FIRST CALL: Notes & Ramblings From The Pilothouse

 

Decommissioned aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CV 67) is towed into the Port of Philadelphia, PA, to temporarily join other mothballed ships this month at the Navy Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility. Ex-USS Kennedy was commissioned in May 1967 by the late President's then 9-year-old daughter, Caroline. The 1,050-foot-long carrier, nicknamed "Big John," served nearly 40 years and saw combat action in the Mediterranean Sea and the Persian Gulf during Desert Storm and the War on Terrorism.
- USCG photo by PA3 Anne Marie Gorden

MILESTONES...
I just turned 50 at the beginning of this month. I dunno, I think it was a bit of a let-down. I was expecting to suddenly join the ranks of the "wise and all-knowing gasbags" -- but there was no fanfare. No skyrockets exploding. Porpoises leaping from a giant pool of well-stirred martinis...nada, zip, nothing.

So what's happened? I went from raging all-night with pals until the wee hours to puttering-around in my kitchen wondering where my sautee pan went. Or worse yet, engrossed in my hobby of collecting military scale models and 12-inch GI Joes. Military forms and documents have have transmogified to bills, receipts, cancelled checks, invoices and "honey-do" lists.

Looking back, as a kid I had a cool "Monkey Patrol" helmet, some Mattel "Zero-7" spy gear, a "Man From UNCLE" walkie-talkie set, few Major Matt Masons, and a red Huffy single-speed bike. As a teen I learned how to build my own electronic gear with Radio Shack kits, toted a single-speaker Panasonic 8-track player (the one where you hit the 'T' handle to change tracks), and hung out with my high school chums -- fellow military kids -- on the street corner. We'd hustle beer from GIs a little older than ourselves going into the Class VI Store on payday, and smoke tax-free cigs purchased from unattended vending machines for 35 cents.

I've grown a bit rotund since I walked out the gate in 1993. I went to boot camp at 198 lbs., came out at 145. I think I've doubled that poundage since then over the years. I've got a bit of "snow" on my roof -- and in my goatee, too. At least I don't look like my Dad...or do I? Cranky? No. Mellowed? Yes. I still like cranking my stereo at home and in the car -- and ignore the stares from twenty-somethings as Boston's 1977 debut CD blares at "10."

Military career? I had a great run as a Journalist. Got to travel and meet a lot of interesting folks from all walks of life and service branches -- along with a few celebs. As a broadcaster, I enjoyed two great tours as a radio deejay, and another tour as a TV reporter and anchor. Typical shift for me in the radio studio was wearing a pair of stereo headphones, cueing another music selection in the cart machine, trying to answer the ringing request line phone, and I'm thumbing through my local reader book (you didn't think we just said those announcements between songs off the top of our heads, didja?).

I'd occasionally pinch myself and think: "I'm in the Navy, I'm live on the radio in Tokyo, and I get PAID to jock music as a military job! How cool is that?"

As a writer and photographer, I covered nearly everything from the routine to the unusual. From the standard command award ceremony and retirement (present the award, grip 'n grin with the skipper, etc.), to a press junket for a new movie that the Navy lent a hand in making, and a few events with celebrities, musicians and athletes.

I thank the enlisteds and officers FROM ALL BRANCHES with whom I served for the privilege and opportunity over the years to create, document, inform and entertain. I thank my supervisors and mentors from over the years of guiding me with their wisdom; reeling me in when I needed it, and allowing me the freedom (within parameters) to be a good DJ, reporter, photographer, producer and director.

Do I miss being in the Navy? Sometimes. Not as much as I used to during the first couple of years "weaning myself from the government teat" after I left. It's a younger man's (and woman's) Navy these days...I probably couldn't keep up. But I try to keep up as much as I can with what's going on inside the fenceline.

Does my life feel halfway over? Nah. I've had a great run so far -- and I've got a bit more to do personally and professionally before I call it quits.

There's still some things to find on the dark side of the moon (hey, there's a Pink Floyd album in there)...

OPERATION CROSSROADS
We continue in this edition of The HOIST with Part 2 of former ETM3/c Carl Christiansen's first-person account of his experiences aboard USS Avery Island during America's post-war nuclear tests at Bikini Atoll, known as OPERATION CROSSROADS.

It is through submissions from Carl that we at NTWS and The HOIST, continue to preserve and re-tell the stories of our great naval heritage. We are grateful to Carl for taking the time to recount his experiences for us.

Until next time...

Jon Yim
Editor

CNO speaks to Congress about quality of life, work

Story by MC2(SW) Rebekah Blowers
Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead and the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James T. Conway, answer questions on Capitol Hill before the House Appropriations Committee on Military Construction. - Photo by MC1 Tiffini M. Jones

WASHINGTON -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James Conway testified before the House Appropriations Committee for Military Construction on March 11.

