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 NNS130817-09. USS Arlington Hosts NASA Space Craft Recovery Tests -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76002 DNU -- Navy, NASA test recovery of Orion capsule by USS Arlington -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18757 NNS130816-07. Navy/Marine Corps Team: Testing F-35B Lightning II Aircraft Aboard USS Wasp -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76012 NNS130816-06. Navy Releases Special and General Courts-Martial Cases from July 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76009 NNS130816-05. MCPON Talks CPO 365; Phase I, Phase II and The Stand Down -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76005 DNU -- Newly Developed Generators Aim to Reduce Need for Battlefield Fuel; New NAVADMIN Outlines Continuum of Service Programs for Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18756 NNS130816-02. Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship Indianapolis -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75999 DNU -- SECDEF Announces New Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Initiatives -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18758 NNS130816-01. CNO Releases Navigation Plan for 2014-2018 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75991 NNS130816-03. USS Rentz Seizes a Ton of Cocaine Worth $78 Million During its First Week in 4th Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75992 NNS130817-16. Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud Assumes Command of COMLOG WESTPAC in Singapore -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75988 NNS130817-03. CVW-5 Targets Readiness -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76013 NNS130817-15. Underwater Construction Team 2 Returns from Deployment to Pacific Islands -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75989 NNS130817-12. (STEM + Kids) = Fun -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75994 NNS130817-10. Senator tours Naval EOD School -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76001 NNS130817-08. Vandegrift Sailors Prepare for Upcoming Anti-Terrorism Certification -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76003 NNS130817-07. CSS Honors Building Namesake, Touts Environmental Stewardship -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76004 NNS130817-05. USS Pearl Harbor Visits Hawaii Following Multilateral Pacific Partnership -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76010 NNS130817-14. USS Samuel B. Roberts Arrives In Durres for Port Visit -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75990 DNU -- Week in Review August 10th - 16th 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18759 NNS130817-18. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75997 NNS020716-03. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 17 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2563 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=157442 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-09. USS Arlington Hosts NASA Space Craft Recovery Tests By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Brown, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- After three days of practice, NASA conducted a stationary recovery test of their latest space craft, the Orion, in the well deck of the amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) while berthed at Naval Station Norfolk's Pier 12 on Aug. 15, 2013. This successful test of the four-man, 16-foot capsule paves the way for future testing of NASA's Orion Program, including a West Coast underway recovery test in January, and the recovery of a low-orbit module following splashdown in the fall of 2014. NASA plans its first unmanned Orion voyage to take place in 2017, and a manned expedition in 2021. "Arlington is all about ownership and standards, and Arlington is setting the standards for the other ships in our class that will be assisting in the recoveries of Orion space craft." said Arlington Commanding Officer Cmdr. Darren Nelson. "To be able to work with NASA on the next manned space capsule is a dream come true for many Arlington crew members - they are very excited about this unique opportunity." Arlington Sailors and Marines assisting with the recovery in front of, adjacent to, and above the well deck throughout the week were joined by more than 75 NASA engineers, designers and technicians from Langley Research Center, Kennedy Space Center and Johnson Space Center. The testing was overseen by NASA Recovery Director Louie Garcia. "We performed the recovery several times earlier this week, and have gotten proficient at it," he said. "Today we did everything all together, perfecting the operation as if the capsule had left its orbit and splashed down, sending the small boats out to conduct a safety assessment, hook the taglines up and tow it into the well deck. The capsule was floated in over a cradle in the ballasted ship, and then settled into the cradle when the ship was deballasted. "We have a requirement that we have the crew hatch opened within two hours of splashdown. We are trying to verify if that is a realistic goal, and so far it has been." The U.S. Navy has worked with NASA with space craft recoveries for programs including Mercury (1959-1963), Gemini (1961-1966) and Apollo (1961-1972). The last recovery done by the U.S. Navy was in 1975. Arlington's namesake predecessor, the major communications relay ship USS Arlington (AGMR 2) assisted with the recoveries of Apollo 8 in 1968, and 10 and 11 the following year. "My crew and I are very proud to continue the legacy of Arlington and the NASA space program," Nelson said. NASA has been planning the Orion recovery tests for more than five years. The most challenging part of the Orion recovery was in the "choreography" of all the moving parts, Garcia said. "We have never done this before, and we are working with Arlington, which of course has never done anything like this before either," he explained. "Also, we are working with people we've just met, and learning how to mesh different government organizations together so that their strengths and skills can accomplish the recovery of the capsule." Arlington, a San-Antonio class warship, has many unique capabilities that make it an ideal partner to support NASA, including the ability to embark helicopters, launch and recover small boats, three dimensional air search radar and advanced medical facilities. "This is a cost-effective partnership," Nelson noted. "The Navy has the necessary at-sea recovery experience and capabilities and is always willing to work with government and private partners when directed and when it makes the most sense in terms of capability and economy." The recovery testing aboard Arlington has proven that the U.S. Navy can safely support NASA's requests for operational support without adversely impacting the Department of Defense's primary warfighting mission. "This is a building block for the United States to conduct manned space flight again," Garcia said. The ship is named for Arlington County, Va., home of the Pentagon, in honor of the 184 victims and heroes who lost their lives during the terrorist attack there on 9-11. Arlington is the eighth in Navy's San Antonio class of ships, designed to be the most survivable amphibious vessels ever put to sea. The third in the U.S. fleet to bear the name, Arlington was be commissioned on April 6, 2013. The ship combines 21st century amphibious shipbuilding and warfighting technologies to support current and future Marine Corps aircraft and landing craft, and will be capable of taking nearly 1,200 Sailors and Marines into harm's way. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130816-07. Navy/Marine Corps Team: Testing F-35B Lightning II Aircraft Aboard USS Wasp By Mass Communications Specialist Seaman Michael T. Forbes, USS Wasp Public Affairs AT SEA, ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Two F-35B Lightning II jets (BF-01 and BF-05) touched down aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) Aug. 12, kicking off week of Development Testing II (DT-II) where Wasp Sailors and Integrated Test Force (ITF) team members are testing and further validating the F-35B. DT-II is the second of three test phases encompassing numerous milestone events including the first night operation at sea as well as the first launch and recovery of the F-35B at sea by a U.K. test pilot. The goal of this testing is to further define F-35B operating parameters aboard amphibious ships such as Wasp. The F-35 Lightning II is the next generation strike aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force, as well as eight international partners. The jet combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Wasp is testing the F-35B, which has short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability, enabling it to operate from a wider range of ships and in support of expeditionary operations. "It's a significant milestone for the F-35 program," said Capt. Erik Etz, Director, Test & Evaluation F-35 Naval Variants. "We're providing an envelope that will be utilized by Marine Corps and U.K. aviators when they go out and employ the aircraft in a real environment. The ability to operate at night is critical and so certainly the testing we're doing here will provide a significant amount of data so we can clear the envelope and clear the aircraft to operate day and night, when the Marine Corps takes the F-35B to initial operating capability in 2015." Wasp and the ITF completed a major milestone when Lt. Col. C. R. Clift launched from the flight deck and landed safely, marking the first successful night launch and recovery of the F-35B at sea. The pilots were pleased with the progress that the first night landings at sea represent. "It all went extremely well," said Clift. "Throughout the night we conducted eight successful launches and landings, so we're on target and quickly gaining experience with F-35B night operations at sea." Launch and recoveries filled the first, second and third days at sea creating smooth, synchronized daytime operations. Wasp flight deck crew members were trained in advance of DT-II to prepare them for F-35B operations at sea, ensuring all those involved were ready to support DT-II. "The crew itself has spent quite a bit of time up at Patuxent River working with the F-35B understanding how the aircraft operates," said Capt. Brian Teets, Wasp's commanding officer. "What we've been able to bring is a consistent platform to the F-35B to support their testing. It's the same ship with the same capabilities, providing consistency and stability as a reliable test platform. Employing a consistent test platform allows the team to find ways to optimize this new aircraft in the Marine Air Combat Element." U.K. Squadron Leader Jim Schofield, a Royal Air Force pilot became the first international pilot to conduct sea-based launch and landing in the F-35B. "It's exciting to see the integration of this new plane with the amphibious assault ships," said Schofield. "After a year leading up to this evolution, it's awesome to get here and start. And the crew has been especially accommodating and efficient at running these tests smoothly." The historical milestones were not lost on Wasp crew members, but for most it was "business as usual", focusing on safety and effectiveness during flight operations at sea. Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Ashley Geary gave the signal to launch BF-05 for the first night flight operations. "It was fun knowing we're making history," said Geary. "We worked with the test team at Patuxent River for a week, learning about the F-35B and its operations. They took our suggestions on flight deck procedures, ensuring we were one team working together towards a successful mission. The launch went well, without a hitch." The F-35 Lightning II is scheduled to replace 13 different legacy aircraft in the current U.S. defense inventory. Sea trials for the Navy's F-35C aircraft carrier variant are scheduled at the end of 2014. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130816-06. Navy Releases Special and General Courts-Martial Cases from July 2013 From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy released Aug. 16 the following report with the results of Special and General Courts-Martial assembled within the United States Navy in July 2013. The cases are separated by the Navy Region in which they were tried. Naval District Washington Special Court-Martial * At a Special Court-Martial in Washington D.C., an E-6 was tried for derelictions of duty, making a false official statement, and making a false claim against the government. On 12 July 2013, the panel of members returned a verdict of not guilty. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic General Court-Martial * At a General Court-Martial in Norfolk, Virginia, ET3 Judge Weging, USN pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. On 18 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to be discharged with a Dishonorable Discharge, reduction in rate to paygrade E-1 and confinement for 18 months. Special Court-Martials * At a Special Court-Martial in Norfolk, Virginia, QMSN Sean Hensley, USN pleaded guilty to violation of a general order and housebreaking. On 24 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to be discharged with a Bad Conduct Discharge, reduction in rate to paygrade E-1 and confinement for 125 days. * At a Special Court-Martial in Groton, Connecticut, ET3 Brandon Simpson, USN pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and drug possession, introduction and use. On 30 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to be discharged with a Bad Conduct Discharge, reduction in rate to paygrade E-1 and confinement for 9 months. Navy Region Southeast Special Court-Martial * At a Special Court-Martial in Pensacola, Florida, BU2 Gary Preston, USN was tried for assaults consummated by a battery. A panel of members returned a verdict of not guilty to one specification of assault consummated by a battery and guilty on the remaining specifications of assault consummated by a battery. On 3 July 2013 the panel of members sentenced him to reduction in rank to paygrade E-4, 30 days confinement, and 30 days hard labor without confinement. * At a Special Court-Martial in Jacksonville, Florida, EMFR Quinton Ford, USN pleaded guilty to insubordinate conduct and communicating a threat. On 26 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to forfeit $500 per month for 2 months and confinement for 60 days. * At a Special Court-Martial in Mayport, Florida, an E-6 was tried for wrongful use of a controlled substance. On 31 July 2013, a panel of members returned a verdict of not guilty. Navy Region Northwest General Court-Martial * At a General Court-Martial in Bremerton, Washington, EM1 Robert Glaser, USN was tried for destruction of property, assault consummated by a battery, aggravated assault, child endangerment and disorderly conduct. A panel of members returned a verdict of not guilty of destruction of property, assault consummated by a battery, child endangerment and disorderly conduct and a verdict of guilty to simple assault as the lesser included offense of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct. On 25 July 2013 the panel of members sentenced him to reduction in rank to paygrade E-5, confinement for 60 days and restriction for 15 days. * At a General Court-Martial in Everett, Washington, EM2 Felix Gonzalez, USN pleaded guilty to rape, aggravated