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 NNS130819-17. Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Enters 5th Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76020 NNS130819-04. Secretary of the Navy Visits Gabon, Strengthens Maritime Partnership -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76027 NNS130819-24. New All Hands Magazine Digital Archive Launched -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76037 NNS130819-21. Chiefs and Phase II Sailors Volunteer at Kitsap Fairgrounds -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76039 NNS130817-20. Doctors Partner in Vietnam to Enhance Cooperation, Improve Patients' Quality of Life -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76016 DNU -- SECDEF Announces New Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Initiatives -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18760 NNS130819-20. TR Starts Fast Cruise, Begins Final Preps to Return to the Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76036 NNS130819-19. Sailors Participate in Safe Harbor Project -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76040 NNS130819-18. Guinness World Records Authenticates Lincoln Sailor is 'Indeed' Record Holder -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76033 DNU -- Two F-35B Lightning II Jets Begin Developmental Testing II Aboard USS Wasp -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18762 NNS130819-16. Torpedo Shot from USS Iowa in 1899 Surfaces -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76034 NNS130819-10. George Washington Combat Systems Sailors Do More With Less -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76023 NNS130819-09. New LED Fixtures Brighten Base Gyms, Generate Savings -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76029 NNS130819-08. USS Gettysburg Conducts 1000th Safe Helicopter Landing of 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76030 DNU -- Headlines for Monday, August 19th, 2013: CNO Releases Navigation Plan for 2014-2018; SECNAV Names New LCS USS Indianapolis -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18761 NNS130819-07. NSA Naples Collects Donations for Local Church -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76028 NNS130819-03. NMCB 3 Demonstrates Respect Through Quality Construction, Ambassadorship in Yokosuka -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76026 NNS130819-02. USS Samuel B. Roberts Welcomes Albanian Dignitaries -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76025 NNS130819-01. USS Germantown Visits Cairns -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76021 NNS130818-01. USS Stout Heads Out -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76019 NNS130817-21. USS Philippine Sea Completes Visit, Board, Search and Seizure -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76018 NNS130819-25. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76038 NNS020718-32. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 19 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2640 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=157589 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-17. Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Enters 5th Fleet From USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs RED SEA (NNS) -- Ships and embarked squadrons from Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) entered U.S. 5th Fleet's Area of Responsibility (AOR) Aug. 18, after completing a routine transit through the Suez Canal. "Our Sailors and Marines executed a safe and professional transit through the Suez Canal and we are now operating in the 5th Fleet AOR," said Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, HST CSG. "We've trained hard and we're ready to operate alongside our coalition partners to conduct maritime security operations to ensure stability and build trust and confidence throughout the region." HST CSG is on a scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom. HST CSG includes Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10; aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64); guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Mason (DDG 87); embarked 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff; and embarked Carrier Air Wing 3 and its squadrons: Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32 "Swordsmen," VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls," and VFA-105 "Gunslingers," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron 130 "Zappers," Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs," and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 74 "Swamp Foxes". HST CSG deployed July 22 from Norfolk, Va. For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-04. Secretary of the Navy Visits Gabon, Strengthens Maritime Partnership From Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs GABON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus concluded a visit to Leon M'ba, Gabon, Aug. 19. Mabus met with various government and military officials to discuss maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and other areas of mutual concern such as piracy, transnational crime, and regional security. "Our Sailors and Marines have a history of working together to build solutions to shared problems," said Mabus. "A continued, and more complex partnership, through exercises, training, and personnel exchanges are important now and will remain so in the future." Among those meeting with Mabus in Gabon were President Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba, Minister of Defense Pacome Rufin Ondzounga, Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Jean-Claude Ella Ekogha and Chief of Navy Rear Adm. Yves Keba-Malekou. "I am very glad to have been here on Gabon's National Day, to be part of their country's celebration. Gabon continues to be a leader in the region and has demonstrated a commitment to protect its economy and extraordinary natural