Month: May 2024

Source: United States Navy

Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) artisans recently had the rare opportunity to restore a piece of aviation history for display onboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

As an aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul facility, FRCE’s Aircraft Clean and Paint shops prime and paint each aircraft that passes through the facility. However, artisans had the chance to “travel back in time” as they restored a retired Douglas A-4M Skyhawk – a platform that has not been serviced by the depot in more than 20 years – to its former glory.

Working on the A-4 was a first for many FRCE artisans, including aircraft painter Kirby Mills, as it has been 21 years since the Navy retired its last A-4 Skyhawk in 2003.

“I’ve done a few restorations for display aircraft, but this is the first A-4 I’ve seen come through here,” said Mills. “I had never worked on an A-4 before. It was very neat and it’s nice to see it put to use.”

Though this was the depot’s first time restoring an A-4 Skyhawk for historical display, it was not the first time FRCE has performed maintenance on an A-4. Prior the A-4 platform’s retirement, FRCE serviced A-4s from 1989-1996.

Stephen T. Gurley, who currently serves as the Fleet Support Team’s Critical Item Management Team branch head at FRCE, said seeing an A-4 back at the depot made him feel as though he traveled back in time.

“The A-4 platform was the first aircraft platform I worked on at FRC East in 1991, and I spent a lot of time working on them,” said Gurley. “I traveled to different squadrons all throughout the ‘90s to repair A-4s, and now to hear about this, it’s exciting. It brings back memories.”

Aircraft Transfer Branch planner Jeffrey Mitchell said this project was unique because it has a one-of-a-kind paint scheme.

“This is the fourth historical aircraft we have done for the air station, but the first A-4,” said Mitchell. “This project was chosen to honor Marine Attack Squadron 223 here on base, who flew the A-4 until ’87 when they received their first McDonald-Douglas AV-8.”

FRCE’s Aircraft Paint Shop provides paint schemes for the aircraft the depot services, but due to the A-4’s historic ties, Mitchell and his team sought additional help.

“We worked with historians at Marine Attack Squadron 223 for this aircraft’s paint scheme as the squadron is still stationed here,” said Mitchell. “We were able to get pictures and ideas from them; they were very helpful. We wanted to make this aircraft look like it did back in the day.”

Mills said due to the nature of this restoration, they were able to put their own touches on the aircraft’s paint scheme.

“It was nice to have a bit of our own creative freedom with this paint scheme,” Mills added.

In addition to a unique paint scheme, Mitchell said restoring historical aircraft for display differs from the processes used to paint the operational aircraft the depot normally services.

“We still painted it with the same color schemes as what they used during that time, but the overall paint job does differ from a regular aircraft painting process,” said Mitchell. “When you see aircraft flying missions, they usually look weathered and dull. For restoration jobs, we put a good clear coat on the aircraft to help withstand the sun and weather. The clear coat really helps protect the paint from bubbling up and fading over time.”

The Vietnam-era aircraft known as the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a single-seat attack aircraft developed for the Navy and Marine Corps in the 1950s and remained in service until 2003 when the Navy announced its retirement. The aircraft quickly became popular due to its compact size, lightweight body and ground attack capabilities.

Aircraft Clean and Paint Shop Supervisor Ronald Gray emphasized that while restoration projects like the A-4 deviate from FRCE’s usual focus on maintaining the Fleet’s operational aircraft, they showcase yet another way the depot’s artisans provide service to the fleet.

“Reviving old, retired aircraft like the A-4 for display is such an honor,” Gray said. “In doing so, we honor the depot’s history, the aircraft’s history, the aviators who flew A-4s and those who serviced it.”

FRCE is North Carolina’s largest maintenance, repair, overhaul and technical services provider, with more than 4,000 civilian, military and contract workers. Its annual revenue exceeds $1 billion. The depot provides service to the fleet while functioning as an integral part of the greater U.S. Navy; Naval Air Systems Command; and Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers.

Source: United States Navy

The portable, land-based containerized missile launcher, as compared to a shipboard missile launcher, increases the Navy’s flexibility to move and employ the shore based weapon systems to support maritime security along sea lines of communication.

