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 NNS130802-04. Pacific Partnership Veterinarians Improve Livestock Care in Solomon Islands -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75728 NNS130802-06. White House Launches SAVE Awards for Cost-paring Ideas -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75734 DNU -- Week in Review July 27th - August 2nd 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18718 NNS130804-04. USS Philippine Sea Completes MISSILX -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75762 DNU -- Active-Duty Chief Petty Officer Results Released; Navy Offers Dual-Military Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Refunds -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18715 NNS130802-05. Exercise Noble Melinda Concludes -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75727 NNS130803-09. CVN 77 Begins TSTA/FEP -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75749 DNU -- USS George Washington Soccer Team Competes Against Australian Semi-Pro Team In Brisbane -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18716 NNS130803-08. GW Sailors Provide New Learning Opportunity at Brisbane Grammar School -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75746 NNS130803-06. PACFLT Master Chief Visits Pacific Northwest -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75750 NNS130802-16. Naval Hospital Bremerton Recognizes 66th Birthday of Medical Service Corps -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75737 NNS130803-05. GW Sailors Foster Relations with Aboriginal School through Friendly Competition -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75745 NNS130803-11. NMCB 3 Helps Honor Homeless Veterans During VC Stand Down -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75753 DNU -- Interview with Navy SEAL Astronaut Cmdr. Chris Cassidy from the International Space Station, Recorded Aug 2, -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18717 NNS130802-12. South Korean Interns Get Firsthand Look at RTC, CSCSU -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75743 NNS130802-08. Midshipmen Train Aboard Carl Vinson -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75735 NNS130802-01. Vice Adm. (Ret) Henry Mustin to Present at NWDC Speaker Series August 8 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75731 NNS130804-12. Current All Hands Updates -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75738 NNS020718-26. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 04 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2626 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=156527 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130802-04. Pacific Partnership Veterinarians Improve Livestock Care in Solomon Islands By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha J. Webb GIZO, Solomon Islands (NNS) -- World Vets volunteers and U.S. Army veterinary technicians are providing hands-on training for Solomon Island paravets and livestock officers during Pacific Partnership, Aug. 1. The course of instruction began when 15 Solomon Islander students learned about pig nutrition, housing, diseases and other relevant topics. In the afternoon they put their education to practice when they visited Simon Nukunau, a local man who has recently started raising pigs, for income, and a means to feed his family. The paravets in Gizo work in areas where there are no veterinarians, so they are responsible for educating farmers on how to safely raise animals, such as chicken and pigs, so that they can be used for human consumption without a health risk. "It is important to help the farmers have better meat products," said Wilson Agiri, an agriculture principal at the Solomon Islands Rural Training Center, and one of the 15 students. "Better quality meats lead to a better health of the population." The Pacific Partnership veterinary personnel said they noticed a lot more interaction and interest from the students once they were out of the classroom setting. "Everyone did really good today," U.S. Army Capt., and team lead, Angelina Gerrardo told the students as filled out forms about the living environment and history of the livestock, where things like the pigs not having enough fresh water, adequate pens and proper care of wounds were noted. On Monday, the students will present recommendations to Nukunau on how to improve the health of his livestock. The veterinarians also plan to conduct physical examinations and provide care for Nukunau's pigs. Military members and civilian veterinary experts have been collaborating on projects throughout each mission port of Pacific Partnership 2013. Gerrardo said the dynamic nature of her team allowed for a greater variety of experiences to be shared with the Solomon Islanders. "A lot of the World Vets have been to countries and seen diseases we haven't seen in the U.S.," said Gerrardo. "I think our cumulative experience and expertise makes us a really nice team." The pig training was just one aspect of a weeklong engagement with the 15 students. The training areas were created in conjunction with a lead veterinarian in Honiara with the national Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Pacific Partnership 2013 is a collaborative effort of military members and civilians from 10 partner nations including Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand and the United States that improves maritime security through disaster preparedness. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130802-06. White House Launches SAVE Awards for Cost-paring Ideas By Amaani Lyle, American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Federal employees can submit their cost-cutting ideas through the White House's annual SAVE Awards campaign that kicked-off July 30, administration officials said. SAVE stands for Securing Americans Value and Efficiency. The campaign, which runs through Aug. 9, stems from President Barack Obama's belief that federal employees are best poised to generate effective and efficient ways to ensure good stewardship of taxpayer dollars, officials said. "The SAVE Award represents a key opportunity to identify substantial savings in places that traditional financial managers may not know to look," explained Elizabeth A. McGrath, the Defense Department's deputy chief management officer. "Every member of our workforce has deep knowledge and experience in their jobs and knows where inefficiencies lay hidden." Federal employees can participate by submitting their ideas for more effective and efficient government or by encouraging co-workers to vote on their ideas or to submit their own, she added. "The SAVE Award helps to empower these employees to speak up and become proactive change agents by promoting ways to achieve cost reductions," McGrath said. Since the inaugural SAVE Awards in 2009, federal employees have submitted more than 85,000 cost-shrinking ideas, with dozens of the most promising suggestions included in the president's budget, specifically in the cuts, consolidations, and savings volume, White House officials said. Creativity counts, they added, encouraging participants to review previous submissions on the SAVE Awards website to avoid duplication. Relevant agencies will review all ideas for potential action, including inclusion in the president's budget proposals, as more than 80 ideas have been in the past four years. "It is always our responsibility as good stewards of taxpayer dollars to adopt better business practices, and it is even more important in today's constrained fiscal environment to aggressively target opportunities for improvement," McGrath said. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130804-04. USS Philippine Sea Completes MISSILX By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Read Castillo, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs USS Philippine Sea, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) completed a missile exercise (MISSILX), Aug. 4. Philippine Sea, and USS Truxtun (DDG 103) simultaneously launched Navy Standard Missile-2's (SM-2) while USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) launched shortly afterwards. The MISSILEX required that all three ships fire SM-2's at a remote controlled, subsonic missile drone, or (BQM). The SM-2 is the U.S Navy's primary surface-to-air air defense weapon and a vital element of the Aegis Weapon System (AWS) aboard Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, launched from the MK 41 Vertical Launcher System (VLS). During the exercise a BQM was flown out to sea by an aircraft and dropped into mid air. The drone is then reverted back towards the ships requiring them to shoot it out of the sky, said Senior Chief Fire Controlman Jeremy R. Rasnick, combat systems fire controlman leading chief petty officer. "After it was dropped, shore command flew the BQM inbound," said Rasnick. "Once inbound our mission is to get good telemetry data back to shore command so they can evaluate how the missile and its systems preformed." The missiles fired were not armed with warheads. Instead, each missile attempts to approach the BQM as close as possible simulating an actual intercept. Each SM-2 has proximity sensors capable of recording the distance from the BQM as it flies by indicating a "hit", said Rasnick. "The missiles try to get as close as they can to the drone and instead of it exploding it just continues to fly by," said Rasnick. "Once recovered they can figure out whose missiles were within the blast radius. The MISSILX simulates a cruise missile attack scenario that could be encountered by the George H.W. Bush Strike Group (GHWB CSG) on deployment. "This missile is specifically designed to simulate a C-802 missile which is an anti-ship cruise missile", said Rasnick. After two days of "mock" drills involving Learjet fly-by's simulating a BQM, the Philippine Sea was ready to conduct the MISSILX and learn from the experience of an actual launch. "The rehearsals were very beneficial and went very well," said Master Chief Fire Controlman Craig M. Cotherman, combat systems maintenance manger. "But a couple things were a little bit different today, things we can't rehearse and simulate, things we can't prepare for." Cotherman feels the MISSILX provided an invaluable experience. "We definitely have some lessons to take away from the experience," said Cotherman. "Aside from actually having to fire on a target, this is as real as it gets." The last missile launch aboard the Philippine Sea took place in 2010 making this not just a learning experience, but also a rare and exciting event for the crew. I was standing in the bridge when it happened," said Quartermaster 3rd Class Cameron A.Wheylan. "It was cool to see what we can actually do and feel the power of it all. It's definitely something I will never forget." 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/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130802-05. Exercise Noble Melinda Concludes By Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs HAIFA, Israel (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy participated in Exercise Noble Melinda, July 22 - Aug. 1, in the Mediterranean Sea near Haifa, Israel. The exercise was an annual training event that was not associated with, or a reaction to, any real-world events. Noble Melinda is an annual maritime exercise designed to increase interoperability by developing individual and collective maritime proficiencies of the U.S. and Israel, as well as to promote friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation. The annual bilateral exercise, now in its 11th year, focused on explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), diving and salvage operations, recompression chamber operations, and other underwater operations. "The exercise has provided valuable training opportunities for both sides, and we are very excited to be here," said Lt. j.g. Steve Link. "We have been able to work together successfully through a variety of scenarios, and I hope we can continue such collaboration in the future." Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EODMU-8), from Rota, Spain, is the U.S. 6th Fleet unit that participated in the exercise. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other parties in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa. 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- NNS130803-09. CVN 77 Begins TSTA/FEP By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derrik Noack, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) departed its homeport of Norfolk to begin the Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) process, July 30. TSTA/FEP prepares the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group through a wide range of mission-critical operations, and is assessed by Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic. The TSTA portion assesses the crew's ability to self-train, and is meant to improve their ability to fight the ship by increasing their medical and damage control knowledge. FEP tests the crew on their ability to handle combat missions while supporting flight operations, along with maintaining casualty control. The crew keeps active practicing, studying, and training for the drill year-round, but this is the first time in 19 months that they will conduct drills with Carrier Strike Group TWO (CSG 2) onboard. "It's wonderful to have our whole team assembled," said Commanding Officer Capt. Andrew J. Loiselle. "I know we'll knock this evolution out of the park, just like we've been trained to do so." Afloat Training Group (ATG) Atlantic inspectors will assess the crew's knowledge and capabilities through life saving, damage control, navigation and weapons drills. General Quarters (GQ) drills allow all of these subjects to be simultaneously graded through training scenarios, and simulated attacks to the ship. "GQ drills are great because they not only give us time to educate Sailors on basic first aid, but also how to integrate that with damage control," said Lt. Chantel Hurwitz, the ship's nurse. "I'm confident in the crew's capabilities, because I've seen that knowledge in action during our drills and during a few actual emergencies on the ship." The whole crew will participate in various drills throughout the ship's underway until ATG Atlantic deems them proficient in every graded area. The next step in certifying George H.W. Bush for deployment will be a Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPUTEX), which will test all warfare mission areas of the ship and CSG 2. For more information on USS George H.W. Bush follow the ship's fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy . For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/ . For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130803-08. GW Sailors Provide New Learning Opportunity at Brisbane Grammar School By Mass Communication Specialist Petty Officer 3rd Class Tatiana Avery BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in a community service event (COMSERV) at Brisbane Grammar School (BGS) during the crew's five-day port visit to Brisbane, Australia, Aug. 1. Twenty-eight Sailors volunteered for the opportunity to mentor 450 students, ranging grades 6 to 8, which included a tour of the 145 year-old campus, lunch with the staff, an in-class question and answer session, and games in the private school's sport complex. "It was a lot more enjoyable to have [the Sailors] there in the class instead of just all of our normal friends," said Oscar Medek, a BGS student. "It was really interesting to get to ask questions and I got to learn a lot about USS George Washington." The students asked the Sailors questions ranging from their reasons for joining the Navy to seeing how much Australian slang they knew. "This is just school to the students and it's an everyday normal thing, but this is like a dream for me," said Aerographers Mate Airman Justin Bruno. "It was amazing to just be able to sit in the classroom and talk to [the students]." The staff also became acquainted with the Sailors and expressed their gratitude for the new learning opportunity they provided. "Every time a ship pulls in we just jump at the opportunity to have you all come and visit the students," said Jacquie Zervos, head of BGS's Middle School. "You could never know how genuinely excited they are for this and how memorable this day will be for them." The Sailors and students played intramural sports outside the classroom, including rugby and tennis in order to see how the students strengthen their bodies as well as their minds. "They're very smart, very active and very entertaining. We had a great time and it's just been a wonderful experience," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class Louis Blasini, from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Before leaving, the Sailors were presented with ball caps and pins of the school's insignia, and the staff received a portrait of the ship signed by Commanding Officer Capt. Greg Fenton. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier 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 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- NNS130803-06. PACFLT Master Chief Visits Pacific Northwest By Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest EVERETT, Wash. - (NNS) -- Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) Master Chief Marco Ramirez toured naval installations and tenant commands within Navy Region Northwest July 29 - Aug. 2. In his first visit to the Pacific Northwest while holding the top enlisted position in the Pacific Fleet, Ramirez toured Naval Station Everett (NSE), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), and Naval Base Kitsap (NBK), meeting with senior leadership and speaking to Sailors. "The Sailors that I met have been capable, they are ready, [and] they are proud of where they are so that tells me a lot about the area," said Ramirez. "It's an awesome place to be." Ramirez spoke to Sailors about a wide variety of topics at all-hands calls at NSE and NASWI, which included the restructure of naval forces into the Asia/Pacific Region, the mission priorities of the Pacific Fleet, budgetary issues, uniforms, and personnel issues. "Our first priority is war fighting readiness, second is our partnerships, third is forward presence, and fourth Sailors, their families and the civilians that work for the military," said Ramirez. "War fighting readiness means to me that we need to know our rates, have all our quals and warfare devices, and be medically, dentally, and family ready." Ramirez's visit also included a tour of base facilities at each installation, and tours aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Ingraham (FFG 61) and the guided-missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727). One of main reasons for the visit was to talk with Sailors, observe their working environments, and ensure that their needs are taken care of, said Ramirez. It is important to hear what is working well for Sailors, what challenges them, and then communicate that information back to fleet headquarters. "He's here for the Sailors," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Travis Vinson, stationed on NASWI. "I think it's great that he has come to NASWI to share his wisdom and experience." Ramirez also said that informing Sailors of what is going on in the Navy at-large is also a priority. Master at Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Antonio Neblett, who piloted a security boat during a tour of the NSE waterfront, said that he appreciated Ramirez's enthusiasm in learning about how NSE and its Sailors operate. "It shows interest," said Neblett. "It lets us know that he is attentive and that he cares about what we are doing ... that he is interested in knowing the specifics of what we do on a daily basis." Ramirez became the 16th Fleet Master Chief for the U.S. Pacific Fleet on April 30. 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- NNS130802-16. Naval Hospital Bremerton Recognizes 66th Birthday of Medical Service Corps By Douglas H Stutz Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- It was just 66 years ago, in 1947 that the Navy's Medical Service Corps came into being. It was in August, yet another tumultuous, chaotic month for much of the world after the end of the Second World War two years earlier. Pakistan and India both gained independence from Great Britain. The Marshall Plan had started Europe on the road to recovery. The communists seized power in Hungary. Food riots over bread prices erupted in France. It was during that time that four specialist sections of Navy Medicine - Supply and Administration, Optometry, Allied Sciences, and Pharmacy - were combined on August 4 by an act of Congress to form the Navy Medical Service Corps (MSC). Staff members at Naval Hospital Bremerton gathered on August 2 to recognize the birthday and anniversary of the MSC. Joining them as guest speaker was retired Navy Capt. Richard Becker, who was MSC officer from 1979 to 2005, and his father, special guest, retired Navy Capt. David E. Becker, and MSC officer from 1953 to 1973. "The MSC director has asked all officers to focus on change and the opportunities ahead. The history of Navy Medicine and the Medical Service Corps is about change and is a very big part of our heritage. We're all part of that change. Change means new opportunities and challenges. The MSC is well prepared to meet any challenge as we've done for 66 years," said the younger Becker, noting that active and retired MSC officers continue to impact Navy Medicine with their contributions, citing retired Lt. Cmdr. Diana Polizzi of NHB's Referral Management Center as a prime example. "Diane works tirelessly behind the scenes and has met the challenges to process referrals and improve system-wide health care delivery to our beneficiaries," Becker said. "Happy Birthday Medical Service Corps! As we proudly celebrate the 66th anniversary of the establishment of our Corps, I want to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your service to our country and your significant contributions in support of the Navy Medicine's global mission," wrote Rear Adm. T.J. Moulton, Medical Service Corps director, noting that throughout the history of the MSC, extraordinary strides have been made in advancing the administrative, clinical and scientific specialties within Navy Medicine. "As we reflect on our history and celebrate our Corps birthday, I ask you to focus on change and look toward the many exciting opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. Over the course of our history, we have demonstrated the exceptional capability to adapt to change and succeed at all challenges. The Medical Service Corps has always led from the front and I know that our Corps is exceptionally well prepared for the numerous changes and challenges that lies ahead within Military Medicine," Moulton added. MSC history actually dates back to WWII, where 1,429 officers were given temporary appointments in the Hospital Corps and a total of 845 pharmacists, optometrists and other specialists in medicine and dentistry were given temporary appointments as Naval Reserve officers. The two groups emphasized that there was a need for a permanent officer category that back then comprised the Medical Department. The Army-Navy Medical Service Corps Act of 1947 provided a permanent commissioned corps of specialists to complement the existing Medical Department officer categories. The original legislation provided for the Corps