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 NNS130808-13. NMRC Researchers Help Demonstrate Vaccine Protects Against Malaria -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75861 NNS130808-17. Navy: Patent-Pending Power at the Speed of Light -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75864 NNS130808-16. New Chief of Naval Personnel Talks Way Ahead at All Hands Calls -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75859 NNS130808-05. X-47B Returns to Pax River Concluding Historic Carrier Demonstration Phase -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75851 DNU -- Headline for Thursday, August 8th, 2013: Navy Announces USS Miami to be Inactivated Following Arson Fire -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18737 NNS130809-01. Lincoln Sailors Invited to Write Essays in Commemoration of the Gettysburg Address -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75807 NNS130808-18. U.S., New Zealand Navies Trade Sailors for Pacific Partnership 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75865 NNS130808-14. U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay CMC Relieved -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75860 NNS130808-10. DoD Acquisition Leader Visits NAVSEA -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75854 NNS130808-01. Santa Fe Visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75843 DNU -- Navy Offers New, Flexible Career Options for Sailors -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18738 NNS130808-03. Navy Surgeon General Holds All Hands Call at Naval Hospital Bremerton -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75847 NNS130808-06. Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet Holds Change of Command Ceremony -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75844 NNS130808-15. 5th Fleet's Amphibious Forces Hold Change of Command -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75862 NNS130808-04. USS Philippine Sea Completes SNOOPIE, STEAM and FAC/FIAC Exercise -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75849 NNS130808-08. Navy Remembers Local Marine with Building Dedication -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75845 NNS130809-02. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=75853 NNS020719-09. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 09 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2674 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=156825 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-13. NMRC Researchers Help Demonstrate Vaccine Protects Against Malaria From Naval Medical Research Center Public Affairs SILVER SPRING, Md. (NNS) -- Researchers from the Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) partnered with other federal and industry partners to publish the results of a successful clinical trial of a new malaria vaccine Aug. 8. NMRC researchers played a key role in the design of the study, particularly in testing the efficacy of the vaccine by exposure to infectious mosquitoes and in the volunteer follow-up. "The work done by researchers at the Naval Medical Research Center and their colleagues represents a big step forward for malaria vaccine research," said Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, Navy Surgeon General and chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. "Navy Medicine researchers began working on this vaccine in the early 1970's with unwavering commitment. Their efforts have been instrumental to this study." This is the first time that 100 percent protective efficacy has been achieved in any clinical trial testing a candidate malaria vaccine. "Our NMRC researchers are dedicated to conducting medical research to enhance deployment readiness of DoD personnel worldwide and to protect our warfighters in harm's way," said Nathan. The vaccine used in this clinical trial was given at varied doses by intravenous injection to 40 volunteers from October 2011 to October 2012. Three weeks after the final immunization, volunteers were exposed to the bites of five mosquitoes carrying infectious Plasmodium falciparum malaria. At the highest vaccine dose, six of nine volunteers receiving four doses and six of six volunteers receiving five doses were protected against malaria infection. "This is a historical moment in malaria vaccine research development," said Capt. Judith E. Epstein, the NMRC lead investigator on this trial. "For the first time, we and our collaborators have a malaria vaccine approach which has demonstrated the high-level vaccine efficacy required to protect our troops. As the leader of the NMRC effort to bring this vaccine strategy to licensure, I see the U.S. Navy paving the way to a vaccine which can be used within the next three to four years for military personnel and for the millions of individuals suffering and dying from malaria worldwide." Malaria has had a significant impact on U.S. military operations throughout history. It was responsible for a greater loss of manpower than enemy fire in all conflicts occurring in tropical regions during the 20th century. Malaria continues to present a major challenge to force health protection during operations in any environment where malaria is endemic. This includes over 100 countries spanning the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including most of sub-Saharan Africa and larger regions of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Oceania, central Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America and the Caribbean. "We need an effective vaccine against malaria, which has been a constant threat to military personnel," said Nathan. "Our naval forces may be deployed on short notice to regions where malaria presents a leading infectious disease threat to mission success. In our military population, malaria infection can severely degrade performance, result in missed duty, may require prolonged hospitalization and, in some cases, result in death. The news that NMRC researchers have participated in the first trial which demonstrates 100 percent protective efficacy of a candidate vaccine for malaria brings new hope that a malaria vaccine may become available for military personnel deployed abroad. I look forward to the next developments in this ground-breaking research." NMRC collaborated with federal researchers from the Vaccine Research Center Clinical Trials Core at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the Walter Reed Army Institute (WRAIR) of Research and the vaccine developer, Sanaria, Inc., Rockville, Md. NMRC participated in the development the protocol, provided malaria microscopists and slide-reading assistance, performed cellular assays, and assisted with the care of volunteers during the impatient post-challenge stay. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-17. Navy: Patent-Pending Power at the Speed of Light By Troy Clarke and Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Okula, Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Public Affairs NORCO, Calif. (NNS) -- The Navy's submarine force has a new, patent-pending tool allowing it to maintain its fiber optic systems like never before - a new capability powered by an invention from the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Corona Division, its top officer announced Aug. 8. The innovation lets the Navy compare fiber optic power test meters throughout their entire range of output against a known standard, allowing the fleet to perform reliable and accurate measurements in-house, without outsourcing, reducing costs while increasing capability for the maritime service. Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Ver Hage praised the delivery, lauding the new instrument as a measurement science milestone that the 21st century military will rely on for years to come. "Our R&D team has been working hard to develop this fiber optic calibration standard," Ver Hage said. "Seeing it delivered to the submarine fleet is an awesome example of what warfare centers do for Navy programs to drive down costs while keeping our fighting forces at the forefront of technology." Ver Hage added this is yet another achievement that strengthens the Navy's intellectual property holdings that adds long-term value to the taxpayer. The latest Patent Power Scorecard published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers ranks the Navy's patent portfolio best in the world amongst all other government agencies, a distinction fueled by people across the Navy's Science and Engineering Enterprise. And the patent-pending advancement comes as the modern fleet operates more and more frequently through fiber optics streaming at the speed of light. All new Navy ships and submarines are outfitted with fiber optic backbones to handle their complex networks because older copper-wire networks can't handle the throughput of today's sophisticated military hardware. Lance Doddridge, the NSWC Corona physicist and electrical engineer who invented the calibration system, called the Linearity Calibration Standard (LCS) 8513 - understands its value for the warfighter. "Fiber optics connect everything from weapons systems, control centers, and radar, to a ship's last line of defense," Doddridge said. "Every piece of test equipment, by [Department of Defense] mandate, has to be calibrated using standards that are traceable to a national standard." Correctly calibrated equipment helps ensure military hardware functions properly, accurately and safely, ranging from a ship's propulsion plant to an F/A-18 Hornet's laser target designators to night vision goggles. And accuracy is vital, especially for the submarine community. In developing the new standard, NSWC Corona collaborated with its sister division, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) in Newport, R.I., to determine its equipment needs. Until the new system arrived, the undersea warfare center had outsourced its fiber optic calibration responsibilities. "Without the ability to perform these tests in-house, these sensitive items would have to be shipped to various pre-approved and accredited vendors throughout the country, resulting in additional contracting expense and subjecting [the equipment] to delays and possible damage in shipping," said Mark Medeiros, NUWC Newport's calibration laboratory team lead. In addition to LCS8513, Doddridge has created another calibration standard, called ADFOCS - the Attenuation and Distance Fiber Optic Calibration Standard, which NUWC Newport now has to complement the linearity standard. He fabricated and assembled the instrument by hand, even using 3D printing to save costs and weight when possible. It compares commercial, off-the-shelf fiber optic test equipment for accuracy against more accurate standards that are traceable to national standards - which flow from the National Institute of Standards and Technology to the Navy Gage and Standards Lab at NSWC Corona, the Navy and Marine Corps' designated technical agent for measurement science and calibration. Medeiros says these new standards will vastly improve NUWC Newport's ability to address the rising demand for fiber optic systems calibration. "Having the ability to support these measurements in-house saves an enormous amount of money and time," Medeiros said. "It enables us to provide quick, reliable, on-time service to meet deployment schedules and support internal programs." Headquartered in Norco, Calif., NSWC Corona is part of the Navy's Science and Engineering Enterprise and leads the Navy in independent assessment, measurement and calibration standards and range systems engineering. As a Naval Sea Systems (NAVSEA) Command field activity, the command employs approximately 2,000 scientists, engineers, technicians and support personnel and includes a detachment in Seal Beach, Calif. NSWC Corona has received patents in seven areas of innovation for its automated MetBench Calibration Management System (MCMS), which distributes and maintains calibration and test equipment data for Navy ships, seamlessly synchronizing all data for users all around the world. It won the Department of the Navy's Chief Information Officer's Information Management/Information Technology Excellence Award in 2011. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/nswccorona/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-16. New Chief of Naval Personnel Talks Way Ahead at All Hands Calls From Defense Media Activity-Navy FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (NNS) -- The Navy's new Chief of Naval Personnel held all hands calls with his staff in Washington, D.C., to introduce himself, discuss his priorities and listen to Sailors' and Navy civilians' thoughts and concerns. Vice Adm. Bill Moran assumed the duties as the 57th Chief of Naval Personnel Aug. 2. He is responsible for the overwhelming majority of policies and programs that directly affect Sailors and their families. "We will proactively communicate with Sailors and families, and strive to be transparent in all our dealings," Said Moran. He added that he wanted Sailors and their families to feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns with him, whether at all hands calls or through social media opportunities. "I'm honored to be here," said Moran during an interview with All Hands Magazine. "I look forward to working on behalf of Sailors and families to earn their trust." Moran takes helm of a command that has an operating budget of $29 billion and a staff of more than 26,000 Sailors and civilians that perform a wide variety of missions, including managing Navy manpower, readiness, education and training, and professional development of Sailors. Moran did not shy away from addressing a concern foremost on the minds of many Sailors and civilians - the budget. He said managing the force will be driven by fiscal realities, which will dictate force structure decisions and ultimately the total number of Sailors Navy-wide. "We understand today's fiscal and operational challenges," he said. "We must reach a balance that's in the best interest of the Navy and the nation, as well as Sailors and their families." Despite the uncertain fiscal environment, Moran said one of his main priorities remains getting Sailors to the fleet with the right skillsets and training. "We will continue to provide trained and ready Sailors to meet fleet manning demands," he said. Moran also wanted Sailors and their families to know his staff will seek ways to bring stability and certainty to the work force. See the full interview with Vice Adm. Moran on All Hands Magazine Friday afternoon, Aug. 9 at www.ah.mil. Watch Moran's introduction video message to the fleet at http://navylive.dodlive.mil/?p=21103. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-05. X-47B Returns to Pax River Concluding Historic Carrier Demonstration Phase From Naval Air Systems Command PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- The Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator safely returned to Naval Air Station Patuxent River Aug. 8 from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia aftercompleting a number of historic firsts for carrier-based unmanned aviation. The X-47B, known as Salty Dog 502, was temporarily at Wallops following two successful arrested landings on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) July 10. The unmanned aircraft diverted to the NASA facility on the third landing attempt when a minor error was detected in one of its three navigation computers. "This was the first time the X-47B was operated at a divert site and proved to be a great real-time learning event for the test team," said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, Navy UCAS program manager. "Our team worked closely with NASA personnel over the past few weeks to coordinate the return flight to Pax River." The two X-47B air vehicles will reside at Patuxent River while the Navy UCAS program continues to assess potential opportunities for additional test operations here and at-sea. These efforts will focus on reducing risks for the follow-on Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program and help the Navy to better understand how to operate unmanned systems of this size in the areas of research and development, said Rear Adm. Mat Winter, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons. To date, the N-UCAS program has conducted a total of sixteen precision approaches to the carrier flight deck, including five planned tests of X-47B wave-off functions, nine touch-and-go landings, two arrested landings and three catapult launches during three at-sea evolutions in an eight-month period. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130809-01. Lincoln Sailors Invited to Write Essays in Commemoration of the Gettysburg Address From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) will "write" a part of history by providing their words for a commemoration event of the 150th anniversary of the writing and delivery of the Gettysburg Address, Nov. 19. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation is inviting people around the world, including USS Abraham Lincoln Sailors, to write their own "272 words" in honor of our 16th president's contributions to our nation's history. "We currently are reaching out to select people, such as crew members of the USS Abraham Lincoln to each write 272 words in the hopes that what they write will inspire others," said Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation CEO Carla Knorowski. Knorowski reflected on the meaning of the Gettysburg Address and how truly powerful those 272 words still are to this day. "On that November day back in 1863, President Lincoln was challenged to speak about the enormity of Gettysburg," said Knorowski. "The loss and lessons of the battle were so great, so devastating, and so humbling that Lincoln used the fewest number of words with the fewest number of syllables to convey the greatest, most important message of the time-some say of all time. Today, some seven-and-a-half scores later, we still hold sacred its message." Capt. Karl Thomas, commanding officer, USS Abraham Lincoln reflected on the opportunity Lincoln Sailors have to contribute to this once-in-a-lifetime commemoration. "I'm thrilled that we are able to partner with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, Museum and Foundation to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. We are truly fortunate to have our ship named after one of our greatest presidents, and partnerships and challenges like this enable our Sailors to connect with our namesake and truly recognize his significant contributions to our nation," said Thomas. Lincoln Sailors who take on this challenge are invited to write a short, 272-word essay on one of three topics, which include: Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg or any cause-related topic which inspires their passion. Essays selected by the Foundation will be on display for the commemoration event on Nov. 19 in Springfield, Ill. USS Abraham Lincoln is currently undergoing a refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) at Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship of the Nimitz class to undergo a RCOH, a major life-cycle milestone. Once RCOH is complete, Lincoln will be one of the most modern and technologically advanced Nimitz-class aircraft carriers in the fleet and will continue to be a vital part of our national defense. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-18. U.S., New Zealand Navies Trade Sailors for Pacific Partnership 2013 By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Carlos M. Vazquez II, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West HONIARA, Solomon Islands (NNS) -- Members of Pacific Partnership 2013 (PP13) from the U.S. and Royal New Zealand Navy traded places for seven days, switching ships and returning to their respective vessels prior to the end of the PP13 mission's completion, Aug 5. The Sailors from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and the amphibious sealift ship HMNZS Canterbury (LSL 421) cross-decked to experience the similarities and differences between the two ships, their operations and daily lives before Pearl Harbor departed for its homeport of San Diego, Calif., following the conclusion of the mission's last phase in the Solomon Islands. "It was a really good experience and we got to do stuff we normally wouldn't do on Canterbury," said Royal New Zealand Navy Midshipman Gideon Van Zyl. "Working with Australians, Koreans and Americans was one of the coolest things we could do." The personnel who cross-decked were pleasantly surprised by how similar operations were and how cohesively the Pacific Partnership mission was conducted across both ships. They also noticed the differences in the ship's layout designs and quality of life. "We're both amphibious ships so we do the same operations," said Van Zyl. "The ships are slightly different because one is newer than the other, but they do the same things and carry out the mission the same way." U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician 1st Class Brooke D. Hejl was struck by how small the ship's crew was compared to that of the Pearl Harbor, and how positive and welcoming they were to the U.S. Sailors aboard. "The crew is amazing," said Hejl. "They have an infectious spirit and attitude towards the mission and life at sea that is very inspiring." Cross-decking not only improves the skills and experiences at all levels of the organization, but also contributes to Pacific Partnership's mission and understanding. "From an operational standpoint, cross-decking increases the situational awareness of our Sailors and fellow nations," said U.S. Navy Capt. Wallace Lovely, Pacific Partnership 2013 mission commander. "I hope they learned that other nations are as proficient, capable, and talented. They are our equals and together we can be even more powerful." Throughout the mission and during the cross-deck crew swap, lasting relationships were built and knowledge was exchanged between the partner nations and the two ships' crews. They hope that missions like Pacific Partnership continue and missions like it may grow. "I think all militaries need to try and understand, working together is a lot better than working separately trying to achieve the same goal," said Van Zyl. "Doing it together builds relationships with other people. I had a fun time on the Pearl Harbor and it was great to work with them." With missions like Pacific Partnership, the nations involved are able to build not only water catchment systems and classrooms, but lasting relationships as well. Hejl agreed. "We are not just building lasting relationships with the people in the countries we visit, but we are building lasting relationships with all the partner nations involved as well. It has been great to see the similarities, as well as the differences each nation has made in regards to the planning and execution of each successful mission." As Pearl Harbor leaves the Solomon Islands, the Canterbury is scheduled to continue delivering supplies and completing projects in the islands for the final week of the Pacific Partnership 2013 mission. During the mission, Pearl Harbor visited the Pacific Island nations of Samoa, Tonga, Marshall Islands, Kiribati and the Solomon Islands. Working at the invitation of each host nation, the annual Pacific Partnership mission combines U.S. Navy forces with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and regional partners that include Australia, Canada, Colombia, France, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and New Zealand to improve maritime security, conduct humanitarian assistance and strengthen disaster-response preparedness in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region. 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- NNS130808-14. U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay CMC Relieved By Stacey Byington, U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay Public Affairs GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba (NNS) -- Capt. Daryl K. Daniels, commanding officer of U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, has relieved Command Master Chief, Master Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW/FMF) Robert Banuelos, due to lack of confidence because of allegations of personal misconduct. The allegations of misconduct against Banuelos are currently under investigation. Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW/FMF) Michael L. Graven has been assigned as the acting command master chief of U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay. Banuelos has temporarily been assigned to other duties pending the outcome of the investigation. U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay employs approximately 250 personnel (officer, enlisted, civilian, contractor, and foreign nationals) which support a base population of approximately 6,000, many of whom are military family members, government civilian employees and their families, special category residents, contractors, foreign nationals and migrants. It maintains a reputation for sustaining one of the highest patient satisfaction rates of any of the military treatment facilities in the Navy. For more news from U.S. Naval Hospital Guantanamo Bay, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhgb/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-10. DoD Acquisition Leader Visits NAVSEA From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communication WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics visited with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) acquisition workforce, Aug. 7. Frank Kendall is the leader of the Department of Defense's (DoD) efforts to increase the Department's buying power and improve the performance of the defense acquisition enterprise and is responsible for the DoD's Better Buying Power (BBP) 2.0-Achieving Greater Efficiency and Productivity in Defense Spending. "It's more important than ever that we get as much value for the money we have - and that's not going to change anytime soon," said Kendall as he addressed an overflow audience in the auditorium of NAVSEA headquarters building. He touched on the seven tenets of the BBP 2.0 initiative and its implementation, which