Month: January 2024

Source: United States Navy

This was Pacific Partnership’s second mission stop in the Federated States of Micronesia during their four-month humanitarian mission.

“So let this special friendship be as fast, as deep and an enduring one, that will span decades, islands and nations,” said Alexander Narruhn, governor of Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, while speaking to attendees at the closing ceremony of Pacific Partnership’s Chuuk mission stop. “Let it be practiced on good faith so we can strengthen regional security, unity, stability, collaboration and goodwill.”

Pacific Partnership is a unifying mission that fosters cooperation between nations. The Chuuk mission stop hosted personnel from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy and German Navy to enhance capabilities across medical, humanitarian assistance disaster relief and host nation outreach lines of effort.

“Pacific Partnership is symbolic of the unity and spirit of cooperation that embodies the U.S.-FSM relationship, and our shared goal of an open, connected, prosperous, resilient, and secure Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Embassy Kolonia Ambassador Jennifer Johnson.

Throughout their 12-day stop in Chuuk, PP24-1 teams conducted more than 150 medical engagements, including 2226 dental procedures. The optometry team distributed more than 1605 prescription glasses and 1442 pairs of sunglasses. Additionally, the Pacific Partnership medical team conducted 82 surgeries aboard Mercy.

“We rarely get this kind of service to the island and when we have, it’s usually on a limited basis, like they would have to be here for a few days,” said Inouefich Shomour, CEO of Chuuk Community Health Center. “This is different because we have these clinics, as well as up at the hospital. We have the community health centers where it is more exposed and accessible to people on the islands.”

In addition to medical care, U.S. Navy environmental health officers hosted three public health engagements to better inform the local populace of measures they can take for food storage and pest abatement to improve overall health and prevent common illnesses. During the Pest Abatement Course, 41 participants learned how to make reusable rat traps using common items easily found on the Island.

“Rodents, such as rats, are a major carrier of diseases such as leptospirosis. Many countries that we have visited are concerned about leptospirosis in their communities,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Westen Archibald, Pacific Partnership 24-1 entomologist. “By teaching local community members how to make at-home reusable rat traps from recycled materials, we help empower the communities to reduce rodent populations around their neighborhoods. This can reduce the likelihood of leptospirosis infections for humans and improve population and environmental health.”

Seabees from Amphibious Construction Battalion One (ACB 1) enhanced host nation capabilities by working alongside Chuuk State Hospital for repairs to water supply system piping. In addition, ACB 1 conducted beautification of Anderson Field, a local sports field in Chuuk. At the sports field, ACB 1 made repairs to the basketball hoop and constructed soccer goals for recreational use by local children.

As part of the host nation outreach line of effort, the U.S. Pacific Partnership band, comprised of musicians from the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy performed seven concerts for communities in Chuuk, including a public performance at Anderson Field. Pacific Partnership Sailors connected with the young people of Chuuk during sports days at local schools, creating bonds of friendships through the mutual love of sports.

“We know with Pacific Partnership, it’s focused on developing capacity, but that capacity building in that partnership, it’s a human work,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Joseph Frana, Pacific Partnership 24-1 chaplain. “And so it’s all about a human connection. While we’re learning together and developing technical skills, really at the heart of it is we’re developing friendships.”

Members of the humanitarian relief and disaster response team also held seven engagements with members of the Chuuk State Department and local first responders. These engagements focused on quick response during disaster situations such as first aid, emergency messaging and communications and search and rescue operations.

Now in its 19th iteration, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

For more information about Pacific Partnership and USNS Mercy, visit www.facebook.com/pacificpartnership, www.facebook.com/USNSMERCY, or https://www.msc.usff.navy.mil/ships/mercy

Source: United States Navy

While in port, the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) team will conduct routine maintenance following several months of distributed operations and activities within the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations since July 2023.

“The last six months has showcased the value, utility, and operational flexibility a forward-deployed ARG and MEU(SOC) provide in terms of campaigning and crisis response,” said Col. Dennis “Dolf” Sampson, commanding officer of the 26th MEU(SOC). “Our recent MEU(SOC) Exercise “Odyssey Encore” and the integrated training with the Hellenic 32nd Marine Brigade and Hellenic SOF was essential to sustaining our operational capabilities and readiness across the MEU(SOC) Marine Air-Ground Task Force. This port visit will provide an opportunity to conduct normal required maintenance and inspections of our vehicles and equipment prior to getting underway for the next phase in our deployment. More so, it will provide the Marines and Sailors with some quality, well-earned liberty and an opportunity to enjoy the local culture in Crete.”

Souda Bay marks the second port visit for majority of the Sailors and Marines of the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) to the U.S. Naval Force Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of responsibility following their re-aggregation in the Mediterranean, Dec. 28. During this visit they will have the opportunity to explore Souda Bay, participate in community relations projects and cultural excursions hosted by each ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation committees.

“This is my last port visit as I depart the Bataan after six years, and I am looking forward to seeing historical places from 1,000 years ago,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Gerald Labtis. “I will cherish and treasure every bit of it.”

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. U.S. 6th Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

For more information, please contact Amphibious Squadron 8 Public Affairs Team, CPR8PAO@lhd5.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

The purpose of the new building is to expand CNFK’s administrative and operational capabilities, allowing it to better achieve its mission of fostering a strong and productive relationship with CRF and the ROK Navy, as well as enable U.S naval forces to “Fight tonight,” in the Korea area of operations (KAO), should the need arise.

