FIRST CALL: Notes and Ramblings From The Pilothouse

USS Thornton steaming through heavy seas in the Gulf of Mexico, March 1909.
Photographed by Enrique Muller, New York City.
Courtesy Naval Historical Center

"Whaddya mean it's May already??"
Wow, we put the first issue of the NTWS Newsletter on the street and boy, did we get feedback! Lots and LOTS of it!

A majority of the emails we received gave us kudos, atta-boys, thanks, thumb-ups, high-fives, BRAVO ZULUs, etc. A couple of them made suggestions for added content, and one had a bone to pick with us.

All part and parcel for us getting "underway" on our own power for the first time.

We appreciate the kudos and comments -- so keep 'em coming, folks. And we'll continue to do our best in providing you "news you can use" in each edition.

Let's not forget...

This month is Memorial Day. A great many of us will be looking forward to family picnics, weekend vacation getaways, the Indy 500, the start of summer, and the end of the school year...but let's not forget the real importance of the holiday.

Take a few moments on May 28 to pause and reflect on the sacrifices from those in all conflicts who gave the ultimate for America.

Remembering Wally...
When yours truly was an elementary school pupil in the early 1960s, I was always fascinated by NASA's space program and the astronauts -- especially as a child growing up during the height of Project Mercury, and the start of Project Gemini. Though I was very young, I got to witness America's "baby-steps" toward landing a human on the moon.

I remember begging my parents back then for a G.I. Joe astronaut figure (back in the days when he stood 12-inches tall and had more gear and uniforms than Barbie) and the replica Joe-sized space capsule for my birthday. Wally Schirra was a hero of mine -- more so than John Glenn, Gordon Cooper, Gus Grissom or Scott Carpenter -- so I named my G.I. Joe "Wally", after him. We had tons of backyard adventures; from "Cape Canaveral" launches, orbital spacewalks and splashdowns.

Roll-forward to 2005. Wally Schirra was invited to the TV station I work at in San Diego to provide commentary on our daily news analysis program in the wake of the shuttle Columbia disaster. As he was a local resident (and a big supporter of public broadcasting), it was just natural that he was our retired NASA "go-to guy" for insight on the re-entry tragedy. I found out about his visit from one of the program's segment producers. Remembering what a fan I was for his part in Project Mercury (and the cool space capsule I used to have), I went to the NASA website to find a picture to print out and ask him to sign.

The word eventually got around our employees that Schirra arrived and was in-studio. A few of us, adults in our mid-40s to late-50s, gathered off the set and watched our host talk him about the dangers and hazards of space travel. For a moment, I was taken back to our family's living room in the 60s -- watching Schirra field questions from the press on our black-and-white TV.

The show wrapped, and the host did some idle chit-chat with Schirra, when our gaggle -- some 15 of us, approached the set with pictures for him to sign. The show host was taken aback, as it's an unwritten cardinal rule in the broadcast media to not ask celebs for autographs.

This was different. Schirra was an American hero to those of us who sat in darkened elementary, junior and senior high school science classrooms, watching those NASA newsreels with eyes of awe and wonder. We got to meet a pioneer, a trailblazer.

Schirra was very pleasant and accomodating to us all, taking the time to shake our hand, pose for a digital snap, and chat with each of us. When it came to my turn, I presented him with a color printout of his official NASA portrait -- in his spacesuit next to a model of his Mercury capsule, "Sigma 7" (See the picture below in MILESTONES).

I told him of the G.I. Joe astronaut I had in the 1960s that I named after him, and the space capsule. He smiled broadly and asked if I had fun playing astronaut. I said yes..."and you always came back to Earth safe with me."

Fair winds and following stars, Wally.

Until next time...

Jon Yim
Editor

MILESTONE: Pioneer Navy Astronaut Wally Schirra, 84

Photo courtesy NASA

Navy Captain (ret.) Wally Schirra, one of the original, "Mercury Seven" astronauts and the only astronaut to fly in all three of NASA's earliest manned space programs - Mercury, Gemini and Apollo - died May 4 in La Jolla, California. He was 84.

His death was caused by a heart attack, said Ruth Chandler Varonfakis, a family friend and spokeswoman for the San Diego Air and Space Museum.

Schirra, a Korean War Navy combat pilot and later a test pilot, became the fifth American in space and the third American to orbit the earth when he lifted off from Cape Canaveral in the Sigma 7 Mercury craft in October 1962.

On Oct. 3, 1962, he piloted the capsule Sigma 7 on a six-orbit mission lasting more than nine hours. It was the third orbital flight of the Earth by an American.

In December 1965 he took part in the first rendezvous between two spacecraft, flying with mission pilot Thomas Stafford, when their Gemini 6 capsule came within inches and orbited alongside Gemini 7, carrying Frank Borman and James Lovell Jr.


Photo courtesy NASA

Schirra's final flight as an astronaut was as commander of Apollo 7, the first manned mission in the Apollo lunar landing program. Apollo 7, which included Donn Eisele and Walter Cunningham, flew for 163 orbits and sent the first live television pictures from an American spacecraft.

Schirra's death leaves former Senator John Glenn Jr. and M. Scott Carpenter as the remaining survivors of the original Mercury astronauts. "The Mercury Seven," as they were known, were celebrated for their courage and their bravado in America's "space race" with the Soviet Union. The seven astronuats were profiled by Tom Wolfe in "The Right Stuff" and in the 1983 movie adaptation.


A view of the Gemini 7 spacecraft from Gemini 6. This was the first rendezvous of two manned, maneuverable spacecraft. The two Gemini capsules flew in-formation for five hours, at distances as close as one foot. Photo courtesy NASA

To Schirra, who logged more than 295 hours in space, the missions were hardly all glamor.

"Mostly it's lousy out there," he told The Associated Press in 1981. "It's a hostile environment and it's trying to kill you. The outside temperature goes from a minus 450 degrees to a plus 300 degrees. You sit in a flying Thermos bottle."

On April 9, 1959, Schirra was tapped for the Mercury astronaut program, along with Glenn, Carpenter, Alan Shepard Jr., Virgil Grissom, L. Gordon Cooper Jr. and Donald "Deke" Slayton.

Schirra was born in Hackensack, N.J., on March 12, 1923. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945, and from Naval Flight Training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Fla., in 1947. After service as a carrier-based fighter pilot and operations officer, he attended the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Md. During the Korean War he flew F-86 Sabres under an exchange program with the Air Force.

Known for lively storytelling and practical jokes, one of his best-known anecdotes from astronaut training came when he and the others were continually being examined and subjected to demands for samples of body fluids. When one nurse insisted he provide a urine sample, Schirra reportedly filled a 5-gallon jug with warm water, detergent and iodine and left it on her desk.

