Month: August 2024

Source: United States Navy

“I came here not sure of what job I wanted or qualified for,” said Torres-Casillas. “I got so happy when I received the news that I got the job. I am going to be the first member of my family to serve in the military. My parents sacrificed a lot to provide our family with a better quality of life and I owe it to them to do well with this amazing opportunity the Navy is giving me. My family moved to San Diego from Mexico when I was young. It was really hard to move and leave behind my uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. I can’t even imagine how hard it was for my parents. That is why I want to make them proud and show them that it was worth the sacrifice.”

Damage Controlmen 1st Class Kreig Newton, assigned to Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) Phoenix and the senior classifier for MEPS Phoenix, led Torres-Casillas in the history-making enlistment. During the job-picking process, he realized that Torres-Casillas was fully qualified for the newly available RW rating.

“I was surprised when I saw that RW was available as of today,” said Newton. “I called headquarters to confirm RW and then realized she was qualified based on her [ASVAB] line scores. I mentioned the job to her and she was super excited. I will never forget the look on her face after I told her she was going to be the first contracted female Robotics [Warfare] Specialist.”

“Petty Officer Newton was amazing,” said Torres-Casillas. “He asked me a lot of questions about my interests. Then he told me about Robotics [Warfare] Specialist. It sounded perfect to me. It is a little overwhelming to be first but I am ready for the challenge.”

Torres-Casillas, now a Delayed Entry Program Future Sailor, will continue to work with her recruiter Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Tremaine Smith, assigned to NTAG Phoenix, Navy Recruiting Station Desert Sky. Smith is no longer just a recruiter to Torres-Casillas; he is her first Navy mentor, and his new job is to help her get ready for the next step in her Navy career: boot camp. Torres-Casillas is expected to depart Phoenix for the Navy’s boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois in January 2025.

The establishment of the RW rating, announced in the U.S. Navy’s NAVADMIN 036/24, underpins the Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s plans for building and developing “a team who has the reps and sets in sensors, platform autonomy, and mission autonomy programs, and can provide input in machine-learning feedback processes,” a priority she discussed in her keynote address at the WEST 2024 naval conference.

The creation of the RW rating has distinguished the Navy as the first Department of Defense branch to establish a dedicated enlisted workforce specialized in unmanned and autonomous technology.

The Navy’s Fact Sheet focused on RW Conversion Opportunity provides further details on the specific NECs, ASVAB scores, and background requirements for applicants:
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/FACT_SHEETS/Fact_Sheet_NAV_036_24_Conversion.pdf

For information regarding the application process, visit the RW enlisted community management page on the MyNavy HR website at: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Community-Management/Enlisted/Robotics-Warfare/

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti visited U.S. Fleet Cyber Command (FCC)/Navy Space Command (NAVSPACE) and U.S. 10th Fleet to engage with personnel and discuss the Navy’s cyber and space operations, Aug. 29.

This was Franchetti’s first trip to FCC and 10th Fleet as CNO and marked the completion of her visit to all fleet concentration areas to hear from Sailors and civilians and to discuss America’s Warfighting Navy.

“I could not be more proud of what you do and how you deliver warfighting advantage every single day, not just for our Navy, but for the joint force and nation,” said Franchetti to the Sailors and civilians gathered in person and online for an all-hands call. “We do not fight and win without you. Whether you’re working here or working overseas, each of you are part of America’s Warfighting Navy and part of our warfighting team.”

During her visit, Franchetti met with Vice Adm. Craig A. “Clap” Clapperton, Commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command, Navy Space Command, U.S. 10th Fleet, and Joint Force Headquarters-Cyber (Navy); toured the command Maritime Operations Center, hosted an all-hands call and visited Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group.  Her discussions focused on the vital role of FCC/NAVSPACE and U.S. 10th Fleet in how cyber and space operations are integrated into fleet and joint operations.

