Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

An ordinary day at Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) took a dramatic turn when a 28-year-old employee suffered a cardiac emergency, but thanks to his supervisor’s swift and potentially life-saving intervention, he is back to his normal self.

In the early morning hours of June 18, hazardous waste disposer Gannon Plouff began experiencing chest pains, increased heart rate and shortness of breath while working in the facility. This was not the first cardiac event Plouff had faced; he has suffered from a history of various heart conditions in the past. 

“When I woke up that morning, everything seemed normal until, out of nowhere, my heart’s rhythm started beating abnormally,” said Plouff. “It had done this plenty of times before and since I felt fine, I assumed it would go back to normal like it usually does.” 

A short while later, his symptoms returned as he was working in the facility, marking the start of a cardiac emergency. 

“While at work a couple hours later, I felt a flutter in my chest and my heart’s rhythm became very irregular,” said Plouff. “I knew something was wrong.” 

Upon hearing of Plouff’s symptoms, his supervisor, Compliance and Quality Operations Branch Supervisor Richard Johnston, sprang into action. 

“When Plouff told me he was having some tightness in his chest, I immediately told him to come back to the office because I knew it could get worse very fast,” said Johnston. “I called 9-1-1, grabbed the AED (automated external defibrillator) and tried to help him stay calm. By the time the paramedics got Plouff on the gurney and in the ambulance, he was experiencing atrial fibrillation. They had to shock him.” 

Paramedics got to work on Plouff immediately upon arriving to the depot. According to Plouff, his heart rate accelerated to about 250 beats per minute.  

“The medics put me in the back of the ambulance and gave me some medication to slow down my heart rate, but it didn’t work,” said Plouff. “They hooked me up to something like an AED and shocked me to lower my dangerously high heart rate. Thankfully, that worked, because once you hit 300 beats per minute, that’s when you’re at risk for heart failure.

“The worst part was when the paramedics had to shock me,” Plouff continued. “They didn’t get the chance to knock me out; I was awake for all of it. My vision started going in and out and I honestly thought I was dying. All I could think about was my wife and kids.” 

Plouff said it was the actions of his supervisor that saved his life.  

“I want to thank my boss for acting so quickly to get me an ambulance,” said Plouff. “I had already informed my boss of my heart history and he told me his son has gone through something similar, so he knew what do to.” 

Following his cardiac event, Plouff has been focusing on his recovery and spending time with his family in Texas, where his wife recently gave birth to their second child. Plouff said if he could share a piece of advice with his coworkers, it would be to listen to their bodies and support each other in the workplace.  

“I really want to share my story because, if something doesn’t feel right, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Plouff. “I’m grateful to still be alive because I have kids to take care of. We just had our second child. Make sure you get help before it’s too late.

“Make sure you look out for your coworkers,” Plouff continued. “My trainer, Gram Dixon, noticed I was acting different that day. He encouraged me to let our boss know what was going on, so a big thanks goes out to both my supervisor and trainer for looking out for me.”

For his actions, Johnston was presented with the FRCE Aviation Safety Professional of the Quarter award. FRCE Executive Officer Randy Berti said in emergency situations like this, every second counts. 

“The health and safety of our employees is our number one priority here at FRC East,” said Berti. “We are incredibly thankful for Mr. Johnston’s quick thinking and rapid response, which likely saved Mr. Plouff’s life. It is a testament to the success of our emergency response training and addition of AEDs throughout the facility. He is very deserving of this recognition” 

FRCE works to provide its workforce with lifesaving knowledge and skills in the form of training in first aid, CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs are portable, life-saving devices designed to treat people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.  

Since 2023, FRCE’s Safety and Occupational Health Division has installed 85 new AEDs to the facility’s site at Marine Corps Air Stations Cherry Point, New River and Beaufort, and the Global TransPark in Kinston. As a result of this recent occurrence, the depot has further enhanced emergency preparedness by equipping the facility’s security vehicles with AEDs, as they are often one of the first to arrive on scene.  

