GROWING STRONG

FIRST CALL: Notes & Ramblings From The Pilothouse

- USN archive photo by JO1 Preston Keres

Bush Reflects on Courage of Troops, First Responders

By Army SSG Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON - As people all across the country this month walked for miles, raised American flags or simply stood in silence to honor the victims of 9/11, President Bush reflected on the strength of Americans and the events of nearly seven years ago that shook the nation.

"On that day, we witnessed unspeakable destruction perpetrated by evil men," the president said today during his weekly radio address to the nation. "But we also witnessed selfless acts of valor and compassion performed by courageous citizens."

In the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people, the president called for Americans to volunteer. He challenged his fellow citizens to devote at least 4,000 hours, or two years throughout their lifetime, to volunteer in their communities.

Bush renewed that call.

"Serving others is more than just a generous act – it is essential to the health of our society," Bush said. "And as any volunteer can tell you, when you bring hope to the lives of others, the life you enrich most is usually your own."

Before the smoke cleared at the Pentagon or before the extent of the World Trade Center damages were fully known, first responders and rescue workers were on scene risking their lives.

Seven years later, "the spirit of heroism lives on," Bush said of the U.S. military.

Almost immediately after the 9/11 attacks, volunteer men and women in military uniforms deployed to Afghanistan, and eventually military offensives were launched in Iraq. Today, more than 4,500 military members have lost their lives combating terrorism.

"These brave men and women have volunteered to defend our nation during a time of war," he said. "Every day, they are confronting our enemies abroad so we do not have to face them here at home."

Bush noted during his address the successes and challenges U.S. troops face today in the Middle East. After forcing al-Qaeda out of control in Afghanistan, and ousting Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq, both countries have made changes towards democracy.

In Iraq, violence is at the lowest levels in nearly five years. In Afghanistan, more than 25 million Afghans were liberated after the Americans arrived, the president said. Taliban forces and al-Qaeda have failed to retrieve their previous posture in Afghanistan, and Iraqi security forces are becoming more capable "leading the fight."

Because of the efforts of an all-volunteer military and the resilience of the American people, Bush called the United States much safer today than it was seven years ago.

"In the seven years since the attacks of September the 11th, the men and women of our Armed Forces and their wonderful families have been a source of pride for the nation," he said.

Hurricane Ike relief efforts

A team of USS Nassau sailors moves debris from the floor of the Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston.

Texas Sailors Help In Recovery, Cleanup

Story by MC3(SW) David Wyscaver
USS Nassau Public Affairs

GALVESTON - The amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) and other military units continue recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Ike, and many Sailors involved have ties to the affected areas.

"I'm originally from Houston, and I'm the only one in my family who left the area, the rest of my

Seaman Abalberto Fuentes, a crewman aboard USS Nassau, takes a break from clearing debris left by Hurricane Ike at his parents' house in Galveston, Texas.

family still resides there," said Aviation Electronics Technician Senior Chief (AW/SW) Raul Castro, quality assurance officer on board Nassau. "The majority of them did lose power, suffer structural damage and other effects from the storm, but they're all okay."

"I'm from Laporte, Texas, and a lot of individuals in the area were affected by Hurricane Ike, including my parents and the house I grew up in," said Aviation Ordinance Airman (AW) Cody Blair. "My aunt was also affected by the storm, and her vacation home was ruined, but no one was hurt or injured."

The military brings many capabilities during times of need, including during and after natural disasters like Hurricane Ike. Texas natives and others alike say it is meaningful to have the opportunity to give back to these communities.

"It feels great to be here helping out," said Operations Specialist Third Class (SW/AW) Terrance Bellock, Amphibious Squadron 6 operations yeoman and Texas resident. "I joined the military to help out, and to be able to participate in something like this is rewarding for so many reasons."

"It feels really good being out here and working together with everyone to make a difference," Blair added. "The hurricane has devastated so many people and it's nice to give back to those in need."

Nassau and her embarked units, Amphibious Construction Battalion 2 (ACB-2), Assault Craft Unit 2 (ACU-2), Fleet Surgical Team 2 (FST-2) and others bring essential resources to the area to help aid in the recovery process.

"We have a tremendous capability to help support in the efforts of disaster response," said Captain Bob Lineberry, Amphibious Squadron 6 commander. "This is what the United States Navy trains for and is ready to perform at any time."

