Month: September 2022

Source: United States Navy

The concrete pour was one of many objectives scheduled to be constructed, including, but not limited to, a 1,440 square foot Butler pre-engineered building, chain link fence with barb wire, gates, and gas cylinder storage racks.

“Today all the hard work of this exceptional crew starts to pay off,” said Construction Mechanic 1st Class Jesse Stachurski, detail officer in charge of NMCB-4. “After months of preparation and planning, it’s uplifting for the team to see the culmination of all their efforts coming to life.”

This project will increase available storage for construction gas cylinders, allowing for more robust infrastructure projects to be undertaken as a result.

“I have 3rd Class petty officers leading me on this concrete placement, teaching me new skills and techniques,” said Stachurski. “As a leader, you must be willing to learn from your Sailors and their experience if you have any hopes to effectively lead them and expect them to follow you.”

Although 12 NMCB-4 personnel were physically doing the work, this placement would not be possible without the effective interoperability between dozens of people across multiple commands, services, and sectors.

“This was my first opportunity to place formwork in preparation for a concrete pour,” said Builder 3rd Class Anthony Sacco, a crewmember assigned to NMCB-4. “It helped hone my skills as a Builder.”

To ensure mission success, every crewmember needed to work effectively, time efficiently, and in a synchronized manner to make sure that the concrete did not incorrectly harden.

“I’ll be able to pass down what I’ve learned to someone else, especially since the majority of what we do comes from on the job training,” said Sacco. “It’s vital to learn how to do things correctly to prevent accidents from happening.”
NMCB-4 is forward deployed throughout the Indo-Pacific region and United States territories to support and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. As the stand-in, crisis response, naval engineering force, NMCB-4 maintains a ready posture to deliver in-theater expeditionary logistics via expeditionary shore infrastructure, forward damage repair, and mobile construction

For more news from U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nsfdg

Source: United States Navy

For the Navy, combat readiness means having the most advanced equipment, technology and the best trained personnel to win any battle, including battles within the mind.

It’s a battle the Navy has been combatting since the service’s inception, and with no small amount of loss. According to the Department of the Navy Human Resources, 74 active-duty Sailors took their own lives in 2019, the highest number of suicides in a single year within the past 15 years. Since then, the suicide rates have been on a downward trend, due in part to the resources and tools the Navy provides for Sailors who may be experiencing mental health crises.

“One of the things that contribute to suicide related behaviors is difficulties within relationships,” said Lt. Odelia McFadden, ship’s psychologist. “Many of our resources focus on improving relationships with spouses and family members, but there are also plenty of resources that can help single Sailors as well.”

These resources include chaplains and religious ministries, ship psychologists, Deployment Resiliency Counselors (DRC), drug and alcohol advisory programs, Military One Source, medical care plans that provide for psychotherapy and a multitude of other programs and services that focus on helping Sailors navigate the biggest stressors of life. Although these resources are available to all Sailors, they can only assist those who know about them.

“Some individuals may be thriving and don’t necessarily need these resources at this time in their lives,” said McFadden. “Just being aware of what’s available to them is extremely important in case they might need help in the future.”

The Navy is following the National Alliance of Mental Illness in designating the month of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness month, which is focused on highlighting all the mental health resources available, helping to improve quality of life and promoting general mental health and wellness.

“The goal of the month is to highlight signs and signals put out by those experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideation,” said McFadden. “It’s all about educating the community on recognizing these risk factors and showing them what they can do to better help and support their fellow shipmates and members of the community.”

Another goal of the month is to destigmatize seeking help for mental health related issues and encourage Sailors to utilize the resources available to them, which was the driving force behind organizing the Mental Health Wellness Fair for Vinson Sailors.

“So many people struggle with mental health issues,” said Capt. P. Scott Miller, commanding officer of Vinson. “Even if it’s just one Sailor that we can help today by connecting them with the right resource, then it’s well worth the effort.”

The wellness event kicked off with a 5k Run for Life, followed by yoga in the park, where there were several vendor booths offering goodies and fun challenges, as well as information on their services. There were representatives from Fleet and Family Support Center, Navy Marine Corps Relief Society and Support the Enlisted Project (STEP), as well as Sailors from Vinson’s Medical and Command Religion and Ministries Departments.

“To be able to place faces and names with these resources in a welcoming environment like this is extremely beneficial to Sailors,” said McFadden. “They’re making a connection, which opens the door to utilize these services when they may really need it, and that can save a life.”

The highlight of the fair was the miniature horses and donkeys brought in by Cornerstone Therapeutic Riding Center (CTRC), a San Diego non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of wounded and recovering service members, veterans, first responders and their families through equine therapy.

“The horses are very adept at picking up on energies and they mirror back to people what’s going on inside of them,” said Judy Beckett, executive director and founder of CTRC. “We see people have profound epiphanies and personal insights through interacting with the horses. They have these amazing super powers.”

