Pacific Fleet
Willard Assumes Command of U.S. Pacific Fleet
Adm. Robert F. Willard, former Vice Chief of Naval Operations, salutes as he’s piped through the sideboys during a change of command ceremony for Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet on board Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Willard assumed command of U.S. Pacific Fleet from Adm. Gary Roughead during the ceremony. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James E. Foehl From U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Adm. Robert F. Willard relieved Adm. Gary Roughead as commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet during a change of command ceremony held May 8 at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen presided over the ceremony, which overlooked the historic memorials of USS Arizona and USS Missouri. Mullen recognized Roughead for the latest chapter in an amazing career and passed the helm to Willard who, he said, was sitting like a Tomcat waiting to launch. “Next to heroism and war, this ceremony represents the zenith of military achievement -- a significant milestone in the careers of two great naval officers,†Mullen said. Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Timothy J. Keating, joined the CNO in praising Roughead for his many contributions to the Pacific Fleet and to the state of Hawaii, and in welcoming Willard to the Navy’s largest fleet command. The U.S. Pacific Fleet encompasses more than 100 million square miles and 172 ships and submarines, 1,296 aircraft, and 122,000 Sailors, Reservists and civilians.
Hawaii to Host 10th Western Pacific Naval Symposium
The U.S. Navy and Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet have invited naval leaders from 22 countries to Honolulu for the 10th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) to discuss maritime security and other issues affecting the region’s navies. The symposium, scheduled for Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, allows participants to engage in discussions and training on critical international topics, such as combined exercises, regional security, military exchange programs
U.S. Fleet Forces Command Selects New Fleet Master Chief
Adm. Gary Roughead, Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFF), announced the selection of Fleet Master Chief (SS/SW) Rick West June 18 as U.S. Fleet Forces Command Fleet Master Chief (FLTCMC). “It is truly an honor to be here,†said West. This is my first time being stationed in Norfolk and I’m excited about all the positive energy coming off the waterfront along with the great naval history that the Hampton Roads area provides.â€
This Day in Naval History – Feb. 1
1941 - United States Fleet reorganized, reviving Atlantic and Pacific Fleets 1942 - USS Enterprise and Yorktown make first WW II air strike, Japanese Marshall Islands 1955 - Operation Deep Freeze, a research task force, established in Antarctic (Source: Navy News Service)
This Day in Navy History
1864 - RADM 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 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
SAIC Gets USN $21-million Contract
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) to provide operational & environmental support to United States Fleet Forces Command (USFF). The contract with the United States Navy is to provide operational and environmental support for fleet training range complexes for the United States Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and Commander, United States Pacific Fleet. The single-award firm fixed-price contract has a one-year period of performance, four one-year options
This Day in Naval History - March 10
From the Navy News Service 1783 - USS Alliance, commanded by Capt. John Barry, defeats HMS Sybil in the final naval action of the American Revolution in waters. 1933 - The Pacific Fleet provides assistance after an earthquake at , 1945 - Navy and civilian nurses interned at , , are flown back to the . The Navy nurses are each awarded a Bronze Star. 1948 - First use of jets assigned to operational squadron (VF-5A) aboard a carrier - USS Boxer (CV 21)
This Day in Naval History – Dec. 17
1846 - Ships under Commodore Matthew Calbraith Perry capture Laguna de Terminos during Mexican War. 1941 - Admiral Chester W. Nimitz named Commander in Chief, US Pacific Fleet, to relieve Admiral Husband Kimmel. Admiral William Pye becomes acting commander until Nimitz's arrival. (Source: Navy News Service)
This Day in Naval History – August 18
1838 - Exploring Expedition under LT Charles Wilkes embarks on world cruise. 1911 - First Navy Nurse Corps superintendent, Esther Voorhees Hasson, appointed 1965 - First major amphibious assault in Vietnam, Operation Starlight captures 2,000 Viet Cong 1966 - First ship-to-shore satellite radio message sent from USS Annapolis in South China Sea to Pacific Fleet Headquarters at Pearl Harbor 1974 - After flooding in Philippines
This Day in Naval History – Dec. 31
1862 - USS Monitor founders in a storm off Cape Hatteras, NC. 1941 - Admiral Chester W. Nimitz assumes command of U.S. Pacific Fleet. 1942 - Commissioning of USS Essex (CV-9), first of new class of aircraft carriers, at Norfolk, VA 1948 - Last annual report by a Secretary of the Navy to Congress and the President filed by SECNAV John L. Sullivan. Thereafter the Secretary of Defense would report annually to Congress.
