Operation DEEP FREEZE 2014

Our U.S. Nav y’s Mi l i ta r y Sea l i f t Command

SEALIFT

INSIDE the March 2014 Issue — Faces of MSC: Capt. Edward Santillan • A good turn aboard Mount Whitney

Sealift is an authorized publication for members and employees of the Navy’s Military Sealift Command. Contents of this publication are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy. Sealift is published monthly by the Military Sealift Command Office of Public Affairs as authorized under NAVPUBINST 5600.42A. Submission of articles and letters should be addressed to Editor, Sealift, Military Sealift Command, 914 Charles Morris Court, S.E., Washington Navy Yard, D.C. 20398-5540; phone (202) 685-5055 or DSN 325-5055; fax (202) 685-5067; or via e-mail to sealift editor@navy.mil. All photographic submissions must be sent via e-mail, express mail or parcel service.

COMSC Rear Adm. Thomas K. Shannon, USN

Director, Public Affairs Tom Van Leunen Editor James Marconi

Writers Edward Baxter, SingaporeJessica Alexander, Washington, D.C.

Sarah Burford, San DiegoMeghan Patrick Henderson, Naples

Art Director Dale Allen, Washington, D.C.

Graphics Susan Thomas, Washington, D.C.

Military Sealift Command reports to the Commander, U.S. Transportation Command for defense transportation matters, to the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command for Navy-unique matters and to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition for procurement policy and oversight matters.

Printed on recycled paper

Commander’s perspective

USNS John Glenn and our Navy

Revising the shipboard “white list”The following blog was written by Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, Commander, MSC. Internet access issues are a common theme when MSC civilian mariners gather. Shannon talks about the “white list,” how to work with it and future plans to deal with the issue.

One of our civilian mariners’ most constant complaints involves the “white list” of approved websites. I get questions about it every time I visit ships or hold

an All Hands Call where mariners are present. Civilian mariners tell me that our list can get in the way of mission business such as ordering needed parts to fix broken equip-ment and ships.

First, let me explain why we have the “white list” in the first place. It blocks access to bandwidth-intensive sites such as streaming media and social media sites. This was a big concern under the Bandwidth Efficient Satellite Transport (BEST) system used by our MSC ships for satellite com-munications. The BEST system shared satellite download capacity, so high use by one ship could saturate the total bandwidth for multiple ships in the same area, denying them timely access. The good news is that the BEST system is being replaced by the Next Generation Wideband (NGW) satellite communications system that provides dedicated bandwidth to each of our ships. As NGW deploys, bandwidth is becoming less of a driver for this issue.

But, the second, and more important, reason for our “white list” is to reduce unintentional connections to malicious websites. Bad stuff can happen when you save an infected attachment, click on a link, or otherwise try to gain access to or read additional information on malicious websites. Following a link or cutting and pasting it into your browser can trigger the download of malicious software that can corrupt whole networks, reducing our operational capability and requiring very costly and timely cleanup, during which the whole ship is totally off line as far as the Internet is concerned. That affects our mission, our readiness and our service to our customers. Here’s what we’re doing about the problem.

First, our N6 computer/communications team is increasing the number of approving officials for requests to review specific sites our mariners say they need to conduct business. This includes a relaxing of our approval requirements.

Second, our N6 team continues to approve all business-related, weather, map, parts, travel, government, banking, medical, low-bandwidth news and educational sites. At the same time, our team will continue disapproving Navy black-listed, social media, high-bandwidth, multimedia-streaming and duplicative sites.

Here are some interesting statistics: over the past four years, we received 3,918 requests to approve individual sites. Of those, 1,658 (about 42 percent) were approved. Another 1,894 were disapproved because they were duplicate site requests, had bad URLs or alternate sites were already avail-able. Only 366 requests were denied, and none of those was appealed. That’s only a 10 percent denial rate.

One plan under consideration is to increase Internet access for our fleet by developing segregated “Internet cafes” aboard our ships outside the business network. The cafes would have no “white list” restrictions. We are assessing this capability now and have targeted implementation for fiscal year 2016.

