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 NNS130712-14. Sea Breeze 2013 Participants Conduct Amphibious Landing for Disaster Relief Demonstration -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75346 NNS130713-05. Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Visits USS Freedom (LCS 1) -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75350 NNS130712-13. Blue Angels Announce 2014 Team Members -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75341 NNS130712-05. Navy's First Mobile Landing Platform Departs San Diego -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75333 NNS130714-02. Combined Task Force 76 and Royal Australian Navy Embark for Talisman Saber 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75359 NNS130713-08. Pacific Partnership Hosts Nursing Conference in Marshall Islands -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75356 NNS130713-10. Anti-Terorrism Security Team Marines Train for Casualty Evacuations in Talisman Saber -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75357 NNS130713-09. Pacific Partnership Concludes Work in Marshall Islands -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75355 NNS130712-16. C6F Visits USS Bainbridge During Stop in Naples -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75343 NNS130713-07. NBK Sailors Win Ney, Receive College Know How -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75348 NNS130712-02. Historic WWII Dauntless Links Generations of Naval Aviators -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75312 NNS130712-01. Hampton Roads Naval Museum Family-Friendly Boot Camp -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75321 NNS130712-15. "Daring, Dauntless, Defiant;" De Wert Deploys -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75339 NNS130713-04. RSRS: Silent Defense of George Washington -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75354 NNS130712-09. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Changes Command; Alexander to Retire After 33 years of Military Service -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75340 NNS130712-11. Navy Warfare Development Command Hosts Change of Command Ceremony -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75342 NNS130714-01. Bonhomme Richard Departs Brisbane -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75360 NNS130713-02. Midshipmen Complete Training Aboard George Washington -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75352 NNS130712-06. NJROTC Area 4 Leadership Academy and Sail Training Graduates 146 Cadets -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75279 DNU -- How DOD Furlough Affects Everyone -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18639 DNU -- Families Visit USS Patriot -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18640 NNS130714-03. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75337 NNS020702-16. This Day in Naval History - July 14 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2368 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=155096 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-14. Sea Breeze 2013 Participants Conduct Amphibious Landing for Disaster Relief Demonstration By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Howard, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs ODESSA, Ukraine (NNS) -- Multinational partners participating in Exercise Sea Breeze 2013 conducted an amphibious landing operation demonstration in support of simulated disaster relief activities July 11. As the Ukrainian PTS-2 amphibious assault vehicles deployed into the water toward Ukrainian navy vessel Konstantin Olshanski (U 402), invited local and national Ukrainian media observed the demonstration in order to understand better what this exercise is about, and were given an opportunity to speak to some of the exercise participants. "This is my second time to participate in Exercise Sea Breeze," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Jonathan Mitchell, U.S. Navy Sea Breeze 13 participant. "I have already seen vast improvements over last year's exercise - especially in communication." Continued improvements in operating together is one reason for exercises such as Sea Breeze 13. The local media saw how the multinational troops would handle one method of delivering disaster relief supplies were one to occur in real time. "In this simulation, our troops are assisting a simulated neutral nation in disaster relief efforts after an earthquake," said Ukrainian Rear Adm. Denis Berezovsky, dxercise director. "This is just one of many simulations to come during Sea Breeze 2013." Working together to streamline this and other scenarios is key to protecting nations in the Black Sea region according to U.S. Navy Capt. James Aiken, exercise deputy director. "The partnerships we have developed over the course of this exercise will pay dividends for a long time," said Aiken. "The exercise this year is more complex than previous years in that, in addition to the other training exercises, the coalition will conduct simulated humanitarian assistance and disaster relief." This year's participants include Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Canada, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Romania, Turkey, Ukraine and U.S., along with France, Germany, Libya, Lithuania, Qatar, and UAE, as observers. Sea Breeze 13, an annual multinational exercise in the Black Sea, is a combined air, land and maritime exercise designed to improve maritime safety, security and stability in the Black Sea by enhancing the capabilities of Partnership for Peace and Black Sea regional maritime security forces. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130713-05. Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore Visits USS Freedom (LCS 1) By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean visited USS Freedom, July 12, while the ship was moored at Changi Naval Base. Mr. Teo, a former Republic of Singapore Chief of Navy, visited the U.S. Navy's first-of-class littoral combat ship as she prepares to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore next week - an annual bilateral exercise with the Republic of Singapore Navy in its 19th year. Mr. Teo also serves as Singapore's Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs. "This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other," Teo said of Freedom's deployment to Southeast Asia and her participation in exercises and exchanges with regional navies, including the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). "I'm glad we were able to come aboard and see the ship." The visit included a tour of Freedom's bridge, mission control center, crew berthing spaces, mess decks, hangar, flight deck and boat ramp. Cmdr. Timothy Wilke, Freedom's commanding officer, said the Deputy Prime Minister was impressed with Freedom's use of space and minimal manning. "There are a lot of similarities between littoral combat ships and RSN frigates in terms of size, manning and capabilities," Wilke said. "And as the first littoral combat ship deployed to this region, and the first to operate out of Singapore, Freedom is here to showcase its capabilities and learn from other navies that have operated comparable ships in the region." Fast, agile, and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surface warfare, mine countermeasures, or anti-submarine warfare. Freedom deployed to Southeast Asia in March with an embarked MH-60R helicopter and the Surface Warfare Mission Package, which includes two 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIB), 30mm guns, and boarding teams. "It's always an honor to host such distinguished visitors, especially those who appreciate what we do," said Chief Gunner's Mate Steven Luken. Freedom is manned with a "Gold" crew of 91 Sailors, which includes mission package personnel and an aviation detachment to operate the embarked MH-60R helicopter. The ship will remain homeported in San Diego throughout this rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. Midway the deployment, a crew-swap will be conducted with her "Blue" crew. For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-13. Blue Angels Announce 2014 Team Members From Blue Angels Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the officers selected for the 2014 team July 12. The squadron selected an administrative officer and a public affairs officer to join a pre-selected C-130 pilot and a maintenance officer on the 2014 team. Many highly-qualified Navy and Marine Corps officers submit applications to join the Blue Angels each year. The Blue Angels select finalists to interview at the Blue Angels' home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., during the week of the Pensacola Beach Air Show. The team makes selections at the conclusion of the interview week. The newly-selected 2014 team members include: Administrative Officer: Navy Lt. j.g. Phillip Harper, 33, from Chicago, is currently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 195 (VFA-195), at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. He is a 2011 graduate of Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu. Public Affairs Officer: Navy Lt. j.g. Amber Lynn Daniel, 32, from Ramona, Calif., is currently assigned to the Navy Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Washington, D.C. She is a 2004 graduate of Southern Oregon University, Ashland, Ore. Pre-selected to join the 2014 team were: C-130 Pilot: Marine Capt. Dusty Cook, 32, of East Bernard, Texas, is currently assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 (VMGR-252) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, N.C. He is a 2003 graduate of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Maintenance Officer: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Declan Hartney, 43, of Limerick, Ireland, is currently assigned to Naval Special Warfare Support Activity 1 (NSWSA-1) at Naval Amphibious Base (NAB) Coronado, Calif. Expected to return for the 2014 season are: F/A-18 Demonstration Pilots: Navy Cmdr. Tom Frosch, 43, of Clinton Township, Mich. Navy Lt. Cmdr. John Hiltz, 33, of Fort Mitchell, Ky. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nate Barton, 33, of Hummelstown, Pa. Marine Capt. Brandon Cordill, 33, of Hemet, Calif. Navy Lt. Cmdr. David Tickle, 32, of Birmingham, Ala. Navy Lt. Mark Tedrow, 31, of Charleroi, Penn. Narrator Navy Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, 28, of Bloomington, Ill. Events Coordination Officer: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Michael Cheng, 39, of San Francisco. C-130 Pilots: Marine Capt. A.J. Harrell, 32, of Frederick, Md. Marine Capt. Mike Van Wyk, 31, of Orland Park, Ill. Flight Surgeon: Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mark DeBuse, 39, of Longmont, Colo. Supply Officer: Navy Lt. Scott Adams, 29, of Omaha, Neb. The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America and other countries as international ambassadors of good will. Since its inception in 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 484 million fans. For more information, call the Blue Angels Public Affairs Office at (850) 452-3955. For more news from Navy Blue Angels, visit www.navy.mil/local/blueangels/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-05. Navy's First Mobile Landing Platform Departs San Diego From Military Sealift Command Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USNS Montford Point (MLP 1) departed San Diego July 12 for Naval Station Everett, Wash. Montford Point is the Navy's first mobile landing platform, delivered to the Navy in San Diego May 14, and is expected to be fully operational in fiscal year 2015. The ship, crewed by 33 contract mariners working for a company under charter to Military Sealift Command, will perform system tests during the voyage to its temporary layberth. Montford Point is scheduled for final contract trials in September, with its core capability set installed later this year. The Navy's second MLP, John Glenn, had its keel laid in December, with completion and delivery expected in March 2014. The MLP class of modular, flexible ships belongs to MSC's Maritime Prepositioning Force as a mobile sea-base option that provides our Navy fleet with critical afloat capability, supporting the flexible deployment of forces and supplies. Contract mariners will operate and navigate the MLP ships on behalf of the Navy and Marine Corps. "Montford Point will provide the key link - 'the pier in the ocean' - that will permit the military to engage in true seabasing sustainment of equipment and supplies to our troops ashore, from beyond the horizon," said Mike Touma, assistant engineering officer in MSC's Prepositioning Program. Designed to increase inter-theater agility, the MLP is ready to support our warfighters wherever and whenever needed. MLP is a highly flexible ship class that provides logistics movement from sea to shore supporting a broad range of military operations. Leveraging float-on/float-off technology and a reconfigurable mission deck to maximize capability, the MLP provides a seagoing pier when access to on-shore bases and support are unavailable. The platform includes add-on modules that support a vehicle staging area, vehicle transfer ramp, large mooring fenders and up to three Landing Craft, Air Cushioned vessel lanes to enhance its core requirements. Notably, the MLP can operate up to 25 miles from shore and transfer equipment at sea with 1.25-meter waves and when its mission deck is removed, it can serve as a semi-submersible platform, offering salvage and point-to-point capabilities as well. Military Sealift Command operates approximately 110 noncombatant, U.S. Navy civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130714-02. Combined Task Force 76 and Royal Australian Navy Embark for Talisman Saber 2013 By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, along with members of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), embarked the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), the flagship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), for the joint-force exercise Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13) July 13. Talisman Saber is a biennial training exercise aimed at improving the combat training, readiness, and interoperability of a combined U.S.-Australian task force. Embarking members of the RAN on Bonhomme Richard, in addition to the RAN ships participating in the exercise, allows key staff members to work side by side with U.S. forces and synchronize their planning and operational procedures as a combined task force. "Talisman Saber 2013 is designed to enhance our interoperability with the Australian Defense Forces, our long standing partners in this region," said Harley. "The embark of Australian Naval officers aboard Bonhomme Richard will allow us to more closely integrate our staffs during this complex bi-lateral, combined and joint exercise." While embarked on Bonhomme Richard for TS13, Harley, as Commander of the Amphibious Force, is responsible for five subordinate commands: Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the Australian Amphibious Task Group, the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment, and the Sea Combat Commander. Together, these commands will train to ensure Australian and U.S. forces are capable, deployable on short notice, and combat-ready. The Bonhomme Richard ARG is commanded by Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commodore, PHIBRON 11 and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130713-08. Pacific Partnership Hosts Nursing Conference in Marshall Islands By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha J. Webb MAJURO, Marshall Islands (NNS) -- Nurses from the University of Hawaii and the U.S. Navy hosted a nursing conference for more than 40 nurses and midwives from Majuro Hospital during Pacific Partnership 2013, July 12. The conference featured lectures