Jim's Military News: NAVY

Showing posts with label NAVY. Show all posts

Sunday, December 2, 2012

USS Enterprise: Past, Present And Future

12/02/2012 05:06:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

By KELLYALLEN – December 1, 2012 - NAVYLIVE.DODLIVE.MIL

Friends and family members of Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) gather on the flight deck for the ship’s final air power demonstration before its upcoming inactivation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman/Released)

By Rear Adm. Thomas J. Moore, Program Executive Officer, Aircraft Carriers

Today, December 1st, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) will inactivate and leave the Navy’s active carrier force forever. The inactivation of CVN 65 is not just a milestone for the Navy, it marks both the end of an era of a legendary ship and the start of a new era for Naval Aviation with the introduction of the GERALD R. FORD Class. USS ENTERPRISE, although the oldest ship in the fleet, performed the same Naval Aviation Strike Operations and Air Wing support as the newest aircraft carriers.

USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) will continue to serve on as more than $100 million of her equipment is reused and installed aboard NIMITZ and FORD class aircraft carriers. Seven ships have borne the name ENTERPRISE, and CVN 65 or “Big E” is a legend in itself as the most decorated warship in U.S. history. Pivotal in every U.S. conflict since its commissioning, the first nuclear aircraft carrier Enterprise changed the future of naval aviation. I had the privilege of serving aboard ENTERPRISE, being Program Manager at PEO Carriers for the long transition of the last NIMITZ class carrier USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), and am now the PEO responsible for the new GERALD R. FORD Class. I am proud to see the Enterprise tradition of bringing unprecedented innovation and striking power to the fleet being continued in our newest class.

Read more, the full article here: http://navylive.dodlive.mil/2012/12/01/uss-enterprise-past-present-and-future/

USS Michael Murphy Commissioning - full webcast

10/07/2012 09:43:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

if somebody missed, here is the full live webcast video

1 hour 25 mins. on youtube, finally uploaded :)

Guided Missile Destroyer USS Michael Murphy Commissioning in New York City.
This is the live feed of USS Michael Murphy Commissioning in New York.

The USS Michael Murphy is the Navy's newest guided missile destroyer. The ship honors Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in Afghanistan. The Patchogue native was killed by enemy forces during a reconnaissance mission, Operation Red Wing, June 28, 2005, while leading a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan. The team came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters and was mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire. While being shot and shot at, Murphy provided his units location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to his wounds.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/157668/uss-michael-murphy-commissioning#.UHHMJ1GzmSo#ixzz28dkShZjr

Navy to Commission Guided-Missile Destroyer Michael Murphy

10/04/2012 02:21:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 796-12
October 03, 2012

Navy to Commission Guided-Missile Destroyer Michael Murphy

            The Navy will commission the newest guided-missile destroyer, Michael Murphy (DDG 112), Oct. 6, during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at Pier 88 in Manhattan, N.Y.
            The newest destroyer honors Navy SEAL (Sea, Air, Land) Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan June 28, 2005.
            Murphy led a four-man team tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan, when they came under fire from a much larger enemy force with superior tactical position. Mortally wounded while exposing himself to enemy fire, Murphy knowingly left his position of cover to get a clear signal in order to communicate with his headquarters. While being shot at repeatedly, Murphy calmly provided his unit’s location and requested immediate support for his element. He returned to his cover position to continue the fight until finally succumbing to wounds.
            Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Maureen Murphy will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her late son. The ceremony will be highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when she gives the first order to “man our ship and bring her to life!”
            “This ship honors the courage, service and sacrifice of Lt. Michael Murphy, his Red Wings brothers, fellow SEALs, special operators and service members around the world who answer the call of duty every day,” said Mabus. “It is absolutely fitting that the USS Michael Murphy bears a SEAL trident on her crest because, much like Michael and every Navy SEAL who has earned the honor of wearing the trident, this ship is designed to counter threats from above and below the surface of the oceans, in the air and on land.”
            Designated DDG 112, Michael Murphy is the 62nd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, capable of conducting operations from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. Michael Murphy is capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and will contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare.
            “USS Michael Murphy, the most flexible, lethal and multi-mission capable ship of its kind, represents the backbone of our surface combatant fleet,” said Adm. Jonathan Greenert, chief of naval operations. “It is one of the best destroyers in the world. This ship will operate forward around the globe, assuring allies, projecting power and defending our nation. And, like its namesake Lt. Michael Murphy, this ship will serve to protect, influence and win in an era of uncertainty.”
            Cmdr. Thomas E. Shultz, a native of El Cajon, Calif., is the commanding officer of the ship and will lead the crew of 279 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Michael Murphy was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and has a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.
            The commissioning ceremony will be live at www.livestream.com/usnavy and you can join the conversation on Twitter with the hash tag #MURPH.
            Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at 703-697-5342.

