• Ex-Microsoft executive gets ND's highest honor
• A philanthropist and former Microsoft Corp. executive who built a big-time company with small-town people is the recipient of North Dakota's highest honor, the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider award.
• Seattle Times

• Seahawks likely without starting CB vs. Vikes
• Nate Burleson has had about a half dozen concussions since he's been in the NFL. At least he thinks so.
• Seattle Times

• Italian prosecutor: Knox hated murder victim
• An American student accused of fatally stabbing her British roommate in Italy had a growing hatred for the victim and killed her in retaliation during a drug-fueled sex game, a prosecutor contended Friday in closing arguments at her murder…
• Seattle Times

• Beckham has bone bruise but expects to play
• Los Angeles midfielder David Beckham said Friday he'll need an injection in his right ankle to reduce pain and allow him to play in Sunday night's MLS Cup final against Real Salt Lake.
• Seattle Times

• Guilty pleas in Gold Bar puppy-mill case
• Jason and Serenna Larsen of Gold Bar each pleaded guilty this afternoon to six felony counts related to the January seizure of about 160 puppies from their home.
• Seattle Times

• Real Salt Lake embracing overlooked role
• Nick Rimando just finished rattling off all the players and qualities that make Los Angeles such a difficult opponent for Real Salt Lake in Sunday's MLS Cup final.
• Seattle Times

• Judge: Seattle July 4 fireworks don't need review
• A King County Superior Court judge says Seattle doesn't have to do an environmental review before July Fourth fireworks displays at Gas Works Park.
• Seattle Times

• Chicago White Sox close to deal with Omar Vizquel
• The Chicago White Sox are closing in on a contract agreement with free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel.
• Seattle Times

• Chicago White Sox close to deal with Omar Vizquel
• The Chicago White Sox are closing in on a contract agreement with free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel.
• Seattle Times

Today's top Air Force stories include:
 
New physical fitness standards effective July 1, testing begins Jan. 1 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123178827
 
Air Force leaders speak at 2009 Global Warfare Symposium 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123178818
 
ANG graduates first class from Maxwell's Officer Training School 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123178793
 
Grand Forks Airmen donate 12,000 volunteer hours, earn presidential award 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123178736
 
VA secretary announces study of Vietnam-era women veterans 
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123178730
 
 
 
All stories in this message as well as any referenced images are in the
public domain and do not require copyright release. Story submissions
should be sent to afnewsdesk@dma.mil. To unsubscribe from this service,
scroll to the bottom of this message for instructions. 
 
 
America's Air Force... Integrity, Service, Excellence
 
 
 
New physical fitness standards effective July 1, biannual testing begins
Jan. 1
 
by Master Sgt. Russell P. Petcoff
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
 
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Maintaining peak combat readiness begins and ends with
healthy, motivated and well-trained Airmen.
 
On Nov. 19, the Air Force's deputy chief of staff for manpower and personnel
announced the new Air Force fitness standards will officially begin July 1,
2010.
 
Lt. Gen. Richard Y. Newton III said the service's top leaders sought
feedback from commanders and senior NCO leaders throughout the Air Force
when deciding to execute the updated program that will test Airmen twice
during calendar year 2010 -- once under the current program and once under
the new program.
 
"Based on feedback from the field, we are implementing the July start date
so Airmen have the opportunity to excel," General Newton said. "This
implementation strategy will allow for a smoother transition of the new Air
Force Instruction and afford commanders adequate time to establish
installation fitness assessment cells to include adequate manning for the
FACs."
 
According to General Newton, a new AFI detailing the new fitness standards
is due out within the next few weeks. This fitness AFI is the first to cover
the total force of active duty, Guard and Reserve.
 
The general added that the July start date will provide commanders and
Airmen plenty of time to be prepared and in compliance with the new AFI.
 
"We want to do this right," General Newton said. "It's about readiness and
our continued commitment to ensure we have a fit force, ready to perform its
global mission."
 
Col. Joan H. Garbutt, chief of military force management for Air Staff
Manpower and Personnel, said the new start date for the new fitness
standards will "set our Airmen up for success." She believes Airmen will
excel with the new standards.
 
"Every time you raise the bar, our Airmen reach higher to meet the
standards," Colonel Garbutt said.
 
Biannual physical fitness testing will begin Jan. 1 using current fitness
standards. Units with FACs will use them to conduct the assessments. Units
without FACs will continue to use their physical training leaders, or PTLs,
to assess Airmen. Enlisted and officer performance reports will reflect
fitness training scores based upon their reports close out dates, General
Newton added.
 
According to the change, during the Jan. 1 to June 30 testing phase, unit
PTLs will provide two scores -- one for the current system and one for the
new standard so Airmen can gauge their performance. Starting July 1, Airmen
will officially test under new requirements with the new scoring. Scores
will be annotated on EPRs and OPRs accordingly.
 
Under the new standards, the aerobic run will count for 60 percent of the
test. Body composition will count for 20 percent. Under the current
standard, they count for 50 and 30 percent, respectively. The sit-up and
push-ups remain at 10 percent each. The new standards have differently
valued waist measurements and 15 seconds, rather than 30, separating run
scores.
 
Passing the test will require a composite score of 75 while also meeting a
minimum level for each component. The new physical fitness test will place
Airmen in one of five age groups: less than 30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and
60-plus. Results will fall into one of three categories: 90 and above,
excellent; 75-90, satisfactory; and under 75, unsatisfactory. 
 
Information on the Air Force fitness program is online at
www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.asp.
 
 
 
 
Air Force leaders speak at 2009 Global Warfare Symposium
 
by Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
Defense Media Activity
 
LOS ANGELES (AFNS) -- Air Force senior leaders discussed the service's
priorities, capabilities and vision in space, cyberspace and strategic
deterrence at the 2009 Air Force Association Global Warfare Symposium here
Nov. 19. 
 
Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz and Maj. Gen. Richard E.
Webber, respective commanders of U.S. Strategic Command, Air Force Global
Strike Command and 24th Air Force, each addressed hundreds of symposium
attendees: Airmen, civilians, industry partners and other servicemembers
stationed in the U.S and abroad.
 
