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 NNS130805-09. Secretary of the Navy Meets with Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75779 NNS130806-01. Navy Advancement Center Announces Enlisted Examination Answer Sheet Change -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75784 DNU -- Navy Welcomes New Chief of Naval Personnel; Coast Guard Celebrates 223rd Birthday -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18721 NNS130805-04. USS San Jacinto Aids Turkish Mariner -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75771 NNS130806-02. CSS Chief Selectees set to begin Phase Two of CPO 365 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75783 DNU -- SECDEF Announces 20 Percent Reduction in Defense Headquarters Total Spending; Gen. Martin Dempsey, Adm. James Winnefeld Confirmed for Second Terms -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18720 NNS130805-07. Boxer Becomes First West Coast Ship to Deploy with Osprey -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75726 NNS130805-13. Boxer ARG, 13th MEU Completes CERTEX -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75787 DNU -- Operating Forward, Sailors and Marines on board LHD-6 make the dangerous look easy -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18722 NNS130805-05. A Moving Experience: New Navy Transportation Tool Takes Off -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75769 NNS130805-12. Truman Arrives In Marseille, France -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75788 NNS130805-03. USS Fitzgerald Arrives in Northern Japan -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75770 NNS130805-01. Blue Ridge Leaves Cairns -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75767 NNS130805-10. Submarine Learning Center Changes Command -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75778 DNU -- U.S. Navy Sailors fire a .50 caliber machine gun during a Crew Fired Weapons Drill aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD6). -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18723 NNS130805-02. Navy's Largest Training Command Changes Leadership -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75768 NNS130806-03. Coastal Riverine Group Two holds Change of Command -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75781 NNS130804-10. Pacific Partnership Members Bring Donations to Solomon Islands Women's Council -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75756 DNU -- USS FREEDOM (LCS 1) is a fast, agile, focused-mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18727 NNS130806-04. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75773 NNS020718-22. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 06 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2629 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=156602 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-09. Secretary of the Navy Meets with Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan Col. Gen. Safar Akhundbala oglu Abiyev met at the Pentagon today to discuss the military relationship between their two nations. During the meeting Mabus and Abiyev addressed the existing partnership between the United States and Azerbaijan as well as maritime security in the Caspian Sea. Mabus, who visited Azerbaijan in November 2011, expressed his thanks to Abiyev for Azerbaijan's role in supporting coalition efforts in Afghanistan and also discussed possible opportunities to support the future development of the Azerbaijani navy. "Meetings such as this underscore Secretary Mabus' commitment to building lasting partnerships with international allies and increasing the regional cooperation necessary to ensure freedom of trade and navigation worldwide," said Cmdr. Tamara Lawrence, spokesperson for the Secretary of the Navy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130806-01. Navy Advancement Center Announces Enlisted Examination Answer Sheet Change By Tom Updike, Naval Education Training Professional Development Technology Center PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The updated enlisted examination answer sheet announced Aug. 5 in naval administrative message (NAVADMIN) 195-13 will be implemented for the E4-E6 Navy-wide advancement exams, administered starting in Aug. 2013 for Reserve and Active Duty personnel. The new form, NETPDTC 1430/2 (REV 3-2013), is green in color and replaces the red answer sheet which has been in use for more than 10 years. A key change to the new form is the use of the Department of Defense Identification Number (DOD ID). The DOD ID is a unique 10-digit number that is associated with personnel and their common access card (CAC). A DOD ID is assigned to each person registered in the Defense Enrollment and Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). "The new green exam answer sheet is part of a larger effort within NEAS (Navy Enlisted Advancement System) to support the Department of Defense's social security number reduction plan," said Cdr. Scott Briquelet, Navy Advancement Center (NAC) director. "We are taking steps to inform all command ESOs (Educational Services Officers) of the answer sheet change in advance of the upcoming exam cycles." The NAC ships and processes more than 300,000 examination answer sheets each year. The use of the DOD ID rather than an individual Sailor's social security number (SSN) mitigates exposure of advancement candidates' personally identifiable information (PII). CACs issued after June 2011 will