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 NNS130812-02. U.S. Navy and Israel Kick Off Exercise Reliant Mermaid -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75904 NNS130812-04. PANAMAX 2013 Kicks off in Miami -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75907 NNS130812-10. USS New Mexico Completes Inaugural Deployment -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75917 NNS130812-09. Reservist and Naval Training HQ Staffer Honored by Federally Employed Women -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75914 NNS130812-01. Denver Executes Certification Exercise with 31st MEU -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75903 NNS130812-08. Peleliu Hosts Guajome Park Academy Educators, Faculty -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75913 NNS130812-05. New Apprenticeship Trade for Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75908 NNS130812-07. Midshipmen depart DDG 80 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75910 DNU -- Headline for Monday, August 12th, 2013 New Chief of Naval Personnel Discusses Stability -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18742 DNU -- Family and friends welcome home the men and women of USS Freedom's Crew 102 after the crew successfully completed the crew swap in Singapore -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18744 DNU -- Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez Discusses Warfighter Readiness with USS Paul Hamilton -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18745 DNU -- Headline for Monday, August 12th, 2013 Navy Creates Victims' Legal Counsel -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18741 DNU -- Naval Station Rota Hosts National Night Out -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18743 NNS130812-11. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75906 NNS020718-24. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 12 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2631 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=156958 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130812-02. U.S. Navy and Israel Kick Off Exercise Reliant Mermaid From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy will participate in Exercise Reliant Mermaid in the Mediterranean Sea, Aug. 12-15. Reliant Mermaid, now in its 12th iteration, is a maritime search and rescue exercise designed to increase interoperability by developing individual and collective maritime proficiencies, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. The exercise is also designed to promote maritime safety and security in the region. U.S. 6th Fleet units scheduled to participate in the exercise are guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) and the fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195), along with maritime forces from Israel. This regularly scheduled exercise is not related to any real-world events. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa. 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- NNS130812-04. PANAMAX 2013 Kicks off in Miami From U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs MIAMI (NNS) -- Approximately 160 military personnel, including Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, and personnel from 19 nations arrived at U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) headquarters Aug. 12 to begin exercise PANAMAX 2013. U.S. and partner nations train in the execution of stability operations under the support of United Nations Security Council Resolutions; provide interoperability training for the participating multinational staffs; and build participating nation capability to plan and execute complex multinational operations. This year's annual PANAMAX exercise develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of the nation's emerging and enduring partners' security forces to achieve common desired goals, while fostering friendly cooperation and understanding among participating forces. During the exercise, Harris will act as the commander of Multinational Forces South. "The governments of the countries participating in PANAMAX share common interests and this exercise enhances those links by fostering friendly, mutual cooperation and understanding between participating militaries," Harris said. "This multinational exercise also contributes to interoperability, and builds the capabilities of the participating nations to plan and execute complex multinational operations." PANAMAX 2013 is a U.S.-sponsored, multinational annual exercise that, this year, includes participants from Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and the United States. The exercise will conclude Aug. 16. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command 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- NNS130812-10. USS New Mexico Completes Inaugural Deployment By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Under the command of Cmdr. George Perez, New Mexico transited more than 34,000 miles over the course of six months while conducting national security operations in the European region. "New Mexico's performance on her inaugural deployment was exemplary," said Perez. "I could not be more proud of the way the crew, families, friends and supporters of New Mexico came together over this last year to make this first deployment a success." This was the first deployment for more 70 percent of the boat's crew members. "New Mexico met all operational commitments on time, due in large part to the sacrifice of every Sailor on board. The crew's dedication to accomplishing the mission was truly inspiring," said Perez. New Mexico visited three ports while deployed, which included Haakonsvern, Norway; Faslane, Scotland; and Rota, Spain. The crew is now looking forward to reuniting with family and friends while enjoying some well-earned time off, said Perez. As the boat moored to the pier, friends and family anxiously awaited their Sailors. A few loved ones didn't have wait too long. Erica Neufeld was awarded the "first kiss" honor. She was the first to welcome her husband Chief Electrician's Mate Wayne Neufeld home with their son Jacob. Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jason Burke was greeted with the "first hug" from his wife Deidra Burke and three children Isaac, Ethan and Owen. Day's before the boat's arrival, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Rear Adm. Ken Perry sent a message congratulating the crew for a successful deployment. "As you return to 'The Submarine Capital of the World' and a warm welcome from families and friends, know that you have earned the respect of your Submarine Force shipmates and the thanks of a grateful nation," Perry wrote. "By your outstanding deployment, New Mexico represented the fighting spirit of the Navy and truly lived to your ship's motto - 'Defendemos Nuestra Tierra' (We Defend Our Land)." New Mexico was commissioned March 27, 2010 and is the second Navy vessel to be named for the 47th state. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130812-09. Reservist and Naval Training HQ Staffer Honored by Federally Employed Women By Ensign Jacqui Wengler PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- A staff judge advocate to the Navy Region Southeast Reserve Component Command was one of the women recognized by the Federally Employed Women (FEW) organization. Capt. Carol Lynch's selection was announced Aug. 12 by Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), her employer when she is not in uniform. FEW's Military Recognition Award is an annual award given to exceptional military members, one for each service and one for a member of the National Guard. The award recognizes service members that support and promote diversity, equality and the advancement of women in their respective services. In her daily civilian capacity, Lynch serves as the assistant general counsel for NETC. "I provide legal advice and assistance to NETC headquarters staff and to our subordinate activities on a wide range of issues in areas of fiscal law, civilian personnel law, procurement law and government ethics and standards of conduct," said Lynch. "I represent the Navy in litigation pending in Federal courts and before administrative boards such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Merit Systems Protection Board." Lynch was nominated for the award for her exceptional service as an officer and judge advocate who has served in the Navy for the past 27 years. An All-American high school athlete in basketball, she received her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Yale University in 1981 and her Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University Law School in 1985. She then accepted a direct commission into the Navy as a judge advocate. Lynch began her career as one of the first female judge advocates to serve onboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Lexington (AVT-16). During her active duty career she led four different legal departments and served as a special assistant U.S. attorney. Within the Navy Reserve, Lynch served in multiple judge advocate general (JAG) headquarters units, including two tours as commanding officer. Being recognized by FEW was unexpected by Lynch and left her feeling extremely humbled. "This recognition was especially gratifying as I was nominated by the active duty component that I support in my reserve capacity," Lynch said. "Most importantly, my 16 year old son accompanied me to the ceremony in Orlando, Fla. and he walked me across the stage - that alone was priceless and something I will always cherish." Capt. Robert Crow, director of the Criminal Law Division at the Office of the Judge Advocate General, Washington D.C., nominated Lynch for this prestigious award. "Capt. Lynch has always maintained how fortunate she has been. She expertly mentors juniors and seniors alike with enthusiastic optimism. From helping others reach their full potential, whether it be teaching a five year old how to run the bases or do a lay-up, to helping a new litigator formulate a strategy and prepare a case for trial, she has always been there for others," recalled Crow. As for advice to women currently serving in the military, Lynch encourages time management between a career and family, but to also strive for continued success. "Look for new challenges, to learn from others and continue to grow and most importantly, always be willing to share your knowledge and experience with others, so they, too, can continue to grow and succeed," said Lynch. "Embrace and be enriched by the wonderful diversity that working for the military offers - the people that you meet, the locations where you serve and the missions you must accomplish." For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130812-01. Denver Executes Certification Exercise with 31st MEU By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl USS DENVER, Coral Sea (NNS) -- While families prepare for back-to-school season and football fans prepare for their fantasy drafts, thousands of Sailors and Marines are conducting simulated combat rubber raiding craft (CRRC) beach assaults, night vision helicopter flight operations, and full scale amphibious raids. Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), the Navy's oldest deployable ship, and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are participating in certification exercise (CERTEX), with the rest of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), Aug. 4 to 13. CERTEX, used to certify the 31st MEU in missions such as mechanized assaults, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and non-combatant evacuation operations with the ARG, comes on the heels of exercise Talisman Saber 2013, a biennial exercise that enhances multilateral collaboration between U.S. and Australian forces for future combined operations. Air assaults with UH-1Y Hueys and AH-1W Super Cobras, attached to the embarked Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced), and beach assaults conducted with CRRCs and amphibious assault vehicles, highlight just some of Denver's abilities to support the 31st MEU's mission at all hours of the day. "The ships, together with all the aircraft, all the amphibious crafts and all the Marines, are synchronizing (efforts) around the clock to put forces ashore to achieve objectives," said Lt. John R. Mateikat, Denver's operations officer. In