Month: June 2024

Source: United States Navy

With approval from the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), NCTF-RH will start venting Tank 7 at the facility – the second of 14 tanks to be ventilated and cleaned as part of the decommissioning process. The Navy began venting Tank 8 last week.  

Tank ventilation is the necessary first step of a lengthy and deliberate process to decommission the facility and remediate the environment. This action is one example of the Navy’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship in Hawaii.  

“Safety for the public, the aquifer and environment, and for our workers is our top priority,” said Rear Adm. Marc Williams, Deputy Commander, NCTF-RH. “I’m happy to report that after meticulous preparations our tank venting operations are occurring safely and in full view of the public. This is in keeping with our motto: Safe. Deliberate. Engaged. Committed.”  

As part of venting operations, the task force installed nine air quality monitoring (AQM) stations along 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 continue to 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.   

SAFE. DELIBERATE. ENGAGED. COMMITTED. 

Source: United States Navy

VS24 is a multinational, biennial field training exercise focused on integrating interoperability in a multi-domain environment. The exercise builds real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces by detecting, locating, tracking, and engaging units at sea, in the air, in space, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas.

Exercises such as VS24 allow forces across the Indo-Pacific the opportunity to integrate Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and partner nations to train in precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-axis, multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint and Combined Force. With the involvement of U.S. Space Command and U.S. Transportation Command, VS24 is expanding the multi-domain cross-Combatant Command collaboration that is incumbent on any large-scale exercise or operation.

“Valiant Shield provides us a unique opportunity to operate and engage with our allies and partners and to demonstrate our shared commitment to global security and stability,” said Adm. Stephen T. Koehler, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “It takes all of us to maintain a safe, stable, and secure Indo-Pacific, as we flex our joint and combined capabilities to advance multi-domain operations.”

The exercise prepares the Joint and Combined Force to rapidly respond to crises and contingencies across a spectrum of operations from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to armed conflict.

VS24 assists U.S., allied and partner forces in developing regional and global power projection capabilities. Integrated training allows the participating countries to refine the skills required to succeed in the defense of their shared interests in the region.

This is the 10th Valiant Shield exercise, which began in 2006.

Media queries regarding VS24 prior to exercise commencement should be directed to the U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office at (808) 471-3769 or cpf_newsdesk@navy.mil. Contact information for the VS Combined, Joint Information Bureau will be made available prior to the beginning of the exercise. Imagery and stories regarding Valiant Shield can be found here: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/ValiantShield.

Source: United States Navy

Midway was not just a clash of warships and aircraft. It’s also a testament to the dedication and bravery of the Navy physicians, dentists, and pharmacist’s mates (hospital corpsmen). Navy medical personnel served on every vessel in the Navy Task Forces 16 and 17—from the immense carriers to the nimble destroyers. In the crucible of the battle, medical personnel administered life-saving care to wounded sailors, performed surgery, and stabilized critical injuries with limited resources. And when ships were damaged or sunk, medical personnel often coordinated evacuation efforts while ensuring that the wounded received the care they desperately needed.

Among the many who displayed exceptional heroism at Midway were two of Navy Medicine’s finest:

Lt. John H. Peterson, USS Hammann (DD-412):

Peterson served as medical officer aboard the destroyer USS Hammann at Midway. Although injured by a shock of a torpedo explosion, Lt. Peterson helped lead the evacuation efforts from his ship. Afterwards, he directed the rescue of many seriously wounded sailors who might otherwise have drowned. For three grueling days, he rendered constant medical care to the wounded aboard another destroyer en route to its base, pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion.

Lt. j.g. Edward Augustus Kearney, USS Yorktown (CV-5):

Dr. Kearney’s unwavering commitment extended far beyond his initial duty during the attacks. A Navy physician attached to the ill-fated carrier Yorktown, Kearney helped evacuate the casualties from the sinking ship and led the effort to care for wounded aboard the rescue craft. Kearney volunteered to return to Yorktown as part of a salvage party, helping to collect the dead and prepare their burials at sea. Afterwards, he was assigned to be the medical officer aboard destroyer USS Benham (DD-397) caring for 70 wounded, 45 of whom were in critical condition. His devotion to duty and professional skill as a surgeon, while working without the normal facilities of a sickbay or operating room, are responsible for many surviving Midway and getting to medical facilities on Pearl Harbor where they received advanced care.