heritage. They have asked to be partners, and so strengthening that partnership is one of the most significant things we can do," said Mabus. Mabus' visit, part of a multinational tour meant to reinforce existing relationships with African countries, represents a continuation of the Department of the Navy's focus on building partnerships designed to help distribute the burden of securing the global maritime domain based on alliances, shared values and mutual trust. For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit www.navy.mil/local/secnav/ or www.facebook.com/SecretaryoftheNavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-24. New All Hands Magazine Digital Archive Launched By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Cothran - Defense Media Activity FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- All Hands Magazine launched the new digital archive of print editions Aug. 19. All Hands has been the official magazine of the U.S. Navy since 1922, highlighting news and topics important to Sailors and their families. It was brought back as an online magazine at www.ah.mil in February, and the new archive design offers 89 years of an easy-to-browse and download format. The new site will replace the existing archive that has been hosted at www.navy.mil since 2003. Visitors to the site will see a simplified menu to choose from any year of the magazine's print publication. Each year has a dedicated page displaying the covers from every issue offered that year. Users can also download electronic versions of the cover or the entire magazine using the links provided. "This new archive is a gift to generations of Sailors and their families who can now browse the history of our Navy during their years of service," said Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Navy Chief of Information. "The sharing of sea stories is something every Sailor holds dear. With this new format, we offer them all a history of Navy storytelling at its best." When the magazine was first launched in 1922, it was simple typewritten copy. By the end of the printing in 2011, the magazine had become home to state-of-the-art digital photography and graphics. While the appearance changed in 89 years, the importance to Sailors remained a constant according to Marie Johnston, All Hands editor from 1986-2011. "Even from its initial, non-flashy beginnings, it was out there to support the Sailor and let them know what was going on," she said. "All Hands - when I hear that, it says, 'There's something for everyone here.'" The archive homepage offers a quick history of the magazine's appearance. The main feature is a slideshow with each different style of All Hands throughout the 89-year run. Clicking on a particular cover from the slideshow will take the user to other issues from that year. Although the site is active and ready for browsing, there are still more features scheduled to come online to make it even more interactive. The next phase will include a search tool allowing visitors to use keywords to search for specific content. The archive can be accessed by clicking http://www.navy.mil/ah_online/department_arch.html. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-21. Chiefs and Phase II Sailors Volunteer at Kitsap Fairgrounds By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman William Blees, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Chief petty officers (CPO) and CPO selects from commands in Navy Region Northwest volunteered to participate in a community relations project at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds and Event Center, Aug. 16. The selectees, Sailors participating in Phase II of CPO 365, helped the fairgrounds staff with washing the buildings on the fairgrounds, clean up of the community campgrounds, and preparation for the Kitsap County Fair and Stampede, Aug. 21-25. "It's teaching them to be a good CPO at more than their command," said Senior Chief Musician (SW) Dereck Werner, assigned to Navy Band Northwest. "Team is more than the command and it's important to reach out to the community." Preparation of the fairgrounds for the fair and stampede began a few months ago, and without Navy volunteers the event would be a lot harder to accomplish. "I appreciate them coming out," said Iain Peterson, fairgrounds maintenance supervisor at Kitsap County Fairgrounds and Event Center. "They're willing to do what we ask and we rely on our volunteers." CPOs and CPO selects have gone to the fairgrounds and volunteered for the past three years. Chief (select) Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Marianogerard Zamora, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), said that a team or group has the ability to make a difference when one person might not be necessarily able to. "You don't have to be in a group to make a change, but it can make a bigger difference if you are," said Zamora. This fair and stampede was first held in Port Orchard, Wash. in 1923. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-20. Doctors Partner in Vietnam to Enhance Cooperation, Improve Patients' Quality of Life By Story by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Kolmel, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) -- U.S. Navy medical personnel will be in Hanoi, Vietnam, Aug. 15- 28 to work alongside Vietnamese doctors to enhance rehabilitation for burn victims. Formally, this will be phase two of the "Interventional Burn Management Subject Matter Expert Exchange." The team's four members will help expand treatment capabilities at the National Institute of Burns in Hanoi, bringing medical supplies and performing cutting-edge laser and surgical care to improve the quality of life for patients with debilitating scars and scar contractures. Last year, medical experts aboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) performed similar treatments in Vietnam as part of Pacific Partnership 2012. This was the fourth time in five years the annual Pacific