By Chief Mass Communications Specialist Rhonda Burke
MILWAUKEE, Wisc. (NNS) -- The crew of USS Freedom (LCS 1) ushered in a new era in naval warfare, Nov. 8 as the ship was brought to life at Milwaukee's Veterans Park before a crowd of nearly 10,000.
The ship was officially placed in commission by Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, who remarked the Navy was commissioning not just Freedom but a new class of naval war ships.
"In this platform we are making the right investments in our future security and in our prosperity," Winter said. "For those of you who will have the privilege of serving in Freedom you will play a leading role in protecting our nation's interest and in ensuring stability of the global economy. You will also be called upon to serve in a ship whose namesake defines the very aspirations of the American people and of people the world over."
Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead, said Freedom will never have a more important crew than its first one, for they are the ones that set the tone and standards that will endure.
Freedom also represents a new concept in how and where the Navy is going to operate in executing the Maritime Strategy.
"USS Freedom will sail as an instrument of that strategy. Hers will be the march of the mind, with the spear and the shield, she will proclaim and insure the freedom of the seas and the freedom of the nation," Roughead said.
Freedom is an innovative combatant designed to operate quickly in shallow water environments to counter challenging threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft.
Following the Secretary's commissioning, the ship's two commanding officers, Cmdr. Donald Gabrielson, Blue Crew and Cmdr. Michael Doran, Gold Crew, took command, set the first watch and raised the ensign.
The first ensign flown over the ship had previously been flown over Baghdad. After its ceremonial unfurling, it was hauled down and presented to the ship's sponsor, Birgit Smith, in honor of her late husband's sacrifice in defense of freedom. Smith is the wife of Army Sgt. First Class Paul Smith, who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the first in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Clutching the American flag and flanked by the ship's two commanding officers and two senior enlisted leaders, Smith tearfully gave the order to the crew of Freedom, "man our ship and bring her to life."
For the crew, the commissioning was the culmination of three years of hard work.
"It is great to be part of a first of class new ship that is outfitted with 21st century technology," said Mineman 1st Class (SW) Jeff Steele, who has been with the crew since July 2006. "We have worked long and hard for this day and to bring her to life and go out and operate."
A fast, agile, and high-technology surface combatant, Freedom 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.
The LCS will be able to swap out mission packages adapting as the tactical situation demands. These ships will also feature advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.
Freedom is the first of two LCS sea frames being produced. 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.
The 378-foot Freedom was constructed at Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, Wisc., and was the first naval vessel to be built and commissioned on the Great Lakes since World War II. She will be home ported at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., as part of the Pacific Fleet.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Alaskan Region best unit in NORAD
by Master Sgt. Karin Krause, Alaskan Command Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- While 2007 was a very challenging year for the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, known as ANR, and its partners, it ended up being a very rewarding year when ANR was named NORAD's outstanding unit for 2007.
Col. Kevin Booth, ANR director of operations, accepted the Partridge-Slemon Award on behalf of Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, ANR commander, at the recent NORAD-US Northern Command Commander's Conference.
The Partridge-Slemon Award recognizes the outstanding directorate, region, sector, Air Force Space Command warning unit or other contributing unit in support of the NORAD air defense mission.
This award has two significant meanings, said Col. Sylvan Bedard, ANR deputy commander and member of the Canadian air force.
"The first is in the name itself, which is a clear depiction of the importance of the bi-national agreement between the United States and Canada. The award was named after the first commander and deputy commander, Gen. Earle E. Partridge and Canadian Air Marshall C. Roy Slemon, to highlight that bi-national agreement," he said.
"And second, it can be awarded to any NORAD unit, anywhere, be it in the United States or Canada. Given the sheer number of units that contribute to the NORAD mission -- that is, missile defense, air defense headquarters, air operating centers, regions, etc. -- to be selected from such a wide range of units truly highlights ANR's accomplishments in 2007," the colonel said.
However, the path to the Partridge-Slemon Award was filled with challenges, both old and new.
ANR's mission is to deter, detect, intercept and defeat any threat to the air sovereignty of Alaska and North America, according to Col. Booth. In 2007, they experienced an increase in operations tempo as they executed that air sovereignty mission in order to respond to the greatest increase in Russian long range aviation since the Cold War ended more than 17 years ago.
In the midst of this increased ops tempo, ANR was inspected by members of the NORAD Inspector General in the 2007 Regional Alert Force Evaluation and earned an "Outstanding" rating.
There also were equipment challenges when the F-15 Eagle fleet was unexpectedly grounded in late 2007. However, officials at the Canadian NORAD Region immediately responded and provided CF-18 Hornets to support ANR. During that same period, 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB expedited the delivery of the F-22 Raptors to be used for the NORAD alert postures, Col. Booth said.
"Regardless of the challenges, ANR and its partners never failed Commander NORAD in the execution of the NORAD mission in Alaska," the colonel added.
"In reality, the Partridge-Slemon Award belongs not only to the region but to each of our partners who worked together to execute the ANR mission," said Col. Booth.
Those units include both U.S. and Canadian forces working in the 611th Air Operations Center, the 176th Air Control Squadron and the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, and the U.S. forces of the 11th Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the 3rd Wing, the 354th Fighter Wing, the 168th Air Refueling Wing and the 611 AOC's associate Guard unit, 112th Air Operations Squadron, State College, Penn.
"Truth be told, ANR's success at the operational level is not possible without the outstanding relationship we have with our partners at the tactical level," said General Atkins. "The pride and professionalism displayed by all in the execution of the ANR mission is evident daily and this recognition from Headquarters NORAD shows just how successful the entire region has been."
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) -- While 2007 was a very challenging year for the Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, known as ANR, and its partners, it ended up being a very rewarding year when ANR was named NORAD's outstanding unit for 2007.
Col. Kevin Booth, ANR director of operations, accepted the Partridge-Slemon Award on behalf of Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, ANR commander, at the recent NORAD-US Northern Command Commander's Conference.
The Partridge-Slemon Award recognizes the outstanding directorate, region, sector, Air Force Space Command warning unit or other contributing unit in support of the NORAD air defense mission.
This award has two significant meanings, said Col. Sylvan Bedard, ANR deputy commander and member of the Canadian air force.
"The first is in the name itself, which is a clear depiction of the importance of the bi-national agreement between the United States and Canada. The award was named after the first commander and deputy commander, Gen. Earle E. Partridge and Canadian Air Marshall C. Roy Slemon, to highlight that bi-national agreement," he said.
"And second, it can be awarded to any NORAD unit, anywhere, be it in the United States or Canada. Given the sheer number of units that contribute to the NORAD mission -- that is, missile defense, air defense headquarters, air operating centers, regions, etc. -- to be selected from such a wide range of units truly highlights ANR's accomplishments in 2007," the colonel said.
However, the path to the Partridge-Slemon Award was filled with challenges, both old and new.
ANR's mission is to deter, detect, intercept and defeat any threat to the air sovereignty of Alaska and North America, according to Col. Booth. In 2007, they experienced an increase in operations tempo as they executed that air sovereignty mission in order to respond to the greatest increase in Russian long range aviation since the Cold War ended more than 17 years ago.
In the midst of this increased ops tempo, ANR was inspected by members of the NORAD Inspector General in the 2007 Regional Alert Force Evaluation and earned an "Outstanding" rating.
There also were equipment challenges when the F-15 Eagle fleet was unexpectedly grounded in late 2007. However, officials at the Canadian NORAD Region immediately responded and provided CF-18 Hornets to support ANR. During that same period, 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB expedited the delivery of the F-22 Raptors to be used for the NORAD alert postures, Col. Booth said.
"Regardless of the challenges, ANR and its partners never failed Commander NORAD in the execution of the NORAD mission in Alaska," the colonel added.
"In reality, the Partridge-Slemon Award belongs not only to the region but to each of our partners who worked together to execute the ANR mission," said Col. Booth.
Those units include both U.S. and Canadian forces working in the 611th Air Operations Center, the 176th Air Control Squadron and the 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron, and the U.S. forces of the 11th Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the 3rd Wing, the 354th Fighter Wing, the 168th Air Refueling Wing and the 611 AOC's associate Guard unit, 112th Air Operations Squadron, State College, Penn.
"Truth be told, ANR's success at the operational level is not possible without the outstanding relationship we have with our partners at the tactical level," said General Atkins. "The pride and professionalism displayed by all in the execution of the ANR mission is evident daily and this recognition from Headquarters NORAD shows just how successful the entire region has been."
Monday, November 10, 2008
Incident aboard Russian nuclear submarine - What the Russians say ...
Russian Navy Akula II Submarine Nerpa on sea trials (Courtesy of militaryphotos.net)Following extract taken from the Russian Ministry of Defence website, translated by Old Crow and submitted for information and interest. Date of article: 9 November 2008
<<.. On 8th November, during contractor's sea trials by one of the Russian Navy's nuclear submarines (later identified as the "Nerpa")operating in a Pacific Fleet training area in the Sea of Japan, as a result of an accidental activation of the fire extinguishing system in compartments 1 and 2, 20 personnel died and 21 others were injured. Workers from the shipbuilding company and service personnel were among those who lost their lives.
The nuclear submarine had not yet been handed over to the Navy and was still undergoing contractor's sea trials which were being carried out by an examining team from the shipyard. The handover to the Navy should take place at the end of this year. On board the submarine was the inspecting/examining team which included workers from the shipyard and representatives from the contracting company and also 81 service personnel from the submarine's crew. The submarine is not damaged. The compartments have been ventilated. The main power plant - the reactor - is working correctly and the background radiation level on board is normal. The CinC Russian Navy has ordered that the trials be stopped and a decision has been taken to return the submarine to its temporary base at Primor'e. The submarine is proceeding under its own power and is being escorted by the rescue ship "Sayany". The injured and the bodies of those killed in the incident have been evacuated to the Fleet Medical facilities ashore by the Large ASW ship "Admiral Tributs".
There were 208 persons aboard the submarine. This included 81 service personnel.
The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Anatolij Serdyukov made an immediate report to the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitrij Medvedev about the emergency situation aboard a Russian nuclear submarine in the Sea of Japan. President Medvedev has charged Defence Minister Serdyukov with keeping the situation under constant supervision and to carry out a wideranging and full investigation of the incident and to afford all possible assistance and support to the families of those killed.
The First Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel-General Aleksandr Kolmakov and the CinC of the Russian Navy, Admiral Vladimir Vysotskij, have left by air for the submarine's temporary base (Primor'e) in order to carry out an Investigation of the incident. In connection with the incident, President Medvedev has charged the General Procurator Yurij Chajka, to carry out a full investigation into the incident with a view to formal legal proceedings being required under a statute "Trangression of the Rules for the navigation and use of military ships, leading to the loss of life of more than two persons" ...>>
Thanks old friend for the interesting view of this tragic accident from the Russian point of view.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Stennis Successfully Completes COMPTUEX
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Elliott J. Fabrizio, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, left, launches while an F/A-18C from the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Squadron (VMFA) 323 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, as part of John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, are conducting a composite training unit exercise off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Walter M. Wayman/Released)
USS JOHN C. STENNIS, at sea (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) successfully completed Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), Nov. 5, off the coast of southern California.
"As a strike group, we each have our own strengths we bring to the fight, and we have to make sure that we can efficiently orchestrate them together," said Stennis Commanding Officer Capt. Joseph Kuzmick. "That's the whole point of COMPTUEX."
Embarked Strike Force Training Pacific evaluators tested the integrated operational capabilities of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 with a series of simulations.
"Throughout COMPTUEX the group's performance increased each and every day," said Commander Strike Force Pacific Operations Officer Capt. George Fadok. "Their performance was outstanding, and we will recommend them to be certified for major combat operations."
The strike group is assessed on their ability to complete the objectives from the Navy Mission Essential Task List (NMETL) for carrier strike groups.
"This task list consists of close to 1,000 individual tasks, and each task has a measure of performance and effectiveness associated with it," said Fadok.
The evaluators assessed the strike group on each task at least once during COMPTUEX. This provided JCSSG Sailors with experience for deployment as they operated together through strike warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-air warfare scenarios.
"This is the first time the strike group worked together as one since last deployment," said Stennis Operations Officer Cmdr. Don Glatt. "It's about bringing everybody together to work for that common goal."
COMPTUEX is broken up into a variety of scripted, unit-specific training and two battle problems. The unit-specific training allowed the separate strike group assets to practice their roles individually, while the battle problems measured the strike group's ability to react to unpredictable operational situations as a single force.
"It's a learning process just like anything else," said Operations Division Officer Lt.j.g. Clay Cunningham. "You have mistakes and you have successes. The difference between when we first started and the last couple days is like night and day. We've learned to work together as a strike group and as a team."
With COMPTUEX complete, JCSSG will soon join with forces from other nations and services to tackle Joint Training Force Exercise (JTFEX).
Pre-deployment exercises give the Navy's strike groups operational experience so they are better prepared to safely and effectively further the goals of America's maritime strategy.
An F/A-18E Super Hornet from the "Argonauts" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14, left, launches while an F/A-18C from the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Strike Squadron (VMFA) 323 prepares to launch from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Stennis and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, as part of John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, are conducting a composite training unit exercise off the coast of Southern California. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Walter M. Wayman/Released)USS JOHN C. STENNIS, at sea (NNS) -- The John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG) successfully completed Composite Unit Training Exercise (COMPTUEX), Nov. 5, off the coast of southern California.
"As a strike group, we each have our own strengths we bring to the fight, and we have to make sure that we can efficiently orchestrate them together," said Stennis Commanding Officer Capt. Joseph Kuzmick. "That's the whole point of COMPTUEX."
Embarked Strike Force Training Pacific evaluators tested the integrated operational capabilities of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 21 with a series of simulations.
"Throughout COMPTUEX the group's performance increased each and every day," said Commander Strike Force Pacific Operations Officer Capt. George Fadok. "Their performance was outstanding, and we will recommend them to be certified for major combat operations."
The strike group is assessed on their ability to complete the objectives from the Navy Mission Essential Task List (NMETL) for carrier strike groups.
"This task list consists of close to 1,000 individual tasks, and each task has a measure of performance and effectiveness associated with it," said Fadok.
The evaluators assessed the strike group on each task at least once during COMPTUEX. This provided JCSSG Sailors with experience for deployment as they operated together through strike warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare and anti-air warfare scenarios.
"This is the first time the strike group worked together as one since last deployment," said Stennis Operations Officer Cmdr. Don Glatt. "It's about bringing everybody together to work for that common goal."
COMPTUEX is broken up into a variety of scripted, unit-specific training and two battle problems. The unit-specific training allowed the separate strike group assets to practice their roles individually, while the battle problems measured the strike group's ability to react to unpredictable operational situations as a single force.
"It's a learning process just like anything else," said Operations Division Officer Lt.j.g. Clay Cunningham. "You have mistakes and you have successes. The difference between when we first started and the last couple days is like night and day. We've learned to work together as a strike group and as a team."
With COMPTUEX complete, JCSSG will soon join with forces from other nations and services to tackle Joint Training Force Exercise (JTFEX).
Pre-deployment exercises give the Navy's strike groups operational experience so they are better prepared to safely and effectively further the goals of America's maritime strategy.
USS Carl Vinson Readies to Get Back in Fight
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristan Robertson, USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are conducting general quarters (GQ) drills this November after a three-year pause while the ship was undergoing it's extensive mid-life overhaul at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.
