FIRST CALL: Notes & Ramblings From The Pilothouse

F-class submarines and their crews at Honolulu, Hawaii, 1914

I guess you're all wondering why we at the NTWS Ranch decided to change our masthead name from plain, ol' vanilla "newsletter" to The HOIST.

There were two reasons. The first was to give the newsletter a "Naval" personality and reflect a part of our seagoing history, heritage and traditions. And so, The HOIST was chosen.

According to NAVEDTRA 16138-H, Naval Orientation, 1984 edition (Chap. 25 page 25-7):
Flaghoist signaling is the most rapid and accurate visual method when ships are within signaling distance in daytime. It normally is the primary tactical maneuvering method of transmission between surface units whenever visibility conditions permit. Signals are repeated by the addressee, thus providing a sure check on the accuracy of reception. The Navy uses flaghoist signaling mainly to convey tactical and informational messages of reasonable length during daylight, between ships that are in close company. Flaghoist is considered one of the best ways to ensure uniform execution of maneuvers.

In the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word "hoist" has two definitions:
as a transitive verb:
1 : LIFT, RAISE; especially : to raise into position by or as if by means of tackle
2 : DRINK 1 <hoist a few beers>,
and as a noun
1 : an act of hoisting : LIFT
2 : an apparatus for hoisting
3 : the height of a flag when viewed flying

The second pays homage to "The Hoist," which for more than 70 years was the printed "voice" of Naval Training Center (NTC), San Diego.

It began in 1923 and became one of the Navy's oldest and continuously-printed internal publications. The format changed over the years, as did the paper's focus with each editor, decade and advancement in technology. But the mission was always the same -- to keep NTC's Sailors informed.

The Hoist's staff fluctuated over the years. Sometimes as many as 30 people worked on the newspaper staff. Other times, as few as two.

The paper's first editor was a Navy chaplain -- Clinton A. Neyman, who said in the inaugural editorial that he hoped the Hoist would "fill a need and take a big place in the life of the station."

The first issue hit the streets on Nov. 29, 1923. The newspaper continued weekly for 71 consecutive years, mostly published on Thursdays (to meet Friday distribution for recruit graduation), but they sometimes turned-and-burned on Fridays, and a few Saturdays.

During the years, the Hoist had some impact on the Navy as a whole, mainly as an award-winning newspaper, receiving several Chief of Information (CHINFO) Merit Awards for outstanding journalism, and as a source of top cartoons produced by NTC Sailors which were distributed Navy-wide.

The Hoist's first illustrator was Lowell E. Elliott, a cartoonist who drew a weekly comic strip called "Boots." During World War II, a Walt Disney Studios artist, Joe Rinaldi, popularized a short, fat and hapless Navy recruit called "Willy."

In the 1940s, Navy women began writing and reporting for the Hoist. A popular column that appeared was called "WAVE Chick Chat", which talked about the women at NTC and their contributions to the Navy.

Over the years, articles by renown war correspondent (and former WWI Seaman 3rd Class) Ernie Pyle, and other award-winning journalists, appeared in the pages of the Hoist.

On June 17, 1994, the Hoist printed its final edition as the six San Diego-area base newspapers were consolidated under "The Navy Compass". The final edition paid tribute to the first paper and was filled with rare keepsake memorabilia from past editions.

We certainly have some big shoes to fill with a legacy name like The HOIST.

I think the name is in very good hands.

The "Something To Chew On" Dept.

I noticed on the forums that some of our East and West Coast shipmates have started little informal get-togethers/"Meet 'N Greets" with fellow NTWS members. This is a great idea, as it adds a social aspect to our boards.

Meet 'N Greets are a great way to get-together, share some fun, camaraderie, socialize, and just get-to-know-the-face behind the name on forums. They don't have to be anything fancy or formal -- maybe meet at a park, local eatery or picnic spot (keep in-mind that some former NTWS Sailors don't have access to military facilities), or a favorite local watering hole (I suggest leaving the kids home with a sitter for that one).

Also, take into consideration those on deployment, and those who are far from military/naval facilities. Give folks a chance to participate when they return or hold it in a central location. Plan your Meet 'N Greet to get maximum turn-out and fun, with minimum hassle for everyone.

Your get-togethers add to NTWS' mission of outreach to our Naval community.

And if you do hold a Meet 'N Greet...send us pictures for publication in The HOIST! We'd love to see your faces!

The "In Case You Missed It" Dept.

We got a nice bit of ink earlier this month in the pages of the overseas military daily, Stars & Stripes. Kudos go to MC1 Chris Fowler who penned the article for Stripes. A tip o' the lid also goes to MC1 Paul Newell for the idea -- and both are TWS members! If you'd like to send Chris or Paul kudos for their efforts in getting us in Stripes, just go to their profiles and jot 'em a private message.

Until next time...

Jon Yim
Editor

Battle of Midway Commemorated in Island Ceremony

MIDWAY ATOLL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE -- Distinguished visitors and more than 1,500 guests of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, International Midway Memorial Foundation and U.S. Pacific Fleet, assembled on Midway Atoll earlier this month to commemorate the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Midway.

"We're gathered here today at one of the most remote and special places on earth. Midway, is where the course of history was changed," said the Honorable Linda Lingle, Governor of Hawai'i.

The Battle of Midway was fought from June 4 through 7, 1942, and served as a turning point in the Pacific during World War II.

"No one knew it at the time, but the tide of war in the Pacific had turned because of the heroism and sheer determination of those who fought on June 4, 1942," said Dr. James M. D'Angelo, president and chairman, International Midway Memorial Foundation.

"It's not hard to imagine what we would've heard if we'd have been here this day 65 years ago. I can hear the words now. 'Many planes heading toward Midway! Bearing 3-2-0 distance, 1-5-0! Tally-ho hawks at angel 12! Pilots, man your planes! Don't let this carrier escape!'"

Until June 4, 1942, the Imperial Japanese Navy dominated the Pacific. Their plan to cripple the remaining carrier forces of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and capture Midway was to serve as a stepping stone for future attacks on U.S. homeland soil.

"'This scheme of conquest was the most enticing and ambitious and far reaching in modern history. It almost worked, and might well have succeeded but for the United States Navy,'" said Adm. Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, quoting the late American Historian, Rear Adm. Samuel Eliot Morison, on the significance of the Battle of Midway.

