Stennis signal PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 26, 2010) Quartermaster Seaman Britney Benigno, from Wichita Falls, Texas, signals the bridge of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) as the ship approaches Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) for a fuel replenishment at sea. John C. Stennis is underway off the coast of Southern California supporting pilot carrier qualifications for fleet replacement squadrons and naval air training command. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Josue L. Escobosa

Fire control GROTON, Conn. (Jan. 25, 2010) Basic Enlisted Submarine School (BESS) Sailors battle a simulated hull blaze during a drill designed to familiarize them with fundamental submarine fire fighting techniques. The Fire Fighting Trainer provides hands-on training skills in submarine damage control. U.S. Navy photo by William Kenny

Navy modifies sexual assault reporting procedures
1/26/2010
MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy announced new requirements Jan. 26 for commands reporting sexual assault.
Updated sexual assault reporting policy requires commanders to consult with a judge advocate general officer in any alleged sexual assault or sexual harassment case.
Additionally, commands must now reference the date/time groups of related reports when filing follow-up reports. Complete guidance is available in OPNAV Instruction 1752.1B.
"Sexual assault is a safety and readiness issue that requires the attention, focus and awareness of all commanders. It is an affront to our Navy core values and ethos and cannot be tolerated," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, to Navy leaders.
In 2009, the Navy renamed the Sexual Assault Victim Intervention program to Sexual Assault Prevention and Response to align with the mission of the program, underlining the importance of both prevention and response.
"Prevention requires proactive leadership involvement to shift from a reactive to proactive mentality," said Ferguson. He stressed the need for leaders to review the instruction and comply with its requirements.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 25, 2010) Fire Controlman 1st Class Raenna Roberts, left, explains the Phalanx Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) to Sailors. U.S. Navy photo by Steve Vanderwerff

Palm Springs Navy League Council 'adopts' USS Mobile Bay
1/26/2010
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Palm Springs Navy League Council (PSNL) and USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) formally recognized their new partnership during a cermony in the Aegis guided-missile cruiser's helicopter hangar Jan. 22.
PSNL also supports USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53), USS Jefferson City (SSN 759), and USCGC Hamilton (WHEC-715).
"It was an honor and a privilege for the Palm Springs Navy League to adopt USS Mobile Bay," said David Whitson, president of PSNL.
Capt. James Housinger, commanding officer of Mobile Bay, extended his thanks and gratitude for PSNL's involvement with Mobile Bay. "Adoption of specific units like Mobile Bay brings the Navy League into direct contact with the Sailors they are supporting" said Housinger. "The Navy League's value is not only in the direct tangible support of visiting the ship or inviting Sailors up to the Palm Springs area for weekends, but the community support and awareness that the Navy League creates."
One way the Navy League supports men and women in uniform is through the "adoption" of ships and units of the sea services. The mission of the Navy League is to educate American citizens and their elected officials about naval matters and the importance of sea power.
The purpose of adopting a ship, station, or other military unit or facility is to concentrate the efforts of local Navy League members on that particular ship or station. In addition to the aforementioned units, PSNL has also adopted Southern California-based units Assault Craft Unit 1, Beachmaster Unit 1, and Twenty Nine Palms Marine Corps Station.
Mobile Bay was named in honor of the Battle of Mobile Bay fought between the Federal and Confederate Navies on Aug. 5, 1864 during the Civil War. During the battle, Union Adm. David Farragut, in the heat of battle, famously commanded, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." Mobile Bay adopted the admiral's quote as its motto.
Mobile Bay has been a key part of recent American military history, playing a crucial role in Desert Storm and multiple deployments in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. Most recently, the ship has undergone a major shipyard period as a part of the Aegis Cruiser Modernization Program.

