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NNS080912-11. Kearsarge Volunteers Deliver Humanitarian Relief to Haiti
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Emmitt J. Hawks, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), along with volunteers from other embarked units aboard, have been working tirelessly to assist in the disaster relief efforts in Haiti since Sept. 7.
"We are absolutely in the right place at the right time doing the right thing. We are helping to bring order to chaos," said Kearsarge Commanding Officer Capt. Walter Towns over the ship's 1MC while thanking all the military members who volunteered to assist in working parties ashore in Port-au-Prince.
Towns explained to Haitian Prime Minister Michele Pierre-Louis during her visit to the ship Sept. 9, that so many people aboard have volunteered to help that organizers are having to turn people away.
Suffering from massive flooding after being pounded by tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna, Haiti faced even more devastation as Hurricane Ike passed over the northern part of the country causing the destruction of homes, bridges and roads.
On Sept. 5, U.S. Southern Command directed Commander, 4th Fleet to divert the amphibious ship from its humanitarian/civic assistance mission in Colombia to assist the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in mitigating human suffering and loss of life.
"The countryside is ravaged by flood waters," said Seaman Scott Polk, while flying over farmland and small towns outside Gonaives.
"People are walking in almost knee-deep flood water, and families are sleeping on the rooftops of their homes. This is hard work; it's hot and the bags of rice weigh almost 100 pounds, but my worries don't even compare to the Haitian people, so I'll push through this day and bring relief to those who are in need."
The working party volunteers have been assisting the air crew from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464, loading and unloading bags of food supplies over the past two days.
"The Haitian people have been assisting us unload the helicopters or showing us support from a short distance with waves and smiles," said Seaman David Stevenson.
"We have been well received by Haiti; you can see the relief in their expressions. There is a lot of support at work for the Haitian people. The World Food Program folks and U.N. are out here lifting these heavy bags of rice with us. The people of Haiti needed us and we are here for them."
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean supporting phase two of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes assisting partner nations impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in human suffering or danger to human lives.
For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit
www.navy.mil/local/lhd3.
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NNS080912-10. "Condors" Provide Disaster Relief in Haiti
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Emmitt J. Hawks, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Pilots from Marine Heavy Helicopter (HMH) Squadron 464, embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) are providing disaster relief support to citizens after the onslaught of several tropical storms and hurricanes during August and September.
Suffering from massive flooding after tropical storms Fay, Gustav and Hanna, Haiti faced even more devastation as Hurricane Ike passed over the northern part of the country causing the destruction of homes, bridges and roads.
On Sept. 5, U.S. Southern Command directed Commander, 4th Fleet to divert Kearsarge from its humanitarian/civic assistance mission, Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 in Colombia, to assist in the relief efforts in Haiti following destruction.
The capabilities of the HMH 464 crew include the fast movement of personnel and cargo by helicopter, making them the ideal group to support urgent humanitarian relief missions.
"These people have been hit very hard by hurricanes," said Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Desjardins, aircrew chief, as he handed children candy through a fence after the working party dropped off bags of rice and boxes of cooking oil.
"We are bringing food and water to the communities who have been literally cut off from the rest of the country. After massive mud slides and flooding from torrential rain, transportation routes have been washed away or destroyed."
Based out of Marine Corps Air Station, Jacksonville, N.C., HMH 464 was specifically chosen for the CP mission for its ability to carry large amounts of cargo and passengers at one time.
"The CH-53E has three engines that have a total of 4,000 shaft horsepower apiece. Burning 20,000 to 25,000 pounds of fuel a day." said Pfc. Kelvin Espinal, an aviation electronics technician for HMH.
"It has the capability of carrying up to 30,000 pounds, seats 24 passengers, two pilots, and three crewmen and the capability of carrying 15,000 pounds of fuel, but due to fuel usage and safety reasons we normally fly with 14,000 pounds of fuel at a time."
