American Legion Hosts Sailors and Marines for Fleet Week

By By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) J.C.J. Stokes, USS Wasp Public Affairs

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla (NNS) -- Sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and Marines assigned to the Marine Expeditionary Unit 26 embarked aboard Wasp attended the second annual American Legion Post 304 dinner in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., April 28 in celebration of Fleet Week Port Everglades.

American Legion Post 304 (Marshall LaBree) offered the event for the first time last year to the visiting USS Iwo Jima and decided to continue it this year by offering it to Wasp Sailors as a sign of appreciation for their service.

"I am glad I came to this dinner. The hospitality and service shown was excellent," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW) Eddie Berryhill IV, from Wasp. "This entire week in Ft. Lauderdale has been great, but the American Legion dinner was definitely the highlight of my Fleet Week."

The American Legion staff treated service members to food and camaraderie, entertainment, and special military gifts, as well as a chance to greet three WWII survivors who were witnesses to history.

"It was a humbling experience to see those military legends remaining active and thanking me for my service," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class (AW/SW) Michael Michaud, from Wasp. "All in one night I was able to meet a Marine who survived Iwo Jima, and two Sailors, one from USS Missouri and the other from USS Waldron, who watched the Japanese surrender to the American forces aboard the Missouri. This was definitely a moment in my life I will cherish forever."

William Eckerth, the Iwo Jima survivor; Richard Klug, from USS Missouri; and Albert Trapanese, from USS Waldron (DD 699) came to the event to greet the men and women serving their country as they once did.

"If I died today I've seen it all," said Eckerth. "I just could not pass up the opportunity to come down and spend time with you. Thank you for coming and spending time with us old guys at the Legion and for serving our country."

Wasp is in Port Everglades April 25-30 for Fleet Week which, this year, commemorates the War of 1812 Bicentennial. Overall, there are about 3,000 Sailors and Marines and six ships in attendance. The commemoration is part of a series of city visits by the Navy that will occur over the next three years, and is a salute to all Sailors and Marines who fought gallantly in that conflict, who have served in our nation's conflicts since then, and who are defending freedom around the world today.

USS Gunston Hall Departs Albania With Lasting Impressions

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Sunderman, Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs

DURESS, Albania (NNS) -- USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) departed the Republic of Albania, April 27, after a scheduled port visit where the crew participated in numerous events including a reception and a community relations (COMREL) project.

Gunston Hall Sailors and Marines will leave with many lasting memories of strengthened relationships with their ally through a reception held aboard the ship and a COMREL held at an orphanage.

The COMREL, which was a two day effort, was held at the Bethany Christian Orphanage in Tirana, Albania. The project consisted of 60 Marines and Sailors completing a playground renovation that previously was overrun with weeds and grass.

"Well over 100 Sailors and Marines volunteered, but we ended up using just more than half the volunteers," said Lt. Jeff Augustin, Gunston Hall's chaplain. "We're a small ship that packs a big punch."

The team completed a drainage ditch that ran under the playground. The ditch should prevent future flooding on the playground. They also pulled weeds and provided overall beautification to the overall compound.

Finally, they engaged on a larger drainage project that redirects water away from one of the building's foundations to a sewer. That ditch should prevent further erosion to the roadway and children's living quarters.

"The staff and children of Bethany Christian Orphanage will have a fantastic summer on their newly renovated playground and will not have to worry about future erosion on their road network or building due to the hard work and efforts of the volunteers from the USS Gunston Hall," said Maj. Mark T. Berlenbach, U.S. Army bilateral affairs officer, assistant chief, office of defense cooperation Albania, United States Embassy.

Another highlight of the Gunston Hall's visit to Albania was a reception held on board the ship while in Duress.

"This is a momentous occasion. It has been over nine years since we [U.S. Navy] have had a ship pier side here in Duress," said Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. "A way we get to strengthen our teamwork [U.S. and Albania] is through port visits like this one. Where our Sailors and Marines get to visit this beautiful country and make good friends."

During the reception, Pandolfe and Gunston Hall's chain of command socialized with the local officials, military members.

"It is an honor to be here. I understand that we are the first ship to come pier side in Duress in quite some time," said Capt. Andy Loiselle, commanding officer of USS Gunston Hall, addressing the audience during the reception. "The entire crew aboard Gunston Hall takes immense pride in knowing that we are here today to develop and improve upon all relations with our fabulous NATO allies."

