BHR at RIMPAC PACIFIC OCEAN (July 24, 2010) The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) and other ships assigned to the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 combined task force transit the Pacific Ocean during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2010. RIMPAC, the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, is a biennial event which allows participating nations to work together to build trust and enhance partnerships needed to improve maritime security. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Stephen M. Votaw

Big Brother

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.-Gustavo Cano (left) gives his “little brother,” Russel Jewell, advice on how to catch the big one, during Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County’s third annual “Operation Field Day” at Camp Pendleton’s Lake O’Neill, June 25. In addition to fishing, children, their families and mentors participated in activities such as paddle boating, miniature golf, horseshoes, and barbecue. USMC photo by Pfc. Michelle S. Mattei

Operation Field Day exhibits quality companionship
7/27/2010
by Pfc. Michelle S. Mattei
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
With the new school year approaching, Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County hosted their third annual “Operation Field Day” at Camp Pendleton’s Lake O’Neill recreation facility, July 25.
The military families and their mentors who attended the free event were able to participate in group activities such as paddle boating, miniature golf, fishing, horseshoes and a barbecue.
The children and their “big brother” or “big sister” normally meet weekly during the school year to build a stronger bond and relationship.
“This event helps to continue the mentoring relationships from one school year to the next,” said Maureen Hopman, match support specialist, Operation Bigs, BBBS. “The goal of this event is to help bridge the summer-break gap, and allowing the children and their mentors a great opportunity to see each other outside of typical school-year sessions in a new and fun environment, that’s helping to build and enhance their relationships.”
The affair was part of BBBS’s Operation Bigs, a program that reaches out specifically to military parents. The idea is to facilitate one-on-one mentorship, where a child can spend quality time with an adult companion, named “big brother” or “big sister.”
“It’s important that we give back to family members of the military and recognize all of the sacrifices they have made,” said Tina Rose, marketing director, BBBS San Diego County.
Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Operation Bigs program hosts many events annually to mentor children of deployed service members
"Opportunities for mentors to connect with their ‘little brother’ or ‘sister’ during the summer break can help comfort children who have a parent deployed," said Paul Palmer, CEO BBBS of San Diego County. "Nationally, Big Brothers Big Sisters has experienced an increase in match retention between school years when summer activities are offered."
For more information on upcoming events, contact BBBS San Diego County at, (619)-226-6333.

DOD announces Navy casualty, identifies Sailor listed as whereabouts unknown
7/27/2010
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced July 27 the death of a Sailor and the identity of another Sailor listed as duty status whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN).
The announcement resulted from a July 23 incident in Logar province, Afghanistan, while the Sailors were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, 30, of Wheatridge, Colo., died from wounds sustained from the July 23 incident. Coalition Forces recovered his body July 25 after an extensive search. He was assigned to Assault Craft Unit 1 in San Diego.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, 25, of Renton, Wash., is listed as DUSTWUN from the July 23 incident. Search and recovery efforts are ongoing, and the incident is under investigation.

Statement issued by CNO on events in Afghanistan
7/27/2010
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead extended the following statement on the events in Afghanistan:
"The deepest sympathy of the entire Navy is with the family and friends of Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin McNeley, who died from wounds sustained in Logar Province, Afghanistan, Friday. We appreciate all the coalition forces have done to bring our shipmate home, and we know they continue to do everything they can in the search for Petty Officer 3rd Class Jarod Newlove, who remains missing. I remain extremely proud of the thousands of US Navy Sailors serving on the ground in Afghanistan today, and the tens of thousands who have deployed to Afghanistan during the past nine years."

Recovery Act project delivers renewable energy for Marines
7/27/2010
by Mario Icari,
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A ribbon cutting ceremony held July 15 celebrated the completion of a solar photovoltaic roof project at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego.
Guest speakers included MCRD Commanding General Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest Commanding Officer Capt. Keith Hamilton, Syska Hennessy Group Construction Inc. President Bill Line, San Diego Gas & Electric Federal Account Director Dave Gueberg and MCRD Energy Manager Richard Hatcher.
Syska Hennessy Group Construction Inc. was awarded a $2.9 million Recovery Act (ARRA) contract by NAVFAC Southwest on Sept. 30, 2009 to install a 500 kilowatt (kW) direct current (DC) system of photovoltaic panels on multiple rooftops to deliver renewable power to the base's power distribution system. The project was completed June 2010 ahead of schedule.
To help reduce the carbon footprint, specific Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) accomplishments were made.
"The system is currently providing solar power to the facility and has increased MCRD's renewable power generation up to eight percent," said Phu Vu, NAVFAC Southwest senior project leader for the photovoltaic roof project.
An estimated 1,220 megawatt-hour a year is expected to be generated from this photovoltaic project with an estimated annual savings of $174,000.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 partially directs the government to undertake infrastructure and energy projects.

