Month: May 2024

Source: United States Navy

Since October 2023, more than 52 hospital personnel have been involved in several missions at installations within the Fleet and in partnership with allied nations across United State European Command (EUCOM) and United States Africa Command (AFRICOM).

These missions encompassed medical support for ships and remote commands, and included training exchanges, assistance during Fleet exercises, and various Global Health Engagements (GHE). While the primary role of the deployer is to provide direct clinical care or training expertise to the Navy’s strategic partners, these missions also serve as exceptional learning opportunities for staff to grow and adapt their hospital training to the operational or humanitarian setting.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Tristan Carter, a Surgical Technician, recently returned from a clinical mission with the Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary sea base, USS Hershel W “Woody” Williams (ESB 4). During his 12-week temporary duty, he was responsible for maintaining the ship’s critical operative functions and provided subject matter expertise to the embedded medical and training teams.

“The most exciting part was being able to coordinate a ship wide emergency drill encompassing all the different emergency response teams, including damage control, flight deck crash and salvage, and the medical and surgical teams,” said Carter who was also able to leverage his certification as a Combat Marksmanship Coach to assist embarked Marines maintain their weapons qualifications.

Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Louis Walker spent six-months aboard USS Bulkeley (DDG 84). There he gained valuable experience related to acute medical appointments, basic life support, first aid, and emergency preparedness. He also worked alongside the ship’s Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC), providing both High Quality Care and Trauma Combat Casualty Care Training for up to 300 Sailors, improving their ability to respond to emergent situations. Walker was also able to test the ship’s water supply, perform food safety inspections, monitor the heat stress program, and administer vaccines to protect the ship’s crew from communicable disease and occupational hazards.

Cmdr. Suzanne Gudeman, a Urologist from Bloomington, Illinois, contributed to Cutlass Express 2023, an annual multinational exercise in Kenya. During this GHE mission, the team shared clinical expertise with host nation medical providers, fostering goodwill and understanding between partner nations.

“This experience was a great opportunity to assess host nation skills, provide helpful feedback, and build a sense of teamwork and collaboration with our partners,” said Gudeman. “I’m thankful to be able to share our knowledge and learn more about providing healthcare in under-resourced areas.”

Lessons learned from these diverse missions have been incorporated into a command training program which prepares Hospital Corpsmen and medical professionals to support the operational forces. NMRTC has also re-engineered its annual training plan to ensure opportunity for medical teams to be well prepared with the diverse skill sets needed for ship or remote command roles, to include preventive medicine, acute care evaluation, and medical emergency training.

NMRTC Commanding Officer Captain William Scouten said he recognizes personnel development is critical to both ensure mission success and professional satisfaction. “We have created within our command, a learning environment that broadens and reinforces the clinical decisions and practices, and hones skills, ultimately improving the quality of patient care delivered both on a mission and within the hospital setting.”

Enlisted Sailors who have been involved in Fleet missions have also benefited from the opportunity to achieve their Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification, the highest qualification the Surface Navy awards to enlisted service members. They have also been able to and exposure to different cultures, shipboard life, medical planning, and care management in resource limited conditions.

NMRTC Rota serves as a force multiplier in Navy Medicine’s strategic global medical support mission throughout Europe, Africa, and the Middle East while also supporting operational readiness and maintaining a strategic repository of expertise at the Naval Hospital Rota MTF within the Iberian Peninsula.

Navy Medicine is represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below, and above the sea, and ashore.

Story originally posted on DVIDS: NMRTC Rota Supports Diverse Regional Missions to Safeguard and Prepare Warfighters and Allies

Source: United States Navy

The dialogue was an opportunity to expand upon The Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy Strategic Dialogue Framework for Engagement signed by both navies Dec. 15, 2020.

“This meeting furthers our unwavering commitment to increasing interoperability across warfare domains. Australia is a critical partner in the region and vital to maritime security and stability,” said Black. “Our dialogue reaffirms our shared values in an increasingly challenging security environment.”

During the strategic dialogue, the delegations discussed increasing joint capabilities, information and technology sharing, as well as developing high end warfighting capabilities.

“Only through a collective response can the challenges of the changing strategic environment be met,” said Earley. “Engagement with our US partners through the bilateral strategic dialogue enables us to focus on ensuring developments across warfighting, science and technology and the capability domains are closely aligned.”

The U.S. and Australia recently operated together in February during a trilateral exercise in the South China Sea. The operations reinforced international maritime law, freedom of the seas, and safety and security in the Indo-Pacific.

Additionally in February, over three dozen Royal Australian Navy (RAN) sailors and officers reported aboard the submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) as part of the ship’s crew under the Personnel Exchange Program (PEP) effort. This PEP is in support of the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) Pillar I effort to deliver a sovereign conventionally armed SSN fleet to Australia.

