Category: Defence

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. 

Source: United States Navy

“Command is the absolute pinnacle of any naval officer’s career,” said Rear Adm. Kenneth Epps, commander, NAVSUP, Chief of Supply Corps, and presiding officer for the event.

“Dave led a magnificent team to accomplish major feats,” he said. “He exceeded wildly, hit every mark that you can come in to, hit every mission requirement that came his way. It’s been beyond impressive.”

“To Capt. Carnal, Capt. Uribe, and the entire NAVSUP BSC team, thank you for your service, thank you for your dedication to everything we do.

“There has never been a time for more sense of urgency to be taking command now. I could not be more excited and comforted knowing that JC will soon have the watch,” said Epps.

Carnal served as commanding officer, NAVSUP BSC, from October 2022 to August 2024 and received the Legion of Merit for his exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service.

Under his direction, NAVSUP BSC developed and implemented a multi-year campaign plan framework to grow unit capabilities, increase the speed and agility of information technology (IT) delivery, and utilize data as a strategic asset. He led the modernization of an enterprise data analytics environment that improved data-driven decision-making, and accelerated readiness by capitalizing on the business value of data. His leadership resulted in an enhanced ability to integrate and consolidate existing data warehouses, while also laying the foundation for an advanced supply-chain analytics capability throughout the Navy Enterprise.

“I am forever grateful to have been part of [NAVSUP BSC] for the last 21 months,” said Carnal. “I genuinely appreciate everything you taught me, and I now consider myself an IT guy.

“Thank you for all you have done to support our Navy, the NAVSUP Enterprise, and most importantly the Sailors that are America’s warfighting Navy.

“JC, you are the right person to lead NAVSUP BSC during this exciting time of change and continue building on our legacy. Empower the team so you can leverage their amazing talents and skills to deliver the IT capabilities we need to strengthen the Navy’s supply chains. Without a doubt, you are taking command of the best Echelon III team in NAVSUP.”

Uribe most recently served as director, Fleet and Resources Division, United States Fleet Forces Command.

“As we gather today to mark this event, I am reminded of the resilience, strength, and unity that define our organization. NAVSUP BSC is more than just a collection of individuals. We are a cohesive team bound by a shared mission to provide cutting-edge business solutions supporting our Navy and warfighters worldwide,” said Uribe.

“I have full confidence in the aptitude, dedication, and professionalism of each member of this team,” he said. “Together, we will chart a course toward new horizons, innovate in the face of challenges, and uphold the proud tradition of excellence that defines our organization.”

Uribe is a native of San Antonio, Texas, and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School in 1999. He has completed multiple afloat, ashore, and overseas assignments including USS Ticonderoga (CG 47); USS Cleveland (LPD 7); USS Nimitz (CVN 68); Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Sigonella; Base Command Group at Al-Asad Airbase, Iraq; Logistics and Fleet Support Competency at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command; Triton Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office at Naval Air Systems Command Patuxent River; Office of the Director, Defense Logistics Agency Fort Belvoir; NAVSUP Weapon Systems Support Philadelphia; and Fleet Requirements and Resources Division at U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Carnal transfers to NAVSUP and will serve as assistant commander, Supply Chain Management, Policy, and Performance.

NAVSUP BSC provides the Navy with information systems support through the design, development, and maintenance of systems in the functional areas of logistics, supply chain management, transportation, finance, and accounting and is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP.

NAVSUP is headquartered in Mechanicsburg and employs a diverse, worldwide workforce of over 25,000 military and civilian personnel. NAVSUP and the Navy Supply Corps conduct and enable supply chain, acquisition, operational logistics, and Sailor family care activities with mission partners to generate readiness, sustain naval forces worldwide, and prevent and decisively win wars.

For more information about NAVSUP BSC, visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/NAVSUP-Enterprise/NAVSUP-Business-Systems-Center/.

For more information about NAVSUP, visit https://www.navsup.navy.mil/NAVSUP-Enterprise/NAVSUP-Headquarters/.

Source: United States Navy

CARTAGENA, Colombia – (Aug. 5, 2024) – Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Burlington (T-EPF 10) arrived in Cartagena, Colombia on Aug. 5, 2024 as part of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet’s Continuing Promise 2024 (CP24).