veterans by 2015.
USS Missouri Sailors Aid Tornado Victims in Namesake State
By Navy Lt. Jennifer Cragg
Submarine Group 2
GROTON, Conn., June 1, 2011 – Eight sailors assigned to the USS Missouri, a Virginia-class attack submarine, left their homeport here today to assist with recovery efforts after a tornado tore through their ship’s namesake state last month.
The sailors elected to take leave for a week to assist tornado victims and clean-up efforts in Joplin, Mo.
"The real story here is simply Americans helping Americans,” said Navy Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode, Missouri’s commanding officer. “I am so proud of our sailors, and I continue to find inspiration every day in the commitment of these young men to serve their nation, making a difference in the lives of others.
“The efforts of these sailors are consistent with what we see in these types of events,” he continued. “Our sailors are everyday people taking time away from work and spending their summer vacation budgets to help out where they can."
The sailors participating in this relief effort are Lts. j.g. Joe Innerst and Ryan Sullivan; Chief Petty Officers Mike Shea, C.J. Kohlhofer and Andy Scott; Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Fenley; and Petty Officers 2nd Class Travis Fitzgerald and "Pat" Patterson.
The Missouri sailors will be volunteering with Americorps, the American Red Cross and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency.
"Our crew's affiliation with the state of Missouri and its people is quite strong,” Rexrode said, “and we prize that affinity in the tradition of our ship's motto, 'United We Stand.'"
Rexrode and his crew sent their prayers and condolences to the people of Missouri on May 22.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, June 02, 2011
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates is traveling.
This Day in Naval History - June 01
From Navy News Service
1813 - HMS Shannon captures USS Chesapeake, Capt. James Lawrence during the War of 1812. As the mortally wounded Lawrence was carried below, he ordered, "Tell the men to fire faster! Don't give up the ship!" These words would live on in naval history. Oliver Hazard Perry honored his dead friend Lawrence when he had the motto sewn onto the private battle flag flown during the Battle of Lake Erie, Sept. 10, 1813.
1871 - Rear Adm. Rodgers lands in Korea with a party of Sailors and Marines and captures five forts to secure protection for U.S. citizens after Americans were fired upon and murdered.
1914 - General Order 99 prohibits alcohol aboard naval vessels, or at navy yards or stations.
1915 - First contract for lighter-than-air craft for Navy.
1939 - Director of the Naval Research Laboratory, Capt. Hollis M. Cooley, proposes research in atomic energy for future use in nuclear powered submarine.
1944 - ZP-14 Airships complete first crossing of Atlantic by non-rigid lighter-than-air aircraft.
1954 - First test of steam catapult from USS Hancock (CV/CVA 19).
Face of Defense: Marine, Canine Make a Good Team
By Marine Corp Cpl. Jenn Calaway
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Public Affairs
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., June 1, 2011 – Two Marine Corps members, one somewhat hairy for a Marine, work together to make this military base safe for its workers and residents.
Military working dog handler Cpl. Angelo Melendez said he enjoys working with Rocky, his German shepherd partner.
“That’s a good boy, Rocky,” cooed Melendez, as he gave Rocky a good petting.
Rocky barked and playfully licked at his handler.
“He likes it when you talk to him like a baby,” Melendez said of his canine partner.
Rocky is a bomb-sniffing, Improvised Explosive Device detecting, attack dog capable of vehicle extractions and patrolling the base, Melendez said. In conjunction with Marines from the Provost Marshal’s Office here, he said, Rocky helps to ensure the safety of Camp Pendleton’s workers and residents by providing security and sniffing out dangers.
“Some people work with machinery or with a computer, but this is a living, breathing tool we use,” "Melendez said. “There’s no other job like it in the Marine Corps. I really can’t explain the feeling I get when I come to work and actually work with my dog … it’s a privilege."
In order to complete the mission successfully, dog and handler must work together and their bond must be unbreakable. Handlers generally spend between 8 to 14 hours-a-day training with one another.