"Our adversary did not count on us breaking their naval code, out-flanking them or locating them on time. They did not count on 1,400 supremely dedicated shipyard workers at Pearl Harbor (who) performed a miracle by getting USS Yorktown battle-ready in two days. They did not count on, nor could they imagine, our resolve or the bravery of our Sailors and of our Marines. Their spirit and determination carried the day and, when it was all said and done, the Japanese had lost four aircraft carriers, a heavy cruiser, three destroyers, 300 planes and thousands of men," said Willard.

In turn, America lost the carrier USS Yorktown (CV 5), destroyer USS Hammann (DD 412), 145 planes, and 307 brave men.

"It was a miraculous victory by any standard," said Willard.

The Imperial Japanese Navy would never again regain the offensive in the war against the United States.

"For those of you who are here who fought in that battle, I'm honored to be in your presence," said the Honorable Dirk Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior. "All Americans owe you a debt of gratitude for your service and your sacrifice."

In the closing moments of the ceremony, Battle of Midway survivors Rear Adm. John Besson, Ensign William Tunstall, and Chief Petty Officer George Chockley were presented a ceremonial wreath by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Hospital Corpsmen Celebrate 109 Years

MCB CAMP LEJEUNE -- Affectionately called "Devil Docs," Navy Hospital Corpsmen have been attached to Marine units since the Spanish-American War. The 2nd Marine Division recently honored the establishment of the Navy Hospital Corps in a ceremony at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune this month.

The Navy Hospital Corps is the only all-enlisted corps in the U.S. military and one of the oldest ratings in the Navy. It's also the most decorated -- 21 Medals of Honor have been awarded to corpsmen, most of them posthumously.

At the ceremony, Marine Brig. Gen. David H. Berger, assistant division commander, 2nd Marine Division, gave a speech to honor the Navy Hospital Corps' past and present sacrifices.

"There are 14 Naval ships named for corpsmen," Berger said. "That says a lot about the respect that the Navy and the Marine Corps have for corpsmen."

Corpsmen have become an integral part of the Marine Corps. They go everywhere the Marines go, supporting every mission. Marines would struggle to complete a mission without the corpsmen's support.

"When a Marine goes down, the mission continues, but when a corpsman goes down, the unit stops," Berger said. "Everything comes to a screeching halt."

Following the speech, the narrator, Chief Petty Officer Shawn Lawson, the battalion chief for 2nd Tank Battalion, read messages from the commander of Marine Forces Command, the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy and the Force Master Chief of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

A detail wheeled a cake out for the oldest corpsman, 57-year-old Senior Chief Petty Officer Larry Tentinger with 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division; and the youngest corpsman, 21-year-old Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Tribett with 8th Marine Regiment. Much like the Marine Corps Birthday tradition, Berger served the cake to the oldest corpsman first, who represents the past, and then the youngest, who represents the future.

"I was very honored to be the oldest corpsman," Tentinger said. "In 2003, I was told I was the oldest line corpsman in Iraq."

The ceremony ended as the 2nd Marine Division Band played "Follow Me" -- the 2nd Marine Division song, along with "Anchors Aweigh," and "The Marines' Hymn" -- a fitting close to a ceremony honoring the respect Marines have for their corpsmen.

"There's not a whole lot of difference between Marines and corpsmen," Berger said. "That's why we wear the same uniform."
- Story by Lance Cpl. Katie Mathison, II Marine Expeditionary Force

Simulator USS Trayer Commissioned, "Ready For Sea"

RTC GREAT LAKES -- Her predecessors were warships that never touched a drop of seawater.

They bore the names "USS Recruit," "USS Bluejacket" and "USS Marlinspike." They were landlocked ship simulators, used to train Navy recruits the basics of seamanship, damage control, firefighting and shipboard living.

And now, USS Trayer (BST 21), a 210-foot Arleigh Burke-class destroyer simulator, was commissioned in ceremonies held June 18 at the only Recruit Training Command (RTC) in the Navy.

The commissioning ceremony for Trayer was as real as any held in San Diego, Norfolk or anywhere else in the Navy. But this commissioning was unique, as the Navy's newest "tin can" is dry-docked inside the USS Iowa Complex aboard RTC Great Lakes. The entire training complex price tag was $82.5 million -- including the high-tech simulator. Trayer is ready to embark and train more than 40,000 recruits each year as the centerpiece for Battle Stations 21 evolutions.

"This is the last thing the recruits do before they graduate," said Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/NAC) Tim McKinley, one of BST 21's facilitators. "Their night on board Trayer is also considered no longer training the recruit. It's more a chance to evaluate the reactions of the recruit in tight situations and a chance for the recruit to see how far they have come."

Battle Stations 21 started in 1997 as a culmination of basic training and a rite of passage from recruit to Sailor. Trayer is the latest and final tool to help recruits make that transitional journey.

More than 250 people were in attendance as Trayer was brought to life and commissioned at RTC. For the faux destroyer's facilitators -- the ship's crew -- the ceremony was as exciting and close to a real commissioning many of them have experienced during their Navy careers.

During the 12-hour series of scenarios on the high-tech simulator, recruits are tested on teamwork and basic skills needed when they report to their first ship. It is 12 hours of anything that could happen aboard a ship at sea from fire to flooding caused by battle damage. There are also simulated missile attacks, line handling evolutions and mass casualty events.

"This is as real as we can get to what can actually happen at sea," McKinley said. "We use lessons learned from the terrorist attack on USS Cole (DDG 67), mine damage to USS Tripoli (LPH 10) in Desert Storm and missile attack to USS Stark (FFG 31)."

McKinley said the destroyer simulator was designed by award-winning Hollywood set designers and has state-of-the-art special effects technology.

"There are actual scenes and flats on the pier to make it look like the ship has pulled into a new port," McKinley said.

Trayer also sits in a pool of water and there is a lighting system to make it look day or night on the pier. All this scenery and Hollywood setting is the first thing the more than 80 recruits see before boarding the destroyer.

"You actually feel like you're coming down a pier, walking across the brow and boarding a ship. Then you feel like the ship is under attack and you have to fight the ship, stop the fires and flooding, to save it," McKinley added.

Recruit Kathleen Alicea, 18, called Battle Stations 21 a challenge, but fun.

"On Trayer it's more realistic and more hands-on. It's a long night, but I think we'll be better prepared for the fleet," she said.

Most of the decks aboard Trayer are epoxy-coated concrete; some are tilted to emulate battle damage. The walls are made of epoxy-coated plywood over metal studs or concrete block. The exterior hull is clad in fiberglass panels attached to a strut system held up by steel studs. The superstructure is a combination of aluminum-composite and foam panels. Hatches, watertight doors, lifeboats, muster bells, and other naval details are either replicated or salvaged from decommissioned ships.

