Month: May 2022

Source: United States Navy

Representing NTTC Lackland at the Pacific Fleet competition were Master-at-Arms 1st Class Lawrence Mills, Master-at-Arms 1st Class Bryan Cortex, and Master-at-Arms 1st Class Eric West.

“I was ecstatic!” said Mills. “With three of our team members being new shooters and for us to place as well as we did was incredible. We took first place in the team rifle competition, which was our most challenging event by far with the weather and wind getting worse later in the day.”

For the rifle competition, each shooter starts by shooting 10 rounds in 10 minutes at 200-yards in the standing position without a rifle sling. Then they move to a seated position and fire two rounds, reload, and shoot eight more rounds in 60 seconds using a sling. Next, at 300 yards, shooters move to the prone position, fire two rounds, reload and fire another eight rounds within 60 seconds. Finally, in the prone position, shooters fire 20 rounds in 20-minutes for 50 rounds total and a potential maximum of 500 points.

The weather got worse as the day progressed, and the winds grew stronger and were constantly shifting directions. That made the rifle competition even more challenging, according to Mills. He also mentioned the “mirage” effect, when heat waves emanating from the ground could affect the bullet’s trajectory like wind currents.

“The most challenging event for me was the pistol because it was single-handed at 50 yards,” said West. “I have only shot two-handed throughout my naval career, but I learned how to read the wind because it was blowing across the range at 24 mph.”

“Be ready to learn,” said Cortez, for anyone who plans to attend and compete in these events. “There is so much knowledge there with retirees, civilians, and military personnel sharing what they know and eager to teach.”

Cortez further shared that pulling the trigger is the easy part; learning to make minor adjustments to compensate for changes in the environment is a skill not easily learned.

Top performers at the competition received either a medal, silver plate, or plaque based on their overall score. The “coolest” award, according to Mills, is an M1 Garand. That award goes to those with the highest scores that demonstrate excellence in competition. There were about 13 people who received an M1 Garand, including Mills.

The Atlantic Fleet and All Navy (East) Rifle and Pistol Championships will conclude on May 22. The top performers from both the Pacific and Atlantic Fleet competitions will compete in the national championship in July at Camp Perry in Ohio.

The Center for Security Forces trains more than 20-thousand students each year. It has more than 14 training locations around the world that carry the motto: “Where Training Breeds Confidence.”

Source: United States Navy

In 2020, Congress passed the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act to recognize the merchant mariners for their courage and contributions during the war.

“In World War II, U.S. Merchant Mariners and their shipmates of the U.S. Navy Armed Guard sailed in harm’s way to deliver what was needed to prevail not only across the Atlantic and Pacific but through the Indian Ocean, and across the Arctic Circle,” Rear Adm. Michael Wettlaufer, Commander, Military Sealift Command stated at the ceremony. “This Gold Medal recognition acknowledges the strategic advantage American mariners brought to the fight in linking domestic production and the fighting forces overseas.”

World War II era Merchant Mariners crewed the nation’s Liberty Ships, which were used to transport critical war-time vehicles, weapons equipment, ordinance and supplies to the European and Pacific Theaters.

“[President Franklin D. Roosevelt] called their mission the most difficult and dangerous transportation job ever undertaken,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said at the ceremony.

Many of the Merchant Mariners who served during World War II never came home as their ships were sunk by enemy forces while traveling to their overseas destinations.

“The price of victory was extraordinary,” declared Wettlaufer. “Of the 250,000 members of the American Merchant Marine who served our country during the war, 12,000 were wounded in action and over 9,000 perished at sea, including 142 cadets from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point, New York, who were killed during the conflict. Their personal sacrifice was great and commitment to our nation’s freedom unparalleled.”

Dave Yoho, a 94-year-old World War II era Merchant Mariner, spoke at the ceremony. Yoho said it was his role to speak at the ceremony for the Mariners of World War II who cannot speak for themselves.

“I’m speaking for 248,500 guys that are already dead,” he told those who attended the ceremony. “One out of 26 of us died, but thousands of us came home deprived of a part of our life.”

“That’s probably one of the least-understood missions that ever was accomplished in modern warfare,” he said of the merchant mariners’ role in supporting the U.S. military.

Yoho urged those in attendance to share the story of the World War II Merchant Marines so that future generation can learn from their sacrifices and dedication.

“And, so, when you’re with others, say to them of what we did; urge them to read about us and find out about us,” Yoho stated. “Greet us today if you can [and] then say to those, ‘we gave up our yesterdays for your better tomorrow’.”

Between 1939 and 1945, 9,521 merchant mariners lost their lives, a higher proportion than those killed in any military branch, according to the National World War II Museum.

The Gold Medal Ceremony included remarks from Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), Congressman Joe Courtney (D-CT) and United States Armed Forces Chiefs.

“Nearly eight decades after World War II, Americans owe our Merchant Mariners an enormous debt of gratitude,” said Pelosi. “Just as your service and courage brought luster to our country and to our nation. May this medal serve as an expression of the American people’s profound respect and gratitude; gratitude to you (the World War II Merchant Marine).

