Undersea Rescue Command, Contractors Work to Get Pressurized Rescue Module Recertified — Crew members from Undersea Rescue Command (URC) and contractors from Phoenix International commenced the recertification — the first in-water test completed in two years — of pressurized rescue module Falcon (PRM-1) aboard surface support ship Hornbeck Offshore Services Dominator, April 2-7. The Falcon PRM is tethered and remotely operated to rescue submarines.
Navy Delivers "A Sustainable Future" on Earth Day — Navy commands are participating in events and activities that celebrate Earth Day throughout the month of April. The Navy's 2015 theme for Earth Day, "A Sustainable Future Begins with You," underscores the ripple effect of each individual's actions that benefit the environment and help ensure a viable planet for generations to come. The theme was announced via naval message on 16 March.
Porter, Anzio Arrive in Scotland for Biggest Ever Joint Warrior — Ships assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 pulled into Faslane, Scotland, ready to commence Exercise Joint Warrior 15-1, April 9. DESRON 26 arrived in Faslane with guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) and guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), ready to participate in Joint Warrior, a semi-annual training exercise conducted in the coastal waters off the United Kingdom. The training, led by the United Kingdom, is designed to provide NATO and allied forces a multiwarfare environment in which to prepare for global operations. Participating countries aim to improve interoperability and prepare forces for future combined exercises. In addition to the exercise and the wide range of training the Sailors will undergo, the port visit will also provide Sailors the opportunity to meet the people of Faslane and to experience and explore Scottish culture and history.
SECNAV Visits Sailors During NEA Vietnam — Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus visited Sailors participating in the sixth annual Naval Engagement Activity (NEA) Vietnam 2015, April 9. Mabus addressed the crews of the littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), as well as staff from Destroyer Squadron 7 (DESRON 7). Mabus highlighted the importance of exchanges like NEA Vietnam in fostering relationships and strengthening maritime partnerships.
First Sailor Joins Navy Through Virtual Recruiting — The Navy's first virtually-recruited Sailor is scheduled to begin boot camp May 19 after joining through Navy Recruiting District (NRD) Ohio's Virtual Recruiting Division (VRD). The Navy is utilizing VRDs to reduce travel cost and optimize recruiter productivity, while still providing access to Navy recruiters in remote areas. Future Sailor Jacob Hatfield, a 2014 graduate of Belfry High School, signed up in January and is scheduled to attend culinary specialist (CS) "A" school upon graduation from boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes.
New Book Offers Insight into WWII Naval Operations — A new U.S. Naval War College (NWC) book offers students, historians, and interested readers, fresh perspectives of several key World War II naval operations. Announced by the NWC Press on April 3, Major Fleet-versus-Fleet Operations in the Pacific War, 1941-1945 explores the battles of Coral Sea, Midway-Aleutians, and the Philippine Sea. Authored by NWC Professor Milan Vego, the book provides an operational-art perspective to stimulate interest in the study of the theory and practice of major naval operations through case studies.
MCPON Launches eSailor Initiative at RTC — The Navy's top enlisted Sailor, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike D. Stevens, was on hand to distribute the first electronic tablets (e-tablets) to the Navy's newest recruits at Recruit Training Command (RTC), April 7. The launch of the eSailor initiative is a pre-pilot, beta testing to two divisions of 70 recruits to help determine how well the device integrates into the training environment at RTC. The e-tablet will contain RTC curriculum, including training videos, texts and access to professional development websites.
SPAWAR Commander Releases Strategic Vision for Leading the Navy in Cyber Warfighting — Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Commander Rear Adm. David Lewis released his strategic vision April 6 in support of the Navy's quest to ensure information dominance throughout its warfighting domains, specifically cyber. Outlining SPAWAR's role as a leading cyber command, the strategic vision document aligns closely with the recently released Navy Cooperative Strategy for 21st Century Seapower (CS21). Cyber issues figure prominently throughout CS21 and are a key element of All Domain Access, an essential function for maritime forces. This latest vision incorporates SPAWAR's response to evolving cyber threats that could affect advanced and integrated information technologies used by systems ranging from seabed to space.
PSNM Opens Naval Heritage Tattoo Exhibit — The Naval History and Heritage Command's Puget Sound Navy Museum (PSNM) in Bremerton opened its naval heritage tattoo exhibit "Skin Deep: The Nautical Roots of Tattoo Culture," April 3. The exhibit showcases how the history of Sailors and nautical culture in the U.S. and British Royal Navies are closely intertwined from the 1800s to present day and boasts more than 900 square feet shared by three modules with themes: Nautical Roots of Tattoo Culture, Tattoo Culture in War from the Civil War through WWII, and Renowned Sailors in Tattoo Culture.
Sailors Gather to Celebrate Diversity at Women's Symposium — Seeking to strengthen community, mentorship and networking opportunities, more than 600 Sailors, Marines and civilians gathered for the Commander Naval Surface Force (CNSL) Atlantic Women's Waterfront Symposium at the C9 auditorium at Naval Station Norfolk, March 31. The symposium was designed to celebrate women's role in the military as well as offer support and guidance to all service members in attendance. After opening remarks from Rear Adm. Peter Gumataotao, Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, guest speakers, including Rear Adm. Mary Jackson, Commander, Navy Region Southeast; Force Master Chief Susan "Suz" Whitman, CNSL; and Master Chief April Beldo, Manpower, Personnel, Training, and Education Fleet Master Chief, took time to reflect on the growth and evolution of women in the military.
These stories originally published by Navy News Service during April 6-10, 2015. For more Navy news, go to: www.navy.mil/.