Meanwhile, if you want to request access to a site on the “white list,” submit a request form using http://www.msc.navy.mil/survey/blocked.asp. This link is also given to you in the error message aboard ship when you attempt to access a non-approved site. Fill out the form. Each is reviewed by a real person, not a machine, for validity, duplicate sites and bandwidth usage. It’s also checked against the Navy “black list.” When a decision is made, feedback is provided to the requestor. If approved, our “white list” is updated. Written appeals must be routed up through program managers. Ideally, requests received Monday through Friday will be processed within 24 hours. Holidays and weekends may extend that to 72 hours, but you will get an answer as quickly as possible.

I understand your frustration. We’re working on the problem. Please have a little more patience, and work the system for the quickest results.

T.K. ShannonRear Admiral, U.S. Navy

Commander, Military Sealift Command

What a way to start the month! Everything was in place on the San Diego waterfront:

Marine/Astronaut/Senator John Glenn – our newest Mobile Landing Platform – a bottle of champagne – all the elements needed to christen a mighty ship. And what a mighty ship she is!

At 785 feet with a 164-foot beam, USNS John Glenn is an impressive, if somewhat unusual sight. Just think of the possibilities for using all that deck space and her ballasting/debal-lasting capabilities. She is a testament to American ingenuity, determination and imagination. This ship embodies the principles John Glenn and the teams at NASA embraced when they began America’s space program that resulted in historic, unprecedented space f lights. The same principles guided Mr. Fred Harris and his team at General Dynamics-National Steel and Ship Building Company during the construction of our newest ship.

As USNS John Glenn becomes fully operational, the principles of ingenuity and innovation will be embodied by our merchant mariner crew that will live and work within this amazing hull. At some point, in the not-too-distant future, the ship’s master will give the order to flood the deck. As it goes awash, landing craft will come aboard to embark brave Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines. Quickly they will depart over the horizon – maybe on a mission of mercy to help people facing a natural disaster… maybe on a rescue mission to a U.S. embassy in a troubled land…

An example of that creative thinking is the MV Cape Ray, a U.S. Maritime Administration ship we deployed from Norfolk in January, crewed by U.S. merchant mariners just like those who will crew USNS John Glenn – volunteers all. Less than three months ago, Motor Vessel Cape Ray was just a cargo ship.

Today, through American ingenuity and innovative thinking, she sails toward the Mediterranean as a floating factory, ready to neutralize Syrian chemical weapon agents at sea!

We take inspiration from that. It reflects the creative thinking that we will put into missions for USNS John Glenn. It’s the type of imaginative thought that will ensure our continued maritime supremacy and our place as a global force for good.

We will build on the base provided by the great men and women of the General Dynamics-NASSCO shipyard, who took raw steel and formed it into this mighty ship, a ship with flexibility and the future built in. Captain Patrick Rathbun, our ship’s first master, and his merchant mariners will take good care of our ship as they enjoy first honors sailing her on new and innovative missions for our nation.

No better name could adorn this ship than John Glenn: a risk taker and innovator, and a man who got the job done. As a Marine pilot, he took risks for our nation in WWII and Korea. He inspired our nation as an astronaut. And, as a U.S. senator, he did the hard work that is required to operate and advance our nation. Like John Glenn, our mariners on this ship will be called to play each of these roles at some point over the next 30 years as USNS John Glenn sails boldly forth, exploring new frontiers for America.

or maybe to thwart a terrorist act that threatens innocent lives. And that’s just scratching the surface.

Our Military Sealift Command team stands ready to help make this ship do whatever our country can imagine – to take creative thinking and put it into action at sea.

Marine/Astronaut/Senator John Glenn

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Captain Edward Santillan joined Military Sealift Command in 1999 as a supply utilityman on USNS Walter Diehl (T-AO 193). Six months later he decided to join the deck department as an ordinary seaman, and within a year he earned the able seaman certification. In 2002, he took eight months leave to attend Maritime

Professional Training at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., paying

for his own tuition to get his license as a 3rd mate. Santillan

steadily upgraded his license all the way to captain. In his 15

plus years with MSC, he has com-pleted 19 tours and served on nine

ships; USNS Walter Diehl, USNS Kiska, USNS Guadalupe, USNS Shasta, USNS Carl

Brashear, USNS Amelia Earhart, USNS Safeguard, USNS Mt. Baker, and USNS Yukon. He is currently civil service master aboard USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50).

