Category: United States Navy

Source: United States Navy

Under an interagency-approved flushing and sampling plan, the Navy water system is now in a two-year period of LTM. This includes testing about 6,000 more samples from roughly 55% of residences and other facilities on the system for more than 60 different contaminants.

“Our actions are focused on the health and safety of our people and our community – that is my highest priority,” said Rear Adm. Tim Kott, commander, Navy Region Hawaii. “By conducting long-term monitoring efforts, we are ensuring that our water remains safe. We have been able to make great progress thanks to the collaboration and hard work with many partners, and with the help of our community. We appreciate the continued working relationship with the Hawaii Department of Health as we review sampling results and act on any findings.”

Under the plan, the Navy is sampling 5% of homes and other buildings in each zone of the Navy water system for the first three months after the DOH amended that zone’s health advisory (a total of 15% in each zone after three months). After that, 40% of all homes and other buildings on the system will be sampled over the following 21 months. All schools, child development, and medical centers will be sampled regularly during both phases of the plan.

Sampling locations for homes in each zone are chosen as a geographic representation of the zone, based on their location on the neighborhood distribution system. Different homes will be chosen during each phase to provide a good geographic spatial representation of homes sampled.

A Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Hawaii representative contacts residents of homes selected for sampling to schedule an appointment at the resident’s earliest convenience. The sampling process takes about an hour.

When the sample team arrives at the home, they explain the long-term monitoring process and answer any questions, then proceed to the sampling faucet, typically the one highest and farthest from where water enters the home. The sample team takes several field measurements to account for some general conditions in the home. The team collects four one-liter bottles for lab analysis on the mainland.

It typically takes two to three weeks for final results. All results are validated to state and federal drinking water requirements, including the incident-specific parameters (ISPs) set by the DOH for the Navy water system.

Validated testing results will be posted to the Safe Waters website at: https://jbphh-safewaters.org.

Sample results are generally categorized as non-detect, detect, or exceed. If a sample exceeds action levels for contaminants, the resident or building point of contact will be personally notified.

“This is a very large undertaking, and my staff and I remain committed to conducting this effort in coordination with the DOH to ensure that we are continually providing safe drinking water for all users of our water system,” said Capt. Gordie Meyer, commanding officer of NAVFAC Hawaii. “We will immediately act on any validated sampling exceedances, coordinating with the DOH to determine the best course of action. We will continue to meet the incident-specific parameters — which are more health-protective than drinking water regulated standard levels — that are in place to verify that the water in our system remains safe for all uses.”

“The added level of safety that these ISPs offer also means that we may be working with our residents and tenants to conduct follow-up sampling and remedial actions,” added Meyer. “I regret that this may cause some additional disruption, but we are committed to doing this right and restoring trust in the Navy water system from the Navy’s Waiawa well, which is routinely monitored to ensure our water source and distribution system is safely providing water to our consumers. We will continue to work with regulators and our partners at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure that water from the Navy water system remains safe for all uses.”

For more information on these actions, go to the news section of http://www.navy.mil/jointbasewater.

For more information on long-term monitoring of the Navy water system, go to https://jbphh-safewaters.org.

Source: United States Navy

The blue-green teams of the Navy and Marine Corps expeditionary forces from Navy Cargo Handling Battalion EIGHT (NCHB-8) expeditionary fuels team and Marine Corps 6^th Engineer Support Battalion Bulk Fuels Team, joined up at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, to integrate and train in coordination to focus on a concept of employment experimentation with the Expeditionary Fuel Dispensing System–Small (EFDS-S).

“We’re here to have our Sailors get their hands on the equipment, and we have some experience with this setup. We have subject matter experts here that can help with training to rapidly deploy this and to be able to move it around quickly,” said Lt. Frank Peterson, NCHB-8 Expeditionary Fuels Company. “It’s a good opportunity for us to work together, where we can see things that the Marines are doing, and that we can incorporate into our processes and vice versa. As well as future missions that may require us to work closely together and this is an opportunity to work out any kinks with that integrated structure.”

Exercises like this demonstrate the interoperability of our forces, as well as the ability our units have to integrate with other services, reinforcing a culture of learning and increasing our warfighting readiness.

“For us, it shows us how the marines set up their bulk fuels systems, essentially, we do the same exact thing, it gives us a different perspective of how another branch does what we do. It defiantly helps us get lessons learned,” said Operations Specialist 1^st Class Harry Carney, NCHB-8 Expeditionary Fuels Company. “After a while, it shows that we can work with other branches and do the exact same thing and get the job done.”

The expeditionary forces of the Navy and Marine Corps train no matter what the weather conditions are and in austere environments like this weekend with rain and snow, is no different. Training in bulk fuels and sleeping in tents is another weekend for these Sailors and Marines.