Knowing how to recognize the signs of cardiac distress is imperative in the event of an emergency. According to The American Heart Association, common symptoms include chest pressure or pain; shortness of breath; discomfort in other areas of the upper body, including arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach; cold sweat; and nausea or lightheadedness. Contact emergency services immediately if experiencing symptoms of cardiac distress.

Johnston said he was thankful for the training he’d received on how to respond in emergency situations like this because; without that knowledge, the outcome could have been very different.

“As a supervisor, it’s important to get to know your team,” said Johnston. “I have a tight bond with my whole shop. It allows them to trust and count on me to look out for them and act in their best interest. Health conditions and events like this one are often spontaneous, so you have to stay vigilant. At the end of the day, we are a family working together to accomplish the same goal.”

Source: United States Navy

Bath, Maine – The keel for the future USS William Charette (DDG 130), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was laid during a ceremony on Aug. 29 at General Dynamic Bath Iron Works (BIW).

The ship is named in honor of Master Chief Hospital Corpsman William R. Charette, a veteran who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic acts during the Korean War, while assigned to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines,1st Marine Division in Panmunjom Corridor (DMZ), Korea.

Rear Adm. Darin K. Via, Surgeon General of the Navy and Chief, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), presided over the ceremony on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

“All of us in Navy Medicine are immensely proud to have a warship named after one of our own.  We understand that it is one of the greatest honors you can receive in the Navy. The future USS William Charette will not only be a symbol of American strength but also a testament to the courage and dedication of Navy corpsmen,” said Rear Adm. Darin Via. “To have a ship named after a Navy corpsman is to hold to the maxim of ‘Corpsman Up!’ and embodies the ethos of courage, fidelity, and service before self.”

A keel laying ceremony represents the joining together of the ship’s modular components at the land level. During the ceremony, the keel is authenticated when the welder etches the initials of the keel honorees into the keel plate. The authentication was confirmed by Via, on behalf of the namesake’s children, Margaret Ann Charette Henderson, Kati Charette Donovan, Laura Charette Bennett, Michael R. Charette, and the late William A. Charette. The namesake’s daughters are the ship’s co-sponsors. BUMED Force Master Chief PatrickPaul (PaP) Mangaran, director of the Hospital Corps and leader of the Navy Medicine’s enlisted force, also read a statement on behalf of the Charette family.

“The future USS William Charette will be a welcomed addition to the fleet and another player on the field to provide the Navy with the most advanced warfighting capability” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 Class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “This ship honors the legacy of the late William Charette and his heroism during the Korean War. We are honored to have his daughters as sponsors and for the entire family to celebrate this significant milestone.”

A DDG 51 Flight III destroyer features the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporates upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide greatly enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet. The future destroyers Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), Quentin Walsh (DDG 132), John E. Kilmer (DDG 134), and Richard G. Lugar (DDG 136) are also under construction at BIW.

PEO Ships, one of the Department of Defense’s largest acquisition organizations, is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships and craft, auxiliary ships, special mission ships, sealift ships and support ships.

Source: United States Navy

Washington, D.C., New York City, NY – Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on August 29th that the Navy and the City of New York will host International Naval Review 250 (INR 250) from July 3rd through July 8th in 2026,

“There’s no better place to celebrate 250 years of American history than in New York City’s harbor,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “From the early days of our country to the present day, New York City has been an unmatched international port, welcoming every corner of the globe to our shores and remaining a leading economic hub. In 2026, our city looks forward to hosting the globe to celebrate and commemorate our nation’s past, present, and future.”

As part of the Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration of the United States, INR 250 will showcase America’s unwavering support to maritime security, economic prosperity, and freedom of the seas for all nations. It will connect Americans with the Navy’s longstanding role, as set forth in the U.S. Constitution, to protect American shores from foreign predation and preserve access to international trade. This extraordinary gathering will also pay tribute to countless generations of Americans who have served, sacrificed and continue to serve in defense of our nation and national maritime interests.

