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 NNS130621-01. Lummus Concludes Active Support of Dawn Blitz 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74952 NNS130620-14. USS Guardian Grounding Investigation Results Released -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74930 NNS130620-13. Enterprise Makes Final Trip to Newport News Shipyard -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74946 DNU -- Navy Releases Reserve Enlistment Bonus Changes; FY14 E-7 Quotas Released -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18563 NNS130621-04. Security Forces Trainers Hold SAPR Standdown -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74916 NNS130620-18. CSS Conducts Sexual Assault Prevention Training -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74953 DNU -- Navy to Open Currently Closed Positions to Women by 2016 -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18564 NNS130621-03. NPS Adds Another Astronaut Alumnus With NASA's Newest Class -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74954 NNS130620-20. NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Contributes to V-22 Logistics Team Win of 2012 Adm. Stan Arthur Award -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74948 DNU -- MV-22 Osprey Makes History on Japanese Ship -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18562 NNS130620-05. BALTOPS '13 Moves into Wargame Phase -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74940 NNS130620-02. Pacific Partnership 2013 Hosts Nursing Conference -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74932 NNS130620-16. Website Offers Viewers Unprecedented Access to Deep-Sea Explorations -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74951 NNS130620-15. LCS Remote Minehunting System Completes Reliability Testing -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74944 NNS130620-11. Sacrifice, Service Central Theme of NMCP's 115th Hospital Corps Birthday Celebration -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74945 NNS130620-10. VP-47 Begins Deployment to Support Counter Smuggling Operations -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74934 NNS130620-09. Navy Training Reviewed for College Credit -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74935 NNS130620-07. Stress Less When You PCS -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74938 NNS130620-08. U.S. 4th Fleet Commander Visits BNS Tapajo at Naval Station Mayport -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74939 NNS130620-06. CVN 77 Holds Change of Command -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74941 NNS130620-03. USS Stethem Commemorates 28th Anniversary of Namesake -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74931 NNS130620-01. Navy Misawa CPO 365 Members Help Local School -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74933 DNU -- Graduate Professional Education Program Graduates Honored in San Diego -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18565 NNS130621-05. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74942 NNS020418-29. This Day in Naval History - June 21 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1393 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=153715 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130621-01. Lummus Concludes Active Support of Dawn Blitz 2013 By Sarah E. Burford, Military Sealift Command Pacific Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USNS 1ST LT Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011) wrapped up active support for exercise Dawn Blitz 2013 off the coast of San Diego June 20. The ship operated as a training platform for the Marine Combat Logistics Regiment-17, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade and U.S. Navy Sailors with Naval Beach Group 1, Expeditionary Strike Group 3. Lummus, anchored offshore, gave Dawn Blitz participants the ability to test and train with the improved Navy Lighterage System, which enables transportation of equipment and vehicles from ship to shore. Over seven days, Sailors and Marines transported rolling stock equipment, and shipping containers, staging it on Lummus and then off-loading the equipment for transportation to shore. The training is designed to simulate operations that would take place during real-world scenarios such as humanitarian assistance and combat missions. "Beach Group One has always enjoyed a close working relationship with Military Sealift Command (MSC)," said Cmdr. Ray Franklin, MSC Pacific operations officer. "Being able to use Lummus as a training platform during this exercise is a great way for us to continue to foster that relationship and to continue to provide a variety of support to our Navy and Marine Corps forces. Present requirements and future necessity to project power ashore will mean more exercises like Dawn Blitz and more opportunities for MSC to provide our special brand of support." USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) is also providing logistics support at sea to the U.S. Navy foreign navy ships participating in the Dawn Blitz exercise through underway replenishments. Dawn Blitz 2013 includes seven ships just off the coast and simulates an air and ground task force assaulting an enemy beach or delivering large numbers of troops along with food and supplies from ship to shore in a disaster relief operation. The exercise is the last event in a series of training designed to test the Navy and Marine Corps' abilities in the planning and execution of complex amphibious operations from ship-to-shore. Featured training includes more than 5,000 U.S. Marines, Sailors and coalition forces from Canada, Japan and New Zealand; as well as military observers from seven countries watching the exercise, including large-scale amphibious assaults, sea-basing operations, mine warfare operations, live-fire opportunities, and Maritime Prepositioning of Forces. The exercise also includes battle-space shaping operations, force-on-force training, special operations forces, operational planning, live-fire opportunities, infantry immersion training, shipboard driver qualification, MV-22 Osprey take-offs and landings aboard a Japanese ship and the largest multilateral amphibious landing on Camp Pendleton's Red Beach, scheduled for June 24. MSC operates approximately 110 non-combatant, merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-14. USS Guardian Grounding Investigation Results Released From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy has released the results of an investigation that assessed circumstances surrounding the ex-USS Guardian grounding that occurred in Philippine waters on January 17. Characterizing the ex-Guardian's grounding on Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea as a "tragic mishap," Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, wrote in the 160-page document that "USS Guardian leadership and watch teams failed to adhere to prudent, safe, and sound navigation principles which would have alerted them to approaching dangers with sufficient time to take mitigating action." Haney further summarized that a "lack of leadership" led to the watch team's disregard of visual cues, electronic cues and alarms in the hours leading up to the grounding, and that an ultimate reliance on what would turn out to be inaccurate Digital Nautical Charts (DNC) during the planning and execution of the navigation plan ultimately led to a degradation of the ship's navigation ability. Haney did however have words of praise for the "heroic efforts of the crew to save their ship." Highlighting the actions of the Engineering and Damage Control