on disaster management and preparedness, cardiac emergencies, pediatric asthma and pneumonia prevention, post-partum exams and obstetric emergencies. Gary Glauberman, a registered nurse volunteering on the mission with the University of Hawaii, taught the lecture on disaster management and preparedness. "Nurses are very integral to a disaster response because they are able to communicate well, counsel patients, treat patients, triage patients and coordinate care across different levels," said Glauberman. The Marshall Islands, an island country in the northern Pacific Ocean, is vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes, cyclones, floods, and severe droughts. Glauberman said that the single most important take-away from his presentation was that everyone, especially nurses, should have a family plan and a disaster preparedness kit ready for emergencies. If nurses are busy finding and taking care of their own family they won't be able to do their job as well as they should. Alitaake Alefaio has been a nurse midwife at Majuro Hospital for 20 years. She said she decided to attend the conference when she saw the topics to be discussed. "I'm really interested in all of the topics from today," said Alefaio. "These are the topics that involve a lot of the activities we do every day." Alefaio said that a large wave recently washed over the entire island, and brought an influx of patients to the hospital, making the disaster preparedness lesson one of the most relevant to her. Salome Lanwi, a nurse and head of training and staff development at Majuro Hospital, worked with Laurie Kukkowem, a nurse from the University of Hawaii and the Pacific Partnership project lead, to choose the topics for the conference. Lanwi said that the hospital staff was looking forward to the visitors because they understand that procedures and technologies in the medical field are constantly changing and improving. Lanwi went on to say that the unique partnership between a nongovernmental organization and U.S. military to conduct the conference is representative of the Pacific Partnership mission as a whole. Alefaio said that the mix of presenters brings different experiences and knowledge that she and her colleagues can use in their daily work. Pacific Partnership is a collaborative effort of military members and civilians from ten partner nations including Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand and the United States that improves maritime security through disaster preparedness. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130713-10. Anti-Terorrism Security Team Marines Train for Casualty Evacuations in Talisman Saber By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Toni Burton South Pacific (NNS) -- Marines assigned to Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team Pacific (FASTPAC) conducted training on NATO medical causality evacuation procedures in preparation for Talisman Saber 2013, July 12, 2013. FASTPAC simulated numerous scenarios involving a marine getting wounded in the battlefield, assessing the situation and calling for a helicopter evacuation with the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 "Golden Falcons." NATO medical evacuations, also called a "9-line" is the term used to give critical information involving a person and significant medical information for outside support to come in and assist. "With Marines being in a business where they have to take causalities, the training is very important," said U.S. Marines Capt. Christopher Tucker, FASTPAC Platoon Commander. "We practice so the Marines can get more proficient and comfortable with assessing the causality to calling in the 9 Lines and talking to the pilot." "We have the rule called the golden rule, where from the moment a Marine takes the casualty, to the moment he is on the operation table, if we can get that within the hour they have a 90-percent chance of survival," said Tucker. "So every second counts." The training also gave the Marines the time learn how to conduct landing zone (LZ) preparations for a helicopter to come in and pick up a wounded service member or civilian and how to call in a 9-line which is required for a helicopter to come in and assist. "We were able to do combined training with the Navy. For us, calling the causality in and preparing the LZ and the helicopter to come in, land and pick up the causality," said Staff Sgt. Melbin Medina, FASTPAC platoon sergeant. "This gave the Marines time to make their mistakes here rather than on the battlefield," FASTPAC, 1st Platoon, from Yorktown, Va., consisting of 52 personal, is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. FASTPAC is a U.S. Marine Corps Security augmentation force under the operational control of Commander, U.S. 7th FLEET and is embarked aboard the Blue Ridge while on naval patrol, building maritime partnerships and conducting security and stability operations. For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130713-09. Pacific Partnership Concludes Work in Marshall Islands By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha J. Webb MAJURO, Marshall Islands (NNS) -- Members of Pacific Partnership 2013 joined distinguished members of the Marshallese government and U.S. Ambassador Thomas H. Armbruster for a closing ceremony on the island of Majuro to mark the end the Republic of the Marshall Islands mission, July 13. The Marshall Islands are the third mission port of Pacific Partnership 2013, the largest disaster-response preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the ten days spent on the Islands, military and civilian personnel from ten different nations joined together to conduct mission projects such as medical and dental engagements, veterinary clinics, engineering projects and community relations events. "The intense efforts and delivery of goods and skills ashore were remarkable," said U.S. Navy Capt. Wallace Lovely, the Pacific Partnership mission commander. "The Marshall Island phase of Pacific Partnership 2013 has been a resounding success." Dennis Momotaro, Marshall Islands' Minister of Foreign Finance and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed his gratitude to those involved in the mission. "I applaud everyone who had a hand in this mission from the preparation to the carrying-out of the projects," said Momotaro. "The Republic of the Marshall Islands values this partnership." Although the mission conducts similar projects in each host nation, memorable moments prove to be unique for mission personnel. According to Magdalena Gajdzinska, a veterinarian from Poland, her most memorable day in the Marshall Islands came when an aspiring young veterinarian of about 12 years of age stopped by the spay and neuter clinic to get involved. "She was the best vet on the team!" said Gajdzinska "She was helping with everything." Pacific partnership personnel have been working to improve the sustainability of the countries they visit through subject matter expert exchanges with locals. At the mission's dental clinics, U.S. Air Force Capt. Kevin Kunz said that the local dental staff maintained leadership in the clinic, but were appreciative and very kind towards him and his staff. "We were able to help them in ways they wanted to be helped," said Kunz. Pacific Partnership is a collaborative effort of military members and civilians from ten partner nations including Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand and the United States that improves maritime security through disaster preparedness. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-16. C6F Visits USS Bainbridge During Stop in Naples By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Frank C. Pandolfe, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visited the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), July 11, while the ship made a port call to Naples, Italy. The destroyer departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va. June 14 and will remain in the Naval Forces Europe-Africa theater for the duration of its deployment supporting maritime security and theater security cooperation objectives. During his visit, Vice Adm. Pandolfe spoke with Bainbridge leadership and met with Sailors as he toured the ship. "Bainbridge has a very important mission," said Vice Adm. Pandolfe. "I commend our Sailors for the preparation that has taken place to serve in this theater and look forward to seeing great things from them." According to the ship's leadership, the crew is ready for the mission ahead over the next several months. "Team Bainbridge embraces the deployment we have in front of us and looks forward to our current maritime security operation tasking to include strengthening relations with our allied partners," said Cmdr. David J. Pearson, commanding officer of Bainbridge. "We view every day at sea as an opportunity to sharpen our warfighter skills in order to be fully ready for any crisis or challenging assignment requiring Bainbridge's response." While touring the ship, Vice Adm. Pandolfe stopped in central control station to congratulate Bainbridge's Sailor of the Year, Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael Smith, on his recent selection as a Limited Duty Officer. "I very much enjoyed getting the opportunity to meet Vice Adm. Pandolfe," said Smith. "I was honored to be a representative of Bainbridge engineering, and was very proud to be able to talk about my recent selection for the LDO program." Bainbridge, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130713-07. NBK Sailors Win Ney, Receive College Know How By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jamie Hawkins, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Base Kitsap Bangor's Trident Inn won the 2013 Navy Captain Edward F. Ney Memorial Award for outstanding food service earlier this year, in recognition of this achievement, the culinary specialists (CS) received additional education and training from a pastry arts instructor July 8-12. Gene Leiterman, from Platt College in Moore, Okla., said there is no doubt in his mind why the CSs at Trident Inn were recognized with the Ney Award. "I applied to the Adopt-a-Ship program just five weeks ago," said Leiterman. "This is my first time working with the military and to see the drive and efforts of these young people is truly impressive." Over the week-long course, the galley CSs received hands on training as well as the opportunity to ask questions of the college instructor to help improve their abilities. "What Chef Leiterman has been showing us is more than just how to properly prepare dough or measure out the right amount of salt," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Edwards. "He is teaching us how to be better at our craft, and I for one plan to use these skills beyond this command, throughout the rest of my career in the Navy." Among the lessons they received, the CSs were taught how to prepare multiple recipes and baking techniques offered only by Platt College culinary courses. "I was a little worried at first, wondering if they were going to be willing to learn, wanting to do things outside what they normally do," said Leiterman. "But I've seen a fire in all of them. They have a passion for food and want to serve the very best." The Captain Edward F. Ney Award for food service excellence was established in 1958 and is given to galleys which earn a five-star rating. The award was designed to improve food service operations and recognize the best general messes in the Navy. "The quality of the food directly comes from the skill and professionalism of the CSs staffed here," said Chief Culinary Specialist Kevin Flatley. "Being named the 2013 Ney winners and having chef Leiterman come out shows my junior Sailors that their hard work and dedication is appreciated." The Navy's more than 7,000 culinary specialists (CS), deployed around the globe, feed on average more than 92 million wholesome and nutritious meals per year, ensuring the Navy's fighting forces operate at peak performance and are ready to respond to threats worldwide. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-02. Historic WWII Dauntless Links Generations of Naval Aviators By Hill Goodspeed, Navy History and Heritage Command PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- A Naval Officer recently paid special respect to his grandfather's history of naval service by visiting the very same SBD-2 Dauntless his grandfather flew during WWII at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Lt. Tyler Hurst remembers seeing the photographs on the wall of his grandfather's house during visits as a child. The images of the aircraft carriers charted the service of naval aviator Capt. Charles E. Roemer from his first flattop, Lexington (CV 2), from which he abandoned ship during the Battle of Coral Sea in 1942, to the aircraft carrier named for that landmark engagement, Coral Sea (CVA 43), which Roemer commanded during the early 1960s. These images and a family legacy inspired the boy from Bakersfield, California, to a career in the sea service. Following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2004, Hurst entered the flight training program, receiving his wings of gold in 2006. After service as an instructor in the T-45 Goshawk, it was off to Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California, for transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147, he completed deployments on board the carriers John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. As he prepared to embark on the next stage of his career at the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School, Hurst visited the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., on June 21, 2013 to experience firsthand a tangible link to the service of his grandfather, who received his own wings of gold on July 14, 1938. Upon graduation Charles Roemer was assigned to Scouting Squadron (VS) 2 on board Lexington, where he joined one of his flight school classmates, Mark Whittier, who had received orders to Bombing Squadron (VB) 2. In December 1940, a new SBD-2 Dauntless arrived from the Douglas Aircraft Company in El Segundo, California, its bureau number (2106) appearing in Whittier's log book numerous times, including a March 10, 1942 combat mission against Japanese shipping at New Guinea for which he received the Navy Cross. With the airplane not assigned to his squadron, Roemer likely never flew it during his time on board Lexington, but he perhaps waved its pilots aboard while he served as a landing signal officer. After Lexington's sinking in May 1942, Roemer's next set of orders was to the Great Lakes, where he was assigned as a landing signal officer on board the training aircraft carriers Wolverine (IX 64) and Sable (IX 81). In this capacity he had the opportunity to fly many of the aircraft that were assigned to the Carrier Qualification Training Unit at NAS Glenview, Illinois. On June 10, 1943, he recorded a .8 hour test hop in Bureau Number 2106, one of three flights he made that day, which included a carrier landing and launch on board Wolverine and a familiarization flight in an F4U-1 Corsair. On June 11 he was in the air again multiple times, a standard pattern in his log book during that time. In one entry he recorded making the 10,000th landing on board Wolverine. That same day, Marine 2nd Lieutenant Donald A. Douglas, Jr., took off from NAS Glenview in Bureau Number 2106 to attempt to carrier qualify. During an approach to Sable, he took a wave off from the landing signal officer and as he banked left to clear the ship, the Dauntless' engine sputtered and then caught. Combined with the fact that Douglas was flying low and slow, it was enough to cause the plane to lose altitude and crash into the water. The young aviator was retrieved by a Coast Guard rescue boat, but the aircraft sank to the bottom. More than half a century later, in 1994 Bureau Number 2106 emerged from the waters of Lake Michigan, part of a