“New York City has always been and remains a historic maritime powerhouse,” said NYC Department of Veterans’ Services’ Commissioner James W. Hendon. “From the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where iconic ships like the USS Arizona were built, to its ongoing significance in fostering international naval partnerships, New York City has been and will always remain a gateway to global trade and maritime innovation. Hosting the International Naval Review on the nation’s 250th birthday, yet again proves that New York City is the most Veteran and military friendly city in the world.”

From the early days of exploration and independence to the present era of global maritime commerce and strategic competition, the United States has always recognized its vital connection to the sea. INR 250 will offer a unique opportunity to reflect on the proud heritage, achievements and sacrifices that have shaped our nation’s maritime legacy.

“For 250 years, our Navy and Marine Corps Team — composed of our Sailors, Marines, Navy Civilians, Merchant Mariners, and supported by America’s shipyard workforce — have built, crewed and sailed across the globe, defending liberty, promoting freedom and advancing maritime statecraft on behalf of our nation,” said Secretary Del Toro. “Our naval heritage is intertwined with the earliest days of American independence, and INR 250 speaks to our longstanding connection with New York City and its harbor.”

The U.S. Navy is inviting international navies, maritime forces and coast guards from over 130 Allied and partner nations to join INR250 and celebrations throughout the week from July 3-8. Scores of foreign warships, aircraft, and delegations will join the U.S. Fleet in the Port of New York and New Jersey. Like previous reviews, warships and vessels from federal, state, City of New York, and other partners will anchor as far south as the Verrazano Bridge and as far north as the George Washington Bridge.

An aerial review and flyover for INR250 will include all types of military, historic, and other aircraft and will likely be among the largest gathering of aircraft for a review in decades. The U.S. Navy and the City of New York will showcase one of the largest gatherings of Tall Sailing ships from around the world for the International Parade of Tall Ships coinciding with INR250.

In addition to INR 250, Sail4th 250, working alongside the U.S. Navy, will oversee what promises to be the greatest gathering of international tall ships in celebration of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026 in the Port of New York and New Jersey. The International Parade of Tall Ships will feature 30 international Tall Ships accompanied by hundreds of other historic, leisure, and sailing vessels. The “Parade of Sail” will span from the Verrazzano Bridge to the George Washington Bridge.

“Sail4th 250 is proud to be working with the U.S. Navy, the City of New York, the US Coast Guard, and countless others to continue the long tradition of bringing the international Tall Ships to the world’s most famous harbor for this historic milestone event — America’s Semiquincentennial,” added Sail4th 250 President Chris O’Brien.

The International Parade of Tall Ships started with the 1964 World’s Fair led by Operation Sail. For America’s 250th celebration, Sail4th 250 will build on this maritime spectacle, not seen since July 4, 2000 during the millennium celebration.

Mayor Adams and Secretary Del Toro also announced the shift of the annual Fleet Week New York to coincide with INR 250. It will include events featuring the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, large-scale outreach events, public engagements for U.S. and international Sailors, static displays, and other engagements throughout the Tri-State area. These events will be open to the public and international visitors.

INR 250 will display the strength and capabilities of the modern U.S. Navy, which continues to play a critical role in ensuring our nation’s security as well as global maritime security alongside Allies and partners. By gathering like-minded navies and maritime forces from around the globe, INR 250 will demonstrate the United States’ commitment to international cooperation and maritime security.

INR 250 will be the 7th international naval review hosted in the United States and the 4th held in the Port of New York and New Jersey, following 1976, 1986, and 2000 reviews. With New York as its centerpiece, INR 250 will commence a series of events with U.S. Navy and international Tall Sailing ship participation, to include Fleet Weeks, and port visits in East Coast and Gulf port cities of New Orleans, Norfolk, Baltimore, and Boston.

