FIRST CALL: Notes & Ramblings From The Pilothouse

A Mobile Riverine Force boat assaults Viet Cong positions with flamethrowers.
Photo courtesy Michael A. "Mekongmike" Harris

Annnnd...we're back!
I hope everyone had safe Independence Day, and I hope you took a few minutes during the holiday to reflect on the importance of the date in our nation's history.

A recap: Fighting between New Englanders and the British had been going on since April 1775. Continental Congress made the first motion for independence on June 4, 1776. Secretly, and after a very hard debate, the Congress voted unanimously for independence from Great Britain on July 2, appointing Thomas Jefferson to write a draft.

Congress then reworked the draft until a little after eleven o?clock on July 4, when twelve colonies voted for adoption -- New York abstained from both votes -- and released a copy to the printers signed only by the President of the Congress, John Hancock, and Secretary Charles Thomson. Philadelphia celebrated the Declaration with public readings and bonfires on July 8. It wouldn't be until August 2 that a fair printing would be signed by the members of the Congress, but even that was kept secret to protect the members from possible British reprisals.

So...while we were singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy," England sang the Blues...

On a serious note...
In this issue, The HOIST will take a look at the serious matter of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its impact on our Sailors and Marines returning from deployment from Iraq. Also, beginning in this issue, Hoist correspondent Shayla Brown files the first of her two-part series on concerns over deployment support.

"When I was in..."
I've been hearing this a lot when I get into conversations with other Shipmates and veterans from the other branches. I usually sit there and absorb their recountings, trying to compare my experiences to theirs. So, I'll add my .02 cents worth from my service time.

"When I was in..."
- We were issued and wore Class A Utilities, "Enlisted Summer Blue" ("salt & pepper") and "Tropical White Long" with a CPO-style combination cap.
- "Seafarer"-style dungarees and chambray shirts were optional for wear -- and bought at YOUR expense.
- San Diego boot camp was 9 weeks long, including Service Week and a post-graduation "Fleet Week." We called Red Ropers COMPANY COMMANDERS back then.
- You had to pass a request chit to wear a beard or goatee. That came to a screeching halt when ADM Jim Watkins rescinded the privilege put in-place by ADM Elmo Zumwalt at midnight, December 31, 1984.
- We had longer hair standards than the other branches -- and we males took advantage of it. The current high-speed, low drag "cueball" look wasn't really in fashion vogue in the 70s and 80s.
- "Locker Clubs" were still in-existance, even though civilian clothes were authorized aboard ships.
- Hong Kong was still a British Crown Colony, Subic Bay was an awesome support base and liberty port, and we still made routine port visits to Taiwan.
- Battlegroups would routinely get buzzed by nosy Russian "Badgers" and "Bears," and tailed by "fishing trawlers."
- Seabees, divers, EOD and SEALs wore OD green utilities; 'Bees and EOD could wear OD shorts in tropical climates (cut-down and hemmed OD utility trousers), while divers and SEALs could wear their issue brown swimmer trunks.
- Until the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, Sailors were required to attend the travelling "Soviet Seapower" briefing presentation.

"Hey, hockey puck!"...
I'm reading comedian Don Rickles' memoir, Rickles' Book, laughing and chuckling while thumbing through it. It's a hoot and I've been a fan of his brand of humor for years. In case you didn't know, Rickles served in the Navy during World War II as a Seaman 1C. He enlisted at 18 at the suggestion of his father who told him if he joined the Army, he'd end up always covered in mud. Rickles' plan -- which he told countlessly to anyone who'd listen -- was to be an entertainer in Navy Special Services (forebear to today's MWR).

An excerpt from the book:
One night the skipper and I were standing on the bridge. I got up enough nerve to say, "Sir, I believe I belong in Special Services."
"Not now, son. The Japanese are about to hit us. Put on your helmet and don't make a sound."
I put on my helmet, but my hands were still shaking. I was so nervous the helmet fell off and went bouncing down the stairwell, making enough racket to be heard in Tokyo.
"Rickles," the skipper barked, "pull yourself together. How are we supposed to win this war with sailors like you?"
"We'd have a better chance, sir," I said, "with me in Special Services."

"Rickles' Book, A Memoir" (Don Rickles with David Ritz) is available in hardback at most booksellers.

Great news from the homefront...
My entire family in Hawaii and here on the Mainland are breathing a collective sigh of relief...my little brother, LTC Robert Yim, an Army infantry officer, is coming home soon (we're talking real soon) from his tour in Iraq. However, we won't be dousing the votive candles, stowing the prayer beads, covering the stone idols, and exhaling until my brother's ACU-clad, hot weather combat-booted self is back safe on U.S. soil.

Until next time...

Jon Yim
Editor

TAPS: RADM Eugene Fluckey, USN (ret.)

From the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations:

WASHINGTON -- Every man and woman serving our Navy today joins me in mourning the death of retired Rear Adm. Eugene Fluckey, recipient of the Medal of Honor and a true naval hero. We extend humbly to his family our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies in this, their time of great grief and sorrow.

Fluckey passed away on June 29. He was one of the most daring and successful submarine skippers of World War II -- he was credited with sinking 29.3 enemy ships totaling more than 146,000 tons -- Eugene Fluckey helped lead and inspire our Navy to victory. He inspires us still today. We will miss him sorely.

In addition to the Medal of Honor, they pinned upon his chest four Navy Crosses, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit and a host of other unit and campaign awards. He was known for his audacity and courage, on more than one occasion running his boat in close to shore to attack enemy shipping and bases.

He even helped pioneer the idea of submarine support to special operations. In the summer of 1945, he launched a group of his own commandos ashore to set demolition charges on a coastal railway line, destroying a 16-car train. It was the sole landing by U.S. military forces on the Japanese Home Islands during the war.

Fluckey was also a loyal and devoted leader, for whom his people had the greatest respect and in whom they entrusted their lives and their honor. He knew all too well how much they depended on his steady hand, and how much he, in turn, depended on them.

In his final war patrol report as commanding officer of USS Barb, he had this to say about his crew: "What wordy praise can one give such men as these; men who...follow unhesitatingly when in the vicinity of minefields so long as there is the possibility of targets...Men who flinch not with the fathometer ticking off two fathoms beneath the keel...Men who will fight to the last bullet and then start throwing the empty shell cases. These are submariners."

