Category: Security News

Source: United States Navy

Jeffrey Frank, P.E., Chief Civil Engineer and Branch Head at NAVFAC Southeast, was selected as the Civilian Engineer of the Year; and Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Beering, P.E., Assistant Public Works Officer at Public Works Department (PWD) Mayport, was selected as the Military Engineer of the Year.

“Congratulations to Mr. Frank, Lt. Cmdr. Beering and all of our nominees for their dedication, professionalism and service to our command and the Navy,” said Capt. Miguel Dieguez, NAVFAC Southeast commanding officer. “This is a tremendous achievement for a couple of exceptional engineers, and we are extremely fortunate to have trailblazers, such as these two gentlemen, guiding the way to success. I extend my best wishes to each of them as they progress to the next stage of the competition!”

Each year, NAVFAC Southeast meticulously selects a Civilian and Military Engineer of the Year. These accomplished professionals subsequently progress to the NAVFAC Engineer of the Year competition, with the potential for earning further acclaim in the National Society of Professional Engineer’s Federal Engineer of the Year award program.

Frank, a native of Bethel, Connecticut who now resides in Jacksonville, Florida, currently serves as Chief Civil Engineer and Branch Head at NAVFAC Southeast. He joined the command in 2009 holding a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) and a Master of Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering (ME), both from the University of Florida.

“It is a great honor, considering the extraordinary staff we have here at NAVFAC Southeast, to have been selected as Civilian Engineer of the Year,” said Frank. “I am more accustomed to working behind the scenes and doing good work without concern for personal recognition, so this is truly a humbling experience.”

Frank is recognized as the region’s subject matter expert in heavy pavement design and asphalt and concrete mix designs. With more than 25 years of professional engineering experience, Frank self-performs design work for airfield projects as the Engineer of Record. His personal design resume includes over $850 million in projects as Engineer of Record and Design Manager, with $500 million dedicated to airfield and transportation projects.

Additionally, Frank manages the evaluation and design program for the largest regional military airfield inventory in the Navy. This Pavement Management Program prioritizes and allocates funds for 28 airfields and more than 190 million square feet of pavement in the Southeast region.

As a former active-duty and reserve Seabee, Frank continues to support the Naval Construction Forces as a civilian. He provided technical support for Seabee projects at Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas; NAS Pensacola, Florida; multiple airfield repairs at NAS Key West, Florida; and the planning and assessment of runway repairs at NAS Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, in coordination with the TWENTY SECOND Naval Construction Regiment in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Furthermore, Frank voluntarily deployed to Camp Manda Bay, Lamu, Kenya to assist an active duty Seabee detachment in the lengthening of an airstrip, in support of NAVFAC Atlantic.

When asked if he had any advice for his coworkers, Frank replied, “Never forget that our primary focus should always be to support the warfighter. As Department of Defense civilian employees, we are bound by many processes to reach that goal, but we should never lose sight of it.”

Beering, a native of Danville, California, who now resides in Mayport, Florida, currently serves as the Assistant Public Works Officer at PWD Mayport. He joined PWD Mayport in August 2023 and holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Santa Clara University. He is a Navy Seabee who was commissioned as an officer in the Civil Engineer Corps in 2015.

“To have been selected as NAVFAC Southeast’s Military Engineer of the Year is an honor, but is truly a result of the hard work of the outstanding teams I’ve worked with, both at Mayport and at previous commands,” said Beering. “The local Scope Writing team I supervise, along with support from NAVFAC Southeast staff, make a difference every day in developing engineering solutions to support the missions of our supported commands and the Navy.”

Beering oversees facility support for 84 tenant commands aboard Naval Station (NS) Mayport. He contributed significantly in the award of a $49 million Fourth Fleet Relocation project, guiding the field team in response to a myriad of pre-proposal inquires which facilitated the ability to award the project under a short fuse.

In addition, he developed and led NS Mayport’s fiscal year 2025 Shore Installation Planning Board, prioritizing $14 million in sustainment requirements and initiating design development for an additional $15 million in future projects that directly support fleet and training operations. He previously served as a construction engineer for NAVFAC Europe, Africa, Central, acting as the sole representative in Iceland to drive the completion of six projects valued at $58 million, including significant airfield pavement infrastructure enhancements in support of U.S. and NATO operations. Between June 2021 and June 2022, he was a construction manager at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he successfully managed the design and construction of $6 million in major runway repairs, ensuring training and readiness for the Marine Corps.

“I have been blessed throughout my career with tremendous mentors,” said Beering. “One piece of advice that was given to me, and sticks with me to this day, is ‘Don’t make waves, make an impact.’”

