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 NNS130827-20. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits NAF Atsugi Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76196 NNS130827-14. LCS 4 Completes Acceptance Trials -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76205 NNS130827-01. USS Denver Arrives in Dili, Timor-Leste -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76195 NNS130827-02. Submarine Group 7 Hosts Japanese Orphans -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76194 NNS130827-08. US Sailors Continue Goodwill Tradition at Aikwangwon Orphanage -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76200 NNS130827-21. Seabee Pioneer Celebrates 100th Birthday -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76213 NNS130827-09. Naval History and Heritage Logo Contest Ending Soon -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76201 NNS130827-22. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Launches Stress Reduction Tool for Sailors and Marines -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76210 DNU -- F-35B Lightning II Developmental Testing phase II (DT-II) onboard USS WASP (LHD 1). DT-II is a collaborative effort among the Navy, Marine Corps, and coalition partners to validate operational capabilities of the F-35B for amphibious platforms (LHD, LHA). -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18795 NNS130827-19. Medical Treatment Facility Commanding Officer Relieved of Duty aboard Comfort -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76209 NNS130827-18. Lincoln Motorcycle Safety Awareness Training Emphasizes Smart Decisions -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76206 DNU -- Headlines for Tuesday, August 27, 2013: VCNO Visits Government of Japan Leadership; San Diego Sailors Assist in Operation Clean Sweep -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18794 NNS130827-05. Amphibious Force Recognized for Charitable Giving -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76179 NNS130827-24. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76212 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=160351 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-20. Vice Chief of Naval Operations Visits NAF Atsugi Sailors From Naval Air Facility Atsugi Public Affairs ATSUGI, Japan (NNS) -- The Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) paid a visit to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Aug. 27 as part of a tour of several Commander, Naval Region Japan (CNRJ) installations. During his visit, Adm. Mark Ferguson held an all hands call at the base's Cinema 77 to discuss the importance of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces and the challenges faced by Sailors in Japan, budget concerns and sequestration. He emphasized the U.S. Navy's commitment to provide the latest technology and support to its forces in the Pacific region. After the VCNO's address, Sailors were afforded the opportunity to ask a few questions. "This is my first visit to Japan as vice chief of naval operations," said Ferguson. "As the VCNO it's important for me to visit our forward operating locations and bases around the world in order to see how our sailors are performing, our relationships with our allies and to listen to the concerns of the commanders and understand the issues that we can take back to Washington [D.C.] to help them." During the all hands call, Ferguson also discussed the importance of NAF Atsugi regarding the upcoming partial move of Carrier Air Wing Five to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, stating that the installation will still remain an integral part of the forward deployed naval force. "It's important that naval forces are where it matters, when it matters, so [NAF Atsugi] being forward not only provides a stabilizing presence, but a ready response force," he said. "It may have a different mix of aircraft and have a slightly smaller presence, but [NAF Atsugi] will still be important to us in the future." During his visit, Ferguson also took a tour of the base and also viewed Unaccompanied Housing to view facilities available to Sailors assigned to the installation. From NAF Atsugi, Ferguson is scheduled to visit with Sailors at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka aboard the forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) and Fleet Activities Sasebo before returning to Washington D.C. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-14. LCS 4 Completes Acceptance Trials From PEO LCS Public Affairs MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) -- The future USS Coronado (LCS 4) successfully concluded acceptance trials after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), the Navy announced Aug. 28. Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy, which is planned for later this fall. The ship completed trials Aug. 23. "Coronado's performance was strong" said Rear Adm. Robert Wray, INSURV president. "[This was] the most complete and rigorous trial on the Independence variant to date. I remain bullish on these seaframes." During the four-day trial, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests intended to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems. While underway, the ship successfully performed launch and recovery operations with both the 7-meter and 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boats, a four-hour full power run, surface and air self defense detect-to-engage exercises, and demonstrated the ship's tremendous maneuverability performing tight turns and accomplishing speeds in excess of 40 knots. "Coronado encompasses lessons learned from the construction and operation of its predecessor USS Independence. The value of those changes was evident in the strong performance of the ship during her trial." said LCS Program Manager Capt. Tom Anderson. "It's a very exciting time in the LCS program." Following delivery and