Month: August 2022

Source: United States Navy

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Banz was commissioned in 2001 from the United States Naval Academy and was designated a naval aviator in 2003. He took command of HSM-40 in March 2021.

Banz expressed his appreciation for the hard work of his officers and Sailors during his tenure at HSM-40. “It has been a true pleasure working alongside you during these past 16 months.  Every day, your efforts directly support the Fleet and serve as an example to naval aviation.  Take pride in knowing your daily excellence builds upon the command’s rich legacy and that your service matters!” 

HSM Wing Atlantic Commodore, Capt. Teague Laguens, expressed appreciation for Banz’s leadership turning the squadron around returning it to the pinnacle of training excellence. 

“It has been a pleasure to watch him lead his team through a challenging time and then earning ‘Model FRS’ accolades from the Commander, Naval Air Forces Aviation Maintenance Inspection Team during the Airwolves’ very recent inspection. The entire Airwolf team should be proud of their noteworthy efforts.” said Laguens.

HSM-40 is one of two MH-60R Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) that train pilots and aircrew of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet, along with foreign students from around the globe. Students train in Naval Aviation’s premiere rotary wing ASW weapons system, the MH-60R “Seahawk.”
 

Source: United States Navy

All five graduating apprentices have completed the painter discipline and were accepted into the program in 2019. Painting, one of seven Trades Apprenticeship concentrations, requires a three-year commitment from apprentices.

“We are excited to welcome the first graduating class of apprentices in many, many years and the next generation of painters to FRCSE,” said Commanding Officer Captain Grady Duffey. “Apprenticeship has a real foothold here at FRC Southeast. Dozens of senior leaders have risen through the ranks in this same capacity. New, fresh and innovative eyes are important to the health of the organization and to the way we do business. I can speak for the whole command when I say we are eager for these young adults to accept their certificates and take on their full-time positions supporting the Naval Aviation Enterprise and our mission in support of the warfighter.”

The ceremony featured guest speakers, including Captain Grady Duffey, FRCSE’s commanding officer, Joe Pickens, St. Johns River State College’s (SJRSC) president, keynote speaker Reggie Valentine, FRCSE’s production lines director and class leader, Gilbert Baez.

In partnership with SJRSC, FRCSE launched the renewed apprenticeship program in 2019, a combination work-study program that provides apprentices with a competitive wage and benefits while learning a journey-level trade.

“Three years ago, SJRSC had the privilege of welcoming the apprentices to the Orange Park Campus,” said Pickens. “As part of this inaugural group, we consider them the pioneers. They experienced the construction of the labs, new systems being launched and tested, and they provided us all with lessons learned. Not to mention, they had to persevere through a pandemic. They have helped to pave the way for future students. For the sake of this program, and the defense of our nation, we all had to adjust and keep moving forward, and we did. It truly is an honor to serve those who are serving our nation.”

Ideal for FRCSE and apprentices alike – by infusing intergenerational learning across the production floor, FRCSE continues the flow of knowledge and expertise from generation to generation.

“When you have different generations coming together, real magic happens. Students are much more interested in the courses because they can learn practical and useful skills, and managers know that their future employees will have the knowledge required to be successful,” said Valentine. “I was in a similar program called PAVE, or Professional Advancement through Vocational Education, in 1983 as a Wage Grade 01 employee earning $4.64 per hour. I graduated from the program five years later as a WG-08 jet engine repairer, certified to disassemble, repair and assemble 13 types of jet engines.”

Like many of the command’s leaders, Valentine has steadily climbed the ranks at FRC Southeast, proving that the Trades Apprenticeship Program, and other similar educational opportunities, can lead to successful and lucrative careers in both the public and private sectors. 

“As a kid, I attended the local air shows and dreamt about what it would be like to work on the huge planes and shiny jets,” said Baez. “Now, I do precisely that – all while serving my country and supporting the heroes that protect our nation and values, and I truly don’t think a person can get luckier.”

Come next summer, FRCSE will see its first large-scale graduation ceremony with more than 80 apprentices across the various areas of study. After completion, graduates begin full-time employment with FRCSE and will be placed among the depot’s production lines as needed. If desired, they may also request a different FRC or detachment if job openings fit their experience.

