U.S.Navy News Service

NNS170302-20. Blue Angels Add Show to 2017 Schedule
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99098

NNS170302-19. Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Deploys
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99148

NNS170302-12. CNO Essay Contest: How Do You Think History Can Help Us Today?
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99141

NNS170302-09. Assistant Attorney General Visits NATTC
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99129

NNS170302-07. Navy Culinary Arts Team to Compete for Prestigious Award
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99133

NNS170302-05. US, Iraq, Pakistan Conduct VBSS Exercise
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99140

NNS170302-04. International War College Students Tour America
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99134

NNS170302-03. NAVFAC Marianas Engineers Pay it Forward for National Engineers Week on Guam
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99136

NNS170302-02. Santa Fe Visits Yokosuka during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99137

NNS170302-01. 2017 Active Duty Fund Drive in Support of Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Kicks Off
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99138

DNU — Deadline Moved for First-Term Sailors Looking to Extend Enlistment at Sea, The Navy is Looking for Enlisted Women to Integrate in to the Submariner Community
— http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22111

DNU — Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 prepare for their next deployment.

— http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22112

DNU — It’s time to prepare yourself for tax season.

— http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22113

NNS170302-13. All Hands Update
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=99147

NNS011215-04. This Day in Naval History – March 02
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=383

Eye on the Fleet – U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
— http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=232876

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NNS170302-20. Blue Angels Add Show to 2017 Schedule

From Blue Angels Public Affairs

EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) — U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, added a performance at the 2017 New York Air Show at Stewart International Airport, Feb. 28.

The air show will take place July 1-2, which was previously an open date on the Blue Angels schedule. The team is now scheduled to perform 64 demonstrations at 34 locations in 2017.

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for nearly 500 million fans.

For information about individual air shows, please go to each air show’s official website.

For more information about the Blue Angels, including the 2017 and 2018 air show schedules, visit http://www.blueangels.navy.mil.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Blue Angels, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/blueangels/.
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NNS170302-19. Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Deploys

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Zak Grabill, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) — More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) departed from Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 25 and March 1.

The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces to support maritime security operations, provide crisis response capability, and increase theater security cooperation while providing a forward naval presence in Europe and the Middle East.

The Bataan ARG is commanded by Capt. Larry LeGree, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 8 and is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), Tactical Air Control Squadron 21, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 26, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk; amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), Assault Craft Unit 4 detachments, and Beach Master Unit 2, homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach.

Mesa Verde and Carter Hall departed Feb. 25, and the rest of the Bataan ARG departed March 1.

“After months of training, this Navy and Marine Corps team have come together and are a very capable amphibious force,” said LeGree. “It’s all about teamwork and maximizing the tremendous capabilities of our forces to provide the fleet commanders with scalable, ready, and resilient forces.”

The 24 MEU consists of more than 2,200 Marines, which also includes a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 and the MEU command element. The 24 MEU spent 26 weeks training in mission areas such as security operations, humanitarian relief, and amphibious raids.

The Bataan ARG/MEU team will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based force which can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options on sea, shore, and land in support of the nation’s maritime strategy.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.
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NNS170302-12. CNO Essay Contest: How Do You Think History Can Help Us Today?

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric Lockwood, Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division

WASHINGTON (NNS) — “How can history inform our maritime strategy today?” Your answer to that question may be the basis for an entry in the Chief of Naval Operations 2017 Naval History Essay Contest, recently announced in NAVADMIN 024/17.

According to the message, CNO Adm. John Richardson directed the contest to further understanding of how lessons from history inform the Navy’s way ahead.

It should inspire “insight and dialog from across the widest spectrum of academic, operational, military and civilian personnel both from within the Naval Services and those with a sincere interest in the history of the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.”

History’s impact on the modern age can be a pretty broad question, so essay entries should be able to cut across an enormous array of answers. Maybe Capt. John Paul Jones or Adm. Chester Nimitz’s leadership is inspirational as a model when discharging duties; or perhaps the successful effort, in the face of overwhelming odds, of the crew of guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) in saving their ship after it struck a mine is emboldening to hone damage control abilities.

But entrants don’t have to write about specific subjects like those. One can also think more strategically, such as how the Navy has projected power differently across time. Unintended consequences are also fair game. If it has to do with history, today and the sea services — write about it!

“We’re looking for subjects that study the history of the U.S. Navy, for sure, [as well as] any other historical, maritime history that relates to our maritime strategy,” said Cmdr. Ryan Ahler, Naval History and Heritage Command’s (NHHC) assistant director for the Director’s Action Group. “I think this is a really good opportunity for us to take a look at the long history of lessons learned and apply them to the present and how we maintain maritime superiority.”