“Coming from a ship it’s defiantly a lot different, working in an austere environment of rain and snow is an experience you need. Working in bulk fuels is different anyway, so it’s a good way to open your eyes with these experiences, especially as an operations specialist,” said Carney.

The U.S. Navy’s ability to conduct integrated operations around the globe across the full spectrum of military operations is a core requirement for maintaining maritime superiority during this era of strategic competition.

Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group (NAVELSG) provides dynamic logistics support to the joint force across the spectrum of conflict from peacetime support to major combat operations. NAVELSG rearms, refuels, and resupplies the fleet when and where needed to reinforce maritime lethality and support the Navy Expeditionary Combat Force efforts to CLEAR, SECURE, BUILD, and PROTECT in the littorals.

For more news from Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, visit www.dvidshub.net/NAVELSG or www.necc.usff.navy.mil/navelsg. You can also find us on social media at https://facebook.com/Navelsg/, https://linkedin.com/company/navelsg, https://instagram.com/navelsg

Source: United States Navy

“Because it’s all of us,” said one student, responding to the purple color question.

“Japan, Florida, California, and Silverdale,” were shared as replies to the second query.

“My dad came back once from deployment with a moustache and we said he could keep it,” stated another pupil.

Those exchanges and more came from military children attending Burley Glenwood Elementary in Port Orchard, Washington. They were recognized and feted in conjunction with April being Month of the Military Child, by Capt. Patrick Fitzpatrick, Naval Hospital Bremerton director and Navy Medicine Readiness Training Command Bremerton commanding officer on April 15, 2022.

Fitzpatrick explained to his young audience that there are specific qualities that each military child can be justifiably proud.

“Military kids are adaptable. You’ve had to move, change schools and live in all those other places. You learn to adjust. How many have moved?” asked Fitzpatrick.

Raised hands indicated such was the case for all attendees.

“You know what else military kids like us are? We’re smart. We know more than school. We know about life,” Fitzpatrick said.

“Military kids are also mature. You have responsibilities that other kids may not have,” added Fitzpatrick. “We’re also team players. We understand how to get to know others.”

“But what’s really unique about us is living in all these other places, we’re really good at geography. We know where places like Hawaii, Japan, and Italy are,” said Fitzpatrick.

“My dad recently went to Poland. That’s next to Germany,” declared another classmate.

“You all are really special. I know personally. I’m a military kid, too,” remarked Fitzpatrick. “I wanted to come meet and talk with you and thank you for your service. Because each one of you also serve. You’re a great help to your mom and dad. When I went on deployment, what kept me going was knowing that you were home. You were there also serving, in your way. Thank you for being such great kids.”

Each student was provided with a goody bag filled with Month of Military Child themed mementoes and presented with a commanding officer coin.

They also were awarded with individual Awesome Kid Award certificate, which read in part, “in recognition of your support to your family and the United States military, you’ve been selected as an awesome military kid! We are so proud of you and how you represent military kids all across the world. You’re pretty awesome and we thought you should know!”

The Military Health System compiled a list of references in regards to assisting parents – as well as others – help their military child move on from the past two years of pandemic-altering norm, and adapt to a relatively new routine:
• The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted all of our lives in many ways, including children.
• Many children have lost caregivers, family members or other loved ones to COVID-19, and all of them have missed out on aspects of normal childhood, like social opportunities, school, milestones, activities and more.
• The pandemic increased stress on everyone. For children, increased stress often contributes to behavioral health challenges.
• Communication is key to helping children of nearly all ages.
• Encourage children to share their worries or anxieties with you.
• Answer questions honestly and simply.
• Pay close attention to changes in your child’s behavior or willingness to communicate with you.
• Helping children process grief can be challenging, but it is important for their emotional health and well-being to talk openly and honestly.
• Explain the circumstances causing loss.
• Answer their questions as best as you can.
• Offer reassurance.
• Be patient. Every child processes grief and loss at their own pace.
• Maintaining structure and routine can help children find comfort and stability in times of loss and disruption.
• Routine also gives children something to look forward to and feel normal.
• Many of the hardships and losses that children have experienced during the pandemic will come to an end.
• Remind them that the challenges are temporary, and they can look forward to resuming many activities as the pandemic moves into a new phase.
• Be open about how the rules for staying safe have changed, and may continue to change.
• Some rules for staying safe remain consistent – hand washing, cover nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, don’t share food, and stay home when you feel sick.
• Rules also can vary by community. Explain the rules for your local community.
• Help children understand that some people remain at higher risk from COVID-19 and may still choose to wear masks.
• Proactively engage with your children to set expectations about moving to the new phase of the pandemic, and returning to something closer to normal life. When you talk to them:
o Stay Positive about the long-term outcome
o Stay Honest about the challenge
o Stay Active with sports and clubs
o Stay Scheduled with a flexible routine
o Stay Connected to the community with social activities
o Stay Informed about what is happening in your community
o Stay Safe by getting vaccines, washing hands, and staying home when sick

