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 NNS130625-12. Application Period Open for CNO's Rapid Innovation Cell -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75038 DNU -- SECNAV Holds All-Hands Call Aboard USS Mustin -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18583 NNS130625-20. Chief of Naval Personnel Announces SAAPM PSA Winners -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75051 DNU -- Chief of Naval Personnel Holds All-Hands Call -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18582 NNS130625-21. Keel Authenticated for Eighth LCS -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75048 NNS130625-15. MK18 Kingfish UUV Deployed to 5th Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75039 DNU -- Headlines for Tuesday, June 25, 2013: Senior Chief Selectees Announced; DoD Establishes Brain Tissue Repository for TBI Research -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18581 NNS130625-04. Exercise FRUKUS Kicks Off -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75041 NNS130625-08. Pacific Partnership 2013 Arrives in New Caledonia -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75033 NNS130625-02. Eurasia Partnership Dive 2013 Conducts Dive Training -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75036 NNS130625-09. Naval Hospital Beaufort Implements All Hands Sexual Assault Prevention Training -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75042 NNS130625-03. USS Paul Hamilton Returns Home to Pearl Harbor -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75032 DNU -- USS Denver Sailors Attend Firefighting Training -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18580 NNS130625-18. USS Bonhomme Richard Embarks the 31st MEU Aviation Combat Element -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75054 NNS130625-07. Gravely Sailors Compete at Damage Control -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75035 NNS130625-14. First Sailors Report to PCU Illinois -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75046 NNS130625-01. Midshipmen Conduct Summer Training on Germantown -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75031 NNS130625-06. History, Heritage Command Canvasses Fans for New Logo Design -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74877 NNS130625-13. NMCB 11 Welcomes New Commander -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75047 NNS130625-10. Naval Postgraduate Dental School Holds Graduation -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75045 NNS130625-19. Admiral the Dog Visits NMCP Commander to Highlight Pet Therapy -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75053 NNS130625-22. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75043 NNS020418-34. This Day in Naval History - June 26 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1398 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=153919 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-12. Application Period Open for CNO's Rapid Innovation Cell From Navy Warfare Development Command Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Navy is currently accepting applications for new members of the CNO's Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) for fiscal year 2014. The CRIC was established in 2012 to provide junior leaders with an opportunity to identify and rapidly field emerging technologies that address the Navy's most pressing challenges. The CRIC capitalizes on the unique perspective and familiarity that junior leaders possess regarding modern warfare, revolutionary ideas, and disruptive technologies. Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) manages the program and provides administrative and travel support. CRIC members are volunteers from a cross-section of Navy communities. Participation in the CRIC is a collateral duty that does not require a geographic relocation or release from one's present duty assignments. Selection to the CRIC is based partly on a candidate's proposed project. Once a CRIC member's project is approved, the member remains in the CRIC to shepherd his or her project to completion. CRIC candidates must have exceptional drive, passion and vision necessary to carry a project to completion. The burden of membership is high, but the rewards are even greater. CRIC members regularly meet with leading innovators in the government and civilian sector, and have access to flag-level sponsorship, funding and a support staff dedicated to turning a member's vision into reality. Ideal CRIC candidates are officers O-3 and below, and enlisted members E-4 to E-6 transitioning to or currently on shore duty. Having an identified problem to solve with a rapidly implementable solution is desired, but not required. CRIC members generally commit about four days per month outside of their regular duties, participating in ideation events and managing their project. Because CRIC membership is project-based, length of membership depends on the duration of the individual's project, but should not exceed 24 months. Current projects include 3-D printing, Google Glass integration (Sea Glass), crowdsourced wargaming, and new communication capabilities. "We are looking for innovation minded personnel with a demonstrated ability to think and operate outside normal paradigms," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander, NWDC. "The CRIC was established to give our junior 'disruptive thinkers' a safe haven to mature nontraditional solutions until they can effectively demonstrate their value to the fleet." The application period is open to July 31, 2013. Nominations forms and further information are available at https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/ncfi/cric/default.aspx. Candidates will be announced no later than September 1, 2013. Membership start dates will be staggered throughout the fiscal year; as current members rotate back to sea duty or complete their projects, new members will be added. Verified command support is required for membership. For more news from Navy Warfare Development Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwdc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-20. Chief of Naval Personnel Announces SAAPM PSA Winners From Chief of Naval Personnel WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP), Vice Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, announced the three winners of the Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention and Response (SAPR) Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest, part of the Navy's observance of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) June 25. The winning PSAs were, "Read the Signs" from Commander, Third Fleet Collation of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD); "Everybody's Hero" from USS Abraham Lincoln Media Team and "Be a Shipmate" from Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) CSADD Pensacola. The contest was one of many events and programs conducted throughout April to raise awareness of preventing sexual assault and efforts to stop the crime. "Through hundreds of events across the fleet Sailors have challenged each other to have courage - courage to learn the facts about sexual assault, courage to prevent sexual assault, courage to intervene when necessary, and courage to support those affected by these crimes," said Buskirk. The PSAs will be broadcast on the Direct to Sailor Network and will be considered for broadcast on The Pentagon Channel and the American Forces Network. "Now we challenge the fleet to commit to continue the focus on actions to prevent sexual assaults and promote a Navy-wide climate of mutual respect, trust, and professionalism," the admiral said. "Eliminating sexual assault within our ranks can only be achieved through ownership, courage, education, respect, and accountability for those who are found guilty." Commands are encouraged to leverage the products published to combat sexual assault, found on www.sapr.navy.mil into a regular drumbeat that keeps sexual assault awareness and prevention center stage. 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 Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-21. Keel Authenticated for Eighth LCS From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communication MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) -- The Navy and Austal USA held a keel laying ceremony for the future USS Montgomery, the Navy's eighth littoral combat ship (LCS), June 25, in Mobile, Ala. The keel-laying ceremony recognizes the first joining together of a ship's components. While modern shipbuilding processes allow fabrication of individual modules to begin months earlier, keel laying represents the formal beginning of a ship. Ship sponsor Mary Sessions, wife of Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, authenticated the keel by having her initials welded into a sheet of the ship's hull. The LCS is a new breed of U.S. Navy warship, capable of open-ocean operation but optimized for littoral, or coastal, missions. Montgomery is one of four Independence-variant LCS currently under construction at Austal USA. The ship is expected to deliver to the fleet in 2016. "This class of ships breaks new ground in Navy acquisition, ship design and warfighting technology," said Capt. Stephen Mitchell, supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast. "I am impressed by their strength, flexibility and extraordinary capability, and they offer our troops a greater range of options than ever before." The Navy is committed to the LCS program and is leveraging competition, fixed-price contracting and ongoing production to reduce construction time and costs. Lessons learned from the lead ships have been incorporated in the follow on ships. "It is exciting to see the shipyard really getting into the rhythm of serial production," said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager. Although several vessels have been named USS Montgomery, LCS 8 is only the second U. S. Navy ship named specifically for the city of Montgomery, Ala. The former cruiser USS Montgomery (C 9) was commissioned in 1894 and decommissioned in 1918. The ship primarily operated in the Caribbean and off the coast of South America, participating in the blockade of Havana, Cuba, in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. PEO LCS is responsible for delivering and sustaining credible littoral mission capabilities to the fleet and is working with industry to achieve steady production to increase production efficiencies and leverage cost savings. Delivering high-quality warfighting assets while balancing affordability and capability is key to supporting the nation's maritime strategy. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-15. MK18 Kingfish UUV Deployed to 5th Fleet From Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division Public Affairs PANAMA CITY, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy has deployed the MK18 Mod 2 Kingfish underwater unmanned vehicle for operations in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, following more than 30 sorties over 15 days of mock deployment testing in the Gulf of Mexico, the Navy announced June 20. Kingfish is an autonomous underwater unmanned vehicle (UUV) used by the U.S. Navy for mine detection missions with an improved endurance and area coverage rate that replaces the in-theater Swordfish system. These UUVs are pre-programmed and designed to scan waters for targets or threats while offering sailors faster post-mission analysis using the Navy's Mine Warfare and Environmental Decision Library (MEDAL) and Command Operations Interference Navy (COIN) systems. Test lead Amanda Mackintosh said the mock deployment began May 6 and was conducted in areas over 20 nautical miles from the Panama City Beach shoreline, launching UUVs from an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat which is how the system will be used in theater. "Missions went very smoothly. The mock deployment was conducted in realistic environments and where there was greater risk reduction for deployment," she said. "We didn't experience any vehicle failures and we ran three and sometimes four vehicles for eight hours per day for the 15 days." NSWC Panama City's geographic location offers scientists and fleet users distinct training, testing and evaluation opportunities as the gulf waters replicate Persian Gulf temperatures, salinity, depth and clarity as they pertain to sonar performance and thereby offer intended, real-world environment results. NSWC PCD, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, employs more than 1,300 people and provides innovative, technical solutions to complex problems specifically in the areas of littoral and expeditionary warfare. For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSWC/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-04. Exercise