PCU Missouri Successfully Completes Alpha Sea Trials

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit Missouri (SSN 780), the U.S. Navy's newest Virginia-class submarine, returned to Groton, Conn., July 4, following the successful completion of its initial, Alpha, sea trials.

Missouri departed Groton, Conn., July 2 on its maiden underway period.

During its Alpha sea trials, Missouri's crew evaluated their ship's capabilities through several different testing evolutions including diving to test depth, conducting an emergency surfacing and testing the submarine's propulsion plant.

Missouri is commanded by Cmdr. Timothy A. Rexrode of Spencer, W.Va.

"Missouri and her crew lived up to our highest expectations," said Capt. Michael Jabaley, Virginia-class program manager. "Cmdr. Rexrode and his team performed flawlessly and were constantly ahead of schedule. The material condition of the ship was outstanding, a testament to the quality of its construction, allowing us to perform a rapid turnaround and get the ship back out on Bravo trials the next day."

Missouri's began Bravo sea trials July 5. The Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) trials will commence aboard Missouri later in July 2010. Missouri's commissioning is scheduled for July 31 in Groton.

Missouri, the seventh submarine of the Virginia class, will deliver nine months early to its original contract delivery date. Additionally, all Virginia-class submarines currently under construction are on track to deliver early while also reducing the total construction span for each successive ship.

Missouri's commissioning, along with USS New Mexico's (SSN 779) in March 2010, will mark the second time since 1996 that the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year.

"We will commission two submarines this year because the Navy and its industrial partners are delivering boats ahead of schedule," said Rear Adm. William Hilarides, Program Executive Officer, Submarines, noting that New Mexico delivered seven months early to its contract delivery date, while Missouri is projected to deliver in 65 months, which is nine months early to its contract delivery date.

"The Virginia program is fulfilling its primary requirements of getting this needed capability to the fleet as soon as possible and is on track to meeting our stated goal of reducing its construction span to 60 months by fiscal year 2012," said Hilarides.

Missouri, like her six other sister ships already in commission, is a flexible, multimission platform designed to conduct the seven core missions of the U.S. submarine force - anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

5320 kHz Gulf Coast Oil Spill Comms

GULF OF MEXICO - A Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin helicopter lands on the Coast Guard Cutter Resolute while work continues at the Deepwater Horizon spill site as part of the largest oil spill response in history, July 4, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class John Masson.

As most active ute monitors are aware the USCG is using 5320.0 kHz for oil spill operations in the Gulf of Mexico. According to one report on UDXF their is an audio stream via the internet of the freq (click here to monitor).

Just a small caveat here regarding 5320.0 kHz. Comms on this primary USCG frequency, even at this point are not entirely oil spill related. For instance, during the Haitian earthquake operations, this was a USCG operations primary freq. Per USCG Comm instruction here are some of the assignments for this USCG multi-use freq:

USCG District 5 Operations Working Simplex/Air-to-Ground
USCG District 7 Operations Working Simplex
USCG District 8 Operations Working Simplex/Air-to-Ground
USCG District 9 Emergency Net
USCG District 11 Operations Working Simplex
USCG District 14 Operations Working Simplex

I'm sure that things have changed since my last official updates, but this has always been an interesting frequency in the past to keep in my HF scan memory.

Other possible oil spill frequencies to watch (if your within LOS) include:

MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL OPERATIONS FREQUENCY (165KF3E)
157.075 MHz (Ch. 81) (Simplex and Transportable Repeater Transmit)
150.980 MHz (Mobile Transmit/Transportable Repeater Receiver)

Channel 81 has been established for interface communications between the Coast Guard and non-Government entities (including oil spill cleanup contractors/cooperatives) involved in oil discharge removal or other environmental protection operations in support of National Oil Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan and Joint Canada - U.S. Marine Pollution Contingency Plan for Spills of Oil and other Noxious Substances. Channel 81 will not be used for communications between non-Government cleanup activities to support their own operations. Use of Channel 81, by non-Government stations, is limited to mobile stations, operated by supervisory personnel in charge of removal operations, for communications with the Coast Guard and will be on Coast Guard owned equipment. Coast Guard owned equipment, loaned for this purpose, will not be licensed by the FCC.

The frequency 150.980 MHz is a non-government channel reserved for oil spill containment and cleanup operations. It is authorized for Coast Guard use on a shared basis with non-Federal Government activities as a mobile Transmit/Transportable Repeater receive frequency in support of oil spill containment and cleanup operations and for training purposes.

Navy Blimp Heads to Gulf to Aid Oil Spill Clean Up

The U.S. Navy MZ-3A Airship is en route to Gulf Coast and expected to arrive after July 6 at Jack Edwards National Airport in Gulf Shores, Ala. The airship was requested by the U.S. Coast Guard to support Deepwater Horizon Response operations of the Unified Area Command. The airship will be used to detect oil, direct skimming vessels, and look for wildlife that may be threatened by oil. The airship began the flight to the Gulf Coast last month in Yuma, Ariz. The airship is a commercial A-1-70 series blimp, manufactured by the American Blimp Corporation. U.S. Navy file photo.

Submarine Missouri Successfully Completes First Voyage

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The nation's newest and most-advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Missouri (SSN 780), returned to the General Dynamics Electric Boat Shipyard in Groton, Conn., July 4 following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas.

Missouri's sea trials included a range of submarine and propulsion plant operations, submerging for the first time and high-speed runs on and below the surface to demonstrate that the ship's propulsion plant is fully mission-capable.

The sea trials were directed by Adm. Kirkland Donald, director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion. Also participating in the sea trials were Rear Adm. William Hilarides, Program Executive Officer for Submarines; Rear Adm. Michael McLaughlin, commander, Submarine Group 2; Capt. Leslie Elkin, supervisor of shipbuilding in Groton; and John P. Casey, president of Electric Boat.

"Taking a submarine out for the first time is challenging, and the crew and Electric Boat responded to that challenge very well," said McLaughlin. "I appreciate both organizations' teamwork as they prepare Missouri to join the fleet. Job well done."

"The crew and shipbuilders worked together seamlessly to take this submarine to sea and put it through its paces," said Casey. "It was a superb effort by everyone involved and reflects the commitment of the Navy/industry team to sustain the success of the Virginia-class submarine program. I deeply appreciate the contributions made by the Navy personnel, shipbuilders and suppliers who made it happen."

The successful completion of sea trials is another milestone on Missouri's journey toward officially joining the fleet, which will occur during a commissioning ceremony July 31 at 11 a.m. at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton.

Construction on Missouri began in December 2004; the submarine's keel was authenticated during a ceremony Sept. 27, 2008, at the Electric Boat facility in North Kingstown, R.I. Missouri was christened during a late morning ceremony at Electric Boat Dec. 5, 2009.

Another milestone occurred April 16 during "In Service Day," when crew members moved aboard the submarine, bringing her systems to life, beginning general day-to-day operations and preparing for sea-trials, work-ups and commissioning.

Cmdr. Timothy Rexrode is the commanding officer of Missouri, the seventh ship of the Virginia class. He leads a crew of about 134 officers and enlisted personnel. A native of Spencer, W.Va., Rexrode graduated with honors in 1990 from West Virginia University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering. In addition, Rexrode is a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Marine Corps Command and Staff College, holding a master's degree in military studies. Rexrode also received a master's degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

Becky Gates, wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, serves as the submarine's sponsor. She broke the traditional champagne bottle against the boat's sail during the christening ceremony in December 2009. Her initials were welded into a plaque inside the boat during last year's keel laying ceremony.

Missouri is the fifth Navy ship to be named in honor of the people of the "Show Me State." The last Missouri, the legendary battleship, was the site where Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz, Gen. Douglas MacArthur and many other U.S. and Allied officers accepted the unconditional surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War II Sept. 2, 1945.

Missouri is built to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Adept at operating in both the world's shallow littoral regions and deep waters, Missouri will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

The 7,800-ton submarine Missouri is being built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding Newport News, Va. At 377-feet long, Missouri is slightly longer than a football field. It has a 34-foot beam, will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and will operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged.

Missouri is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship, reducing lifecycle costs and increasing underway time.

The USS Missouri Commissioning Committee, an IRS-designated 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, was created to increase awareness of the submarine's commissioning. The committee offers information about the development of the submarine, as well as history on former Navy ships named for the "Show Me State."

USS Eisenhower Completes Successful Deployment to US 5th Fleet

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Ike Carrier Strike Group (CSG) entered the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) July 4, after spending the majority of a successful 2010 deployment assigned to U.S. 5th Fleet AOR.

As the Sailors focus on returning home, and on a couple of upcoming port visits in the Mediterranean, Eisenhower's Commanding Officer Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne asked that the crew take time on America's birthday to reflect on the accomplishments of a successful deployment and renew their commitment to their nation and Navy.

"As we begin the final stage of our deployment, I ask that we renew our dedication to make America proud," Mewbourne said. "We need to continue to work together and finish strong."

While in 5th Fleet AOR, the Ike team completed 112 days on station in the northern Arabian Sea, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and providing aerial support for U.S. and coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. Eisenhower and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 completed more than 8,400 sorties and 26,100 hours of aerial combat support to U.S. and coalition OEF war fighters during their deployment to the 5th Fleet AOR.

