Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Domenic Nasuta, assigned to Center for Security Forces (CENSECFOR) Detachment North Island, has a passion for the outdoors and a dedication to service that has defined his Navy career. From working as a hospital corpsman with the Marine Corps on deployment to his current role as a SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) instructor, Nasuta’s journey in the Navy reflects a commitment to supporting his fellow Sailors and Marines in some of the most demanding environments.
 

A Family Legacy of Service and a Path to the Navy

Growing up in New Jersey, Nasuta was influenced by a family history of military service. Both of his grandfathers served in the Army during World War II, with one supporting Operation Northern Torch in Africa and the other in the European campaign. His uncle also served as a combat camera in Vietnam. Inspired by this legacy, Nasuta enlisted in the Navy in 2011, choosing to join the medical field as a hospital corpsman to make a difference in others’ lives.
 

“Service runs deep in my family, and I knew I wanted to contribute in my own way,” Nasuta reflects. “Becoming a corpsman gave me the opportunity to help people in their most vulnerable moments, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.”

A Career of Challenge and Transformation

After completing Hospital Corpsman “A” School, Nasuta embarked on a journey that took him across the globe. His early assignments included serving as a labor and delivery corpsman at Naval Hospital Bremerton and later as a line corpsman with the 2nd Marine Division, where he deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Throughout his career, he quickly advanced, earning multiple honors, including Bluejacket of the Year and Junior Sailor of the Year, for his exceptional service and leadership.

In 2021, after assignments in Sigonella, Italy, and with Marine Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC), Nasuta found himself at a crossroads. After attending SERE training at the Eastern schoolhouse, he was interested in the survival techniques he learned and began considering a new path as a SERE instructor.

“I have always loved the outdoors, and the survival skills I learned resonated with me,” Nasuta said. “I realized I could use my passion to teach and help enhance the survivability and lethality of the force.”
 

Joining NETC as a SERE Instructor

In 2023, Nasuta began his transition from fleet service to instructor duty at SERE West, part of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), which oversees nearly all Navy training from basic to advanced technical schools. After a rigorous screening process and intensive training through the Naval Instructor Training Command and SERE Instructor Under Training (IUT) pipeline, Nasuta earned his qualification and joined the field department at SERE West on North Island, San Diego.

“The flexibility and passion of the instructors set NETC training apart,” Nasuta said. “Everyone here truly cares about what they are teaching. It is evident in the way they adapt to different students’ needs and ensure that standards are met, so students leave prepared for the challenges they will face in the field.”

Mentoring Students and Sharing a Love for the Outdoors

In his role as a SERE instructor, Nasuta finds immense fulfillment in guiding students through survival training, teaching them everything from land navigation with a compass to identifying edible plants. He recalls one student who struggled with land navigation but showed determination to improve. Over the weekend, with support from Nasuta and other students, the Sailor steadily built confidence and ended up mastering the skill.

“I always tell my students that if they meet me halfway, I’ll get them where they need to go,” Nasuta says. “It’s incredibly rewarding when I see their motivation and watch them grow.”
 

The Power of Transformation through Training

For Nasuta, the impact of NETC training goes beyond teaching survival tactics; it is about helping students face and overcome challenges that push them physically and mentally.

“Students come to SERE not fully aware of what they are capable of,” he shares. “The training teaches them resilience and the importance of taking care of their bodies under pressure. By the end, they have learned not just survival skills but a lot about themselves.”

As an instructor, Nasuta is constantly learning, striving to bring new skills and knowledge to his students. “My students drive me to keep improving,” he says. “Whether it is identifying wildlife or preparing edible plants, the outdoors is my passion, and it is amazing that I get to share it with others.”
 

Future Aspirations and Personal Growth

Nasuta’s journey through NETC training has not only advanced his career but has also prepared him for his future aspirations. An aspiring wildlife biologist, he sees his role as a SERE instructor as an opportunity to align his love for the outdoors with his professional life. He encourages his students to keep an open mind and embrace every challenge as a learning opportunity.

Reflecting on his career, Nasuta notes the impact NETC has had on him personally. “Working as a corpsman and now as an instructor has allowed me to grow, not only as a service member but as a person,” he says. “The Navy has given me the chance to help people, learn from incredible mentors, and make a real difference.”

Nasuta’s story is one of transformation, resilience and the enduring power of mentorship. From his roots in New Jersey to his role as a SERE instructor at NETC’s SERE West schoolhouse, Nasuta exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to training Sailors who are prepared for any challenge. His passion for the outdoors and dedication to his students’ success continue to inspire those around him, showcasing the career-changing potential of NETC training.

For more information on NETC’s training programs and how they prepare Sailors for success in the fleet, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/

Source: United States Navy

MSC consists of 5,500 civil service mariners and 1,500 contracted mariners operating 140 logistics supply ships that support the replenishment and transport of military cargo and supplies for U.S. forces and partners. The command’s new workforce initiative addresses civil service mariner recruitment and retention challenges by restoring the health of the MSC workforce for the next several decades. 