For Sailors who have served aboard Vinson during its tenure in the shipyard, the implementation of GQ drills signals an imminent return of the aircraft carrier to operational status.
"As a new Sailor on board the ship, I am impressed and assured with the ship's commitment to readiness, and I am confident our crew will learn and do what we need to during this training to protect the ship in the event of an emergency," said Electronic Technician Seaman Michael Rodman, CS-6 division.
Leading the efforts is the ship's Damage Control Assistant, Cmdr. Chris Majors. Now is the time for Vinson's crew to bring themselves to an at-sea state of readiness. GQ drills enhance the ship's ability to be effective as a war-fighting platform.
"GQ can be called away anytime we encounter potential threats to the ship at sea, whether it's an air, surface or subsurface contact coming toward the ship in an aggressive manner, or there's a fire that can't be handled by the ship's flying squad alone," said Majors. "It's about obtaining maximum readiness to protect our ship."
Carl Vinson is taking a 'crawl, walk and run' approach with bringing back proficiency in damage control drills. Initial goals for weekly GQ sessions center around ensuring members of ship's company are in the right place at the right time. This means Sailors report to their repair lockers in four minutes or less, material condition Zebra is properly set throughout the ship in 12 minutes or less, and watertight hatches are secured to maintain maximum battle integrity.
Proficiency with GQ drills only comes from practice and enthusiasm.
"It is especially important for every crew member to take time during GQ to learn their role and become proficient with it," said Majors. "If you look at USS Cole, USS Stark and USS Samuel B. Roberts, it wasn't just the damage controlmen handling the emergency, it was the entire crew who reacted to save the ship. Damage control, by way of GQ drills, is everyone's responsibility," said Majors.
USS Carl Vinson is currently undergoing its 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 prepare for another 25 years or more of service.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) are conducting general quarters (GQ) drills this November after a three-year pause while the ship was undergoing it's extensive mid-life overhaul at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va.
For Sailors who have served aboard Vinson during its tenure in the shipyard, the implementation of GQ drills signals an imminent return of the aircraft carrier to operational status.
"As a new Sailor on board the ship, I am impressed and assured with the ship's commitment to readiness, and I am confident our crew will learn and do what we need to during this training to protect the ship in the event of an emergency," said Electronic Technician Seaman Michael Rodman, CS-6 division.
Leading the efforts is the ship's Damage Control Assistant, Cmdr. Chris Majors. Now is the time for Vinson's crew to bring themselves to an at-sea state of readiness. GQ drills enhance the ship's ability to be effective as a war-fighting platform.
"GQ can be called away anytime we encounter potential threats to the ship at sea, whether it's an air, surface or subsurface contact coming toward the ship in an aggressive manner, or there's a fire that can't be handled by the ship's flying squad alone," said Majors. "It's about obtaining maximum readiness to protect our ship."
Carl Vinson is taking a 'crawl, walk and run' approach with bringing back proficiency in damage control drills. Initial goals for weekly GQ sessions center around ensuring members of ship's company are in the right place at the right time. This means Sailors report to their repair lockers in four minutes or less, material condition Zebra is properly set throughout the ship in 12 minutes or less, and watertight hatches are secured to maintain maximum battle integrity.
Proficiency with GQ drills only comes from practice and enthusiasm.
"It is especially important for every crew member to take time during GQ to learn their role and become proficient with it," said Majors. "If you look at USS Cole, USS Stark and USS Samuel B. Roberts, it wasn't just the damage controlmen handling the emergency, it was the entire crew who reacted to save the ship. Damage control, by way of GQ drills, is everyone's responsibility," said Majors.
USS Carl Vinson is currently undergoing its 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 prepare for another 25 years or more of service.
Blue Ridge Enhances Comms, Improves Capability
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Peter D. Lawlor, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji.
YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Months of planning to create the Navy's most sophisticated at-sea communications platform went on-line Oct. 10 aboard amphibious flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with increased command and control capabilities.
According to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Baehr, the flagship's communications information systems officer, the estimated $3.5-million project was necessary to upgrade the aging hardware and dated software to keep up with the ever changing world of technology.
"You have to evolve to maintain your communications abilities," explained Baehr who is also the communications department head. "With new technological advances being made almost every day, upgrading our equipment allows us to take advantage of the new features and improvements that have been made in our field in recent years."
With an increase of information traffic on the ship's networks, the upgrade was necessary to keep up with work flow.
"On an average day, Blue Ridge moves 60 Giga-bytes of data and significantly more during exercises," said Baehr.
To meet the demands of the communications ship, 30 new servers were installed as were 472 individual work stations or personal computers. Windows XP and Compose 3.0 network client user software also had to be loaded onto the more than 1,200 work stations throughout the ship to make it all work.
"The new install also brought Blackberry services to the ship — the first ship in the Navy to have such capabilities on board," said Communications Systems Engineer Matthew Tuttle, a DoD support contractor from L-3 Communications Corp., supporting Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).
Blackberrys are handheld PC devices that enable their users to access their e-mail, programs and retrieve data resources remotely from anywhere in the world.
The Global Command and Control System Maritime (GCCS-M) or "geeks" was also improved upon from maritime to joint (GCCS-J) capability during the upgrade to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with the same geographical common operational picture as Commander, Pacific Fleet and Commander, 3rd Fleet.
According to Baehr, this joint capability is another first for an afloat Navy platform.
For SPAWAR, L-3, and the communications department aboard Blue Ridge, the project called for unique solutions to their unique environment's problem.
"One of our unique responsibilities is to maintain operability for 7th Fleet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year… so the big challenge here was to perform the network upgrade during a timeframe that would not inhibit 7th Fleet's operational capability," said Baehr.
"SPAWAR and L-3 came up with some newer ways of doing things like loaning PCs and loaning servers to minimize our down time," said Baehr.
Jay Barlis, the Blue Ridge SPAWAR/C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) ship's superintendent, and Tuttle both believe thorough planning and communication between all the agencies and ship's force involved attributed to a seamless transition.
"It was a team effort between SPAWAR, L-3 Corp., and ship's force," said Barlis.
"SPAWAR began planning for this upgrade four months ago and continued adjusting the plans as needed."
Tuttle noted that L-3 had two hardware experts and seven software experts assisting with the install, and Baehr had 60 information systems technicians (IT) working 12 hours a day, day and night shift, for three weeks to make preparations for the install.
"Normally an install this large would take at a minimum 120 hours to complete," said Baehr. "However, with the great help from SPAWAR, L-3 and a foundation of ship's force making all the necessary preparations, we were able to complete the network upgrade in only 58 hours. This is an unprecedented accomplishment in the Navy."
Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Thom W. Burke and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
The amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) steams within sight of Mt. Fuji. YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Months of planning to create the Navy's most sophisticated at-sea communications platform went on-line Oct. 10 aboard amphibious flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with increased command and control capabilities.
According to Lt. Cmdr. Mark Baehr, the flagship's communications information systems officer, the estimated $3.5-million project was necessary to upgrade the aging hardware and dated software to keep up with the ever changing world of technology.
"You have to evolve to maintain your communications abilities," explained Baehr who is also the communications department head. "With new technological advances being made almost every day, upgrading our equipment allows us to take advantage of the new features and improvements that have been made in our field in recent years."
With an increase of information traffic on the ship's networks, the upgrade was necessary to keep up with work flow.
"On an average day, Blue Ridge moves 60 Giga-bytes of data and significantly more during exercises," said Baehr.
To meet the demands of the communications ship, 30 new servers were installed as were 472 individual work stations or personal computers. Windows XP and Compose 3.0 network client user software also had to be loaded onto the more than 1,200 work stations throughout the ship to make it all work.
"The new install also brought Blackberry services to the ship — the first ship in the Navy to have such capabilities on board," said Communications Systems Engineer Matthew Tuttle, a DoD support contractor from L-3 Communications Corp., supporting Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR).
Blackberrys are handheld PC devices that enable their users to access their e-mail, programs and retrieve data resources remotely from anywhere in the world.
The Global Command and Control System Maritime (GCCS-M) or "geeks" was also improved upon from maritime to joint (GCCS-J) capability during the upgrade to provide Commander, 7th Fleet and his staff with the same geographical common operational picture as Commander, Pacific Fleet and Commander, 3rd Fleet.
According to Baehr, this joint capability is another first for an afloat Navy platform.
For SPAWAR, L-3, and the communications department aboard Blue Ridge, the project called for unique solutions to their unique environment's problem.
"One of our unique responsibilities is to maintain operability for 7th Fleet 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year… so the big challenge here was to perform the network upgrade during a timeframe that would not inhibit 7th Fleet's operational capability," said Baehr.
"SPAWAR and L-3 came up with some newer ways of doing things like loaning PCs and loaning servers to minimize our down time," said Baehr.
Jay Barlis, the Blue Ridge SPAWAR/C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence) ship's superintendent, and Tuttle both believe thorough planning and communication between all the agencies and ship's force involved attributed to a seamless transition.
"It was a team effort between SPAWAR, L-3 Corp., and ship's force," said Barlis.
"SPAWAR began planning for this upgrade four months ago and continued adjusting the plans as needed."
Tuttle noted that L-3 had two hardware experts and seven software experts assisting with the install, and Baehr had 60 information systems technicians (IT) working 12 hours a day, day and night shift, for three weeks to make preparations for the install.
"Normally an install this large would take at a minimum 120 hours to complete," said Baehr. "However, with the great help from SPAWAR, L-3 and a foundation of ship's force making all the necessary preparations, we were able to complete the network upgrade in only 58 hours. This is an unprecedented accomplishment in the Navy."
Blue Ridge is commanded by Capt. Thom W. Burke and serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
U.S. 6th Fleet, USS Mount Whitney visit Sevastopol
Blog Editor Notes: What makes this NNS article below even more interesting are the comments made on the Information Dissemination blog by Galrahn at http://informationdissemination.blogspot.com/2008/11/distractions.html. There is definitely cause for concern based on events happening in and around the Black Sea these days.
By Cmdr. Scott Miller, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe – Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs
SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine (NNS) -- The amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) arrived in the port of Sevastopol, Ukraine, Nov. 6, in preparation for the begining of this year's Black Sea Partnership Cruise (BSPC), Nov. 10.
In conjuction with the arrival of his flagship, the Commander of the U.S 6th Fleet, Vice Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, met with the Ukrainian First Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Adm. Vladimir Maximov.
The visit is the second Black Sea engagement in a week, following meetings, Nov. 2, by Clingan with the chief of Romanian Naval Forces in Constanta, Romania, on the topic of Black Sea maritime partnerships.
"In the wake of a productive visit to Romania just last week, we're fortunate to have this opportunity to meet with our Ukrainian partners. I'm grateful for the strong ties that exist between our nations and our militaries, and I am confident that our cooperative efforts in the Black Sea are realizing the idea of Global Maritime Partnerships and achieving greater regional stability and security," said Clingan.
The official calls by Clingan and port visits by Mount Whitney are a prelude to the upcoming, U.S. 6th Fleet-led BSPC, an annual multinational event designed to strengthen ongoing partnerships and enhance interoperability among Black Sea nations. During the event, Mount Whitney will serve as an underway training platform.
While in port Sevastopol, a reception will be held aboard Mount Whitney for Ukrainian military and civic leaders. Additionally, 17 Ukrainian naval personnel will embark the ship to participate in the BSPC, which commences Nov.10.
Sixty-five representatives from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and the United States will participate in the BSPC evolution this year. The at-sea period includes workshops for helicopter control operations, junior officer and noncommissioned officer development, interoperability discussions, and an oil spill containment scenario.
Mount Whitney, home ported in Gaeta, Italy, is the third U.S. 6th Fleet ship to visit Sevastopol since August, when USCGC Dallas made a port call here following the offload of 34 tons of humanitarian assistance to Georgia in support of Operation Assured Delivery. In September, USNS Pathfinder visited Sevastopol in conjunction with oceanographic survey being conducted at the request of Ukraine; Pathfinder found and identified fifteen shipwrecks in the country's territorial waters.
U.S. 6th Fleet assets routinely operate in the Black Sea to further develop partnerships, to enhance interoperability, and to promote regional maritime safety and security.
By Cmdr. Scott Miller, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe – Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs
SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine (NNS) -- The amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) arrived in the port of Sevastopol, Ukraine, Nov. 6, in preparation for the begining of this year's Black Sea Partnership Cruise (BSPC), Nov. 10.
In conjuction with the arrival of his flagship, the Commander of the U.S 6th Fleet, Vice Adm. Bruce W. Clingan, met with the Ukrainian First Deputy Chief of Naval Operations, Vice Adm. Vladimir Maximov.
The visit is the second Black Sea engagement in a week, following meetings, Nov. 2, by Clingan with the chief of Romanian Naval Forces in Constanta, Romania, on the topic of Black Sea maritime partnerships.
"In the wake of a productive visit to Romania just last week, we're fortunate to have this opportunity to meet with our Ukrainian partners. I'm grateful for the strong ties that exist between our nations and our militaries, and I am confident that our cooperative efforts in the Black Sea are realizing the idea of Global Maritime Partnerships and achieving greater regional stability and security," said Clingan.
The official calls by Clingan and port visits by Mount Whitney are a prelude to the upcoming, U.S. 6th Fleet-led BSPC, an annual multinational event designed to strengthen ongoing partnerships and enhance interoperability among Black Sea nations. During the event, Mount Whitney will serve as an underway training platform.
While in port Sevastopol, a reception will be held aboard Mount Whitney for Ukrainian military and civic leaders. Additionally, 17 Ukrainian naval personnel will embark the ship to participate in the BSPC, which commences Nov.10.
Sixty-five representatives from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Estonia, Georgia, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Ukraine and the United States will participate in the BSPC evolution this year. The at-sea period includes workshops for helicopter control operations, junior officer and noncommissioned officer development, interoperability discussions, and an oil spill containment scenario.
Mount Whitney, home ported in Gaeta, Italy, is the third U.S. 6th Fleet ship to visit Sevastopol since August, when USCGC Dallas made a port call here following the offload of 34 tons of humanitarian assistance to Georgia in support of Operation Assured Delivery. In September, USNS Pathfinder visited Sevastopol in conjunction with oceanographic survey being conducted at the request of Ukraine; Pathfinder found and identified fifteen shipwrecks in the country's territorial waters.
U.S. 6th Fleet assets routinely operate in the Black Sea to further develop partnerships, to enhance interoperability, and to promote regional maritime safety and security.
Milcom Blog Logs - 11/6/2008 - Central Florida
Here is a Milcom Blog log from Anonymous in Central Florida received on 11/6/2008.
