Category: United States Navy

Source: United States Navy

In addition to meeting with the ship’s senior leadership and medical team, the Secretary held group discussions with crew members broken up by rank, while the CNO walked the ship’s spaces to speak with Sailors and observe the work and living conditions as the ship continues its Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH).

“Our goal today is very simple, we want to hear firsthand, from everyone on board the challenges they are facing,” said Del Toro. “I’ve had several conversations with both the Secretary of Defense and the Deputy Secretary and we all know this is hard and want to make it better. We want the crew’s feedback and recommendations so we can continue to take immediate actions to improve their quality of life and the availability of mental health care services.”

The visit by two of the Department’s top leaders comes after the recent deaths of service members assigned to USS George Washington (CVN 73). The circumstances surrounding these incidents vary and some incidents remain under investigation.

“There is no treatment or prevention if we can’t openly speak about our struggles and stresses,” said Gilday. “When someone needs help, we must get them help without judgment or hesitancy.”

While talking to crewmembers, the Secretary and CNO both stressed the importance of Sailors on the deck plate looking out for and taking care of each other.

“In the most positive sense of the word, we need to be good Shipmates,” Del Toro said. “When you notice someone in your division or work center starting to act different or something just isn’t right with them, don’t be afraid to say something directly to them or to get someone from the medical or resilience team involved as soon as possible. We sometimes call that ‘invasive leadership,’ but I think a better term is involved leadership.”

Despite recent challenges, both leaders were impressed by the professionalism, enthusiasm, team work, and involvement to get USS George Washington (CVN 73) back out to sea.

Following the deaths, the Department of the Navy, led by U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic (CNAL) implemented a number of immediate responses to alleviate hardships, improve the quality of life, and provide more mental health care assistance. In mid-April, the Navy deployed a rapid deployable Special Psychiatric Rapid Intervention Team (SPRINT) team designed to provide short term mental health assistance. The ship also now has a licensed clinical social worker serving as the deployed resiliency counselor (DRC); and an organic Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Team (ASIST), comprised of Sailors who are equipped to act as “first responders” to a person at risk. Since May 12, off-ship berthing accommodations were made for all Sailors who lived onboard, with nearly 300 moving to off of the ship. Other initiatives being pursued include: cell repeaters in the skin of the ship, wireless internet, and better Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program (MWR) support for off-duty Sailors.  

“While the CNO and I both acknowledge these are steps in the right direction, we know there is more we – Big Navy – can do to support you. And we are prepared to do that,” Del Toro said. “We want to ensure no one else feels as if their only option is to take their own life.”

“Depression is a killing disease and we must continue to do more,” Gilday added. “I share in your sorrow and loss, together let the remembrance of those our Navy has lost to the tragedy of suicide, fuel our drive and dedication to increase mental health awareness and support.”

Source: United States Navy

Good Morning! Is that the best you can do? I said good morning!

That’s better. What a beautiful setting for this. And its great to be back. I earned a Masters in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University so this is special for me.

President Wrighton, President Garvey, Provost Bracey, Vice Admiral Williams, and Captain Meyers, thanks for inviting me to join you on this special day.

I also thank the many senior Navy and Marine Corps leaders who have joined us.

Let me extend a special warm welcome and thank you to the families here today.

Thank you for molding such fine young women and men into patriots ready to serve their country.

You have instilled in them the core values they will need to succeed as Sailors, Marines, and lifelong community leaders.

Among these values are discipline, skill, passion, and commitment.

When your son or daughter, sister or brother, takes that oath today, you should feel proud of them.

But you should also be proud of yourselves. And our Nation is proud of you all.

Finally, let me thank the rising Second Lieutenants and Ensigns for your decision to serve our country.

Soon, you will be entrusted with the responsibility to lead Sailors and Marines.

You will be called upon to make hard decisions, to demonstrate leadership, and to think strategically.

Above all, you will become part of something far greater than yourselves.

The moment you take your oath, you will become a link in the sacred chain of service.

It is a chain that has protected this nation, and unified our spirit, since the earliest days of the republic.

I took my oath nearly 40 years ago, and it remains among the best decisions of my life.

