USS America Departs Brazil, Continues On Maiden Transit

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John Scorza, USS America Public Affairs

RIO DE JANEIRO (NNS) -- The future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) departed Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Aug. 9 after a four-day port visit.

This was the crew's third stop on the ship's maiden transit, "America Visits the Americas" as the ship continues to make its way from Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi to its homeport of San Diego. The crew first visited Cartagena, Colombia and then Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

While in Brazil, the ship hosted a reception in the ship's hangar bay for more than 450 guests. The distinguished guests included Liliana Alayde, U.S. ambassador to Brazil, as well as senior Brazilian, U.S. government and military officials.

During the visit, the ship's military and civilian crew had the opportunity to experience their host nation and to serve as goodwill ambassadors.

"The city was all that I dreamed it would be," said Quartermaster 2nd Class Armando Diaz. "Myself and many of my shipmates enjoyed visiting the 'Christ the Redeemer' statue as well as the beach, great food and culture."

While moored at the Port of Rio de Janeiro, the crew participated in several community relations (COMREL) projects with local Brazilian military members.

Twenty-five Sailors teamed up with members of the Brazilian Navy at Albert Schweitzer Municipal School Aug. 6, for a COMREL project. Together they painted the gate and wall in front of the school, and played soccer with the students.

The two groups met up again Aug. 8 at the United States Municipal School where they made minor repairs to the school, helped build shelving in the classrooms and played with the students during recess. America Sailors also presented soccer balls to students throughout both school visits to enjoy.

"The Navy-Marine Corps team is 'can-do'," said Rear Adm. Frank L. Ponds, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 3, currently embarked on America. "Whether operating at sea or ambassadors ashore, we are always looking for opportunities to be value added - pitching in whenever and wherever we can. Being able to participate in COMREL projects afford us the opportunity to work side-by-side and shoulder-to-shoulder in partnering with our Brazilian friends as they give back to the community."

America's soccer team also played a friendly match against the local Brazilian Naval team. The two teams met in the center of the field and four players from each team unfolded the flags from their respective countries. With both flags displayed, the national anthems from both countries were sung by each team. After the game, members from America and Brazilian teams exchanged mementos.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Raul Garciavillavicencio, USS America soccer team player, said playing against the local soccer team was a great experience. The local Brazilian Navy soccer team practiced regularly with the national Brazilian team, who recently played in the "World Cup. It was a once in a lifetime experience to be able to play a team of their caliber," said Garciavillavicencio.

America is also scheduled to visit Chile and Peru where the crew will continue enriching partnerships through a variety of interactions with the host nations.

"Our Sailors and Marines anticipated this visit, not only for the exciting opportunity to work with our Brazilian counterparts, but to experience the best Brazil has to offer in culture, music and food that has made [the city] famous worldwide," said Ponds. "Visiting Brazil and its many natural and manmade wonders of the world was on many of our 'bucket-lists of things to do and places to go'."

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, U.S. 4th Fleet and U.S. Marine Forces South support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

America is currently traveling through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility on her maiden transit, "America Visits the Americas". America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation "big-deck" amphibious assault ship, America is optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. The ship is scheduled to be ceremoniously commissioned Oct. 11 in San Francisco.

USS Mahan Deploys to 5th Fleet

By Lt. j.g. Alexander Washofsky, USS Mahan Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) departed Naval Station Norfolk today, on a deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

After transiting the Mediterranean Sea, Mahan will enter the Arabian Gulf and surrounding waters to conduct maritime operations and strengthen partner nations' maritime capabilities, promoting a secure maritime environment.

"It is a privilege to command Mahan as we set sail to the 5th Fleet area of operations," said Cmdr. Zoah Scheneman, the ship's commanding officer. "The men and women who make up the crew of the Mahan are among this nation's finest, and together we will ensure freedom of the seas and execute our mission."

Mahan returned from her last deployment in September 2013. Between maintenance periods, the crew was underway for certification exercises and a port visit to New Orleans during Mardi Gras earlier this year.

