Month: November 2022

Source: United States Navy

While in Rotterdam, the crew will have the chance to continue fostering the strong and enduring relationship between the United States and the Netherlands through visits to cultural and historical landmarks around the city.  

“The Netherlands is one of our longest allies, so it is great to be back amongst friends. We are looking forward to enjoying the rich culture of Rotterdam during our visit,” said Cmdr. Antonia Shey, commanding officer of McFaul.  

Rotterdam marks the first port visit for McFaul since operating in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of responsibility. The Netherlands is one of the United States’ oldest allies with a strong relationship dating back to the American Revolution.  

“The United States is committed to supporting regional stability and security with the Netherlands, one of our oldest allies, to ensure allied readiness and preparedness for any challenge,” said Capt. Jennifer Mills, Defense Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in the Hague.”  

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

McFaul is assigned to the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG). The GRFCSG is currently participating in exercise Silent Wolverine alongside six NATO allies, including the Netherlands. Silent Wolverine is a U.S.-led, combined training exercise that tests Ford-class aircraft carrier capabilities through integrated high-end naval warfare scenarios in the Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Last month, GRFCSG trained with the Netherlands and other allies and partners to demonstrate air defense, anti-subsurface warfare, distributed maritime operations, mine countermeasures, and amphibious operations in the Western Atlantic Ocean. 

GRFCSG consists of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 2, USS Normandy (CG 60), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116). 

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability. 

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy

Del Toro spoke at a Goldman Sachs Veterans symposium, visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Arlington (LPD 24), conducted a reenlistment and promotion ceremony at the 9/11Memorial, visited the New York Stock Exchange, attended the Navy League’s 120 th Anniversary, and participated in New York City’s 103rd Veterans Day Parade and wreath laying ceremony.

“It’s great to be back in New York City to celebrate these two momentous occasions,” Del Toro said. “I can still remember watching the Veterans Day parade during my years growing up here. These events represent the appreciation everyday citizens of our Nation have for the nearly 20 million veterans that have served in the United States Armed Forces.”

In celebration of the Marine Corps 247th birthday Nov. 10, Secretary Del Toro attended morning colors aboard the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Arlington (LPD 24) and served as the guest of honor during a cake cutting ceremony. Later, he visited the 9/11 Memorial to reenlist several Sailors and Marines and promote three Coast Guard officers.

“I was here in New York City on 9/11, so it is a little surreal to be at this memorial,” said Del Toro. “The challenges our nation face today may look different from what they were 21 years ago, but this great nation, and the freedom and democracy we stand for, are equally worth defending and fighting for. It is an honor to be back and reenlist and promote the next generation of warfighters.”

At Goldman Sachs, Del Toro shared his experiences as a Naval Officer, small business owner, and Secretary of the Navy with Chief Executive Officer David Solomon and a large group of veteran employees. The next day he met with business leaders at the New York Stock Exchange, participated in a Marine Corps birthday cake cutting ceremony on the exchange floor, and rang the closing bell along with Marines from II Marine Expeditionary Force.

“I am so incredibly thankful for the skills, education, experience, and resilience I gained during my 22-years of active duty,” said Del Toro. “Following my retirement, those attributes were essential during my transition to a small business owner and industry partner of the Department of Defense, and even today as Secretary of the Navy. I encourage everyone who is able, to consider serving in or partnering with our armed services.”

Before departing New York, Del Toro was recognized as the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Service Award at the Navy League’s 120 th Anniversary Dinner Nov. 10 and participated in the New York City wreath laying ceremony at Madison Square Park and Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11.

“Every one of you has a role to play in building awareness of the possibilities of maritime military service to the next generation,” Del Toro told the Navy League crowd. “Our Sailors and Marines are maintaining that fight today, keeping the watch around the world, deterring adversaries, and protecting our values. To them, and all veterans past and present, your military service means a great deal to this Nation. Thank you to all who swore an oath to serve and protect this country, and the families who serve at your side.”

Source: United States Navy

Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella (NAVSUP FLCSI) and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Europe, Africa, and Central Command (NAVFAC EURAFCENT) leaders hosted Rear Adm. Peter Stamatopoulos and Kurt Wendelken, NAVSUP commander and vice commander, for a tour of the installation’s Defense Fuel Support Point (DFSP) Sept. 19-20, 2022 at Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain.