T-34 Turbomentor mishap pilot identified
1/25/2010
NAVAL AIR STATION WHITING FIELD, Fla. (NNS) -- One pilot is recovering and one is presumed dead following a training flight that crashed into Lake Ponchartrain, Jan. 23 at 7 p.m. The two pilots were attached to Training Squadron 6 at Naval Air Station Whiting Field.
Lt. Clinton Wermers and the student pilot were flying a routine nighttime instrument training mission and were approaching Lakefront Airport in New Orleans when their plane went down in the lake. Coast Guard teams rescued the student pilot from the water near 9 p.m. Jan. 23, with mild hypothermia and moderate injuries. Wermers, the instructor pilot, has not been located and Coast Guard rescue efforts have transitioned to a recovery operation. The rescued pilot was taken to a nearby hospital and treated for his injuries. He has since been released.
The cause of the mishap is unknown. An investigation by Training Air Wing 5 and the Naval Safety Center has been initiated.

Maritime Force serves as cornerstone of relief 0perations in Haiti
1/20/2010
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- A sea-based force of 8,500 Sailors, 11 ships and 42 aircraft is currently supporting the immediate delivery of aid to earthquake victims in Haiti as part of operation Unified Response.
Operating a few miles off the coast of Haiti are USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70); USNS Comfort (T-AH-20); USS Normandy (CG 60); USS Bunker Hill (CG 52); USS Higgins (DDG 76); USS Underwood (FFG 36); USNS Grasp (T-ARS 51); and the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group. The Bataan ARG includes embarked Marines of the 22 Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43); USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).
In addition, Sailors from Maritime Civil Affairs, Maritime Security, Expeditionary Logistic Support, Seabee units, and Combat Camera, as well as other Navy divers and engineers are supporting disaster response efforts with diverse capabilities including assessment, construction, security, civil affairs and logistical support.
To date, U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces supporting relief efforts have conducted 336 air deliveries, delivered 32,400 gallons of water, 532,440 bottles of water, 111,082 meals and 9,000 lbs of medical supplies. Most importantly, U.S. and international search and rescue teams have rescued 69 earthquake victims, mostly Haitian citizens.
Navy medical professionals aboard USNS Comfort received their first patients Jan. 20, delivered by a MH-60 "Knighthawk" helicopter from USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) in the middle of the night. The two patients, a six-year-old boy and a 20-year old man injured in the earthquake, arrived aboard the ship shortly after 10 p.m.
USNS Comfort will provide full hospital services to support U.S. humanitarian assistance and disaster response to the people of Haiti. Comfort comes with a full spectrum of hospital services to support disaster relief efforts including: primary, trauma, pediatric and orthopedic care services. The 894-foot long ship has six fully operational operating rooms. Comfort currently has a 250 acute care bed capacity and 40 ICU beds.
The Navy's contribution will be reinforced and expanded in the upcoming days with the arrival of the following units:
- USNS Henson (T-AGS-63), an oceanographic survey ship, and MV Alakai, a high speed ferry, are scheduled to arrive in the next few days.
- USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2), a dry cargo ship with two SH-60S helicopters, and USNS 1st LT Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011), a dry cargo ship capable of offloading cargo without a port are scheduled to arrive in the next week.
- The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group/24 Marine Expeditionary Unit (NAS ARG/24 MEU), including USS Nassau (LHD 4), USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), USS Ashland (LSD 48), and the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit are scheduled to arrive in the next week. - SS Cape May (T-AKR 5063), a heavy lift ship; USNS PFC Dewayne Williams (T-AK 3009), a container & roll-on/roll-off ship; and MV Huakai, a high speed ferry, are scheduled to arrive in the next few weeks.
Operation Unified Response is part of a larger U.S. response to a request from the government of Haiti for urgent humanitarian aid. U.S. Southern Command is working closely with the Dept. of State, U.S. Agency for International Development and the international community to aggressively provide life-sustaining services to the people of Haiti. All military efforts are in support of USAID, which is orchestrating U.S. government contributions to the relief mission.
The last time the Navy supported U.S. disaster relief efforts in Haiti was in September 2008. After the island nation was hit by consecutive hurricanes and tropical storm, the amphibious ship USS Kearsarge was diverted to assist with the delivery of 3.3 million pounds of internationally-donated aid to communities isolated by flooding, mudslides and damaged roads.

