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 NNS130603-25. DDG 51 Multiyear Procurement Contract Awarded -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74583 NNS130603-22. 19th CARAT Thailand Address Shared Maritime Security Priorities -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74577 NNS130603-23. USS William P. Lawrence Commemorates Battle of Midway -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74576 NNS130603-20. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 Returns Home -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74581 DNU -- Headlines for Monday, June 3, 2013: Secretary of Defense Visits USS Freedom; USS Midway Museum Commemorates Battle of Midway -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18496 NNS130603-07. Blue Ridge Arrives in Port Klang -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74563 NNS130603-17. Sailor Honors Grandfather During Burial-at-Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74574 NNS130603-24. ASD Celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74584 NNS130603-08. Naval Station Norfolks Cleans Bay -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74579 NNS130603-21. Some Education and Training Websites Down for Maintenance -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74582 DNU -- USS George Washington Frocks Newest Petty Officers -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18498 NNS130603-19. Former IBM Intellectual Property Specialist to Present at NWDC Speaker Series -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74578 NNS130603-18. Students Participate in Battle of Midway Observance -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74580 NNS130603-16. Camp Lemonnier Volunteers with Local Community -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74571 DNU -- Service Members Honored During USO Six-Star Service Salute -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18497 NNS130603-15. Stethem Earns Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74564 NNS130603-26. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=74575 NNS020418-11. This Day in Naval History - June 03 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1375 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=152463 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-25. DDG 51 Multiyear Procurement Contract Awarded From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communication WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy awarded two contracts for the DDG 51 fiscal years (FY) 2013-2017 multiyear procurement (MYP) for DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers June 3. General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) is being awarded a $2,843,385,450 fixed-price incentive firm target (FPIF) contract for the design and construction of four DDG 51 class ships, one in FY 2013 and one each in FY 2015-2017. This award also includes a contract option for a fifth ship. Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is being awarded a $3,331,476,001 fixed-price-incentive firm target (FPIF) contract for the design and construction of five DDG 51 class ships, one each in FY 2013-2017. These multiyear procurement awards are for a total of nine ships, with an option for a tenth ship. The Navy's objective is to procure the tenth ship as part of the planned FY 2013-2017 MYP. The Navy will work with Congress to resolve funding shortfalls resulting from sequestration reductions before contracting for the 10th ship. "These contract awards represent great value to the taxpayer and will ensure our warfighters have the ships and systems they need to prevail in any situation," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "By leveraging competition in the DDG 51 class shipbuilding program, these shipbuilders will continue their proud histories in delivering these highly capable ships to the fleet while meeting critical operational requirements for integrated air and missile defense capability." A competitive allocation strategy used in the DDG 51 class shipbuilding program since 1996, known as profit related to offers, or PRO, uses FPIF contracts to ensure reasonable prices while maintaining the industrial base. Congressional approval for the use of MYP contracts facilitated program budget savings of more than $1.5 billion while enabling the shipbuilders and equipment manufacturers to more efficiently plan future workloads. "I am proud of the success of the DDG 51 program and appreciate Congress' continued support and approval of the Navy's multiyear procurement request," said Mabus. "This award enables stability in our industrial base and ensures the Navy and the nation get the most efficient and affordable build plan for these destroyers." The destroyers are being procured in a Flight IIA configuration, relying on a stable and mature infrastructure while increasing the ship's air and missile defense capabilities through spiral upgrades to the weapons and sensor suites. The Navy plans to introduce the first DDG 51 Flight III on the second ship in FY 2016. Once Flight III requirements are approved, the new baseline will be implemented as an engineering change proposal. It is anticipated that the Flight III design will replace the Aegis AN/SPY-1D radar with the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and provide for more electrical power and cooling capacity, providing the next generation of integrated air and missile defense and joint battle space awareness. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-22. 