As we mourn his passing, so too should we pause and reflect on the contributions of this great man to our Navy and to our nation...and of the thousands of lives he guided, the careers he mentored, the difference he made simply by virtue of his leadership.

We ought never forget his own words of wisdom: "Put more into life than you expect to get out of it. Drive yourself and lead others. Make others feel good about themselves. They will outperform your expectations, and you will never lack for friends."

Fluckey certainly never lacked for friends. And on behalf of those of us -- his friends and shipmates -- still serving in the Navy, I wish for his soul fair winds and following seas and for his family and loved ones our deepest respect and sympathies.
- ADM Mike Mullen, USN, CNO

Website Improvements

Plankowners Ribbon
To thank our loyal members for the hugely successful launch of the site we have created a NTWS Plankowners ribbon and added it to the profile of the first 50,000 members.

Improved Messaging Interface
If you were tired of having to delete old Inbox messages one by one you will welcome the new look messaging interface! You can now delete a full page of messages in one action, delete every message that you have read or even your entire inbox with a single click! Please do us a favour and go in to delete your old read and sent messages so that we can keep the database size under control and maintain performance!

Shipmates Address Book
If you would like to review or perhaps print the contact details of your shipmates there is now a handy utility to do this available on the Home Tab. All you need to do is specify how many Shipmates should appear on each page, whether you would like photos included and whether to display in the normal book binder format or a simpler printer friendly layout and you are all set.

Jobs Board
We now have a jobs board available on the Home tab - by default you will see the last 10 jobs in all categories but by choosing a category you can focus on the jobs of interest to you. If you know of any employment opportunities that would suit your fellow Sailors, then please take a moment to publish the details on the board. Access is open to all both for publishing opportunities and for browsing openings.

Improved Gallery Navigation
Taking a lead from the improved Forums layout we have added some new navigation options to the Photo Gallery - you can now jump directly to any page in the gallery and navigation options repeat at the foot of each page to simplify moving to the next page after browsing a long page full of photos.

State and Country Flags
If you check your profile you will find that we have added flags for your state and/or country of birth. Not only that but we have redesigned the Home Tab - World Atlas option to include national and state flags as well.

New Text Editor in Forums
We have switched to a new HTML editor in the forums which seems to solve the problems that some members reported with the old one, but has created a few new headaches! The worst of those was that text was getting double spaced - which we have just corrected. Please let us know if you have any other issues with this new editor.
Some of the new features include emoticons, and paste from Word features. We may add more features in the future if requested.
Note: While there is a spellcheck button it does not work in all browsers as it requires a plugin to be installed.

New Forums
Some of the new forum boards added this month: The Naval Attache, Snipe's Castle, Submariners and Creative Corner.

Catch 22 For Mobile Trauma Unit Sailors

NEAR KARMAH, Iraq -- Joseph Heller wasn't so far off the mark in pointing out that situations exist within the military that don't always add up, and the sailors of Mobile Forward Resuscitative Surgical System are a perfect example of a "Catch 22."

Belaying the absurdity of the novel, the Mobile FRSS is a unit composed of eight exemplary sailors with top-notch credentials and life-saving hands. Acting as the furthest forward primary trauma care facility in Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment's area of operations, the Mobile FRSS is ever ready to preserve life in a deadly environment.

Fortunately, the sailors of Mobile FRSS are incredibly bored most of the time.

Expeditionary
In a combat environment, trauma surgeons and operation specialists are a hot commodity. The number of individuals possessing life-saving skills does not add up to high numbers. The sailors from FRSS are plucked from Naval bases around the world, completing six-month rotations with parent Marine commands and scattered about the country into permanent surgical facilities.

Consisting of two general surgeons (specializing in gunshot wounds, amputations and other traumatic cases), an anesthesia specialist, a critical care nurse, two operating room technicians, an independent duty corpsmen and a field medical corpsmen, the FRSS rolls light and fast, ready for anything.

Lt. Cmdr. Angela Earley, FRSS trauma surgeon, said the eight sailors that make up BLT 3/1's FRSS add up to one diversified unit which excels as a team.

"We all have to know parts of the job that we wouldn't normally have to," she said, "but we're self-sufficient and expeditionary."

Normally, according to Earley, a surgical unit would not have to assemble its own tents, operate generators, sterilize (Earley said, "sterile is a relative term out here") the operating room or designate a landing zone. The FRSS accomplishes all of this in under one hour.

"Here's your cutter"
The FRSS is called upon only when requested, and never organic to any unit.

"We're here in case of bad weather that would prevent an air evacuation, which always takes priority," said Earley, "and the operational tempo has to require the possibility of a need for forward surgical facilities."

Earley explained that FRSS concepts spawned from the initial phases of Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. During the push toward Baghdad in 2003, FRSS units were running alongside the invasion forces, providing first responder care to battlefield casualties.

When combat units enter operations expecting heavy casualties or flight constricting weather, a Mobile FRSS is assembled and trained to support the operation. This is the case that brought Mobile FRSS to BLT 3/1.

Scheduled to conduct a rotation to Iraq in January, II Marine Logistics Group gathered its medical assets and set in.

Chief Petty Officer Keith Becker, FRSS independent duty corpsmen, said the sailors (many of them on their first deployment here) felt the necessity of their role immediately.

"We all felt the strain of the first month here -- we didn't have any time off," Becker said.

Life was split between training and saving lives. Sleep was a privilege.

Following the initial rush, Mobile FRSS continued conducting drills and practicing assembling their somewhat massive tent complex. In May, a large scale combat operation near Al Qa'im, in the Western Al Anbar Province, pulled the Mobile FRSS forward to support adjacent units for ten days of fighting.

After the operation, the FRSS returned to "normal" life at Taqqadum Surgical Center, evaluating incoming patients and operating when necessary.

When the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit came into country with BLT 3/1 in its holster, the Mobile FRSS was called into action. The always-present possibility of heavy casualties deemed the necessity of FRSS to unit commanders. The MLG supported the request and now the FRSS operates from Combat Outpost Golden with Battalion headquarters.

"There it is. 'Here's your cutter,'" said Earley, using hand gestures to make her point (many of the Marines here are confused at the phrase which graces the FRSS sign). "Basically, the unit requests an FRSS and here we are. We're the cutters."

Catch 22
Having an experienced, well-equipped unit prepared to save lives at a moments notice is a valuable asset that, because of its nature, is unfortunately rare. The circumstances that would require Mobile FRSS are very, very slim, and the Sailors often find themselves conducting redundant training or playing cards.

