Month: July 2024

Source: United States Navy

Carderock’s outgoing commanding officer, Tardy, and Rear Adm. Todd Evans, Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center/Naval Undersea Warfare Center, welcomed Matassa into the new position at Carderock’s Raye Montague Center for Maritime Technology.

“In spite of the turmoil created by these unprecedented times, our Navy’s mission continues uninterrupted,” Evans said. “We have been very fortunate to have had leaders like Matt at the helm. Throughout his command tour here, he has displayed exemplary leadership and superb foresight as he has seized several opportunities to steer a high visibility organization of thousands of employees through significant and dynamic changes while fulfilling our Navy’s mission.”

Before passing the baton to Matassa, Tardy reflected on his time in West Bethesda and thanked the Division’s personnel for their dedication to the Carderock mission.

“We’ve accomplished so much, but there is always more to do,” Tardy said. “The world is unpredictable, and we’re doing the right things here at Carderock to support our fleets. Thank you for your dedication and service. The team is getting an amazing leader in Chris. Stay focused, stay positive and keep on executing.”

Tardy assumed command at Carderock on May 12, 2023. One of his first experiences as commanding officer included the International Human-Powered Submarine Races (ISR), a biennial Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) event held at the Division’s David Taylor Model Basin. The 2023 ISR was the first in-person event to occur at West Bethesda since the COVID pandemic. Since then, Tardy has been a loud advocate for the Division’s STEM and Outreach Program.

In his closing remarks, Tardy said he takes pride in all of the accomplishments the workforce achieved during his tenure.

“I’m proud of our advancements in warfighting readiness, establishing a crisis response center and a watch bill,” he said “To do this, you must have great people leading the way. What really made these programs function were the selfless volunteers who stepped up to make this work.”

Tardy was awarded the Legion of Merit for his superior accomplishments, and departed Carderock to replace former Carderock commanding officer Capt. Cedric McNeal at the Navy’s Amphibious Warfare Program Office (PMS 377).
Matassa joins the Division as a decorated naval officer. For the past several years, he has served at the Pentagon, working in the Chief of Naval Operations Surface Warfare Division (OPNAV N96) as a Future Ships Requirement Officer.

“I’m grateful and humbled by this opportunity.” Matassa said. “I keep thinking to myself ‘Wow! This place is so cool.’ The facilities and technologies here are so unique, truly unlike anything in the world. I am excited to take command at Carderock, and I cannot wait to advance American sea models at a critical time for our national security.”
Matassa most recently served as the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Ship Programs before assuming command as Carderock’s 41st Commanding Officer.

Carderock is one of the Navy’s pre-eminent research and development facilities that specializes in critical ship design components headquartered in West Bethesda, Maryland. The Carderock Division supports small-scale model testing and evaluation of next-generation surface ships and underwater vessels. The three foci components of Carderock are: Platform Integrity, Signatures and Naval Architecture and Engineering. Carderock, a Naval Surface Warfare Center and a major component and field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command, is “Where the Fleet Beings,” and is comprised of state-of-art, world-class facilities found nowhere else on earth, including the David Taylor Model Basin and the Maneuvering and Seakeeping Basin, as well as support research detachments in Bayview, Idaho, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Ketchikan, Alaska, Memphis, Tennessee, Norfolk, Virginia, Titusville, Florida, and Silverdale, Washington.

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/CarderockDivision or https://www.navsea.navy.mil/Home/Warfare-Centers/NSWC-Carderock/.

Source: United States Navy

As part of Phase I, 28 schools across DoDEA Americas will introduce the Universal Prekindergarten Program, laying a solid educational foundation for the youngest learners within the military community. This initiative is poised to expand further, with 5 additional schools joining in Phases II and III.

DoDEA has a long history of supporting military families, and this program is a testament to that dedication. While DoDEA Americas has previously offered half-day prekindergarten to eligible families, the Universal Prekindergarten Program represents the first full-scale implementation of a full-day prekindergarten program across DoDEA Americas’ primary schools.

“The approval of the Universal Prekindergarten Program underscores our dedication to providing the highest quality education to military-connected children,” said Dr. Judith Minor, Americas Director for Student Excellence. “Early childhood education is a critical foundation for future academic success, and we are excited to offer this opportunity to our primary school students.”

The importance of early childhood education cannot be overstated. Studies consistently show that high-quality early learning experiences are crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development. These formative years lay the groundwork for lifelong learning and success, making programs like DoDEA’s Universal Prekindergarten beneficial and essential.

The Universal Prekindergarten Program creates a supportive and engaging learning environment, enhancing various aspects of child development and preparing students for a smooth transition into kindergarten.

DoDEA’s commitment to providing a world-class education to military-connected students shines through in the Universal Prekindergarten Program. As this initiative takes flight, it promises to profoundly impact young learners’ lives, setting them on a path of academic and personal success.

For additional information on our below phase I schools please check our website, https://www.dodea.edu/americas or https://www.dodea.edu/education/universal-prekindergarten-program.

