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NNS090929-17. Surface Warfare Officer e-Mentor Program

From Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Surface Forces has converged the community's tradition of mentoring with the connectivity provided by social media into its new "SWO e-Mentoring" program.

SWO e-Mentoring allows surface warfare officers to log onto the Internet and use a mentor-matching tool to find professionals with specific skills and experience.

"Our community is widely known for developing leaders by promoting training, practical experience and best practices while giving consideration to the diversity of backgrounds in our Surface Force," said Vice Adm. D.C. Curtis, commander Naval Surfaces and commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "Much of this knowledge is passed along through mentoring, which is the foundation of good leadership."

Lt. Cmdr. Kendra Deppe, a SWO stationed aboard aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), participated in the program as a mentor.

"I think it provides a great opportunity to connect with officers that you might never otherwise get a chance to learn from and ask questions of," she said. "It's also a chance to be able to help junior officers who are facing the same decisions that I (and others) have already made."

Lt. Alexa Forsyth, a SWO currently teaching Naval ROTC students at University of North Carolina, has been part of the program since it was created and has sought advice throughout her career.

"I have found this program very valuable and easy to use," she said. "When I was deciding whether to stay in or get out, or when deciding what my next assignment should be, I wanted to get a variety of opinions from senior SWOs in addition to the advice I was getting from my chain of command. I found the feedback very enlightening and helpful."

The SWO e-mentoring program facilitates relationships faster by utilizing technology to create matches. Knowledge, skills, life and professional experiences are examined for the mentor and the mentoree. The tools on the e-Mentor site will then assist SWOs in matching themselves with potential mentors who have similar perspectives or experiences throughout the community.

"I'm not sure a lot of people know that it is out there," said Deppe. "I think it has the potential to be a great resource."

In order to create a profile and find an on-line mentor, SWOs can log on at https:www.3creekmentoring.come/swo_mentoring or contact Naval Surface Forces Director, Lt. Cmdr. Mark Haney at mark.haney@navy.mil, or Lt. Cmdr. Dave Pavlik at david.e.pavlik@navy.mil for more information.

For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnsp/.

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NNS090929-06. Navy Breaks Ground on New Naval Base Guam BEQ

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- Construction of a $53.7 million bachelor enlisted quarters facility on Naval Base Guam (NBG) was celebrated with a ground breaking ceremony Sept. 22.

Capt. Scott Galbreaith, NBG commanding officer, said the facility will go a long way to ensure the comfort and safety of Sailors serving on ships, submarines and other commands in Guam.

"One of my duties as the commanding officer of the base is to identify and address the shortcomings and the needs of the war fighters, the families and the fleet out here," said Galbreaith.

Galbreaith emphasized the importance of providing quality berthing to Sailors.

"We've tried through policy, improvisation, through making minor upgrades to existing buildings and through re-awakening dormant buildings up at [Guam] Naval Magazine to address that need," Galbreaith said. "Nothing addresses that need like this project we're celebrating here today."

The new facility will house 280 Sailors and is slated for completion in May 2011. The three-story, 100,000-square-foot facility will be built using designs that are both eco-friendly and energy efficient. When completed, the quarters will include roomy bathrooms with separate lavatory areas, bedrooms with two closets, kitchens with built-in cook tops and range hoods and stacked washers and dryers.

NBG Command Master Chief (AW/SW) Robert Burton was part of the team that designed the facilities that are "more desirable, more livable spaces that improve quality of life for our Sailors."

"I'm proud of the work that went into it, and I think we're going to have some really happy Sailors," Burton said.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Marianas awarded the project to Hensel Phelps Construction Co., of Greeley, Colo., in April 2009.

The facility will incorporate energy efficient design concepts and eco-conscious construction techniques to achieve U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) gold certification.

"Over the last several years, I've become very interested in sustainable design and construction projects that incorporate features that reduce energy use, plumbing fixtures that reduce water requirements and the smart use of natural light to economize on electrical demand," said Capt. Peter Lynch, NAVFAC Marianas commanding officer. "Sustainable design is especially important in Guam with our sensitive environment and where utility costs are particularly high."

To achieve LEED gold certification, the architect and contractor must work to install eco-friendly elements that will minimize adverse impact to the environment.

The building will use solar panels, insulation, energy efficient fixtures and a number of other concepts that will save on energy and other resources.

The contractor is expected to use materials and products with low pollutant emissions, such as adhesives, sealants, paints, carpet systems and furnishings, and implement an acceptable storm water run off plan.

To enhance the indoor environment, the contractor is expected to meet national standards for ventilation by ensuring optimum air quality for Sailors. The design of the facility will take into account control moisture flows and condensation essentially extending the life of the facility. As well, energy-efficient lighting fixtures and household appliances will be incorporated.

Based on a Department of Defense directive, all military construction and renovation projects valued above $750,000 must achieve LEED silver certification.

Brian Fischer, project manager for Hensel Phelps Construction Co., said they're glad for the opportunity to work on such an important project for Naval Base Guam.

"We're really anxious to have some facilities for our dedicated men and women with the Navy," said Fischer. "I look forward to standing here with everybody in 2011 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony."

