Special Edition FWNY Mid-June 2016

N e w Yo r k G i v e s B i g A p p l e W e l c o m e t o B a t a a n

In This Issue... I n t r e p i d S e a , A i r & S p a c e M u s e u m R e m e m b e r s T h e F a l l e n

B a t a a n H o s t s F i r s t L a d y O f N Y C D u r i n g F l e e t W e e k

The

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F l e e t W e e k N e w Yo r k W e l c o m e s S h i p s T o T h e C i t yStory and Graphics by MC3 Mutis A. Capizzi Photo by MCSN Stephanie McNally

The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by Bataan’s Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services at sea. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof.

Commanding OfficerCaptain John “J.C.” CarterExecutive OfficerCaptain Eric N. Pfister

Command Master ChiefCMDCM(SW/AW) Scott HarvillePublic Affairs Officer MC1(AW/SW) Julie Matyascik

News Team 5MC1(AW/SW) Julie MatyascikMC3 (SW/AW) Nicholas CottoneMC3 Mutis Capizzi

MC3 Caleb StrongMC3 Raymond MinamiMCSN Stephanie McNallyMCSA Zachary Grabill

Layout and Design MC3 Mutis Capizzi

Editor MC3 Mutis Capizzi

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NEW YORK – New York City gave a warm welcome to five U.S. Navy ships, four U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Yard Patrol Boats (YPs), two U.S. Coast Guard Cutters (USCGC), and three Royal Canadian Navy Ships as they arrived May 25 to participate in 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY).

Nearly 4,500 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are participating this year. A parade of ships kicked off the event with U.S. Navy ships, the Wasp-class multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), along with Marines currently assigned to the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Farragut (DDG 99) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), and the Cyclone-class patrol ship USS Shamal (PC 13).

USCG ships include cutters USCGC Katherine Walker (WLM 552), known as the “Keeper of New York Harbor”, and USCGC Forward (WMEC 911).

The Royal Canadian Navy has a strong presence this year with the Iroquois-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan (D 282) and two Kingston-class coastal defense vessels HMCS Kingston (MM 700) and HMCS Moncton (MM 708) from Canadian Forces Base Halifax. These three ships will be moored in Manhattan.

"I am excited for Bataan to be a part of Fleet Week New York,” said Captain John “J.C.” Carter, a native of Hampton Bays, N.Y. on the South Fork of Long Island and commanding officer of Bataan. “This is a homecoming for me and I count it a privilege to be able to celebrate Memorial Day here as we remember those who have went before us and created the legacy of the greatest Navy in the history of the world.”

Service members will also have the opportunity to explore NYC and see all that is has to offer as they take part

in parades and community service projects, working with organizations such as Habitat For Humanity.

All participating ships are moored in Manhattan, Staten Island, and for the first time since 2012, Brooklyn. Visitors have a chance to go to Manhattan or Staten Island to see one of two large deck platforms and learn how the Navy-Marine Corps team works together. In addition to ship tours open to the public, there will be various exhibits and military demonstrations showcasing the latest technology, capabilities, and skilled expertise of the maritime services.

FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services.

It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tristate area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

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28NEW YORK (NNS) -- The Wasp-class multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) embarked several small groups of high school students that are involved with Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), Sea Cadets, and Marine Delayed Entry Program (DEP) from May 23 until May 25 for the ships transit from Norfolk, Virginia to New York for the 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY). The DEP program is for those who have enlisted, but are waiting for their assigned date to go to Basic Training. Being embarked affords them a real life experience for what they will experience on active duty.While aboard, they live in troop berthing's and eat on the mess decks with the enlisted Sailors and Marines currently serving aboard Bataan. "This is what we call the make it or break it tour," said Cmdr. Debbie Treacy of the Sea Cadets. "This year, the cadets we have brought are the top-notch. They are mostly juniors and seniors, and this is where they decide if they want military life on a ship or not. So we call it the make it or break it tour."While aboard, the students got to witness a fueling at

sea (FAS), as well as an M9 service pistol gun shoot. "My recruiter gave me the opportunity to see what life was like on a ship," said Faith Scalisi, a Marine delayed entry program poolee who will be leaving for basic training in November of this year. "I am really lucky to see all of the things that I have seen this is all really motivating." Aboard there were also several physical activities for them to participate in. The Master-at-Arms aboard Bataan put together an event they called the "MA Olympics," which was a series of stations, including how to break down a pistol, how to take control with a baton, and how to properly wear protective gear and raid an area. There were several physical activity stations as well including push-ups, sit-ups and tug-of-war between cadets, JROTC and DEP program Poolee's against the Bataan's staff of Master-at- Arms.When asked what they learned by this experience, Cadet Commander of Linden Navy JROTC Apryl Sambucharan said, "I have learned to be thankful for what I have at home, and to not take that for granted, because when I'm here, you're very limited to things

