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 NNS130823-10. Stennis and Regional Sailors Attend CSADD Meeting with VCNO -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76120 NNS130823-15. George Washington Carrier Strike Group Strengthens Australian Alliance during First half of 2013 Patrol -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76117 DNU -- USS George Washington Conducts Fly-off of Carrier Air Wing 5 -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18782 NNS130823-04. Carrier Air Wing 5 Departs George Washington -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76115 NNS130823-01. USS Tortuga, USS Ashland Hold Hull-Swap Ceremony -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76118 NNS130823-16. Coastal Riverine Squadron 8 Conducts Field Exercises at NAVSTA Newport -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76134 NNS130823-23. Sailors, Families...Are You Ready Navy or Not? -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76140 NNS130823-27. ADTT, Keeping TR Sailors Prepared -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76143 NNS130823-14. Fleet Engagement Team Brief Pensacola Area Mustangs -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76132 NNS130823-11. Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Nauticus Host 13th Annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76129 NNS130823-20. Naval War College Kicks Off New Academic Year -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76138 NNS130823-21. RTC Receives 2013 Sloan Award -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76136 NNS130823-02. NEX Guam Receives Bingham Award for FY12 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76119 NNS130823-19. Harward Receives Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76139 NNS130823-07. NMCB 3 Assumes Charge of Pacific Region NCF Operations -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76123 NNS130823-05. George Washington Celebrates 101st Dental Corps Birthday -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76116 NNS130823-22. Lincoln Celebrates 101st Dental Corps Birthday -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76126 DNU -- Watch a tutorial on how to output great looking video files with small file sizes. Training on how to submit HD video to CHINFO or DMA via internet. View or Download. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18778 DNU -- Navy Divers Find and Salvage Downed F-16C Aircraft -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18779 DNU -- Headlines for Friday, August 23, 2013: SECNAV Concludes Multi-Nation Visit; Navy Housing Gears Up for Annual Housing Survey -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18780 DNU -- All Hands Magazine Online Launches Archive -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18781 NNS130823-17. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76135 NNS020718-37. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 23 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2647 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=160053 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-10. Stennis and Regional Sailors Attend CSADD Meeting with VCNO By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Destiny Cheek, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors from the region and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) participated in a meeting with the Vice Chief of Naval Operations and Fleet Master Chief of Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E) Aug. 22 to discuss the Navy's Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) program, at Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton. Adm. Mark Ferguson and Fleet Master Chief April Beldo met with Sailors from commands throughout Navy Region Northwest to discuss CSADD's goals for the fleet, SAPR initiatives and what the Navy could do for CSADD to help improve their program. "Our goal is to set a positive environment," said Ferguson. "Our Sailors make the first steps by joining CSADD and I want to make sure we're listening and doing everything we can for them." The Navy-wide CSADD program was created three years ago to promote better decision making and encourage networking among junior Sailors around the fleet. "The Navy receives 35,000 to 40,000 new Sailors a year, so we need to continue to inform our newest members on what kinds of opportunities are out there to help themselves, their shipmates and their community," said Ferguson. The president of Stennis' CSADD program appreciated the VCNO visiting the base to hear what junior Sailors have to say. "By the VCNO coming out to visit us, it shows that he cares and has an interest in the voice of junior enlisted Sailors," said Aviation Boatswain's Fuel 2nd Class Joe Hodge, from Detroit. CSADD, created on June 18, 2010, creates a culture in which Sailors help Sailors maintain a course of success through good decision making. Stennis is currently undergoing a Docked Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) maintenance period at PSNS and IMF. For more news from USS John C. Stennis, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis74. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-15. George Washington Carrier Strike Group Strengthens Australian Alliance during First half of 2013 Patrol By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Beverly Lesonik YOKOUSKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), flagship for the George Washington Carrier Strike Group, (GWCSG), returned from the first half of its 2013 patrol to its forward-operating location at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Aug. 23. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, completed flight and damage control training exercises, strengthened its relationship with Australian Defence Forces, and conducted a five-day port visit to Brisbane, Australia during its two months at sea. The U.S. Navy and Royal Australian navy (RAN) participated in a professional exchange program in support of exercise Talisman Saber 2013 (TS13), where 45 RAN Sailors embarked George Washington to interact with crew members, learn ship capabilities and perform foreign liaison duties. "The first half of the patrol went extremely well," said Master Chief Shaun Brahmsteadt, George Washington's command master chief. "TS13 went flawlessly; we had a good maintenance, material, management inspection, and Sailors have been getting their air and surface warfare pins, qualifications, ratings, and are doing well on exams." George Washington and CVW 5 Sailors participated with their Australian hosts in numerous goodwill activities, such as 10 community service projects and three sport competitions while in Brisbane. "Our relationship with Australia has always been good," said Brahmsteadt. "They provide military and logistic support in a key location and are good allies to have." The ship also hosted Australian officials, civilians, and military members for 12 tours of the ship that highlighted the day-to-day operations of a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. "I believe George Washington has a good relationship with any port we go to," said Intelligence Specialist Seaman Amanda Inglis, from Fallon, Nev. "I think it's good for us to do these port visits because we are representing the U.S., which shows how we interact with the world." Inglis, along with other Sailors aboard the ship, experienced their first taste of life at-sea during this half of the patrol. "I like the ship life," said Inglis. "It is going pretty fast and I get to experience things no one back home gets to. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Finally, after all this time, I feel like a Sailor." Ships within GWCSG included Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Preble (DDG 88), USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS Stethem (DDG 63), and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 53). CVW 5, forward-deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, consists of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, VFA 27, VFA 115 and VFA 195; Electronic Attack Squadron 141; Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, Detachment 5; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 77. George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-04. Carrier Air Wing 5 Departs George Washington By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ricardo Guzman PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington's (CVN 73) embarked air wing flew off the ship, Aug. 22, after two months at-sea. Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, based at Naval Air Facilities Atsugi, accumulated 5,800 flight hours, 3,003 sorties, and 2,500 successful traps during the first half of its 2013 patrol. "I'm very pleased with the air wing's performance during the first half of the patrol," said Command Master Chief Jason Eckard, CVW 5's command master chief. "We accomplished a lot of good training for both aircrew and maintainers. I'm grateful for the outstanding support that George Washington has provided the air wing." CVW5 participated in exercise Talisman Saber (TS), a biennial training exercise aimed to improve Australian Defence Force nd U.S. combat readiness and interoperability as a Combined Joint Task Force. "Working with the Australians was extremely productive and it gave us an opportunity to operate in areas that are new to us," said Lt. Cmdr. Adam Klein, a pilot assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102. "We usually operate in the islands of Guam or Okinawa where there isn't a lot built up. Working in an unknown area gave us some challenges but it allows us to employ our latest and greatest tactics." This patrol also marked the first time the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 and the "Saberhawks" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77 have gone underway with the strike group since joining CVW 5. "It's been great coordinating with the new air wing," said Lt. Michael Feay, a pilot and the personnel officer from HSC 12. "We got a great amount of training done. We've been able to assist the fixed-wing squadron in their bombing runs, and strafing runs and we've trained our pilots and aircrew to be fully mission-capable." CVW 5 consists of HSC 12, HSM 77, VFA 102, the "Royal Maces" of VFA 27, the "Eagles" of VFA 115, the "Dambusters" of VFA 195, the "Shadowhawks" of Electronic Attack Squadron 141, the "Liberty Bells" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron 115, and the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30, Detachment 5. "It's been a very successful patrol thus far and I'm looking forward to the second half," said Eckard. "There's definitely going to be a lot going on during the upcoming months and we're going to have some great training opportunities." George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-01. USS Tortuga, USS Ashland Hold Hull-Swap Ceremony By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Mackenzie P. Adams, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Japan SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) turned over her forward-deployed title to USS Ashland (LSD 48) during a hull-swap ceremony at Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Aug. 23. The hull-swap took place following a two and a half week transition between the two ships, which began with Ashland's arrival, Aug. 6. Ashland is the eighth and last Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship to be built and was commissioned, May 9, 1994. Since her commission, Ashland has served in the Mediterranean, Arabian Gulf, Persian Gulf and both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Ashland recently completed her mid-life upgrade in 2012 in preparation for her duties as a forward-deployed naval vessel. "Our crew has worked so hard for the past two years upgrading Ashland, making her one of the most capable LSDs in the fleet," said