Month: March 2024

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Defense News: NRL’s Sungrazer Project Discovers 5000th Comet

Source: United States Navy

 The Sungrazer Project is a NASA-funded citizen science program operating from NRL for over 20 years, and enables volunteers from anywhere in the world to submit reports of suspected new near-Sun and “sungrazing” comets in NASA and ESA heliophysics imaging data.
 
Almost all of the project’s 5,000 discoveries have been made in images returned by NRL’s Large Angle Spectrometric Coronagraph (LASCO) telescope which has operated continuously aboard the SOHO satellite since 1995.
 
LASCO is a coronagraph telescope, designed to return visible-light images of the solar corona and near-Sun region, to aid in the study of solar eruptions and outflows. However, the high-sensitivity of the instrument has also led to an unanticipated wealth of observations of previously unknown comets as they pass extremely close to the Sun and begin vaporizing. Due to their proximity to the Sun, these comets are invisible from Earth, and can only be seen by specialized instrumentation like LASCO.

“When LASCO was launched, no one had any idea that it would turn out to be the most prolific discoverer in history,” said NRL researcher Karl Battams, Ph.D., the principal investigator of LASCO and the Sungrazer Project. “The amount of data and science returned has just been beyond our wildest dreams.”
 
The 5,000th discovery was made by amateur astronomer Hanjie Tan from Guangzhou, China, who is currently an astronomy Ph.D. student in Prague, Czech Republic. Tan has been participating in the Sungrazer Project since he was 13 years old, making him one of the project’s youngest comet discoverers.  He spotted the images from LASCO’s C2 camera. Unlike most of SOHO’s comets, it very probably survived its passage by the Sun. It will have passed approximately 8.2 million kilometers (5.1 million miles) from the Sun – this is slightly farther from the Sun than the current orbit of NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, which carries NRL’s WISPR imaging instrument.
 
SOHO-5000 is a small, short-period comet belonging to the so-called ‘Marsden group’ of comets, named for the late Dr. Brian Marsden who first recognized the group. The Marsden group was not known to exist until SOHO (LASCO) discovered it. The group is believed to be an ancient descendants of the Near-Sun comet 96P/Machholz, which NRL’s LASCO observes every 5.3 years. Only approximately 75 of SOHO’s 5,000 comets belong to this comet group.
 

VIDEO: On March 25, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) Sungrazer Project reached a remarkable milestone – the discovery of its 5,000th comet in data from the joint European Space Agency – National Aeronautics and Space Administration (ESA-NASA) Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO). The 5,000th discovery was made by amateur astronomer Hanjie Tan from Guangzhou, China, who is currently an astronomy Ph.D. student in Prague, Czech Republic. SOHO-5000 is a small, short-period comet belonging to the so-called ‘Marsden group’ of comets, named for the late Dr. Brian Marsden who first recognized the group. The Marsden group was not known to exist until SOHO (LASCO) discovered it. (Credit: NRL/ESA/NASA)
 
The crowd-sourced discovery of comets in SOHO/LASCO observations has led to a wealth of new science regarding the compositional properties of comets, their photometric behavior, and their physical properties, as well as orbital evolution and fragmentation. Studies of these comets also aids our understanding of the Sun, allowing scientists to study the way the comets and their tails react to, and interact with the extreme near-Sun region, including the Sun’s magnetic fields and outflows. LASCO is one of the most impactful heliophysics instruments in history, currently providing critical realtime imagery of solar eruptions that can lead to potentially disruptive space weather events.
 
The SOHO project is reaching the end of its planned lifetime. It was originally a two-year mission, and has now stretched to nearly 30 years. It is currently scheduled to cease operations at the end of 2025. “It will be truly sad when the SOHO mission finally ends,” said Battams, “but the discoveries that it has made over nearly the past 30 years have completely revolutionized heliophysics and comet science, so we have so very much to thank SOHO for.” 
 
 
About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.

For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@us.navy.mil. 
 

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Defense News: U.S. Navy Hosts Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force, Holds Bilateral Strategic Dialogue

Source: United States Navy

The dialogue built upon the Strategic Approach Plan, originally signed by the JMSDF and the United States Navy in 2020. The Strategic Approach strengthens existing cooperation, addresses mutual strategic priorities and promotes collaborative development of defense capability.