The squadron has been flying into Port-au-Prince airport to pick up relief supplies the past two days. After cargo is unloaded, the helicopters return to Port-au-Prince where they work with military personnel from Kearsarge and local citizens to load the helicopters before flying out again to deliver supplies.
Since arriving on scene Sept. 7, the pilots have flown 58 missions into the most devastated regions.
"We are providing a very important service," said Sgt. Shawn Edgar. "I have been loading and unloading this life-giving cargo for two days, and on day three, I am still going. When tragedy strikes back home we all pitch in, pull together and pull through a crisis.
"I am being of service; we are on a humanitarian mission. When the people of Haiti called, America answered."
Kearsarge is in the Caribbean for phase two of Continuing Promise 2008, a humanitarian assistance mission that includes assisting partner nations impacted by natural disasters and other emergencies resulting in human suffering or danger to human lives.
For more news about Continuing Promise, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
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NNS080912-09. Chief Selectees Honor Tradition, Naval Heritage
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- More than 10 chief petty officer (CPO) selectees from Naval Support Activity (NSA) Norfolk celebrated the leadership and naval history of the CPO Association when they participated in a community relations (COMREL) event at the Mariners' Museum in Newport News Sept. 10.
After dedicating the morning to cleaning various areas of the Civil War replica, USS Monitor, the selectees presented the museum with a $300 check for use toward the purchase of a new ensign for the ship.
One Sailor described the feelings of pride he has as a selectee and the opportunity to help out at the museum.
"It's an honor to provide a service to the museum," said Chief (Sel.) Yeoman Christopher Houle. "There is so much knowledge to gain at the Mariners' Museum, and I feel very proud to be here and to pay tribute to the Sailors from long ago."
Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/FMF) Patrick Modglin, fundraising events coordinator for NSA 2009 CPO selectees, said part of the process of training the selectees before they are pinned as CPOs is to emphasize leadership by example, the value of naval heritage and tradition and how they will affect the future of the Navy.
"Our role as we train and mentor the selectees is to make sure they understand that as chiefs, they will be the person who will be called upon for answers," said Modglin. "Before, they would have to ask the chief. Now, they are getting ready to be that chief."
Part of the process was bringing the soon-to-be former "blue-shirts" back to the basics of being a Sailor, Modglin added.
"You cannot ask someone to do something that you can't do yourself. That's why coming to the Mariners' Museum and remembering the sacrifices of Sailors before us is an important part of transitioning to chief petty officer. We all need to remember the basics of seamanship – the Sailors Creed, marching proudly in formation and even just wearing the Navy ballcap that we wore in boot camp."
"Their presence acts as a conduit to the history, the lore and heritage of people coming into the fleet, coming up in the ranks, as well as people coming to visit the museum who are inspired by them [Sailors] and their stories," said Bill Cogar, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Mariners' Museum.
Cogar also understands the role these Sailors will fill as they assume their new rank.
"I used to be a professor of naval history at the Naval Academy, and I know that the CPOs are the backbone of the fleet," added Cogar. "The museum is thrilled to have these selectees on board, and we look forward to continuing a good relationship with them and their chiefs' mess."
Houle described his feelings of accomplishment and pride after learning he was selected to become a CPO.
"I came from a military family and watched my dad work to become chief, but not ever make [that] rank," said Houle. "I am very proud to soon be called 'chief petty officer' and to know I am going to be called upon to lead our Sailors. I plan to do it with pride and privilege."
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnrma/.
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NNS080912-08. PCU Bush Preps for Underway Replenishment
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Joel S. Kolodziejczak, Pre-Commissioning Unit George H.W. Bush Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Sailors from Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) trained to load and unload cargo during a three-day course at the Center for Service Combat Systems Detachment East Underway Replenishment (UNREP)Training Facility on Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek Aug. 27.
During an UNREP, one ship transports supplies to another ship while at sea, using a series of cables carefully strung between the two.