SAN DIEGO (Jan. 18, 2010) Sailors assigned to Naval Medical Center San Diego, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Naval Hospital Bremerton and Naval Hospital Lemoore board an aircraft at Naval Air Station North Island to go to Haiti in support of Operation Unified Response to conduct humanitarian and disaster relief operations after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake caused severe damage near Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. A total of 87 Sailors from all four hospitals left to further assist with humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Chad A. Bascom.

USNS Comfort begins work in Haiti and prepares to expand medical capability
1/20/2010
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy hospital ship, USNS COMFORT (T-AH 20), arrived off the coast of Port-au-Prince, Haiti Jan. 20 and began receiving injured patients from the local hospitals and international medical facilities currently in Haiti.
The ship deployed from its homeport in Baltimore Jan. 16 with an overall crew of 850 that included a medical team comprised of 550 medical and non-medical support staff, including Navy doctors, nurses, corpsmen, technicians and support staff ready to provide a host of medical services including primary care, trauma care, pediatric care, orthopedic care and more.
The embarked medical support team will be augmented by 350 additional team members who are scheduled to arrive on board the ship in the next few days. With the additional medical staff, the hospital ship will have the capability to increase available beds from its current configuration of 250 -- set up during the ship's transit -- to nearly 1,000, including 880 ward beds, 80 intensive care unit beds and 20 post anesthesia care unit beds.
The augmented medical staff will also enable Comfort to expand its operating room capability from 6 to 11. A twelfth operating room is specifically designed to support advanced interventional radiology procedures.
The ship will initially receive urgent surgical patients. Patients transported to the hospital ship will have a family member escort, if available. After treatment, the ship's medical personnel will determine the patient's follow-on care. Additionally, medical teams from the hospital ship will move ashore to help in casualty evaluation and are prepared to triage crush wounds and burn injuries and other health issues.
Comfort is part of a larger United States response to the government of Haiti request for humanitarian assistance. The U.S. effort is being coordinated by the Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development.
Comfort was last in Haiti in April 2009 for 12 days as part of Continuing Promise 2009.

Retired Navy civilian awarded Purple Heart, POW medals
1/20/2010
by MC3 Kari R. Rodriguez
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A retired Navy civilian firefighter was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Prisoner of War Medal during a ceremony aboard USS Midway Museum Jan. 8.
Lewis E. Meyer was recognized for being one of only two Department of Defense civilian employees captured during the Vietnam War. He was held prisoner from February 1968 to March 1973.
"These awards open up old wounds for me, but I am proud to be here," said Meyer. "I am very honored [to receive] these awards and attribute everything to those who defend America."
Commander, Navy Region Southwest Rear Adm. William D. French was on hand to present Meyer with the medals.
"We are all gathered here today to acknowledge a person dedicated to the service of his country and someone who is a true patriot, Mr. Meyer, for his courageous actions during the Vietnam War," said French. "Nothing can take away from what he has experienced and this is a privilege and honor this afternoon to recognize his actions by presenting him both the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medals."
After learning that Meyer was originally denied the medals due to being a civilian, former Congressman Duncan Hunter appealed directly to the secretary of the Navy.
"Even as a civilian firefighter, Lewis Meyer served in a combat zone during the Vietnam War and endured years of captivity and abuse," said Hunter. "The enemy did not care that he was a civilian and made no exceptions for his status. Lewis Meyer's experience as a prisoner of war was shared by many others who were rightly recognized for their service and sacrifice, and I'm pleased that he is finally receiving the recognition he deserves."

Clark, Lincoln and Naval Base Ventura County to celebrate grand opening of Catalina Heights Navy housing
Ceremony to Highlight Innovative Partnership
On Wednesday, Jan. 27, the Department of the Navy, Clark Realty Capital, and Lincoln Military Housing will celebrate the grand opening of Catalina Heights, a family housing community featuring 32 single family homes and 273 townhomes constructed as part of the Navy's largest public/private venture to date. The Partners for Excellence event will highlight the innovative partnership and celebrate the redevelopment of the neighborhood at Catalina Heights.
Remarks will be made by Capt. James J. McHugh, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Ventura County, Mr. Kevin Kildee, Mayor of Camarillo, California, and Mr. Morgan Rogers, Development Executive, Clark Realty Capital. Following the ceremony, the partnership will host an open house reception for guests to tour two model homes and the Catalina Heights Community Center.