"Everyone on the Eisenhower-CVW 7 team contributed during our time here," said Capt. Roy Kelley, commander, CVW 7. "Our aircraft were able to support coalition forces on the ground due to the collective efforts of every member of this team. We positively influenced the ground war in Afghanistan, by professionally conducting our mission."

To celebrate the strike group's accomplishments while in 5th Fleet AOR and the Fourth of July holiday, the crew held a "Steel Beach" picnic on the flight deck July 3.

Command Master Chief Bryan Exum said the picnic was an ideal way for IKE Sailors to celebrate the national holiday and reflect on the completion of a major phase of the carrier's 2010 deployment.

Eisenhower deployed Jan. 2 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., as part of a regularly scheduled rotation of U.S. maritime forces in the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet AORs, in support of OEF and to conduct maritime security operations (MSO) in the region.

Command's first-ever Global Strike Challenge under way

by Crystal Jordan, Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Intercontinental ballistic missile, B-2 Spirit, B-52 Stratofortress and B-1 Lancer units are competing in the first Global Strike Challenge, showcasing the capabilities and expertise of missile, bomber and security forces Airmen.

"Global Strike Challenge will help us build pride and a culture of excellence," said Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, the Air Force Global Strike Command commander.

It is "the beginning of a new tradition-- the best of the past launching us into the future," he said.

Global Strike Challenge pits units' top security forces, maintainers, and missile and bomber crews in head-to-head competition to be recognized as the best of the best.

As many as 400 Airmen are competing, including Airmen from Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command and the Air Reserve Component.

Global Strike Challenge is a combination of the best of what used to be known as "bomb comp" and the best of the former "missile comp," officials said.

"As our premier crews train with great intensity for this competition, they are at the same time becoming unrivaled technical and weapons systems experts in their given disciplines," the general said. "The knowledge that each Airman gains while preparing for Global Strike Challenge will raise the bar at his or her unit and base, and ultimately strengthen the Air Force nuclear enterprise for years to come."

As part of the competition, competitors will come to the Shreveport-Bossier City area in November for a strategic deterrence and global strike technology symposium, the security forces portion of the competition and official score-posting ceremonies.

"The symposium will give us a chance to gather together and exchange lessons learned through combat experience," said Lt. Col. Michael Petrosh, the Global Strike Challenge lead project officer. "This type of cooperation allows us to use this knowledge in future decisions during real-world operations, which is the ultimate benefit of competitions like Global Strike Challenge."

The first scored event started April 12 with a bomb load competition at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., hosted by the 5th Bomb Wing's maintenance group.

"This gives our Airmen an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a huge audience," said Chief Master Sgt. Dan North, the 5th Maintenance Group superintendent.

The 5th Bomb Wing is competing against the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, Texas, the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, S.D., and the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo.

AFRC's 917th Wing at Barksdale AFB and the Missouri Air National Guard's 131st Bomb Wing are also participating in the bomb competition.

Also invited to compete are B-1 Lancer teams from Ellsworth AFB and its operations support, weapons school, and weapons test squadrons, officials said.

The missile competition, starting at the end of August, will involve the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., the 91st Missile Wing at Minot AFB and the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB, Mont.

The security forces competition is scheduled to begin Nov. 13 at Barksdale AFB.

Official score-posting will be at Barksdale AFB Nov. 15 through 18, in conjunction with the Global Strike Challenge technology symposium.

USS Nimitz Completes Sea Trials

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Patton, USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

SAN DIEGO – (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) successfully completed sea trials July 2.

Nimitz departed Naval Base Coronado June 29 for the first time in three months to test and evaluate Nimitz' main engines along with other equipment after conducting a 30-day Carrier Incremental Availability.

"These guys have done a tremendous job," said Capt. Paul Monger, Nimitz' commanding officer. "It's very impressive to see a group have a long layoff yet still be able to get right back in that operational mindset."

One example was Engineering department's push to ensure their equipment was fully operational. The department ran tests on aircraft elevators, doors and catapults.

"It went smooth," said Senior Chief Machinist's Mate (SW/AW) John Welch, leading chief petty officer of Engineering A-Division. "The 30 percent turnover in personnel didn't affect anything."

Some evolutions, like the high-speed power turns, involved many different departments and impacted them differently.

"For us, the main concern was shaking off the dust after a three month layoff making sure we had the same skill sets in place," said Master Chief Quartermaster (SW/AW) Robert Barber, leading chief petty officer of Navigation. "It had been 11 months since we last pulled out of San Diego, so the expectation was that we'd be rusty. But everything went smoothly."

Nimitz also successfully tested its aqueous film forming form (AFFF) system on the flight deck and the hangar bay. The objective was to ensure all the AFFF sprinklers were working and covering their assigned areas.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Milcom Blog Logs - 1 July 2010 Brasstown NC

Here are some ALE intercepts from the CAP Nationwide net and some selected USAF Scope Command freqs from 1 Jul from here in BTown. Lots of CAP stns sounding, little actual activity.

[16:39:17][FRQ 03204000][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 29 SN 04
[17:56:20][FRQ 03204000][SND][ ][TIS][011 ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[19:35:48][FRQ 03204000][SND][ ][TIS][014 ][AL0] BER 17 SN 03

[15:14:04][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 05
[16:39:27][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[17:12:44][FRQ 04477000][TO ][AVS ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 04
[17:54:36][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[18:05:23][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[19:32:25][FRQ 04477000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10

[15:44:29][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 10
[17:39:12][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 09
[17:33:45][FRQ 05006000][TO ][0148KYCAP ][TWS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[17:33:08][FRQ 05006000][TO ][0148KYCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[17:24:20][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 05
[19:58:50][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[20:43:04][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[21:53:02][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 09
[21:27:17][FRQ 05006000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 10

[17:33:48][FRQ 05447000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 10

[15:40:28][FRQ 06773000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11

[15:38:32][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[15:17:42][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[18:34:40][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[19:06:19][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 07
[19:37:48][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 19 SN 04
[20:36:10][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 20 SN 04
[20:55:05][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][001 ][AL0] BER 27 SN 05
[21:11:08][FRQ 06806000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06

[15:31:13][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[16:03:58][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[16:41:26][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[18:10:55][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][201SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[20:06:03][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 07
[20:18:11][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 05
[20:23:35][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 05
[20:28:58][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 30 SN 11
[21:51:17][FRQ 07602000][SND][ ][TIS][0112GACAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 08

[17:56:45][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[18:55:47][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[19:20:10][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07
[21:14:45][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][101NCRCAP ][AL0] BER 22 SN 06
[21:25:31][FRQ 08012000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09

[14:53:02][FRQ 09019000][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 29 SN 09

[14:53:01][FRQ 09025000][SND][ ][TWS][MCC ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[15:18:25][FRQ 09025000][SND][ ][TWS][AED ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[18:27:07][FRQ 09025000][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 26 SN 08
[18:27:14][FRQ 09025000][SND][ ][TWS][ADW ][AL0] BER 29 SN 10
[18:25:11][FRQ 09025000][TO ][ADW ][TIS][GS1 ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[19:52:18][FRQ 09025000][TO ][OFF ][TIS][R05 ][AL0] BER 15 SN 03
[19:52:23][FRQ 09025000][TO ][OFF R05016 ][TIS][OFF ][AL0] BER 24 SN 08
[19:52:31][FRQ 09025000][TO ][R05016 ][TWS][OFF ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[21:06:31][FRQ 09025000][SND][ ][TWS][ICZ ][AL0] BER 24 SN 08

[15:24:32][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0100NDCAP ][AL0] BER 26 SN 05
[16:18:53][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0011ARCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 05
[17:35:41][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[18:41:42][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[20:56:57][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0016MECAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 07
[21:18:25][FRQ 09047000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07

[15:33:10][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[16:05:56][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[16:32:29][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 04
[17:18:35][FRQ 10162000][TO ][0004WICAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[17:58:39][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][0148KYCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06
[21:23:39][FRQ 10162000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 07

[18:40:39][FRQ 11226000][SND][ ][TWS][160018 ][AL0] BER 28 SN 05

[15:42:25][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][010 ][AL0] BER 28 SN 04
[17:11:06][FRQ 11402000][TO ][000 AVS ][TWS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 09
[17:11:03][FRQ 11402000][TO ][0004WVCAP ][TIS][AVS ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[17:10:58][FRQ 11402000][TO ][AVS ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 10
[18:59:18][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][0323AZCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 04
[19:25:36][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][0010PACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 05
[19:39:39][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[21:05:53][FRQ 11402000][SND][ ][TIS][0020NHCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06

[15:16:05][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0323AZCAP ][AL0] BER 25 SN 05
[15:42:44][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[16:07:49][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[16:11:36][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[19:04:36][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0016MECAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 05
[19:59:02][FRQ 12081000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06

[15:53:47][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[16:17:09][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[17:28:14][FRQ 13415000][TO ][0148KYCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 08
[17:28:23][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 21 SN 04
[17:28:33][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 03
[17:28:41][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0004MSCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[17:37:29][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][101 ][AL0] BER 22 SN 04
[17:42:58][FRQ 13415000][TO ][043MERCAP ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06
[20:07:59][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][000 ][AL0] BER 23 SN 03
[20:58:49][FRQ 13415000][SND][ ][TIS][0016MECAP ][AL0] BER 24 SN 04

[15:33:31][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][0040IACAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 05
[15:52:01][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 09
[17:09:13][FRQ 14357000][TO ][AVS ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 08
[21:02:19][FRQ 14357000][SND][ ][TIS][0100NDCAP ][AL0] BER 18 SN 03

[15:46:41][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][043MERCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 07
[16:36:03][FRQ 15602000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06

[16:09:42][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][202SERCAP ][AL0] BER 23 SN 03
[16:11:43][FRQ 17412000][SND][ ][TIS][0004WICAP ][AL0] BER 27 SN 03
[17:02:14][FRQ 17412000][TO ][AVS ][TIS][0004WVCAP ][AL0] BER 28 SN 06

[16:15:17][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][0011DCCAP ][AL0] BER 29 SN 06
[16:43:31][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 05
[20:31:09][FRQ 19814000][SND][ ][TIS][100SWRCAP ][AL0] BER 30 SN 06

Truman Carrier Strike Group to relieve Eisenhower CSG

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) — Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will relieve the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG as Commander, Task Force 50 on July 2, beginning a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Under Task Force 50, Truman CSG will conduct close air support missions in support of coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan while conducting maritime security operations (MSO) in the AOR.

