Expeditionary Express May by Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific

EXpeditionary e xpre s s A

Navy

E xpedi t i on ary

C o m m a n d e r ’s C o r n e r

CNO’s Reading List

NMCB 133 Seabees Conduct

Book Review Wraps up ADR Exercise

RADM McCcollum

Visits CRS 1 Reserve Sailors

Co m bat

Com m and

Pu bl i cat io n

expeditionary ordnance NavELSG

MAY 2017

Vol. 1 Issue 10

Pearl Harbor Survivor VISITS CRG 1

Expeditionary E xpre s s NECC in the Spotlight

Commander’s Corner NECC’s Civilian of the Month -- Elaine Dalton

NECC Overview Pearl Harbor Survivor Visit and Shares History with CRG 1 -- Coastal Riverine Group 5

One First Class Petty Officer Association hosted Stu Hedley, a Pearl Harbor survivor aboard Naval Outlying Landing Field in Imperial Beach, April 18.

Mississippi Mud: Seabees in Training

-Following a seemingly endless dirt road in the deep woods of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the roar of diesel engines, hammers and chainsaws echo is muted by the thick growth of elm and beech trees. This is the Seabee’s field training exercise, better known as FTX. Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 have been in the field for the better part of two weeks. 7

NMCB 4 Completes 48-Hour Mount Out Exercise Relief -- U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 completed a 48-hour Mount-Out Exercise (MOX), in Port Hueneme, Calif., Apr. 17-21.

NECC Overview NMCB 133 Seabees Conduct ADR Exercise on 6,000 foot Air Force Training Airfield

-- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 deployed 104 personnel from Gulfport, Mississippi to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida to participate in a multiday Air Field Damage Repair Exercise (ADREX), April 25-27, using a 6,000-foot training airfield to evaluate and test new repair methods.

CRG 1, CNAP Triumphs at the NAB Coronado’s SAPR Sandcastle Competition -- Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 and Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific teamed up to compete and earned the trophy at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Sandcastle competition at Naval Base Coronado, April 12.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Community Honors Fallen Comrades -- Dressed in the

bright whites, deep blues and dense blacks of their service uniforms, airmen, Marines, sailors and soldiers came together May 6 to honor and remember their fallen explosive ordnance disposal brethren during the annual memorial ceremony at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex.

Navy Celebrates 2017 Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month --The Navy CNO’s Reading List -- Navy Professional joins the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May.

Reading Program..

how to get help

/NavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand

@COMNECC

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

NECC Public Affairs Staff Lt. Mary Smith MCC Edward Kessler PO2 (SW/AW) Travis DiPerna

Commander’s

CORNE R

Team, During the most recent command Professional Development Day, I discussed higher level guidance distributed to date. I reiterated NECC/NECC Pacific’s linkage to the Navy’s Design for Maintaining Maritime Superiority and introduced the recently released U.S. Fleet Forces Command’s Fleet Design. The Fleet Design is the vision for creating a fleet-centric fighting power by instilling the core elements of integration, distribution, and maneuver throughout the fleet. By providing enhanced power at and from the sea, Fleet Design will enable the fleet, with depth and diversity of military options, to fight and win in contested and denied environments throughout the globe and deliver the desired effects; maintain sea control, enable power projection and reinforce strategic deterrence in all domains - from the deep ocean to the littorals, from the sea floor to space, and the information domain. NECC is in the center as the enabler for the big three (surface, air and sub). The Fleet must adapt to the realities of our changing environment and evolve to preserve our ability to control the seas and influence global events through forward maritime presence. NECC/NECCPAC as an enabler must continue to adapt our capabilities to stay ahead to support the big three. RDML Brakke closed with a discussion on the NECC Framework and the importance of achieving combat effectiveness to generate readiness. -- Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific

Necc’s Civilian o f

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Command reflected on the impact of Dalton’s performance to the expeditionary force. “She analyzes funding requirement requests for relevance IRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- Navy and accuracy, and issues funding documents under several Expeditionary Combat Command appropriation types ensuring that they are in accordance (NECC) announced its May with public laws and Financial Improvement Audit Readiness Civilian of the Month, May 1. guidelines,” said Harned.

Elaine Dalton V

Elaine Dalton, who is assigned to NECC’s Comptroller team, was selected for her financial management support and expertise to Naval Construction Group Two, Combat Camera, and the Central Issuance Facility at Cheatham Annex in Williamsburg, VA. “Thank you for all of the congratulations and compliments,” said Dalton, who added it is nice to feel appreciated.

