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 NNS130629-01. Friends and Family Pay Final Respects to Adm. Frank B. Kelso II, 24th CNO -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75140 DNU -- Navy Physical Readiness Officials Release Body Composition Assessment Demonstration Video -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18594 NNS130628-04. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Complete Successful Dawn Blitz -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75095 NNS130628-18. Naval Special Warfare Commemorates Anniversary of Operation Red Wings -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75125 NNS130628-05. Training Command's Newest Sailors Sworn in as American Citizens -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75110 DNU -- USS George Washington Returns to Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18595 NNS130629-03. George Washington Sailor Receives U.S. Pacific Fleet Award -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75138 NNS130628-07. Submarine LDO Assumes 'Silver Eagle' Title -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75116 DNU -- Headlines for Friday, June 28, 2013: SECDEF Meets With Sexual Assault Response Systems Review Panel; Navy Urges Sailors to Stay Safe This Summer -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18593 NNS130628-12. USS Fort Worth Completes Camouflage Painting -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75109 NNS130628-11. Navy's Training Headquarters Holds SAPR Standdown -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75120 NNS130628-13. Wasp Passes Aviation Certification -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75118 NNS130628-14. Naval Hospital Beaufort Honors Gold Star Families with Designated Parking -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75122 NNS130628-15. Sailors at Naval Support Activity Mid-South Mark LGBT Pride Month with Observance -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75114 NNS130628-09. Naval Hospital Jacksonville Graduates Family Medicine Physicians -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75115 NNS130628-08. NAVFAC Southeast Awards $11 Million Contract for Simulated Flight Training Facility for Marines in Beaufort -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75117 DNU -- United States Navy Academy Museum Volunteers Help Preserve Naval History with Ship Models -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18592 NNS130629-02. Midshipmen Gain Insight, Knowledge from George Washington Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75139 NNS130628-06. NMCP's Junior Enlisted Association Relays for Cancer Research -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75112 DNU -- June 22 - 28, 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18596 NNS130630-01. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75111 NNS020628-10. This Day in Naval History - July 01 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2298 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=154370 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130629-01. Friends and Family Pay Final Respects to Adm. Frank B. Kelso II, 24th CNO From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. (NNS) -- Friends, family and colleagues gathered June 29 in the small town of Fayetteville, Tenn. to celebrate the life of and pay final respects to the 24th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Frank B. Kelso II. The full military honors funeral took place in Kelso's hometown at the First United Methodist Church where Kelso attended services and was integrated as a pillar of faith and devotion among the congregation. Less than a mile from the church, Kelso was laid to rest at the Rose Hill Cemetery in his family plot in the company of his beloved relatives. Long time friend of Kelso and former naval officer of 27 years Chaplain Bill Perry helped preside over Kelso's service. Perry had a close spiritual relationship and friendship with Kelso who he said committed his life to decency, respect and integrity. Perry said that in life after the Navy, Kelso was devoted to helping spread the word of God. "The last time I felt like this is when I buried and did this service for my mother," Perry said as he gripped the pulpit to maintain his composure, suffering from the loss of his friend. "Today is a day we celebrate a life well lived and then we mourn heavily for ourselves," Perry said. "For the Kelso family you have to know not only is there a pain within this church and over in the overflow room, but there is pain throughout the naval community because folks who knew him and worked with him -- every person here -- knows that if you knew Admiral Kelso then you respected him, and you liked him, and if you were around him enough, you grew to love him." More than 300 people who loved and respected Kelso were in attendance for the funeral service. Current CNO Adm. Jonathan Greenert was among them. "Admiral Frank Kelso's bold leadership and innovative thinking guided the Navy through times of war and significant draw-down at the end of the Cold War," said Greenert of the late Kelso. "It was his strength of character and sure-fire integrity that ensured his success as a former CNO and to a higher degree solidified the formidable legacy of a great life that Admiral Frank Kelso leaves behind." Kelso, 79, had a long and successful career in the U.S. Navy and was known for his intelligence, strong character and innovative thinking. He was the third of three submariners in a row who served as CNO in in the 1980s and '90s. As CNO he led the Navy in a period of significant drawdown of U.S. naval forces following the Cold War. He also oversaw the introduction of new platforms and systems that improved capabilities, including precision strike operations. The nation persistently called on the naval capabilities throughout his tour, starting with Operation Desert Storm. As CNO, he also oversaw revolutionary changes within the OPNAV staff and profoundly changed the means by which the Navy processed and made decisions. In keeping with joint staff practices, he changed "OP" codes to "N" codes, and the staff was reorganized to align with a "Napoleonic" arrangement used by both the Army and the Joint Staff. In a period of dramatic change, he helped to transform not merely the organization, but also the processes by which information could be shared and considered. He is credited with dramatically changing the means by which more informed decisions could be made by the Navy. "The ability to cut against the grain and find