Month: May 2024

Source: United States Navy

This new static display is a colorful container; a gateway to understanding the rich history and technological success of the Naval Construction Force, particularly designed to inspire the next generation of engineers through interactive and educational STEM activities.

Capt. Tres Meek, Commodore of Naval Construction Group One (NCG1), highlighted the importance of the initiative, saying, “The Seabee static display at Los Angeles Fleet Week represents more than our history; it is a bridge to the future of engineering and innovation, engaging young minds in STEM to inspire tomorrow’s leaders in naval construction.”

During Fleet Week, attendees, both young and old, were captivated by interactive demonstrations such as the use of surveyor’s equipment by BU2 Caine Cyrus, assisted by LS2 Avery Williams with a leveling rod. These live demonstrations showcased practical Seabee skills and their applications in the field. The display itself houses an array of exhibits, from detailed timelines of Seabee history to hands-on STEM activities designed to engage the general public alike, making engineering and science both fun and accessible.

“The Seabees’ interactive displays and educational outreach at Fleet Week are pivotal, bridging naval history with modern engineering marvels, offering a hands-on experience that resonates with families and future engineers alike.” Said Mike Getscher, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Pacific Battleship Center, USS Iowa Museum.

Fleet Week Los Angeles is a public event hosted by the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, typically held at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. This annual event aims to honor the nation’s sea services and provides an opportunity for the public to learn about the maritime agencies and their capabilities.

Naval Construction Group One (NCG1) operates from its homeport and serves as the Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) for its assigned forces. NCG1 leads and manages the overall capability and readiness of Naval Construction Regiments (NCR’s), Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCB’s), Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit (CBMU), and Underwater Construction Team (UCT). NCG1 is responsible for manning, training, equipping and deploying combat-ready Naval Construction Force (NCF) units in support of combatant commanders (CCDRs) and Navy component commander (NCC). NCG1 also provides program management and oversight in support of subordinate units and supports the Navy Expeditionary Combat Enterprise Force Development (Fd) efforts. NCG1 provides the required engineering support that the Navy and Nation needs to construct and maintain base facilities, repair battle damaged facilities, conduct defensive operations as required, and to meet disaster preparedness and recovery missions.

Source: United States Navy

Cyberharassment includes a broad range of behaviors that occur across digital platforms. Anonymity provided by the internet often emboldens individuals, making it easier for them to engage in abusive behavior without facing immediate consequences.

“In today’s digitally connected world, the rise of cyberharassment and online abuse has become a growing societal challenge to which the military is not immune,” said Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs (ASN M&RA) Franklin R. Parker. “As technology evolves, so do the methods and avenues through which individuals can be targeted.”

The training course will equip Sailors and Marines with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the online sphere safely. This information is key, as cyberharassment can have equally detrimental effects on an individual’s mental health, well-being, and safety as other forms of harassment. Awareness and education are key to preventing and responding to the emerging problem.

“We are committed to developing a Department-wide culture of digital safety and responsibility,” said CAPT Christine O’Connell, Former acting director, DON Office of Force Resiliency. “Our Sailors and Marines communicate extensively through their cell phones and other devices. While this has expanded the opportunity for connection and support, it has also created forums for harm. This comprehensive learning module will inform Sailors and Marines of the various forms of cyberharassment, its impact on victims, and strategies for prevention.”

The interactive, 20-minute training is a tool for leaders at all levels to get familiar with technology-facilitated abuse. It illustrates the interpersonal impact of cyberharassment, how individuals can contribute to a safe online environment, and methods for reporting and intervention.

Implementation of the learning module is one of many initiatives underway to tackle the DON’s most pressing cultural challenges, rebuild institutional trust, and address the overlapping nature of harmful behaviors, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, domestic abuse, and suicide.

“In the past two years, we’ve made significant investments to advance our violence prevention capabilities and implemented several policies to improve victim response,” O’Connell said. “We removed barriers to reporting and accessing resources, became the first military department to define cyberharassment, and will continue to work with the Navy and Marine Corps to integrate curriculum on cyberharassment into future training requirements.”

In 2022, SECNAV Instruction 1610.3 was expanded to define cyberharassment and distinguish harassing behaviors, including those of a sexual nature, that occur online. Cyberharassment is defined as: a form of harassment or sexual harassment occurring through or facilitated by an electronic communications system.

The Cyberharassment is Harassment training is available on the Navy eLearning management system and MarineNet.

Individuals experiencing cyberharassment are encouraged to discuss reporting options with their local equal opportunity advisor or office.

Resources: · Department of Navy Instruction on Harassment Prevention and Response (SECNAV Instruction 1610.3) · Cyberharassment is Harassment learning module, available on the Navy eLearning management system and MarineNet

· What You Need to Know About Cyberharassmen

Source: United States Navy

With approval from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), NCTF-RH will start tank cleaning operations by venting Tank 8 at the facility.