Harned added that Dalton recently assumed additional workload by managing the financials and execution for Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center. As part of her coverage she took on processing manual invoices for ECRC’s Warrior Transition Program contract which provides training, meals and transportation for returning deployers and Individual Augmentees. Her diligent work solved some issues with this process and identified better and faster methods for the future.

NECC is an enduring war fighting force providing sea-toshore and inland operating environment capabilities across the In addition, Dalton is responsible for providing detailed financial full range of military operations that is focused on delivering guidance and resource management on Budget Formulation combat effective expeditionary forces ready for worldwide and Execution for her units assigned under NECC. Nancy operations now and into the future. Harned, Executive Director, Navy Expeditionary Combat

22 NCR Held Critical Role during Exercise African Lion 2017 AGADIR, Morocco -- The men and women of the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (22 NCR) played a critical command and control role in the success of Exercise African Lion 2017 (AL17). AL 17 is the U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe (MARFOREUR) and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Africa’s (MARFORAF) largest annual training event. AL17 was sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) with support from the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and the Utah and Kentucky Air National Guards. The exercise also received support from the United States Embassy, Rabat’s Office of Security Cooperation and the Defense Attache Office. Approximately 1,300 military personnel from the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Spain and Tunisia traveled to various regions of the

Kingdom of Morocco to take part in AL17. 22 NCR relieved Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68 as AL17’s command and control (C2) element, April 22, and remained in this capacity through the remainder of the two-week exercise. The C2 mission is 22 NCR’s core competency and they train continuously to keep their skills sharp. 22 NCR joined AL17 with a group of well trained and experienced personnel ready to tackle the enormous challenges the exercise presented. According to 22 NCR’s Commander, Capt. Lore Aguayo, the Regiment has trained extensively for C2 of expeditionary units, however, AL17 not only included joint integration of U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps units, but also included C2 of multi-national units as well.

N E C C

OVERVIEW

Pearl Harbor Survivor Visit and Shares History with CRG 1 By Petty Officer 1st Class Torrey Lee

SAN

DIEGO -- Coastal Riverine Group One First Class Petty Officer Association hosted Stu Hedley, a Pearl Harbor survivor aboard Naval Outlying Landing Field in Imperial Beach, April 18.

Stu Hedley a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, fires a simulator M240B machine gun trainer during his visit aboard Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 at Naval Outlying Landing Field in Imperial Beach. (U.S. Navy photo by Navy Counselor 1st Class Jonathan Villena/Released)

Hedley is a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. During Hedley’s visit, he spoke to the Sailors of Coastal Riverine Group One about his experiences in the Navy. The first thing Hedley said to the Sailors was, “I am not a hero. The ones who died that day are the true heroes.” “Sitting in the room as he described Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor, made me feel as if I had experienced it with him,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Dominique Brenner. “He inspired me to make a difference and honor those who have fallen. Hearing the history first hand brings me a whole new meaning to honoring the fallen and serving our country.”

On Dec. 7, 2016, the U.S. Navy and nation paused to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. The commemoration provided an opportunity to honor the courage, service and sacrifice of the U.S. military personnel present during the attacks. For many Sailors at CRG 1, Hedley’s visit would be a visit they would

never forget.

“The pleasure of meeting and spending the day with Mr. Hedley was an amazing experience. The chance to be around living history and hearing first-hand accounts of momentous events in naval history was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class Zachariah Doney. Also during the visit, Hedley toured the CRG 1’s facilities and assets. “Spending time with Mr. Hedley and hearing his stories was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I’m glad I had the chance to take,” said Electronics Technician 1st Class Christopher Demo. “I enjoyed the chance the show him our vessels and how we train today’s sailors and to see his reaction.” CRG 1 is the Coastal Riverine Group based in San Diego. Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, high value asset protection, offensive combat operations and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways.

Continued from previous page “The addition of multi-national units made AL17 more challenging than previous exercises,” Aguayo said. “I was extremely pleased with our staff’s execution of C2 throughout AL17.” AL17 was also the first time 22 NCR conducted a reliefin-place with CTF 68. “Our goal was to make the transition from CTF 68 to 22 NCR as the C2 element seamless for the U.S. and multinational units,” Aguayo said. “It went very well, but that’s not to say there weren’t lessons learned along the way. We would like have more exercise opportunities with CTF 68 in the future, implement the lessons learned, and work even better together.” According to 22 NCR’s Chief Staff Officer for AL17, Cmdr.

