Surface Warfare WINTER 2019 Issue 61
This issue:
Commander, Naval Surface Forces Focuses on Warfighting Excellence Surface Team 1 Maintenance Summit Focuses on Removing Barriers, Driving Excellence Surface Warfare Officer Career Path
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Authorization
Surface Warfare is published quarterly from appropriated funds by authority of the Chief of Naval Operations in accordance with NPPR P-35. The Secretary of the Navy has determined that this publication is necessary in the transaction of business required by law of the Department of the Navy. Use of funds for printing this publication has been approved by the Navy Publications and Printing Policy Committee. Reproductions are encouraged with proper citation. Controlled circulation.
Postmaster: Send address changes to Surface Warfare, SURFPAC Public Affairs Office, 2841 Rendova Road, San Diego, CA 92155. Surface Warfare (USPS 104170) (ISSN 0145-1073) is published by the Department of the Navy, Commander, Naval Surface Forces, 2841 Rendova Road, San Diego, CA 92155. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, CA, and additional mailing offices.
Charter
Surface Warfare Magazine is the professional magazine of the surface warfare community. Its purpose is to educate its readers on surface warfare missions and programs, with a particular focus on U.S. surface ships and commands. This journal will also draw upon the Surface Force’s rich historical legacy to instill a sense of pride and professionalism among community members and to enhance reader awareness of the increasing relevance of surface warfare for our nation’s defense. The opinions and assertions herein are the personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Navy.
Surface Warfare Winter 2019 Issue 61
Contact:
Surface Warfare Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office, N01P 2841 Rendova Road San Diego, CA 92155 Phone: (619) 437-2735
Contributions and Feedback Welcome
Send articles, photographs (min. 300 dpi electronic) and feedback to: surface_warfare_maga@navy.mil
Commander, Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Rich Brown
Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Forces Rear Adm. Joey B. Dodgen Public Affairs Officer Cmdr. Patrick L. Evans Executive Editor MCCS Ahron Arendes Managing Editor Ted Townsend Layout and Design Ted Townsend
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Contents
2. Commander's Corner
18. Shore Power
Surface Force News:
22. Surface Force Training and Readiness Manual
4. Bonhomme Richard Sailors and Marines Train with San Francisco Fire Department 6. CNSP Hosts 2018 Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium 8. Cub Scouts Explore USS Oak Hill 9. USS Cole Remembers - 18 Years Later 10. JSM Leaves Dry Dock, Continues Repairs in Yokosuka 11. ESG-3 Visits Naval Postgraduate School 12. Kearsarge ARG Completes Live-Fire Missile Exercise 13. Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Operating in US 6th Fleet Feature Stories: 14. Female Flag Officer’s Forum 16. San Diego Simulator Upgraded to include Combat System
Cover Stories: 26 . Commander, Naval Surface Forces Focuses on Warfighting Excellence 30. Surface Team 1 Maintenance Summit Focuses on Removing Barriers, Driving Excellence 34. Surface Warfare Officer Career Path 36. Voices From the Fleet Navy Sailor Awarded for Saving Coronado Man's Life 38. History and Heritage: Navy Announces Findings On Sinking of World War I Cruiser USS San Diego 40. At 100 Years Old, Navy Veteran Presented Bronze Star Medal
Cover: Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Lisette Longoria mans the helm of the Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) during a general quarters drill. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan U. Kledzik.
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Commander's Corner
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob I. Allison
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Editorial by Vice Adm. Rich Brown Commander, Naval Surface Forces
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Surface Force News
SAN FRANCISCO (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), participated in a training event at the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) Treasure Island Training Facility on Oct. 2, as part of the annual Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) exercise during San Francisco Fleet Week 2018. Sailors and Marines toured the SFFD facilities and conducted training with their civilian counterparts. Service members had the opportunity to learn techniques for rescuing people trapped in buildings caused by disasters (e.g. a major earthquake). “This was a great experience,” said Damage Controlman
3rd Class Cameron Duncan, from Peoria, Ariz. “While some of what we did today is similar to things we do on the ship, I learned a lot about how rescue operations are conducted involving buildings and getting into them after they’ve been destroyed.” Techniques for lifting concrete blocks weighing more than 2,000 pounds using only wood blocks and a pry bar were discussed, as well as how to break through concrete. The group also trained on operating equipment used in rescue efforts. “It’s always a pleasure having military personnel come out for training,” said RJ Schnelker, a San Francisco Fire Department first responder. “We support the
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Bonhomme Richard Sailors and Marines Train with San Francisco Fire Department By Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center Public Affairs
military as much as we can. In the event of a major earthquake, we may need their assistance in disaster relief efforts.” San Francisco Fleet Week is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of San Francisco and its surrounding areas. Bonhomme Richard’s mission is to embark, deploy and land elements of the Marine landing force in amphibious assault operations by aircraft, amphibious vehicles or any combination of these methods, as well as provide humanitarian assistance. *
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amanda A. Hayes
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Surface Force News CNSP Hosts 2018 Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Woody S. Paschall Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
NAVAL AMPHIBIOUS BASE CORONADO, California – Commander, Naval Surface Force U.S. Pacific Fleet hosted the 2018 Command Senior Enlisted Leadership Symposium at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado on Nov. 5-8. The symposium afforded Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Russell Smith and more than 120 command senior enlisted leaders the opportunity to collaborate and share their experiences and concerns with regard to better meeting the needs of the fleet. As well, the event allowed MCPON to hear feedback directly from the senior enlisted leaders serving on the deckplates; each used their invaluable experiences to raise the collective operational knowledge for the group. A primary focus for the group was force generation and how to better provide fleet commanders with lethal and capable surface forces. “Readiness for readiness sake is not what we are striving for, we need to focus on building readiness so it can be turned into lethality when and
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Woody S. Paschall
where our nation requires.” said Force Master Chief James Osborne, the senior enlisted Sailor for the Navy’s Surface Forces. This year’s symposium theme was “Alignment to the Fleet,” which drove the numerous leadership-centric briefs and discussions. “Our Sailors are committed to warfighting excellence and there simply can be no other distraction from that effort,” said Osborne. “We have to ensure our warfighting Sailors are ready to perform at the highest levels under the most challenging conditions. That means we have to dedicate each and every day to getting better.” During the symposium, the enlisted leaders were briefed on a range of topics including the readiness status across each numbered fleet, regional installation commands and manning providers. “There are a number of challenges facing the Navy,” said Osborne. “Our senior enlisted leaders need to understand their roles in the organization as well as the roles, responsibilities and expectations at flag commands and the strategic thinking required at higher levels of leadership to ensure we are achieving the highest levels of readiness and lethality.” This mandate follows the spirit laid out by Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer in a memo released in August 2017 which defined the Navy’s mission, vision
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“The success of this symposium was not merely having it, but implementing what you have learned when you return to your commands.”
