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 NNS130814-16. Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Granted Interim 'Safe for Flight' Completes First Flight in Navy F-35C Lightning II -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75915 NNS130814-04. DoD Announces Same-Sex Spouse Benefits -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75946 NNS130814-20. Pacific Partnership 2013 Comes to a Close -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75963 NNS130814-10. Active Duty to Reserve and Back Again -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75943 NNS130814-05. Cutting Consumption, Saving Lives: Fuel Cell Technology Proves Powerful in Demo -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75947 NNS130814-22. Chief of Naval Operations Visits USS Columbus -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75960 NNS130814-17. Chief of Naval Operations Visits Hawaii Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75952 NNS130814-02. Navy's Top Admiral, Congressman Attend Recruit Graduation at Naval Station Great Lakes -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75916 NNS130814-19. Administrative and Disciplinary Actions Administered To MDSU Two Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75959 NNS130814-14. Lincoln Supply Department Receives Blue "E" -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75950 NNS130814-12. HSM-75 Conducts Aerial Change of Command at Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75931 NNS130814-09. SPAWAR, Industry Help Wounded Warrior Community with Networking Opportunities -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75945 NNS130814-08. Culinary Specialist Course Updates Impact Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75944 NNS130814-07. NAVFAC Marianas Welcomes New Commander -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75939 NNS130814-06. USS Wasp Wins Ney Award -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75932 NNS130814-18. Students to Face-off in New RobotX Game -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75953 NNS130814-03. USS Lassen Visits Sydney -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75940 DNU -- CPO 365 Phase Two Training Resumes -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18748 DNU -- Headlines for Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 Exercise Citadel Rumble 2013 to Commence; Tricare Now Offering Prescription Home-Delivery -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18750 DNU -- Navy Reminds Sailors to Get Flu Vaccine -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18752 NNS130814-25. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75951 NNS020718-29. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 14 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2634 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=157180 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-16. Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Granted Interim 'Safe for Flight' Completes First Flight in Navy F-35C Lightning II From Commander, Naval Air Forces SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 101, the Navy's first F-35C Lightning II carrier variant aircraft squadron, completed its first flight Aug. 14 in its new aircraft at the squadron's home at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The 1.3 hour flight was made by VFA-101 naval aviator Lt. Cmdr. Chris Tabert. The flight followed a decision by Commander, Naval Air Force, Pacific, Vice Adm. David Buss Aug. 8, granting the Fleet Replacement Squadron interim "safe for flight" status. "The Lightning II strike fighter represents the future business end of our nuclear powered aircraft carrier force, the embarked carrier air wing," said Buss. "The men and women of VFA-101 are now cleared to take the first steps toward that future as they operate these amazing Navy aircraft and train the aviators who will fly them." "VFA-101's achievement of the Interim Safe For Flight (ISFF) criteria constitutes a significant milestone in the introduction of the F-35C Lightning II into the fleet," said Capt. Mark Black, commander, Strike Fighter Wing, Pacific. "VFA-101 will now begin to schedule and perform sorties under their own charter from their facilities at Eglin AFB. This will permit the re-established Grim Reapers to begin training for the original flight instructor cadre that will teach future F-35C pilots in the intricacies of mastering the Navy's first 5th generation fighter." The squadron received the Navy's first F-35C from Lockheed Martin June 22. Today's flight was the first in the new Navy aircraft flown by a VFA-101 pilot at Eglin. "The first flight of Grim Reaper 102 today is the acme of many years hard work and planning by the Sailors of VFA-101 and our Lockheed Martin partners and is an exciting first step in introducing the Navy's first 5th generation fighter to fleet," said VFA Commanding Officer Capt. John Enfield. "Now that we're flying, we will be able to validate and evaluate both the pilot and maintainer syllabi as we train the initial cadre of instructors." VFA 101 is the F-35C Fleet Replacement Squadron, training Navy aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and repair the F-35C, a fifth generation fighter that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. "The Interim Safe for Flight will begin in earnest the training of the U. S. Navy personnel in how to maintain this impressive new aircraft," said Black. "Proficient Lockheed Martin technicians will lead Sailors in verifying prescribed maintenance procedures that will ultimately be converted into a robust syllabus that will permit future Navy maintenance personnel to develop the skills necessary to ensure and sustain the flight integrity of the aircraft. Designating VFA-101 as Interim Safe for Flight signifies that the Navy F-35C has begun its service in Naval Aviation for real." The F-35C will enhance the flexibility, power projection, and strike capabilities of carrier air wings and joint task forces and will complement the capabilities of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which currently serves as the Navy's premier strike fighter. By 2025, the Navy's aircraft carrier-based air wings will consist of a mix of the F-35C, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Hawkeye, Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike air vehicles, MH-60R/S helicopters and Carrier Onboard Delivery logistics aircraft. For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/airpac/ or http://www.facebook.com/FlyNavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-04. DoD Announces Same-Sex Spouse Benefits From Department of Defense Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced its plan to extend benefits to same-sex spouses of uniformed service members and Department of Defense civilian employees Aug. 14. After a review of the department's benefit policies following the Supreme Court's ruling that Section Three