Category: Defence

Source: United States Navy

Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Tanner Kernan, assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Reactor Auxiliary Division, acted swiftly to administer CPR to the child after witnessing her being pulled from the water, ensuring her recovery after only an overnight hospital stay.

The incident occurred at an apartment complex’s pool, where Kernan, a native of Coweta, Oklahoma, was spending an afternoon when he noticed a father suddenly dive into the pool with his clothes on to retrieve his daughter. Recognizing the urgency, Kernan observed the father struggling to perform CPR and, with his own emergency training as a volunteer firefighter, quickly intervened.

“I saw she was unresponsive, so I started CPR right away, focusing on chest compressions and ensuring her airway was clear,” Kernan recalled. “She regained consciousness briefly but went unresponsive again, so I repeated the CPR until she finally came to and started crying, which was a huge relief.”

Kernan’s response was all the more remarkable because he executed this life-saving action despite recovering from a broken foot sustained earlier in the year. Although he was still under medical restrictions, he immediately hopped on one foot to reach the girl, ignoring his own pain to prioritize her safety.

“Once she started crying, I knew she was going to be okay,” Kernan said. Crying is often a positive sign, especially in young children, as it indicates a return to consciousness and responsiveness. By the time emergency responders from the nearby Hampton Fire Department arrived, the child was expelling water from her lungs and regaining stability. She was later transported to the hospital as a precaution but was released the next morning with no lasting effects from the incident.

Kernan’s training as a volunteer firefighter was crucial to his response in the moment. Before joining the Navy in 2021, he obtained his certification in CPR and emergency response through his local fire academy.

“If you know CPR, don’t be afraid to use it,” Kernan advised. “It’s a skill that can make the difference between life and death. You never know when you’ll be in a position to save someone’s life, even if it’s a quiet day by the pool.”

The child’s family, residents of the same apartment complex where the pool is located, expressed profound gratitude for Kernan’s actions. They later reached out personally to thank him for his quick thinking and training, recognizing that his expertise saved their daughter’s life.

Kernan was awarded with the Navy Commendation Medal for his heroic actions by Capt. J. Patrick Thompson, commanding officer of Stennis, highlighting service that goes above and beyond a Sailor’s normal scope of duty.

This life-saving event has renewed Kernan’s commitment to a career in emergency medical services. Currently on contract with the Navy, he plans to begin EMT training soon, with hopes of advancing his qualifications as a paramedic. His long-term goal is to further his education and training, ultimately pursuing an advanced degree in emergency medicine.

“I’m grateful to have been in the right place at the right time,” Kernan said. “Even if I never received recognition, knowing I could help someone in need is all the reward I could ask for. I want to keep building on my skills and continue serving others in the best way I can.”

Source: United States Navy

PATUXENT RIVER, Maryland – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River had the opportunity to speak with Judy Polca, a Tricare Prime member who is part of the PMA 271 team at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, regarding her battle with breast cancer. Judy was diagnosed in March of this year and is determined to share her story as widely as possible to encourage women and men to advocate for their health and maintaining preventive health screenings.

Judy has always been diligent keeping up with her annual health screenings and mammograms. As a matter of fact, her last mammogram in September 2023 and previous mammograms showed no reason for concern. In early January of 2024, Judy began to feel pain in her right breast. The pain was not overwhelming, but notable. “The discomfort turned out to be my guardian angel with a pitchfork,” Judy wryly stated.

A few weeks later a lump formed, and she went to see her Primary Care Manager (PCM) who also noted the change in her breast tissue. This visit set in motion the referrals for a mammogram, ultrasound, and an appointment with a breast surgeon to further explore her symptoms.

“One of the more difficult times in this process was waiting for the diagnostic testing results,” said Judy. “I was anxious for these new tests to show me what was going on, but the radiologist said she didn’t see anything and that I should come back in six months. I asked about the pain. She said I should buy a better bra and maybe get it professionally fitted. I was stunned and felt dismissed. I think this is the biggest part of my story I want to share, because if I had followed that suggestion, I would be in a totally different position right now.”

Judy and her PCM spoke after the diagnostic results were available and although those findings did not show areas of concern, Judy was adamant something was not right. A visit to the breast surgeon was the next course of action which led to an MRI and a biopsy. Three months after first noticing the discomfort in her breast, Judy faced the diagnosis of Stage 2A Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).

The reality of hearing her cancer diagnosis hit Judy hard, but she was determined to fight. She faced six rounds of chemotherapy which resulted in losing her hair and other health challenges during chemotherapy. Fortunately, the six rounds of chemotherapy shrunk the tumor considerably and a lumpectomy was performed to remove the remainder of the area.

Judy credits her family and her PMA 271 work family with providing strong support while she underwent treatment; “Everyone handles this journey differently. Some post it (on social media). Others keep it very secretive. I told myself to just ‘embrace the suck.’ I didn’t ask for this, but I am fighting it on my terms, and I will keep a positive attitude. I am entering the radiation phase and almost done with this battle. I feel really good about beating this because I found it early.”

