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NNS080824-08. Preventive Medicine Takes on Mosquitoes in Southeast Asia
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Greg Mitchell, Pacific Partnership Public Affairs
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (NNS) -- The USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) preventive medicine (PrevMed) team serving in support of Pacific Partnership 2008 has spent their time in Southeast Asia and Oceania ensuring civic-action sites remain safe from mosquitoes.
Mercy departed San Diego May 1 in support of Pacific Partnership, a four-month humanitarian mission to Southeast Asia and Oceania.
Mosquitoes infested with diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are found throughout the Southeastern Asian region, the main mission sites for Pacific Partnership. For personnel to support the mission in infected areas, the PrevMed Pesticide crew has been ready to challenge the pests that may hamper the mission.
"What we try to do is arrive on scene ahead of the MEDCAP crews and assess the area for potential insect build up," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Brian Walker, a preventive medicine technician from Jacksonville, Fla. "We will then spray down the area of the MEDCAP hopefully before they arrive so it won't be of any inconvenience to them."
Spraying pesticides is just one of the functions performed by PrevMed; they also capture and tests mosquitoes for diseases, by using light traps with catch nets attached to them. Once captured, the mosquitoes are taken back to the ship and tested as potential carriers of malaria parasites. Mosquitoes can be annoying and troublesome, but there are a few ways that one can protect itself from these creatures.
"The first step for anyone participating pier side at any of the MEDCAP or ENCAP sites is the spraying of your clothes," said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Prendergast, PrevMed department head and entomologist aboard Mercy. "We use the [insect] repellent Permetrin to spray on service members' clothing while also recommending [they] keep their sleeves rolled down. Once you treat the uniform with spray, you are pretty much set for the cruise."
"I was one of the first guys of my unit to have my uniforms sprayed," said Construction Electrician 1st Class Franklin Zelch, assistant officer in charge for the 30th Naval Construction Regiment underway for Pacific Partnership. "I would have to honestly say that it has greatly reduced my chances of being bit, but I still get a couple here and there."
PrevMed duties also include heat stress tests in areas such as the galley and laundry areas and water-quality analysis, when they check for proper chlorine levels and bacterial and parasitic organisms that are potentially harmful to humans.
The Pacific Partnership PrevMed team is on their way to the final mission site in the Federated States of Micronesia. PrevMed, along with medical and engineering personnel aboard the Mercy, will visit Chuuk, Pohnpei and Yap for the final mission site of Pacific Partnership 2008.
For more news from Pacific Partnership 2008, visit
www.navy.mil/local/PP08/.
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NNS080824-05. Ceremony Officially Marks Opening of Pacific Partnership in Micronesia
By Lt. Arwen Chisholm, Pacific Partnership Public Affairs
CHUUK STATE, Federated States of Micronesia (NNS) -- National and state government officials from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) as well as crew members from USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) gathered on the pier on Weno Island Aug. 22 for the opening ceremony of Pacific Partnership.
This visit marks the first time the hospital ship has visited the Federated States of Micronesia.
"You are a part of history," said Mori. "Mercy is the largest vessel to drop anchor in Chuuk since the Pacific War."
Pacific Partnership is a humanitarian civic-assistance mission to Southeast Asia and Oceania to provide medical, dental and engineering assistance to the people of the region.
"Pacific Partnership is a five-month voyage of peace and good will," said U.S. Navy Capt. William A. Kearns, Pacific Partnership mission commander. "We are grateful for the close partnership with the government of FSM."
By collaborating with the Federated States of Micronesia and pacific partner nations, the United States is working toward strengthening relationships and ensuring regional stability in the Western Pacific.
"FSM takes great pride in our unique partnership [with the U.S] that has provided opportunities for FSM to participate and contribute to our common goal of regional peace and stability," said FSM President Emanuel Mori. "Our FSM young men and women are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, side by side with U.S. counterparts, pursuing the same freedom of democracy together, as partners."
The nearly 1,000 professionals embarked in support of Pacific Partnership will work together with FSM to include medical and engineering professionals who are scheduled to assist the people of Chuuk, Yap and Pohnpei.
"Mercy's visit to FSM is a dramatic opportunity for the U.S. to reach out to the people of FSM," said U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, Miriam Hughes. "The Mercy's visit highlights America's commitment to peace and stability throughout Asia Pacific."
The Pacific Partnership team will provide 13 medical civic action programs on 13 different islands and three engineering civic action programs on two islands throughout Chuuk state.
Prior to the Mercy's arrival, 26 medical personnel from the Mercy and 20 Seabees from Naval Construction Battalion 133, from Gulfport, Miss., joined Pacific Partnership Aug. 17 to kick-off Pacific Partnership in Pohnpei and Yap.
The visit highlights the commitment of the United States to work with nations in Oceania and to develop stronger and deeper ties with the people of the Pacific.