He also was a director of the San Diego Aerospace Museum, a trustee of the Scripps Aquarium, and a member of the International Council of the Salk Institute.

His military awards included the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, three Air Medals, two NASA Distinguished Service Medals, the NASA Exceptional Service Medal and the Philippines Legion of Honor.

Schirra lived in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. Survivors include his wife Josephine, his daughter Suzanne and son Walter Schirra III.

- Combined news reports

Forward this Newsletter

To forward this Newsletter to other Sailors, send the following link:

http://navy.togetherweserved.com/usn/newsletter2/7/newsletter.html

NJROTC Develops Future Leaders

Instilling the values of citizenship in high school students for over 40 years has been the goal of the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC). Since its inception in 1964, it is active in almost 600 schools in the U.S., and selected Department of Defense Educational Activity (DoDEA) high schools overseas.

An East Aurora (Ill.) High School NJROTC cadet stands at attention awaiting uniform inspection.

What is the Navy doing in public schools? According to the NJROTC Program Manager at Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), the program promotes patriotism, develops informed and responsible citizens, develops a high degree of personal honor, self-reliance, individual discipline and leadership, provides information on the military services as a possible career, promotes community service, develops leadership potential, provides an alternative to gangs, promotes high school completion and provides incentive to live healthy and drug free.

Although the program provides information about the military, the program is not a recruiting tool. Students are under no obligation to join the military once they graduate from high school, although about 40 percent of NJROTC program graduates do sign up. Instructors for the program are retired sea service military senior enlisted and officer personnel.

Members from the Navy, Marines and the Coast Guard are all eligible to be instructors.

The program has four academically credited courses for the students; they have textbooks, take tests and receive a grade on their report cards. Unlike most other students, NJROTC cadets also have uniform inspections, learn how to march and have physical training.

There are numerous voluntary activities associated with NJROTC, such as academic teams, orienteering teams, drill teams, marksmanship teams, and all provide opportunities for students to participate and apply skills learned in the program.

Units participate in many local, regional, and national competitions, usually on weekends or during the summer. Units often hold fundraisers to cover trip expenses.

Community service is also a big part of NJROTC. The curriculum requires a certain amount of community service. One of the requirements for a unit to receive the Distinguished Unit award is to perform a certain amount of community service. Community service is one of the most important facets of the program, teaching cadets responsibility, humility and what public service is all about.

NJROTC students learn about Naval history, oceanography, weather, first aid and navigation in between learning how to march and correctly wear their uniform.

The benefits of NJROTC have been well documented. More than 60 percent of NJROTC graduates continue on to higher education, including ROTC programs and service academies.

Retired or retiring sailors interested in becoming involved with the NJROTC program can find more information at https://www.njrotc.navy.mil/.

- combined news reports

NJROTC Offers Teaching Challenges For Retired Officers, Senior Enlisteds

"...to instill in students in United States secondary educational institutions the values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment." - NJROTC mission statement

NJROTC instructors may be retired Navy, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard commissioned officers, warrant officers, and enlisted personnel, E-6 through O-6, who have served a minimum of 20 years of active duty. The Head of the Department of Naval Science at a school hosting an NJROTC program is called the Senior Naval Science Instructor (SNSI). The SNSI is the commissioned officer or Warrant Officer (with degree) employed by the school. Enlisted personnel or warrant officers and LDOs without degrees employed by the school in the NJROTC program are called Naval Science Instructors (NSI). Warrant Officers or LDOs with a baccalaureate degree may also apply to the school for emploment as an NSI. Either the SNSI or NSI must have retired from the United States Navy. The minimum education requirement for SNSIs is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

The minimum education requirement for SNSI's is a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or univeristy. Currently, the education requirement for an NSI is a high school diploma or equivalent. Because of the No Child Left Behind legislation, as of October 2007, applications will only be accepted from enlisted personnel who have already completed an associates degree.

If you do not already have an associates degree, a great way to start would be to access your SMART transcripts and have them reviewed for college credit. In addition, you could work with you education officer to CLEPP as many courses as possible. YOU MAY BE CLOSER TO A DEGREE THAN YOU THINK!

USEFUL INFORMATION: Navy College or SOCNAV issues credits based on the authority that the individual Sailor/Marine has already proven he/she can work, supervise, manage, and complete the necessary tasks and skills at the higher rank level, but is unable to be selected for the higher grade via the selection boards due to high exam multiples, promotion ceilings, etc. The Navy/Marine Corps feels that if the Sailor/Marine is scoring high enough to pass the exam and has proven he/she has the knowledge to operate at the next level, credit should be given.

To obtain this higher certification, military members need to access the BUPERS website and print off an exam profile sheet for the next higher pay grade. Upon obtaining the profile sheet, members have it "certified to be a true copy" (this can be done by a supervisor of higher rank) and mail that in to the Navy College Center at https://www.navycollege.navy.mil and they will evaluate and credit transcript to the next higher grade, even though actual promotion was not attained for the next higher grade. Navy College Center is very good and will usually take two weeks to post on the member's SMART transcript.

To update other information on the SMART go to
https://smart.cnet.navy.mil/navy_info.html

Once employed, you will be required to attend a Navy-sponsored instructor training seminar. In addition, the state in which you accept employment may have additional requirements you must meet. Specific instructor qualification requirements will remain the decision of the local school officials.

Once hired, NJROTC SNSIs and SNIs are considered school faculty members, and receive the same benefits afforded other teachers in the local school district (sick leave, vacation, holiday, retirement, etc.). It is highly recommended, however, that such benefits be thoroughly discussed in the employment interview.

NJROTC Instructors receive a salary at least equal to the difference between their retired pay and the active duty pay and allowances, excluding incentive pay, which they would receive if ordered to active duty. The employing school district pays the full salary due to the individual employed. The amount reimbursed to the school is one-half of the minimum salary for each instructor.

NJROTC instructors are conspicuous military representatives in the civilian community. As such, they are expected to uphold traditional military standards of decorum and personal appearance. Instructors are required to wear the prescribed uniform while instructing and at other appropriate times. Cost of uniform acquisition and maintenance is borne by the individual instructor. Particular attention to the maintenance of proper uniforms and personal appearance standards is essential. Instructors must meet the Navy screening tables for weight by height or the percent of body fat standards set in OPNAVINST 6110.1D.

Upon certification as an instructor in the NJROTC program, personnel will be furnished a letter of certification. Current vacancy information may be obtained on the NJROTC Web Site (https://www.njrotc.navy.mil/vacancies.cfm). NJROTC area managers are available to assist prospective instructors in securing employment. However, it is the responsibility of the individual to establish contact with host schools and to arrange for employment interviews. The cost of travel to/from employment interviews must be borne by the individual or school.

