Wow, what a picture!

GULF OF ALASKA (June 22, 2009) An Air Force F-22 Raptor executes a supersonic flyby over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). John C. Stennis is participating in Northern Edge 2009, a joint exercise focusing on detecting and tracking units at sea, in the air and on land. (U.S. Navy photo by Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Ronald Dejarnett

Navy Working Uniform now authorized off base
by MCCS (SW/AW) Bill Houlihan
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy Working Uniform (NWU) is now authorized for wear off-base, during routine stops and at eating establishments during the prescribed workday.

In NAVADMIN 188/09, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Gary Roughead, expanded the occasion for wear policy, which has been in place for six months.

Roughead consistently stated that the possibility for changing the policy hinged upon a timetable driven by the Navy's chiefs' mess.

Once the leadership mess provided feedback to Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) (SS/SW) Rick West, indicating that Sailors across the Navy understood the correct manner to wear the uniform, it was understood that he would recommend to CNO and Chief of Naval Personnel (CNP), Vice Adm. Mark Ferguson, when the time was right to allow the uniform off base.

According to West, that time is now.

"Communication from the Force and Fleet Master Chiefs has been unanimously positive. Our Sailors are ready to introduce this uniform to the American public," said West. "That's what CNO was waiting for and this decision is a direct result of chief petty officer (CPO) feedback. It's been sincerely gratifying to be able to watch this process work as well as it has."

The policy differs from the language in NAVADMIN 343/08 in that, up to now, routine stops were not allowed. That meant Sailors were prohibited from visits to child care centers, gas stations, brief stops at convenience stores or banks. Now those stops are authorized.

"Our Sailors are proud of this uniform," said MCPON. "This has been the number one feedback item from the fleet since I took office, (Dec. 12, 2008) and they have not been shy about their wishes to wear this uniform in town. Our Sailors have been trained to wear it and will wear it proudly."

West underscored the importance of waiting for the right time to open up the occasion for wear policy. He said that while many wondered why the original wear policy was put in place, it was important to ensure every Sailor knew how to wear it before allowing it outside the lifelines of ships and bases. He also said he kept a close eye on various regions to see how aggressive leadership was in training the fleet to wear the NWU.

"I watched Navy Region Mid-Atlantic and I saw how the chiefs in that region were engaged in getting this right from day one. The training was consistent and it was effective. They deserve a lot of credit for the expanded policy, because they did it the right way in the largest fleet concentration area. Leaderships engagement coupled with Sailor feedback was what drove this recommendation (to expand the policy) to CNP and CNO."

The revision includes aligning the NWU and Camouflage Utility Uniforms (CUUs) occasion for wear policies and offers more flexibility than the rules governing the wear of other working uniforms.

The transition to the NWU will continue as stipulated in NAVADMIN 343/08. Multiple regions across the United States and overseas are still not wearing the NWU due to distribution constraints, so West pointed out that the manner of wear policy is even more critical now as Sailors transfer to those areas. Leadership (CO/CMC) has been authorized to wear the NWU since December and should already be wearing it in the areas where Sailors will soon be showing up.

"We have people rolling from one region to another and coming from boot camp, wearing the NWU. I'm looking to them as the Sailors who are going to meet the standards as set forth in the NAVADMIN and the Uniform Regulations, but more importantly, I expect the CPO mess to maintain the standards expected of our high caliber Sailors," said West.

The NAVADMIN also states that wear of the NWU/CUU will be restricted inside the National Capital Region (NCR). Navy personnel on staffs located in or visiting the NCR will not be able to wear the NWU or CCU as their uniform of the day. Commanders, according to the message, may prescribe the NWU/CUU for those Sailors in the NCR requiring that uniform for work that would soil the uniform of the day.

"I look forward to seeing the public's reaction to our new uniform," said West. "And I know our Sailors are eager to get out there and show it off."

USS Topeka leaves on deployment
The attack submarine USS Topeka (SSN 754) departed Naval Base Point Loma June 23, for a scheduled deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. Topeka, commanded by Cmdr. Marc Stern, was commissioned on Oct. 21, 1989 and is one of seven Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarines assigned to Submarine Squadron 11. Topeka was showcased in the recently released movie, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."

