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NNS080822-16. Seabees Build Camp at Al Qaim
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth W. Robinson, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 Public Affairs
AL QAIM, Iraq (NNS) -- Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 17 homeported at Fort Carson, Colo., recently finished construction of a camp at Al Qaim in western Iraq. The Camp will house Marines assigned to the Marine Transition Team (MiTT) that helps train the Iraqi Army.
"The central mission of this base is to house the Marines that will be training members of the 28th Iraqi Army," said Capt. Darryl Ayers, assigned to the 28th Brigade MiTT. "The Seabees of NMCB 17 did an outstanding job, more than we could ever expect, now all we have to do is move in and call it home."
Working in conditions in which temperatures ranged between 92-116 degrees, the Seabees built huts, erected many barriers, and maintained two bathrooms.
"The Seabees did a great job using the battle buddy system of monitoring each other to prevent heat injuries," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Molly Mead. "To counteract the heat, we adhered to a work/rest schedule, taking breaks depending on the heat index."
The heavy equipment operators did their fair share of earth moving on the project.
"We used three loaders, an excavator, four dump trucks and a D-8 dozer to cut out approximately thirty-thousand cubic yards of dirt," said Equipment Operator 2nd Class Omar Shariff White. "While working 10-hour days our major obstacle was a rock bed, but we overcame it by pushing dirt in the opposite direction to get underneath the rock."
"I learned a lot more about my trade," said Utilitiesman 3rd Class Christopher Ball. "Some days the heat was unbearable, but we managed to push our way through it to complete our mission. We installed 80 air conditioning units, and I must say, I have a new found appreciation for the weather I have at home."
The Seabees worked day and night for over a month to complete the project and in the famous "CAN DO" spirit, constructed a first class operational camp for the Marines.
The crew leader for the project, Equipment Operator 1st Class Curtis Scott of Nanakuli, Hawaii, commended the performance of his Seabees.
"The Seabees performance was outstanding. It brought joy to us knowing that we completed a job that will help the mission for our Marines."
For more news from 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, visit
www.navy.mil/local/22ndNCR/.
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NNS080822-09. Secretary Penn Completes European Installation and Engagement Visit
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Marc Rockwell-Pate, Commander, Navy Region Europe Public Affairs
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Installations and Environment, BJ Penn departed Naval Station (NS) Rota, Spain, Aug. 22 after a five-day visit to the Commander, Navy Region Europe (CNRE) area of responsibility.
Penn arrived in the European Region Aug. 18 at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy. There he met with CNRE Commander Rear Adm. David Mercer to discuss the installations and the Navy's ongoing public health evaluation in Naples. He later toured the base and met with other key leaders including Commander, Naval Forces Europe, Adm. Mark Fitzgerald and Rear Adm. Charles Leidig, director Naval Forces Europe, Operations and Intelligence.
On Aug. 19, Penn travel to NSA Souda Bay, Crete, where he briefed with the base's leadership, toured the facilities and NATO piers. Penn then traveled to Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, Sicily, Aug. 20 to meet with the leadership, toured new housing units and spend time meeting with Sailors.
After departing NAS Sigonella, Penn traveled to Rota where he met with the commander of the base, Spanish Navy Rear Adm. Jose Maria Pelluz Alcantud. Penn also toured the base's facilities and wrapped up his European trip with a dinner at a local Spanish restaurant.
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Europe, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnre/.
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NNS080822-02. Navy, Air Force Team Up For Shelter Construction Efforts
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Maddelin Angebrand, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
PUERTO CABEZAS, Nicaragua (NNS) -- Seabees from Construction Battalion Mobile Unit (CBMU) 202 and engineers from Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron (CES) 5's Prime Based Engineer Emergency Force (BEEF) are working together to construct two shelters at the Regional Government Compound as part of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.
CBMU 202 and CES 5's Prime BEEF are currently embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3).
"I'm excited to be here helping these people," said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Chandler, site project leader. "We've got a great group of guys. We're blending well, the Navy and Air Force. It's great to work hand-in-hand with another service, and it's great to be here doing a project like this that will help the local population."
Building the shelters is just one part of Continuing Promise's joint efforts between the United States, partner nations and non-governmental support organizations to build partnerships and lasting memories.
"The best part of my job is knowing that I'm actually helping someone," said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Ebony Harris. "That's when I get the most satisfaction."
The local population has shown their interest and appreciation toward the twenty-two engineers working on the huts.
"I have talked to quite a few of the locals," said Chandler. "Everyone I've talked to has been overwhelmed that we're here on the project site. They're bringing us coconuts as gifts, and constantly asking us if there is anything that they can do to help us. They're very appreciative."
The shelters will be used to conduct training to the locals on various skill trades. They will have proper ventilation, multiple electrical outlets, and ceiling fans.
