Expeditionary Express - December 2016

EXpeditionary e xpre s s A

Navy

Junior Officer of the Year

NHCB 1 Executive Officer Recognized

Preserving USS Salute

Divers Partner with Royal Brunei Navy 5

CRS 2 Change of Command A Time Honored Ceromony

Avoid Being Scammed

FBI’s Tips for this Holiday Season

E xpedi t i on ary

Co m bat

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Com m and

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Pu bl i cat io n

good neighbors

nmcb 3 wins community service award December 2016

pearl harbor: 75 years of rememberance

Vol. 1 Issue 5

Expeditionary E xpre s s NECC in the Spotlight

Force Master Chief ’s Corner -- The Importance of Asking the “Why”

NECC’s Civilian of the Month -- John Bartels NECC’s Sailor of the Year -- PO1 (EXW) Aliscia Malone.

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NECC Overview NCHB 1 Executive

Officer Named Navy Reserve Junior Officer of the Year for 2015 -

WILLIAMSBURG, Va. -- The executive officer of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 received the Navy Reserve Junior Officer of the Year award in the category of Full-Time Support for 2015, Nov. 18.

U.S. Navy Divers Conduct Inaugural Dive, Preserve Legacy of USS Salute -- Muara, Brunei 5

(NNS) -- Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 are teaming with Royal Brunei navy personnel Nov. 16-18 for diving operations on former USS Salute (AM 294), a World War II-era minesweeper sunk by a Japanese mine during preparations for amphibious landings in the Battle of Borneo.

NMCB 3 Conducts Field Training Exercise, Receives Valuable ADR Experience -- FORT

HUNTER-LIGGETT, Calif. –- More than 500 Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 battle tested their capabilities during a field training exercise (FTX) at Fort Hunter-Liggett throughout November. Lt. Cmdr. Robert Kalloch currently serves as the executive officer of NCHB 1 and was honored to be selected.v. 18.

News You Can Use Blended Retirement System: Six Things You Need to Know -- The Navy released NAVADMIN

259/16 which serves as the official notification of eligibility to opt-in to the Blended Retirement System (BRS) additionally, the Navy plans to send emails to all eligible Sailors notifying them of the retirement system choices they may have to make during 2018.

FBI Tips to avoid being scammed this holiday season -- In advance of the holiday season, the FBI

reminds shoppers to beware of cyber criminals and their aggressive and creative ways to steal money and personal information.

Around The Fleet

NMCB 3 Wins 2016 Project Good Neighbor Community Service Award for Large Sea Going Command -- Seabees assigned Navy Sailor Reunited with Family During

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to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 were selected as the 2016 Navy Community Service Program/ Project Good Neighbor Community Service Award for large sea going command for volunteering 4,800 hours across the Pacific Fleet and in their homeport of Port Hueneme, California.

SEC Football Championship Game -- Navy

Sailor who completed a 10-month deployment to Bahrain was reunited with his family during the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Football Championship Game in Atlanta, Dec. 3.

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NECC Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg Comm: (757) 462-4316 ext. 252 Email: jennifer.cragg@navy.mil

NECC Public Affairs Staff Lt. Tim Pietrack PO2 (SW/AW) Travis DiPerna PO3 (SW/AW) Lauren Booher

force master chief’s c o r n e r

The Importance of Asking the “Why”

By Force Master Chief James Herdel Force Master Chief, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific

Happy Holidays! It is a true honor to assume the duties as Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific Force Master Chief. NECC/ NECC Pacific was in excellent hands with Master Chief Lance Kitchens and I am truly humbled to replace him as your Force Master Chief. Master Chief Kitchens gave me a tremendous turn over. He went above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that I had everything I need to succeed in this job. Fair winds and following seas, shipmate.

Throughout my military career I have had the knack of asking the question “why?” and it has served me well.

I have two distinct purposes for asking the “why”. First and foremost, it serves to potentially educate me on a topic I am not familiar with, and asking the “why” helps me guide my Sailors. Secondly, I ask the “why” because it helps me understand our Sailors’ contribution to our force, the role they perform, and the equipment they use and maintain to carry out their duties.

Asking the tough question also shows your Sailors and your leaders that you truly do care about their welfare and the welfare of the command. Our Chiefs’ Mess within the expeditionary community is strong and is known for leading from the front. I expect you lead from the front and not push from the rear.

One of the Chief of Naval Operations core attributes is toughness. Of the four attributes I would say that Toughness above all identifies who we are and what our force provides to the Navy. In the few weeks I have been in this job I have personally seen our Sailors apply the other attributes of integrity, accountability, and initiative.