Kearney and Peterson were later awarded Silver Stars for their exceptional service at Midway.

While Kearney and Peterson serve as examples of the extraordinary acts of bravery at Midway, they represent only part of the medical support provided. Many will never receive the recognition they deserve, but their collective efforts ensured countless sailors survived to fight another day.

Sources:

Executive Officer’s Report of Action for Period of June 4-June 7, 1942. USS Yorktown. BUMED Correspondence Records, National Archives II, College Park, MD.

Gay, George H. Sole Survivor: The Battle of Midway and Its Effects on His Life. Naples, FL: Midway Pubs., 1980. 320 pp.

Hough, Richard A. The Battle of Midway. New York: Macmillan, 1970. 90 pp.

Peterson, John. Military Times Awards of Valor. Retrieved from: https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/20777

Source: United States Navy

The ship will cruise along the Willamette River and moor between the Steel and Burnside Bridges on June 5 before 5 p.m.

USS Montgomery (LCS 8), along with vessels from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy, will offer public tours and its crew will participate in annual festivities across the city to include the Grand Floral Parade, Royal Rosarian Honorary Knighting Ceremony, and community service activities.
The U.S. Navy ship will be open for public tours on June 6-9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To ensure ship tour completion by 4 p.m., lines will be monitored for approximate entrance start time. All tours will be complete by 4 p.m., so the tour line may be cut earlier in the afternoon, depending on line waiting times. It is recommended that those interested in public ship tours arrive early. 

Visit Portland Rose Festival’s website for more information about the visiting U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy vessels.

The Portland visit will offer the public an opportunity to tour a U.S. Navy warship and meet with Sailors as they showcase their ship’s capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how sea services support national defense and freedom of the seas.
When arriving for public tours, all visitors will be required to present government-issued photo identification, and pass through an airport-style security screening checkpoint prior to boarding the ships. All visitors are subject to search prior to entering the security zone. Visitors are encouraged to bring as few items as possible when arriving for their tour, as there is no on-site storage. Flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes are required for tours aboard ships.

Prohibited items on board include the following:
– Weapons: including knives, firearms and club weapons
– Defensive chemicals or sprays: including mace and pepper spray; spray cans of any type
– Fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives
– Drugs and drug-related paraphernalia illegal by federal standards, including cannabis
– Large bags, including backpacks, diaper bags and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but are subject to search)
– Strollers

While general photography of this event is allowed, the use of drones in the area of Navy vessels is strictly prohibited.
Due to the nature of U.S. Navy ships, those with limited mobility, or those who require walkers or wheelchairs, may not be allowed on ship tours for their safety. In these cases, the Navy will facilitate a pierside brief.
For more information about USS Montgomery, please visit:  https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/lcs8/

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, June 4.

Franchetti thanked the Crown Prince for the inviolable U.S. – Bahrain defense relationship and expressed her gratitude for the continuous hospitality Bahrain shows in hosting the U.S. Navy.

The CNO also highlighted Bahrain’s leadership in the security and stability of the region and expressed her gratitude to the Crown Prince for being one of the United States’s longest and closest partners in the Middle East, a major non-NATO Ally, and their participation in Operation Prosperity Guardian. 

During their discussion, Franchetti applauded the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) signed last year to formalize U.S – Bahrain cooperation to deter conflict in the region, enhance regional stability, and de-escalate tensions. Franchetti added that C-SIPA is as a significant upgrade in our strategic bi-lateral relationship with Bahrain. Right now, C-SIPA is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Bahrain, however both leaders said they welcome other friendly countries to join because the more integrated and coordinated we are, the more secure, stable, and prosperous the region will be.

This is the first time Franchetti has met the Crown Prince.

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