Tortuga's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Brett C. Hershman (formerly Ashland's commanding officer). "We are proud to provide such an effective ship to the FDNF [forward deployed naval forces] and we hope the new crew the best in writing the next chapter of her life as a forward-deployed asset. We are looking forward to getting back to work with Tortuga and getting her home safely," said Hershman. Hull swap, or ship rotation, is a part of the Navy's long-range strategy to routinely exchange older ships assigned to the Navy's FDNF with newer or more efficient ships. Tortuga has served the FDNF since 2006 and has conducted or participated in numerous exercises and operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, including Talisman Saber, Balikatan, the multinational exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) and Operation Tomodachi, following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan in March 2011. Tortuga has left a long legacy in Sasebo, which the new crew of Ashland wishes to continue. "Tortuga has sailed more than 170,000 nautical miles during her time in the FDNF," said Ashland's commanding officer, Cmdr. John J. Barnett (formerly Tortuga's commanding officer). "She has been the epitome of operational readiness and we have had extreme pride in her abilities. With heavy hearts we bid farewell to Tortuga as she makes her way back to the U.S. We would like to thank the Sailors of Ashland for delivering her to Sasebo in such terrific condition. We wish you fair winds and following seas as Tortuga takes you all home," said Barnett. Tortuga will depart Sasebo in September and return to her new home in Little Creek, Va. For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-16. Coastal Riverine Squadron 8 Conducts Field Exercises at NAVSTA Newport By Lt. Cmdr. Jonathan Sym, Coastal Riverine Squadron 8 NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Three-hundred Navy Reservists from Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) 8 conducted training and field exercises at Naval Station Newport, R.I., Aug. 12-23, as part of their annual training. The two-week training tested the unit's readiness to fulfill its worldwide missions that include harbor and homeland defense, coastal surveillance and special missions. "We can provide anti-terrorism/force protection for Navy assets anywhere in the world," said Capt. Guy Vilardi, commanding officer of CRS 8. "Our annual training is critically important to our ability to execute any assigned mission, and we are grateful for Naval Station Newport's tremendous efforts to support us." As one of the largest commissioned Reserve units in the Navy, members of the squadron were engaged in waterside and landward security training that included tactical field care and evacuation of injured personnel, port and harbor security as well as tactical day and night operations in the bay, launched from Stillwater Basin. "To immediately put into practice what we learned, in and out of the classroom, was an outstanding experience during the annual training," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Christopher Hebert, assigned to CRS 8. "It was also great to have the opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices with my fellow shipmates in my rate." CRS 8 is a Navy Reserve unit based at Naval Station Newport, R.I., with companies in Newport; Annapolis, Md.; and Groton, Conn. Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, high value asset protection, offensive combat operations and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways. For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/necc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-23. Sailors, Families...Are You Ready Navy or Not? From Commander, Navy Installations Command Ready Navy Program WASHINGTON (NNS) -- With hurricane season underway and National Preparedness Month approaching in September, Commander, Navy Installations Command's Ready Navy Program asks Sailors and their families, "Are you ready?" Many Sailors and families will reply that they are ready, but when asked further about the steps they and their family have taken to prepare, they quickly realize they may not be as prepared as they thought they were. Steps such as learning the alternate evacuation routes for their area, making a family plan that everyone in the family is familiar with, and building an emergency supply kit that is centrally located and portable enough to carry if evacuated are a few things they did not account for. Most Navy families have the best of intentions, taken some steps to prepare, and are further motivated to prepare when danger is approaching. Unfortunately, not every danger gives us advanced warning. Even if we do have advance warning, the outcome is often unpredictable. True emergency preparedness is a diligent and constant cycle that consists of: 1. Being informed of potential hazards in your area and what to do before, during, and after that hazard, 2. Making and practicing a family plan that includes an in- and out-of- neighborhood meeting location, a designated out-of-town contact, and all family members in the planning process so that each is ready to execute that plan should the need arise, 3. Building and renewing an emergency supply kit that contains enough basic and family specific supplies for every family member to survive at least three days with no assistance and is portable if advised to relocate to a shelter or safe haven, 4. Staying informed through the emergency and after by registering personal contact information in the Navy's Wide Area Alert Network (WAAN), the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System, and downloading government emergency alert mobile apps, so that you have the most up-to-date information and will know when it is safe to return home or to work. So we pose the question to you...Are you ready or not ready? Go to www.ready.navy.mil to take the quiz found on the home page, and find out just how ready