19th CARAT Thailand Address Shared Maritime Security Priorities From Commander Task Force 73 Public Affairs SATTAHIP, Thailand (NNS) -- The 19th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Marine Corps began with opening ceremonies in Sattahip, June 2. CARAT Thailand 2013 brings together U.S.-Thai naval forces to conduct a series of shore-based and at sea training events designed to refine longstanding relationships, enhance interoperability and address mutual interests. The Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Marine Corps have participated in CARAT since the exercise began in 1995. CARAT is a series of bilateral military exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. Training in each CARAT phase is tailored to meet shared priorities across a broad range of naval capabilities. CARAT Thailand 2013 will focus on combined operations at sea, amphibious landing events and highly realistic humanitarian assistance, disaster response scenarios. For the first time this year, U.S. Navy and RTN ships will transfer fuel during an underway replenishment at sea. The HADR scenario will feature a combined response to a simulated earthquake and tsunami involving engineers, salvage experts and civilian first responders. "It is a pleasure to work side-by-side with our long-standing friends in the Royal Thai Navy and Royal Thai Marine Corps," said Rear Adm. William McQuilkin, Commander, Naval Forces Korea and CARAT Thailand 2013 executive agent. "This year's schedule reflects the evolving complexity of the past 19 years that our forces have participated in CARAT Thailand, and I expect our Sailors and Marines to benefit greatly from the upcoming training events." Additional skill areas exercised during CARAT Thailand include maritime interdiction operations, air defense, undersea warfare, naval gunnery, riverine, search and rescue, diving and salvage, and medical training. Multiple opportunities to build personal and professional relationships between forces will also occur during military operations symposia, receptions, band concerts and sports events. More than 1,200 U.S. Sailors, Marines and civilian mariners are participating in CARAT Thailand 2013. U.S. Navy ships include the dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46), guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11) and the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50). A USMC Landing Force Company is comprised of Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment with an attachment from 2nd Amphibian Assualt Battalion, 2nd Marine Division from Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Also participating in CARAT Thailand are a riverine squadron and medical professionals assigned to Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command (MCAST), Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five (NMCB5), divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 (MUDSU), trainers from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 5 (EODMU5), P-3C Orion and MH-60 aircraft, and the U.S. Seventh Fleet Band, Orient Express. For more Pacific Fleet news, visit www.cpf.navy.mil . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-23. USS William P. Lawrence Commemorates Battle of Midway By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Carla Ocampo U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (NNS) -- Sailors aboard guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) commemorated the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway, June 3. The commemoration included an invocation and a narration of the events leading up to the historic battle. Cmdr. Jana Vavasseur, commanding officer, spoke during the ceremony and explained how inspiring it is to look back at what Sailors have accomplished. "Today we honor the veterans of the Battle of Midway and we also honor the significance that Midway plays in our Navy's history," said Vavasseur. Fought in June 1942, the Battle of Midway is widely considered the turning point in the Pacific theater of World War II. During the battle, the U.S. Navy sunk four Japanese aircraft carriers, one Japanese cruiser and destroyed 248 Japanese aircraft while only losing one aircraft carrier, one destroyer and 150 aircraft. The Battle of Midway is considered a turning point in the Pacific, it was also a pivotal point for information warfare. "To achieve victory at Midway," said Chief Quarter Master Nicholas Smith, "our cryptological ancestors demonstrated that they were willing to be both persistent and creative when confronted with a challenge." During the presentation, Sailors took turns quoting someone who had participated in the battle and explained what their role was. The ceremony concluded with the cutting of a cake. "As we commemorate Midway 71 years later, we consider its legacy and its continuing ability to inspire us," said Smith. "We all should wonder if we will ever serve in such an honorable way, that it leaves a mark that sears itself into the culture of generations of Sailors and their families to come." For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-20. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 Returns Home By EOD Group Two Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, comprised of Navy EOD technicians and Sailors, returned from a 12-month deployment as the command element for Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Paladin in Afghanistan, June 1. CJTF Paladin is responsible for Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) operations, training, evidence collection and analysis. Returning home were 36 Sailors, individual augmentees from other Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) units, and soldiers from the 20th Support Command. During their deployment, EOD Group 2 personnel helped CJTF Paladin: * Respond to 5,166 IED incidents, * Conduct 1,009 counter-IED operations, * Fight 269 enemy engagements throughout Afghanistan, * Remove 188,478 pounds of homemade explosives, * Remove 706 enemy weapons caches from the battlefield, * Provide C-IED training to 81,630 U.S. forces, 4,195 Coalition forces and 2,565 Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). Additionally, CJTF Paladin's Intelligence unit supported 662 combat operations and developed 1,695 target support packages. The analysis provided critical forensic evidence in support of follow-on targeting of violent extremist networks. Capt. Timothy Rudderow, EODGRU 2 commander, lead CJTF Paladin, composed of over 1,500 U.S. service members, civilians, and coalition partners all working together in support of ISAF Joint Command's EOD and C-IED operations. He expressed his thanks for not only his Sailors supporting CJTF Paladin, but also the incredible support from the other services and his civilian team that are still serving in Afghanistan. "Commanding CJTF Paladin was the most rewarding experience of my 35 years of Naval service," said Rudderow. "This Paladin team had a big impact in the fight, saved lives, and made it matter." The 52nd Ordnance Group (EOD), based out of Fort Campbell, Ky., received the transfer of authority over CJTF Paladin, May 28. EODGRU 2, headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLCFS), oversees all east coast based Navy EOD mobile units, including one forward deployed mobile unit in Spain, as well as EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, EOD Operational Support Unit (EODOSU) 10, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2, and Mobile Diving & Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2. U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage operations for the location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive ordnance, including chemical and nuclear weapons. For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod2/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-07. Blue Ridge Arrives in Port Klang By USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs PORT KLANG, Malayasia (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), making the first stop of its current patrol, arrived in Port Klang, June 3. Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to interact with local residents through community service projects and experience the country's unique culture by touring landmarks and trying new foods. "I am looking forward to new experiences and sights I would never have seen otherwise," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Deondre Graham. "We're very fortunate as a crew to see so many places." The planned events include painting a mural and assisting with maintenance at a home for the underprivileged and delivering books to children at refugee schools with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. "Our visit to Malaysia gives our Sailors the chance to experience one of the exotic cities of the world," said Lt. Donald Baker, Blue Ridge Chaplain. "And its also an opportunity to serve some people who are truly in need." The Blue Ridge has maintained a presence in South Indo-Asia Pacific region for 33 years, strengthening allied ties through community service projects and conducting joint military exercises with regional nations. For more news from USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), visit www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-17. Sailor Honors Grandfather During Burial-at-Sea By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Turner, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Logistics Specialist Seaman Sean Reinert and the crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) honored Reinert's grandfather Lt. James Michael Reinert during a burial-at-sea ceremony, June 2. Lt. Reinert, served honorably in the Navy from 1956-1959. His three grandsons are currently serving in the military. Two of them attend the United States Naval Academy while Logistics Specialist Seaman Sean Reinert, his oldest grandson, serves on board USS Gravely. "This is what my grandfather would have wanted," said Seaman Reinert. "He was very proud of me and my cousins for joining the Navy, because he was the type of person who believed every man should serve his country." Burials-at-sea are a long-standing tradition in the Navy, in which the remains of service members and family members are committed to the sea while the ship is underway. "Doing a burial at sea is an incredible honor," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Gregory Corder. "This man served his country honorably and he deserves to have an equally honorable burial. It was my privilege to be a part of giving this final act of respect for those who made the choice to serve their country." During the ceremony, the church pennant was raised and the ensign was lowered to half mast. "If the Sailors who have gone before us had never served, we wouldn't be able to do what we do today," said Sonar Technician Surface 2nd Class Ariane Burrow, and ceremonial flag barrier. "I am honored to be able to serve them today. There's a special connection between all of us who serve." The ceremony concluded with the remains laid to rest as the crew paused for the playing of taps. 