Navy News Service for Thursday, May 29, 2008
NNS080529-09. Carrier Strike Group 7 Hones Anti-Submarine Warfare
Skills in USWEX
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37484NNS080529-22. Navy's Top Engineers and Scientists Honored
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37503NNS080529-03. USNS Mercy Sailors Lend Helping Hand in Agat
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37482NNS080529-11. Continuing Promise Brings Medical Aid to El Salvador,
Reunites Families
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37480NNS080529-01. Sailors Help Gawad Kalinga Build Homes
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37402NNS080529-06. Seabees Build Constructive Relationships
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37487NNS080529-04. CP Preventive Medicine Team Keeps El Salvador Environment
Strong
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37481NNS080529-14. U.S., Philippine Armed Forces Partner to Provide
Veterinary Care
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37496NNS080529-07. Career Development Boards Set Course for Sailor Success
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37462NNS080529-15. Harry S. Truman Conducts DUI Prevention Fair
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37459NNS080529-18. NSWC Crane Engineer Receives Goodell Award
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37490NNS080529-13. Blue Ridge Celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37483NNS080529-08. Truman Prepares Sailors For Return To Homeport
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37472NNS080529-05. USS Scorpion Family Members Mark the 40th Anniversary of
the Submarine's Loss
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37466NNS080529-02. USS Alabama Returns from Sea Trials
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37464NNS080529-21. Fighting Illini, Arriving!
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37502NNS080529-10. Daily News Update for May 29, 2008
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=37501NNS020131-31. This Day in Naval History - May 30
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=773Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
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http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=59449 -USN-
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NNS080529-09. Carrier Strike Group 7 Hones Anti-Submarine Warfare
Skills in USWEX
By Lt. Ron Flanders, Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs
USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The ships of Carrier Strike Group
(CSG) 7 commenced an undersea warfare exercise (USWEX) in the waters of
the Hawaiian operating area, May 28.
Participating in the exercise are the strike group's flagship, the
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); the
guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the ships of Destroyer
Squadron (DESRON) 7, the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73),
USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Howard (DDG 83) and the guided-missile
frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). Also participating are two nuclear-powered fast
attack submarines.
The exercise is the final test for the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike
Group, which deployed May 19, before it heads to the Western Pacific and
7th Fleet area of responsibility. USWEXs are held around Hawaii several
times a year for commanders to assess the undersea warfare capabilities
of deploying strike groups.
"This is a great opportunity to train on our own 'home field' before we
head west," said Rear Adm. James P. Wisecup, commander, Carrier Strike
Group 7. "Several nations in the areas we're headed have very quiet,
diesel-electric submarines that could potentially be adversaries, and it
is my responsibility to prepare these Sailors to deal with that
threat. The American people expect nothing less than the best-trained Navy in
the world."
Capt. William Nault, commodore of DESRON 7, explained the USWEX
provides an invaluable opportunity to train his ships' crews to in a
realistic, warlike scenario. "We're trying to catch, track and prosecute
multiple submarines, and they're trying to find us. We also have to maintain
our protection of the carrier. It is a very challenging scenario."
Mid-frequency active sonar remains the Navy's best tool for finding and
tracking these very quiet, diesel-electric submarines. The Navy, in
conjunction with regulators, has developed 29 protective measures,
including marine mammal monitoring and safety zones where the units either
power down or shut down active sonar to minimize potential harm to marine
mammals.
The exercise includes the use of mid-frequency active sonar, under
restrictions imposed by the federal district court in Honolulu. Those
restrictions differ from the 29 protective measures the Navy and regulators
developed, and from the ones imposed by California federal courts for
the strike group's recent certification exercise in Southern California.
Adm. Robert F. Willard, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, said the 29
protective measures "apply good margins of safety against any potential for
harming any animal. Anything in excess of that is unnecessary and
imposes unacceptable limits on our training."
Nonetheless, the exercise is a welcome opportunity for the strike
group, because anti-submarine warfare (ASW) is the top warfighting priority
for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, and is a very perishable skill that is not
easily mastered.
"Great sonar operators are trained over many years, and their abilities
are as much about art as science," said Wisecup. "Trainers ashore and
simulators will only get you so far; the rest is based on experience.
And to get that experience you just have to go out there and practice it
against a tough adversary."
"Only in a real ocean environment against a thinking enemy can we
improve our proficiency to fight submarines," said Cmdr. David Haas, Thach
commanding officer.
"USWEX is absolutely critical for my crew," said Cmdr. Gregory Gombert,
Gridley commanding officer. "It places my sonar operators and
anti-submarine tacticians in an environment that mirrors the tough conditions
in the 7th Fleet and 5th Fleet operating areas. Once USWEX is over, the
Gridley team will be prepared for just about anything," added Gombert.
