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 NNS130826-07. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson Visits Government of Japan Leadership -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76164 NNS130825-01. US, China Conduct Counter Piracy Exercise -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76157 NNS130824-02. Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Departs for Deployment -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76151 NNS130826-20. Ike Rolls Out New Alcohol Detection Measures -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76176 NNS130826-26. DON-SAPRO Brings No Zebras and No Bull to Rota -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76175 DNU -- Headlines for Friday, August 23, 2013: U.S. and China Conduct Counter Piracy Exercise; Navy Celebrates Women's Equality Day -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18793 NNS130826-14. Celebrating Women's History of Equality in the Navy -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76168 NNS130826-31. Strike Fighter Squadron 106 Commanding Officer Relieved of Duties -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76188 NNS130826-25. USS Shoup Command Master Chief Relieved -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76180 DNU -- Souda Bay Chief Selectees Fitted for New Uniforms -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18787 NNS130826-16. USS Pearl Harbor Completes Pacific Partnership 2013, Returns to San Diego -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76172 NNS130826-35. USS Bataan Crash and Salvage Team is First to Complete Revised Refresher Training -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76184 NNS130826-09. USS Hampton Visits Singapore during Western Pacific Deployment -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76162 NNS130826-08. USS Denver Conducts Cultural Exchange, Departs Darwin, Australia -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76159 NNS130826-02. USS Carter Hall Arrives in Seychelles for Port Visit -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76154 NNS130824-05. Congressional Staffers Embark USS Olympia -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76149 NNS130826-01. Executive Chef Visits USS Monterey -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76153 NNS130826-32. NCHB 3 Decommissioning After 42 Years of Service -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76166 NNS130826-11. Navy EOD Partners with Department of Homeland Security for Explosive Awareness Seminar -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76161 NNS130826-10. USS Bainbridge Arrives in Seychelles for Port Visit -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76165 DNU -- Sailors from the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam discuss what it takes to be a member of the Honors and Ceremonies team. Produced by NPASE West Det. Hawaii. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18786 NNS130826-06. Sailors Attend Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76158 NNS130826-28. SURFPAC Chief Selectees Visit Gravesite of MOH Recipient Lt. John W. Finn -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76182 NNS130826-34. Sailors Give Back to the Community During Operation Clean Sweep -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76190 NNS130826-23. CPOs, Selectees Participate in Battleship Restoration Project -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76169 NNS130826-22. CSS Observes Women Equality Day -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76178 NNS130826-19. NEX Bethesda Wins 2013 Design-Build Project Award -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76174 NNS130826-17. Supply Corps Community Partners with Local School -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76171 NNS130826-05. Pacific Northwest Sailors Volunteer at Local Elementary School -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76156 NNS130826-04. 'No Zebras & More' Performs for Pacific Northwest Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76155 NNS130824-04. George Washington Welcomes "Honorary Sailors" for Day Cruise -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76150 NNS130824-03. Navy Dental Corps Turns 101 with Pride for the Past and a Foundation for the Future -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76145 NNS130826-37. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76173 NNS020718-38. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 27 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2651 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=160348 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-07. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mark Ferguson Visits Government of Japan Leadership From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces/Region Japan Public Affairs TOKYO (NNS) -- The vice chief of naval operations (VCNO) met with several key leaders within the government of Japan and its Ministry of Defense Aug. 26. Adm. Mark Ferguson is at the beginning of a series of engagements in Tokyo, at several U.S. Navy installations in Region Japan, and with neighboring local government officials this week. During this first day of the trip, Ferguson met with the Japan Minister of Defense, Itsunori Onodera, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Chief of Staff, Vice Adm. Eiichi Funada. During the discussions Ferguson stressed the importance of the U.S.-Japan alliance, the U.S. Navy's commitment to the defense of Japan, and plans to further U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force interoperability. "As we look to the future, the strength of our alliance provides a foundation for even greater interoperability," said Ferguson. "My meetings today highlighted our common approach to the security challenges of the region. I look forward to traveling to the rest of the country and visiting our Sailors." Ferguson is scheduled to hold several all hands calls and meet with Sailors at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Fleet Activities Yokosuka aboard the forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), and Fleet Activities Sasebo. During these engagements, Ferguson will answer questions and discuss the importance of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces and the challenges faced by Sailors in Japan such as the effects of sequestration and ongoing budget uncertainty. "As we continue to work through the budget process in Washington, we will remain committed to the readiness of forces operating forward as well as our family support programs." This marks Ferguson's first visit to Japan as VCNO. He is accompanied by Master Chief April Beldo, Fleet Master Chief for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education (MPT&E). -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130825-01. US, China Conduct Counter Piracy Exercise By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rob Aylward, USS Mason Public Affairs GULF OF ADEN (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) participated in a counter-piracy exercise in the Gulf of Aden with elements of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA(N)), Aug. 24-25. Mason joined Chinese destroyer Harbin (DDG 112) and Chinese auxiliary replenishment oiler Weishanhu (AO 887) to conduct a series of evolutions including combined visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), live-fire proficiency, and aviation operations to enhance bilateral interoperability in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). "The U.S. Navy and People's Liberation Army (Navy) share a common interest in preserving legitimate mariners' access to, and secure use of, the maritime domain by deterring, disrupting and suppressing piracy," said Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces. "Both regional and global security environments call for practical cooperation between navies, and this exercise demonstrates a cooperative effort by the U.S. and China to address common maritime security challenges." The Chinese oiler played the role of a pirated vessel as VBSS teams from both Mason and Harbin performed two boardings as a combined unit. The U.S.-Chinese team successfully completed the VBSS evolutions that included mock medical emergency and hostage scenarios. "Watching U.S. and Chinese sailors working side by side was amazing," said Cmdr. Wilson Marks, Mason's commanding officer. "We may come from different places and speak different languages, but at the end of the day, we all share a common interest in protecting the maritime domain." The ships applied synchronized maneuvering techniques during a live-fire exercise involving an inflatable target. Mason and Harbin successfully engaged the target with the 5-inch MK-45 lightweight gun and 3.9-inch ENG-2 deck gun. U.S. and PLA(N) helicopters also conducted cross-deck landing qualifications. These were the first such exchanges in which the U.S. and Chinese forces practiced interoperability in a major exercise. The two navies prepared for this event for months. The commodore of the U.S. task force assigned with the planning and execution expressed how important and beneficial the training was. "I am truly pleased with what we accomplished during this exercise. Our combined success demonstrated that our two navies can work together to achieve a common goal," said Capt. Joseph Naman, commander, Task Force 55. "Our partnership and cooperation are essential to stability in not only this region but globally as well." The first bilateral counter piracy exercise conducted between the U.S. and Chinese navies occurred near the Horn of Africa with USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and PLA(N) frigate Yi Yang (FF 548), September 2012. Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOR conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. U.S. 5th Fleet AOR encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, North Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea. The expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130824-02. Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Departs for Deployment By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Brian P. Biller, Boxer ARG Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (BOXARG) and 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed San Diego for a scheduled deployment, Aug. 23. "I'm enthusiastic and confident in the ARG/MEU team and our ability to carry out any mission or tasking," said Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1, Capt. Malcolm Potts. "This team is fully integrated, and we're ready to meet the full range of deployed challenges. As a 4,000 strong Blue/Green team, this is America's best." BOXARG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Harper's Ferry (LSD 49). "Many months of training have built to this moment," said Capt. John E. Gumbleton, Boxer commanding officer. "The crew is tried, tested and ready to perform the missions tasked from our forward deployed commanders. I'm very proud of this crew. Their hard work has paid off and these fine collections of Sailors have come together as a superb team. I have no doubt will exceed all expectations as we carry out our assigned missions throughout our deployment." BOXARG, with embarked 13th MEU, is deploying to the western Pacific and U.S. Central Command areas of operation with the ability to accomplish a variety of missions supporting the Navy's maritime strategy including combat missions, humanitarian assistance, counter piracy and promoting peace and stability in the region. The ready group's forward presence is paramount to reassuring the United States' commitment to regional security and promoting global economic stability and local prosperity. Prior to Boxer getting underway, Vice Adm. Kenneth E. Floyd, commander U.S. Third Fleet and Lt. Gen. John Toolan, commanding general of I Marine Expeditionary Force paid a visit to wish the crew a safe journey and tour some of the ship's spaces. More than 4,000 personnel are deploying as part of BOXARG including nearly 1,800 Sailors and 2,400 embarked Marines. BOXARG/13th MEU can operate as a combined expeditionary strike group or deploy individual assets to provide tailored support for multiple missions. This deployment marks the first West Coast deployment of a squadron of MV-22 Ospreys, an aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing and short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) capabilities Other elements of the BOXARG include: Fleet Surgical Team 3; Tactical Air Control Squadron 11; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21; Assault Craft Unit 1; Assault Craft Unit 5, and Beach Master Unit 1. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-20. Ike Rolls Out New Alcohol Detection Measures By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Wesley J. Breedlove NORFOLK NAVAL STATION, Va. (NNS) -- After returning home from back-to-back deployments, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) introduced a new tool Aug. 20 that will be a valuable asset in promoting responsible alcohol use among the crew. The ship started using alcohol detection devices (ADDs) on the quarterdeck as part of an intiative to promote the well-beling of Ike Sailors. Capt. Steve Koehler, Ike's commanding officer, and Capt. Nick Dienna, Ike's executive officer, were the first to familiarize themselves with the new devices when duty section personnel administered the test to them. "The Navy implemented the ADD program as a way to promote a greater understanding and awareness of the effects of irresponsible use of alcohol," Koehler said. "It is in place not for punishment, but both as a deterrent and as a tool to educate our Sailors, and to ensure the health and safety of everyone on Ike." In addition to assisting the command in its efforts to promote the responsible use of alcohol, the ADDs will also help identify Sailors who may not be fit for duty as a result of their alcohol consumption decisions. "The ADD is a [breath analyzer] that will assist the command with identifying Sailors who may require support before an incident occurs due to the irresponsible use of alcohol," said Chief Electronics Technician Greg Reno, coordinator of the ship's ADD program. "The information gained from this testing will have a great effect on the command and whether it is mission-ready or not." A Sailor whose ADD test indicates a 0.04 percent or greater blood alcohol content (BAC) shall be presumed not ready to safely perform hazardous duties (i.e., operate equipment, carry a weapon, etc.). That Sailor would then be relieved of duty, retained onboard the ship and automatically referred to a Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Awareness (DAPA) program counselor. Sailors under the legal drinking age who blow a BAC of 0.02 to 0.04 percent will be turned over to their departments as well as DAPA. Referral to the DAPA will not be considered an alcohol-related incident. Additional non-punitive actions, focused on safety, training, counseling and education, may be implemented at the discretion of the commanding officer. "The intent of this program is to ensure that [Sailors are] safe until they are alcohol-free," Reno said. Reno said that while this program is new to Ike, it has already enjoyed success at several other commands throughout the fleet. "At first this program will be looked at as if the command is trying to find a way to get people in trouble for drinking, when the command is really just trying to get Sailors help if they have a problem," Reno said. "After everyone sees how this program works and learns what the system is in place for, I feel everything will be normal, and it will be just like the urinalysis program." The ADDs will only be implemented on Sailors' duty days and during normal working hours. Policies and produces pertaining to the program are outlined in commanding officer policy memorandum 13.3. For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-26. DON-SAPRO Brings No Zebras and No Bull to Rota By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Mikel Bookwalter ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- The top civilian leading the fight against sexual assaults in the Navy brought the "No Zebras. No Excuses" training - and frank and transparent discussion - to Naval Station Rota, Spain, Aug. 26. Director, Department of the Navy Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (DON-SAPRO) Jill Loftus spoke to the Naval Station Rota community during a live radio show and follow-on interview. She spoke candidly about how this push against sexual assaults started, where the Navy and Marine Corps stand, why there is so much training and what lies ahead. The increased push against sexual assaults in the Navy started in 2009, according to Loftus, when Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus stood up the DON-SAPR Office. According to Loftus, there were several things that were likely motivating Mabus, but one stands out. "It was also pushed by reports of sexual assaults that were coming in from theater during the Afghan and Iraqi wars. There were a number of Sailors and Soldiers who had come back complaining about being sexually assaulted and no one doing anything about it," said Loftus. "So, the Department made a concerted effort to not only take care of victims, but to try to keep [sexual assaults] from ever occurring." Part of that concerted effort has been an increase in sexual assault prevention training. Loftus said she realizes that people are feeling some training "saturation," that they feel as though they're receiving too much training. She pointed to studies that have identified individuals need 60 hours of training to fully absorb the message, and she also had direct words for anyone who feels there isn't a problem with sexual assaults in the Navy. "I think that if someone told me that they did not think that we have a problem with sexual assaults, then I would tell them about every [situation report] that I read," said Loftus. "Every morning I read the stories about Sailors and Marines who have been sexually assaulted. It is now running four to six [reports] every day. Now, the severity may be different, but it's still somebody's life who has been affected, and somebody who is now hurting, somebody who feels betrayed, somebody who has been attacked by somebody else within their own family." On the other hand, Loftus understands that there is some misleading data out there as well. A 2012 Department of Defense survey asserted 26,000 sexual assaults were occurring in the Department of Defense and that the majority were going unreported - a potentially alarming number, since according to DoD data, less than 3,500 had been reported in any previous year. Loftus said that this number has garnered attention, but it should not be taken out of context. Loftus explained that of the 26,000 sexual assaults that were extrapolated from a sample survey of 20,000 respondents across the DoD, ranging from unwanted physical contact to actual violent penetration rapes, the vast majority fell into the former category. "I think there has probably been a steady state of sexual assaults over the last three to four years," said Loftus, who went on to say that reporting is increasing and that is good. "People are feeling more comfortable coming forward. We're seeing more males coming forward, which we think is good news because they've been the lowest reporting group we've had." Loftus also said that the majority of assaults in the Navy and the Marine Corps involve 18 to 24-year-olds; over half the time the cases involve alcohol; they are blue-on-blue and they usually occur in or around social settings. "They are not 'Law and Order, SVU,' a stranger rape," said Loftus. "These are situations where people are partying or people are in bowling alleys and they go out to drink afterwards, or they go out in groups and alcohol becomes either a facilitator or an inhibitor for people's good judgment, which is why we look for people to intervene when they see these things happening." Intervention is the latest push from the DON-SAPR Office, and it is the focus of the "No Zebras. No Excuses" training. "When I first took this job, one of the things I wanted to do was to help Sailors and Marines learn about sexual assault prevention. So, I talked to Sailors and Marines and they said, 'Oh, please, please no more PowerPoint,'" said Loftus. "So, I did what Sailors and Marines do. I went on the Internet, I 'Googled,' and I looked at YouTube videos ... and I found this 'No Zebras. No Excuses,' said Loftus. The "No Zebras" training is a theatrical presentation of skits created to bring to life examples of intimate partner violence, stalking, "gay bashing" and sexual assault, said Loftus. "And, the language is raw; the language is not language that I, myself, use, but I'm an old person. It's really aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds, and [the presenters] are 24-year-olds ... they are all trained sexual assault response coordinators and counselors. I've had complaints that there are too many 'F-bombs' in the presentation, but I haven't had any complaints from any 18- to 24-year-olds. So, as long as I am getting a message across to our more vulnerable Sailors and Marines, that's what we're going to continue to do." Looking ahead for the Navy and Marine Corps, Loftus says training will continue to focus on bystander intervention, and new recruits are receiving at least two sexual assault prevention trainings before they leave basic training. Loftus also discussed the possible wider application of pilot programs at installations in Great Lakes, Ill. and San Diego, Calif. Sailors in those areas are receiving more training than the fleet, and the Navy has partnered with more civilian organizations to increase awareness and intervention efforts on and off installations, according to Loftus. "We hope [Sailors and Marines] get that bystander mentality out of their system, and they are no longer just bystanders, that they are interveners. That's the whole premise of this "No Zebras. No Excuses," said Loftus. "It's almost like your nature programs ... you see a herd of zebras, sitting there drinking their water paying no attention until a lion comes up, and the lion circles the pack. Well, the pack just continues to drink their water and do nothing until one of them is taken and eaten as breakfast. And then, they look around and they think, 'Oh, thank goodness that wasn't me or anybody I know,' because, you know, they don't want to be breakfast. But, a herd of zebras turning on one lion could've prevented anyone from being breakfast. Don't sit around and be a zebra." For more information and resources to combat sexual assault visit www.sapr.navy.mil. Sexual assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy's conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR. For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/local/rota/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-14. Celebrating Women's History of Equality in the Navy By Chief Jessica Myers, Office of Women's Policy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commands are encouraged to celebrate women's history of equality in the Navy during Women's Equality Day Aug. 26, as announced by Naval Administrative Message 209/13. This annual observance celebrates the contributions women have made throughout history working toward full equality in the