teams, Haney wrote that their efforts were instrumental in reinforcing the ship's hull integrity despite multiple breaches. He also commended the Boat Coxswains, Damage Control Assistant, and the Navy rescue swimmers who all ensured the safe evacuation of the crew without significant injuries. The commanding officer of ex-Guardian, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Rice, the executive officer/navigator Lt. Daniel Tyler, the assistant navigator, and the officer of the deck at the time of the grounding were relieved of their duties on April 3 by Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7. Further administrative action is under consideration. The Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship had just completed a port call in Subic Bay and was en route to Indonesia and then on to Timor-Leste to participate in a training exercise when the grounding occurred, approximately 80 miles east-southeast of Palawan Island. Guardian was subsequently dismantled, decommissioned and stricken from the naval registry. After the incident, the United States and Philippines conducted a joint marine damage assessment. The U.S. government is prepared to work with the Philippines to provide compensation for the damage to the reef caused by the grounding. Guardian and its crews had served the U.S. Navy honorably for over 23 years. A redacted version of the report can be viewed on the U.S. Pacific Fleet website at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/foia/reading-room/. For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-13. Enterprise Makes Final Trip to Newport News Shipyard From USS Enterprise Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Enterprise (CVN 65) made her final voyage to the Newport News Shipyard June 20. The ship, nearly six months into her dismantling process, was moved by tugboat on the James River to Newport News Shipyard with almost 150 Newport News Shipbuilding and Huntington Ingalls Industries shipbuilders aboard. "The main purpose of bringing the Enterprise up here is to defuel and deactivate her. This is the only shipyard capable of this," said Denis Geary, who works in the radiological controls department at Newport News. The move marks one of Enterprise's final trips underway and is expected to be the last opportunity for shipbuilders and crew to ride the ship. Shirley Langston was part of the original planning for the ship. "I worked on the 'Big E' from the beginning- it was my first project 55 years ago. It's sad to see her go, but we are all proud of what she's done." Throughout Enterprise's 51-years in service, many of the career shipbuilders riding the ship worked on Enterprise during her scheduled maintenance periods. Henry Deese, an engineering analyst at the shipyard, talked about his time working on Enterprise. "Working on the ship from the beginning and following it throughout its life had been rewarding. I was part if the team that started it and I'm part of the team that will finish it. It's sad to see Enterprise go when it's the first, last, and only one of its kind, but that's life." Captain William C. Hamilton, Jr., Enterprise's commanding officer, monitored the ship's progress from the navigation bridge. "It's sad to see a ship with such a history taken apart and the Sailors leave, but we are looking forward to commissioning the next Enterprise. Right now our focus is the safety of our Sailors and shipyard workers as we take the ship on this underway and continue the dismantling process." Enterprise's keel was laid at Newport News Shipbuilding in 1958 and she was commissioned November 25, 1961. The ship was formally inactivated at a ceremony held at Naval Station Norfolk December 1, 2012. The announcement that the next nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, CVN-80, will be called Enterprise was made at this ceremony. For more information on USS Enterprise (CVN 65), please visit www.enterprise.navy.mil. Follow us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/USS.Enterprise.CVN.65 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130621-04. Security Forces Trainers Hold SAPR Standdown By Darryl Orrell, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Top leaders at the Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) engaged with military and civilian staff June 17 to reinforce the necessity of all hands to work together to eliminate sexual misconduct from the Navy's ranks. The training comes in response to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's directive for all military services to conduct a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) standdown prior to July 1. According to the 2012 Department of Defense (DoD) Annual Report on Sexual Assault in the Military, the military services received 3,374 reports of sexual assault in FY-12. The reported incidents involved service members as either being the victim or the accused. The command triad, CENSECFOR Commanding Officer Capt. Raymond J. Benedict; Executive Director Larry A. McFarland; and Command Master Chief Steve Schaffer, facilitated the session. "Regardless of the number of reports involving sexual misconduct, any number greater than zero is a problem and it's a problem we, the Navy, own and one that we must fix once and for all," said Benedict. "The command triad's focus was to convey the clear understanding that everyone is responsible and accountable for fostering a climate that is committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all. Our goal is to foster a climate where sexist behaviors and acts of sexual aggression are neither tolerated, nor ignored." "This stand-down differs from typical SAPR training. Different in that top leaders are directly engaging with service personnel in open and frank discussions about sexual assault. Moreover, it reemphasized the necessity for climate change and the importance of bystander intervention," said McFarland. McFarland expressed to the group that negative changes to a command's working climate begin small. "It starts with items such as inappropriate suggestive photos, provocative or demoralizing jokes, etc., all of which begins to shift the command climate in the wrong direction creating a nuance that such behaviors are the norm and acceptable." "Naturally, without a quick and decisive course correction, such a climate becomes a breeding ground for acts of sexual assault. That is the purpose of this SAPR standdown - to serve as an immediate and decisive course correction Navy-wide," added Benedict. As the command triad engaged and posed questions regarding climate change, personnel expressed their concerns that not only conveyed the positive effects from the standdown, but the negative effects that might also occur as a result. For example, one Sailor asked if they were going to create a climate where Sailors and Marines would be fearful to bond as shipmates - to comfort and encourage one another. The group agreed that actions are needed to prevent sexual assault, while at the same time unit cohesion and camaraderie must also be preserved. "The idea is to inject a fleet-wide mindset to treat everyone equally and with respect so that any Sailor, regardless of his or her rank, will intervene when they observe something wrong," said Schaffer in response to the group's shared concerns. Among other questions posed, both male and female Sailors and Marines were asked what they do each day to reduce their risk of sexual assault. In a setting where the male to female ratio is about 42 to 5, the women responded with several ideas, including being mindful of your surroundings, dressing appropriately, and using the buddy