In addition to Nicaragua, Kearsarge will visit Panama, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago we they will construct similar engineering projects.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States 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.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two humanitarian civil assistance missions to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP mission was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
For more news on Continuing Promise, visit U.S. Southern Command's Web site at
www.southcom.mil.
For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit
www.navy.mil/local/lhd3.
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NNS080821-17. Pacific Fleet Commander Discusses Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Melissa F. Weatherspoon, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet public affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Robert F. Willard's newest "Rat-Pac Report" podcast, posted Aug. 20, discussed the importance of Sailors looking out for Sailors to avoid mishaps and tragedies.
More specifically, Willard addressed the abuse and misuse of alcohol as the most-contributing factor of such incidents.
"In almost every incident that I read about, and this has occurred for years, alcohol is the single common denominator, generally off-duty, generally confined to our young Sailors," said Willard. "And, it's the abuse of alcohol, the misuse of alcohol and the lack of our ability to either control it individually or to control it as shipmates, Sailor-to-Sailor, in order to keep our friends and shipmates from abusing alcohol that results in these outcomes."
Navy leaders recognize that the pressure to drink can be intense, due to stressful aspects of military life --stress caused by advancement exams, assignment disappointments, unexpected deployments or family separation. The key is learning to control the pressure by developing good time- and stress-management skills while not relying on alcohol as a means of controlling social and professional stress.
The Navy offers resources to help Sailors and their families achieve balance and prevent alcohol abuse. Navy leaders teach Sailors how to make intelligent choices, so they will not be hurt or will not hurt someone else.
"In my capacity as the Pacific Fleet Commander I review our 'conduct summaries' every day. So I see all the challenges that our Sailors face and the predicaments they put themselves in every day," he said. "The most egregious of which are always Sailors whose lives are lost or whose lives will be changed forever on the basis of a mishap or an incident that's occurred."
Willard also encouraged Sailors who are misusing or abuse alcohol to seek help through the many programs available and to discuss with their leadership before an incident occurs.
"We've got to be better in the Navy than this. So, don't misuse alcohol; get help if you think you do and watch out for your shipmates who are drinking and ensure that they don't misuse it either," he said.
For more information on programs available, visit the Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP) Web page at
www.npc.navy.mil/commandsupport/nadap.
To view the Rat-Pac Report podcasts, visit
www.cpf.navy.mil.
For more news from Pacific Fleet, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cpf/.
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NNS080822-15. Halsey Sailors Force for Positive Influence During Seychelles Port Visit
By Lt. j.g. Kendra Crabbe, USS Halsey Public Affairs
VICTORIA, Seychelles (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) took part in a number of community relations projects during their Aug. 11-17, port visit to Victoria, Seychelles.
Crew members had the opportunity to work with the Seychelles Coast Guard or volunteer time with the island rehabilitation center or the St. Elizabeth's Orphanage.
At the orphanage, more than 20 Sailors arrived with paint brushes and brooms in tow to sweep, clean and paint the interior of a small chapel.
Project Handclasp, a U.S Navy organization dedicated to facilitating goodwill between service members and people in need supplied an assortment of toys and consumable items for Halsey Sailors to distribute to the children. This marked the third event since Halsey's commissioning in July of 2005 where Project Handclasp materials have been distributed by the crew.
"This was my most rewarding experience during our visit to Seychelles," said Lt. j.g. Katie Lunser, a member of Halsey's helicopter detachment. "I was able to actually help the people of the Seychelles. Interacting with the children at the orphanage made our efforts worthwhile."
Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SW) Dennis Moore and Engineman 3rd Class Christopher Riddle teamed up to replace a pump motor for the Island Rehabilitation Center's physical therapy pool.
"We have the training and experience; we were more than happy to give our time," said Moore.
Additional opportunities to interact with locals allowed Ensign Peter Schunk and his visit, board, search and seizure team to lead members of the Seychelles Coast Guard through several hours of cooperative idea exchanges that included strategies for tactical movement and weapons handling techniques.
"Both Halsey and the Seychelles Coast Guard members got the opportunity to expand their skill sets. It was a unique and valuable experience," said Schunk.
Halsey's leadership said they enjoyed being able to take part in so many activities that benefited the local community.
"Community relations projects always give back so much more than we put in," said Lt. Cmdr. Chris Monroe, Halsey's executive officer. "The event helped strengthen our partnership with an important maritime nation."
Halsey is part of the San Diego-based Peleliu Strike Group which is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to conduct maritime security operations. (MSO).
MSO help develop security in the maritime environment, which promotes stability and global prosperity. These operations complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
For more news from USS Peleliu - Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group, visit
www.navy.mil/local/lha5/.