The essay contest is open to professional and amateur historians alike, whether they’re in the Navy or not, whether they’re U.S. citizens or not. Everyone has a voice and everyone will think of something different to write about which can help the Navy continue to be the best in the world. If thinking of a subject becomes a problem, NHHC’s website serves as a reference for interesting subjects and existing research.

“The Navy is really looking for entries from a full spectrum of writers, not just professional historians and people who do this for a living, but also for entries from those on the deckplates,” said Ahler. “The hardest part will be getting amateur historians and Sailors out in the fleet to submit, but honestly I think that’s where a lot of the best stuff will come from.”

If a little extra motivation is needed, winners will receive a monetary prize depending on where they place — $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second, and $1,500 for third. See the message for additional prizes: http://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/reference/messages/Documents/NAVADMINS/NAV2017/NAV17024.txt..

The selections will be screened by the United States Naval Institute (USNI) and the finalists will be presented to a joint committee comprised of senior staff from USNI (1 person), the United States Naval Academy (1), the Naval War College (1), the Naval History and Heritage Command (1), the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (2), and one distinguished naval historian from outside the Navy.

Submissions cannot exceed 3,500 words (excluding footnotes/endnotes/sources), nor can an entry contain the author’s name. All submissions will be judged blindly, so in addition to the essay, a separate attachment including a biography and complete contact information is required. Submission packages should be emailed to essay@usni.org with the subject heading “CNO 2017 Naval History Essay Contest.”

For more details, see the NAVADMIN or go to http://www.usni.org/cnonhessaycontest. USNI’s point of contact in this matter is Fred Rainbow and he can be reached via phone at (410) 295-1092, and via email at frainbow@usni.org.

All entries are to be submitted no later than June 30. While the deadline is a few months away, it’s never too early to submit an entry.

The Naval History and Heritage Command, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for the preservation, analysis, and dissemination of U.S. naval history and heritage. It provides the knowledge foundation for the Navy by maintaining historically relevant resources and products which reflect the Navy’s unique and enduring contributions through the nation’s history, and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis, and interpretive services. NHHC is composed of many activities including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archeology, Navy histories, nine museums, USS Constitution repair facility and the historic ship Nautilus.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval History and Heritage Command, visit http://www.history.navy.mil.
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NNS170302-09. Assistant Attorney General Visits NATTC

From Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) — The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Tom Wheeler held a town hall meeting for more than 800 Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) students and staff onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Feb. 28.

Wheeler and other DOJ officials are visiting northwest Florida military installations to conduct Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) seminars organized by the Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative (SVI).

NATTC Commanding Officer Capt. Hugh Rankin greeted Wheeler, SVI representatives Silas Darden and Tanya Kirwan, and DOJ Civil Rights Division representative Elizabeth Singer. They were provided briefs on the various training NATTC Sailors receive.

Wheeler is responsible for the enforcement of federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status and national origin.

“What these young men and women — these young Sailors and Marines — are learning here is truly astonishing,” Wheeler said. “The level at which our military trains and ultimately operates is unparalleled, and being able to see how these service members are learning the skills to enhance our military capabilities is something I hold quite dear.”

Since its inception of the SCRA (formerly known as the Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act), they have worked to strengthen and enhance DOJ efforts on behalf of service members, veterans, and their families in three specific areas: enforcement, outreach and training. The DOJ Civil Rights Division visits military installations across the country to provide training on SCRA, and to identify legal issues impacting service members in order to better utilize its enforcement resources.

“It is our hope that by educating military members about this law which offers them such broad financial protections, it will enable them to avoid companies who seek to prey upon those who so bravely protect our freedoms,” said Darden.

The SCRA is a federal law which provides protections for military members as they enter active duty. It covers issues such as rental agreements, security deposits, prepaid rent, eviction, installment contracts, credit card interest rates, mortgage interest rates, mortgage foreclosure, civil judicial proceedings, automobile leases, life insurance, health insurance and income tax payments.

“The SCRA’s benefits and protections include a six-percent interest rate cap on pre-service obligations such as credit cards, student loans, vehicle loans and mortgages,” said Darden.

For assistance or more information regarding SCRA, contact the nearest Legal Assistance Office to see if the SCRA applies. Dependents of service members can also contact or visit their local military legal assistance offices where they reside.