Eisenhower CSG has operated in the 5th Fleet AOR since Jan. 25 with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aircraft, flying 2,970 combat sorties and 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

“The Eisenhower Strike Group has done a great job supporting the troops on the ground in Afghanistan and executing maritime security operations,” said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, CSG 8. “We leave knowing that Eisenhower, CVW-7, and all the ships in our Ike ‘5-star’ team have worked hard to improve security and stability in the region.”

Ships of the Eisenhower CSG performed multiple missions while in the 5th Fleet AOR, which included deterring piracy, protecting critical infrastructure, partnering with critical allies, and conducting MSO throughout the region.

“Our Sailors have shown tremendous dedication and commitment during this deployment and are ready now to head home to their family and friends,” said Capt. Dee Mewbourne, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). “We have every

confidence that Truman will continue to work just as effectively to improve the security and stability in this part of the world through the outstanding professionalism of their Sailors.”

“The Eisenhower Strike Group’s performance in the 5th Fleet and their support for Soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan has been superb. We have big footsteps to follow in,” said Rear Adm. Pat Driscoll, commander, CSG 10. “The Sailors and Marines of the Truman Strike Group are fully ready and anxious to begin this important tasking.”

The Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk and includes Carrier Strike Group 10, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), Carrier Air Wing 3 and its associated squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 “Gunslingers,” VFA-32 “Swordsmen,” VFA-37 “Ragin Bulls,” Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 “Checkerboards,” Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 “Seahawks,” Electronic Attack Squadron 130 “Zappers,” and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 “Dusty Dogs.”

Eisenhower will return to its homeport of Norfolk.

Group Sail Sets Stage for RIMPAC 2010

From Rim of the Pacific Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Chosin (CG 65) pulled into Lualualei, Hawaii July 1, marking the end to a group sail that has brought ships representing Canada, France, Australia, Japan and the United States from the International Fleet Review in Victoria, British Columbia to the Hawaii Operating Area in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2010.

"The International Group Sail from Victoria, B.C. to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii was a great opportunity to work closely with our sister navies of the Pacific Rim. All of the RIMPAC partner nations rely on the maritime domain for prosperity, and the security of that domain is vital to individual national interests," said Capt. James Autrey, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 23. "Over the course of 11 days we learned from each other and operated with unity of effort while preparing for the RIM of the Pacific Exercise 2010."

Since departing Victoria June 14, ships participating in the group sail have coordinated together on exercises and training operations ranging from anti-surface warfare to group maneuvering as a means of establishing bonds and lines of communication.

"Developing relationships with and among the Sailors of the world leads to developing and building relationships with the peoples of the world," said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Gala, operations officer aboard Chosin. "Firsthand relationships with the representatives from each of these countries only deepens an understanding of the seagoing and warfighting tradition, and more recently the peacekeeping tradition."

And it is these bonds and lines of communication that will carry over into RIMPAC 2010.

"Working up to a running speed with any other group of motivated and gifted individuals requires at least a little practice and modicum. Sharing something like a centennial celebration with the Canadian navy and then sharing time at sea provides the nesting time required before such a robust event," said Gala.

And it is this sense of cooperation and building towards the future that makes the group sail a success.

"Opportunities to go on a foreign warship at-sea are rare. I had such an opportunity and won't soon forget it," said Ensign Daron Weber, food service officer aboard Chosin. Weber visited the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Akebono (DD 108) as part of a personnel exchange conducted between Chosin and Akebono.

"One thing I've experienced in the Navy is that it is small. The same could be said for an international navy. We very well might never cross paths again, but our experience in the personnel transfer will help sailors on both sides in the future," said Weber.

Now in Hawaii, Chosin and her partnering ships switch focus from the group sail to RIMPAC.

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, with 14 nations, 32 ships and over 20,000 personnel taking part this year. A biennial exercise, RIMPAC stresses the necessity of operational readiness in the Pacific and the sentiment that building relationships with our global partners ensures maritime freedom for all. This year marks the 22nd in a series of RIMPAC exercises conducted since 1971.

Airmen participate in RIMPAC 2010 international maritime exercise

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The 613th Air and Space Operations Center here is serving as the central hub for data and voice communications during the biennial Rim of the Pacific exercise June 23 through Aug. 1.

The state-of-the-art facility enables a multinational team to provide command and control of air and space assets during RIMPAC, the world's largest international maritime exercise.

"The 613th AOC is equipped to ensure the flow of information between all the exercise's players," said Brig. Gen. Thomas Harwood III, the mobilization assistant to the commander of 13th Air Force and the combined forces air component commander for RIMPAC 2010.

RIMPAC 2010 employs more than 20,000 people from 14 nations and more than 100 aircraft, 34 ships and five submarines. This year's exercise includes units or people from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

"The exercise is designed to increase tactical proficiency of participating units in a wide array of combined operations at sea," the general said, "to include our air component flying a variety of sorties involving fighter aircraft, bombers, tankers, electronic warfare, command and control, and airlift."

U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in RIMPAC include B-52 Stratofortresses, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, E-3 Sentries, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotankers, HC-130 Hercules and HH-60 Pave Hawks.

Hosted by the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC is the 22nd in a series of significant international multilateral combined and joint military exercises scheduled biennially and demonstrates a commitment to working with global partners in guarding the sea lanes of commerce and communication, protecting national interests abroad and ensuring freedom of navigation as a basis for global peace and prosperity.

"RIMPAC provides an excellent opportunity for our Airmen to sharpen their warfighting skills while increasing interoperability with our joint and global partners," General Harwood said. "We are building relationships that will help promote security across the region."

Participating U.S. Air Force units include the 20th Bomb Squadron from Barksdale Air Force Base, La.; the California Air National Guard's 194th Fighter Squadron from Fresno, Calif.; the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Eglin AFB, Fla.; 13th Air Force, the 25th Air Support Operations Squadron, the 535th Airlift Squadron, the 169th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron and the Hawaii Air National Guard's 199th FS, all from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii; the 44th FS from Kadena Air Base, Japan; the 964th Airborne Control Squadron, the 970th ACS, the 513th Air Control Group and the 465th Air Refueling Squadron from Tinker AFB, Okla.; the 422nd TES from Nellis AFB, Nev.; and the 39th Rescue Squadron and the 301st RS from Patrick AFB, Fla.

Milcom Blog Logs - 30 Jun-1 Jul 2010 - Kentucky

Our good friend Jack Metcalfe in kentucky checks in with some logs from the HF spectrum of US Government and Milcom stations.

2749.0 HALIFAX COAST GUARD RADIO with marine forecast for Halifax: 0243 USB Voice (30/JUNE/2010)

3384.0 LINK 11: 0108 DSB (30/JUNE/2010)

3390.0 NNN0ONX, USN/USMC MARS net: 0105 USB Voice (30/JUNE/2010)

4331.0 4XZ, Israeli Navy, Haifa with VVV DE 4XZ: 0254 CW (30/JUNE/2010)

4802.0 NNN0TDA, USN/USMC MARS net: 0102 USB Voice (30/JUNE/2010)

5329.5 W46, US Army, calling USADA1010, also US Army: 1425 USB ALE (30/JUNE/2010)

5434.0 W46, US Army, calling USADA1010, also US Army: 1424 USB ALE (30/JUNE/2010)

5715.4, PUP 35 & DOVE 45, US Military with radio checks from various "stations" on PUP 35. Started on 5715.0 USB, drifted to 5715.5 & finally settled here: 1324 USB Voice (30/JUNE/2010)

6718.0 LINK 11: 0305 USB (30/JUNE/2010)

7310.0 A060RN, Arkansas National Guard HQ, North Little Rock calling T43DE1, Delaware NG, Wilmington: 1628 USB ALE. USB ALE scan pattern was: 14654.5, 14502.5, 14483.5, 13586.5, 13540.0, 13524.0, 13427.5, 12078.5, 11697.5, 11608.5, 11439.5, 10765.0, 10321.0, 9895.0, 9316.5, 9235.0, 7440.0 (tentative), 7310.0 (30/JUNE/2010)

9316.5 A060RN, Arkansas National Guard HQ, North Little Rock calling T43DE1, Delaware NG, Wilmington: 1627 USB ALE (30/JUNE/2010)

