Navy News Service

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. You are subscribed to Navy News for U.S. Navy. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Navy News Service NNS130619-11. USS Freedom Brings Littoral Combat Ship Capabilities To CARAT Malaysia -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74922 NNS130619-10. Navy Installations Plan Reduction in Force -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74921 NNS130619-09. Nimitz Conducts Sexual Assault Prevention Training at Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74920 DNU -- Headlines for Wednesday, June 19, 2013: Congress Proposes Uniform Changes; MV-22 Osprey Makes History on Japanese Ship -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18559 NNS130619-18. Coastal Riverine Squadron One Detachments Deploy -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74928 NNS130619-02. Navy Implementation Plan Approved, More Positions Open For Women -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74913 NNS130619-19. Germantown Completes Amphibious Warfare Certification -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74929 NNS130619-06. USS Jacksonville Returns to Pearl Harbor -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74908 DNU -- SECDEF Unveils Korean War Display at Pentagon -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18560 NNS130619-12. USS Paul Hamilton Raises Homeward Bound Pennant -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74910 NNS130619-15. International Military and Civilian Legal Advisors Graduate from DIILS -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74925 DNU -- Navy Chief Honored as Hall of Fame Dad -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18561 NNS130619-17. Healing Hands in San Diego -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74927 NNS130619-07. Submarine Group 7 Changes Command -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74911 NNS130619-03. Navy Housing Early Application Tool Hits One Year Anniversary -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74915 DNU -- Exceptional Family Member Program Assists Military Families -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18558 NNS130619-20. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74919 NNS020418-27. This Day in Naval History - June 19 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1391 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=153528 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-11. USS Freedom Brings Littoral Combat Ship Capabilities To CARAT Malaysia By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson KUANTAN, Malaysia (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) accomplished several firsts to participate in exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) with the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), June 15. Freedom was the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to Commander Task Group (CTG) 73.1 to pull straight into Kuantan's shallow pier. "Being pierside at Kuantan Naval Base gave us the chance to make an instant impression, and show regional navies what this ship can do and how we can contribute to mutual interests at sea," said Cmdr. Timothy Wilke, commanding officer. CARAT is a series of bilateral naval exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. Continuing through June 23, CARAT Malaysia 2013 consists of ten days of shore-based and at-sea training events designed to address shared maritime security concerns, develop relationships, and enhance interoperability among participating forces. Participation in the CARAT exercise series is among the key milestones during Freedom's maiden rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. While in port, Freedom Sailors trained with RMN counterparts and other CTG 73.1 units during subject matter expert exchanges, participated in community service events and gave tours to visiting officials, sailors and guests. "Several bonds were made which I hope will provide important insight during the at sea phase," said Wilke. "We have much to learn from the Royal Malaysian Navy, especially in the littorals." On day one of the 96-hour underway phase, which began June 18, Freedom accomplished another first when a Malaysian Super Lynx helicopter landed on its flight deck to conduct deck landing qualifications. It was the first time a foreign military helicopter landed on a littoral combat ship. Freedom is similar in size and capabilities to many RMN ships. Its flight deck is approximately 50% larger than a U.S. Navy destroyer. "The helicopter had plenty of space to land," said Wilke. "It completed deck landing qualifications with ease." Fast, agile and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surfaces warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare. Freedom deployed to Southeast Asia with the surface warfare mission package. During the at sea phase, additional events that will highlight Freedom's capabilities include an inbound fast attack craft drill; a search and rescue exercise with Freedom's MH-60R helicopter; and a visit, board, search and seizure drill with Freedom's embarked surface warfare mission package boarding team. "This training gives us the opportunity to showcase Freedom's capabilities and crew, while working with other navies," said Chief Operations Specialist Jon Criner. More than 1,200 U.S. Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Malaysia 2013. Additional ships in CARAT Task Group 73.1 are the guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) with embarked Destroyer Squadron 7 staff, the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) with embarked USMC Landing Force, and the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) with embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 (MUDSU). The USMC Landing Force Company is comprised of Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment with an attachment from 2nd Amphibian Assault Battalion, 2nd Marine Division from Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Also participating in CARAT Malaysia are medical professionals and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) evaluators from Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command (MCAST), Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5 (NMCB), P-3C Orion aircraft, and the U.S. Seventh Fleet Band, Orient Express. For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-10. Navy Installations Plan Reduction in Force By Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installations Command announced today a plan to conduct a Reduction in Force action in fiscal year 2013 that will be completed in 2014. Over the course of the next seven months, CNIC will eliminate 745 civilian positions throughout its shore enterprise in seven Navy Regions across 20 states, the District of Columbia, the Island of Guam, and in the countries of Italy, Greece and Cuba. The actual total number of people directly impacted by this RIF action will be determined once other workforce shaping measures such as Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority and placement into current vacancies have been completed. CNIC, along with other Navy commands, has experienced reduced budgets and must implement cost-saving measures across the entire force. "This action is not taken lightly, but is part of a conscious, risk-based approach to future shore capabilities that are aligned with the Navy Mission," said Vice. Adm. William French, CNIC. "I am committed to ensuring that we do all we can to assist those people directly impacted by this action by providing them access to all tools available under Reduction in Force rules and assisting them with finding future employment." Career transition services for the employees affected by the RIF action will vary depending on their needs, but services available will include skills assessment, resume and cover letter preparation, networking and interviewing techniques, counseling, job search assistance, and retraining, if necessary. Reducing these positions may have marginal impacts on the services CNIC has provided in the past. However, it will not have any direct impacts to CNIC's capability to support the mission of providing service to the fleet, fighter and family. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-09. Nimitz Conducts Sexual Assault Prevention Training at Sea By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Linda S. Swearingen GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) is in the process of conducting command-wide Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training. The training is being conducted to comply with NAVADMIN 156/13 and NAVADMIN 158/13 that mandates all military service members and Department of Defense (DoD) employees must complete command-SAPR training before July 1. With the Navy's ongoing efforts to increase sexual assault awareness, Sailors on board Nimitz are doing their part to help erase it from Navy culture. According to the Navy's Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Report to the DOD, there were 425 unrestricted reports and 204 restricted reports of sexual assault made by female victims, 55 unrestricted reports and 37 restricted reports were made by male victims. If broken down, 89 percent of victims were female and 11 percent were male. "It's a piece of the puzzle that we must complete towards the ultimate goal of eradicating sexual assault crimes completely," said Master Chief Electrician's Mate Ben Rushing, a facilitator at one of the sessions on board Nimitz. "Talking about sexual assault brings the problem to the forefront so we can dissect it, understand it and get rid of it." The goal of the recent SAPR training is to reemphasize the Navy's zero tolerance policy regarding sexual assault and sexual harassment, as well as review the types of reporting and services available to the victims of these crimes. "However, unlike previous Navy-wide SAPR training, this stand down focuses more on our individual roles and responsibilities in ending this behavior within our ranks," said Cmdr. Darrell S. Canady, another facilitator. "The audience is encouraged to play an active part in the training, helping to separate myth from reality and to identify warning signs and intervention points prior to an assault taking place. The heart of the message being if we are not part of the solution, then we are part of the problem." According to Rushing, the recent SAPR training is not the only way Nimitz is addressing sexual assault. "[Nimitz is] enabling an atmosphere where frank discussions can occur in the Chief's Mess, the Wardroom and our workcenters," said Rushing. "This isn't a point the finger at anyone or any group type of thing, it's a team effort that we must embrace to solve it here on Nimitz." The recent SAPR training is more interactive than SAPR training that has been conducted in the past on board Nimitz. "[It] encourages all of us to speak directly about this serious and sensitive topic," said Rushing. Sexual