NAVY NEWS

August 23, 2007 at 3:12 am | Posted in Military, USA | Leave a comment

Navy News Service for Wednesday,

August 22, 2007

NNS070822-16.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Comfort Arrives in Colombia, Continues Mission — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31367 NNS070821-32.

President Thanks Navy Divers for Minneapolis Bridge Relief Efforts — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31366 NNS070822-15.

Navy Week Sets Sail in Indianapolis — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31362 NNS070822-13.

Seabees, Marines Teach Iraqis to Build, Pave Way to Future — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31313 NNS070822-12.

Bilingual Sailors Wanted for Maritime Civil Affairs — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31379 NNS070822-09.

EMF Sailor Returns Home to Djibouti to Support U.S. Military Mission — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31375 NNS070822-08.

NGA Celebrates 100th Anniversary of First Broadcast of a Navigational Warning — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31358 NNS070822-07.

Lincoln Achieves Outstanding Grade During TSTA/FEP — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31355 NNS070822-06.

Kearsarge Blue/Green Team Plays Soccer with Maltese Military — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31334 NNS070822-05.

Kearsarge Extends Diplomacy in Malta — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31306 NNS070822-04.

Seahawk 2007 Enhances Cooperation, Integration Between Navy, U.S. Coast Guard — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31279 NNS070822-03.

Navy Personnel Command Employee Wins BIG National Award — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31241 NNS070822-02.

Daily News Update for August 22, 2007 — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=31378 NNS020718-37.

This Day in Naval History – Aug. 23 — http://www.news.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2647

Eye on the Fleet – U.S. Navy Photo of The Day — http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=49841 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-16. Comfort Arrives in Colombia, Continues Mission By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kelly E. Barnes, USNS Comfort Public Affairs BAHIA MALAGA, Colombia (NNS) — After seeing thousands of patients in seven of 12 countries, hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) arrived in Colombia, Aug. 22, to continue its four-month humanitarian assistance deployment. While in Colombia, U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, U.S. Public Health Service, Canadian Forces and the non-governmental organizations Project Hope and Operation Smile will work in coordination with national and local Colombian officials to provide health care services at various locations, including Buenaventura Hospital, Bahia de Malaga, Comunidad La Sierpe and Buenaventura Coliseum. “We’re eager to work with the Colombian doctors and medical staff,” said Capt. Bruce Boynton, commanding officer of Comfort’s medical treatment facility. “We expect to learn a lot from each other.” Comfort will remain in Colombia for nearly a week conducting services including adult and pediatric primary care, dental care, optometry and other services. In addition to medical services the Comfort team will offer, the embarked Naval Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202’s community projects in Colombia will include replacing hospital operating rooms and pediatric ward tiles, repairing steam lines, replacing toilets, repairing and replacing lighting fixtures and switches, and developing maintenance programs for pumps and boiler systems. The Seabees will also build a medical clinic at Le Sierpe. “We’re really looking forward to working with the proud people of Colombia,” said Capt. Bob Kapcio, Comfort’s mission commander. “Improving the health and living conditions of as many people as we can see during our time here is good for Colombia, is good for Latin America and is good for all Americans. That is what the Partnership for the Americas is all about.” Comfort is on a 120-day humanitarian assistance deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean providing medical assistance to patients in more than a dozen countries.