For more information, see https://www.njrotc.navy.mil/

Vacancy listings by school and districts are here:
https://www.njrotc.navy.mil/vacancies.cfm

Dover AFB Mortuary Provides Dignity, Honor For Fallen

Since 1955, the remains of more than 50,000 service members have arrived at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware for identification and funeral preparations. The $30 million Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, opened in 2003 and replaced a 48-year-old facility aboard the Air Force base. It is the Defense Department's only stateside mortuary.


The atrium inside the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware gives visitors, as well as workers, a place to rest and relax peacefully. USAF photo by William M. Plate, Jr.


The staff of Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and civilian mortuary specialists prepares the remains of fallen U.S. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines, as well as government officials and their families stationed abroad in Europe and Southwest Asia.

"The new building is state-of-the art," said Meg Falk, director of the Defense Department's Office of Family Policy.

The 70,000-square-foot facility was built in little more than a year, said Falk, who likened the project to the Pentagon's Phoenix Project, which rebuilt the portion of the Pentagon destroyed on Sept. 11, 2001, in a year. "It was built with that same kind of spirit and dedication," she said.

The people at Dover have a very difficult job, Falk said, adding she's glad they now have a new, brighter facility to work in. The center features a foyer with a reflecting pool where the staff can sit and contemplate if they need to collect themselves.

"This peaceful space is a wonderful aspect of the new mortuary," Falk said. "There's also a break area complete with computer labs, a place where people "can remove themselves a little -- and relax, regroup a bit."

New computers tie into the Services Casualty System and speed up the process for obtaining data on service members, such as awards they are entitled to and where their families live.

The loss of a loved one is the worst thing a family has to deal with, Falk said, and the Defense Department's goal is to respect the privacy and wishes of service members' families.

"It's a time of grief, of loss. The families are in shock, in disbelief," she added. "Over the years, the families have told us that their privacy is very important. They don't want to see on TV a casket that might contain their loved one's remains before they've had a chance to grieve."

Out of respect for families' privacy, defense officials do not allow arrival ceremonies for, or media coverage of deceased military personnel returning to or departing from Dover Air Force Base or Ramstein Air Base in Germany, or any other site where remains are transferred.

All four service branches participated in the formulation of this policy, said Mark Ward, senior policy advisor for casualty, mortuary and funeral honors. "It was based solely on protecting and keeping the considerations and concerns of the families," he said.

The Carson Center is a mortuary, Falk said, and it is inappropriate for media to be at a mortuary.

"The mission of a mortuary is to prepare remains with dignity, care and respect," she added. "If we expose that process to the media we lose that."

The Defense Department policy has been in effect since the Persian Gulf War in 1991, Falk said. Defense officials reissued the policy in November 2001 at the start of Operation Enduring Freedom, and again in March 2003 to cover all military operations.

During Operation Desert Storm, some media and other organizations challenged this policy, claiming the First Amendment allowed them access to Dover. However, the courts supported the policy, and in 1996 the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the decision.

The court's decision was based on reducing the hardship of families and friends of the deceased, who may feel obligated to travel great distances to attend arrival ceremonies if such ceremonies were held, Falk said.

"To expose a loved one's casket or themselves to the media is a '180' from the respect that we owe that family," she added.

Falk added that until the remains go through "a very careful, methodical process," it is not known whose remains are in which casket. "It's unfair to ask a family to go through this when you don't have 100 percent identification," she said.

The director said she has a great respect for the scientists and staff at Dover. "They are so careful to ensure they are absolutely positive that they have 100 percent identification," she said.

The new facility is a memorial to its namesake, Charles C. Carson, an Air Force civilian who served as the Dover mortuary director for 26 years. He retired in 1996 and died in 2002.

"He was revered in the mortuary community," said Falk. "Not only for his extensive knowledge but for his total dedication to treating every single casualty with the utmost dignity and respect. He was constantly seeking improvements to apply new and better processing to mortuary operations."

- Compiled from military news reports

PHOTO LOG: Views Around The Fleet This Month

The flag-draped casket of Lt. Cmdr. Kevin J. Davis is carried by Naval Air Station Pensacola's Honor Guard as his fellow Blue Angels render honors. Davis died when his F/A-18 Hornet crashed during an air show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, S.C., last month. LCDR Davis flew as opposing solo in Blue Angel #6. Photo by MC2 Ryan J. Courtade



Midshipmen 4th Class Sarah Wagner (left) and Danielle Cicuto participate in "Surf PT" during Sea Trials at the U.S. Naval Academy. Sea Trials, the Academy's capstone event for Plebes, is an all-day physical evolution modeled after the Marine Corps' "Crucible" and Navy's "Battle Stations" for enlisted recruits. The Plebe's Sea Trials consists of combat conditioning, teamwork and unit cohesion, land and water training, endurance challenges and an obstacle course. All of the exercises are designed to highlight teamwork, communication and perseverance. Photo by MCSA Matthew A. Ebarb



U.S. Army vessel BRISTOE STATION (LCU 2006) secures the water around one of three Jamestown Settlement replica ships during their transit of the James River. The full-scale replicas of the ships Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery; which brought America's first permanent English colonists to Virginia in 1607, are in Hampton Roads for the start of their journey up the James River to the site of the original settlement. This is part of a signature event celebrating America's 400th anniversary of colonization this month. Photo by MCSN David Shen



Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber, commanding general, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, and Kim Sung Eun, ROK Marine Corps commandant and former Korean Defense Minister unveil a stone taken from the Do Sol San Battlefield in a dedication ceremony held at Marine Forces Korea (MARFOR-K) headquarters at the U.S. Army's Yongsan Garrison compound in Seoul. The memorial stone honors the 181 ROK Marines killed and 647 wounded during the Battle of Mount Do Sol in 1951. The stone's inscription, "Invincible Marines" was inspired by former South Korean President Syngman Rhee who was deeply moved by the bravery of the ROK Marines during the battle. Photo by MC1 Todd MacDonald



Commander Marshall Brown, commanding officer, USS Lassen (DDG 82), leads his ship's company in marching formation at the ANZAC (Australia-New Zealand Army Corps) Day Parade in Sydney, Australia. More than 60 Sailors from the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer took part in the annual national observance, remembering Australian and New Zealand troops who landed and fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Photo by MCSN Gabriel S. Weber



Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion THREE (NMCB 3), paddling for the Navy women's team as they take the lead ahead of Soldiers representing U.S. Army Garrison Okinawa during the annual dragon boat races held this month in Naha City, Okinawa. The Navy men and women paddlers took first place over local Army, Air Force and Marine teams. Photo by MC1 Carmichael Yepez



Electronics Technician 3rd Class Kristy Wright checks figures on a Global Positioning System display as a CH-46E Sea Knight takes off from the flight deck of USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group is underway on a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific. Photo by MC3 Matthew J. Kuhlman