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- NNS130603-24. ASD Celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joe Bishop, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Aviation Supply Department (ASD) celebrated Asian-Pacific American (APA) Heritage month at Naval Air Station North Island Friday, May 31st. Sailors and civilians celebrated by recalling history, performing dances, playing live music and eating food from the Asian-Pacific region. "May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869," said Lt. j.g. Kiera Jaybush, ASD officer. "The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants." Five women from the University of California, San Diego's Chinese Dance Association performed three traditional Chinese dances in customary dress. Their ongoing goal is to enrich the community with Asian culture through the art of dance. The first was a wayward dance traditionally performed in Northwest China. A single dancer performed the second dance, which originated from Southwest China. Four dancers performed the final dance, which was a handkerchief dance. "It gives others an opportunity to learn history about other cultures," said Chief Warrant Officer Maurice Anderson assigned to Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet (HSMWINGPAC). "Putting together a program like this is certainly a great opportunity to see and learn and experience different cultures." A number of sailors volunteered to dress up in Hawaiian floral clothing while donning colorful leis and danced to live music. The dancers surprised the audience members by bringing them on stage to dance. Two men played ukuleles and another, wearing a luau straw hat, strummed the guitar. Food from all over the region was represented, including chicken adobo, fried rice, pancit, or Filipino noodles, and a number of sweet desserts. The centerpiece of the meal was a whole-roasted pig. Sailors came away with a renewed gratitude for the contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the Navy, along with an appreciation of the rich culture from the region. "Today we're paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success," said Jaybush. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-08. Naval Station Norfolks Cleans Bay By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Molly Greendeer NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors and civilians from Naval Station (NAVSTA) Norfolk participated in the 25th Annual Clean the Bay Day (CTBD), June 1. All over Hampton Roads, more than 5,900 volunteers, including 236 active duty military personnel, removed 85 tons of trash from 300 miles of shoreline and roadway during the event, according to a preliminary count by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, which sponsored the clean-up. "Everyone involved did an outstanding job," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Lee Gaines, event co-coordinator. "NAVSTA Sailors were charged with cleaning up the Mason Creek area on base, and we collected more than 500 pounds of trash and discarded building materials." The Chesapeake Bay Foundation holds these events annually as part of its mission to ensure the bay has clear water, free of impacts from toxic contaminants, and with healthy oxygen levels. "Much of the trash in our waterways comes from our streets and parking lots as storm water runoff carries it through storm drains, directly into rivers, streams and the bay," said Andrea Moran, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Hampton Roads communications director. "It is not only unsightly and unhealthy, but also poses a threat to wildlife and can block sunlight needed for underwater grasses to grow and create a healthier ecosystem." At NAVSTA, the bay clean up began at Breezy Point Park and lasted for about three hours, with the Sailors scattering out all over the Mason Creek area to collect whatever trash and debris they could find. "We picked up a lot of debris that was scattered all over the place," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Sarah Thompson, NAVSTA participant. "I felt like I did my part in making the base more beautiful." "I like to help out the community in every way I can, so I was glad to participate," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Jonathon Tubbard. "It was crazy to see just how much trash we had picked up after everything was loaded into the trash trucks. The bay was definitely cleaner as a result of our efforts." CTBD event organizers said they greatly appreciated the hard work of the NAVSTA Sailors and their families and everyone else who participated. "We at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are always very pleased at the turned out, that so many Sailors were concerned about the quality of the water in our waterways." Since 1989, Clean the Bay Day has engaged more than 122,000 volunteers, who have removed approximately 5.8 million pounds of debris from nearly 5,500 miles of shoreline in Virginia alone. For more information on the Chesapeake Bay Foundation visit www.cbf.org . For more news from Naval Station Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsn/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-21. Some Education and Training Websites Down for Maintenance By Joy Samsel, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Several Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) websites and applications will be offline for update and maintenance beginning at 4 p.m., June 3. The outage will affect the NETC headquarters website and 100 learning centers and commands that are subsites under the NETC Web domain. Service is estimated to return starting at 10 a.m. Central time June 4. "This event has been scheduled over night to minimize the impact to our customers," said David Schisler, Naval Education and Training Professional Development Technology Center (NETPDTC) director of operations and infrastructure. "We will be bringing the sites back