Navy News Service for Monday, January 07, 2008
NNS080107-07. No Fatalities as Two F/A-18s Crash in Persian Gulf
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34212NNS080107-05. Three U.S. Navy Ships Approached by Iranian Boats
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34207NNS080107-12. Bataan Sailor Selected for All-Navy Basketball Team
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34130NNS080107-11. Chilean CNO Visits U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command,
Afloat Training Group
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34201NNS080107-08. Iranian Boats Provoke 'Serious Incident' in Straits of
Hormuz
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34211NNS080107-02. Princess Cruise Officials Recognizes Ronald Reagan and
HS-4 for Successful Medical Evacuation
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34196NNS080107-01. Kearsarge Rings in the New Year at Sea
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34195NNS080106-02. Memorial Services Held in Kuwait for Fallen NAVELSG Sailor
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34194NNS080105-02. Fleet Commander Focuses on Hawaii's Strategic Importance
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34192NNS080105-01. Pacific Fleet Submarines Selected for Battle "E" Awards
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34189NNS080107-09. Daily News Update for January 7, 2008
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=34210NNS011214-20. This Day in Naval History - Jan. 08
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=309Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
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http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=54318-USN-
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NNS080107-07. No Fatalities as Two F/A-18s Crash in Persian Gulf
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs
PERSIAN GULF (NNS) -- Teams from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) rescued
all three aviators after an F/A-18E and an F/A-18F that crashed during
operations in the Persian Gulf Jan. 7.
The three aviators are safely back aboard the aircraft carrier, and are
reported in good condition following an ejection.
The Super Hornets, from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, were providing en
route close air support from Iraq when they crashed. CVW-3 is currently
deployed to the Persian Gulf with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike
Group.
The Harry S. Truman Strike Group is part of a routine presence of U.S.
warships to the region, and its operations are focused on demonstrating
an ongoing commitment to security and stability. U.S. forces maintain a
naval and air presence in the area to deter destabilizing activities,
while safeguarding the region's vital links to the global economy.
CVW-3 consists of Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 11, VFA-32, VFA-37 and
VFA-105; Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron 130; Carrier Airborne
Early Warning Squadron 126; and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 7.
The cause of the accident is under investigation.
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet,
visit
www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
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NNS080107-05. Three U.S. Navy Ships Approached by Iranian Boats
From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th
Fleet Public Affairs
BAHRAIN (NNS) -- Following a routine transit through the Strait of
Hormuz, Jan. 6, three U.S. Navy ships operating in international waters
in the Persian Gulf were approached by five Iranian small boats that
demonstrated irresponsible confrontational behavior near the U.S. ships.
U.S. Navy ships USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and USS
Ingraham (FFG 61) were steaming in formation at approximately 8 a.m. as
they finished a routine Strait of Hormuz transit when five boats,
suspected to be from the Islamic Republic of Iran Revolutionary Guard
Navy (IRGCN), maneuvered aggressively in close proximity of the Hopper.
Following standard procedure, Hopper issued warnings, attempted to
establish communications with the small boats and conducted evasive
maneuvering.
Coalition vessels, including U.S. Navy ships, routinely operate in the
vicinity of both Islamic Republic of Iran Navy and IRGCN vessels and
aircraft. These interactions are always correct on the U.S. part and
reflect a commitment to accepted tenets of international law and common
practice.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central
Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
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NNS080107-12. Bataan Sailor Selected for All-Navy Basketball Team
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jessica Beever, USS Bataan
Public Affairs
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- A Sailor stationed aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5)
was selected to play for the all-Navy basketball team for the 2007 and
2008 season.
During normal working hours, Seaman Samuel E. Tolbert is responsible for
the preservation, upkeep and maintenance of more than 100 spaces on
Bataan. During his off time, as a way to unwind from a busy day, he
enjoys playing basketball.
"Basketball has always been a favorite recreational sport for me," said
Tolbert. "I grew up playing basketball in my hometown of Warwick, Ga."
Tolbert played his favorite sport all throughout high school. After
enlisting in the Navy, he found out about the all-Navy basketball team
and decided to join.
"I put in a request chit to be able to go to the tryouts that were to be
held at Dam Neck Annex," said Tolbert.
Tolbert was one of 50 Sailors who competed to fill one of the 12 spots
on the team. Standing 6'7" tall, Tolbert was selected to be one of them.
Once he was selected to play for the team, Tolbert joined the other new
members for two weeks of training.
"We ran a lot of drills and scrimmages during those two weeks," said
Tolbert. "We also learned a lot of new plays."
