Month: October 2022

Source: United States Navy

The fire fighters received a tour of the ship, an equipment demonstration, and compared and discussed the different methods and tactics each counterpart utilized whilst firefighting.

“As an Assistant Chief with the San Francisco Fire Department, I feel a lot more prepared and confident,” said Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac, a 25-year veteran of the San Francisco Fire Department. “This is a great, great way of not only building relationships but also gathering takeaways and seeing the equipment that the U.S. Navy uses.”

The firefighters were introduced to specific tools such as the hydraulic rescue tool, the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), navy personal protective equipment (PPE), the aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) and halon gas systems, and other various firefighting equipment onboard the Princeton.

“We have a lot in common but at the same time we don’t have a lot of stuff in common,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Oscar Garcia, from Santa Ana, Calif. “They don’t know too much about the halon and AFFF systems, but were more familiar with the CO2 systems and the personal protective equipment we use.”

Sailors also learned about how civilian firefighters fought fires compared to shipboard firefighting.

“It’s a little but different than the training Sailors get because with them, it’s just familiarization,” said Garcia, “So if anything does happen, they can help us out. It’s not like training somebody else in the Navy.”

The firefighters dissected this ship to the equivalent of a horizontal high-rise fire, Juratovac mentioned, and when firefighters break it down to be that compartmentalization mindset, it becomes a lot more manageable to fight a fire in the event of one.

“Integration is critical because we have a saying in the fire service; ‘failing to plan is planning to fail,’” said Juratovac, “We have the answers to the test right here in a controlled environment and the answers to the test is, just like a building fire, is a pre-planning portion of it where we actually walk through the building, see the equipment, see the layout and get our lay-of-the-land so that we can be more prepared when we show up.”

When firefighters and Sailors get to an actual fire, that isn’t the place to train, Juratovac stated, they need to be ready and know how to attack the fire before it happens.

SFFW is an opportunity for the American public to meet their Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard teams and experience America’s sea services. During fleet week, service members participate in various community service events, showcase capabilities and equipment to the community, and enjoy the hospitality of the city and its surrounding areas.

For more information, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at
www.fleetweeksf.org.

Source: United States Navy

“This deployment is an opportunity to further advance the operational capabilities of the Ford and demonstrate the advantages that Ford and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 bring to the future of naval aviation, to the region and to our allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, commander of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12. “Now more than ever, it is increasingly important for the United States Navy to reinforce our relationships with our allies and partners as we contribute to promote a peaceful, stable, and conflict-free Atlantic region.”

Innovation and interoperability are the key focal points of the GRFCSG’s deployment, allowing allied and partner nations to strengthen the collective defense of the Atlantic as well as to mature integration for future operations.

“USS Gerald R. Ford is going to sail on the high seas with our partners,” said Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, Ford’s commanding officer. “We want interoperability, we want interchangeability with our partners. Our NATO partners that are sailing with us – we’re going to work with them every day, every night. That’s what it means to operate on the high seas. Air defense exercises. Long-range maritime strike. We’re going to be doing pretty much every mission set that’s in the portfolio for naval aviation, and we’re excited about that.”

While deployed, GRFCSG will operate with air, maritime and ground assets from several NATO allies and partner nations to strengthen deterrence and defense efforts and improve effectiveness and interoperability. Together, GRFCSG, allies, and partner nations will participate in training events, including long-range maritime strike, air defense, anti-subsurface warfare and distributed maritime operations.

The U.S. commands and units participating in the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) deployment include Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, USS Normandy (CG 60), USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), USNS Joshua Humpreys (T-AO 188), USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 5), and USCGC Hamilton (WHEC 715).

Aircraft squadrons participating in the GRFCSG deployment are:
• Strike fighter squadrons VFA 213, VFA 31, VFA 37 and VFA 87.
• Tactical electronics warfare squadron VAQ 142.
• Carrier airborne early warning squadron VAW 124.
• Fleet logistics support squadron VRC 40.
• Helicopter maritime strike squadron HSM 70.
• Helicopter sea combat squadron HSC 9.

“It’s an exciting time to lead the aviators of Carrier Air Wing Eight as we embark on Ford’s first deployment,” said Capt. Daryl Trent, Commander, Carrier Air Wing Eight. “This group of individuals have worked so hard to prepare every aspect of the air wing to integrate with Ford’s new technologies and have done so with excellence. It’s also fitting that when USS Nimitz deployed for the first time in 1976, it was CVW-8 who was embarked. Now, in 2022, CVW-8 is again the first air wing to embark on this newest class of aircraft carriers.”

The nine participating nations are: U.S, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden.

The deployment involves approximately 9,000 personnel from nine nations, 20 ships and 60 aircraft.

For more information about the USS Gerald R. Ford, visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvn78/ and follow along on Facebook @USSGeraldRFord, Instagram @cvn78_grford, Twitter @Warship_78, LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/uss-gerald-r-ford-cvn-78/ and DVIDS https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/cvn78.

