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 NNS130913-38. MCPON thanks Ombudsmen -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76591 NNS130913-33. Chief of Naval Personnel Seeks Nominations for 2013 CSADD Chapter of the Year Awards -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76552 NNS130913-32. Command Master Chief/Command Senior Chief Program Accepting Applications -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76553 NNS130913-26. Navy, Warfare Centers Critical for Nation's Ballistic Missile Defense -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76527 DNU -- In this edition of All Hands Update, Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus Discusses Platforms: One of his Four Priorities. Also, Chief of Naval Operations' Reducing Administrative Distractions initiative enters its final phase. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18825 DNU -- Week in Review Sept 7th - Sept 13th 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18831 NNS130914-05. It's National Preparedness Month - Be StormReady -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76573 DNU -- SECNAV Discusses Platforms: One of his Four Priorities -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18826 NNS130914-04. USS Mahan Returns Home -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76576 NNS130913-36. Medical Treatment Facility Commanding Officer Relieved of Duty aboard Mercy -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76577 NNS130913-40. Carrier Air Wing 5 Welcomes HSM-77 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76589 NNS130913-23. HS-11 Arrives Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76560 NNS130913-17. USS George Washington Continues 2013 Patrol -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76541 NNS130913-18. USS Freedom Remembers 9/11 During Multilateral Exercise SEACAT -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76545 DNU -- USS New York Sailors Commemorate the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18829 NNS130913-31. 4th Fleet Maritime Operations Center Director Speaks to Suicide Prevention Coordinators -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76564 NNS130914-02. Stennis Galley Trains with Expert Chef -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76578 DNU -- Naval Support Activity Bahrain Sailors Pinned to Chief Petty Officer -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18828 NNS130914-01. EOD Sailors Receive Chief Anchors -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76575 NNS130913-46. Naval Base Norfolk Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76580 NNS130913-44. Stennis Welcomes New Chiefs -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76583 NNS130913-43. SURFPAC Sailors Advanced to Chief Petty Officer -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76585 NNS130913-42. Theodore Roosevelt Pins New Chief Petty Officers at Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76586 NNS130913-39. Bonhomme Richard CPO Mess Welcomes 21 New Chiefs -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76590 NNS130913-37. NAF Atsugi Pins 48 New Chief Petty Officers -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76584 DNU -- Joint Base Marianas Sailors Pinned to Chief Petty Officer -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18827 NNS130913-45. Pearl Harbor Survivors visit Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76581 NNS130913-27. 26th MEU Marines and Sailors Make Pilgrimage to Jerusalem -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76410 NNS130913-30. U.S. Navy Chiefs Welcome Non-Commissioned Officers from Allied Nations for Three-Day Symposium -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76561 DNU -- USS George Washington Departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18830 NNS130914-06. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76568 NNS020724-12. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 14 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2786 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=161802 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-38. MCPON thanks Ombudsmen From Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Michael Stevens WASHINGTON (NNS) -- "Navy Ombudsmen, Theresa and I would like to take some time to say 'thank you' for your support and dedication that you provide to our Sailors, families and our great Navy. For the past 43 years, Ombudsmen have been an irreplaceable resource for our Sailors, while serving as an information link between command leadership and command families. As an Ombudsman, you work collaboratively with the command to maintain and sustain the morale and welfare of the command's service members, their families and single Sailors on active duty. As we all know, family readiness is tied to mission readiness and having a strong family support structure enables Sailors to excel at their jobs and the Navy to accomplish its missions. Your help successfully navigates the unique challenges of our lifestyle and know that the job you do is immeasurable! Thank you, Ombudsmen, for your continued support and selfless dedication. Very Respectfully, MCPON and Theresa Stevens" For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-33. Chief of Naval Personnel Seeks Nominations for 2013 CSADD Chapter of the Year Awards From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Unit commanders are encouraged to nominate outstanding chapters of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) to be recognized as sea and shore chapters of the year, according to NAVADMIN 229/13 released September 10. CSADD is a peer influence social group meant to encourage Sailors 18 to 25 years old to combat destructive behavior through a culture of "shipmates helping shipmates." CSADD also serves to build leadership skills in young Sailors. "CSADD chapters throughout the Navy are finding creative and fun ways to help our young Sailors make right decisions, and their efforts are paying off," said Rear Admiral Sean Buck, director of the 21st Century Sailor Office (N17). "The chapter of the year awards recognize chapters that have gone above and beyond in fostering a climate of responsible decision making in our Navy, giving our Sailors tools needed to face the challenges of the twenty-first century while preserving the skills and talents they bring to the fight." According to the NAVADMIN, the CSADD Chapter of the Year awards were established to recognize the positive social interaction, leadership and decision making demonstrated through CSADD efforts, which employ a variety of communication tools and social networking established and sustained by the chapters. Since the awards were established in 2010, one sea-based chapter and one shore-based chapter were recognized as chapters of the year. For 2013, the categories are expanded to include two sea-based chapters, one large chapter and one small, and two shore-based chapters, one from an installation command and one from a training command. The NAVADMIN provides detailed guidance to commanders on submitting a nomination. All registered active duty, Reserve Component and Reserve Officers' Training Corps Unit CSADD chapters are eligible; however, only activities and successes that occurred in fiscal year 2013 shall be included. The deadline for submissions by commanders to their appropriate regional commanders is October 1, 2013. Regional commanders must mail or email their submissions no later than November 1, 2013. Results will be announced in a future NAVADMIN. For more information, please contact Ms. Amanda Alston, CSADD program coordinator, at (901) 874-6723 or by email at amanda.alston@navy.mil. Additional information on CSADD, the chapter of the year awards, or how to start a CSADD chapter can be found online at http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/CSADD/Pages/default2.aspx. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-32. Command Master Chief/Command Senior Chief Program Accepting Applications By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Perez, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy is seeking highly-motivated master chief and senior chief petty officers for the Command Master Chief (CMC) and Command Senior Chief (CSC) Program, officials said Sept. 13. "Hands down, the most important role of a command master chief or command senior chief is to represent their Sailors in all matters Navy to the commanding officer," said Command Master Chief Petty Officer (SW) Brent Tidwell, CMC/CSC detailer, Navy Personnel Command (NPC). "As a command master chief or senior chief, you are the Sailors' voice and they look to you for answers during challenging times, and you must be ready." CMCs and CSCs ensure there is active communication throughout a chain of command. They advise their respective commander or commanding officer and provide input in the formulation, implementation, and execution of policies concerning morale, job satisfaction, discipline, family support and training of enlisted Sailors, as well as provide input and advice in matters affecting mission and operations. "As a CMC, I'm responsible for the personal and professional development of Sailors and I provide mentorship and training to junior officers so that their hard work and dedication results in mission success," said Tidwell. Those selected for the CMC/CSC Program are responsible for leading the alignment efforts of the Chief's Mess with the Navy ethos and Navy core values, and the mission, vision and guiding principles set forth by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. "Senior enlisted leaders should consider applying for the CMC/CSC Program because it's the pinnacle of leadership opportunities within our enlisted force," said Tidwell. "It provides senior chiefs and master chiefs an opportunity to expand their experience past the technical aspects of their rate and lead a larger and more diverse group of Sailors than they would as a source rated senior or master chief." NAVADMIN 224/13 outlines eligibility and application procedures. Master chief and senior chief petty officers, including those in a frocked status are encouraged to apply. Applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 9. CMC and CSC selection boards convene annually at NPC. The board reviews and selects the best-qualified applicants for assignment into the CMC/CSC Program. "Every year we get 100 or so packages and the board selects the very best of those," said Tidwell. "The main thing is that people keep trying to apply if they don't get selected the first or second time up. Don't give up because the opportunities and challenges are worth the fight and the frustration. It's really rewarding to be a part of the command and see the impact that you have in the command as a CMC." Upon selection, receipt of orders and successful completion of a Military Senior Enlisted Academy and the Navy's Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course in Newport, R.I., master chief petty officers' ratings will then be changed to CMDCM. Senior chief petty officers filling CSC billets will retain their source rating until selected for master chief petty officer and approved for conversion to CMDCM. Master chiefs and senior chiefs selected for the CMC/CSC program will be assigned by the CMC detailer based on billet availability, experience and qualifications. If an authorized CSC billet is not available, members may be detailed by their rating detailer until one becomes available. Read NAVADMIN 224/13 and OPNAVINST 1306.2G, available at www.npc.navy.mil for more information. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-26. Navy, Warfare Centers Critical for Nation's Ballistic Missile Defense By Troy Clarke and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christopher Okula, Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Public Affairs NORCO, Calif. (NNS) -- The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona delivered its first quick-look analysis Sept. 13 of the Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) test earlier this week, kicking off the collaborative assessment process for the first operational test of the nation's Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). The test, named Flight Test Operational-01 (FTO-01), took place near the Army Kwajalein Atoll/Reagan Test Site and surrounding areas in the western Pacific and marked the first time combatants in different regions defended against near-simultaneous ballistic missile launches. During the test, MDA successfully integrated Navy destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) with the Army's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and a space-based infrared detection system. "This was a great feat for our Navy and the nation as we move toward an operational ballistic missile defense system," said Capt. Eric Ver Hage, commanding officer of NSWC Corona, a Naval Sea Systems Command field activity based in Norco. His command served as the lead analysis and assessment agent of the Navy's system in the test - Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) - providing missile telemetry and combat system data collection. To conduct the test, MDA launched two medium-range ballistic missile targets in close sequence toward Kwajalein. An Army-Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control (AN/TPY-2) radar detected the target and relayed track information to the Command and Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) system, which integrated, analyzed and synchronized combatants to formulate a real-time threat response among participating units. The crew of Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Decatur provided the Navy's operational element, tracking and intercepting the first target missile with a missile of its own - a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA. Soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment provided the Army's operational element, using the THAAD system to intercept the second target. Aboard Decatur, NSWC Port Hueneme's Aegis BMD personnel extracted data from the ship's system, which subsequently traveled on Corona's innovative mini-Ku band satellite back to shore. The mini-Ku system cuts data transmission time by more than 95 percent from earlier versions, sending all missile telemetry and Aegis combat system data to the warfare center's Joint Warfare Assessment Laboratory (JWAL) where analysts from gathered to provide live monitoring of test data. Initial data indicated the test elements performed as designed, but MDA officials have ongoing evaluations using the test data, starting with Corona's quick-look analysis. "NSWC Corona will collaborate with the MDA Joint Analysis Team and Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force to provide an overall assessment of the BMDS from both an engineering and an operational perspective," said Tony Jones, NSWC Corona's Aegis BMD assessment lead. As a core mission for the Navy, Aegis BMD capability defeats short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats with SM-3, as well as short-range ballistic missiles in the terminal phase with the Standard Missile-2 (SM-2). Since the 1970s, Corona's sister division at NSWC Dahlgren has been intimately involved in the development, test, certification and fielding of almost every new baseline of the Aegis Weapon System (AWS), providing an integrated system that supports warfare on several fronts - air, surface, subsurface and strike. At sea, the Navy has 28 Aegis BMD combatants - five Ticonderoga Class Cruisers and 23 Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers - with 16 assigned to the Pacific Fleet and 12 to the Atlantic Fleet. MDA and the Navy plan to increase the number of BMD-capable ships to 30 by the end of 2013. "As a former ship's captain, I'm excited by the positive results we're seeing," Ver Hage said. "Corona has been providing independent assessment of guided missile systems for nearly 50 years, and the progress our military is making toward building a comprehensive ballistic missile defense system is truly remarkable. It's an awesome capability we absolutely need." As part of the Navy's Science and Engineering Enterprise, NSWC Corona leads the Navy in independent assessment, measurement and calibration standards and range systems engineering. The warfare center is home to three premier laboratories and assessment centers - the JWAL, the Measurement Science and Technology Lab, and the Daugherty Memorial Assessment Center -and employs approximately 2,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support personnel at its headquarters in Norco and at its detachment at Seal Beach, Calif. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130914-05. It's National Preparedness Month - Be StormReady From Commander, Navy Installations Command Ready Navy Program WASHINGTON (NNS) -- To be recognized as StormReady or TsunamiReady, communities must meet certain guidelines established by the National Weather Service in partnership with federal, state, and local emergency management officials. While the emergency management teams at every Navy installation have emergency plans and protocol in place, those that have earned the official StormReady and TsunamiReady designation have gone one step further in their efforts to save lives and property in the face of natural disasters. "The safety and emergency preparedness of Navy personnel and families is a high priority for us," says Margie Lutz, Commander, Navy Installations Command Emergency Management Program Manager. "In partnering with the National Weather Service (NWS) and receiving the StormReady and TsunamiReady designation, we continue to strengthen our hazardous weather plans, monitorization and notification systems, and training and public awareness programs for a global Ready Navy community." She cautions that the "buck doesn't stop there." According to Lutz, with an average of 100,000 thunderstorms (10,000 of which are severe), 5,000 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, and an average of two potential deadly hurricanes making landfall, winter storms, etc., each and every member of the Navy community has a part to play in storm readiness. The Navy's emergency preparedness program, Ready Navy, provides information and tools to guide individuals to prepare themselves and their families before, during, and after a disaster. Take time during September's National Preparedness Month to prepare and familiarize yourself with the Ready Navy website, and ask your emergency manager if your installation is StormReady. The following list of installations have earned StormReady and, where indicated, TsunamiReady designations: * Joint Base Charleston * Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (also TsunamiReady) * Naval Air Station Corpus Christi * Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base * Naval Air Station Key West * Naval Air Station Kingsville * Naval Air Station Lemoore * Naval Air Station Meridian * Naval Air Station Whiting Field (renewed) * Naval Station Mayport (also TsunamiReady) * Naval Weapons Station Earle NJ Be Storm Ready and Ready Navy! We are. Are you? For more information on how to prepare for any disaster, visit http://www.ready.navy.mil. Follow us #ReadyNavy. Ready Navy is a CNIC- sponsored emergency preparedness program. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130914-04. USS Mahan Returns Home By Ensign Alexander Washofsky, USS Mahan Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan (DDG 72) returned to Naval Station Norfolk Sep. 13th after an eight-and a half-month deployment to the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. Mahan traveled more than 42,391 nautical miles under the leadership of Cmdr. Adam Aycock, then Cmdr. Zoah Scheneman, who in May became the ship's commanding officer. The crew conducted 26 underway replenishments, 50 weapons exercises, 53 small boat operations, and 15 flight operations with 147 landings and recoveries of helicopters. "I couldn't be more proud of the crew. They set the standard for excellence and established a great reputation for themselves out here," said Scheneman. "The successes we achieved are many, and the crew overcame every challenge they met with poise and precision." Mahan deployed Dec. 28, 2012 in support of theater security cooperation efforts and maritime security operations in the Mediterranean Sea. "The majority of the world's commerce moves by way of the sea," said Cmdr. Joe Matison, Mahan's executive officer. "We were out there ensuring safety and freedom of navigation, which is in the interest of all nations, by conducting theater security operations and working with our maritime partners." While in 6th Fleet, the crew participated in a bilateral exercise with the Israeli Defense Forces. In addition to practicing core skills, the event also served as an opportunity to grow and foster partnership and cooperation between the two navies. Mahan also participated in joint naval exercises and operations with France, Great Britain, Greece, Spain, and other NATO partners, highlighting the importance of working with coalitions to preserve the sea lines of communication. After his first Mediterranean deployment, Chief Gas Turbine Systems Technician Daniel Hunt said he feels he has returned a better Sailor. "I got to see so many interesting places and see so many cultures while serving our nation on the high seas," said Hunt. "It has been a fantastic and productive deployment." Hunt was one of 10 first class petty officers selected for chief petty officer (CPO). The selectees were pinned in a ceremony on the pier soon after the ship moored. Chief Electrician's Mate Gregory Holcombe said that the ceremony felt different than all the other pinning ceremonies he has been to. "Becoming a chief petty officer right after pulling in from such a successful deployment with the officers and chief petty officers wearing khakis was a great culmination of all the hard work and training we accomplished since being selected." Command Master Chief Lewis Wilson added, "I would like to thank all the chief petty officers that provided all of the logistics support that allowed us to march down the pier into a ready stage to conduct our CPO Pinning Ceremony as part of the return to homeport events. Without the Chief's Mess, this would not have been possible." While in theater, the ship made port visits to Augusta Bay and Naples, Italy; Israel; Cyprus; Rhodes and Souda Bay, Greece and Spain, where the crew enjoyed liberty, conducted maintenance on the ship, and participated in numerous community relations projects. "The crew returns from deployment with their heads held high," said Wilson. "We accomplished our goal of a safe, sound and successful deployment." Last month, the ship made headlines around the world when she headed east to be ready to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations after being directed by the Secretary of Defense in response to the alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria the day before. Sailors anxiously endured the hours as homecoming drew near. The homecoming is especially exciting for Sonar Technician Surface 3rd Class Mark Brown, who is used to seeing ships returning due to growing up in the Norfolk area. "I can't wait to see my family and to show them the great ship I've called home these last eight months," he said. Brown met the ship in Naples after completing boot camp and follow-on schools, and will return to his hometown a surface warfare-qualified Sailor. Mahan is the 4th ship named after Rear Adm. Alfred Thayer Mahan, a naval theorist on seapower whose book 'The Influence of Sea Power Upon History 1660-1763' shaped naval strategy to this day. The ship, whose motto is "Built to Fight" was commissioned in 1998 as the 21st Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, and the first Flight II variant of the class. She carries a complement of 236 Sailors and 29 Officers. Reflecting on his 26 years of Naval service, Scheneman said that this deployment, his sixth, was by far his favorite. "It truly is an honor to lead these incredible men and women," he said. For more information on USS Mahan please visit the ship's website http://www.mahan.navy.mil/ For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-36. Medical Treatment Facility Commanding Officer Relieved of Duty aboard Mercy By Military Sealift Command Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, commander, Military Sealift Command relieved Capt. William B. Cogar, commanding officer, Medical Treatment Facility (MTF), USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), of his duties following Admiral's Mast in San Diego, Calif., Sept. 13. Cogar was relieved after an Inspector General's investigation into allegations of irregularities in the administration of the MTF's physical fitness assessment (PFA) program that included falsifying records and making false official statements. Cogar received non-judicial punishment (NJP) from Shannon at Admiral's Mast Sept. 13. During NJP, Cogar was found to have attempted to influence his PFA results, and that he negligently failed to comply with and execute the requirements of the Physical Readiness Program in violation of UCMJ Article 92, Failure to Obey an Order or Regulation and UCMJ Article 133, Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman. Shannon also reviewed the actions of other members of the MTF and held accountable one other MTF crewmember whose actions did not meet the high standards expected of Navy leadership. Cogar, who took command of the MTF in March 2013, was reassigned to Navy Medical Center San Diego. Capt. Jeffrey Paulson, a former MTF commanding officer, temporarily assumed command of the Mercy MTF pending arrival of a permanent replacement. Mercy is one of two Navy hospital ships, crewed by civil service mariners assigned to U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, which operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-40. Carrier Air Wing 5 Welcomes HSM-77 By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Heavin, Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- The "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 moved into the Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 neighborhood, as the newest addition embarked on board Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) prior to their 2013 patrol. The Saberhawks' missions are to conduct Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Surface Warfare (SUW,) as well as Search and Rescue (SAR), Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP), Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), and Communications Relay (COMREL). "We spend the majority of our time flying over the horizon, away from the Strike Group, to expand the radar search range and look for surface and submerged contacts," said Cmdr. Rich Whitfield, commanding officer of the Saberhawks. "We fly MH-60 Romeo's; not to be confused with the Sierras. We can fit two personnel in the back when fully loaded." Whitfield explained that MH-60 Romeos bring the tactical maritime mission capability to an entire new level, surpassing previous fleet capability. MH-60R Seahawk helicopters have a high-tech avionics, mission systems, and