Navy News Service for Tuesday, February 07, 2012 http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USNAVYDMA-2e0fe0[2012/02/08 14:23:24] Navy News Service for Tuesday, February 07, 2012 U.S. Navy sent this bulletin at 02/07/2012 03:11 PM EST You are subscribed to Navy News for U.S. Navy. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Navy News Service for Tuesday, February 07, 2012 NNS120207-01. Bold Alligator Exercise Takes Fight to the Shore -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65202 NNS120206-18. CNO Visits Sea of Green and Blue -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65199 NNS120207-05. USFF Congratulates Bataan's Crew -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65209 NNS120207-09. Bataan Welcomes Aboard Tigers -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65208 NNS120207-06. Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command Supports Exercise Bold Alligator 2012 -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65207 AHU -- Headlines for Tuesday, February 7, 2012: Wounded Warriors Play Adaptive Sled Hockey; Assault Craft Unit 4 Vital To Bold Alligator 2012 -- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16792 NNS120207-03. USS Mustin Arrives in Ishikari -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65200 NNS120206-19. Truman Departs Dry Dock -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65201 AHU -- Commander Submarine Squadron 3 Disestablished in Hawaii -- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16794 NNS120207-02. Navy Establishes MESG-1 Det. Guam -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65206 AHU -- Naval Academy Class of 2012 Select First Ship Duty -- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16795 NNS120207-10. TSC, Learning Site Great Lakes Sailors Become Saturday Scholars -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65212 AHU -- Trident Warrior Tests New Technologies -- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16793 NNS120207-11. Military Works with Habitat for Humanity of Guam Receive Updates 0
Navy News Service for Tuesday, February 07, 2012U.S. Navy sent this bulletin at 02/07/2012 03:11 PM ESTYou are subscribed to Navy News for U.S. Navy. This information has recently been updated,and is now available.
Navy News Service for Tuesday, February 07, 2012
NNS120207-01. Bold Alligator Exercise Takes Fight to the Shore -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65202
NNS120206-18. CNO Visits Sea of Green and Blue-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65199
AHU -- Headlines for Tuesday, February 7, 2012: Wounded Warriors Play Adaptive SledHockey; Assault Craft Unit 4 Vital To Bold Alligator 2012-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16792
NNS120207-03. USS Mustin Arrives in Ishikari -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65200
NNS120206-20. USS Cheyenne Enjoys Super Bowl at Sea -- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65203
AHU -- Naval Aviator Hopes to Race in 2012 Olympics-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16791
NNS120207-08. Current All Hands Update-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65213
NNS011213-18. This Day in Naval History - Feb. 07-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=347
All Hands Radio News - 8 February 2012Navy to Deploy New Version of Performance Evaluation Software
Fleet Activities Yokosuka's Qualified Recycling Program Pays Off -- http://www.navy.mil/navydata/radioPlay.asp?id=5524
Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day-- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=115087
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NNS120207-01. Bold Alligator Exercise Takes Fight to the Shore
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/FMF) Chad V. Pritt, USS Kearsarge PublicAffairs
USS KEARSARGE, At Sea (NNS) -- Four months to the day before the 68th anniversary of thelanding at Normandy, the Navy and Marine Corps team conducted another historic amphibiousoperation.
Exercise Bold Alligator 2012, the largest amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, culminatedFeb. 6 with a D-Day landing on the beaches of Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Amphibious craft and thousands of U.S. Marines and British and Canadian commandosdeployed from multiple ships to the shores of North Carolina following a week at seapracticing all facets of amphibious operations. The exercise's scope and scale were last seenduring the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
"This type of an amphibious operation occurred at the start of the war as we brought forcesover into the [Arabian] Gulf off the coast of Kuwait, in about this size of a task force," saidMarine Col. Scott S. Jensen, commanding officer of Marine Air Group (MAG) 29. "Thedifference being, is once we got there we offloaded onto the shore and our command andcontrol shifted into a friendly country, and we reset ourselves land-based and were ready tosupport the combatant commander."
Landing craft air cushions and amphibious assault vehicles delivered Marines and coalitionforces from the United Kingdom and Canada from amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge(LHD 3) to the beach in a mock amphibious landing. The exercise is a revitalization ofamphibious capabilities and re-investment in the Navy-Marine Corps team.