and priorities, all of which were incorporated into the discussions of the forum. Spencer’s prioritization of “People, Capabilities and Processes” are inherently part of the mission, functions and tasks carried out by the senior enlisted deckplate leaders on the aboard surface ships. "For the Navy we need today and tomorrow, our leaders have to be aligned and ready to lead war fighters," said U.S. Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Honea. "This large group of Command Senior Enlisted Leaders have spent this week actively engaged on topics towards increasing fleet readiness and in collaborative discussions on how to be a stronger, more ready and when required more lethal fleet. The product of this week is just how critical the war fighting effort is and how this must be brought back to their commands to be translated into action and results for this symposium to truly be of value." The 120 senior enlisted Sailors from ships, numbered fleets, squadrons, expeditionary forces, and regional commands also brought their combined experience together to address training shortfalls, surface ship maintenance, and surface warfare readiness gaps. “The working groups made great progress in addressing where we are across a range of issues, where we need to be and how to get there,” said Osborne. “Having this many Sailors together allowed everyone to learn and grow and, ultimately, take valuable lessons learned back to their commands to strengthen their chiefs mess and their organization.” The symposium also featured a panel discussion with MCPON Smith and the four fleet master chiefs. Smith discussed with the group how current U.S. Navy policies and initiatives are helping chief petty officers
better focus on tactical skills and warfighting readiness to effectively build teams capable of competing and winning in high-end warfare at sea. “Everything we do, even in the personnel and HR [human resource] world and in [manpower, personnel, training, and education], is designed to take as much slack out of all of the unnecessary things and give you that time back, so you can invest it in your command and your readiness to fight at sea,” Smith said. Osborne said he appreciated the discussion and the level of questions posed to the panel. “We are facing new leadership challenges every day. Being able to discuss best practices with the MCPON and fleet master chiefs was eye opening for many attendees and vital for improving the warfighting abilities of their sailors.” The symposium made an impact on the command leaders in attendance, and it will be felt in commands throughout the fleet. “It was an honor and a humbling experience to be among such great senior leadership and to get their perspective on the direction our Navy is heading,” said USS San Diego (LPD 22) Command Master Chief Josh Jackson. “We got specific rudder order to build upon our readiness into warfighting! I’m excited to back-brief my commanding officer and our chiefs mess to continue to prepare them and our crew to take the fight to the enemy.” Osborne summed up the end of the symposium with a message to the senior enlisted leaders. “The success of this symposium was not merely having it, but implementing what you have learned when you return to your commands,” he said. *
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Surface Force News
Cub Scouts Explore USS Oak Hill BALTIMORE (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines gave guided tours to Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing By Mass Communication ship USS Oak Specialist 2nd Class Hill (LSD Victoria Kinney 51) as part of Maryland F l e e t Week and Air Show Baltimore (MDFWASB) on Oct. 6. Scouts were taken aboard the ship as special visitors and given private lessons about precision guided missiles, a howitzer, Light Armored Vehicle-Recovery (LAV-R) and various weapons used by the 2nd Marine Division attached to the ship. “It is such a great opportunity for these scouts to see what the military does for us day in and day
out,” said Mike Nolan, a Cub Scout Pack 478 leader. “I think the kids will be talking about this day for a long time.” Oak Hill is expecting to receive more than 1,300 visitors while berthed in Baltimore as a part of the festivities scheduled around the city. For many Sailors, this is a chance to share their daily lives to the public.
"It is such a great opportunity for these scouts to see what the military does for us day in and day out"
“This has been such a flashback for me,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Donald Ryder, assigned to Oak Hill. “I remember being a Boy Scout and climbing into a Humvee. Honestly, that was one of the reasons I wanted to join the military way back
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Julio Martinez
when. I hope today we were able to leave a lasting impression.” Throughout Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore, Oct. 3-9, U.S., Canadian and British navy vessels will be available for embarking visitors in the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Locust Point. Service members will be participating in an array of other activities, including visiting local schools, conducting ship tours, attending receptions and sporting events, participating in community service projects and experiencing Baltimore. MDFWASB is Baltimore’s celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Maryland and the city of Baltimore to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. *
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USS Cole Remembers 18 Years Later By Lt. j.g. Kaleel Pitre, USS Cole (DDG 67) Public Affairs
NORFOLK (NNS) -- In remembrance of the attack on the guidedmissile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67), family, friends and service members – both past and present – gathered at Naval Station Norfolk on Oct. 12 to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the ship’s bombing, with a wreathlaying ceremony and tolling of the bell. The solemn ceremony honored and celebrated the 17 shipmates who perished in the attack, as well as the resolve and warfighting attitude the “Mighty Cole” continues to embrace. Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Christopher Grady who served as Cole’s commanding officer from January 2003 to July 2004 provided the keynote address. “We are here today to remember and ensure the many sacrifices are never forgotten,” said Grady. “The Sailors who gave their lives in service to this nation are indisputably heroes. When their country called, they answered.” He also thanked Gold Star Families for their enduring strength, dignity and grace. Grady explained the Navy was undeterred by the attack 18 years ago and highlighted how Cole and other U.S. ships continue to remain resolute, ready and lethal. “We will continue to operate forward – shaping the security environment, signaling our resolve and protecting our interests.” Cmdr. James J. Von St. Paul, Cole’s commanding officer, also shared remarks.