I could not imagine the challenges and opportunities that would lay in front of me.

My earliest duty stations put many tools in my leadership kit, ones that I rely upon to this day.

I learned the importance of listening to my people, particularly my non-commissioned officers.

You must do the same. Be humble and inquisitive, always ready to learn, and willing to listen.

Give your people the opportunity and motivation to share their ideas and concerns.

They’ll let you know about problems, and solutions, long before you discover them for yourself.

You must lead with empathy. Look out for your people, and their families.

Speak up if you see them facing quality of life or career challenges. Make sure they get the care they need – including mental health care.

That applies to each of you, as well. Seeking out care for your mental health is a sign of strength, maturity, and leading by example.

Leading by example also means speaking up in the face of destructive behaviors like racism, sexism, and homophobia.

Everyday disrespects, like derogatory nicknames and insulting jokes, can have major consequences.

Studies have proven that organizations which tolerate sexual harassment have an increased risk for sexual assault.

It is your job to speak up. It is your responsibility to take action. Be a leader, not a bystander.

Leadership is the primary currency of military life. It is at the heart of all that we do.

You must lead with integrity in every aspect of your service, whether anyone is looking or not.

Build your team on a common vision, and unity of purpose – just as you’ve done right here in this unit.

You come from across the country, from different races, religions, orientations, and genders.

You are Bisons. Cardinals. Colonials. And Hoyas.

But as of today, you are all Naval Officers.

President Jefferson, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, set the precedent that our officer corps does not belong to one party or viewpoint.

America is stronger when we serve as one.

That’s why one of my highest priorities as Secretary of the Navy is to foster a culture of warfighting excellence, founded on strong leadership, dignity, and respect for each other.

To protect our Nation and the values we hold dear, we must recruit, retain, equip, and promote the best of all of America.

We need a diverse Navy and Marine Corps today, so every child in America can see themselves wearing the uniform tomorrow.

This weekend, I had the honor of commissioning a ship named for Lieutenant General Frank Petersen.

He was the first African American Marine Aviator – and the first African American General.

He persevered in the face of discrimination, blazing a trail for others to follow, and served with distinction in the skies over Korea and Vietnam.

He served our nation for 38 years, and helped transform our Marine Corps, always taking the time to mentor the generations who followed.

He was also, I should add, a graduate of George Washington University.

The principal speaker at this ceremony was Carlos Campbell, an African American Naval Aviator, and a former Assistant Secretary of Commerce.

And he is a graduate of Catholic University!

You have many great leaders to follow, and many great examples to emulate.

But don’t just follow in their footsteps.

Create your own journeys, and fulfill your destiny as the best and the brightest that the Navy and Marine Corps have to offer.

When I took the oath in 1983, Secretary of the Navy John Lehman told us, “Work within the Navy system, but don’t give away your essential self, your individuality, your daring.”

I remember shaking the Secretary’s hand, but I couldn’t have known what was going through his mind.

Now, I think I do. I think he felt immense pride, knowing he was handing off a sacred legacy to the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders.

Officers who stood where you stand today have gone on to become Admirals, Generals, and battle tested veterans.

The legacy you join includes national leaders, and extraordinary members of the civilian community.

Every one of them stepped forward and took the same oath.

Every one of them was in some way or other tested against that oath. As you will surely be as well.

Always live up to your commitment.

Remember what brought you here, and who brought you here, because that will determine everything about where you go from here.

So congratulations to the class of 2022, and to your families. Welcome to the force and the fleet! Thank you.

Source: United States Navy

Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) mechanical engineer and team mentor Vincent “Vinny” Pecchia, P.E., of the Oceans Technical Department, and a team of students from across public and private institutions throughout Ventura County, joined forces for the 2021-2022 For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics Competition—an annual international high school-level robotics competition where teams are required to compete using their respective robot design, built from scratch over the course of two months.

Dubbed “a Varsity Sport for the Mind™”, the FIRST Robotics Competition combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. In its 31^st season, the FIRST Robotics Competition offers high-energy, high-tech spectator sporting where teams, professionals, and young people together solve engineering design problems through specific criteria in both an intense, yet competitive environment.

