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NNS080903-18. USNS Saturn Aids Stranded Fishing Vessel
From USNS Saturn Public Affairs
USNS SATURN, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. Navy combat stores ship USNS Saturn (T-AFS 10) aided a stranded fishing vessel about 53 nautical miles south of Costa Rica Aug. 24.
Saturn's watchstanders on the bridge noticed two crew members of the fishing vessel Triple Suerte waiving distress flags. After receiving permission from Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), who had tactical control of the ship, Saturn launched a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to begin a search and rescue investigation. Once the RHIB crew arrived on-scene, Triple Suerte's master, Edward Jiminez, explained the crew had been stranded for four days due to the vessel's lifeless battery.
Saturn's crew of about 120 civil service mariners and 40 Sailors were happy to help the stranded mariners.
Saturn's engineers rendered assistance by providing a new battery. Jiminez accepted the battery and prepared his vessel to return to its homeport of Punta Quepos, Costa Rica.
"We gave them water, food, fuel and even batteries just to get them going so that they could make it back home safely and they get to sail another day," said Saturn's Cargo Mate Kelvin Battle.
"I'm glad I was in a position to assist the Saturn in helping those three men and am very proud to be part of our successful search and rescue operation," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Reynolds.
"It means a lot to me knowing that even junior Sailors like myself can make a difference in this world, that even we have the power to impact another person's life for the better," said Reynolds.
Saturn is one of the U.S. Navy's four combat stores ships. Owned and operated by Military Sealift Command, these ships provide underway replenishment of supplies to Navy combatant ships at sea.
Saturn is deployed to Latin America and the Caribbean, under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/ U.S. 4th Fleet, providing logistical support to counter illicit-trafficking missions in the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of focus, which encompasses Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
NAVSO, the Navy component of SOUTHCOM, acts in concert with other SOUTHCOM components, coalition forces and joint task forces to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the SOUTHCOM area of focus in Latin America. Fourth Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to NAVSO and exercises operational responsibility for U.S. Navy units that temporarily operate in the SOUTHCOM area of focus.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
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NNS080904-05. Mercy Conducts Final Multinational Expert Exchange
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joseph Seavey, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific San Diego
CHUUK, Federated States of Micronesia (NNS) -- USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) conducted her final subject matter expert exchange (SMEE) for the Pacific Partnership 2008 mission Aug 30.
While anchored off of Weno island in Chuuk state, Mercy crew members provided hands-on training both aboard the ship and at the Chuuk state hospital.
The Pacific Partnership mission is in support of and in cooperation with the Federated States of Micronesia government and partner nations, including representatives from Canada and India, along with non-governmental organizations from Project Hope and University of California at San Diego Pre-dental society.
"Subject matter expert exchange is when Mercy personnel work alongside their host nation counterparts, exchanging information about current practices in an effort to improve relations and increased knowledge," said Lt. Cmdr. April Scheunemann, training officer aboard Mercy.
Mercy physicians and non-governmental organizations conducted a series of lectures incorporating one-on-one interaction.
"Pacific Partnership nurse educators, physicians and bio-med technicians conducted a nine-day series of lectures, biomedical engineering repair and training, and subject matter expert exchanges at the Chuuk state hospital," said Scheunemann.
"Also, lectures were held on Mercy. SMEE participants also included the majority of the partner nations and [non-governmental organizations], as well as military personnel."
The SMEE covered a variety of medical areas, including advanced cardiac life support, trauma surgery, oral and throat cancer, trauma in pregnancy, myocardial infarction and shock. The SMEE organizers hope the interactive events will leave behind a knowledge base that will continue to serve the local population long after Mercy's visit.
"The host nation participants were very receptive to the training provided," said Scheunemann. "Participants were interactive and interested in learning. The staffs on the units working with the nursing staff providing SMEE were very happy to have us working side-by-side. The staff asked lots of questions and were very thankful."