Trolling for tadpoles

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (March 28, 2006) A wildlife biologist contracted by the Navy uses a dip net to sample tadpoles in a wetland at a Travis Air Force Base Firing Range to demonstrate the amphibian risk assessment protocol. U.S. Navy photo Amy Hawkins

Camp Pendleton MCCS slates
Fourth of July Beach Bash
This awesome event will start at 7 a.m. For details and information
http://www.mccscp.com/beachbash/

Fourth of July FREEDOM Festival
presented by MWR and SeaWorld
Saturday, July 4
3-9 p.m.
Join MWR for the biggest and best Freedom Festival celebration this 4th of July at the Naval Mine and Anti-Submarine Warfare Command Complex in Point Loma. Admission is FREE. The fun kicks off at 3 pm with a cannon salute from the tall ship, Californian, and continues through the day with LIVE entertainment, an inflatable “Fun Zone”, carnival rides and a Car Show presented by USA Federal Credit Union until 9 p.m. with a grand finale fireworks display over the bay you won’t want to miss! Be sure to bring your beach chairs, blankets and picnic or a little cash for some tasty summertime treats. Event is open to all MWR patrons and escorted guests. For more information call (619) 767-4689. For directions, MAPQUEST the following address: 32444 Echo Lane, San Diego, CA 92147.

Training kicks in, Sailor recognized for quick thinking
by MC1 (SW/AW) Jason McKnight
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The commanding officer of USS Peleliu (LHA 5) awarded a quick-thinking ordnanceman the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal at a ceremony aboard the drydocked amphibious assault ship May 29.
The medal was given to recognize Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Larry Hendrix's quick and appropriate action extinguishing a fire that had broken out while a NASSCO shipyard welder was performing contract work on an ammunition magazine bulkhead.
"I'm not surprised by what he did," said Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Lualhati Rubio. "We constantly train our junior Sailors to run toward the fires, not away, which is the normal reaction most people have. He didn't panic, which is the most important thing in any emergency."
Hendrix was in the ship's forward lower vehicle stowage when he saw flames on a welding curtain.
"The shipyard worker assigned as firewatch was trying to pull the pin on his extinguisher but couldn't get it out," said Hendrix. "So I rushed to grab a different nearby bottle and used it instead."
By the time he had done that though, the curtain fire had spread to the lagging above the scene, and he put that fire out as well.
"AOAA [Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Apprentice] Jonathon Churchill arrived, and I sent him for help, while I stood reflash watch to make sure it didn't spring back up," said Hendrix.
Hendrix did not think what he did was especially award-worthy and agreed with Rubio that he had just done what he'd been trained to do.

Recovery Act contract to upgrade information technology structure at Naval Medical Center
by Mario T. Icari
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest awarded Stronghold Engineering, Inc. a $459,100 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded contract June 3 for information technology (IT) upgrades at Navy Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD).
"The improvements provided by this project will give the information technology department at the Naval Medical Center San Diego hospital an increased electrical capacity and an enhanced reliability of the system to support the campus facilities," said Luis Guzman, NAVFAC Southwest project manager for repair projects.
"The improvements to the IT system within the hospital will increase the reliability of the daily IT operations for the hospital staff as well as provide enhanced protection for IT-based patient information. The award of the project will enable the employment of workers within the small business contractor community."
The project will provide NMCSD with a new 70 kilovolt-amps uninterruptible power supply; a new electrical panel and transformer, as well as associated rewiring to support servers and efficiently redirect emergency power; perforated floor tiles; new ceiling return grilles; ductwork; new fire smoke dampers; repair of the emergency power off switch; and reconfiguration of the heating, ventilating and air conditioning system to provide adequate cooling for IT equipment.
"Stronghold Engineering, Inc. is pleased to be the recipient of [this] project as a part of our ongoing effort to improve the quality of life for our service members," said Scott Bailey, Stronghold Engineering, Inc., vice president and chief operating officer.
"This project is part of an initiative to replace substandard infrastructure and enhance America's energy independence. Stronghold Engineering, Inc. looks forward to serving the Navy as it provides critical services to its clients and creates jobs to promote our economy."

