Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Türkiye navy Rear Adm. Rustu Sezer turned over command of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 to Pakistan navy Commodore Sohail Azmie.

Since assuming command in July, Sezer oversaw ships supporting the task force as they conducted multinational exercises to hone skills and promote transnational relationships. Ships also routinely conducted maritime patrols in the Gulf of Aden to directly suppress piracy outside territorial waters of coastal states, in coordination with the European Union Naval Force.

This was Türkiye’s seventh time in command of CTF 151.

Sezer thanked the many nations that take part in counter-piracy operations, particularly Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Pakistan, for their contributions.

“The main objective was not only deter, suppress and disturb piracy, but also maintain effective and meaningful coordination with the other counterpiracy task forces, regional partners and nations to ensure efficient use of assets and information sharing,” Sezer said. “We have been in close cooperation and sharing information to increase the effectiveness of our counterpiracy operation.”

Vice Adm. George Wikoff, commander of Combined Maritime Forces, thanked Sezer for continuing to move CTF 151 forward in supporting the task force and CMF mission.

“The challenge was clear: disrupt illicit activities, create a safer maritime domain and foster cooperation amongst the key stakeholders, and to that end, you’ve achieved all those objectives,” Wikoff said of Sezer’s tenure in command. “CTF 151 took significant step towards forwarding regional cooperation, reflecting the absolute requirement for us to combine effects to counter the maritime threats. Moving forward, we will maintain our resolute focus on maritime security, and thanks to leaders like Commodores Sezer, we remain engaged and fully mission capable.”

Calling him, “the right leader at the right time,” Wikoff expressed confidence in Azmie’s experience as a surface warfare officer. He also noted Pakistan’s strong record of leading CMF task forces.

“As most of you know, it was a week ago that the Pakistan Navy relinquished command and Task Force 150, here we are today, welcoming another senior Pakistan Navy leader to command a CMF Task Force. Pakistan’s dedication to regional security is exemplified by its willingness to demonstrate consistent leadership within the CMF,” Wikoff said.

This will be Pakistan’s eleventh time in command of CTF 151.

“We believe there exists a maritime cooperative continuum. At one end of it is the independent deployment of assets while remaining open to what Robert Kaplan says, is ‘plug-and-play’ maritime security architecture, and on the other end is the contribution towards multi-lateral constructs such as the CMF, where one aligns with the partners and allies for collective good,” Azmie said. “Our focus would be to work together with the partner nations, other commands and maritime organizations for accomplishing CMF and CTF 151 missions.”

CTF 151 was established as a multinational task force in January 2009, and is one of five operational task forces under CMF. In conjunction with the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), and together with independently deployed naval ships, CTF 151 helps to patrol the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor.

CMF’s other task forces include CTF 150, which conducts maritime security operations outside the Arabian Gulf against threats from no-state actors; CTF 152, dedicated to maritime security in the Arabian Gulf; CTF 153, providing maritime security in the Red Sea; and CTF 154, which delivers maritime training.

CMF headquartered in Bahrain with U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet, is the largest multinational naval partnership in the world, with 46 nations committed to upholding the international rules-based order at sea. It promotes security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Source: United States Navy

“We listened to feedback from commanders that it was time to adjust the funding to better align with inflation and current costs,” said Lisa Sexauer, director of CNIC’s Fleet Readiness division, which oversees Navy Morale, Welfare & Readiness (MWR). “By raising the unit recreation funds, we’re giving commanding officers more flexibility to address the immediate needs of their Sailors and enhance morale, unit culture, cohesion, and camaraderie.” 

The increased funding applies to Navy Regions, installations, and tenant commands assigned to Navy installations for more than 30 days. Mobile units are eligible for funding only during the periods aboard the installation. This increase does not apply to shipboard afloat commands, as their recreation funds are managed under separate policies.

Unit recreation funds can be used for command-sanctioned events, recreation equipment, team-building activities, and special training. The funds may also be spent on emblematic items, recognition awards, and materials for advancement, award, and reenlistment ceremonies. All expenditures must comply with CNIC Instruction 1710.3 CH-1.

