Month: April 2024

Source: United States Navy

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (April 6, 2024) – Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti visited Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill (NCTF-RH), April 4, to reinforce the Navy’s commitment to the safe and expeditious closure of the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).

While there, Franchetti reiterated the Navy’s commitment over the long term to protecting the environment, the aquifer, and the broader community. She also stressed the Navy’s dedication to working with local, state, and federal regulators to ensure the RHBFSF’s underground storage tanks and piping system are permanently closed, and to rebuilding trust with the people of Hawaii.

“We have a tremendous responsibility to the community here – the community you are all a part of – and to the island of Oahu itself,” Franchetti told the NCTF-RH team. “Your task ahead is a significant, serious effort to safely close Red Hill. The relationships that you’ve built alongside JTF-Red Hill are critical and I know that you will continue to prioritize and invest in those relationships.”

During the visit, CNO held a meeting with Rear Adm. Steve Barnett, commander, NCTF-RH, and commander, Navy Region Hawaii, and his leadership team, to receive an update on their Integrated Master Schedule and strategic community engagement plan. She emphasized that the closure of RHBFSF is one of her top priorities and she will work closely with U.S. Pacific Fleet and NCTF-RH to ensure a safe closure of the facility.

Prior to the meeting she also met with Sailors and Navy civilians to recognize their dedication and hard work as a partner to JTF-Red Hill in the defueling process, taking part in community outreach events and stakeholder engagement opportunities with open and transparent communication, and for ensuring an effective transition to NCTF-RH.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our Navy team and the work that you did here with the Joint Task Force Red Hill,” Franchetti said. “You have been incredibly effective, 99.9 percent of fuel is gone – six months early – and a lot of work went in to making that happen, while you laid the foundation for the future of the Navy Closure Task Force – Red Hill.”

NCTF-RH assumed full responsibility of the facility March 28, 2024 from Joint Task Force-Red Hill. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stood up JTF-RH in September 2022 to defuel the RHBFSF, which was completed Dec. 7, 2023. NCTF-RH’s mandate includes overseeing the closure of the tanks, removal of pipelines, long-term environmental remediation, and decommissioning of the facility.

According to Franchetti, her visit to NCTF-RH underscores the Navy’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and continuous dedication to the people of Hawaii and our joint service members and their families.

This was Franchetti’s first visit to NCTF-RH as the Chief of Naval Operations.

Source: United States Navy

Capt. Marter has served as the NAMRU SOUTH Commanding Officer since July 2023. Cmdr. Michael Prouty will assume duties as Acting Commanding Officer pending the assignment of a permanent Commanding Officer.

Capt. Marter will be temporarily reassigned to Naval Medical Research Command.

Navy Commanding Officers are held to the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. They are expected to uphold the highest standards of responsibility, reliability, and leadership, and the Navy holds them accountable when they fall short of meeting these standards.

For questions related to this release, contact Cmdr. Jessica McNulty, BUMED Public Affairs at jessica.l.mcnulty.mil@health.mil and 703.681.9069.

Source: United States Navy

George Washington, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Porter (DDG 78), and Henry J. Kaiser-class replenishment oiler USNS John Lenthall (T-AO-189) are scheduled to conduct passing exercises and operations at sea with partner nation maritime forces as the ships circumnavigate the continent of South America. Southern Seas 2024 will feature subject matter expert exchanges and provide the opportunity for distinguished visitors from partner nations to see aircraft carrier operations up close. Engagements are planned with Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay, with port visits planned for Brazil, Chile, and Peru.

“Southern Seas 2024 will provide the opportunity to improve interoperability and increase proficiency with partner nation maritime forces,” said Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet. “Deployments like Southern Seas strengthen maritime partnerships and build trust with our partners in the region.”

“We look forward to building readiness and advancing training as we engage with our friends and partners in South America,” said Rear Adm. Robert Westendorff, Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. “We also look forward to visiting several spectacular locations in South America, as U.S. Navy Sailors don’t often get to see this part of the world.”

New for Southern Seas 2024, an embarked international staff of approximately two dozen officers from 11 partner nations will serve aboard USS George Washington. This international staff will receive instruction from U.S. Naval War College professors and will work alongside embarked Destroyer Squadron 40 personnel to conduct detailed operational planning in support of operations at sea. Countries planning to participate in this embarked international staff include Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Southern Seas 2024 marks the 10th mission to the region since 2007 and the third time involving USS George Washington. The aircraft carrier also conducted Southern Seas 2008 and Southern Seas 2015. Like the previous deployments, Southern Seas 2024 will foster goodwill, strengthen maritime partnerships, counter threats, and build our team.

Aircraft carrier USS George Washington is one of the centerpieces of America’s Naval forces – the most adaptable and survivable airfields in the world. On any given day, Sailors aboard an aircraft carrier and its air wing come to the fight trained and equipped across a full range of missions. They are ready to control the sea, conduct strikes, and maneuver across the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace. No other naval force fields a commensurate range and depth of combat capabilities.

USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces improving regional unity, security and stability.
Learn more about USNAVSOUTH/4th Fleet at https://www.fourthfleet.navy.mil, https://www.facebook.com/NAVSOUS4THFLT and @NAVSOUS4THFLT.

Source: United States Navy

Porting in Larnaca further strengthens the United States’ partnership with Cyprus and also demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe.

The Arleigh Burke began its fourth Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe patrol on Nov. 6th, 2023. Throughout the patrol it has supported both Carrier Strike Group Twelve and the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group.

While in Cyprus, the Arleigh Burke has the opportunity to welcome guests including Commodore Minas Solomonides, Head of the Republic of Cyprus Navy, Julie Fisher, American Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus, Vice Admiral Thomas E. Ishee, Commander, SIXTH Fleet, and Rear Admiral Calvin M. Foster, Director of the Maritime Partnership Program SIXTH Fleet and Vice Commander, SIXTH Fleet.

“We are excited to return to Cyprus,” says Commander Tyrchra Bowman, Commanding Officer of the USS Arleigh Burke. “We have previously visited Limassol and the crew is excited to visit a new city. Additionally, Arleigh Burke will build our relationship with the Cypriot Navy by welcoming guests for tours and meals onboard.”

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

Source: United States Navy

Adm. John Aquilino, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, opened the ceremony by thanking Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, for sending her best leaders to U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“You are looking at the world’s greatest warfighters sitting behind me,” said Aquilino. “In the world’s most concerning theater, against our world’s most dangerous adversaries, what has been chosen to run this theater are our best warfighters. That is not by accident.”

Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations, presided over the ceremony. She welcomed Koehler and praised Paparo for his leadership during his time as the PACFLT commander.

“Sam, you understood that the most powerful tool we have — our true strategic advantage — comes from our strong relationships with our allies and partners,” said Franchetti. “And that our shared values and common interest bind us together, and put more ready players on the field — every single day. Sam, I cannot be more proud of the work that you’ve done as the Pacific Fleet commander, and I’m excited about what is yet to come as you head up the hill (to Camp Smith), and become the 27th commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command next month.”

 

Franchetti welcomed Koehler saying: “You know how to build strong teams to get after our vital mission here in the Indo-Pacific at this critical time in our nation’s history. There is no one more ready to lead this Fleet. I am absolutely confident that you are the right person at the right time to lead our Sailors in the Indo-Pacific. And I look forward to seeing all that this Fleet will accomplish on your watch.”

While under Paparo’s command, PACFLT qualified as a joint task force, established Task Force 504, a task force focused on combat sustainment; Fleet Information Warfare Command Pacific; expanded opportunities for deployed ship repair in India; and completed numerous joint and combined multi-lateral operations across the region with allies and partners.

“These accomplishments and many more have demonstrated our capability and our will to our would-be adversaries. These accomplishments have deterred conflict and preserved the peace,” said Paparo.

He took a moment to address the Sailors, chief petty officers, civilians and officers across the Fleet, both at sea and ashore.

 

“The best part of my job has been watching this team in action,” Paparo said. “I appreciate all that you have done over the last three years. And as I utter these words, your efforts continue. Every day you continue building a more effective fighting force. I am honored to remain your teammate as I take up my next duty, and I am proud to turn over command to Adm. Stephen “Web” Koehler.”

Koehler comes to the historic Pearl Harbor headquarters from Washington, D.C., where he served as director for Strategy, Plans and Policy, J5, Joint Staff.

“I could not be more excited and honored to assume command of the finest fleet in the world, whose capabilities are second to none,” said Koehler. “The U.S. Pacific Fleet answers our nation’s call to compete with unity of purpose, without hesitation, and with a powerful and resolute force.”

Koehler is the 38th commander since the Fleet’s Pearl Harbor headquarters was established in February 1941. He commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) at University of Colorado at Boulder in 1986, and was designated a naval aviator in March 1989. He has flown over 3,900 hours in the F-14 Tomcat and F-18 E/F/G Super Hornet with 600 carrier landings.

 

“Success during competition will require a bias for action, constant drive for excellence, continued vigilance, and the ability to rapidly transition to seizing the initiative and holding it,” said Koehler. “Success will require teamwork with precise execution and mastery of the basics, and then stretching ourselves operationally and tactically as a team of teams. Success will require cooperation across the supporting elements of the Navy, collaboration across numbered fleets, joint integration, and teamwork with allies and partners.”

U.S. Pacific Fleet is the world’s largest fleet command with an area of operations that encompasses 100 million square miles, nearly half the Earth’s surface, from Antarctica to the Arctic Circle and from the West Coast of the United States into the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Pacific Fleet consists of approximately 200 ships and submarines, nearly 1,200 aircraft, and more than 130,000 Sailors and civilians.