commissioning, Coronado will be homeported in San Diego with its sister ships USS Freedom (LCS 1), USS Independence (LCS 2) and USS Fort Worth (LCS 3). Milwaukee (LCS 5), Detroit (LCS 7), Little Rock (LCS 9) and Sioux City (LCS 11) are under construction at the Marinette Marine Corp. shipyard in Marinette, Wis., and Jackson (LCS 6), Montgomery (LCS 8), Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10) and Omaha (LCS 12), are under construction at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala. Wichita (LCS 13) and Billings (LCS 15) are under contract with Marinette Marine Corp and in the pre-production phase, while Manchester (LCS 14) and Tulsa (LCS 16) under contract with Austal and in the pre-production phase. The littoral combat ship class is designed to defeat threats in coastal waters where increasingly capable submarines, mines, and swarming small craft operate. To deliver capabilities against these threats, the Navy introduced LCS with innovative concepts, such as modular mission packages, to quickly respond to an evolving threat. The Navy is committed to a 52-ship LCS class. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-01. USS Denver Arrives in Dili, Timor-Leste By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Christopher Lindahl DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- Amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9), with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in Dili, Timor-Leste, Aug. 27, following scheduled operations in the region. During the visit to Dili, Denver's medical staff is scheduled to conduct medical training in a collaborated session at National Hospital Guido Valadares (HNGV) on basic lifesaving, while Sailors and Marines conduct a variety of military exercises with the Timorese Defense Forces. A host of community service programs are also scheduled. The medical training will be held in collaboration with staff from the Royal Darwin Hospital, in Darwin, Australia, already embarked on Denver, Timor-Leste's Ministry of Health Directorate of Community Health Services, HNGV, the National Hospital Referral and Ambulance Services, St. John of God, and the USAID-funded health improvement project. "I am excited about our port visit to Dili and the positive impact our Sailors and Marines will have with all the programs and events we have set up," said Denver's Command Master Chief Edwin Purdy. "Providing assistance to the people of Timor-Leste serves as a testament of our desire to strengthen this relationship well in to the future." Denver is on patrol with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 31st MEU, is currently conducting routine joint-force operations in the U.S. 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- NNS130827-02. Submarine Group 7 Hosts Japanese Orphans By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (EXW) Sebastian McCormack, Submarine Group 7 Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Submarine Group Seven Sailors hosted a community relations (COMREL) event Aug. 23 at Fleet Activities, Yokosuka's Yokohama Detachment, locally known as Negishi Housing Area, for children from Seibo Aijien Orphanage. The Sailors took the children on a tour of the fire station, put on a barbeque, played basketball and held a pool party. "For me, living in Negishi for the past three years, the COMREL presented an opportunity to give back to my community," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 1st Class Stephen Comstock. "We're guests in this country right now. There are a lot of things that Japanese nationals do for us and this is just one of the things we do for them." COMRELs like this one give Japanese nationals a chance to learn more about their guests. "In Japan, we are trying to push kids to be international people and get familiar with not only Japanese culture, but also understand other cultures as well," said Rieko Komatsu, a community relations specialist at Negishi. "For these kids, we offer the opportunity to see a different community and American hospitality." "We don't always have the opportunity to interact with Americans," said a child from the orphanage. "We're always looking to come on base; there's a lot of fun stuff to do. I have the chance to practice my English here." "I think these events help the Japanese community accept the American people," said Komatsu. "It leads to mutual understanding and communication to deepen our relationship." For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg7/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-08. US Sailors Continue Goodwill Tradition at Aikwangwon Orphanage By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/EXW/AW) Joshua Bryce Bruns, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs KOJE ISLAND, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Active duty and Reserve Sailors from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae visited the Aikwangwon orphanage Aug. 26 on Koje island, Republic of Korea, as part of a community service project between U.S. Sailors and orphanage residents. Meaning 'the garden of love and light', the Aikwangwon orphanage is a home and school for physically or mentally disabled Koreans of all ages. The outreach between the U.S. Navy and Aikwangwon orphanage spans 61 years, and originally started through the volunteer work of U.S. Navy doctors and nurses assigned to the U.S. base at Chinhae during the Korean War. There were no bridges at the time connecting Koje island to the Korean mainland, and the U.S. Navy was the only entity that could safely access the island-based orphanage during the war. Since the 1950s, generations of Sailors assigned to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea and Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae have spent time volunteering at the orphanage. The founder of the Aikwangwon orphanage, Im-soon Kim, expressed her appreciation to the volunteer Sailors during a morning social with orphanage