Inside, compartments are outfitted with berthing spaces, control rooms and the bridge. There are also special controlled areas where magazine spaces flood and compartments are engulfed in flames.

"It's so real that it stops me in my tracks," said Lt. Andrew Bond, officer in charge of Battle Stations 21. "If she had another side, she'd be ready for sea."

Ensuring that the correct infrastructure is in place to execute the bomb blasts, floods and mass casualty scenarios presented inside Trayer was the responsibility of designers from SmithGroup, and that was not easy, said Arun Bhavsar, principal and project manager.

Designers frequently came up with unique ways to ensure the scenarios would be as realistic as possible. For instance, the "ocean" in which USS Trayer sits is stagnant and needs to be continually disinfected. Using chlorine, however, wasn't an option.

"You can't call it an 'ocean' if it smells like a swimming pool," Bhavsar said. Instead, a complex ozone and ionization system was created that eliminates the need for odorous chemicals.

Designers also found subtle ways to draw water from Trayer's mock "ocean" for use in the flood scenarios inside the ship. Gravity, combined with sloping floors and a hidden pipe, help one of the rooms fill with water. Once the scene is complete, the water drains to a trench and a series of filters strains the water for any debris.

The ionization system cleanses the water of bacteria and it is then pumped back into the simulated "sea".

Another scene uses large amounts of glycol to create the appearance of "steam." Because USS Trayer is located within an enclosed building, the glycol needs to be quickly removed from the space to prepare for the next scene. Engineers designed a rapid exhaust system with extensive ductwork and exhaust fans in the roof to quickly ventilate the area. These are automated and integrated into a standard building management system.

Though USS Trayer may never fight a real battle on the open seas, the essential part of her training mission is best summed up by the simulator's ship class namesake, the late Adm. Arleigh "31-Knot" Burke: "This ship is built to fight. You had better know how."
- Story by Scott A. Thornbloom, NSTC Public Affairs, with additional published material

DECK LOG: USS Recruit (TDE-1/TFFG-1)

LIBERTY STATION, SAN DIEGO -- Standing 41 feet high and 233 feet long, it was the first of its kind. Not quite a "building," and not quite a ship.

USS Recruit (TDE-1, and later, TFFG-1) the Navy's first "non-ship," was originally a commissioned warship and observed traditional Naval shipboard procedures like all other vessels. Any Sailor who went to boot camp in sunny San Diego and served duty aboard this ship awash in a "sea" of concrete, fondly remembers his first "request permission to come aboard."

Also affectionately known as "USS Neversail," the Recruit was originally a two-thirds scale mock-up of a destroyer escort (DE) with a wood frame and sheet metal at Recruit Training Center (RTC), San Diego.

During her construction, Sailors from Naval Training Center's seamanship division supervised the rigging with standard Navy fittings taken from salvaged and mothballed ships. Like all other American warships, Recruit was commissioned with the pomp and ceremony she deserved. Rear Adm. Wilder D. Baker, commandant, Eleventh Naval District, commissioned Recruit on July 27, 1949. A commission pennant was broken and the national ensign and Union Jack were hoisted.

It served as a school for all recruits going through basic seamanship indoctrination. The ship's deck was an exact replica of what a Sailor could expect in the fleet. The Recruit had cleats, chocks and mooring lines and operated as any standard Navy ship. Sailors learned marlinspike seamanship, ground tackle operation, cargo boom transfers, deck fittings, life boat handling, and signalling.

Besides the regular classrooms, an entire recruit company would stay on board from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. each night to polish their watchstanding skills.

Recruit went into "drydock" for three months in 1954 for an overhaul and minor repairs. For almost 18 years, the Recruit served the Navy, but in 1967, something unusual happened: automation and technology got the better hand. In this case, it marked the end of Recruit's commission.

Navy civilian employees making a routine manual punchcard index inventory of vessels in the San Diego area, found themselves baffled by one particular card, which, when placed through the computer for classification, was continually rejected.

The computer determined that the ship was neither afloat nor tied up to a pier. It wasn't in drydock, nor undergoing repairs or overhauling. The ship had no boilers, engines or screws. It wasn't in "mothball" status -- and to top it off -- it was crewless! When the Navy bean-counters discovered the computer could not classify USS Recruit as a commissioned vessel, it was promptly decommissioned on March 7, 1967.

In 1982, the Recruit was old and weathered. Repairs took place to transform the ship from a training destroyer escort into a training guided missile frigate. The new ship had a wooden anchor and was armed with three-inch wooden guns and, a wooden depth charge launcher. The classrooms were modernized and enlarged to accommodate up to 80 recruits for training.

The end of the Cold War led to military downsizing and the need to close surplus bases. In July 1993, the Navy announced plans to close the Naval Training Center under the Base Realignment and Closure Act (BRAC) of 1990. The Navy closed NTC's facilities incrementally. As the military functions on the base dwindled, so did the Navy's budget. All active military use of the base ceased on April 30, 1997, and on May 30, 2000, the Navy transferred the NTC property to the City of San Diego.

By 1996, the ship's fate was still undetermined.

On August 13, 2005, a ceremony was held slightly more than 56 years after Recruit's official commissioning in July 1949. The vessel was now designated California Registered Historical Landmark #1042. Alan L. Makinson, a leader of the E Clampus Vitus, a fraternal organization dedicated to the study and preservation of American Western Heritage, worked with other community members to memorialize the vessel.

"We have a strong commitment to preserve the history of NTC while transforming it into a vibrant new community," said Walter Heiberg, senior vice president for The Corky McMillin Companies and project manager for Liberty Station. "USS Recruit, at the gateway to Liberty Station, is a symbol of the old and the new. This designation reminds us all what a special place this is and how important it is that we respect the history of NTC."

The NTC Foundation and The Corky McMillin Companies are in charge of future plans and restoration of the ship. The foundation plans to restore and operate USS Recruit as a San Diego Navy historical museum, and part of the NTC Promenade.

WEBSITE NEWS - New Features

Improved Forum Navigation
We have been hard at work this month improving one of the most popular areas of the site - our forums. Specifically we have made it easier to move between and within boards and threads. These are the main changes:

1. Boards grouped by Type
   We have grouped the boards by type so that you always know where to look for particular boards that interest you:
   


2. Quick Access to your Favourite Boards
   We have added a quick jump drop down menu of all visible boards, and made it available everywhere you go:
   


3. Simplified Page Navigation
   Also visible in the screen shot above are quick links to get to the first or last thread in a board, or post on a thread as well as page through in either direction logically.