The topics created an overall composite of the deliberate steps the service
is taking to provide worldwide support to the joint warfighter in a 21st
century battle space.
 
Strategic deterrence, situational awareness
Space, cyberspace and deterrence were what General Chilton described as the
three main lines of operations in modern warfare. Within these lines of
operation, he stressed a focus on international intelligence and situational
awareness, modeling and simulation tools to conduct training, system
development and exercises and finally, a more robust position to sustain
constellation or Global Positioning System programs.
 
Given today's globally wired society and subsequent range of national and
global security threats, General Chilton said his vision for meeting the
challenges of 21st century warfighting domains are best met with a change in
the culture of networks, more defensive network conduct and an improvement
in capabilities.
 
"We are compelled to improve our situational awareness and develop a clearly
understood concept of operations," General Chilton said. 
 
He added that the ability to control and synchronize military operations on
a global scale not only complements the way the joint command fights, but
changed the way it fights.
 
"Our strategic, space and cyber assets are part of a tremendous joint force
and the men and women behind them add to the success of the command," the
general said.
 
Nuclear deterrence
The latest milestone for Air Force Global Strike Command will occur Dec. 1,
when it will formally assume command and responsibility for 20th Air Force
and its three missile wings at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., Malmstrom
AFB, Mont., and Minot AFB, S.D., to include the 576th Flight Test Squadron
at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., General Klotz said.
 
He also offered new insight into the Air Force's roadmap to strengthen its
stewardship of more than two-thirds of the nation's strategic nuclear triad
-- intercontinental ballistic missiles, long-range bombers and sea-launched
ballistic missiles -- and refocus efforts on the nuclear enterprise.
 
"Both the ICBM and the bomber legs of the nuclear triad remain essential and
indispensable components of our nation's armed forces," General Klotz said.
"Each makes important and unique contributions to the security of our nation
and that of our allies and friends."
 
He continued that ICBM force is primed for a $7 billion multiyear program to
refurbish or modernize the Minuteman III, as well as acquire an advanced
ultra extremely high frequency satellite communications system that will
ensure connectivity with national leadership.
 
"These measures will not only extend the service life of the missile system,
but also enhance its maintainability and reduce the cost of ownership,"
General Klotz said.
 
Air Force Global Strike Command, in partnership with Air Force Materiel
Command and the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, will fortify security,
inspections and upgrades to ensure the sustainment of the Minuteman force to
the year 2020, General Klotz added.
 
Cyberspace
As cyberspace continues to be an easily contested and accessible domain,
General Webber noted that the shift in cyber culture must include the cyber
wingman philosophy that emphasizes guiding principles of situational
awareness that Airmen must follow to secure cyberspace.
 
"Cyberspace isn't a mission, but a place where operations are conducted ...
and it's about assuring the mission, not about assuring the network,"
General Webber said. "How do you fight your way through an attack so you can
support that mission even while you're fighting to keep a network
operational in support of that mission?"
 
The general said plans to sustain mission assurance include a strengthened
partnership with U.S. Cyber Command at Fort Meade, Md., a more prominent
Guard and Reserve role and the development of relationships with component
numbered air forces. 
 
The general noted that cyberspace is critical to the U.S. military's
asymmetric advantage and outlined several distinguishing characteristics of
the domain.
 
"We're in a world in the cyber domain where the price of entry into the
cyber battlefield is extremely low," General Webber said. "The pace of
change is a challenge, rapid and interestingly, is not pushed by the
military, but by the civilian sector.
 
Each of the speakers seemed confident in the Air Force's ability to meet the
challenges of modern mission requirements, citing the service as a
dependable joint and coalition partner with an ever-expanding role across
the full spectrum of conflict in air, space and cyberspace.
 
 
 
 
Air National Guard graduates first class from Maxwell's Officer Training
School
 
by Carl Bergquist
Air University Public Affairs
 
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) -- The first Air National Guard class of
officer cadets to graduate from the Academy of Military Sciences at Maxwell
Air Force Base received their golden bars Nov. 13.
 
The 119 Guard officer cadets were the first to graduate from the school
since the training was moved in October from the McGhee Tyson Air National
Guard Base, Tenn., to the newly formed Det. 12 at the Maxwell AFB Officer
Training School.
 
The training was consolidated due to the direction of the Air Force today,
said Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt III, the ANG director, who spoke at the
ceremony.
 
"The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve are more operational," he
said.
 
During his speech at the graduation, Officer Cadet Brian Wall, the O-2010-1
class leader, said it was an honor to represent his class.
 
"It is a monumental occasion to be the first class to graduate, and the last
six weeks have prepared us to be leaders in the Air Force," he said.
 
Cadet Wall said while all the graduates present were being commissioned as
new second lieutenants, Monday morning they would be like everyone else,
because they are the teachers, office employees, merchants and other members
of society.
 
"We are everyday citizens, but the difference is we are also citizen
Airmen," he said. "The men and women before you today have chosen to be
leaders, and we have learned that we are the future leaders of the Air
Force."
 
Col. Laura Koch, the OTS commandant, congratulated the cadets and said it
was her privilege to serve with each and every one of them.
 
"When you take the oath of office defined by law, you assume an office of
trust and honor," she said. "That oath bonds individuals and institutions.
You are taking the office of second lieutenant, hence the term officer."
 
The Air National Guard director administered the oath of office. Then, the
general told the new lieutenants they had taken the steps to become officers
and had also taken the challenge he proposed to them six weeks earlier.
 
"Your success in this program marks you as having accomplished something
very significant," said Lt. Col. Robert Daniels, the Det. 12 AMS commander.
You are the first class to graduate, but more importantly, you are
lieutenants in the Air Force. You must exemplify the core values of the Air
Force and lead with conviction and courage. I believe you will do that, and
you are cleared hot for your new careers.
 
"Lieutenants, God bless you and finally, take charge," he said.
 
Brig. Gen. Teresa Djuric, the Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions
and Citizen Development commander, said she was pleased with the performance
of the first AMS class and felt that a lot of people worked very hard to
make the class successful.
 
"Everyone supports what happened today. Good people take a deep breath and
make sure things happen the way they should," she said. 
 
