Category: Defense

Source: United States Navy

“Because it’s all of us,” said one student, responding to the purple color question.

“Japan, Florida, California, and Silverdale,” were shared as replies to the second query.

“My dad came back once from deployment with a moustache and we said he could keep it,” stated another pupil.

Those exchanges and more came from military children attending Burley Glenwood Elementary in Port Orchard, Washington. They were recognized and feted in conjunction with April being Month of the Military Child, by Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick, Naval Hospital Bremerton director and Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton commanding officer on April 15, 2022.

Fitzpatrick explained to his young audience that there are specific qualities that each military child can be justifiably proud.

“Military kids are adaptable. You’ve had to move, change schools and live in all those other places. You learn to adjust. How many have moved?” asked Fitzpatrick.

Raised hands indicated such was the case for all attendees.

“You know what else military kids like us are? We’re smart. We know more than school. We know about life,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Military kids are also mature. You have responsibilities that other kids may not have,” added Fitzpatrick. “We’re also team players. We understand how to get to know others.”

“But what’s really unique about us is living in all these other places, we’re really good at geography. We know where places like Hawaii, Japan, and Italy are,” said Fitzpatrick.

“My dad recently went to Poland. That’s next to Germany,” declared another classmate.

“You all are really special. I know personally. I’m a military kid, too,” remarked Fitzpatrick. “I wanted to come meet and talk with you and thank you for your service. Because each one of you also serve. You’re a great help to your mom and dad. When I went on deployment, what kept me going was knowing that you were home. You were there also serving, in your way. Thank you for being such great kids.”

Each student was provided with a goody bag filled with Month of Military Child themed mementoes and presented with a commanding officer coin.

They also were awarded with individual Awesome Kid Award certificate, which read in part, “in recognition of your support to your family and the United States military, you’ve been selected as an awesome military kid! We are so proud of you and how you represent military kids all across the world. You’re pretty awesome and we thought you should know!”

The Military Health System compiled a list of references in regards to assisting parents – as well as others – help their military child move on from the past two years of pandemic-altering norm, and adapt to a relatively new routine:
• The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives in many ways, including children.
• Many children have lost caregivers, family members or other loved ones to COVID-19, and all of them have missed out on aspects of normal childhood, like social opportunities, school, milestones, activities and more.
• The pandemic increased stress on everyone. For children, increased stress often contributes to behavioral health challenges.
• Communication is key to helping children of nearly all ages.
• Encourage children to share their worries or anxieties with you.
• Answer questions honestly and simply.
• Pay close attention to changes in your child’s behavior or willingness to communicate with you.
• Helping children process grief can be challenging, but it is important for their emotional health and well-being to talk openly and honestly.
• Explain the circumstances causing loss.
• Answer their questions as best as you can.
• Offer reassurance.
• Be patient. Every child processes grief and loss at their own pace.
• Maintaining structure and routine can help children find comfort and stability in times of loss and disruption.
• Routine also gives children something to look forward to and feel normal.
• Many of the hardships and losses that children have experienced during the pandemic will come to an end.
• Remind them that the challenges are temporary, and they can look forward to resuming many activities as the pandemic moves into a new phase.
• Be open about how the rules for staying safe have changed, and may continue to change.
• Some rules for staying safe remain consistent – hand washing, cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, don’t share food, and stay home when you feel sick.
• Rules also can vary by community. Explain the rules for your local community.
• Help children understand that some people remain at higher risk from COVID-19 and may still choose to wear masks.
• Proactively engage with your children to set expectations about moving to the new phase of the pandemic, and returning to something closer to normal life. When you talk to them:
o Stay Positive about the long-term outcome
o Stay Honest about the challenge
o Stay Active with sports and clubs
o Stay Scheduled with a flexible routine
o Stay Connected to the community with social activities
o Stay Informed about what is happening in your community
o Stay Safe by getting vaccines, washing hands, and staying home when sick

Source: United States Navy

Detroit Navy Week will feature in-person demonstrations, performances, and engagements throughout the week that will include:

• Senior Navy Leaders – Flag officer and senior civilian Navy leaders with ties to Detroit and the surrounding area.
• Namesake Sailors – Sailors serving on the littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7), and the Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727).
• Navy Band Great Lakes – Performances and masterclasses with Navy Musicians.
• Naval History and Heritage Command – Educational presentations and lesson plans about the deep ties between Michigan and the Navy. 
• USS Constitution – Demonstrations about the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy. 
• U.S. Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Craft Crew – Demonstrations and Static displays. 
• U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command – Educational presentation on the importance of atmospheric and oceanographic science and the overall value of STEM education to the Navy.