United States. Women's Equality Day was established by Congress in 1971 to commemorate the long struggle of generations of women to gain the right to vote. According to the National Women's History Project, while originally created to commemorate the passing of the 19th Amendment, the observance today recognizes the anniversary of women's suffrage and of the continued efforts toward equality. When the United States was founded, female citizens were denied basic rights as compared to the nation's male citizens. Married women could not own property, women had no legal claim to any money they might earn, and women did not have the right to vote. It was not until 1848 that the movement for women's rights was launched on a national level with a convention in Seneca Falls, New York. Before narrowing their political focus to women's rights, abolitionists Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott, known as "suffragists," along with Susan B. Anthony and other activists, formed organizations that raised public awareness and lobbied the government to grant voting rights to women. Fighting for the right to vote became a centerpiece of the women's rights movement. Women's official role in the Navy began in 1908, with the establishment of the Navy Nurse Corps. During World War I, the Naval Reserve Act of 1916 allowed for enlistment of qualified "persons." A year later, the Navy authorized the enlistment of women, designated as "Yeoman (F)," unofficially known as "Yeomanettes." Women serving in the Navy as Nurses and Yeomanettes served their nation before they had the right to vote. It was not until 72 years after the suffrage movement began that these groups emerged victorious with the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution on August 18, 1920. On Election Day that same year, more than 8 million women across the United States voted for the first time. Throughout the nation this past March, hundreds of college students and generations of women celebrated the centennial of the original Women's Suffrage Procession in Washington, D.C., March 3, 1913. Women who sought the right to vote dressed in Greek-style costumes or academic robes with "Votes for Women" sashes proudly displayed. Thousands of women marched from the United States Capitol down Pennsylvania Avenue to the front of the White House, the day before President Woodrow Wilson's inauguration. This event pushed women's suffrage into the national spotlight. This year also marked the 65th Anniversary of the Women's Armed Services Integration Act, signed June 12, 1948, shortly after the end of World War II. This Act provided women permanent status in the United States Armed Services, although women had been serving unofficially since the American Revolutionary War. Before the establishment of the Continental Navy, numerous women served in the states' navies, including the galleys of the Pennsylvania Navy and as nurses in the Maryland Navy, laying the foundation for women's service onboard ships during the Civil War and the Spanish-American War. As women's roles in in the Navy continued to develop during the latter part of the 20th century, so did their progress toward equality. In 1973, the Navy authorized aviation training for women. It was also this same year that the Supreme Court ruled that inequities in benefits for the dependents of military women were unconstitutional, abolishing pregnancy as a reason for mandatory separation. Before 1973, military women with dependents were not authorized housing, and their dependents were ineligible for the benefits and privileges afforded the dependents of male military members, such as medical, commissary and post exchange. In 1975, Congress authorized admission of women to the military academies. Three years later, women were first assigned to supply and non-combatant ships. Women's opportunities in the Navy significantly increased in 1993 following the repeal of the combat exclusion law, which allowed officer and enlisted women to serve on combatant ships and in combat aviation. It was also during this same time period that the Navy conducted the first feasibility study on women entering submarine community. Seventeen years later, in 2010, Navy announced a policy change allowing female officers to serve on submarines. On Jan. 24, 2013, the Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff announced immediate rescission of 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule. In accordance with the Secretary's guidance, Navy developed and submitted a plan to implement the rescission, through which Navy envisions no closed occupations, a very limited number of closed positions, and equal professional opportunity for females in every officer designator and enlisted rating in the Navy. Today, over 67,000 women serve in the Navy in the active and Reserve components, comprising 18 percent of the Total Force. There are currently 38 female flag officers, two female Fleet Master Chiefs, and one female Force Master Chief in the Navy. Additionally, nearly 50,000 women serve across the Navy in a wide range of specialties as civilian employees, with 67 female senior executive service members. All Navy commands are encouraged to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of women throughout the armed services during this observance. For more information about women in the Navy, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/organization/bupers/WomensPolicy/Pages/default.aspx. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel - Diversity and Inclusion, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp-diversity/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-31. Strike Fighter Squadron 106 Commanding Officer Relieved of Duties From Naval Air Force Atlantic Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- The commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Six (VFA-106) based at Naval Air Station Oceana was relieved of his duties Aug. 26 by Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. Cmdr. Edward C. White was relieved by Rear Adm. Michael Shoemaker due to loss of confidence in his ability to command following the preliminary findings of an on-going command investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a female Department of the Navy civilian employee. Cmdr. Brent Blackmer has replaced White as the "Gladiators" commander. Blackmer was originally scheduled to take command of the squadron on Sept. 26 in a regularly scheduled change of command. Blackmer previously commanded the "Ragin' Bulls" of VFA-37. His most recent assignment was at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. White has commanded VFA-106 since June 2012. He has been temporarily assigned to Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic pending final results of the investigation. VFA-106 is the east coast Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) whose mission is to train Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 replacement pilots and Weapons Systems Operators (WSO) to support fleet requirements. The squadron is composed of approximately 1,200 enlisted and officer Navy and Marine Corps personnel and more than 90 F/A-18A/C/D/E/F aircraft. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-25. USS Shoup Command Master Chief Relieved From Commander, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The command master chief (CMC) of USS Shoup (DDG 86) was relieved of his duties on Aug. 26 following a substantiated assault charge for grabbing the uniform shirt of a junior Sailor who was not wearing the proper uniform. CMDCM (SW) Rick A. Helwick was relieved by Shoup's commanding officer, Cmdr. Jill Cesari. A relief CMC has been identified and is expected to arrive in November. Helwick has been temporarily reassigned to DESRON 9. Shoup is an Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer based in Everett, Wash. and currently deployed to the U.S. Fifth Fleet area of responsibility. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-16. USS Pearl Harbor Completes Pacific Partnership 2013, Returns to San Diego By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha J. Webb SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) returned to San Diego Aug. 26 after more than three months in the Indo-Asia Pacific region for Pacific Partnership 2013. Pacific Partnership, a disaster-response preparedness mission, visited the host nations of Samoa, Tonga, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. In each mission port, embarked personnel conducted mission engagements in the arenas of medical and dental care, veterinary services, underwater harbor surveys, community service events, engineering projects, disaster response events, explosive ordnance disposal and more. "The ship has really performed well and that's because of the crew," said Pearl Harbor's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Michael Harris. "They're an amazing group of people, and I count my blessings every day." In addition to U.S. service members, Pearl Harbor played host throughout the mission to a number of nongovernmental organization volunteers and military members from all nine partner nations: Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand. Pacific Partnership required significant collaboration between the ship's leadership and mission leadership. "There are ways of improvement for everything, but everybody's goal was to make the mission a success," said Harris. "Everybody worked together for the common good." As Pearl Harbor pulled into San Diego, loved ones were on the minds of many Sailors. "I'm excited," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Robert Esmele, whose first child, Sophia Maddison Esmele, was born Aug. 3 while Pearl Harbor was deployed. "I already know I'm going to cry tears of joy when I see the baby." Harris said spouses and family members at home during the deployment are the real heroes. "I'm very proud of them," said Harris. Pacific Partnership is an annual exercise that improves maritime security through disaster preparedness. It is designed to provide real world help to local people as partners learn to work together during a simulated disaster. Physicians and dentists from many nations and organizations will help local patients while military and civilian engineers reinforce community infrastructure which will be essential during a disaster situation. All participating nations and organizations help to ensure the international community is better prepared to work together as a coordinated team when disaster strikes. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-35. USS Bataan Crash and Salvage Team is First to Complete Revised Refresher Training By Lt. Jonathan Bacon, Naval Air Technical Training Center Public Affairs PENSACOLA (NNS) -- A flight deck crash and salvage team from amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed refresher training at Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) Aug. 24. During their week at the training center, team members received hands-on training in fighting flight deck fires, proper crash and salvage procedures, and safely lifting and moving damaged aircraft using a crane. Bataan's crash and salvage team came to NATTC, on board Naval Air Station Pensacola, for the specialized training to bring new members up to speed and to refresh veteran members' skills. In addition, Bataan's team was the first to go through the crash and salvage team training course following recent revisions. "The hands on training we get at NATTC is a quintessential element to being ready for our next deployment," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Sheldon Popo, Bataan's Crash and Salvage Team leading petty officer. "Since the last time we were down here, we have swapped out more than 60 percent of the Crash and Salvage team personnel. The new team members have never done crash and salvage work, and all need the hands on experience they get here. On the ship we can't practice firefighting with live fire on actual aircraft, or crash procedures on actual aircraft, but here we can. NATTC's training and equipment will help our team be ready for an actual crash." Popo was a part of the team last time they came to Pensacola, and he said the recent changes to the course have greatly increased its value. "We can now go inside the burning aircraft, and move the aircraft that apply to us on a big deck amphibious assault ship," he said. "These improvements make this training even more realistic." The added level of realism was one of the reasons the course was changed. Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Geoffrey Wyatt, NATTC's Shipboard Crash and Salvage Course Leading Chief Petty Officer, explained that the fleet provided feedback on ways to improve the realism of the training. "The changes requested by the fleet were easy to safely implement, and we were able to quickly update the course and make it more realistic. The goal of the course is to make the experience as close as possible to what a crash and salvage crew will actually do in an emergency. "Now when we train with the Mobile Aircraft Firefighting Training Device (MAFTD), we have them use the A/S 32 P-25 firefighting vehicle to clear a path through the fire to the aircraft door. The team then proceeds inside of the smoke filled MAFTD, retrieves 'Rescue Randy,' the simulated crewman, and then egress the aircraft," said Wyatt. Another element added to the training allows the team to continue through the MAFTD using a Naval Firefighting Thermal Imager (NFTI) to locate any remaining hot spots that need to be extinguished and cooled. "All of these changes make the training more realistic, and place the tasks in the order that the teams will have to conduct them during an actual emergency in the fleet," Wyatt said. "We have reduced the amount of classroom training and increased the amount of hands on lab training. All of this hands on training is conducted in a safe and controlled environment under the supervision of our crash and salvage subject matter experts, who have returned from the fleet to instruct at NATTC." Since its commissioning in 1942, NATTC has been committed to delivering training and increasing readiness within the Naval Aviation Enterprise. NATTC graduates approximately 15,000 Navy and Marine students annually. The majority of the student population is made up of enlisted personnel attending "A" schools, where they are learning the skills and knowledge required to perform as apprentice level technicians in the fleet. The center also provides airman apprenticeship training, personal financial management, and shipboard aircraft firefighting training. Advanced schools provide higher level technical knowledge for senior petty officers, and technical training for officers in aviation fuels, carrier air traffic control center operations, amphibious air traffic control center operations, aircraft launch and recovery equipment, and shipboard aircraft fire fighting. Additionally, NATTC supports the fleet by providing team training to ships personnel during their pre-deployment work-ups, to ensure that shipboard personnel have the proficiency required to take their ship on deployment, after a prolonged period in port. For more information about Naval Air Technical Training Center, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cnatt/nattc/Default.aspx. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-09. USS Hampton Visits Singapore during Western Pacific Deployment From Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The San Diego based Los Angeles-class, fast attack submarine USS Hampton (SSN 767) arrived at Changi Naval Base Singapore Aug. 22 for a visit during a deployment to the Western Pacific. With a crew of 135, Hampton will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet during its time in the Seventh Fleet Area of Responsibility. "The crew of Hampton is very excited about visiting Singapore," Said Cmdr. Lincoln Reifsteck, commanding officer of USS Hampton. "We have been working with the staff of Commander, Submarine Group 7 since before deployment to schedule a port visit in Singapore. The ship looks forward to enjoying the many attractions and cultural experiences that Singapore has to offer. Several members of my crew have family members traveling to enjoy the port with them." For most of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Singapore. One of those first time visitors, Electronics Technician 2nd Class George Mejia said, "I am looking forward to relaxing ashore and enjoying the local food and shopping in the city." "I am excited to ride one of the world's largest Ferris wheels and visit Sentosa Island," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Nicholas Green, Hampton's assistant navigator. "Everyone on the ship is ready to see what Singapore has to offer." Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Hampton is one of the most complex submarines in the world. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. For the latest on USS Hampton's deployment, visit www.facebook.com/submarinegroup7 or www.csg7.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-08. USS Denver Conducts Cultural Exchange, Departs Darwin, Australia By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), departed Darwin, Australia, Aug. 26. Denver's visit to Darwin included some personal time in town, a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tour and cultural exchange activities. More than 20 Sailors and Marines visited the Dripstone Middle School, part of the Clontarf Boys academies, Aug. 23 to interact with Aboriginal young men and chat about the much loved games of American and Australian football. Sailors and Marines first learned the rules and kicks involved with Australian football before proceeding to the field to practice what they'd learned. On the field, the service members also took the opportunity to show the middle-schoolers a bit about American, gridiron football. "Cultural exchange activities give us the opportunity to interact as well as enhance the partnership [with Australia]," said Lt. Robert S. Spivey, Denver's chaplain. "These events further strengthen the relationship between the United States and Australia." Another group of Sailors, mostly comprised of Denver's official softball team, participated in exhibition softball games Aug. 24 against Australia's Northern Territory National Men's and Women's teams. The Sailors played in two games. The first, a 7-5 loss, was a slow-pitch game against the men's team and the second was a mixed team fast-pitch game with members of all three teams. "I had a great time playing softball," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Troy D. Carter, third baseman for Denver's team. "It was a great interaction between two countries and two great teams, it was a friendly competition." Denver is part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, commanded by Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, and is currently conducting routine joint-force operations in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility. For more news about PHIBRON 11 or USS Denver (LPD 9), visit www.facebook.com/#!/PHIBRON11, www.cpr11.navy.mil or http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lpd9/Pages/default.aspx. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-02. USS Carter Hall Arrives in Seychelles for Port Visit By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sabrina Fine, Amphibious Squadron Four Public Affairs PORT VICTORIA, Seychelles (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) arrived in Port Victoria, Seychelles for a port visit, Aug. 25. The port visit serves to continue Naval Forces Europe-Africa efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with East Africa nations like Seychelles in order to enhance regional stability. While in Seychelles, the ship will host a reception for dignitaries and military officials. Sailors and Marines will also have the opportunity to experience the local culture and conduct a community service project at a local school. "Seychelles is looking forward to having us and we are very much looking forward to being here," said Cmdr. Gregory D. Blyden, commanding officer of Carter Hall. "Seychelles is an opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to relax and enjoy some well-deserved liberty." Carter Hall is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130824-05. Congressional Staffers Embark USS Olympia From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Nine staff members from three of Hawaii's Congressional delegates experienced life as a submariner, while on a distinguished visitor (DV) embark aboard USS Olympia (SSN 717) Aug. 23. The staffers spent a full day touring the submarine and interacting with crewmembers. Their tour included access to the control room, crew berthings, torpedo room, a view of the surface through a periscope and a ride on the bridge while underway. Embarking DVs allows the Navy an opportunity to showcase the skills and abilities of its Sailors and assets, while also allowing guests to get a rare glimpse of life at sea. "They experienced in one day what we get to do every day," said Olympia's Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Tom Flaherty. "They got some insight into our crew, how proficient and professional they are, how young they may look but the incredible aptitude they have and the ability they possess to do their jobs well." Kamakana Kaumuloa, legislative assistant for Rep. Colleen Hanabusa (D-HI), couldn't have agreed more. "It was amazing, seeing all these Sailors together in a small space; on larger ships every one works in their own lane, but here everyone has to work together," Kaumuloa said. "It was great seeing how things operate, and getting a better sense of how submarines actually work." The tour provided the DVs the opportunity to see and experience how the ship's crew perform functions during underways to support mission readiness. "I really appreciate the opportunity to show the ship off whenever I can, and the entire crew has a lot of pride in it, it's great to be able to show what we do," said Lt. Eric Regnier, assistant weapons officer on board Olympia. "The entire ship is grateful for the opportunity." The distinguished visitor embarkation program provides prominent members of the local community the chance to witness first-hand day-to day operations of the U.S. Navy. Embarkation of civilian guests onboard naval ships is appropriate for continuing public awareness of the Navy and its mission. "I thought it was an amazing experience, I thought we were very lucky to be a part of this," said Jessica VandenBerg, chief of staff for Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). "I don't really think you can understand or appreciate what it's like to be on a submarine or what life is like on a submarine unless you come down and experience it yourself." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-01. Executive Chef Visits USS Monterey By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Billy Ho, USS Monterey Public Affairs USS MONTEREY, At Sea (NNS) -- Chef Miles Mitchell, executive chef at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, visited the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) from Aug 13 to 25. Mitchell, a member of the Department of the Navy Adopt-a-Ship program and the American Culinary Federation, embarked the ship to help mentor Monterey's culinary specialists. "Hopefully, I will be able to pass along some knowledge and skills to the culinary specialists," said Mitchell. "I will also provide some insight for any that plan to eventually pursue a culinary career outside of the Navy. My goal is demonstrate some ways to enhance food quality and presentation that are sustainable in the shipboard environment." The executive chef provided culinary specialists with classroom training as well as hands-on guidance. "The Cordon Bleu instructor gave our culinary specialists one-on-one guidance on seasoning, baking, making desserts and garnishing," said Lt. j.g Kimberly Robillard, the ship's food service officer. "His visit also gave us some outside inspiration, which helped boost morale in the ship." While on board the Monterey, Mitchell hosted an Iron Chef competition with four teams of eight culinary specialists competing in many different categories and covering everything from dicing an onion or slicing a carrot to a full meal, which includes a main course of steak, whipped potatoes, broccoli and dessert. "I would like to thank Chef Mitchell for his training and the opportunity for us to showcase our culinary skills in this competition," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Mark Amado. Monterey is deployed with Nimitz Strike Group in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS Nimitz (CVN 68), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-32. NCHB 3 Decommissioning After 42 Years of Service By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Edward Kessler, NAVELSG Public Affairs ALAMEDA, Calif. (NNS) -- Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 3 concluded 42 years of service to the Navy during a decommissioning ceremony onboard USS Hornet (CV 12) Museum Aug. 24. The ceremony was attended by 13 former NCHB 3 commanding officers, as well as Rear Adm. Mark Belton, Commander Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG), Capt. Michael Stiglitz, Deputy NAVELSG and CMDCM James Sweet. "In 1971 the Battalion was the first cargo handling battalion to be stood up," said Cmdr. Mark Wills, NCHB 3 commanding officer, "NCHB 3 has a long and proud history, having met our nation's call to duty for nearly half a century." Wills assisted in leading NCHB 3 through a successful 2 week Unit Level Training and Readiness Assessment (ULTRA) marking the first time a west coast unit was used to perform an ULTRA, successfully proving the concept. NCHB 3 was the pioneer in the reserve force based on concepts of cargo handling logistics used during World War II and Korea. She was formally established in 1971 as a mobile logistics support unit capable of world wide deployment in its entirety or in specialized detachments. "Our mission was 'to do everything' in regards to movement of cargo and we had little direction," said Cmdr. Tulio Acquistapace, third commanding officer of NCHB 3, "it was a confusing and challenging time." Over the years, NCHB 3 played integral roles during Operation Desert Storm, the Global War on Terror and Operation Iraqi Freedom. NCHB 3 also supported Hurricane Mitch Relief, Trident Arch VI, Tandem Thrust, and Operation Allied Forge. She was selected twice as the National Defense Transportation Unit of the Year for 2000 and 2010. NCHB 3's equipment and material will be transitioned to other battalions; her Sailors are being reassigned amongst various units of the Navy Reserves including NCHB 5 and 14. NCHB 3, is a component of Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group. NAVELSG is homeported in Williamsburg, Va., with an active battalion located at Cheatham Annex; with forward-deployed detachments and reserve battalions located across the United States. NAVELSG provides Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's surface and air-handling mission. More than 100 Sailors and civilians work hand in hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 3,500 active duty and reserve Sailors in the administration, logistics and training of their active and reserve components'. For more news from Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/nelsf/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-11. Navy EOD Partners with Department of Homeland Security for Explosive Awareness Seminar By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (EXW) Timothy Wilson MANGILAO, Guam (NNS) -- Representatives from dozens of government, military, aviation and shipping organizations partnered to educate and understand threats to airline security and commercial aircraft in Mangilao, Aug. 23. Sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), explosive specialists from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) replicated a dozen scenarios where explosives could be concealed in belongings or hidden on a person. U.S. Navy and Air Force Explosive Disposal Ordnance (EOD) technicians assisted with rigging the charges and detonating each example to showcase the deadly and destructive potential of explosives. "In any work environment, the team work and collaboration among the different agencies is absolutely critical that we work together," said Brian Cahill, Federal Security director DHS, TSA on Guam. "When you come to an island like Guam, the importance of those relationships is increased exponentially because we all realize that if some type of tragic event occurs, (natural or manmade) we will recover much more quickly than if we were operating independently." The multiday event marked the first collaboration of so many various inter-connected agencies on Guam said Brian FitzGerald, lead transportation security specialist explosives, for DHS and TSA. "It's an opportunity. The law enforcement officers understand the threats, they train on those things and see the materials often but you talk about the civilian entities," he said. "They don't necessarily get to see these things on a regular basis so it drives home the point of why our inspection teams, our canine teams are out there every day. There's a reason why we are doing what we are doing and it's for the safety and common good of the travelling public." The stakeholders involved in the training included members from the FBI, U.S. Marshalls, U.S. Postal Service, TSA Canine Unit, U.S. Navy Military Working Dog Unit, Guam Police Department, Airport Security, as well as several representatives from major airline companies and distribution industries. "The interagency cooperation has been fantastic," said Cahill. "Although this was a TSA-sponsored event, it was truly a joint effort to bring all this together. It was good team work and a good team effort." FitzGerald said TSA employs a number of explosive experts to demonstrate demolitions practices and how chemical compounds can be used in commercial aviation airline attacks; however, the work ethic he saw from others made the training unparalleled. "We could not have done this training without the Navy and Air Force EOD detachments. They came out and did an outstanding job," he said. "The teams here are the best in the region and we are lucky to have them on the island. Those guys are very professional and I cannot thank those guys enough for what they do on this island on a daily basis." Cahill said the stakeholders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to partner with so many agencies at one time so any threat, natural or manmade, could be effectively mitigated. "Hopefully they will have a better understanding of what officials are looking for in our TSA checkpoints and the baggage checked into commercial airline flights," he said. "Together, we help ensure aviation security at our airport and everyone in Guam is as safe and secure as possible." Based on the positive feedback and success of the training, Cahill said training evolutions will occur regularly in the future. "We recognize that commercial aviation is a big piece of the Americans people's freedoms and we at TSA never want to see another 9/11 or anything remotely similar to it." For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-10. USS Bainbridge Arrives in Seychelles for Port Visit From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs PORT VICTORIA, Seychelles (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrived in Port Victoria, Seychelles for a port visit, Aug. 26. This port visit serves to continue Naval Forces Europe-Africa efforts to strengthen maritime partnerships with East African nations like Seychellesv to enhance regional stability. Bainbridge joins other U.S. Navy ship USS Carter Hall (LPD 50), which arrived Aug. 25. While in Seychelles, Sailors will have the opportunity to experience the local culture and will assist Nature Seychelles with wetland preservation. "Bainbridge looks forward to the opportunity this port visit provides us: a great occasion to meet with the people of Port Victoria and to experience the rich history and culture of Seychelles. The crew has worked extremely hard over these past few months and deserves some much needed rest and relaxation," said Cmdr. David J. Pearson, Bainbridge commanding officer. "It also lends a chance for us to continue U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa's effort to build global maritime partnerships with African nations in order to improve maritime safety and security for all nations." Bainbridge, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is currently on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the Naval Forces Europe-Africa Area of Responsibility. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-06. Sailors Attend Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabrielle Blake, Chief of Information Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to various commands in the Naval District Washington area attended the 2013 Redskins Welcome Home Luncheon at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in Washington, D.C. Aug. 23. Sailors were nominated by their commands to attend the United Services Automobile Association (USAA) hosted luncheon, where they had the honor of meeting Washington Redskins players and alumni. "It is important that our Sailors be honored for their hard work and commitment," said Caroline Wilson, Navy deputy assistant chief of information for community outreach. "I want them to be able to enjoy themselves for a few hours and allow others to appreciate them for the work they do." USAA presented service members with VIP access to the pre-event reception with Redskins alumni, photos with the players, recognition during the luncheon and various gifts. "We want to show appreciation and thanks for your service," said Carmel Burnett, USAA sponsorship and marketing. "We want service members to feel honored and know what they do every day is important. This is our way to say thank you in a way other people wouldn't think to say thank you, by providing these exclusive events and experiences." Guests had the honor of having a player sit at each table to eat lunch with them. The Sailors ate lunch with Lt. Eric Kettani, a player who had more in common with them than most others in the National Football League. Kettani spends a great deal of his time training, practicing and playing fullback for the Redskins, but he is also a public affairs officer in the Navy Reserve. "Eating lunch with my fellow Sailors was awesome," said Kettani. "I am happy to be in the reserves and give back as much as I can." The experience was just as rewarding for Yeoman 2nd Kaivon McClain. "It was very fun, and integrating the players with the guests for lunch made it even more rewarding," said McClain. "It was inspiring to listen to them speak about building themselves as a team and hearing about all the community outreach they do." "My favorite part of the event was getting to meet and share stories with the Redskins Alumni," said Yeoman 2nd Class Daniel Richard. "I felt