online as soon as possible." Websites that are scheduled to be unavailable on June 3 include: www.netc.navy.mil www.navycollege.navy.mil www.jobs2teach.doded.mil www.dantes.doded.mil www.voled.doded.mil www.navycollege.navy.mil www.sta-21.navy.mil www.cool.navy.mil www.bootcamp.navy.mil www.ocs.navy.mil www.njrotc.navy.mil www.nrotc.navy.mil For more information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/NavalEducationAndTrainingCommand?fref=ts -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-19. Former IBM Intellectual Property Specialist to Present at NWDC Speaker Series By Navy Warfare Development Command Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy Warfare Development Command's (NWDC) Speaker Series will present an intellectual property specialist, who helped IBM become the global leader in patents owned, at Naval Station Norfolk and over Defense Connect Online (DCO), June 13 from 10-11 a.m. EDT. Mr. Gary Markovits, currently founder and CEO of Innovation Business Partners, which helps high-growth companies, laboratories and governments leverage the power of their intellectual property, will present "Increasing the Navy's Capacity for Innovation." NWDC's Speaker Series is designed to stimulate provocative discussion and action to drive a culture of innovation in the Navy. While at IBM, Markovits began the effort that changed IBM's vision for intellectual property, creating a culture that managed intellectual property as a product and competitive weapon. These efforts eventually took IBM to first place worldwide in terms of patents issued, and from tens of millions of dollars to over a billion dollars per year in royalty revenue. Later, Markovits consulted on intellectual property strategies for Intel, Motorola, IBM, National Semiconductor, Royal Dutch Shell and Cadence Design Systems. He also helped the government of Singapore develop national strategies for intellectual property and innovation, served in the U.S. on the National Innovation Initiative of the President's Council on Competitiveness and developed IP Driven Innovation™, a collection of tools and techniques benchmarked by the U.S. Navy to increase the rate of invention from researchers by 50 to 100-fold while saving years and millions of dollars of R&D. "Innovation creates competitive advantage, which in the military can literally be the difference between winning and losing a war," said Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft, commander, NWDC. "Mr. Markovits' proven experience helping the U.S. Navy, national and foreign governments, and Fortune 500 companies use their intellectual properties to create competitive advantage will make for an insightful and motivating discussion." Hampton Roads area participants are invited to attend the presentation in-person at NWDC's headquarters at 1528 Piersey Street, Building O-27, on Naval Station Norfolk. Registration, DCO and other information can be found on NWDC's website at https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/ncoi/speaker/default.aspx . A video of the presentation will be posted on NWDC's YouTube channel following the event. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-18. Students Participate in Battle of Midway Observance By Yeoman 1st Class Edward J. Torre, Navy Mobilization Processing Site San Diego SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Students from two San Diego area high-schools participated in an inaugural outreach program for the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway commemoration at the USS Midway Museum, June 1. Students from Patrick Henry and Bonita Vista High Schools had the opportunity to learn about the Navy, as well as one of the most significant battles in naval history, and interact with Sailors who participated in the commemoration ceremony. "The purpose of the program is to offer the students a glimpse of naval history, the accomplishments of these veterans, and the benefits all of us have experienced because of their sacrifices, such as freedom," said Denise Haines, deputy protocol officer, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Sailors escorted the students and several of their parents onto the USS Midway Museum, gave them a tour prior to the commemoration, and shared significant Navy experiences with the students. "I take care of Sailors and Marines who are hurt, that is my job and my passion," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Shaina Simien. "In our Navy, the opportunities are endless and, by honoring the Battle of Midway veterans today, we are keeping their legacy alive." The students represented all grade levels from freshman to seniors. "Eventually, I would like to serve my country as a diplomat," said Alan Luna, Bonita Vista High School 12th grader. "I believe being part of the Navy could give me an edge in achieving my goal. Service is one of my highest values." "I want to be a welder, and I see the Navy as an opportunity and one of the places I can belong," said Adrian Tamayo, Bonita Vista High School 11th grader. Parents also helped commemorate the day with the students. "I believe events like today's are wonderful and a great way for my daughter and young people to think about the future and more importantly to think beyond themselves," said Ileen Mylrea, parent of a 12th grader. Prior to the commemoration, the Sailors who served as escorts for the outreach program took questions from the students ranging from why they joined the Navy to explaining the most significant milestones in their careers. "It was an honor to attend today's event," said Aviation Warfare Operator 1st Class Angel M. Gracia. "It reinforced the pride I have in