NNS080630-05. SECNAV Releases Independence Day Message to the Fleet
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38144NNS080630-06. New CPO Evaluation Takes Effect This September
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38141NNS080628-18. Combined Medical Team Makes History Aboard Mercy
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38062NNS080629-01. Mercy, Pacific Partners Improve, Increase Dental Health
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38121NNS080628-17. Sailor Returns to Devastated Home, Assists Typhoon Victims
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38119NNS080630-15. Navy to Support USS Cole Families During al-Nashiri Military Commission
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38155NNS080630-02. U.S. Ambassador to Philippines Visits USS Ronald Reagan
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38135NNS080630-13. Navy Names New Amphibious Assault Ship
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38154NNS080630-12. Diversity within the DoD Emphasized at the Federal Asian-Pacific American Council
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38140NNS080630-11. Theodore Roosevelt Sailors Attend Inaugural Motorcycle Course
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38150NNS080628-19. Naval Air Station Brunswick Earns Environmental Award for Conservation
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38115NNS080630-08. Mercy Team Makes Improvements to School and Health Clinic in Vietnam
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38107NNS080630-01. Service Members Celebrate Right Spirit
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38092NNS080630-10. Great Lakes Hosts NJROTC Leadership Academy
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38149NNS080630-07. Scout Sends Donations to Southeast Asian Children for CARAT
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38133NNS080630-04. CARAT Exercise Addresses Small Craft Threats to Naval Vessels
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38134NNS080630-03. Navy Launching Pride and Professionalism Courses
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38098NNS080628-15. Amphibious Construction Battalion 1 Prepares For Joint Logistics Exercise
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38105NNS080628-13. Pacific Partnership 2008 Cricket Match Draws International Crowd
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38118NNS080628-06. Summer DC Olympics Take Place at Farrier Firefighting School
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38112NNS080628-05. Navy's Senior Seabee Tours "World Class Facilities"
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38102NNS080628-04. 'Top Chef 'Contestant Visits San Antonio Sailors
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38111NNS080628-03. Second Annual NAVFAC Atlantic Industry Forum Billed Huge Success
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38110NNS080628-02. Blue Ridge Completes INSURV
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38093NNS080628-01. Deadlines Announced for 2008 Absentee Ballot Voting in November Elections
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38086NNS080630-09. Daily News Update for June 30, 2008
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=38153NNS020628-10. This Day in Naval History - July 01
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http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2298Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
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http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=60794-USN-
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NNS080630-05. SECNAV Releases Independence Day Message to the Fleet
From the Secretary of the Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter released the following Independence Day message to the fleet:
"Two hundred thirty-two years ago in Philadelphia, 56 patriots signed a Declaration of Independence -- a document spelling out their grievances against King George III and explaining why they felt impelled to separate from Great Britain.
This remarkable document is a civics lesson all its own -- even declaring why governments are instituted among men, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundations on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
Governments exist to secure our rights; the people reserve the right to choose their own leaders; the people are sovereign; consent of the governed is a fundamental principle -- these are the founding ideas that set our nation on a course that has led to the greatest success story the world has ever known.
Our founding fathers believed that some things were worth fighting for. Two hundred thirty-two years later, we still believe that our rights and our liberties must be defended. Over the course of those 232 years, this nation has found, time and time again, that her citizens were willing to step forward and answer the call of duty to defend the blessings of liberty as set forth in our founding document. This Fourth of July, let us take a moment to reflect on the meaning of our independence, and on what is required to preserve it. I salute each and every one of you for your sacrifice and service, and extend my sincere thanks to your families as well, whose strong support is critical to our success. Your dedication to duty makes our freedom possible, and the American people are grateful for your noble efforts to keep our country safe, particularly now during this time of peril. You are worthy heirs to the patriots who fought for our independence in 1776, and I am honored to serve you as your Secretary."
For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit
www.navy.mil/local/secnav/.
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NNS080630-06. New CPO Evaluation Takes Effect This September
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The chief of naval personnel announced the Chief Petty Officer Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles will form the basis upon which chief, senior chief and master chief petty officers will be evaluated.
Vice Adm. Mark E. Ferguson directed via NAVADMIN (176/08) June 27 that commanding officers employ a new E7-E9 Evaluation and Counseling record (CHIEFEVAL), starting with the Sept. 15 chief petty officer(CPO) and senior chief petty officer evaluation cycles.