new and creative solutions for the Navy are what set Admiral Kelso apart from his peers," said Greenert. "It was an honor to have served with him and we are a better Navy due to his leadership and faithful commitment to our Sailors, Civilians and their Families." As CNO at the time of the now infamous Tailhook Convention in 1991 during which numerous incidents of sexual assault and harassment were found to have occurred, Kelso found himself at the forefront of a new horizon for the treatment of women in the military. Tailhook was a turbulent event for the entire naval department, and precipitated support in widening of opportunities for women in the service. Kelso, a proponent of allowing women to serve in expanded roles, embraced the integration. Upon selection for flag rank, Admiral Kelso served as Director, Strategic Submarine Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and then was assigned as Director, Office of Program Appraisal, Office of the Secretary of the Navy. On February 8, 1985, Admiral Kelso became Commander Sixth Fleet and NATO Commander Naval Striking Force and Support Forces Southern Europe. On June 30, 1986, Admiral Kelso was promoted to admiral and assumed the duties of Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Admiral Kelso became Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic and Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Command on November 22, 1988. He became the Navy's 24th Chief of Naval Operations on June 29, 1990. Adm. Kelso has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Navy Distinguished Service Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service, Navy Commendation and Navy Achievement Medals. Kelso eventually returned to live in Fayetteville, Tenn., in 2003, a decade after retiring from the Navy. He remained there until his death on June 23, 2013. Kelso is survived by his second wife, Georgeanna, his four children and numerous grandchildren. Landess McCown, his first wife of 56 years, passed away in 2012. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-04. U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Complete Successful Dawn Blitz By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Molly Evans, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs and Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- U.S. 3rd Fleet's Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG 3) and I Marine Expeditionary Force's (IMEF) 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade (1st MEB) along with coalition partners from Canada, New Zealand and Japan completed the multilateral amphibious exercise Dawn Blitz (DB13), June 28. The two-week exercise, held off the coast of Southern California, provided a vigorous training environment for U.S. Sailors and Marines to increase core amphibious capabilities while strengthening international partnerships. The culminating training event of Dawn Blitz occurred June 24, when U.S. Navy's Assault Craft Unit 5, Beach Master Unit 1, U.S. Marine Corps' 2nd Battalion 5th Marines and foreign military counterparts led an assault on Camp Pendelton's Red Beach where nearly 70 amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) and six landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vehicles landed on the beach and moved inland for additional training ashore. "This was important training for our Navy-Marine Corps team as the capability to conduct amphibious operations is essential to our warfighting and disaster response core functions," said Adm. Cecil D. Haney, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander."Working together in multi-lateral exercises like Dawn Blitz not only provides great training to collectively respond to crises, but it also preserves peace and enhances regional stability in the vital Indo-Asia-Pacific." During Dawn Blitz, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team was also able to accomplish the first MV-22 Osprey landing on a Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ship and a Maritime Prepositioning Force event that enabled the movement of U.S. Marine Corps equipment from the Military Sealift Command ships, USNS Lummus and USNS Curtiss, to train for disaster response/humanitarian assistance. "The U.S. Navy has six ships, about 25 aircraft and 2,500 personnel participating in a variety of operations that are wrapped under the umbrella of Dawn Blitz," said Rear Adm. Gerard P. Hueber, commander, ESG 3. "It is an opportunity for the U.S. Navy to work with coalition partners and exercise on these training regions in Southern California to our operational readiness." Australia, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Mexico, Peru and Singapore sent operational observers who were able to witness firsthand realistic, relevant training practices that were executed during DB13 and share them with their militaries. "We live in a world today where we need our coalition partners operating in a joint environment, and that's what this training is all about," said Rear Adm. John E. Jolliffe, deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners. For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-18. Naval Special Warfare Commemorates Anniversary of Operation Red Wings By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Coover CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command remembered the 11 Navy SEALs and eight Army Soldiers killed in Operation Red Wings in a ceremony June 28 at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado that commemorated the eighth anniversary of the mission. Rear Adm. Brian L. Losey, commander, Naval Special Warfare Command, was the speaker for the ceremony. "The Naval Special Warfare community will forever remember 28 June, 2005, and the heroic efforts and sacrifice of our special operators on the front lines on the global war on terror," Losey said. On that day, three SEALs from a four-man team were killed while conducting a reconnaissance mission in the Hindu Kush of Afghanistan. A helicopter sent in to the area to assist the SEALs was also shot down, killing all 16 men aboard. Losey said 66 operators and combat support personnel from Naval Special Warfare have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2011. "They are our teammates, our heroes, our legacy," Losey said. "We will remember them well and always." Jacob Healy was 15 when his father, Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy was killed. "They set the ultimate example," Healy said of his father and the other men killed in the operation. "They sacrificed their lives so we could live