“Today, we come together to remember our 17 fallen shipmates, to pay homage to their sacrifices and the enduring sacrifices of their families, and to continue our lasting commitment to honoring them through our actions and deeds.” Deployed to the Middle East on this day in 2000, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer stopped briefly for refueling in the port of Aden, Yemen. At approximately 11:18 a.m., unknown to Cole security, a small boat with terrorists aboard came alongside the ship. Suddenly, a highly explosive bomb detonated alongside Cole. The explosion was so massive that it crumbled a 40-by-60 foot hole on the port side of the ship, taking the lives of 17 Sailors and injuring 39 others. Cole’s Sailors courageously fought fires and flooding for the following 96 hours to keep the ship afloat. The ceremony ended with a bell tolling and reading of the names of the 17 heroes whose lives were lost. The event was held indoors due to inclement weather. Despite the rain and soggy grounds, some family members visited the nearby Cole Memorial. It includes 17 low-level markers that stand for the youthfulness of the Sailors, whose lives were lost. Three tall, granite monoliths – each bearing brass plaques – stand for the three colors of the American flag. A set of brown markers encircling the memorial symbolizes the darkness and despair that overcame the ship Oct. 12, 2000. Additionally, 28 black pine trees were planted nearby to represent the 17 Sailors and the 11 children the heroes left behind. *
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Surface Force News JSM Leaves Dry Dock, Continues Repairs in Yokosuka By NAVSEA Public Affairs and C7F Public Affairs
YOKOSUKA, Japan—USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) achieved a major milestone this week as it successfully launched from dry dock and moored pierside at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Nov. 27. This milestone is an important step in the ongoing effort to repair and restore one of the U.S. Navy’s most capable platforms, and reflects nearly a year’s worth of wide-reaching and successful coordination across multiple organizations. The ship entered dry dock at the Navy’s Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center (SRF-JRMC) Yokosuka in February. “After the initial repair assessments were conducted, we had to quickly mobilize and determine the most critical steps to develop an executable repair and modernization plan,” explained Deputy Commander for Surface Warfare and Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center (CNRMC), Rear Adm. Jim Downey. “As we began the restoration process, we assembled cohesive teams capable of delivering both materially ready and more modernized ships to the fleet.” To begin the repair and restoration effort, the Navy immediately reached out to personnel at Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, Maine. BIW is the company that originally constructed the ship and currently serves as the planning yard for work on in-service Arleigh Burkeclass destroyers. The BIW employees worked alongside representatives from Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Supervisor of Shipbuilding, also in Bath, Maine, to conduct a material assessment of the ship. That information was then used by SRF-JRMC and the local Japanese repair contractor, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, to plan and swiftly execute the work ahead. The McCain crew has been involved in every aspect of the availability. "I'm proud of and thankful for every person who has worked together to move USS John S. McCain another step closer to both normalcy and sailing again with U.S. 7th Fleet," said Cmdr. Micah Murphy, commanding officer, USS John S. McCain. "There is still a lot of work to be done, but I remain impressed by the incredible teamwork, determination and flexibility shown daily by
this crew as well as the SRF Project Team to return a better, more lethal warship to the fleet." Today, McCain has a fully restored hull, a new port thrust shaft, and newly constructed berthing spaces. The ongoing availability also includes completing maintenance work that had previously been deferred, which reflects the Navy’s commitment to ensuring that required maintenance on ships is no longer deferred. Additionally, the U.S. Pacific Fleet implemented a new force generation model to protect maintenance, training, and certification requirements prior to operational tasking for ships forward-deployed to Japan, like John S. McCain. The ship’s crew worked alongside personnel from NAVSEA’s Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Philadelphia and Port Hueneme divisions who were challenged to develop a test plan concurrent with repair efforts. “All key players and industry partners continue to execute the McCain effort with maximum intensity in an environment built on trust and shared goals,” said Capt. Garrett Farman, SRF-JRMC Commanding Officer. “Our mission is to keep the 7th Fleet operationally ready, and everyone on the team recognizes the immense value that this mission brings to U.S. and Japan mutual interests in keeping our waters safe.” The complex repair and restoration required support and collaboration from all aspects of the U.S. Navy maintenance enterprise, including NSWC Philadelphia and NSWC Port Hueneme; Engineering Directorate (SEA 05); Deputy Commander for Surface Warfare (SEA 21); Commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center (CNRMC); Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC); Southeast Regional Maintenance Center
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(SERMC); Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center (MARMC); Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS); and Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) Naples and Rota detachment. Over the next few months, efforts will focus on testing the repaired ship’s systems in preparation for a return to operational tasking. The Navy’s enterprise leadership continues to make improvements with routine, close oversight provided by the Fleet Commanders and the Navy staff to generate ready ships and aircraft on-time and on-plan. Improved ship-class maintenance plans are capturing a more robust understanding of fleet maintenance requirements, and the elimination of work deferrals are improving the material condition of the fleet. This summer, Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer inducted U.S. Sen. John S. McCain III into the ship’s official namesake alongside his father and grandfather in a ceremony on board, July 12. The crew’s messdecks, known as the Maverick Café, reopened for business on Nov. 19, the late Senator’s birthday. John S. McCain is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. The ship is expected to complete repairs in late 2019. *
ESG-3 Visits Naval Postgraduate School MONTEREY, Calif. (NNS) -- Expeditionary Strike Group 3 and the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) met to discuss Littoral Combat Force Implementation and Integration Initiative (LCF-I3) in Monterey, California, Oct. 9. Rear Adm. Cedric E. Pringle, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 3 (ESG-3), discussed fifth generation assets, weapons systems and future plans for the strike group with professors, students and advisors at NPS. "LCF-I3 affords us an By Expeditionary Strike opportunity to speak with Group 3 Public Affairs our naval innovators," said Pringle. "By collaborating with Naval Postgraduate School, we are able to directly ask the students hard questions we are being posed on the waterfront and across the fleet, and work together to come up with solutions." Pringle asked the students to analyze their processes at all levels in order to generate and integrate next generation capabilities. This innovation effort included topics such as effective integration of the Marine Corps team on future amphibious assets, future weapon system augmentation and the littoral combat force organization. ESG-3 comprises three amphibious squadrons, eight naval support elements and 15 amphibious warships comprised of more than 15,000 activeduty and reserve Sailors and Marines. The mission of ESG-3 is to serve as the command element for Marine expeditionary-brigade level expeditionary operations as commander of an amphibious task force. *
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy Graham Photo by Lt.j.g. Adagray Anderson
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Surface Force News Kearsarge ARG Completes Live-Fire Missile Exercise By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaitlyn E. Eads
ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The units of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) participated in a live-fire missile exercise (MISSILEX) Oct. 14. Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) fired one RIM-7P missile from the NATO Sea Sparrow missile launcher and successfully engaged a target simulating an inbound airborne threat. San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) fired two RAMs, destroying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). “The value of the missile exercise is to ensure that
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dana D. Legg
“The value of the missile exercise is to ensure that Kearsarge’s combat systems are capable of detecting, tracking and engaging an inbound threat”
Kearsarge’s combat systems are capable of detecting, tracking and engaging an inbound threat,” said Lt. Tim Davey, Kearsarge’s combat systems officer. “The target we shot down meets the parameters of a potential missile being fired at the ship, and we were successfully able to track and engage it from a distance we deem acceptable.” The Kearsarge ARG consists of Amphibious Squadron 6, Kearsarge, Arlington and Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). The Kearsarge ARG is underway for amphibious ready group training and deployment certifications. *
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Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Operating in US 6th Fleet By U.S. Naval Forces EuropeAfrica/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
NAPLES, Italy -- The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (IWOESG) continued its transit into the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations as part of a deployment in support of NATO exercise Trident Juncture 18. The strike group joined the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) to comprise the U.S. ship support to the exercise. “We are excited to participate in Trident Juncture 18, which demonstrates the capabilities of a multinational amphibious force,” said Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2, Rear Adm. Brad Skillman about the event. “Conducting an exercise of this scope provides the opportunity to improve interoperability, not only among the amphibious force, but NATO as a whole.” Trident Juncture 18 was designed to ensure NATO forces are trained, able to operate together and ready to respond to any threat from any direction. With 31 allies and partners participating, it was one of NATO’s largest exercises in recent years. Amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7), amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) and amphibious transport dock USS New York (LPD 21) departed from the east coast of the United States, Oct. 2-3. The nearly 2,000 Marines with a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), built around the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit command element from Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, are also embarked on the ships. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. *
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Travis Baley
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Female Flag Officer’s Forum
Female Flag Officer’s Forum By Ensign Britney Duesler, Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class LaTunya Howard
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“If you’re striving for excellence, you’re doing your best, you learn everything you can to do your job, you’re being a team player – that’s what we do in the Navy.”
Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific hosted a flag officer-led Female Forum on Aug. 21, as a supplement to the Surface Warfare Flag Officer Training Symposium held at Naval Base San Diego. Leading the panel were Vice Adm. Mary Jackson, Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, and Rear Adm. Yvette M. Davids. Jackson serves as Commander, Naval Installation Command. Franchetti currently serves as Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, and Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa. Davids is the Senior Military Advisor to the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs. The admirals responded to questions from the audience, which included female Sailors and supporters from all officer and enlisted ranks. During the panel, the flag officers offered insight into work-family balance, their motivation to continue serving, and what their experiences were like as trail blazers as women – and in some cases, as ethnic minorities as well. With regard to work-family balance, all panel members agreed that a successful career in the Navy required upfront communication with one’s spouse or partner, as well as with the detailer. “I think talking about it is really important, and you’d be surprised how many different options there are to kind of re-wicker and re-navigate [so] you’re on track,” said Jackson. She also added that since she entered the Navy, she’s seen the culture shift from one where it was taboo to speak about family planning to detailers, to one where that sort of discussion is welcomed. The group continued the conversation into what the flag officers’ considered the motivation to continue serving. For most, the decision to stay in was a constant analysis through the years. Inputs were taken from family members, friends, coworkers, and their commands. It was about being mindful of the balance between what was best for them and what was best for their family. Nearly all women admitted that at some point in their career, they seriously considered leaving the service to pursue other
opportunities, but ultimately found they were happiest when serving. The dialogue led into a discussion about how to successfully navigate a career path in the Navy while still being a mother and a spouse. “You need a support network. You have to figure out who your allies are and what your support network is,” said Jackson, before emphasizing, “You’re going to have allies and they’re not going to look like you, and they’re may not behave like you, and you’ll kind of figure that out over time. So embrace that, and work together.” She went on to recommend the Women’s Leadership Symposium and Women’s Lean In Circles; two examples of women-specific support networking opportunities currently in place in the Navy. “Sometimes as minorities, we kind of delete ourselves, or we subtract ourselves from the table sometimes. We don’t step up, because we think we’re different, and we think everyone’s looking at us differently. But in reality, they’re not necessarily looking at us differently,” said Franchetti. She went on to say, “Like Adm. Davids said, if you’re striving for excellence, you’re doing your best, you learn everything you can to do your job, you’re being a team player – that’s what we do in the Navy.” The Female Forum provided approximately 100 women, serving in sea and shore billets at almost every paygrade, the opportunity to directly interact with some of the Navy’s most senior female leadership. This forum took place in the week leading to Women’s Equality Day, on Aug. 26, which commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment, when women across America were granted the equal right to vote. Many women holding senior positions in the U.S. Navy today joined at a time when the environment for women to serve was a very different thing. In the 1970s, a series of naval policy changes allowed women to fill a significantly wider array of job assignments and paved the way for female trailblazers to shape today’s diversity across the Fleet. As the leaders of Female Forum noted, women have come far in the last century with regards to integrating into nearly all the billets in the Navy. *
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SAN DIEGO SIMULATOR UPGRADED TO INCLUDE COMBAT SYSTEMS San Diego Naval Base’s Navigation, Seamanship, and Ship Handling Training (NSST) ship navigation and bridge simulation complex upgraded its simulation capabilities in August and completed a third phase of upgrades in December. The Phase II upgrade to the NSST simulator upgraded one of the facilities three bridge simulators to include simulation of the Combat Systems environment, allowing bridge teams to train with their combat operations teams in the same way they would on board a real ship. The additional capability improves the training that bridge crews receive and increases the fidelity of the simulations. The Phase III, called ‘Modified NSST’ (M-NSST), upgrade provides full-fidelity mockups of combat systems watchstations, including course plotting and several radar simulations. “We’re upgrading the current NSST to integrate the bridge teams and the Combat Information Center (CIC), including lookouts, bearing takers, pilotage and shipping, all in one simulator,” said Lt. Cmdr. Paul Richardson, the Force Navigator for Naval Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “It’s also giving us the ability to switch between different Voyage Management System (VMS) loads, so we can customize it to any class of ship and have it work just like their ship does.” Prior versions of the simulators did not include the ship’s Combat Information Center (CIC) watch teams, meaning that all calls to and from the combat systems control center would be simulated by instructors. Radar
contacts were displayed on bridge radar displays but did not include communication from CIC watchstandars. Now, CIC watchstanders from the ships will stand their underway watch-stations in a fully simulated environment, monitoring navigation and radar and coordinating with the bridge during simulated evolutions. “It really gives teams the full gamut of watchstanders,” said Richardson. “Watch teams will get familiarity with the people on every watch station, for all three sections, and they’ll all get to train at once in the simulator.” The M-NSST upgrade is a precursor to the simulation environments which will be included in the Maritime Skills Training Courses, expected to come online in 2020. San Diego’s NSST simulator was opened in June 2007 and has trained the watchstanding crews of more than 57 ships stationed in San Diego. All bridge teams are required to attend regular training in the simulator, which is especially helpful during maintenance periods and other times where ships are not regularly underway. “The ship simulator is really a huge help to us when we’re getting ready to get underway or start our work-up cycle,” said Quartermaster 1st Class James Polluck. “We get a chance to train and learn in a risk-free environment and really hone our skills and reactions.” M-NSST will be installed at all fleet concentration areas fleet concentration areas in Everett, Washington, Pearl Harbor, and Yokosuka and Sasebo, Japan, by summer 2019. *
“We get a chance to train and learn in a risk-free environment and really hone our skills and reactions.”
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Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob Allison
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Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan T. Beard
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Woody S. Paschall Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
With regard to Safety, the Surface Force philosophy is that there is nothing short of actual combat operations that allows us to put any of our shipmates in danger. Going to sea in ships is inherently dangerous, but we must not increase that danger by making poor decisions or failing to identify and report possible safety issues. In all phases of operations, Sailors must continue to mature in their ability to identify hazards, apply risk management and correct discrepancies.