These recent joint programs and exercises reinforce the ironclad partnership between Australia and the United States. Professional engagement and interoperability with allies and partners is the cornerstone of regional stability and fosters peace and prosperity for all nations.

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.

Source: United States Navy

“Service in the Navy and Marine Corps is more than just a job. It represents a chance to serve something bigger than yourself,” said Secretary Del Toro. “We recognize the desire of Americans from all walks of life to use their talents to better our great Nation, to be part of a legacy of courage and honor that stretches back to the very founding of our nation—and beyond.”

As the 78th Secretary of the Navy, Del Toro leads a department of nearly one million Sailors, Marines, and civilians who provide direct and indirect support to the economic and national security of our Nation, as well as international commerce.

“And no matter how you serve, you’ll be part of a team working together toward a shared goal,” said Secretary Del Toro. You’ll learn invaluable skills and gain leadership experience. Collectively, as a Sailor, Marine, or civilian, you will take part in tackling the world’s toughest challenges whiles preserving America’s advantage across several cutting-edge technologies.”

Born in Havana, Cuba, Secretary Del Toro immigrated to the United States at ten months old with his parents in 1962 to escape the Castro regime. Like thousands of other Cuban refugees, the Freedom Tower in Miami was their first stop on the road to freedom. Eventually, they relocated to a tenement building on 42nd Street and 10th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, New York.

“Throughout my childhood, both of my parents sacrificed and labored for the sake of their children. They wanted to give us a better life in America, a life unattainable back in Cuba. Their service and sacrifice instilled in me a desire to give back to this great Nation which took us in at a time when we were most vulnerable,” said Secretary Del Toro.

In 1983, Secretary Del Toro graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and served on active duty in the Navy for 22 years. His is just one of many stories of Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and women, and civilians who answered the call to defend the values that define our Nation, and to make a lasting impact on the world.

“I encourage all Floridians to come out this week and engage with Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and women, and all the civilians who support them,” said Secretary Del Toro. Come listen to their stories of service during Fleet Week Miami and see where you can fit into the story.”

Fleet Week Miami runs through May 12. During the week, visitors can interact with nearly 7,000 Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and women. This positive, direct interaction promotes understanding of the military and the sacrifices they make in support of our nation’s defense.

Tours of participating ships are planned for Monday through Saturday May 6-11. The weekdays will focus on afternoon and evening tours from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., while Saturday tours are slated to be 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. All tours are free.

In addition to the ships, displays of Naval history, recruiting information, Navy and Marine technology, and Navy environmental programs will be available for visitors to see as they wait for their tours.

Visitors wishing to tour the ships must reserve a time through the www.fleetweekmiami.org website 48 hours in advance of their desired visit. This is to ensure a moderate flow of people to the ships that may be accommodated without wait times of several hours.

Information on events and activities may be found by visiting the website or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fleetweekmiami.

Read Secretary Del Toro’s full remarks online.

Source: United States Navy

This port visit, as part of the exercise, strengthens the U.S.-Gabonese partnership as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Gulf of Guinea and West Africa region. The ship will also host a reception for distinguished visitors to kick off the exercise. These events allow the Sailors and CIVMARs of Hershel “Woody” Williams a chance to experience Gabon’s rich culture, history and hospitality as a critical regional partner.

Following the scheduled port visit to Libreville, Gabon, Hershel “Woody” Williams will join the at-sea portion of Obangame Express with more than 30 countries slated to participate. The exercise will include Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS), Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV’s) launches and recoveries, and personnel exchange training evolutions.

“The port visit is the perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships with our partners,” said CAPT Lenard Mitchell, commanding officer of USS Hershel “Woody” Williams Gold MILCREW. “The US Navy’s support for Obangame Express demonstrates our commitment to the region, and these types of engagements underscore the potential for future interoperability.”

After Exercise Obangame Express 2024, Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its deployment along the African continent, leveraging opportunities to work alongside regional allies and partners in a variety of exercises and operations to improve maritime security, and highlight our shared commitment to fostering regional security and stability.

USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship permanently assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. 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-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 morning, everyone!

Thank you, Ms. Webb, for that kind introduction, for all your work with PortMiami, and for hosting us here for Fleet Week.

I want to especially thank the Honorable Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County—and our host for the week—for opening the city of Miami to our Sailors, Marines, and Department of the Navy civilians.

Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz, welcome, and thank you for your support of our service members and Veterans. We thank you for your leadership as the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veteran Affairs!

Thank you to the Honorable Franklin Parker, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, for the incredible work you have done to ensure the personnel readiness of our Sailors, Marines, civilians, and family members within the Department of the Navy.