“This dialogue is a testament to our combined determination and commitment to shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. I am honored to host our JMSDF partners and continue to strengthen our longstanding partnership through interoperability,” said Black. “Our discussion allows us to evaluate our progress and seek future opportunities for growth.”

This year’s strategic dialogue highlighted capabilities across warfare domains, including undersea and information warfare as well as logistics.

“I’d like to thank RADM Black and his staff for hosting the meaningful and concrete meeting for enhancing the Japan and US alliance, which is essential to maintain and develop international orders and values based on international law,” said Takenaka. “On the dialogue, we discussed our ways in increasing our bilateral capabilities in various warfare domains including our Replenishment at Sea (RAS) capabilities in logistics, and undersea warfare. The two navies are striving to further strengthen collaboration to improve our interoperability and interchangeability.”

The U.S. – Japan alliance is a cornerstone of peace, stability, and security in the Indo-Pacific. The two navies routinely operate together in high-end maritime exercises that enhance interoperability, boost deterrence, and demonstrate shared resolve.

The leaders will convene again next year for a strategic dialogue in Japan.

The Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans and Strategy (N3/N5) is the principal advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Navy strategies, plans and policies, including planning and coordinating the global employment of naval forces.

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Defense News: USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB 4) Joins Forces with Ghana Navy in the Gulf of Guinea for Exercise Sea Lion 2024

Source: United States Navy

Sea Lion 24 brought together Hershel “Woody” Williams, the U.S. Navy’s only ship assigned to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and Ghana Navy ships GNS Volta (P.40) and GNS Ankobra (P.43). The exercise began with a flagging-off ceremony hosted by the Ghana military, with Ghana Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Thomas Oppong-Peprah leading the ceremony.

In support of the exercise, Hershel “Woody” Williams hosted five Sailors from the Ghana Navy, while two U.S. Sailors embarked on the Ghana Navy vessels. During the personnel exchange, Sailors made their way to longitude and latitude 0° at the center of the Earth. The Sailors then swapped back to their own ship via two separate personnel transfers from Hershel “Woody” Williams’ rigid-hull inflatable boat crew.

“It was a pleasure hosting the Ghana Sailors aboard the “Woody” Williams and being able to learn more about their Navy and culture,” said Capt. Amy Lindahl, commanding officer of Hershel “Woody” Williams. “It was also amazing to see our two Sailors come back with big smiles and great stories to tell about their time on their respective ships.”

Once the ships reached longitude and latitude 0° the Sailors aboard the Ghana ships held a crossing the line ceremony.

“It was an awesome experience to go out there and really learn their culture and crossing the line ceremony,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Andrew Hill, one of the Sailors that embarked aboard the Ghana Navy ships. “It was really great to work together with them because they were absolutely amazing hosts to us while we were onboard.”

Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the AFRICOM area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ unique capabilities are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support global missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, allowing it to remain continually deployed throughout AFRICOM.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (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.

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Defense News: Commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific visits NAMRU San Antonio