Colonel Koch also credited the staff at McGhee Tyson ANGB with the class'
success. 
 
"The staff from McGhee Tyson did a great job in settling in at Maxwell,
preparing the course and conducting the first class," she said. 
 
Colonel Daniels said a few things didn't go quite the way he and the staff
wanted them to go, but this in itself provided value to the first AMS class.
 
"A lot of times it's not about adversity, but how you respond to adversity
that makes the difference," he said. "The staff did really well, and I think
a lot was gained by being co-located here at Maxwell with Commissioned
Officer Training and Basic Officer Training. That provided the opportunity
for all the students to learn together."
 
The colonel said 50 states and two territories were represented in this
first graduating class. The next AMS class will begin Jan. 11.
 
 
 
 
Grand Forks Airmen donate 12,000-plus volunteer hours, earn presidential
award
 
by Staff Sgt. Christine N. Collier
319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
 
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. (AFNS) -- Grand Forks Air Force Base Airmen
recently received the Gold-Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award for
Airmen who donated more than 12,000 hours of time to volunteer activities
both on base and in the local community during 2009. 
 
The Presidential Volunteer Service Award program was established in 2003 by
the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the
valuable contributions volunteers are making in communities and encourage
more people to serve, according to the Presidential Service Award Web site. 
 
The gold-level award requires that a family or group complete at least 1,000
hours of volunteer activities in a 12-month period, a requirement which
Grand Forks AFB Airmen surpassed. 
 
The Airmen volunteered for more than 20 events and organizations during the
past 12 months, including the Humane Society, the Salvation Army, the Grand
Forks Special Olympics and Red River Flood Relief. In addition, Airmen spent
numerous hours volunteering for Airmen Against Drunk Driving, a program
which guarantees participants a safe ride home to eliminate the dangers of
driving while intoxicated. 
 
"The Airmen on this base have never ignored an opportunity or left anyone
without the help that they need," said Senior Airman Eric Hurtado, the 319th
Contracting Squadron and Airman's Activity Council president. "Regardless of
the day or the time, Airmen of all ranks from across the wing have
constantly shown up ready to serve without hesitation. It is no surprise to
me to find that Grand Forks was honored with this award, and I would bet
that the real count is higher than 12,000 hours."
 
To date, the President's Council has partnered with more than 80 leadership
organizations and more than 28,000 certifying organizations to bestow more
than 1.5 million awards to the nation's deserving volunteers, according to
the Council's Web site.
 
"We are extremely proud to accept this award on behalf of the Warriors of
the North," said Col. John Quinn, the 319th Air Refueling Wing
vice-commander. "It is a tangible representation of the unrivaled commitment
and selfless dedication our Airmen have to not only improving the quality of
life for their peers, but also for the local community."
 
 
 
 
VA secretary announces study of Vietnam-era women veterans
 
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki has
announced the Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a comprehensive
study of women veterans who served in the military during the Vietnam War to
explore the effects of their military service upon their mental and physical
health.
 
"One of my top priorities is to meet the needs of women veterans," said
Secretary Shinseki. "Our veterans have earned the very best care. VA
realizes that women veterans require specialized programs, and this study
will help VA provide high-quality care for women veterans of the Vietnam
era."
 
The study, which begins in November and lasts more than four years, will
contact approximately 10,000 women in a mailed survey, telephone interview
and a review of their medical records. 
 
As women Vietnam veterans approach their mid-sixties, it is important to
understand the impact of wartime deployment on health and mental outcomes
nearly 40 years later. The study will assess the prevalence of
post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental and physical health
conditions for women Vietnam veterans, and explore the relationship between
PTSD and other conditions. 
 
VA doctors will study women Vietnam veterans who may have had direct
exposure to traumatic events, and for the first time, study those who served
in facilities near Vietnam. These women may have had similar, but less
direct exposures. Both women veterans who receive their health care from VA
and those who receive health care from other providers will be contacted to
determine the prevalence of a variety of health conditions.
 
About 250,000 women veterans served in the military during the Vietnam War
and about 7,000 were in or near Vietnam. Those who were in Vietnam, those
who served elsewhere in Southeast Asia and those who served in the United
States are potential study participants.
 
The study represents to date the most comprehensive examination of a group
of women Vietnam veterans, and will be used to shape future research on
women veterans in future wars. Such an understanding will lay the groundwork
for planning and providing appropriate services for women veterans, as well
as for the aging veteran population today.
 
Women veterans are one of the fastest growing segments of the Veteran
population. There are approximately 1.8 million women veterans among the
nation's total of 23 million living Veterans. Women comprise 7.8 percent of
the total Veteran population and nearly 5.5 percent of all veterans who use
VA health care services. VA officials estimate women veterans will
constitute 10.5 percent of the veteran population by 2020 and 9.5 percent of
all VA patients.
 
In recent years, VA officials have undertaken a number of initiatives to
create or enhance services for women veterans, including the implementation
of comprehensive primary care throughout the nation, staffing every VA
medical center with a women veterans program manager, supporting a
multifaceted research program on women's health, improving communication and
outreach to women veterans, and continuing the operation of organizations
like the Center for Women Veterans and the Women Veterans Health Strategic
Healthcare Group.
 
The study, to be managed by specialists in the VA's Cooperative Studies
Program, is projected to cost $5.6 million.
 
Find these and other stories on Air Force Link -- http://www.af.mil/
 

Having trouble viewing this newsletter? Please click here.

	Fall 2009

For Kids Only Are you crazy about cats and dogs? Do you ever wonder about the wildlife here in Washington? Check out the PAWS Kids Workshops. You'll learn fascinating animal facts, why animals do the things they do and how you can help them. Each half-day session is filled with hands-on activities, games, crafts and tons 'o fun. Join us at the PAWS Campus in Lynnwood, Washington. We hope to see you soon! Join the fun.

