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 NNS130731-14. Fleet Master Chief Beldo Visits Nimitz Strike Group at Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75682 NNS130731-04. VCNO Visits U.S. 5th Fleet Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75681 NNS130731-22. Confederate Naval Flag Falls into U.S. Navy Hands - After Nearly 150 Years -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75597 NNS130731-24. Admiral Calls Attention to Ships as Top NAVSEA Mission Priority -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75693 DNU -- President Obama Speaks at the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Armistice Ending the Korean War. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18710 NNS130731-21. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Nimitz Strike Group -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75683 NNS130731-03. VCNO Visits USS Higgins -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75680 DNU -- Headlines for Wednesday, July 31, 2013: Carrier Strike Group 10 Enters 6th Fleet; USS Ford Completes Final Underway -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18709 NNS130731-25. George Washington Volunteer for Maritime Preservation -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75696 NNS130731-18. US 3rd Fleet Wraps Up Participation in Talisman Saber 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75692 NNS130731-11. Southern Command General visits U.S. Naval Forces South/4th Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75689 DNU -- U.S. Seventh Fleet Holds Change-of-Command Ceremony Aboard USS Blue Ridge -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18712 NNS130731-07. US 7th Fleet Holds Change of Command -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75675 NNS130731-13. GW Sailors Volunteer to Preserve Australian Icon -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75674 DNU -- USS George Washington Completes Core II Assessment and Training -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18711 NNS130731-20. NETC Chief Operating Officer Promoted to Rear Admiral -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75686 NNS130731-12. Navy Turns to UAVs for Help with Radar, Communications -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75685 DNU -- SPAWAR Sponsors Annual Robotic Submarine Competition -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18708 NNS130731-08. Volunteers from CRG-1 Donate Leisure Time to Guam School -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75676 NNS130731-06. Lincoln Sailors Trade Hard Hats for Hammers at Weekly Habitat for Humanity Project -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75679 NNS130731-05. Navy Lab Hosts Underwater Robotics Competition -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75665 NNS130731-02. George Washington Reception Welcomes Top Australian Leaders post Biennial Exercise -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75673 NNS130731-01. USS Roosevelt Departs for Group Sail -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75677 NNS130731-28. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75684 NNS020718-25. This Day in Naval History - July 31 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2622 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=156373 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-14. Fleet Master Chief Beldo Visits Nimitz Strike Group at Sea By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelyn D. Childs USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) hosted a visit by the Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) and the Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) July 29. With only four fleet master chiefs in the Navy, Fleet Master Chief April Beldo assumed her duties in March. During her time on board, Beldo toured several spaces and met with members of the NIMSG chief petty officer's mess. She thanked the chiefs for what they do every day and for setting Sailors up for success. She provided updates on career navigator, career waypoints, advancement opportunities and praised their efforts to execute CPO 365. Fleet Beldo also reemphasized to the Mess their role as leaders in combatting the problems of sexual assault, suicide and ARIs. Fleet Beldo also met and spoke with the first class petty officer association (FCPOA), Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) team. In her discussions with the FCPOA, Beldo encouraged the first classes to continue preparing themselves for chief while simultaneously preparing their replacements. "You're preparing them to be your replacements because some of you will be Chief Petty Officers soon... I am confident when you get selected your sailors will be standing right there, ready to move into your position," said Beldo. In talking to the FCPOA she also covered several other topics of interest including hazing, command development boards, liberty port visits, and the ongoing fight against sexual assault. "I have found in my 30 years of service it is my responsibility to continue to carry the message of good order and discipline daily. I have the same expectations of each and every one of you," said Beldo. Beldo and VCNO Adm. Mark Ferguson visited Nimitz while the Strike Group deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-04. VCNO Visits U.S. 5th Fleet Sailors By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Blair, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (NNS) -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) and Fleet Master Chief for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education visited the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), July 28-30. During Adm. Mark Ferguson's and Fleet Master Chief April Beldo's three-day tour, they visited Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Higgins (DDG 76), USS Squall (PC 7), and USS Gladiator (MCM 11) and met with Sailors and family members of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain. On the first day of his trip, Ferguson met with NSA Bahrain's Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) at NAVCENT headquarters, where he led a discussion about the challenges and stresses that Sailors are faced with in this AOR. Ferguson commended their efforts and charged them with finding innovative ways to reach their fellow Sailors. Ferguson visited Nimitz on his second day and then held an all-hands call for the Sailors of NAVCENT and NSA Bahrain, July 30. He covered topics including the importance of sustained forward presence as well as sexual assault and suicide. Ferguson made note of all the hard work the Sailors are putting forth and urged them to keep it up. "Your enthusiasm has really carried over during my three days here," said Ferguson. "I just want to thank all of you for the terrific job that you do as ambassadors for the Navy, as representatives of the very best of the American people. I've received nothing but compliments since I've been here about your performance, not only day-to-day, but as representatives to the country of Bahrain." After the all-hands call, Ferguson met with family members to discuss safety and quality of life issues in Bahrain. He then visited Squall and Gladiator to talk with the Sailors of the forward-deployed ships. Beldo held all-hands calls with chiefs and first class petty officers on Nimitz as well as at NSA Bahrain where she spoke about personal accountability and her expectations for enlisted leadership in the Navy. She also answered questions about the current status of the Navy and her vision for the future. "Today's Navy faces many challenges, and strong leadership is the best weapon against those challenges," said Beldo. "Our priority needs to be training and equipping our Sailors, especially those who are forward deployed." NAVCENT is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. NAVCENT's