The National Breast Cancer Foundation shares that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Judy’s over-arching message is to advocate for yourself; “Get your yearly mammograms, do your self-exams and when you feel like something isn’t normal say something and don’t stop until you know what it is. Cancer is very treatable in the early stages and early detection is key. Don’t wait.”

Source: United States Navy

This event was part of the squadron’s transition to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye to be completed in mid-2025.

VAW-123’s other two E-2C were transferred to VAW-120 Fleet Replacement Squadron to be used for training the next generation of Hawkeye pilots. For more than 50 years, the E-2C has provided the Navy’s command and control capabilities.

Lt. Terrance Lawrence, assigned to VAW-123, was one of the pilots chosen to deliver an E-2C to the boneyard. The squadron first received the E-2C in November 1973. Since then, this platform has been used for sea and land-based military operations, search and rescue missions, drug interdiction, humanitarian efforts and disaster relief.

Lawrence, a naval aviator since 2021, had not experienced delivering an aircraft to its final resting place.

“It was something that I knew not a lot of other aviators get to do; it is pretty rare that you get to participate in this type of flight,” Lawrence said. “This was a special and unique opportunity that does not come up often. I volunteered immediately.”

Lt. Avesta Shwany, also of VAW-123, flew the second E-2C and reflected on the experience for her and her crew upon departing Norfolk for the boneyard.

“Getting to be a part of the last crew was incredibly bittersweet,” Shwany said. “This aircraft carries a lot of memories to so many aircrew members, especially from this most recent deployment to the Red Sea.”

Shwany added that the aircraft had seen combat and played a vital role in many missions.

“Taking this aircraft to the boneyard signified the end of an era, and the beginning of our delta transition. I think everyone was surprised with how emotional we were dropping her off and saying our goodbyes,” Shwany said.

Lawrence said he was proud to be the last person to fly the E-2C for his squadron. The aircrew that accompanied both aircraft to Tucson took the opportunity to mark their place in history by ceremoniously signing the inside of the aircraft as a final farewell.

“This aircraft meant a lot,” Lawrence said. “I was sentimental about it, especially after spending nine months flying it in the Red Sea.”

The 10 aircrew who participated in the nearly six-hour flight to the boneyard, took time to tap the side of the aircraft, as they said their farewell before transferring it to the staff at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

“This plane has all of these stories associated with it especially just after deployment,” Lawrence added. VAW-123 was deployed aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group and returned from a nine-month deployment in July 2024.

The crew also had an opportunity to step back in time and witness aviation history.

“We toured the boneyard, which has over 4,000 aircraft stored,” Lawrence said. “I am proud to be one of the last pilots to be part of that aircraft’s history.”

With VAW-123 marking its transition to the E-2D, west-coast based VAW-116 is the only fleet squadron in the Navy flying the E-2C until its scheduled sundown.

Lawrence said he looks forward to flying the E-2D which features a state-of-the-art radar with upgraded capabilities and aircraft systems that improve supportability and increase readiness. The E-2D enhances operational capabilities by increasing time on station allowing for extended range from the carrier, increased persistence and operational flexibility.

Source: United States Navy

“Ensure you are in proper flight deck gear – sleeves rolled down and goggles on,” Voss continued. The flight deck crew of George Washington and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 responded immediately, assuming their positions across the flight deck. “All right, heads up on the flight deck. We’ve got a ‘Lightning’ on a three-mile approach,” Voss warned, referring to an incoming F-35C Lightning II Strike Fighter.

Every Sailor on deck recognized the callsign “Lightning.” This particular aircraft, from Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 the “Argonauts,” would soon make history as the first forward-deployed F-35C to land on the George Washington. Sailors, clad in bright flight deck jerseys of varying colors, waited in anticipation; they knew this marked the start of a new chapter for both CVW-5 and George Washington. Together, they form “Team Badman,” a powerhouse of naval aviation in the Indo-Pacific.

As the F-35C approached, Sailors from across the ranks shared a singular focus— safe air warfare operations. The integration of seven air wing squadrons is the continuing effort to ensure the ongoing success of Navy’s mission to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Based out of Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, CVW-5 recently rejoined George Washington for their first round of air operations together since 2015, returning with an upgraded lineup that includes the sleek F-35C supersonic stealth strike fighter. VFA-147 first operated F-35Cs on George Washington earlier this year during a Southern Seas deployment in U.S. 4th Fleet, allowing the crew to familiarize themselves with the fifth-generation fighter, a carrier-based variant of the F-35 with adaptations such as foldable wingtip sections and stronger landing gear.

Among the diverse lineup of aircraft, there are familiar sights to seasoned flight deck Sailors. The E/A-18G Growler, known affectionately as “Grizzly,” and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, or “Rhino,” continue to dominate the skies and serve as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s strike fighter capabilities. CVW-5 boasts three Super Hornet squadrons, each a welcome return to the flight operations family.

“Alright folks, the ‘Lightning’ is on a one-mile straight-in approach,” said Voss as the aircraft neared. On deck, the Sailors snapped into their positions with razor-sharp focus, prepared for the familiar groove of flight operations. The sound of the F-35C’s engine reverberated through the hull and the bones of every Sailor on deck as it touched down. The tailhook grabbed an arresting wire with a metallic screech, signaling the start of the second round of flight operations aboard George Washington.