of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional, and in consultation with the Department of Justice and other executive branch agencies, the Defense Department will make spousal and family benefits available no later than Sept. 3, 2013, regardless of sexual orientation, as long as service member-sponsors provide a valid marriage certificate. The Department of Defense remains committed to ensuring that all men and women who serve in the U.S. military, and their families, are treated fairly and equally as the law directs. Entitlements such as TRICARE enrollment, basic allowance for housing (BAH) and family separation allowance are retroactive to the date of the Supreme Court's decision. Any claims to entitlements before that date will not be granted. For those members married after June 26, 2013, entitlements begin at the date of marriage. We recognize that same-sex military couples who are not stationed in a jurisdiction that permits same-sex marriage would have to travel to another jurisdiction to marry. That is why the department will implement policies to allow military personnel in such a relationship non-chargeable leave for the purpose of travelling to a jurisdiction where such a marriage may occur. This will provide accelerated access to the full range of benefits offered to married military couples throughout the department, and help level the playing field between opposite-sex and same-sex couples seeking to be married. For civilian benefits administered government-wide to federal employees, the Department of Defense will follow the Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Labor's guidance to ensure that the same benefits currently available to heterosexual spouses are also available to legally married same-sex spouses. Read the implementation memo from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel online (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/docs/Extending-Benefits-to-Same-Sex-Spouses-of-Military-Members.pdf) as well as further guidance on extending benefits to same-sex spouses of military members from Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Jessica Wright (http://www.defense.gov/home/features/2013/docs/Further-Guidance-on-Extending-Benefits-to-Same-Sex-Spouses-of-Military-M.pdf). The Navy will provide additional service-specific guidance on www.navy.mil for Sailors and families later this week. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-20. Pacific Partnership 2013 Comes to a Close By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tim D. Godbee, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West HONIARA, Solomon Islands (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2013 concluded its final mission port, the Solomon Islands, Aug. 13. U.S. Navy forces were joined by several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and regional partners that included Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and New Zealand with the goal of improving maritime security, conducting humanitarian assistance and strengthening disaster-response preparedness throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Pacific Partnership 2013 visited six host nations to include Samoa, Tonga, Papua New Guinea, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. Overall, Pacific Partnership held 85 disaster response events, 49 engineering civic action projects, treated 18,679 medical and dental patients, held 136 medical training engagements, evaluated 4,925 animals, cleared more than 2,100 rounds of unexploded ordnance, hosted 208 subject matter expert exchanges and organized 102 community service events. Pacific Partnership operated from six different platforms of ships from the U.S. Navy, the Royal New Zealand Navy, the Royal Australian Navy, the Japan Self-Defence Force Navy and the Military Sealift Command to complete the mission. Ships included the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), the destroyer JDS Yamagiri (DD 152), the landing heavy ship HMAS Tobruk (L 50), the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Mathew Perry (T-AKE 9), the diving support vessel HMZS Manawanui (A09) and the amphibious sealift ship HMNZS Canterbury (LSL 421). "Pacific Partnership 2013 is different in many ways from missions in the past. We focused on subject matter expert exchanges, we provided direct care when we could, but that was not our priority," said U.S. Navy Capt. Wallace Lovely, Pacific Partnership 2013 mission commander. "We also had a very big footprint in multinational leadership. Our partner nations were involved in every layer of command and control. The impact we left ashore, every time we left a nation, we left friends, smiles and hope. We left kids seeing dedication and commitment to fellow human beings. We left lessons that we probably won't be able to see the results of in our lifetime, but generations from now those kids are going to tell their kids about their interactions with the team of Pacific Partnership 2013" The distribution of operations, at times spanning three different nations and three different ships, challenged the Pacific Partnership team, but the mission was completed and was widely considered a success by all involved. "We had a lot of ground to cover. We had a very complex schedule of events from Samoa all the way to the Solomon Islands," said Lovely. The amount of people needed ashore to execute those events, as many as 350 in one country, and without the ability and plans to get those people ashore everyday and to have backup plans everyday, the mission wouldn't have happened. Every event was accomplished 100 percent." Pacific Partnership 2013 also marked the first time in the mission's history that partner nations took the lead for an entire phase of the mission, with Australia leading in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand leading in Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. Members of the Pacific Partnership team focused on knowledge exchange throughout the mission to better prepare host nations to help themselves in the event of a natural disaster. "Sometimes in primary healthcare it's not always viable to treat patients because we can give them medication today but they'll need more in a couple of weeks time, so we can't leave a lasting legacy," said New Zealand Army Maj. Robert Duncan, a doctor, after a subject mater expert exchange in the Solomon Islands. "If we can just give a little bit of education to the healthcare staff out here it leaves a far more long lasting legacy." Pacific Partnership personnel also delivered and installed dozens of water catchment and filtration systems to provide fresh water to islanders throughout the Pacific, where droughts can often be devastating to the population. "We did an overall presentation on rain water catchment systems, the need for a filter and how it worked. We also did breakout sessions where we did hands-on training on how to assemble and maintain each of the systems," said J. Scott Remer, an engineer with the University of California, San Diego. "Afterwards we discussed some of the nuances and difficulties that may occur in the future and how to fix them. We also gave presentations on what likely contaminants are, their effects and how to remove them." This year's mission was the eighth iteration of Pacific Partnership. Born out of the devastation wrought by the 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of Southeast Asia, Pacific Partnership began as a military-led humanitarian response to one of the world's most catastrophic natural disasters. Building on the success and goodwill of this operation, the hospital ship USNS Mercy returned to the region in 2006 for the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission. The mission staff expanded to include partner nation militaries and NGOs working to increase the disaster relief capabilities of Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines and East Timor. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-10. Active Duty to Reserve and Back Again By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- A recently released Naval message reminds service members that in today's Navy, no Sailor needs to make an "all or nothing" career decision, officials said Aug. 14. NAVADMIN 198/13 outlines the various Continuum of Service (CoS) programs that allow Sailors to transition between the active component (AC) and Reserve component (RC). AC to RC (AC2RC) (Career Waypoint-Reenlistment) Career Waypoint (C-WAY)-Reenlistment transition to the Selected Reserve (SELRES) with Intermediate Stop (I-Stop) orders allows active-duty enlisted Sailors to request and receive approval for SELRES quotas through the C-WAY-Reenlistment process, either in their current rate or in another rate in which they are qualified for direct conversion. The SELRES Delayed Affiliation Program (SELRES DAP) enables separating AC Sailors to request a delay in SELRES affiliation if current year SELRES quotas are unavailable or if the Sailor is unable to affiliate immediately due to transitional civilian obligations during their transition. In return for a future SELRES quota reservation, SELRES DAP Sailors will be required to meet a minimum participation level in the Individual Ready Reserve. RC to AC (RC2AC)/Full-Time Support (FTS) (Career Waypoint-Transition) C-WAY-Transition automates the current application process, and SELRES Sailors can continue to work with their Command Career Counselor (CCC) to view and apply for RC2AC/FTS Augmentation opportunities for which they are qualified. There are three RC2AC transition programs available to Sailors: Definite Recall, Indefinite Recall (officer)/Augmentation (enlisted), and SELRES to FTS. The Definite (temporary) Recall program gives RC officer and enlisted Sailors the opportunity to perform active duty recall orders to fill specific AC or FTS billets for a period of 1-3 years. Personnel remain in the RC and compete for promotion with other RC members while on definite recall orders and then return to their previous status at the completion of orders. The Indefinite Recall (officer)/Augmentation (enlisted) program gives RC officers and enlisted Sailors the opportunity to fill AC community shortfalls. Officer designators are changed to AC and enlisted Sailors sign a new AC enlistment contract. These programs leverage existing skill sets to improve AC community health, and provide Sailors an opportunity to resume or begin a career in the AC. The last transition program for Reservists is SELRES to FTS. SELRES officers apply for transfer and redesignation to the FTS communities via a semi-annual board. Selected applicants will remain in the RC, but will have their designators changed. The Navy Reserve also offers a two-year deployment deferment for Sailors who join within six months of leaving active duty. Detailers and CCCs with access to the C-WAY information technology system can submit Sailor's requests for transition to an active-duty or Reserve billet. The Career Transition Office (CTO) at Navy Personnel Command (NPC) also provides counseling and support to active-duty officer and enlisted Sailors considering a transition to the Reserves. Interested Sailors can contact a CTO representative by phone at 901-874-4192, or email at cto.officer@navy.mil or cto.enlisted@navy.mil. For more detailed information, visit the C-WAY Web Page on the NPC website at www.npc.navy.mil/career/careercounseling/Pages/CareerWaypointSystem.aspx. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-05. Cutting Consumption, Saving Lives: Fuel Cell Technology Proves Powerful in Demo By Eric Beidel, Office of Naval Research ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Technology developed for tactical generators under an Office of Naval Research (ONR) program recently demonstrated the ability to cut fuel use nearly in half compared to diesel systems currently powering forward-operating bases. The Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Tactical Electrical Power Unit is aimed at reducing the need to transport fuel around the battlefield, especially in dangerous theaters like Afghanistan, where enemies routinely target supply routes with homemade bombs. "This technology goes right to the heart of the Department of Defense's Operational Energy Strategy," said Dr. John Pazik, director of ONR's Ship Systems and Engineering Research Division. "Using less fuel ultimately means fewer convoys and more lives saved." During a demonstration in June at the Army's Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., the power unit decreased fuel consumption by up to 44 percent compared to a similar-sized 10 kilowatt generator now being used by the Army and Marine Corps. Funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the development of the fuel cell generator was the result of collaboration within the DoD Energy and Power Community of Interest, which brings together the four military services on a variety of energy and power programs. "Many useful power and energy technologies have been developed in the last decade," said Jack Taylor, associate director of ground and sea platforms in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. "We are now at the tipping point to start packaging and deploying these." A solid-oxide fuel cell produces electricity through a chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. A key component to the new system is a small reformer inside the unit that converts high-sulfur military fuels-such as JP-8 jet fuel- into a hydrogen-rich gas capable of use in the fuel cell. Previous systems required heavy maintenance to operate with such fuels. In addition to an easy-to-deploy modular and compact design, the new technology allows for near-silent operation. Instead of the roar of a diesel generator, the fuel cell unit's cooling fan produces a sound similar to the quiet hum of a refrigerator or air conditioner. "Fuel cells are real and are ready for transition to our warfighters," said Don Hoffman, a program officer in ONR's Sea Warfare