Month: November 2024

Source: United States Navy

“Our port visit in Málaga, Spain, is incredibly important for the ship,” said Cmdr. Beth-Ann Martin, Oak Hill’s executive officer. “It is useful to top off our fuel prior to making a trans-Atlantic crossing to reduce the requirement for [underway replenishments].”

The visit to Málaga allows Oak Hill to take on the necessary supplies and stores before transiting between the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Coast. The brief stop follows-up Oak Hill’s previous port visit to Souda Bay, Greece, where the ship conducted an agricultural wash down, one of the final preparations before concluding a deployment.

“Preparation for a brief stop for fuel takes days, and sometimes weeks, of planning prior to the port visit,” said Lt. Lilly Payne, Oak Hill’s supply officer. “There is constant communication with Commander, Task Force 63, along with Task Force 61/2, regarding our stores and fuel. The planning process should start early to alleviate headaches from last-minute requests.”

While visiting Spain, Sailors and Marines embarked on Oak Hill will have time to explore the vast history and cuisine the city has to offer.

Oak Hill is conducting operations as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC) in the 6th Fleet and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) areas of operations, in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

The WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC) is comprised of its flagship namesake, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), Oak Hill, and the embarked 24th MEU (SOC).The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a command element, Aviation Combat Element (Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced)), Ground Combat Element (Battalion Landing Team 1/8), and Logistics Combat Element (Combat Logistics Battalion 24).

For more than 80 years, NAVEUR-NAVAF has forged strategic relationships with U.S. Allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

To learn more about USS Oak Hill, please visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ussoakhilllsd51
To learn more about WSP ARG-24th MEU (SOC), please visit our DVIDS feature page: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu

Source: United States Navy

Wasp previously visited Rota in June for a similar replenishment in advance of traveling to the eastern Mediterranean Sea in support of U.S., Allied and partner interests in promoting regional stability and deterring aggression in the region.

“While in the Eastern Mediterranean, our crew, both Sailors and Marines, had to sustain an increased level of vigilance and caution,” said Capt. Paul O’Brien, Wasp’s executive officer. “After being on alert as the nation’s crisis response force, it was good for the crew to experience one final port visit to celebrate and reflect on everything we’ve accomplished over the last several months, before returning home.”

Wasp is scheduled to return to Naval Station Norfolk early December, 2024.

Wasp has been underway conducting operations in the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea and the Mediterranean since early April as the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th MEU (SOC). The Amphibious Ready Group remains on a scheduled deployment supporting U.S. Allied and partner interests, to promote regional stability and deter aggression.

The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) providing strategic speed and agility, ensuring Marines are prepared to respond and protect U.S. national security interests around the globe. The MEU can respond rapidly from longer ranges with greater capabilities across the spectrum of military conflict.

You can follow USS Wasp’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram (@usswasp_lhd1).

To learn more about WSP ARG and 24th MEU (SOC) “Team of Teams,” visit their DVIDS feature page at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu.

Source: United States Navy

Beloit is the 15th Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) commissioned in the United States Navy and the first U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake.

The Honorable Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin, will deliver the principal address at the commissioning ceremony. Remarks will also be provided by The Honorable Tammy Baldwin, U.S. Senator from Wisconsin; The Honorable Gwen Moore, U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 4th District; The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy; Admiral James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations; and Mr. Ali Ruwaih, Vice President of Small Combatants and Ship Systems, Lockheed Martin.

The ship’s sponsor, retired Army Maj. Gen. Marcia M. Anderson, a native of Beloit, Wisconsin, became the first female African American officer to earn her second star in the U.S. Army Reserves. After 37 years of service, Anderson retired in 2016 as Deputy Chief of the U.S. Army Reserve. Her previous assignment was Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Human Resources Command. Noting Beloit’s long history of supporting national security—both by providing personnel who serve and by helping to build the ships and vehicles that make our military the envy of the world—Anderson expressed confidence that the USS Beloit and her crew will become an integral part of our nation’s history.

“USS Beloit (LCS 29) reflects many of the engineering and weapons improvements that the littoral combat ship has gained since the Navy first began operating these ships,” said Secretary Del Toro. “When it receives new capabilities, such as the Naval Strike Missile, it will sail even more confidently in contested waters. The ship’s namesake honors the contributions of the people of Beloit, Wisconsin, to the U.S. Navy, including the Fairbanks Morse plant, which built engines that power many of the Navy’s ships and submarines.”