Electrical power plays many roles toward mission accomplishment, so almost every Sailor has had or has witnessed either a minor or major negative electrical incident during their career. Fundamentally, nearly all of these experiences are preventable. Commander Naval Surface Force, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), and the San Diego port operations team are working to eliminate problems when ships connect to shore power. “I hate electricity,” said Capt. Robert Bailey, the assistant chief of staff for logistics and readiness for Expeditionary Strike Group 3. “You can’t see it. You can’t smell it.” For this reason, electricity has the potential to cause great harm without warning. One mistake can have drastic consequences. Bailey referenced a recent situation where a ship had shore power connected unsafely and while no one was injured, there could have
been serious consequences due to poor procedures and oversight. “Personnel safety in this process is paramount,” said Jerry Brugger, the Maintenance and Materials Management (3M) program assessments branch head for Commander Naval Surface Forces Pacific and a former engineering Top Snipe. “Senior people need to be involved and we need to remember everything is energized until we prove it’s not. Be safe. Do it the correct way. And stop if you have a question. Don’t be in a hurry. “ Safety connecting a ship to shore power begins long before pulling in port; electrician’s mates need to check shipboard gear (tools, parts and
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“We do not want to see anybody get hurt, so that’s why we worry so much about the way things are connected on the pier”
test equipment) and have it ready. As well, the required preventive maintenance (PMS) needs to be complete. “We’ve changed a lot of the PMS requirements to standardize it across the fleet,” said Brugger. “Each ship and class will have a bit of difference in their systems, but it’s going to be the same basic principles across the board. Verification that the PMS is done is a big deal. If [a ship has] a problem with PMS, my team here needs to know about it. Merely complying with the standards is not sufficient. Electrical teams need to take additional actions to maximize effectiveness. The engineers supporting the waterfront have been involved in this process long enough to know that a zero-defect fleet may be difficult to achieve. Instead, ships that identify issues while performing PMS, inspections, or walk-throughs prior to pulling in, can communicate those discrepancies to the port engineers, who can identify solutions
and have the proper materials, tools and equipment available to address situation. Port ops and NAVFAC are committed to providing exceptional service to each ship, but if a ship fails to prepare properly to connect pierside or communicate issues they identified, it has a ripple effect across the waterfront – leaving other ships waiting for service. “We are responsible for all the major utilities to the four bases in San Diego, including the cranes, transportation and ship-to-shore power connections,” said Cmdr. Justin Spinks, Naval Facilities Southwest Metro Production Office. “Every time a ship comes in and they’re not ready
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to go, whether that’s because they don’t have the correct materials, because their pigtails haven’t been properly maintained, or because something is going on with the receptacles, we’re here to help with that, but understand that every time you come in and you’re not ready, it has impacts for everybody.” NAVFAC performs a pre-connection safety brief before every job on the pier. They identify the circuits being used. The rigger in charge and the crane crews identify when cables can be lifted and when they can be locked out. They identify, quantify, control and monitor all hazards on the deck including the Sailors departing on liberty and families who may be there to meet them. At the point of connection, Sailors become involved in the process and must follow procedures. Each cable has three color coded tabs. Each tab from the ship is connected to its corresponding tab
from shore. A washer is slid onto a bolt. The bolt is inserted in the holes in the tabs. A washer is slid onto the bolt against the pair of tabs and a nut is threaded onto the bolt and torqued down using a torque wrench to the specifications. The exposed metal where the tabs were spliced together are wrapped with cambric tape, then wrapped with stretched rubber tape to create a moisture barrier, finally they are wrapped with vinyl tape and placed into a wooden block to protect them. According to Brugger, connecting shore power is one of the simplest tasks an EM can perform. So much so that it’s a task often assigned to the most junior electrician’s mates and expected to be completed flawlessly. However, Baily asks “Who’s assuming responsibility? Who’s assuming things are hooked up right?” Bailey’s team is committed to eliminating
Photos by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nathan T. Beard
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assumptions. They’ve provided two classroom training sessions this year for every ship on the San Diego waterfront. They brought training to the pier, standardized PMS, begun the process of phasing out cam lock connections, and have addressed issues with the availability of tools, parts and testing equipment. They are advocates for eliminating the barriers that some Sailors and ships face when placing orders for those tools, parts and equipment, including providing alternatives. For example, it was identified that 150 foot rolls of cambric paper were out of stock and back ordered, while 75 foot rolls of the same material were in storage and unused due to listing under a different stock number, leading some units to continue using outdated parts and procedures. Bailey emphasized, “You need to have a questioning attitude. Looking at the connection and asking ‘Is that right?’ even when it’s 2300 and
you want to go home. You could save somebody’s life and save a lot of damage, because if that goes up in the middle of the night, game over.” Commander Naval Surface Forces, Vice Adm. Rich Brown, recently highlighted the mindset our Sailors need to have to push the number of negative electrical experiences to zero. “In the recent past, we operated with in a culture of compliance focused on process and doing what we MUST do. This was a necessary, but not sufficient, step toward revitalizing our seagoing ethos. Now we need to build on compliance and drive a culture of excellence focused on outcomes and doing what we SHOULD do to achieve operational and warfighting excellence.” By striving for operational and warfighting excellence rather than struggling toward meeting standards, the Navy ensures the safety of every member of our Navy family. *
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jacob Owen
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By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
In the latter part of 2018, when addressing a large group of Surface Fleet commanding officers and commanders on how the Surface Force has approached preparing our ships and our crews for combat, Vice Adm. Rich Brown, Commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF) noted, “In the recent past, we operated within a culture of compliance focused on process and doing what we MUST do. This was a necessary, but not sufficient, step toward revitalizing our seagoing ethos. Now we need to build on compliance and drive a culture of excellence focused on outcomes and doing what we SHOULD do to achieve operational and warfighting excellence.” Key to this shift is establishing flexible, tailored training that enables our ships to, “Own the Fight!” The new Surface Force Training and Readiness Manual (SFTRM), released Nov. 1, is aimed directly at fostering training environments conducive to
developing a culture capable of creating and sustaining tactical and readiness excellence across the fleet. The new manual reduces redundant and unnecessary checks and buys back time for commanding officers by updating and consolidating the Surface Force Readiness Manual (SFRM), the Surface Force Exercise Manual (SFEM), the Readiness Evaluation Instruction (READ-E), and the Mission Area Watch Team Continuity Requirements into a single, user-friendly resource document. While much of the guidance took effect immediately, the new training strategy implementaiton (e.g. first ship to go through the new Basic Phase) took effect on Jan. 1, and provides a strategy with flexibility for commanding officers to control more time as they navigate the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).
“The key to this shift is establishing flexible, tailored training that enables our ships to Own the Fight!”