"The type of situation we're seeing with the aftermath of Hurricane Ike is the kind of scenario we train and prepare for," said Builder Second Class (SCW) Anthony Marshall of ACB-2.

"Every task we receive involves providing relief in one way or another, whether it be helping overseas, assisting our fellow military members or providing assistance stateside. We help improve conditions all around the world."

Fishing boats were tossed-about and damaged at a boatyard on the Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston.
-Photo by MCC Chris Hoffpauir


Air Force Pararescueman, SSgt. Lopaka Mounts, receives a hug in the middle of the street from a hurricane victim. Mounts is with the 331st Air Expeditionary Group from Randolph AFB, TX.
- USAF photo by SSgt. James L. Harper Jr.

Story & photo by Army SSG Stephanie J. Cross
Special to The HOIST

HAMMOND (LA) - National Guard soldiers teamed up with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry to airlift food and water to thousands of cattle isolated by the flood waters of Hurricane Ike.

Army National Guardsmen guide a local rancher as he loads bundles of hay aboard a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for stranded livestock that have been without food or fresh water since Hurricane Ike struck Louisiana's southwest coast this month.

Trapped in remote areas south of Vinton, La., in Calcasieu Parish, more than 3,000 cattle were at risk of starvation and kidney failure due to the lack of feed and the high percentage of salt in the surrounding flood waters.

Two National Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters distributed more than 52,000 pounds of hay to the livestock and worked vigorously to provide fresh water, dropping more than 13,500 gallons to the different locations.

"It was pretty sad that the cattle were stranded out there with no food or water, but the ranchers had grid coordinates for us to drop the hay and water, [which] made it easier for us to conduct a successful mission quickly," said SPC Michael Nolan of Metairie, La., who assisted with the mission.

"Without the help from the National Guard and the donated hay from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture, these cattle could not have survived," said a tearful Kent LeDoux, manager of Gray Ranch in Vinton, La. "They are isolated into small areas and need the fresh water and hay desperately." LeDoux said he was impressed by the speed of the National Guard’s response, which he said was "much quicker than we expected."

Another local rancher, Bill Bruce of Gum Cove, La., went out by air-boat to check on his livestock Sept. 14, the day after Hurricane Ike struck, and already had lost about 100 cattle. He was especially grateful that the Guard delivered fresh water to the livestock. "Water is even more critical than food at this point, because they have been ingesting a lot of salt water," he said.

"This is their life; they depend on their cattle," said SGT Joshua Davis, a volunteer with 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion, home on leave from Iraq. "As soldiers, it's our duty and an honor to help them."

Davis added that in addition to the good feeling he got from helping, he was able to enhance his skills. "This was a good experience for me," he said. "Not only was I able to make a difference, I also got a chance to familiarize myself with the Bambi buckets during a real-world mission."

A Bambi bucket is a collapsible container that enables helicopters to lift and transport water or fire retardant.

With more than 52,000 pounds of hay and 13,500 gallons of water distributed to the cattle so desperately in need, the National Guard will continue to provide as much assistance as resources will allow to help the cattle ranchers affected by Ike, Louisiana National Guard officials said.
- SSG Cross serves with the Louisiana State Aviation Command

Featured Upgrades

Improved Unit Search

Finding the unit you are looking for is sometimes harder than it should be. We have revamped the view you get when searching for a unit by name. Improvements:

• Results now display in an expanding tree display. Click the + icons to reveal reporting (sub) units.
• Your search text is highlighted in each unit name.
• If you search for a number only that exact number is matched (ie 2 but not 23).

Results look like this:

Odierno assumes command of coalition forces in Iraq

Story by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

CAMP VICTORY - Army Gen. Raymond T. Odierno assumed command of Multinational Force Iraq from Army Gen. David H. Petraeus during a recent ceremony at al Faw Palace.

The change of command occurs after incredible progress in the country, said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, who traveled to Baghdad to participate in the ceremony.

"When General Petraeus took charge 19 months ago, darkness had descended on this land," the secretary said. "Merchants of chaos were gaining strength. Death was commonplace. Around the world, questions mounted about whether a new strategy - or any strategy, for that matter - could make a real difference."

Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, noted that a national intelligence

Army GEN Raymond T. Odierno, commander, Multinational Force Iraq, answers questions posed by CBS News' 60 Minutes reporter Lesley Stahl during his visit to the People's Market in the Sadr City district of Baghdad. - DoD photo by TSgt. Cohen A. Young

estimate in January 2007 doubted whether Iraq could reconcile over 18 months.