For more news from USNS Comfort, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/tah20/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070821-32. President Thanks Navy Divers for Minneapolis Bridge Relief Efforts By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Dave Nagle, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs MINNEAPOLIS (NNS) — President George W. Bush thanked the divers of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2 on Aug. 21 for their hard work during search and recovery operations at the site of the Interstate 35 bridge collapse here. President Bush arrived at the 934th Air Reserve Base aboard Air Force One. Following a briefing on the search and recovery operations with state and federal officials, Bush was escorted to a hangar bay where he met with the divers. He shook hands with each diver, thanking them for their efforts and service. “Thank you also for your prayers and the compassion you’ve shown to the families (these past few weeks),” President Bush told the divers. President Bush also posed for a group photo, holding a dive helmet that his father, former President George H. W. Bush also held in a group photo with another MDSU detachment in 1992. Bush then gave each of the divers a presidential challenge coin before departing, followed by a hearty “Hoo-Yah America!” from the group. “It was such an awesome feeling meeting the president,” said Navy Diver 1st Class (DSW/SW) Joshua Harsh. “I was shocked at first, but he was very personable and down to earth. It was a great honor to meet him.” MDSU-2, based at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Va., has been in Minneapolis since Aug. 6, as part of a larger Department of Defense effort supporting search and recovery efforts at the request of the U.S. Department of Transportation and in support of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit http://www.news.navy.mil/local/necc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-15. Navy Week Sets Sail in Indianapolis By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Chris Fahey, Navy Office of Community Outreach Public Affairs INDIANAPOLIS (NNS) — Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman set the proverbial sail Aug. 20 for this year’s Indianapolis Navy Week, presenting the official proclamation to Navy representative Rear Adm. Gerald R. Beaman, Commander, Strike Force Training Pacific. A contingent of nearly 30 Sailors from across Indiana was welcomed by Skillman during a ceremony held at the historic Indiana State House in downtown Indianapolis. “As a native son to Indiana, it’s an honor to be here to help kick off this fantastic series of activities,” said Beaman. “Navy weeks provide heartland communities opportunities to meet Sailors first hand and learn about the latest capabilities and opportunities of the U.S. Navy.” The annual event is peppered with activities scheduled until Aug. 26. From the special viewing of the new USS Indianapolis Museum Gallery and kick-off celebration at the Navy Night Reception; to the U.S. Navy Band Horizon concert at the back-to-school bash for the Indianapolis children; each event brings together Sailors, their service and the Navy’s capabilities. The week will culminate with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and Leap Frogs performing tactical demonstrations and precision freefall and parachute jumps at the 11th Annual Mount Comfort Air Show and Symposium. Each event throughout the week is designed to illustrate the positive investment Americans make in their Navy, and expand awareness in cities that do not have a significant everyday Navy presence. In addition to free Navy entertainment and the Indianapolis Air Show, Sailors will visit schools and hospitals to speak about the Navy and show community support. “Indiana has a long, proud history of supporting the military,” said Skillman. “We are indebted to those who serve in the Navy, as well as in all branches of the military. Navy Week gives us a chance to showcase the Navy to all Hoosiers.” The opening day was capped off with a public evening reception hosted by the Indianapolis Navy Club at the Indiana War Memorial that coincided with the official permanent opening of the USS Indianapolis (CA 35) Gallery. The gallery honors the approximately 880 sailors who were either killed during the Japanese attack on the heavy cruiser or lost to the sea before their rescue four-and-a-half days later. During the reception, guests, both military and civilian alike, dined and spoke with a USS Indianapolis survivor and family members of Sailors lost during the tragedy. “Personally, for this year’s Navy Week to commence on the day of the permanent opening of the USS Indianapolis Museum seems to fit perfectly,” said Trichia Frye, great niece of Roy McQuitty, an enlisted Sailor killed in action during the attack on the Indianapolis. “I’m so happy people can come see the museum at the start of what will be a great week for Indianapolis.” Indianapolis Navy Week is one of 26 Navy weeks planned across America in 2007. Navy weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. Still, for USS Indianapolis survivor James O’Donnell, Navy Week is a bit under celebrated. “I think every city should host a Navy Week,” said O’Donnell. “Our children volunteer to defend our country. If they are brave enough to sign up; we should be courteous enough to recognize them for it, and Navy Week helps us do that.” For more news from the Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit http://www.news.navy.mil/local/navco/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-13. Seabees, Marines Teach Iraqis to Build, Pave Way to Future By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shane Montgomery and Chaplain (Lt.) Peter Ott, 30th Naval Construction Public Affairs CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, Iraq (NNS) — Every action taken by coalition forces in Iraq is leading toward the ultimate goal of accomplishing Provincial Iraqi Control. Whether it’s routing out insurgents alongside the Iraqi Army or helping Iraqi police maintain peace, much of the recent success in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq can be attributed to Americans and Iraqis working together. Seabees and Marines from the Naval Construction Force in the region are doing their part as they teach Iraqis how to build, maintain and repair their infrastructure. When the 7th Iraqi Army Division relocated to Ramadi from