"The degree of understanding between us, no matter how small, will go a long way to bettering our relationship," said Wesley Simina, governor of Chuuk. "This visit connects people from Chuuk and the United States."
Pacific Partnership brings together host nations, partner nations, such as India and Canada, non-governmental organizations, such as Project Hope and the University of California Pre-Dental Society, to work toward a common goal.
"Pacific Partnership reminds everyone, everywhere around the globe, that we are dependent on other people," said Simina. "We will forever be grateful to be a part of this monumental occasion."
For more news from Pacific Partnership 2008, visit
www.navy.mil/local/PP08/.
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NNS080825-01. Navy Admiral Selected for Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award
By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- The commanding officer for Center for Naval Intelligence and Navy-Marine Corps Training Center received a Meritorious Service Award from the Blacks In Government Organization Aug. 15.
The award was presented to Rear Adm. Norman R. Hayes during the Blacks in Government (BIG) 30th National Training Convention, held in New Orleans. The Meritorious Service Award honors an active duty or Reserve military member who has significantly contributed to their service, while showing leadership and initiative in support of the development, advancement and retention of African-Americans in government service.
"Rear Admiral Hayes is a shining example of how our military is working to support diversity and fight the global war on terror," said Darlene Young, president of the National Organization of Blacks In Government. "None of us in BIG could do what we do without the support and sacrifices from those who go into harm's way to protect our freedoms."
BIG is dedicated to advocating equal opportunity, eliminating racism and promoting professionalism among African-Americans in government. BIG's goals are to promote equity in all aspects of American life, excellence in public service and opportunity for all Americans.
"This award is not about me or anything I have done, but it is about this incredible organization," said Hayes. "Since 1975, BIG has provided leadership for African-Americans in the service of this great country at all levels of government."
The award was based on several of Hayes' accomplishments including serving as the director of intelligence for the Combined Forces Command Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, intelligence officer for Commander, Seventh Fleet, and as the executive assistant to the Director of Naval Intelligence. Hayes was hand-selected by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to serve on the CNO's Diversity Panel and was instrumental in the development of Navy policies and directives to improve the recruitment, retention and advancement of minorities in the U.S. Navy.
Hayes also served as an exceptional role model by devoting numerous hours to mentoring and improving involvement between his commands and the Princess Anne Elementary School in the Virginia Beach area. This partnership has taken young Sailors of all races and ethnic backgrounds and made them leaders and role models for the children in the Princess Anne Elementary School.
For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.
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NNS080822-21. 2008 San Diego Economic Impact Study: $25 Billion
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Larry Foos, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The 2008 Economic Impact Statement was released on Aug. 19 and reported that the military and supporting industries account for nearly $25 billion in annual economic impact on the San Diego region.
President Terry Magee of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, Navy Region Southwest Commander Rear Adm. Len Hering, and Marine Corps Installations West Commander Major Gen. Mike Lehnert made the announcement.
Magee also announced that about 27 percent of all jobs in the county are connected to the large Department of Defense presence in the region.
The figures were released as a part of the 2008 San Diego Economic Impact Study, which was unveiled during a media briefing at the Naval Mine and Anti-submarine Warfare Command in San Diego.
"This report underscores what I think we have known for a very long time, that there is no place else in the country for a more dynamic, mutually supportive civilian-military relationship than what we all enjoy here in San Diego," said Hering. "In short, we could ask for no better partner."
Commissioned by the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), and conducted through the University of California at San Diego's School of International Relations, the economic impact report revealed that there are 104,500 active duty members, 149,911 Department of Defense employees, and 88,000 retirees in San Diego, and San Diego County is the number one recipient of Department of Defense spending in the nation.
The study increased the total economic impact reported in a study last year by several billion dollars. Part of that can be owed to the expected expansion of the military presence and downtown Broadway Complex redevelopment project.
"More naval forces are coming to San Diego to take advantage of the many benefits here, including the [USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70)] in 2010, the mine and countermeasure forces and the first of the Navy's littoral combat ships," said Hering.
Magee explained why San Diego is such a valuable place for the military.
"It is strategically important to our national security with its deep water port and access to area training ranges. The San Diego area is home to the largest concentration of military in the world," said Magee.
According to Magee, this is the most complete and accurate study ever done of its type in San Diego. SDMAC plans to use the report as a basis for yearly updates.
Hering explained the long-standing relationship between San Diego and its military.
"For over 100 years, the Navy and the San Diego community have worked together for a mutual benefit. This report bears testimony to the close relationship, one we can look forward to nurturing and maintaining in perpetuity."
Magee said the study is the most complete and accurate of its kind ever completed in San Diego. SDMAC plans to use the report as a basis for yearly updates.
For more news from Navy Region Southwest, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.
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NNS080824-01. School Honoring Navy Pioneer Opens Doors
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Jesse B. Awalt
HAYMARKET, Va. (NNS) -- The Samuel L. Gravely Jr. Elementary School, named in honor of the Navy's first African-American flag officer, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 21 in Haymarket, Va.