According to Scheunemann, a native of Silverdale, Wash., SMEEs are important to Pacific Partnership and provide an opportunity to build a relationship between health care providers from different parts of the world.
"It has been a rewarding experience," said Scheunemann. "I have traveled and worked with people I never would have the opportunity to."
The visit by Mercy to Micronesia exemplifies the longstanding ties between the U.S. and Micronesia, as well as Navy's commitment to work together to address mutual issues and concerns. U.S. commitment to the people, the region, and regional peace and stability are integral to the Pacific Partnership mission.
For more news from Pacific Partnership 2008, visit
www.navy.mil/local/PP08/.
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NNS080904-25. USNS Pathfinder Participates In At-Sea Demonstration
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Jenniffer Rivera, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Europe
SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command (MSC) oceanographic survey ship USNS Pathfinder (T-AGS 60) arrived in Sevastopol, Ukraine, Sept. 4 to pick up Ukrainian personnel and members of the U.S.-based Institute for Exploration (IFE) for an upcoming at-sea capabilities demonstration.
In April 2008, the U.S. Navy's 6th Fleet was invited by the Ukrainian government to demonstrate U.S. Navy hydrographic survey capabilities and to help search for SS Armenia, a sunken, World War II Soviet hospital ship.
During the at-sea demonstration, civilian surveyors from the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), IFE and Ukraine's Department of Underwater Heritage will work together to search for the downed vessel.
"The Naval Oceanographic Office will be providing our state-of-the-art survey equipment," said civilian NAVOCEANO hydrographer Marian Clough. "We will also be providing oceanographic support to everyone involved."
Pathfinder is one of seven oceanographic survey ships operated by MSC. These noncombatant ships are a unique part of the U.S. Navy's fleet tasked with learning more about the world's oceans and undersea environment.
"For the crew this is an opportunity to take the ship somewhere we have not been before, and that is always a very exciting event," said Pathfinder's civilian master Capt. Troy Erwin. "The data we will collect in Ukrainian territorial waters will improve the navigational accuracy of charts used in this area for many ships."
In May 2008, Pathfinder collaborated with Estonian naval forces to search for Kaleva, a commercial aircraft that exploded over the Gulf of Finland after taking off from the Tallinn airport in June 1940.
MSC operates more than 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that deliver combat equipment to troops, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, re-supply Navy ships at sea and perform a variety of other missions for the Department of Defense.
NAVOCEANO employs approximately 1,100 civilian, military and contract personnel and is responsible for providing oceanographic products and services to all elements within the U.S. Department of Defense.
For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/msc.
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, visit
www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.
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NNS080904-11. Seabees Build Command Outpost
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Robinson, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 17 Public Affairs
AL ANBAR, Iraq (NNS) -- Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 17 homeported at Fort Carson, Colo. are working on a multi-phase construction project to expand a Marine Combat Outpost (COP).
To date, the Seabees have constructed a Davidson Hut, Super South West Asia (SWA) huts, SWA huts, entry control points (ECP) and new Class I and IV supply lots.
The Seabees are deployed to the COP to support the MNF-W in the western Al Anbar province. They are supporting the expansion efforts to meet the operational, quality of life and force protection requirements for coalition forces.
During construction of a new road for the new Class IV yard that the Seabees built, members of NMCB 17's Alfa Company added rock to build up a base so that the road would not turn into the powdery sand of the desert, referred to as 'moon dust.' Seabees then saturated the road with water and used compaction rollers to compress the ground, constructing a road so vehicles will have a safe, stable platform to maneuver on.
The Seabees also have a 'tiger team' based out of Rawah. The team provides camp maintenance to outlaying camps in the area.
"The Seabees on this project have performed above and beyond expectations," said project Officer in Charge Lt. Cmdr. Peter Lee. "Even working in harsh environments such as heat and dust, the Seabees of NMCB 17 efficiently continued to construct quality products and completed them earlier than expected."
For more news from 22nd Naval Construction Regiment, visit
www.navy.mil/local/22ndNCR/.