The U.S. Navy conducted this operation on Bornholm Island for the first time last year, September 2023. This second iteration continues to reaffirm our commitment to a strong NATO security Ally, and strengthens the U.S.-Denmark partnership.

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

Good evening, everyone! And welcome to Miami Fleet Week!

I am quite confident tonight’s event will prove to be the highlight of your week.

It is an honor to be with you here tonight to speak with you at this beautiful Miami venue!

And I want to thank my dear friend Emilio Estefan for making Latin Music such a significant part of the American landscape and for making tonight possible, as well.

Allow me to take a brief moment to thank my wife Betty, for being by my side throughout our 40 years of marriage which included a naval career, a career in the private sector and now, again, service to our Navy and Marine Corps team.

And I welcome our uniformed service members.

You servicemembers who serve so proudly as part of our Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard – we are indeed the strongest, most lethal, and most resilient armed forces in the world because of you.

Thank you for your incredible service and dedication to this great nation.

I want to recognize and thank Blue Star Families, an organization which strengthens military and Veteran families across the world.

Now I’d like to again recognize Ms. Kathy Roth-Douquet for her extraordinary distinguished public service by granting her the Secretary of the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.

I’m sorry folks, my notes are a bit displaced—I’m supposed to next introduce someone knows Miami, salsa, and a conga line.

Would anyone know who that is? Can someone help me?

Now, Gloria (Estefan), I need you to hold on for a second.

I know you’re excited to be here amongst all these great Sailors and Marines.

But I need to you hang on for a second.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Miami holds a special place in my heart, not only because of its incredible food and culture—but also because Miami warmly welcomed my family to the United States when we fled Fidel Castro’s Cuba in the early 1960s—just like Gloria’s and Emilio’s.

Miami became a safe haven for thousands of Cubans who were forced to flee government persecution and oppression.

The city welcomed the Cuban refugees with open arms—and still does today.

But Miami did not only provide refuge. It allowed the Cuban diaspora that came here—like my family—to rebuild their lives, start businesses, and become pillars of this community.

Today, Miami is a thriving metropolis in large part thanks to that tradition of welcome and the Cuban-Americans who have helped build the city over the past 70 years.

That shared history is what makes Miami one of the greatest cities on Earth—and emblematic of what makes this country the greatest country in the world.

Miami is a shining example of what happens when a city welcomes all who come seeking a better life.

That is why it is my honor and privilege to announce the name of the next Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine, SSN-811, USS Miami.

I am also honored to announce the ship sponsor of the future USS Miami, Ms. Gloria Estefan.

Now more formally, you may know Gloria from one of her many internationally chart-topping hits.

An eight-time Grammy Award winner and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, she was named one of the Top 100 greatest artists of all time by both VH1 and Billboard.

As I said earlier, she, too, was an immigrant whose family fled Cuba and settled in Miami.

Gloria’s father, José, was a member of Brigade 2506, and was captured and held as a prisoner in Cuba following the Bay of Pigs Invasion.

Upon his return to the United States, he joined the U.S. military and proudly fought in the Vietnam War.

Her mother was an educator here in Dade County.

Tonight, I am honored to announce that Ms. Gloria Estefan will be the sponsor for USS Miami.

The ship’s sponsor fills a critical role throughout the life of a warship, serving as the bond between the ship, her crew, and the nation they serve.

And I can think of no one more fitting to take on this vital role—no one with more resilience and grit and whose spirit embodies that of Miami than Gloria.

Thank you, Gloria, for your lifelong commitment to our Navy, to our service men and women, and to the United States of America.

You, like the service members who will serve on this proud ship and the city it will be named after, represent the absolute best this country has to offer. Thank you.

Our Navy and Marine Corps Team is the most powerful, capable, and lethal Force this world has ever seen because of the people in this audience tonight.

And I know that we can have the best ships, aircraft, equipment, and weapons—but without the best Sailors and Marines, all of this will go to waste.

You are the reason why we are the greatest armed forces and nation in the world.

I hope that you enjoy this concert tonight, and I hope that you enjoy Miami and its beautiful music, food, and culture throughout this week.