"If we're bored," said Becker, "that's a good thing. It correlates the direct success of the mission. There's nobody here that wouldn't say that."

Boredom, however positively reflects on the unit, gives the Sailors time to think about the rear surgical centers. Not because of the soft beds or hot chow, Lt. Cmdr. Earley suggested, but because there are lives to be saved.

"We see the helicopters flying overhead here, and I just wish I could be there helping out."

Earley and others agreed that serving with FRSS is a double-edged sword -- a serious Catch 22. If the sailors are bored, then no one is hurt and all is (seemingly) well. But somewhere in the distance, a Marine has been hurt, and they want to help.

It is a paradox that will forever plague those in the medical profession and their magic hands. Constantly drawn between two capable successes, the FRSS will be ready no matter what. Strikingly humble, personnel from the FRSS will hopefully wile their days away with cards and video games, maintaining the status quo. Without boredom, there is fear and uncertainty. During an operation, as Becker puts it, "there's no glory inside these tents."
- Story by Marine Sgt. Andy Hurt, 13th MEU

DECK LOG: The G.I. Bill

It has been heralded as one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever produced by the federal government—one that impacted the United States socially, economically and politically. But it almost never came to pass.

The Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944—commonly known as the GI Bill of Rights—nearly stalled in Congress as members of the House and Senate debated provisions of the controversial bill.

Some shunned the idea of paying unemployed veterans $20 a week because they thought it diminished their incentive to look for work. Others questioned the concept of sending battle-hardened veterans to colleges and universities, a privilege then reserved for the rich.

Despite their differences, all agreed something must be done to help veterans assimilate into civilian life.

Much of the urgency stemmed from a desire to avoid the missteps following World War I, when discharged veterans got little more than a $60 allowance and a train ticket home.

During the Great Depression, some veterans found it difficult to make a living. Congress tried to intervene by passing the World War Adjusted Act of 1924, commonly known as the Bonus Act. The law provided a bonus based on the number of days served. But there was a catch: most veterans wouldn't see a dime for 20 years.

A group of veterans marched on Washington, D.C., in the summer of 1932 to demand full payment of their bonuses. When they didn't get it, most went home. But some decided to stick around until they got paid. They were later kicked out of town following a bitter standoff with U.S. troops. The incident marked one of the greatest periods of unrest our nation's capital had ever known.

The return of millions of veterans from World War II gave Congress a chance at redemption. But the GI Bill had far greater implications. It was seen as a genuine attempt to thwart a looming social and economic crisis. Some saw inaction as an invitation to another depression.

Harry W. Colmery, a former national commander of the American Legion and former Republican National Chairman, is credited with drawing up the first draft of the GI Bill. It was introduced in the House on Jan. 10, 1944, and in the Senate the following day. Both chambers approved their own versions of the bill.

But the struggle was just heating up. The bill almost died when Senate and House members came together to debate their versions. Both groups agreed on the education and home loan benefits, but were deadlocked on the unemployment provision.

Ultimately, Rep. John Gibson of Georgia was rushed in to cast the tie-breaking vote. The Senate approved the final form of the bill on June 12, and the House followed on June 13. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed it into law on June 22, 1944.

The Veterans Administration (VA) was responsible for carrying out the law's key provisions: education and training, loan guaranty for homes, farms or businesses, and unemployment pay.

Before the war, college and homeownership were, for the most part, unreachable dreams for the average American. Thanks to the GI Bill, millions who would have flooded the job market instead opted for education. In the peak year of 1947, veterans accounted for 49 percent of college admissions. By the time the original GI Bill ended on July 25, 1956, 7.8 million of 16 million World War II veterans had participated in an education or training program.

Millions also took advantage of the GI Bill's home loan guaranty. From 1944 to 1952, VA backed nearly 2.4 million home loans for World War II veterans.

While veterans embraced the education and home loan benefits, few collected on one of the bill's most controversial provisions—the unemployment pay. Less than 20 percent of funds set aside for this were used.

In 1984, former Mississippi Congressman Gillespie V. “Sonny” Montgomery revamped the GI Bill, which has been known as the "Montgomery GI Bill" ever since, assuring that the legacy of the original GI Bill lives on, as VA home loan guaranty and education programs continue to work for our newest generation of combat veterans.

Retention Remains High Military-Wide, Including in Combat Zone

WASHINGTON DC -- Regardless of what's happening in terms of recruitment, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines already serving are reenlisting at rates that surpass all expectations, according to defense officials.

Defense Department statistics for June showed the Army missed its active-duty recruiting goal for the second consecutive month. Yet retention remained high across the board, 101 percent of goal for the active Army, 119 percent for the Army Reserve, and 107 percent for the Army National Guard, Maj. Anne Edgecomb, an Army spokeswoman, told American Forces Press Service.

"Recruiting is important, but so is retention," Bryan Whitman, deputy assistant secretary for public affairs, told Pentagon reporters.

He said high retention rates help offset shortfalls on the recruiting side, particularly in light of the fact that the Army is ahead of its year-to-date recruiting goals. "Retention, to some degree, has been a mitigating factor because we have had very good retention rates and they have exceeded retention goals," Whitman said.

Of particular interest, he said, are high retention rates among troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For example, 588 deployed soldiers reenlisted during a Fourth of July ceremony at Baghdad's Al Faw Palace. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander of Multinational Force Iraq, administered the oath of reenlistment.

That same day north of Baghdad at Camp Taji, the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team marked its 700th reenlistment during its current Iraqi deployment. Army SPC Jason Fuduloff, a supply specialist from Battery B, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery, raised his hand to reenlist for the third time -- this time for four years.

Two days later, at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Army SGT Christopher Flindee became the 200th soldier from the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade's 209th Aviation Support Battalion to reenlist since its deployment.

In Taqaddum on July 2, Marine Sgt. Cyril Enos became the 33rd member of 2nd Marine Logistics Group to reenlist since the unit deployed six months ago. Ten of his fellow Marines were waiting for their paperwork to be processed so they, too, could reenlist.

These servicemembers recognize the challenges of military service, particularly in a combat zone, Petraeus noted during the Independence Day reenlistment ceremony.

