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 NNS130903-01. Agencies Commit to Transition Assistance Program -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76316 NNS130903-17. Nimitz Statue Unveiled at End of World War II Ceremony at Battleship Missouri Memorial -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76330 NNS130903-04. Navy Prepares to Commission 10th Virginia-class Submarine -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76317 NNS130903-02. Freedom Underway to Participate in Multilateral SEACAT 2013 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76314 NNS130903-16. Naval Air Station Jacksonville Hosts CNIC -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76327 NNS130903-08. Navy's Most Senior EOD Officer Retires -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76322 NNS130903-06. NAVSUP Announces 2013 Holiday Season Mailing Deadlines -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76321 NNS130903-07. U.S. Coast Guard Integrates with USS Gary, 3rd Fleet -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76323 NNS130903-11. Latina Chiefs in San Diego Prepare for National Hispanic Heritage Month -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76318 DNU -- Headlines for Tuesday, September 3, 2013: In today's edition of All Hands Update, we'll talk about the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group's movement to the Arabian Sea and see how the U.S. Navy teamed up with Australian Defence Forces to protect the Great Barrier Reef. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18804 DNU -- Nimitz Sailor Focuses on Diversity in the Navy -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18805 NNS130903-18. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=76326 NNS020724-04. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 03 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2777 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=160831 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-01. Agencies Commit to Transition Assistance Program From American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Labor, Education, the Office of Personnel Management and the Small Business Administration codified their continued commitment to help transitioning service members be "career ready" for civilian life by signing a statement of intent Aug. 15. "This [statement of intent] puts our shared commitment to our service members in black and white," said Dr. Susan Kelly, principal director of DoD's Transition to Veterans Program office. Each of the military services was represented during the formal signing of the statement of intent, said Francine Blackmon, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for force management integration. The services have aggressively implemented the various components of the redesigned Transition Assistance Program, Blackmon said. Working elbow-to-elbow with the various partnering agencies, the services are ensuring service members are provided all the necessary tools to make a successful transition to civilian life, she said. "The [statement of intent] strengthens our resolve for a concerted interagency effort working toward this common goal," Blackmon added. More than 250,000 service members separate from active duty each year, and they face numerous challenges as they transition to civilian life. The statement of intent is a milestone for the interagency effort to redesign the 1990s-era transition assistance program model and help service members meet those challenges. The signing shows that the redesigned TAP is not a short-term effort but a set of greatly improved transition services that the partners will sustain for the long-term. "Even in this time of budget constraints, each of the interagency partners and the services will sustain the effort to implement the redesign of transition assistance," Kelly said. This includes staff at installations to provide face-to-face information and new skills, as well as a virtual curriculum to build the same career readiness skills for service members and Reservists in isolated and geographically separated locations, she added. The statement of intent also establishes the objectives for the new governance structure and the foundation of the new TAP Executive Council, comprised of DoD, VA and DoL co-chairs, as well as senior executives from SBA, OPM, ED and the military services. The new TAP Executive Council will steer the collaboration and partnership efforts through 2016 and implement and modify the redesigned program as needed to meet changing needs of transitioning service members through the years. Over the last 18 months, the DoD and VA have led the efforts of the Veterans Employment Initiative Task Force interagency partners and the White House Economic and Domestic Policy Council staffs in redesigning the Desert Storm-era Transition Assistance Program to better prepare service members for these challenges as they leave the military and become veterans. The redesigned TAP provides training that will build skills to enable transitioning service members to meet career readiness standards established by DoD. The training, known as Transition GPS (goals, plans, success), is comprised of interlinked curriculum, services, and processes conducted by numerous partners - DoD, the military services, VA, DoL, SBA, and OPM. Interagency partner Department of Education and the National Guard Bureau continue to serve in valued consultative and advisory roles. Advancing their work together, the agencies will cultivate an interagency partnership that builds upon mutual respect, cooperation and shared goals to successfully transition career ready service members to the civilian sector. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-17. Nimitz Statue Unveiled at End of World War II Ceremony at Battleship Missouri Memorial By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel Barker, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Hawaii PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A nine-foot bronze statue on a black granite pedestal honoring Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who directed the War of the Pacific, was unveiled at its permanent installation next to the battleship USS Missouri 'Mighty Mo' (BB 63) Memorial Sept. 2 on Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. The statue unveiling was part of the End of World War II commemoration ceremony that marked the 68th anniversary of the signing of the Instruments of Surrender. The statue depicts Nimitz as he appeared at the battle of the Marshall Islands in 1944. Nimitz at that time commanded the largest ocean area and the most ships of any single commander in history. "It's an honor to be here to commemorate this 68th anniversary of the ending of World War II and, of course, to honor the legacy of Fleet Adm. Nimitz," said keynote speaker Adm. Cecil Haney, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Sixty-eight years ago, this mighty warship was anchored in Tokyo Bay, and it was on her decks that on the same time of day that the Instruments of Surrender were signed." "The ceremony onboard the Missouri 68 years ago was as much about ending the war as starting a new and lasting spirit of friendship between Japan and the U.S. that continues today," said Michael Carr, president of the Battleship Missouri Memorial. "The roots for our enduring friendship began that day." The Nimitz statue is permanently installed facing toward the USS Arizona Memorial, which together with the Battleship Missouri Memorial represent the beginning and end of U.S. involvement in World War II. "We are struck by the symbolism of it being next to the Arizona," said retired U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Lilly. "War's end-war's beginning, with hoards of history between the two, it's so appropriate that it's the only place." Several hundred attendees at the event included service members from all branches of service, civilians and veterans. Some of the attendees included relatives of Fleet Adm. Nimitz. "This is the anniversary of the signing of the surrender of Japan, Sept. 2, 1945 and here on the battleship Missouri," said Mr. Chester Nimitz Lay, grandson of Fleet Adm. Nimitz. "I think we're honoring not just our grandfather but all the veterans who fought and died in World War II." "It was a very emotional day for everybody of course and I'm very privileged and honored to be here amongst the World War II veterans and Pearl Harbor survivors," said Rear Adm. Rick Williams, commander, Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific. "They are the living monuments that we get to be around and it's a rare privilege for everybody to be gathered in one setting like this with the mighty Missouri behind us and now the fantastic statue of Chester Nimitz that Mr. Rick Caswell so beautifully built for us, this is a great honor." For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacenhawaii/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-04. Navy Prepares to Commission 10th Virginia-class Submarine By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Navy is scheduled to commission its 10th Virginia-class attack submarine Sept. 7, during a pierside ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk in Norfolk, Va. During a formal ceremony to be attended by several hundred dignitaries, families and crew members, Pre-Commissioning Unit Minnesota (SSN 783) will officially become USS Minnesota and join the Navy's active fleet. Minnesota began construction in February 2008 and was built in Newport News, Va., under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries. The building team delivered the ship 11 months ahead of schedule in June. It achieved the highest readiness score of any Virginia-class submarine to date during an inspection by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey. The leaders and Sailors already assigned to Minnesota have excelled, said Rear Adm. Ken Perry, commander, Submarine Group 2. "Minnesota has done a superb job of readying the ship for service in the fleet as a commissioned warship," said Perry. "[Commanding Officer] Capt. John Fancher and his team have literally from stem to stern worked the combat systems, nuclear propulsion plant, logistics, and culinary service." Perry is currently responsible for 25 Los Angeles-class and Virginia-class attack submarines in commission. Minnesota will be the 26th. "Administratively and operationally, the Minnesota is ready to join the fleet," Perry said. During Saturday's ceremony, the ship's sponsor Ellen Roughead, wife of former Chief of Naval Operations retired Adm. Gary Roughead, will take part in a time-honored tradition when crew is called upon to "man the ship." With the order, Minnesota's crew will run aboard the vessel and formally place the submarine in commission. "I think it will be one of those defining moments in our careers," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SS/DV) Jody Reynolds who reported to Minnesota in 2011. "I remember when I showed up and the boat was