BULLHORN #81 13 January 2011
Happy New Year! We hope your
Christmas was most wonderful and that the New Year has
started comfortably and that it will bring health and
happiness to All Hands!
ADMIN NOTE!! PROXIES
PLEASE!!
PROXIES PLEASE!!
It is imperative we soon reseat
our Board of Directors. To that purpose, we very much
need your proxies! If you have not already mailed or
emailed your proxy, all you need do is hit “reply” to
this message; that will signify giving your proxy to
the secretary for the coming vote for the Board of
Directors.
INDEX
ANA Squadron Changes
of Command
ANA Dorothy Flatley
Award
EMALS – First Launch
Naval Aviation
Museum Foundation Symposium May 2011
USS ENTERPRISE
Underway
First Annual Coast
Guard Aviation Air Ball
Boeing Celebrates
C-40A Delivery to Navy
Final Voyage Of The
Mighty Ark
Navy Patrol Squadron
46 Returns Home
2011 Maritime Patrol
and Reconnaissance Heritage Celebration
HS-11 In Prep Mode
RhumbLines Helicopter Contributions to the Maritime
Strategy
RhumbLines Executing
the Maritime Strategy
Gates Touts US Air
Power Role In Afghanistan War
Everett is Nimitz 's
New Homeport
Fleet Snapshot
Closing 2010
Aviation Milestones
for 2011
The following Changes of Command
have been reported. Our greatest Thank You! to those
who have served so well and long and now stand
relieved. And our great thanks, too, to those who have
stepped up to the plate to serve as the new COs.
Port Ludlow, WA Olympic Squadron
(# 37) RADM James D. (Jamie) Kelly USN (Ret) relieved
CAPT John Payne, USN (Ret)
Two-Block Fox Squadron (#22) CAPT
Richard S. Zeisel, USN (RET) relieved CDR Ed Philips,
USN (Ret)
Palm Springs “Desert Storm”
Squadron (#42) Mr. Tom Ackland relieved CAPT Peter
Richardson, USMC (Ret)
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 The
Source for Navy News
NAF Misawa Family Member Recognized with Spouse of the
Year Award
By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Daniel Sanford,
U.S. Naval Air Facility Misawa, Japan Public Affairs
MISAWA, Japan (NNS) -- A
Misawa-based family member received the Association of
Naval Aviation's 2009 Dorothy Flatley Naval Spouse of
the Year Award during a ceremony aboard Naval Air
Facility (NAF) Misawa, Japan, Nov. 9.
Shelle Napier, spouse of Naval Air Facility Misawa's
Command Master Chief Michael Napier, received the award
during a ceremony where she was cited for her
inspirational support of Navy families while her
husband served as Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27's
command master chief.
The Dorothy Flatley Award is given annually to one
spouse from Naval Air Forces Pacific and one spouse
from Naval Air Forces Atlantic. Napier was named
Pacific's winner due to her support of squadron
families in which she focused on building strong morale
among her fellow squadron personnel and their family
members, especially during deployments.
She was recognized for bringing the COMPASS program
aboard NAF Atsugi. Sponsored by the Naval Service
Familyline in Washington D.C., COMPASS is a
spouse-to-spouse mentoring program that covers naval
history and traditions, benefits, finances, and
multiple-related topics of acute interest to Navy
families.
Napier originally became involved with COMPASS while
stationed aboard Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.
"COMPASS is such a worthwhile program for spouses and
family members," said Napier. "It was definitely a
program that Atsugi needed for the spouses, and we
found early on the sharing of all the resources
available benefited the entire community."
Beyond COMPASS, Napier also initiated several
innovative, family-oriented projects.
She coordinated a summer pool party where children made
"welcome home" banners for their deployed parents. She
also constructed a squadron "gratitude tree" and
encouraged family members to participate by writing
brief messages on a leaf or sending a picture of their
family for decoration.
"The squadron was coming home a few days before
Thanksgiving, and we had gone the whole deployment
without any incidents," said Napier. "I felt we should
focus on being grateful. Many families took part in
this; the tree ended up being about five-feet tall, and
was placed in a very prominent place at the squadron
hangar.
Napier was also a huge component behind numerous
baked-good giveaways for single Sailors, potluck
dinners and fundraisers – all in support of VFA 27
families.