Camp Lejeune – Delalio Elementary School
Camp Lejeune – Heroes Elementary School
Camp Lejeune – Johnson Primary School
Camp Lejeune – Tarawa Terrace Elementary School
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay Cuba – WT Sampson Elementary/High School
NSF Dahlgren – Dahlgren School
Fort Liberty – Bowley Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Devers Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Gordon Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Kimberly Hampton Primary School
Fort Liberty – Mildred B. Poole Elementary School
Fort Liberty – Shughart Elementary School
Puerto Rico – Antilles Elementary School
Puerto Rico – Ramey School
Marine Corps Base Quantico – Crossroads Elementary School
West Point – West Point Elementary School
Fort Jackson – Pierce Terrace Elementary School
Fort Knox – Kingsolver Elementary School
Fort Knox – Van Voorhis Elementary School
Fort Moore – Edward A. White Elementary School
Fort Moore – Freddie Stowers Elementary School
Fort Moore – Herbert J. Dexter Elementary School
Fort Moore – Morris R. McBride Elementary School
Fort Stewart – Charles P Murray Elementary School
Fort Stewart – Diamond Elementary School
Fort Stewart – Patrick L. Kessler Elementary School
Maxwell AFB – Maxwell AFB Elementary/Middle School
MCAS Beaufort – Middleton S. Elliott Elementary School

Source: United States Navy

Participants trained in a wide range of dynamic scenarios, including Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Hawaii Healthcare Emergency Management (HHEM) mass casualty response, mass movement of evacuees, aerial survey, port restoration, and logistical support for humanitarian assistance.

“Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is a critical part of the Navy’s mission,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF). “During the HADR exercise, we trained our expeditionary forces to respond to crisis scenarios with the goal of improving our efficiency and interoperability with global maritime partners. Our forces are always at their best when we train together.”

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Rear Adm. Kazushi Yokota, commander, JMSDF Escort Flotilla Three and Exercise RIMPAC 2024 CTF vice commander, led the HADR portion of the exercise and collaboration with local hospital personnel.

”During this great RIMPAC, I am confident to say that we have enhanced integration, interoperability with global maritime partners and demonstrated effective communication,” said Rear Adm. Yokota. “We prepared and exercised crisis response capabilities amongst interagency partners by working together, growing together and learning from each other’s professionalism.”

First-time achievements from this year’s HADR drill included:
First time conducting USAR with participation from Mexico, Peru and the U.S.
First time conducting an HHEM mass casualty event with partner nations, including Mexico, Peru, and the U.S.
First time operating with HMCS Max Bernays (AOPV 432), a Canadian special mission support platform and icebreaker.
First time operating with JS Kunisaki (LST-4003), a JMSDF Osumi-class amphibious landing ship.
First time integrating U.S. Marines from Combat Logistics Company 33 (CLC-33) and Seabees from First Naval Construction Regiment (1NCR) in constructing a helo landing zone, the creation of drinking water, assessing bridges, and removing downed trees.
First time constructing a pagoda with combined Seabee forces from ROK and the U.S.
First time using unmanned aerial systems from Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command for port surveys and damage assessment.

The HADR training, which began July 8, showcased enhanced integration and effective crisis response capabilities between allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It has been exciting to work with our multinational partners during RIMPAC,” said Capt. Douglas Whimpey, commodore, First Naval Construction Regiment and deputy commander, HADR Task Force. “Together, we have a tremendous opportunity to train, improve our skills and build new relationships. Training with our multinational partners strengthens our ability to operate together. That’s what RIMPAC is all about.”

Twenty-nine nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC in and around the Hawaiian Islands, June 27 to Aug. 1. The world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans. RIMPAC 2024 is the 29th exercise in the series that began in 1971.

Source: United States Navy

PACIFIC OCEAN — The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) participated in a multinational visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) drill while underway July 15 during Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), a large-scale international maritime exercise.

Source: United States Navy

A helicopter from HSM 79, conducting routine flight operations from Bulkeley spotted people indicating distress onboard a dead-in-the-water vessel, and reported the adrift vessel back to the destroyer.

Bulkeley, in coordination with the Joint Rescue Coordination Center, requested a nearby merchant, the Motor Vessel Seaways Sabine to approach the vessel and provide assistance. The Seaways Sabine found 31 personnel onboard a vessel that had been adrift for days, and found three people who needed medical attention.

The Bulkeley’s Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat delivered Bulkeley’s Corpsmen to the Seaways Sabine to provide medical assistance to the three unresponsive personnel. Unfortunately, the medical team was not able to save one of the patients despite an extended period of CPR. The two other patients in need of medical assistance are in a stable condition, and are being transported to the nearest suitable port by the Seaways Sabine.

“In times of crisis, the United States Navy is there to respond and assist whenever possible,” said Cmdr. Arturo Trejo, commanding officer of USS Bulkeley. “I want to thank our crew aboard and the crew aboard Seaways Sabine for their quick action and teamwork in assisting those during a time of need. This incident, while unfortunate, underscores our Navy’s ability to respond to those in need and showcases the readiness and capabilities of our team.”

Motor Vessel Seaways Sabine will be taking the rescued personnel to Port Sidi Kurayr, Egypt for further assistance.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.