1). What unique opportunities has MSC offered you?

Throughout my career I have been on AE, AO, AKE, and ARS platforms, which each have their unique missions. One tour I was a cargo officer moving ordnance throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet theater, or moving fuel/ordnance at sea for months for George Washington carrier strike group. Next tour, I am chief mate picking up dead coral off the shipping channel in Saipan. By having the opportunity to experience each platform I became a key asset to the command by being an all-around officer. This helps you out tremendously against the other candidates during a promotion board.

From Department of Defense

The Navy christened Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) John Glenn Feb. 1, during a 10 a.m.

PST ceremony in San Diego.The christening ceremony was

webcast on the Navy Live blog at

2). What challenges have you encountered and overcome in your career?

As an unlicensed mariner, becoming an officer is an achievement so high that if you have not gone to a maritime academy is almost impossible to achieve. This of course enticed me to pursue it even more. Throughout the years as an officer I have always taken the time to educate the unlicensed folks, letting them know that it’s not impossible to get your license. I guide them to what steps they need to take to purse their goals. Transitioning from unlicensed to a licensed officer was a culture shock – one minute I’m chipping and painting away on deck and in a f lash I am responsible for the navigation of a fully loaded ammunition ship. It was a pretty awesome experience.

3). What advice would you give to new unlicensed and licensed maritime professionals?

For the unlicensed: It takes commitment, time and money. You have to put al l your effort into this and it ’s a challenge to say the least. You wil l need to manage your finances for a month window while attending the schools and sitting for your license. I moved my entire family to Ft. Lauderdale and we lived off noodles and the dollar menu at McDonalds! Overall, once you have your license in hand MSC offers every opportunity to move up through the ranks. The ball is now in your court.

For the officers: You need to take the initiative to learn new things. Try to bounce around to various platforms. Sometimes you may get pigeon-holed since you may have the endorsement or experience that many don’t have, but keep asking your detailer to move around, or the captain can set you up for your next assignment. Don’t be afraid to ask. If you lack training (TPIC, MEDPIC, etc.) and MSC can’t offer it during your time off, just take it on your own. There are plenty of schools with various schedules, and this will avoid years of loss time trying to get the training you need. The downside is you’re going to have to cough up the money and give up some of your time off to attend, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Faces of MSC:

Q&A with Capt. Santillan

http://navylive.dodlive.mil.Chief of Naval Operations Adm.

Jonathan Greenert delivered the ceremony’s principal address. Lyn Glenn, daughter of John Glenn, served as the ship’s sponsor.

Upon delivery to the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MSC), John Glenn will be designated as a United States Naval Ship (USNS), and wil l have a core crew of 34 civilian mariners who will operate and navigate the ship.

“The christening of the future USNS John Glenn (MLP 2), a ship that will help usher in a new age of Navy and Marine Corps operations, is a fitting tribute to a man whose years of service to his nation as a Marine, a U.S. Senator and an astro-naut helped shape the future of the United States itself,” Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said.

The future USNS John Glenn (MLP 2), will honor John Glenn, the leg-endary astronaut who is the last surviving member of the Mercury 7 crew. He was the first American to orbit the Earth on Friendship 7 and even f lew aboard the Discovery space shuttle at the age of 77.

In 1942 while a junior in college, Glenn enlisted in the Naval Reserve to become a naval aviation cadet. He then entered active duty to the Naval Aviation Pre-Flight School in Iowa and became a naval aviator while he was a Marine. Glenn f lew 59 combat missions as a Marine during World War II along with 90 combat

missions in Korea. He was also a U.S. Senator, serving for 25 years.

John Glenn is t he second ship of the Montford Point-Class. Using the commercially designed Alaska-c l a s s c r u d e o i l carrier as its base, the Navy’s Strategic and Theater Sealift P rog r a m O f f ice worked in conjunction with General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) to develop a design that supports the Navy’s core capabilities while maintaining low costs.

The ship will leverage f loat-on/float-off technology, allowing John Glenn to partially submerge, facili-tating easy movement of cargo and craft. Additionally, the ship’s size allows for 25,000 square feet of vehicle and equipment stowage space, tankage for 100,000 gallons of potable water and 380,000 gallons of JP-5 fuel storage.