Just three weeks earlier, Army SPC Daniel Weber proved that fact when the Humvee he'd hitched a ride on so he could reenlist at Forward Operating Base Marez hit a roadside bomb. Just hours after the blast blew Weber from the vehicle, the 1st Cavalry Division soldier, who serves with 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Division, went ahead with his reenlistment plans.

"I was planning on reenlisting that day for a while now," he said. "Why should I let something like this change my mind?" After all, Weber told his sergeant, "I want to re-up to get the guys that did this."

Troops choose to reenlist for a wide range of reasons, said Army SFC Brian Helgren, career counselor for 15th Sustainment Brigade at Camp Taji. Some stay for personal reasons or to continue a family tradition.

Some are enticed by retention bonuses, although Petraeus noted during the Independence Day reenlistment ceremony that money alone isn't the reason.

"No bonus, no matter the size, can adequately compensate you for the contribution each of you has made and continues to make as a custodian of our nation's defenses," he told the group. "Nor can any amount of money compensate you adequately for the sacrifices you make serving here in Iraq or the burdens your loved ones face at home in your absence. And we certainly cannot put a price on the freedoms you defend or those we are trying to help the Iraqis establish and safeguard here in the land of the two rivers."

Helgren said some troops choose to reenlist because they can't imagine doing anything else.

"(The) bottom line is that soldiers love just serving their country and being in the Army, therefore making the Army a career," he said.

Fuduloff, for example, said he reenlisted because he always knew he wanted to be a career soldier and believes in the Army's mission in Iraq. "It's an honor being here and being able to show my support and dedication to the cause," he said.
- Compiled from reports by PFC Bradley J. Clark, 1st Cavalry Division; SPC Karly Cooper, 13th Sustainment Brigade; SPC Bryanna Poulin, 209th Aviation Support Battalion; Marine Sgt. Jess Kent from Multinational Corps Iraq, and Marine Corps News Service

PHOTO LOG: Views Around The Fleet This Month

Seaman Apprentice Tyrell Mackey (right), working with other USS Constitution Sailors on the ship's mizzenmast, ties a gasket to secure the topsail to the starboard yard. Sailors aboard "Old Ironsides" conduct sail training twice a week in preparation for two underway demonstrations scheduled for late August. At 209 years old, USS Constitution is the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. She is manned by 64 active duty Sailors and visited by nearly half a million tourists annually. Photo by MC1 Eric Brown



Ship's Master Robert Holley, captain of the Military Sealift Command ammunition ship USNS Flint (T-AE 32), checks an inventory list of popcorn cases. More than 2,500 cases of the snack food were sent to the Flint for transport as part of "Operation Popcorn" -- a gift from the Boy Scouts of America and the Weaver Popcorn Company of Indiana. The cases will be distributed to Sailors deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.



Personnel Specialist 1st Class Kevin Armold, attached to Naval Air Station Pensacola, is reenlisted by Army Major Shean Phelps on the main deck of the recently-sunk aircraft carrier Oriskany. The former carrier, now serving as an artificial reef and recreational dive spot, rests at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico some 23 miles south of NAS Pensacola. This was the first reenlistment to be held on the sunken aircraft carrier.



U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) veterinarian, Lt. Cmdr. Gregg Langham (center) and Army enlisted veterinary technician, SGT Leona Thomas (right), inject cattle with anti-parasite and tetanus vaccinations at the Dos Potrillos Ranch in Villanueva, Nicaragua. Langham and Thomas are attached to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20). The ship is on a four-month humanitarian deployment to Latin America and the Caribbean to provide medical treatment to patients from a dozen countries. Photo by PO2 Joshua Karsten



Air Marshal Geoffrey David Shepherd, Royal Australian Air Force, salutes as he passes rainbow sideboys upon his arrival aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Shepherd visited Kitty Hawk for a flight in an F/A-18F Super Hornet with the "Diamondbacks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102. Australia recently purchased 24 similar Super Hornets for the RAAF. Kitty Hawk is nearly two months into her summer deployment from her homeport in Yokosuka, Japan. Photo by MC2 Jarod Hodge



Equipment Operator 3rd Class Jacob Stahl, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, Convoy Security Element, prepares to mount out with the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Armored Vehicle. NMCB-4 is on a six-month deployment to Ramadi in support the global war on terrorism. Photo by MC2 Ronald Gutridge



Lieutenants Ladonna Gordon (left), and Kathryn Wijnaldum, Detroit-area recruiters, talk with two high-school seniors at the 98th NAACP Convention. The convention coincided with Navy Week Detroit earlier this month. Navy Weeks are designed to show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence. Photo by MCC Lucy M. Quinn



Commander Brian N. Humn, commanding officer of USS Buffalo (SSN 715), addresses the crew of the Los Angeles-class fast attack submarine during an all-hands call on the pier. The Sailors are scheduled to depart Naval Station Pearl Harbor permanently for their new homeport in Guam. Buffalo will join USS Houston (SSN 713) and USS City of Corpus Christi (SSN 705) as the forward deployed submarine force in the Pacific. Photo by MC3 Paul D. Honnick



Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from high schools in Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Alaska practice salutes outside Richardson Pool at NAVSTA Pearl Harbor. During a two-week military training camp, cadets learned close-order drill, land navigation, and small boat handling. Photo by MC3 Michael A. Lantron



Master-at-Arms 1st Class Don Rollins shares ice cream with his daughter during "Bring Your Child to Work Day" aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in Norfolk, VA. The event allowed parents who are deploying with the ship to bring their children aboard and see where they work and live while underway. Photo by MC3 Patrick Gearhiser

Sailors Voice Concerns Over Support, Equipment, PTSD

By Shayla Brown
Hoist correspondent

WASHINGTON DC -- Every day, Sailors stationed around the globe continue to prepare and train for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. For each prepping to deploy, others prepare to return home having served and supported the goals of our present administration. For both, these times can be stressful as is a "re-entry" adjustment, not only for the Sailors, but also for their families and their communities. And for some, behind the scenes there is a darker story that is not often told.

As of March of 2007, Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter, explained that more than 24,000 Sailors are deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism, as the United States Navy continues operations as it has since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.

However, sailors deploying in support of OEF tell stories of lack of pre-deployment support, minimal or no training; and no connection between their commands and the families that will be left behind. While most Sailors interviewed for this article support the mission, some felt that they lacked the support they needed when readying for deployment.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a Second Class Seabee said his command made an effort, but just didn?t have the resources to provide what was needed. "(I) felt like we had support from home (command) but just poorly trained," he said.