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NNS080904-23. USNS Grasp Departs Barbados
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kori Melvin
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51), crewed by 26 civil service mariners and a detachment of four Navy personnel, along with 14 attached specially-trained rescue and salvage Navy divers, departed Barbados Sept. 2.
U.S. Navy divers participating in the Navy Dive – Southern Partnership Station 2008 (ND-SPS 08) exchanged diving techniques with Regional Security Service (RSS) divers, from Antigua/Barbuda, St. Lucia, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Barbados, St. Vincent, and Grenada, during their 30-day port visit in Barbados.
U.S. Navy divers came from Navy Expeditionary Combat Commands (NECC) Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) Group 2, and Underwater Construction Teams (UCT) 1 and 2. Their mission was to trade diving procedures and learn from one another to ensure interoperability for coalition operations in the future.
During the first two weeks, they shared their emergency diving procedures such as: unconscious diver, buddy breathing and lost diver. They also demonstrated hull and pier inspections, multiple search techniques and light-weight underwater salvage methods.
The following two weeks consisted of more in-depth topics including, self contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) maintenance, operational planning and advanced medicine. They discussed methods for maintaining SCUBA equipment, how to plan dives from the beginning to the end and had hands-on experiences with the recompression chamber to treat diver-related illnesses.
"I have learned an exceptional amount about diving over the last month," stated Able Body Seaman Jihan Lampkin, an RSS diver for St. Vincent. "This has been a very pleasant experience, and I look forward to working with the U.S. again in the future."
According to Chief Warrant Officer James Dertilis, a company commander for MDSU 2, the divers conducted more than 300 individual dives, contributing to nearly 150 hours of bottom time.
Although the time in Barbados was mostly devoted to diving operations, the crew also participated in two community relations projects.
Grasp hosted 13 Sea Cadets and two officers from the Barbados Coast Guard for an interactive tour of the ship Aug. 25. The Sea Cadets program is an independent youth group that works directly with Barbados' armed forces to promote discipline in their lives. The crew exposed the cadets to life on board a T-ARS ship and explained the mission of Navy divers.
Grasp's crew also delivered donated toys, skateboards, rollerblades, knee pads and safety helmets, as well as toiletries and personal care items, to the Auntie Olga's Needy Children Fund. This is a program that was founded by Olga "Auntie Olga" Lopes-Seale in 1953. She has been accepting donations and distributing them to local needy children for more than 55 years now.
"These things will not only bring joy and happiness to the children's lives but a sense of relief for the parents," stated Lopes-Seale. "I can't tell you enough how grateful I am for all the donations the USNS Grasp has made here."
Grasp continues on to St. Vincent, the sixth of seven island nations they will visit, during their 90-day deployment in the Eastern Caribbean in support of ND-SPS 08.
ND-SPS 08 will focus on enhancing cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services and improving operational readiness for all participating services while supporting the global maritime security strategy in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.
USNS Grasp is under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/ U.S. Fourth Fleet. As the Navy component command of SOUTHCOM, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment.
Fourth Fleet is the numbered fleet assigned to NAVSO, exercising operational control of assigned forces. Fourth Fleet conducts the full spectrum of Maritime Security Operations in support of U.S. objectives and security cooperation activities that promote coalition building and deter aggression.
For more news from Military Sealift Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/MSC/.
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NNS080904-18. USS Abraham Lincoln hosts Chairman, Key Commanders
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Arianne A. Anderson
NORTH ARABIAN SEA (NNS) -- The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several senior military officials visited USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while operating in the North Arabian Sea, Aug. 26-27.
The visitors included Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq; Army Gen. David McKiernan, commander of NATO's International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan; Navy Adm. Eric Olson, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command; and Army Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey, acting commander of U.S. Central Command.
The senior officers toured the ship, attended briefings, visited with Lincoln and Carrier Air Wing 2 crew members and awarded a Helicopter Squadron 2 Sailor the Navy-Marine Corps Medal.
Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 1st Class Jesse P. Hubble was recognized for his efforts in rescuing seven crew members following the crash of a Navy HH-60H helicopter off the coast of Southern California in November 2007.
"It was completely unexpected, but extremely appreciated," Hubble, a San Diego native, said. "It's a really big day for me."
Mullen congratulated Hubble and addressed the Helicopter Squadron 2 and Lincoln crews.
"Thank you," he said. "You represent the thousands of shipmates who couldn't be here. I want to express my -- our -- gratitude for everything you do out here."
Mullen said he believes today's Navy is the best it's been.
"I've been around for a very long time," he said. "Hands down, you're the best I've ever seen. We couldn't do this without you and your families' support. It's truly been spectacular in the last seven years."
Mullen said the visit was a wonderful experience.
"Thank you for the hospitality," he said over the ship's announcing system. "It's a terrific ship, a terrific crew, and I can't say enough. From the captain down to the folks that prepare the meals and make the screws turn, you're doing an excellent job."
Mullen reminded Lincoln Sailors not to become complacent in their jobs as they near the end of their deployment.
"You've done a great job so far," he said. "Keep your heads in the game, and get Lincoln home safely."
Petraeus and Mullen walked throughout the crowds meeting Sailors, and Mullen posed for pictures and passed out coins.
Aviation Electronics Technician 3rd Class James E. Harrison, from Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department, said meeting Mullen was a unique experience.
"He gave me my first coin," Harrison said. "I doubt I'll be able to top it. I think it's really neat that he took time out of his busy schedule to hang out with us and see how we live out here on the ship."
The chairman had more words of praise for the deployed Sailors.
"Thanks for what you are doing -- for serving your country, especially during this critical time," Mullen said. "Lincoln and [Carrier Strike Group 9] have an exceptional reputation."
Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, the strike group commander, congratulated the crew for a job well done in facilitating the visit.
"Thank you for all of the hard work and helping out to make this visit a success," he said. "The visit went very well, and I think they had a good time visiting with you guys. Good job."
Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, as well as performing maritime security operations.
For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit
www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.
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NNS080904-06. Naval Surface Forces Hires Executive Director
From Commander, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- A senior executive service member began working as the first civilian executive director for Naval Surface Forces Aug. 18.
Jeffrey A. Klein will serve as the principal civilian advisor to Commander, Naval Surface Forces, Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, and as the chief financial officer (CFO) of the Surface Warfare Enterprise (SWE).
"Mr. Klein will be a valuable asset to the Surface Warfare Enterprise because the executive director position will maintain continuity of leadership at the executive level," said Curtis.
Klein's position as the CFO for SWE puts him in charge of all matters related to naval surface forces' warfare programs and requirements. He will ensure that all surface force commands function as a single business enterprise in regard to operational readiness, acquisition, research and development, and manning requirements. As the senior civilian within the naval surface forces he will also lead and develop the civilian workforce.
Prior to accepting this position, Mr. Klein served for more than 20 years in the acquisition community, most recently as director of logistics and fleet support within the Naval Space and Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) 4.0. He brings extensive enterprise experience as a member of the board of directors for the Naval NETWAR FORCEnet Enterprise (NNFE) and the SWE Surface Board. He has served as a government employee for 22 years.
"I am looking forward to working with our talented surface leaders across the force to continue to improve efficiency, identify and prioritize our requirements, and to ultimately deliver warships ready for tasking not only in the near term, but in the future," said Klein.
For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.
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NNS080904-21. Sigonella Sailors Honor Fallen on Armistice Anniversary
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan P. Idle, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs
SIGONELLA, Sicily (NNS) -- Sailors from Naval Air Station (NASSIG) Sigonella (NASSIG)joined members of the local Italian military and law enforcement in honor of the 65th anniversary of the signing of the armistice between Italy and Allied Forces Sept. 3, 1943 in the town of Cassibile, Sicily.
In 1943, Italian Gen. Giuseppe Castellano met with Gen. Bedeli Smith, acting in place of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, to sign the armistice in secret and begin the immediate disarmament of the Italian fleet and aircraft.