terms of air assaults, Denver also made history with her first recovery and launch of an MV-22 Osprey Aug. 8. "We introduced the Marines' newest aircraft to the Navy's oldest deployable war ship," said Capt. Kevin P. Lenox, Denver's commanding officer. The Osprey provided the crew of Denver with a new capability and gave the crew an opportunity for some additional training. "It doesn't matter if it's your first landing or your hundredth, you always pick up something new," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Joshua B. Cary. U.S. Navy and Marine forces take opportunities like CERTEX to cross-train with the Australian forces to improve overall combat readiness in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. "We learn from them too," said Denver's Command Master Chief Edwin Purdy. "We always take something back ourselves." Denver is currently on patrol with the Bonhomme Richard ARG, 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 about PHIBRON 11 or USS Denver (LPD 9), visit www.facebook.com/#!/PHIBRON11, www.cpr11.navy.mil or http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lpd9/Pages/default.aspx. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130812-08. Peleliu Hosts Guajome Park Academy Educators, Faculty By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Duran, USS Peleliu Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Approximately 100 teachers and education professionals from Guajome Park Academy visited the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) for a guided tour and luncheon, Aug. 9. Staff members of the academy were invited for a tour of the ship as part of the Navy's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by service members, as well as for the educators to get together and kick off a new year. "This is our staffs first day back and the theme for this year is focus, dedication, and commitment," said Bob Hampton, superintendent of Guajome Park Academy. "What better opportunity to reinforce and validate those elements than to support our armed forces and have them showcase what they do to illustrate those characteristics?" The teachers and educators were led on a tour of the ship, seeing everything from the flight deck and bridge, to the medical facility and well deck. Afterwards they were treated to a debriefing by Capt. Shawn Lobree, commander, Amphibious Squadron 3, where he discussed the many accomplishments of Peleliu and crew during their latest deployment, and the role of an amphibious readiness group in today's fleet. "I think it went great," said Lt. j.g. Jared Hickey, who volunteered to lead one of the tours. "Many of the tour members have never been on a Navy ship before and thought it was the experience of a lifetime. It went well and I had a great time." Cmdr. David Beeson (ret.), who served 23 years as a chaplain in the Navy, was among the tour group and helped coordinate the event from the academy side. Now an instructional aide for special education and primary school programs at Guajome, Beeson wanted to show his fellow colleagues the day-to-day life of Sailors and the sacrifices they have to make. "[Peleliu] reminds me of the ships I've been on before and the deployments I've had," said Beeson, who served on the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). "When I was in, it was more of a peace time Navy, so I really appreciate what Sailors do these days and what they go through." The tour ended with one last stop to the "Hall of Heroes" where the school members learned of the sacrifices made during the battle of Peleliu, for which the ship is named, and a luncheon in the ship's mess hall. Prior to their departure, Lobree presented a small keepsake to Hampton to commemorate Guajome Park Academy's time aboard and to show his appreciation for the educators. "I just wanted to thank them for their commitment and service," said Lobree. "Just like the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, it takes a very special kind of person to be an educator and commit themselves to educating our youth and be involved in the administration of our schools." Homeported in San Diego, Peleliu is undergoing its maintenance availability period in preparation for its next deployment. For more news from USS Peleliu (LHA 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lha5/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130812-05. New Apprenticeship Trade for Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen By Darryl Orrell, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) announced Aug. 9 that Criminal Investigator, the latest installment to its growing list of apprenticeship trades, is now open for enrollment by Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel. The United States Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) works closely with the Department of Labor (DoL) to provide nationally recognized apprenticeship programs that result in journeyman-level Certificates of Completion for service members. During their apprenticeship, service members document their military duties while working in their rating or military occupational specialty. "This new apprenticeship applies to personnel who are performing criminal investigator duties. Duties such as securing crime scenes and conducting crime scene analysis; collecting, analyzing, processing and storing evidence; responding to crimes; conducting interviews and interrogations; managing and utilizing confidential informants; testing suspected narcotics; submiting evidence for forensic tests; conducting surveillance and counter surveillance operations," said Jose Bautista, Master-at-Arms (MA) programs manager at CENSECFOR. MA personnel must have completed the Police Officer I Apprenticeship Trade and hold Navy Enlisted Classification Code MA-2002 for Military Investigator. All applicants must provide a command letter stating they are properly assigned and performing investigative work to enroll in the Criminal Investigator apprenticeship. "Sailors who successfully complete the required 2,000 hours of documented experience will earn the distinction of being a criminal investigator. The level of experience covers eight select skill areas such as