ROUGH RIDER USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71)
TUESDAY EDITION
October 20, 2015
TR Wraps up MALABAR 2015 Nations Collaborate for Maritime Stability in Malabar 2015
YOUR THOUGHTS ON ... tr’S sHELLBACK CEREMONY
TR COMMEMORATES HHM HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2015
2015
MALABAR in
REVIEW
INDIAN OCEAN (Oct. 18, 2015) - The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and Japanese Maritime Self-defense Force Akizuki-class destroyer JS Fuyuzuki (DD-118) sail alongside the Indian Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti (A 57) during a sreplenishment-at-sea exercise as a part of Exercise Malabar 2015. Malabar is a continuing series of complex, high-end war fighting exercises conducted to advance multi-national maritime relationships and mutual security. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad M. Trudeau/Released)
By MCSN Chad M. Trudeau
TR WRAPS UP
MALABAR 2015
The tri-lateral exercise Malabar came to a close as Indian, Japanese and U.S. naval forces completed training, Oct. 19. The annual high-end war fighting exercise, which began in 1992, featured maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, surface and antisubmarine warfare, air defense exercises (ADEX), and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations. “Every Malabar we really go one notch up, and I think we’ve have achieved the same thing this time,” said Indian Navy Rear Adm. SV Bhokare, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet. “We have really achieved a high level of interoperability and I’m sure we will do better next time.” At-sea events started with an ADEX involving the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60), and the Indian frigate INS Shivalik (F 47). “Exercise Malabar has enabled the Indian Navy, JMSDF [Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force], and the U.S. Navy to further our interoperability,” said Rear Adm. Roy Kelley, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12. “This in turn will allow for enhanced support from any one Navy to the next as they operate within and outside their nation’s maritime region, enabling a more global presence for all. Presence is important because being there matters. It matters in global businesses, it matters in international relations, and it certainly matters in maritime security where our navies ensure the freedom of navigation and flow of commerce.” The ashore portion of the exercise featured information exchanges from professionals and subject-matter experts on a wide variety of military operations including helicopter operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, damage control, carrier strike group operations and explosive ordnance disposal. “I think we have built upon each of the exercises annually to broaden and deepen the complexity,” said Capt. Craig Clapperton, Theodore Roosevelt’s commanding officer. “I think the lessons learned from the interoperability of all of these ships and planes in very close proximity and doing so effectively and safely will be invaluable to all three navies.” Capt. Scott Robertson, Normandy’s commanding
officer, was confident the exercise improved interoperability between the three countries. “With the talent and capability that we saw here over the last four days, if there is ever a need to actually form a tri-lateral strike group, we absolutely could do it,” said Robertson. While conducting the at-sea portion of the training, ships from the Indian Navy, the JMSDF and the U.S. Navy collaborated to advance their ability to plan and coordinate tactical operations in a multinational environment. Events at sea included submarine familiarization, surface warfare exercises, liaison officer professional exchanges and embarkations, high-value unit defense, mine exercise, medevac, search and rescue exercises, communication exercises and an opposed underway replenishment. Theodore Roosevelt also welcomed aboard officers and dignitaries from each nation for a chance to exchange information and observe operations. “I think the biggest highlight of this Malabar is that despite so many operations, everything went on safely. There were no incidents, and I think it really speaks volumes of our Sailors because they are the ones who actually conduct these exercises,” said Bhokare. “You make new friends and that’s one of the bigger highlights of this exercise. So I thank each one of you for your participation and I am looking forward to Malabar 2016.” Months of planning go in to creating these exercises, and years of partnership are what bring these governments together. “The exercise has come a long way over the years and there has been great cooperation and coordination in making this come together,” said Kelley. TR, Normandy, Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), Los Angeles-class submarine USS Corpus Christi (SSN 705), the Japanese Akizukiclass destroyer JS Fuyuzuki (DD 108), the Indian Navy Brahmaputra-class guided-missile frigate INS Betwa (F 39), the Rajput-class destroyer INS Ravijay (D 55), the Sindhughosh-class diesel-electric submarine INS Sindhuraj (S 57), INS Shivalik and INS Shakti were all participants in Exercise Malabar 2015. Malabar is a continuing series of complex, highend war fighting exercises conducted to advance multi-national maritime relationships and mutual security. It features complex exercises both ashore and at sea.