it was a privilege and honor to be selected to represent junior Sailors at this event." -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-28. SURFPAC Chief Selectees Visit Gravesite of MOH Recipient Lt. John W. Finn By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Donnie W. Ryan, Naval Surface Forces Pacific Public Affairs CAMPO, Calif. (NNS) -- A group of 10 chief petty officer (CPO) selectees from the staff of Commander, Naval Surface Forces U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) visited the grave of Medal of Honor (MOH) recipient Lt. John W. Finn at Saint Carmel Cemetery in Campo, Calif., as part of CPO 365 Phase II training, Aug. 23. Naval history and heritage are part of SURFPAC's CPO 365 Phase II training and are specifically included in the curriculum to help participants develop a sense of heritage, one of the seven guiding principles of a CPO. During the visit, the group recited the Sailor's Creed at Finn's grave and took time to clean his headstone. CPO selectees also removed debris from the small rural cemetery, which is the final resting place for a large number of military veterans. "We can learn from our past and teach our junior Sailors about naval history," said Chief (select) Information Systems Technician Eric L. Williams. "We need to honor our heroes from the past because they helped us get to where we are now." Williams said he hopes to use his new role as a CPO to help teach naval history to junior Sailors in his division. "We need to make sure heritage becomes part of our training so we can keep our traditions going," added Williams. Finn received the MOH for his actions during the attack on Pearl Harbor during World War II. As a chief aviation ordnanceman stationed at Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Finn received the MOH for manning a machine gun from an exposed position throughout the attack, despite being repeatedly wounded. At the time of his death in May 2010, Finn was the oldest living MOH recipient and the last living recipient of the 15 men who received the MOH from actions taken during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The group of CPO selectees said they learned a lot about Finn, not just what he did while wearing the rank of a chief petty officer during the attack on Pearl Harbor. "He was originally from the Los Angeles area, never finished high school, joined the Navy and went to boot camp in San Diego," said Chief (select) Religious Programs Specialist Maria Quintanilla. "Even while wounded he wouldn't leave his machine gun mount until he was ordered to do so and that makes him a true hero to all of us." The CPO 365 training program was first launched in 2010, under then Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West. Current MCPON Michael D. Stevens revised the program, amending course curriculum and reinforcing a year-round training schedule for all first class petty officers. For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-34. Sailors Give Back to the Community During Operation Clean Sweep By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Farrington, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 1,000 volunteers, including military, civilian and Harbor Police divers took to the shores of San Diego Bay Aug. 24, to remove trash and debris in the 23rd annual Operation Clean Sweep. Operation Clean Sweep is an annual community event put together by the San Diego Port Tenants Association (SDPTA) where volunteers from the waterfront community come together to help improve the cleanliness of the bay. "I'm proud that Operation Clean Sweep has become an annual tradition in which Port tenants, Port staff, the Navy and the Coast Guard take the lead on cleaning up San Diego Bay," said Bill Hall, Chairman of the San Diego Port Tenants Association. The event, sponsored by the SDPTA, the Port of San Diego, Navy Region Southwest, the United States Coast Guard Sector San Diego, EDCO Disposal and dozens of SDPTA member businesses, is one of the largest environmental cleanup efforts on the West Coast. "This is our backyard where many of us live, work and play, and our livelihood depends on keeping it clean," said Hall. Navy divers teamed up with civilian divers to retrieve objects from the A8 anchorage area of the bay. "For years, this was a free anchorage area and people could come out without a permit or insurance and anchor their boat," said SDPTA board member Greg Boeh. "It became a dumping ground for old boats. At its peak, there were probably about 350 boats out here, but due to the efforts of our volunteers we've been able to recover almost all of them," said Boeh. Some of the volunteers teamed up with Navy divers and were able to recover mattresses, washing machines, batteries and other debris from the A8 anchorage area. "The Navy has been a great partner with Operation Clean Sweep over the years," said Boeh. "The Navy divers have a great safety record and are some of the most experienced professional divers in the world. Their efforts have been a huge part of what we've been able to accomplish over the years," said Boeh. Since Operation Clean Sweep's inaugural event in 1990, nearly 42 sites have been cleaned, more than 10,000 people have volunteered to help, and more than 360 boats have been donated to the cleanup effort. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-23. CPOs, Selectees Participate in Battleship Restoration Project From Pre-Commissioning Unit America Public Affairs MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) -- Twenty chief petty officers (CPO) and CPO selectees participated in a restoration project aboard the former USS Alabama (BB 60) Battleship, now berthed at Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Ala., Aug. 23. During the CPO 365 Phase II community relations (COMREL) effort, the chiefs and selectees chipped and scraped rust and flaking paint from the walls and then applied rust-converting primer, so the spaces can be painted later. Owen Miller, purchasing agent and property manager for USS Alabama Battleship said they rely heavily on the volunteer efforts of the Navy and that this one project saved the battleship 80 man-hours and hundreds of dollars. "The maintenance crew for this ship is three guys. No how, no way could we gain on the maintenance issues without the help of the Navy. There's just no way we could do it without you all," said Miller. "We're never going to run out of chipping and scraping and then priming the areas like you all did today. That's just great," said Miller. Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Allan Thomas, CPO 365 Phase II co-chairman said this was the first time the chiefs and selectees have interacted on this level. "Over the last three weeks, we've spent a lot of time with the selectees, training and mentoring them. But we haven't worked together like this, not necessarily as chief and selectee, but as one unit," Thomas said. "Something that I think is very cool about being a chief is how we support each other. I think that for the selectees to see the way that we pull together toward a common goal was an eye-opening lesson in group dynamics." Chief (select) Avation Electronics Technician Alain Wescott said the selectees enjoyed being part of the unified group, and that it was different than participating in a command-level COMREL. "It felt special," said Wescott. "We were all there chipping paint. We were all there building rapport and learning about each other and just talking...it was a special teamwork, definitely. It truly was one team, one fight, and we came out knowing a lot more about each other than we did before." "What I found particularly interesting was that given the nature of this tasking it would have been really easy to lean on Senior Chief Miller, being the boatswain's mate, being the expert, and for him to just have taken over, but he didn't," said Chief (select) Personnel Specialist Daniel Peters. "Chief James was still the lead on this, and everyone respected that. All these alpha-type leaders, very quickly and easily, without even blinking an eye, followed her lead. When they were by themselves and had their own project to take care of they did it, but it was still on her lead. That kind of jumped out at me, and I found that interesting." Wescott agreed. "We had a group of different ratings that don't necessarily have anything to do with each other job-wise or rating-wise, but you come together as a leadership group and in that aspect it felt very different...it was definitely a special feeling that we were sharing something really very unique," he said. Peters said he already knew that every good leader needs to be able to be a good follower, but while watching how the chiefs interacted with each other, he realized the selectees didn't know how to just fall in and truly support each other. "That transition should be seamless, and for me, I thought that was something that was very seamless, but it's been a little bit of a struggle," said Peters. "I don't get the feeling that you (chiefs) as a group today were able to do this simply because you've been working together for a while, but that I could have a brand new chief check in who doesn't know anyone and that'll happen. It will just work out that way. That was really cool to watch...I feel like that's something that's finally just starting to come together for us, now. I mean, you can read it in the BMR or something, but to actually witness it and see it work is pretty awesome," said Peters. After the day's assignments were complete, the chiefs and selectees were treated to lunch and then toured the ship, including stops at the chiefs mess and chiefs berthing. PCU America is an America-class amphibious assault ship currently undergoing construction in Pascagoula, Miss. For more news from Pre-Commissioning Unit America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lha6/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-22. CSS Observes Women Equality Day By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Center for Service Support (CSS) observed Women's Equality Day Aug. 26. Women's Equality Day commemorates the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. "We must remember the past and embrace our Navy's future," said Command Master Chief (SW/SCW/AW) Ray Rosado. "The military's strength is built upon our strong women and men. The Navy has been on the forefront of change. We progressively move things forward." "Our Sailors make personal sacrifices every day in defending freedom and helping to lead our country," said Rosado. "The women who serve in today's military, can trace their roots to our storied past." During World War I, The Naval Reserve Act of 1916 authorized the enlistment of women, designated as "Yeoman (F)," unofficially known as "Yeomanettes." Navy nurses and Yeomenettes served their nation before being granted the right to vote. Following World War I, nurses remained the only women in the Navy until 1942 when the service launched the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVE) Program. According to Jennifer Apted, CSS' administration officer and former Yeoman said although women have progressed since the WAVE program, there is still a long way to go. "We have female Sailors serving everywhere," said Apted. "We have females striving for submarine service and that's huge compared to when there were only one or two women on an entire ship. Although our responsibilities have grown and we have garnered acceptance, but there is still some resistance." "When I was deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) in 2002, I encountered push back from some of my male Sailors," said Apted. "It was difficult back then; to change their perceptions of women. Some of them did not like the fact that they