FRUKUS Kicks Off From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs BREST, France (NNS) -- Maritime forces from four countries began participation in the multinational naval exercise FRUKUS, in port Brest, France, June 25. FRUKUS, which is led this year by the French navy, is focused on improving maritime security through open dialogue and increased training of the participating nations, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. Participating navies include France, Russia, the U.K. and the U.S. U.S. participation in this year's exercise includes guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47), homeported in Norfolk, Va., and currently deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet; as well as staff from Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa/6th Fleet. During the exercise, which consists of both an in-port and at-sea phase, U.S. participants will work side-by-side with other partner-nations at sea and ashore to foster multinational interoperability. While in port, crews from the participant countries will engage in pre-sail coordination and sporting events. In addition, a shore-based multinational combined task group (CTG) staff will stand up in preparation for the at-sea phase. Once the at-sea phase begins, the participating ships will execute various training events centered on the theme of military support for civilians in distress, to include Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief. FRUKUS was created in 2003 to aid in talks between France, Russia, the U.K., and the U.S. Sponsorship rotates between the four navies, with the lead nation traditionally providing a blend of professional and cultural activities. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-08. Pacific Partnership 2013 Arrives in New Caledonia By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West NOUMEA, New Caledonia (NNS) -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) along with embarked Pacific Partnership 2013 personnel arrived in Noumea, New Caledonia, June 25. While in port, U.S. and partner nation service members along with non-governmental organization volunteers will get a chance to experience liberty in the city, and continue to foster a relationship with the capital that dates back to World War II, when Noumea operated as a U.S. Military hub. Additionally, an engineering element from the Battalion of French Armed Forces Marine Infantry will be departing. The element, stationed in New Caledonia, participated in Pacific Partnership, helping on the islands of Samoa and Tonga with multiple engineering and construction projects. "The French have been brilliant," said Pacific Partnership 2013 Deputy Mission Commander, Royal New Zealand Air Force Group Capt. Darryn Webb. "I went out to a number of engineering engagement sites, and it was plainly obvious to me that the French, Americans, New Zealanders and the host nation teams integrated really well." In Samoa and Tonga, 24 engineering projects were undertaken by the French engineers working in cooperation with U.S. Navy Seabees, U.S. Marine, New Zealand, host nation and Royal Tongan Marine engineers. The team's efforts tackled projects such as school renovations, the addition of classrooms and the installation of restrooms and water catchment systems. "In the very beginning, we had some problems because we don't work the same way," said French Armed Forces Maj. Jean Jerome Solignac, engineering element commander. "In France and New Zealand, we use the metric system but the U.S. doesn't. It was hard to translate from one system to another." Along with the differences in measurements, the team wasn't always able to communicate using the same language leading teammates to use some creative communication measures. "They all knew just enough English that you can make yourself understood a little bit but sometimes you had to make noises and mime with your hands what you wanted to get done, and they had to do the same thing with us," said Steelworker Constructionman Jonathan Walsh, engineer with Amphibious Construction Battalion 1. "It's one of those things that when you work together, we really put an effort to get things done." Walsh said it was a great experience and opportunity to work alongside the French Armed Forces, Marine Infantry Battalion. "I think it would be a great advantage for us to keep working with them for the interoperability of both our nations," said Walsh. "I think it's a key thing that as our world becomes more united, we are able to work with other cultures." Now in its eighth year, Pacific Partnership originated from the international response to the 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of Southeast Asia. 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 information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-02. Eurasia Partnership Dive 2013 Conducts Dive Training By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Caitlin Feddersen/Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs CONSTANTA, Romania (NNS) -- Diving teams from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Ukraine and the U.S. met for Eurasia Partnership (EP) Dive 2013 in Constanta, Romania, June 10 - 21. The annual event, co-hosted by the U.S. and Romanian navies, aims to improve diving interoperability, standardization of procedures and equipment familiarity with participating nations. Lt. Joshua Aisen, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Eurasia Partnership program director, said the main goal of exercises like these is to improve the participants' ability to work together. "Interoperability is a perishable skill that you have to practice, even within the U.S. Navy," said Aisen. "The piece that we're focusing on is working together and identifying any obstacles to that in a maritime environment and how to overcome them." EP Dive consisted of several events taking place aboard the Romanian diving support ship Saturn and the salvage ship Grigore Antipa. Divers conducted simulated deep-sea diving, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), demolition exercises and practiced mine countermeasures. Aboard the salvage ship Grigore Antipa, participants practiced surface-supplied diving techniques in the open sea. "Surface-supplied diving is a type of diving where your air supply stays on the surface," said Navy Diver 2nd Class Travis Wooden, assigned to EOD Mobile Unit 8. "We went to depths