4. Directly Jump to any Page
   Knowing that there are times you want to return to a page you have seen before you can also now directly jump to any page of a board or thread:
   


5. View Threads from the End... Or from the Beginning
   When you are a regular forum visitor you want to read the latest additions to threads of interest, but when you have been away for a while you want to start at the beginning! Well now you have the control with a handy switch on every thread that lets you decide which way up you would like it:
   


6. Sticky Threads
   We have added an (admin controlled) flag to mark threads sticky. Sticky threads will always list at the top of their board instead of listing by date of latest posting. We will use these to keep items of public interest in sight - you can spot sticky threads by an icon in the Newest Post column:
   


7. Topped and Tailed
   Often you want to switch boards or pages when you have finished with the page you are on and are way down at the bottom. For that reason we gave you the same controls at the end as at the beginning:
   

We hope you approve of these changes - and if you have other requests please let us know!

PHOTO LOG: Views Around The Fleet This Month

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) buglers sound-off as Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Mullen (right) returns honors during a barge cruise through U.S. Fleet Activities, Yokosuka. Mullen was on a recent trip to Japan and Vietnam to visit with his allied military counterparts and with Sailors stationed in the region. Photo by MC1 Chad J. McNeeley



"American Idol" finalist, Musician 3rd Class Phil Stacey, sings his rendition of Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory" for guests at Lee University during "Navy Week Chattanooga" earlier this month. Navy Weeks show Americans their investment in their Navy and increases awareness in towns and cities that do not have a Navy presence. Photo by MC1 Steve Owsley



Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class James Hall, gives safety instructions and procedures to corpsmen of Naval Hospital Oak Harbor, WA prior to a drill. The drill was part of the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TC3) training, a 16-hour program of instruction developed for medical personnel in support of combat operations. Photo by MC1 Bruce McVicar



Warrant Officer Andrew Shore, from Recon Platoon, 3rd Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), makes a freefall jump from an Australian Army Caribou transport during exercise TALISMAN SABER 07 (TS07). The biennial joint-national exercise focuses on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations. TS07 involves more than 20,000 U.S. and 7,500 Australian personnel in the region. USMC photo by LCpl. Chelsea D. Terrell



Aviation Boatswain's Mate Airman Michael Selvey signals that he has finished confirming the weight of an F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Photo by MCSN Joseph Pol Sebastian Gocong



Newly-commissioned Ensign Michael Niemi celebrates after receiving his diploma during the Class of 2007 graduation and commissioning ceremony at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium in Annapolis, Md., last month. Of the 1,028 graduating Naval Academy midshipmen, 791 were commissioned as Navy ensigns and 213 became Marine Corps 2nd lieutenants. Secretary of Defense, the Honorable Dr. Robert M. Gates delivered the commencement address in front of an estimated audience of 27,000 friends and family. Photo by MCSA Matthew Ebarb



Recruits don their Navy ball caps during a capping ceremony after completing training aboard the full-size ship simulator, USS Trayer (BST 21). Battle Stations 21 is the culmination of all training received at the Navy's only boot camp. It is a grueling 12-hour test of a recruit's skills in several shipboard evolutions, including fighting fires and stopping floods. The event is held entirely aboard Trayer and marks the recruit's final rite of passage into the Navy. Photo by Scott Thornbloom



Line handlers from USS Nassau (LHA 4) stand-by to cast the mooring lines for the Military Sealift Command (MSC) hospital ship, USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). The ship is underway to take part in a humanitarian assistance deployment in support of the U.S. Southern Command. During the deployment, Comfort will provide medical treatment to patients in more than a dozen countries. Photo by MC3 Robert J. Stratchko

SEALs Share War Stories From Anbar Province

WASHINGTON - Two Navy SEALs who recently returned from Iraq shared some of their combat experiences and described the progress they witnessed in Anbar province, during a panel discussion recently at the Naval Heritage Center.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brian, a heavy weapons operator and breacher, and Lt. Chris, SEAL Team Five Bravo Platoon's commander, are identified only by their first names for security reasons. They spent seven months in Anbar province training Iraqi security forces to operate independently.

The SEALs painted an unfiltered picture of their experience on Camp Corregidor in the city of Ramadi, which was mortared an average of three times a day when they first arrived.

"No matter where we went, whether it was a PortoJon, the chow hall, wherever, if you left 25, 50 meters outside of your base or outside your barracks, you had to have full kit on," Brian said.

As platoon commander leading a foreign internal defense mission, Chris held the reins in "developing Iraqi security force capability to fight insurgents or terrorists, in order to create a self-sustaining and capable Iraqi security force," the lieutenant said.

During SEAL operations the platoon brought six to 10 Iraqis who either led or followed, depending on operational and tactical requirements.

"We would go in at night under the cover of darkness and get positioned to overwatch or basically provide support for an operation during the daytime," Chris said. "We're in there shaping the operation for decisive action."

"So we get setup and we're checking the environment out, looking at the battle space," Chris said. "And as the Army's coming through and we're kind of covering them, we get attacked pretty heavily."

Brian, who was closer to the enemy than Chris, recalled the ensuing ambush.

"(The platoon) was in three different operating positions. Our operating position started taking fire," Brain said. "It was ineffective - shots against the wall, stuff like that - we took a couple grenades against the side of the building."

"Shortly after, our two buddies who were down the street about 100 meters from me, they took heavy fire - rocket-propelled grenade attacks," he said. "One of my buddies got fragged pretty good."

"So when they called in a Quick Reaction Force to come pick him up, we had two Iraqis open the door and go out in the street. Well sometime during the night there was an IED left out there for him. It was either command-detonated or pressure-plate," Brian said. "It was detonated; the Iraqi lost both of his legs at the waist."

"Two other guys were hurt really bad - my buddy Joe and my buddy Elliott - took it pretty bad," Brian said. "Everybody bagged out of our operational positions. Once we heard guys were down we bagged out of there - we took off running down the street; running and gunning."

Brian, Chris and the other SEALs consolidated near their "wounded brothers."

"We grabbed both guys and brought them in a house and started taking care of the wounded to getting those guys ready for transport," Brian said.

Elliott, one of the two wounded, was the biggest corpsman on their team - weighing 250 lbs. without gear, Chris recalled.

"He was laying there bleeding out, and he was telling us how to fix Joe, with no concern for himself," Chris said. "That pretty much sums up Navy SEAL corpsmen."

Meanwhile, aerial surveillance showed "bad guys jumping roof to roof coming after us," Brian said.

