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 NNS130807-06. New, Flexible Career Options Provide Opportunities for a Lifetime of Service -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75827 DNU -- Headline for Wednesday, August 7th, 2013: Department of Defense Civilian Furloughs Reduced -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18734 NNS130807-20. NASWI Security Participates in National Night Out -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75838 NNS130807-05. USS Rentz Arrives in 4th Fleet to Conduct Counter Drug Operations and UNITAS -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75826 NNS130807-14. U.S. Navy Ships Participate in Marine Mammal Studies -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75825 NNS130807-17. Investigation Rules Sailor's Death was Accidental -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75840 NNS130807-08. USS Gonzalez Returns to Homeport -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75828 DNU -- Headlines for Wednesday, August 7th, 2013: Navy Reminds Service Members to Prepare for Hurricane, Typhoon Season; Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group Completes CERTEX -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18733 NNS130807-19. Pacific Partnership 2013 Engineers Work Alongside Local Engineering Students -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75839 NNS130807-18. USS Ramage, Ready to Run -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75836 NNS130807-15. Fleet Engagement Team going to Norfolk, San Diego -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75835 NNS130807-07. NBK TPU Begins Habitat for Humanity House -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75830 NNS130807-02. George Washington Chief Selectees Enter Phase II of Training -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75820 DNU -- USS George Washington Holds Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Sea Honoring USS Lexington -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18736 NNS130807-01. USS Lassen Visits Melbourne -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75821 NNS130807-10. George Washington Observes Women's Equality with Celebration at Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75822 DNU -- Carl Vinson Sailors Attend Movie Premiere in Los Angeles. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18735 NNS130807-09. Sailors 'Reach out Beyond Gates' to Help Local Community Center -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75823 NNS130807-21. CSS Announces Upgrades to Logistics Specialist Course -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75837 NNS020718-23. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 07 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2630 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=156777 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-06. New, Flexible Career Options Provide Opportunities for a Lifetime of Service By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Andrea Perez, MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Continuum of Service (CoS) programs provide Sailors more flexibility to move between the active and Reserve components, allowing for a lifetime of service, officials said in a message released Aug. 7. NAVADMIN 198/13 applies to eligible officer and enlisted Sailors who currently serve on active duty or in the Reserves. The message provides an overview of various CoS programs which allow Sailors to transition between the components. The message also details rating and designator conversion programs for enlisted and officer personnel, and the Career Intermission Pilot Program, which allows Sailors to temporarily transition to the Individual Ready Reserve. Applications for CoS programs can be submitted by detailers, command career counselors or anyone with prior access to Fleet-RIDE through the new Career Waypoints (C-WAY) information technology system. A NAVPERS 5239/8 (SAAR Addendum) is required to access C-WAY. The C-WAY system is a part the Career Navigator Program and combines all Navy career management processes together to provide Sailors with tools that are more transparent and integrated, and give them a more active role in managing their careers. Sailors considering any rating conversion may improve their opportunity for selection by taking the Armed Forces Classification Test to improve their initial ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) score. This may expand the number of ratings for which they qualify. Active-duty Sailors not granted an in-rate or conversion opportunity can always request to join the Navy Reserve five-to-three months prior to their end of active obligated service. The Navy Reserve also offers a two-year deployment deferment for Sailors who join within six months of leaving active duty. The Career Transition Office (CTO) at Navy Personnel Command (NPC) provides counseling and support to active-duty officer and enlisted Sailors considering a transition to the Reserves. Interested Sailors can contact a CTO representative by phone at (901) 874-4192, or email at cto.officer@navy.mil or cto.enlisted@navy.mil. For more detailed information on CoS programs and the Career Navigator Program, visit the C-WAY Web Page on the NPC website at www.npc.navy.mil/career/careercounseling/Pages/CareerWaypointSystem.aspx. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-20. NASWI Security Participates in National Night Out By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joan E. Jennings, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Whidbey Island Public Affairs OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) Security provided a naval presence at the 30th Annual National Night Out (NNO) in Oak Harbor, Wash., Aug. 6. NASWI Security showed their military security dogs, practiced baton strikes on military members, fingerprinted children, offered an inside view of a high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle, and allowed the community to try on their armor. "I think it's a good way to interact with the community," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Jon Kaderly, with NASWI Security. "It's also good for the children to know us and not be scared, and also allows the community to get to know their Sailors." NNO is a nationwide crime and drug prevention program designed to bring together citizens, law enforcement and emergency personnel. "NNO allows for great interaction and networking with building relationships between the community and Sailors," Kaderly said. According to the Oak Harbor website, NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anti-crime programs, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and to send a message to criminals that the neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back. "This is a Navy community and it's good for the people to get to know the Navy," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Jerra Wood, assigned to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron (VQ) 1. "This allows the Navy to have a positive influence and a way for the kids to see a part of what the Navy does." Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Emily Junndrow was one of the many Navy volunteers at NNO. "I think it's a good idea for NASWI to participate in NNO," Junndrow said. "It shows that the NASWI security can work hand in hand with the community and the Oak Harbor police." Junndrow said that Oak Harbor is a small community, and NNO provides an opportunity to have the Navy involved. "It shows the Navy cares for their community," Junndrow said. "It's such a small island and NNO allows the opportunity for the Navy to show a positive presence." Oak Harbor is one of more than 15,000 communities across the country that participated in NNO. 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- NNS130807-05. USS Rentz Arrives in 4th Fleet to Conduct Counter Drug Operations and UNITAS By Mass Communication Specialist 1s Class Sean Allen, 4th Fleet Public Affairs USS RENTZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and an embarked U.S. Coast Guard Legal Detachment aboard the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) arrived in 4th Fleets area of operations Aug. 7 to join the multinational interagency fight against transnational organized crime as part of Operation Martillo. Operation Martillo (Spanish for 'hammer') is a U.S., European, and Western Hemisphere partner nation mission headed by Joint Interagency Task Force-South (JIATF-S) currently conducting Counter Transnational Organized Crime (C-TOC) operations to patrol the coastal regions from Colombia to Mexico to detect and apprehend illicit traffic to include drugs, weapons, drug money and human smuggling. This is not the ship's first deployment to 4th Fleet. Rentz supported counter drug ops in 2011. "We welcome the men and women of Rentz to 4th Fleet and are eager to get them busy conducting counter transnational organized crime operations and supporting the Joint Interagency Forces South's Operation Martillo," said Rear Adm. Sinclair Harris, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F). "Rentz is not a new comer to the region or to the counter drug mission and we welcome the experience and energy she is bringing to 4th Fleet." The Operation Martillo team on Rentz includes an interagency partnership with the ship's Visit, Board, Search and Seizure team, U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Team, and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Rentz is also supported by Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 49 (HSL-49), Det. 5. "Our crew has trained long and hard in preparation for the counter-transnational organized crime operations ongoing in the areas commanded by the U.S. Navy's Fourth Fleet and U.S. Southern Command," said Cmdr. Lance Lantier, commanding officer of Rentz. "We are pleased to assist our brothers and sisters in law enforcement with stemming the flow of illicit narcotics from entering our shores and reaching our nation's communities." Operation Martillo is a component of the U.S. government's coordinated interagency regional security strategy in support of the White House strategy to combat transnational organized crime and the U.S. Central America Regional Security Initiative. Fourteen countries are participating in Martillo: Belize, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, the Netherlands, Nicaragua, Panama, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States. Chile has also contributed to the operation. While on deployment to 4th Fleet, Rentz will also participate in the annual multinational UNITAS maritime exercise taking place in the Southern Caribbean Sea off the coast of Colombia from Sept. 7-14. UNITAS is the largest and longest ongoing maritime exercise in the region and is hosted by the Colombian Navy this year and will include naval and coast guard forces from 15 partner nations. Last year the exercise was hosted by 4th Fleet in Key West. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-14. U.S. Navy Ships Participate in Marine Mammal Studies From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Independent researchers working in coordination with the Navy ships USS Dewey (DDG 105) and USS Cape St. George (CG 71) conducted ground-breaking marine mammal behavioral response studies (BRSs) on the Navy's Southern California Offshore Range in July. The studies occured July 8-12 with the destroyer Dewey and July 28-30 with the cruiser Cape St. George. During the studies, scientists attached data tags to a total of six marine mammals and tracked the animals' movements and behavior in response to sonar signals from the ships. "USS Dewey was honored to be a part of this vital study. We take environmental stewardship seriously in our role as operators, and want nothing more than to be able to do our mission while protecting our environment," said Cmdr. Jake Douglas, commanding officer of USS Dewey. While past behavioral response studies have used ocean research vessels with simulated sound sources, or depended on tagging of marine mammals during Navy at-sea training, these latest studies represent the first time U.S. Navy mid-frequency active sonar transmissions have been used for controlled exposure experiments on marine mammals. "While playback studies and tagging during training exercises provide valuable data, BRSs that use real-time sonar from warships in a controlled experiment have great potential to help us understand how marine mammals are affected by Navy activities under realistic scenarios at sea," said Dr. Bob Gisiner, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) program manager for the Navy's Living Marine Resources (LMR) Applied Research Program. Using data tags with suction cups that can remain attached for 24 hours or longer, the team tagged two blue whales, two Risso's dolphins, a fin whale and a Cuvier's beaked whale. The studies were authorized under permit #14534-02 from the National Marine Fisheries Service, issued July 2, 2010. The studies were also coordinated with the California Coastal Commission and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and were endorsed by leading environmental groups. The Navy began co-funding behavioral response studies in 2007 in partnership with NATO, academic institutions, private companies, the Joint Industry Program (JIP), and the Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP). LMR and Office of Naval Research BRS teams have placed more than 100 tags on a variety of marine mammal species and safely conducted more than 50 experimental sound transmissions to measure marine mammal responses in Southern California waters, and have completed similar acoustic playback studies in the Bahamas, the Mediterranean Sea, Norway and other locations. The Navy is currently seeking renewals of authorizations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act for activities in the Atlantic Fleet Training and Testing (AFTT) area and the Hawaii-Southern California Training and Testing (HSTT) area from 2015-19. Under the terms of its permits, the Navy integrates new data from BRSs and other studies as they become available during annual adaptive management discussions with the National Marine Fisheries Service. To read the BRS scientists' blog, visit http://sea-inc.net/2013/07/26/begin-socal-13/. For more information about the Navy's environmental initiatives, visit http://greenfleet.dodlive.mil/environment/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-17. Investigation Rules Sailor's Death was Accidental From Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- A command investigation into the death of a Guam-based U.S. Navy Sailor has determined the death to be the result of accidental drowning while free diving. Navy Diver 3rd Class Robert Dotzler, 22, of Kiel, Wis., was assigned to the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) when he died June 19 following a dive operation at Alpha Pier on U.S. Naval Base Guam. Dotzler was discovered unconscious in the water and was transported to U.S. Naval Hospital Guam where he was pronounced dead at 11:27 a.m. Characterizing Dotzler's death as "tragic," the investigation concluded that his death was accidental and occurred in the line of duty. In concluding his endorsement of the investigation, Frank Cable's Commanding Officer, Capt. Nelson P. Hildreth characterized Dotzler as a "dedicated Sailor" who "served his country with pride and performed admirable work" during his time aboard. Dotzler reported to Frank Cable in 2011. Prior to his assignment on Guam, he was stationed at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Florida. Earlier in his Navy career, Dotzler had been nominated for the Command Advancement Program, which recognizes stellar Sailors through meritorious advancement in rank. Hildreth stated that Dotzler's "strong professional contribution to both Frank Cable's Dive Locker and the art of underwater husbandry will be sorely missed." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-08. USS Gonzalez Returns to Homeport By Lt. j.g. Jonathan Bullough, USS Gonzalez Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) returned to its Naval Station Norfolk homeport Aug. 6, marking completion of a seven-month deployment. In January, Gonzalez deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility to support maritime security operations and promote theater security cooperation efforts. While in 6th Fleet, the crew participated in a bilateral military-to-military visit board search and seizure training exercise with the Tanzania People's Defense Force. In addition to practicing core skills, the event also served as an opportunity to grow and foster partnership and cooperation between the two navies. "Events like this one with the Tanzanians advanced the Navy's goals of enhancing interoperability among coalition partners and provided valuable training for the crew," said Lt. Cmdr. Kyle Gantt, Gonzalez's executive officer. "Our vessel board search and seizure exercise was an excellent opportunity to interact with one of our East African partners," he continued. "Not only were we able to build our technical and tactical skills, we furthered Sailor relationships and enhanced maritime partnership in the AOR [area of responsibility] --certainly time well spent." Throughout the seven-month deployment, Gonzalez made port visits in the Mediterranean Sea including Augusta Bay, Sicily, and Haifa, Israel, before transiting the Suez Canal to conduct maritime security operations in the Indian Ocean. "Spending 67 and 91 consecutive days at sea between port visits illustrates the focus and dedication to mission accomplishment our crew was able to sustain over seven months," said Chief Fire Controlman (Select) Daniel Goehner. "We really pushed the envelope of our own endurance." Commissioned in 1996, Gonzalez is named for Marine Corps Sgt. Alfredo Gonzalez. He received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his leadership in the Battle of Hue City, where he was killed protecting the members of his platoon. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-19. Pacific Partnership 2013 Engineers Work Alongside Local Engineering Students By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tim D. Godbee, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Public Affairs BANGA ISLAND, Solomon Islands (NNS) -- Pacific Partnership 2013 engineers from the New Zealand Army are working with students at the Tabaka Rural Training Centre to remodel a student accommodation building on the training center's campus, Aug. 7. Tabaka Rural Training Centre trains Solomon Islanders on their choice of agriculture, carpentry, electrician work, and mechanics. The remodeled building will be used to house the training center's staff and students during their training. "It was pretty much a shell on poles that was about to fall over when we arrived," said New Zealand Army Cpl. Justin Roys, one of the site supervisors. "We've basically given the building back its integrity. We've taken out all the rotten timbers, relined it, reroofed it, added new windows and fixed up the stairs. It's pretty much taking what's left of the old bones and making something entirely new." The Pacific Partnership team took advantage of the opportunity to trade skills with carpentry students from the training center while remodeling the building. Wilson Agiri, principal of the training center, said that his carpentry students have learned valuable lessons from the visiting engineers, some about carpentry and some about things much more important. "The team here passed on so much knowledge and skills about building," said Agiri. "But the most important thing they learned was how much a group of people who've never met can accomplish in a short amount of time with teamwork." Roys said the passing of skills is important because it provides the people of the Solomon Islands the ability to build and maintain their own infrastructure. "When we arrived we weren't expecting all of the support from the locals," said Roys. "It's actually turned out to be really good. Some are more skilled than others, but everyone is learning and we definitely wouldn't be nearly as far along in this project as we are without the local support." Conducted annually since 2006, Pacific Partnership is the largest disaster response-preparedness mission in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. Working at the invitation of each host nation, Pacific Partnership is joined by partner nations that include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand. 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/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-18. USS Ramage, Ready to Run By Lt. Naomi Reynolds, USS Ramage Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61) departed Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 7 for an eight-month deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR). "Despite a challenging schedule, the crew has formed an effective and efficient combat team with the invaluable assistance of the Norfolk training and maintenance communities," said Cmdr. Dave Stoner, Ramage commanding officer. "I have no doubt that we are equal to any and all challenges which we will face over the horizon." The U.S. Navy 6th Fleet AOR covers approximately half of the Atlantic Ocean, from the North Pole to Antarctica; as well as the Adriatic, Baltic, Barents, Black, Caspian, Mediterranean and North Seas. "As a frequent deployer to the 6th Fleet AOR, the Ramage officers and crew are looking forward to reconnecting with our partners and allies throughout the Mediterranean," said Stoner. Commissioned in 1995, Ramage is the first ship to carry the name and the 11th destroyer of its class. Ramage is named in honor of Vice Adm. Lawson P. Ramage, the distinguished World War II submarine commander who earned the Medal of Honor when he led the USS Parche (SS 384) on a daring nighttime attack on a Japanese convoy, sinking two enemy ships and damaging another three without sustaining any damage. This is the 4th time the ship will deploy to the 6th Fleet AOR as part of the ballistic missile defense of Europe. The ship returned from her previous deployment on Jan. 26, 2012. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/surflant/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-15. Fleet Engagement Team going to Norfolk, San Diego From Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- Representatives from Navy Personnel Command's (NPC) fleet engagement team will be in Norfolk, Aug. 27-28 to meet with Sailors and discuss the latest personnel policies and initiatives impacting the fleet. "We make these visits to to get out and talk to Sailors and enhance their personal and professional development, and to ensure command leadership teams understand current manpower programs," said Capt. Bruce Deshotel, head enlisted community manager. "These visits also give us an excellent opportunity to get feedback directly from the fleet." Topics covered will include force management issues to answer the question, "Why is NPC doing what they're doing," said Deshotel. Also covered will be: military community management including the new Career Waypoints information technology system; enlisted community health overview; a step-by-step review of how to navigate the enlisted community management pages on the Navy Personnel Command website; an enlisted distribution briefing which will review changes to the Career Management System/Interactive Detailing, detailing timelines, special programs, and more; and a review of the Professional Apprentice Career Track. There is also a spouse and command ombudsman briefing scheduled. The team will conduct the briefings at Naval Air Station Oceana Aug. 27, and Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 28. Sailors should contact their command career counselor for briefing times and locations. "There have been several changes and updates to the way Sailors approach career decisions. These briefings target both leadership and Sailors providing them the information they need to understand these changes," said Deshotel. The team will also visit San Diego in September. For more information, contact the Navy Personnel Command Customer Service Center at 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (827-5672) or via e-mail at CSCemail@navy.mil. For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/npc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-07. NBK TPU Begins Habitat for Humanity House By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Brown, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Transient Personnel Unit (TPU) began building a house sponsored by Habitat for Humanity, Aug. 6. The Sailors participating in the project will build the house from the start to finish. "This is a great project for a great organization," said Cmdr. Robert Moran, TPU commanding officer. "We wanted to start something from the ground up. It will give my Sailors a sense of accomplishment being able to see a tangible end product." For the Sailors there, the project was a way to assist the local community and build camaraderie within the command. "This will help our Sailors instill a sense of pride in the community they live in, and a pride in the work they are able to accomplish with each other," said Senior Chief Sonar Technician (Surface) (SW/AW/IUSS) Charles Eakley, TPU command senior chief. The three-bedroom house is being built for a veteran in need. "We have to look out for each other, we will all be veterans one day, and it's comforting to know that someone will always be there to help you," said Moran. Habitat for Humanity is administered and managed by community volunteers, who direct the affiliates and are responsible for selecting needy families for the housing projects, the fundraising to build them, and the construction of the houses. "Having these Sailors out here means a great deal to us," said Bob Hammond, site supervisor. "They are energetic, eager and always willing to lend a helping hand. The way they work together gets the job done faster, which in turn allows us to do more work." Habitat for Humanity has built and renovated more than 200,000 homes nationwide, providing shelter for more than one million people. The organization operates in all 50 states, and has presence in 94 other countries. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-02. George Washington Chief Selectees Enter Phase II of Training By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Liam Kennedy CORAL SEA (NNS) -- More than 70 petty officer first class Sailors aboard the U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) will be some of the first to earn their anchors through the Navy's new Chief Petty Officer (CPO) 365 program. CPO 365 was created by former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West and instituted by current MCPON Mike Stevens, where CPOs train first class petty officers 365 days a year to prepare them to assume the role of khaki leaders. "We have always done the type of training," said George Washington's Command Master Chief Shaun Brahmsteadt. "But now we have it written down on paper to provide more guidance so that all chief petty officers are doing the same thing fleetwide." CPO 365 is an evolving program with different phases. Once a first class petty officer is selected to the rank of chief petty officer, they then begin phase two that was previously referred to as the induction phase. "Phase two is where we provide new chiefs classes that give them more in-depth chief training," said