Navy News Service for Wednesday, January 02, 2008
NNS080102-02. Kearsarge Strike Group, 22nd MEU (SOC) Return to
Mediterranean Sea
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34152NNS080102-03. Truman Hosts VTC
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34154NNS080102-01. Two U.S. Navy Sailors Die in Ghana
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34151NNS080101-04. Future Afghan Leaders Ask Tough Questions, Graduate PRT
Seminar
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34149NNS080101-03. Seabee Change of Camp on Guam Marks Strategic Realignment
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34136NNS080101-02. DOD Identifies Navy Casualty
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34150NNS080101-01. Midshipmen visit the Hoopology Clinic in Oceanside
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34100NNS080102-04. Daily News Update for January 2, 2008
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34155NNS011214-02. This Day in Naval History - Jan. 03
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=304Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
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http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=54247NNS080102-02. Kearsarge Strike Group, 22nd MEU (SOC) Return to
Mediterranean Sea
From Kearsarge Strike Group Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- The Kearsarge Strike Group and 22nd
Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC)
returned to the 6th Fleet area of operations New Year's Day after
transiting the Suez Canal.
Since deploying in late-July of last year, the strike group has
performed multiple missions, including humanitarian assistance and
disaster relief operations in Bangladesh.
"I am extremely proud of how each and every Sailor and Marine of this
strike group has performed in a variety of operations," said Capt.
Frank
L. Ponds, commander, Kearsarge Strike Group. "The new maritime strategy
is clear that maritime forces must take actions that prevent war,
foster
cooperation, and enable security, stability and prosperity. Our actions
this deployment have done just that."
The Kearsarge Strike Group consists of the amphibious assault ship USS
Kearsarge (LHD 3), guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78),
guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52), dock landing ship USS Gunston
Hall (LSD 44), amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), and
fast-attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755).
"The world is increasingly interconnected and changing, and our
maritime
strategy reflects that maritime forces - in particular the deployed
forces of the Kearsarge Strike Group - will play a key role in
supporting this new global landscape," said Ponds. "We look forward to
operating in the 6th Fleet with our emerging and enduring partners at
providing regional security."
The 22nd MEU (SOC), embarked aboard Ponce, Gunston Hall and Kearsarge,
is a Marine Air Ground Task Force that is designed to respond to any
number of contingencies including non-combatant evacuations, combat
operations, and humanitarian assistance operations. In Bangladesh, the
unit used heavy- and medium-lift helicopters to deliver tons of water,
food, medical supplies and other relief supplies.
The 22nd MEU (SOC) consists of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion
Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat
Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced); Logistics
Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and Command Element.
While deployed in 6th Fleet, the Kearsarge Strike Group will continue
to
help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime
environment. The group's efforts will focus on making the oceans more
transparent and secure and strengthening regional maritime
partnerships.
For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 8, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/phibron8/.
NNS080102-03. Truman Hosts VTC
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Heather Weaver, USS Harry S.
Truman Public Affairs
USS Harry S. Truman, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
leadership offered a unique chance for Sailors to connect with their
families this holiday season via Video Teleconference (VTC).
The first round of VTCs took place Dec. 24, 26 and 27 and allowed more
than 192 Sailors to participate.
Chief Warrant Officer 4 Montana McClanahan, Harry S. Truman's automated
data processing officer, said the program was created to help increase
the morale of Sailors aboard the ship. He said Harry S. Truman has a
chain of command committed to not only supporting Sailors, but
supporting their families as well.
"Families at home are still part of the family at sea and we are very
aware of that," McClanahan said. "We are trying to help facilitate that
connection that Sailors need to have to be able to continue to do this
demanding job every day."
Seaman Eboni Foster, from Truman's Deck Department, said she had the
chance to talk with her baby, mother and stepfather. She said the setup
was professional and intimate and was relieved when she finally saw her
family.
"It is really important to do things like the VTC," Foster said. "It
gives us peace and let us know things at home are fine and we shouldn't
worry."
Harry S. Truman's Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Clarence Frye said
although Sailors are able to communicate underway via phone and e-mail,
the VTC provides a unique occasion for Sailors to speak to their
families face-to-face.
"We so rarely get the opportunity to see our families while we are out
here," Frye said. "In the future, just like e-mail and phones came
about, I think you will be able to sit in front of your computer and
punch up VTC with your family back home. It's an opportunity we have
not
taken advantage of until now and [it] is something we are looking
forward to."
December's VTC was only available to Sailors with family in Norfolk.