"So Chris had a great idea," Brian explained. "He said, 'Everybody (get beneath) a door jamb, get down low, and I'm going to have these Bradley (infantry fighting vehicles) come through here and take off the second decks of all these houses!'"

In a bold decision, Chris ordered enough ordnance to destroy the second-story of the building in which they were taking cover, and where the enemy fighters were positioned.

"It worked great!" Chris said in a Texas twang and with a wide smile.

The tank artillery campaign crippled the insurgency, what Chris remembered as "two distinct 30-minute periods of intense" fire fights. After the heavy tank reinforcements arrived, Brian, equipped with a machine gun, said he "went through about 800 rounds total."

The mission the SEALs described was one of roughly 65 direct-action combat operations they engaged in during their time in Anbar province, including an operation on the following night.

To illustrate symbols of the cultural progress they witnessed, Brian and Chris showed photographs on a large screen before the audience.

In one image, a group of Sunni and Shiite members of the Iraqi army carry the casket of a deceased Iraqi soldier as a U.S. Army colonel looks on. The wood coffin is draped in an Iraqi flag.

"This is the norm," Chris said. "This is what you're seeing on a daily basis; combined tribal and combined religious connection at things like funerals, mission planning out on operations. It's amazing."

In another one of Chris' slides, Iraqi police and civilians celebrate boisterously on a crowded street.

"After we were able to clear the city of (the enemy) in Eastern Ramadi, the people are able to go to the market, they're able to talk with Iraqi policemen out in the street openly, U.S. forces were able to patrol out in the street," Chris said. "It used to be very dangerous for us to even go down the road because of improvised explosive devices and sniper attacks and small-arms fire attacks."

In another picture, Chris and another SEAL flank a smiling Arab.

"Tribal engagement," Chris said. "This is us with Sheik Jossum up in Sofia, which was the genesis of the whole 'tribal awakening.'"

"We trained them in foreign internal defensive and they eventually were able to bring other tribes on board and it really opened up the Anbar province," he said.

After conducting about 110 combat operations with Iraqi security forces in Anbar, the mortaring at Camp Corregidor in Ramadi stopped, Brian recalled.

"We were free to exercise on base," Brian said. "We were free to use the bathroom without having a helmet and body armor on."

Chris added, "That was about the best experience of the whole six months."
- Story by John J. Kruzel, American Forces Press Service

YOUR SHOTS! Photos Contributed By You!

JUNE'S SUBMISSIONS

A YOKOSUKA STILL-LIFE (1976)
EMCS Kent M. Weekly, ret.
"This was taken in Yokosuka, Japan during an upkeep period. USS Sample (DE-1048) had tied up infront of us at Berth 7 at SRF Yoko. I dont think the picture would have been as good in color."


SUNRISE ON KINGS BAY (2005)
ET1(SS) George Lambert
"Topside on USS Albuquerque getting ready to get underway after a brief inport repair period. On deck is MM2(SS) Ryan Alburque from A-Division (and an NTWS member)."


HOME AT LAST!
OS2 Adam Hinds
Adam and his wife, Aretha.


HANG ON TIGHT (2007)
MCSR Dmitry Chepusov
"Army National Guardsman, Sergeant 1st Class (SFC) Jeff Earhart from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment based at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, hangs on as his unit's CH-47 Chinook makes a wide turn during wildfire suppression operations. Earhart acts as the Chinook pilot's 'eyes' in the rear when turning the gigantic helicopter around safely."

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

Simply email them as an attachment to ntws.editor@gmail.com.

Also include the following information (copy, paste, delete the italic lines and fill-in the lines) with your submission:

YOUR FULL NAME: Rate/rank, FIRST and LAST name.
LOCATION: Tell us where the picture was taken.
DATE TAKEN: Approximate day, date and year. If unknown, give at least the year it was shot.
DESCRIPTION: A short blurb about the subject in the picture. If there are shipmates in the shot, please include (if known) their rank/rates, FIRST and LAST names. Give us as much detail as possible.

It's as simple as that. If your shot gets selected, we'll notify you by PM!

NOTE: All photos submitted must YOUR PROPERTY and subject to review for appropriate content and security. Photos found to be digitally manipulated will not be accepted.

Naval Sea Cadet Corps -- The Adventure Of A Lifetime!

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) is for American youth ages 13-17 who have a desire to learn about the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. Sea Cadets are authorized by the Secretary of the Navy to wear Navy enlisted uniforms appropriately marked with the corps insignia. The objectives of the Sea Cadet program are to introduce youth to naval life, to develop in them a sense of pride, patriotism, courage, and self-reliance, and to maintain an environment free of drugs and gangs.

Sea Cadets are not to be confused with Navy JROTC cadets. Though the programs are similar in scope, and both sponsored and endorsed by the U.S. Navy, Sea Cadets are an after-school program, while NJROTC is part of a school's curriculum. Sea Cadet Officer Corps members are unpaid volunteers, while NJROTC naval science instructors are paid school faculty members.

There are some 250 Sea Cadet units in operation in almost every state, U.S. Territory and some overseas U.S. military locations, with over 5,000 young Americans participating. The Naval Sea Cadet Corps affords equal opportunity for participation to all American youth without regard to race, color, religion or sex.

Cadets meet or "drill" at their local unit weekly or monthly through out the year. A unit is structured along military lines and is headed by a Commanding Officer (appointed by the regional Navy League Sea Cadet committee). Units may drill on military bases, at reserve centers, local schools, or community centers.

Sea Cadet units are organized as divisions, squadrons, or battalions. Divisions closely reflect the surface Navy, while squadrons are geared toward the field of naval aviation, and battalions reflect Navy Seabee units.

The local unit has one main purpose: to foster team work, camaraderie and an understanding of the military command structure. In some cases, a Sea Cadet unit might have a small cadre of local volunteer Marines who act as the unit's Drill Instructor staff.

Cadets are taught basic naval skills by both Sea Cadet Officers and senior cadets through classroom and applied instruction in subjects such as basic seamanship, military drill, and leadership. Most Sea Cadet regions throughout the country hold weekend competitions where units compete with each other to test their seamanship and military skills. These competitions often lead to participation in the annual regional and national unit competition, called "Flagship."

Local units will often participate in community events such as parades and fairs, and tour Navy and Coast Guard ships and shore stations. Cadet units also participate in community service activities - such as working in veterans hospitals, and organizing local clothing and food drives.

