Expeditionary Express September by Navy Expeditionary Combat Command/NECC Pacific

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EOD Petty Officer Awarded Silver Star Medal Q&A: Recovery Care Management Congratulations to our newest Chief Petty Officers

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NAVELSG One Holds Change 12 of Command Ceremony

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Welcome our newest cHIEFS

Expeditionary E xpr e s s

Chief Pinnings Congratulations to our newest Chief Petty Officers (read more on page 6)

NECC Overview 4

NAVELSG Conducts Command Ceremony --

Change

Rear Adm. Brian J. Brakke, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific, was the presiding officer for the ceremony and he spoke on the history and tradition of the ceremony. (read more on page 12)

CRG 2 and EODGRU 2 Host Armed EOD Petty Officer Awarded Silver Star Medal Services Blood Drive -- Coastal Riverine Group -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Jeffrey Thomas was 2 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 hosted an awarded the Silver Star Medal during an awards ceremony, Sept. 20, at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three on board Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California. (read more on page 3)

Armed Services Blood Program blood drive at the CRG 2 headquarters on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Aug. 29. (read more on page 13)

Q&A

NECC Presents Leadership Awards to EODMU 3 -- Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Recovery Care Management -Unit Three held an award ceremony aboard Naval Base Coronado, Sept. 20. (read more on page 4)

NMCB 1 Seabees Paint Honduran Schoolhouse-- The exterior of the school was

chipped and scratched before Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 arrived on site to paint it Aug. 28. (read more on page 8)

Los Angeles Fleet Week 2017 Concludes

-- The second annual Los Angeles Fleet Week came to a close as Coastal Riverine Group 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1, departed from the Port of Los Angeles, Sept. 5. (read more on page 9)

Seabees Go to Sea

-- Usually responsible for maintenance around Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville 12 and public works, CBMU 202 Sailors were a little out of their element when they embarked the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to provide relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma as part of a disaster relief team (DRT), Sept. 8. (read more on page 10)

Meet the NECC team whose focus is to support all wounded, ill and injured warriors and their families throughout the recovery process . (read more on page 5)

Navy News You Can Use Navy Issues Physical Readiness NAVADMIN Correction --The Navy

announced Tuesday a correction to NAVADMIN 141/17, Physical Readiness Program Policy Changes, clarifying the exemption for post-partum Sailors. (read more on page 15)

NAVSUP Announces 2017 Holiday Season Mailing Deadlines -- Naval Supply Systems

Command, in cooperation with the U.S Postal Service, Military Postal Service Agency, and Joint Military Postal Activity, released mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 deliveries of holiday cards, letters, and packages. (read more on page 15)

/NavyExpeditionaryCombatCommand

@COMNECC 2

NECC Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Cate Cook Comm: (757) 462-4316 ext. 252 Email: cate.cook@navy.mil

NECC Public Affairs Staff MCC Edward Kessler MC2 Travis DiPerna

EOD Petty Officer Awarded Silver Star Medal

By Lt. Patricia Kreuzberger, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1 Public Affairs

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) --

Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Jeffrey Thomas was awarded the Silver Star Medal during an awards ceremony, Sept. 20, at Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three (EODMU 3) on board Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California.

The Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Bill Moran, recognized Thomas for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy, in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Jeffrey Thomas stands at attention alongside Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran after being awarded the Silver Star Medal during an awards ceremony for Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado. Photo by MC3 Christopher A. Veloicaza

“Today we recognize the heroic actions of individuals and the legacy of their teammates. This recognition is well deserved, and it’s an acknowledgment of bravery, training, and dedication to team and country,” said Moran. On Oct. 20 and 21, 2016, while conducting combined clearance operations, Thomas’ element became engaged in a 10-hour firefight with forces of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Throughout the battle, he continuously maneuvered through heavy small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar fire in order to engage the enemy and clear paths for his teammates. After the lead vehicle in the convoy struck an improvised explosive device, mortally wounding a teammate, Thomas exited his vehicle and swept the vicinity for additional explosive devices in spite of enemy mortar and small arms fire impacting near him. This enabled medics to maneuver to the damaged vehicle and provide critical combat care to the casualty. Thomas then guided the remaining vehicles out of the minefield, ensuring all forces safely reached the medial evacuation zone.