According to McClanahan, however, the next VTC will facilitate Sailors
with family in Jacksonville, Fla., and Whidbey Island, Wash.
McClanahan and Frye agree that the program is something to show Sailors
that the jobs they do everyday do not go unnoticed.
"We are out here to support a mission and this is a one team one fight
effort," McClanahan said. "Your family is part of that team and your
chain of command cares about that. When we left Norfolk we said we were
going to try to do things outside of the box to keep our families
connected - it's something to say we are going to do something ... it's
something else to come full circle and actually make that happen."
For more news from USS Harry S. Truman, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.
NNS080102-01. Two U.S. Navy Sailors Die in Ghana
From Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Public
Affairs
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Two U.S. Navy Sailors were found dead this
morning in their hotel room while on liberty in Tema, Ghana.
The cause of death is unknown and is being investigated by host nation
authorities in cooperation with U.S. Navy and NCIS officials.
Both Sailors are stationed aboard the Norfolk-based USS Fort McHenry
(LSD 43), which is currently conducting a port visit to Ghana as part
of
the Africa Partnership Station initiative.
The names of the deceased are being withheld until the families of the
victims are notified.
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NNS080101-04. Future Afghan Leaders Ask Tough Questions, Graduate PRT
Seminar
By Ensign Christopher Weis, Provincial Reconstruction Team, Khost
Afghanistan
KHOST, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Political science students tend to ask
tough
questions and it is no different at the University of Khost in
Afghanistan. What is new is those answering the questions.
For the last six months Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Cmdr. Dave
Adams and Department of State representative Kael Weston have been
interacting with the University of Khost students.
Adams and Weston recently presented 53 Afghan students with graduation
certificates for their weekly political issues seminar.
When the seminar kicked off last July, less than one quarter of the
students had spoken to an American. Today, the friendships and
understanding between the two are evident as the Americans and Afghans
hugged and congratulated each other.
University Chancellor, Gul Hassan Wali Zai explained how simply talking
together in an outdoor pavilion helped "to break down the barriers
between Afghanistan and the coalition."
One of the students, Ziaullah Safi, agreed that "the seminar was
beneficial for both the students and the Americans. For the students,
it
helped with their knowledge of the world. For the Americans, it
informed
them about Afghan culture."
Weston and Adams encouraged an open dialogue on all aspects of foreign
policy and even invited U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan William Wood as
a
guest lecturer.
Wood fielded a volley of probing questions, including commenting on the
possibility of a third world war.
"I don't think it will happen," Wood said. "The world is moving toward
greater unity."
Building greater unity one student at a time is what the PRT seminar is
all about, Weston explained.
"They came from 20 provinces and offered frank views. Officials tell
you
official things; students tell you what is on their minds," he said.
"So
it is just as important to engage the 'average omars' who will lead
Afghanistan into the future. It is this group, after all, [who] will
determine how long we remain guests here."
For more news from Provincial Reconstruction Team, Khost Afghanistan,
visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/PRTKhost/.
NNS080101-03. Seabee Change of Camp on Guam Marks Strategic Realignment
By Kyra Hawn, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas Public
Affairs
CAMP COVINGTON, Guam (NNS) -- In order to provide more robust support
to
DOD mission-critical demands in Southwest Asia and Afghanistan, 86
Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, turned over
their deployment reins on Dec. 21 to NMCB 5, after only three months on
station in Guam.
The quick turnaround marks a significant shift in alignment of the
deployed Naval Construction Force (NCF).
Historically, Seabee units deployed to Guam retained a main body
component of more than 300 members who served in exercises, operations
and infrastructure support in the Pacific area of responsibility.
Missions were complimented by an additional 500-plus member Seabee
battalion deployed to Okinawa, Japan and surrounding DOD locations.
However, with current operational emphasis rooted in the global war on
terrorism, Seabee deployment strategy is evolving to meet the changing
demand signals for expeditionary construction.
This realignment of NCF assets frees additional personnel and provides
for command element presence forward in support of Marine Expeditionary
Force missions in Iraq.
From the Iraq main body site, Seabees are dispersed to a variety of
geographically distinct detachment locations, employing task-tailored
personnel and equipment teams to provide construction support as
identified by Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine commanders.
The 86 Gulfport, Miss., based Seabees of the NMCB 1 Guam Detachment who
are departing the island will join the remaining 400-plus members of
their unit currently deployed to an array of detachment locations in
SWA
and Afghanistan.
During the Dec. 21 change of camp ceremony held on Guam, Lt. Cmdr.