UTC FREQ
1500 228.275 Unid air-air
LEAD and unid
'come up xxx.6 Aux' / 'split off for strafe'
Frequency Charlie up, Victor and interplane
(never ID'd these guys, had masks on, was active at the same time 93rd FS on the Avon Range)
1503 292.200 Avon Park Range Control
SHARK 21 flight of 2 check in (F-16C, 93rd FS)
1512 284.000 NASA Tower
BLUE ANGEL 1 (F/A-18C)
1513 284.250 Blue Angels air-air
1513 237.800 Blue Angels air-air
1516 255.200 Blue Angels air-air
1523 284.000 NASA Tower
Blue Angel 1 check in, loud hum on 284.000>
128.550 NASA Tower
1536 307.250 Jax Center
VIPER 01 (F-16 Demo Team)>
307.000 Orlando App, 12,000>
307.250 no joy 307.000>
307.000 Orlando App>
128.550 NASA Tower, VIPER 01 site survey request
1537 307.250 Jax Center
ROMAN 98 flight of 2 (F/A-18 Demo Team>
307.000 Orlando App
1546 357.000 Oceana NAS VFA-106
ROMAN 98 air-air
1546 384.550 VIPER 01 air-air
1602 281.500 Miami Center
____ 69 request direct Stuart>
307.100 Miami Center
1606 296.800 KSC Shuttle Air-Ground 2
test counts
1613 292.200 Avon Park Range Control
AKULA 31 (F-16C, 93rd FS) RTB clearance, push U-7
1614 307.100 Miami Center
SHARK 21 push U-6>
281.500 Miami Center
1641 254.250 Miami Center
RHINO 69 request Cape Control (QF-4E/G, 82nd ATRS)>
264.800 CCAFS Cape Control, VFR east of Patrick for SLF>
284.000 NASA Tower, to land Rwy 15, low approaches at or above 500'
(The Rhino is scheduled as part of the Heritage Flight)
1700 275.350 Blue Angels
practice /Comm 1
1700 284.250 Blue Angels
practice
1701 128.550 NASA Tower
Blue Angel 1 cleared to Air Boss 126.650
1705 305.500 Blue Angels
Probable Fat Albert, 'ceiling broken 1,800'
1835 364.000 Unid
'radio check, how did you hear' / 'right 30 how do you hear, right 40, 4x4', right 100, how do you hear, 4x4'
(have heard Grumman and INVADER JACK previously on this freq)
1853 255.200 Blue Angels
Blue Angel 5
ACARS hits from 131.550 for TOPCAT 27 (TC-135W, 45th RS):
ACARS mode: 2 Aircraft reg: RV-T127 [- Really 62-4127]
Message label: 20 [SAS: Initialization] Block id: 4 Msg no: M34A
Flight id: UV0000 [] [Universal Aviation]
Message content:-
POSN28423W080105,,192223,270,,192925,,N28,27724,,397
North: 28.42 West: 80.11
----------------------------------------------------------[ 06/11/2008 14:22]-
ACARS mode: 2 Aircraft reg: RV-T127 [- Really 62-4127]
Message label: 20 [SAS: Initialization] Block id: 5 Msg no: M35A
Flight id: UV0000 [] [Universal Aviation]
Message content:-
POSN28466W079464,,193724,270,,194230,,N28,28127,,342
North: 28.47 West: 79.46
----------------------------------------------------------[ 06/11/2008 14:37]-
UTC FREQ
1500 228.275 Unid air-air
LEAD and unid
'come up xxx.6 Aux' / 'split off for strafe'
Frequency Charlie up, Victor and interplane
(never ID'd these guys, had masks on, was active at the same time 93rd FS on the Avon Range)
1503 292.200 Avon Park Range Control
SHARK 21 flight of 2 check in (F-16C, 93rd FS)
1512 284.000 NASA Tower
BLUE ANGEL 1 (F/A-18C)
1513 284.250 Blue Angels air-air
1513 237.800 Blue Angels air-air
1516 255.200 Blue Angels air-air
1523 284.000 NASA Tower
Blue Angel 1 check in, loud hum on 284.000>
128.550 NASA Tower
1536 307.250 Jax Center
VIPER 01 (F-16 Demo Team)>
307.000 Orlando App, 12,000>
307.250 no joy 307.000>
307.000 Orlando App>
128.550 NASA Tower, VIPER 01 site survey request
1537 307.250 Jax Center
ROMAN 98 flight of 2 (F/A-18 Demo Team>
307.000 Orlando App
1546 357.000 Oceana NAS VFA-106
ROMAN 98 air-air
1546 384.550 VIPER 01 air-air
1602 281.500 Miami Center
____ 69 request direct Stuart>
307.100 Miami Center
1606 296.800 KSC Shuttle Air-Ground 2
test counts
1613 292.200 Avon Park Range Control
AKULA 31 (F-16C, 93rd FS) RTB clearance, push U-7
1614 307.100 Miami Center
SHARK 21 push U-6>
281.500 Miami Center
1641 254.250 Miami Center
RHINO 69 request Cape Control (QF-4E/G, 82nd ATRS)>
264.800 CCAFS Cape Control, VFR east of Patrick for SLF>
284.000 NASA Tower, to land Rwy 15, low approaches at or above 500'
(The Rhino is scheduled as part of the Heritage Flight)
1700 275.350 Blue Angels
practice /Comm 1
1700 284.250 Blue Angels
practice
1701 128.550 NASA Tower
Blue Angel 1 cleared to Air Boss 126.650
1705 305.500 Blue Angels
Probable Fat Albert, 'ceiling broken 1,800'
1835 364.000 Unid
'radio check, how did you hear' / 'right 30 how do you hear, right 40, 4x4', right 100, how do you hear, 4x4'
(have heard Grumman and INVADER JACK previously on this freq)
1853 255.200 Blue Angels
Blue Angel 5
ACARS hits from 131.550 for TOPCAT 27 (TC-135W, 45th RS):
ACARS mode: 2 Aircraft reg: RV-T127 [- Really 62-4127]
Message label: 20 [SAS: Initialization] Block id: 4 Msg no: M34A
Flight id: UV0000 [] [Universal Aviation]
Message content:-
POSN28423W080105,,192223,270,,192925,,N28,27724,,397
North: 28.42 West: 80.11
----------------------------------------------------------[ 06/11/2008 14:22]-
ACARS mode: 2 Aircraft reg: RV-T127 [- Really 62-4127]
Message label: 20 [SAS: Initialization] Block id: 5 Msg no: M35A
Flight id: UV0000 [] [Universal Aviation]
Message content:-
POSN28466W079464,,193724,270,,194230,,N28,28127,,342
North: 28.47 West: 79.46
----------------------------------------------------------[ 06/11/2008 14:37]-
Milcom Blog Logs - 11/7/2008 - Mid Atlantic
Here are some excellent HF intercepts sent to MMP by our Maryland Mid Atlantic reporter Ron Perron. Thanks for sharing that with our MMP readers.
All times are UTC and freqs are in kHz.
09122.5 LRD1 (US Army Corps of Engineers:Great Lakes and Ohio Division, Cincinnati OH:): 1500 USB/ALE sounding.
09122.5 G323 (unid Corps of Engineers entity): 1530 USB/ALE sounding.
12070.0 G333 (unid Corps of Engineers entity): 1730 USB/ALE sounding
All times are UTC and freqs are in kHz.
09122.5 LRD1 (US Army Corps of Engineers:Great Lakes and Ohio Division, Cincinnati OH:): 1500 USB/ALE sounding.
09122.5 G323 (unid Corps of Engineers entity): 1530 USB/ALE sounding.
12070.0 G333 (unid Corps of Engineers entity): 1730 USB/ALE sounding
Friday, November 07, 2008
'Screaming Eagles' to Go Home Early, Leaving 14 Brigades in Iraq
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2008 - About 3,000 soldiers assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team will leave Iraq nearly two months earlier than planned, reducing the total number of U.S. brigades in Iraq to 14, military officials said.
Improved security and decreased violence across the unit's area of operations in northwestern Baghdad is enabling the early redeployment of the soldiers back to Fort Campbell, Ky., Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told reporters today.
The unit is commencing pack-up operations, Whitman said, and its return window is around the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season.
Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, U.S. Central Command chief, and Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, recommended the early departure of the unit based upon conditions on the ground, Whitman said. Another U.S. brigade that was earmarked for deployment to Iraq recently was diverted for duty in Afghanistan.
Violence in Baghdad has drastically decreased, military officials said, compared to the level of violence experienced at the height of fighting in 2006, prior to the 2007 surge of forces. A total of 20 U.S. brigades were in Iraq during the surge.
The 2nd BCT, Whitman said, was scheduled to leave Iraq in January after serving 15 months of duty there.
In other Iraq news, Whitman said, senior U.S. officials have delivered to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki a draft document of the U.S.-Iraqi status of forces agreement that contains changes U.S. officials are suggesting. The draft in its present form, he said, contains legal protections for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. Whitman said he wouldn't get into specifics of possible points of contention regarding the negotiations.
Whitman fielded another reporter's question about new reports of civilian casualties in Afghanistan allegedly caused by U.S. military actions. The United States, Whitman said, always takes measures to prevent the killing or wounding of any civilians during all of its military operations.
Regarding the pending transition of presidential administration at the Defense Department, Whitman said DoD continues to "lean forward" in preparing to welcome and assist President-elect Barack Obama's transition team. Whitman later led reporters on a tour of three newly renovated Pentagon offices that contain work space, telephones and other equipment suitable for the use of nearly 30 people.
President Proclaims Nov. 11 Veterans Day
WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2008 - President Bush issued a proclamation to honor all who are serving or have served in the U.S. armed forces.
Bush issued his Veterans Day proclamation Oct. 31.
The proclamation reads:
"On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.
"From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.
"Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.
"With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.
"Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon federal, state, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs."
Bush issued his Veterans Day proclamation Oct. 31.
The proclamation reads:
"On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.
"From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.
"Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.
"With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.
"Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon federal, state, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs."
Navy Commissions First Littoral Combat Ship Freedom
The Navy’s first littoral combat ship (LCS) Freedom will be commissioned Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008, during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony at Veterans Park, Milwaukee, Wis.Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Birgit Smith, the ship’s sponsor, is the widow of Army Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, who was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. The commissioning ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when Smith gives the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”
The name of the new ship acknowledges the enduring foundation of our nation and honors all American communities which bear the name Freedom to include towns in California, Indiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
As the initial LCS, the 378-foot Freedom will be the first to carry this class designation. Freedom (LCS 1) is one of two LCS seaframes being produced. Independence (LCS 2) was christened by the Navy on Oct. 4, 2008.
A fast, agile, and high-technology surface combatant, Freedom will be 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. The LCS will be able to swap out mission packages pierside in a matter of days, adapting as the tactical situation demands. These ships will also feature advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.
Freedom is an innovative combatant designed to operate quickly in shallow water environments to counter challenging threats in coastal regions, specifically mines, submarines and fast surface craft. The LCS is capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots and can operate in water less than 20 feet deep.
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. The Blue Crew commanding officer is Cmdr. Donald Gabrielson, a native of Hibbing, Minn. The Gold Crew commanding officer is Cmdr. Michael Doran, a native of Harrisonville, Mo. Freedom will be homeported at Naval Station San Diego, Calif., as part of the Pacific Fleet.
In May 2004, the Department of Defense awarded both Lockheed Martin Corp., Maritime Systems & Sensors in Moorestown, N.J., and General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, separate contract options for final system design, with options for detail design and construction of up to two flight 0 LCS ships.
In December 2004, the Navy awarded Lockheed Martin Corp. the contract for detail design and construction of the first LCS. Lockheed Martin’s teammates include Gibbs & Cox in Arlington, Va.; Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wis., where the ship was built; and Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, La.
Milcom Blog Logs - 11/4-5/2008 - Mid Atlantic
Here are some excellent HF intercepts sent to MMP by our Maryland Mid Atlantic reporter Ron Perron. Thanks for sharing that with our MMP readers.
All times are UTC and freqs are in kHz.
Nov 4
08056.0 T1Z137 (1-137th Avn, OH ArNG, Rickenbacker ANGB, Columbus, OH): 1330 USB/ALE sounding.
08065.0 INDOPS (Indiana ArNG Shelbyville IN): 1340 USB/ALE sounding.
08968.0 OFFSPR (Secure Internet Protocol Router node, Offutt AFB NE): 1930 USB/ALE Sounding. Also sounding on this freq: JNRSPR (Salinas PR): PLASPR (Lajes PO); JDGSPR (Diego Grcia); ADWSPR (Andrews AFB MD); & CROSPR (RAF Croughton UK)
13242.0 DLO (unid): 1800 USB/ALE sounding.
Nov 5
08294.0 O/M (EE) : 1240 USB calling vessel " Cable Express" w/no response.
09122.5 SAMMF1 (US Army Corps of Engineers unid entity): 1400 USB/ALE sounding.
SWT1 (US Army Corps of Engineers:Tulsa, OK): 1415 USB/ALE sounding.
11108.0 FC6FEM (Communicatiions manager, FEMA Region 6, Denton TX): 1700 USB/ALE calling MO7 (Missouri State EOC, Springfield MO).
14396.5 AFA3HY (USAF MARS, Shawnee KS-Net Control) & NNN0VUV (USN/Marine MARS, Alternate Net Control): 1530 USB w/weekly check-ins on SHARES admin net. Check-ins included: WGY9498/NCS027 (FEMA station, Idaho); WGY941 (FEMA station, State EOC Augusta, ME); WGY 947 (FEMA station,Iowa State EOC, Des Moines IA); NCS 202; KCA93 (id as poss Wash DC).
All times are UTC and freqs are in kHz.
Nov 4
08056.0 T1Z137 (1-137th Avn, OH ArNG, Rickenbacker ANGB, Columbus, OH): 1330 USB/ALE sounding.
08065.0 INDOPS (Indiana ArNG Shelbyville IN): 1340 USB/ALE sounding.
08968.0 OFFSPR (Secure Internet Protocol Router node, Offutt AFB NE): 1930 USB/ALE Sounding. Also sounding on this freq: JNRSPR (Salinas PR): PLASPR (Lajes PO); JDGSPR (Diego Grcia); ADWSPR (Andrews AFB MD); & CROSPR (RAF Croughton UK)
13242.0 DLO (unid): 1800 USB/ALE sounding.
Nov 5
08294.0 O/M (EE) : 1240 USB calling vessel " Cable Express" w/no response.
09122.5 SAMMF1 (US Army Corps of Engineers unid entity): 1400 USB/ALE sounding.
SWT1 (US Army Corps of Engineers:Tulsa, OK): 1415 USB/ALE sounding.
11108.0 FC6FEM (Communicatiions manager, FEMA Region 6, Denton TX): 1700 USB/ALE calling MO7 (Missouri State EOC, Springfield MO).
14396.5 AFA3HY (USAF MARS, Shawnee KS-Net Control) & NNN0VUV (USN/Marine MARS, Alternate Net Control): 1530 USB w/weekly check-ins on SHARES admin net. Check-ins included: WGY9498/NCS027 (FEMA station, Idaho); WGY941 (FEMA station, State EOC Augusta, ME); WGY 947 (FEMA station,Iowa State EOC, Des Moines IA); NCS 202; KCA93 (id as poss Wash DC).
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Russian Threats Miss Point of Proposed Missile Defenses, Official Says
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2008 - Russian President Dmitriy Medvedev's threat today to deploy missiles targeting proposed U.S. missile defenses in Eastern Europe misses the point that the system will be purely defensive and will pose no threat to Russia, a Pentagon spokesman said today.
"These are interceptors," Bryan Whitman said of the system that will include 10 missile silos in Poland and a radar station in the Czech Republic. "And they are designed to protect our European allies as well as the ... United States from an emerging ballistic missile threat from the Middle East."
Medvedev made headlines during his annual address to the Federal Assembly today, announcing that Russia will deploy short-range missiles in the Baltic Sea region in response to plans to build the missile defense system.
