Month: November 2024

Source: United States Navy

The selection was announced by NAVFAC Commander Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, Nov. 13. Tobias, who has commanded NAVFAC Washington since June 2023, will bring his extensive facilities engineering expertise and leadership experience to the flag officer ranks at a crucial time for naval infrastructure.

His selection comes as the Navy implements Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Lisa Franchetti’s Project 33; a strategic initiative launched in September 2024 that identifies seven critical targets to enhance naval readiness by 2027. One of these key targets focuses on restoring the critical infrastructure that sustains and projects the fight from shore.

“Our CNO laid it out for us in our Project 33 targets – to restore the shore, from which we project the fight. So, we have to get after it,” said Tobias, emphasizing the urgency of the mission. “The future needs involve us being able to truly assess our risk. We understand our infrastructure has risk associated with it. So, it’s our job to make sure that we understand and communicate those risks and mitigate them where possible.”

A graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Tobias joined the Navy through the collegiate program before attending Officer Candidate School and Civil Engineer Corps Basic School. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of teamwork and maintaining a positive attitude in leadership.

Under his command, NAVFAC Washington has aligned its efforts with Project 33’s ambitious goals while increasing retention rates and strengthening community engagement. “These are big, audacious goals, and I love to achieve big, audacious goals,” Tobias said. “With the teammates we have – the officers, the enlisted, the civilians and all the families who support us – we have the best. And with that, we’re going to hit those targets and even more – exciting times.”

His leadership philosophy centers on the power of teamwork and positive attitude. “Human beings function best when we work together as a team,” Tobias explained. “There might be a day where I come in and I’m not at my greatest, but you are, and you help pick me up, and there might be a day when you come in and you’re not at your greatest, but I am. And we pick each other up, and that’s how we achieve great things, working together.”

To junior officers and engineers starting their careers, Tobias offers words of encouragement: “Thank you for your choice. Thank you for your service. The challenges laid out by our CNO present a great opportunity to meet the challenges and exceed them. It’s a fun time to be in the Corps.”

Tobias credits his success to strong family support, particularly mentioning his mother’s influence as his first leadership model and his wife Toni’s ongoing support throughout his naval career. “It is a great joy to serve in the Navy, but it is a sacrifice for our families and for folks who are loving us and supporting us while we go do our thing,” he noted.

As he prepares to assume his new role, Tobias remains focused on NAVFAC’s critical mission within Project 33’s framework to restore and maintain the Navy’s infrastructure, ensuring readiness for potential challenges through 2027 and beyond. His selection represents both personal achievement and a significant milestone for the Civil Engineer Corps and the broader Navy community.

Source: United States Navy

“Two months into deployment, and the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group has experienced an unprecedented amount of operations with our NATO Allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander of the HSTCSG. “It is truly impressive to watch the seamless integration of the armed forces of so many countries and multitude of ships and aircraft all operating as a unified fighting force. It is an absolute testament to the strength and versatility of the NATO Alliance.”

HSTCSG arrived in the North Sea on Oct. 15, immediately engaging with Allies and partners, starting with the Portuguese Navy Frigate NRP Francisco De Almeida (F 333) and Royal Norwegian Navy replenishment oiler HNoMS Maud (A-530). Almeida seamlessly integrated into the carrier strike group as an immediate force multiplier, where the ship served as a horizon reference unit for the carrier and conducted Helicopter, Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (HVBSS) operations.

During that time, Maud provided the needed fuel for the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) and USS Stout (DDG 55) to detach as a surface action group to conduct maritime operations in the Barents Sea, where the ships enhanced domain awareness, deterred adversaries, and practiced campaigning in the Arctic. On the way back, both ships pulled into Tromsø, Norway, for fuel, supplies, and rest and relaxation for the crew.

“It is important that U.S. naval forces demonstrate a calibrated presence in the Arctic by conducting routine operations in the region,” said Cmdr. Desmond Walker, commander officer of Stout. “We must take on all opportunities to enhance our capabilities toward potential campaigns around the world.”

In a display of transatlantic military cooperation and power projection, HSTCSG units conducted dual carrier strike group operations with the United Kingdom Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09) for the 7-day NATO-led maritime vigilance activity Neptune Strike (NEST) 24.2, Oct. 24-31. The two carrier strike groups transferred operational authorities to NATO to conduct coordinated surface and air operations, including complex air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and maritime strike operations.