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest expression of national appreciation which the U.S. Congress can bestow for distinguished achievements and contributions. Each medal honors a particular individual, institution, or event, according to the U.S. House of Representatives’ website.

Source: United States Navy

This year’s board will meet in September, according to NAVADMIN 116/22 released May 19. To be considered, initial applications must be postmarked on or before July 1.

Navy officials recommend not waiting until the July 1 deadline, instead encouraging early submission as it allows time for feedback to Sailors if their package is missing required documents or if anything is not readable, the message said.

Those needing additional documentation have until August 1 to submit any additions to their applications.

The message announced temporary changes to the policy this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, impacts to the availability of college aptitude and fitness testing have resulted in exceptions to policy and alternate ways to fulfill those requirements and documentation.

If a Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) was not performed within the last year, a Commanding Officer’s (CO) statement in the endorsement is required to ensure the applicant is within height and weight requirements.

Qualifying college entrance test scores are still required. However, an exception to policy for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and American College Test (ACT) application requirement has been approved for those stationed outside the United States at any time between April 2021 and April 2022, those deployed at any time between April 2021 and April 2022, or those applying for STA-21 nuclear option (STA-21(N)).

Candidates are advised to verify school admission requirements, as the STA-21 SAT/ACT waiver does not supersede a particular university’s SAT/ACT admission requirements. For those unable to test, a command letter indicating testing was not available to them should be included.

To allow more Sailor participation and eligibility in applying, SAT and ACT scores can be from exams taken between July 1, 2017 and July 1, 2022. An exception to policy has been approved for FY-23 extending the SAT and ACT validity window from three to five years.   

In those cases, Sailors must provide their high school cumulative grade point average (GPA). For Sailors who graduated more than five years ago, they must have a minimum of 12 college credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Competition for quotas is keen. Of the 429 applications received for the fiscal year 2022, 394 were board eligible and 55 Sailors were selected. This year’s panel will offer roughly the same opportunity.

Those selected attend college full-time while collecting a paycheck at their current paygrade. The Navy covers tuition through an annual $10,000 stipend. The Sailor is responsible for any costs over that amount. Sailors can use the GI Bill to cover any difference.

Critical to an applicant’s package is a written, personal statement.

“The personal statement is an opportunity for you to ‘speak’ in front of the selection board without physically being there,” said Lt. Cmdr. Edward Kenneweg, who handles commissioning programs on the staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel. “It’s also an opportunity to address any sort of adverse info, such as a low high school GPA.  These selection boards truly embrace the ‘whole person concept’ for selecting candidates.”

The NAVADMIN outlines specific items Sailors should address in the statement. For example, telling the board about sports or other high school activities helps paint a complete picture of the applicant. Discussing your motivation for becoming an officer and what you will bring to the wardroom as a prior-enlisted Sailor is also suggested. 

Just as crucial to what Sailors choose to say in their statement is how they write it.

“The application is a reflection of the applicant,” said David Burmeister, a retired Navy commander who heads selection and placement for STA-21 as well as Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC).  “Spelling and grammar count, so applicants should review their entire packages before submitting.”

Another item to note is to ensure that applications are sent to the right location. For the second year in a row, applications will be sent to Naval Service Training Command in Great Lakes, Il. And not Pensacola where they were sent in years past. 

Details on this year’s board specifics are available in NAVADMIN 116/22. This includes where to send completed applications, Sailor application requirements and command responsibilities in the screening process.

Overall program requirements and application details — as well as program contacts — can be found at https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Naval-Service-Training-Command/STA-21/.

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mynavyhr, Twitter at https://twitter.com/mynavyhr or visit https://www.navy.mil/cnp.

Source: United States Navy

Civilian and military guests gathered to bid fair winds and following seas to Aguilar after a remarkable 30-year career in the Navy, and welcome Pollard.

Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 and George H.W. Bush CSG, presided over the ceremony. Velez emphasized the importance of the capabilities the aircraft carrier brings to the carrier strike group.

“The mark of a strong team – the currency that really matters in the profession of arms – is trust,” said Velez. “Nothing is more important, and you’ve delivered trust through your leadership and prioritization of your team’s development, operating safely, and operational excellence.

He also commended Aguilar on his career in service to the Navy.

“I think it’s a fair bet that a younger Robert Aguilar had no idea 30-plus years ago that he’d one day be the first Texan to lead the aircraft carrier named after President George H.W. Bush,” said Velez. “For the young Sailors in the crowd today, today is an example of where grit, determination, humility, and service can lead you in the U.S. Navy and the United States of America.”

Aguilar, a native of Natalia, Texas, and graduate of Texas Tech University, assumed command of George H.W. Bush in May 2020. During his speech, he lauded the readiness of George H.W. Bush Sailors.

“We have formed a team comprised of three staffs, six ships, 70 aircraft, and more than 7,000 hard-charging, well-trained American Sailors who will be victorious in our pursuit of Peace through readiness,” said Aguilar. “The officers, chiefs, and Sailors of George H.W. Bush are deployment ready. They will perform and fight and win.”