A First Class Petty Officer in Dubai conveyed the same when it came to training and support. "We do not get any kind of special training here. No language, Force Protection, etc." He mentioned that he has not even met or spoken to most of his chain of command.

"Our main command is in Bahrain, so they don't have a clue or care what goes on -- as long as the job gets done. I spoke to the Master Chief...about two years ago. I told him I have never met my CMC, ESO or CCC. He said he would make it happen." the PO1 added. "That was two years ago, and nothing."

For other Sailors, lack of command support can make the difference between life and death.

In some cases, lack of support means lack of equipment and the ever-threatening lack of proper vehicle armor. One Sailor mentioned that as late as 2006, vehicles used during his deployment were still not properly armored. "There was not enough armor, and the armor we had required tightening. It would fall off and be a danger. We had two of our folks not make it." The two he spoke of were in a convoy when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle. And tragedies of this type for some units are commonplace.

The regularity of violence for many Sailors supporting Operation Enduring freedom has become the norm, and the long term effects can be severe. According to a study published in February 2007 by the American Psychological Association's Presidential Task Force on Military Deployment Services for Youth, Families and Service Members, "as many as one-fourth of all returning service members are struggling with less visible psychological injuries.

A majority of those deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan report exposure to multiple life-changing stressors, and their wartime experiences often challenge their ability to easily reintegrate following deployment. Survival strategies, which are highly adaptive in a combat environment, are often disruptive to civilian life; interpersonal and family functioning is inevitably affected by combat exposure."

The same study states that 40% of active duty licensed clinical psychologist billets in the Navy and the Army are presently vacant. This, combined with the fear and stigma of seeking help for emotional problems is causing many Sailors to return home to not seek help, even if they feel they desperately need it.

One Sailor described the behavior of his shipmates since returning home was known, but ignored. "It's a frustrating situation when the command turns a blind eye to the enormity of the situation," he said. "Privately, there have been reports of spousal abuse, heavy drinking, and nightmares. Yet I have seen most of this get swept under the rug like it's something to be ashamed of," he added. "We need to bring the situation to light and get the commands involved by making them listen, really listen, to what their folks have to say without fear of reprisals, either personally or professionally."

Yet there are other problems. Other Sailors describe isolated incidents of racism and corruption amongst Sailors while on deployment. The psychological association's report also addressed this as a real problem facing Sailors today.

Stressors like these, compounded with separation from family, friends, and familiar culture can lead to a need for help during post-deployment. Sailors returning from combat can feel overwhelmed and out of place. Some find returning more difficult than deploying to a combat zone, while some say they feel abandoned. Others have concerns about the physical and emotional toll combat has had on them and they feel they are not getting support from their commands and the Navy at-large.

The Department of Veterans Affairs website provides information and videos about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has established The National Center for PTSD. It also has a publication, "Returning From The War Zone: A Guide for Families of Military Personnel." It provides information on signs, symptoms, and treatment methods for Sailors returning from deployment. Sailors can also go through their primary care provider to seek medical treatment.

The website also list the PTSD information line that provides treatment referral and assessment information, or callers can leave a message that will be responded by a follow-up.
- Photos courtesy U.S. Army & HQ USMC Public Affairs

Marines, Navy Combat PTSD

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Combat related stress has again become an issue for service members who have served in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Marine Corps recognizes this problem, and has been putting forth their best effort to help treat and cure Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"As our Marines and Sailors return home from combat, our support programs must be on a wartime footing to meet their needs as they transition back to life here at home," said Gen. James T. Conway, Commandant of the Marine Corps. "These returning warriors have proven their dedication to Corps and Country and deserve our level best. We will take care of our own –that's what Marines do, period."

One in five service members who have returned from a combat zone experience symptoms for PTSD, said Dr. Earnest Hanes, psychologist at the Post Deployment Health Clinic here. Because PTSD is treatable, service members are urged to seek help for their condition.

"Seeking help can help service members suffering from PTSD lead full and productive lives without turning to alcoholism or drug abuse like was common in World War II or Vietnam," Hanes said. "The military is coming to terms with the need for mental health services to be provided to our returning warriors and our goal is to get people back on their feet and working."

Family members or the service member can recognize symptoms of PTSD themselves. Symptoms can be broken down into three basic parts; re-experiencing, avoidance and being on edge.

Re-experiencing happens when a service member experiences vivid memories or nightmares of their traumatic experience. Being able to deal with severely traumatic experiences isn’t naturally scripted into humans' brains, so PTSD is a common result to responding to a traumatic event, Hanes said.

Avoidance comes in the form of keeping busy to ignore the problem, or even ignoring family members or social gatherings to keep from talking about the experience. Avoidance can lead to weakening personal relationships and even wearing out the body because of trying to stay constantly active, Hanes said.

Being on edge is a common symptom of PTSD. This is the "shell-shock" part of PTSD, when a service member is easily startled, quick to anger or irritability, or hyper-vigilant in social settings. Someone who is on edge could have trouble relaxing and getting to sleep, Hanes said.

Service members need to know that there is help available for them. Seeking help from medical clinics or their chaplain can help the service member battle and cure PTSD.

"A good way to combat combat stress is being active in the community, PT regularly, eat healthy and keep active," said Navy Lt. Robert S. Nelson, chaplain, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. "There are several places they can go on base for help. There's the chaplain, medical and Marine Corps Community Services. When Marines come up to me, I help them as much as I can by talking to them, but I still refer them to medical and MCCS so they can get all the help they need."

Support For Sailors, Families At Returning Warrior Workshop

KEYSTONE, CO -- Nearly 500 Navy reservists and their spouses recently participated in the Reserve Readiness Command Southwest's (REDCOM SW) Returning Warrior Workshop (RWW).

The weekend workshop brought together reservists who were previously activated as individual augmentees serving in the global war on terrorism. But instead of gathering to prepare once again for battle on the front lines, they learned how to overcome the battles they face back home -- the struggles that come from the dramatic transition from combat life to civilian life.

REDCOM SW's leadership recognized the heavy strain placed on its reserve force stemming from the high volume of mobilizations. Repeatedly, they heard accounts of Sailors transitioning back into life at home with varying degrees of difficulty, including a lack of sleep, lack of intimacy, anger, financial stress, erratic driving and an increased use of alcohol.