our Navy as well as the gratitude I have for our veterans. My hope is that the students takeaway a sense of pride in their country and perhaps an interest in serving our country." Students and their parents were able to observe 13 veterans from the Battle of Midway receive recognition. Each living veteran and their warfighting duties during the battle were announced by the USS Midway Museum's President and CEO, John McLaughlin. As the commemoration's events came to a conclusion, the students expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Navy and their escorts. "I want to thank our escorts for sharing their stories and the command coins they gave us," said Emmanuel Crawford, Bonita Vista High School 11th grader. The Battle of Midway, which took place June 4-7, 1942, changed the course of the war in the Pacific and highlighted naval aviation's vast capabilities. Just six months after suffering a stunning loss at Pearl Harbor, the U.S. struck a debilitating blow against the main aircraft carrier striking force of the enemy. When the smoke of battle cleared, four of the aircraft carriers that had taken part in the attack on Pearl Harbor lay on the floor of the Pacific Ocean. For more information about the Battle of Midway, visit http://www.navy.mil/midway/ . For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/airpac/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-16. Camp Lemonnier Volunteers with Local Community By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Jerome W. Mapp, Camp Lemonnier Public Affairs CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti (NNS) -- The service-members and civilians assigned to Camp Lemonnier (CLDJ) and Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) are completing some of the ongoing volunteer projects they've participated in the Community Service Program (CSP) over this last year. The volunteers donated their time and materials to several important causes such as sharing medical knowledge and terminology with local medical students, teaching English to Djiboutian children, playing soccer with local youth and maintaining the grounds of the Discover and Aid Nature (DECAN) Wildlife Refuge. They donated boxes of books, clothing, soccer balls, tools, and other materials to local elementary schools, orphanages and the wildlife refuge. Four of the projects, like the English medical discussion group, have been post-poned due to the rising heat index and the summer break. They will resume in the fall. Healthcare teams from the CLDJ Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) travelled to the Djibouti School of Medicine in Djibouti City, where they met with fifth-year medical students to enhance their comprehension of medical terminology in English and share their medical knowledge with the students. Coordination with the Djiboutian Ministry of Health made these contributions possible. "The purpose of this volunteer project is to enhance communication in the medical community in Djibouti," said Navy Capt. Cynthia Heins, CJTF-HOA Force Surgeon. "Additionally, English is generally regarded as the international standard in medicine, with many journals published in English. For anyone who has listened to physicians and nurses speak, they quickly realized medicine has its own language with an enormous degree of medical jargon. Medical English is difficult to learn without another medical professional speaking to you." From the EMF, approximately 12 doctors, nurses, and physicians assistants went to the medical school weekly between March and May. They spent time reviewing and practicing medical terminology during mock patient case-study scenarios. "It was great being able to share our [medical] knowledge and terminology with them," said Lt. Cmdr. Janet West, EMF flight surgeon and the program coordinator for the medical English discussion group. "The hope is that they will take away a greater understanding of medical terminology that will serve them well once they graduate and begin their careers in medicine." The Language Exchange and Development (LEAD) program, originating in September 2012, is taking an educational summertime break. The program focused on teaching 4th and 5th graders the fundamental basics of English. Volunteers travelled from Camp Lemonnier to the Ecole De La Salle Elementary School in Djibouti City. "We spent [a few hours] each Monday and Tuesday teaching these kids how to speak, read, and write in the English language," said Army Sgt. Jacqueline McMurdy, CJTF-HOA Surgeon Cell food inspector. "The benefits of the time [that] we spent teaching [English] language skills to the 4th and 5th graders cannot be measured in words alone." McMurdy joined LEAD in January when the last LEAD project leader transferred back to the U.S. "The thing that motivates me about this program is that I see these kids learning and growing from the lessons that we teach them each week," McMurdy said. "I have children of my own, and I miss them dearly. Having this program makes it a little easier to be away from them." McMurdy also coordinates transportation to the school, maintained the volunteer schedule, and gathered school supplies the volunteers used during the sessions. The weekly youth fitness and recreation program at the Boulaos School, where volunteers had played soccer and shared the benefits of exercise, teamwork and sportsmanship with the children, is also on a hiatus with the school year's end. The DECAN Wildlife Refuge project is different from other programs. It has been placed on-hold for safety concerns over the physical demands and the rising heat index. The work involved pulling weeds, trimming bushes and trees, and strengthening