With these capabilities, the ship is able to easily transfer personnel and vehicles from other vessels such as the large, medium-speed, roll-on/roll-off ships (LMSRs) onto landing craft air cushioned (LCAC) vehicles and transport them ashore.

MLP has a maximum speed of 15 knots and range of 9,500 nautical

Navy’s 2nd MLP is christened

miles. At 785 feet long, MLPs displace more than 78,000 tons when fully loaded. The platform with its open, reconfigurable mission deck will serve as an important f lexible and transformational asset to the Navy as it can be reconfigured to support a wide variety of future operations.

USNS John Glenn

Above: Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert and former U.S. Senator John Glenn attend the chris-tening ceremony of USNS John Glenn. (U.S. Navy photos by MCC Peter Lawlor)

Right: Ship sponsor Lyn Glenn offi-cially christens the ship named in honor of her father.

Captain Edward SantillanMaster, USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50)

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Antarctic mission a success despite . . .

The following blog post is the second in a series highlighting MSC’s role in Operation Deep Freeze 2014. ODF provides logistical support to the U.S. Antarctic Program via Department of Defense assets. MSC has supported ODF since McMurdo Station was established in 1955, providing supplies and fuel to scientists operating from the remote base.

MSC-chartered container ship MV Maersk Illinois success-fully completed cargo offloads

at McMurdo Station, Antarctica, as part of MSC’s role supporting Operation Deep Freeze, the annual Joint Task Force Support for Antarctica mission to resupply the National Science Foundation outpost.

Maersk Illinois arrived at McMurdo’s

ice pier Jan. 31, and began off-loading its containerized cargo Feb. 1. Members of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion One worked around-the-clock offloading the nearly 7 million pounds of supplies, such as frozen and dry food stores, building materials, vehicles and electronic equipment and parts; roughly 80 percent of the materials needed for the winter-over

period. While cargo operations

in any environment are challenging, working in Antarctica is truly a fight with Mother Nature. In the United States, parts of the country have expe-rienced this winter’s “Polar Vortex,” recording below average, frigid conditions. Despite being summer in Antarctica, the conditions hovered in the single digits and below zero. Icy winds from Mt. Erebus – known to be among the coldest places on Earth – blew straight at the ship, at speeds upwards of 20 knots or more. It can make for long, bone-chilling days.

“The crew of Maersk Peary has supported this year’s mission like the true professionals they are,” said Larry Larsson, MSC’s ODF coordinator in Antarctica. “The entire village has remarked how

professional the captain and crew have been making their approach to the problematic ice pier.”

The battle with weather condi-tions wasn’t confined to just the cold. McMurdo Station is called “the Ice” for a reason. Besides rock, ice is the primary landscape in Antarctica. Operations here are dependent on the ice – too much can be just as chal-lenging as too little. The ice pier, in particular, is a huge factor. This year’s cargo operations were impacted by erosion by the sea, which followed ice milling around the pier. Once the pier was clear of ice, groundswells and changes in tides washed six to eight feet off the pier edges, which affected the top working area where cargo operations were conducted. Two cracks formed along with the erosion and operations were suspended for 24 hours. Engineers worked quickly to reconstruct the pier and to repair the damaged areas to support equip-ment like two 40-foot semi-trucks.

“Ever yone understands why they are here,” said

WEATHER CHALLENGES

Cover: CM3 Blake Baumker connects a hook to a container during Operation Deep Freeze from MV Maersk Illinois. (U.S. Navy photo by LSSN Brandon Bacon)

Background: Sailors from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 off-load a 40-foot half rack container from Maersk Illinois. (U.S. Navy photo by LSSN Brandon Bacon)

Above: Cargo operations continue despite a crack in the ice pier. (U.S. Navy photo)

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Antarctic mission a success despite . . .

Larsson. “No one bought a vacation ticket to be here. Everyone here has a purpose; a job. It takes everyone to pull their own weight to accom-plish the job at hand and working through the challenges to meet the mission requirements. It really is a team effort.”

Maersk Illinois began its journey in Port Hueneme, Calif, Jan. 6. The ship stopped briefly in New Zealand before making the transit to McMurdo Sound. Maersk Illinois is the second of two MSC-chartered ships supporting ODF 2014. Tanker MT Maersk Peary (T-AOT 5246) completed the transfer of nearly 3.5 million gallons of diesel fuel, jet fuel and gasoline Jan. 28.