Electrician's Mate Fireman Jessy Gappa gives a tour aboard USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) to a group of Argentinian youths from Stella Maris School in Buenos Aires. USS Pearl Harbor is involved in Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2007, focused on enhancing relationships with partner nations through a variety of exercises and events at sea and ashore throughout South America and the Caribbean. Photo by MC2 Alexia M. Riveracorrea



Marine Sgt. Maj. Andrew L. Yagle, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, speaks with Sailors from the Bataan Strike Group a during recent enhanced marksmanship program exercise at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The training was conducted by Marines from Battalion Landing Team 2, 2nd Marine Regiment, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and meant to foster relations between the two Sea Services by giving Sailors a small taste of a day in the life of a Marine. USMC photo by Sgt. Freddy G. Cantu



Chief Damage Controlman Carlos Gonzalez from USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) supervises his sailors, Interior Communications Electrician 1st Class Lee Moore (left) and Gunner?s Mate 3rd Class Corey Valis, as they dig out a tree stump from the back of a project house for Habitat for Humanity in Philadelphia. Sailors from the Churchill volunteered their liberty time to support the community through Habitat for Humanity as part of the events surrounding Philadelphia's Navy Week, a weeklong series of events organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO). Photo by MC1 Matthew L. Romano

YOUR SHOTS! Photos Contributed By You!

Presenting our first reader-contributed photos!

"Unconditional Surrender"
photos by MM2 Timothy Gant
N7 Department
Training Support Center (TSC), San Diego





This sculpture is based on the famous 1945 V-J Day photo by Time Magazine photographer Alfred Eisenstaedt and is located near the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum/USS Midway complex.

Want to show off your personal, Navy themed (or related) pictures of people and places?

Email it as an attachment to ntws.editor@gmail.com.

Military At "American Idol Extra" Show

Some 50 members from every service branch were recently invited to be in the audience for a special edition of "American Idol Extra."

The taping followed a special "Idol Gives Back" show, which raised awareness for a newly-formed charity that funds relief programs for children and young people living in extreme poverty in America and Africa. That show netted the charity over $30 million in donations.


First-round 2007 season American Idol contestant, Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Jarrod Fowler, assigned to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), gets an autograph from Diane Degarmo (2004 season runner-up) after a special military appreciation show for American Idol Extra. Service members from all branches were invited to the special taping.

Since no idol was voted off during the two hour show, all six finalists showed up to answer questions and sign autographs for the troops. Sanjaya Malakar was on hand to talk about his experiences since being voted off the show. American Idol runner up from the 2004 season, Diana Degarmo, sang American the Beautiful and spoke about her involvement with the USO.

"I have a brother in the Army and coming from a military family, I felt it an obligation, a civic duty to go out there (on a USO tour) and perform for those that keep us safe and free. I realize these men and woman have paid the highest price and how patriotic they are," said Degarmo.

Idol contestant, Musician 3rd Class Phil Stacy, originally assigned to Navy Band South East, gave a special shout-out during the taping to Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Jarrod Fowler, from USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Fowler was eliminated in the second round of AI competition and was in the "Idol Extra" audience.

"It was amazing to be here, to see how the finalists are doing and that a few of them remembered me. American Idol was a great experience," said Fowler.

J. D. Roberto, the host of American Idol Extra, was also very pleased to host a military audience.

"For everything that the Armed Services does; it was great to have them take time out and come and let us honor what they do for all of us here. They are great people who are constantly doing a hard job and everyone at American Idol Extra appreciates it," said Roberto.

The show aired in late April on the Fox Reality Channel.

- Story & photo by MC2 Elizabeth Thompson, NAVINFO West

DECK LOG: USS Liberty (AGTR-5)

EDITOR'S PROLOGUE: Your NTWS Newsletter is proud to present a first-person account of the attack by Israeli air and naval units on USS Liberty by CTCM Stan White, who was a crewman aboard the ship.

USS Liberty, a 7725-ton Belmont class technical research ship, was built in 1945 as the civilian cargo ship Simmons Victory. She operated in commercial trade until 1958, when she was laid up in the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Simmons Victory was acquired by the Navy in February 1963 for conversion. Renamed Liberty and classified AG-168 in June 1963, she was reclassified AGTR-5 in April 1964 and commissioned in December 1964. In February 1965, she steamed from the west coast to Norfolk, Virginia, where she was further outfitted to suit her for a mission of collecting and processing foreign communications and other electronic emissions of possible National defense interest.

In June 1965, Liberty began her first deployment, to waters off the west coast of Africa. She carried out several more operations during the next two years, and went to the Mediterranean in 1967. During the "Six-Day War" between Israel and several Arab nations, she was sent to collect electronic intelligence in the eastern Mediterranean.

Photo courtesy Naval Historical Center

USS LIBERTY arrived on-station on June 7, 1967; by which time Israel had destroyed the Egyptian Air Force and was beating the Egyptian Army badly. On the morning of June 8, Israeli planes, around nine of them, were checking out Liberty. The last Israeli plane, a "flying boxcar" (a Fairchild C-119 cargo transport), was so low and so close we were waving at the pilot and he was waving back.

After a GQ drill ended around noon, the Captain stated the drill went well, but to stay alert as bomb explosions and smoke were visible. Our four .50 caliber machine guns remained manned, and several of the crew not on watch were sun bathing on the main deck.

Fast moving planes were picked by our radar, quickly arriving at the ship -- making no effort to identify the ship -- passed-by, made a one-eighty and came-in firing machine guns, rockets and cannons. Men in the gun tubs were killed instantly, and the transmitting antennas were destroyed. These planes were unmarked and reported as such to the Sixth Fleet after an antenna was jury rigged and that we were under attack. These planes were replaced by more planes, same weapons, but now with napalm bombs. The main deck became a sea of blood and fire.

Soon after those planes departed, three Israeli torpedo boats arrived, coming close and continued to fire at the ship and anyone trying to get to the wounded or to fight fires. They then lined up, made a run at the ship and fired four or five torpedoes, one striking Liberty on the starboard side, entering the Security Group spaces as it exploded. These spaces, being sealed from bottom of the ship to the main deck, contained the water rushing in, but twenty-five of our people died and many wounded.

The life boats and the Captain's gig were burned up, as were many of the life rafts. The Captain announced "prepare to abandon ship" and those life rafts still intact were released. The torpedo boats moved-in and machine gunned them until they sank. A helicopter, with armed Israeli soldiers, came up to Liberty, but they were not able to put their troops on-board.

