USS Dallas Returns from Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven Myers, Commander Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

The Los Angeles class fast-attack submarine, USS Dallas (SSN 700), returned to Naval Submarine Base New London, Aug. 21, after a highly successful six-month deployment to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Dallas lived up to her motto, "First in Harm's Way," by participating in several missions supporting U.S. strategic security objectives.

"I am really proud of them," said Capt. Emil Casciano, Submarine Squadron 2 commodore. "They deployed to the most challenging parts of the world and not only developed as a team, they exemplified the word 'teamwork' throughout their deployment. We are grateful to their families and friends for waiting as they did our nation's work."

Dallas Sailors lined up as a team on the pier and gave a "Dallas" cheer, which was echoed by waiting family and friends, before reuniting with loved ones.

"Being back is an unbelievable feeling. I am very proud of the crew and all they have accomplished during these last six months," said Cmdr. Dave Roberts, USS Dallas commanding officer. "Their ability to successfully deploy and execute required tasking was a direct reflection of their high state of readiness and extensive training."

During the deployment, Dallas' Sailors served as ambassadors for the Navy while visiting ports in Diego Garcia; Lamissol, Cyprus; Bahrain; Gibraltar and Rota, Spain.

With stealth, persistence, agility and firepower, submarines like Dallas are multi-mission capable – able to deploy and support special forces operations; disrupt and destroy an adversary's military and economic operations at sea; provide early strike from close proximity, and ensure undersea superiority.

Sixth Fleet Deploys Ships in Support of Humanitarian Assistance Mission

The guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) transits Souda Harbor headed to the Republic of Georgia. McFaul is carrying nearly 55 tons of supplies as part of the humanitarian assistance for the Republic of Georgia following the conflict between Russian and Georgian forces. The assistance will aid in alleviating human suffering in the Republic of Georgia. (U.S. Navy photo by Paul Farley/Released)

Two U.S. Navy ships and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter are getting underway to transport humanitarian relief supplies to Georgia. These deployments are part of the larger United States response to the government of Georgia request for humanitarian assistance.

USS McFaul (DDG 74) departed from Souda Bay, Crete, Aug. 20, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) will leave later this week. McFaul and Dallas are scheduled to transit into the Black Sea and arrive in Georgia within a week.

USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) is currently on loading humanitarian relief materials in her homeport of Gaeta, Italy, and will proceed to Georgia later this month.
The ships will deliver thousands of blankets, hygiene kits, baby food and infant care supplies to save lives and alleviate human suffering.

These surface ships represent the first from the U.S. to participate in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Georgia.

Both McFaul, based in Norfolk and Dallas, based in Charleston, S.C., are on regularly scheduled deployments in the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.

Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Departs Malaysia

By Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) 1st Class Bill Larned Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs

Three ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 departed Malaysia Aug. 21 after routine port visits highlighted by displays of good will, community service and a variety of cultural tours.

The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) departed Port Klang.

While in Kuala Lumpur, more than 200 strike group Sailors volunteered to help make a difference in several Malaysian communities by participating in eight community relations projects at local children's homes.

Chief petty officer selectees from Ronald Reagan painted the Agathians Shelter Children's Home in Petaling Jaya, a neighboring city.

"The children's home is a very small house and is Hindu. It receives a lot less financial help than other children's homes in Petaling Jaya. Everyone at the home was grateful for our help," said Chief Religious Programs Specialist (FMF/AW/SW) Marcus Taylor, leading chief petty officer for Ronald's Reagan's Religious Ministries Department.

Sailors also embarked on tours offered by morale, welfare and recreation. Several buses traveled to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, a shelter used to relocate elephants that disturb crops and farmland. Upon arrival, Sailors watched a 45-minute documentary about the sanctuary's mission supporting the elephants. Afterwards, many Sailors hand-fed the elephants and enjoyed escorted rides atop the elephants, which included a chance to bathe with them in a nearby river.

"The elephant sanctuary was peaceful. You won't get a chance to ride an elephant anywhere else," said Aviation Electrician's Mate Airman Apprentice Daniel Griffith, from VFA-115.

Some Sailors preferred the fast pace of the city to rural Malaysia.

During a tour of downtown Kuala Lumpur, Sailors perused Chinatown, the central market and Independence Square, all against the backdrop of the 88-floor twin Petronas Towers in the Golden Triangle business district.

"It was really interesting viewing different architecture, trying out the local cuisine and talking to the people of Malaysia," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class (AW) Jaclyn Vargas.

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. Homeported in San Diego, Ronald Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

USS George Washington Departs for Japan

A NATO E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft flies over the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington is participating in Tailored Ships Training Availability and Final Evaluation Problem (TSTA/FEP) before a permanent homeport change in Yokosuka, Japan. The AWACS is used to provide airborne battle management, surveillance, and weapons control. This is the first time that an AWACS has done a low-approach fly-by over a U.S. naval vessel. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication 2nd Class Specialist Clifford L. H. Davis (Released)

The aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) with her crew of approximately 5,500 Sailors departed San Diego Aug. 21, to begin her journey to Yokosuka, Japan to replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the United States' only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

Commanded by Capt. John R. Haley, GW became the flagship for the Commander, Task Force 70 (CTF 70), Rear Adm. Richard B. Wren last week after he and his staff moved to GW from Kitty Hawk.

"The transition had been tremendously smooth and it's clear that we're passing an enormous milestone towards reaching USS George Washington's ultimate forward deployment assignment to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans," said Wren. "We are particularly excited to foster a new era in our long-standing relationship with our host nation of Japan and the city of Yokosuka."

This will be the first time GW gets underway with CTF 70, Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW 5) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. GW will be the permanent flagship for CTF 70 while GW is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.

Task Force 70 is the Carrier Strike Group component of Battle Force Seventh Fleet, also led by Wren. In the past, the task force has been centered on USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), which will soon head to Bremerton, Wash. to decommission from naval service next year after 48 years on active duty.

The security environment in the Western Pacific region requires the United States to station the most capable ships forward for deterrence and the best possible response times for maritime and joint force operations. The forward deployment of GW ensures the ability of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, to fulfill the U.S. Government's commitment to the defense of Japan, and the maintenance of international peace and security in the Far East in support of mutual cooperation and security. This posture also brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability in the timeliest manner.

GW's replacement of Kitty Hawk is part of the Navy's long range effort to routinely replace older ships assigned to the Navy's forward-deployed forces with newer or more capable platforms.

First Littoral Combat Ship To Be Commissioned Nov. 8

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Rhonda Burke, Navy Region Midwest Public Affairs
Civilians watch as the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1) approaches the Menekaunee draw bridge as the ship goes to sea to begin acceptance trials. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey team will conduct the acceptance trials in Lake Michigan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jhi L. Scott/Released)

The Navy's newest ship, the future USS Freedom (LCS 1), will be commissioned Nov. 8 at Veteran's Memorial Park in Milwaukee.

The commissioning date set by Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter, was announced by the commissioning committee Aug. 18 in Milwaukee.

"This is a huge milestone, another milestone in the life of USS Freedom," said Cmdr. Michael Doran, prospective commanding officer of Freedom's Gold Crew. "It was a mere 64 months ago that Freedom was a proposal on a piece of paper and here we are announcing the date for its commissioning."

The littoral combat ship was designed to provide the U.S. Navy with greater flexibility and capability in operating in the littoral or "green water" coastal areas. The 377-foot Freedom is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep. The ship will act as a platform for launch and recovery of manned and unmanned vehicles. Its modular design will support interchangeable mission packages, allowing the ship to be reconfigured for antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis.

"It brings to the fleet a lot of flexibility," Doran said. "The ship was built with a specific goal and purpose in mind - to operate in shallow waters. It also has the flexibility, as 40 percent of it is large, reconfigurable space so that you can put the specific mission packages into it."

Freedom will be manned by one of two rotational crews, blue and gold, similar to the rotational crews assigned to Trident submarines. The crews will be augmented by one of three mission package crews during focused mission assignments.

Of the many new systems being used on Freedom is a highly automated engineering plant and water jet propulsion, both of which give the ship new capabilities.

Freedom was christened Sept. 24, 2006, in Marinette, Wis. LCS 1 is being built at Marinette Marine Corp. by Lockheed Martin.

Following commissioning Nov. 8, she will sail to Norfolk, for operational testing and then to her homeport of San Diego.

The second ship of the class, Independence, is being built at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Ala., by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

Satellite’s data collection will support warfighter

By Michael Kleiman, 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFMCNS) — Tactical Satellite-3’s scheduled October mission is set to demonstrate rapid data collection and transmission to the combatant commander in the theater of interest.