Fallujah in early 2006, only 25 soldiers manned its engineering company. Since then, recruiting efforts by the Iraqi Army have helped the unit grow to more than 160 personnel. While the recruits are eager to help rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure, many of them lack any formal training or construction experience. “As the number of recruits increased, I knew that I needed help,” said Marine Capt. Donnie Fricks, who leads the U.S. initiative to train members of the Iraqi engineering company. “I asked around and discovered that we had Seabees nearby,” said Fricks. “Who better to train the Iraqis than Sailors who do it every day? I am grateful to have six of them serving as subject matter experts. Seabees do hard work. I need more of them.” Since April, six Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 have worked alongside members of the Iraqi Army as part of the Seabee Military Training Team (SMTT), passing along their construction skills and leading them in increasingly complex construction projects. “The Seabees are great,” said a member of the 7th Iraqi Army Division. “They help us learn skills like maintenance, carpentry, electrical wiring and welding.” As one of the Seabees from NMCB 4 attached to the SMTT, Steelworker 2nd Class Miguel Rosado has enjoyed the chance to step into a leadership role while helping the Iraqis improve their skills. “We’re not here to do the work for the Iraqis, we’re here to advise them,” said Rosado. “We show them what to do, then step back and let them make mistakes for a little while before stepping in and guiding them to success.” The SMTT mission may become a permanent part of every Seabee battalion’s tasking in order to continue to provide critical training as Iraq seeks to rebuild and stabilize once fractured regions. “The SMTT program is an important mission for the Seabees in Iraq,” said Lt. Peter Simmons, the 30th Naval Construction Regiment’s assistant operations officer. “Training the Iraqi military engineers in various construction fields helps them to better execute successful missions that support their country.” Under the watchful eyes of the SMTT, Iraqi soldiers have completed projects ranging from up-armoring tactical vehicles for the Iraqi Army, to installing and repairing light fixtures and air-conditioning units, to widening roads and constructing gravel parking lots for the camp. The company’s most recent project included building three Southwest Asia huts on their camp that will serve as berthing spaces for the Iraqi Army. At the same time, they’ve learned how to better plan for their projects and manage and maintain their supplies and equipment. “When I first got here, the Iraqis didn’t know how to take care of their equipment, so I had to take a very hands-on approach,” said Equipment Operator 3rd Class Ralph Fiore. “I had to show them how to properly pre-start a vehicle, how to check the fluids and perform preventive maintenance. Now I just double-check their work, and they are good to go.” An Iraqi Major participating in the training, said the training is working and he sees a bright future, thanks to the help his team has received from the SMTT. “The Seabees help us a lot,” said the Major. “Fiore teaches us the proper way to check the equipment and (another Seabee) helps us fix the Humvees. I now have light in my office because (Construction Electrician 2nd Class Marlon) Romero teaches us how to wire electricity. This will allow us to help the people of Iraq in the future.” The ultimate goal, according to Fricks, is to train and equip the engineering company so that it is self-sufficient, able to replicate itself by drawing on the experience of senior members to train new recruits. The training has provided a sense of pride for many of the Iraqis. “Before the Seabees came, I know a little about carpentry and construction because that’s what I did before I joined the Army,” said a junior member of the Iraqi Army engineers. “Since we received help, I know a lot more about carpentry and how to use teamwork to build a house.” Many of the Seabees have a lot of hope for the Iraqis as a result of their partnership. “I hope the Iraqis take our training and run with it,” said Romero. “They have the opportunity to make a real difference in their country after we are gone.” While the Seabees were supporting the Iraqi Army engineers, in another part of Al Anbar Province, Marines from the 8th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB) were also teaching Iraqis from the 7th Division engineers how to make construction improvements. “We’ve instructed 22 Iraqis on how to conduct route repair on roads and 30 other Iraqis on prefabrication of wooden structures,” said Marine 1st Lt. Christopher Stokes of the 8th ESB. “We’ve taught them how to repair craters in roads by using a couple of different types of quick fill material available to them, and we’ve had the opportunity to teach them how to construct Southwest Asia huts and Davidson huts, which are used primarily for their billeting and office spaces and dining facilities.” Stokes explained it is important to provide the Iraqi Army with the skills they need to carry on the missions coalition forces have been conducting. “We have to set them up for success, or the work we have done here is in vain,” said Stokes. “As we get closer to PIC, more and more combined operations will be conducted to ensure they are capable of carrying on the missions once we leave.” The Naval Construction Force in Iraq focuses on achieving PIC when determining contingency construction operations in theater. “Everything we do has to be pointing in the same direction, and that direction is supporting Iraqi control of all operations in Al Anbar,” said Capt. Kate Gregory, commodore for the 30th NCR in Iraq. “Everything we do that supports the warfighter or helps train the Iraqi Army engineers is leading us to PIC. We’re working hard for that eventuality, and we’ve made huge strides in achieving that outcome. Seeing all of our forces work together should give all of us hope for a positive future.” There are more than 1,100 Sailors and Marines supporting critical construction efforts in the Al Anbar Province as part of the 30th NCR and the II Marine Expeditionary Force (forward), including both NMCB 4 and the 8th ESB. For more news from 30th Naval Construction Regiment, visit http://www.news.navy.mil/local/30NCR/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-12. Bilingual Sailors Wanted