Nina at PAWSwalk Nina Rocks at PAWSwalk At our 18th annual PAWSwalk this year, 14-year-old Nina was the youth who raised the most donations. Nina has always been passionate about animals, and didn't let her age stop her from volunteering. She decided PAWSwalk was a great way for her to be involved, along with her best dog friend, Tanner. She asked friends and family to support her love for animals. Thanks to her efforts, Nina raised an awesome total of $500 to help the animals at PAWS. That will buy microchips for 100 dogs or cats, so they can get home safely if they ever get lost. Way to go, Nina! Know some cool kids helping animals? Tell us about them at paws.org!

Dear Riley, My friends and I love animals. We really want to start a club at our school and do things to help PAWS. Can you help us? From, Callie, age 10 Hello Callie, Starting a club at your school is a great idea. As a group of animal lovers, there are so many things you can do when you work together. PAWS can send you information to help you hold a school-wide donation drive, send a speaker to your school for an educational assembly, or give your club other fun and creative ideas to help the animals at PAWS. Thanks for that wonderful question and good luck with your animal club! Your friend, Riley Raccoon Have a question for Riley? Send him your question and he will try to answer it. You can e-mail him at Riley@paws.org.

Seabirds S.O.S. Common Murres rest and recover in PAWS pools until they are healthy enough to be released. An urgent call came in to the PAWS Wildlife Center... thousands of seabirds were dying, could PAWS help to save them? Stormy waters had stirred up mysterious algae off the coast of Washington and Oregon, creating a soapy foam. This sticky foam caused seabirds to lose the waterproofing of their feathers. These seabirds, Western Grebes, Common Loons, Red-throated Loons and Common Murres spend most of their lives in the water because they are physically unable to stand on hard surfaces. Without the waterproofing of their feathers, the birds could drown or freeze to death. Many of the birds ended up stranded along the beaches, unable to feed or take care of themselves. Volunteers rescued the seabirds and transported them to rehabilitation centers, like PAWS, so they could get the special care they needed. PAWS sped into action to get the slimy, toxic algae foam washed off each bird. Special pools and stations were set up to clean the birds. With the approval of the local water district and the fire department, PAWS had to tap into a nearby fire hydrant because we needed so much water. Staff members and volunteers worked around the clock to clean, feed, provide medical attention and care for the seabirds until they were healthy enough to return to the sea. Keep the environment clean by doing daily tasks like recycling the newspaper and turning off unnecessary lights. Carpool with your friends to school or turn the water off while you're brushing your teeth. These may seem like simple tasks, but remember, every little bit of energy counts when it comes to saving the world we share with animals.

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin Squirrel is a sweet 10-year-old dog who has been looking for a forever home her entire life. Now that she has found one, she wants to share her story about the tough life as a stray dog on the street. Follow Squirrel's touching journey and learn of the many dangers homeless dogs often face when there is nobody there to care for them. Got a favorite animal book? Tell Riley all about it. We may review it in the Kids Helping Animals newsletter. Fun Facts: Pigs Pigs have a great sense of smell and even help policemen by sniffing out drugs. Pigs are great swimmers Younger pigs will help their mom with chores. Pigs are very intelligent and have been placed fourth on the intelligence list. (Humans are first, primates are second, and dolphins/whales are third.) Pigs are some of the cleanest animals around, refusing to mess anywhere near their living or eating areas. Learn more about farm animals at paws.org!

Career Spotlight: Naturalist To prepare for a bear cub's return to the wild, PAWS' naturalist Kevin helps build a den for the bear's winter hibernation. There's a wild and wonderful world outside just waiting to be discovered. Whether it's a crawling bug, a chirping bird or a giant bear, every wild creature has a story to share about how they live. Would you like them to share their stories with you? Then a naturalist is the job for you. A naturalist is an expert on animals and their habitat. A naturalist understands how animals and birds behave, what they eat and where they live, and even what they are communicating! He knows how to read all the clues wild animals leave to tell their story. Best of all, he is passionate about teaching others to care about their environment and all the wildlife who live in it. At PAWS, when the wild animals and birds are healthy enough to return to the wild, the naturalist will decide when and where to release them. He also represents PAWS on TV and radio, and helps communities with humane solutions for wildlife so that animals and humans can live together peacefully. The best way to get started is to look and listen to all the sights and sounds of animals and birds you find in your own backyard, at a park or out hiking with friends and family. You can learn a lot just by watching how animals forage, what types of natural foods they eat, and how they care for their families. And most importantly, when you learn new and fun facts, be sure to share them with others!

Vocabulary Did you notice the green words in this newsletter? These are vocabulary words that may be new to you. Below you can find each word with its definition. Algae: A plant-like form that grows in damp places or water Forage: To look for food Habitat: Place where a plant or animal lives Humane: Kind and compassionate Microchip: A tiny computer chip with a special code that is linked to all the information about the animal's family Rehabilitation: To restore to good health so that an animal can survive again on his own

Want more ideas? Check out paws.org!

Last Chance to RSVP for the 2009 KCGOP Liberty Gala!

We have a fun filled evening for you with great speakers - featuring Michael Medved, and an exciting Auction including Fabulous Weekend Getaways, Unique Themed Events, Fine Persian Rugs, one of a kind Republican collectibles, and much, much more. RSVP Today! at www.kcgop.org or call 425-990-0404.

~

KCGOP Liberty Gala Dinner and Auction
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Hyatt Regency Bellevue - Grand Ballroom
900 Bellevue Way NE ~ Bellevue, WA 98004

Chairman’s Circle Event - 5:30pm
Silent Auction & Reception - 6:00pm
Gala Dinner & Live Auction - 7:00pm

Chairman’s Circle Event + Dinner ~ $250
General Reception + Dinner ~ $125

Proceeds of the Liberty Gala Dinner and Auction benefit critical Candidate Support and Grassroots Operations of the King County Republican Party

Navy News Service for Friday, November 20, 2009
 
NNS091119-19. LCS 2 Completes Acceptance Trials
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49770
 
NNS091120-11. M/V Maersk Alabama Captain Receives Valor Award
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49789
 
NNS091120-01. M/V Maersk Alabama Captain Thanks Bainbridge Crew
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49773
 
DNU -- The captain of the Maersk Alabama thanks the crew of USS Bainbridge.
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13543
 
NNS091120-16. Navy Announces Draft EIS for Military Relocations to Guam 
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49794
 