The agreement was not announced until Sept. 8 when then-Italian Prime Minister Pietro Bodoglio addressed the nation during a radio broadcast.
"The Italian government, recognizing the impossibility of continuing the uneven struggle against the overwhelming enemy power, with intent of saving further and more serious calamities to the nation, has asked Gen. Eisenhower, commander...of the Allied Forces, for an armistice," Bodoglio said. "The request has been accepted."
The Sailors participated in the parade procession down the main street of the town that ended in the city's plaza where a ceremonial wreath was laid in honor of those who gave their lives during the war. Many of the local residents lined the streets and plaza to see the parade and take photos.
Following the wreath ceremony, Father Vincenzo Marino, a local pastor, delivered a speech in remembrance of those who fought and died during World War II.
"We ask you to grant eternal peace and rest to all those who gave their lives for these precious gifts during the second World War; grant to us, we pray, the strength and willingness to defend in our day, these your given gifts of freedom and peace," Marino said.
Franco Inprescia, president of the Kakiparis Cultural Association, said that the armistice was an important turning point for Italy and much of the Western world.
"Sept. 3 is particularly significant because it was the beginning of the peace process which built the foundation of Western democracy," Inprescia said.
Lt. Cmdr. Jim McGowan, U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella, felt privileged to be part of the event.
"It's an honor to be here, not only to represent the hospital or NASSIG, but we really represent the U.S. in general," McGowan said.
For more news from Naval Air Station Sigonella, visit
www.navy.mil/local/nassig/.
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NNS080904-13. Missouri Commemorates 63rd Anniversary of End of WWII
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A ceremony commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the end of World War II took place Sept. 2 aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial on historic Ford Island, Hawaii.
The ceremony, "The End of the War in the Pacific," celebrated the day Gen. Douglas MacArthur, Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Japanese Foreign Minister Mamoru Shigemitsu and other leaders from around the world signed the Japanese Instrument of Surrender on the Missouri, ending the most destructive war of the modern era.
"The true end of World War II happened here," said U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, Hawaii, keynote speaker for the event. "As we rest today upon this magnificent symbol of both war and peace, let us give thanks to the men and women who helped us win the war and the success of 63 years without another world war."
The ceremony began at 8:45 a.m., which coincided with the time representatives from 10 nations signed the formal "Instrument of Surrender" to officially end World War II.
A key highlight for the event was a standing ovation recognizing World War II veterans in attendance. Three veterans in attendance were aboard USS Missouri (BB-63) at the time of surrender Sept. 2, 1945.
Akaka also shared his personal experience during the Dec. 7, 1941 attacks with the audience.
"My classmates and I heard much commotion on Dec. 7, 1941, and then I watched as the planes attacked Pearl Harbor, sinking USS Arizona and other battleships," said Akaka.
"At the time we didn't know what was happening until Japanese planes flew over the schools. That day, Hawaii was placed under martial law, and my classmates and I were told to look for enemy paratroopers throughout the evening."
Capt. Gregory Thomas, commanding officer of Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, served as guest speaker for the event. His comments centered on the importance of actions of the military and civilians working at the shipyard during World War II.
"Immediately after the attack, military and civilian workers began the greatest salvage effort in history - the resurrection of U.S. Pacific Fleet from the bottom of Pearl Harbor," said Thomas.
"By Sept. 2, 1945, the shipyard held more than 7,000 major ship repairs as a major staging area. The work done here helped take the war to Japan and sustain the drive to victory."
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Hawaii, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnrh/.
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NNS080904-08. CVN 70 Air Department Constructs New Arresting Gear Barricade
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Candice Villarreal, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
SUFFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 50 Sailors assigned USS Carl Vinson's (CVN 70) Air Department, V-2 division, gathered to construct the ship's first new arresting gear barricade Aug. 26 at a designated facility in Suffolk.