Additional information on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers is available online at http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=900&ct=4 .

R.I.P. - Master Chief Petty Officer Richard J. Kessler Jr.

6/10/2012 02:11:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            Master Chief Petty Officer Richard J. Kessler Jr., 47, of Gulfport, Fla., was found deceased in his berthing compartment June 8 on board USS Enterprise (CVN 65). He was assigned to Enterprise as a logistics specialist. Enterprise is currently deployed to the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility conducting operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

            For further information related to this release, contact Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet Public Affairs at 011-973-1785-4027.

---

from TBO:
By HOWARD ALTMAN | The Tampa Tribune
Published: June 09, 2012
Updated: June 09, 2012 - 8:58 PM

A sailor from Gulfport was found dead in his berthing compartment aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise in the Middle East on Friday morning, according to a ship spokeswoman.

Master Chief Petty Officer Richard J. Kessler, 47, was found dead in his compartment at 7 a.m. local time, according to Lt. Com. Sarah Self-Kyler.

The cause of death is under investigation, said Navy Lt. Greg Raelson.

"The Navy is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our shipmates," Raelson said. "Our deepest thoughts and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time."

Kessler was the leading chief petty officer for the supply department and oversaw about 500 sailors, according to Self-Kyler.

He was in charge of making sure the Enterprise was fully stocked with food and supplies, said Self-Kyler.

"He was well known on the ship and very well liked by the sailors who reported to him and everyone else," she said.

Despite the death, morale on the ship is strong, said Self-Kyler.

"We are carrying on the way he would have wanted us to," she said.

Kessler joined the Navy in 1984 and has been on the Enterprise since April 2011.

The Enterprise is supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. About 4,800 sailors and Marines are aboard the Enterprise.

Kessler received several awards during his time in the service:

Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achieve Medal (4), Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy "E" Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, NATO Medal, Rifle Marksmanship, Pistol Marksmanship

R.I.P. - Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas

6/01/2012 11:41:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas, of Greensboro, N.C., died May 30 while conducting combat operations in Panjwa’l, Afghanistan. He was assigned to Naval Base Kitsap Security Detachment in Bremerton, Wash.

            For more information, media may contact the Naval Base Kitsap public affairs office at 360- 627-4030 or 360-627-4031.

---

from myfox8.com (more photos here):

GREENSBORO, N.C. — A Navy K-9 handler from Greensboro was killed in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean E. Brazas, of Greensboro, died while conducting combat operations in Panjwa’l, Afghanistan.

He was assigned to Naval Base Kitsap Security Detachment in Bremerton, Wash.

Brazas, 26, leaves behind a wife and a 13-month-old daughter. He was originally from Greensboro and graduated from Western Guilford High School.

Sean’s father Ed Brazas told the News and Record the family learned Thursday his son was shot while trying to help someone get into a helicopter.

Brazas’ K-9 partner — Sicario — was with him at the time of his death, but survived. Sicario was treated for heat stress and is expected to be OK.

Ben Gleason, who has been friends with Brazas since high school, said Brazas recently moved to Seattle where he had planned to marry his fiancé.

Gleason described Brazas as a person who was known to lift the spirits of those around him.
“Which is why it’s such a shock to hear that he’s gone… I still can’t believe it. As the day goes on, it sinks deeper and deeper,” Gleason said.

Gleason, who owns a gym in Greensboro, said he plans dedicate a workout in Brazas’ honor.
“I always thanked him for being brave and doing what he does for our country,” Gleason said.

In an official statement from the Navy, Capt Pete Dawson, Naval Base Kitsap commanding officer, said “Sorrow fills our hearts at this sad moment. The news of the untimely death of Petty Officer Sean Brazas has resounded through the entire Naval Base Kitsap command. My sincerest sympathies go forward to the entire Brazas family and friends. It is difficult indeed to find words to express our regret at the death of this splendid young man”.