During Tactical Satellite-3’s upcoming flight, a new capability of employing a hyperspectral imager with a space-based, onboard processor to obtain and send images within minutes to the warfighter on the ground will be tested. Raytheon constructed the Advanced Responsive Tactically Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer, or ARTEMIS, hyperspectral imager.

Designated as the satellite’s main demonstration, the ARTEMIS hyperspectral imager payload will provide target detection and identification information, as well as battlefield preparation and combat assessment data, within 10 minutes of its collection.

“The ARTEMIS sensor can identify characteristics by seeing through camouflage and foliage,” said Thom Davis, TacSat-3 program manager. “It can also recognize physical characteristics such as oil and paint. It will also demonstrate its ability to provide real-time information to the warfighter via a text message or on a laptop computer. With the data supplied by the spacecraft, the commander in the theater of interest can determine if the object is something to be concerned about or a decoy.”

A second payload -- the Office of Naval Research’s satellite communications package – will employ sea-based buoys as data sites. The Satellite Communications Package experiment will collect information from the ocean equipment and transmit it to a ground station as another communicative tool to enhance the warfighter’s ability to stay ahead of an adversary.

The satellite’s third payload – Air Force Research Laboratory’s space avionics experiment -- will involve plug-and-play avionics, which features reprogrammable parts to link the payload and the satellite structure.

The TacSat-3 spacecraft is a pioneer of the emerging operationally responsive space program, and designed to meet the needs of U.S. forces for flexible, affordable and responsive satellite systems. The TacSat-3 program is a joint effort of the Army Space and Missile Defense Command, Air Force Space Command, the Department of Defense's Operationally Responsive Space Office, the Office of Naval Research, and AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate at Kirtland AFB.

The October launch will occur at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Wallops Island, Va.

USS Ronald Reagan Strike Group Arrives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Bill Larned, Carrier Strike Group 7 Public Affairs



PORT KELANG, Malaysia (NNS) -- Three ships and more than 5,500 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 arrived in Malaysia for a port visit Aug. 18.

The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) pulled into Port Kelang.

"This visit helps build maritime cooperation and cultural understanding between the United States and Malaysia," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7. "We're all pretty excited to visit a modern, vibrant city like Kuala Lumpur."

This marks the fifth port visit for CSG 7 during its 2008 Western Pacific deployment, and the second visit to Malaysia by USS Ronald Reagan. The carrier last visited in June 2006.

"Our Sailors plan to do some sightseeing and shopping in this magnificent country," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "They'll also make a positive impact for the needy ashore."

More than 320 strike group Sailors will volunteer their time and efforts in eight community service projects in Malaysian orphanages, schools and homes for the elderly.
Sailors will have opportunities to explore Malaysia during Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities, including rock climbing, elephant rides in Kuala Gandah and tours of downtown Kuala Lumpur and historical Malacca.

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is currently in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. Homeported in San Diego, USS Ronald Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

Officials work to reduce air violations over conventions

Check NOTAMS, Fly Informed! A CONR poster depicts the intercept of a private aircraft to remind pilots of the temporary flight restrictions in effect during the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. CONR distributed the posters to fixed-base operators within 100 nautical miles of Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul to reminD pilots to "Check NOTAMS, Fly Informed!" (U.S. Air Force photo)

by Mike Strickler, 1st Air Force (AFNORTH/CONR) Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- The Continental U.S. NORAD Region is partnering with the U.S. Secret Service and the Federal Aviation Administration to help reduce airspace violations near Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul during the 2008 Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

Public and private airports, known as fixed-base operators, within 100 miles of the convention sites will display CONR posters reminding aviators of FAA-issued temporary flight restrictions, or TFRs, in effect from Aug. 25 through Sept. 4.

CONR fighters will also be on alert during that period to enforce the special airspace if needed.

CONR, the U.S. region of NORAD's North American triad, is responsible for airspace defense over the contiguous U.S., and supports special events like the Super Bowl, Major League Baseball playoffs, and the Olympics. As the national political conventions bring large crowds and national leaders to their venues, CONR and its federal partners take special security measures to protect the airspace around them.

While civilian law enforcement agencies shoulder the primary responsibility for event security, the U.S. Secret Service is the lead agency for bringing federal support to the conventions. In that role, they work closely with the FAA to define necessary airspace restrictions, and with CONR to identify the air defense needed to patrol them.

For the 2008 conventions, CONR assets will be in place near Denver and Minneapolis/St. Paul respective homes to the Democratic and Republican national conventions.

To help reduce potential TFR violations CONR launched an outreach effort aimed at general aviators. Posters depicting an intercept by military aircraft steer pilots to FAA-posted Notices to Airman, or NOTAMs, available on the FAA Web site. These NOTAMs list the latest information on restricted airspace, including projected TFRs and the times and coordinates where they are in effect.

The FAA requires pilots to check NOTAMs prior to flying anywhere in the U.S.
According to Major General Hank Morrow, CONR commander, the outreach and air defense measures will work together in providing Americans the greatest level of support during the election season.

"CONR serves as part of a layered defense that protects our national airspace every day, so these are core missions that we and our federal partners are undertaking to support our national conventions," he said. "It's a noble duty to be able to protect these events as our citizens participate in the traditional democratic processes that define us as Americans."

NORAD has conducted air patrols throughout the U.S. and Canada since the start of Operation Noble Eagle -- the command's response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

15 NATO Countries Get C-17 Aircraft for Shared Use

Fifteen NATO members are close to receiving three C-17 cargo planes for their shared use. Click NATO Gets The C-17 if you want a pop up media player.

NATO forces a step closer to obtaining C-17s
by Army Sgt. 1st Class Reeba Critser
U.S. Mission to NATO

8/14/2008 - BRUSSELS, Belgium (AFPN) -- Three C-17 Globemaster IIIs are only three signatures away from finding a new home at Papa Air Base, Hungary.

After years of planning, NATO members and partners are only a few signatures away from gaining access to the C-17s to share for their national requirements, to include NATO missions in Afghanistan.

"Some countries don't have enough [need for] airlift to purchase their own C-17s," said Peter Flory, the assistant secretary general for NATO's defense investment.

NATO officials said the solution is to share the C-17s. The initiative, called Strategic Air Capability, or SAC, allows 12 NATO members and 2 partners to draw on the aircraft's capabilities at a fixed rate.

First, all the nations must sign a memorandum of understanding. Then they pay the acquisition cost. After that, they only have to pay the operating cost at the end of each year. The nations then request flight hours with an operations team located at Papa AB.

The team at Papa factors in time between aircraft usage for emergency use. The officials also can trade their flight hours with other nations in the group. If maintenance is required, the consortium will pull the costs from their operating budget to make the repairs.

The decision to use C-17s for the initiative was made with the capabilities available at the time, said a U.S. defense advisor to the European Union. NATO countries were looking for an aircraft that could carry large cargo, land while under combat, and on short runways. The C-17s fit that description.

According to a Boeing spokesman, the recommended use of the C-17 is 1,000 flight hours a year, which gives the aircraft a life expectancy of 30 years.

"With a full payload, the C-17 can go a distance of 2,400 nautical miles and (fly at an altitude of) up to 28,000 feet," said Col. John Zazworsky, commander of the Heavy Airlift Wing at Pápa AB, and commander of C-17 operations for SAC.

"The C-17 was designed around the cargo load," he said. "It can convert to airline or cargo seats. It can handle a combination of passengers, vehicles, track vehicles, cargo, medical evacuations, hummers, fire trucks, helicopters, an Abrams tank - up to 75 metric tons -- and can land on short, austere landing zones."

The U.S. Air Force has about 180 C-17s in its own fleet.

U.S. officials will be providing the personnel to operate the C-17s until each nation in the consortium is ready to handle them on their own.

"Initially, there will only be U.S. personnel manning the C-17s," Colonel Zazworsky said. "But with training, the countries will be able to use their own pilots and loadmasters. It will take a year-and-a-half to train the country's crew and for them to be comfortable with the C-17 to fly on their own."

U.S. officials are providing one aircraft as a national contribution and the other partner nations are purchasing the other two aircraft. However, all three aircraft will be owned by the consortium and can be used at the nations' discretion.

SAC officials say they hope to receive the first aircraft in spring 2009.

Rodney M. Davis returns from RIMPAC, Workups

By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Dagendesh, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

The guided-missile frigate USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) steams in the operating area of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008.

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Friends and family members of the crew of USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) stood patiently on the pier as the ship moored at Naval Station Everett Aug. 15, following the guided missile frigate's participation in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 exercise.

RIMPAC is a large-scale biennial multinational maritime exercise designed to help increase mutual cooperation and enhance operation capabilities among countries around the Pacific rim.

