USS Santa Fe Visits Japan during Western Pacific Deployment

By USS Santa Fe Public Affairs

FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- FLEET ACTIVITIES YOKOSUKA, Japan - The Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) arrived at Yokosuka, Japan Aug. 17 for a visit as a part of its deployment to the Western Pacific.

With a crew of approximately 150, Santa Fe will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the endurance and flexibility of the submarine fleet.

"Santa Fe is proud to contribute to the 7th Fleet commander's initiates," said Cmdr. Timothy Poe, Santa Fe's commanding officer.

Santa Fe is making its 2nd deployment to the Western Pacific in the last three years. Combining stealth, fire power and persistence to remain on station indefinitely, Santa Fe is crucial to the U.S. Navy's, and its allies' underwater dominance in the region.

"This port call is important to the crew of the Santa Fe as a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication over the last several months," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Juan Gonzalez, the chief of the boat aboard Santa Fe. "The crew has been put through their paces and has stood tall and strong through all challenges. This is also a great opportunity to show military presence and foster a stronger relationship between our two countries."

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Santa Fe is one of the stealthiest submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions. Commissioned on Jan. 8, 1994, Santa Fe is the 52nd ship of the Los Angeles-class and is based out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

U.S. Navy to share its story with the "City of Fountains"

By Kayla Good, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (NNS) -- The world's largest Navy arrived to the "City of Fountains," Aug. 17, to begin Kansas City Navy Week, a week-long series of community and outreach events.

Navy weeks focus a variety of assets, equipment and personnel on a single city, to bring America's Navy closer to the people it protects.

The events and special programs to take place throughout the Kansas City, Misouri area are the culmination of planning and preparation over many months by the Navy Office of Community Outreach, multiple Navy assets, and Kansas City community leaders.

"Our goal is to share the Navy's story through engagements by senior Navy leaders, U.S. Navy Parachute Team, explosive ordinance disposal technicians, Navy divers, and USS Constitution and namesake Sailors," said Gary Ross, lead planner of Kansas City Navy Week.

Vice Adm. William Hilarides, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command, will received a mayoral proclamation to kick off the week during Navy Night, Aug. 18, at the National World War I Memorial and Museum. This free, public event will feature U.S. Navy Band Southeast and other Sailors, who will honor the accomplishments and sacrifices of WWI veterans.

"The band's goal is to perform one of our most important missions -- community outreach," said Master Chief Musician Vincent Burrell, assistant director of Navy Band Southeast. "Kansas City Navy Week is a prime example of the opportunities we have to showcase the talents of our Sailors, who are truly outstanding Navy Ambassadors."

Shawnee, Kan. native Rear Adm. Mark Darrah, program executive officer for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons, will return to his hometown for Navy week.

"Kansas City Navy Week provides me the opportunity to give back to a community which helped establish the educational foundation that enabled me to serve my country," the admiral said. "To be able to return to Kansas City and share my Navy experiences is an amazing opportunity. I am fortunate to spend a few days here to thank those in my home state who continue to produce exceptional people who may someday join our great Navy."

Sailors from Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman will be involved in several community outreach projects throughout the week, including a build for Habitat for Humanity, and visits with the Boy Scouts and the Boys and Girls Club of Kansas City. They will also volunteer for After the Harvest, where Sailors will deliver leftover produce from local farmers to food banks throughout the Kansas City area.

"It's a pretty big deal, and humbling, to be selected from a crew of about 3,000 Sailors to represent them by returning to my hometown," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Ross Taylor. "I look forward to sharing my stories about my job and work on the flight deck. It's really exciting."

Truman Sailors will also work with explosive ordnance disposal technicians and Navy divers at the Sea Life Aquarium. On Aug. 20-21, attendees at the aquarium will have a unique opportunity to see diving demonstrations and talk one on one with Sailors.

Additionally, the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, will execute several aerial demonstrations, including pre-game jumps at Friday's Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks football game and Saturday's Parkville Days celebration at English Landing Park.

The Kansas City Aviation Expo Air Show will also feature the Leap Frogs, Aug. 23, along with the Navy's flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels. Gates open at 9 a.m. at the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport.

Historically, Navy week events draw thousands of attendees to participate and create a dialogue between Sailors and local residents.

"Several businesses, local government, educational institutions and local sports organizations have graciously invited our Navy Week team to visit with them," added Darrah. "My goal is to ensure they all know what role they play in encouraging and preparing young people from the Kansas City area to contribute to strengthening the foundation of what our country was built on....innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and a strong desire to serve whether in uniform or as a citizen. And, of course, to have a better understanding of the role our Navy is playing across the world."

Kansas City Navy Week is the eighth of only 12 Navy weeks in 2015.

34th Surface Line Week Kicks Off in San Diego

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Zachary Bell, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The 34th annual Surface Line Week (SLW) kicked-off in San Diego, Aug. 14, with a golf tournament at Admiral Baker Golf Course.

SLW is a week-long competition sponsored by the staff of Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and features a series of activities dedicated to friendly competition in a variety of professional and athletic events.

"Surface Line Week 2015 consists of 17 athletic events and 15 professional events culminating in an awards ceremony on August 21," said Lt. Jochelle Schatz, this year's event coordinator. "The overall winner will also be recognized at the Surface Warrior Ball held the evening of August 22."

SLW athletic events include: a 5K run, basketball, billiards, bowling, dodge ball, flag football, golf, tennis, volleyball, soccer, racquetball, swimming, push-up and pull-up endurance, and CrossFit. There will also be a chili and salsa cook-off.

SLW professional events include: photography, cake decorating, a damage control marathon, lathe work, marksmanship, medical diagnosis and stretcher bearer race, rescue swimmer, a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) race, sailing, ship handling, valve packing, visual communications, and welding and cutting.

"Competition participants must be active duty, regularly assigned Navy Reserve, or other military personnel and government civilians formally attached to a Navy command," said Schatz.

Last year, USS Boxer (LHD 4) took first place in the overall large command category, USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) took first for medium commands, and Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1 received the small command trophy.

"It's going be a fun, rewarding event for all 32 commands participating," said Schatz. "All of these events promote camaraderie, team building and boost moral, while having some friendly competition along the water front for shore based commands and ships as well."