Month: February 2023

Source: United States Navy

While in Stockholm, Arleigh Burke Sailors will have the opportunity to explore the local area, visit cultural heritage sites, and deepen interpersonal relationships with the Swedish people.

Arleigh Burke is on its third patrol in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of operations as a member of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) force. The ship joined the FDNF-E force in April 2021, replacing fellow Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75).

Arleigh Burke began this patrol on Feb. 2, 2023, departing from its homeport of Naval Station Rota, Spain, and has operated in the Baltic Sea since Feb. 7, 2023.

“The impact of the crew’s hard work during our in port period has been immediate,” said Cmdr. Peter Flynn, commanding officer of Arleigh Burke, upon the ship’s departure. “We completed a rigorous training cycle and ship repairs before Patrol 3, and the crew is excelling.”

Arleigh Burke’s arrival to Stockholm follows a recent bilateral ice diving exercise between U.S. Navy divers assigned to Commander, Task Force (CTF) 68 and Swedish Armed Forces divers in Boden, Sweden. Stockholm also hosted the opening of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) in June 2022, playing a pivotal role in the premier maritime-focused annual exercise in the region.

Port visits and training opportunities like these demonstrate the close and enduring bond between the United States and Sweden. Both countries are committed to working with like-minded nations in the Baltic Sea to ensure regional security and stability.

“We look forward to expanding those efforts into integration with our NATO allies and European partners. We are excited to pull into Stockholm, Sweden, where the Swedish are generously hosting our ship and crew,” said Flynn. “This is just the beginning of patrol 3, and we are excited to show everyone why we are America’s Lead Destroyer.”

FDNF-E destroyers routinely operate throughout the waters of Europe and Africa, from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime domain. Arleigh Burke is one of four U.S. Navy destroyers based at Naval Station Rota, Spain, and assigned to Commander, Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense architecture.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our 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

According to the Department of the Navy, The Navy Meritorious Civilian Service award is the third highest medal a civilian can receive and it is given to those who provide “high value contributions having far reaching, command-wide impact at the Directorate, Program Executive Office (PEO), or Echelon 3 Command Level”. This award needs to be approved by a one-star Commander PEO, Directorate, Echelon 3 Command or higher.

“Ms. Checchio has driven the DDG 51 electrical design through multiple upgrades during her career, with her capstone accomplishment being the new Flight III electric plant on DDG 125. Given the vast number of Destroyers delivered to the fleet, each of which with a 40-year service life, there are literally thousands of sailors that will benefit from Ms. Checchio’s efforts to ensure the DDG 51 Electric Plant is safe and reliable,” Naval Sea Systems Flight (FLT) III Upgrade Manager PMS 400D Michael Dugan said in reflecting of Checchio’s achievements for the Navy.

“In recognition of her outstanding career accomplishments, it was my pleasure to present her with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award, signed by Rear Admiral Tom Anderson,” he added.

In 1983, Checchio’s career began at the Naval Ship Systems Engineering Station (NAVSESS), currently known at NSWCPD, as a co-op in the Special Frequency section. After graduating from Drexel University with a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, she returned to NSWCPD to work in the area of electrical power generation and distribution. In 1987, she became an in-service engineer on the Land Based Engineering Site (LBES). She oversaw the electrical construction, integration, and testing of the DDG-51 Class generators, auxiliaries, and software at the LBES.

During the late 1980s, the Navy launched a new and improved Machinery Control System (MCS) that would be used over a digital network known as the Data Multiplex System (DMS) to control the electric plant, main propulsion and damage control. The LBES team provided training designed around the DMS and MCS, as well as electric plant familiarization, to ensure the Sailors were knowledgeable before they went to the fleet.

Later, through her experience with a variety of live fire and survivability projects, she gained an understanding of various weapons effects on the DDG-51 Class ships. This led to Checchio and the team to create new electric plant survivability briefs with a focus on optimum plant configurations for battle conditions and electric plant casualty restoration post damage scenarios.