of 40 meters here and did exercises on the bottom such as flange projects and using hydraulic tools that are used for salvage projects and missions." Participants also used the ship's decompression chamber to simulate surface decompression, a method used during inclement weather or strong currents. The chamber simulates deep-water pressure and slowly changes to atmospheric pressure, allowing the body to adjust. This method is lifesaving when they are unable to acclimate on their dive ascent. As divers aboard the salvage ship Grigore Antipa practiced deep sea diving techniques, those aboard the diving support ship Saturn practiced EOD techniques, including underwater demolition and mine countermeasures. "I think the underwater demolition exercises went very well," said Romanian navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Jordache. "We practiced using real explosives. Our standard operating procedures are common with the U.S. and we tried to show the other countries how similar we all work." "Diving is unique, because your life depends on your fellow divers," said Lt. Cmdr. Gary Hunter, a U.S. exercise planner for EP Dive 2013. "Working together helps to increase interoperability of these different navies and therefore builds up trust and friendship." For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-09. Naval Hospital Beaufort Implements All Hands Sexual Assault Prevention Training By Regena Kowitz, Naval Hospital Beaufort Public Affairs BEAUFORT, S.C. (NNS) -- All active duty staff at Naval Hospital Beaufort began attending mandatory Navy-wide Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) program training June 17, designed to ensure all hands understand that sexual assault and sexual harassment will not be tolerated. "This stand-down is being conducted by the command triad, which is the commanding officer, executive officer, and the command master chief to show how serious we are about preventing sexual assault," said Capt. Joan Queen, Naval Hospital Beaufort's commanding officer. "We are at each and every one of the 17 sessions. A climate that allows sexual misconduct to fester is one that adversely impacts mission readiness, degrades unit morale, and is unacceptable at Naval Hospital Beaufort. This training is so important because it allows me personally, as the commanding officer, to convey to every single Sailor at this command that there is zero tolerance for sexual assault at this hospital and in the Navy." The naval hospital's Education and Training Department is facilitating 17, two-hour sessions, which will ensure that all active duty personnel complete the training by July 1 as required. All civilian personnel at the hospital are highly encouraged to attend the training. According to Lt. Cmdr. Francisco Wonpat, education and training department head, the format of the training consists of video messages from the Secretary of the Navy, the Chief of Naval Operations, followed by a guided discussion that covers topics that include sexual harassment, sexual assault, Navy core values, bystander intervention, consent and responsible use of alcohol. The Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy's video is played before the commanding officer wraps up the session by outlining her expectations for all Sailors attached to the hospital, the command's commitment to preventing sexual assault, and support services available to victims of sexual assault. "One of the primary benefits of hosting these trainings in small group settings is that a lot of conversation is being generated among staff after each session is finished," said Capt. Melanie Merrick, the hospital's executive officer. "And the more we talk about sexual assault, the more comfortable people will be about speaking up when there is a problem that needs to be addressed." The guided discussions led by the command team have not only emphasized how serious Naval Hospital Beaufort takes the matter of sexual misconduct but have also encouraged staff to really give thought to the role they can play in preventing sexual assault. "At one point in the training, the males and females had to make a list of what they did on a daily basis to prevent themselves from being sexually assaulted," said Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Kalie Liesenfeld. "Our group came up with a lengthy list, and it made me think that there are a lot of precautions that I may not pay attention to on a daily basis." According to Liesenfeld, having command leadership facilitate the training was more effective than simply watching a presentation and videos because it drove home how important preventing sexual assault and harassment is to the chain of command. "I want every Sailor to realize that when it comes to preventing sexual misconduct, we are all leaders," said Queen. "Each and every one of us, from our most junior enlisted Sailor and up, must set the example and be part of creating a culture where sexual assault is not tolerated," said Queen. "I also want any victims of sexual assault to know that their case will be taken seriously, that they will receive the care and support they need, and that perpetrators will be appropriately punished." Several civilian staff also took the opportunity to participate in the training, including Cindy Goodson, command compliance officer. "The discussion about bystander intervention was very relevant," said Goodson. "It's important to give people the tools they need and empower them to help prevent sexual harassment and assault when they see unacceptable behavior. Bringing attention to what we can all do to create an environment where any sexually inappropriate behavior isn't tolerated is how we are going to create real change." Open since 1949, Naval Hospital Beaufort provides general medical, surgical, and emergency services to all active duty personnel, as well as retired military and family members residing in the Beaufort area, a total population of approximately 29,000 beneficiaries. 