Following Rodney M. Davis's participation in RIMPAC, the ship went to the Southern California operating area to conduct workups with their helicopter detachment.

"Our primary mission is anti-surface warfare," said Command Master Chief Clifford Smith. "We provided a screen for the strike group against submarines and also conducted maritime interdiction operations (MIO)."

Ten nations took part in RIMPAC 2008 and conducted the exercise in the waters off Hawaii.

"The reason for this operation was to help prepare the crew for our upcoming deployment," said Smith.

For one Sailor, the underway was typical, yet one which had purpose.

"The underway period went well as expected, but I am really glad to be back," said Seaman Pierre Neal. "Being underway was suspenseful and treacherous because we were practicing a lot of drills. They really got to be monotonous, but it is understood that if, and when, an emergency situation arises, each Sailor will be equipped with vital knowledge to help save the ship and crew."

Toward the conclusion of RIMPAC, Rodney M. Davis engaged in a workup exercise in preparation for their next deployment before taking aboard 30 embarked guests for a "tiger cruise" and returning to Naval Station Everett.

Air Guard Predator pilots increase combat air patrols

An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aircraft assigned to the Arizona Air National Guard's 214th Reconnaissance Group is parked in a hanger at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., following the unit's activation in August 2007. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christina Kinsey)

by Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith, National Guard Bureau Public Affairs

Although they are some of the busiest pilots in the U.S. military, Air National Guard pilots who are now flying unmanned aircraft from the ground said they still climb into the cockpit and get some flight time whenever they can.

Lt. Col. Rick Gibney, operations group commander and MQ-1 Predator pilot for the North Dakota Air Guard's 178th Reconnaissance Squadron, said he and other pilots who have switched from flying F-16 Fighting Falcons to piloting unmanned aircraft thousands of miles away are finding ways to get back into the wild blue yonder.

"There are a number of us who are private pilots who still get flying time in some way," said Colonel Gibney. He added that his squadron has full-time airline pilots who are also "fully engaged in the Predator mission."

But finding free time for anything now is not so easy, he said. Pilots in Air National Guard Predator squadrons have more than doubled their combat air patrols in Iraq and Afghanistan to support the war-fight, so much so that Colonel Gibney added himself to the aircrew's work schedule. That helps make it possible for his pilots to take leave, go flying or just relax.

Guard officials said the remotely piloted Predator with its full motion video is praised regularly by ground forces who are rounding up criminals in Iraq and Afghanistan. The turbo-prop aircraft's strength rests in its ability to fly for extended hours while watching over ground convoys and raids.

Since 2005, Air Guard officials have stood up three Predator units in California, Arizona and North Dakota that maintain at least seven overseas CAPs around the clock. One additional squadron is standing up in Texas. Guard officials also are standing up their first MQ-9 Reaper squadron in New York.

Air Guard CAPs are coordinated through the Air Force's 432d Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. The active-duty wing is the central hub for all MQ-1 and MQ-9 unmanned aircraft missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Initial plans called for one CAP per Air Guard squadron, Colonel Gibney said. But the success of the Predator in the war on terror brought demands for more patrols.

"We know that Predator is critical to the nation's defense," said Col. Robert Becklund, commander for the 119th Wing in Fargo, N.D., that oversees both the Predator squadron and a C-21 airlift squadron. He added that 50 percent of his Airmen have retrained for new specialties and missions since 2005. More than two thirds of the wing's F-16 pilots chose to retrain for Predator.

The squadron stood up its first Predator CAP in June 2007. Missions are piloted remotely from a small, high-security building on the Fargo base that communicates to the aircraft and joint forces that are thousands of miles away. The wing took on a second CAP mission earlier this year with no additional manning.

Becklund said morale is high among his pilots despite the squadron's 100-percent mobilization.

"We're glad to be in these missions right now," Colonel Becklund said.

Colonel Gibney said the squadron may soon rotate Predator pilots for operational breaks and flight time through its C-21 "bridge" mission, which in the future may put them in the cockpit of a new C-27 Spartan, joint cargo aircraft.

"We want to give them the opportunity," said Colonel Gibney. "So it's not a one-way door that you go into Predator and that's where you are for the rest of your career."

But why the pilots choose to climb out of their cockpits and fly the Predator varies greatly, said Colonel Gibney.

"You go down the list and everyone has a different reason for it," he said. "Maybe they wanted to be closer to home yet still serve in the warfight."

"I fly commercially on the outside, so this is the opportunity to do a mission that affects what's going on with the war every day, but I still get to fly," said a Predator pilot from the California Air Guard's 196th Reconnaissance Squadron, who withheld her name for security purposes. "That's why I stayed."

California Air Guard pilots operated the Guard's first Predator CAP at Nellis AFB, Nev., in 2006. Its pilots retrained from flying KC-135 Stratotankers after the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Act relocated their aircraft to several other bases.

The squadron now is operating three overseas CAPs around the clock from their home at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., and they receive letters of thanks from Soldiers in Iraq.

In western New York, Airmen from the state's 174th Fighter Wing recently returned from Iraq where they got to see Predators operate. That was their final F-16 deployment. The Air Guard members soon will begin training as ground-pilots, sensor operators and as other technicians for a new MQ-9 Reaper mission.

"We just got back from Operation Iraqi Freedom doing close air support with the F-16. Now we are going to do the same mission with the MQ-9," said Col. Greg Semmel, operations group commander.

Colonel Semmel agreed that their qualified, experienced pilots will be very valuable to the transition.

"Looking from our perspective, it's really essential for the initial cadre to come from a background where they are familiar with the mission," he said.

"The seasoned aviators are the people the Guard brings to this fight and are exactly the people needed in the Predator," said Colonel Gibney. "Not just tactically, but in the flying sense. The more seasoned the better."

Hot Spot DXing: Conflict in Georgia (The Country)

Russia and its pro-West neighbour Georgia engaged in fierce fighting on Saturday in the disputed region of South Ossetia. Russia dispatched an armored column into the breakaway enclave of South Ossetia on Friday after Georgia, a staunch U.S. ally, launched a surprise offensive to crush separatists. Witnesses said hundreds of civilians were killed. Fighting reportedly raged well into the night with Georgia's interior ministry saying early Saturday that warplanes attacked three Georgian military bases and key facilities for shipping oil to the West.

You can read the full story at the links below.
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080809/D92EF9680.html
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080809031212.411hpioa&show_article=1

There are literally hundreds of frequencies that the Russian military can operate on so unless we have some specific monitoring intercepts relating to ths event, I won't be listing them in this article.

I do have an extensive list of Georgian military and border guard freqs. Special thanks to Thomas M. Rösner, DL8AAM, for the GEO Army listings.

Georgia Military

5GS HF ALE Network
ALE-5GS BR2 PMR SBR SKB VBR
3541.0 3652.0 3723.0 3824.0 4555.0 4605.0 4605.0 4721.0 5131.0 5321.0 5415.0 5572.0 5672.0 5762.0 6341.0 6451.0 6523.0 7033.0 7415.0 kHz

8GS HF ALE Network
ALE-1GS 8GS 1BR 2BR 3BR KB1 KBT MHE
3565.0 3645.0 3745.0 3855.0 4535.0 4545.0 4625.0 4645.0 4735.0 5235.0 5320.0 5351.0 5425.0 5780.0 6351.0 6551.0 6583.0 7425.0 7545.0 7045.0 kHz

ART-SE2 HF ALE Network
ALE-ART SE2
5103.0 5203.0 6203.0 kHz

BR1 HF ALE Network
ALE-BR1 BR2 BR3 BT5 KG4
4015.0 4125.0 4500.0 4505.0 4550.0 4780.0 4970.0 5125.0 5290.0 5330.0 5335.0 5400.0 5425.0 5430.0 5455.0 6650.0 6995.0 7000.0 7125.0 7255.0 9125.0 kHz

GS1-MB1 HF ALE Network
ALE-GS1 MB1
3605.0 4075.0 4123.0 4235.0 5120.0 5235.0 5465.0 6210.0 6283.0 6305.0 7555.0 7673.0 8123.0 8210.0 9137.0 9305.0 10173.0 10273.0 10470.0 11110.0 11235.0 kHz

GS2 HF ALE Network
ALE-4L1 AIR AKH GS2 KD1 KSI NIK SAK TB1
3200.0 3400.0 3450.0 4100.0 4350.0 4550.0 4850.0 4851.7 4900.0 5280.0 5350.0 5595.0 5650.0 6050.0 6250.0 6500.0 6750.0 7650.0 7850.0 8450.0 8650.0 kHz

LAB HF ALE Network
ALE-LAB
4235.0 4505.0 4535.0 4550.0 6451.0 6551.0 kHz

LEN HF ALE Network
ALE-3BR 21B BF1 BG2 BR2 BT2 DZ1 GEI GS1 KBT LEN OMEGA1
3700.0 3755.0 3785.0 4015.0 4505.0 4780.0 4970.0 5200.0 5290.0 5335.0 5430.0 5530.0 6255.0 6690.0 6695.0 6855.0 6950.0 7500.0 7580.0 7705.0 7725.0 7780.0 8035.0 8080.0 kHz

Georgian Border Guard
ALE-101 204 244 288 334 340 360 501 536 541 550 555 571 720
5555.0 6731.0 6800.0 6880.0 8083.0 8290.0 8413.0 8790.0 kHz

You can find information on the shortwave broadcast aspect of this story on our sister blog - Shortwave Central at http://mt-shortwave.blogspot.com/2008/08/hot-spot-dxing-georgia-russia-conflict.html.