Eligible unit commanders must request funds in writing from their Navy region or installation MWR program manager and provide a list of all active-duty members assigned to the command. Requests can be submitted quarterly, bi-annually, or annually.

Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management and policy. CNIC develops and implements integrated solutions for the Navy shore’s infrastructure, operations and quality of life programs. CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions, 70 installations, and more than 43,000 employees who sustain the fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family.

Learn more by visiting CNIC’s website at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ or following CNIC on social media: Facebook, Facebook.com/NavyInstallations; X, @cnichq; and Instagram, @cnichq.

Source: United States Navy

“Be so good at whatever you do – that when you’re gone, we miss you.”

This single phrase rang true during Norfolk Naval Shipyard’s (NNSY) Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Jan. 16. Hosted by the African American Employee Resource Group (AA-ERG), this annual event brought hundreds of employees together to honor the life and achievements of the late civil rights activist ahead of the annual holiday in January. Award-winning journalist and author Don Roberts took to the stage as the guest speaker for the event, sharing his poetic verse regarding Dr. King and sharing his insights on how Dr. King’s influence continues to inspire people to this day.

“Think about that phrase for a moment. In your work area or office, if you don’t show up for work – are you missed? Are you needed?” said Roberts. “Think about it in a grander scale in your home, neighborhood, community. Is there something you are doing that makes a difference? Are you using your gifts, your talents, your skills to do something that means something?”

He continued, “Now let’s talk about the man of the hour – Dr. King – he did exactly that – using his talents to make a difference.” Roberts recalled his report on Dr. King’s birthday in 1986 where he shared a passage regarding Dr. King’s life and achievements. “Martin has a cause and determination to make a change. We proudly honor Martin because he was a ‘king’. He died for what he believed. Be so good at whatever you do, so that when you’re gone, we miss you. That was Martin. Comfortable on the big stage, using his gifts, his talents, his skills, to try to change opinions, to try to save lives, to try and make a difference. But that was him. What about you?”

Roberts then shared that you don’t have to be a “king” to make a difference in this world, noting his own father’s contributions and the legacy he left for his family. “My dad, Nathaniel Roberts, was a humble man, hardworking man, talented man. His fingerprints were all over every inch of our house in Baltimore. If we needed something done and he didn’t have the skill to do it, he reached across the aisle, found a friend, made a friend, and they did it together,” said Roberts. “My dad was a ‘king’. He used what he had to get what he wanted, which was to care for his family, protect them, love them, raise us. He wouldn’t stand on this stage to speak to you but that wasn’t his calling. That wasn’t his gift, his talent, his skill. But dad would reach across the aisle and shake a hand and introduce himself, say ‘How you doing?’ Or if he heard that someone needed a helping hand, he would offer that. And in that way, that one man made a difference. What a way to honor Dr. King on this day ‘on’ instead of a day off. To do something that means something.”

Roberts shared that as he approached retirement in the 2010s, he began to think about what his next steps were and how he could make a difference in the community. During a news story where he visited the Newport News Juvenile Detention Center, he met with teens in the facility. He wanted to learn more about them, why they were in custody, how it impacted their families, and what their plans were for the future once they were released. Roberts found the teens were reluctant to openly talk but upon hearing that they enjoyed playing board games, an idea flickered in his mind. The next week, Roberts returned to the detention center and played chess with the teens. The following week, he returned with friends to do it again. This led to the Chess Nutz Knights Network, a weekly gathering every Wednesday where volunteers spend time playing chess with the teens while also developing meaningful mentorships through conversation.

“Chess is a very personal game so we are able to use the time spent to do something they enjoy while also talking with them, learning from them, talking about choices and consequences,” said Roberts. “Our motto in Chess Nutz [is] ‘Think before you move – always protect the king.’ We’re not just talking about the pieces. If we can get you to see yourself as a ‘king’, think of the possibilities.”

In closing, he urged the crowd to reflect on how Dr. King’s life and legacy could influence their own actions today. “When you hear the name ‘Dr. King’, what does it mean to you? It’s reputation, history, legacy. When I say your name, what do people think of you? What’s your reputation? What’s your legacy? Dr. King’s legacy is written – yours is being written right now. Let me challenge you on this birthday to do something that means something and continue to write your legacy so that when I say your name, then it will mean something. You reached across the aisle, you shook a hand, you helped someone, you took care of business at home, you’re excellent on the job, you’re so good that when you’re gone – we miss you.”