system. "If this reflects the mindset fleet-wide, think of what that does to our fleet's readiness. Sailors who have to be preoccupied with preventive measures to avoid unwanted sexual misconduct rather than being able to focus on his or her job and career - it's completely unacceptable," said Benedict. In closing, Benedict shared his four pillars of command philosophy supported by a foundation built on fair and equal treatment and respect for all under his command. "My philosophy is quite simple. I have a zero tolerance policy for sexual assault or harassment of any kind and any form of conduct that brings discredit to our military and harm to our brothers and sisters," he concluded. The training fully reinforced the understanding that sexual assault is a crime that truly hurts one and affects all and has no place in the United States military. Get more information and resources to combat sexual assault at http://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. The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year and has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world. For more news from and information about the Center for Security Forces, visit us at http://www.navy.mil/local/csf, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf, or www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-18. CSS Conducts Sexual Assault Prevention Training By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs NEWPORT, RI (NNS) (NNS) -- Center for Service Support (CSS) is in the process of conducting command-wide Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) training. Due to CSS' unique command structure with multiple learning sites, Capt. Mark S. Murphy, CSS commanding officer, along with Senior Chief Musician Jay Loose, CSS' senior enlisted leader, will conduct training with learning sites that do not have a commanding officer. 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. Murphy said that regular SAPR training must become the norm until risk mitigation is a part of every Sailors thought process, on and off duty. "We must hold ourselves above board," said Murphy. "Sailors must be better behaved than the general public because U.S. Navy Sailors are held to higher standards." The goal of 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. Loose said that consistent training for advocates is also important and that Sailors should view each other like a larger Navy family. "It's important for commands to identify victim advocates and ensure they have access and support," said Loose. "Our Sailors must also treat and view each other like an extended family. Sometimes we look at our co-workers and shipmates like strangers but if we viewed them like a family member it would alleviate a lot of our problems. Every Sailor has a responsibility to each other." 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. Murphy said that leaders must address every report of sexual assault fairly and ingrain the Navy's zero tolerance policy into Sailors. "Every case must be adjudicated expeditiously and based on the facts," said Murphy. "SAPR training must become a part of our core Sailorization process. Leaders must train Sailors, and those Sailors must know what is expected of them." CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand in hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities. 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 Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130621-03. NPS Adds Another Astronaut Alumnus With NASA's Newest Class By Dale M. Kuska MONTEREY, Calif. (NNS) -- When NASA Administrator Charles Bolden announced the latest class of NASA's eight astronaut candidates June 17, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) was able to add yet another space-traveling alumnus to its ranks, now totaling 41 and counting. Lt. Cmdr. Victor Glover, an F/A-18 combat pilot currently serving as a Legislative Fellow in the office of Senator John McCain, was selected from more than 6,100 applicants to begin training at Johnson Space Center in August for potential space flight. Glover graduated from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2009 through the Master's of Systems Engineering Management - Product Development 21st Century (SEM-PD21) program, in addition to receiving a space systems academic certificate in 2005, both via distance learning. Glover notes the two programs, while both very different, provide a tremendous foundation for the challenging training that lies ahead of him. "Certainly, the space systems certificate program is directly applicable," Glover said. "It gives you the basics of communications, orbital mechanics, imaging systems ... things that are very relevant to the processes of manned space exploration." But, he continues, his experience in the SEM-PD21 program provided an immediate payoff to his position in the Fleet. "I was a test pilot, working in the systems engineering field, actually doing test and evaluation under the umbrella of weapons systems acquisition," Glover said, emphasizing the direct relationship between his studies and work assignments. "My work product bolstered my school product, and likewise, my school product improved my work quality." "Systems engineering has really emerged over the last several years as a critical discipline for the development of systems that meet the needs of the warfighter," added Dr. Cliff Whitcomb, NPS Department of Systems Engineering Chair. "Whether it is in test and evaluation, development, or in life cycle sustainment, it's an engineering discipline that provides students, especially at the master's level, with a very holistic, balanced perspective." Not only did the coursework provide an immediate payoff, but its simple availability to Glover was equally as valued. "The thing that was really amazing about both of these programs is that they are distributed, and they allowed me to continue my professional development through advanced formal education where I was stationed," he stressed. "I actually did the space systems certificate while I was deployed to the Middle East flying combat missions off the USS John F. Kennedy." "Lt. Cmdr. Glover completed our space systems certificate program back in 2005, and I am very pleased to see he will be able to apply some of what he learned to his ambitions in space flight," added Space Systems Academic Group Chair Dr. Rudy Panholzer. "As a Navy pilot, it is very challenging for these officers to remove themselves from the cockpit to obtain a valued, educational experience in the classroom ... This is precisely why we ensure our programs are available remotely, and in the more condensed format of our academic certificates." Although a few years removed from his time at NPS, Glover was recalled by his former advisers and teachers as an overachiever. "I remember Victor Glover as an exceptional student in the product development 21st century (PD-21) curriculum," noted Dr. John Osmundson, a Research Associate Professor in the NPS Department of Information Sciences and co-advisor on Glover's thesis. "He was extremely enthusiastic and always produced very high-quality, technical work. It was clear from his interactions with the rest of his PD-21 cohorts that Victor was a natural leader. He had an outgoing, engaging personality and always integrated the rest of the students in course discussions and project work." Glover says that while he is eager to get started on his training, he is also still trying to absorb the reality of his accomplishment. "It still hasn't completely set in that this is really happening. It's an amazing opportunity professionally, and personally. This is an amazing group of people that I have been selected to join, and it truly is overwhelming on so many levels," Glover said. "The next achievements in space will require a great deal of work by many of us selected now," he continued. "I am happy to be associated with the accomplished and capable people that are going to be a part of making that happen. "My 15 years in the Navy have been different every year, but it has definitely been an enchanted journey and I have cherished every opportunity," he added. "Somebody else must have been in control of this other than me, because it has led me to some amazing places." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Postgraduate School, visit www.navy.mil/local/nps/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-20. NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Contributes to V-22 Logistics Team Win of 2012 Adm. Stan Arthur Award By By Sarah Glinski, Naval Supply Systems Command Public Affairs 06/20/13 (NNS) -- Four NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) employees, among the members of the Naval Air Systems Command V-22 Logistics Team, have been selected as winners of the prestigious 2012 Admiral Stan Arthur Award in the category of Operational Logistics Team of the Year. This award recognizes military and civilian logisticians who epitomize excellence in logistics planning and execution. Capt. Christopher Mosher, Director of Contracts at NAVSUP WSS, expressed his pride when he received news of the team's win. "These individuals' hard work, extraordinary vision, and unwavering dedication to the program are an inspiration to logisticians everywhere. They didn't just save taxpayer dollars; they significantly advanced logistics processes and V-22 supportability," said Mosher. "This is a momentous achievement for all of the individuals on this team," he continued, adding that the award is an excellent endorsement of NAVSUP WSS's new support strategy. As Operational Logistics Team of the Year, the V-22 Logistics Team was recognized for its Fleet focus, process innovation, and attainment of measurable results. The team was instrumental in raising the MV-22's mission capable rate by eight percent over 2011 while reducing the tiltrotor's cost per flight hour (CPFH) by six percent. In addition, the team developed and implemented new products such as a highly detailed cost model and a CPFH metrics tracker, both of which were part of numerous maintenance and supply solutions in alignment with the 2012 CNO Guidance. The team's superlative achievements benefited the United States Navy in substantial and quantifiable ways and enhanced the logistics profession. A virtual award ceremony with retired Adm. Stan Arthur is scheduled for July 2013. A field activity of the Naval Supply Systems Command, NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support (NAVSUP WSS) is the U.S. Navy's supply chain manager providing worldwide support to the aviation, surface ship, and submarine communities. NAVSUP WSS provides Navy, Marine Corps, joint and allied forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through logistics. There are more than 2,000 civilian and military personnel employed at its two Pennsylvania sites. The NAVSUP WSS Philadelphia site supports aircraft, while its Mechanicsburg site supports ships and submarines. For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-05. BALTOPS '13 Moves into Wargame Phase By Lt.j.g. Loren M. Terry, Expeditionary Strike Group Two, Public Affairs ABOARD USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- Maritime and aviation forces participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2013, the 41st rendition of the annual exercise, moved into the wargame phase of the multi-national, training event June 18. Preceded by a serial phase, which included exercises in surface gunnery, undersea warfare, air defense, mine countermeasures, and seamanship, the war game phase incorporates the training and cooperative efforts honed during the serials, into an asymmetric threat environment. "Ships are divided into two competing surface action groups and tasked with completing their specific force objectives," said Capt. Craig Clapperton, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20). "Mount Whitney served as the command and control platform, enabling ESG-2 to oversee both forces, guarantee the safety of all operations, issue orders, validate procedures, enforce rules of engagement, and ensure each group was accurately assessing their enemies' intentions and responding with an appropriate level of force." Taking place in the Baltic Sea, a region bustling with merchant and fishing traffic, maintaining a safe navigational environment during the wargame phase can be challenging. "Operating in the confined waters of the Baltic ... there is a lot to think about in the planning and executing of the exercises in order to keep working safely ... communications are the single most important issue to solve," explained Danish Cmdr. Peter Henegouwen, commanding officer of the Dutch/Danish Mine Counter Measure [MCM] ship task unit. "Working together means finding out about each other's capabilities and limitations; this cannot be done from an office." Truly a collaborative effort, BALTOPS requires skill sets from across the Navy. "The human interaction that happens [during BALTOPS] is integral to the success of the exercise," said Cmdr. Rick Beasley, a future operations planner and Naval Reservist from 6th Fleet Detachment 513, Maritime Partnership Program, Great Lakes, Ill. "We get a chance to see how other navies tackle issues, how they overcome obstacles." As exercise director on behalf of Commander, 6th Fleet, Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, is participating in BALTOPS for the second year in a row. "The wargame phase of BALTOPS is the most dynamic," said Phillips. "It allows participants to respond to a thinking adversary to better evaluate and validate tactics and procedures, while addressing the real-world challenges of being underway in a multi-dimensional battle space." Comprised of multi-national forces from Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the United States and NATO, the exercise hosts more than 40 surface units and aircraft. Scheduled by Commander, U.S. European Command, the two-week exercise began in Denmark and Latvia with a harbor and pre-sail phase and will conclude in Germany, allowing participants to take part in the annual Kiel Week maritime celebration. For related news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-02. Pacific Partnership 2013 Hosts Nursing Conference By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tim D. Godbee VAIOLA, Tonga (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2013 Non-governmental organization volunteers, U.S. and partner nation service members held a nursing conference at the Vailoa Hospital, June 20. During the conference, Pacific Partnership personnel trained nursing students and teachers on proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, mass casualty response, and disaster preparedness. "We're teaching basic life support to teachers so that they can walk away confident when they teach other people how to do it," said New Zealand Army Sgt. Richard Gaill. "From here they'll finish their training and part this knowledge with people from their community." Tilema Cama, principal of the Vailoa School of Nursing, said the training is critical to the intuition's teaching certification. "We have requirements to meet in order to accredit our program every year that include for the teachers to be certified CPR practitioners," said Cama. "When