As your Force, I have your back to ensure our Sailors can accomplish their mission. As our Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy wrote to all of the 2016 selectees this pinning season, “Be a visible and engaged deck plate leader and never negatively impact our Sailors as a result of your own attitude. ‘A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results’ – Wade Boggs.

Hoo-Ya Expeditionary Warriors!

Necc’s Civilian

o f

John Bartels

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., -- Navy

Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) announced its December Civilian of the Month in Virginia Beach, Dec. 1.

John Bartels, who retired from the U.S. Navy at the rank of commander in 2005, was humbled by the recognition as top civilian for the month of December.

“It is humbling to be selected, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the warfighter,” said Bartels, who hails from Minneapolis, Minn., and is a graduate of Roosevelt High School.

Bartels serves on NECC’s Supply Department (N41) team where he goes above and beyond his normal duties to contribute to NECC’s readiness overall.

“His hard work, professionalism, and superior technical knowledge have contributed significantly to the

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NECC mission, identified him as a standout in the N41 Directorate, and established him as a critical member of the NECC Team,” said Nancy Harned, Executive Director, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

Bartels manages the Government Commercial Purchase Card (GCPC) program for the Type Command, which has an impact throughout the expeditionary force of 19,000.

“The GCPC program provides Navy Expeditionary units the ability to rapidly procure critical spare parts when the wholesale supply system cannot meet their operational needs,” said Harned.

Harned emphasized the innovation and forward thinking displayed by Bartels.

“He is passionate about procedural compliance and accountability, and ensures fiscal responsibility for the NECC GCPC program. Because of his work, this program successfully passes all audits and inspections and has been recognized among the best of any Navy Type Command,” said Harned.

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is focused on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

NAVY EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT COMMAND’s SAILOR OF THE year PO1 (EXW) Aliscia Malone VIRGINIA

BEACH, Va. (NNS)—Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) named its Senior Sailor of the Year.

Petty Officer 1st Class Aliscia Malone, from Cleveland, was selected due to her duties as NECC’s Administration Department Leading Petty Officer and the command’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator, where she coordinated and lead programs educating Sailors about suicide prevention.

“I was honored and humbled to be selected as Sailor of the Quarter, and can’t begin to put into words how excited I am to also be selected as Sailor of the Year,” said Malone. “I know that I wouldn’t be here without the dedication of my mentors and the junior Sailors that have helped along the way. They are the people who have truly made this accomplishment possible for me.”

NECC is an enduring warfighting force providing sea-to-shore and inland operating environment capabilities across the full range of military operations that is forced on delivering combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide operations now and into the future.

NECC REserve Corner NCHB 1 Executive Officer Named Navy Reserve Junior Officer of the Year for 2015

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

WILLIAMSBURG,

Va. (NNS) -- The executive officer of Navy Cargo Handling Battalion (NCHB) 1 received the Navy Reserve Junior Officer of the Year award in the category of Full-Time Support for 2015, Nov. 18.

160612-N-KK081-153 INDIAN ISLAND, Wash. (June 12, 2016) - Sailors, attached to Naval Cargo Handling Battalion 1, guide a container onto Improved Navy Lighterage System Causeway Ferry 17 during Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore 2016 (JLOTS ’16) JLOTS ’16 is a joint-service, scenario based designed to simulate disaster and humanitarian assistance in the Cascadia subduction zone. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric Chan/Released)

Lt. Cmdr. Robert Kalloch currently serves as the executive officer of NCHB 1 and was honored to be selected.

“I am extremely honored to be selected for such a significant award,” said Kalloch. “The men and women who serve our country in the Navy Reserve have the daunting task of trying to balance family life and a civilian career, along with a demanding military career. I am proud to have had the opportunity as a full-time support officer to provide direct support to our dedicated Reservists serving under NAVELSG (Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group) in our Reserve cargo handling battalions and regiments.”

Twenty-four nominees competed in the annual competition which recognizes performance excellence by Navy Reserve junior officers.

“It is a very humbling experience to see the level of dedication and often vast amount of unpaid work time our Reservists put into their Navy careers, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with each and every one of them,” added Kalloch.

The Navy Reserve Junior Officer of the Year is a competition promulgated by Commander, Navy Reserve Forces Command and sponsored and chaired by the Association of the United States Navy.

NCHB 1 is the NAVELSG’s active-duty cargo handling battalion. NAVELSG delivers expeditionary logistics and equipment to theater commanders in support of the national military strategy. As an expeditionary command, NAVELSG is under the new Echelon III type command, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. NECC was established in January 2006 as the Navy’s expeditionary central management for the readiness, manning, training, and equipping of expeditionary Sailors.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter. com/usnavy.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/necc/.