Disposal Senior Chief Jon Hamm. Dahl was awarded the Bronze Star for his heroic achievement during combat operations as vehicle commander and primary explosives ordnance disposal technician, when he safely guided the tactical advance of his combined convoy under constant direct and indirect enemy. Hamm was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his heroic achievement when Islamic State fighters engaged Hamm’s element with effective automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenade fire, he maneuvered without hesitation under fire in order to clear a safe route allowing his team to suppress the enemy. U.S. Navy EOD enables special operations and conventional forces access to denied areas. Navy EOD technicians and Navy divers are instrumental in clearing the way for further combat operations. They render safe various types of ordnance, including conventional, improvised, chemical, biological and nuclear. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook. com/usnavy or www.twitter.com/usnavy. For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod1/.

“No one that was present on the 20th of October knew better than Jeff the dangers he was facing,” said Cmdr. Geoff Townsend, commanding officer, EODMU 3. “After the EOD supervisor, a friend and mentor, was mortally wounded Jeff knowingly exposed himself to hazards in order to protect the lives of his teammates and brothers in arms, and secure a MEDEVAC for his wounded teammate. His actions that day saved the lives of his teammates and exceeded all measures of selflessness and devotion to his country.” The ceremony also included the presentation of the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Lt. Morgan Dahl and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device) to Explosive Ordnance

NECC Presents Leadership Awards to EODMU 3 By Lt. Patricia Kreuzberger, EOD Group One Public Affairs Officer

SAN DIEGO – Explosive Ordnance

Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit Three held an award ceremony aboard Naval Base Coronado, Sept. 20. During the award ceremony Rear Adm. Brian Brakke, commander of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Adm. Brian Brakke, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific, presents Lt. Wayne Pacific presented Lt. Wayne Mcelmoyl Rear Mcelmoyl with the Cmdr. Kevin Childre Excellence award, Sept 20.(U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Patricia Kreuzberger) with the Cmdr. Kevin Childre Excellence Award, Lt. Morgan Dahl the Rear Adm. Draper “A leader is judged on the success of the men or women L. Kauffman Leadership Award, and Explosive Ordnance they lead,” said Dahl. “Senior Chief Hamm and I owe this Disposal Senior Chief Jonathan Hamm the Force Master award to the men of our Platoon and the leadership of Chief Anthony Santino Leadership Award. EODMU Three. A leader cannot operate in a vacuum. We were empowered by the Officers and Chiefs above us and When describing the symbolism behind the design of the humbled by the men we had the privilege of working with.” award, a historic wooden blasting machine, Brakke said, Cmdr. Geoff Townsend, commanding officer Explosive “These leaders are the spark that ignites our team and our Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three, expressed his pride force.” in the accomplishments of the award recipients. The Kevin P. Childre Excellence Award is presented “I am incredibly honored to have led these three annually to one EOD Officer or EOD Technician dedicated extraordinary Sailors,” said Townsend. “Being fortunate to mentoring, developing, and training EOD leaders. The Rear Adm. Draper L. Kauffman Leadership Award enough to have all three of these extraordinary leaders serve in Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three is presented annually to one EOD Officer serving in a Platoon/Company Commander position. The Force Master at the same time has made the command a better place for everyone stationed here. These are three individuals who Chief Anthony L. Santino Leadership Award is presented to one EOD Chief or Senior Chief Petty Officer serving in an will definitely leave a legacy within the EOD force just as those whom the awards are named for did.” operational or training Leading Chief Petty Officer billet. All the awards recognize personnel who epitomize the Navy EOD ethos through their personal example of excellence in leadership.

U.S. Navy EOD is the world’s premier combat force for countering explosive hazards and conducting expeditionary diving and salvage.

