U.S. Navy: Navy News Service

NNS170522-01. John C. Stennis Sailors Get Updated Quarters
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100591

NNS170522-02. JCS Sailors Install Improved Deck Surface
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100592

NNS170522-05. USS Philippine Sea Holds Change of Command
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100588

NNS170522-14. Future USS Omaha (LCS 12) Completes Acceptance Trials
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100595

NNS170522-15. NAVSUP Postal Managers Meet in San Diego to Modernize Mail Delivery Practices
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100597

NNS170522-10. US Naval Forces Central Command, Coalition Partners Complete International Maritime Exercise
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100590

NNS170522-11. Navy Urges Patience for Sailors Waiting on PCS Orders
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100598

DNU — CNO visits Guam to touch base with Fleet Sailors
— http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22313

DNU — CNO, USS Coronado, USS Sterett Highlight US Navy Presence at Singapore’s International Maritime Review, Navy HHG Provides Moving Tips to Help Sailors During Peak Moving Season

— http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22312

DNU — Sailor 2025 launches the fleet into the future
— http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22314

DNU — The Weekly Wire Rundown is a weekly video blog from the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel, highlighting the top stories affecting Sailors and their families. The video compliments the print edition of the @USNPeople Weekly Wire, which you can subscribe to by e-mailing usnpeople@gmail.com. It can also be downloaded at www.navy.mil/cnp. We welcome any question and feedback on personnel matters or how to make this product better serve Sailors and their families.
— http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=22311

NNS170522-12. Current All Hands Update
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=100600

NNS020131-23. This Day in Naval History – May 22
— http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=764

Eye on the Fleet – U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
— http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=237118

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NNS170522-01. John C. Stennis Sailors Get Updated Quarters

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nick A. Grim, USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74)Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) — Sailors aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) are rehabilitating and refreshing 29 crew berthings during the ship’s Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) period.

The John C. Stennis berthing rehabitability team, one of the many specialized PIA teams, has been working on the berthings over a four-month period to provide added comfort for the crew.

“Everything you see when you walk into a berthing, we rip it out and replace it,” said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Matthew Ward, the John C. Stennis berthing rehab team leader from Fresno, California.

In addition to new equipment in berthing, the rehab team coordinates with the ship’s paint team to ensure fresh coats of paint are put on the bulkheads, and the deck and tile team replace the old tile with different flooring such as PRC, a wear-resistant type of flooring designed to reduce maintenance hours and costs.

“The old berthings were in need of new paint and ventilation systems,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Cristo Salazar, from San Antonio. “The new berthings give us a new start and appreciation.”

While the updates keep the ship up to contemporary standards and looking fresh, the rehabilitation will increase crew morale during the work-up cycle and following deployment.

“I think having a nice berthing is one of the biggest things you can do to have decent morale on the ship,” said Ward. “Nobody wants to live in a not-so-nice area, everything clean and new, I think that’s something everyone on the ship deserves.”

John C. Stennis’ berthing rehab team has already completed more than ten berthings and is ahead of schedule.

“Leading the rehab team was an opportunity to work with different departments and lead a lot of Sailors,” said Ward. “The team of 70 Sailors I have working for me has been exceeding work timelines. This team works really hard and we wouldn’t be where we are without them.”

John C. Stennis is conducting a planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, during which the ship is undergoing scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

For more news on John C. Stennis, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stennis74.

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

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NNS170522-02. JCS Sailors Install Improved Deck Surface

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mike Pernick, USS John C. Stennis’ (CVN 74) Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) — Sailors temporarily assigned to USS John C. Stennis’ (CVN 74) planned incremental availability’s (PIA) deck and tile team are now replacing the tile decks with a new coating referred to as PRC, after its manufacturer, Products Research and Chemical Corporation.

PRC is a marine deck-coating made of a resin sealer and color epoxy that is designed to resist heavy abrasion, impact and other potential movements.

“The application process is really easy since it’s similar to painting,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Alec Weeks, leading petty officer of the deck and tile team from Troy, Illinois. “With the new PRC decks all we have to do to keep them looking immaculate is a quick sweep and swab, no more stripping and waxing.”

Besides being easier to maintain, PRC coincidentally enhances John C. Stennis’ performance.

“It requires no underlayment which reduces the amount of weight we are adding to the ship,” added Weeks.”

Having Sailors trained to install this deck surface also enhances the ship’s self-sufficiency. The skills they have learned will continue to be employed for future deck installations after the ship leaves the shipyard environment.