Roughead reiterated to Members of Congress that Sailors need to be individually ready as well as mission ready in order to maintain warfighting readiness. CNO said shore installations must provide an environment which enables a high quality of work and a quality of life for Sailors, Navy civilians and their families.

"Maintaining quality of work means we provide our Sailors and Navy civilians with the facilities and support to get the job done efficiently and effectively. Sustaining a quality of life means we must address not only the needs of the Sailor and Navy civilian, but those of our Navy family as well," Roughead said.

He believes resources such as medical facilities, fitness centers, child care facilities and housing are top readiness and retention issues for Sailors, Navy civilians and their families.

"To address this need, we have requested funding for an additional 1,320 spaces at our child development centers and homes this year," Roughead said. "We are grateful for your support for our public/private ventures, which satisfy critical housing needs."

He said these and other initiatives are important to encourage Sailors, Navy civilians and their families to "Stay Navy." In recent years, the Navy's shore facilities deteriorated as the focus of investments was shifted to afloat readiness. Navy Installations Command has made progress by leveraging best practices and consolidating budget development.

"To recapitalize our facilities and sustain our operational requirements today and in the future, we must make the right investments in the right capabilities and services at the right installations now," Roughead stated.

Roughead concluded by thanking the committee members for their continued support of the Navy's 600,000 Sailors, Navy civilians and families stationed around the world.

Montel Williams honored for support to Sailors, Marines with DoN award

Story by LT Lesley Lykins
Navy Office of Information, East

NEW YORK -- The Department of the Navy Superior Public Service Award (DON SPSA) was presented to syndicated TV talk show host Montel Williams in New York, for his continuous support and recognition of Sailors, Marines and their families throughout his 17 years on television.

Rear Adm. (Sel.) Kenneth J. Braithwaite, director, Joint Public Affairs Support Element-Reserve, presented the award to Williams on behalf of Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead during the taping of the series finale on March 19. The Superior Public Service Award is the second highest award presented to civilians by the Department of the Navy.

"Thank you, thank you," said Williams after he was surprised with the award presentation once the show began rolling. "I've tried in the industry to recognize you (military service members) and really bring to the forefront what is being sacrificed. I want to thank you, all of you for what you do."

Williams continued to wear the award throughout the show and received a video message from the CNO thanking him for his dedication and support to all Sailors and Marines. The message will air in a special segment during the final week of "The Montel Williams Show" this May before it goes off the air.

"It was an honor to be able to award a true patriot like Mr. Williams," said Braithwaite. "This award signifies his genuine gratitude for military service. He has a definite understanding and appreciation of what Sailors and Marines sacrifice, something he knows well from his own military experience."

Williams' mother and relatives were in the audience for the series finale. His staff, some of which had been with the show since the first day, attended and Williams declared that it would be a fun show celebrating their 17 years on television.

"It is very bittersweet today. Everybody has worked so hard," said Kwame White, production assistant for 'The Montel Williams Show." "He (Williams) is a great man. Every day, while at work, I meet someone amazing here who has overcome something and it has given me such an appreciation for what I have."

Williams has reunited deployed Sailors with their families during annual holiday shows. In 2006, he and a production crew flew to the Navy Central Command/5th Fleet area of responsibility to tour the Iraqi oil platforms and meet with deployed Sailors aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

He has invited guests from nonprofit organizations supporting military service members to the show highlighting their support efforts. Throughout his 17 years on television, Williams continuously shared with hundreds of audience members and viewers the importance of supporting the military and recognized Sailors' personal sacrifices in service to their country.

Navy Band Northeast, from Newport, R.I., opened the show by playing "The Montel Williams Show" theme song live. They continued to play as the show went to commercial breaks. Musician 3rd Class Marc Heskett was featured on the sax solos.

"It was pretty intense and it was fun. There was a lot of energy in that studio," said Heskett. "Our performances are not normally televised."

"It feels great to be a part of this day," said Lt. Carl Gerhard, Navy Band Northeast band director. "This is a very special day for Mr. Williams and it is nice to be here to play not only to celebrate his long run on television, but to play a tribute to his service as well."

"It was very exciting and a little intimidating with the cameras rolling," said Musician 2nd Class Joshua Sullins.

Williams enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1974, and in 1975 he was selected as the first black Marine to attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School (NAPS) before graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1980. Williams was commissioned in the Navy as an intelligence officer specializing in cryptology. He left the Navy as a Lt. Commander.

The series finale of "The Montel Williams Show," featuring the award presentation and Navy Band performance is slated to air on May 16. Check your local TV listings in your viewing area.

Featured Upgrades this Month

Submarine Combat Patrol Stars
We now have a full set of Submarine Combat Patrol breast insignia with stars:

Cross Site Invites
After just one month we are seeing impressive numbers of members joining the TogetherWeServed websites due to cross site invites from other sites:

As you can see - the highest number of invites are coming from this site! Dont forget - if you notify an old buddy about the existance of a TWS site for their service you still receive full membership credits on your own site, which help you earn extended full membership.

