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 NNS130801-17. FY-14 Active-Duty Chief Petty Officer Results Are Out -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75714 NNS130801-03. USS Freedom's "Blue" Crew Arrives in Singapore for Mid-Deployment Crew Swap -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75703 NNS130801-02. Vice Chairman, Service Leaders Weigh In on Sexual Assault -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75701 NNS130801-15. Shore Up Your Ability to Withstand a Hurricane,Typhoon-Be Ready Navy! -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75717 DNU -- Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits 5th Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18713 NNS130801-22. USS Bulkeley, USS San Jacinto Transit Strait of Gibraltar -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75724 NNS130801-25. Director of Navy Nurse Corps Retires During Change of Office Ceremony -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75723 DNU -- Headline for Thursday, August 1, 2013: Military Leaders Discuss SAPR -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18714 NNS130801-16. Navy EOD Showcases Unique Capabilities on Capitol Hill -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75718 NNS130801-10. Members of Congress Visit Inaugural Submarine Force Museum STEM Teacher Fellowship Program -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75712 NNS130801-21. Vouchers Streamline Officer Graduate Education -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75720 NNS130801-12. SUBASE Studies Wind Power to Invest in the Warfighter -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=69960 NNS130801-19. USS Alexandria Welcomes New Commander -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75719 NNS130801-09. Monterey Conducts Exercise with US Air Force -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75710 NNS130801-08. Naval Hospital Jacksonville Recognizes World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75698 NNS130801-05. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Publishes Annual Report on Wounded, Ill and Injured Program -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75705 NNS130801-01. August 1 Marks Start of National Minority Donor Awareness Week -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75699 NNS130731-27. Budget Outlook and Role of Small Business Discussed at Industry Day -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75695 NNS130801-27. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75702 NNS020718-19. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 01 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2623 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=156472 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-17. FY-14 Active-Duty Chief Petty Officer Results Are Out From Defense Media Activity-Navy FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- See the full list of 2014 Chief Petty Officer selectees at: http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/ftrStory.asp?issue=3&id=75706 Congratulations to all selectees. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-03. USS Freedom's "Blue" Crew Arrives in Singapore for Mid-Deployment Crew Swap By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Roger S. Duncan SEMBAWANG, Singapore (NNS) -- USS Freedom's "Blue" Crew arrived in Singapore July 31 to conduct the first crew swap of a littoral combat ship during an overseas deployment. An advance Blue team is already on board Freedom conducting familiarization evolutions at sea. Following nearly five months of extensive training, the Blue Crew is ready and excited to assume the watch and continue Freedom's first deployment to Southeast Asia. They will conduct a turnover of the ship with the embarked "Gold" Crew, who will return to their homeport in San Diego via Navy airlift later this week. "We are very excited to be in Singapore and look forward to turnover with the Gold crew and the opportunity to continue Freedom's first deployment to Southeast Asia," said Blue Crew Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Pat Thien. The Blue Crew will also have an opportunity to explore Singapore on liberty. CDR Thien encouraged his Sailors to enjoy sightseeing in the local area and to conduct themselves as Navy ambassadors. "Positive daily interactions with our Sailors and host nations throughout the region send the right signal," said Thien. USS Freedom's first rotational deployment to Southeast Asia began March 1, when the ship departed San Diego and commenced a Pacific Ocean transit that included port visits in Hawaii, Guam and Manila. Since arriving in Singapore April 18, Freedom has participated in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX), two separate phases of the bilateral naval exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) with Malaysia and Singapore, and hosted thousands of visitors from throughout Southeast Asia. Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures, or anti-submarine warfare. For the second half of the deployment, the Blue Crew will continue to conduct port visits, exercises and exchanges with regional navies in Southeast Asia, including participation in exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) and additional phases of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT). -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-02. Vice Chairman, Service Leaders Weigh In on Sexual Assault By Amaani Lyle, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In remarks kicking off a panel discussion featuring service leaders July 31, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff addressed efforts to eliminate sexual assault in the military. Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. spoke at a Navy Heritage Center Military Women Series event. Though he faces many policy and investment challenges inherent to his job, the vice chairman said, his greatest people concern is the insider threat of sexual assault within the military's ranks. The fallout, according to a recent RAND Corporation report, costs taxpayers some $3.6 billion in victims' medical, legal and mental health services, as it shatters lives and erodes morale. "We're all dedicated to conquering this challenge," Winnefeld said, reaffirming his confidence that the Defense Department will prevail. "We're capable of looking inward and candidly, addressing where we have come up short, whether it's in a training exercise or ... in addressing a cultural problem." But getting the facts right is critical to that success, he said, noting that media reports asserting that a survey of service members indicate that 26,000 sexual assaults take place each year in the U.S. military. "Spoken that way, I think, '26,000 rapes,'" Winnefeld said. "What we're really saying is that we calculate that there may have been 26,000 instances of, or attempts, at unwanted sexual contact." But the admiral added that though reports cross a broad spectrum -- from rape to some form of groping and other transgressions against men and women -- none of that behavior is acceptable in the military. He also addressed the misconception that the military simply doesn't prosecute sexual assault and related crimes. "Of sexual assault reports last year that completed law enforcement investigation, 24 percent were referred to a military court-martial," Winnefeld said. "That compares to only 14 to 18 percent of the sexual assault cases ... prosecuted in civilian jurisdictions, according to the only study we could find on ... those statistics." Winnefeld said while initiatives to expedite investigations and make reporting easier for victims are yielding results, another enduring myth is that sexual assault victims can report an incident only through their chains of command. "There are numerous resources available, first and foremost to provide help ... to a victim, and 10 different