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NNS080620-06. Maximize Your Exam Points: Deadline for Submitting Education Credit is September 1st
From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors with an associate's or bachelor's degree can get either two or four additional points toward advancement for the September 2008 examination cycle.
Educational transcripts and records need to be submitted to the Navy College Office by September 1, as announced in NAVADMIN 301/07.
Sailors competing for advancement to paygrades E4-E6 will be awarded two points for an accredited associate's degree, and four points for an accredited baccalaureate degree or above. Education points will be awarded for the highest degree held, and will increase the overall final multiple score (FMS) points with no reduction in points from other factors.
"The implementation of these points, and the emphasis on education in precept language, reflect the importance of critical thinking skills required for a more efficient, more technically capable future force," said Jennie Humes, deputy director of Voluntary Education (VOLED) for the Navy.
Sailors must ensure transcripts with degree information are forwarded directly from their academic institution to the Navy College Center at:
Navy College Center, N211
Voled Detachment, CPPD
6490 Saufley Field Road
Pensacola, FL 32509-5204
Phone (877) 253-7122 or (850) 452-1828/DSN 922
Sailors are strongly encouraged to verify degrees are documented in their Sailor Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART) by visiting
https://smart.navy.mil.
To allow sufficient time for the Navy College Center to process all documents, transcripts for Sailors competing for advancement to E4-E6 must be received no later than Sep. 1, 2008.
"By planning ahead and remaining diligent, Sailors can verify paperwork is processed promptly, reduce delays between completion and awarding of a degree, and ensure timely receipt of the transcript by the Navy College Center," said Humes.
For more information about the Navy College Program visit
https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/.
For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.
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NNS080620-11. Navy Master-at-Arms Eligible to Earn a Certification in Homeland Security
By Darryl Orrell, Center for Security Forces Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The Navy's Master-at-Arms (MA) professionals can now earn formal certification in homeland security as part of the Navy's free Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) program.
COOL gives Sailors the opportunity to earn civilian certifications and licenses that correspond to their military work experience and career goals.
"This is an extraordinary opportunity for our security force personnel to not only broaden their military career, but also narrow the professional gap between them and their civilian counterparts in terms of professional credentials," said Jose Bautista, deputy director of MA career management at the Center for Security Forces. "As of 10 June, there have been over 500 certifications funded through COOL for personnel in the master-at-arms rating, which makes this a very exciting inaugural year."
The American College of Forensic Examiners International (ACFEI) has certified professionals across America in homeland security since 2003 through its Certification in Homeland Security (CHS) program.
ACFEI divides the CHS program into five levels commensurate to various career milestones and work experiences of Sailors and other security professionals from the public, private, and government sectors, which includes incident management and first-responder organizations.
Level I covers disasters and introductory concepts related to basic emergency preparedness. Level II takes an in-depth look into the world and weapons of terrorism, where they have been used, how they cause injury, and what can be done to avoid or minimize harm. Level III discusses the scope of proactive emergency preparedness and focuses on involvement in community and coordinated group efforts and emphasizes leadership. Levels IV and V are advanced levels reserved for those members who have completed all previous levels.
An additional benefit for MAs who earn a certification in homeland security includes a CHS membership that provides access to a network of training resources and a pool of professionals who work collaboratively to improve homeland security.
The American Board for Certification in Homeland Security Web site (
www.chs.acfei.com) provides additional information into the benefits of earning a certification in homeland security.
To enroll in the CHS program, visit
https://www.cool.navy.mil/ma.htm.
For more news from the Center for Security Forces, visit
www.navy.mil/local/csf/.
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NNS080620-08. Navy, Army Divers Work to Raise Sunken Former Soviet Sub
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Dave Nagle, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (NNS) -- U.S. Navy expeditionary combat salvage divers and a contingent of U.S. Army divers are taking part in a unique real-world training mission that is honing their skills while benefiting the local community in Providence.
Nearly 100 active and reserve Sailors and Soldiers, including 50 divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 in Norfolk, and the U.S. Army Dive Company based at Fort Eustis, Va. arrived in Providence, June 1 for training salvage operations on the sunken former Soviet submarine K-77, also known as Juliett 484.
The former Soviet cruise missile submarine sank at its mooring here during a freak storm on April 17, 2007.
This salvage operation, comprised of a heavy Navy diving and salvage footprint and a contingent of Army divers, is an extremely unique opportunity for training on a complete joint salvage mission, and is being performed as part of the Department of Defense's (DoD) Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program. Through IRT, military units receive training by taking part in real-world, community-based projects.
"The Department of Defense would normally achieve readiness for our waterway clearance and salvage mission through baseline funding and normal training packages; however, this is a unique opportunity to get more effective training for nearly the same amount of money and benefit the local community at the same time," said Army Capt. Charles Denike, Army Diving Company commanding officer and Juliett Deputy Mission commander.