have the DOD ID number displayed on the back of the card. Sailors with access to an NMCI computer can also get their DOD ID number by looking for the window containing the 10-digit DOD ID number during log in or upon removal of the CAC. The new green answer sheet must be used for all future examination cycles. Command ESOs should destroy any outdated red answer sheets held. Use of a red answer sheet will result in scanning errors and exam discrepancies. NAC also updated the Advancement in Rate or Change of Rating Worksheet (NETPDTC 1430/3 REV 06-13) which is used locally by commands to perform calculations and establish eligibility for enlisted advancement cycles. Advancement information on the form, such as a Sailor's performance mark average (PMA) and individual award points is copied from the cycle worksheet to the examination answer sheet on the day of the exam. The new worksheet also requires the use of the DOD ID. The form can be downloaded on the Navy Enlisted Advancement System (NEAS) Web at https://neasos.cnet.navy.mil/. "We are also using NEAS Web to help ESOs look up individual advancement candidate DOD IDs to support exam ordering and processing," added Briquelet. For more information about the Navy Advancement Center and the Navy Enlisted Advancement System visit https://www.facebook.com/pages/Navy-Advancement-Center. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-04. USS San Jacinto Aids Turkish Mariner From Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) transported a Turkish mariner to U.S. Navy Hospital Sigonella early in the morning of Aug. 4 following a request for assistance from Turkish Navy warship TCG Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasa (A579). San Jacinto was transiting the Mediterranean Sea conducting routine communications shortly before 11 p.m. local time Aug. 3, when it was hailed by the Turkish warship who requested transportation assistance for a mariner who required immediate medical attention. San Jacinto responded immediately, heading to the ship's location. "Helping another mariner at sea is fundamental to our profession," said Capt. Bill McKinley, San Jacinto's commanding officer. "My watch team received the call at more than 130 nautical miles away which is at extreme range for bridge to bridge communications. The watch team immediately made best speed to the position of the Turkish ship while making all the complex arrangements for the medical evaluation." Aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), also in the Mediterranean Sea, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG) staff coordinated efforts to transport the mariner for medical treatment. Harry S. Truman's senior medical officer coordinated assistance efforts by providing acute care options to help slow the spread of the illness. "We provided guidance on how to stabilize the patient until San Jacinto could safely transport the sailor to the nearest military medical facility," said Cmdr. William Mann, senior medical officer, Harry S. Truman. Early in the morning Aug. 4, a rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) from San Jacinto transported the mariner from Cezayiril Gazi Hasan Pasa to San Jacinto where a helicopter was standing by to transport him to U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, Italy, for medical attention. The patient is in stable condition at the facility. McKinley praised his crew for their efforts along with those of the staff aboard Harry S. Truman. "They performed flawlessly as did the Harry S. Truman Strike Group staff," he said. This operation once again proves the outstanding flexibility of Sailors and the United States Navy." Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, also praised the actions of San Jacinto's crew. "The crew of San Jacinto did a fantastic job," said Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG). "They did everything right, from getting their RHIB in the water and over to the Turkish ship to getting the patient back on board, onto a helicopter and to the hospital for medical attention. San Jacinto was in the right place at the right time and it made a real difference for that individual. Additionally, I was very impressed with the professionalism of the crew of TCG Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasa." San Jacinto is deployed as part of HST CSG, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility. For related news, visit the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Navy News Service page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn75. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130806-02. CSS Chief Selectees set to begin Phase Two of CPO 365 By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs NEWPORT, RI (NNS) -- Eight first class petty officers (FCPOs) assigned to Center for Service Support (CSS), found out they were selected for advancement to chief petty officer (CPO) Aug 1., but their selection was another step in the time-honored process to become a chief. Selected for advancement were Chief (Select) Logistics Specialist Latissa Burgos, Chief (Select) Musician Brandon Schoonmaker, Chief (Select) Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Jonathan Golan, Chief (Select) Logistics Specialist Dayon Banks, Chief (Select) Culinary Specialist Shawn Ledoux, Chief (Select) Culinary Specialist John Cherry, Chief (Select)Logistics Specialist Tyrone Tippins and Chief (Select) Logistics Specialist Veronica Endiape. "All eight of them still have