Since its establishment on January 29, 2010, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command has grown into a formidable operational force, comprising over 13,000 active and reserve Sailors and civilians. In January, 2023, the command added responsibilities as Navy Space Command to its existing cyber role.  FCC/NAVSPACE is essential to Navy information network operations, including offensive and defensive cyberspace activities, space operations, and signals intelligence. They are central to warfighter development and harnessing new technologies to maintain our competitive advantage over adversaries.

“Information, Cyber and Space operations are foundational to the broader, joint warfare environment,” said Clapperton. “We were proud to welcome Adm. Franchetti to discuss how Cyber and Space capabilities are integrated into fleet operations, and how we are poised to adapt to an ever-changing environment.”

While there, Franchetti also emphasized the importance of U.S. 10th Fleet’s role in delivering tactical and operational effects across cyberspace and space and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand Navy Space Command’s capabilities and the benefits of integrating those capabilities into the fleet.

“As you look at the changing character of war, this community is the foundation that underpins everything else in our warfighting ecosystem. We can’t do what we need to do to fight and win without the information domain,” said Franchetti. “We need you to fight as a Fleet. You enable everything our platforms and people do in America’s Warfighting Navy.”

Franchetti’s visit reinforced the Navy’s commitment to advancing its cyber and space operations capabilities, ensuring continued excellence in maintaining global maritime security.

Source: United States Navy

An ordinary day at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) took a dramatic turn when a 28-year-old employee suffered a cardiac emergency, but thanks to his supervisor’s swift and potentially life-saving intervention, he is back to his normal self.

In the early morning hours of June 18, hazardous waste disposer Gannon Plouff began experiencing chest pains, increased heart rate and shortness of breath while working in the facility. This was not the first cardiac event Plouff had faced; he has suffered from a history of various heart conditions in the past. 

“When I woke up that morning, everything seemed normal until, out of nowhere, my heart’s rhythm started beating abnormally,” said Plouff. “It had done this plenty of times before and since I felt fine, I assumed it would go back to normal like it usually does.” 

A short while later, his symptoms returned as he was working in the facility, marking the start of a cardiac emergency. 

“While at work a couple hours later, I felt a flutter in my chest and my heart’s rhythm became very irregular,” said Plouff. “I knew something was wrong.” 

Upon hearing of Plouff’s symptoms, his supervisor, Compliance and Quality Operations Branch Supervisor Richard Johnston, sprang into action. 

“When Plouff told me he was having some tightness in his chest, I immediately told him to come back to the office because I knew it could get worse very fast,” said Johnston. “I called 9-1-1, grabbed the AED (automated external defibrillator) and tried to help him stay calm. By the time the paramedics got Plouff on the gurney and in the ambulance, he was experiencing atrial fibrillation. They had to shock him.” 

Paramedics got to work on Plouff immediately upon arriving to the depot. According to Plouff, his heart rate accelerated to about 250 beats per minute.  

“The medics put me in the back of the ambulance and gave me some medication to slow down my heart rate, but it didn’t work,” said Plouff. “They hooked me up to something like an AED and shocked me to lower my dangerously high heart rate. Thankfully, that worked, because once you hit 300 beats per minute, that’s when you’re at risk for heart failure.

“The worst part was when the paramedics had to shock me,” Plouff continued. “They didn’t get the chance to knock me out; I was awake for all of it. My vision started going in and out and I honestly thought I was dying. All I could think about was my wife and kids.” 

Plouff said it was the actions of his supervisor that saved his life.  

“I want to thank my boss for acting so quickly to get me an ambulance,” said Plouff. “I had already informed my boss of my heart history and he told me his son has gone through something similar, so he knew what do to.” 

Following his cardiac event, Plouff has been focusing on his recovery and spending time with his family in Texas, where his wife recently gave birth to their second child. Plouff said if he could share a piece of advice with his coworkers, it would be to listen to their bodies and support each other in the workplace.  

“I really want to share my story because, if something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Plouff. “I’m grateful to still be alive because I have kids to take care of. We just had our second child. Make sure you get help before it’s too late.