JCREW program reaches delivery milestone
7/26/2010
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's Joint Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device - Electronic Warfare (JCREW) program reached a delivery milestone with the 1,500th CREW 3.1 unit completing production, July 8.
CREW 3.1 is the latest generation of dismounted CREW systems protecting joint forces from Improvised Explosive Devices.
Capt. John Neagley, program manager for Program Executive Office Littoral and Mine Warfare's (PEO LMW) Explosive Ordnance Disposal/JCREW program (PMS 408), was onsite at the Telephonics Corporation manufacturing center production line for the milestone.
"The delivery of these systems will provide improved protection for warfighters engaged in combat operations in both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom," said Neagley. "I commend the entire CREW 3.1 Team for overcoming obstacles and keeping the CREW 3.1 production cycle on schedule."
The CREW 3.1 system, initiated to meet urgent operational requirements to counter the threat posed by Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Devices, is a man-portable CREW jammer providing operational forces greater protection when moving through the battle space. CREW 3.1 systems replace earlier dismounted CREW systems in U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps inventories; and provide the latest dismounted CREW technology to those services.
The JCREW program develops CREW systems and equipment for use by all U.S. military services and coalition and partner nations. More than 18,000 JCREW systems are currently deployed.
An affiliated program executive office of the Naval Sea Systems Command, PEO LMW designs, delivers and maintains systems, equipment and weapons needed by the warfighter to dominate the littoral battle space, and provides the warfighter assured access.

NEX introduces Military Star Card uniform payment plan for CPO selects
7/26/2010
by Kristine M. Sturkie
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va (NNS) -- Navy Exchange (NEX) announced the establishment of a Chief Petty Officer (CPO) (Select) Uniform Payment Plan through the Military Star® Card to allow CPO selectees to charge their new uniforms to their Military Star Card July 21.
CPO selectees will have an additional deferred payment plan option when purchasing new uniforms at their NEX. NEX created the plan so CPO selectees could charge new uniforms to their Military Star® Card. The payment plan can only be used at NEX Uniform Stores.
"We were looking for a way to make purchasing new chief uniforms easier for our CPO selectees," said Capt. Ed Spillman, Navy Exchange Service Command deputy commander, Military Services.
"With the creation of the Military Star® Card CPO (Select) Uniform Payment Plan, CPO selectees can walk up to the cash register with their uniform purchases and charge them just like they would anything else in the NEX," Spillman said. "It's quick and easy and eliminates the need for the CPO selectee to fill out paperwork."
The new plan provides zero percent interest for 12 months with no minimum purchase amount. Minimum monthly payments are required. Customers who open a Military Star® Card account will receive 10 percent off their first day's purchases, including a uniform purchase. The discount is applied to the customer's card statement.

U.S. ships visit Vladivostok
7/26/2010
VLADIVOSTOK (NNS) -- The frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) and the mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived in Vladivostok July 23, to participate in celebrating Navy day.
The four-day port visit will bring Sailors from Patriot and Vandegrift together with members of the Japanese and Russian navies to celebrate the 71st anniversary of the Russian navy. Navy Day is an annual holiday in Russia that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of the Russian Navy to the country's peace and security.
"Port visits like this provide very important opportunities for us to demonstrate our commitment to fostering growing relationships with our partnership nations," said Vandegrift's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Steven Prescott.
"We are honored to be invited here for Navy Day," said Lt. Cmdr. Walter Mainor, Patriot's commanding officer. "The United States and Russia share a common interest in promoting peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, and we look forward to fostering a growing relationship with our Russian counterparts."
While many Sailors look forward to enjoying the hospitality, culture and sightseeing in Vladivostok, there are several who decided to use their time to help the local community. A group of about 20 Sailors will be volunteering to help underprivileged children at the Parus Nadezhdy Rehabilitation Center and host a chess match between Vandegrift Sailors and local children.
"It's great to feel like we have made a difference for the better, to give back to the children and the community," said Mineman 2nd Class Tyler King, Patriot's community service projects coordinator.
"This is the first time most of us have been to Russia. It's a great opportunity for the crew to experience a new culture and make new friends," said Prescott.
Vandegrift is an independently deployed ship homeported in San Diego, currently deployed in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). Patriot, led by Lt. Cmdr. Walter Mainor, is currently fulfilling Amphibious Force Seventh Fleet and

Sailors of the Year WASHINGTON (July 20, 2010) The 2009 Sailors of the Year, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ingrid Cortez, left, Fleet Forces Sailor of the Year; Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class Cassandra L. Foote, Chief of Naval Operations Shore Sailor of the Year; Operation Specialist 1st Class Samira McBride, U.S., Pacific Sailor of the Year and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Shalanda Brewer, Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year, stand before the Capitol building before a tour. This is the first time in history all Sailors of the Year are women. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Abraham Essenmacher

BHR Marines train on Hawaii range... POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, Hawaii (July 16, 2010) U.S. Marines assigned to Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment aim an M-252 80mm mortar system before firing live rounds on Range 442 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Hawaii. The Marines are embarked aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) to participate in various live fire exercises in Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Orlando Perez