ours." Killed in Operation Red Wings were: Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SEAL) Matthew G. Axelson Gunner's Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Danny P. Dietz Chief Fire Controlman (SEAL) Jacques J. Fontan Staff Sgt. Shamus O. Goare Chief Warrant Officer Corey J. Goodnature Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy Sgt. Kip A. Jacoby Lt. Cmdr. Erik S. Kristensen (SEAL) Electronics Technician 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffery A. Lucas Lt. Michael M. McGreevy Jr. (SEAL) Sgt. 1st Class Marcus V. Muralles Lt. Michael P. Murphy (SEAL) Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SEAL) Eric S. Patton Master Sgt. James W. Ponder III Maj. Stephen C. Reich Sgt. 1st Class Michael L. Russell Chief Warrant Officer Chris J. Scherkenbach Quartermaster 2nd Class (SEAL) James Suh Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SEAL) Jeffery S. Taylor For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsw/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-05. Training Command's Newest Sailors Sworn in as American Citizens By Lt. Jonathan Bacon and Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Richard Keillor, NATTC Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Students assigned to Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) became United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony at Pensacola's Federal courthouse June 26. During the brief ceremony, 24 Sailors swore their allegiance to America. A significant difference from many citizenship ceremonies that take place throughout the U.S. is that the new American citizens had already sworn allegiance to the U.S. and protect its freedom when they became United States Navy Sailors. "Being an American citizen is not a prerequisite to join the American armed forces, but service in the American armed forces is a path to citizenship," said Capt. Jim Daniels, NATTC's commanding officer. "For these Sailors their path to citizenship brought them from many different parts of the world, and walks of life, but it culminated in their decision to join the United States Navy and become American citizens." Several of the students expressed excitement and jubilation after the ceremony. Airman Jean Piongarcia, originally from the Dominican Republic, is learning to become an Aviation Support Equipmentman and joined the Navy for better opportunities and the chance to become a citizen. "I feel great now that I'm now a citizen. I'm going to look into officer programs and work to help my parents become U.S. citizens, too" Piongarcia said. Airman Jeorzamae Ang, originally from the Philippines training to become an Aviation Machinist's Mate felt very proud and accomplished becoming a citizen. "The first thing I'm going to do is tell my mom and dad," Ang said. Airman Samuel Lee, originally from the United Kingdom, who is training to become an Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) felt very relieved. "Now that I'm a citizen, I'm going to work to accomplish my goal of becoming a Navy Diver," he said. Afterwards the students returned to the training center to continue with their training that is preparing them for the Navy's needs in the fleet. For more than 70 years, NATTC has been delivering training and increasing readiness within the Naval Aviation Enterprise. NATTC graduates approximately 15,000 Navy and Marine students annually. The majority of the student body is comprised of enlisted personnel attending "A" schools, where they are gaining the knowledge and skills required to perform in fleet as technicians at the apprentice level. For more information about Naval Air Technical Training Center, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cnatt/nattc/Default.aspx. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130629-03. George Washington Sailor Receives U.S. Pacific Fleet Award By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michelle N. Rasmusson PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- A Sailor aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) received the Pacific Fleet 2013 Aviation Boatswain's Mate of the Year award, June 24. Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class (AW/SW) Luis Martinez, the leading petty officer for 242 Sailors in the largest division aboard George Washington, V-2, was selected from 10 other highly-qualified U.S. Pacific Fleet nominees. "It's a great accomplishment and honor because there are a lot of great aviation boatswain's mates (equipment) throughout the Pacific Fleet," said Martinez. The award is given to individuals based on their sustained superior performance in challenging billets, contributions to the Navy and service to the community. "His leadership style and his skills played a big part on him receiving this award," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Al Hyatt, V-2 division's leading chief petty officer. "He just does his job and he does it well. That's why he's deserving of this award. I couldn't ask for anyone better other than him to receive it. I'm glad I was able to see him get awarded." George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, 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 USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-07. Submarine LDO Assumes 'Silver Eagle' Title By Lt. j.g. Jeff Prunera, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The distinguished title and responsibilities afforded the Navy's most senior limited duty officer (LDO) changed from one Sailor to another June 28 during a retirement ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Fla. Capt. Richard Verbeke, commanding officer of Regional Support Group (RSG) Groton, assumed the title of Silver Eagle from retiring Capt. Gerry Slevin who was assigned to Defense Information Systems Agency, Special Operations Command. "I've never imagined getting to this point in my career. To have been around this long and to make captain, I've been very fortunate," said Verbeke who has actively served in the Navy for 36 years. The "Silver Eagle and Horse Shoe" award is held by the most senior LDO in the Navy across all designators and is passed down to the next most senior individual at the conclusion of the current Silver Eagle's active service. "[This award] can be whatever you want to be," said Verbeke. "There are some who let it sit on a desk...and there are those who take leadership and responsibility within the community to provide guidance and assistance." Verbeke enlisted in the Navy in 1977 as a nuclear-qualified electrician's mate on submarines and worked