Month: January 2023

Source: United States Navy

Led by U.S. Navy Lt. Padraig O’Brien, 14 Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering (EN) 350 Marine Engineering Systems Class Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy learned about several naval systems including the Integrated Bridge Navigation System that gives the user all of the information about the ship’s navigation in one place.

“The Integrated Bridge System is comprised of the steering and propulsion control systems, electronic charting and navigation radar display. Knowledge of these systems and how they function provides bridge watch teams the ability to transit to wherever the mission requires safely and on time,” explained NSWCPD Electrical Engineer Daniel Weissgerber.

NSWCPD Systems Engineers Kuldip Singh and Stephen Schwegler discussed with the Sailors the importance of the DDG 51’s Machinery Control Systems (MCS), which are responsible for controlling the propulsion, electrical, HVAC, auxiliary and damage control systems on the ship.

“MCS combines discrete and analog signals from around the ship and provides that information to members of the engineering department in a centralized location. With that information, the operators can make decisions when to start and stop equipment on-board the ship,” Singh said.

O’Brien and his class had an impactful experience at LBES. Once the Midshipmen were able to see the engineers who were responsible for assisting the fleet that put it in perspective how important their role is.

“The Mids (Midshipmen) got so much out of seeing both the practical applications of what they are learning in the engineering classes and their professional development courses. They all left with a better understanding of how the Fleet operates with NSWC to maximize our lethality,” O’Brien said.

“Seeing the evolutionary design changes between Flight II and Flight III shows the design capabilities of the Navy,” Midshipman Ian Ishmael of Coloma, Mich. said.

“They’re the people behind the curtain who are making changes in the Fleet,” Midshipman Cassidy Kiko of Louisville, Ohio said.

“I had no idea how important Philly was to the Fleet’s development,” Midshipman Chris Nicholson of Phoenix, Ariz. said.

NSWCPD employs approximately 2,800 civilian engineers, scientists, technicians, and support personnel. The NSWCPD team does the research and development, test and evaluation, acquisition support, and in-service and logistics engineering for the non-nuclear machinery, ship machinery systems, and related equipment and material for Navy surface ships and submarines. NSWCPD is also the lead organization providing cybersecurity for all ship systems.

Source: United States Navy

In the ceremony, Capt. Stephen Froehlich relieved Capt. Judd Krier, as USS Iwo Jima’s Commanding Officer (CO).

“I’m excited to continue the next phase of our Iwo experience together,” said Froehlich. “I’m inspired and encouraged by our potential to continue our climb, and there’s no team of professionals I’d rather be doing this with.”

The guest speaker was Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, Commander, Naval Surface Forces Atlantic, and the presiding official was Rear Adm. Tom Williams, Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2.

“Captain Krier’s leadership was instrumental in developing Iwo Jima, not only into a crew of warfighters, but also into a tight-knit family,” said McLane during the ceremony. “This ceremony represents the culmination of a truly remarkable tour, where you led this fine group of Sailors.”

After serving as the ship’s executive officer during a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet and U.S. 6th Fleet areas of operation, Capt. Krier assumed command as CO and led the crew of Iwo Jima during a homeport shift from Mayport, Fla. to Norfolk and an extended maintenance period.

“I am very proud of the crew and the work we accomplished, while focusing on Iwo Jima’s core values of learning, improvement, wellness, ownership, and safety,” said Krier. “Working together, we demonstrated how to make a challenging maintenance period a great experience.”
Krier’s next assignment is in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV), Expeditionary Warfare.

His previous sea-duty assignments include USS Vicksburg (CG 69); USS Truman (CVN 75); USS Ponce (LPD 15); USS Enterprise (CVN 65); and as CO of USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52).

His assignments ashore include the United States Naval Academy, the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Nuclear Propulsion Program Management in OPNAV, and the CO of the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa, N.Y.

Froehlich is a native of Houston, Texas.

His previous sea-duty assignments include Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43, the “Battlecats”; USS Juneau (LPD 10); Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 51; USS Nimitz (CVN 68); and Carrier Strike Group 3. He served as CO of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 51, in Atsugi, Japan.

His assignments ashore include aide to the Commandant of the Joint Forces Staff College; Fleet Replacement Squadron Maintenance Officer for Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41, the “Seahawks”; and U.S. Strategic Command in Omaha, Neb.

Capt. Brian Hamel, a native of Kalamazoo, Mich., assumed duties as Iwo Jima’s new Executive Officer.

USS Iwo Jima is at General Dynamics, NASSCO Shipyard in Norfolk for a scheduled maintenance period.

Amphibious assault ships, such as USS Iwo Jima, project power and maintain presence by serving as the cornerstone of the Amphibious Readiness Group and Expeditionary Strike Group.

Amphibious Readiness Groups provide the Marine Corps with a means of ship-to-shore movement by helicopter in addition to movement by landing craft.