For the past decade chiefs, senior chiefs and master chiefs had been evaluated on a fitness report (FITREP)form identical to that used by the officer community. The new CHIEFEVAL clearly separates the two, incorporating the guiding principles as the performance traits.
"The CHIEFEVAL ensures our chiefs are evaluated based on the expectations we've traditionally had of them. The guiding principles reaffirmed those expectations. Incorporating them as performance traits was the next logical step in a process we started almost two years ago," said Master Chief of the Navy (MCPON) (SW/FMF) Joe R. Campa Jr.
Since their introduction to the fleet in September 2006, the guiding principles have been included in chief's mess training, chief selectee training, selection board precepts for E7-E9, the command master chief instruction and the Senior Enlisted Academy curriculum.
The guiding principles -- deckplate leadership, institutional and technical expertise, professionalism, loyalty, character, active communication and a sense of heritage -- replace the previous performance traits. Earlier traits included professional expertise, command or organizational climate/equal opportunity, military bearing/character, teamwork, mission accomplishment and initiative, leadership and tactical performance.
"This bold initiative led by MCPON Campa proves again the adage, chiefs run our Navy," said Rear Adm. Sonny Masso, commander, Navy Personnel Command (NPC).
"As a member of the wardroom, who has personally benefited from the leadership of the chief's mess, I look forward to making the most of this opportunity to align our chiefs' evals with the guiding principles."
Masso played an integral role in the transition from the FITREP to the CHIEFEVAL, as personnel at NPC have engineered the new form, which will use Adobe as a platform rather than the previous NAVFIT 98A program. Masso said shifting from one software application to another was not difficult due to the fact that much of the language transferred over verbatim.
"The form itself changed little," said Masso. "In fact, seventy-five percent of the language from the FITREP was transferred over to the CHIEFEVAL, only now it complements the new performance traits."
Campa said that language used for the first time in the CHIEFEVAL may technically be new, but the responsibilities and expectations have been around for 115 years.
"The 25 percent of the form that's different is critical," said Campa. "It's there that we formally introduce phrases like 'engaged on the deckplate,' 'total loyalty to mission,' 'driving mission accomplishment through the chiefs' mess' and 'actively uses the CPO mess as an open forum to act on command issues.'"
That language may be new to an evaluation, but not to our chiefs. Those are responsibilities CPOs have had for more than a century."
Campa delivered the CHIEFEVAL to NPC in March. Since then testing has been ongoing, and changes to the form were the norm as personnel in Millington worked with Adobe representatives to ensure the new platform was even more user-friendly than the FITREP form.
Once the CHIEFEVAL was deemed ready for fleet testing, it was sent to command master chiefs aboard every type of Navy vessel and to commands in every theater. Their feedback was forwarded to NPC to work out user-discovered issues.
"Any problems identified through fleet testing are looked at, and we're determining whether they need to be addressed now or down the line," said Jim Price, Branch Head PERS 311 and functional owner of the FITREP and evaluation processes. "It's a work in progress, but that doesn't mean it's not a good product now. It most definitely is, and the feedback reflects that."
The CHIEFEVAL will be ready for download from the NPC Web site,
www.npc.navy.mil, and for use fleet-wide early this month. Training within the CPO community has been ongoing for several months, and Campa stressed that it must continue up to and after Sept. 15.
"Nothing is more important than ensuring every chief and every commanding officer across our Navy is fully up to speed on the CHIEFEVAL. We can't leave anyone behind in terms of how to use the form and what's expected of our mess," said Campa.
Personnel downloading the form will also have access to a user reference guide, which will give step-by-step instructions. If questions persist, COMNAVPERSCOM (PERS-311) customer service is available to provide clarification at (901) 874-3313/4881/DSN 882.
For more news from Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, visit
www.navy.mil/local/mcpon/.
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NNS080628-18. Combined Medical Team Makes History Aboard Mercy
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joseph Seavey, Pacific Partnership Public Affairs
NHA TRANG, Vietnam (NNS) -- For the first time in 32 years, the Vietnamese government allowed its citizens to board a U.S. military vessel, June 20.
