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Tin Can Sailors


News From Today's Navy

(Last updated 07/29/10)

28 July 10	Carrier Strike Group 2 to Hold Change of Command Ceremony
28 July 10	Eisenhower Returns to Homeport
27 July 10	Photo of the Day
27 July 10	Headlines From Around the Fleet
27 July 10	Statement Issued by CNO on Events in Afghanistan
27 July 10	Navy Showcases Top-Ranking Patent Portfolio
27 July 10	Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Gravely
27 July 10	DOD Announces Navy Casualty, Identifies Sailor Listed as Whereabouts Unknown
27 July 10	Pentagon Assesses 'Leaked' Documents
27 July 10	USS Russell Arrives in Sendai
22 July 10	CNO Highlights Partnership with French Navy During Visit to France
22 July 10	Guam Celebrates 66 Years of Freedom
22 July 10	Ramage Sailors Bring Christmas in July to Sicily
19 July 10	Taylor Delivers Project Handclasp Supplies to Odessa Orphanage
18 July 10	Shoup, Momsen Train for Strike Group Operations
16 July 10	Advanced Weapon System Helps ONR Respond to Navy Needs
16 July 10	Norfolk Ships Partner, Marines, Coast Guard, Rescue Eight Mariners
16 July 10	USS Hopper Participates in 2010 RIMPAC Exercises
16 July 10	'Old Ironsides' Sailors Sail Friendship of Salem
14 July 10	The Navy's Newest Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship Is Delivered to MSC
14 July 10	USS Curts Returns to San Diego
14 July 10	Headlines From Around the Fleet
14 July 10	Navy helps with the oil cleanup effort along the Gulf Coast.
14 July 10	USS Constitution conducts a turnaround cruise in Boston Harbor.
13 July 10	USS Chafee Returns to Pearl Harbor
13 July 10	Sea Breeze 2010 Kicks Off in Ukraine
13 July 10	The Navy's air ship is supporting oil clean up efforts in the Gulf Coast region
13 July 10	A Korean War veteran's remains are identified and buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
13 July 10	USS Abraham Lincoln Scheduled to depart 15July from Everett
09 July 10	USS O'Kane Departs Pearl Harbor for a Seven-Month Deployment
08 July 10	Navy Seeks Applicants for FY11 National Security Management Program
08 July 10	'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Surveys Hit Service Members' Inboxes
08 July 10	International officers tour USS Freedom (LCS 1) during Rim of the Pacific 2010
08 July 10	An Okinawan resident reunites with the U.S. Soldier who saved her life in Okinawa, Japan
08 July 10	Photo of the Day
08 July 10	Truman Carrier Strike Group Strengthens International Ties Through Training
07 July 10	DESRON 40, Peruvian Navy Submarine Force Commences Silent Forces Exercise 2010
07 July 10	'Show Me State' Submarine Set to Join the Fleet
07 July 10	Headlines From Around the Fleet
07 July 10	Three hundred military members are sworn in as U.S. citizens aboard the USS Midway Memorial Museum in San Diego.
06 July 10	At-Sea Interoperability is Focus of CARAT Singapore
06 July 10	USS Elrod Rescues Stranded Mariners Of Sunken Ship
05 July 10	U.S. 5th Fleet Holds Change of Command Ceremony
04 July 10	USS Midway Museum Hosts Largest All-Military Naturalization Ceremony
04 July 10	USS Constitution Underway to Celebrate Independence Day
04 July 10	USS Constitution Hosts Sunset Parade
03 July 10	Freedom Commanding Officer Speaks to Coronado Optimist Club
03 July 10	Mass Naturalization Ceremony Makes History aboard Naval Museum
02 July 10	Group Sail Sets Stage for RIMPAC 2010
02 July 10	USS Freedom (LCS 1) arrives at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for Rim of the Pacific 2010.
02 July 10	Pacific Rim Nations Prepare for 'Ultimate' Exercise
02 July 10	Sailors from the USS Hawes (FFG 53) volunteer at a homeless veterans center during Boston Navy Week.
01 July 10	Photo of the Day
29 June 10	NAS Kingsville Eyes Tropical Storm Alex
29 June 10	Headlines From Around the Fleet
29 June 10	Sailor Missing From Korean War Identified
29 June 10	Taylor Arrives in Split, Croatia
28 June 10	Truman Carrier Strike Group To Relieve Eisenhower
23 June 10	USS Churchill Rescues Stranded Fishermen
23 June 10	NAVSTA Great Lakes Oil Skimmers Support Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup
23 June 10	USS Paul Hamilton (DDG-59) accepts an award from the March of Dimes
23 June 10	Command Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan, switches to solar energy.
23 June 10	USS Winston S. Churchill Rescues Yemeni Fishermen
21 June 10	Truman Carrier Strike Group Transits Suez Canal And Enters U.S. 5th Fleet
21 June 10	FGS Hessen Detaches from Truman Carrier Strike Group
21 June 10	USS Mustin (DDG 89) Sailors spend the day cleaning a park in Kure, Japan.
21 June 10	Staff and Sailors at Naval Station Great Lakes celebrate Flag Day.
21 June 10	EOD Det Defuses World War II Bomb on Naval Base Guam
21 June 10	Albanian Armed Forces NCO Academy Visits USS Taylor
21 June 10	Taylor Delivers Project Handclasp Supplies to Albanian Pediatric Clinic
21 June 10	Navy Medicine Celebrates Hospital Corps 112th Birthday
21 June 10	Headlines From Around the Fleet
	Tips on how to protect your computer and personal data

Eisenhower Returns to Homeport
Release Date: 7/28/2010 1:01:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Amy Kirk, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) returned to their homeport of Norfolk, Va., July 28, after operating in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet Areas of Responsibilities (AORs) after nearly seven months.

The more than 4,500 Sailors aboard traveled more than 51,000 nautical miles throughout the course of the deployment, doing everything from combat operations to hosting distinguished visitors from the International Security and Assistance Force in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Italy, NATO, Turkey, and United Arab of Emirates.

"The Sailors of the Eisenhower Strike Group have performed magnificently on this seven-month deployment," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, Eisenhower Strike Group and Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 8. "We come home proud of our accomplishments, knowing we made a positive difference supporting our troops on the ground in Afghanistan, and delivering security and stability on both land and sea in a vital part of the world. I am proud of each and every Sailor and consider it the great privilege of my life to have served with them."

Eisenhower Commanding Officer Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne added that the teamwork between the Sailors of Ike, CCSG 8, and the embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 squadrons has been nothing short of exceptional.

"I could not be more proud of each and every Sailor aboard Ike. The crew has been extremely busy this past year, executing back-to-back deployments with less than six months rest, while exceeding expectations with impressive results every day. Leading these amazing men and women during two combat deployments has been the pinnacle of my career," said Mewbourne, "and to see them in action as I have, serving selflessly as a dedicated team of professionals, is to know that America's defense is in good hands."

The carrier and its embarked air wing operated mainly in the 5th Fleet AOR, providing more than 25 percent of all tactical air support to U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan. In total, the air wing flew more than 2,900 sorties and more than 17,700 hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"There is no doubt in my mind that every Sailor aboard felt the importance of our mission and worked hard to accomplish it safely and professionally," said Capt. Roy Kelley, commander, CVW 7. "They have all performed tremendously during this deployment, whether supporting from the ship or in the skies over Afghanistan, these Sailors and aircrew have saved American and NATO lives that were in harms way."

In addition to near daily flight operations and day-to day job assignments, Sailors also had the opportunity to enjoy liberty ports in the United Arab of Emirates, Bahrain, Turkey and Italy. While sightseeing was a great way to relax, many Sailors chose to participate in one of the 12 community relations (COMREL) projects offered.

"During this deployment 120 Ike Strike Group Sailors participated in COMREL projects, resulting in 600 man-hours and countless smiling faces," said Cmdr. Jon Brzek, the command chaplain aboard Eisenhower.

In the 202 days of the deployment, the crew only had 17 days of liberty, said Brzek, adding that he was proud that the COMREL participants gave up their free time to help people they did not know and took advantage of the opportunity to be goodwill ambassadors of the United States.

Another highlight during the course of the deployment were the special visits from award-winning director James Cameron and actress Michelle Rodriguez, as well as NASA legends Neil Armstrong and Jim Lovell and NCAA coaches from Harvard, Oregon, Illinois, and the United States Military Academy. Each of the guests wanted to express gratitude and appreciation to the men and women of the Navy.

The tone for the deployment was set the first night when on Jan. 2, Eisenhower and CVW-7 responded to a distress call from a mariner stranded in rough seas 300 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Embarked crew members from Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 5 launched to assist the U.S. Coast Guard with the search and rescue mission. The helicopter crew flew through the severe weather to locate and save the mariner.

Other impressive statistics from the seven-month cruise included crew members receiving 16,000 haircuts and eating 3.5 million meals. The ship's culinary specialists baked more than 350 cakes, and Sailors from all ranks and ratings read more than 4,320 hours on video for the United Through Reading program.
After returning home, many Sailors will take leave to spend time with family and friends.

"I'm going to see my grandparents and friends and horses in Kentucky," said Aviation Machinist's Mate 1st Class Chris Pratt. "It feels very good to know I won't be going back on deployment for a while. It was like the captain said, between this and last deployment it was just a long time away. I'm so excited I'm just counting down the days and hours and minutes. I can't wait to get home."

Many Sailors like Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) Airman Beverly Bonilla-Flores were excited about reuniting with their children.

"I'm ecstatic. I really can't wait to get home. I have a 5-year-old daughter who can't wait to see her mom. I've called and sent pictures, but it is really exciting to know I'm finally going to get to see her," said Bonilla-Flores. "I have mixed emotions because I haven't seen her in seven months and they haven't seen me, and she changes and grows: she is up two shoe sizes. It's like I'm going to see this whole new person."

When crew members return from their well-deserved leave, they will head to Norfolk Naval Shipyard for a planned incremental availability.

Eisenhower is one of five ships that make up Carrier Strike Group 8. Other ships in the strike group include the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), homeported in Norfolk; and the Mayport, Fla.-based ships, guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and guided-missile destroyers USS Carney (DDG 64) and USS Farragut (DDG 99).

Carrier Strike Group 2 to Hold Change of Command Ceremony
Release Date: 7/28/2010 5:15:00 PM

From USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2 will hold a change of command ceremony on board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) July 29 at 3:30 pm.

Rear Adm. Nora Tyson will assume command of CSG 2 from Capt. Jeffrey Hesterman, acting strike group commander.

The chief of naval operations announced Jan. 28 that Tyson would be assigned as commander, CSG 2. The assignment marked the first time a woman has been assigned command of a CSG. The chief of naval operations will be in attendance at the ceremony July 29 to mark this significant occasion.

CSG 2 is to be embarked on board Bush, America's newest aircraft carrier, homeported in Norfolk.

Bush is the 10th and final Nimitz-class carrier. It was commissioned Jan. 10, 2009, at Naval Station Norfolk.

Statement Issued by CNO on Events in Afghanistan
Release Date: 7/27/2010 4:49:00 PM

From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead extended the following statement on the events in Afghanistan:

"The deepest sympathy of the entire Navy is with the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, who died from wounds sustained in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Friday. We appreciate all the coalition forces have done to bring our shipmate home, and we know they continue to do everything they can in the search for Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, who remains missing. I remain extremely proud of the thousands of US Navy Sailors serving on the ground in Afghanistan today, and the tens of thousands who have deployed to Afghanistan during the past nine years."

Navy Showcases Top-Ranking Patent Portfolio
Release Date: 7/27/2010 4:33:00 PM

By Troy Clarke, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona, Public Affairs

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (NNS) -- The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) vice commander delivered a keynote address to the National Conference of Standards Laboratories International July 26 to highlight how the U.S. Navy uses innovative technology to build, manage and maintain sophisticated ships and weapons systems.

The Navy ranked No. 1 in the world for newly patented discoveries and inventions in the 2010 Patent Power report published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) – the world's largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation and excellence.
Keeping with the conference theme, 21st century innovations in metrology, NAVSEA Vice Commander Rear Adm. David H. Lewis emphasized how new, Navy-patented ideas in measurement science have helped save the Navy millions and significantly increased technical capability.

"The Navy is leading the world in patents for innovation and has the strongest government patent portfolio in the world," said Lewis. "And NAVSEA's warfare centers account for nearly half of the Navy's patents. If the warfare centers were evaluated separately, they alone would rank with the best in the world."

He told the audience of more than 600 government and industry professionals that the Navy's entire strategy relies on innovation to improve capability and reduce costs.

Lewis used NAVSEA's Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Corona, the Navy's metrology and calibration (METCAL) agent responsible for setting all measurement and calibration standards for the Navy and Marine Corps, as a key example of how the maritime service is improving measurement and calibration standards while saving millions in ownership costs for the Navy.

Using an example from his tour as assistant chief of staff, maintenance and engineering, Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in San Diego, the admiral said he contacted NSWC Corona for assistance in developing a system to address calibration problems with new ships. In less than a year, the warfare center delivered a prototype of a new system, called the METBENCH Calibration Management System (MCMS).

NSWC Corona later received patents in seven areas of innovation for the MCMS program, which will save the Navy more than $65 million by fiscal year 2017. Deploying in July 2007, MCMS is already installed on 141 surface ships and is nearing final operational capability at 146 warships. In addition, Lewis said the Navy will realize even more savings as additional METCAL processes get added to MCMS, such as weight standards.

