Essential Comms: Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism

Feature: Chief of Naval Personnel Visits Europe

Big Navy News: Panetta Accelerates Stennis Deployment

Around the Region: HSV-2 Swift Arrives in Naples

Emphasizing Readiness in Europe

region standardAugust 2012 Issue 20

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E s s e n t i a l C o m m sSecretary of Defense

Medal for the Global War on Terrorism

CNREURAFSWA 2nd Qtr SOQ / JSOQJunior Sailor of the Quarter

YN2 (SW/AW) Carloeric CaliboSailor of the Quarter

CS1 (SW/AW) Alan Hess

DoD civilians may be eligible for the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Global War on Terrorism. If you are a DoD civilian employee, contact your command’s awards coordinator for direct assistance and eligibility criteria details. Command awards coordinators can explain what supporting documentation (e.g., TDY orders, Earning and Leave Statements showing receipt of Danger Pay, etc.) is required to verify eligibility. DoD civilians that have served in established areas of eligibility for a required time period since Sept. 11, 2001 are encouraged to contact their command’s awards coordinator imme-diately.

AfghanistanAlgeriaBahrainBosnia-HerzegovinaBulgariaChadColumbiaCreteCyprusDiego GarciaDjiboutiEgyptEritreaEthiopiaGeorgiaGuantanamo BayHungaryIranIraq IsraelKenyaKosovoKuwaitKyrgyzstanLebanonMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaOmanPakistan

PhilippinesQatarRomania (Constanta)Saudi ArabiaSenegalSierra LeoneSomaliaSyriaTajikistanTunesiaTurkey TurkmenistanUgandaUnited Arab EmiratesUzbekistanYemenGulf of AdenGulf of AqabaGulf of OmanGulf of SuezPersian GulfRed SeaStrait of HormuzSuez CanalBab El MandebArabian SeaMedterranean Sea

Areas of Eligibility

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

Chaplains Religious Enrichment Devel-opement Operation (CREDO) will be conducting Applied Suicide intervention Skills Training (ASIST) 15-16 August in Naples, Italy. ASIST explores attitudes about sui-cide. Participants will better understand the needs of a person at risk of suicide and learn how to use suicide first-aid to meet those needs. Military, Civilians and Family mem-bers over 18 are encouraged to attend. For more informantion or to register for training email CREDO at:fct.na.CNRE_Credo@eu.nay.mil

YN2 Calibo was born in Saipan, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. He enlisted in the Navy in 2006 and reported to CNREURAFSWA in 2010. He is currently the administration office’s workcenter supervisor.

CS1 Hess is originally from Virginia Beach, VA. He enlisted in the Navy in 2005 after graduating from Johnson & Wales University. He reported to CNREURAFSWA in 2011 and is an enlisted aide to Rear Adm. Gaiani.

Dial DSN 118 for the National Suicide

Prevention Hotline

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F e a t u r e dChief of Naval Personnel Emphasizes Readiness to Sailors in Naples

NAPLES, Italy - The chief of naval per-sonnel stressed the chief of naval opera-tions’ three tenets of ‘Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready’ during an all-hands call at Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, July 12. Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk empha-sized Navy Personnel Command’s efforts to manage a sustainable and resilient force composed of the right number of Sailors with the right skills for the job while attracting, recruiting and retaining the highest quality personnel. “I don’t think there is a better example of the chief of naval operations’ three tenets of ‘Warfighting First, Operate Forward and Be Ready’ than all of you here today. You are doing it all in probably the most dynamic theater in the world,” said Van Buskirk. While acknowledging the valuable work of service members in the region, Van Buskirk said the three tenets must also guide the Navy as it considers future

Story by MC1 Jack Georges, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Personnel Visits NS Rota (VIDEO)

challenges. “One of the areas we have a challenge has to do with jobs on ships that require very specific critical skills. We have some gaps at sea for some very technical ratings,” said Van Buskirk. In response to these vacant positions, the Navy has sought to provide incen-tives to Sailors with critical skills who re-turn to sea duty early. Incentives include increased opportunities for retention as well as advantages when choosing new assignments. “I think you may even see some more sea-duty incentive pay available for more ratings too,” said Van Buskirk. Filling sea-duty billets that require

critical skills enables the Navy to effec-tively meet the chief of naval operations’ sailing directions. Van Buskirk said the key is to find the right mix of skill sets, sea and shore bil-lets and to continue providing incentives for sailors to help encourage Sailors to select sea-duty billets.