National Naval Aviation Museum program that recovered airplanes from the lake's waters where they crashed during carrier qualification. One of the first people museum staff members contacted after researching the airplane's history was retired Captain Mark Whittier, who closely followed its restoration and was on hand when his old Dauntless was placed on display. During the course of the restoration, Whittier told his old classmate about the airplane's discovery, and Capt. Roemer dutifully checked his log book for the bureau number. What he found prompted his grandson to visit the museum in June 2013. With an old wartime flight log book in hand, Lt. Hurst spent some quality time with the historic Dauntless, which also flew at the Battle of Midway. He walked around it and climbed on the wing just like his grandfather did when he did a preflight inspection of the airplane and manned up back in World War II, making history coming alive for a few special moments. For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-01. Hampton Roads Naval Museum Family-Friendly Boot Camp By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gina K. Morrissette, Naval History and Heritage Command Communication Outreach Division NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Hampton Roads Naval Museum (HRNM) is hosting a free, family-friendly "Boot Camp" in Norfolk, Va., July 12 and Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The annual HRNM Boot Camp offering, which began three years ago, gives families an opportunity to participate in a series of hands-on activities and training scenarios relevant to Navy life and focusing on naval history. When children arrive at camp, they will become a Navy recruit and receive a "Sail Through the Navy" passport book, explained HRNM's Director of Education, Lee Duckworth. Each passport book has dedicated spaces for various activities. As children make their way around the gallery, they will stop at stations and undergo a portion of recruit training. After successful completion of each activity, educators stamp the passport book. Activities include a brief introduction to the Navy, knot tying, basic military drills, a run through the battle stations obstacle course, and a lesson in the basics of naval aviation. "Kids learn how to walk, stand, and salute like a Sailor," said Duckworth. "Parents love to see their children stand at attention and snap a salute. It might be the only time they stand still all day." When recruits finish all four stations, they take their completed books to the front desk and receive a graduation package containing a certificate of completion and their very own dog tag. "It's nice to see the participants feel a sense of accomplishment and receive an elementary understanding of the training needed to become a United States Navy Sailor," Duckworth said. "Several thousand visitors have participated in the Boot Camp activity since it debuted in 2010. We now offer the program twice in the summertime to accommodate scheduled groups and youth camps." For more information on the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and to find links to other naval history Web sites, log onto www.hrnm.navy.mil. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-15. "Daring, Dauntless, Defiant;" De Wert Deploys By USS De Wert Public Affairs MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS De Wert (FFG 45) departed Naval Station Mayport today on an independent deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibility. "We are deploying as part of the Standing NATO Maritime Group," said Lt. Cmdr. Stanley Dickerson, De Wert executive officer. "Our primary mission will be to protect our national interests." The ship's crew has completed various training exercises to prepare for their upcoming deployment. Part of their preparations included flight operations with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46, Detachment 3 "Hooligans," who will assist in executing the ship's mission. De Wert is equipped to carry and embark a Lamps MK III multi-purpose helicopter. The avionics package, airborne sensors, and tactical data systems incorporated in this helicopter allow the ship to locate and strike at hostile surface and subsurface forces well beyond the horizon and long before De Wert is detected by their sensors. In March the crew completed their independent deployer certification. "This was a grueling exercise that enabled us to hone our skills in multiple scenarios," said Dickerson. "We conducted numerous boardings, live fire exercises and anti-submarine exercises." De Wert's Combat Systems capability allows it to rapidly evaluate threats, conduct rapid appropriate weapons selection, and near instantaneous response to any postulated attack. The systems aboard this ship have been designed to meet these demanding and dynamic prerequisites and to do so with minimum human interface. Her weapons include OTTO Melara 3 inch (76 mm) gun, Vulcan Phalanx close in weapons system (CIWS), and anti-submarine torpedoes. Rounding out De Wert's Combat Systems suite is the world's most effective surface passive ASW system thus completing this highly sophisticated package. Commissioned November 19, 1983, De Wert is named for Hospitalman Richard De Wert from Taunton, Mass. De Wert was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during an attack on Chinese Communist forces, during which he was killed in action while administering first aid to an injured comrade. The ship's motto "Daring, Dauntless, Defiant" expresses De Wert's courageous sacrifice and serves as an inspiration to the men and women who man the warship named in his honor. "I am proud to sail on her during this deployment and proud to be the Executive Officer of a great ship who is ready to deploy once again," said Dickerson. "She is an old ship, but she is a capable ship with an extremely competent crew." For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130713-04. RSRS: Silent Defense of George Washington By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) is the first aircraft carrier to use a rubberized coating, radar signature reduction system (RSRS) to enhance its self-defense. According to Senior Chief Crypotologic Technician (Technical) James Northrop, OS division leading chief petty officer, 30,000 square feet of RSRS can be found on the exterior surface of George Washington at a cost of approximately 500 dollars per square foot. "The upkeep of RSRS is extremely important," said Northrop. "Any pressure from people leaning on RSRS to jet blast can cause damage to the rubberized paint that we see on the exterior, which can cause water to seep in and damage the interior tiles." Every square foot of RSRS is inspected for tears, burns, indentations and other damage during a rotation of three to four weeks. RSRS is installed on all catwalks, the island, fantail and sponsons. "Harsh detergents cannot be used to clean RSRS," said Northrop. "Hand and general cleaners you would use on your skin, and a soft-bristled brush are the only things you can use to clean RSRS. Do not use pressurized hoses while cleaning and do not paint RSRS; repairs can only be done by qualified supervisors." There are strict guidelines to discard, replace or move RSRS. RSRS is a highly-controlled material and every square foot is accounted for. Any damage or indentations should be reported to the cryptologic technicians (technical) in OS division. "A lot of the damage comes from moving equipment carelessly," said Lt. Adrian Durham, RSRS inspector. "To prevent a majority of RSRS damage, be more attentive when moving gear and large equipment in tight spaces." As the first aircraft carrier with RSRS, the Navy looks at George Washington to provide a metric of reliability and sustainability for all future carrier installations of this passive defense system. "If people actually understood what RSRS did for the self-defense of this ship, they would be a lot more careful around it," said Northrop. "RSRS keeps our Sailors out of harms way and ultimately, it helps save lives." 