Maersk Illinois completed cargo offloads Feb. 7 at McMurdo. High seas and winds created a treacherous sea state during the days leading up to the decision to end cargo operations two days earlier than scheduled. At that time the ship had off-loaded all its cargo and was in the process of loading retrograde materials – including trash and recyclable materials for disposal and equipment no longer required on station – to return to the United States for disposal. Instead

of taking 100 percent of the retro-grade, this year only 60 percent was removed. Further methods will be researched to remove the remaining 40 percent.

“This year’s ODF mission has really been impacted by the weather condi-tions. Just when you think you have things under control, the unexpected happens,” said Larsson. “From the erosion of the corners and edges of the ice pier to the large cracks that formed down the middle of the pier, everyone working here was forced to use all the knowledge and resources to get this important cargo operation completed. We really saw the profes-sionalism and the best work ethic out of everyone on this mission.”

Accommodations at McMurdo include TVs in each room, and all dorms have a common room with pool tables and larger TVs. According to Larsson, the chow hall has great food; including steak, roast beef, and other favorites. There is also a small store where themed items from McMurdo and the South Pole can be purchased.

“I normally work until I’m ready to go to my assigned room,” said Larsson. “The days are long and cold and really wear you down, but it is nice to have some of the creature comforts so home doesn’t seem so far away.”

Maersk Illinois is expected to return to Port Hueneme, Calif., in early March for the offload of the retrograde cargo.

WEATHER CHALLENGES

Far left bottom: Before the cargo ship retrograde was cut short by a fierce storm, “Pam,” a specially designed tractor, was loaded aboard Maersk Illinois. (Photo by southpolestation.com)

Above: A semi-truck loaded with a helicopter wrapped for shipment waits on the ice pier. (U.S. Navy photo by Larry Larsson)

Oval inset: Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star is moored at the ice pier in McMurdo. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Paul Garcia)

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FAR EAST • HAILS

EUROPE/AFRICA • NEWS DC • HIGHLIGHTS

Edora reported to MSC’s office in Singapore in 1994 where he worked for 20 years as a logistics management specialist.

Pilots from the U.S. Army 2nd Combat Aviation Battalion trained in day and night landings on board USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) off the coast of Jinhae, South Korea, Jan. 14-15. The Seoul-based Blackhawk helicopters completed over 80 “bounces” on the ship’s flight deck each day, testing their proficiencies in landing on board Navy ships at sea.

MSC Far East welcomes Tracy Sims as its newest member of the logistics department. Sims will serve as the command’s husbanding officer and contracting officer representative. The command bids farewell to Assistant Strategic Sealift Readiness Group coordinator Navy Lt. Chris Roszel, and welcomes his relief, Navy Lt. Jacob Miller. Roszel earned a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal for his contributions to the command.

MSC Office Diego Garcia welcomes Navy Lt. Daniel Monteith who relieves Navy Lt. j.g. Robert White as executive officer.

MPS Squadron Three welcomes Navy Yeoman Chief Angelito Malalang as administrative officer and Damage Controlman 1st Class Daniel Ortega as assistant materiel officer.

MPS Squadron Two welcomes materiel officer Navy Lt. j.g. Mike McClary, who relieves Navy Lt. j.g. Nate Couric. Navy Lt. j.g. Angela Myers reports as squadron force protection officer and Navy Gunners Mate Chief Benoi Surge reports as weapons officer. Operations officer Navy Ensign Joshua Craig departs the command in January.

SSU Guam welcomes Yeoman 1st Class Natalie Thomas and MSCO Korea welcomes Yeoman 1st Class Harry Webster.

Navy Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, commander, MSC, sent a Bravo Zulu message to the crew of USNS Observation Island (T-AGM 23), which arrived in Mobile, Ala., in February to begin its inactivation process. Shannon outlined the ship’s distinguished history from 1953, including its tenure under MSC operation. As a platform for the U.S. Air Force’s Cobra Judy program, Observation Island has successfully completed 558 missions.

