Fleet Public Affairs Center News

A ceremony to mark the rollout of the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission module for the littoral combat ship (LCS) was held Sept. 19 at Naval Base Point Loma. The Program Executive Office for Littoral and Mine Warfare, Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Space and Naval Warfare Command (SPAWAR) and Space and Naval Warfare Systems, San Diego, hosted the event. According to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisitions, Anne Sandel, this is the third mission package to be released for use with the LCS class of ships.

Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Commander U.S. Fleet Forces Command recorded a podcast to discuss accountability and fleet readiness, May 20. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) is designed to be an objective look and detailed list of all known problems with a ship's physical condition and overall shipboard readiness with rigid standards. But there is an expectation, according to Greenert, that all ships will be ready based on the results of this inspection. "What we need when a ship doesn't do that well is an accounting of what took place, what happened and why," Greenert said. "What's the root cause? Assessments by INSURV are still ongoing as to the underlying causes of two ships' recent failures.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jennifer S. Tactical Training Group Pacific (TTGP) led international military forces positioned around the world through a Fleet Synthetic Training-Joint (FST-J) exercise headquartered in San Diego, Feb. 25-29. The training strengthens strike group decision makers' proficiency at disseminating information, making sound decisions and executing them. "Our objectives are to increase our effectiveness in a joint, coalition environment," said Cmdr. John Clausen, Ronald Reagan Strike Group surface operations officer. Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers and Marines communicated through a network to carry out simulated missions on bases spanning from Orange, Conn., to Osan, South Korea.

Sailors place plugs in the hull of the USS Buttercup during a training exercise. Norfolk area Sailors and Coast Guardsmen test their damage control skills aboard the USS Buttercup during general shipboard damage control training at the Naval Station Norfolk Center for Naval Engineering. U.S. "Battle stations! All hands man your battle stations!" was the cry over the loud speaker. Sailors wearing coveralls, utilities and khakis rushed to plug the holes and place wooden support beams through out the badly damaged interior of USS Buttercup…

The guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and USS Chafee (DDG 90) steam in the Pacific Ocean with the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) during exercises with several Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force ships. Nimitz is operating in the western Pacific and Indian oceans as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. U.S. By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel S. The crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) participated in the Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) while underway in the Western Pacific. The exercise, which ended Feb.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelli D. Roesch, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific, Det. Director, Navy Strategic Actions Group, and other Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and civilian officials introduced the new Maritime Strategy to more than 150 community leaders in Portland, Feb. 21 as part of the "Conversations with the Country" program. Capt. Dan Cloyd clarified early in the conversation what the new Maritime Strategy is – and what it is not. "It is not a resourcing plan. I will not talk about numbers of ships or Sailors or aircraft or Marines," he said. "It is a collection of ideas that inform or drive the decisions we make. It determines how we will organize, train and equip ourselves. Linking the past with the future, Dr. Karl F.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelli D. Roesch, Fleet Public Affairs Center Pacific, Det. U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps officers visited Oregon State University (OSU) on Feb. 20 to discuss the nation's new maritime strategy with students and faculty during a "Conversations with the Country" stop. OSU was chosen as one of the discussion locations because of its proximity to Portland, ranked fifth in export tonnage on the West Coast. Capt. The previous Maritime Strategy was written 25 years ago, before many of the students attending the OSU lecture were born. Cloyd began the discussion by outlining the Maritime Strategy for the students…