an empty shell in a large building with pieces everywhere. I think there will be a lot of reflection on everything we've been through to get the boat to this point." The Virginia class is an improvement in capability for attack submarines. The fly-by-wire ship control system improves ship handling in shallow water. It also features a larger lock-in/lock-out chamber and a reconfigurable torpedo room that can better support Special Operations Forces and their equipment. "There's a very high demand signal on the attack submarine force from the combatant commanders. They require the key attributes of the attack submarines," said Perry. "They need that speed, they need the agility, they need the stealth, they need the endurance, and when necessary they need the firepower." Minnesota is 377 feet in length and has a beam of 34 feet. It displaces 7,800 tons and can operate at more than 25 knots submerged. Its reactor plant is designed to last the entire planned 33-year life of the ship, which helps reduce lifecycle cost while increasing the time the ship is available to perform missions. The new submarine will be the Navy's third ship to bear the state of Minnesota's name. The first USS Minnesota, a sailing steam frigate, was commissioned in 1857 and served during the Civil War, remaining in service until her decommissioning in 1898. The second Minnesota was commissioned in 1907. On Dec. 16, 1907 she departed Hampton Roads as one of the 16 battleships of the Great White Fleet sent by then-President Theodore Roosevelt on a voyage around the world. She continued her service through World War I and was decommissioned in 1921. Saturday's commissioning ceremony is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. and will be viewable via live web stream at http://navylive.dodlive.mil. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-02. Freedom Underway to Participate in Multilateral SEACAT 2013 By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karolina A. Oseguera SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- The littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) got underway Sept. 2 to participate in the 11th annual Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) exercise with several regional navies, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. SEACAT highlights the value of information sharing and multilateral cooperation in scenarios that give participating navies hands-on practice in maritime security operations. Freedom's participation includes several boarding events conducted with her embarked visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams, 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) and MH-60R helicopter. A team of trainers from Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) will evaluate participating boarding teams. "We expect a lot of valuable training as we work with regional navies to strengthen VBSS capabilities and enhance interoperability," said Freedom's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Pat Thien. "This exercise is tailor-made to showcase Freedom's speed, maneuverability, shallow draft and surface warfare mission package while deployed to Southeast Asia." Continuing through Sept. 12, SEACAT includes both a command post exercise (CPX) at Singapore's Changi Naval Base and a field training exercise (FTX) that takes place in several regional locations at sea. Additional Military Sealift Command ships are participating as simulated vessels of interest with navies from the Philippines and Thailand, while a U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft will pass contact data on simulated vessels of interest throughout the exercise. "SEACAT fosters regional relationships," said Freedom's Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Epps. "Working together in a multilateral exercise enhances dialogue and practical cooperation during realistic scenarios." Operations Specialist Seaman Anthony Villa checked on board Freedom last December and says he appreciates the many learning opportunities the ship has provided him. "For SEACAT, I will be involved in evolutions such as launching the RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat), flight quarters and command briefs," said Villa. "I wouldn't be as involved in these exercises if I were on another ship." USS Freedom departed on her maiden overseas rotational deployment to Southeast Asia March 1. SEACAT is one of the key exercises and exchanges with regional navies taking place during Freedom's deployment. Since arriving in the region, Freedom has also participated in Singapore's International Maritime Defence Exhibition, and two phases of the bilateral exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) - CARAT Malaysia and CARAT Singapore. For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf73/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-16. Naval Air Station Jacksonville Hosts CNIC By Kaylee LaRocque, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs JACKSONVILLE, FL (NNS) -- Commander, Navy Installations Command Vice Adm. William French conducted a familiarization tour of Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NAS Jax) Aug. 30 after also visiting Naval Station Mayport. The admiral began the day by participating in an all-hands morning quarters at the Building 1 flagpole where he also presented several awards to NAS Jax Sailors. "I am glad to be here with you today to learn what we can do at headquarters to allow you to do your job better in supporting the fleet," French