"A lot of returning reservists are surprised of the integration issues. They expect to come back and have this wonderful reunion and life is perfect again. They don't meet their expectations and often end up having difficulty being intimate again or sharing what they went through," said Cmdr. Darlene Bennett, founder and former director of RWW.

Having found no Navy program specifically designed for returning reservists to address these concerns, Bennett and a hand-picked team searched for solutions, developed a curriculum and launched the first RWW in the fall of 2006. They believe they have found the winning formula to not only resolve deployment-related issues, but help resolve other personal issues as well. So far, the results have been impressive.

"Prior to the retreat, my wife and I were considering a divorce," wrote one participant in a letter during one of the workshop exercises. "The separation (during deployment) was about to push us over the limit...a (workshop) session allowed us to open up for the first time in years. We both agreed the marriage was worth saving."

Another participant wrote, "It was a reward I never received. This was equal to, or greater than the Bronze Star I received in Iraq."

The vast majority of respondents said it made a significant difference in their life.

Bennett explains the source for part of the success.

"Throughout the whole weekend we try to normalize these very common experiences so they don't think what they're experiencing is so abnormal," she said.

Bennett added that the weekend workshop exercises provide the returning reservists a sense of comfort and peace and reinforces the feeling that they are not alone.

Qualifying participants include reservists who served as an individual augmentee (since the September 11 terrorist attack) and their spouse, or if unmarried, significant other or close family member.

The workshop is comprised of group presentations, small group breakout sessions, vendor informational sessions and one-on-one counseling in a conference-style setting. The facilitators are carefully selected and trained to help the participants through potentially sensitive and emotional discussions. They include senior officer and enlisted personnel in the nurse corps, medical and social work fields, and chaplains.

The facilitators provide the education and the tools to deal with common transitional challenges, but it is in the small groups and personal time sessions where real change takes place.

"The agenda is very carefully orchestrated and calculated," Bennett said. "They have several hours of private time to talk and explore the issues. Many say it's the first time they talked about their issues. Sometimes they just need the sanctuary to do this."

Bennett explained part of the RWW formula is to encourage participation by providing a relaxing, stress-free environment away from the responsibilities and distractions of home.

Participants stay overnight in a high-quality hotel at a nice venue without cost to them and they are accredited a weekend of drill pay.

"If we want to heal our reservists, we have to heal the spouse. We have to heal that marriage," said Cmdr. Elie Suida, facilitator for the first three workshops.

Suida developed a small group exercise called "Couples Coming Together," which requires the couple to write their thoughts in a love letter and read them back to each other. She says it is a tool that helps break the communication barrier.

Capt. Terry Pletkovich, a Navy chaplain who managed RWW's counseling program, agreed the role of the spouse is important to the Navy, and could make the difference in retention.

"We have a lot of people come back after being mobilized and the first thing they did was get out of the Navy. They didn't have this kind of opportunity to share what was happening in their life and to experience things that are very positive. You're not just dealing with the service member, but you're (dealing with their) spouses as well. That support system is so critical," said Pletkovich.

The purpose of RWW is to "inform, educate and honor the Sailors during the weekend." So, a "Banquet of Honor" is held during the weekend to honor spouses and service members equally. Some of the highlights of past dinners include individual certificate presentations, a congressional letter and photo with a congressman, video tributes and group pictures sent to fellow deployed members. The spouses also have received a spouse's coin.

"We had grown men in tears because we thanked them. Nobody had ever done that," Bennett recalls. "And spouses as well -- it was a really emotional time."

REDCOM SW Commander, Capt. Andrew Turnley, is convinced the workshop format is well suited for what he wants to accomplish.

"It is intended to be a reintegration and thanking/honoring event. And that's how it was constructed. This is the kind of model I would like to do for every returning demobilized reservist," Turnley said.

The commander has designated the RWW as an activity of the Deployment Support Program (DSP), which manages the support requirements for deploying reservists. He is taking a long-range view to ensure mobilized reservists are taken care of at varying points of time, and believes RWW is a great fit.

"In addition to meeting (returning reservists) at the airport and getting them through the demobilization process, it is imperative we stay in touch with them. This program is designed to help them return to both their drilling status and civilian status and deal with some of those reintegration issues that may be challenging for them to deal with," Turnley said.

The workshop coordination has recently shifted to REDCOM SW staff. With a successful blueprint already created, the staff will expand the workshops throughout the Southwest region.

REDCOM SW's Family Readiness Coordinator Susan Hare has taken over as director of the RWW program and is setting the stage for the next workshop.

"We currently are planning for one in the fall in Palm Springs, which will support San Diego and North Island NOSCs," Hare explained.

Hare sees RWW as integral part of both family and mission readiness.

"The demobilization and reintegration process is the vital piece of the continual state of readiness. I am excited about the future of this program and delighted to be a part of this," he said.

Bennett, who recently retired, was glad to be a part of something that has touched so many lives.

"There would not and could not be a more gratifying and rewarding program to leave the Navy than this one," he added.

Cmdr. Phil Cummings, who helped Bennett in developing the RWWs, summed it up this way: "We are more proud of this program than anything we have done in our naval careers."

YOUR SHOTS! Photos Contributed By You!

JULY'S SUBMISSIONS

"USS GETTYSBURG HONOR GUARD WITH ASTRONAUT NEIL ARMSTRONG" (2005)
OS2(SW) Allison Leapard
USS Gettysburg (CG-64) Honor Guard in Gettysburg, PA with honorary guest speaker Neil Armstrong. From left to right, FC2(SW) Angela Newsom, STG3(SW) Alex Medina, CTT1(SW) Daniel Farnsworth, FC1(SW) Glenn Hair, Mr. Neil Armstrong, OS2(SW) Allison Leapard.


"CHEWING GUM" (1968)
BUC Ron Larrivee (ret.)
Photo taken October 1968 somewhere north of Hue. I'm attempting to give a stick of gum to a Vietnamese child. It took about 20 minutes before he reached out to take it! Notice his eyes, they're not on the gum, but on my eyes.


"ORION RAINBOW" (2001)
AO2(AW) Greg Sullivan
Taken just before pre-flight with VP-66 on det in El Salvador.