"So, instead of spending tax dollars by simulating a training environment, the Innovative Readiness Training program allows us to train in a complex joint, inter-agency real-world command and control, and diving and salvage project, ultimately maximizing the effectiveness of the taxpayers' dollars in a direct, measurable way in both our military program and in the local civil sector in the process. For Army, while Maritime Security is certainly a Navy mission, the opportunity here helps ensure the appropriate level of joint capability and capacity for potential future missions."
DoD involvement began in the summer of 2007, when Navy and Army divers conducted underwater surveys to determine how to safely recover K-77 from the Providence River. In April, the divers, supported by Naval Sea Systems Command engineers, continued necessary surveys and engineering calculations prior to the complex salvage operation. The project involves patching and pumping water from the submarine's pressure vessel, and repairing the submarine's ballast tanks, in order to ultimately raise it to the surface.
"This has been a unique experience in itself," said Sgt. Chaise Turner of the U.S. Army Dive Company. "You don't get the chance to dive on an old former Soviet submarine all the time."
"There's so much history behind it," added Navy Diver 1st Class (DV) Eric Riggenbach from MDSU 2. "I've dived on a few American submarines, but to see how a Soviet submarine was designed has been really interesting."
According to Cmdr. Dan Shultz, commanding officer, MDSU 2 and Juliett Mission commander, this project provides a valuable opportunity for both Army and Navy divers to hone their expeditionary diving and salvage skills in a real-world setting, skills that are vital in support of the nation's strategy for Maritime Security, including peacetime support to international humanitarian and disaster relief, engagement with international partners, as well as wartime missions.
"The ability of U.S. Navy and Army divers to clear waterways, ports and harbors is important to our nation's ability to help other nations open their own waterways and lanes for the movement of commerce," said Shultz. "This would also include our own ports and waterways critical commerce in the U.S., especially following a natural disaster or terrorist event."
Both the Navy and Army divers bring a vast range of experience in a variety of environments, but the shallow, murky water of the Providence River offers additional training value.
"A lot of the younger guys are getting the experience being in a zero-visibility situation with cold water and long dive times, as opposed to versus shorter times we're used to," explained Turner.
Riggenbach agreed. "This is probably one of the only opportunities we get to put hands on and operate certain equipment, that we normally only use on salvage ships."
Additionally, this mission provides the opportunity for the divers to train together in a joint setting, with Army and Navy divers integrated into one team.
"We've learned a lot from each other," said Riggenbach. "The Army does some things different than us, but they're very professional and hard working as we are. Whenever you get divers together, regardless of their service, we're still the same."
Supporting the divers are engineers from Naval Sea Systems Command's Supervisor of Diving and Salvage, and Sailors from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit 2, who are providing logistics and communications support, as well as personnel to operate the Army Landing Craft Unit that serves as a diving platform.
For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/necc/.
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NNS080620-07. Kitsap Sailors Donate Blood, Support Community
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chantel M. Clayton, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest
SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Representatives from the Puget Sound Blood Center came to Naval Base (NB) Kitsap, Bangor to collect blood from military members, retirees, and Department of Defense civilians during a blood drive at the base chapel, June 18.
Sailors who donated said they appreciated the opportunity to give back to their community.
"I try to donate every time I'm eligible," said USS Ohio (SSGN 726) (Gold) Chief of the Boat, Command Master Chief Mitch Earhart. "I've been in Washington for two years, and this is the fourth time I've donated with these guys.
"It's convenient and it doesn't cost me anything. It's a small price to pay to give blood for someone else."
The Puget Sound Blood Center regularly travels to NB Kitsap, to include Keyport, Bangor and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.
"The military has supported us, and of course, we support the military with supplying blood," said Sally Gray from the Puget Sound Blood Center. "If the military were to ask us for extra units, we would be more than happy to supply that. It's important because this is a big part of our community."
According to Gray, center representatives travel around western Washington, collecting blood to support the community.
"We need to collect up to 900 units a day in western Washington to meet the needs of the community," said Gray. "Our job is to come out here in the community to get blood, get it to our lab, get it processed and be ready for use."
Gray said that before a donor can give blood, they go through a multi-faceted screening process, including receiving a mini-physical.
Once the potential donor passes the screening, a technician collects 620 grams, or a little more than one pint, of blood from the donor. Gray said the collection takes from seven to 15 minutes after which donors get a chance to rest and enjoy refreshments.
"Donating blood technically dehydrates you, so it's really important to get the fluid level back up," said Gray. "The food and drinks available helps to get the sugar and fluid level back up as quickly as possible. You feel much better faster and won't have any problems."
Gray said that one unit of blood can help up to three people. She credits the military for the blood bank's success.
"We collect a lot of military units throughout the year," said Gray. "The service members are one of our biggest donors. Since we are based out of the Silverdale area, the military is a big contributor to our blood supply. We couldn't do it without them."
For more news from Naval Base Kitsap, visit
www.navy.mil/local/kitsap/.