assault is not limited to any one rank in the military, and it can happen to anyone, male or female. "One of the statistics really hit home," said Rushing. "[In] 11 percent of the reported sexual assaults, men were the victims. Additionally, for every reported assault, three to five more assaults or harassments go unreported. That's a lot of Sailors suffering in silence." The message Sailors should take away from SAPR training is that it is not a problem big-Navy, or even Nimitz' leadership, can solve alone. "It takes each of us taking responsibility for our own actions and stepping in when we see something wrong to end this type of behavior," said Canady. To help stop sexual assault, Canady said that Sailors must form the first line of defense. "Whether through better personal choices, avoiding risky behavior, or stepping in to help a shipmate, it takes deckplate leadership at all levels to overcome this problem," said Canady. Get more information and resources to combat sexual assault at www.sapr.navy.mil. Sexual assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy's conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR. For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-18. Coastal Riverine Squadron One Detachments Deploy By Coastal Riverine Group One Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors from Coastal Riverine Squadron One (CRS-1) deployed to Djibouti, June 13. Earlier in the month of June, a detachment from CRS-1 deployed to Bahrain. While deployed, CRS-1 will provide security and protection of strategic shipping and naval vessels operating in coastal areas and port facilities to ensure uninterrupted flow of cargo and units to combatant commanders. "We look forward to re-joining the 5th Fleet team," said Cmdr. James Collins, detachment commander. "Our training and expertise will allow our forces to effectively participate in and support the ongoing maritime security and theater security operations in the AOR (area of responsibility)." CRS-1 previously deployed to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Coastal Riverine Squadrons, formerly known as Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadrons, were established in the wake of terrorist attacks abroad, in particular the 2000 bombing of the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67). Coastal Riverine Squadrons provide rapidly deployable point defense personnel and assets for force protection and anti-terrorism operations in support of fleet commanders. For more news on CRS-1, please visit: www.facebook.com/CoastalRiverineGroup1 For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy . For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod1/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-02. Navy Implementation Plan Approved, More Positions Open For Women By Ensign Amber Lynn Daniel, Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy is moving forward to open all positions previously closed to the assignment of women, continuing in the Department of Defense's rescission of 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule. Navy's implementation plan, submitted by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin Dempsey and acknowledged by Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, has now been submitted for Congressional notification. "Navy's deliberate approach to reducing gender-based barriers to women's service will provide the time necessary to integrate women into occupational fields so they can succeed and flourish," said Rear Adm. Tony Kurta, director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy. "This is important, and we've taken our time to get it right. Our implementation plan has addressed all positions currently closed to the assignment of women, ensuring we maximize professional opportunities for our Sailors." According to the implementation plan, the Navy will have no closed occupations, very limited number of closed positions, and equal professional opportunity for females in every officer designator and enlisted rating in the Navy by January 1, 2016. Following the required 30-day Congressional notification period, over 400 Navy positions in the Coastal Riverine Force will be opened for the assignment of women. The 400 Navy positions in the Coastal Riverine Force small craft include both female officers and enlisted. More than 5,000 positions are currently closed to the assignment of women in the USMC Ground Combat Element. Navy will follow the USMC Implementation Plan as units are opened. These positions include female Hospital Corpsmen (HM) and Religious Program Specialists (RP) and female medical officers, Chaplains, and surface warfare officers, submarine officers, and aviators serving as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officers (NGLO). All Navy personnel assigned to the USMC Ground Combat Element will be required to adhere to USMC occupational standards as applicable. Over 3,000 positions in Naval Special Warfare remain currently closed to the assignment of women. The Navy will follow the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) developed integrated timeline for the potential integration of women into Special Forces. According to the timeline, Congressional notification for Naval Special Warfare integration is scheduled for July 2015. Election for Navy enlisted boot camp and officer selection is scheduled to begin in October 2015, with the Sea, Air, and Land (SEAL) and Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewmen (SWCC) pipeline opening to