Category: United States Navy

Source: United States Navy

MANAMA, Bahrain— Chief petty officer selectees from multiple commands on board the installation hosted a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain, Sept. 11.

The event opened with the parading of colors, national anthem, and invocation, and continued with the reading of first responder testimonials, a ceremonial flag passing, and a recount of the timeline of events that took place on Sept. 11, 2001.

Rear Adm. Matt Kawas, deputy commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, spoke about how the 9/11 attacks changed the U.S. Navy and the American way of life forever.

“Thank you, first and foremost for being here today and remembering,” said Kawas. “Remembering it’s been 23 years since that fateful day. 23 years since four commercial airlines crashed into the Twin Towers in New York, in a field in Pennsylvania, and into the Pentagon, changing the trajectory of our nation. 23 years since naval ships executing one set of missions were suddenly redirected,” said Kawas. “The world felt like it was moving 100 miles a minute in those first few uncertain weeks, but we are a resilient Naval force. We grew. We adapted. We persevered.”

Kawas thanked NSA Bahrain personnel and partner nations for their commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and the continued strengthening of interoperability and cooperation.
“Exercising vigilance, performing deterrence, and establishing enduring partnerships: these are what prevent another 9/11 from happening,” said Kawas. “Our work here honors those lives lost, both on 9/11 and the 23 years since. You all make a difference, and we continue to make a difference every day right here in 5th Fleet because we have been looking forward, remain looking forward, remain engaged, and most importantly, remain ready.”

Capt. Zachariah Aperauch, commanding officer, NSA Bahrain, explained the strategic significance of the installation in 2001, and how base personnel rose to the occasion to support increased operations in the region.

“This base transformed to the center of gravity in the war on terror; CENTCOM’s [Central Command] main operation base in the AOR [area of responsibility]. They didn’t have everything we have now, but what they had was something far more important; the unbreakable spirit to serve; to protect; to fight back, and to honor their duty,” said Aperauch. “Here, at one of the most strategically vital installations on the planet, we are called to stand the watch in times of uncertainty. Tensions are high, the stakes are great, and, just like on that day before, today may feel like any other day, but we know that tomorrow can change everything.”

Aperauch reflected on the heart and grit of first responders and military personnel in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, and how we should strive to emulate their courage and determination.

“This day isn’t just about remembering what we lost; it’s about remembering what we found,” said Aperauch. “Our sense of duty, our commitment to each other, our unwavering resolve to never forget. So today, let’s recommit ourselves to that same spirit of service and sacrifice. Let us honor the memory of those we lost by ensuring we are always prepared to defend what is right and just. And let us never forget the price of our freedom.”

NSA Bahrain’s mission is to support U.S. and coalition maritime operations throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations by providing security for ships, aircraft and tenants on board NSA Bahrain and assigned detachments. NSA Bahrain provides efficient and effective shore services to sustain the fleet, enable the fighter and support the family with honor, courage and commitment.

Source: United States Navy

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM — The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) held a change of command ceremony in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, August 29.

Capt. Bryan E. Geisert relieved Capt. Adam G. Cheatham as the commanding officer aboard Shiloh. Cheatham assumed command of Shiloh in October 2021. His next tour will be at Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific.

Geisert’s sea duty tours include USS Milius (DDG 69), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), USS George Washington (CVN 73), and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) where he was awarded the Commander, Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 21 Junior Officer Award for Excellence in Tactics. Most recently, he commanded the USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108). His shore duties include J5 planner for the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps and the chief of staff at the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) in Little Creek, Virginia.

“I am humbled and honored to be the 19th Commanding Officer of USS Shiloh,” said Geiser. “Your professionalism, teamwork, warfighting prowess, your experiences coming together as a team is truly impressive; and I am very fired up to be part of it.”

“It is truly an honor to have served as captain of this amazing warship for the past 34 months,” said Cheatham. “You have spent a tremendous amount of blood and sweat because you executed the extraordinary task of keeping this 32 year-old ship operational, yet you remained strong. That strength is an embodiment of this ship’s namesake. Like the soldiers of the Battle of Shiloh, it is only through the strength and hard work of you, the crew of Shiloh, that this ship has been as successful as it has been.”

Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific Capt. Joseph Ring also addressed the crew. “Shiloh is manned with some of the very best of America’s maritime streetfighters… Shiloh and her surface warriors, I hope, will be put onto the battlefield first because they will deliver,” he said. “For the last 34 months under Capt. Cheatham’s command, she operated in every body of water conducting various operations with great class, professionalism, and expertise.”

Ring told Cheatham, “You have taken great care of Shiloh and her crew and executed every mission, we are all so grateful for everything you’ve done. Congratulations on a very successful command of a cruiser.”

In 2022, from November to December, Shiloh escorted the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and again from June to August, in 2023. Shiloh also conducted missions in the Philippine Sea, Guam, Sea of Japan, South Pacific Sea in vicinity of Fiji, and in Hawaii Operational Area. These were multinational exercises strengthening relations and ensuring maritime stability and security in the region. In September of 2023, Shiloh successfully conducted a homeport shift to Hawaii, after being stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, for the past 17 years.

Shiloh is homeported in Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Shiloh is assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, a combat ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of its allies and partners in the region.

Source: United States Navy

NAS JRB FORT WORTH, TEXAS –A significant milestone in the modernization of the United States Air Force (USAF) Reserve Command (AFRC) was reached with the Military Construction (MILCON) of a new two- story squadron operations facility and simulator facility set to be complete fall, 2024 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) Fort Worth. This completed project will support the delivery of 5th generation fighters to the 301st Fighter Wing, the USAF AFRC first stand-alone F-35 wing.

This project, consisting of over 55,000 square feet of new facility space, required coordination of multiple groups involving subject matter experts, engineers, trades, and occupants.
Civil Engineer Corps, United States Navy, Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Division Director Lt. Isaac Leskowat provided, “The prime contractor on the project is Conti Federal Services, and oversight is provided by the Fort Worth Office of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Region Southeast. The USAF Reserve 301st Fighter Wing will be the end users of the facility. Also coordinating with multiple other agencies and offices for facility commissioning, ensuring specification and environmental compliance, as well as coordinating simulator installation with Lockheed Martin’s team. There are more teams involved with the project to include the USAF program transition team that oversees the transition from the F-16 to the F-35. Coordination has been a critical piece of this project.”

The construction project began with the development and requirement for design back in 2016. It was then awarded in September 2021 which involved the demolition of existing structures and the construction of the new facility space. Along with any construction project, challenges emerge.

“Every day is a challenge in construction, but it’s about how you approach those challenges, and who you have in your corner on your team to address and overcome those challenges. The project started out with demolition of existing facilities and was immediately besieged by geotechnical issues and delays. Since then, the project team has overcome every manner of circumstance from severe weather damages, implementing enhanced security postures, overcoming design and construction conflicts, and managing schedules to mitigate mission impacts,” said Leskowat.
The new facility will provide the 301st Fighter Wing with the necessary infrastructure to support the F-35 mission. The squadron operations facility will serve as the command and control center for the wing, while the simulator facility will provide pilots with the opportunity to train on the F-35 in a realistic simulated environment.

Upon the completion of this project, Leskowat shared his thoughts on what it does for the base and our community.
“This demonstrates the continual development of the capabilities at NAS JRB Fort Worth and truly highlights the relationship of the joint DOD tenants that make us successful day in and day out,” Leskowat commented. “The personnel that come to work at the base, and the reservists who dedicate their time to serve their community, state, and nation are members of the community right here in Fort Worth, as well as surrounding areas. It is a great opportunity and privilege to ensure the highest level of combat readiness through the deployment of the F-35 and the development of the necessary competencies and proficiencies that follow.”

NAS JRB Fort Worth is the first and finest joint reserve base, known for training and equipping air crews and aviation ground support personnel, while supporting missions such as airlift, aerial refueling, and global mobility, making it an integral part of national defense infrastructure.

Source: United States Navy

SOUDA BAY, Greece – USS New York (LPD 21) is the fifth ship of the United States Navy to bear the name New York. Designed to transport and land Marines, equipment and supplies, the ship is equipped to operate in high-density and multi-threat environments, either independently or as a key member of an amphibious readiness group. New York is a multi-mission warship capable of conducting a wide range of operations, including ship-to-shore and air missions.