"Look, everything I did was part of a larger team
effort," said Napier. "I grew up in a family where
service was just something we did; it's always been a
part of my life. As far as the award goes, I think I
was just lucky to be recognized, and for that I am
extremely humbled."
Napier and her husband arrived in Misawa in June. She
said while she is still looking for her niche in
Misawa, she is already firmly involved aboard the
facility.
"I'm very busy volunteering at church, with the family
readiness group and substitute teaching," she said.
Napier said she would also like to bring the COMPASS
program aboard NAF Misawa. She said regardless of the
capacity, she is committed to helping others, no matter
where she may reside.
"Helping others just has a ripple effect," Napier said.
"When it comes down to it, if you have an unhappy
spouse you have an unhappy family, and it then leads to
good Sailors leaving the Navy. If we can help a spouse
be more knowledgeable and involved with Navy life, as
well as their respective commands, everyone benefits
from it, especially the Navy."
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Navy launches first aircraft using
EMALS
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND PATUXENT
RIVER, Md. – Navy News - The Navy made
history when it launched the first aircraft from the
Naval Air Systems Command, Lakehurst, N.J., test site
using the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, or
EMALS, technology.
The Navy has been using steam for more than 50 years to
launch aircraft from carriers. Saturday, the Aircraft
Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE) program launched
an F/A-18E Super Hornet using the EMALS technology that
will replace steam catapults on future aircraft
carriers.
“This is a tremendous achievement not just for the ALRE
team, but for the entire Navy,” said Capt. James
Donnelly, ALRE program manager. “Saturday’s EMALS
launch demonstrates an evolution in carrier flight deck
operations using advanced computer control, system
monitoring and automation for tomorrow’s carrier air
wings.”
EMALS is a complete carrier-based launch system
designed for Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and future
Ford-class carriers.
“I thought the launch went great,” said Lt. Daniel
Radocaj, the test pilot from Air Test and Evaluation
Squadron 23 (VX-23) who made the first EMALS manned
launch. “I got excited once I was on the catapult but I
went through the same procedures as on a steam
catapult. The catapult stroke felt similar to a steam
catapult and EMALS met all of the expectations I had.”
The current aircraft launch system for Navy aircraft
carriers is the steam catapult. Newer, heavier and
faster aircraft will result in launch energy
requirements approaching the limits of the steam
catapult system.
The mission and function of EMALS remain the same as
the steam catapult; however, EMALS employs entirely
different technologies. EMALS will deliver the
necessary higher launch energy capacity as well as
substantial improvements in system weight, maintenance,
increased efficiency, and more accurate end-speed
control.
“I felt honored to be chosen as the Shooter to help
launch the first live aircraft tested on the new EMALS
track at Lakehurst,” said Chief Petty Officer Brandon
Barr, Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Test
Department, Lakehurst. “It was very exciting to
knowingly be a part of naval aviation history. Petty
Officers 1st Class Hunsaker and Robinson, Petty
Officers 2nd Class Williams, Wong, and Simmons, were
the sailors on my team who worked together to help make
this test a success. We all look forward to seeing this
cutting edge technology deployed on the Gerald R.
Ford."
“I’m excited about the improvement EMALS will bring to
the fleet from a capability and reliability
perspective,” said Cmdr. Russ McCormack, ALRE, PMA-251,
deputy program manager for future systems. “EMALS was
designed for just that purpose, and the team is
delivering that requirement.”
The system’s technology allows for a smooth
acceleration at both high and low speeds, increasing
the carrier’s ability to launch aircraft in support of
the warfighter.
The system will provide the capability for launching
all current and future carrier air wing platforms –
lightweight unmanned to heavy strike fighters.
Engineers will continue system functional demonstration
testing at NAVAIR Lakehurst. The team will expand
aircraft launches with the addition of T-45 and C-2
aircraft next year.
NOTES
The
general Atomics web site provides a great description
of EMALS at
http://atg.ga.com/EM/defense/emals/index.php
A video
of the launch can be seen at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euLsg_viWW0
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All Hands are reminded that the
Naval Aviation Museum 2011
Symposium will be May 4 – 6. The Symposium schedule
can be found at
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NORFOLK (Jan. 13,
2011) Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier
USS Enterprise (CVN 65) while family and friends wave
goodbye as the ship departs from Naval Station Norfolk.