Vigilance activity provides an example of the long-standing strategic partnership between the United States and its NATO Allies over the last 80 years. Today, upholding the international, rules-based order is more important than ever. Harry S. Truman participated in the first Neptune Strike vigilance activity, then called Neptune Shield, in Feb. 2022, shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; marking the first time the United States placed a carrier strike group under NATO’s control since the Cold War.

Before and during NEST, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 squadrons flew a multitude of missions with several countries to include Czech and Swedish Air Force JAS-39 Gripens, Danish F-16 Fighting Falcons, Royal Navy and Royal Norwegian Air Force F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, Finish F/A-18C Hornets. The ability to plan and fly tactical missions with Allies and partners explicitly demonstrates NATO’s combat credibility in the air, expanding the striking range of any carrier strike group.

Following NEST, the strike group disaggregated to conduct port visits across the region. Harry S. Truman and Carabiniere navigated the Oslofjord with the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate Thor Heyerdahl (F 314) to visit Oslo, Norway. At the same time, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg went to Helsinki, Finland, and Stout went to Gothenburg, Sweden.

While at anchor in Norway, Harry S. Truman, Vice Adm. Jeffrey Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Eric Meyer of the U.S. Embassy to Norway, hosted a 700-person reception featuring Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre as the distinguished visitor. Gettysburg and Stout also hosted receptions and office calls with host nation civilian and military leaders.

At the conclusion of their port visit, Harry S. Truman and the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate Roald Amundsen (F 311) headed north into the Norwegian Sea to operate above the Arctic Circle, echoing the 2024 Department of Defense Arctic Strategy’s “Enhance, Engage, and Exercise” tenants by enhancing our ability to campaign in the Arctic, engaging with Allies, and exercising with calibrated presence.

“Operating in the Arctic requires comprehensive coordination and adaptability,” said Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer, USS Harry S. Truman. “Our ship is no stranger to these waters and, while these conditions are a proving ground that tested the ship, crew, and air wing, Team Truman and Tarbox demonstrated that we are capable of operating anywhere and anytime as a combat ready team.”

In an increasingly dynamic region, Harry S. Truman’s integration and collaboration with Allies and partners is a testament to NATO’s combined force interoperability, combat-credible collective defense, and flexibility of threat response in a region seeing increased strategic importance due to climate shifts and global competition.

The carrier strike group consists of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 with nine embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109).

HSTCSG’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat operations at sea and remain the cornerstone of the Navy’s forward presence through sea control and power projection capabilities. You can find them on DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CVN75.

Source: United States Navy

Indianapolis deployed in March 2024 as a dual-crewed command, conducting two exchanges of command between LCS Crew 112 and LCS Crew 118. This final deployment marked LCS Crew 118’s second 5th Fleet deployment in 2024 and the consolidation of the crews into a single command. LCS Crew 118 deployed on May 5, 2024 to the U.S. 5th Fleet operating area to support the U.S. Navy’s mission to promote freedom of navigation and the rules-based international order.

“What this team of amazing Americans achieved over the course of this deployment will pay dividends in the maintenance planning and tactics development arenas for years to come,” said Cmdr. Matthew Arndt, USS Indianapolis’ Commanding Officer. “As the workhorse of the Arabian Gulf, Indy executed the lower tier missions necessary to maintaining good diplomatic relations in the Middle East which allowed Standard Missile shooters to reposition to deal with bad actors in the Red Sea. I think it’s pretty special that we were able to provide the 5th Fleet commander with more tools and options to aid in the free flow of commerce through a contested waterway.”

Shortly after arriving at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, LCS crews 118 and 112 merged and integrated a detachment from the “High Rollers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 into the crew. Indianapolis and HSC 28 supported operations as part of Task Force 52. The ship also worked with Task Force 59, the Navy’s first unmanned and artificial intelligence development force, to validate crewless technology and mesh networks. Indianapolis also supported other interoperability initiatives and aviation training events with regional partners.

“This deployment clearly marks a significant chapter in the ship’s history and serves as proof the LCS class is capable of fulfilling operational and strategic goals across all theater of operations, but most of all, this deployment records the mountainous amount of teamwork, dedication and grit from our Sailors and their friends and families who support them – without them none of this would be possible,” said Cmdr. William Green, USS Indianapolis’ Executive Officer.

Indianapolis validated the littoral combat ship concept both operationally and through administrative successes. During the final months of an 18-month deployment, Indianapolis completed a Mobility Aviation Reset, two Initial Ship Aviation Team Training events to support HSC 28.7 and HSC 28.9, certified in Explosive Safety and Cyber Security, and demonstrated navigational excellence during a mobility navigation assessment.

