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 NNS130910-25. SARC Conference Commences in Norfolk -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76458 NNS130910-24. USS Lake Erie, Chinese Ships Conduct Search and Rescue Training -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76460 NNS130910-16. Successful Missile Defense Test Against Multiple Targets -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76455 DNU -- Headlines for Tuesday, September 10, 2013: In this edition of All Hands Update, we'll talk about Unitas 2013, and see how the Navy has lowered alcohol incidents with the Keep What Your Earned campaign. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18817 NNS130910-27. Obama: Syria Strikes Justified, But Diplomacy May Work -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76464 DNU -- September Is National Suicide Prevention Month -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18818 NNS130910-22. CSS Focuses on Suicide Prevention, Teaching Resilience -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76447 DNU -- Watch or download CNO's All Hands Call at NAS North Island recorded earlier today. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert's speaks to and answers questions from sailors at Naval Air Station North Island, Coronado, Calif. and online. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18819 DNU -- U.S. and Chinese Navy Leaders Meet Aboard USS Carl Vinson -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18816 NNS130910-23. Navy Installations in Japan, Guam, and Hawaii to Participate in Citadel Pacific 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76445 NNS130910-21. USS Rentz Conducts Live-fire Training during UNITAS Exercise -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76457 NNS130910-20. Ike Enters Norfolk Naval Shipyard to Begin Availability Period -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76443 NNS130910-26. Rear Adm. Wetherald Assumes Command of Amphibious Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76461 NNS130910-12. Commander, US Naval Forces Korea Holds Change of Command Ceremony -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76444 NNS130910-13. Sailors Help Community Walk Out of Darkness -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76446 NNS130911-01. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76451 NNS020711-13. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 11 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2491 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=161447 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-25. SARC Conference Commences in Norfolk By David Todd, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- As a continued effort to eliminate sexual assault within the Department of the Navy (DON), Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) are attending an annual week-long SARC Conference at Naval Station Norfolk's Vista Point Conference Center, Sept. 9 -13. Sexual assault prevention is the Navy's and Chief of Naval Operations' number one priority, said Vice Adm. William D. French, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC), who provided conference opening remarks Monday. Sexual assaults also affect the Navy's overall mission readiness and effectiveness, he said. "We are coordinating with the fleets to make sure we get the right word out to our Sailors," said French, who noted the Navy has dedicated numerous training modules specifically for sexual assault prevention, including Sexual Assault Prevention Response (SAPR) standdowns, SAPR Leadership (SAPR-L), SAPR Fleet (SAPR-F), and most recently, SAPR Civilian (SAPR-C). "From our perspective at CNIC, we're hiring 66 new SARCs, 66 new SAPR Victim Advocates (VA), and soon we will be hiring 21 resiliency counselors that will be deployed aboard 21 different big deck ships - on amphibs as well as aircraft carriers," he said. "We're working to try to educate folks on how to be responsible, and at the same time, we are holding those perpetrators and offenders accountable," French continued. "It's a broad effort across the Navy." French said that securing qualified SARCs and VAs has been a smooth process due to the willingness of active duty volunteers. "We've been able to find a lot of motivated and fully-qualified SARCs and Victim Advocates ... and the bulk of our Victim Advocates are volunteers that are wearing the uniform," he said. "Most of our Victim Advocates are those that are assigned to each of our ships, aviation squadrons, submarines and tenant commands - everybody is responsible for having a Victim Advocate that is familiar with the people from their command." "We have a lot of volunteers who have that responsibility and interface with paid Victim Advocates and paid SARCs," he continued, noting that by the end of this month, CNIC will have a total of almost 5,000 credentialed SAPR VAs and SARCs within the command. Training during the week's events will include: CNIC SAPR program updates, mock sexual assault case management, introduction to Victims' Legal Counsel, SARC 101, how to recruit and support Uniformed Victim Advocates (UVA), working in joint environments, working with Navy Operation and Support Centers, Mentors in Violence Prevention Advanced Bystander training, and much more. French feels that the Navy's extensive training efforts will pay dividends in the eradication of sexual assaults within the fleet. "We feel as though we have a big impact as we work with fleets, because most of those Sailors are in the fleet. Our regions are engaged with the fleet commanders to work this in a collaborative way," he said. "In the end, it really becomes a chain of command responsibility - the CO of a ship, the CO of an installation, the CO of a tenant command - all