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• Train to Certify: Watch Teams 1st, Training Teams 2nd. Ships will progress through Basic Phase with Afloat Training Group (ATG) or the designated representative fulfilling the training team role. Once the watch team (for designated mission area) has achieved certification (e.g. MOB-E), the focus of ATG or its designated representative will shift to certifying the respective training team (e.g. Engineering Training Team).
The process changes incorporated in the SFTRM seeks to drive a culture of excellence through training focused on readiness outcomes – not merely a compliance to standard – and Brown has made it clear, “We're not building ship readiness for readiness sake. We’re building readiness so it can be turned to lethality when and where our nation requires. Everything we do in the Surface Force must ultimately support this • Removal of “Block Phase” Training: Focused Training Availabilities purpose.” (FTA). Once a Certification Exercise (CE) is successfully demonstrated by The SFRTM affords commanding officers the a watch team (proficiency of standards met), there is no need to re- opportunity to accomplish certifications ahead of demonstrate as required previously during full certification weeks. schedule and to work their crews toward high-end This provides commanding officers the option to certify in a mission warfighting readiness, which is essential to being the area early and to create greater flexibility in scheduling and tailoring best, the fastest, the toughest and the smartest Naval of training; a luxury not previously afforded in the SFRM/SFEM Surface Force. * process. • Enhanced READ-E 4 and 5 Assessments: Contractor and Type Commander (TYCOM) at-sea support extended. The expanded period of underway time will allow for Mariner Skills Week and Bridge Resource Management Workshop execution; each provide focused training (not assessments) during the maintenance and shakedown phases, and prior to a ship's first post-availability underway replenishment. • Decoupled Mission Areas: “Rolling” Certifications. Force Maintenance and Material Management (3M), Anti-Terrorism (AT), Explosive Safety (EXPSAF), Medical (FSO-M), Search and Rescue (SAR), and Force Supply Management (SUP) mission areas will be decoupled from the Basic Phase and become “rolling” 36-month certifications. Ships will still get the same 24 Basic Phase entitlements (25 for those Ballistic Missile Defense capable), but will have fewer mission areas required to certify during the Basic Phase.
“We’re building readiness so it can be turned to lethality when and where our nation requires.”
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeremy Graham
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Commander, Naval Surfaces Force Focuses on Warfighting Excellence By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
“We’re building readiness so that we can turn it into lethality. We need to expand our warfighting ethos. Tell your crews to get ready to go into the fight.”
U.S. Navy photo
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Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Millar
At training symposiums and when speaking to command and deckplate leaders, Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Vice Adm. Rich Brown has been calling on leaders at all levels to drive toward a culture of excellence within their commands and to be prepared to turn their readiness into lethality. “We’re not building readiness for readiness sake,” Brown told a group of nearly 100 commodores and commanding officers at the Commanders Training Symposium (CTS), held in San Diego on Oct. 27. “We need to expand our warfighting ethos. Tell your crews to get ready to go into the fight.” The CTS, along with the Surface Warfare Flag Officer Training Symposium (SWFOTS) and Reserve SWFOTS symposiums held in August, allowed Navy leaders, from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson to newly-pinned commanders, to meet and review the efforts toward making the Surface Force a more effective and lethal warfighting force. CTS was a forum for commodores and commanding officers to receive updates on fleet-wide initiatives and to ask questions and provide feedback directly to CNSP. The SWFOTS and RSWOTS events were targeted towards flag-level officers from across the Navy. During both events, Brown told the assembled leaders that the surface community must evolve its mindset from a culture of compliance into a culture of excellence. “After the incidents of 2017, we absolutely had to have a culture of
compliance. We had to re-establish our standards within the surface force and we had to comply with those standards to get the ship righted again. We’ve done that. We’ve had successes in 2018. But simple compliance doesn’t win battles. We need to build on that compliance – meeting basic standards – and now build a culture of excellence. Only then will we achieve operational excellence and transition readiness into warfighting lethality,” said Brown. Brown also reminded commanding officers of the importance of command. He highlighted “mission command,” or the ability of a subordinate commander to successfully execute a mission with minimal guidance, as essential for success in maritime warfare and that mission command can only be accomplished through a well-established culture of excellence. “I value command above all else. Incredible trust and accountability are placed on your shoulders. That’s why we spent 2018 developing and establishing TYCOM policies to support you to get your job done as the CO.” He asked for and received direct and valuable feedback from the more than 90 commanding officers across the surface force.
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Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob I. Allison
These updated policies and initiatives were briefed during the event, including the Surface Warfare Officer Career Path and Training Continuum as well as force manning, training, maintenance and safety initiatives, all with the goal to build a culture of excellence. “A crew that is well trained, well qualified, and educated is a crew that knows their ship, knows their ship’s missions, and will be able to take that ship into battle, fight, and win,” said Brown in his remarks at the Surface Navy Association (West) conference in August. A rewrite of the Surface Force Training and Readiness Manual (SFTRM) was published Nov. 1, to accomplish two important goals towards improving lethality through readiness. First, it put a big “T” (Training) and little “a” (assessment) into Afloat Training Groups (ATGs). Second, while maintaining the same standards, the SFTRM changes the delivery strategy of Basic Phase Training such that the focus is first on certifying ship watchteams, with ATG conducting the training and drill execution, and then focusing on ship training team certification, to ensure the ships are able to continuously train during the Optimized Fleet Replacement Plan (OFRP) cycle. Importantly, ships that are able to demonstrate proficiency and meet standards during Certification Events (CEs) will certify when they meet those standards, vice the time-based, lock-step compliance method of the Surface Force Readiness Manual (SFRM). Another example of building a culture of excellence is the establishment of the Maritime Skills Training Centers (MSTC) in Norfolk and San Diego – the centers of excellence for navigation, seamanship and shiphandling. The MSTCs will enable surface warfare officers to receive robust training, including a fourfold increase in simulation hours and training, to ensure mariner skills excellence is developed throughout their career. Brown also laid out at CTS how new policies for surface warfare officer qualification, department head selection, maintenance and CASREP correction, and the Surface Warfare Officer Career Path and Training Continuum focus on excellence. Brown emphasized that the TYCOMs and Navy leadership are committed to building a culture of excellence, and have enacted and revised
polices to support that effort, but to be truly successful, ships must also shift their mindset from compliance to excellence. "The biggest risk is the balance between this insatiable need to go do things, and the requirement to build readiness, capability, and competency,” Brown said in remarks given at SWFOTS. Brown ended the CTS with a review of the Commander, U. S. Pacific Fleet’s Commander’s Guidance and an in-depth discussion on warfighting. “We build and maintain our ships to be ready to go forward, fight, win and come home. That’s why we exist – make sure your crews know that’s why we exist and tell them to be ready to fight.” Citing the Battles of Guadalcanal, Cape St. George and Leyte Gulf, Brown highlighted the absolute necessity to drive towards excellence in all that we do, so that we are ready to fight and win. “Be bold, but don’t be rash. Manage your risk. And remember, as the CO goes, so goes the ship!” Brown stated in closing out the CTS. The Surface Force continues to make changes throughout the fleet as an effort to improve readiness, safety and proficiency, like revising the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) qualification instruction and the SWO Career Path. The SWO Qualification Instruction outlined newly set requirements for those who can become a qualified and pinned SWO. The intent of the revised career path is to develop the most experienced and capable Commanding Officers (CO) who are specialists in five areas: Seamanship, Navigation, and Shiphandling; Combat Systems; Engineering; Command and Program Management and Administration; and Leadership. *
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U.S. Navy photo
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Surface Team 1 Maintenance Summit Focuses on Removing Barriers, Driving Excellence By Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Photo by Electronics Technician 1st Class Adam Ross
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“We’ve got to move beyond simply meeting the minimum standard. We need to move from a culture of compliance to a culture of excellence.”