plenty of training to complete before they are chiefs," said Command Master Chief (SW/SCW/AW) Ray Rosado, CSS' command master chief. "We have just entered into another phase of their CPO 365 training." CPO 365, a year-long development and training for FCPOs, was first introduced in 2010 under former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West. It includes two phases, the first of which begins in September each year. Under MCPON Mike Steven's revised program, detailed in his 2012-2013 CPO 365 Guidance, all FCPOs participated through the duration of Phase One, whether they were board-eligible or not. Phase Two of training begins when CPO selectees are announced and concludes with the pinning ceremony. Upon announcement, each command will conduct a congratulatory meet-and-greet for the selectees and their families, after which they will continue with training while maintaining good order and discipline. "Being selected for chief is the most significant accomplishment for nearly every enlisted Sailor," said Chief (Select) Logistics Specialist Dayon Banks. "When I heard my name on that list it was a moment that I will never forget. You should embrace your selection but it is only one step in the process to earn those anchors." According to Rosado, Phase Two will enhance all the training the selectees have already received throughout the year. "CPO 365 is a continuous process of learning and development," said Rosado. "We want to maintain that process, and continue to train. It's paramount that all of our CPO selectees continue to learn and develop. Soon they will be the chief. Everyone will come to you for the answers." "Selection to CPO is a significant milestone that begins early in a Sailor's career," said Rosado. "Junior Sailors on the deckplates can clearly look at the factors for selection and strive for excellence in both their personal and professional lives, diversify their assignments and seek out those tough collateral duties that will make them a strong Sailors and leaders." CSS and its learning sites provide Sailors with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Fleet's warfighting mission. More than 300 staff and faculty work hand-in-hand with the Fleet and are dedicated to ensure training is current and well executed on behalf of 10,000 Sailors who graduate from CSS courses annually in the administration, logistics and media communities. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-07. Boxer Becomes First West Coast Ship to Deploy with Osprey By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenan O'Connor / Boxer Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) will become the first West Coast ship to deploy with the MV-22 Osprey this fall. Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 166 (Reinforced) is embarked on Boxer as a part of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), and will deploy with a complement of 12 Ospreys. The Osprey is intended to replace the CH-46E Sea Knight, the platform the Marine Corps has used since the Vietnam War. The Osprey can carry more combat troops and has a further flight range than the Sea Knight. "The incorporation of the MV-22 Osprey greatly expands our area of influence, and increases the speed with which the Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Commander is able to respond to crises and mass forces on the Objective," said Maj. Frank Garner, 13th MEU air officer. "The unique flight capabilities of the Osprey provides unprecedented advantage to warfighters, allowing Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Mission Essential Tasks (METs) to be accomplished more efficiently, while enhancing Marine Expeditionary Unit/Amphibious Ready Group (MEU/ARG) relevance in Combatant Commander (COCOM) Theaters," he added. The Osprey is a tilt rotor aircraft flown by the U.S. Marine Corps, which utilizes vertical short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capabilities. Until recently, the Osprey has seen limited use aboard large deck ships due to its unique design and the modifications required for large deck amphibious ships. Although Boxer will be the first West Coast ship to deploy with Ospreys, the USS Bataan (LHD 5), stationed in Norfolk, became the first ship overall to deploy with Ospreys in an amphibious environment in 2009. The crew members aboard Boxer and VMM-166 have trained in several technical areas, such as airframes, hydraulics and avionics, electrical systems, maintenance control to prepare for Boxers upcoming deployment. "The biggest challenge is the amount of training that we had to accomplish," said Cpl. Neal Helfrey, a flight line mechanic attached to VMM-166. "Half the squadron hasn't deployed before, so the most difficult thing was putting all this training into the timeframe allotted." The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway off the coast of Southern California completing a Certification Exercise (CERTEX). CERTEX is the final evaluation of the 13th MEU and Boxer ARG prior to their Fall deployment and is intended to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations. For more news from USS Boxer (LHD 4), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-13. Boxer ARG, 13th MEU Completes CERTEX By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joe Bishop, USS Boxer Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The Boxer Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), along with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) completed