"HALF-STAFF OVER THE ARIZONA MEMORIAL" (2005)
SSgt. (former ET2) Joseph M. Schiffel, WA Air Guard
Ensign was at half-mast in memory of the late VADM James B. Stockdale, USN (ret.). Taken while on liberty when attached to 143rd Combat Communications Squadron, Washington Air National Guard during annual training at Bellows AFS, HI.

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

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. Digitally manipulated pictures ("PhotoShopped") will not be accepted.

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NOAA Commissioned Corps: Scientists Supporting America

They wear U.S. naval officer uniforms, naval ranks, and carry ID cards, yet they aren't in the Navy. They operate a global fleet of specialized ships and aircraft, but this uniformed service has no combat role. It's an organization that has no enlisted members, but their officers rate salutes from all junior uniformed military members, and their work is vital to our nation.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminstration (NOAA) Commissioned Corps is a small, elite band of officers -- all with college degrees in science, engineering, or mathematics -- who serve within the many environmental research programs of NOAA, as well as command NOAA ships and aircraft.

The NOAA Corps is one of the nation's seven uniformed services -- which includes all five armed services and the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS). NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations (NMAO) is composed both of NOAA Corps officers and civilians who operate, manage, and maintain the agency's fleet of research and survey ships and aircraft.

NOAA was formed on October 3, 1970 after President Richard Nixon proposed creating a new department to serve a national need "for better protection of life and property from natural hazards...for a better understanding of the total environment...(and) for exploration and development leading to the intelligent use of our marine resources..."

An environmental science agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA conducts research and gathers data about the global oceans, atmosphere, space, and sun, and applies this knowledge to science and service that touch the lives of all Americans. NOAA provides these services through five major organizations: the National Weather Service (NWS); the National Ocean Service (NOS); the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR).

The NOAA Corps, established in 1917, traces its roots back to the former U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USCGS), which dates back to 1807 and created by President Thomas Jefferson. During the Civil War, USCGS officers were commissioned so that under the laws of war at that time, they could not be executed as spies if they were captured while serving as surveyors on a battlefield.

The NOAA Corps today provides a cadre of professionals trained in engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, meteorology, fisheries science, and other related disciplines. Officers operate ships, fly aircraft, manage research projects, conduct diving operations, and serve in staff positions throughout NOAA. It is the incorporation of science and service to the nation that makes this organization unique.

Those in the NOAA Corps come from the academic, research and scientific communities. Some Corps officers previously served as commissioned or enlisted military members in the U.S armed forces, bringing with them a wealth of experiences and knowledge into their new uniformed service branch.

All NOAA Corps candidates are required to attend BOTC -- Basic Officer Training Course -- at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. BOTC gives candidates a glimpse of the breadth and demands of their place in NOAA, focusing on basic seamanship, deck safety, basic ship handling, nautical science and navigation. One of the principle objectives of the NOAA Corps training program is to develop maritime and nautical skills, with emphasis on shipboard operations.

Following each BOTC, newly-trained and commissioned officers begin their respective treks to Woods Hole, Charleston, Norfolk, Pascagoula, Seattle, and Honolulu to meet and join what they will call home for the next two years, a NOAA ship.

As it is primarily a seagoing organization, NOAA Corps officers' uniforms are very similar to those worn by commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy; the major difference is the wearing of the NOAA Corps device and insignia on lapels and headgear. Ranks within the NOAA Corps are the same as the Navy's, from ensign to vice admiral. And like their military countrparts, Commissioned Corps officers are authorized to add "NOAA" after their names.

Since its inception, the NOAA Corps has evolved in many ways. In the earliest days of the Coast and Geodetic Survey, officers were all men and all were civil engineers. Fifty years ago, most officers were engineers and all officers were men. Unlike the other uniformed services, the NOAA Corps and its predecessor services were closed to women until 1972. The commissioning of women is probably the largest single change in the NOAA Corps since 1917.

Today, NOAA Corps officer duties and areas of operations can range from launching a weather balloon at the South Pole, conducting hydrographic or fishery surveys in Alaska, maintaining data collection buoys in the tropical Pacific, or flying as a pilot or researcher in one of NOAA's two "hurricane hunter" WP-3s.

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WARBOOK

Description
A twin-engine, medium lift, utility or assault helicopter.

Features
The Seahawk is a twin-engine helicopter. It is used for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo lift, and special operations. The Navy's SH-60B Seahawk is an airborne platform based aboard cruisers, destroyers, and frigates and deploys sonobuoys (sonic detectors) and torpedoes in an anti-submarine role. They also extend the range of the ship's radar capabilities. The Navy's SH-60F is carrier-based. The HH-60H, also aboard carriers and ashore, is used for search and rescue (SAR) missions. By 2015, the only models of Seahawk in the Navy will be the MH-60S and the MH-60R. Some versions, such as the Air Force's MH-60G Pave Hawk and the Coast Guard's HH-60J Jayhawk, are equipped with a rescue hoist with a 250 foot (75 meter) cable that has a 600 pound (270 kg) lift capability, and a retractable in-flight refueling probe. The Army's UH-60L Black Hawk can carry 11 soldiers or 2,600 pounds (1,170 kg) of cargo or sling load 9,000 pounds (4,050 kg) of cargo.

Background
The UH-60 Black Hawk was fielded by the Army in 1979. The Navy received the SH- 60B Seahawk in 1983 and the SH-60F in 1988. The first MH-60S operational squadron was Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Five (HC 5), homeported in Guam. The Air Force received the MH-60G Pave Hawk in 1982 while the Coast Guard received the HH-60J Jayhawk in 1992. The unit cost varies with the version. For example, the unit cost of the Army's UH-60L Black Hawk is $5.9 million while the unit cost of the Air Force MH-60G Pave Hawk is $10.2 million.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Varies with the particular military service.
Contractor: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (airframe); General Electric Company (engines); IBM Corporation (avionics components).
Propulsion: Two General Electric T700-GE-700 or T700-GE-701C engines; thrust: up to 1,940 shaft horsepower.
Length: 64 feet 10 inches (19.6 meters).
Height: Varies with the version; from 13 to 17 feet (3.9 to 5.1 meters).
Rotor Diameter: 53 feet 8 inches (16.4 meters).
Weight: Varies; 21,000 to 23,000 pounds (9,450 to 10,350 kg).
Airspeed: 180 knots maximum.
Range: Generally about 380 nautical miles (600 km); range becomes unlimited with air refueling capability.
Crew: Three to four.