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 Naval Hospital Beaufort, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhbeaufort/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-03. USS Paul Hamilton Returns Home to Pearl Harbor By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tiarra Fulgham, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) returned to its homeport of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam June 24 following a nine-month deployment to the Western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility. "We have been gone 277 days and we are just thrilled to be home to the Navy's best homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii," said Cmdr. Luke Frost, USS Paul Hamilton, commanding officer. "We couldn't be prouder of the ship, but we always said this ship is not the 505 feet of steel but it's the 298 Sailors that bring that to life and we are just absolutely proud of every Sailor today, great day for the ship and the families and we are proud to be home." USS Paul Hamilton departed Pearl Harbor Sept. 21, 2012 and has operated in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility conducting operations supporting regional security and counter-terrorism as well as combating criminal maritime operations. "This was my first deployment; it was longer than a normal deployment for a first one," said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Anthony Augudelo. "It was different, I've been to places I have never been to before, traveled the world and that's what I wanted to do when I joined the Navy." The deployment also included port visits in Malaysia, Thailand, Bahrain and the Philippines, where more than 20 Filipino-American Sailors were able to spend time with their families and friends who live there. Rear Adm. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, gave a "Bravo Zulu" message to the crew of USS Paul Hamilton. In the message Ponds commended them on their overall pride and professionalism, operational excellence, and exemplary conduct while representing the U.S. Navy and the nation in the completion of their deployment. While returning to Pearl Harbor USS Paul Hamilton flew a 242-foot homeward bound Pennant along with the national ensign. The pennant is traditionally flown after a ship has spent 270 or more uninterrupted days underway, with each foot representing the number of Sailors aboard during that time. Guided-missile destroyers are multi-mission anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare combatants that operate independently for the support of carriers and expeditionary and surface strike groups. USS Paul Hamilton is one of 11 surface combatants assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Destroyer Squadron 31. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-18. USS Bonhomme Richard Embarks the 31st MEU Aviation Combat Element By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Lance Burleson NPASE East Public Affairs EAST CHINA SEA (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) embarked elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Aviation Combat Element (ACE), June 24. The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and the 31st MEU will conduct joint forces operations in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. The ACE of the 31st MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron (reinforced) 265, which includes AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft, AH-1W Super Cobras, CH-53E Super Stallions, newly upgraded UH-1Y Venom helicopters, and MV-22 Ospreys. "The ACE is an essential tool to performing a wide variety of missions from combat operations to disaster relief," said Capt. Daniel Dusek, Bonhomme Richard's commanding officer. "This crew of Sailors and Marines working side-by-side gives us the ability to operate forward and maintain a presence in the 7th Fleet area of operations." Bonhomme Richard provides a number of services for the ACE including aircraft handling, combat cargo loading and unloading, air traffic control, and aircraft taxiing and towing. The Air Department is responsible for safely directing, launching and recovering the ACE aircraft. "It's great to have VMM-265 back aboard," said Cmdr. Hans Sholley, Bonhomme Richard's air boss. "They are the reason the ship has an Air Department and we strive every day to make the flight deck the safest and most efficient facility possible." The ACE will make history this year by embarking MV-22 Ospreys for the first time on a Forward Deployed Naval Force ship in the Asia-Pacific region. The Osprey replaces the CH-46E Sea Knight and is a leap forward in enhancing combat air support. "The MV-22 is a significant upgrade in assault support capabilities," said Sholley. "The speed and range that it provides the landing force commander gives an incredible amount of flexibility for response and operations." The 31st MEU is the only permanently forward-deployed MEU that maintains a presence in the Pacific Ocean at all times as part of the III Marine Expeditionary Force and is based out of Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. The Bonhomme Richard ARG reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan. 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- NNS130625-07. Gravely Sailors Compete at Damage Control By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Turner, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet USS GRAVELY, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) held a damage control (DC) competition between junior officers and the chiefs, while underway in the Mediterranean, June 23. The event, held on the flight deck, that consisted of a relay between five different events, including pipe-patching repair; de-smoking a space; chemical-biological-radiological (CBR) response and firefighting ensemble (FFE) dress-out races. "This competition is a really good opportunity to keep Sailors sharp on the damage control procedures," said Chief Damage Controlman Reginald Pridgen. "It is also a morale booster. Win or lose, there's nothing like a friendly competition to motivate a crew." The chiefs dominated the relay finishing the events with an overall time of 28 minutes and 41 seconds - nine seconds faster than Gravely's junior officers. Sailors were able to apply their knowledge in a fun and competitive atmosphere event aboard Gravely, while earning bragging rights and a plaque. "It was a lot of fun," said Chief Electrician's Mate Brian Morse "It was beneficial for everyone to be able to have hands-on learning with the equipment." Gravely, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-14. First Sailors Report to PCU Illinois By Lt. j.g. Jeff Prunera, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The first group of Sailors reported to the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Illinois (SSN 