"I'm excited for this deployment. We've all trained really hard and we're ready to serve our country," said Information System Technician 3rd Class Paul Stanley.

"I'm proud of these Sailors and of all our accomplishments so far," said Scheneman. "I'm excited to see this team perform on the high seas in defense of our nation."

The ship was commissioned Feb. 14, 1998, the fourth ship named after Alfred Thayer Mahan, who wrote "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History," and is considered to be the father of all modern navies.

America Marines and Sailors Conduct Theater Security Cooperation in Brazil

By Cpl. Donald Holbert, Marine Corps Public Affairs

MARAMBAIA ISLAND, Brazil (NNS) -- The Logistics Combat Element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF) South departed the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), Aug. 4, for a theater security cooperation event at Marambaia Island, Brazil.

The TSC consisted of bilateral exchanges on combat marksmanship, improvised explosive device detection (IED), medical treatment and combat tracking, concluding with a BBQ to send the Marines and Sailors of SPMAGTF on their way.

U.S. and Brazilian Marines conducted bilateral combat marksmanship practice for two consecutive days at a shooting range on the island. Though the two groups of Marines shared many fundamental practices, it was clear that many of their tactics have been tailored to meet their specific missions.

"A lot of their shooting techniques and styles have been adapted for the favelas and jungle environments," said 1st Lt. Lamontie James, the LCE executive officer with SPMAGTF South, and a native of Tampa, Florida. "We are more focused on Iraq and Afghanistan type engagements."

By the conclusion of the range, both groups learned new and useful tactics to be employed in future training and operations.

The island provided a perfect setting for the two forces to conduct their bilateral IED detection exchange. Simulated IEDs were planted on a road which allowed each group to demonstrate their own detection and disposal tactics.

"We showed them different ways of patrolling using a v-sweep," said Cpl. Christopher Cordero Vega, combat engineer section-head for the LCE of SPMAGTF South, and a native of Humacao, Puerto Rico. "They were very enthusiastic about everything we showed them because they were techniques from Iraq and Afghanistan, things they haven't seen before."

Every service member who participated in the counter IED course also participated in combat tracking due to the relevance that it has to IED detection. In combat tracking, personnel are taught to identify changes in their environment to assist in locating an objective. The instructors provided practical application for the U.S. and Brazilian Marines to apply the skills they learned in the classroom.

"You have three different types of tracking, micro, macro and tactical," said Cpl. Jake Steinbuch, LCE optics chief with SPMAGTF South, and a native of Temecula, Calif. "We made different spore pits to show how you can determine size, activity, location and movement."

Whether IEDs or personnel, the bi-lateral combat tracking exchange provided both groups with the fundamentals needed to improve their situational awareness in operational environments.

CLS played a significant role in the TSC as well. Navy personnel from both nations brought their best practices to the table. The bi-lateral exchange consisted of mass casualty events, hemorrhage control and advanced airway resuscitation.

"Medical practice is an international language that everybody speaks," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Clarence Perry, with SPMAGTF South. "We learned from them that if they don't have the materials, they would improvise and use their environment to take care of a patient. Sometimes thinking outside the box is the simplest way to fix a patient and save a life."

The bilateral CLS exchange concluded with a practical application where both groups demonstrated their newly acquired skillsets on simulated patients and scenarios.

The TSC event was concluded with a BBQ hosted by the Brazilians as a gesture of respect and partnership with the Marines and Sailors of SPAMGTF South. The night consisted of delicious food, socializing and the presentation of a plaque for Brazilian Rear Adm. Nelio de Almeida, commander of Marine Doctrine and Training Command. By the end of the evening it was clear that strong bonds had been formed that have resulted in life-long friendships. Many shared their interest in returning for future TSCs with their new Brazilian counterparts.

"We brought to the table the best that America has to offer and Brazil did the same," said Gunnery Sgt. Steven Superville, the LCE operations chief with SPMAGTF South, and a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.