The LCS class consists of two variants: Freedom and Independence, which are designed and built by two industry teams. Lockheed Martin leads the Freedom-variant team (odd-numbered hulls) in Marinette, Wisconsin. Austal USA leads the Independence-variant team (even-numbered hulls) in Mobile, Alabama.

Littoral combat ships like Beloit will be equipped with the Over-the-Horizon Weapons System (OTH-WS) Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The OTH NSM provides the U.S. and its allies with long-range anti-surface strike capability, as well as increased coastline defense, deterrence, and interoperability.

Littoral combat ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, defending against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS ships integrate with joint, combined, manned, and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.

The ceremony will be livestreamed at www.dvidshub.net/webcast/35146. The link will become active approximately ten minutes prior to the event at 9:50 a.m. CST.

Source: United States Navy

“The arrival of Hampton at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard underscores our commitment to ensuring that our attack submarines remain ready for the challenges of tomorrow. The maintenance and modernization of these vital assets, not only extend their operational lifespan, but directly contributes to the Navy’s warfighting readiness,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Michael Oberdorf. “In alignment with the CNO’s NAVPLAN 2024, this work is a clear reflection of our unwavering focus on lethality, readiness, and the integration of cutting-edge capabilities into the fleet. The critical work we do here strengthens our nation’s ability to project power and deter adversaries, ensuring that our warfighters are always prepared to fight and win, wherever and whenever required.”

While at the shipyard, Hampton will undergo scheduled maintenance and system upgrades. The work will prioritize technological advancement and modernization of systems to maintain a competitive edge in maritime operations ensuring Hampton remains mission-ready and is returned to the Navy fleet ready to meet any tasking the Navy and Nation needs.

Commissioned in 1993, Hampton is named for four cities: Hampton, Virginia; Hampton, Iowa; Hampton, South Carolina; and Hampton, New Hampshire. Over the years, Hampton has built a reputable deployment record, completing three Western Pacific deployments in support of U.S. national security interests. Its most recent operational service was in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility, where it carried out crucial maritime security operations and demonstrated the Navy’s forward presence in the region focusing on deterrence strategies to counter threats from potential adversaries. Hampton has also participated in numerous training exercises, including the Unmanned Systems Integrated Battle Problem and the multinational UNITAS LXV exercise off the coast of Chile. These exercises help the Navy build collaborative partnerships with other nations and services to enhance collective security and interoperability within the joint forces strengthening them as a whole.

Attack submarines like Hampton are designed to excel in a wide array of mission areas. These include anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, strike operations, special forces deployment, intelligence gathering, and mine warfare. With its advanced systems, Hampton plays a key role in maintaining maritime security, projecting power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles, and supporting special operations forces in various global theaters.

“We’re excited to welcome the USS Hampton to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Getting the Hampton back to the fleet to defend freedom is a top priority for our team. We’re fully committed to putting in the hard work necessary to ensure the Hampton is ready to fight and serve wherever the Navy is needed,” said Tim Doyon, Hampton Project Superintendent.

Hampton’s Commanding Officer is Cmdr. Grant Wanier, who assumed command on May 30, 2024.

Throughout the maintenance period, Hampton will be supported by its host community of Hampton, New Hampshire. The host community program helps strengthen the bond between the Navy and the surrounding community. Hampton’s crew may help the host community in a variety of ways, including painting projects at schools, park cleanups, participating in parades, or other community events as scheduled. Residents in the seacoast community often show their support for the crew, the mission, and the shipyard.

As Hampton undergoes its scheduled work, the crew will continue training and preparation to ensure they are ready to execute a full range of missions upon returning to the fleet. The maintenance and modernization work at PNSY will position the Hampton for continued success as it remains a key player in the Navy’s operations around the world.

As America’s leader for attack submarine maintenance, repair, and modernization, PNSY is enhancing critical warfighting capabilities by delivering first time quality service, on-budget, on time to the fleet and helping enable warfighters to be battle-ready when called upon.

Source: United States Navy

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Domenic Nasuta, assigned to Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment North Island, has a passion for the outdoors and a dedication to service that has defined his Navy career. From working as a hospital corpsman with the Marine Corps on deployment to his current role as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor, Nasuta’s journey in the Navy reflects a commitment to supporting his fellow Sailors and Marines in some of the most demanding environments.
 