Partnership mission had visited Vietnam to conduct humanitarian civic assistance missions, and the first ever to include laser treatments for scars. "I view this type of smaller scale, higher intensity exchange as an effective bridge between the biennial USNS Mercy missions associated with Pacific Partnership, aimed at increasing familiarity, trust, and enhancing the effectiveness of future missions," said Cmdr. Peter Shumaker, chairman of dermatology at Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD). "Projects of this type are also an effective way to build a cadre of medical personnel familiar with the region and to gain expeditionary experience during peacetime." Several types of U.S. medical specialists will work with the Vietnamese doctors at the burn institute. "A plastic surgeon, a dermatologist, pulmonary specialist, and an orthopedic surgeon are working as a team to help improve patient functionality," said Lt. Damita Zweiback, Pacific Fleet medical planner. "Many of the patients we saw during Pacific Partnership '12 had restrictions of movement and even breathing because of the complexity of the burns." The U.S. experts will share the lessons they learned in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. "Our Vietnamese colleagues will benefit from learning enhanced burn care management techniques and procedures that we've developed from our recent wartime experience, which will improve their ability to deal with these types of injuries in the future," Capt. Jonathan Wilcox, Pacific Fleet deputy fleet surgeon, said. A fractionated carbon dioxide laser, identical to the one used during Pacific Partnership 2012, will be employed to help remodel restrictive scars and improve the quality of life for the patients. Although still a relatively new application, this technology has been used for several years to help treat wounded warriors. "This is essentially the same breakthrough technique that we have used for approximately four years for functional and cosmetic improvements in our wounded warriors and other traumatically injured patients," said Shumaker. These types of programs develop relationships among professionals in the Indo-Asia-Pacific as they exchange information and build shared experience. They pave the way for future exchanges, including a pulmonary subject matter expert exchange between NMCSD and providers from the Vietnamese National Lung Hospital, currently scheduled to occur later this month. "We're developing long-term professional and personal relationships with our Vietnamese colleagues," Wilcox said. "By working together to improve the lives of many Vietnamese patients who have suffered debilitating trauma from burns and other related injuries, we're building the capability to better deal with these types of injuries in the future." 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- NNS130819-20. TR Starts Fast Cruise, Begins Final Preps to Return to the Fleet From USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- With the announcement "we have now commenced fast cruise," Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) began simulating an at sea environment Aug. 19 in preparation for their first underway in four years. A fast cruise is a multi-day simulated underway period consisting of drills and training evolutions to ensure the carrier is in good working condition and personnel are trained to safely operate the ship at sea. Fast cruise is the ship's final training event prior to getting underway for Sea Trials. "It's been about four years and literally millions of man-hours of work that have gone into Theodore Roosevelt to get her where she is today, but we are now there," Capt. Daniel Grieco, TR's commanding officer, announced to the crew over the 1MC. "Thank you to everyone who worked extremely hard, especially over the weekend, to get us here." In addition to training evolutions, the crew will also put finishing touches on the ship to get her ready for sea and to return to Naval Station Norfolk. "Everybody is motivated to secure for sea and happy for the fast cruise," said Logistics Specialist (AW) 1st Class Akwasi Gymah. "Everybody is happy to be here." Not only does fast cruise train and test the proficiency of the crew, it also gets them back into an operational mindset. This is critical since Theodore Roosevelt is completing a nearly four year Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) at Huntington Ingalls Industries - Newport News Shipbuilding (NII-NNS). During RCOH, the ship's infrastructure and systems are upgraded to ensure the carrier lasts another 25 years. "The distance we've come in the last five months is truly impressive," said Grieco in an announcement to the crew. "I appreciate each and every one of your efforts to get us to where we are today to make sure that this ship is ready for fast cruise, ready for sea trials, and ready to join the fleet." Fast cruise runs about four days, with a pause in the middle to repair any discrepancies found during testing and training. Join the conversation with TR online at www.facebook.com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and www.Twitter.com/TheRealCVN71. For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-19. Sailors Participate in Safe Harbor Project By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Brown, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest BELLEVUE, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors and Coast Guardsmen stationed in the Pacific Northwest participated in a Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor project, Aug. 17. The Navy's Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor Program assists service members who are injured or have a serious illness for both medical and non-medical needs. The service members provided assistance in helping the Owens family with yard work and staining a wrap-around deck. "I am not able to do these tasks out here today, and they are too great for my wife to do, so we really needed