MSC in Washington, D.C., celebrated National African American History Month Feb. 20. This year’s theme was “Civil Right in America.” Robert Rutherford, assistant counsel in MSC’s office of counsel, served as the event’s guest speaker. Rutherford discussed courage, growth, hope and opportunity, including personal examples from his struggles and successes.

The command bids farewell to Navy Lt. Scott Diamond, command administration and Deborah Grangnelli Polli, maritime forces and manpower management.

Rear Adm. T.K. Shannon, com-mander, MSC, visited MSC Europe and Africa/Commander, Task Force 63 at U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters in Naples, Italy, and 6th Fleet command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), in Gaeta, Italy, Jan. 6-7. During his visit, Shannon conducted all hands calls and operational briefs with U.S. 6th Fleet leaders; MSCEURAF/CTF-63 staff members; and Mount Whitney’s hybrid crew of civil service mariners and military personnel.

USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) entered the 6th Fleet area of responsibility Jan. 21 for a scheduled deployment to Europe and Africa.

USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189) arrived in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility Jan. 7 to relieve USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195) as the Mediterranean Sea duty oiler after Grumman’s seven months of service to the theater. Grumman left the AOR Jan. 26. In January, Lenthall conducted five underway replenishments with four U.S. Navy and NATO assets, delivering 494,692 gallons of F-76 fuel and trans-ferring 134 pallets of cargo.

MT Evergreen State (T-AOT 5205), a U.S.-flagged ship under long-term charter to MSC, departed the 6th Fleet AOR Jan. 26. Tanker BBC Seattle (T-AK 5272) departed the AOR Jan. 17.

Tanker MT Colorado Star, a Maltese-flagged voyage charter under contract to MSC, discharged 142,191 barrels of F-76 fuel in Rota, Spain, Jan. 15-16, then departed Jan. 26.

MSC-chartered oceanographic survey ship MV Ocean Victory operated in the Mediterranean Sea throughout January.

USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) entered

MSC Far East deputy commander, Navy Capt. Jesus Cantu, retired from active duty during a ceremony held at Singapore’s Sembawang Wharves Jan. 31.

Navy Capt. Philippe Grandjean relieves Cantu, who completed 30 years of service to the U.S. Navy.

“The mark you leave on the Navy will be the final chapter of your career,” said Navy Capt. Jim Hruska, commander, MSC Far East, and the ceremony’s keynote speaker. “Your impact will be felt for generations of those who choose to make the Navy a career.”

Recognizing his achievements during his past two years in Singapore, Navy Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud, commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific and commander, Task Force 73, presented Cantu with a Legion of Merit medal.

During a ceremony held Jan. 24, Ship Support Unit Singapore logistics management specialist Epifanio Edora retired, completing 42 years of service as a Navy Sailor, civil service mariner, and shoreside civil service employee with MSC.

Hruska presented Edora with the prestigious Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award, given to civilian employees in the Department of the Navy for meritorious service or contributions resulting in high value or benefits for the Navy or Marine Corps.

Edora enlisted in the U.S. Navy from his native Philippines in 1971. He transitioned to MSC in 1979 sailing as a civil service mariner aboard USNS Walter S. Diehl (T-AO 193) and the now-inactivated USNS Mars (T-AFS 1).

the AOR Jan. 21, and arrived in Souda Bay, Greece, Jan. 31 for a port visit.

MSCEUR AF/CTF-63 conducted Sealift operations in January with Italian-flagged tanker MT Valle Di Siviglia.

Navy Capt. John Rinko, commander, MSCEURAF and CTF-63, and 13 staff members traveled to Rota, Spain, Jan. 28-30. The group – hosted by Mark Bigelow, MSCEURAF’s marine trans-portation specialist in Rota – conducted a brief with Spearhead’s crew and met with several logistics, port support and aviation entities around base.

M S C E U R A F /CTF-63 bid farewell to Supply Officer Lt. Cmdr. Elizabeth W i l l i a m s , w h o received the Navy and Marine Corps C o m m e n d a t i o n Medal upon comple-tion of her second consecutive tour with MSC. MSCEURAF/CTF-63 bids farewell to Ship Support Unit Naples Port Engineer Scott Kearney, who provided five years of casualty repair support to MSC ships operating in U.S. 6th Fleet; and to Future Plans and Policy Officer Navy Cmdr. Werner “Rock” Rauchenstein, who began his tour in 2011 and played vital roles during the merger of the MSCEURAF and CTF-63 staff and office spaces, and the addition of Africa to the MSC AOR.

