First Virginia-class Dry Dock Conducted

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF), a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) field activity, dry docked USS Hawaii (SSN 776), March 30.

Hawaii is the first U.S. Pacific fleet Virginia-class submarine to go into dry dock at Pearl Harbor, one of NAVSEA's four public shipyards playing a major role in maintaining America's fleet. The ship will undergo routine inspection and maintenance in the shipyard until early May.

"The entire shipyard was very excited to dry dock USS Hawaii, and validate the hard work and dedication of the many people involved in this evolution," said Shipyard Commander Capt. Greg Thomas. "The successful execution was the fruit of their labor, earned from careful and relentless preparation."

The shipyard has been researching, planning and training for dry-docking evolutions since June 2008. Because Virginia-class submarines pose unique challenges that make docking the modern vessels more complicated than Los Angeles-class ships, the shipyard put together a special project team strictly dedicated to Hawaii's dry docking.

The project team underwent extensive preparations to safely and efficiently dry dock Hawaii. First, the shipyard conducted a realistic Virginia class mock docking availability in August 2008, followed by an evaluation session to capture lessons learned from the exercise. Several weeks prior to the docking, two all-trades conferences were held, instead of the usual single conference.

"The extra pre-trades conference was an above-and-beyond effort put forth for Virginia-class docking," said Cmdr. Leonard Laforteza, PHNSY & IMF's Virginia-class program manager. "It was important to address all the potential issues."

Dry docking Hawaii also provided a model for future repair work in the shipyard on Virginia-class submarines.

Hawaii, which arrived at Pearl Harbor last July, is the first submarine to be homeported in Pearl Harbor, and the first commissioned U.S. Navy vessel to bear the name of the Aloha State. Hawaii represents the very latest in submarine technology and capability, featuring an advanced combat control system; sensors; improved surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities; and special operations forces capabilities.

NS Pearl Harbor, Hickam AFB Combine To Form Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Naval Station Pearl Harbor and Hickam Air Force Base held a Jan. 31 ceremony unveiling Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH), marking the beginning of the transition period which will see the two military installations combine.

This transition period is called Initial Operational Capability (IOC), and according to JBPHH Commander Capt. Richard Kitchens, the two facilities will build on existing relationships.

"It is truly an honor as we stand here and bring these two historic bases together today," he said. "The Navy and Air Force share the same goals with passion and pride, and with the joining of forces today, we will be able to further our partnership between the two services."

United States Air Force 15th Airlift Wing Commander Col. Giovanni Tuck expressed the significant capabilities the joint base can offer.

"With the combining of forces, we will bring unity along with excellence into the future," he said. "I look forward to seeing a strong partnership prosper when we merge bases together today. Just because we are creating something new here today, the history of Hickam Air Force Base and Naval Station Pearl Harbor will never be forgotten."

During the ceremony, the JBPHH seal was unveiled and Sailors and Airmen opened up and removed the Aloha Aina Park pedestrian gate which previously separated the two bases.

Kitchens and Tuck then symbolically joined a traditional Hawaiian lei together, marking the beginning of the JBPHH IOC.

Kitchens said he looked forward to the future of JBPHH's tradition continuing to grow.

"There is plenty of history and tradition that is already involved with Pearl Harbor and Hickam," he said. "I know and I anticipate that there will only be plenty of good things involved with JBPHH that will continue to add to that history and tradition."

The IOC will continue through Oct. 1, when full operational capability will take effect. At that time all resources, property, personnel and authority for installation management functions will transfer to the Navy, which was designated by Base Realignment and Closure law to be the lead agency for the new installation.

United States Air Force 15th Mission Support Group, 15th Airlift Wing, Col. Charles Baumgardner will serve as the the deputy, joint base commander. Mission commanders and other tenants will remain in charge of their units. The joint base commanders will report to Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Rear Adm. Dixon Smith.

Pearl Harbor Welcomes USS Texas

The Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) arrived at its new homeport, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, during an inner-fleet transfer from Groton Submarine Base. The arrival of Texas to Pearl Harbor will mark the second of the Virginia-class subs to be stationed in the Pacific, following the historic arrival of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) in July. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Josh Thompson/Released)

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Texas (SSN 775), the second Virginia-class submarine to be homeported in the Pacific, arrived at Naval Station Pearl Harbor during an inner-fleet transfer from Groton Submarine Base Nov. 23.

"This is a very exciting time for Texas and her crew," said Cmdr. Robert Roncska, commanding officer, USS Texas. "The crew performed above and beyond my expectations and I am very proud that we are here now and in the Aloha spirit."

Measuring 377 feet long, weighing 7,800 tons when submerged and with a complement of more than 130 crew members, Texas is one of the Navy's newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.

The state-of-the-art submarine is capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, and mine warfare.

Texas completed a historic first for the Virginia class last month when it became the first vessel of its class to operate in the arctic region, including time spent on the surface near the North Pole. The ship moored safely to the ice for over 24 hours. Activities on the ice included a very special re-enlistment ceremony for 12 crew members and a pinning ceremony in which one crew member received his submarine warfare qualification dolphins, as well as some down time to play touch football in the five degree weather.
Though the submarine force has continually operated in the dangerous region successfully for over 50 years, this occasion marked the first such venture by one the Navy's newest assets.

Commissioned Sept. 9, 2006, Texas was the second Virginia-class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the "Lone Star" state. Two battleships and a cruiser were previously named USS Texas, and three active Los Angeles-class submarines, USS Dallas (SSN 700), USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) and USS Houston (SSN 713) have been named for cities in Texas.

The arrival of Texas to Pearl Harbor will mark the second of the Virginia-class subs to be stationed in the Pacific, following the historic arrival of USS Hawaii (SSN 776) in July. Both vessels are assigned Commander, Submarine Squadron 1.

"It is a great honor to be a part of this historical event," said Electronics Technician 1st Class (SS) Andre Valdez. "I am really looking forward to being stationed here and being part of this submarine force."

Recognizing the importance of the Asia-Pacific region and the increased threat posed by the proliferation of submarines in the Pacific, the 2006 Quadrennial Defense Review mandated that 60 percent of the U.S. Navy's submarines be home ported in the Pacific by the end of 2010. With USS Texas' arrival, 31 of the U.S. Navy's 53 fast attack submarines will be home ported in the Pacific, with 18 of those 31 homeported in Pearl Harbor.

USS Ronald Reagan Visits Pearl on the Navy BDay

The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) transits towards Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a scheduled port visit on the U.S. Navy's 234th birthday, Oct. 13. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment, operating in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott/Released)

Pearl Harbor and Hickam to Merge

Naval Pearl Harbor and Hickam AFB will combine into one - Joint Base Pearl Harbor/Hickam on Jan 31, 2010. Get the complete story by clkicking here.

Peleliu ESG Underway Following Port Visit to Pearl Harbor

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Allen Cameron and Aviation Support Equipment Technician 1st Class Juan Mejia lower the National Ensign aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) for the ship's departure from Pearl Harbor. Peleliu is currently in Pearl Harbor for a scheduled port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Shannon K. Cassidy)

USS PELELIU, At Sea (NNS) -- The San Diego-based Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG) departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor, May 12, following a two-day port visit that served as the first leg of the 2008 deployment.

"Hawaii is always a favorite port call for Sailors and Marines on deployment," said Capt. Jon Padfield, the commander of Amphibious Squadron 3. "We enjoy bringing young Sailors and Marines to historic places such as Pearl Harbor and are always welcomed by the warm hospitality of the wonderful people here."

While in Hawaii, many Sailors and Marines from the PELESG took advantage of the ship's and Naval Station Pearl Harbor's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) discounted ticket program for tours and attractions all over the island -- including luaus and golf. Other Sailors and Marines visited the historic USS Arizona Memorial as well as the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

The PELESG is led by Commander, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 3 and includes the flag ship, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), the amphibious ships USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), the guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and the guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Benfold (DDG 65).

The PELESG departed Naval Station San Diego, May 4, for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of U.S. national security objectives.

Pearl Harbor Security Maintains 'Right of Passage'

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael A. Lantron, Commander, Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Sailors assigned to Harbor Security at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Pearl Harbor, remain committed to vigilantly protecting the harbor waters, her ships and their crews from sea and land-based threats at all times.

The Sailors' duties serve a vital role in maintaining physical security at Pearl Harbor and allow daily operations to be carried out in a safe and secure manner.

"Harbor Security is essential to day-to-day operations taking place in Pearl Harbor," said Cmdr. Larry Hill, executive officer, NAVSTA Pearl Harbor. "It's an important job to protect our national assets, warships and submarines that protect and defend this country that are stationed here."

According to Hill, a viable security force ensures the harbor is safe for all homeported and visiting submarines and ships.

"We ensure the safety of all surface and subsurface ships homeported here and the ships who travel through," said Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Dale Kintz, Harbor Security leading chief petty officer. "It's our responsible to make sure the ships enter and exit safely through the main channel."

Selflessly operating in three separate eight-hour shifts of two to three-man teams, the group of 33 Sailors patrol the harbor protecting its assets.

"It might be long hours, but I think we have the coolest rate out there," said Master-at-Arms 3rd Class (SW) Dori Garcia. "Just to be part of something like patrolling the harbor is exciting."

Utilizing six SeaArk Dauntless security boats, the Sailors are responsible for the protection of more than three miles of water along the harbor, stretching from the Pacific Fleet boathouse to Buoys 1 and 2 in the main channel of Pearl Harbor.

"Once a ship hits the buoys, it becomes our responsibility," said Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Ruben Gutierrez. "For us to protect the ship is like someone protecting an admiral or a general in the desert. We make sure everything here remains a hard target for attack."

During their eight-hour watch on the harbor waters, the Sailors conduct routine three-hour checks of the Controlled Industrial Area of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, and patrols areas such as the PACFLT boathouse and under the Ford Island Bridge. Patrol boats are also on hand for the departure and arrival of all vessels in the harbor.

"The channel is only 1,000 feet wide, and because it's so narrow, we need to ensure there isn't any traffic in and around that vessel that isn't already authorized," said Kintz. "If the ship is dead center in the water, with only 500 feet on each side, it's very tricky to keep other vessels outside the authorized area during a ship movement."

With the exception of two Sailors, Harbor Security is made up entirely of Master-at-Arms, and patrolling the harbor waters is a change of pace compared to the normal security detail.

"They're used to driving vehicles and now they have to drive boats. They're wearing a dual hat of a master-at-arms and a boatswain's mate," said Kintz. "Also, these Sailors work 24/7, including holidays, and are very professional about it. Most people have to work the holiday on a duty day, but these guys do it as part of their normal job."

Sunday Punch Monitored

An anonymous Hawaiian monitor caught callsign "Sunday Punch" (USS Port Royal CG-73) conduting a radio check on 328.200 MHz. This is the SOPA Harbor-Port Operations in Pearl Harbor, HI. Thanks Brian for the update.