DoA, DoN formalize energy partnership
1/20/2010
by Ens. Jason Scarborough
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Agriculture Thomas Vilsack and Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will be signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Pentagon Jan. 21 at 10:30 a.m.
The MOU will serve as an agreement that both parties will work together to support President Obama's initiative to reduce energy consumption derived from fossil fuels and increase energy production from renewable energy sources.
A U.S. Marine Corps Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) will be on display during the event emphasizing Mabus' overarching goal for energy reform to increase warfighting capability. The military is testing biofuel blends for use in aircraft, surface ships and tactical vehicles like the LAV.
Together the Department of the Navy (DoN) and the Department of Agriculture will explore biofuel technologies to meet both commercial and military transportation needs.
The event will be taped and available for viewing at www.chinfo.navy.mil.
For DoN energy news please visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nee/ or engage with us on Facebook by searching key words, "Department of the Navy Task Force Energy."

Vinson arrives in Haiti to support earthquake victims
1/15/2010
by MC2 (SW) Robert A. Wood Sr.
MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) has arrived off the coast of Haiti to conduct Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Response (HA/DR) missions. Vinson was ordered to Haiti when she was underway in the Atlantic Ocean, and briefly loitered off the coast of Mayport to receive equipment and supplies.
Along with Vinson, USS Bataan (LHD 5) embarked with Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU 22), USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) were ordered to get underway as soon as possible. Additionally, USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Underwood (FFG 36) and USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) will deploy from their homeports and stand ready to assist, while USNS Comfort (T-AH-20), homeported in Baltimore, Md., is preparing to get underway, if required.
A Navy P-3 Orion aircraft from the Patrol Squadron (VP) 26 detachment operating from Cooperative Security Location (CSL) Comalapa, El Salvador, conducted aerial surveys of the area affected by the earthquake on Jan. 13.
USS Higgins (DDG 76) based out of Naval Station San Diego arrived on station off the coast of Haiti Jan. 14 to provide afloat logistical services for the Coast Guard helicopters.
Additionally, various units are prepared to provide assistance with sea-based helicopters, to include H-53 Sea Stallions and H-60 Seahawks.
As the Navy component command of U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO's mission is to direct U.S. Naval forces operating in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies within the maritime environment. Routine operations include counter-illicit trafficking, theater security cooperation, military-to-military interaction and bilateral and multinational training.

Battleship Missouri back from repairs! PEARL HARBOR (Jan. 7, 2009) The battleship EX-USS Missouri (BB 63) returns to Ford Island after finishing scheduled repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Missouri underwent three months and $18 million of preservation and maintenance repairs at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. U.S. Navy photo by M2 Robert Stirrup More

Marine West Exposition 2010
The 2010 edition of Marine West, one of the most comprehensive military expositions of the coming year, will be held at Camp Pendleton Jan. 27-28. Companies from around the world will showcase weapons, equipment and systems designed to enhance the fighting capabilities of America's "911 Force," the United States Marines, and will also welcome other U.S. and allied forces.
New this year, the exposition site will be adjacent to the Combat Camera Warehouse Building (Bldg. 2238) in Camp Pendleton's 22 Area.
Show Hours:
Wednesday, Jan. 27
7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Attendee Registration Open
8 a.m.–9:45 a.m. Commanders Preview
9:45 a.m.–10 a.m. Opening Ceremony
10 a.m.–3 p.m. Exhibit Area Open
Thursday, Jan. 28
8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Attendee Registration Open
9:00 a.m.–3 p.m. Exhibit Area Open

FREE USO concert at Camp Pendleton
Singer Craig Morgan will perform a free USO-sponsored concert Jan. 26 at Camp Pendleton's Mainside Theater, Bldg. 1330, at 6 p.m. This event is open to all military ID cardholders and their families. For more information, call the USO at (619) 235-6503.