assault, assault consummated by a battery, assault consummated by a battery upon a child, animal cruelty in violation of the Washington Revised Code assimilated under the Federal Assimilative Crimes Act, and communicating a threat. On 18 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to be discharged with a Dishonorable Discharge, reduction in rank to paygrade E-1, forfeit all pay and allowances and confinement for 40 years. Navy Region Southwest General Court-Martial * At a General Court-Martial in San Diego, California, an E-4 was tried for rape, sodomy and adultery. On 22 July 2013, the panel of members returned a verdict of not guilty. * At a General Court-Martial in San Diego, California, ITC Shawn Moorefield, USN pleaded guilty to rape of a child, aggravated sexual abuse of a child, indecent liberty with a child, aggravated sexual assault of a child, abusive sexual contact with a child, sodomy with a child under the age of 12, sodomy with a child under the age of 16, production of child pornography, receiving images of child pornography, encouraging minors to engage in sexual acts, adultery, and possessing child pornography. On 25 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to be discharged with a Dishonorable Discharge, reduction in rank to paygrade E-1, forfeit all pay and allowances and confinement for 29 years and 6 months. Special Court-Martial * At a Special Court-Martial in San Diego, California, AD2 Bryce McLeod, USN pleaded guilty to stealing military property and unlawful entry. On 9 July 2013 a panel of members sentenced him to reduction in rank to paygrade E-3 and confinement for 15 days. * At a Special Court-Martial in San Diego, California, AD2 Jason Carathers, USN was tried for stealing military property and unlawful entry. A panel of members returned a verdict of not guilty of stealing military property and guilty of unlawful entry. On 12 July 2013, the panel of members sentenced him to reduction in rank to paygrade E-4 and restriction for 45 days. * At a Special Court-Martial in San Diego, California, IC3 Terry Caldwell, USN pleaded guilty to drug use. On 23 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to be discharged with a Bad Conduct Discharge and confinement for 105 days. * At a Special Court-Martial in San Diego, California, AN Donnell Epps, USN pleaded guilty to unauthorized absence and drug use. He was tried for missing movement. A panel of members returned a verdict of not guilty of missing one movement and guilty of missing three other movements. On 31 July 2013 the panel of members sentenced him to be discharged with a Bad Conduct Discharge, reduction in rank to paygrade E-1, forfeit $934 pay per month for 5 months and confinement for 157 days. Navy Region Hawaii Special Court-Martial * At a Special Court-Martial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, FTSN Arsenio White, USN pleaded guilty to assault consummated by a battery. On 25 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to reduction in rank to paygrade E-2 and confinement for 50 days. Navy Region Japan General Court-Martial * At a General Court-Martial in Yokosuka, Japan, HMC John Averell, USN, was tried for sexual assault, sexual harassment, fraternization and adultery. A military judge convicted HMC Averell, in accordance with his pleas, of fraternization and adultery. A panel of members with enlisted representation convicted HMC Averell, contrary to his plea, of sexual assault, and acquitted HMC Averell of sexual harassment. On 29 July 2013, the panel of members sentenced him to be discharged with a Bad Conduct Discharge, reduction in rate to paygrade E-1 and confinement for 90 days. Special Court-Martial * At a Special Court-Martial on Guam, MA3 Davon Johnson, USN pleaded guilty to assaults consummated by a battery. On 1 July 2013 a military judge sentenced him to be discharged with a Bad Conduct Discharge, reduction in rate to paygrade E-1, confinement for 7 months and a $2,500 fine. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130816-05. MCPON Talks CPO 365; Phase I, Phase II and The Stand Down By Defense Media Activity-Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens recently took a moment to answer questions from the fleet about executing the first year of CPO 365. CPO 365 is a year-round training initiative that Chiefs Messes throughout the Navy take on to prepare first class petty officers to become chiefs. Phase II of CPO 365 begins when the chief petty officer selection board results are released, which occurred Aug. 1 this year. Q: Many commands have truly embraced CPO-365, and have viewed this year as really being the first year that the program has found its legs, what do you think of the program as a whole? A: I am very pleased with the process. I am not taking anything away from the training we have used in the past because it worked well for during it's time. Society has changed and evolved, and if we want to continue to have the ability to train our reliefs, we must change and evolve as well. I think if you ask any CPO Mess that has been and is fully engaged in CPO 365, you'll find that each Mess is brainstorming new and innovative ways to train our First Class Petty Officers to take their place. Q: Many of the Sailors participating in CPO-365 are not even eligible for Chief, some won't be eligible for three years, what do you want those Sailors to take away from the program each year? A: There's enough change that occurs within our Navy every year that CPO 365 should never get old and stagnant. Think about our Navy programs, procedures and policies, they are constantly evolving. CPO 365 is first and foremost about helping a First Class Petty Officer be the best work center supervisor or leading petty officer that they can be because the Navy is forever evolving. The training will always change, day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. If First Class Petty Officers and Chief Petty Officers find themselves re-hashing the same old information time and time again, they must look within themselves to determine where the updates need to take place and effectively make the change. Q: For those Sailors who saw their names on the list, what do you think CPO-365 has done to prepare them for their anchors? A: I think that CPO -365 has provided professional and solid training that these future leaders need in order to be effective Chiefs. CPO 365 Phase II is an opportunity for our First Class Petty Officers to display to the CPO Mess the skill-sets that they learned during Phase I. Q: Talk about the CPO 365 Stand Down... A: I received two letters alleging that inappropriate conduct is taking place during CPO 365 Phase II. Upon initial look, I think that we have a few CPO Messes operating outside of CPO 365 Guidance. I directed all CPO Messes to stop training from Monday 12th and resume on August 14th. This gave commands and all CPO Messes a chance to review CPO 365 Guidance and the Navy's policy on hazing. We should never think that we are above the law, if we think that CPO selectee training cannot be shut down - we are wrong. If we want to be responsible for training our future Chiefs then we must do it in a professional manner. I want to reemphasize - I believe that the large majority of the mess is doing the right thing and for that I want to thank you, however, know that any formal complaints will be fully investigated. Q: What is the ultimate goal with CPO-365? A: The ultimate goal of CPO 365 is to train our relief to the best of their ability. To have meaningful and practical training that reflects the times of our society and that will make our future leaders capable under pressure and able to successfully complete any mission they are called to do. Our leaders are held accountable as they should, and being a Chief