Month: April 2024

Source: United States Navy

Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Corona Division presented its inaugural Michael J. Yeh award to a distinguished scientist in Norco, California, April 4.

Scientist Dr. Benny Cheng received the award in recognition of his decade of service working in reliability engineering, which has helped improve fleet readiness and develop innovative capabilities for the Navy.

“The Michael J. Yeh Award recognizes employees who have made significant scientific, technical, engineering or mathematical contributions to encourage and advance NSWC Corona innovation,” said Technical Director Dianne Costlow. “Dr. Cheng’s leadership enhances numerous technical areas that have improved fleet readiness, advanced our mission of independent assessment, and provided technological innovations to protect and advance the Navy’s assessment capabilities.”

Cheng has served as the lead statistician and senior reliability scientist for weapons readiness at the command since 2012. In the course of his duties, he led a team in the development and implementation of surface missile and air weapons systems reliability models, as well as up-and-coming programs such as the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) hypersonic weapon system. He also helped develop a first-of-its-kind Software Reliability Program Plan, which implements cutting edge software reliability modeling and prediction techniques to determine missile system health and reliability.

Cheng made technical contributions to a wide array of business lines and technical efforts across NSWC Corona, to include material readiness, software reliability, cyber modeling and energy forecasting and assessment. He has numerous publications and patents in readiness and reliability, and he won the 2023 Best Paper of the Symposium Award at the Reliability and Maintainability Symposium for his 12-page article detailing an innovative method for reliability assessment of weapon systems using machine learning and Bayesian statistics.

“His work provides the accuracy and transparency for the availability of Navy surface missiles in the fleet and creates a substantial cost savings to the individual missile programs,” Costlow said. “Dr. Cheng’s teamwork and technical excellence keep NSWC Corona’s missile reliability assessment at the cutting edge of reliability modeling for systems using the latest techniques in artificial intelligence, machine learning and neural networks.”

Cheng also developed a quantum resistant system and method for lattice-based cryptography. This innovation has the potential to protect the Navy’s encrypted communications in various programs against future threats, he said.   

“I’ve had a passion for statistics and mathematics since I was a kid,” Cheng said. “I take a lot of pride in being able to showcase my skills and help solve Navy problems. This field has a lot of tough but very important work, and I’m honored to be able to make such a big impact for the warfighter.”

Cheng added his inspirations include the legendary Archimedes, who defended the city of Syracuse from Roman invasion, and Jean-Baptiste Joseph Fourier, who accompanied Napoleon Bonaparte on his expedition to Egypt and gave the French army advice on engineering and diplomatic undertakings.  

“I’m proud that my work means something, and I hope I can continue making more meaningful contributions to our country and our national defense,” he said.

According to Commanding Officer Capt. Michael Aiena, the award was named in honor of the late Michael J. Yeh, a NSWC Corona performance assessment flight analyst and innovator who was passionate in developing innovative technical solutions for the Navy.

“The award recipients embody his spirit, teamwork and vision, which enables NSWC Corona to continue these critical technical advancements for the warfighter, the Navy and the nation,” he said.

NSWC Corona Division has provided analysis and assessment for the Navy since 1964. With experience in gauging the Navy’s warfighting capability, NSWC Corona is a leader in NAVSEA data analytics. Corona utilizes networked data environments, data and visualization, and measurement technology to bridge the Navy’s data silos, enabling informed decision-making for the warfighter. Anchor to the Inland Empire Tech Bridge, NSWC Corona is located in Norco, California, with detachments in Fallbrook and Seal Beach and personnel in 14 additional locations.

Source: United States Navy

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. – Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) honored late President George H.W. Bush with a ship-wide volunteer event throughout the Hampton Roads community under the ship’s Thousand Points of Light service initiative, April 25, 2024.

Source: United States Navy

NORFOLK, Va. – Fleet Week New York (FWNY) returns to New York City from May 22-28 with two U.S. Navy ships, three U.S. Coast Guard vessels, and four U.S. Naval Academy Yard Patrol boats (YPs). Additionally, NATO allies from Germany will join the week-long celebration. Ships from the U.S. military will participate in the Parade of Ships on Wednesday, May 22.

Source: United States Navy

The recent heavy rainfall in Bahrain caused extensive damage to the Bahrain DoDEA School classrooms, necessitating a temporary shift to a virtual learning environment.

“The DoDEA Bahrain Schools have shifted to remote learning status this week due to the recent extreme weather conditions in the region and to allow the school management, alongside our military partners and Bahrain International Schools Association, to conduct thorough facility assessments, planning and repairs on the school,” said Jessica Tackaberry, Europe region communications director, DoDEA. “We are working hand in hand with our military partners and Bahrain International Schools Association to ensure repairs are completed and a safe environment for all.”