YOUR THOUGHTS
“
THE
ON
SHELLBACK CER This was a lot of fun. It built a great deal of camaraderie with our fellow Sailors. Everyone brought so much energy to the ceremony. It’s cool to know that many Sailors will never know the feeling of earning the title, “shellback.” I don’t feel as slimy anymore! MMFN HOWARD EDWARDS
It was much more mild than the stories I’ve heard from “back in the day.” Overall though, it was a great experience; lots of clean fun! I only know a little bit of the history behind it. I’ve always wanted to be a shellback but never had the opportunity. It feels great to have gone through it with all of Engineering department. I loved that we did it all together and had a really great time. MM1 JOANNA RATCLIFFE
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I really like how this increased our collective morale and boosted spirits throughout the ship. I don’t know much about it, but it’s nice to be a part of such a long tradition. I’m proud to be the best kind of Sailor in the best Navy in the world! MM3 DIMYTRI DUCHENKO
REMONY
WORDS
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I have never felt so proud to be a part of the Navy. It’s an experience shared between shipmates that allowed us to bond on a deeper level. I feel honored, I am so humbled. It knew that this was something you wanted to be. It feels like I have been accepted into a brotherhood that pre-dates the Navy. I feel like I’ve fully earned the right to call myself a Sailor. PS3 JENNIFER DICOSTANZO
from
f
HOME What your family is saying.
I was on the USS Berkeley DDG 15 when I appeared before the Royal Court on 2 July 1981.
The shellback ceremony was amazing in my opinion. Everyone playing their roles and sharing a good piece of tradition really raised the morale of the crew. I’m no expert on the history of it but from what I’m aware of it’s been around for a long time. Becoming a part of such history makes me proud of my naval career. EM3 ABRIEL HERNANDEZ
It was a great experience. I liked cooling down when all the water was sprayed on me. I feel salty now! AOAN JACOB MULLINS
It was awesome, I love running around being loud with my department as a whole. I feel like I’m a part of a brother/sisterhood of the entire Navy. My papa was one back in Pearl Harbor and is gone now, so I feel really close to him after this. MM3 JULIA GARDNER
Thomas Swanson October 16
I still have my Dad’s certificate when he became a shellback during WWII. Robbie Kilgore October 15
Congratulations to my son AOAN Livermon & the rest of the pollywogs on becoming shellbacks!!! MsExquisite Tolbert October 16
Congrats Dylan Emsweller!
Scott Emsweller October 15 Looking for AEAN Matthew Fort. New shellback today.
John W Bill Fort October 16
NAVY NEWS
CNO, MCPON visit Sailors in U.S. 5th Fleet By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kenneth R. Hendrix, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs
NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (NNS) -- The Navy’s 31st Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. John Richardson, made his first visit to the U.S. 5th Fleet, accompanied by Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Oct. 18. More than 700 Sailors and Marines attended an all-hands call with the CNO and MCPON at the NSA Bahrain gym. “Today marks my first month as CNO,” Richardson said. “I wanted to get out and about early to connect with as many of you as possible, to get a sense of matters from your perspective.” Richardson went on to share that he viewed
Sailors’ service in the Navy as one of accountability, ingenuity and creativity. “I’ve had the chance to work at a lot of joint commands and talk to a lot of joint commanders,” Richardson said. “Every one of those commanders I’ve talked to are super grateful when they get a
U.S. Navy Sailor on their team. Because they know we are not constrained by challenges. We just find a creative way to get things done.” The all-hands call then turned into a questionand-answer session, as Sailors asked questions regarding advancement,
education, sexual assault awareness, deployment timelines and the physical readiness policy. Richardson also addressed the Navy’s plan to shorten deployments through proper planning protocols to make sure scheduling, maintenance and training were streamlined properly. Afterward, Richardson had lunch with junior Sailors and then met with family members. He later toured the waterfront to visit ships and meet more Sailors. His visits included the coastal patrol ship USS Firebolt (PC 10), the mine countermeasures ship USS Sentry (MCM 3) and the afloat forward staging base USS Ponce (AFSB(I) 15).
Photos around THE fleet from
S ee what your sh i pmates are do i ng around the W O R L D
6tTH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (Oct. 14, 2015 )Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 2nd Class Araminta Mack directs an elevator operator in the hangar bay of the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge, deployed as part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shamira Purifoy/Released)
Santa Rita, Guam (Oct. 14, 2015) Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 perform a free fall jump from a C-130 Hercules during a military free fall jump sustainment training in Santa Rita, Guam. Edisposal, diving engineering and construction, and underwater construction in the U.S. 7th fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ace Rheaume/Released)
NAVY NEWS
Navy Bids Farewell to Display Ship Barry By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tyrell K. Morris, Defense Media Activity
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors, veterans, family members and Naval Support Activity Washington staff gathered in the Cold War Gallery at the Washington Navy Yard to bid farewell to Display Ship Barry (DD933), Oct. 17. Naval Support Activity Washington hosted the departure ceremony, honoring the ship and its past crew members. The event served as the final send-off before the ship is towed down the Anacostia River for dismantling. Retired Rear Adm. Sam Cox, director of Naval History and Heritage Command spoke. “It’s a sad day to see the Barry go but I’m glad to be able to thank those in attendance today that served on the Barry,” said Cox.