Navy updates confirmed cases of H1N1
The Navy updated its confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza June 16 to 244 Sailors, of which 206 have returned to duty.
"Although the cases of H1N1 continue to increase, the effects of this illness are rather mild," said Cmdr. Steven Jeffs, chief of the BUMED Medical Operations Center. "Due to the relatively short duration of the illness, the vast majority of our Sailors have already returned to duty."
The Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED), headquarters for Navy medicine, continues to monitor the health of the force to ensure necessary precautions are being taken to educate and safeguard Sailors, civilian personnel and family members.
Additional information on the H1N1 influenza is available at:
-- The Center of Disease Control Web site: www.cdc.gov/flu/swine or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
-- The Department of Defense Web site: www.dod.mil/pandemicflu.
-- The Department of Health and Human Services Web site:www.pandemicflu.gov.

Court Sides with Navy A-12 stealth attack aircraft contract termination
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has affirmed a judgment upholding the Navy's termination for default of a contract with McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics for the A-12 stealth attack aircraft.
In 1988, the Navy awarded the $4.8 billion fixed-price contract for development of the A-12, which was to be a stealthy, carrier-based attack aircraft. The program encountered serious technical difficulties, and in 1991, after the Department of Defense refused to approve additional funding for the program, the Navy terminated the contract because it was substantially over budget and behind schedule.
On appeal for the third time, the court of appeals on June 2, 2009 affirmed the 2007 judgment of Court of Federal Claims Judge Robert B. Hodges Jr., holding that the Navy had properly terminated the contract for default.
Under the decision, the contractors are required to repay the government more than $1.35 billion in principal for funds advanced under the contract, plus interest accruing since 1991, for a total sum that currently approaches $2.8 billion.
The Navy is pleased with the ruling of the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit and believes the decision is well reasoned and correctly decided.

USS Jarrett spearheads DESRON 1 bone marrow drive
by Lt. Steve Ansuini
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- USS Jarrett (FFG 33) hosted the Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 1 Bone Marrow Drive to assist in the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP), a program designed to search for potential donors for bone marrow transplants, at Naval Base San Diego May 26.
More than 70 Sailors from DESRON 1 responded to the call and are now potential donors. Through a simple cheek swab – no blood or needles involved – these Sailors are now in the national registry.
"If I'm a match for someone I could save their life just because I swabbed my cheek," said Sonar Technician 2nd Class (SW) Brandon Dempster.
Lt. j. g. Joseph Abrutz, damage control assistant, said, "This is a good opportunity for Jarrett Sailors to help others."
Jarrett Sailors joined millions of other potential donors in the national registry who stand by for a potential match. The donor is contacted whenever a match is found. The donation process is simple and conducted by one of two methods: surgical procedure or Peripheral Blood Cell (PBSC) extraction. The surgical procedure withdraws liquid marrow directly from the back of the pelvic bones. The donor, under general anesthesia, will not feel any discomfort; however, most experience some lower back pain for a few days afterward.
The PBSC procedure entails the removal of blood from one arm, filtration of the needed cells and the return of the filtered blood into the other arm. This less intrusive process makes PBSC the most comfortable and preferred method of donation.
The mission of the NMDP is to help people who need a life-saving marrow or blood cell transplant by connecting patients, doctors, donors and researchers to the resources needed to help people live longer and healthier lives. This program could benefit more than 10,000 children and adults with life-threatening diseases this year alone.
"Thank you to the Jarrett Warriors out there that participated in the bone marrow drive," said Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/FMF) Stephen Royall.