“I want to thank everyone for their support and we ask that our family privacy be respected. My husband died serving his country. He loved his job. We will all miss him and we will never forget him. He is my hero.” Mrs. Allie Brazas, wife of the deceased.

The funeral arrangements are incomplete, but Ed Brazas told the paper his son will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his grandfather, a World War II veteran.

The family said they are also planning a memorial in Greensboro.

The death raised the number of coalition troops who have died in Afghanistan this year to 176.

R.I.P. - Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan J. Wilson

5/26/2012 01:21:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

            The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

            Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan J. Wilson, 26, of Shasta, Calif., died of complications associated with a medical condition May 20 in Manama, Bahrain. Wilson was assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters in Bahrain.

            For further information related to this release, contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command / U.S. Fifth Fleet Public Affairs at 011-973-1785-4027.

---

from Redding Searchlight:

A Navy sailor from Shasta has died, officials with the Department of Defense announced Friday.
Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan J. Wilson, 26, of Shasta, died Sunday in Manama, Bahrain, because of complications associated with a medical condition, DOD officials said.

Wilson, who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, was assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command headquarters in Bahrain, the DOD said.

Wilson, the son of Tracie and James Wilson, of Redding, was a 2004 graduate of Shasta High School in Redding, according to a 2005 Record Searchlight article.

A Navy website said Wilson was named in March as the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Sailor of the Quarter for the first quarter of the 2012 fiscal year.

Wilson, who was identified as an intelligence specialist, was "recognized for the exemplary performance of his duties as indications and warnings leading petty officer on the maritime operations center watch floor, from October to December 2011."

Wilson joined the Navy in 2004 and reported to the Naval Forces Central Command in August 2011.
A letter of commendation, which accompanied Wilson's Sailor of the Quarter award, reads in part: "Your enthusiastic leadership emphasized the responsibility of Sailors to mentor junior personnel, eliminate communication problems, enhance career development, and inspire senior petty officers to assume leadership roles."

Wilson's supervisor, Chief Intelligence Specialist Jeremy Embree, said Wilson was selected based on his merits and professionalism.

Wilson's participation in two community relations projects also contributed to his selection, the Navy website said.

He was part of a group of sailors who met and spoke with American studies students from the University of Bahrain in an effort to increase cultural understanding. He also volunteered to tutor elementary schoolchildren at the Department of Defense Dependents School in Bahrain.

CNN reported that Wilson's death was the 3,000th death among coalition forces in the Afghanistan war, according to its count based on information provided by the U.S. Defense Department and the International Security Assistance Force.

He was the 1,974th U.S. death in the war that started Oct. 7, 2001, and the 3,000th overall death from the U.S.-led international coalition engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom.
The coalition includes 50 countries. Britain has the second-largest number of dead from the mission at 414, according to the CNN figures.

But iCasualties.org, which tracks military casualties in Afghanistan, reports there have been 3,011 coalition military fatalities there since 2001.

Funeral services for Wilson are pending at Allen & Dahl Funeral Chapel in Redding.

R.I.P. - Lt. Christopher E. Mosko

4/28/2012 05:13:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

DOD Identifies Navy Casualty

                 The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom.

                 Lt. Christopher E. Mosko, 28, of Pittsford, N.Y., died April 26 while conducting combat operations in Nawa district, Ghazni province, Afghanistan.   Mosko was assigned as a Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Platoon Commander to Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force, Afghanistan. Mosko was stationed at EOD Mobile Unit 3, San Diego, Calif.

                 For further information related to this release, contact Lt. David Bennett at 619-767-1989 or 619- 405-4020.

---

Mosko was assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 3 in Coronado.
In Afghanistan, he was a platoon commander for a Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force.
Lt Mosko was qualified as an explosive ordnance expert, a free-fall parachutist and a scuba diving instructor. He was in the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at Villanova University in Pennsylvania and was commissioned in May 2007.
His awards include a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart, both posthumous.

US Navy rescues Iranians held hostage by pirates

1/06/2012 10:39:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

A US Navy ship has rescued 13 Iranians held hostage by Somali pirates for weeks in the Arabian Sea, US military officers said Friday.
The USS Kidd, a destroyer, responded to a distress call from an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel and a Navy team boarded the boat, freeing the Iranian crew and detaining 15 suspected pirates, the Fifth Fleet said in a statement.

ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 5, 2012) The guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) responds to a distress call from the master of the Iranian-flagged fishing dhow Al Molai, who claimed he was being held captive by pirates. Kidd's visit, board, search and seizure team, boarded and detained 15 suspected pirates, who were reportedly holding the 13-member Iranian crew hostage for the last two months. Kidd is conducting counter-piracy and maritime security operations while deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)
hi-res

As described in the Navy press release, the VBSS team recovered the fishing dhow Al Molai from the 15 suspected pirates without resistance.

“After securing the ship and ensuring the safety of all persons on board, we began distributing food and water to both the crew and the suspected criminals as is our standard practice in Counter-Piracy operations,” said [NCIS agent Josh] Schminky. The pirates were detained on the Al Molai by the Kidd boarding party until the next morning when they could be transferred to the USS John C. Stennis where the matter will be reviewed for prosecution. The pirates currently remain on the Stennis.
“The Captain of the Al Molai expressed his sincere gratitude that we came to assist them. He was afraid that without our help, they could have been there for months,” said Schminky.

ARABIAN SEA (Jan. 5, 2012) A Sailor aboard a safety boat observes a visit, board, search and seizure team, assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100), board the Iranian-flagged fishing dhow Al Molai. Kidd's visit, board, search and seizure team detained 15 suspected pirates, who were holding a 13-member Iranian crew hostage for the last two months, according to the members of the crew. Kidd is conducting counter-piracy and maritime security operations while deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo/Released) hi-res

USS Carney Disrupts Pirate Attack in Gulf of Aden

12/10/2011 02:27:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

USS CARNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Carney (DDG 64), part of NATO's counter-piracy task force Operation Ocean Shield, worked with other NATO forces and coalition partners to disrupt pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 5.

(April 2007) - The guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) underway in the Caribbean during a training exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Vincent J. Street (RELEASED)

A Japanese maritime patrol aircraft patrolling the area on counter-piracy operations spotted a suspicious skiff with seven suspected pirates aboard and contacted the NATO flagship ITS Andrea Doria who in turn tasked Carney to investigate.

In a coordinated operation, Carney approached the skiff, while the patrol aircraft circled overhead. As the warship appeared on the horizon the skiff attempted to flee however it stopped when hailed.

The patrol aircraft and Carney observed the suspected pirates throwing items overboard. The items were visually confirmed by the patrol aircraft as ladders and other pirate-related equipment.

A team from Carney boarded the skiff and after a thorough search seized the excess fuel and other items useful to piracy activity, before ensuring the skiff had enough fuel to return to the Somali coast.

In 2009, 45 ships were hijacked in the region; so far in 2011, 21 ships have been hijacked effectively halving the number of ships taken. Naval warships have been in the region constantly providing a visible presence and deterrence and this has undoubtedly contributed to the pirates' lack of success.

Carney is currently deployed, assigned to NATO, conducting counter-piracy operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (c) US Navy

24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron 8 conduct training off Florida coast

12/07/2011 11:48:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7) OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA-Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct rifle movement drills during sustainment training aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Dec. 6, 2011. Lance Cpl. Michael Petersheim, 12/6/2011 4:33 AM

12/6/2011 By 24th MEU Public Affairs Office , 24th MEU

OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA —

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Amphibious Squadron 8 have sailed down the Eastern seaboard from their home stations of Camp Lejeune, N.C., and Norfolk, Va., to conduct a training exercise off the coast of Florida in preparation for their deployment scheduled for early next year.

The Marines are planned to be operating around the Mayport, Fla. area in the coming days as part of Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) – a test of the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to rapidly plan and execute a number of missions based off scenarios they could possibly face once deployed.

The current scenario has the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 preparing for a wide variety of missions in a fictional country in the vicinity of Naval Station Mayport near Jacksonville, Fla. This training mission is similar to the type of real-world operations the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 participated in during their last deployment in 2010.

Approximately 2,100 Marines are participating in COMPTUEX and are currently embarked aboard the amphibious assault ships that comprise PHIBRON 8 – USS Iwo Jima, USS New York and USS Gunston Hall. The training is scheduled through Dec. 21 and will include a number of exercises including a non-combatant evacuation of personnel; visit, board, search and seizure of maritime vessels at sea; and aviation training for the various aircraft of the 24th MEU. The Marines will conclude the exercise with an amphibious assault and offload back at Camp Lejeune, N.C.