were unveiled last November to encourage workforce members to apply the principles to future acquisition programs to achieve greater efficiency and productivity in defense spending. "As we've continued to work on ways to improve how we do business, the thinking has changed a little bit - new ideas have come up," said Kendall. "I believe in continuous improvement as a fundamental way for us to do business. What's going to get acquisition to a better state of performance is [a lot] of hard work by [a lot] of professional people doing all the things that need to be done to make incremental improvements wherever they can." In order to achieve improvements, Kendall emphasized the need to embrace a fundamental he called "should cost," which is managing to a target that's realistic and trying to achieve it. Then, if savings are actualized, they can be applied to the benefit of the program or the service, and it's a concept that's having a lot of success, he said. "Every business company in the world manages cost," Kendall said. "We tend to manage spending. Our job is to spend the money. In industry, your job is to maximize your profits by minimizing your costs, and we need to think more like that." Kendall's visit to NAVSEA, the largest acquisition command in the DoD, also included a meeting with flag and senior executive service level leaders and a series of small group discussions with major program managers, contracting officers and engineers. For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-01. Santa Fe Visits Yokosuka during Western Pacific Deployment By Lt. Carlisle Catacutan, USS Santa Fe Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka Aug. 8 for a visit as part of its deployment to the Western Pacific. With a crew of 135 men, Santa Fe will conduct a multitude of missions and showcase the latest capabilities of the submarine fleet. "Santa Fe is enthusiastic to be on deployment, conducting security and cooperation engagements with our closest allies," said Cmdr. Timothy J. Poe, Santa Fe's commanding officer. "The ship will practice multiple mission areas, while training the next generation of submariners on operations in the Western Pacific." Santa Fe is a preeminent weapon in the nation's naval arsenal. Exercising dominant control of the littoral and open sea, Santa Fe prepares the battle space, promotes maritime security and deters aggression across the globe. Master Chief Electronics Technician Juan Gonzalez, chief of the boat, is enthusiastic about the crew responsibly enjoying liberty after an arduous work up period in preparation for deployment. "Our Sailors are eager to meet with the locals, interact with foreign military members, and learn more about the Japanese culture." For many of the crew members, this is their first time visiting Japan. "I'm really looking forward to having some authentic Japanese cuisine and climbing Mount Fuji," said Sonar Technician 3rd Class Jason LeBlanc. Santa Fe is homeported in Pearl Harbor and is assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 7. She is named after the city of Santa Fe, N.M. Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,800 tons when submerged, Santa Fe is among the world's stealthiest platforms.. This submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg7/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-03. Navy Surgeon General Holds All Hands Call at Naval Hospital Bremerton By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Evans Coyle BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- The Navy surgeon general and chief, Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery visited with Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Sailors at an all hands call at the hospital's Ross Auditorium Aug. 7. Vice Adm. Matthew L. Nathan, along with Force Master Chief Sherman Boss, U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), provided a vast amount of knowledge and information to Sailors and civilian workers in attendance at the in-depth discussion. Nathan began with commenting on the superior attributes of all the individuals who work at NHB and how everyone has helped make the command one of the more successful and most sought after medical facilities in the Navy. "The quality of the Sailors and civilian staff here at this hospital has never been higher. You represent the top tier of the best of what America's Navy has to offer," said Nathan. Nathan added that the command's deployable ability puts them in a category that stands alone. "If any situation suddenly arose, a tragic natural event or an immediate war crisis of any kind came down, if everyone in this room was given the word they had 24 hours to get their gear together and ship out to anywhere in the world because the need was there, you would all be ready an answer the call. That's why you're special, better than the best, and certainly a higher type of medical staff than any civilian-only medical facility. It's the fact you have the agility you possess that has put us all on the map of the elite status we maintain," said Nathan. Both Nathan and Boss gave specifics about two continuously popular topics for Sailors and discussed the potential of increased Selected Re-enlistment Bonuses (SRBs) for certain Navy Enlisted Classification Codes (NECs) and the ability to pick certain areas for continued naval service. "If you go out in the civilian world with a specialized NEC you've obtained from the Navy, it's possible I can't pay you what that company or medical organization is going to give you. It's all about if the money that is available in the military budget. If there's a need to retain more individuals who have the high demand NECs you'll definitely see those SRB numbers rise," said Nathan. "The capability to choose any area in the world you desire for your next duty station can be achieved but because money is obviously tighter in certain regions it can be tricky to get where you want to go. For example, if you want to go to Bahrain and you're stationed here at NHB the person who is working at Naval Hospital Pensacola who wants the same billet will possibly have a better shot at getting there. Just like someone on the West Coast would have an edge going to Hawaii or Japan. But always keep focused and you'll be able to achieve what you want and where to want to go," said Boss. Another portion of the all hands call featured information about how future evolutions will go more and more towards a multi-service responsibility. "It's very much the wave of the future with more joint-service evolutions. There will be more of