Vietnam-era Navy SEAL honored 35 years after secret mission

Story by MC3 Michelle Kapica
Naval Special Warfare Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO -- More than three decades after a daring attempt to rescue prisoners of war in Vietnam ended in tragedy, a retired Navy SEAL was honored on March 18 in Coronado, Calif. for saving the lives of his comrades.

Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, Commander, Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) presented retired Lt. (SEAL) Philip L. "Moki" Martin the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with combat "V" for valor during a ceremony at NSWC.

Martin, who was a chief warrant officer at the time of the mission, was recognized for his courage, bold leadership and loyal devotion to duty during Operation Thunderhead in 1972.

The details of the once highly classified mission of Operation Thunderhead only came to light in recent years, prompting the presentation of awards to those involved. The plan was to rescue two American prisoners of war who were attempting to escape a North Vietnamese prison in Hanoi and flee to the coast along a nearby river. Martin was a member of Alpha Platoon, part of an Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) SEAL element that was charged with the mission.

Martin and Lt. Spence Dry, the officer in charge, were launched in a stealthy minisub manned by two UDT crewmen from the attack submarine USS Grayback (LPSS-574) on June 3, 1972. The special operations team was prepared to select a position to watch for the escaping prisoners of war.

"We were determined and ready," said Martin as he spoke about the operation.

The minisub, known as a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle, or SDV, was launched without incident, but due to strong surface and tidal currents, it ran out of battery power. Dry then decided that he and his team must swim with the SDV in tow out to sea and away from North Vietnam's coast to prevent it from falling into enemy hands.

"It's an awfully long swim to Coronado!" said Martin, reminiscing about his thoughts that night. "Our escape and evasion plan was to swim out to sea." Throughout the night, the team avoided enemy patrol boats whose engines could be heard close by.

They were rescued by a Navy helicopter seven hours later. The SDV, too heavy to be retrieved, was sunk on the orders of Dry to prevent its capture. The team returned to the nearby guided-missile cruiser USS Long Beach (CGN-9).

Martin and the team planned to return to the Grayback on the night of June 5, 1972 by jumping from a helicopter. The submarine's position was marked with an infrared flashing beacon on the top of an antenna that was to be raised before the helicopter's arrival.

Poor visibility and other factors made it extremely hard for the crew to find the infrared beacon. When the helicopter pilot thought he had sighted the beacon and made his final approach for the cast, he signaled for the team to exit the helicopter. Discounting the potential personal risks, the team did not hesitate. Dry was the first to jump from the helicopter and was killed instantly when he struck the water from high altitude.

Martin was a veteran of many special warfare operations in Vietnam. He recognized instantly, as he stood in the door of the helicopter, that he faced a dangerous situation, but he also knew that his teammates needed his experience and special skills. He survived the force of impacting the water, although he was shaken and only partially conscious.

"I dug down in my basic training and UDT training, and I think I had enough of a foundation to where I knew I was going to be picked up in the morning," Martin said.

The other two surviving UDT members were injured during the cast. One of these two was injured more seriously and was semi-conscious. Rescue and recovery of these men and Dry's body was directly attributable to the courage and outstanding professionalism of Martin. A highly experienced SEAL and combat veteran, he unhesitatingly risked his life to save his comrades.

Kernan said he was honored to share this long-awaited day with Martin.

"I accept this award on behalf of all of you from Alpha Platoon, UDT-11 SDV platoon," said Martin. "This award is for all of you."

More than 200 people attended the ceremony, including several of Martin's teammates from Alpha Platoon, his wife, Cindy, and other family members.

"I'm very happy for him," said Cindy. "I think it has helped to bring closure."

She explained she was unaware of the operation for many years but is very proud of her husband's actions. "He never expected to be recognized, so it hasn't been something we've had bad feelings about. It's just a nice thing to happen," she said.

Martin's teammates agreed that he was a great leader, mentor and most of all a great friend.

"It's very gratifying that he was recognized for his bravery and commitment to all the members of the SEAL team and as a closure for all of us in Alpha Platoon," said Eric A. Knudson, a former teammate. "We would have followed him, and followed Spence Dry wherever they told us to go to complete the mission and operation."

Martin retired from the Navy in 1983 after a bicycle accident that left him in a wheelchair. He is still however, an active member of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community. Martin gives lectures on "Lessons learned in Vietnam" to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL students at the NSW Center and is the race director for the annual NSW SuperFrog triathlon competition, now in its 30th year. The next SuperFrog is scheduled April 6.

DECK LOG: Countdown To CROSSROADS - Part 2

By ETM3/c Carl Christiansen, USN
Special to The HOIST

In the summer of 1946, the US Army and Navy conducted "Operation Crossroads", the first peacetime tests of the atom bomb at Bikini Atoll in the Western Pacific.

