Month: February 2024

Source: United States Navy

The MAKO series is designed to give Reserve Sailors hands-on experience within the Operational Level of War (OLW) environment including a Maritime Operations Center (MOC) scenario.

“The MAKO series allows an opportunity for reservists to come in on their drill time to get basic reps and sets in MOC watchstanding, operational planning teams, cross-functional teams, briefing the boss, what the different watch positions are, and all things in the MOC,” said Rear Adm. Kenneth Blackmon, vice commander, U.S. Fleet Forces.

With limited time and high operational expectations, the Navy Reserve prioritizes training to increase warfighting readiness. That means evolutions like MAKO are designed to give Reserve Sailors in the Fleet the most realistic training they can get without actually standing on the active watch floor, the expectation when they are called out on orders for exercises or to fill in for active duty gaps.

“To go straight into the watch floor, there’s definitely going to be a learning curve since we don’t see this on a daily basis,” said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Boda, a Reserve Sailor in the USFF Intel unit. “Even as a local driller who comes in once a month, it’s still 30 days between when I walk in. With the operational environment, a lot can happen in 30 days. I think that people who go through MAKO on a regular basis, people who get the qualification, there’s less of a curve. But if you don’t put in the effort, you’re going to have to work a lot harder when you do go on orders.”

Boda is one of two Reserve Sailors in his unit to stand watch alongside his active counterparts. During MAKO Boda served as a mentor to train reserve colleagues to build a bench of support.

Reserve Sailors who attended MAKO make a direct impact on the readiness of the Navy as the MOC and other operational-level-of-war lines of effort are priorities by Navy leadership.

“In terms of warfighting, it’s been stated multiple times by the different flag officers who participated this weekend, the MOC is a key component to our Navy’s success,” said Blackmon. “This is where the real-time war decisions are made. So, the opportunity to do some reps and sets, to learn those processes, in a dialed-back environment where the MOC isn’t operating at its fullest capability, for these new Sailors at the various Fleets, it gives them some muscle memory of how planning works, how the battle rhythm helps commanders make decisions.”

Senior leaders visited the watch floor and spoke with Reserve Sailors and mentors in order to better understand the training taking place and witness the active and reserve integration firsthand.

“It is inspiring to see the training and collaboration between active and reserve staffs,” said Vice Adm. John Gumbleton, commander, Task Force 80 and deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces. “At the end of the day, Reserve Sailors provide a valuable resource during fleet operations and exercises. They make us stronger and bring immense experience and skillsets along with a different way of thinking that adds tremendous value to the Fleets.”

Source: United States Navy

The command recognized Christopher Day, who serves as director of the Engines and Dynamic Components and Industrial Processes divisions, as the depot’s top mentor. Day’s special talent for educating his fellow employees and commitment to continual improvement earned him the title, leaders said.

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Production Department Head Tina Rowe, Day’s supervisor, said he is exceptionally equipped to be a mentor as he clearly enjoys helping others.

“Chris shows real dedication to his mentees, and vice versa,” said Rowe. “He didn’t become a mentor for personal gain; he became a mentor because he truly loves helping his coworkers succeed. He is the type of supervisor everyone wants to have.

“Chris genuinely cares about his fellow employee’s growth and will do everything he can to help them along their journey here at FRC East,” Rowe continued. “He will stop whatever he is doing to help someone with a challenging situation. For that, I believe he is very deserving of this recognition.”

Day said he was honored by the recognition, which came as quite a surprise to him.

“When I learned I was selected for this recognition, I was shell shocked,” said Day. “I wouldn’t have expected someone to nominate me. I’m overwhelmed with the thought that someone took the time to do this for me.”

Day began his career at FRCE repairing AV-8 aircraft engines 24 years ago; he has been in his current position for a little under a year. While he officially became a mentor when Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) launched a formal mentoring program in 2007, Day said passing along helpful information to those coming into a new position has always come naturally to him. The mentors he had toward the beginning of his career instilled this in him and were a key factor in both why and how he became a mentor himself.

“When I first became a work leader, I had some great mentors. They spent hours helping to develop me into a leader. I think because of that, mentoring came naturally to me,” said Day. “I’ve always been interested in helping others and I’ve always extended a hand to those in need because if I can help, let me know. Come to my office and we can talk.”

According to Matthew Sinsel, head of both the Manufacturing, Machining and Welding Branch and the Clean and Paint Branch, Day is the type of mentor who is always willing to lend a helping hand, especially if it will aid in his mentee’s success. This made Sinsel’s decision to nominate Day for this award easy.