"This is the first time a foreign military vessel has visited Nha Trang since 1975, the first time a U.S. military humanitarian assistance mission has been permitted to perform major surgeries, and the first
time surgeries have been performed aboard a U.S. vessel [in Vietnam] in over 30 years," said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. R. E. Lucius, U.S. defense attache in Hanoi.
U.S. Navy Capt. Eric Kuncir, a surgeon aboard USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), and Dr. Do Hoai Ky, a Vietnamese surgeon, worked together to perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a non-evasive gallbladder removal. The successful surgery took two hours and was the first of many to be performed aboard Mercy.
"We have a great [operating room] team assembled here from multiple [military treatment facilities]," said Kuncir, "and we all came together just like we had known and worked together for years."
According to Kuncir, the surgery reflects the trust and bond between the U.S. and Vietnam.
"Allowing someone to operate on a friend, relative or a citizen of another nation for that matter, implies a great deal of trust," said Kuncir. "At the deckplate level, this surgery was a team effort in the purest sense."
The Mercy surgical team is just one part of Pacific Partnership. As part of the overarching mission, shore-based medical, dental and engineering civic action programs and community relations projects are being conducted by the United States, partner nations and non-governmental organizations.
"The basic objective of Pacific Partnership is to provide assistance to people in a number of countries, but it's also a good opportunity to build friendships and professional relationships between doctors, dentists and other specialists of the countries involved in the partnership and Vietnam," said Jon
Aloisi, deputy chief of mission from the United States Embassy in Hanoi.
Kuncir volunteered for the Pacific Partnership mission for the chance to perform surgical procedures with the host nation surgeons.
"I operated extensively with a Japan Maritime Self Defense Force surgeon as well as an Armed Forces of the Philippines surgeon in Cotabato [Philippines]," said Kuncir.
"I was honored to have the opportunity to do the first surgery in Vietnam waters because it was an opportunity to collaborate with our Vietnamese surgical colleagues."
Mercy's stay in Vietnam shows the bilateral relations between the U.S. and Vietnam, demonstrating both countries' continued commitment to work together to address mutual issues and concerns. Vietnam is the second stop on Mercy's five-month Pacific Partnership humanitarian civic assistance mission to build friendships and professional relationships through Southeast Asia. Mercy is also scheduled to visit Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia.
For more news from Pacific Partnership 2008, visit
www.navy.mil/local/PP08/.
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NNS080629-01. Mercy, Pacific Partners Improve, Increase Dental Health
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) Public Affairs
NHA TRANG, Vietnam (NNS) -- The crew aboard hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and members of East Meets West (EMW) foundation participated in a multi-national, multi-faceted dental civic action program (DENCAP) at the Dien Khan elementary school June 25 - 28.
Pacific Partnership DENCAPs generally provide education on oral hygiene and emergency dental services such as tooth extractions; however, working with EMW the team could do more. With its increased capability, the DENCAP at the Dien Khan site provided additional dental service including teeth cleaning, fluoride treatment, sealing and filling.
"East Meets West has been providing the equipment, the instruments and the people for the mission," said U.S. Public Health Service Dental Corps Reserve Capt. Charles Craft, who is also the EMW dental director for the Dien Khan site.
"The U.S. Navy is bringing more personnel and supplies; together, we are able to increase our capacity and, of course, the patients benefit by that. We are very happy to be able to partner with the U.S. Navy and the other allied nations, to form a true alliance."
On June 25, the EMW team included 15 members, eight of whom were Vietnamese staff. The rest of the team was composed of volunteers from Scotland, England, Cambodia and New Zealand. The Mercy team was made up of 20 personnel from the hospital ship, volunteers from the University of California, San Diego Pre-dental Society and other partner nation personnel from South Korean, Canada, Australia and Singapore.
Craft referred to his team as his "United Nations dental team" because of the number of countries represented in the DENCAP.
"The biggest challenges on a joint team like this is to match up our skill sets and to form a professional group despite- our individual backgrounds and different cultures and different educational upbringing," said Craft.
The DENCAP treated more than 250 patients as of June 25. They expected to treat more than 1,500 patients by June 28, providing more than 5,000 services worth more than $250,000.
