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 NNS130627-13. Navy Announces Award of Next Generation Enterprise Network Contract -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75100 NNS130627-10. Navy Recruit Graduation to be Broadcast Live -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75093 NNS130627-01. Navy Ship Assists Distressed Vessel at Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75088 NNS130627-12. Keel Authenticated for Ninth LCS -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75099 NNS130627-05. Navy Wounded, Ill and Injured Warriors Annex Officially Opens at Joint Base San Antonio -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75089 DNU -- U.S. Navy, Foreign Navies Participate in Exercise Dawn Blitz 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18588 NNS130627-03. 19th CARAT Philippines Supports Strong and Enduring Maritime Relationship -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75092 NNS130627-02. U.S. Naval Academy Inducts Class of 2017 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75091 NNS130627-19. Sailors Compete with NFL Legends aboard Midway Museum -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75108 NNS130627-04. 7th Fleet Commander Meets with Senior Leaders in Timor-Leste -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75084 DNU -- Headlines for Thursday, June 27, 2013: Department of Defense Welcomes Supreme Court's Defense of Marriage Act Decision; First Sailors Report to PCU Illinois -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18589 NNS130627-16. Navy Offers Helpful Advice to Polynesian Voyagers -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75105 NNS130627-08. Midshipmen from Mexico Engage in Subject-Matter Exchange at NASNI ASD -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75081 DNU -- Navy Ordnance Shop Ensures Pilots' Safety -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18590 NNS130627-17. CFE-DMHA Observes Completion of New Location's Renovations in Hawaii -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75101 NNS130627-11. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Offers New Swimming Pool Refresher Course -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75098 NNS130627-18. NMCB 3 Welcomes New Commanding Officer -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75103 DNU -- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Shops Offer Savings and Resources to Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18591 NNS130627-20. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75090 NNS020418-36. This Day in Naval History - June 28 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1400 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=154134 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-13. Navy Announces Award of Next Generation Enterprise Network Contract From Defense Media Activity-Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy awarded Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services (HPES) a firm-fixed-price award fee contract for the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN) June 27. The amount awarded to HPES, based in Herndon, Va., is $321,689,010. The contract includes four, one-year options, which if exercised, has the potential overall contract value of $3,454,735,513. If all options are exercised, work will continue through June 2018. "The NGEN contract represents the next phase of Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI) services, providing continued IT operational support to our Sailors and Marines, and creates a path toward aligning with the DoD's JIE", Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition Sean Stackley said. "The NGEN acquisition approach will allow sustained competition and significant savings for the department." The Joint Information Environment (JIE) refers to an initiative to increase operational efficiency, enhance network security and cost savings through reduced infrastructure and manpower, achieved through the convergence of the Department of Defense's multiple enterprise networks into a common global network. Initially, network capabilities provided under the NGEN contract will remain the same as the services provided by the NMCI contract in 2010. However, the segmented contract structure positions the DON to re-compete subsets of NMCI's network and computing services -- such as hardware, software and transport services -- when it makes sense to lower cost or provide improved system performance. NGEN will increase government operational and design control of the network and requisite Information Assurance enhancements to meet evolving security requirements. Other benefits include better visibility into costs, the potential for increased industry competition, and the potential for enhanced cost efficiencies and improved innovation. NGEN is the acquisition approach and contract vehicle that will provide enterprise network services originally consolidated in 2000 under the NMCI contract. The NGEN acquisition approach will allow NMCI to transition from a monolithic model to a segmented business model that allows for periodic competition of segmented services. Under the current contract, all network services were competed as a single package. NMCI is one of the largest intranets in the world providing end-to-end secure IT services to more than 400,000 computers and 800,000 users across 2,500 locations that vary from major bases to single user locations. The transition of Navy network services to the NGEN phase of NMCI will begin immediately and is expected to take up to 13 months. The Navy's network services will be provided under a government-owned, contractor-operated model. The Marine Corps has taken a different approach, recently completing