Marines from Regimental Landing Team 2, MAG 29, 2nd Marine Regiment, and British andCanadian commandos embarked Kearsarge Jan. 23 through Feb. 3 in preparation for thelanding. The combined nature of the exercise allowed the U.S. and its partners to shareamphibious tactics.
"A lot of times we say, 'oh they're coming to learn our tactics, techniques and procedures,'"said Jensen. "But I think these are smart people from great countries who bring a lot to thetable from what they've learned, and we're seeing a lot of that sharing."
While the exercise is the largest in 10 years, the ability to launch an aggressive amphibiousassault has always been a capability the Navy and Marine Corps have maintained."What a lot of people don't realize, is that the assault on Afghanistan was launched from thesea, to 700 miles inland," said Capt. Peter Pagano, commander, Amphibious Squadron 4."Those initial forces from amphibious ships and aircraft carriers, kicked off OEF (OperationEnduring Freedom)."
The importance of amphibious capability lies not only with a tactical edge, but also a logisticalneed to provide from the sea. Sea basing, the maritime services' revolutionary powerprojection doctrine, provides American and coalition forces the ability to sustain a fightingforce anywhere in the world.
"There are a lot of places around the world that just don't have the infrastructure or thepolitical position to allow a huge American force to fly in and operate," Jensen said. "Therearen't many places with capabilities in the world that can match what we see in this team."
Bold Alligator began Jan. 30 and will continue until Feb. 12 afloat and ashore, in and aroundNorth Carolina and Virginia.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/. -USN--USN--USN-
NNS120206-18. CNO Visits Sea of Green and Blue
By Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert visitedUSS Wasp (LHD 1) to witness, first hand, the on-going Bold Alligator 2012 (BA12)amphibious exercise and to speak with Sailors and Marines, Feb. 4.
BA12 is the largest joint and multinational amphibious assault exercise the East Coast hasseen in the last 10 years. The exercise is being held to revitalize the partnership of the Navyand Marine Corps while observing amphibious capabilities in the fleet and their contribution tonaval operations.
"For you, war fighting is first and I want you to be ready," Greenert said to an audience ofSailors and Marines in Wasp's hanger bay during an all hands call. "My job is to provide youwith the tools to enable you to do that."
BA12 is the culmination of years of individual unit training from various fleet assets broughttogether to accomplish various littoral missions and assess overall readiness. Assets involvedinclude two submarines, 25 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines covering thefull spectrum of subsurface, surface, ground and air capabilities.
While onboard BA12's command and control flagship, the CNO was briefed by seniorleadership about the strategies, tactics and learning opportunities that have and continue todevelop from the 14-day exercise, which includes forces from eight other nations.
The areas being tested and evaluated by BA12 are the proficiency and efficiency of theamphibious fleet on forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, maritimesecurity, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Greenert said due to the ever-
changing battle environments and mission requirements of our nation's military, amphibiousforces are receiving more attention and resources to meet those challenges.
"We're putting in place a support ship called a mobile landing platform," Greenert said, whichwould augment the aging Marine transport grey-hulls currently in service. "We are supportingthe next LHA (America-class), so we're all in for these big decks... We're all in for amphibiousoperations."Greenert said amphibious operations are a high priority of the Navy-Marine Corps team andcontinue to gain importance.
Greenert ate lunch with Sailors and Marines in the Stinger's Nest and then toured Waspspeaking with crewmembers from the bridge to engineering spaces to the galley.
Following his tour CNO met a sea of green and blue in the hangar bay to address the entirecrew and give them a current snapshot of where the fleet is at from his perspective. CNOdiscussed the Navy's Sailing Directions and highlighted the importance of the strategicmaritime crossroads before opening the meeting up to questions from the crew about anytopics of interest or concerns.
After spending nearly an hour addressing the sea of green and blue's questions ranging fromperform-to-serve to the future of amphibious operations, Greenert thanked all the Sailors andMarines for their participation in BA12 and their service and commitment to the Navy and thenation.
"I want to thank you all very much for what you're doing," Greenert said.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
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NNS120207-05. USFF Congratulates Bataan's Crew
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) James Turner, USS Bataan Public Affairs
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to multipurpose amphibiousassault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) received a visit from the commander of U.S Fleet Forces(USFF) Feb. 6.
Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. congratulated service members on their successful deployment andwished them a safe and joyous return home.