Weeks also praised his Sailors on their hard work and commitment to their temporarily assigned jobs.

“They are very passionate about this process and it shows,” said Weeks. “I couldn’t be more proud of the Sailors on the deck and tile team.”

John C. Stennis is conducting a PIA at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, during which the ship is undergoing scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

For more news on John C. Stennis, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stennis74.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.
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NNS170522-05. USS Philippine Sea Holds Change of Command

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Ian Crimmins, USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) Public Affairs

5th Area of Operation (NNS) — Capt. Peter Nilsen relieved Capt. John Schmidt as commanding officer of the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), during a change of command ceremony aboard the ship’s flight deck, May 18.

As commanding officer, Schmidt led Philippine Sea through several multinational exercises and the ship’s current deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, promoting maritime security and theater cooperation efforts in the region.

In attendance was officiating officer and guest speaker Rear Adm. Kenneth Whitesell, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, who commended Schmidt on the ship’s accomplishments and his dedication to Philippine Sea.

“[Capt. Schmidt] was the right leader to come to the ship,” said Whitesell. “You were faced with some incredible barriers and you jumped them like an Olympic hurdler. You had the watch and led with dedication and skill.”

During the scope of Schmidt’s leadership, Philippine Sea received the 2016 Retention Excellence Award, 2016 Green “H”, 2016 Chief of Naval Operation’s Safety Award and the 2016 Engineering Survivability Excellence, Command and Control, and Logistics Management awards. He was awarded the Legion of Merit during the ceremony for his exceptional service as commanding officer.

“It’s been a pleasure working with you all,” said Schmidt. “These awards and recognitions are a reflection of you. The ship’s success is a testament to the dedication of its crew.”

He added that he is confident in Nilsen, who was previously the CSG-2 chief of staff, and complimented his ability to command the ship and crew.

“I’m thrilled you are the one chosen to relieve me,” said Schmidt. “Knowing it’s you puts me at ease. You are the right man to take command.”

“Pete, it is good to welcome you back to the GHWBCSG. As the former strike group chief of staff, you are an ‘insider.’ Philippine Sea is very fortunate to be gaining a warfighter who knows what is under the hood,” Whitesell said of Nilsen. “Take this sports car and do great things with her.”

During the ceremony, Schmidt read his orders and transferred command to Nilsen, who thanked Schmidt for a smooth transition into a strong command.

“I want to personally thank you for a superb turnover,” said Nilsen. “A key trait of a good leader is to leave a command better than when you started it, and you certainly have.”

Prior to serving at CSG-2, Nilsen was the commanding officer of USS Cole (DDG 67). His previous sea assignments include executive officer of Cole; executive officer of USS Kaufman (FFG 59); operations officer for USS Monterey (CG 61); operations officer in USS Mitscher (DDG 57). His shore assignments include assistant officer in charge of AEGIS Training and Readiness Detachment Center, Norfolk; and assistant chief of staff for operations, training and integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) warfare tactics instructors (WTI) at Navy Air and Missile Defense Command (NAMDC).

Philippine Sea is currently deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

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

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.
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NNS170522-14. Future USS Omaha (LCS 12) Completes Acceptance Trials

From Naval Sea Systems Command Office of Corporate Communication

MOBILE, Ala. (NNS) — The Navy’s future USS Omaha (LCS 12) successfully conducted its acceptance trials, May 12, after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).

Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. During the trial, the Navy conducted comprehensive tests of LCS 12 intended to demonstrate the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling, and auxiliary systems. While underway, Omaha successfully performed launch and recovery operations of the 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boat, completed surface and air self-defense detect-to-engage exercises, and demonstrated the ship’s maneuverability through high-speed steering, crash backs, and four-hour full power run.

“The Navy/industry trials team in Mobile has found their stride and, with stability in the serial production line, are bringing ships to trial with consistently improved performance at decreasing cost,” said Capt. Tom Anderson, LCS program manager. “Omaha will be an exceptional addition to the rapidly growing in-service fleet.”

Following delivery, a post-delivery maintenance availability and crew training and familiarization exercises in Mobile, Alabama, Omaha will sail to California for commissioning. Omaha will be homeported in San Diego with sister ships USS Independence (LCS 2), USS Coronado (LCS 4), USS Jackson (LCS 6), USS Montgomery (LCS 8) and USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), which departed Mobile earlier this month.