their Certification Exercise (CERTEX) on Aug. 7. CERTEX is a comprehensive set of training exercises that combines Navy and Marine Corps amphibious capabilities. "The single most essential objective of this Certification Exercise is that the Navy and Marine Corps team are able to expertly plan and execute incredibly complex tasks in a compressed and stressed decision space," said Capt. Malcolm Potts, Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1. "I am awed and impressed by the ingenuity, creativity, and industriousness of the nearly 4,200 dedicated Sailors and Marines that make up the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Boxer Amphibious Ready Group." The Boxer ARG was evaluated on a number of critical scenarios during CERTEX ranging from combat flight operations, visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS), to noncombatant evacuation operations (NEO), and amphibious landings. "We train how we fight," said Master Chief Machinist Mate (SW) Shane Lazio, Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) for Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 1. "I was able to watch the evolution and it was perfect, everything from Sailors and Marines cooking chow to Marines on LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushion) going to the beach and training. It was very seamless, very unique, having the whole team working together." The Boxer ARG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), the dock landing ship USS Harper's Ferry (LSD 49), as well as the amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). CERTEX is intended as the final evaluation before the 13th MEU and the Boxer ARG's upcoming fall deployment to certify their readiness to conduct integrated missions across the full spectrum of military operations. Boxer will be the first West Coast-based ship to deploy with the MV-22 Osprey. U.S. Third Fleet provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-05. A Moving Experience: New Navy Transportation Tool Takes Off By David Smalley, Office of Naval Research ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- In a significant advance for military transportation, a new web-based tool sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) brings a search capability to Navy planners looking to move personnel or equipment around the world quickly and affordably, officials announced Aug. 5. The Transportation Exploitation Tool (TET) is software that allows transportation planners to easily find available space among the thousands of military and commercial flights, and ship movements, that take place each day. In so doing, it enables supplies or personnel to get to a destination in the quickest, most efficient way possible-and provides the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard significant cost savings at the same time. The new system has already saved the naval services more than $30 million in transportation costs to date, even in limited use, officials say. When fully implemented, savings estimates range to more than $200 million over 10 years. "This system is truly revolutionary," said Bob Smith, program manager at ONR. "TET uses advances in technology to provide outstanding optimization of available flights and ship routes, saving our logisticians enormous amounts of time-and that can literally mean saving lives." An example of how TET works: Imagine a scenario where a U.S. Navy ship in a foreign port urgently needs a particular engine part to complete its mission. TET allows the user to simply enter what cargo needs to be shipped and where it is going, and then provides the planner with all available space on transports across military and commercial sectors, with recommendations for the most efficient routes. Previously, planners had to search multiple databases to access all civilian and military space availabilities, which could require hours or even days. In the worst cases, separate flights had to be chartered. "TET will give our Sailors and Marines a better, faster and more efficient planning system," said Smith. "An automated tool to perform transportation planning using the most opportune lift assets has been a serious capability gap for our warfighters." The cloud-based system, which recently transitioned to the Financial and Air Clearance Transportation System program of record, is now being supported by the U.S. Transportation Command for joint use. In a sign of how important TET's capability will be for the Navy, the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Fleet Readiness and Logistics, Vice Adm. Phil Cullom, last month named Greg Butler, who was the driving force behind TET's development at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP), as the 2012 Adm. Stan Arthur Award winner. The prestigious award recognizes military and civilian personnel who epitomize excellence in logistics planning and execution. "There has been a real need to get things to the fleet faster and more efficiently," said Butler, "and without breaking the bank in this austere fiscal environment. The naval services continue to work on ways to save money and give our Sailors and Marines every advantage we can." The system was developed with coordinated support from several ONR teams, including the Expeditionary Maneuver Warfare and Combating Terrorism Department, Swampworks and Technology Insertion Program for Savings, with NAVSUP in the lead. ONR provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C. For more news from Office