Charles Kubic, the hardest part of planning for AL17 was looking at the branch plans to mitigate the risks involved. “The 22 NCR team did a great job preparing for this mission, but nothing ever truly goes as planned,” Kubic said. “The team did an even greater job meeting all the new challenges that arose.” At the conclusion of AL17, Aguayo was confident in 22 NCR’s C2 ability. “We knew this exercise would be challenging, but the staff flexed when it needed to, made the proper course corrections and I’m confident that we can perform C2 when any need arises,” Aguayo said.

N E C C

OVERVIEW

CNO’s Reading List Book Review

By MCC Edward Kessler, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

Jefferson’s War, written by Joeseph Wheelan is one of the many books on the CNO’s Reading List.

1812: THE NAVY’S WAR By George C. Daughan

This CNO Professional Reading Program, Warfighting First book provides an engaging account of the War of 1812. At the outbreak of the War of 1812, America’s prospects looked dismal. It was clear that the primary battlefield would be the open ocean but America’s war fleet, only twenty ships strong, faced a practiced British navy of more than a thousand menof-war. Still, through a combination of nautical deftness and sheer bravado, the American navy managed to take the fight to the British and turn the tide of the war: on the Great Lakes, in the Atlantic, and even in the eastern Pacific. In 1812: The Navy’s War, prizewinning historian George C. Daughan tells the thrilling story of how a handful of heroic captains and their stalwart crews overcame spectacular odds to lead the country to victory against the world’s greatest imperial power. A stunning contribution to military and national history, 1812: The Navy’s War is the first complete account in more than a century of how the U.S. Navy rescued the fledgling nation and secured America’s future. This outstanding “Warfighting First” category book represents an important addition to the CNO Professional Reading Program in recognition of the bicentennial celebration of the war it recounts. 1812: The Navy’s War is a “must read” for all Sailors.

Cybersecurity and Cyberwar What Everyone Needs to Know by P.W. Singer and Allan Friedman

This CNO Professional Reading Program, Warfighting First book is the latest publication from two of the nation’s most forwardthinking intellectuals on advanced technology—Peter W. Singer and Allan Friedman. Admiral James Stavridis, US Navy (Ret), describes this book as, “the most approachable and readable book ever written on the cyber world. The authors have distilled

the key facts and policy, provided sensible recommendations, and opened the debate generally to any informed citizen: a singular achievement. A mustread for practitioners and scholars alike.” Cybersecurity and Cyberwar addresses the current risks and benefits of the ever-fluid cyber environment. Singer’s research provides a significant amount of space to the specific challenges the Department of Defense confronts in keeping pace with the latest technologies and methods for maintaining data security. Chapters include a detailed analysis of topics such as: Cyber Counterterrorism, Patriotic Hackers, and What a Cyber War might actually look like. In this emerging warfighting area where the tools and tactics are constantly changing, a quality and current book such as Cybersecurity and Cyberwar will help keep the Navy’s cyber-warriors on the cutting edge.

SEAL of Honor Operation Red Wings and the Life of Lt. Michael P. Murphy, USN by Gary Williams

This CNO Professional Reading Program,Warfighting First book tells the compelling tale of the late Navy SEAL, LT Michael Murphy. A young man of great character, he is the subject of Naval Special Warfare courses on leadership, and an Arleigh Burke–class guided missile destroyer, naval base, school, post office, ballpark, and hospital emergency room have all been named in his honor. In his bestselling book Lone Survivor (formerly listed on the CNO Professional Reading Program), Marcus Luttrell, the only survivor of Operation Red Wing, called Michael “the best officer I ever knew, an iron-souled warrior of colossal, almost unbelievable courage in the face of the enemy.” SEAL of Honor tells the story of Michael’s life and how he came to be a man of selfless courage and honor. The story of LT Murphy offers a sterling example of Navy core values lived out in his life, service, and sacrifice. This gripping and often emotionally moving book honors all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the war against terrorism.