"It is an honor and a privilege to be on board," said Harvey. "I've watched you every step ofthe way. Many people will focus on the length of this deployment, but it's not just the lengththat is important, it is what you accomplished. You are the finest example of the Navy andMarine Corps team."
Bataan deployed March 23, 2011 as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG),which spent the past 10 1/2 months supporting maritime security operations and theatersecurity cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
"Admiral Harvey gave us a very warm welcome back," said Culinary Specialist SeamanApprentice Jatavius Hillboy. "It was exactly what we needed after being gone for so long. Thepast 10 1/2 months have been life-changing for me. We made history and I know it is a storythat I will tell my children and maybe even my grandchildren one day."
"After hearing Admiral Harvey talk to us I can't help but feel proud," Air Traffic Controller 3rdClass (SW) Sam Bomar. "I think all of us will be walking a little taller, with pride, once we arefinally home."
The BATARG, comprised of the Bataan, amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD19), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41), deployed three monthsahead of schedule March 23, 2011 in support of NATO-led Operation Unified Protector.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/. -USN--USN--USN-
NNS120207-09. Bataan Welcomes Aboard Tigers
From Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Public Affairs
USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assaultship USS Bataan (LHD 5) welcomed aboard friends and family for a three-day Tiger CruiseFeb. 5-7.
Bataan's "Tigers" - a term describing the friends and family members of the crew - weretransported via bus from Norfolk, Va., to Morehead City, N.C., to meet the ship as it preparedto return from a 10 1/2 month deployment in support of maritime security operations in theU.S. 5th and 6th fleet areas of responsibility.
Riding the ship for the 327 mile journey home to Norfolk offered more than 500 Tigers aboardthe chance to experience daily shipboard life. For many, this marks their first experience on aU.S. Navy ship underway.
"I've been on ships in port before, but this is my first Tiger Cruise," said Zach Pierce, a highschool senior from Chesapeake, Va. "The people have been friendly. I like how the ship isorganized and I'm excited to see it all."
Pierce, a freestyle sprinter and captain of his school's swim team, said he is interested in theNavy's special warfare combatant craft (SWCC) program, but is keeping all post-high schooloptions open.
"Having Tigers on board is a great way to thank our families and loved ones for theexceptional support they've given us these past several months," said Capt. GeorgeVassilakis, Bataan's executive officer. "We're delighted to show them what it is we do."
The ship planned several events to make the Tiger Cruise experience special. Bataan servicemembers had the opportunity to watch the Super Bowl XLVI with their loved ones and enjoyfootball fare such as fried chicken, potato chips and fresh vegetables. The ship also hosted anice-cream social.
Shortly after getting underway from Morehead City Feb. 6, Tigers were treated to a specialfly-by demonstration from two F/A-18 Hornets assigned to the "Gunslingers" of Strike FighterSquadron One Zero Five (VFA 105).
"That fly-by just made me proud," said Joanne Kohnen, from Leslie, Mo. "I've been lookingforward to this Tiger Cruise from the moment my son wrote they were having one. When Ithink of the sacrifices and the hard work you do to keep us safe, all I can say is 'thank you'."
Her son, Engineman Fireman Recruit Benjamin Kohnen, said that he was proud to show hismom the equipment he operates and give her a tour of the engineering work spaces.
"It means a lot that she came out here," said Kohnen, finishing his first deployment. "She'ssupportive of what I've chosen and she's interested in what I do. She sent care packagesthroughout deployment, not just for me but for the 50-plus people in my division. It meant a
While this is the first underway experience for some Tigers, other Tigers are former Sailors.
"I came here to support [my daughter] and show her we appreciate what she's doing," saidJohn Collandra, from Jacksonville, Fla., who spent 20 years in the Navy as an aviationordnanceman. "I'm proud of her, and I'm proud of all the Sailors."
"It's nice sharing this experience with [my dad]," said Ens. Hillary Collandra. "He's been inthe Navy and he knows what deployments are like. Having my dad and brother out here islike a long distance race where someone meets you near the end and helps you push to thefinish line."
Bataan deployed March 23, 2011 three months ahead of schedule as part of the BataanAmphibious Ready Group (ARG) in support of NATO-lead Operation Unified Protector. TheBATARG's deployment is the longest in 40 years.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/. -USN--USN--USN-
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW/AW) Molly Treece, Navy Public AffairsSupport Element, Norfolk
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command (NMAWC)conducted a synthetic underwater mine-clearing exercise in support of exercise Bold Alligator2012 (BA12) at Naval Warfare Development Command onboard Naval Station Norfolk Feb 3.