the transition of services from HPES to their own personnel under a government-owned, government operated model with contract support. HPES has been the prime vendor of the DON's network services since NMCI's inception in 2000. The NGEN contract is a Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 contract, and was awarded based on a lowest-price-technically-acceptable (LPTA) process. An LPTA approach is appropriate when best value is expected to result from the selection of a technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price. The HPES NGEN team includes AT&T Government Solutions, Inc. based in Vienna, Va.; International Business Machines (IBM) Global Business Services ‒ Federal based in Bethesda, Md.; Lockheed Martin Services, Inc. based in Gaithersburg, Md.; and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation based in McLean, Va. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-10. Navy Recruit Graduation to be Broadcast Live From Naval Service Training Command Public Affairs GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Recruit Training Command (RTC) will be streaming a live video feed of recruit pass-in-review for the first time at 0845 Central Daylight Time here at Naval Station Great Lakes, June 28. The stream will be available every graduation day on http://navylive.dodlive.mil/. When broadcasting, there will be a live events tab right under the banner and you will be able to chat with staff during the graduation. If you cannot watch during graduation, the video will be posted through the weekend. "Streaming graduation at the Navy's only boot camp is one piece in our continual effort to increase communication throughout our domain," said Rear Adm. Dee Mewbourne, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC). "Almost every week I am able to enter an Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) or Officer Candidate School (OCS) classroom and talk to students through video chat. These tools allow us to work together, sharing events and ideas throughout our domain." Broadcasting graduation will allow family and friends presently unable to visit Naval Station Great Lakes to share this occasion with the Fleet's newest Sailors. "To compliment this we are looking at ways to use virtual technology to aid in military training. As we move forward, we must continually consider the demands and skill sets of the Sailors of 2025. What will they need to continue in our great naval tradition? We must continue to leverage resources and technology to give the future leaders of tomorrow the best possible foundation of success." RTC is commonly referred to as "boot camp" or "recruit training" and has been in operation at Great Lakes since 1911. Boot camp is approximately eight weeks, and all enlistees into the United States Navy begin their careers at the command. Training includes physical fitness, seamanship, firearms, firefighting and shipboard damage control and lessons in Navy heritage and core values, teamwork and discipline. Since the closure of RTCs in Orlando and San Diego in 1994, RTC Great Lakes is now the Navy's only basic training location, and is known as "The Quarterdeck of the Navy." Today, more than 39,000 recruits graduate annually from RTC and begin their Navy careers. RTC is overseen by Naval Service Training Command and is primarily responsible for conducting the initial orientation and training of new recruits. Learn more at http://bootcamp.navy.mil or at http://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand/. For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/greatlakes/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-01. Navy Ship Assists Distressed Vessel at Sea By Ed Baxter, Military Sealift Command Far East Public Affairs USNS SEAY, At Sea (NNS) -- Mariners aboard USNS Seay (T-AKR 302) rendered assistance to a commercial vessel in distress while underway in the Indian Ocean, June 25. Raptor, a 49-foot, Australian-flagged catamaran, radioed Seay, a Navy ship assigned to Diego Garcia-based Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron Two, indicating they had five crew members aboard of various nationalities, and that all were in good health and spirits. Raptor's crew said the vessel experienced trouble with its sails June 20 before its engines failed. Capt. Bruce Kreger, Seay's civilian master, immediately ordered Seay to change course and render assistance. "The crew of Raptor seemed anxious to effect repairs and get back on their voyage," said Kreger. After consulting with British Indian Ocean Territory Diego Garcia customs and police, Seay towed the stricken vessel to Diego Garcia. "It took about 20 hours to complete the tow but safety of the vessels was our primary objective," Kreger said. Approximately three nautical miles from Diego Garcia lagoon, a small craft assigned to Diego Garcia's port operations met the catamaran and towed it safely to the pier. Raptor is scheduled to undergo repairs at Diego Garcia. Seay is one of 12 Navy ships assigned to MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Ship Squadron 2, which ensures the readiness of Navy prepositioning ships in the Pacific. These ships carry afloat prepositioned cargo for various U.S. military services. The squadron's mission is to transport vital equipment and supplies to a designated area of operations in support of combatant commanders worldwide. Military Sealift Command operates approximately 110 noncombatant, U.S. merchant mariner-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-12. Keel Authenticated for Ninth LCS From PEO LCS Public Affairs MARINETTE, Wis. (NNS) -- The Navy and Lockheed Martin, with Marinette Marine Corp., held a keel-laying ceremony for the future USS Little Rock, the Navy's ninth littoral combat ship (LCS), June 27, in Marinette, Wis. The keel-laying ceremony recognizes the first joining together of a ship's components. While modern shipbuilding processes allow fabrication of individual modules to begin months earlier, keel laying represents the formal beginning of a ship. Ship sponsor Janee Bonner, wife of U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, authenticated the keel by having her initials welded into a sheet of the ship's hull. LCS is a high-speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface warship designed for operations in the littoral, or coastal, environment (within 300 nautical miles of land), yet fully capable of open ocean operations. Little Rock is one of four Freedom-variant LCS currently under construction at Marinette Marine. The ship is expected to deliver to the fleet in 2017. "This ship exemplifies our commitment to stable, serial production of this valuable ship class," said Cmdr. Nate Schneider, LCS program management representative, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Bath, Detachment Marinette. Schneider also noted the shipyard's tremendous investment in facilities and acknowledged the talented, skilled and dedicated workforce that is enabling continued delivery of high quality ships to the fleet. LCS 9 is the second ship to be named after the city of Little Rock, Ark. The first USS Little Rock was a Cleveland-class light cruiser commissioned in 1945 that, until her decommissioning in 1976, served primarily in the Mediterranean following her conversion to a guided missile cruiser in the late 1950s. She is now a museum ship in Buffalo, New York. The Navy is committed to the LCS program and is leveraging competition, fixed-price contracting and ongoing production to reduce construction time and costs. Lessons learned from the lead ships have been incorporated in the follow on ships. "It is an exciting time in the program, as the shipyards hit their stride in serial production of LCS," said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager. PEO LCS is responsible for delivering and sustaining credible littoral mission capabilities to the fleet and is working with industry to achieve steady production to increase production efficiencies and leverage cost savings. Delivering high-quality warfighting assets while balancing affordability and capability is key to supporting the nation's maritime strategy. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-05. Navy Wounded, Ill and Injured Warriors Annex Officially Opens at Joint Base San Antonio By L.A. Shively, Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston Public Affairs SAN ANTONIO (NNS) -- Caring for Sailors and their families was the focus of nearly 100 people who gathered June 25 at the Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) San Antonio to celebrate the official opening of the Wounded, Ill & Injured Warriors Annex with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the spaces. The annex supports Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard service members with traumatic injury and illness during their treatment and recovery at the San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) on Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston. "We owe it to our shipmates and all wounded warriors, who have sacrificed so much and who have given their all for us, to provide them the best possible care and help them put their lives back together," said Rear Adm. William Roberts, commandant, Medical Education and Training Campus (METC), during his keynote presentation at the ceremony. The admiral pointed out that less than one percent of Americans are serving in the military today. "As we consider the impact those individuals have had on the world defending freedom and protecting democracy, I am reminded of the words of Winston Churchill. 'Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few,'" Roberts said. Originally just a small detachment from the Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC), the group managed service-specific paperwork and other requirements for sea service patients from a lower-level office area shared with the Warrior Transition Battalion at SAMMC. "As the need became larger, we had to grow, and as we grew, the Navy Wounded, Ill & Injured was created," explained Anthony Reyes, a retired hospital corpsman who was part of the small detachment while on active duty. He said at that time only he and one other person comprised the staff. Reyes is currently an administrative specialist with an annex staff that also includes a case manager, a case manager assistant, a social worker and a uniformed military member. Annex staff members establish lines of communication among patients, family members and the patients' commands; track service members during transfer to and from SAMMC; and provide supervision and coordination as they progress through treatment. "It made such a difference; now it's a one-stop shop," said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretative) 1st Class John Sobery, who entered treatment several months ago. Sobery explained that prior to the annex, sea-service patients would shuffle between floors and offices at the hospital, which could be difficult. Now he has a case manager who schedules all of his appointments and ensures he keeps them. "She's my drill sergeant," he joked. Sobery's wife, Angela, and daughters, Sabrina and Clara, attended the ceremony with him. "It's a very family oriented system," Sobery explained. "They encourage my family to be part of my recovery. My wife comes to all the meetings, and my children are encouraged to attend. That's why they are here today." There is a comfort zone among Navy and other military families who share similar cultures and languages that the