Category: Defense

Source: United States Navy

Mrs. Stacy Wilson, the cemetery director, reached out to the naval detachment looking volunteers willing to help with weeding and mulching. The high volume of burials at the cemetery keeps the cemetery staff busy and the task of spreading mulch can take them more than a month on average to complete.

However, because of the Seabee’s and their “Can-Do” mentality, CSFE Leonard Wood staff and students were able to complete the entire project in just a little more than four hours.

 “I have been with the Missouri Veterans Cemetery-Fort Leonard Wood for more than a decade and have met many volunteer groups through the years” said Wilson. “The Fort Leonard Wood Navy Detachment is by far the finest group of individuals that I have had the pleasure of meeting.” 

Wilson and her team were appreciative of the Seabee’s willingness to help and the speed they were able to complete the much needed task.

“These fine men and women are not volunteering because they have to, they are volunteering because they want to-for no other reason than to pay respect to their fellow veterans and give back to their community,” said Wilson. “I appreciate their generosity and everything they do for us and the families we serve.”

The CSFE detachment at Leonard Wood is constantly on the lookout for volunteer opportunities to spread the word about the Seabees’ long-standing heritage and commitment to serving the community.
 

Source: United States Navy

Civilian and military guests gathered to bid fair winds and following seas to Cheeseman and welcome Velez as the new commander.

Rear Adm. Fred Pyle, director, Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command was the presiding officer at the ceremony. Pyle emphasized the importance of the capabilities the strike group brings in today’s security climate.

“I truly believe that one of the core strengths of our Navy comes from our commitment to the principles underpinning command,” said Pyle. “The authority, responsibility, and accountability of command are absolute, which, in fact, make this ceremony quite distinct.”

Pyle emphasized the importance of the capabilities the strike group brings in today’s climate.

“A strike group’s agility, resilience, and strength, as well as its diverse array of capabilities make it the Navy’s premiere unit of issue,” said Pyle. “Neither China or Russia can replicate it – they can’t train, deploy, and sustain operations with the responsiveness, command and control capability, and multi-dimensional might like that of a U.S. Navy carrier strike group.”

Cheeseman, a native of Carney’s Point, New Jersey, and 1989 graduate of Pennsylvania State University, assumed command of CSG-10 in December 2020. Throughout his speech, Cheeseman lauded the tenacity and dedication to service of all CSG-10 Sailors under his charge.

“How can I not be emotional after developing such a strong bond with 7,566 Sailors whom I am proud to lead,” asked Cheeseman. “Make no mistake, these Sailors understand the challenges ahead and they are neither hesitant nor scared. They are resolute in their preparation for their future mission – whatever that may be.”

Velez, a native of Adjuntas, Puerto Rico, and a graduate of United States Naval Academy arrives as the strike group is preparing for a deployment. He thanked Cheeseman for his devotion to service.

“I know you hate to go, but hopefully you can find satisfaction in the fact that you are leaving behind a legacy of excellence and combat readiness in the entire strike group.”

Valez then addressed the Sailors of CSG-10 for the first time as their new commander.

“I am not sure what the future will bring as we get ready to complete our work ups and deploy overseas, but I know without question that this strike group will be ready to answer our Nation’s call,” said Valez. “I am ready to go to work.”

CSG-10 is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security and is preparing to deploy as the George H.W. Bush CSG.

The major command elements are the aircraft carrier USS. George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, Destroyer Squadron 26, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55), and the Information Warfare Commander.

Source: United States Navy

Now in its sixth year at the event, the U.S. Navy IW Pavilion featured a leadership speaker series, an engagement zone and technology demonstrations, with collaboration and alignment at the forefront as a top priority in today’s constantly evolving cyber and technology environments.

During the event, NAVWAR leaders touched on technology challenges, discussing the use of digital engineering, research, development, delivery and sustainment of IW solutions to highlight how the command aims to build a more agile and innovative force that can use information anytime and anywhere by modernizing and better defending information technology (IT) systems.

As a part of the leadership speakers’ series, NAVWAR’s chief engineer, Rear Adm. Eric Ruttenberg, emphasized the need for digital tools and a shift of mindset for their use.

“The future of global maritime superiority is digital and NAVWAR is leading the Navy’s efforts in making that future a reality,” he said. “We have already begun employing world class commercial best practices that deliver faster and more secure information warfare capabilities to the Fleet to ensure the developers, operators, and maintainers have what they need to preserve and extend U.S. maritime leadership not only in today’s operating environment but also in the highly digitized one of the future.”