BA12 is the East Coast's largest joint and multinational amphibious assault exercise in 10years and is an opportunity for NMAWC mine warfare battle staff to integrate with acombined force maritime component commander to support amphibious operations bymitigating and disabling underwater anti-access/area-denial efforts. The exercise reinforcesthe role mine countermeasure forces play in enabling Marine Corps' forces to launch ashore.
"It's extraordinarily valuable that the Navy and Marine Corps' team, as sister services,conduct this exercise," Rear Adm. (select) Ken Perry, vice commander, NMAWC and the minewarfare commander of Bold Alligator. "This is to regenerate that partnership and renew thosecapabilities as sister services, to train as we operate. It's really very valuable."
NMAWC's mission includes providing mine warfare commander battle staff to supportoperational maritime component commanders in executing operational control of air, surfaceand underwater mine countermeasure forces.
During Bold Alligator, as the Mine Warfare commander, Perry coordinates the efforts of morethan 320 mine warfare Sailors across several U.S. and coalition platforms and units.
Mine warfare forces participating in the exercise include Mine Countermeasures Squadron 3,Mine Countermeasures Division 31, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 14, MineWarfare platoons from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Units 1, 6, 12; as well as NavalOceanography Mine Warfare Center's Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Platoon and theNaval Oceanographic Office's Data Fusion Cell.
Lt. Cmdr. Tyrone David, the Canadian liaison officer for the exercise, said that operating withCanadian and United Kingdom dive units and UUVs increases U.S. and coalition mine warfare
proficiency. "We train as we fight. It's a tremendous rehearsal for real-life operations."
Divers operated from Canadian Kingston Class coastal defense vessels HMCS Summerside(MM 711) and HMCS Moncton (MM 708).
BA12 will be a live and synthetic, scenario-driven, simulation-supported exercise designed totrain Expeditionary Strike Group 2, Second Marine Expeditionary Brigade (2nd MEB) andCarrier Strike Group 12. Staffs will plan and execute a MEB-sized amphibious assault from aseabase in a medium land-and-maritime threat environment to improve naval amphibiouscore competencies.
The exercise is in its second week and will run through Feb. 12, ashore and afloat, in and offthe coasts of Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy. -USN--USN--USN-
NNS120207-03. USS Mustin Arrives in Ishikari
By Ensign Margaret Morton, USS Mustin Public Affairs
ISHIKARI, Japan (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG89) arrived in Ishikari for a port visit Feb. 6.
Mustin's arrival corresponds with the start of the 63rd Annual Snow Festival held in Sapporo.While in port, Mustin Sailors will have the opportunity to join tourists from around the worldto admire the amazing works of art the festival has to offer in the form of ice.
In addition to viewing the ice sculptures, Sailors also plan to partake in some of the manywinter sports offered in the region such as skiing, snowboarding, and bushwalking.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the many statues and trying the regional cuisine. This is myfirst Japanese port outside of Yokosuka," said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical)1st Class Hugo J. Perez. "I'm excited for an outstanding cultural and culinary experience. Iespecially want to try the seafood."
The Ishikari port visit gives the Mustin crew a chance to interact with the Japanese people inorder to build upon the existing relationship with one of America's most important allies in thePacific region.
"I anticipate the officers and crew to join in the many events associated with the festival andto gain an even greater understanding of the country and people that we partner to protectwith the Japanese Self Defense Force," said Mustin's commanding officer, Cmdr. Scott A. Tait.
Mustin is one of seven destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, forward-deployed toYokosuka, Japan, as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/. -USN--USN--USN-
NNS120206-19. Truman Departs Dry Dock
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, USS Harry S. Truman
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)moved from dry dock 8 (DD8) to her new berth, Pier 6 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) inPortsmouth, Va., Feb. 3.
Truman has been in dry dock since March 2011, conducting a 15-month docking plannedincremental availability (DPIA).
According to Ensign Carlos Prothro from deck department, getting the ship out of dry dockand afloat is a major milestone.
"It is a complex process, and the biggest part is having experienced Sailors in the right placesat the right times," said Prothro. "Undocking any ship takes a team effort."
Prothro said another key element to the ship's successful undocking was cooperation betweenTruman and NNSY leadership.
