USNS Henson Supports 7th Fleet in Warfighting Readiness

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brannon Deugan, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command oceanographic survey ship USNS Henson (T-AGS 63) collects and analyzes oceanographic data that is used to support U.S. Navy warfighters.

Henson is a multipurpose oceanographic survey ship that conducts hydrographic, acoustic, oceanographic and bathymetric survey operations worldwide and is currently operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet.

"Henson is a multifunction ship," said Steven Faber, Mine Warfare Fleet Support lead. "We provide data that assists in the decision making for everything from mine warfare to anti-submarine warfare."

Data collected by Henson will be analyzed and utilized in numerous different products specifically requested by U.S. 7th Fleet to meet mission requirements.

"Henson paints a picture of the environment on the floor of the ocean," said Brian Hartley, Henson's data manager. "This is important because it gives warfighters the ability to make decisions based off timeline data the oceanographic survey ships like Henson have collected over the years."

Henson was designed to provide multiple capabilities including physical, chemical and biological oceanography; multidiscipline environmental investigations; ocean engineering and marine acoustics; marine geology and geophysics; and bathymetric surveying. These capabilities provide an in-depth understanding of ocean conditions, which then helps prioritize search efforts in areas such as mine warfare.

"With the capabilities available to us in our equipment, we can understand how the environment and terrain affects the use of mine warfare in the future," explained Hartley. "If we know an area is silt and the laying of a mine there would cause the mine to simply sink into the bottom, searching there would be more problematic, say, than for an area with sandy terrain and several hazards. That would be an area to really do an extensive search for mines in the future."

Henson serves as a platform for surveyors with the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO). NAVOCEANO has technical control of Henson and four other survey ships and uses a variety of platforms, including ships, aircraft, satellite sensors and buoys to collect oceanographic and hydrographic data from the world's oceans. Henson is operated by the Military Sealift Command for the Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC).

NAVOCEANO, the largest subordinate command within the CNMOC, is responsible for providing oceanographic products and services to all elements of the Department of Defense.

Over 1,400 Hondurans receive medical care from U.S. Army medics

by Capt. Steven Stubbs
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs

8/22/2014 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- Joint Task Force-Bravo's Medical Element (MEDEL), with support from JTF-Bravo Joint Security Forces and Army Forces Battalion, partnered with the Honduran Ministry of Health and the Honduran military to provide medical care to more than 1,400 people and performed 11 surgeries over three days in the Department of Santa Barbara, Honduras during a Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE) and Mobile Surgical Team (MST), Aug. 11-15, 2014.

The expeditionary MEDRETE team convoyed to the communities of San Juan del Sitio and Correderos while the MST group convoyed to the Santa Barbara Hospital to perform the surgeries.

"The communities of San Juan del Sitio and Correderos are greatly underserved medically," said U.S. Army Maj. Daniel Gardner, mission commander and pharmacist with MEDEL. "Some residents received timely and effective treatment for acute conditions that potentially could have produced long term problems. Examples include antibiotics for acute infections, respiratory treatments, and dental extractions."

The JTF-Bravo team, the Honduran Ministry of Health, and the Honduran military worked together to provide important preventative medical information, anti-parasitic treatment, much needed dental services, and a range of primary care services, including treating and controlling a head lice outbreak in San Juan del Sitio, resulting in improved overall health for the communities.

An unusual case presented to the MEDRETE team required the removal of a bullet located in a man's chest that has been there for two years.

"One gentleman required surgical extraction of a bullet located superficially in his chest," stated Gardner. "The bullet was left over from an incident in 2012 and had worked its way up just under the skin. The procedure was straightforward and performed under field conditions by a physician assistant and medic."

U.S. Army and Honduran surgeons performed open cholecystectomy, hernia and appendectomy surgeries to include an emergency appendectomy. The operations provided to the underserviced and impoverished community didn't cost them anything while the surgical team also helped shrink the surgery waiting list, provided materials necessary to perform some procedures and helped local medical professionals repair medical facilities and equipment.

"These surgeries were provided to the patients at no cost which helped those that did not have the money to pay," said U.S. Army Maj. Karen Santiago, MST mission commander and MEDEL chief nurse. "The Santa Barbara Hospital had a 50 patient backlog that was reduced to 39 and they could not perform the hernia surgeries because they didn't have any MESH so we provided it."

Both medical teams commended the Honduran Ministry of Health and military personnel for a job well done even in the toughest of times.

"I was impressed by the high quality performance and professionalism of Joint Task Force-Bravo, Honduran Ministry of Health, and military personnel," added Gardner. "But I was also awed by the profound lack of healthcare resources available in these remote communities, and the ability of the Ministry of Health personnel to stretch those limited resources."

Joint Task Force-Bravo has been conducting medical readiness training exercises since Oct. 1993. They have treated more than 349,000 medical patients, 69,000 dental patients and 14,400 surgical patients throughout Central America.