responsible for the command climate and responsible for doing the right thing to ensure that sexual assaults don't happen within their command." In addition to the SARC training, DON civilian staff members in Hampton Roads are scheduled to attend Navywide "Sexual Assault Prevention: One Team, One Fight" courses this week, known as SAPR-C, developed by the DON Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO). Training has been mandated by the Secretary of the Navy to be completed by Oct. 1 for all civilians, and recorded in the Defense Civilian Personnel Data System (DCPDS) by no later than Oct. 7. This training is designed to meet congressional, Department of Defense and DON requirements as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. "The Navy has made [sexual assault prevention] a priority. Whenever we make something a priority, put the resources to it, and put the commitment of our leadership to it, I think we are going to make great progress," said French. "Certainly, we are not perfect yet - it's a difficult problem - but once we get going, we are going to have the impact we need. It's going to have to be a dedicated effort across the fleet for all of us to drive home responsible behavior, not just for sexual assault, but responsible behavior across the board when it comes to what we want our Sailors to do." Additional information on the Navy's SAPR program can be found at www.sapr.navy.mil, or on CNICs SAPR website at http://goo.gl/i1KT2y. If you have been a victim of a sexual assault, need crisis intervention, emotional support, referrals to both military and civilian resources in your area, and/or need information on reporting options available, call the DOD Safe Helpline at (877) 995-5247, or visit https://safehelpline.org - 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, worldwide. To join the Navy's conversation about sexual assault and raise awareness on Facebook and Twitter, use #NavySAPR. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrma/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-24. USS Lake Erie, Chinese Ships Conduct Search and Rescue Training By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth Hendrix PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- As part of a broader advancement in cooperation between the United States and China, the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70) and the People's Liberation Army-Navy [PLA(N)] participated in training scenarios off the coast of Oahu, Hawaii, Sept. 9. The three participating PLA(N) ships, a Fuqing-class fleet oiler Hongzehu (AOR 881), a Lulu-class destroyer Qingdao (DDG 113) and a Jiangkai-class frigate Linyi (FFG 547), had just completed a port visit at Joint Base Harbor Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Sept. 6-9. This was the first visit by PLA(N) ships to Pearl Harbor since 2006. The at-sea training included search and rescue, military medicine, communications, pipe patching and firefighting. Capt. John Banigan, commanding officer of Lake Erie, said the training helps establish clear paths of communication, builds trust, and encourages multilateral cooperation to address common regional security challenges. "With this opportunity, we demonstrated our ability to operate and communicate at sea with the PLA(N)," Banigan said. "Having all Pacific nation navies working together on common maritime problems advances our goal of ensuring security, stability, peace and prosperity in the region." During the search and rescue exercise, which Banigan highlighted as contributing to a core capability that the U.S. Navy practices regularly with navies throughout Pacific, one rigid-hulled inflatable boat from the Lake Erie and one rescue boat from the Qingdao responded to a distressed vessel that had a fire, wounded sailor and was taking on water. Sailors from both of the nations worked together throughout the scenario to put out the fire, pipe and shore the leak and assist the wounded. Damage Controlman Fireman Jacob Christopher Barr, a search and rescue swimmer aboard Lake Erie, said this is the first time he had worked with PLA(N). "The exercise went smoothly thanks to the quick reactions to situations by both the U.S. Navy and PLA(N)," Barr said. Information Technician 2nd Class Wenbin Wu, who was born in China but moved to New York City as a teenager in 1998, stood in as a translator aboard Lake Erie. "This is a great opportunity for our Navy and China's Navy to build a relationship based on the training exercises today," Wu said. A productive relationship with the PLA(N) is an essential part of the U.S. Navy's ongoing rebalance strategy, providing an opportunity to deal with common challenges that all Pacific nations face: the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, narco-trafficking, piracy, and protecting the free use of the seas and the global commons like space and cyberspace. Adm. Cecil Haney, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, said activities this past week in Hawaii and San Diego demonstrate the U.S. Navy's commitment to building a positive and constructive relationship with the Chinese Navy, where they contribute to regional stability as a member of the community of nations. "Our commitment to exploring closer cooperation with China must occur on the foundation of existing U.S. alliances and other partnerships in the region," said Haney. "We want to work with China, our allies and partners to create a shared future that deals with security challenges faced by all Pacific nations. Port visits, senior leader dialogues, bilateral engagements and multilateral exercises will help the U.S. and China work toward common goals while also candidly addressing our differences." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cpf/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-16. Successful Missile Defense Test Against Multiple Targets By Missile Defense Agency Western Pacific (NNS) -- The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Operational Test Agency, Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, and U.S. Pacific Command, in conjunction with U.S. Army soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, U.S. Navy sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG-73), and U.S. Air Force airmen from the 613th Air and Operations Center successfully conducted a complex missile defense flight test, resulting in the intercept of two medium-range ballistic missile targets. The flight test was planned more than a year ago, and is not in any way connected to events in the Middle East. The test was conducted in the vicinity of the U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll/Reagan Test Site and surrounding areas in the western Pacific. The test stressed the ability of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon systems to function in a layered defense architecture and defeat a raid of two near-simultaneous ballistic missile targets. The two medium-range ballistic missile targets were launched on operationally realistic trajectories towards a defended area near Kwajalein. Along with overhead space assets providing launch alerts, an Army-Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control (AN/TPY-2) radar in Forward Based Mode detected the targets and relayed track information to the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) system for further transmission to defending BMDS assets. The USS Decatur with its Aegis Weapon System detected and tracked the first target with its onboard AN/SPY-1 radar. The Aegis BMD weapon system developed a fire control solution, launched a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA missile, and successfully intercepted the target. In a demonstration of BMDS layered defense capabilities, a second AN/TPY-2 radar in Terminal Mode, located with the THAAD weapon system, acquired and tracked the target missiles. THAAD developed a fire control solution, launched a THAAD interceptor missile, and successfully intercepted the second medium-range ballistic missile target. THAAD was operated by soldiers from the Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment. As a planned demonstration of THAAD's layered defense capabilities, a second THAAD interceptor was launched at the target destroyed by Aegis as a contingency in the event the SM-3 did not achieve an intercept. Initial indications are that all components performed as designed. MDA officials will extensively assess and evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test. The event, a designated Flight Test Operational-01 (FTO-01), demonstrated integrated, layered, regional missile defense capabilities to defeat a raid of two threat-representative medium-range ballistic missiles in a combined live-fire operational test. Soldiers, sailors, and airmen from multiple combatant commands operated the systems, and were provided a unique opportunity to refine operational doctrine and tactics while increasing confidence in the execution of integrated air and missile defense plans. U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System programs have completed 62 successful hit-to-kill intercepts in 78 flight test attempts since 2001. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-27. Obama: Syria Strikes Justified, But Diplomacy May Work By Karen Parrish, American Forces Press Service By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The credible threat of U.S. military force in Syria is critical to showing the world that chemical weapons use is unacceptable, President Barack Obama said in a speech to the nation tonight, but he added that he has asked Congress to postpone a vote authorizing such action. The commander in chief noted he has asked U.S. military forces to stay ready to conduct the limited strikes he has proposed, which would aim to reduce Assad's chemical weapons stocks and means of delivering them without putting U.S. boots on the ground. U.S. officials and others in the international community are now pursuing a last-ditch effort to disarm Bashar Assad's regime of the prohibited weapons, Obama said, including the sarin gas his forces used against Syrian civilians Aug. 21, killing 400 or more children among the more than 1,400 total dead. "We know the Assad regime was responsible," the president said. "In the days leading up to Aug. 21, we know that Assad's chemical weapons personnel prepared for an attack. ... They distributed gas masks to their troops. Then they fired rockets from a regime-controlled area into 11 neighborhoods that the regime has been trying to wipe clear of opposition forces. Shortly after those rockets landed, the gas spread, and hospitals filled with the dying and the wounded." Over the past two years, Obama said, "what began as a series of peaceful protests ... has turned into a brutal civil war. Over 100,000 people have been killed. Millions have fled the country." He has thus far resisted calls for military action, the president said, "because we cannot resolve someone else's civil war through force, particularly after a decade of war in Iraq and Afghanistan." The Aug. 21 attack changed that calculus, the president said. "The images from this massacre are sickening: men, women, children lying in rows, killed by poison gas, others foaming at the mouth, gasping for breath," he said. "A father clutching his dead children, imploring them to get up and walk." The world saw proof "in gruesome detail" of the terrible nature of chemical weapons, Obama said, "and why the overwhelming majority of humanity has declared them off-limits, a crime against humanity