President nominates 35th commandant of the Marine Corps
7/20/2010
by Cpl. Scott Schmidt
ARLINGTON, Va. — President Barack Obama announced his nomination July 20 for Gen. James F. Amos to be appointed 35th commandant of the Marine Corps.
The announcement came after Amos, currently the Corps’ second in command, was recommended for the position by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and Defense Secretary Robert Gates.
If confirmed by Congress, Amos will be the first career aviator to lead the Corps and would become the first assistant commandant in several decades to succeed his immediate boss.
Amos brings a sense of renewed enthusiasm to the amphibious mission of the Marine Corps.
In a statement to the Naval War College in June 2010, Amos said he is “more convinced than ever before that a balanced Navy-Marine Corps team, one that is capable of promptly, effectively and efficiently conducting operations throughout the entire range of military operations, is critical to the continued prosperity of our nation and is essential to the survival of our friends, allies and partners.”
Amos has held command at numerous levels most notably with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraq Freedom I and II from 2002-2004. He has also served as the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command and as the deputy commandant of Combat Development and Integration from 2006 – 2008. Amos was appointed to his present rank and assigned as assistant commandant of the Marine Corps in 2008.
Amos will be ushered in as commandant at a pivotal time as the Marine Corps tries to refocus its efforts as an amphibious force in readiness after eight years of fighting in a landlocked region.
Gen. James T. Conway is scheduled to retire in September.

USS George Washington arrives in Republic of Korea
7/21/2010
by MC3 (SW) Devon Dow
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK) July 21 for a port visit to promote goodwill and ambassadorship to the United States' longstanding ally.
Greeted by ROK sailors and a musical performance from a ROK navy band, GW is making its first port visit of its 2010 Western Pacific summer patrol and its second visit to Busan. The carrier last visited the ROK port in October 2008.
"On behalf of the 5,500 Sailors of the George Washington and the Carrier Air Wing Five team, we thank you for your hospitality and friendship," said GW Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lausman to representatives of the ROK navy who were pierside when GW pulled into port.
In the coming days, GW will open the 97,000 ton aircraft carrier for tours and host a reception for distinguished ROK guests.
During the visit, GW Sailors will participate in eleven different community service projects, meet and interact with local citizens, experience local customs and traditions and enjoy recreational activities offered in Busan.
The GW is the Navy's only forward deployed air carrier and is stationed at Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka in Yokosuka, Japan. It is currently on its summer patrol ensuring security and stability in the Western Pacific.

President nominates Mattis to lead Central Command
7/21/2010
by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Harris
ARLINGTON, Va. — President Barack Obama nominated Gen. James Mattis July 21 to serve as the commander of U.S. Central Command.
Mattis, who currently serves as the commander of U.S. Joint Forces Command, was also nominated for reappointment to the rank of general.
As the commander of CENTCOM, Mattis would assist with security efforts in 20 countries throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, including Afghanistan and Iraq.
Mattis is no stranger to this area, having served as the commander of U.S. Marine Forces Central Command, as well as the commanding general of 1st Marine Division in 2003.
The CENTCOM commander position opened June 30 when the Senate confirmed Army Gen. David Petraeus would take over as the commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan.
Mattis graduated from Central Washington State University in 1972. The Pacific Northwest native has also attended the Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College and the National War College.

USNS Mercy Arrives in Ternate During Pacific Partnership 2010
7/19/2010
by Lt. j.g. Nelson Balido
TERNATE, Indonesia (NNS) -- The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived July 18 in Ternate, Indonesia, and will stay through July 24 as part of its visit to Indonesia, the second of three legs during Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10).
"We thoroughly enjoyed a very productive four-day visit to Tobelo and Morotai, our first stop in North Maluku, Indonesia, and are looking forward to working in the Ternate area," said Commander, PP10, Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti. "Our time in Ternate will help us continue to establish the relationships that will help us to respond effectively in case of a natural disaster."
PP10 is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet endeavors conducted in Indonesia as a disaster relief exercise aimed at strengthening regional partnerships. Participating nations share their experiences and build critical disaster relief skills while they provide valuable services to the local populations.
Other PP10 participants for Indonesia include medical and engineering professionals from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the U.S. military. Additionally, volunteers from the non-governmental organizations HOPE worldwide; Latter-day Saint Charities; Project HOPE; University of California, San Diego Pre-Dental Society; Vets Without Borders; and World Vets are on board Mercy as integral team members to serve the medical needs of the Ternate people and other surrounding communities.
This is Mercy's third visit to Indonesia. Previously, the Mercy helped support the international relief efforts after the December 2004 tsunami struck Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean basin. The Mercy returned in 2006 to help implement medical relief programs in Bangladesh, Timor Leste and the Philippines.
Mercy has completed the first two Pacific Partnership 2010 mission visits to Vietnam and Cambodia and other stops in Tobelo and Morotai in the North Maluku province of Indonesia. After Ternate, the ship will go to Ambon for the final phase of the Indonesian exercise.