At the DFSP, NAVSUP FLCSI Site Rota’s Fuels Division receives, stores, issues, and accounts for bulk petroleum, oil and lubricants. The command’s sailors and chemists provide quality surveillance to ensure that all of the command’s products meet the standards to be utilized by all ship and aircraft in the region.

The DFSP at NAVSTA Rota is the U.S. Navy’s largest fuels management facility in U.S. European Command.

“Some key messaging we wanted to convey to the commander and Mr. Wendelken during their visit was how we and our mission partners at NAVSTA Rota are growing capacity, capability and readiness during a critical time when the U.S. Navy is adding more ships to the Forward Deployed Naval Ship force here,” said Cmdr. Bert Phillips, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella Site Rota director. “The strategic goal for us with these three lines of effort is to make NAVSTA Rota the force generation center of gravity for U.S. and NATO warfighters operating across USNAVEUR-AF.”

One of the ways Phillips’ team and its mission partners are growing capacity and capability at NAVSTA Rota is with a military construction (MILCON) project whose aim is to modernize and renovate the installation’s aging fuels tanks, pipeline and equipment. Scheduled for groundbreaking in fiscal 2024, the site of the MILCON project was one of the NAVSUP leaders’ tour stops.

“The MILCON project at NAVSTA Rota is the largest of its kind to date in terms of dollar value and scope,” said Lt. Lincoln Barber, NAVSUP FLCSI’s regional fuels director. “By rebuilding and modernizing the tanks, we are setting the theater by creating fuels management efficiencies which will, in turn, provide a strategic advantage for enhancing U.S. and Ally warfighter readiness for decades to come.”

Beyond reinforcing the structural integrity of installation’s fuels tanks and equipment, the completion of the MILCON project will enable NAVSUP FLCSI Site Rota’s fuels division to improve maintenance processes that will prolong the lifespan of the facility.

“Once the MILCON is completed, my team can begin using advanced digital technology to identify areas of pipeline in need of maintenance and routine cleaning,” said Lt. William Coffey, NAVSUP FLCSI Site Rota fuels officer. “Conducting routine maintenance more simply and with greater efficiency will lead to increased capability to directly support our customers, that is, U.S. and Allied warships, combat logistic force ships and aircraft operating throughout the region.”

Some of the customers of NAVSTA Rota’s DFSP include USS Ross (DDG-71), USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117), USS Roosevelt (DDG-80) and USS Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) and Helicopter Maritime Strike (HSM) 79.

A recurring theme as the NAVSUP leaders toured the site of the MILCON project and other areas of the DFSP was how NAVSUP FLCSI and its mission partners are taking measure to ensure safe fuels operations at NAVSTA Rota.

“In my brief to the Commander, it was important to convey how NAVSUP FLCSI is closely working with our mission partners to mitigate risks associated with the handling of such large quantities of fuel at the DFSP,” Coffey said. “For the MILCON and in all aspects of fuels operations, our mission partners are joining us in the common goal of making our DFSP the safest and most technologically advanced of its kind in Europe.”

Stamatouplos’ visit to NAVSTA Rota was one of multitude engagements he and Wendelken conducted across USNAVEUR in October during which they met with the various U.S. Navy and NATO leaders and members Supply Corps (SC) community showcasing NAVSUP’s and the SC’s critical role in supporting U.S. Navy readiness and strategic goals in the region.

After the DFSP tour, Stamatopolous and Wendelken met with leaders of NAVSUP FLCSI’s other mission partners at NAVSTA Rota: Command Task Force (CTF)-65, CTF 68, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 79 and Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center to discuss ship repair facilities and preparations to receive and support two more ships to NAVSTA Rota and how their respective organizations can improve as a team to sustain our warfighters and partners.

“The commander’s meeting with these leaders is a direct reflection of the partnerships that we have built and our direct support to the fleet,” Phillips said. “We are aligned with operators in setting the theatre and making tough resourcing decisions to best support the warfighter.”

As NAVSUP commander, Stamatopolous is responsible for an organization and community of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel who provide responsive logistical support to U.S. and allied naval forces worldwide, through a global network with a presence in more than 17 countries and 21 states, districts, and territories. As Chief of Supply Corps, he is responsible for community management of more than 3,500 active and Reserve Supply Corps officers and more than 23,000 active and reserve enlisted personnel.

Site Rota is one of NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Sigonella’s five logistics sites positioned across U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa. Site Rota provides supply chain management, bulk and aviation fueling capability, material handling equipment, contracting, hazardous material management, household goods and vehicle processing and postal operations to fleet, installation and other service components throughout the area of operations.