This is the account of NTWS Member, Carl Christiansen's recollection of those events. His mother made a scrapbook collection including letters he wrote home and newspaper clippings of the time. Civilians among those present on the USS Avery Island (AG-76) compiled a yearbook-like collection of photographs that was published and presented to each member of the ship's crew. These items are the sources from which these recollections are taken. - Editor

Dress Rehearsals and Spare Time Activity

ETM3/c Carl Christiansen (in kapok preserver in lower right of frame) observes the Test ABLE atomic bomb detonation off Bikini Atoll in July, 1946. - Photo courtesy of the author's collection

Test Able, the air-drop test, was to take place on July 1, 1946. In order to make sure all systems were 'go', full-scale rehearsals were held in late June. All ships other than the target ships left the Bikini lagoon and went to their assigned stations out to sea. The Avery Island's position was some thirteen miles away from the Nevada aiming point. All hands donned life jackets, and all but officers and civilians, who had very dark goggles, were told to face away from the lagoon and rest their heads on the shoulders of the man in front of them.

The B-29 which was to carry the A-bomb flew over us and dropped a dummy smoke bomb which exploded over the battleship Nevada. All seemed in order, so we returned to the lagoon and resumed our regular position.

When not busily engaged in preparation for the test, we were given 'shore liberty' on Bikini Island. There, one could purchase 'Crossroads Tavern' chits, each good for a coke or a 3.2 beer. We also swam in the lagoon and discovered we shared it with several hammerhead sharks, perhaps five or six feet long, who didn't bother us - and we didn't bother them.

Us Electronic Technicians had access to fire control directors, turret-like structures that housed optical and radar range finding equipment. The directors were electrically coupled to the gun turrets so that, when the connection was made, the gun turrets would point in the same direction as the directors. It didn't take long for us to discover that the optical range finders were excellent telescopes that were ideal for viewing the nurses who were sunbathing on the decks of the Haven, the Task Force's hospital ship. Before long, someone (a nurse) noticed that all the directors in the lagoon pointed that way. The word was soon passed to stop the viewing.

Letters from home arrived in batches and mail calls were eagerly anticipated. One letter from a special girl is particularly remembered. I had taken my most recent batch to a secluded spot on deck and was in the middle of reading it when a gust of wind blew it out of my hands and overboard, just as I was getting to the most interesting part!

Test Able July 1, 1946 The Big Day
The following is a direct copy of a July 2, 1946 letter to my parents:

The day commenced in an exceedingly discouraging fashion, but somehow. most of us weren't discouraged because somehow we knew everything would clear up in time and it did just that. The weather here is extremely erratic and nothing much in the way of sudden changes surprises us anymore. We took our places at the appointed hour and proceeded to carry out the orders that were so familiar to us after the previous dress rehearsals we had carried out during the past fortnight.

Tension increased steadily as the announcer on the PA system slowly and dramatically called out orders and time signals. "How hour minus one hour and thirty minutes", "How hour minus one hour", "minus thirty minutes", "minus twenty minutes", "ten", "five", "four". "three", "two", "one". The bombardier's voice took over the announcements just before the two minute signal and his words came though slowly and distinctly, "Put on goggles", "Adjust goggles", - "Coming up on actual release", - then, "Bomb away", and we waited and waited for what seemed like half an eternity and then. those officers and civilians with the special goggles began shouting, "There she goes", "Look at her".

The silence up to then had been complete, the tension indescribable, but upon hearing those first words, we broke ranks and went to the rail to look. Just before we covered up, I'd noticed a life raft (Number 2) above the heads of the men and after taking a glimpse of the cloud from the crowded rail, I made for it and had an unobstructed view of the target ships and cloud for at least an hour or so.

It appeared as if the bomb had exploded quite some distance above the ships, for there was a clear space at the base of the cloud and above the ships. After the cloud had risen a few thousand feet, we heard a low rumbling that, though low in volume, was impressive in power. It was the noise of the explosion that took a little over a minute to reach us at our range of thirteen miles from the target ship "Nevada". That hardly audible sound was one of the things that amazed me about the explosion because we, for some reason, had expected a tremendous roar and were surprised, to say the least, at what we did hear.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about it all was the fact that so many ships remained, and as far as we could see, they were intact.

Smoke enveloped them all for the first few seconds as the paint burned off, but after a minute or two, only the Saratoga, Nevada, Independence, and a few transports and LST's remained burning. The lighter-than-expected damage was evidently caused by the fact that the bomb exploded seven or eight seconds prematurely and at an altitude of perhaps two thousand or more feet instead of the intended altitude of two hundred feet.