Recovery Care Man agement Q: What is the Recovery Care Management (RCM) Program? A: As NECC’s Wounded Warrior Program, our focus is to support all wounded, ill and injured warriors and their families throughout their recovery process . Our staff is here to provide advocacy and support services that will greatly impact recovery, rehabilitation, reintegration or the transition needs of an injured or ill NECC service member. Q: Can you describe some of the services and assistance you provide? A: We provide various services depending on the severity of an individual’s illness or injury and the stage they are in. For example, a severely injured service member at a major trauma hospital who is unable to communicate with family or his/her command would benefit from our service. In this particular case we would fly to their location and immediately assess their medical and non-medical needs. In the rehabilitation/reintegration phase a service member is now out of the hospital and attending outpatient appointments. We assist them by monitoring their progress, coordinating regular care team meetings and acting as their advocate. We also offer non-traditional rehabilitation support resources to improve their chances of returning to duty and implement a comprehensive recovery plan. Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about your services? A: The RCM program is here to assist all Active Duty and Reserve members injured on active regardless if their injury was combat related or not. We also assist service members during severe illnesses such as cancer, MS and other medical conditions that may impact their careers and health. Finally, people might be surprised to know that we also offer support to service members transitioning out of the Navy. We provide information regarding veterans benefits that directly apply to each individual case.

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support. Q: Can you share a story of assistance you provided that impacted your team personally? A: One case in particular involved a service member who sustained a catastrophic training accident that left him with multiple serious and life threatening injuries. This impacted us because of his intensity and perseverance to fight through his injuries. This was an individual that frankly, should not have survived his injuries but did. This service member’s rehabilitation took over two years and it was truly amazing to see his progress throughout. Q:How do people get in touch with your team? A: NECC’s Warrior Care Program (Recovery Care Management) may be contacted via the below numbers and emails. There are three ways to refer wounded, ill and injured service members to our program. 1. Direct command referral the moment a severe injury or illness occurs 2. Service member may contact us directly 3. RCM program staff receive initial injury/illness notification via SITREP or through word of mouth West Coast Program Administrator: David Oakey: (619) 522-7782 David.Oakey.ctr@navy.mil East Coast Program Administrator: James E. Burton: (757) 462-4316 ext 115 james.e.burton1.ctr@navy.mil For more information go to neccwarrior.blogspot.com

Q: Do families benefit from your services? A: Yes, families do benefit from our services. During a service members injury or illness often the families need assistance with understanding what their loved one is going through or they may need support such as transportation assistance, housing, travel and in some cases grant

(from left to right) James Burton, east coast program administrator, Jose Nicola, recovery care cooridinator, Richard Rodriguez, recovery care coordinator

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On Sept. 15th, we were honored to participate in the pinning of some of our Force’s newest Chief Petty Officers. These command members, along with other newly pinned Chief Petty Officers throughout the Force, took part in a tradition that dates back to 1893 where the Chief ’s community trains, tests and accepts new chiefs into their ranks as the senior enlisted Sailors who make our Navy run on a daily basis.

Advancing to Chief is one of the highest regarded moments in a Sailor’s career. Chiefs are widely respected by Sailors and Officers as technical experts and deckplate leaders across the Navy Force. As your Commander and Force Master Chief, we would like to share just a few important lessons we learned from Chiefs early in our careers. • Take Care of Your Sailors - Our job as leaders is to ensure every Sailor knows that we want them to succeed, and that we value them, their service, and dedication. Make every effort to prepare your Sailors for success from Day One, and to continuously create the right conditions for that success. Mentor and encourage your Sailors to seek mentorship, either formally or informally, in order to develop professionally and personally. Recognize your Sailors and do so publicly. Challenge your Sailors to be better every day. • Maintain your equipment - Maintaining your equipment is critical to mission success. Utilize established practices to ensure the performance, safety, and reliability of your equipment so that it’s ready for training and for the fight. • Know your “admin” - In order for the Navy to run properly, successfully, and to accomplish every aspect of a mission, it needs to work. Chiefs and Division Officers should employ administrative processes to monitor, manage, assess, and improve each element of their command. • Take care of yourself - Assess the risks associated with the decisions you make as a leader. You can make a difference in your own life, as well as in the lives of your Sailors and their families. Control what you can, and find ways to lessen the impact of a stressful activity or event. The execution of each of these vital tenants will equate to a successful mission and a successful Navy. Congratulations Chiefs! Signed, Rear Adm. Brian J. Brakke and FORCM James Herdel

NMCB 1 Seabees Paint Honduran Schoolhouse By Petty Officer 3rd Class Kristen Cheyenne Yarber

TOCOA, Honduras – Nestled

between a small community and towering green hills in Tocoa, Honduras, sits a school, surrounded by four concrete walls. The only entrance is a rusty gate on one of the wall’s corners. Inside, children in school uniforms run to and from classes, laughing and kicking soccer balls under palm trees.