mission is to conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and strengthen partner nations' maritime capabilities in order to promote security and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-22. Confederate Naval Flag Falls into U.S. Navy Hands - After Nearly 150 Years By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class (AW) Tim Comerford DAYTON, Va. (NNS) -- A Confederate flag finished a nearly 150-year journey as it traded hands from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society (HRHS) to Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) during a ceremony at the society's building in Dayton, Va., July 31. Capt. Henry Hendrix, NHHC's director, accepted the flag which will be preserved and displayed in one of the U.S. Navy's museums. The flag's journey to Washington, D.C. began during the Civil War in 1865. It was early morning as Lt. William Ladd rode his horse into a nearly deserted Richmond, Va. The siege of the Petersburg had come to an end after eight months, signifying an end to the war that had divided America. With the Confederate capital of Richmond captured, the last hopes of the rebel army vanished and the army and populace of the city had scattered. It was while investigating the city that Ladd observed a Confederate ship flying their colors. "I was in the Capitol grounds as early as 5:30 am," wrote Ladd, in the History of the 13th New Hampshire Regiment. "I saw no flag on the Capitol at that time. After looking about the grounds and vicinity for a few minutes, and realizing I was alone in the city, I rode back towards Rocketts, and when near there met a white Union cavalryman - the first Union soldier I had seen in Richmond that morning. We tied our horses, took a skiff and rowed out to a rebel war ship in the James, and captured two Confederate flags then flying upon her. I pulled down the larger flag, the cavalryman the smaller one, and we rolled them up and tied them to our saddles." Unknown to Ladd, the Confederates had previously rigged the ship, Confederate States Ship (CSS) Hampton, to explode, denying the Union Army its capture. Soon after he and the cavalryman left with their captured flags, the ship was rocked by an explosion and slowly sank into the waters of the Potomac. After the war, Ladd kept the flag in his residence, where it remained for years. Fast forward to 2011. On a shelf in a Dayton, Va. building belonging to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Historical Society, sat an archival collection box. The vice president of the society was working with volunteers to update their collection registry. As she went through the boxes she made an astounding discovery, a Confederate flag. A handwritten (note?) sewn onto it read, "That of Confed gun boat Hampton burnt in James River at the taking of Richmond. The flag was taken from the burning ship by Liet. Ladd (13th N. Hampshire), Gen. Devens staff." "I was surprised and amazed when I saw that we had such a rare, unique article in our collections," said Nancy Hess, now former vice president of the society. Her unearthing of the flag started an 18-month hunt for both clues of its origin and, ultimately, a place where the society knew it would receive proper care. After finding the flag, Hess was curious. She asked a former president of the society about it. She learned that the flag had been a part of their collection for decades but little was known about why the flag was part of their holdings. Hess found some handwritten notes that recorded the flag being added to their collections in the 1960s. The society, which had moved several times since the 1960s, did not have any administrative records of the flag. It was on some inventories from 1982 and there was a photo of the flag taken sometime between 1978 and 1988. The flag remained a bit of a mystery through the years. According to Hess, she contacted previous members about it, and she learned that the flag was mailed to the society from a law firm settling the estate of a client. When a former society president went to a Massachusetts courthouse to look up the will in 2000, he found no mention of the flag or its disposition. Although the flag was researched by several members of the society, none were able to figure out why the society was given the unique artifact, and several attempts were made to get the flag out of storage and displayed. But the efforts were futile and the flag remained in storage. Finally Hess took action, first writing museums about the flag, asking for someone to take and conserve it. When she unable to find a museum that would conserve and display it, she started calling. Earlier this year, Hess contacted the U.S. Army Center of Military History. Retired Col. Robert Dalessandro, the director of the center, recommended she contact NHHC's director, Capt. Henry Hendrix. In March she received the long-awaited call from Hendrix, and an answer to her hopes to find a proper resting place for the flag. "We were contacted by Mrs. Hess and told the amazing story about the Confederate flag. I couldn't let this incredible opportunity to recognize our naval heritage slip by, especially during the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. I told her NHHC would indeed be interested in the society's storied flag," Hendrix said. A month later in Dayton, Hess met with Becky Poulliot, executive director of NHHC's Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Norfolk, Va. Poulliot inspected the flag, listened to the society's concerns about it and knew she wanted to have it. "In the museum business, if you are lucky, you occasionally have an opportunity to experience what we call 'wow' moments," Poulliot said. "The minute I saw the ensign from CSS Hampton was one of those moments for a variety of reasons. First, the flag has an authentic provenance of a pivotal point in American history -- the fall of Richmond. Secondly, according to our staff research, it is the only known flag in existence that flew from a Maury gunboat. That gunboat was built across the Elizabeth River from our museum. So, it is irreplaceable. Lastly, this ensign fills an important gap regarding the material culture of the Confederate Navy in Hampton Roads." As the director accepted the gift, he presented the flag to Poulliot for her to begin the conservation process to make the flag ready to become part of the museum. "We plan to prominently display it in our Civil War gallery," Poulliot said. "I assure you that it will stop people in their tracks. They will want to learn more about the Civil War, and how the Confederacy built Maury gunboats. The acceptance of this ensign from CSS Hampton is an honor for our institution." The Hampton Roads Naval Museum introduces visitors to more than 234 years of U.S. Naval history in Hampton Roads, Virginia. One of nine officially operated U.S. Navy museums, reporting to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the museum houses a rich collection of authentic uniforms, weaponry, underwater artifacts, detailed ship models and artwork. The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is located on the second level of Nauticus in Norfolk, Va. Admission is free. For more information about Naval History and Heritage Command and its museums, visit www.history.navy.mil. For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. For more information about Hampton Roads Naval Museum, visit www.history.navy.mil/museums/hrnm/index.html. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-24. Admiral Calls Attention to Ships as Top NAVSEA Mission Priority By John J. Joyce, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Corporate Communications DAHLGREN, Va. (NNS) -- The admiral's five words sound like a movie featuring Navy warships is playing at the Naval Support Facility Dahlgren theater. "It's All About the Ships!" But his words are not the title of a sequel to "Battleship". It's the new Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) commander's first mission priority. Navy technological leaders packed the base cinema to hear more about Vice Adm. William Hilarides' mission priority - "It's All About the Ships" - at a July 29 Town Hall meeting. They listened intently as Hilarides presented a big picture NAVSEA perspective with two more mission priorities: "Technical Excellence and Judiciousness," and "Culture of Affordability." "You have been part of creating an awesome Navy - the Navy that is the envy of the world," Hilarides told Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) leadership, including NSWCDD Commander Capt. Michael Smith, Acting Technical Director Stuart Koch, command staff, heads of departments, divisions and branches in addition to senior scientists and engineers. While touring the command, the admiral saw first-hand how the business of research, development, test and evaluation is conducted in technical programs, including Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense; Weapons System Integration and Certification; Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense; and Electromagnetic Railgun. Dahlgren technical experts briefed the NAVSEA commander on programs and the specifics of what they are doing to create and sustain an awe-inspiring Navy of the present and future. At one stop, Hilarides watched the electromagnetic railgun fire a projectile. This long-range weapons system is designed to fire projectiles using electricity instead of chemical propellants. Magnetic fields created by high electrical currents accelerate a sliding metal conductor or armature between two rails to launch projects 4,500 to 5,600 miles per hour. The NAVSEA commander's three mission priorities are part of his strategic framework for the NAVSEA warfare centers. It features his vision for NAVSEA, core values and the key enablers to accomplish the priorities. "Congratulations on having created a Navy that is awesome," said Hilarides. "By that I mean, it is held in awe by countries like North Korea, Iran, Libya, Syria and China and that awe is what makes the nation safe. I think you can see a direct connection to America's place in the world from your work and thank you for that work. It's really unbelievable, and everywhere I go, I am impressed as I see the span of capabilities that you and your teammates bring to the table every day." Within "It's All About the Ships," Hilarides intends to focus on improving ship maintenance, reinvigorating shipboard preventative maintenance and warfighting system commonality. "Our Navy sustains a pace overseas at a rate greater than anybody has done, probably in history, with deployability and sustainment rates in forward areas from 3,000, 5,000 and 8,000 miles away from their home port," said Hilarides. "That was not easy. It was done with a lot of hard work over a lot of years." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSWCDD/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-21. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits Nimitz Strike Group By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Behnke, USS Nimitz Public Affairs USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO), and Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E), visited the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) July 29. During the visit Adm. Mark Ferguson and FLTCM April Beldo toured the ship and met with Sailors and Marines assigned to Nimitz, Carrier Air Wing 11 and Destroyer Squadron 23 to pass along key messages for the crew. "Our business is operating forward," said Ferguson. "By operating forward we deter aggression, reassure our allies and provide stabilizing presence around the globe." Ferguson added that the quality of Sailors in the Navy is better than ever. "We have the finest personnel in our history," Ferguson said. "[We have] the highest quality, the smartest, most physically fit, healthiest force. The teamwork and proficiency that you display enhances the combat power of our Navy." Ferguson assured the crew was that it is a priority for the Navy to provide forward-deployed units the best support available. "Your ability to accomplish the mission matters to us," said Ferguson. "Know that your leadership is doing everything we can to keep our forces ready and able to respond when called upon." Ferguson concluded by discussing the problems of sexual assault and suicide within the Navy and Marine Corps. "It's incumbent upon us to take care of each other when we're forward deployed, but also when we're at home," said Ferguson. "Taking care of one another, acting responsibly and creating a safe, professional work environment is a mission that each of us has to take on board and execute." Nimitz Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-03. VCNO Visits USS Higgins By Ensign Kara Lynn Yingling, USS Higgins Public Affairs U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (NNS) -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) held an all-hands call with Sailors stationed aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), July 28. Adm. Mark Ferguson first met with officers of the wardroom for breakfast and addressed pertinent issues facing the fleet, including geopolitical concerns, the recent effects of sequestration on the surface force, and the future of unmanned systems. He also shared his personal philosophy on officer development. "Embrace education opportunities as they present themselves and take time for professional development by stepping outside of your service," said Ferguson. "The culture of command in our service necessitates that we equip the man rather than man the equipment, and education is key to ensuring that." As part of the all-hands call, Ferguson pinned three newly qualified Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Sailors and presented his coin to four Sailors for outstanding contributions to the mission. In his address to the crew, he discussed preserving the Navy's forward deployed presence, family support programs and recent budget cuts the service is facing. Ferguson also commended the crew for their sustained efforts while deployed. "Thank you to everyone for your service during this deployment and what you are contributing to the mission out here. You are the finest Sailors this Navy has ever seen," Ferguson said. "USS Higgins was honored to host Adm. Ferguson for a visit. His presence reinforced the importance of our mission and recognized the remarkable effort the crew puts forth daily," said Cmdr. Nicole Shue, commanding officer of Higgins. Higgins, home ported in San Diego, is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-25. George Washington Volunteer for Maritime Preservation By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Liam Kennedy BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- Sailors from the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in a community service project (COMSERV) at the Queensland Maritime Museum July 31. During their time at the museum, Sailors helped wash the hull of the WWII Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Diamantina and a Carapantia light ship, dust off the Diamantina's magazines, and wash away years of mud and sediment built up from the dry dock that the Diamantina is permanently moored in. "We participated in hosing down the boats' hulls, shoveling up dirt and everyday basic cleanup" said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Emily Blonski, from Neptune, N.J. "My mom always raised me to give back to the community." Founded in 1981, the Queensland Maritime Museum is a one-hundred-percent volunteer driven organization dedicated to preserving the rich naval heritage of the Royal Australian Navy as well as those that have braved the high seas; such as the boat of the Australian