786), a fast attack submarine currently under construction in Groton, Conn. The commanding officer's arrival June 17 marked a major milestone in the construction phase of the submarine and sets the crew training phase in motion. The ship's sponsor is First Lady Michelle Obama. Approximately 35 Sailors or one-fourth of the total crew have reported to Illinois over the past few weeks, including Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jess Porter; Engineering Officer Lt. Anthony Wilson; and Master Chief Machinist's Mate (SS) Steve Houk, the engineering department master chief. "This is my first opportunity to be in command of a boat," said Porter. "It's a fantastic opportunity to be able to set the boat up well for its operational life in building the initial culture on board the submarine. Setting the initial culture is really what sets the boat up for a fantastic operational career." Illinois is the 13th Virginia-class attack submarine and is under construction at General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) and Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS). Porter further reflected on the challenges he and the crew face with a unit under construction compared to an operational boat. "On a PCU you have a whole bunch of new guys all at once coming to learn a new boat, where on an operational boat you have about one-third new crew members each year." Porter said. "That's the biggest challenge for me is to get those guys up on the step and ready to go to sea to fully operate the warship." Illinois will be the second U.S. Navy vessel named after the 21st state and is the third Block III Virginia-class submarine. Illinois is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, in Newport News, Va. Upon completion, the submarine will displace 7,800 tons of water at a length of 377 feet and a beam of 34 feet. It will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots while submerged. Initial construction on the submarine began in March 2011 and it is contracted to be delivered in August 2016. Virginia-class submarines are designed to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting anti-submarine, anti-surface ship, strike, irregular and mine warfare missions. They also support special operation forces in addition to covert intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-01. Midshipmen Conduct Summer Training on Germantown By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea (NNS) -- Nine U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen joined the crew of dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) June 10 - June 25, to train and experience shipboard life. The annual summer training program, applicable to both Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) and U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) midshipmen, is designed to expose midshipmen to daily activities and operations aboard U.S. Navy vessels. The midshipmen were active participants in a large number of exercises as they sailed with Germantown to Okinawa, including a simulated emergency recovery of a stranded landing cushion air craft (LCAC), well deck operations, a flight in a MH-60S (Seahawk) helicopter, and a variety of drills and shipboard watches. "I had the opportunity to work with the boatswain's mates to pull an LCU (landing craft utility) into the well deck and ride in and MH-60S (Sea Hawk), helicopter during deck landing qualifications," said Midshipman 1st Class Michael Madrid. "I've had a lot of incredible experiences." While the midshipmen directly participated in the exercises, they also received a "running mate," usually a junior officer, whom they shadowed throughout their time on the ship. "Having a running mate helps so that we can not only navigate the ship, but stand their watches with them, eat lunch in the wardroom, and see where they sleep," said Midshipman 3rd Class Anna Wade. "We get to see their everyday lives first hand; it's really a great experience." For most of these midshipmen, the "summer cruise" will be their last underway before they graduate from the Naval Academy, and serves as a near-final check prior to officer service selection this fall. "I grew up pursuing aviation, but in the last year I began considering surface warfare and this cruise has helped me gain a much more clear perspective of the community," said Madrid. Germantown is one of three ships from the forward-deployed Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), the Navy's only forward-deployed ARG. 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 or USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), visit www.facebook.com/#!/PHIBRON11, www.cpr11.navy.mil, www.dvidshub.net/unit/PHIBRON11, www.cpf.navy.mil and www.c7f.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-06. History, Heritage Command Canvasses Fans for New Logo Design By Mass Communication Specialist Tim Comerford, Navy History and Heritage Command Communication Outreach Division WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) is offering everyone a chance to be a part of Navy history by helping to create a new logo that exemplifies the command. NHHC is looking for an inspiring design that reflects the command's mission and promotes the relevance history and heritage has in Sailor's service. The winning design will ultimately inspire the new command logo. "The NHHC's Logo Contest represents a significant paradigm-shift - from designs made internally to instead look for participation from our audience," said Joseph Fordham, Navy History and Heritage Command Communication Outreach Division integration manager. "We are looking for people to think outside the box to illustrate what they believe to be the meaning of Navy history." Naval History and Heritage Command) has an illustrious history of preserving, analyzing, and disseminating the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy. The organization traces its roots back to 1800 when President John Adams instructed the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, to prepare a catalog of professional books for use in the Secretary's office. Over the next two centuries, the Navy's history was collected through various offices and departments. Finally, in the early 1970s, the organization, ultimately entitled the Naval History and Heritage Command, became a single entity responsible for all aspects of Navy historical preservation and dissemination. The