Builder Constructionman Dever Kelly, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, paints a wall at Paulo Freire School, during a Southern Partnership Station 17 community relations project on August 28. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristen Cheyenne Yarber

The exterior of the school was chipped and scratched, before Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1 (NMCB 1) arrived on site to paint it, Aug. 28.

“I really enjoy coming out and helping people,” said Builder Constructionman Dever Kelly, assigned to NMCB 1. “I don’t want to sit on camp all day; I would rather go out and do something that matters.” Kelly participated in eight of the nine Southern Partnership Station 17 (SPS 17) community relation projects (COMRELs) in Honduras. However, the schoolhouse for this particular event was bigger than the ones before, requiring the skill and expertise of Seabees. “The Seabees wanted to have a project that they could own,” said Lt. Cmdr. Lee Rutledge, a chaplain assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Squadron Fourteen. “This was actually the biggest painting project.” Paulo Freire School consists of two buildings, each measuring approximately 150 feet long. These buildings would take two workdays to complete. On the first day, the team painted the initial blue coat on the front of the school and primed the trim. The second day, they completed the back of the schoolhouse and painted the trim white.

Students from the school often came to check on the Sailors’ progress, curiously surveying and conversing in Spanish.

“Working with the people is fun,” said Kelly. “You get to learn stuff about different people and different cultures.” While this event required only painting, it is not the only service the Seabees contributed during COMRELs. They also performed plumbing, construction, and electrical work for local schools. “Just something as simple as running water can make a world of difference to these people,” said Kelly. After painting the schoolhouse, Carlos Aguilar, governor of Coln Department, and school district officials hosted a ceremony commemorating the Sailors for their efforts. Students danced, sang, and performed a puppet show as a way of giving thanks to the Sailors. “It brings me a lot of personal fulfillment to be able to give back and help out,” said Rutledge. So far, nine COMRELs, with 45 volunteers, resulted in over 1000 hours of service to Honduran communities. Members of NMCB 1 and their fellow troops are already looking ahead to more opportunities to help citizens during the next mission stop of SPS 17. For more information, visit www.navy.mil/ local/SPS/ or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ southernpartnershipstation.

Los Angeles Fleet Week 2017 Concludes by Seaman Natalie Byers

LOS

ANGELES – The second annual Los Angeles Fleet Week came to a close as Arleigh Burkeclass guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD 23), Los Angeles-class submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752), Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship USS Scout (MCM 8), Royal Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341), and U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618), along with forces from 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Coastal

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Anchorage (LPD 23) transits the Port of Los Angeles as part of the 2nd annual Los Angeles Fleet Week. LA Fleet Week is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard team and experience America’s sea services. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jesse Monford

Riverine Group 1, Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1, Navy Region Southwest, and U.S. Coast Guard District 11 departed from the Port of Los Angeles, Sept. 5. LA Navy Days was expanded to a full fleet week in 2016. This year, LA Fleet Week ran from Aug. 30 – Sept. 4 and offered the public the opportunity to tour the ships and interact with Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard members. Throughout the week, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard members volunteered at multiple community service projects, including a Habitat for Humanity build, an animal shelter, a children’s hospital, and a children’s golf clinic. Marine Lance Cpl. Anthony Nalford, attached to the 11th MEU, said he was thankful for the opportunity to volunteer at the U.S. Veterans Initiative. “We’re visiting, we’re helping them out, and you can tell they appreciate that, but I appreciate being here just as much as they do. I feel like once you do something like this and you get those smiles and you get that appreciation, it’s something you crave after.” Ship tours were available Sept. 1 to Sept. 4. Over the course of four days, nearly 15,000 visitors toured the ships. “My boys and I think it is so cool to get a tour of not only the Navy’s ships but the Canadian ship here too,” said Mateo Dominguez, a Los Angeles county resident. “Being able to learn a little bit about what goes on while a ship is out to sea and what the Sailors go through during the deployments is mind-blowing. Touring the ships and getting the greater understanding of life on a ship gave