Brahmsteadt. "For example, there is an indoctrination (indoc) training class that all of the new chiefs have to attend, as well as daily tasks they must perform before becoming a chief." There are expectations of the newest CPOs to be some of the best with the introduction of CPO 365. "Things in the Navy are progressing, our teaching methods have progressed, our technology has progressed and even what we expect as leaders has progressed," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) James Frost. "These are our new leaders and you can't apply the old concepts of training. CPO 365 breaks the shackles of those old concepts." As stated in the MCPON's CPO 365, the purpose of the program is to zero-in on excellence by involving the first class petty officers, chiefs, officers and the total force in order to keep excellence on an upward trajectory. "For me a good chief is someone who listens and takes care of their Sailors because that is their role now," said Brahmsteadt. "They aren't considered a technician anymore but their job now is to train and look after the well-being of their Sailors." George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 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 news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-01. USS Lassen Visits Melbourne By Boatswain's Mate Seaman Arlene Tookes, USS Lassen Public Affairs MELBOURNE, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived in Melbourne for a port visit, Aug. 7. During the port visit Lassen will be involved in several community engagement projects including a visit to an after school program and a soccer game with the local community. Sailors will also have an opportunity for various tours. "Australia and the United States have a rich longstanding allied history, and Lassen is proud to represent that relationship in Melbourne," said Cmdr. Scott McClelland, Lassen's commanding officer. "The crew will embrace the rich culture Melbourne has to offer through tours of museums, a zoo, and community service events." Lassen, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan and part of Destroyer Squadron 15, is on patrol in the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from Commander Task Force 70, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf70/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-10. George Washington Observes Women's Equality with Celebration at Sea By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Beverly Lesonik CORAL SEA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted a Women's Equality Day celebration on the mess decks, Aug. 7. The observance of Women's Equality Day not only commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, but also calls attention to contributions women have made in the nation's history. "We are moving in the right direction here," said Command Master Chief Donna Spaddy, command master chief of the "Dambusters" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102. "We have the best opportunities today for everyone to be successful, especially females. Every achievement is possible especially if you are motivated and determined." The Department of Defense recently reported that women make up 13 percent of the military, and over the past decade, more than 280,000 women have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. "Let us never forget that it has not been easy, that there are those who have struggled for a lifetime and those who continue to fight on," said Capt. Greg Fenton, George Washington's commanding officer. Women have made significant achievements throughout history, from the likes of Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt fighting for Civil Rights and equality, to scientists such as Marie Curie, Rosalind Franklin, and Jane Goodall. The last century shows more than ever what both men and women are capable of achieving, given the opportunity. "I have served alongside some very great [female] Sailors, chiefs, and officers. Particularly on board here, the USS George Washington," said Fenton. Now, with combat positions becoming available to women, this will provide women the opportunity to serve an even broader spectrum of roles for the nation's interest. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. For more news from USS George Washington (CVN 73), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-09. Sailors 'Reach out Beyond Gates' to Help Local Community Center By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/SW) Kristina Young STONINGTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Submarine Base New London (SUBASE) went to the fair Aug. 2-3 and made a difference for the local community. More than 20 SUBASE community service volunteers joined local community volunteers from the Stonington Community Center (COMO) in preparing for the 61st Annual Stonington Village Fair. Volunteers worked to move and set up cases of books, furniture, and various knickknacks to be sold at the benefit. "We really appreciate Sailors reaching out beyond the gates to help us local folks," said Robert Simmons, a former U.S. Congressman who serves on the board of directors for the center. The Stonington Village Fair benefits and supports the Stonington Community Center which serves many in community according to Simmons. "We do a lot of work here that helps local kids, seniors and families that may be on hard times," said Simmons. A time-honored tradition which be61 years ago, the fair commemorates the 1814 Battle of Stonington. The battle commenced when