teenager, Jessica Watson, who when she was 16, sailed around the world solo in her pink yacht named "The Pink Lady." "We like to maintain our connection with people that are serving at sea, both merchant and Navy," said Ian Jempson, Queensland Maritime Museum's chief executive officer. "No matter what Navy they are serving in, whether it be Royal Australian Navy or U.S. Navy, it's great to see Sailors come here who can appreciate the heritage and history of naval operations." COMSERV participants interacted with Australian locals who were visiting the museum to talk about who they were, what they were doing and how they were improving international relationships by preserving a historic piece of the Australian navy. "The event went excellent overall," said Alan Bibby, Queensland Maritime Museum's operations manager, "Our sincere thanks; it was very helpful, and we can't express our appreciation enough." George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the 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- NNS130731-18. US 3rd Fleet Wraps Up Participation in Talisman Saber 2013 From Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet completed biennial joint-training exercise Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13) July 28. The two-week exercise is the second largest maritime exercise in the world jointly led by U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Military assets from both nations conducted various types of training at sea, ashore and in the air off the Australian coast and in the United States 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of responsibility based on a simulated mid-intensity war environment. Third Fleet served as Combined Force Maritime Component Commander (CFMCC) for the exercise. In the joint-task force construct, CFMCC is one of four functional components: Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander, Combined Forces Air Component Commander, Combined Forces Land Component Commander and Combined Forces Special Operations Component Commander. "Talisman Saber 2013 provided a great training experience for our team here at Third Fleet, which included a contingent of outstanding professionals from the Royal Australian Navy led by Cdre. Greg Sammut," said Vice Adm. Kenneth Floyd, Commander U.S. 3rd Fleet. "We had the chance to exercise command and control with U.S. and Australian ships halfway around the world in realistic and relevant scenarios. Just as importantly, we strengthened key joint and international partnerships that we rely on every day." All component commanders reported to 7th Fleet, who served as Commander of the Combined Task Force (CCTF). The exercise served as 7th Fleet's Joint Task Force (JTF) certification. "TS13 is a bilateral exercise between the Australian navy and the U.S. Navy, and this year it's grown to include U.S. Army First Corps and some U.S. Air Force components," said Capt. Jay Mills, deputy director Maritime Operations Center for CFMCC during TS13. "CFMCC is in command of all maritime forces that may be used to respond in the event of a crisis. Practicing our role of CFMCC allows us to utilize the tactics, techniques and procedures we would use as a combined force." U.S. 3rd Fleet staff managed a combined force of geographically dispersed Australian and U.S. ships that showed the fleet's ability to manage multinational assets from 3rd Fleet headquarters in San Diego, which added to the realistic, relevant training that is necessary for an effective global Navy. "This is a tremendous opportunity for the staff in terms of operating as a maritime operations center and exercising those cross-functional teams that make it possible," said Mills. "When we go to a contingency operation or major combat operations as we simulate this exercise, we stand up a maritime operations center, which has a different construct, and we have what are called bureaus, boards, cells and working groups." 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- NNS130731-11. Southern Command General visits U.S. Naval Forces South/4th Fleet By Chief Mass Communications Specialist Elizabeth Thompson, 4th Fleet Public Affairs MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) visited Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F), the maritime component command located at Naval Station Mayport July 30 to engage with fleet Sailors, DoD personnel and discuss future operations. Marine Gen. John Kelly's visit to Mayport came after COMUSNAVSO/C4F's completion of the high-speed vessel Swift (HSV-2) deployment to Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras as part of Southern Partnership Station (SPS). During his visit, Kelly met with Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris, commander, COMUSNAVSO/ C4F, and his staff to look at lessons learned from SPS and ways to improve future mission capabilities and national partner engagements. "It was very important to explain in detail how we have enriched the enduring partnerships we already have in Central America during Southern Partnership Station and how we tested low-cost innovative ideas and technology to conduct future missions in the SOUTHCOM area of operations," Harris said. Kelly addressed COMUSNAVSO/C4F during an all hands call at the headquarters and discussed a variety of issues ranging from civilian furloughs to budget cuts effecting USSOUTHCOM component commands. He acknowledged frustration Sailors and DoD civilians may be experiencing and thanked them for their patience and commitment to duty during the fiscal uncertainty. "Thanks for all that you do. You give and your families give like most Americans can't even imagine," said Kelly. Kelly also emphasized the importance of suicide and sexual assault prevention programs. "It's about taking care of each other," stated Kelly during the all hands call. "Sexual assault is abominable and we can fix it." Bystander intervention and positive command climate continued to be main topics of discussion at a joint service, enlisted luncheon with Kelly and Harris held at the base galley. "We're better than society in general and because of that we are held to a higher standard," explained Kelly as he shared a story of how bystander intervention prevented a sexual assault at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay. "It really starts here, down on the deckplates." Army Staff Sgt. Conrad Carrasco, assigned to Fleet Logistics Command Jacksonville, was one of the 18 service members at the luncheon who conveyed open dialogue with leadership and enlisted from other military branches on DoD wide concerns and prevention programs was beneficial to him. "I think what the general had to say was very interesting, especially about sexual assault and sexual harassment. I'm glad to see the progress that the military is making to combat [this problem]," said Carrasco. Air Traffic Controller Airman Apprentice Lauryn Lubenstein, assigned to NS Mayport Air Operations, also attended the lunch and found it inspirational and educational to speak with Kelly. "I am new to the Navy, I really don't have any experience, so it's good to talk to someone who has a lot more experience," said Lubenstein. "It's inspiring, to hear from someone so [high ranking] and have him come here and talk to us." Kelly wrapped up his visit to Mayport at Helicopter Squadron, 60 (HSL-60) for a demonstration on their involvement in Africa and how USSOUTHCOM could benefit from their experiences for counter drug operations. HSL-60 is the first naval unit authorized for nighttime use of force against drug boats which contributed to the capturing of $1 billion in illegal drugs headed for the United States over deployment. Kelly received a first-hand opportunity to witness some of the squadron's capabilities with a MH-60R Seahawk helicopter flight. While at HSL-60, he talked with personnel and recognized two Sailors who recently earned Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist designations. COMUSNAVSO/C4F is currently ramping up to support PANAMAX and UNITAS, both are partnership-building exercises within the USSOUTHCOM area of operation, were the command will serve as maritime force commander. Both exercises are schedule to begin in August and continue through the fall. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-07. US 7th Fleet Holds Change of Command By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brannon Deugan, U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet held a change of command ceremony on board the flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), July 31 in Cairns, Australia. Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas Jr. relieved Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift as commander. "The allies, partners and friends of 7th Fleet should know that as the transition of command of the 7th Fleet occurs, our commitment to this region remains as strong today as it has throughout our 70 year history," said Swift. "Vice Adm. Thomas takes command of a ready force comprised of the finest naval assets and people the Navy has to offer. Through his experienced leadership, that force will only get stronger." U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeffrey L. Bleich, keynote speaker, praised Swift for his outstanding leadership of the U.S. 7th Fleet during his tenure as commander. "Admiral Swift you have advanced this great tradition with dignity, with strength and with an ease that ensures us all that you'll be right mate," said Bleich. "The 7th Fleet, the alliance with Australia and the region are all stronger and better for your service and so am I, and so is each and every person that has had the privilege of serving with you." Since September 2011, Swift oversaw U.S. naval operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, encompassing more than 48 million square miles of the Western Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean. The area includes 35 maritime countries and the world's five largest foreign armed forces - China, Russia, India, North Korea and Republic of Korea. Five of the seven U.S. Mutual Defense Treaties are with countries in the area - Republic of the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Japan and Thailand. "I am envious of those Sailors that will benefit from his leadership as he seizes the opportunities that lie ahead," said Swift about Thomas taking command. Thomas assumed command of 7th Fleet following a tour as chief of staff, J5, on the Joint Staff. "It's a privilege to return to 7th Fleet and serve with the finest Sailors in the Navy," said Thomas. "The work we do and the relationships we build here provide security and stability to the entire region." Swift's next assignment will be as director, Navy Staff, N09B, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. There are more than 45,000 Sailors, 100 ships and submarines, and more than 200 aircraft in the 7th Fleet. This includes forces operating from bases in Japan and Guam and rotationally-deployed forces based in the United States. Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, is embarked aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. The flagship commands and controls the fleet and fosters military-to-military relationships through scheduled port visits and military exercises. For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-13. GW Sailors Volunteer to Preserve Australian Icon By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go, USS George Washington Public Affairs BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- Sailors stationed aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) volunteered to restore a koala sanctuary during a port call to Brisbane, Australia, July 30. The five-hour engagement served to foster relations with the local Australian community while supporting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. "It's important to maintain the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary because koalas are some of the biggest Australian icons," said Mark Malcolm, an Australian staff member. "We want to be able to give the nationals and tourists a chance to see our koalas." Volunteers spent their off-duty time landscaping, raking and cleaning the first and largest koala sanctuary in the world. Lone Pine is home to more than 100 koalas along with other native animals like kangaroos, wombats, tasmanian devils, platypuses and wallabies. "I volunteered because I wanted to give back to the city that welcomed us for a visit," said Seaman Timothy Meyer. "Volunteering shows local Australians that we appreciate them welcoming us to Brisbane as well as their country." According to Malcolm, the lifespan of a koala is approximately 10 years, yet, with the care provided by the sanctuary, koalas can actually live up to 12 years. "I want to thank all the Sailors for coming to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and helping us out," said Malcolm. "The work they provided was a big help that was appreciated by our staff and will be seen by customers." George Washington's command religious ministries department and the U.S. Consulate in Sydney coordinated 10 community engagements during the five-day port visit. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-20. NETC Chief Operating Officer Promoted to Rear Admiral By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The recent chief operating officer (COO) for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) was promoted to flag rank July 31 during a ceremony at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. NETC Commander Rear Adm. Don Quinn presided at the event, where Rear Adm. Cynthia Thebaud, a surface warfare officer, swapped out the shoulder boards of a captain for those with the thick gold stripe and star of a rear admiral. Thebaud came to NETC as COO in August 2012, overseeing the operation of Navy technical training facilities, including 13 Learning Centers and three Training Support Centers. She helped guide the efforts of more than 10,000 military and civilian personnel in 236 subordinate activities world-wide, providing training to more than 33,000 students on any given day. Thebaud is en route to her next assignment and will be reporting in August as Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 in Singapore. "Rear Adm. Thebaud's actions during her tenure as COO have left an indelible legacy and positioned NETC for continued success in the future," said Quinn. "Her dynamic leadership as Deputy Task Force commander for the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Fleet initiative ensured crucial training was delivered to 265,000 Sailors E6 and below, directly enhancing the esprit de corps and thus mission readiness of every operational command in the Navy." After administering the oath of office to the Navy's newest rear admiral, Quinn assisted Thebaud's husband, Mike Fierro, and her mother and sister, Sally and Ander Thebaud, in placing the new shoulder boards on her uniform. "I'm incredibly honored to be selected to continue serving in the Navy as an admiral," said Thebaud. "The Women in Service Memorial seemed the perfect spot for the actual promotion ceremony. The opportunities I've had as a female in the military are a direct result of the accomplishments of the women who have gone before me, and they're the people the memorial honors. The Navy has always offered me challenging and interesting jobs with increased responsibility. I'm very excited to be heading back to the Western Pacific." Thebaud's selection to flag rank is the culmination of 28 years of leadership experience at sea and ashore. She served as ship's company in six Navy ships and as an embarked commander in three others. Her sea tours have included chief engineer in a destroyer, executive