the Pacific Partnership team came around we identified this as one of the key things that we needed and they agreed to support it." In addition to medical certifications, Pacific Partnership personnel also held presentations on natural disaster response and preparedness. U.S. Army Capt Linda Jones said that the training correlated well with the students and teachers because of their personal experiences with recent natural disasters in Tonga. "The emotion was very high in the room. The island is so small that the nurses that go out and help the injured during disasters are often helping people that they know and love," said Jones. "A lot of them come home and see family and friends that they've had to rescue from disasters so they often experience post-traumatic stress so we discussed methods of caring for themselves and others simultaneously." Working at the invitation of each host nation, Pacific Partnership is joined by partner nations that include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand to strengthen disaster response preparedness around the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-16. Website Offers Viewers Unprecedented Access to Deep-Sea Explorations By Eric Beidel, Office of Naval Research ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- A long-standing partnership between the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and one of the country's foremost oceanographers will culminate June 21 with the launch of a 24-hour "newsroom" to track scientists' activity aboard research ships and in the field and broadcast their findings to students and teachers around the world. ONR and Dr. Robert Ballard-best known for discovering the wreck of the Titanic-have teamed up for Exploration Now, an initiative that uses telepresence technologies to provide students, educators and others with live-stream video of research activities and opportunities to interact directly with scientists aboard different vessels in real time. "It's a 'situation room' for ocean exploration," said Cmdr. Joseph Cohn, ONR's deputy director of research for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). "The ability to tune in and interact with the crews of U.S. research vessels, no matter where they are, will give an unprecedented number of students and teachers an insider's view of the important work these scientists are doing." A shore-based production team at Ballard's Center for Ocean Exploration at the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography will provide mission control by coordinating feeds, creating highlight videos, arranging crew interviews and interpreting findings for audiences. Designed in part to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields, the program kicks off as Exploration Vessel Nautilus begins a six-month expedition in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, where, among other activities, researchers will investigate active undersea volcanoes and study the impact of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The crew will use a new hull-mounted multi-beam sonar system to explore the seafloor and dispatch remotely operated vehicles to take high-definition video and collect geological and biological samples. Over the course of the expedition season on board Nautilus there will be more than 150 rotating explorers-collectively referred to as the Corps of Exploration-including ONR-sponsored Navy personnel, educators and students. "ONR's support of our Corps of Exploration has led to numerous masters and doctorate degrees, as well as the creation of important scientific, engineering and naval role models," Ballard said. "Exploration Now will help us advance a new paradigm of telepresence that not only will influence the oceanographic community but also future Navy operations." ONR has invested in Ballard's research since the late 1960s, contributing to numerous ancient shipwreck discoveries and breakthroughs in deep-dive engineering and the study of plate tectonics. In 1985, Ballard helped lead an expedition that ended with the discovery of the wreck of the Titanic. His discoveries also include the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown and German battleship Bismarck. In 2010, the Ballard-founded Ocean Exploration Trust in partnership with the Sea Research Foundation launched the Nautilus Live website, which has attracted nearly 200,000 viewers from 173 countries. Exploration Now will link Nautilus with other U.S. research vessels undertaking ocean exploration and eventually include live feeds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Okeanos Explorer and ONR-owned research vessels Atlantis and Thomas G. Thompson, which have telepresence capabilities supported by the National Science Foundation. "It's the next best thing to being on board," said Dr. Joan Cleveland, deputy director of ONR's Ocean Sensing and Systems Division. "This is the kind of learning that will stick with students longer than lessons they learn through lecture and reading." For more information and to watch the live feeds, visit http://www.explorationnow.org/. ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C. For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit www.navy.mil/local/onr/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-15. LCS Remote Minehunting System Completes Reliability Testing From PEO LCS Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy successfully concluded the second and final phase of reliability testing of the littoral combat ship (LCS) remote minehunting system (RMS) off the coast of Palm Beach, Fla., enabling the service to progress toward developmental testing, the Navy announced June 20. The remote minehunting system, consisting of a semi-submersible remote multi-mission vehicle (RMMV) operating with the AN/AQS-20A variable depth mine-hunting sonar, was designed to detect, classify, identify and locate bottom and moored mines in shallow and deep water. The RMS will provide the Navy the capability to keep ships and sailors out of the minefield, and will be deployed from the littoral combat ship (LCS) as part of the ship's mine countermeasures mission package. The system completed more than 850 hours of testing during 47 missions over a four-month period. "I am extremely pleased with the outcome of this event," said Rear Adm. James Murdoch, program executive officer for littoral combat ships. "It gives us great confidence as we prepare for the next phases of RMS and LCS mine countermeasures mission package testing." The tests, conducted at the Lockheed Martin facilities at Riviera Beach, Fla., included participation by sailors from the Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Mine Countermeasures Detachment who assisted with both mission operations and vehicle maintenance, and engineers from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, who supported all aspects of the testing. The tests validated reliability improvements made to the RMMV design in this increment and demonstrated the required reliability necessary to meet program requirements. "Initial analysis of the data indicates that we have met or exceeded the reliability growth program objectives and are ready to proceed to the developmental test phase, which is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013," said Steve Lose, remote minehunting system program manager. The RMMV is a high-endurance, semi-autonomous, low-observable, unmanned, diesel-powered vehicle, operated and maintained from the LCS. The AN/AQS-20A incorporates five separate sonar/sensors in a compact, lightweight, and hydro-dynamically stable towed body. The AN/AQS-20A localizes mine-like objects and provides the operator with a visual image and a contact data list. All mission data are recorded by the LCS for post-mission analysis. Program Executive Office Littoral Combat Ships (PEO LCS) is affiliated with Naval Sea Systems Command and provides a single program executive responsible for acquiring and sustaining mission capabilities of the littoral combat ship class, beginning with procurement and ending with fleet employment and sustainment. The combined capability of LCS and LCS mission systems is designed to dominate the littoral battle space and provide U. S. forces with assured access to coastal areas. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-11. Sacrifice, Service Central Theme of NMCP's 115th Hospital Corps Birthday Celebration By Seaman Bradley Shadowens Portsmouth, Va. (NNS) -- The Naval Medical Center Portsmouth galley was filled with staff and guests to recognize the 115th birthday of the Hospital Corps on June 17. An unoccupied chair was a rare sight among the large crowd lining the galley walls. Several speakers talked about the corpsmen's service and dedication. Rear Adm. Elaine C. Wagner, NMCP commander, acknowledged the corpsmen who had given their lives to defend and care for others. "The selfless commitment and dedicated service in the care and treatment of our sick and wounded Sailors and Marines has defined the Hospital Corps for over a century," Wagner said. "Your dedicated service in (Medical Treatment Facilities) and (Dental Treatment Facilities) around the globe has honored Navy Medicine, and has inspired health care professionals the world over. No other group can match your capabilities, flexibility and your well-deserved reputation for selfless service." Along with sacrifices, speakers focused on the lives saved by corpsmen. Guest speaker Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW/FMF) Anna Sanzone talked about events chronicled in a book by Bradley Peniston, "No Higher Honor: Saving the USS Samuel B. Roberts in the Persian Gulf." Sanzone summarized how one man - in this case, a hospital corpsman - turned a disaster into a story of survival. "The author, also a crew member at the time of this incident, describes the shockwave that hit the ship and described how the shock rippled throughout," Sanzone said. "'At the time the mine went off, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jim Lambert, the ship's independent duty corpsman, picked himself off the sickbay floor and considered his options.'" Sanzone quoted from the book. "As a result of his commitment to excellence as a Sailor and hospital corpsman, there were no fatalities on that tragic day." In closing her speech, Sanzone said, "To my fellow corpsmen, especially you young ones, your display of courage is noteworthy. You truly care about your shipmates. You will find that your greatest reward it to know, without a doubt, that your shipmate can trust you with his or her life." Throughout the celebration there were numerous creeds, personal experiences and courageous stories shared. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Harold Kyle Aglit concluded the commemoration with an exuberant reading of "Corpsman Up!" Following the remarks, the Hospital Corps birthday cake was cut by the most senior corpsman, Sanzone, the most junior corpsman, Hospitalman Recruit Steven Dabreo, and CMDCM (SW/AW/FMF) Michael James, NMCP command master chief. At NMCP, there are 1,582 corpsmen on staff. In addition, there are 29 NMCP corpsmen deployed overseas serving as individual augmentees. For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-10. VP-47 Begins Deployment to Support Counter Smuggling Operations By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Allen, 4th Fleet Public Affairs COMALAPA, El Salvador. (NNS) -- Sailors from Patrol Squadron(VP) 47 completed turnover with VP-10 at Cooperative Security Location (CSL) Comalapa, El Salvador, in the U.S. 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) in support of Operation Martillo counter transnational organized crime operations (C-TOC). The airplanes and crews will be operating out of El Salvador flying detection and monitoring missions along with aircraft and surface units from partner nations, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. "Patrol Squadron 47 is a key component to the multi-national C-TOC mission by using advanced sensors to detect allusive smugglers using littoral waterways to move illegal contraband, to include narcotics, drug money and people, across international borders," Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet said. In order to prepare for this mission VP-47 has prioritized their readiness throughout their home cycle in order to qualify multiple crews, aircraft, and personnel to fully support CSL Comalapa and Joint Inter Agency Task Force South. The squadron successfully completed the Advanced Readiness Program (ARP) and the Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE), which are intensive pre-deployment workups to qualify crews in broad arrays of multi-mission maritime operations. Included in these workups were multiple qualifications in United States European Command, and United States Africa Command. VP-47 also participated in last summer's Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the world's largest multinational naval exercise, further honing their maritime patrol skills. VP-47, a P-3 Orion squadron is home ported at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, and has detachments in Sigonella Italy, Djibouti, Africa and Rota, Spain. Operation Martillo - Spanish for "hammer"- is a U.S., European and Western Hemisphere partner nation effort targeting illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus. U.S. military participation is being led by Joint Interagency Task Force South. Operation Martillo is part of the U.S. government's coordinated regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Security Initiative. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-09. Navy Training Reviewed for College Credit By Ensign Jacqui Wengler, NETC Public Affairs Office PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) and Center for Information Dominance (CID) are the latest commands to continue receiving recommended college credits for their training. The American Council on Education (ACE) completed its review June 20. The courses reviewed were either new or had undergone revisions since the last ACE review. "We promise our Sailors a lifetime of career opportunities," said Roland Perez, Naval Education and Training Command's (NETC) educational program and management analyst. "Sailors have the chance to submit credits they receive from their training towards most colleges and universities." Capt. Katherine Erb, CNATT commanding officer, spoke to civilian academic professionals from ACE before their review. "I think the ACE training evaluations are a fabulous idea. The courses we instruct provide our Sailors and Marines with skills for their military careers; the fact that this training also provides an opportunity to gain civilian college credit is of even more benefit to our personnel," said Erb. "This is a great experience for the instructors, as well. It is motivational to teach a military course that you know is equivalent to a college course. We are very appreciative for what ACE continues to do for our military." ACE supports the educational goals of the Navy's Sailors throughout all learning centers within NETC. By recommending academic credits for training course work and/or occupational experience, ACE provides an additional benefit to military. "We have a