to be comprised of four sections: Supply and Administration, Medical Allied Sciences, Optometry and Pharmacy and authorized the Secretary of the Navy to create other sections, as necessary (such as adding the Podiatry Section in 1953). The Women's Specialist Section was established in 1952, and in 1965, was re-titled the Medical Specialist Section to permit the appointment of male officers. There are approximately 2,620 MSC officers on active duty, with another 330 in naval Reserves. The MSC is also the most diverse corps within Navy Medicine, comprised of 31 subspecialties that are organized under three main categories. Under Healthcare Administration the subspecialties are; Financial Management; Education/Training Management; Patient Administration; Health Care Info System; Manpower, Personnel; Healthcare Facility Planning; Operations Analysis; Plans, Operations and Medical Intelligence; Healthcare Administration; and Material Logistics. After her initial enlistment as a hospital corpsman, Lt. Jennifer McNabb, NHB Patient Administration department head, applied and was selected to attain on her primary goal of patient administration, a core subspecialty of the Healthcare Administration category. "I wanted to focus on the business aspect of health care and patient administration and being an MSC officer has given me the opportunity to do just that. I love what we do in that regard," said McNabb, adding that her defining moment as a MSC office for seven years was when she was part of the pre-commissioning crew on USS Makin Island (LHD 8). "I really had no idea what I was getting into and learned a lot about the true mission and purpose of our Navy. Being a plank owner was very special." Lt. Andrew Rutledge, assistant department head for NHB Patient Administration, also shared that his definitive moment as a MSC officer was serving on USS Truman (CVN 75). "I got to see firsthand where Navy Medicine fits in the Navy with us out there for the Sailors. I learned so much on there. It was eye-opening and a great Navy experience," Rutledge said, noting that he chose a MSC career when he was at University of South Florida as a perfect way to put his Master of Health Administration degree to immediate use. "It was a great opportunity. I got to apply what I learned with the interest I always had in the Navy. What better way to use my education? I've learned and grown in six years," said Rutledge, who has also deployed to Role 3 Hospital at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. The subspecialties in the Clinician category are: Audiology; Clinical Psychology; Occupational Therapy; Optometry; Pharmacy; Dietetics; Physical Therapy; Physcial Assistant; Podiatry; and Social Work. The Scientists category includes such subspecialties as; Entomology; Environmental Health; Industrial Hygiene; Medical Technology; Aerospace Physiology; Aerospace Experimental Psychology; Research Psychology; Radiation Health; Physiology; Microbiology and Biochemistry/Toxicology. MSC serve in a wide variety of locations, including Navy medical treatment facilities; Naval branch health clinics; Marine Corps battalions; Fleet Marine Force; Seabee detachments; research centers and laboratories; staff positions throughout the Navy and Marine Corps; on ships and at expeditionary medical facilities overseas such as EMF Djibouti. The primary mission of the MSC community is to support Navy Medicine's readiness and health benefits mission. The MSC Vision is of one Corps of many specialties meeting today's needs and tomorrow's challenges. There was a whimsical readiness challenge at the birthday celebration during the cake cutting. A few MSC officers tried to see if the cake was cut into 66 slices, each piece representing a year in their Corps history. For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130803-05. GW Sailors Foster Relations with Aboriginal School through Friendly Competition By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacob I. Allison BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- Sailors stationed aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) competed in a basketball game at the Murri Aboriginal School as part of a community service (COMSERV) project to strengthen relationships with the Brisbane community, August 1. COMSERV projects give both Sailors and local communities the opportunity to share culture and experiences, and develop international ties. "I think it's really good," said Jeffrey Locke, The Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School, or Murri School, board of director's member. "They idolize a lot of the American culture, so it's great for them to come out and see Americans play basketball with them." The Murri School has approximately 240 students ranging in age from five to 18, primarily from the southern Queensland aboriginal community. The school's basketball team defeated the George Washington team during the friendly match. "The game was wonderful," said Machinists' Mate 1st Class Alvin Dogojo. "The teams were made up of local students and they enjoyed playing against the American team." Students from the school cheered both sides and enjoyed interacting with the Sailors. "It's good for us to give the kids different experiences," said Locke. "It was great to give [the students] an idea of what's out there in the world. Having the Sailors come out has been really good." George Washington will continue to perform COMSERV projects throughout the five-day Brisbane port visit. "It's always good to give back," said Dogojo. "As Sailors, we have a lot of people back home and overseas who support us. If you have the opportunity to give back, just do it." George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing Five, provide a combat-ready force that protect and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130803-11. NMCB 3 Helps Honor Homeless Veterans During VC Stand