“Chris goes above and beyond. He is committed to helping others reach their full potential and be the best versions of themselves,” said Sinsel. “He is a good listener, provides constructive, non-judgmental feedback and is both passionate and enthusiastic about his role as a mentor. He demonstrates a positive outlook that inspires others to work harder.”

Sinsel said he nominated Day for Mentor of the Year because he has witnessed Day’s mentorship help many others, himself included, on countless occasions. Working with Day has provided him with numerous shadowing opportunities that have been beneficial to his job performance and improvement, he said.

“Chris’ reassurance and positive feedback kept me on the right track to make a positive impact,” said Sinsel. “His mentorship allowed me to challenge myself, work to broaden my knowledge and better understand NAVAIR’s mission.”

For Day, being recognized as Mentor of the Year is not the most fulfilling part of being a mentor; instead, he feels the real reward is simply knowing the information he provided to someone helped them along their journey.

“When someone realizes the information you gave them was of great value, and they come back and say how much it actually helped them, that is what being a mentor is all about,” said Day. “Simply knowing that one short conversation you had with that person will resonate with them for the rest of their career is rewarding. It is very gratifying.”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

Source: United States Navy

Washington, DC – Vice Chief of Naval Operations Jim Kilby traveled to Millington, Tennessee, and Pensacola, Florida, to meet with Navy leadership and Sailors leading the Navy’s recruiting and personnel efforts, Jan. 30-31.

Kilby started his trip at Naval Support Activity Mid-South in Millington, Tennessee, with updates on MyNavy Career Center and Assignments, and the Detailing Marketplace from Rear Adm. Wayne Baze, Commander, Navy Personnel Command; Rear Adm. Kevin Kennedy, Assistant Commander for Career Management, PERS-4, Navy Personnel Command; and Rear Adm. Stuart Satterwhite, Commander, MyNavy Career Center.

“Our team provides the Fleet with ready warfighters, matching the right Sailor to the right job, to assure mission success for America’s Navy,” said Baze. “We do this by providing unprecedented quality of service to Sailors and their families throughout their career.”

Kilby also toured the Navy’s Recruiting Operations Center and continued the discussion on the Navy’s recruiting efforts.

The ROC was established in 2023 and enhances Navy recruiting by streamlining tasks, troubleshooting challenges, and offering a dedicated hotline for support. It reduces administrative burdens on recruiters, enhances the experience for potential recruits, and aligns with the Navy’s mission to make recruiting more efficient.

“This is a true testament of our commitment to look at recruiting from a problem-solving lens,” said Kilby. “It’s incredibly impressive to see the efforts Navy Recruiting Command has put in place to support our front-line talent seekers who are out there recruiting the best of America. We know we’re competing with all other options and this is one way we’re winning.”

Participating along the tour was Rear Adm. Jeffrey Czerewko, Commander, Naval Education and Training Command, and Rear Adm. Alexis “Lex” Walker, Commander, Navy Recruiter Command.

“The ROC is an example of what happens when you give our Sailors the tools to succeed and empower them to make change,” said Walker. “It’s all about supporting our people, the recruiters and new recruits we’re bringing into our Navy every day.”

Kilby continued his recruiting discussion at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Jan. 31.

At an all hands call with recruiters at Navy Recruiting Orientation Unit, Kilby acknowledged the immense job the Navy’s recruiters play into the future of the fleet.

“You have the most important job in the Navy,” said Kilby. “You’re coming into an extremely challenging recruiting environment, but you’re not doing this alone. Recruiting is an effort that involves every Sailor and every officer at all levels. Every one of us is a recruiter and you are joining that effort in a critical and focused role at a critical time.”

NORU is the Navy’s sole recruiting schoolhouse, training over 3,500 enlisted and officer personnel every year in professional sales, prospecting techniques, marketing, applicant processing, recruiting terminology, leadership, ethical behavior, and activity analysis.

The Navy is adapting to increased recruiting competition by increasing enlisted bonuses, returning the loan repayment program, raising the maximum enlistment age limit, allowing tattoo waivers, and the Future Sailor Preparatory Course at boot camp.   

“Navy Recruiting Command is an organization fully invested in self-assessment and self-correction, they are increasing their performance measurably every day,” said Czerewko. “They are telling the story of the U.S. Navy as it operates from seabed to space, presenting a compelling and exciting vision for the best America has to offer.”

Kilby also held small group discussions with command triads stationed on the base to discuss challenges they face.

“Building a learning team comes by establishing a culture of trust and respect,” said Kilby. “Whether you’re a seaman, petty officer, member of the Chief’s Mess or Wardroom, a CO, a commodore, a strike group commander – we need to reward those who are transparent, who “embrace the red” and ask for help.” 