"UNREP is how we will get our food and fuel while at sea," PCU Bush Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Alton C. Smith said.
Bush sent 30 Sailors from the deck department to hone their skills using practice machinery and to build teamwork.
The Sailors divided into two teams and took turns receiving supplies and sending them.
There are two UNREP stations at the facility, one to train for cargo transfers and the other for fuel.
Smith said he wished this trainer was available when he first came into the Navy two decades ago. He said the replenishment process can be done day or night or during weather conditions that can make the job very tough, so this kind of training is a must for new Sailors.
"At this facility we can take Sailors into a controlled training environment, so if something goes wrong we can stop everything to correct it," Smith said. "It is a lot safer than just putting a new Sailor onto a ship and expecting them to know what to do during an actual
UNREP."
According to one of the instructors, Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW/AW) Michael R. Jukes, the facility conducts seven three-week classes each year and allows ships to send crews to train on the equipment between classes.
"When I came into the Navy, I was thrown right onto a ship and had to learn the hard way. It wasn't until years later that I heard about this facility and what it was doing to train new Sailors," Jukes said.
PCU BUSH Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Michael Ruffin used the class to share his UNREP experience with his Sailors.
"It takes practice to get everybody working as a team, but once each Sailor knows his or her role, it becomes like a choreographed dance," Ruffin said.
"I like having fun while I work, but I realize this is a dangerous job so I pay close attention to what I have to do and what is going on around me," PCU Bush Seaman Chanel M. Hutchison said.
"I don't know what it's like doing this (UNREP) on a ship at sea but I'm glad I'm getting a chance to try it here first."
The aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush is under construction at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard.
For more news from Pre-Commissioning Unit George H.W. Bush, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.
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NNS080912-07. Makin Island Refreshes Dental Hygiene Training
By USS Makin Island Public Affairs
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning unit (PCU) Makin Island (LHD
concluded dental health month Aug. 31 with briefings from Tricare dental program representatives for crew members located in Pascagoula, Miss., and San Diego.
"Practicing good oral hygiene is the best weapon in preventing tooth decay and gum disease," Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Laura Mack said. "Every crew member's dental health contributes to our ship's overall readiness for Makin Island's mission capability."
Makin Island's Health Council met in January and decided to focus on various topics throughout the year and selected August to highlight the importance of dental health for Sailors and their family members.
Tricare manager of benefit relations, Rich Panepinto, gave a brief in Pascagoula.
"There were a lot of great questions posed by the Sailors today," Panepinto said. "However, I want to make sure that they understand that in order to receive Tricare benefits, they must enroll in the program."
Engineman 1st Class (SW) Jevaras Barber attended the brief and felt the instructor presented a lot of important information.
"I learned that it's important to do your research prior to going to the dentist," Barber said. "You have to make sure that your dentist honors Tricare because it will save you a lot of heartache in the long run."
"If Sailors are enrolled in the program, they need to take advantage of the services. It will save you time and money if you use the free cleanings and exams, instead of going to the dentist once your teeth start hurting," said Panepinto added.
The Tricare briefings were just a part of the events that Makin Island dental department personnel organized. They also created informative display boards, added oral hygiene tips to the ship's plan-of-the-day notes and contacted various organizations for brochures, pamphlets and samples.
For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, visit
www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.
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NNS080912-06. Carter Hall Boarding Team Boosts Language Skills for Deployment
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- The visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team aboard USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) have prepared themselves to conduct operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility by becoming versed in Arabic and Farsi cultures and languages.
Members of the VBSS team had training in Arabic and Farsi, a language that is spoken by more than 200 million people in more than 20 countries. The training also included briefings on Middle Eastern cultures, giving Sailors greater awareness of common courtesies and mannerisms when interacting with crews of local vessels during boarding operations.
"Ultimately, this training makes our being aboard someone else's ship a little smoother if we can develop a positive relationship by maximizing the amount of communication we will be able to have," said Lt. j.g. Andrew Evans, the Carter Hall VBSS boarding officer.