Above: Joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) prepares to depart Souda Bay after a scheduled port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Jeffrey M. Richardson)

Below: USS Ramage (DDG 61), left, receives supplies from USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189) during an underway replenishment. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Amanda Gray)

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CENTRAL • CURRENTS

PACIFIC • BRIEFS

USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52). Visiting MSC ships was part of 10-day Navy-Marine Corps training cycle held in San Diego.

The ELDP provides extensive exposure to the roles and mission of the entire DOD.

MSC Central and Commander Task Force 53 started 2014 running. Combat Logistics Force ships operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducted 70 underway replenishments, including 34 with coalition, European Union and NATO ships. This vital logistical support provided by the ships CTF-53 enabled the U.S. 5th Fleet combatants to remain on station and complete their missions.

January also proved busy for USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168). The ship took part in the annual Exercise Shamal 14-01, during which it conducted a towing exercise to bring Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship HMS Diligence through the Arabian Gulf. This coalition exercise demonstrated the versatility fleet ocean tugs ships provide the fleet.

Ship Support Unit Bahrain supported USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15) during a repair period at the Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard. Coordination between the SSU and CTF-51 will ensure Ponce is returned to the fleet as quickly as possible, ready for future tasking.

MSCCENT and CTF 53 bid fair winds and following seas to Navy Lts. Blake Garner and Lutece Coates, and Petty Officer 1st Class Ann Njenga. The command welcomes Navy Lt. Daniel Hatting, Chief Petty Officer Benjamin Satrasook, and Petty Officer 1st Class Frenando Malit.

January involved several significant events at MSC Atlantic, as the command conducted two historic “firsts,” and assisted in the recovery of a lost shipmate.

Making headlines around the world, Capt. Rick Jordan and the crew of MV Cape Ray got underway Jan. 27 for a groundbreaking mission supporting inter-national efforts to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons material program. Cape Ray is slated to load and dispose of the projected 700 metric tons of Syria’s most dangerous chemical-weapons components via two Field Deployable Hydrolysis Systems units. An embarked team of technicians and engineers will maintain and operate the units, which are expected to run until the stockpile has been eliminated.

The maiden deployment Jan 16. of USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), the first-in-class joint high-speed vessel, represents a significant milestone for the Navy. The alu-minum-hulled catamaran will serve in U.S. 6th Fleet until May before setting sail to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility through the end of FY 2014. Spearhead will undergo experiments and testing to determine its capabilities.

On a more somber note, USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51) responded as the recovery and salvage platform following the tragic loss of an MH-53 helicopter off the coast of Virginia Beach. After a week of intense recovery operations, fighting inclement weather and a challenging debris field, divers from embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 located and recovered the remains of the lost pilot.

Finally, MSCLANT bids farewell to Bruce Moon, security officer, who retired Jan. 31. A retired Navy chief, he served 16 years as a federal employee. Yeoman 1st Class Toyar Vaughn also left in January, and is set to retire in March after 21 years of military service. We wish them luck!

USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) hosted a Jan. 17 visit by Navy Adm. Harry Harris, Jr., commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in Pearl Harbor. Harris toured the ship and met with civilian mariner crew members to discuss the ship’s mission capabilities and manning levels. He received a brief on the pre-staging freeze/chill storage area supporting improved break-out and transfer of perishable cargo.

USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) departed San Diego, Jan. 2, en route to Vigor Shipyard, Portland, Ore., for scheduled maintenance through February, marking its first movement since it returned to five-day reduced operating status in November. The ship was activated for typhoon recovery to the Philippines.