“The [F-35] is bringing brand new capabilities the air wing,” said Capt. Patrick Corrigan, Commander, CVW-5. “The stealth capabilities and sensor fusion is something everyone is talking about, and we have integrated the airwing around the F-35 as much as we have integrated the F-35 around the airwing, making us all together more lethal.”

The E-2D Hawkeye, attached to the Tigertails of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 125, is another indispensable player in the air wing.

“We’ve also picked up brand new hawkeyes,” said Corrigan. “The big advantages with the new E-2D model is the air refueling capability and immense sensor upgrade.”

The E-2 aircraft are often described as a “mother bear” circling protectively above the fleet, the E-2D provides long-range threat detection and situational awareness.

From strike, airborne early warning, to carrier onboard delivery, CVW-5 returns with a number of upgrades. On the flight deck aboard George Washington, another unique aircraft began its approach.

“Heads up on the flight deck!” Lt. Cmdr. Franklin Santiago, the ship’s aircraft handler, warned over the intercom. “We’ve got an Osprey coming in on Spot Nine.”

Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRM) 30 Detachment 5 began operating the CMV-22B Osprey on George Washington in July, delivering essential supplies and performing deck landing qualification during the day and night.

“The air wing has recently upgraded to become the air wing of the future,” said Corrigan. “We recently picked up the CMV-22B Osprey, a brand new aircraft, which means more reliability to replace the C-2 Greyhounds’ carrier onboard delivery mission set.”

The Osprey’s distinctive tri-rotor hum filled the air as flight deck personnel swiftly cleared the landing zone. A landing signalman enlisted (LSE) guided the Osprey to a smooth vertical rolling landing, no arresting wires needed, a welcome change from its predecessor.

“The Osprey brings a brand new capability that we haven’t had before,” said Corrigan “Its vertical lift and landing capability without the need for catapults or arresting wires is a game changer.”

The Osprey’s rotors then shifted from 90 to 45 degrees.

“Heads up on the flight deck, heads up! We got an Osprey moving forward to take off,” said Santiago. “Stand clear of the foul line and watch out for propwash.”

The LSE signaled for the aircraft to rise, demonstrating its vertical takeoff capability. Moments later, the Osprey soared into the sky, quickly transforming into a turbo-prop aircraft capable of reaching 300 mph.

As the day’s operations wound down, Santiago called out again. “Heads up! Helicopters inbound! Last birds for the day.”

An MH-60S Seahawk attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 approached in its typical steady fashion, following the LSE’s hand signals. These helicopters and its naval aircrewmen are constantly on standby during flight operations, ready for search and rescue missions or to provide protection against any maritime threats.

Nearby Sailors watched with bated breath as the MH-60S teased a landing. It touched down on its rear landing gear and settled right on the marked squares with the kind of precision that marks the signature of Navy pilots. Another Seahawk, this one an MH-60R attached to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 77, followed suit. The MH-60R specializes in anti-submarine warfare and safeguards the fleet from undersea threats.

With the final helicopters safely on deck, flight deck personnel began shutting down operations. As jets and helicopters powered down, the sound of spinning rotors and jet engines faded, signaling the end of a successful day for Team Badman.

“What makes the Badman team stand out is that we are permanently forward deployed to the Indo-Pacific,” said Corrigan. “This is a dynamic region and maintaining a high state of warfighting readiness is crucial. We have upgraded to the air wing of the future.”

Source: United States Navy

This year, more than 3,000 personnel units from the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force participated in Gray Flag to conduct more than 60 test initiatives. The complex event featured approximately 600 aircraft sorties and more than 26 unique systems under test on the ground.

The Point Mugu Sea Range, which is a 36,000 square miles of instrumented sea and airspace operated by Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD), provided a unique location for Gray Flag’s multi-domain, joint test requirements. Leveraging Live, Virtual, and Constructive test elements allowed more complicated, modern warfighting problems to be modeled, tested, and addressed during Gray Flag.

“Gray Flag 2024 was an opportunity to bring together a diverse group of participants from different branches of the military, academic partners, science and technology leaders, and allied partners,” said Naval Test Wing Pacific commodore Capt. David Halpern.

“The broad scope of participants allowed us to test and evaluate our systems and how they interact with one another in an operationally relevant environment,” he added. “This was the most expansive interoperability event to date, with the data captured informing requirements, tactics, techniques, and procedures for future kill chains.”

The inclusion of multiple allied partners during Gray Flag 2024 was critical to ensuring the test event represented how the Navy operates.

“Our nation’s success in future conflicts depends on how well we can integrate and jointly operate with our allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Keith Hash, NAWCWD commander and Naval Air Systems Command’s Chief of Test. “The CNO said it best in NAVPLAN 2024: The U.S. Navy fights in a warfighting ecosystem. As we continue to deter aggression and protect the freedom of the seas, we aren’t operating alone. We shouldn’t test alone either.”