Defense News: Fleet to Faculty: GM1 Smith’s Impact as an Instructor at SCSTC San Diego

Source: United States Navy

NETC and SCSTC: Delivering Fleet-Ready Training

SCSTC San Diego, part of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), is charged with the vital mission of training Sailors for success in the fleet. NETC’s training infrastructure, including SCSTC and its other subordinate commands, focuses on equipping Sailors with relevant, real-world skills for operational readiness.

“NETC’s training programs are built on the strength of passionate instructors and fleet-relevant equipment,” Smith shares. “It’s one thing to read about a system, but when Sailors work on the same equipment they’ll use in the fleet, they’re more confident and prepared to fulfill their roles.”

By combining knowledgeable instructors with real-world technology, NETC ensures that Sailors are ready to apply their skills immediately, contributing directly to mission success.

Mentorship and Success in the Classroom

As an instructor at SCSTC, Smith serves as a mentor to students, guiding them through the technical challenges of their coursework. Reflecting on one student’s journey, Smith describes how they struggled initially with the course’s technical depth but demonstrated a steadfast determination to learn.

“This student had a strong will to learn, so we took the time to break down the lessons into manageable pieces,” Smith explains. “Once they had a solid foundation, it was incredible to see them build on that knowledge and graduate at the top of their class. Moments like these are why I teach.”

Smith’s dedication to mentorship ensures that Sailors are not only knowledgeable but also empowered to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Essential Qualities for Success in Navy Training

Smith emphasizes that success in NETC’s demanding programs goes beyond technical knowledge; personal qualities are just as critical.

“The best qualities for success here are a positive attitude, willingness to learn, resiliency, and a growth mindset,” she says. “A positive attitude keeps you motivated, resiliency helps you push through challenges, willingness to learn broadens your skills, and a growth mindset allows you to learn from mistakes and continuously improve.”

These qualities enable Sailors to excel in their training and maximize the opportunities provided by NETC.

Looking to the Future: A Career of Growth and Opportunity

From her time aboard USS Pinckney to her current role at SCSTC, Smith’s career reflects the Navy’s commitment to developing combat-ready Sailors. Now serving as a Leading Petty Officer and the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) coordinator for SCSTC, Smith continues to shape the future of the fleet by training and mentoring the next generation of Navy warfighters.

“The Navy has given me opportunities I never imagined,” she reflects. “As an instructor, I’m honored to help shape the Sailors who will carry out the Navy’s mission in the future.”

Through NETC’s programs, Smith and her fellow instructors provide a foundation of knowledge, resilience, and dedication, preparing Sailors to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Smith’s journey from fleet Sailor to instructor at SCSTC San Diego demonstrates the vital role of NETC and its subordinate commands in providing top-tier, hands-on training that prepares Sailors for the complex demands of modern naval warfare. Her leadership and dedication continue to inspire Sailors, ensuring that the Navy remains equipped with technically proficient and highly motivated personnel.

For more information on the training programs offered by NETC and SCSTC, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/

Defense News: NAS Pensacola Security Force Participates in Training Exercise

Source: United States Navy

The exercise was unrelated to any current threats, but was designed to enhance the training and readiness of Navy security personnel and better prepare Department of the Navy (DoN) personnel for potential force protection situations.

“It’s important that we constantly evaluate our response procedures to a variety of realistic threats to enhance our personnel and force-wide readiness,” said NAS Pensacola Installation Training Officer Erich Brinkmeier. “These exercises test information dissemination, individual response plans, security force response and our ability to coordinate with local emergency responders and the community.”

The exercise included an unmanned aerial surveillance exercise and an active shooter drill, each of which members of the NAS Pensacola Anti-Terrorism Training Team (ATTT) used to gauge readiness from responding NAS Pensacola Naval Security Forces personnel.

“As an installation, it’s critical that we remain prepared for any potential threat,” said NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Terry ‘Village’ Shashaty. “These exercises test our readiness to communicate efficiently across all departments and ensure the safety and security of our service members, their families and visitors to the installation.”

For more than one hundred years, NAS Pensacola, referred to as the Cradle of Naval Aviation, has supported the operational and training missions of tenant commands, including Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC), Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), Marine Aviation Training Support Groups
(MATSG) 21 and 23 and is the headquarters for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

Defense News: Carderock Hosts Small Business Industry Day and Navy Small Business Symposium with Capital Tech Bridge

Source: United States Navy

WEST BETHESDA, Md. – Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division hosted its annual Industry Day virtually on Oct. 9, 2024. This was followed by the in-person Navy Small Business Symposium, facilitated by the NavalX Capital Tech Bridge and the Pike District Partnership, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center on Oct. 10.