for Maritime Civil Affairs By Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Dave Nagle, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS) — ¿Cómo podemos ayudarle? Comment pouvons-nous vous aider? If you can read this, then one of the Navy’s newest commands may have a job for you. Maritime Civil Affairs Group (MCAG), part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), is looking for Sailors with foreign language proficiency to join their organization. MCAG and its two squadrons in Yorktown, Va., and Imperial Beach, Calif., plan and execute civil affairs operations in the maritime environment. Maritime civil affairs teams work directly with civil authorities and civilian populations around the world and may be involved in a variety of missions from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to regional engagement activities. While Sailors in certain rates with proficiency in any language are welcome, there is a particular need for those with proficiency in Spanish, Arabic and any of the Pacific Rim languages, such as Tagalog. The rates MCAG needs include: boatswain’s mates; operations specialists; gunner’s mates; electronics technicians; builders; construction electricians; construction mechanics; equipment operators; yeomen; personnel specialists; quartermasters; corpsmen; enginemen; and machinist’s mates. Most of the squadron billets are second class petty officers or higher. Master Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW/PJ) David Carter, Command Master Chief for Maritime Civil Affairs Squadron 2 said that language skills are important, but Sailors interested in orders to a maritime civil affairs position should also be strong, mature performers. “We’re looking for self-starters who can operate independently with excellent communication skills who are comfortable talking with people in any setting,” said Carter. “You should also be able to multi-task, since MCAS Sailors work in small teams and must handle several jobs at once.” “You will be talking and working with officials from non-government organizations in a variety of countries, so you will truly be representing the United States,” said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Marina LeTourneau, MCAG command senior chief. Sailors assigned to MCAG with demonstrated foreign language proficiency can qualify for the Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB), which is worth up to $500 a month. Until recently, the FLPB was mainly restricted to Navy professional linguists such as the Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) rating and Foreign Area Officers (FAO). However, NAVADMIN 072/07 expands and extends the FLPB to active and reserve component Sailors assigned to NECC (including individual augmentees); those in expeditionary combat; as well as to certain Sailors engaged in contingency situations. Another bonus is that Sailors stationed with civil affairs squadrons are eligible to earn the Expeditionary Warfare Qualification. A tour at MCAG is considered shore duty, while squadron-level tours are classified as Type 2 sea duty. In fact, maritime civil affairs teams have already deployed to South America in support of the Navy’s Global Fleet Station pilot. Another team is preparing to deploy in support of the Navy’s upcoming initiatives in the Gulf of Guinea. “We are truly doing some cutting-edge stuff here,” remarked Carter. “If you’re looking for something a little different, yet challenging, then maritime civil affairs is the place to be.” For more information about MCAG, visit http://www.necc.navy.mil For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit http://www.news.navy.mil/local/necc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-09. EMF Sailor Returns Home to Djibouti to Support U.S. Military Mission By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mary Popejoy, Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa Public Affairs CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (NNS) — It has been 10 years since Hospital Corpsman Khadar Diria last saw his homeland of Djibouti, but now he’s back as a U.S. citizen and serving in the Navy as a lab technician for Expeditionary Medical Force (EMF) at Camp Lemonier. “I left Djibouti in 1997 in search of higher education, and India was the cheapest, so I went there,” said Diria. “I attended Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in business. Shortly after I completed my education, I entered a green card lottery and won, and I knew my dream of going to the United States was finally going to come true.” When Diria first arrived in the United States, he went to Columbus, Ohio, where his uncle’s family lived. He applied to Ohio State University so he could get a similar bachelor’s in business that would allow him to meet American standards. That required him to take more classes, which he did, but working and going to school did not work out financially. He decided to take a different route and join the Navy. “I went to the Navy recruiter, and he said I could pursue education while on active duty. I decided that would be the best way for me to finish up the classes I need to get a degree that [would] meet American standards,” said Diria. In Nov. 2004, Diria entered active duty and went to boot camp and Hospital Corpsman “A” School in Great Lakes, Ill. During his training, he was able to talk to Navy legal and get information about becoming a U.S. citizen. It was something he wanted to do, so he filled out the paperwork and within three months, Diria was a citizen. “It was a dream come true,” said Diria. “I feel very proud to be a U.S. citizen in the best country in all aspects.” After he completed his initial job training, Diria headed to Virginia for follow on lab technician training at Thomas Nelson Community College. Diria studied hard to maintain a high grade point average so he could pick his first duty assignment; he wanted to find a way to get back to Djibouti. His studying paid off, and he was able to pick Bethesda Naval Hospital, which supports EMF Djibouti. “I was only at Bethesda for three months when this deployment opportunity came around, so I had to get special permission from my chain of command to deploy because they require personnel to be on board six months before they can be deployment eligible,” said Diria. “I am glad they gave me a waiver because I think my knowledge of Djibouti and my translator abilities will be useful during this deployment.” “His fluency