"The ability to converse in someone's language, even if it's just saying 'hello,' can do wonders in bridging the communication gap and the other person's willingness to assist with the various phases of the boarding."
VBSS helps prevent the spread of contraband and the traveling of terrorists by verifying ship's cargo and crew. They also extend the word to local fishermen or shipping agents that coalition ships in the area are working to help them, deter terrorism, fight piracy and provide assistance if necessary.
The ability to communicate in Arabic or Farsi can help overcome language barriers and help prevent any potentially harmful miscommunications.
Abdul Safi, an instructor from the Defense Language Institute, conducted the classes with VBSS teams aboard Carter Hall and several other ships in the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) during their transit across the Atlantic.
"It is very important for the Sailors to know the proper way to conduct themselves and how to speak the language, because the people there will respond more favorably," Safi said. "If a Sailor can speak even only a few words in the language, the natives will really appreciate that and believe the Sailors have respect for their customs. It's a very positive thing."
Safi instructs the VBSS members how to ask basic questions, how to say greetings, key words, numbers and the alphabet.
"Without trained members in Farsi and Arabic, there may be natives who will look negatively upon the U.S., because we didn't take the time to learn their language or study their culture," said Ensign Andrew Droddy, a Carter Hall VBSS member.
"If we try to learn their language and can greet them in their native tongue, we are showing respect for them and their culture, which is a step in the right direction."
"A better trained boarding team equals better communications with the locals, which equals a willingness to assist in the coalition mission," Evans said. "And that's what we are striving to do."
Carter Hall is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima ESG in support of maritime security operations in the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. The Iwo Jima ESG consists of Carter Hall; the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.
For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit
www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.
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NNS080912-05. Singapore Commands Get "Green" Light for Environmental Stewardship
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Seth Clarke, Commander Task Force 73 Public Affairs
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Auditors arrived in Singapore Aug. 28 to determine if the U.S. Navy commands are on track with federal environmental regulations.
The auditors are traveling to various Navy commands to determine compliance with the execution of environmental management systems (EMS), as required by Executive Order 13423. All federal agencies are required to develop and implement EMS, which will become the primary means for those agencies to address environmental issues and policies. The deadline for compliance with the EMS standard is Sept. 30, 2009.
The EMS auditors measure how well a command is performing based on a list of several metrics, including the establishment and articulation of objectives and targets, the implementation of training programs and management review.
In each metric category, commands report a score indicating a performance level anywhere between minimum and full implementation of the program's specifics. The auditors and commands both use these metrics to determine if a command rates green (highest rate of compliance), yellow or red (lowest).
Debra Loo, environmental compliance product line manager, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Pacific, said that at this point, Singapore's commands are ahead of the pack.
"In our [area of responsibility], Singapore is the only one that's green," Loo said. "That's something you folks can be proud of."
The evaluation of the Singapore commands is the 10th such self-declaration audit conducted by NAVFAC Pacific. While in Singapore, the auditors will inspect facilities, review records and documents and interview personnel.
NAVFAC manages the planning, design, construction, contingency engineering, real estate, environmental and public works support for U.S. Navy shore facilities worldwide.
Reggie Yamada, head of air and solid hazardous waste, NAVFAC Pacific, said the successful implementation of EMS depends on commands' abilities to decrease pollution by increasing awareness and compliance.
"EMS basically aims to prevent pollution by identifying which environmental aspects are the most significant. Right now those are energy use and solid waste generation," Yamada explained. "Be aware of the recycling program and participate in it. And turn off the lights when you leave the room."
Glenn Yoshinaga, an environmental engineer with NAVFAC Pacific, said that making changes for the better shouldn't require any extra effort from command personnel.
"You should already be doing these things," Yoshinaga said. "You should already be aware; you should be recycling and not wasting. EMS is just a formalized system to make sure people are educated and trained."