females and cadre placement beginning in January 2016. The first opportunity for female enlisted personnel to attend SEAL/SWCC training is scheduled for March 2016, with the first opportunity for officers to ship to SEAL/SWCC training June 2016. USSOCOM is working with all of the Services to tie occupational standards to operational requirements. Additionally, USSOCOM will research and analyze social impacts of integrations on small, elite units operating in austere and remote environments and conduct behavioral science analysis, with all studies scheduled to be complete by July 1, 2014. During the USSOCOM female integration implementation process, quarterly progress reports on the elimination of gender-restrictive policies will be made to the Secretary of Defense through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. Privacy, berthing, and leadership requirements currently restrict approximately 19,000 Navy positions to the assignment of women on both surface ships and submarines. The Navy will decide whether to expand assignment opportunity for enlisted women to Frigates, Mine Countermeasure ships, and Patrol Coastal Craft no later than June 2014. Following in-depth analysis of cost, habitability decommissioning and commissioning schedules, the Navy will decide on the future assignment of female enlisted on submarines no later than March 2015. If restrictions for assignment will be necessary based on cost prohibitive privacy and berthing updates, and if equal professional opportunity cannot be found elsewhere, the Navy will request an exception to policy by the Secretary of Defense. The Navy supports integrating women into newly opened positions and units as expeditiously as possible, considering good order and judicious use of fiscal resources. The Navy's deliberate approach to reducing gender-based barriers to women's service will provide the time necessary to integrate women into occupational fields so they can succeed and flourish. More information on women in the Navy can be found at the Navy Office of Women's Policy web site at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/organization/bupers/WomensPolicy/Pages/default.aspx For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Office of Diversity and Inclusion, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/ . For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Office of Diversity and Inclusion, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-19. Germantown Completes Amphibious Warfare Certification By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Landing dock ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) completed her amphibious warfare (AMW) certification June 18 during routine operations off the coast of Japan. The AMW certification involves 18 separate events including administration and supply, small boat operations, ballasting and de-ballasting, cargo handling, crane operations, and a wide range of amphibious landing craft exercises. "This amphibious certification is a certification that brings everything together, that says 'Yes, we can execute these events. We can deliver the Marines and their cargo to a specific place at a specific time,'" said Lt. Michael Castillo, Germantown's 1st lieutenant. The final exercise to obtain the AMW certification was a simulated recovery of a stranded, off-cushion, landing craft air cushion (LCAC). During the scenario, Germantown simulated navigating shallow water and challenging seas, creating a situation where the ship would have to continually correct its course and adjust its angle of approach to the downed craft. Flight deck personnel issued commands to ship's handlers on the bridge via handheld radios. It was a complex evolution that required immense planning and coordination. "Everybody on the bridge and the flight deck were working together to maneuver the ship to recover the LCAC," said Lt. Dwayne Scott, the ship's boatswain. "The best thing to come out of this exercise was that we were able to conduct training, and there were no casualties to personnel or equipment." The certification is a culmination of engineering, operations, deck department, supply, and everyone really coming together to execute the primary mission of amphibious ships, said Castillo. "At the end of the day, we have another capability that we are more proficient at." Germantown is one of three ships operating in the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), the Navy's only forward-deployed ARG, and certifications such as AMW increase the ARG's mission capability and readiness. The Bonhomme Richard ARG is currently operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan. For more news about Amphibious Squadron 11 please visit: www.cpr11.navy.mil www.cpf.navy.mil For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-06. USS Jacksonville Returns to Pearl Harbor By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Jacksonville (SSN 699) was welcomed by friends and families at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, after completing a deployment to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf, June 18. "I am incredibly proud of the crew of the warship Jacksonville. These Sailors have impressed me from day one, and I could not be more proud of their outstanding efforts," said Cmdr. Richard Seif, commanding officer. "Their sustained forward presence in two different theaters contributed significantly to the Navy's combat readiness and out nation's security." During the deployment, 31 Sailors became qualified