USS Iwo Jima has supported major humanitarian-assistance and combat operations in which the United States has been involved.

USS Iwo Jima is named for the battle of Iwo Jima fought in 1945, in which three divisions of U.S. Marines took control of a tiny island from more than 20,000 enemy defenders.

The ship’s motto is a quote from Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz: “Among the Americans who served on Iwo Jima, uncommon valor was a common virtue.”

Twenty seven U.S. service members were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroic actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, more than any other single operation during World War II.

Source: United States Navy

The training varied from mountain flying – a challenging and dangerous proposition for helicopters due to the thin air and high engine power requirements – to low-level tactical flying, off-airport landing, and multi-unit coordinated exercises featuring rotary-wing and fixed-wing squadrons.

The primary mission for HSC 5 is search-and-rescue for fixed-wing flight operations. Anytime fixed-wing aircraft are launching from, flying near, or landing on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), HSC 5 is airborne near the ship. However, due to the unique location of the ship’s scheduled deployment to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, and the generous cooperation from NATO Allies, HSC 5 had the rare opportunity to train in Albania.

“The Bizë range is ideally suited for overland training, and the user-friendly airspace allows robust air wing integration,” said Cmdr. Erik Gustafson, commanding officer of HSC 5. “The mountainous approach and wide open training area allows our team practice in multiple competencies in a single visit. We greatly appreciate the cooperation of the Albanian land forces who enabled us to execute exquisite training in close proximity to the Adriatic operating area.”

Cooperation between the U.S. Navy and Albania allowed units from both nations to train and build capability in an environment unlike those they are accustomed to, contributing to unit readiness and increased interoperability and interchangeability in the NATO alliance.

“The geography of Bizë poses unique challenges designed to strengthen and improve the skillset of units training within it and we’re happy to work with Albania to exercise tactical air capabilities,” said Lt. Cmdr. Steve Berres, a pilot from HSC 5. “Opportunities to train and expand our capabilities are key to the success of our individual units and our integration within NATO.”

George H.W. Bush is the flagship of CSG 10, George H.W. Bush CSG. CSG 10 is comprised of George H.W. Bush, Carrier Air Wing (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 the George H.W. Bush are the “Sidewinders” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 86, the “Jolly Rogers” of VFA-103, the “Knighthawks” 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 HSC 5, and the “Grandmasters” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 46.

For over 80 years, 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.

The George H.W. Bush CSG 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.

Source: United States Navy

The crew aboard the ship detected, tracked, and engaged a target to maintain proficiency of the onboard weapons systems and confirm the crew’s warfighting readiness.

“This exercise demonstrated our team’s ability to work together, coordinate across multiple departments, and ultimately execute safely and effectively,” said Cmdr. Avery Wilson, America’s operations officer. “We demonstrated that through the hard work of our technicians and logistics support, our equipment is fully operational and our watch-standers in the Combat Information Center are trained and prepared for any threat.”

USS America with Amphibious Squadron 11 and USS Green Bay (LPD 20) are sailing as the America Amphibious Ready Group to create a warfighting team committed to maintaining freedom of navigation and stability in the area of operations.

“The ship has to always be ready to deploy a lethal combat capability if necessary,” said Capt. Shockey Snyder, America’s commanding officer. This evolution reminds every Sailor aboard this ship that they, as tactical watchstanders, are the tip of the spear and we are ready to execute the nation’s defense strategy.

America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, is operating in the 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Source: United States Navy

The symposium included a panel discussion with representatives from Bahrain, Jordan, Kenya, Qatar and the United States who participated virtually and in person. The conversation focused on the prevention of conflict and promotion of peace through the empowerment of women.

“We continue to improve and to learn from the best practices of our partners,” said Kenya’s Brig. Gen. Joyce Sitieni, director of the International Peace Support Training Center and a panel member. “We like to hear what other partners have done and how we too can improve.”

Other panelists included Second Secretary at the Human Rights Sector of Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ms. Futoon Alammadi; Director of the Military Women’s Affairs Department at Jordanian Armed Forces Col. Dr. Manal Abu Al Ghanem; Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations H.E. Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani; and Commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces Vice Adm. Brad Cooper.

“Hearing the candid reflections on this meaningful topic was so insightful and inspiring,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Blake, NAVCENT’s lead organizer for the event. “I hope we can all strive to find ways to advocate for further implementation of policies that support and expand local, regional, and international security and stability.”

The WPS Symposium was held in conjunction with Central Partnership Station, a five-day relationship-building mission focused on strengthening regional relationships through professional exchanges and community engagement.

Central Partnership Station includes 50 U.S. military personnel engaging Kenyan and other international counterparts during subject-matter-exchanges on dive operations, small boat repair, mass casualty response, public health and tactical combat casualty care. U.S. Navy Seabees will also support community construction projects.

NAVCENT’s operating area encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean, in addition to 21 countries and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal, and Bab al Mandeb.