The barricade, which engages and recovers jet aircraft in emergency landing situations during at-sea flight operations, is the first to be constructed for Carl Vinson in more than four years, signaling the aircraft carrier's imminent return to the fleet where the ship will resume flight operations at sea – a critical element of the Navy's Maritime Strategy.
"The barricade is a crucial element of safe flight operations," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class Charles Schneider, arresting gear leading petty officer for the department.
"Without it, we can't fly any missions, and that would defeat the whole purpose of our aircraft carrier.
If a plane were to experience landing gear or tail hook failure during flight operations, the barricade would serve as a "safety net" by capturing the wings of the plane in its webbing, thereby making the salvaging of aircraft possible. The barricade is held in place on the aft end of the flight deck by stanchions that lift the assembly to 20 feet in height when necessary.
With the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier's flight deck certification process slated for early 2009, the ship's V-2 division is working arduously to ensure each preparatory evolution is completed properly and without incident. Construction of the barricade marks yet another milestone in the crew's efforts to bring the warship back to life.
"We followed every instruction closely to make sure this barricade was built with the strength and integrity it will need to save our jets and our pilots in an emergency," said Schneider. "V-2 built this safety net to fit the demands of a wartime aircraft carrier."
To build the barricade, V-2 Sailors from the air department ensured that webbing structures were stacked properly and that 88 tie-down straps and 36 release straps were put together with precision in accordance with the work package instructions. After construction of the device was complete, the barricade measured approximately 100 feet in length and 24 feet in height.
Once the flight deck certification is complete, the "Gold Eagle" will begin its first sea trial phase after a 40-month shipyard overhaul period.
"Now that we're getting closer to going back out to sea, our Sailors are getting a real taste of the kind of work they'll be doing underway," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) (AW/SW) Matthew McCauley.
"I think now our guys are really starting to see that we're going to be out of the shipyard really soon. We're doing flight deck and arresting gear work now. Everybody's getting pretty excited about it."
Carl Vinson is undergoing its scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.
During RCOH Carl Vinson's nuclear fuel will be replenished and the ship's services and infrastructure will be upgraded to make her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and prepare for another 25 years or more of service.
For more news from USS Carl Vinson, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.
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NNS080904-19. Tennessee Visits Namesake State
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Kimberly Clifford, Submarine Group 10 Public Affairs
NASHVILLE (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) (Gold) made an annual namesake visit to Tennessee Aug. 14-19.
Fifteen of Tennessee's Sailors, including Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Rhett Jaehn, the weapon's officer, supply officer and chief of the boat, spent five days visiting Nashville, Chattanooga and Cleveland. This is the Gold crew's third visit to Tennessee.
"It is an honor for us to represent the great state of Tennessee. The relationship between the state and USS Tennessee is a very special one. In twenty years of service, I have never experienced a closer partnership. Our command's motto is "America at Its Best"; this applies not only to the crew but also the state of Tennessee," Jaehn said.
The trip began in Nashville where the crew was on the field for the Titans vs. Raiders football game. The Titans allowed Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Russ Mason, and Electronics Technician 2nd Class Ryan Wilson to hold their re-enlistment ceremony on the 50-yard line before the game. The ship's coin was used for the official coin toss, and the team presented Jaehn with the game ball.
The Titans pulled out a stunning victory in the last two seconds of the game. Mason had an additional reason to celebrate the home team's victory - it was his birthday.
"This will probably be my last enlistment in the Navy, and to be able to share that with Wilson, who was re-enlisting for the first time is really special," Mason said. "Football is my favorite sport, so to be on the field at a Titans game, in our namesake state, makes this the best birthday, hands down."
"I don't know how to describe the feelings," Wilson said. "The significance of master chief's last re-enlistment and my first is really cool. I am proud to be a part of Tennessee, the ship and the state. The people here are just awesome."
The day after the game, the crew drove to Chattanooga National Cemetery for a special dedication of the USS Haddo Base Memorial Stone. This monument honors the service of all U.S. submariners and was sponsored by members of the Haddo from Cleveland, Tenn. A lunch was held after the ceremony at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4848. After lunch, the crew continued on to Cleveland.