In conjunction with the reception, the crew of Gunston Hall offered guided tours of the ship to the distinguished visitors, showing them how day-to-day operations are carried out, as well as life aboard a U. S. Navy ship.

"It's really a great honor to be on board the USS Gunston Hall," said Deborah Jones, U.S. charge d' affairs to Albania. "I think the impressive tour that we just experienced underscores the importance of the hard work of USS Gunston Hall and of course, the extraordinary work of the U.S. Navy."

"I'm sure that this port call will be quite memorable for the members of Gunston Hall, and I believe that its impact on Albania will be just as lasting," said Jones. "We look forward to many more visits and appreciate the opportunity that you, Adm. Pandolfe, and Captain Loiselle have given us to come tour your ship."

"This visit, along with the COMREL project, will go a long way in strengthening our ties with this key ally," said Capt. Mark H. Scovill, commodore of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group. "Gunston Hall did a great job."

Gunston Hall is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Gunston Hall is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Executive Order Safeguards Military from Predatory Schools

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – President Barack Obama, accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama, visited with 3rd Infantry Division soldiers Friday at Fort Stewart, Ga., and discussed a new executive order that helps to safeguard military education benefits and protect service members from predatory schools.

Obama and the first lady expressed their desire to protect military members, veterans and their families from predatory recruiters offering bogus and costly education programs.

“I've heard the stories … you may have experienced it yourselves. You go online to try and find the best school for military members or your spouses or other family members,” President Obama said. “You end up on a website that looks official. They ask you for your email, they ask you for your phone number, they promise to link you up with a program that fits your goals.”

Obama pointed to certain schools that “aren’t interested in helping” because “they don't care about you; they care about the cash,” later referring to them as “appalling” and “disgraceful” and something that “should never happen in America.”

“I'm not talking about all schools,” the president noted. “Many of them, for-profit and nonprofit, provide quality education to our service members and our veterans and their families. But there are some bad actors out there.”

Obama declared he was “going to put an end” to hidden high-interest student loans, non-transferrable credits and non-existent job placement programs used as tactics to “swindle and hoodwink” troops through his signature today of an executive order.

According to the president, the order requires colleges to provide clear information about qualifications and financial aid through access to a fact sheet called “Know Before You Owe,” and providing increased support through counseling.

“If you've got to move because of a deployment or reassignment, they've got to help you come up with a plan that you can still get your degree,” he said. “[And] we're going to bring an end to the aggressive, and sometimes, dishonest recruiting that takes place.”

Obama also indicated tougher restrictions to colleges and universities allowed on military installations and increased vigilance to prevent improper education program recruiting practices.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta lauded the president’s and first lady’s commitment to protect the military, veterans and their families.

"I applaud the steps, President and Mrs. Obama, announced today to ensure military and veterans' educational benefits meet the needs of service members, veterans, and their families,” he said. "Ensuring quality educational opportunities are available to those who have served our nation in uniform is an essential part of enabling them to compete in today's economy.”

America’s men and women in uniform and military veterans “have fought and risked their lives for this country,” the secretary said. “They represent a generation of Americans returning home from war with unique experience and skills that make them invaluable in schools, workplaces, and communities across America and the world.”

Panetta said the demands of military service can make it difficult to find the right information from schools, especially those engaged in aggressive, deceptive recruiting practices.

“This initiative will ensure that service members, veterans, and their families have the information and support they need to make informed decisions about their well-earned educational benefits,” he said. “This effort helps preserve our nation's legacy, going back to the original GI Bill, of doing all that we can to help our troops lead productive and successful lives after leaving the military.”

The defense secretary said Obama’s executive order is another example of the president’s “strong support” to troops and their families. Panetta thanked the president and first lady for their commitment to “these brave young men and women."

The first lady touched on the “Joining Forces” campaign during her remarks today to soldiers at Fort Stewart. Established about a year ago, “Joining Forces” is a nationwide campaign that was created to recognize, honor and support veterans, troops and military families. The first lady started the “Joining Forces” campaign with Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden.

“In our first year alone, more than 1,600 businesses hired more than 60,000 veterans, and they pledged to hire at least 170,000 more in the coming years,” the first lady said of some results of “Joining Forces” campaign efforts.

The Commander in Chief commended the division’s soldiers for their “unshakable commitment to our country” as they performed “heroically in some of the most dangerous places on earth.”

“You have done everything that has been asked of you and more,” Obama said. “You have earned a special place in our nation's history.”