residents. "I am so grateful to the U.S. Navy for the relationship we have built over the past 61 years," said Kim, who has watched the Aikwangwon orphanage grow from two mud huts in the early 1950s to a sprawling and modern campus today. "The generations of Sailors who have volunteered here at Aikwangwon have enriched the lives of our residents and our staff." Rear Adm. William McQuilkin, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Korea, credited Kim for preserving the relationship between the orphanage and the U.S. Navy over the years. "The U.S. Navy has been aiding Ms. Im-soon Kim and the many amazing residents here since the Korean war and it has become a tradition that our Sailors are proud to continue," said McQuilkin. "Ms Kim has truly dedicated her life to helping others. She is an incredible example for us all." The U.S. Naval Forces Korea Chief Petty Officer Association also sponsored a barbeque during the event, grilling hamburgers and hotdogs on the grills for orphanage residents. Following the meal, the volunteer Sailors watched as orphanage residents sang songs and performed traditional Korean dances at the gymnasium before joining them for interactive games. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea/Commander Navy Region Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander for the United Nations Command, the Republic of Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-21. Seabee Pioneer Celebrates 100th Birthday By Don Rochon, Naval Facilities Engineering Command WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy and the state of North Carolina honored one of the original Navy Seabees from World War II, Jerry Smith of Durham, N.C., who celebrated his 100th birthday at the North Carolina Executive Mansion Aug. 27. Rear Adm. Doug Morton, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Atlantic, presented Smith with a framed congratulatory letter from NAVFAC Commander Rear Admiral Kate Gregory, a Seabee coin, and a Seabee flag that was flown at the Pentagon and Navy Memorial, and then draped over the iconic "helping hand" statute at the Seabee Memorial. "It was my honor and distinct pleasure to represent the Seabees and NAVFAC in honoring Jerry on his 100th birthday," said Morton. "Seabees past and present take pride in our shared history, heritage and legacy. I know that our 'Bees stationed around the world will be delighted to know that one of their own - one of the original Seabees - has reached this important milestone." Also honoring Smith at the Governor's mansion was North Carolina Lt. Gov. Dan Forest, U.S. Senator Richard Burr, Cmdr. Ron Ross, commanding officer of Navy Recruiting District Raleigh, Army Maj. Gen. Greg Lusk, adjutant general of North Carolina, and representatives from various veterans' organizations. Smith is a "plank owner" in the First Naval Construction Battalion, which was commissioned March 15, 1942. He served in the Navy from January 1942 to September 1945. (A Navy plank owner is an individual who was a member of the crew when the ship or command was placed in commission.) World War II Seabees have a storied history. Convinced that war was coming, the Navy realized that fighting in theaters halfway around the world would present new challenges in logistics and would require a vast infrastructure. Beginning in 1940, the Navy began a program of building bases on far-flung Pacific islands using civilian contractors. When the United States officially entered the war, the use of civilian labor had to stop. Under international law, civilians were not permitted to resist enemy military attack. If they did, they could be executed as guerrillas. The need then for a militarized Naval Construction Force to build advance bases in a war zone became self-evident. Rear Admiral Ben Moreell, "Father of the Seabees," was determined to activate, organize, and man Navy construction units. On Jan. 5, 1942, he gained authority to recruit men from the construction trades for assignment into a Naval Construction Regiment composed of three Naval Construction Battalions. This is the actual beginning of the renowned Seabees, who obtained their designation from the initial letters of Construction Battalion. Admiral Moreell personally furnished them with their official motto: Construimus, Batuimus - "We Build, We Fight." For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-09. Naval History and Heritage Logo Contest Ending Soon By Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class (AW) Tim Comerford, Naval History and Heritage Command Communication Outreach Division WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's Naval History and Heritage Command's (NHHC) logo contest is coming to an end on Sept. 2 at midnight. The summer campaign has offered many artists, naval history enthusiasts and designers the opportunity to showcase their creativity and sense of style with a historic flair. "We are excited to have our panel to review the final product of these designers' hard work, it will be a great insight to understand how people visualize history and how it relates to today's world," said remarked Joseph Fordham, NHHC integration lead who is in charge of organizing NHHC's panel of judges and establishing the criteria for their review. The logo should take into account the command's diverse and unique missions. NHHC has a long history of preserving, analyzing, and disseminating the history and heritage of the U.S. Navy. The organization traces its roots back to 1800 when President John Adams instructed the first Secretary of the Navy, Benjamin Stoddert, to prepare a catalog of professional books for use in the Secretary's office. Over the next two centuries, the Navy's history was collected through various offices and departments. Finally, in the early 1970s, the organization, ultimately entitled the Naval History and Heritage Command, became a single entity responsible for all aspects of Navy historical preservation and