Enterprise is deploying as part of the Commander,
Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 12 in support of maritime
security operations and theater security cooperation
efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of
responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication
Specialist 2nd Class Eric Garst/Released)
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Coast Guard Aviators -
As you all
know, this year we celebrate the first centennial of
Naval Aviation, the rich Coast Guard Aviation heritage
that it spawned, and the legacy of Coast Guard Aviators
that have gone before us - some of whom have gone but
never returned. Coast Guard Aviation is more robust
and more relevant today than ever before in our
nation's history. Taking the time to reflect upon and
celebrate the history and legacy of what Coast Guard
Aviation has accomplished and what the CG Aviators of
today still do for our country seems only fitting.
As we close the
chapter on the first century of Naval Aviation and open
the next chapter, Coast Guard Aviation needs an annual
event, one worthy of providing a means to celebrate its
rich heritage. Additionally, this annual event could
serve as a more formal "hail and farewell" to welcome
newly assigned or retired CG Aviators and their spouses
to the Capital Region and to bid a fond farewell to
those departing the Capital area to future assignments.
The First
Annual Coast Guard Aviation Air Ball is scheduled for
Saturday evening, May 7th. This Flight Suit Formal
will be held at one of the DC area's many hotel
ballrooms or military officer's club. Cost is
anticipated to be approximately $50 per person. All CG
Aviators and their spouses/guests will be invited.
Assuming we
have enough interest more details and official
invitations will follow. Please use the voting buttons
above to determine the interest for the event so we can
identify the right location based upon attendance.
Your response is requested by 20 January. Thanks in
advance.
From "the Committee",
CDR's Campbell, Andres, & Cooper
Please R.S.V.P. to
msmithairlines.org
if you would like to attend and support our
active duty Coast Guard Aviation forces!
Visit the
The Ancient Order of The Pterodactyl
At their great web site = http://www.aoptero.org/
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(KAKE ABC WICHITA) ...
Chris Frank
It's going to be anchors away for
the C-40A as Boeing Wichita delivers the modified 737
to the United States Navy.
The C-40A has been modified for
the U.S. Navy and is equipped with a main-deck cargo
door and can be configured for troop transport, cargo
transport or both. With a state-of-the-art flight deck;
21st century avionics; and quiet, clean, fuel-efficient
engines, the C-40A increases the Navy's capability for
rapid response to the fleet worldwide.
"The C-40A plays an important role
in the Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift (NUFEA)
fleet," said Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink, Chief of Navy
Reserve. "These fuel-efficient, extremely flexible
logistics-support aircraft are an integral part of
every maritime mission, from humanitarian assistance to
power projection. The bottom line is the ability of the
C-40A to provide our nation important, Navy-unique
airlift capability at a lower cost. We welcome this new
aircraft into the fleet!"
A lot of Wichitans have a hand in
building the plane. The work on the plane starts at
Spirit Aerosystems where the entire fuselage is built.
The fuselage is then shipped to Renton, Washington for
final assembly, then flown back to Wichita for the
modification work that is a specialty of Boeing
Wichita.
"The C-40A plays an important role
in the Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift (NUFEA)
fleet," said Vice Adm. Dirk Debbink, Chief of Navy
Reserve. "These fuel-efficient, extremely flexible
logistics-support aircraft are an integral part of
every maritime mission, from humanitarian assistance to
power projection. The bottom line is the ability of the
C-40A to provide our nation important, Navy-unique
airlift capability at a lower cost. We welcome this new
aircraft into the fleet!"
The Navy C-40As, which replace the
service's fleet of C-9s, are based at the Naval Air
Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) in Forth Worth,
Texas, at NAS Jacksonville, Fla., and at NAS North
Island in San Diego, Calif. The new aircraft will be
immediately stationed at NAS JRB Fort Worth, where
crews will provide transition training for crews at NAS
Oceana, Va., a new C-40A location scheduled to open
next year.
This is the 10th C-40 delivered to
the Navy since 2001, but the first since 2006. Boeing
brass say celebrating a delivery like this is
particularly satisfying because of the current economic
challenges.
"Things are tough. So to be able
to celebrate and have a satisfied customer that's
actually coming back for more, as you heard the admiral
say," Wade added. "We have another plane here that
we're modifying today and one more coming so we are
excited."
Boeing is on contract to deliver
two additional C-40As; one 737 is currently being
modified at the Wichita facility, while the other is on
the Boeing Commercial Airplanes production line in
Renton, Wash.