cockpit, making it one of the world's most capable naval helicopter. The aircraft features a glass cockpit and significant mission system improvements over the SH-60B helicopter, which gives the MH-60R unmatched capability as an airborne multi-mission naval platform. The MH-60R is tasked with Over-the-Horizon Targeting (OTH-T) on board George Washington and Navy surface combatant ships. HSM-77 has five MH-60R helicopters on board George Washington and two helicopters on the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54). The Saberhawks packed up their helicopters, gear, and family members in a hurry to meet their next mission attached to the 7th Fleet area of operation. Saberhawks are proud to be the first 'bravo to sea' squadron, establishing the Navy's Helicopter Concept of Operations (CONOPS) for deploying two helicopter squadrons, with Helicopter Sea Combat (HSC) 12, within a single Carrier Air Wing and providing the momentum necessary for the transition to carrier based operations. "I think we're adjusting pretty well," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman James Botting, leading chief petty officer of HSM-77. "A lot of that has to do with the interaction we face on the ship. We came originally from San Diego, not knowing how it was going to turn out; however, since arriving it's been nothing but outstanding." Botting said that with his experience attached to HSM-77, there has been a great mentality. "The personalities here and the mindset of the crew help us succeed in every aspect. We've had a good integration along with great morale," added Botting. Saberhawks were commissioned Sept. 25, 1987 at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, Calif. Later, HSM-77 was renamed from Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47 in April of 2009. "Transferring here was different," said Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) 3rd Class Mark Mendoza. "It was a lot of work. Especially, since Japan is so different than San Diego. I'm actually from San Diego, so for me I was more excited to be in a new place. We've done a good job interacting with all the squadrons and getting accustomed to how George Washington runs things verses [our previous aircraft carrier], USS Abraham Lincoln," said Mendoza. Prior to this patrol the Saberhawks were deployed with CVW-2 on board Abraham Lincoln in June 2012. "This is my third time being new to an Air Wing, and I can tell you what the difference is," said Whitfield. "Air Wing Five, from Sailors on the flight deck to the Handler all the way up to the Air Boss, and Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) in the hangar bay, have received us with ridiculously open arms. It's absolutely phenomenal." The Saberhawks cannot go unnoticed without the mention of the Department of Defense winner of the 2012 Phoenix Award. The Phoenix Award honors military maintenance organizations for outstanding performance. "We're just doing what we're supposed to do," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class David Gonzalez, maintenance leading petty officer of HSM-77. "Everything really fell into place because we have the right team and the right attitude." Saberhawks' skipper concluded that the success of the squadron lies in the crew's core as a one family. "This squadron has a long history of being pretty close-knit and having one heck of family atmosphere," said Whitfield. "You don't get to pick your brothers and sisters. You don't get to pick your shipmates, but you've got them and you find the best in each one. We make the best of it." Saberhawks are one of the nine squadrons of CVW-5 embarked on U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier George Washington to provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in 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/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-23. HS-11 Arrives Aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kris R. Lindstrom, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron 11 (HS-11) from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, known as the Dragonslayers, arrived aboard aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Sept. 11. HS-11 is part of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) and is the first squadron of CVW-1 to come aboard Theodore Roosevelt for flight operations. HS-11's capabilities include combat search and rescue (CSAR), special warfare, anti-submarine warfare, vertical replenishment, anti-ship missile defense and passenger and cargo transfer. The Dragonslayers operate two variations of the Sea Hawk helicopter to carry out their various missions. They are SH-60F (Foxtrot) and HH-60H (Hotel) helicopters. "The Foxtrot has a dipping sonar system that is used to find submarines and the Hotel can carry HELLFIRE missiles on it for force protection," said Lt. Daniel Foose, a pilot for the Dragonslayers. HELLFIRE stands for Helicopter Launched, Fire and Forget missile. It is a short-range, laser or radar-guided, air-to-ground missile system. With the helicopters now aboard the Big Stick, HS-11 will focus on flight deck qualifications needed for CVW 1 to be fully operational. "Each mission is different," said Senior Chief Aviation Machinist's Mate Charwin Carrington, acting command master chief of HS-11. "We have to get all of our aircrew and aircraft on the same page as far as having our systems up at all times." Carrington said that it takes everyone, from the lowest ranking airman to the commanding officer, for the Dragonslayers to be operational. "I'm excited to be aboard the [Theodore] Roosevelt," said Carrington. "I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead." Among the previous commands that HS-11 has been a part of, the most recent was with USS Enterprise (CVN 65) which is similar to a number of other Sailors aboard from the same command. The Dragonslayers are just one squadron of the air wing to bring their aircraft aboard. Other aircraft may include F/A-18 Super Hornets, F/A-18 Hornets, E2-C Hawkeyes and E/A-18G Growlers. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-17. USS George Washington Continues 2013 Patrol By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chris Cavagnaro, USS George Washington Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Sept. 13, to continue its 2013 patrol of the 7th Fleet area of operations. George Washington has spent the last three weeks in port to conduct a scheduled maintenance period after two months at sea. "George Washington and its crew are ready for the second half of our patrol," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer. "Although this mid-patrol maintenance period was important, it's crucial that we return to sea to build upon the success we had during the first half of our patrol." The George Washington Strike Group participated during the first half of its patrol with Australian Defense Forces in exercise Talisman Saber (TS) 2013. TS is a bilateral exercise designed to train Australian and U.S. forces to plan and conduct combined task force operations in order to improve combat readiness and interoperability. "Talisman Saber demonstrated the strong alliance between the U.S. and Australia," said Fenton. "Talisman Saber improved both nations' ability to work multilaterally and prepared us to be poised to provide security regionally and globally." Sailors assigned to George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, also enjoyed a five-day port visit to Brisbane, Australia, where they participated in 10 community service projects and three sporting events against local teams, and conducted ship tours for more than 1,200 Australian guests. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier also completed flight and damage control training exercises, and a Naval Air Forces Maintenance and Material Management Inspection (3MI). "All of the hard work we've accomplished over the past few weeks has set the bar high for the second half of our patrol," said Fenton. "But I know that the George Washington team is ready to meet that challenge." George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in 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 USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-18. USS Freedom Remembers 9/11 During Multilateral Exercise SEACAT By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karolina A. Oseguera Singapore (NNS) -- USS Freedom's (LCS 1) boarding team conducted a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise with the Indonesian Navy, Sept. 11 as part of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) 2013. The boarding exercise was the last at-sea training event of the multilateral exercise SEACAT, which began Sept. 2. "There is a sense of pride that the ship and the Sailors have in successfully completing SEACAT, especially on this day," said Freedom's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Pat Thien. "We did exactly what the ship was built to do: we operated in a near-shore environment, in littoral waters, with other ships similar in size and we were successful." During nearly two weeks at sea, Freedom participated in several boarding exercises with participating regional navies, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Like many of the previous events, both the Indonesian and U.S. teams boarded each other's ships and simulated security sweeps, taking control of engineering and bridge spaces, and searching pre-staged persons of interest for suspicious items and contraband. As the exercise came to a close, the Sailors onboard Freedom took a moment to remember 9/11 while deployed on a littoral combat ship in support of regional security and stability. Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Aaron Booker from USS Freedom said today's boarding was particularly significant to his team. "When 9/11 happened I was at my grandma's house," explained Booker. "Before seeing footage of the attack, I was totally oblivious to the world. But that day I was offended and it made me want to get involved. Being on the VBSS team and doing boardings, I feel like I have hands-on involvement in enforcing maritime laws and creating peace." "I am proud of our team and our Sailors onboard the Freedom," said Chief Gunner's Mate Adan Macias. "It is a great feeling to work with other countries on a day like this. I believe this exercise helps build the strength of the United States and preserve our freedom as a whole. We are deterring aggression, protecting our interests both abroad and at home and maintaining freedom of the seas." SEACAT highlights the value of information sharing and multilateral cooperation in scenarios that give participating navies hands-on practice in maritime security operations. The two-week exercise began at Singapore's Changi Naval Base where liaison officers from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the United States began working together to track vessels of interest and develop boarding plans. The boarding events occur in several at-sea locations across maritime Southeast Asia with naval assets from each participating nation. SEACAT is one of the key engagements with regional navies during Freedom's maiden deployment to Southeast Asia. Since arriving in the region, Freedom has also participated in Singapore's International Maritime Defense Exhibition, and two phases of the bilateral exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) - CARAT Malaysia and CARAT Singapore. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-31. 4th Fleet Maritime Operations Center Director Speaks to Suicide Prevention Coordinators By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sean Allen, 4th Fleet Public Affairs MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- The Maritime Operations Center director for U.S. 4th Fleet spoke to suicide prevention coordinators from various commands Sept. 12 at the base galley in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month. Capt. Chuck Nygaard, who volunteered on a suicide hot line in the early 1990s while attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., brought a unique perspective to the discussion. Before starting graduate school, he was a division officer aboard ship, responsible for 25 to 30 people, Nygaard recalled. Once classes started, he was responsible only for himself. "It was quite an adjustment, so I talked to my minister about it, and he suggested I volunteer at this suicide hot line, so that is what I did," Nygaard said. The experience helped him develop a much greater acceptance for people and an appreciation for the problems that they face. "There were many valuable lessons that I learned there that I took with me in my Navy career," Nygaard said. "It really helps me talk to and understand Sailors." Among those attending the event were suicide-prevention representatives from SERVMART, Helicopter Maritime Squadron 48, the Fleet and Family Support Center and the base chapel. "You guys are first responders, and I applaud you," Nygaard said, noting that the Navy has changed since he began his career. "Sailors no longer live on board ships," he said. "When they live in ships, it is easier for leadership to be aware of what is going on, and if there are indicators. Now that a majority of junior Sailors live in barracks, they are not around leadership and co-workers as much as before." The change makes a suicide-prevention coordinator's job much more challenging, Nygaard said. Amie McKague, the counseling and advocacy program manager with the Fleet and Family Support Center here, said it was important for Sailors to know about the services her organization offers, including marriage counseling, financial counseling and help adjusting after deployments. Problems in these areas are some of the common causes of suicide, she said. Each year, America's armed forces recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month. According to the Department of the Navy, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among Sailors. This year's theme is "Thrive in your Community," encouraging Sailors to work together as commands, units, installations or other groups to contribute to projects that benefits others. For more information, see NAVADMIN 212/13 or go to http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/21st_century_sailor/suicide_prevention/spmonth. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130914-02. Stennis Galley Trains with Expert Chef By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lauren Howes BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Chef and culinary instructor Scott Sachs visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) for a week-long mentoring and training session with culinary specialists (CS) from the ship's food service division, Sept. 9-13. Sachs, a culinary instructor at the Berkley Unified School District Adult Education in San Francisco, Calif., worked with more than 50 CSs with an overall goal of learning how to prepare healthier meals, focusing on fresh ingredients, new flavor combinations for sauces and salads, pastries, and how to prepare entrees from scratch. "This has been a great experience for me," said Sachs. "I am at my happiest when I am teaching because I am also learning about myself. Being here has taught me to work in the natural chaos that is a working kitchen and has given me a chance to witness the teamwork that ensures they are able to put out a meal on time, every time." During the visit, the food service division prepared a special steak and seafood meal for the crew that included angus ribeye steaks cooked-to-order, fried shrimp, lobster pot pie and crab legs. Afterward, Sachs accompanied the CSs on a trip to Pike's Place Market in Seattle to buy ingredients which would later be used in a surprise pizza cook-off. "The CSs were able to look at fresh produce and seafood with Chef Sachs and get ideas on how to shop for the freshest quality ingredients to prepare a menu," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Isaiah Harrell, from St. Louis, Mo. "One of the biggest things I encourage for all the galley staff is to have more confidence in the kitchen and to do more dish-by-dish experimentation," said Sachs. "Changes in minor details will lead to big results." The week-long training and mentoring session ended with a banquet reception following this year's chief petty officer pinning ceremony. Stennis is currently undergoing a Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis74. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn74/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130914-01. EOD Sailors Receive Chief Anchors By Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Thirty-seven of the Navy's newest chief petty officers (CPOs) were presented their anchors during Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group(EODGRU) 2's CPO pinning ceremony at Drexlor Manor on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story(JEBLCFS), Va., Sept. 13. During the ceremony, 19 Navy explosive ordnance disposal technicians, 13 expeditionary warfare support personnel, and five Navy divers were pinned with the coveted fouled anchors on their khaki uniform and were donned with their CPO combination cover by families and friends. "For 120 years, United States Navy chief petty officers have been charged with a leadership role like no other. No one trains, develops and molds Sailors like the Chief," said Navy Diver Senior Chief Michael Woods, master of ceremonies. "There's a saying that goes, 'Officers run the Navy, but chiefs make the Navy run.'" Receiving the CPO anchors and cover represents a significant career milestone and an increased level of responsibility for these senior non-commissioned officers and deckplate leaders. "Today is a special day that each of you will remember for the rest of your lives," said Capt. John Coffey, commander, EODGRU 2. "It marks the day you join the most effective leadership body in the United States military - the Chief's Mess." Navy chiefs have been in existence since April 1, 1893. EODGRU 2, headquartered at 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 Training and Evaluation Unit (EODTEU) 2, and Mobile Diving & Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-46. Naval