10321.0 A060RN, Arkansas National Guard HQ, North Little Rock calling T43DE1, Delaware NG, Wilmington: 1626 USB ALE (30/JUNE/2010)

11016.0 LINK11: 1514 USB (30/JUNE/2010)

12222.0 OMAHA 99 relaying weather conditions to HAMMER: 1518 USB Voice & ALE (30/JUNE/2010)

13488.0 WGY9030, CDC net control station, unid location, calling any station for the weekly National Public Health Radio Network (NPHRN). WGY909, FEMA, San Francisco, CA & WNG971, Tulsa Health Department, OK replied: 1443 USB Voice. Switched to USB ALE for check-ins at 1500 UTC (01/JULY/2010)

13540.0 A060RN, Arkansas National Guard HQ, North Little Rock calling T43DE1, Delaware NG, Wilmington: 1625 USB ALE (30/JUNE/2010)

14396.5 WUZ, US Army COE, Mobile, AL, KTQ315, EPA, IL, KNNN808, SW Bell Telephone, Kansas City, MO, & WNG954, Oregon Public Health, Portland all checking into the SHARES weeekly net: 1612 -1618 USB Voice (30/JUNE/2010)

14484.0 AAA9USA, US Army MARS in comms with very weak station that was reporting heavy rain & increasing winds at their location: 1540 USB Voice (30/JUNE/2010)

14502.5, A060RNJISCC, Arkansas National Guard HQ at North Little Rock, utilizing JISCC (Joint Incident Site Communications Capability) equipment while calling T57AR1, Arkansas NG also at North Little Rock: 1438 USB ALE (30/JUNE/2010)

16130.0 S6V, unid station: 1500 USB ALE (01/JULY/2010)

19445.0 FREQ8, unid station: 1628 USB ALE (01/JULY/2010)

CAP Nationwide Exercise Cancelled until the Fall

Last month I reported on this blog that CAP was going to conduct a nationwide communications exercise prior to the 4th of July (see http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/2010/06/cap-to-conduct-nationwide-exercise-soon.html).

Well word has reached my desk that the highly vaulted summer nationwide CAP comm exercise has been postponed and may now be conducted in the Fall.

The CAP is quite active within the HF spectrum and can be interesting to monitor. The following ALE addresses have been seen here in BTown.

0001OKCAP 0002SCCAP 0004IACAP 0004ILCAP 0004MSCAP 0004NVCAP 0004NYCAP 0004SCCAP 0004WICAP 0004WVCAP 00081ILCAP 0010NVCAP 0010PACAP 0011ARCAP 0011DCCAP
001NHQCAP 0016MECAP 0020NHCAP 002NHQCAP 0032WICAP 0032WVCAP 0033COCAP 0040IACAP 0041CTCAP 0041MICAP 0041WICAP 0042MICAP 0042NHCAP 0043ILCAP 0048FLCAP 004MERCAP 004RMRCAP 004SERCAP 004SWRCAP 0078NVCAP 0094ALCAP 009NHQCAP 0100NDCAP 0100PRCAP 0112GACAP 0140NVCAP 0148KYCAP 0164CACAP 0196NECAP 0204MICAP
0204SCCAP 022NHQCAP 0272HICAP 028NHQCAP 0303WACAP 0314MICAP 031NHQCAP 033NHQCAP 034MERCAP 0355OKCAP 0360FLCAP 037RMRCAP 040NHQCAP 042RMRCAP 42SERCAP
0431ILCAP 043MERCAP 043NHQCAP 043SERCAP 044NCRCAP 046NHQCAP 047NHQCAP 047SERCAP 054NHQCAP 0602IACAP 060PCRCAP 062NHQCAP 064NHQCAP 0775NVCAP 0902ALCAP
1000SWRCAP 100NCRCAP 100NDCAP 100NDCAP 100NERCAP 100SWRCAP 101NCRCAP 101NERCAP 101SWRCAP 104MERCAP 201SERCAP 202SERCAP 900NHQCAP 901NHQCAP 909NHQCAP 9101ORCAP 951NHQCAP 952NHQCAP 971NHQCAP 991NHQCAP 998NHQCAP 999NHQCAP\

I have found the assignment pattern for their ALE addresses as follows:

#### (state two ltr abbrev) CAP aka 0001OKCAP (A state/wing callsign)
### (region abbrev/NHQ) CAP aka 004MERCAP or 909NHQCAP (Region address/National HQ assigned address)

There are some 4-number addresses and these have all been associated with a state wing.

And here is my latest freq list (I know I am still missing some high end freqs)

2011.0 3204.0 4477.0 4585.0 5006.0 5447.0 6773.0 6806.0 7602.0 7665.0 8012.0 9047.0 10162.0 11402.0 12081.0 13415.0 14357.0 15602.0 17412.0 19814.0 25354.0 29894.0 kHz.

Updates are always welcomed via the email address in the masthead.

Nimitz Gets Underway for Sea Trials

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed from her homeport of Naval Base Coronado to perform sea trials June 30.

Sea trials assess the ship's readiness and capability following a 30-day carrier incremental availability (CIA) conducted when the ship returned from an extended deployment.

"We have accomplished some high quality maintenance on critical equipment and systems during this availability," said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz commanding officer. "For the next few days we get to validate that work by putting the ship through its paces."

During sea trials, Nimitz Sailors will test the ship's main engines and the aqueous foam forming film (AFFF) system. There will also be ship-wide training to ensure equipment and systems continue to be operated properly.

According to Machinist's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Juan Finch, sea trials is a good opportunity to see if anything needs to be fixed before returning to a fully-operational status. "You wouldn't buy a used car without test driving it," he said.

As the ship conducts main engine tests, Air Department Sailors will also test one of the hangar bay's main AFFF firefighting systems.

"We're testing out the AFFF system to see if it's working properly while we're out here in case of a fire," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Rilwan Omisola.

"Sea trials offer a good chance for new people on Nimitz to experience life at-sea," Finch said.

"This is what the Navy is about. Going out to sea and doing your job," Finch said.

Nimitz is the flagship for Carrier Strike Group 11. Nimitz returned home to San Diego March 26 after completing a successful eight-month Western Pacific deployment.

Royal Navy Amphibious Task Group Arrives in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Royal Navy's Amphibious Task Group (ATG) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk June 30 for a port visit during Operation Auriga.

The Royal Navy landing platform dock ship HMS Albion (L14), landing platform helicopter ship HMS Ocean (L12), Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Largs Bay (L3006), and the 3 Commando Brigade will spend several days in Norfolk before conducting joint operations with the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and II Marine Expeditionary Force in July.

Auriga is the major 2010 Royal Navy deployment that focuses on a series of U.S. and Canadian exercises with the principal aim of enhancing operational capability by training with coalition partners in traditional war fighting areas of carrier strike, amphibious assault and anti-submarine warfare operations.

The U.K. ATG will partner with the U.K. Carrier Strike Lead Task Group (CSLTG), which deployed to the East Coast in April in support of Operation Auriga.

Carrier Strike Lead Task Group is comprised of the Royal Navy Fleet flagship HMS Ark Royal (R07), frigate HMS Sutherland (F81), destroyer HMS Liverpool (D92), Royal fleet auxiliary Fort George (A388), French submarine FS Perle (s606), and the guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52).

The carrier strike and amphibious capabilities are at the core of the U.K.'s expeditionary maritime strategy.

USS Ronald Reagan Arrives in Hawaii for RIMPAC 2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Aaron Stevens, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrived in Pearl Harbor June 28 to participate in the 22nd Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise with allied navies.

The exercise, first held in 1971, is the largest maritime event in the world, comprised of 14 navies, 34 ships, five submarines, more than 100 aircraft and 20,000 personnel.

Ronald Reagan is the sole aircraft carrier participating in the exercise.

"USS Ronald Reagan is a key component of RIMPAC 2010," said Capt. Kenneth J. Norton, commanding officer of USS Ronald Reagan. "The ability to have an aircraft carrier and carrier air wing as part of a combined coalition task force is of great benefit to the varied naval units participating."

During the in port phase of RIMPAC, officers and crew of the 14 participating navies interact in receptions, meetings and athletic events. While in Hawaii, the Ronald Reagan crew will take advantage of many exciting tour packages offered through the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department.

"My plan is to go to a luau or two, do some tours and souvenir shopping," said Chief Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Royce Cormier. "I'm looking forward to parasailing. I haven't done it before, so it's a real treat."

Even though there will be some time to relax at the beach, a major focus of Ronald Reagan Sailors' visit is to mingle with crew members of participating navies to include Australia, Canada, Chile, Columbia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

"This port visit isn't used like other ports as a breather for the crew," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Aaron Mitcheltree. "It's a by-product of the reason we're pulling in, which is to build relationships with other countries. It will be nice to talk to other foreign Sailors about the differences and build camaraderie between the different countries so they realize how alike we really are. They will also get to see the little ways we conduct business differently."

For some Ronald Reagan Sailors, like Cormier, this isn't the first RIMPAC they've participated in.

"It's a different battle group and different nations," said Cormier. "Each time we have a RIMPAC, it seems like the importance gets higher than the years past. I have no doubt that Ronald Reagan will surpass the previous ones."