and a violation of the laws of war." Chemical weapons were used in both world wars, the president said. "Because these weapons can kill on a mass scale, with no distinction between soldier and infant, the civilized world has spent a century working to ban them," he added, noting that 189 governments, representing 98 percent of humanity, now prohibit the use of chemical weapons. Obama said he's cautiously hopeful about current international efforts involving Syria's closest ally, Russia, to remove and ultimately destroy Syria's chemical arsenal. He said he is sending Secretary of State John F. Kerry to meet his Russian counterpart Sept. 12, and that he will continue his own discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The president said he also has spoken to leaders of France and the United Kingdom, "and we will work together in consultation with Russia and China to put forward a resolution at the U.N. Security Council requiring Assad to give up his chemical weapons and to ultimately destroy them under international control." The United States will give U.N. inspectors the opportunity to report their findings about what happened Aug. 21, "and we will continue to rally support from allies from Europe to the Americas, from Asia to the Middle East, who agree on the need for action," the president said. If military strikes are ultimately required, Obama said, they will be decisive. "The United States military doesn't do pinpricks," he said. "Even a limited strike will send a message to Assad that no other nation can deliver." The president also expressed his gratitude to U.S. service members and their families. "Tonight I give thanks, again, to our military and their families for their incredible strength and sacrifices," he said. Obama said he doesn't believe the United States should remove another dictator with force, as it did in Iraq. "But a targeted strike can makes Assad -- or any other dictator -- think twice before using chemical weapons," he added. U.S. ideals and principles, as well as national security, are at stake in Syria, the president said. "Terrible things happen across the globe, and it is beyond our means to right every wrong, but when with modest effort and risk we can stop children from being gassed to death and thereby make our own children safer over the long run, I believe we should act," he said. "That's what makes America different," the president concluded. "That's what makes us exceptional. With humility, but with resolve, let us never lose sight of that essential truth." Defense Department News Through Facebook On American Forces Press Service's Facebook page, you can post comments and share news, photos and videos. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/American-Forces-Press-Service/65137437532 or search for American Forces Press Service at Facebook.com. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-22. CSS Focuses on Suicide Prevention, Teaching Resilience 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) is focusing its efforts to educate its Sailors about suicide prevention, coping skills and resilience training Sept. 10. The Navy is focusing on the importance of community and self-purpose when dealing with adversity, officials announced in NAVADMIN 212/13. "Knowing the warning signs of suicide will help save lives," said Command Master Chief (SW/SCW/AW) Ray Rosado. "We must be proactive in our school houses and learning sites. Instructors are the first leaders our students meet after their recruit training. Leaders must know their Sailors thoroughly so they can tell if their behavior starts to change or becomes erratic. Recognizing those signs can help prevent tragedies." Warning signs can include: change in personality; changes in behavior; changes in sleeping patterns; changes in eating habits; diminished sexual interest; fear of losing control; low self-esteem; and no hope for the future. According to the Department of the Navy (DoN), suicide is still one of the top causes of death in the Navy. "You must know your Sailors and be able to recognize the warning signs," said Rosado. "We can prevent suicides when we take time out of the daily routine and really learn our people." The DoN's Suicide Prevention Training Course states the biggest reason people threaten suicide or communicate to others they have been thinking about suicide, is to let others know they are in pain or great psychological distress. "There is nothing wrong with asking for help," said Chief Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) Roger Drumheller, CSS casualty assistance calls officer (CACO). "There are resources for nearly every situation you encounter in the Navy. Know how to help the Sailors who need help." According to Drumheller, leaders should also help Sailors develop resiliency and coping skills for operational stress. "We must help our Sailors develop these skills," said Drumheller. "These skills reduce the likelihood of attempting or completing a suicide. Strengthening our Sailors' resolve should be an ongoing process to increase resiliency when increased risk factors or other stressful situations occur. We must introduce them to programs that support and maintain protection against suicide." "Sailors cannot be afraid to use the resources that the Navy and their command provide," said Drumheller. "These resources are there for our Sailors before, during and after times of crisis. Every leader must be trained to provide assistance." 