administration, safety, communications, legal procedures, investigative procedures, crime scene processing, evidence processing and report writing just to name a few," Bautista said. Bautista also mentioned the next apprenticeship on the horizon for release is the Military Working Dog (MWD) Apprenticeship Trade. The MWD apprenticeship is currently pending DoL review/approval. The anticipated release date for this new apprenticeship is sometime this fall or next spring. The forerunners to this new apprenticeship have held a high success rate since their debut. For example, the Armory Technician Apprenticeship has already achieved nearly 600 enrollments in just over six months from its release. For more information or to enroll now, visit https://usmap.cnet.navy.mil/usmapss. The Center for Security Forces provides specialized training to more than 28,000 students each year and has 14 training locations across the U.S. and around the world. For more news from and information about the Center for Security Forces, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/csf, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/csf, or www.facebook.com/CENSECFORHQ. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130812-07. Midshipmen depart DDG 80 By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Samantha Thorpe, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs USS ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- Twenty-three midshipmen departed from guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) after almost three weeks aboard the ship Aug. 10. While on board, these aspiring officers, who came from the U.S. Naval Academy and various Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) units throughout the U.S., were exposed to various operations on board the ship. "The Midshipmen were here to get an idea about what the surface warfare community is like and what we do on ships," said Lt. j.g. Dustin Ellis, the midshipmen liaison. "They also followed their running mates, an enlisted Sailor, around to get an idea of what enlisted personnel do in the everyday life." While the Midshipmen were on board they had the opportunity to shoot a weapon, take part in an underway replenishment and serve an ice cream social along with completing the day-to-day duties of an enlisted Sailor. "I was really nervous at first and I was unsure of what to expect," said Midshipman 1st Class Christian Strong, an ROTC student at North Carolina State. "During my time here I stood watch on the bridge, watched the missile exercise, rode in a rigid hull inflatable boat and drove the ship during an underway replenishment. Over all, I had a fantastic time on the ship; it was more than I ever could have thought it would be." Midshipman 3rd Class Samuel Sorenson, a student of the U.S. Naval Academy, had similar feelings about his time on board. "I had a really good time here," said Sorenson. "I didn't think it was going to be as fun as it was, especially since we were going to be out to sea for so long but it turned out great." Ellis said the Midshipmen were able to see the difficulties of shipboard life while underway. "I think they got a great experience while out to sea," said Ellis. "They got a true encounter of what people do on ships; we didn't cater to them or try to give them a fake experience so I think they got a really unique and honest experience and my hope is that they value that." Roosevelt is participating in the George H.W. Bush Group Sail to improve strike group interoperability and prepare for an upcoming deployment. For more information about USS Roosevelt, visit www.ddg-roosevelt.navy.mil. NNS130812-11. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three newscasts today - two one-minute newscasts and two Web-only newscast First one-minute newscast - - Navy Creates Victims' Legal Counsel http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18741 http://youtu.be/l-H-ivNe1PQ Second one-minute newscast - - New Chief of Naval Personnel Discusses Stability http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18742 http://youtu.be/o49rB47ituc First web-only newscast - - Naval Station Rota Hosts National Night Out http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18743 http://youtu.be/KVCr4rg6p7k Second web-only newscast - - Fleet Master Chief Marco Ramirez Discusses Warfighter Readiness with USS Paul Hamilton http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18745 http://youtu.be/Je3nL2l1UIE 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- NNS020718-24. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 12 From the Navy News Service 1812 - USS Constitution captures and destroys brig Adeona. 1918 - Secretary of the Navy approves acceptance of women as yeoman in U.S. Navy. 1942 - USS Cleveland (CL 55) demonstrates effectiveness of radio-proximity fuze (VT-fuze) against aircraft by successfully destroying three drones with proximity bursts fired by her five-inch guns. 1944 - Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., USNR, the older brother of John F. Kennedy, was killed with his co-pilot in a mid-air explosion after taking off from England in a PB-4Y from Special Attack Unit One (SAU-1). Following manual takeoff, they were supposed to parachute out over the English Channel while the radio-controlled explosive filled drone proceeded to attack a German V-2 missile-launching site. Possible causes include faulty wiring or FM signals from a nearby transmitter. 1957 - In first test of Automatic Carrier Landing System, Lt. Cmdr. Don Walker is landed on USS Antietam (CV 36). 1958 - USS Nautilus (SSN 571) arrives at Portland, England, completing first submerged under ice cruise from Pacific to Atlantic oceans. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS). For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at www.navy.mil or visit www.history.navy.mil. Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN-   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Navy. Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy containing stories recently posted to the Navy web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Activity - Navy, 6700 Taylor Ave, Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).