Detroit was selected by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) as one of 14 locations for the 2022 Navy Week program. The Navy plans to return to the Motor City this summer following visits in 2017 for the commissioning of the littoral combat ship USS Detroit, and in 2015 for Detroit Navy Week.

“We are very excited to bring Navy Week to Detroit,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. John Fage. “Navy Weeks give us the opportunity to help connect Americans to their Navy. We are looking forward to safely and responsibly building those connections in the Detroit area and showing everyone why their Navy is so important.”

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort to regions without a significant Navy presence, with over 250 Navy Weeks held in more than 80 different U.S. markets.

“We coordinate about 75 outreach events during a Navy Week,” said NAVCO Navy Week program manager Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Chambers. “Outreach events range from corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and youth engagements. We’re excited about this year’s schedule as it allows us to visit new markets as well as return visits to cities like Detroit.”

Every Sailor selected to participate in Detroit Navy Week, except those with an approved waiver for health or religious reasons, will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The Navy Office of Community Outreach is working closely with community partners in Detroit and is carefully monitoring guidance from public health officials to ensure a safe event. Navy Weeks have been conducted virtually since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and have recently been brought back as in-person events.

For more information on 2022 Navy Weeks, visit http://outreach.navy.mil. For more information on Detroit Navy Week, visit https://www.outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks-2022/Detroit-2022/ or contact Ensign Andrew Johnson at (205) 283-7592 or andrew.l.johnson4.mil@us.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

The award, for fiscal year 2021, which runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, recognizes the overall quality of the many innovative programs managed by Division Newport’s Safety and Occupational Health Branch of the Corporate Operations Department, including compliance to safety and health standards and proactive mishap prevention efforts. 

Through a comprehensive safety program, Division Newport holds an outstanding record of achievement, due in great part to the diligence and innovative measures taken by the Safety Branch to provide a safe and healthful environment for all employees. 

The award-winning team is comprised of acting branch head, Dennis Tierney, a resident of Narragansett, Rhode Island; Camie Graley of Carolina, Rhode Island; Kenneth Hupf of South Kingstown, Rhode Island; Warren VanVelzer of Newport, Rhode Island; Joseph Johnson and Cody Thomas, both of Tiverton, Rhode Island; nurse Deborah Jones and Elizabeth Servant, both of Middletown, Rhode Island; John Mackun of Wrentham, Massachusetts; and Augustine Razo of Stuart, Florida. Retired employees Carol Bernier, former branch head, of Westport, Massachusetts; Sue Clarke of Middletown, Rhode Island; and Mike Kalwak of Exeter, Rhode Island, were also honored for their team efforts.

In 2021, the Safety Branch consistently educated the workforce by producing 25 articles, sharing safety tips through all-hands notices, delivering safety briefs and posting important messages on digital signage throughout Division Newport’s campus.

“The team’s proactive efforts have resulted in a safer workplace, as reflected in a downward trend in injuries,” the award states. “As a result, Division Newport continues to be a safe environment for all.” 
The team will receive a plaque and be recognized at a future ceremony.

NUWC Division Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare.

NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.

Source: United States Navy

This new supply support memorandum will help establish new wholesale planning and execution guidance directed by Director of Supply, Ordnance and Logistics Operations, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, for pre-Material Support Date systems.

Epps said, “NAVSUP WSS is always looking for opportunities to improve an incredibly complex process. Our teams at WSS and PEO IWS have been working diligently to see this MOA through to fruition. I believe this partnership aligns perfectly with Naval Sustainment System-Supply goals.”

According to Cmdr. Michael Key, Cruisers & Destroyers (CRUDES) IWST Director, the latest Office of the Chief of Naval Operations guidance that implements financial management regulation changes responsibility of initial procurement of wholesale spares to the acquisition program office.

“The guidance didn’t provide a lot of detail about how to accomplish the task, so this memorandum of understanding is our attempt to collaborate with our partner to forge a path forward,” said Key. “Being the first of its kind, there may be a few bumps in the road. As this matures and the kinks get worked out, ideally this becomes the model for similar agreements with other acquisition PEOs [program executive offices].”

