Month: May 2022

Source: United States Navy

Goodfellow Air Force Base was chosen as the location to host the RSC to showcase the successful planning and execution which allowed Navy CTIs back into the esteemed Air Force-led Apprentice Cryptologic Language Analysis program. The seeds for this success were planted long ago by retired master chiefs and active master chiefs alike. Considering the success of their endeavor it was only fitting to honor that effort by hosting the council there.
 
The history of the CTI RSC dates back decades, but it was a nebulous, inconsistent gathering of CTI master chiefs. Circa 2012, retired Master Chiefs Jeff Salazar, Brad McNamar, Shannon Hickman, Barry Armstrong, Rich Robinson, and Edo Forsythe (to name a few), collaborated with senior enlisted CTIs from across the Navy to implement an annual, structured forum.
 
When asked about the purpose and history of the CTI RSC, Salazar offered this insight.
 
“During my time at NAVIFOR (Navy Information Forces Command) (2010-2014), because we were in a steady state of compromise and being reactive, I imagined that we could produce the best group of CTIs that had ever walked the earth, ideally by changing the entire machine, cradle to grave,” said Salazar. “The first steps involved were to analyze root causes, not the symptoms, and then make systematic changes to all MPT&E (Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education) processes for long-term sustainability. This could only be done by the entire CTI (Chiefs) Mess through the RSC.”
 
Attendees are typically CTIs in positions of greater affect, but the entirety of the Mess channels informs and reports to those leaders to represent the overall population of CTIs. Common attendees are senior CIT Sailors in positions such as the CTI Technical Advisor, the Senior CTI Detailer, NAVIFOR, Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT), IWTC Monterey, Goodfellow ACLP (Apprentice Cryptologic Language Program) representatives, Military Personnel Plans and Policy, Naval Operations for Information Warfare, Fleet Cyber Command, Tenth Fleet, Senior Language Authorities, Command Language Program Managers of the larger sites, the CTI Reserve component, and representatives from all CTI Centers of Excellence.
 
The four-day symposium provides a discussion forum for all attendees to brief strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) specific to their domains. They also have the chance to suggest changes to the current status quo, collaborate in person with the CTI body of influence, identify what changes and processes need to be worked, and assign an accountable party to action the due-outs. At the end of the gathering, the CTI Mess exits the Rating Strategy Council with a unified voice and a way forward to incrementally improve the Rate year after year.
 
Master Chief Micah Epley, the host and organizer of the 2022 CTI RSC, offered his insight to the benefits of holding the council at Goodfellow Air Force Base.
 
“We were very fortunate to have the CTI RSC at Goodfellow this year,” said Epley. “CTI’s just returned to Goodfellow for “A” school, so allowing the RSC to see CTI staff and students in action will pay huge dividends down the road. In the Chiefs Mess, we say ‘train your relief’. This week, we all got to see that first-hand and it was a great reminder of why the RSC meets every year to tackle the challenges impacting the CTI rate. I’m very proud to be associated with this group and I know the CTI rate is in very capable hands.”
 
Master Chief Ken Paulsen, who has served in numerous roles of influence for over ten years, also shared his tear-jerking reflection of this process.
 
“Here’s what I find most impressive with this group; many of our members are here to work toward solutions that they will not see to fruition,” said Paulsen. “They will not personally witness the reward for their efforts. They are here simply because it must be done.”
 
One other insight directly from the Technical Advisor to any CTI at any point in their career, Master Chief Scott Welker offered these words of reassurance saying, “Never let quotas deter you from being the best you can be; you control your destiny.”
 
In closing, an ancient Chinese proverb states, “The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time is now.” It is comforting to see leaders like Salazar and McNamar who had that understanding over a decade ago. It is even more reassuring to see the continuous power of the Mess come together each year to plant seeds for trees they will never see. Navy Chief! Navy Pride!

Source: United States Navy

“Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is a powerful presence in the Philippine Sea that serves as a deterrent to aggressive or malign actors and supports a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander, Carrier Strike Group Three. “There is no better way to strengthen our combat-credible capabilities than to work alongside other joint forces to demonstrate our commitment to sovereignty, the region, and a rules-based international order.”

Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9 aircraft, integral to the Air Wing of the Future, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and F-35C Lightning, launched from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) while underway in the Philippine Sea to conduct joint, dynamic deterrence missions with mission support and aerial refueling from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) KC-135 Stratotankers.

“Carrier Air Wing Nine’s highly skilled aviators and Sailors, with the coordination and support from Pacific Air Forces, demonstrated concurrent, multi-axis long range maritime strike capabilities,” said Capt. Lew Callaway, commander, CVW-9. “Naval aviators led a joint team to demonstrate to any potential adversary that we may hold their forces at risk at a time and place of our choice, from every direction.”

Abraham Lincoln, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111) and USS Dewey (DDG 105) trained to their multi-domain mission sets to defend the carrier while supporting strike group-wide capabilities.