“This training provides the 24th MEU the opportunity to exercise their abilities as a Marine Air Ground Task Force synchronizing the ground, air and logistics elements of its Battalion Landing Team, Aviation Squadron, and Combat Logistics Battalion,” said Col. Frank Donovan, commanding officer, 24th MEU.

“The missions we’re conducting with our Navy counterparts off the Florida coast are complex and the unique opportunity we have to train in Florida, in unfamiliar territory, will better prepare us for what we may face once deployed,” said Donovan.

While the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 are operating in the Jacksonville and Mayport areas, locals may notice increased aviation operations with MV-22 tilt-rotor aircraft and CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters. Marines will be on the ground conducting their humanitarian assistance scenario in the vicinity of Naval Station Mayport later this week.

The training is meant to develop cohesion between the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 in conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations while operating from the sea.

“We appreciate this opportunity to train somewhere new and appreciate the support from the Jacksonville area,” added Donovan.

The training off of Florida is planned to conclude early next week when the 24th MEU and PHIBRON 8 sail north back to the coast of North Carolina.

Private First Class Robert Roessler, a rifleman with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, sights in on his M-16 A4 service rifle during training drills aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Dec. 6, 2011.Lance Cpl. Michael Petersheim, 12/6/2011 4:29 AM

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a practice combat reload of their service rifles with their eyes closed, aboard the USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Dec. 6, 2011. Lance Cpl. Michael Petersheim, 12/6/2011 4:40 AM

Pearl Harbor: Lest We Forget

12/07/2011 11:42:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

December 6th, 2011
The following blog post is written by MC2 Xander Gamble, of Defense Media Activity in Ft. Meade, Md., who is on assignment in Pearl Harbor to capture events commemorating the 70th Anniversary of America’s acknowledged entrance into World War II.

While in Pearl Harbor for the 70th Anniversary of the unfortunate events that occurred on Dec. 7, 1941, I had the opportunity to speak with many civilians and ask their feelings of how they felt about being here for that event. The answers that I received were as wide in variety as the people I interviewed. I even had the opportunity to talk with veterans who were here on the day the attack happened. One veteran told me he received a “free haircut” when a blast had singed his hair. The most important thing that was stressed by every one of these individuals was that, “we should never forget.”

The following are photos of those individuals I had the opportunity to talk with, including Pearl Harbor survivors and people from the USS Utah and USS Missouri memorials. To help us remember Pearl Harbor, please join us, on Facebook, on Twitter, and on YouTube, to remember this anniversary.

The many lives lost to pay for the freedom we enjoy today.

Dec 7,1941: A Day that Lives in Infamy

12/07/2011 11:38:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

On this day, in 1941, December 7th, 353 planes from 6 Japanese Aircraft Carriers launched a surprise attack on the United States Military, particularly the US Navy Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The surprise attack came in the middle of diplomatic negotiations between the US and Japan in Washington DC, and killed 2,402 Americans and 64 Japanese, forcing the United States into war with the Axis, including both Japan & Germany, under the dictatorship of the National Socialist Party.
The intent of neutralizing the US Navy served only to awaken the Sleeping Dragon.

Until that day, anti-war protests had prevented Roosevelt's resolve to ally the US with Britain and the Soviet Union against Germany. Not even the slaughter of 200,000 Chinese civilians by Japanese Troops at Nanking, in December 1937, had been sufficient to turn the protestors against the Japanese.

By the end of the war, Germany would count approximately 7 Million killed (in addition to the 6 Million Jews murdered) and the Japanese nearly 3 Million. The United States suffered 418,500 killed and the British 450,900, as well as the Canadians 45,400. The Soviets sacrificed 23.4 Million due to their use of people, soldiers and civilians alike, in human waves. China lost between 10 and 20 Million, mostly civilians at the hands of the Japanese.

Navy to Christen Submarine Mississippi

12/02/2011 01:27:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 994-11
December 01, 2011
------------------------------------------------------

Navy to Christen Submarine Mississippi

The Navy will christen its newest attack submarine Mississippi, Saturday, Dec. 3, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, Conn. The Honorable Ray Mabus, secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Allison Stiller, deputy assistant secretary of the Navy for ship programs, is the ship’s sponsor.

