Category: United States of America

Source: United States Navy

The mission kicked off with a key leadership engagement at the Kosrae State governor’s office with Gov. Tulensa Palik; U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel Keeler, PP24-2 mission commander; and Royal Australian Air Force Wing Cmdr. Scott Minchin, PP24-2 deputy mission commander. The kick off also included eye exams, medical training and dental chair repairs, band performances at Kosrae radio station and Utwe Elementary School with a community outreach event and a coastal erosion subject matter expert exchange.

The Kosrae mission stop, which runs from Sept. 17-23, brings together approximately 40 participants from Australia and the United States to increase humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR) preparedness in the Indo-Pacific.

“The U.S. has a deep-rooted partnership with Kosrae, underscoring the strong bonds we’ve built through shared experiences with our Pacific family. Recognizing Kosrae’s vulnerability to natural disasters, the Pacific Partnership team is focused on enhancing preparedness and managing these emergencies before they happen,” said Keeler. “Through collaboration with our Australian partners and the Kosrae community, we strive to bolster disaster readiness and response, ensuring we are well-prepared in times of peace to effectively respond during crises.”

At the invitation of the host nation, the U.S. Coast Guard will host boating safety workshops to share expertise and best practices for at-sea activities in Kosrae communities.

Engineering efforts will include subject matter expert exchanges in coastal erosion and water purification, including site surveys to examine potential improvements on the drinking water infrastructure in Kosrae. The team will also assemble a playground at a local elementary school.

The Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Army Band, will perform in a variety of community engagements.

Pacific Partnership medical providers will work shoulder-to-shoulder with providers at KosraeHospital to provide tailored medical care focusing on optometry exams, community health engagements, subject matter exchanges and medical equipment maintenance and repair.

“Pacific Partnership in Kosrae this year is poised, yet again, to deliver impactful outcomes for all those who live on the island,” said Hon. Ms. Jennifer Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. “Every one of these Pacific Partnership missions showcases all that is possible when nations work together on a common goal. On behalf of the entire U.S. Embassy Team, I wish our Australian and U.S. friends and the people of Kosrae a successful mission.”

In the aftermath of the December 2004 “Boxing Day” tsunami that devastated parts of South and Southeast Asia, the United States mobilized numerous military assets and personnel to support the relief effort. Recognizing the opportunity to build on the goodwill and lessons learned from that initial mission, the U.S. Navy planned and executed the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission in 2006; its primary aim was to proactively prepare for a more effective response to natural disasters while strengthening relationships and security ties between nations.

Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is theU.S. Navy’slargest annual multinational HA/DR preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

For more information about Pacific Partnership visit, www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership.

Source: United States Navy

The Department of the Navy (DON) Insider Threat Program (ITP) is a critical component of the department’s overall security posture. Designed to protect sensitive information and assets, the ITP focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks posed by insiders who may have access to classified information or critical infrastructure.
“It’s important to remember that insider threats can come from anyone within the organization, regardless of their position or level of access. That’s why it’s so important to have a strong insider threat program in place that includes education, awareness, and robust monitoring,” said Franco Neto, DON Insider Threat Director.
Deterrence includes strategies to prevent employees or insiders from engaging in malicious or harmful activities. By clearly communicating the consequences of insider threats and enforcing strict security measures, the program aims to discourage unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure of sensitive information. This deterrence strategy includes implementing robust security awareness training programs for all personnel and educating them about their responsibilities and the potential harm caused by insider threats. Additionally, the ITP emphasizes the importance of a strong organizational culture that promotes integrity, accountability, and ethical behavior.
Detection includes processes and technologies used to identify signs of malicious or harmful behavior by insiders. The program uses a variety of methods and technologies to identify potential insider threats. These include continuous monitoring of network activity, individual behaviors, and always being on watch for suspicious activity. Additionally, the ITP encourages employees to report any concerns or unusual behavior they observe in their colleagues. By proactively monitoring for indicators of compromise, the program can detect potential insider threats early on and take appropriate action.
Mitigation includes actions implemented to reduce the impact or severity of insider threats once they have been detected. Once a threat is detected, the ITP implements measures to contain the damage and prevent further harm. This may involve isolating the compromised system, revoking access privileges from an individual, and conducting a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident. Additionally, the ITP focuses on implementing corrective actions to address any vulnerabilities that may have contributed to the threat.
“The ITP also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and information sharing. By working closely with other government agencies and law enforcement, the DON can leverage shared intelligence and best practices to enhance its insider threat capabilities,” said Neto. “Through a combination of technology, education, and collaboration, the DON ITP is committed to safeguarding the Navy and Marine Corps vital interests.”
If you see something, say something, do something. If you notice any unusual behavior or activity that raises your suspicions, please report it to your supervisor, security office, or through the appropriate reporting channels. Your vigilance is essential in protecting the department from insider threats.
Learn how every member of the Navy/Marine Corps Team plays a critical role in countering insider threats by attending September’s Insider Threat Awareness educational events. Also, check out our education and awareness tools at the links below!
Department of the Navy Insider Threat Program:
https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/DUSN-IS
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Messages/ALNAV-2024/
https://www.secnav.navy.mil/itp

