Month: August 2022

Source: United States Navy

The training included; Chemical, Biological and Radiological Defense (CBRD) classes, Abandon Ship Drills, Main Space Fire Drills and other practical and scenario-driven damage control events.

“The goal is to feel confident and comfortable with all the different damage control scenarios we may come across,” said Capt. Zachary Daniels, Ship’s Master for Medgar Evers. “We want to know whatever emergency comes up, whether it’s DC, CBRD, firefighting or any other type of damage control scenario we’re able to respond appropriately.”

Earlier this year, Medgar Evers completed a shipyard availability for overhaul/dry-docking. They recently began their Shipboard Qualification Trials (SQTs) in preparation for upcoming operations. The crew has undergone somewhat of a turnover, so this training gave them the opportunity to strengthen their team dynamic.

“Coming out of the shipyard we retained a lot of crewmembers, but we have some new people too. So part of this is just getting us back in the habit, brushing the dust off and learning to work with new team members, and learning to work together so everyone will know their role during an emergency,” said Daniels.

MSC’s Afloat Training Team consists of former and current Civil Service Mariners (CIVMARs) who are familiar with shipboard operations. They also know how critical MSC is to maintaining operability across the wide-ranging military spectrum.

“I like to remind them when we’re out doing trainings that while they are civilian mariners, they’re not working for the commercial sector,” said MSC Afloat Training Team Instructor Mario Majors. “When they’re underway on these ships and conducting operations, they’re working for the Department of the Navy. They’re supporting the operating fleet, and they provide a vital service. If they become mission ineffective, the fleet will not be able to carry out their mission. They need to be able to keep the ship afloat so the fleet can carry out its mission.”

Source: United States Navy

Throughout the past week and a half, Forrest Sherman conducted operations with Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Almirante Juan de Borbón (F-102) of the Spanish Navy, Barbaros-class frigate TCG Kemalreis (F-247) of the Turkish Navy, and Kortenaer-class frigate HS Kountouriotis (F462) of the Hellenic Navy.

Together as members of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2), the ships in the task group performed unique and tactical events such as live fire gunnery exercises, electronic warfare exercises, air defense exercises, and communication exercises. While operating together provides for increased interoperability and improved communications during dynamic exercises, it also directly supports the purpose and principles outlined in the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept.

NATO Heads of State and Government approved a new Strategic Concept for the Alliance in Madrid on June 29, 2022, setting out the Alliance’s priorities, core tasks and approaches for the next decade. The Strategic Concept describes the security environment facing the Alliance, reaffirms NATO’s values, and spells out NATO’s key purpose of ensuring our collective defense. It further sets out NATO’s three core tasks of deterrence and defense; crisis prevention and management; and cooperative security.

The previous Strategic Concept was adopted at the NATO Lisbon Summit in 2010. Since the end of the Cold War, it has been updated approximately every 10 years to account for changes to the global security environment and to make sure the Alliance is prepared for the future.

“Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) is dedicated to put into practice the core tasks outlined in the Strategic Concept,” said Rear Adm. Scott Sciretta, commander, SNMG2. “By operating as one team in the Mediterranean, we prioritize focusing on continuous improvement as our adversaries rapidly increase capabilities and demonstrate intent to threaten our national interests. The Alliance is stronger together and we will continue to demonstrate how our combat-credible, forward deployed fleet is the most potent, flexible and versatile instrument of military power. Just as we succeed when we operate together at sea, port visits also are key opportunities to continue to build those vital relationships with our Allies and Partners.”

While in port Souda Bay, Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of tours across the island of Crete, while enjoying local foods, art, history and outdoor activities. Additionally, there will be two community relations (COMREL) events at Kalathas and Stalos beaches where Sailors will assist in a clean-up effort.

“Forrest Sherman Sailors and our NATO allies in SNMG2 are on the leading edge of the Chief of Naval Operations’ Navigation Plan 2022,” said Cmdr. Lawrence Heyworth IV, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). “This task group is strengthening integrated deterrence and strengthening strategic partnerships every day we sail together.”

USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) is the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2), a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat and provides the Alliance with a continuous maritime capability to perform a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, who attended the ground-breaking ceremony two years ago, spoke at the event for the new Naval History and Research Center (NHRC).

“History shows that the Navy that adapted better, learned faster and improved faster gained warfighting advantages over the long haul,” said Gilday. “Stories of the past help us heed the warnings of history while helping us to reflect on and sustain our legacy as the world’s premier maritime force.”

Gilday explained, “This building and the stories and artifacts within will preserve the experiences and lessons of the past; use the Navy’s legacy of valor and sacrifice to inspire current and future generations of Sailors; and let those who serve today know that their sacrifice will always be remembered, honored, and valued.”

The new site, made up of two former ordnance factories and warehouses, has now been refurbished into a single state-of-the-art, 2-floor structure that maintains the building’s national historic district status.

“The Washington Navy Yard is significant to the early history of the U.S. Navy, the development of Washington, D.C., and the nation for its role in the manufacturing of ship equipment, advances in ordnance, and naval administration,” said NHHC Director Sam Cox. “Not only will this building continue to be a historic site, but it will be dedicated to preserving all our future naval artifacts.”

NHHC and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Washington began collaborations in 2018 to convert the two adjoining buildings. The NHRC will now house NHHC’s Navy Art Collection and Underwater Archeology Branch (UAB) of the Collection Management Division and Histories and Archives Division, including the Navy Library and Archives Branch.

These divisions have long served researchers and the public in their research and inquiries about naval history.

NHHC is entrusted to protect and present naval art, artifacts, and archeological collections to the public, and these renovations have modernized the command’s artifact protection capabilities. The upgrades also comply with mandates to create a facility that can preserve artifacts and restore pieces for future generations.

The building complies with Navy Facilities Criteria (F.C.) 4-760-10N (“Navy Museums and Historic Resource Facilities”), and the archives now meet National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) Directive 1571 for archival requirements for temperature, humidity, and daylight control.

“[UAB] is thrilled to be moving into the renovated spaces,” said Kate Morrand, Director, Archaeology and Conservation Laboratory. “The archaeological collections recovered from U.S. Navy sunken and terrestrial military crafts will benefit considerably from these improved facilities and an updated curation environment. These buildings will contribute to each branch’s mission and long-term preservation of the Navy’s unique and irreplaceable cultural resources.”

Since the early 1800s, the Washington Navy Yard has been a collection point for naval artifacts and trophies. In this effort, the two buildings were converted from munitions storage facilities where they will house artifacts for years to come.

“One building was built in the 1850s and the other in the late 1800s,” said Gregory Rismiller, NHHC’s facilities program manager. “Although the buildings had renovations throughout the years, they were never built to store, preserve, or conserve our artifacts. So these artifacts were in danger of disintegrating.”

Building 46 was originally constructed in 1851-52 as a Copper Rolling Mill and was enlarged in 1899 to function as a Cartridge Case Factory. It is significant for its architectural qualities as a critical component of the integrated industrial system at the Navy Yard and its role in producing ordnance for the Naval Gun Factory. Building 67 was constructed from 1899 to 1917 as a series of additions to Building 46.

NHHC, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for preserving, analyzing, and disseminating U.S. naval history and heritage. It provides the knowledge foundation for the Navy by maintaining historically relevant resources and products that reflect the Navy’s unique and enduring contributions through our nation’s history and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis, and interpretive services. NHHC comprises many activities, including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archeology, Navy histories, 10 museums, the USS Constitution repair facility, and the historic ship Nautilus.