avenues for a victim to make a report confidentially or openly, both inside or outside the chain of command," the admiral said. If the victim agrees, he added, the case will be forwarded to military criminal investigators outside the chain of command. Defense Department policy requires commanders in all services at all levels to forward all unrestricted sexual assault allegations to military criminal investigators, the vice chairman noted. "In the last two years, Army commanders exercised jurisdiction in 49 sexual assault cases that independent local civilian authorities had declined to prosecute," the admiral said, adding that there are 44 similar cases in the other services. "You find a very high military conviction rate, most often with confinement and also punitive discharge," he said. Winnefeld said he believes the principal way to combat sexual assault is through deterrence and the message that perpetrators will be caught. "Had these commanders not acted when an independent authority chose not to," he said, "there would be nearly 100 victims out there who would not have had a chance for justice to be served." As Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel prepares to announce a directive with six new executive actions to combat sexual assault, panelists from all of the services described strides already being taken to stamp out the crime. The Army's "multi-imperative" approach includes facets of prevention, investigation, command and climate, and accountability, said Maj. Gen. Thomas C. Seamands, the Army's director of military personnel management. "It's imperative that we hold every individual, every unit, every organization and every commander accountable for their actions, their behavior and their inactions," Seamands said. Resourcing, he added, will be key. "We are in the process of hiring over 900 victim advocates, sexual assault response coordinators and trainers at brigade and equivalent units," the general said. The Army also has hired sexual assault investigators and lab examiners to increase capabilities and strengthen prosecution. The service's sexual assault response coordinator and victim advocate certification course programs, he noted, were recognized as DOD best practices. The Navy has taken an operational and regional approach in its prevention efforts, said Rear Adm. Sean S. Buck, director of the Navy's 21st Century Sailor program. Awareness, Buck said, is a key component of sexual assault prevention efforts. Two recent pilot programs have focused on fleet concentration areas such as San Diego and the Navy's Great Lakes training center in Illinois, where roving barracks patrols increase the visible presence, and community and civic leader engagement efforts are ongoing. "We must continue to be good neighbors and partners in our community and reduce incidents of destructive, and sometimes embarrassing, behavior by encouraging our civilian community partners to help us with situational awareness," the admiral explained. The Navy also has deployed resilience counselors who will provide continuity of care even when a sailor goes to sea. In tackling one of the more reported instances of military sexual assault, Air Force Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward submitted a command-directed investigation of incidents at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in August 2012. Woodward's recommendations became a roadmap to changing basic and technical training instructor vetting processes. But despite what she learned there, Woodward said in last night's discussion, that her recent experience leading the Air Force's sexual assault prevention and response office has given her far greater insight on the complex issue. She now works alongside survivors, and law enforcement and mental health professionals, legal experts and data analysts who help her to better understand the issues and analyze input from airmen. That input, she said, has originated in large part from the Air Force's sexual assault prevention and response blog. Airmen also have responded favorably to the Air Force's special victims counsel program, an independent initiative that ensures no one in a victim's or alleged perpetrator's chain of command will influence their representation. "As of [July 12], 369 victims have requested special victim counsel representation," Woodward said. "We've had a three-fold successful conversion rate, meaning that 36 percent of restricted victims with SVCs convert to unrestricted report status [and] we can take their case to investigation and prosecution, compared to just 13 percent before the SVC program." Similarly, Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Russell A. Sanborn, service member and family program director for his service, said he expects to see an uptick in reporting to about 65 percent, based in part on the Marine Corps' overhaul of its legal response in prosecuting complex sexual assault cases. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-15. Shore Up Your Ability to Withstand a Hurricane,Typhoon-Be Ready Navy! From Commander, Navy Installations Command Ready Navy Program WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Whether serving CONUS or OCONUS, advance notice alone is not enough to protect your family and property during hurricane/typhoon season. You increase your chances through active preparation: being and staying informed, making a plan, and building an emergency supply kit. These steps are applicable whether you are preparing for a hurricane, typhoon, or any hazard. They save lives, property, and time when seconds count in a mandated evacuation and when sheltering at home. Read on, shore up your ability to withstand a hurricane/typhoon, and Be Ready Navy! The terms "hurricane" and "typhoon" are regionally specific names for a strong "tropical cyclone." These low-pressure systems, which originate in the tropics, bring violent winds, torrential rains, storm surges, and flooding. A hurricane is a tropical cyclone in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Northeast Pacific Ocean, east of the dateline, or the South Pacific Ocean east of 160E. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, with the peak season from mid-August to late October. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season begins May 15 and ends Nov. 30. A typhoon is a tropical cyclone in the Northwest Pacific Ocean west of the International Date Line with sustained winds of (or those that exceed) 74 mph. While typhoons can happen at any time of year, the season typically runs from July 1 to Sept. 30. Be/Stay Informed The following are some resources to find tips and information to be and stay informed before, during, and after a hurricane/typhoon. * Ready Navy-http://www.ready.navy.mil * NAF Atsugi, Japan's List of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)-http://www.cni.navy.mil/navycni/groups/public/documents/document/cnicp_a229419.pdf. * NOAA's National Hurricane Center-http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/ * Department of Homeland Security (Ready.gov) & FEMA-www.ready.gov/hurricanes * Local TV and radio stations Make a Plan Every member of the family should understand what to do, where to go, how to communicate with each other, and what to take if a hurricane is predicted in your area. Be sure to learn and include community evacuation routes and an out-of-town contact everyone can call if separated. Plan how you will protect your property and home, giving yourself plenty of time to finish before the storm. Build an Emergency Supply Kit Together make a portable kit with enough water, non-perishable food, medicine, and supplies for every family member to survive at least three days. Include a battery or crank powered all-weather radio, extra batteries, and cash in case power goes out. Last, but not least, follow the direction of emergency management and local authorities. Never ignore an evacuation order. If told to evacuate, do it immediately and take only essential items and your emergency kit; disconnect all appliances; and turn off gas, electricity, and water. Be Hurricane/Tsunami Ready! For more information on how to prepare for a hurricane/typhoon, visit http://www.ready.navy.mil/BeInformed/NaturalHazards/Hurricane/index.htm. For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-22. USS Bulkeley, USS San Jacinto Transit Strait of Gibraltar By By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Shane A. Jackson, Carrier Strike Group 10 Public Affairs MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) transited safely through the Strait of Gibraltar to enter the Mediterranean Sea July 31. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow transit which separates Europe and Africa by seven miles at its most narrow point, connecting the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. The strait routinely accommodates a significant amount of commercial traffic. "It was a full pilot house but the conning officer and officer of the deck handled the traffic well, operating the maneuvering boards," said Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) Carlos Ruben Gonzalez, a Bulkeley Sailor. Bulkeley and San Jacinto encountered higher than normal winds while approaching the strait but were not overly affected by them. "I've been through the strait about a dozen times now and it's usually calmer, but the approach was windier than usual", said Cdr. Matthew Phillips, commanding officer, USS Bulkeley. "Even with the winds, the bridge team handled it very well and divided up their duties responsibly." Bulkeley and San Jacinto are underway as part of Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG). Upon completing their time in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR), both ships will transit to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR to conduct maritime security operations and to support theater security cooperation efforts. HST CSG also includes guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64), guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 and its squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls," and VFA-105 "Gunslingers;" Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 312 "Checkerboards;" Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 "Seahawks;" Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 "Zappers;" Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 "Dusty Dogs;" Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 "Swamp Foxes;" embarked 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff and Military Sealift Command, fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8). For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-25. Director of Navy Nurse Corps Retires During Change of Office Ceremony By Valerie A. Kremer, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The director of the Navy Nurse Corps and deputy chief, Wounded, Ill, and Injured, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, retired after 32 years of service during a change of office ceremony held at the Women in Service Memorial, Aug. 1. Rear Adm. Elizabeth Niemyer was relieved by Rear Adm. Rebecca McCormick-Boyle, chief of staff, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, and acting director, Navy Nurse Corps, during the ceremony. "Today we signify the celebration of a career and a Corps," said Vice Adm. Matthew Nathan, U.S. Navy surgeon general and chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, who was the officiating officer during the ceremony. "Admiral Niemyer, on behalf of all the Sailors whose lives youfve touched before and whose lives will be touched because of your efforts in the future, I thank you for what youfve done and the difference you have made. It has been a privilege and honor to serve with you." During his remarks, Nathan also added the importance of care Navy nurses provide to their patients, which gives them hope, and adds to the Corpsf legacy. "If you are severely wounded, anywhere in the world, as you wake up and see a Navy nurse over you tending to your wounds, spirit and pain, all of a sudden you feel confidence and your hope is restored that you are going to make it through," said Nathan. "That is the legacy that the first nurses in the Navy in the 1800s to the Sacred Twenty to the nurses today bring to the game and now you bring your leadership and vision as well as the strategic team that guides us." During the ceremony, Niemyer, an Annapolis, Md. native, highlighted lessons learned throughout her career and several tours of duty around the globe. "Being the director of the Navy Nurse Corps was like a coming home for me," said Niemyer. "I am delighted to turn the Nurse Corps over to Rear Adm. McCormick-Boyle. She is ready to take the mantle and lead the Nurse Corps of the future." Niemyer was presented several letters of appreciation, during the ceremony, for her dedication and sacrifice over the past 32 years of service. "I have had a blessed career," said Niemyer. "It is because of the outstanding officers, the enlisted and civilian staffs whom I have been privileged to work with. It is because of the love and support of my family that I have flourished. To all those who continue, I wish you fair winds and following seas." In her distinguished career, Niemyer has held numerous clinical nursing and nursing leadership positions at National Naval Medical Center (NNMC), Bethesda, Md., Naval Medical Clinic Quantico, Va., and Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Calif., as well as risk manager at Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan. As a senior executive, Niemyer held the position of director, managed care, NNMC; executive officer and commanding officer, Naval Hospital Rota, Spain; executive director, Tricare Area Office Europe, and deputy chief for operations, BUMED, among others. As the acting director of the Nurse Corps, McCormick-Boyle addressed the distinguished guests in her new position. "It is an honor and privilege to serve as the Navy Nurse Corpsfs acting director," said McCormick-Boyle. "Admiral Niemyer, over the past three years, you have led us with grace, determination and purpose to care worldwide, anytime, anywhere. Navy Nurses have and continue to care with tremendous distinction and profound commitment on the battlefield, on ships, in operating rooms, clinics, labs, and classrooms, the list goes on. I am so grateful to be a Navy nurse and the privilege to follow in your footsteps and the path you have set forth." Navy Medicine is a global health care network of more than 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield. For more news from Navy Medicine, visit www.navy.mil/local/mednews/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-16. Navy EOD Showcases Unique Capabilities on Capitol Hill By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Randy Savarese, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians showcased the Navy EOD's unique equipment and capabilities during the Congressional EOD Caucus's "Day on the Hill" at the U.S. House of Representatives, July 31. The day's event was an open invitation to lawmakers in the capitol to become more knowledgeable of the people and equipment behind the EOD missions carried out every day around the world. Eight Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 2, EODMU 6, EODMU 12 and technicians from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head EOD Technology Division brought gear to highlight Navy EOD's maritime role, such as mine countermeasures and dive capabilities, which sets it apart from the other services. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Wesley Cody and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Steve Rivers, both from EODMU 12, shared their knowledge to U.S. Representatives and congressional staffers by demonstrating equipment including gear similar to what they used during a recent deployment to Afghanistan. "Our guys can live and thrive in any environment, we can integrate with any service or operate independently whether we're in the water, in the air or on the ground," said Rivers. During his deployment, River's platoon spent nine months without having anyone injured in an IED strike, an unfortunately rare event for those working downrange. They covered more than 500 kilometers in that time period and cleared 93 IEDs. Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Jeremy Lindquist, assigned to EODMU 2, supports special operation forces and recently returned from his 10th deployment. "We're really the only EOD service that can fully support all the forces because we're the only one as a community have jump, free fall, fast roping and dive qualifications," said Lindquist. "We're the primary EOD special operations forces support for the Army and the Navy, and we're the only EOD force that has any underwater capabilities." Navy EOD technicians also gave a hands-on opportunity for everyone to interact with their gear which included a Mk. 16 mixed-gas diving rig, SeaBotix underwater rover, and a Mk. 12 acoustic firing system. U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford, co-chair of the Congressional EOD Caucus and a former Army EOD technician, spoke with Navy EOD techs and offered words of praise to EOD Group (EODGRU) 2 for their contributions after recently returning from Afghanistan leading Combined Joint Task Force (CJTF) Paladin and working alongside other EOD services. "I think that anytime you can have the level of success that they've had, and this underscores the joint nature of these operations over there, I just say congratulations," said Crawford. "[EOD] Group 2 has done great work and I'm sure they will continue to do great work." CJTF Paladin is responsible for all Counter-Improvised Explosive Device operations, training, evidence collection and analysis in Afghanistan. EODGRU 2, headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, oversees all east coast based Navy EOD mobile units, including one forward deployed mobile unit in Spain, as well as EOD Expeditionary Support Unit 2, EOD Operational Support Unit 10, EOD Training and Evaluation Unit 2, and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2. U.S. Navy EOD is the world's premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage. For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-10. Members of Congress Visit Inaugural Submarine Force Museum STEM Teacher Fellowship Program By Lt. j.g. Phillip A. Chitty, Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Leadership from Naval Submarine Base New London and the Submarine Force Library and Museum hosted two members of Congress in a visit to the museum's first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Teacher Fellowship program, July 26. U.S. Reps. Joe Courtney and Elizabeth Esty joined Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) commanding officer, Capt. Carl Lahti, and Historic Ship Nautilus and Submarine Force Library and Museum officer in charge, Lt. Cmdr. Ben Amdur, in meeting program coordinators and the four southeastern Connecticut teachers selected as fellows. "This program represents electricity," said Courtney. "It will spark teachers to connect students to the material and enhance their knowledge of STEM-related subjects by practical and engaging lesson plans." The Submarine Force Library and Museum partnered with the Naval Historical Foundation (NHC) in establishing this inaugural "submarine immersion" experience taking place July 22 through Aug. 2. The Groton program is an export of the Foundation's successful STEM Teacher Fellowships conducted the past two years at the National Museum of the United States Navy's Cold War Gallery. So far, the local teachers not only toured Historic Ship Nautilus, the world's first nuclear powered submarine which is a central exhibit at the museum, but also USS Annapolis (SSN 760), a fast-attack submarine homeported at the base. Through these tours and study of museum exhibits as well as through on-going, in-depth discussions of the basic science and mathematics inherent in submarine technology, the teacher fellows are developing standards-based lesson plans in their subject areas. It has been a complete success according to NHC education coordinator, retired Navy Capt. John Paulson. "We've given the teachers an in-depth understanding of the technology and the progression of technology aboard submarines," said Paulson. "Their brains are full of Navy information, and now they're working hard to correlate that into lesson plans for their students." Executing those plans may offer opportunities for teachers to engage students beyond the classroom according to Esty; visits and interactions with local museums, such as Historic Ship Nautilus and the Submarine Force Library and Museum, and local military installations, such as SUBASE, could inspire students to pursue higher learning and careers in STEM related fields. "We need to have experiential learning in our students' curriculum," said Esty. "Our science museums and military installations are great opportunities for children to learn because they can talk to professionals in the field, which is much more persuasive." For Lahti, the professionals as well as the field are becoming even more technical, and thus, STEM education is becoming even more important. "Every job these days is technical, even blue collar occupations. For example, the base's crane operators have to be able to think in three dimensions, even though a college education is not required. In the same way, the base needs technically qualified Sailors to work on submarines," said Lahti. "Connecticut needs local children to envision themselves working in the technical industry to help fulfill the need, and the STEM fellowship is a way to enrich the curriculum and connect students to the area." Teacher Fellow Stacy Haines, a mathematics teacher at New London High School, agrees. The STEM fellowship represents a new way to pique students' interest in local STEM industries, like the Navy. "If they immersed me in this program when I was in High School, I would have joined the Navy," said Haines. "I found this entire week to be amazing. Everything we've done here has been so exciting." Other local teachers participating in the program include: Ted Allen, an eighth grade science teacher at Ledyard Middle School; Larry Chapman, a technology education teacher at Old Saybrook High School; and Greg Felber, a mathematics teacher at Ledyard Middle School, also certified in history and social studies. Completed work of STEM Teacher Fellows from 2011 and 2012 is available at www.usnavymuseum.org/Education.asp. For more news from Naval Submarine Base New London, visit www.navy.mil/local/subasenlon/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-21. Vouchers Streamline Officer Graduate Education By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Naval officers unable to pursue full-time graduate studies have an additional education option with the FY-14 Graduate Education Voucher (GEV) program, announced July 26. Detailed in Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 185/13, the GEV program offers eligible officers the opportunity to receive funded graduate education during off-duty hours. Through GEV, unrestricted line (URL) officers can apply to receive funding for Navy-relevant graduate education meeting the requirements of at least one subspecialty code as specified by the Navy Subspecialty System. "Many officers find it difficult to maintain career progression and simultaneously schedule full-time education at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), Naval War College or other institutions," said Cheral Wintling, Graduate Education coordinator for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). "The GEV program offers a streamlined path to an off-duty master's