Several more Independence-variant hulls are under construction at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. USS Manchester (LCS 14) is preparing for builders trial this summer, USS Tulsa (LCS 16) was christened and launched earlier this year, and USS Charleston (LCS 18) is scheduled to be christened and launched this fall. Other sister ships, including USS Cincinnati (LCS 20), USS Kansas City (LCS 22), USS Oakland (LCS 24) and USS Mobile (LCS 26), are in varying stages of construction.

The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant, designed and built by two industry teams. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin (for the odd-numbered hulls, e.g. LCS 1). The Independence variant team is led by Austal USA (for LCS 6 and the subsequent even-numbered hulls).

Each LCS will be outfitted with a mission package made up of mission modules containing warfighting systems and support equipment. A dedicated ship crew will combine with aviation assets to deploy manned and unmanned vehicles and sensors in support of mine countermeasures, anti-submarine warfare or surface warfare missions.

For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/.

For more information, visit , www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
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NNS170522-15. NAVSUP Postal Managers Meet in San Diego to Modernize Mail Delivery Practices

By Suzanna Brugler, NAVSUP GLS, Deputy, Office of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) — Naval Supply Systems Command Global Logistics Support (NAVSUP GLS) postal personnel from around the globe met for the second annual NAVSUP GLS Postal Strategic Planning Meeting, May 16-18, in San Diego.

The three-day meeting brought together postal managers from NAVSUP Headquarters, NAVSUP GLS, and the NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Centers (FLC) located in Bahrain, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Pearl Harbor and San Diego.

This year the primary purpose of the meeting was to focus on inspection checklists.

“The meeting provided an opportunity for the postal managers to revamp OCONUS annual inspection forms and CONUS monthly inspection forms that were created nearly 11 years ago,” said Dale Pinchart, NAVSUP GLS postal program manager. “This process was long overdue and a quality product resulted from the hard work and experience attendees brought to the table.”

In addition, the attendees heard from their NAVSUP GLS senior leadership during a question-and-answer session that the Vice Commander Mr. William Bickert, Jr. presided over.

The Postal Strategic Planning Meeting is an improved, re-booted incarnation of the former Region Postal Manager Meeting, which last took place in May 2016.

“The annual meeting is time well spent to bring postal correspondence up-to-date with technology in use at both CONUS and OCONUS postal facilities,” said Pinchart.

The next NAVSUP GLS Postal Strategic Planning Meeting is scheduled for spring 2018.

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 www.navsup.navy.mil/navsup/ourteam/navsupgls/news/ or www.facebook.com/navsupgls/ For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Naval Supply Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsup/.
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NNS170522-10. US Naval Forces Central Command, Coalition Partners Complete International Maritime Exercise

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

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) — The International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2017, led by U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, was held May 2-18, on Naval Support Activity Bahrain.

IMX 2017, a command post exercise, included personnel from the U.S. and more than 20 partner nations, as well as representatives from the civilian shipping industry group Oil Companies International Marine Forum. This group of key players came together to promote interoperability, increase readiness in all facets of defensive maritime warfare, and demonstrate resolve in maintaining regional security and stability and protecting the free flow of commerce.

“This year’s IMX presented an invaluable opportunity to build upon the successes of [the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise] and act as a stepping stone looking forward to IMX 2019,” said Commodore William Warrender, deputy commander of combined maritime forces in U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, and international maritime exercise force commander. “This year was the largest exercise we’ve seen to date, and the 2019 iteration of the exercise is going to be an even greater opportunity to demonstrate coalition cohesiveness. It is only with continued support of our partners and allies that we can endure with our mission, delivering stability and reducing illicit activity within the region.”

IMX 2017 consisted of four days of academic training from various presenters, which included the U.S. Naval War College. The topics of the presentations ranged from naval planning to mission analysis, as well as discussing the coordination of forces to increase international cooperation.

“Having a significant number of international partners working alongside the civilian shipping industry builds a critical understanding to enhance security and cooperation in the region,” said Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ralph Underhill, lead planner for IMX. “By training on as realistic of threat-scenarios that we could possibly make, we tried to ensure IMX trained against situations that are entirely possible in this region.”

Following the presentations, participants took part in field exercises simulating realistic scenarios that have occurred in or threaten the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Situations included a simulated missile attack, mine threats, a mine strike on a naval vessel, and a fast attack craft threat.

The region encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Twenty countries comprise this expanse, which includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen. The Strait of Hormuz sees nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply transits, and exercises like IMX are designed to share knowledge and enhance proficiencies in a joint environment.