Russian Black Fleet Active Off Georgia Coast

According to press reports, the Russian Black Fleet has played a major part in the Russian invasion of Georgia.

This fleet is headquartered out of Sevastopol, Ukraine (callsign RCV). According to Fritz Nusser's Fascinating Shortwaves website -- RCV uses the collective callsigns RKZ, RLO, RIP90, RBE86 and others for its fleet or for a certain task force.

The major communications mode monitored from RCV is CW on the following frequencies:

4055.0 4755.0 5009.0 5224.0 5300.5 5312.0 5441.0 5775.0 5855.0 6298.0 6325.0 6912.0 7422.0 7566.0 7568.0 8014.0 10201.0 11688.0 12816.0 kHz

MPSK transmissions from RCV have also been monitored on 5312.0 kHz.

CW message traffic on 10201.0 kHz has been monitored in the last 24 hours.

You can see more information on the Russian Navy on Fritz's website at:
http://www.astrosol.ch/networksofthecisforces/navymorsenetworks/thenavyheadquarters/index.html

Georgian humanitarian mission builds

by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

The humanitarian mission under way in Georgia is intended to alleviate suffering for now and will move into longer-range help in the future, officials said at a Pentagon news conference Aug. 15.

The Air Force has sent two supply-filled C-17 Globemaster III transports into Georgia's capital of Tbilisi. More flights will follow, officials said, but none are scheduled just yet.

Russian troops who invaded Georgia last week are beginning to pull back, Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said today. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates also spoke at the news conference.

"Generally, the [Russian] forces are starting to move out of the city, particularly Gori, starting to consolidate their positions and get themselves into a position where they can start to back away towards ... the border," the general said. "We see that going on particularly in the areas around the seaports and around Tbilisi, and up north of Tbilisi and west towards Gori."

Russian air activities in and around the region have virtually stopped, General Cartwright said. "Over the last 24 hours, really, there has been no air activity," he said. "So we see them generally complying and moving back into a position where they can start to make their exit in an orderly fashion."

Another Air Force plane transported a six-man humanitarian assistance assessment team. "This is a sequenced kind of thing," Secretary Gates said. The team will look at the seaports, airports and roads, assess their condition and report back to U.S. European Command. The team also will work with the U.S. Embassy in Georgia and with Georgian leaders to ascertain what the country needs. U.S. military transport planes or ships will deliver that aid.

General Cartwright said the military team will look at what roads are open, where help is needed, and what kind of help is needed in those areas. Civilian humanitarian assistance teams from various U.S. agencies will join the servicemembers as the assessment process goes forward, State Department officials said.

The two C-17s that have already arrived carried what's become the standard package for humanitarian assistance, General Cartwright said. Goods delivered included materials to build shelters, clothing and medical supplies.

"What we don't want to do is build some sort of mountain of supplies there with no distribution system," General Cartwright said.

The general said he expects many answers will come in the next 48 hours.

In a statement provided to American Forces Press Service, Air Force Maj. Gen. Mike Gould, U.S. Transportation Command's operations director, said the command is ready to do whatever it's asked to do.

"U.S. Transportation Command, our service components and enterprise partners are capitalizing on our world-class global transportation network to support the regional commander's requirements," he said. "We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to continue supporting the humanitarian assistance efforts for the people of Georgia."

Air mobility supports Georgia humanitarian relief

by Capt. Shilo Weir, Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFPN) -- Air Force mobility Airmen and aircraft are actively involved in airlift operations to aid the people of Georgia.

"We have crews engaged to deliver supplies to those in need, and others on standby, ready to go at a moment's notice if called upon to go in and provide relief," said Gen. Arthur Lichte, commander of Air Mobility Command.

Mobility Airmen will deliver medical supplies in two C-17 Globemaster IIIs Aug. 13 and 14, providing humanitarian assistance to Georgians in need. Mobility forces are postured for continued humanitarian efforts, AMC planners said Aug. 10.

"We've been called on to provide relief before; air mobility is a unique asset for our nation," said General Lichte, noting air mobility's role in providing aid to the besieged population of Berlin during the Berlin Airlift. Mobility forces have engaged in multiple relief efforts in the 60 years since that historic operation.

Earlier in the week, Air Force airlifters returned approximately 2,000 Georgian troops from their deployed location in Iraq. U.S. officials committed to transportation of the troops when Georgia leaders offered their participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Our airlift capability also allowed our nation to keep its promise to Georgia," General Lichte said. "When Georgia needed its troops at home, we were able to quickly provide the lift to get them there.

AMC C-17s deployed with the 4th and the14th Airlift Squadrons flew missions redeploying Georgian troops from Iraq to the Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11 after the Georgian government asked the U.S. for assistance. The redeployment operation spanned slightly more than 24 hours, he said.

Command and control and coordination of the airlift effort is provided by the 618th Tanker Airlift Control Center at Scott Air Force Base. Airmen in the 618th TACC coordinate an average of 900 airlift and air refueling missions each day, and can seamlessly redirect aircraft to support requirements for contingency or humanitarian relief operations.

During Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the 618th TACC Airmen tasked nearly 900 sorties to support relief efforts, and mobility forces moved more than 14,600 passengers, nearly 3,000 patients and hauled the equivalent of 686 semi-truckloads of supplies to and from the Gulf Coast region.

During Pakistan earthquake relief operations in 2005, the 621st Contingency Response Wing supported 273 U.S. missions, and provided 15,294,000 pounds of relief supplies, including more than 93,000 sleeping bags and 292,000 blankets. The wing's Airmen also loaded 587 trucks and processed 4,481 pallets.

USS Sterett Commissioned in Special Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Patrick Grieco

BALTIMORE (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's commissioned the latest guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) at Baltimore's Locust Point Cruise terminals Aug. 9 - the fourth time in naval history that a ship bears this name. The ship can now directly support the Navy's effort to execute the maritime strategy.

During the ceremony, Greg Sterett, a descendant of the ship's namesake Lt. Andrew Sterett, was dressed in a colonial naval uniform, and left the 19th century warship USS Constellation, normally anchored in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, to board the modern warship. He brought with him not just his family name, but the spirit of his Maryland ancestor.

"Lt. Sterett was born in Baltimore in 1778 and [it] is fantastic to be in a town with such great nautical history," said Cmdr. Brian Eckerle, the ship's commanding officer. "He was a brave naval hero at a time when the Navy was a fledgling force. He is an incredible individual and we welcome his spirit on board."

For one Maryland Sailor, this was also his opportunity to shine.

"It's an honor for me," said Cryptologic Technician (Collection) 2nd Class (SW) Torell Beulah of Greensboro, Md. "I never thought I'd get to come to Maryland on board my ship and see my local Maryland citizens."

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit Beulah said his family is waiting at the ship's future homeport in San Diego.

The ceremony included speeches by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, Gov. Martin O'Malley and U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski.

Eckerle said the ship's motto, "Forever Dauntless," is in honor of the third Sterett vessel, a Vietnam-era cruiser (CG 31).

"Their slogan was dauntless," said Eckerle. "We wanted to become part of CG-31 and carry on the tradition of the Sailors who cruised before us."

Veterans of both the Vietnam-era cruiser and the World War II destroyer were present to witness the commissioning of the next generation Sterett.

As Sailors manned the rails of the destroyer, bursts were shot out of torpedo tubes, speeches were made and then it came time to bring Sterett to life. Another Sterett descendant and ship sponsor, Michelle Sterett Bernson gave the order to bring the ship to life.

Moments after hearing the order, both the commissioning flag and national ensign were raised.

Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Ashley Cochran, of the ship's navigation department, had the honor of raising a rather unique commissioning flag.

"This commissioning flag was from the Vietnam-era ship's ceremony," said Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Frank Mossely, leading chief petty officer, navigation department. "Normally the flag is supposed to go the commanding officer, but the signalman who raised it kept it."