the help of these service members here today," said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Owens, who also served in the Navy. Owens was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. ALS affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord and led Owens to being in a wheelchair. "It really warms my heart to have everyone out here helping our family," said Owens. Owens said that the Safe Harbor program has helped him through these trying times. "My life is not easy, but this program has really helped make it easier," said Owens. "They really do a lot for me and go above and beyond." The Navy Safe Harbor program is the Navy's lead organization for coordinating the non-medical care of wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and their families. Dedicated to non-medical needs, the organization's management services are designed to fit each service member's unique requirements like pay and personnel issues, lodging and housing adaptation, transportation, legal and guardianship matters. "This is all about trying to make the lives of our wounded brothers easier," said Lt. Chad Hutchins, regional director, Navy Wounded Warrior-Safe Harbor. "It's important that we take care of our own and let them know we will always be there for them and their family." Sailors stationed aboard commands throughout Navy Region Northwest made the trip to Bellevue to help with the project. "We really want to show that we care about our community and our former shipmates," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class (AW) Chelsea Dell, junior enlisted volunteer coordinator, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). "They put in so much work for our country and the Navy, that it is our duty to help them in their time of need." Safe Harbor also includes an enhanced command and control element to interact with Federal Recovery Coordinators and Fleet and Family Support Centers, assignment of non-clinical case managers to all major hospitals and fleet concentration areas, and enrollment-for-life protection for all Safe Harbor Sailors and Coast Guardsmen. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-18. Guinness World Records Authenticates Lincoln Sailor is 'Indeed' Record Holder From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Guinness World Records has authenticated a Sailor assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) has indeed smashed a world record, Aug. 13. Information Systems Technician 1st Class Ernie Torres broke the Guinness Book of World Records 2013 for "Most Pine Boards Broken in Free-fall," by hand-smashing 12 boards while falling, the time of exiting the aircraft and pulling the parachute, out of an airplane from 16,000 feet at around 120 mph. For Torres breaking a world record is definitely a conversation piece. "Some of my friends and family are really excited about it," said Torres. "I know it makes a great conversation piece when you know someone who has done something well known." Jamie Panas, public relations manager, Guinness World Records North America, Inc., congratulated Torres on making "one's mark in history". "On behalf of Guinness World Records, we are pleased to congratulate Ernie Torres on his 'officially amazing' record achievement," said Panas. "Being a record holder means being number one at whatever one's talent might be, as well as solidifying one's mark in history." Torres interest in breaking a world record wasn't purely for his enjoyment of sky diving, but rather to raise awareness of the Wounded Warrior Project. "I know the news of the record went worldwide," said Torres. "My goal was to raise awareness for the organization through the attempt and now record breaking event." As an accelerated free-fall instructor with nine years of experience and 700 jumps under his belt Torres added that safety was paramount and his first priority. "Many think that jumping out of a plane is crazy enough without involving the board breaking but they should know that safety is always the number one priority in any skydiving operation," said Torres who thanked everyone involved in making the record breaking jump a reality. "There was an extensive process of planning the jump to ensure the safety of everyone involved. Operational Risk Management is not just a Navy thing and it's not just for work. Everyone got back to the ground safely, with no injuries and now I can proudly say I hold a Guinness World Record." 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- NNS130819-16. Torpedo Shot from USS Iowa in 1899 Surfaces By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) Tim Comerford, Naval History and Heritage Command Communication Outreach Division WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval History and Heritage Command's (NHHC) Underwater Archeology Branch (UAB) dove into the history of a recently-discovered late-19th century No. 24 Howell Torpedo, Aug. 9, and they scored a direct hit. "We started looking through SECNAV (Secretary of the Navy) reports and narrowed it down to eight ships which had been outfitted with Howell Torpedoes," said Mikala Pyrch, a George Washington University intern with UAB who discovered where the torpedo's origin. "From there we figured which ships had gone through the Pacific Fleet or spent any time in California along the coast. That narrowed it down the USS Marblehead and the USS Iowa. We went to the National Archives and looked in the deck logs. I saw that in December of 1899 Iowa had been doing target practice with the torpedoes and had lost... Howell No. 24." Pyrch was thrilled to find the information, sleuthing was something she never expected to do when she started interning for archeological conservation at UAB. "I never expected to become a private investigator," she explained. "I didn't ever think that we would find conclusive evidence, I thought we would have a best guess. To see Howell 24, lost on this day, at this time - it was pretty exciting." The mid and tail sections