The next exercise is scheduled to occur in 2019, and will be built upon the successes of IMX 2017 with cooperative maritime engagements including mine countermeasures, maritime security operations and maritime infrastructure protection.

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 news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
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NNS170522-11. Navy Urges Patience for Sailors Waiting on PCS Orders

From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Following passage of the 2017 Consolidated Appropriations Act, the Navy announced today that Sailors should continue to expect to receive permanent change of station (PCS) orders with approximately two months or less lead time through the end of the fiscal year.

While the Navy will make every effort to ensure PCS orders are released as expeditiously as possible, the service does not have sufficient funds to allow for longer PCS orders lead times.

“We recognize the impact this has on Sailors and their families preparing to move, and we’re working hard to remedy this situation,” said Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Robert Burke. “Leadership is engaged at all levels to develop and implement solutions to minimize the impact to our Sailors. Our focus and priority remains on manning the Fleet, and taking care of Sailors and their families.”

Currently, the Navy is using a prioritization strategy, as it has previously done, to help minimize the impact on Fleet readiness, career timing, and families. Emphasis will remain on global support assignment rotations, career milestone billets, critical readiness fills, minimizing gaps at sea for deployed units and those working up to deploy, and keeping the training pipelines moving. Those Sailors who are going to operational units about to deploy, numbered fleet staffs, overseas billets, individual augmentees or must-moves (safety, early return of dependents, humanitarian) will be issued their orders first.

Additionally, Navy Personnel Command will continue to issue letters of intent for overseas moves. That way, while orders may not be in hand, individuals can start the process of doing overseas and medical screenings, dependent entry approval, passport applications and security clearance requests.

We encourage all Sailors who have not yet received PCS orders to contact their detailers with questions and concerns with the understanding that there may be a delay as we work through budgetary issues.

Those with questions regarding their Household Goods moves should contact householdgoods@navy.mil. Additionally, Sailors and family members are advised to go to http://www.navsup.navy.mil/household to review various “how-to” guides for using the Defense Personal Property System. The website also includes a schedule of webinars where those planning moves can interact directly with HHG staff.

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

For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/.

NNS170522-12. Current All Hands Update

From Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON (NNS) — Daily Report for Headlines for Monday, May 22, 2017

All Hands Update features three one-minute newscasts.

First one-minute newscast
– CNO, USS Coronado, USS Sterett Highlight US Navy Presence at Singapore’s International Maritime Review, Navy HHG Provides Moving Tips to Help Sailors During Peak Moving Season
links:
https://navcms.dma.mil/video_player.asp?id=22312
http://dvidshub.net/r/r/ml4vfl

Second one-minute newscast
– CNO Visits Guam
links:
https://navcms.dma.mil/video_player.asp?id=22313
http://dvidshub.net/r/2rzm7v

Third one-minute newscast
– Sailor 2025
links:
https://navcms.dma.mil/video_player.asp?id=22314
http://dvidshub.net/r/838rv4

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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NNS020131-23. This Day in Naval History – May 22

From Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division

1912 – Marine Corps 1st Lt. Alfred A. Cunningham reports to the Naval Academy, where he receives flight instruction, later becoming the first Marine Corps pilot. This date is considered the Birthday of Marine Corps Aviation.

1943 – During the battle to protect British Royal Convoy (ON 184) in the North Atlantic, TBFs from (VC 9) based on board USS Bogue (ACV 9) sink German submarine (U 569) and damage (U 305).

1958 – Marine Corps Maj. Edward N. LeFaivre, pilots an F4D-1 Skyray at NAMTC Point Mugu, Calif., scoring five world records in speed climbs up to 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 meters with marks of 44.392, 66.095, 90.025, 111.224, and 156.233 seconds.

1967 – New York City reaches an agreement to purchase the New York Naval Shipyard, also known as the Brooklyn Navy Yard, after it was closed in 1966.

1968 – USS Scorpion (SSN-589) is lost with her crew south-west of the Azores. In late Oct. 1968, her remains are found on the sea floor more than 10,000 feet below the surface by a deep-submergence vehicle towed from USNS Mizar (T-AGOR-11).

1986 – Military Sealift Commands USNS Sgt. William R. Button (T-AK 3012) is christened and launched. The ship serves as one of 17 Container and Roll-on/Roll-off vessels for the Navy and is part of the 36 ships in the Prepositioning Program.
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