The riding center provides equine therapy to service members at no charge and signup sheets were available at the fair for Sailors interested in trying the program. Sailors were also able to pet the horses and donkeys, and a few volunteered to lead them through obstacle courses as part of a herding relay.

“They’re cute, they’re cuddly, they help with my mental health; I love them,” said Seaman Maria Lugo, a Vinson Sailor from deck department and relay race winner.

Vinson is currently going through a maintenance period at their homeport in San Diego. According to McFadden, maintenance periods heighten the risk of one of the most common factors that lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior: a sense of loss of purpose and belonging.

“Being outside the work environment in a social situation like this reinforces that feeling of belonging and bonding, which is vital for our mental health,” said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, commander, Carrier Strike Group ONE. “It’s a beautiful day, and this is a fantastic event put on by Vinson leadership to take care of their family and team, and I applaud their efforts.”

In addition to the Mental Health Wellness Fair, Vinson has been promoting mental health wellness in other ways this month, including sporting events organized by Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and a calendar of daily activities aimed at reducing stress distributed by McFadden.

It’s all part of a Navy-wide effort to address the issue of suicide head-on and provide service members with the tools they need to overcome their mental adversities.

“Unfortunately, suicide is something that we can never truly eliminate,” said McFadden. “Reduction is the goal, and through mental health resources and events like these that help us promote them, we’re making a solid effort towards reducing suicide rates in the Navy.”

If you are a Sailor or dependent struggling with mental health or financial issues and need support, contact your chaplain, DRC, ship’s psychologist, or any of the below resources:

– Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: dial 988

– Fleet and Family: 1 (866) 923-6478

– American Red Cross: 1 (877) 272-7337

– Navy Marine Corps Relief Society:
Go to NMCRS.org and click “Get Assistance”

– STEP: Support The Enlisted Program:
Go to TeamStepUSA.org and click “Get Help”

Source: United States Navy

During the port visit, Ronald Reagan is scheduled to host several U.S. and ROK dignitaries aboard the ship at a “Big Top” reception and conduct several key leader engagements ashore. USS Benfold (DDG 65) pulled into Chinhae as part of the strike group’s visit.

“The Ronald Reagan Strike Group’s visit is of strategic importance to the U.S. and Republic of Korea relationship and is a clear and unambiguous demonstration of U.S. commitment to the Alliance,” said Rear Adm. Buzz Donnelly, commander, CSG 5. “We’re excited to return to Busan. Our presence and commitments to the Republic of Korea and the Indo-Pacific region are not new, and visits like this are part of our routine operations in the region that have helped maintain peace for more than 70 years.”

This visit is the ship’s first to Busan in nearly five years, and first to the ROK in nearly four years.

“As always, we look forward to every opportunity to work with our partners in the Republic of Korea,” said Capt. Fred Goldhammer, Ronald Reagan’s commanding officer. “Thank you to the government and people of Busan for hosting us in our return visit, which will undoubtedly further strengthen our ties. The people of Busan have always warmly welcomed our Sailors to their city and I know the crew is excited to explore all that this fantastic city has to offer.”

More than 200 of the ship’s 4,900 Sailors will participate in community relations (COMREL) projects. COMREL events are scheduled at local orphanages and temples that will provide Sailors the opportunity to volunteer and learn about the local culture and people.

The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation office is providing Sailors with cultural and sightseeing tours to experience the attractions Busan and the ROK have to offer.

“As a huge K-Pop fan, I look forward to experiencing the local music scene in Busan,” said Ensign Noah Gratias, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27. “I’m definitely excited to try some local food as well as seeing what the city has to offer.”

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, 7th Fleet interacts with 25 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.

Source: United States Navy

NBSD’s Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and the Navy Exchange sponsored the entertainment, which includes a concert with Kristian Bush, Cassadee Pope and The Destroyers, courtesy of Navy Band Southwest, a car show, food trucks and rides. MWR partnered with sponsor Verkada, a leader in cloud-based enterprise building security and management, to make this event a reality.

MWR will also be hosting multiple events throughout the week to include a 5K the morning of the main event. A complete list of events can be found on the Navy Life Southwest Centennial website.

Access to the event site begins at 9:30am via Gate 9 located at the intersection of Harbor Dr. and 8th St. in National City. Once we reach capacity, we will limit the number of incoming guests until the gate closes at 1:30pm. No other gates will be open to the public. Expect increased traffic along Harbor Dr., and local streets between Harbor Dr. and Interstate 5 from 7am to 3pm.

SHIP TOURS:
The following ship classes will be available for tours; an amphibious assault ship (LHD/LHA), an amphibious transport dock (LPD), two destroyers (DDG/DDG 1000) and a littoral combat ship (LCS). Please be aware that ships cannot accommodate persons with disabilities and there are no COVID-19 mitigations in place on the base or the ships. Water and bathrooms are available before guests enter the ship tour area but not inside the fenced enclave where the ships are moored.