Industry Day provided a virtual platform for Carderock’s technical experts to connect with industry members and showcase Carderock’s mission, focus areas, and technical capabilities. The goal was to expand the pool of small business partners to foster innovation between the Navy and the private sector.

Carlos Duran, Carderock’s Deputy of Small Business Programs, facilitated the virtual program in collaboration with the Capital Tech Bridge. Duran was also the 2024 recipient of Naval Sea Systems Command’s Excellence Award in Small Business.

“The intent of Carderock’s Annual Industry Day is to share technical information with industry, so they have a better understanding of our mission and needs. This approach augments the ecosystem of technically available small business concerns that can compete for our contracts,” said Duran.

The Navy Small Business Symposium, coordinated by Capital Tech Bridge, offered an in-person forum for small businesses to connect with the Navy, specifically Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), and Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR). The Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) provided information for participants explaining how to do business with the Navy. Presenters included Maryland APEX Accelerators and Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC).

The Department of the Navy Office of Small Business Programs is “bringing more players to the field,” by inclusion of new businesses from atypical sources through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

“Annually the Navy includes 21% of businesses [that] are owned by socially or economically disadvantaged persons and 41% of the businesses that participate in SBIR and STTR programs are new to the program and to the Navy. The Navy is responsible for 50% of all transitions to the commercialization phase out of the entire DoD,” said Susie Drummond, Naval Sea Systems Command SBIR/STTR Outreach.

Capital Tech Bridge facilitated the event and continues to seek new venues to provide these connecting opportunities. This effort has expanded since the July announcement of a Partnership Intermediary Agreement between Carderock and the Pike District Partnership.

Increased local economic development is a shared goal of Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division, Capital Tech Bridge and the Pike District Partnership. By creating a welcoming business environment and new avenues for collaboration, the hope is for Montgomery County to remain a strong economic base that will support the Navy and Marine Corps mission for years to come.

Eugene Cornelius, Director of Pike District Partnership, shared the objective of the partnership.

“We are the advocate for economic development here in the North Bethesda area. One of the things that we have learned when it comes to small businesses and government contracting is that a lot of those in this city and [at this symposium] will need technical assistance…We’re learning as we go and we are providing information that we think is valuable to [them] as we go,” said Cornelius.

The symposium also provided opportunities to network, share ideas and challenges, and connect directly with technical experts during the “Ask Me Anything” panel. The panel included Lauren Hanyok, Carderock’s Capital Tech Bridge director, Eugene Cornelius, Director of Pike District Partnership, and Susie Drummond, Naval Sea Systems Command SBIR/STTR Outreach, who provided keen insight into new applications, emerging technologies and ways to leverage existing capabilities.

Hanyok provides the logistical glue and serves as a facilitator for connecting efforts like the Navy’s Small Business Symposium. In her role at Capital Tech Bridge, she also understands the value of creating Partnering Intermediary Agreements with organizations like the Pike District Partnership and Navy labs under Carderock.

“All Navy labs have the ability to enter into Partner Intermediary Agreements with non-profits like the Pike District Partnership. They have access to county resources to help Capital Tech Bridge host its events outside of the Carderock fence line so that we can reach a bigger audience with less barriers to entry,” said Hanyok.

“Not a lot of people in Montgomery County know what Carderock is, so partnering with a hyper-local PIA helps us better engage with the community and learn that a Navy organization is right in their backyard with not only small business opportunities, but a fantastic STEM program and there are job opportunities in all fields.”

By fostering innovation and technological advancement, the Capital Tech Bridge aims to strengthen this partnership to driving progress that benefits both the Navy and the region. The Capital Tech Bridge encompasses a vibrant innovation ecosystem for the Navy and Marine Corps, partnering with naval warfare centers and national labs to solve complex problems for Sailors and Marines.

For more information on the Capital Tech Bridge or upcoming events by the Capital Tech Bridge, please contact Lauren “Tink” Hanyok at lauren.w.hanyok.civ@us.navy.mil

Former Louisiana Sheriff’s Deputy Sentenced for Civil Rights Violation for Using Excessive Force Against Detainee

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A former Louisiana sheriff’s office deputy was sentenced yesterday to 37 months in prison for assaulting a pretrial detainee.