Rocky “sees me in the morning and knows it’s game time,” Melendez said. “His ears go back, his tail starts to wag, he starts running and spinning around in his kennel, and he starts whining because all he wants to do is come out and play with daddy.”
Most new handlers begin work with an experienced dog who knows the commands and the job in general, Melendez said. However, he said, Rocky came to him straight out of military dog-training school at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
“When you have a new dog and a new owner there is bound to be tension in the beginning,” Melendez said. “But we’re both laid back; he can lay down right next to me and just relax, and that’s one of the things that will build the bond between dog and handler.”
Handlers learn to love their dogs, Melendez said.
“If you can’t,” he added, “then this job is definitely not for you.”
Officer Brandon Owens, chief trainer for the K-9 unit and a civilian police officer on Camp Pendleton, said he’d watched Melendez and Rocky grow and develop as a team from the beginning.
“He has an exceptional relationship with Rocky,” Owens said of Melendez. “Rocky doesn’t only listen to him because he has to, he does it because he wants to, and that goes a long way. That’s a key thing we look for in a dog/handler relationship."
USS Thach Conducts Flight Operations with Chilean Navy
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Stuart Phillips, Southern Seas 2011 Public Affairs
USS THACH, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) conducted flight operations with a Chilean navy helicopter during the Southern Seas 2011 transit of the Strait of Magellan, May 28.
The flight operation was completed successfully as the Chilean pilots flying the Dauphin AS-365N2 landed safely aboard Thach to fly a Chilean officer home on emergency leave.
The officer was temporarily assigned to Thach to assist in the transit of the Strait of Magellan. The passage gave sailors from both nations an opportunity to learn about ship handling, confined navigation, and communication.
Thach and USS Boone (FFG 28) are conducting operations with the Chilean navy for six weeks, culminating in the Chilean hosted Pacific phase of UNITAS 2011.
"The Chilean officers' knowledge of the waterway is unparalleled," said Lt. Cmdr. Rob Speight, USS Boone executive officer. "The Strait of Magellan was a highlight of my career and working with these professional officers gave my crew an opportunity to learn from and appreciate the skills of other navies"
The flight operation illustrated the ability of Thach's crew and the Chilean navy to adapt to new situations while continuing to perform professionally.
"It made me feel good that the training our Sailors have received has been put to good use," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Tim Lovelady, USS Thach helicopter control officer. "The operation went like any other helicopter we would land."
Thach and Boone took eight Chilean navy sailors aboard for the transit from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Puerto Monnt, Chile. Thach also has a Chilean officer assigned as a member of the crew for one year.
"We had a need, and both navies put forth efforts to meet that need," said Chilean Lt. j.g. Pablo Berg, assigned to Thach. "The interoperation between our navies enabled us to achieve a common goal. Our navies have different ways of doing things, but we were able to minimize our differences, and we showed that we can operate together."
NEXCOM Efforts Support Navy Marine Corps Relief Society
By Kristine M. Sturkie, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (NNS) -- The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) donated $202,467 to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society on behalf of its customers and vendor partners, June 1.
"The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is a very important resource for our military families," said Rear Adm. (Sel) Glenn C. Robillard, Commander, NEXCOM. "As an organization that has been serving our Sailors and Marines for over 106 years, we were proud to be able to partner with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and contribute money for their programs. The benefit ticket program allowed customers to help the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society as well as realize an even better savings at their NEX. It was a win-win for both of them."
Beginning in March, 42 of the NEXs sold NMCRS benefit sale tickets to customers for $5 each. The ticket entitled customers to specific discounts for a one-time purchase on either April 11 or 12. These benefit tickets and other fund raising activities within NEX stores raised a total of $158,028.
NEXCOM's vending program also contributed to the NMCRS fund drive. With the help of its vendor partners, NEXCOM vending donated $44,439. Proceeds are provided through the NEX sale of products through NEX vending machines located around the world.