Navy Doc Sails Into the 'Land of 10,000 Lakes'

By Lisa Johnson, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

DULUTH, Minn. (NNS) -- Navy Medicine leadership met with Minnesota's top medical professionals, public safety officials, and academic leaders to discuss the Navy's importance to global economics, Navy Medicine's capabilities and commitment to patient care during Duluth Navy Week 18-22 Aug.

Rear Adm. Kenneth Iverson, deputy chief, Medical Operations, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery was the top medical officer representing Navy Medicine during the week.

"I grew up in Minnesota, so it was truly my distinct honor and privilege to serve as the lead for Navy Medicine during Duluth Navy Week," said Iverson. "Minnesota has a rich history of supporting our military service members. Duluth Navy Week is a great opportunity to give back while also highlighting our Navy's capabilities for those who desire to be a part of our team."

During a visit to St. Luke's Hospital, the admiral met with hospital leaders and physicians involved in care for traumatic brain injury patients, followed by a presentation to the hospital staff.

"Visits such as Rear Adm. Iverson's are extremely important to St. Luke's as they are informative and used to educate physicians and staff on critical health care topics," said Linda Basara, St. Luke's director of education. "In addition, this visit supported our mission of 'the patient above all else' by showing us Navy Medicine's focus to serve those entrusted to its care."

During his presentation, the admiral informed the staff how Navy Medicine fits into the Navy's commitment to worldwide readiness and stability.

"We learned how expansive and crucial Navy Medicine is for its beneficiaries," said Basara. "The aspects of expeditionary care provided in the air, on and below the sea, and on land, were fascinating. The garrison health care, wounded warrior care and the humanitarian assistance/disaster response demonstrate the 'Global Force For Good' in real action."

During his two days of outreach, Iverson met with the Essentia Health chief operating officer and leadership team, visited the Duluth Vet Center, took a tour of the VA Clinic in Superior, Wisconsin and met with firemen, police officers and first responders in the Duluth metropolitan area.

"I graduated from the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis," said Iverson. "I've visited Duluth many times in my younger days and I was thrilled with the opportunity of returning to this city for an opportunity to share the Navy and Navy Medicine missions."

Navy Medicine is a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ships, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.

Duluth Navy Week is one of six 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.

Buffalo Sailors Donate Blood to Armed Services Blood Program

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jason Swink, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The crew of Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Buffalo (SSN 715), their family and friends came out in numbers to support the Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP), Aug. 20, at a blood drive held adjacent to the submarine piers aboard Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

The turnout for this blood drive, the sixth in the last 18 months for Buffalo, is the best yet, as Tripler Army Medical Center's (TAMC) phlebotomists were able to collect 98 pints of blood during the drive.

"Ninety-eight pints is an excellent turnout," said Michelle Lele, the ASBP recruiter for TAMC. "I wish we had more commands that were able to sponsor large drives like this."

One recipient of such donations, former Army Staff Sgt. Jed Kennedy, a Purple Heart recipient and brother of Buffalo's engineering officer, encouraged the boat's Sailors to make a life-saving contribution.

"Your contributions that you make do go to a good purpose," said Jed Kennedy to the crew Aug. 15 at quarters on the pier. "If there weren't people out there willing to give blood, then I wouldn't be here today. I am so thankful for anybody who takes the time to go out and give."

Jed Kennedy detailed his battlefield injuries he received while on patrol in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, while serving with the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, where he was shot through the chest, requiring immediate medical attention and 10 units of blood products to recover from his wounds.

Now separated from the Army, Jed Kennedy was visiting his brother, Lt. Cmdr. Jake Kennedy, who asked Jed to talk to the boat's Sailors to provide a real life example of how their blood donations directly impact soldiers, airmen and Sailors in the field.

"I know it's something else they have to do on an already loaded schedule, but it might be the thing that saves somebody's life," said Jed.

The energetic and lively recounting of his experiences worked to motivate the Sailors in achieving their highest donation rate yet.

"The numbers reflected the call to service of Sgt. Kennedy and the accompanying feelings of these Sailors," said Buffalo's commanding officer, Cmdr. Brian Tothero. "These units of life-saving fluids will be used where they are most needed at nearby Tripler Army Medical Center, and in various forward-deployed locations in Afghanistan and other areas around the world."

"It really shows how much people actually need donated blood," said Electronics Technician Seaman Jacob Ellis. "I think a lot of people donate and don't think they are making that big of a difference, but they really can save someone's life."

Buffalo has sponsored blood drives about once per quarter. After the last drive, the engineering officer, Lt. Cmdr. Jake Kennedy, informed Tothero of his brother's experiences and how he was grateful that this was a command initiative to send blood to theater operations. When hearing that the family was visiting the island, it was a golden opportunity to set up a guest speaker for this next blood drive.

"We were very blessed that my brother, Jed, was able to make it out of there alive," said Jake Kennedy as he recounted his brother's ordeal. "We were especially blessed with the donors and the amount of blood they did have at the forward operating base."

"It's really heartwarming to see the Sailors of Buffalo, who are 'my family,' providing all this support to our brothers-in-arms in Afghanistan," said Jake Kennedy.