NMCB 133 Bridge Detail Builds Confidence, Knowledge During Command Post Exercise

By Lt. j.g. Alberto Crespo, NMCB 133 Public Affairs

GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133's Bridge Detail (Bridge Det) participated in its third command post exercise (CPX) April 23 - 27 to get ready for the battalion's upcoming field training exercise (FTX) and deployment.

"This was our third CPX this homeport," said Lt. j.g. Mathew Ward, Bridge Det's command post watch officer. "We're using them as part of our FTX preparations. It is our goal to maximize our training with the CPX scenarios so that our FTX has no major surprises. Ultimately, we want the troops to succeed with the CPX so that we can continue to build their confidence in themselves for our upcoming deployment."

Bridge Det's training included conducting a sweep of their operating area as part of the exercise. This entailed coordination with NMCB 133's Convoy Security Element (CSE) to arrange for a convoy to the camp area. Prior to setting up their camp, that included full power generation and communications equipment, Bridge Det. needed to secure the area just as they will during their FTX. To make the experience more realistic the detail was located at a different training area aboard Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport than that of the Main body command operations center.

Some of the training scenarios included simulated chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) attacks, snipers firing into the camp and unhappy civilians protesting the detail's presence at the camp's front gate. All of these scenarios are ones that they could potentially face during a deployment. Additionally, Bridge Det's Seabees were given an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their communications equipment which is vital for effective command and control.

Steelworker 1st Class Joshua Baker acted as Bridge Det's Exercise Control Group (ECG) representative and was on hand to evaluate the detail's performance during the training scenarios.

"Bridge Det did nothing but blossom during CPX 3," said Baker. "There was a vast difference from the start to end in the timeliness of reporting and dealing with scenarios. Bridge Det was successful on CPX 3 and there is no doubt they will have a successful FTX and deployment."

Not only did the junior troops get some much needed training, but some of the more senior troops got to dust off their skill sets as well.

Builder 1st Class Phillip Baranowski, a command post watch chief, said, "This CPX, being the third one for 2012, was by far the most successful yet. Standing the watch chief position, I saw that the troops were very receptive to the training and that their motivation was at an all time high. The level of knowledge gained through this evolution will lead to a successful FTX."

USS Dallas Sailors Visit Local Students During Fleet Week

By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gregory Johnson, Navy Region Southeast Public Affairs

PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- Fourteen Sailors assigned to the Los Angeles Class-attack submarine USS Dallas (SSN 700) visited Harbordale Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., April 27 as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012.

The visit served as a chance for students to learn about the Navy and its Sailors. The event also provided an opportunity for the submariners to emphasize the importance of education.

"This kind of event is a huge opportunity for us to reach out to these kids and show them that we do more than just fight," said Commander, Navy Region Southeast Community Relations Coordinator Chief Religious Program Specialist (SW/AW) Mike Music. "Many of these children may not be familiar with the Navy and what our Sailors do, so for them to have a chance to interact with the Sailors can be a real learning experience."

The Sailors spent the morning speaking to kindergarten through fifth-grade students about their Navy careers and how math and science are essential to their ability to successfully perform their jobs.

According to Theresa Bucolo, Harbordale Elementary School principal, Sailors can have a tremendous impact on educators' efforts to encourage children to learn.

"The kids love these visits because the uniforms are so impressive and the Sailors really are like celebrities to them," she said. "The kids look up to them and will really listen to what they have to say. I can say it over and over again, but to hear a successful Sailor up there talking about the importance of education puts it on a different level."

While many of the students walked away from the event with new perspective on the Navy, many of the Sailors left with a sense of true satisfaction from the opportunity to have a positive impact on children who may someday be Navy leaders themselves, said Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SS/DV) Chris Duman, who participated in the visit.

"Being able to come out here and spend the time with the children of the community has been absolutely great," he said. "It's a day for us and the kids to get together and learn more about each other. Who knows, maybe today will have such an impact on one of these kids, they will go on to be a great leader in the Navy."

In addition to speaking to more than 300 students, Sailors also had lunch in the school cafeteria where they signed hundreds of autographs for hundreds of enthusiastic kids.

"It was a lot of fun," said fifth-grade student Jasmine Johnson. "My favorite part of this visit was learning about the meaning of the pins and patches."

Harbordale Elementary School was established in 1959 and currently enrolls 350 students. The school has had a long-standing relationship with the Navy, coordinating annual visits during Fleet Week Port Everglades for nearly a decade.

Four U.S. Navy ships, a submarine, and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter are participating in Fleet Week Port Everglades 2012, an event designed to showcase the investment Americans have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.