in submarines, now wearing the dolphin warfare insignia. Additionally, more than 60 Sailors received their senior watch station qualifications. Though this was the first deployment for half of the crew, everyone performed their duties like an experienced team of professionals. Seif credited the families of the Jacksonville crew for their tremendous strength, love and support. "I'd like to especially thank our command Ombudsman, Kim Cowdrey and the Family Readiness Group for their outstanding support," said Seif. The pierside welcome from families really made the crew of the Jacksonville feel appreciated. "It's great to be back home," said Sief. "The Sailors and their families are all looking forward to a well deserved stand down." Many families could not hold back their joy and relief for the safe return of their loved ones. "I am super proud of him," said Jackie Combs, a Jacksonville spouse. "He has done a fantastic job. It's been a long, tough deployment, but he's home, and I'm happy." Commissioned in May 1981, Jacksonville is named for Jacksonville, Fla. Nicknamed "The Bold One," she is a Los Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine that is 360-feet long and displaces 6,900 tons. She can be fitted with Mk-48 torpedoes and harpoon missiles. For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/subpac/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-12. USS Paul Hamilton Raises Homeward Bound Pennant By Lt. j.g. Weston Floyd, USS Paul Hamilton Public Affairs USS PAUL HAMILTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors on board the Arleigh burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) hoisted a 242-foot Homeward Bound Pennant, June 18. The Homeward Bound Pennant is flown by ships that are on a continuous overseas duty for nine months and returning to a U.S. port. The length of the pennant is one foot for each Sailor on the ship who has served on board while overseas in excess of nine months. It is divided vertically into two sections. Closest to the hoist is a blue field with one white star indicating nine months of service away from the U.S. An additional star is for each additional six months away. The remaining pennant is divided horizontally into halves, the upper being white and the lower being red. Upon Paul Hamilton's return to home port, the blue portion of the pennant with the white star will be presented to Cmdr. Luke A. Frost, Paul Hamilton's commanding officer. "This is one of the great traditions of our Navy," said Frost. "Back in late July 2012, our then-Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Scott Carroll gathered the crew together on the flight deck to share the news that our deployment had been accelerated and extended. Paul Hamilton accepted the challenge with rock solid pride and professionalism. Admiral Arleigh Burke once said that destroyermen are the elite. This elite crew never flinched, never faltered and never waivered - now, after nine months and forty-four thousand miles, we're almost home. It will be our tremendous honor and privilege to sail proudly in to Pearl Harbor and greet our loved ones with the Homeward Bound Pennant streaming from the halyard." The last time the ship flew the Homeward Bound Pennant was after completing a ten month deployment in 2003. Fire Controlman First Class Wade Gruby is the only Sailor currently on board Paul Hamilton who received a piece of the last pennant and will be entitled to a piece of the current pennant. "I was a third class petty officer at the time when Paul Hamilton had completed a five-month Western Pacific deployment," said Gruby. "We were enjoying a port visit in Darwin, Australia en route to Pearl Harbor when we were ordered to turn around. Later, we spent five more months in the Arabian Gulf supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. I consider it an honor to own a piece of both of Paul Hamilton's Homeward Bound Pennants." The remaining white and red half of the pennant will be divided equally among the officers and crew who served on Paul Hamilton for the prerequisite 270 days. According to tradition, Paul Hamilton may fly the Homeward Bound Pennant until sunset on the day of her arrival in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Paul Hamilton deployed Sept. 21, 2012 and has been operating in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility for the past eight months, conducting a wide array of operations supporting regional security, counter-terrorism and combating transnational crime as partners in securing the global commons. Paul Hamilton is one of 11 surface combatants assigned to Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Destroyer Squadron THREE ONE. The ship is homeported in Pearl Harbor. For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf70/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-15. International Military and Civilian Legal Advisors Graduate from DIILS By Bob Krekorian, Naval Station Newport Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- A contingent of 27 international military and civilian legal advisors attending the International Law of Military Operations (ILOMO) course at the Defense Institute of International Legal Studies (DIILS) graduated June 20 in ceremonies at Naval Station Newport. The three-week course prepares military legal advisors to advise their commanders on the legal aspects of operations and play a more constructive role in operational planning. The participant nations represented included