Beering’s most memorable accomplishment was a road collapse repair as a result of a failed culvert. Due to the fact this was a major roadway, repair efforts were a top priority. Beering and the PWD Mayport team, along with assistance from NAVFAC Southeast, displayed exceptional teamwork in getting a repair contract awarded within 10 days of the collapse, and repairs completed within two weeks!

Beering imparts this advice to his fellow shipmates, “Take the time to listen and learn from the people around you. NAVFAC is full of incredible people with great knowledge, experience, and wisdom.”

NAVFAC Southeast proudly acknowledges Frank and Beering for their outstanding accomplishments and steadfast commitment to the NAVFAC Southeast team and the Navy. Their efforts have not only enhanced the Navy’s mission but have also highlighted the critical importance of exemplary leadership in safeguarding our nation’s security.

NAVFAC Southeast oversees the planning and design of facility projects, offering essential services in contracting, construction, leasing, environmental management, maintenance, and contingency support, all of which are crucial for meeting the needs of the Navy and the Department of Defense within the Southeast Area of Responsibility. Operating from its Jacksonville office, NAVFAC Southeast is responsible for managing operations across Navy installations spanning from Charleston, South Carolina to Corpus Christi, Texas, and extending southward to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. NAVFAC professionals are also engaged in the acquisition and disposition of real estate, facility management, and maintenance on all Navy bases in the Southeast (SE) region, while concurrently supervising public-private venture (PPV) housing for military families.

Source: United States Navy

During Operation POLAR VORTEX, a Naval and Amphibious Liaison Element (NALE) led by U.S. 3rd Fleet and supported by U.S. Fleet Forces was embedded into the bi-national Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) Region to manage the integration of naval and air activity at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

The NALE is primarily a function of the Navy Reserve, with Reserve personnel filling roughly 98 percent of NALE billets, given the operational tempo of this unique work. NALE Sailors train in mobilization to billet (MOB-to-billet) positions and generally deploy on 90 to 270-day orders, responding both to planned operations and emergent crises, including training exercises, freedom of navigation operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to enable better integration between joint air assets. The NALE provides the necessary face-to-face contact among planner, commanders and staff to ensure mutual understanding, unity of effort and reduce friction between components.
 
“U.S. 3rd Fleet Navy Reserve members play a vital role in the NALE and give our fighting forces a competitive advantage by offering critical strategic depth to support the high-end fight,” said Rear Adm. Richard W. Meyer, deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet. “I’m so proud of ur Navy Reserve warfighters. They’re our most valuable resource and were essential to our integrated operations in the Northern Pacific. Leveraging their civilian career experience and diverse backgrounds, they added tremendous value to deliver warfighting advantage and expertise to the U.S. Navy, Joint and Combined Force.”
 
U.S. Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) members in the 611th Air Operations Center worked alongside the 3^rd Fleet NALE to increase multi-domain awareness in the Arctic region during Operation POLAR VORTEX by instantly linking maritime and air domain awareness.
 
By co-locating while in Alaska, the 3rd Fleet NALE and 611th AOC were able to immediately coordinate information for the Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) and provide a detailed real-time operating picture from the surface to air across some of the most remote operating areas in Alaska.
 
“The NALE has been essential to air operations,” said RCAF Brig. Gen. David Moar, deputy commander, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command NORAD Region. “They were key in synchronizing air operations with naval air assets and providing information to enable the JFACC to coordinate and support the maritime component.”
 
The NALE worked to seamlessly integrate their expertise of maritime domain awareness and employ a Navy P-8 Poseidon alongside joint and bi-national air assets. The cooperation increased tactical performance of joint forces validating command and control and tactical execution of mission objectives between various aircraft including exercising simulated air-to-surface strikes.
 
“The situational awareness the NALE has provided is the most maritime awareness the AOC has had in the 14 years I’ve been here,” said Alaska Air National Guard Col. Jeff Smith, deputy commander, 611th AOC. “It’s been great to see the coordinated efforts between air and maritime domains.” 
 
U.S. 3rd Fleet operations in U.S. Northern Command’s (USNORTHCOM) area of responsibility throughout the Gulf of Alaska aligned with Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet objectives to demonstrate resolve and credible deterrence in defense of the homeland in the area. The operations also supported USNORTHCOM and NORAD’s mission of homeland defense, aerospace warning and control, and preserving a stable Arctic region in cooperation with U.S. Allies and partners.
 