NHHC is seeking designs by midnight Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2013, for judging by a panel. Logo design elements should take into account the command missions to: Collect, preserve, protect and make available the artifacts, documents, and art that best embody naval history and heritage for present and future generations. Advance the knowledge of naval history and heritage through professional research, analysis, interpretation, products and services. Remind America of its reliance on a strong Navy and Marine Corps in protecting its citizens, freedoms and security interests. Design and submission rules are relatively few, and include: designs are encouraged to include the words "Navy History and Heritage Command," each design entry must be accompanied by a detailed description and explanation (Up to 1,500 words) of the symbolism of design elements, designs must be in keeping with the dignity of the Naval Service to stand "the test of time" and designs must be submitted in either PDF, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, or jpeg formats. Additionally, submission of a motto with the design is optional, and circular designs are favored. Designers are not even limited to making one design; if they want, they can submit multiple designs, though each design must be submitted independently. The new logo will be more than just artwork to the command. "The new logo is a way for the command to express the relevancy of Navy History in both future events and its role in key Navy decisions today," Fordham said. For a full list of NHHC's logo contest information and rules visit www.history.navy.mil/logocontest.html , submissions must be sent before midnight Sept. 2, to NHHCsubmissions@navy.mil. For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-13. NMCB 11 Welcomes New Commander By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Carmichael, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 Public Affairs GULFPORT, Miss. (NNS) -- Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11 welcomed its newest commanding officer in a ceremony June 21. Cmdr. Steven J. Stasick, previously Public Works officer of Commander Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan, relieved Cmdr. Lore Aguayo whose next assignment is in Jacksonville, Fla. as the operations officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast. Stasick addressed the battalion and guests immediately after assuming command. "When I got the call from Rear Admiral Mossey that I was selected to take command of NMCB-11 I was excited and humbled at being provided such an amazing opportunity. There is no doubt in my mind that NMCB 11 is an exceptional battalion." Military members were ceremoniously wearing full-dress-white uniforms with the battalion formed in ranks facing the guests and participants. Guest speaker, Capt. Darius Banaji, commander of Naval Construction Group 2, awarded Aguayo the Meritorious Service Medal for leading NMCB-11 through numerous successful evolutions over the two-year course of her command that resulted in multiple unit awards including the Battle "E" Award, Peltier Award, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. "The last two years have flown by, and I am now concluding the best tour anybody could ask for in the Navy - leading the brave men and women of NMCB 11," said Aguayo in her farewell address. Originally commissioned in June 1942 and twice recommissioned since, NMCB-11 has built and fought in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan in addition to a multitude of humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions throughout the world; most recently supporting the hardest hit areas of the northeast United States immediately following Hurricane Sandy. NMCB-11 is a Seabee battalion specializing in contingency construction, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The battalion is homeported in Gulfport, Miss. For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb11/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-10. Naval Postgraduate Dental School Holds Graduation By Cynthia Hilsinger, Navy Medicine Professional Development Center BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Navy Medicine Professional Development Center (NMPDC) graduated 20 residents from the Naval Postgraduate Dental School (NPDS) June 21 during a ceremony held in Memorial Auditorium. The graduates completed academically and clinically rigorous residency programs spread across Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Comprehensive Dentistry Endodontics, a one-year Fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics, and a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry. In addition, 16 residents earned a Master's Degree in Oral Biology from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS). The graduates competed in a research symposium required of their programs and were kept in suspense until the graduation ceremony. "The announcement of the winners of the research symposium competition is a surprise," said Associate Dean of NPDS Capt. Sean Meehan. The winner of this year's competition was Lt. Gregory Gittleman, taking the International College of Dentists Award for Research. This award recognizes the graduating resident who advanced the science of dentistry by a significant research contribution. "I was very appreciative of all the support. It was two years of hard work and I am very thankful to all the staff for the support," said Gittleman. The second place award went to Lt. Katherine Cheng and the third place award went to Cmdr. Jay Geistkemper. Two additional awards were presented at the ceremony. The Dean's Award for Excellence was given to Cmdr. Karen Stokes in recognition of a first year resident who excelled above and beyond the performance of her classmates. The Chief of Navy Dental Corps Award for Excellence was given to Lt. Gittleman, in recognition of a graduating resident who excelled as a military officer and health care professional. "I was incredibly surprised. It was very humbling and again I was very honored and thankful," said Gittleman responding to the question if he was surprised to receive both awards. Additional awards granted from NPDS are the Civism Award given to Melissa Sharp, an award presented to a civilian who consistently made significant contributions to the education programs at NPDS. The Faculty Award given to Capt. John