Guest Riders Embark Bataan for Fleet Week New York Transit

Photo by MC1 Julie Matysascik

Story and Photos by MCSN Stephanie McNally

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and you have to move quickly. Chief Petty Officer, J T'aime Thompson of Linden Navy JROTC explained, " I have learned that you have to really fight for what you want, because every person that we have talked to tells us how much they have had to work to get to the rank that they are, and that really opened my eyes to how serious it is to put in hard work to be successful."FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

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28NEW YORK – The First Lady of New York City, along with Commissioner Loree Sutton of the Mayor’s Office of Veteran’s Affairs, a former brigadier general in the United States Army, met with Flag Officers and General Officers (FOGO) spouses for a round table discussion in the Flag mess aboard the Wasp-class multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) on May 26 as part of Fleet Week New York.

Mrs. Chirlane McCray, First Lady of NYC, was given a tour by the commanding officer of the ship, Captain John “J.C.” Carter before the discussion began. The topic of the day was Thrive NYC, a plan of action to guide the city toward a more effective and holistic system that outlines 54 initiatives to support the mental well being of New Yorkers, with specific programs that will benefit Veterans.

“I want to talk a little bit about the programs that we are directing specifically for veterans,” said McCray. “We are creating supportive housing for homeless veterans because it is not expectable that anyone that has served our country should be without housing.”

McCray went on to outline details of two other programs that will assist veterans in the acquisition of services that they may need as it pertains to mental and physical health issues that includes holistic treatments.

These programs will bring services to where veterans live and work, making it much easier to get the care they need as well as guidance in navigating paperwork and requests for services.

Sutton praised the crew of Bataan for being gracious hosts, as well as the First Lady of NYC and the Mayor of NYC, Bill de Blasio for the work that they are doing for veterans. As a 30-year veteran of the Army, the work the mayor does for the Office of Veteran’s Affairs means a lot to Sutton.

“It is such a privilege to serve on this team and in this city,” said Sutton. “We are excited being here and you having us in your ship and sharing your stories with us.”

Bataan Hosts First Lady of NYC During Fleet Week New YorkStory and Photos by

MC3 Mutis A. Capizzi

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NEW YORK – More than 55 Girl Scouts and troop leaders from the Heart of Hudson Council arrived on the Wasp-class mulitpurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) May 28 with boxes of cookies for Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen as part of Operation Cookie Drop during Fleet Week New York.

Alison Bergman, a native of White Plains, N.Y., is a Girl Scout Troop Leader that started Operation Cookie Drop in 2002 as a direct response to 9/11. Bergman had a desire to find a way to show support for her troops and the service members that risked their lives on a daily basis to secure her freedoms. The program has grown from 100 boxes donated in that first year to 101,000 boxes to be donated in this 15th year of the program for 2016. B e r g m a n shared that she hopes the cookies give the Sailors and Marines a little reminder of home while they are away.

“We look at it as getting a taste of home into the hands of as many men and women in the services as possible,” said Bergman.

After delivering the cookies, the girl scouts and troop leaders had the opportunity to ask 18 female service members representing the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard military branches questions about military careers and what it was like for women in the services in the Bataan Wardroom. Lunch followed the forum and the day ended with guided tours of

the ship. “This is very exciting,” said Erin

McMahon, a native of Shrub Oak, N.Y., and a Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts of America. “It was wonderful and very empowering for the girls to see all these women who are in the military. It helps them visualize that it could be for them.”

Margaret Scandurra, a native of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., and a Troop Leader with the Girl Scouts of America shared that she was glad she was a part of this event aboard Bataan. Scandurra said the has done a cookie drop before, but she never saw it through to the end like this before and she is glad she

got to meet so many service m e m b e r s during Fleet Week.