"We're looking forward to
continuing to enhance the Navy's fleet of C-40As with
as many aircraft as are required to support this
mission," said Wade. "The C-40A is a proven workhorse,
whether it is delivering humanitarian aid to the scenes
of natural disasters or military equipment to ships and
troops on the ground."
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(NEWCASTLE NORTHERN ECHO (UK)
22 NOV 10)
(This is a tad dated – BUT still
newsworthy – Dutch)
A quarter of a century ago, HMS
Ark Royal slipped majestically into the waters off the
North-East.
Now she
is preparing to weigh anchor for the final time after
the Government announced her decommissioning. Dani Webb
joined the crew on her farewell tour to find out about
life onboard.
Cutting
proudly through the waves of the North Sea, HMS Ark
Royal could be in the midst of any of its many voyages
from the past 25 years.
But as
four Harrier fixedwing aircraft break through the dark
clouds to make their final landing onboard a British
warship, it is clear this is no ordinary trip.
Lieutenant Chris Roy may be making his 50th landing on
the deck of the carrier, built by Swan Hunter, in
Wallsend, North Tyneside, but impressive as it is, it
is not that which catches the eye – rather the red “For
sale” sign he has put up in his cockpit.
It
brings a smile to those watching from the flight deck,
but behind it there is a more serious message.
The
Government sent shockwaves through the 650- strong crew
when it announced last month that, as part of millions
of pounds-worth of defence cuts, the end was nigh for
the vessel known as the Mighty Ark.
For the
Harrier jet pilots, it could mean the end of their
jobs, as their role will no longer be required.
“In the
Royal Navy, when the chips are down we have to do
something to keep us smiling,”
says Lt
Roy. “That’s what I was doing because it is a sad day.
“We just
don’t know what the future holds, but hopefully we will
find something.
“It
wasn’t the best landings any of us have ever done, but
I really enjoyed it. It is the last of them and now we
have to look forward.”
Many of
the flagship carrier’s crew have already received
assurances about their futures in the Royal Navy, but
it is not their jobs, rather the end of the
relationship with Ark Royal that brings a tear to the
eye.
Everyone
from Captain Jerry Kyd through to the administration
staff and the chefs are feeling the pain of losing an
illustrious name that has been in service for more than
500 years.
Executive Officer Rob Bellfield, second in command to
the captain, says: “The decision had a huge impact on
everyone, but we are delighted to have been given this
chance to show her off one last time.
“We are
a fully functioning warship and, if we were called away
now, everyone would be ready.”
Experiencing all 22,000 tonnes of Ark Royal from the
inside is a real eye-opener.
The
steel corridors are lined with miles of exposed piping,
water-tight doors are in place every few metres and
steep metal ladders separate the many floors.
In some
areas, up to 21 sailors can share a cramped dormitory
made up of threehigh bunk beds and during rough seas a
“seatbelt” is provided to stop you falling out.
Those
who work onboard do not hanker for luxuries – they are
here to carry out a very important job.
HMS Ark
Royal may be on her farewell voyage, but watching the
crew going about their roles with meticulous precision,
you would never think it.
Whether
they have been onboard for a few weeks or many years,
they know what they have to do. No one is winding down
or even thinking about life after the Mighty Ark until
that last switch is pushed and the landing ladder drawn
up.
They may
have removed most of the ammunition at its last port of
call – Glenmallan, near Glasgow – but the crew could
still step into action if the call ever came.
Nothing
stops them from doing their job. Not the rough seas we
encounter as we sail around the top of Scotland or, on
a lesser scale, the bouts of inevitable sea sickness.
“If
there is an incident, you just have to get on with it,”
says
20-year-old steward Daniel Phillips, from North
Shields, in North Tyneside.
As we’re
given a guided tour of the ship “flood, flood, flood”
booms out of the tannoys.
There’s
no panic, just half-adozen engineers rushing by en
route to solving the problem while everyone else
carries on as if nothing is happening.
As she
sailed smoothly back to Northumbria Quay on Friday, the
realisation among the crew that the end was near began
to hit home. Their jobs will continue after HMS Ark
Royal has been decommissioned, but each one of them
hopes her name, at least, will return to the high seas
one day.
As
Executive Officer Bellfield says: “She will bow out
with dignity, but it is a great name and hopefully
we’ll see it used again in the future.”