and Weapons Department. "We're pushing forward to examine adapting this technology for use aboard ships as well." -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-22. Chief of Naval Operations Visits USS Columbus By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited the Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Columbus (SSN 762) as part of a two-day visit to Hawaii, Aug. 13. While visiting Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Greenert attended a topside awards ceremony with the Columbus crew during which he pinned the Enlisted Submarine Warfare qualification on Yeoman 3rd Class Antonio Draughn and Fire Control Technician Seaman Parker Birchall. "Reenlisting and recognizing Sailors is my favorite thing to do," said Greenert. In addition to their Submarine Warfare Qualification, or "dolphins," Greenert awarded each with certificates, and a coin to recognize and commemorate their achievement. Following the awards ceremony, Greenert talked to the crew and held a question and answer session where Sailors were able to hear from the Navy's top officer on topics ranging from quality of life issues to matters of operational importance in the Asia-Pacific region. "You're my litmus test," said Greenert. "When I look across the Navy, if the submarine force has a problem, then I have a bigger problem." A career submariner, Greenert lauded the Columbus crew and gave a nod to the submarine community and the "amazing mystique" it carries. "The work you do is incredibly important," he said. "You are a professional force and we depend upon you a great deal." Greenert added that America needs the Navy more than ever. "The Navy is more relevant than it has ever been," said Greenert. "We will be counting on each and every one of you to get the job done." Following the event, both Draughn and Birchall expressed their gratitude that Greenert was able to share in this milestone day. "It's amazing, I never thought this would happen!" said Birchall. "It's an honor!" said Draughn. "It's been a long process (attaining the qualification) and it was nice to have met the Admiral." For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/subpac/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-17. Chief of Naval Operations Visits Hawaii Sailors By Mass Communciation Specialist 1st Class Cynthia Clark PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited with Sailors at various locations in and around Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 12-13. Greenert visited for one reason, "to listen and learn, and understand what's on peoples minds and to tell them that despite some uncertainty as we look into the future there is some certainty," he said. Greenert visited Sailors at Bloch Arena on Joint Base Monday, where he reenlisted Sailors and answered questions from those in attendance on issues such as sequestration and sexual assault. The CNO also visited with Sailors on guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG-97) and fast-attack submarine USS Columbus (SSN-762), where he addressed other issues such as physical readiness and deployment lengths. He also visited with wounded warriors at Tripler Army Medical Center. The CNO assured Sailors, when it comes to pay and benefits, the focus should remain on warfighting readiness, and not the uncertainty of the future. "Simply put pay, allowances and personnel and family benefits will remain the same. So I'd like to remind them to focus on the mission at hand - warfighting first, operate forward and be ready." According to the CNO, the current re-balancing efforts to the Asia-Pacific region are also not in jeopardy. "The rebalance to the Asia-Pacific is proceeding ahead regardless of our budget limitations that may be coming up in the future," he continued. "Hawaii is our gateway to the Pacific, it is the headquarters for the Pacific, and so it's very important to this rebalance. In fact, the number of ships here in Hawaii will grow throughout this decade to two more ships. Hawaii is the centerpiece geographically, it's strategically important and it's a big part of our future." Greenert also wanted his Sailors to know, even with the budgetary issues and the increased responsibility of the Pacific, deployments and their durations, are also on his mind. "I want to get to the point where we can know and understand how long our deployments are going to be, and we'll do that through the budget process," he said. "As they say, the world gets a vote, this is a very volatile area and the world is dynamic. We need to get to a more stable deployment, I understand that." While the CNO spent the trip speaking with Sailors here, he also reached out to families. "I want to say thank you very much for what you're doing, you take care of our Sailors, you're the wind underneath their wings that enables them to be the best Sailors in the world, and keeps us the finest Navy." Finally, it wouldn't all be possible without the Sailors themselves, and he had this message for the Pacific Fleet. "You are our asymmetrical advantage," he concluded. "You are the difference between us and any other Navy regardless of technology. The Navy is more relevant than it has ever been, they're going to be reaching out to you to get the job done and ensure security so thanks for being part of the team." -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-02. Navy's Top Admiral, Congressman Attend Recruit Graduation at Naval Station Great Lakes By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Sorensen, NR NPASE MW GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert visited Recruit Training Command (RTC) at Naval Station Great Lakes to attend a recruit graduation Aug. 9. Greenert, was the guest of honor at the ceremony which was also attended by U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, Illinois 5th Congressional District, who served as the reviewing officer. "Recruit Training Command is the first stop for every civilian as they enter naval service," said Greenert. "This is where we teach our new Sailors trust, integrity, teamwork and mentorship." RTC, the Navy's only boot camp, graduated 985 Sailors in 13 divisions and was attended by more than 3,000 family members and friends of the recruits. "What impressed me most about the visit to RTC was the look of pride I saw on each Sailor," said Quigley. "That is the pride that will take the Navy's newest Sailors far in their naval careers." Quigley and Greenert began the morning with a tour of the training facilities at RTC. Included in this tour was a stop at the Navy's largest trainer, USS Trayer (BST-21). Trayer, a 210-foot-long Arleigh Burke-class destroyer replica, is where recruits undergo Battle Stations, their final evolution before graduating from boot camp. During Battle Stations recruits must complete 17 different shipboard scenarios over a 12-hour period onboard Trayer. The state-of-the-art training facility uses theme park special effects technology to simulate a variety of shipboard emergencies, such as