of this rare torpedo, found by U.S. Navy dolphins off the coast of San Diego last March, make it one of three known to exist. The torpedo was transferred to UAB for desalinization and conservation on the Washington Navy Yard, May 31. That was when the marking "U.S.N. No. 24" was found. The logs indicated that Iowa had been anchored off San Diego from Dec. 18, 1899 through Jan. 15, 1900 conducting training exercises. On Dec. 20, 1899, under miscellaneous events, the log entry noted, "Lost H. Mark 1, No. 24 torpedo." This was the sole reference to the loss. When used in training exercises, Howell torpedoes were fitted with a practice warhead that was attached to the midsection by four pins and a single screw. UAB scientists believe during the exercise, the practice warhead may have detached, providing a possible explanation for why only the mid- and tail-sections of the torpedo were found. Though the mystery of its firing is solved the torpedo itself still has a long way to go before it is ready to be shown. "It is a very slow and gradual process," said Kate Morrand, UAB archeological conservator, of the process of desalinating the torpedo for conservation. "We are still seeing that gradual increase of salt concentration in the tank. It is extremely important because if we don't remove those salts we could potentially have new corrosion that forms." Next they will have to take it apart to preserve its parts. "We will try to disassemble it as little as possible, but to ensure proper conservation of each of the components - which we are certain, at this point, are made of all different types of material - we will have to partially disassemble it and document it," Morrand said. As for where it will go after conservation and long-term preservation, that is still up in the air. "We do not know at this point," said Blair Atcheson, NHHC UAB Historic Preservation and Outreach coordinator. "Our main concern is conservation and getting it stabilized. I am sure several museums are interested. It is an interesting piece with an interesting tale." USS Iowa (BB-4) was constructed between 1893 and 1896 and participated in the Spanish-American War, most notably in the Battle of Santiago de Cuba July 2, 1898. Iowa was assigned to the Pacific Fleet from 1899 to 1902 to conduct training cruises, drills, and target practice. The Howell torpedo, named for Lt. Cmdr. John A. Howell, the primary contributor, was developed between 1870 and 1889. The Howell, the first propelled torpedo, was 11-feet long, made of brass and It had a range of 400 yards, a speed of 25 knots, and a warhead filled with 100 pounds of explosive. For more information about the discovery of Howell torpedo No. 24, visit http://www.history.navy.mil/UnderWater/Howell-Torpedo-Handout.pdf. For more information about the Naval History and Heritage Command, visit www.history.navy.mil or www.navy.mil/local/navhist/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-10. George Washington Combat Systems Sailors Do More With Less By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Liam Kennedy PHILIPPINE SEA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) recognized Sailors from combat systems department Aug. 17 for saving the Navy more than $250,000. Four rates represented combat systems department by going above and beyond their day-to-day duties to ensure a safe and more efficient work environment by increasing the amount of equipment maintained and safety hazards corrected. "It's part of the work that we do," said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Kathleen Jackson, Combat Systems 8 leading chief petty officer. "We take this seriously because it deals with safety of crew, ship and navigation." Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Anthony J. Thomas was cited in his Navy Achievement Medal award, "As the divisions' damage control leading petty officer, he was instrumental in the correction of 240 material deficiencies totaling 750-man hours of maintenance, which resulted in cost savings of $250,000 dollars in contractor and maintenance fees." Sailors were vigilant about keeping safety and operational risk management as their top priority on the job. "Jones tracked and repaired 600 radios, 130 flight deck cranials, and 50 fixed base stations to ensurr ship's company, embarked staff, and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 safely and effectively accomplished multiple training and real-world operations," cited Electronics Technician 2nd Class Michael Jones's Navy Achievement Medal award. "Additionally, he averted a casualty repair by identifying and repairing a faulty radio transmission line that was severely degrading communications." Sailors awarded were recognized for their work ethic and how well they used their job proficiency to improve George Washington and the Navy. "Even with less money for parts, they are still doing the job that our predecessors did before us," said Lt. Jeff Doody, Combat Systems 9 division officer. "They are doing it with less money and people, but they are still maintaining that high standard that has been a Navy tradition." George Washington and its embarked air wing, CVW 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-09. New LED Fixtures Brighten Base Gyms, Generate Savings By Lt. j.g. Phillip Chitty, Submarine Base New London Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- New LED lighting installed at Naval Submarine Base New London's (SUBASE) Morton Hall Gymnasium, Body Works Fitness Center, and the Lower Base Gym Aug. 15 offers patrons a brighter workout and the Navy a lower energy bill. "I'm very pleased with our new LED lighting systems in the gyms," said Kevin Boedigheimer, SUBASE Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department's athletic director. "And I know our patrons are too." The recently installed overhead lighting fixtures are the result of a joint MWR and Public Works Department (PWD) initiative to not only provide a more aesthetically pleasing physical