According to Norton, each Ronald Reagan Sailor understands his/her individual role in coalition building, which is one of the cornerstones of RIMPAC exercises.

"Working with 13 other navies in these realistic scenarios makes our Navy better across the spectrum," said Norton. "While sharpening our skills we make lasting friendships. We are happy to be here."

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Ronald Reagan Strike Group, visit the official Ronald Reagan Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Coronado-CA/USS-Ronald-Reagan/212147332020?ref=ts&ajaxpipe=1&__a=24.

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - Ronald Reagan Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.

Truman Strike Group Begins Operations in Support of OEF

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) launched its first combat sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) June 29, while conducting turnover with Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, embarked aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), will provide support for coalition ground forces in Afghanistan.

"Our air wing has spent several months training at Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon in preparation for this deployment," said Capt. Jay Bynum, commander,
CVW 3. "We've worked to line up every possible opportunity to train and make sure that we would be ready to go from day one."

Bynum noted that one of the most important parts of the training was the communication between the pilots in the sky and the troops on the ground.

The air wing squadrons worked extensively with joint tactical air controllers (JTAC) at NAS Fallon to ensure that the training was as relevant and realistic as possible. JTACs are the liaison between the ground troops and the aircraft that provide close air support.

Many of the same JTACs that trained with the air wing are currently serving in Afghanistan, said Bynum.

Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Marcos Rodriguez, from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, takes great pride in ensuring that the jets he maintains stay mission-ready.

"We're out here for something good," said Rodriguez. "I have a friend in the National Guard in Afghanistan and being out here has personal meaning."

"It's awesome to know that we'll be there for the troops," said Lt. Davin O'Brien, of VFA 37. "Every pilot in the air wing is ready to support them."

Truman CSG will relieve Eisenhower CSG as Task Force 50 on July 2. Eisenhower CSG has operated in the 5th Fleet AOR since Jan. 25 with CVW 7 aircraft flying 2,970 combat sorties and logging 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., on a routine scheduled deployment and will conduct Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation.

Truman CSG includes CSG 10, Harry S. Truman, USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), CVW 3 and its associated squadrons; VFA 105 "Gunslingers," VFA 32 "Swordsmen," VFA 37 "Ragin Bulls," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron 130 "Zappers," and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs."

Milcom Blog Logs - June 2010 - Central Florida

From our old friend and shipmate Jack NeSmith in central Florida:

"June 2010 was no barn burner or ball of fire for monitoring. Pinecastle and Avon Park ranges were busy. Frequency 251.200 is shown on my list as an unknown, but both VFA-86 and the 93FS were active when monitored, I'm leaning toward VFA-86 as the user. I'm basing this on conversations I monitored between aircraft and the range activity. Another frequency with unusual communications was on 140.825 MHz. For years this has been a Pinecastle range control administrative net (FM) frequency. Aircraft were monitored on this frequency this month with air-to-air communications."

134.7750 NAS JAX BASE OPS
138.1500 A/G/A
138.2500 A/G/A
138.4500 A/G/A
139.0000 A/G/A
139.2750 A/G/A
139.6000 A/G/A
139.7000 A/G/A
140.1750 R-2910 PINECASTLE RNG "ADMIN NET" FM
140.4250 A/G/A
140.8250 A/G/A
141.1500 A/G/A
141.3000 A/G/A
141.6500 A/G/A
142.3000 A/G/A
142.9000 A/G/A
143.1500 A/G/A
148.7625 A/G/A
149.7500 A/G/A
150.2500 A/G/A
150.3000 USCG
225.0500 158AS/165AW
225.3500 PINECASTLE RNG R-2910
225.7250 J-STARS
225.7500 158AS/165AW
225.8000 NORAD
225.8750 AWACS
227.0750 W-470A
227.4000 KZJX
228.9000 NORAD
231.6000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
234.5000 ARMY
234.6000 NORAD
234.8000 159FS/125FW
235.1000 AR-200
236.2500 GRUMMAN FLIGHT TEST
236.5250 UNKNOWN
237.7000 NAVY/LANTCOM
239.0000 ORLANDO EXEC TOWER
239.2750 UNKNOWN
239.3000 NAS MAYPORT TOWER
241.4000 UNKNOWN
245.5000 ARMY
246.1500 UNKNOWN
246.9000 UNKNOWN
250.3000 VMFA(AW)-224 TAC-1
251.1500 JAX IAP A/D
251.1750 UNKNOWN
251.2000 UNKNOWN
251.2500 159FS/125FW
251.9000 920RQW
252.1000 HOMESTEAD ARB
252.7750 UNKNOWN
253.7000 159FS/125FW
254.2500 KZMA
254.3250 KZJX
255.4000 FSS
255.5000 920RQW
255.5500 UNKNOWN
256.7000 KZMA
256.7500 UNKNOWN
256.8750 KZJX
257.7000 KZMA
257.8000 DAYTONA IAP TOWER
262.9000 NADEP JAX ??
263.1500 TYNDALL AFB TOWER
264.2000 VP-8 / VP-16 BASE
264.5000 UNKNOWN
264.6250 R-2901 AVON PARK RNG
264.6500 BOEING OPS
266.6500 UNKNOWN
267.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
269.3000 KZMA
269.3250 JAX IAP A/D
269.7000 UNKNOWN
270.1750 UNKNOWN
270.5000 NAVY
270.8500 NAS KEY WEST "TARPON RNG"
273.5000 PATRICK AFB ATIS
273.5500 KZJX
276.4000 NAS JAX GCA
277.0250 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
281.4250 PATRICK AFB A/D
281.5000 KZMA
282.2000 KZJX
282.3000 KZJX
284.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
284.7000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
285.5000 KZMA
285.6500 KZJX
290.3500 KZJX
291.6000 KZMA
291.7000 KZJX
293.2250 KZMA
293.6000 NORAD
293.6250 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
299.1250 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
300.7500 UNKNOWN
301.3000 UNKNOWN
303.0000 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
306.0000 VP-30
307.0000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
307.1000 KZMA
307.2000 KZJX
307.2500 KZJX
307.3000 KZMA
310.2000 NAS JAX BASE OPS
311.0000 6ARW "LIGHTING OPS"
314.2000 159FS/125FW
314.4500 HAVEQUICK
316.3000 NORAD
316.8500 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
317.5250 KZJX
317.6000 KZJX
317.6000 KZMA
318.0500 EGLIN AFB USER/FUNCTION UNKNOWN
320.5000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
321.0000 920RQW
322.4000 JAX IAP A/D
322.4750 KZJX
322.9750 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
323.0000 KZMA
324.0000 UNKNOWN
324.6000 AR-207
327.1000 KZJX
328.1750 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
335.5500 KZJX
335.9500 NORAD
336.4000 NAS JAX GROUND CONTROL
337.2000 TACAMO 164407
339.7000 FACSFAC JAX "SEALORD"
339.8000 ORLANDO IAP A/D
340.2000 NAS JAX TOWER
341.7000 ORLANDO IAP CLEARANCE DELIVERY
343.5000 NAS JAX METRO
343.7500 KZJX
344.6000 PATRICK AFB METRO
346.2500 KZJX
346.3500 KZJX
348.7000 KZMA
349.0000 KZMA
351.7000 KZJX
351.8000 JAX IAP A/D
352.0000 KZJX
353.5750 TAMPA IAP A/D
353.6000 KZMA
360.7000 KZJX
364.2000 NORAD
366.0000 UNKNOWN
369.0250 OPS/EXERCISE/TRAINING
372.2000 PTD
376.1250 J-STARS
377.0500 JAX IAP A/D
377.1000 KZMA
377.1000 KZMA
380.2500 KZJX
385.5000 DAYTONA IAP A/D
387.0000 DAYTONA IAP A/D

Hurricane Hunters

Whenever a hurricane threatens the U.S., an Air Force Reserve unit is responsible for obtaining data for the National Hurricane Center.

Hurricane Hunters

RIMPAC 2010 Officially Opens

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Mark Logico, Commander Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Top military leaders from 14 partner nations held a press conference to officially launch the 2010 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise at Lockwood Hall on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam June 28.

Adm. Patrick Walsh, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT); and Vice Adm. Richard Hunt, commander, Combined Task Force welcomed the participating foreign navies as they announced the official start of the month-long exercise.

"For us to be able to hold this exercise today represents a substantial commitment by the countries that are participating and represented here," said Walsh. "Our goal is to ensure a reciprocal level of commitment in terms of training opportunities for those who are here."

The exercise will bring to together units and personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Peru, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and the United States.

"It's an honor to stand here before you with the leadership that we have from each of the 14 nations that are represented in the Rim of the Pacific exercise 2010," said Hunt. "Throughout the one month period, a tremendous gathering of like minded nations will be working together to secure the maritime domain in a way that we have not been able to achieve in the past. We really look forward to the exercise."

Walsh said that information sharing is a key enabler and a force multiplier which is one of the key points of the exercise.

"It gives us opportunities when we have the ability to communicate with each other to take full advantage of the respective capabilities that each nation brings to the sea," said Walsh.

During the exercise, participating countries will conduct gunnery, missile, anti-submarine, and air defense exercises, as well as maritime interdiction and vessel boarding, explosive ordnance disposal, diving and salvage operations, mine clearance operations, and an amphibious landing.