'USS Guardian' Navy Update
The Navy has determined that 23-year old 'USS Guardian' will be dismantled & removed in sections from the reef. "Guardian is badly damaged and with the deteriorating integrity of the ship, the weight involved, and where it is grounded on the reef
USS Guardian Valedictory
Vice Adm. Tom Copeman , Commander Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet fittingly remembers USS Guardian, now being scrapped. "During times of war and while operating in international exercises for nearly a quarter of a century, the crew and ship remained at the highest levels of readiness
Where Else but Anchorage for Navy LPD Commissioning?
The Navy is to commission amphibious transport dock ship 'USS Anchorage' in namesake port city of Anchorage, Alaska, 4, May 2013. Adm. Cecil Haney, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will deliver the ceremony's keynote address. Annette Conway, wife of retired Gen. James T
Today in U.S. Naval History: May 7
Today Day in Naval History - May 7 1942 - Carrier aircraft sink Japanese carrier Shoho during Battle of Coral Sea. The first day of the carrier battle of Coral Sea, May 7 1942, saw the Americans searching for carriers they knew were present and the Japanese looking for ones they feared might
MSC Ship Delivers BioFuels
Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187), which is currently providing logistical support for U.S. Pacific Fleet's biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise off Hawaii, will deliver 900,000 gallons of a 50-50 blend of advanced biofuels and traditional
Russian Shipyard Cuts First Metal for Mistral-class Warship
Baltic Shipyard cuts metal for the hull of first Mistral-class amphibious assault ship for construction in France. Russia and France signed a US$1.2-billion contract on two French-built Mistral class ships, including the transfer of sensitive technology, in June 2011.
Russia's First Borey-class Subs for Pacific Deployment
Russia’s first two Borey-class strategic submarines will be ultimately deployed with the Pacific Fleet says Defense Minister. The submarines Yury Dolgoruky and the Alexander Nevsky are undertaking test runs in the White Sea and are expected to be commissioned by the end of 2012.
Russian Naval Unit Active in Pacific
Pacific Fleet (PF) task unit consisting of destroyer 'Admiral Panteleyev', oiler 'Boris Butoma', and rescue tug 'Fotiy Krylov' continue exercises. The Russian ships had been taking part in RIMPAC-2012 off the Hawaii islands. The ships exercised various shipborne drills and near the 11- hour
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.
USNS Mercy Returns Following Humanitarian Mission in SE Asia
Seventy civil service mariners, and approximately 400 Navy, Army and non-governmental organization (NGO) personnel aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 20) returned to San Diego Sept. 14. They steamed more than 20
USS Fort Worth Completes Maiden Voyage
The Freedom-class littoral combat ship 'USS Fort Worth' (LCS 3) arrives in her San Diego homeport. The ship, named for Fort Worth, Texas, the 17th largest city in the United States and the 5th largest city in Texas, was built in Marinette, Wis., and was commissioned in Galveston, Texas, Sept 22
Surface Warriors to Meet at Annual Symposium
The Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium will be held January 15-17, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Crystal City, VA. The association was incorporated in 1985 to promote greater coordination and communication among those in the military
Russia Soon to Float Out New Nuclear Submarine
Russia’s Sevmash shipyard will float out a third 'Borey-class' strategic nuclear submarine, the 'Vladimir Monomakh' at year's end. The Borey class submarines are expected to form the core of Russia's strategic submarine fleet, replacing the aging Project 941 (NATO Typhoon class) and
VT Halter Names Prendergast EVP
VT Halter Marine, Inc. (VT Halter Marine) announced the appointment of Rear Admiral (Ret.) John J. Prendergast, III to the position of Executive Vice President (EVP). Mr. Prendergast will be responsible for a broad range of functions including Government Contracts, Organizational Excellence
PPG PMC Business earns SSPC Military Award
Recognized for coatings performance on restoration of historic battleship. PPG Industries' (NYSE:PPG) protective and marine coatings (PMC) business received The Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC) 2013 Military Coatings Project Award of Excellence during the SSPC 2013 trade show at the Henry B