Mumford for providing outstanding academic support to NPDS residents. Presenting the degrees and certificates were Executive Assistant to the Surgeon General of the Navy Capt. Stephen Pachuta, Senior Vice President for University Programs Executive Dean of the Postgraduate Dental College USUHS Dr. Patrick Sculley, and Commanding Officer NMPDC Capt. Carey Sill. Naval Postgraduate Dental School is the only DoD-centralized site for postgraduate dental education and conducts dental specialty training in their clinics located at Naval Support Activity Bethesda. All specialty training programs at NPDS are fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and graduate between 20-25 dental officers per year with specialty board eligible training in Endodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Orofacial Pain, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dental Public Health, and Comprehensive Dentistry. Navy Medicine Professional Development Center is part of the Navy Medicine team, a global healthcare network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield. For more information about NMPDC, visit http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/navmedmpte/Pages/default.aspx. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130625-19. Admiral the Dog Visits NMCP Commander to Highlight Pet Therapy By Seaman Bradley Shadowens Portsmouth, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth had a different type of admiral visit on June 21. The certified pet therapy dog, Admiral, a goldendoodle, met up with Rear Adm. Elaine C. Wagner, NMCP commander, and the Command Suite staff for petting, tail wagging and a few humorous dog stories. Admiral is one of the many pet therapy dogs at NMCP, and of course, he enjoyed every second of his fawning spectators as they listened to the reason why his owners, Lt. Gregory Hall and Lt. Joyce Hall, introduced their therapeutic bundle of fur to patients at NMCP. The Halls, who are entering their second year of residency at NMCP, Gregory in the Surgery program and Joyce in Internal Medicine, noted they bought Admiral as a puppy with the intention of getting him pet therapy certified. "We worked in Bethesda and had a lot of contact with the wounded warriors there," said Gregory. "We saw the benefits of pet therapy, so when the time came to get a dog, we chose Admiral to be a pet therapy dog so he would have the ability to see our patients or anybody else's patients." Pet therapy dogs work with psychiatric, traumatic brain injury, cancer and pediatrics patients among others where a helping paw is always appreciated. At NMCP, Emily Silvia, who works in Biopsychosocial Services and helps administer the pet therapy program, was the first step in Admiral coming to work at NMCP. After a pet is certified and a background check is done on the pet's behavioral and medical history, Silvia introduces the therapy dog with their new clinical environment. Silvia explained how therapy dogs affect patient treatment throughout the medical center. "Therapy pets fill a lot of different roles in therapy," Silvia said. "It's just as therapeutic for the staff as it is for the patients. Cognitively, it gives patients a distraction to take their mind off of their pain. Physiologically, it brings emotions out of our patients. A lot of the times they have a difficult time talking about their emotions. When the dogs come in, it allows people to open up because dogs aren't so judgmental." Silva explained a therapy dog's effectiveness, listing several that have been regulars at NMCP. "Jasper is a young black lab and he has a lot of energy," Silvia continued. "He loves being around people, so most people around the hospital know him. He's been consistently coming for about a year or so. Braunsohn is a full-blood german shepard. His presence is very big, so he gets stopped around the hospital all the time. He's about eight years old and used to do protection work prior to therapy dog work. He can just come and hang out with the patients. Thatcher is an English golden retriever that works specifically with our traumatic brain injury patients. Brain injury care is typically outpatient, so while the other dogs have inpatient contact, Thatcher comes to our outpatient groups to hang out with our patients." The impact of pet therapy treatment around NMCP has grown over the years, with more dogs coming to the medical center and more patients interested in seeing the dogs. As for Admiral, the job of certified pet therapy dog was a win-win. Nobody complained with a loveable ball of fur getting all the attention he wanted, leaving the command suite in good spirits after their adorable session with Admiral. Those who are interested in bringing a pet therapy dog to NMCP can contact Silvia at (757) 953-4069 or emily.silvia.ctr@med.navy.mil. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/. NNS130625-22. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features four newscasts today - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscast. Two-minute newscast- - USS Denver Sailors Attend Firefighting Training http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18580 http://youtu.be/I9qsKiSZbqo First One-minute newscast- - Headlines for Tuesday, June 25, 2013: Senior Chief Selectees Announced; DoD Establishes Brain Tissue Repository for TBI Research http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18581 http://youtu.be/PLXDmt3910I Second one-minute newscast- - Chief of Naval Personnel Holds All Hands Call http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18582 http://youtu.be/gq-4yBFW3Mg Third one-minute newscast- - SECNAV Holds All-Hands Call Aboard USS Mustin http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18583 http://youtu.be/UdZGM00q6No 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- NNS020418-34. This Day in Naval History - June 26 From the Navy News Service 1884 - Congress authorizes commissioning of Naval Academy graduates as Ensigns. 1918 - Marine brigade captures Belleau Wood. 1959 - Twenty-eight naval vessels sail from Atlantic to Great Lakes, marking the formal opening of Saint Lawrence Seaway to seagoing ships. 1962 - Naval Facilities Engineering Command Cape Hatteras makes first Sound Surveillance System (SOSUS) detection of a Soviet diesel submarine. 1973 - Navy Task Force 78 completes minesweeping of North Vietnamese ports. -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).