MSC Pacific hosted 65 Executive Leadership Development Program students Jan. 15 in San Diego. They received an MSC brief by Rick Appling, MSCPAC deputy operations officer,

detailing MSC’s global mission and operational requirements, as well as tours of USNS Yukon (T-AO 202) and

ATLANTIC • LINES

USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE 11), left, conducts a replenishment at sea with USS McCampbell (DDG 85). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Chris Cavagnaro)

Navy divers assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 check each other for leaks before being lowered from USNS Grapple (T-ARS 53). (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Wyatt Huggett)

Sailors aboard USS Mason (DDG 87) receive cargo from USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3). (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Rob Aylward)

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CIVMAR trains Mt. Whitney Sailor

Sailors and civilian mariners heave fuel lines aboard USS Mount Whitney. (U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Mike Wright)

Mount Whitney (LCC 20) transits the Turkish Straits in the Black Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Collin Turner)

center supervisor qualifications.”Schreiber, who has been sta-

tioned at her present command for four months, stays busy inspecting high-speed, tug, and utility boats, as well as conducting pier main-tenance, as required.

“I would say that my experi-ence has been amazing so far,” said Schreiber. “Everyone onboard has been great to me. My advice would be to stay motivated, keep a positive attitude, and know how to manage your time. Every quali-fication helps in the end, so when you stop getting signatures [on qualifications] and seeking knowl-edge in your rate, that’s when your career comes to a standstill.”

Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, is currently underway in t he Bl ac k Sea conduct ing maritime security operations

By MC1 Collin Turner USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs

AB OA R D U S S M O U N T WHITNEY – A retired Navy Boatswain’s Mate turned

Military Sealift Command civil service mariner, assigned to the U.S. 6th Fleet f lagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), took the oppor-tunity to share his professional expertise with a new Sailor while underway, Feb. 10.

Boatswa in’s Mate Sea ma n Courtney Schreiber, assigned to Naval Support Activity Gaeta Port Operations, is currently embarked onboard the amphibious command ship to receive on-the-job training, having recently completed her si x-week “A” school at Nava l Station Great Lakes.

“From the first day underway she has been very attentive and willing to get involved and gain knowledge,” said MSC Boatswain’s Mate Jeff McPherson, a retired 21-year Navy Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class. “She is not afraid to get her hands dirty and help out when called upon.”

Schreiber has been, and wil l continue to receive hands-on training in seamanship evolu-tions, anchoring and maneuvering, f light deck operations and other rate-specific knowledge crucial for her advancement to BM3 during this scheduled underway period.

“I am currently working on getting my enlisted surface warfare specialist pin,” said Schreiber. “It’s a huge goal of mine. On top of that, I am also working on boom handler, line handler, and work

and establishing and enhancing cooperation, mutual training and interoperability with regional partner nations and allies. Mount Whitney serves as the f lagship for Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet.

By MC3 Jon Erickson, USS Frank Cable Public Affairs

POLARIS POINT, Guam (NNS) -- USS Frank Cable (AS 40) held a change of command ceremony pierside on Polaris Point, Jan. 31. Capt. Mark Benjamin relieved Capt. Pete Hildreth as commanding officer.

Rear Adm. Phillip Sawyer, commander, Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, was the guest speaker at the ceremony where he congratulated Hildreth and the crew of Frank Cable on a job well done.

“Pete, you and your Frank Cable team, really hit the ball out of the park in each and every thing we’ve asked you all to do,” said Sawyer.

Sawyer presented the Legion of Merit award to Hildreth for his accomplish-ments during his time as commanding officer.

During Hildreth’s tenure as commanding officer, the ship completed more than 10,000 jobs in support of submarines and surface vessels in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets areas of responsibility and earned numerous awards.

Hildreth will report to Commander, Strike Group 5 as chief of staff in Atsugi, Japan.

Benjamin, a native of Florida, received his commission in 1989 from the NROTC at the Georgia Institute of Technology and most recently served as Commanding Officer of USS Key West (SSN 722).

Benjamin said he is excited to command Frank Cable, and hopes to exemplify the significance of the Navy’s submarine tender force during his time aboard.

“We must highlight to those outside our submarine lifelines, that the tenders are not only indispensable repair platforms, but also viable platforms for inter-national humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, theater security cooperation, and for critical war fighting support,” said Benjamin.

Frank Cable, forward-deployed to the island of Guam, conducts maintenance and support of submarines and surface vessels deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet’s Area of Responsibility.

Navy Capt. Mark Benjamin, right, addresses the crew after assuming command of submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) from Capt. Pete Hildreth, middle, during a ceremony Jan. 31. (U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Jon Erickson)

Change of command for USS Frank Cable

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