Down By Construction Electrician Constructionman Christopher Porta and Builder Constructionman Laine Pulfer. VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- More than 20 years ago, Ventura County resident Claire L. Hope visited a veteran's aid event in Long Beach, Calif., where she was inspired by the degree of free help local legal and health care professionals were happy to give our nation's homeless heroes. The next year, in 1993, Hope both founded and organized the first Ventura County Stand Down where for two decades her organization has provided meals and critical services to hundreds of veterans from across the Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Los Angeles counties. To ensure this year's stand down was as successful as those held in the previous years, more than 20 Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 were called upon to setup and breakdown 13 large-size tents each able to house 12 homeless veterans each. "The Seabees are always willing to help" said Hope during the first day of set up. "They are a wonderful group of professionals." From July 26-28, hundreds of former service members from all military branches came to receive free health and life management services, and a break from the environment. "The Army changed my life," said Korean War veteran and six-year American Red Cross volunteer Carl Bohming. "[The Ventura Stand Down] is a little something you can do to give back." Since the start of the Ventura County Stand Down, civilian and veteran volunteers have dedicated their time to help those in need. More than 300 volunteers provided meals, safety, security, optometry, dental, physical rehabilitation, legal services, showers and even haircuts to veterans who would otherwise go without. Donations, such as clothes and toiletries, were donated from local businesses and private citizens. Connie Biggers of the American Legion Auxiliary has been a volunteer of the Ventura County Stand Down for 10 years. Her volunteer service is defined by a personal acronym, "PASS" - Pride, Attitude, Service and Support. Biggers said she was honored to be a part of such an experience among men and women that gave their time in the service. "They are very polite, very gracious and it is an honor to be with them," said Biggers while looking out over the crowd. "We owe them eternally." NMCB 3 provides 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- NNS130802-12. South Korean Interns Get Firsthand Look at RTC, CSCSU By By Brian Walsh, Recruit Training Command Public Affairs and Sue Krawczyk, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs By Brian Walsh, Recruit Training Command Public Affairs and Sue Krawczyk, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs By Brian Walsh, Recruit Training Command Public Affairs and Sue Krawczyk, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs Great Lakes, Ill. (July 30, 2013) (NNS) -- Recruit Training Command (RTC) and Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU), Great Lakes, were hosts to 10 interns from the South Korean Parliament on July 30. The visit was part of an annual exchange program between college student interns from the Korean National Assembly and United States Congress. The tour began at RTC where the interns saw firsthand how recruits live and train. "One of my favorite locations of the tour was the ship trainer," said Kanghee Yoo, 24, an intern and graduate student at Sungkyunkwan University. "It looked amazing and the technology that is used to assist in training the recruits was very impressive." Yoo was referring to the USS Trayer (BST 21), the Navy's largest simulator, a 210-foot-long Arleigh Burke-class destroyer mockup where recruits go through Battle Stations, a grueling 12-hour culmination of basic training and the last evolution recruits accomplish before they graduate. The technology simulates sights, sounds and smells by using video screens, piped-in smells, large stereo woofer-created vibrations and shipboard sound effects from helicopters to missile hits. Following a tour of the USS Trayer, the interns were on hand to observe a capping ceremony as recruits exchanged their recruit ball caps with a Navy ball cap to signify they have completed all requirements of boot camp to become a Sailor. "I liked the event at the end of the test," said Yoo, who served in the Air Force in South Korea. "The speeches and the music along with knowing that the recruits completed their training were very emotional." The group also visited the USS Missouri Small Arms Marksmanship Trainer (SAMT) on board RTC. While there they had the opportunity to handle and fire the Navy's standard issue M9 Beretta pistol and the Mossberg 500 12-gauge shotgun. SAMT uses red laser lights and pneumatic air to simulate the firing and hits on a computer target. They also visited the Freedom Hall physical fitness trainer to see how recruits perform their Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA). The final visit at RTC was the USS Triton, a recruit barracks or ship, to see where recruits live, study and eat. After wrapping up their visit to RTC, the group continued on to tour CSCSU to examine the step-by-step process that trains Sailors on their path to the fleet. First up was the seamanship trainer, or USS White Hat, where Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/EXW) Sumner Young, an instructor at the CSCSU Boatswain's Mate (BM) "A" School covered the basics of the BM training and Surface Common Core training program. "When the recruits graduate from RTC and come over here, this is where we give them their basic knowledge to join the fleet to actually go out to a ship and be productive where they're going to learn the basics about their job," said Young. Next, Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) David Phinney and Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) James Reilly, instructors at