of Naval Research, visit www.navy.mil/local/onr/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-12. Truman Arrives In Marseille, France From USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, MEDITERRANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) arrived in Marseille, France for a scheduled port visit, Aug. 5. This is the first time Harry S. Truman has pulled into Marseille since its last deployment in 2010 and Sailors and Marines aboard are happy to be here. "I am really excited to be in France," said Legalman 2nd Class Sidney Williams, non-judicial punishment clerk for the Legal Department. "I have always wanted to come here. I feel like I am destined to be in Marseille. I am looking forward to having a great time here and leaving with lifelong memories." Williams encouraged everyone to take advantage of the beautiful foreign country. "Everyone should go out and experience this amazing culture because its not every day you could say you were in Paris one day and Cannes the next. The important thing is to appreciate the little things. I can't wait to get a bite to eat and relax," she said. For some Sailors, their first visit to France came years after multiple deployments to other places. "It feels good to have the opportunity to visit France," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Kevin Barnes, technician in the Airframe Shop with the Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 "Seahawks". "I spent a majority of my career in Japan, so I've only visited a lot of Asian countries. With this being my first European port visit, I am going to soak up the sun and try the French cuisine." Harry S. Truman is the flagship of Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG). The HST CSG includes guided-missile cruisers, USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Gettysburg (CG 64). It also includes guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). While in the Mediterranean Sea, HST CSG will be supporting maritime security operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation efforts. MSO are set conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-03. USS Fitzgerald Arrives in Northern Japan By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Daniel Sanford, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs AOMORI, Japan (NNS) -- USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) moored in Aomori, Japan, Aug. 5, for a port visit to the northern Japan city that is in the midst of hosting its annual Nebuta Festival. While in port, the guided-missile destroyer's crew members will have an opportunity to experience the local culture by taking part in several of the festival's renowned parades and events. However, the ship also plans to spend time participating in community engagement events. "Visiting Aomori provides our Sailors with an opportunity to experience a part of Japan that not many Sailors get to experience," said Cmdr. Jonathan Schmitz, Fitzgerald commanding officer, and a native of Huntsville, Ala. "The crew is especially looking forward to experiencing the Nebuta Festival, which should be a lot of fun for them." While the visit will be a nice break for the ship's crew, it also serves as an outward demonstration of U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan, and to maintain peace and stability throughout the entire East Asia region. "The significance of this visit and our participation in the Nebuta Festival is not lost upon us," said Schmitz. "We are very proud to be here in this beautiful city, and grateful for the opportunity to experience such an incredible opportunity." Fitzgerald Command Master Chief Josh Davis said the festival, which attracts millions of tourists each year, is an opportunity that his Sailors should not take for granted. "I enjoy seeing our Sailors participate in different cultural activities, and this parade is another great opportunity for them to experience," said Davis, who originally hails from Columbus, Ohio. This is an opportunity for these young Sailors to come out here and experience a culture unique to not only Japan, but to this region as well. It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I hope they'll all take part in." Fitzgerald crew members will have the opportunity to participate in both the Tachi Nebuta in Goshogawara, as well as the Aomori Nebuta in downtown Aomori-shi. But in keeping with the ship's namesake selflessness, Fitzgerald Sailors will also me assisting at a local orphanage during their stay in northern Japan. Fitzpatrick is Arleigh Burke-class, guided-missile destroyer forward deployed out of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, and has a complement of more than 300 Sailors. It was commissioned Oct. 14, 1995 and was named in honor of Lt. William C. Fitzgerald For more news from Naval Air Facility Misawa, visit www.facebook.com/nafmisawa andwww.navy.mil/local/nafmisawa/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-01. Blue Ridge Leaves Cairns By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timmy Wakefield, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed Cairns after an eight-day port visit Aug. 5. During the port visit, Blue Ridge crew members and 7th Fleet staff participated in sporting events with the Australian community, provided ship tours, explored Cairns city life and experienced Australia's natural beauty firsthand. Yeoman 1st Class Yonet Garciacabrera took advantage of a Great Barrier Reef diving trip. It's one thing