Armenia, Columbia, Ecuador, Germany, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Nigeria, Niger, Philippines, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Uganda, Yemen, and Zambia. Reaching across international boundaries to build partner nation legal capacity, DIILS engages international military personnel and related civilians. Most DIILS participants are not lawyers within the U.S. definition. Some serve their governments in as advisory capacity and others are line officers with legal duties. The ILOMO faculty includes subject matter experts from DIILS and instructors from the Naval War College, the Naval Justice School (NJS) and other agencies. ILOMO students join NJS students for lectures and practical exercises. International instructors from Australia and Japan also joined this class, providing valuable allied perspectives. "Having international and U.S. military students working on and studying the same topic provides a basis for working as international partners in the future," said Bill Aseltine, DIILS Resident Program Director and a retired Navy JAG Corps officer. Working in small groups to facilitate discussion during a practical exercise, the participants and their role played two fictitious countries in a pre-deployment meeting to simulate a bilateral negotiation of a Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). "In this SOFA exercise we were trying to get a country representative to agree through negotiation that deploying military forces would be protected from prosecution by the host nation," Aseltine said. "The practical exercises give the participants practice in how to build relationships with their international counterparts and the United States," he said. Adopting a multi-dimensional approach, DIILS' strategy stems from its capacity to deliver tailored program in many formats such as mobile seminars delivered world-wide, familiarization visits in the continental United States, and resident courses in Newport, R.I. "DIILS is truly global," said Capt. Robert A Sanders, DIILS director. "We are 20 years young." "Since 1992, we have engaged more than 1,500 participants from 131 counties in resident program in Newport, and conducted over 1,300 mobile programs globally, reaching more than 41,000 military and civilian participants from more than 135 countries," Sanders said. "Our mission is to conduct legal engagements on legal topics," said Jeffrey Stefani, DIILS' Special Assistant for Plans and Strategy. "DIILS engagements are focused on contemporary legal challenges. Recent mobile seminars have addressed topics that could easily be torn from today's headlines, including the legal aspects of combating corruption, terrorism, and cybercrimes; peacekeeping operations; operational law; rules of engagement, rules of use of force, military justice, maritime law, and trial advocacy," Stefani said. Resident courses address these topics as well as the law of armed conflict and human rights, ILOMO, and military law development. DIILS will offer a new resident course in 2014 on the legal aspects of Defense Support to Civilian Authorities, to enhance the ability of military and civilian agencies to work side by side. The international military and civilian resident course participants are normally nominated by the security cooperation officer from the American Embassy in each nation. Participants for some courses are approved by the U.S. Department of State. DIILS is the sole provider of congressionally mandated human rights and international humanitarian law seminars for units receiving U.S. assistance under the 'Global Train and Equip Program' and 'Global Security Contingency Fund.' Stefani explained that course offerings have adapted to emerging legal issues, such as the use of drones, cyber warfare, and non-state actor enemy combatants, such as the terrorists that we have battled in the last decade. For instance, "The Law of Armed Conflict" was created to address armed conflict between nation-states. Non-state actors, like Al-Qaeda or the Taliban, who have the will and capacity to deliver violence like nation-states, create situations that are legally more complex, Stefani said. "DIILS programs are making an impact. They build relationships and capabilities, and they enhance U.S. access to our partners," he said. "Having the opportunity to build international relations has been rewarding," said Lt. Jacqueline Swinton, a legal officer with the Royal Australian Navy, one of several international participants who is attending ILOMO and also serving as an instructor. "I have been able to compare America's legal positions on the international legal stage with Australia's legal positions," she said. "This training will help me advise the commander and soldiers about what to do and not to do," said Col. Karimou Hima, a legal advisor and inspector with the Republic of Niger army. "When the students graduate, they will have acquired legal knowledge of military operations, gained experience and perspectives in an international environment, and have learned about international positions on difference topics of daily concern," Aseltine said. "Progress is measured in the long term by the global increase in the rule of law on and off the battlefield," he said. For more news from Naval Station Newport, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsnewport/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-17. Healing Hands in San Diego By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Katarzyna Kobiljak, NPASE West SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Physical and Occupational Therapy Department, at the Naval Air Station North Island Branch Health Clinic, sees 50 to 70 patients daily for various injuries, including chronic neck pain, pulled muscles or back pain. A Sailor in Navy PT gear sits on the edge of a therapeutic bed. With a pillow on his lap, he is trying to roll a ball up and down his leg. The small motion of the hand and arm move a little red ball up and down. There are tiny drops of sweat on his forehead, pain mixed with determination in his eyes, his lips pressed together in a thin line -- broken body but not a broken spirit. Anthony, an active duty member, comes to physical therapy a couple of times a week for his injured shoulder and has recurring dislocations. "I had a significant injury and surgery was pretty extensive," said Anthony. "It is starting to get better, but it's a slow process." While at the clinic, Anthony does the exercises and stretches as prescribed by his physical therapist, and he also follows the routine on his own at home. This is recommended but not very common. "Unfortunately, what we have seen in research is patient compliance is not that great," said Lt. j.g. Brian Shea, a physical therapy intern. "We need to create a better rapport between the patient and the care provider to have a good relationship. If I simply tell the patient to do something, it is not going to be as productive as if I explain why." By explaining the "why," Shea believes the patient is more motivated to follow instructions because they want to see results sooner. Shea also advises it is better to be seen by a therapist as soon as possible after injury occurs. "I had a patient who came in with some discomfort down his legs and severe back pain," said Shea. "The patient was able to see me quickly, and I did some work on him with my hands. I was able to cut his pain in half in this first session. He is still in the recovery phase, but so far we are seeing good results." The most common injury is lower back pain. Frequently injured are "weekend warriors." These people do physical activity beyond their limits and get hurt. "Weekend warrior" injuries are avoidable with proper warm-up and cool-down exercises and by having a respect for your body's boundaries. "The analogy I always like to use is: when you take your car out, you've got to make sure you have gas in the car; you have to make sure the oil has been changed," said Shea. "If you are not taking care of that car, it is going to break down in the long run. Ultimately, we always do preventive maintenance on our vehicles and equipment, but we don't always take the time to do it for ourselves. And that is what is really important." Anthony deals with pain regularly. Though his recovery will be a very long one, he handles his pain and his frustration the best he can and will not to give up. "I just keep pushing through the pain," said Anthony. "It is painful, but if you keep pushing you will get better." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy . For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-07. Submarine Group 7 Changes Command By Lt. Cmdr. Lara Bollinger, Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) (NNS) -- Submarine Group Seven held a change of command ceremony at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, June 18. During the ceremony, Rear Adm. Stuart B. Munsch relieved Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer as commander of carrier strike group (CSG) 7, also assuming responsibility as commander of Task Forces 54 and 74. Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, was the honored guest and key speaker during the ceremony. Swift commended Sawyer for a job well-done in his capacities as CSG 7, commander task forces (CTF) 74 and 54. "No one can match the prowess of U.S. submarine capabilities, and nowhere are those capabilities honed to such a fine edge or executed with such frequency than here at Seventh Fleet by CTF-74 under Admiral Sawyer's leadership," said Swift. "Nowhere are submarine operations more complex, more active, more important, and more successful than here at Seventh Fleet. That success is a result of Phil's insightful leadership, innovative approach to optimizing force posture, and a steady hand guiding day to day tactical operations." Under Sawyer's command, CTF 54 and 74 achieved operational success of more than 38 submarine deployments and 70 special submarine missions. As the theater anti-submarine warfare commander for Seventh Fleet, Sawyer brought tactical and operational expertise to bear across multiple warfare areas and greatly advanced war fighting integration with allied submarine forces. In recognition of his achievements, Sawyer received the Legion of Merit Award. "This award really belongs to the men and women, the civilians and Sailors, who make up group seven," said Sawyer. "Day in and day out you perform Herculean tasks, and they are executed for us across ten time zones, from the international dateline all the way out to the Suez Canal. And you always keep faith with our golden rule, and that is: do whatever is necessary to enable the success of our assigned units. Their success is our success. ... I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your dedicated service." Sawyer expressed his gratitude to his counterparts and friends in the Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces, Republic of Korea Navy, and the Sailors, civilians, and families who are a part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces in the Seventh Fleet. He felt privileged