Another surprise came as we found ourselves steaming towards Bikini only a matter of hours instead of days after the explosion. As we moved in, we could see the cruiser Fall River at the mouth of the lagoon busily directing her little "herd" of remote controlled "drone" boats that were dashing in and out of the target area and radioing that information we all awaited so urgently: "How high were the temperatures in there"? "The radioactivity"? "Was it safe for personnel to re-enter yet"?

Evidently it was, and the Avery Island and five other instrumentation ships slowly cruised in behind the gaudily painted hospital ship Haven. We passed the Fall River and went on into the lagoon where we could really see much of the damage with the naked eye.

The fire on the Saratoga's flight deck was out now, but fire boats were still pouring water into the burning carrier Independence. The target ship Nevada lost almost all her fire control and radar gear, her stack and masts, and was badly battered all over, but still afloat. On her starboard side, the IJN battleship Nagato had a list to starboard and seemed to be nothing but a shell of a ship. On the Nevada's port side, the former IJN cruiser Sakawa was reduced to nothing but a hull. All her superstructure above the main deck had been blown off and this morning we watched her roll over and sink.

In doing so, she joined the destroyer Lamson and two transports that sank yesterday. All the ships in the immediate area were either keeled-over to the side away from the center of the blasts or had masts bent ludicrously in the same direction. Many had their stacks caved in and most of their optical range finding systems ruined, as well as all exposed radar antennae.

The radiological teams have been moving cautiously among the target ships to ascertain the amount of radioactivity in the vicinity and this afternoon, the skeleton crews began to board those ships that have been classified as safe. Tomorrow morning will probably find us out on those ships inspecting, photographing and repairing the radar equipment.
(end of July 2, 1946 letter)

Able Day Plus One - Re-entry, Inspection, Radiation, Decontamination
Surprisingly, the destruction was less than expected. Only a few ships sank, most caught fire, but the fire was mostly paint burning. We learned later that the bomb had exploded higher than planned and it was not directly over the Nevada.

By the time the Avery Island re-entered the lagoon, most of the paint fires had gone out and only the carriers Saratoga and

Ex-USS Independence (CVL-22) burns near Bikini Atoll after the Test ABLE atomic detonation. - Photo courtesy Naval Historical Center

Independence were still burning.

Our inspection team went aboard the battleships Arkansas, New York and Pennsylvania and the cruisers Pensacola and Salt Lake City.

It became obvious that the ships had lost their capability to fight. Their optic and radar range finders were completely ruined, as were all other radio and radar antennas. We were told that in many instances, the blast effect from the bomb blew down the stacks, damaged boilers and sprung hull plates. Anything that was glass, such as vacuum tubes, radar display screens, etc., were shattered. Of course, any crew men that didn't die would probably have been severely stricken with radiation sickness.

The target ships remained radioactive at various levels of intensity all the while we were there. It seemed to be more concentrated in puddles of water and debris and in paint, and especially, as expected, on the side that had faced the Nevada.

Each inspection team included a member with a Geiger counter who would go aboard first to check the radiation levels in the areas we would enter. After he got his readings, he would tell the rest of the team where it was safe to go and how long we should stay there. He would also inform us about those areas too 'hot' to approach. Each member of the team had an additional safeguard, a film pack we wore in our shirt pocket, that provided a rough indication of the cumulative radiation to which we had been exposed in the course of the day's work.

A final precaution was the decontamination barge. At the end of each day's inspection, we were taken to a specially equipped barge where we stripped, showered and were gone over thoroughly with Geiger counters. If the counters clicked, we knew we had to shower again and concentrate on the areas where the clicks occurred. These were most often the hair, fingernails, ears, armpits, etc. Often, we had to repeat the showers two or three times before we were pronounced 'clean'. We were issued a complete new set of clothes and shoes each day and, I presume, the clothes we had taken off were destroyed.

Baker Day - Preparations
'Baker', the second test, was to take place on July 25, 1946. It was an underwater explosion test in which the A-bomb was suspended beneath a specially prepared barge located in the center of the array of target ships. The target ships had been repositioned and additional submarines had been submerged near the detonation point.

It was anticipated that damage to target ships would be greater for Baker than it was for Able for two reasons: 1.) The explosive force of the bomb would be directed at ship's hulls, rather than at decks and superstructures. 2.) The force would be transmitted through water, rather than through air.

It was also anticipated that the explosion would create a massive column of water, much radioactive rain and, possibly, a tidal wave. These predictions turned out to be remarkably accurate.

For the Electronic Technicians on the Avery Island, pre-test preparation was about the same for Baker as it was for Able. There was a "dry run" dress rehearsal where our ship moved to a point eleven (instead of thirteen) miles from lagoon center. And this time, although we still were all on deck with our life jackets on, we didn't have to turn our backs or close our eyes.

The rehearsal went off without a hitch and attention turned to the weather forecast for July 25. There was a fair amount of concern for a while, but as the big day dawned, weather conditions were ideal.