Kicking off in January, this year’s FIRST Robotics Competition stakes felt higher, as the occasion marked the beginning of the first large-scale competition in over three years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Ventura County FIRST Robotics Team, named Team 4414 HighTide of HighTide Robotics, was founded in 2018, with the goal of providing opportunities for high schools students around Ventura County to participate in a competitive and meaningful way through FIRST. Team sponsors include: The Lawrence Thomas Memorial Fund, Sessa MFG., Google, HAAS, Applied Powdercoat, and Texlon.

This year’s FIRST Robotics Competition theme—Rapid React presented by the Boeing Company—required the use of innovative engineering, creative thinking, and teamwork to reimagine the future of safe, high-speed travel, and lightning-fast deliveries to propel the next evolution of transportation forward. Comparatively, each robot had to pick up balls and shoot them into a goal, in addition to climbing a set of ascending monkey bars. Points were awarded to teams whose robots operated autonomously as programmed, shot more balls into the goals, and climbed more rungs during competition.

Team 4414 HighTide’s robot, named “Cutback”, references a surfer term used when a surfer changes direction with a turn, using their rails to go back towards the breaking part of the wave—a crucial maneuver required to enjoy the steepest part of the wave.

During the preparation portion of the season, Team 4414 HighTide met nearly 4 days or more a week, working countless late evenings prior to competition to ensure Cutback was ready to rival against its competitors. 

“The FIRST Robotics Competition is a very unique experience for our local high-school youth,” said Pecchia. “Students have the opportunity to obtain hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) experience, while mentors like myself get to share our love of science and engineering with the next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Beginning March 3-6, Team 4414 HighTide, competed at the FIRST Robotics Regional Competition at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme, CA, against 34 other teams. Out of the 35 teams competing, Team 4414 HighTide won the regional event and the “quality award”—an award that celebrates machine robustness in concept and fabrication. By achieving the quality award, Team 4414 High Tide was qualified to compete in the World Championships in Houston, TX in April.

One week later, on March 9-12, Team 4414 HighTide competed against 44 other teams in the second regional competition at Naval Base Ventura County. Success struck again where Team 4414 HighTide won the regional event and the “autonomous award”—an award given to a team that has demonstrated consistent, reliable, high performance robot operation during autonomously managed actions.

The following month, April 6 to 9, Team 4414 HighTide competed in the Aerospace Valley Regional against 35 teams. The Team won the regional event in Lancaster, CA and received the “industrial design award”—an award given to a team that demonstrates industrial design principles, striking a balance between form, function, and aesthetics.  After three exciting wins at three regional competitions, Team 4414 HighTide packed their bags, and joined 452 other teams in Houston for the World Championships.

The FIRST World Championship event took place on April 20-23 in Houston. Team 4414 HighTide was able to battle through and win the “Turing Division” and win the Quality Award, which allowed the team to move on to the final “Einstein Field” where teams competed against five other division winners. As the competition moved forward, Team 4414 HighTide continued to outperform their competitors, advancing them to the final event. After continuous dedication, Team 4414 HighTide put up a great fight and gave the crowd a series to remember as they lost the final competition match—a tough but close-scoring loss.

“This was my first year as a mentor, and because of this, I did not fully realize the magnitude of passion and dedication from the students until I saw them crying tears of joy for making it to the Einstein championship event. It was inspiring,” said Pecchia.

Throughout each competition, teams were required to describe their quality plan—for example, how their design ensures robustness throughout the entire competition. Each machine competing also demonstrated quality workmanship, job specific sub-systems, wiring, and aesthetic design aspects, among other things. During competition, each machine withstood the rigors of competition, which include maintaining functionality—including the use of risk mitigation measures. Overall, the collaborative effort of building the machine therein contributed to Team 4414 HighTide’s success.

Teams not only abided by strict measures during robot development, but were also challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, and hone teamwork skills, in addition to building an industrial-size robot to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors.