A Family Legacy of Service and a Path to the Navy

Growing up in New Jersey, Nasuta was influenced by a family history of military service. Both of his grandfathers served in the Army during World War II, with one supporting Operation Northern Torch in Africa and the other in the European campaign. His uncle also served as a combat camera in Vietnam. Inspired by this legacy, Nasuta enlisted in the Navy in 2011, choosing to join the medical field as a hospital corpsman to make a difference in others’ lives.
 

“Service runs deep in my family, and I knew I wanted to contribute in my own way,” Nasuta reflects. “Becoming a corpsman gave me the opportunity to help people in their most vulnerable moments, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.”

A Career of Challenge and Transformation

After completing Hospital Corpsman “A” School, Nasuta embarked on a journey that took him across the globe. His early assignments included serving as a labor and delivery corpsman at Naval Hospital Bremerton and later as a line corpsman with the 2nd Marine Division, where he deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Throughout his career, he quickly advanced, earning multiple honors, including Bluejacket of the Year and Junior Sailor of the Year, for his exceptional service and leadership.

In 2021, after assignments in Sigonella, Italy, and with Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), Nasuta found himself at a crossroads. After attending SERE training at the Eastern schoolhouse, he was interested in the survival techniques he learned and began considering a new path as a SERE instructor.

“I have always loved the outdoors, and the survival skills I learned resonated with me,” Nasuta said. “I realized I could use my passion to teach and help enhance the survivability and lethality of the force.”
 

Joining NETC as a SERE Instructor

In 2023, Nasuta began his transition from fleet service to instructor duty at SERE West, part of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), which oversees nearly all Navy training from basic to advanced technical schools. After a rigorous screening process and intensive training through the Naval Instructor Training Command and SERE Instructor Under Training (IUT) pipeline, Nasuta earned his qualification and joined the field department at SERE West on North Island, San Diego.

“The flexibility and passion of the instructors set NETC training apart,” Nasuta said. “Everyone here truly cares about what they are teaching. It is evident in the way they adapt to different students’ needs and ensure that standards are met, so students leave prepared for the challenges they will face in the field.”

Mentoring Students and Sharing a Love for the Outdoors

In his role as a SERE instructor, Nasuta finds immense fulfillment in guiding students through survival training, teaching them everything from land navigation with a compass to identifying edible plants. He recalls one student who struggled with land navigation but showed determination to improve. Over the weekend, with support from Nasuta and other students, the Sailor steadily built confidence and ended up mastering the skill.

“I always tell my students that if they meet me halfway, I’ll get them where they need to go,” Nasuta says. “It’s incredibly rewarding when I see their motivation and watch them grow.”
 

The Power of Transformation through Training

For Nasuta, the impact of NETC training goes beyond teaching survival tactics; it is about helping students face and overcome challenges that push them physically and mentally.

“Students come to SERE not fully aware of what they are capable of,” he shares. “The training teaches them resilience and the importance of taking care of their bodies under pressure. By the end, they have learned not just survival skills but a lot about themselves.”

As an instructor, Nasuta is constantly learning, striving to bring new skills and knowledge to his students. “My students drive me to keep improving,” he says. “Whether it is identifying wildlife or preparing edible plants, the outdoors is my passion, and it is amazing that I get to share it with others.”
 

Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

Nasuta’s journey through NETC training has not only advanced his career but has also prepared him for his future aspirations. An aspiring wildlife biologist, he sees his role as a SERE instructor as an opportunity to align his love for the outdoors with his professional life. He encourages his students to keep an open mind and embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity.

Reflecting on his career, Nasuta notes the impact NETC has had on him personally. “Working as a corpsman and now as an instructor has allowed me to grow, not only as a service member but as a person,” he says. “The Navy has given me the chance to help people, learn from incredible mentors, and make a real difference.”

Nasuta’s story is one of transformation, resilience and the enduring power of mentorship. From his roots in New Jersey to his role as a SERE instructor at NETC’s SERE West schoolhouse, Nasuta exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to training Sailors who are prepared for any challenge. His passion for the outdoors and dedication to his students’ success continue to inspire those around him, showcasing the career-changing potential of NETC training.

For more information on NETC’s training programs and how they prepare Sailors for success in the fleet, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/