his way up to the rank of chief in seven years. After two years in the Chief's Mess, he received his commission through the LDO and warrant officer program and has worked in submarine maintenance ever since. "I believe the LDO and warrant officer program is very critical and very important to the submarine force," said Verbeke. "That expertise and experience, which the LDO's can bring with the knowledge that they have from the operational side, is paramount to keeping the submarines operational." LDO and warrant officers make up approximately 20 percent of all submarine officers and are heavily relied upon for their expertise in maintenance and technical areas. When asked to give advice to younger Sailors today, Verbeke said, "Always be prepared for someone to knock on your door or to call you with new opportunities. You never know when they're going to arrive, and they have arrived many times in my life and have altered all my plans in a heartbeat. And they've always been for the better." RSG Groton serves as Commander, Submarine Force's direct waterfront representative. The command is responsible for directing, assigning, and monitoring the accomplishment of repairs and modernizations for the submarine squadrons at Naval Submarine Base New London. Verbeke plans to retire from the Navy in 2015 and complete 38 years of active duty service. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-12. USS Fort Worth Completes Camouflage Painting From Commander, Naval Surface Force Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The camouflage painting of USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) was completed at Naval Base San Diego graving dock June 28. Workers applied a paint scheme that differs from that used on Fort Worth's sister ship USS Freedom (LCS 1). Freedom was painted earlier this year using a pattern based on a World War II-era design prior to her current deployment to Singapore. "For a commanding officer of the Navy's newest class ship, seeing Fort Worth with her new paint scheme is gratifying and exciting," said Cmdr. Hank Kim, commanding officer of Fort Worth. "Fort Worth is proud to be part of those evolutionary - and revolutionary - concepts that bring LCS closer to full fleet integration. The crew is ready to return to sea and put the paint design to the test." The paints used are currently within the Navy's supply system. Fort Worth's paint job cost an estimated $1.41 million, compared to the cost for painting Freedom, which was $1.64 million. The paint design for Fort Worth includes dark shaded paints nearer the waterline of the ship to contrast against the sea surface, and gets progressively lighter further up the ship and above the water's surface to contrast against the area of sky just above horizon. The camouflage paint also uses contrasting angles and slopes to make the ship more difficult to detect visually. Additionally, this paint scheme is designed to be simpler in construct than the paint scheme used on Freedom, easier to apply, and visually appealing. To learn more about USS Fort Worth, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lcs3 or https://www.facebook.com/pages/USS-Fort-Worth-LCS-3/162361777117758. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-11. Navy's Training Headquarters Holds SAPR Standdown By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Focusing on putting an end to Sexual Assault in all forms, military and civilian staff members from the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) participated in a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) standdown June 27. NETC Commander Rear Adm. Don Quinn stressed that the intent of this standdown was to ensure service members and civilian personnel clearly understand they are accountable for fostering a positive climate where sexist behaviors, harassment, and assault are not tolerated, condoned, or ignored. "The Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations have asked us to re-focus on sexual assault prevention and response and reinforce our core values," said Quinn. "That includes zero tolerance for sexual assault and sexual harassment. We leverage morale and Esprit de Corps in our units to do what others cannot. That's how we can go into places like New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and bring order out of chaos - because everyone in the unit knows their shipmates have their back. Sexual assault destroys that trust and damages our mission effectiveness, in addition to the personal damage done to those involved." Mike Stahl, SAPR program manager for NETC coordinated the headquarters standdown and the training throughout the domain. "The SAPR Leadership training for senior command members and the SAPR Fleet training E6 and below set the stage for this current standdown," said Stahl. "Today's training gets all hands - officers, enlisted and civilians together to understand the importance of fostering a command climate where sexual assault is not tolerated, where Sailors intervene to prevent inappropriate behavior, where victims are supported and offenders are held accountable." One of the facilitators for the training was NETC Force Master Chief Jon Port, who stressed that focusing on character traits that help prevent sexual assault and harassment is crucial to the future of the Navy. "For the last 10 years, we've focused on competency; on warfighting," said Port. "Now we must also focus on character and our core values bringing back the balance between competency and character. We're giving our young Sailors a better chance to change their behavior with the tools we are giving them early in their careers, like Bystander Intervention and SAPR Fleet training in Recruit Training Command. "The SAPR challenge is here to stay," continued Port. "We bring in 1,000 new recruits each week at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes and the NETC domain is around 46,000 people on any given day. We must get to the left of this problem and stay ahead of it - as our common goal. The only way to do that is to focus on character and core values from the first day in the Navy and to continue focusing on competency with character every day thereafter. With this effort, we can stamp out sexual assaults and harassment in our Navy." Get more information and resources to combat sexual assault at http://www.sapr.navy.mil. Sexual assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy's conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR. For additional information about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-13. Wasp Passes Aviation