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Serving the Hampton Roads Navy Family
Vol. 20, No. 39 Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com | 09.27.12
USS ENTERPRISE ADMINISTERS FINAL ADVANCEMENT EXAM
Iwo Jima Sailors encouraged to ‘ACT’ in preventing suicide ■ more on suicide prevention See more about the ‘ACT’ initiative and suicide prevention on page B7.
By MCSN (SW) Jonathan L. Correa USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs
USS IWO JIMA, AT SEA
Last ‘Big E’ Sailors test for advancement By MC2 (SW) Robert Guerra Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, AT SEA
Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) occupied the ship’s forward and aft mess decks, Sept. 20, as they took part in the final Navy-wide advancement exam administered aboard the “Big E.”
As Enterprise continued its support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility, 473 eligible junior Sailors gathered in the early morning hours to participate in the E-4 advancement exam, which was facilitated by the ship’s Educational Services Office (ESO). “Preparation for the exam began months in advance,” said Chief Personnel Specialist Jasper D. Mitchell, the ship’s educational services officer. “It takes between five and six months of preparation to admin-
MC3 Scott Pittman An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 flies past the super-structure of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65).
ister the exam.” As Enterprise steams toward the completion of its 25th and final deployment, the significance of the last advancement exam aboard the ship was not discounted by the Sailors taking the test. “To be one of the last Sailors to test for advancement aboard Enterprise is indeed an honor,” said Personnel Specialist Seaman Jarrid L. Boykin, exam participant. “If I advance in rank and become one of the many Sailors frocked in the last of Enterprise’s long line of frock-
ing ceremonies, I will feel grateful ... grateful for the fact that the Navy has allowed me the opportunity to advance in the ranks and become part of naval history and heritage.” As Enterprise brings to a conclusion a name that has been a symbol of the great struggle to retain Amer-
» see ENTERPRISE | A10
Gunston Hall participates in IMCMEX 12 By MC3 (SW) Jonathan Sunderman Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/ 5th Fleet Public Affairs
USS GUNSTON HALL, AT SEA
MC3 Frank Pikul The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) approaches the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO-201).
UNITAS multinational ships rehearse refueling at sea ■ about UNITAS UNITAS is the longest running and largest maritime exercise in this hemisphere. The 12-day exercise will entail a variety of operations intended to enhance interoperability between the partner nations.
Amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) is participating in the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2012 (IMCMEX 12) while operating in the Gulf of Aden, Sept. 16 - 27. More than 30 international partners from Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and North America are involved in IMCMEX 12, making it the largest exercise of its kind in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. So far, Gunston Hall has hosted members of the Royal British, Royal Canadian, Djiboutian and Yemeni navies, among others.
MC3 Jonathan Sunderman An MV-22B Osprey assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced) lifts off from the flight deck of the USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).
The Canadian naval officers are in charge of the exercise’s operations aboard Gunston Hall.
» see GUNSTON HALL | A10
By Lt. Stephanie Homick U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs
CARIBBEAN SEA
Eleven multinational warships participating in a maritime exercise, hosted by U.S. 4th Fleet, practiced replenishing at sea with U.S. supply ship USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) and Canadian supply ship HMCS Preserver (AR-8) in the Caribbean as part of UNITAS Atlantic, Sept. 23. The ships, from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, the United Kingdom and the United States were divided into two groups, five ships rehearsing with Patuxent and six with Preserver.
» see UNITAS | A10
USS NEWPORT NEWS AWARDED FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE Press Release Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
NORFOLK
The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Newport News (SSN 750) was named a recipient of the annual Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award for the calendar year 2011, announced in NAVADMIN 279/12 released on Sept. 16. Along with the Newport News, USS Hampton (SSN 767) also received the award for its extraordinary level of combat readiness and excellence in every
submarine mission and core competency throughout 2011. The Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Award is presented annually by the Chief of Naval Operations to one ship in the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and one in the U.S. Pacific Fleet for their superior performance in intra-type battle efficiency. Selection of the award reflects professionalism and dedication of this command. “I am honored that our crew has been recognized with such a prestigious and
POW/MIA CEREMONIES HELD THROUGHOUT HAMPTON ROADS Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) Day was honored by commands throughout the Hampton Roads area.
NEPTUNE FESTIVAL The Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, beginning this weekend, is an ongoing celebration of the city’s seafaring heritage and the grand finale to summer.
» see A8
» see C1
» see AWARD | A10
Sailors aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) have learned how to Ask, Care and Treat (ACT) fellow shipmates who may be exhibiting signs of suicide during September’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. “ACT is a way for Sailors to help one another,” said Master Chief Navy Counselor Martha E. Lara, a suicide prevention coordinator. “It encourages Sailors to help shipmates who are at risk. From a seaman on the deckplates to the commanding officer, it is everyone’s responsibility to take action where action is needed.” Lara believes that no Sailor is alone and that everyone is here to help one another if the need arises. “Deckplate leaders are the Navy’s first line of defense in suicide prevention,” explained Lara. “We work with these Sailors everyday and can notice any change in their behavior. Therefore, we must do what needs to be done and ACT.” ACT involves a three-step process. First, ASK a Sailor if they need help and if they are thinking of hurting themselves or others. Second, CARE by showing them that someone cares enough to listen and not be judgmental. Third, TREAT by finding help for them and connect them with the ship’s chaplain or medical personnel. Make sure the Sailor is aware that talking to someone, like a shipmate or a friend, can help. “Suicide is a complex issue that has come from a number of different reasons,” said Lt. Jennifer Ayers, an embarked clinical social worker and mental health provider. “Like with any physical injury, mental injuries require treatment. ACT is a simple, direct acronym Sailors can think of to help someone who shows signs of suicidal thoughts.” There are many stressors that can affect any Sailor’s work and home life, and ACT is an action a Sailor can use to assist a shipmate in identifying those stressors. “Elements like the death of a loved one, financial problems or stress at work can lead to alcoholism, drug abuse, and in turn, can lead to suicidal thoughts,” said Ayers. Ayers added that operational stress control is another big topic when discussing possible issues related to suicide or suicidal thoughts. The more a person is exposed to traumatic events and experiences, the more likely a person is to develop mental injuries such as post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.
ABSENTEE VOTING WEEK Sept. 27 - Oct. 4 has been designated as absentee voting week. Every state should have mailed absentee ballots to voters by Sept. 22. Visit www.fvap.gov/request/request-va.html for details.