The initiative will also include crew reassignments to higher priority vessels and the placement of some MSC logistics support ships into extended maintenance periods.  Rotating crews to higher priority vessels will minimize overdue reliefs and provide a more predictable work environment for civil service mariners.

“Our civil service mariners play invaluable roles providing continuous logistics support to our deployed naval forces, and they are working overtime to sustain that mission globally,” said Secretary Del Toro. “This initiative will not only address operational logistics challenges we face now, it will ensure that Military Sealift Command has policies, programs and incentives it needs to recruit and retain future generations of civil service mariners.”

Nationally, the U.S. merchant marine workforce is facing a shortage of personnel to fill positions at sea, as it has become more challenging to attract interested Americans, impacting mariners employed by MSC. MSC has also assumed broader logistics responsibilities and experienced higher mission demand for Navy operations in recent years, increasing the strain on the workforce and contributing to recruiting and retention challenges.

“Addressing the recruiting and retention challenges in MSC’s civil service mariner workforce will take time,” said Rear Adm. Philip Sobeck, MSC’s commander.

The types of ships for the workforce initiative include Fleet Replenishment Oilers (T-AO), Dry Cargo/Ammunition Ships (T-AKE), Expeditionary Fast Transports (T-EPF), and Expeditionary Sea Bases (ESB).

The MSC workforce initiative advances Secretary Del Toro’s vision for a new Maritime Statecraft to revitalize the naval, industrial and commercial aspects of America’s maritime power in an era of strategic competition. These investments will increase MSC’s operational readiness and support its civil service workforce, both of which strengthen maritime dominance. 

Source: United States Navy

“USS Jefferson City exceeded all expectations on this short deployment,” said Capt. Neil Steinhagen, Commander, Submarine Squadron 15. “The crew’s unwavering dedication to theater security and operational excellence reflects the strength of our forward-deployed forces. Standing true to their motto, ‘When Any Exigence Calls,’ the crew met every challenge with distinction, directly supporting our mission in the Pacific. Job well done team – welcome home!”

During this deployment, Jefferson City undertook critical missions that strengthened national security, elevated operational maritime capabilities, and bolstered deterrence within the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the strategic importance of a forward-deployed submarine force.

“No matter the mission or task, my crew rose to every occasion,” said Cmdr. Alexander (AJ) Franz, commanding officer of USS Jefferson City. “Their focus, determination, and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped an extraordinary deployment. I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments, as each Sailor’s dedication and resilience shone brightly in our mission’s success.”

During the deployment, 38 Jefferson City Sailors earned their submarine warfare insignia, the distinguished ‘dolphins’ or ‘fish,’ symbolizing their qualification to operate at the highest standards. This emblem represents their mastery and commitment to the submarine force’s tradition of excellence.

“The strength of our Navy lies in its true source of power—our Sailors,” said Jefferson City Chief of the Boat Master Chief Machinist Mate (Auxiliary) Chris Halamoutis. “The dedication these Sailors have shown to achieve this honor is truly commendable. Their perseverance, hard work, and commitment to our mission reflect the spirit of those who came before them, as they join the ranks of a distinguished community with the privilege of wearing this insignia.”

As part of Jefferson City’s homecoming celebration, the Navy’s cherished “first kiss” and “first hug” traditions took place. The “first kiss” was awarded to Lt. j.g Jonathan Lopez and the “first hug” was awarded to Senior Chief Machinist Mate (Auxiliary) Timothy Murphy.

Commissioned on February 29, 1992, USS Jefferson City is the only U.S. Navy vessel named for Jefferson City, Missouri. Assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 15 at Polaris Point, Naval Base Guam, Jefferson City is one of four Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines forward-deployed in the Pacific. Renowned for their unparalleled speed, endurance, stealth, and mobility, the Los Angeles-class submarine serves as the backbone of the Navy’s submarine force, ensuring readiness and agility in safeguarding maritime interests around the world.

Source: United States Navy

Sailor morale, a key component to mission success, has an increased significance during the holiday season. The food CSs prepare during this time of year produces a sense of familiarity among Sailors that raises spirits and gives them a chance to recharge together.

“Thanksgiving has many meanings for our Sailors,” said CS2 Daviontee Robinson. “It’s a time of thankfulness, appreciation, and unity.”

Successfully feeding a ship is a significant enough task under normal circumstances, during the holidays that job increases tenfold.

This year the Navy predicts afloat CSs will prepare 44,815 pounds of roast turkey, 11,457 pounds of mashed potatoes, 5,654 pounds of stuffing, 21,906 pounds of sweet potatoes, 6,630 pounds of green bean casserole, 4,606 pounds of cranberry sauce, 11,960 gallons of gravy, and 23,678 assorted pies for Sailors.

“Serving the Thanksgiving meal throughout Navy galleys around the globe, both afloat and ashore, is one of the largest events of the year for food service personnel,” said Navy Food Service Director Cmdr. Brian Bieber. “It is an opportunity to provide Sailors a comfort of home, despite the fact they may be deployed, on duty, or separated from family.”
While Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks, Sailors remain focused on the mission.