"Here we are, 18 months later, and Iraq is a vastly different place," Mullen said during the ceremony. "Attacks are at their lowest point in four years, 11 of 18 provinces have been turned over - including the once-written-off Anbar province - to Iraqi security forces, who are increasingly capable and taking more of a lead in operations."

The Iraqi government is providing for its people, the legislature is passing laws and the courts are enforcing justice, the chairman said. "In more places and on more faces we are seeing hope; we see progress," the admiral said.

Mullen said he looks forward to working with Petraeus as the general takes over the reins of U.S. Central Command next month.

Petraeus put all the credit for the progress in Iraq at the feet of "the men and women of the coalition and with the many courageous diplomats and Iraqis with whom we have served."

Petraeus thanked the Iraqi civilian and military leaders for their leadership. "You have risked everything to help your country make the most of the opportunity that our forces and yours have fought so hard to provide," he said.

The Iraqi people also have made the strategy work, standing with the new Iraq against extremism, Petraeus said.

"You've endured tragic losses and countless hardships, but you've begun the process of repairing the fabric of a society ripped apart by the horrific sectarian violence of 2006 and into 2007," he said. "There will always be a place in my heart for the 'Land of the Two Rivers' and the people of Iraq."

Petraeus noted that when he took command he told coalition servicemembers that the situation in Iraq was "hard, but not hopeless." The coalition and Iraqi partners stemmed the tide of violence and helped Iraq step back from civil war, Petraeus said.

"Al-Qaida in Iraq, though still lethal and dangerous, is on the run and reduced in capability," the general said, "and militia activity - while still a threat as well - has been reduced dramatically."

Coalition troops adopted the counterinsurgency strategy wholeheartedly, and they played unconventional roles to bring about change in the land, Petraeus said. "You have, in short, been builders as well as guardians, statesmen as well as warriors," he said.

Odierno, who is beginning his third tour in Iraq, served under Petraeus as commander of Multinational Corps Iraq. Gates said the pair formed "an incredible team" in putting the troop surge and the new counterinsurgency strategy to work, and that Odierno "knows that we are at a pivotal moment where progress remains fragile and caution should be the order of the day."

"And as we proceed further into the endgame here," Gates continued, "I am sure he will make tough, but necessary, decisions to protect our national interest."

Petraeus will take command of U.S. Central Command in late October.

US Airman, Sailor killed in Sept. 20 Pakistan blast

Story by Jon Yim
With combined news reports

SAN DIEGO - An Air Force major and a Navy petty officer were among the 53 dead and over 270 wounded after a Sept. 20 explosion at the Islamabad Marriott Hotel in Pakistan, according to the Department of Defense.

The two Americans were identified as Air Force Major Rodolfo Rodriguez, 34, of the 86th Construction and Training Squadron from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. A native of El Paso, Texas, Rodriguez served as the squadron's contingency training flight chief since May and was deployed to the area in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Also killed was Navy Cryptologic Technician 3rd Class Matthew J. O’Bryant, 22, of Duluth, Georgia. O’Bryant was assigned to the Navy Information Operations Command at Fort Meade, Md.

According to the Associated Press, officials and experts said the scale of the blast and its high-profile target were hallmarks of al-Qaida and its Taliban allies.

More than 1,300 pounds of explosives were used in the hotel attack, blasting a crater about 60 feet wide and 25 feet deep, a Pakistani government official reported at a news conference.

A videotape of the attack taken from the hotel's security cameras showed a six-wheel dump truck stopped by security guards at a barrier in front of the hotel’s main entrance.

Al-Arabiya television said the group that claimed responsibility for the attack demanded an end to Pakistani-American cooperation against the militants and a halt to US military operations in Pakistani tribal regions, according to the AP.
- Photos released by DoD

OUR ALLIES IN-ARMS

The HOIST's spotlight on our allied military partners.

Canada -- HMCS St. John's delivers aid to Haiti
Story by Charmion Chaplin-Thomas
Canadian Expeditionary Force Command Public Affairs

OTTAWA - In cooperation with the United Nations' World Food Program (WFP), Her Majesty's Canadian Ship St. John's is currently engaged in a life-saving effort involving the delivery by sea and air of 350 metric tonnes of urgently needed relief supplies, including food aid, to the affected south and southwest regions of Haiti.

Following the Government of Canada's decision to support humanitarian operations in Haiti, HMCS St. John's was deployed on September 10.