to say you've been to Australia, but it's another thing to say you've swam with sharks at the Great Barrier Reef," said Garciacabrera. "The experience was unreal." Sailors also participated in a 5k Color Fun Run along the Cairns waterfront. "I felt like this positive experience made our bond stronger with the Cairns community," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman Eric Mayes. "The whole 5k Color Fun Run was outstanding." The Admirals, Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet basketball team, were invited to play with the Marlins, a semi-pro Australian basketball team. Although the Admirals lost to the Marlins, the experience is what mattered to Ship's Serviceman 2nd Class Quinton Lewis. "This was my first time playing against a semi-pro basketball team," said Lewis. "The team was compromised of 16 to 20-year olds and they were surprisingly talented. We lost to them, but it wasn't about winning or losing. What mattered was establishing a sense of community between the U.S. and Australia." Blue Ridge has been forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for 34 years. As the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship, Blue Ridge is vital in forging partnerships in the 7th Fleet area of operations. For more news from USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), visit www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-10. Submarine Learning Center Changes Command By William Kenny, Submarine Learning Center Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Submarine Learning Center (SLC) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London's Cromwell Hall Aug. 2. Capt. David Roberts relieved Capt. Emil Casciano as commanding officer. Rear Adm. Kenneth Perry, commander, Submarine Group 2, presented Casciano with the Legion of Merit (gold star in lieu of fourth award), praising his extensive force-wide training oversight while directing a new qualification program for more than 1,000 instructors, which included robust skills-based instructor development. This work was lauded as it singularly improved instructor expertise across eight schools. "Responding to fleet technology needs, Capt. Casciano directed new information technology and networking courses, including stand-up of the ITS (Information Technician, Submarines) rating, and inserted this crucial material into courses across officer and enlisted learning continuums," said Perry. "Capt. Casciano also ensured current curriculum was delivered across submarine shore training by streamlining course correction guidance and timeliness, including a marked growth in electronic publication use." The ceremony also marked Casciano's retirement after a nearly 31-year Navy career. During his remarks, Casciano made his pride about being the commanding officer of the Submarine Learning Center clear to an overflow audience of family and friends. "My goals were focused on improving the quality of training provided to our Sailors," said Casciano. "Working collaboratively with the schoolhouse COs, we crafted a screening process to ensure that only the top Sailors coming off the boat were assigned as instructors. "We took a hard look at the courses we were teaching to ensure they were up-to-date with current fleet guidance and we wanted to ensure our students really understood the material we had instructed them on before we graduated them," Casciano added. "The Navy has three core values - honor, courage and commitment; the commitment and support of my parents, brothers and sisters, and most of all, my wife and children have been incredible." Capt. Roberts' most recent command was, literally, down the street on Submarine Base New London as commanding officer, Naval Submarine School. As the new SLC commander, he is responsible for training sites in Groton, Conn.; Norfolk, Va.; Kings Bay, Ga.; Bangor, Wash.; San Diego and Pearl Harbor, with additional learning sites at Yorktown, Va. and on Guam. In assuming charge of SLC and with it, the responsibility to train the Sailors of the entire Submarine Force, Roberts commented that the need for relevant, cutting-edge, adaptable training for undersea warriors has never been more important than today. "In a world where submarines are in high demand, it's critical that we control the undersea domain with the best people, the best ships and the best systems," said Roberts. "Our people have always been the center of gravity of our force and our job to train them, with the help of so many other supporting organizations and commands Navywide, with the best teachers, the best course curricula and the most technologically advanced trainers, could not be more important. Submariners must be ready for the arduous work of taking submarines to sea and we must do everything we can to get them there." For more information about the Submarine Learning Center, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/slc/. For additional information about the Naval Education and Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil and www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130805-02. Navy's Largest Training Command Changes Leadership By Lt. Jonathan Bacon, Naval Air Technical Training Center Public Affairs PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- In an aviation hangar filled with hundreds of guests and formations of Sailors and Marines, the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) held a change of command ceremony on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Aug. 