Ship tour do’s and don’ts;
 Do’s:
• Do bring a valid state/federal ID if you are 18 and older
• Do cooperate with security (think entrance procedures for an amusement park or concert)
• Do wear comfortable clothing, not loose fitting
• Do wear closed toed shoes without heals
• Do prepare to wait for an hour or more to tour a ship
• Do listen closely to the tour guides on the pier and ship
 Don’ts:
• Don’t bring children under the age of 6 or who cannot walk on their own
• Don’t bring prohibited items (see list below)
• Don’t wonder around inside the enclave where the ships are
• Don’t let kids wonder unsupervised

PROHIBITED ITEMS:
• Large Ice Chests and Coolers
• Pets of any kind
• Glass Containers
• All weapons (regardless of permit), firearms, knives, replica or toy weapons, clubs, stun guns, or anything that ejects a projectile
• Mace, Pepper Spray, spray cans or other defensive spray or chemicals
• Fireworks or Explosives of any kind
• Flammable Liquids
• Marijuana/illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia
• Skateboards/bicycles/hover boards
• Gang related clothing/accessories
• Laser Pointers
• Drones/Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• Pop-Up Tents
• Large backpacks or other large bags, oversized camera bags, or large purses larger than 7 inches by 10 inches. **Special consideration will be given to diaper bags, strollers etc. that will accompany small children)**

*** The Department of the Navy does not endorse any non-federal entity, company or sponsor, including their products or services. ***

Source: United States Navy

The Conference on Blue Integrated Partnerships (BIP) and the 2050 Workforce of Tomorrow — hosted by Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, July 29-Aug. 1 — was an opportunity to bring together academia, government and industry to discuss potential climate change-related problems relevant to the mission of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Understanding climate shifts and patterns is vital to the Navy’s global operations and the safety of ships at sea. In addition, the Navy wants to better understand the changing environment in the Arctic Ocean, where melting sea ice is opening the region to expanded maritime and naval activity. Of particular concern are rising sea surface temperatures, waves, tides and currents, and how they affect naval capabilities and effectiveness.

The Conference on Blue Integrated Partnerships (BIP) and the 2050 Workforce of Tomorrow aligned with the Navy and Marine Corps Climate Action 2030 plan, which sets the Department of the Navy on a path to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, while becoming a more capable, agile and lethal fighting force.

Additionally, the Conference on BIP and the 2050 Workforce focused on increasing the diversity and talent pool of STEM (science, technology, education and math), because the innovation needed to fight climate change will require leveraging the talents of a broad spectrum of people.

Purdue Climate Scholars from the six-week BIP Summer Institute for Climate Change and Sustainability also participated in the conference. Ranging from high school to graduate students, the scholars worked in research clusters to tackle the BIP-targeted challenges of sustainability, health and security.

Including this diverse group of students in this conference ensured the next generation of scientific researchers are learning about potential career opportunities supporting the Navy or the Department of Defense.

“ONR was proud to sponsor the Conference on Blue Integrated Partnerships and the 2050 Workforce of Tomorrow, because it aligns with our priorities to increase the diversity of our STEM workforce,” said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Lorin Selby. “A diverse team representing all of our country’s incredible talents is essential for the security of the United States.”

One of the event’s sponsors echoed those sentiments.

“The BIP Summer Institute and Conference was a unique opportunity to connect with a broad spectrum of students, educators, industry and government leaders, and I would recommend anyone interested in building the best future science and technology workforce to attend in the future,” said Dr. Thomas Fu, head of ONR’s Mission Capable, Persistent and Survivable Naval Platforms Department.

According to Dr. Luciano Castillo, director of the conference and institute, and the Kenninger Professor of Renewable Energy at Purdue University:

“Addressing social inequality and engaging the untapped talent in our communities, while solving problems related to climate change, health challenges and security, are major goals of this consortium. By increasing the diversity of the STEM workforce, we will accelerate new innovations that will propel a strong economy — specifically in underrepresented communities.”

The BIP Summer Institute Conference was broken into the following schedule:

• Day one celebrated the achievements of the BIP Summer Institute Fellows. It addressed how to educate and engage the “Year of 2050” workforce on solving pressing big problems — particularly under potential extreme climate conditions.
• Day two focused on sustainable aviation and key challenges facing this industry. It also discussed aviation and defense contracting opportunities in the U.S. commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• Day three focused on matching businesses with historically black colleges and universities/minority institutions (HBCUs/MIs) and minority-owned companies to create an inclusive pipeline, propel innovations and create opportunities and economic growth.
• Day four highlighted sustainability and coastal resiliency, as well as topics related to carbon capture.

Those attending the BIP Summer Conference were able to:

• Meet with potential investors and top federal government leaders and agencies, such as the Department of the Defense, NASA, Department of Education, Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security.
• Recruit diverse STEM talent.
• Learn about current advances in sustainability, research and opportunities to build partnerships with HBCUs/MIs, and how to conduct federal contracting with government partners.

For more information, visit https://blueintegratedpartners.org.