Russia also will develop jamming capabilities to counter the system, and cancel its plans to decommission a missile division in Kozelsk by 2010, Medvedev said.
The Russian president said Russia's conflict with Georgia in the Caucasus served as "a pretext for the appearance of NATO's warships and then, for the accelerated enforcement of America's missile defense systems on Europe."
Whitman emphasized that the United States has gone out of its way to reassure the Russians that the proposed missile defense system "is not a system that threatens them."
"We have offered any number of transparency arrangements [and] briefings to try to mitigate their concerns,... and nothing in today's news changes our position with respect to trying to collaborate [and] cooperate with our European partners," he said.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates expressed similar sentiments last week, telling a Carnegie Endowment for International Peace audience he's confident the Russians know the proposed system doesn't threaten them. He called objections that 10 missile-defense interceptors would jeopardize Russia's arsenal "laughable."
"I think we've leaned forward pretty far and have been open with them about what we intend to do," Gates said. "I think we have gone a long way toward providing the necessary assurances to Russia that this system is not aimed at them, but is aimed at a very limited threat coming from Iran."
Gates noted proposals the United States has offered to help reassure Russia. One would allow Russia to have representatives at each site, if the host nation agreed, to provide technical monitoring of activities. Another would be to base a common-data-sharing center in Moscow.
Gates said he assured Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin when Putin was president that the United States would not make the sites operational until the Iranians had tested a missile that could reach most of Western Europe, including parts of Russia.
"We have provided transparency in a number of ways," Gates said. While the Russian military "has shown some interest in this," Russians have "chosen to make an issue of the notion" for political reasons, he said.
Armed Forces Inaugural Committee Prepares to Welcome New President
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2008 - Members of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee are preparing to welcome President-elect Barack Obama when the nation's 44th chief executive takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
AFIC is a joint-service organization that coordinates all military ceremonial support for presidential inaugurals, according to the committee's Web site. The committee falls under Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region, commanded by Army Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe Jr., who wears a dual hat as the committee's chairman. The committee, he said, will grow to about 700 members prior to Inauguration Day.
Inauguration Day will mark the 56th time the U.S. military has welcomed the incoming commander in chief with fanfare, music and parades, Rowe said, a tradition that goes back to the first U.S. chief executive, George Washington.
"We're very excited about it," Rowe said.
AFIC works with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said Marine Corps Col. Tim Cole, AFIC's chief of staff. The JCCIC is made up of key congressional leaders and is responsible for the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol and the congressional luncheon. The PIC is a nonprofit organization representing the president-elect that's responsible for organizing and funding many inaugural events.
Supporting the inaugural "is quite an honor," Cole said, citing the historical importance of yesterday's election, which selected America's first African-American president as the nation remains at war with global terrorism.
Cole saluted America's servicemen and women, including the half-million troops stationed overseas – many of whom are serving in harm's way in Afghanistan and Iraq -- as well as military retirees and veterans.
"We in uniform today represent them at this nation's inauguration," Cole said.
AFIC's military composition "is purple all the way," said Navy Capt. Benjamin Yates, the committee's director of personnel. The color purple, he explained, signifies the blending of the different-hued uniforms worn by members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve on the AFIC. Yates is a retired Navy officer who was recalled to active duty to serve on the committee.
"It's a major operation," Yates said of AFIC's mission. "No matter what inauguration you're going through, it's a piece of history." Following the inaugural, he said, the committee should finish closing up shop sometime in April.
Today, the day after Election Day, about 70 servicemembers reporting to the AFIC were involved in various in-processing actions at the committee's offices in downtown Washington.
AFIC members Army Capt. Sam Kieffer, Coast Guard Lt. Kishia Mills and Air Force Staff Sgt. Olayinka Olatunji issued building and other credentials to the new arrivals.
"It's great to be in a joint environment and working with the other services," said Mills, 27, who hails from New York City.
Working on the AFIC is an "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Lancaster, Pa., native Kieffer, citing the significance of U.S. presidential inaugurations. "It is history in the making, and obviously this one is special," Kieffer said of Obama's upcoming inauguration.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Serafico, a 34-year-old administration specialist from Reno, Nev., said he is inspired to be part of the AFIC.
"It's truly an honor and a privilege to be here to be taking part in this very historical event. ... To just be part of history is truly amazing and something I'll truly remember," Serafico said.
Navy Reserve Petty Officer 2nd Class Lisa Daniels, 42, heard about the opportunity to join AFIC months ago during a duty tour in Bahrain. "I applied for the program, ... and fortunately I got selected," said Daniels, who hails from Warren, Ark. "I am glad to be here."
Daniels, who will serve with the committee as a duty driver, said she recognizes that Obama's journey to the White House is a notable event in U.S. history.
"I support any president," she said. "It's all about the support of our government and sticking together as a team and forming unity for our nation."
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2008 - Members of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee are preparing to welcome President-elect Barack Obama when the nation's 44th chief executive takes the oath of office Jan. 20.
AFIC is a joint-service organization that coordinates all military ceremonial support for presidential inaugurals, according to the committee's Web site. The committee falls under Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region, commanded by Army Maj. Gen. Richard J. Rowe Jr., who wears a dual hat as the committee's chairman. The committee, he said, will grow to about 700 members prior to Inauguration Day.
Inauguration Day will mark the 56th time the U.S. military has welcomed the incoming commander in chief with fanfare, music and parades, Rowe said, a tradition that goes back to the first U.S. chief executive, George Washington.
"We're very excited about it," Rowe said.
AFIC works with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies and the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said Marine Corps Col. Tim Cole, AFIC's chief of staff. The JCCIC is made up of key congressional leaders and is responsible for the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol and the congressional luncheon. The PIC is a nonprofit organization representing the president-elect that's responsible for organizing and funding many inaugural events.
Supporting the inaugural "is quite an honor," Cole said, citing the historical importance of yesterday's election, which selected America's first African-American president as the nation remains at war with global terrorism.
Cole saluted America's servicemen and women, including the half-million troops stationed overseas – many of whom are serving in harm's way in Afghanistan and Iraq -- as well as military retirees and veterans.
"We in uniform today represent them at this nation's inauguration," Cole said.
AFIC's military composition "is purple all the way," said Navy Capt. Benjamin Yates, the committee's director of personnel. The color purple, he explained, signifies the blending of the different-hued uniforms worn by members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard who serve on the AFIC. Yates is a retired Navy officer who was recalled to active duty to serve on the committee.
"It's a major operation," Yates said of AFIC's mission. "No matter what inauguration you're going through, it's a piece of history." Following the inaugural, he said, the committee should finish closing up shop sometime in April.
Today, the day after Election Day, about 70 servicemembers reporting to the AFIC were involved in various in-processing actions at the committee's offices in downtown Washington.
AFIC members Army Capt. Sam Kieffer, Coast Guard Lt. Kishia Mills and Air Force Staff Sgt. Olayinka Olatunji issued building and other credentials to the new arrivals.
"It's great to be in a joint environment and working with the other services," said Mills, 27, who hails from New York City.
Working on the AFIC is an "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Lancaster, Pa., native Kieffer, citing the significance of U.S. presidential inaugurations. "It is history in the making, and obviously this one is special," Kieffer said of Obama's upcoming inauguration.
Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Serafico, a 34-year-old administration specialist from Reno, Nev., said he is inspired to be part of the AFIC.
"It's truly an honor and a privilege to be here to be taking part in this very historical event. ... To just be part of history is truly amazing and something I'll truly remember," Serafico said.
Navy Reserve Petty Officer 2nd Class Lisa Daniels, 42, heard about the opportunity to join AFIC months ago during a duty tour in Bahrain. "I applied for the program, ... and fortunately I got selected," said Daniels, who hails from Warren, Ark. "I am glad to be here."
Daniels, who will serve with the committee as a duty driver, said she recognizes that Obama's journey to the White House is a notable event in U.S. history.
"I support any president," she said. "It's all about the support of our government and sticking together as a team and forming unity for our nation."
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Peleliu, Dubuque and Pearl Harbor Return Following Six-Month Deployment
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Donnie Ryan, Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the flagship of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG), along with USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) returned to San Diego Nov. 4 following a six-month deployment.
While deployed, PELESG shipsconducted maritime security operations (MSOs) and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
Capt. Jon Padfield, commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 (COMPHIBRON 3) and leader of the PELESG, said that Peleliu, Dubuque and Pearl Harbor embarked and transported the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation to provide a rapid response capability and to participate in training exercises with coalition nations as well as conducting MSO.
"Expeditionary strike groups deploy in order to give fleet commanders the assets to accomplish a wide variety of contingency operations including the delivery of combat forces, humanitarian assistance and noncombatant evacuations in addition to MSO," said Padfield. "The Sailors and Marines of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group operated alongside our coalition partners to help provide security and stability in the region."
Padfield said additional highlights of the deployment included rescuing six mariners from a sinking vessel in the Strait of Balabac and helping thwart a pirate attack on a civilian merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
According to Col. Brian Beaudreault, commanding officer of the 15th MEU, his unit took part in two major training exercises – "Eager Mace" and "Infinite Moonlight."
"I'm confident the Marines and Sailors of the 15th MEU are proud of their many accomplishments while they were forward deployed," said Beaudreault. "Every one of them played an important role in the successful completion of bilateral exercises with a couple of our vital partners in the Middle East.
"Between superior tactical performance in the training areas and noteworthy conduct on liberty, the Marines and Sailors represented our country and Corps in a very impressive manner," added Beaudreault.
During the deployment, Peleliu made port visits to Singapore; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Aqaba, Jordan; as well as Fremantle/Perth and Sydney, Australia. Dubuque visited Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong; and Guam. Pearl Harbor stopped in Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Singapore and Guam.
Alongside the hundreds of spouses, friends and family members that gathered on the pier to welcome the Sailors and Marines home, right in the middle of the first off the ship "new dads" group from Peleliu who had children born during the deployment, there was actually one "new mom."
Senior Chief Master-at-Arms (SW/AW) Kathleen Gutierrez and her husband had decided to adopt a child several months prior to the deployment. Just nine days after Peleliu deployed, the newborn baby boy was born and the adoption was finalized.
Since that time, David Benjamin Gutierrez has been in the custody of his adopted father Joe while his adopted mother has been deployed. Like the new dads, this was the first time the new mom was able to hold her adopted child.
"I don't want to let him go," said Gutierrez. "It was hard to imagine just what it was going to be like, but I knew there would be a lot of happy tears."
More than 300 friends and family members of the crew also arrived in San Diego after joining the crew of Peleliu Oct. 27 in Pearl Harbor for a scheduled "Tiger Cruise" on the last leg of the deployment.
The other ships that make up the PELESG, USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Halsey (DDG 97), returned to San Diego Nov. 3.
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Peleliu (LHA 5), the flagship of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG), along with USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) returned to San Diego Nov. 4 following a six-month deployment.
While deployed, PELESG shipsconducted maritime security operations (MSOs) and theater security cooperation in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.
Capt. Jon Padfield, commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 (COMPHIBRON 3) and leader of the PELESG, said that Peleliu, Dubuque and Pearl Harbor embarked and transported the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operation to provide a rapid response capability and to participate in training exercises with coalition nations as well as conducting MSO.
"Expeditionary strike groups deploy in order to give fleet commanders the assets to accomplish a wide variety of contingency operations including the delivery of combat forces, humanitarian assistance and noncombatant evacuations in addition to MSO," said Padfield. "The Sailors and Marines of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group operated alongside our coalition partners to help provide security and stability in the region."
Padfield said additional highlights of the deployment included rescuing six mariners from a sinking vessel in the Strait of Balabac and helping thwart a pirate attack on a civilian merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.
According to Col. Brian Beaudreault, commanding officer of the 15th MEU, his unit took part in two major training exercises – "Eager Mace" and "Infinite Moonlight."
"I'm confident the Marines and Sailors of the 15th MEU are proud of their many accomplishments while they were forward deployed," said Beaudreault. "Every one of them played an important role in the successful completion of bilateral exercises with a couple of our vital partners in the Middle East.
"Between superior tactical performance in the training areas and noteworthy conduct on liberty, the Marines and Sailors represented our country and Corps in a very impressive manner," added Beaudreault.
During the deployment, Peleliu made port visits to Singapore; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Aqaba, Jordan; as well as Fremantle/Perth and Sydney, Australia. Dubuque visited Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Hong Kong; and Guam. Pearl Harbor stopped in Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Singapore and Guam.
Alongside the hundreds of spouses, friends and family members that gathered on the pier to welcome the Sailors and Marines home, right in the middle of the first off the ship "new dads" group from Peleliu who had children born during the deployment, there was actually one "new mom."
Senior Chief Master-at-Arms (SW/AW) Kathleen Gutierrez and her husband had decided to adopt a child several months prior to the deployment. Just nine days after Peleliu deployed, the newborn baby boy was born and the adoption was finalized.
Since that time, David Benjamin Gutierrez has been in the custody of his adopted father Joe while his adopted mother has been deployed. Like the new dads, this was the first time the new mom was able to hold her adopted child.
"I don't want to let him go," said Gutierrez. "It was hard to imagine just what it was going to be like, but I knew there would be a lot of happy tears."
More than 300 friends and family members of the crew also arrived in San Diego after joining the crew of Peleliu Oct. 27 in Pearl Harbor for a scheduled "Tiger Cruise" on the last leg of the deployment.
The other ships that make up the PELESG, USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Halsey (DDG 97), returned to San Diego Nov. 3.
Essex Arrives in Korea for Interoperability Training Program
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson, USS Essex Public Affairs
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Angelo Marquez, from Manila, Republic of the Philippines, directs the launch of a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM 262) on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) are preparing for this year's amphibious landing exercise (PHIBLEX), a two-week, bilateral exercise conducted in cooperation with military personnel of the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Greg Johnson/Released)
POHANG, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived off the coast of Pohang, Republic of Korea (ROK), for this year's Korean Interoperability Training Program (KITP) Nov. 4.
KITP is a five-day bilateral training program conducted annually between the U.S. and ROK militaries, designed to enhance joint combat readiness through intensive amphibious training.
"I'm really looking forward to another excellent opportunity for us to improve Essex's interoperability with the Republic of Korea," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex's commanding officer. "Our ability to work effectively together is essential to our overall mission of peace and stability in the Pacific region."
Essex's Sailors, along with Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), will collaborate with their ROK counterparts through multiple amphibious training scenarios, including simulated air strikes and combined beach support operations. Training will be integrated from top to bottom, with Sailors and Marines from both countries coordinating efforts in planning, organizing and executing each scenario.
In order to enhance those efforts, U.S. and ROK service members will cross-deck between Essex and the ROK's amphibious assault ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH 6111).
According to Lt. Cmdr. Ben Sigurdson, Essex's assistant air operations officer, the experience will be invaluable for Sailors of both countries.
"It provides an opportunity for both militaries to observe operations from each other's perspective," said Sigurdson. "It should really help us more effectively combine our operations into one. The more familiar we are with each other's equipment and methods, the smoother operations will go."
Essex's air department will send Sailors from various levels of leadership to Dokdo, where they will observe flight-deck operations and air traffic control procedures. The insight gained by those Sailors can then be applied to future bilateral efforts with ROK forces.
In addition, Essex's Sailors will also support Marine aircraft from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262), 31st MEU, who will look to benefit from bilateral training in the air.