The naming of Mississippi, designated SSN 782, recognizes the state’s long-standing tradition of shipbuilding in support of our nation’s defense. It also honors the spirit of the people of Mississippi who have made great strides in recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Mississippi 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, Mississippi will directly enable five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities -- sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security and deterrence.

There have been four previous ships named Mississippi. Most notable, the first, a side wheeler, served as Commodore Matthew Perry’s flagship for his historic voyage to Japan and fought with Adm. David Farragut’s forces on the Mississippi River during the Civil War.

Capt. John McGrath, a native of Neptune, N.J., and a 1990 graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, will be the ship’s commanding officer, leading a crew of approximately 142 officers and enlisted personnel.

The 7,800-ton Mississippi is built under a teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding. It is 377 feet long, has a 33-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths of greater than 800 feet, and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. Mississippi is designed with a nuclear reactor plant that will not require refueling during the planned life of the ship -- reducing lifecycle costs while increasing underway time.

The christening will be carried live at http://www.gdeb.com and the link will become active on the morning of Dec. 3.

Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. For more information, visit: http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4100&tid=100&ct=4 .

Sailors celebrate Enterprise’s 50th birthday

11/29/2011 10:12:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

A logo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)

NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. —
The world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier has turned 50.
Hundreds of current and past crew members gathered Sunday and Monday at Naval Station Norfolk to celebrate Enterprise’s 50th birthday.

There also was a memorial service on Monday to honor those who died while serving aboard “Big E.”
Enterprise was commissioned Nov. 25, 1961, in Newport News. It participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the Vietnam War and launched the first strikes against the Taliban in October 2001. It will deploy one final time in March 2012 and is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2015.


A graphic depicting some of the characteristics of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released) - click on it for hi-res

Sailors spell out "E=MC2" on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ship's commissioning. Enterprise is the first and oldest nuclear powered aircraft carrier still in service and is celebrating its 50th birthday on Nov. 25, 2011. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Alex R. Forster/Released) - click on it for hi-res

Plank owners of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) gather on the flight deck for a photograph during the ship’s 50th birthday celebration. The term “plank owner” is used to identify members of a ship’s commissioning crew. Enterprise is the oldest active ship in the U.S. Navy and is making preparations for her final deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan Carpenter/Released)- click on it for hi-res

USS Enterprise: 50 Years of Service

11/26/2011 07:06:00 AM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

Image via Wikipedia

Today one of the most storied ships in U.S. Navy history broke another record. The world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) became the first aircraft carrier in history to celebrate 50 years of active service. The oldest warship still in active service, ENTERPRISE has participated in every major naval conflict from the Cuban Missile Crisis through six arduous tours in Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, and today’s effort to rid the world of terrorism and piracy.

The following post is written by CAPT William C. Hamilton, 22nd Commanding Officer of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in honor of the carrier’s 50th birthday, November 25, 2011.

Today one of the most storied ships in U.S. Navy history broke another record. The world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) became the first aircraft carrier in history to celebrate 50 years of active service. The oldest warship still in active service, ENTERPRISE has participated in every major naval conflict from the Cuban Missile Crisis through six arduous tours in Vietnam, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, and today’s effort to rid the world of terrorism and piracy.

To serve as Commanding Officer of the Big E is nothing less than an honor and a dream fulfilled. To carry the name ENTERPRISE is a great responsibility and one that I hold dear. As a Student Naval Aviator in 1985, I was qualified to operate from carriers while flying from her deck. As an F/A-18 Hornet squadron Department Head in 1995, I flew patrol and combat missions from her deck. As Executive Officer in 2004, I learned to appreciate the heritage and legacy of the ship and the challenge of operating and maintaining her. And now, as her Commanding Officer, I fully understand that ENTERPRISE is not a piece of steel, pointed at one end and blunt at the other. Rather, ENTERPRISE is the pride, spirit, dedication, and hard work of the 200,000 Sailors that have served aboard and flown from her deck.
There is something special about being an ENTERPRISE Sailor. We have a saying onboard… “There is tough, and there is Enterprise tough.” The reputation is well known throughout the Fleet and well deserved. Sailors studying at Nuclear Power School are often met with chuckles and false condolences when it is learned they will be serving on ENTERPRISE. When they transfer following their tour aboard, the chuckles and false condolences become respect and congratulations. ENTERPRISE Sailors have to work a little harder and a little longer than their peers on other ships. They have to overcome and adapt to the challenges of maintaining a 50 year old piece of hardware for which there are precious few spare parts. And at the end of the day, ENTERPRISE Sailors walk a little taller knowing they kept her “Ready on Arrival” for half a century.