Hunt said that the exercise will also emphasize littoral operations with ships like littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1), the French frigate Prairial (F 731) and the Singapore frigate RSS Supreme (70).

RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime exercise, and will take place in the waters around the Hawaiian Islands. The exercise is themed "Combined Agility, Synergy and Support," and marks the 22nd exercise in the series that originated in 1971.

Preparation Key to Weathering Hurricanes

A GOES-12 infrared satellite image of Hurricane Ida provided by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Monterey, Calif. shows the storm at 7:45 a.m. EST Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. Ida, later downgraded to a tropical storm, is expected to make landfall near the Florida-Alabama border Tuesday morning. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

By April Phillips, Naval Safety Center Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The annual hurricane season began June 1, and some experts predict this could be a busy year for storms. However, the Naval Safety Center has storm preparation tips that could lessen the damage to life and property if a hurricane does come ashore.

With the first storm of the season, Tropical Storm Alex, churning in the Gulf of Mexico and nearing hurricane strength, concerns are starting to rise. Current predictions from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show the storm moving away from the oil spill off the coast of Louisiana and toward south Texas, where it may make landfall as a Category 1 storm the evening of June 29 or the morning of June 30.

Derek Nelson, a Norfolk, Va. resident, who heads the Naval Safety Center's Media Division, recently helped put together a pocket-sized hurricane preparedness guide.

Nelson said preparation is important even when evacuation isn't necessary.

"Don't wait until the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring to get water and non-perishable food," Nelson said. "Track the storm as it approaches and prepare before landfall is imminent."

The Naval Safety Center advises inspecting yards and property well in advance of the storm. Remove any diseased or damaged tree branches and secure any objects that could become airborne from high winds.

However, winds aren't the only danger during a hurricane. Flooding is also a major concern.

"Here in Norfolk, the city publishes a map that shows the flood zone," Nelson said.

He recommended that residents of any city find out if they're in a flood-prone location. If so, move valuables to the highest level of the house.

Loss of electricity is a nuisance during a storm, but it can also be dangerous if there's no way to monitor the hurricane.

"Think about what will happen when you don't have electricity for a few days. Don't fill your freezer with food that will spoil. Also, keep a battery-operated radio handy with plenty of spare batteries," Nelson said.

While he has evacuated the city several times in advance of storms, Nelson recognizes that most people won't have to take that drastic step. However, it's important to have a plan, just in case. Find an inland evacuation location well in advance, and make sure everyone in the family knows what to do and when to act.

"It's a lot easier to take a little time and energy to be prepared than to try to figure out what to do once it's too late," he said. "The regret you'll have will far outweigh the effort it takes to get you and your family ready for the storm."

For information about ordering a hurricane preparation pocket guide, email Derek Nelson at derek.nelson@navy.mil. For more information about general hurricane safety, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/navsafecen/Documents/media/safetips/f-m/hurricane.doc.

New Monitoring Times Staff Blog Newsfeeds Now Available

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http://www.monitoringtimes.com/html/blogs.html.

Milcom Blog Logs - 28/29 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our old friend Jack Metcalfe checks in with his latest mil/gov HF logs from Kentucky.

4593.5 AFA2SS, USAF MARS net: 1347 USB Voice (29/JUNE/2010)

4918.5 Possibly US Army MARS station AAR3CN under very heavy static: 0053 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

5217.0 AAR5AW, US Army MARS: 0047 OLIVIA 32 Tones 1 kHz Bandwidth. Also stations AAR5UL/T & AAR5UN/T. (28/JUNE/2010)

5320.0 USCG Cutters active, but very weak signals: 0102 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

5696.0 USCG RESCUE 014 with ETA: 1400 USB Voice (29/JUNE/2010)

7457.0 AFA4GE & AFA4ED confirming receipt of Exercise Dark Shadow message concerning the explosion of a transformer at the Bryant (Jackson County), AL substation. RYRYRY preceded the exercise message: 1348 - 1351 USB Voice & MT-63 (28/JUNE/2010)

7630.5 AFA2RU, USAF MARS in net comms: 1348 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

10580.0 LINK 11: 1508 USB (29/JUNE/2010)

11217.0 TEE or KEY BALL, USAF or USN with phone patch to Norfolk Weather for conditions at Pax River: 0208 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

11400.5 B03, unid, possibly US Army: 1357 USB ALE (29/JUNE/2010)

13206.0 LINK 11: 1518 USB (29/JUNE/2010)

14654.5 T57AR1, Arkansas National Guard JISCC (Joint Incident Site Communications Capability), North Little Rock, AR calling SCC43NG, South Carolina 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC: 1522 USB ALE (29/JUNE/2010)

14654.5 T57AR1, Arkansas National Guard JISCC (Joint Incident Site Communications Capability), North Little Rock, AR calling T43DE1, Delaware NG JISCC, Wilmington, DE: 1534 USB ALE & AMD Text (29/JUNE/2010)

15010.0 LAJES, USAF Lajes, Azores. Phone patch for REACH 403. Moved to 11220.0 due to poor signal: 0200 USB Voice (28/JUNE/2010)

15016.0 TANK CAR, USAF "standing by & TANK CAR out" a few minutes later: 0203 USB VOICE (28/JUNE/2010)

Leap Frogs Kick Off Quad City Air Show

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michelle Kapica, Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs

DAVENPORT, Iowa (NNS) -- Approximately 100,000 air-show enthusiasts watched as the U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, the Leap Frogs, kicked off the 24th annual Quad City Air Show in Davenport, Iowa, June 26-27.

The Leap Frogs, composed of Navy SEALs, special warfare combatant-craft crewmen and parachute riggers, parachuted down from an Alaska Air National Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft during the opening ceremony of the two-day event.

Spectators packed the flight line and cheered as the team jumped from 8,000 feet above show center. The jumpers deployed their blue and gold main canopies and linked up in what is called canopy-relative work. The jumpers formed bi-plane and T-formations. Two jumpers had the crowd on their feet as they performed a down plane and swooped in for an impressive, precision landing. The team rocketed toward the ground at more than 120 miles per hour in a bomb burst formation for the final jump June 27.

A few young cadets from the Davenport Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol (DCSCAP) got the chance to meet the team up close, when they were invited to help pack the Leap Frogs' parachutes after the performance.

"They were amazing!" said Nick Reed, a DCSCAP cadet. "I hope to get my skydiving license and maybe join the Navy and become one of these people one day. That would be a dream job!"

Various aerobatic display teams followed the Leap Frogs' performance, including the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force Legacy Flights, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet and U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle, in addition to many civilian teams. The event concluded with a re-enactment of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

"I love the Leap Frogs, they're fantastic!" said Ken Hopper, president, founder and air boss of Quad City Air Show. "Their performance today just goes to show that the Leap Frogs will jump if humanly possible, and they just have that Navy can-do attitude."

"We are thrilled to be part of the air show," said Chief Special Warfare Operator Justin Gauny, leading chief petty officer of the Leap Frogs. "We really enjoy coming out and performing at events like this. It's a great opportunity to show the public a little bit about what we do."

The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform parachute demonstrations across the United States in support of Naval Special Warfare and Navy Recruiting Command.

Memphis Returns from Successful Exercises

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) returned to her homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London June 24 following a successful short deployment to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility.

While deployed, Memphis participated in the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 2010 and Exercise Naiad.

UNITAS is the longest running multinational naval exercise which brings together the maritime forces of the Western Hemisphere to enhance security, improve interoperability, expand maritime domain awareness and counter maritime activities that could threaten region stability.

Memphis's role was to conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and maritime domain operations. According to the crew, the most challenging assignment was finding and simulating an attack on two diesel submarines from Argentina and Brazil.

"These diesel boats are quiet and professionally operated," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Geddes, Memphis executive officer. "They are very challenging opponents."

During the exercise, Memphis hosted Lt. j.g. Francisco Oleiro, an Argentinean submariner as an exchange officer. This visit allowed Oleiro to observe operations aboard a U.S. submarine, while giving Memphis' crew an opportunity to get a firsthand account of diesel submarine life.

Oleiro described his visit as very great and very different.

"[It was] an event I will remember for the rest of my life," he added.

Memphis then traveled to Brazil for a port visit in Rio de Janeiro where the crew participated in briefings, tours of training facilities, and a barbecue hosted by the Brazilian navy.

During Exercise Naiad, a tactical development exercise where Memphis went head-to-head with Brazilian navy Submarine Tamoio (S-31) in a series of challenging events, Memphis again exchanged officers.

Lt. Cmdr. Christian Hingst, the Brazilian submarine force assistant operations officer, came aboard to observe.

"I've been reading about Los Angeles-class submarines in Tom Clancy books all my life," Hingst said. "Going to sea on Memphis is like seeing the Rolling Stones."

USS Sterett Calls Tomahawk Missile Launch a Success

A Tomahawk missile launches off the aft vertical launching system aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104). Sterett is conducting a weeklong training exercise to test its tactical weapons systems in preparation for its upcoming deployment. (U.S. photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Carmichael Yepez/Released)

By Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) Fireman Margaret Darton, USS Sterett Public Affairs

USS STERETT, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett (DDG 104) successfully launched two Tomahawk missiles during a weeklong weapons training exercise in the Pacific Ocean June 21-25.

"The missile launch was a success," said Pablo Dasalla, lead platform test coordinator, who was on board to observe the launch.