For more than 70 years, with the last two decades at Naval Air Station Pensacola, NATTC has been providing training and increasing readiness within the Naval Aviation Enterprise. The facility graduates approximately 23,000 Navy, Marine Corps and international students annually and is part of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), an organization which provides single-site management for Navy and Marine Corps aviation technical training.

CNATT is the technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cnatt/.
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NNS170302-07. Navy Culinary Arts Team to Compete for Prestigious Award

By Suzanna Brugler, Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support, Deputy, Office of Corporate Communications

FORT LEE, Va. (NNS) — Navy culinary specialists (CSs) from around the fleet participated in intense culinary training Jan. 17-March 1 to prepare for competition in the 42nd annual Fort Lee Military Culinary Arts Competitive Training Event (MCACTE), to take place March 3-9.

Active-duty culinarians from around the globe will showcase their individual skills, techniques and style while raising the standards of culinary excellence during the competition.

The Navy Culinary Arts Team (NCAT), which will compete in the weeklong event, is led by Chief Warrant Officer 5 Alicia A. Lawrence of Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) Navy Food Service.

“This competitive training event is designed to improve the armed forces culinary skills and, thus, the readiness of each force, in an environment that is passionately competitive yet nurturing and educational,” said Lawrence.

MCACTE is North America’s largest culinary competition which is sanctioned by the American Culinary Federation, featuring team events challenging installations and services against one another to establish an overall Culinary Team of the Year winner.

The CSs will compete in categories such as Armed Forces Chef of the Year, Nutrition Hot Food Challenge, Team Table and Cold Food Display, and Contemporary Patisserie.

NCAT is made up of a professional team, a student team and individual competitors. This year, the Navy will be represented by 16 CSs within the ranks of E-3 to E-6.

Professional Team:
CS1 Sondra Baier – Amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4)
CS1 Jason Thompson – Naval Base San Diego
CS1 Frederic Gilmore – Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran enlisted aide
CS2 Joshua Jennings – Naval Base San Diego
CS2 Caroletta Smith – Flag Mess Navy Yard enlisted aide

Student Team:
CS2 Jazmen Wilkerson – Aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
CS3 Destiny Pryor – PCU USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)
CS3 Bianca Parker – USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69)
CSSN Joseph Lucas – USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
CSSN Amanda Allen – USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)

Individual competitors:
CS2 Lonnie Laorett – Naval Submarine Base New London
CS2 Noah Reed – USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)
CS2 William Felix – Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam
CS2 Selima Rougier – USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)
CS3 Regienald Calucag – Amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51)
CS3 Michael Masso – Guided-missile destroyer USS Chaffee (DDG 90)

NAVSUP GLS provides global logistics for a global Navy. The organization is made up of approximately 6,300 military and civilian logistics professionals operating from 105 locations worldwide, providing an extensive array of integrated global logistics and contracting services to Navy, Marine Corps, joint operational units, and allied forces across all warfare enterprises.

For more NAVSUP Global Logistics Support, visit http://www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news/ or http://www.facebook.com/navsupgls/.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit http://www.facebook.com/navsupgls/.
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NNS170302-05. US, Iraq, Pakistan Conduct VBSS Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Victoria Kinney, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) — The U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Force South West Asia (PATFORSWA) Maritime Engagement Team (MET) with Iraqi and Pakistani naval officers are conducting a multilateral visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercise at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Feb. 26-March 9.

The exercise, held at the ship-in-the-box (SIB) facility, is the first time in three years that the Iraqi and Pakistani navies have come together for the PATFORSWA-led VBSS exercise. The exercise also marks the first time the exercise has focused on evidence collection and documentation of items confiscated during VBSS interactions.

The exercise will share best practices from all navies, improve combined interoperability, and develop common skills among partner nations. Through the subject matter expert exchanges, exercises facilitated by the MET allow the U.S. and partner nations to work on increasing cooperation and understanding of maritime security operations.

“These VBSS engagements between partner nations are crucial to strengthening solid relationships throughout the region,” said Cmdr. Alain Balmaceda, deputy commander of PATFORSWA. “My team is fully committed to developing mutual maritime capabilities, especially in maritime boarding operations, so that when the situation does arise, we are able to rely on each other to ensure the free flow of commerce in the region.”

The 3,000-square foot SIB training facility has held more than 100 engagements in the last six years and is used to develop close-quarters techniques. The dhow located in the facility is a 60-foot dhow replica with more than 20 hidden compartments used to train personnel with a realistic approach to VBSS operations.

