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 NNS130815-17. Hagel Announces New Anti-Sexual Assault Initiatives -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75983 NNS130815-06. PNSY Returns USS Pittsburgh to the Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75972 NNS130815-21. Haiti Leaders and Florida Senator Tour Projects in Haiti -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75982 NNS130815-18. USS Henry M. Jackson (Blue) Chief of the Boat Relieved -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75961 NNS130815-13. Navy Awards Preliminary Design Review Contracts for Unmanned Carrier-Based System -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75979 NNS130815-05. First Term Sailors Receive Career Decision Help -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75971 NNS130815-15. Coastal Command Patrol Boat Arrives in San Diego -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75980 NNS130815-20. Bonhomme Richard ARG, 31st MEU Conduct VBSS Exercise -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75986 NNS130815-10. SUPSALV Assists Port of San Francisco with Dry Dock Removal -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75973 NNS130815-08. NAVSEA Recognized for STEM Contributions -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75975 NNS130815-07. Lincoln Sailors Prepare Meals for Homeless in Norfolk and Newport News -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75955 DNU -- Department of Defense Announces Same-Sex Spouse Benefits -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18753 DNU -- Headline for Thursday, August 15th, 2013: Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Completes First Flight in Navy F35C Lightning II -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18754 DNU -- Naval Medical Center San Diego Installs Robotic Dispensing System -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18755 NNS130815-23. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75976 NNS020719-06. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 15 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2635 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=157311 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-17. Hagel Announces New Anti-Sexual Assault Initiatives By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel today announced seven new initiatives to strengthen and standardize the department's sexual assault prevention and response effort. In a memo to the field, Hagel called elimination of sexual assault in the military one of the department's top priorities. "This effort requires our absolute and sustained commitment to providing a safe environment in which every service member and DOD civilian is free from the threat of sexual harassment and assault," he wrote in a statement. "Our success depends on a dynamic and responsive approach. We, therefore, must continually assess and strive to improve our prevention and response programs." On May 6, 2013, the secretary directed the services and defense agencies to strengthen the program in commander accountability, command climate, victim advocacy and safety. The secretary's initiatives announced today strengthen these areas further. They include: -- The secretary directed the services to improve victim legal support. He directed the service secretaries to create a legal advocacy program to provide legal representation to sexual assault victims throughout the judicial process. He set Nov. 1, 2013, as an initial operating capacity for this and for it to be fully functional by Jan. 1, 2014. -- Hagel directed that pre-trial investigative hearings of sexual assault-related charges are conducted by Judge Advocate General officers. -- The secretary directed service secretaries to enhance protections calling on them to develop and implement policies allowing for the reassignment or transfer of members accused of committing sexual assault or related offense. Hagel wants this done in order to eliminate continued contact while respecting the rights of both victims and the accused. -- Hagel is requiring timely follow-up reports on sexual assault incidents and responses to be given to the first general or flag officer within the chain of command. -- He also directed the DOD Inspector General to regularly evaluate closed sexual assault investigations. -- Hagel ordered the service secretaries to standardize prohibitions on inappropriate behavior between recruiters and trainers and their recruits and trainees across the department. -- And, Hagel directed the DOD general council to develop and propose changes to the Manual for Courts-Martial that would allow victims to give input during the sentencing phase of courts-martial. The new measures should strengthen the department's sexual assault prevention and response programs, the secretary said. "Remember, we are all accountable and responsible for eliminating this crime from our ranks," Hagel said in the memo. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-06. PNSY Returns USS Pittsburgh to the Fleet From Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Public Affairs KITTERY, Maine (NNS) -- Portsmouth Naval Shipyard (PNSY) delivered Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pittsburgh (SSN 720) on-time and under budget, NAVSEA announced Aug. 15. PNSY conducted the Pittsburgh pre-inactivation restricted availability (PIRA) off-yard at Sub Base New London in Groton, Conn. which began Sept. 5, 2012. Although PNSY routinely performs work off-yard, this was the first major Chief of Naval Operations availability of more than 100,000 man-days which PNSY executed outside of Kittery, Maine. "Off-yard availabilities are unique and require an all-inclusive team mentality from planning to execution," said Don Robinson, deputy project superintendent. "The can-do attitude