But I do have to ask you for one thing before I go.

Remember when your Chief or Gunny told you that there’s never a free lunch?

That’s the case right now.

After this concert, you have a job to do.

Your job is to go out in Miami and recruit at least one Sailor or Marine into our Department of the Navy.

If you’re in the Coast Guard, your job is to recruit at least one future Coast Guardsman or woman.

I think you can all do that for us and our nation!

Thank you for all that you do to ensure that America is the greatest nation in the world.

May God bless you and our service men and women stationed all around the globe.

Thank you.

Now I turn the podium over to you, Gloria.

Source: United States Navy

The future USS Miami honors the city of Miami and the crews of three previously Navy vessels to bear the name. 

“That shared history is what makes Miami one of the greatest cities on Earth—and emblematic of what makes this country the greatest country in the world,” said Del Toro. “Miami is a shining example of what happens when a city welcomes all who come seeking a better life.” 

Along with the ship’s name, Secretary Del Toro announced that international pop star Gloria Estefan will be the sponsor for the future USS Miami. In her role, Gloria Estefan will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.  

“We are so thankful as citizens of this great country to have all of you out there protecting and serving all of us,” Gloria Estefan said to the approximately 1,500 Sailors and Marines attending the kickoff concert, produced by entertainment icon Emilio Estefan.

The city of Miami has been honored with three previous vessels: a gunboat (1862-1865), a light cruiser (1942-1947), and a nuclear-powered submarine (1990-2014).   

In June 1862, the first Miami engaged enemy forces at a rapid fire while Flag Officer David G. Farragut’s ships ran past Confederate shore batteries at Vicksburg, Mississippi.  In 1864, the Gunboat’s crew supported Union troops ashore and battled Confederate ironclad Albemarle at Plymouth, NC..   

At the Battle of Leyte Gulf during World War II, the second Miami (CL 89) fought as part of Admiral William F. Halsey’s Third Fleet, helping to sink Japanese destroyer Nowaki on October 26, 1944.  Two seaplane pilots operating from Miamireceived the Distinguished Flying Cross for rescuing downed airmen in enemy waters. Miamiearned a total of 6 battle stars for operations in the Marianas, Western Caroline Islands, Leyte Gulf, Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.   

The third Miami (SSN 755) conducted cruise missile strikes during Operation Desert Fox in 1998 and again during Operation Allied Force in 1999.   

Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.

Miami also has a maritime connection. The greater Miami region was formerly home to a seaplane base (1918-1920), a naval reserve air base (1931-1942), and a naval air station (1940-1958).  United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has been headquartered in Miami-Dade County since 1997.

More information on attack submarines can be found here.

Read Secretary Del Toro’s full remarks online.

Source: United States Navy

Developed by multiple departments at NPS, the Shoemaker Scholarship program offers students a condensed master’s degree with a variety of defense-focused science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) options.

“Expanding the Naval Academy’s Shoemaker Scholar program 500 percent marks a significant milestone in our commitment to fostering excellence in Naval Aviation,” said Vice Adm. Dan Cheever, Commander, Naval Air Forces. “Empowering the newest generation of Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers with a robust 12-month graduate education at the Naval Postgraduate School enhances individual capabilities and strengthens our Navy’s warfighting team. This initiative demonstrates our dedication to world-class education, decisive combat power, and producing officers ready for today’s challenges and empowered to innovate for the future.”

In 2018, NPS worked with Vice Adm. Michael Shoemaker, then serving as Commander, Naval Air Forces, on a graduate education opportunity for student Naval Aviators, taking advantage of delays in new starts to the training pipeline. Coined the Shoemaker Scholarship, the program was designed to maximize education opportunities for a handful of newly commissioned Naval Aviators en route to Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fla. It was a resounding success.

“The Shoemaker Scholarship is intended to provide recent graduates from the USNA or ROTC an opportunity to receive advanced education early in their careers,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Amy Roznowski, Deputy Senior Marine Representative at NPS. “The officers are awaiting the start of Naval flight training, and we are taking advantage of a gap in timing to enhance their careers by receiving advanced education and earning a master’s degree.”