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, reference NAVADMIN 212/13 or visit http://www.public.navy.mil/BUPERS-PC/SUPPORT/21ST_CENTURY_SAILOR/SUICIDE_PREVENTION/SPMONTH/Pages/default.aspx and receive the latest updates by following @NavStress on Twitter and Facebook. For more news from Center for Service Support, visit www.navy.mil/local/css/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-23. Navy Installations in Japan, Guam, and Hawaii to Participate in Citadel Pacific 2013 From Commander, Navy Installations Command Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) will conduct Exercise Citadel Pacific 2013 (CP 13) at Navy installations in Joint Region Marianas (Guam) and Navy Region Japan Sept. 10-12; and Navy Region Hawaii Sept. 17-19. This annual exercise is designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security forces to respond to threats to installations and units. CP13 is not in response to any specific threat, but is a regularly scheduled exercise. There is the possibility of increased patrols on and around Navy installations as a result of this planned exercise. Measures have been taken to minimize disruptions to normal base and station operations, but there may be times when the exercise causes increased traffic around bases or delays in base access. Area residents may also see increased security activity associated with the exercise. During the exercise, personnel and visitors traveling to and from Navy installations in these regions may adjust their schedules to accommodate any possible delays. For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-21. USS Rentz Conducts Live-fire Training during UNITAS Exercise By Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs CARIBBEAN SEA (NNS) -- The San Diego-based frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) conducted live-fire training Sept 10, the second day of the UNITAS 2013 multinational maritime exercise, while assigned to U.S. 4th Fleet. The crew of Rentz fired its 76mm MK 75 main cannon battery and .50-caliber machine guns against a remote-controlled unmanned surface target simulating a small, fast boat approaching the ship in a hostile manner. "This is the best training we have seen during our entire training cycle," said Cmdr. Lance Lantier, the commanding officer of the Rentz. "We have nothing like this, and to have an actual, 'living' target that is moving independently of the ship, forcing us to maneuver to get batteries released, that is priceless training." The drone target, called a Hammerhead, is a small, unmanned fast boat owned and controlled by operators aboard the Canadian ship HMCS Preserver, also participating in the exercise. Surface combatant ships from Peru, Brazil, Colombia, United Kingdom and Canada participated in the exercise to detect, track and engage the fast-moving target. The target was eventually sunk by surface gunfire from the Canadian destroyer HMCS Iroquois (F 280). UNITAS is intended to train participating forces in a variety of maritime scenarios to test command and control of forces at sea, while operating as a multinational force to provide the maximum opportunity to improve interoperability. "While the overarching goal of the exercise is to develop and test command and control of partner forces at sea, training in this exercise including live fire exercises, will help address the entire spectrum of maritime operations," said Rear Adm. Sinclair M. Harris, the U.S. 4th Fleet commander. UNITAS develops and sustains relationships that improve the capacity of both U.S. forces and partner nation maritime forces through intricate and inclusive multinational training at sea. This year's exercise is hosted by the Colombian navy and includes 19 warships that will conduct operations through Sept. 15 in the western Caribbean Sea. The next UNITAS exercise is scheduled for spring 2014 and is to be hosted by the Mexican navy. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) employ maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the U.S. Southern Command Zrea of Responsibility. For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-20. Ike Enters Norfolk Naval Shipyard to Begin Availability Period By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Yasmine Muhammad NORFOLK (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) entered her new berth at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), Sept. 10, to begin a scheduled docking planned incremental availability (DPIA). Ike departed Naval Station Norfolk in the morning, transited the Elizabeth River and reached NNSY a few hours later. During the "dead-stick" transit, Sailors on the bridge maneuvered the ship while tugboats moved and guided the ship into place for the upcoming dry-dock period at the shipyard. The ship is slated to spend 14 months at NNSY receiving upgrades and improvements necessary to maintain its optimal running efficiency. Ike will go through both ship's-force maintenance and contractor work to obtain this goal. Capt. Stephen T. Koehler, Ike's commanding officer, said he was looking forward to the shipyard period and the work Ike and her shipyard teammates will do. "I know that we, as a team, are more than prepared to meet the challenges of this shipyard period," Koehler said. "The maintenance we are scheduled to perform will be very beneficial for Ike and is essential to ensure Ike is ready to meet any challenge in her next deployment. We are all fired up to truly get started on our availability and look forward already to joining the fleet." The Dwight D. Eisenhower crew has been preparing for the move to NNSY since the middle of August when IKE entered its Smart Start period. Smart Start is a combined NNSY and IKE effort to get the ship ready for its shipyard maintenance period. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-26. Rear Adm. Wetherald Assumes Command of Amphibious Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet By Lt. Cmdr. Brian Wierzbicki, Task Force 76 Public Affairs WHITE BEACH, Okinawa (NNS) -- In a ceremony at command headquarters, Rear Adm. Hugh D. Wetherald relieved Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley as Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet Sept. 11, 2013. Harley took command of Amphibious Force, U.S. Seventh Fleet in May 2012. The position commands both Task Force 76 and Expeditionary Strike Group Seven. While in command, Harley oversaw a wide range of missions including maritime security operations and crisis response. "It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve you, and I am blessed to have been able to help shape and prepare this Task Force for the increased focus on operations within the Asia-Pacific," said Harley. "This has been the most rewarding experiences of my career." Harley also oversaw multiple international exercises with militaries of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea, and India. He also worked on a regular basis with the leadership of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. Building these relationships helped to deepen diplomatic relationships with U.S. allies in the Pacific Region. "You have made a significant and lasting positive impact," said Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas Jr., Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, in a congratulatory message. "Your contributions to the long term health of the force and your vision for amphibiosity have put us on course for success far into the future." With the reading of his orders and a brief speech to those in attendance Wetherald officially assumed command. "The reputation of CTF 76 precedes you." said Wetherald. "I am humbled to be here and there is no other place that I would rather be on this day than to take command of this and carry on our great legacy." Task Force 76/Expeditionary Strike Group Seven is the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-12. Commander, US Naval Forces Korea Holds Change of Command Ceremony From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs SEOUL, Korea (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea held a change of command ceremony Sept. 10, at U.S. Army Garrison, Yongsan, in Seoul, Korea. Rear Adm. Lisa Franchetti relieved Rear Adm. William McQuilkin as commander. The ceremony was hosted by Gen. James Thurman, the commander of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea. Adm. Cecil Haney, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. Robert L. Thomas, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, and various leaders and dignitaries from the Republic of Korea were also present for the ceremony. During his remarks, McQuilkin spoke about the close partnership and alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States navies. He also thanked the Korean people for their hospitality and their support for U.S. Sailors stationed on the Korean peninsula. "It's been an honor and privilege to serve and live side-by-side with the people of the Republic of Korea as we continue the 60-year plus alliance between our two nations," said McQuilkin. "The relationships we have made with the Korean people have enriched my life both personally and professionally." After the official announcement of orders and assumption of command, Franchetti thanked both distinguished guests and members of her staff for the warm welcome to her new post. "I am honored to be the new commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Korea," Franchetti said. "Our mission here is vitally important to both the United States and the Republic of Korea and I look forward to serving as part of this enduring alliance." McQuilkin, who served as the commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Korea since September 2011, is slated to be the director of the U.S. Navy's Strategy and Policy Division, N51, at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, in Washington D.C. Franchetti was the Navy military assistant for the Secretary of the Navy in Washington D.C. before assuming the duties as commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea. Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea is the regional commander for the U.S. Navy in the Republic of Korea and provides expertise on naval matters to area military commanders, including the Commander for the United Nations Command, the Combined Forces Command, and Commander, U.S. Forces Korea. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130910-13. Sailors Help Community Walk Out of Darkness By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Donnelly, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- It kills every 14 minutes. It doesn't discriminate by race, gender, age, wealth or poverty. Suicide is an equal opportunity killer. In an attempt to increase awareness for the issue of suicide, military members, including about 85 Navy volunteers, and civilians gathered Sept. 7 for the eighth annual Out of Darkness walk in Virginia Beach, Va. Sailors and veterans arrived early to help set up information centers, booths for on-site counseling, water stations and first-aid sites. More than 5,000 people attended the event, which focused on raising awareness of depression as a way to prevent suicide, remembering lost loved ones and celebrating good mental health. "It is absolutely incredible to me that in the United States of America a person dies by suicide about every 14 minutes; claiming about 38,000 lives a year," said Virginia Beach Mayor Bill Sessoms. "This is unacceptable; it breaks my heart, and we must do something about it." Sessoms told the crowd that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in adults from 18 to 65 years of age and the third leading cause of death for America's youth today. He said suicide rates in the military increased to an average of one suicide per day in 2012. "One suicide is too many," said Sessoms. "It is our