what's already happening with Army and Air Force joining along Navy and Marine Corps medical teams either working side-by-side or training together while deployed. And I know that many of you here today have received your specialized training inside multi-service classrooms. It's just a more efficient way of doing things and there's a crucial cohesion building up between our military forces," said Nathan. Nathan wrapped up his talk by reflecting over his career and on how many service members at one time have expressed a desire to leave the Navy only to later request another chance to stay in and continue on. "People sometimes tend to think they can do better than what the Navy offers them and realize that they were on the right path all along. I can truly say and I honestly believe that when you're an old man or woman and you're sitting in your rocking chair, you'll have a lot more interesting stories to tell about the Navy if you stay around for awhile and don't just rush to get out. See yourselves in the upper echelon group because that where you are right now in your lives. I'm very excited and encouraged by everyone's attitude. Take care of the mission, take care of your shipmates and please take care of yourselves," said Nathan. Navy Medicine is a global healthcare network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high quality health care to more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield. For more news from Naval Hospital Bremerton, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhb/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-06. Commander Submarine Force Pacific Fleet Holds Change of Command Ceremony By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Steven Khor PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) and Commander Task Force 134 held a change of command ceremony at the submarine piers on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 7. Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer relieved Rear Adm. James F. Caldwell Jr. Caldwell assumed command in December 2010 and ran the daily business of 60 percent of the U.S. Submarine Force. This included oversight of the Pacific portion of the nation's ballistic missile submarine force, on behalf of U.S. Strategic Command, and the oversight and execution of manning, training, and properly equipping the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System community. "It's been an honor to be a part of this force for over 30 years. I am humbled to have commanded such a force. God bless the Pacific Submarine Force," said Caldwell. During his command, Caldwell deployed 25 fast-attack submarines, two Navy Trident submarines, 34 ballistic missile submarines and 22 surveillance towed-array sensor system crews in support of national defense initiatives. Caldwell's forward-thinking and communication skills provided COMSUBPAC's undersea forces with a vision for maintaining dominance of the undersea domain while guiding the professional and personal development of submarine force personnel. He was instrumental in sweeping changes to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations in the Pacific Fleet, to include implementing a new concept of operations for theater ASW with forward-deployed submarines. Caldwell led the submarine enterprise in research and development efforts with several units conducting one-of-a-kind missions that yielded extraordinary intelligence gathering unachievable with any other platform. In addition, he was central to the development of the Design for Undersea Warfare and its initial update which has generated submarine force-wide alignment. In quality of life, Caldwell helped lead the effort to end smoking on submarines and planned and coordinated the incorporation of women in submarine crews, resulting in the success of these personnel initiatives. His leadership laid the groundwork for the future expansion of opportunities to include women on fast-attack submarines and female enlisted submarine Sailors. Caldwell will be promoted to vice admiral and assigned as the Navy's next inspector general. At the ceremony were guest speakers Gen. C. Robert "Bob" Kehler, U.S. Air Force, commander, U.S. Strategic Command and Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Frank, you have done a remarkable job, thank you for everything you have done," said Kehler. Kehler said that because of Caldwell, the country is safer and more secure. Haney also commended Caldwell for his outstanding job while in command." "Thank you Frank for your leadership especially for the submarine force," said Haney. During the ceremony, Caldwell received the Distinguished Service Medal for his superior and loyal service. Sawyer will be promoted to rear admiral (upper half) and most recently served as commander, Submarine Group 7 in Yokosuka, Japan. As Sawyer assumed command, he expressed how happy he is to be at COMSUBPAC. "Our duty will be to continue delivering forces ready to execute. I am honored and humbled to be your new commander," said Sawyer. The Pacific submarine force provides anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, precision land strike, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and early warning and special warfare capabilities to U.S. Pacific Command and strategic deterrence capabilities to U.S. Strategic Command. For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/subpac/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-15. 5th Fleet's Amphibious Forces Hold Change of Command By Lt. j.g. Joel Miller, Commander Task Force 51/59 Public Affairs NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander, Task Force (CTF) 51/59 held a change of command ceremony on Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Aug. 8. Brig. Gen. Gregg Olson relieved Rear Adm. William Lescher as commander of CTF-51/59. During his farewell remarks, Lescher, who assumed command of CTF-51/59 Aug. 26, 2012, expressed how privileged he was to serve and work alongside such great professionals. "The staff and our rotational amphibious forces have done tremendous work to sustain and improve major combat operation and crisis response preparedness," Lescher said. "Thank you to the Sailors, Marines and civilian mariners who made it happen." Guest speaker Vice Adm. John Miller, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces commended Lescher for his leadership, hard work and ability to execute every mission. "Admiral Lescher, you are a masterful teacher and team builder, and you have promoted an ethos and spirit of teamwork across your force," Miller