degree with financial support of up to $20,000 per fiscal year, with a total limit of $40,000 for the entire course of study." All required fees normally charged by the university relating directly to student application and enrollment, including mandatory health fees and health insurance, laboratory fees, vehicle registration and identification cards, and computer fees are reimbursable. Other reimbursable expenses include the cost of textbooks and course materials, and limited expenditures for transcript and entry fees, and final thesis production. Lt. Gary Redman, a E-2C Hawkeye weapons and tactics instructor at the Airborne Command Control and Logistics Weapons School in Norfolk is a current GEV participant pursuing his Master of Science in Systems Engineering with George Washington University satellite campus in Newport News, Va. "This degree will give me flexibility both inside and outside the Navy, as it helps me understand the technical aspects of research and development, including contracting and future technology," said Redman. "The GEV allows you to choose your school, on your own time. The instructors understand that you're working full-time and structure their assignments accordingly." GEV applicants select a regionally accredited school and choose a specific course of study meeting community subspecialty requirements. The education plan is reviewed and approved for the Navy subspecialty code by NPS. The GEV program is targeted at officers with demonstrated superior performance and upward career mobility who are transferring or have recently reported to shore duty, in order to allow sufficient time for completion of a graduate program. The GEV program is open to URL active-duty list officers in paygrades O-3 through O-5, in designators 111X, 112X, 113X, 114X, 131X and 132X. There are 130 planned quotas available for FY14 as follows: Surface Warfare - 44; Submarine - 34; Aviation - 49; Special Warfare/Special Operations - 3. Quotas by degree program and warfare areas are available in NAVADMIN 185/13, and additional information can be found on the Navy College Program's GEV Web page at: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/gev/gev_general.aspx. Some restrictions apply and enrollment in the program carries a service obligation of three times the number of months of education completed, with a minimum of 24, and a maximum of 36 months obligation. Officers completing a degree using GEV should expect to serve one tour in a subspecialty billet not later than the second tour following graduation. OPNAVINST 1520.37B contains additional information on specific program requirements. Interested officers should submit written requests to their detailer, per the NAVADMIN and OPNAV instruction. For ships at sea, applications via naval message containing the required information will be accepted. Program-specific GEV questions should be addressed to Marjoriette Dilworth at 850-473-6064, DSN: 753 or via e-mail at: marjoriette.dilworth@navy.mil. For those not qualifying for the GEV program, educational assistance may be available through the Tuition Assistance program, G.I. Bill or other graduate education programs, as listed on the Navy College Web site at https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/. For more information about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.navy.mil and www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-12. SUBASE Studies Wind Power to Invest in the Warfighter By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Gabriel Bevan, Naval Submarine Base New London Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- October is Energy Awareness Month for the Navy, and at Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE), employing energy conservation as a means of reducing shore infrastructure costs to invest more in support of the warfighter, is in full swing. In concert with many other clean energy programs, the SUBASE Public Works Department and the base detachment of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic team are looking into capturing the power of wind as a method of promoting clean energy and energy independence. The department recently installed a 193 foot wind survey tower in Polaris Park, located in the Balfour Beatty Housing Community, which will be used to study the amount of wind that gusts along the Thames River and may be a potential power source in the future. "The tower will be up for at least a year to study wind patterns and the average velocity of wind in the area in order to determine if a utility size wind turbine would benefit the base," said Bill Jankowski, energy manager at SUBASE Public Works Department. "If feasible, this would be a good deal for the Navy and a good deal for taxpayers." Electricity is the most expensive form of power that is purchased by the base according to an EPA study; SUBASE spent $10,864,429 on electric power in Fiscal Year 2011. Jankowski said having a wind turbine would help to curtail those costs. He estimates that one utility size wind turbine would output an average of two to five megawatts of power a year. Not including the shore power used to support submarines tied up to the piers, SUBASE commands use an average of 10 megawatts per year, so a turbine could make an impact of 20 to 50 percent. "It's all about reducing the operating costs of shore operations," said Jankowski. "Energy efficiency and reducing our environmental footprint are big priorities for the Navy." The Navy has set aggressive goals to reduce overall energy consumption by 30 percent by 2015, and SUBASE and Jankowski's team are committed to contributing to those goals. The Navy has outlined a shore energy program that will increase the Navy's energy security and comply with federal energy mandates by pursuing energy efficiency first, integrating viable renewable energy technology and transforming the service's energy culture and behavior. Through cooperation and collaboration, Jankowski believes the SUBASE community can make a significant impact on the nation's energy security. "When we are able to reduce costs ashore we can spend more of that money on our forces at sea and better support our warfighting abilities," said Jankowski. At a GreenGov Symposium in Washington, D.C., Secretary of the Navy Ray Maybus remarked about the direction the Navy is going with energy independence and how this will enhance the overall capabilities of the service. "We are pursuing energy alternatives that will increase our energy security and make the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps more flexible and better warfighters," said Mabus. Through this lens, Jankowski is positive that Energy Awareness is an opportunity to enhance SUBASE's primary mission of training Submariners and sending ships to sea. But just as a submarine doesn't truly come alive until a well-trained crew is aboard, SUBASE's energy program relies on an observant population on base to make a difference, said Jankowski. He and other members of the SUBASE energy conservation team will be working hard this month to remind all base personnel that making SUBASE Energy Smart cannot happen without an all-hands effort. "Check the lights and power strips before you leave, and pick up a sweater," Jankowski urged. For more news from Naval Submarine Base New London, visit www.navy.mil/local/subasenlon/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-19. USS Alexandria Welcomes New Commander By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW) Jason J. Perry, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Alexandria (SSN 757) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., Aug. 1. Cmdr. Bret M. Grabbe relieved Cmdr. Todd S. Weeks during the ceremony. The keynote speaker, Capt. Vern Parks, commander, Submarine Development Squadron 12, praised Weeks for his successful tour. "Under Cmdr. Todd Weeks' leadership, Alexandria's contributions to the defense of our nation have