me just that much more respect for the men and women who serve.” In addition to the ship tours and community service opportunities, Fleet Week also included a Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) Senior Leadership Seminar, several engagements with high school and university leaders, as well as a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) expo. The mission of DSCA is to enhance coordination and cooperation between the U.S. military and civilian emergency management authorities, in the event of a catastrophic incident. “At these DCSA seminars we build on the roles and responsibilities, and relationships of all the emergency services and government entities,” said Crystal Chambers, emergency manager, City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department. “We get a better idea of who’s doing what and what all they’re capable of. Knowing the organization that a person will be working with beforehand always seems to make the process go smoother.” STEM is an initiative and educational program designed to impassion students to pursue careers in these disciplines and provide them with opportunities for success STEM fields. U.S. 3rd Fleet leads naval forces in the Eastern Pacific from the West Coast of North America to the international date line and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. For more news about LA Fleet Week, visit https://www.dvidshub. net/feature/losangelesfleetweek.

Seabees Go to Sea From Lt. Kristina Fontenot, EODGRU 2 Public Affairs

sually responsible for maintenance around Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville and public works, CBMU 202 Sailors were a little out of their element when they embarked the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) to provide relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma as part of a disaster relief team (DRT), Sept. 8. “None of us had been on a ship before,” Debolin said. “We took advantage of the opportunity to conduct training and see what fleet rates do at sea. It was really interesting to see a new side of the Navy, especially after 14 years.” Landing Craft Unit 1644, attached to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 2, delivers equipment and supplies to assist with humanitarian

relief efforts following Hurricane Irma’s landfall in Key West, Fla, Sept. 13. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist CBMU 202 was not alone in the first 3rd Class Daniel C. Coxwest) shipboard experience for more than 30 Seabees. Members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Seabee units are adaptive to mission requirements, scalable, agile and Unit (EODESU) 2 and Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) 2 joined able to deliver expeditionary engineering and construction whenever them aboard Iwo Jima. and wherever required. They provide responsive military support for disaster preparation and recovery, including furnishing assistance to Builder 2nd Class Amanda Jarbo, assigned to EODESU 2, enjoyed civilian agencies. experiencing something new. The three units, attached to the CTF 181 MCE, were equipped with an “It was pretty different, but it was awesome learning about the fleet array of medium terrain vehicle replacements (MTVR), light service rates we don’t see every day,” Jarbo said. “It was cool to observe their support vehicles (LSSV), high mobility military vehicles (HMMV), daily routines. The ship is a 24-hour machine, and it was great to see forklifts, bulldozers, dump trucks, chain saws and de-watering pumps. how they work together to get the mission done.” Self-sustaining, they built generator-powered camps to house more than 100 Sailors in the field of NAS Key West for several nights. The Seabees toured the pilothouse, engine rooms and manned the helm during the transit, according to Lt. j.g. Anthony Holl, a civil “I am always in awe of the capability and work ethic they bring to engineering corps officer assigned to ACB 2. the table,” said Chief Information Systems Technician, assigned to EODESU 2. “I have always known how hard-working they are, but Iwo Jima steamed south between Hurricanes Irma and Jose, I was truly captivated by their can-do attitude and ability to work experiencing heavy seas along the journey and eventually arriving efficiently when so many people were relying on them.” off the coast of the Florida Keys with the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Once camps were established, the Seabees channeled their storied 75Jacinto (CG 56). year history and set out to work, clearing miles of roads and runways, removing more than 35 tons of debris and repairing vehicles and In first of its kind tasking for an explosive ordnance disposal group generators on NAS Key West and throughout Monroe County. (EODGRU) commander, Capt. Josh Jackson, the EODGRU 2 commander, served as the maritime command element (MCE) and “It’s a great gift to be able to work with Seabees,” Holl said. “We come lead Sailors ashore, joined by Marines assigned to the 26th Marine from a rich heritage and are instilled with the idea that we can do Expeditionary Unit. The Sailors and Marines arrived at NAS Key West things that are incredibly difficult, and sometimes things that seem by way of Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters, Marine CH-53E Super impossible, in any environment. Knowing that Seabees in WWII, Stallion helicopters and landing craft utilities from Amphibious Craft Korea and Vietnam did things like that is motivating. We stand on the Unit (ACU) 2. shoulders of the people that have come before us. We always hope to live up to the proud memory of past Seabees.” After being tasked to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency in the aftermath of Irma, the forces officially became Combined For 75 years, Seabees have been protecting the nation and serving with Task Force (CTF) 181. pride and outstanding dedication. The men and women of the Seabees have been engaged globally in every theater, constructing bases, Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc after making landfall in the Florida building airfields, roads, bridges and other support facilities. Keys, Sept. 10, ripping trees from the ground with root systems intact, cutting power to the islands and scattering debris.