Secretary Del Toro and Mayor Adams look forward to collaboration with the federal partners, the States of New York and New Jersey, and City of New York leadership, and the American people as we countdown to America’s Semiquincentennial and the International Naval Review 250.

Source: United States Navy

 

The exercise represents the Department of the Navy’s commitment to deliver highly capable, integrated naval forces to promote our nation’s prosperity and security, deter aggression, and provide tailorable options to our nation’s leaders.

COMPTUEX also allows the Navy to assess all aspects of prior readiness generation activities, which provides leaders information needed for process and resource allocation decisions for future warfighting development.

COMPTUEX emphasizes a carrier strike group’s ability to deliver combat power wherever the nation’s leadership requires, and is informed by U.S. Navy Fleet Commander requirments and assessment of ongoing operations around the globe.

“CSG 8 brings together a strike package that is world-class. The ability to deploy these units into harm’s way — in the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, [and throughout the world]— it is going to be an impressive combat package,” said Adm. Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. “From subsea to the surface to air, CSG 8 is able to conduct combat operations in all those domains — synchronize those in real time and meet all the needs of combatant commanders in those different areas of responsibilities — it’s really impressive.”

At its core, COMPTUEX assesses the strike group’s ability to seamlessly integrate its various components – a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON), Carrier Air Wing (CVW), guided-missile cruiser, and Information Warfare team – into a cohesive fighting force capable of executing each of its warfare areas.

“Our mission is incredibly important,” said Rear Adm. Max McCoy, commander, CSG 4. “We train and mentor deploying carrier strike groups to be ready for all contingencies anywhere in the world. We know the ultimate metric of success is winning in combat.”

 COMPTUEX assesses and enhances carrier strike group proficiency to execute complex tactical maneuvers, effective communication in a pressurized environment, and decisive responses to a realistic threat environment. The approximately 10,000 Sailors of the HSTCSG participated in live, virtual, and constructive training opportunities during at-sea operations, resulting in CSG 4 deployment certification recommendations for U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

“I am impressed with how well our team came together,” said Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, commander, CSG 8. “While we all have individual roles and missions, together we are able to train and operate at a much higher level. U.S. Navy carrier strike groups deliver flexibility and capabilities for the fleet commander to use as a means to deliver combat power and maintain a competitive advantage throughout theater.”

This COMPTUEX allowed HSTCSG to enhance warfighting capabilities while strengthening relations with Allies. Exercising alongside the Italian Navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Carabiniere (F 593) – a clear demonstration of the Navy’s unwavering commitment to operating alongside NATO Allies. This commitment not only strengthens the collective force but also promotes security, stability, freedom of navigation, and the free flow of commerce.

“The importance of having Carabiniere with us during COMPTUEX cannot be understated,” said Bailey. “That ability to take a NATO ally like Italy and seamlessly integrate them into our operations demonstrates our dedication to fostering cooperation and integrating advanced capabilities with our Allies. Once we deploy forward, our integration with them will be smoother and more effective for NATO’s collective defense having completed this scenario.”

 During the COMPTUEX, in addition to the Fleet Forces, U.S. Second Fleet, and Task Force 80 Commanders’ visiting to observe the exercise and meet with Sailors, the ship welcomed visitors from the Harry S. Truman Library and Institute. Namesake visits are an important part of the Navy’s connection with the American people, and this visit was no different.

“Every Sailor aboard this ship – regardless of what command or unit they belong to – has worked hard over the last several weeks and months to refine their warfighting skillsets such that when we go on deployment in the not too distant future, we will be ready for combat operations if and when called upon to do so,” said Capt. Dave Snowden, commanding officer, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). “It was awesome to have guests aboard from the Harry S. Truman Library and Institute. Truman Sailors embody the grit, courage, and humility our namesake is known for, and it was special to share that.”