HMS
Ark Royal’s great journey
·
HMS Ark
Royal was built by Swan Hunter Ship Builders’ Wallsend
yard between 1978 and 1981. She is the fifth vessel to
bear the Ark Royal name.
·
She was
accepted into service on July 1, 1985, and commissioned
by the Queen Mother on November 1, 1985.
·
In the
early Nineties, she was a major force in the Balkans
conflict, based mainly in the Adriatic Sea.
·
In 2003
she played a significant role in the Gulf War, as part
of the coalition force that liberated Iraq.
·
In 2007
HMS Ark Royal underwent an £18m refit, securing her
place as the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier.
·
Originally due to be retired in 2016, the Government
last month announced plans to decommission HMS Ark
Royal early next year.
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(WHIDBEY EXAMINER)
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station
Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 “Grey Knights” is coming home
from a six-month deployment.
The first 87 Grey Knights arrived
by airlift on Monday, Nov. 29. The remainder of the
squadron will bring their stable of P-3C Orion aircraft
back to NAS Whidbey Island over the next two weeks.
During the squadron’s deployment,
VP-46 supported various missions across three different
theaters of operation. In Iraq, they flew intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance over-watch missions,
supporting ground commanders as they safely withdrew
from Iraq, representing the departure of the last major
U.S. ground combat troops in Iraq.
Crews supported 6th Fleet, flying
missions with Combined Task Force 151’s counter-piracy
campaign. The Grey Knights also provided anti-submarine
warfare support for 7th Fleet. Even with a rigorous
flight schedule, VP-46 participated in numerous joint
exercises with British, Kuwaiti, Pakistani, Thai and
South Korean forces.
Throughout the deployment, the
Grey Knights continued their tradition of safe,
effective and efficient mission execution and furthered
the command’s safety record with over 46 years and
312,000 mishap-free flight hours – a Pacific Fleet
record.
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In recognition of the
Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA), the 2011 Maritime
Patrol and Reconnaissance Heritage Celebration will be
held on-board NAS Jacksonville from 4-6 April, 2011.
Heritage events run from Monday-Wednesday and include a
Flight Suit Dinner with guest speaker Vice Admiral
Myers, Commander Naval Air Forces. Other highlights
include a Heritage Fly-in, Heritage Golf Tournament,
PBY Monument rededication and more. As we are looking
for maximum participation from every era of MPR
aviation. Events are open to all interested.
Information on the event, as
well as, registration, is provided on the CoNA website
(http://www.mprfcona.org).
The website includes information on travel, lodging,
base info and a detailed description of each event.
There is a $20 registration fee, which includes an
official patch and coin designed for the celebration.
The event is fully supported by the Maritime Patrol and
Reconnaissance Force and we intend to make it one of
the most memorable events to date.
POC is LCDR Rob Wilkerson
E-mail:
Vp30_mprfcona@navy.mil
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Lt. j.g. Brett Ballard,
HS-11 Public Affairs
"It's always a great feeling to be
back on the flight deck of the legendary ‘Big E,'" said
HS-11 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Max Clark.
"Next to the USS Constitution, USS
Enterprise is the Navy's oldest commissioned warship -
yet you wouldn't know it when you look at her."
After its recent two-year stay in
the Northrop Grumman Shipyard in Newport News, Va., the
aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) will serve as
the flagship for Commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve
(CCSG-12) as the carrier prepares for its 21st
deployment.
"As of Thanksgiving, our squadron
finished with the heavy portions of our workup as part
of CSG-12. The composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX)
Oct. 4 - 26 was the last major dragon that we had to
tame as part of Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) embarked
on the Enterprise. As part of COMPTUEX, the
Dragonslayers executed two live-fire Hellfire missile
shots" said Clark.
"HS-11 was evaluated highly in
every mission area of COMPTUEX," said Executive Officer
Cmdr. Tony Moreno. "After we complete the joint task
force exercise (JTFEX) in early January, the Enterprise
strike group will be certified for deployment.
"During the training, our
operators worked to achieve a more robust and
integrated anti-submarine mission between Enterprise
and other aviation assets."
Moreno noted that since the
disestablishment of the S-3 Viking squadrons, HS-11 has
pushed the integration of its anti-submarine mission
with land-based P-3C Orions and the HSL (SH-60B)
detachments embarked with the strike group's destroyers
and cruisers.