METBENCH seamlessly integrates more than 120 automated calibration procedures for 400 items across 400 shipboard and shore-based calibration labs and facilities. This significantly increases calibration efficiency and improves equipment availability for the Navy's 1.85 million pieces of test equipment needed to conduct about 800,000 calibrations per year.

NSWC Corona's approach to shipboard calibration fully utilizes the Navy's distance support architecture to best support the fleet, and MCMS makes these tasks as easy and transparent to the Sailor as possible, another key point Lewis cited.

Lewis also highlighted other examples from the METCAL Research and Development Program where Corona has led in new and improved support, citing new corrosion photometric standards, night vision calibration, and counter-IED detection standards.

This level of innovation comes as no surprise to NAVSEA's Naval Surface Warfare Center commander, who said his team is just working hard to develop the best for the Navy.

"We have a very spirited and innovative workforce—the real intellectual capital of the Navy," said NSWC Commander Rear Adm. Jim Shannon. "They're out there doing their best every day, not just for the navy of today, but by building the Navy of tomorrow."

Lewis, who's been tapped to head the Navy's Program Executive Office Ships, agrees.

"MCMS is a great system," Lewis said. "It all comes back to [working] for the warfighter."

NAVSEA Warfare Centers are the Navy's principal research, development, test and evaluation, analysis and assessment activities for ship and submarine platform and machinery technology for surface combat systems, ordnance, mines, and strategic systems products and support. First established in 1992, eight NSWC divisions and two Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) divisions comprised of approximately 19,000 scientists, engineers, technician and support personnel provide full spectrum fleet support to the Navy and Marine Corps warfighters.

NSWC Corona is the Navy's newest federal lab and serves as the Navy's independent assessment agent. The command is responsible for gauging the warfighting capability of weapons and integrated combat systems, through assessment of systems' performance, readiness, quality, supportability, and the adequacy of training. The base is home to three premiere national laboratories and assessment centers: the Joint Warfare Assessment Lab; the Measurement Science and Technology Lab; and the new $12 million Daugherty Memorial Assessment Center, dedicated to fallen Sailor Petty Officer 1st Class Steven P. Daugherty.

Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Gravely
Release Date: 7/26/2010 9:51:00 PM

By Chris Johnson, Team Ships Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy officially accepted delivery of the future USS Gravely from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding during a ceremony July 26 in Pascagoula, Miss.

Designated DDG 107, Gravely is the 57th ship of the Arleigh Burke class.

The ship successfully completed acceptance trials June 28. Due to the oil spill currently affecting the Gulf of Mexico, the trials were slightly modified, with the ship conducting pierside tests and inspections by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), followed by a 36-hour underway period to assess the ship's main propulsion, auxiliary, steering, damage control equipment, navigation systems, and deck equipment as well as overall completeness.

"Though the oil spill forced us to modify our normal trial schedule, we were still able to deliver Gravely as originally scheduled," said Capt. Pete Lyle, DDG 51 class program manager in the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "That is really a testament to the maturity of the class, and the program's successful history of delivering ships on time and on schedule."

Gravely is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer designed to operate in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments. The ship is equipped with the Navy's Aegis Combat System, the world's foremost integrated naval weapon system. The class provides outstanding combat capability and survivability characteristics while minimizing procurement and lifetime support costs due to the program's maturity. The DDG 51 program continues to reinforce affordability and efficiency, with a commitment to deliver ships at the highest possible quality.

The new destroyer honors the late Vice Adm. Samuel L. Gravely Jr., the first African American commissioned as an officer from the Navy Reserve Officer Training Course. He was the first African American to command a warship (USS Theodore E. Chandler); to command a major warship (USS Jouett); to achieve flag rank and eventually vice admiral; and to command a numbered fleet (Third).

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.

DOD Announces Navy Casualty, Identifies Sailor Listed as Whereabouts Unknown
Release Date: 7/27/2010 4:46:00 PM

From the Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced July 27 the death of a Sailor and the identity of another Sailor listed as duty status whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN).

The announcement resulted from a July 23 incident in Logar province, Afghanistan, while the Sailors were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, 30, of Wheatridge, Colo., died from wounds sustained from the July 23 incident. Coalition Forces recovered his body July 25 after an extensive search. He was assigned to Assault Craft Unit 1 in San Diego.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, 25, of Renton, Wash., is listed as DUSTWUN from the July 23 incident. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the incident is under investigation.

Pentagon Assesses 'Leaked' Documents
Release Date: 7/27/2010 10:30:00 AM

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Pentagon condemned the actions of the group Wikileaks.org, which released thousands of classified U.S. military documents on its Web site July 25.

"The leaking of classified information is something we take very seriously," said Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan, a Pentagon spokesman.

"We are in the process right now of assessing the documents," Lapan added.

The documents, reportedly given to several U.S. and international media weeks ago, are said to detail field reports from Afghanistan, as well as Pakistan relationships with the Taliban. The more than 90,000 documents cover the period from January 2004 through December 2009, according to news reports.

The Pentagon has yet to confirm the impact of the reports, as it's still early in the assessment process, Lapan said.

"As they are made available, we will be looking at them to try to determine potential damage to lives of our servicemembers and our coalition partners; whether they reveal sources in methods and any potential damage to national security," said Lapan. "Since this was just released last night, we're still in the process going through that assessment."

Of the reports the Pentagon has seen, they fall into a category of basic, unit-level reporting, Lapan said.

"We've only seen a fraction of the documents that are reported to be out there, so until we get a look at all of them, we can't know exactly what the extent of the damage may be," said Lapan.

It could take the Pentagon weeks to make such determinations, Lapan said.

But much of what the Pentagon has discovered early in the investigation is that the documents are classified at a "secret" level, and not "top-secret," which is reserved for more sensitive material.

The disclosed documents reveal "the type of reporting that goes on at the tactical level on a routine basis," said Lapan, noting examples such as roadside bomb incidences, civilian and military casualty reports and intelligence and information gathering.

"There's nothing we've seen so far that is particularly relevant," Lapan added.

At this point, the Pentagon is concentrating on the information that's been made public, and is not investigating the source of the leak, said Lapan. Lapan explained that any number of military and civilian defense employees have access to such documents.

Also, the Pentagon is not looking to limit the number of people with access to "secret" material, said Lapan.

"We have lots of systems in place," Lapan said. "And at the very top of that is the responsibility that those who are entrusted with access to that type of information protect that from unauthorized disclosure."

The Pentagon, however, will eventually attempt to narrow down the source of the leak, said Lapan. However, Lapan could not disclose whether a formal investigation on the matter would take place.

"As we've said, we put a great deal of trust and confidence in individuals not to betray their oath to their country," Lapan said.

USS Russell Arrives in Sendai
Release Date: 7/27/2010 7:18:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Dominique Pineiro, Commander, Naval Forces Japan Public Affairs

SENDAI, Japan (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) arrived in Sendai, Japan, July 23 for a scheduled port visit.

The visit is a continuation of U.S. – Japan joint port calls being conducted throughout the year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the U.S. – Japan Mutual Security Treaty. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships, JS Kongo (DDG 117) and JS Suzunami (DDG 114) are also participating in the port call.

Russell was welcomed to Sendai's Takamatsu Pier in a ceremony hosted by the Japan-America Society. During the ceremony JMSDF Capt. Hidetoshi Iwasaki, commander, Escort Division 5, thanked the citizens of Sendai and stressed the importance of the U.S. – Japan Security Treaty.

"With the U.S. – Japan Security Treaty framework as the cornerstone of our two nations' collaborative relationship," said Iwasaki, "I recognize that this close and enduring relationship between our countries plays a vital role in maintaining peace not only for our nation, but also for the peace and stability of the region surrounding Japan."

Cmdr. Rodney Patton, Russell's commanding officer, said the visit is a demonstration of the United States' commitment to Japan and the entire East Asia region.

"The strong relationship between our two nations has been the foundation that has led to security, stability and prosperity, not only for our nations, but for the larger region," said Patton. "We look forward to building upon the mutual trust, respect, cooperation and capabilities that our nations have developed over the past 50 years. Our being here today is a continuation of this strong friendship."

While in port, Russell will host tours of the ship for local officials, as well as the visiting Japanese Sailors and the general public. The crew will have the opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and participate in community service projects.

Russell is home ported in Hawaii and is currently operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

CNO Highlights Partnership with French Navy During Visit to France
Release Date: 7/22/2010 6:29:00 AM

By Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs Office

PARIS (NNS) -- Chief of naval operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead praised the naval forces of France and cited the shared interests and capabilities of the US and French navies during a visit here July 17-21.

"The French Navy and the US Navy have many common interests," said Roughead. "We both exist to provide for the safety, security and prosperity of our countries."

During his visit, CNO met with Sailors and senior military leadership of France in recognition of the strong maritime partnership between the two nations and to discuss the issues that navies with global interests have in common.

At the Toulon Naval Base, CNO met with the French Navy Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean, Vice Adm. Yann Tainguy, and visited the newest ship to the French Navy, the amphibious ship BPC Tonnerre, as well as the air defense frigate FDA Chevalier Paul and the aircraft carrier PA Charles de Gaulle.

"This is where the US Navy and the French Navy share a very common capability, and that is our capability to operate very advanced aircraft from aircraft carriers," Roughead said, pointing out that US and French navies are the only ones in the world to operate nuclear-powered aircraft carriers that use catapult assisted take-offs and arrested landings.

He noted that the French Navy recently announced that Charles de Gaulle will deploy later this year to support operations in Afghanistan, where US Navy aircraft also provide air support to coalition forces on the ground.

"It's important that we look at ways that our airpower complements one another, and we look forward to being able to operate with Charles de Gaulle," Roughead said.

"The capability and capacity that Charles de Gaulle brings is very appreciated."

CNO was accompanied throughout the visit by his counterpart Adm. Pierre-Francois Forissier, Chief of Staff of the French Navy, and Roughead said he valued the opportunity to discuss with Forissier areas of increased cooperation and support between the two navies.

Roughead also praised the French Navy's role in countering piracy off the coast of the Horn of Africa and helping to guard the free flow of commerce at sea.

"France was a leader in bringing many navies into the fight against piracy in the Somali basin," Roughead said. "The presence of the navies in that region have contributed to bringing down the number of [piracy] incidents, and this is all part of why countries with global interests have global navies – to be present, to be able to influence, and to ensure that the mechanisms of the world economy are uninterrupted."

In Paris, Roughead also met with Adm. Edouard Guillaud, Chief of Staff French Armed Forces and other French officials, and participated in a Ravivage Ceremony at the iconic Arc de Triomphe where he and Forissier laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and met with French veterans of past wars.

Guam Celebrates 66 Years of Freedom
Release Date: 7/22/2010 10:02:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

ASAN, Guam (NNS) -- Military and civilian personnel gathered at the Asan Bay Overlook Memorial in Asan, Guam, July 20 to honor and pay respect to the service members that gave their lives to liberate Guam from the occupying Japanese forces during World War II.

Valuing Guam as a way-station between Asia and the Americas and hoping to remove enemy forces from the Western Pacific region, Japanese forces landed on and captured Guam from U.S. military forces Dec. 10, 1941.

It would be almost three years before U.S. forces once again arrived on the beaches of Guam July 21, 1944, to recapture the island from the Japanese.

The ceremony's keynote speaker, Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Korea and a native of Guam, said it was an honor to return to the island of his birth and salute the veterans and survivors of such a devastating war.

"They fought hard — all of them. They fought bravely and honorably," said Gumataotao. "For those in uniform, do not forget that. You fight hard for this way of life — for what our country represents. And you do it honorably, and you do it bravely."

Gumataotao praised the Chamorros, the native people of Guam, for their strength and loyalty, even after the suffering they endured at the hands of an occupying force.

"The people of Guam have endured so much, and they have grown. They have become us — true patriots," said Gumataotao. "The people of Guam understand what it means to be free. They understand that you have to take a stand, and you have to do something in order for others to be free."

The admiral went on to advise the current generation to remember the sacrifices of World War II and to take advantage of the freedoms those sacrifices granted.

"We are the generation that will define the future of our beautiful island. We must seize the moment and honor those who gave their lives and worked so hard to make us free," Gumataotao said. "We honor them by being the best we can be, and taking that opportunity to celebrate life and embrace life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."

After a round of applause for the assembled guests, members of the military community and government of Guam participated in a wreath-laying.

Several officials, including Guam Delegate Madeleine Bordallo; Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Randolph Alles, director for strategic planning and policy, U. S. Pacific Command; Rear Adm. Paul Bushong, commander, Joint Region Marianas; Brig. Gen. (Sel.) John Doucette, 36th Wing commander; Maj. Gen. Donald Goldhorn, adjutant general, Guam Army National Guard; and Gumataotao; rendered honors as a 21-gun salute concluded the ceremony.

Ramage Sailors Bring Christmas in July to Sicily
Release Date: 7/22/2010 9:52:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Erica R. Gardner, Naval Air Station Sigonella Public Affairs

NISCEMI, Sicily (NNS) -- Eleven Sailors from USS Ramage (DDG 61) passed out toys and school supplies to children in Niscemi, Sicily, during a community relations event July 20.

The Niscemi Social Services for Underprivileged Children made it possible for the Sailors to participate in the event.

A traffic police car was waiting at the base of the mountain in which Niscemi rests to escort a bus of Sailors to the Toto Liardo Youth Center, where the children were anxiously awaiting their arrival.