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CYBERWORLD: Sites Of Interest For July

MILITARY TEENS ON THE MOVE (MTOM)
www.defenselink.mil/mtom

A DoD website designed with military teens and kids in-mind, addressing their concerns during your upcoming PCS move. Maybe you've had to relocate a zillion times. Sometimes you've lived in really cool places and other times, well, maybe it wasn't so cool. We know how difficult and stressful it can be to have to move, say goodbye to your friends, switch schools, start over and all that...

READY.GOV
www.ready.gov

Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as making an emergency supply kit and developing a family communications plan, are the same for both a natural or man-made emergency. There are important differences among potential emergencies that will impact the decisions you make and the actions you take. Learn more about the potential emergencies that could happen where you live and the appropriate way to respond to them. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website.

UNITED SERVICES ORGANIZATION (USO)
uso.org

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide morale, welfare and recreation services to our men and women in uniform. The USO's intent is to represent the American people by extending a touch of home to the military. It currently operates more than 130 centers worldwide, including ten mobile canteens and overseas centers in Germany, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Qatar, Korea, Afghanistan, Guam, and Kuwait. Service members and their families visit USO centers more than 5.3 million times each year. The USO is the way the American public supports the troops.

ARMED FORCES ENTERTAINMENT (AFE)
armedforcesentertainment.com

As the official Department of Defense agency for providing entertainment to U.S. military personnel overseas, Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) and its performers have the honor of supporting Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Sailors by bringing them the very best in American entertainment. AFE is proud to present our troops the finest American entertainment and proud to represent the thousands of entertainers who have volunteered their time to give them a well-deserved break from the action.

MY AFN (American Forces Network)
myafn.dodmedia.osd.mil or myafn.net

The official website for the worldwide American Forces Network (AFN) recently got a web "makeover." Looking more like a website for a commercial broadcast or cable network, the site offers authorized AFN viewers and listeners program schedules for their respective time zones, show updates and synopses. Today, AFN/AFRTS uses seven satellites along with digital compression technology to provide multi-channel television and stereo audio services to over 1,000 outlets in more than 175 countries and U.S. territories, and aboard U.S. Navy and Military Sealift Command ships afloat.

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

http://navy.togetherweserved.com/usn/newsletter2/9/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.

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OFF DUTY: Pentagon Channel Documentary Focuses On Navy Mammals

WASHINGTON DC - They take on military assignments impossible for humans, and even robots, to perform. They are rewarded with fresh food, protection from predators and loving human contact.

These unheralded, unknown, and often misunderstood marine mammals are saving countless lives during their underwater missions. Now, a new edition of the Pentagon Channel's monthly documentary, "Recon," offers a rare glimpse at the work of dolphins and sea lions who are acting as true "Sentinels of the Sea."

"When people mention the marine mammal program, a lot of people think of Flipper," said Mike Rothe, biosciences division manager at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWAR) San Diego, home of the marine mammal program. "They don't think of the hole in the USS Cole. I'm not saying that dolphins could have prevented that, because they couldn't. But a well-placed limpet mine could do similar damage, and dolphins could protect against that."

In March 2003, eight dolphins took part in an active combat situation when they helped military divers locate more than 100 mines and explosives hidden by Saddam Hussein's forces in the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr.
"Using biosonar ability, dolphins can detect underwater objects at great range with a speed and accuracy no present device can come close to," said Recon host Air Force Master Sgt. Daniela Marchus, who added that while the job sounds extremely dangerous, in reality the risks are small.

"Mines are designed to go off when hit by a ship, not when bumped by a 300- to 400-pound dolphin," she explained.

"The thing that's really cool about marine mammals is that what they do really, really well is look for stuff," Rothe said. "They look for stuff in shallow water; they look for stuff in complex environments. The Navy studied a broad range of these animals, looking for capabilities that could be applied to missions that were too difficult or dangerous for divers or couldn?t be done by hardware," he said.

Consider the amazing dive capabilities of sea lions. For humans, diving to depths of a few hundred feet is considered an extremely serious task. Human divers must breathe a mixture of air and gasses mixed under pressure and surface in carefully calculated stages that, depending on the depth of the dive, could take hours.

"But the sea lion can go down and in two and a half, three minutes, they can complete a whole dive, hook up to a target, and we can recover it," said DruAnn Price, who works with the mammals in San Diego.

"From its start after World War II, up through the end of the Cold War years, this program was classified," Marchus said. "Still, some word of the Navy's use of marine animals did get out, soon followed by misconceptions about what they were being trained to do."

Countless wildly inaccurate rumors have been spread over the years about dolphins and sea lions taught by the military to be merciless killers, a notion this "Recon" puts to rest.

"There's never been a thrust in the program to use them offensively," Rothe said. "They've never been trained to drown swimmers. They've never been trained to kill people. They've never been trained to place mines on the hulls of ships. There's no dissuading some people about these mysterious missions supposedly part of the marine mammal program."
The Pentagon Channel crew got a fascinating, up-close look at how the unique social behavior of marine mammals is factored into the training process.

"This program has contributed more to the body of science on marine mammals than any other single organization," Marchus said. "And each new bit of information is used to enhance the health and welfare of marine mammals and further define what they can and can't do in support of Navy operations around the world."

Working with dolphins to locate explosives requires weeks of highly specialized training for already well-trained explosive ordnance disposal specialists.

"It's important to establish a relationship with them to get them to do what we want them to do and then reinforce it by the intimate relationship with the care and feeding of the dolphins," Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Brian Ferris explained.

The Pentagon Channel was granted extensive access to these remarkable animals and their trainers, handlers and veterinarians, and afforded rarely seen underwater video of the mammals in action.

"Sentinels of the Sea" not only offers an incredible visual journey, but also dispels many myths about the marine mammal program. For instance, dolphins have not been captured from the wild for the program in more than 20 years. Instead, all are bred in the program's San Diego headquarters. As for the few dolphins that were born in the wild decades ago, none has attempted to return to the wild. "They get all the love they need, all the attention," handler John Bridger said.

While sea lions wear tracking devices to measure their progress underwater, none are tethered, and none has chosen to simply swim away. "Sea lions are pretty low energy," Price said. "We're providing them with a place to sleep that's safe. They don't have any predators to worry about. So because of that, coming home is a good thing."

"Sentinels of the Sea" can been seen at various times on the Pentagon Channel. It is available via podcast and video-on-demand at www.PentagonChannel.mil.

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