About Fleet Readiness Center Southeast’s Trades Apprenticeship Program 

The Trades Apprenticeship Program is a paid four-year combination work/study program encompassing seven different fields of study, including aircraft electrician, electronics mechanic, machinist, sheet metal mechanic, painter, aircraft mechanic and pneudraulics mechanic. While in school, tuition and fees are provided for by FRCSE. Upon successful completion of the program, each student will earn a college credit certificate as an Engineering Technology Support Specialist and be offered a full-time position within the federal workforce. Recruitment for the program begins during the fall each year.  

About Fleet Readiness Center Southeast 

Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) is Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, employing approximately 5,000 civilian, military and contract workers. With annual revenue exceeding $1 billion, the organization serves as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy, Naval Air Systems Command, and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers by maintaining the combat airpower for America’s military forces. 

Source: United States Navy

Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, commander, NETC, officially congratulated and awarded Gonzalez with the $2,500 by handing him a poster-size check at an all-hands call.

Gonzalez played a major role during space optimization efforts at NETC headquarters.  Part of the project required the removal of three large electronic filing systems.

“The initial estimate to use contract support for removal was approximately $10,000,” said Lt. Matthew Honabarger, from Coshocton, Ohio, NETC’s antiterrorism officer.  “Petty Officer Gonzalez developed a plan and presented it to leadership. The plan was approved, and he assembled a team and removed all three filing systems, saving the government approximately $30,000.”

Gonzalez also facilitated removing approximately 10 years’ worth of unserviceable furniture and equipment. He relocated approximately $100,000 worth of cubicles and installed 52 cubicles at another NETC building. If the work was contracted, it would have cost the government approximately $200,000.

“This command has been amazing since I got here,” said Gonzalez. “Everyone has been supportive and helpful. My leadership, Lt. Honabarger, leads by example every day. I am humbled and honored to receive the award, however, I had a lot of help along the way with all of the painting, removing filing cabinets and installing cubicles. It was a team effort. I am thankful to the 1st lieutenant office, the front office and the resources management office as they have all helped me with my career development here at NETC.”

The Navy’s Military Cash Awards Program, often called the BeneSuggs Program, rewards any suggestion, invention or scientific achievement which contributes to economy, efficiency or other improvement in government operations.

“Gonzalez is an extraordinarily talented and innovative Sailor who consistently produces impressive results,” said Capt. Keith Beck, NETC’s chief of staff. “He has solved a myriad of challenges by embracing the Navy Core Values and employing a ‘can do’ spirit that is unmatched.  Whatever he does, he simply does it better, faster, and more efficiently, and he does not bring problems forward without proposed solutions.  He is a true professional whose self-help efforts have saved NETC thousands of dollars in contractor costs.”

NETC, led by Rear Adm. Pete Garvin, is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “street to fleet” focus, NETC recruits, trains and delivers those who serve the nation by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters.
 

Source: United States Navy

“The goal of the diving safety assessments is to ensure every diving command is operating safely and within governing standards,” said Senior Chief Brett Husbeck, a diving analyst with NAVSAFECOM’s Expeditionary Warfare Directorate. “If something isn’t correct, we identify the issues and work to get them corrected, which will help prevent mishaps.”
 
During the assessments, analysts detailed several deficiencies with global portable pressure testing chambers, also known as pressure pots, which Navy and Marine Corps divers use to calibrate, compare and test depth gauges.
 
“In U.S. Navy diving, we strictly adhere to the procedures. If we don’t operate within the standards, someone will get hurt,” said the diving analyst.
 
Husbeck, who has a background in welding, said one of the items analysts found during four out of seven assessments was severe rust inside the pressure testing chambers due to trapped moisture.
 
“Over time, the rust can deteriorate the fittings and the welds, which could result in a catastrophic failure,” he said.
 
From there, analysts traced materiel discrepancies identified during the assessments back to planned maintenance system deficiencies.
 
These discrepancies, along with others associated with technical manuals and drawings, were noted in a safety assurance letter and forwarded to NAVSEA’s Supervisor of Salvage, including recommendations to mitigate risks to divers across the naval enterprise.
 
