Month: March 2024

Source: United States Navy

Reinforcing the trans-Atlantic link between NATO Allies and partners is a major goal of this maritime command element headquarters, which is comprised of staff from U.S. 2nd Fleet and Expeditionary Strike Group 2. Their forward presence and leadership in the exercise enables NATO maritime units to operate seamlessly in any environment.

Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, Joint Force Command Norfolk and 2nd Fleet, emphasized that CTF North demonstrates North America’s commitment to NATO.

“My 2nd fleet staff are operating forward as CTF North to oversee fourteen Allied and partner navies throughout the maritime operations,” said Perry. “Steadfast Defender is a valuable experience for our Norfolk-based team, who are gaining proficiency commanding mission ready forces in the European operating area. Interoperability is essential because NATO faces the most dangerous and unpredictable security environment in decades. So this is an incredible demonstration of NATO’s unity, resilience, and readiness to respond to an attack on this defensive alliance. The NATO Alliance is ironclad, and we are ready, if challenged.”

Reestablished as a fleet headquarters to defend the maritime avenues of approach between North America and Europe, and oversee deterrence and security of the Atlantic Ocean and east coast of the United States, 2nd Fleet maintains a “maneuver arm” element to respond across the Atlantic Ocean and into the High North. This capability can involve commanding and controlling forward forces from 2nd Fleet headquarters in Norfolk, or sending an expeditionary maritime command element forward to oversee forces in theater. CTF-N is exercising that second construct.

Sailors assigned to CTF North provide a wide range of expertise to include operational coordinators, maritime operations center personnel and military planners.

Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, deputy commander, CTF North, explained that the staff, made up of British, Canadian, Dutch, Danish, French, Finish, Norwegian, and U.S. personnel are integrating with each other and learning through each engagement.

“Training in Norway, especially in the Arctic, is an invaluable opportunity for U.S. service members supporting Steadfast Defender. As a joint force, we are showing our ability to integrate with NATO allies and Sweden,” said Nicholson. “Our ability to rapidly deploy a sophisticated NATO command element headquarters, largely staffed by the U.S., seamlessly into a Norwegian facility in a strategically important location would not have been possible without a strong U.S.-Norway partnership. For us, it’s more than just words, we are showing our dedication to the alliance and security in the region through our actions.”

The staff is residing and working in Bodø during exercise Steadfast Defender providing around the clock command and control to all exercise-related maritime activities. Capt. Michael Desmond, CTF North’s chief of staff, underscored the importance of all team members’ contributions.

“We are proud to be here in Norway, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to our Allies and Partners,” said Desmond. “Everyone on this exceptional headquarters staff brings unique expertise that helps to strengthen the Alliance by developing interoperability and capacity-building across a spectrum of warfighting readiness.”

Second Fleet develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

U.S. Navy photos and b-roll are available on DVIDS. For more information, contact c2f_pao@us.navy.mil.

Follow along with the exercise on social media by using #steadfastdefender24

Source: United States Navy

“As Seabees, we recognize the importance of camaraderie, tradition, and celebrating our achievements,” said Cmdr. Matthew Lenzer, a Civil Engineer Corps officer assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command staff and lead planner for this year’s Hampton Roads Seabee Ball. “This year’s Seabee Ball is an opportunity for us to come together, reflect on our accomplishments, and renew our commitment to service. As we honor our past and embrace the present, we also aim to inspire the future as we gather to commemorate the values that make us proud to be Seabees.”

Although the Navy designated the first construction battalion in January 1942 to fulfill the immediate need for the construction of a fueling station on Bora Bora so that ships and planes could continue defending open sea lanes towards Australia, the term “Seabee” was not coined until March 5, 1942. The Seabees quickly became an indispensable asset to the U.S. military during World War II due to their ability to rapidly construct vital infrastructure in war-torn regions. Their efforts earned them a reputation as the Navy’s premier builders and solidified their place in military history.

“For 82 years, the Seabees have been an integral part of the Navy’s mission,” said Seabee Master Chief Robert Balmaceda, NECC Staff Senior Enlisted Leader. “From 1942, with men at a range of ages from all construction trades, to today’s men and women who specialize in our seven Seabee ratings. We have upheld our motto, ‘With compassion for others, we build, and we fight for peace with freedom.’”

Mr. Ken Stethem, the brother of Steelworker Second Class Robert Stethem who died in a terrorist attack while serving with Underwater Construction Team One, served as the keynote speaker for this year’s event.

“The depth of Rob’s courage and resolve in the face of overwhelming adversity by cowards who had nothing more against Rob than the fact that he represented the best that America has to offer,” said Stethem. “He was young, he was strong, he was proud, yet he was also kind and humble – the reach and the power of Rob’s spirit is able to touch others heart, and their spirit, and this is how he continues to inspire all who hear his story.”

In June 1985, Stethem and four other members of Underwater Construction Team One were returning to the U.S. from overseas duty aboard Trans World Airlines Flight 847, when terrorists hijacked the flight and diverted it to Beirut, Lebanon. The terrorists singled out Stethem as a Navy Sailor and beat and tortured him to persuade him to meet their demands. Stethem’s heroic refusal to aid the terrorists ultimately led to his death. Stethem was posthumously promoted to Second Class Petty Officer and later to Master Chief Constructionman (CUCM) for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom and his fellow Americans. Stethem was also awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his heroism.