ROTA, Spain - Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk, visited Na-val Station Rota, Spain, July 13, to look at base operations and address base personnel on topics including, Perform to Serve, workforce stabilization and the value of the Navy remaining a force of top performers. Van Buskirk enjoyed breakfast with NS Rota and tenant command Sailors of the quarter, before receiving a base-wide tour followed by all-hands calls. “Rota is a growth industry,” said Van Buskirk. “We continue to be a force that is deploying as we stabilize the work-force... that’s why we caution ourselves around the world based on our leader-ship’s demands about where we need to be and where we need to operate, and Rota is a key component in that. It’s the focus of our leadership.” Van Buskirk re-emphasized Rota’s

vital importance in ensuring the overall success of the Navy, and that the naval station currently is a primary focus due to the Forward Deployed Naval Forces and NATO Ballistic Missile Defense program. “There are a lot of Sailors seeking orders to Rota and that says a lot about this base’s reputation,” he said. Van Buskirk also addressed recruiting goals and needs. “What we offer people as far as ca-reers is important,” he said. “The compe-tition to remain in our service is very key, as we are a performance-driven organi-zation.” He spoke of troop reduction levels from 380,000 to 320,000 and addressed the Reserve-active mix with regard to missions and deployments. “From a force management perspec-tive, we’re looking good,” Van Buskirk said. “It’s a good position for our Navy to be in as far as stabilizing ... I think our future looks bright.”

Van Buskirk addressed the issue of possible retirement changes during his question and answer session with Sailors. “All those people who are serving right now, we’re not going to change as far as what you get, in terms of what your retire-ment system is,” he said. “You should not worry specifically about your specific retirement. We don’t know if it’s going to change at all for the future retirement system ... we are going to be grandfa-thered in. What we came in with is what we’ll stay with.” “I’m proud of what I’ve been able to do in this service. I’m proud to be as-sociated with each and every one you,” he said. “We’re a total force made up of active, Reserve and civilian components, and I think we’re a winning and success-ful team.”

Story by MC2 Travis Alston, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Personnel Visits Naval Station Rota

Photo by LS1 Douglas Cowles

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Swift Conducts Crew Turnover in Naples

HSV 2 Swift Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy - The Blue Crew of High-Speed Vessel (HSV 2) Swift exchanged command with Swift’s Gold Crew during a port visit to Naples, Italy, in prepara-tion for its upcoming Africa Partnership Station (APS) West 2012 deployment, July 23. Swift’s Blue Crew completed a nearly four month deployment that brought them through ports in the Black Sea, Europe, and 13 countries in Africa supporting APS East 2012. “The real reward from APS was to be engaged with African host nations, meet people, get to know what issues are important to them and feel like we are making a valuable contribution to their security and economy,” said Lt. Cmdr. Charles Eaton, officer in charge of Swift’s Blue Crew. “I think that’s probably the biggest takeaway you can have from any deployment, to feel that you made a dif-ference in the world.” During their deployment, Swift’s Blue Crew conducted military-to-military en-gagements focusing on combat medical training, infantry tactics, port security and junior officer and non-commissioned of-ficer leadership training. “The mission was amazing,” said Chief Boatswain’s Mate Robert Frost, senior enlisted leader of Swift’s Blue Crew. “We learned a lot, and I feel our partners did too.”

USNH Sigonella Welcomes New Commanding Officer

ROTA, Spain - Service members salute the flag during the annual flag raising ceremony, July 4. Naval Station Rota is only permitted to fly the U.S. flag with special permission from the Spanish Admiral-in-Chief in accordance with the Agreement of Defense Cooperation. Photo by MC2 Travis Alston.

MINA SALMAN PIER, Bahrain - Navy Diver 1st Class Brandon Holt surfaces in a sea well aboard the mine countermeasures ship USS Sentry (MCM 3) during the installation of a hull-trunk sensor for the ship’s mine counter-measure sonar. Photo by MC1 Shane Tuck.

GAETA, Italy - Lt. Colin Dunlop, left, explains the ship’s capabilities to residents of Gaeta during a tour of the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), July 14. Photo by MC1 Christopher Stoltz.

SIGONELLA, Italy - U.S. Naval Hospital Sigonella held a change of command ceremony July 20. Capt. Patricia McDonald relieved Capt. Cynthia Feller. Rear Adm. Elaine C. Wagner, commander, Navy Medicine East, served as the guest speaker at the ceremony and commended Feller for her time, leadership and dedication as com-manding officer. “Real influence is most often person-al,” said Wagner. “I think that description describes Capt. Cynthia Feller to a ‘T.’ She has the credentials, she has been in the spotlight and she has helped others make their dreams come true. Simply put, she has had real influence at this command.” Feller led of a large multinational workforce including Arab, Greek and Ital-ian nationals as well as active duty mili-tary, geographically dispersed to remote locations in three countries and two ar-eas of operation in support of numerous Navy, European Command, and other joint and combined organizations and operations. She established a benchmark of excellence in care for a beneficiary population of 8,151 and 30,000 transient and deployed military in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet’s area of responsibility.