After COMTUEX, HS-11 sent a
four-helicopter detachment to Atlantic Undersea Test
Evaluation Center (AUTEC) located on Andros Island,
Bahamas.
Pilots, aircrew and maintainers
participated in three days of intensive anti-submarine
warfare training where they worked with other aviation
and surface assets to locate and track submarines.
While at AUTEC, the Dragon-slayers
also trained for Helicopter Visit Board Search and
Seizure (HVBSS).
Clark added, "We are about to
embark on JTFEX on board Enterprise for our final
pre-deployment exercise. After JTFEX, we will return
home for our holiday leave period before deploying with
CVW-1 in mid-January."
When asked to name a 2010 mission
that stood out for him, Moreno said, "Our people
received the Humanitarian Service Medal for their
contribution to Operation Unified Response in Haiti. We
fielded one of the first earthquake-response calls
early on Jan. 12 - and by that evening we had four
helicopters on board the aircraft carrier USS Carl
Vinson (CVN 70), which spent 10 weeks operating near
Port-au-Prince. Our maintainers and operators are top
notch, as evidenced by their accident-free
mobilization."
AFCM(AW/SW) Rodney Feliciano
agreed, "I talk to these guys all the time at our
morning and evening maintenance meetings and let them
know how important their job is to the fleet. They are
doing real good because it takes a lot of work to
maintain these Seahawks. The SH-60F first joined the
fleet back in 1988, so there's a lot of stuff that just
wears out. Our guys put in the extra time necessary to
keep them mission-ready and flying safely."
The HS-11 Dragonslayers deploy
with SH-60F and HH-60H Seahawk helicopters that, in
addition to anti-submarine warfare, perform search and
rescue, drug interdiction, anti-ship warfare, cargo
lift and special operations missions.
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Agence France-Presse
ABOARD USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (AFP) -- Defence
Secretary Robert Gates on Monday told the crew of a US
aircraft carrier that the ship's warplanes were dealing
"lethal blows" to insurgents in Afghanistan.
"When your aircraft come screaming, our troops hear
the sound of relief and the enemy knows what's coming
next," Gates told hundreds of sailors in a vast hangar
on the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.
"You are delivering lethal blows to them and
protecting the lives of our men and women on the
battlefield," he said, standing near parked F/A-18
fighter jets.
Amid a surge of US reinforcements, American
commanders have stepped up the use of air strikes to
try to turn the tide in the nine-year-old war.
In his first visit as secretary to a deployed
aircraft carrier, Gates acknowledged the bombing raids
carried the risk of civilian deaths, but said US forces
were taking extensive precautions.
"Recognizing the complexities of this battle
environment, you have been extraordinarily conscious
about the need to avoid civilian casualties," Gates
said.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai has often expressed
anger over air strikes that have claimed civilian
lives, but US and NATO officials say Taliban insurgents
have caused a much higher number of civilian deaths,
through bombing attacks or by using civilians as cover.
The Nimitz-class USS Abraham Lincoln, with a crew of
about 5,000, supports US-led troops in Afghanistan with
its fleet of F/A-18 Hornets as well as EA-6B Prowlers
and E-2C Hawkeyes.
Pilots on the ship fly a total of about 27 sorties a
day to Afghanistan, hundreds of kilometres (miles) from
the carrier in the Arabian Sea, requiring mid-air
refueling on both legs of the mission, Rear Admiral
Mark Guadagnini told reporters.
Asked if tensions over Iran's nuclear programme had
prompted his tour of the carrier, Gates said the visit
had been in the works for some time.
"I'm sure someone will try to make it into one but
it's not (a signal)," Gates said.
With public attention focused on roughly 150,000
coalition troops on the ground in Afghanistan, Gates
wanted to pay tribute to the "largely unseen and
unheralded" role played by naval ships and aircraft in
the war effort, his press secretary Geoff Morrell said.
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From USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- USS
Nimitz (CVN 68) and 2,800 Sailors arrived at Naval Base
Kitsap in Bremerton, Wash., Dec. 9 after completing a
four-day transit from San Diego.
Nimitz is in Bremerton to conduct a year-long
dry-docked maintenance period at the Puget Sound Naval
Shipyard (PSNS) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility
where the ship will receive major upgrades to its
combat, self defense, navigation and potable water
systems and numerous other components.