HURRICANE R E L I EF

Sailors assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2 operate forklifts, Sept. 7, onboard Naval Station Norfolk. The preparations ensure EODESU 2 is ready to respond to any requests to bolster Northern Command’s support of FEMA’s assistance to federal, state and local authorities’ ongoing relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Photo by MC2 Travis DiPerna

CE3 Dudley Arnold assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 removes debris from a roadway during route clearing operations. U.S. military assets are supporting FEMA as well as state and local authorities in rescue and relief efforts. Photo by MC2 Liam Kennedy

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Levi Blank, left, and Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Harold Gonzalez, both assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2, drive a truck loaded with equipment, Sept. 7, onboard Naval Station Norfolk. Photo by MC2 Travis DiPerna

Seabees assigned to Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 perform route clearance on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Hurricane Irma sustained 185mph winds for 37 hours, the longest any cyclone on the globe has maintained that intensity. Photo by MC2 Liam Kennedy

Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Matthew Aguilar, from Reading, Calif., assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, passes out food to a resident at a Federal Emergency Management Agency distribution center. The Department of Defense is supporting FEMA, the lead federal agency, in helping those affected by Hurricane Irma to minimize suffering and is one component of the overall whole-of-government response effort. photo by MC2 Kristopher Ruiz

Command Master Chief Jeff Barnes, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, addresses members of his command who are providing relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma at Truman Annex. Photo by Lt. Kristi Fontenot

NAVELSG Conducts Change of Command Ceremony By Chief Mass Communication Specialist William Parker

ILLIAMSBURG, Va. (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Brian J. Brakke, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) and NECC Pacific, was the presiding officer for the ceremony and he spoke on the history and tradition of the ceremony. “Today’s ceremony is part of our Navy tradition and heritage. This is where the authority, the responsibility, and the Rear Adm. Alan J. Reyes, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Supply Group prospective commander, reads his orders during a Change of Command ceremony on Naval Weapons Station Cheatham Annex, Sept 22. (U.S. Navy Photo accountability will formally by Chief Mass Communication Specialist William S. Parker/Released). transfer from Rear Admiral Keith Jones to Rear Admiral Alan Reyes,” said Brakke. “This ceremony Jones. “You have done that at the highest levels. Our efforts in also gives us the opportunity to recognize Rear Admiral Jones providing combat service support capabilities to TASK FORCE FIVE SIX and other commands in direct support of Operations and the team he led.” ENDURING FREEDOM and others have solidified the fact that we are up to the task.” Brakke spoke to an audience of more than 200 NAVELSG personnel, family, and friends about the accomplishments of Jones ended his remarks saying, “Admiral Reyes, I am turning NAVELSG and the forward deployed forces during Jones’ tenure. over to you what I believe are the greatest group of Sailors in our Navy that I have had the pleasure of serving with. They are “Rear Admiral Jones led a team of 2,700 men and women who supremely trained, dedicated and professional. I’m confident they have the tremendous responsibility of providing the logistics will continue to give their heart and soul to the expeditionary support capability that enables the Navy to operate anytime, mission of Cargo Nation, and that they will continue to thrive anywhere,” said Brakke. “As former Commandant of the U.S. under your leadership.” Marine Corps., General Robert H. Barrow noted ‘amateurs talk about tactics but professionals study logistics...’ and I don’t see Jones and Reyes then read their orders before meeting in front any amateurs from where I’m standing. We stand here today of Brakke to ceremoniously execute the change of command. among a dedicated group of logistics professionals whose work is Reyes then addressed NAVELSG for the first time as its 12th absolutely critical to our Navy’s presence which enables the U.S. commanding officer. Navy to be the most lethal Navy in the world.” Brakke closed his remarks then called the military personnel present to attention and asked the guests to rise as he awarded the Legion of Merit Medal to Jones for his accomplishments while in command of NAVELSG. Brakke then turned the floor over to Jones. “When I assumed command, I laid out some essential qualities and expectations for the Group, some personal Sea Lanes if you will,” said Jones. “I called upon each of the men and women of ‘Cargo Nation’ to be professional in all that we do and the 2,700 Sailors of NAVELSG have not let me down. The professionalism in which you have displayed and achieved and developed the mission of NAVELSG is unmatched and approaching legendary status amongst the force.” “I challenged each of us to be ready at a moment’s notice. Cargo Nation must be able to deploy and execute our mission around the world, at all times and in any environment,” added