NAVFAC EXWC has been involved with FIRST for several years—this being the first year a team has made it all the way to the world championship division.
“When I was in school the education system had engineering flipped around; rather, you’d learn theory first then figure out how to put it into use later, permitting you had access to the needed equipment (something which rarely students did). Today, STEM and technology educators, and the education system at large have really turned this around! Students now have access to programmable microprocessors, open source computer-aided design, and other essential programs, not to mention a myriad of cheap parts where they can create whatever they desire only limited by their imaginations,” said Pecchia.

“Today, STEM programs are bridging a gap that was not prominent many years ago. Now, students have access to the equipment, and mentorship from seasoned engineers to cultivate a simple idea into a physical, working-end product,” said Pecchia.

Pecchia’s desire to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers is not out of the ordinary. In fact, this year alone, 2,859 veteran and 176 rookie teams, comprised of 80,000 students from 26 countries participated in this FIRST Robotics Competition festivities internationally.

“You can make a career working for the Department of Defense as a civilian,” said Pecchia. “Part of my mentorship extended beyond robotics, and rather, educating students about the opportunities available to them should they chose to pursue a career in STEM. The Navy and armed forces at large offer a variety of STEM-related career fields. In fact, commands like NAVFAC EXWC are actively recruiting students who study STEM right out of college.”

Students who participate in the FIRST Robotics Competition are eligible for roughly $100 million in scholarships each season. These scholarships are awarded on merit alone, and have nothing to do with how well a robot performs during the competition season.

Source: United States Navy

A U.S. Coast Guard interdiction team from USS Momsen (DDG 92) discovered the illegal narcotics during a flag verification boarding in accordance with international law. The confiscated drugs and fishing vessel remain in U.S. custody.

The vessel’s nine crew members identified themselves as Iranian nationals and will be transferred to a regional nation for repatriation.

Momsen was operating in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 150, one of four task forces under the Combined Maritime Forces. The international naval force has increased regional patrols to locate and disrupt unlawful maritime activity.

The vessel was interdicted while transiting international waters along a route historically used by criminal organizations to smuggle people, weapons, narcotics and charcoal. Crew members attempted to discard more than 60 bales of the seized drugs as Momsen approached.

CTF 150 has conducted nine successful drug seizures in 2022, resulting in the confiscation of heroin, methamphetamine, amphetamine pills and hashish worth a combined value of $130 million.

Combined Maritime Forces is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world. The organization includes 34 nations and is headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet.

Source: United States Navy

The training was led by EODMU 3 platoon 322 and consisted of IED identification training, hands-on shipboard drills searching for and responding to realistic IED components, a simulated low-light boarding utilizing an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter and tactically securing a vessel while coordinating with simulated sniper over-watches.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal 1st Class Zach Dorfman, one of the instructors involved, emphasized that the exercise was a great chance to meet face-to-face with the personnel aboard Mobile Bay and alongside HSC-14, to reinforce expertise on the integrated pre-planned responses to IEDs in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

“In the event that the Mobile Bay VBSS team comes across any sort of IED, our unit would get called in to observe and render the vessel safe,” Dorfman said. “We also work with our helicopter assets, in this case HSC-14, to both get us to that vessel and to keep us safe. During this exercise, we covered the whole process – the Mobile Bay VBSS team’s searching and responding procedures, our response after being called away and the MH-60S’s role in getting us there, covering us and getting us out.”

Ensign Brennen Means, the VBSS officer aboard Mobile Bay, highlighted that the event was a great opportunity to swap experiences between the three units, who each specialize in different, yet, in this case, intersecting warfare interests.

“This experience and training further strengthened our relationship and competency with the other units and was valuable for our VBSS team,” Means said. “Having these shared drilling experiences better prepares all of us in the response to illicit cargo, and Sailors in the 7th Fleet area of operations will continue to do outstanding work because of them.”

EODMU 3 platoon 322 is currently embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Sailors attached to this unit are tasked with responding to reports of IEDs from any of the ship’s VBSS teams conducting MIOs in the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, including Mobile Bay.

Sailors interested in participating in shipboard VBSS teams are required to obtain a number of anti-terrorism force protection (ATFP) qualifications before they can apply to become team members. Sailors involved in VBSS aboard Mobile Bay are designated as members of the team in addition to maintaining sustained superior performance in the tasking given to them as part of their designated rate or job.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.