you and your family are. There you will also find additional information, tips, and tools to help you be better prepared year round. Be Ready Navy! We are. Are you? Ready Navy is a CNIC-sponsored emergency preparedness program. For more information on how to prepare for any disaster, visit http://www.ready.navy.mil. Follow us @ReadyNavy. For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-27. ADTT, Keeping TR Sailors Prepared By Mass Communication 2nd Class Cory Asato, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt's (CVN 71) flight-deck Sailors participated in a simulated emergency aircraft landing during a fast cruise August 22, in Newport News, Va. Theodore Roosevelt's Air Department Training Team (ADTT) facilitated the flight-deck drill simulating a barricade and crash and salvage response to practice time-critical operational risk management and situational adaptability. "We're simulating a last resort response to assisting a plane landing on the flight deck as safely as possible when the landing gear has failed," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Alonzo Wells, Theodore Roosevelt's arresting gear and catapult boatswain. "As soon as the air boss calls away 'five minutes stand by,' everyone needs to be ready to get our barricade up to slow down the plane's movement." After a plane crashes into the barrier and stops, the crash and salvage team responds immediately to manage the fire and save the pilot. "We can't tow the plane out of the way since the landing gear doesn't work," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Jeremy C. Bliss, the assistant leading petty officer of the crash and salvage team. "So we have to combat any fire from the plane crash and pull the pilot out of harm's way while not becoming a casualty as well." ADTT training builds a foundation for all Sailors to respond to casualties in the most timely and efficient manner possible. "Time-critical operational risk management is what keeps us alive and still doing our job when we don't have the luxury of time on our side," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Marcus J. Stewart, Theodore Roosevelt's aircraft launch and recovery equipment maintenance chief. "We need to be able to respond in the blink of an eye, so we continuously drill to keep our response to casualties like second nature." No flight-deck emergency is the same so Sailors train to be adaptable. "Sailors from every division in Air department participate in these drills," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Dustin R. Shead. "We are always on standby to respond to any casualty during all flight evolutions. That is why we constantly drill to, not only perform our jobs to the highest level, but also our shipmates' job too if someone gets hurt in the process." Effective and efficient response to flight-deck emergencies is a core capability of Theodore Roosevelt's Air department Sailors. ADTT's top-notch training exercises maintain these Sailor's readiness, adaptability and capabilities. Join the conversation with TR online at www.facebook.com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and www.Twitter.com/TheRealCVN71. For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-14. Fleet Engagement Team Brief Pensacola Area Mustangs By Ensign Courtney Vandament, Naval Aviation Schools Command Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Navy Personnel Command's (NPC) fleet engagement team met with Limited Duty Officers (LDO), Chief Warrant Officers (CWO) and Sailors interested in becoming LDO/CWO's about the future health of their community at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) Aug. 22. "The Navy's LDO and CWO communities are critical to the Navy's success," said Rear Adm. Don Quinn, commander, Naval Education and Training Command. "Their technical expertise and seasoned leadership provides an invaluable bridge between the hands-on technical work of the enlisted Sailors and the tactical leadership of the officers in the wardroom. Throughout my career I've benefitted from having many LDO and CWO mentors and as the flag sponsor for this group of professionals I've been privileged to observe their continued growth." Capt. Len Friddle, NPC's LDO community manager, and Chief Warrant Officer 5 Mitch Allen, CWO community manager, explained to area "Mustangs" how Chief of Naval Personnel's Sustainability Initiative to be implemented in October of 2014 will affect their progress, selection boards, career management, promotions and retirement. "The LDO and CWO community is undergoing the largest overhaul in the history of the community," said Allen. "The main focus of the initiative is how the LDOs and CWOs progress through their careers. As a result, every community designator now has a viable and sustainable pyramid from the top of the ranks to the bottom that will enable individuals to reach their full potential within their designator." Afterwards Friddle and Allen explained to Sailors wanting to become Mustangs the new requirements for time in service, and how the initiative will affect them. "The fleet engagement program is a critical cornerstone to receiving the requisite amount of interested and qualified annual applicants to the LDO and CWO program," said Lt. Julio Peterson, assistant LDO community manager. The visit to Pensacola concluded the team's tour throughout the South East region, meeting with area "Mustangs" at Submarine Base Kings Bay, Ga. and bases in the Jacksonville, Fla. area. Limited Duty Officer and Chief Warrant Officer are two separate programs that provide the Navy with officer technical managers and technical specialists who exercise leadership in key positions throughout the service. Combined, these two communities make up more than 11 percent of the officer corps. Both programs provide the opportunity for outstanding senior enlisted personnel to compete for a commission. As officer technical managers of the line or staff corps, LDOs progressively advance within broad technical fields