And I also want to thank the Honorable Oliver Gilbert and the Honorable Danielle Cohen Higgins for your work within the Miami-Dade Board of County Commissioners.

General Richardson, thank you for your leadership of the service men and women in US Southern Command.

And I also thank Admiral Caudle, for your service and leadership of US Fleet Forces.

I welcome and thank Mr. Lewis, Norwegian Cruise Lines Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer—and also a Navy Veteran! Thank you for your service as a Navy seal, sir.

To our flag officers, general officers, senior enlisted leaders, and other distinguished guests with us here today—welcome, and thank you for your unwavering support of our maritime services and this incredible event that will take place this week.

Last year, on July 14^th 2023, here at PortMiami, on a very hot but beautiful day, Mayor Levine Cava and I announced the inaugural Fleet Week in this great city.

And now, we celebrate the beginning of a new tradition of service in Miami-Dade County—Fleet Week Miami.

Thousands of our Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and women, and civilian employees will take part in events across the greater Miami-Dade area, engaging with the American public they serve and standing ready to share their stories and motivations for their careers in public service.

Miami holds a special place in my heart—it was where the first chapter of my American story began.

My story began in Havana in the early 1960s.

The Castro Regime imprisoned my father, Raul Del Toro, for “counter-revolutionary activities.”  

When I was ten months old, my father was paroled while he awaited trial.

During this time, our emergency visas into the U.S. came through, and with what we could carry on our backs, we fled to America.

And America greeted us with a warm welcome in Miami.

Like thousands of other Cuban refugees, we called the Freedom Tower, our first stop on the road to freedom, home until we relocated to a tenement building on 42^nd Street and 10^th Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, where I grew up.

I often tell people that growing up in Hell’s Kitchen was just like the play West Side Story without the music or the dancing!

Throughout my childhood, both of my parents sacrificed and labored for the sake of their children—they wanted to give us a better life in America, a life unattainable back in Cuba.

I watched as they both worked two jobs to support our family.

Their service and sacrifice instilled in me a desire to give back to this great Nation which took us in at a time when we were most vulnerable.

In 1979, I left New York to attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

This began my career of service to this country.

Service to our nation is ingrained in the very fabric of this country.

And service does not only mean putting on a uniform—service can be defined in a multitude of other ways.

This week, as a part of Fleet Week Miami, I am proud to announce the Department of the Navy’s “National Call to Maritime Service” campaign.

Service in the Navy and Marine Corps is more than just a job—it represents a chance to serve something bigger than yourself.

To be part of a legacy of courage and honor that stretches back to the very founding of our nation—and beyond.

The Navy offers unparalleled benefits, free education and training, cutting-edge technology, and—best of all—the chance to see the world.

Becoming a Marine will push you to your limits, and in the process, you will learn you’re capable of more than you ever dreamed of.

Our Sailors and Marines are more than just service members—they are diplomats, humanitarians, and leaders.

Every one of the thousands of Sailors and Marines in their Navy Dress Whites and Marine Dress Blues this week chose to serve their nation, and it is my hope that you will consider it too.

And this is not the only way you can serve.

The Department of the Navy also provides numerous opportunities for public service beyond serving in uniform.

By choosing a career working as a civilian within our Department, you also have an opportunity to be a part of something greater than yourselves.

And no matter how you serve, you’ll be part of a team working together toward a shared goal.

You’ll learn invaluable skills and gain leadership experience.

As a Department of the Navy civilian, you have an opportunity to leverage your education, skills, and talents across a variety of disciplines—from healthcare to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—from human resources to program analysis.

Collectively, as a Sailor, Marine, or civilian, you will take part in tackling the world’s toughest challenges while promoting peace and preserving democracy around the world.

And in return, the Navy and Marine Corps offer stable careers, great salaries, comprehensive healthcare benefits, world-class education and training, opportunities to live and travel around the world, and a sense of tremendous pride and satisfaction in support of a noble cause.

We recognize the desire of Americans from all walks of life to use their talents to better our great Nation.

Our Navy and Marine Corps Team is the most powerful, capable, and lethal Force this world has ever seen.

I encourage all Floridians to come out this week and engage with Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen and women, and all the civilians who support them—come listen to the stories of service and see where you can fit into the story.

And if what you hear inspires you to answer the call and join our ranks—we look forward to welcoming you aboard our naval family.

Thank you again, Mayor Levine Cava, for hosting our Sailors and Marines here in beautiful Miami—we look forward to an incredible week that will strengthen the bonds between our naval services and all of you who call Miami and South Florida home.

May God bless you and our Sailors, Marines, and service members all over the world.

Thank you.