He went on to explain the process, policy and efficiency efforts that would lead to the end goal of artificial intelligence and machine learning-enabled systems and automated battle management aids for on demand access regardless of the operating setting.

Further, he also addressed the need for a hybrid cloud computing environment to provide the warfighter with any data, at any time, and any place. The advantage to the hybrid cloud concept stems from its integrated and adaptable technology infrastructure comprised of physical data repositories, cloud-based data and applications stored in both public and private clouds, and data applications stored on-premises. Ruttenberg also noted that a hybrid cloud “provides quick access to all necessary data regardless of classification level for ease of cross-domain movement.”

Leaders from Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic reinforced Ruttenberg’s points as they provided an overview of the command to educate attendees on the main priorities and technical areas of the mission.

“Our NIWC Atlantic team is a unique and critical connection point to the warfighter, in that we research, develop, engineer and deliver technology that brings the full power of information to the fight,” said Capt. Nicole Nigro, NIWC Atlantic commanding officer. “To move at the operational velocity required in this domain, we are intensely focused on leading digital practices that include cybersecurity, automation, model-based systems engineering, DevSecOps, artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics – areas that ultimately drive data-informed, human-driven decisions necessary for mission success.”

As it has in previous years, the IW Pavilion featured an engagement zone, where attendees had the opportunity to join Navy leaders, program managers and other subject matter experts for informal, sit-down conversations in multiple sessions throughout the three day conference. These dialogues help to connect government and military leaders with industry partners with the goal of improving and modernizing capabilities for the fleet, as quickly as possible.

“As the Navy’s systems command for a warfighting domain that can change in a matter of minutes, it’s critical to give our industry partners clear direction on where we are going, what our needs are, and why,” said NAVWAR Executive Director John Pope. “It’s been extremely beneficial to connect with industry partners, no matter how big or how small, so they can understand how they can contribute to the larger Navy capability picture.”

The IW Pavilion also featured several technology demonstrations that impact Sailors today, including Program Executive Office Manpower, Logistics and Business Solutions’ (PEO MLB) MyNavy Human Resources (HR) IT Solutions, unmanned underwater vehicles from Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, the Joint Communications Marketplace from the Joint Tactical Networking Center and the U.S. Naval Observatory’s atomic clock.

“MyNavy HR IT Solutions creates and maintains mobile apps that allow Sailors to accelerate and manage their careers through digital solutions,” said Christine Rodriguez, program executive officer of PEO MLB. “Attendees got to experience live, interactive demos of the mobile apps we have developed for the Navy and learned how to get an app added to the Navy App Locker, home to the Navy’s official apps that touch the lives of every Sailor in the Fleet.”

MyNavy HR IT Solutions is one of PEO MLB’s service portfolios, serving as the single IT acquisition agent providing life cycle management supporting the Navy’s human resources IT capabilities.

Hosted by the Navy League of the United States, the Sea-Air-Space Exposition is now the largest maritime exposition in the United States and continues as an invaluable extension of the Navy League’s mission of maritime policy, education and sea service support.

About NAVWAR:

NAVWAR identifies, develops, delivers and sustains information warfighting capabilities and services that enable naval, joint, coalition and other national missions operating in warfighting domains from seabed to space and through cyberspace. NAVWAR consists of more than 11,000 civilian, active duty and reserve professionals located around the world.

Source: United States Navy

During the three-week trip, Babagana and other members of the team visited 12 colleges and high schools across nine cities in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.

Initiated in February 2021, the JODO program “brings successful naval officers from diverse backgrounds and cultures out of the fleet for a short time, and places them face-to-face with students and community leaders around the country in an effort to show what is possible to achieve through naval service.” As one of the selected JODO representatives, Babagana’s role on the trip was to share his unique journey of how he became a naval officer to students, parents, and teachers.

“I shared stories of how I overcame various barriers and hurdles while navigating my education and scientific training,” said Babagana. “I also provided general awareness of career opportunities available to students historically underrepresented in those fields.”

Although every school visit was unique, Babagana reported that each day would typically start off with formal presentations. “For universities, it was common to set up in the atrium after [the formal presentations] to connect with students in small groups or one-on-one throughout the day. During high school visits we typically presented to classes as they rotated through their periods and stayed after school sometimes for informal interactions. Evenings consisted of networking or community events.”

“Just knowing that I was able to connect with a few students and seeing the impact of those interactions emphasized the importance of [the JODO program’s] efforts, and provides an impetus to support further outreach efforts,” Babagana said.

He described “seeing a student, who had a similar ethnic background as one of the presenters, approach that presenter and exclaim how seeing him in his Navy leadership role gave the student the courage and confidence to also pursue such a career path.” Babagana also valued the chance to speak with extremely bright students about careers in the military that they never considered or knew were available. “Attracting these bright minds will be key to remaining the most innovative and capable military in the world,” he said.

While the JODO program is designed to help recruit racial and ethnic minorities into military service, Babagana reported receiving benefits from the experience as a JODO representative. “By interacting with the various Navy commands and communities participating in these outreach efforts, I was able to learn and experience firsthand the Navy’s multifaceted approach to improving diversity throughout the enlisted and officer ranks.”

When asked what advice Babagana would give to racial and ethnic minorities interested in joining the Navy, he said, “I would advise anyone looking to pursue a specific career path to find a mentor that can help guide them along. Each career path is unique and it can be easy for individuals to make common and, many times, avoidable mistakes. Mentors can help in this effort.” On his selection as a JODO representative, Babagana said, “I was honored to be a part of the junior officers chosen to be the face of the Navy and to participate in student outreach, community events, and community service efforts.” He plans to continue with his research programs while pursuing additional mentorship roles.

NSMRL, a command under the Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, is located at the Naval Submarine Base New London. NSMRL delivers research solutions to promote the health, welfare, and performance of submariners and divers, with the mission to sustain the readiness and superiority of our undersea warriors through innovative health and performance research.

Source: United States Navy

Among the group, Reserve unit members supporting Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa N5 West Africa (CNE-CNA N5 Africa West), led the organizing for OE22 alongside ally and African partner nations. 

The annual exercise, held from March 6 to 18, is one of three African regional Express series exercises sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and facilitated by U.S. Naval Forces Africa-U.S. Sixth Fleet (NAVAF/SIXTHFLT). This year was the eleventh iteration of the exercise, which focuses on the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean. Thirty-two nations were present, as well as representatives from Interpol, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other international and interagency partners. 

The exercise also included Reserve Sailors from U.S. Naval Forces Africa, U.S. Naval Air Systems Command, and U.S. Sixth Fleet who worked throughout five exercise zones alongside active duty and civilian counterparts. 

“This year we have about 50 Reserve Sailors —with 29 from my unit—supporting OE22 in a wide variety of roles,” said Capt. Thaison Do, commanding officer, NR CNE-CNA N5 Africa West, and exercise director, OE22. “Our unit has had a representative at each of the exercise’s planning events since early last year to understand what the command and our African partner’s goals were for the exercise.”

OE22 is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices, and the collective capabilities of participating nations to counter sea-based illicit activity within the region. 

Throughout the exercise, Do’s unit deployed country teams to 16 West African countries during the exercise’s two-week execution period with his team serving as the Main Exercise Control Group from Dakar, Senegal, the host country for OE22. 

“Building the relationships with our African partners is very important in the long run,” said Cmdr. Tom Hess,Senegal team lead, logistics liason and unit member of NR CNE-CNA N5 Africa West. “If we ever needed help supporting a mission in the region sometime in the future, we know we have strong relations with contacts who view us warmly.”

Exercises such as OE22 provide a unique readiness opportunity for Reserve Sailors to work alongside active duty and foreign military personnel to execute training evolutions and rehearse for potential real-world scenarios.  

“Working with our African partners allows our team to become local experts, allowing us to better support needs in the region,” said Do. “Being involved in such a large exercise ensures that we are developing the capabilities to lead, act, organize, and respond to situations they may face in the fleet.”

For Reserve Sailors, this year’s exercise was an opportunity to gain a wealth of experience. 

“I have participated in every iteration of Obangame Express in some capacity since 2018,” said Cmdr. Richard Martucci, commanding officer, Office of Naval Intelligence – Nimitz Washington. “I believe my past experiences have set me up for success as the NAVAF assessor for OE22. I’m responsible for providing a strategic, operational, and tactical assessment of OE22.  My experience allows me to provide U.S., ally, and partner nation senior leaders with recommendations on a way forward.”

The two-week exercise showcased the skills and expertise Navy Reserve Sailors bring to the force on day one. 

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, U.S. Sixth Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.