Giovanni Di Martino, mayor of Niscemi, stopped by the center to experience the excitement of the visit from the Sailors.

"I want you to welcome our friends who have come from miles around," said Di Martino.

The Sailors were welcomed with a traditional Sicilian dance and folk song, native to the area of Niscemi. The dancers and singers were dressed in vibrant red skirts with white peasant blouses and black vests.

"This is really nice," said Lt. Lesa Welliver, Ramage's chaplain. "I was not expecting a welcome like this."

The children were led to an upstairs room where they sat on the floor, wondering what was inside the boxes being carried by their new friends.

Mothers and grandmothers put out homemade cakes, cookies and drinks for the children and the Sailors.

"I had American friends when I lived in Germany for 35 years," said Emanuela Leonardi. "I am happy to meet new friends."

Leonardi is the grandmother of a 16-year-old that attends the center. She and her daughter, Enza, worked with the other mothers and grandmothers to make this day special for the children and the Sailors.

While the Sailors were busy removing dolls, toy cars, watches, pens and paper from the boxes they brought with them, the children's eyes began to twinkle and grow larger as they saw the gifts line the tables in front of them.

"We want to thank you for allowing us to visit your center," said Welliver. "We hope you like the gifts we bring to you here today."

Before the children were able to dive into the goodies, Di Martino spoke about the significance of the center and why it is important for the children to have the facility.

"The center has been open since 2002 and currently has 84 children attending the summer program," said Di Martino.

Di Martino went on to discuss the challenges of children in the area being tempted by outside influences that are not always in their best interest. The facility provides the children with positive influences and options to remain safe and still respect the rules of society.

Welliver brought a ship ball cap and coin as a token of appreciation for Di Martino and the town of Niscemi.

By building on the unique relationship between Sailors and the local children, this organization helps families and communities by encouraging goals and appreciation for each other and not just material possessions.

"We have traveled all over the world," said Welliver. "We have not seen such beautiful faces and wonderful laughter like we have here."

The children lined up at the table full of surprises, interacting with the Sailors and smiling as they received their gift.

"I had a blast", said Francesco Veca, a 9-year-old child at the facility. "I enjoyed this and meeting the Americans."

Veca went on to rave about the gifts from the Sailors.

After eating cake and cookies, the town gave the Sailors a tour, showing them the cathedrals, old town farmer museum and an authentic Sicilian dinner.

"This is the best COMREL (community relations project) I have ever participated in," said Lt. j.g. Caroline Lynch, from Ramage.

Ramage is a guided-missile destroyer home ported in Norfolk and currently operating in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The ship is designed for combat operations against surface, air and sub-surface threats.

Taylor Delivers Project Handclasp Supplies to Odessa Orphanage
Release Date: 7/19/2010 3:50:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward S. Kessler, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

ODESSA, Ukraine (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Taylor (FFG 50) took time during exercise Sea Breeze 2010 to deliver Project Handclasp supplies to the Lastochka Orphanage in Odessa, Ukraine, July 16.

Besides delivering the humanitarian and goodwill supplies to the orphanage, Taylor's crew also spent time playing soccer with the children and repainted the orphanage's fence.

"It's a great opportunity for the ship's personnel to interact with some of the people of Ukraine," said Ensign Kelly McWhorter, Taylor's community relations coordinator. "It certainly enhances [Sea Breeze], and it shows that we are not only dedicated to the military mission, but also to the local population."

Lastochka Orphanage cares for 114 children without parents. The children were very friendly and eager to share their day with their new friends from the U.S. Navy.

"We are very grateful for [the Sailors'] visit today," said Lastochka Orphanage Director Sasha Chemenchenko. "A small project like this makes not only a big impact on the kids, but all the [orphanage] staff and parents. Even people driving by slow down when they see [U.S.] Sailors working here at Lastochka."

The children danced and played soccer with the Sailors in the morning and the Sailors repainted the fence to the entrance of the orphanage after lunch.

"To be a part of something like Project Handclasp is a tremendous experience," said Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SW) Gary Lamar, a Sailor attached aboard Taylor. "It really shows how we as a Navy and also as American people are committed to our global neighbors."

Taylor, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently participating in Sea Breeze, a two-week maritime exercise designed to enhance interoperability and maritime security operations of developing Black Sea nations.

The exercise includes 1,600 military and civilian participants from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States.

Shoup, Momsen Train for Strike Group Operations
Release Date: 7/18/2010 2:19:00 PM

By Lt. Jacquelyn R. Bengfort, USS Shoup (DDG 86) Public Affairs

USS SHOUP, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Shoup (DDG 86) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) departed Naval Station Everett, Wash., July 15 to participate in a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group.

The intermediate level battle group exercise is designed to forge together the battle group and its components into a fully functional fighting team.

The exercise is a critical part of the strike group's pre-deployment training designed to train the ship, embarked air wing and other units that make up the carrier strike group to function as one highly effective fighting force.

"It's invigorating to be steaming south, since these exercises are the culmination of everything we've been working toward," said Lt. j.g. Janel Hansen, Shoup's newest officer of the deck. "This is really the last step before we deploy and see these scenarios in the real world."

During the exercise, the strike group will simulate the type of scenarios that could be faced while deployed. The outcome will certify the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group for open-ocean operations and moves the strike group forward within the fleet response plan, allowing the Navy to deploy a flexible naval force capable of surging quickly.

Shoup and Momsen wasted no time once at sea, using July 15 afternoon to practice counter-piracy operations and small boat attack responses. Additionally, Shoup received training in electronic charting procedures from Afloat Training Group Middle Pacific and began a multi-day mock engineering inspection with the help of Regional Support Organization Pacific Northwest.

"This is the opportunity to show our strike group commander that Shoup is ready to deploy, and we're all in," said Lt. Paul Willis, Shoup's combat systems officer. "Above, on and below the sea, Shoup is prepared to do the nation's work, and our Sailors are up for the challenge."

Shoup is homeported in Everett, Wash. The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is also comprised of Carrier Air Wing 2, Destroyer Squadron 9 and the USS Cape St. George (CG 71).

Advanced Weapon System Helps ONR Respond to Navy Needs
Release Date: 7/16/2010 9:50:00 PM

By Rob Anastasio, Office of Naval Research Public Affairs

ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- The Low-Cost Imaging Terminal Seeker (LCITS), an Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored technology, could soon give the U.S. Navy and coalition military ships an upper hand in swiftly defeating multi-axis attacks by small swarming boats.

Managed by ONR's Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department as a Future Naval Capability (FNC), LCITS equips the unguided Hydra-70 rocket with a low-cost imaging infrared guidance solution to more accurately strike an intended target.

Steve Smolinski, Office of Transition FNC director, explained the importance of the FNC program to fulfilling naval missions such as LCITS.

"The FNC program represents the requirements-driven, delivery-oriented portion of the Navy's science and technology investment," Smolinski said. "FNC enabling capabilities draw upon technologies that can be developed, matured and delivered to acquisition programs within a three- to five-year period."

The seeker is composed of three main subsystems: a targeting integration system aboard the helicopter, a digital smart launcher and the guided imaging rocket. The helicopter uses its targeting system to lock onto and track the target's position and velocity, and transfers the information to the rocket launcher prior to weapon release. Once locked onto the target, the weapon follows the LCITS commands to the target.

From a pilot's perspective, the entire process can be handled in a matter of seconds, increasing the number of targets that can be engaged in a short amount of time. LCITS can also engage targets in a 120-degree cone centered off the nose of the helicopter at ranges up to 7 kilometers.

Howard McCauley, LCITS principal investigator in the China Lake Naval Air Warfare Center's Emergent Weapons Division, touts the speed by which the system operates.

"The key to survivability while effectively engaging and defeating the fast inshore attack craft threat is the target engagement time line," McCauley said. "You must be able to very rapidly engage and defeat each target. The technology we've developed will provide this increased capability."

In a demonstration earlier this year, an LCITS-equipped AH-1 Cobra helicopter targeted and fired a rocket against a maneuvering unmanned small boat at a test range off the coast of California. The pivotal test firing highlighted not only LCITS' ability to strike high-speed mobile surface targets, but marked the successful conclusion of the program, opening the door for its transition to the fleet.

The Republic of Korea teamed with the United States in this co-development between the two countries, helping to improve the aerodynamic performance of the rocket system and lower the overall design cost. Dr. Seung-Ki Ahn, project manager at the Agency for Defense Development for the Republic of Korea cites multinational collaboration for the success of the test launch.

"This was a great moment to exhibit how the potential of a true team effort between the Republic of Korea and the U.S. can very effectively expedite the fielding of a low-cost precision guided weapon," Ahn said.

The seeker now moves forward to the Medusa Joint Capability Technology Demonstration phase. Started in 2009, the Medusa ensures that a military utility assessment will be completed on the LCITS, which will lead the way to a naval acquisition program.

The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning, and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.

Norfolk Ships Partner, Marines, Coast Guard, Rescue Eight Mariners
Release Date: 7/16/2010 9:36:00 PM

From U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Two Norfolk-based ships partnered with Marines and Coast Guard to rescue eight civilian mariners after receiving a distress signal from a civilian fishing vessel July 16.

Coordination between multiple organizations led to the successful rescue of all personnel, which occurred approximately 15 miles off the coast of Cape Lookout, N.C.

The fishing vessel reported it was taking on water and capsizing at approximately 9:30 a.m.

The guided-missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG 53), patrol coastal ship USS Tempest (PC 2), U.S. Coast Guard cutter Albacore (WPB 87309) and a Marine Corps helicopter participated in rescue efforts.

First on scene was a search and rescue helicopter from the Marine Corps Base at Cherry Point, N.C., which deployed a rescue swimmer and retrieved the first of the eight survivors from the water.

Next, Tempest arrived and deployed a small boat with rescue swimmers who recovered five survivors. The final two mariners were rescued by Albacore, stationed at Fort Macon, N.C.

All eight people were reported to be in good condition and transported back to Fort Macon, N.C., for further treatment and evaluation.

Hawes and Tempest are participating in the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX). COMPTUEX, which is scheduled by Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet and conducted by a training team led by Commander, Strike Force Training Atlantic, is a joint/combined exercise conducted off the East Coast of the United States July 7-30.

USS Hopper Participates in 2010 RIMPAC Exercises
Release Date: 7/16/2010 5:14:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

USS HOPPER, At Sea (NNS) -- Three international service members and several U.S. Naval Academy midshipmen joined the crew of guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) July 14 to participate in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010, the world's largest multinational maritime exercise.

Hopper is engaging in several RIMPAC exercises, including a sinking exercises (SINKEX), a surface-to-air missile exercise and a Naval Surface Firing Support "Rodeo" exercise with other participating naval ships.

"There's a lot of experience to be gained for the people on board and their watch stations," said Cmdr. Kevin Melody, Hopper's commanding officer. "Another thing RIMPAC allows us to do is it let's us interact with our friends and allies around the Pacific region. It's about working together synergistically and taking the good thing that each of us brings to the table and creating something better as a whole."

More than 30 naval ships from seven allied nations joined RIMPAC 2010, which is taking place in Hawaiian waters.

"I think the benefits of having the Australian and the Colombians here on this ship is that they are feeding my youth - the junior enlisted, junior officers, the midshipmen and my chiefs," said Command Master Chief(SW/FMF/AW) Jay Stuckey, from the Hopper. "They know that they are the future."

During the SINKEX, eight naval vessels from the United States, Japan, France, Canada and Australia took turns shooting their gun systems at a decommissioned ship. Royal Australian Navy Midshipman Chris Abbott was on Hopper's flight deck when he witnessed the Australian Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga (FFGH 152) score hits on the decommissioned Iwo Jima-class amphibious assault ship ex-New Orleans (LPH 11).

"To actually see something like that, to have that experience where there's an expendable craft that's used as a target - that's outstanding," said Abbot. "To experience it firsthand is amazing."

The goal of the SINKEX training exercise was for the crew to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live-firing against targets.

"It made me exceptionally proud to see," said Abbott, in reference to the SINKEX. "To be able to hit the target is a good moment, and it really represented how efficient we are as a small navy. It's a great show of force from everyone."

Abbott, who been taking duties as a conning officer aboard Hopper since the beginning of RIMPAC, said that he was impressed at how friendly the crew was.

"I think the American people that I've met have been great," said Abbott. "The officers and enlisted alike have been really friendly. Everyone says 'good morning.'"

RIMPAC 2010 is a biennial event designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. This marks the 22nd exercise in the series since the first RIMPAC exercise began in 1971.

'Old Ironsides' Sailors Sail Friendship of Salem
Release Date: 7/16/2010 5:21:00 PM

By Seaman Apprentice Shannon S. Heavin, USS Constitution Public Affairs

SALEM, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution Sailors completed their final evolution of sail training aboard the Friendship of Salem July 12-14.

The Friendship of Salem is a reconstruction of a 171-foot, three-masted, square-rigged ship similar to Constitution.

Sailors sailed the Friendship, which was built in 1797, from Salem to Boston July 12, anchored in Boston Harbor July 13 and returned to Salem July 14.

"Their training helped immensely, and it showed," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Anthony Costa, from Constitution. "This sail training gives them a platform to succeed once the USS Constitution is out of restoration. They're a lot more knowledgeable, and I am proud of what a team they have become."

For the last nine weeks while in port, Friendship crew members have taught "Old Ironsides" Sailors how to furl and unfurl sails, man the rigging, climb the masts and maintain safety. By sailing the Friendship, it tests Sailors' newly acquired skills at sea.