Roberts was presented with an honorary plaque and certificate of appreciation from the AA-ERG and Shipyard Commander Capt. Jip Mosman in gratitude for his time to speak with the employees of America’s Shipyard. Capt. Mosman concluded the ceremony with a reminder to all that our values within the Navy and the shipyard align directly with Dr. King’s, “When it comes to honor, courage and commitment, as well as care, ownership, respect, and excellence – I look to Dr. King’s stance of equality and justice for all, as well as love and compassion. We at America’s Shipyard strive for honor and equality by ensuring we are treating others with respect. We have a level of bravery, determination, and are willing to face any challenge that comes our way. We have ownership for what we do and have the dedication to serve. We have respect and dignity, we stand up for what is right, and we serve something better than one’s self. I’m proud of each of you and hope you are able to shine on this day ‘on’ in honor of Dr. King.”

For more information on the AA-ERG or how to become involved in programs like the Dr. King Celebration, please contact AA-ERG Chairperson Brian Harris at (757) 396-4787.

Source: United States Navy

NORFOLK, Va. – The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 20.

Philippine Sea will deploy to the U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) to support maritime operations with partners in the region, conduct Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) port visits, and support Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-South) to deter illicit activity along Caribbean and Central American shipping routes.

“The deployment of Philippine Sea to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility highlights the Navy’s ability to generate and certify out of cycle combat-ready forces in order to execute critical missions,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

“The ship and crew will play a pivotal role in enhancing regional security and supporting bilateral and multinational efforts to counter challenges unique to Forth Fleet. This deployment also underscores our commitment to building a resilient and adaptable force that meets global demands while fostering trust and interoperability with our global maritime partners.”

This is scheduled to be Philippine Sea’s final deployment after more than 35 years in service.

The ship previously deployed on October 14, 2023 as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) to U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and enhanced vigilance activities operations with NATO Allies and Partners.

“My sailors have received the highest level of training and are fully prepared to meet the challenges of our deployment,” said Capt. Steven Liberty, commanding officer of Philippine Sea. “The vigilant and hard work of the War Dogs is a testament to the level of pride, professionalism, and resiliency in all of them.”

U.S. 4th Fleet employs maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the USSOUTHCOM AOR.

USSOUTHCOM AOR encompasses 31 countries and 16 dependencies and areas of special sovereignty, including the land mass of Latin America south of Mexico, waters adjacent to Central and South America, and the Caribbean Sea. The region represents about one-sixth of the landmass of the world assigned to regional unified commands.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command is responsible for manning, training, equipping, and providing combat-ready forces forward to numbered fleets and combatant commanders around the globe.

Source: United States Navy

YOKOSUKA, Japan — Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, opened the new Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST) facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Yokosuka, Japan, Jan. 16, 2024.

“I’ve seen how history and time bend to the winner who works hard and plans—this is what simulation allows us to do,” said Kacher. “It’s great to see the power of these trainers, and we’re thrilled to bring this capability to the fleet.”

During the ceremony, Kacher received a tour of the new facility and observed Sailors and junior officers from the waterfront simulating harbor movements. Capt. Dave Huljack, deputy commodore of Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Our teams our busy, and we’re getting after it. We don’t only use these facilities for certification, we practice close-quarters shiphandling, tactical maneuvering, and just getting better,” said Huljack. “Building more trainers surges the volume of qualified and capable mariners that we’re able to bring to the fight.”

Members from the NSST staff Jesse Summerlin, Brad Stallings, and Bill Ault explained the capabilities of the new facility and spoke on the importance of the NSSTs as a whole.

“We’re already booked at 95% capacity for the remainder of the calendar year,” said Summerlin, an LB&B Associates NSST Instructor. “The demand from the ships has been overwhelming and our team stands ready to accept the challenge and continue to provide the best possible product to our customers on the Yokosuka waterfront.”

DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest destroyer squadron and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. It is forward deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.