said. "Congratulations on an outstanding tour and a job very well done." Miller also welcomed Olson as the first U.S. Marine Corps general officer in charge of CTF-51/59. Miller offered his best wishes to Olson in assuming command of the task force and emphasized the significance this leadership transition has on the integration of the Navy and Marine Corps team. "You are clearly well prepared to take the reins of this Navy-Marine Corps team," Miller said. "I know you and your proven team are ready for the multitude of challenges and opportunities ahead." Olson praised Lescher for his leadership and flexibility during the command's transition. "For my friend, Rear Admiral Lescher, I have nothing but praise," Olson said. "Over the course of the last year, he and I discussed many an expeditionary topic, some operational, some related to Navy and Marine Corps organizational culture, and others purely in pursuit of that more 'perfect efficiency in military action' as our teams reacted to crisis." NAVCENT is task organized to conduct maritime operations in the region and CTFs are the center of that construct. CTF-51 provides command and control over Amphibious Ready Groups, Marine Expeditionary Units and the Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15), all deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. CTF-59 is a standing contingency response, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief task force. The staff plans and conducts HADR missions related to earthquakes, cyclones and oil spills. U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, North Arabian Sea, and the Red Sea. The expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130808-04. USS Philippine Sea Completes SNOOPIE, STEAM and FAC/FIAC Exercise By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian Read Castillo, USS George H.W. Bush Public Affairs USS PHILIPPINE, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) completed its second steam formation training exercise (STEAMX), during the George H.W. Bush Group Sail (GHWB GRUSL), Aug. 6. USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103) were also involved in the STEAMX. During the exercise all four ships aligned themselves one behind another while moving at high speeds and close distances simulating a "Beryl Strait Transit." "We had 2000 nautical yards of separation between us and maintained a speed of about 15 knots," said Lt. j.g. Molly Hanas, Philippine Sea's navigator. "On deployment we will be transiting through narrow passages like the Strait of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal. This exercise allows us to practice the formations we need in order to get the strike group through safely." The STEAMX also included a fast attack craft (FAC)/fast inshore attack craft (FIAC) exercise, further testing the strike group's interface and communications. "Basically FAC's are small militarized boats, whereas FIAC's are small customized commercial boats," said Lt. j.g. Daniel Cho, ship's force protection officer, and port bridge wing sniper during the exercise. While transiting through narrow passages a ship can often encounter these smaller more agile militarized boats. For this reason formations are vital not only because of the limited space during a strait transit but also because of the safety concerns that come into play when transiting so close to land. "Formations allow multiple ships to work together to identify each possible threat," said Chow. When such threats are met the ship's nautical or otherwise photographic intelligence exploitation (SNOOPIE) team is activated. The SNOOPIE team is a reaction force made up of Sailors that have been trained to record and photograph unknown contacts that approach the ship within visual range. "Typically when a threat enters within visual range the tactical action officer (TAO) will call away the SNOOPIE team," said Chief Intelligence Specialist Raynald P. Lemieux, ship's intelligence officer. "We have two minutes to get up to the bridge from wherever we're at on the ship." The SNOOPIE team is specially trained in intelligence, collections and analysis of all air, surface and sub-surface threats. This training enables them to can quickly identify a contact and determine if its weapons are manned, unmanned, covered or uncovered. "We can identify what the contact is and if it's displaying a threatening posture," said Lemieux. "The SNOOPIE team, along with our lookouts, provides the commanding officer (CO) and TAO a positive identification, giving them options." All imagery captured is then forwarded off the ship for both intelligence gathering and documentation. Visual information (VI) documentation differs from intelligence gathering in that it is used to help defend against false accusations of an engagement. "The photos and video we use to gather our intelligence plays a dual role," said Lemieux. "If someone is claiming that we fired upon them first then we can pull that video as evidence of the contrary." The number of personnel on board, their actions, the types of weapons and their approach on the ship are all elements that that need to be recorded, said Lemieux. "This transit exercise activated a lot more of our warfare components" said the ship's Executive Officer, Cmdr. Paul S. Nagy. "It involved team work on multiple levels between the crew and the ships themselves. I consider this one a win." The Philippine Sea is participating in the GHWB GRUSL 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- NNS130808-08. Navy Remembers Local Marine with Building Dedication From Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head EOD Technology Division Public Affairs INDIAN HEAD, Md. (NNS) -- Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division honored Lance Cpl. Terry Edward "T.J." Honeycutt, Jr., with a building dedication, Aug. 7. Family members, fellow Marines, NSWC IHEODTD employees, and Congressional representatives attended the event naming the Explosives Development Facility Administration Building and Change House (Bldg. 3137) located on Naval Support Facility Indian Head where a plaque noting Honeycutt's service and sacrifice was unveiled. "A little more than two years ago, our command leadership and public affairs office started the process to name Building 3137," said NSWC IHEODTD Technical Director Dennis McLaughlin. "NSWC Indian Head EOD Technology Division has a long, 123-year history in Charles County, and it was important to us that we name this building after a local hero. We formed a list of people who were more than worthy to have a facility named after