New York was the first of three U.S. Navy ships built to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. USS Arlington (LPD 24) and USS Somerset (LPD 25) are the other two San Antonio-class ships built to serve as living memorials.

In September 2003, 7.5 tons of steel recovered from Ground Zero were melted down and forged into the New York’s bow stem, embedding the DNA of the 2,977 victims into the heart of the vessel. The ship’s interior is adorned with murals, posters and patches that serve as reminders of that tragic day, allowing the crew moments to pause and reflect on the ship’s profound connection to 9/11.

“Every ship in the Navy has an important namesake,” said Capt. Benjamin W. Oakes, commanding officer of USS New York. “However, the relationship this ship has with the state of New York, New Yorkers, first responders – past and present – survivors, victims’ families, and the events of 9/11 make New York special. There is an increased sense of purpose here. This ship and its legacy continue to inspire each crew to rise to the highest level of performance. Every Sailor and Marine wants to be at their best here.”

Lt. Jason Moore, chaplain representative of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operations Capable (SOC), along with Lt. Camea Baksh, provides spiritual support to the Sailors and Marines aboard New York. When at sea, they carry on a daily tradition of reading a short epitaph of a 9/11 victim before the evening prayer broadcasted over the ship’s public address system. These spoken memorials share not only the victim’s biographical details but also their interests, passions and personal stories.

“I enjoy reading these stories because they remind me why we serve and what this ship represents,” said Moore. “The events of that day had a profound effect on our country and my generation in particular. When I joined the Marine Corps, 9/11 was front and center in our minds.”

To honor the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the Damage Control “Flying Squad,” which is a team made up of the ship’s first responders to casualties, and the 2025 fiscal year Chief selectees will lead a ramp “climb” walk, representing the 110 flights of stairs that New York City firefighters ascended during rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. Additionally, a new mural commemorating 9/11 will be unveiled to the commanding officer and crew to honor the lives lost on that fateful day.

“On 9/11, first responders ran full force towards the threat ,” said Oakes. “This same sense of purpose exists in our commitment to our duties. As the nation’s 9/11 ship, with the global 9-1-1 force embarked onboard, this crew is ready to answer any call and sail bow-first into danger. This ship and her crew embody the same resilience, grit, and determination as the first responders and those who have fought for our freedom and democracy for over 250 years.”

While operating in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) area of responsibility, USS New York supports U.S., Allied, and partner interests, including in the Eastern Mediterranean, to promote regional stability and deter aggression. The presence of the integrated Navy-Marine Corps team aboard New York provides flexibility and enhanced capability to both NAVEUR-NAVAF and U.S. 6th Fleet.

USS New York departed Norfolk, Virginia, on May 22, 2024, for a scheduled deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations.

The Wasp Amphibious Ready Group consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), USS New York, Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), and the embarked 24th MEU SOC.

Source: United States Navy

SAN DIEGO (August 16, 2024) After being closed for nearly two years due to a drydocking selected restricted availability (DSRA) maintenance period, the main gym aboard amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) reopened, August 16, 2024.

From floor repairs to new equipment, a new gym onboard Essex has been a long time coming. At the beginning of the gym project, when the old, worn-out gym equipment and floor mats were removed, it was discovered that the gym flooring was corroded and floor repairs became the main priority.

“The deck was super corroded in two areas, on the starboard (right) side and in the middle of the gym,” said Sara Krise, Essex’s afloat recreation specialist, or more commonly known as Fun Boss.

Fun bosses run the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs on ships and are responsible for the programming of recreational events, sports and special events and activities for military personnel serving at sea to help reduce the stress of deployment and improve morale. One major MWR program is the gym.

With a high quality and well-maintained space a primary concern, said Krise, it was important that proper maintenance be performed before any new floor mats and gym equipment were brought in; which meant that the entire floor needed to be properly sanded and painted.