Recognizing the impact on the students and the importance of their education, the Sailors from NSA Bahrain stepped up to support the school in its time of need. In the aftermath of heavy rainfall causing significant damage to the school’s infrastructure, volunteers dedicated more than seven hours of service across two days, playing a crucial role in relocating classrooms and equipment, enabling the school to continue its mission of providing quality education to military dependents in the region.

Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, NSA Bahrain’s commanding officer, commended the efforts of the Sailors, highlighting their commitment to their shipmates and their families.

“So many Sailors answered the call to assist the Bahrain School, many of whom don’t have children at the school, but understand how important attending class in person is to the learning process,” said Aperauch. “I am beyond proud of our NSA Bahrain team – their selfless hard work and tireless dedication have made it possible for these kids to get back to school as quickly as possible.”

NSA Bahrain Sailors moved desks, tables, chairs, and other equipment from the damaged classrooms, facilitating the smooth transition of the school’s operations. Their efforts were instrumental in re-establishing a conducive learning environment for the students, allowing them to resume in-person classes.

“We are extremely grateful for the immediate and effective assistance provided by the Sailors from NSA Bahrain,” said Kelsey Lambert, Bahrain School Liaison. “Their willingness to lend a helping hand during this challenging time further emphasizes the strong partnership between the military community and our school. Their actions serve as a testament to the spirit of camaraderie and selflessness that defines the military community, and their impact will be felt by the students and staff of the Bahrain DoDEA School for years to come.”

NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations by providing security for ships, aircraft and tenants on board NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family with honor, courage, and commitment.

Source: United States Navy

Munoz, originally from El Paso, Texas, received the recognition at a ceremony hosted by U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) leadership at the Defense Health Headquarters.

Rear Adm. Darin K. Via, Surgeon General of the Navy and Force Master Chief PatrickPaul Mangaran, Navy Medicine Force Master Chief and Director of the Hospital Corps, kicked off the ceremony as the nominees awaited the announcement of this year’s selectee.

“Standing among the top 4 First Class Petty Officers out of 1,531 across BUMED, your achievements are truly remarkable,” said Mangaran. “This program is a fantastic opportunity to share your inspiring stories and ignite the passion for excellence in those you’ve guided throughout your careers.”

Mangaran closed by urging the group to stay motivated, stay hydrated, and to change their socks.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve alongside you,” said Via. “You four truly are the finest across the entire organization, you are the true brand ambassadors for who and what we do. Corpsman Up!”

As part of the SOY program, Munoz will be meritoriously promoted to the rank of chief petty officer later this year.

“This is an unbelievable feeling! It’s a real team effort. First and foremost, I have to thank my incredible leadership who have supported and guided me every step of the way,” said Munoz. Hunter also recognized his peers and junior Sailors for their contributions. “We all worked together to achieve this,” he said. Hunter concluded by mentioning his strong support network. “The Navy’s been a great family, and my wife is just amazing. She’s my biggest cheerleader, always there for me.”

“This whole experience has been incredibly humbling. Being named BUMED Sailor of the Year for 2023 is truly an honor, and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible team around me.” Said Munoz. “My leadership has been a constant source of support and guidance, and the Sailors I work with every day inspire me to be better. I also want to thank my husband, who is my unwavering support system.”

The remaining active-duty nominees were Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Blaine Jackson assigned to Navy Environmental Preventive Medicine Unit 5 in San Diego, California; Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Bruce Binns assigned to the Naval Survival Training Institute in Pensacola, Florida and Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Matthew Potaracke assigned to Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Falls Church, Virginia. Each of the nominees received a Navy Marine Corps Commendation Medal signed by Rear Admiral Via.

The “Sailor of the Year” is a time-honored tradition introduced by Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Elmo Zumwalt and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy John Whittet in 1972. This annual competition is held to recognize the superior performance of individual Sailors, who exceed in personifying the ideals of the Navy Core Values.

The Navy’s Hospital Corps is comprised of over 30,000 active duty and reserve Navy personnel. Hospital corpsmen deploy alongside their fellow Sailors and Marines worldwide, in both wartime and peacetime. The rating is the largest, most professionally diverse and highly decorated enlisted corps in the Navy.

Navy Medicine — represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals — develops and delivers manned, trained, equipped, maintained, and certified medical forces that develop, generate, and preserve the Naval human weapon system on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.