Mississippi Mud:

Seabees in Training

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Charlotte C. Oliver, Defense Media Activity

Following a seemingly endless dirt

road in the deep woods of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the roar of diesel engines, hammers and chainsaws echo is muted by the thick growth of elm and beech trees. Around a bend in the road, an encampment surrounded by miles of Concertina wire is well guarded – keeping an unseen enemy at bay. Dozens of Sailors outfitted in body armor and helmets, with M16s across their chests, keep a watchful eye. Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) place a patient onto a gurney in response to a simulated mass casualty drill during Command Post Exercise (CPX) 3, Feb. 1. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rosalie Chang/Released)

This is the Seabee’s field training exercise, better known as FTX. Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 have been in the field for the better part of two weeks, almost three, building up a base complete with a communications station, combat operations center, guard shacks and much more. Sailors rest when they can, sleeping in one-man tents that dot the area like ant hills, eating MREs (meals ready to eat) and taking “baby wipe” showers to try to stay clean. This is more than your family camping trip. “This is our marquee certification event,” said Cmdr. Miguel Dieguez, commanding officer of NMCB 133. “We come out of this event certified for major combat operations around the world, and we become the alert battalion on the East Coast in the event of a contingency or humanitarian crisis.” As we trudged through the Mississippi mud after him, Dieguez explained each company’s mission, from defensive combat operations to the construction of a forward operating base and work convoy operations. The FTX reflects everything Seabees will need to do in a real-life situation. In the weeks leading up to FTX, NMCB 133 spent hours conducting rehearsals and formal classes.“But nothing replicates the operational stress and resiliency that people maintain to do this,” said Dieguez. “For those Seabees that have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan or have done this for six months, you really gotta ask, ‘How do you generate that readiness and get people to do that?’ This is the closest we can come to it.” All around the camp, Seabees are busy with their tasks; from a bird’s eye view, it would look like a well-choreographed dance as vehicles are maneuvered with precision and wooden planks are cut to size in a cloud of sawdust. In one section, Seabees haul lumber to construct a timber tower that will serve as a lookout station, while in another, large heavy duty vehicle idles, ready for an upcoming mission. Every so often through the thick smell of diesel fuel, exhaust, mud and sweat, you can catch the faint aroma of hamburgers and hotdogs on a grill. Tonight will be 133’s first hot meal that hasn’t come out of a heavyduty olive green plastic bag.

A backhoe roars and digs deep into the moist red earth, and a cloud of black exhaust plumes in the blue sky above. Then, suddenly, with no warning, gun fire pierces the air and muzzle flashes light up the tree line bordering the camp. Dozens of Seabees exit vehicles, exchanging their tools for rifles. A group of Seabees hunker in a freshly dug pit, scanning the horizon, ready to retaliate with an M240 machine gun. More gunfire erupts in another sector and the roar of “Ma Deuce,” a Humvee-mounted .50 cal machine gun, responds in kind and fights back. Today, the bullets are blanks and the “enemy” soldiers firing on them are actors – made up of Sailors from other commands and even veterans – but when these Seabees deploy, the enemy and threat will be very real. Seabees have a saying: “We do the difficult immediately. The impossible takes a little longer.” Every Seabee will tell you that no matter the task given, it will get done. That is the Seabee “Can Do” spirit. “I get to see the fruits of my labor every day,” said Chief Builder Brian Cornwall. “Maybe sitting behind a desk you don’t get to see it, but for a Seabee you get to see something go from the ground to a huge base camp like this in a matter of days – or hours sometimes.” Seabee ratings include builders (BU), construction electricians (CE), construction mechanics (CM), engineering aides (EA), equipment operators (EO), steelworkers (SW) and utilitiesmen (UT). Ask Seabees about their jobs and you can see the glimmer of pride in their eyes for what they do – whether its building barracks for Marines in Afghanistan to building a school in some distant land, Seabees are full of honor. “We pride ourselves in being the best at civil engineering when it comes to the military,” said Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Ledestich. “Everyone [military] calls the Seabees when they want something done. They need a SWA [Southwest Asia] hut, an air strip, anything – we do it – every single war, ever since World War II.” When FTX wrapped up, NMCB 133 was certified and fit to fight, set to deploy at a moment’s notice anywhere around the globe.

NMCB 4 Completes 48-Hour Mount Out Exercise By Lt. j.g. Seth Wartak

Port Hueneme, Calif. --

U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 completed a 48-hour Mount-Out Exercise (MOX), in Port Hueneme, Calif., Apr. 17-21.

Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 load pallets of equipment onto a trailer during a 48-hour Mount-Out Exercise (MOX) in Port Hueneme, Calif.. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rosalie Chang/ Released)

This exercise simulates one of thecore capabilities of a construction battalion to deploy an 89-person Air Detachment (Air Det.), along with construction equipment, within 48-hours to any location around the globe in support of Major Combat Operations and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. “The main focus of the exercise is to demonstrate the battalion’s ability to properly prepare, document, load plan and stage Civil Engineering Support Equipment (CESE) and palletized gear for a joint inspection within a 48-hour timeline,” said NMCB 4 Embark Officer, Lt. j. g. William Hennings. “Embarkation is important because it demonstrates the core logistics capability of the battalion and it is a key graded evolution in the basic phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Training Plan (OFRTP).” The embark team conducted a series of evolutions, from weighing and balancing, shoring, palletizing materials, collecting data for each piece of equipment and prioritizing the order of shipment in a staging area. Specialty-trained load planners input the information into a computer program called Transportation Coordinators’ Automated Information for Movements System (TCAIMS) to determine how the Air Det. equipment will fit onto a military aircraft. If the load is not properly planned, it could endanger the flight. “We have to pay attention to every little detail; one mistake in weighing, marking or loading will ultimately affect the success of the mission,” said Air Det. Load Planner, Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Justin Bennett. “Our job is to ensure we get the correct weights and measurements and load the equipment and cargo onto the plane so it is

stabilized and balanced. If something is incorrect, it can throw off the aircraft’s balance and potentially cause a disaster.” According to Utilitiesman Constructionman Austin Wells, the evolution offers a great training opportunity by having experienced and inexperience personnel working together. “It gives us the chance to gain more knowledge and skills we need to get the Air det. deployed,” said Wells. “We also have the opportunity to train and qualify on equipment we may not use often and that is outside our rate, helping us become more well-rounded Seabees.” At the final stage of the exercise, Naval Construction Group (NCG) 1 conducted a joint inspection to determine the accuracy of the equipment and cargo to be placed on the aircraft. After finalizing the inspection, NMCB 4 concluded the evolution. “The exercise was very successful. The main body and Air Det. Seabees executed the mission efficiently and effectively,” said Hennings. “They maintained 100 percent accountability of the table of allowance (TOA) and personnel, had zero safety mishaps and met the required timeline. Everyone worked hard as a team and constantly communicated ensuring an effective MOX.” NMCB 4 provides general engineering, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and civil support to Navy, Marine Corps and Joint operational forces through planned deployments and contingency response.

NMCB 133 Seabees Conduct ADR Exercise on 6,000 foot Air Force Training Airfield

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

GULFPORT, Miss. -- Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 deployed 104 personnel from Gulfport, Mississippi to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida to participate in a multi-day Air Field Damage Repair Exercise (ADREX), April 25-27, using a 6,000-foot training airfield to evaluate and test new repair methods. Cmdr. Eileen D’Andrea, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command worked closely with NMCB 133 and Naval Construction Group Two to coordinate the training opportunity emphasizing the importance of testing new repair methods. A Seabee, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, uses a bulldozer to push dirt into a crater after a simulated attack during an Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) drill during NMCB 5’s Field Training Exercise (FTX).

“The training was invaluable to provide proof of concepts, and to refine the Naval Construction Force’s ADR capabilities to adopt emerging requirements,” said D’Andrea. “We cannot thank our Air Force partners enough for allowing us the opportunity to borrow their airfield, and the help they provided when we were trying out their repair methods.” In addition to learning new methods of ADR techniques, an EOD team from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 participated in the training. “By far this was the best rehearsal of our ADR capabilities that I have seen,” said D’Andrea. Since its inception during the early days of World War II, Airfield Damage Repair has been one of the Seabees’ core competencies. During the Vietnam War, the ability to keep runways operational to launch and recover aircraft was tested like never before. In the early 1990s, during the Gulf War’s Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and after 9/11 during Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the United States and its allies enjoyed nearly complete air superiority. Hence, the need for these ADR skills was not tested as it had been in previous conflicts. Fast forward to the present day as the United States faces potential threats around the globe where Seabees may be called upon once again to provide ADR services for our nation’s and allies’ expeditionary forces there has been a renewed focus on their ADR capabilities. Lt. j.g. Hector Arellano, ADR officer-in-charge for the exercise discussed how the realistic training environment at Tyndall Air Force Base enhanced readiness for the ADR crew teams. “The Airfield Damage Repair Exercise was a great opportunity for our battalion to send its full ADR organization to exercise on Tyndall Air Force Base’s training airfield,” said Arellano, who added it “gave us a very realistic training environment.”

Collecting and understanding new airfield repair methods that will help to refine the Naval Construction Force’s ADR capabilities is an important step for future training exercises. Construction Electrician 2nd Class Jesse Culberson, who served as the Emergency Airfield Lighting System and Mobile Airfield Arresting System Crew Leader discussed how the training benefited his battalion. “This training is valuable for the Seabees to perform and expand our ADR capabilities,” said Culberson, who received training from Tyndall Air Force Base training staff on how to operate the various systems. Builder Constructionman Aaron Manning, who served on the Spall Repair Team, echoed Culberson’s comments on the value of the training. “We learned that the efficient use of time was important in the spall process. Specific measuring procedures were also very important during repairs as well,” said Manning. “This training was valuable given the current events going on around the world, and the potential for real life ADR scenarios.” For Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Jennifer Poulin, who served on the MOS Selection Team, she reflected on the training coordinated with EOD and other joint services, which in her opinion, was imperative to the success of the training. “We learned that quick ADR is becoming a bigger deal, that working with joint forces is imperative to our success, and that realistic training has a big impact,” said Poulin. “The training was valuable in that we got to work with EOD and other joint services. This allowed us to see how we can work together for future operations.” Taking a new concept and turning it into a real-life scenario might have been challenging, but with the proper tools, capability, and mindset, the training was valuable, according to Equipment Operator 1st Class Brandon Martin, who served as the Support Crew Leader. Equipment Operator Constructionman, Alisha Hanes, who served on the crater crew discussed the three “Ps” that were important to the success of the mission: “Practice, patience, and perseverance.”

CRG 1, CNAP Triumphs at the NAB Coronado’s SAPR Sandcastle Competition From Coastal Riverine Group One Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO -- Sailors assigned

to Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 1 and Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific teamed up to compete and earned the trophy at the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Sandcastle competition at Naval Base Coronado, April 12.

Sailors assigned to Coastal Riverine Group ONE (CRG 1) and Commander, Naval Air Forces, Pacific (CNAP) team up to build a sandcastle during the second annual SAPR Sandcastle competition at Naval Base Coronado in observance of the 13th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Boatswain’s Mate Nelson Doromal/Released)

The second annual SAPR Sandcastle competition onboard Naval Air Station North Island at Breakers Beach was in observance of the 13th Annual Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM). Fleet Family Support Center of San Diego and MWR hosted the competition as part of a series of events to create awareness within the fleet throughout the month of April. SAAPM is observed in April by both civilian and military communities, while sexual assault awareness and prevention is a year-round effort. SAAPM is a focused time when military and civilian organizations engage their respective communities to identify and strengthen the roles that individuals and institutions play in combatting sexual assault. The theme for 2017 SAAPM, established by the Department of Defense is “Protecting Our People Protects Our Mission.” “Each of us has a role to play in preventing, reporting and eliminating sexual assault,” said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Dominique Brenner a SAPR victim advocate at CRG 1. “The sandcastle competition was a simple way for our command to come together in order to stand united against sexual assault and harassment.” According to Brenner, the winning sandcastle was in the shape of a ribbon at the top to represent the universal teal ribbon design, with wire -- using seaweed and sticks -- encircling the

top to show the SAPR program holding a Sailor together and surrounded by a building to illustrate that commands stand tall together throughout the fleet. “I experienced comradery as we worked as a Team, even joining with a different command to build a representation of what SAPR felt and meant to us, and to let others know that they are never alone,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Mandie Burch. In addition to the sandcastle competition, CRG 1 will participate in the NASNI SAPR 5K on April 28. “Our men and women serving throughout the world deserve to live and work in an environment that provides for their safety, dignity and well-being,” said Capt. David Miller, commodore of CRG One. Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, high value asset protection, offensive combat operations and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways.

U.S. 6th Fleet exercises expeditionary ordnance loading capability in Rota From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs in coordination with Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain

-- U.S. 6th Fleet, in coordination with USS Ross (DDG 71), Navy Munitions Command Rota, Spain, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group and the U.S. Air Force 496th Air Base Wing, conducted an ordnance loading exercise at Naval Station Rota, Spain March 24.

Sailors assigned to USS Ross (DDG 71) and Naval Munitions Command, Detachment Rota maneuver a simulated standard missile with a forklift during an ordnance loading exercise, March 24, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brannon Deugan/Released)

The expeditionary ordnance loading exercise demonstrated the U.S. Navy’s capability to load ordnance onto naval vessels in nontraditional locations, and was the second in a series of events planned for the next year in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. This exercise showcased enhanced capabilities to strengthen naval power at and from the sea to contribute to a more stable, secure and prosperous European region. This second event built upon the first event, which took place in January, by expanding the scope to test more of the pre-loading logistical requirements. An inert shape was flown to Moron Air Base where it was then convoyed down to Rota. The addition of new units and multiple locations required a higher level of coordination. It also demonstrated the capability to airlift ordnance to a remote locations, transport it to its ultimate station, and load the ordnance onto a ship, all while providing security throughout the operation. Subsequent loading events will continue to increase in complexity to build capacity for U.S. Navy forces to conduct ordnance loading across a wide range of the U.S. Navy’s platforms in locations across the European theater. Leadership quote: “This second expeditionary ordnance loading event built upon existing relationships and expanded to include new ones, increasing our interoperability. This evolving capability compliments and supplements existing ordnance load capabilities and focuses on closing known operational gaps, with

each event testing new skills and sustaining existing capabilities. This will allow us to respond more rapidly in any crisis and provide greater flexibility to sustain combat operations, allowing our units to be more effective, efficient, and lethal.” - Commander, Task Force 68, Capt. Leonard Lyon Quick Facts: -Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68 commands all Naval Expeditionary Forces in U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) areas of responsibility in direct support of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet (CNE-CNA/C6F) Maritime and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) Strategies and Maritime Support Plans. -NAVSTA Rota supports Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. 6th Fleet and COCOM strategic priorities by providing airfield and port facilities, security, force protection, logistical support, administrative support and emergency services to all U.S. and NATO forces. -U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the 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. For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www. facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.

Navy Celebrates 2017 Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON -- The Navy joins the nation in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month throughout May.

Radford High School students perform a dance for Sailors and guest at the Pearl Harbor Chapel on Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam during the Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rebecca Wolfbrandt/Released)

This year, Navy commands are encouraged to celebrate and reflect on the theme “Unite Our Voices by Speaking Together.” “It is an honor and a privilege to serve with such a diverse group of officers and enlisted personnel who make up our Navy,” said Rear Adm. Bette Bolivar, a Hawaiianborn Filipino and the 40th commander of Navy Region Southeast in Jacksonville, Florida. “I’m blessed at the opportunities the Navy has given me, and I’m thankful to celebrate this month with my fellow Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.” There are 24,743 Asian American and Pacific Islander Sailors currently serving as part of One Navy Team, including eight admirals, 659 master chief and senior chief petty officers and 318 officers. These Sailors represent more than 56 ethnic groups, speaking over 100 languages from Asia and the Pacific Islands, living in the United States. Asian American and Pacific Islanders represent 11.7 percent of the Navy civilian workforce and 3.2 percent of Senior Executive Service members. “Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have a proud history,” Bolivar said. “It’s a history of service. We’re dedicated not only to our heritage, but also to our Navy; to be a shining example of the core values that guide us: honor, courage and commitment.” Asian American and Pacific Islanders of various nationalities and ancestry have been serving in the Navy since the early

19th century. The rich history of these cultures, their struggles against adversity to achieve equality, significant contributions to the American experience and the opportunity to build the foundation for a bright future are made reality by some great leaders who share the same heritage. For more information about the history of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and their numerous contributions to the Navy, visit www.history.navy.mil/browse-by-topic/ diversity/asian-americans-pacific-islanders-in-the-navy. html

CNR Visit CRS 1 Reserve Sailors

From Coastal Riverine Group One Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO -- Vice Adm. Luke

McCollum, commander of the Navy Reserve Force visited Coastal Riverine Squadron One (CRS 1) during their Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) in San Diego, April 28, in preparation for their upcoming deployment.

Vice Adm. Luke McCollum, commander of the Navy Reserve Force visited Coastal Riverine Squadron One (CRS 1) during their Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) in San Diego.

“This is a special visit, not just because it is the last day of our FEP, but also because Vice Adm. McCollum was a previous commanding officer for CRS 1,” said Senior Chief Electronics Technician Barry Klein, senior enlisted leader for CRS 1 Wave 8. McCollum commanded Maritime Expeditionary Squadron (MSRON) 1, now known as CRS 1 from 2008 to 2009. According to Klein, CRS 1 Wave 8 is completing their 13 weeks of pre-deployment training; the training is conducted in three phases. Phase one of training is the basic phase and focused on the individual and the second phase is unit level training where the Sailors come together as a team. The third phase is the Unit Level Training Readiness Assessment / Final Evaluation Period, which certifies the unit for deployment. “CRS 1 is manned with highly motivated Sailors that are attracted to the demands and opportunities that this unit provides,” said Klein. “CRS 1 is a unique reserve unit, our training goes well beyond drill weekends and we have a high operational tempo.” Mineman 2nd Class Devin Deckert, from Canyon Lake, California, recently qualified as a Ttctical craft patrol leader and is looking forward to the deployment. “I am looking forward to deploying with my boat crew. Over the past two years we have grown together and learned together,” said Deckert. As patrol leader, Deckert has tactical control of all the patrol boats during Coastal Riverine Operations; his mission is Seaward Security of High Value Assets. “Being a patrol leader presents a lot of unique challenges as an E-5,” said Deckert, who added that overall working with his boat crews has been rewarding for him. “I have a leadership position on the boats that puts me in charge of those higher in rank than me, the success of the mission is my overall responsibility.” Also preparing for his first deployment is Master-at-Arms 3rd