Unfortunately, due to a rushed deadline, paint not drying correctly and the wet paint accidentally being walked on, a month’s worth of floor repairs needed to be done twice. In the Navy, something as simple as painting a floor takes a lot more steps than simply paint-to-floor. Between finding volunteers to help, coordinating the closing of specific spaces on the ship and getting approval for cold-work (painting) so that it doesn’t interfere with hot-work (welding), a month’s worth of work took about four months, according to Master at Arms 1st Class Michael Norval, who graciously volunteered his time to help.

According to Krise, Norval wasn’t originally involved with the work in the gym. When it became apparent that the floors in the gym needed to be redone, she reached out to the Security department simply because they own the space.

“MA1 Norval did an amazing job at ensuring the deck was resanded and repainted,” said Krise. “He sort of, just, took it upon himself to make sure the work got done, which was fantastic.”

Norval recruited two Sailors specifically to help, Operations Specialist 3rd Class Yajaira Espinoza Soto and Airman Mika Dotterweich.

“I asked these two Sailors to help out because they are the most motivated and reliable and they have a similar drive as I do to make sure the job gets done,” said Norval.

Espinoza Soto and Dotterweich are currently assigned to security as part of in-port security forces (ISF), where their primary responsibility is armed watch standing to protect the ship and their fellow Sailors. All of the assistance they provided was performed during their breaks in-between watches.

“It really wasn’t much of a bother, you just have to take initiative and work together as a team,” said Espinoza Soto.

Dotterweich had much of the same sentiment.

“If you’re coming into work, you’re going to be working no matter what,” said Dotterweich. “I’d rather be helping someone out during my off time, plus, it helps the time go by faster.”

An upgrade of about $170,000 in new gym equipment and about $200,000 in new floor mats is no small feat. Lt. j. g. Jonathan Contreras, who helped with the MWR program, assessed the equipment needs of the gym and placed the order for the new equipment through Deployed Forces Support Program (DFS), Krise coordinated with Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) to ensure a crane was available to assist with the onload of the new gym equipment while also working with Capt. Russell Everitt, executive officer of Essex and Master Chief Charles Parker, command master chief of Essex, to coordinate ship’s personnel to assist with bringing on the new equipment.

The onload and placement of the new gym mats would have taken the MWR team 36 hours to complete, according to Chief Air Traffic Controlman Erin Gladwin, MWR’s “Fun Chief” onboard Essex.

When the duty section of the day pitched in to help, that was cut down to only a two-hour working party. In addition, NAVSUP was able to crane all of the new gym equipment from the pier to the flight deck of the ship, and volunteers of the ship’s crew hand-carried it down to the hangar bay and up two flights of stairs to the gym.

“It took a lot of teamwork from junior enlisted all the way up the ranks to senior officers to get the gym ready at the level it was completed at. Even though it wasn’t mandatory, a lot of people took time out of their schedule to make it happen,” said Gladwin.

Krise has enjoyed revamping the ship’s gym and aspires to make it custom to Essex.

“My intent with the gym is to make it one-of-a-kind,” says Krise. “While gyms are all kind of the same, I want to make it custom-tuned to the Essex with the best equipment and best placement of everything.”

In the future, Krise plans to order additional equipment to continue filling out the available space in the gym. She is also considering the idea of having a few “mini gyms” around the ship, dependent on approval from departments who own specific spaces, to allow for even more opportunities for Sailors to get a quick workout in.

Now that the gym is open, Krise is already planning events such as an “Aloha Challenge”, which runs from September 9 to September 30 and encourages Sailors to run, row or bike 25.21 miles to win a prize, mirroring the fact that Hawaii is 2,521 miles away from San Diego. She also plans to initiate “1,000 Pound Clubs” and other events to encourage camaraderie with fellow shipmates and to help Sailors feel proud of the gym.

For Norval, the gym is one of the most important departments of the ship and it means a lot to the crew as a whole to have the gym open again.

“The two most important departments that I see, that are kind of the heart of the ship, are the galley and the gym. The galley is the left ventricle and the gym is the right ventricle; and I love this ship. I love every Sailor on this ship. I think that they’re all excited for this and that the opening of the gym will increase morale,” said Norval.

Essex is home ported in San Diego conducting a maintenance period to upgrade and refurbish many key systems aboard.

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