USS Benfold underway U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Jan. 10, 2010) The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) and the Royal Bahraini fast attack craft Al Jabiri (PGGF 21) are underway in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Grant P. Ammon.

USS Curts deploys to Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf
Guided-missile frigate, USS Curts (FFG 38) departed Naval Station San Diego Friday, Jan. 8 for a deployment to the Western Pacific and Arabian Gulf.
Curts is commanded by Cmdr. H. Thomas Workman and falls under the command of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 led by Capt. Eric Young.
Curts and her crew of more than 200 officer and enlisted Sailors will participate in multi-national exercises, patrols and training missions. Curts is part of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations.
Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates are fast warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, and can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups, and underway replenishment groups.
During the past few months, USS Curts has conducted several ship’s training and certification exercises off the Pacific coast, including anti-submarine warfare. She is fully prepared and ready to deploy in support of contingency and humanitarian missions.
Curts’ mission during the deployment will directly support the U.S. Maritime Strategy by focusing on joint and international partnerships across a range of operations through forward presence, deterrence, freedom of the world’s sea lanes, maritime security and humanitarian assistance/disaster response.
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 area of responsibility.

Bonhomme Richard selects top Sailors for 2009
1/11/2010
by MC2 Drew Williams
USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Four Sailors aboard amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) were recognized as the ship's Sailors of the Year for 2009 during a Dec. 29 Captain's Call.
Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Jonathan Wagner was selected as Bonhomme Richard's Senior Sailor of the Year; Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW/SW) Manny Penas as Sailor of the Year; Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class (AW/SW) Jolyn San Nicolas as Junior Sailor of the Year; and Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Renee Duff as Bluejacket of the Year.
"I am deeply honored to be selected Senior Sailor of the Year," said Wagner. "Many people along my career have showed me how to take pride in my work and show a good work ethic every day. The support from the chiefs over my last three years on board Bonhomme Richard and doing the best job I can do has developed me into the Sailor I am today."
In addition to hard work, each of the Sailors of the Year gave credit to a group of people who supported them in their day-to-day tasks and allowed them to grow professionally. However, each Sailor had a unique perspective as to how they got to where they are in their Navy careers.
"It feels good to get rewarded for all the hard work I have put in," said Penas. "My motto is 'Do the right thing,' and I tell my guys in Weapons Department that all the time. They are the ones that support me and it's good to put Weapons Department on the map and keep them in the limelight."
"It's important to be involved, know what you are doing by asking a lot of questions and strive to achieve the most you can while giving to your country and the Navy," said San Nicolas. "It's also important to work hard for yourself and the people you love, because without their support you're not able to achieve your fullness."
"I like to stay busy with many collateral duties while performing my duties to the best of my abilities," said Duff. "I am in my shop everyday before reveille so that I can get to work right away. I receive a lot of support from my leading petty officer and my division officer and the Marines that work with us give me a lot of support too."
Whether as a seasoned Sailor or new to the fleet, the Sailors of the Year shared some advice on how to become an invaluable asset to the ship and crew.
"My advice for junior Sailors is to set the bar above the minimum," said Wagner. "You will see set backs, but you can't fail if you are always trying."
Each Sailor of the Year received a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a plaque to commemorate this career milestone.
Bonhomme Richard, the command platform for the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations conducting Maritime Security Operations.