TO BE CONTINUED IN APRIL'S EDITION OF THE HOIST

NTWS Ships Store - For All Your Navy Shipmate Swag!

Visit to our online NTWS Ships Store for all your cool Navy swag - Shirts, Jackets, Hats, Jewelry, Footwear, Medals, Patches and much, much more!

(The Ships Store can also be found under the "Navy Store" tab or on the left hand Home Page just as you log into NTWS)

Over 9,000 quality Items at the lowest prices...and a 30-day, money-back guarantee! Here's some new items that just arrived in our store:

• Navy Golf Shirts (Various logos and colors)
  
• Belleville US Army Insulated Combat Boot
• Jostens Classic Men's U.S. Navy Ring - Rectangle Stone
• US Navy Ship Art Prints (2000 ships to choose from)
  

Thank you for your support of the NTWS Ships Store. All Store proceeds go towards promoting the NTWS website, bringing more Sailors to the TWS Community.

ALLIED NAVY WEBSITES

Canadian Navy (CN) - www.navy.forces.gc.ca/
Royal Australian Navy (RAN) - www.navy.gov.au/
Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) - www.navy.mil.nz/
Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) - www.mindef.gov.sg/
Philippine Navy (PN) - www.navy.mil.ph/
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) - www.mod.go.jp
Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) - www.navy.mil.kr
UK Royal Navy (RN) - www.royal-navy.mod.uk/
Federal German Navy (Bundesmarine) - www.marine.de/ (German only)
Irish Naval Service (Seirbhís Chabhlaigh na hÉireann) - www.military.ie
French Navy (Marine Nationale) - www.defense.gouv.fr
Italian Navy (Marina Militare) - www.marina.difesa.it/ (Italian only)
Spanish Navy (Armada Espanola) - www.armada.mde.es/
Swedish Armed Forces/Navy (Marinen) - www.mil.se/
Indian Navy (Bharatiya Nau Sena) - indiannavy.nic.in/

The Blues kick-off 2008 show season

Story and photo by MC3 (SW/AW) Brian Gaines
Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific

NAF EL CENTRO -- The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, kicked off their show season at Naval Air Facility El Centro, earlier this month.

The El Centro air show is the first of 35 shows the Blue Angels plan to perform in 2008.

The show, which also included civilian stunt pilots, military recruiting and the Budweiser Clydesdales, drew around 43,000 spectators. "The key to our survival is support from the community," said Capt. James Hubbard, commanding officer, Naval Air Facility El Centro. "This air show is just one of the ways we can give back to the community of Imperial Valley."

The crowd cheered and applauded as the pilots performed aerobatics with their F/A-18 Hornets. For many Sailors stationed in El Centro, this air show marked the first time they ever saw the Blue Angels. "I'm psyched," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW/SW) Freddie Ward, who helped with the pyrotechnics. "This is the first time I've ever seen an air show. It's a lot of hard work, but it pays off in the end."

For the Blue Angel pilots, the show was an exciting time for them as well.

"A lot of pride and teamwork goes into what we do," said Marine Corps Maj. Russ Campbell, pilot of the Blue Angels' C-130 Hercules, affectionately known as "Fat Albert."

"It's great to be surrounded by topnotch individuals and to represent the men and women in uniform and show what the armed services are all about."

The Blue Angels were formed after World War II under the direction of then Chief of Naval Operations, Fleet Adm. Chester Nimitz. This elite squadron has performed for more than 260 million spectators in their 62-year history.

PHOTO LOG: Views Around The Fleet This Month

AIM AND FIRE - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa Jr. sends a few 9mm slugs downrange during a service pistol familiarization shoot at Fort Sam Houston, TX. MCPON was aboard the historic Army post in San Antonio to join students of the Combat Casualty Care Course on their last day of class.
- Photo by MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos

A GHOSTLY GLOW - Floodlights illuminate the USS Constitution in Charlestown Navy Yard. Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat, manned by 68 active duty Sailors and visited by nearly half a million tourists annually.

- Photo by MC1 Eric Brown

PREPARING FOR SERVICES - Aviation Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Colin Maki (left) and Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Bobby Knight, both assigned to the religious ministries department of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), prepare the ship's chapel for Catholic Mass. Truman and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 are deployed supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and maritime security operations.
- Photo by MCSN Justin L. Losack

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TERMINAL VELOCITY - Three Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC), assigned to Special Boat Team 20, link together during a recent free-fall parachute jump from an US Air Force C-130 Hercules near Key West, FL. SWCCs employ their unique training, equipment, and tactics in missions worldwide.