We were told later that USS Saratoga had launched planes immediately upon receiving our first message, but were called back to the carrier, by orders from (Washington) DC. Later, both USS America and Saratoga launched planes to come to our assistance, but were again recalled -- this time by President Johnson and Secretary of Defense McNamara; leaving Liberty to save itself with a huge torpedo hole, and sea water pushing the bulkheads in and out like lungs. The engines did restart and we left the area very slowly. The steering system had been destroyed as had much of the ships electronics. The Captain, severely wounded, laid on the deck navigating by the stars and radioing steering orders to crew members who moved the tiller manually.

Several Sixth Fleet ships arrived the next morning and we limped to a dry dock in Malta, and received enough repairs to return to Norfolk.

EDITOR'S POSTSCRIPT: After interim repairs were completed in July 1967, Liberty returned to the United States. She was decommissioned in June 1968 and stricken from the Naval Vessel Register two years later. USS Liberty was sold for scrapping in December 1970.

Image courtesy Naval Historical Center

Lest We Forget.

REUNION ANNOUNCEMENTS

USS SAVAGE (DE/DER-386)
The Reunion Association of the USS SAVAGE (DE/DER-386) will hold it's annual reunion September 30-October 5, 2007 at Paradise Found Resort in Panama City Beach, Florida.

Contact:
Ray Crumley (DC3, 1954 - 1956) raycrumley@msn.com
4334 East Hall Drive
Gainesville, Georgia 30507
(770) 532-0904

Details can be found on web site:
http://theusssavage.homestead.com/SiteIndex.html

USS SPIEGEL GROVE (LSD-32)
Reunion will be held in Salina, KS Oct. 11-14, 2007.
For more info contact lsd32@frontiernet.net

11th NCB & NMCB 11
4th Annual 11th NCB & NMCB 11 Reunion and the RECOMMISSIONING of NMCB 11
Gulfport, MS, September 11-14, 2007

The reunion package will be ready and sent out by the end of this month. Currently, all fees have not been confirmed. To keep you updated, we have the dates and hotel for our reunion.

We will be staying at the IP Hotel (formerly the Imperial Palace) in Biloxi, Mississippi. To reserve your room call 1-888-946-2847, tell the reservationists you are part of the Seabee Reunion (code S07307) and you want the $79.99 rate for Tuesday through Thursday nights. The rate for Friday night is $149.99. Taxes are not included in these rates.

Contact:
Larry Hagler mcb11.reunion@earthlink.net
website: http//www.mcb11.com

AE Sailors Association
Oct. 4-8 in Washington, D.C. For all sailors who were on board any AE/AOE ship.
Print out a registration form from:
http://members.tripod.com/~USSAEASSOCIATION/aeindex.html
Cut off date is Sept. 4, 2007

U.S. Naval Base GITMO BAY Cuba
Reunion has been set for Oct. 4-7, 2007 in Ft. Mitchell, Ky.

For more info please call Shelia Evans: 573-322-5396, or email Mike Warman at mike@gitmobay.org. This reunion is open for all members of all commands assigned to Naval Base GITMO BAY.

Hope to see you there.

VP-6 All Hands Reunion
Patron SIX Blue Sharks Association All Hands Reunion, Washington, DC.

The official VP-6 Blue Shark Association reunion will be held at the Crowne Plaza, Herndon, VA (2 miles from Dulles). Thursday 9/20/2007 through Sunday 9/23/2007

There will be a Saturday banquet, 50 hotel rooms have been blocked.

Contact:
Tonya (Laubie) Ainsworth: tmainsw@hotmail.com or
Hector Torres: htorres251@comcast.net

WEBSITE NEWS - New Features

Medals and Ribbons
This month we have added a few new Medal ribbons:

	Yangtze River Service Medal
	Airforce Expeditionary Ribbon (with and without frame).
	Meritorious Civilian Service Medal
	Superior Civilian Service Medal
	Distinguished Civilian Service Medal

New Official Badge:

NCIS Agent

Nine, Ten and Eleven Stripe Hashmarks for long serving Sailors:

New Breast Insignia:

Combat Scuba Insignia

SHIPMATES FOUND! NTWS Success Stories

Each edition, we'll feature some of the success stories NTWS members have enjoyed as members of the best Navy website online. Submit your testimonial in the "Shipmates Found Success Stories" header in the MESS DECKS forum.

Could not believe it...
I was invited by a shipmate that I hadn't seen since the mid 90's. I was skeptical at first, but thanks to this website, I have found shipmates that I thought I'd never hear of again. In fact, my first contact was a shipmate I hadn't heard from since 1970! And once the "conversation" got going, names were mentioned that were forgotten which led to more shipmates, which led to...well, you see where this is going.

It doesn't get any better than this.
- CTC Bobby (Bob) Hunt

Way too many
Thanks to the website, I have come across more old shipmates than I can remember. From Naples (my first command), to USS Crommelin (FFG-37, my last). I ran into an ENS now a CAPT. It's like going to a RM convention every day. Not to mention all the non RM friends I made in 24 years. Thank you to all that have made this awesome website a success. BRAVO ZULU.

- RMC Robert Mundy

Reconnected
A very good friend of mine was medically discharged two years ago due to a knee injury.

He works for some nuke plant in Texas. Makes a bundle of money, and parties every weekend like he never left the Navy.

- MM2 David (Biscuits) Bunnell

Awesome site!
Thanks to this website I have gotten back in touch with one of my best friends from "A" school that I thought I would never find again. This is the best Navy site out there and I reccommend it to everyone.

BRAVO ZULU!!!!!!!!!!

- AGC Julie Rutledge (Rodie/Campbell)

Outstanding site!
I've contacted and been contacted by former shipmates. One going back to boot camp days. Meeting new ones everyday.

As large as our Navy is this site does a great job at making it easy to connect with shipmates that served before me and those serving after I did.

- AME2 Kenny (Phixer) Chandler

Great site, found many friends...
I have found so many of my friends that I was stationed with. It's great to see that they are doing fine. Many of them have made Chief. It's wonderful to see. This is a great site for us all. I love it!

I'd like to give a shout out to CMDCM Schultz aka Pops. I am happy that you are able to get on this site and reconnect with many of your friends :) I see you around on many of these forums as well. Thanks for your prior service.

- MS3 Atasha Martinez

Incredible site...
I have found in particular 2 people from boot camp both in the chiefs mess now.

A couple from "A" School. I don't remember the names of the guys I went to OS A with. The ones I have are the ones I hung with.

So many friends and acquaintances. It is sometimes overwhelming.

I am thankful for this site and look forward to catching up with the old friends I made and the new ones I am making now.

- OSC Anthony (Bubba) Costello

Outstanding Website!
I have hooked up with a few old shipmates and made many new ones. I am on line more than I should be, but not as often as I'd like to. It has been great to be able to share sea stories and to listen to the sailor language, makes it feel like home to those of us who are no longer on active duty.