related to their former enlisted ratings. They fill leadership and management positions at the ensign through captain level that require technical backgrounds and skills not attainable through normal development within other officer designators. LDOs serve as, but are not limited to serving as, division officers, department heads, OICs, XOs and COs, ashore or afloat. Today, as commissioned officers of the line or staff corps, Navy CWOs possess the authority and are qualified by extensive experience and knowledge to direct the most difficult and exacting operations within a given occupational specialty. Although intended primarily as technical specialists, CWOs may also serve as division officers, department heads, OICs, XO and CO, ashore or afloat. For more information about the LDO/CWO community or how to become a "Mustang," visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/officer/communitymanagers/ldo_cwo/Pages/default.aspx. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-11. Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Nauticus Host 13th Annual Chief Petty Officer Heritage Days By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kameren Guy Hodnett NORFOLK (NNS) -- Hampton Roads area Chief Petty Officer (CPO) selectees toured the battleship Wisconsin Aug. 20-21 as part of CPO Heritage Days sponsored by the Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Nauticus. The event gave more than 500 CPO selectees the opportunity to learn about their naval heritage, the meaning behind the U.S. Navy's mission and what it means to be a chief. The purpose of CPO Heritage Days is for selectees to understand the significance of the anchors they will wear, as well as the brotherhood and sisterhood they will join. "You have to be proud of what you are," said Chief (select) Information Technician Bobbie Brinkley, assigned to Navy Information Operations Command. "You can't just be apart of something and not know why it's there and the history of it. So once you know it, you have more determination to be a part of something that is so much greater than what you are." Sailors also had the opportunity to tour Wisconsin, talk to veterans from previous wars and connect with fellow CPOs. "If you are not aware of the past, you can hardly face the future knowledgeably and effectively," said retired Master Chief Quartermaster James Owen. "Today is to help selectees tie into the heritage that they are joining and carry forth the tradition that the CPO is about." The highlight of the tour for some selectees was the sharing of "sea stories" from the retired chiefs who served in prior wars. "To see the guys from WWII and the Korean War really meant a lot to me," said Chief (select) Navy Diver Adam Eddingfield, assigned to Naval Special Warfare Group 3. "It is very significant to hear their stories because these are the guys that let us be here today." Many chiefs said taking part in the events such as the tour and information sessions are an integral part of the training process. "This is a great event for the new chiefs," said Senior Chief Gas Turbine System Technician Micheal MacDonald, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 4. "I'm very appreciative of it and I'm sure the selectees are too." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-20. Naval War College Kicks Off New Academic Year By Daniel S. Marciniak, U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) officially kicked off the 2013-2014 academic year, welcoming 545 U.S. and international resident students and their guests during a convocation ceremony held in Spruance Hall Auditorium, Aug. 19. The start of the academic year marks a nearly 129-year tradition of educating and developing leaders in Newport - a tradition that "calls together" military and government officials from the U.S. and abroad. "The cut and color of the various uniforms and business suits in the audience provides evidence of the many military services, agencies and nations that comprise our unique college," said NWC president Rear Adm. Walter E. "Ted" Carter Jr. "We take pride in the fact that the cultural, religious and ethnic diversity of this gathering is unmatched on any campus in the land." With approximately half of the student body being naval officers, the other half comes from the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, to include representatives from various government agencies and 88 international students from 57 navies worldwide. "You are in a seat that many ask for," said Carter. "There are those who were not selected and those who have fallen in the field of battle who will never have the chance you have been given." Being the oldest and arguably the most prestigious institution of its kind in the world, the college is internationally renowned for its rigorous 10-month course of postgraduate studies in the art of war. "To maximize the return on investment of time being made by each student, the college will help focus your studies by presenting you with our widely praised and often emulated curriculum of strategy and policy, national security affairs, joint military operations and electives." Carter encouraged students to cherish and make the most of the opportunity. "Invest your time and energy in getting all you can from your year at this historic Naval War College, in this wonderful city, and in this beautiful region of the United States," said Carter. "Your investment will be amply repaid, and you will soon join an elite alumnus who looks back with great memories of their time here in Newport." One of those elite was in attendance and did just that. Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward, deputy commander, U.S. Central Command, spent 18 months here in 1993 as a student in both the naval command and staff and the naval staff colleges. He was the ceremony's keynote speaker and this year's recipient of the Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award. "What a great day to launch a shiny new crew of our global coalition's finest officers into the deep blue waters of learning about our profession," said Harward. "It is sure to be both challenging and incredibly rewarding, and like most everything we do in our careers, it is going to be a hell of a lot of fun." For more news from Naval War College, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-21. RTC Receives 2013 Sloan Award By Brian Walsh, Recruit Training Command Public Affairs GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Recruit Training Command (RTC) was presented with the 2013 Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility at an event hosted by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce Aug. 20. The Sloan Awards are part of "When Work Works," a research-based initiative used to show how effective and flexible workplaces can produce positive business results and help improve employee success at work and home. "It is a true honor to receive the recognition conferred by the Alfred P. Sloan Award," said Capt. John Dye, commanding officer, RTC. "Flexible work schedules are critical to the execution of Recruit Training Command's mission and we are justifiably proud of our accomplishments." Using a rigorous scoring methodology, the Sloan Awards honors organizations that use workplace flexibility as a strategy to make work better for both the employer and employee. The application process is evaluated in two areas. In the first area, employers' responses in the questionnaire are measured against a nationally representative sample of employers, based on Families and Work Institute's ongoing National Study of Employers. The second area have employees complete a 15-minute questionnaire about their individual use of and experiences with flexibility and other aspects of an effective workplace, the supportiveness of their workplace culture and whether they perceive any negative consequences for using flexibility at their workplace. Recruit Training Command Great Lakes trains over 37,000 volunteer civilian recruits annually, transforming them into basically trained Sailors. Rear Adm. Dee L. Mewbourne, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC) at Naval Station Great Lakes, Ill., and his NSTC staff, oversee 98 percent of initial officer and enlisted accessions training for the Navy. This includes RTC, the Navy's only boot camp. NSTC also oversees the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps at more than 160 colleges and universities; Officer Training Command on Naval Station Newport, R.I.; and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps and Navy National Defense Cadet Corps citizenship development programs at more than 600 high schools worldwide. Learn more at http://bootcamp.navy.mil or http://www.facebook.com/NavyRecruitTrainingCommand/. For more information about NSTC, visit http://www.netc.navy.mil/nstc/ or https://www.facebook.com/NavalServiceTraining/. For more news from Naval Service Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/greatlakes/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-02. NEX Guam Receives Bingham Award for FY12 By JoAnna Delfin, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Employees, patrons and service members celebrated as the Navy Exchange (NEX) Guam received the Bingham Award during a ceremony at the NEX main complex on U.S. Naval Base Guam Aug. 23. The award was named after Capt. W.H. Bingham, who in 1946 was directed by the Secretary of the Navy to establish the Navy Exchange system. NEX Guam won the award in the top sales category reporting revenue of $85 million or more in fiscal year (FY) 2012. NEX Services Command (NEXCOM) CEO Robert Bianchi presented the award and offered his congratulations to the team on their success. "Winning this Bingham Award represents a tremendous achievement on the part of all the store associates and managers as well as the base community," he said. "Today's celebration exemplifies the spirit, dedication and professionalism of all our associates; and Navy Exchange Guam associates take to heart the mission of our command at NEXCOM which is to provide quality goods and services at a savings and to support Navy's quality-of-life programs. Navy Exchange Guam knows the true meaning of customer service. Your selection is well-deserved and your accomplishments are many." U.S. Naval Base Guam (NBG) Commanding Officer Capt. Mike Ward commended employees for their hard work and dedication which earned the facility their seventh Bingham Award in 10 years. "We are thousands of miles from the mainland but to pull off this kind of operation and logistics supply chain just in time...to do that so well and deliver time and again is an extraordinary achievement," he said. NEX Guam main Store Manager Joy Madison said she was honored to be part of a team driven by enthusiastic and dedicated employees. "We're just extremely proud of our team for receiving that award," she said. "A lot of effort goes into making sure we're supporting the quality of life not only to the Sailors but their families; and living in a remote island there are definitely some challenges that they wouldn't have stateside so we're charged with making sure with that responsibility that we can support the family. So it's a great sense of accomplishment for the team here that we did do something right." In FY 2012 NEX Guam donated an estimated $1 million to quality-of-life programs on NBG including MWR Guam. "We're investing back into the community," Madison said. "Our business is built on supporting the military and their families so we're giving back to them and it encourages them to support this business." For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-19. Harward Receives Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Alice C. Hall, U.S. Naval War College Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The 2013 Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award was presented to Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward during a convocation ceremony at