Image via Wikipedia

Through three tours in ENTERPRISE, I have been fortunate to have a part in several milestones, but today is like no other and I expect the days ahead will be moving, to say the least. In the days ahead, I look forward to welcoming home so many of our shipmates, hearing first-hand the many stories of those who served throughout Big-E history, and sharing the bond that each and every ENTERPRISE Sailor knows.

CAPT William “Boomer” Hamilton
Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise (CVN 65)

from Navy Live Blog

Expeditionary unit deploys as America's force in readiness

11/15/2011 11:12:00 PM SgtJim No Comments yet, your thoughts are welcome

A Marine with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit looks on as family members say farewell here Nov. 14. The unit, Amphibious Squadron 5 and USS Makin Island embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego beginning a seven-month deployment through the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.
11/15/2011 By Sgt. Elyssa Quesada
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SAN DIEGO — More than 2,300 Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit began a seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions Nov. 14 after embarking USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor here.
The mission for this forward deployed unit will be to provide a rapid-response force capable of conducting conventional amphibious and maritime operations from sea, by surface or air.
"Our Marines and sailors have excelled throughout our rigorous training cycle, and I am proud to be a part of this organization as we go downrange," said Col. Michael R. Hudson, the 11th MEU's commanding officer.
"We embody the Corps' amphibious heritage with an agile and scalable force able to do great things from sea or land to either solve a given crisis or enable follow-on forces" Hudson said. "We leave our loved ones knowing that we are ready and that they too are well prepared for this deployment"
After pierside goodbyes to friends and family members, the service members left San Diego Bay and sailed westward to assume the role as the amphibious forces in readiness.
The MEU's major subordinate elements are Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 11. This team, along with the unit's command element, has been working together as a complete air-ground-logistics team since May.

11/15/2011 By Courtesy Story , 11th MEU / marines.mil

Cpl. Robert R. Jones directs a tank with Battalion Landing Team 3/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in the well deck Nov. 14. The battalion is the ground combat element for the unit, which embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego and began its seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions. Jones, an 11th MEU combat cargo Marine, is a 24-year-old Toledo,Ohio, native.
11/15/2011 By Sgt. Elyssa Quesada
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An AV-8B Harrier with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268 (Reinforced) lands here Nov. 14. The squadron is the aviation combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego harbor and began its seven-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.
11/15/2011 By Sgt. Elyssa Quesada
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Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron 5 and USS Makin Island man the rails as the ship sails through the San Diego harbor beginning a seven-month deployment through the Western Pacific and Middle East regions here Nov. 14.
11/15/2011 By Sgt. Elyssa Quesada
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Lance Cpl. Will D. Cornell kisses his wife aboard USS Makin Island here Nov. 14. Cornell, 23, is from Clinton, Okla., and serves as a combat engineer with Battalion Landing Team 3/1. The battalion is the ground combat element for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, which embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego beginning a seven-month deployment through the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.
11/15/2011 By Cpl. Tommy Huynh
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Cpl. Kenyatta E. Cone and his family pose for a photo aboard USS Makin Island here Nov. 14. Cone, 21, who hails from San Diego, serves as an administrative clerk for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego beginning a seven-month deployment through the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.
11/15/2011 By Cpl. Tommy Huynh
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Petty Officer 3rd Class Haadi M. Turner hugs her children goodbye aboard USS Makin Island here Nov. 14. Turner, 25, is from Gaitier, Miss., and serves as an operations specialist with USS Makin Island. Marines and sailors with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Amphibious Squadron 5 and USS Makin Island in San Diego beginning a seven-month deployment through the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.
11/15/2011 By Cpl. Tommy Huynh
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Lance Cpl. Erick Lundrigan, 21, hugs his wife before deploying aboard USS Makin Island here Nov. 14. Lundrigan is from Lynn, Mass., and serves with the ship's combat cargo detachment. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit embarked USS Makin Island, USS New Orleans and USS Pearl Harbor in San Diego beginning a seven-month deployment through the Western Pacific and Middle East regions.
11/15/2011 By Cpl. Tommy Huynh
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