been profound and immeasurable," said Parks. "Performance like this is the true measure of success of command-at-sea, and I couldn't be more proud of Todd and his team. They are shining examples of the strength of our Navy." Weeks was recognized for successfully leading Alexandria through a deployment to European and African regions. The boat returned from its most recent deployment in April. During his ceremony remarks, Weeks acknowledged the close bond he shared with his crew. "This collection of men is not just a military unit or simply a crew of warriors," he said. "It is a family." Under Weeks' leadership, Alexandria was recognized for numerous achievements. It earned the 2011 Tactical "T" for tactical proficiency and the Deck "D" award, which recognizes the best deck departments among boats on the Groton waterfront. Weeks, a 1993 U.S. Naval Academy graduate, will serve as deputy chief of staff at U.S. Fleet Forces Command headquartered in Norfolk. Prior to reporting to Alexandria, Grabbe earned his master's degree at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. He received his officer commission in 1996 through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Fla. Grabbe expressed excitement about joining the Alexandria team. "Taking command is an opportunity; an opportunity to lead, to teach and to mentor," said Grabbe. "I look forward to this opportunity and I look forward to becoming a part of the Alexandria family and the challenges and victories we will celebrate together." Alexandria was commissioned June 29, 1991. It is the third Navy vessel to bear the name of cities in both Virginia and Louisiana. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-09. Monterey Conducts Exercise with US Air Force By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Billy Ho, USS Nimitz Public Affairs USS MONTEREY, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) conducted an air operations for maritime surface warfare exercise in the Arabian Gulf, July 17. The exercise was a joint operation between Monterey and aircraft from U.S. Air Force, Central Command. "This was an excellent opportunity for Monterey to improve interoperability with U.S. Air Force assets deployed to the Central Command area of responsibility," said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Watts, the ship's operations officer. "It also allowed Monterey to practice joint tactics, techniques, and procedures in the dynamic maritime environment." Monterey launched two rigid-hull inflatable boats to simulate small boat threats that were detected by an Air Force E-8 Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft. Two U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft were then directed to investigate, identify, target, and destroy the targets. Monterey and the JSTARS aircraft took turns controlling and directing the Strike Eagles while practicing joint procedures to defend Monterey from small craft attack. "It was a very successful exercise," said Watts. "Both Monterey and U.S. Air Force participants met or exceeded all training objectives. This exercise improves our ability to operate more effectively and efficiently with joint partners in the region." The two-hour exercise concluded with a fly-by of Monterey after the F-15E Strike Eagles had eliminated all simulated targets during multiple inbound runs. Monterey is currently deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-08. Naval Hospital Jacksonville Recognizes World Breastfeeding Week August 1-7 By Yan Kennon, Naval Hospital Jacksonville Public Affairs JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- As the only hospital in northeast Florida certified as Baby Friendly by the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund, Naval Hospital (NH) Jacksonville recognizes World Breastfeeding Week Aug. 1-7. This year's World Breastfeeding Week theme "Breastfeeding Support: Close to Mothers" stresses the need to provide support to mothers so they can initiate, establish and maintain proper breastfeeding practices. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics Journal, infant mortality is reduced by 21 percent among breastfed babies in the U.S. Two to three babies born each day at NH Jacksonville, about 90 percent are breastfed when they leave-compared to a national breastfeeding rate of about 75 percent. Other benefits to baby of mother's milk include less ear infections, diarrhea, respiratory infections, asthma, diabetes, obesity, childhood leukemia and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Benefits for mom include less postpartum depression, diabetes, and breast and ovarian cancer. "Proper breastfeeding offers health benefits for both the mother and child, while relieving some of the financial pressures associated with baby formula and medical care," said NH Jacksonville Commanding Officer Capt. Gayle Shaffer. "We're commited to supporting new parents and reducing childhood illnesses, as evidenced by the command's Baby Friendly certification." NH Jacksonville is currently one of 166 Baby Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the U.S. The Baby Friendly designation is awarded after a rigorous on-site survey is completed, and maintained by continuing to practice 10 crucial program elements. The comprehensive program includes initiating breastfeeding in the first hour of life, "rooming-in" with moms and babies in the same room, educating staff and patients, and fostering breastfeeding support groups. "Baby Friendly certification is all about reducing infant mortality," said Heather Huffman, chair of the Northeast Florida Breastfeeding Collaborative. "Naval Hospital Jacksonville and other hospitals like it across the nation are doing their part to promote healthier babies." Throughout the year, NH Jacksonville offers a wide range of classes free-of-charge to patients giving birth at its hospital-including baby boot camp, new parent orientation, prenatal exercise, hypnobirthing, infant massage, breastfeeding and prepared childbirth. Plus, the hospital's private labor/delivery and maternal/infant suites offer couplet care (with mom and baby rooming together), breast pumps, breastfeeding counseling from lactation nurses, "siesta for the fiesta" daily quiet time to support feeding, newborn hearing screening, and an educational "newborn channel" on television. Fathers are welcome to stay the night and visiting hours are around-the-clock. NH Jacksonville patients can register for free classes by calling 904-542-2229 (BABY). NH Jacksonville's priority since its founding in 1941 is to heal the nation's heroes and their families. The command is comprised of the Navy's fourth largest hospital and five branch health clinics across Florida and Georgia. Of its patient population-about 163,000 active and retired sailors, soldiers, Marines, airmen, guardsmen and their families-more than 57,000 are enrolled with a primary care manager at one of its facilities. For more information, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/NavalHospitalJax or www.navy.mil/local/nhjax/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-05. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Publishes Annual Report on Wounded, Ill and Injured Program From Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) announced Aug. 1 the release of its 2012 Annual Report describing how analysis, surveillance and health outreach capabilities meet the public health needs of Wounded, Ill and Injured (WII) service members. The NMCPHC WII Project 2012 Annual Report demonstrates the impact of the WII program and its value to Navy Medicine and our operational forces. The products and services resulting from these projects provide evidence-based insights that drive decisions in the care and treatment of WII service members and their families. The 2012 report features the WII Program's participation in Navy suicide case reviews, evaluation of WII services across Navy Medicine, and development of the Navy's first Periodic Occupational and Environmental Monitoring Summary (POEMS) as well as many other accomplishments. "Our products and services are critical to addressing the healthcare needs of our WII Sailors and Marines. The annual report demonstrates how the WII Program allows health practitioners and operational commanders to make evidence-based decisions that optimize health protection and prevention efforts and enhance military readiness," said Bill Calvert, director for Population Health at NMCPHC. NMCPHC played a key role in Navy suicide case reviews, delivering comprehensive medical data to identify risk factors and suicide prevention strategies. The team participated in the 2012 Navy Surgeon General Suicide Case Review to identify patterns, evaluate existing programs, determine potential intervention points and assess data quality. The Chief of Naval Operations, the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and the Navy Surgeon General received the final report with recommendations for improving suicide prevention efforts and the Navy Surgeon shared the key findings with all commanding officers and executive officers across Navy Medicine. In addition, the group led the suicide case reviews for the Chief of Naval Operations 135 and the Chief of Naval Air Training, deriving 18 evidence-based recommendations to minimize stressors and improve suicide prevention efforts. The NMCPHC WII Program also generated analytic statistical reports to assess healthcare outcomes, estimate healthcare demands and inform resource allocation for the WII population. The Program evaluated the study methodology and clinical health outcomes for WII projects throughout Navy Medicine to determine the effectiveness and cost efficiency of programs. These reports enabled operational commanders and healthcare providers to make data-driven decisions on policies and practices that help treat and prevent deployment-related illnesses and injuries. In 2012, NMCPHC created the Navy's first POEMS for Camp Lemonier, Djibouti to quantify the health risks associated with environmental stressors and exposures during deployment. The team established a repeatable methodology to evaluate data collected from site assessments, environmental samples and health care encounters and provide health risk assessments for other operating locations. These POEMS will improve health screening surveillance and readiness while decreasing the likelihood of present and future illness for service members stationed at these sites. The NMCPHC WII Program focuses on health analysis, epidemiological surveillance, health promotion, health hazard assessments and entomological studies to provide a comprehensive examination of the public health needs of WII service members. These projects collectively bring great value to Navy Medicine public health initiatives through data-driven, evidence-based population health analyses, practices and outreach programs. NMCPHC is part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield. Follow the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center on Facebook for the latest news and updates on health promotion and wellness. For more information about the NMCPHC WII Program, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/wounded-ill-and-injured. For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcphc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130801-01. August 1 Marks Start of National Minority Donor Awareness Week By Sharon Renee Taylor, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Public Affairs BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Observed during the first week of August, National Minority Donor Awareness Week calls attention to the urgent need for registered organ, eye and tissues donors from minority populations. There are approximately 119,000 individuals awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In the U.S., 18 people die every day due to the lack of available organs for transplant as the wait list continues to grow. People of all ages, races and ethnicities can save and enhance lives by donating their organs, eyes and tissues, according to the HHS. National Minority Donor Awareness Week is a time to thank organ, eye, and tissue donors from all backgrounds - for the lives they have saved, according to Lt. Col. (Dr.) Shane Ottman, chief of the transplant service at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). "Every 11 minutes, another name is added to the national transplant waiting list," said John Ogden, the public affairs and community education manager for the Washington Regional Transplant Consortium (WRTC). The organ most desperately needed is kidneys, 96,806 individuals need kidney transplants but only 45 percent of adults have registered as organ, eye and tissue donors, Ogden said. One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of many more. "Organ donation is most desperately needed among African Americans - while they make up roughly 12 percent of the United States population, African Americans make up nearly 30 percent of the national waiting list for a transplant," Ogden said. According to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, 35,212 African Americans wait on a kidney transplant list while 21,745 waiting are Hispanic/Latino; 7,939 Asian; 1,215 American Indian/Alaska Native; 585 Pacific Islander and 560 multiracial. "We obviously need more donors in general and need to encourage all groups to donate," Ottman said. According to HHS, African Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, as well as Hispanics/Latinos are three times more likely than Caucasians to suffer from end-stage renal (kidney) disease, often as the result of high blood pressure and other conditions that can damage the kidneys. There are several myths that prevent individuals from donating organs to others. Mistrust of doctors and nurses is "the biggest myth that we face," Ogden said. Those who don't donate sometimes believe doctors will let them die on the table to take their organs, he said. "Doctors and nurses are first and foremost trying to save your life," said the community education manager. Ottman agreed. "Our goal is to help as many people as possible and increasing the donor pool would be one way to do this," the transplant surgeon said. Another organ donation myth is tied to the subject of religion, said retired Marine Sgt. Maj. Lorin Rhaney, 65, a licensed minister and kidney transplant recipient, who is African American. "They believe if you give an organ, you can't get into heaven because you're not going whole, and of course that's not true," said Rhaney. "Donating an organ can be a blessing to someone else but also to yourself, in the fact that you've given something that will give life, or prolong the life of someone else who's not as fortunate. Education is the key to that." Diagnosed with renal cancer, doctors removed Rhaney's left kidney. With his remaining kidney operating below three percent, the retired Marine underwent dialysis three times a week for four hours a day for about a year. He needed a transplant. His daughter, Sonja Gomez, 43, the mother of two in Colorado, called her dad and offered him one of hers. "Initially I felt overwhelmed because it is a sacrifice but it also made me feel really loved," Rhaney said. In September 2009, transplant surgeons at the former Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) performed the donor-recipient surgeries. "The transplant kidney is working beautifully, no issues," he said. "We named our kidneys, S1 and S2. Hers is S1, mine is S2. I must've thanked her eight million times, and I still do." Gomez said she was grateful for the opportunity to help her dad. Twelve years earlier, after a move from California in 1997, she registered to become an organ donor when she renewed her driver's license. With a multiracial heritage of French, Irish, English, African American and Sioux