“In 2015, Admiral Byrne moved to Busan and realized the strength of CNFK and ROK Fleet working side-by-side,” said CNFK Commander, Rdml. Mark Schafer, in an address to the event’s attendees, “With support from CRF, all of CNFK moved to Busan. Now, each ACOS [Assistant Chief of Staff] can meet face-to-face with their counterpart. This building is the final step to bring the full brunt of CNFK to our 70-year alliance.”

The new building will be substantially larger than the current building and will feature a number of quality-of-life improvements on top of its operational and administrative spaces.

“This project will construct a two-story facility at approximately 33,000 square feet, to support U.S military personnel and civilian staff, from Commander Naval Forces Korea,” Said FED Project manager, Mr. Robert Zhang, “The new facility will be three times the size of the current CNFK building and provides operational, administrative spaces along with new storage and a fitness center.”

The inclusion of these quality-of-life amenities are part of CNFK’s commitment to its Sailors and its mission to be the assignment of choice for any Sailor picking new orders.

Construction is scheduled to be completed February 1, 2025. After the new building’s completion, the current CNFK Headquarters the current will continue to be utilized by CNFK to support joint and combined naval operations across the Korean peninsula.

CNFK proudly celebrates its 70 year alliance with our ROKN partners, continuing to foster an enduring relationship of mutual respect and working together to temper combined maritime warfighting capability, interoperability, and readiness that has spanned generations.

Source: United States Navy

After arriving at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) headquarters this morning, CNO and MCPON met with Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of NAVEUR-NAVAF and commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples. While in Naples, they also recognized Sailors and civilians for the work they do every day to sustain Allied and partner security relationships. 

The visit to Naples is a homecoming of sorts for Franchetti, as she previously served as the commander of U.S. 6th Fleet from 2018 to 2020. Upon coming back to Naples, she underscored the importance of the Navy’s presence abroad in supporting service, national, and international objectives and interests, and talked to Sailors about the overseas perspective on naval service.

“I know how amazing the team is here. When I became the CNO, I knew one of the most important things to do was to visit the fleets along with MCPON,” said Adm. Franchetti. “It’s important to talk to the fleet and see what they say out here at the pointed end of the spear and then to bring that perspective with me wherever we go.”

MCPON Honea met with NAVEUR-NAVAF Fleet Master Chief (FLTCM) Johannes J. Gonzalez while in Naples. He also spoke with Sailors in the local Enlisted Leadership Development Class. 

“It’s always a special moment for our Sailors to interact with or be recognized by leadership like this,” said FLTCM Gonzalez. “To have the CNO and MCPON speak directly with our teams was a great experience, and a unique opportunity for our Sailors to communicate with the highest levels of our Navy.”

In addition to meeting individually with leadership and Sailors from throughout the region, CNO and MCPON held an awards ceremony and an all hands call to the NAVEUR-NAVAF audience, as well as other Sailors, civilians, and support personnel from various commands throughout the Naples community.

“The people who work as lawmakers and policy makers are great patriots like all of the Sailors stationed here in Naples,” said Honea. “What they don’t have is your perspective and understanding of what it’s like to live and serve here. After meeting with the Sailors here, I can bring bags full of that back to [the lawmakers], to help them make better decisions for all the Sailors and their families stationed here.”

From Naples, CNO and MCPON will travel to Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, where they will join representatives from the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, and Germany, for the first-ever P-8A Joint Exploration and Discussion Initiative Symposium. 

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. U.S. 6th Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy

“Dr. Rondeau’s steady leadership and military and academic achievement is what NPS needs in our current dynamic maritime environment,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Naval education is foundational to our ability to deter conflict and succeed in war. I look forward to Dr. Rondeau’s leadership in continuing our efforts to modernize our naval education to meet our Nation’s security needs.” 

Innovation driven, NPS develops warfighters and warfighting solutions. By providing relevant and unique advanced education and research programs, NPS increases the combat effectiveness of commissioned officers of the naval service to enhance maritime advantage, joint warfighting and the security of the United States. 

“For the past five years, it has been the greatest honor of my career to lead the Naval Postgraduate School and the community of extraordinary people who dedicate their talent and time to the development of our naval and national security leaders,” said Rondeau. “I am deeply humbled and privileged to continue in this role and will serve with renewed commitment to the vital mission of NPS and strengthening the institution to meet the challenges ahead.” 

NPS is part of the Naval University System (NUS), the Department of the Navy’s primary path to deliver naval-unique education to the force. Other DON academic degree-granting institutions include the United States Naval Academy, Marine Corps University, the Naval War College, and the United States Naval Community College. 

NPS and NUS are integral parts of Secretary Del Toro’s Naval Education Strategy (NES), which provides guidance to modernize naval education to meet our Nation’s security needs. Secretary Del Toro’s long-term vision also includes the development of a Naval Innovation Center at NPS to serve as a premier military education facility tailored to innovation and experimentation, serving as a technology resource for Navy and Marine Corps warfighting development commands, as well as a go-to partner of the defense industrial base, the technology sector, and academia. 

Through a program of advanced education with academic theses, applied research and technology innovation opportunities, NPS students solve real-world operational problems guided by defense-expert faculty to support the needs of our naval forces, international partners and the Department of Defense.  

In January 2019, Rondeau relieved retired Vice Adm. Ronald A. Route as NPS president during a change of charge and investiture ceremony.