Certification By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) J.C.J. Stokes, USS Wasp Public Affairs USS WASP, At Sea (NNS) -- Helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jets roared to life on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) June 24-27 as crew members went to work qualifying and passing the Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic Aviation Certification (AVCERT) 1.4 Bravo. A large portion of the crew tasked with major parts of the graded AVCERT are fresh from boot camp or newly transferred making the process even harder than normal, but Wasp Sailors were ready for the challenge. "When the ATG staff came aboard Wasp for the AVCERT they came to a ship whose crew was fully prepared," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Steven Vlasich, flight deck leading chief petty officer. "We knew from the last underway when ATG was aboard our crew had a good grasp on the operating and safety procedures for aircraft." To prepare for the upcoming AVCERT Air Department Sailors spent their time between USS Bataan (LHD 5) and numerous training courses to reacquaint themselves with the different types of aircraft slated to land. "More than 45 percent of the Air Department Sailors are new, and do not have hands on experience dealing with aircraft," said Master Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate Jimmie Gardner, Air Department leading chief petty officer. "Our Crash and Salvage team had a scored above the fleet average in the firefighting team trainer and they were all new Sailors who took it, so I did not worry much when this assessment was taking place because I knew we had the best of the best in the fleet on this ship. These guys knew the importance of this assessment and they put their best foot forward." Day and night, AV-8B Harrier jets, MV-22B Ospreys, MH-60S Seahawk and CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters launched and landed on deck working with flight deck personnel and practicing night vision operations using aided and unaided methods. "During night time flight quarters the flight deck crew and pilots use night vision goggles to safely land on the ship, and since the ship has to dim its lights to avoid blinding the pilots, this is the aided method," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jesse Seagrave. "The unaided method is landing aircraft without night vision goggles. Performing both methods gets the flight deck crew and pilots comfortable with landing aircraft in any situation." Sailors below decks worked hard before and during AVCERT including air traffic controllers who went to team trainers in preparation for the assessment and were instrumental in landing aircraft safely. "Our job for this mission was to control the Harriers to perform different landing approaches aboard Wasp," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Nathaniel Alspaugh. "To make sure we were prepared for AVCERT we went to Pensacola, Fl., and the training we received allowed us to simulate controlling aircraft and perform landing approaches on the flight deck during day and night flight quarters. The majority of the Sailors in my division are new and the fact that they were able to complete this evolution with no problems is truly an amazing accomplishment and I am proud of them." Wasp passed AVCERT with flying colors and is one step closer to Joint Strike Fighter Developmental Testing Phase II schedule to occur later this summer. For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-14. Naval Hospital Beaufort Honors Gold Star Families with Designated Parking By Regena Kowitz, Naval Hospital Beaufort Public Affairs BEAUFORT, S.C. (NNS) -- To recognize and honor Gold Star families, Naval Hospital Beaufort dedicated a parking space for their use in front of the hospital's main entrance today, June 28. Gold Star families are the surviving families of Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and Airmen who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. "Taking care of the families of the fallen is one of the best ways we can honor their sacrifice," said Capt. Joan Queen, commanding officer of Naval Hospital Beaufort. "Providing a designated parking space is the least we can do to recognize our Gold Star families, honor their loss, and show our support." According to Queen, after over a decade of war, many who serve in Navy Medicine have been personally touched by the loss of the nation's fallen. "Given the nature of what we do in Navy Medicine, taking care of Marines and Sailors on the battlefield, providing lifesaving care in fleet hospitals, and tending to our Wounded Warriors on the home front, we have seen and understand the loss experienced by these families and have the utmost respect for them," said Queen. Lt. Cmdr. Willie Brown, the director for administration at the naval hospital, was instrumental in selecting the spot and working with the hospital's facilities staff to get it placed. "Naval Hospital Beaufort wants to raise awareness of our Gold Star family members by making this parking space available for every Gold Star mom, dad, wife, husband, grandparent, sibling, cousin, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece who have lost a loved one in war," said Brown. "Why, you may ask? Because we, as a grateful nation and fellow members of the military, want to express that our war heroes are never forgotten." The initiative to designate parking for Gold Star families comes from Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) to deliver on the promise to take care of the families of the fallen. The designated space will be prominently located in the parking lot in front of the hospital's north entrance, next to the designated parking for expectant mothers, with ease of access to the entrance. The term "Gold Star" families comes from the lapel pin, known as the "Gold Star Lapel Button," that was established by Congress in 1965 to identify the widows, parents, and next of kin of active duty service members who lost their lives in combat, retroactive to World War I. Open since 1949, Naval Hospital Beaufort provides general medical, surgical, and emergency services to all active duty personnel, as well as retired military and family members residing in the Beaufort area, a total population of approximately 29,000 beneficiaries. For more news from Naval Hospital Beaufort, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhbeaufort/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-15. Sailors at Naval Support Activity Mid-South Mark LGBT Pride Month with Observance By Mass