the Quartermaster (QM) and Operations Specialist (OS) "A" Schools at CSCSU, led the interns through a variety of labs including chart plotting, radars and the Ship Self-Defense System (SSD) lab simulator. In the chart plotting lab, Reilly explained that while paper chart plotting is becoming a dying skill as most ships have moved on to electronic navigation, the lab is an opportunity for the OS and QM to have hands-on experience in theoretical navigation before learning it electronically. "This computer system is so impressive because in Korea I have never seen this type of system," said Hee Won Jang, 22, a student Sungkyunkwan University. "Here, they also learn the paper chart system so they can do a lot of things with that knowledge. For instance, if the electronic system would shut down, then they would know how to use the paper charts." The group also learned about the Voyage Management System (VMS) - a combination of digital charts, electronic system fixes, environmental sensors, and enhanced command and control features -which allows for the elimination of many aspects of paper chart navigation. The tour wrapped up in the radar and SSD labs where the interns were shown the programs used for teaching students how the information from the radars is compiled electronically. "I'm amazed with the radar systems in these labs," said Yoo. "I was able to see how they bought up all the actual simulations into this program. I am completely impressed with everything I have seen on the tour all over the base today." "Our goal with the exchange program is to provide participants with first-hand experience of each other's people and culture, and create opportunities to form long-lasting personal contacts," said Andrew Ainsworth, Program Coordinator for Meridian International Center and escort of the interns in the U.S. "Although knowledge is important, we believe the relationships created will last for years to come." Meridian International Center works with the U.S. State Department and U.S. embassies worldwide to create lasting international partnerships through leadership and cultural exchanges. For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/local/tscgl/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130802-08. Midshipmen Train Aboard Carl Vinson By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Hansel D. Pintos CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- Aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) continues to welcome midshipmen throughout the summer from the U.S. Naval Academy and Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) to learn about life and operations aboard an aircraft carrier. "The objective of the midshipmen summer training is to further their professional development, instill a sense of pride in the Navy and incline them toward specific careers in the Navy," said Lt. Sean Dougherty, air department V-2 division's branch officer and midshipmen coordinator. Time spent aboard the warship supports both the pacific training of midshipmen (PACTRAMID) and career orientation training of midshipmen (CORTRAMID) programs. PACTRAMID and CORTRAMID programs make up a significant portion of midshipmen's professional development and are prerequisites for commissioning as an officer. They are designed to help midshipmen make choices as to which warfare area they request to be commissioned in. The CORTRAMID program is for midshipmen third class - those who have completed their first year of college - while the PACTRAMID program is for first and second class midshipmen - or those who are in their senior and junior years. CORTRAMID midshipmen visited Carl Vinson weekly throughout the summer in groups of 50 to 100 and stayed aboard for a few hours to learn about Carl Vinson's aviation program. During their stay, they received a welcoming brief from Capt. Paul Spedero, Carl Vinson's executive officer, and toured Carl Vinson's air and operations departments. They also flew in Helicopter Sea Squadron (HSC) Three's helicopters and learned about flight operations. While CORTRAMID midshipmen only toured the ship while it was pierside, PACTRAMID midshipmen settled aboard for an extended stay. For PACTRAMID, midshipmen visited Carl Vinson in three separate phases, or groups, during the summer, each experiencing an underway period. "PACTRAMID offers midshipmen an opportunity to learn how the Navy works, gain basic leadership skills and get hands-on experience in the fleet," Dougherty said. "They also get to see how the departments on ships work together." From May 15 to May 26, the first phase of PACTRAMID midshipmen stayed aboard Carl Vinson. Upon arrival, each midshipman was assigned a running mate - a mentor during the midshipman's stay on board. Midshipmen First Classes were assigned to junior Officers. Midshipmen Second and Third Classes were assigned to senior petty officers. During PACTRAMID, midshipmen shadowed their running mates , participating in their daily duties and sharing in the responsibility of their roles aboard the ship. For example, they stood watches under instruction from their running mates both for officer of the deck (OOD) and junior officer of the deck (JOOD), observing the role of the bridge watches. PACTRAMID midshipmen also toured air, weapons, engineering, reactor and aircraft intermediate maintenance departments to learn about each department's role aboard the ship. Midshipmen got a ground-floor view of flight operations from the flight deck, were able to ride along in a helicopter, and even participated in general quarters (GQ) drills, explained Dougherty. Additionally, PACTRAMID midshipmen received live-fire weapons training. They learned how to operate and shoot .50 cal. assault rifles, M240 machine guns, M-16 and M-4 rifles, and 9mm hand guns. "It is this direct, tactile experience that will give our midshipmen the valuable insight and knowledge so they can one