The Navy also announced Dec. 9 that Nimitz will be
homeported at Naval Station Everett, Wash., upon
completion of the ship's maintenance period at
Bremerton. Nimitz is expected to complete the
maintenance period in December 2011.
"Great job to everyone for making this all happen,"
said Capt. Paul O. Monger, Nimitz's commanding officer.
"Maintenance of the ship, moving families and other
factors went into the decision."
The general reaction of Sailors was mixed. Sailors were
relieved to hear the decision was made but some were
hoping to return to San Diego after the ship's dry-dock
period. Others, however, were excited about the ship
being homeported in Everett.
"I'm excited to finally know," said Aviation
Ordnanceman Airman Melody Rogers. "We've been up in the
air wondering where we were going to go after
Bremerton. I'm just happy I'll be closer to home."
Prior to pulling into port, Kitsap county officials,
Bremerton city officials and the mayors of both
Bremerton and Port Orchard, Wash., flew aboard to
welcome the ship and crew to the Kitsap area.
"It is exciting to see the dedication of the men and
women who defend us every day," said Lary Coppola, the
Port Orchard mayor.
Hundreds of family members, friends and shipmates
welcomed Nimitz at the pier in Bremerton as the ship
arrived.
"I'm happy to see my husband again, and I'm excited to
be here in Washington. It's a beautiful area," said
Jessica Rubio, the wife of a Nimitz Sailor.
For the Nimitz' crew, the next week will be busy as the
crew moves from the ship into their new homes in the
Kitsap area and into barracks rooms at Naval Base
Kitsap in Bremerton.
"I'm excited to be in the barracks," said Culinary
Specialist Seaman Brandy McHayle. "It's going to be
more comfortable than living on the ship, and it's
better to be sleeping in a bed than a rack."
Additionally, the ship will be offloading nearly 400
privately-owned vehicles that were onloaded in San
Diego as part of an opportune lift program to help
Sailors and families move their vehicles from
California to Washington.
While in dry-dock, the Navy expects to accomplish
approximately 450,000 man days of work during the
docking-planned incremental availability. Much of the
work will be conducted by government workers at PSNS,
but a substantial amount, around 72,000 man days, is
expected to be accomplished in the private sector, with
a significant effort being accomplished by the Nimitz
crew.
Third Carrier To Replace Nimitz
Coming In 2016
(SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE) ...
Jeanette Steele
The Navy aircraft carrier Nimitz
will not return to San Diego, instead staying in
Washington state after an overhaul, but another carrier
will call San Diego its home port in 2016.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus
said national defense strategy and $100 million in cost
savings are behind the decision to permanently move the
Nimitz.
The savings come from the lower
cost of living in Everett, Wash., and reduced moving
expenses by keeping the flattop in the Puget Sound
region after its maintenance period.
"Many factors were considered
here, including the quality of life for our sailors and
their families, and the considerable cost savings to
the American taxpayers," Mabus said in a statement from
the Navy. "Maintaining a carrier in Everett will ensure
long-term strategic dispersal and operational readiness
of our fleet which is critical to our national
security."
Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego,
said she's been told by the Navy that there's an
expectation of a new carrier in San Diego by 2016. She
wouldn't reveal the incoming ship's name.
"Given the importance of the
Pacific region to the prosperity and safety of the
United States, I believe San Diego remains the most
important strategic location for the United States Navy
and will continue to advocate for a robust naval
presence in San Diego and Coronado," she said, in a
written statement.
"After discussing this issue with
the chief of naval operations, I am confident that the
Navy fully understands the importance of San Diego. In
fact, San Diego is in place for a third carrier in
2016."
If that happens, Davis added, the
city's time without three carriers on its skyline is
"really just a long sabbatical."
A Defense Department official
confirmed a third carrier for San Diego in 2016, saying
that North Island Naval Air Station remains a capable
home port for up to three flattops. "And, over the long
term, that is the plan," the official said, who added
that the ship hasn't yet been named.
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, said
he is disappointed by the Nimitz move and wants more
information from the Navy.
"Relocating the Nimitz appears to
be a decision based more on strategic planning than
regional politics. Regardless of the Navy’s reasoning,
I want to know more about how the Navy arrived at this
decision and why it believes moving the Nimitz out of
San Diego – where certain infrastructure and training
facilities already exist – is in our national
interest," Hunter said, in a statement from his office.