worked for a female but we had a job to do." "Our Navy is a snapshot of our society and culture," said Apted. "Once civilians enter naval service, it's a whole new world for some of them. We must ensure our new Sailors are taught that women are equal to their male counterparts." Today, more than 67,000 women serve in the Navy's active and reserve components, comprising 18 percent of the total force. There are currently 38 female admirals, two female fleet master chiefs and one force master chief. Additionally, nearly 50,000 women serve across the Navy in wide ranging specialties as civilian employees with 67 females serving as senior executive service (SES) members. CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand in hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensuring training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-19. NEX Bethesda Wins 2013 Design-Build Project Award By Kristine M. Sturkie, Navy Exchange Service Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) announced Aug. 26 that the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) selected the NEX replacement project at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., as a National Merit Award Winner for 2013. Winners of the award must achieve budget and schedule goals as well as demonstrate advanced and innovative application of total integrated project delivery, including design-build best practices. "NEX Bethesda was chosen for this award out of a highly competitive group of Design-Build Projects from across the nation," said Rear Adm. Robert J. Bianchi, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) chief executive officer. "It is an honor to be recognized along with many other civic buildings across the country." NEX Bethesda was designed by CMH Architects and built by The Walbridge/Brasfield & Gorrie Joint Venture under a 26-month design-build contract. According to the award submission, NEX Bethesda is "carved into existing topography, the structure fits comfortably into the same confined space that held the former exchange while offering better accommodations and greater efficiency. The project involved building a temporary shopping center, demolishing a 20-year-old facility and constructing the new NEX and adjoining parking structure." "I am thrilled that our NEX Bethesda has been selected for this award," said Capt. Frederick Kass, commanding officer, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bethesda. "This project was a great collaboration between our facilities team both with NSA Bethesda and Naval District Washington along with NEX and the contractors. There was a lot of consideration involved with design of the building in regards to surrounding areas and communities outside the gates. An eco-friendly yet pleasing to look at building was our goal." For more news from Navy Exchange Service Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nexcom/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-17. Supply Corps Community Partners with Local School By Lt. j.g. Shelby Green, NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville Corporate Communications JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy Supply Corps Foundation-Jacksonville Chapter (NSCFJ) and the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville command worked jointly to raise funds and organize a school supply donation drive throughout July and early August. The combined efforts of these organizations raised approximately $450 worth of school supplies for donation to local Naval Air Station Jacksonville neighborhood school, Hyde Grove Elementary School (HGES). HGES is a categorized Title 1 school, which is a special assistance program funded by the federal government. The program works to assist schools with high numbers of children from low-income families to ensure they are provided the necessary resources to meet state academic standards. Each of the school's students participate in the free lunch program and the Blessings in a Backpack program, which allows the children to bring home a backpack filled with food on the weekends. School supply items raised from the donation drive included backpacks, pencils, crayons, T-shirts, etc., and were delivered to Principal Jeff Royal and Assistant Principal Iviza Cruickschank-Greene in time to be distributed to the children on the first day of school Aug. 19. "Thank you so much for helping our school's children," said Cruickschank-Greene. "We are very grateful and appreciate the community support." In addition to delivering the raised school supplies, Cmdr. Wade Rindy, NSCFJ vice president, signed an agreement to become sponsorship partners to support the school in a variety of other forms. "The NSCFJ is excited about our partnership with HGES," said Rindy. "We look forward to giving back to the school, such as participating in the school's book of the month program, supplying treats or other forms of recognition to the school's Students of the Month from each of the 26 classrooms; as well as participating in future school beautification projects and food drives. We will also be mentoring and tutoring the students and acting as guest speakers at planned events." "Our children need role models," said Royal. "Something as simple as sitting to talk with them during lunch time makes a huge impact...It is amazing to see that a single conversation can change a child's life... we are very excited about our future with NSCFJ." NAS Jacksonville's base school liaison, Dawn Mills, was also in attendance and was instrumental in facilitating the partnership. She will encourage other commands on the base to assist in the different volunteer opportunities available at the school as well, and spoke of organizing field trips for the students to visit the base in order to be exposed to life outside of the school. NSCFJ is a non-profit professional and social organization made up of active duty, Reserve, and retired Navy Supply Corps officers whose purpose is to encourage members to participate in social interaction, charitable endeavors, and professional development. NAVSUP FLC Jacksonville's Commanding Officer, Capt. Duke Heinz, is the Foundations' president and strongly encourages Jacksonville's Supply Corps officers to be actively involved in the community and to find ways to give back. NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville, one of seven Fleet Logistics Centers under NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, provides operational logistics, business and support services to the fleet, shore, and industrial commands of the Navy, Coast Guard, Military Sealift command, and other joint allied forces. Services include contracting, regional transportation, fuel, material management, household goods movement support, postal and consolidated mail, warehousing, global logistics and husbanding, hazardous material management, and integrated logistics support. For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-05. Pacific Northwest Sailors Volunteer at Local Elementary School By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Justin A. Johndro, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors stationed in Navy Region Northwest, and local community members volunteered to build a playground at Silver Ridge Elementary School through the Personal Excellence through Cooperative Education (PECE) program Aug. 24. The PECE program is a partnership between the Navy and local school districts focusing on strengthening education, fitness and citizenship to American youth throughout Navy Region Northwest. "PECE is about forming relationships between the Navy commands and local schools," said Yeoman 1st Class (SW/AW) Gricel Rodriguez, PECE coordinator, Navy Region Northwest. "We help our community so it can be better for both kids and adults." Everyone involved with the playground project spent ten hours piecing together the structure that will be completed in just one day. "I am absolutely grateful for everything everyone is doing here today," said Janette Lytle, parent of a Silver Ridge Elementary School student. "It's great to see Sailors taking time out of their weekend schedule to come here and help build something that will mean so much for the school and its students." Following a presentation, commands and school representatives discussed how they wanted to implement or continue their programs. This project was the first of three scheduled events for 2013. For Rodriguez, being involved with PECE fulfills her desire to volunteer around the local area. "This is a great chance to help out our youth. It's really important to be a part of the community," said Rodriguez. "This project is going to make kids happy because they're going to have a new playground." PECE began in 1987 and started with seven commands. This year, it has grown to more than 30 commands. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130826-04. 'No Zebras & More' Performs for Pacific Northwest Sailors From Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Members of the live performance group "No Zebras and More" performed on naval installations in Navy Region Northwest, August 19-25. No Zebras and More is a group that works to dismiss myths about sexual assault, intimate partner violence, stalking and harassment, and to provide their audience with tools to become an active bystander. "This training is extremely critical for Sailors, and the fact that it isn't PowerPoint-driven makes it so much more effective in today's Navy," said Nicki Hayford, sexual assault, prevention and response (SAPR) victim advocate for NBK. "We are constantly trying to make the content more interesting and as real as possible," said Hayford. "The more real it is the more Sailors will be able to relate and take information away and actually retain and apply what they have learned." Commander, Navy Installations Command set up the performances more than a year ago on Naval Bases Kitsap (NBK), Bangor and Bremerton, Naval Station Everett, and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. No Zebras and More also held private performances for the Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and the Marines assigned to Marine Corps Security Force Battalion Bangor. "This was our fourth presentation that has been done so far this year and after every performance I ask at least 10 Sailors what did they think," said Hayford. "Almost unanimously the responses have been this is the best training they have gotten in SAPR in their careers." The show "No Zebras, No Excuses," focuses on bystander intervention and is designed to educate the audience on what the issues are and how to recognize them and how to intervene as a bystander. Danny Inman, a "No Zebras, No Excuses," performer and SAPR victim advocate said that the show originated as a freshman orientation program at Central Michigan University in 1997. They started to get involved with the DoD and the DoN two years ago in order to raise awareness among service members. "Back when we first started to work with the DoD and the Navy there weren't very many stand downs on the issue of sexual assault," said Inman. "But the Navy particularly in recent years seems to have really taken the bull by the horns and led the way on trying to change things, to help prevent and even stop sexual assault." The performance is designed as a series of skits pitting the performers in different scenarios to educate the audience on what should have or could have been done to prevent people from getting hurt or sexually assaulted. "It's good for them to come here and show our Sailors a new and fresh take on a very important and serious topic," said Electronics Technician 1st Class Tracy Rico, SAPR liaison for Naval Station Everett. "The presentation is especially targeted at the younger Sailors, as they are likely to encounter the same kinds of situation depicted in the performance as their career in the Navy continues." According to the No Zebras and More website, the program works to change the environment around perpetrators by showing people the impact of these issues, how perpetrators do it, and how to intervene in a pro-social way to change the outcome on behalf of survivors. "This was a very powerful performance that really drove the message home," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Deena Vanderhye, assigned to USS John C. Stennis. "The fact that the performers didn't try to make the subject matter any lighter or heavier than it really is, just truthfully told it as it is, made it so much easier to relate to and understand." For more information and resources to combat sexual assault visit www.sapr.navy.mil. Sexual assault affects Navy readiness, and the Navy is committed to preventing sexual assault. Join the Navy's conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR. No Zebras and More has been a contract specialist for the DoN SAPR office since 2012. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130824-04. George Washington Welcomes "Honorary Sailors" for Day Cruise By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Liam Kennedy PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) welcomed more than 1,700 "honorary Sailors" for a friends and family cruise, Aug. 24. The day-long cruise showcased George Washington's warfighting capabilities and their Sailors' day-to-day lives underway. "This is comparable to bring your kids to work day," said Momoyo Harris, George Washington's Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) afloat recreation specialist. Re-ball, foam jousting, balloon popping, a bounce house and face painting were offered in the hangar bays of George Washington. "Our kids loved the activities," said Lisa Clauze, spouse of a George Washington Sailor. "We all got fake tattoos and our faces painted; we also took pictures with the samurai." Guests also had the opportunity to experience a sea and air power demonstration from its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. "The air and sea power demonstration was amazing and very impressive," said Chih Oueyama, a guest visiting George Washington for the first time. "This is something we never get to see; we only see it in movies or on television. This was my favorite part of the day." Guests received a first-hand look at firefighting demonstrations, displays of ordnance and a tour of the ship's forecastle during the cruise. "This cruise helped the families' support grow," said Clauze. "At the end of the day, the friends and families will have a better understanding of what their loved ones do on a daily basis. This was a great experience." 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 information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130824-03. Navy Dental Corps Turns 101 with Pride for the Past and a Foundation for the Future By Douglas H. Stutz, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Bremerton recognized Navy Dental Corps staff members on their 101st anniversary with birthday greetings and well-wishes at Branch Health Clinic Bangor, Aug. 23. "Our Dental Corps brings a lot to our overall health services and at 101 years old, they barely look a day over 50," noted Capt. Christopher Quarles, Naval Hospital Bremerton commanding officer. NHB's combined dental services at the main hospital and three branch health clinics saw more than 34,000 patient visits last year. BHC Bangor handles the oral care of military service members to prevent or remedy diseases, disabilities and injuries of the teeth, jaw and related structures that may interfere with performance of military duty. Emergency treatments to relieve pain, control infection, and/or repair trauma for any person are top priorities. The staff also strives to ensure every military member has an annual dental exam and twice-a-year cleaning to reduce the risk of oral disease. "This is a great occasion. We not only get to share cake with our staff, but we all know that cake is part of job security for us," quipped Cmdr. Daniel A. Brown, Dental Department head. Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Teutsch, who celebrated the corps 100th birthday last year at the top of Mt. Fuji, Japan, shared the history of the Dental Corps, tracing the inception back before the World War I to World War II where the ranks swelled to 7,000 dentists to care for all the troops needs, to the Korean War and Vietnam War, where dentists were engaged in providing support during Marine ground and air combat operations. The Dental Corps also helped provide emergency aid during the Beirut barracks bombing in 1983 and during 9/11 when five Dental Corps officers rendered immediate aid to those in need when the Pentagon was hit. Operation Enduring and Operation Iraqi Freedom had Dental Corps members deployed at the tip of the spear. "Dental readiness and dental health are vitally important for personal and mission readiness," said Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Hudson, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/Dental Department head. An article released a few years ago stated that during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the total number of medical evacuations pulled off of duty due to treatment needs had a high percentage that were non-battle related, with a number being dental/oral health related-issues that could have been prevented in the first place. "The most common complaint was some type of mouth pain," Hudson said. He added that as an oral surgeon, he provides both dental care as well as surgical services, primarily performing wisdom tooth extractions, infection control, biopsies for pathology, reconstructive cases, jaw repositioning and maxillofacial trauma care. Since their inception on Aug. 22, 1912, the Dental Corps has expanded their involvement in fleet-wide operations and perform vital duties in helping to maintain high operational readiness. Dental Corps personnel are located at 28 medical treatment facilities, with three Marine Battalions and nine Seabee detachments, as well as on 11 aircraft carriers, 34 amphibious ships, USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort and two support ships. "What we've found in the Navy is to put our Dental Corps assets in specific areas, especially on deployment and supporting the Marines," shared Hudson, who was served tours with 1st Marine Logistical Group and on USS Nimitz (CVN 68). "A dental concern like an infection or abscess can directly impact the mission and team cohesion of everything from a Marine unit to a deployed submarine. A Sailor or Marine with a Class 3 condition, or someone who defers treatment until it becomes an emergency is a detriment. We strive to get everyone on a routine schedule and keep them on that schedule for consistent access to care." There are four classifications for Dental Readiness. Class 1: Patients not requiring dental treatment or reevaluation within 12 months. Class 2: Patients who have oral conditions that, if not treated or followed up, have the potential but are not expected to result in dental emergencies within 12 months. Class 3: Patients who have oral conditions that if not treated are expected to result in dental emergencies within 12 months. Patients should be placed in Class 3 when there are questions in determining classification between Class 2 and Class 3. Class 4: Patients who require dental examinations. This includes patients who require annual or other required dental examinations and patients whose dental classifications are unknown. Hudson attests that as part of Navy Medicine, the Dental Corps first priority is to keep Sailors and Marines healthy and fit to serve at home and abroad. They also care for dependents and retirees with oral health needs. "What we see on a regular basis is that once a person retires from active duty, they tend to let their dental health subside. We constantly fight that neglect," said Hudson. The BHC Everett Dental Clinic also epitomizes dental readiness. They handled 3,348 examinations last year, along with 2,500 Restorations, 101 units of crown and bridge, 13 root canals, 148 tooth extractions and cared for 7,219 total patients from 23 tenant commands including five home-ported warships at Naval Station Everett. Along with active duty, Operational Health Support Unit (OHSU) NHB also provides important dental screening requirements for Navy Reservists, handling an average of 70 to 80 screenings per month for Selected Reservists. "We can average eight to ten dental examinations an hour," said Cmdr. Tim Labrosse, Reserve Liaison Officer and Reserve dentist. "Every Sailor I see is an important asset for us. My goal when they come in for the screening is to assess them for deployment and make sure they won't have emergency dental needs, if and when they deploy. Nothing is more costly than sending a person in and out of an IA assignment for dental care. There's lost manpower hours, logistical expenditures, and travel costs. It all adds up. Before a Sailor departs from here, they will know what category they are concerning their dental readiness." Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, U.S. Navy Surgeon General and Chief, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, sent birthday well-wishes to the 1,351 Navy dentists (1,083 active duty and 268 reservists) on their special day. "On behalf of Navy Medicine, I extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the officers of the U.S. Navy Dental Corps in celebration of their 101st anniversary," said Nathan. "For more than a century, Navy dentists have demonstrated tireless dedication to our tenants with valor and sacrifice in service to our country. You deploy routinely across our fleet and with Marine expeditionary units, where beyond your dental duties, you assume roles in triage and surgical support at Marine battalion aid stations and battle dressing stations. You play a significant role in peace keeping and nation building through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions that make lasting impressions on thousands of people in need of dental care. You serve as leaders in disease prevention at sea and at home, ensuring the operational dental readiness of our warfighters. You are pioneers and innovators enhancing our research capabilities and education efforts along with spearheading vital public and dental health for Sailors, Marines, their fam NNS130826-37. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features one one-minute newscasts today and one one-minute web-only newscasts. First one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Friday, August 23, 2013: U.S. and China Conduct Counter Piracy Exercise; Navy Celebrates Women's Equality Day http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18793 http://youtu.be/pm6F3QEZbYg First one-minute web-only newscast - -Souda Bay Chief Selectees Fitted for New Uniforms http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18787 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwAHDFpWEdA 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- NNS020718-38. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 27 From the Navy News Service 1917 - Squadron of minesweepers departs United States for service off France. 1944 - USS Stingray (SS 186) lands men and supplies on Luzon, Philippines, to support guerilla operations against the Japanese. 1945 - Pacific Fleet ships enter Sagami Bay, near Tokyo, Japan. 1959 - Off Cape Canaveral, Fla., USS Observation Island (EAG 154) makes first shipboard launching of a Polaris missile. 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).