shipboard fires and compartment flooding. RTC trains more than 37,000 volunteer civilian recruits annually, transforming them into Sailors. For more news from Recruit Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/rtc/. For more information about NSTC, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/ or visit the NSTC Facebook pages at https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-19. Administrative and Disciplinary Actions Administered To MDSU Two Sailors From Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Administrative and disciplinary actions were administered to Sailors assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) Two Aug. 6-13 as a result of a Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) Article 32 investigation surrounding the deaths of two Navy divers during a training dive in February. The investigating officer overseeing the Article 32 investigation, Capt. Holiday Hanna, former Force Judge Advocate, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, Norfolk, Va., submitted his recommendations to Rear. Adm. Frank Morneau, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), July 19, following the UCMJ Article 32 investigation hearing held June 19-20 at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. After reviewing the final report from Hanna, Morneau referred the case to commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) Two, Capt. John Coffey, for administrative and disciplinary actions, as appropriate. EODGRU Two, which oversees MDSU Two, completed a command investigation into the events leading up to the deaths of the Navy Divers and a separate safety investigation initiated by NECC is still ongoing. Navy Diver 1st Class James Reyher, 28, of Caldwell, Ohio, and Navy Diver 2nd Class Ryan Harris, 23, of Gladstone, Mo., drowned while conducting a training exercise at the Underwater Test Facility, Aberdeen Test Center (ATC), Aberdeen, Md. The two divers were assigned to MDSU Two, based in Virginia Beach. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-14. Lincoln Supply Department Receives Blue "E" By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kyle Henley, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln's (CVN 72) Supply Department received the 2012 Supply Blue "E" Award for Supply Excellence Aug. 13. Capt. Michael Ropiak, Commander Naval Force Atlantic force supply officer, visited Lincoln to present the award to Lincoln Supply personnel and congratulate them for their outstanding effort. "I'm familiar with the yards and I know it's difficult for some," said Ropiak. "You've all shown you can handle this with proficiency and enthusiasm and I'm proud to award this honor to the Lincoln." The Blue "E" is awarded annually to supply departments that demonstrate excellent quality and efficiency, as judged by a comprehensive multiple-day supply management inspection. Additionally, the command had to continually meet standards of excellence with monthly improvements during the year. "This is Lincoln's ninth consecutive Blue 'E'," said Cmdr. Eric Oettl, Lincoln's supply officer who thanked all of the Sailors past and present who contributed to earning the Blue "E" Award. "Thanks for the outstanding work." Oettl went on to highlight the effect winning the Blue "E" had on Lincoln's other achievements. "Without this award, Lincoln could not have won the Battle 'E'," said Oettl. "Without it we wouldn't have been the best west coast carrier in the fleet." Ropiak closed ceremony with a cake-cutting and words of encouragement. "Many of you will be here for the years to come," said Ropiak. "I encourage you to continue your history of excellence and take it with you all the way back to sea." USS Abraham Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo a RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of our national defense. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-12. HSM-75 Conducts Aerial Change of Command at Sea By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Andrew Price, USS Nimitz Public Affairs USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The "Wolf Pack" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 conducted an airborne change of command ceremony in the skies above the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), Aug. 13, in the Arabian Gulf. Cmdr. Thomas F. Foster, from New Castle, Del., relieved Cmdr. Peter M. Collins, from Portland, Ore., as commanding officer of the "Wolf Pack." Capt. Kevin Mannix, commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, presided over the transfer of command. Collins reported to the "Wolf Pack" in May 2011 as the executive officer and assumed command in June 2012 prior to the squadron's first underway on board Nimitz as part of CVW-11 for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. "The 'Wolf Pack' has come a long way; each time we have faced a new goal, we have both grown and learned something or we have approached it with vigor, hit the mark and kept pressing forward," said Collins. "There are many challenges that lay ahead of the 'Wolf Pack,' but I challenge the 'Wolf Pack' to carry the culture that makes this place so strong, take it wherever they go, and make that place stronger with it." Foster, a 1995 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, began his career with the "Swamp Foxes" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 44. While at HSL-44, Foster made a counter-narcotics deployment aboard USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) and USS John Hancock (DD 981) in support of the John F. Kennedy Strike Group. Foster was also assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46, Supreme Headquarters Allied Command (SHAPE), and HSM-41. "It is my privilege to assume command today; the "Wolf Pack" has a long history of excellence, it is well deserved and I'm glad to be a part of it," said Foster. "To departing Skipper Collins, the ability to focus us when we need it and relax us when we should, I have learned a lot from you, and I appreciate your mentorship and your friendship." HSM-75 is currently embarked with CVW-11 on board Nimitz and deployed with the Nimitz Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-09. SPAWAR, Industry Help Wounded Warrior Community with Networking Opportunities By Tina C. Stillions, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) sponsored a networking event Aug. 13 to help transitioning veterans from Camp Pendleton, the Naval Medical Center and National Veterans Transition Services, Inc.'s REBOOT Workshop develop contacts in the business community and find employment. Comprising local San Diego government organizations and private industry, the event is part of a national effort to provide employment support and mentoring for wounded warriors and transitioning veterans. Leadership at SPAWAR have made a commitment to helping veterans, in particular those who are wounded, ill or injured, find employment as they transition from active duty. The event