responsibility, our moral obligation to work together and bring an end to one of the most urgent problems facing Americans: suicide." Twenty clinically licensed counselors were present at the event to provide information, talk with participants and respond to questions and concerns about depression and suicide. The walk aims to raise awareness about suicide as an issue and educate people about the warning signs. "I wish that I had known about some of the things they put out as far as what signs and things to look for because maybe I could have helped save my brother," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Bryant K. Hare, stationed aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65). "But it does help finding someone you're comfortable talking with, finding people who have dealt with the same situations and finding someone you can relate to." The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide Support Group have helped organize and support the event for 25 years. The AFSP is the country's leading not-for-profit organization and is exclusively dedicated to preventing suicide and assisting people who have been affected by suicide. During registration for the walk, colored ribbons were handed out to be worn as armbands to symbolize a specific person to be remembered. Silver armbands represented supporters raising awareness; blue bands represented those who lost a spouse to suicide, green for a lost brother or sister, yellow for an extended family member, red for those who lost a parent and purple for the loss of a son or daughter. "Look around, you see so many colored ribbons," said Chris Gilchrist, the founder of Hampton Roads Survivors of Suicide Support Group. "They bind us together as a community, as we share compassion, as we share hope." A remembrance wall was covered in photos and memorabilia to remember those who lost their battle with depression. Participants in the walk took group photos, decorated Frisbee discs, made paper cranes and enjoyed a picnic with live music and free Italian ice. More than 30 Navy teams participated in the walk, carrying banners, and wearing team shirts. Many of the teams were started by command chapters of the Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD). Kimberly Gleason, AFSP Eastern Division Director, said that Walk Out of Darkness events are held across the nation. Last year the Hampton Roads Walk Out of Darkness event had the nation's biggest turnout. "This event will be the largest in the nation yet again this year," said Gleason. "This is important because the more people we reach before they decide suicide is their only alternative, the more we'll be able to show them options. And once a person knows that there are options, the less likely they are to end their life." Information about suicide prevention is available from the following agencies: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255); National Community Walks, www.afsp.org; International Association For Suicide Prevention; and at the Navy Suicide Prevention Program Webpage: www.suicide.navy.mil. For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/clf/. NNS130911-01. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features two one-minute newscasts and one web-only newscast. First one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Tuesday, September 10, 2013- Unitas 2013 kicks off in Cartagena, Colombia;Navy Lowers Alcohol-related Incidents with Keep What Your Earned Campaign http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSIwNKodots http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18817 Second one-minute newscast - - September is National Suicide Prevention Month http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlrJouCIddE http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18818 First one-minute web newscast - - U.S. and Chinese Naval Leaders Meet Aboard USS Carl Vinson http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8IUukHLWJg http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18816 Defense Media Activity - Navy usually produces one two-minute All Hands Update (AHU) newscast each day. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS020711-13. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 11 From the Navy News Service 1814 - In the Battle of Lake Champlain, Commodore Thomas Macdonough defeats a British Squadron. 1939 - USS Bear (AG 29) is commissioned by the U.S. Navy for Antarctic operations under command of Rear Adm. Richard Byrd. 1941 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt announces order to the Navy to "shoot on sight" vessels threatening U.S. shipping or ships under U.S. escort. 1942 - Pharmacist's Mate 1st Class Wheeler B. Lipes performs emergency appendectomy on Seaman 1st Class Darrell D. Rector, aboard USS Seadragon (SS 194), on patrol in South China Sea. 1943 - Italian Navy surrenders to Allies. 1945 - Operation Magic Carpet, the return of troops to the Unites States, begins. 2001 - One hundred twenty-five Pentagon employees, including 42 Sailors and Department of the Navy civilians, are killed along with 59 airline passengers when terrorists fly a highjacked airliner into the Pentagon. For more information on naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS). For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at www.navy.mil or visit www.history.navy.mil. Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN-   Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact support@govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Navy. Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy containing stories recently posted to the Navy web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Activity - Navy, 6700 Taylor Ave, Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).