"The whole experience is one that I will never forget."

The Marines of SPMAGTF-South are embarked on board USS America on her maiden transit, "America Visits the Americas". The transit is a clear example of our nation's commitment to our regional partners and allies. Through partner-nation activities, key leader engagements and security cooperation activities, the Marines and Sailors of SPMAGTF South demonstrate the flexibility, utility and unparalleled expeditionary capability the Navy-Marine Corps team provides our nation and partners.

USS Rodney M Davis Enters 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derek A. Harkins, USS Rodney M. Davis Public Affairs

USS RODNEY M. DAVIS, At Sea (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) entered the 7th Fleet area of operations (AOR) Aug. 9, after transiting from Pearl Harbor.

The ship will conduct operations with United States Coast Guard (USCG) Tactical Law Enforcement Team Pacific and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in support of the Oceania Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) in the region.

The purpose of OMSI is to enhance maritime domain awareness while increasing law enforcement presence, capacity and capability at sea. To support these goals, the ship's crew and USCG team will perform compliant boarding operations in the Oceania region of the Pacific Ocean.

"These exercises will increase our ability to conduct joint operations while we carry out our mission," said Lt. Kevin Novick, officer in charge of USCG Tactical Law Enforcement Pacific Team embarked aboard Rodney M. Davis. "They will improve our ability to carry out a mission that supports the top foreign affairs priorities of the U.S. and its allies in the Western and Central Pacific regions."

While in the 7th Fleet AOR, Rodney M. Davis will also conduct theater security cooperation with allies and partners in the region.

"Rodney M. Davis will decommission in 2015, so this is our sunset deployment," said Cmdr. Todd Whalen, the ship's commanding officer. "Performing joint operations with our sister sea service and strengthening ties with our regional allies is a great way to close the book on our ship's history."

Rodney M. Davis, based out of Everett, Washington, and is on patrol supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

First pipeline class of F-35 crew chiefs graduates at Eglin

by George Woodward
82nd Training Wing Public Affairs

8/12/2014 - EGLIN AFB, Fla. -- Nine Airmen became the first Air Force recruits to graduate initial skills technical training as F-35 Lightning II crew chiefs after completing Mission-Ready Airmen training here Aug. 7.

"The opportunity to be the first of something so important means a lot. I know many people are looking at us to be the best - it's a big honor," said Airman 1st Class Saovada Pum.

"To be among the first to earn my 3-Level as an F-35 Crew Chief is a feeling of responsibility and also a significant measure of pride," said Airman 1st Class Gideon R. Burris. "It's special because the F-35 is the most technologically advanced aircraft in the air."

For both students, graduation was the culmination of months of training within the 82nd Training Wing that spanned two bases and three squadrons. After completing Basic Military Training, they headed to Sheppard AFB, Texas for aircraft fundamentals with the 362nd Training Squadron. Then it was on to Eglin AFB, first for F-35-specific training with the 359th Training Squadron followed by Mission-Ready Airmen training with Detachment 19, 372nd Training Squadron, which tested their ability to apply their training in an operational environment.

As with its fifth-generation cousin the F-22, maintenance training for the F-35 is as advanced as the aircraft itself.

"The majority of my F-15 training took place in a classroom where most of the hands-on training was performed on props, models or older block versions of aircraft," said instructor Staff Sgt. Trevor L. Taylor. "These Airmen get to work on the current aircraft itself or simulators that closely mirror operational aircraft."

Fellow instructor Staff Sgt. Kevin L. Evans agreed. "It's very different! The training I received was all on paper in black and white. The training these Airmen are getting is all computer-based. It's also modular and simplified so that a completely inexperienced Airman can quickly learn and perform complex maintenance tasks."

The digital, modular nature of training is a natural consequence of the technology inherent in the aircraft, according to instructor Staff Sgt. Ralph S. Davis.