The ship’s deployed maintenance and repair experiences were supported by Forward Deployed Regional Maintenance Center (FDRMC) and included maintenance availabilities in locations throughout the Middle East region, and Rijeka, Croatia.

“The resilience and flawless performance of this crew during this historic deployment have exemplified the highest standards of naval excellence,” said Command Senior Chief Darrell Shelton, USS Indianapolis’ Senior Enlisted Leader. “Their unwavering dedication and skill ensured mission success and strengthened our maritime capabilities.”

LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed for operation in near-shore environments yet capable of open-ocean operation. It is designed to defeat asymmetric “anti-access” threats and can support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse comprises 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.
U.S. Sixth 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, security and stability in Europe and Africa.
U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic to ensure access, deter aggression, and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

Source: United States Navy

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Gustavo Benavides, from Brownsville, Texas, assigned to Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) Littoral Training Facility (LTF) Pacific (PAC), embarked on his Navy career with a passion for service that started in high school. Now serving as an instructor at, Benavides shares his experiences and lessons learned from fleet service to the classroom, helping shape the next generation of Sailors.

Benavides’ Navy journey began in December 2007, after years of participating in his high school ROTC program, which solidified his commitment to joining the military. His first assignment aboard the USS Comstock (LSD 45) laid the foundation for his Navy career, providing him with valuable hands-on experience and teaching him the importance of teamwork and technical proficiency. He then transitioned to Port Operations in Port Hueneme and later served as a loadmaster for LCAC Hovercrafts at Assault Craft Unit Five (ACU-5), where he honed his leadership skills.

“Each role brought new challenges and reinforced the importance of teamwork and technical skill,” says Benavides. “These experiences prepared me for my current position as an instructor, where I have the opportunity to give back by training the next generation.”

Transitioning to the Classroom
 

“Teaching was initially a challenge for me,” Benavides reflects. “NETC gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. I have come to appreciate the rewarding experience of sharing my knowledge and watching my students grow.”

Today, Benavides serves as a deck instructor for the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program at SCSTC LTF PAC, where his focus has shifted from fleet operations to education and mentorship. He admits that the transition was not easy, as his career had always centered around hands-on roles, but he credits the world-class training he received under the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) with preparing him for this new responsibility.

“Teaching was initially a challenge for me,” Benavides reflects. “NETC gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. I have come to appreciate the rewarding experience of sharing my knowledge and watching my students grow.”

Through his role as an instructor, Benavides contributes to the Navy’s mission of maintaining surface warfare superiority by training Sailors in the operation and maintenance of LCS deck systems. By sharing his real-world experiences and technical skills, he empowers his students to face the challenges of fleet service with confidence.

Essential Qualities for Success

Benavides believes that certain personal qualities are essential for success in NETC’s training programs. He emphasizes the importance of motivation and drive, highlighting that students who bring a strong desire to learn and persevere through challenges are often the most successful.

“Motivation is key,” Benavides explains. “Students who are eager to embrace the challenges of training tend to excel. Alongside that, a genuine curiosity and openness to new experiences enhance their learning and contribute to a positive classroom environment.”

He notes that the diverse backgrounds and learning styles of his students push him to adapt his teaching methods, ensuring that each student has the opportunity to maximize their potential.
 

The Impact of Teaching and Mentorship

Benavides reflects on the personal and professional growth he has experienced as an instructor. Witnessing his students’ progression from limited knowledge to moments of understanding has been a rewarding journey, reinforcing his own mastery of the material and sharpening his communication and leadership skills.

“Seeing students reach those ‘aha’ moments is incredibly rewarding,” says Benavides. “It challenges me to find new ways to engage and support them, which ultimately enriches my own learning experience and deepens my passion for education.”

By fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, Benavides not only prepares his students for the demands of fleet service but also strengthens his own commitment to the Navy’s mission. As he continues his journey with SCSTC LTF PAC, he remains dedicated to developing the next generation of Sailors and contributing to the Navy’s operational readiness.

Commitment to the Next Generation of Navy Sailors

Benavides’ journey from active fleet duty to his role as an instructor at SCSTC LTF PAC exemplifies the dedication and resilience that define Navy leaders. By sharing his skills and experiences, he not only equips his students with the technical knowledge they will need in the fleet but also instills in them the values of teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance. As Benavides continues to guide and mentor the next generation of Sailors, his contributions help ensure the Navy remains strong, ready and capable, demonstrating the lasting impact of NETC’s commitment to excellence in training and development.

For more information on how Naval Education and Training Command prepares Sailors for success in the fleet, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/