"Vietnamese in general don't know that oral and dental care can affect the body" said EMW Vietnamese Chief Dentist Tran Thi Minh Huong, who is the dental national coordinator for EWM.
Huong also said many of the Vietnamese people, especially in the rural areas, are more concerned with putting food in their stomachs than they are with oral hygiene.
"The Vietnamese people here are very appreciative of the service," said Vietnamese Army Junior Lt. Lam Xuan Hoa. "There are a lot of people from different countries to help us."
Lam protected the dental supplies at the site. While there he also had his teeth cleaned.
Lam said this is the first time he saw so many foreigners. He said it was a chance for many of the Vietnamese to meet people from different countries.
"I look forward to the next time Mercy comes back," said Lam. "We seldom get a chance like this. The children can get some tooth brushes, toys and dental treatment."
East Meets West is a local non profit charitable organization which has operated in Vietnam since 1988.
Vietnam is the second stop on Mercy's five-month Pacific Partnership humanitarian civic assistance mission to build friendships and professional relationships through Southeast Asia. Mercy is also scheduled to visit Timor Leste, Papua New Guinea and the Federated States of Micronesia.
For more news from Pacific Partnership 2008, visit
www.navy.mil/local/PP08/.
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NNS080628-17. Sailor Returns to Devastated Home, Assists Typhoon Victims
By LT Ron Flanders, Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs
ILOILO, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- A USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailor, Storekeeper Seaman Grace Geroche, a native of Iloilo City, Republic of the Philippines, returned home June 27 to assist the joint Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and U.S. Navy humanitarian efforts and console her family, who nearly lost their lives when Typhoon Fengshen struck the area.
Geroche's mother and 5-year-old brother were among the affected when the typhoon caused water levels in the city to increase by several feet in the span of just a few hours.
"We almost lost our lives," said Edna Geroche, Seaman Geroche's mother. "The water was up to our necks. We had to sleep in the rafters under our ceiling. We were lucky to survive, but the situation is still bad. There's mud everywhere, and there's no clean water for drinking or bathing."
Seaman Geroche is a member of Ronald Reagan's supply department, which provided more than 28,000 bottles of water and 9,060 lbs. of rice to residents of Panay, an island in the central portion of the Republic of the Philippines. Flown to her hometown aboard a C-2 Greyhound aircraft filled with non-perishable food items, Geroche -- a member of the U.S. Navy's humanitarian assistance team -- had an emotional reunion with her family before assisting U.S. Navy personnel and Philippine Army soldiers load and unload relief supplies.
"I'm so grateful to be assigned to USS Ronald Reagan right now," said Geroche. "I'm so thankful that we're here assisting the people of my hometown."
HH-60H and SH-60F Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4, embarked aboard USS Ronald Reagan, SH-60B Seahawk helicopters from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 43, embarked aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83), and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 37, embarked aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) have spent the last four days delivering relief supplies brought to Panay by the AFP and non-governmental relief organizations. C-2A Greyhound aircraft from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 have also been instrumental in shuttling relief supplies to Iloilo's Santa Barbara airport, the central hub of relief operations.
The efforts have been a portrait of teamwork; AFP personnel are in each helicopter flight, and AFP officers are aboard USS Ronald Reagan, working with the ship's Crisis Action Team (CAT), which helps respond to humanitarian emergencies.
"The AFP commanders are telling me my mission," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, commander of the U.S. Navy ships involved in the effort. "We're doing everything we can to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We'll stay here as long as the government of the Philippines requires it and no longer."
The mission is giving Filipino-Americans a chance to provide needed assistance in their native homeland, an emotional experience to say the least, considering the devastation caused by the typhoon, which left 540 dead on Panay and destroyed more than 100,000 homes.
"My mom saw me on TV," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Robert Catre, a medic and translator for the U.S. Navy humanitarian team. "I feel great about what we're doing here."
"I was terrified for my wife," said Storekeeper 1st Class Raymond Paguia of USS Howard, whose wife Mahrnee lives in Iloilo. "I was just waiting for the call, trying to get here. I'm so proud to be an American Sailor right now, doing this."
For Seaman Geroche, the emotions were strong. The 22-year-old Sailor helped load rice for delivery to her neighbors and countrymen, and was able to console her family at the same time.