In his honor, the Navy commissioned the USS Stethem (DDG 63) on October 21, 1995, in Port Hueneme, Calif., as the thirteenth Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The crew of USS Stethem carries on the legacy of Stethem, alongside the Naval Construction Force, with their motto “Steadfast and Courageous” to honor his steadfast devotion to duty and courageous service.

“The cost of freedom is sacrifice,” said Ken Stethem. All Americans should know Rob’s story and remember his sacrifice. When we fail to remember Rob’s story, and others who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom . . . we don’t dishonor them . . . we dishonor ourselves.”

Since their inception in 1942, the Seabees continue to provide a wide range of military construction and advanced general engineering support to operational commanders around the world in competition and conflict. The Naval Construction Force enables infrastructure improvement projects including roadway establishment, boat ramp construction, pier and mooring inspections, and water well installations. In crisis, they can provide expeditionary and rapid airfield damage repair and port damage repair capabilities in support of distributed maritime operations.

“For the past 82 years, the Naval Construction Force provided naval engineering and construction capabilities to the United States and our allies and partners where and when it mattered most,” said Rear Adm. Brad Andros, commander, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command. “As we look to the future, I have no doubt the Seabees will continue their legacy of service to the Fleet, bridging the gap from sea to shore with their ‘Can Do’ attitude and operating in the most challenging of environments.”

The Naval Construction Groups, Regiments and Battalions, serve within the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force, who provide capabilities in complex and austere environments for the Navy. For more information about NECC and our units, visit our website: https://www.necc.usff.navy.mil/

Source: United States Navy

Since December, the Bataan ARG and the 26th MEU(SOC) have conducted training, exercises, and operations in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility in support of maritime stability and security in defense of U.S., allied, and partner interests.

“Throughout our time in the U.S. Fifth and U.S. Sixth Fleet regions, the Sailors and Marines of the Bataan ARG and 26th MEU(SOC) showcased the unique capabilities that we bring as a response force to our allies and partners,” said Amphibious Squadron 8 Commodore, Capt. Martin Robertson. “Our presence in the Eastern Mediterranean was exactly what our nation needed: an integrated Navy and Marine Corps force ready to respond when called upon.”

Completing this transit and entering the Atlantic Ocean is a major milestone and one of the last scheduled operations of the Bataan ARG and the 26th MEU(SOC)’s nearly 8-month deployment.

The Bataan ARG is comprised of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). The ships deployed from Norfolk, Virginia, July 10, and have conducted training, exercises, and operations to support maritime stability and security in defense of U.S., allied, and partner interests.

The 26th MEU(SOC) serves as one of the Nation’s premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the Geographic Combatant Commander. Coupled with the BAT ARG, the 26th MEU(SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with a full complement of all-domain capabilities to operate persistently within the littorals or weapons engagement zones of an adversary.

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

During her morning commute to work, Sanders approached the Harry Wurzbach gate on the north side of JBSA-FSH. Just before reaching the entrance, she noticed a woman on the ground at a bus stop. The woman was in a strange, unnatural position and Sanders quickly realized something was terribly wrong.

Sanders immediately pulled her vehicle to the side of the road and sprung into action. She realized the woman was having a seizure and called for emergency services before rendering first aid. Sanders continued to perform first aid and made sure the patient was safe until emergency services arrived.

“It was a natural reaction,” said Sanders. “It was never a matter of if I was going to stop, but rather how I was going to go help this woman as quickly as possible because something was clearly wrong.”

Sanders is certified in the American Heart Association’s Basic Life Support
(BLS) course. The BLS course is a training requirement for all hospital corpsman, but it is available at NMTSC for any staff member that is interested in the qualification. Additionally, Sanders received tactical combat causality care training during religious program specialist “A” school.

“RP1 Sanders is setting the example for all our staff members,” said Capt. Paul Allen, commander, NMTSC. “As hospital corpsman, our Sailors are always ready to ‘corpsman up’ at a moment’s notice. It is truly inspiring that our non-corpsman support staff have embraced the spirit of the Hospital Corps and are able to apply their training when it’s needed most.”

The news of Sanders’ actions spread quickly up her chain of command. A few short hours later, Allen awarded Sanders with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal on the afternoon of Feb. 29 for her actions on that same morning. She was commended for her actions and bravery.

“It was the right thing to do,” said Sanders. “I feel like anyone would have done the same, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I’m just glad we were able to help that woman and get her the care she needed.”

NMTSC is the Navy component command providing administrative and
operational control over Navy staff and students assigned to the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) and other medical programs in the San Antonio area. Join the conversation with NMTSC online at www.facebook.com/NMTSCFSH/.

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Commander in Chief of the Peruvian Navy Adm. Luis Polar at the Pentagon, today.

During the meeting, Franchetti reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship between the two navies to countering transnational criminal networks, conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and providing defense education. She also thanked Peru for hosting the Polar Planning Course at the U.S. Naval War College last year and noted that it will facilitate seamless coalitions for any future crisis.

The discussion focused on strengthening maritime partnership and the importance of maintaining the rules-based international order. The two leaders also exchanged ideas on cooperation and interoperability to meet shared maritime challenges.

Following their discussion, Polar was awarded a Legion of Merit by the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

Polar’s visit to the Pentagon comes during his larger trip to Baltimore to visit the Peruvian tall ship BAP UNION. Franchetti and Polar last met in September 2023 at the International Seapower Symposium, in Newport, R.I.