In February 2006, the city of Cleveland was brought to the attention of Tennessee when Tunes 4 the Troops made a special delivery of CDs and DVDs to the Sailors.
Tunes 4 the Troops is a program created and operated by Cleveland native Kaylee Radzyminski. As a 14-year-old U.S. Naval Sea Cadet, Radzyminski met with troops returning from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. While speaking with them, she learned that many were homesick for movies, music and television programs from home.
A small collection drive started the ball rolling, and Tunes 4 the Troops is now a nationally recognized program that has collected and shipped more than 350,000 items. Radzyminski expects to reach her goal of shipping 500,000 CDs and DVDs to troops all over the world by the end of 2008.
After meeting Radzyminski, the Gold crew decided to donate their time to help with Tunes 4 the Troops. The Gold crew made their first visit to Cleveland and the Radzyminski home in the summer of 2006. The city honored the Sailors during that visit by presenting Tennessee with an official proclamation declaring Cleveland's adoption of the submarine.
In October of 2006, Jaehn took command of Tennessee and soon made plans for another namesake visit. One year later, in October 2007, Jaehn and 12 members of the Gold crew, made a second trip to Cleveland.
"The state of Tennessee has always provided the command great support. Our visit is a great opportunity for us to give something back to the community. The ship is a strategic asset vital to the nation's defense, but the heart and soul of USS Tennessee is the crew," Jaehn said.
"I am very proud of my men and what they have accomplished. This is a great opportunity for the local community to meet the Sailors that represent them around the world."
After arriving in Cleveland, the crew mustered at the Radzyminski home and helped to pack some of the thousands of CDs and DVDs that will be shipped to troops overseas.
"I had the best time with the guys from Tennessee! I really loved the help with packing and getting ready about 10,000 CDs and DVDs to send overseas to our troops," Radzyminski said.
"It is cool to know that other troops helped to pack and prepare them for their brothers in the war zones."
Radzyminski has been selected as a "CNN Hero" for her work with Tunes 4 the Troops. She is now eligible for the "CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute", which will air Thanksgiving night. Ten CNN Heroes will be honored this year; each will be awarded $25,000 toward their cause. Additionally, one "hero" will receive $100,000 from an online vote later this year.
"To see one teenage girl in Cleveland start a national movement was inspirational and sets the example for all to follow," said Chief (Sel.) Missile Technician David Jones, Tennessee crew member.
Jones, a native of Wayne County, Tenn., knows about setting an example to follow. He was selected as the USS Tennessee (Gold) Sailor of the Year for 2008.
"Upon first arriving in Nashville, I was proud to see my fellow statesmen on their feet applauding my shipmates. It made me proud to be in the Navy and to be from Tennessee," Jones said.
The crew spent three days in Cleveland. They spoke with students at Cleveland High School and North Lee Elementary School. They were invited to dine at "The Spot," a historical restaurant landmark in Cleveland. A special lunch was held with the Navy League.
"The community is already asking when the next visit will be," said Stephanie Radzyminski, Kaylee's mother. "I am so thankful for all the support for Kaylee and her Tunes 4 the Troops. The media from USS Tennessee being in town and the help with all the CDs and DVDs - it was a huge help for Kaylee and Tunes 4 the Troops."
The crew also devoted one day to whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River in the Cherokee National Forest. After rafting, they were treated to a barbeque with Cleveland community members.
On their last day in Tennessee, the crew visited T.C. Thompson Children's Hospital in Chattanooga. Crew members presented Tennessee ball caps and posed for pictures with each child on the oncology floor.
"Our visit to the children's hospital was a somber experience in the beginning, but when their faces lit up, it was a joy. This whole trip has made me proud to be a Sailor, Tennessee native and Wayne County Wildcat," Jones said.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, visit
www.navy.mil/local/sublant/.
