Source: United States Navy
Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) earned state recognition for its environmental efforts when North Carolina Secretary of the Environment Elizabeth Biser presented the depot with the P2 Award for pollution prevention. FRCE received the award during the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Environmental Stewardship Initiative (ESI) Conference, held October 24-25 in Raleigh.
Source: United States Navy
Dynamic Guard 22-2 is an electronic warfare exercise that provides tactical training for the NATO Response Force and Allied national units. Its aim is to enable units assigned to the SNMGs to maintain required levels of proficiency in electronic warfare and anti-ship missile defense.
Dynamic Guard is led by NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and supported by the NATO Joint Electronic Warfare Core Staff (JEWCS). It is held twice annually, with one serial in the North Atlantic area and one in the Mediterranean Sea.
Several ships from SNMG2 took part in the exercise to include SNMG2’s flagship U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), Spanish Navy guided-missile frigate ESPS Cristobal Colon (F 105) and Italian Navy frigate ITS Alpino (F 594). Italian Navy replenishment oiler ITS Stromboli (A 5327) and Royal Navy (UK) amphibious transport dock HMS Albion (L14) participated in the exercise as well.
“Dynamic Guard proved that NATO units in the Mediterranean can operate in a denied electronic warfare environment,” said U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Scott Sciretta, commander of SNMG2. “We also enhanced our interoperability as Allies in the electro-magnetic spectrum, providing watch standers an opportunity to hone their electronic warfare skills against a simulated maritime adversary. Adding these tools to our arsenal increases SNMG2’s lethality. I would like to thank MARCOM and our Italian Allies for providing such a realistic and robust training opportunity.”
Following the exercise, SNMG2 arrived in Split on Nov. 29 for a scheduled port visit.
As a NATO task group, SNMG2 prioritizes its mandate to enhance the collective readiness, responsiveness, deployable readiness, integration and interoperability of its forces. Its focus is on deterrence and defense against all adversaries in the maritime domain, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime trade routes and protecting the main lines of communication.
SNMG2 is a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat. This continuous maritime capability performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.
SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.
For more news and information on SNMG2, visit https://mc.nato.int/SNMG2 or follow us at:
www.facebook.com/StandingNATOMaritimeGroup2
www.twitter.com/COM_SNMG2
www.instagram.com/snmg_two.
Source: United States Navy
“I am proud of Tripoli for a successful first deployment,” said Rear Adm. James Kirk, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 3. “The ship and crew are on the leading edge, setting the example and testing the limits of the assault ship. LHAs are designed to support the future of the Marine Corps Air Combat Element, and Tripoli has done just that. I am excited to see what else they can bring to the fight.”
The U.S. Marine Corps embarked 16 F-35Bs aboard Tripoli, which flew missions in support of exercises Valiant Shield 22 and Noble Fusion. The Navy and Marine Corps team seamlessly integrated to complete training and certification exercises before joining the Armed Forces of the Philippines for bilateral exercise Kamandag 2022. Overall, the crew completed 2,052 hours of flight operations and traveled 40,303 nautical miles during exercise support. Tripoli operated alongside other partners and Allies throughout the Indo-Pacific during the deployment, including Japan and the Republic of Singapore. Port calls included stops in Tasmania, Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the Philippines.
“The Sailors and Marines aboard Tripoli went above and beyond during this deployment to demonstrate the unique capabilities of this ship,” said Capt. John C. Kiefaber, Tripoli’s commanding officer. “Whether it was launching and recovering aircraft at night, acting as a base of operations for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to conduct operations ashore, or serving as an instrument of diplomacy to our ally and partner nations, the crew performed their duties professionally and demonstrated why they are the Navy’s greatest asset. I couldn’t be more proud.”
During the deployment, 140 Tripoli Sailors advanced to the next highest paygrade. The crew also excelled at earning individual qualifications; more than 167 Sailors earned their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist (ESWS) qualification, 192 Sailors earned their Enlisted Air Warfare Specialist (EAWS) qualification, and 3 Sailors earned their Enlisted Information Warfare Specialist (EIWS) qualification, a new program for Tripoli. In the Wardroom, 12 officers earned their Surface Warfare Officer qualification, three officers earned their Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer qualification, two officers earned their Naval Aviation Supply Officer qualification, four officers earned their Surface Warfare Medical Department Officer qualification, and 16 officers earned their Officer of the Deck (Underway) qualification.