The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

The ABECSG consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 including Abraham Lincoln; Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9; Destroyer Squadron 21; Mobile Bay (CG 53); and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and Spruance.

CVW-9 consists of an F-35C squadron, the “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314; three F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons, the “Tophatters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 14; “Black Aces” of VFA 41, the “Vigilantes” of VFA 151; “Wizards” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 133, operating the EA-18G Growler; “Wallbangers” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 117, operating the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye; “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, operating the CMV-22B Osprey; “Chargers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 operating the MH-60S Sea Hawk; and “Raptors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71, operating the MH-60R Sea Hawk.

For more news from CSG-3, http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/USSAL-CVN72#

Source: United States Navy

The band performed in the Queensland cities of Townsville, Cardwell, Brisbane, and Surfers Paradise. Each city was host to performances from the 7th Fleet Band’s Ceremonial Band, as well as public concerts from the Pacific Ambassadors.

“To be here for the 80th commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea is very significant,” said Chief Musician Anthony Smouse, leading chief petty officer for the 7th Fleet Band. “To be able to experience the community and comradery with our Australian counterparts has been very gratifying to us during this trip.”

The commemoration services featured veterans, active-duty senior leadership, and public officials from both the U.S. and Australia, all acknowledging the importance of the Battle of the Coral Sea and the U.S.-Australian alliance.

“We commemorate these events because, often times, when reading about them and learning about them second-hand, we lose perspective for the real impact they had on people,” said Lt. Matthew H. Anderson, 7th Fleet bandmaster. “Many of those who fought heroically, or who played a part, are no longer with us. It’s important to keep their stories alive and honor them. As they say here in Australia, ‘Lest We Forget.’”

During the commemoration ceremonies, the Ceremonial Band was able to perform alongside their counterparts from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Band Queensland, as well as one concert with the Surfers Paradise Brass Band.

“There is a special bond and kinship between those who serve in military bands that extends all around the world,” said Anderson. “We have performed alongside the RAN Band many times over the years, and in fact, the bandmaster for the RAN Band Queensland, Mike Vaughn, and I played alongside one another 15 years ago for these same commemorations. That bond, and these relationships, last a lifetime – and I believe represent the U.S.-Australia partnership well beyond musical endeavors.”

“It’s great to have the 7th Fleet Band here with us,” said Chief Petty Officer Mike Vaughan, bandmaster for the RAN Band Queensland. “I met with some of them back in 2007, so it’s nice to have them back. The U.S.-Australian partnership is as strong as it’s ever been, and it shows through our engagements today.”

In between the ceremonies and public concert events, the members of the 7th Fleet Band were able to enjoy some liberty and explore Queensland.

“Australia is such a beautiful country with so much to offer for visitors,” said Musician 3rd Class Kevin Clancy, a trombonist in the 7th Fleet Band. “From hiking trails to snorkeling near reefs, it was definitely a great experience. I can’t wait to come back.”

The U.S. 7th Fleet Band is one of 11 U.S. Navy Fleet Bands, and provides musical support for ships, military bases, foreign dignitaries, and many community relations events throughout the Western Pacific.
The U.S. 7th Fleet Band was created in 1948, shortly after the U.S. 7th Fleet’s establishment in 1943. The Band has performed for millions of people throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The band is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and embarks aboard USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), flagship for the U.S. 7th Fleet, during patrols and deployments. The band also conducts theater security cooperation engagements on behalf of the U.S. Navy with partners and allies across the region.

Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy

The ceremony was held in the ship’s vehicle stowage area, with Rear Adm. Chris Engdahl, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7, presiding.

Robinson’s tour included two forward-deployed patrols in support of ESG-7, most recently a composite deployment, participating in Exercise Noble Fusion with the USS America (LHA 6) Amphibious Ready Group, and Exercise Cobra Gold 22 alongside the Royal Thai Navy.

“The ship is just a big pile of steel, fuel and electronics with her crew,” said Robinson, addressing the ship’s crew. “They’re the ones who bring her to life. She is alive, fully certified, two solid patrols under her belt, coming out of the last major yard period ready to put to sea for whatever tasking her nation needs. I cannot put into words how proud I am of this crew.”

Stevens had previously served on the Joint Staff as the assistant deputy director for the Middle East.

“I’m blessed and honored to have this opportunity to lead a forward-deployed warship again, at sea,” said Stevens. “To the officers, chiefs and crew: Your trust in each other and cohesion were evident from the moment I stepped on the brow. This ship and her crew are ready to fight tonight.”

Stevens graduated from Savannah State University and commissioned 1999. He served aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5), USS Mahan (DDG 72), USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 42), USS Juneau (LPD 10) and USS Denver (LPD 9), and on the staffs of Commander, Task Force 70 and U.S. 7th Fleet. He was the executive officer and commanding officer aboard USS Germantown (LSD 42).

Robinson’s next assignment will be as Commodore of Amphibious Squadron 1 in San Diego.

Green Bay, part of Amphibious Squadron 11, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.