was the seventh quarterly networking opportunity SPAWAR has sponsored. Patrick Sullivan, SPAWAR's executive director, provided opening remarks during the panel session. He discussed some of the hiring challenges the government is facing in light of sequestration and mandated hiring freezes. "SPAWAR is committed to helping our wounded, ill and injured service members find employment," said Sullivan. "Since 2010, we have hit many of our hiring targets. Prior to the hiring freeze this year, we brought on board 48 folks. Since we are working under the limitations of sequestration, we have had to shift our focus to nonpaid internships and expanding our outreach efforts." The networking event was developed in conjunction with private industry to help veterans as they transition to civilian employment. Veterans often lack some of the job search skills necessary to interview and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace. SPAWAR works with organizations to mentor veterans and provide the kind of support necessary in today's tough job market. According to Capt. George Byrd, who leads the region's wounded warrior hiring efforts and moderated the day's panel session, said networking is the key to success. He said job hunters need to get out of their comfort zone, really get to know themselves and analyze their skill set. "The key to success is relationship building," said Byrd. "In many ways, looking for employment is a lot like real estate. It's networking, networking, networking." Byrd said the goal of the panel session is to provide REBOOT Workshop graduates in the audience with information on SPAWAR and working for the government, insight into what companies in the defense industry look for in new employees and what companies are doing to hire wounded, ill and injured service members. He also hoped to gather feedback from veterans present at the event and have them share their experience about the transition process. Ken Delozier is a Marine Corps veteran and said he sent more than 400 resumes during his job search. He was eventually offered a position as an information assurance project manager with the Program Executive Office, Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence. "You need to go into an interview with the mindset that I can help this company," said Delozier. "You also have to be yourself and go in with an open mind. They are not only interviewing you, but you are interviewing them, too." More than 17 businesses, from large corporations to small businesses and nonprofits, participated in the networking portion of the event. Representatives from Indus Technology, Inc., Lockheed Martin, Client Solution Architects and the REBOOT Workshop, to name a few, were on hand to provide resources for veterans and wounded warriors interested in mentoring advice or employment opportunities. A dozen graduates from the REBOOT Workshop were in the audience to ask questions, network and hand out their resumes to potential employers. The REBOOT program was started in 2010 by National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to assisting veterans in adjusting to civilian life and securing meaningful employment. The three week workshop consists of training in developing interviewing techniques and advice on how to sell their skill to future employers. It is intended to augment the military's Transition Assistance Program, assist with the networking process and help bridge the gap between active duty and civilian employment. "People and companies that want to be here are here today," said Mark McLean, SPAWAR's event organizer. "Each time we do this, we have more participants from industry stepping up to the plate and wanting to participate and work with our nation's wounded warriors. I really enjoy supporting this event and those of us from SPAWAR certainly have the experience to make it happen." The Navy's Information Dominance Systems Command, SPAWAR participates regularly in events and programs for wounded warriors with a goal of providing support to the men and women who have served their nation. The senior leadership panel discussion and networking forum is part of an ongoing series of programs that facilitate employment and mentoring opportunities for wounded warriors and transitioning veterans. For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-08. Culinary Specialist Course Updates Impact Fleet By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Chefs around the fleet are managing shipboard and shore galley's using the Food Service Management (FSM) system Aug. 14. The Food Service Management (FSM) system is an automated means for Navy food service personnel, both afloat and ashore, to perform all administrative and record keeping functions relating to the daily operations of a dining facility. FSM provides Food Service Officers (FSOs) and other personnel with an automated method of ordering food, creating menus, processing receipts, tracking inventory, generating recipes and menus and other functions associated with the operation of a general mess. Center for Service Support (CSS) Norfolk Learning Site piloted training for the FSM March 2013 and CSS San Diego Learning Site piloted its training May 2013. According to Chief Culinary Specialist (SS) Fred Butts, CSS culinary specialist training manager, the overwhelming positive feedback from the fleet, indicates that the program and training is a success. "The inputs we received from the fleet indicate that the FSM along with the training we conduct, greatly enhance our junior and senior CSs," said Butts. "We think it has been successful in two ways, the first for letting the fleet understand the human performance requirements review (HPRR) process, and the second being the outcome of the training, which was very successful." The HPRR process helps Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) learning centers produce quality training that best meets current and future fleet requirements by allowing fleet stakeholders and customers to thoroughly examine curriculum, lesson plans, lesson objectives, equipment, classroom instruction, and other course documents. HPRR participants may also sit in classrooms to observe training firsthand. "This improvement enhances every galley's productivity," said Butts. "It allows CSS to manage their Sailors more efficiently and will prevent waste. This program makes everyone's job easier by taking away unnecessary steps. It is a welcomed upgrade from our old system." FSM replaced a stand-alone disk operating system (DOS) program that has been phased out of the Culinary Specialist community. The software update also meant a substantial change in the curriculum. "We took the information that needed to be taught and together we developed a curriculum that would best reach our Sailors," said Allison Martin, instructional systems specialist. "It is a big change switching from a manual system to a web-based one." "Our training will also give CSs better insight into the management portion of their job," said Martin. "The