Robert F Willard News

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) christened the eighth submarine of the Virginia class, California (SSN 781), at the company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va. Donna Willard, the ship's sponsor, performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine's hull. She is the wife of Adm. Robert F. Willard, the current Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command. Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, assistant secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, served as the keynote speaker.

Northrop Grumman christened the eighth submarine of the Virginia class, California (SSN 781), at the company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va. Mrs. Donna Willard, the ship's sponsor, performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the submarine's hull. She is the wife of Adm. Robert F. Willard, the current Commander of the U.S. Pacific Command. Jackalyne Pfannenstiel, assistant secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations and Environment, served as the keynote speaker.

In his latest edition of the "Rat-Pac Report" podcast, posted Nov. 5, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Robert F. Willard discussed the importance of the Navy's latest addition to its surface forces, the littoral combat ship (LCS). "The littoral combat ship is going to bring us a shallow draft ship that's very fast, carries a lot of capacity with a small crew size, that's going to be very, very efficient but also, we think, very, very effective," said Willard. Approximately 400 ft long…

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, kicked off the second year of the Rat-Pac Report Wednesday, Sept. 17, with a double podcast that seeks feedback on the issues discussed in the past 52 weeks and highlights the completion of Pacific Partnership 2008. "My interest is in ensuring that the subject matter that we discuss, and the audience to whom we discuss it, meets the needs of our fleet," Adm. Robert F. Willard said. To provide a mechanism for feedback for the podcasts, Willard launched a blog this week that will open discussion on topics already broadcast and on topics the audience selects for upcoming programs. "As a means of trying to obtain feedback from you on whether you like the podcast…

Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Adm. Robert F. Willard, issued a final endorsement to the investigation of a fire that occurred aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) on May 22. As directed by Adm. Willard, Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific, Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcline, Jr., relieved the Commanding Officer of USS George Washington (CVN 73), Capt. David C. Dykhoff, today due to a loss of confidence in his ability to command and his failure to meet mission requirements and readiness standards. As directed, Kilcline also relieved the George Washington Executive Officer, Capt. David M.

Smoking appears to be the blame for a fire that caused $70m in damage to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington, Naval officials said . The announcement by the Navy came as Adm. Robert F. Willard, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, relieved the carrier's commanding officer, Capt. David C. Dykhoff, and the executive officer of duty, Capt. David M. Dober.  Flames were initially spotted near the auxiliary boiler room and air conditioning and refrigeration space in the rear of the ship.   Naval officials now say it took about 12 hours to put out the fire because of the location and size. Fire and heat damaged electrical cabling and components running through 80 of the 3,800 compartments across several decks of the carrier. Source:  AP

From Commander, U.S. The Navy's Scientific Operational Naval Acoustic Research Conference was held February 6-7 to provide an opportunity for the Navy's scientists, fleet operators, and environmental specialists to share information regarding recent advances in science, mission requirements, and communication needs. About 100 people attended the two-day conference, which was chaired by OPNAV N45, the Navy's environmental readiness command, and hosted by Adm. Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. The conference ended with agreement to hold future gatherings to discuss issues ranging from the direction of future research to procedural improvements.

By Lt. j.g. Adm. Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, presented the crew of USS Howard (DDG 83) the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Award for the U.S. Pacific for 2006 on Aug. The Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Award, named after one of the U.S. Navy's most famous destroyer squadron commanders and the Chief of Naval Operations from 1955 to 1961, is presented annually to the ship or aviation squadron (one in the Pacific Fleet and one in the Atlantic Fleet) that has achieved the greatest improvement during the preceding year in operational readiness, inspections, retention and improvement in the Battle Efficiency Award program. Willard…

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shane Tuck, Commander, U.S. Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Robert F. Willard presented a Meritorious Unit Commendation to his staff during a morning colors ceremony held July 27 at the Makalapa Compound here. On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen, the commendation awarded was presented to all personnel permanently assigned to the Pacific Fleet headquarters staff and detachments from July 8, 2005 to May 7, 2007. "This award is a testimony of the outstanding work by my predecessor Adm. Gary Roughead and everyone here on the Pacific Fleet staff," Willard said.

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. From U.S. 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.