“A Sailor earning their primary warfare pin is a great way for them to better themselves and it’s a milestone in their career, but also it’s important Sailors have a deeper understanding of the role that they and their shipmates play in the ship’s operations,” said Command Master Chief Matthew Logsdon.
Tripoli, an America-class amphibious assault ship, commissioned in July 2020. The ship is homeported in San Diego and operates under ESG 3. Amphibious assault ships provide the ability to operate seamlessly and simultaneously on the sea, ashore, and in the air allowing the integration of forces to be distributed more broadly, and increasing operational unpredictability anywhere around the globe by varying our domain, forces, and timing.
ESG 3 comprises four amphibious squadrons, 15 amphibious warships, and eight naval support elements including approximately 18,000 active-duty and reserve Sailors and Marines. As Deputy Commander for Amphibious and Littoral Warfare, U.S. 3rd Fleet; Commander, ESG 3 also oversees Mine Countermeasures Group 3 and the 14 littoral combat ships and tow subordinate divisions under Littoral Combat Ship Squadron 1. ESG 3 is postured in support of U.S. 3rd Fleet as a globally responsive and scalable naval command element, capable of generating, deploying, and employing naval forces and formations for crisis and contingency response, forward presence, and major combat operations focusing on amphibious operations, humanitarian and disaster relief and support to defense civil authorities, and expeditionary logistics.
For more information about Tripoli, visit: www.surfpac.navy.mil/lha7
Follow Tripoli on Facebook at @OfficialUSSTripoli and on Instagram at @OfficialUSSTripoli.
Source: United States Navy
Before anchoring in the Bay of Naples, the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducted theater-wide deterrence operations, trained and operated with the Italian Navy, and participated in multi-carrier operations with the Italian Cavour CSG and French Charles de Gaulle CSG.
The formal ceremony started with presentation of the Italian and U.S. colors on the George H. W. Bush’s aircraft elevator, followed by formal remarks by Munsch and U.S. Embassy Rome Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Shawn Crowley.
“The work between our two countries rests at the core of our collective defense approach for a new era – one we came alive to when Russia attacked its neighbor without provocation, threatening European security in ways we would have previously thought inconceivable,” said Adm. Stuart B. Munsch, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and Allied Joint Force Command Naples. “Bush recently sailed alongside Italian aircraft carrier Cavour in the Ionian Sea, displaying for the world the firm foundation of trust, deep interoperability and warfighting advantage our combined naval forces represent.”
The port visit is possible because of the strong U.S.-Italian partnership, and serves to highlight positive navy-to-navy bilateral cooperation while enhancing the maritime security and prosperity in Europe and interoperability as NATO allies.
The officials, politicians, military officers, and spouses who attended the reception hosted by NAVEUR-NAVAF aboard George H.W. Bush, forged friendships, built bonds, shared latest developments and discussed lessons learned within the European theater of operations.
“The presence of this ship and Carrier Strike Group 10 in the Mediterranean is a sign of our strong commitment to the bilateral relationship with Italy and to the NATO Alliance,” said Crowley. “The George H.W. Bush has been operating alongside the Italian carrier Cavour and the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. These operations strengthen NATO’s cohesion and interoperability.”
Munsch expressed gratitude for the opportunity for the George H.W. Bush crew to explore the rich history and culture of the Campania region.
“Bush’s visit provides our Sailors a wonderful opportunity to explore your amazing city’s history, culture and cuisine after some long days at sea alongside ships of the Italian Navy and those of our other Allies and partners – something for which we are truly grateful,” said Munsch.
George H.W. Bush 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 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
Capt. George A. Kessler, Jr., SCSTC’s commodore, explains that all of the candidates were impressive Sailors and Instructors.