Javarrea Pouncy, 31, a former sergeant with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office (DPSO), previously pleaded guilty to one count of using excessive force against the detainee. During his plea, Pouncy admitted that, in September 2019, he and another DPSO deputy conducted a strip search of a detainee in the DeSoto Parish jail, as part of the detainee’s booking. Pouncy admitted further that, during the search, the deputies repeatedly punched the detainee in his head, face and body, even though the detainee did not pose a threat to either officer. As a result of the assault, the detainee was hospitalized and sustained a broken eye socket and broken nose, among other injuries.

“The defendant pledged to protect and serve his community, but instead, he repeatedly punched a detainee without justification, leaving him bloodied and broken,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “People in detention have the right to be treated humanely and not to be brutalized by excessive force. This sentence sends a clear message that we will not tolerate such abuses behind bars. The Justice Department will hold accountable officials who violate detainees’ civil rights.”

“Pouncy took advantage of his position, the power that it yields and the prestige of the badge in committing this criminal act,” said U.S. Attorney Brandon B. Brown for the Western District of Louisiana. “Decency and order can co-exist with the preservation of an offender’s civil rights. Prosecutions such as these are critical to ensure that the good work of law enforcement officers is not hampered by the heinous acts of bad law enforcement officers.”

“Yesterday, Pouncy faced the consequences of his unnecessary and violent actions toward someone he was supposed to protect,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “It’s a sad day when we have to investigate someone who took an oath to uphold the law. His actions undermine the integrity of the criminal justice system, and I want the public to know we will not tolerate it. The FBI is committed to investigating criminal misconduct, no matter who the subject is or what position they hold in their community.”

The other deputy involved in the assault, DeMarkes Grant, previously pleaded guilty to one count of obstructing justice in connection with the assault. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison.

The FBI New Orleans Field Office investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Reeg for the Western District of Louisiana and Trial Attorney Erin Monju of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.

Defense News: Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group Returns to San Diego After 9-month Deployment

Source: United States Navy

TRCSG is a multiplatform team of ships, aircraft, and more than 6,000 Sailors, capable of carrying out a wide variety of missions around the globe. Deploying units of the strike group include Theodore Roosevelt, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11, and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG 70). While the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) also returned to their respective home ports, Lake Erie and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) remain deployed in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.

TRCSG deployed to the Indo-Pacific region to support regional security and stability, keep sea lanes open, and to reassure our allies and partners of the U.S. Navy’s unwavering commitment to the region. The strike group was later ordered to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to strengthen U.S. military force posture and capabilities throughout the Middle East in light of escalating regional tensions.

“The strike group’s ability to quickly adjust from operations in 7th Fleet to 5th Fleet is a testament to both the flexibility of our naval forces as well as the strength and training of our Navy Sailors,” said Commander, Carrier Strike Group 9, Rear Adm. Christopher Alexander. “We had the distinct honor to strengthen our skills and relationships with 10 allied and partner nations, demonstrating our nation’s commitment to the freedom of navigation.”

The TRCSG strengthened interoperability through dual carrier operations with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, participation in exercise Valiant Shield 2024, and numerous bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises in the Philippine and South China seas as well as in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

Notable key leader engagements and visits aboard Theodore Roosevelt included the president of the Republic of Korea, chief of naval operations for the Republic of Korea Navy, lieutenant governor of Guam, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, U.S. 7th Fleet commander, Republic of Singapore Navy fleet commander, U.S. ambassadors to the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Qatar, and senior officers from the armed forces of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Republic of Korea and Royal Thai Navy, among others.

The deployed Sailors from the TRCSG demonstrated their proficiency in enhanced maritime security operations through more than 9,000 sorties including 21,000 flight hours, 28 replenishments-at-sea, and more than 71,000 nautical miles traveled.

Ships of the TRCSG conducted routine port visits to Bahrain, Diego Garcia, Guam, the Republic of Korea, Singapore and Thailand.

“The crew worked incredibly hard and maintained mission focus this entire deployment,” said Capt. Brian Schrum, commanding officer, Theodore Roosevelt. “I am extremely proud of our Sailors and the work accomplished across the world’s oceans to keep our nation safe at home.”

CVW 11 consisted of nine squadrons: the “Blue Blasters” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, the “Fist of the Fleet” of VFA-25, the “Flying Checkmates” of VFA-211, the “Black Knights” of VFA-154, the “Liberty Bells” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 115, the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, the “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75, the “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations—from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready forces to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.

For more information about Carrier Strike Group 9 and USS Theodore Roosevelt visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/ccsg9/ and https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/COMCARSTRKGRU-9; Facebook: www.facebook.com/usstheodoreroosevelt