“We look forward to sharing knowledge and experiences with our Pakistani and Iraqi counterparts,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class William Bohannon, a maritime enforcement specialist. “As part of the USCG Maritime Engagement Team, I am fortunate to be an integral part of our mission in strengthening existing partnerships and increasing mutual tactical proficiency.”

Following the ashore training, Coast Guardsmen and members from the Pakistani navy will board USCGC Wrangell (WPB 1332) to provide an immersive simulation of VBSS situations for the nations to utilize in effective cross-force training. The underway portion will enable better understanding of vessel types, small boat operations, and basic seamanship. The navies will also work on engineer and damage control familiarization on Maui.

PATFORSWA’s mission is to command, train, equip and provide mission-ready Coast Guard forces to conduct maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, and parts of the Indian Ocean. The area is comprised of 27 countries, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

For further questions, please contact U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs Office at 011-973-1785-4562 or navcentpao@me.navy.mil

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
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NNS170302-04. International War College Students Tour America

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle Hafer, USS America (LHA 6) Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — Students of the United States Army War College (USAWC) toured amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) as part of an international event to foster relationships with partner countries March 1.

The visit gave approximately 40 Army officers from various nations a chance to familiarize themselves with the U.S. Navy, the ship and its mission.

“On a strategic scale this is a major plug for diplomacy,” said America’s cryptologic warfare officer and tour coordinator Lt. Stephanie Stamm. “Being able to maintain good relationships with other countries, showing them our hospitality, as well as helping them with their studies are great ways to build relationships with our allies.”

The purpose of the USAWC is for officers of various nations to study together for a year in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where they inspect elements of national power, best practices in military management and the development of lasting military power, all while building lifelong relationships.

These leaders were given an in-depth look at operations on the first-of-its-class warship while tour guides answered questions and described the features, challenges and successes of America.

“They were all very eager to know all of the strengths the America has,” said Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Salvatore Polizzi, assigned to America. “They want to know how powerful we can be when we go out to sea and on deployments, and I feel like they left very confident in the knowing our ship’s capabilities.”

Events like these are organized to reinforce bonds with other countries through shared military experience and to reassure allies of the U.S. Navy’s role as a ‘global force for good.’

“We are not the only country in the world,” said Stamm. “We Recognize that a lot of these officers are coming from a variety of different countries, and that gives us that opportunity to show them our good will and take the experience they had here in our country and share it back home.”

America is an aviation centric amphibious assault ship that supports Marine aviation requirements, from small-scale contingency operations of an expeditionary strike group, to forcible entry missions in major theaters of war.

The ship is homeported in San Diego and is preparing for its maiden deployment later this year.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lha6/.
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NNS170302-03. NAVFAC Marianas Engineers Pay it Forward for National Engineers Week on Guam

By Frank Whitman, Naval Facilities Engineering Command Marianas Public Affairs

ASAN, Guam (NNS) — Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas engineers celebrated National Engineers Week from Feb. 20 – 24, by visiting Guam students to talk about the significant contributions of the engineering profession.

The engineers presented and conducted science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) demonstrations for more than 3,000 students at more than a dozen Guam schools.

“We want to make sure that kids of all ages have a chance to experience engineering early on – to pique their interest,” said NAVFAC Marianas Construction Management Engineer Lt. Jeremiah Smith. “Engineers are definitely going to be needed in the future. We’re going to constantly be improving the infrastructure, constantly improving the utilities. Without future engineers, we’ll just see everything start deteriorating.”

Smith was the school presentation coordinator for NAVFAC Marianas, and gave several presentations himself.

At Andersen Middle School, he facilitated a bridge-building activity during which teams of seventh grade students were guided through the process of building a bridge of plastic drinking straws between two stacks of books. The strength of each bridge was then measured by putting pennies in a cup on the bridge; the winning bridge held 190 pennies.

The purpose of the activity was to “show them that engineering can be fun,” Smith said. “It’s just a good chance to give them an idea of what they can do later on in life and the opportunities this can present to them.”

Promoting diversity and building an inclusive engineering community leads to better engineering. “We need as many different minds thinking to solve problems as we can get because every mind is different,” Smith said. “You can have 15 people look at a problem and have 15 different solutions; eventually you’re going to combine all those solutions to get the best outcome. The more bodies you have thinking on it, the better product you’re going to have at the end.”

Naval Base Guam Facilities Engineering and Acquisition Director Lt. Cmdr. Henry Suter gave a similar presentation to students at Cmdr. William C. McCool Elementary/Middle School on Naval Base Guam. His presentation emphasized the creative aspect of engineering.