NAVFAC EURAFCENT plans, builds, leases and sustains facilities and provides essential base operating services and capabilities in the EURAFCENT’s command theaters to enable U.S. and partner nation forces to meet national defense objectives.

NAVSUP FLCSI is one of eight FLCs under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, NAVSUP employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics and Sailor & family care activities with our mission partners to generate readiness and sustain naval forces worldwide to prevent and decisively win wars. NAVSUP FLCSI operates across 14 enduring and forward operating sites; forward contingency and cooperative security locations in 13 countries in Europe and Africa.

Source: United States Navy

The game was held on Abraham Lincoln while in port at Naval Air Station North Island for the 2022 Armed Forces Classic – Carrier Edition – the first time the event has been held on an active U.S. Navy ship since 2011.

“It is truly an honor that, on Veterans Day in the centennial year of the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, we hosted the Armed Forces classic basketball game on the flight deck of one of our most renowned aircraft carriers, USS Abraham Lincoln,” said Vice Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Naval Air Forces. “Those who serve, and those who have served, know that the military is the ultimate team sport, and I can think of no better way to salute our men and women in uniform than to celebrate this all-American pastime together on one of our nation’s capital warships.”

Eleven years ago, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) held the inaugural Armed Forces Classic – Carrier Edition. Wearing special, camouflage-patterned uniforms, the University of North Carolina Tarheels beat the Michigan State Spartans 67-55 in front of more than 8,000 fans, to include former President Barack Obama and his family. The game paused at sundown to retire the colors.

After cancelling the 2012 Carrier Classic planned onboard the USS Yorktown (CV 10), due to condensation on the court, ESPN established an annual Armed Forces Classic as part of their week long programming event America’s Heroes: Salute to Veterans, which is held every year around Veterans Day. The inaugural Armed Forces Classic was held in a C-5 Galaxy transport aircraft hangar on Ramstein Air Force Base. Since then, this annual NCAA Division I basketball game has been hosted at Camp Humphreys in the Republic of Korea, U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen in Puerto Rico, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler in Japan, the Stan Sherriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fort Bliss in Texas, and the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, Alaska.

“What an honor and privilege it was to host Armed Forces Classic 2022 aboard Abraham Lincoln,” said Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt, USS Abraham Lincoln’s commanding officer. “There are a lot of similarities between the talented Sailors I am fortunate enough to lead every day and what I saw in the players on the court – they are all young, hard-working and highly-skilled professionals that take pride in contributing to their team. It’s their hard work that makes the difference. This unique, premier basketball event is certainly a memory Lincoln Nation will treasure for years to come.”

ESPN and Abraham Lincoln closely coordinated to put together the event, beginning with ESPN’s first visit aboard following Lincoln’s return from deployment in August. The collaboration culminated with Sailors from engineering department assembling the basketball court, bleachers for spectators and lighting on the flight deck. The work completed allowed for 3,500 fans in attendance, in addition to space along vulture’s row and the observation decks on the island for Abraham Lincoln Sailors to watch the game.

“For me and my team it’s pretty powerful to get this unique opportunity to bring a piece of civilian life to service members on their bases,” said Scott Pomeroy, Associate Director of Events and Sales Operations for ESPN Events. “The Navy has been great, very hospitable and gracious in helping us to make this event a reality.”

With the competitors arriving onboard, fans lined the stands before the game began on a crisp, partly-cloudy afternoon on Naval Air Station North Island with a full view of the San Diego skyline. The unranked Michigan State Spartans tipped off against number 2 in the nation Gonzaga University Bulldogs at 3:45. Play was paused during the game to retire the colors.

“This opportunity to play on an aircraft carrier in front of men and women who willingly put their lives on the line will be an experience that is going to mean something to the young men who will play in the game for a long, long time,” said Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo. “I said it the time we played North Carolina on the deck of the USS Carl Vinson – one of the most humbling experiences of my career, and I’ll say it again, we’re going to play one of the top teams in the country and we’re going to be hosted by the No. 1 team in the world.”

The Gonzaga Bulldogs beat the Michigan State Spartans 64-63. Capt. Amy Bauernschmidt presented a trophy to Gonzaga and an MVP award to Drew Timme.

The ESPN Armed Forces Classic is an annual series of college basketball games held near Veterans Day on military bases as a tribute to U.S. service members. Scheduling for future Armed Forces Classic remains tentative due to military operational commitments.