dissemination. The panel is made up of officials from NHHC and will evaluate each logo based on the set criteria outlined in the logo contest rules. A winner will be selected among those submitted, and the winning design will help inspire a new command logo. The challenge for contestants is distilling the United States Navy's long and storied past into an iconic graphic makes as much sense on a 20 foot banner as it does on a command patch. "We have gotten some really spectacular concepts and ideas from a variety of artists, both civilian and military, around the U.S.," Fordham explained. A few of the submissions have been revealed on the command's blog and can be seen at http://www.navalhistory.org/2013/08/23/nhhc-logo-contest-still-cruising and http://www.navalhistory.org/2013/07/26/nhhc-logo-contest-underway. "I think everyone should take the time to examine the NHHC logo design submissions, perhaps they will spark new concept for a submission of their own," Fordham remarked. "We hope to receive many more unique and interesting logo designs before the contest submission time ends. The more logos we receive, the more we appreciate how people imagine Navy history and what it means to them." For a full list of NHHC's logo contest information and rules visit www.history.navy.mil/logocontest.html, send logo submissions by midnight Sept. 2 to NHHCsubmissions@navy.mil. For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-22. Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Launches Stress Reduction Tool for Sailors and Marines From Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) announced Aug. 27 the launch of their new web-based tool designed to help Sailors and Marines reduce psychological and physical wear and tear through deep relaxation and focus. "Relax Relax", NMCPHC's online resource, offers techniques to help improve mood, performance and promote resilience while providing methods to manage stress. "We are excited to launch the Relax Relax tool for Sailors, Marines and their families." said Dr. Mark Long Psychological Health and Emotional Well-Being Coordinator of NMCPHC Health Promotion and Wellness (HPW) department. "This tool can be used by anyone in any number of situations, from the stressors a person faces day to day at home or work to the bigger challenges that affect their lives." The Relax Relax tool includes nine sections with relaxation techniques that are applied by listening to audio tracks. These tracks come from a variety of universities, organizations, and expert individuals, feature a variety of styles, music and voices to allow the user to select their preference. The main techniques include: * Breathing exercises: learning to breathe slowly and rhythmically, sometimes with a count or image. * Muscle relaxation techniques: learning to systematically tighten and release muscle groups throughout the body. * Imagery: picturing a certain image or task with detail given to the senses to allow mental focus. * Meditation and Mindfulness: mind-body techniques used to create inner calm. * Instrumental music: specifically selected to promote a state of relaxation or well-being. Military service members are showing an increased interest in complementary and alternative options for assistance with stress relief, anxiety, insomnia, mood, and general health. Along with a medical practitioner's guidance, this tool may provide many benefits when used regularly on a daily or weekly basis. Visit the NMCPHC HPW Relax Relax website for more information on the tool or to begin listening today: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/health-promotion/psychological-emotional-wellbeing/relax-relax/pages/index.html NMCPHC is part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield. The HPW department provides innovative and evidence-based health promotion and wellness programs and services that facilitate readiness and resilience, prevent illness and injury, hasten recovery, and promote lifelong healthy behaviors and lifestyles. Follow the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center on Facebook for the latest news and updates on health promotion and wellness. For more news from Navy Medicine, visit www.navy.mil/local/mednews/. For more news from Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcphc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-19. Medical Treatment Facility Commanding Officer Relieved of Duty aboard Comfort From Military Sealift Command Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, commander, Military Sealift Command, relieved Capt. Kevin J. Knoop, commanding officer, Medical Treatment Facility, USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), Aug. 27. Shannon cited a loss of confidence in Knoop's ability to command as the reason for his relief after an investigation identified command climate issues and a lack of leadership involvement. Capt. Rachel Haltner, executive officer of Comfort's Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) temporarily assumed command pending arrival of a permanent replacement. Knoop, who assumed command of the MTF May 25, 2012, is temporarily reassigned to the staff of Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth. Comfort is crewed by civil service mariners assigned to U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command, which operates approximately 110 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners. For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/MSC/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-18. Lincoln Motorcycle Safety Awareness Training Emphasizes Smart Decisions From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Nearly 200 USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors showed their commitment to safety in motorcycle safety awareness training Aug. 27 in advance of Labor Day. Senior Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and who ride motorcycles, are mentoring junior Sailors by providing safety tips for safely operating on roadways in the Hampton Roads region. Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Dustin Truebenbach, assigned to the Safety Department, assisted with the training and discussed the importance of all safety aspects when riding a motorcycle year-round in Hampton Roads. "My philosophy is to train for a safer tomorrow," said Truebenbach, who has been riding motorcycles for five years and is involved with the carrier's motorcycle club. "This is the biggest motorcycle club I have seen or been involved with in the U.S. Navy, and honestly it is good to get riding experience in groups and get mentorship from riders who have been riding for more than 20 years." Truebenbach added that members of the motorcycle club meet monthly to ensure USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors are aware of the Navy rules and regulations for owning and operating a motorcycle. Cmdr. Jon Taylor, air department officer, USS Abraham Lincoln, coordinated the training event and shared valuable safety tips to fellow Sailors. "Every single Sailor we have is an asset, not only to USS Abraham Lincoln, but to our Navy and nation as a whole," said Taylor. "We must do all we can to help keep them safe. As a motorcycle rider for the last 24 years, I'm happy to pass on to our younger riders some of the things I've learned or observed over the years to help that cause." Cmdr. Vincent Janowiak, chief engineer, USS Abraham Lincoln, discussed the importance leaders have to provide Sailors the tools to make smarter decisions. "As Navy leaders, we spend a fair amount of time talking to our Sailors about being responsible and making smart decisions," said Janowiak. "Motorcycle safety is no less important than any of these discussion points. It's absolutely key to a healthy work environment that we mentor every Sailor on this idea of being responsible and making smart decisions in every aspect, including motorcycle safety." Following the motorcycle safety awareness training, a portion of the USS Abraham Lincoln motorcycle club participated in a safety group ride from Newport News to Suffolk, Va. "It is short enough to give all of our new riders an insight into group riding and long enough to impart knowledge to many of them who probably haven't participated in a group ride," said Truebenbach. Truebenbach added that combining a classroom lecture with a ride is more constructive for learning. USS Abraham Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo a RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of the nation's defense. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130827-05. Amphibious Force Recognized for Charitable Giving By Lt. j.g. Loren Terry, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, honored the outstanding efforts of multiple Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 tenant commands at a ceremony Aug. 23, held at Norfolk Naval Station. The event honored command achievements during the 2012 CFC campaign and kicked off the 2013 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Comprising more than 35 percent of all awardees from the Atlantic Fleet, 12 of ESG-2's tenant commands received the Goal Buster award. Awardees include Amphibious Squadron 6, Amphibious Squadron 8, Assault Craft Unit 2, Assault Craft Unit 4, Naval Beach Group 2, Tactical Air Squadron 21, Tactical Air Squadron 22, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), USS Arlington (LPD 24) and USS San Antonio (LPD 17). The Goal Buster award is earned by commands that exceed their campaign collection goal for the year. Goal amounts are assigned by CFC organizers and are based on the size of the command. In addition, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) was recognized for having the most innovative campaign. "There is no doubt that every donation collected across all commands will make a significant difference to many worthy charities," said Rear Adm. Ann Phillips, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2. "I am especially proud of the leadership, initiative, and hard work of the commands that raised the bar to exceed their campaign goal." Cmdr. Lloyd Mack, commanding officer, TACRON 21, ensured the values of the "Blackjacks" drove the campaign to a successful outcome. "One of the key tenants of the TACRON 21 Command Philosophy is 'Care - Care for our fellow sailors and families'," said Mack. "It is something that we emphasize along with accountability and excellence. The Combined Federal Campaign provides an avenue for our Sailors to display their Care for the greater community, and I am very proud of how Blackjack Sailors continue to contribute at every opportunity." Commands often set contribution goals, always aiming to out-do themselves. "Our [CFC] coordinators organized and motivated the staff to come together and exceed our 2012 Commit to Care Campaign Goal by more than 400 percent," said Capt. Wes Brown, commander, Naval Beach Group 2. "We look forward to setting and achieving an even higher goal [in 2013]." In addition to overseeing and managing the readiness of the amphibious fleet, ESG 2 is a joint, rapid and robust deployable staff. Supporting the entire range of military operations, ESG 2 is involved in theatre security cooperation events, major combat operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, ranging from the East Coast of the United States to the Mediterranean Sea to the Persian Gulf. For more news from Expeditionary Strike Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/esg2/. NNS130827-24. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features one one-minute newscast today. First one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Tuesday, August 27, 2013: VCNO Visits Government of Japan Leadership; San Diego Sailors Assist in Operation Clean Sweep http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18794 http://youtu.be/cu4E_zhsqCc 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).