NNS091120-08. USS Chosin Rescues Three Yemeni Fishermen in the Gulf of Aden
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49788
 
NNS091120-27. Flag Officer Assignments
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49802
 
NNS091120-17. NAVSTA Rota Military Members Receive H1N1 Vaccination
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49787
 
NNS091120-21. New Orleans City Council Honors Local Military Service Members
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49774
 
DNU -- Headlines from around the fleet: Service members are reminded to create an account for their electronic service record; USS Nimitz participates in the 2009 Dubai International Air Show. 
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13540
 
NNS091120-13. Navy Corpsman Awarded Bronze Star Medal
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49786
 
NNS091120-15. DoD Identifies Navy Casualty 
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49796
 
NNS091119-20. T-34C Pilot Identified
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49769
 
NNS091120-26. Bethesda Sailor Earns Citizenship, Takes Pride in Service
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49781
 
NNS091120-24. NMCB 74 Alfa Company Prepares Ground for New Camp
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49740
 
NNS091120-10. NHB Extinguishes Tobacco Exhalation on Great American Smokeout Day 
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49771
 
NNS091120-23. MSRON 9 Sailors Help Feed Local Community 
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49737
 
NNS091120-25. FISC Puget Sound Visits Local NJROTC
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49763
 
NNS091120-22. Everett Honors Locally Homeported Ship 
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49753
 
DNU -- Alan Bean talks about his Naval career.
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13539
 
NNS091119-21. Navy Trains NASA Astronaut Candidates
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49764
 
NNS091120-20. NNMC Promotes Smoke Out, Tobacco Cessation
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49783
 
NNS091120-03. Wasp Marines Conduct Swim Training at Guantanamo
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49749
 
NNS091120-09. NEXCOM Takes Theft at NEXs Seriously
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49752
 
DNU -- USS Denver completes fall deployment.
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13544
 
DNU -- Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka holds a holiday safety stand down.
-- http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13542
 
NNS091120-06. USS Constitution Sailors Volunteer for Reading Is Fundamental
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49772
 
NNS091120-14. Current Daily News Update
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=49798
 
NNS020724-48. This Day in Naval History - Nov. 20
-- http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=2819
 
Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
-- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=78742
 
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NNS091119-19. LCS 2 Completes Acceptance Trials
 
From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
 
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The future USS Independence (LCS 2) successfully completed acceptance trials this week, 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 first opportunity for INSURV to test the ship and its systems. 
 
During two days underway, the ship completed demonstrations of the combat systems suite, steering, anchoring and propulsion. The ship achieved a top speed of almost 45 knots during the full power demonstration.
 
"Independence performed extremely well during trials," said Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Program Manager Rear Adm. James Murdoch. "LCS 2 conducted two outstanding days at sea. We look forward to delivering this critical asset to the fleet."
 
The ship was presented to INSURV with high levels of completion in production and test. The official results of the trials, including the type and number of trial cards, are currently being reviewed by the Navy. 
 
Members of the LCS 2 pre-commissioning unit were on board Independence during trials to see how their future ship will perform.
 
"It's going to change the way we do things, particularly in the surface force," said Cmdr. Curt Renshaw, Independence Blue Crew commanding officer. "This ship allows us the flexibility to complement almost all the pillars of the Maritime Strategy."
 
"This is a significant milestone for the surface warfare community and the Navy at large - the impact that Freedom and Independence will have on the fleet will be immediate. We are another step closer to having this important capability as part of the surface force, and I applaud the team effort - Sailor, civilian and contractor - that went into making this happen," said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, commander, Naval Surface Forces.
 
Acceptance trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. Ship delivery is expected to occur next month, with the ship's commissioning Jan. 16 in Mobile, Ala. 
 
For more information on the LCS, visit http://peoships.crane.navy.mil/lcs/. 
 
For more news from Naval Sea Systems Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/navsea/. 
 
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NNS091120-11. M/V Maersk Alabama Captain Receives Valor Award
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lauren G. Randall, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk 
 
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The captain of M/V Maersk Alabama received the inaugural National Maritime Valor Award from the Nauticus National Maritime Center Nov. 19 at the Nauticus in Norfolk, Va.
 
The ceremony held Thursday evening was a continuance of the reunion of Capt. Richard Phillips and the captain and crew of the guided-missile destroyer, USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and the Navy SEALs.
 
Speakers at the ceremony included the honorable Paul D. Fraim, mayor of the city of Norfolk, John Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited, Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations (CNO) and Phillips. 
 
"This is a celebration of the courage and dedication of Capt. Richard Phillips of the Maersk Alabama," said Fraim.
 
The CNO and Reinhart expressed their gratitude to the Bainbridge, the Navy SEALs and Phillips and the crew of the Maersk Alabama for doing their job in keeping international waters safe for all aspects of American security from merchant trade to military endeavors.
During the ceremony Phillips presented 15 Sailors who had a direct role in his rescue with a commemorative coin that was minted in Norfolk with images of the Bainbridge, the Navy SEALs' pin and the Maersk Alabama on the face.
 
"You have served honorably and you have written a page in the history of the Navy," Roughead said.
 
Earlier Thursday, Phillips thanked the captain and crew of the Bainbridge and presented 16 additional Sailors with the commemorative coin during a ceremony on the fantail of the Bainbridge. A press conference with Phillips and Cmdr. Frank X. Castellano, commanding officer of the Bainbridge, was held afterward in the Nauticus.
 
For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrma/. 
 
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NNS091120-01. M/V Maersk Alabama Captain Thanks Bainbridge Crew
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lauren G. Randall, Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk
 
NORFOLK (NNS) -- M/V Maersk Alabama Capt. Richard Phillips thanked the captain and crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) for his rescue from Somali pirates in April during a ceremony held on the fantail aboard the Bainbridge docked at the Nauticus National Maritime Center Nov. 19.
 
Phillips addressed Cmdr. Frank X. Castellano, commanding officer of the Bainbridge and the ship's crew for their efforts contributing to his rescue. "I could see it was a crew who was working united and together as a team to save myself for no other reason than it was your duty, your job, your role," said Phillips. "And I want to thank you for that."
 