According to Dasalla, the planning required to launch a Tomahawk missile takes three to four months to coordinate. The coordination involves mission planning, approval from different organizations, scheduling of range time and fulfilling requirements prior to the missile launch.

The ship's crew has been preparing for the past four months to maintain its mission readiness by conducting daily drills and training evolutions.

"We've been conducting a simulated land attack missile exercise (SLAMEX), twice a month," said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Elliot Asmah, who is part of Sterett's strike group and was responsible for launching one of the Tomahawk missiles during their second day out to sea.

The missile launch became an historic event for the Sterett, as this was the first time the ship launched a Tomahawk from its vertical launch system.

According to Asmah, every year a ship is chosen to test the Tomahawk missiles, but there are many ships that can spend their entire lifetime in the fleet without ever shooting one.

For many aboard the ship, the missile launch was a lifetime experience especially for Asmah, who pushed the button that sent the missile soaring into the sky after a countdown.

"It was a privilege to be the first person on the Sterett to shoot a Tomahawk missile," said Asmah. "This will make history, and I am part of it."

Dasalla credits the flexibility of Sterett's leadership and its crew to the success of the missile launches.

"The leadership on board made things happen," said Dasalla. "The diligence and dedication of the strike team has shown their willingness to succeed with Tomahawk launch attack missile operations."

Truman Carrier Strike Group Relieves Eisenhower

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) will relieve the Dwight D. Eisenhower CSG as Commander, Task Force 50 July 2, beginning a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Under Task Force 50, Truman CSG will conduct close air support missions in support of coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the AOR.

Eisenhower CSG has operated in the 5th Fleet AOR since Jan. 25 with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 aircraft flying 2,970 combat sorties and 17,730 cumulative flight hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

"The Eisenhower Strike Group has done a great job supporting the troops on the ground in Afghanistan and executing maritime security operations," said Rear Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, CSG 8. "We leave knowing that Eisenhower, CVW 7, and all the ships in our Ike '5-star' team have worked hard to improve security and stability in the region."

Ships of the Eisenhower CSG performed multiple missions while in the 5th Fleet AOR, which included deterring piracy, protecting critical infrastructure, partnering with critical allies, and conducting MSO throughout the region.

"Our Sailors have shown tremendous dedication and commitment during this deployment and are ready now to head home to their family and friends," said Capt. Dee Mewbourne, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). "We have every confidence that Truman will continue to work just as effectively to improve the security and stability in this part of the world through the outstanding professionalism of their Sailors."

"The Eisenhower Strike Group's performance in the 5th Fleet and their support for Soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan has been superb. We have big footsteps to follow in," said Rear Adm. Pat Driscoll, commander, CSG 10. "The Sailors and Marines of the Truman Strike Group are fully ready and anxious to begin this important tasking."

The Truman CSG deployed May 21 from its homeport of Norfolk, Va., and includes Carrier Strike Group 10, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), USS Normandy (CG 60), Destroyer Squadron 26, USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS Ross (DDG 71), Carrier Air Wing 3 and its associated squadrons; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105 "Gunslingers," VFA 32 "Swordsmen," VFA 37 "Ragin Bulls," Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 "Checkerboards," Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 "Seahawks," Electronic Attack Squadron 130 "Zappers," and Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 7 "Dusty Dogs."

Eisenhower will return to its homeport of Norfolk, Va.

Milcom Blog Logs - 24 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our old friend Jack Metcalfe has received the following gov/mil logs from his Kentucky Monitoring Post:

14928.5 3PBAFA, USAF MARS: 1606 USB ALE
15037.0 GWO & HYR, unid US Government or US Military stations: 1601 USB ALE & ANDVT
15166.5 27TOC27CAV & 27HQ3W27CAV, Military: 1608 USB ALE

GW Completes Undersea Warfare Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Devon Dow, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) participated in Undersea Warfare Exercise (USWEX) with U.S. and Japanese naval forces in the western Pacific Ocean June 21 to 25.

The exercise was conducted by elements from Commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet (CTF 70), Commander, Patrol & Reconnaissance Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 72), Commander, Submarine Force, 7th Fleet (CTF 74), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and components from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The exercise focused on training and coordination of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) efforts between the maritime partners.

"This year during USWEX we continued to strengthen interoperability between the U.S. Navy and the JMSDF and trained against tactics, techniques and procedures to develop new concepts in ASW," said Lt. Justin Santos, a surface operations officer for DESRON 15. "Throughout this exercise, I believe everyone involved has executed in a professional manner and to the best of their expertise."

During the exercise, GW and JMSDF Sailors, who were embarked aboard GW during USWEX, were tasked with locating, tracking and completing simulated engagements with allied submarines in their vicinity.

Santos said that working with the JMSDF provided unique opportunities for all involved to learn from one another, furthering the U.S.-Japan relationship, and show how they can further their joint operational efforts.

"During USWEX we were afforded the opportunity of working side by side with our JMSDF counterparts on board GW," he said. "They were standing watch during the exercise in the same spaces we were and holding briefs throughout the day alongside us as well. Having them on board was a benefit to the success of this exercise."

Lt. Masanobu Kanamori, Undersea Warfare Staff escort for JMSDF's Flotilla 2, is one of the many JMSDF Sailors who has been on board during the exercise. He said while he was taken back by the enormity of the ship, and the sights and sounds of the flight deck, working, eating, and living on the GW contributed to the overall experience of USWEX.

"This has been a very big exercise and a great experience for me," he said. "I enjoyed being on board GW and working with the U.S. Navy Sailors. I learned a lot."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation. Santos said he is optimistic about the two countries relationship in the present and the future.

"Our alliance with Japan demonstrates the strength in our commitment to one another and our ability to work together," he said. "This exercise is an example of just how strong our alliance really is."

A Revolution in Scanning is Coming

A Revolution in Scanning is Coming
Uniden Releases a New Revolutionary Scanner
by Larry Van Horn, MT Assistant Editor

Fort Worth, Texas -- A major revolution in our hobby is on the way and it will forever change the very nature of the scanner radio hobby. Today, June 26, 2010, Uniden America held an open house here at their corporate offices in Fort Worth, Texas, for the public and the media. At this open house they unveiled a new revolutionary scanner called the "HomePatrol."



So what is so revolutionary about this new scanner? Simply put, it is simplicity! There has never been one like it before. To say that it will be easy to program by the user is to totally understate the facts.

The only thing you will need to know to program a "HomePatrol" scanner is – wait for it – the Zip Code where you are currently located. Yes, you punch in your zip code on the LCD touch screen, press enter, and you will instantly start hearing local scanner communications (conventional and trunked, analog and digital). No other operator interface is needed and it is truly just that simple.

Maybe you don't want to monitor civilian or military air comms that got loaded when you punched in your zip code, just police, fire and EMS. No problem: touch the screen to set up what you want to hear and it is done. No banks, no systems, no groups, no programming of frequencies: your location is all you need to get you started. And did I mention that all the controls for this scanner is via a full color touch screen?

If you are traveling and you have a GPS, plug that puppy into the "HomePatrol" scanner and it will ensure that your unit has up-to-date frequencies for the area you are traveling in. You don't have to do anything except to make sure that the GPS is working and plugged into the "HomePatrol." Of course you will have to supply the GPS unit since it is not included with the "HomePatrol" scanner.

That is why I think that the Uniden "HomePatrol" has the potential to create a major revolution in the scanner world.

Since the unveiling is still taking place as this is being posted, the full details and specs are not yet available. I will be bringing a test unit home from Fort Worth and will be conducting a full blown MT First Look review of the "HomePatrol." I will also post some of my first impressions on the "HomePatrol" scanner on the Monitoring Times website at http://www.monitoringtimes.com or on my personal blog, the BTown Monitoring Post at http://monitor-post.blogspot.com. You can also check out a new website that Uniden has setup for their new unit at http://www.homepatrol.com/ for everything "HomePatrol."

We will have a full detailed First Look review of this revolutionary new scanner in the October issue of Monitoring Times magazine, but check back here for future updates.

USS Philadelphia 'Finishes Strong' Following 33-Year Service

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

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Philadelphia (SSN 690) was decommissioned June 25 during a ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Conn.

The decommissioning ceremony marked Philadelphia's 33rd anniversary.

Philadelphia was commissioned and officially put into service June 25, 1977.

The ceremony's guest speaker, Rear Admiral Douglas J. McAneny, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, was the seventh commanding officer of Philadelphia.

McAneny said he was honored to speak at the ceremony and to have the opportunity to have one last look at his old boat and eat one more meal in the wardroom.

"We gather today not only to recognize the important role played by the leaders, the crew members and the families," said McAneny. "But to say goodbye to our boat – USS Philadelphia."

In addition, McAneny asked those that have served aboard Philadelphia to remember the sacrifices they endured and the freedom they fought to defend.

"The soul of USS Philadelphia lives on forever in her crews," said McAneny.

Philadelphia has deployed to all regions of the globe in support of various operations vital to national security, including Desert Storm in 1991.

Cmdr. Dave Soldow, Philadelphia's final commanding officer, felt this ceremony marked a unique occasion.

"On one hand, it is truly heartwarming to see the enthusiastic support of the community for their Navy and the men who have volunteered to serve this great nation of ours," said Soldow. "On the other hand, it is indeed sad to take out of commission a warship that has so boldly and so proudly served the American people for all these years."