Tolbert has a lot to look forward to during the upcoming season.
"If we do well during the season we could even play for the all-armed
forces basketball team and get a chance to play in Germany to represent
the United States of America in the Olympics," said Tolbert.
Tolbert said he would even participate in the hometown area recruiting
program so he could spread the word about playing basketball in the
Navy.
"If I could play for the all-Navy team for 20 years, I would," said
Tolbert.
The Bataan Sailor is planning to put in an officer package to either go
to Hampton University or Norfolk State and hopes to play basketball for
college as well.
Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was
commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear
the name.
For more information on Navy Sports programs go to
www.mwr.navy.mil/mwrprgms/sports.htm.
For more news from USS Bataan, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.
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NNS080107-11. Chilean CNO Visits U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command,
Afloat Training Group
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Holly Boynton, U.S.
Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs
MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Gustavo Jordan, Commander Naval
Operations (CNO) of the Chilean Navy, visited Naval Station Mayport Jan.
4 to meet with two local commands for familiarization briefings.
Jordan met with Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr., commander, U.S. Naval
Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) at his headquarters to discuss the
various maritime operations in Latin America. Jordan and Stevenson spoke
about continued future interactions between the U.S. and Chilean Navies.
"Each opportunity to meet in person with partner nation representatives
is always mutually beneficial for everyone involved," said Stevenson.
"We have a strong working relationship with Chile and look forward to
strengthening the current bonds this year during the Partnerships of
America UNITAS Pacific exercise with USS George Washington."
Following his visit to NAVSO, Jordan met with Capt. J. W. Zeiders III,
commanding officer, Afloat Training Group Mayport (ATGM). Zieders
explained the various training programs available at Mayport.
Jordan completed his tour of the base before departing the Jacksonville
area. NAVSO frequently hosts foreign military members in a continuing
effort to strengthen ties throughout Latin America and the Caribbean to
support theater security cooperation and the new U.S. Maritime Strategy.
NAVSO, the naval component commander for U.S. Southern Command, oversees
maritime operations throughout Latin America, including exercises and
deployments; counter illicit trafficking support, and theater security
cooperation events such as community relations projects.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
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NNS080107-08. Iranian Boats Provoke 'Serious Incident' in Straits of
Hormuz
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Three U.S. Navy vessels took evasive actions after
five Iranian boats buzzed the ships transiting the Straits of Hormuz
Jan. 6, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said Jan. 7.
Speaking to Pentagon reporters, Whitman called the Iranian provocation
"a serious incident." The fast Iranian boats approached at "distances
and speed that showed reckless, dangerous and potentially hostile
intent," he said.
The incident lasted about 15 to 20 minutes, he said. The Navy ships were
going into the Persian Gulf when the Iranian boats confronted them.
"Small, Iranian fast boats made some aggressive maneuvers against our
vessels and indicated some hostile intent," Whitman said. "This required
our vessels to issue warnings and conduct some evasive maneuvers. The
U.S. Navy vessels were prepared to take appropriate actions, but there
was no engagement of the vessels."
He said the speed of the Iranian boats and their distance from the U.S.
Navy vessels demonstrated potentially hostile intent. Bridge-to-bridge
radio communications between the Iranian vessels and the U.S. Navy ships
reinforced this impression, he said.
The U.S. ships were operating in international waters within the Straits
of Hormuz and followed all appropriate protocols, Whitman said. The U.S.
Navy ships are USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Hopper (DDG 70) and USS
Ingraham (FFG 61).
U.S. warships will take all the precautions needed to safely transit the
open waters of the straits, the Pentagon spokesman said.
"This is reckless and dangerous behavior on the part of the Iranian
vessels, and it should cease immediately," Whitman added.
Typically, small boats such as these are under command of Iranian
Revolutionary Guards, U.S. Navy officials said.
All U.S. warships transiting the open seas are prepared to take action
should their ship or crews be threatened, Whitman noted. The U.S. ships
"did take appropriate action in terms of maneuvering and communicating,
and were prepared to take further action if necessary," he said.
The Defense Department will work with White House and State Department
officials to come up with the appropriate way to address the incident
with the Iranian government, Whitman said.
Iranian boats took 15 British sailors engaged in United
Nations-sanctioned operations in the northern Persian Gulf on March 23.
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NNS080107-02. Princess Cruise Officials Recognizes Ronald Reagan and
HS-4 for Successful Medical Evacuation
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Donnie Ryan and Mass
Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Christopher Blachly, USS Ronald
Reagan Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Princess Cruises honored the crew of USS Ronald
Reagan (CVN 76) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron (HS) 4
during a press conference and recognition ceremony Jan. 6 aboard the
cruise ship Dawn Princess.