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces, Marianas, visit www.navy.mil/local/guam/.

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NNS090929-10. NRNW Workshop Educates Returning IA's

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Scott Dagendesh, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Det., Northwest

SEATTLE, Wash. (NNS) -- Active duty and Reserve personnel and their families attended the Navy Region Northwest Reserve Component Command "Returning Warrior" workshop at Sheraton Hotel in Downtown Seattle, Sept. 26.

Sailors and families learned how to get through changes caused by the IA deployments through guest speakers and sharing their own stories.

"This gives the active duty member, reservist and their spouses or significant others the opportunity to look at the things that went on during deployment -- emotionally, physically and spiritually. It's one of the best things the Navy has invested in," said Chaplain Cmdr. Steven Souders, director of Chaplains Religious Enrichment Development Operation (CREDO).

"It is extremely important for spouses to attend this workshop with the spouse that was deployed," said Elizabeth Campbell, spouse of returned IA. "I think that if I had not been through a deployment already, I would not know what to do. I think it is very important. Most the members at the table my husband and I are sitting at were deployed with my husband; it's great to see everyone come back together and see how they're doing three years later," added Campbell.

Some of the agencies being showcased included United Concordia, Military One Source, USAA and Veterans of America.

"There are thousands of agencies out there that can assist them in their return home, to assist their families," said Cmdr. Erik Isaacson, NRNW Reserve Component Command. "We showcase a lot of those resources and also hear their side of the story to help improve the process of their healing."

For more news from Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.

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NNS090929-04. Lincoln First Carrier to Get LAN Upgrade

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Gallagher, USS Abraham Lincoln Public Affairs

BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is serving as the test-bed for a new local area network (LAN) that will provide Sailors unmatched network reliability and user capacity at sea.

"We were chosen to be the first for this install because [the Navy] knew we could pull it off," said Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SW/AW) Darren Counts, automated data processing (ADP) leading chief petty officer.

The new LAN replaces old hardware with a much more efficient 2007 configuration, which includes the use of blade servers. Should a server fail, these will allow Lincoln's ADP division to get the server back up in a matter of minutes. It would previously take ADP two to three hours to get an old server back online.

"On the old system, we had to restore the system from a backup," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Hermino Cotto, ADP server supervisor. "On the new system, we can instantaneously move the data [from the downed server] to another server and quickly get it up and running again."

Aside from reliability, approximately 1,215 users will be able to log-in to Lincoln's network making internet more feasible for Sailors on board. The previous limit was 932.

One of the keys to making the new LAN work as efficiently as possible is the use of upgraded software and computers.

Lincoln has received all-new personal computers to enhance the new network experience. The new PCs operate using Windows XP instead of Windows 2000, and will use Microsoft Office 2007 for productivity instead of the previously-used Office 2003.

According to Cotto, the new PCs have dual-core Intel processors instead of single-core Pentium 4 processors, and a 150 gigabyte hard drive installed. The network and computers also feature the use of common access card (CAC) cards for logging in.

In addition to increased reliability and speed, the new LAN will be more secure from outside attacks and viruses, featuring numerous layers of advanced network protection.

To ensure the new LAN is in place on time and is effective for the crew, ADP has been working tirelessly since PIA began.

"All hands have been working on this every day, after hours and even weekends," said Counts. "Every person in the division is involved; we have to be to be successful."

Counts said that so far the LAN install is on schedule and ADP is happy with how it's working out.

"Without the dedication of everyone in ADP with the help of electronic data processing (EDP), we wouldn't be on track like we are," said Counts. "The troops here have done just a fantastic job."

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn72/.

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NNS090929-03. NHOH Welcomes Home Returning Warrior

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Naval Hospital Oak Harbor (NHOH) held a welcome home ceremony Sept. 21 in Oak Harbor, Wash., for a hospital corpsman who was awarded the Purple Heart for his service in Afghanistan.

Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (FMF) Windell C. Kellogg arrived in Afghanistan in support of the global war on terror in July 2009.

He was among a team of five individual augmentees (IAs) tasked to promote stability for the upcoming 2009 Afghanistan election.

Kellogg was hit by sniper fire Aug. 8 while transiting on foot to a secure building for a meeting. His teammates dragged him to safety and dressed his wounds as a three-hour firefight ensued around them.

"It was a team effort by my guys to pull me under cover when I went down, and we all covered each other as we had to run back to the building through the firefight," said Kellogg. "We all looked out for each other."

Kellogg was then escorted to the landing zone for medical casualty evacuation.

Kellogg was presented the Purple Heart Sept. 18 in his hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas, while on convalescent leave. His father, a former Marine, was present to pin the award on his son.

"That was probably one of the best feelings in my life; it was fantastic," said Kellogg. "[While the citation was read], my dad was standing in front of me at attention, and he actually did the pinning of the medal, then he saluted me. It was great, and I know it meant a great deal to him and my whole family as well."

Kellogg's teammates remain in theater until early 2010.

"I'm doing everything I can to get back out there and finish the deployment with them," said Kellogg. "In the short time we were together, we were all pretty tight, and they're as good a group of guys to deploy with as I can think of."