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NNS080620-02. Enterprise Wins Battenberg Cup
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Glen Dennis, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE (NNS) -- USS Enterprise's (CVN 65) commanding officer announced to the crew June 6, that for the first time in the ship's 46-year history, Big E earned the prestigious Battenberg Cup in recognition of the crew's achievements in operational excellence.
The Battenberg Cup Award for the Atlantic Fleet Battle Efficiency Award winner goes to the ship or submarine selected as the "best all-around" for the Atlantic Fleet based on the greatest accumulation of crew achievements.
"It goes back to the old saying that it's the crew that is the winner of this award, not the ship," said Capt. John D. Dixon, Enterprise executive officer. "The crew of the Big E earned this award and they are so deserving of this."
Before being considered for this award, the nominee must have first earned the battle efficiency competition.
"They take the 'Battle E' winners from all the carriers, amphibs, submarines, cruisers and frigates, and they compete for the best of the best in the Atlantic Fleet. And the Big E is the best," said Capt. John D. Dixon, Enterprise executive officer.
Other criteria include performance in completion for the sportsmanship awards, type commander Sailor of the Year Award, the Golden Anchor Award for retention, the Captain Edward F. Ney Award for food service, The Secretary of the Navy Energy Award and command excellence awards. Other information, such as operating schedules, commitments and unusual factors contributing to the nomination may also be considered.
"I am so proud of the men and women on this great ship. They truly are a class act and deserving of all the honors that they receive."
Capt. Horton and the Big E crew welcome the recognition and accolades they've achieved for their efforts in 2007 and acknowledge this is an accomplishment built on more than just one year. Horton says this is just another chapter in the Enterprise legacy.
"There is no prouder feeling for me than when I walk aboard this great ship," added Horton. "The name alone carries so much tradition and such a glorious heritage. Whenever we accomplish something significant, we know it is not just about us.
"It is about the thousands who have gone before us and the thousands who have sailed on all the great ships that have bore the name Enterprise. This is yet another Bravo Zulu in the life of the legend we know as Big E."
The Battenberg Cup originated in 1905 when Prince Louis of Battenberg donated the three-foot high, silver-plated cup to the U.S. Navy. He commanded a British armored cruiser squadron which made port visits along the Atlantic seaboard and gave the trophy the commander of the North Atlantic Fleet at the time as a symbol of his appreciation.
Battenberg requested the trophy become a challenge cup between U.S. and British Sailors. Only once in 34 years of competition and 52 challenges did the U.S. Navy lose the cup to the British.
The criteria for earning the Battenberg Cup changed in 1977.
For more news from USS Enterprise, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.
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NNS080620-05. NAS ESG Reenters the 6th Fleet Area of Operations
From Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
USS NASSAU, At Sea (NNS) -- The ships of the Nassau Strike Group (NAS ESG) reentered the Mediterranean, June 18, to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in regional waters and theater security cooperation efforts.
The ships entered the region as part of an ongoing rotation of forces, demonstrating the United States' continued resolve toward enhancing regional security and promoting long-term stability.
Commanded by Capt. Robert G. Lineberry, commander, Amphibious Squadron 6, the NASSG is comprised of the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4); the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48); the guided-missile destroyers USS Ross (DDG 71) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84); the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and the fast-attack submarine USS Albany (SSN 753).
"Our Sailors and Marines really enjoyed the chance to learn from our many multinational partners and contribute to the team effort in the region," said Lineberry. "PE 08 provided an excellent opportunity for all participants to share their ideas on maintaining safety and security, while building relationships and enhancing our interoperability."
While in the area, the NAS ESG will assist Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) conduct the full range of maritime operations and theater security cooperation in concert with coalition, joint, interagency and other partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
The NAS ESG will also support the 2008 CNE operational objectives to improve maritime safety and security in Europe and Africa; be prepared for any contingency; provide exceptional stewardship to the regional workforce and their families; advance the art and science of maritime operations; advance awareness of the harmony of partner and U.S. interests and activities; and support U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command and other Navy Component Commanders.
The NASSG and its 2,800 Sailors and Marines were first in the region from Feb. 25-April 24, where they visited nine different countries and conducted several community relations projects. The strike group's operations in 6th Fleet included participation in Phoenix Express 2008 (PE 08), a two-week maritime exercise designed to increase the interoperability and collective maritime proficiencies of participating nations. In total, 3,100 service members from 11 nations participated in the U.S.-hosted, multinational exercise.
As the deployment sails forward, the NAS ESG will continue to execute its mission of providing the joint or combined force commander with a scalable maritime force capable of a full range of military options that is flexible, agile and quick to respond when called upon. The NAS ESG will further support the other tenets of the Navy's Maritime Strategy, which include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.
The Maritime Strategy represents a new vision for the 21st century and establishes new capabilities to codify longstanding challenges, while maintaining focus on enduring naval missions.
"We are very pleased with our many accomplishments and milestones that we have achieved thus far during this deployment," said Lineberry. "The team is ready as we continue to perform our many missions and take each day and challenge as they come."
For more news from Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, visit
www.navy.mil/local/esg8/.
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