updated training and tests ensures our Sailors are retaining the information they are taught. CSS wants to ensure its students have the necessary tools to get their jobs done when they return to the fleet." "This course ensures everything is covered and that all the information being taught is taught well." CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand-in-hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensure training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities. For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-07. NAVFAC Marianas Welcomes New Commander By Jesse Leon Guerrero, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas held a change of command ceremony in Santa Rita, Guam Aug. 14. Capt. Glenn Shephard relieved Capt. John Heckmann as commanding officer. Guest speaker Rear Adm. Tilghman Payne, commander, Joint Region Marianas (JRM), spoke about Heckmann's accomplishments and praised him for setting a new standard of excellence. "John, because of your outstanding leadership, your exacting standards, relentless work ethic and your high expectations, the most impressive legacy you leave in your wake is your workforce - a team of over 400 talented, well-trained and high performing individuals," he said. "Every one of them and every one of us will miss you." Payne spoke about the wide range of projects Heckmann has been directly involved with and responsible for, including the new U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, wharf upgrades at Apra Harbor and accommodations for the planned transfer of thousands of Marines and their family members to the island. In recognition of that exemplary service, Heckmann received the Legion of Merit award from visiting Rear Adm. Bret Muilenburg, commander, NAVFAC Pacific. Heckmann served a dual role for the Navy on Guam by fulfilling the position of JRM regional engineer. His responsibilities included real estate and construction management, providing power and water utilities, and ensuring endangered species and environmentally or historically sensitive areas were not adversely impacted by military operations. Heckmann said he was proud to have led the NAVFAC Marianas team since taking command in July 2011 and spoke about his focus on promoting mission execution, integrity, and leadership as values that guided him during his tour. "We took some calculated risks, but the team approached every challenge and came up with innovative ways to make sure that we got that ultimate mission done," he said. "That was the dedication of the team that was really coming through," he said. Heckmann also thanked the friends he made on Guam, the organizations he worked with and especially praised the work of the non-profit Society of American Military Engineers, which he served under as president. "Thank you for welcoming me and my family to this island paradise," he said. "We have enjoyed experiencing nearly everything that is great about Guam. While I know I will miss the beauty of this island, we will miss the generous hospitality of the people even more." Heckmann will assume his next duty station as operations officer for NAVFAC headquarters at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Prior to arriving on Guam, Shephard served as executive office for NAVFAC Northwest. He was commissioned in 1989 after completing Navy Officer Candidate School at Newport, R.I. He has toured throughout the United States, and served on Guam more than 20 years ago as Officer in Charge of Construction Marinas, Guam. Following Heckmann's remarks, Shephard assumed command of NAVFAC Marianas and addressed his new staff, which he described as a "superbly professional, highly credentialed and energetic team." He also recognized the contributions made by support contractors and regulating partners of NAVFAC Marianas. "For Sandra and I, we look forward to integrating and becoming family members of the island of Guam and serving with you throughout the Marianas," he said. NAVFAC Marianas provides a wide range of services that include electricity, water, steam, air, and wastewater treatment utilities, as well as maintenance and operation of a fleet of vehicles and heavy equipment. The command designs, develops, and executes construction contracts, while also offering environmental support as needed. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-06. USS Wasp Wins Ney Award By Jim Kohler, NAVSUP FLC Norfolk Office of Corporate Communications NORFOLK (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) was presented the Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award Aug. 12 during a ceremony held in the hangar bay aboard the amphibious assault ship at Naval Station Norfolk. The prestigious Ney Award is annually awarded to the highest-performing food service operations throughout the fleet. Wasp took first place honors in the Large Afloat category. The award was presented by Rear Adm. David M. Thomas Jr., commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and was received by Culinary Specialist 1st Class Jorge Hernandez on behalf of the Wasp crew. "I don't think I've ever seen a higher SMC (Supply Management Certification) score than what your ship earned," said Thomas. "You should be very proud of what you have accomplished here." Hernandez was selected by his leading petty officer to receive the award for the ship because of the time he has been a part of the Wasp food service team - more than four years. "He has been such a huge part of our food service team," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Thomas Wayne Cummings, Wasp food service officer. "He has been here through all of the inspection cycles and has worked incredibly hard towards this goal. The entire food service leadership team felt he should represent the command and receive the award on behalf of the ship." Cummings, who arrived aboard Wasp earlier this year, gave all of the credit to the Sailors who manage the day-to-day operation of the Wasp food service organization. "We already had a great crew here when I arrived," said Cummings. "I've just added my own little twist. There is always room for improvement, no matter how good you think you are. If you're not improving, you are dead in the water." He explained that to be an award winning food service operation, you have to go over and above what other ships are doing. "Ney Award winners are innovators," said Cummings. "I want our crew to see and do things they have never done before. I want our people to be innovators. We spend a lot of time training on scratch cooking and speed scratch cooking. The senior folks here still have a lot of information to share." In a statement released in March when the Ney Award winners were announced, Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, commander, Naval Supply Systems Command, emphasized the focus of today's Navy culinary efforts. "High quality food prepared fresh daily by culinary specialists is one of the biggest morale boosters the Navy provides," said Heinrich. "More