NMCSD announces new prenatal care option
1/6/2010
by Lt. Cmdr. Sara Shaffer
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) is one of only 10 medical centers in California to offer the Centering Pregnancy prenatal program for its patients.
The group learning program focuses on health assessments, education and support.
The Centering Pregnancy prenatal program will allow groups of eight to 12 women of similar gestational ages the opportunity to meet and discuss various topics of interest with participants. During a session, which will run two hours in length, each woman in the group will receive a physical assessment. The physical assessment portion of the group visit is used to assess the growth of the baby and evaluate the fetal heart rate. After assessments, the group circles up and the rest of the session is spent on education. The women take their own blood pressure and weight at the beginning of the visit and record it in their own prenatal record. Participants take an active role in their prenatal care experience.
Women participating in Centering Pregnancy meet eight to nine times throughout their pregnancy, following the same pathway as women receiving individual prenatal care. Centering Pregnancy offers women the opportunity to discuss their experiences and challenges and work with their provider to find good solutions.
Group prenatal care allows patients 10 times more time with their provider than one-on-one patient visits. Expectant women will have increased opportunities to actively participate in health decisions and to ask questions with the goal of fostering a more enjoyable prenatal visit.
The Centering Pregnancy prenatal program, developed by Sharon Schindler Rising, a certified nurse midwife, is now utilized at sites all around the country. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research shows it to be a very safe and effective way to provide prenatal care.
Pregnant women visiting NMCSD can find out more about enrolling in this prenatal care program by asking their provider during the initial prenatal visit.
For more information regarding NMCSD's Obstetrics & Gynecology Department, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites
/nmcsd/Patients/Pages
/ObstetricsAndGynecology.aspx.>
For more news from Naval Medical Center San Diego, visit www.navy.mil/local/sd/



MOBILE, Ala. (Nov. 16, 2009) The littoral combat ship Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Independence (LCS 2) pulls away from the pier for her acceptance trials at Austal USA in Mobile, Ala. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Elizabeth Vlahos.

Revolutionary ship readies for commissioning Jan. 16, will homeport in San Diego
1/6/2010
by Lt.j.g. Jan Bowers
MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit Independence (LCS 2) will be commissioned Jan. 16.
Advanced technology, unique manning, and a very recognizable tri-hull – at first glance, nearly everything about Independence's steep angles, high bridge, and aluminum construction appears to be the first of its kind. That impression continues inside, where a spacious mission module bay is reached by stairs instead of shin-banging ladders, and down below, where four water jets compliment two diesel and two gas turbine engines.
LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused ship that demonstrates the latest in naval warfighting technology. The ship is specifically designed to defeat "anti-access" threats in shallow, coastal water regions, including fast surface craft, quiet diesel submarines, and mines. To meet the combatant commander's increased demand for mission-tailored forces packages, LCS features an interchangeable modular design that allows the ship to be reconfigured to meet mission requirements.
"The ship is large enough and flexible enough to hold just about anything you could think of in terms of coastal and littoral warfare," said Cmdr. Michael Riley, commanding officer, Gold Crew. "If you build modules we could carry them. That's one of the true unique things about Independence. I think we are going to expand way beyond the initial three mission sets the ship was designed to do, and of course do those extremely well."
The Sailors who will bring the ship to life on Jan. 16 are part of an innovative manning reconstruct that reduces crew size, demanding each Sailor maintain high levels of proficiency in multiple fields, and optimizes ship operability with multiple crews. Independence is manned by two rotational crews, "blue" and "gold," of 40 Sailors each. These crews are further augmented by detachment specialists for each of the mission modules.
"Both LCS 1 and LCS 2 were designed to meet the same requirements with reduced manning," said Rear Adm. Jim Murdoch, LCS program manager. "In the last several years, we have conducted a great deal of assessment to be sure we implement this shift without any loss of efficiency or increase in vulnerability. Manning of the ship is centered around the question of whether you have enough people to fight it."
"On other ships, Sailors from every department help in the kitchen, and the cooks do just that – they cook," said Renshaw. "On LCS, we have three cooks who can also shoot a gun, fight a fire, manage systems, and stand anti-terrorism watches. Our Sailors have a lot of skills."
"My best machine-gunner is a culinary specialist; my best emergency medical technician is an electronics technician," Riley said. "We've really brought out the best in the Sailors we have on board."
The rotational crew model is already proving effective aboard USS Freedom (LCS 1), Independence's predecessor in the LCS class. Freedom is currently readying for her maiden deployment, accelerated approximately two years. The Navy expects to learn key operational lessons about Freedom in a deployment setting, and to integrate those lessons into the larger LCS fleet, projected to eventually reach 55 ships.
While Freedom prepares for early deployment, Independence looks forward to commissioning. The decision to commission the ship in Mobile, Ala., where construction began nearly four years ago, is testament to the incredible support the community has lent the Navy.
Following commissioning, Independence will conduct further testing and evaluation before eventually heading toward its homeport in San Diego.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative event planned at Naval Air Station North Island,
Jan. 14
NAS North Island, CA -- The Fleet Readiness Center Southwest Equal Employment Opportunity Advisory Committee will sponsor a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration and musical gala, on Thursday, January 14, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., in the Naval Air Station North Island Base Theatre.
A unity walk, from the north parking lot of the Sea and Air Bowling Center to the Theatre Main Entrance (1 ½ blocks) will precede the service at 10:15 a.m.
The guest speakers for the commemoration are Mr. Willie Blair, Community Representative from Congressman Bob Filner’s office, and Ms. Mahealini Tolbert, Deputy Equal Employment Opportunity Officer from Navy Region Southwest.
Performers for the musical gala portion of the event include: the Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir, Tanika White, and Keisha Ealy.
The hour-long event is open to all military, dependents, and workers with authorized base access.
The U.S. federal holiday honoring Dr. King is officially celebrated on the third Monday in January.