told the Sailors and civilians. "I'm excited to see all the great things that are happening at NAS Jacksonville." French also stressed the importance of spending time with families and friends during the past holiday weekend, and reminded the troops about safety concerns. "Labor Day is one of the busiest times on the highways and we want everyone to return here safely after the long holiday weekend." French then met with base leadership and department heads for a roundtable discussion about various issues concerning the mission and services of the station. "It's important for us to know your challenges out here in order to get an appreciation of how we prioritize issues and the impact our decisions have on you," French stated. The admiral spent the morning visiting several Morale, Welfare and Recreation facilities including the newly renovated base gym, fitness center, childcare and youth centers, barracks, Transient Personnel Unit/Pre-Trial Confinement Facility and Air Operations. French also joined a group of chief petty officer selectees from NAS Jax and tenant commands for lunch at the Flight Line Cafe where he praised them for their accomplishment. "This is a great opportunity for you to make a difference on many levels and will give you more ability to impact those around you," said French. "I wish you all the best in your new roles as chief petty officers." For Chief (Select) Hospital Corpsman Rebecca Green of Naval Hospital Jacksonville, it was an opportunity she had never experienced. "This was the first time, I've ever had lunch with an admiral and I thought it was pretty awesome that he took the time to meet with us. It was nice to get a senior officer's insight on the chief's induction season and I'm just proud to be here today and proud to serve," she said. According to NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Roy Undersander the visit was extremely productive and successful. "CNIC putting eyes on NAS Jax and coming here to learn about the mission that we are executing and the challenging issues we are facing will pay dividends in the future for the installation," said Undersander. "I'm extremely proud of our Sailors and civilians and it was a privilege to showcase all that we achieve here day in and day out," he added. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-08. Navy's Most Senior EOD Officer Retires From Commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Michael P. Tillotson retired from active duty during a ceremony held at Naval Base Point Loma in San Diego Aug. 29, concluding his 33 year career. "Today really is a confluence of generations," said Rear Adm. Frank A. Morneau, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC). "We're about to retire and thank the first officer in the history of the United States Navy to be selected for flag rank based on his performance as an explosive ordnance disposal officer. That's no small feat." Morneau went on to praise Tillotson for his commitment to the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) community. "We all owe a great debt of gratitude for where we are today to Admiral Tillotson," said Morneau. Tillotson's most recent tour was as commander of NECC. He served as commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 and commander, Task Force 56 deployed to commander, U.S. 5th Fleet in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His task force provided extensive clearing operations that opened the Iraqi Ports of Umm Qasr and Az Aubayr. Tillotson also commanded EOD Mobile Unit (EODMU) 3 and EODMU-6. Tillotson used the ceremony as an opportunity to thank all that helped him rise through the ranks. "I didn't do it on my own. I arrived at where I am, because of the sacrifice of so many," said Tillotson. "Thank you very much for mentoring me. It's all about taking care of people, and I learned that early on." Tillotson served staff tours as deputy director of Operations, U.S. Central Command; EOD/mine warfare officer, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet; Special Operations community manager, Bureau of Naval Personnel; EOD detailer and placement officer; chief staff officer, EOD Group 2; and deputy director, Standing Joint Force Headquarters-North, U.S. Northern Command. Tillotson also praised the former and current EOD members in attendance. "The men and women that make up the EOD community are truly phenomenal. I've been proud and honored to be associated with them," said Tillotson. "I'm honored to have been their leader and fight their battles. It's been a great ride and I'm grateful for having a front row seat." During his career, Tillotson earned designations as an explosive ordnance disposal officer, master explosive ordnance disposal technician, and Naval parachutist. The U.S. Navy's EOD community provides operational EOD capability as required for the location, identification, rendering safe, recovery, field evaluation and disposal of all explosive ordnance including chemical and nuclear weapons, around the world. For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod1/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-06. NAVSUP Announces 2013 Holiday Season Mailing Deadlines From NAVSUP Office of Corporate Communications MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- The Naval Supply Systems Command's (NAVSUP) Postal Policy Division mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 delivery of holiday cards, letters, and packages were released Sept. 3. For mail addressed to: APO/FPO/DPO AE zips 090-098 (except 