"The Navy Sailors' progression has been incredible," said Stuart Gralnik, Friendship of Salem mizzen mast captain. "From having no idea where the lines led to, to knowing all the pin rails, I am impressed. The Friendship's smaller frame created an easier training foundation. Also, the self-confidence going aloft definitely improved, resulting in more determination from the Sailors."

This training was ultimately designed to teach Sailors how to sail Constitution. Due to renovations currently taking place on board Constitution, Sailors are unable to use her for sail training. The ship is in a restoration period designed to restore her to the 1812 configuration.

Sailors will possibly sail Constitution under her own power for the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

"After this load of training, I feel without a doubt ready to conqueror any sailing challenge, whether it's climbing the royal yard to hauling the spanker in rough winds, it's no problem," said Airman Apprentice Michael Moore, from Constitution.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard of Boston Harbor. She is the world's oldest
commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.

The Navy's Newest Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ship Is Delivered to MSC
Release Date: 7/14/2010 4:15:00 PM

By Laura M. Seal, Military Sealift Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships grew July 14 when Military Sealift Command accepted delivery of the 10th ship in the class, USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10).

Currently deployed Lewis and Clark-class ships operate as part of MSC's combat logistics force - allowing Navy ships to stay at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time.

"As our 10th ship in the T-AKE class, USNS Charles Drew is another milestone for MSC," said Capt. Jerome Hamel, commander, Sealift Logistics Command Pacific, MSC's office in San Diego. "The T-AKE program is a continued example of MSC's commitment to support the Navy."

Drew is expected to begin conducting missions for MSC in spring 2011 and will operate in the Pacific.

"Taking command of a ship is always exciting, but being in command of a brand new ship in a class like the T-AKE takes the excitement level even higher," said Capt. Dan LaPorte, Charles Drew's civil service master. "I've got an extremely professional and motivated crew, and we're really looking forward to getting underway on our first mission."

Drew is crewed by 124 civil service mariners and 10 U.S. Navy Sailors who provide supply coordination.

Drew was christened and launched during a ceremony Feb. 27, 2010, at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego and underwent a series of tests and trials prior to delivery.

Drew is named for Dr. Charles Drew, an American physician regarded as the father of the blood bank, who researched and developed methods of blood collection, plasma processing and storage. Drew's research in blood storage first benefitted soldiers in the field during World War II, but has continued to save the lives millions of people worldwide. His blood bank design is still the model for modern hospitals and organizations such as the American Red Cross.

MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

USS Curts Returns to San Diego
Release Date: 7/14/2010 4:15:00 PM

From USS Curts (FFG 38) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Curts (FFG 38) will return to San Diego July 16 completing an independent, six-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).

The deployment was defined by extensive participation with coalition forces across the entire spectrum of maritime operations.

Curts' efforts fostered strong diplomatic and military relations with regional partners in support of mutual interests on the high seas.

"We are immensely proud to have been afforded the opportunity to serve our Navy and our nation abroad," said Cmdr. H. Thomas Workman, Curts' commanding officer. "This crew trained with passion, intensity and success to ensure preparedness for all operational challenges that we encountered. Those preparations coupled with selfless dedication allowed Curts to succeed in every assigned mission."

While conducting 5th Fleet missions, Curts operated as part of multiple coalition task forces, ensuring the safety of merchant shipping traffic within the internationally recognized trade corridor across the Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Straits and Red Sea.

Along with coalition partners, Curts provided force protection and emergency medical support to distressed merchant vessels. These efforts are designed to improve maritime stability within the region and protect free use of the sea lanes by thwarting the activities of violent extremists and criminal organizations.

Additionally, Curts conducted four Suez Canal transits, two exercises with the Egyptian Navy and participated in Exercise Malabar 2010, a week-long bilateral military exercise which aims to promote the interoperability of the U.S. Navy and Indian Navy.

In support of 7th Fleet, Curts conducted various freedom of navigation exercises; economic exclusion zone patrols and port visits to Guam; Sepangar, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand; and Male, Maldives.

In Malaysia, the crew joined the Rotary Club in extensive maintenance and repair of the Kota Kinabalu Orphanage. In Thailand, 35 Curts Sailors joined the Navy League and local Rotary Club in extensive landscaping refurbishment at a local school and orphanage which were devastated during the 2004 tsunami.

Curts helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile AOR in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

USS Chafee Returns to Pearl Harbor
Release Date: 7/13/2010 7:49:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee (DDG 90) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) after a three-month deployment in the Western Pacific July 12.

Chafee departed JBPHH April 5 for an independent deployment, operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

"This was a very productive deployment," said Cmdr. Chase Patrick, commanding officer of Chafee. "We never had a bad day at sea, we had a lot of fun and we got a lot of work accomplished."

While on deployment, Chafee took part in Exercise Malabar 2010, a week-long bilateral military exercise hosted by the Indian Navy to promote the interoperability between the United States and India.

Chafee also participated in operations supporting Commander Task Force 70 and trained alongside the Malaysian Navy.

Patrick spoke about how well the crew performed during the deployment.

"The crew performed great. They were very proficient from the navigation detail down to the engineers," said Patrick. "They did their jobs exceedingly well."

Friends and families were excited to see their Sailors return home as they waited at the pier.

Guided-missile destroyers are multimission surface combatants, capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. They operate independently for support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups.

Sea Breeze 2010 Kicks Off in Ukraine
Release Date: 7/13/2010 7:44:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

ODESSA, Ukraine (NNS) -- Sea Breeze 2010 officially kicked off with an opening ceremony and combined press conference with senior Ukrainian and U.S. naval leadership at the Ukranian Southern Operational Command in Odessa, Ukraine, July 12.

Sea Breeze is an invitational combined and joint maritime exercise in the Black Sea with the goals of enhancing Black Sea national maritime security capabilities and improving Black Sea theater security cooperation strategies.

"It is a great pleasure for me to announce the opening of exercise Sea Breeze 2010," said Ukrainian Vice Adm. Viktor Maksimov, commander-in-chief of Ukrainian naval forces, during a speech to more than 300 military and civilian members of the 12 participating countries of Sea Breeze. "In response to common threats facing the world today, this exercise will be dedicated to anti-piracy operations."

Maksimov added that Sea Breeze will utilize the experience and knowledge gained in the Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Aden and welcomed members of the participating countries to Ukraine.

Sea Breeze's robust training agenda will include counter-piracy training operations, non-combatant evacuation operations and vertical, board, search and seizure training. Additionally, ground forces will conduct non-lethal weapons training designed to combat unlawful fishing, piracy, trafficking in persons, drugs and illegal weapons.

Rear Adm. Gerard P. Heuber, U.S Naval Forces Europe-Africa, director for policy, resources and strategy, thanked Maksimov and the Ukrainian Navy for hosting Sea Breeze and spoke about the importance of the exercise.

"Sea Breeze is about strengthening maritime partnerships in the Black Sea in spirit of partnership for peace and is invaluable to all participating countries because it promotes regional stability and maritime security," said Heuber.

Sea Breeze is the largest exercise this year in the Black Sea, including 20 ships, 13 aircraft and more than 1,600 military members from Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and United States.

Following the ceremony a press conference was held with 57 journalists from 41 news organizations. Additionally, the opening ceremony was followed in the evening with a reception aboard USS Taylor (FFG 50).

USS Abraham Lincoln Scheduled to depart 15July from Everett
Release Date: July 13, 2010
From USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. — USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9 will get underway for Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) July 15. The exercise is expected to last approximately four weeks in the Southern California operational area.

COMPTUEX is an intermediate level battle group exercise designed to forge together the battle group and its components into a fully functional fighting team. COMPTUEX is a critical part of the strike group’s pre-deployment training.

CSG-9 consists of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 9, and guided missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71).

Ø      CVW 2:
o       Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, “Blue Blasters”
o       Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151, “Vigilantes”
o       Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 2, “Bounty Hunters”
o       Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137, “Kestrels”
o       Carrier Logistics Squadron (VRC) 30, “Providers”
o       Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 116, “Sun Kings”
o       Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 131, “Lancers”
o       Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, “Saber    Hawks”
o       Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12, “Golden Falcons”
Ø      DESRON 9:
o       USS Shoup (DDG 86)
o       USS Momsen (DDG 92)
o       USS Halsey (DDG 97)
o       USS Sterett (DDG 104)
Ø      USS Cape St. George (CG 71)

For more information on CSG-9 and the USS Abraham Lincoln, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/ or www.facebook.com/usslincoln.

USS O'Kane Departs Pearl Harbor for a Seven-Month Deployment
Release Date: 7/9/2010 11:41:00 PM

By Seaman (SW) Rachel Swiatnicki, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- More than 250 Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam July 9 for a seven-month deployment.

O'Kane is scheduled to conduct operations in the Middle East and western Pacific.

"We look forward to the missions in U.S. 5th Fleet, which differ somewhat from those we executed during our last (western Pacific) deployment," said Cmdr. Derek Trinque, O'Kane's commanding officer. "The ship will support ballistic missile defense requirements in the Central Command region, though I expect we will take part in a host of other missions as well."

O'Kane returned from deployment Dec. 16, 2009, after three months of operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Command Master Chief John Hall said that everyone is recharged, refreshed and ready for the deployment.

"O'Kane has been through an extremely busy, fast few months and a lot of things that we had to do. We stepped up and took care of all of our tasks," said Hall. "We even managed to put in a short leave period to give the crew a chance to relax."

Trinque noted how well the crew is prepared for the upcoming deployment.

"I think the amount of work they have done since the last deployment shows that there are experienced Sailors aboard and they are ready to go," said Trinque. "I know they are looking forward to the deployment where they can see the direct results of all their hard work."

Hall said he looks forward to the different port visits, "and having a very successful deployment for the entire crew while doing our mission and coming home safely on time."

Guided-missile destroyers are multimission surface combatants, capable of anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions. They operate independently in support of carrier and expeditionary strike groups.

Navy Seeks Applicants for FY11 National Security Management Program
Release Date: 7/8/2010 11:48:00 AM

By Ed Barker, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Senior Naval officers interested in understanding the factors and forces shaping national security strategy and policy should consider applying for the National Security Management Program (NSMP) no later than Sept. 24.

The fiscal year 2011 program was announced in naval administrative message (NAVADMIN) 219/10, released July 1.

Designed for senior officials working in national security-related positions, program participants will attend the senior manager course in National Security, a DoD-sponsored, four-week resident course of instruction held at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The course allows O-6 officers and civilians at paygrades of GS/GM-15 or equivalent the opportunity to learn the management techniques and core knowledge necessary to deal with complex issues involving national security.

The Elliott School's program employs training in management and decision making techniques, practical and analytical feedback, simulations, guest lectures and site visits. The course objective is to improve the management and leadership skills necessary to successfully influence the various processes within DoD.

"Our distinctive approach combines study under some of the world's leading experts with a unique, rigorous program of management skills courses," said Michael E. Brown, dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs. "Learning and skills are tested and embedded through simulation exercises. This combination of foundational knowledge, management tools and analytical techniques enables defense professionals to excel in the decision-making environment of the 21st century."

Capt. Richard A. Rogers, currently the commodore of Destroyer Squadron 22, attended the senior manager course in March 2009.

"The course allows the participants to experience the role of our government from not just the military perspective, but across all organizations that affect our national security policy," said Rogers. "While four weeks away from work can be difficult for a senior leader to accept, this course was the exception. The course challenges you to critically think about different futures and how our policy decisions today will affect those futures."

The program includes numerous site visits and briefings from policy makers. The course systematically examines the forces that influence U.S. defense decision making - the interagency process, the wider policy community, and threats in the international arena. This multifaceted approach gives participants further opportunities to develop the rational and intuitive decision-making skills needed for national security leadership.

The course also includes a field trip to New York City, during which a number of transnational security issues will be analyzed: terrorist threats, disease and international security, the challenge of illegal immigration and threats to the economy. A central case study will be used to improve management skills and prepare participants for the culmination of the course, a two-day simulation exercise, which requires successfully using the substantive expertise and analytical skills developed during the course.

Applications for the FY11 NSMP are due no later than Sept. 24 and participants have historically attended the course in the March/April or May/June time frame. Eligible nominations for the NSMP Navy selection board must be top performing active-duty or full-time support O-6 or O-6 select unrestricted line (URL) officers who hold a master's degree or proven sub-specialty and whose reporting seniors have nominated them to attend the program. Officers selected will incur two years of obligated service upon completion of the course. Selectees will receive full tuition, room and board and travel funding.

Application packages should be submitted by the nominee's reporting senior officer to Center for Personal and Professional Development Voluntary Education Detachment, Attention: Code N2A2NSMP, 6490 Saufley Field Rd., Pensacola, Fla., 32509-5204.

'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Surveys Hit Service Members' Inboxes
Release Date: 7/8/2010 11:52:00 AM

From Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden, American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Defense Department officials e-mailed surveys to 400,000 service members at noon July 7 as part of a special review to prepare the military for a potential repeal of the so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law that bans gays and lesbians from openly serving, Pentagon officials announced.

Army Gen. Carter F. Ham, commander of U.S. Army Europe, and Jeh Johnson, the Pentagon's top lawyer, head the review panel that's assessing the current law.

"The voice of the service members is still vitally important," said Ham, noting that although amendments to the current law were approved by legislators in May 2010, lawmakers still require the Pentagon review.