Phillips was held hostage by the pirates on a 25-foot lifeboat for four days 240 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia after he traded himself to save his crew aboard the Maersk Alabama.
 
On April 12, U.S. Navy SEALs positioned on the fantail of the Bainbridge shot and killed three of the pirates holding Phillips hostage. Phillips was then rescued by Bainbridge Sailors and brought home.
 
"You are a dedicated team, the true heroes in the story involving me," said Phillips.
 
During the ceremony onboard the ship, Phillips presented 16 of the Sailors who took a direct role in his rescue with a coin commemorating their efforts. The coin was minted in Norfolk, and has images of the Maersk Alabama along with the Bainbridge on the face.
 
Following the ceremony there was a news conference next to the Maersk lifeboat with Phillips and Castellano. The Maersk lifeboat is displayed at the Nauticus as part of the National Geographic exhibit, "Real Pirates." 
 
For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/. 
 
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NNS091120-16. Navy Announces Draft EIS for Military Relocations to Guam 
 
From Department of Defense
 
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced Nov. 20 the availability of the draft environmental impact statement/overseas environmental impact statement (EIS/OEIS) for the military buildup on Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). 
 
The draft EIS/OEIS analyzes the impacts of the following proposed actions: 
 
- Marine Corps: Development and construction of facilities and infrastructure to support the relocation from Okinawa, Japan, to Guam of approximately 8,600 Marines and approximately 9,000 dependents; and development and construction of facilities and infrastructure to support training and operations on Guam and Tinian for the relocated Marines. 
 
- Navy: Construction of a new deep-draft wharf with shoreside infrastructure improvements creating the capability in Apra Harbor, Guam, to support a transient nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. 
 
- Army: Development of facilities and infrastructure on Guam to support the relocation of approximately 600 military personnel and their 900 dependents and the establishment and operation of an Army Missile Defense Task Force. 
 
The purpose of the proposed actions is to fulfill U.S. national security policy requirements to provide mutual defense, deter aggression, and dissuade coercion in the western Pacific region. 
 
The Navy and the Department of Defense have held ongoing discussions with cooperating agencies (federal and local agencies with special expertise or regulatory insight) to review all relevant resource areas and have worked closely with elected leaders in Guam and the CNMI in the development of the draft EIS/OEIS. 
 
After releasing the draft EIS/OEIS, the public is given time to review the document and provide comments. Due to the complexity of the draft EIS/OEIS and a desire to ensure all interested parties have the full opportunity to review the document, the comment period was extended from 45 to 90 days. All issues or concerns raised in public comments will be identified and appropriately considered in preparation of the final EIS. Six public hearings will also be held on Guam, Tinian and Saipan in January 2010. 
 
To review the draft EIS/OEIS and to submit public comments, visit http://www.guambuildupeis.us.
 
For more news from the Navy, visit www.navy.mil. 
 
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NNS091120-08. USS Chosin Rescues Three Yemeni Fishermen in the Gulf of Aden
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Hepburn, Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs
 
MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- USS Chosin (CG 65), the Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 flagship, rescued three stranded Yemeni fishermen in the Gulf of Aden Nov. 17.
 
According to the fishermen, they were left stranded in the water after 12 suspected pirates hijacked their vessel. The fishermen also said that the pirates gave them an ultimatum to either jump overboard with only a wooden plank as a flotation device or be killed.
 
After surviving for three days with only a few bottles of water, a passing merchant vessel spotted them in the water. The merchant vessel notified Coalition forces and a Chosin rescue team picked up the stranded fishermen. 
 
Chosin medical personnel treated the fishermen, and the ship gave them food and water. Once the fishermen were deemed to be medically stable, Chosin transferred the fishermen to a Yemeni naval vessel.
 
CTF 151 is a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the Combined Maritime Forces Area of Responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations. CTF 151 currently includes naval forces from the United States, Spain, United Kingdom, Pakistan, Australia and Turkey.
 
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cusnc/.
 
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NNS091120-27. Flag Officer Assignments
 
From U.S. Department of Defense
 
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced Nov. 20 the following assignments:
 
Rear Adm. (lower half) Norman R. Hayes will be assigned as director of intelligence, J2, U.S. European Command, Stuttgart-Vaihingen, Germany. Hayes is currently serving as director, National Security Operations Center, National Security Agency, Fort George G. Meade, Md.
 
Rear Adm. (lower half) William E. Leigher will be assigned as deputy commander, Fleet Cyber Command/deputy commander, 10th Fleet, Fort George G. Meade, Md. Leigher is currently serving as director, information operations, N3IO/deputy director of Naval Intelligence for Cryptology, N2C, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, Washington, D.C.
 
For more news, visit www.navy.mil.
 
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NNS091120-17. NAVSTA Rota Military Members Receive H1N1 Vaccination
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph Ebalo, Naval Station Rota Public Affairs Office
 
ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- Personnel assigned to U.S. Naval Hospital Rota, Spain, administered H1N1 Influenza Vaccine shots to service members during a base-wide immunization exercise at Naval Station Rota Nov. 19.
 
At the command building, more than 150 eligible personnel and civilians received the mandatory shots as part of a U.S. European Command order for 100 percent active duty military member participation.
 
"People are our number one resource, and that is why command-wide immunization is so important," said Capt. Bill Mosk, Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain. "We take care of our people when it comes to advancing in their military careers, supporting their families and reaching their personal goals, but it doesn't stop there. We want to protect our people from this virus and keep them as healthy as possible in order to complete their missions and take care of their responsibilities."
 
Hospital Corpsmen registered service members and helped them fill out a safety questionnaire before receiving the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention certified and U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved vaccination. 
 
Several other teams of hospital personnel were also administering shots at separate NAVSTA Rota departments and tenant commands including to the Airmen at the 725th Air Mobility Squadron, Marines at the Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team Detachment Rota and Seabee's from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 who are deployed here.
 
"I personally don't like needles, but I came because I know my command is just looking out for me and my health," said Marine Sgt. Robert Moran who works at NAVSTA Rota Fleet Mail Center. "It was interesting to see all the branches of the military in the same place at the same time, all getting protection from a virus that has been making a lot of people around the world sick. It feels good to know that we are being taken care of."
 