SURFPAC sends community 'Leaders to Sea'
7/19/2010
by Lt. j.g. Alanna Strei
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twelve community leaders hit the high seas July 13-15 for three, one-day embarks aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) as part of the Leaders to Sea (LTS) program.
Through the LTS program, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (SURFPAC) provides an opportunity for leaders from business and civic organizations to experience the daily operations on board a Navy warship and to become familiar with the capabilities of the surface force.
Halsey Sailors gave the guests an in-depth ship tour, including a trip to the Sailors' living quarters and dining facilities and introductions to different mission-centric spaces throughout the ship. Tours of combat systems, the sonar room and the pilothouse culminated with a visit to engineering spaces, where they learned that Halsey was the 2009 small ship category winner of the Secretary of the Navy's Fuel Conservation Award.
"I love this part of the job," said Cmdr. Jordy Harrison, Halsey's commanding officer. "The ability to show the great people that are part of our ship and to let them tell their stories is what makes Leaders to Sea so successful."
LTS participants had the unique opportunity to witness a MK38 MODII 25 milimeter weapon shoot.
Halsey is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer attached to the Abraham Lincoln Strike Group, which is currently conducting training exercises off the coast of California. The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is preparing for a deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
Naval Surface Forces hosts a LTS event bi-monthly. For more information about the program or to inquire about participating, please contact the SURFPAC public affairs officer at cnsf.pao@navy.mil.

USS Curts returns to San Diego
7/14/2010
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Curts (FFG 38) will return to San Diego July 16 completing an independent, six-month deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of responsibility (AOR).
The deployment was defined by extensive participation with coalition forces across the entire spectrum of maritime operations.
Curts' efforts fostered strong diplomatic and military relations with regional partners in support of mutual interests on the high seas.
"We are immensely proud to have been afforded the opportunity to serve our Navy and our nation abroad," said Cmdr. H. Thomas Workman, Curts' commanding officer. "This crew trained with passion, intensity and success to ensure preparedness for all operational challenges that we encountered. Those preparations coupled with selfless dedication allowed Curts to succeed in every assigned mission."
While conducting 5th Fleet missions, Curts operated as part of multiple coalition task forces, ensuring the safety of merchant shipping traffic within the internationally recognized trade corridor across the Gulf of Aden, Bab el-Mandeb Straits and Red Sea.
Along with coalition partners, Curts provided force protection and emergency medical support to distressed merchant vessels. These efforts are designed to improve maritime stability within the region and protect free use of the sea lanes by thwarting the activities of violent extremists and criminal organizations.
Additionally, Curts conducted four Suez Canal transits, two exercises with the Egyptian Navy and participated in Exercise Malabar 2010, a week-long bilateral military exercise which aims to promote the interoperability of the U.S. Navy and Indian Navy.
In support of 7th Fleet, Curts conducted various freedom of navigation exercises; economic exclusion zone patrols and port visits to Guam; Sepangar, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand; and Male, Maldives.
In Malaysia, the crew joined the Rotary Club in extensive maintenance and repair of the Kota Kinabalu Orphanage. In Thailand, 35 Curts Sailors joined the Navy League and local Rotary Club in extensive landscaping refurbishment at a local school and orphanage which were devastated during the 2004 tsunami.
Curts helps provide deterrence, promote peace and security, preserve freedom of the sea and humanitarian/disaster response within 3rd Fleet's 50-million square mile AOR in the Eastern Pacific, as well as supporting the Navy's Maritime Strategy when forward deployed.

Princeton watch SOUTH CHINA SEA (July 12, 2010) Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Ian D. Mayberry mans the sound powered phone while he stands aft lookout aboard the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59). Princeton is participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Singapore 2010. CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships and enhance force readiness. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Andrew Meyers

Benfold, Chosin at RIMPAC ... PACIFIC OCEAN (July 11, 2010) The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) maneuvers ahead of the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) as it fires a surface-to-air missile off the coast of Hawaii during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Mark Logico

NFL Hall of Famer at Coronado ... SAN DIEGO (July 12, 2010) Former National Football League (NFL) quarterback and Hall of Fame inductee, Roger Staubach autographs a football for the Naval Special Warfare Foundation at the Naval Special Warfare Center at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Blake Midnight