day decide what area they want to serve in and what area they can serve best," said Lt. Cmdr Kevin Halfacre, Carl Vinson's training officer. "For the midshipmen, these programs are a familiarization with life as a junior officer," Halfacre said. "It gives them a first-hand perspective on what they will be doing in the fleet upon commissioning." The other two phases of the PACTRAMID program took place from May 28 to June 23 and from June 23 to July 20. A total of 97 midshipmen joined Carl Vinson's crew during this summer's PACTRAMID. CONTRAMID visits will continue through Aug. 15. For more news from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130802-01. Vice Adm. (Ret) Henry Mustin to Present at NWDC Speaker Series August 8 By Navy Warfare Development Command Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Henry C. Mustin, U.S. Navy (Ret.) will speak at the Navy Warfare Development Command's (NWDC) Navy Center for Innovation (NCFI) Speaker Series on August 8, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. EDT, at NWDC's headquarters on Naval Station Norfolk and over Defense Connect Online (DCO). Mustin will speak on "Taking the Maritime Strategy to Sea in the North Atlantic." Mustin is part of a Navy family with over 200 years and eight generations of naval service dating back prior to the War of 1812. His grandfather, Capt. Henry C. Mustin, was a 1896 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) and made the first catapult launching from a ship when he flew an AB-2 flying boat off the stern of USS North Carolina (ACR 12) in 1915. His father, Vice Adm. Lloyd Mustin, a 1932 USNA graduate, developed the Navy's first lead-computing anti-aircraft gun. Mustin graduated from the USNA in 1955, followed by his brother, Lt. Cmdr. Thomas M. Mustin in 1962. Mustin retired in 1989, and his two sons and grandson continued the family's tradition of naval service. The guided-missile destroyer, USS MUSTIN (DDG-89), is named in honor of the Mustin family's naval service. "Part of moving the Navy forward, is taking the time to look at the achievements and lessons learned from the past," said Rear Adm. Scott B. Jerabek, commander, NWDC. "Vice Admiral Mustin's personal experiences and those of his family will likely spark fresh ideas for solutions to current challenges." Vice Admiral Mustin, a destroyerman, served at sea in the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets in USS DUNCAN (DDR 874); as Commanding Officer, USS Bunting (MHC 45); as a plankowner in both USS LAWRENCE (DDG 4) and USS CONYGHAM (DDG 17); as Commanding Officer, USS HENRY B. WILSON (DDG 7); as Commander, Destroyer Squadron 12, homeported in Athens, Greece; as Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 2; and as Commander, US Second Fleet and NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic. He served ashore in Vietnam with the Delta River Patrol Group; as Flag Lieutenant to the Commander-in-Chief Pacific; as Executive Assistant to the Commander-in-Chief US Naval Forces Europe; as Director, Surface Combat Systems Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations; as Deputy Commander Naval Surface Force, Atlantic Fleet; as Naval Inspector General; and as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy and Operations). He was responsible for the development of requirements and fleet introduction of the Tomahawk missile, the Standard missile (SM-2), LAMPS helicopters, and the TICONDEROGA-class AEGIS cruisers. He was instrumental in defining the initial requirements for the ARLEIGH BURKE-class destroyers. Mustin directed all U.S. Navy arms control planning, including the START negotiations with the Soviet Union. He led high level U.S. interagency delegations to Moscow, London, Paris, Lisbon, Oslo and Seoul. He also served as the Senior US Military Representative to the United Nations. NWDC's NFCI Speaker Series is designed to stimulate provocative discussion and action to drive a culture of innovation in the Navy. Participants in the Hampton Roads area are invited to attend the presentation in-person at NWDC's headquarters at 1528 Piersey Street, Building O-27, on Naval Station Norfolk. Registration, DCO and other information can be found on NWDC's website at https://www.nwdc.navy.mil/ncfi/speaker/default.aspx. A video of the presentation will be posted on NWDC's YouTube channel following the event. For more news from Navy Warfare Development Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwdc/. NNS130804-12. Current All Hands Updates From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features two newscasts today - one one-minute newscast, one Web-only newscast. First one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Friday, August 2, 2013: Active-Duty Chief Petty Officer Results Released; Navy Offers Dual-Military Family Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Refunds http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18715 http://youtu.be/ttZz1vKhozM First one-minute Web newscast- - USS George Washington Soccer Team Competes Against Australian Semi-Pro Players http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18716 http://youtu.be/EXkDl7-5m2g Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces four All Hands Update (AHU)newscasts each day - one two-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS020718-26. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 04 From the Navy News Service 1846 - Sailors and Marines from USS Congress capture Santa Barbara. 1858 - First trans-Atlantic cable completed by USS Niagara and British ship Agamemnon. 1944 - 5th Fleet carrier task forces begin air attack against Iwo Jima and the Bonin Islands. 1947 - Birthdate of the Medical Service Corps. 1964 - USS Turner Joy (DD 951) and USS Maddox (DD 731) report being attacked by North Vietnamese PT boats in Gulf of Tonkin. -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).