On Aug. 9, 2022, Checchio won the AEGIS Excellence award for her performance in the FLT III program. As the Lead Electrical Engineer for the DDG 51, Checchio began working on the FLT III ship’s design concept in 2011 until the ship’s approval in 2015. Checchio was also responsible for vendor oversight and integration of the FLT III Hull Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) systems. She held an integral role to implement critical training for the first FLT III Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer, USS Jack H Lucas (DDG 125).

Checchio is set to retire from the Navy on Feb. 28, 2023. Her efforts have positively impacted Sailors. Although this is a bittersweet moment for her, she looks forward to more time with her family and to travel for fun.
“It is an honor to receive such a prestigious award and I am so very humbled. In light of my upcoming retirement, I am deeply grateful to be recognized by the Program Executive Officer, Ships, for my dedication to the Navy and to the Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers,” Checchio said. “I am so proud to have spent the majority of my years of service working on the DDG 51 Class Shipbuilding Program. More so, it’s been a privilege to work with a remarkable, talented and committed team at NSWCPD, SEA 05, SupShips and PMS 400D. Together we accomplished so much in such a short time.”

“While working with Toni as her supervisor for 24 years she has demonstrated dedication, innovation, and has expertly performed her duties that positively impacted the Land Based Engineering Site, DDG 51 Class Ships, and the U.S. Navy,” Surface Integrated Power System & Advanced Power Systems Branch Head Pete Tahopoulos said in discussing of Checchio’s impact to the Navy.

“She implemented extraordinary processes that increased the efficiency of our team through her outstanding leadership. She selflessly provided her immense knowledge of electrical engineering to junior employees to ensure the NSWCPD vision is met: To shape the Navy’s future by continuously expanding the Warfighter’s advantage,” he continued.

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

The annual exercise involved an active shooter and multiple role players with injuries. The exercise trained security personnel on neutralizing a threat and then shifted focus to stabilizing casualties and transferring them to a medical facility for treatment.

“Training with our civilian counterparts not only strengthens our relationships but makes the scenario more realistic,” said Capt. Homer Denius, commanding officer of NSA Annapolis. “The scenario ran from the initial incident all the way through casualty stabilization. We could never do that on our own, and are thrilled with the broad participation from the local law enforcement and medical facilities.”

The drill also focused on mass casualty procedures, with first responders treating as many casualties as possible on the scene and then helicopter evacuations going to Baltimore Washington Medical Center and Anne Arundel Medical Center. For this exercise, Maryland State Police and National Park Police provided medical evacuation helicopters.

“These drills are so important as they strengthen our existing relationships with response agencies and ensure we are all well-equipped and prepared to provide safe, high-quality care during a real emergency,” said Diane Croghan, Vice President of Community Outreach and Chief of Staff at UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center. “Our role as a hospital in any disaster is to respond quickly and rely on our connections with local partners to get needed resources to our community. Collaboration is at the center of all that we do. We are grateful to the NSA Annapolis and the many other agencies that organized and participated in this drill with us today.”
Medical centers responded to a full scope of injuries, from scrapes and bruises to open head wounds. The drill also flexed transportation methods with emergency vehicles and helicopter personnel treating casualties on board while en route for additional care.

“While we regularly test and evaluate the hospital’s emergency response and activation procedures, this drill allowed us to prepare on a much larger scale with our partners from the Navy, first responders, and other emergency personnel,” said Steve Campbell, vice president of marketing and communications at Luminis Health. “Since seconds save lives in a real-life emergency, these community-wide drills are important to ensure we are all ready to respond appropriately during a mass casualty event.”

These drills are designed to test the readiness and capabilities of Naval Security Forces first responders and other NSA Annapolis personnel in an emergency. How quickly and effectively they can respond to the threat is crucial for saving lives, and it also provides experience working alongside local civilian first responders.

“In addition to being our state capital, the City of Annapolis is home to numerous local, state, and federal agencies,” said Kevin Simmons, Director of the City of Annapolis Office of Emergency Management. “This makes these seven square miles of great strategic importance. Practice and preparation are essential for maintaining operations readiness to protect better and serve all who live, work, and play in Annapolis. We are happy to have this opportunity to further strengthen the bond with our Navy partners.”