According to Princess Cruise officials, the ceremony was held to bring
together the officers and crew from Ronald Reagan, the Dawn Princess and
U.S. Coast Guard officials who played major roles in the recent
successful medical evacuation of a 14-year-old Laura Montero who was
suffering from a ruptured appendix while on board the cruise ship.
Montero, who attended the press conference and recognition ceremony with
her mother Trudy Lafield, was traveling with her family aboard the 2,000
passenger cruise ship when she became ill the evening of Dec. 14.
Captain Marco Fortezze of the Dawn Princess issued a distress call to
the U.S. Coast Guard who then contacted Ronald Reagan, the closet ship
in the vicinity with an on board surgical facility.
"I am delighted that Laura is here with today with her mother and that
she looks so good," Fortezze told the group of attendees.
"It's very exciting for me to gather with everyone," added Fortezze,
noting this was the first time everyone involved in the medical
evacuation was able to meet.
Ronald Reagan was operating approximately 550 miles away from the Dawn
Princess at the time of the distress call, and both ships traveled
throughout the night until they were within 175 miles for the medical
evacuation.
"We communicated many times over the course of the evening [Dec. 14] and
it took approximately six hours before our two ships were within range
so that a helicopter could be launched," said Fortezze.
In a dramatic medical evacuation Dec. 15 that drew national media
attention, an HH-60H helicopter from HS-4 was dispatched for the
mission. Because the helicopter could not land aboard the Dawn Princess,
a basket was lowered and the patient was lifted onto the helicopter.
Montero was then transported to Ronald Reagan where life-saving
emergency surgery was performed.
"Some people have stated that they are amazed and pleased that we would
divert an aircraft carrier to rescues a single 14-year-old girl," said
Kraft. "What I would submit is that these kinds of things happen all the
time and all over the world in our Navy. The spectrum of operations
we're ready to execute range from disaster relief to full combat
operations and everything in between."
Also attending the recognition ceremony were Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup,
commander of the Ronald Reagan Strike Group; Capt. Charles Strangfeld,
commander of Coast Guard Sector San Diego; George Wright; senior
vice-president of marine operations for Princess Cruises; Cmdr. Paul
Pensabene, commanding officer of HS-4; and Cmdr. Theron Toole, Ronald
Reagan's senior medical officer.
"We were all pulling for Laura," added Kraft. "And although the Dawn
Princess is a beautiful ship, we very much enjoyed having Laura and her
mom as our shipmates for a few days."
Ronald Reagan was commissioned in July 2003, making it the ninth and
newest Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The ship is named
for the 40th U.S. president; its motto, "Peace through Strength," was a
recurring theme during the Reagan presidency.
For more news from USS Ronald Reagan, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.
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NNS080107-01. Kearsarge Rings in the New Year at Sea
From USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious
assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) brought in the New Year with a
celebration in the ship's hangar bay.
Sailors and Marines showed their spirit by dressing themselves in New
Year's style hats, tiaras, beaded necklaces and streamers provided by
the ship's Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) organization. MWR also
provided sparkling apple cider, whistles and various other noise-making
party favors as well as musical performances by two of the ship's rock
bands.
"We wanted to bring in the New Year with a live concert and party
decorations, similar to what Sailors and Marines would experience if
they were at home on New Year's Eve," said Senior Chief Information
Systems Technician (SW/AW) Raymond Kemp, an MWR representative who
helped coordinate the event. "MWR ordered all holiday decorations prior
to deploying because we knew we would be celebrating the New Year
underway."
"We wanted to give the crew an opportunity to celebrate the New Year and
try to keep their minds off what they're missing out at home," said
Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Melvin Smith, one of the coordinators for
the event. "It truly became much more than just time passed underway."
The ship's rock bands, Man Overboard and the Barge Band were the
featured entertainment. They played various types of rock music
including classic rock, alternative and heavy metal.
"It felt good to play on stage and put on a good show for the crew,"
said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handler 3rd Class Tyler Henize, lead
guitarist for Man Overboard. "I like showing people a good time."
"I loved the show," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate Handler Airman (AW)
Heather Landry of V-1 division. "It was a morale booster for the crew."
For many Sailors and Marines, it was the first time they were away from
home on New Year's Eve. But that didn't dampen the spirits of
Storekeeper 2nd Class Desiree Steffen of S-1 division.
"This was by far one of the best celebrations I have ever had," she
said.
Kearsarge is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of
Maritime Security Operations.
For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit
www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/.
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