- Photo by Shane Hollar

SHOW ME WHERE IT HURTS - Hospital Corpman 3rd Class Reymundo R. Parra, assigned to India Co., 1st Platoon, 4th Marine Regiment provides medical aid to a young Iraqi during a recent routine street patrol.
- USMC photo by Cpl. Seth Maggard

THINK...THINK...THINK... - Hospitalman Crystal Tackitt, assigned to Naval Health Clinic Hawaii, seriously ponders her choice of answers during the March E-4 advancement exam at Naval Station Pearl Harbor.
- Photo by MC2 Michael A. Lantron

LISTEN TO THE GUNNY - Marine GySgt. Ronald E. Russell, training advisor to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5, gives pointers to Builder Constructionman Recruit Eduardo L. Sanchez during a live fire exercise this month on the gunnery range at Camp Hansen, Okinawa.
- Photo by MC1 Palmer Pinckney II

Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud website

More than 37 percent of male sailors aged 18 to 25 smoke, and more than 16 percent of 18- to 24-year-old male sailors dip. Of male sailors aged 18 to 25, 21.1 percent start smoking and 12.5 percent start using smokeless tobacco after joining the service.

And once you start using tobacco, it's hard to quit. Very few people quit tobacco the first time they try. On average, it takes 8 to 11 attempts to quit successfully. But now there is help for sailors who want to quit using tobacco. If you are serious about wanting to quit, the Quit Tobacco- Make Everyone Proud Web site is loaded with great information and interactive support features to help you get ready to quit tobacco and stay quit. On the Web site, users can develop a personalized quit plan; get information; listen to podcasts; connect to Federal, military, State, and local online cessation programs; and find diversions such as playing games. Additionally, you can chat privately via instant messenger with a trained Tobacco Cessation Coach, 7 days a week, 8:30 am to 10 pm ET. Support is just a click away. The online help locator is designed to help you find local resources for cessation programs. You can even search by type of installation or State. Ouit Tobacco's multimedia section contains a variety of high-tech features such as podcasts, RSS feeds, e-cards, radio ads, testimonials, and posters.

Choose what's right for you. There is something for everyone! No matter how long you have used tobacco, the benefits of quitting begin just minutes after you stomp out your last cigarette or spit out that dip or chew.

Giving up tobacco is a tough process. But with a clear plan and some practice, you can quit and stay quit. Are you up for the challenge? Set your quit date and stop using tobacco. You can feel proud of yourself for doing something that's good for you, for your loved ones -- and for your country.

Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud!

Quit Tobacco - Make Everyone Proud (www.ucanquit2.org) is an educational campaign for the U.S. military, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense. The mission of the Web site is to help U.S. servicemen and women quit tobacco? for themselves and for the people they love.

NTWS Forums - Your Sounding Board!

What was your best duty station or shipboard assignment and why? What is the recipe for that wonderful dish you make for a holiday or other occasions? Do you have any tips about keeping healthy, or things to watch out for if you have a disease? These are but a few of the topics that are covered by the many Forums on NTWS. These forums provide you, the members, a variety of places to discuss with other members the many topics we have in common.

Those members still on active duty would probably like to know about good assignments when they make out their "dream sheets" or talk to their detailers at BUPERS. Those who have worked as detailers might want to provide a few tips for members in preparing to talk about their next assignment.

If you have a disease like diabetes, what tips can you give others about the disease and things to watch out for with diabetes? Encourage a shipmate on NTWS to keep on top of a health problem so he stays with us for a long time.

These are but a couple of topics that are available for you to offer advice, warn others about, discuss with other NTWS members, or just vent your frustrations about. So check out the many Forums and start a lively discussion about a topic that interests you!

Former rock band bassist deploys as Army sergeant

Story & photo by Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT -- It's hard to imagine that Frank Cavanagh, a tall thin Army Reserve sergeant with a shaved

Filter vocalist Richard Patrick (left), and former band mate turned Army Reserve Sgt. Frank Cavanagh share the stage for a reunion song during the Operation MySpace concert at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, on March 10.

head, once had hair nearly to his shoulders and played bass for the rock band Filter.

Cavanaugh said he didn't tell anyone he'd gone through basic and advanced individual military training for some three years. He also didn't tell anyone in his reserve unit that he had been in a successful rock band.

"I didn't want either positive or negative attitudes," he said. "I just wanted to be a soldier and get along, just because we're all soldiers; we're all equal."

It may be hard to believe that a verifiable "rock star" would give up a successful career for a soldier's life, but Cavanagh had his reasons. "I've done everything I wanted to do in life with music," he said. "After the band went on hiatus, I was like, "What have I not done in life" I've got a beautiful family, beautiful kids. I love music, but I love my country."

So, at 35, Cavanagh, followed in his father, uncle and brother's footsteps and volunteered to serve his country. He's a "27 Delta," Army-speak for a paralegal, and said he loves his job. "There's nothing more important to me, really, than what a soldier does," he said. "You get called upon to do things, and sometimes you don't like it. But, hey, that's alright. There's a higher purpose for it."