Communication 1st Class William Jamieson, Naval Support Activity, Mid-South MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- More than 80 Sailors and civilians took time away from their work and gathered aboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Mid-South to participate in first observance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month June 27, at the installation. The event, held in the NSA Mid-South Helmsman complex, was organized to celebrate the contributions of Sailors and service members who identify as LGBT and to recognize the importance and enriching role diversity plays in the nation, the Navy and among all who serve. The recent repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," has cleared the way for LGBT service members to serve openly in the armed forces, and one of the ways the Department of Defense (DoD) has responded is to recognize June as LGBT Pride Month. This led Senior Chief Culinary Specialist (SW/SCW) Dwayne Beebe, attached to Navy Personnel Command, to take the lead in putting together an observance on board NSA Mid-South. Beebe said he wanted the event to be a chance for LGBT Sailors to show they are proud of both their accomplishments in the Navy and also who they are as people. "I was extremely excited when I looked up and saw so many Sailors and people in the room, because we had all put a lot of effort into making this event happen, and it meant a lot to know they are there to be supportive," said Beebe. Beebe estimated the crowd size to be between 70 and 100. "This kind of response shows that we are not interested in activism. We are interested in celebrating the diversity and the differences of every valuable person in the Armed Forces," he said. The event featured guest speakers including Navy Personnel Command Force Master Chief Leland E. Moore, Navy Recruiting Command Force Master Chief Earl Gray, and NSA Mid-South Command Master Chief Tuck Williams. During his remarks, Moore said the day was about recognition of the ways gay, lesbian and bisexual Sailors have and will serve and contribute to our nation and Navy. "Lesbian and gay service members and lesbian, gay and transgender DoD civilians have been, and are, an integral part of America's armed forces even as they served in silence," said Moore. "Now they can serve openly and represent our country with pride as they have from the beginning, which makes our nation and military much stronger. Today, we all stand equal. We fight for the same cause, and we all represent the Navy's values of honor, courage and commitment. " As Sailors and civilians sat together they also heard remarks from President Barack Obama, former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta and read words from the late, former Navy Lt. j.g and city of San Francisco politician and mayoral candidate Harvey Milk. As a show of unity during his remarks, Force Master Chief Gray had all Sailors in attendance stand and recite the Sailor's Creed, which represents both the promise of loyal, honorable service of all U.S. Sailors, and is an affirmation of the commitment to treat all Navy shipmates with respect and fairness. "As we move forward through the years, our Navy continues to get stronger," said Gray. "We are blessed to have people in our Navy who are willing to stand for truth, thus, moving people to think about what inclusion really means. We all appreciate your patience as we have traveled on the long road to get here. People move people, and though some may move faster than others, progress attained always helps to ease the battle scars obtained on the journey there. This position is directly tied to our Sailor's Creed and includes all Sailors, not a select few." For more news from Naval Support Activity, Mid-South, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsams/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-09. Naval Hospital Jacksonville Graduates Family Medicine Physicians By Yan Kennon, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs Senior Writer JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville's award-winning Family Medicine Residency Program graduated 12 interns and nine residents during a ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville's Officers Club June 28. The ceremony recognized the completion of 12-month internships and 36-month residencies for 21 naval doctors. The graduates were awarded a certificate from the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery acknowledging their graduation from NH Jacksonville's Family Medicine Residency Program. "Because family medicine physicians provide the full spectrum of care needed by military families, it's critical they receive the best training," said Capt. Gayle Shaffer, NH Jacksonville commanding officer. "Our staff, interns and residents strive for academic excellence and our Family Medicine Residency Program continues to lead the way, setting the bar for others to aim for, while maintaining an outstanding reputation for producing some of the best primary-care doctors our nation has to offer." Shaffer also praised Cmdr. James Keck, Family Medicine Residency Program director, for his leadership and training of the interns and residents. "Dr. Keck, I want to thank you for your amazing commitment, vision and passion and true desire to produce the best family medicine physicians possible." To become a board certified physician by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), residents are required to successfully complete an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Family Medicine Program. NH Jacksonville's Family Medicine Residency Program not only meets this qualification, it was awarded the 2012 Excellence in Teaching Award for its clinical teaching efforts and named 2011 Family Medicine Clinical Site of the Year by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). During their first year of studies, interns and residents completed rotations in emergency medicine, inpatient medicine, outpatient family medicine, ophthalmology, inpatient general surgery, obstetrics, outpatient gynecology, orthopedics, urology, dermatology and pediatrics. Upon completion of the first year, interns are selected to go into the fleet where they can serve in a variety of positions, such as general medical officers, flight surgeons or undersea medical officers. Residents continue their studies for two additional years, rotating through sports medicine, neurology, behavior health and hospice, trauma and intensive care units. "My first struggle as an intern was trying to learn the way the hospital works," said