Annex provides, Angela Sobery said. "It's something that we are a part of instead of being detached from a command. This is healing for all of us," she said. "It's comforting to have him home because I was scared when he was gone," said Clara Sobery. "It is such a great relief to be with my dad," Sabrina Sobery added. Annex staff arranged to have Sobery's family coordinate assistance through the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC). The WFSC gives injured and ill service members and their families a chance to take a break in a welcoming environment, watch a movie, play video games, check email, use the Internet and just relax. "We have a bunch of adopted grandmas over there, and we love them to death," Angela Sobery said, laughing. For more news from Navy Medicine Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmsc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-03. 19th CARAT Philippines Supports Strong and Enduring Maritime Relationship From Commander, Task Force 73 Pubic Affairs SUBIC BAY, Philippines (NNS) -- The 19th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines exercise commenced with an opening ceremony in Subic Bay, June 27. Continuing through July 2, CARAT Philippines 2013 consists of seven days of shore-based and at-sea training events designed to address shared maritime security priorities, develop relationships, and enhance interoperability among participating forces. "For the past 19 years, CARAT Philippines has played a major role in the strong and enduring relationship between our naval forces," said Rear Adm. Tom Carney, commander, Task Force 73 and commander, Naval Forces CARAT. "This year's exercise builds on that longstanding foundation, and offers many opportunities to conduct joint and combined training with the Philippine navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps." CARAT is a series of bilateral naval exercises between the U.S. Navy and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste. CARAT Philippines began in 1995, and has since occurred in several locations throughout the Philippines, including Cebu (2009), Subic Bay (2010), Puerto Princesa (2011) and most recently General Santos City in Mindanao (2012). Training events in each CARAT phase are tailored based on available assets and mutual training goals across a broad range of naval capabilities. CARAT Philippines 2013 will focus on maritime security operations, maritime domain awareness and information sharing. The exercise will also feature extensive training in diving and salvage operations, jungle warfare and marksmanship, tactical combat casualty care, civil affairs, riverine and boarding team scenarios, sporting events, community service projects and public band concerts. More than 600 U.S. Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Philippines 2013. Participating ships include the guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) with embarked Commander, Task Group 73.1/ Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 staff, and the diving and salvage ships, USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) and USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52). A company of Marines from with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment will participate in shore-based events. Also participating in CARAT Philippines are medical, civil affairs and visit, board, search and seizure evaluators from Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command, divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, P-3C Orion aircraft, and the U.S. 7th Fleet Band, Orient Express. For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-02. U.S. Naval Academy Inducts Class of 2017 By Jessica Clark, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- For the 1,206 men and women entering the U.S. Naval Academy's Class of 2017, summer break is ending early. The academy's newest plebes reported to Annapolis for Induction Day June 27 to begin the arduous six-week indoctrination period called Plebe Summer. "Induction day is a first step ... a critical step in the process of re-infusing the U.S. Navy with our very best and brightest," said Cmdr. Valerie Overstreet, Plebe Summer officer-in-charge. "Starting today, we make these individuals part of the team where we infuse dignity, respect and honor into everything they do. It is a special day for USNA." More than 17,600 students applied for this opportunity. The new class includes 18 international students from 17 different countries, including Cambodia, a first for the academy. There are now 59 international students across all four classes, the most the academy has had at one time. A third of the students come from minority backgrounds, and 23 percent are women. Sixty-three students in the Class of 2017 formerly served as enlisted sailors and Marines. Among the academy's newest plebs is Charlotte Asdal, one of four sisters who have now attended the Naval Academy. Asdal is preceded by her sisters Ashley (USNA '09), Lindsey (USNA '10), and Kirsten who graduated this year. It is a day marked by family traditions. The grandson of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Frank Kelso also joined the Class of 2017 . During Induction Day, or I-Day, the incoming plebes receive uniforms and military haircuts, undergo medical evaluations, learn to render a salute and complete their registration. They each receive a copy of "Reef Points," a 309-page handbook of information about the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, the Naval Academy's history and traditions, their administrative chain of command, and the general orders of a sentry. New midshipmen are required to memorize virtually all of the facts that are outlined in the book. I-Day concludes when the midshipmen