In addition to the spit, polish, discipline and drill, Sea Cadets have FUN! Even though the program has a "Navy" focus, it's all about the kids. Sea Cadets also host dances, formal dress affairs, camping trips, nature hikes, theme park excursions and sightseeing tours.

Since 1958 the Naval Sea Cadet Corps has been committed to providing American youth with a drug and alcohol free environment to foster their leadership abilities, broaden their horizons through hands-on training and guide them to becoming mature young adults.

Many active duty, reserve, retired and former Sailors, Marines and Lifesavers volunteer their time to an NSCC unit as a way of "giving back" to their local communities. Some serve as volunteer adult instructors, or as a member of the NSCC Officer Corps.

NSCC officers are dedicated volunteers who instruct cadets, operate units and escort cadets when participating in events away from their home unit. Officers may either be civilians or military (active, reserve or retired) who are knowledgeable of youth and interested in their training. Instructors are also recruited from active Reserve military commands and leaders within the community. Members of the Naval Reserve may qualify for drill credit and active duty for training orders (ADT) for participating in NSCC/NLCC activities (such as NSCC Boot Camp).

The NSCC does not require specific education or professional qualifications, but applicants with nautical/military experience are desired. All NSCC officers are authorized to wear Navy officer uniforms (modified by the NSCC insignia) and are appointed by NSCC National Headquarters.

NSCC National Headquarters also issues officers, cadets and instructors ID cards that identifies them as members of the organization. Their cards also authorizes limited exchange privileges (health and comfort items only) during their annual two-week training (TWT) cycle.

Sea Cadet organizations exist in most of the maritime nations of the world. Recognizing the value of these organizations in educating youth in maritime matters, the Department of the Navy requested the Navy League of the United States to establish a similar program for American youth. The Navy League agreed to do so and formally established the Naval Sea Cadet Corps (NSCC) and Navy League Cadet Corps (NLCC) in 1958. Recognizing the importance and benefits of the NSCC, Congress on September 10, 1962 federally incorporated the Naval Sea Cadet Corps under Public Law 87-655 (36 USC 1541).

LOLLYGAGGIN'

FLEET WEEK 2007, NEW YORK CITY
"What a great time to be in New York City - am I right about that? For one thing, it's Fleet Week. All week long, it's Fleet Week here in New York City. Yeah, and there will be ships from the United States Navy in the river and in the harbor until Memorial Day, or until they're all stolen."

"The United States Naval fleet is here in New York City, and they're trying to keep peace on 'The View.'"
- David Letterman on CBS' Late Night with David Letterman

YOUR GIRLFRIEND IS REALLY UGLY IF...
* She looks out the window and gets arrested for indecent exposure.
* As a baby, she had to be breast-fed by the family dog.
* Even mosquitoes stay away from her.
* She startles the animals at the zoo.
* On Halloween, she has to trick or treat over the phone.
* She makes onions cry.
* Her butt looks like two pigs fighting over a box of milk duds.
* Her armpits look like she has Don King in a headlock.
* The plastic surgeon wanted to add a tail.
* When she was born, the doctor slapped her mother.
- HM2 Andrea (Andie) Torres

LOST IN HOME DEPOT
Two guys, one old and one young, are pushing their carts around Home Depot when they collide. The old guy says to the young guy, "Sorry about that. I'm looking for my wife, and I guess I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. "

The young guy says, "That's OK. It's a coincidence. I'm looking for my
wife, too. I can't find her and I 'm getting a little desperate."

The old guy says, "Well, maybe we can help each other. What does your
wife look like?"

The young guy says, "Well, she is 24 years old, tall, with blonde hair, blue eyes, long legs, big boobs, and she's wearing tight white shorts, a halter top and no bra. What does your wife look like?"

The old guy says, "Doesn't matter. Let's look for yours."
- GM1(SW) Joel Adams

THE HALF-WIT
There was an old cowhand who owned a small ranch in Montana. The Montana Wage & Hour Department claimed he was not paying proper wages to his help and sent an agent out to interview him.

"I need a list of your employees and how much you pay them," demanded the agent.

"Well," replied the rancher, "There's my ranch hand who's been with me for 3 years. I pay him $600 a week plus free room and board."

"The cook has been here for 18 months, and I pay her $500 per week plus free room and board."

"Then there's the half-wit who works about 18 hours every day and does about 90% of all the work around here. He makes about $10 per week, pays his own room and board and I buy him a bottle of bourbon every Saturday night."

"That's the guy I want to talk to, the half-wit," says the agent.

"That would be me," replied the rancher.
- CS1(SW) Dan Costello

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.

It's nice to have a place to go and look over things that relate directly to the Navy. I've been in and out of this site for about a year and I've hooked up with one of the best chiefs I had the pleasure to know while serving thanks to this site.

I'm 56, and served during Vietnam when the service wasn't popular. I grew up looking at the pictures of my father's destroyer, hearing stories and knowing that when I was out of school, I would be a Sailor. Although Navy wisdom sent me off on a road that I hadn't trained for, I wouldn't trade the four years for anything, or any other branch.

My son was also a sailor, and hopefully, his son will follow.

I'm going to ramble a bit but I've got to say that I could never understand why someone would join the Navy and then try to stay in a port 20 miles from home. When I was assigned to the (USS) Hunley, I was amazed how many men were attempting to swap duty to remain in Charleston rather than make a cruise. Every ship had crew members that wanted to stay and not sail, I couldn't wait to take to the sea. I went from Charleston through the Panama Canal, to Acapulco, to Hawaii, to Australia, to Guam. I got to explore and get to know the people on the island for 18 months before going to Bremerton. From there I went to San Francisco, San Diego, back to Acapulco and through the Panama Canal again. Stopped at Guantanamo Bay, Fort Lauderdale, Coco Beach, and back to Charleston in the 4 years I served. Along the way I got to a dozen other places to visit, drove across country twice, completed boot camp and two service schools in Illinois.

All in all it's a hundred memories and a hundred stories and all worth remembering, right down to the 25 cent beers from a soda machine at the beach hut at the Navy Weapons Station in Guam. Thank you for being here and sharing your ear.
- OM3 Herb Pleus

I just wanted you to know what a great service this web site is. I have been able to reconnect with shipmates I never thought that I would ever talk to again.

I have a request or a suggestion for the site. Is there a way to list on "My Profile" a list of missing shipmates that you would love to find? It would be nice if someone matching the name on your list signs up for Together We Served to receive a message letting us know that we may have a match to the shipmate we have listed.

It would also double as a reminder for our other shipmates in our "My Shipmates? list, who may have forgotten a shipmates name or even better may know where a missing shipmate is and could help us find them.