U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, R.I., Aug. 19. Established in 1996 by the NWC Foundation, the award honors NWC graduates who have attained positions of prominence in the field of national security. "A scholar as well as a warrior, Adm. Harward attended the College of Naval Command and Staff and the Naval Staff College here in Newport," said Rear Adm. Walter E. "Ted" Carter Jr., NWC president. "In every way, Adm. Harward represents the ideals for which the Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award was established." Harward, a Navy SEAL, is currently serving as the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, located in Tampa, Fla. His career has included leadership roles within joint, coalition and interagency organizations, and he has commanded troops in Afghanistan and Iraq for a cumulative total of more than six years since Sept. 11, 2001. "I am convinced, and remain convinced, that it was this education that really prepared me best for these missions," said Harward about how the NWC taught him to think critically and comprehend and function at the strategic level. Harward described how he believed that the evolving complex and challenging problems facing his own special operations forces community today and in the future are the same dilemmas that military services and interagency and coalition partners will also confront both operationally and politically. "We should expect that everything we will do in the coming years will be much more constrained and directed against much more complex and dynamic threats," said Harward. "Tactically, operationally, strategically, our problems are all changing at warp speed, but the ways and means we use to solve them are changing even faster and with little hope of things getting better or easier. "Ultimately, we must depend on you to bring on new thinking and find new approaches that will preserve the warfighting dominance of our Navy, our joint force, and our global partnership and coalitions." The criteria for selection of the distinguished graduate include attainment of a position of senior leadership in government service, career accomplishments which are inspiring to NWC students, and an expressed interest in professional military education. "I am humbled to accept this recognition today on behalf of my many distinguished class and shipmates," said Harward. "I look forward to being joined soon enough by the company of each of you and your cohorts who will drive our services and our great global coalition to even greater success." The arrival of NWC's newest class of 545 resident students from the U.S. armed forces, civilian federal agencies and international militaries marks a nearly 129-year tradition of educating military and government officials in Newport. For more news from Naval War College, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-07. NMCB 3 Assumes Charge of Pacific Region NCF Operations By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Chris Fahey, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 assumed charge of all Pacific Region Naval Construction Force (NCF) missions during a transfer of authority ceremony on Camp Shields, the Seabee camp in Okinawa, Japan, Aug. 18, officially relieving NMCB 5 of all duties and responsibilities. According to NMCB 3 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gordon Meek III, NMCB 5 ensured all operations in the Pacific were ready for a seamless turnover. "Our mission in the Pacific is an important one," said Meek. "NMCB 3 is headquartered in Okinawa, but I have details across the Pacific performing critical construction projects important to ensuring peace and stability in the region. We are proud of the work we are performing, grateful to our host nations for having us as neighbors and grateful to NMCB 5 for setting us up for success. You truly are 'The Professionals.'" One of the first battalions commissioned during World War II, NMCB 3's legacy stands strong in its ability to build and fight anywhere in the world as either a full battalion or as a group of autonomous detachments, simultaneously completing critical engineering and construction missions. For this deployment, NMCB 3 has split into nine details to perform critical construction projects in remote island areas such as Timor-Leste, Tonga, Cambodia and the Philippines. The teams will also conduct operations in Atsugi, Yokosuka and Okinawa, Japan; Chinhae, South Korea and China Lake, Calif. The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. They provide deployable battalions capable of providing disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance and combat operations support. NMCB 3 provides combatant commanders and Navy component commanders with combat-ready warfighters capable of general engineering, construction and limited combat engineering across the full range of military operations. Both NMCB 3 and 5 are homeported in Port Hueneme, Calif. For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-05. George Washington Celebrates 101st Dental Corps Birthday By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ramon G. Go PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) observed the Navy's Dental Corps' 101st birthday, Aug. 22. The Navy Dental Corps was established in 1912 with an act of the 62nd Congress of the United States, signed by then-President William Howard Taft. "The celebration gives us a chance to take pride in our accomplishments and contributions to the health of our Sailors and Marines over the past 101 years," said Capt. Tim Neumann, George Washington's former senior dental officer. "Our department is small, but our mission touches every Sailor with an achievement of an all-time high 98.5 percent operational dental readiness this month." George Washington's dental department is tasked to maintain the dental health of the ship's company; Commander, Task Force 70; and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5. "The 101st birthday celebration gives thanks