take the oath of office in front of their family, friends and new classmates during a ceremony in Tecumseh Court at 6 p.m. After the ceremony, plebes say goodbye to their families who will not see them again until Plebe Parents Weekend, Aug. 8-11. With the conclusion of I-Day, Plebe Summer officially begins. During this time, plebes start each day at dawn with mandatory physical training. The remainder of each day is packed with drills and instruction on the military lifestyle and more physical training. The plebes are allotted minimal leisure time. During Plebe Summer, the plebes are led and trained by upperclass midshipmen. Instruction includes seamanship, boat handling, navigation and small arms training. This indoctrination period is designed to help plebes develop discipline, honor, character, self-reliance and organization, providing them with the foundation to become midshipmen and successful military leaders. For more news from U.S. Naval Academy, visit www.navy.mil/local/usna/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-19. Sailors Compete with NFL Legends aboard Midway Museum By Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Farrington, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Four Sailors had the opportunity to compete with 12 National Football League (NFL) legends, during the Electronic Arts (EA) Madden NFL 25 Skills Challenge aboard USS Midway Museum, June 26. EA and the NFL partnered together with the Navy to show their appreciation for the armed services by encouraging Sailors to participate and attend the event. "It's pretty amazing being able to talk with these NFL legends and spend some time playing football with them," said Air Traffic Controller 2nd Class Travon Daigle, a skills challenge participant. "You grow up cheering these guys on, but being able to step on the field and play with them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience." The four teams were comprised of three NFL legends and one Sailor, to face off in a series of challenges testing the teams speed, strength and agility to accomplish the challenge on the gridiron. "It's a fantastic opportunity playing with these NFL legends that I grew up watching," said Legalman 2nd Class Derek A. Holder, a skills challenge participant. "My hat's off to everyone in the military serving overseas though because those guys are my real heroes." The event featured NFL greats such as Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino. "It's all about giving back and showing the military how much we appreciate what they do," said Rice. "This experience is an honor for us to be here on this ship and bring some entertainment to the military." It's cool to have the opportunity to be around the Navy and give some of their guys the opportunity to show what they've got on the field, added Marino. For former NFL quarterback Donavan McNabb the experience of meeting sailors and putting on a show for the Navy was a heartfelt experience because his father Sam McNabb was a 24-year Navy veteran. "My dad was a Navy man, and I had the chance to be around the Navy my whole life," said McNabb. "I always love having the opportunity to say thanks to the men and women of the military for their service. They're going to be cheering our names while we're out here playing, but we really should be cheering their names for what they do for us." The Sailors chosen to participate in this event were selected by the Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) flag football coordinator. 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 West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-04. 7th Fleet Commander Meets with Senior Leaders in Timor-Leste From U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. 7th Fleet met with key government leaders for defense and health in Timor-Leste during a June 24 visit emphasizing partnership and cooperation in the region. During the visit Vice Adm. Scott Swift also gave a lecture at the National Defense Institute, spoke with members of the media, and hosted a reception in honor of the people of Timor-Leste. The senior-level meeting participants included Ambassador Judith Fergin, Major Gen. Lere Anan Timor, Minister of Health Dr. Sergio Lobo and Secretary of State for Defense Julio Tomas Pinto. Topics of discussion ranged from health care to infrastructure to military proficiency, including cooperative efforts in training Timor-Leste's doctors and health care professionals, construction projects by U.S. Navy Seabees, the desire for more robust military training and proficiency, and review of the Navy's long-term rebalance to the Indo-Asian-Pacific region. "You've come a very long way within a short time," said Swift, commenting on the young country's having joined the community of independent nations just 11 years ago, in 2002. "I'm impressed with your focus on the long term, not just the near term." Swift also commended Timor-Leste's government for its timely response to recent floods in the area. "It's an indication that leadership will ensure assistance is available and can be provided rapidly," said Swift. "The visit of Vice Admiral Swift and the USS Blue Ridge has continued our joint efforts to expand the permanent partnership between Timor-Leste and the United States," said Fergin. "We look forward to strengthening our cooperation in health, education, and civic action engineering projects as a result of this important visit." Swift concluded his remarks at the National Defense Institute by commending the military and its leaders, saying "You have been a great example to my forces. You have helped bring stability and security to the region and you are now seeing the fruits of prosperity." For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-16. Navy Offers