Petty Officer isn't for the weak of heart nor lazy of mind and body. It requires us to be "all in, all the time". We are called upon at all levels of our Chain of Command and again, a few short weeks isn't enough time to cram all of the wisdom within the CPO Mess into a CPO Selectee. It should be happening throughout the year. Q: What do you say to the negative feedback you've received about CPO 365? A: Anytime you change something, there will be rumblings, make no mistake about it. Some folks can think back to when we de-segregated the military, the nay-sayers said that was the end of the Navy as we knew it! Our Navy thrived. Remember when we put women on ships. The nay-sayers hollered that was the end of the Navy! Women are now leading our Navy and have been become solidified members on the battlefield. It comes with the territory of being the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. Not everyone will agree with your decisions. Q: Do you see any more changes to the program, or to the final few weeks of the program for selectees? Are you content with setting guidelines and letting commands determine the final chapter in the process? A: I have no intentions of making any significant changes to CPO 365 and want to provide every CPO Mess an opportunity to become experts at what we currently have in place. I place a great deal of faith and confidence in each CPO Mess to ensure the training that we are conducting rests within the guidelines provided. Q: In your opinion, is CPO-365 the best way to train the Navy's future leadership and why? A: At this particular point of time in our history, I believe CPO 365 provides us with the best training opportunity. However, I am also confident that in time CPO 365 will also change because that's what we do, we constantly evolve. I'll be a retired MCPON years from now and there will be a new name, a new process, and new way of doing business to train our Chiefs. I'll trust that it was put in place because the times that our future Sailors will serve necessitate that. CPO 365 is about our moment in history more than it is about my belief that this is the absolute right way to do it. I believe it's the right way to do it today, but I certainly can't speak for the future. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130816-02. Navy Names Littoral Combat Ship Indianapolis From Department of Defense Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today that the next Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) will be named USS Indianapolis. USS Indianapolis, designated LCS 17, will be the fourth ship to bear the name. A previous Indianapolis (CA 35) is best known for its role in World War II, where it operated from Pearl Harbor and throughout the Pacific escorting convoys and attacking enemy submarines. Indianapolis' service ended when it was sunk by a Japanese torpedo minutes after midnight July 30, 1945. Only 317 of the 1,196 sailors serving aboard the ship survived after five days afloat in the Pacific Ocean. Indianapolis earned 10 battle stars for the ship's distinguished World War II service. "I chose to name this ship Indianapolis because of the legacy this name holds," Mabus said. "When people hear Indianapolis, they will be reminded of the incredible bravery and sense of duty with which our men and women in uniform serve." LCSs are designed to defeat littoral threats, and provide access and dominance in coastal waters. A fast, agile surface combatant, LCS provides war fighting capabilities and operational flexibility to execute focused missions close to the shore, such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare. Indianapolis will be built with modular design incorporating mission packages that can be changed out quickly as combat needs demand. These mission packages are supported by detachments that deploy manned and unmanned vehicles, and sensors in support of mine, undersea and surface warfare missions. Construction of LCS 17 is contingent upon Congressional authorization and appropriation of fiscal year 2014 funding. The ship will be 388 feet long, have a waterline beam length of 58 feet and make speeds in excess of 40 knots. The construction will be led by a Lockheed Martin industry team in Marinette, Wis. For more news from secretary of the Navy, visit http://www.navy.mil/SECNAV. Additional information about littoral combat ships is available online at: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=1650&ct=4 To read more about the previous USS Indianapolis, please visit Naval History and Heritage Command's Web site: http://www.history.navy.mil/danfs/i1/indianapolis-ii.htm -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130816-01. CNO Releases Navigation Plan for 2014-2018 By MCC(SW/AW) Julianne Metzger, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- This week, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert released his Navigation Plan for the Navy for 2014 to 2018 to the fleet. Drawing from the Sailing Directions and the three tenets of Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready, the Navigation Plan defines the course and speed the Navy will follow to organize, train and equip over the next several years. Greenert also addresses budgetary concerns about Continuing Resolutions, Sequestration and preparations for the FY2014 budget in the document. "Our first consideration is the ability to fight and win today, while building the ability to win tomorrow," said Greenert. "Regardless of reductions, we will continue to operate forward with ready forces, where it matters, when it matters." Greenert stated that despite future reduction to Navy's budget that may impact the ability to maintain the overall size of the fleet, the Navy will ensure that the deployable force is proficient and ready. This will include fielding and improving "kill chains", utilizing the electromagnetic spectrum and maintaining the Navy's undersea dominance. The document also addresses the rebalance toward the Asia-Pacific region, a strategy that will compel the Navy to add ships to the Forward Deployed Naval Force, and increase the number of ships which are Forward Stationed or Forward Operating. "The Navy and Marine Corps are our nation's 'away team'," said Greenert. "History demonstrates the Navy is at its best when we are forward and ready to respond." Lastly, the Navigation Plan stresses the importance of having Sailors and Civilians that are ready to tackle tomorrow's challenges by being personally prepared, confident and proficient. "We will sustain our forces' warfighting capability and ability to operate forward through effective maintenance and timely modernization," said Greenert. "Ready Sailors and Civilians remain the source of the Navy's warfighting capability." To view the CNO's Navigation Plan, visit www.navy.mil/cno/130813_CNO_Navigation_Plan.pdf For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visit www.navy.mil/cno -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130816-03. USS Rentz Seizes a Ton of Cocaine Worth $78 Million During its First Week in 4th Fleet By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam Henderson, 4th Fleet Public Affairs USS RENTZ, At Sea (NNS) (NNS) -- Less than a week on station in the 4th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) the frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) seized 2,123 lbs. of cocaine from a fishing vessel north of the Galapagos Islands last week. The seizure is worth an estimated street value of $78 million. Rentz is currently conducting counter transnational organized crime (C-TOC) operations as part of Operation Martillo which began in Jan. 2012. Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') targets illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus, and is an international, interagency operation led by Joint Interagency Task Force-South, a component of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). Rentz worked closely with a U.S. Navy P-3 Orion long-range patrol aircraft operating in the region to initially detect and intercept the fishing vessel suspected of smuggling narcotics in international waters. The Coast Guard LEDET aboard the frigate discovered and confiscated the large cache of cocaine shortly after boarding the suspect vessel. "We are very fortunate to have the USS Rentz and embarked Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment on patrol conducting counter transnational organized crime operations. This major seizure in the first week the ship is on station is a clear indicator that illicit activities are taking place and must be addressed to counter their destabilizing affects in the region and in our nation," Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris said. "Congratulations to the crew and embarked personnel aboard Rentz, good job" A location and date to offload the narcotics has not been yet determined. Since Operation Martillo started, 318,133 lbs of cocaine, 25,052 lbs of marijuana worth an estimated $40 billion have been confiscated. 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- NNS130817-16. Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud Assumes Command of COMLOG WESTPAC in Singapore From Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific Public Affairs SEMBAWANG, Singapore (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud relieved Rear Adm. Tom Carney as commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific (COMLOG WESTPAC) during a change of command ceremony, Aug. 16. Thebaud also assumed duties as Commander, Task Force 73 (CTF 73) and Navy Region Singapore (NRS) for U.S. forces. The guest speaker, Vice Adm. Robert Thomas Jr., commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, lauded Carney's many accomplishments, including his sustained focus on logistics and theater security cooperation. "Your leadership was the driving force for the outstanding Fleet-wide logistics support that keeps the forward deployed naval forces operational. From multiple diving and salvage operations and industrial ship repairs to countless replenishment at sea -- no one does it better," said Thomas. Carney oversaw the logistics and maintenance support of all ships operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility, a vast maritime region encompassing more than 54 million square miles between the International Date Line and the approaches to the Strait of Hormuz. Carney also enhanced relationships with regional allies and partners through annual engagements, such as the bilateral exercise series Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), the multilateral exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SECAT) and the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam. "Carney is 7th Fleet's most energetic diplomat. He has traveled widely across the region representing the U.S. Navy and planning, coordinating and executing the CARAT series of bilateral exercises, which are often the "Capstone" effort of the year for the navies of our allies, partners and friends," said Thomas. Carney reflected on his time as commander for COMLOG WESTPAC, CTF 73 and NRS from June 2011 to Aug. 2013, and thanked the Sailors, Marines, Navy civilians and civil mariners for the opportunity to lead them. "For over two years I have had the honor of commanding Logistics Group Western Pacific and leading these great Sailors, Marines and civilians. They understand the importance of the command's mission on a daily basis, and in today's dynamic strategic environment, they are the face of the U.S. rebalance in Asia," said Carney. "Whether it's providing fuel, ammunition, parts, cargo, ship repair or recovering things that have sunk or run aground in the most inconvenient places, they have answered every call and met every challenge regardless of scope or difficulty." Thebaud assumed command following a tour as Chief Operating Officer at Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in Norfolk, Va. "I look forward to working with all of you and to leading COMLOG WESTPAC in providing sustained superior logistics and maintenance support to the ships of the U.S. 7th Fleet as well as continuing to enhance regional security and stability, particularly through our LCS deployment and the CARAT and SEACAT exercises. While COMLOG WESTPAC maintains a small footprint, it has a large impact," said Thebaud. COMLOG WESTPAC is the U.S. 7th Fleet's provider of combat-ready logistics, operating government-owned and contracted ships to keep units throughout 7th Fleet armed, fueled, and fed. Additionally, COMLOG WESTPAC is 7th Fleet's Theater Security Cooperation agent for South and Southeast Asia. For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-03. CVW-5 Targets Readiness By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Heavin, Commander, Task Force 70 Public Affairs PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 embarked aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) maintained its continuum of readiness during their 2013 patrol by conducting several training missions to include live ammunition on the Okino Daito Jima (ODJ) bombing range in the vicinity of Japan, Aug. 15-16. "ODJ training is useful because it is a target that permits the utilization of live and inert air-to-ground weapons," said Capt. Michael Boyle, commander CVW-5. "This type of training cannot be accomplished when flying from Naval Air Facility Atsugi, where we are not permitted to carry any air-to-ground weapons and it is critically important to maintaining the high readiness that is required by our Operational Commanders." CVW-5 conducted nine events in a two-day training period, consisting of Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) also known as 'dogfighting,' High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) employment against a ship-target, emitting radar energy, laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) employment against land-based targets, tactical air-to-air intercepts, mid-air refueling and conventional bombing and strafing. "Most of our [weapon] releases for the majority of our patrol are simulated," said Lt. Cmdr. Pat Baker, operations officer of the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102. "We take advantage of these time periods near live ranges to maintain the Air Wing's proficiency and qualifications." Every squadron of the Air Wing had a role to ensure a safe and successful evolution which it takes a full group effort. "Our entire team from the ship's Aviation Ordnancemen (AO), to the squadron AOs, Aviation Electronics Technician and the Flight Deck team needed to operate together to maintain this readiness," said Lt. David Tarr of the Royal Maces of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27. "Executing live-fire exercises like this, allows us to evaluate how proficient we really are, to smooth out the kinks, and identify areas that need improvement." Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Chaz Smith, from the weapon's department of George Washington, explained how his team had to step things up. "It's fast paced," said Smith. "It's a lot of hard work that we had to achieve safely and expeditiously. It feels great to support the Air Wing, but it also gave us an opportunity to learn more of our rate and build stronger relations within." Along with multiple lessons learned, Sailors gained a sense of inspiration. "It is motivating to shoot missiles and drop bombs," added Tarr."We train everyday to employ these weapons - from studying the details of how they work and how best to maximize their capabilities to the 'switchology' needed in the cockpit to use them effectively. To go through those familiar steps and thought processes but finish with missiles screaming off of my jet was an awesome reward, personally and professionally." Four different types of missiles, air intercept missile (AIM-9), AGM-114B Hellfire missile, joint stand-off weapon (JSOW) and HARM were launched as a part of the training exercise. In addition, a total of more than 10,000 mm rounds were fired. Strike Fighter Squadrons were not the only squadrons to fire a missile. Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, each fired one missile. "Without the high end training that we get at ODJ and its associated air space, our aircraft and pilots would not have the same deterrence effect," said Boyle. "When the Air Wing pilots fly in the valuable aircraft and conduct training, it is the training that makes the men, women and machines a formidable force that potential adversaries fear and respect. That healthy respect allows the CVW-5/GW team to influence other nations without ever firing a shot in anger." CVW 5, forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan, consists of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, flying the F/A-18F Super Hornet; VFA 27, VFA 115 and VFA 195, each flying the F/A-18E Super Hornet; Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 141, flying the EA-18G Growler; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115 flying the Hawkeye 2000; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30, Detachment 5, flying the C-2 Greyhound; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC), 12 flying the MH-60S Seahawk; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM), 77 flying the MH-60R Seahawk. CVW-5 and U.S. Navy's forward deployed aircraft carrier George Washington provide a combat-ready force that protects the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf70/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-15. Underwater Construction Team 2 Returns from Deployment to Pacific Islands By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha J. Webb, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Underwater Construction Team 2, Construction Diving Detachment Alpha completed a three-month deployment aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Aug. 16. Stationed in Port Hueneme, Calif., Det. Alpha was the first underwater construction divers to participate in Pacific Partnership, the largest disaster-response preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia Pacific region. Led by Chief Construction Mechanic Elisia Correa, a Seabee diver with 15 years of experience, the team conducted ten hydrographic surveys of over 870 acres of ocean floor and completed seven pier inspections, one bridge inspection and two engineering assessments in the Pacific island nations of Samoa, Tonga, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. Charts, graphs and pictures of the sea floor as well as recommendations for pier repair and salvage techniques were all results of the work completed by the five divers. Builder 2nd Class Kyle Neuman said that many of the atolls have lagoons that do not get consistently washed out. As a result, they quickly become fouled by sand and coral that makes the lagoon a hazard to navigation. "This makes it irregularly shallow in a bunch of areas," said Neuman. The information gathered by the divers is presented to local port authorities in the small island nations, providing critical knowledge for the numerous fishing vessels that frequent the islands. Correa said that she hopes underwater construction team divers can be added to the advanced teams who arrive before the mission, so that real-time surveys can be provided to ship's navigators. "If we could have gone ahead of the ship to provide a survey for a navigational chart, we could have anchored a little closer to shore in some cases," said Correa. Born out of the response to the 2004 tsunami that devastated much of Indonesia, Pacific Partnership today is a collaborative effort of military members and nongovernmental organization volunteers to build maritime security and disaster response preparedness in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region. Participants this year were from 10 partner nations that included Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand and the United States. This year's mission had a focus on education and exchanges of information between experts, as well as engagements in the arenas of medical and dental care, veterinary services, underwater harbor surveys, community service events, engineering projects, disaster response events, explosive ordinance disposals and more. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-12. (STEM + Kids) = Fun By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class (AW) Tim Comerford, Naval History and Heritage Command Communication Outreach Division WASHINGTON (NNS) -- It was all about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Ignore the kites, the robots, the balsa wood or molded foam vehicles, the model rockets and hot air balloons -- it was all about STEM. Yeah, right. Only if STEM and kids is another name for fun. Naval History and Heritage Command's (NHHC) National Museum of the United States Navy (NMUSN) Education and Programs Department wrapped up two weeks of STEM camps, Aug. 16. The camps use a series of history and applied STEM-inspired projects, to give 118 kids a look at what they can do with the skills STEM can teach. The young students were divided into teams to help each other, and assigned an older student as an assistant counselor to help them. Meanwhile, NMUSN college interns acted as counselors for all team's projects. Each project is made based on Navy history to teach the children specific STEM principles while keeping them engaged. "Every program begins with a history lesson tying it back to the Navy's history," said Laura Hockensmith, deputy director of Education and Programs at NMUSN. "The hands-on component is typically the STEM part." Projects the students completed included making kites from tissue paper tetrahedrons, model rockets, programming Lego robots to navigate a maze, designing a vehicle that runs on the potential energy of a mouse-trap, designing hot air balloons, making molded foam ships to test on the water and egg drop vehicles. Lisa Kanak likes the idea of the Girls Make History Camp that her two daughters attended. "It's a place where you see a sea of pink and purple toting American Girl dolls and launching rockets," She said. "It's kind of science goes girly." Her daughters enjoyed learning and creating the STEM projects. "I like the camp because we get to learn a lot of stuff," said Elizabeth Kanak, age 7. "I like the kites the best," said Kathryn Kanak, age 11. "We are not flying them as a group, but I am going to fly mine after we get home." The educators like that the students learn more than just how to craft objects, they learn some of the reasons why and how they work. "They learn various STEM concepts such as the principles of flight and looking at green technology by building solar-powered cars," said Karin Hill, director of Education and Programs at NMUSN. Even with its core concepts worked out in advance, the Camps take some time to set up. "These camps are based upon programs we do throughout the year in our 'Home School at the Museum' program," Hockensmith said. "The core curriculum and activities have been set. It takes us about a full workday to setup the program and it takes about two months to prepare all the materials, tables and binders." According to Hockensmith, most of the kids' favorite project features gravity as its opponent. The egg drop vehicle has students design a cushion for a delicate passenger. "It's