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua J. Visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team members from dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) renewed their boarding proficiency aboard Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oilier USNS Pecos (T-AO 197), Feb. A newly combined VBSS team with 14 members began mock interaction patrols, utilizing rigid hull inflatable boats to pull alongside and climb Jacob's ladders up the port side of Pecos. Once aboard, the VBSS team began conducting security sweeps throughout the ship. "This is absolutely the best way to get hands-on training so when we are called upon for an actual boarding we will be ready to carry out the ships mission securing the seas," said Lt. j.g. Joshua C.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Jennifer S. Top leaders from the military, government and industry gathered at the San Diego Convention Center Feb. 5-7, for the West 2008 conference, co-sponsored by The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the U.S. Naval Institute. The conference themed "U.S. at a Crossroads: Where to - and How - After Iraq?" featured discussions on pressing issues in the military services and how industry can help solve them. Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Gen. Peter Pace gave the opening remarks and spoke of protecting the Internet and the importance of military, government and industry to work together.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. USS Connecticut (SSN 22) arrived at Naval Base (NB) Kitsap Bremerton Jan. 29, officially changing its home port from Groton, Conn., after a six-month deployment. Connecticut left Groton July 25 for a six-month deployment around the world conducting real world operations and visiting many ports before arriving to its new home in Bremerton. "We had a successful deployment," said Lt. j.g. James Foster, Connecticut supply officer. "We got to visit lots of interesting places and do missions of national importance. The half-hour ceremony left friends and families waiting in blistery cold weather to give their Sailors a warm welcome to their new homes.

Cdr. Shawn Lobree, commanding officer, USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), thanks his crew, their families, and a tremendous commissioning committee for their support. The ship is named after Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, a significant archaeological and anthropological site that in 1906 Congress established as the first cultural park in the National Park Systems. U.S. Navy photo by Cdr. More than 300 Sailors and a platoon of Marines manned the rails of USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), the newest San Antonio class ship…

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph R. On Nov. 24, the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV), Donald C. Winter, spent time on board USS Enterprise (CVN 65) to thank members of the Enterprise Strike Group (ENTSG) for their dedicated service. Shortly after his arrival, Winter made his way to the ship's hangar bay to address the crew. "I am here to thank you for everything you are doing on behalf of our Navy and our nation," he said. "The effects your efforts are having, combined with the effects the joint operations are having are making a big difference. Winter then held a question and answer session with the ENTSG Sailors and Marines, discussing topics such as expansion of the fleet, tuition assistance and individual augmentee billets.

At a ceremony to honor Vietnam veterans, service members and their families observe a Vietnam Memorial Monument on board Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. The ceremony was held to honor Navy and Coast Guard personnel who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. U.S. By Journalist 3rd Class Cynthia R. SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A monument dedicated to Navy and Coast Guard veterans who fought and died supporting brown water and other naval operations in Vietnam was unveiled May 21 at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. More than 700 people attended the unveiling of the 66 feet-long and 8 feet-tall monument, which displayed 26 panels listing the names, ranks, hometowns, units and dates of death of all the veterans who took part in brown water operations in Vietnam from 1960 to 1975.

By Journalist 3rd Class Cynthia R. USS Vincennes (CG 49) Sailors, past and present, paid tribute to Vincennes and its 20 years of service to the U.S. Navy during a decommissioning ceremony at Naval Base San Diego June 29. The guest speaker for the event was the mayor of Vincennes, Ind., Terry Mooney. During the ceremony, he spoke about how the decommission ceremony was a bittersweet moment for him. "Today is kind of a somber day for me. We have had a ship carrying the Vincennes name representing us for almost 70 years, and to not have one now feels like we have lost a loved one," Mooney said. After Mooney addressed the crew and their guests, the commanding officer of Vincennes, Cmdr. Mark J.

By Journalist 3rd Class Cynthia R. SEATTLE (NNS) -- Seattle residents and distinguished visitors welcomed the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard as they arrived in a Parade of Ships Aug. 3 to participate in the 55th Annual Seattle Seafair Festival. Seafair is Seattle's monthlong traditional summer festival of parades, air shows, boat racing and ship visits. Visiting Sailors and Coast Guardsmen will participate in various recreational, community and special events throughout their weeklong port visit here. “The Parade of Ships is important because people of Seattle get to see the cloth of the nation, the great young men and women who keep freedom possible,” said Rear Adm. Leendert R. Hering Sr., commander, Navy Region Northwest.

USS Ohio (SSGN 726) departed from Naval Base (NB) Kitsap, Bremerton delta pier for her maiden deployment as a guided-missile submarine, Oct. 14. Ohio was recently converted from a ballistic missile submarine to a guided-missile submarine and was the first of four in its class to undergo the conversion. "Today is a very special day for the Sailors on board the USS Ohio and this marks a major installment for the nation," said Rear Adm. Frank M. Drennan, commander Submarine Group TRIDENT. In December, Ohio completed its conversion to a guided-missile submarine and is now capable of hauling more than 150 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 60 special operations force members for extended periods of time.