Chancellorsville honors former Sailors with burial at sea
by Ens. George Kunthara
USS CHANCELLORSVILLE, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) commemorated the lives of eight former Sailors and two Navy family members during a burial at sea May 28.
The ceremony occurred on the ship's fantail where an 18-person honor guard carried out the solemn duty of committing former shipmates to the sea. This is a time-honored naval tradition for military veterans who desired to be buried at sea. With the ship stopped in the water, and a seven-man rifle squad fired a 21-gun salute to honor the sacrifices of each Sailor and family member.
The burial at sea was one of the very first events for Chancellorsville on its 2009 deployment with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.
"It's important to remember the past as we continue to go forward," said Lt. j.g. Jonathan Flacke, who helped organize the ceremony. "Something like this really makes us stop for a moment and remember why we are out here."
According to naval tradition, the ship's commanding officer, Capt. John Nolan mailed a personal letter to each of the families of those committed to the sea, including a folded flag, a spent cartridge from each of the three rifle volleys and a chart showing the exact location of the ship at the time of committal.
"As we prepare to head west on our deployment, it is an honor and privilege for our crew to take the time to remember fallen shipmates from the 'greatest generation,'" said Capt. Nolan. "This solemn ceremony is a special part of our naval heritage."

Seabees graduate from toolbelts to black belts
by Lt. Cliff Kelsey
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (NNS) -- Students from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, based out of Naval Base Ventura County, graduated from the first Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) course offered by the battalion's training department May 15.
The addition of the course into the battalion's training curriculum was coordinated by Lt. Cmdr. Rafael Miranda, NMCB 4's training officer, and GySgt. Jakub Biziorek, NMCB 4's Marine advisor.
"We wanted to think outside the box and provide the troops with training that would be interesting and motivating," said Miranda. "I have always been impressed with the Marine Corps Warrior Ethos and wanted to incorporate it into the naval construction force."
Students of the course were temporarily assigned to MCMAP instructors, Sgt. Jose Camberos and Sgt. Carlos Cruz, for two weeks rigorous training. They were provided basic combat martial arts training and led through an extremely strenuous physical training program.
Although the course was demanding, 50 Seabees displayed the Seabee "Can Do" spirit and completed the course.
"It was great working with the Seabees." said Camberos. "They were very enthusiastic; everyone had a positive attitude, and they really were interested in learning the program."
With the success of the inaugural module, NMCB 4 plans to provide additional MCMAP courses in the future and pursue further training with the Marine Corps.
"Seabees and Marines often work hand-in-hand in the field." said Biziorek. "Any joint training opportunities we can take advantage of can only improve our understanding of how each other think and operates."
"The Seabee motto is 'We Build, We Fight'." said Steelworker 3rd Class (SCW) Gerardo Martinez, "This course helps us strengthen the 'We Fight' part."

Childhood Development Center earns national NAEYC accreditation
by Mischa Bunnett
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Naval Base San Diego (NBSD) Child Development Center is one of the first centers to earn accreditation under a newly defined set of standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals.
"We're proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards," said Mischa Bunnett, director for the center. "NAEYC accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible. This is essential for our families, especially because of the fast paced operations tempo that is required of them. It allows them to focus on the mission at hand."
To earn NAEYC accreditation, NBSD's Child Development Center went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the 10 NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related accreditation criteria. The program received NAEYC accreditation in early May after a site visit by NAEYC assessors.
In the 23 years since NAEYC accreditation was established, it has become a widely recognized sign of high-quality early childhood education. Almost 8,000 programs, serving one million young children, are currently accredited by NAEYC – approximately eight percent of all preschools and other early childhood programs.
The center scored a 96 out of 100 percent in the rating process. NAEYC accreditation confirms the center's commitment to children and families through the quality of programs it offers.

Navy terminates contract for VH-71 presidential helicopter
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced June 1 that it will terminate the VH-71 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program contract. The announcement follows a Department of Defense (DoD) decision to cancel the existing presidential helicopter replacement program.
The VH-71 was intended to replace both the VH-3D and VH-60N aircraft currently used to conduct presidential support missions.
Navy contract N00019-05-C-0030 and associated work with Lockheed Martin Systems Integration – Owego (LMSI-O), Owego, N.Y., awarded Jan. 28, 2005, for the SDD of the VH-71 program, has been terminated for the convenience of the government.
The under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics issued a VH-71 program acquisition decision memorandum May 15, 2009, which directed the program be cancelled, to include both Increment 1 and Increment 2.