to the dental corps for all they do to take care of Sailors everyday," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Derek Bolton, from Fort Myers, Fla., a dental technician. "Sailors are given the finest care from some of the best dentistry specialists the military can offer." George Washington's dental team includes four general dentists, one oral surgeon, one registered dental hygienist, two dental lab technicians and 10 hospital corpsmen who provide treatment to approximately 350 patients each month. "The dental department is prepared to handle any dental work or emergencies, and deliver a timely routine and preventive care," said Lt. Cmdr. Ron Citro, George Washington's senior dental officer. "As the ship's new senior dental officer, my number one job is to maintain outstanding dental readiness." According to Neumann, the dental department is always manned and ready to bring teeth to the fight. "A successful aircraft carrier like George Washington is supported by thousands of dedicated individuals excelling in their particular jobs," said Neumann. "The dental corps has been a part of that winning Navy formula for 101 years. We will celebrate today and continue to contribute for years to come." George Washington and CVW 5 provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130823-22. Lincoln Celebrates 101st Dental Corps Birthday By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ellen E. Long, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) celebrated the Dental Corps' 101st anniversary with a cake-cutting ceremony, Aug. 22. Cmdr. Randy Stanton, dental officer, USS Abraham Lincoln discussed the importance of dental readiness. "There is a false sense that dental health is not medically important to the overall well being of our Sailors," said Stanton. "Dental problems can be debilitating to the Sailor and his or her overall effectiveness, but having a dentist close by who can alleviate that pain and suffering is cost effective and a benefit to not only the Sailor, but the command as well." The oldest Lincoln representative from the Dental Corps, Lt. David Myers, as well as the youngest Lincoln representative, Lt. Peter Ham, were joined by Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Asterik Knotts, Lincoln's Dental Corps' Sailor of the Year, during the annual cake cutting to mark the milestone anniversary. "We'd like to encourage people to get their treatment done," said Myers. "Even while we're in the shipyard, it's important to understand that you have to have these things done." The Dental Corps was founded Aug. 22, 1912 by an act of Congress that was signed by then-President William Howard Taft. "All of us play a big part in having our forces ready to go out and deploy," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Chan Bellamy, Dental Department's leading petty officer. "Dealing with dental or medical pain is going to hinder you from doing your job because you're going to be more concerned with what's going on with your body." Capt. Randall Peck, executive officer of the Lincoln, attended the ceremony and reflected on the rich history of the Dental Corps in keeping Sailors mission ready. "Dental Corps is one of those units that has a great history of service, accomplishment, sacrifice and valor in the Navy and they serve every day to benefit the quality of life of the Sailors. Without them, we cannot accomplish our mission," said Peck, who helped cut and pass out cake to the ceremony attendees. "This is a great opportunity for us to recognize the achievements of one particular group of people that exists totally to serve the larger body. We should be thankful for what they bring to us." Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo a RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/. NNS130823-17. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three one-minute newscasts today and one one-minute web-only newscasts. First one-minute newscast - - Navy Divers Find and Salvage Downed F-16C Aircraft http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18779 http://youtu.be/mkquC_EWSAA Second one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Friday, August 23, 2013: SECNAV Concludes Multi-Nation Visit; Navy Housing Gears Up for Annual Housing Survey http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18780 http://youtu.be/h4LpwuWqbz0 Third one-minute newscast - - All Hands Magazine Online Launches Archive http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18781 http://youtu.be/BjaTCReZQ70 First one-minute web-only newscast - -USS George Washington Conducts Fly-off of Carrier Air Wing 5 http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18782 http://youtu.be/vR0IUfsxc9c 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- NNS020718-37. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 23 From the Navy News Service 1864 - Rear Adm. David Farragut's squadron captures Fort Morgan at Mobile Bay, winning control of Mobile Bay. 1958 - Massive concentration of Pacific Fleet in Quemoy-Matsu area prevents invasion of islands by China. 1958 - In Taiwan Straits Crisis, units of the 7th Fleet move into Taiwan area to support Taiwan against Chinese Communists. 1963 - The first satellite communications ship, USNS Kingsport (T-AG 164) in Lagos, Nigeria, connected President John F. Kennedy with Nigerian Prime Minister Balewa who was aboard for the first satellite (Syncom II) relayed telephone conversation between heads of state. For more information on naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS). For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at www.navy.mil or visit www.history.navy.mil. Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN-   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Navy. Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy containing stories recently posted to the Navy web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Activity - Navy, 6700 Taylor Ave, Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).