Under the EMS monitoring program, auditors will next measure Singapore's commands' performance in 2011.
The U.S. Navy has several commands in Singapore operating in support of 7th Fleet's logistics mission, including Logistics Group, Western Pacific; Sealift Logistics Command Far East; Navy Region Center Singapore; and Fleet Industrial Supply Center, Singapore detachment. Through these units, the Navy plans and executes two premier annual maritime exercises in conjunction with several regional partner nations: Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training and Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism.
For more news from Commander Task Force 73, visit
www.navy.mil/local/clwp/.
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NNS080911-17. Naval War College Remembers 9/11 Victims
From Naval War College Public Affairs
NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Naval War College (NWC) held a ceremony Sept. 11 at the campus memorial to honor those lost at the Pentagon in the terrorist attacks seven years ago.
The guest speaker, retired Vice Adm. Phil Balisle, was the Director, Surface Warfare, in the Pentagon that day in 2001. His office was destroyed in the attack, and he and his staff were involved in the rescue efforts.
Reflecting on Sept. 11, 2001, Balisle said, "…in New York City, over the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, and in our nation's capital the terrorists sent a vividly clear, graphically frightening message to our nation and the world. Moreover, in doing so they changed the lives of free men everywhere, forever."
The ceremony, attended by faculty, staff, students and Naval Station Newport personnel, honored the three NWC students and seven alumni who were killed that morning. The victims included a cross section of active-duty and reserve officers from the aviation, submarine, surface warfare and personnel communities. All were assigned to the Pentagon during the attack.
The three Washington D.C.-based students who were actively enrolled at the time of the attack were: Angela Houtz, of LaPlata, Md.; Lt. Jonas Panik, U.S. Navy, of Mingoville, Pa.; and Cmdr. Dan Shanower, U.S. Navy, of Naperville, Ill. All three were serving in the Chief of Naval Operations Intelligence Department at the Pentagon. Shanower commanded the 28-person unit, and Houtz was the youngest civilian to ever be named as senior day analyst. Panik, a highly-respected briefer, had been with the unit over a year.
The seven alumni were: Capt. Gerald F. DeConto, U.S. Navy, of Sandwich, Mass.; Lt. Cmdr Robert R. Elseth, U.S. Navy, of Vestal, N.Y.; Capt. Lawrence D. Getzfred, U.S. Navy, of Elgin, Neb.; Cmdr. Patrick J. Murphy, U.S. Navy, of Flossmoor, Ill.; Capt. Jack Punches, U.S. Navy (ret.), of Clifton, Va.; Cmdr. Robert A. Schlegel, U.S. Navy, of Gray, Maine; and Maj. Kip Taylor, U.S. Army, of McLean, Va.
"Were they with us in person this day, they would thank us for honoring them but would emphatically insist it isn't necessary…after all, they were only doing their job," said Balisle. "We who stand or have stood the watch at their side understand all too well this sincere belief, and it makes our honoring them even more important."
After Balisle's speech, Balisle and NWC Deputy Commander/Chief of Staff Capt. Russell Knight, placed a wreath at the campus memorial, called Patriots Memorial, which is inscribed with each victim's name. The memorial, which includes a section of limestone removed from the damaged portion of the Pentagon, was dedicated in 2002 and was made possible through private donations to a memorial fund sponsored by the Naval War College Foundation.
The Naval Station Newport area chief petty officer selectees also contributed to the ceremony by stating each victim's name while ringing a bell in his or her memory.
Additionally, Balisle was joined by Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy Anita K. Blair and several members of the DeConto family, attending in honor of their brother, Capt. Gerald DeConto.
"It is my fervent hope that as we continue to remember those heroes who stood on 9/11 with such dedication in service to our nation, we remember also the gravity of the threat we continue to face," said Balisle at the end of his remarks. "The truth remains unchanged. Freedom will never, never be free."