Thanks to those who thought up this idea, to those who brought it from conception to use, and to those who administer it!

- LT Stuart (Stu) Dahl

SAILOR SPOTLIGHTS

By Marta Martin
Assistant Editor

Each month, more and more Sailors join the camaraderie that is known as Navy Together We Served and particular shipmates stand out for their gallantry, patriotism and for their keen devotion to Naval Service. For this month, several shipmates stood out. They not only impressed me, but gave me a fond admiration on their outstanding career and their remarkable lives.

Let's take this time to celebrate this month's collection of Shipmates totaling over 65 years of Naval service.

LCDR Horace Baimbridge
"Diver Joe" served in the Navy from 1943 to 1971. As World War II veteran, Baimbridge had been all over the world. After 16 years of enlisted service, he was selected and was commissioned an Ensign. His astonishing career took off to become an adventuresome and awe-inspiring life-long lesson, while reflecting on personal affects that brought a lifetime of happiness. After 29 years of active service, "Diver Joe" retired as a Lt. Commander.

When asked what his favorite part of NTWS is, he admits that the Forums are "probably my favorite part of the website -- because for all the time after I retired until I joined it, I had practically no contact with the Navy. It's like a whole new world to me; and I am enjoying learning about the 'new Navy' from people who are actually on active duty in the fleet and throughout the world. Mind-boggling sometimes, but fun!"

PO1 Barbara Stuvengen
Transport Airman and original WAVE
A part of history is right here on this site when we turn to PO1 Barbara Stuvengen. She is one of the original WAVES (EDITOR'S NOTE: Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), and a woman of outstanding character and charm. This Shipmate is by far, one of the women I would model my life after as her aspiring career started in the Navy during the 1940's and evolved into a history lesson for all.

Stuvengen considers herself "always a WAVE," having first served as a Yeoman, then in the emergency wartime rating of Specialist(V)-Flight Orderly. She regards those times as her most memorable days. She is joined on the NTWS site with her husband, a former BMC; her sons who were an EM1 and a BTC, respectively, and a grandson who is currently serving as an IT2. She also maintains a remembrance profile for her late brother, LCDR Henry Poole.

Stuvengen says she enjoys the "NTWS Anonymous" thread the most, "because there is such a variety and she feels like one of the family. It sounds corny, but words can?t express how much this site has come to mean to me."

STGCM Hassan Lamont
What can you say about a dedicated sailor who not only has time to keep his shipmates motivated, but also keep his family so near and dear? I would call him my Shipmate, and a darn FINE SAILOR at that! Master Chief Lamont not only livens up the site with graphic images that he creates for others, but he holds a vision for his shipmates as he celebrates the adventure, the memories and the camaraderie that he infuses in his people during his past 25 years.

Currently an instructor at NAVLEAD, Hassan contributes his Naval service to a few lessons learned as an undesignated Seaman aboard the USS MARVIN SHIELDS (FF 1066). "Looking back on it over the years, being a deck seaman was a GREAT experience. I learned a LOT about a BUNCH of stuff. The things they had me doing really helped me...and still helps me to this day. I miss THAT ship more than any other, and I wish I didn't take it for granted the way I did."

Lamont's favorite NTWS areas are the forums and the latest photos section. "This site is FANTASTIC for re-connecting with former and current Shipmates...but I think it's odd how folks who never knew each other in the Navy can become like a family in this online community. We're actually making NEW shipmates!"

When God Created The Military Wife

EDITOR'S NOTE: The late humorist Erma Bombeck originally penned this prose as a Mother's Day tribute. I included this in honor of National Military Spouse Day.

Of all the GI family homes I've been in over the years, you can find this held-up by magnets or Scotch tape on the fridge, or lovingly framed on a wall -- sharing equal display alongside photos of troops, planes, tanks or ships.

And the message this article projects is still the same; Military Wives (and Husbands) really and truly are God's creation. THEY ARE THE BEST OF THE BEST.

Enjoy!

The Good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared. She said, "Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"

The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order? She has to be completely independent, possess the qualities of both father and mother, be a perfect hostess to four or 40 with an hour's notice, run on a sip of black coffee, handle every emergency imaginable without a manual, be able to carry on cheerfully, even if she is pregnant and has the flu, and she must be willing to move to a new location 10 times in 17 years. And oh yes, she must have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head, "Six pair of hands? No way!"

The Lord continued, "Don't worry, we will make other military wives to help her. And we will give her an unusually strong heart so it can swell with pride in her husband's achievements, sustain the pain of separations, beat soundly when it is overworked and tired, and be large enough to say 'I understand' when she doesn't and say, 'I love you' regardless".

"Lord," said the angel, touching his arm gently, "Go to bed and get some rest. You can finish this tomorrow".

"I can't stop now", said the Lord, "I am so close to creating something unique. Already this model heals herself when she is sick, can put up six unexpected guests for the weekend, wave goodbye to her husband from a depot, pier or runway apron and understand why it's important that he leave."

The angel circled the model of the military wife, looked at it closely and sighed, "It looks fine, but it's too soft". "She might look soft", replied the Lord, "but she has the strength of a lion. You would not believe what she can endure."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Lord's creation.

"There's a leak", she announced. "Something is wrong with the construction. You're trying to put too much into this model."

The Lord appeared offended at the angel's lack of confidence.

"What you see is not a leak", he said, "It's a tear."

"A tear? What is it there for?", asked the angel.

The Lord replied, "It's for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness, pride and a dedication to all the values that she and her husband hold dear."

"You are a genius!" exclaimed the angel.

The Lord looked puzzled and replied, "I didn't put it there."

WARBOOK: C-40A Clipper Transport & VIRGINIA-class attack submarine

Image courtesy Boeing Aircraft Company

Description
737-700 convertible/combi: high-performance, flexible, and cost effective aircraft support.

Features
The C-40A Clipper provides critical logistics support to the Navy. It's flight deck features a flight management computer system with an integrated GPS. It has the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System II on board. It also has an enhanced ground proximity warning system, predictive wind shear, head-up display and TACAN/UHF/IFF functions.

Background
The Navy Reserve - which operates and maintains the aircraft - is the first customer for the newest member of the Boeing Next-Generation 737 family. The Clipper was ordered by the Navy to replace its fleet of aging C-9 Skytrains.

The C-40A is the first new logistics aircraft in 17 years to join the Navy Reserve, and provides 100 percent of the fleet's worldwide in-theater medium and heavy airlift.

The Clipper meets or exceeds international noise and environmental requirements. It is also more fuel-efficient and offers increased range and payload capabilities. The 737-700C based aircraft is certified to operate in an all-passenger (121 passengers), all-cargo or combination ("combi") configuration that will accommodate up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers on the main deck.