USS Peleliu begins 5th Fleet deployment
7/14/2010
USS PELELIU, At Sea (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the command ship of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), and embarked Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) July 14.
The Peleliu ARG is comprised of Peleliu, amphibious transport dock ship USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).
Dubuque and Pearl Harbor are scheduled to arrive in the 5th Fleet AOR in late July 2010.
"I am very confident in the capabilities of the Sailors and Marines assigned to this team," said Capt. Dale Fuller, commander, Peleliu ARG. "The successful training and careful preparation we have done since the beginning of the year gives me confidence in our ability to carry out any mission required of us."
PEL ARG and 15th MEU departed San Diego in May 2010 for their regularly scheduled deployment, which began in the 7th Fleet AOR, where embarked Sailors and Marines participated in Exercise Crocodilo in Timor-Leste and Marine Exercise in Indonesia.
PEL ARG and 15th MEU will operate in support of ongoing maritime security operations in the region and will serve as the theater reserve force for U.S. Central Command and report directly to Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 5, which is responsible for all amphibious forces deployed to 5th Fleet. ESG 5 also oversees the planning and execution of contingency response missions and maritime humanitarian aid and disaster relief operations.
The 5th Fleet's AOR encompasses 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean.

PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2010) Capt. Kevin Couch delivers his departing remarks during a change of command ceremony aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7). Capt. S. Robert Roth relieved Couch during the ceremony. Cleveland is supporting Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises, a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Eli J. Medellin

USS Cleveland holds change of command ceremony during RIMPAC 2010
7/14/2010
by MC1 Eli J. Medellin
USS CLEVELAND, At Sea (NNS) -- During one of the largest multinational exercises in the Pacific area of operations, the Austin-class amphipious transport dock ship USS Cleveland (LPD 7) hosted a change of command ceremony while off the coast of Hawaii July 12.
Capt. S. Robert Roth relieved Captain Kevin J. Couch as commanding officer of Cleveland during the ceremony, which took place during exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010.
During the ceremony, Couch addressed Cleveland Sailors as their commanding officer for the final time, saying that despite their varying backgrounds, Sailors have continued to epitomize the value systems set in place by their predecessors.
"It doesn't matter why you joined the military, what matters is the person standing next to you and the commitment to the mission and the sacrifice and the willingness to put everything behind self-interest," said Couch. "There is no day better than today to honor that commitment that each of us share, no matter what our country or what our service."
Cleveland has played a major role in RIMPAC 2010 during the underway phase of the exercise. The ship has launched amphibious assault vehicles from the U.S. Marine 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion currently training with Soldiers attached to the 2nd Royal Australian Regiment.
Additionaly, Cleveland has launched its landing craft utility to transport Marine equipment to and from the islands of Hawaii while conducting daily flight operations.
The ship has also played host to the crew of the Australian version of the television news program "60 Minutes," as well as participating in a sailor exchange with the Royal Australian Navy Kanimbla-class landing platform amphibious HMAS Kanimbla (L 51). The exchange demonstrates increased mutual cooperation and enhanced tactical capabilities of participating nations in various aspects of maritime operations.

Navy's newest dry cargo/ammunition ship delivered
7/14/2010
by Laura M. Seal
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Lewis and Clark-class of dry cargo/ammunition ships grew July 14 when Military Sealift Command accepted delivery of the 10th ship in the class, USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10).
Currently deployed Lewis and Clark-class ships operate as part of MSC's combat logistics force - allowing Navy ships to stay at sea, on station and combat ready for extended periods of time.
"As our 10th ship in the T-AKE class, USNS Charles Drew is another milestone for MSC," said Capt. Jerome Hamel, commander, Sealift Logistics Command Pacific, MSC's office in San Diego. "The T-AKE program is a continued example of MSC's commitment to support the Navy."
Drew is expected to begin conducting missions for MSC in spring 2011 and will operate in the Pacific.
"Taking command of a ship is always exciting, but being in command of a brand new ship in a class like the T-AKE takes the excitement level even higher," said Capt. Dan LaPorte, Charles Drew's civil service master. "I've got an extremely professional and motivated crew, and we're really looking forward to getting underway on our first mission."
Drew is crewed by 124 civil service mariners and 10 U.S. Navy Sailors who provide supply coordination.
Drew was christened and launched during a ceremony Feb. 27, 2010, at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego and underwent a series of tests and trials prior to delivery.
Drew is named for Dr. Charles Drew, an American physician regarded as the father of the blood bank, who researched and developed methods of blood collection, plasma processing and storage. Drew's research in blood storage first benefitted soldiers in the field during World War II, but has continued to save the lives millions of people worldwide. His blood bank design is still the model for modern hospitals and organizations such as the American Red Cross.
MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.



PACIFIC OCEAN (July 12, 2010) Sailors conduct safety checks on an F/A-18 Super Hornet aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Carl Vinson is underway conducting local operations off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Adrian White

USS Philadelphia sails for final time into retirement
7/9/2010
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Los Angeles class attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) left her homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn., for a final time July 9 to complete the process of being retired from the U.S. Navy fleet.
Philadelphia heads to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Va., next where she will be dismantled. Once Philadelphia's power plant is emptied of fuel, the submarine is officially decommissioned and remaining crew members are released for other assignments.
A decommissioning ceremony was held aboard the submarine in Groton June 25, the 33rd anniversary of its commissioning.
The sixth ship to bear the name, Philadelphia completed her final deployment Feb. 3, after a mission to the U.S. European and U.S. Central Command Areas of Responsibility.
Philadelphia's final commanding officer is Cmdr. Dave Soldow, who relieved Cmdr. John Spencer in a change of command ceremony April 23.
The contract to build Philadelphia, the third submarine in the Los Angeles class, was awarded Jan. 8, 1971, and her keel was laid Aug. 12, 1972. She was later commissioned June 25, 1977, with Cmdr. Robert B. Osborne in command.