U.S. Navy Insider Threat Program:
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/References/Messages/NAVADMIN-2024/
https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/NIA/SitePages/US-Navy-Insider-Threat-Program.aspx

U.S. Marine Corps Insider Threat Program:
https://www.information.marines.mil/Units/Insider-Threat/
https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/MARADMINS/

Source: United States Navy

PORTSMOUTH, Virginia — While driving around Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), you may have noticed new signage in the parking lots and black flags flying from some buildings and gates. It’s all in an effort to mitigate risks to both personnel and property.

“The new parking lot signage identifies evacuation zones in the event a hazard is present where all personnel need to be removed from the immediate area, such as from airborne hazards or contaminants,” said Installation Emergency Management Officer Nicole Roten. “It is expected that if the entire shipyard population is sheltered, we would need to release personnel in an orderly fashion to avoid, or at least reduce, traffic congestion as much as possible, both on the installation and in the cities of Portsmouth and Chesapeake.”

Personnel should look for the evacuation signage in their parking lot to be aware of their zone and make sure to review the Installation Emergency Management Plan, NAVSHIPYDNOR M-3440.1, Chapter 2, Emergency Support Function 16, Release of Personnel/Evacuation located on the sharepoint website at https://flankspeed.sharepoint-mil.us/sites/CNICCNRMAHub/NNSY/NNSY%20Instructions/Forms/AllItems.aspx?id=%2Fsites%2FCNICCNRMAHub%2FNNSY%2FNNSY%20Instructions%2FNAVSHIPYDNOR%20M%2D3440%2E1%2C%2022%20Feb%202024%2Epdf&parent=%2Fsites%2FCNICCNRMAHub%2FNNSY%2FNNSY%20Instructions.
Personnel with questions should contact the Installation Emergency Management Officer Nicole Roten at (757) 396-9491 or alexis.n.roten.civ@us.navy.mil.

Protecting the workforce is a top priority at NNSY and the intense summer heat puts everyone at risk for heat exhaustion or stroke. Everyone should be familiar with the Heat Stress Flag Status and that NNSY notifies the workforce regarding “black flag” status via AtHoc alerts, Giant Voice and posted flags at Building 1500, industrial area Gate November, and the NNSY Callaghan Center Gymnasium.

“The purpose of the black flags is to notify personnel when a black flag heat stress condition exists,” said Roten. “This means the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) has reached or exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“When black flag conditions exist, strenuous, non-essential outdoor physical activity will be suspended for all personnel, excluding operational commitments not for training purposes,” said Roten. “All reasonable efforts should be made to reschedule these activities during cooler periods of the day.”

Personnel should make sure they are prepared for hot weather by monitoring the conditions outside, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and dressing accordingly. If any individuals onboard the shipyard require emergency assistance, call (757) 396-3333.