Helpful Advice to Polynesian Voyagers By Bill Doughty, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Public Affairs Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (NNS) -- "Hokule'a: Her Farthest Journey," a documentary about the Polynesian Voyaging Society's Worldwide Voyage now underway, airs for the first time tonight and again Saturday, June 29 on local TV in Hawaii. The documentary includes an interview with Rear Adm. Frank Ponds, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, who was asked on the eve of the voyage for his perspective and advice to PVS on behalf of the Navy. Ponds said through awareness, training and safety measures the group can be best prepared to meet challenges on the seas and in the littorals. Those challenges include typhoons, rogue waves and piracy during the 46,000 mile, 3-year journey to 21 countries with 65 planned landfalls. "We were honored to be asked to give advice to our friends at Polynesian Voyaging Society as they prepared to begin a worldwide voyage of their traditional voyaging canoes Hokule'a and Hikianalia," Ponds said, noting the Navy's role directly and indirectly. "These brave men and women are able to conduct their worldwide voyage over the next several years in large part because of the freedom of the seas the Navy helps ensure." In recent years Sailors from Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31 volunteered in community relations projects, helping to sand canoes with the society. Earlier this year Sailors from Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific and USS Chafee (DDG 90) provided Search and Rescue training to PVS mariners at the joint base's Scott Pool. "One of the roles on the canoes is having a rescue swimmer in case someone was to go overboard," said Polynesian Voyaging Society student Lehua Kamalu of Pauoa, Hawaii while attending the training. "The Navy swimmers are really good at what they do as far as water safety is concerned; they have the training and expertise we need to learn for this voyage." According to PVS, the Worldwide Voyage is being conducted to promote education, the environment and sustainable energy as well as ensure continuity with the next generation. Ponds said, "We share many of the same values ... protection of the environment; promotion of STEM -- science, technology, engineering and mathematics; preservation of culture and diversity; and promotion of sustainability and renewable energy." PVS President Nainoa Thompson said, "The reason we go around the Earth is to connect with it, and be with it, and learn from it about the diversity of culture and the special places around the planet." Ponds received a note of thanks from the society for his participation in the documentary. Sent by PVS leadership, the note reads, "You have helped to shape this story, for which we are very grateful ... Mahalo nui for being such an integral part of our Ohana (family)." The interview with Ponds was conducted here May 23 with USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) in port as a backdrop, just before Pearl Harbor departed to lead Pacific Partnership, the largest disaster-response preparation mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. PP13 is being conducted in some of the same waters in which PVS voyagers will sail. The hour-long PVS documentary "Hokule'a: Her Farthest Journey" airs tonight at 9 p.m. and Saturday, June 29 at 7 p.m. simultaneously on KHON2 and Hawaii's CW. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrh/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-08. Midshipmen from Mexico Engage in Subject-Matter Exchange at NASNI ASD By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Derek Stroop, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twenty-five midshipmen from the "Heroica Escuela Naval Militar" in Mexico engaged in a subject-matter exchange with Navy supply personnel at the aviation supply division (ASD) on Naval Air Station North Island, June 24. The class of 25 midshipmen will become the first Supply Corps officers in the Mexican navy. "It shows that their navy has a solid interest in building up a [Supply] Corps," said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Betancourt, Navy section chief, Office of Defense Coordination. "With a Supply Corps, they will now be able to support more operations and work more closely with the [U.S.] Navy." Betancourt explained that the midshipmen go through a specialized five year curriculum in logistics and receive a bachelor's degree when they graduate. The midshipmen attended several briefs at ASD, which provided an overview of a range of topics including Officer Candidate School, U.S. Supply Corps operations and how individual commands handle supply requisitions. "ASD manages the supply process, rather than fixing or repairing parts," said Chief Logistics Specialist Francis Soriano, senior enlisted advisor of ASD. "In our supply response section here, we handle customer service, delivery and expedite requisitions." According to Betancourt, the midshipmen will also visit other commands during their three-week trip including Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 41 and the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Gary (FFG 51). For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-17. CFE-DMHA Observes Completion of New Location's Renovations in Hawaii By Sila Manahane, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Hawaii JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (NNS) -- The Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (CFE-DMHA) held a ribbon cutting ceremony June 26 to celebrate renovations of Ford Island's historic Bldg. 76 at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH). "This is an exciting day for us," said CFE Director