Indian, Gomez encourages other minorities to consider live organ donation. "We push the [idea] of donation when we die, but we never talk about live donors," Gomez said. "There are so many people that need a kidney, and we can function off of one kidney. We can function off a certain percentage of our kidney and be a healthy person." She said her dad wouldn't have even thought to ask one of his children to donate. "I didn't give him a chance ... I just came out and said, 'Let me do it.'" Gomez said doctors ran many tests to determine she would be able to donate a kidney to her father. Her recommendation to individuals in need of an organ donation: ask your relatives, ask your friends, ask everyone you know to register to become an organ donor. Ogden said you can register to become an organ donor when you renew your driver's license, or online through a state registry. Go to www.organdonor.gov to find one. If you're interested in helping with minority outreach efforts in the District of Columbia, Md. or Va., contact WRTC at 703-641-0100. For more news from National Naval Medical Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nnmc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130731-27. Budget Outlook and Role of Small Business Discussed at Industry Day By Tina C. Stillions, SPAWAR Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) leadership gathered at a National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) sponsored Industry Day July 30 to discuss the organization's budget outlook and the role of small business. The event covered a range of topics, including SPAWAR's current fiscal environment and associated budgeting challenges; the importance of implementing information technology technical authority in the acquisition process; and procurement forecasting for small business. SPAWAR Comptroller, Steve Dunn discussed how sequestration, furloughs, the 7.8 percent reduction to all accounts last year, and another 10 percent anticipated in outlying years, would have a significant impact on the command's ability to deliver capability to the warfighter. "There's a long path between coming up with the genius perfect mouse trap idea and actually getting that into the defense planning guidance and all the way through to the point of execution," said Dunn. "There are lots of hurdles and steps along the way, and lots of hair growing opportunities for mistakes, largely due to the government enterprise now having to go after the same pot of money." Dunn discussed the historical trending of fiscal budgets and planning, highlighting how the Budget Control Act and sequestration have impacted and influenced the organization's budget processes and will cause draconian drop offs in the future. As an acquisition command, SPAWAR is transitioning to modernization and sustainment, while funding for research and development continue to decline. The command drives $10 billion worth of business annually into the economy. The fastest growing piece of the SPAWAR puzzle is in the Information Dominance arena including hardware buys and installs of significant Navy modernization programs such as the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) and the Next Generation Enterprise Network (NGEN). SPAWAR Chief Engineer, Rear Adm. James H. Rodman, Jr. discussed SPAWAR's roles as the Information Dominance systems command and the Navy's IT technical authority lead. He reiterated the importance of small business in supporting that vision. "Fifty-seven percent of our contracts in the chief engineer's office have small business interests," said Rodman. "I'm working with our small business team to make our systems more robust and the Navy is putting its money where its mouth is to help facilitate our efforts." Rodman said that SPAWAR will need small businesses with expertise in experimentation and systems engineering support; modeling and simulation; analytical work; human systems interface and engineering; test and evaluation; and information assurance certification. "There has to be one organization that oversees the process for technical authority because information technology requires technical authority," said Rodman. "As the technical authority for the Navy, we are expanding our arms around the processes so that they are centrally managed, because we have very complex platforms, many of them with stove-piped systems that are wired together and are hard to defend and mature." The interaction between industry and SPAWAR senior leaders facilitated in depth and lively discussions between members from across the organization and audience attendees on topics such as the organization's functioning under sequestration and some of the difficulties associated with furloughs to contracting and business opportunities for small business owners or sub-contractors working under primes. Tim Dowd, director of contracts at SPAWAR, said the organization hit its targets last year. He identified better competition and hitting small business goals as important targets for the command. Dowd said the simplified acquisition procurement has been the so-called sweet spot for small business at SPAWAR. "With budget cuts, it's going to be a little tougher in the outlying years," said Dowd. "At SPAWAR Headquarters, we look at contracts that are sustaining direct support to the organization." Though he conceded the command needs to work harder on market research, the organization plan is to maximize set a sides for multiple award contracts and continue to facilitate opportunities for small businesses. Though the shadow of sequestration and another round of budget cuts in the coming fiscal year hovered over much of the Industry Day, the event was well-attended and provided insight into the SPAWAR budget process and acquisition trends. "Other than the budget mess, I'm feeling pretty good," said Dowd, lightening the mood. "We finally got NGEN and CANES awarded and went through contract services court with the VCNO. I'd have to say, I studied harder for contract services court than I ever did studying for the bar exam." The NDIA sponsored Industry Day was established to engage industry and government at the executive level. With years of combined federal acquisition and defense industry experience, the panels were developed to facilitate an open and strong dialog between SPAWAR and the San Diego defense industry community and provide information on acquisition and small business development processes. As the Navy's Information Dominance systems command, SPAWAR designs, develops and deploys advanced communications and information capabilities. With more than 8,600 active duty military and civil service professionals located around the world, the organization is at the forefront of research, engineering, acquisition and support services that provide vital decision superiority to the fleet. NNS130801-27. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features two newscasts today - two one-minute newscasts. First one-minute newscast- - Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits 5th Fleet http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18713 http://youtu.be/OrCt_C0c_BA Second one-minute newscast - - Headline for Thursday, August 1, 2013: Military Leaders Discuss SAPR http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18714 http://youtu.be/QuHYtMmijas Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS020718-19. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 01 From the Navy News Service 1801 - U.S. schooner Enterprise captures Tripolitan ship Tripoli. 1921 - Successful tests of gyroscopic high level bombsight (Norden Bombsight) at Torpedo Station, Yorktown, Va. Carl Norden developed the bombsight for the Bureau of Ordnance. 1946 - Office of Naval Research established. 1950 - Control of Guam transferred to Department of Interior. 1958 - USS Nautilus (SSN 571) submerges under Arctic ice cap near Point Barrow. -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).