The annual award is broken into several categories which serve to recognize junior officers who have distinguished themselves among their peers. Annually, two junior officers -- one line and one staff corps -- serving on active duty as full time support and two junior officers -- one line and one staff corps -- serving as a satisfactory participant drilling in the Navy Reserve are selected.

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OVERVIEW US Navy Divers Conduct Inaugural Dive, Preserve Legacy of USS Salute From Task Force 73 Public Affairs

Muara,

Brunei (NNS) -- Navy divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 are teaming with Royal Brunei navy personnel Nov. 16-18 for diving operations on former USS Salute (AM 294), a World War II-era minesweeper sunk by a Japanese mine during preparations for amphibious landings in the Battle of Borneo.

161116-N-QV906-003 USS SALUTE (November 16, 2016) U.S. Navy Divers attached to Mobile Diving & Salvage Company ONE divers serving with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces gather for a group photo at the wreckage site of USS Salute (AM-294), which sank in Brunei waters on June 7, 1945, during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Brunei 2016, Nov. 15. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Chris Price/Released)

The diving operations are the first by the U.S. Navy on the wreckage of Salute, which lies in approximately 90 feet of water in Brunei Bay. The operations are occurring with divers embarked on Military Sealift Command rescue and salvage ship USNS Salvor (T-ARS-52) who are in Brunei for Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2016.

The dives on Salute were preceded by a remembrance ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Bandar Seri Begawan, Nov. 14, where U.S. Ambassador Craig Allen and Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander, Task Force 73, recognized the service and sacrifice of the fallen Sailors who served aboard Salute.

“We have a unique opportunity during CARAT to pay tribute to the Sailors of USS Salute who gave their last full measure for our nation,” said Gabrielson. “Our remembrance ceremony and diving operations on Salute solemnly honor an important historical site, and pay rightful respects to the legacy of brave Americans who will never be forgotten.”

Salute struck a mine June 7, 1945, while conducting sweeping operations for an Australian landing force in preparation for the Battle of Borneo which liberated Brunei from Japanese imperial forces. Salute sank just after midnight June 8, after a failed attempt by two Navy landing craft to salvage the ship.

Lt. James J. Hughes, an officer aboard Salute who survived the explosion, later recalled the final hours before the minesweeper sank.

“The ship was hit mid-ship, right underneath the belly, and it came right up through all the decks,” said Hughes. “Anybody in that area was killed, especially in the engine room; they didn’t have a chance. We hit it about 4:00 in the afternoon and sunk

about midnight. We were making the last run of the day.”

For Navy divers visiting Salute’s wreckage, it is an opportunity to pay tribute and reflect on a solemn war grave where U.S. service members perished.

“These operations provided U.S. Navy divers a unique opportunity to work alongside our Bruneian counterparts on a very meaningful project,” said Lt. Chris Price, detachment officerin-charge, MDSU 1. “We are preserving our Navy’s rich history and heritage, and giving a very fitting remembrance to these fallen Sailors.”

U.S. and Royal Brunei navy divers are conducting operations on the Salute wreckage in support of CARAT Brunei 2016. As one of the original CARAT partners, the Royal Brunei armed forces have engaged annually in CARAT since the exercise series began in 1995. The United States and Brunei have enjoyed diplomatic relations since 1845, when USS Constitution dropped anchor in Brunei Bay.

In its 22nd year, CARAT is a bilateral exercise series between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the armed forces of nine partner nations in south and southeast Asia including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

Task Force 73 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 staff conduct advanced planning, organize resources, and directly support the execution of maritime exercises such as the bilateral CARAT series, the Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) with Vietnam, and the multi-lateral Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) with Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

30th Naval Construction Regiment Receives Meritorious Unit Commendation Story by Chief Petty Officer Lowell Whitman

The Chief of Naval Operations

awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) to the 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR) for its work throughout the Pacific, Nov. 17.

161117-N-HA376-003 Capt. Jeffrey Kilian, commodore, 30th Naval Construction Regiment, reads a citation awarding the Meritorious Unit Commendation to 30 NCR for the regiment’s efforts in providing command and control of Naval Construction Force units from July 2014, to March 2016 during a Nov. 18, 2016, ceremony in Port Hueneme, California. (Photo by Chief Petty Officer Lowell Whitman/Released)

The award recognizes the accomplishments of the unit from July 2014, to March 2016. During that time, the personnel of 30 NCR demonstrated “unparalleled operational readiness and superb expeditionary performance” while providing command and control of Naval Construction Force units deployed throughout the U.S. 7th Fleet, according to the citation from Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson.