Upon receipt, NAVSEA conducted a thorough review of the technical publications associated with pressure test chamber maintenance and operations, according to NAVSEA’s response letter.
 
Using the information observed and derived from the diving safety assessments, NAVSEA addressed findings and implemented actions to ensure technical and maintenance information is available, accurate and corresponds to the correct pressure test chambers.
 
“Upon completion, NAVSEA sent their response letter and the diving safety assurance letter to dive leaders throughout the enterprise to inform the fleet,” said Capt. Robert Marsh, NAVSEA Supervisor of Diving.
 
Don Ciesielski, director of NAVSAFECOM’s Expeditionary Warfare Directorate, said, “NAVSAFECOM continuously works with other commands to not only keep Sailors and Marines safe, but also enable warfighting readiness throughout the fleet.”
 
“From the assessments and safety assurance letter to the actions and response by NAVSEA, this process illustrates how NAVSAFECOM works with units throughout the naval enterprise to ensure our warfighters are combat-ready, while also mitigating risks to keep the fleet safe.”
 
NAVSAFECOM serves as the naval enterprise lead for non-nuclear safety standards, expertise and oversight of the Navy and Marine Corps Safety Management System (SMS). The command’s mission is to preserve warfighting capability, combat lethality, and readiness by working with its stakeholders to identify, mitigate, or eliminate hazards to reduce unnecessary risk to people and resources.
 
For more NAVSAFECOM information or resources, visit the command website at navalsafetycommand.navy.mil.
 
Deep sea diving related photo: DVIDS – Images – RIMPAC 2022: Multinational Divers Salvage the Deep [Image 2 of 4] (dvidshub.net)
 

Source: United States Navy

 
 A tradition that dates back centuries to the British Royal Navy, baptisms were conducted at sea or in foreign ports. Infants and children were baptized underneath or inside the ship’s bell. After the baptism, the child’s name was engraved on the ship’s bell which remains with the ship until it is decommissioned.
 
“Baptisms onboard a Navy ship are a longstanding tradition,” said Cmdr. Henry P. Eshenour, Laboon commanding officer. “For USS Laboon and crew, it’s a great honor to celebrate the legacy of our namesake and his life of service to our country and our Navy.”
 
The religious rite deepens the relationship between the crew and the namesake, strengthening the sense of community the warship holds with the family.
 
Presiding over today’s baptism was Lt. Ailsa L. Harl, resident chaplain aboard the ship. She reflected on the significance of the service remarking that Laboon’s legacy lives on in the spirit of the ship’s religious services, especially when the namesake family is involved.

“This naval tradition is very common but we don’t see it as often as we used to,” said Harl. “The opportunity to baptize a namesake or legacy baby is tremendous. Being a chaplain aboard a ship named after a chaplain, I find it to be a very sacred privilege and opportunity to come alongside his family, to be able to provide this space for them and to be able to share this community, this team.”
 
This is not the first time a namesake baptism service has been conducted aboard the ship. Five years ago, Lt. Mark Cook baptized Laboon’s great-great-grandniece aboard the ship named for the Pittsburgh, Pa., native.
 
The child’s father, Michael Laboon, who is also a Pittsburgh native, is proud of the connection his family holds with the crew of the Arleigh Burke-class, guided missile destroyer.
 
“It’s an honor to be able to come here and show our respects to Father Jake and all of the crew and to make sure our children understand the importance of having God in their lives and understand how much of a hero Father Jake was,” said Laboon.
 
“Having them baptized here will always have that part of history in our family for generations going forward.”
 
A remarkable athlete at the Naval Academy, Laboon served in the Navy as a submarine officer during World War II. He was awarded the Silver Star for valiantly jumping into mine-riddled waters under heavy enemy fire to rescue a downed aviator.
 
A decade after resigning from Naval service in 1946, Father Jake rejoined the Navy as a chaplain and served for another 23 years, retiring as the Fleet Chaplain of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet.
 
“This is our fourth time coming here,” added Michael Laboon from the deck of the destroyer. “We have met four different commanding officers and every single one of them welcomed us with open arms. All of the crew is very enthusiastic and proud to be on this ship. It’s been very nice to see the different faces throughout the years and it’s always the same love that we feel from this crew here.”