"When President Bush sent us here, I was happy. I was hoping I'd get this chance to see my family. It felt good to hug my mom and tell her everything will be OK now," said Geroche.
With her mother's arms wrapped around her, tears streamed down Geroche's face. "I'm home Mommy," she said. "I'm home."
For more news from U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit
www.news.navy.mil/local/cpf/.
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NNS080630-15. Navy to Support USS Cole Families During al-Nashiri Military Commission
From Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy and the Department of Defense Office of Military Commissions will support the families of victims of the USS Cole (DDG 67) bombing during the military commission process.
Charges were sworn against 'Abd al-Rahim al-Nashiri, on June 30, alleging that he participated in the planning and preparation for the attack on USS Cole in the Port of Aden, Yemen, on Oct. 12, 2000. The charges allege that two men dressed as civilians piloted what appeared to be a small, garbage barge next to the ship.
The two men made friendly gestures to several crew members aboard the ship before detonating explosives concealed within the boat, according to the charges. The attack killed 17 Sailors, wounded 47 others, and severely damaged the ship.
The Department of Defense is developing plans to provide access to commission proceedings for victim family members at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Victim family members will be chosen equitably based on a random selection process.
Because only a limited number of victim family members may attend the pre-trial or trial events in person, arrangements are being made for closed circuit television feed to a selected U.S. site to allow victim families to view trial proceedings.
"We are committed to helping the USS Cole families during this difficult time," said Rear Adm. Mark H. Buzby, Deputy Chief of Staff for Global Force Management and Joint Force Operations at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
"It has been nearly eight years since this attack, and we recognize that the ability to observe the justice process is an important element of bringing closure to these Navy families."
Hearings in the case could begin within the next month.
For more news from U.S. Fleet Forces Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/clf/.
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NNS080630-02. U.S. Ambassador to Philippines Visits USS Ronald Reagan
From USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs
ABOARD USS RONALD REAGAN (NNS) -- The U.S. ambassador to the Philippines visited the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) on June 29.
Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney joined by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, came aboard to receive a briefing on the continuing effort to assist victims of Typhoon Fengshen, and to thank Sailors for their support of AFP-led humanitarian efforts on the island of Panay.
"One of the things that makes us a great nation is the ability to deliver compassionate service," Kenney said. "The Sailors of the Ronald Reagan and the entire carrier group are doing a great job. It makes me very proud," she added.
Kenney and Yano visited Ronald Reagan's Crisis Action Team coordination center, where they listened to briefings about the planning and coordination of the humanitarian mission. Among the crew members they personally thanked were helicopter pilots, aircrewmen and supply personnel.
Kenney also thanked Chief Warrant Officer 3 Zosimo Francisco, who led a four-man team of Ronald Reagan engineers into Iloilo City to repair hospital generators damaged by the floods. After bringing a mud-damaged fuel pump aboard the ship for repair, the team returned to Iloilo City's Barotac Viejo Hospital and restored electrical power.
The hospital had been without power for days since flood waters struck.
"I'm proud of what we did for the people of Iloilo," Francisco said. "It's very gratifying. We saw firsthand the effects of the typhoon, the devastation. We met people who were suffering greatly, but they still managed to wave and smile."
Since arriving on station June 25, fixed-wing cargo aircraft and helicopters from the Ronald Reagan carrier group have flown 244 sorties in support of the AFP, delivering relief supplies to areas most affected by the typhoon.
Ronald Reagan provided more than 28,000 bottles of water, 9,060 pounds of rice, other non-perishable food items, and medical supplies. With potable water in very high demand in the area, the stores ship USNS Niagara Falls (T-AFS 3) arrived June 29 off the northern coast of Panay loaded with fresh water for delivery. The ship's embarked Puma helicopter detachment, with the assistance of an HH-60H Seahawk from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 4, delivered 168,000 bottles of water to the city of Kalibo in just four hours.
"The Filipino people appreciate what the United States has done during these trying times," said Yano. "It only goes to show the longstanding friendship and camaraderie between our armed forces. We appreciate very much what the United States is doing."
For more news from USS Ronald Reagan, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.
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NNS080630-13. Navy Names New Amphibious Assault Ship
From the Secretary of the Navy Public Affairs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- The Navy's newest class of large-deck amphibious assault ship, LHA 6, will bear the name USS America, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter announced June 27, while speaking at the USS America Carrier Veterans Association reunion in Jacksonville, Fla.