ommander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific (CNSP), hosted the annual Surface Team One (ST1) Maintenance and Modernization Summit on Oct. 23 and 24. The two-day event, which brought together senior Navy and Marine Corps officers, government civilians, and representatives from industry, sought to address the challenges of ship repair, modernization, and material readiness, and to develop solutions aimed at delivering more materially ready, and therefore more lethal, warships. Joined by Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Vice Adm. Tom Moore, Vice Adm. Rich Brown, CNSP, and the ST1 members reviewed in detail all aspects of surface ship maintenance and repair, including port-loading concerns, contracting options, modernization challenges, data analysis techniques, and alternative maintenance strategies, such as condition-based maintenance. NAVSEA led efforts to streamline existing maintenance and repair processes—its heralded Private Sector Optimization and Private Sector Improvement initiatives—were discussed in depth. “We had the right dialogue with the right people in the room,” said Moore. “SECNAV signs his emails with “Urgently,” and there has to be a sense of urgency to get things in the ‘done’ pile and move forward.” The principal goal of the summit was to identify ways to eliminate the barriers that stand in the way of delivering mission-ready ships out of
maintenance on time to meet Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP) requirements. “There’s no question that there’s a lot of good work getting done,” said Brown, “but we’ve got to get better.” “We’ve got to move beyond simply meeting the minimum standard. We need to move from a culture of compliance to a culture of excellence.” Among the discussion items on the agenda, ST1 members considered ways to improve maintenance planning and execution, such as how to improve on time delivery rates for required long lead time repair material, how to increase the speed of decision making to improve maintenance availability contract change times, and how to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and red tape. The group also addressed ways to develop and retain the skilled private industry workforce needed to perform complex repairs on Navy ships. During the second day of the summit, industry executives discussed a range of solutions to the maintenance and repair challenges they encounter daily, bringing to the attention of the attendees the specific challenges they encounter while repairing navy ships.
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Industry executives highlighted the need for the Navy to provide a stable and predictable workload, where possible. The more stable and predictable the workload requirement, the easier it is for industry to right-size their workforce and ensure workers with the proper skill sets are in place. Predictability also enables industry to better manage the sequencing of repairs and to more accurately forecast future yard capacity needs. A better understanding of out-year requirements also encourages industry to invest in their businesses to meet anticipated demand. Commercial shipyard representatives also spoke to the impacts of irregular and untimely funding on their ability to deliver the product the navy needs. Still, industry leaders were largely appreciative of the navy’s willingness to engage with them to develop mutually beneficial solutions to maintenance challenges. “We are seeing a lot of cooperation between our team and the government team on a daily basis,” said Richard McCreary from Vigor Industrial LLC. “I really and truly applaud you all. I see more change happening faster with
Photo by Electronics Technician 1st Class Adam Ross
regard to establishing Navy requirements than we have seen in a long time.” At the conclusion of the ST1 Summit, Brown stressed the importance of building on the momentum generated during the preceding two days. “Summits are only as good as the follow through,” said Brown. “We've identified a number of near and longer term actions to improve how we do business. We need to get after the near term fixes ASAP, and make steady progress on the longer term issues. I do not want to convene again next year and discuss the same issues without also discussing the headway we've made addressing them.” ST1 members adjourned energized and optimistic, with a renewed sense of purpose and a mandate to improve fleet maintenance creatively and expeditiously. *
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“I see more change happening faster with regard to establishing Navy requirements than we have seen in a long time.”
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By Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
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Graphics by Nick Groesch Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
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Voices From the Fleet Navy Sailor Awarded for Saving Coronado Man's Life By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Millar Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs
CORONADO, Calif. -– The Navy recognized a local Sailor for his quick thinking and actions to save the life of a man having a heart attack on Coronado Island. Lt. Bryan Gordon, the homeport change coordinator at Commander, Naval Surface Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP), was riding his bike near the Hotel Del Coronado on Oct. 10 when he saw the man lying on the ground with his wife trying to assist him. “It was apparent that it just happened,” said Gordon, who is from Falmouth, Massachusetts. “I stopped and asked the woman what was happening. She told me that her husband was having a heart attack.” Gordon hopped off his bike to assist the ailing man. There were no signs of breathing or pulse. Recalling training given at the expeditionary combat skills course in Gulfport, Mississippi, Gordon began CPR. “I yelled as loud as I could 'Help! Help! Help!' as I was pushing on his chest,” said Gordon. “I tried breathing in his mouth, but I couldn’t get any air in. I knew from my training that air was not nearly
as important as compressions, so I kept doing compressions.” After a couple of minutes of continuous CPR, other bystanders arrived and identified themselves as doctors, relieving Gordon until emergency services arrived. “The fire department called me back and said that the man did live, and my quick actions increased his chances of survival significantly,” said Gordon. CNSP awarded Gordon with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his efforts, which, according to the citation, “demonstrated the sustained superior performance expected from Sailors and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.” For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.public.navy. mil/surfor. Also follow on Facebook: www.facebook. com/SurfaceWarriors and Twitter @surfacewarriors. *
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“The fire department called me back and said that the man did live, and my quick actions increased his chances of survival significantly.�
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jacob I. Allison
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History and Heritage Navy Announces Findings On Sinking of World War I Cruiser USS San Diego By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mutis A. Capizzi, Naval History and Heritage Command
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Navy announced its findings Dec. 11 after a two-year study into what sank the World War I cruiser USS San Diego (ACR 6). Alexis Catsambis, Ph.D., of the Naval History and Heritage Command’s Underwater Archeology Branch, based at the Washington Navy Yard, led the project and chaired a panel discussion for media at the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) Fall Meeting. Although the original court of inquiry believed the explosion that sank the 500' foot armored cruiser was caused by a mine, later speculation raised the theory that it might have been a torpedo. After examining new survey data, additional archival research, computer impact and flooding models, the area of the ocean floor in which the wreck rests, and other elements related to the ship’s loss, Catsambis announced that research team believed the explosion’s cause was a mine. In fact, they believe it was one of two types of mines laid by German submarine U-156. “The legacy of the incident is that six men lost their lives on July 18, 1918,” said Catsambis. “With this project we had an opportunity to set the story straight and by doing so, honor their memory and also validate the fact that the men onboard did everything right in the lead up to the attack as well as in the response. The fact that we lost six men out of upwards of 1,100 is a testament to how well they responded to the attack.”