GAETA, Italy - The U.S. 6th Fleet flag-ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), welcomed more than 800 visitors while the ship was in their homeport of Gaeta, Italy, July 14. As part of community outreach ef-forts, Mount Whitney hosted residents of Gaeta, providing them a glimpse of the ship’s interior and what day-to-day life is like aboard the ship. “Today was a great opportunity to give something back to Gaeta, the wonderful community that we call home,” said Capt. Ted Williams, commanding officer of Mount Whitney. “We are always looking for ways to bring our ship and the com-munity together, and the men and women of Mount Whitney are proud and honored to open our ship to our Italian hosts.”

“It’s been the greatest pleasure to work with my entire team,” said Feller. “If I do have a legacy to leave behind as commanding officer, I hope it’s that each of you continue to take care of your shipmates, to keep growing and keep the love for your country strong.”

Mount Whitney Hosts Ship Tours in Gaeta

Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

Navy Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs

Celebrating July 4 in Souda Bay (VIDEO)

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B i g N a v y N e w s

Redesigned Transition Assistance Program

AnnouncedOffice of the Under Secretary of Defense Public Affairs

Navy Renders Honors at Funeral of Ernest Borgnine

LOS ANGELES - A U.S. Navy honor guard paid tribute to the late actor Ernest Borgnine with a full-honors military send-off at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park and Mortuaries cemetery in Hollywood, Calif., July 14. The honor guard honored Borgnine’s lifetime of service and contributions to the Navy and its cause. “Ernie, as you may know, loved and adored the Navy, and the sea, and all of you,” said Tova Traesnaes Borgnine, the late actor’s wife. “I know Ernie’s looking down on us right now and blessing all of you and all of your fellows across the world for all you do for our country, for our people, and especially for us today.” “When Ernie was promoted to honor-ary Chief ... there was never, of all the honors - even Ernie’s academy award - never anything that meant as much to him,” said retired U.S. Navy Capt. Kathi Dugan, one of Borgnine’s closest friends. “He had tears in his eyes.” Ernest Borgnine won an Academy Award for his role in “Marty”, starred in McHale’s Navy and was promoted to honorary Chief Petty Officer in 2004.

LOS ANGELES - Senior Chief Logistics Specialist Willie Chrane, left, and Builder 2nd Class Marco Valdovinos present the ceremo-nial flag and urn during the rememberance ceremony for the late actor Ernest Borgnine, July 14. Photo by MC1 Christopher Okula.

WASHINGTON - President Obama an-nounced the launch of the redesigned Transition Assistance Program developed by an interagency team from the Depart-ments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, La-bor, Education, and Homeland Security as well as the Office of Personnel and Management and the Small Business Ad-ministration July 26. The revamped program, called Transi-tion GPS, is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a call from Presi-dent Obama in August 2011 to ensure all service members are “career ready” when they leave the military. “I applaud the leadership of President Obama to bring together government agencies around the goal of enhancing career opportunities for service mem-bers,” said Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. “Our personnel have devel-oped extraordinary technical expertise and world-class leadership skills that are in high demand. Transition GPS will help military members apply their experience to additional training, formal education, and develop successful civilian careers.” “One of our fundamental responsibilities as a government is to properly prepare and support those serving in our military so they are career ready as they transition

VINH, Vietnam - Senior Chief Hospital Corps-man Edward Litter plays with Vietnamese children during Pacific Partnership 2012 medical civic action project, July 14. Photo by Kristopher Radder.

Pacific Partnership Builds Clinic in Vietnam (VIDEO)

WASHINGTON - The Navy will deploy the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and its strike group four months early and shift its destination to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, DOD of-ficials said at the Pentagon July 16. The deployment late this summer is in response to Central Command’s require-ment for an extended carrier presence, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said. The move affects 5,500 sailors aboard the Stennis and the Aegis cruiser USS Mobile Bay. “The decision will help support exist-ing naval force requirements in the Middle East and reduce the gap caused by the upcoming departure of the USS Enterprise Strike Group,” Little said. “It is in keeping with our long-standing com-mitments to the region.”

Panetta Accelerates Stennis Deployment

American Forces Press Service

SAN DIEGO - KOA, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, is coaxed onto a transport mat durin a Rim of the Pacific 2012 exercise, July 13. Photo by MC2 Shannon Renfroe.

back into civilian life. With this new ini-tiative, we can better ensure veterans re-ceive the care, benefits and employment services they have earned,” said Secre-tary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This collaborative effort will have an im-pact well beyond this current generation of individuals returning from combat.”

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West