Naval Base (NB) Kitsap, Bremerton, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new CVN maintenance complex, Sept. 14. The old warehouse, where the complex now stands, was transformed and renovated to create the CVN maintenance building as a way to help the Navy efforts to improve the efficiency and quality of work of the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) personnel. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Capt. Reid Tanaka, NB Kitsap commanding officer, welcomed and thanked guests for attending the special event. The CVN maintenance complex will support its staff by providing 61,462 square feet in a three story building with shop areas, project administrative areas and extra outdoor storage.

Members of the Mobile Security Squadron 3 visit, board, search and seizure team approach a vessel they will be boarding as part of exercise Seahawk 2007. Seahawk 2007 is a joint maritime security exercise involving integrated active and reserve forces from the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and U.S. Coast Guard. U.S. U.S. Navy Sailors and Coast Guardsmen combined forces Aug. 22 to conduct visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) tactics in support of Exercise Seahawk 2007. The two-week exercise gave Navy and Coast Guard security teams the chance to demonstrate joint VBSS scenarios to various fleet commanders. “This training period is a great opportunity to practice tactics with our Coast Guard counterparts,” said Chief Master-at-Arms (SW) Justin Crowe, Mobile Security Squadron (MSS) 3.

Naval Base Kitsap, Bremerton Sailors on Delta Pier heave line in order help moor the fast attack submarine USS Seawolf (SSN 21) which transferred from Groton, Connecticut to her permanent duty station in Bremerton. Seawolf; second of her class to arrive and reside in Washington was designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships, project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and special operation forces, carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, support Carrier Strike Groups, and engage in mine warfare. U.S. By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class S. Dagendesh, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det.

Official U.S. Navy file photo of the guided missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen announced the guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) as the winner of the calendar year 2005 and 2006 USS Arizona Memorial Trophy Winner in a message delivered to the fleet July 12. Established in 1995, the award is presented to the ship demonstrating the greatest combat readiness in strike warfare, surface-fire support, anti-terrorism and force protection, and anti-surface warfare during a two-year competitive cycle. “The Arizona Trophy is a real source of pride for us, especially when viewed against the overall level of incredible readiness throughout the fleet,” said Cmdr. John Beaver, Bulkeley’s commanding officer.

The rescue and salvage ship USS Safeguard (ARS 50) makes her way through the Java Sea en route to Surabaya, Indonesia for the fourth phase of the 2005 Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise. Safeguard is part of a three-ship task group, including the dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and guided missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) that will take part in CARAT Indonesia beginning July 25. CARAT is a regularly scheduled series of bilateral military training exercises with several Southeast Asia nations designed to enhance interoperability of the respective sea services. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Brian P. By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Joshua J. Wahl, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det.

As crews move forward in recovery efforts of the I-35 bridge collapse, multiple agencies are working together to make the job move smoothly. “The overall coordination and support we’ve received from local, state and federal authorities have been absolutely tremendous,” Hennepin County Sheriff, Richard W. Stanek said. While agencies like the Defense Department and FBI had to be called in from out of state, local agencies have been working on site from the beginning. Each arriving agency has been integrated swiftly into the recovery process. "When you bring in a military organization, you get quick concise crisp answers to questions,” Stanek said.

The Ohio-class nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine USS Alabama (SSBN-731) is being moved "dead-stick" in the sound by a flotilla of tug boats with Mount Rainer in background. U.S. Navy photographed by Mr. By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det. USS Alabama (SSBN 731) is officially floating again after its 20-month dry-dock period ended Aug. 21. The Alabama was officially dry-docked Jan. 18, 2006. Overall maintenance is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2008, which means the Alabama should be ready to start sea trials, finish the recertification process and return to the Navy as an operational unit. “This is a huge step and a key event,” said Lt. Gary Dunn, Alabama engineering refueling overhaul coordinator (EROC).