Embarking aboard USNS Millinocket as Task Force Forager for Pacific Partnership 2015, the regiment visited five different countries including Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, Philippines and Vietnam over the course of three months, helping to improve the interoperability of the region’s military forces, governments, and humanitarian organizations during disaster relief operations.

“This commendation is well-deserved recognition of the work that the regiment has put forth in conducting a diverse range of expeditionary tasks throughout the Pacific,” said Capt. Jeffrey Kilian, commodore, 30 NCR.

For Exercise Foal Eagle 2016, the regiment deployed forward to provided command and control for numerous engineering projects between Republic of Korea engineers and NMCBs 4, 133, UCT 2, and CBMU 303.

As a command and control element, 30 NCR provides planning and management for construction operations executed

by Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB), Underwater Construction Teams (UCT), and Construction Battalion Maintenance Units (CBMU), among others.

Capt. Jeffrey Kilian, commodore, 30 NCR, presented the commendation to the regiment after receiving the award from Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, during a ceremony at Commander, Task Force 75 on Guam, Nov. 8.

“I believe this award stands as a greater pronouncement of the quality of work in the Asia-Pacific accomplished by Seabees from across the Naval Construction Force,” said Kilian.

Established in 1967, the MUC is awarded to units in either combat or non-combat conditions for valorous or meritorious achievement.

During the almost two-year reporting timeframe, 30 NCR executed 67 joint and combined exercises, engagements, and contingency operations supporting disaster recovery across the U.S. 7th Fleet.

Commander, 30th NCR provides operational control over naval engineering forces throughout the Pacific, Southwest Asia, and the Western United States in response to combat commander and naval component commander requirements. They serve an integral part of the Naval Construction Force and accomplish major combat operations, theater security cooperation, humanitarian assistance, disaster recovery and Phase Zero requirements across the Pacific area of responsibility.

The regiment led a Combined-Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force executing civic construction, cooperative health engagements, subject matter expert exchanges, and humanitarian and disaster response preparation together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the islands of Panay and Palawan during Exercise Balikatan, 2015.

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Coastal Riverine Squadron TWO Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Coastal

Riverine Squadron (CRS) TWO conducted a time honored change of command ceremony on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Dec. 8.

Cmdr. Samuel J. Davis was relieved by Cmdr. Christopher G. Milner. Coastal Riverine Squadron (CRS) TWO conducted a time honored change of command ceremony on board Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach,

Cmdr. Samuel J. Davis was relieved by Cmdr.

Christopher G. Milner. Capt. Robert Cepek, commander, Coastal Riverine Group Two served as the guest speaker.

During his speech, Davis reflected on Milner’s professional capabilities to propel CRS TWO forward as the squadron’s incoming commanding officer.

“Cmdr. Milner, our time together here has been amazing. I look forward to seeing the great things your tour will bring to the squadron,” said Davis. “This squadron has achieved excellence everywhere and I have never ceased to be amazed at the myriad of things our Sailors could accomplish. It has been an honor working here with this great team and I will certainly miss working with you every day.”

Milner, who is currently the executive officer of CRS TWO, appreciated the mentorship from Davis and looks forward to taking command of the squadron.

“It is a great honor to follow Cmdr. Davis into command of Coastal Riverine Squadron TWO,” said Milner. “His leadership has set the highest standards for professionalism and operational excellence and he’s leaving us in a very good place from which this outstanding crew

will no doubt continue to excel.”

Milner wished Davis “Fair Winds and Following Seas” and extended his heartfelt thanks for a job well done.

The primary mission of the Coastal Riverine Force is to conduct maritime security operations across all phases of military operations by defending high value assets, critical maritime infrastructure, ports and harbors both inland and on coastal waterways against enemies and when commanded conduct offensive combat operations.

NMCB 3 Wins 2016 Project Good Neighbor Community Service Award for Large Sea Going Command

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

PORT

HUENEME, California - Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 were selected as the 2016 Navy Community Service Program/Project Good Neighbor Community Service Award for large sea going command for volunteering 4,800 hours across the Pacific Fleet and in their homeport of Port Hueneme, California.

160125-N-YG415-059 PALAWAN, Philippines (Jan. 25, 2016) Construction Electrician 2nd Class Leonard Verdan, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, read a short story to local Philippine students during a community relations event at Abaroan School in Palawan, Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/Released)

Annually, the Chief of Naval Operations recognizes shore, sea, and overseas commands for Project Good Neighbor. The Project Good Neighbor Award, announced Nov. 23, serves to recognize the best year-round volunteer supported program or special project that promotes outreach activities throughout the year to establish and resort hope to the community.

NMCB 3’s year-long community service efforts impacted 21,900 people, of which 12,950 were youth.