officer in a cruiser and commanding officer of USS Decatur (DDG 73). She also commanded Destroyer Squadron 60 and served as 6th Fleet combatant force commander (CTF-65) for two multinational Africa Partnership Station deployments focused on enhancing maritime security capabilities in West and Central Africa. Ashore she served on the Chief of Naval Operations staff and the Joint Staff, and at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Naval Surface Force Pacific. She holds a bachelor's degree from the U.S. Naval Academy with distinction, a master's degree from the George Washington University, is an honors graduate from the Naval War College and is a qualified joint specialty officer. For more information about Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil and www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-12. Navy Turns to UAVs for Help with Radar, Communications By Eric Beidel, Office of Naval Research ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- Scientists launched unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a research vessel July 13-18 in a significant experiment that could help boost the Navy's radar and communications performance at sea. Sailing off Virginia Beach, Va., the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) Research Vessel (R/V) Knorr explored ocean and atmospheric weather variations that can change the angle that radar and radio waves bend, making it more difficult for ships to remain undetected and hindering their ability to communicate or locate adversaries. Sponsored by ONR's Ocean Battlespace Sensing Department and the Oceanographer of the Navy, the initiative was part of Trident Warrior-a large annual fleet experiment organized by Navy Warfare Development Command. Researchers used ONR-owned ScanEagle UAVs-along with unmanned undersea and surface vehicles-to obtain accurate, real-time measurements of variations in atmospheric and ocean conditions. Fluxes and turbulence caused by the interaction between the air and sea can significantly alter the path of electromagnetic waves in radar and communications systems. Atmospheric "ducts" can trap energy in the lowest layer of the atmosphere, allowing radar and communications to travel over much longer distances, increasing the chances that information could reach unintended audiences. Energy also could be trapped aloft, preventing Navy radars from seeing things even if they normally would be well within range. "We need to understand where we are in relation to this ducting environment and understand the energy we're emitting and the energy an adversary is emitting," said Dr. Dan Eleuterio, program officer for ONR's Ocean Battlespace Sensing Department. "If we don't know these things, it's like rolling the dice. If we do know them, it can give us a tactical advantage." Smaller, light unmanned aircraft are ideal for the task, because they can launch from a ship, get close to the ocean's surface and fly for extended periods of time. During the experiment, the UAVs flew as close as 100 feet above the ocean's surface, allowing for more precise measurements. Developed by the Marine Physical Laboratory at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the sensor packages used on the ScanEagles measured everything from surface waves, winds, humidity and temperature to fluxes in mass, momentum and energy. Once collected, the data was delivered to personnel aboard a destroyer and an amphibious assault ship participating in the experiment. "In the old days, we launched weather balloons to give us the best data on the real environment, but that only happened in one place and at one time of day," said Cmdr. Rob Witzleb, head of capabilities and requirements on the staff of the Oceanographer of the Navy. "Many miles and hours later, we were often left looking for answers when weapon systems didn't perform the way we thought they would. Using UAVs is giant leap forward in that they can give us near-continuous data, across multiple parameters where the atmosphere is the most unpredictable." The recent research aboard R/V Knorr is in keeping with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert's call for the Navy to expand the reach of its sensors and platforms with unmanned and autonomous systems. He has described these assets as critical for the Navy to dominate the new arenas of the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace. In addition to ONR and Scripps, the experiment aboard R/V Knorr included representatives from the Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, Naval Postgraduate School, Oregon State University and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, which operates the research vessel, also part of the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System. ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C. For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit www.navy.mil/local/onr/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-08. Volunteers from CRG-1 Donate Leisure Time to Guam School By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (EXW) Timothy Wilson, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs DEDEDO, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors from Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 Detachment Guam volunteered their off-duty time to assist residents, teachers and school staff give Vicente S.A. Benavente Middle School a makeover, July 27. Throughout the morning, teams of workers, dressed to battle the morning heat, painted buildings and classrooms, water-blasted sidewalks of debris and manicured the playgrounds. "The school needed a little help getting ready for the next school year and we try to help the community whenever we can," said Hospitalman 2nd Class Michael Gee of CRG-1 Det. Guam. "Traditionally, the Navy tries to improve relations with the community and I feel like we have made a difference since I have been here and that's important to leave an impression - to leave the place better than when we found it." Gee said he has been on Guam for nearly 16 months and tries to lend his support to community service projects at least once a month. On a personal note, he said he takes pride in knowing that he helped foster positive relations with the community. "We are helping the kids take pride and ownership in their school and community because for many outside of the school, they do not have that," said Principal Dexter Fullo. Grateful for the camaraderie between the residents and Sailors, Fullo said the military has been a shining example, taking the lead in such efforts. He feels that the community pride created could help prevent future vandalism and the new paint could permanently cover the graffiti of the past. "What we teach the children is not just in the classroom, it is in the community. When we have their parents here and well respected people from the military here, it lets the kids know this work is worth the effort." Personnel Specialist 1st Class (SW) John Rojas, of CRG-1 Det. Guam and a native of Guam, said that he has witnessed the impact the military has had in the community. "The military being here is a positive thing and Guam has come a long way with the help of the military," he said. "It's about creating a one-on-one relationship with the community." Fullo said a large majority of children will not pursue college after finishing high school; however, many will seek enlistment in the Armed Forces. "It is their dream so when they see military people giving back, it inspires them," he said. "When they see this, they say to themselves, 'This is something we can do.'" He said he hopes such inspirational leadership will continue in the future since it is the children that truly benefit from interacting with the service members. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-06. Lincoln Sailors Trade Hard Hats for Hammers at Weekly Habitat for Humanity Project From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs HAMPTON, Va. (NNS) -- Ten Lincoln Sailors will trade hard hats for hammers during a Habitat for Humanity project in Hampton, July 31. The Sailors latest volunteer efforts coincides with the carrier's ongoing community engagement projects coordinated by USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Religious Ministries Department while the carrier is undergoing the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. On a weekly basis through November Lincoln Sailors will volunteer to help build a home for a deserving family in Hampton. Cmdr. Denis Cox, chaplain, USS Abraham Lincoln reflected on the volunteerism extended by Lincoln Sailors. "It shows a tremendous heart that they have not only volunteered to serve their country, but they are choosing to serve their community as well," said Cox. USS Abraham Lincoln Command Master Chief Gregg Weber echoed Cox's pride he has for Lincoln Sailors and their eagerness to volunteer in the local community while the carrier is undergoing RCOH. "I am extremely proud of our Sailors who participated in the Habitat for Humanity project. COMRELs like this allow our Sailors to give back to the community, give themselves a break from their daily routine, and see tangible benefits from their efforts," said Weber. The home Lincoln Sailors are helping to build is part of the Habitat for Humanity Building on Faith project. More than 25 area congregations of all denominations have combined forces to sponsor a home for Cynthia Owens and her two sons. Lincoln Sailors will collaborate with Habitat for Humanity and the Building on Faith project over the course of the project to build a home for the Owens family. "Volunteers and community partners have been the backbone of Habitat since the beginning. We are extremely grateful to these Sailors for their service to our country and to our local community," said David L. Hancock, president of the local Habitat Board of Directors. In addition to Lincoln Sailors assisting with the construction of the Owens' future home, the family will also put in their share of hard work. The Owens' family will complete 400 hours of "sweat equity" helping to build their future residence, which is a basic tenet of Habitat for Humanity. "I am so excited to finally be a homebuyer," said Owens. "I actually am looking forward to paying a mortgage instead of paying rent." Since returning from deployment in August 2012, Lincoln Sailors have volunteered more than 5,000 hours in various communities in the Hampton Roads area. USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of our national defense. Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is a non-profit organization serving the communities of Hampton, James City County, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, and York County. The local affiliate has built, renovated and repaired more than 170 homes since its founding in 1985. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-05. Navy Lab Hosts Underwater Robotics Competition By Ashley Nekoui, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- There was plenty of excitement from student teams during the 16th annual International RoboSub Competition, held at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific's (SSC Pacific) Transducer Evaluation Center (TRANSDEC) pool, July 23-28. RoboSub, co-sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International Foundation, hosted 30 national and international collegiate teams, in addition to five high school teams and the first middle school team to participate in the competition. The goal of this competition is to advance the development of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) by challenging a new generation of engineers to perform realistic missions in an underwater environment. The event also fosters ties between young engineers and organizations developing AUV technologies. "Inspiring and encouraging today's youth to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is important to us at SSC Pacific, and we're happy to host the RoboSub Competition for the twelvth year in a row," said Capt. Joe Beel, SSC Pacific commanding officer. "RoboSub is a platform for students around the world to highlight their abilities and aptitude, while fostering teamwork, communication and creativity, all important attributes for a STEM professional. SSC Pacific has a strong education outreach program in the local community, and RoboSub is a great opportunity for us to invite the public to visit the lab and meet with the students and our engineers." "License to Dive" was the theme of this year's RoboSub competition and the goal was for an AUV to demonstrate its autonomy by completing an underwater "License to Dive" mission. The requirements for the underwater task were established, and the teams were judged on their ability to complete the mission. Volunteer divers, including Navy divers stationed at SSC Pacific, launched the AUVs into the water at the TRANSDEC facility. The TRANSDEC pool is a one-of-a-kind facility that simulates ocean conditions and provides an ideal environment for research. Built in 1963, the pool measures 300 feet by 200 feet with a depth of 38 feet. To further promote STEM, a SeaPerch Fun Challenge was held July 26 in conjunction with RoboSub. SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program that provides middle and high school students the resources to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) from a kit of low-cost, easily accessible parts. Approximately 20 middle and high school teams participated during the SeaPerch Fun Challenge where they interacted with their peers, college students and STEM professionals. Corresponding to the goal of RoboSub, the Daytona Beach Area Homeschoolers team, the first middle school team to compete in RoboSub, had initially started exploring STEM through SeaPerch, and were mentored by college students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), who were also competing in RoboSub. With guidance from ERAU students, the Daytona Beach Area Homeschoolers team chose to delve deeper into STEM by graduating from an ROV to an AUV. Achieving this objective, the Homeschoolers team entered the RoboSub competition to have their vehicle compete against some of the brightest engineering students in the world. Winners of the RoboSub Competition were announced July 28, with first place awarded to Cornell University. Second and third place were awarded to the University of Florida and Far Eastern Federal University, respectively. Special awards were also presented, and the award categories included Best New Entry, which was awarded to National University of Singapore, and Bang for the Buck, which was presented to the Daytona Beach Area Homeschoolers team. The award for outreach was distributed in a three-way tie to North Carolina State, Carl Hayden High School and ERAU. Councilwoman Sherri Lightner, City of San Diego Council president pro-tem, attended the events, and highlighted the importance of STEM during her visit with the students. "Whether it be maritime robotics or any other high-tech field, a STEM education and experiences such as today's competition are what will help you reach your goals," said Lightner. "I hope today's challenge inspires you to do even more with STEM, as there are so many opportunities in today's global workforce that depend on these skills. "I note that many of you are in high school or attend college and are well on your way toward a STEM education and career," she said. "I challenge you to give back to this community of people who have inspired and supported you, and help bring along the next generation of scientists and engineers behind you. You are already leaders by being here today." For more news from Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/spawar/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-02. George Washington Reception Welcomes Top Australian Leaders post Biennial Exercise By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paolo Bayas BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted a reception in Brisbane, Australia, July 30, after conducting a successful 2013 Talisman Saber (TS 13) exercise. The evening gala was also a celebration of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier's first visit to Brisbane. "This event was amazing," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Brian Ware, food service officer aboard George Washington. "Some Australian sailors and officials have already been on board and sampled the food we offer regularly while underway. This ceremony allowed us to show our Australian allies how we can organize and host a special event for them in port." The reception welcomed distinguished visitors, including the Honorable Jeffrey Bleich, U.S. ambassador to Australia; the Honorable Jeff Seeney, Queensland deputy premier; and Maj. Gen. Stuart Smith, commander, 1st Division, Australian Army. George Washington's hangar bay set the stage for allied friendships and interoperability between the U.S. Navy and Australian Defence Forces (ADF). Gigantic draped flags from both nations served as backdrops along with two static F/A-18 Super Hornets that symbolized a longstanding alliance and a commitment to security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. "It [the reception] was a great opportunity for the people of Brisbane to enjoy the hospitality of the U.S. Navy and to build bonds and relationships that have existed for more than 50 years," said Seeney. George Washington, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Battle Force 7th Fleet and ADF recently completed a biennial Talisman Saber exercise, which was aimed at improving ADF and U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. "It is a spectacular exercise series," said Smith. "It demonstrates interoperability and the building relationship between the U.S. and Australian forces. This enables us to work together at the high end of warfare." Smith also said that TS 13 was a stellar achievement for both forces to bring those friendships together and inter-operate again. "I want to thank the U.S. Armed Forces for their generosity in delivering this exercise in our part of the world," said Smith. "I hope that their experience was similar to ours so that if we have to operate together in the future, we are already skilled in doing so." The post Talisman Saber reception was also attended by more that 400 Australian host nationals and George Washington Sailors. George Washington and its embarked air wing, CVW 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests 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- NNS130731-01. USS Roosevelt Departs for Group Sail By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Thorpe, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs USS ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- The Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) departed its homeport of Mayport, Fla., to participate in the George H.W. Bush Group Sail (GHWB GRUSL), July 29. During the approximately monthlong at-sea period, Roosevelt will be part of the Group Sail in order to improve interoperability with the other ships in the strike group. "This is the first time we will be operating with the George H.W. Bush Strike Group for the upcoming deployment," said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Frankie J. Clark. "We have completed our unit level training, which is specific for our platform, but now we are joining the other ships in the strike group to complete group-training exercises as well as prepare for deployment." Lt. LeAndra Kissinger, the ship's operations officer, said this at-sea period is the first opportunity for the ships in the strike group to work on becoming a functional unit. "It is an extremely important training phase that will ensure that during the actual assessment phase, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), all the ships in the Strike Group can get certified for deployment," said Kissinger. The five ships participating in the GHWB GRUSL are the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), the Arleigh-Burke class destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103) and USS Roosevelt, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55). "It is our first event working together as a Strike Group so we have a lot of events scheduled for the at-sea period," said Clark. "We will mainly be testing all the system operability between the different ships working together as one battle group. It is important that we learn how to work well with each other now so during COMPTUEX we can focus on getting the certification." For the past 90 days, Roosevelt has been in port and the crew looks toward this underway as a time to continue to maintain the proficiency of the crew and equipment. "During this at-sea period, we need to make sure that we, as a ship, are operating at the level necessary to work together as a team with the Strike Group," said Kissinger. "We will be deploying as a team and it is imperative that we are prepared in case something happens when we deploy. We train for every possibility in order for it to become a matter of muscle memory in case of an emergency." Clark said this group sail will be the first impression Roosevelt will make on the strike group and he believes the ship and crew will do extremely well. "I am very excited because Roosevelt has always been a ship with a crew that gets things done and this is our first opportunity to show the battle group that we are ready to meet all assigned tasking," said Clark. For more information about USS Roosevelt visit www.ddg-roosevelt.navy.mil. NNS130731-28. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features four newscasts today - one one-minute newscasts and four packages uploaded for web broadcast. First One-minute newscast- - Headlines for Wednesday, July 31, 2013: Carrier Strike Group 10 Enters 6th Fleet; USS Ford Completes Final Underway http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18709 http://youtu.be/k781S7yHXLU First Web newscast - - Carrier Strike Group 10 Commander Addresses Truman Sailors http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18707 http://youtu.be/To_YFbO56PA Second Web newscast - - SPAWAR Sponsors Annual Robotic Submarine Competition http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18708 http://youtu.be/hGeuK9k2VI4 Third Web newscast - - President Obama Speaks at the Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Armistice Ending the Korean War. http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18710 http://youtu.be/VUyzH6jJgDg Fourth Web newscast - - USS George Washington Completes Core II Assessment and Training http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18711 http://youtu.be/WXHvOjtNLMU Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS020718-25. This Day in Naval History - July 31 From the Navy News Service 1815 - Commodore Stephen Decatur concludes agreement with Bey of Tunis to compensate U.S. for seizure of merchant ships during the War of 1812. 1865 - East India Squadron established to operate from Sunda Strait to Japan. 1874 - Commissioning of USS Intrepid, first U.S. warship equipped with torpedoes. 1912 - First attempt to launch an airplane by catapult made at Annapolis. 1933 - USS Constitution commences tour of principal U.S. seaports. 1964 - All-nuclear task force with USS Long Beach (CGN 9), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS Bainbridge (CGN 25) leaves Norfolk, Va., to begin voyage, Operation Sea Orbit, to circle the globe without refueling. They returned October 3. -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).