"This event is quite significant because the school honors an American hero who quietly served his country for 40 years," said Rear Adm. Julius Caesar, reserve deputy commander, Navy Installations Command. "He opened the door and inspired a generation of African-American flag officers, many [of whom] are on active duty today."
Alma Gravely, 86, wife of Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely Jr., joined Navy members, Prince William County government and school officials and students and their families for the event.
A group of students, wearing Sailors' "Dixie cup" hats, sang songs, including the Navy Hymn, to an attentive and at times tearful audience during the ceremony. Many of the children were enthused to see so many service members attending in uniform.
"Its pretty cool because my Dad was in the Navy a few years ago, and so its pretty cool to see some Navy guys like him," said Andrew Morris, a student who sang during the ceremony and will enter the 3rd grade this year.
Gravely, whose naval career spanned World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Cold War, spent his life silently pushing against the military's racial challenges. He was the first African-American to command an American ship, the first African-American to command an American ship in combat, and the U.S. Navy's first African-American flag officer. He went on to become the first African-American to command a U.S. Navy numbered fleet when he took the reins of U.S. 3rd Fleet.
Alma Gravely said she remembers her husband speaking to groups of students as a junior officer, a practice Gravely continued until his death in 2004.
"The last time he ever spoke to any group at all was to an elementary school," she said. "So I think it is very fitting that his name is on an elementary school."
The school adopted as its slogan a phrase Gravely used frequently to motivate others: success = motivation + education + perseverance.
A seadog will serve as the mascot.
"A seadog, in the dictionary, is a seal," said Gravely. "But a seadog in the Navy is an old sailor who loves to go to sea, and that is why we chose the name."
Classes begin Sept. 2 for students from kindergarten to 5th grade.
USS Gravely (DDG-107), currently under construction in Pascagoula, Ms., has also been named in honor of the admiral.
For more news from Naval District Washington, visit
www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.
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NNS080824-02. Navy Selects FRCSW Sailor for Spirit of Hope Award
By Jim Markle, Fleet Readiness Center Southwest Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION NORTH ISLAND, Calif. (NNS) -- A Navy Chief from Fleet Readiness Center Southwest was selected Aug 21. as the winner 2007 Spirit of Hope Award in recognition to his relentless service to the military and civilian community in the area.
Chief Aviation Support Equipment Technician Giovanni Balingit will receive the award and be joined by nominees from the other branches of the Defense Department in ceremonies October 28 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Established in 1997 by The Bob Hope Family Foundation, the award recognizes one member of the Navy who not only captures the values and integrity of the service, but who also exemplifies the patriotism and dedication to the armed forces so characteristic of the late comedian.
Balingit, a native of Angeles City, Philippines, is currently the FRCSW Support Equipment (SE) Rework Leading Chief Petty Officer.
FRCSW is the Navy's premier West Coast aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility specializing in Navy and Marine Corps aircraft and related systems.
In his nomination letter, FRCSW Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Kelly cited Balingit's leadership and motivational skills.
"His leadership by example and motivation given to FRCSW Sailors generated 257 volunteers who provided 1,395 hours of service to different communities throughout San Diego in 2007," wrote Capt. Kelly.
"Chief Balingit's sustained superior performance and the countless community service hours he has dedicated throughout his entire Navy career have significantly contributed to Sailor quality of life, increased mission readiness and the overall success of our command and the nation," Kelly wrote.
Since 2005, the Navy has nominated one of its members for the Spirit of Hope Award.
Balingit will receive the award and be joined by nominees from the other branches of the Defense Department in ceremonies October 28 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Southwest, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnrsw/.
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NNS080822-26. NAS Whidbey Island SAR Crew Joins Rescue Efforts
From Naval Air Station Whidbey Island Public Affairs
NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. (NNS) -- A search-and-rescue (SAR) crew from Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island assisted in the rescue of two boys trapped under snow and ice on Snoqualmie Pass, Aug. 21.
The five-person crew, made up of two pilots, two aviation warfare systems operators and one hospital corpsman, launched from NAS Whidbey Island at 6:30 p.m. in the SAR helicopter, an MH-60S Knighthawk.
After a short transit, they were on scene and made a few passes through the area to locate a safe area for pickup.
"It was a challenging mission," said Lt. Cmdr. Nelson Craig, helicopter aircraft commander. "The steep canyon walls and 150-foot trees made it a bit more difficult to locate a safe place to put down the hoist, located on the right side of the aircraft, for the litter."
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Greg Highfill rappelled down to the boys, secured them for travel before hoisting them back into the aircraft for transit to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
The Knighthawk is a twin-engine, medium lift, utility helicopter. Initially acquired by the Army in 1979 and commonly misidentified as an Army Black Hawk, Coast Guard Jayhawk or Air Force Pave Hawk, the Navy's Knighthawk is painted with traditional orange markings to clearly identify its search and rescue mission.
For more news from Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest, visit
www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/.