While deployed from September 2015 through March 2016, NMCB 3 Seabees volunteered in four different countries: Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Philippines, and Japan.

During the award period, NMCB 3 had more than 55 percent of their command of 550 SEABEES participate in community related events. Some of the volunteer projects NMCB 3 Sailors participated in ranged from teaching English to children in Timor-Leste and Cambodia; promoting health and fitness to children in the Philippines; and participating in the Special Olympics in Kadena, Japan.

matters, with what matters as is evident in our quality of partnership and the impact we have on citizenry.”

“This special recognition highlights our ability as Navy Expeditionary Combat Force to not only execute our challenging missions, but to proactively and compassionately engage our local communities as positive Navy ambassadors and role models, both at home and abroad,” said Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/ NECC Pacific.

Cmdr. Laurie Scott, commanding officer, NMCB 3 was extremely proud of his unit for being a Navy Ambassador both in homeport and while deployed across the Western Pacific.

“This award recognizes the tremendous efforts of the many Seabees in NMCB 3 who are passionate about making the lives of others better,” said Scott, who added that NMCB 3’s community outreach program allows their command to be more focused and provide a bigger impact.

The Rotary Club of Dili, Timor Leste described the impact Seabees made on the children they assisted during the 2015 deployment.

Scott added that Seabees benefit from participating in community relations projects because “by our very nature, Seabees have a desire to serve others.”

“Anywhere you saw a Seabee, you’d see a gaggle of shouting, laughing little faces,” wrote Bob Quiggin, president of the Rotary Club of Dili, Timor-Leste.

NMCB 3 is part of the Naval Construction Force which is a vital component of the U.S. Maritime Strategy. The force provides deployable battalions capable of providing disaster recovery support, humanitarian assistance, and supporting major combat operations.

According to the award submission, NMCB 3 is “committed to the community where it matters, when it

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NMCB 3 Conducts Field Training Exercise, Receives Valuable ADR Experience

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

FORT

HUNTER-LIGGETT, Calif. – More than 500 Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 battle tested their capabilities during a field training exercise (FTX) at Fort Hunter-Liggett throughout November.

161107-N-YG415-031 FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, engage a simulated force during NMCB 3’s Final Evaluation Problem. FEP prepares and tests the battalion’s ability to enter hostile locations, build assigned construction projects and defend against enemy attacks using realistic scenarios while being evaluated by Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Gomez/Released)

NMCB 3 is homeported at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme. Their FTX tested the battalion’s ability to enter hostile locations, build various construction projects, defend against enemy attacks, and improve their airfield damage repair (ADR) capabilities. The ballalion’s motto “Better than Best” was put to the challenge and the Sailors participating in the FTX exceeded and gained valuable knowledge, as well as lessons learned to carry with them on their future deployment in 2017.

When the Sailors assigned to NMCB 3 arrived at Fort Hunter-Liggett in early November to begin their nearly monthlong exercise by transforming an empty lot into a functioning base camp complete with galley, laundry facilities, showers, various vertical and horizontal construction buildings, and other administrative and support functions.

“You don’t prepare overnight, this FTX is a culmination of five and a half months of preparation,” said Cmdr. Laurie Scott, commanding officer, NMCB 3, who described the value of this type of training to bring together the entire battalion.

“This exercise helps our Sailors get back to the mentality of why we build and why we fight,” said Scott, who added when his battalion of nearly 550 personnel deploys next year many of his men and women will do so in small details to continue strengthening vital relationships critical to peace and stability in the Pacific. “Our battalion will deploy to Okinawa Japan and we will fan out to 14 to 17 different sites across Western Pacific.”

Scott added that he often provides briefs to various Seabee Veterans groups located in Port Hueneme and he communicates how the current generation of Seabees is carrying the Fighting Seabees tradition.

“Just like in previous generations when our Seabees deploy around the world, whoever they work with, when they see a Seabee patch they know they are in good hands,” added Scott.

In addition to force protection and establishing a defensive perimeter, Seabees also participated in Airfield Damage Repair training.

NMCB 3’s Lt. j.g. Stephen Kash, operations officer for the FTX, discussed the importance of ADR training.

“For the first time, in this exercise we are using a variety of different material and taking a different approach instead of using a lot of heavy equipment with heavy debris, we are using quick setting material,” said Kash.

NMCB 3’s Chief Petty Officer Philip Anderton, formerly a drill instructor at U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, was proud of his junior enlisted troops for their toughness and initiative shown throughout the exercise.

“We put a lot on our E4s and E5s to make good and sound decisions and they are doing fantastic,” said Anderton, who added “if you show your troops you believe in them, they will do their very best to meet your expectations.”