As part of the humanitarian effort, the WFP requested the assistance of HMCS St. John's to transport aid to the disaster area. The Canadian Forces will assist the WFP with the delivery of food stocks until later this month.

Sacks of World Food Programme aid are passed from hand to hand by a long line of Canadian sailors from HMCS St. John's (in civilian clothes) and local Haitian residents in green t-shirts. - CF photo by MCpl. Eduardo Mora Pineda

HMCS St. John's is a Halifax-based Canadian Patrol Frigate that has a crew of 225. The ship also carries a CH-124 Sea King helicopter and an air detachment from 12 Wing Shearwater (Nova Scotia) to support the humanitarian effort.

Canada has committed CDN$5 million in humanitarian assistance for Haitians affected by the devastating hurricanes that swept through the Caribbean. This is in addition to the initial CDN$600,000 pledged immediately following the disaster.

These funds will be channeled through trusted humanitarian partners to provide water and sanitation, food, shelter and health care to those who are most in need.

Haiti is the largest recipient of Canadian development assistance in the Americas, with a commitment of CDN$555 million over five years. Canada takes a comprehensive approach in its support for Haiti, with a program designed to meet the needs of the people, reinforce the Haitian government, improve security and access to essential services and elevate overall living conditions in Haiti.

NTWS Ships Store - For All Your Navy Shipmate Swag!

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

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

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

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

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

November changeover for GSA travel cards

Naval Media Center

WASHINGTON - Come this November, your government charge card's vendor will change hands -- Citibank will take over from Bank of America.

The transition will take place on Nov. 29. Navy government charge card holders are encouraged to get with their command's agency program coordinator (APC) to ensure their contact information -- including name, address, telephone number and military e-mail address -- are up-to-date.

"That's going to be the information we are going to use for Citibank. If you're missing your card, it may be because your information is not updated," explained Edward Burke, from the Washington Navy Yard's financial management branch.

Along with the new card vendor, Sailors must contact Citibank upon receipt of their cards to verify they got them.

"By contacting Citibank, it lets us know you have the card and how well we're doing with the transition," said Burke. "At the same time, your card is ready for activation when the transition happens."

Those traveling near or after the transition date, can still use their Bank of America GSA card until midnight, Nov. 30, when the changeover to the new Citibank card begins. There will also be small changes to the Defense Travel System (DTS).

"The changes are to allow two cards to be in the system, so that they can schedule travel on the new card as it gets closer to the transition date, but still use the old card," added Burke.

Additional guidance will be released to help in the transition.

In addition to talking with their commands' APCs, Sailors can visit the Consolidated Card Program Management Division Web site at www.navsup.navy.mil/ccpmd.
- Image courtesy General Services Administration

PHOTO LOG: Views From Around The Fleet

 

HOLLYWOOD COMES DOCKSIDE - MCPON Joe R. Campa Jr. shares a moment with actor Robert De Niro. The two attended the christening of the Military Sealift Command's newest dry cargo/ammunition ship, USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7), at the General Dynamics NASSCO Shipyards in San Diego. The Academy Award-winning actor portrayed Navy diver CPO Billy Sunday in the 2000 biopic, "Men Of Honor." The movie was based on Master Chief Carl Brashear's life and starred fellow Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr.
- Photo by MC1 Jennifer A. Villalovos

READY FOR ACTION - Aviation Boatswain Mate (Handler) Airman Cody Nickles, from Truth or Consequences, NM, a crewman aboard the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), stands at the ready on the ship's flight deck.
- Photo by MCC Ty Swartz

LISTENING CLOSE - Georgian Navy Warrant Officer Ekaterine Batsikadze (right) and German Navy Warrant Officer Dietmar Donner, listen to presentations during the second Global Maritime Senior Enlisted Sailor Symposium in Honolulu. Hosted by MCPON Joe R. Campa Jr. and MCPOCG Skip Bowen, the symposium focused on enlisted development and international cooperation. Senior enlisted leaders representing the navies of 40 nations went to Hawaii for the symposium.

- Photo by MCCS Gary Ward

A SHARP EYE - Quartermaster 3rd Class Atiya Townes stands port lookout watch aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the US 5th and 6th Fleet.
- Photo by MC3 Brian Goodwin

LIFESAVING CARGO - Haitian relief workers unload food and water from a utility landing craft (LCU), destined to victims affected by recent hurricanes that struck the island nation. USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is spearheading relief efforts in the region, along with an embarked contingent of medical and support personnel from all service branches and allied forces.