093); AA zips 340; AP zips 962-966 * Express Mail: Dec. 17 * First-Class Mail (letters/cards and priority mail): Dec. 10 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 3 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 26 * Parcel Post: Nov. 12 APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093 * Express mail Military Service: N/A * First-Class Mail (letters/cards and priority mail): Dec. 3 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 3 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 26 * Parcel Post: Nov. 12 For mail addressed from all shore FPOs (except 093) * Express Mail Military Service: Dec. 17 * First-Class Mail (letters/cards and priority mail): Dec. 10 * Parcel Airlift Mail: Dec. 3 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 26 All classes of mail addressed to FPO/APO addresses must use the nine-digit ZIP code to ensure delivery. Mail not addressed correctly will be returned to the sender as undeliverable. Express Mail Military Service (EMMS) is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO address, check with your local post office to determine if this service is available. Parcel Airlift Mail (PAL) is a service that provides air transportation for parcels on a space-available basis. It is available for Parcel Post items not exceeding 30 pounds in weight or 60 inches in length and girth combined. The applicable PAL fee must be paid in addition to the regular surface rate of postage for each addressed piece sent by PAL service. Space Available Mail (SAM) refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates that are first transported domestically by surface and then to overseas destinations by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limits are 15 pounds and 60 inches in length and girth combined. From overseas locations, items mailed at Parcel Post rates are sent to CONUS by air on a space available basis. The maximum weight and size limit are 70 pounds and 130 inches in length and girth combined. It is recommended that customers check with their local civilian or military post office for information on size restrictions and possible need for customs declaration forms. Customers are advised that certain mail restrictions apply and some items cannot be mailed. Examples are: switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances, and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt as to what can or cannot be sent through the mail, contact your local civilian or military post office. As a final note, customers are cautioned that packages must not be mailed in boxes that have markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by the U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. The NAVSUP and Navy Supply Corps team share one mission--to deliver sustained global logistics capabilities to the Navy and Joint warfighter. NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps' diverse team of more than 25,000 civilian and military personnel oversee a diverse portfolio including supply chain management for material support to Navy, Marine Corps, joint and coalition partners, supply operations, conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation, security assistance, and quality of life issues for the naval forces, including food service, postal services, Navy Exchanges, and movement of household goods. The NAVSUP/Navy Supply Corps team forms a vast network of professionals who deliver unparalleled products and services to customers in the fleet and across the world. For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-07. U.S. Coast Guard Integrates with USS Gary, 3rd Fleet By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Derek Stroop, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet Public Affairs PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment Team (LEDET) 101 embarked and integrated with Sailors on the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) for training and anti-drug smuggling operations off the California coast, Aug. 26 - 29. "We are currently supporting counter-smuggling operations by providing law enforcement capabilities to Third Fleet Navy platforms in known drug and migrant transit corridors," said Coast Guard Chief Maritime Enforcement Specialist Chris Sinclair, officer-in-charge of LEDET 101, assigned to Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) San Diego. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard team participated in joint training evolutions including communications troubleshooting and small boat operations. During small boat operations, Gary Sailors manned and lowered a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) alongside the ship. There, members of the LEDET embarked the RHIB, where they performed communication checks and evasive maneuvers. "Our evolutions went great," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Isaac Abakah. "There were no problems integrating deck department personnel with the [Coast Guardsmen]." The current underway aboard Gary is not the first operation where a LEDET has embarked a 3rd Fleet ship. "In June, the Coast Guard came out to the Gary to participate in integrated training with our visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team," said Lt. Cmdr. Bob Jones, executive officer of Gary. "The training and integration between both branches was successful." The deployment of LEDETs on naval vessels has become more and more prevalent in recent decades. "We do integrated training as often as we can," said Sinclair. "I have been on three frigates and the USNS Joint High Speed Vessel Swift performing anti-piracy and anti-drug trafficking missions." TACLETS are designed to be able to conduct a variety of joint missions to safeguard the public by enforcing U.S. laws across a full spectrum of maritime response situations in support of Coast Guard, National Security and law enforcement operations. According to Sinclair, federal law requires a LEDET to embark Navy ships when participating in a law enforcement role. The Navy vessel, then, becomes a Coast Guard asset once law enforcement operations take place. "[The Coast Guardsmen] are experts in law enforcement," said Jones. "We coordinated beneficial training, and we will continue our proficiency in working with the U.S. Coast Guard and Third Fleet assets." Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners. For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS130903-11. Latina Chiefs in San Diego Prepare for National Hispanic Heritage Month By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Paul Coover, Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Nineteen Latina chief petty officers (CPO) and five Latina CPO selects stationed in San Diego prepared for the upcoming National Hispanic Heritage Month with the first Latina Chief Petty Officer Photo-Ex, Aug. 29. The event gave the Sailors the opportunity to meet peers and be photographed as a group. Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Patricia Garcia, stationed aboard guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), organized the event after noticing that younger Latina chief petty officers often lacked opportunities to find mentors with similar backgrounds. "When I was coming up in the Navy," she said, "we didn't have female Hispanic senior enlisted leadership." Garcia, born in Los Angeles and raised in Bloomington, Calif., joined the Navy in 1990 to create better opportunities for her family. Since then, she said she has seen the Latina community grow and excel, and wanted to do something to bring those women together. Garcia decided to hold the Photo-Ex in San Diego's Chicano Park, which is surrounded by murals honoring Hispanic and Latino culture, and chose the date in anticipation of National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The theme of this year's Hispanic Heritage Month is, "Serving and leading our nation with pride and honor." "The heritage of this park was perfect for what we wanted to accomplish," Garcia said. Chief (select) Ship's Serviceman (SW) Jennifer Elenes snapped several photos in front of the murals with her cell phone before posing for the group shot. As a chief select, she said the event represented not only her cultural heritage but the tradition of another proud community she is soon to join, that of the Navy CPO. She noted that Latina chiefs are also part of a larger group that includes Sailors from countless different backgrounds. "This event is just celebrating Hispanic chiefs," Elenes said. "However, all of us together form one big community: the Chiefs Mess." To emphasize that point, several male CPOs were also on hand to support the event. Command Master Chief (SW) Pete Santos was one such attendee and said he was proud to be given the opportunity to embrace diversity in the Navy, both in terms of ethnicity and gender. "It's the start of something that will continue," he said. "We support our chief petty officer sisters." Chief Information Systems Technician (IDW/SW/AW/IUSS) Ilyana Williams was the youngest chief petty officer in attendance, and seemingly representative of Garcia's goal of reaching out to Sailors with less experience than she. Williams said the message from the event was one she hopes Latinas in the Navy take to heart. "You can always overcome every obstacle," she said. "It's being seen today, with these pictures." For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsw/. NNS130903-18. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features one one-minute newscast today and one web-only newscast. First one-minute newscast - - Headlines for Tuesday, September 1, 2013: Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group Relieves Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in Arabian Sea; U.S. Navy, Austrailian Defence Forces Recover Live Ordinance from Great Barrier Reef http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18804 http://youtu.be/PVDmMMsZPns First web-only newscast - - Nimitz Sailor Focuses on Diversity in the Navy http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=18805 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHXc7bTNH2g 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- NNS020724-04. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 03 From the Navy News Service 1782 - As a token of gratitude for French aid during the American Revolution, the United States gives America (first ship-of-the-line built by U.S.) to France to replace a French ship lost in Boston. 1783 - Signing of the Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution. 1885 - First classes at U.S. Naval War College begin. 1925 - Crash of rigid airship Shenandoah near Byesville, Ohio. 1943 - American landings on Lae and Salamaua. 1944 - First combat employment of a missile guided by radio and television takes place when Navy drone, Liberator, controlled by Ensign James M. Simpson, flew to attack German submarine pens on Helgoland Island. 1945 - Japanese surrender Wake Island in ceremony aboard USS Levy (DE 162). -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).