great working relationship with ACE. The Navy is leading the way for other military branches in regard to instruction, training courses and number of academic credits recommended by ACE," says Perez. The life span of credit recommendation is 10 years, after which the particular training course or occupation (if still active) must be re-evaluated. Training courses may be recommended for academic credits on four levels (vocational-certificate, associate/lower division baccalaureate degree, upper division baccalaureate and graduate degree). The content of the training courses or service occupation's value affects the number of academic credits that may be recommended by ACE. "Sailors should refer to their Sailor/Marine ACE Registry Transcript (SMART), a complete educational and training history of a member while serving in the Navy, when planning for their education or career," said Perez. "ACE credit recommendations are published online in the ACE Guide. The Navy College Office (NCO) counselors use this guide as a standard reference for both active duty personnel and veterans." The results of the ACE review will be announced in the next few months. To learn more about the ACE Military Guide, visit www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx/. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-07. Stress Less When You PCS By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs Office MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Planning ahead can be one of the biggest stress relievers when it comes to a permanent change of station (PCS) move, Fleet and Family Service Center (FFSC) officials said June 20. "For a lot of people [who move], the pre-departure can be both positive and negative," said Diane Brown, Work and Family Life specialist, Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC). "You're leaving what you're familiar with, which can be very uncomfortable. But going on to something new can be exciting too, especially if it's a location that you may have never been to. So it really depends on the person, on how up you are for change and how flexible you are." After a Sailor receives their orders, the first thing they should do is visit their local FFSC and meet with a Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) specialist, then attend a Smooth Move class or Moving Overseas workshop to learn the basics about a PCS move and how to start the process. Applications like Plan my Move on the Military OneSource website at www.militaryonesource.com will organize a Sailor's to do list prior to their move. It provides a three-month calendar of steps a Sailor needs to take to ensure a smooth move for themselves and their family. Brown says sponsors can also help reduce a Sailor's stress by finding answers ahead of time to any questions they have about their new location. Sailors who have not been assigned a sponsor can request one on the Military OneSource website with the Electronic Sponsorship Application and Training tool. "Service members should ask their sponsor a lot of questions," said Brown. "I think good questions that the incoming service member can ask the sponsor is your best bet to relieving stress." Other helpful websites include: * Housing Early Application Tool (HEAT) - https://www.dko.mil/heat/apply * Housing Service Center locator - www.cnic.navy.mil/HousingQuickReference * Schedule your PCS move - www.smartwebmove.navsup.navy.mil "Families definitely want to take a team approach to their PCS move, whether you divvy up whose going to do what each day, or what chores each person is responsible for prior to the move. The more information you share with your family, the smoother your move will be," said Brown. Don't forget that moving can be especially stressful on children, said Brown. "From a kid's perspective, you're leaving your house, your friends, you're going to a new school...that's hard, that's really hard," said Brown. "If you are struggling and are tense and stressed out, your children will notice that. The more positive you are, the more positive they're going to be. Brown suggests getting kids involved in learning about the new location and the new installation by doing research. Maybe even let them help pack and let them decide what items they may have outgrown and don't want to bring with. Preparation, communication and family involvement are key to a less stressful PCS move says Brown. "Be aware that you and your spouse may handle things differently... and recognize differences in coping strategies," said Brown. "Some people look at moving as a really fun experience and as something positive. Some people who may have made really good friends or are leaving family may dread moving. Listen to each other. Stay positive." For more news from NPC, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-08. U.S. 4th Fleet Commander Visits BNS Tapajo at Naval Station Mayport By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Allen, 4th Fleet Public Affairs NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Rear Admiral Sinclair Harris, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/Commander U.S. 4th Fleet visited the Brazilian submarine BNS Tapajo, June 20 at Naval Station Mayport. Tapajo was at Naval Station Mayport after completing a sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) with the USS Truman (CVN-75). The exercise was a scenario based pre-deployment exercise in the Atlantic Ocean that began June 3, and finished June 17. The 4th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) includes South America, Central America, the Caribbean and surrounding waters. The United States has vital national interest in the region of the, strengthening ties, promoting friendships and increasing interoperability among the naval forces in the Western Hemisphere. Harris talked about this during his visit. "The Brazilians are a true partner in our Hemisphere, and in the world, this exercise is a great example of the benefits of working together." The SUSTAINEX was a pre deployment exercise for Truman battle group. The exercise put the ships together for several coordinated evolutions, including maritime security operations and testing air defense and anti-submarine warfare proficiencies. The exercise also proved very valuable from a command-and-control standpoint. Harris discussed the benefits of having a partner nation participate with the U.S.in these types of evolutions. "When we get a chance to operate in a exercise like this the SUSTAINEX it is an outstanding venue for training, where Brazil benefits, as well is the U.S." U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-06. CVN 77 Holds Change of Command By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Thorpe, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) (NNS) -- The Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) held a change of command ceremony in the ship's hangar bay, June 20. Capt. Brian E. Luther, commanding officer of George H.W. Bush, was relieved by Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle. Guest speaker Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, commended Luther for his exceptional performance. "The excellence and readiness exhibited by the crew of USS George H.W. Bush is a direct reflection of the leadership of Capt. Luther," said Branch. "His professionalism and dedication to his crew and the Navy comes through in everything he does." Luther took over as commanding officer aboard George H.W. Bush in March 2011 and led the ship through its first combat deployment later that year. He was awarded the Legion of Merit (3rd Award) for his outstanding performance as commanding officer. "I