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 news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-09. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Changes Command; Alexander to Retire After 33 years of Military Service By David Todd NORFOLK (NNS) -- Members of Navy's Mid-Atlantic (MIDLANT) Region said farewell to Rear Adm. Tim Alexander and welcomed new commander, Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith, during a change of command held in Hangar LF-59 on Naval Station Norfolk, July 12, home of the HSC-28 Dragon Whales. On hand for the ceremony was Vice Adm. William D. French, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) and Adm. Bill Gortney, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, who served as the guest speaker. The audience of hundreds ranged from local government and community officials, fellow flag and commanding officers, to regional staff, family and friends. Capt. Mary M. Jackson, Chief of Staff, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic served as master of ceremonies and Capt. Bruce Boyle, Regional Chaplain, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic provided the invocation and benediction. The presentation of colors was executed by the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Honor Guard and ceremonial music was provided by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band, with the national anthem being sung by Musician 3rd Class Emily Charleton. Alexander took a moment to welcome distinguished guests, friends and families, and thanked the individuals who contributed their time to make the ceremony a success. He then gave a brief introduction for French. "Tim Alexander is more than just a shore installation management expert ... he's a genuine leader and a trusted advisor," said French. "Ever since I have known Tim, he's possessed a rare quality to see the other side of things that many of us miss. He can identify with the rest of us and he has the courage to speak up to keep us on course, and I would tell you in many cases, to get us back on course. We are a better Navy because of him and his engagement. We are better because Tim kept his focus on taking care of people and getting the job done right." French introduced Gortney as the guest speaker, who praised the Region's accomplishments under Alexander's leadership and spoke about the important role the Region's teamwork played in various crisis situations such as Hurricanes Irene and Sandy, and the USS Miami (SSN-755) fire, but especially during the F/A-18D mishap in Virginia Beach. "That is the best example of endurant city government and military cooperation that you can find," said Gortney of the recovery efforts."The teamwork after that mishap was built for many years before the mishap [occurred] - and that is the teamwork and dedicated service to help others. It's hard work and this is a team sport, and it's critical to our Navy's and nation's success. Teamwork which reverberated down to every level in the chain of command - teamwork between the regions and installations, teamwork between the region and the fleet, and teamwork between the military and the community ... and Tim embodies this necessary trait!" Gortney went on to praise Alexander for an incredible tour and an amazing career of 33 years of dedicated service. "Tim, you've been a warrior in the arena, you have done your part to protect freedom, you have given your all in service to others and you have prepared to be great," he said. "In doing so you've continued your family's legacy of service, you made our Navy strong and our nation proud." Gortney presented Alexander with the Distinguished Service Medal "for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility while serving as Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic from September 2011 to July 2013." "To the men and women Sailors and civilians of Region MIDLANT, I accept this award on your behalf," said Alexander, "for it is all of you who deserve the credit and the recognition. We have had our share of 'opportunities' the past two years, and any success has really been your success. I have been honored to work with you and cheer you on. Every time I look at this award, I will be reminded of your loyalty, determination and concern for our Sailors and their families." Alexander went on to welcome Smith and expressed his confidence that the Region and its new commander will continue moving forward in support of fleet, fighter and family. "You have all of the experience needed for the job and you have the best team in CNIC to make things happen," he said. "You are a leader from the shore enterprise and I know you will lead this MIDLANT team on to new successes." Alexander also reflected on his naval career and the support of his family throughout his career, especially the support of his wife Kathleen for the past 29 years. "The most important person here today - the most important person in my life - is my Kathleen," he said. "She has always been the glue that holds the family together, the keeper of the books, the energy in our relationship, the reason I'm standing here today and the absolute love of my life. Kath, you have made more sacrifices than anyone I know and you have done it with dignity, charm and grace." Following the reading of orders, Alexander and Smith then turned to each other with Smith saying, "I relieve you, Sir."Alexander replied, "I stand relieved." Smith, a native of Greens Farms, Conn., comes to the Region after serving as Commander, Navy Region Southwest. He received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 and was designated a surface warfare officer in 1985. Smith holds a master's degree in business from Webster University and is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan. "To the Hampton Roads community, I'm committed to maintaining and building upon an already outstanding partnership and relationship," said Smith. "I am convinced that it is all about relationships ... it's all about partnerships, and when we work together, we can identify and cultivate win-win solutions to the challenges we as a community face." French then presented Alexander with a certificate of retirement. Upon conclusion of the ceremony, Alexander was piped ashore for one final time, which was immediately followed by a procession of his family including his children, grandchildren and wife. Following the official ceremony, Alexander will officially retire from the Navy after 33 years of service on Sept. 1. Alexander has plans to relocate to the Northern Virginia area, but in a recent interview, he said he's looking forward to this next chapter of his life. "I feel really good about closing this chapter and I don't have any regrets whatsoever," he said. "The time comes for all of us to take the uniform off and go do something else - and it's my time to do that - and it's a time of my choosing. I will miss the people, but I'm excited about what other opportunities are out there for me to continue to try to make a contribution." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrma/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-11. Navy Warfare Development Command Hosts Change of Command Ceremony By Navy Warfare Development Command Public Affairs Norfolk, Va. (NNS) -- Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) held a change of Command Ceremony today at its headquarters on Naval Station Norfolk. Rear Adm. Terry B. Kraft was relieved by Rear Adm. Scott B. Jerebek as commander, NWDC. Guest speaker, U.S. Fleet Forces Commander Adm. Bill Gortney, noted the achievements of Kraft and the command staff during his remarks. "I'm privileged to be here today and celebrate with Rear Admiral Kraft and the talented staff of NWDC, who have helped move the fleet forward and shape the Navy of today and tomorrow," Gortney said. "Through all of its cutting-edge areas, NWDC has become a center of excellence that aligns and synchronizes our efforts and drives innovation to the deckplates." Kraft assumed command of NWDC in October 2011. During his tour, he expanded many of the traditional programs at NWDC, while adding several new ones as he focused its resources on lines of operation developed in collaboration with the fleet. Both the Concepts and Experimentation departments of U.S. Fleet Forces were absorbed into NWDC, aligning these important areas for identifying and testing solutions to gaps in the fleet. He also added an Innovation department to its existing Concepts directorate concentrating on improving warfighting by reinvigorating and sustaining a culture of innovation within the Navy. The initiatives and projects created and implemented under Kraft's leadership will have far reaching positive impact on innovation and warfighting for years to come. Kraft's next assignment will be commander, Naval Forces Japan and commander, Navy Region Japan. After reading his orders, Kraft acknowledged Fleet Forces leadership and the command staff who helped him achieve his success at NWDC. "Admiral Gortney, it means a great deal to me to have you preside over today's ceremony," said Kraft. "Admiral Harvey's and your confidence in me and my staff provided the leadership necessary to execute Admiral Greenert's challenge to make 'Warfighting First' a reality here at NWDC." Addressing the NWDC command staff, Kraft said: "We like to say that NWDC links tomorrow's ideas to today's warfighter through the rapid generation and development of innovative solutions to operational challenges. Every Sailor, officer, civilian and contractor contributed to our achieving that mission in the last 22 months and I'm confident you will continue to succeed under Rear Adm. Jerabek's command." After assuming command of NWDC, Rear Adm. Jerabek told the assembled audience: "I'm honored to take command of NWDC at this important time of our warfighting mission. The fleet is facing considerable challenges on many levels and our forward-looking mission to close capabilities gaps has immediate impact helping Sailors and Marines to overcome these challenges." Jerabek most recently was deputy commander, NWDC. For more news from Navy Warfare Development Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwdc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130714-01. Bonhomme Richard Departs Brisbane By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jerome D. Johnson BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) departed Brisbane, Australia after a four-day port visit. During the visit, Sailors and Marines participated in community relations projects, a friendly Rugby match with the local West Brisbane Bulldogs club team, and multiple tours offered by Bonhomme Richards' Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department. "The visit to Brisbane was a great opportunity for us to see Australia and continue to build positive relations with one of our closest allies," said Capt. Daniel Dusek, Bonhomme Richard commanding officer. "The Sailors and Marines of Bonhomme Richard thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality shown to us by the people of Queensland." Twenty-four personnel from Bonhomme Richard visited the Eastside Aged Living Facility and Community Services as part of a community relations project and assisted the staff in providing care for the elderly. "It's been amazing to have Sailors and Marines here to help with the clients. It gives the staff a break and the clients are excited to interact with American Navy and Marine personnel," said Wendy Porter, community manager. The crew also experienced Brisbane through MWR tours designed to highlight recreational opportunities in the area, including local attractions, beaches, and city ferry cruises. On the final night in Brisbane, Sailors and Marines competed in a friendly game of rugby against West Brisbane Bulldogs at Toowong Memorial park. "Our gracious hosts, the West Brisbane Bulldogs Club were the victors in the match, but it's not the score that counts." said Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Alvarez, Bonhomme Richards' rugby team captain. "It's the camaraderie and friendships that were built and the good will between our two nations that was bolstered during a night of friendly competition. I can't think of anything better to round out a great port visit to the friendly and generous city of Brisbane." The port visit was the first opportunity for Bonhomme Richards' crew to explore Australia since it began operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility as the flagship of the only forward-deployed Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). "This was my first time visiting Australia," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kourtney Thomas. "It was fun being able to go to the amusement park, try out local cuisine, and see the wildlife up close. Being in Brisbane was an awesome experience overall." Bonhomme Richard is currently participating in the biennial exercise Talisman Saber 2013. The exercise is designed to enhance bilateral interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces. The Bonhomme Richard ARG is commanded by Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11 and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130713-02. Midshipmen Complete Training Aboard George Washington By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Twenty-eight midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) units throughout the country completed their at-sea training aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), July 12. The training is designed to give the future naval officers first-hand knowledge of shipboard life, and the opportunity to enhance their professional development aboard operational fleet units. "Being on board George Washington gave me real-time experience," said Midshipman 1st Class Chelsea Smith, from Sasebo, Japan, also a student at the U.S. Naval Academy. "The phrase 'Semper Gumby' meaning, 'always flexible' is a very good message to stand by. I am more confident in knowing that I will be a commissioned officer on a ship next year from the lessons I learned from my running mate." Running mates serve as mentors for midshipmen on the ship to show many of the challenges, responsibilities and experiences a junior officer (JO) may have. "The crew and officers on board are real and straight to the point," said Midshipman 1st Class Verna Macapagal, from Spring, Texas, also a NROTC student at Prairie View A&M University. "My running mate taught me the problems she went through on her first years as a JO and the experiences she has had. I like that she can be funny but stern when she needs to be." These midshipmen were exposed to the entire operations of an aircraft carrier, from fuel maintainance below decks to air operations on the flight deck. "Everyone at school wants to become the flashy Top Gun pilot," said Smith. "However, my experience here has opened my eyes to the importance of being a surface warfare officer, and I see now that I am able to use my dad's history of being enlisted to be able to relate and help junior Sailors in the future." Learning directly from a JO while underway is the last experience first class midshipmen will have before being commissioned. "It is a valuable opportunity for midshipmen to embark on an aircraft carrier," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer. "It gives them an opportunity to be a part of the watch standing organization and gives them the chance to experience life in the fleet. I was impressed at how they performed in watch standing duties and responsibilities, and their performance in taking command of the ship while George Washington exercised underway replenishments and flight operations." 