Pam Milligan. "This historic building, on this lovely and historic site, offers a new beginning for the Center which is in the process of re-engineering itself to fill an expanded role in building regional civil-military disaster management capacity. We expect it will enhance our capability and assist us in our efforts." The CFE-DMHA Ribbon Cutting ceremony's program included comments from the organization's Director, Pamela Milligan; U.S. Pacific Command's Deputy Commander, Lt. Gen. Thomas Conant; and Chief of Staff for the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Peter Verga. Kahu David Patterson provided the traditional Hawaiian blessing of the land, building, employees and visitors who will enter the new facility. Attendees included personnel moving into the building who were joined by congressional representatives, staff from U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM) and component headquarters, CFE partner organizations, Navy and Air Force military and civilian personnel, FOPCO Inc. employees, and a special guest, Jennifer Sabas, the late Senator Daniel Inouye's former chief of staff. "No matter where we travel, no matter who we talk to, one theme that comes up from our 36 nations across the Pacific is that they want expertise, they want help with that intellectual discovery that comes with how you manage humanitarian assistance and how your think about training and educating the workforce, the government and the people," said U.S. Pacific Command's Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas Conant. "This is what the Center for Excellence is all about and why I am so passionate about it." Efforts to assist the CFE-DMHA move to Ford Island came from the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye's understanding about the organization's mission to aid in humanitarian relief and recognizing its impact on a global scale. His leadership in congress drove the project to fruition and resulted in a facility that will enhance the Center's capability, create a better working environment for its personnel and at the same time save a historic structure on Pearl Harbor. Bldg. 76 was built in 1940 under the architectural guidance of notable architecture firm, C.W. Dickey, and served as a naval medical facility on Ford Island. During the Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor over 960 wounded sailors and airmen and 452 casualties were admitted over a three-hour period. The original structure withstood a bomb dropped on that fateful day that exploded its courtyard at the center of the facility. It also has battled weathering conditions throughout the years. Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii awarded the task order for $6.4 million to a Kapolei-based building servicing company, FOPCO Inc., in June 2011. The renovation project was initiated on September 2011. It also received various energy enhancements such as photovoltaic (PV) roof-mounted panels, automatic dimming interior lights, occupancy sensors, low-flow plumbing fixtures and advanced metering for utilities which are projected to save 42 percent in energy savings per year. These improvements are intended to place the building on U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) list of internationally-recognized "green" building certification system - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver. "This facility will improve the quality of life for CFE staff, and increase mission capability, said CFE's Deputy Director for Plans and Partnerships Doug Wallace. "For the first time we will have our own on-site classroom, enhanced VTC conferencing capability, and the buildings optimal energy efficiency design will ensure greatly reduced utility costs." Personnel will start moving into the renovated building immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony. CFE-DMHA was established by Congress in 1994 and is a direct-reporting unit of the USPACOM. Its mission is to enhance civil-military preparedness and response through collaborative partnerships, applied research, education and training. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-11. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Offers New Swimming Pool Refresher Course From Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) held its first Swimming Pool Inspection Refresher Course, June 26. The webinar-based course was attended by 80 inspectors and water venue operators from nearly 40 Department of Defense (DOD) installations world-wide, and included U.S. Army public health personnel. Anthony Carotenuto, NMCPHC Preventive Medicine specialist taught the course that provided attendees with an overview of key elements critical to help reduce the risk of illness and injury. Pool inspections cover five main areas including the body of water, surrounding areas, facility records, pump/filter rooms and chemical storage. According to Carotenuto, the course is a precursor to a two-day recreational Water Certification Course that will be available to DoD personnel in the near future. Both of these courses are ultimately intended to ensure that inspectors remain knowledgeable about the science and engineering of pools and spas. "Swimming pools and spas are not something new," said Carotenuto. "You can trace back their use to the ancient Greeks and Romans. They use pools and spas as we do today for relaxation, promote community, encourage wellness and just for fun." Although the basic engineering is similar, procedures for disinfecting and cleaning pool/spa water have significantly changed. "Our sand filters and ultraviolet disinfection can be traced back to Roman engineering where water passes through a bed of sand removing the large particles," explained Carotenuto. "The water was then moved via open air aqueducts allowing the sun's rays to disinfect the filtered water." In spite of the fact that swimming pool safety technology has greatly improved, recreational water injuries and illnesses continue to rise. Drowning is the second most common cause of unintended injury or death in children under the age of four. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention one out of eight public pool inspections conducted in 2008 resulted in an immediate closure due to serious health code violations. "Inspections of pools and spas can be very complicated when performed correctly," said Carotenuto. " The risks to bather's health and safety come from a myriad of possibilities. Inspectors should visualize the pool as a matrix of items that converge into one. Our inspectors must be prepared to engage several scientific disciplines. They need to incorporate microbiology, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, risk communication and how that all relates to public health. " Inspectors are expected to educate as well as regulate. "Taking the time to perform a thorough and professional inspection each time you enter a pool site and learning to communicate your findings to management are the most important skills you can develop," said Carotenuto. "Influencing operators on awareness and their responsibility to minimize and mitigate risks to the user is also key." NMCPHC is part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield. For more information about swimming pool safety visit http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/program-and-policy-support/swimming-pools-and-bathing-places/Pages/default.aspx. Follow the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center on Facebook for the latest news and updates on public health. For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcphc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130627-18. NMCB 3 Welcomes New Commanding Officer By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Petty Officer (SW/AW) Chris Fahey, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs Officer. NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTY PORT HUNEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NCMB) 3 welcomed their new commanding officer during an official change of command ceremony June 27 at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme, Calif. Navy Cmdr. Gordon Meek, III, previously the Public Works Officer, Naval Submarine Base New London, Conn., relieved Cmdr. Scott P. Raymond who will remain aboard NBVC as the Chief of Staff for Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1. "When I got word that I was chosen to take command of NMCB 3, I was immediately humbled and excited at being afforded such a rare and meaningful opportunity," said Meek. "As we prepare to deploy to the Pacific region, it's an honor for me to lead a battalion that is ready, focused and capable of strengthening those friendships we've spent the past 70 years helping cultivate." After receiving a Meritorious Service Medal from guest speaker Deputy Commander NCG 1 and Commander, 30th Naval Construction Regiment Navy Capt. Rodney Moore, Raymond addressed the nearly 600 Seabees of NMCB 3 for a final time. "The last few years have certainly flown by," said Raymond. "Although there are some great takeaways when looking at the contributions we made around the globe during deployments, I've always measured success by the growth of those in our team. I can honestly say that NMCB 3 has grown both professionally in their skills and abilities and as a unit committed to each other's success." One of the first battalions commissioned at the start of World War II, NMCB-3's legacy stands strong in its ability to build and fight anywhere in the world as either a full battalion or as a group of autonomous detachments completing critical engineering and construction missions simultaneously. NMCB 3 provides combatant commanders and Navy component commanders with combat-ready warfighters capable of general engineering, construction and limited combat engineering across the full range of military operations. The "Better Than Best" battalion is preparing for a deployment to the Pacific region scheduled later this summer. For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/. NNS130627-20. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features four newscasts today - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscast. Two-minute newscast- - U.S. Navy, Foreign Navies Participate in Exercise Dawn Blitz 2013 http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18588 http://youtu.be/va2pwALx3HE First One-minute newscast- - Headlines for Thursday, June 27, 2013: Department of Defense Welcomes Supreme Court's Defense of Marriage Act Decision; First Sailors Report to PCU Illinois http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18589 http://youtu.be/sBccVL3PmQ8 Second one-minute newscast- - Navy Ordnance Shop Ensures Pilots' Safety http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18590 http://youtu.be/kcwo7jQQFtA Third one-minute newscast- - Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Thrift Shops Offer Savings and Resources to Sailors http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18591 http://youtu.be/wGjLDEzJ8zY Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS020418-36. This Day in Naval History - June 28 From the Navy News Service 1794 - Joshua Humphreys appointed master builder to build Navy ships at an annual salary of $2,000. 1814 - USS Wasp captures HMS Reindeer. 1865 - CSS Shenandoah captures 11 American whalers in one day. 1970 - USS James Madison (SSBN 627) completes conversion to Poseidon missile capability. For more information on 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).