For more news from Naval War College, visit
www.navy.mil/local/nwc/.
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NNS080911-16. NSWC Corona Increases Readiness at Reduced Costs
From Naval Surface Warfare Center Corona Public Affairs
NORCO, Calif. (NNS) -- Engineers at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona, a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), completed operational testing of the METBENCH (Metrology Bench Top) Calibration Management System at the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station Sept. 4.
The METBENCH Calibration Management System (MCMS) uses an innovative information technology application to improve calibration readiness reporting for the Navy's Surface Fleet while increasing calibration efficiency at the ashore calibration laboratories.
"This is an important milestone for the METBENCH program because it aligns the afloat data system with the ashore calibration laboratory infrastructure," said Capt. Rob Shafer, NSWC Corona commander. "The MCMS is streamlining calibration efforts for the fleet and will reduce Sailor workload and save the Navy money."
The operational testing stressed functional elements of the METBENCH system relating to calibration laboratory management.
"This innovative new approach to shipboard calibration fully utilizes the Navy's new distance support architecture to best support the warfighter," said Capt. Dave Lewis, former assistant chief of staff for maintenance and engineering, Commander, Naval Surface Forces.
"Keeping our shipboard systems in proper calibration is a critical aspect of sustaining our combat readiness, and MCMS makes that task about as easy and transparent to the Sailor as it could possibly be." Lewis added that MCMS was one of the first Surface Warfare Enterprise "quick win" projects started in March 2006.
MCMS provides a single interface to the calibration requirements List and metrology requirements list and aligns the afloat and ashore calibration communities. Currently, 81 automated calibration procedures and nearly 5,000 legacy calibration procedures are available for use within the system.
"METBENCH enables Corona to provide both the fleet and the ashore communities what they need to increase readiness while reducing maintenance costs."
Laboratory managers and representatives across multiple commands participated in the test event, including NAVSEA, Naval Air Systems Command, Strategic Systems Program, and Commander Naval Surface Forces.
In addition to Seal Beach Naval Weapons Station, MCMS is fielded at NSWC Corona; NSWC Crane; Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific, Bangor, Wash.; and Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego. MCMS is scheduled for installation at NAVSEA's shipyards in Pearl Harbor and Puget Sound before year's end, followed by the Navy's largest calibration lab, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Calibration Center in fiscal year 2009.
For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.
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NNS080911-15. USS Bataan Returns from Successful Underway Training
From USS Bataan Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) pulled into its homeport of Norfolk, Sept. 11 following a successful underway when the ship completed a four day Hurricane Exercise (HURREX 08-002) and landing qualifications for pilots from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 and Marine Medium Tilt-rotor Squadron (VMM) 263.
Bataan sortied Sept. 2 to perform the HURREX, which enabled the ship and crew to demonstrate at-sea readiness for disaster response. Following the exercise, the ship remained at sea to conduct training with embarked squadrons.
"This was a valuable time for us at sea," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer. "Not only did we conduct training in all aspects of providing relief following a natural disaster, we were able to give the crew a head start coordinating and training with the Marine aviators who will embark next year for deployment."
Initial daytime landing qualifications for AV-8B Harrier pilots from VMA-542 and initial night-vision device landing qualifications for MV-22 Osprey pilots from VMM-263 is an important step in their pre-deployment training.
"We have guys who have been to [Operation Iraqi Freedom] three times, but some of them have never been a part of a Marine Expeditionary Unit," said Marine Corps Maj. Johnny Widener, safety officer for VMA-542. "Landing on a ship is one of the most dangerous things that we do, and we're making sure we're proficient in doing so."
Embarked squadrons included equipment and personnel from Commander Amphibious Squadron 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Squadron 21, Fleet Surgical Team 6, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, ACU 4, Beachmaster Unit 2, VMA-452 and VMM-263.
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/.