2. During the ceremony, Capt. Alan Dean relieved Capt. Jim Daniels as commanding officer. Daniels assumed command of NATTC in February 2012 and while speaking to an audience of family, friends and shipmates, said it was an honor being NATTC's skipper the last 18 months. "To be a part of the 70-year history of this outstanding training command has been a significant milestone in my career," he said. "Being the commanding officer of NATTC and having the opportunity to lead the professionals that work here every day has been my pleasure." Daniels also quoted Rear Adm. Austin Knight, president of the Naval War College in the early 1900s. "To properly understand the Navy and its work, we must recognize the fact that its primary duty is not so much as to act as to always be ready to act; not so much to make war as to always be ready for war. Thus, the true test of efficiency is the maintenance of the 'fighting edge'. It's fair to say that during my tenure here at NATTC, the staff's performance has honed that 'fighting edge'," Daniels said. Rear Adm. Don Quinn, commander, Naval Education and Training Command, was the guest speaker for the retirement portion of the ceremony and spoke about the role service played in the captain's career. "Capt. Jim Daniels has taken a lifetime of opportunity and turned it into a lifetime of service," said Quinn. "When he raised his hand back in in 1977, he, like the rest of us in uniform, swore an oath to serve the nation. Service is a foundational requirement of our form of democracy. Simply stated, 'We the people' must choose to serve each other, or this great experiment in self-governance will fail. We do not promise to protect the land, the people, or even the economy of this nation. We swear an oath to 'support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' For 36 years Capt. Daniels has served well and faithfully." Prior to assuming command of NATTC, Dean served as Naval Air Systems Command's (NAVAIR) fleet liaison officer for the Program Executive Office Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons on board NAS Patuxent River, Md. "We have an outstanding staff teaching students, who are eager to learn and ready to get to the fleet and serve our country," Dean said. "I look forward to leading this great staff as we fulfill our mission of providing technical experts for naval aviation and continuing the 70 year legacy of NATTC's training excellence." After serving more than a decade as an aviation ordnanceman, Dean was commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer in 1990. Among his many tours of duty, he has served with Helicopter Mine Counter Measures Squadron 14, Attack Squadron 66 (VA-66), VA-72, VA-27)/Fighter Attack Squadron 27, Carrier Air Wing 3, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Helicopter Mine Counter Measures Squadron and Training Squadron 24. His shore duty tours have included tours as NAS Pensacola weapons officer, officer in charge of Atlantic Ordnance Command Detachment Sewell's Point, a tour with the staff of Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, and as commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Oceana, Va. Immediately following the change of command ceremony Daniels retired from the Navy after 36 years of service. After enlisting in the Navy in 1977 he rose through the ranks and attained the rank of chief aircrewman. In 1988 he was commissioned as a limited duty officer. Daniels' sea tours included: Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 10 for helicopter anti-submarine warfare training, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 45, USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 5), He also completed a tour in Baghdad, Iraq as chief of staff for the Joint Area Support Group. His shore tours included Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 1 Search and Rescue School, Fleet Combat Training Center Atlantic and Fleet Aviation Specialized Operational Training Group Atlantic. He commanded the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit, Jacksonville, Fla., and was chief staff officer of the Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training Command. Throughout his career, Daniels has pursued further education and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management, and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. "There is an old saying in business that when you begin to identify with your company's purpose, you find yourself doing your life's work, instead of just doing time," Daniels said. "I have been very fortunate to have served for the past 36 years in what I would call the greatest company on this earth. At age 23, it was the perfect fit for me at that time in my life and has continued to be what I consider to be my life's work. I stopped counting the "days to go" a long time ago. I will miss the Navy, but it will always be in me and in my life." For more information about Naval Air Technical Training Center, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cnatt/nattc/Default.aspx. For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130806-03. Coastal Riverine Group Two holds Change of Command By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Hoskins NORFOLK (NNS) -- Capt. Erich W. Diehl relieved Capt. James C. Hamblet as commander of Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) Two during a change of command ceremony at the Half Moon Convention Center in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 