Confidence also prevails among the strike group's watchstanders, who
relish the prospect of squaring off against two of the world's most
sophisticated submarines.
"I'm excited," said Sonar Technician Surface 3rd Class Alexander Avila,
a sonar operator aboard Thach. "I want to see where our sonar
capabilities stand against them, as a team. I would also like to test myself to
see where my strengths and weaknesses are."
Joining the six ships in their battle against the submarines will be
the helicopters of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4 of Carrier Air
Wing 14, embarked aboard Ronald Reagan, and helicopters from Helicopter
Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 49, embarked aboard Chancellorsville
and Thach, HSL 43, embarked aboard Howard, and HSL 37, embarked aboard
Gridley.
For more news from USS Ronald Reagan/Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike
Group, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.
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NNS080529-22. Navy's Top Engineers and Scientists Honored
By Lt. Cmdr. John T. Schofield, Research, Development and Acquisition
Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for
Research, Development and Acquisition, John S. Thackrah, today honored 46
of the Department of the Navy's top scientists and engineers at the
second annual Top Navy Scientists and Engineers of the Year award ceremony
at the Pentagon, May 29.
The Department of the Navy has over 35,000 scientists and engineers
pursuing research, development, acquisition and sustainment. The award was
established to honor those who reached superior technical achievements
and to promote continued scientific and engineering excellence.
"This award ceremony recognizes the top scientists and engineers in the
Department of the Navy," Thackrah said. "It is obvious to me that we
have extremely talented people out there in the Department of the Navy,
and their efforts are making a difference in the war on terrorism. I am
humbled by the opportunity to honor them today."
The ceremony recognized 35 Department of the Navy scientists and
engineers and 11 "emerging investigators," individuals who have less than 10
years of government service and show unique promise for future
excellence. The honorees represented various commands across the Department of
the Navy, including the Naval Research Laboratory, Naval Sea Systems
Command, Naval Air Systems Command, Naval Facilities Engineering Command,
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and Marine Corps Systems
Command.
Among the honorees were individuals working on applying technology to
port security, electromagnetic rail guns, marine mammal protection,
defeat of improvised explosive devices, and anti-submarine warfare. In
addition the winners are expanding the envelope of scientific discovery in
areas that include nanotechnology, smart materials, biocentric
technology, photonics and information technology.
In addition to recognizing the awardees, the award was officially named
to honor Dr. Delores M. Etter. Dr. Etter previously served as
Assistant Secretary of the Navy for RDA, and she initiated the award during her
tenure in the position.
"I am truly proud to have this award named in my honor," Dr. Etter
said. "It was nice to see all of these familiar faces again here at the
Pentagon, especially those award winners who are doing such amazing work
in support of the War on Terrorism. They are doing great work. As ASN
RDA I saw the direct impact of their work on increasing capabilities for
the war fighters."
2008 Winners of the Dr. Delores M. Etter Top Scientists and Engineers
Award are:
Peter Manternach, MARCORSYSCOM, Is recognized for his significant
engineering contributions as the lead engineer for the Marine Corps Joint
Assault Bridge Emerging Investigator.
Laurence G. Nixon and William N. Seeling, NAVFAC, Are recognized for
developing and demonstrating low-cost lightweight Port Security Barriers
that will increase safety of ships in port.
Walter Maurer, Gabriel Soto, Calvin Clayson, Hung Doan, Kurt
Wittendorfer, Michael Aramanda, Danny Wooldridge, Anti-Swimmer Grenade Team,
NAWC-WD, are recognized for significant progress in the development of the
Anti-Swimmer Grenade that will greatly increase the capability to
counter underwater terrorist swimmers.
Dr. Daniel C. Harris, NAWC-WD, is recognized for his successful
transition of optically transparent ceramic ogive shaped domes for electro
optical systems.
Craig Matzdorf, NAWC-AD, is recognized for development of an entirely
new surface chemistry for metal pre-treatment that reduces cost and
protects the environment.
Heidi R. Moore, NAWC-AD, is recognized for providing the basis for an
innovative methodology for design of helicopter seats that will improve
crash protection of Marines.
Jerry L. Terrell, NAWC AD, is recognized for the development of night
vision device compatible lighting for the LPD-17 class of ships that
will increase operational capability.
Michael M. Wirtz, NAWC-WD, is recognized for his role in the
development of the digital precision strike suite that is in use in both Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Dr. Gregory Ames, NUWC-NPT, is recognized for his contributions to the
TB-33 Towed Array and other systems that are revolutionizing acoustic
arrays for the fleet.