in Somali and Arabic makes visits to (the local Djibouti) hospital a breeze,” said Cmdr. Michael Thomas, officer in charge, EMF Djibouti. “There was no one he could not speak to, even on very technical matters. They were very happy to see a native son working with us in a position of so much trust. HN Diria has additional training in blood banking, and manages our transfusion service. He is a critical member of our mass casualty response team.” In addition to helping his command, Diria also makes time for his mother who still lives in Djibouti. “It’s great to be back here because I haven’t seen my mother in 10 years, and I’ve missed her,” he said. “They are very happy I am home, even if it’s only for six months.” He went on to say that whether he’s doing his lab technician duties or translating the local language for his counterparts, he’s just glad to be here to do great things for the U.S. military and his birthplace. “I am happy to be here and thankful to the U.S. Navy, my EMF crew and everyone else serving here who are working hard to earn the trust of the Djibouti people so we can help them help Africa,” said Diria. For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-08. NGA Celebrates 100th Anniversary of First Broadcast of a Navigational Warning By Shalina R. Warren, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) — The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first radio broadcast by the Maritime Watch Desk Aug. 19. NGA’s Maritime Watch Desk provides immediate around-the-clock navigational warnings to ships at sea and safety support to U.S. Navy and commercial ships through informational messages regarding navigation safety hazards, such as obstructions in the water, shifting river channels, buoys off-station, closure areas and military exercises. “It’s extremely rewarding and gratifying to work in an organization that has a direct bearing on the safety of life at sea and that shares the same sense of commitment towards improving the means of navigation for both the naval and civil mariner,” said U.S. Navigational Warning Areas Coordinator Peter Doherty. The Maritime Watch Desk is part of the Worldwide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS), an internationally coordinated global service for the promulgation by radio and satellite information on hazards to navigation that might endanger international shipping. Starting in 1869, The U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office published the weekly notice to mariners, which detailed navigational obstructions. By 1906, the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office acquired a radio transmitter, leading to the first radio broadcast on Aug. 19, 1907, giving updated reports on obstructions at 6 a.m., 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. The tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912 focused the world’s attention on navigation safety at sea, resulting in the formation of an international committee to monitor navigation hazards. The committee mandated that all vessels at sea maintain a 24-hour radio watch. In 1921, the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office began broadcasting navigation safety warnings worldwide for all commercial and military shipping. In 1972, the Watch Desk duties were transferred to the Defense Mapping Agency, one of NGA’s predecessor agencies. The WWNWS was established to coordinate global radio broadcast service in 1977. The WWNWS divided the world into 16 navigation warning areas, giving the U.S. responsibility for the two areas along its Atlantic and Pacific Ocean coasts. In 1990, the Maritime Watch Desk began transmitting and receiving messages directly through the Automatic Digital Network, and by 1992, the Maritime Watch Desk promulgated and received messages via satellite. As the responsible WWNWS coordinator on behalf of the United States, NGA annually processes over 130,000 messages, guaranteeing the continuous operation of the WWNWS for the world’s ships. Messages of historic note disseminated by the Maritime Watch Desk during the last 100 years include notification of the presence of icebergs during the timeframe of the sinking of the Titanic and notification of U.S. port closures and avoidance areas during and after Sept. 11, 2001. NGA is a Department of Defense combat support agency and a member of the national intelligence community. The agency’s mission is to provide timely, relevant and accurate geospatial intelligence in support of our national security. The term “geospatial intelligence” means the exploitation and analysis of imagery and geospatial information to describe, assess and visually depict physical features and geographically referenced activities on earth. Geospatial intelligence consists of imagery, imagery intelligence and geospatial (e.g., mapping, charting and geodesy) information. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., NGA has major facilities in the Washington, northern Virginia, and St. Louis areas and has NGA support teams worldwide. On July 26, Rep. Chris Van Hollen Jr. read a proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary into the Congressional Record. For more information about NGA, visit http://www.nga.mil. For more news from around the fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-07. Lincoln Achieves Outstanding Grade During TSTA/FEP By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Recruit Kathleen Corona, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) — USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) blazed through its Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) Aug. 20, achieving an “Outstanding” grade after 45 days at sea. TSTA is designed to prepare the ship and crew for full integration into a carrier strike group, and FEP is its final, graded exercise. According to Cmdr. Chip Gaber, Lincoln’s strike operations officer, TSTA is a 25-day training period broken into three phases. “Phases one and two are eight days long, phase three is seven days long and then FEP is three days,” Gaber said. “Each phase builds on the last one.” During TSTA, Lincoln and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 and conducted over 1,000 fixed-wing sorties. The team also completed five at-sea replenishments and participated in 18 general quarters (GQ) drills. FEP is a graded 48-hour evolution. From GQ drills to flying squad drills and mass casualties, the afloat training group graded Lincoln and