"This is draft regulation, it is not yet enacted into law, and there are several hurdles yet to come," said Ham.

The group has been meeting with troops and family members since February 2010. Surveys also were distributed because time and financial constraints precluded meeting with every single member, Ham explained in a recent Pentagon Channel interview.

The surveys will give the panel a baseline of information that best represents the military's 2.2 million service members and their families, said Ham, stressing the importance of service member feedback.

Engaging the force may be more important now than before the amendments were passed, said Ham.

Half of the surveys went to active-duty service members, and half were sent to the Reserve components. Troops who received the surveys were selected based on age, rank, service, component, military specialties, education, marital status and other factors to ensure broad and thorough feedback on a potential repeal, Ham said.

The working group also plans to continue meeting with service members and families, said Ham.

Ham and Johnson have met with troops at "a large variety of bases, posts, camps and stations around the country," said Ham, adding that they're planning to meet with troops stationed overseas as well.

Such sessions have proven invaluable to the working group, Ham added.

"What these sessions do afford is an opportunity for Mr. Johnson and myself to speak directly to service members, to hear in their own words what their assessment of the impact of repeal of the current law would be should Congress decide to take that action," said Ham. "Those sessions provide us context. They provide us substance to what we know we will get statistically from the survey and put it in real terms of how real service members feel about this."

An online inbox also is available for military and civilian members of the Defense Department. Troops can log into http://www.defense.gov/dadt with their common access card to provide their input. This site is not confidential; however, directions from the site, as well as in the survey, are provided for members who wish to continue a "confidential dialogue" with non-Defense Department members of the working group, said Ham.

Once service members enter the confidential site, they will be given an untraceable PIN number they then can use to log on from any computer.

This tool will allow gay and lesbian service members to remain anonymous and establish confidential communication, said Ham. It's available to all service members because some may not feel comfortable providing candid remarks.

"It is vitally important that service members continue to be open and frank and totally honest with us in their feedback," said Ham. "That certainly has been the case to date, whether it's been a large-group session or a small group or the online inbox. The service members and their families have been invaluable to Mr. Johnson and myself.

"We need that to continue in order to do our jobs and be representative of the force as we address the significant policy matters that would follow repeal of this law, if that is what Congress decides to do," said Ham.

Also, 150,000 surveys will be mailed to military spouses by the end of July 2010, said Ham.

Ham stressed the importance of promptly completing and returning the surveys. The hope is that that all of the surveys will be submitted within 45 days of receipt, said Ham.

The working group's final report is due to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates by Dec. 1.

Truman Carrier Strike Group Strengthens International Ties Through Training
Release Date: July 8, 2010

From USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea - USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) concluded three days of air defense interoperability training with the French destroyer FS Jean Bart (D615) July 9.

Truman had previously conducted joint training with French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R 91) in June to commemorate the 100th anniversary of French naval aviation, and recently spent two months operating with the German frigate Hessen (F221).

"What has continually amazed me is the smoothness with which our Coalition partners integrate into the strike group," said Capt. Bob Barwis, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26. "In my time at sea, I have never seen integration this seamless. The Jean Bart Sailors are a professional, skilled, and highly adaptable force that expertly executes whatever task they are assigned."

Crew members from Jean Bart took the opportunity to visit Truman and Churchill while planners from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and Churchill spent time aboard Jean Bart.

French Navy Lt. j.g. Ronald Hamon, an air controller aboard Jean Bart, enjoyed the time he spent aboard Truman, his first experience on a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

"It is always good to train together, and we both benefit from these trainings," said Hamon, who had previously served aboard de Gaulle.

Lt. j.g. Lauren Nelson, an operations planner with CSG 10, was impressed by the professionalism of the French Sailors and by the hospitality the U.S.

Sailors received during their time aboard Jean Bart.

"The equipment, training, and operating procedures between both our navies are very similar," observed Nelson. "They seemed excited to begin working together, as were we."

The Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., and includes the command staff of Carrier Strike Group 10, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S.

Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.

DESRON 40, Peruvian Navy Submarine Force Commences Silent Forces Exercise 2010
Release Date: 7/7/2010 3:45:00 PM

By Destroyer Squadron 40 Public Affairs

CALLAO, Peru (NNS) -- U.S. Navy forces teamed up with their Peruvian Navy counterparts July 6 to begin Silent Forces Exercise (SIFOREX) 2010, a bilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise, in Callao, Peru.

The exercise is hosted by the Peruvian submarine force.

SIFOREX, which focuses exclusively on ASW operations, is the longest such exercise in which U.S. units will participate in 2010.

During the exercise, Peruvian naval surface units, including the frigates BAP Bolognesi (FM 57) and BAP Villavicencio (FM 52) will team up with Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40, USS Klakring (FFG 42), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 and Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 to practice ASW against three Peruvian Type 209 diesel submarines, BAP Arica (SS 32), BAP Pisagua (SS 33) and BAP Chipana (SS 34). The units will train in the waters off the coast of Peru until July 11.

DESRON 40 is on a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multinational environment.

'Show Me State' Submarine Set to Join the Fleet
Release Date: 7/7/2010 10:08:00 AM

From Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The seventh submarine of the Virginia class will officially join the U.S. Navy fleet when Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Missouri (SSN 780) is commissioned during a ceremony July 31 at 11 a.m. at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.

Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State."

The last Missouri, the legendary battleship, was the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II Sept. 2, 1945.

The 7,800-ton submarine Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News, Va. At 377-feet long, Missouri is slightly longer than a football field and has a 34-foot beam. Missouri will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs and increasing underway time.

Missouri reached several milestones on her journey toward commissioning. Construction began in December 2004; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony Sept. 27, 2008, at the General Dynamics Electric Boat facility in North Kingstown, R.I.; and, Missouri was christened during a late morning ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat Dec. 5, 2009.

Another milestone occurred April 16 during "In Service Day," when crew members moved aboard the submarine, bringing her systems to life, beginning general day-to-day operations and preparing for sea-trials, work-ups and commissioning.

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode is the commanding officer of Missouri, the seventh ship of the Virginia class. He leads a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. A native of Spencer, W.Va., Rexrode graduated with honors in 1990 from West Virginia University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. In addition, Rexrode is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, holding a master's degree in military studies. Rexrode also received a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

Becky Gates, wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, serves as the submarine's sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat's sail during the christening ceremony in December 2009. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year's keel laying ceremony.

Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy Maritime Strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

The USS Missouri Commissioning Committee, an IRS-designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, was created to increase awareness of the submarine's commissioning. The committee offers information about the development of the submarine, as well as history on former Navy ships named for the "Show Me State."

At-Sea Interoperability is Focus of CARAT Singapore
Release Date: 7/6/2010 4:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Eric J. Cutright, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training Public Affairs

CHANGI, Singapore (NNS) -- Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2010 kicked off with an opening ceremony held at the Fleet Auditorium at Changi Naval Base in Changi, Singapore, July 6.

U.S. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen took part in the opening ceremony, with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) hosting the event.

The ceremony marked the 16th year that the U.S. military and Singapore have worked together in the bilateral exercise, which has the longest at-sea phase of the CARAT exercise series.

"The U.S. and Singapore enjoy a very warm and special relationship that goes back a long way," said RSN Fleet Commander, Rear Adm. Joseph Leong. "Through the use of combat procedures and communication systems, our men and women have achieved a certain level of interoperability and confidence working with one another."

Real-world events have shaped ties between the U.S. and Singapore Navy, and CARAT has fostered that relationship, said Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific and Task Force 73, Rear Adm. Nora Tyson.

"During CARAT last year, I talked about the changing environment in which we operate," said Tyson. "We talked about those threats. Piracy, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean, but also nearby in the South China Sea, remains a serious threat to shipping and free trade, not to mention our mariners themselves.

"The shuffling scenarios and warfare area focus is proof that CARAT is adaptable and flexible, and can meet these emerging threats. Put another way, CARAT's size belies its importance. It is a key exercise and is the primary mechanism our countries use to translate our shared maritime concerns into action," said Tyson.

Participants for CARAT Singapore 2010 include USS Princeton (CG 59), USS Jacksonville (SSN 699), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Mellon (WHEC 717) and USNS Amelia Earhart (T-AKE 6).

Operations being conducted for CARAT Singapore include several ashore events such as medical, logistics and aviation symposiums, community service projects, ship boarding and law enforcement exchanges. At-sea events include joint helicopter operations, air and surface gunnery exercises, missile firings, anti-submarine warfare events and tactical freeplay events.

CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and to enhance force readiness. CARAT 2010 features all six original partner nations, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, as well as two new participants, Cambodia and Bangladesh.

The total number of forces scheduled to participate in the exercise include approximately 17,600 personnel, 50 aircraft and 73 ships.

USS Elrod Rescues Stranded Mariners Of Sunken Ship
From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
Release date: July 6, 2010

By: MC1(SW) Eric Brown COMUSNAVCENT/Fifth Fleet/CMF

USS ELROD, Gulf of Aden - The U.S. Navy frigate USS Elrod (FFG 55) rescued

16 Pakistani mariners stranded in a life raft near the wreckage of their fishing vessel 144 miles west of Socotra Island off the Horn of Africa July 5.

A U.S. Navy P-3C Orion aircraft, from patrol squadron VP-16, forward-deployed out of Djibouti, spotted the life raft near debris in the eastern Gulf of Aden around noon (GMT +3) during a routine patrol in support of the counter-piracy task force Combined Task Force (CTF) 151

USS Elrod, the nearest vessel with search and rescue (SAR) capabilities, dispatched an SH-60B Sea Hawk helicopter to conduct SAR operations while the Elrod was en route to the mariners' location. The helicopter crew rescued 12 men by air, and when the frigate neared the life raft, they sent a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) to pick up the remaining four men.

Once the survivors were aboard Elrod at 5 p.m. (GMT +3), interpreters confirmed that all crew members had been rescued. The medical team aboard USS Elrod assessed them to be in good health.

The mariners' vessel, the Pakistani-flagged fishing skiff Al An Wari, sank in the Gulf of Aden due to cracks in the hull. The skiff had pulled into port in Yemen on June 29 for repairs, returned to sea on July 1 and sank on July 2. The crew was drifting at sea in a life raft for more than 48 hours before the frigate rescued them.

Elrod transferred the Pakistani nationals to the Pakistani Navy destroyer PNS Babur July 6 to be taken home. Babur is in the region conducting counter-piracy operations in support of CTF-151. Click here for photos.

U.S. 5th Fleet Holds Change of Command Ceremony
Release Date: 7/5/2010 4:17:00 PM

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT)/ 5th Fleet (C5F)/Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Support Activity Bahrain July 5.

Vice Adm. Mark Fox relieved Vice Adm. Bill Gortney as commander of NAVCENT/C5F/CMF.

"I cannot think of a better, more qualified officer to relieve me than Mark Fox," said Gortney. "He comes to the area with great experience, is a dynamic leader and is committed to furthering the progress we've made. Our service members and coalition partners are fortunate to have him taking the helm."

Beginning in July 2008, Gortney led more than 25,000 U.S. and coalition service members operating continuously in the region providing security, defending against violent extremism, conducting maritime security operations (MSO) and providing support for Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"In my two years here, I've seen our allies in the Gulf region come closer together, growing stronger together," said Gortney. "It's that ability to work toward a shared goal and understand what we all bring to the table as professional navies that enables us to protect waterways that are so critical to so many across the globe."

Gortney also took the opportunity to highlight the U.S. Navy's close friendship with Bahrain.

"We've enjoyed a strong, enduring friendship with Bahrain for more than 60 years," said Gortney. "It grows stronger every day. Just last year we began bringing Navy families back to the Kingdom and the Bahraini people have gone to great lengths to welcome them into their communities. I'll miss that bond we share."

Among the many highlights of Gortney's tenure are the return of U.S. families to Bahrain, the turnover of the Khawr Amaya Oil Terminal to the Iraqi Navy, the successful rescue of Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips from his Somali pirate captors and the strengthening of partnerships among many Gulf region nations.

Fox expressed his admiration and appreciation for Gortney's numerous accomplishments during his tour as commander, NAVCENT/C5F/CMF.

"Bill Gortney, although modest in physical stature, is a giant in terms of leadership, team building and accomplishment," said Fox. "He has masterfully guided the coalition and U.S. naval forces with a wise and steady hand, taking a long range strategic approach while deeply respecting the region's people, religions, histories and cultures. I share his approach and will work hard in the years ahead to continue to build on his legacy of excellence."

Gortney will report to the Pentagon, where he will serve as director, Joint Staff in Washington, D.C.

USS Midway Museum Hosts Largest All-Military Naturalization Ceremony
Release Date: 7/4/2010 10:12:00 PM

By Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Lori Bent, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Military service members from 51 countries became

U.S.

citizens during a swearing-in ceremony aboard the USS Midway Memorial Museum July 2.

In celebration of Independence Day, the flight deck of the USS Midway was transformed into an official courtroom for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), where 300 service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps became American Citizens.

"It is humbling and an absolute honor to be apart of this ceremony with so many of our past decorated veterans in our audience today," said Capt. Collin Green, a decorated U.S. Navy Seal and guest speaker for the event. "And to the promise of the future represented by you the 300 men and women in uniform we welcome today citizens of the United States of America."

USCIS officials announced that this was the largest all-military naturalization ceremony in history, focusing on Citizenship and Service, honoring those who have and those who continue to guarantee our freedom.