Base Norfolk Holds Chief Pinning Ceremony By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shannon M. Smith NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Thirty-three Sailors from various commands at Naval Station Norfolk donned khaki uniforms and combination covers for the first time during a chief petty officer pinning ceremony Sept. 13. "It's the greatest day of my life," said newly pinned Chief Culinary Specialist Jesse Wallace, NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk. "To see your family there, and all your friends around, and you're with your new family, it's indescribable." The chiefs' pinning ceremony is a tradition unique to the Navy, which dates back to 1893 when the chief petty officer paygrade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership and responsibility for the Navy. "Over the last six weeks, the future chiefs that stand here today were tested, mentored, challenged and asked to dig deep to reach down to define many of these traits that have been there, but were not fully developed," said guest speaker Command Master Chief Dominic Torchia, Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. "In reality the tests have just begun, and the challenges and mentoring will, and must, continue in order to keep our chief's mess strong, which will in turn ensure the success of our great Navy." During the ceremony, family members and friends pin on two gold anchors to each newly appointed chief's uniform, and the Sailor's sponsor places the combination cover on their heads. Among those newly pinned were husband and wife Chief Hospital Corpsman John Flores, assigned to USS Tornado (PC-14), and Chief Culinary Specialist Angelica Flores, assigned to Naval Station Galley, who got to pin each other during the ceremony. "We're speechless right now. Cs getting there ... it was unexpected," Angelica Flores said. "Being chiefs now, we're going to remain teachable to our Sailors and actually be a leader for them, make sure we direct both our junior Sailors and junior officers, as well." After the ceremony, families, friends, sponsors and shipmates congratulated the newly appointed chiefs on the accomplishment. "It's a great memory, it's a great milestone," said newly appointed Chief Logistics Specialist Washington Jaramillo, assigned to USS Truman (CVN 75), currently on temporary assigned duty (TAD) to COMNAVAIRLANT. For those first class petty officers aspiring to make chief, Jaramillo offered advice from his own experience. "Sometimes it's going to feel like it's not paying off, sometimes it's going to feel like you have not done enough," Jaramillo said. "Just keep trying and keep working hard, and keep taking care of your Sailors and it will pay off." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-44. Stennis Welcomes New Chiefs By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Destiny Cheek, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) promoted 34 first class petty officers to chief petty offficer (CPO) during a ceremony at Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton, Sept. 13. The ceremony is the culmination of the CPO 365 program and the first time the new CPOs are authorized to wear their khaki uniform, combination cover and gold-fouled anchors. "To finally put on my anchors today, feels like a long time coming" said Chief Culinary Specialist Michael Farmer, from Yakima, Wash. "I've been waiting for this moment for 16 years, and it feels good." Stennis Sailors and family members filled the bleachers at the base gym to observe the time-honored tradition. Stennis' commanding officer, Capt. Michael Wettlaufer, spoke during the ceremony, expressing the importance of successful mentorship and training throughout a Sailor's career. "The season of the chief development process doesn't start when the selectee is announced, it starts at the first command when that Sailor checks on board," said Wettlaufer. "I look forward to seeing the newly pinned chief petty officers increase power of excellence and continued leadership aboard USS John C. Stennis." With 19 years in the Navy, Chief Boatswain's Mate Corey Broadnax was planning on retiring next year if not for finally achieving his goal of becoming a chief petty officer. "If you have a dream, don't give up on it because anything is possible" said Broadnax, from Memphis, Tenn." Stennis is currently undergoing a Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility. For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil and www.facebook.com/stennis74. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn74/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-43. SURFPAC Sailors Advanced to Chief Petty Officer By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Donnie W. Ryan, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- A group of 11 Sailors were advanced to the rank of chief petty officer (CPO) during a pinning ceremony sponsored by the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) at the base chapel on board Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, Sept. 13. The new CPOs, five assigned to SURFPAC, five from supporting commands and one who is the spouse of a SURFPAC Sailor, received their CPO collar devices and combination covers following six weeks of intensive CPO 365 Phase II training. During the ceremony SURFPAC Force Master Chief Brannon Knox reminded the group of Sailors and their families about the duties and responsibilities of a CPO in the challenging environment of today's Navy. "Phase II strengthens us and a strong CPO mess benefits the Navy," said Knox. "Being a chief becomes a whole new way of life, and I encourage you to make a positive difference in someone's life." Knox thanked the families of the new CPOs for their sacrifices during the past six weeks and for supporting their Sailors in this giant career step. He also talked about his experiences with CPOs when he joined the Navy and reported to his first ship. "As the chief, remember that the Sailors you lead and the officers you work for will always remember their first chief," said Knox. "It's a great day to recognize the accomplishments of these 11 outstanding Sailors." For the Sailors receiving their anchors, combination covers and being welcomed into the CPO mess was an emotional experience. "Never give up. It took me five times to get here," said Chief Information Systems Technician Eric L. Williams, whose mother was in attendance for the ceremony. "I was upset that I didn't make it last year, but I didn't give up and now I'm here." Williams said he learned a lot from the CPO mess during the past six weeks. "Work as a team, trust the chief's mess," said Williams. "Always, always be prepared." Chief Navy Career Counselor Ana Ortiz, whose husband also made chief this year and took part in the SURFPAC ceremony, said making chief is both a huge sense of pride and a humbling achievement. "I've waited 15 years for this," said Ortiz, who pinned her husband during the ceremony at the same time he pinned her. "I was leading Sailors before, but leading Sailors as a chief has always been a goal of mine." Chief Logistics Specialist Michael Salamanca, who also received his anchors during the ceremony, said he advises first class petty officers who want to become CPOs to remain dedicated to their junior Sailors and the command's mission. "Be proactive in the first class mess," said Salamanca. "Take the big collateral duties and you'll stand out." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-42. Theodore Roosevelt Pins New Chief Petty Officers at Sea By Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Thirty-eight Sailors onboard aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) made the time-honored transition to chief petty officer (CPO), donning khaki uniforms, combination covers and gold anchors for the first time during a chief pinning ceremony, Sept. 13. This Navy tradition, which dates back to when the CPO pay-grade was created in 1893, was made even more special since the ceremony occurred while the carrier was at sea. "The Navy is all about going to sea," said Chief Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) Rodney Mba. "We belong out to sea. For me to get pinned at sea means the world to me. I would have loved for my family to be here; but to me, being out to sea and getting pinned out to sea is much better than being in port." "I carry my family with me everywhere I go, but it is fitting to be pinned out at sea because this is what we do as Sailors," said Chief Electronics Technician Anne Holman. "I think it makes it that much more special that our families saw us leave as first classes, and they will see us return as chiefs." The ceremony signifies that these Sailors are ready to take on the additional professional and personal responsibilities of a chief petty officer. "The chiefs mess will look for them to not only be the chief, but to help us be innovative," said Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Alida Hentz. "They will be a source of new ideas and a way to help make the chiefs mess stronger." Capt. Daniel