CVW-2 Sailors on what they learned during TSTA. Since leaving Naval Station Everett, Wash., on July 7, Lincoln also completed carrier qualifications for the ship’s flight deck, including certification of its precision approach landing system and carrier air traffic control, and performed carrier qualifications for four West Coast fleet replacement squadrons, according to Lincoln’s Operations Officer, Cmdr. Paul Mackley. “We spent the first two weeks out to sea getting our basic qualifications so that we could move on to the next phase of training,” Mackley said. “We met all of our objectives and got good reviews from COMNAVAIR (Commander, Naval Air Forces) and AIRPAC (Air Forces Pacific). In all, we did 275 arrested landings for our own [flight deck] certification and another 652 for FRS carrier qualification.” Lincoln hosted a ship’s materials maintenance management assessment assist team from Naval Air Forces Pacific, a Supply Department assist visit, performed two fueling at sea evolutions with USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187), and conducted a number of shipwide training evolutions such as man overboard drills, precision anchorages and live fire exercises, including a successful Sea Sparrow Missile shoot that impacted multiple air and surface targets. Lincoln’s crew was also able to enjoy two full days of liberty in San Diego July 22-24 while the ship took on personnel and equipment from CVW-2 in preparation for TSTA. With TSTA and FEP completed, Lincoln Sailors can look forward to a few weeks in Everett before the ship goes underway again to continue the next phase of integrated training. For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln, visit http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn72/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-06. Kearsarge Blue/Green Team Plays Soccer with Maltese Military By Mass Communication Specialist (SW) 3rd Class William Parker, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs VALLETTA, Malta (NNS) — Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) competed against the 1st Regiment of the Maltese Armed Forces in a soccer game at Malfar Military Base in Valleta on Aug. 17. The soccer game was held to enhance a continuing friendly international relationship with the Maltese Armed Forces by way of common interest. “It’s a privilege for me to get the opportunity to compete with people from another country who play the sport everyday,” said Ensign Tim Vanzant, Kearsarge’s Combat Systems Fire Control division officer. “Soccer is huge everywhere in Europe and to have the experience of playing soccer in Europe is amazing.” For team Kearsarge, there were a few obstacles to overcome during the game. The Sailors and Marines who were on the team had never played together before — and no one on the team had ever played on a sand and gravel surface. “It was something we all were not used to. Playing on that surface was unlike any game I’ve ever played on before,” said Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Filipe Teixeira of Kearsarge’s Intermediate Maintenance 3 division, who scored Kearsarge’s only goal. “It was a completely different environment. Europeans definitely play a more intense game of soccer than we do in the United States.” The Maltese team was made up of players, ages 18 to 40. They said that they play the game every day and that most of the players have been playing together for 10 years. “I love to play and I’m happy every chance I get to play,” said Machinist’s Mate Fireman Alex Torres of Engineering Department. “With both teams giving their best efforts, it was definitely a friendly match and the Maltese Armed Forces were very good hosts.” At the end of the game everyone shook hands and congratulated each other. The Maltese Armed Forces team won 5-1. Kearsarge, commanded by Capt. James Gregorski, left its homeport of Norfolk on July 30 for a regularly scheduled deployment as the flagship for the Kearsarge Strike Group, which is commanded by Capt. Robert Bougher; 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is commanded by Marine Col. Douglas Stilwell. Kearsarge Strike Group consists of the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), the guided-missile frigate USS Carr (FFG 52), the guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) and the fast-attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691). For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit http://www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd3/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-05. Kearsarge Extends Diplomacy in Malta From USS Kearsarge Public Affairs VALLETA, Malta (NNS) — Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) demonstrated partnership with the government of Malta and participated in numerous community relations projects during their port visit to Valetta, Aug. 15-19. During their short stay, Kearsarge Sailors and Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) hosted several ministers of government, held a reception for the armed forces of Malta, provided aspiring Maltese business and community leaders an inside look at American military culture, and selflessly gave their time and energy to several charitable organizations. “I’m proud of everyone on board Kearsarge who participated in these events and took the opportunity to learn of the history and culture here in Malta,” said Kearsarge Commanding Officer Capt. James Gregorski. “We truly appreciated the genuine hospitality and friendly nature of the leaders and people of Malta, which we received upon arrival. We are delighted at the opportunity to promote good will between our nations and further strengthen our relationship.” The Sailors and Marines of the 22nd MEU also participated in seven different community relations projects while in port. “[They] performed more [community relations] projects than any ship that has ever visited Malta,” said Jason L. Davis, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Malta. The community service events included two gospel choir performances at Vittoriosa Parish Church and Millennium Chapel; a soccer game between Kearsarge and the Armed Forces of Malta; and general maintenance at Richmond Kids Youth Home, Little Sisters of the Poor Retirement Home, Saint Joseph Youth Home and Park of Friendship Center for Disabled People. “We restored the irrigation system,” said Lance Cpl. Jason Foersch, an Arabic linguist. “The system was