Soldow also said that the warship is much more than technology and steel.

"These men who stand before you today, and those seated throughout the audience who came before them represent some of the greatest American's to ever serve this nation of ours," said Soldow.

The contract to build Philadelphia was awarded to Electric Boat Division at the General Dynamics Corporation in Groton Jan. 8, 1971. Philadelphia's keel was laid Aug. 12, 1972, and was launched Oct. 19, 1974.

Philadelphia completed her final deployment in February 2010, conducting operations in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

Milcom Blog Logs - 18-23 Jun 2010 - Kentucky

Our old friend Jack Metcalfe checks in with his latest mil/gov HF logs from Kentucky.

4540.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1626 USB ALE. Frequencies in the net: 4540.0 5045.0 5211.0 7720.0 10493.0 11608.5 13586.5 14483.5 14502.5 (23/JUNE/2010)

5045.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1624 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

5211.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC calling T57AR1, Unid Arkansas NG unit: 1453 USB ALE: (23/JUNE/2010)

6761.0 MASH 82, USAF Aircraft coordinating refueling ops for AR-455. Heard a few minutes later on 336.1 MHz AM mode: 1541 USB Voice (18/JUNE/2010)

7720.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST calling DTRA, Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Ft. Belvoir, VA. Also active on 4540.0 & 5045.0: 1948 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

9106.0 KFW652, Unid US Government Agency: 1508 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

9121.0 147FIRESNE, US Military calling 3BN: 1533 USB ALE (18/JUNE/2010)

9260.0 Unid US Military aircraft (likely NIGHTHAWK calls) with informal comms: 1639 - 1652 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

10493.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC calling T43DE1, Unid Delaware NG unit: 1538 USB ALE & AMD text: (23/JUNE/2010)

10493.0 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard Civil Support Team, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1542 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

13586.5 SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC calling SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD: 1615 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

13586.5 SCRD, NAVAIR Special Communications Requirement Division, St. Inigoes, MD calling SCC43NG, 43rd National Guard CST, Eastover, SC: 1941 USB ALE (23/JUNE/2010)

14455.0 KHA959, NASA Wallops Island Flight Facility, VA as net control for the weekly NASA HF Radio Net calling KHA945, NASA, Huntsville, AL: 1607 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

14455.0 KHA946, NASA, New Orleans, LA, KHA959, NASA, Wallops Island Flight Facility, VA & KHA908, NASA, Mountain View, CA in comms: 1634 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

14484.0 AAN4PN5, US Army MARS calling AAA9USA, US Army MARS: 1627 USB Voice (23/JUNE/2010)

14653.0 AFO & CYS: 1537 USB ALE (18/JUNE/2010)

Link - DTRA Operations Center: http://www.dtra.mil/Missions/Reachback/OPSCenter.aspx

Link - NAVAIR SCRD: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2005_March_29/ai_n13481403/

Enroute to Big D

Well tomorrow morning I will be enroute to a very special radio hobby event in the DFW Metroplex. Uniden America will be holding an Open House on Saturday, June 26, 2010, from 10 am to 2 pm CDT at their corporate headquarters in Fort Worth. Uniden will be unveiling their new revolutionary scanner at this Open House.

I will have a full report on this blog and on the Monitoring Times website upon my return from the event. in the meantime if you are attending this event, I look forward to meeting you on Saturday. I will be making some brief remarks during the open house and you may hear something about Milcom monitoring you haven't heard before.

Until Saturday, 73 and good hunting. CU on the flip side.

Civil Air Patrol Narrowbanding Project Not Going Well

The Civil Air Patrol has been trying to convert their VHF radio systems to comply with NTIA narrowband guidelines for the last few years. But things have not gone well and they still have not converted their VHF network over to the Congressionally mandated narrowband system.

According to one anonymous source, the CAP HQ has now given a deadline of 31 Aug 2010 for all the wing commanders and directors of communication across the country to get their narrowband repeaters on the air.

Wings first requested new nationally-funded repeaters in the 2004-2005 timeframe, and CAP bought some $5 million in repeaters based on those requests. There were delays in actually getting federal frequency assignments (because of the need to coordinate with Canada/Mexico). As a result many of those originally-approved repeater sites have been lost. Some of the CAP wings just moved slowly in getting their new narrowband repeaters on-the-air.

August 31 will mark two years from the final release of the new VHF narrowband frequencies to the wings and a year-and-a-half since the first CAP narrowband repeater went on the air.

According to one source the Air Force is putting it's foot down because every repeater NOT on the air is wasted taxpayer's dollars. Nobody is officially saying what will happen if the 31 Aug deadline is not met, but it is clear that wings that do not get their repeaters on by the deadline will face some sort of repercussions.

Bottom line is you will probably see new comms over the next few weeks popping up on the CAP's new VHF frequencies. We had an extensive article on all of this in the May 2010 MT Milcom column (if you miss one issue you miss a lot). But to help out those who don't subscribe, here are the frequencies to watch for CAP activity:

139.8750 141.0000 141.5750 143.5500 143.6250 143.600 143.7000
148.1250 148.1375 148.1500 149.2750 150.2250 150.5625

National CAP Plan (Supposedly Zone 1 in all the new ground-only radios)

141.5750 Simplex 127.3 Hz Command Control
141.0000 Simplex 131.8 Hz Command Control
149.2750 Simplex 141.3 Hz Air-to-Air
150.5625 Simplex 151.4 Hz Air-to-Air
150.2250 Simplex 162.2 Hz CAP Guard Channel
139.8750 Simplex 173.8 Hz Tactical/Miscellaneous use (also used on
the Canadian Border as an input to the 148.1250 repeaters)
148.1250 Simplex 100.0 Hz Primary Talk-Around
148.1500 Simplex 100.0 Hz Secondary Talk-Around
148.1375/143.6250 203.5 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1375/143.6250 192.8 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1375/143.6250 131.8 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1375/143.6250 162.2 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1250/143.5500 203.5 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1250/139.8750 Canadian Border repeaters
148.1500/143.7000 203.5 Hz Airborne/Tactical Repeater
148.1500/143.6000 Canadian Border repeaters

Again there is more to all this, but that is about 2,000 words in the MT May issue.

New National CAP Command Net Freq Found

Jon in Florida discovered last weekend a new CAP National Command ALE Net frequency:- 29.894 MHz. The frequency was also confirmed by Monitoring Times magazine Utility World columnist Hugh Stegman out in California.

The nationwide set of CAP ALE freqs for the "National CAP Command Net" are as follows:

2011.0 3204.0 4477.0 4585.0 5006.0 5447.0 6773.0 6806.0 7602.0 7665.0 8012.0 9047.0 10162.0 11402.0 12081.0 13415.0 14357.0 15602.0 17412.0 19814.0 29894.0 kHz (all USB/ALE)

Here is some background information I have on the current state of the CAP HF network(s). Any additional information on frequencies is sincerely appreciate and you can contact me offlist via the email address published in the header of my blogs" http://mt-milcom.blogspot.com/ or http://monitor-post.blogspot.com/.

The National Command Net operates in the Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) mode. It is composed of stations specifically approved by the NTC using equipment provided for this purpose. Most of these stations are “message center” stations which relay message traffic between the national and region levels of the CAP net structure.

The National Command level of the HF-ALE system, the "top level" of the CAP radio system, uses Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) radios to which a "suite" of frequencies is assigned, each with different radio propagation characteristics, and the radios automatically monitor which frequency is best to communicate with each other station in the net. Each region operates two ALE radios, serving as "message center" stations (see below), plus additional radios for Puerto Rico, Hawaii and Alaska. The ALE stations at the National Technology Center (NTC) and the National Operations Center (NOC) serve as the net control stations for the National Command level of the HF-ALE system. There are no scheduled formal National Command net meetings. Rather, ALE station operators are expected to attend their radios regularly and be ready for messages, as they may be received.

The mission of the National Command level of the HF-ALE system is to provide a survivable, commercial infrastructure-independent command and control communication (C3) link among regions and between regions and higher headquarters.

The specific functions of National Command level stations are:

• Provide a strategic communications tier of the communications network available for adaptive communications during high-level missions.

• Provide decentralized contact points to relay traffic between incident command posts and the NOC or other national CAP office.

• Conduct and report regular confidence checks, in accordance with the current CAP Communications Alert Level, and no less than once per week.

• Be available, as needed, for training.

Pending activation of region ALE frequency suites (see below) the following guidance applies to all stations operating on the National Command frequency suite (ALE Net #1):

1. Other than the two region stations and nationally designated stations, any CAP station may monitor the ALE suite, but should not sound in routine operations.

2. Pending release of region ALE channels, wings may use the national ALE suite (ALE NET #1) for actual missions and specific training events with the understanding that this use and active sounding will be for relatively limited periods of time. For ALE use during a training exercise, place a request several days in advance, but for actual missions, coordinate with the NOC.

3. Only NTIA compliant equipment with Joint Interoperability Test Center (JITC) certification may transmit on National and Region ALE suites of frequencies.

4. The NTC and National Headquarters determines and standardizes all ALE parameter settings, such as sounding interval.

To Jon and Hugh, nice job. Now if we can find the missing freqs I belive are there around 18 MHz and from 20 to 28 MHz.