Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

The Hershel “Woody” Williams last visited Luanda in November 2022. During this port visit, the ESB-class ship will build on the U.S.-Angolan partnership by collaborating on maritime security and domain awareness. Meanwhile, the MARDET will work and train with Angolan partners ashore.

The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams will host a reception for senior Angolan government and military leaders. During this time, the crew will engage in community relations events alongside local partners. This experience will allow the Sailors and Civilian Mariners to immerse themselves in the rich culture, historic landmarks, and warm hospitality of this important regional partner.

“We are honored to bring the USS Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams to Luanda, Angola, in support of maritime domain awareness” said Capt. Michael Concannon, commanding officer of the Hershel “Woody” Williams Gold MILCREW. “Our crew is eager to collaborate with our Angolan partners, sharing knowledge and strengthening our mutual commitment to security and stability in the region. This visit not only enhances our operational readiness but also fosters lasting relationships built on trust and cooperation.”

Hershel “Woody” Williams will continue its deployment to the African continent, leveraging opportunities to work alongside regional Allies and partners in a variety of exercises and operations. A credible, capable naval presence increases maritime security, and highlights our shared commitment to fostering regional security and stability among partnered and allied nation naval militaries.

Hershel “Woody” Williams is forward deployed to Souda Bay, Greece, and serves as the first U.S. Navy ship assigned to the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) area of responsibility. The ship is capable of conducting expeditionary missions, counter piracy, maritime security, and humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Hershel “Woody” Williams’ unique capabilities are part of the critical access infrastructure that supports the deployment of forces and supplies to support global missions. The ship operates with blue and gold crews, allowing it to remain continually deployed throughout AFRICOM.

For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Four Craven County, North Carolina, teachers recently participated in a five-day externship program at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE), which allowed the teachers to immerse themselves in the command’s operations by touring the depot and gaining in-depth insight from individuals working in a wide range of career fields. The teachers will use the information gleaned from the program to create curriculum that improves student preparation for careers in industry.

Source: United States Navy

On August 10, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. Section 804 of this law is the CLJA, which allows people — including Veterans — who believe they were previously exposed to contaminated water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, to file a new claim with the Department of the Navy. The CLJA states that claims under the CLJA must be filed no later than August 10, 2024, which is two years after the CLJA was enacted.

Individuals seeking to file a CLJA claim with the Department of the Navy may do so in any one of the following ways:

1. Visit the Claims Management Portal at: https://clclaims.jag.navy.mil/ and follow the instructions to file a new CLJA claim.

2. If claimants are unable to file their CLJA claim by accessing the portal, claimants may download a claim form at https://www.navy.mil/Portals/1/clja/CLJA_Claims_Form4.pdf, complete and sign the form, and then either email or mail the form as detailed below.

a. Claimants may email their completed, signed claim form to clclaims@us.navy.mil by 11:59 pm (UTC-12/Anywhere on Earth) on August 10, 2024.

b. Claimants may mail their completed, signed claim form to the address on the form. Mailed claim forms must be postmarked no later than August 10, 2024.

Please note the Department of the Navy will never request a claimant’s personal information by email or over the telephone. Please also note there is no fee to access the portal or to file a CLJA claim and individuals can file a claim without an attorney. The Department of the Navy cannot provide legal advice, including whether you should retain an attorney to assist in filing a claim.

For more information regarding CLJA claim eligibility and answers to other frequently asked questions, please visit the Department of the Navy’s official CLJA website at www.navy.mil/clja or contact the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit at CLClaims@us.navy.mil or (757) 241-6020.

Source: United States Navy

Deputy Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Vice Adm. John Gumbleton, presided over the ceremony and Mr. Troy Mueller, Director, Nuclear Technology Division, Naval Reactors, delivered remarks as the keynote speaker.

Engdahl, a naval nuclear officer since 1990, reflected upon his career and thanked the staff of the NAVSAFECOM for their contributions to the mission with personalized anecdotes and quotes for the various staff offices.

“My parting quote for the command, is that a society [or a Navy] grows great when old men plant trees where they will never rest in the shade,” said Engdahl. “We are the truth tellers; we are all honest brokers and advocates for combat readiness. I promised I would leave Naval Safety Command better than I found it, and I hope I have done that.”

Engdahl assumed command of the NAVSAFECOM in July 2022. While serving as commander, he was responsible for the continued transition of the NAVSAFECOM, its new roles, responsibilities and increased authority. Mueller commended Engdahl on his steadfast leadership and dedication throughout his career and during his final assignment as Commander, NAVSAFECOM. Mueller added that safety professionals who excel in their safety roles are the unsung heroes, and their contributions are invaluable.

“The countless individuals who return home each day owe their well-being to the unwavering dedication of these professionals. These unscathed lives cannot be found in statistics because they were averted casualties,” said Mueller. “They are real people living their lives with their families today because nothing happened—this is their gift back to you, the safety professional.”

Martin, a career F/A-18 Hornet pilot, commanded Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8) and Carrier Strike Group One (CSG) 1.

Ashore, Martin served as a strike fighter instructor pilot and landing signals officer and a demonstration pilot with the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, Navy’s Office of Legislative Affairs, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N3/N5) and as executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; and most recently, Martin served as Director of Maritime Operations, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“Self-inflicted wounds that pull the player off the field are just that: self-inflicted. These incidents restrict our ability to remain forward, while deployed,” said Martin.

“I desperately want to contribute to the health of the Navy and Marine Corps fleet. My commitment is to the Navy and Marine Corps team. I will do my very best to better prepare the fleet to push forward and ‘play that away game’ so they can succeed operationally when it matters most.”

The NAVSAFECOM serves as the naval enterprise lead for non-nuclear safety standards, expertise and oversight of the Navy and Marine Corps Safety Management System (SMS). The command’s mission is to preserve warfighting capability, and combat lethality and readiness by working with its stakeholders to identify, mitigate or eliminate hazards to reduce unnecessary risk to people and resources.

Source: United States Navy

Norfolk, Va. – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro visited Norfolk to attend the Marine Forces Command Change of Command and held an all hands call for Carrier Air Wing 3 in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 6. 

Secretary Del Toro had a series of engagements starting with US Marine Forces Command, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, and Marine Forces Northen Command (MARFORCOM) change of command ceremony held onboard USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7). 

“It is an honor to be here with you this morning on this mighty warship to celebrate the service of Lieutenant General Cavanaugh, and welcome Lieutenant General Shea as she assumes command of U.S. Marine Forces Command, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic, and Marine Forces Northern Command,” said Secretary Del Toro. “I am humbled to be a part of this momentous occasion today—the changing of command and responsibility from one Commanding General to another.” 

Lt. Gen. Shea assumed command of MARFORCOM following Lt. Gen. Cavanaugh’s leadership since 2022. Lt. Gen. Shea previously served as the legislative assistant to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Lt. Gen. Cavanaugh is retiring. 

“As you have seen and read in the news, we face tremendous uncertainty in the world today,” said Secretary Del Toro. “In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, we are working alongside our NATO allies and Middle East Partners to ensure the safety of innocent, civilian mariners and protecting our commercial shipping against Iranian-aligned Houthi attacks,” said Secretary Del Toro. 

Following the MARFORCOM change of command, Secretary Del Toro held an all hands call for Carrier Air Wing 3 to thank them for their service during a 9-month deployment as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. 

“Their return to homeport underscored the profound sacrifices made by our service members, offered freely in defense of our Nation,” said Secretary Del Toro.  

Secretary Del Toro welcomed the ships of the Eisenhower Strike Group home last month.