Michael Mihaly, officer in charge of the NMCB 1 Guam detachment,
remarked on the importance of the unit's move to Iraq to supplement
existing Seabee assets in theater.
"Being on Guam was a great experience for us, and we will miss the
people and their warm hospitality. Going to the desert to join the team
that is already forward will give our young Seabees the exposure that
they need to develop their skills and witness expeditionary leadership
and missions in action," said Mihaly.
In addition to running convoy operations and expeditionary
construction,
Seabees are also serving integral roles as trainers, teachers and
mentors to the Iraqi military construction force, as well as journeymen
aiding in Iraq's infrastructure development.
Lt. Jim Evans, officer in charge of the incoming NMCB 5 Guam detachment
from Port Hueneme, Calif., expressed his enthusiasm for the unit's
upcoming work.
"This is where we hone our skills and construction competencies in a
non-hostile environment. Most of the Seabees before you have made
multiple deployments in direct support of the global war on terrorism.
This is their chance to train, mentor and pay close attention to
quality
control without the constraints that accompany working outside the
wire," said Evans.
The upcoming deployment to theater evoked a little anxiety mixed with
enthusiasm for one NMCB 1 member.
"Our detachment of 86 people on Guam was tight - we were a great team
and a well-oiled machine; everyone really supported each other," said
Gunners Mate 2nd Class Mandi Hung. "My deployments with Navy ships
never
took me to the 'sandbox,' and I'm excited for the opportunity to run an
armory in a place where weapons safety and security is important. And
while I'm a little nervous, I feel like I need to see things for myself
and find a positive way to contribute."
NMCB 1 will remain on station in Iraq and Afghanistan through the
spring
of 2008. NMCB 5 Guam detachment will complete a six-month deployment at
Camp Covington.
For more news from the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/navfachq/.
NNS080101-02. DOD Identifies Navy Casualty
From the Department of Defense
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced Dec. 31 the
death of a Sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Victor W. Jeffries, 52, of
Honolulu, Hawaii, died Dec. 31 as a result of injuries suffered Dec. 24
in a vehicular accident in Kuwait.
He was permanently assigned to the Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support
Group, Kuwait.
NNS080101-01. Midshipmen visit the Hoopology Clinic in Oceanside
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Mark McLaughlin, Naval
Reserve Fleet Public Affairs Center San Diego
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (NNS) -- Players from the U.S. Naval Academy Men's
basketball team were recent special guests at the Hoopology Basketball
Clinic, held at the Frazee Rd., 24 Hour Fitness Center here.
Coach Vincent Winn, Hoopology coach and organizer, has been bringing
groups of boys and girls together to learn about the fundamentals of
the
game of basketball in an effort to improve their skills and learn more
about the game.
"There are two clinics being held in the area," said Winn. "One will be
based out of Oceanside and the other in Laguna Niguel in South Orange
County."
Attendees of the clinic spent the afternoon practicing drills focused
primarily on footwork and balance. Much of the emphasis of the program
was placed on discipline and work ethic. As an example of dedication to
hard work, Winn brought in the Naval Academy Men's Basketball team as
special guests.
Steve Williams, founder of Hoopology, said, "I was a walk-on to the
University of Riverside basketball team, and the only thing that got me
a spot was my commitment to hard work."
Williams said he felt that bringing in the Navy team would help show
the
kids a good example of what commitment to hard work can accomplish.
"I guarantee that there is someone out there right now trying just as
hard, if not harder then you, to improve their game," he said.
Each midshipman was asked to introduce themselves to the crowd and
state
where they were from, what year of college they were in, and what they
were majoring in. Players then paired with individual children to offer
one-on-one instructions and advice.
"It's great to be a part of something like this," said Lt.j.g.
Francisco
Garza of USS Benfold (DDG-65). "I coach the freshman team here from
Hoover High School and I thought this would be a really good experience
for them."
For more news from the U.S. Naval Academy, visit
www.navy.mil/local/usna/.
NNS011214-02. This Day in Naval History - Jan. 03
From the Navy News Service
1904 - The cruiser USS Detroit (C 10) lands a Marine detachment at
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, to protect American interests during
an insurrection.
1944 - Top Marine ace Maj. Gregory Boyington captured after shooting
down 28 aircraft. Boyington went on to receive the Medal of Honor for
his actions.
1945 - Third Fleet carriers begin a two-day attack against Formosa,
Taiwan, destroying 100 aircraft while losing only 22.
For more news from the Naval Historical Center, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/navhist.
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.milor visit the Naval Historical Center's Web site at
www.history.navy.mil.
Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703)
697-5342.