Truman has deployed 10 times since its commissioning in 1998. During its deployment to the Mediterranean Sea in 2022, Truman provided air support to Allies in response to Russian’s invasion of Ukraine. The carrier’s embarked air wing flew missions to enforce a no-fly zone and deter further aggression, illustrating the Navy’s role in supporting global power projection and collective defense.

“The Sailors onboard Truman are special. It was immediately obvious to me when I got onboard that the culture and climate and the feeling that this team has already built was really impressive,” said Caudle. “Folks from all walks of life, from every state in the union, and perhaps different countries have come together to prepare Truman for what’s going to be an epic deployment.”

 HSTCSG consists of the flagship USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 with eight embarked aviation squadrons; staffs from CSG-8, CVW-1, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28; the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64); and two Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) and USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79).

Carrier Strike Group 8’s mission is to conduct prompt and sustained combat, incident to operations at sea, by building and employing a trained, ready Carrier Strike Group prepared when called upon to achieve the warfighting objectives of the assigned Joint Force or Fleet Commander. You can find them on DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG-8.

Carrier Strike Group 4’s mission is to train, mentor, and assess carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and independent deployers for global combat against peer competitors. You can find them on LinkedIn, Twitter (@CSG_4), and DVIDS at https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/CSG4.

Source: United States Navy

“These bright and motivated young scientists and engineers gained invaluable hands-on experience contributing to cutting-edge research projects that support the Navy’s mission,” said NRL Commanding Officer Capt. Jesse Black. “The internship program offers midshipmen the unique opportunity to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges, working alongside world-renowned scientists and engineers.”

The midshipmen expressed their gratitude for the mentorship and support they received from NRL staff during their tenure at the laboratory. NRL’s internship program is designed to provide midshipmen with a comprehensive understanding of the Naval Research Enterprise. Interns have the opportunity to network with leading experts, develop technical skills, and gain exposure to the latest advancements in science and technology.

“My biggest takeaway from this internship is that NRL takes mission readiness to new levels,” said Midshipman 1/C Sanjana Basu Mallick, a USNA Chemistry major. “Almost anything you can imagine is studied, tested, and improved on here. I spoke to midshipmen that have interned at NRL in the past, and they hold this lab to a very high regard based on the projects they’ve contributed to and the people they’ve worked with.”

USNA interns received a command overview and a tour of multiple NRL divisions, including the Laboratory for Autonomous Systems Research, Far Field Range, Software Reprogrammable Payload, and Plasma Physics Space Physics technologies.

“I am so grateful to have worked with Dr. Kristina Nyland at NRL because she was thoughtful and compassionate enough to find a research project related to my passions and my future interests in research at the Naval Academy,” said Midshipman 2/C Olivia Rae Achenbach, a USNA Astrophysics major. “She taught me how integral astronomy is to the Fleet through its navigational uses.”

Achenbach gained a better understanding of the evolution of galaxies by examining a Hubble Space Telescope image of an active galactic nucleus that began emitting radio jets. Upon uncovering the true image of the galaxy, Nyland and Achenbach discovered a morphology that was not expected, and this assured them that there is so much more about the Universe that we do not understand.

“It is critical that astronomers uncover these mysteries as active galactic nucleus and pulsars are heavily relied on for advancing our global positioning systems used by the Fleet,” Achenbach said.

NRL is committed to fostering the next generation of scientific and engineering talent. By providing internships to midshipmen, the laboratory plays a vital role in developing future leaders for the Navy and Marine Corps.

About the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

NRL is a scientific and engineering command dedicated to research that drives innovative advances for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps from the seafloor to space and in the information domain. NRL is located in Washington, D.C. with major field sites in Stennis Space Center, Mississippi; Key West, Florida; Monterey, California, and employs approximately 3,000 civilian scientists, engineers and support personnel.

For more information, contact NRL Corporate Communications at (202) 480-3746 or nrlpao@us.navy.mil.