This ship will inherit a proud tradition, explained Winter. From the American Revolution through the first Gulf War, three warships have sailed with the name America.
"To serve in a ship named after our country adds to the pride one feels in being part of the Navy and adds to the feeling that when America pulls into port, there is no more powerful symbol of the power, the ideals, and the greatness of the United States of America," said Winter.
LHA 6 will be the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name America. The first America, a 74-gun ship-of-the-line, was first built for use by the Continental Navy. However, before having a chance to serve the fledgling U.S. Navy, the ship was presented as a gift to the king of France to show appreciation for his country's service to the new nation.
The second USS America (ID-3006) was used to transport troops during World War I. The third ship to bear the name was a Kitty-Hawk class aircraft carrier (CV 66) in commission 1965-1996. Among other notable accomplishments, the carrier America made three deployments to Vietnam and launched air strikes on Iraq during the opening days of Operation Desert Storm.
The newest America will provide presence and power projection as an integral part of joint and multinational maritime expeditionary forces. The ship will support Marine Corps aviation requirements across a wide spectrum of operations, from small-scale contingency operations as the centerpiece of a forward-deployed expeditionary strike group, to forcible entry missions in a major theater war.
LHA 6 replaces the aging Tarawa-class and represents a conscious decision to increase the aviation capacity of future big deck amphibious ships in order to maximize the Navy's investment in future aircraft.
LHA 6 will have an extended hangar deck with two higher hangar bay areas, each fitted with an overhead crane for aircraft maintenance. LHA 6 will also provide increased aviation fuel capacity, stowage for aviation parts and support equipment. LHA 6 will be able to embark and launch the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, cargo and attack helicopters, the AV-8B Harrier and the short take-off vertical landing (STOVL) variant F-35B Lightning II Strike Fighter.
Winter explained the importance of the new America-class amphibious assault ship and the tremendous capability she will bring to the fleet.
"USS America is a wise investment in our nation's security," Winter said, "It will be a ship worthy of her illustrious namesake, and it will continue America's long tradition of peace through strength."
Winter also announced that the sponsor of the ship will be Lynne Pace, wife of former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Peter Pace.
America is currently under contract at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., and is expected to be delivered to the Navy in 2012.
For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit
www.navy.mil/local/secnav/.
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NNS080630-12. Diversity within the DoD Emphasized at the Federal Asian-Pacific American Council
From Chief of Navy Personnel Diversity Directorate Public Affairs and Navy Office of Information, East
NEW YORK (NNS) -- Naval officers and Sailors of Asian Pacific heritage joined service members from all branches in New York City, June 26, for the 8th annual "Department of Defense Day" at the Federal Asian-Pacific American Council (FAPAC).
"If Americans look in the mirror, they are going to see all the different cultures, and when they look at the Navy they should see exactly that," said Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
"Here we are in New York with Ellis Island the beginning of the story of the melting pot that is continuing, and we need to understand that and recognize and pursue that to tap the culture that has made this country great and continues to make the Navy great."
Greenert served as the keynote speaker for the FAPAC civilian awards dinner. He emphasized the importance of the Navy's engagement around the world in support of the Maritime Strategy. He also highlighted the traditional and non-traditional roles Asian-Pacific Americans serve in around the world.
He explained that the Navy is doing well with including Asian-Pacific American diversity within the ranks, but that there is still work to be done.
"We are lucky to have a generation of Americans, Asian Pacific and other cultures, who are willing to give so much," said Greenert.
"This millennial generation is willing to join an organization greater than themselves and volunteer and innovate. We need to continue to foster that and take advantage of that making the Navy and Department of Defense the employer of choice for a very diverse population."
Officers ranging in rank from midshipman to admiral participated in panels to discuss their experiences in the Navy.
"When you are in the military, you tend to forget about race," said retired Army Maj. Gen. James Mukoyama. "I ended up referring to people by their rank or rate. I recognized people by their job and position. Race was never an issue."
Lt. John L. Jones, a surface warfare officer assigned to the United States Naval Academy, described to an audience of Asian-Pacific teenagers and parents why he joined the Navy and what his experiences have been so far.