“With the uncertainty in today’s world the expeditionary capabilities across our entire force are as critical today as they have ever been and I will work to ensure that NAVELSG continues to play a key part in our expeditionary fight,” said Reyes. “I’m privileged and humbled to return home to ‘Cargo Nation’ as your commander to lead and to serve you and all our Sailors that you represent, our whole team.” NAVELSG is a vital enabler of Maritime Prepositioning, Joint Logistics Over The Shore operations, and maritime forces ashore providing expeditionary cargo handling services for surface, air, and terminal operations, tactical fueling, and ordnance handling/ reporting in support of worldwide Naval, Joint, interagency, and combined forces/organization. For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/ usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

NAS OCEANA

AIR SHOW

Engineman 2nd Class Mark Farrow, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 4, shows children an M240 machine gun aboard a 34-foot patrol boat during an air show at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, September 15, 2017. NAS Oceana and the Virginia Beach City Public School (VBCPS) system partnered to provide the opportunity to take a one-of-kind field trip to NAS Oceana.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis DiPerna/ Released)

Steel Worker 1st Class Franklyn Tamarez, assigned to Underwater Construction Team 1, helps place a dive helmet on a child during an air show at Naval Air Station Oceana, September 15, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis DiPerna/ Released) Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class William Cramer, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 2, demonstrates the capabilities of a bomb disposal robot to a child during an air show at Naval Air Station Oceana, September 15, 2017.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 2nd Class William Cramer, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 2, helps place a bomb helmet on a child during an air show at Naval Air Station Oceana, September 15, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis DiPerna/ Released)

A child explores a 34-foot patrol boat during an air show at Naval Air Station Oceana, September 15, 2017. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Travis DiPerna/ Released)

CRG 2 and EODGRU 2 Host Armed Services Blood Drive

by Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles Oki

VIRGINIA

BEACH, Va. – Coastal Riverine Group (CRG) 2 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, hosted an Armed Services Blood Program (ASBP) blood drive at the CRG 2 headquarters on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Aug. 29.

The ASBP brought a mobile collection unit, a specially Hospitalman Recruit Haley Benavidez, assigned to Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, applies a tourniquet onto the arm of Logisoutfitted vehicle that allows tics Specialist Seaman Apprentice Fengfei Sun, assigned to Coastal Riverine Group 2, during an Armed Services Blood Program blood drive on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek on Aug. 29. the ASBP to bring the blood collection facility and equipment to service members to make blood donation as comes to you, it’s hard to say that you don’t have the time to simple as possible. donate. The most important thing for me is that it could be a shipmate, a soldier or a service member out there who is “We can never have enough donors,” said Hospitalman putting his or her life on the line that might need my help. If Mercedez Stout, assigned to Naval Medical Center I can do just a small part to help, it makes it worth it.” Portsmouth. “The blood we draw goes all around the world to help service members and their dependents, and it only The ASBP is the official blood collection, manufacturing takes a few minutes to donate. Just a few minutes of your and transfusion program for the U.S. military. time can save up to three people.” The mission of the ASBP is to provide quality blood products Before donating, there are some guidelines that Sailors and services for all worldwide customers in both peace and war. should review: *Weigh at least 110 pounds *Be at least 17 years of age (age may vary by state; contact your local ASBP blood donor center for details) *Have been feeling well for at least three days *Be well hydrated *Have eaten something prior to donating “I donate whenever I can because you never know how your blood can help save a life,” said Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Nina Woods, assigned to Coastal Riverine Squadron 2. “It only takes a few minutes. Considering how the blood bank

As a tri-service organization, the ASBP represents all three services – Army, Navy and Air Force – and is tasked with the collection, processing, storage and distribution of blood and blood products to ill or injured service members, veterans and their families worldwide. The program manages blood requests from the five major combatant commands by directing available blood supplies when and where needed.