Class Van Ingle, who is from San Marcos, California. Ingle is a convoy vehicle commander and driver. “Our entire convoy group is motivated; we are a small team that works long hours, but it is rewarding because we are able to accomplish a lot,” said Ingle. Both Deckert and Ingle were identified by CRS 1 Training and Evaluation Unit as outstanding and impressive Sailors during the FEP. “Deckert and Ingle are remarkable Sailors,” said Klein. “But they are only a snapshot of all of the highly motivated and determined Sailors that make up Wave 8.” Capt. Joaquin Martinez de Pinillos, commanding officer of CRS 1 expressed his pride for his Sailors in accomplishing their FEP. “I am so proud of these Sailors. They have come a long way in a very short period of time,” said Martinez de Pinillos. “These Sailors are fully trained and ready to go into harm’s way and execute whatever mission the nation requires.” On the final day of FEP and during McCollum’s visit, he held an all hands call with CRS 1 Wave 8 Sailors to discuss their dedication and commitment to the mission. McCollum began his address to the Sailors of CRS 1 by pointing out that standing in their command spaces was a special location for him, because it was where he put on his first star as an admiral. McCollum went on to talk about CRS 1’s upcoming the deployment and took questions from the Sailors. He concluded by saying, “I hope you believe and know how important the Coastal Riverine mission is to the Navy. A lot of people are thinking about you and are supporting you; you are so appreciated, it makes it way to the Pentagon the great work that you are doing.” Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, command and control of coastal riverine forces, high value asset protection, and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways.

Honor the fallen

EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE DISPOSAL COMMUNITY HONORS FALLEN COMRADES By Samuel King

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Dressed in the bright whites, deep blues and dense blacks of their service uniforms, airmen, Marines, sailors and soldiers came together May 6 to honor and remember their fallen explosive ordnance disposal brethren during the annual memorial ceremony at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex.

each list is completed with the phrase We remember, the names are saluted by an enlisted and officer EOD member.

About 500 people ventured to the EOD Memorial Wall this year, as six new names were added to the engraved lists that now contains 326 people. The 2017 event marked the ceremony’s 48th year.

Army Master Sgt. Biddle Izard Jr., Air Force Tech. Sgt. James Eberle, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton, Navy Chief Petty Officer Jason Finan, Navy Ensign Charles Grice Sr., and Navy Seaman Robert Burr.

The schoolhouses commander, Navy Capt. Charles Andrews, welcomed the EOD technicians, family and community to the ceremony and explained why they are drawn back to the memorial each year.

The ceremony concluded with an honor guard rifle volley and the playing of “Taps.” Afterward, families and EOD technicians both past and present moved to the wall for pictures, to touch the engraved brass name, or just to remember a fallen hero.

A Cause Greater Than Themselves The nation will always need individuals willing to fight for a cause greater than themselves, he said. Today we pay tribute to 326 EOD technicians who gave the ultimate sacrifice and we pay respect to their families. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John M. Richardson, the ceremony’s guest speaker, shared heartfelt sentiments to the families of fallen technicians in attendance. He recounted the heartbreaking stories behind each of the names added this year. He related the words of the EOD technicians ethos to each of the fallen service members to be memorialized and how they lived and died fulfilling that oath. No force has continually displayed the qualities of its ethos, courage, bravery, sacrifice, love of humanity and humility more than the men and women of the EOD community, he said. The names memorialized here welcome home of their brothers. They are the guardians of our sacred freedom.

‘We Remember’ Each year, a wreath is placed in front of each branch of service’s list of names before they are read aloud. After

The families of the EOD technicians added to the wall each year receive a folded flag that was flown over the memorial. The names added this year were:

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