All Navy installations within the continental United States participate in the annual two-week anti-terrorism and force protection (ATFP) exercise. Citadel Shield takes place the first week and is run by Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). The second week, Solid Curtain, is run by Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC). During CS/SC, Navy security forces undergo realistic scenarios intended to help maintain a high level of readiness.

For more AtHoc information visit: www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/ndw/about/waan.html.
For more information on events happening on NSA Annapolis, visit https://www.facebook.com/NSAAnnapolis.
For more news from Naval District Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/ndw/.

Source: United States Navy

MAGRE was composed of multiple exercises including moored mine procedures, disposal procedures, maritime improvised explosive device drills, and underwater demolition.

“Working with our Spanish counterparts during MAGRE demonstrated the depth of knowledge each unit has and how we can foster professional growth across the international EOD community,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Steven Virgilio, a member of EOD Mobile Unit 12. “The diversity of exercises during MAGRE helped each of us hone our craft as EOD Technicians and contributed to the critical transfer and development of knowledge for all partner units involved.”

The exercise is designed to increase interoperability and interchangeability between naval mine warfare and Mine Counter Measure (MCM) forces across U.S., ally, and NATO partner forces in the region. At a time when maritime operations are so pivotal to maintaining political and economic freedom and stability in the European region, having highly developed EOD/MCM personal helps ensure secure transits for NATO assets.

“Exercise MAGRE enabled us to increase our proficiencies and strengthen the warfighting readiness of EOD units across the NATO allies,” said Spanish Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Jorge Carrasco, a member of the Unidad De Buceadores MCM forces. “We look forward to more opportunities to train and work with our partners and become stronger, more capable operators together.”

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CN 77) 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 Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (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

During the two-week exercise, U.S. Navy EOD tested and evaluated operating in a simulated Arctic environment.

“Navy EOD and Navy Divers clear explosive hazards and underwater obstacles to enable access in (typically) denied areas for the U.S. Navy Fleet,” said Capt. Chuck Eckhart, commander, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2, “so it’s important we continue to train and evolve our capabilities. Snow Crab Ex trained Navy EOD and Navy Divers forces to better operate and survive in the challenging Arctic environment.”

U.S. Navy forces must be able to operate in the Arctic due to “rapidly melting sea ice and increasingly navigable waters”, according to the Department of the Navy’s Strategic Blueprint for the Arctic.

Several Navy EOD units of action participated in Snow Crab Ex, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 12, which exercised tactical control over Navy EOD from EODMU 2, Navy Divers from Mobile Dive and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 2, as well as Sailors from EOD Expeditionary Support Unit (EODESU) 2 and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group (EODGRU) 2.

“During Snow Crab Ex, we put our people and our gear to the test,” said Cmdr. David Scherr, commander, EODMU 12. “The Arctic presents challenging conditions, and lessons learned from Snow Crab Ex will help these Navy EOD teams operate quickly and efficiently anywhere with cold weather.”

All participating units completed Arctic mobility and survival training to ensure they could effectively operate in cold-weather conditions. Navy EOD cleared simulated unexploded ordnance, secured critical infrastructure, and effectively communicated between distributed operating units in a training environment. Navy Divers successfully completed ice dive training to ensure they can complete dive and salvage operations in Arctic waters.

Camp Ripley and the Minnesota National Guard provided ideal conditions and training areas to simulate an Arctic environment for ice and cold weather dive training, where Navy divers can train in a subzero temperature and arduous conditions at training ranges.

EODMU 2, EODMU 12, EODESU 2, and MDSU 2 are headquartered at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story under EODGRU 2. EODGRU 2 operates as part of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command and EODGRU 2 provides skilled, capable, and combat-ready deployable Navy EOD and Navy Diver forces around the globe to support a range of operations.

To learn more, visit dvidshub.net/unit/eodg-2