NMCSD welcomes first baby of 2010
1/5/2010
by MC1 Anastasia Puscian
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) commemorated Jan. 1 by welcoming the first baby born in 2010.
Proud parents Marine Sgt. James Jones, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, and his wife, Wendy Jones, welcomed James Earl Jones Jr. born at 5:16 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces.
Jones Jr. is the couple's second child. They have a two-year-old daughter named Ceiane.

CNO aboard USS Nimitz NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 6, 2010) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead answers questions from Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Roughead is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility meeting with senior leadership. U.S. Navy photo by MC1 Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst.

NORTH ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 6, 2010) Rainbow side boys render honors to Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 John Philip Wagner Jr.

CNO lands on carrier operating in the North Arabian Sea
1/6/2010
by MC3 (SW/AW) Amara R. Timberlake
USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- The chief of naval operations (CNO) arrived aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68), the aircraft carrier currently conducting operations in the Northern Arabian Sea, Jan. 6.
Adm. Gary Roughead, CNO, and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)(SS/SW) Rick West are visiting the carrier to hear directly from the Sailors of the deployed strike group.
During his visit Roughead will spend time talking to Sailors and observing day-to-day operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). He will also hold an all-hands call with Sailors in the ship's hangar bay.
"It's important for me to visit Nimitz and the fleet as often as I can to get a sense of what we're doing and what's on the minds of our Sailors; what they're thinking about and the ideas they have to make our Navy better." said Roughead. "You can get a very narrow view of things in Washington; and if you're not out listening to our great Sailors around the world, especially here on Nimitz, you're not getting the full picture."
During his visit Roughead is scheduled to re-enlist Sailors as well as pin on enlisted air and surface warfare devices on newly appointed warfare specialists.
Since entering the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations Sep. 18., Nimitz has flown more than 2,058 sorties in support of OEF, providing 30 percent of the close air support to the coalition forces in Afghanistan.
Nimitz CSG, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, is comprised of USS Nimitz, embarked Carrier Air Wing 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron 23, and the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Chosin. Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include the destroyers USS Pinckney, USS Sampson and the frigate USS Rentz.
Squadrons from CVW 11 include the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron 41, the "Tophatters" of VFA 14, the "Warhawks" of VFA 97, the "Sidewinders" of VFA 86, the "Indians" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, the "Black Ravens" of Electronic Attack Squadron 135, the "Providers" of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and the "Wallbangers" of Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.
Helicopter detachments include the "Easy Riders" of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light 37, the "Battle Cats" of HSL 43, the "Wolfpack" of HSL 45, the "Scorpions" of HSL 49 and the "Wildcards" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge.

Camp Pendleton offers Hunters Education Class beginning Jan. 9
Starting Jan. 9, 2010, there will be a free Hunter Education Class the second Saturday of each month at Bldg. 130132. This daylong class is open to all service members and civilian employees. Authorized students may also sponsor a guest for the class. After the class, students will take a test to receive a hunter education card that is good in all 50 states.
Unit leaders may also schedule classes for their units. To sign up for the class, please call Larry Aney at (760) 722-4579, and leave your name and telephone number.