scratch cooking, updated menus and increased on-the-job training for culinary specialists are defining the future of Navy food service." Hernandez pointed out that while the food is what everyone sees, the award recognizes more than just excellence in food preparation. "There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes that is a big part of what is judged for the Ney Award," said Hernandez. "The judging team looks at your storerooms, record keeping, galley operations, equipment maintenance - everything is a part of the process." He added that, ultimately, their goal is to deliver to the Wasp crew the best possible dining experience. "There are things we do that no other ships are doing. We have two fruit bars available around the clock. Our salad bar has 32-35 items instead of the standard 18-21. Everything we do, we try to do better than everyone else. We want our crew to feel like they are eating in a five-star restaurant, not on a Navy ship." The Ney Memorial Awards Program is co-sponsored by the International Food Service Executives Association to encourage and recognize excellence in Navy Food Service programs. The goal of the award is to improve the quality of life for Navy personnel. The award is named for Capt. Edward F. Ney, an enlisted Sailor during World War I who later earned his commission as a supply officer. His work resolving problems within the military's food service industry during World War II contributed to a higher standard of food service in the Navy. For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-18. Students to Face-off in New RobotX Game By Katherine H. Crawford, Office of Naval Research ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- RoboNation is gearing up for a larger, more competitive, global event that is entering the field of student robotics competitions, Navy officials announced Aug. 14. The Maritime RobotX Challenge is co-sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Foundation and Singapore's Ministry of Defence, which is hosting the inaugural event. The new competition, announced at AUVSI's Unmanned Systems 2013 conference in Washington, D.C., will take place Oct. 20-26, 2014, in Singapore and is scheduled to occur every two years. Three teams each from five countries-the United States, Singapore, Australia, Japan and South Korea-will battle for $100,000 in prize money. The student teams will be chosen using a competitive selection model; teams may be from multiple schools, as collaboration among institutions is encouraged to foster innovation and raise the level of competition. "For the Department of the Navy to continue to develop future capabilities, we need a pipeline of young people interested in subject areas like robotics and autonomy," said Kelly Cooper, a program officer in ONR's Sea Warfare and Weapons department. "This competition serves as a catalyst for autonomous vehicle development that can ultimately lead to operational unmanned systems." The participating countries are from the Pacific region, mirroring the U.S. military's increasing focus on this area and the Navy's direction to expand its presence there in the coming years, as stated in the [Chief of Naval Operations'] Navigation Plan 2014-2018. "ONR Global has an office in Singapore, and it's a natural fit for the first challenge to be hosted by such a strong United States partner in the Pacific," Cooper said. For the Pacific-based Maritime RobotX, each team will receive an unpowered version of the 16-foot Wave Adaptive Modular Vessel (WAM-V), as well as a grant to build a battery-powered propulsion system and sensors. In the future, the goal is to enable the launch of micro-air vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles from the modular WAM-V platform to demonstrate multi-domain, autonomous platform interoperability. "We're essentially jump-starting the students' awareness of naval architecture by giving them a platform that they'll need to know intimately," said Daryl Davidson, AUVSI Foundation executive director. "Their understanding of the platform is critical to the vessel's performance and success." Teams will have to successfully complete a series of tasks to demonstrate navigation and control; obstacle detection and avoidance; docking and target identification; underwater search for an acoustic source; and observation, identification and reporting of a specified target. As with other competitions sponsored by ONR and the AUVSI Foundation, Maritime RobotX uses realistic scenarios that allow students a hands-on opportunity to develop their skills in systems engineering, as well as collaborate with the engineers and organizations developing autonomous surface vehicle technologies. For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit www.navy.mil/local/onr/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130814-03. USS Lassen Visits Sydney By Boatswain's Mate Seaman Arlene Tookes, USS Lassen Public Affairs SYDNEY, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived in Sydney for a port visit, Aug. 14. "The Sailors for the first time in a while have a chance to go to a port where they felt like they're home," said Lassen's Command Master Chief Jason Haka. "Australia is one of our closest partners. It truly is great how much we have been welcomed here." Lassen Sailors will participate in community service projects and activities, including a softball game with locals and a visit to the Westmead Children's Hospital. Sailors will also be able to experience the many attractions Sydney has to offer such as a haunted park, Sydney Opera House tour, and Bondi Beach Surfing provided by the ships recreational services. Lassen, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and part of Destroyer Squadron 15, is on patrol in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf70/. NNS130814-25. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three newscasts today - two one-minute newscasts and one Web-only newscast First one-minute newscast - - CPO 365 Phase Two Training Resumes http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18748 http://youtu.be/P2u0tMSyNbU Second one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Wednesday, August 14th, 2013: Exercise Citadel Rumble 2013 to Commence; Tricare Now Offering Prescription Home-Delivery http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18750 http://youtu.be/hqj2iqz5LGk First web-only newscast - - Navy Reminds Sailors to Get Flu Vaccine http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18752 http://youtu.be/2DirxmA0aRs 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- NNS020718-29. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 14 From the Navy News Service 1813 - HMS Pelican captures USS Argus. 1886 - Secretary of the Navy establishes Naval Gun Factory at Washington Navy Yard. 1945 - Japan agrees to surrender; last Japanese ships sunk during World War II, Aug. 15. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil. -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).