Source: United States Navy

“DC is a tremendous leader, aviator, and warrior. His vision and direction forged VFA-86 into a more lethal fighting force and I cannot thank him enough for his tremendous dedication to duty,” said Bodine. “I have no doubt Cmdr. Krause will build upon that legacy, making the Sidewinders, Team Freedom, and the entire strike group a stronger and more capable combat weapons system.”

Keyser, from Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, assumed command of VFA-86 as its 60th commanding officer in June 2021. He led the ‘Sidewinders’ into their 2022 deployment with CVW-7 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier George H. W. Bush.

“Over the course of two operational tours in VFA-86 the Sidewinder’s have come to occupy a special place in my heart,” said Keyser. “Serving as the Sidewinder’s 60th commanding officer has been the highlight of my naval career, and it was an honor and privilege to be a part of this spectacular team.”

During his command, Keyser led the squadron through a vigorous Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP) in preparation for the 2022 deployment. Through Keyser’s leadership, VFA-86 accumulated 3,692 total flight hours, 880 carrier landings, 2,584 sorties, 109,991 pounds of ordnance expended, as well as 25+ years and 100,000+ Class-A mishap free flight hours.

Krause, from Snohomish, Washington, and graduate of Western Washington University, lauded Keyser’s leadership and addressed the squadron about the future of the Sidewinders.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure serving as the executive officer of the “Sidewinders” under the sage leadership of skipper “DC” Keyser,” said Krause. “I am honored and privileged to take command of such a fine organization and synchronized team. We look forward to executing our operational deployment in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations while participating with our NATO allies and strengthening partnerships.”

George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10, GHWBCSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, CVW-7, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The ships of DESRON 26 within CSG-10 are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of VFA-86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

CSG- 10, GHWBCSG, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

Source: United States Navy

The theme of this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month observance is “Unidos –Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation”. Unidos can be roughly translated to mean united, connected, or close.

“Unidos is united together for the common goal,” said Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Pedro Salazar. “We all come from different background and customs. Different walks, common goals.”

As of December 2021, approximately 67,000 Sailors of Hispanic heritage serve in the U.S. Navy, with over 500 Hispanic Sailors serving CSG-10.

Rear Adm. Dennis Velez, commander, CSG-10, GHWBCSG, from Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, was inducted into the Puerto Rican Military Hall of Fame. He is the highest ranking Puerto Rican officer in the Navy today.

“Hispanic Americans have enriched our Nation beyond measure with the quiet strength of closely knit families and proud communities.” said Velez. “Each of us -Hispanic or otherwise- can and should be proud of our cultural heritage.”

Velez also spoke of his grandfather, a Korean War veteran and member of the 65h Infantry Regiment. The regiment was composed entirely of Puerto Rican soldiers and is famous for their heroic service in battle, for which they were awarded four Distinguished Service Crosses, 125 Silver Stars, and hundreds of Bronze Stars. They were also awarded the Presidential and Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Korean Presidential Unit Citations and the Greek Gold Medal for Bravery.

“I talked about some of the enormous contributions that Hispanics have made to our country throughout history.” said Velez. “This is important, because while our collective history is replete with Hispanic achievements, Hispanics have not always done a great job highlighting the achievements of our people.”

During his speech Velez cited the ship’s namesake, President George H.W. Bush. “Hispanic Americans have enriched our Nation beyond measure with the quite strength of closely knit families and proud communities,” said Bush during 1989 National Hispanic Heritage Month proclamation.

As a congressman, George H.W. Bush was a sponsor of the original Hispanic Heritage Week resolution in 1968, and later as president, he declared the 31-day period from September 15 to October 15 as National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic Sailors have helped shape the Navy into the fighting force it is today. During his remarks, Velez spoke about notable Hispanics in U.S. military history. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99), one of the destroyers attached to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 and a part of CSG-10, GHWBCSG, is named for Adm. David Farragut. Farragut’s father was from Minorca, Spain, and the captain of a Spanish merchant ship. In 1864, Farragut displayed his tenacity in battle when after one of his ships was sunk by a torpedo, he uttered his famous words, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!”

Inspired by his bravado, the ships won a decisive victory. For Farragut’s efforts, the Navy created a new rank, vice admiral, to which he was appointed. After the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln promoted him again to the newly created rank of full admiral.

George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG-10 and the George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG-10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, CVW-7, DESRON-26, the Information Warfare Commander, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55).

The ships of DESRON 26 within CSG-10 are USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Farragut (DDG 99), USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and USS Delbert D. Black (DDG 119).

The squadrons of CVW-7 embarked aboard George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, “Nighthawks” of VFA-136, the “Pukin Dogs” of VFA-143, the “Bluetails” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, the “Patriots” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 140, the “Nightdippers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

The George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests.

For more information about the history of Hispanic Americans and their numerous contributions to the Navy, visit Naval History and Heritage Command’s website. For more information about CSG-10, visit us on Facebook or LinkedIn.