“Engineering is also art; if you want to change the world, you’ve got to think of a new way to do things,” Suter said. “I wish I’d had somebody do this when I was going through school — talk about the importance of engineering and the achievements of engineering. It’s engineering that’s going to make the world a better place.”

The Engineers Week activities are closely tied to McCool School’s emphasis on STEM subjects, according to Debora Moore, the school’s gifted resource teacher. “If we want to create children who can build and design, and design their own future, we have to make sure that we’re focusing on providing what they need to learn, which are the STEM subjects,” she said. “It’s quite a push to make sure that students learn about engineering so we are happy to participate in this event.”

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Facilities Engineering Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navfachq/.
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NNS170302-02. Santa Fe Visits Yokosuka during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment

By Lt. j.g. Tajudeen Ismail, USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) — Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Santa Fe (SSN 763) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka March 2 for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific patrol.

The visit strengthens the already positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crew’s interaction with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

Santa Fe is optimistic about the opportunity for a port visit in Yokosuka and looks forward to strengthening the ties shared with close allies.

“Our crew has had the opportunity to meet our partner Japanese submarine crews that visit Pearl Harbor and are excited to visit their homeport,” said Cmdr. Jacob A. Foret, commanding officer.

This submarine is capable of executing anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

“The crew has worked tirelessly at training and preparing for the western Pacific deployment and are eager to explore the many sights and sounds of Yokosuka,” said Master Chief Electronics Technician (Navigation) Jorge Perez, chief of the boat. “The crew has many first-timers who have heard so many interesting stories about Japan and look forward to experiencing the Japanese culture firsthand during this port visit. They joined the Navy to see the world, and this is their first foreign port visit.”

Many crew members are excited to experience the rich culture of Japan.

Measuring more than 360 feet long and weighing more than 6,000 tons when submerged, Santa Fe is among the world’s stealthiest platforms.

Santa Fe is homeported in Pearl Harbor and is assigned to Commander, Submarine Squadron 7. It is named after the great city of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Submarine Group 7, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/csg7/.
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NNS170302-01. 2017 Active Duty Fund Drive in Support of Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Kicks Off

From Navy Medicine West, Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — The Secretary of the Navy’s annual Active Duty Fund Drive campaign in support of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) kicked off March 1. Active Duty Sailors and Marines are taking care of their own by providing donated funds to the only Department of the Navy sponsored non-profit organization.

Established in 1904 and funded solely through donations, NMCRS is a private 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving active duty and retired Sailors, Marines and their eligible family members in need throughout the world.

NMCRS provides financial assistance in the form of interest free loans and grants and education, as well as other programs and services. For more information on how you can help support the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, go to www.nmcrs.org. Please contact the NMCRS San Diego Director, Barry White, at 619-767-6810 with additional questions.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more information on Navy Medicine West, visit http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmw/Pages/default.aspx

NNS170302-13. All Hands Update

From DMA Team Gray – Navy Media

WASHINGTON (NNS) — All Hands Update features three one-minute newscasts.

First one-minute newscast
– Deadline Moved for First-Term Sailors Looking to Extend Enlistment at Sea, The Navy is Looking for Enlisted Women to Integrate in to the Submariner Community
links:
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22111
http://dvidshub.net/r/57si5h

Second one-minute newscast
– Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 133 prepare for their next deployment.
links:
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22112
http://dvidshub.net/r/m8dkk7

Third one-minute newscast
– It’s time to prepare yourself for tax season.
links:
http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22113
http://dvidshub.net/r/r/qv7jcj

Defense Media Activity-Navy produces All Hands Update (AHU) newscasts each day. AHU can be seen on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS) satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy website at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen worldwide on American Forces Radio and Television
Service (AFRTS).

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NNS011215-04. This Day in Naval History – March 02

From Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division

1859 – USS Saginaw launches from Mare Island, Calif. The steamer is the first US Navy ship built on the West Coast.

1867 – The Civil Engineer Corps is established by Congress.

1945 – USS Bowfin (SS 287) sinks Japanese transport Chokai Maru, and patrol bombers PB4Y-2 (VPB 119) sink transport Nichirin Maru in East China Sea.

1952 – During the Korean War, USS Endicott (DMS 35) silences enemy guns on the east coast of Chuuronjang, Korea in a counter-battery engagement.

1973 – The first four female U.S. Navy pilots begin training. The women are: Lt. j.g. Barbara A. Allen; Lt. j.g Judith A. Neuffer; Ensign Jane M. Skiles and Ensign Kathleen L. McNary.