Education is a key warfighting enabler. The expanded Shoemaker Scholarships, combined with more stackable degree certificates offed through NPS Online, is part of a Department of the Navy (DON) effort to implement a continuum of learning as outlined by the Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, in the Naval Education Strategy.

“Naval education is foundational to our ability to deter conflict and succeed in war,” Del Toro said. “We will continue to strengthen our Department’s culture, policies, processes, talent management, and investments to reflect education’s key role in force development.”

Typically, Navy officers are required to achieve a master’s degree to further advance their career tracks. In the aviation community, however, asking a pilot to leave the fleet to go to school for two years is very difficult logistically. The Shoemaker Scholarship program allows the students to get their degree before they get to the fleet, granting them the opportunity to sharpen their mind and then take their new-found expertise to their next command and reducing the need for an operational gap.

“Using this program, we were able to increase the number of NPS graduates,” said retired U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Sherrod, former NPS Chief or Staff and Air Warfare Chair. “We get more skilled students out into the fleet, but not disrupt their career timeline. The delays in flight training creates the opportunity on the front side as opposed to later in their career. And that was really the impetus behind the expanded program.”

Not only does the Shoemaker Scholarship program positively impact students, but it is also a cost-effective way to strengthen the fleet. While serving as NPS Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, Dr. Joseph Hooper championed the expansion of the Shoemaker Scholarship program, stating that NPS could utilize additional curricula for Shoemaker students with classes that are already being taught at the university, filling empty seats.

Adm. Samuel Paparo, an NPS alumnus and Naval Aviator who commanded the U.S. Pacific Fleet and was recently appointed as commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), recognized a backlog at flight school and looked for solutions across the Naval Education Enterprise.

“Admiral Paparo has been a champion for NPS, and we were able to put forward options for graduate education that could help with the aviation training pipeline,” said Hooper. “Highly qualified ensigns coming straight from undergraduate studies were able to slot into classes already being offered for our resident mid-career officers. It’s a benefit to the aviation community, the students, and to the university to create flexibility in obtaining advanced degrees early in the career.”

The program, which saw the first expanded cohort arrive last year, has been a resounding success thus far. Not only do Shoemaker Scholars have a higher graduation rate from flight school, these junior officers come to NPS fresh from their undergraduate studies; they learn very quickly in class, but also get advice from the many mid-career Navy, Department of Defense and international officers with real-world operational experience who make up the bulk of the student body.

Indeed, Shoemaker Scholars have made their mark at NPS and within the DON. U.S. Navy Lt. Suzelle Thomas, a 2019 Shoemaker Scholar, was the first woman to qualify in the F-35C Lightning II following her designation as a Naval Aviator. Two June 2023 graduates, Ensign G. Forrest Dawe and Ensign Nate McDonald, saw their applied research projects contribute advancements to aviation capability: Dawe researched a method to predict vortex conditions for hypersonic testing in the NPS supersonic wind tunnel, while McDonald developed and fabricated a novel engine design for tactical missiles supporting an Office of Naval Research (ONR) project.

This June, 21 Shoemaker Scholars are on track to graduate and will head to Pensacola for flight school with their master’s degrees in hand. Among them will be Ensign Justin Yu, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy last year and will earn his NPS master’s degree in Astronautical Engineering. His applied research focuses on combining systems engineering architectures with physics-based models of co-orbital engagements to support mission engineering efforts aimed at protecting friendly assets from aggressor spacecraft.

“Coming straight from the Naval Academy, I found the experience here at NPS to be a great complement,” said Yu. “My peers and I of course value the education and hands-on research, but also the opportunity to learn from all the other students who come here from the fleet or from the other services with different operational backgrounds, perspectives and aspirations – that’s invaluable, and we’ll stay in touch.”

Roznowski added, “With every Shoemaker Scholar that comes here, NPS builds a stronger network of skilled decision makers and deeper ties to the fleet. Ensigns in the Shoemaker program depart NPS and take with them not just the knowledge of their academic program, but also the ability to educate their fellow Sailors and Marines other service members about the opportunities and capabilities offered at NPS.”