Grieco, TR's commanding officer, emphasized that none of the newly-pinned chiefs would reached this milestone in their careers without the support of their families. He also offered an encouraging message. "Uphold the character and the characteristics so proudly established by those who have walked the deck plates before you. Never forget that you earn your anchors every single day. You earn the right to be part of such a very special group within our Navy - a group that leads our Sailors selflessly, exhausting themselves in a worthy cause of serving our Navy and our country with pride. I am proud to call each of you chief petty officers, and I look forward to serving with you," said Grieco. The pinning ceremony is the final stage on the six-week CPO induction process that focuses on team-oriented tasks and one-on-one interactions with other CPOs. Join the conversation with TR online at www.facebook.com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and www.Twitter.com/TheRealCVN71. For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-39. Bonhomme Richard CPO Mess Welcomes 21 New Chiefs By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matthew M. Bradley, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Chief petty officers aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD) welcomed 21 new members to their mess during a pinning ceremony Sept. 13. The pinning ceremony, held in the hangar bay, marks the end of "CPO 365" Phase Two, a six-week training period following the release of the advancement results. Phase Two is a continuation of the year round "CPO 365" program, and its focus is making newly selected chiefs ready to enter the mess, said Command Master Chief Scott McCreery, USS Bonhomme Richard's command master chief. "The focus of Phase two is training," said McCreery. "The purpose of 'CPO 365' is to conduct training year-round to allow first class petty officers to become better leaders, and upon selection they enter Phase Two, which is a culmination of what they have learned over the past year." The chief's pinning ceremony is a special Navy tradition, which dates back to 1893, when the chief petty officer pay grade was created. The ceremony signifies a new position of leadership and responsibilities for the Navy. "It's an amazing feeling and a great honor," said Chief Interior Communication Electrician Norman Corliss. "Phase Two was difficult, but we learned a lot. It feels great to be part of such a fantastic origination." The pinning ceremony began with the soon-to-be chiefs marching to the stage, singing "Anchors Aweigh," a reflection of the Navy pride and unity that comes with the chief petty officer rank. When it came time to pin anchors onto the collars of their new khaki uniforms, the chiefs had fellow chief mentors pin on the new collar devices. After being pinned, each chief received a khaki CPO combination cover, marking the finalization of a career milestone. "Getting pinned was one of the most amazing things I've ever done in my career," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Timothy Hixson. "My brothers and sisters in the chief's mess provided me with a lot of valuable insight and guidance every step of the way during Phase Two." Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently conducting joint-force operations in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-37. NAF Atsugi Pins 48 New Chief Petty Officers By Mass Communication Specialist First Class Barry A. Riley ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) Atsugi and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) Five welcomed 48 new chief petty officers during a pinning ceremony attended by visiting Pacific Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez, Sept. 13. The annual event kicked off with NAF Atsugi Command Master Chief Carl Duncan, master of ceremonies, delivering opening remarks, and introducing the group of selectees to be pinned. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is now time for the much anticipated pinning ceremony," Duncan exclaimed. All at once, the group of 48 chief selectees stood up simultaneously in a sharp military fashion, and began shouting a Navy cadence while marching toward the stage. Fleet Ramirez, who attended the ceremony in the midst of a visit to the 7th Fleet area of operations, said he was honored to see the traditions of the chiefs mess carried on throughout the years, and was glad to welcome his new brothers and sisters. "I've been a part of the chief's mess since 1996, so for me this was a little bit more than just a pinning," he said. "This is about honor and tradition. It truly makes me proud to see the selectees come through their transition and build trust and bonds between each other." After each of the new chiefs received their anchors, all past and present chiefs throughout the theater stood while Duncan and a few chiefs recited verses of the chief petty officer's creed. The group then marched out of the cinema singing Anchors Aweigh and stood in formation in the lobby to be congratulated. Reflecting on the past six weeks of the chief transition season, Duncan said he was delighted to welcome this great group of chiefs into his mess. "It was a tremendous feeling," said Duncan. "There was no doubt in my mind, that group was the best of what NAF Atsugi's Chief's mess had to invest in the future... And I firmly believe that." -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-45. Pearl Harbor Survivors visit Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Johans Chavarro, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Detachment Hawaii PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Pearl Harbor survivors and their family members living in Hawaii attended a luncheon at the Silver Dolphin Bistro on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Sept. 12. Five survivors attended the event, which was held to honor fallen and surviving service members from the attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. Rear Adm. Richard L. Williams, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, gave opening remarks at the beginning of the event and dined with the survivors and their families. "I've never had the opportunity to meet such a fine, distinguished group of war-fighters in my whole life," said Williams. "[It's] a rare privilege and our honor to be able to eat with our heroes." Among the attendees was Everett Hyland who was aboard the battleship USS Pennsylvania (BB 38), one of the first ships to fire shots against the attacking Japanese planes. During the event, Hyland spoke about his experiences in the opening moments of the attack on the Pennsylvania. "It dawned on me in a hurry, we got hit," said Hyland. "I finally picked myself up. I don't know whether it was 10 seconds, or 30 seconds, maybe a minute, I have no idea. Then I heard some officer holler, 'Get that man to sick bay!'" Hyland had received multiple burns, wounds and injuries throughout his body. "One of the things I can remember is my brother coming to see me," said Hyland. "He was on the [USS] Indianapolis and they were out on patrol the morning of the incident. When they came into the harbor a week after the attack, the first thing he did was come to the 'Pennsy' looking for me and he said they had me on the 'missing list.' So he went over to the hospital and he finally found me and he said the only way he knew it was me was by the tag on my toe." Years later, at the 50th anniversary event of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hyland met Navy nurse Lanore Riccord who worked at a Pearl Harbor hospital during that time. Riccord worked in the burn ward of the hospital and told Hyland that she probably took care of him while he was there. "I thanked her profusely for doing a good job," said Hyland. "So I asked her about my brother finding me with a tag on my toe. She said, 'When you boys were so far gone that we knew there was nothing we can do for you, we tagged you so we wouldn't lose your identity.'" Hyland is the only remaining Pearl Harbor survivor who served aboard the Pennsylvania. "Once in a while I get asked, 'Do you keep in touch with the other fellas from the antennae repair squad?'" said Hyland. "And my answer is, 'Not yet.'" For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacenhawaii/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130913-27. 