"Our partnership with NNSY made the undocking process flow smoothly," said Prothro."Undocking takes a lot of people working together with good communication flowing both upand down."
Following its watertight integrity verification Feb. 1, DD8 continued controlled flooding untilTruman rose from the keel blocks and moved by tug boats to Pier 6 at NNSY.
Cmdr. Jeffrey Hutchinson, Truman's navigation officer, said the undocking went extremelywell and every Sailor and shipyard worker should be proud.
"Today's movement went well because of the planning by NNSY and Truman," saidHutchinson. "Undocking was the most significant key event since DPIA started. It brings usone huge step closer to becoming operational again. This move should give every Sailor adeep sense of accomplishment and purpose."
For some of Truman's newest Sailors this was their first experience at sea.
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Alexander Donley said seeing the ship afloatwas a remarkable sight.
"I was very excited," said Donley, who has been aboard since September 2011. "Service atsea was the driving factor in my choice of joining the Navy over other branches of service.There is a marked progression in the ship's condition from when I first arrived to now."
Donley said many of the ship's newest Sailors are only familiar with being in dry dock. "So theship being afloat is very new to all of the newly reported Sailors. Soon we will back to sea,working in our rates," said Donley.
Truman's DPIA is the largest-scale maintenance cycle ever conducted at NNSY. Trumancompleted its last DPIA in 2006.
Throughout the next few months, Truman's Sailors will test systems and prepare the ship forits return to the fleet. Truman is scheduled to remain at Pier 6 until the completion of itsDPIA.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/. -USN--USN--USN-
SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 7 wasofficially disestablished and Maritime Expeditionary Security Group (MESG) 1 Det. Guam wasestablished during a ceremony on U.S. Naval Base Guam, Feb. 3.
The disestablishment of the command is part of a directive from the vice chief of navaloperations. As part of the plan, MSRON-7 disestablished and restructured as MESG-1 Det.Guam, which will continue to provide embarked security teams in support of Pacific Fleetoperations.
Rear. Adm. Michael Tillotson, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, was theevent's guest speaker and described the disestablishment of the command as an evolution innaval forces.
"You have to be able to adapt," he said. "I think when you look at the climate that we're inas far as our government in transition, transitions primarily because of the budgets that we'redealing with is, we have to be innovative. This force has been innovative and it's definitelygreat to be here."
Capt. Eric Moss, MESG-1 commanding officer, commended MSRON-7 Sailors for their hardwork and dedication and encouraged them to continue their efforts fulfilling their mission.
"You should be proud of the record you've helped etch for MSRON-7 that today closes out inour Navy's history books, but then restarts as a new chapter in maritime security with a forcereduced by the numbers, but not by the talent of the Sailors who will now carry on as MESG1 Det. Guam," he said.
More than 150 Sailors from MSRON-7 will continue their tour under MESG-1 Det. Guam.
During the ceremony, MSRON-7 Commanding Officer Cmdr. David Suchyta officiallydisestablished the command as the colors and his pennant were lowered from the flagpoleand MESG-1 Det. Guam's commodore's pennant was raised.
"It's a very bittersweet moment," he said. "I've been here on Guam for three years and I willtake a lot of great memories with me."
Tillotson presented Suchyta with the Navy Meritorious Service Medal for his service asMSRON-7's commanding officer. Under Suchyta's lead, MSRON-7 protected 10 special missionships operating in the East and South China Seas, four logistic ships in the Indian Ocean andArabian Gulf, 26 aircraft visiting high-threat airfields, and securely guided high-rankingpassengers during special missions. Additionally, the command was awarded the 2009 SisterVillage Award for executing a community service program that assisted its sister village ofSinajana.
"To my Sailors, I am proud, I am very proud to count myself among the professionals whohave served at MSRON 7," Suchyta said. "You never let me down. On short notice you'vedemonstrated you can pack up, go to a foreign land, sustain yourselves and accomplish themission. You've embraced the necessary thoughtful planning, realistic training and steadydiscipline."
MSRON-7 Executive Officer Cmdr. Michael O'Driscoll was assigned as the officer-in-charge ofMESG-1 Det. Guam.