“During deployment, a great meal boosts the morale and camaraderie for everyone onboard the ship,” said Robinson. “While our attention is on the mission, our hearts are with our families.”

Source: United States Navy

Using a Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) award bestowed last year and plenty of elbow grease, Dr. Frank Narducci, Chair of the NPS Department of Physics, and his Ph.D. student U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jens Berdahl, a former Navy pilot currently pursuing his doctorate through the service’s Permanent Military Professor program, are nearing completion of the first phase of construction in what will be a superlatively precise atomic-based instrument.

The device will open the door to a host of defense applications of quantum sensing based on atom interferometry research in general and gyroscope, gravimeter, accelerometer and clock research specifically. This has the potential to provide alternative navigation means in GPS-denied environments as well as detect threats adversaries want to keep hidden.

“The work being conducted by Professor Narducci is an excellent example of the benefits of basic research in support of national defense,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, NPS Vice Provost for Research and Innovation. “This research is advancing our state of knowledge about quantum sensing in general but is also being pursued in the context of advanced sensors and the development of precision navigation and timing instrumentation, which is critical for future systems employment in contested environments.”

This combination of cutting-edge technology and research coupled with a defense focus is what defines the unique educational experience at NPS for its master’s and Ph.D. students, delivering a competitive advantage as called for in the Naval Education Strategy in technical disciplines directly relevant to modern naval warfighting.

Quantum science is one of 14 Critical Defense Technology Areas identified by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD R&E), which also funds the DURIP program. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) oversees the Navy’s portion of DURIP grants and competitively awards proposals to universities conducting high-quality, relevant research addressing naval-unique needs.

An atomic fountain is essentially an interferometer – a device that extracts information from determining interference – that tosses atoms up and down in the air, not unlike a water fountain. By measuring minute fluctuations in gravity, for example, the device can reveal a treasure trove of information.

Lobbing cold atoms up in an ultra-high vacuum system and measuring how long they take to come down using wave properties of atoms give quantum sensors their extreme precision. To launch the atoms, two finely-tuned lasers are directed at the atoms, one closer and one further from resonance (the frequency the atom “likes” to absorb).

Narducci explained that pushing the atoms with a single laser, the atoms will overheat. The design instead uses two low power lasers, that vary in frequency that has the effect of gently tossing the atoms up. 

For their initial experiments, Narducci and Berdahl, along with other members of the growing research team, will use the atomic fountain to measure the period of a Foucault’s Pendulum swinging in Spanagel Hall.

Doing so, however, is not so easy as watching it with a stopwatch in hand, Narducci noted.

“If I tell you to measure the swing of the pendulum, but you’re not allowed to look at it, how would you do it?” he asked. “One way to do it is the swinging of the pendulum changes the force of gravity on you; a very, very, very, very small amount, but it does change and the atomic fountain can measure that.”

Finding a location for the tower involved a clever application of re-employing a former elevator shaft in Spanagel Hall, the tallest building on the NPS campus.

Narducci and Berdahl are constructing the fountain there in two phases. The initial version, which Narducci terms a “baby fountain,” will measure nearly 12 feet (4 meters) in height; the final will stand approximately 100 feet (30 meters) tall.

While a taller fountain does imply greater sensitivity in general, bigger does not necessarily mean better when measuring a relatively small object like the pendulum: as the atoms get further and further away, the gravitational effect of the pendulum gets smaller and smaller. On the other hand, the baby fountain might not be tall enough to provide the best measurement. Having the range of a tall fountain affords maximum flexibility in determining the optimal configuration for experiments.

Furthermore, Narducci observed, taking measurements with a tall fountain is hardly field expedient.

“If we’re talking about taking this technology out into the field, we don’t have the luxury of taking a tall instrument out and putting it in the ground and letting it record for 24 hours, then move it two feet to record another 24 hours,” he said. “We would like to do this on operationally-relevant timescales.”

This is precisely what Berdahl is conducting his Ph.D. work on.

“My dissertation is studying the atomic fountain and showing its precision over operationally-relevant timescales.  We’re trying to rapidly capture any changes to the gravitational acceleration vector,” he explained. “The time period that we’re hoping to resolve is the time that it takes for the pendulum to swing once.  Overall, we are characterizing the possible precision we can achieve while constraining our system in allowed dwell times. That’s a challenge!”

Designed as a “user facility” with both on-site and virtual access planned, the atomic fountain will be completely automated and configurable via a web-based interface to connect with the Naval Research and Development Establishment (NR&DE) and other partners involved.

Ultimately, the atomic tower will be in the hands of NPS’ students and defense-expert faculty in 2025 who will be learning and working on it, offering unparalleled education and research opportunities.

Berdahl is immeasurably excited at the prospect of imparting this knowledge.

“Having a grounding in quantum mechanics and how we might use these technologies in the field – its capabilities and constraints – is everything for the leaders who are coming through NPS and moving on to different acquisition jobs, engineering or duty officers,” he said. “They have to understand what this environment in the future might look like, and that includes all the technologies that might be available.”

“That conversation is very, very different if you have quantum sensors than if you don’t,” Berdahl added.