- Photo by MC2 Eric C. Barker

SMILING THROUGH THE WARPAINT - Petty Officer 1st Class Independance Smith prepares for a Defensive Live Fire exercise as part of pre-deployment training at the Joint Maneuver Training Center, Camp Atterbury, IN. The joint-service training prepares Sailors (IA) and Airmen (ILO) for deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan.
- US Army photo by CPT Greg Lundeberg

POWERING-THROUGH - A squad of 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) transit the Pamlico Sound to a live-fire training range near Piney Island, NC. Naval Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen who operate the 11-meter RHIBS fired .50-caliber machine guns and MK-19 grenade launchers as part of a training exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
- Photo by MC3 Robyn Gerstenslager

THE TOUGHEST PART OF NAVY LIFE - Family members watch from the pier as Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) leaves her Norfolk, VA homeport for a scheduled deployment. Nitze is part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.
- Photo by MCSN Matthew Bookwalter

SAXY SOUNDS - Saxophonists from the 7th Fleet Band perform at an event hosted by the Miura Hojinkai Association in Japan. The performance has become an annual event with music styles ranging from contemporary Latin jazz to popular Japanese music.

- Photo by MCSN Charles Oki

NTWS Membership Growth

Since its launch on Navy Day, October 27, 2006, Sailors from WWII to the present-day, have joined this website. As a result, many Members have reported reconnecting with Shipmates from the past; and as the site continues to grow beyond 300,000 Members by the end of the year, this will be an increasingly common occurrence.

NTWS does not permit public access, and therefore has one of the highest percentages of Navy Members of any Navy community website - as most have been invited by existing NTWS Members. Please help our unique Navy Community continue its strong growth and invite other Sailors that you know.

To go directly to the Navy.Together WeServed.com website click on the hypertext.

It's YOUR Money! with Suze Orman

Personal finance expert and motivational speaker Suze Orman created her brand of mega-success by bringing financial planning out of the echelons of millionaires clubs and delivering it to every day people.

Orman frequently takes calls from servicemembers on CNBC's The Suze Orman Show, and has reached out to troops by making speaking appearances at bases and by being involved in the www.militarysaves.com campaign.

Each month, The HOIST will feature a money tip from Orman to help stretch your hard-earned military dollar every payday.

Q: What is the formula for building wealth?

A: Get rid of credit card debt and other high-interest, short-term debt, like car loans.

Create an emergency savings fund. Six months is ideal. It can be a bank savings account or a certificate of deposit. Consider a high-return plan like that on www.saveyourself.com, which pays $100 after you’ve contributed $100 per month for 12 months.

Besides an emergency fund, start saving for retirement. Start putting money in the Thrift Savings Plan and maybe you also start saving for a down payment for buying a home later. Once you're out of the military, you have to decide where you want to go to get a job and buy a house. So go rent there, and then buy. It’s OK to keep renting until you know where.

Be very careful about your children’s college education. It's so incredibly expensive, it's not even funny.

Realistically speaking, with military salaries, it's very hard to pay for everything - a house, retirement, college. It's better to teach your children that they have to get good grades to qualify for scholarships, or they may need loans or go into the military, which is what my nephew did. Here is the problem: a kid goes to college and still doesn't know what he wants to be and the parents are $100,000 in debt. There's nothing wrong with community college.

TWS Coins, Coffee & More - the TWSCafe!

We're proud to announce the opening of the new "TWS Cafe!"

In partnership with our friends at Devil Dog Brew, we've created the TWS Cafe where you can purchase custom coffee blends of "Devil Dog Brew" and "Snipers Brew" at a discounted price especially for TWS Members.

In addition to coffee, initial product offerings include the Marines and Navy TWS Challenge Coins shown below.
(more products are coming soon, i.e,. custom TWS logo bumper stickers and coffee mugs!)

Coins and coffee can be ordered directly from the TWSCafe page with payments accepted via credit card.

Coin prices are a flat $10 each, which includes shipping.

Coins may also still be ordered via PayPal or by check/money order.

For PayPal, send an email payment (from within your PayPal account) to:
merchandise@tws-advisor.com

Check/Money Orders: Make checks payable to: TWS Events; PO Box 50, Bryantsville, KY 40410

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR SHIPPING ADDRESS AND SPECIFY WHICH COIN YOU WANT with your check or PayPal order!

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