"I feel honored to be asked to be the officer-in-charge of Det. Guam," O'Driscoll said. "Theimportance of Guam and what the Sailors here do is why there's so much of a fight to keepus here," he said.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN--USN--USN-
NNS120207-10. TSC, Learning Site Great Lakes Sailors Become Saturday Scholars
By James F. Antonucci, Training Support Center Great Lakes Public Affairs
GREAT LAKES, Ill. (NNS) -- Sailors and students from Training Support Center (TSC) andLearning Sites, Great Lakes volunteered at John Milton Gregory School to tutor and mentor4th and 5th graders Feb. 4.
Established in 1983, Saturday Scholars is a part of the Navy's Personal Excellence programand is the model for the Partnership Tutoring Program. This five-week program ends with agraduation for students who attended at least three-quarters of the sessions. Studentsreceive a certificate of completion and Sailors provide words of encouragement.
"The Saturday Scholars program provides our newest Sailors the opportunity to perform somewonderful volunteer work for the Navy and help our Chicago community children improve inschool; it's a great win/win program," said Master Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW)Timothy D. Malak, command master chief for Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit(CSCSU) Great Lakes.
"For this one-on-one tutoring program, we volunteer roughly 3,000 man-hours each year ofcommunity service to make it work," Malak said.
CSCSU instructor Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/SCW) Dennis G. Cope is in his firstyear as the Saturday Scholars Program manager. "We are able to help these studentsdrastically improve their test scores and more important improve understanding," said Cope.
Statistics have shown that the children involved in the program have displayed a 15 to 30percent improvement on their state test scores, placing Gregory School on the state's honorroll; all due to the support received from the Great Lakes volunteers.
Approximately 90 Navy volunteers from commands across Great Lakes participate with 40 to50 students each season. This year, students at Gregory School receive assistance in theareas of reading, math and science.
"We really pump this up. The kids know they get a chance to be tutored by a Sailor if theycome and they love it," said Gregory School teacher Cathy Wright. Along with CharleneReynolds and retired volunteer Precious James, Wright is one of the school's program co-coordinators.
"The Sailors here are great role models, especially for the young men who get a chance tosee the guys in uniform. The boys especially come out to for it."
The volunteers depart on Saturday morning and spend half an hour socializing with the kids inthe cafeteria after arriving. Prior to starting the two-hour tutoring sessions the Sailors leadthe school children in a motivational chant.
"We try to target the students who are struggling in the classroom... so we pull thosestudents who can benefit from having the Sailors tutor them," Wright said.
"The students love it," said Cope. "They like the military, the uniform and ask a lot ofquestions about where we've been and what we do in the Navy."
"It's been pretty fun so far, I was nervous at first, but I've melded in and gotten used to it,"said volunteer Seaman Josue Martinez. "My student has pretty much got it down; I've just
"I am very happy to be a part of this program," said Cope. "I have always enjoyedteaching/tutoring, and I think it is extremely important that our children in our communityare taught everything to become well-rounded adults."
For information about Center for Training Support Center Great Lakes and Learning Sites, visithttps://www.netc.navy.mil/.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Training Support Center Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/local/tscgl/. -USN--USN--USN-
NNS120207-11. Military Works with Habitat for Humanity of Guam
By Shaina Marie Santos, Joint Region Edge Staff
TALOFOFO, Guam (NNS) -- Service members partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Guam torefurbish the home of an island resident in Talofofo, Guam Feb. 4.
Antonio Bagaygay, 91, lives alone on a lot that was once covered by trees and plants. Thehome was almost invisible to passersby, until a Habitat for Humanity of Guam employeefound him and solicited the aid of volunteers.
"This project has had at least 20-30 people each weekend," said Habitat for Humanity ofGuam's board president Shane Intihar. "It is very easy to get Sailors and Airmen out to theseprojects. This is the kind of stuff they love to do."
Ann Cruz, administrative assistant for Habitat for Humanity of Guam, was pleased with theturnout of service members.
"The militaries, the Andersen, the Navies, and every volunteer that I call, they have all theheart when they come out and they came here, they work, and they help us out," she said."They like to do what is good for the people and what is good for the families. They showthey really are one of the Samaritans here on our island and that's what we're looking for,people like them."
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Bryan Darnell, of U.S. Naval Base Guam Security, was one of themany Sailors who volunteered at the event.
"I like helping out," Darnell said. "I like coming out and helping people around the island.We're showing a pretty good presence out here. We're showing a lot of military personnel outhere are more than willing to help the local community."
Lt. Alex May, of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas echoed hissentiments.