clogged with trash and leaves, so we cleaned it out. It felt good to complete the task because it gave me a chance to give back to the Maltese people for the hospitality they’ve provided during our visit.” Kearsarge left her homeport of Norfolk July 30 on a regularly scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group, which is comprised of the 22nd MEU, Amphibious Squadron 8, Kearsarge, USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), USS Ponce (LPD 15), USS Carr (FFG 52), USS Porter (DDG 78), USS Vicksburg (CG 69) and USS Miami (SSN 755). For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit http://www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd3/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-04. Seahawk 2007 Enhances Cooperation, Integration Between Navy, U.S. Coast Guard By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Bill Larned, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific SAN DIEGO (NNS) — More than 930 Navy and Coast Guard active-duty and reserve personnel are taking part in a joint Maritime Security Operations (MSO) Exercise Seahawk 2007. The exercise, which runs through Aug. 24, aims to increase interoperability and enhance cooperation between the two services which may be called upon to respond to real-world MSO. MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations. These operations seek to disrupt violent extremists’ use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material. “Seahawk introduces the full gamut of training opportunities we can offer our Sailors, short of deploying overseas,” stated Capt. Scott Jerabek, Seahawk’s exercise commander. “This important exercise brings Navy and Coast Guard units together to conduct integrated training on levels beyond what they accomplish alone.” Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) mans, trains and equips the Navy’s expeditionary forces, which include the Maritime Expeditionary Security Force (MESF) – charged with running the exercise; Explosive Ordnance Disposal; Seabees; Combat Camera Atlantic; Expeditionary Training Command; Maritime Civil Affairs and Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, which prepares Navy’s individual augmentees for deployment. “This exercise gives us the opportunity to bring Sailors from Naval Expeditionary Combat Command together in an environment that’s similar to what we deploy in and makes multiple assets available,” said Jerabek. In real-world scenarios NECC and U.S. Coast Guard may be tasked to conduct MSO or respond to domestic or global humanitarian or disaster relief scenarios. Seahawk will increase the force capability and capacity in the expeditionary maritime environment. The exercise coordinates command and control of Navy and Coast Guard expeditionary units, whether they are operating from a shore-based tent camp; aboard a patrol craft; or from a helicopter. Visit, board, search and seizure and maritime security escort exercises will include four 34-foot Sea Ark Ram Patrol Boats. The Land Support Area for the exercise is housed at the Silver Strand Training Center aboard Naval Base Coronado, which employs surface search radar and other thermal and visual sensors. Convoy training, key to the transport of maritime personnel and assets, take place at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Seahawk-related training helps prepare reservists for MSO deployments as well. Approximately 47 percent of NECC, particularly the MESF, is made up of reserve forces; they are vital to NECC’s mission accomplishment. “By optimizing the active and reserve components, NECC can build the proper responsive, adaptable and expeditionary force structure, delivering complete warfighting capabilities and readiness to warfare commanders,” said Jerabek. “The level of active and reserve integration has increased over the last couple of years since 9/11.” Relevant and dangerous threats the Department of Defense continues to emphasize include improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades. Seahawk drills will also include simulated scenarios involving these devices. Hyper-realistic medical training scenarios will help prepare corpsmen for deployments. “Seahawk hones expeditionary Sailors’ skills and ensures they are flexible, rapidly deployable, self-sustaining and capable of operating in the most diverse environments around the world. MESF — through NECC — and the U.S. Coast Guard provide units ready for tasking to maritime and joint warfighters,” said Jerabek. For more news from around the fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-03. Navy Personnel Command Employee Wins BIG National Award By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ken Ingram, Navy Personnel Command Public Affairs MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) — The national organization, Blacks in Government (BIG) awarded a Navy Personnel Command (NPC) employee with its meritorious service award on Aug. 17. Thelma Boggan Harrington received the award at BIG’s 29th Annual Training Conference in Nashville, Tenn. Weeks back, “I got a call from (NPC Commander) Rear Adm. [Edward ‘Sonny’] Masso telling me I’d won,” said Harrington, director of financial management at NPC. “It was so exciting – I’m still savoring the moment.” BIG is dedicated to advocating equal opportunity, eliminating racism and promoting professionalism among African-Americans in government. “Having an award for blacks in government sounds strange at first, but it’s good for recognition in minority areas,” said Harrington. “It becomes, ‘if she can do it, so can I.'” According to BIG, the meritorious service award is given annually to a military member and Department of Defense (DoD) civilian employee who has made significant contributions to the service, the advancement of blacks and the nation. Some of Harrington’s accomplishments include serving as NPC’s financial mentor for intern employees, becoming a charter member of the Black Cultural Awareness Committee and serving as the president of the American Society of Military Comptrollers, Tri-State chapter. However, not all of her achievements involve organized events. She said it is important to her to inspire her staff by maintaining a positive outlook. “Your attitude will rub off on people,” said Harrington. “You can keep up morale by keeping your own up,” she said. NPC provides accurate, reliable, and readily accessible career information to the more than 330,000 Sailors Navy-wide.