“Make sure you look out for your coworkers,” Plouff continued. “My trainer, Gram Dixon, noticed I was acting different that day. He encouraged me to let our boss know what was going on, so a big thanks goes out to both my supervisor and trainer for looking out for me.”

For his actions, Johnston was presented with the FRCE Aviation Safety Professional of the Quarter award. FRCE Executive Officer Randy Berti said in emergency situations like this, every second counts. 

“The health and safety of our employees is our number one priority here at FRC East,” said Berti. “We are incredibly thankful for Mr. Johnston’s quick thinking and rapid response, which likely saved Mr. Plouff’s life. It is a testament to the success of our emergency response training and addition of AEDs throughout the facility. He is very deserving of this recognition” 

FRCE works to provide its workforce with lifesaving knowledge and skills in the form of training in first aid, CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs are portable, life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.  

Since 2023, FRCE’s Safety and Occupational Health Division has installed 85 new AEDs to the facility’s site at Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point, New River and Beaufort, and the Global TransPark in Kinston. As a result of this recent occurrence, the depot has further enhanced emergency preparedness by equipping the facility’s security vehicles with AEDs, as they are often one of the first to arrive on scene.  

Knowing how to recognize the signs of cardiac distress is imperative in the event of an emergency. According to The American Heart Association, common symptoms include chest pressure or pain; shortness of breath; discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; cold sweat; and nausea or lightheadedness. Contact emergency services immediately if experiencing symptoms of cardiac distress.

Johnston said he was thankful for the training he’d received on how to respond in emergency situations like this because; without that knowledge, the outcome could have been very different.

“As a supervisor, it’s important to get to know your team,” said Johnston. “I have a tight bond with my whole shop. It allows them to trust and count on me to look out for them and act in their best interest. Health conditions and events like this one are often spontaneous, so you have to stay vigilant. At the end of the day, we are a family working together to accomplish the same goal.”

Source: United States Navy

Bath, Maine – The keel for the future USS William Charette (DDG 130), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on Aug. 29 at General Dynamic Bath Iron Works (BIW).

The ship is named in honor of Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William R. Charette, a veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic acts during the Korean War, while assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,1st Marine Division in Panmunjom Corridor (DMZ), Korea.

Rear Adm. Darin K. Via, Surgeon General of the Navy and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), presided over the ceremony on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

“All of us in Navy Medicine are immensely proud to have a warship named after one of our own.  We understand that it is one of the greatest honors you can receive in the Navy. The future USS William Charette will not only be a symbol of American strength but also a testament to the courage and dedication of Navy corpsmen,” said Rear Adm. Darin Via. “To have a ship named after a Navy corpsman is to hold to the maxim of ‘Corpsman Up!’ and embodies the ethos of courage, fidelity, and service before self.”

A keel laying ceremony represents the joining together of the ship’s modular components at the land level. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the welder etches the initials of the keel honorees into the keel plate. The authentication was confirmed by Via, on behalf of the namesake’s children, Margaret Ann Charette Henderson, Kati Charette Donovan, Laura Charette Bennett, Michael R. Charette, and the late William A. Charette. The namesake’s daughters are the ship’s co-sponsors. BUMED Force Master Chief PatrickPaul (PaP) Mangaran, director of the Hospital Corps and leader of the Navy Medicine’s enlisted force, also read a statement on behalf of the Charette family.

“The future USS William Charette will be a welcomed addition to the fleet and another player on the field to provide the Navy with the most advanced warfighting capability” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 Class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “This ship honors the legacy of the late William Charette and his heroism during the Korean War. We are honored to have his daughters as sponsors and for the entire family to celebrate this significant milestone.”

A DDG 51 Flight III destroyer features the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporates upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide greatly enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet. The future destroyers Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), John E. Kilmer (DDG 134), and Richard G. Lugar (DDG 136) are also under construction at BIW.

PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.