In addition to Catsambis, the panel participants included Ken Nahshon, Ph.D., of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division in Bethesda, Maryland, and Arthur Trembanis, Ph.D. from the University of Delaware in Newark. During the presentation, the scientists detailed how each of their teams used historical analysis, archaeological research, site investigation, and impact and flood modeling to eliminate other possibilities that might have caused San Diego’s sinking such as sabotage, accident, or enemy torpedo. Trembanis explained how the use of underwater robotics and remotely deployed instruments including an autonomous underwater vehicle allowed researchers to collect high resolution 3-D images of the site to support their conclusion. “The format of the 3-D modeling data makes analysis readily comparable,” said Nahshon. “Before we started this, I wasn’t familiar with the ability to do this underwater; above the water we do it all the time, but below water collecting 3-D data is a challenge. I’ve
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“The fact that we lost six men out of upwards of 1,100 is a testament to how well they responded to the attack.”
Historical photo by U.S. Navy
learned that the sheer amount of expertise that’s needed to interpret it is a credit to the advances of technology in sea floor mapping.” Before taking questions, Catsambis shared why this research is important for the U.S. Navy and how learning from the past will help to prepare for the future. “The collection of archeological and hydrographic data establishes a baseline informing site formation processes and management of USS San Diego,” said Catsambis. “Lessons learned here are applicable to other U.S. Navy sunken military craft. This endeavor also provided real-world training opportunities for U.S. Navy divers, archaeologists, historians, modelers, naval engineers and graduate students.” In July 1918, the 15,000-ton armored cruiser San Diego sank off Long Island, New York, losing six sailors from a crew of 1,100. German submarines had mined the coast, implicating a mine. But the ship’s captain was perplexed that the explosion occurred aft of the ship’s widest point which gave rise to the notion the explosion might have been caused by a torpedo even though no submarine or torpedo trail had been spotted. Later theories suggested a coal bunker explosion or sabotage, but the source of the explosion remained a mystery. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the loss of San Diego, the only major U.S. warship sunk in World War I, a multi-partner investigative
campaign dubbed the USS San Diego Project was launched in 2017; mapping the wreck, assessing the wreck’s state of preservation, modeling its sinking, and uncovering the weapon that likely sank it. Dive training at the site occurred in August 2016 and June 2017, with the site investigation commencing September 2017, followed by the commemoration and diver survey July 2018. A major goal of the project is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the wreck site into the future. AGU is dedicated to the furtherance of the Earth and space sciences, and to communicating science’s ability to benefit humanity. AGU seeks to achieve these goals through publishing scientific journals and other technical publications, sponsoring scientific meetings, supporting education and outreach programs designed to increase public understanding of and support for science, and a variety of other activities. *
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At 100 Years Old, Navy Veteran Presented Bronze Star Medal
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- World War II Navy veteran Wilbur F. Hoffman was presented the Bronze Star Medal on Sept. 29 in his hometown of Livingston, New Jersey, for his heroic By Yonca Poyrazactions on USS Hughes (DD Dogan, Navy Office 410) when it was hit by a bomb. of Information Public Assistant Secretary of the Affairs Navy Greg Slavonic, who joined the award ceremony at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Livingston, said that it was a distinct honor to attend the ceremony. "It was a distinct honor to attend the Bronze Star Medal award ceremony for Chief Water Tender Wilbur Hoffman in his hometown of Livingston, New Jersey. He was recognized for his heroics aboard the USS Hughes (DD 410) more than 70 years ago. Sailors like Chief Hoffman serve as an example to those serving today on the true meaning of ‘duty, honor, country’.” The Bronze Star Medal was presented to Hoffman by Rear Adm. Scott Jerabek for his heroic achievement related to combat operations against the enemy Dec. 10, 1944, when he was in charge of the forward fireroom
when USS Hughes was hit by a bomb off Leyte, Philippine Islands. “By his quick thinking and ingenuity, he kept steam on the emergency feed pump, ensuring water pressure to the firemain. This enabled the repair party to keep the fire under control and eventually extinguish it. By his bold actions, courage under fire and total dedication to duty, Chief Water Tender Hoffman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service,” Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer noted in his citation recognizing Hoffman’s achievements. Although Hoffman earned the recognition back in the days of World War II, he was never presented the actual medal until Sept. 29 when a Bronze Star with Valor Awards Ceremony was held for him including military honors, such as, parading of colors and the singing of the national anthem by a Navy Honor Guard. Among the guests were Hoffman’s immediate family members, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and New Jersey Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen. *
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Command Changes September 2018
October 2018
November 2018
Capt. Joseph R. Olson..................................................................AFLOAT TRAINING GROUP Lt. Cmdr. Matthew T. Yokeley........................................................................USS CHAMPION Cmdr. Thomas P. Pickering...........................................................................TACRON TWELVE Capt. Richard LeBron.................................................................USS BONHOMME RICHARD Cmdr. Andrew Bucher.........................................................................................USS HOWARD Cmdr. Ryan Leary...................................................................................................USS MUSTIN Capt. Jesus Antonio Rodriguez........................................................................USS PORTLAND Cmdr. James Andrew Strickland.............................................................................USS SHOUP Capt. Stewart Bateshansky..............................................................................USS SOMERSET
Capt. Patrick C. Thien..............................................................................COMCMRON THREE Capt. D. Wilson Marks....................................................................CNSG WESTERN PACIFIC Cmdr. Colin A. Corridan..........................................................................USS FORTH WORTH Cmdr. Janice A. Pollard.........................................................................USS HARPERS FERRY Lt. Cmdr. Bobby Wayland.....................................................................................USS PIONEER Cmdr. William C. Blodgett, Jr.................................................................................USS BARRY
Capt. Eric J. Anduze.......................................................................................USS BLUE RIDGE Cmdr. Leonard M. Leos.................................................................................USS STOCKDALE Capt. Andrew Carlson......................................................................................USS ZUMWALT Cmdr. Matthew Richter...................................................USS MONTGOMERY GOLD CREW
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