Thank you for your time, and again, Bravo Zulu!
- BM2 Melissa Cavaco

EDITOR'S NOTE: See the Remembrance Profiles "how-to" in the left column of The HOIST for details

Within a few weeks of joining the group, out of the blue (sea) came an e-mail from a man I had been trying to find from Signalman "A" School that I had not seen since February of 1970.

And then, a week later, a former shipmate who I had not seen since June of 1973 found me as well.

Great website! Thanks for being here!
- SM2 Kenn (Sigs) Rothman

If you have a "Shipmates Found" success story you would like to share with us, please send an e-mail to editor@navy.togetherweserved.com

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 the month of June, 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 43 years of Naval service.

AT1(AW/SW) Michael Kohan
Find yourself wandering aimlessly through the forums with an instruction in mind, but just don?t know where in the world to find it? Are you ready to post a snappy response, but can't figure out the proper instruction to quote? Never fear, Mikey's here! This Shipmate is on his toes and ready to assist! Almost 75% of his posts are instruction related and we all think he sleeps with an index of publications at his bedside! Kohan, a New York native and an avid Yankees fan, started his Navy career in 1995 and is currently serving at the Naval Education and Training Command/CNATT in Virginia Beach, VA. He loves his career, as it turned him from a long-haired slacker to a skilled, professional leader in a short amount of time, he says. "Joining was the best decision I ever made." If we didn't already know from his knowledgeable presence on TWS, he says he favorite part of the website is the discussion forums. "I love participating there, and listening to the insights and opinions of everyone from 18-year-old "newbies" to seasoned Master Chiefs," he adds. "And to Vietnam and WWII veterans, who all have one thing in common: Service in the United States Navy. I also love browsing a well-put together profile or remembrance profile."

CMDCM Christopher Schultz
What can you say about 24 years of honored and dedicated service? Who do you call on when you need a sure fire and honest response? Pops is the one, and he has a vast amount of knowledge and experiences to last a lifetime. One of our favorite Ol' Salts on this site, Pops is a man of fortitude and distinction. He is an avid poster and loves a good laugh. He is in and out the forums daily and enjoys hanging out around the Mess Decks for fun and pointless banter! CMDCM Schultz started his career in 1965 and spent over a decade in and out of the Vietnam War. He also made some wonderful memories recruiting in California during the 70's and graduating from the Senior Enlisted Academy during the 80's. This man not only brings a smile to thousands of sailors on this site, he brings a fond admiration to those who have the honor of conversing with him. Shipmates can spend hours on his profile learning so much about this admired man, and he is respected by those who appreciate such a positive and uplifting friend. Here's a token of celebration of Pop's career that he posts with pride; "Hey sailor, I've had a good run...and can't remember not having fun, Pops sailed the oceans and hit the beach... got a couple of stars thought I'd never reach, made tons of friends along the way and think of them most every day, now as I stroll down unknown sands...I know my Navy is in good hands. The things I've done no one but a sailor could believe... So, Officer of Deck: I stand relieved."

LT Deborah Davis-Reid
Here is a beautiful profile fitting for an exceptional sailor. A native of Illinois and a true family woman, LT Davis-Reid is currently serving as USN Logistics Liaison to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). She takes a unique pride in her duties as an officer, complimenting what she values the most in life which is her family and friends. She is a blessed woman who has opened her heart to her many new Australian friends who have had the opportunity to meet a woman of her character and strength. Taking pride in her career is evident as she is always honored when a shipmate asks her to reenlist them. "I take great pride in performing the ceremonies, because it's a big part of that sailors memories of their career in the Navy!" She is also very proud of who she is and where she came from. "I pay honor and tribute to those who have led the way. At every Command that I have been at I make sure that I participate in every Black History Month Program." Here is a Sailor who has been supporting the Navy?s mission since 2000, and has actively supported multiple operations of Operation Iraqi Freedom since her career began. Take a gander at her profile; it shows the love and support of her family and friends, whom she holds closest to her heart!

WARBOOK: Phalanx CIWS

Description
Fast-reaction, rapid-fire 20-millimeter gun system.

Features
Phalanx provides ships of the U.S. Navy with a "last-chance" defense against anti-ship missiles and littoral warfare threats that have penetrated other fleet defenses. Phalanx automatically detects, tracks and engages anti-air warfare threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft, while the Block 1B's man-in-the-loop system counters the emerging littoral warfare threat. This new threat includes small, high-speed surface craft, small terrorist aircraft, helicopters and surface mines. Phalanx accomplishes these engagements via an advanced search and track radar system integrated with a stabilized, forward looking infra-red (FLIR) detector. This integrated FLIR provides Phalanx with an unique multi-spectral detect and track capability for littoral warfare threats and dramatically improves the existing anti-air warfare capability. Block 1B also incorporates new Optimized Gun Barrels which provide improved barrel life, improved round dispersion and increased engagement ranges.

Phalanx is the only deployed close-in weapon system capable of autonomously performing its own search, detect, evaluation, track, engage and kill assessment functions. Phalanx also can be integrated into existing Combat Systems to provide additonal sensor and fire-control capability.

Background
The Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) underwent operational tests and evaluation onboard USS Bigelow in 1977, and exceeded maintenance and reliability specifications. Phalanx production started in 1978 with orders for 23 USN and 14 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) systems.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Anti-ship missile defense.
Contractor: Raytheon Systems Company (formerly Hughes Missile Systems Company)
Date Deployed: 1980 (aboard USS Coral Sea)
Block 1: 1988 (aboard USS Wisconsin)
Block 1B: 1999 (aboard USS Underwood)
Weight: 12,500 pounds (5,625 kg); later models: 13,600 pounds (6,120 kg).
Effective Kill Range: Classified.
Firing Rate: 3,000 rounds per minute; later models: 4,500 rounds/min (starting 1988 production, Pneumatic Gun Drive).
Magazine Capacity: 989 rounds; later models: 1,550 rounds.
Caliber: 20mm.
Ammunition round: Armor-piercing discarding sabot, depleted uranium sub-caliber penetrator. Penetrator changed to tungsten 1988. Block 1B will incorporate the new Enhanced Lethality Cartridge with heavier penetrator.
Gun Type: M-61A1 Gatling Gun.

CYBERWORLD: Sites Of Interest For June

MilitaryHOMEFRONT

MilitaryHOMEFRONT is the official Department of Defense web site for reliable Quality of Life information designed to help troops and their families, leaders and service providers. Whether you live the military lifestyle or support those who do, you'll find what you need!