“She was not just a ship made of metal but she represents a legacy of valor and sacrifice of those who served.” More than 20 former Barry crew members attended the ceremony. Retired Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class John Horgan served on the Barry in
the early 1980s and flew in from Colorado to make the ceremony. “When I heard the ship was being scrapped I was very emotional,” said Horgan. “I grew up on that ship. I came aboard 19 years old and left a man so I had to make it here today.” Councilman Charles
Allen, D.C. Council Ward 6 spoke about effect of the ship and its symbolism. “Barry was a part of the neighborhood,” said Ward. “Veterans traveled from near and far to visit the ship. She was a reminder of the sacrifices and triumphs of the Navy.” USS Barry was the third Forrest Shermanclass destroyer built and the fourth vessel to bear the name of the illustrious Revolutionary War naval hero Commodore John Barry. She was commissioned Sept. 7, 1956 and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets. USS Barry was decommissioned Nov. 5, 1982 after 26 years of service. Barry began its new career as the Washington Navy Yard display ship in 1983.
Photos around THE fleet from
S ee what your sh i pmates are do i ng around the W O R L D
SAN FRANCISCO (Oct. 9, 2015) Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Trevor Thompson, a member of the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, the Leap Frogs, flies the American flag during a skydiving demonstration at the San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show. The Navy Parachute Team is based in San Diego and performs aerial parachute demonstrations around the nation in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy recruiting. (U.S. Navy photo by James Woods/Released)
NAVAL STATION ROTA, SPAIN (Oct. 11, 2015) Builder Constructionman Sean Rodriguez, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, shovels out a trench for utilities pipes on Naval Station Rota, Spain. The trench is for a shipboard electronic systems evaluation facilities project that will provide test and evaluation services to U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command activities as well as allied foreign navies. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brannon Deugan/Released)
HOMETOWN HERO
Nicholas Sharpe
chief master-at-arms
DEPT/DIV: OPS/OF HOMETOWN: South Bend, Indiana WHY HE CHOSE THE NAVY: I wanted to make something more out of myself. HIS FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: Travel and the opportunities the Navy gives me to be able to take care of my son.
PROUDEST NAVY MOMENT: Making chief. SHOUT OUT: To my son Colt Dylan Sharpe, my mother Connie Sharpe and my brother Zach Sharpe.
FUN
FACT
When I joined the Navy I weighed 145 pounds and now I’m 210.
HOMETOWN HERO
Anthony Lewison
AVIATION MACHINIST’S MATE 3RD CLASS
DEPT/DIV: AIMD/IM2 HOMETOWN: Great Falls, Montana WHY HE CHOSE THE NAVY:
To better myself and serve my country.
HIS FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: All the different countries I get to see. PROUDEST NAVY MOMENT: Becoming a third class petty officer. SHOUT OUT: Shout out to my family and friends.
FUN
FACT
I can play the guitar.
W
WHAT’S ON underway mov i e schedule
Tuesday
OCTOBER 20, 2015
Staff Commanding Officer
Capt. Craig Clapperton Executive Officer
Capt. Jeff Craig Public Affairs Officer
Lt. Cmdr. Reann Mommsen Media Officer
Lt. j.g. Jack Georges Senior Editor
MCC Adrian Melendez MC1 R. David Valdez Editor
MC2 Chris Brown MC2 Danica M. Sirmans rough rider contributers
MOVIE TRIVIA
Q: The Judge features which actor who made his on-screen debut in the A:
MCSN Chad M. Trudeau MC3 Anna Van Nuys Theodore Roosevelt Media command ombudsman
cvn71ombudsman@gmail.com
classic, to kill a mocking bird?
See in the next edition of the Rough Rider. Previous Question: Which film features the oscar-winning actor who boycotted the academy awards for placement in the supporting actor category vice the leading actor category? Answer: al pacino, the godfather
wednesday oCTOBER 21, 2015
WHAT’S ON underway mov i e schedule
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