"Our role is integral to the completion of their mission," said Sigurdson, "and we need to be ready to launch and recover every aircraft needed to successfully carry out that mission."
According to Marine Maj. Brian Thompson, 31st MEU air officer and KITP planning coordinator, mission success will require a cohesive effort from everyone involved.
"Our main objective is to coordinate a bilateral, major amphibious assault, and that takes a lot of effort and cooperation from the Marines and Sailors of both countries," said Thompson.
During the simulated assault, U.S. and ROK forces will land on the beach together, employing landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) and every type of aircraft in the 31st MEU's inventory, including CH-46E Sea Knight, CH-53E Sea Stallion, AH-1Z Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters, as well as AV-8B Harrier multi-purpose attack jets.
Sigurdson noted that extensive, bilateral training such as this is always challenging, but Sailors and Marines from both countries are well prepared and should come away from the training with a better understanding of each other and how to operate more efficiently together.
"It's incredibly important to enhance our interoperability, especially with our friends and allies in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility," said
Sigurdson. "Bilateral training that allows both countries to experience the inner workings of the other is not only valuable, but essential."
The 31st MEU is the only permanently forward-deployed MEU, maintaining a presence in the Pacific Ocean at all times as part of III Marine Expeditionary Force, and is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan.
Essex is the only forward-deployed U.S. amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 1st Class Angelo Marquez, from Manila, Republic of the Philippines, directs the launch of a CH-46E Sea Knight helicopter from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM 262) on the flight deck of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Essex and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU) are preparing for this year's amphibious landing exercise (PHIBLEX), a two-week, bilateral exercise conducted in cooperation with military personnel of the Republic of the Philippines. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Second Class Greg Johnson/Released)
POHANG, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived off the coast of Pohang, Republic of Korea (ROK), for this year's Korean Interoperability Training Program (KITP) Nov. 4.
KITP is a five-day bilateral training program conducted annually between the U.S. and ROK militaries, designed to enhance joint combat readiness through intensive amphibious training.
"I'm really looking forward to another excellent opportunity for us to improve Essex's interoperability with the Republic of Korea," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex's commanding officer. "Our ability to work effectively together is essential to our overall mission of peace and stability in the Pacific region."
Essex's Sailors, along with Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), will collaborate with their ROK counterparts through multiple amphibious training scenarios, including simulated air strikes and combined beach support operations. Training will be integrated from top to bottom, with Sailors and Marines from both countries coordinating efforts in planning, organizing and executing each scenario.
In order to enhance those efforts, U.S. and ROK service members will cross-deck between Essex and the ROK's amphibious assault ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH 6111).
According to Lt. Cmdr. Ben Sigurdson, Essex's assistant air operations officer, the experience will be invaluable for Sailors of both countries.
"It provides an opportunity for both militaries to observe operations from each other's perspective," said Sigurdson. "It should really help us more effectively combine our operations into one. The more familiar we are with each other's equipment and methods, the smoother operations will go."
Essex's air department will send Sailors from various levels of leadership to Dokdo, where they will observe flight-deck operations and air traffic control procedures. The insight gained by those Sailors can then be applied to future bilateral efforts with ROK forces.
In addition, Essex's Sailors will also support Marine aircraft from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262), 31st MEU, who will look to benefit from bilateral training in the air.
"Our role is integral to the completion of their mission," said Sigurdson, "and we need to be ready to launch and recover every aircraft needed to successfully carry out that mission."
According to Marine Maj. Brian Thompson, 31st MEU air officer and KITP planning coordinator, mission success will require a cohesive effort from everyone involved.
"Our main objective is to coordinate a bilateral, major amphibious assault, and that takes a lot of effort and cooperation from the Marines and Sailors of both countries," said Thompson.
During the simulated assault, U.S. and ROK forces will land on the beach together, employing landing craft air cushion (LCAC) and amphibious assault vehicles (AAV) and every type of aircraft in the 31st MEU's inventory, including CH-46E Sea Knight, CH-53E Sea Stallion, AH-1Z Super Cobra and UH-1N Huey helicopters, as well as AV-8B Harrier multi-purpose attack jets.
Sigurdson noted that extensive, bilateral training such as this is always challenging, but Sailors and Marines from both countries are well prepared and should come away from the training with a better understanding of each other and how to operate more efficiently together.
"It's incredibly important to enhance our interoperability, especially with our friends and allies in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility," said
Sigurdson. "Bilateral training that allows both countries to experience the inner workings of the other is not only valuable, but essential."
The 31st MEU is the only permanently forward-deployed MEU, maintaining a presence in the Pacific Ocean at all times as part of III Marine Expeditionary Force, and is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan.
Essex is the only forward-deployed U.S. amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Boxer Shines During Pre-Deployment Readiness Inspection
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson, USS Boxer Public Affairs
The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits San Diego Bay. Boxer is preparing for an upcoming deployment early next year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Brandenburg (Released)
USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer's (LHD 4) Medical Department earned the highest rating possible during a Medical Readiness Inspection (MRI) Nov. 1 in preparation for the ship's upcoming deployment.
Boxer's medical staff worked together to ensure their facilities met Naval Surface Forces' readiness standards for deployment and that the equipment and supplies could support all medical needs of the ship's crew.
"MRI is a measurement of the entire medical department by senior enlisted hospital corpsman, doctors and nurses," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Stephen Richardson.
Sailors were meticulous in their performance of duties because any expired pharmaceutical supplies or incomplete crew member immunizations are automatic inspection failures.
"Our department spent a lot of time and energy cleaning, inventorying supplies, updating records, administering immunizations and testing equipment," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christopher Keplinger. "All the hard work from our Sailors resulted in us earning C1 status, which is the absolute best you can achieve."
Boxer's Sailors dedicated themselves to ensuring the department reflected their own high level of professionalism and efficiency.
"We had corpsman working late at night and some even came in off of leave to help us leading up to inspection," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Preston Sanders. "Earning the highest rating and recognition assures us we're doing a good job, and I believe it keeps our morale high."
The excellent rating Boxer medical earned continues the ship's history of battle readiness to the fleet. The ship is a consecutive winner of the Navy's "Green H" award for medical preparedness.
"We've always worked to excel and set the standard," Richardson said. Our success was a result of the effort of every corpsman in medical staying late to update personnel records or inventory supplies. Hopefully it's an assurance to the rest of the crew that we can serve their medical needs."
BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.
BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.
The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.
The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) transits San Diego Bay. Boxer is preparing for an upcoming deployment early next year. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Brandenburg (Released)USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer's (LHD 4) Medical Department earned the highest rating possible during a Medical Readiness Inspection (MRI) Nov. 1 in preparation for the ship's upcoming deployment.
Boxer's medical staff worked together to ensure their facilities met Naval Surface Forces' readiness standards for deployment and that the equipment and supplies could support all medical needs of the ship's crew.
"MRI is a measurement of the entire medical department by senior enlisted hospital corpsman, doctors and nurses," said Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Stephen Richardson.
Sailors were meticulous in their performance of duties because any expired pharmaceutical supplies or incomplete crew member immunizations are automatic inspection failures.
"Our department spent a lot of time and energy cleaning, inventorying supplies, updating records, administering immunizations and testing equipment," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Christopher Keplinger. "All the hard work from our Sailors resulted in us earning C1 status, which is the absolute best you can achieve."
Boxer's Sailors dedicated themselves to ensuring the department reflected their own high level of professionalism and efficiency.
"We had corpsman working late at night and some even came in off of leave to help us leading up to inspection," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Preston Sanders. "Earning the highest rating and recognition assures us we're doing a good job, and I believe it keeps our morale high."
The excellent rating Boxer medical earned continues the ship's history of battle readiness to the fleet. The ship is a consecutive winner of the Navy's "Green H" award for medical preparedness.
"We've always worked to excel and set the standard," Richardson said. Our success was a result of the effort of every corpsman in medical staying late to update personnel records or inventory supplies. Hopefully it's an assurance to the rest of the crew that we can serve their medical needs."
BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.
BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.
The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.
Cape St. George, Benfold, Halsey Return Following Six-Month Deployment
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/AW) Donnie Ryan, Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Benfold (DDG 65) practice formation maneuvering. Halsey and Benfold are part of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Shannon K. Cassidy (Released)
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Halsey (DDG 97) returned to San Diego Nov. 3 following a six-month deployment as part of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG).
PELESG ships, which deployed from San Diego May 4, conducted maritime security operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation activities in the 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Operation.
Capt. Jon Padfield, commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 (COMPHIBRON 3) and leader of the PELESG, said that Cape St. George and Benfold supported MSO through presence activities and interaction patrols in the Arabian Gulf, while Halsey conducted MSO near the Horn of Africa.
"Expeditionary strike groups deploy in order to give fleet commanders the assets to accomplish a wide variety of contingency operations including the delivery of combat forces, humanitarian assistance and non-combatant evacuations in addition to MSO," said Padfield.
"The Sailors and Marines of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group operated alongside our coalition partners to help provide security and stability in the region."
According to Cmdr. Thomas Disy, Benfold's commanding officer, the deployment provided an opportunity for the crew to use the skills and equipment they had trained on in real-world operations.
"We accomplished every tasking assigned by both 5th and 7th fleet commanders, including counter-piracy, weapons interdiction, maritime community engagement and security operations," said Disy. "As proud as I am of their performance at sea, I'm equally proud of their flawless performance ashore while acting as U.S. ambassadors during our six port visits to foreign nations."
During the deployment, Benfold made port visits to Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Hong Kong and Sasebo, Japan. Cape St. George stopped in Penang, Malaysia; Manama, Bahrain; and Brisbane, Australia. Halsey visited Penang, Malaysia; the Seychelles; as well as Fremantle/Perth and Sydney, Australia.
Cmdr. Robert Beauchamp, who assumed command of Halsey during the deployment, said he was proud to have served alongside the men and women of the crew.
"Their energy, commitment and passion continue to impress and at times, even surprise me," said Beauchamp. "No goal was too lofty, whether training for a professional qualification, studying for an advancement examination or working towards a college degree on their personal time while deployed."
"While this deployment was full of highlights, there is none greater than returning home, to the open arms of family and friends," added Beauchamp.
Dozens of friends and family members of the crews will also arrived in San Diego after joining the ships Oct. 27 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a scheduled "Tiger Cruise" on the last leg of the deployment.
The other ships that make up the PELESG, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), are scheduled to return to San Diego Nov. 4.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Benfold (DDG 65) practice formation maneuvering. Halsey and Benfold are part of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group on a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Shannon K. Cassidy (Released)SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Cape St. George (CG 71), USS Benfold (DDG 65) and USS Halsey (DDG 97) returned to San Diego Nov. 3 following a six-month deployment as part of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG).
PELESG ships, which deployed from San Diego May 4, conducted maritime security operations (MSO) and theater security cooperation activities in the 5th and 7th Fleet Areas of Operation.
Capt. Jon Padfield, commander, Amphibious Squadron 3 (COMPHIBRON 3) and leader of the PELESG, said that Cape St. George and Benfold supported MSO through presence activities and interaction patrols in the Arabian Gulf, while Halsey conducted MSO near the Horn of Africa.
"Expeditionary strike groups deploy in order to give fleet commanders the assets to accomplish a wide variety of contingency operations including the delivery of combat forces, humanitarian assistance and non-combatant evacuations in addition to MSO," said Padfield.
"The Sailors and Marines of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group operated alongside our coalition partners to help provide security and stability in the region."
According to Cmdr. Thomas Disy, Benfold's commanding officer, the deployment provided an opportunity for the crew to use the skills and equipment they had trained on in real-world operations.
"We accomplished every tasking assigned by both 5th and 7th fleet commanders, including counter-piracy, weapons interdiction, maritime community engagement and security operations," said Disy. "As proud as I am of their performance at sea, I'm equally proud of their flawless performance ashore while acting as U.S. ambassadors during our six port visits to foreign nations."
During the deployment, Benfold made port visits to Phuket, Thailand; Manama, Bahrain; Hong Kong and Sasebo, Japan. Cape St. George stopped in Penang, Malaysia; Manama, Bahrain; and Brisbane, Australia. Halsey visited Penang, Malaysia; the Seychelles; as well as Fremantle/Perth and Sydney, Australia.
Cmdr. Robert Beauchamp, who assumed command of Halsey during the deployment, said he was proud to have served alongside the men and women of the crew.
"Their energy, commitment and passion continue to impress and at times, even surprise me," said Beauchamp. "No goal was too lofty, whether training for a professional qualification, studying for an advancement examination or working towards a college degree on their personal time while deployed."
"While this deployment was full of highlights, there is none greater than returning home, to the open arms of family and friends," added Beauchamp.
Dozens of friends and family members of the crews will also arrived in San Diego after joining the ships Oct. 27 in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a scheduled "Tiger Cruise" on the last leg of the deployment.
The other ships that make up the PELESG, USS Peleliu (LHA 5), USS Dubuque (LPD 8) and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), are scheduled to return to San Diego Nov. 4.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Carter Hall Serves as Afloat Staging Base in Gulf
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs
A coastal patrol boat assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 launches from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) to patrol the Persian Gulf. Carter Hall is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Flordeliz Valerio/Released)
USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) is currently serving as an afloat forward staging base (AFSB) in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG) as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158.
AFSBs serve as landing platforms for both helicopters and small boats, which allow coalition forces to conduct interaction patrols with dhows.
"The services that Carter Hall is providing are critical to coalition efforts in Iraq," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Sinclair, Carter Hall's commanding officer. "Right now, we are not only contributing to the security of the oil platforms and supporting the other warships in the area, but most importantly, we are serving as a training platform for Iraqi Sailors and Marines."
Members of the Naval Transition Team (NaTT), based in Umm Qasr, Iraq, and Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron detachment embark Carter Hall to help train Iraqi Sailors and Marines.
The NaTT consists of members from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Navy. They train, equip and mentor Iraqi mariners to eventually assume the duties of the coalition to protect their sea-based infrastructures.
Royal Navy Lt. John Bettles, the NaTT's operations officer serving aboard Carter Hall, said working alongside Iraqis on a day-to-day basis gives them additional knowledge on the customs and ways to overcome language barriers.
"The personal interaction is extremely important," he said. "We have the opportunity to absorb cultural training that we may not have experienced in a more structured training environment."
The Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron detachment serving aboard Carter Hall also plays an important mission in the North Arabian Gulf. Their mission is to protect the coalition and Iraqi boarding teams during interaction patrols. The detachment is comprised of three different units: Maritime Expeditionary Boat Detachment (MEBD) 211 and 411, deployed from Portsmouth, Va.; and U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 309, deployed from Port Clinton, Ohio.
Lt. j.g. Nathaniel Holmes, the VBSS detachment's officer in charge, said Carter Hall is a key player in achieving mission success.
"Carter Hall has played a vital role in helping conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf," he said. "They have adjusted to the extremely busy boat schedule, simultaneously operating boats from the well deck and crane while conducting flight operations."
U.S. and coalition forces provide assistance to the Iraqi Navy defending Iraq's major oil platforms. These terminals are significant sources of Iraqi government revenue and contribute to approximately 80 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product.
Sinclair said Carter Hall's Sailors are ready to perform any mission, day or night.
"Carter Hall's success in simultaneously carrying out these varied missions is only possible through the combined effects of the crew's hard work and the ship's versatility," said Sinclair. "As an amphibious ship, Carter Hall has a well deck, a boat deck, a flight deck that is capable of landing any helicopter. We also have a robust medical and dental suite. These assets make the Carter Hall perfectly suited to provide food, water, maintenance, communications, medical/dental care or anything else that is required, night or day, by the other warships, small boats or the oil platforms themselves."
Carter Hall is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
Carter Hall is part of the Iwo Jima Strike Group.
A coastal patrol boat assigned to Combined Task Force (CTF) 158 launches from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) to patrol the Persian Gulf. Carter Hall is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Flordeliz Valerio/Released)USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) is currently serving as an afloat forward staging base (AFSB) in the North Arabian Gulf (NAG) as part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 158.
AFSBs serve as landing platforms for both helicopters and small boats, which allow coalition forces to conduct interaction patrols with dhows.
"The services that Carter Hall is providing are critical to coalition efforts in Iraq," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Sinclair, Carter Hall's commanding officer. "Right now, we are not only contributing to the security of the oil platforms and supporting the other warships in the area, but most importantly, we are serving as a training platform for Iraqi Sailors and Marines."
Members of the Naval Transition Team (NaTT), based in Umm Qasr, Iraq, and Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron detachment embark Carter Hall to help train Iraqi Sailors and Marines.
The NaTT consists of members from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Navy. They train, equip and mentor Iraqi mariners to eventually assume the duties of the coalition to protect their sea-based infrastructures.
Royal Navy Lt. John Bettles, the NaTT's operations officer serving aboard Carter Hall, said working alongside Iraqis on a day-to-day basis gives them additional knowledge on the customs and ways to overcome language barriers.
"The personal interaction is extremely important," he said. "We have the opportunity to absorb cultural training that we may not have experienced in a more structured training environment."
The Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron detachment serving aboard Carter Hall also plays an important mission in the North Arabian Gulf. Their mission is to protect the coalition and Iraqi boarding teams during interaction patrols. The detachment is comprised of three different units: Maritime Expeditionary Boat Detachment (MEBD) 211 and 411, deployed from Portsmouth, Va.; and U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 309, deployed from Port Clinton, Ohio.
Lt. j.g. Nathaniel Holmes, the VBSS detachment's officer in charge, said Carter Hall is a key player in achieving mission success.
"Carter Hall has played a vital role in helping conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Gulf," he said. "They have adjusted to the extremely busy boat schedule, simultaneously operating boats from the well deck and crane while conducting flight operations."
U.S. and coalition forces provide assistance to the Iraqi Navy defending Iraq's major oil platforms. These terminals are significant sources of Iraqi government revenue and contribute to approximately 80 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product.
Sinclair said Carter Hall's Sailors are ready to perform any mission, day or night.
"Carter Hall's success in simultaneously carrying out these varied missions is only possible through the combined effects of the crew's hard work and the ship's versatility," said Sinclair. "As an amphibious ship, Carter Hall has a well deck, a boat deck, a flight deck that is capable of landing any helicopter. We also have a robust medical and dental suite. These assets make the Carter Hall perfectly suited to provide food, water, maintenance, communications, medical/dental care or anything else that is required, night or day, by the other warships, small boats or the oil platforms themselves."
Carter Hall is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations to conduct Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.
Carter Hall is part of the Iwo Jima Strike Group.
BOXESG Readies for Deployment with Anti-Terrorism Exercise
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Hopkins, USS Boxer Public Affairs
The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) is partially obscured by a fog bank off the coast of Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco (Released)
USS Boxer (LHD 4), in conjunction with the ships of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), participated in a two-day force protection exercise (FPE) at Naval Base San Diego Oct. 27-28.
The FPE is one of several qualifications BOXESG must complete to become certified for its upcoming deployment.
Conducted by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, the FPE brings ships of BOXESG together at one pier to simulate a foreign port visit. Each ship in BOXESG maintains a ship's self-defense force (SSDF) to augment its security force. The SSDF consists of volunteers from the ship's crew who receive training in anti-terrorism and force protection measures and act as the ship's ready defense team. Throughout the course of the exercise, personnel acting as intruders attempted to penetrate the strike group's defenses, testing the SSDF's readiness and ability to effectively defend the ships against attack.
"The FPE is a test of the ESG's ability to construct a force protection plan, execute it following programmed protection responses and effectively implement the appropriate levels of force protection conditions, from ...the lowest level of security, all the way to [the highest]," said Lt.j.g. Mike Rutland, Boxer's force protection officer.
"It is one of many requirements necessary to qualify the ESG for deployment, and it's one of the most important preparations we undertake as it tests our capability to stay safe in foreign territory."
According to Rutland, the FPE also provides an opportunity to test communication among the ships of BOXESG in an emergency situation.
"Anything can happen to Boxer or the other ships in the group," Rutland said. "If there's an attack on the USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Boxer should know about it not only for informational purposes but to let other watchstanders know to keep an eye out for potential threats or diversionary tactics. It allows us to keep not only ourselves safe but also our fellow strike group shipmates."
Throughout each day of the exercise, the BOXESG ships' intercom systems blared with reports of suspicious packages, potentially hostile small boats approaching the ESG's ships to conduct surveillance, and unauthorized people attempting to gain access to the ships with fake identification. Thanks to basic and advanced security reaction force training -- which includes anti-terrorism measures, vehicle and bag inspection training and weapons qualification -- members of Boxer's SSDF said they felt they were properly prepared to take on threats to their ship.
"We've had a lot of training, both through classes and SSDF-specific training, and I feel we're more than adequately prepared to protect our ship," said Aviation Mechanic 1st Class (AW) Dominick Jordan, a member of Boxer's SSDF.
During the exercise, the ships on the pier were receiving a large load of supplies which added difficulty to the FPE.
"The additional activity on the pier certainly makes it harder on the SSDF to discern threats, but it also adds a very real element to the exercise, in that this scenario is one they'll likely encounter in a real-world situation," Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Jorge Schulz said.
"With all of the distractions going on with resupplying the ships and maintenance, an intruder may try penetrating the ESG's defenses unnoticed. This allows our Sailors to acclimate themselves to the busy environment of a real port and effectually makes them a more prepared security force."
BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall to prepare for its upcoming deployment.
BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5 and 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.
The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.
The amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) is partially obscured by a fog bank off the coast of Naval Amphibious Base Coronado. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dominique M. Lasco (Released)USS Boxer (LHD 4), in conjunction with the ships of Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG), participated in a two-day force protection exercise (FPE) at Naval Base San Diego Oct. 27-28.
The FPE is one of several qualifications BOXESG must complete to become certified for its upcoming deployment.
Conducted by Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, the FPE brings ships of BOXESG together at one pier to simulate a foreign port visit. Each ship in BOXESG maintains a ship's self-defense force (SSDF) to augment its security force. The SSDF consists of volunteers from the ship's crew who receive training in anti-terrorism and force protection measures and act as the ship's ready defense team. Throughout the course of the exercise, personnel acting as intruders attempted to penetrate the strike group's defenses, testing the SSDF's readiness and ability to effectively defend the ships against attack.
"The FPE is a test of the ESG's ability to construct a force protection plan, execute it following programmed protection responses and effectively implement the appropriate levels of force protection conditions, from ...the lowest level of security, all the way to [the highest]," said Lt.j.g. Mike Rutland, Boxer's force protection officer.
"It is one of many requirements necessary to qualify the ESG for deployment, and it's one of the most important preparations we undertake as it tests our capability to stay safe in foreign territory."
According to Rutland, the FPE also provides an opportunity to test communication among the ships of BOXESG in an emergency situation.
"Anything can happen to Boxer or the other ships in the group," Rutland said. "If there's an attack on the USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Boxer should know about it not only for informational purposes but to let other watchstanders know to keep an eye out for potential threats or diversionary tactics. It allows us to keep not only ourselves safe but also our fellow strike group shipmates."
Throughout each day of the exercise, the BOXESG ships' intercom systems blared with reports of suspicious packages, potentially hostile small boats approaching the ESG's ships to conduct surveillance, and unauthorized people attempting to gain access to the ships with fake identification. Thanks to basic and advanced security reaction force training -- which includes anti-terrorism measures, vehicle and bag inspection training and weapons qualification -- members of Boxer's SSDF said they felt they were properly prepared to take on threats to their ship.
"We've had a lot of training, both through classes and SSDF-specific training, and I feel we're more than adequately prepared to protect our ship," said Aviation Mechanic 1st Class (AW) Dominick Jordan, a member of Boxer's SSDF.
During the exercise, the ships on the pier were receiving a large load of supplies which added difficulty to the FPE.
"The additional activity on the pier certainly makes it harder on the SSDF to discern threats, but it also adds a very real element to the exercise, in that this scenario is one they'll likely encounter in a real-world situation," Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW) Jorge Schulz said.
"With all of the distractions going on with resupplying the ships and maintenance, an intruder may try penetrating the ESG's defenses unnoticed. This allows our Sailors to acclimate themselves to the busy environment of a real port and effectually makes them a more prepared security force."
BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall to prepare for its upcoming deployment.
BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USCGC Boutwell (WHEC 719), USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5 and 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.
The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.
Blue Angel Update
On November 2, this blog reported that one of the Blue Angels pilots had been ground pending an administrative hearing for inappropriate behavior with another female squadron member (see http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2008/11/blue-angels-lose-jet-after-2-members.html)
According to Captain Tyson Dunkelberger, the BA public affairs officer, the unit will be flying a five aircraft formation for the remainder of the 2008 airshow season, starting with last weekend's Lackland Airfest 08 in San Antonio.
The five-plane demonstration will employ a diamond formation without the "slot" position, but Dunkelberger was quick to point out that the loss of Blue Angel No. 4 in the show did not necessarily mean that the pilot who has flown in that position during this season is involved in the inappropriate relationship.
The mystery has been short-lived. As mentioned above the team flew over the weekend in San Antonio, minus the flyer in question and his absence was obvious to anyone in attendance holding a show program.
Major Clint Harris, USMC, the #4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation in San Antonio. However, a spokesman for the team would not confirm that Major Harris was the pilot removed from the team, but logic dictates he is probably one of the parties involved in the pending legal action at NAS Pensacola.
According to Captain Tyson Dunkelberger, the BA public affairs officer, the unit will be flying a five aircraft formation for the remainder of the 2008 airshow season, starting with last weekend's Lackland Airfest 08 in San Antonio.
The five-plane demonstration will employ a diamond formation without the "slot" position, but Dunkelberger was quick to point out that the loss of Blue Angel No. 4 in the show did not necessarily mean that the pilot who has flown in that position during this season is involved in the inappropriate relationship.
The mystery has been short-lived. As mentioned above the team flew over the weekend in San Antonio, minus the flyer in question and his absence was obvious to anyone in attendance holding a show program.
Major Clint Harris, USMC, the #4 or slot pilot, was absent from the formation in San Antonio. However, a spokesman for the team would not confirm that Major Harris was the pilot removed from the team, but logic dictates he is probably one of the parties involved in the pending legal action at NAS Pensacola.
Essex Departs Subic Bay
By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson, USS Essex Public Affairs
SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 30 after completing this year's Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX) and Talon Vision (TV).
The three-day port visit was an opportunity for Sailors to experience Filipino culture, backload Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and conduct two community friendship projects.
"I'm extremely grateful for our gracious hosts," said Capt. Brent Canady, commanding officer of Essex. "The crew always enjoys giving something back to the local community during our port visits. Through our coordination with the great citizens of the Philippines and the nongovernment organizations, we were able to do just that by providing a small amount of support for the needs of both the New Cabalan Elementary School and the Social Development Center for Girls."
Nearly 100 Sailors visited the New Cabalan Elementary School and the Social Development Center for Girls in Olongapo City to participate in the projects. Sailors helped paint the school's production stage, handed out backpacks and other school supplies and spent the rest of the day interacting with the children.
"These kind of humanitarian projects are very important for two reasons," said Lt. Jason Rochester, a chaplain aboard Essex. "First, it shows the host nation that we care about them and that we want to help support them. It also gives our Sailors an opportunity to give back and to realize that there are many people out there who are not as fortunate."
Those who volunteered at the social development center painted and constructed new bed frames for the girls.
"I had a great time," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Hubbs. "The kids seemed to have a great time also. It's really good to get out here and do something like this and hopefully let people realize that we're trying to do some good."
The visit also included the backload of more than 1,200 31st MEU Marines and 31 aircraft, including AH-1Z Super Cobra, UH-1N Huey, CH-46E Sea Knight, CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.
In addition, Marines also backloaded 71 pieces of rolling stock, 252 containers of break-bulk and over 100 ship pallets.
"It really takes a lot of work to get everything back on board," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jose Alvarez, ESSEX's welldeck combat cargo assistant. "Being able to coordinate the movement of so much equipment is quite an accomplishment for these guys."
The visit also gave Sailors a chance to rest and relax while enjoying the local culture. Essex's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department offered various tours, including everything from a jungle survival training excursion to a fun-filled day with indigenous sea life at a local water park.
"We really try to design our tours to get our Sailors acquainted with the culture of the various places we visit," said Mick Hultz, Essex's afloat recreation coordinator. "The Philippines has such a unique experience to offer, and it's encouraging to see so many Sailors eager to get out and see the country."
According to Marine Lance Corporal Estle Reed, an MWR tour guide for the Mall of Asia tour, seeing the Subic Bay area was a culturally enriching experience.
"It was a really good time," said Reed. "I got a chance to learn about some of the history and the architecture of the Philippines, and it was absolutely amazing. I would definitely look forward to coming back."
Essex is the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 30 after completing this year's Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX) and Talon Vision (TV).
The three-day port visit was an opportunity for Sailors to experience Filipino culture, backload Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and conduct two community friendship projects.
"I'm extremely grateful for our gracious hosts," said Capt. Brent Canady, commanding officer of Essex. "The crew always enjoys giving something back to the local community during our port visits. Through our coordination with the great citizens of the Philippines and the nongovernment organizations, we were able to do just that by providing a small amount of support for the needs of both the New Cabalan Elementary School and the Social Development Center for Girls."
Nearly 100 Sailors visited the New Cabalan Elementary School and the Social Development Center for Girls in Olongapo City to participate in the projects. Sailors helped paint the school's production stage, handed out backpacks and other school supplies and spent the rest of the day interacting with the children.
"These kind of humanitarian projects are very important for two reasons," said Lt. Jason Rochester, a chaplain aboard Essex. "First, it shows the host nation that we care about them and that we want to help support them. It also gives our Sailors an opportunity to give back and to realize that there are many people out there who are not as fortunate."
Those who volunteered at the social development center painted and constructed new bed frames for the girls.
"I had a great time," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Hubbs. "The kids seemed to have a great time also. It's really good to get out here and do something like this and hopefully let people realize that we're trying to do some good."
The visit also included the backload of more than 1,200 31st MEU Marines and 31 aircraft, including AH-1Z Super Cobra, UH-1N Huey, CH-46E Sea Knight, CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.
In addition, Marines also backloaded 71 pieces of rolling stock, 252 containers of break-bulk and over 100 ship pallets.
"It really takes a lot of work to get everything back on board," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jose Alvarez, ESSEX's welldeck combat cargo assistant. "Being able to coordinate the movement of so much equipment is quite an accomplishment for these guys."
The visit also gave Sailors a chance to rest and relax while enjoying the local culture. Essex's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department offered various tours, including everything from a jungle survival training excursion to a fun-filled day with indigenous sea life at a local water park.
"We really try to design our tours to get our Sailors acquainted with the culture of the various places we visit," said Mick Hultz, Essex's afloat recreation coordinator. "The Philippines has such a unique experience to offer, and it's encouraging to see so many Sailors eager to get out and see the country."
According to Marine Lance Corporal Estle Reed, an MWR tour guide for the Mall of Asia tour, seeing the Subic Bay area was a culturally enriching experience.
"It was a really good time," said Reed. "I got a chance to learn about some of the history and the architecture of the Philippines, and it was absolutely amazing. I would definitely look forward to coming back."
Essex is the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
Peleliu Returns from Deployment with Friends, Family on Board
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5) welcomed more than 250 friends and family members for a "tiger cruise" as the ship departed Naval Station Pearl Harbor Oct. 29, following a four-day port visit.
The term 'tigers' is used to describe the guests of crew members who take part in these types of orientation cruises throughout the fleet.
A total of 266 tigers joined the crew of Peleliu for the final leg of its 2008 deployment as the ship begins the more than 2,000-mile final trek toward its homeport of San Diego. Removing their official Peleliu command ball caps and standing at attention, tigers joined the Sailors and Marines to render honors to the USS Arizona Memorial as the ship pulled out of Pearl Harbor.
Tigers, Sailors and Marines who gathered on the flight deck also got a history lesson as a Sailor who works at the Arizona Memorial narrated the history and pointed out landmarks of the naval base that played such a key role in World War II.
"It's pretty hard to describe, but it's an honor for all of us to be here, and it's pretty amazing to be a part of this history," said Seaman Shawn Armstrong from Naval Station Pearl Harbor's Arizona Memorial Detachment who narrated the history of Pearl Harbor for the tigers and crew as ship departed. "Being able to narrate the history of this harbor during the transit is an honor for me, and I'm happy I was asked to do it."
During the transit back to homeport, the tigers eat, sleep and join Peleliu Sailors and Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in experiencing life at sea aboard the amphibious assault ship.
According to Lt. Cmdr. Steve Audelo, Peleliu's tiger cruise coordinator, the highlights of the tiger cruise are the damage control Olympics, weapons demonstrations and flight operations. Numerous tours of different parts of the ship will also be available to tigers of all ages.
"My favorite part is seeing the excitement from a tiger when they experience something for the first time," said Audelo.
"A tiger cruise is a rare opportunity for family and friends to see firsthand operations aboard a naval warship," added Audelo. "It is often hard to fully describe what exactly it is we do on board Peleliu, and there is no better experience than actually being here."
Tigers said they are enjoying the opportunity to see what their friends and family members do on a daily basis.
"I feel like I'm really experiencing the Navy," said Taylor Prell, the father of Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Jordan Prell who is assigned to Peleliu's aircraft intermediate maintenance department. Prell brought two tigers aboard for the return trip, his father and grandfather, Fred Torres.
Peleliu is the flagship of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG) which left San Diego May 4 for a scheduled deployment.
The term 'tigers' is used to describe the guests of crew members who take part in these types of orientation cruises throughout the fleet.
A total of 266 tigers joined the crew of Peleliu for the final leg of its 2008 deployment as the ship begins the more than 2,000-mile final trek toward its homeport of San Diego. Removing their official Peleliu command ball caps and standing at attention, tigers joined the Sailors and Marines to render honors to the USS Arizona Memorial as the ship pulled out of Pearl Harbor.
Tigers, Sailors and Marines who gathered on the flight deck also got a history lesson as a Sailor who works at the Arizona Memorial narrated the history and pointed out landmarks of the naval base that played such a key role in World War II.
"It's pretty hard to describe, but it's an honor for all of us to be here, and it's pretty amazing to be a part of this history," said Seaman Shawn Armstrong from Naval Station Pearl Harbor's Arizona Memorial Detachment who narrated the history of Pearl Harbor for the tigers and crew as ship departed. "Being able to narrate the history of this harbor during the transit is an honor for me, and I'm happy I was asked to do it."
During the transit back to homeport, the tigers eat, sleep and join Peleliu Sailors and Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in experiencing life at sea aboard the amphibious assault ship.
According to Lt. Cmdr. Steve Audelo, Peleliu's tiger cruise coordinator, the highlights of the tiger cruise are the damage control Olympics, weapons demonstrations and flight operations. Numerous tours of different parts of the ship will also be available to tigers of all ages.
"My favorite part is seeing the excitement from a tiger when they experience something for the first time," said Audelo.
"A tiger cruise is a rare opportunity for family and friends to see firsthand operations aboard a naval warship," added Audelo. "It is often hard to fully describe what exactly it is we do on board Peleliu, and there is no better experience than actually being here."
Tigers said they are enjoying the opportunity to see what their friends and family members do on a daily basis.
"I feel like I'm really experiencing the Navy," said Taylor Prell, the father of Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Jordan Prell who is assigned to Peleliu's aircraft intermediate maintenance department. Prell brought two tigers aboard for the return trip, his father and grandfather, Fred Torres.
Peleliu is the flagship of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG) which left San Diego May 4 for a scheduled deployment.
Milcom Blog Logs - October 2008 - Central Florida
Here is an excellent list of S-Mode intercepts made in central Florida by MMP reporter Jack NeSmith. Thanks for sharing those with us Jack.
US Army
AE11FF 89-0267 SUNNY22 10-16 19:15:01.828 RC-12N US 224th MIB
ADFD7D 91-0513 PAT105 10-12 15:40:43.699 C-26B US US ARMY
ADFEBD 96-0107 PQKER44 10-09 09:03:36.218 UC-35a1 ??? US 2-228th AVN
AE093A 00-1051 PAT089OO 10-24 18:57:57.375 UC-35B US 2-228th AVN
AE093B 00-1052 R01052 10-24 08:48:52.687 UC-35B US PATD
AE118A 02-1863 R1863 10-01 13:08:35.969 C-37A US OSACOM/PAT
US Air Force
AE041F 57-1488 BLUE92 10-14 11:59:22.980 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE041F 57-1488 BOLT31 10-22 08:24:19.765 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE04DF 58-0088 MOTWN03 10-05 12:18:41.046 KC-135R US 171st ARS/MI-ANG
AE1246 62-1849 DEALR90 10-17 12:33:58.250 C-130 US 61st AS/463AG
AE023A 62-3520 BLUE77 10-08 13:13:29.515 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE023A 62-3520 BOLT22 10-28 13:50:02.875 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE0485 62-3521 INDY61 10-06 12:09:29.546 KC-135R US 434th ARW/AFRC
AE12D3 64-0544 RICAN11 10-09 14:04:39.328 C-130E US 156th AW/PR ANG
AE05FC 64-14864 KING 64 10-17 12:51:25.515 HC-130P US 39th RQS/AFRC
AE14F5 65-0970 KING 70 10-27 19:22:58.312 HC-130P US 39th RQS/AFRC
AE02FD 78-0807 ALLIED 1 10-14 13:00:58.230 C-130H US 758th AS/AFRC
AE0302 78-0812 ALLIED 1 10-06 13:44:07.281 C-130H US 758th AS/AFRC
AE0600 80-0321 DAWG 02 10-11 18:24:55.296 C-130H US 158th AS/GA-ANG
AE0189 84-0095 JOSA627 10-12 07:35:37.996 C-21a US 457th AS
AE0194 84-0135 JOSA785 10-27 19:37:18.765 C-21A US 458th AS
AE0623 84-0213 CARMEN88 10-18 13:40:17.484 C-130H US 142nd AS/DE-ANG
ADFDE3 85-0050 S50050 10-10 10:58:55.953 C-20C US 89th AW/99th AS
AE0152 86-0206 S2607 10-14 14:57:55.605 C-20B US 89th AW/99th AS
AE07CC 88-0266 RCH805S 10-05 17:55:24.609 C-17A US 437th AW
AE05E6 88-4404 BREWR71 10-03 12:31:17.765 C-130H US 95th AS/440th AW/AFRC
AE02DF 89-1187 BISON20 10-26 11:01:36.911 C-130H US 105th AS/TN ANG
AE02C7 89-9103 VADER 03 10-05 11:55:28.281 C-130H US 757th AS/AFRC
ADFE5B 90-1792 HERC81 10-18 08:54:14.656 C-130H US 164th AS/OH-ANG
ADFDB5 92-1095 SKIER73 10-06 10:09:00.281 LC-130H US 139th AS/NY ANG
AE02D2 92-3022 VADER22 10-18 14:09:15.671 C-130H US 758th AS/AFRC
AE07DB 93-0601 CADDO58 10-02 08:54:24.172 C-17A US 58th AS
ADFDD5 95-6711 ANVIL 21 10-17 12:14:21.046 C-130H US 167th AS/WV ANG
ADFEA5 96-7325 SUMIT25 10-18 11:00:25.796 C-130H US 731st AS/AFRC
AE07F3 97-0041 GRITS23 10-10 10:59:59.062 C-17A US 437th AW
AE010E 97-0401 S3624 10-17 13:23:55.640 C-37A US 89th AW/99th AS
AE0252 97-1931 BATON81 10-17 17:12:30.375 EC-130J US 193rd SOS/193rd SOW PA-ANG
AE0113 97-5302 TEAL81 10-13 13:00:24.699 WC-130J US 53rd WRS/AFRC
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR25 10-16 20:18:54.390 C-37A US 310th AS
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR26 10-05 17:34:42.265 C-37A US 310th AS
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR28 10-01 08:03:54.531 C-37A US 310th AS
AE087F 01-0029 SPAR29 10-06 08:14:44.656 C-37A US 310th AS
AE115E 01-0030 SPAR30 10-02 15:19:35.688 C-37A US 310th AS
AE10BA 01-0191 VOLT34 10-13 10:20:51.824 C-17A US 437th AW
AE1171 02-1099 RCH158 10-03 13:02:04.312 C-17A US 437th AW
AE1179 02-1107 RCH493 10-05 19:39:35.562 C-17A US 62nd AW
AE1468 07-7170 RCH275 10-08 13:52:42.968 C-17A US 3rd AS/436th AW
AE146B 07-7173 RCH515 10-01 11:45:14.922 C-17A US 3rd AS/436th AW
AE1470 07-7178 RCH368T 10-11 08:03:42.718 C-17A US 3rd AS/436th AW
US Navy/Marine Corps
ADFEE6 159117 @@@@@@@@ 10-03 12:17:52.218 C-9B US VR-56
AE06E5 163836 00000000 10-08 13:37:09.562 UC-12M US US NAVY
AE03D1 164181 NY164181 10-03 12:24:37.875 KC-130T US VMGR-452
AE03E2 164995 JA188 10-14 15:28:03.808 C-130T US VR-53
AE04D7 165829 CKLIED 3 10-11 12:08:42.562 C-40A US VR-58
NATO
4D03D3 LX-N19997 NATO26 10-11 12:13:45.421 CT-49A Luxembourg NAEW and CF
US Army
AE11FF 89-0267 SUNNY22 10-16 19:15:01.828 RC-12N US 224th MIB
ADFD7D 91-0513 PAT105 10-12 15:40:43.699 C-26B US US ARMY
ADFEBD 96-0107 PQKER44 10-09 09:03:36.218 UC-35a1 ??? US 2-228th AVN
AE093A 00-1051 PAT089OO 10-24 18:57:57.375 UC-35B US 2-228th AVN
AE093B 00-1052 R01052 10-24 08:48:52.687 UC-35B US PATD
AE118A 02-1863 R1863 10-01 13:08:35.969 C-37A US OSACOM/PAT
US Air Force
AE041F 57-1488 BLUE92 10-14 11:59:22.980 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE041F 57-1488 BOLT31 10-22 08:24:19.765 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE04DF 58-0088 MOTWN03 10-05 12:18:41.046 KC-135R US 171st ARS/MI-ANG
AE1246 62-1849 DEALR90 10-17 12:33:58.250 C-130 US 61st AS/463AG
AE023A 62-3520 BLUE77 10-08 13:13:29.515 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE023A 62-3520 BOLT22 10-28 13:50:02.875 KC-135R US 91st ARS/6th AMW
AE0485 62-3521 INDY61 10-06 12:09:29.546 KC-135R US 434th ARW/AFRC
AE12D3 64-0544 RICAN11 10-09 14:04:39.328 C-130E US 156th AW/PR ANG
AE05FC 64-14864 KING 64 10-17 12:51:25.515 HC-130P US 39th RQS/AFRC
AE14F5 65-0970 KING 70 10-27 19:22:58.312 HC-130P US 39th RQS/AFRC
AE02FD 78-0807 ALLIED 1 10-14 13:00:58.230 C-130H US 758th AS/AFRC
AE0302 78-0812 ALLIED 1 10-06 13:44:07.281 C-130H US 758th AS/AFRC
AE0600 80-0321 DAWG 02 10-11 18:24:55.296 C-130H US 158th AS/GA-ANG
AE0189 84-0095 JOSA627 10-12 07:35:37.996 C-21a US 457th AS
AE0194 84-0135 JOSA785 10-27 19:37:18.765 C-21A US 458th AS
AE0623 84-0213 CARMEN88 10-18 13:40:17.484 C-130H US 142nd AS/DE-ANG
ADFDE3 85-0050 S50050 10-10 10:58:55.953 C-20C US 89th AW/99th AS
AE0152 86-0206 S2607 10-14 14:57:55.605 C-20B US 89th AW/99th AS
AE07CC 88-0266 RCH805S 10-05 17:55:24.609 C-17A US 437th AW
AE05E6 88-4404 BREWR71 10-03 12:31:17.765 C-130H US 95th AS/440th AW/AFRC
AE02DF 89-1187 BISON20 10-26 11:01:36.911 C-130H US 105th AS/TN ANG
AE02C7 89-9103 VADER 03 10-05 11:55:28.281 C-130H US 757th AS/AFRC
ADFE5B 90-1792 HERC81 10-18 08:54:14.656 C-130H US 164th AS/OH-ANG
ADFDB5 92-1095 SKIER73 10-06 10:09:00.281 LC-130H US 139th AS/NY ANG
AE02D2 92-3022 VADER22 10-18 14:09:15.671 C-130H US 758th AS/AFRC
AE07DB 93-0601 CADDO58 10-02 08:54:24.172 C-17A US 58th AS
ADFDD5 95-6711 ANVIL 21 10-17 12:14:21.046 C-130H US 167th AS/WV ANG
ADFEA5 96-7325 SUMIT25 10-18 11:00:25.796 C-130H US 731st AS/AFRC
AE07F3 97-0041 GRITS23 10-10 10:59:59.062 C-17A US 437th AW
AE010E 97-0401 S3624 10-17 13:23:55.640 C-37A US 89th AW/99th AS
AE0252 97-1931 BATON81 10-17 17:12:30.375 EC-130J US 193rd SOS/193rd SOW PA-ANG
AE0113 97-5302 TEAL81 10-13 13:00:24.699 WC-130J US 53rd WRS/AFRC
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR25 10-16 20:18:54.390 C-37A US 310th AS
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR26 10-05 17:34:42.265 C-37A US 310th AS
AE087E 01-0028 SPAR28 10-01 08:03:54.531 C-37A US 310th AS
AE087F 01-0029 SPAR29 10-06 08:14:44.656 C-37A US 310th AS
AE115E 01-0030 SPAR30 10-02 15:19:35.688 C-37A US 310th AS
AE10BA 01-0191 VOLT34 10-13 10:20:51.824 C-17A US 437th AW
AE1171 02-1099 RCH158 10-03 13:02:04.312 C-17A US 437th AW
AE1179 02-1107 RCH493 10-05 19:39:35.562 C-17A US 62nd AW
AE1468 07-7170 RCH275 10-08 13:52:42.968 C-17A US 3rd AS/436th AW
AE146B 07-7173 RCH515 10-01 11:45:14.922 C-17A US 3rd AS/436th AW
AE1470 07-7178 RCH368T 10-11 08:03:42.718 C-17A US 3rd AS/436th AW
US Navy/Marine Corps
ADFEE6 159117 @@@@@@@@ 10-03 12:17:52.218 C-9B US VR-56
AE06E5 163836 00000000 10-08 13:37:09.562 UC-12M US US NAVY
AE03D1 164181 NY164181 10-03 12:24:37.875 KC-130T US VMGR-452
AE03E2 164995 JA188 10-14 15:28:03.808 C-130T US VR-53
AE04D7 165829 CKLIED 3 10-11 12:08:42.562 C-40A US VR-58
NATO
4D03D3 LX-N19997 NATO26 10-11 12:13:45.421 CT-49A Luxembourg NAEW and CF
Monday, November 03, 2008
Milcom Blog Logs - October 2008 - Central Florida
My old friend Jack NeSmith down in central Florida passes along the active freqs he monitored during the month of October 2008. Thanks Jack.
225.3500 R-2910 PINECASTLE RANGE
228.2250 MOODY AFB GA 347 RQG "ANGEL OPS"
231.7500 ROBINS AFB GA J-STARS 116ACW
233.7000 MOODY AFB GA APPROACH/DEPARTURE
233.9750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
234.7750 UNKNOWN
234.8000 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
237.0250 EGLIN AFB 2FS INTERFLIGHT
238.8000 NAS KEYWEST AF OPS
238.9000 AR-620 "CRYSTAL TRACK"
246.8000 NAS MAYPORT HSL-44 INTERFLIGHT
251.1500 JAX IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
251.2500 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
251.6000 NAS JACKSONVILLE
252.5250 VMFA-112 INTERFLIGHT
255.0000 NAVY
256.8750 KZJX KEYSTONE - UH w/135.45
256.8750 KZMA AVON PARK
261.4000 601 AIR OPERATIONS CENTER "NORAD"
264.6250 R-2901 AVON PARK RANGE "BRAVO/FOXTROT"
265.5000 EGLIN AFB FL "A" TRACK AR
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
269.2500 KZJX OCALA - LO w/133.325
269.3250 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
273.7000 NAS KEYWEST "TARPON RANGE"
274.1000 NAVY CARRIER AIR WINGS COMMON INTERFLIGHT
275.2000 GRUMMAN FLIGHT TEST
276.3250 EXERCISE/TRAINING
279.7000 NAS FALLON NV VFC-13 INTERFLIGHT
284.1750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
284.2500 NAVY BLUE ANGELS
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
285.3000 NAVY
288.9000 TYNDALL AFB F-22'S
290.3000 TAMPA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
291.7000 KZJX ZEPHYR- UH w/128.425
293.5500 AWACS
293.6000 601 AIR OPERATINS CENTER "NORAD"
299.5000 NAVY
305.1750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
306.0000 NAS JAX VP-30 OPS
307.2500 KZJX ST AUGUSTINE - LO/HI w/126.35
308.4000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
311.5000 FACSFAC JAX "BRISTOL"
313.8250 EXERCISE/TRAINING
314.2000 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
317.3500 EXERCISE/TRAINING
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX "BRISTOL"
322.8000 UNKNOWN
324.1750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
326.3500 EXERCISE/TRAINING
328.3000 NAVY
341.9750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
343.0000 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
343.5750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
346.2500 KZJX GREEN COVE - HI w/127.475
348.7000 KZMA HOBEE
349.0000 KZMA LAKELAND HI
349.4000 ALCC
349.8000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD" W-157 DISCRETE
351.6750 IKE CSG
351.8000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPRPACH/DEPARTURE
360.3250 IKE CSG AIR WING COMMON
360.7000 KZJX MAYO- HI w/125.175
360.8000 KZJX GENEVA- HI w/125.05
364.0000 UNKNOWN
364.2000 601 AIR OPERATIONS CENTER "NORAD" "AICC"
365.8250 EXERCISE/TRAINING
367.2500 EXERCISE/TRAINING
374.3000 VFC-12 TAC
376.9000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD" W-157 DISCRETE
377.0500 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
381.5000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
381.6000 KZMA SARASOTA
385.6000 KZJX GAINESVILLE
395.1500 ROBINS AFB GA J-STARS 116ACW
225.3500 R-2910 PINECASTLE RANGE
228.2250 MOODY AFB GA 347 RQG "ANGEL OPS"
231.7500 ROBINS AFB GA J-STARS 116ACW
233.7000 MOODY AFB GA APPROACH/DEPARTURE
233.9750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
234.7750 UNKNOWN
234.8000 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
237.0250 EGLIN AFB 2FS INTERFLIGHT
238.8000 NAS KEYWEST AF OPS
238.9000 AR-620 "CRYSTAL TRACK"
246.8000 NAS MAYPORT HSL-44 INTERFLIGHT
251.1500 JAX IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
251.2500 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
251.6000 NAS JACKSONVILLE
252.5250 VMFA-112 INTERFLIGHT
255.0000 NAVY
256.8750 KZJX KEYSTONE - UH w/135.45
256.8750 KZMA AVON PARK
261.4000 601 AIR OPERATIONS CENTER "NORAD"
264.6250 R-2901 AVON PARK RANGE "BRAVO/FOXTROT"
265.5000 EGLIN AFB FL "A" TRACK AR
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
269.2500 KZJX OCALA - LO w/133.325
269.3250 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
273.7000 NAS KEYWEST "TARPON RANGE"
274.1000 NAVY CARRIER AIR WINGS COMMON INTERFLIGHT
275.2000 GRUMMAN FLIGHT TEST
276.3250 EXERCISE/TRAINING
279.7000 NAS FALLON NV VFC-13 INTERFLIGHT
284.1750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
284.2500 NAVY BLUE ANGELS
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
285.3000 NAVY
288.9000 TYNDALL AFB F-22'S
290.3000 TAMPA IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
291.7000 KZJX ZEPHYR- UH w/128.425
293.5500 AWACS
293.6000 601 AIR OPERATINS CENTER "NORAD"
299.5000 NAVY
305.1750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
306.0000 NAS JAX VP-30 OPS
307.2500 KZJX ST AUGUSTINE - LO/HI w/126.35
308.4000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
311.5000 FACSFAC JAX "BRISTOL"
313.8250 EXERCISE/TRAINING
314.2000 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
317.3500 EXERCISE/TRAINING
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX "BRISTOL"
322.8000 UNKNOWN
324.1750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
326.3500 EXERCISE/TRAINING
328.3000 NAVY
341.9750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
343.0000 159FS/125FW JACKSONVILLE IAP
343.5750 EXERCISE/TRAINING
346.2500 KZJX GREEN COVE - HI w/127.475
348.7000 KZMA HOBEE
349.0000 KZMA LAKELAND HI
349.4000 ALCC
349.8000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD" W-157 DISCRETE
351.6750 IKE CSG
351.8000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPRPACH/DEPARTURE
360.3250 IKE CSG AIR WING COMMON
360.7000 KZJX MAYO- HI w/125.175
360.8000 KZJX GENEVA- HI w/125.05
364.0000 UNKNOWN
364.2000 601 AIR OPERATIONS CENTER "NORAD" "AICC"
365.8250 EXERCISE/TRAINING
367.2500 EXERCISE/TRAINING
374.3000 VFC-12 TAC
376.9000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD" W-157 DISCRETE
377.0500 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
381.5000 JACKSONVILLE IAP APPROACH/DEPARTURE
381.6000 KZMA SARASOTA
385.6000 KZJX GAINESVILLE
395.1500 ROBINS AFB GA J-STARS 116ACW
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Exercise Atlantic Thunder Set to Commence this Week
US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps aviation units will be kicking off the Joint Large Force Exercise - Atlantic Thunder. The exercise apparently starts tomorrow morning (Nov 3) off the east coast of Florida in the Jax FACSFAC Opareas.
Early indications are that the following units will be involved in the exercise on Nov 3-7:
USAF 2BW, 132FW, 159FS
USMC VMFA-115 VMFA-224 VMFA-251 VMFA-533
USN VFA-86
More details as they become available.
Early indications are that the following units will be involved in the exercise on Nov 3-7:
USAF 2BW, 132FW, 159FS
USMC VMFA-115 VMFA-224 VMFA-251 VMFA-533
USN VFA-86
More details as they become available.
Blue Angels Lose Jet After 2 Members Removed for Inappropriate Relationship
The Associated Press reported on Friday that the famed Navy flight demonstration team will be down one F/A-18 Hornet for the rest of its season after two members were removed from duty for an inappropriate relationship.
Captain Tyson Dunkelberger, BA public affairs officer, said Thursday that the squadron will finish its last three airshows with five jets instead of six (See schedule at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/12/us-navy-blue-angels-2008-schedule.html ).
Dunkelberger did not identify the two members involved, but said the relationship was between a man and a woman. All seven of the F/A-18 pilots are men, and 23 of the squadron's 133 members are women.
Dunkelberger says a military administrative hearing will be held to determine what further disciplinary actions will be carried out by the unit, which could include removal from the military.
Captain Tyson Dunkelberger, BA public affairs officer, said Thursday that the squadron will finish its last three airshows with five jets instead of six (See schedule at http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2007/12/us-navy-blue-angels-2008-schedule.html ).
Dunkelberger did not identify the two members involved, but said the relationship was between a man and a woman. All seven of the F/A-18 pilots are men, and 23 of the squadron's 133 members are women.
Dunkelberger says a military administrative hearing will be held to determine what further disciplinary actions will be carried out by the unit, which could include removal from the military.
Homeland Security Equipment Missing: Worth Millions
Well, the US Government agency I love to hate is in the news again.
So what has the infamous Department of Homeland Security done this time? It is not hard to guess if you have read the stories I have published on our sister blog in the past.
Yes, they have wasted more taxpayer money, and this latest fiasco has now put this country in more potential jeopardy from a terrorist attack.
You can get more on this story of government fraud, waste and abuse on our sister blog, the Btown Monitor Post, at
http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2008/11/homeland-security-equipment-missing.html
So what has the infamous Department of Homeland Security done this time? It is not hard to guess if you have read the stories I have published on our sister blog in the past.
Yes, they have wasted more taxpayer money, and this latest fiasco has now put this country in more potential jeopardy from a terrorist attack.
You can get more on this story of government fraud, waste and abuse on our sister blog, the Btown Monitor Post, at
http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/2008/11/homeland-security-equipment-missing.html
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Holiday Mail Deadlines
The holiday season is fast approaching and it's not too late to get gifts in the mail for troops serving overseas. Don't forget your deployed serviceman or women during the upcoming holiday season. Mail early and mail often!
US Navy Blue Angels 2008 Schedule
Last Update: 11-2-2008The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels, has announced its show schedule for the 2008 season.
Following winter training, the team begins the season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., March 8 and will conclude the season Nov. 16 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla. The Blue Angels are scheduled to perform 68 shows at 35 locations throughout the United States and Canada.
"We are extremely excited to begin our new season and represent the Navy and Marine Corps team with a safe and exciting show for 2008," said Cmdr. Kevin Mannix, the squadron's commanding officer.
Demonstration sites are selected in support of U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and Department of Defense objectives with safety as a primary consideration. Performances greatly assist in the recruiting and retention goals of the military services, enhance esprit de corps among uniformed men and women, and demonstrate the professional skills and capabilities of the Naval Services to the American public and U.S. Allies.
Don't forget to checkout our ninth annual Air Show Guide that will appear in the March 2008 issue of Monitoring Times magazine. It will be loaded with the latest frequencies (for US and foreign teams), combined schedules, and radio equipment recommendations to make your air show experience an enjoyable and pleasurable one.
The web version of our March guide won't be posted to the MT website until mid to late April. This is done as a courtesy to our subscribers and readers who pay the freight. So get your copy of the March issue before it sells out when it is released in the last week of February. Better yet, get a subscription and don't miss a single exciting issue of Monitoring Times magazine.
US Navy Blue Angels 2008 Performance Schedule
Note: This schedule is subject to change without notice.
March
8 NAF El Centro, California - NAF El Centro 2008 Air Show
15-16 Sacramento, California - California Capital AirShow
29-30 NAS Meridian, Mississippi - Wings Over Meridian 2008
April
5-6 NAS Kingsville, Texas - Wings Over South Texas
12-13 Smyrna, Tennessee - The Great Tennessee Air Show
19-20 Peoria, Illinois - Prairie Air Show/River City Air Expo
26-27 Vidalia, Georgia - Vidalia Onion Festival Air Show
May
3-4 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - Fort Lauderdale Air & Sea Show
10-11 Barksdale AFB, Louisiana - Defenders of Liberty Open House and Airshow
16-18 Andrews AFB, Maryland - DoD Joint Services Open House
21 US Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland
23 US Naval Academy Fly-By, Annapolis, Maryland
24-25 Jones Beach, New York - New York Air Show
June
7-8 MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - MCAS Cherry Point 2008 Open House and Air Show
14-15 Quebec City, Quebec Canada - 400th Anniversary of Quebec
21-22 Davenport, Iowa - Quad City Air Show -A Festival in the Sky
28-29 Huntsville, Alabama - Huntsville International Airshow 2008
July
5-6 Traverse City, Michigan - National Cherry Festival
11 Pensacola Beach, Florida - Pensacola Beach Air Show
19-20 Duluth, Minnesota - Duluth Airshow
26-27 Twin Falls, Idaho - Air Magic Valley 2008
August
2-3 Seattle, Washington - Seafair Airshow
8-10 Fairchild AFB, Washington - Skyfest 2008
16-17 Chicago, Illinois - 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show
30-31 Cleveland, Ohio - Cleveland National Airshow
September
6-7 NAS Brunswick, Maine - The 2008 Great State of Maine Airshow
13-14 Eau Claire, Wisconsin - Chippewa Valley Airshow
20-21 NAS Oceana, Virginia - NAS Oceana Airshow
27-28 Grand Junction, Colorado - Air Show Western Colorado 2008
October
4-5 MCAS Miramar, California - Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show
11-12 San Francisco, California - San Francisco Fleet Week
18-19 Little Rock AFB, Arkansas - Little Rock Air Force Base 2008 AirPower Arkansas Air Show
25-26 NAS Jacksonville, Florida - 2008 NAS Jacksonville Air Show
November
1-2 Lackland AFB, Texas - Airfest 2008
8-9 Kennedy Space Center (Shuttle Landing Facility), Florida - World Space Expo - Celebrating NASA's 50th Anniversary
14-15 NAS Pensacola, Florida - Naval Air Station Pensacola Open House and Blue Angel Homecoming Air Show
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