to have lived and worked in Japan, and will miss the people and the friendships that he developed during his tour as commander, Submarine Group Seven. "It's very hard to give up something you cherish, but it's easier giving it up to a friend," said Sawyer. "And Stewart Munsch is not only a very good submarine officer; he is a good friend who I have known for many years. Submarine Group seven will be in very good hands under his leadership." Munsch, a 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, recently served as deputy director, undersea warfare division (N97B) in the Pentagon since August 2011. Sawyer will report as commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Admiral Sawyer has been hand picked to lead the entire Pacific submarine force for a reason," said Swift. "His performance here gives United States Navy leadership the confidence that he - more than any other - has what it takes to shoulder such great responsibility and excel in the execution of those responsibilities." For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg7/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130619-03. Navy Housing Early Application Tool Hits One Year Anniversary By Carol Casto, Commander, Navy Installations Command Navy Housing WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As the Navy's Housing Early Application Tool (HEAT) reaches its first year, Navy Housing is already working on upgrades to be implemented over the next several years. Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Navy Housing launched HEAT, the online tool for service members and their families to request housing information and begin the military family housing application process, in July 2012. Returning customers may notice some positive changes to the interface as Navy Housing launches the second phase of HEAT this summer. This upgrade also improves processes within the HSCs and allows for better inter-communication with Navy systems. HEAT allows service members and their families to connect with multiple housing service centers (HSCs) to review all of their housing options at any Navy installation before accepting orders. HEAT can also start the housing application process for those interested in military and community housing. Navy Housing designed HEAT to engage customers earlier in the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) process. Though approximately 75 percent of HEAT users have orders, and/or know where they're going, HEAT can also be used before accepting orders. It is a convenient way to contact Housing Service Centers (HSCs) to collect valuable housing and local community information that may be important in making PCS decisions. The program is the first of its kind within the Department of Defense. "I am very impressed with how well HEAT has worked in its first year," said Bill Pearson, acting housing program manager, CNIC. "As the team rolls out improvements, Navy Housing hopes to see more and more service members and their spouses utilizing HEAT during their next PCS." "More than 6,300 customers used HEAT in its first year, and I expect that to double next year," said Mike Bowlin, CNIC Navy Housing HEAT Project Manager. "We continue to improve and expand HEAT, and the overall customer service experience with Navy Housing. Although 95 percent of HEAT users are applying for military family housing, we want service members to know they can use it to contact the professional staff at our HSCs and find information on housing options and the local community too." Service members and their families can begin their housing search online and to contact their next HSC using the HEAT website at www.cnic.navy.mil/HEAT . For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/ . NNS130619-20. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features four newscasts today - one two-minute newscasts and three one-minute newscast. Two-minute newscast- - Exceptional Family Member Program Assists Military Families http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18558 http://youtu.be/RWeYlHjIS8Q First One-minute newscast- - Headlines for Wednesday, June 19, 2013: Congress Proposes Uniform Changes; MV-22 Osprey Makes History on Japanese Ship http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18559 http://youtu.be/qn25X0w7EeE Second one-minute newscast- - SECDEF Unveils Korean War Display at Pentagon http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18560 http://youtu.be/V561UHTCOs4 Third one-minute newscast- - Navy Chief Honored as Hall of Fame Dad http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18561 http://youtu.be/Nx-2yGqjIB0 Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS020418-27. This Day in Naval History - June 19 From the Navy News Service 1864 - USS Kearsarge sinks Confederate raider Alabama off France. 1944 - Battle of the Philippine Sea begins ("The Marianas Turkey Shoot"). 1948 - Chief of Naval Operations assigns three destroyers to U.N. mediator for the Palestine truce. -USN- -USN- -USN- Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS). For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at www.navy.mil or visit www.history.navy.mil. Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN-   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Navy. Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy containing stories recently posted to the Navy web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Activity - Navy, 6700 Taylor Ave, Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).