N AV Y N E W S YO U C A N U S E

Navy Issues Physical Readiness NAVADMIN Correction From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced Tuesday a correction

to NAVADMIN 141/17, Physical Readiness Program Policy Changes, clarifying the exemption for post-partum Sailors. Effective immediately, the Navy is exempting post-partum Sailors from participating in the physical fitness assessment (PFA) for six months following the Sailors’ maternity/convalescent leave. This change reflects an increase to the Navy’s increased maternity leave policy of 84 days following child birth. This will ensure Sailors have adequate time to return to weight standards and pass a Physical Readiness Test (PRT) following a pregnancy. Navy previously announced two other changes in NAVADMIN 141/17, effective Jan. 1, 2018.

Sailors who pass the body composition assessment (BCA), are within the Navy age-graduated body fat standards and score an overall “excellent low” or better on the PRT, with no single event lower than a “good low” can be exempt from the next cycle PRT. Also, the Navy eliminated the use of elliptical machines as authorized alternate cardio devices during official PFAs. Additional information can be found at www.public.navy.mil/bupersnpc/support/21st_Century_Sailor/physical and in NAVADMIN 141/17. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/ local/cnp/.

NAVSUP Announces 2017 Holiday Season Mailing Deadlines From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- Naval Supply Systems Command,

in cooperation with the U.S Postal Service, Military Postal Service Agency, and Joint Military Postal Activity, released mail-by dates for pre-Dec. 25 deliveries of holiday cards, letters, and packages. For mail addressed to/from: APO/FPO/DPO AE zips 090-098 (except 093); AA zips 340; AP zips 962-966 * Priority Mail Express Military Service: Dec. 16 * First-Class and Priority Mail (letters, cards and packages): Dec. 11 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 27 * USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post): Nov. 6 APO/FPO/DPO AE ZIP 093 * Priority Mail Express Military Service: N/A * First-Class and Priority Mail (letters, cards and packages): Dec. 4 * Space Available Mail: Nov. 27 * USPS Retail Ground Mail (formerly known as Standard Post): Nov. 6 Domestic Mail (For Ships in Port and Personnel on Shore Duty in the U.S. mailing to U.S. destinations-not including APO/FPO) * First-Class Mail: Dec. 19 * Priority Mail: Dec. 20 * Priority Express Mail: Dec. 22 International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail addressed to Africa and Central and South America should be mailed no later than Nov. 30. International First-Class Packages and Priority Mail addressed to Asia/ Pacific Rim; Australia/New Zealand; Canada; Caribbean; Mexico, Europe; and the Middle East should be mailed no later than Dec. 7.

All classes of mail addressed to FPO addresses must contain the New Navy Standardized Address format, which includes ship or mobile unit number, (or PSC number for ashore FPOs), virtual or actual mail box number, and five-digit ZIP code to ensure delivery. Mail not addressed correctly could be returned to sender as undeliverable. Priority Mail Express Military Service (PMEMS) is available from selected military post offices. If mailing to an APO/FPO/DPO address, check with your local post office to determine if PMEMS service is available and specific delivery service standards. Space Available Mail (SAM) refers to parcels mailed to APO/FPO addresses at parcel post rates first transported domestically by surface, then to overseas destinations by air on a space available basis. It is recommended customers check with local civilian or military post offices for information regarding size restrictions and customs declaration form requirements. Customers are advised mailing restrictions apply and some items cannot be mailed. Examples of nonmailable items are: alcohol, switchblade knives, pornography, controlled substances, and explosive or incendiary devices. If in doubt, contact your local civilian or military post office. As a final note, customers should ensure articles are packaged properly for mailing and packages do not display markings related to any type of hazardous material, such as bleach, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Parcels found by U.S. Postal Service with such markings or labels on the outside of the box will not be processed. NAVSUP’s mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter.