Category: Defense

Source: United States Navy

These are some of the questions that will be addressed during a panel featuring Chief of Naval Research (CNR) Rear Adm. Lorin C. Selby during the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition, April 3-6, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

The CNR will speak on Tuesday, April 5, from 2-3 p.m.

Selby will join Michael Brown, director of the Defense Innovation Unit, on the “Future of Naval Innovation” panel. They will discuss how—in this age of innovation and rapid technological development—the DoN must consider new ways to address challenges from peer competitors; introduce new capabilities to warfighters in both real and virtual experiments; improve processes for dealing with technologies that are digitally and software based; and develop novel approaches to bring industry, academia and government together to solve naval problems with speed and at scale.

“Sea-Air-Space is an ideal venue to discuss the importance of reimagining and revitalizing naval power,” said Selby. “It provides a crucial platform for sharing ideas on how to bring capabilities together in novel ways, change the way we solve operational problems and use unmanned, autonomous technology to augment existing warfighting capabilities.”

In addition to Selby’s appearance, program officers from the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) will be on hand in the Naval Research Enterprise (NRE) booth (No. 1847) to discuss their pioneering work and potential research opportunities.

The NRE includes ONR, ONR Global and NRL. Each of these entities spearheads efforts to modernize the DoN and ignite future innovation.

Some of the breakthrough technologies to be highlighted include:

• Hydrogen Tactical Refueling Point (H-TaRP) —A fuel-generation prototype device, H-TaRP exploits the reaction of aluminum mixed with water to generate hydrogen fuel. It could potentially power equipment for warfighters operating in austere environments.
• Mask on Breathing Device (MOBD) for Breathing Dynamics Training—This training tool helps increase awareness and recognition of physiological responses caused by hypoxia (low oxygen in body tissue). The MOBD is designed to enhance aviator safety and survivability.
• Diver Augmented Vision Display (DAVD) System—DAVD is a transparent heads-up display technology readily adapted to current Navy diving helmets. It provides divers with a real-time display of critical data such as imagery-assisted underwater navigation and obstacle avoidance.

The NRE booth also will feature representatives from:

Visitors to the NRE booth can pick up a special issue of Future Force—a professional magazine of the naval science and technology community, published quarterly by ONR. This issue has two articles by the chief of naval research: a brand-new piece outlining his vision for Strategic Hedge and the Small, the Agile and the Many, and his recent Proceedings article “ONR at 75.”

Sea-Air-Space is hosted by the Navy League of the United States with the goal of bringing together leaders from defense organizations—both government and private industry—to learn about and view the most up-to-date information and technology related to maritime policy.

In addition to Sea-Air-Space, the Gaylord will host the Naval STEM Exposition on Sunday, April 3, from noon to 4 p.m. The event, co-sponsored by ONR and the Navy League STEM Institute, is free and geared to students in grades six through 12. It will provide an introduction to naval STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) careers through guest speakers and hands-on activities.

Learn more about Sea-Air-Space at https://seaairspace.org.

Warren Duffie Jr. is a contractor for ONR Corporate Strategic Communications.

Source: United States Navy

President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring March 8, 1980 as National Women’s History Week. In 1981, the U.S. Congress followed suit and established Women’s History Month as the entire month of March.

Women have served in combatant ships for only 28 of the U.S. Navy’s 247-year history. Today, there are thousands of Junior Enlisted, Chief Petty Officer, and Commissioned Officer women serving, leading, and playing essential roles in the defense of freedom on every type of warship in the fleet.

That includes Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) which is deployed to the U.S. Sixth Fleet, conducting flight operations, underway replenishments, maneuvering drills, bilateral operations with NATO allies, and more. Unlike the ships of three decades ago, the Forrest Sherman’s deck plates are lined with women leaders, both enlisted and officer.

Acknowledging and appreciating the sacrifices that the women who first stepped aboard naval combatant ships in 1994 is vital to understand the history and progress that has been made.

Among them is Quartermaster First Class Brenda Pena, from Orange Cove, California.  She is the first woman in her family to serve in the military, is proud to serve, and understands the history of women in the Navy.

“It’s truly an honor to be a woman serving in the military,” said Pena. “It’s an honor to contribute and I don’t take for granted the sacrifices of women before us, so we can be here today. I don’t regret my decision to follow the career path I am on. I encourage every woman who wants to serve, to serve. Do what you love and what makes you happy. Everything else will follow through.”

Lt. Vananh McCormick, from Lake Mary, Florida agrees and believes no matter where you serve, there is always someone to learn from and someone to lead. She says you just have to be open to the opportunities around you.

“It is an amazing opportunity to lead and learn from amazing Sailors, who come from all walks of life,” said McCormick. “Everyone’s unique perspectives mold me to be a better leader and mentor. I have been grateful for the mentoring of senior women naval officers and senior enlisted leaders, who remind me that we are still blazing a path forward for those behind us. To future leaders, I say you are a catalyst for change. No matter where you are in your naval career, you should always strive to be the change that makes a difference. Have the honor to be true to yourself, the courage to stand up against adversity, and the integrity to own and learn from mistakes.”

As a percentage of the force, the number of women aboard ships is still relatively low compared to the U.S. population, which, according to Boatswain’s Mate First Class Tyesha Ervin, from Darlington, South Carolina, makes it that much more important for women leaders to continue to guide and mentor those around them. She also believes appreciating differences and ranges of skill can only make the organization stronger.

“Being an African American woman Boatswain’s Mate means a lot to me, especially in a rate dominated by men,” said Ervin. “I really take pride in my job and I really enjoy it. My advice to women thinking about serving would be to never settle, and don’t sell yourself short. Hard work pays off and never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If they do, just smile and reply with, ‘I can show you better than I can tell you.’ Then show them!”

Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate and bring to light the many accomplishments of women throughout history, especially in the U.S. Navy and aboard USS Forrest Sherman where the crew believes the women who came before them paved the way for those who serve today to ensure the path is ready for those who raise their right hands and volunteer to serve tomorrow.

Source: United States Navy

NAPLES, Italy – U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples celebrates Women’s History Month (WHM) throughout the month of March each year. The month is dedicated to the contributions of women, past and present, and celebrates their vital role with Women’s History Month.

With each year, there is a new theme to frame the many impacts women have had on shaping the world.

“This year’s theme, ‘Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope’, is a tribute to the tireless work of caregivers and frontline workers throughout the pandemic,” said Capt. James Stewart, commanding officer of NSA Naples.

“Historically, WHM is a time to honor the sacrifices and success of women throughout our history. Upholding the vision of these great leaders, the women in our active duty workforce and in our Department of Defense community continue to be solid examples of strength and professionalism,” said Stewart. “Each day the women in our NSA Naples community are fighting the fight in support of our mission here in Europe. This month, we honor and recognize their hard work and sacrifice.”

Departments of the NSA Naples command nominated women throughout the month to be featured on the command’s social media platforms for their hard work and dedication to supporting the Naples community.

Women at the installation have made sacrifices on the frontlines in various capacities: working in the Commissary, the Navy Exchange, the Navy Lodge, Child and Youth Program Facilities, and much more.

“In many cases we left our families, but the priority is to serve this community because for them it is hard to come to a new [country], especially one that speaks a different language and in the pandemic,” said Commissary store worker Nunzia Gressa.

“We are here to serve them. Whatever can be done, we do,” said Gressa.
Some employees have dedicated long periods of their lives to serving the NSA Naples community.

“Many of [the employees] have been working here and assisting our military personnel for decades… Some of them have been here for 30-plus years,” says Commissary Grocery Manager Hugo Zapata.

Though the pandemic was just a small part of what they have experienced over the years, here even in hard times the women working in the Commissary take pride in the things that they do to serve our community, added Zapata.

NSA Naples’ Departments Honor Women Working in the Frontlines
In honor of WHM, some the departments at NSA Naples elected to recognize outstanding women in the workplace.

NSA Naples Fire and Emergency Services honored Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Kylee Porter. Porter’s department acknowledged her service as a firefighter and an active volunteer in the local community.

NSA Naples’ Morale, Welfare, and Recreation honored fitness manager Katelyn Paloma for leading the gym at the Capodichino site during COVID. MWR also recognized Paloma for her for service in the community outside of her job.

NSA Naples’ Child and Youth Programs honors the teachers at the Child Development Center and the Youth Center for their dedication to safely care for the children on base in the midst of the pandemic.

NSA Naples Navy Exchange honors the women working in their facilities. The NEX employees overcame various restrictions, shortages and changes due to COVID. Through it all, they continued to serve the people of NSA Naples.

The NSA Naples Commissary honored the women who came to work every day to help provide food for the community. Despite shortages, the women worked to keep shelves stocked for patrons.

Navy Lodge General Manager Elena Knudson honored her cleaning staff for their dedication to maintain the lodging facilities for military personnel throughout the pandemic.

The History of Women’s History Month
Originally, Women’s History Month began as a week-long celebration after Congress passed a resolution to authorize and request that the U.S. President declare the week of March 7, 1982 as “Women’s History Week.”
For the next five years, Congress continued legislation to honor Women’s History Week in March.

In 1987, the National Women’s History Project petitioned Congress which led to the passing of a resolution designating March as Women’s History Month.

Since 1995, Women’s History Month has become an annual proclamation to celebrate women who have contributed to the United States.

NSA Naples honors all the women who have paved the way for our community throughout the pandemic and throughout history.

NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

For more news on NSA Naples, please follow us on Instagram @NSANaples and Facebook at facebook.com/NSANaples/.

Source: United States Navy

The future USNS Ruth Bader Ginsburg (T-AO 212) will be the first U.S. Navy ship to bear her name.

“As we close out women’s history month, it is my absolute honor to name the next T-AO after the Honorable Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She is a historic figure who vigorously advocated for women’s rights and gender equality,” said Del Toro. “As Secretary of the Navy, it is my aim to ensure equality and eliminate gender discrimination across the Department of the Navy. She is instrumental to why we now have women of all backgrounds, experiences and talents serving within our ranks, side by side with their male Sailor and Marine counterparts.”

The name selection for the John Lewis-class replenishment oiler follows the naming convention of honoring people who have fought for civil and human rights. Born in 1933, Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a pioneering advocate for women’s rights turned Supreme Court Justice. Ginsburg made history as the second woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court when she was nominated by President Bill Clinton and confirmed in 1993. Of her 27-year tenure on the Supreme Court, she is most noted for her work toward issuing the majority opinion for United States v. Virginia, a landmark 1996 case that struck down Virginia Military Institute’s male-only admissions policy.

The future T-AO 212 is the eighth of the T-AO ships awarded to the Navy, with the first delivered in 2021. The class and lead ship T-AO 205 is named in honor of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga). 

Secretary Del Toro also named Justice Ginsburg’s daughter, Jane Ginsburg as the ship’s sponsor.

T-AO ships are fleet oilers designed to transfer fuel to the Navy’s operating carrier strike groups. The oilers have the ability to carry a load of 162,000 barrels of oil, maintain significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and a speed of 20 knots. General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Company designed the vessels with double hulls that protect against oil spills as well as strengthened cargo and ballast tanks. The T-AO measures 742-feet in length with a full load displacement of 49,850 tons.

For more information about Fleet Replenishment Oilers visit: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2222909/fleet-replenishment-oilers-t-ao/

Source: United States Navy

Navy Capt. Douglas MacKenzie, commanding officer of Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center in Sigonella, Italy, visited Defense Logistics Agency Distribution Europe in Germersheim, Germany, March 7. Army Lt. Col. Katie Dlugosz, and her leadership team provided a warehouse tour for MacKenzie and Navy Cmdr. Treven Feleciano, FLCSI operational officer, demonstrating the expanded support DDDE is providing to ships in Crombie, Scotland, operating in the area known as the “High North.” The tour was followed by a synchronization meeting to help ensure timely support to Crombie.

The goal of both initiatives is to reduce the logistics response time to the High North. MacKenzie gave an overview of anticipated naval expansion in the High North and impact to DDDE and the NAVSUP support units based in Crombie.

Recent changes by Distribution Headquarters’ future plans and NAVSUP to system’s sourcing logic allows some order fulfillment to be performed at DDDE, instead of traditional Navy centric depots that are further away from the warfighter. Separately, air transshipments for ships operating out of Crombie have now been routed to DDDE via the aerial port at Ramstein Air Base in Germany.

MacKenzie thanked the team for their work to date and anticipated efforts with DDDE to reduce LRT going forward. He gave every member of Dlugosz’s briefing team a coin in recognition of their support.