fences and buildings that had become worn and less stable over time due to the harsh East African environment. Volunteers came prepared to work hard at beautifying the grounds of the wildlife refuge, and there was never a shortage of those wanting to serve. "Despite the hard work involved, you would be hard-pressed to find a volunteer who complained about the work that needed to be done," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Jesse Henson, Camp Lemonnier air operations tower chief and the DECAN project leader. "Every single volunteer who came to the refuge came out ready to put every ounce of energy into the project, and it's shown in the rapid expansion of the refuge. We had volunteers who came here multiple times to participate in this project. They, in turn, inspired others to sign up and volunteer their time and even groups who incorporated the project as a means to conduct team building exercises. We even received support from volunteers after their time at the refuge ended in the form of donations." The academic related projects will return when the schools resume. DECAN will restart when the heat index lessens. Until then, stationed personnel have the opportunity to participate in other ongoing CLDJ CSP volunteer projects which also support a variety of English discussion groups and orphanages. For many, volunteering in the community will hopefully have had a twofold impact. "The hours we spend in the community offering our time will hopefully have a positive and tangible result in the community," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Weigelt, CLDJ command chaplain. "Additionally, we know that individuals who choose to take these opportunities will be enriched by their interaction with the citizens of Djibouti and will go back to the United States with a new appreciation and respect for our friends in the Horn of Africa." For more news from Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, Africa, visit www.navy.mil/local/CAMPL/ . -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130603-15. Stethem Earns Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award By Ensign Isabel R. Gomez, USS Stethem Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) was awarded the Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award as the Pacific Fleet representative, May 29. The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award is presented annually for overall readiness to two commands, one in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet (USS Laboon (DDG 85) and the other in the Pacific Fleet. "Selection for this award is a reflection of the professionalism and dedication of these two ships over the past year," said Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt, Navy Staff director. Hunt highlighted Stethem's success as the first forward deployed Naval force ship since 2004 to re-deploy out of the Pacific Command area of responsibility and for maintaining peak material readiness during an eight month ballistic missile defense deployment. The Marjorie Sterrett award is a monetary award that will be placed into Stethem's recreation fund. This will enable the Morale, Welfare and Recreation committee to provide more events, discounts, and activities for Stethem Sailors to enjoy during liberty time with family and friends. "This award is not only an honor, it's an opportunity," said Lt. j.g. Melissa JonMoore, Stethem recreational services officer. "We have big plans to reward the crew in 2013 for the hard work and sacrifices made in 2012." "This award is a direct reflection of your dedication to duty," said Cmdr. Christopher W. Adams, Stethem commanding officer. "We faced many challenges in 2012, but we came out successful. The Marjorie Sterrett award, in conjunction with our Battle Efficiency Award, demonstrates our accomplishments as Steelworkers." Stethem is part of Destroyer Squadron 15, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, to support security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy . For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf70/ . NNS130603-26. 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 newscasts. Two-minute newscast- - Navy Dolphins Discover Unique Naval History http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18493 http://youtu.be/LVaAWZqh5VE First one-minute newscast- - Headlines for Monday, June 3, 2013: Secretary of Defense Visits USS Freedom; USS Midway Museum Commemorates Battle of Midway http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18496 http://youtu.be/a3bNnPMB7FM Second one-minute newscast- - Service Members Honored During USO Six-Star Service Salute http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18497 http://youtu.be/7adQZ-_BcUI Third one-minute newscast- - USS George Washington Frocks Newest Petty Officers http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18498 http://youtu.be/RcKQSEVgSGc 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- NNS020418-11. This Day in Naval History - June 03 From Navy News Service 1785 - Order received to sell last ship remaining in Continental Navy, frigate Alliance. No other Navy were ships authorized until 1794. 1898 - Collier Merrimac sunk in channel leading to Santiago, Cuba in unsuccessful attempt to trap Spanish fleet. The crew was captured and later received the Medal of Honor. 1949 - Wesley A. Brown becomes the first African-American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy. 1966 - Launch of Gemini 9, piloted by Lt. Cmdr. Eugene A. Cernan. The mission included 45 orbits over three days. Recovery was by USS Wasp (CVS 18). -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).