training environment, but to also do it a fraction of the cost. New upgrades available in the LEDs that immediately impressed Boedigheimer were the motion sensors and auto dimmers at Morton Hall Gymnasium and Body Works Fitness Center. "Our old lights were either on or off and their burn-out rate and costs were becoming excessive," said Boedigheimer. "Kevin came to Public Works and presented us with a great opportunity," said Bill Jankowski, SUBASE energy manager. "We chose to use LEDs because they would enhance each gym's lighting, and reduce maintenance and energy costs for the Navy." With funding for the project coming from the base's Public Works sustainment budget, the lighting project is a purely SUBASE funded endeavor. Moreover, the upgrades to the base's gyms will save the Navy about $37,000 a year in energy costs alone and the project will pay for itself in four years, according to Jankowski. For Boedigheimer the expected lifetime of the new LEDs will also be a great payback: the LEDs should last five to ten times longer than the original lighting. "This project is a great example of the collaboration between base commands and activities and the base's Public Works Department," said Jankowski. "And perhaps more importantly, it highlights how much energy and money the base can save when conservation is in mind." According to the Department of Energy LED lights are one of today's most energy-efficient and rapidly-developing lighting technologies. Quality LED light bulbs last longer, are more durable, and offer comparable or better light quality than other types of lighting. For more information about LEDs, visit http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/led-lighting. For more news from Naval Submarine Base New London, visit www.navy.mil/local/subasenlon/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-08. USS Gettysburg Conducts 1000th Safe Helicopter Landing of 2013 By Ens. Kiley Provenzano, USS Gettysburg Public Affairs MEDITERRANEAN OCEAN (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) accomplished its 1,000th helicopter landing of 2013 Aug. 16, while conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility. Embarked Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 74 Detachment 2, played a major part in helping Gettysburg reach the milestone. Lt. Michael Mueller, who coordinates the safe landing of helicopters on board Gettysburg, works closely with HSM 74. "Every time we conduct operations with helicopters there is a feeling of accomplishment, knowing that we are contributing to the bigger mission," said Mueller, one of the ship's helicopter control officers. "The flight crew works with professionalism, intensity and concentration." Crew members who work on the flight deck are trained in conducting helicopter operations with many types of helicopters in varying seas. Their responsibilities include guiding helicopters as they land, securing helicopters to the flight deck and refueling them. "It is exciting to be a part of the ship and to support a variety of missions," said Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class William Winistorfer. "We are able to set the example for our country and improve lives by assisting with medical emergencies as we contribute to the bigger mission. People are always excited to see what the ship and crew contribute to make helicopter operations successful." Helicopters embarked on Gettysburg are capable of supporting medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, vertical replenishments, personnel transfers, and air, surface, and submarine warfare operations. For more news from USS Gettysburg (CG 64), visit www.navy.mil/local/cg64/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-07. NSA Naples Collects Donations for Local Church By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jared King, Navy Public Affairs Support Element-East Detachment Europe NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- The fifth annual "Feds Feed Families" (FFF) food drive campaign, sponsored by the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples Chapel, is accepting donations now through Aug. 28 at NSA Naples. Donations can be placed in marked collection bins in various locations throughout the base and will be given to the Bible Baptist Church in Lago Patria. "In addition to nonperishable goods, we donate money collected from our religious services," said Cmdr. Manuel Biadog Jr., NSA Naples' command chaplain. "One dollar is equivalent to five pounds of food so if we give 1,000 dollars that is equivalent to 50,000 pounds of food and we have donated quite a lot in just the last two weeks." Biadog Jr. said there is no government-wide collection goal for 2013, but every donation big or small will be significant in the lives of those families in need. Since the campaign began in 2009, participants have donated and collected 15.2 million pounds of food and other non-perishable items. "I just wanted to give back when I saw the impact it made last year and all the people who came together to make it happen," said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Jacob Miller, assigned to NSA Naples. "I knew I wanted to be a part of it especially since the program reflects the goodwill and appreciation that we have for our host nation." According to FFF's official web site, Defense Department employees worldwide have been asked to step up to meet this challenge by pledging to "participate and make a difference." In his memo, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter expressed his support of the campaign and encouraged the workforce to donate non-perishable food items to their offices through August for distribution to local food banks. "The Navy is all about doing something good for our neighbors; we are trying to help out people in our local community who are less fortunate and need help," said Biadog. "We have homeless shelters, orphanages and refugees from Ghana and Nigeria in our area and life will be much more meaningful when we are able to help these people in need." All base employees are invited to participate, including contractors, civilians, military members and veterans. "It's all about helping and the Navy projecting goodwill," said Biadog. "It is our culture in America, we are a giving nation. In addition to nonperishable goods, educational materials are also accepted at the marked collection bins. For more information about "Fed's Feed Families," visit http://www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov/. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element East Det. Europe, visit www.navy.mil/local/npaseeurope/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-03. NMCB 3 Demonstrates Respect Through Quality Construction, Ambassadorship in Yokosuka By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 officially relieved NMCB 5 of all duties and project activities during a change of charge ceremony Aug. 15 held at the detachment's headquarters in Yokosuka, Japan. According to the detachment's Officer-in-Charge Navy Ens. Karl Coulson, the team complements each other with different levels of skills focused toward providing both quality construction and ambassadorship. "We are all very excited to begin construction, get into a rhythm and finish the projects with quality," said Coulson. "We are very happy to represent the Seabees and show this amazing culture that we respect them and are proud to be allies." During the six-month deployment, the Seabees plan to complete the construction of two pre-engineered buildings (PEB) at two different sites in Yokosuka. One will provide government employees with new office spaces, shower rooms and break areas. The second will be used as a Morale, Welfare and Recreation youth activity center at a nearby family housing complex. While not on the job, Yokosuka detachment Seabees are planning multiple community relations projects that will provide the team with a greater understanding of the Japanese culture, their customs and help strengthen local friendships. "I love being deployed to Yokosuka," said NMCB 3 Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Ramon Monge. "It gives you the opportunity to travel to the surrounding cities, experience the entirety of the Japanese culture and what it's all about." One of the first battalions commissioned during World War II, NMCB 3's legacy stands strong in its ability to build and fight anywhere in the world as either a full battalion or as a group of autonomous detachments, simultaneously completing critical engineering and construction missions. For this deployment, NMCB 3 has split into nine detachments to perform critical construction projects in remote island areas such as Timor-Leste, Tonga, Cambodia and the Philippines. The teams will also conduct operations in Atsugi, Yokosuka and Okinawa, Japan; Chinhae, South Korea and China Lake, Calif. The Naval Construction Force is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. They provide deployable battalions capable of providing disaster preparation and recovery support, humanitarian assistance and combat operations support. NMCB 3 provides combatant commanders and Navy component commanders with combat-ready warfighters capable of general engineering, construction and limited combat engineering across the full range of military operations. For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130819-02. USS Samuel B. Roberts Welcomes Albanian Dignitaries From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs DURRES, Albania (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) hosted the Albanian defense forces' most senior members during the ship's port visit to Durres, Albania Aug. 16. Samuel B. Roberts Sailors welcomed Albania's Chief of the General Staff, Albanian Armed Forces, the Chief of Naval Operations, the military advisor to Albania's president, and other officers and onncommissioned officers. While on board the frigate, the Albanian senior leaders toured the ship's flight deck, bridge, and combat information center. "We were excited to have the opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the U.S. and Albanian anvies," said Cmdr. Erica Hoffmann, commanding officer of Samuel B. Roberts. "It is also another way we can show the continuing U.S. commitment to regional stability and maritime security here in the European theater." Samuel B. Roberts Sailors appreciated the Albanian senior leaders taking the time to see the ship and learn about its capabilities. "It was interesting to see how two nations, being on two different sides of the world, were able to share differing military experiences and hopefully build a closer relationship," said Yeoman 3rd Class (SW) Jeremy Lampley. Samuel B. Roberts, homeported in Mayport, Fla., 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 Resposibility. 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- NNS130819-01. USS Germantown Visits Cairns By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrew B. Church CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) pulled into Cairns, Australia for a routine port visit, Aug. 15. "I'm very excited to be in Cairns," said Fireman Recruit Daniel W. Sistare. "The people [in Australia] are very welcoming." The visit followed Germantown's completion of a two week certification exercise (CERTEX) with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in the Coral Sea. CERTEX is a comprehensive, complex training evolution that combines the Navy and Marine Corps maritime and sea-to-shore capabilities, and is routinely conducted to maintain fleet readiness. "Everyone involved in CERTEX did an exceptional job integrating forces, carrying out their duties with professionalism, and working together to accomplish the mission," said Cmdr. Jason R. Leach, commanding officer of Germantown. "Our visit to Cairns represents an opportunity for our crew to enjoy a well earned break." Germantown is currently on patrol with the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group, commanded by Capt. Cathal O'Connor, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11 and reports to the Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley, headquartered in White Beach, Okinawa, Japan. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130818-01. USS Stout Heads Out By Story by Ens. Todd Kniffen, USS Stout Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) (NNS) -- The guided missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG 55) deployed from its homeport of Norfolk on Sunday, Aug. 18. After a whirlwind year that included a successful shipyard maintenance availability and intensive certification and training period, Stout, led by Cmdr. Bob Alpigini, departed on a deployment to conduct Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Operations in and around the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Alpigini expressed his excitement about bringing what he calls "the Navy's premiere BMD asset" into the operational fold saying, "As Stout returns to the 6th Fleet area of operations, we're looking forward to performing our mission in the most dynamic and exciting surface warfare environment in the world today. Our ship and crew are well prepared to do our nation's business." Most recently, the ship returned to Norfolk on Apr. 15 following her participation in an intensive training exercise specifically tailored to ships that deploy independently, called IDCERTEX. The ship returned from her last 6th Fleet deployment in June, 2011. Stout is the sixth of the Arleigh Burke class of destroyers, the first ships in the world designed and equipped with the AEGIS Weapons Systems. This system incorporates shaping techniques which reduce radar detect ability and the likelihood of counter-targeting. AEGIS excels in high-threat environments which include anti-air, anti-submarine, anti-surface, and strike operations. Stout was commissioned on August 13, 1994 and was named after Rear Adm. Herald F. Stout. He was awarded two Navy Crosses for his outstanding service as commanding officer of USS Claxton (DD 571) in the Solomon Islands during World War II. The ship conducted operations as part of Destroyer Squadron 23 ("Little Beaver" Squadron). To find out more about USS Stout, visit www.stout.navy.mil For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130817-21. USS Philippine Sea Completes Visit, Board, Search and Seizure By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Read Castillo, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs USS PHILIPPINE SEA, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) completed the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) portion of its maritime interdiction operation (MIO) training requirement, Aug. 13. The Philippine Sea worked in conjunction with the training support boat Mobile Sea Range (MSR) Hunter on two separate occasions simulating a VBSS operation with a merchant vessel. "We were a little rusty on the first one," said Lt. j.g. Kenna M. Vanourney, Philippine Sea's gunnery ordnance officer. "For a lot of our team this was the first actual water boarding event they had done on a moving vessel." This was the Philippine Sea VBSS team's first MIO event in over two years, said Vanourney. "A lot of our team has rotated out since deployment and for a lot of the others this is the first water borne evolution ever," said Vanourney. "We had to get re-oriented on what gear was most critical and best to use in certain situations, what each person's role is and how to best utilize our personnel and their individual skills." The VBSS team successfully assessed the evolution and reapplied their new found experience in less than 24 hours. "We took the lessons learned on the first day and immediately applied them to the next," said Vanourney. "We re-did our kits, re-worked our communication and shared the load better. You don't get to do VBSS operations too often so both evolutions were a great training experience for us." VBSS operations are used for maritime boarding actions and tactics making VBSS an integral part of MIO. VBSS operations are designed to capture enemy vessels, carry out counterterrorism missions, combat piracy and smuggling, and conduct customs and safety inspections. "VBSS gives us the ability to perform many different missions making the Philippine Sea and her crew a more functional and effective part of the team as well as a key component of MIO," said Lt. j.g. Robert R. Allen, Philippine Sea's Navy liaison officer. MIO are naval operations that seek to delay, disrupt, or destroy enemy forces or supplies before causing detriment to allied forces. The Philippine Sea is participating in the George H.W. Bush Group Sail to improve strike group interoperability and prepare for an upcoming deployment. For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/. NNS130819-25. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features two newscasts today - two one-minute newscasts today. First one-minute newscast - - SECDEF Announces New Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Initiatives. http://youtu.be/43S_AGhDn9M http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18760 Second one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Monday, August 19th, 2013: CNO Releases Navigation Plan for 2014-2018; SECNAV Names New Littoral Combat Ship Indianapolis http://youtu.be/7A00Kdn5Wgc http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18761 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- NNS020718-32. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 19 From the Navy News Service 1812 - USS Constitution captures HMS Guerriere. 1818 - Captain James Biddle takes possession of Oregon Territory for the United States. 1967 - Operation Coronado IV begins in Mekong Delta. 1981 - Two VF-41 aircraft from USS Nimitz (CVN 68) shoot down two Libyan aircraft which fired on them over international waters. 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).