Source: United States Navy

Detroit Navy Week will feature in-person demonstrations, performances, and engagements throughout the week that will include:

• Senior Navy Leaders – Flag officer and senior civilian Navy leaders with ties to Detroit and the surrounding area.
• Namesake Sailors – Sailors serving on the littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7), and the Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727).
• Navy Band Great Lakes – Performances and masterclasses with Navy Musicians.
• Naval History and Heritage Command – Educational presentations and lesson plans about the deep ties between Michigan and the Navy. 
• USS Constitution – Demonstrations about the oldest commissioned ship in the Navy. 
• U.S. Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combat Craft Crew – Demonstrations and Static displays. 
• U.S. Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command – Educational presentation on the importance of atmospheric and oceanographic science and the overall value of STEM education to the Navy.

Detroit was selected by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) as one of 14 locations for the 2022 Navy Week program. The Navy plans to return to the Motor City this summer following visits in 2017 for the commissioning of the littoral combat ship USS Detroit, and in 2015 for Detroit Navy Week.

“We are very excited to bring Navy Week to Detroit,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. John Fage. “Navy Weeks give us the opportunity to help connect Americans to their Navy. We are looking forward to safely and responsibly building those connections in the Detroit area and showing everyone why their Navy is so important.”

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort to regions without a significant Navy presence, with over 250 Navy Weeks held in more than 80 different U.S. markets.

“We coordinate about 75 outreach events during a Navy Week,” said NAVCO Navy Week program manager Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Chambers. “Outreach events range from corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service and youth engagements. We’re excited about this year’s schedule as it allows us to visit new markets as well as return visits to cities like Detroit.”

Every Sailor selected to participate in Detroit Navy Week, except those with an approved waiver for health or religious reasons, will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

The Navy Office of Community Outreach is working closely with community partners in Detroit and is carefully monitoring guidance from public health officials to ensure a safe event. Navy Weeks have been conducted virtually since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and have recently been brought back as in-person events.

For more information on 2022 Navy Weeks, visit http://outreach.navy.mil. For more information on Detroit Navy Week, visit https://www.outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks-2022/Detroit-2022/ or contact Ensign Andrew Johnson at (205) 283-7592 or andrew.l.johnson4.mil@us.navy.mil.

Source: United States Navy

The award, for fiscal year 2021, which runs Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, recognizes the overall quality of the many innovative programs managed by Division Newport’s Safety and Occupational Health Branch of the Corporate Operations Department, including compliance to safety and health standards and proactive mishap prevention efforts. 

Through a comprehensive safety program, Division Newport holds an outstanding record of achievement, due in great part to the diligence and innovative measures taken by the Safety Branch to provide a safe and healthful environment for all employees. 

The award-winning team is comprised of acting branch head, Dennis Tierney, a resident of Narragansett, Rhode Island; Camie Graley of Carolina, Rhode Island; Kenneth Hupf of South Kingstown, Rhode Island; Warren VanVelzer of Newport, Rhode Island; Joseph Johnson and Cody Thomas, both of Tiverton, Rhode Island; nurse Deborah Jones and Elizabeth Servant, both of Middletown, Rhode Island; John Mackun of Wrentham, Massachusetts; and Augustine Razo of Stuart, Florida. Retired employees Carol Bernier, former branch head, of Westport, Massachusetts; Sue Clarke of Middletown, Rhode Island; and Mike Kalwak of Exeter, Rhode Island, were also honored for their team efforts.

In 2021, the Safety Branch consistently educated the workforce by producing 25 articles, sharing safety tips through all-hands notices, delivering safety briefs and posting important messages on digital signage throughout Division Newport’s campus.

“The team’s proactive efforts have resulted in a safer workplace, as reflected in a downward trend in injuries,” the award states. “As a result, Division Newport continues to be a safe environment for all.” 
The team will receive a plaque and be recognized at a future ceremony.

NUWC Division Newport is a shore command of the U.S. Navy within the Naval Sea Systems Command, which engineers, builds and supports America’s fleet of ships and combat systems. NUWC Newport provides research, development, test and evaluation, engineering and fleet support for submarines, autonomous underwater systems, undersea offensive and defensive weapons systems, and countermeasures associated with undersea warfare.

NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Chad Hennings, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher’s Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.