ASBP provides quality blood products for service members, veterans and their families in both peace and war. As a joint operation among the military services, the ASBP has many components working together to collect, process, store, distribute and transfuse blood worldwide.

The blood and blood products are used for patients of all ages for many reasons from cancer patients to those with battlefield injuries. Military members and their families depend on blood donors every day.

Naval Special Warfare Group TWO Change of Hands, Plans, and Command

By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Desiree D. Smith, Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Public Affairs

VIRGINA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group (CNSWG-2) TWO held a change of command ceremony at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Aug. 22nd.

Capt. Peter G. Vasely relieved Capt. Robert E. Smith, who served at the helm of CNSWG-2 since Aug. 2012. Rear Adm. Brian Losey, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.

"The change of command ceremony is a time-honored naval tradition, all hands would muster on deck and witness the formal transfer of authority from one commander to another," said Losey.

Rear Adm. Losey spoke to an audience of more than 350 Naval Special Warfare (NSW) personnel, family, and friends about the accomplishments of CNSWG-2 and the forward deployed forces during Capt. Smith's tenure as well as the shift in direction that he directly supported during his tour.

"He's done a tremendous job in realizing the vision of the continent of Africa," said Losey. "Capt. Smith not only postured there from a command and control standpoint but coordinated with the State Department in each of the countries to remain postured to respond to U.S. unilateral interest if, and when necessary."

Rear Adm. Losey continued, "He has put Group TWO out front in one of the most contentious conflict zones in the world and that's East Africa. Think Sudan, Somalia, and then all of the boundary states such as Ethiopia and Kenya and it's only 18 nautical miles away from where some of the most focused unspoken fighting is occurring in respect to Yemen."

"Admiral William McRaven's number one priority is to win the current fight, and the current fight is being manifested in Afghanistan and he kept the force to the fire and for the last 13 years NSW has been recognized with two Medals of Honor, 58 Navy Cross Medals, 94 Silver Star Medals, and over 2600 Bronze Star Medals with Valor," said Losey. "We've had 77 teammates killed-in-action and 270 wounded and that is no small amount of sacrifice or commitment."

Rear Adm. Losey closed his remarks by saying, "Capt. Smith has done a tremendous job helping evolve our force." Rear Adm. Losey then called the military personnel present to attention and asked the guests to rise as he awarded the Legion of Merit Medal to Capt. Smith for his accomplishments while in command of CNSWG-2. Rear Adm. Losey then turned the floor over to Capt. Smith.

Commander, Naval Special Warfare Group TWO's primary focus rested heavily on Afghanistan when Capt. Smith assumed command in 2012.

"Within the first six months Rear Adm. Sean Pybus and Losey, both challenged us as they challenged every major commander in NSW," recalled Smith. "The challenge was what do we do after Afghanistan, how are we relevant and how does this force continue to serve the American public to ensure security across the globe? It wasn't just the challenge but the empowerment, and they empowered us to reach out to the fleet and operational commanders to engage with them to find out what their needs were to shape our force to their needs, and as we did that, we leveraged that empowerment to make Group TWO relevant,"

Smith ended his remarks saying, "Pete, you're getting a great command, they are ready. I couldn't think of a better person to turn this command over to because from the Naval Academy to Coronado, the East Coast and to D.C., I think it made us both stronger people and this mission is going to continue forward and you're the right man to lead it."

Capt. Smith and Capt. Vasely then read their orders. The two then met in front of Rear Adm. Losey to ceremoniously execute the change of command before Capt. Vasely addressed the command for the first time as the commanding officer.

"As we look at this transition, it comes at a very challenging time and a period of great uncertainty where our country faces a multi-faceted series of threats from violent extremist organizations. One thing that is absolutely certain is the competence, capability of the force to fight, and willingness to win the hardest challenges that are thrown at it," said Vasely.

Capt. Vasely continued his remarks by stating, "I am honored that you and the NSW community have entrusted me with the responsibility to major command and I'm committed to the responsibility of being in command of Group TWO. I'm committed to the men and women of Group TWO to provide you with clear vision, guidance and direction so that you are enabled to continue to excel in executing this nation's toughest missions, and also to your families for being the rock and foundation of everything we do and the commitment they so justly deserve,"

USS Cole Deploys to 6th Fleet

By Lt. j.g. Douglas Kroh, USS Cole Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67) departed Naval Station Norfolk today, on a deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

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

"It is an honor to command Cole as we set sail," said Cmdr. Dennis Farrell, the ship's commanding officer. "The men and women who make up the crew of Cole are this nation's best and brightest and they have answered the call to serve America, protect the nation's security and carry out the maritime strategy."

Cole returned from her last deployment in January 2013. Between maintenance periods, the crew was underway for certification exercises, participation in the NATO exercise Joint Warrior and Fleet Week New York earlier this year.

"The history of this ship carries great weight," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Bradley Dowden. "We are all proud to carry it into the world. Showing her off gives me a great sense of personal pride."

The ship was commissioned June 8, 1996, and is named after U.S. Marine Sgt. Darrell Samuel Cole, who received the Medal of Honor for his "conspicuous gallantry" at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.