“The NALE is an essential part of integrating the Maritime Operations Center (MOC) and AOC to provide multi-domain awareness to both Component Commanders,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Chris “Turtle” Turl, NALE director. “By coordinating information between each Commander’s guidance, the NALE facilitates the planning and execution of the mission to effectively meet the commander’s intent.”  
 
Operating across the vast distances and remote areas in the Arctic comes with many operational hurdles to overcome such as harsh weather and sea conditions causing increased risk to aircrews should an incident occur. Enhancing communication between joint forces is essential to meet the mission while overcoming obstacles and lowering operational risks.
 
Through joint and bi-national teamwork the NALE and 611th AOC were able to maximize multi-domain awareness and more effectively employ air assets saving time, and costs while reducing risk and increasing efficient use of tactical air assets and manpower.
 
Highly motivated members of the Navy Reserve are in demand for these challenging roles within the NALE which can either be a career path or stepping-stone to other positions. Successful NALE members have a solid professional knowledge of Navy platforms (subsurface, surface and air). The robust NALE individual training plan mixes formal and informal joint training as well as exercise training scenarios and real-world contingency operations. 
 
“The NALE enterprise is actively seeking officer and enlisted members from the air, intelligence, submarine and surface communities to join our units at the Echelon II and III levels across all areas of responsibility,” added Turl. “Joining the NALE has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me, and I believe it is truly a place where members can reach their full potential within the operational level of war community.”
 
During Fiscal Year 2025, the program expansion has included new units across the fleets due to the demand for these very skilled warfighters and offers unique and exciting opportunities to passionate aviation, subsurface, surface and intelligence experts. NALE units are now attached to U.S. Fleet Forces Command, U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa, and most numbered fleets.
 
Those warfighters looking for their next challenge to support the high-end fight and help better integrate our joint and coalition partners should select the NALE as a first choice during their next MyNavyAssignment, JOAPPLY and APPLY application period and reach out to those unit point of contacts with any questions. 
 

Source: United States Navy

The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the commissioning ceremony’s principal address. Remarks will also be provided by Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Lieutenant General Roberta Shea, Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force Atlantic; Commander, United States Marine Corps Forces Command; and Commander, Marine Corps Forces Northern Command, The Honorable Zach Iscol, Commissioner of New York City Emergency Management, Ms. Diane Hawkins, Niece of Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, and Charles F. Krugh, President of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship’s sponsors are Ryan Manion and Amy Looney, the president and vice president of the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.

“Gunnery Sergeant Basilone’s relentless valor on the battlefields of Guadalcanal and Iwo Jima represented the best America has to offer and are exemplary of the Sailors and Marines serving today,” said Secretary Del Toro. “USS John Basilone (DDG 122) will be named after one of the most decorated Marines in our Nation’s history and will pay tribute to his legacy and the countless others who have served our country with distinction.”
 
The ship honors U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. John Basilone, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. He was killed in action during the February 1945 invasion of Iwo Jima and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross. Basilone is the only enlisted Marine to be honored with both the Navy Cross and the Medal of Honor. DDG 122 will be the second ship named in honor of Basilone.

“Marines are known for their perseverance and loyalty to one another. Perhaps no Marine exemplified these traits better than Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, the only enlisted Marine in World War II to be awarded both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross,” said 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Carlos Ruiz. “As a true Marine Corps legend, it is fitting that this highly capable warship, led by an equally exceptional crew, will bear his name.”

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface environments.
 
Flight IIA DDGs host dual helicopter hangars, allowing for expanded anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare capabilities through integrated operations with helicopter squadrons.
 
The ceremony will be live-streamed at http://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/35147. The link becomes active approximately ten minutes prior to the event at 9:50 a.m. EST.
 
Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342. More information on the littoral combat ship program can be found at: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169871/destroyers-ddg-51/.
 

Source: United States Navy

Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti met with Turkish Head of Navy Adm. Ercüment Tatlıoğlu at the Pentagon today.

Franchetti highlighted the importance of defense modernization to include Türkiye’s growing defense industry and advanced weapons systems production. Franchetti further expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s offer of support for U.S. Navy deployed maintenance requirements.

The leaders discussed  Black Sea security challenges, particularly de-mining efforts; and they expressed their shared commitment to interoperability, underscored by the continued participation of Turkish Naval Forces in exercises SEABREEZE-24 and BALTOPS-24.  

Franchetti also shared her Navigation Plan for America’s Warfighting Navy with Tatlıoğlu, highlighting the criticality of strong cooperation with Allies and partners.

Türkiye is a key NATO ally, and the U.S. values its strategic bilateral relationship.