Ships Depart Pearl Harbor for RIMPAC 2010 exercises
7/8/2010
by MC2 Robert Stirrup
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- A total of 32 ships and five submarines from seven nations departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) July 6-7 to participate in exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 in the Pacific Ocean.
As the ships departed JBPHH, the exercise kicked off operational Phase II of the three-phase event.
Phase II began July 6 and continues until July 24. This portion includes live fire gunnery and missile exercises, maritime interdiction and vessel boardings, anti-surface warfare, undersea warfare, naval maneuvers and air defense exercises.
Participants will collaborate in explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations and amphibious operations during Phase II.
"This is the largest RIMPAC that we've had," said Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. "This exercise clearly focuses on maritime domain awareness, dealing with expanded military operations across the complete spectrum of warfare."
The RIMPAC exercises will test the participating nations' capabilities to work together and strengthen their ability to communicate and operate in simulated maritime scenarios.
RIMPAC will conclude July 25 with tactical Phase III, involving scenario-driven exercises designed to further strengthen maritime skills and capabilities.
The U.S. Pacific Fleet-event includes participating units and personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.
RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, with more than 20,000 personnel participating in this year's event in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise is themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," and marks the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.

No more DD-214 discharge papers mailed to exiting Marines
7/2/2010
by Lance Cpl. Aaron Diamant
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. — In a move to help separating Marines, the Corps announced new delivery guidelines for the DD 214 form, which is a record of service and separation status.
The form will now be hand delivered to a separating Marine when they leave their command on terminal leave, instead of being mailed at their end of active service date.
With Marines often leaving their commands months before their EAS due to terminal leave, mailing the form often created a hardship for Marines and delayed their application for veterans benefits, employment, financial transactions or unemployment compensation.
The new regulation, released in Marine Administrative Message 343/10 in June, states that the form will be hand delivered to all separating Marines on the date of separation or the day their terminal leave starts, whichever is sooner.

Fireworks from deck of Nimitz ... SAN DIEGO (July 4, 2010) Sailors and their families watch a fireworks display over San Diego Bay aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Matthew Patton

Peleliu in Indian Ocean ... INDIAN OCEAN (July 6, 2010) A CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter practices vertical replenishments as it approaches the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) before sunset. Peleliu is part of Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group, led by Commodore Dale Fuller, which is on a scheduled Western Pacific deployment with 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, led by Col. Roy Osborn. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Michael Russell

BHR in Hawaii for RIMPAC ... PEARL HARBOR (July 6, 2010) A Sailor assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) watches the pier as workers from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam disconnect lines and cables from the ship before getting underway for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 exercises. RIMPAC is a biennial, multinational exercise designed to strengthen regional partnerships and improve multinational interoperability. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Woody Paschall

Naval Special Warfare Sailors rescue nine from overturned tour boat
7/7/2010
PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- Sailors from Special Boat Team 20 helped rescue nine people July 7 from an overturned tourist boat in the Delaware River.
According to Philadelphia police, the boat was struck by a barge and capsized, throwing 35 passengers and two crew members in the water.
Twelve Special Warfare Boat Operators at nearby Penn's Landing immediately responded to a radio distress call and sped to the scene in small boats to recover people in the river.
"We were the first responders," said Garrett Rodriguez, a Special Boat Operator 1st Class from Maui, Hawaii. "Some of us jumped out and started grabbing people. They were just exhausted, in shock."
Rodriguez said some of his team members pulled people into boats, while others jumped off a jetty and swam to tourists struggling in the water.
Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Patrick Perdew, a 33-year-old Louisville, Ky. medic assigned to the boat team, said the nine passengers they rescued didn't have discernible injuries and were ambulatory when they brought them ashore.
The Navy crew members worked together with the Coast Guard, Philadelphia Police and fire rescue teams.
"We were just happy to help," said Capt. Chuck Wolf, the commander of Naval Special Warfare Group 4. "The city responders deserve all of the credit, but our guys really showed why the Navy is 'America's Navy: A Global Force for Good,' and it shows our ability to adapt to our surroundings and assist with any and all situations."
The boat team was in Philadelphia to attend community relations functions and was preparing to to get underway and return to their base in Virginia Beach.