Lt. Steve Schutt, from USNHRS Wellness Public Health Services said, USNHRS administered 1,520 shots, to 100 percent of those eligible to receive the vaccine that were in Rota during the Shot-Ex. 
 
Some personnel have not received their shots because they are on leave, deployed or on temporary assigned duty. 
 
USNHRS is scheduled to receive a second shipment of H1N1 vaccinations in Dec. at which time they plan to administer them to DOD and military family members. 
 
For more news from Naval Station Rota, Spain, visit www.navy.mil/local/rota/. 
 
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NNS091120-21. New Orleans City Council Honors Local Military Service Members
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Shawn Graham, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans Public Affairs
 
NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Military leaders from the New Orleans area met with the New Orleans City Council at city hall to celebrate New Orleans Military Appreciation Day Nov. 19.
 
New Orleans Military Appreciation Day was started in 1992 by the Mayor's Military Advisory Council (MMAC) and local leaders to acknowledge local military service members and to promote a closer relationship for state and federal agencies in Louisiana.
 
"We are excited to have such brave men and women living and serving right in our community," said Jacquelyn Brechtel-Clarkson, New Orleans City Council member-at-large. "I've been part of the MMAC since its inception, and the military's presence in our area has always been strong."
 
Brechtel-Clarkson, who grew up just a short distance from Naval Support Activity New Orleans, was adamant when discussing Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) New Orleans' future.
 
"We have a large retiree and Reservist community in the Gulf Coast region. It's imperative that they have a place to train and seek medical care - that's why NAS JRB is worth its weight in gold. It is very unique," said Brechtel-Clarkson.
 
"Keeping a harmonious relationship between the community and the local bases are very important. This region can be a great example of different services working together," continued Brechtel-Clarkson.
 
Retired Marine Maj. Gen. David Mize, MMAC president, said that it was a special occasion any time all the branches of the military are present at an event together.
 
"I would like to thank the local military leaders who are here," said Mize. "The local military continues to make great contributions to the city of New Orleans and this country."
 
Mize cited the numerous deployments by local military units from throughout the state and by the numerous Sailors serving as individual augmentees.
 
"Many service members and units deploy from our area, providing consistent and continuous support on the frontlines in Afghanistan and Iraq," said Mize. "It is important that this region knows the contributions of their local military."
 
Mayor Ray Nagin said that New Orleans has been enriched by the military's presence, citing the recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
 
"I gained a new respect for the military following Hurricane Katrina," said Nagin. "The military performed thousands of rescues, provided food, water and helped restore order to the city. It is a honor to pay tribute to the men and women that saved our city."
 
"Our local service members have touched the very soul of this community, and we have learned from your dynamic examples," said Nagin. "Thank you."
 
Capt. Bill Snyder, commanding officer of NAS JRB, said that he was proud to support the local community.
 
"Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Airmen always reach out and provide support to their communities," said Snyder. "We have selfless volunteers, and they love to help."
 
Snyder also said that New Orleans has served as one of the best military-friendly cities in America.
 
"This city has always been devoted to our nation's military," said Snyder. "New Orleans is well known as a party town, but hopefully people can know the city for how well they honor their local military as well."
 
For more news from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasno/. 
 
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NNS091120-13. Navy Corpsman Awarded Bronze Star Medal
 
By Bill W. Love, Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi Public Affairs Office
 
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A hospital corpsman assigned to Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi received a Bronze Star medal for his heroic actions while deployed to Iraq.
 
Commander, Navy Medicine East (NME) Rear Adm. William R. "Bob" Kiser, Medical Corps, presented the Bronze Star medal to Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Ricardo D. Wilson for his performance while assigned to 11th Iraqi Army Division Military Transition Team (MTT), Multinational Division, Baghdad, Iraq from September 2008 to August 2009. 
 
Kiser was in South Texas to get a firsthand look at the work being done by Navy medical professionals stationed in the region, and he recognized Wilson during his visit to Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC).
 
"Heroes are made when preparation meets opportunity," the admiral remarked. "We have very little to say in when the opportunity is going to arise. We have a lot of say to how prepared we are when those things meet up."
 
Pointing out that he was in a very difficult place at a difficult time, Kiser praised Wilson's vigilance and acknowledged the countless American families that benefit from Navy Medicine staff going to war. 
 
"Our calling as members of Navy Medicine is to place ourselves in harm's way for the benefit of others. And I would suggest to you that the exemplar of what that looks like, in this room and at this moment is HM1 [Wilson]," Kiser added.
 
Since 2003, NHCCC has deployed 474 staff members in support of OIF/OEF, including 17 currently deployed.
 
As MTT's corpsman, Wilson participated in over 90 logistical combat patrol missions, resulting in no loss of life.
 
As a medical advisor to the Army's newly formed Transportation and Provisioning Regiment (TPR) medical platoon, Wilson also mentored his Iraqi Army counterparts on the importance of providing medical support in garrison operations as well as on transportation and combat missions. He instructed the medical platoon to become proficient in triage, proper diagnoses, I.V. administration, trauma casualty treatment and medical evacuation, preventive medicine, field sanitation, and medical supply management. 
 
Wilson, a 14-year Navy veteran and a preventive medicine technician at NHCCC, thanked his Army teammates who made it possible for him to return home.
 
For more news from Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, Texas, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhcc/. 
 
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NNS091120-15. DoD Identifies Navy Casualty 
 
From U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense Public Affairs
 
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense announced today the death of a sailor who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 
 
Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian M. Patton, 37, of Freeport, Ill., died Nov. 19 in Kuwait in a non-combat accident. 
 
For more news, visit www.navy.mil. 
 
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NNS091119-20. T-34C Pilot Identified
 
From Chief of Naval Air Training Public Affairs
 
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- The remains of Lt. John Joseph Houston were positively identified by medical personnel of Training Squadron 28 Nov. 18. 
 
The T-34C Turbomentor aircraft that went missing Oct. 28 has been located and salvage operations have begun. 
 