want to thank the officers, chiefs and crew of George H.W. Bush for their outstanding performance," said Luther. "They are all highly trained and motivated and will always be heroes in my eyes. I was a captain before I came to this ship, I am a captain now and I will be a captain when I leave but the greatest honor of all was being the captain of the George H.W. Bush. Capt. Loiselle, I know they will make you proud." Since taking command, Luther has led the George H.W. Bush crew through a number of firsts including making ground breaking strides in naval aviation by being the first aircraft carrier to launch an unmanned aircraft, tested a new torpedo self-defense system, completed a Planned Incremental Availability period and numerous sea trails and carrier qualifications. During this time, George H.W. Bush earned a wide variety of accolades including the Battle Efficiency Award, Admiral Flatley Memorial Award, "Jig Dog" Ramage Award and Battenburg Cup. "Capt. Loiselle takes command with a proven track record of success, I am confident in his ability continue this ships winning tradition," said Branch. A native of Cranston, R.I., Loiselle graduated from Assumption College in 1988 with a degree in Mathematics. He previously served as executive officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and most recently as commanding officer of USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44). "I hope to carry on the great tradition already established on this ship," said Loiselle. "I have already seen the supreme work ethic and attitude that will carry us to greater heights when we head out on deployment and operate in service to this nation." USS George H.W. Bush is in port conducting training operations in preparation for the upcoming underway schedule. For more information on USS George H.W. Bush follow the ship's fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-03. USS Stethem Commemorates 28th Anniversary of Namesake By Ensign Isabel R. Gomez, USS Stethem Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Arleigh burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) honored the ship's namesake, Robert Dean Stethem's death in Beirut, Lebannon 28 years ago, with an observance while underway in the Western Pacific Ocean, June 15. The ceremony opened with a speech from Electrician's Mate Second Class Matthew C. Harkless, president of Stethem's Second Class Petty Officer Association, (SCPOA). "Rest in peace, our fallen brother, for we have the watch," said Harkless. SCPOA, unique to Stethem, was established to develop steadfast leadership, following the example of Robbie Stethem, who was to be frocked a Second Class Petty Officer at the age of 23. "Robbie's sacrifice was made 28 years ago today, but in Robbie's Destroyer, it is a sacrifice we reflect on daily and seek to add honor to, as we accomplish the enduring work of defending our nation," said Cmdr. Christopher W. Adams, Stethem's commanding officer. "The connection we feel to Robbie sustains us, unites us, and focuses our energy. Robbie makes us better than we otherwise would be." The commemoration closed with the laying of a ceremonial wreath at sea. Robert Stethem was a Steelworker Second Class Petty Officer from Waterbury, Conn. who enlisted in 1980 and later became a Navy Diver, assigned to the Underwater Construction Team in Little Creek, Va. In June 1985, while returning from an assignment from Greece, Stethem's flight was hijacked by Hezbollah terrorists. Because of his military background, he was targeted for torture, assassinated, and his body was thrown onto the tarmac at the airport in Beirut, Lebanon. Stethem, recent recipient of the Battle Efficiency Award for 2013, is part of Destroyer Squadron 15, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf70/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130620-01. Navy Misawa CPO 365 Members Help Local School By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lisa Reese, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan (NNS) -- While the school year just ended for children on board Misawa Air Base, school was still in session for Navy Misawa CPO 365 members as they helped move furniture at a local school here, June 20. More than 25 Navy Misawa chief petty officers and first class petty officers banded together to move and rearrange six classrooms on board Misawa Air Base's Sollars Elementary School. "When the kids are on summer vacation, we rearrange classrooms for the next school year," said Stanley Herrera, Sollars Elementary tech supply. "In the past, it was done by three people and took over a week to do, but these Sailors accomplished the job in less than two hours." The chiefs and first classes worked in tandem to expedite the furniture move, and even helped LaVerne Outen, Sollars Elementary School principal, move into her new office. "The Sailors were such a huge help," said Outen, who originally hails from Summerville, S.C. "With my new office space, I'll have a more welcoming environment for tutoring students, and space for my teaching materials. I'm very grateful for their assistance." The project was coordinated by Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Carlo Toledo, who serves as the leading chief petty officer for Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Misawa's 900 Division. "We had a lot of motivated Sailors out here today working together for a common purpose." said Toledo, who is originally from Cavite, Philippines. "We have a very robust CPO 365 program up here in northern Japan, and this community relations project is just another great example of our future senior enlisted leaders making an impact." And that impact is shared by all of the program's Sailors. "Volunteering is very important for me, especially if it's for children," said Yeoman 1st Class Kevin Brinson, a native of Atlanta, who currently serves at Commander, Task Force 72. "Service to your community is important, and it feels good to make a difference helping teachers prepare for the upcoming school year." CPO 365 is designed so chief petty officers can train, develop and prepare first class petty officers for their future roles as U.S. Navy senior enlisted leaders. For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nafmisawa. For more news from U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan, visit www.navy.mil/local/nafmisawa/. NNS130621-05. 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- - MV-22 Osprey Makes History on Japanese Ship http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18562 http://youtu.be/oT6lOQ_S-ZA First One-minute newscast- - Headlines for Thursday, June 20, 2013: Navy Releases Reserve Enlistment Bonus Changes; FY14 E-7 Quotas Released http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18563 http://youtu.be/N34cKl7KDDk Second one-minute newscast- - Navy to Open Currently Closed Positions to Women by 2016 http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18564 http://youtu.be/jNSLSbcgoJo Third one-minute newscast- - Graduate Professional Education Program Graduates Honored in San Diego http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18565 http://youtu.be/g0fCayekHok 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- NNS020418-29. This Day in Naval History - June 21 From the Navy News Service 1898 - USS Charleston captures island of Guam from Spain. 1945 - Okinawa declared secure after most costly naval campaign in history. United States had 30 ships sunk and 223 damaged, mostly from kamikaze attacks, with 5,000 dead and 5,000 wounded, while the Japanese lost 100,000 dead. -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).