Lt. Daniel Brennan, one of today's graduating interns who was selected to return for an additional two years to complete his residency. "My experience has been very positive, thanks to the wealth of knowledge within the program and the willingness of others to assist when needed." "I am extremely proud of our graduating class of 2013," said Keck. "They have honed their individual skills and are now ready to take on the numerous challenges presented to Navy Medicine. For 42 years our award-winning program has been the standard for excellence, and I look forward to our upcoming class continuing this tradition." As the graduates move on to their new assignments in the fleet as Navy medical officers, NH Jacksonville's Family Medicine Residency Program prepares to begin a new academic year-July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 -welcoming 26-residents and 13-interns into its program. "I am looking forward to a more prominent leadership role during my next two years as a resident. I will assume much more responsibility, but that is expected," said Brennan when asked what he expects over the next two years. NH Jacksonville's priority since its founding in 1941 is to heal the nation's heroes and their families. The command is comprised of the Navy's fourth largest hospital and five branch health clinics across Florida and Georgia. Of its patient population-about 163,000 active and retired military and their families-more than 57,000 are enrolled with primary care managers at one of its facilities. On average each day, a dedicated team of 2,500 military and civilian personnel sees 1,800 outpatients, admits 15 inpatients, cares for 80 people in the ER, performs 14 same-day surgeries, fills 4,700 prescriptions, conducts 4,600 lab tests and delivers three babies. Additionally, up to eight percent of its active duty staff is deployed around the globe providing combat, humanitarian and disaster care. For more information, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/navalhospitaljax andwww.navy.mil/local/nhjax/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-08. NAVFAC Southeast Awards $11 Million Contract for Simulated Flight Training Facility for Marines in Beaufort By Earl Bittner, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast Public Affairs JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast awarded an $11 million contract June 26 to Head Inc., a small business out of Columbus, Ohio, for construction of a simulated landing helicopter dock (LHD) flight deck at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS), Beaufort, S.C. "The LHD deck is another key project to prepare MCAS Beaufort for transition to the F-35 Lightning II," said MCAS Beaufort Commanding Officer Col. Brian C. Murtha. "It will simulate the conditions of operating aboard an amphibious ship and provide critical training to pilots." Murtha explained that conducting flight operations and aircraft maintenance from the deck of a ship is a very unforgiving environment stating Marines must be ready to do it right the first time. "This LDH training facility will give MCAS Beaufort the capability to ensure Marines have the proper training for shipboard operations," said Murtha. Construction includes a LHD flight deck made with high temperature resistant concrete and a new Landing Officer Safety Officer tower to support F-35 training and operational squadrons. The project also includes construction of a simulated short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) LHD landing deck with foreign object debris (FOD) zones, airfield lighting and associated electrical upgrades. "NAVFAC Southeast continues to demonstrate its commitment to maximize opportunities for Small Businesses," said Jennifer Reeder, NAVFAC Southeast assistant deputy for Small Business. "I'm proud to be part of an organization that chooses Small Business as the first option to meet our contracting requirement," said Reeder. Work for this project is expected to be completed by July 2014. For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130629-02. Midshipmen Gain Insight, Knowledge from George Washington Sailors By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Devenberg PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) departed with 28 midshipmen for three weeks of training and living life at sea, June 26. While aboard the George Washington, these aspiring officers, who come from the U.S. Naval Academy and various Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) units throughout the United States, will train in specific areas that will prepare them for leadership roles in their chosen fields. "I want to work on a nuclear submarine," said Midshipman 1st Class Christian Tan, from San Jose, Calif., and a student at the University of California, San Diego. "I hope to gain insight and knowledge on how to be a good division officer, what their role is and how they help the department. That's why I joined the Navy, to do a unique job that I can feel passionate about." Junior officers (JO) begin their careers juggling many different roles. The 1st class midshipmen will spend their three weeks shadowing a JO as they get a first-hand look at what to expect as an ensign. "I'll be busy while I'm here," said Midshipman 1st Class Chelsea Smith, from Sasebo, Japan, and a cadet from the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md. "As an ensign, I'll work on qualifications, manage my department as a [division officer] and stand watch." While 1st class midshipmen experience life as a JO, 2nd and 3rd class midshipmen will join the enlisted crew to learn what their life is like aboard a carrier with the help of a petty officer 2nd or 3rd class running mate. "My running mate [Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Harrison Stoll, from Mission Viejo, Calif.] is outstanding," said Midshipman 2nd Class Brian Lasely, from Fredericktown, Mo., and a student at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. "He has fully immersed me into his lifestyle. I also enjoy speaking to the enlisted crewmembers to get a feel for what they want in their officers, and what they like and don't like." As midshipmen 3rd class, these young students will transition from a familiar college life to a 24-hour work environment on a busy ship. "I hope to gain an appreciation for enlisted life," said Midshipman 3rd Class Ruben Diaz, from Uncasville, Conn., and a student at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla. "I want to get a view of what enlisted go through so that when I do become their leader, I can relate to them and better