"Habitat for Humanity got the word out that [Bagaygay] needs help, so here we are," he said."It's very important that we keep in touch with the community and this is one of the greatopportunities to do so. I thank every single one that's here to help out."
Bagaygay grew up in the Philippines, where he was recruited into the U.S. Army. When hearrived on Guam, he helped in rebuilding efforts after World War II.
"He's done a lot to serve both the U.S. military and Guam," Intihar said.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/. -USN--USN--USN-
NNS120206-20. USS Cheyenne Enjoys Super Bowl at Sea
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine ForceU.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
COMSUBPAC Public Affairs
USS CHEYENNE, At sea (NNS) -- Submariners aboard the Los Angeles-class submarine USSCheyenne (SSN 773) enjoyed a Super Bowl party hosted by the ship's crew, Feb. 5.
Super Bowl XLVI, featuring the New England Patriots and the New York Giants, was shown ontelevisions throughout the submarine.
Normally, the crew of the Cheyenne is a tight-knit team working in one of the mosttechnologically advanced submarines our country owns. However, during the game, theCheyenne was a house divided. The Patriots fans cheered for Tom Brady while the Giants fanscheered for Eli Manning.
For Fire Control Technician 2nd Class (SS) John Cavazos, being able to watch the game was anice break from Cheyenne's busy schedule and made being underway more bearable.
"Everyone was having a good time and there were several fans for both teams," saidCavazos. "This event brought a little piece of home here on the boat, when you're actuallyaway from home."
In addition to the festivities, the culinary specialists came up with a plan to make the gamemore enjoyable by preparing a special meal to resemble an actual Super Bowl party. Theyprepared a smorgasbord of hot wings, nachos, chilly and cheese and jalapeo poppers.
"What I did was sat down and basically came up with a plan on what we could serve thatwould resemble an actual 'game-time' get together with the food supplies we have on board,"said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SS) Cody Jung. "This was a special meal due to the factthat we do not serve these types of food combinations in one setting."
After the game, the crew congratulated each other on the Giants' win and then went back towork and returned their attention to their normal duties.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, orwww.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visitwww.navy.mil/local/subpac/.
NNS120207-08. Current All Hands Update
From Defense Media Activity - Navy
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features five newscasts today - one two-minutenewscast and four one-minute newscasts.
Two-minute newscast-- Naval Aviator Hopes to Race in 2012 Olympicshttp://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16791
First one-minute newscast-- Headlines for Tuesday, February 7, 2012: Wounded Warriors PlayAdaptive Sled Hockey; Assault Craft Unit 4 Vital To Bold Alligator 2012http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16792 http://youtu.be/7VgCEjxq5cE
Second one-minute newscast-- Trident Warrior Tests New Technologieshttp://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16793 http://youtu.be/rbITdmac09A
Third one-minute newscast-- Commander Submarine Squadron 3 Disestablished in Hawaiihttp://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16794 http://youtu.be/TLKBwyYVsoo
Fourth one-minute newscast-- Naval Academy Class of 2012 Select First Ship Dutyhttp://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=16795 http://youtu.be/rFouOlfrP_I
Defense Media Activity-Navy produces four All Hands Update (AHU) newscasts each day - onetwo-minute newscast and three one-minute newscasts. AHU can be seen throughout the dayand evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS) satellite television service available aboard 160ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS programschedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American ForcesRadio and Television Service. -USN--USN--USN-
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NNS011213-18. This Day in Naval History - Feb. 07
From the Navy News Service
1800 - USS Essex becomes the first U.S. Navy vessel to cross the equator.1815 - The Board of Naval Commissioners, a group of senior officers, is established tooversee the operation and maintenance of the Navy under the direction of the Secretary ofthe Navy.1955 - Ships from the 7th Fleet begin the evacuation of Chinese nationalists from the TachenIslands.1965 - In response to a Viet Cong attack on a U.S. barracks area in Pleiku, South Vietnam,aircraft from carriers USS Coral Sea (CV 43), USS Hancock (CV 19) and USS Ranger (CV 61)attack a North Vietnamese area near Donghoi.1991 - Using her remotely piloted vehicle for spotting, USS Wisconsin (BB 64) pounds Iraqiartillery, electronic warfare and naval sites with her 16-inch guns. Fifty rounds sink orseverely damage 15 boats, and destroy piers at Khawr al-Mufattah Marina.
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Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing storiesrecently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense MediaNavy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the NavyNews Service (NNS).
For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.