“NCTF-RH has worked closely with DOH to ensure ventilation of the tanks is done in a manner that will not pose a risk to human health,” said Rear Adm. Marc Williams, NCTF-RH deputy commander. “Our team is committed to safely decommissioning the facility, and tank ventilation operations gets us another step closer to this goal.”
 
As part of venting operations, the task force has installed nine air quality monitoring (AQM) stations at the RHBFSF perimeter, including at the Halawa Correctional Facility, to track changes in air quality, measure potential volatile organic compound (VOC) levels, and collect atmospheric data (i.e., air speed, wind direction, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure).

During venting operations, AQM data will be updated hourly on the NCTF-RH mobile app, and daily on the NCTF-RH website.

NCTF-RH has a series of fail-safes and redundancies to mitigate risk and safeguard the public. In the event of an exceedance during operations, NCTF-RH will alert regulators, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA), Honolulu Department of Emergency Management (DEM), and the public via the app, website (www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil), and a press release to the media. For questions or concerns, contact the Navy Call Center at 808-210-6968.
 
For more information about NCTF-RH, visit www.navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil or download our free mobile app by searching for “NCTF-Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store. 
 

Source: United States Navy

The intent of TS 24 is to increase combined, joint combat readiness and amphibious capabilities that can be applied across a range of military operations at sea and ashore.

TS 24 allows participating forces to share best training practices across a wide variety of military skills, amphibious operations, live-fire ranges, unmanned aerial systems employment, urban operations, jungle operations and survival, reconnaissance and multi-domain awareness (MDA), engineering, medical, and improving communication and coordination between our two militaries.

“Strategic engagement with countries such as Malaysia reflects the importance of our relationships with Indo-Pacific Allies and partners,” said Capt. Tate Robinson, commodore, Amphibious Squadron Five. “Training opportunities such as Tiger Strike allow us to work side-by-side with our Malaysian counterparts to refine our common defense requirements and meet national security objectives.”

TS 24 is a bilateral exercise that provides an opportunity for Malaysia and the United States to enhance communication and build combined combat readiness to strengthen the shared commitment to security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Over the next week, our Marines and Sailors will embrace the opportunity to train both in the field and at sea with our Malaysian partners,” said U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “This exercise prepares us for our intended purpose, which is to be a combined force ready to respond to crisis if one were to arise.”

The exercise will include approximately 300 service members from the 10th Parachute Brigade and approximately 1,100 U.S. Marines and Sailors from the 15th MEU and amphibious transport dock USS Somerset (LPD 25).

Somerset and embarked elements of the 15th MEU are under the command and control of Commander, Task Force 76/3, employed by U.S. 7th Fleet to operate with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

News media representatives interested in additional information about Tiger Strike 24 or coverage opportunities may contact 1st Lt. Robert Nanna at robert.nanna@usmc.mil and robert.nanna@somerset.usmc.mil and Ensign Joash Ward at joash.s.ward.mil@us.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

“We’re thrilled to visit Darwin and to work closely with our Australian partners,” said Capt. Brent Spillner, the ship’s commanding officer. “We already have a number of Royal Australian Navy sailors onboard as part of the Personnel Exchange Program, but bringing the tender here lets us cooperate at a unit-to-unit level and rehearse the interoperability needed to support each other’s forces around the globe.”

While in port, the crew will get to experience Australian culture in a multitude of ways. The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee has arranged a barramundi fishing trip, a trip to a cove and park featuring saltwater crocodiles, and visiting the Mindil Beach Sunset Market.

“I hope Sailors will get a sense of the territory’s culture and get to soak in the experiences and sights,” said Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Kristen Pacheco, a member of the ship’s MWR committee. “Darwin is part of the country that people tend to be more familiar with, which I think makes it a great starting point of the deployment.”
Sailors will also have the opportunity to participate in community relation events organized by the ship’s religious ministries team. The Sailors will collaborate with a local university, attend a barbeque and basketball game with the indigenous local community within Malak, assist with a community clean up, and support Darwin’s annual Reconciliation Week.

“I have only been in the Navy for two-and-a-half years and this is my first deployment,” said Machinery Repairman Fireman Matthew Tejeda, assigned to the tender. “I’m excited to take pictures to show my family, and to take full advantage of this opportunity that few get the chance to have.”

Emory S. Land is on deployment supporting the U.S. 7th Fleet, the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed numbered fleet, operating with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. Emory S. Land provides expeditionary intermediate-level maintenance, services, and logistics support to deployed submarines.
Guam is home to the U.S. Navy’s only submarine tenders, USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) and USS Frank Cable (AS 40), as well as Los Angeles-class attack submarines. The submarine tenders provide maintenance, hotel services and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation. The submarines and tenders are maintained as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed submarine force and are capable of meeting global operational requirements.

For more information about USS Emory S. Land (AS 39), visit us at http://www.csp.navy.mil/emorysland/ or like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/EmorySLand, or on Twitter @EmorySLand.