“Definitely seeing the wide amount of jobs that are on the ship was the best part of this day for

me,” said Julia Paul, a member of Girl Scout Troop 1418. “I am also glad I got to personally thank all these Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who help keep me and my family safe. It is just not the same mailing the cookies out as it is to drop them off ourselves.”

“We had a wonderful time with the NYC area Girl Scouts today,” said Cmdr. Michele E. Sprosty, the senior medical officer currently assigned to Bataan and a native of Bettendorf, Iowa. “It was an amazing opportunity to reach out to the future female leaders of our country and potentially encourage them to serve their nation in the military.”

Operation Cookie Drop comes to Bataan

Story and Photos by MC3 Mutis A. Capizzi

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28Bataan hosts USO

Build-A-

Bike Event

during Fleet Week

NEW YORK (NNS) -- More than 300 Sailors, Coast Guardsmen and Marines, along with volunteers for the United Service Organizations, spent the morning aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) building 500 children's bicycles, May 26.

The event, Operation That's My Ride, was held aboard the amphibious assault ship as part of 2016 Fleet Week New York. The 500 bicycles were built for children ages 2 through 8 years old, and include a helmet and instruction manual for safe cycling. The bicycles will be given to participating service member for their children back home, and come complete with a bow and note of appreciation.

The volunteers were from many different local corporations who came together to volunteer with the USO. The USO hosts numerous events for service members during FWNY and is one of the main sponsors for the week-long celebration.

First time bike builder volunteer Mariya Hurwitz sees the value in this event.

"I am having so much fun doing this," said Hurwitz. "I think it generates a lot of good publicity for the services. It makes me feel good to do something to help."

USS Bataan First Class Petty Officer Association President Legalman 1st Class Danielle Greeley was happy to help and encouraged other first class petty officers to participate.

"It was a phenomenal experience," said Greeley. "The volunteers were so enthusiastic to be here helping. It was a great turnout from the FCPOA and it made me proud to be a part of something that will be putting smiles on kids' faces. Bataan will get 178 of these bikes to give out to our crew's kids."

The President and CEO of the USO of Metropolitan New York Brian Whiting noted this is just one way we can help to ensure that sacrifices made by military families are not forgotten.

"We will work hand-in-hand with the Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen to assemble the bicycles and write some notes of support to the children of the military families to say thank you for the sacrifices and service of their parents, Whiting said. "It is just a good way to recognize the service of those that wear the uniform."

Story and Photos by MCSN Stephanie McNally8

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28Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Remembers the FallenStory and Photos by MC1 Julie Matyascik

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NEW YORK (NNS) -- Civilians, active-duty service members and veterans, representing wars and conflicts from World War II to present gathered to honor men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Intrepid Museum's annual Memorial Day Ceremony, May 30.

A crowd of more than 500 huddled under the main pier tent to hear keynote speaker Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, who asked those in attendance to remember the fallen.

"A nation reveals itself not only by the men it produces, but also by the men it honor, the men it remembers," said Richardson, quoting President John F. Kennedy. "This (quote) suggests a way to best honor those Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen who have given their all -- who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so we can be free."

Richardson went on to equate being near the former USS Intrepid as no better place to gather to celebrate the memory of our fellow Americans who died in combat.

"Intrepid is entirely fitting for this solemn ceremony," he said. "Intrepid herself is a veteran of 31 years of service in both peace and war ... Intrepid's mission now is to educate the public and inspire our youth -- not just today, but every day, year round. It is accurate and fair to say, on Intrepid, every day is Memorial Day."

Kenneth Fisher, co-chairman of the Intrepid Museum, vowed to continue efforts of ensuring veterans are honored in respectful ways, and never forget those who came before and those who serve today.

"It is up to us to ensure the challenges of our veterans remain in the forefront," Fisher said. "Challenges of our veterans seem to vanish as news of their plight moves off the front pages of our newspapers and the nightly news. If we forget, it will be a bigger tragedy than even the

loss of those who have fallen. Make the solemn vow that this nation will never, ever forget."

A salute to America's veterans was honored with a ceremonial wreath-laying, the unfurling of a 100-foot-long American flag where members of all services -- active, reserve and retired -- were invited to hold the flag in memory of fallen service members. The ceremony concluded with a three-volley rifle salute from the 99th Regional Support Command Firing Squad, and Taps, performed by Navy Band Northeast.

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