During the ceremony, USCIS honored Medal of Honor recipient Tibor "Ted" Ruben, a Hungarian-born Korean War veteran, by awarding him the American by Choice Award. In an unexpected but welcomed interruption, Sailors aboard USS Boxer (LHD 4) manned the rails in honor of their shipmates as the ship passed the Midway upon returning to homeport.

Six ballerinas with the San Diego Ballet performed to "Victory at Sea," and the Sounds of Freedom Choir sang the national anthem as well as a rendition of Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American."

U.S. Army Wounded Warrior, Sgt. Carlos Martinez-Negrete, led the Pledge of Allegiance as veterans of World War II through the Global War on Terrorism observed. Many of the service members sworn in during the even have been deployed overseas and are veterans themselves.

"This was a process that I needed to do, and I am very happy to be a United States citizen. After all the paperwork and time I can now say I am proud to be an American," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Bettina-Angeline Bautista, originally from the Philippines.

Service members who are interested in becoming a U.S. citizen are now eligible to apply for citizenship under special provisions provided for in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

All non-citizen service members who apply for citizenship must complete one year or more of service, be able to demonstrate good moral character, have no criminal record, speak English, demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. government and history, and take the oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution before they are eligible.

USS Constitution Underway to Celebrate Independence Day
Release Date: 7/4/2010 10:09:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kathryn E. Macdonald, USS Constitution Public Affairs

BOSTON (NNS) -- USS Constitution and her crew got underway July 4 to celebrate the nation's independence from

Great Britain

.

The event comes as part of Boston Navy Week, June 30-July 5, and is the last major event in which Constitution's Sailors will participate.

"I may be biased, but I can't think of a finer way to conclude Boston Navy Week," said Cmdr. Timothy M. Cooper, 71st in command of Constitution. "Constitution's long and distinguished service in defense of our nation is exemplified by everything that the Fourth of July represents."

The ship departed pier-side at approximately 11 a.m. with 362 guests, but preparation for this underway began in early June.

"Making sure Constitution can safely get underway takes a lot of work," said Cooper. "In addition to our own Sailors, the employees of the Navy History and Heritage Command Detachment Boston worked extremely hard to make this possible. Furthermore, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Massachusetts State Police, the Boston Police Department and the Environmental Police all play an important role in ensuring we are able to continue this tradition."

Next, guests from the U.S. Post Office unveiled the "Distinguished Sailors" stamps. The stamps honored four Sailors who served with bravery and distinction during the 20th century: William S. Sims, Arleigh A. Burke, John McCloy and Doris "Dorie" Miller.

"When we reached out to the U.S. Navy about this stamp, they made a recommendation to do it on board the USS Constitution on the Fourth of July," said James Holland, postmaster, Boston. "Along with it being Navy Week, it seemed like the perfect venue to reach out to the community."

Sailors also taught guests about "Old Ironsides'" history. Later, they performed a 21-gun salute near Fort Independence on Castle Island. Fort Independence is a state park that served as a defense post for Boston Harbor at one time.

"I thought it was so cool, the 21-gun salute," said Lynn Smith, a guest. "It's an honor being a part of so much history. It gives so much more meaning to the Fourth of July."

Constitution performed a final 17-gun salute to the city of Boston near Coast Guard Station Boston and eventually returned pierside at approximately 2 p.m.

Boston Navy Week is one of 20 Navy Weeks planned across America for 2010. The primary purpose of Navy Week is to increase Navy awareness by presenting the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard of Boston Harbor. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year.

USS Constitution Hosts Sunset Parade
Release Date: 7/4/2010 12:10:00 PM

By Seaman Apprentice Shannon S. Heavin, USS Constitution Public Affairs

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- The crew of USS Constitution hosted their annual Sunset Parade in the Charlestown Navy Yard, July 2.

The parade, which comes as part of Boston Navy Week June 30-July 5, celebrated the connection between Constitution's representation of naval heritage and New England's patriotic heritage.

"This is a valuable part of history passed on to each of the attendees tonight," said Lt. Cmdr. Anthony Savage, Constitution's executive officer. "It is my hope that everyone who sees our performance understands and appreciates the difficult and dangerous life the early Sailors of the United States endured."

The parade began at 6 p.m. on pier 1 with more than 250 people in attendance.

Constitution's Sailors performed boarding pike and gun drills. The drills simulated to spectators how Sailors prepared and fought in battle at sea during the age of sail.

"Through the boarding pike and gun drills, we're showing people the procedures of battle in 1812 that helped contribute to the freedom of America," said Seaman Alan Alcala of Constitution. "We're giving evidence of the bravery and patriotism of the men who served back in those days."

There were also performances by local groups, such as: the 1812 Marines, Middlesex fife and drum, Middlesex 4H fife and drum, USO Liberty Bells, Lexington Minute Men, Silver Dolphins and the Gaelic Column.

"It was wonderful to have the USS Constitution Sailors here," said Dale Willson, an 1812 Marine. "I enjoyed every moment; the audience was amazed to see history alive. It was the perfect beginning to the Fourth of July weekend."

The conclusion of the Sunset Parade took place at 8:25 p.m. It was timed so the final gun drill coincided with the firing of the ship's saluting battery during evening colors at sunset.

"The performance was outstanding," said Navy Capt. Mary Jo Majors, a spectator. "It was an event not to be missed."

Boston Navy Week is one of 20 Navy Weeks planned across America for 2010. The primary purpose of Navy Week is to increase Navy awareness by presenting the Navy to Americans who live in cities that normally do not have a significant naval presence.

Constitution is located in the Charlestown Navy Yard of Boston Harbor. She is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat and welcomes more than 500,000 visitors a year. For more information on Constitution, visit http://www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution/ or join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionoffical.

Freedom Commanding Officer Speaks to Coronado Optimist Club
Release Date: 7/3/2010 9:15:00 AM

By Communication Specialist 1st Class Elena Pence, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of USS Freedom (LCS 1), Gold Crew, was the guest speaker during a Coronado Optimist Club weekly meeting July 1 at the Coronado Community Center.

"I enjoyed meeting this group because they are very involved in the community," said Cmdr. Randy Garner. "It is important for everyone to understand what is going on with the Navy in their surrounding area, but especially so in an area like San Diego, where the relationship between the Navy and the community is extremely strong."

Bernie Roeder, program director for the Coronado Optimist Club, was excited to schedule Garner as the weekly guest speaker.

"He offered a great opportunity for us to keep in touch with the Navy and the community," said Roeder.

"I simply wanted to share some information on the littoral combat ship that I command," shared Garner. "We are doing a number of revolutionary things in the LCS program, from reduced manning to fundamentally operating the ship differently. I wanted them to see the ship is clearly capable, by sharing specific examples of the success we had on deployment."

"Coronado is a Navy town and well over half of the club is retired Navy," said John Bowen, President. We like to know how the Navy is progressing and appreciate greatly that the commander gave us the opportunity to learn about the LCS program."

The Coronado Optimist Club is a national service club that does community work for the local community and raises money to benefit youth in the Coronado area.

Mass Naturalization Ceremony Makes History aboard Naval Museum
Release Date: 7/3/2010 9:12:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Sarah E. Bitter

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A record number of military service members participated in a citizenship naturalization ceremony July 2 aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego.

Three hundred uniformed men and women from more than 50 countries made history by being the largest group of service members to take the final step in becoming U.S. citizens by reciting the Oath of Allegiance.

"I feel like I have been waiting for this moment for a long time," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Yan Zhang, a Fushun, China native serving aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68). "I lived in Los Angeles for the last six years prior to joining the Navy and had a difficult time gaining citizenship, but after I enlisted in the Navy it became a lot easier. Now that I am a citizen, I am able to vote and that makes me very happy."

The service members represented many different countries of origin including: American Samoa, Armenia, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, People's Republic of China, Colombia Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Fiji, France, Germany, Great Britain, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Kenya, Laos, Mexico, Micronesia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Palau, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

"Becoming a citizen meant a lot to me," said Seaman Apprentice Maglan Laizer, assigned to Assault Craft Unit 5, Camp Pendleton, Calif. "I was 28 years old when I came to the United States from Tanzania with my wife Neema and daughter two year-old daughter Keren.

"My parents made great sacrifices to get me here. I did not know anyone nor did I have a lot of money. But, I did have a friend Nigeria who was in the Navy and she helped me go through the recruiting process and enlist in the Navy, October 2009. The Navy helped me earn citizenship through enlistment and attending a lot of classes," added Laizer.

All of the non-citizen service members who apply for citizenship must be able to demonstrate good moral character, have no criminal record, speak English, demonstrate knowledge of the U.S. government and history, and take the oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution before they are eligible.

The ceremony was part of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)'s annual celebration of Independence Day. An estimated 3,800 candidates are scheduled to become citizens at 55 special ceremonies held across the country and around the world from July 1-6.

"Thousands of troops are making sacrifices each day for this country so that we can celebrate our independence," said Carolyn Muzka, USCIS Western Region Director. "Today we celebrate individuals who have served in our military for many years, some of whom have already pledged to defend liberties they themselves did not fully have. Welcoming new citizens is one of the most important things we do as a nation but it is a particular privilege to welcome those who serve our nation and put their lives on the line to protect the ideals and principles of freedom."

According to data from the Department of Defense, more than 65,000 immigrants (non-US citizens and naturalized citizens) were serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces as of February 2008. Since September 2001, USCIS has naturalized more than 37,250 foreign-born members of the U.S. Armed Forces and granted posthumous citizenship to 111 service members.

The ceremony also honored veterans from past wars.

"I think this event was great," said Robert Watson, a Beach Master at Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy, France, during World War II. "Young people should realize that there are older people around supporting and encouraging them. It does not make a difference how long you have been in the service because we are all brothers and sisters together."

Group Sail Sets Stage for RIMPAC 2010
Release Date: 7/2/2010 11:08:00 AM

From Rim of the Pacific Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Chosin (CG 65) pulled into Lualualei, Hawaii July 1, marking the end to a group sail that has brought ships representing Canada, France, Australia, Japan and the United States from the International Fleet Review in Victoria, British Columbia to the Hawaii Operating Area in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010.

"The International Group Sail from Victoria, B.C. to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was a great opportunity to work closely with our sister navies of the Pacific Rim. All of the RIMPAC partner nations rely on the maritime domain for prosperity, and the security of that domain is vital to individual national interests," said Capt. James Autrey, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 23. "Over the course of 11 days we learned from each other and operated with unity of effort while preparing for the RIM of the Pacific Exercise 2010."

Since departing Victoria June 14, ships participating in the group sail have coordinated together on exercises and training operations ranging from anti-surface warfare to group maneuvering as a means of establishing bonds and lines of communication.

"Developing relationships with and among the Sailors of the world leads to developing and building relationships with the peoples of the world," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Gala, operations officer aboard Chosin. "Firsthand relationships with the representatives from each of these countries only deepens an understanding of the seagoing and warfighting tradition, and more recently the peacekeeping tradition."

And it is these bonds and lines of communication that will carry over into RIMPAC 2010.

"Working up to a running speed with any other group of motivated and gifted individuals requires at least a little practice and modicum. Sharing something like a centennial celebration with the Canadian navy and then sharing time at sea provides the nesting time required before such a robust event," said Gala.

And it is this sense of cooperation and building towards the future that makes the group sail a success.

"Opportunities to go on a foreign warship at-sea are rare. I had such an opportunity and won't soon forget it," said Ensign Daron Weber, food service officer aboard Chosin. Weber visited the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Akebono (DD 108) as part of a personnel exchange conducted between Chosin and Akebono.

"One thing I've experienced in the Navy is that it is small. The same could be said for an international navy. We very well might never cross paths again, but our experience in the personnel transfer will help sailors on both sides in the future," said Weber.

Now in Hawaii, Chosin and her partnering ships switch focus from the group sail to RIMPAC.

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, with 14 nations, 32 ships and over 20,000 personnel taking part this year. A biennial exercise, RIMPAC stresses the necessity of operational readiness in the Pacific and the sentiment that building relationships with our global partners ensures maritime freedom for all. This year marks the 22nd in a series of RIMPAC exercises conducted since 1971.

Pacific Rim Nations Prepare for 'Ultimate' Exercise
Release Date: 7/2/2010 10:57:00 AM

By Lt. Cmdr. Fenn Kemp, Exercise Rim of the Pacific 2010, Australian Navy Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The commander of Australia's contingent to exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 says RIMPAC will be among the largest and most important exercises

Australia

has participated in for many years.

Commodore Stuart Mayer says the biennial exercise will provide a unique challenge to all involved.

"RIMPAC is the ultimate test of how we operate with our Pacific partners," said Mayer. "Whether you are a member of the flight crew on an RAAF Orion, an Australian Soldier operating with the U.S. Marine Corps or a Sailor on one of our Navy's three ships attending this year, RIMPAC throws up challenges rarely encountered on other exercises."

More than 1,200 Australian Defense Force (ADF) personnel are arriving in Hawaii to participate in RIMPAC, which is designed to test their interoperability with 14 Pacific rim nations, including the United States, South Korea, Indonesia and Canada.

Three Australian Navy ships, HMAS Kanimbla (L 51), HMAS Newcastle (FFG 60) and HMAS Warramunga (FFH 152), are participating in RIMPAC 2010. They are being joined by members of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, two RAAF AP-3C Orions from RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and Navy Clearance Divers.

This RIMPAC will also give both Navy and Army the chance to exercise in an amphibious space.

"The first of two new Australian amphibious ships (LHDs) are due to be complete in 2014 so we continue to exercise our developing amphibious capability in this environment." said Mayer. "The ADF continues to develop and refine its amphibious capability and knowledge in preparation for the capability increase presented by the arrival of the LHD. The information sharing opportunities presented by RIMPAC directly contribute to our preparations for the LHD. This is an exciting new capability we are taking on and all three services will have a role to play."

RIMPAC 2010 will be the last for the Australian Navy's 817 Sea King Squadron which is due to be de-commissioned in 2011.

"The Sea Kings have a long history with the RAN (Royal Australian Navy) and have provided excellent support throughout their operational service." said Mayer. "The flexibility provided by this capable aircraft will be put to good use, particularly during the amphibious phase of this exercise."

NAS Kingsville Eyes Tropical Storm Alex
Release Date: 6/29/2010 4:21:00 PM

By Jon Gagné, Naval Air Station Kingsville Public Affairs

NAVAL AIR STATION KINGSVILLE, Texas (NNS) -- Naval Air Station (NAS) Kingsville set Condition of Readiness 4 (COR 4) June 28 in preparation for the arrival of tropical storm force winds from Tropical Storm Alex on the South Texas coast.

COR 4 is a normal destructive weather condition that is set when tropical storm or hurricane force winds are expected within 72 hours.

NAS Kingsville Commanding Officer Capt. Mark McLaughlin, who assumed command of the air station June 25, set COR 4 for the air station following a teleconference with Navy Region Southeast, and the Navy's weather command in Norfolk.

"It looks like Tropical Storm Alex's projected path has the brunt of the storm coming ashore south of Brownsville and Kingsville will not be in the direct path but we're still going to proceed with caution as the storm is over the Gulf of Mexico," McLaughlin said. "At this point, we're going to be securing potential missile hazards, making plans to protect aircraft and property, and ensuring our personnel have time to take care of their homes and families in case the storm should intensify."

As of noon June 28, the National Weather Service forecasts Tropical Storm Alex to intensify into a Category 2 Hurricane before making landfall somewhere near the Texas-Mexico border. A Hurricane Watch has been issued for the coast of Texas south of Baffin Bay to the mouth of the Rio Grande River. The Mexican government has issued a similar warning from the mouth of the Rio Grande River to La Cruz, Mexico.

As of noon June 28, Tropical Storm Alex was located near 20.3N, 91.7W with an estimated minimal central pressure of 989 mb. Maximum sustained winds registered 50 miles-per-hour (mph), and the storm is moving north-northwesterly at about 6 knots. Projected landfall is expected from South of Baffin Bay to the Mexican border at about 7 a.m. central time July 1, as a Category 2 Hurricane.

Tropical Storm-force winds are expected for the Brownsville, Texas area by 9 a.m. June 30, and as far north as Baffin Bay just south of Kingsville, by 6 p.m. Storm surge potential for the watch area is 4-6 feet, with a rainfall potential of 6-8 inches, with isolated 10-inches or more for coastal counties.

At present, entry points into the air station are operating as normal, and all base facilities are operating normal hours.

Sailor Missing From Korean War Identified
Release Date: 6/29/2010 4:17:00 PM

From the Department of Defense

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 29 that the remains of a U.S. service man, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Ensign Robert W. Langwell, of Columbus, Ind., will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery July 12.

On Oct. 1, 1950, Langwell was serving on the minesweeper USS Magpie (AMS 25) when it sank after striking an enemy mine off the coast of Chuksan-ri, South Korea.

Twelve crew members were rescued, but Langwell was one of 20 men lost at sea.

In June 2008, personnel from the Republic of South Korea's Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) canvassed towns in South Korea in an effort to gather information regarding South Korean soldiers unaccounted-for from the Korean War. An elderly fisherman, interviewed in the village of Chuksan-ri, reported that he and other villagers had buried an American service man in 1950 when his body was caught in the man's fishing net.

The MAKRI located the burial site April 28, 2009, where they excavated human remains and military artifacts. The burial site was approximately three miles west of where the Magpie sank in 1950. The team turned the remains and artifacts over to U.S. Forces Korea, which sent them to Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) for analysis.

Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, JPAC scientists used dental comparisons in the identification of Langwell's remains.

With Langwell's accounting, 8,025 service members still remain missing from the Korean War.

Rim of the Pacific 2010 is underway at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickham in Hawaii.

Taylor Arrives in Split, Croatia
Release Date: 6/29/2010 9:13:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Edward Kessler, USS Taylor Public Affairs

SPLIT, Croatia (NNS) -- USS Taylor (FFG 50) arrived in Split, Croatia, June 24, as part of a scheduled port visit to further strengthen the relationship between the United States and Croatia.

While in port, Taylor Sailors will participate in community relation (COMREL) projects, give out donated Project Handclasp materials, provide tours of the ship and participate in a baseball game against a local Croatian club team.

Cmdr. Lyle Hall, Taylor's commanding officer, will meet with Croatian Vice Adm. Zdravko Kardum, commander, Republic of Croatia Coast Guard and his staff.

"This promises to be a unique and valuable experience for us," said Hall. "We hope to gain a tremendous amount of insight with our Adriatic partners through our sharing of experiences and training techniques."

The COMREL projects involve giving the children from Maestral Orphanage a tour of Taylor and delivering Project Handclasp materials to the orphanage.

Taylor, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is home ported in Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment to the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Truman Carrier Strike Group To Relieve Eisenhower
Release Date: June 28, 2010

MANAMA, Bahrain - The USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will relieve the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG as Commander, Task Force 50 on July 2, to begin a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

As Task Force 50, Truman CSG will conduct close air support missions in support of coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the AOR.

The Eisenhower CSG has operated in the 5th Fleet AOR since Jan. 25 with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aircraft flying 2,970 combat sorties and 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

"The Eisenhower Strike Group has done a great job supporting the troops on the ground in Afghanistan and executing maritime security operations," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, Commander, CSG 8. "We leave knowing that Eisenhower, CVW 7, and all the ships in our IKE 'five-star' team have worked hard to improve security and stability in the region."

Ships of the Eisenhower CSG performed multiple missions while in the 5th Fleet AOR, which included deterring piracy, protecting critical infrastructure, developing her partnerships, and conducting MSO throughout the region.

"Our Sailors have shown tremendous dedication and commitment during this deployment and are ready now to head home to their families and friends," said Capt. Dee Mewbourne, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). "We have every confidence that Truman will continue to work just as effectively to improve the security and stability in this part of the world through the outstanding professionalism of their Sailors."

"The Eisenhower Strike Group's performance in 5th Fleet and their support for military personnel in Afghanistan has been superb. We have big footsteps to follow in," said Rear Adm. Pat Driscoll, Commander, CSG 10. "The Sailors and Marines of the Truman Strike Group are fully ready and anxious to begin this important tasking."

The Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., and includes Carrier Strike Group 10, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and its associated squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 "Gunslingers," VFA32 "Swordsmen," VFA 37 "Ragin Bulls," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA)312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130 "Zappers," and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 7 "Dusty Dogs." Click here for photo.

USS Churchill Rescues Stranded Fishermen
Release Date: 6/23/2010 12:29:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stuart Phillips, USS Winston S. Churchill Public Affairs

USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL, At Sea (NNS) -- Members of USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team provided assistance to two stranded Yemeni fishermen June 21.

The fishermen had been out to sea for a total of 14 days and had been stranded without food, water or fuel for the last four. The VBSS team provided food and water to the two men.

"The law of the sea demands that we render assistance to those in need," said Capt. Robert Barwis, commodore for Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26. "We were glad to be able to help."

Churchill's commanding officer, Cmdr. Juan Orozco, stressed the importance of taking care of fellow mariners in distress.

"As soon as our helo spotted the stranded fishermen, we knew we had to go help them. It is every Sailor's responsibility to help those in need on the high seas," said Orozco. "You could see the satisfaction in my crew's faces, knowing that they had done a good deed."

"It was more of a humanitarian mission than a typical boarding," said Cryptological Technician (Technical) 1st Class Christopher Costa, a member of the boarding team.

The team from Winston S. Churchill stayed with the small dhow until the Yemeni Coast Guard arrived to escort the dhow back to land.

"To be involved with operations like this is rewarding in itself," said Costa. "We went over there as a team to see if anything was suspicious and ended up helping them out."

Members of the VBSS team are prepared to board and inspect vessels of interest. Their work normally focuses on counterpiracy and counter-terrorism operations and the prevention of drug and weapons smuggling, according to Sonar Technician 2nd Class Ryan Braley.

VBSS team members encounter a wide range of responses from the crew members of the vessel being boarded, according to Braley.

"We boarded a dhow once and the crew said a group of people came up, took their radios and broke them, so they were real happy that we were there. A lot of them told us 'we see you guys around all the time, and we feel safe that you're in the area'," said Braley.

Winston S. Churchill is currently deployed with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

NAVSTA Great Lakes Oil Skimmers Support Gulf Oil Spill Cleanup
Release Date: 6/23/2010 11:43:00 AM

By Bill Couch, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Midwest Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Environmental and public works civilian employees of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Midwest deployed June 22 to help with the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response.

The team of 12 environmental specialists and other volunteers departed Naval Station Great Lakes for Gulfport, Miss., in a convoy of six trucks and trailers carrying the base's harbor spill response skimmer, two utility boats, and other spill response equipment.

"We've trained for years to prepare for spills, and now we've got a chance to put that training to work and hopefully make a difference," said Kelly Devereaux, a NAVFAC Midwest environmental engineer and leader of the deploying team. "This is important, and we all eagerly volunteered to help out."

Though the team members and boats have responded in the past to minor oil spills from pleasure craft in the base harbor, this is the first time they have been sent to a major spill.

The team will likely be assigned to clear harbors and inland waterways along the Gulf coast, operating under Navy Region Southeast as part of the unified response effort.

Since the oil spill began April 20, the team had been preparing to go if called. Its deployment now comes in response to a June 19 order from the chief of naval operations to deploy additional Navy teams and equipment to the Gulf.

NAVFAC Midwest provides civil engineering, public works, and environmental support to Navy, Marine Corps and other Department of Defense activities across the 16 states that comprise Navy Region Midwest. The command's 900 professionals include civilian architects, engineers, acquisition specialists, environmental specialists, public works trades people, and administrative personnel, as well as active-duty Civil Engineer Corps officers, Seabees, and Reservists.

USS Winston S. Churchill Rescues Yemeni Fishermen
From USS Harry S. Truman or USS Winston S. Churchill Public Affairs

June 23, 2010
Release #065-10

USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL, At Sea -- Members of the USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team came to the assistance of two stranded Yemeni fishermen June 21.

The fishermen had been out to sea for a total of 14 days and had been stranded without food, water or fuel for the last four. The VBSS team provided them with food and water.

"The law of the sea demands that we render assistance to those in need,"

said Capt. Robert Barwis, Commodore for Destroyer Squadron Two Six (DESRON 26). "We were glad to be able to help."

Churchill's commanding officer, Cmdr. Juan Orozco, stressed the importance of taking care of fellow Mariners in distress.

"As soon as our helo spotted the stranded fishermen, we knew we had to go help them. It is every Sailor's responsibility to help those in need on the high seas," said Cmdr. Orozco. "You could see the satisfaction in my crew's faces, knowing that they had done a good deed."

"It was more of a humanitarian mission than a typical boarding," said Cryptological Technician (Technical) 1st Class Christopher Costa, a member of the boarding team.

The Churchill stayed with the small dhow until the Yemeni Coast Guard arrived to escort it back to land.

"To be involved with operations like this is rewarding in itself," said Costa. "We went over there as a team to see if anything was suspicious and ended up helping them out."

Members of the VBSS team are prepared to board and inspect vessels of interest. Their work normally focuses on counter-piracy and counter-terrorism operations and the prevention of drug and weapons smuggling, according to Sonar Technician Geographic Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Braley.

VBSS team members encounter a wide range of responses from the crewmembers of the vessel being boarded, according to Braley.

"Some of them really don't want to talk to you, they won't take the pamphlets that we try to give them or they just won't look at us or talk to us," said Braley.

At other times, a vessel's crewmembers will express their gratitude to the U.S. Navy for maintaining a presence.

"We boarded a dhow once and the crew said a group of people came up, took their radios and broke them, so they were real happy that we were there. A lot of them told us 'we see you guys around all the time and we feel safe that you're in the area'," said Braley.

USS Winston S. Churchill is currently deployed with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

Truman Carrier Strike Group Transits Suez Canal And Enters U.S. 5th Fleet
Release Date: 6/21/2010 2:27:00 PM

From USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) entered the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) June 18 after completing a successful transit through the Suez Canal.

Truman CSG is relieving Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG as part of a routine rotation of forces during a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation (TSC) efforts in the region.

"I am very proud of the men and women of the Truman Carrier Strike Group as we join the 5th Fleet," said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. "We have trained hard to support our troops on the ground in Afghanistan, and we look forward to working with our regional maritime partners to enhance interoperability and security."

For many Sailors and Marines aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), this is their first time operating in the 5th Fleet AOR. Several crew members who went topside during the Suez Canal transit observed the sand dunes and the level of navigational skill required to steer the aircraft carrier safely through the passage.

"I was surprised by how close we were to land," said Seaman Jason Kowalski, from Truman's deck department, who stood watches on the forecastle and bridge during the transit.

For Seaman Marissa Cambora, also from deck department, the transit drove home the reality that the aircraft carrier was far from its homeport of Norfolk, Va.

"It was exciting to see palm trees and sand dunes," said Cambora. "Everything is new and different. It makes you realize that after months of preparation, we're actually here."

Truman CSG deployed May 21, and includes the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman with embarked Carrier Air Wing Three (CVW 3) and guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) as well as Aegis-equipped destroyers USS Winston Churchill (DDG 81), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Ross (DDG 71), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) and German frigate FGS Hessen (F221).

FGS Hessen Detaches from Truman Carrier Strike Group
Release Date: 6/21/2010 4:34:00 PM

From USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- German frigate FGS Hessen (F221) detached from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group June 19 following successful operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

After departing their homeport of Wilhelmshaven, Germany and completing interoperability exercises last fall, Hessen deployed with the Truman Carrier Strike Group May 21 from Norfolk, Va.

"It was a great opportunity to work with Hessen," said Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. "The work our Sailors did together will strengthen both the personal and professional bonds between our navies. They are true professionals and take pride in everything they do."

While in the U.S. 6th Fleet AOR, Hessen participated in a number of exercises, including the 100th anniversary of French naval aviation and a visit from the German minister of Defense.

"In both training ashore and operations at sea, Hessen impressed us with her air defense warfare capability and her superior seamanship and hospitality," said Lt. Cmdr. J.B. Benson, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 operations officer.

For Lt. Heinz Moeller, the German navy liaison officer to CSG 10, the experience of working with the strike group was a rewarding one.

"I loved being a member of team Truman," said Moeller. "I enjoyed talking with Sailors in passageways, on the bridge, during meals everywhere. I felt very welcomed."

"Hessen was not merely a symbolic addition to an existing U.S. carrier strike group. She was fully integrated, early in the training phase, and she performed superbly," said Capt. Pete DeMane, deputy commander, DESRON 26. "It was an honor to sail with such a formidable combatant."

The Truman Carrier Strike Group is deployed in support of Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet AORs.

EOD Det Defuses World War II Bomb on Naval Base Guam
Release Date: 6/21/2010 2:49:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Peter Lewis, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- A four-man team from Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Detachment (Det) Marianas successfully defused a World War II-era 1,000 pound bomb aboard U.S. Naval Base Guam June 19.

The unexploded ordnance (UXO), a M65 general purpose high-explosive bomb, which was the largest found on Guam since 1972, was discovered June 14 by a back hoe operator working on construction of a new parking lot behind the Charles King Gym on base.

According to Lt. Brent Wadsworth, officer in charge of EOD Det. Marianas, there were many precautions set in place before technicians attempted to defuse the bomb.

"We determined that the bomb would produce a blast wave that would reach approximately 3,000 feet. All personnel were ordered to relocate outside of this area," he said. "We also determined that fragments from the bomb could reach as far as 5,000 feet. So personnel 3,000-5,000 feet from the bomb were ordered to remain indoors."

A 180-degree barrier was also constructed around the bomb to minimize potential damage to nearby buildings.

"Our main concern was making sure that everyone remained safe during this evolution," Wadsworth said. "Personnel come first, then property."

The team attached a rocket wrench to the bomb, then removed the fuse remotely after all personnel and team members had reached a safe distance.

"About 60 percent of UXO can be moved without such procedures, due to damage to the fuse, or the type of fuse used. This wasn't one of those cases," Wadsworth said. "We opted to use a rocket wrench with an electric Mark 186 remote firing device. After activation and a five-minute wait period, upon inspection, we saw that the fuse had been successfully removed."

Wadsworth said if the rocket wrench had failed to remove the fuse, EOD technicians would have had to remove the fuse manually.

"Our job is inherently dangerous. Each of my team members were prepared to manually defuse the UXO had the rocket wrench failed," Wadsworth said. "This is what we do, and it is an honor to be able to protect the lives of our fellow Sailors and their families."

In 2009, EOD Det Marianas performed 33 render-safe procedures of UXO; responded to 126 emergency calls, 44 on base, 67 off base, and 15 off island; and disposed of 7,061 ordnance items, with a 10,755 pound net explosive weight.

The mission of EOD Det. Marianas is to render safe all types of ordnance, conventional and unconventional, improvised, chemical, biological, and nuclear to include improvised explosive devices and weapons of mass destruction. They perform land and underwater location, identification, render-safe, and recovery or disposal of foreign and domestic ordnance. They conduct demolition of hazardous munitions, pyrotechnics, and retrograde explosives using detonation and burning techniques.

Albanian Armed Forces NCO Academy Visits USS Taylor
Release Date: 6/21/2010 2:25:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) Edward S. Kessler, USS Taylor Public Affairs

DURRES, Albania (NNS) -- Enlisted members of the Albanian Armed Forces Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) Academy visited USS Taylor (FFG 50) June 17 as part of their professional development curriculum and cross-cultural exposure to NATO allies.

The Albania Armed Forces created their NCO Academy in 1993 and just recently became a part of NATO in 2009.

The eight-week course is designed to improve the NCOs' professional development, give the members a chance to see enlisted members roles and interactions within other NATO partner militaries.

"The joining of NATO is the first step," said Master Sgt. Mary Eiteuner, operation coordinator for Defense Attaché Office, Albania. "As Albania develops a modern military force, they are going to have to develop their NCO program."

After World War II, the Albanian government and armed forces were isolated from the rest of western Europe and thus a predominantly conscripted force under communist rule. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Albania elected a democratic government and began to move toward a more westernized armed forces model based on the all-volunteer professional force of the United States.

"[Albanian] forces are working with NATO allies," said Eiteuner. "They are coming into contact every day with NCOs from western military forces, so it's important that they understand how to interact with our NCOs."

"This visit today was very special for our students," said Albanian Command Sgt. Maj. Proletar Panxha, senior enlisted advisor chief of Defense Force. "The first thing they noticed was how all the NCOs were taking care of the ship, and they could see the [American NCOs'] leadership at work here."

Establishing the Albanian Armed Forces NCO Academy is part of a series of steps Albania is taking to enter into the European Union.

Taylor, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported in Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Taylor Delivers Project Handclasp Supplies to Albanian Pediatric Clinic
Release Date: 6/21/2010 2:15:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) Edward S. Kessler, USS Taylor Public Affairs

DURRES, Albania (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Taylor (FFG 50) delivered Project Handclasp donations to the Ledi Diana Pediatric Clinic during a port visit to Durres June 16-17.

Ten Sailors delivered two pallets of medical and hygiene supplies to help more than 300 people regularly seen at the clinic.

Project Handclasp is a U.S. Navy program that receives, collects, consolidates and stores humanitarian, educational, and goodwill material for transportation on naval vessels and distribution by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel on behalf of American citizens to people in need overseas.

Cmdr. Lyle Hall, Taylor's commanding officer, noted the hard work and dedication of the crew to the community relations projects. During his discussion with the doctors and nurses of Ledi Diana, Hall discussed how these projects demonstrate the Navy's commitment to a lasting partnership with the people of Albania via cross-cultural and community relations efforts.

"Taylor's crew is committed to community outreach programs" said Hall. "It is a great opportunity to be a part of this project and to be able to make a positive impact at the pediatric clinic."

Taylor's crew also toured of the facility to see how the donations would make an impact.

"We provided a lot of good supplies," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Tidmore. "They will help to improve hygiene for the children."

This port visit marks the first of three port visits in which Taylor's crew will deliver Project Handclasp supplies during its deployment.

Taylor, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported in Mayport, Fla., and is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

Navy Medicine Celebrates Hospital Corps 112th Birthday
Release Date: 6/21/2010 4:24:00 PM

By Valerie A. Kremer, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) commemorated the 112th birthday of the U.S. Hospital Corps June 17 with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony and a performance by the Navy Silent Drill Team held at the BUMED campus.

Corpsman and command staff gathered together to honor the over 28,000 active duty and reserve men and women of the Navy Hospital Corps for their 112 years of service providing lifesaving care to Sailors and Marines around the world.

"It is with great pride that I wish the outstanding men and women of the Hospital Corps a very Happy 112th Birthday," Force Master Chief Laura Martinez wrote in a birthday message to Hospital Corpsman. "The compassionate care provided to our wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Marines, dependents, and to those that have worn the cloth, our veterans is nothing short of spectacular and continues to uphold Navy Medicine's commitment to providing world class care to all our beneficiaries," said Martinez.

The ceremony featured speeches by BUMED leadership about the support they continue to receive by the outstanding corpsmen of the Navy. Additionally Navy corpsmen spoke about their personal experiences of being part of the Corps.

"The Hospital Corps are the bedrock of Navy Medicine," said BUMED Chief of Staff, Capt. Michael McCarten. "Wherever I was, in Kandahar or here at home, I always had a corpsman by my side. Happy birthday shipmates!"

The Hospital Corps is the most decorated branch of the United States Navy and has fought on the front lines of every battle in United States history. On June 17, 1898, then-President William McKinley, established the Hospital Corps as a recognized member of the Navy Medical Department.

As part of the ceremony, the hospital corpsmen reaffirmed the oath they took upon completion of Hospital Corpsman "A" School to serve their fellow service members faithfully.

The celebration also featured a traditional cake cutting. Performed by the youngest and oldest corpsmen at the celebration, Master Chief Keith Boyce and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Lillian Alexander cut the cake.

"Even before the official inception of Hospital Corps on June 17, 1898, corpsmen have gallantly answered the call to battle," wrote Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson Jr. in a message to all Navy medical personnel worldwide. "From the Revolutionary War to the current overseas contingency operations, corpsmen have served with valor as they tend to the sick and injured on the high seas and other worlds battlefields. As Sailors and Marines deploy in harms way, they take solace in knowing that 'Doc' is beside them, and when the word is passed 'Corpsman Up!,' they know that they're in the best of hands."

Tips on how to protect your computer and personal data

(From the Defense Finance and Accounting Service regarding myPay but good advice for all computer users.)

ARLINGTON, Va (Feb. 12, 2007) As the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) continues to protect information and data on myPay – we want to remind customers that they too have a responsibility to take measures to protect their personal information from scams and identity theft.

In the past several months, two private U.S. industry firms disclosed that overseas hackers broke into customer accounts. According to the chief information officer (CIO) at one of these firms, these attacks were carried out by “keylogging” software installed on users PC’s. This software allowed the thieves to steal the users account information from their home computers, by capturing the user's keystrokes.

Key logging software is often installed on systems when an individual simply views emails or clicks links that look and seem like reputable sites. . They were able to detect passwords, IDs and other personal information from a diagnostic used in the software development which is also known as “keystroke logging”.

myPay uses a variety of security features to protect data and in its transmission to users’ computers.

“The secure technology provided to myPay customers meets or exceeds security requirements in private industry worldwide,” said Pat Shine, director DFAS Operations.

The features include items such as 128 bit encryption, firewalls, Virtual Private Networks (VPN) and other measures.

“It is also important that customers do everything they can to protect data from being compromised or captured on their computers, especially when using personal computers at home,” explained Shine.

“Phishing” attacks trick people into parting with personal information by luring them to false corporate Web sites or by requesting personal information be sent in a return e-mail. According to the Federal Trade Commission, “‘Phishers’ send e-mails or pop-up messages claiming to be from a business or organization you would routinely deal with – an Internet service provider, bank, online payment service or even a government agency. The message usually says that you need to ‘update’ or ‘validate’ your account information and might threaten dire consequences if you don’t respond. You are directed to a Web site that mimics a legitimate organization’s site. The purpose of the bogus site is to trick you into divulging personal information so the scam operators can steal your identity and make purchases or commit crimes in your name.”

Whether it be phishing, identity theft, government e-mail scams, credit card offers or electronic commerce fraud there are scammers on the Internet who are very creative and constantly come up with new scams or variations on old scams. The only way to fight this is with knowledge.

Here are several things customers should consider to protect data not only when using myPay , but any electronic commerce activity (e.g. on-line banking, credit card purchases, etc.):

1. Install operating system and application software (e.g. Internet Explorer) updates regularly. Many of these updates are issued to fix security problems which have been identified.

2. Install and use anti-virus software and personal firewalls. Keep this software updated. The correct use of these programs can help protect your system from being compromised by malicious software (e.g. software which can capture information processed on your computer, etc). The DoD Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) makes this type of software available to most DoD employees (check with your agency).

3. Do not store your various User-IDs and passwords in files on your computer. If someone gains access to your computer this is the type of information they look for and would aid them in accessing your account.

4. After using your browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, etc) to access a site where you process sensitive information (e.g. myPay, your bank account, etc.) close all of your browser windows and restart a new browser session. Sometimes the browser can hold that information in memory (e.g. cache, etc) and some Web sites know where to look to find it.

5. Be very careful when installing software that gives others access to your computer. Remote service software or peer-to-peer software used for file sharing can create unintended openings into your computer that outsiders can use if the software is not configured correctly.

6. Don’t e-mail personal or financial information. E-mail is not a secure method of transmitting personal information. If you initiate a transaction and want to provide your personal and financial information through a Web site, look for indicators that the site is secure, such as an image of a lock or lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a Web site address that begins “https:” ( the “s” stands for “secure”).

7. DFAS does not send e-mail messages asking customers to update or validate information. We do send e-mail messages that provide important information about customer’s pay account, but we never ask for customers to send passwords, login names, Social Security numbers, or other personal information through e-mail.

“Maintaining the safety and security of myPay is a top priority”, said Shine. “We proactively implement new security features on a routine basis to protect our customers against identity theft and scams.”