Source: United States Navy

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), held a townhall meeting at the Military and Family Readiness Center during his official visit to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), held a townhall meeting at the Military and Family Readiness Center during his official visit to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), held a townhall meeting at the Military and Family Readiness Center during his official visit to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), presents his command coin to Dr. Clifford Morgan assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio during a townhall meeting held at the Military and Family Readiness Center. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), presents his command coin to Cmdr. Brendan O’Brien assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio during a townhall meeting held at the Military and Family Readiness Center. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), presents his command coin to U.S. Army Sgt. Gabriela Jordan of Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio during a townhall meeting held at the Military and Family Readiness Center. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Capt. Ewell Hollis, (Medical Corps), executive officer, Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio, speaks with Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), during Valdes’ official visit at the Tri-Service Research Laboratory. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Lt. Cmdr. Jason Cole, deputy director of Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Directed Energy Health Effects Directorate, speaks with Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) at the Tri-Service Research Laboratory. Valdes toured the facility and received a series of briefings ranging from Expeditionary and Trauma Medicine to Cellular and Immune Based Adjuncts. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Dr. Meaghan Rose, a research scientist assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine Directorate, presents an in-house design of an amalgam separator for dental chairs to Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), during Valdes’ official visit at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Dr. Meaghan Rose, a research scientist assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine Directorate, briefs information on the placement of amalgam separators for dental chairs to Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), during Valdes’ official visit at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Dr. Amer Tiba, a research scientist assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine Directorate, briefs research on self-healing dental resin versus a flowable restorative to Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), during Valdes’ official visit at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Dr. Sabrina Snyder, a research scientist, joined by fellow research scientist Dr. Amer Tiba, both assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine Directorate, briefs research on self-healing dental resin versus a flowable restorative to Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), during Valdes’ official visit at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Dr. William D’Angelo, a biomedical engineer assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Combat Casualty Care and Operational Medicine Directorate, briefs the capabilities of a prototype portable ozone sterilizer to Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), during Valdes’ official visit at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute. The equipment is being developed by NAMRU San Antonio to be utilized by front-line military corpsmen, clinicians, and dentists during combat and humanitarian missions. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Dr. Luis Martinez, a research microbiologist assigned to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio’s Craniofacial Health and Restorative Medicine Directorate, briefs research on Electrospun Alveolar Ridge Grafts to Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP), during Valdes’ official visit at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON – (March 25, 2024) – Rear Adm. Guido Valdes, commander, Naval Medical Forces Pacific (NMFP) made an official visit to Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) San Antonio. During his visit, he toured NAMRU San Antonio facilities at the Battlefield Health and Trauma Research Institute and Tri-Service Research Laboratory. Valdes, who serves as the Chief of Navy Medical Corps, has oversight of 10 Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Commands on the West Coast and Pacific Rim as well as Navy Medicine’s eight global research labs. Valdes also serves under the Defense Health Agency (DHA) as the director of the Defense Health Network Pacific Rim where he oversees the delivery and integration of healthcare at nine medical treatment facilities (MTF) on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. NAMRU San Antonio’s mission is to conduct gap driven combat casualty care, craniofacial, and directed energy research to improve survival, operational readiness, and safety of Department of Defense (DoD) personnel engaged in routine and expeditionary operations. It is one of the leading research and development laboratories for the U.S. Navy under the DoD and is one of eight subordinate research commands in the global network of laboratories operating under the Naval Medical Research Command in Silver Spring, Md. (U.S. Navy photo by Burrell Parmer, NAMRU San Antonio Public Affairs/Released)

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Defense News: Navy Week Charts Course to Fort Worth April 8-14

Source: United States Navy

Participating Navy assets include Sailors from the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3), Virginia-class submarine USS Texas (SSN 775), USS Constitution, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 1, Naval Talent Acquisition Group Red River, Navy Reserve Center Fort Worth, Naval History & Heritage Command, Navy Band Southeast, U.S. Ceremonial Guard Drill Team, Naval Special Warfare Assessment Center, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron (Blue Angels), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Navy Parachute Team (Leap Frogs), and the Office of Civilian Human Resources.

More than 50 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city, including a Navy Week proclamation and recognition ceremony at the Fort Worth Stockyards and a Navy Day at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum.

The Navy’s senior executive is Rear Adm. Keith Hash, Commander, Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division/Assistant Commander for Test and Evaluation, Naval Air Systems Command. During Fort Worth Navy Week, he is participating in community engagements, meeting with local Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, and engaging with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

“As a Texan by birth, I love being able to come home and share my Navy experience with the Lone Star community,” said Hash. “I’m looking forward to swearing in the next generation of Navy Texans as well as talking to our future Navy civilian teammates. It’s going to be a busy – but exciting – week, and I hope you all make it out to enjoy the fun.”

Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Fort Worth.

“We are thrilled to bring the Navy to Fort Worth,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo. “Though our Navy is deployed around-the-world and around-the-clock, the Navy Week program allows us to showcase our Navy in places that don’t enjoy an everyday naval presence. Most importantly it affords us the opportunity to highlight our most important asset – the highly skilled men and women of the United States Navy who ensure our warfighting advantage to preserve our American way of life.”

Throughout the week, Sailors & civilians will participate in various community events across the area, including engagements with students across several high schools, Boys & Girls Clubs and after school programs. They are volunteering at organizations in the city of Fort Worth, including Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, Hope Farm, Saving Hope Animal Rescue, United Way, and the Tarrant Area Food Bank, among others. Residents will also enjoy free live music by Navy Band Southeast at venues in the city throughout the week.

Fort Worth Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2024, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.

Media organizations wishing to cover Fort Worth Navy Week events should contact Ensign Jordyn Diomede at (901) 232-4450 or jordyn.s.diomede.mil@navy.mil. You can find the Fort Worth Navy Week schedule of events at www.outreach.navy.mil.