Marine Corps Warfighting Lab launches experiments
7/2/2010
by Gina DiNicolo
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab will culminate its enhanced company operations experiment series July 11-14 in Pearl Harbor.
With the experiment, the lab will look at the future of maneuver warfare.
By using a reinforced company landing team (CLT), which is a conceptual organization under examination by the lab, they will conduct a ship-to-objective maneuver via air and surface craft from a ship over the horizon. The experiment will take place in Pearl Harbor during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010 multinational exercise.
For more than four days, lab observer-controllers will document how the CLT maneuvers over an area typically given to a much larger Marine battalion.
Testing will be conducted to determine how over-the-horizon movement will affect areas like logistics support and command and control of units ashore from a sea base up to 100 miles away. The lab hopes to determine if the CLT can meet the commandant of the Marine Corps' vision of the Marine Corps in 2025.
The Marines will test technological innovations throughout the experiment. The ground unmanned support surrogate (GUSS) will support the logistic needs of small units with autonomous and semi-autonomous robotics, maneuvering in the "follow-me" mode by staying close to the unit while not interfering with its maneuvering capability.
The largest challenge in the experiment will be communications. Marines will put a visionary communications system to the test that links the CLT ashore with the sea-based headquarters aboard ship while it is over the horizon.
One system, Trellisware, puts a radio in the hands of each Marine. This self-forming and self-healing networked system allows Marines to create dynamic networks that adapt to terrain masking.

'Show Me State' submarine set to join the fleet
7/7/2010
GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The seventh submarine of the Virginia class will officially join the U.S. Navy fleet when Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Missouri (SSN 780) is commissioned during a ceremony July 31 at 11 a.m. at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.
Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State."
The last Missouri, the legendary battleship, was the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II Sept. 2, 1945.
The 7,800-ton submarine Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News, Va. At 377-feet long, Missouri is slightly longer than a football field and has a 34-foot beam. Missouri will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs and increasing underway time.

USS Nimitz completes sea trials
7/3/2010
by MC3 Matthew Patton
SAN DIEGO – (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) successfully completed sea trials July 2.
Nimitz departed Naval Base Coronado June 29 for the first time in three months to test and evaluate Nimitz' main engines along with other equipment after conducting a 30-day Carrier Incremental Availability.
"These guys have done a tremendous job," said Capt. Paul Monger, Nimitz' commanding officer. "It's very impressive to see a group have a long layoff yet still be able to get right back in that operational mindset."
One example was Engineering department's push to ensure their equipment was fully operational. The department ran tests on aircraft elevators, doors and catapults.
"It went smooth," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) John Welch, leading chief petty officer of Engineering A-Division. "The 30 percent turnover in personnel didn't affect anything."
Some evolutions, like the high-speed power turns, involved many different departments and impacted them differently.
"For us, the main concern was shaking off the dust after a three month layoff making sure we had the same skill sets in place," said Master Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Robert Barber, leading chief petty officer of Navigation. "It had been 11 months since we last pulled out of San Diego, so the expectation was that we'd be rusty. But everything went smoothly."
Nimitz also successfully tested its aqueous film forming form (AFFF) system on the flight deck and the hangar bay. The objective was to ensure all the AFFF sprinklers were working and covering their assigned areas.
Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Freedom commanding officer speaks to Coronado Optimist Club
7/3/2010
by MC1 Elena Pence
CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- The commanding officer of USS Freedom (LCS 1), Gold Crew, was the guest speaker during a Coronado Optimist Club weekly meeting July 1 at the Coronado Community Center.
"I enjoyed meeting this group because they are very involved in the community," said Cmdr. Randy Garner. "It is important for everyone to understand what is going on with the Navy in their surrounding area, but especially so in an area like San Diego, where the relationship between the Navy and the community is extremely strong."
Bernie Roeder, program director for the Coronado Optimist Club, was excited to schedule Garner as the weekly guest speaker.
"He offered a great opportunity for us to keep in touch with the Navy and the community," said Roeder.
"I simply wanted to share some information on the littoral combat ship that I command," shared Garner. "We are doing a number of revolutionary things in the LCS program, from reduced manning to fundamentally operating the ship differently. I wanted them to see the ship is clearly capable, by sharing specific examples of the success we had on deployment."
"Coronado is a Navy town and well over half of the club is retired Navy," said John Bowen, President. We like to know how the Navy is progressing and appreciate greatly that the commander gave us the opportunity to learn about the LCS program."
The Coronado Optimist Club is a national service club that does community work for the local community and raises money to benefit youth in the Coronado area.