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 news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130712-06. NJROTC Area 4 Leadership Academy and Sail Training Graduates 146 Cadets By Bob Krekorian, Naval Station Newport Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- One hundred and forty six Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets graduated July 12 from the 2013 NJROTC Area 4 Leadership Academy and Sail Training (LA/ST) program at Naval Station Newport. Capt. Jim Cunha, commanding officer, Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS), was the guest speaker. From June 30-July 12, cadets from 46 high schools throughout New England, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania participated in leadership skills training and sail training that concluded with a regatta in Narragansett Bay. Nearly all of the cadets will be entering their junior and senior years and will be serving in significant leadership positions in their units when they return to school in the fall. The selection process is considered highly competitive based on high school grade point average, physical fitness, aptitude, and a demonstration of the many leadership traits stressed at each school's NJROTC unit. "The Academy is only successful if the Cadets take what they've learned and directly apply it to their everyday lives and then transfer their new knowledge, skills, and abilities to their home units," said retired Navy Capt. Daniel Brennock, LA/ST OIC, and senior naval science instructor (NSI), Quabbin Regional High School, Barre, Mass. Based on collected cadet background information, 107 cadets are on the Honor Roll, 95 cadets are varsity athletes, 37 cadets are in the National Honor Society, 16 are class officers, and 14 participate in student body government. "This group of cadets is by far the brightest that we have seen in a long time," said Retired Marine Corps Maj. William Grigonis, assistant LA/ST OIC, and senior NSI, Southhold High School, Southhold, N.Y. This year's class consists of 96 male and 66 female cadets. "We are teaching certain leadership characteristics which aren't available or normally taught at the cadet's home unit," said Brennock. "I expect to develop my leadership skills at this camp so that I can teach the other cadets in my unit," said Cadet ensign Austin Burgess, who will enter his senior year at New London High School, New London, Conn. "This has expanded my leadership skills and has made them stronger," said Cadet executive officer Natalie Jara, Green Platoon, a senior at Brewster High School, N.Y. "The leadership training taught me how to handle different situations that I may face as a leader," she said. "I want to bring my leadership skills back to my unit so that one day I can become a cadet commanding officer, and help other cadets achieve their goals," said Cadet chief petty officer Gabrielle Thall, a junior at Boyertown Area Senior High School, Boyertown, Penn. "I wanted to improve upon my leadership skills and get better with my skills dealing with other people," she said. The Leadership Academy curriculum consisted of 22, 40-minute interactive classes on leadership skills and how to apply them. Classes included: establishing personal and unit goals, issuing orders, delegating authority, taking the initiative, making decisions, communicating and keeping an open mind, developing teamwork, providing effective feedback, rewarding accomplishments, time management, safety, disciplining inappropriate behavior, overcoming bias, and maintaining integrity. Through the two-week program the Cadets are faced with a number of problems to solve. Many of the problems are not scripted but are reactionary in nature. Cadets work towards earning the coveted Silver Cord, a symbol of having achieved the Academy's high standards of individual and team accomplishment. LA/ST staff includes five retired non-commissioned officers who teach NJROTC classes at their schools, five platoon moms, three academic instructors and nine sailing instructors. All are volunteers. A contingent of 16 senior cadet aides who were the highest performers during the 2012 LA/ST assisted in numerous individual and team building exercises, physical training, drill, sailing, and academics. "Sailing is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in motion," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Dwinells, director of sailing and senior NSI from Bethel High School, Bethel, Conn. "The cadets are learning about calculating time, speed, and distance; Bernoulli's principle of airflow over the sail; and the Venturri Effect," he said. Dwinells said the cadets learn to triangulate, communicate, navigate, and anticipate in learning about seamanship and leadership. "The sail boat is a leadership laboratory," said Dwinells. Sail Training component consisted of classroom instruction on nomenclature and rules of road, followed by 9, 2-hour sessions on the water with nine certified sailing instructors assigned. Cadets experience "solo flights" during the last two days of sailing followed by the 36 crews competing in regatta races for the overall team championship. "Some of these cadets have never seen salt water before. This program gives them access to maritime activities," said Ensign Lawrence Bovich, staff sailing instructor and an NROTC graduate from College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass. "At the end of the week, the cadets will develop confidence in themselves which is a crucial part of leadership," he said. "It teaches them small group leadership and being able to work together," said Midshipman Sarah Conlin, a staff sailing instructor and a senior in the NROTC unit at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Mass. "Being able to emerge as a leader based on a cadet's strengths and weaknesses is an important skill," Conlin said. "Sail training and the leadership aspects of this program are intertwined nicely such that the Cadets who quickly bond as a team can demonstrate the traits of a strong leader on a sailboat in Narragansett Bay," Brennock said. The Leadership Academy included water survival training at the Lt. Michael Murphy Combat Training Pool; a visit at the full mission bridge simulator, Surface Warfare Officers School; physical fitness training, and briefings on the service academies. Naval Station Newport has hosted the annual Area 4 LA/ST program for more than 18 years with classroom facility support and berthing space provided by Officer Training Newport and NAPS. For more news from Naval Station Newport, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsnewport/. NNS130714-03. 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- - How DOD Furlough Affects Everyone http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18639 http://youtu.be/NEaovBf-TuY First One-minute newscast- - Headlines for Friday, July 12, 2013: Navy Wounded Warriors Selected for Paralympics; Navy Gateway Inns and Suites Expand Lodging Options http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18643 http://youtu.be/jxg-timPbUI Second one-minute newscast- - X-47B Makes Historic Landing on USS George H.W. Bush http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18641 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHe946r1YyU Third one-minute newscast- - Families Visit USS Patriot http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18640 http://youtu.be/5X1JMnoGOJE 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- NNS020702-16. This Day in Naval History - July 14 From the Navy News Service 1813 - Lt. John Gamble, the first Marine to command a ship in battle (prize vessel Greenwich in capture of British whaler Seringapatam). 1853 - Commodore Matthew Perry lands and holds first meeting with Japanese at Uraga, Japan. 1882 - Sailors and Marines from four U.S. ships land to help restore order at Alexandria, Egypt. 1945 - U.S. warships bombard Kamaishi, Japan; first naval gunfire bombardment of Japanese Home Islands. 1950 - U.S. Marines sail from San Diego for Korean Conflict. 1952 - Laying of keel of USS Forrestal (CV 59), the first 59,900-ton aircraft carrier. -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).