VCNO’s visit to Millington and Pensacola underscores the Navy’s commitment to bringing qualified and motivated future Sailors into the Navy to maintain our warfighting readiness.

Every Sailor is an ambassador for the Navy. Follow the link for more tools and recruiting resources: https://etoolbox.cnrc.navy.mil/esar.html

Source: United States Navy

 The PAC provided band and marching drill components to the parade to commemorate the life and work of Dr. King, while also showcasing the talents of the Sailors participating in the event.
 
The drill component’s drill master Cryptologic Technician Collection 1st Class Andrew C. Ebel, an instructor onboard IWTC Corry Station, said he was proud of the performance of his talented and hardworking team, and was honored to be a part of the tribute to the legacy of a great man.
 
Chief Petty Officer Trevel Dixon, an instructor onboard IWTC, expressed his pride in his team’s participation, saying, “It’s an honor to represent IWTC Corry Station and the Navy in such a significant community event and to pay homage to Dr. King and his legacy.”
 
The PAC’s involvement in the parade also provided an opportunity to highlight the Navy’s commitment to involvement in their communities. By participating in events like these, the PAC and by extension IWTC Corry Station, reminds the local community of the support the Navy provides and the values they instill in their Sailors.
 
IWTC Corry Station is a part of the Center for Information Warfare Training. With four schoolhouse commands, a detachment, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains over 26,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.
 

Source: United States Navy

The time-honored ceremony marked Wikoff’s assumption of command of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), and the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC).

Cooper, who assumed command in May 2021, led more than 16,000 Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen, and civilians. As CMF commander, he oversaw a 41-nation maritime partnership in one of the world’s most diverse and challenging area of operations.

Army Gen. Michael “Erik” Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), presided over the ceremony. During his remarks, he highlighted Cooper’s accomplishments while in command, noting the importance of people at the heart of his success in ensuring maritime security.

“His investment in our people, our partners, and to developing innovative approaches has truly made a difference in 5th Fleet and across the Central Region,” Kurilla said, noting Cooper’s leadership advanced U.S. and coalition naval forces through numerous complex joint and combined maritime operational events, resulting in enhanced security and stability in the maritime environment.

Recently, Cooper led efforts to counter Houthi malign activities in the Red Sea through Operation Prosperity Guardian, bringing more than 20 nations together to provide a persistent presence in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. Further, he led U.S. Navy efforts to diminish Houthi drone and missile capabilities through the execution of more than 100 strikes inside Houthi-controlled portions of Yemen in conjunction with Operation Poseidon Archer. 

He also established the first naval unmanned and artificial intelligence task force, Task Force 59. During his tour, TF 59 went from experimentation to operations, including the first use of weapons aboard an unmanned platform.

Cooper spearheaded Operation Unified Takedown, resulting in the largest seizure of illegal weapons and drugs, smuggled out of Iran, in the history of Middle East naval operations.

With an eye toward expanding maritime security, Cooper also forged new partnerships with Caspian Sea nations and other central European countries.

As CMF commander, Cooper expanded the coalition to its greatest point in 22 years, 41 nations, and also established two new task forces: Combined Task Force (CTF) 153, focused on the Red Sea region; and CTF-154, leading multinational maritime training at locations across the Middle East. CMF task forces provided maritime security, conducted counter piracy and counter terrorism operations, and combated illegal drug smuggling, confiscating over $1.4 billion in narcotics during his tour. As the commander of IMSC, he grew its membership from eight to 12 nations.

Cooper said none of it could have been accomplished without the exceptional performance of the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet.

“Every success starts and ends with people, and that has certainly been the case here in the Middle East these past few years” Cooper said. “The extraordinary Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have deployed to this region have been, and continue to be, at the top of their game. I could not be prouder of their achievements and consider it a privilege of a lifetime to serve alongside them during this tour.”

Cooper reports next to Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, as the CENTCOM Deputy Commander.

Wikoff assumes command following his most recent tour as Acting Commander, Naval Air Forces/Acting Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. A naval aviator, Wikoff served operationally in Fighter Squadron (VF) 102 onboard USS America (CV 66) and VF 154 forward deployed to Atsugi, Japan on USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). He commanded Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 211, deployed onboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), VFA 122, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, deployed onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

“I am particularly excited to lead our like-minded partners in the Combined Maritime Forces with whom the United States stands shoulder-to-shoulder in the defense of Freedom of Navigation and Rules-Based International Order,” Wikoff said.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command is the maritime component commander of U.S. Central Command in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. It encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of more than 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Bab al-Mandeb.