them, and Lance Cpl. Honeycutt quickly rose to the top." Honeycutt - a Charles County, Md., resident - was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, in Camp Lejeune, N.C.; and had served for less than one year when he died, Oct. 27, 2010, from wounds received in combat during operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Honeycutt's former unit commander recalled the young Marine's contributions. "When T.J. deployed to Afghanistan in June 2010, our battalion was sent to northern Marja, which at the time was the most hostile area of Afghanistan," said Lt. Col. Jim Fullwood. "It had been a base of operations for the Taliban for many years prior. T.J.'s company was placed in the roughest part. Until the day T.J. was killed in action, he carried out hundreds of patrols and fought daily battles. That's what Marines do. "He also brought hope," said Fullwood. "He worked with the Afghan army to train their soldiers, and begin to establish security for the Afghan people so they could raise their children and live their lives without fear of the oppressive Taliban. T.J. helped bring the first rays of light to a very dark part of the world. The difference he made to that troubled piece of Afghanistan was seen during our next deployment to Marja. Before, it had been the ulcer of Afghanistan. When we returned, it had become a model for the rest of the country. Where the government and Afghan forces could not travel before in the areas T.J. patrolled, they now travel freely. Where children were unable to attend school, schools now flourish. Where the Afghan government could not reach, they now provide services. These were all changes brought on by the unselfish dedication of Lance Cpl. T.J. Honeycutt." Honeycutt's mother Christine shared her son's love of the military, and her gratitude for the recognition of his sacrifice. "T.J. wanted to be on the front lines protecting us, his brothers, and our nation," said Honeycutt. "He knew he was risking his life and might never come home, but I don't think he was afraid to die as long as it was in an honorable manner. When people asked him why he wanted to be a Marine, he would always reply that he wanted to make a difference. That was his goal, and I think he accomplished it. "When you lose a child, the first thing you want is your child back. The next thing you want is to have your child remembered - for them not to be forgotten. The whole world is moving on without your child, and you can't move forward. You're always looking back, screaming inside your head, 'Please, don't forget my child! Please, don't forget he existed! He fought for me. He fought for you. He gave his life for all of us," Honeycutt said. "To know this building is here, and to know that the people who come into it for decades to come will know his name, and see his face, is a joy and comfort that I can't express with mere words." A representative from U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski's staff read a letter to Honeycutt's family, and a representative from U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin's staff presented a citation to NSWC IHEODTD. NSWC IHEODTD Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas Smith noted the command's efforts would be in support of the men and women on the front lines. "Most of the work done at our command is dedicated to helping our warfighters protect and defend this country," said Smith. "This includes detecting and safely disposing of IED's [improvised explosive devices] to prevent further loss of life. While we were not able to save T.J.'s life, we know that our work, conducted by people who will forevermore come to work in the 'Lance Cpl. Honeycutt' building will continue to save lives." The building - constructed as a result of the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission decision relocating functions from the command's Yorktown, Va., detachment - opened in April 2011. It serves as an administrative office for NSWC IHEODTD employees working on pressed explosives, and provides a change house area where employees can don flame-retardant personnel protective gear required for use in labs and industrial environments. NSWC IHEODTD, a field activity of the Naval Sea Systems Command, focuses on the research, development, test, evaluation, in-service support, and disposal of energetics and energetic systems as well as works to provide Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen worldwide with the information and technological solutions they need to detect/locate, access, identify, render safe, recover/exploit, and dispose of both conventional and unconventional explosive threats. For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head EOD Technology Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/nswciheodtd/. NNS130809-02. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three newscasts today - two one-minute newscasts and one Web-only newscast. First one-minute newscast - - Headline for Thursday, August 8th, 2013: Navy Announces USS Miami to be Inactivated Following Arson Fire http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18737 http://youtu.be/CrtW923iMps Second one-minute newscast - - Headline for Thursday, August 8th, 2013: Navy Offers New, Flexible Career Options for Sailors http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18738 http://youtu.be/ihl2_VZLv-Q First one-minute WEB newscast - - USS George Washington Holds Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Sea Honoring USS Lexington http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18736 http://youtu.be/nza6zIaTQBU 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- NNS020719-09. This Day in Naval History - Aug. 09 From the Navy News Service 1815 - Captain Stephen Decatur concludes treaty for the United States with Tripoli. 1842 - Signing of Webster-Ashburton Treaty under which United States and Great Britain agreed to cooperate in suppressing the slave trade. 1865 - Return of Naval Academy to Annapolis after four years at Newport, R.I. 1919 - Construction of rigid airship Shenandoah (ZR 1) is authorized. 1941 - Atlantic Charter Conference is first meeting between President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill. 1942 - Battle of Savo Island begins; First of many sea battles near Guadalcanal. 1945 - Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. Navy weaponeer arms the atomic bomb. 1949 - First use of pilot-ejection seat for emergency escape in U.S. made by Lt. Jack I. Fruin of VF-171 near Walterboro, S.C. -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).