lead them." George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, 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 USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130628-06. NMCP's Junior Enlisted Association Relays for Cancer Research By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nikki Smith, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life made its way onto the Tidewater Community College campus in Portsmouth, Va., June 22, with 15 members of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth's Junior Enlisted Association raising money for the cause and walking in the overnight event. Relay for Life is held at schools, parks and fairgrounds around the country with teams camping out overnight and taking turns walking in the relay. Sponsors and relay participants donate money and supplies to help fund the event, and money raised goes to the American Cancer Society to fund cancer research and treatments for patients. The JEA team, along with 46 other teams, totaled 449 participants raising nearly $60,000 from the Portsmouth relay. The overnight event highlights that cancer never sleeps, so team members walk the track throughout the night and into the next day. The relay is also a way for those who have lost someone to cancer a chance to remember them and to celebrate those who have won against the disease. Cryptologic Technician - Technical 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Springer, NMCP's Hematology and Oncology Clinic, is still fighting, but knew from the moment she heard of the relay that she had to be there. Springer was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of a softball in the frontal lobe of her brain in January. The tumor came as a shock to her, even though she had been battling headaches, blurry and double vision for a few months, Stage 3 brain cancer was not something she thought she would be dealing with. "You always see on TV, how people say, 'I never thought cancer would happen to me.' Well, how they portray it on movies and TV was really how it felt, I really never thought it would be me," Springer explained. After having surgery to remove 50 percent of the tumor, Springer has been undergoing chemotherapy and radiation to eradicate the rest of the tumor. During her treatment, she lost an uncle to cancer, making the relay that much more personal. Springer wanted to be at the event to connect with and inspire others with cancer. She hopes that she can also get involved with support groups and other events to encourage and help others with cancer. "I have had such a great time today," Springer said at the relay. "I didn't know anyone really, except the people I work with, and I've ended up talking to so many people. I figure if I'm out here, I'm doing what I can to give back to the community. And I'm actually having a really good time. I mean, did I wish I didn't have cancer? Most definitely! But I'm fighting it, and I want to help other people fight it, too. I've had a blast out here today, and so many people have inspired me." The JEA members raised more than $300 to donate to the fund. Not only did members raise money before the walk, but they also had a table set up at the event selling snacks, drinks and glow sticks. They also bought luminarias online before the walk, which are white paper bags that can be decorated to celebrate someone who has fought cancer, support those who continue to fight, and honor the ones who have died. Candles are lit inside the bags and placed along the track as glowing tributes. As the sun set, and the luminarias glowed around the walking path, the JEA members settled into their camp for the long night. Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Yocelin Hernandezrojero, NMCP's Occupational Therapy Clinic and team captain for the JEA Relay for Life team, helped organize the event and was excited about the opportunity to be able to help. "I just think this is a good way to give back," Hernandezrojero said. "All of this money goes to the Cancer Society for research and finding a cure. I think it's just so worth it, and you feel like you are really making a difference." Relay for Life was established in 1985. Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours at a track in Tacoma, Wash., and raised $27,000, which was donated to the American Cancer Society. As relay has grown, more than $4 billion has been raised for the battle against cancer. For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/. NNS130630-01. 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- - United States Naval Academy Museum Volunteers Help Preserve Naval History with Ship Models http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18592 http://youtu.be/8YEfD27OPiw First One-minute newscast- - Headlines for Friday, June 28, 2013: SECDEF Meets With Sexual Assault Response Systems Review Panel; Navy Urges Sailors to Stay Safe This Summer http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18593 http://youtu.be/6mQ1PgGRu0s Second one-minute newscast- - Navy Physical Readiness Officials Release Body Composition Assessment Demonstration Video http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18594 http://youtu.be/Uf-nnYX2Ffs Third one-minute newscast- - USS George Washington Returns to Sea http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18595 http://youtu.be/7NoLetXzFoM 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- NNS020628-10. This Day in Naval History - July 01 From the Navy News Service 1797 - Naval Regulations passed by Congress. 1800 - First convoy duty; USS Essex escorts convoy of merchant ships from East Indies to U.S. 1801 - U.S. squadron under Commodore Dale enters Mediterranean to strike Barbary Pirates. 1850 - Naval School at Annapolis renamed Naval Academy. 1851 - Naval Academy adopts four year course of study. 1911 - Trial of first Navy aircraft, Curtiss A-1. The designer, Glenn Curtiss, makes first flight in Navy's first aircraft, A-1, at Lake Keuka, N.Y., then prepares Lt. Theodore G. Ellyson, the first naval aviator, for his two solo flights in A-1. 1914 - Prohibition of alcohol begins in the Navy. 1916 - Establishment of informal school for officers assigned to submarines at New London, Conn. 1946 - First of two detonations, Operation Crossroads nuclear test. 1951 - Responsibility for the Government of Trust Territories transferred from Navy to Department of Interior. 1972 - Date of rank of Rear Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely Jr., who was first U.S. Navy admiral of African-American descent. 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).