The Navy has purchased nine C-40A airplanes using a Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) strategy. The first aircraft was delivered in April 2001, to Logistics Support Squadron Fifty Nine (VR-59) at the Naval Air Station/Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. Since the first delivery, the Navy has accepted eight additional aircraft (two to VR-59 at NAS/JRB Forth Worth Texas, three to VR-58 at NAS Jacksonville Florida and three to VR-57 at NAS North Island California.

General Characteristics
Contractor: The Boeing Company, Seattle
Propulsion: Two CFM56-7 SLST engines.
Length: 110 feet 4 inches (33.63 meters).
Height: 41 feet 2 inches (12.55 meters).
Wingspan: 117 feet 5 inches (35.8 meters).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 171,000 lbs (77,564 kg)
Airspeed: Range: 0.78 to 0.82 Mach (585 to 615 mph, 940 to 990 kph).
Ceiling: 41,000 feet (12,497 meters).
Range: 3,142 nautical miles (3,452 statute miles) with 121 passengers or 40,000 lbs. (18,144 kg) of cargo.
Crew: Four.

Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine

Description
Attack submarine, designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships.

Background
In late 1998, the contract was let for building the first of the New Attack Submarine. The Virginia-class fully embraces the new strategic concept in ... From the Sea and Forward... From the Sea. It is the first U.S. submarine to be designed for battlespace dominance across a broad spectrum of regional and littoral missions as well as open-ocean, 'blue water' missions. The Virginia-class achieves the right balance of core military capabilities and affordability.

General Characteristics
Builder: General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Northrop Grumman Newport News
Propulsion: One nuclear reactor, one shaft
Length: 377 feet (114.8 meters)
Beam: 34 feet (10.4 meters)
Displacement: Approximately 7,800 tons (7,925 metric tons) submerged
Speed: 25+ knots (28+ miles per hour, 46.3+ kph)
Crew: 134: 14 Officers; 120 Enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles, twelve VLS tubes, MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes, four torpedo tubes.

SIGNALS: DOD Blocks Popular Internet Sites To Protect Grid

Defense Department officials are blocking access to many popular Internet sites from department-owned computers due to bandwidth issues, U.S. Strategic Command officials said this month.

Joint Task Force Global Network Operations members, who direct the operation and defense of DOD's global information grid to assure timely and secure capabilities in support of the department's warfighting, intelligence, and business missions, blocked 12 popular sites on government computers beginning May 14.

The sites are: youtube.com, pandora.com, photobucket.com, myspace.com, live365.com, hi5.com, metacafe.com, mtv.com, ifilm.com, blackplanet.com, stupidvideos.com and filecabi.com.

The popularity of the sites has not affected operations yet, but blocking them prevents them from causing such a problem, officials said.

"It is a proactive measure. We do not want a problem with demand for these sites clogging the networks," a U.S. Strategic Command official said.

The blocks affect only DOD computers and local area networks that are part of the department's global information grid. The department has more than 15,000 local and regional networks and more than 5 million computers in the grid.

Department officials said they are not making a judgment about the sites. Blocking the sites "is in no way a comment on the content, purpose or uses of the Web sites themselves," the official said. "It is solely a bandwidth/network management issue."

Offices with a need to access these sites from government computers can request exceptions to the policy. Global network operations officials will continue to assess the stresses and strains on the global information grid, and may add or subtract sites as needed, officials said.

- Story by by Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service

CYBERWORLD: Sites Of Interest For May

2007 NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT (PBS)

The 2007 National Memorial Day Concert will be broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 27 from 8:00 to 9:30 pm ET (check local listings). The Concert will also be broadcast via satellite by the American Forces Network to over 1 million U.S. military, Department of Defense civilian employees and their families stationed overseas in 176 countries and territories, and aboard more than 200 U.S. Navy ships at-sea.

Acclaimed actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise will reunite for a second time to co-host the 2007 National Memorial Day Concert.

The two actors will be joined by eight-time Grammy Award winner Natalie Cole, county music sensation Josh Turner, Academy award-winning actress Dianne Wiest, Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor Jimmy Smits, acclaimed actress Bonnie Hunt, distinguished actor and WWII veteran Charles Durning, inspirational singer CeCe Winans, and the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Erich Kunzel. General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) will reflect on the impact of war on our recently wounded soldiers, especially as they contend with long-term disabilities and vastly changed expectations for the future. The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff will also play a special role in the concert, along with the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard and color guard teams from each branch of the armed services, provided by the Military District of Washington. Also featured are the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, the U.S. Army Chorale, the U.S. Navy Sea Chanters, the U.S. Air Force Singing Sergeants and the Choral Arts Society of Washington.

SAN DIEGO AIRCRAFT CARRIER MUSEUM (USS MIDWAY)

Live the adventure, honor the legend aboard the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history--a 47 year odyssey that spanned the end of WWII and the liberation of Kuwait in 1991!

Located downtown in San Diego at Navy Pier, Midway provides a dynamic and enriching experience "from boiler to bridge." A visit to Midway instills a greater appreciation for courage, freedom, and service to country.

KAGNEW STATION.COM

Dedicated to all Army Security Agency and STRATCOM soldiers, Air Force Security Squadron airmen, Naval Security Group sailors, Marines, DoD Civilians, and dependents who were at Kagnew Station, Asmara, Ethiopia (now Eritrea); and like us...will never forget the "island" above the clouds.
And all local civilians who kept the machinery of Kagnew in motion.

THE MAIL BUOY: Your E-mails, Letters and Comments

You forgot the dipping sauce for the lumpia.
- HM2 Raymond "Doc Rigs" Rigsby

Yep. Sure 'nuff. Missed putting it in. Check the Recipe of the Month in the left column for it. - Ed.

There I was, all ahead full into the April 2007 NTWS newsletter, enjoying myself thoroughly, when swish, and I heard a loud, "STRIKE ONE." What had lulled me into a false sense of verbal security were your earlier words, "Lollygaggin':...try to keep the 'salty' language to a minimum."

It was ET1 Kelly Orozco's "Are you TRUE Navy Blue and Gold?" that took the call.

I'm no prude, but to say I am offended by Kelly's language is perhaps the understatement of the year.

It isn't that I haven't heard sailors like Kelly before, but that was years ago as a young kid fighting a submarine war in the Pacific. I'd like to think that most of us have outgrown that.

Please editors and "other Kellys," spare me strikes two and three!
- TME3 William W. Whelan

I cleaned-up that particular humor piece quite a bit, all while trying to keep the "salty" spirit of it. And it was my judgment call to let it pass. As this newsletter isn't distributed to the general public on the web or a news stand, I treat it as if it were.