four British vessels under the command of Sir Thomas Hardy, requested the surrender of the town, to which the citizens refused and fought off seizure by the British for a total of three days. Today, the fair has grown not only allowing locals and tourists a chance to enjoy the partnerships that flourish in their community, but also supporting the community center. Nicknamed by locals as the "Como," the center offers a wide range of programs from childcare and pre-school and after- school enrichment programming to athletics. "Our center has always been dedicated to bringing children and families together and strengthening communities through youth programming," said Beth-Ann Stewart, executive director, Stonington Community Center. "The event itself attracts thousands of locals and tourists, so we are truly grateful for the Navy's presence today; their service is critical to helping us put on this huge event." According to Stewart, setting up for the event takes more than 100 volunteers over the course of the weekend. Sailors said they were pleased to be able to lend a hand. "Volunteering in the local area gives me a sense of pride knowing that what I am doing is helping someone other than myself," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Demetreious Shorter, SUBASE Base Consolidated Telecommunications (BCT). "Coming out today shows the community that even though we work beside you, we can also come out and work with you hand-in-hand." "It's a labor-intensive job moving everything, but it is also very rewarding knowing it's all for a good cause," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Cody Curlovic, SUBASE BCT. SUBASE volunteers worked alongside a number of high school students who are part of the community center's leadership program. The Sailors made quite the impression according to Stewart. "The service members who came out to support us today were hard-working, friendly, and blended beautifully with our junior leaders," said Stewart. "It's really nice for our junior leaders to see the role-models that these Sailors are." For the Sailor volunteers Involvement in community service helps to build a positive partnership and bond between the military and local community. "I love giving back to the community," said Information Systems Technician (Submarines) 1st Class (SS) Reza Ghorashi-Sarvestani, an instructor at the Center for Information Dominance learning site on SUBASE. "It's a great way to improve Navy relations... and it's a great opportunity for myself and others to help out in the local area." For more news from Naval Submarine Base New London, visit www.navy.mil/local/subasenlon/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130807-21. CSS Announces Upgrades to Logistics Specialist Course By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Center for Service Support Public Affairs NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- Center for Service Support (CSS) announced upgrades to the way students in the logistics specialist (LS) rate learn and how course material is presented by implementing group-paced virtual, web-based training Aug. 7. "The group-paced program will help students retain the information they learned," said Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/EXW/AW) Raymond Paradis, LS curriculum subject matter expert. "In the past, our students would start their training individually and that presented a problem with information retention and course competency." "Our work around the fleet requires a broadly trained, intelligent Sailor who can use their unique skills sets onboard our ships and in the joint environment," said Paradis. "By updating our training curriculum and procedures we will lay the groundwork for our rate's future readiness and greatly enhance the career opportunities for every Sailor in the LS rating. We are building logistics specialists for the 21st Century." According to Mike Buechel, CSS' learning standards officer, the new format is more effective and easier to manage. He also said that the changes are based on recommendations from human performance requirement reviews (HPRR) conducted over the last three years. The HPRR process helps Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) learning centers produce quality training that best meet current and future fleet requirements by allowing fleet stakeholders and customers to thoroughly examine curriculum, lesson plans, lesson objectives, equipment, classroom instruction, and other course documents. HPRR participants may also sit in classrooms to observe training first-hand. "The course has been piloted and all the required course materials are in place," said Buechel. "Our official conversion date for the course is Oct. 1, 2013. Once it starts we can gather more data from the fleet. We also plan to monitor the advancement patterns at the petty officer third class level." "We are looking forward to this conversion because our goal is to meet the needs and the requirements of the fleet," said Buechel. "This course change is in response to their feedback and desires." 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- NNS020718-23. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 07 From the Navy News Service 1782 - Badge of Military Merit (Purple Heart) established. 1942 - Navy Amphibious Task Force lands Marines on Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, in first U.S. land offensive of World War II. 1964 - Gulf of Tonkin Resolution passed by Congress. -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).