"What a spirit, what an attitude, what an absolute role model [he] is for us, to give us some focus of why we are in the business we are in," said Capt. Mary Neill, NHOH executive officer. "I personally appreciate your willingness to continue the mission and get back out there with your team."

Kellogg is currently in the recuperation process and his recovery process is going better than expected. He has surprised his surgeons and occupational therapist with his capabilities.

Kellogg appreciates all the contributions that were made to help both him and his family following the casualty.

"I'm very thankful for all of the support along the way through different government and civilian support programs and volunteers," said Kellogg. "It's been overwhelming; it's unbelievable, outstanding support and I appreciate it."

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/nwpacen/.

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NNS090929-01. Leap Frogs Help Boy Scouts Celebrate 100 Years

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michelle Kapica, Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, known as the Leap Frogs, parachuted onto the USS Midway Museum in San Diego Sept. 26 to help the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) celebrate 100 years of scouting.

Nearly 800 scouts, scoutmasters and friends assembled on the flight deck of the longest-serving aircraft carrier in Navy history to see the performance of the Leap Frogs during the opening ceremony of the scouts' Midway Overnight Adventure.

There was an air of excitement as the scouts prepared for the night's activities, but as the Leap Frogs' aircraft flew toward the ship, all noise and movement stopped momentarily. As soon as the Leap Frogs exited the aircraft, there was a loud roar and a big "hoo-yah" from the scouts.

The parachutists swirled colored smoke above San Diego as they made their way to the 25 by 100-foot bow section of the ship for a precision landing.

A sea of khaki shirts covered in multi-colored patches waited eagerly to shake hands with the Leap Frogs after they landed.

"That was really cool," said Zachary Dickman, a scout in BSA Troop 446 from Scottsdale, Ariz.

Like many of the scouts, it was the first time Dickman had seen the Leap Frogs perform and he said it was the best part of his day.

The event brought 30 scout troops together from San Diego Imperial County, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Scottsdale.

The event, which took two years to organize, was a collaborative effort between the BSA and the USS Midway Museum, said Randy Seefeldt, a scoutmaster and the Midway Overnight Adventure chairperson.

"I knew it would be a great experience for the boys," said Seefeldt. "They love seeing high-adventure stuff. It was wonderful!"

Several members of the Leap Frogs also began their lives of adventure with the Boy Scouts and were proud to help inspire service among the young scouts.

"It meant a lot to be in San Diego, jumping onto the USS Midway with the Boy Scouts of America," said James Woods, safety officer for the Leap Frogs. "There are still values in America. In a world where things are being taken away from us constantly, we still have the Boy Scouts of America. We still have a place where we can come and show them that they matter and that they mean something."

The Leap Frogs are based in San Diego and perform freefall parachuting demonstrations throughout the United States to showcase Navy excellence.

The team is made up of elite warriors from Naval Special Warfare (NSW), including U.S. Navy SEALs (sea, air and land commandos), special warfare combatant-craft crewmen and NSW parachute riggers.

For more information about the Navy Parachute Team, visit www.leapfrogs.navy.mil or for information about Naval Special Warfare programs, visit www.sealswcc.com.

For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit www.navy.mil/local/nsw/.

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NNS090929-14. Current Daily News Update

From the Navy News Service

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Daily News Update features six newscasts each day -
one two-minute newscast and five one-minute newscasts.

Two-minute newscast-
- Pacific Fleet holds change of command ceremony.

http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13207

First one-minute newscast-
- Headlines from around the fleet: Department of Defense is seeking volunteers for Afghanistan-Pakistan Hands program; Mine Resistant, Ambush Protected (MRAP) all-terrain vehicles are on the way to Afghanistan.

http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13208

Second one-minute newscast-
- Sailors will only be allowed two extensions per enlistment beginning Oct. 1.

http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13209

Third one-minute newscast-
- USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) individual augmentee program prepares Sailors to go IA.

http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13210

Fourth one-minute newscast-
- Recently-arrested terror suspects were allegedly targeting Marine Corps Base Quantico.

http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13211

Fifth one-minute newscast-
- USS Denver (LPD 9) prepares for deployment.

http://www.navy.mil/swf/mmu/mmplyr.asp?id=13212

Defense Media Activity Anacostia produces six Daily News Update (DNU) newscasts: a two-minute newscast and five one-minute newscasts. DNU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS) satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. DNU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).

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NNS020724-38. This Day in Naval History - Sept. 29

From the Navy News Service

1944 - USS Narwhal (SS 167) evacuates 81 Allied prisoners of war that survived the sinking of Japanese Shinyo Maru from Sindangan Bay, Mindanao.
1946 -Lockheed P2V Neptune, Truculent Turtle, leaves Perth, Australia, on a long-distance non-stop, non-refueling flight that ends October 1.
1959 - USS Kearsarge (CVS 33), with Helicopter Squadron 6 and other 7th Fleet units, begins six days of disaster relief to Nagoya, Japan, after Typhoon Vera.

For more information about naval history, visit the Naval Historical Center Web site at www.history.navy.mil.

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