The Nimitz, with its 2,800
sailors, left San Diego Bay on Monday for a year-long
maintenance period in the Navy's Bremerton, Wash.,
yard.
Now it will stay in the Puget
Sound region, moving over to Naval Station Everett.,
and the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln will head into
a Virginia shipyard for a major overhaul.
For the present time, that leaves
the Navy with two of its 11 flattops in San Diego and
two in Washington state.
The Carl Vinson and the Ronald
Reagan will remain stationed at North Island's piers
for the foreseeable future.
It’s a major economic hit for San
Diego, as a carrier brings with it $203 million yearly
in sailor salaries, plus $4 million in annual utility
spending. On top of that, Navy families pour cash into
the region’s restaurants and shopping malls.
The Navy estimated that the
carrier Carl Vinson brought $417 million in annual
economic impact when it arrived in San Diego in April.
RETURN TO INDEX
The aircraft
carrier Enterprise spent early December at sea for
joint task force exercises with its carrier strike
group as they prepared for an early 2011 deployment.
This is expected to be the ship's final deployment.
Nimitz, fresh from
the announcement of a permanent change of home port
from San Diego to Everett, Wash. saw its hull go dry
Dec. 16 at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate
Maintenance Facility in Bremerton, Wash., the start of
a yearlong overhaul. By the end of 2011, the carrier
will shift across the sound to Everett.
Dwight D.
Eisenhower, after back-to-back deployments, is going
through a six-month yard period for maintenance and the
revamping of its living and work spaces. It will then
conduct work-ups in the coming year.
Carl Vinson left
San Diego Nov. 30 to finish its pre-deployment work-ups
and will begin 2011 fresh into a seven-month deployment
to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf regions.
Theodore Roosevelt
will begin the year nearly halfway through its major
36-month midlife refueling and complex overhaul in
Newport News, Va, and will come out of dry dock this
coming year.
Abraham Lincoln
will begin the year deployed in the 5th Fleet region in
the midst of a busy schedule that will bring the
carrier home to Everett this spring. Months later, it
will change its home port to Norfolk, Va., where it
will begin its mid-life refueling and complex overhaul,
expected to last four years.
George Washington
spent the holidays at home in Yokosuka, Japan, after
fall joint exercises and a highly-visible presence in
the 7th Fleet region amid escalated tensions on the
Korean Peninsula.
John C. Stennis in
mid-December wrapped up a maintenance period at Puget
Sound and went to sea before returning to Bremerton. It
will begin work-ups for its next deployment
Harry S. Truman
returned to Norfolk on Dec. 20, ending a seven-month
deployment spent mostly around 5th Fleet. It is not
scheduled to deploy in 2011.
Ronald Reagan
prepared for its joint task force exercise before a
deployment its fifth in six years to the Western
Pacific in early 2011.
George H.W. Bush
will celebrate its first deployment in 2011 after
at-sea work-ups with its strike group.
RETURN TO INDEX
From CHINFO = Key advancements
coming for Naval Aviation in 2011:
F-35 Lightning II.
The F-35B Marine Corps variant will continue flight
test envelope expansion, including
short-takeoff-and-vertical landing testing, aboard an
amphibious ship. The carrier variant, the F-35C, will
continue flight test envelope expansion, including
catapult and jet-blast deflector testing, at Naval Air
Station Lakehurst, N.J.
Fire Scout. The
unmanned MQ-8B helicopter has two deployments scheduled
for 2011. The system will support intelligence,
surveillance and reconnaissance missions aboard the
frigate Halyburton in the Mediterranean Sea and Horn of
Africa, and ground-based operations in U.S. Central
Command.
X-47B unmanned
strike aircraft. This carrier-based UAV will continue
flight tests at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
Cargo UAS. The Navy
intends to field the cargo unmanned aerial system this
fall for a six-month deployment, then choose one of two
contractors' designs for production.
P-8A Poseidon. The
P-8A will continue integrated testing at Naval Air
Station Patuxent River, Md., and is on track for fleet
introduction in 2013.
EMALS. The
Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System planned for
Gerald R. Ford-class carriers just launched an F/A-18E
Super Hornet and will expand its test envelope by
launching T-45 and C-2 aircraft at the Lakehurst test
site in 2011.
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