Pollard, a native of Corpus Christi, Texas, and a graduate of United States Naval Academy arrives as George H.W. Bush is preparing for a deployment with CSG-10.

“My vision is to develop you as warriors to be the teachers, leaders, and ambassadors of your families, communities, our ship, the strike group, the United States Navy, and the United States of America,” said Pollard. “Together, we will embody the legacy of service, grit, humility, and resilience of our namesake – President George H.W. Bush… Each of you is an essential member of the Avenger Team and a key to our success. There is nothing we cannot accomplish together.”

George H.W. Bush provides the national command authority flexible, tailorable war fighting capability as the flagship of the carrier strike group which maintains maritime stability and security in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security and is preparing to deploy as the George H.W. Bush CSG. Its major command elements are the aircraft carrier USS. George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron 26, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the Information Warfare Commander.
 

Source: United States Navy

Now in its 17th year, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Captain Charles Maynard, Royal Navy, part of the mission’s multinational command and control structure, serves as the PP22 deputy mission commander.

“Having an international deputy is a great way of saying how important the partner’s element in Pacific Partnership is,” said Maynard. “Additionally and equally important are the host nations we will be visiting, and all the exciting things that we are going to do like medical, engineering, humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) training and outreach activities. This year Pacific Partnership for the UK is a quite a significant contribution, and I am delighted and honored to be the deputy commander.”

Each year, the Pacific Partnership team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. Mercy serves as PP22’s mission platform.

“Mercy provides this amazing capability in terms of number of people that we have here, the medical range of activities that we can provide and the specializations and capabilities of the people we have with us,” said Maynard. “Everyone is critical to make sure this mission runs as successfully as it can be. I want to make sure that every individual feels like they are part of the mission and their contribution is as important as someone else’s.”

This year, the UK’s contributions to Pacific Partnership extend beyond the mission’s deputy commander. Later in the mission, HMS Tamar (P233), a Royal Navy ship, will join the Pacific Partnership team. Additionally, Lt. Lesley Hailey, a navy medical planner from the United Kingdom and Pacific Partnership alumna, is currently embarked aboard Mercy, along with Maynard.

“I was part of Pacific Partnership back in 2016 on the dental team, but my current job is Medical Service Officer (MSO), working with the medical planning team,” said Hailey. “For each port visit, we plan and schedule medical events that take place like side-by-side engagements and environmental health all the way up to surgery onboard.”

Hailey believes participation in Pacific Partnership has many benefits.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to work with different militaries and come out on an American ship,” said Hailey. “I am learning more about my job, things that I can take that back and incorporate in the UK. Pacific Partnership is different, exciting and gratifying to be a part of because we are supporting other nations and giving back.”

Australian Defence Force (ADF) officers representing the Army, Navy and Air Force embarked Mercy as well. These members form a Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) Team that aims to work with host and partner nations, focusing on the human rights of the most vulnerable members of society during disaster and crisis responses as addressed by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

This core team will be joined by ADF medical personnel, who will provide specialized support during port visits throughout the mission.

Royal Australian Navy Lieutenant Vicky Nguyen said it’s important for leaders to understand GPS principles in all situations and operations and to ensure meaningful discussion around how conflict affects men and women differently.

“When I partake in planning of operations back in Australia, I take into consideration the gender impacts and how it is that I could involve more women to have a voice and a seat at the table,” said Nguyen.
Australian Army Major Andy Carroll-Keays said that during PP22, the team plans to educate others on the role of GPS considerations in HADR operations.

“There is a specific event where we have been asked to provide a Women’s, Peace, Security presentation during a humanitarian assistance disaster-relief workshop, and we are working with exercise planners to provide additional engagement opportunities,” said Carroll-Keays.

The PP22 mission affords the GPS team an opportunity to present their knowledge and expertise with both host and partner nations. Their objective is to make sure that the fundamentals behind GPS are being practiced and put into place in all aspects of planning.

“[Our goal is] broadening the general knowledge of GPS and the action plans out there,” said Royal Australian Air Force Flight Lieutenant Sophia Maling. “There is not a specific spot for GPS at the moment like there should be, but it needs to be brought into the planning process to round things out.”

“What makes me most proud or happy to be here is we as a coalition team are learning how to respond to conflict and disaster relief,” added Australian Army Captain Isabella Negus. “We are also having a knowledge sharing eco-system with countries we are going to. It’s all about partnership, trusting each other, learning from each other and ultimately preparing for when the next disaster happens in order to be ready to go and help.”

Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters enduring friendship and cooperation among many nations. The benchmark for mission success is interlaced with the collective efforts of all PP22 team members.

“If we are going to have a successful mission, we need to have the response from the host nations that they feel our presence is genuinely worthwhile, important, and that we make a difference,” said Maynard. “If they can say our contributions have made a difference to their lives, that’s probably the most important thing.”