I realize that we can't please everyone all the time here at the NTWS Newsletter Ranch, but we put in a good try. We'll be a little more careful on the raunchy jokes, and provide everyone a MAXIMUM chuckle, along with major amounts of "news you can use." - Ed.

Keep the email cards and letters coming, folks. Drop us a line anytime at editor@navy.togetherweserved.com or ntws.editor@gmail.com.

Enjoyed This Newsletter?

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

http://navy.togetherweserved.com/usn/newsletter2/7/newsletter.html

As NTWS grows, 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.

LOLLYGAGGIN': Jokes, Sea Stories & Tall Tales

Earl "The Pearl"

After serving for four years and eighteen days in the US Navy, I served for three years in the Indiana National Guard. While in the role of sergeant of the service and evacuation platoon, I encountered a guy I'll refer to as Earl "The Pearl".

Earl was always in some kind of a jam, or getting me in one. One day during summer training at Camp Atterbury, he was in the small engine repair shop. In other words, he was where he should not have been at the time.

Anyhow, there was a General Smith touring Atterbury on this day. Smith was somewhat of a rebel himself, with his "Mickey Mouse" watch and fire engine red watchband. Well, Earl saw him coming and asked one of the regular shop fellows which lawn mower worked.

Of course, you know who General Smith approached in the shop...

Earl came to attention, stated his name and rank and said, "Standing by for further orders, sir." The general asked him if that mower worked, to which Earl replied, "Yes sir, it works!"

He then proceeded to start the lawn mower. General Smith then asked him if he ever worked on boat motors. Earl told him that he did. Smith told him that he had a motor that needed work and could Earl fix it for him. Earl said, "Yes sir, I can fix it." Smith then added, "What would you do if you tore it apart and couldn't fix it?"

Earl looked him straight in the eye and replied, "Sir, I would send you to Supply with a requisition for a set of oars!"

I understand that General Smith was still laughing when he left the building.

- RM2 Gary G. McDonald

Navy Evaluation Bullets

*A few clowns short of a circus.
*A few fries short of a Happy Meal.
*An experiment in Artificial Stupidity.
*A few beers short of six-pack.
*A few peas short of a casserole.
*Doesn't have all his Cornflakes in one box.
*The wheel's spinning, but the hamster's dead.
*One Fruit Loop shy of full bowl.
*One taco short of a combination plate.
*A few feathers short of a whole duck.
*All foam, no beer.
*Body by Fisher, brains by Mattel.
*Has an I.Q. of 2, but it takes 3 to grunt.
*Warning: Objects in mirror are dumber than they appear.
*Couldn't pour p*** out of a boot with the instructions on the heel.
*Too much yardage between the goalposts.
*An intellect rivaled only by garden tools.
*As smart as bait.
*Doesn't have all his dogs on one leash.
*Doesn't know much, but leads the league in nostril hair.
*Elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor.
*Forgot to pay his brain bill.
*Her antenna doesn't pick up all the channels.
*His belt doesn't go through all the loops.
*If he had another brain, it would be lonely.
*No grain in the silo.
*Proof that evolution can go in reverse.
*Receiver is off the hook.
*Several nuts short of a full pouch.
*He fell out of the stupid tree and hit every branch on the way down.

- AZ1 Steven Moulden

Could ya do a quick check of the Wardroom for us?

A diesel boat pulled into a foreign port, and put down maximum liberty.

The skeleton crew didn't notice that a chimpanzee, escaped from a nearby civilian transport, had swung across the mooring lines onto the main deck. The After Engine Room hatch was open, so down the ladder it went.

It came across a power panel opened up for maintenance. It couldn't read the warning signs, and with a bright blue blast, shorted out the boats electrical system, and plunged the boat into darkness.

A little bit later, the Below Decks Watch and an Electrician wandered through with their flashlights, looking for the problem.

Then they came upon the blackened body of the chimp. They shined their flashlights on its long, burnt arms. They looked at each other.

They highlighted its short legs and odd feet. They looked at each other again.

Finally, one of them said, "Well, it's too hairy to be an Radioman, the legs are too short for a Ship's Cook, and there would be more tattoos on an Torpedoman..."

"Call the Wardroom, and see if the Duty Officer is missing."

- EMCS Kent Weekly

OFF DUTY: John Mellencamp Rocks Walter Reed

Rock musician John Mellencamp took to the stage at Walter Reed Army Medical Center last month and delivered his trademark Americana singing style as a tribute to the wounded soldiers who inspired him at the hospital.

The down-home singer-songwriter, known for his bushy black hair and jeans-and-t-shirt performances, said he wanted to do something for the soldiers recovering at Walter Reed. About 200 wounded soldiers, staff and family members attended the event, providing a small but energetic crowd.

In the hour-long performance, the Indiana-born-rocker, who became a star in the 1980s, performed many of his older hits such as his opener "Small Town," and "Pink Houses," and songs from his current Freedom's Road CD. "Jack and Diane" was probably the most popular, bringing the crowd to its feet, rivaled only by the finale "Hurts So Good."

The stage was the historical Old Red Cross Building built in 1926 on the WRAMC campus. Soldiers, families and staff sat on the hard wood floors or on chairs they brought, but they mostly stood and danced as Mellencamp performed. In the front, some waved a flag during parts of the performance. Toward the end, Mellencamp came off the stage to sing to front-row concertgoers.

Mellencamp opened by saying he hoped that everyone could forget about any problems they may have and have a good time. The concert provided a respite for soldiers and their family members recovering at the center.

Army 1st Lt. Josh Mantz arrived at Walter Reed less than a week ago, after being wounded in Iraq. Mantz attended the concert with his fiancé, Justina Hollenbach, and best friend, Jesse Scholl. All three are Mellencamp fans.

"It's just awesome what he is doing," said Mantz. "It took a lot of stress off of them (Hollenbach and Scholl). It kind of let them forget about the stress they've had the past few days worrying about me."

"It takes a lot of stress off the soldiers, a lot of stress off of the families. It's a nice little break. It can be a real sad place without people like John who lighten things up a little bit," he said.

An outspoken opponent of the war in Iraq, Mellencamp steered clear of any political statement, choosing instead to emphasize his support to the troops. Mellencamp performed his hit "Our Country" at the opening of the Center for the Intrepid at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, in January.

His publicist, Bob Merlis, said Mellencamp was impressed then by the attitudes of the soldiers recovering from severe wounds.

"He's very inspired by them. He was awestruck," Merlis said. "He said to me, "I don't know if this happened to me that I'd have this really positive outlook like some of these guys do."

While at the center, Mellencamp visited with troops and even struck up an impromptu rendition of "Pink Houses" with a soldier who had a guitar.

Mellencamp earned a 1982 Grammy award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance with the hit single, "Hurts So Good" from his "American Fool" album.

- Story & photos by Fred W. Baker, American Forces Press Service

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