"When you come from nothing and are adopted into a family that loves and supports you, you want to give back. Not only did my family adopt me, but this nation adopted me," said Jones, born in South Korea and raised by his adopted family in Greensburg, Pa. "I wanted to give back to my country, a place where you can work hard and get far."
Outstanding service members of Asian-Pacific American heritage were recognized during an awards luncheon.
Personnel Specialist 1st Class Lorna Mae Devera, assigned to Chief of Naval Personnel, Diversity Directorate and Electronics Technician 3rd Class Ester S. Emoto, assigned to Naval Computers and Telecommunications Station Far East were the Navy recipients of the FAPAC Military Meritorious Service Award presented during the luncheon.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Lance Chu presented a salute to the fallen Asian-Pacific Islander heroes, mentioning specifically the 4,500 Americans of Asian-Pacific Islander descent who fought in World War II and the 30 Asian Pacific American Medal of Honor recipients.
The keynote speaker for the lunch was Undersecretary of Defense, Personnel and Readiness, The Honorable David S. C. Chu, offered an example of Asian-Pacific Americans serving the country.
He cited statistics about the island of Guam and stressed that one in every 100 citizens on Guam serve in the National Guard, the highest number in the country. In addition, he described the current success of cadets and midshipmen of Asian-Pacific heritage in varsity level athletics at the three academies. Currently 48 midshipmen or cadets of Asian-Pacific heritage participate in varsity level athletics at the three academies.
The Navy used this forum to announce the launch of the Naval Officer Mentorship Association, the Navy's Asian- Pacific American affinity group.
"This is my first opportunity to be involved with FAPAC, and as a senior Asian mentor for the submarine force our Navy's leadership -- starting with the CNO on down --encourages us to get out there and support the diversity networking and mentoring as well as recruitment," said Capt. Edward Takesuye, commodore, Submarine Squadron 3. "The more diverse the workforce the more individuals with unique contributions, and if you mix those all together we perform better as a team."
For more information about the Naval Officer Mentorship Association, visit
www.navalofficermentorship.org.
For more news from Navy Office of Information, East, visit
www.navy.mil/local/navinfoeast/.
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NNS080630-11. Theodore Roosevelt Sailors Attend Inaugural Motorcycle Course
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jeremy Freehling, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) participated in a motorcycle rodeo held at Norfolk Naval Base June 26.
The Naval Safety Center sponsored the event and provided Sailors with information and training on motorcycle safety.
Accidents involving Sailors on motorcycles have been on the rise in recent years, and the Navy is looking for ways to inform Sailors of riding hazards and ways to decrease the risk.
"Last year, more Sailors and Marines got injured or killed while riding their bikes than Soldiers that fought in Iraq," said Deputy Commander of the Naval Safety Center Marine Col. Mark Vandors. "I have been riding over 10 years, and I still learn something new from these events that help me when I ride."
The event featured booths with information on general road safety and the latest protective equipment. A safety discussion led by the base police and fire departments accompanied the presentations. Every rider attending the rodeo learned ways to avoid injury when riding their bikes.
Sailors also competed in an obstacle course and bike show.
"These events are a great opportunity to interact with the Sailors that ride, while providing an opportunity to learn about the safe and proper procedures when riding," said Lt. Cmdr. David Tarwater, Theodore Roosevelt's command motorcycle coordinator. "Getting the chance to ride and compete in these events is a fun way to meet Sailors that ride."
Tarwater, along with other Theodore Roosevelt riders, competed in the obstacle course, which tested the riders' speed and agility when making turns while wearing the proper protective equipment.
"I enjoyed the obstacle course because it gave you the opportunity to show off your bike and skills as a rider," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Chris Del Plato, winner of the obstacle course. "It was fun competing against all the other bikes and drivers."
Riders were then briefed about safe riding and how to perform a motorcycle safety check. The check was followed by a group ride to Jamestown Island.
"This is a great event that is put on by the safety center every year and all the Sailors that attend look forward to coming the next year," said Tarwater. "The main purpose of this event is to raise the awareness of all riders, no matter what their skill level, to the risks that are on the road. What is great about this event is that it is in a relaxed setting where everyone can be themselves and have fun while learning."
For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.
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