Navy LIFELines

The LIFELines Services Network (LSN) delivers Quality of Life information and services to Active and Reserve Sailors, Marines and their family members. Information and resources for all aspects of Naval Service life are provided.

BRATS: Our Journey Home

BRATS is the first cinematic glimpse into a global subculture whose journey to adulthood is a high-octane mixture of incredible excitement and enormous pain. Make no mistake - BRATS is not about the U.S. military - it's about their children, who grow up in a paradox that is idealistic and authoritarian, privileged and perilous, supportive and stifling - all at the same time. Their passports say "United States," but they're really citizens of the world. Narrated and featuring songs by Kris Kristofferson. Interviews include General Norman Schwarzkopf.

Enjoyed This Newsletter?

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

http://navy.togetherweserved.com/usn/newsletter2/8/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.

OFF DUTY: Edelweiss Lodge & Resort

Wilkomen im Bavaria!

Just 56 miles from Munich, 34 miles from Innsbruck and thousands of miles from the ordinary, the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort delivers an authentic alpine adventure sure to be memorable for the entire family.

The Army-owned and operated Armed Forces Recreation Center (AFRC) resort, which opened in September 2004, offers many tours and recreational options through the resort's Alpine Adventures center, located in the main lobby, where "eager-to-please" activity specialists can help you take full advantage of the cultural and recreation opportunities this area has to offer.

From classic mountain and health activities, including skiing, hiking and mountain climbing to classical music festivals and the world famous Neuschwanstein, the surrounding areas provide an atmosphere ripe with promise and possibilities. The Edelpost Weekly describes the Alpine Adventures schedule of events and is located on your guest room desk upon your arrival.

The Edelweiss Lodge offers special vacation packages for service members on R&R leave from operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, as well as from duty in the Balkans.

Block-leave programs for servicemembers who have recently returned from combat operations with leave remaining are also eligible for special programs, said resort spokesman Brad Hays.

Through the R&R program, a single Soldier can stay for two nights and enjoy two dinners and two breakfasts for as little as $90, Hays said. A couple can take advantage of the same package for $120. A third overnight costs only $45 for one person, $60 for two. The cost for youths ages 13 to 17 is only $9 per day, and children 12 and under stay and dine at the hotel free.

The R&R program in Germany, which started in October 2003 at the former AFRC-Garmisch facilities (until the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort opened) had through October 2005 hosted some 35,000 people, said Richard LeBrun, the resort's general manager. In October more than 800 guests--many of them on R&R--had been transported by bus to the Oktoberfest in Munich.

LeBrun, who's worked for Army MWR for 18 years, is largely responsible for the design and construction of the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort.

"I view a resort as something more than simply a building. A resort has a feeling, a message, a purpose," LeBrun said. "I wanted both the building and the staff to radiate compassion for the people who come here."

LeBrun said he wanted visitors to feel as if the resort's employees had "their arms wrapped around them."

The resort "allows families to spend private, quiet, relaxing time or action-packed time together," he added.

Many families want to do things that allow them to bond but that can be done quickly and together, such as take a horse-and-buggy ride, participate in a guided hike or rent bicycles. "We see lots of parents in the video arcade with their kids, too," LeBrun said.

Besides offering many on-site amenities, adventure programs and tours, LeBrun said "safety and security is of the utmost importance. The Garmisch resort looks and feels like a resort, but it's protected like an embassy." Force protection is taken very seriously at Edelweiss, but transparent to guests and staff.

Besides a core staff of Army civilian and German national employees, guests note that many of Edelweiss's workers are young Americans. "Most of them - about 85 percent - come from Stateside colleges and universities where they're studying recreation management. Even though many of them have never served in the military, they tell us this is their chance to serve their country," LeBrun said.

Employees are about the same age as the average guest, "so they have a great level of respect for the service members," added LeBrun.

DIVERSE DINING
Food and beverage choices at Edelweiss are as diverse as the opportunities to enjoy them, from casual to full service, including regional fare, all-American dishes and cuisine from around the world.

Internationally-trained culinary professionals and a professional team of English-speaking food and beverage servers offer a range of dining choices.


A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Each Edelweiss Lodge and Resort guest room will provide an intimate setting for a vacation, adorned with rustic wooden furniture, custom made upholstery and bedding and plenty of room for everyone. Nearly every room has either a private balcony or patio where guests will enjoy inspirational views of the Alps. Guests will have the choice of several different room types to fit their needs. Edelweiss is an ADA-certified facility.

Edelweiss Lodge and Resort also has a Vacation Village and Campground that offers a variety of accommodations for those that like to sleep in the great outdoors. Wood cabins with a variety of amenities and a campground nestled in the Loisach river valley, offer towering views of Alpine peaks.

ALPINE BLISS AWAITS
How about an invigorating workout, a swim in the indoor heated pool, or maybe even a dip in the soothing outdoor hot tub? From wet and dry saunas to a relaxing massage therapy program to the refreshing juice bar, the Lodge's wellness club is the place for pampering.

With an array of strength training equipment, you can address all your major muscle groups or use free weights to fine tune your workout at The Point fitness center. If it's a cardio workout you're looking for, there's treadmills, stair climbers, and stationary bikes to get your heart pumping and your legs burning.

GET INTO THE SWING OF IT!
Play a round on one of Germany's most beautiful golf courses! A round on the breathtaking Alpental Golf Course provides for an exhilarating game and a tour of the Loisach Valley's highlights of waterfalls, rushing river, towering Alps and lush green landscape. Give golf a swing?

ELIGIBILITY
Edelweiss Lodge and Resort is open to authorized patrons, including active-duty Service members, military retirees, reservists, guardsmen, current Department of Defense civilian employees assigned to EUCOM and Coast Guard civilian employees, foreign military on orders attached to a U.S. military installation, the family members of authorized patrons, and other supporters of the Department of Defense. Room rates are determined by pay grade and apply to both active and retired military and DoD/Coast Guard civilians.

Edelweiss Lodge patronage is governed by Department of Defense Instruction 1015.10 (Programs for Military Morale, Welfare, and Recreation). To be eligible, all NATO personnel must present AE Form 600-700 (USAREUR Privilege & Identification Card) upon check-in. Eligible NATO guests of Edelweiss Lodge and Resort can make reservations on a space available basis up to 90 days prior to arrival and must call the Vacation Planning Center.

www.EdelweissLodgeandResort.com
From Europe: (00-49) 8821-9440
From USA: (011-49) 8821-9440
Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CET
vacation@edelweisslodgeandresort.com

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