"The technology integrated into the F-35 makes the aircraft easier to maintain. We interface directly with the aircraft by computer, and the diagnostic capabilities inherent in every system let us know if a component is going bad before it handicaps the mission. This allows a proactive approach to maintenance that will minimize down time" said Davis.

According to Taylor, Burris and his fellow graduates were well prepared for the challenge of learning how to maintain the high-tech fighter. "One of the great things about the F-35 training program is that it's suited perfectly for this generation of Airmen. They're very proficient with computer technology, which helps them quickly grasp F-35 concepts and systems," he said.

"It's gratifying to be part of something historic," agreed Evans, "but also a little surreal. It means a new age of Air Force maintainers, equipped with new age training, working on new age equipment."

Graduating the first crew chief class is yet another major milestone achieved for the F-35 program as a whole, said Detachment Commander U.S. Marine Corps Captain Ryan Martin.

"Graduating the first 'pipeline' crew chief class is important for the entire F-35 campus at Eglin. It demonstrates that we've developed the training system and curriculum needed to take an Airman from Basic Military Training graduate to mission-ready F-35 technician. Not only can we develop the aircraft itself and the pilots who will fly it, but also the maintainers who will keep it ready to fly, fight and win."

For Taylor, it's another step on the road to ensuring air dominance well into the future.

"Once the F-35 program has matured and the full capabilities of the aircraft are realized, the marriage between aircraft, pilot, and maintainer will be a lethal combination for many decades to come."

MNF-S forces defend Panama Canal during PANAMAX exercise

by Master Sgt. Kelly Ogden

12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

8/12/2014 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AFB, Ariz.  --  An illegitimate organization seeks to undermine peace, security and liberty by destabilizing local and regional economies in Central America.

The organization is trying to disrupt operations and/or take over the Panama Canal, which poses a serious threat to the region.

The canal is critical to global commerce and the U.S. is obligated to defend the neutrality of the canal in times of peace and times of war under the Panama Canal Neutrality Act.

In response to the imminent threat, a multi-national force knows as Multi-National Force-South (MNF-S) has stood-up to support Operation Sea Stallion. MNF-S consists of naval, air, and ground assets from several countries from the region and across the globe.

The multi-national force includes forces and integrated staff members from the civil, naval, land and air forces of Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru and the United States acting in cooperation with the United Nations.

The illegitimate organization will threaten lives, inflict casualties and destroy property and equipment.

THIS IS ONLY AN EXERCISE.

The exercise, PANAMAX 2014, is an annual U.S. Southern Command-sponsored event that focuses on ensuring the defense of the Panama Canal.

The Panama Canal is critical to the free flow of trade in the region and the entire world.  The region's economy and political stability largely depend on the safe transport of several hundred million tons of cargo through the canal each year and PANAMAX 2014 is designed to ensure plans are in place to respond to requests from the Government of Panama to protect the canal.

Each year, USSOUTHCOM and its air, sea and land components partner with representatives from a multitude of countries to exchange experience, expertise and new knowledge about each other's culture and people.

"Training with our partner nations at every possible opportunity is integral to mission success," said Col. Bruce Smith, serving as the Commander, Air Force Forces and Combined Forces Air Component Commander for PANAMAX. "Working and training with one another strengthens our bonds and allows us to be more efficient and more effective in responding to regional threats and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief operations as one united front."

Since 2012, Brazil and Colombia have led the land and sea components of the exercise, and this year Chile is leading the special operations component.  This is a key step in achieving full interoperability among all participant nations. All partner nations benefit from the collaborative efforts to ensure the safety and security of the Panama Canal.

"This is a big opportunity for us to participate with other countries because we are so far away from the actual PANAMAX exercise," said. Col. Cristian Eguia, Chilean Air Force Liaison Officer at 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern). "This exercise gives us an outlet to share what we do in our country and to show what we are doing in the PANAMAX exercise to protect the canal and it's a great opportunity to learn."

PANAMAX 2014 began August 8 and is scheduled to run through Aug. 15.