“They each represented their commands and learning sites with technical expertise and demonstrated the leadership and professionalism we expect from the best,” he said. “It made the selection process extremely difficult but there can only be one winner per category. As we recognize the outstanding contributions of our Officer Instructor of the Year, SCSTC San Diego’s Lt. Daniel Sandoval, we also recognize the critical role he plays in supporting of mission readiness. Thank you Daniel for all of your hard work and making sure we continue to mold Sailors into Combat Systems Warfighters who are prepared to fight, win and return home safely.”
Hailing from Tucson, Ariz., Sandoval is qualified on all Air Intercept Controller (AIC) Courses of Instruction, with a focus on teaching A-221-3009, AIC Advanced.
“It is a real privilege instructing the men and women who are responsible for providing Air Intercept Control to fighter jets – they truly are a special breed,” said Sandoval. “I also have the opportunity to integrate with Marine Fighter Aircrews onboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and offer live control. Providing these opportunities for my fellow AIC Instructors is the icing on the cake!”
Capt. Justin Long, SCSTC San Diego’s commanding officer, says Sandoval is a true role-model and has a sincere and vested interest in sending only the most qualified warfighters to the fleet.
“Daniel is a model Sailor who represents the very best of our Navy,” he explained. “It is never easy singling out one Sailor among so many qualified and distinguished peers but what impresses me most is his passion for instructing. He enjoys what he does but his job is more than just teaching a skill, he is influencing the future of our Navy. He is providing the fleet with the next generation of warfighters.”
Sandoval joined the Navy in November 2015 and was commissioned in March 2016. He is a former E-2C Hawkeye naval flight officer who served in the “Screwtops” of Airborne Command & Control Squadron (VAW) 123, from 2018-2021. His adventures included a full work-up cycle and one notorious 2020 “Corona Cruise” deployment with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG).
Sandoval has also received numerous rewards thus far but he is most proud of his Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.
“Luke 12:48 states, ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’ and I truly believe that as Sailors we really do have the potential to make a true difference in our communities, no matter how clique that may sound,” he said.
Joining the Navy was an easy choice for Sandoval.
“My parents are immigrants from Mexico who came to this nation in search of a better life,” he said. “They gave back in very special ways. My mom by raising four wonderful children, including my sister who has special needs, and my dad through over 30 years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve. I’ve always felt a real obligation to give back to my country and to use President John. F. Kennedy’s famous remarks he provided at the U.S. Naval Academy on Aug. 1, 1963, ‘I can imagine a no more rewarding career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: “I served in the United States Navy.” ’ ”
Sandoval is proud of the hard work his AIC team accomplishes day-to-day and is honored to be selected as OIOY but views their efforts as the true achievement.
“The only way to win the high-end fight is to have Sailors who are both technically and tactically proficient, not merely current in their assigned warfare area,” he explained. “Dedicated Instructors, such as our AIC division, are a key part of this effort to ensure that hard-learned lessons across the fleet are delivered to the next generation of warfighters.”
Sandoval started instructing at SCSTC San Diego in 2021. There are some exciting avenues in the realm of manned and unmanned military aviation that he is exploring, and he is very grateful to his leaders and peers at SCSTC San Diego for providing the type of leadership and command climate that enables him to thrive.
He is also very thankful for God and his wife Carolyn.
“I’d like to give thanks to God and to my wonderful wife Carolyn for supporting me in my endeavors to be the best man and naval Officer I can be,” said Sandoval. “No person is an island and we all need loving supporters in order to succeed. Carolyn has always been my number one supporter and I am eternally grateful for her.”
Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) falls under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC). 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.
SCSTC is a training organization of over 6,500 staff and students across 12 global locations and implements culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a Surface Warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets of building the kill chain and closing the fire control loop. SCSTC delivers system and platform specific combat systems training to a growing surface Navy. SCSTC delivers training to over 35,000 U.S. Navy Sailors as well as 700 international Sailors from 22 partner nations annually. Our overall mission is to train the fleet so that our Navy can fight and win!
For information about Surface Combat Systems Training Command, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/SCSTC
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