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NNS080822-01. Jonas Brothers Mania Takes Over NAS Oceana NEX
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Kenneth R. Hendrix, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Walt Disney Company's hottest act this summer, the Jonas Brothers, caused a mob scene at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana's Navy Exchange (NEX) on Aug. 19.
One hundred and fifty lucky fans who won a contest the NEX offered to shoppers got the opportunity to personally meet the brothers and have their photo taken with group.
More than 300 other admirers who didn't win had been waiting in line since 4:30 am that morning. They walked by and caught a glimpse of the band taking photos with contest winners.
Kristen Davis, a Navy wife, brought her son Samuel, 11. They were the first ones to arrive in the line and got a quick look at the Jonas Brothers.
"It was actually my idea to come out and wait in line so early in the morning," Davis said. "This is something he's going to remember for the rest of his life and how his crazy mother stood outside since 4:30 in the morning so her child could see the Jonas Brothers."
Samuel said he was very excited to finally see the brothers in person for the first time because they are really cool to him.
"I like their music," Samuel said. "The way they act and perform on stage gets you into the music."
The brothers — Kevin, 20, Joseph, 18, and Nick, 15 — began performing together as a Christian rock group. Now, in addition to playing instruments, they write much of their own music, and see themselves today as a pop-rock band, they said in recent press release.
Shortly after 1:30 in the afternoon when Nick, Joe and Kevin appeared, a crowd flooded with mainly girls went wild. There was plenty of screaming and oddly enough a bit of crying. The brothers hit the stage in style wearing flight jackets and sporting NAS Oceana ball caps.
The brothers waved and said hi to all their fans, as the crowd continued to scream hysterically chanting, "Jonas, Jonas, Jonas."
NEX employees allowed the 150 contest winners to meet and greet with the brothers, one small group at a time.
Senior Chief Intelligence Specialist Robin Guy, Center for Naval Intelligence, brought her daughter Ashley, 12, who was one of the contest winners. Ashley couldn't stop trembling after shaking the hands of the brothers.
"It was a dream come true for me," Ashley said. "Now I can't wait to go to tonight's show, where we will be in the front row where they can see me again."
The meet-and-greet photo appearance ended with the Jonas Brothers walking out of the NEX to fans screaming "good-bye" and "I love you," as they were escorted off in a desert tanned Humvee.
The next stop for the boy band was a mini tour of NAS Oceana's F/A-18 simulator facility and static display of a hornet in the hangar of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 106, the "Gladiators."
While at the Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic simulator building the brothers had the opportunity to fly an F/A-18 Hornet in a 20-foot pentagon-shaped dome with a 360 degree three-dimensional view of flying.
After testing their flying skills the trio headed off to VFA-106's hangar to view an actual F/A-18 Hornet, and learned the different aspects and components of the cockpit.
Before ending their tour the brothers took time out to sign a handful of posters and took a couple of last minute photos with Sailors and children of VFA-106 before departing.
For more news from Naval Air Station Oceana, visit
www.navy.mil/local/oceana/.
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NNS080822-13. Bataan Conducts Command Climate Survey
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Pedro A. Rodríguez, USS Bataan Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The crew of the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) completed a command climate survey Aug. 22, which will be used by the commanding officer to evaluate the climate and morale aboard the ship.
"The perceptions of the crew are valuable because they provide insight into the general attitudes in our organization," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer.
Sailors had the opportunity to express their concerns directly to the commanding officer through the survey.
"It gives the upper chain of command an honest opinion directly from us about the level of morale and the fairness of the way the ship operates," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Luis Fonseca.
The questions created by the captain, the command management equal opportunity officer (CMEO) and the Command Assessment Team (CAT) are based on the crew's input from division in the spot light (DISL) out-briefs and the CAT inputs.
"It is important to give each crew member the opportunity to tell the captain their concerns," said Chief Warrant Officer Frank Jordan, Bataan's CMEO. "It helps us to identify those areas the command needs improvement on, regarding morale of the crew and climate."
The next step in the process is comparing the climate aboard Bataan with the rest of the Navy.
"Following the comparison with other commands, the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute will compile the results," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Sylvester Miller, Bataan's equal opportunity advisor.
The Navy has changed the way Sailors take the survey. The new Web site is oriented to protect the Sailors privacy and confidentiality when taking the survey.
"In the past the survey was taken on a piece of paper and collected by a representative. Now it is taken by computer, that way their privacy is more protected, and we can see the results faster," said Information Systems Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Xan Mahan, enlisted CMEO advocate.
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. CVL-29 was an Independence-class small aircraft carrier that was commissioned in November 1943. After serving in both World War II and the Korean conflict, CVL-29 was decommissioned in 1954.
For more news from USS Bataan, visit
www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.