The rock star-turned-soldier soon will come back through Camp Buehring on his way to Iraq for his first tour. But first, he had one more concert to get out of the way.

Cavanagh was in Kuwait to reunite with his old band, Filter, during "Operation MySpace." More specifically, the concert reunited the sergeant with Richard Patrick, Filter's only remaining original member and lead singer.

MySpace social networking Web site presented the show on March 10 with cooperation from Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment to deployed troops, and America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families worldwide.

"We really wanted it to happen. It's a bridge between the two worlds," Patrick said. "We're coming over here to play rock music, and Frank's in the military. Let's bridge the two worlds and let everybody know it's really one world."

Though it was a happy compromise, the reunion in Kuwait wasn't quite what Patrick had originally hoped for.

"I'm a reservist, and (Rich) had called me up about five months ago and was like, "Hey, I'm putting a new record out, and I want you to come help me with it and go back on tour," Cavanagh said. "I was like, "Buddy, I'm going on a different kind of a tour. It's gonna be a hot one, too."

Cavanagh's decision to enlist was no surprise to Patrick, however. The singer knew his buddy loved his country and the military.

"Knowing everything about Frank, " Frank's a patriot and he's going to be exactly who he is," Patrick said. "(The hiatus) gave Frank a lot of time off " to sit and think about what else is out there. It was the (right) time for him to just go, "Look, I have this opportunity, I'm going to do it."

"He decided to go into the military and serve his country. I think that's great," Patrick added.

The fact that Cavanagh was going to be at the concert made it all the more meaningful for Patrick and the other members of Filter. In fact, playing for the troops was the first goal on his list when he decided to put his band back together.

"It's a total honor," he said. "You're traveling over here, and it's time zone changes, and you feel like a zombie, but when you see the people you came for, it's instantly worth it," he said. "It's a hell of an experience."

The experience paid off big for the troops when Cavanagh, sans his rock star hair, joined his former band for one song during the concert that also featured comedian Carlos Mencia, actress/singer Jessica Simpson, the bands Disturbed and the Pussycat Dolls, and DJ Z-Trip.

Now, it's back to soldiering for Cavanagh, at least for the next year.

"Of course, in a year, I would love to come back and play with Filter," Cavanagh said. "The itch to play music and be in Filter will never leave me."

Enjoyed This Newsletter?

Please forward this link to other Sailors you know, and your friends and family!

http://navy.togetherweserved.com/usn/newsletter2/18

As NTWS continues to grow, so does its potential to find old Shipmates and new friends; as well as creating a vibrant and enjoyable Naval Community representing all eras, from WWII to present-day.

Truman Sailor finds unusual piece of "FOD"

Story by MC3 Damian Martinez
USS Harry S. Truman Public Affairs

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea -- When the words foreign object debris (FOD) come to mind the last thing someone thinks about is an owl. On the morning of March 17 on board USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), an owl is exactly what was found. What might have been a mishap, ended on a happier note thanks to a few Sailors' attention to detail.

"I was the safety behind the 300 jet. That's why I probably ended up there first," said Aviation Structural Mechanic.

Airman Jacob Larsen holds "Fod," a screech owl discovered in the left-main wheel well of an F/A 18 Hornet during a pre-flight inspection aboard USS Harry S. Truman. - Photo by MCSN Matthew Bookwalter

(Equipment) 3rd class Jeremy Smith, a Sailor attached to the "Ragin' Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37.

He was called over by Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Apprentice Tony McJohnston, also part of VFA 37. What they found was a screech owl.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd class Zachary Gorman who is attached to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 7, the "Dusty Dogs," is a licensed falconer in the U.S. He was called to the scene to check the status of the bird.

"When I got there, I checked him over to make sure he didn't have any broken wings and if he was dehydrated or malnourished," said Gorman.

Gorman and the flight deck medical team nursed the owl, or "Fod" as Flight Deck Control liked to call him, back to health by giving him a shot of sugar water to help rehydrate him.

Gorman said after treating the bird they found no life-threatening problems.

"For the most part the bird was healthy, just a little tired," said Gorman. He also made sure "Fod" was okay in a box the crew dubbed his makeshift "stateroom." Gorman has been working with birds of prey since the age of 12 and said he was more than happy to help the animal.

"I've worked with a lot of owls throughout the years, but I never thought I'd have to deal with one on a carrier in the middle of the Gulf" said Gorman.
The owl could not reside on board indefinitely so they came up with another plan.

"Since he was in a weak condition, flying to land would decrease his chances of survival so we thought we would give him a hand," said Gorman.

Preparations were made to fly the owl off the ship on a Carrier Onboard Delivery to land, where he was released safely and out of harms way.

"It was a free ride. They were going there anyway so we made it a little bit easier on him," said Gorman.

Sincerely,
The NTWS Administration Team
http://navy.togetherweserved.com