Anderton added that some of the Sailors he trained as recruits are now assigned to NMCB 3 and participating in the FTX.

“Some of the Seabees I trained in Great Lakes are now serving in the battalion,” said Anderton, who added it was nice to see these Seabees and see the end result of his training efforts.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Shianne Chlupacek served as the crew leader during the construction of a 10x20 bunkers used during the exercise.

“There are so many good things we learn during this exercise,” said Chlupacek, who supervised a team of eight Seabees in constructing the bunker which took nearly 10 hours to build. “I always learn something when I do another project.”

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Michael Bachicha, who serves as the military advisor for NMCB 3, was impressed with the capabilities of the Seabees.

“I didn’t know that they did it all,” said Bachicha, who is assigned to the battalion for two years and will deploy with the command next year.

NEws you can use

6 Things to Know about The

Blended Retirement System From Chief of Naval Personnel

The

Navy released NAVADMIN 259/16 which serves as the official notification of eligibility to opt-in to the Blended Retirement System (BRS) additionally, the Navy plans to send emails to all eligible Sailors notifying them of the retirement system choices they may have to make during 2018.

Here are six things Sailors should know about opting in to BRS BRS new retirement option for some Sailors

The Fiscal Year 2016 National Defense Authorization Act created a new military retirement system that blends the traditional legacy retirement pension with a defined contribution to service members’ Thrift Savings Plan account. Some Navy members may have the choice to stay with the legacy retirement system or opt into the BRS. No service member will be automatically moved to the BRS. Who can opt-in to BRS?

While Sailors with a Date of Initial Entry into Military Service (DIEMS) on or before Dec. 31, 2017 are automatically grandfathered under the current retirement system, some may be eligible to choose to opt-in to BRS depending on their length of services.

Active duty Sailors are opt-in eligible if their DIEMS is on or before Dec. 31, 2017 and they have less than 12 years of service as of Dec. 31, 2017, based on their Pay Entry Base Date (PEBD).

Reserve component members, including Full Time Support members, are opt-in eligible if their DIEMS is on or before Dec. 31 2017 and they have accumulated fewer than 4,320 retirement points as of Dec. 31, 2017.

United States Naval Academy, Reserve Officer Training Corps Midshipmen and Delayed Entry Program members are opt-in eligible if their DIEMS is on or before Dec. 31, 2017.

Opt-in enrollment window

The enrollment window for Sailors to opt-in to BRS is Jan. 1, 2018 through Dec. 31, 2018. Opt-in eligible Sailors must be in a paid status at the time of enrollment.

If Sailors meet the opt-in requirements but are not in a paid status during the election window, they will be given an opportunity to enroll during their first period of paid status.

Hardship extensions to the enrollment window for opt-in eligible members who are unable to enroll in BRS during the 2018 enrollment period will be considered on a case by case basis.

Notification of BRS opt-in eligibility

Eligible Sailors will receive notification of optin eligibility via email at their email address in the Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS). Additionally, commands should notify all opt-in eligible members within their command. Command administration departments should contact their personnel support divisions on a regular basis to access a list of all opt-in eligible members within their command.

Making the opt-in decision

The decision to stay in the current retirement system or opt-in to BRS is an important and irrevocable decision that eligible Sailors must make based on their individual circumstances. That is why all Navy commands must ensure that opt-in eligible members complete the Blended Retirement System Opt-In Course. This course will be available in January 2017 on Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) and Navy E-learning. Though this course will be accessible by all service members, it is mandatory for opt-in eligible service members.

Required training for Navy leaders and Sailors not eligible to opt-in to BRS

In an effort to facilitate a smooth transition to BRS, Navy members not eligible to opt-in are required to complete the BRS Leader’s Training course that is now available on JKO at http://jko.jten.mil/ (course #: J3OP-US1330) and the Navy E-learning website at https://www.nel.navy.mil (course #: JKDDC-BRS-LTI-1.0).

For the most up-to-date information on BRS and links to training go to the Uniform Services Blended Retirement web page at http://militarypay.defense.gov/ BlendedRetirement/

For complete information on BRS opt-in requirements and notification read NAVADMIN 259/16 at www.npc.navy.mil.

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around the fleet

New Program Offers Employment Opportunities to Transitioning Service Members

By Seaman Jessica Dowell, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Service members of the Hampton Roads community participated in an orientation session Dec. 6 for Onward to Opportunity (O2O), a nocost training and certification program for service member transitioning to civilian careers.

Officer 1st Class Joel Pichardo, who anticipates entering the civilian workforce in early 2018. “The types of certifications offered and the fact that they are free are what attracted me to the program. I am looking forward to getting started next month.”