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NNS080911-14. NAVSEA Supports Hispanic Training Conference
From Naval Surface Warfare Center Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A technical director from Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) continued Naval Sea Systems Command's (NAVSEA) commitment to building relationships with diverse organizations at the National Organization for Mexican American Rights' (NOMAR) 11th Annual Training Conference and Business Meeting Sept. 2-5 in San Diego
Stephen E. Mitchell served as keynote speaker for the opening general session, a first for a NAVSEA representative. The conference's theme was "Hispanic Americans: A growing force for America's strength and prosperity."
"The Chief of Naval Operations has called diversity a strategic imperative for the United States Navy, and has called upon today's leadership to be responsible for sustaining a diverse Navy that includes increasing the number of leaders from all walks of our Nation. The Navy is committed to improving the way we recruit and retain our people, with each Sailor or civilian reaching back to those behind them in order to mentor them," said Mitchell.
The conference also featured experts and guest speakers in areas of Hispanic employment, equal opportunity, leadership, human resources, civil rights and special emphasis programs.
In addition to Mitchell's participation, Tony Gibert from NAVSEA Warfare Center Staff for Outreach and Recruiting and Victor Rivera from NSWC Indian Head conducted a workshop on "How to Design an Effective Affirmative Hispanic Employment program." Catherine Oaxaca-Hoote from NSWC Corona represented the command on the panel "La Mujer Hispana: Leading the Way" along with leaders from top corporations in the U.S. to develop strategies to promote the engineering profession among minority students.
NAVSEA is committed to being the nation's employer of choice by hiring the best and brightest workers available and keeping these talented individuals engaged in some of the nation's most interesting scientific and engineering work.
For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit
www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.
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NNS020724-11. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 13
From the Navy News Service
1814 - British bombardment of Fort McHenry inspires the Star Spangled Banner.
1847 - Marine Brigade leads U.S. forces that storm Chapultepec Castle near Mexico City, inspiring one line of the Marine Hymn.
1906 - Sailors and Marines from USS Denver land in Havana at the request of the Cuban government to preserve order during a revolution.
1939 - Navy suspends transfers to the Fleet Reserve after 20 years of service and retains men on active duty.
1985 - Commander Middle East Force orders escort of Military Sealift Ships in Persian Gulf because of Iranian seizure of merchant vessels.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at
www.history.navy.mil.
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NNS020724-12. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 14
From the Navy News Service
1899 - Gunboat Concord and monitor Monterey capture two insurgent schooners at Aparri, Philippine Islands.
1939 - Atlantic Squadron Neutrality Patrol ships deploy.
1976 - USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) and destroyer Bordelon (DD 881) collide during night operations 100 miles north of Scotland.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at
www.history.navy.mil.
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NNS020724-14. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 15
From the Navy News Service
1944 - Invasion of Peleliu, Palau Islands, after several days of intensive carrier aircraft bombing and ship bombardment.
1950 - U.S. forces under Vice Adm. Arthur Struble achieve an amphibious landing at Inchon, Korea.
1967 - Operation Crimson Tide in Mekong Delta.
For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at
www.history.navy.mil.
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Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at
www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Naval Media Center, 2713 Mitscher Rd. SW, Anacostia Annex, D.C., 20373-5819. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).
Naval Media Center produces six Daily News Update (DNU) newscasts: a two-minute newscast and five one-minute newscasts. DNU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS) satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at
www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. DNU can also be seen throughout the world on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service.
To subscribe to or unsubscribe from the Navy News Service, visit
http://www.news.navy.mil/tools/subscribe_navnews.asp.
Stories for publication consideration should be submitted by e-mail to
navynewsservice@navy.mil or be submitted online at
www.news.navy.mil/submit/.
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit
www.navy.mil.
For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at
www.navy.mil or visit the Naval Historical Center's Web site at
www.history.navy.mil.
Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342.
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Very Respectfully,
Marie Tillery
Navy.mil News Editor
Naval Media Center