"We are deeply grateful for the sustained and most generous financial support provided by the Navy Exchange Service Command over the years," said Rear Adm. Jan Gaudio, U. S. Navy, retired, Executive Vice President of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. "This commitment to supporting Sailors, Marines and their families in times of financial need follows the long tradition of caring for our own.
Wisconsin National Guard unit honored for deployment excellence
By Sgt. Tyler Lasure
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The Tomah-based Headquarters Company of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion was recognized as the runner-up in the Chief of Staff of the Army's Deployment Excellence Awards during a ceremony earlier this month.
The 732nd took second place in the National Guard small deploying unit category. The unit deployed to Iraq in 2009 and was in charge of eight companies - approximately 1,280 Soldiers - located at 13 contingency operating bases throughout southern Iraq. Their mission also consisted of running the second-largest supply support activity and ammunition supply point in country.
The DEA is a part of the Chief of Staff's Combined Logistics Excellence Awards, a program that awards achievement in the areas of maintenance, supply operations, and deployment.
"They are looking for units that have deployed and redeployed to a theater of operation and done so in a manner that exceeded the standards," said Maj. Mike Yount, the battalion's support operations officer during the deployment.
The goal is to share and adapt the processes and standard operating procedures used by the top units with other units throughout the areas of operations.
"The DEA is intended to find practices in both training and logistics to be shared with other units based on pre-deployment, deployment, deployment activities, and redeployment," said Lt. Col. John Blaha, commander of the 732nd during the deployment.
One of the reasons the 732nd was recognized is that the unit spent less than 30 days at the mobilization site, Blaha said. The short mobilization allowed the unit to spend almost 11 months in Iraq.
The award is a two-phase process. "You put in a packet and it goes up to be reviewed," Yount explained. "If you are chosen, then they send a team to the armory to see the different products on hand that made the unit successful."
The unit's ability to work cohesively, focus and move toward a common goal helped the unit take runner-up, Blaha said. The honor of being recognized is not lost on the unit.
"It's very prestigious," Yount said. "It's for the unit, not the individual - as a unit, every person was responsible for the award."
"It is a great honor for the members of the 732nd," Blaha added. "It shows their pride, work ethic and commitment to excellence."
Missouri Sailors Assist Tornado Victims
By Lt. Jennifer Cragg, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs Officer
Groton, Conn. (NNS) -- Eight USS Missouri (SSN 780) Sailors departed their homeport in Groton, Conn., for Joplin, Mo., June 1, to assist with recovery efforts following a tornado that tour through city last month.
The eight Sailors elected to take voluntary leave for one week to assist victims and with cleanup efforts in Joplin.
"The real story here is simply Americans helping Americans," said Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode, USS Missouri commanding officer. "I am so proud of our Sailors, and I continue to find inspiration every day in the commitment of these young men to serve their nation; making a difference in the lives of others. The efforts of these Sailors are consistent with what we see in these type of events. Our Sailors are everyday people taking time away from work and spending their summer vacation budgets to help out where they can."
Sailors participating in this relief effort include Lt. j.g. Joe Innerst; Lt. j.g. Ryan Sullivan; Chief Yeoman (SS) Mike Shea; Chief Machinist's Mate (SS) C.J. Kohlhofer; Chief Culinary Specialist (SS) Andy Scott; Electronics Technician 1st Class (SS) Jason Fenley; Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS/DV) Travis Fitzgerald, and Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Pat Patterson.
The Missouri Sailors will be volunteering with Americorps, the American Red Cross, and the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency, who are providing the Sailors with opportunities to assist with ongoing volunteer efforts.
"Our crew's affiliation with the state of Missouri and its people is quite strong, and we prize that affinity in the tradition of our ship's motto, 'United We Stand,'" said Rexrode.