The program is offered through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University, in partnership with the Schultz Family Foundation and Hire Heroes USA.

O2O is a Department of Defense (DoD) SkillBridgeapproved program. SkillBridge is a DoD initiative designed to link military training with civilian equivalents.

O2O is comprised of four in-class training days, followed by a 6-10 week online training program. Students will be provided with the opportunity to receive a certificate of completion through Syracuse University in customer service, or will be scheduled and funded for their official certification in a corresponding IT field.

“We’re delighted to be offering this wonderful opportunity on behalf of the Schultz Family Foundation,” said retired Navy Capt. John Malfitano, O2O program manager. “The program is open to transitioning service members, veterans, active-duty spouses, National Guard, and Selected Reserves here in Hampton Roads for the first time.”

The program will be available to service members in the Hampton Roads area Jan. 17. For the first iteration of classes, O2O is offering two initial learning pathways, information technology and customer service excellence.

“I’m looking to enter the IT sector,” said Petty

O2O is working toward offering additional pathways for future classes in fields such as project management and human resources.

Orientation sessions and classes for O2O will be held in the Wind and Sea conference room at Building C-9, Naval Station Norfolk. The final orientation session to enroll in the Jan. 17 class will be offered Jan. 10.

O2O is open to all branches of the DoD. For more information, please visit http://onward2opportunity.org/.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter. com/usnavy.

Navy Sailor Reunited with Family during SEC Football Championship Game

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

A Navy Sailor who completed a 10-month deployment to Bahrain was reunited with his family during the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Football Championship Game in Atlanta, Dec. 3.

The SEC had coordinated the surprise reunion with assistance from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and Naval Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center to recognize one of their Sailors who recently returned from a deployment. The SEC displayed a pre-recorded shout-out on the Georgia Dome video boards prior to being reunited with his family.

“I’m so excited to have had this chance to surprise my family,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Chris Jones, who is a Navy Reservist assigned to Navy Operational Support Center Augusta, Georgia, who has served in the Reserves for 10 years.

Jones, who hails from Augusta, Georgia, mobilized

through ECRC in Norfolk and surprised his two children, father, step-mother and brother during the on-field reunion that took place during a timeout in the SEC Football Championship Game where the Alabama Crimson Tide battled the Florida Gators during the Dec. 3 game at the Georgia Dome.

Lt. Cmdr. Rich Sealy, commanding officer, NOSC Augusta, discussed the importance of family support and recognizing their contributions to support their warfighters.

“I am thrilled that PO3 Jones will get to experience this at the SEC Championship Game,” said Sealy.

In any given week more than 15,000 Navy Reserve Sailors, one-quarter of the Reserve Force, are providing support to the Fleet. The Navy Reserve deliver highly trained Sailors with the capabilities, expertise and diverse skillsets that match to requirements, maximizing their impact on the mission and helping the Navy team succeed.

around the fleet

Pearl Harbor Survivors and Visitors Get First Glimpse of “Remember Pearl Harbor” Documentary

Pearl Harbor Survivors and Visitors Get First Glimpse of "Remember Pearl Harbor" Documentary From Navy Public Affairs Support Element Detachment Hawaii

Pearl Harbor survivors, family members and visi-

tors watched the premiere of “Remember Pearl Harbor” in silence as they paid tribute to its honored guests, the survivors of Pearl Harbor, at the Pacific Aviation Museum, Dec. 4.

The World War II Foundation’s film focused on the personal stories of those who served in Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, or those who witnessed the events that took place that day.

Four survivors of USS Arizona attended, as well as two Medal of Honor recipients, Hershel Woody Williams and Gary Littrell. Also in attendance were the oldest survivors of Pearl Harbor, Ray Chavez, 104, who served as a seaman first class on USS Condor and James Downing, 103, who served as a postmaster on USS West Virginia.

Daniel Martinez, chief historian of World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument in Hawaii, spoke in the film about the events of Pearl Harbor.

“Pearl Harbor is the touchstone of history,” said Martinez in the film. “It’s where World War II began for the United States.”

Among the visitors was Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin G. Smith, of Frederick, Maryland, who planned the

trip to the 75th Pearl Harbor Commemoration events five years ago.

“I have a passion for veterans because I come from a military family of veterans,” said Smith. “My grandfather was in the Navy during World War II, my uncle was in the Navy during the Korean War, my cousin is a retired chief and I had five uncles in the Army, one of which served in Vietnam.”

Smith proudly displayed a document from the 2010 National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. A document he had signed by seven Pearl Harbor survivors.

During his current visit to the island, Smith said he was able to meet USS Arizona survivor Donald Stratton, a moment he felt honored to have been a part of.