based on an ejection seat from an aircraft," Hockensmith explained. "They create a structure that we put a raw egg in, and they drop it from about 20 feet. If their egg cracks their pilot didn't make it. We usually get about 75 percent survival rate." The two camps featured four eight-hour days of projects for boys ages 8-12 as the "Engineering Adventure Camp" and four days of projects for girls ages 7-12 as "Women Make History Camp." Though the genders were separated in the camps their projects were the nearly the same. "The girls do some different projects but it's still STEM-based, and the boys don't have the 'American Girl' tied into their camp," Hill explained. "They still do the same STEM things but with a different layout." "The girls aren't doing anything less challenging," agreed Hockensmith. "We felt that single gender camp allowed us to do more with each group." The camp, which has been active for the last three years, changes a little bit each year. But one of aspect has remained the same throughout the years. "The turn-out for the camps has been amazing," Hill said. For the Women Make History Camp this year, they had even more children than had originally thought they could take. "We had 60 girls which is 10 more than we had originally anticipated." So maybe STEM with kids is another name for fun. It's no wonder parents want to get their kids in with all the activities offered, and there is the price. "It's free and open to the public," explained Hockensmith. For those wishing to find out about when the NMUSN kids camps and courses happen... "Take a look on the museum's webpage for any information that may pertain to the education programs and sign up for the museum's mailing list," Hill suggested. "That's the only way you get information about the camp." Parents wanting their kids to get into the camp have to be fast and on the ball. "I put it out in March and it took one day to fill the camp to capacity," Hockensmith said. "In the first 10 minutes I received 100 emails." For more information on the National Museum of the United States Navy visit www.history.navy.mil/branches/org8-1.htm . For more news on the Naval History and Heritage Command visit http://www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-10. Senator tours Naval EOD School By Lt. j.g. Elizabeth Allen, Center for Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Diving Public Affairs Officer EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal (NAVSCOLEOD) welcomed Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) for a familiarization tour of the school and several of its practical training areas Aug. 14. Senator Rubio was greeted by the Commanding Officer of the school, Capt. William Noel, and then viewed the EOD Memorial located across from the Kauffman EOD Training Complex, where a brief history of the school and memorial were discussed. The tour continued past the current military construction (MILCON) project at NAVSCOLEOD, which includes the establishment of training spaces for divisions that are currently housed in temporary facilities, improvements to utility infrastructure, enhancements to security, and doubling the size of the dining facility. "The jobsite that we are facing is the Core Division instructional building at approximately 16,900 square feet, which is one of two state-of-the-art instructional facilities for the betterment of mission essential training," said Lt. Donald Bowen, assistant public works officer at NAVSCOLEOD. "The second building is a 29,300 square foot instructional building to house the Ground and Tools and Methods Divisions, followed by a new 6,800 square foot addition to the existing dining hall." Observing some of the primary tools in the Improvised Explosive Device Division was the next stop on the tour. Rubio was briefed by the officer in charge of the division and an instructor on the importance of the EOD robot and use of the bomb suit. After trying on an 80 lb. bomb suit, the tour continued to the Demolition Division, where non-commissioned officer in charge Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Small discussed his division and they safely detonate explosives from a remote area. "This is a 14-day division where we teach the basics of demolition, how to put it all together and how to make sure it's safe," said Small. "When we initiate an explosion, size and environment dictates how far away we need to be." Following the explanation, Rubio cleared the range, shouted, "Fire in the Hole" and initiated a detonation. The last stop on the tour was lunch at the school galley, "The Crab Shack," where Rubio spent time discussing the school and military with several students. "Time and again in this country we've sent brave young men and women like yourselves abroad to secure other people's freedoms, and then turn their country over to them to come back home and take care of ours," said the Senator, to a galley filled with EOD students and staff. "You're on the front lines of that and there is nothing I can say to express my gratitude. I want to thank all of you on behalf of the people of Florida." NAVSCOLEOD, located on Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. provides high-risk, specialized, basic and advanced EOD training to U.S., partner nation military and select U.S. government personnel each year. For more information on the Naval School of Explosive Ordnance Disposal, visit the NAVSCOLEOD website: https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/ceneoddive/eods/. To learn more about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-08. Vandegrift Sailors Prepare for Upcoming Anti-Terrorism Certification By Lt. j.g. Erik M. Selberg, USS Vandegrift, Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) have been training hard the week of Aug. 12-16 in preparation for their upcoming anti-terrorism certification scheduled for later this month. The Sailors, both officer and enlisted, have been demonstrating their ability to handle a variety of different scenarios to best protect themselves in the case of an actual event. The ability to handle these types of situations will help the Sailors react better to a real-world security threat and therefore keep the ship, their shipmates, and themselves safe. "Every chance I get to train my team I will take," said Ensign Isaac Tiechgrab, who is assigned to Vandegrift. "We have strong Sailors and I know they will meet our elevated training demands." Tiechgrab, along with key members of the ship's Chief Petty Officer mess, shared their personnel training on how to stop a shipboard intruder with the rest of the crew. "The assessment will involve several key security threat drills," said Tiechgrab. "The ship needs to be prepared in order to manage enemy intruders, swimmer attacks, bomb threats and other major security threats that could bring harm to the ship or crew." Nearly every day until the certification date, the ship's Anti-Terrorism training team and reaction force members will be working to improve their proficiency and to better prepare for the assessment. Vandegrift is currently moored at its homeport of Naval Base San Diego. The ship and crew are participating the basic phase of the fleet's training cycle in preparation for future operations. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-07. CSS Honors Building Namesake, Touts Environmental Stewardship By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Center for Service Support (CSS) Sailors and civilians put an extra emphasis on environmental awareness, culminating in environmental training and voluntary clean up around Fitzgerald Hall at Naval Station Newport Aug. 16. Fitzgerald Hall is named for Lt. William Charles Fitzgerald who on August 7, 1967, while serving as senior advisor to Coastal Group Sixteen, base was attacked and overrun by Viet Cong forces. Fitzgerald requested an artillery barrage be laid down on his position and ordered his men to evacuate the base toward a nearby river while he remained in a bunker providing fire. He was fatally shot by Viet Cong forces before he could escape. For his incredible sacrifice he was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism during combat operations. The guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is also named in his honor. CSS participated in protection of the environment by sorting trash for recycling, cleaning drainage ditches and clearing roadways and sidewalks of debris. "It felt great to be outside and ensure the beautification of our common areas and spaces around our building," said Chief Yeoman (SW/AW) Diallo Shorter, Yeoman subject matter expert and training manager. "It's wonderful that people are taking environmental wellness serious. We pay respect to Lt. Fitzgerald and honor his sacrifice by ensuring one of his namesakes is in tip top shape." Many of the Sailors felt it was a great honor to contribute their time and efforts to preservation of the world around them. "This is this a time to show stewardship to our environment and Navy community," said Chief Machinist Mate (SW/EXW/AW) Brian Bertolino, CSS' 3-M training manager. "We should take the time to enjoy and appreciate everything nature has to offer. We should all do our part." CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand-in-hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensure training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-05. USS Pearl Harbor Visits Hawaii Following Multilateral Pacific Partnership By Story by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Dunford, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii - The dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived here, Aug. 16 after completing the annual Pacific Partnership (PP13) mission, which this year visited six nations in the Oceania region beginning in May. Pacific Partnership is the largest disaster response preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region and has been conducted since 2006. PP13 mission ports included Samoa, Tonga, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, and the Solomon Islands. Civilian non-governmental organizations partnered with militaries from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. PP13 marked the first time that partner nations - Australia and New Zealand -- took the lead of individual phases, a significant commitment milestone for future missions. Australia led the Papua New Guinea mission phase from the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Tobruk. The Royal New Zealand Navy's HMNZS Canterbury served as the command platform in the Solomon Islands after New Zealand led from USS Pearl Harbor in Kiribati. "Sharing the lead responsibilities and logistical resourcing among partner nations kept this incredibly impacted mission sustainable in light of future fiscal challenges, said Capt. Wallace Lovely, Pacific Partnership mission commander. "I could not be more proud of the multilateral planning effort that has gone into this year's mission; it has been a true team effort." Overall, Pacific Partnership held 85 disaster response events, 49 engineering civic action projects, treated 18,679 medical and dental patients, held 136 medical training engagements, evaluated 4,925 animals, hosted 208 subject matter expert exchanges and organized 102 community service events. "Multilateral efforts like Pacific Partnership are critical because they deter conflict by building trust and enhancing cooperation, an approach that benefits all nations," Fleet Commander Adm. Cecil Haney said. "Pearl Harbor and her outstanding crew of U.S. Sailors, and multinational civilians and military personnel have served as the centerpiece of an important mission to improve disaster relief response in Oceania. Named after a place that reminds people of a world war, it is fitting that Pearl Harbor and her crew spent the last few months advancing partnerships in a multilateral mission to enhance stability, security and peace. "All participants have my gratitude for a job well done." USS Pearl Harbor was commissioned May 30, 1998 and is homeported in San Diego, Calif. The Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship is named after Pearl Harbor, the site of the infamous Dec. 7, 1941 attack on Oahu by Imperial Japan, and is the only ship named after that historic event. The attack on Pearl Harbor was a global turning point as America entered World War II and partnered with allied forces to victory. During USS Pearl Harbor's visit, Sailors will enjoy many activities on Oahu, including tours of historic memorials in their namesake port. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-14. USS Samuel B. Roberts Arrives In Durres for Port Visit By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs DURRES, Albania (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) arrived in Durres, Albania for a port visit, Aug.16. This port visit serves to continue Naval Forces Europe-Africa efforts to build global maritime partnerships with European nations to enhance regional stability. While in Durres, Sailors will have the opportunity to experience the local culture and conduct a community service project at a local orphanage. "We are looking forward to our visit to this beautiful city and enhancing relations with our Albanian partners," said Cmdr. Erica L. Hoffmann, commanding officer of Samuel B. Roberts. "This port visit represents a welcome rest for our crew and a chance to see firsthand, the unique diversity of the European theater." Additional activities include a ship tour for senior leadership of the Albanian defense forces and meetings with local officials. Samuel B. Roberts, homeported in Mayport, Fl., is currently on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. NNS130817-18. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features four one-minute newscasts today - one one-minute broadcast newscast and three one-minute newscasts for Web only. First one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Friday, August 16th, 2013: Newly Developed Generators Aim to Reduce Need for Battlefield Fuel; New NAVADMIN Outlines Continuum of Service Programs for Sailors http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18756 http://youtu.be/XU_F-4WV1IE First Web-only newscast - - Naval Medical Center San Diego Installs Robotic Dispensing System http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18755 http://youtu.be/sWPd4OqM58w Second Web-only newscast - - Navy, NASA test recovery of Orion capsule by USS Arlington http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18757 http://youtu.be/IGrx3mLvBKg Third Web-only newscast - - SECDEF Announces New Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Initiatives http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18758 http://youtu.be/HdLciBwpw6Y Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces one two-minute All Hands Update (AHU) newscast each day. 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- NNS020716-03. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 17 From the Navy News Service 1812 - Frigate President captures British schooner L'Adeline in North Atlantic. 1942 - Submarines USS Nautilus (SS 168) and USS Argonaut (SS 166) land 222 Marines on Makin Island, first amphibious attack made from submarines. 1959 - Adm. Arleigh Burke re-appointed as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for third two-year term, serving longest term as CNO. 1962 - Navy's first hydrofoil patrol craft, USS High Point (PCH 1) launched at Seattle, Wash. -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).