2. Rear Adm. Frank A. Morneau, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, was the guest speaker for the ceremony. In his remarks, Morneau praised Hamblet for his exceptional performance while in command of CRG Two. "Jim, you've done a lot; you've realigned the force," said Morneau. "All I can say is - from your shipmates, compadres - well done." Morneau presented Hamblet with the Meritorious Service Medal for his performance as the commanding officer of CRG Two. "It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve with the men and women of CRG Two," said Hamblet. "I will miss this job because of the people, the teamwork and the can-do attitude. Successful military organizations are teams of people able to work together to achieve a common goal. The men and women of CRG Two typify that." Hamblet's next duty station will be at Naval Inspector General, Washington, D.C. Diehl fleeted up from deputy commander to commander of CRG Two. Before assuming command, he thanked Hamblet for a great job establishing the Coastal Riverine Force and having the opportunity to serve alongside of him as deputy commander. "I am extremely privileged and tremendously honored to take command of CRG Two," said Diehl. "From my vantage point, it doesn't get any better than this." Diehl went on to quote President Lincoln. '"I will get ready and perhaps my chance will come.' After 18 months as deputy, my chance has come and I'm ready for the challenges that lie ahead," said Diehl. The Coastal Riverine Force (CORIVFOR) operates in harbors, rivers, bays, across the littorals and ashore. The primary mission of CORIVFOR is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations. CORIVFOR is a component of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and provides flexible responsive maritime security forces capable of performing high level security. For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit www.navy.mil/local/necc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130804-10. Pacific Partnership Members Bring Donations to Solomon Islands Women's Council By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Samantha J. Webb GIZO, Solomon Islands (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2013 Sailors and nongovernmental organization volunteers delivered Project Handclasp donations to the Solomon Islands Western Province Council of Women during a community service event, Aug. 3. The local group, which helps women in their communities through economic and educational empowerment, received hygiene items, school supplies and clothing to help the women and children of two smaller islands near Gizo. Project Handclasp is a worldwide outreach program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian, and goodwill materials donated by America's private sector on a space-available basis aboard Navy ships. Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Alex Vinluan helped organize the event and said he was excited to meet the women's council. "It's an opportunity for them to know that in many parts of the world women play a big role in society, not just men," said Vinluan. U.S. Navy Lt. Bruce Hansen, a civil affairs officer who facilitated the donation, gave a brief overview of the Pacific Partnership 2013 mission and had each Sailor introduce him or herself to the women's council, putting special emphasis on the fact that many women and men perform the same duties and jobs in the U.S. Navy. Randy Solomon, president of the Western Province Council of Women said she was grateful that her organization was chosen to receive the donations as well as meet the people of Pacific Partnership. She also noted that the women of Solomon Islands do not have as much equal opportunity as the women who introduced themselves at the event. "We are so grateful to be recognized," said Solomon. "I know that the communities will really appreciate this." 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 information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacensandiego/. NNS130806-04. Current All Hands Update 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 Monday, August 5th, 2013: SECDEF Announces 20 Percent Reduction in Defense Headquarters Total Spending; Gen. Martin Dempsey, Adm. James Winnefeld Confirmed for Second Terms http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18720 http://youtu.be/tl8Ta5040mc Second one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Monday, August 5th, 2013: Navy Welcomes New Chief of Naval Personnel; Coast Guard Celebrates 223rd Birthday http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18721 http://youtu.be/qUMHTmTSrRU 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- NNS020718-22. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 06 From the Navy News Service 1862 - CSS Arkansas destroyed by her commanding officer to prevent capture by USS Essex. 1943 - Battle of Vella Gulf begins. U.S. destroyers sink three of four Japanese destroyers. 1945 - Atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima, Japan. Navy weaponeer, Capt. W.S. Parsons, armed the atomic bomb on the B-29 bomber, Enola Gay. 1990 - President George Bush orders Operation Desert Shield, largest overseas deployment since Vietnam, to protect Saudi Arabia after Iraqi's invasion of Kuwait. 1997 - Naval Forces on Guam help rescue and begin providing medical care to survivors of Korean Airlines Flight 801 that crashed on Guam. -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).