of our entire team made small work of even first-time challenges throughout the execution period." The project team and crew's combined pride and work ethic drove them to success as they met the overhaul's key dates including undocking three days early - none of which would have been possible without the maintenance partnership with the Pittsburgh crew lead by commanding officer, Cmdr. William Solomon. "Cmdr. Solomon and the crew of Pittsburgh were side-by-side with the shipyard in overcoming each and every obstacle," said, Capt. James Kalowsky, PNSY operations officer. "They truly exemplified the ship's motto and displayed a 'heart of steel.'" The on-time and on-budget completion of submarine availabilities is critical in the maintenance of today's fleet and is essential to maintaining readiness. PNSY remains devoted to the technical excellence and judiciousness that is required to meet schedule and budget demands. "This shipyard has been providing for the defense of this country and maintaining the Navy for more than 200 years," said Capt. William Greene, shipyard commander. "The platforms may have changed from sailing ships to nuclear-powered submarines but one thing that will always remain is the traditional Portsmouth quality work which continues to safely deliver excellence for the nation and the Navy." PNSY, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, is committed to maximizing the material readiness of the fleet by safely delivering first-time quality, on-budget, and on-time. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-21. Haiti Leaders and Florida Senator Tour Projects in Haiti By Earl Bittner, NAVFAC Southeast Public Affairs Les Cayes, Haiti (NNS) -- U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), Haitian President His Excellency Michel Martelly, and the U.S. Ambassador to Haiti The Honorable Pamela White toured the newly constructed emergency operations center (EOC), disaster readiness warehouse (DRW), school, clinic, and community center in Les Cayes, Haiti Aug. 6. The five facilities, located in the Sud Department of Haiti, were constructed by Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast through design-build contracts as part of the U.S. Southern Command's Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) in Haiti. "No one should have to go through what Haitians went through three years ago," said Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla. "Our humanitarian assistance programs there are showing real signs of progress, but there is still much work to be done and our Naval Command there has and will continue to be critical to the country's overall recovery efforts." The clinic, school, and community center, referred to as community clusters, were turned over to the Haitian Government in December 2012. A ribbon cutting to celebrate their inauguration was conducted Jan. 10. Clinic personnel treated more than 100 patients the first month it was open. "Each community cluster consists of an eight-classroom school, a community center building, a medical clinic, and water well," said Lt. j.g. Blaine Henning, Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) Haiti with Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southeast. "These facilities provide an immediate positive impact to the local population." The 4,000 square foot EOC provides a central hub in the Sud Department for the local government to coordinate disaster response. The 4,800 square foot DRW provides storage for supplies needed to immediately respond to a major disaster. The warehouse is also used to de-centralize supply redistribution outside of the Haitian capital to alleviate major supply chain issues discovered following the 2010 earthquake. These projects are part of 62 similar building efforts throughout Haiti that were awarded by NAVFAC in Jacksonville, Fla. For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-18. USS Henry M. Jackson (Blue) Chief of the Boat Relieved By Submarine Group 9 Public Affairs BANGOR, Wash. (NNS) -- The Blue Crew chief of the boat (COB) of the Trident ballistic missile submarine USS Henry M. Jackson (SSBN 730) was relieved of his duties Aug. 15 after being found guilty of violating Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice in a Captain's Mast proceeding at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor. Senior Chief Fire Control Technician (SS) Jason B. Vega-Cruz was awarded non-judicial punishment and was removed from his position by Cmdr. Jon Moretty, Blue Crew commanding officer, after a formal investigation substantiated allegations of involvement in an inappropriate relationship. Vega-Cruz, who had served as Blue Crew COB since July 2012, has been administratively reassigned to Naval Submarine Support Center Bangor. Chiefs of the Boat are the senior enlisted leaders of Navy submarine commands and have a great deal of responsibility for their unit's assigned Sailors and their mission. They strengthen the chain of command by keeping the Commanding Officer aware of existing or potential issues of concern as well as procedures and practices which affect the mission, readiness, welfare and morale of the Sailors in the command. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-13. Navy Awards Preliminary Design Review Contracts for Unmanned Carrier-Based System From Naval Air Systems Command PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- The Navy announced Aug. 14 that four Preliminary Design Review (PDR) contracts were awarded for the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) air vehicle segment. The four $15 million firm-fixed price contracts were awarded to Boeing Co., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. The period of performance for the contracting efforts is approximately nine months. "The PDRs are intended to inform the Navy of technical risk, cost and design maturity of the Air Segment (AS), and allows the industry teams to better understand the program's requirements across the entire UCLASS system to expeditiously deliver the unmanned carrier-based system to the fleet," said Charlie Nava, UCLASS program manager. UCLASS will be the first deployed carrier-based unmanned air system. It will provide persistent, unmanned, semi-autonomous, carrier-based Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR &T) with precision strike capability to support 24/7 carrier operational coverage. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-05. First Term Sailors Receive Career Decision Help By Susan D. Henson, Center for Personal and Professional Development Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors in their first enlistment have better information on which to base career decisions with the release of the First Term Success Workshop (FTSW), said Center for Personal and Professional Development (CPPD) officials Aug. 15. The revised version of the workshop is now available for use by commands across the fleet, according to Master Chief Navy Counselor (SW/AW) Michael Sekeet, Command Career Counselor Course manager at CPPD. While this is a revision to a previous version of FTSW, Sekeet said the course is much more than an update to content. "This is the first truly developed FTSW in that it has the target audience in mind and is more than just a presentation," he said. The improved workshop is designed to provide basic critical and timely information on the Career Development Program, computer- and web-based resources, upward mobility and advancement, and also retention and transition information, according to Sekeet. "This information will enable Sailors to make sound career decisions in reaching their full potential during their first tour," he said. FTSW is a command-delivered training product administered by the command career counselor with the help of the command's Career Development Team. The content consists of a lesson plan, a presentation and a trainee guide. It is available for download on Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) for career counselors to use in coordination with their commands in delivering the workshop locally to Sailors. The release of the updated workshop content is part of the continual revision process to better meet the fleet's training needs. "We encourage people to use the feedback link for Navy Counselor/Command Career Counselor (NC/CCC) training on NKO to provide CPPD with feedback on current training products or suggestions for future ones," Sekeet said. To fulfill the fleet-wide requirement for this training, commands must document FTSW completions in Fleet Training Management and Planning System (FLTMPS), he said. Capt. John Newcomer, CPPD's commanding officer, said delivering the new version of FTSW reflects CPPD's commitment to providing Sailors with the tools they need to make informed decisions. "CPPD teaches Sailors to assess risk and apply critical thinking skills to make sound personal and professional decisions. First Term Success Workshop is a perfect example of providing Sailors with the best information available to develop their skills in risk assessment and critical thinking as they relate to service in the Navy and beyond." For more information about the Center for Personal and Professional Development, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cppd/ or www.navy.mil/local/voledpao/. Find CPPD on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Center-for-Personal-and-Professional-Development/100056459206 and on Twitter @CENPERSPROFDEV. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-15. Coastal Command Patrol Boat Arrives in San Diego By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice William Blees, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest PORT ANGELES, Wash. (NNS) -- The 65PB1101 coastal command patrol boat (CCB) departed Port Angeles, Wash., to transit to San Diego, Calif., Aug. 5-11. The boat was manned by a Fleet Integration Team consisting entirely of Navy Reservists. The CCB underwent developmental testing in the Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca from April to August 2013. During testing, the boat encountered wave heights of 4-6 feet. The 65 foot, 50-ton boat was built in Bremerton and Tacoma, Wash., and expands the capabilities of the Navy with its flexibility. "This boat helps bridge the gap between the large ship navy and the near-coastal assets," said Senior Enlisted Advisor, Master Chief Petty Officer Joe Manning, assigned to Coastal Riverine Group 1 (CRG-1). The CCB has increased capability amongst existing Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) craft including 24-hour mission capability, ergonomic equipment design, both remote and crew-served weapon systems, and a robust communications suite. "The arrival of the Coastal Command Boat marks a critical milestone for the Coastal Riverine Force in which new technologies are expanding our team's ability to support broader missions and battlespace," said Capt. Chris Peterschmidt, commander of CRG-1. "CRG-1 looks forward to leading the way as we man, train, and equip the craft and crew for deployment early next year." The boat contains a hydraulic crane and shock mitigating seating for 18 crew members. The boat also features sound-deadening curtains which separate the berthing area from the galley and an electronics space and sound-deadening floor mats which isolate the pilothouse, main cabin and galley from machinery and hull-borne noise. The CCB shares many design philosophies and technologies of the next generation of NECC boats such as the MK-VI Patrol Boat for coastal operations. CRG-1 is scheduled to take custody of the CCB and the boat will be placed in service in early September 2013. In conjunction with the arrival of the CCB and other riverine assets during July and August of 2013, CRG-1 has taken significant steps in establishing the first West Coast riverine capability. The Coastal Riverine Force is a core Navy capability that provides port and harbor security, high value asset protection and maritime security operations in coastal and inland waterways. For more information on CRG-1, visit www.facebook.com/CoastalRiverineGroup1. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-20. Bonhomme Richard ARG, 31st MEU Conduct VBSS Exercise By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Edward Guttierrez III, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk CORAL SEA (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in partnership with Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conducted a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training evolution aboard USNS Wally Schirra (T-AKE 8) Aug. 13. "VBSS operations are another way in which we keep sea lanes open and safe for the flow of commercial traffic," said Lt. Bradford Tonder, operations officer for Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11. "These operations aid in deterring and preventing illegal activity on the high seas." VBSS operations emerged after the initial Gulf War as a measure to support continued maritime interdiction operations imposed by United Nations resolutions and to deter illegal activity. They are conducted by sending boarding teams to search a vessel of interest via rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) or helicopter. If the vessel is deemed to be conducting illegal activities, the boarding team can secure the vessel and crew if required. Today's VBSS training covers areas such as tactical team movements, self-defense tactics, boarding tactics, and climbing and repelling techniques. "In this part of the world, it's one of the biggest things we focus on. There are a lot of cargo ships and they're at high risk of being taken over by pirates. It's our job to be ready to repel that threat," said Cpl. Corey Thomas, infantry squad leader. The VBSS training exercise was conducted as part of the 31st MEU's certification exercise (CERTEX). Due to the exercise framework, less than 48 hours notice was given to Bonhomme Richard, Denver and the 31st MEU to begin planning the boarding and seizure operation. "Although we had only 48 hours from notice of the mission to execution... [it] required the same extensive and detailed planning to execute as the VBSS operations Navy ships routinely conduct," said Tonder. VBSS operations require intricate pre-planning and execution as well as high-level integration between Navy and Marine on-scene leadership. The Marine Corps' elite VBSS force is the Maritime Raid Force (MRF). The MRF is vital to the Blue/Green team and uses the full spectrum of ARG/MEU support resources such as aircraft and small boats in order to successfully execute a particular mission. "This operation was very successful," said Tonder. "This was the first time this particular Blue/Green team conducted this type of operation together. The team gelled quickly and planned and executed a safe and coordinated mission involving numerous air platforms originating from both Bonhomme Richard and Denver." Thomas echoed that sentiment saying, "A lot goes into an operation like this, a lot of coordination with different elements. Whether it's the Aviation Combat Element (ACE), the Navy side, or Marine Force Recon team, I think the operation went extremely smoothly. There are always things to improve and tighten up in any mission, but overall I feel like things went extremely well." Bonhomme Richard is the flagship of 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 from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-10. SUPSALV Assists Port of San Francisco with Dry Dock Removal From Naval Sea Systems Command Corporate Communications WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The supervisor of salvage and diving (SUPSALV) coordinated with the Port of San Francisco to remove a World War II-era dry dock, Naval Sea Systems Command announced Aug. 15. The 610-foot long dry dock, owned by the Port of San Francisco, was built in 1942 for the U.S. Navy to repair ships during World War II and has been unused and rusting for years. "The port had been looking for a way to remove the dry dock from the harbor and in 2009, Congress appropriated $3 million to assist with preparations to scrap the dry dock," said Capt. Mark Matthews, supervisor of salvage and diving. "As the Navy's salvage expert, the Secretary of Defense tasked us to assist with the planning and removal." The funds available would not pay for the total cost to scrap the dry dock, but covered the engineering work, environmental permitting process and the removal of two end sections that reduced the total scope of the remaining scrapping job to a more simplified and affordable one. Work began in June and lasted about 12 weeks. SUPSALV efforts included preparing the site for dismantling and removal of the two end sections, reducing the dry dock to 410 feet and enabling the remaining portion of the dry dock to be sold and transported for scrapping. SUPSALV will continue to provide advice on dry dock center section as requested by the Port of San Francisco. The Office of the Director of Ocean Engineering, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving is part of the Naval Sea Systems Command and is responsible for all aspects of ocean engineering, including salvage, in-water ship repair, contracting, towing, diving safety and equipment maintenance and procurement. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-08. NAVSEA Recognized for STEM Contributions From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communications WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Women of Color magazine will recognize four Naval Sea System Command (NAVSEA) employees for their contributions in the fields of science, technology, math and engineering (STEM), Naval Sea Systems Command announced Aug. 15. Tonya McNair will be awarded the technology all star award for demonstrating excellence in the workplace and in her community in the mid-level to advanced stages careers category (approximately 22 or more years in the workforce). The technology rising star award will be presented to Soralis Pimentel Cabrera, Courtney Crittenden and Beverly Cusworth for demonstrating exceptional achievements in their workplace and communities, as well as helping to shape technology for the future. "Our nation needs scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematics talent in the government, industry and academia; yet fewer and fewer students prepare for or pursue STEM careers," said Bill Deligne, NAVSEA's executive director. "These women exemplify the brightest in their subject areas and serve as role models to young men and women interested in pursuing education and careers in STEM fields." McNair, an engineer with Integrated Warfare Systems 2.0, served as the acting principal advanced program manager for the surface electronic warfare improvement program responsible for the development and execution of two acquisition category (ACAT) II programs, two ACAT IV programs, and all in-service systems. She carried an extremely critical, high-visibility electronic warfare program through crucial acquisition reviews with flying colors. Cabrera is an engineer at Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC), Newport and has been engaged in the development and transition of new technologies into the Navy's submarine force. She is currently a NUWC Newport representative at NAVSEA where she is responsible for all Navy electronics warfare (EW) systems. She currently serves as acting NAVSEA EW Foreign Military Sales project manager and as the liaison between NAVSEA and NUWC Newport in these areas. Crittenden, an engineer for Program Executive Office Ships, will be recognized for her contributions to promoting STEM fields to a diverse population of students through volunteering with local schools and recruiting events. Crittenden serves as a STEM outreach program coordinator and tutors AP calculus, pre-algebra and basic math at a Washington, D.C. school. Cusworth, a research biologist at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, will be acknowledged for her work on accelerating the fielding of the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System (JBAIDS), the current biological detection and identification system to the Fleet, reducing the fielding schedule from three years to one year. She is active in outreach programs that engage young people very early on to encourage interest in STEM fields. The winners will be acknowledged during an Oct. 18 ceremony in Dallas. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130815-07. Lincoln Sailors Prepare Meals for Homeless in Norfolk and Newport News From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) prepared meals for the homeless at a Norfolk soup kitchen, Aug. 15. Since arriving to Newport News in late February, the crew of the Lincoln has been involved in three different soup kitchens, with an average of six events per month. Two of the soup kitchens are located only one mile from the ship, at St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The third project is located at Christ and St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Norfolk. Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Kalli Hoevelman, one of the Lincoln Sailors who volunteers on a regular basis at the various soup kitchens, reflected on giving back to the community. "It's my favorite project," said Hoevelman. "I feel like I'm helping people out, and it makes me feel good. I realize I'm making a difference, and it makes me more motivated to come to work." Hoevelman added that a small group of Sailors can make a big difference and added that volunteers from the carrier will continue volunteering at the two soup kitchens throughout the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH). 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 the national defense. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/. NNS130815-23. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features two one-minute newscasts today First one-minute newscast - - Department of Defense Announces Same-Sex Spouse Benefits http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18753 http://youtu.be/3hYrr9ei8Ys Second one-minute newscast - - Headline for Thursday, August 15th, 2013: Strike Fighter Squadron 101 Completes First Flight in Navy F35C Lightning II http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18754 http://youtu.be/rLQKZzTyeBk 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- NNS020719-06. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 15 From the Navy News Service 1845 - The U.S. Naval Academy is established at Annapolis, Md., on former site of Fort Severn. 1895 - Commissioning of USS Texas, the first American steel-hulled battleship. Texas served off Cuba during the Spanish-American War and took part in the naval battle of Santiago. Under the name of San Marcos, she was sunk in weapon effects tests in Chesapeake Bay in 1911. Her hulk continued in use as a gunnery target through World War II. 1908 - First Navy post offices established in Navy ships. 1944 - Operation Dragoon, Allied invasion of Southern France. 1953 - First naval officer appointed Chairman, Joints Chiefs of Staff, Adm. William Radford. 1958 - USS Lexington (CVA 16) arrives in vicinity of Taiwan during Taiwan Straits crisis. -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).