Defense News: Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity Joint Statement

Source: United States Navy

Demonstrating our collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, our combined armed forces will conduct a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone on August 7 and 8, 2024.

The naval and air force units of participating nations will operate together enhancing cooperation and interoperability between our armed forces. The activity will be conducted in a manner that is consistent with international law and with due regard to the safety of navigation and the rights and interests of other States.

We stand together to address common maritime challenges and underscore our shared dedication to upholding international law and the rules-based order. Our four nations reaffirm the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Tribunal Award as a final and legally binding decision on the parties to the dispute.

Defense News: Navy Closure Task Force-Red Hill Invites Public to Open House

Source: United States Navy

During the event, members of the Navy Closure Task Force will update the public on the progress being made to clean and close the storage tanks at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (RHBFSF).

“These quarterly Open Houses give us the opportunity to engage directly with community members to explain the progress we are making at Red Hill,” said Rear Adm. Steve Barnett, commander, NCTF-RH. “The team looks forward to sharing the progress NCTF-RH has made in getting the tanks cleaned, showing some of our newly developed information products and interactive displays, and receiving feedback from members of the community.”

The event will feature a range of information booths and displays about the tank cleaning process, progress and timeline. Attendees can view samples of sludge removed from tanks 7 and 8, Red Hill historical artifacts, images from inside the facility and receive a demonstration of an online dashboard prototype depicting the progress of cleaning and closing the tanks. Members of the NCTF-RH staff will be onsite to answer questions, and there will be a keiki activity table for children.

Water quality experts will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the Extended Drinking Water Monitoring plan and the Water Quality Action Team. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency and the University of Hawaii’s Red Hill Independent Health Registry will also be present to share information and answer questions from the public.

NCTF-RH is committed to working with all government agencies and community stakeholders to safely and deliberately close the RHBFSF underground storage tanks and associated piping system, conduct long-term environmental remediation, and ensure continued access to safe drinking water in compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws, policies and regulations.

For more information about NCTF-RH, visit navyclosuretaskforce.navy.mil or download our free mobile app by searching for “NCTF-Red Hill” in the Apple App store or Google Play store. For imagery, video and other digital media please visit our DVIDS site here: https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/NCTF-RH.

Defense News: USS Hershel “Woody” Williams arrives in Luanda, Angola, for Port Visit

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.

Defense News: USS Herschel “Woody” Williams arrives in Luanda, Angola, for Port Visit

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.

Defense News: FRCE Helps Local Educators Prepare Students for Careers in Industry

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.