Urgent Provider 2014 Prepares Sailors to Respond to Crises

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Erica Gardner, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Active and Reserve Sailors from multiple East Coast commands gathered at Naval Station Mayport, Oct. 16, for Urgent Provider 2014, a three-day humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet.

The third annual event, which included nearly 50 participants, was designed to build and enhance the skills necessary to support the planning efforts of combatant commanders and fleet commanders responding to crises.

"How many of you think 4th Fleet will be asked to respond to a natural disaster between now and say 10 years from now?," Rear Adm. George Ballance, the commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, asked the participants. "Can anyone tell me when?"

"Exactly," he said. "So, we have to be ready."

"You'll never know when the call is going to come or to what degree you'll have to respond," said Ballance, who was assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet in 2011 when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and follow-on tsunami devastated parts of Japan.

For Urgent Provider, instructors from the Naval War College's Assist and Assess team presented a scenario involving a category 5 hurricane in Central America, an oil spill and the need to evacuate U.S. citizens.

With guidance from the instructors on the Navy planning process, the participants worked through the resulting problems on four operational planning teams (OPTs).

The intent was to ignite productive conversations among the OPT members, said Capt. Joey Dodgen, who commanded the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Reserve unit until Oct. 15 and coordinated the exercise.

"In contrast to other training exercises, this event minimizes the amount of instruction and maximizes the practical exercises," Dodgen said.

"[Participants] are learning more by doing, establishing relationships with their peers and creating team synergy from the start," he said.

Lt. Cmdr. Marcus Thomas, the operations officer for Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) Houston, described the development of ideas as "eye-opening."

"The training is hands-on," he said. "This is more beneficial than watching a PowerPoint presentation for the duration of the course."

In addition to the U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet active and reserve staffs, including NR U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Detachment A, units represented at Urgent Provider 2014 were Navy Reserve (NR) Commander, 3rd Fleet Joint Force Maritime Commander; NR Commander, 3rd Fleet Maritime Air Operations; NR Expeditionary Strike Group 3; NR Commander, 5th Fleet Maritime Operations Center; NR Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa/6th Fleet Detachment 802; NR Commander, 7th Fleet Detachment Newport; and NR Office of Naval Research Science and Technology Detachment 105 and NCAGS Houston.

Exercise Clear Horizon 2014 to Hone Mine Countermeasures, Enhance Cooperation

By Lt. Arlo Abrahamson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs

CHINHAE, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The U.S. and Republic of Korea (ROK) navies will participate in Exercise Clear Horizon, October 20-24, in waters south of the Korean peninsula.

Clear Horizon is an annual bilateral exercise between the U.S. and ROK navies designed to enhance cooperation and improve capabilities in mine countermeasure operations.

"We achieve mine countermeasure proficiency by rehearsing scenarios at sea and developing key mine warfare skill sets," said Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. "Clear Horizon provides both navies an important opportunity to improve coordination and increase readiness in critical mine countermeasure capabilities."

Approximately 330 U.S. Navy personnel assigned to Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7, the mine countermeasure ships USS Warrior (MCM 10) and USS Chief (MCM 14); along with MH-53E helicopters from Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14 (HM-14) and teams from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 5, will join ROK navy forces for the bilateral training.

During the exercise, U.S. and ROK navy ships and expeditionary units will practice clearing routes for shipping and conduct training surveys for clearing operational areas. Mine clearing helicopters will also be utilized to rehearse mine countermeasure operations from the air.

"Clear Horizon is a great training opportunity for our forward-deployed mine countermeasures assets across the entire mine warfare spectrum," said Capt. Mike Dowling, Commander, Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7. "This combined exercise is vitally important for maintaining interoperability with the ROK Navy."

The mine countermeasure training is the culmination of many months of planning between ROK and U.S. Navy exercise staffs. Leaders from both navies credit the routine bilateral engagement and close cooperation that occurs throughout the year for the successful planning and execution of exercises like Clear Horizon.

"This year's Clear Horizon exercise demonstrates the strong partnership and cooperation between the ROK and U.S. navies," said Cmdr. Kim, Boem Woo, of the Republic of Korea Fleet. "We are bringing together valuable expertise and knowledge from both navies and applying these skills in a realistic training environment."

Clear Horizon is one of approximately 20 annual bilateral training exercises held each year between the U.S. and ROK navies aimed at strengthening the alliance and preserving stability and peace around the Korean peninsula and throughout Northeast Asia.

The U.S. 7th Fleet maintains routine presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to help promote maritime security and develop partnerships with friends and allies. Forward-deployed U.S. naval presence contributes to freedom of navigation, operational readiness, and enables an exchange of culture, skills, and tactical knowledge with nations throughout the region.

CAF domains like ‘legs on a chair’

by Capt. Jason Smith
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

10/17/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- Comprehensive Airman Fitness promotes a holistic approach to health in four domains:  mental, physical, social and spiritual.

The Air Force Instruction for CAF, AFI 90-506, hit the streets in April 2014, but the new instruction doesn't make comprehensive fitness a new lifestyle concept.

Air Combat Command adopted CAF in 2009 based on the Army's framework of the Army Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program. One of the four domains of CAF, social health, is addressed in an October 2010 Defense Centers of Excellence newsletter. The article states "social fitness includes financial health, social connectivity, leadership skills, relationships with family and friends, and unity and work relationships."

According to Gina Ramirez, licensed professional counselor for Outreach/Resiliency Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, social health can be defined as the ability to communicate and make meaningful connections with others. It's an effort to maintain a social network with an ability to work well with others.

"As one of the four domains, (social health) can be likened to legs on a chair," said Ramirez. "You should have all four; mental, physical, social and spiritual; to make up healthy living. Although there will always be room for improvement, no matter which domain, each brings an essential element of wellness. Within the social domain is our ability to communicate. Communication runs through each domain and is our way of relating to the environment and those around us."

Ramirez said getting to know coworkers is important for better relationships.

"Encourage team and moral building events within and outside of the office," said Ramirez. "Notice what other social avenues the person has out of work; friends, family, creative groups, sports groups, church organizations. Where do they get their social needs met? There are many resources on base to help Airmen get plugged into the community--on or off base."

Crash survivor shares resilience story to Airmen

by Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

10/16/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The men and women of Team McConnell participated in a Wingman Day event Oct. 10, to develop their communication skills, resiliency and focus on Air Force core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

Wingman Day's premier event was a speech from Jared Estes, McConnell's honorary command chief and survivor of an alcohol related car crash.

Estes and his wife Paige were hit by a vehicle operated by an intoxicated driver in 2005. When Estes awoke from a coma two weeks later, half his body was severely burned and was informed that his wife, Paige, had not survived.

Estes faced years of excruciating pain in recovery, however, he didn't spend his time speaking in remorse; rather, he spoke more about how he persevered through difficult times and the elements which helped him pull through it: grace, attitude, teamwork, goals and perspective.

"Teamwork is what wingman day is all about," said Estes. "In order to combat our circumstances, we can't do it by ourselves. We need to help each other. It took the help of surgeons, doctors and family members to get me where I am today."

Through his story, Estes shared how he learned to set and accomplish goals, from leaving the hospital room for the first time, to attending countless sessions of physical therapy, court cases, surgeries and eventually, gathering the strength to mourn at his wife's grave.

While many have not faced the same challenges Estes faced, he suggested hardships are more common than people realize.

"We're all fighting the same internal battles inside, but sometimes we fail to acknowledge it," he said. "Something as simple as a smile could make a huge difference to your fellow wingman."

Small acts of kindness like this are what Estes considers 'living with grace.'

Estes bounced back from his losses, but still reflects on the past to keep a positive perspective on what is really important.

"There are so many of us who go through really difficult times of pain and loss," he said. "And when we're in the heat of it, we like to just think of the better days. A lot of times, when we finally recover, we forget about all that trouble and pain we went through."

Estes paused to display a picture of his face after the accident. It's masked with charcoal-colored third-degree burns, which required a few moments to identify as a person.

"That's when we start to focus on all those tiny things that should not really be consuming us," he added.

Of all the life lessons Estes gained from his recuperation, he said that letting go was one of the most important. In order to grow, he had to let go of his old self and embrace who he is now.

"I tried so hard to be the guy I was before the accident," he said. "But I didn't look like him; people didn't treat me like him. The more I tried to be like him, things went worse for me. Not only did I have to go through a sort of grieving process for Paige, but I also went through that for myself."

Hundreds of Airmen honored Estes with a standing ovation after the speech concluded. Col. Joel Jackson, 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, then asked the audience "what are you going to do?" should they be in a situation where they can put a stop to alcohol abuse.

Other professional development opportunities were also staggered throughout Wingman Day such as the Airman and Family Readiness Center's Four Lenses class and other courses, covering topics such as a spouse resiliency, dignity and respect, and financial management.

Estes was the last one out of the base theatre, staying late to answer questions and relate to Airmen who had experienced similar tragedies and recoveries in their lives.

"One of my favorite things about coming out here to McConnell is the attitude, teamwork and the feeling for respect for each other is just amazing," said Estes. "It's not something you get in the civilian world. You guys are models; not just for me, but for so many people. I am so lucky to have the chance to spend time with you all."

Dunford Succeeds Amos as Marine Corps Commandant

By Claudette Roulo

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2014 – After nearly four years as Marine Corps commandant, Gen. James F. Amos today passed command to Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr. in a ceremony at Marine Barracks Washington.

Amos, who is retiring, has a long record of leadership and impressive accomplishments in his 44 years of military service, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said at the change of command ceremony.

“He helped make peace -- and keep it -- in the Balkans. He commanded Marine aviation in Iraq. He served in important positions of responsibility at NATO and the Pentagon,” Hagel said.

“...As commandant, Jim brought a Marine aviator’s focus, discipline and creativity to the challenges facing the Corps at this unique time in our history,” the defense secretary said. Amos was the first Marine Corps Commandant to have come from the aviation community.

A Marine Corps in transition

Amos’ tenure as commandant spanned the drawdown and conclusion of two wars and a period of great budgetary uncertainty and wrenching challenges for the military, Hagel noted.

After more than 13 years of war, Amos oversaw the Marine Corps’ revitalization of its amphibious and expeditionary roles, the secretary said. Under Amos, he added, the Marine Corps led the way in the strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region. And, under Amos’ leadership, “the Marines established an innovative rotational presence in Australia that will help strengthen our partnerships and alliances across the region,” the defense secretary said.

“From North Africa to the Middle East, when crisis strikes, the Marines are first responders, because Gen. Amos made readiness and the health of the force his highest priority, ensuring that Marines meet their mission with the right tools at the right time and with the highest standards of integrity and discipline,” Hagel said.

New commandant

“Great commandants are formed from great challenges,” said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who presided over the change of command ceremony.

“Today we say Godspeed to one great commandant, while we welcome the Marines' next great commandant,” Mabus said.

Dunford becomes the 36th commandant of the Marine Corps after a storied career as an infantry officer, Hagel said.

“Over the last two years his steady leadership -- his wise leadership -- of the International Security Assistance Force has successfully kept our transition in Afghanistan on track and on focus despite, despite unrelenting challenges,” the defense secretary said.

Dunford “is superbly qualified and prepared to help write the next chapter of the United States Marine Corps’ history,” Hagel said.