The agreement will provide direction and guidance by capitalizing applicable PEO IWS Operation Materials and Supplies (OM&S) into NAVSUP wholesale inventory for post-MSD systems. The MOA also addresses obsolescence management and system harvesting to some degree. The language of the MOA is written to allow future flexibility as the need arises and reaffirms PEO IWS’s responsibilities to monitor obsolescence and conduct timely re-engineering, alterations and depot-source of repair certification as needed. Additionally, the MOA adds supportability guidelines and conditions for NAVSUP accepting management of the NIIN or part. It also adds similar guidelines and conditions for passing items back to NAVSEA or the PEO for caretaker management, when obsolescence or diminishing supply sources get to a point where NAVSUP can no longer effectively manage the NIIN.

Okano said, “My teams are excited to get this MOA signed. We see this as the vehicle to facilitate better supply support and readiness for our shipmates, customers and stakeholders.

According to Key, the Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems was an ideal partner to start with because of long-established, productive working relationships at all levels including counterparts at the flag officer and captain levels. PEO IWS provides the Navy with design, construction, and delivery of combat systems for surface ships. Each organization operates differently, so establishing some common ground rules is ideal.

NAVSUP WSS is one of 11 commands under Commander, NAVSUP. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and employing a diverse, worldwide workforce of more than 22,500 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP’s mission is to provide supplies, services, and quality-of-life support to the Navy and joint warfighter. Learn more at www.navsup.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/navsupwss and https://twitter.com/navsupsyscom.

Source: United States Navy

Trenton Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Trenton, the state of New Jersey, and the Nation.

Participating Navy organizations include Pre Commissioning Unit (PCU) New Jersey, USS Princeton (CG 59), USS George Washington (CVN 73), Navy Band Northeast, U.S. National Ice Center, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia, USS Constitution, Naval Weapons Station Earle, U.S. Fleet Forces, Naval History and Heritage Command, and Office of Small Business Programs.

More than 50 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city, including a Navy Day on the pier in Camden, New Jersey, on Saturday, May 7. All participating commands will follow DOD, CDC, state, and local guidelines for safety during the current pandemic.

The Navy’s senior executive hosts are Cmdr. Jared Smith, commanding officer, PCU New Jersey, and Cmdr. Evita Salles, deputy director, Office of Women’s Policy. During Trenton Navy Week, both executives will participate in  community engagements and speak with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

“I am honored to represent both the Navy and the future USS New Jersey this week in Trenton,” said Smith. “The opportunity for our Sailors to be here and learn more about the Garden State will only enhance the pride felt every day they come to work.  We are excited to give back to the communities that support us and provide an opportunity for members of this great state to learn about the Navy and one of her newest submarines.”

Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Trenton.

“It brings me great joy to visit my hometown and state, the same place where I embarked full steam ahead on my journey in the greatest Navy in the world,” said Salles. “It all started with my time in NJROTC at Neptune High School, and I could not be more proud to be here representing the Navy and sharing how the Navy has profoundly impacted me.”

Throughout the week, Sailors will participate in various community events across the area, including engaging with students across multiple high schools and volunteering for the cities of Trenton and Camden, the Salvation Army, Boys and Girls Club, Rescue Mission Trenton, and Habitat for Humanity. Residents will also enjoy live music by Navy Band Northeast at venues throughout the week, including at Trenton Thunder Ballpark at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 6.

Sailors will also be joined by officers of the New Jersey State Troopers Fraternal Association for a community clean up at Alberta Woods Park in Camden, New Jersey, on Wednesday, May 4. Mr. Victor Carstarphen, Mayor of Camden, will lead the efforts as part of his Camden Strong-Clean Camden Campaign.

“It is such an honor for the City of Camden to be included in Navy Week actives,” said Carstarphen. “The Navy made a firm commitment to engage with our Camden residents and participate at community events like our Camden Strong-Clean Camden Campaign neighborhood cleanup.  These interactions will undoubtedly leave a meaningful impact on our community and the connections are particularly long lasting for our young people. I commend the Navy personal and leadership, as they exemplify the true meaning of service.”

Trenton Navy Week is one of 14 Navy Weeks in 2022, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.

Media organizations wishing to cover Trenton Navy Week events should contact Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Chambers at (901) 874-7069 or kevin.l.chambers4.mil@us.navy.mil.