U.S. Navy divers and the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Manatee located the aircraft Nov. 16 approximately 1.5 miles from Matagorda Island in 40 feet of water. Coast Guard Cutter Henry Claiborne is expected to be on station Nov. 20 to assist in lifting the fuselage of the aircraft.
 
Houston and Lt. Bret Travis Miller left Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi on a routine training mission Oct. 28 in the area of Rockport-Aransas County Airport, Texas. 
 
The pilots and the aircraft were assigned to Training Squadron 28 of Training Air Wing 4 based out of NAS Corpus Christi, Texas. 
 
An investigation of the mishap is being conducted.
 
For more news, visit www.navy.mil. 
 
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NNS091120-26. Bethesda Sailor Earns Citizenship, Takes Pride in Service
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Marcus Suorez, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs
 
BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- A Sailor assigned to National Naval Medical Center was sworn in as an American citizen at a naturalization ceremony in Baltimore Nov. 10. 
 
Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Zhuoyi Chen, a native of China, has been in the United States for two years and has served in the military for the past nine months. 
 
Chen is the first member of his family to become a U.S. citizen.
 
"Everything I do, I do for my mom - to take care of her and make her proud. She was very happy I became an American citizen," Chen said. "The military has been very good to me...before joining I didn't know much English. Everything I learned in boot camp and since then has helped me get my citizenship."
 
Culinary Specialist 2nd (SW) Class Andrew Ximines, a native of Jamaica, who obtained U.S. citizenship in 2008, helped Chen gain his citizenship. Ximines said the process is quicker for military members than non-members.
 
"They seem to expedite our requests," Ximines said. "Chen got his citizenship very quickly, just a few months."
 
The first step to obtaining citizenship is filling out the proper paperwork, then waiting and, lastly, taking a test in which a board of members asks random questions about the United States, said Ximines.
 
"They only ask about 10 questions on things they think every American should know if they grew up in the states," said Ximines. "But it wasn't that easy. I pretty much grew up here, and I still had to think back to school."
 
Chen said he worked hard to get his citizenship.
 
"I did all of the paperwork and made sure it went through and I studied very, very hard for the test," Chen said.
 
Chief Culinary Specialist (SW) Michael Simpson, Chen's leading chief petty officer, said Chen's dedication and persistence are an inspiration to others seeking citizenship.
 
"When the other guys see that if you push hard enough and get it, it really motivates them to finish and get theirs," Simpson said. "Chen is a good Sailor, and we're all proud of him."
 
Being granted citizenship "opens a lot of doors for Chen," said Ximines. To become an officer in the U.S. Navy, Sailors must be U.S. citizens. Enlisted Sailors, who are not citizens, are restricted to specific rates that do not require security clearance.
 
Chen said receiving his citizenship was a huge step forward in his life and will help him achieve his goals.
 
"It was the happiest day of my life," said Chen. "Now I have the rights of an American, and the freedoms. The freedom is the best part of America. I am happy to be here."
 
For more news from National Naval Medical Center, visit www.navy.mil/local/nnmc/. 
 
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NNS091120-24. NMCB 74 Alfa Company Prepares Ground for New Camp
 
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ryan G. Wilber, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74 Public Affairs
 
HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan (NNS) -- As Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 74 moves to their new location at Camp Leatherneck, Alfa Company Seabees are out in force preparing the ground. The desert land must be brought up to elevation, compacted and made suitable for wood structures, command tents and pedestrian traffic.
 
The process of transforming more than 21 acres of uninhabited desert into an area where Seabees can work and live at Camp Leatherneck is no small task for the equipment operators. The project requires numerous pieces of equipment, running simultaneously to work each section of the expansion area.
 
"We have 21 and a half acres of rough land that we need to bring up to elevation. It needs to come up roughly a foot and a half over the entire area. To do that, we are using scrapers, bulldozers, graders, water trucks, vibratory rollers, back hoes and dump trucks," said Equipment Operator 1st Class Joseph Peters, project supervisor. 
 
According to Sgt. Seth Toomey, crew leader, the project is a formidable task that requires various levels of precision and experience. 
 
"I've got some less experienced people out here that are learning the equipment, but at each section of work I've got going on I have experienced operators passing on their knowledge and teaching their trade. I've got a good mix. I've got people who've been operating for six years and I've got people who have been doing it for a few months. The longer I keep these people on the equipment, the better off they'll be in the long run, for the battalion, for themselves and for this project," said Peters. 
 
The crew, made up of NMCB 74 Seabees and Soldiers from the 655th Concrete Team and 502nd Multi-Role Bridge Company, 19th Engineer Battalion, carries a positive attitude when talking about the work they are doing on the project and a feeling of pride can be sensed as well. For some it is the legacy they are leaving behind at Camp Leatherneck, while for others it is a love for the job that shines through.
 
"It's pretty neat being the people helping out with this, because in a couple years it will be the main spot for the battalions to come to for their deployment," said Equipment Operator Constructionman Clint Colquitt, crew member. 
 
"It has definitely been a good experience. We're making this and it will be our lasting footprint, until they tear it down at least. It's kind of neat to see it grow," added Equipment Operator Constructionman Apprentice Travis Love, crew member.
 
"This is a dream project of mine ever since I've been an EO. There is nothing but pushing dirt and lots of it," said Peters.
 
Pushing dirt, however simple it may sound, requires focus and skill. The Afghanistan desert demands the operators' constant attention in order to leave it smooth and flat. Situational awareness is also an important requirement of the job.
 
"You have to think about what you are doing before you do it. You have to look ahead to see what the land is doing to adjust your blade and make sure you stay on level ground," said Colquitt. 
 
"Sixteen pieces of equipment working in about a seven acre area is a lot of equipment moving around. They have to have their heads on a swivel and know what's going on around them," added Peters.
 
Every day the operators gain more experience through what they call "stick time," and the land is noticeably different than when they began. Once the foundation pad for the battalion's tactical operations center is complete, the builders will start construction. Soon the Seabees of NMCB 74 will be working at their new camp, Camp Natasha, thanks to the initial quality work put in by Seabees and Soldiers.
 
For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 74, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb74/. 
 
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