In the film, the survivors expressed what they would like everyone to remember: who they were, what they witnessed and the men and women who lost their lives, were injured or went missing on December 7, 1941.

“Remembering,” however, was not lost on Smith.

“We need to keep this history alive so the next generations can understand the importance of honoring those who served and remembering the events so that the same mistakes aren’t made in the future.”

13

NEws you can use

fbi Tips to avoid being scammed this holiday season From FBI Birmingham and Public Affairs Specialist Paul E. Daymond

In advance of the holiday season, the FBI reminds shoppers

to beware of cyber criminals and their aggressive and creative ways to steal money and personal information. Scammers use many techniques to fool potential victims, including fraudulent auction sales, reshipping merchandise purchased with a stolen credit card, sale of fraudulent or stolen gift cards through auction sites at discounted prices, and phishing e-mails advertising brand name merchandise for bargain prices or e-mails promoting the sale of merchandise that ends up being a counterfeit product.

Fraudulent Classified Ads or Auction Sales

Internet criminals post classified ads or auctions for products they do not have. If you receive an auction product from a merchant or retail store rather than directly from the auction seller, the item may have been purchased with someone else’s stolen credit card number.

Contact the merchant to verify the account used to pay for the item actually belongs to you.

Shoppers should be cautious and not provide credit card numbers, bank account numbers, or other financial information directly to the seller. Fraudulent sellers will use this information to purchase items for their scheme from the provided financial account. Always use a legitimate payment service to protect purchases.

Diligently check each seller’s rating and feedback along with their number of sales and the dates on which feedback was posted. Be wary of a seller with 100 percent positive feedback if they have a low total number of feedback postings and all feedback was posted around the same date and time.

Gift Card Scam

The safest way to purchase gift cards is directly from the merchant or authorized retail merchant. If the merchant discovers the card you received from another source or auction was initially obtained fraudulently, the merchant will deactivate the gift card number and it will not be honored to make purchases.

Phishing and Social Networking

Be leery of e-mails or text messages you receive indicating a problem or question regarding your financial accounts. In this scam, you are directed to follow a link or call the number provided in the message to update your account or correct the problem. The link actually directs the individual to a fraudulent website or message that appears legitimate; however, any personal information you provide, such as account number and personal identification number (PIN), will be stolen.

Another scam involves victims receiving an e-mail message directing the recipient to a spoofed website. A spoofed website is a fake site or copy of a real website that is designed to mislead the recipient into providing personal information.

Consumers are encouraged to beware of bargain e-mails advertising one day only promotions for recognized brands or websites.

Fraudsters often use the hot items of the season to lure bargain hunters into providing credit card information. The old adage, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is,” is a good barometer to use to legitimize e-mails.

Black Friday has traditionally been the “biggest shopping day of the year.” The Monday following Thanksgiving has more recently (2005) been labeled Cyber Monday, meaning the e-commerce industry endorses this special day to offer sales and promotions without interfering with the traditional way to shop. Scammers try to prey on Black Friday or Cyber Monday bargain hunters by advertising “one day only” promotions from recognized brands. Consumers should be on the watch for too good to be true e-mails from unrecognized websites.

Along with online shopping comes the growth of consumers using social networking sites and mobile phones to satisfy their shopping needs more easily. Again, consumers are encouraged to beware of e-mails, text messages, or postings that may lead to fraudulent sites offering bargains on brand name products.

Here are some tips you can use to avoid becoming a victim of cyber fraud: • Do not respond to unsolicited (spam) e-mail.

• Do not click on links contained within an unsolicited e-mail.

• Be cautious of e-mails claiming to contain pictures in attached files, as the files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders. Always run a virus scan on attachment before opening.

• Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.

• Always compare the link in the e-mail to the web address link you are directed to and determine if they match.

• Log on directly to the official website for the business identified in the e-mail, instead of “linking” to it from an unsolicited e-mail. If the e-mail appears to be from your bank, credit card issuer, or other company you deal with frequently, your statements or official correspondence from the business will provide the proper contact information.

• Contact the actual business that supposedly sent the e-mail to verify that the e-mail is genuine.

• If you are requested to act quickly or there is an emergency, it may be a scam. Fraudsters create a sense of urgency to get you to act impulsively.

• If you receive a request for personal information from a business or financial institution, always look up the main contact information for the requesting company on an independent source (phone book, trusted Internet directory, legitimate billing statement, etc.) and use that contact information to verify the legitimacy of the request.

• Remember if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

For more information on e-scams, please visit the FBI’s New E-Scams and Warnings webpage at www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/e-scams.

@NECC_

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