Source: United States Navy

YAP, Federated States of Micronesia – A multinational team of service members deployed in support of Pacific Partnership 2024-2 (PP24-2) helped preserve WWII memorial markers during a host nation outreach cleanup event (HNOE) with the Yap Visitors Bureau and members of the Yap Veterans Association at multiple WWII crash sites on the Island of Yap, Sept. 7.

Strategically located between the Philippines and Guam, Japanese-occupied Yap was targeted almost daily by American aircraft from June of 1944 to August of 1945. This resulted in several historical ruins on land and in the water that offer a glimpse into the island’s wartime past.

There are 19 WWII aircraft crash sites on the Island of Yap, four of which were identified as needing revitalization by the Yap Visitors Bureau.

“This is American history preserved by the Yapese. They were the ones decades ago that identified the sites, and erected these monuments with tributes to the fallen service members,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Zumwalt, PP24-2 mission chaplain and HNOE lead. “We as Americans owe a significant debt of gratitude to the people of Yap for preserving these sacred locations.”

The Yap Visitors Bureau purchased the supplies for the restoration project and escorted the PP24-2 teams to the remote crash site locations, on the sides of mountains, in the middle of jungles or town villages, all at the end of long trails. The Yap Veterans Association worked side-by-side with the PP24-2 team to rehabilitate the memorials.

The Yap Visitors Bureau purchased the necessary supplies for the restoration project and guided the volunteer teams to the remote crash site locations—whether perched on mountain slopes, nestled in dense jungles, situated in small village squares, or at the ends of long trails. The Yap Veterans Association collaborated closely with the PP24-2 teams to rehabilitate the memorials.

“This is a way for us to express our gratitude to them, to thank them for their preservation of our history, but also to recognize our fallen brothers from previous wars and to pay it forward to future generations as they come out and explore these sites,” Said Zumwalt. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and personally it affects me to see the stories of these service members, to read about their hometowns, their families that they left behind, the bright futures that they sacrificed for our country.”

U.S. Navy Lt. Dylan J. Rich, from St. Clair Shores, Mich., medical operations officer for PP24-2 assisted in the preservation of the crash site memorial of an FG-1 Corsair from the U.S. base on Peleliu Island, flown by U.S. Marine Corps 1st. Lt. Girvis Haltom, Jr. of Stephens, Ark., a pilot with Marine Fighter Squadron 122. Lt. Rich discusses why he participated in the project and what it means to him personally.

“I think honoring those who have gone before us, especially in the wars of WWI and WWII in this case is vitally important and I wanted to do a small part and help out with that,” said Rich. “I was able to read the plaque behind me, just one story of many, it was very powerful for me. It’s too easy to lose sight of the macros, so many people were participating (during WWII), but everyone has their own story and it just really brings it home and reminds me of why I’m doing what I’m doing, being able to clean it up and memorialize the 1st Lt., it’s impactful for me and hopefully for his family as well.”

During the mission stop, the HNOE team also organized 25 community engagement events consisting of school visits, U.S. Navy recruiting events, interfaith dialogue sessions, and concerts from the Pacific Partnership Band, composed of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Army Band.

Now in its 20th iteration, the Pacific Partnership series is the U.S. Navy’s largest annual multinational humanitarian aid and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

For more information about Pacific Partnership visit, www.clwp.navy.mil/Pacific-Partnership.

Source: United States Navy

“We welcome the visit from Finland’s minister of defense and his supporting team,” said Capt. Justin Harts, commander of Destroyer Squadron 15. “We hope to continue goodwill visits such as these from our partners and allies across the globe in to enhance surface operations in the Indo-Pacific region.”

During the visit, Häkkänen toured the DESRON 15 command cave and met with staff members. After the visit to the cave, Häkkänen transitioned to the waterfront and visited USS Benfold (DDG 65) to meet with the captain and crew.

Häkkänen is Finland’s 59th minister of defense. He has served as minister of defense in Petteri Orpo’s government since June 20, 2023.

DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed 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.