26th MEU Marines and Sailors Make Pilgrimage to Jerusalem By 1st Lt. Gerard Farao, 26TH MEU Public Affairs JERUSALEM, Israel (NNS) -- Marines and sailors assigned to 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Sailors assigned to USS San Antonio (LPD 17) visited Jerusalem, Israel, during a scheduled port visit to the country, Sept. 5. The tour started at the top of the Mount of Olives overlooking the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion. Afterwards they took a bus to the Dung Gate to enter inside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. "It was an amazing experience," said Captain Brent Schiffer, a pilot assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 266 Reinforced, 26th MEU. "So many significant events in history have occurred within those three square miles. I never thought I would have the opportunity to walk where Jesus once walked and touch where Jesus was anointed before his burial. It was a once in a lifetime experience." The first stop inside the walls was near the El-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam where it is believed that the prophet Muhammad traveled to from Mecca before ascending into heaven. A short walk away was the next stop, the Wailing Wall also known as the Western Wall as it is the western wall of the Temple built by Herod the Great, it is one of the holiest location in Judaism. There the Marines and Sailors were given the opportunity to touch the wall and pray. They then walked through the streets of old Jerusalem into the market, then to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was built on the site that Jesus was believed to have been crucified, anointed, buried, and resurrected. There, many of the Marines and Sailors prayed, touched the stone on which Jesus is believed to have been anointed before burial, as well as the stone on the location of where Jesus is believed to have been crucified. "I was raised very religious," said Lance Corporal Andrew Santos, a machine gunner assigned to Lima Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/2, 26th MEU. "It really closed the gaps and it was an amazing experience to walk into the town and see everything, connecting the places priests would talk about in church back home and see it firsthand. I never thought I'd be able to see it." After a long day of walking visiting the different sites, they returned to the busses and left to get lunch at a restaurant which served traditional foods before returning to the ship. Also surprised by the small size of the Old City of Jerusalem, was Cpl. Steven Stone, a fiscal clerk assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 26, 26th MEU. "It was really interesting to learn the history behind the stories in the Bible and see everything," said Stone. "I didn't realize how close together everything is. I thought that it was more spread out. I also didn't think the location of where Jesus was crucified and buried was known and it was interesting to see how many people came to visit from all over the world." After about 4 months since the ship's last liberty port, visiting Israel was a welcome treat, and taking a trip to Jerusalem added even more value to their short stay in port which can best be described as "an amazing experience," regardless of their religion. The history and importance of Jerusalem to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam will continue to grow and the memory of visiting Jerusalem will remain with the Marines and sailors from the 26th MEU and USS San Antonio who were fortunate enough to make the pilgrimage to Holy Land during their port visit to Israel. The 26th MEU is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility aboard the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group serving as a sea-based, expeditionary crisis response force capable of conducting amphibious operations across the full range of military operations. Join the conversation on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/naveur_NAVAF and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USNavalForcesEuropeAfrica. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. 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- NNS130913-30. U.S. Navy Chiefs Welcome Non-Commissioned Officers from Allied Nations for Three-Day Symposium By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Corey Hensley, CNE-CNA-C6F Public Affairs NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Chief petty officers from the U.S. Navy and partner nations in Eastern Europe concluded the Eurasian Partnership Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Development Training Symposium at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Sept. 11. In her welcoming remarks, Fleet Master Chief Joann Ortloff said the concept was to promote and share ideas with NCOs from Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Georgia and Azerbaijian; and better understand how each nation instills leadership qualities in its servicemembers. "The purpose of this NCO development program is to show our partner nations how we as a U.S. Navy raise our Sailors from E-1 to E-9 with various options to go into officer programs as leaders," said Ortloff. "It's designed to show them what we have found to be the best practices, and how we shape that junior NCO, particularly from petty officer third class level, then increasing their roles and responsibilities up through first class petty officer, and preparing them for the senior NCO role of chief petty officer." On the first day of the symposium, the NCOs toured the base fitness center, where Ortloff and other chief petty officers talked about the U.S. Navy's command fitness program. The NCOs also received briefs on the recruiting process and Recruit Training Command, and then participated in the Navy's Enlisted Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) interactive exercise. Ortloff said they talked about educational classes available in the Navy for both junior Sailors and senior leadership. Also discussed was advanced learning specific to the different Navy communities, such as aviation, surface, submarine medical and special warfare. "Part of this week's seminar is also about interaction for our [Chief Petty Officer] CPO selectees and having them give feedback to this senior NCO group on what it's been like to come up through the ranks, from a junior leader and now a senior leader," Ortloff added. Day two started with some low impact circuit training at the fitness center. The NCOs interacted with CPO selectees during a CPO-365 practical application training. The next topic included the U.S. Navy's Disaster Preparedness. Followed by having the NCOs carry out practical applications of the programs. "I think it is a very good program," said the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Romanian Navy Christian-Irinel Dima. "I think this meeting is very good because partnership is very important. Communication is very important." "Most importantly the purpose of this symposium is to make contacts with senior leaders in our partner nations, and show each other how we develop and use our senior leaders," said Ortloff. "This way, when we come across each other in the fleet, during joint exercises or missions, we have an understanding at the senior NCO level and the expectations we have of each other." The final day wrapped up with the NCOs discussing the Sailor evaluation process; the Navy's guiding principles: Honor, Courage and Commitment, followed by the Sailors Creed, Navy Ethos and the CPO mission. The NCOs also watched as the U.S. Navy recognized and awarded Sailors for their achievements. The Symposium ended with a graduation ceremony for the Allied NCOs. Join the conversation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/naveur_navaf and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/USNavalForcesEuropeAfrica. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. NNS130914-06. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three one-minute newscasts and three web-only newscasts. First one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Friday, September 13, 2013 - SECNAV Discusses Platforms: One of his Four Priorities; CNO'S 'RAD' Initiative Enters Final Phase http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18825 http://youtu.be/BtubilQO9R8 Second one-minute newscast - - SECNAV Discusses Platforms: One of his Four Priorities http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18826 http://youtu.be/BENKvchIft0 Third one-minute newscast - - Joint Base Marianas Sailors Pinned to Chief Petty Officer http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18827 http://youtu.be/d51l4N4LP3I First one-minute web-only newscast - - Naval Support Activity Bahrain Sailors Pinned to Chief Petty Officer http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18828 http://youtu.be/l2cjQtXzzLA Second one-minute web-only newscast - - USS New York Sailors Commemorate the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18829 http://youtu.be/VVXWSamiaig Third one-minute web-only newscast - - USS George Washington Departs Fleet Activities Yokosuka http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18830 http://youtu.be/pgAJKZeC4AU Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces one two-minute All Hands Update (AHU) newscast each day. 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- NNS020724-12. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 14 From the Navy News Service 1899 - Gunboat Concord and monitor Monterey capture two insurgent schooners at Aparri, Philippine Islands. 1939 - Atlantic Squadron Neutrality Patrol ships deploy. 1976 - USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and destroyer Bordelon (DD 881) collide during night operations 100 miles north of Scotland. 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).