In a sign of solidarity, Rexrode and his crew sent their prayers and condolences to the people of Missouri, May 22
We don’t have to be clinical experts to know how to help each other
By Staff Sgt. Dana Cowell
Suicide Prevention Program Manager, Wisconsin National Guard
Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs– June 1, 2011
“I know everything I am, from a daughter to a smoker, but most importantly I know I am a spiritual being having a human experience.”
These were the closing words given by one of four brave individuals who stood up to share their stories of recovery at The Rave in La Crosse in , May 2. May was Mental Health Awareness Month and on May 2, The Rave — short for “Recovery Avenue,” a private mental health service provider — set aside two hours to allow people to come in and talk to others about what it is like to live each day with a variety of mental health issues.
In his opening remarks, the director of The Rave asked the audience if we could think of anyone who, when in a moment of crisis, screamed out, “Help, I need a mental health provider!” Most audience members shook their heads or just smiled and laughed. He went on to say that, regardless of the crisis, it should be no mystery that what helps us the most is each other. By baring their souls and talking about their problems, people can continue to heal and those around them can get a better understanding of “daily survivors” of mental health issues.
Those that stood up and told their stories ran the gamut of backgrounds, from an 18-year-old African American male who was abused as a young child to a 50-year-old white female who started life as a child from a wealthy family and ended up spending most of her life in and out of hospitals and homeless shelters. After listening to all of the stories, something that stood out the most was that mental health issues do not discriminate. They have the power to grab hold of anyone at any time — yet, despite this fact, all of those that shared stated that they refused to let their illness define them. They refused to give up their mind, body, or their soul to mental illness and that with help they would learn to cope and survive one day at a time.
As someone who does not have any sort of medical background, I continue to be impressed with the underlying message I have taken away from many conferences and meetings — the power of genuine human connection has the ability to make all the difference in the world to someone who may be struggling just to get through everyday life.
Helping someone heal doesn’t require a doctor or any sort of medical counseling — anyone can listen. Anyone can refer someone else to a supportive resource. Anyone can give another person a reassuring hug or handshake.
If everyone would be more accepting, more tolerable of others, then maybe anyone who finds them self struggling may find the ability to heal by simply reaching out to the person next to them. Making a genuine human connection to another human being, the effect could be endless — so take the time to make one.
Bataan Underway Following Successful Palermo Port Visit
From USS Bataan Public Affairs
PALERMO, Italy (NNS) -- More than 2,500 Sailors and embarked Marines aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departed Palermo, Italy, May 31 following a successful four-day port visit.
The crew had the opportunity to sightsee and experience the city's hospitality and culture through tours and excursions in Palermo and around the Sicilian Island.
"The people of Palermo welcomed the crew with open arms," said Capt. Steve Koehler, Bataan's commanding officer. "Many of our Sailors and Marines joined the Navy to see the world, and a city like Palermo with everything it has to offer, is exactly what they had in mind. After more than two months at sea, it was an ideal first stop during our current deployment."
A host of Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours provided the crew an opportunity to expand their appreciation for the local Italian culture. Sailors and Marines enjoyed walking tours throughout the city and guided tours of Agrigento, Taormina and San Vito Lo Capo, and an event that also included a wine tasting in one of the region's vineyards.
"I'm getting to meet new people and see places I have never been before," said Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Juan Perdomoramirez, who visited Taormina. "It was exciting seeing all of the beautiful scenery, taking pictures and touring the city. This is something the crew will get to share with their friends and family."
Bataan's Sailors and Marines also cheered on the local Palermo soccer team during their Italian Cup matchup against Inter Milan, an event played in Rome but broadcast to thousands in the Palermo city center.
Palermo lost the match, but the crew left with souvenirs and lasting memories of the population's passion for the sport.
"The way the fans were cheering was like a sport of its own," said Lance Cpl. Stephan Hammond, a member of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) who watched the game. "It was awesome to see how much pride the city of Palermo has in their soccer team. I'll never forget it."
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