Dr. Promode Bandypadhyay, NUWC, is recognized for his pioneering
research in Biocentric Technology that will increase capability for
anti-submarine warfare.
Dr. Tem R. Clem, NSWC-PC, is recognized for direction of a team that
executed the first ever demonstration of a UUV-based array of magnetic,
acoustic, and electro-optic sensors for mine identification.
Richard M. Ernst, NSWC- PC, is recognized for his key contributions in
interoperability standards for Unmanned Systems that will increase
capability while reducing cost. * Emerging Investigator
Charles Garnett and Jack Bernardes, NSWC-DD, are recognized for
leadership of a team of engineers that demonstrated electromagnetic gun
technology that may revolutionize Naval Strike Warfare.
Maria Posada, NSWC-CD, is recognized for her efforts in planning,
executing, and oversight of a friction stir welding effort that provided a
timely solution to a major ship construction problem * Emerging
Investigator
Douglas Ray, NSWC-NPT, is recognized for development of the concepts
for integration of Acoustic Modem for Range Safety that greatly increases
safety for submarines in confined waterways.
Dr. Donald Steinbrecher, NSWC-NPT, is recognized for his innovative
work in the field of high performance digital signals acquisition.
Marilyn Wun-Fogle, NSWC-CD, is recognized for her outstanding technical
expertise and leadership that successfully transitioned Magnetically
Activated Smart Materials technology.
Dr. James D. Doyle, NRL, is recognized for his excellence in the field
of Mountain Range Meteorology that has expanded the envelope of
understanding of a critically important phenomenon.
Christopher R. Englert, NRL, is recognized for guiding all aspects of
the Spatial Heterodyne Imager for Mesospheric Radicals which has an
important role in validating high altitude weather forecasts.
William W. Everett and William W. Chambers, NRL, are recognized for
their theoretical and experimental research that has improved
effectiveness of EA-6B Jumpstart/Stoplight missions that (group) have saved lives
in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Igor L. Medintz, NRL, is recognized for his leadership in biological
and explosive sensing applications of quantum dots.
Dr. Will Rabinovitch, NRL, is recognized for technical accomplishments
that have expanded the envelope of understanding of Free Space Optical
Communications.
Kenneth Sarkady, NRL, is recognized for development and integration of
an operational prototype of systems capable of protecting aircraft
against IR guided missiles.
Cmdr. Dylan Schmorrow, ONR, Is recognized for direction of the project
team that developed the infantry Immersion Trainer which will greatly
impact the way we train our warfighters.
Kevin Shaw and Dr. John Sample-Frank McCreedy, NRL, are recognized for
development of the Geospatial Information database that can access
massive amounts of geospatial data from hundreds of servers distributed
across the nation.
Dr. Eric S. Snow and Dr. F. Keith Perkins, NRL, are recognized for
development of a carbon nanotube-based sensor platform capable of highly
sensitive molecular detection capable of detecting explosives,
toxic-chemical and biological molecules.
Dr. Vincent Urick, NRL, is recognized for pioneering the theoretical
and experimental analysis of numerous unique fiber-optic systems for
electromagnetic-warfare and intelligence-gathering applications.
Ken A. Crawley, SSC-CH, is recognized for his experience in antenna and
communication systems design that been critical in the design and
optimization of the Expanded Maritime Interdiction Operations program.
James Finneran, SSC- SD, is recognized for his development of
techniques and equipment to quickly evaluate hearing thresholds in marine
animals by measuring auditory evoked potentials.
Dr. John Meloling, SSC-SD, is recognized for successfully leading a
multi-disciplinary team to design and demonstrate High Frequency antenna
technology for the DDG-1000 class of ships.
Paul A. Miller, SSC-SD, is recognized for his fundamental advances in
the science of autonomous Unmanned Underwater Vehicle control systems.
Hoa G. Nguyen, SSC-SD, is recognized for an outstanding effort to
develop solutions to extend operational range for explosive ordnance
disposal robots in theater.
Dr. J. Scott Rodgers, SSC-SD, is recognized for his development of a
postage stamp sized RF spectrum analyzer that can simultaneously analyze
large portions of the RF spectrum with 100 percent duty cycles on all
brands.
Mihajlo Tomic, SSC-SD, is recognized for successfully providing
engineering and leadership in the development and transition of deployable
autonomous distributed systems to the fleet.
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NNS080529-03. USNS Mercy Sailors Lend Helping Hand in Agat
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) E. Rosario, U.S.
Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs
AGAT, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy
(T-AH 19) visited the village of Agat to support several community
relations projects, May 22.
The projects included basic grounds maintenance at Oceanview Middle
School, beautification around the mayor's office and landscaping at a
senior citizens center.
"We greatly appreciate all the help that the Navy provides to our
village and all of Guam," said Agat Mayor Carol S. Tayama. "It's great to
know that when we need assistance the Navy is able to help, and they do
it willingly, which is great."
Twenty-eight Sailors spent their morning removing debris, cutting
grass, painting, moving furniture, planting flowers and performing a variety
of odd jobs.
"It's an honor to help whenever we get the chance," said Ship's
Serviceman 2nd Class (SW) Michelle Montalvoalvino.
After all the work was complete, the mayor's office provided a feast
that included local dishes and desserts for the Sailors to enjoy.
"This is just a token of our sincere appreciation for the help they
provided," Tayama said. "We can't thank them enough for spending their off
time helping us."
For more news about Pacific Partnership 2008, visit
www.navy.mil/local/PP08.
For more news from U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cpf.
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit
www.navy.mil/local/guam/.
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NNS080529-11. Continuing Promise Brings Medical Aid to El Salvador,
Reunites Families
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Porter Anderson, USS
Boxer Public Affairs
ACAJUTLA, El Salvador (NNS) -- Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 health care
providers, embarked aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4), worked with
partner-nation medical teams to provide health care to the citizens of Acajutla,
May 26.
CP is an equal-partnership humanitarian civic assistance mission
teaming American and Salvadoran healthcare providers and relief capabilities
to demonstrate the cooperative partnerships among allies.
Twenty-five Salvadoran medical professionals worked side-by-side with
64 CP health care providers at the site, which is the newly repaired and
refurbished Canton la Sunza school.
"Working with the host nation's medical providers has been a great
experience," said U.S. Public Health Service Cmdr. Inzune Hwang, a doctor
and the site leader. "They have helped keep the flow of patients going,
we are learning something from them and, at the same time, we are
teaching them."
The team of United States and Salvadoran medical professionals treated
and diagnosed more than 1,200 patients in just the first day at the
site. Services offered include dentistry, general medical practice and
optometry.
"This is a wonderful experience," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class
Catherine Daniels. "I love interacting with people and I get a chance to do
that while learning Spanish. This is just a great opportunity."
The medical treatment of the Salvadoran people is not the only thing
that can be found at the Canton la Sunza school house. There is also a
chance to renew old bonds with friends and family.
The site offered Boxer's Personnel Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Maria
Arteaga the chance to see her grandmother, aunt, uncle and cousins for
the first time in four years.
"It was a very emotional time to see them again; I cried and my grandma
cried as well," said Arteaga. "I haven't seen them in so long and I am
so grateful for this chance to see them again."
Arteaga's family received dental exams and her grandmother got a new
pair of glasses.
The nearly week-long operation at the medical site at Canton la Sunza's
school will give thousands of Salvadorans a chance to get various
kinds of primary medical care, the first of any kind for many.
Boxer's mission exemplifies the U.S. maritime strategy which emphasizes
deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through
collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and
mutual interests.
For more news from USS Boxer, visit
www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.
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NNS080529-01. Sailors Help Gawad Kalinga Build Homes
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heidi McCormick, USS Blue Ridge
Public Affairs
MANILA, Philippines (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), embarked 7th
Fleet staff Sailors and Philippine Army soldiers worked together during a
community relations project to help build homes for the Gawad Kalinga
Community Development Foundation, May 23-24.
Gawad Kalinga (GK) translated in English means, "to give care" and it
is an alternative Philippine solution to the problem of poverty.
Sailors had the opportunity to work and interact with Philippine Army
soldiers while building homes. Participants mixed cement and shoveled
trenches at three building sites in the Manila area.
When the joint military work force took a break to eat lunch and cool
off, it was a chance to talk to each other.
"This is really a great opportunity to help out in the community and
also to be able to meet and interact with the local people. It feels good
to know that I am able to help here," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman
(SW) Thania Lopez, a project participant.
Lt. j.g. Steven Benefield, a chaplain and the coordinator of the
project from Blue Ridge, shared his thoughts about participating in the
event.
"Coming to the GK site is a huge blessing for us. It shows the true
spirit of the military: generosity, unselfishness, self sacrifice. We're
out here helping people, making friends, building relationships, and
having fun while we're doing it."
Sailors also toured able a finished home completed by volunteers from
Gawad Kalinga, near the building site and saw firsthand what their work
will help make possible.
For more news from USS Blue Ridge, visit
www.navy.mil/local/lcc19/.