NAVSEA reviewing required preventive maintenance aboard surface ships
7/2/2010
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced July 1, efforts to ensure surface ships are properly maintained are continuing through a pilot initiative on board two Norfolk-based ships.
The NAVSEA-led initiative reassigns ships' force maintenance actions to shore-based technical teams.
The review of open maintenance actions aboard USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) and USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55) is designed to identify which of these repairs can be completed at the depot level.
"The demands placed on our ships and Sailors are increasing each year," said Rear Adm. James P. McManamon, NAVSEA deputy commander for surface warfare. "It's incumbent upon the ship repair and maintenance community to figure out how best to support them. In this case, we determined that moving some of the repair work to shore commands would both benefit the Sailors and improve ship readiness."
The NAVSEA team, in coordination with the type commander, will review all open maintenance items on these ships, officially called Type Availability 4 (TA4) items, to determine which will be handled by shore teams. Once the review is complete, NAVSEA will begin assigning the maintenance to the regional maintenance centers, naval shipyards or private shipyards.
As part of this process, U.S. Fleet Forces Command identified more than $18 million in funding to allow NAVSEA to complete the work, as well as review other ships' maintenance workloads during future availabilities.
"This is a question of capacity, not capability," continued McManamon. "This is a good preventative measure to ensure these ships are meeting requirements throughout their service lives."
The TA4 reassignment is part of a series of coordinated fleet and NAVSEA initiatives focused on surface ship readiness. These efforts are designed to increase support to Sailors and improve maintenance practices across ship classes, while also modernizing them to keep pace with mission requirements.

Sailor missing from Korean War id'd
6/29/2010
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office announced June 29 that the remains of a U.S. service man, missing in action from the Korean War, have been identified and are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
Ensign Robert W. Langwell, of Columbus, Ind., will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery July 12.
On Oct. 1, 1950, Langwell was serving on the minesweeper USS Magpie (AMS 25) when it sank after striking an enemy mine off the coast of Chuksan-ri, South Korea.
Twelve crew members were rescued, but Langwell was one of 20 men lost at sea.
In June 2008, personnel from the Republic of South Korea's Ministry of National Defense Agency for Killed in Action Recovery and Identification (MAKRI) canvassed towns in South Korea in an effort to gather information regarding South Korean soldiers unaccounted-for from the Korean War. An elderly fisherman, interviewed in the village of Chuksan-ri, reported that he and other villagers had buried an American service man in 1950 when his body was caught in the man's fishing net.
The MAKRI located the burial site April 28, 2009, where they excavated human remains and military artifacts. The burial site was approximately three miles west of where the Magpie sank in 1950. The team turned the remains and artifacts over to U.S. Forces Korea, which sent them to Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC) for analysis.
Among other forensic identification tools and circumstantial evidence, JPAC scientists used dental comparisons in the identification of Langwell's remains.
With Langwell's accounting, 8,025 service members still remain missing from the Korean War.

Personnel Manual changes put focus on performance
6/30/2010
by Wm. Cullen James
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy has changed its Military Personnel Manual regarding enlisted performance, conduct, Detachment for Cause (DFC) and separations June 25.
The changes were based on inputs from commanders and commanding officers (COs). Announced in NAVADMIN 210/10, the changes impact MILPERSMAN Articles 1910-156, 1616-010 and 1616-040.
"These changes announced in NAVADMIN 210/10 are there to ensure the Navy's best and brightest Sailors are able to continue to advance while giving commanding officers the tools needed to counsel, guide and, if need be, separate those who do not meet the Navy's expected performance standards," said Rich Mason, Navy Personnel Command (NPC) deputy assistant commander for Career Progression.
The changes in Article 1910-156 give commanders and COs the ability to separate Sailors for unsatisfactory performance and those who cannot carry out their assigned duties. Reasons provided include: an overall 2.49 cumulative Performance Mark Average for two consecutive evaluations; promotion recommendation of less than "Promotable" with no improvement in two cycles; performance-related loss of Navy Enlisted Classification code for non-medical reasons; Sailors who don't complete formal training required via Perform to Serve; and Sailors who cannot carry or handle weapons in the performance of their duties because of legal issues.
Article 1616-010 deals with DFC of enlisted personnel and changes here align those procedures with those for officers. The previous version allowed for the first flag officer in the chain of command to approve a DFC for enlisted personnel, but this amended version changes the approval authority to the commander of NPC.
"The enlisted DFC process now mirrors the officer process in every way," said Capt. Leo Falardeau, NPC assistant commander for Career Progression. "We did this to ensure that enlisted personnel are receiving appropriate, documented counseling and have the opportunity for their case to be reviewed by a higher authority."
Changes to Article 1616-040 aligns the enlisted misconduct reporting process of civilian and military disciplinary incidents involving first class petty officers or chief petty officers (E-6/7/8/9) with the officer misconduct reporting process. It makes mandatory the reporting of civilian and military disciplinary incidents and incidents that might receive widespread public interest for E-6 through E-9 to CNPC. According to Mason, such incidents include, but are not limited to, the assault of a civilian, sexual abuse, and murder.
According to the NAVADMIN, these changes require proactive mentoring, counseling and documentation.
For more information, read the NAVADMIN on the NPC website at www.npc.navy.mil and click on "Messages" or visit the Enlisted Career Progression site at www.npc.navy.mil/ CareerInfo/Enlisted CareerProgression.