Mossely said this same signalman contacted the ship after hearing about the commissioning.

"He said he would be honored if we flew his flag," said Mossely. "There is a great line of history here and this is just another artifact of that history."

Cochran said she volunteered to raise the commissioning flag because she felt a connection to the Vietnam-era signalman.

"To know that another quartermaster or signalman raised this flag up many years ago is very exciting to me," said Cochran. "Being so new to the Navy, it's an honor to be a plank owner. Many years from now, I can say I was here when the ship was commissioned. I could also say when I was 20, I raised the commissioning flag."

Sterett is technogically advanced warship, with several structural and electronic upgrades. One of the upgrades is a direct response to lessons learned from the attack on the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole (DDG 67).

"We have a stronger hull as well as improved isolation systems," said Eckerle. "This makes it easier to isolate chill water, firemains, or anything else we need to shut off."

Eckerle said the ship's weapons systems are the first ever to be commercial off the shelf technology. This means software and components can be changed out for newer high-end equipment easier.

"We can use circuit boards and software that are industry standards today," said Eckerle. "It keeps us modern and more sophisticated. It also allows us to bring the latest and greatest technology to the Navy."

Sterett was built by Bath Iron Works Dynamics Company and is 509.5 feet long and has a waterline beam of 59 feet. Four gas turbine engines power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Twenty Nations Kick Off Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX 2008

An MH-53E Sea Dragon assigned to Mine Counter-Measures Squadron (HM) 15 lands aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) as the ship sails south toward the Panama Canal Zone to participate in the multinational training exercise Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX 2008. This will be the final exercise for Tarawa before decommissioning in early 2009. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel A. Barker/Released)

PANAMA CITY, PANAMA (NNS) -- A formal opening ceremony for Fuerzas Aliadas (FA) PANAMAX 2008, a U.S. Southern Command joint and multinational training exercise cosponsored with the government of Panama, was held in Panama City Aug. 11.

Representatives from each of the 20 participating countries joined Rodrigo Cigarruista, vice minister of Public Security of Panama and U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Robert C. Parker, director, security and intelligence for U.S. Southern Command, at the ceremonial table.

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX 2008 is taking place in the waters off the coasts of Panama and on land in El Salvador and Honduras from Aug. 11-22 with participation of civil and military forces from 20 countries.

More than 30 vessels, a dozen aircraft and 7,000 personnel are involved in the exercises focused on ensuring the security of the Panama Canal. Simulated ground forces are also participating at Comalapa Air Base in El Salvador and Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras.

"The objective of this exercise is to bring our unique abilities together in a common cause: defense of the Panama Canal and the region," said Parker. "The importance of the Panama Canal to the world's economy and the stability enjoyed by the region make them both attractive targets to those who would do harm to either."

"The protection of the canal and maintaining stability in the region is truly a worthy goal and one whose achievement benefits all," Parker said.

Cigarruista also emphasized the importance of creating the legal, institutional and operational framework necessary to ensure the safeguarding of the Panama Canal.

Participating forces will comprise Multi-National Force South under a combined joint task force led by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Keith M. Huber, commander, U.S. Army South.

The FA PANAMAX 2008 exercise scenario includes sea-based training devoted to maritime interdiction operations, and visit, boarding, search and seizure. Land-based training in El Salvador and Honduras will focus on command and control, stability operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief operations.

Fuerzas Aliadas PANAMAX 2008 participating nations include: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, the United States and Uruguay. France, Mexico, Paraguay, and Spain are scheduled to participate as observers. The Conference of Central American Armies, the Organization of American States and the United Nations will also participate.

Fleet Composite Squadron 6 Deactivates

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK (NNS) -- Fleet Composite Squadron (VC) 6 was deactivated Aug. 7, in a ceremony held on Naval Station Norfolk.

Established in 1952 as Utility Squadron 6, VC-6 was originally designed to provide aerial target services for U.S. Naval forces in the Atlantic Ocean. After changing their name, the Firebees of VC-6 expanded their mission to include providing airborne reconnaissance and real-world threat simulations.

In 1958, VC-6 established a detachment in Dam Neck, Va., to provide surface and aerial target services for the Dam Neck Gunnery School, specializing in the BQM-74E Aerial Target Drone. Another detachment was later created in Patuxent River, Md., in 1986, to develop an experimental Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system. This later developed into the Pioneer UAV system, the nation's only 'forward from the sea' UAV.

"I'm sad to see it go, but the members of VC-6 are going to move on and continue to support the fleet," said Personnel Specialist Seaman Paul Richards. "I'll be taking the VC-6 pride and dedication to all my commands in the future."

"It is all about the people, the relationships you make, the spirit and camaraderie," said Cmdr. Gary Deal, VC-6 commanding officer. "That type of spirit is not just going to affect my Navy career, it's going to affect my life."

VC-6 provided support in the Persian Gulf for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and their UAV detachments supported combat operations in Kosovo and Iraq. The squadron also supported the war on terrorism.

"The squadron has a tremendous legacy of operational accomplishments which are inspiring," said Deal.

The ceremony celebrated the various accomplishments of the squadron and highlighted the Firebees' history of providing quality service to the fleet.

USS Kearsarge Deploys in Support of Continuing Promise 2008

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amy Kirk, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) along with various embarked units and non-governmental organizations (NGO) departed Norfolk Aug. 6 for a four-month deployment, in support of mission Continuing Promise (CP) 2008 Caribbean Phase.

CP is a collaborative effort between the United States and partner militaries, NGOs and partner-nation support organizations to build strong partnerships that can be called upon in the event of a regional situation requiring cooperative solutions.

Kearsarge's mission is to conduct civil-military operations including humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to six partner nations and to send a strong message of United States compassion, support and commitment to Central and South America and the Caribbean.

The ship is scheduled to visit Nicaragua, Colombia, Panama, Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

This mission has been coordinated through Commander, Amphibious Squadron Eight with partner nations in the region and planned hand-in-hand with a variety of other governmental and NGOs to creatively address the level and scope of care required that will be needed to support regional medical needs. A key objective of this deployment is to address regional health service support requirements and promote clinical information sharing across the region.

"We'll be working hand-in-hand with our neighbors on many common interests," said Capt. Fernandez Ponds, CP 2008 mission commander.

"By working together and sharing our knowledge, we can address medical and engineering concerns common to the region, while also demonstrating our commitment to developing cooperative solutions and fostering lasting bonds of friendship."

Embarked Fleet Surgical Team Four will team up with host nation health care providers to offer basic primary health care and education.

"The cooperation between the different nations, non-governmental organizations and host nation citizens in this mission will benefit us greatly," said Cmdr. Dave Damstra, CP medical contingent commander. "Should a disaster ever strike this area, we will be able to build upon the care, clinical information and cooperation we're working on now."

Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 and Air Force 5th Civil Engineer Squadron, Prime Base Emergency Engineer Force will join local civil engineers for structure renovations to schools and churches across four locations, along with road and drainage repair.

"By working alongside our partners here, making renovations and repairs and building a better relationship with the nation, we will establish a great bond between our two nations," said Air Force Maj. Thomas DeFazio, CP engineering contingent commander.

CP's mission in Central and South America is part of the Partnership of the Americas initiative. The medical and engineering capabilities this mission brings helps demonstrate the United States' commitment to fostering cooperative partnerships among allies.

"We are very proud to be a part of this mission and focused on not only helping our neighbors, but also learning from them," said Capt. Walter Towns, Kearsarge commanding officer.

Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.

The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.

Navy Commissions New Guided Missile Destroyer Sterett

The newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Sterett, will be commissioned Saturday, Aug. 9, during a 7 p.m. EDT ceremony in Baltimore, Md., at the South Locust Point Marine Terminal.

Designated hull number DDG 104, the new destroyer honors Andrew Sterett (1778-1807), appointed lieutenant in the U.S. Navy in 1798 and assigned to the USS Constellation as third lieutenant. During the quasi-war with France, he served with Capt. Thomas Truxtun onboard Constellation, capturing the French frigate L’Insurgente in 1799. By 1800, he had risen to the rank of first lieutenant. He was soon given command of the schooner Enterprise. In June 1801, he sailed Enterprise from Baltimore to serve with the Mediterranean Squadron and captured a 14-gun Tripolitan warship and her 80-man crew during the Barbary Wars. Sterett continued his Navy career until he resigned his commission in 1805. Three previous ships have carried his name: DD 27, DD 407 and DLG/CG 31.

Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Michelle Sterett Bernson, a descendant of the ship’s namesake, will serve as sponsor of the ship. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when Sterett Bernson gives the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”

The 54th Arleigh Burke class destroyer, Sterett is a multi mission ship that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of the National Military Strategy. Sterett is capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously and contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

Cmdr. Brian P. Eckerle of Jasper, Ind., will become the first commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 276 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Sterett was built by Bath Iron Works, a General Dynamics company, and will be homeported in San Diego, Calif. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 33 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

Carl Vinson Readies for Crew Move Aboard

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Oberholtzer, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
Tugboats assist USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as she transits down the James River while moving from dry dock to a nearby pier at Northop Grumman Newport News shipyard. Carl Vinson is currently undergoing her scheduled refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle. During RCOH Carl Vinson’s nuclear fuel will be replenished and the ship’s services and infrastructure will be upgraded to make her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and prepared for another 25 years of service. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Campbell (RELEASED)

As USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) prepares for its Crew Move Aboard (CMA) this August, Sailors assigned to the ship's zone management division are coordinating efforts to ensure essential spaces are completed and ready when Sailors begin to live and work aboard once again.

Sailors assigned to the zone management team are experienced deckplate leaders, often first class petty officers, who oversee designated areas of the ship and facilitate ship's force production and integration with the shipyard project team.

"We have made tremendous progress throughout RCOH, and we're working hard to make our CMA deadline," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (AW/SW) William Davis, leading petty officer for the division. "It has and will take a lot of work, but we are committed to meeting our goals."

In preparation for CMA, Carl Vinson zone managers coordinated the installation of new decking material for hundreds of shipboard spaces. They also provide oversight on required system testing procedures, completing a sizeable portion of testing required to facilitate the crew's return to the ship.

"It has taken an enormous amount of planning and preparation to get this far," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Gary Sanders. "With all of the jobs we're responsible for, the fact that we have kept everything so organized is really amazing."

The direct efforts of the Sailors assigned to the zone management division helped the project team prepare more than 1,000 spaces, many which are key living spaces aboard ship and essential to CMA.

"We have all these jobs in and out of our system in a very timely and efficient manner," said Sanders. "The number of jobs we're working on changes hourly, and with every day that we work, we accomplish a huge amount of progress for the ship and the crew."

Carl Vinson is undergoing its scheduled RCOH at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year life cycle.

During RCOH Carl Vinson's nuclear fuel will be replenished and the ship's services and infrastructure will be upgraded to make her the most state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and prepare for another 25 years or more of service.

Future USS Green Bay Completes Acceptance Trials

AVONDALE, LA (NNS) -- The future USS Green Bay (LPD 20) completed Acceptance Trials on Aug. 1, sailing from and returning to the Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB) shipyard in New Orleans.

Green Bay is the fourth ship of San Antonio class to be presented to the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) for acceptance. This is the final major milestone prior to the shipyard delivering this amphibious transport dock ship to the Navy.

"The completion of acceptance trials is a major step towards bringing LPD 20 into the fleet, and we look forward to ship delivery in August," said Capt. Bill Galinis, LPD 17 program manager. "Green Bay performed very well on trials and continued a trend of improving performance as the class matures and more ships are prepared for the Fleet."

During the Acceptance Trials, NGSB successfully demonstrated a variety of systems including main propulsion, engineering and ship control systems, combat systems, damage control, food service and crew support. Among the highlights of the trial, Green Bay successfully completed a full power run, self-defense detect-to-engage exercises, ballasting, deballasting, and steering and anchor handling demonstrations. The multidimensional capabilities of the Shipboard Wide Area Network, the "electronic backbone" of the ship, were also demonstrated during all phases of the trial.

In addition to the INSURV team, Navy experts from Naval Sea Systems Command, the LPD 17-class Program Office and the Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast participated in the trials. Among the most excited ship riders were those Sailors from Green Bay's crew who will be moving aboard the ship in late August shortly after delivery.

The future USS Green Bay is scheduled for commissioning in Long Beach, Calif., early next year. The ship will then join USS New Orleans (LPD 18) as the second of the class to be homeported in San Diego.

The next ship in the class, New York (LPD 21), is also at the NGSB yard in Avondale, La., preparing for sea trials next year. San Diego (LPD 22), Anchorage (LPD 23) and Arlington (LPD 24) are all under construction at Northrop Grumman Gulf Coast shipyards. Meanwhile, USS San Antonio (LPD 17) has been training with its Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in preparation for deployment; USS New Orleans' next milestone will be Final Contract Trials; and USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) is preparing for shock trials.

JSTARS meets AWACS

by Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon, 18th Wing Public Affairs
An E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft takes off from Kadena Air Base, Japan, to train with the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron E-3 Sentry for an exercise in the Korean Peninsula area. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon)

The 16th Expeditionary Airborne Command and Control Squadron from Robins Air Force Base, Ga., has deployed to Kadena Air Base for 30 days to train with the 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron and participate in an operational readiness exercise on the Korean Peninsula.

The unit is flying its E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft alongside the E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, operated by the 961st AACS here.

"We have a great opportunity to share tactics and training opportunities with the 961st AACS as we fly together over the Republic of Korea during the ORE," said Lt. Col. Douglas Kugler, 16th EACCS detachment commander.

The E-8C is a command and control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset that provides ground surveillance data to ground and air commanders in a theater of operations.

"The Joint STARS aircraft contributes in a lot of ways, from developing targets of opportunity for attack operations to supporting personnel recovery operations," said Colonel Kugler. "We use a crew normally consisting of 21 Air Force and Army personnel to detect, track, report and target enemy ground movement while employing various radar modes, computer subsystems and an extensive communications suite."

While training in this exercise, the JSTARS aircrew will train their eyes on the ground situation as fighter aircraft launch sorties. The E-8C crew will pass critical ground data to the E-3 Sentry crew and other units like common ground stations from the Army's 2nd Infantry Division and the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. In turn, the AWACS will share the air picture, enhancing situational awareness for JSTARS crews.

AWACS and JSTARS crews coordinate with friendly aircraft to expedite identification of targets of opportunity. Training opportunities available during this visit offer both units a chance to improve critical coordination skills and reduce the amount of time it takes to coordinate air-to-ground targets.

"When you start putting these two pictures together, you get a lot of situational awareness of enemy activity for faster operational and tactical level decisions," said Colonel Kugler.

Senior Master Sgt. James Reid, 16th EACCS senior director technician, said the information taken from both platforms enables commanders on the ground to make real-time decisions based on real-time data.

The crew aboard JSTARS consists of members from the active-duty Air Force, the Air National Guard as well as the U.S. Army. The 116th Air Control Wing at Robins AFB is the sole unit operating JSTARS with a total of 17 operational aircraft providing worldwide support to combatant commanders.

"Though we [both units] have unique missions, it's the synergistic effect of combining the assets that makes the impact in the battle space," said Sergeant Reid.

Crewmembers in an E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft pass targeted information to fighter and bomber aircraft during an exercise in the Korean Peninsula area July 29. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Rey Ramon)

Italian Submarine Visits Norfolk

By Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Xander Gamble, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs
The Italian submarine ITS Salvatore Todaro (S 526) arrives at Naval Station Norfolk to begin a 13-day port visit after participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. Todaro's participation in JTFEX and follow-on port visit is a historic first for the Italian Navy, representing the first time since World War II that an Italian submarine crossed the Atlantic Ocean westward. (U.S. Navy photo by Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Xander Gamble/Released)

The Italian submarine ITS Salvatore Todaro (S 526) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk's Pier 3 Aug. 1 to begin a 13-day visit following the submarine's participation in a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) with Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.

Todaro's participation in JTFEX and follow-on port visits is an historic first for the Italian Navy, representing the first time since World War II an Italian submarine crossed the Atlantic. During this deployment, ITS Todaro will be involved in training activities with the U.S. Navy, testing several on-board systems in an operational environment different from the one the Italian Navy usually operates in.

Before leaving the U.S., Todaro will also participate in Columbus Day celebrations in New York City in October.

ITS Todaro was commissioned on March 29, 2006, and is the first of four submarines in the U212A class of submarines. The submarine is led by commanding officer Lt. Cmdr. Mauro Panebianco. ITS Todaro is manned by 6 officers and 21 petty officers. Its homeport is Taranto, in southern Italy.

The diesel/electric-powered Todaro is 183-feet long, and has a diameter of 22 feet. The submerged displacement is 1830 tons.

JTFEX is designed to test and evaluate a battle group's reactions to multiple wartime scenarios from small craft attacks to land-based missile attacks and is the final certification for a battle group preparing to deploy. The exercise demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. and Italian navies to building stronger relationships.

USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group Departs Japan

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) prepares to enter Sasebo harbor in Sasebo, Japan for a port call. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 52 million square miles, with approximately 50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call/Released)

Four ships and more than 5,000 Sailors of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 departed Japan, July 31 and August 1, after routine port visits marked by numerous displays of good will and community service throughout the country.

The strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class nuclear aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 and the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83) left Sasebo, while the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) departed Yokosuka, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) departed Fukuoka.

While in Japan, more than 200 strike group Sailors volunteered to help make a difference in various Japanese communities by participating in eight community relations projects at local high schools and orphanages.

"Our ties with Japan go very deep," said Rear Adm. Phil Wisecup, the strike group's commander. "Our Sailors understand that it's about being good neighbors to our friends and representing the very best of America. We approached this port like we had a mission ashore, and we accomplished it."

One of the most popular projects involved the Ronald Reagan First Class Petty Officer Association, which hosted a pool party for a local orphanage.

"I think this party was a great opportunity for us to interact with Japanese kids and the community," said Religious Program Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW/FMF) David Winter. "With the kids it's more personal. I think we all have a little bit of kid in us, and here in this environment I think it just meshes really well."

Working with the Japanese children was both rewarding and fun.

"I think we accomplished our goal of establishing relationships with the Japanese youth. We didn't want to leave, it was that fun," said USS Gridley Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class (SW) Marquis Hubbard.

"The people were so very friendly and very patient with our language barrier," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Christina Ross of Gridley. "By the end of the night I was speaking pretty decent Japanese."

Hundreds of Sailors took advantage of tours sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation, including sightseeing excursions, hiking trips and sporting events.

Lt. Cmdr. Walter Williamson, a nurse-anesthetist aboard Ronald Reagan, participated in the Kashima Shrine & Sake Factory tour. The shrine was built around 660 B.C.

"I had a great time on the tour. It was a good way to see the country and the culture," said Willimson. "The sake was good and cold and the shrine was beautiful."

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is currently in the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility as part of a routine deployment to promote peace, cooperation and stability in the region. Homeported in San Diego, Ronald Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier.

Frequency Change at KPSM

For you folks in the area of Portmouth International at Pease (KPSM):

157ARW/133ARS Pack Control frequencies have changed from 134.100 321.000 MHz to 141.950 321.000 MHz. This was a NOTAM update dated 16 Jul 2008. Thanks Jack.

Milcom Blog Logs - A Central Florida Edition

Our old friend Jack NeSmith passes along his logs from July 2008 heard in central Florida. Thanks master Jack.

Frequencies in MHz and mode is AM unless otherwise indicated.

225.3500 R-2910 PINECASTLE RANGE
227.0750 W-470A
228.2250 MOODY AFB GA 347 RQG "ANGEL OPS"
229.3500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
233.3750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
233.7000 MOODY AFB APPROACH/DEPARTURE
234.5000 NAS OCEANA VA VFA-106
234.5000 NASA T-38 INTERFLIGHT
234.8000 125 FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
235.0500 USAF UNKNOWN
235.1000 AR-200
236.0750 MOODY AFB GA GRAND BAY RANGE
236.6750 UNKNOWN
236.7000 UNKNOWN
236.7500 AR ESTABLISHED TRACKS
236.8500 MOODY AFB GA
237.0250 EGLIN AFB 2FS INTERFLIGHT
237.7000 NAVY
238.8000 NAS KEY WEST USAF OPS
238.9000 AR-620
239.0000 ORLANDO EXEC TOWER
239.2500 KZMA SECTOR ALUTO
239.2750 DAYTONA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
239.3000 NAS MAYPORT TOWER
242.6000 ARMY
244.8500 UNKNOWN
245.4500 EGLIN AFB ??
246.8000 NAS MAYPORT HSL-44 INTERFLIGHT
250.0000 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
250.3000 MCAS BEAUFORT SC VMFA-224 TAC-1
251.0500 KZJX UNKNOWN
251.1000 KZJX PANAMA CITY
251.1500 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
251.4000 MCAS BEAUFORT VMFA-122
251.9750 MOODY AFB GA
254.2750 KZJX LIVE OAK MOA
254.3250 KZJX SECTOR TAYLOR-LO w/125.375
255.4000 FSS
256.7500 UNKNOWN
256.8750 KZMA AVON PARK
256.9000 KZJX SECTOR BAXLEY w/133.7
257.3500 EGLIN AFB INTERFLIGHT
257.7000 KZMA SECTOR LAKELAND-LO
257.8000 DAYTONA IAP TOWER
257.9000 FAA UNKNOWN
258.0000 EXERCISE/TRAINING
258.1000 EGLIN AFB INTERFLIGHT
261.2500 R-2907 LAKE GEORGE TARGETS
261.4000 601 AIR OPERATIONS CENTER NORAD "HUNTRESS"
262.6500 UNKNOWN
262.8000 EXERCISE/TRAINING
263.0500 KZJX JACKSONVILLE w/128.675
264.6250 R-2901 AVON PARK RANGE BRAVO/FOXTROT RANGE
264.6500 BOEING OPS CECIL FLD
264.8000 KSC VARIETY NET
264.8750 EGLIN AFB 33 FW INTERFLIGHT
264.9250 MCAS BEAUFORT SC VMFA-312 3
265.4000 601 AIR OPERATIONS CENTER NORAD "HUNTRESS"
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
269.1000 TAMPA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
269.2000 PATRICK AFB TOWER
269.2500 KZJX SECTOR OCALA-LO w/133.325
269.3000 KZMA SECTOR BAIRN
269.3250 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
269.3750 PATRICK AFB TOWER
269.4000 TAMPA IAP TOWER
269.4750 ST AUGUSTINE TOWER
269.6000 KZJX SECTOR LAWTEY-UH w/132.825
269.7000 UNKNOWN
271.1000 J-STARS
271.8000 TYNDALL AFB 95 FS INTERFLIGHT
273.5000 PATRICK AFB ATIS
273.5500 KZJX SECTOR ST JOHNS-LO w/134.0
273.9750 UNKNOWN
274.0500 UNKNOWNS
274.1000 CARRIER AIR WING COMMON INTERFLIGHT
274.1250 UNKNOWN
275.2000 FLIGHT TEST
276.1000 AR RANDOM TRACKS
276.4000 FAA UNKNOWN
276.6000 AVON PARK RANGE
277.4000 KZJX SECTOR BRUNSWICK w/126.75
277.9000 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
278.8000 NAS JAX GCA
279.6000 TAMPA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
281.5000 KZMA FT MEYERS-LO
282.2000 KZJX SECTOR JEKYLL-LO w/124.675
282.3000 KZJX SECTOR ALMA-HI w/135.975
283.4000 VMFA-122 TAC 1
283.5750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
283.7000 MACDILL AFB 6 AMW "BUCCNEER OPS"
284.0000 SHUTTLE LANDING STRIP TOWER
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
284.7000 ORLANDO IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
285.1000 NAS ATLANTA GA VAW-77
285.5000 KZMA AVON PARK
285.6500 KZJX SECTOR STATES-HI w/126.125
285.7250 AVON PARK RANGE CHARLIE/ECHO (S TAC) RANGE
288.3750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
288.5500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
288.6750 EGLIN AFB ??
289.2000 R-2910 PINECASTLE RANGE "AIR CONTROL"
289.4000 ORLANDO IAP CLEARANCE DELIVERY
290.0000 MCAS BEAUFORT SC VMFA-251 TAC
290.3000 TAMPA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
290.3500 KZJX SECTOR HUNTER-UH w/123.425
290.4000 KZJX SECTOR WAYCROSS-LO w/132.3
290.5000 DUKE FIELD(EGLIN AUX-3) DEPARTURE CONTROL
290.5750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
290.6000 AWACS ??
290.6750 TYNDALL AFB 1 FS INTERFLIGHT
290.8000 UNKNOWN
290.8250 SPECTRUM HOLE
290.9000 EGLIN AFB MISSION CONTROL
290.9500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
291.0750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
291.1500 W-470C COMMON
291.2000 NAVY
291.6000 KZMA SECTOR LA BELLE
291.7000 KZJX SECTOR ZEPHYR-UH w/128.425
292.0250 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
292.1000 MACDILL AFB 6 AMW "THUNDER OPS" INTERFLIGHT
292.1250 FAA UNKNOWN
292.1500 FAA UNKNOWN
292.2000 R-2901 AVON PARK RANGE CONTROL
293.1750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
293.2250 KZMA SECTOR STOOP
293.3000 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
293.8500 UNKNOWN
293.9250 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
296.7250 TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS
296.9000 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
297.9000 TYNDALL AFB / OPERATION BRIMSTONE ??
298.8250 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
299.0000 UNKNOWN
299.2500 VFC-12 TAC
299.6750 TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS
299.9000 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
301.0000 MCAS BEAUFORT SC SOUTH TACTS RNG 4 X-RAY "WARLOCK"
305.8250 TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS
306.0000 NAS JAX VP-30 OPS
306.9000 KZMA SECTOR MARATHON
307.0000 ORLANDO IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
307.1000 KZMA SECTOR LA BELLE-HI
307.2000 KZJX SECTOR SEMINOLE- HI w/128.075
307.2500 KZJX SECTOR ST AUGUSTINE - LO/HI w/126.35
307.3000 KZMA SECTOR CIGAR
308.4000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
308.7500 AWACS
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
311.0000 MACDILL AFB 6 AMW "LIGHTING OPS"
311.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI "BRISTOL"
313.7000 FACSFAC JAX
314.2000 125 FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
316.0500 TAMPA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
316.2750 TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS
316.7250 TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS
317.4000 KZJX ATLANTIC CONTROL
317.5250 KZJX SECTOR PERRY- HI w/135.625
317.6000 KZJX SECTOR CEDAR KEY - LO w/135.75
317.6000 KZMA SECTOR VERO BEACH
317.7000 JACKSONVILLE IAP TOWER
319.0000 KZMA SECTOR BOYEL
319.4000 UNKNOWN
319.7000 AR SECONDARY
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX GCI "BRISTOL"
322.4000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
322.4750 KZJX SECTOR LAKE CITY - HI w/133.875
322.5000 KZJX SECTOR ALLANDALE - LO (SAV) w/120.85
323.0000 KZMA SECTOR HOMESTEAD
323.0500 KZJX SECTOR BREWTON - HI w/124.475
323.2000 KZMA SECTOR BROOKSVILLE
323.2500 NAS MAYPORT RADAR
324.2000 TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS
327.1000 KZJX SECTOR TORRY - LO/HI w/134.85
327.6000 AR-202S
328.0250 J-STARS
335.5500 KZJX SECTOR DARBS - LO w/128.05
335.6000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
338.2500 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
339.9250 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
340.3750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
340.7500 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD" S TACTS RANGE DISCRETE
341.7000 ORLANDO IAP CLEARANCE DELIVERY
341.7250 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
341.7500 AWACS
342.5000 EGLIN AFB METRO
343.0000 125 FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
346.2500 KZJX SECTOR GREEN COVE - HI w/127.475
346.3000 KZJX SECTOR MOULTRIE - UH w/133.3
346.3500 KZJX SECTOR NEPTA - HI w/124.775
346.4000 KZJX SECTOR CRESTVIEW - LO w/120.2
348.0000 NAS JAX GCA
348.6000 DAYTONA IAP GROUND CONTROL
348.6500 KZMA SECTOR CIGAR
348.7000 KZMA SECTOR HOBEE
349.0000 KZMA SECTOR LAKELAND HI
350.0000 SOUTH TACTS RNG 4 X-RAY "WARLOCK"
350.0250 CUSTOMS
351.6750 HURLBURT FIELD TOWER/ TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS ??
351.8000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
351.9500 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
352.0000 KZJX SECTORTALLAHASSEE - LO (QPE) w/127.8
353.5750 TAMPA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
353.6000 KZMA SECTOR PALM BEACH- LO
360.2000 NAS JAX TOWER
360.7000 KZJX SECTOR MAYO- HI w/125.175
360.8000 KZJX SECTOR GENEVA- HI w/125.05
361.5750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
363.3000 MCAS BEAUFORT SC VMFA-231 TAC
363.6000 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
363.9500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
364.0000 ARMY/ OPERATION BRIMSTONE ??
364.2000 601 AIR OPERATIONS CENTER NORAD "HUNTRESS"
364.3750 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
367.5500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
369.0250 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
369.0500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
371.5500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
372.2000 PTD
376.1250 J-STARS
376.9500 ROOSEVELT CVN-71 OPERATION BRIMSTONE
377.0500 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
377.1000 KZJX GAINESVILLE DISCRETE
377.9000 TRUMAN CARRIER QUALS
379.2500 KZMA SECTOR ADOOR
379.9000 JACKSONVILLE APPROACH/DEPARTURE
379.9500 DAYTONA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
380.3000 KZMA SECTOR FT MEYERS- HI
381.0000 J-STARS
381.5000 DAYTONA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
381.6500 SANFORD IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
385.5000 KZJX GAINESVILLE DISCRETE
385.6500 FAA UNKNOWN
387.0000 DAYTONA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
387.0250 MOODY AFB GA GCA
395.1500 J-STARS

'Noble Resolve' Experiment Tests Emergency-Response Communications

By Gerry J. Gilmore American Forces Press Service

Defense Department agencies as well as state and local emergency-preparedness organizations in Virginia, Oregon, Colorado and Indiana are honing their communication and coordination capabilities as part of the current iteration of the Noble Resolve homeland defense and disaster-response experiment.
Noble Resolve '08, which began July 28 and ends today Aug. 1, is the latest in a series of tests of disaster-preparedness communications and coordination systems sponsored by U.S. Joint Forces Command, based in Norfolk, Va.

Testing information and coordination links among Defense Department organizations, state emergency-response agencies, the National Guard, other first responders such as local fire and police departments, and nongovernmental organizations is a key purpose of Noble Resolve, exercise leader Air Force Col. Gene Taylor told reporters today during a video-teleconference at Joint Forces Command facilities in Suffolk, Va.

"We can't afford to wait. ... The timeliness and robustness of response is too important to leave it to a sort of 'pickup game'" in the event of natural or man-made disasters, Taylor said.

Elements of U.S. Northern Command, as well as the National Guard Bureau and the Department of Homeland Security, also are participating in Noble Resolve.

This year's Noble Resolve experiment features disaster scenarios such as massive earthquakes occurring in Indiana and Oregon and a faux Virginia train derailment producing a huge fire, according to a Joint Forces Command news release.

A Noble Resolve fact sheet lists the following areas of emphasis:

-- Overcoming communication barriers;

-- Sharing integrated global maritime intelligence and situational awareness;

-- Improving defenses against weapons of mass destruction threats against the homeland; and

-- Managing population movement in the event of a natural disaster and ensuring long-term sustainment of consequence management forces following a possible chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or high-yield-explosive event.

Multinational participation in this iteration of Noble Resolve includes representatives from Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Morocco, Portugal, South Korea, Romania, Spain and Sweden, as well as NATO Allied Command Transformation.

Noble Resolve is "really about helping Joint Forces Command operate seamlessly" with its homeland defense partners in the event of natural or man-made disasters, Taylor said.

Parade of Ships Kicks Off Seattle Seafair Fleet Week

Blog Editor Note: For my friends in the Pacific Northwest, here comes the Navy again. I participated once in Seafair during my career and had a real good time. To you folks in Seattle check 380-390 MHz and look for trunk control channels. You might hear something interesting.

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW/NAC) Eric J. Rowley, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest



The Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) lead the parade of ships.

SEATTLE (NNS) -- Ticonderoga class cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) and Whidbey Island class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) kicked off the 59th annual Seattle Seafair Fleet Week July 30 with the parade of ships.

"The parade of ships is very touching, moving and inspiring for Americans who have a chance to see the parade," said Jerilyn Brusseau, Seattle Rotary, who viewed the parade of ships from Pier 66. "It was nice to tap into things you don't get to see every day. I appreciate, so much, the service of young men and women who have a purpose greater than ourselves. I wouldn't miss this."

Princeton and Germantown, followed by Coast Guard and Canadian ships, cruised around Elliott Bay and passed Pier 66 on the Seattle waterfront.

"Seafair is a long-standing festival that goes back to 1941 here in Seattle, and throughout its history they have made a point of including the Navy and ships in the Festival," said Rear Adm. James Symonds, commander Navy Region Northwest. "The parade of ships marked the official arrival of the fleet."

The parade left Pier 90, where the ships are moored for Seafair, with hundreds of passengers who requested to ride the ships in the parade.

"The parade of ships is important because it's an increase in public awareness," said Cmdr. Chris Phillips, commander, Navy Recruiting District Seattle. "By increasing public awareness, people are asking questions to me and other dignitaries around here as to what the Navy is about and why they are here. I think it's a good thing just to be able to talk to the public."

The parade of ships made a trip around the Puget Sound before passing through Elliott Bay and Pier 66 with Princeton leading the parade and firing off an aft cannon, saluting the citizens of Seattle.

"The parade of ships was great, I enjoyed every minute of it," said Melvin Bratley, Germantown passenger. "I haven't been on a ship like this before and it gave me a chance to see our service men and women in action and it gives me a perspective of what they have to do in giving service to our country. It's great to be able to meet some of these Sailors."