For more news from Navy Personnel Command, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/npc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS070822-02. Daily News Update for August 22, 2007 From the Navy News Service WASHINGTON (NNS) — Daily News Update features six newscasts each day – one two-minute newscast and five one-minute newscasts. Two-minute newscast- – Headlines from around the fleet: The search for three missing E-2C Hawkeye aviators ends; The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group arrives in Pearl Harbor; Delegates from the U.S. and Western Pacific Naval Symposium gather for a humanitarian and disaster relief exercise; USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) communications team uses new satellite technology. First one-minute newscast- – USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors earn their warfare qualifications. Second one-minute newscast- – Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 renovates a school in Ecuador. Third one-minute newscast- – Australian Navy ship HMAS Anzac (FFH 150) conducts security operations in the Persian Gulf. Fourth one-minute newscast- – USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) conducts fire, medical, and abandon ship training drills. Fifth one-minute newscast- – Sailors conduct a burial at sea ceremony at the USS Utah Memorial. Naval Media Center produces six Daily News Update (DNU) newscasts: a two-minute newscast and five one-minute newscasts. DNU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS) satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy web site at http://www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. DNU can also be seen throughout the world on the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS020718-37. This Day in Naval History – Aug. 23 From the Navy News Service 1864 – Rear Adm. David Farragut’s squadron captures Fort Morgan at Mobile Bay, winning control of Mobile Bay. 1958 – Massive concentration of Pacific Fleet in Quemoy-Matsu area prevents invasion of islands by China. 1958 – In Taiwan Straits Crisis, units of the 7th Fleet move into Taiwan area to support Taiwan against Chinese Communists. 1963 – The first satellite communications ship, USNS Kingsport (T-AG 164) in Lagos, Nigeria, connected President John F. Kennedy with Nigerian Prime Minister Balewa who was aboard for the first satellite (Syncom II) relayed telephone conversation between heads of state. For more information on naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil. -USN- -USN- -USN- Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Naval Media Center, 2713 Mitscher Rd. SW, Anacostia Annex, D.C., 20373-5819. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS).

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Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN- Very Respectfully, Lt. j.g. Marie Tillery Naval Media Center 2713 Mitscher Rd, SW, Bldg. 168 Anacostia Annex Washington, DC 20373-5819 (202) 433-0574

Navy News Service for Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Navy News Service navynewsservice@navy.mil

navynewsservice@navy.mil

Wednesday, August 22, 2007