Navy Region Hawaii Concludes 2015 Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials

PEARL HARBOR (March 12, 2015) Sailors and Coast Guardsmen participate in a volleyball match during the 2015 Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials at Joint Base Pearl Harbor (JBPHH). The event allows wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from across the country to compete in cycling, seated volleyball, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball at JBPHH and other locations throughout the island. The top 40 athletes will be awarded a spot on Team Navy and advance to a competition among all branches of the military. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Diana Quinlan/Released)

By By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jeff Troutman, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- PEARL HARBOR - The Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor 2015 Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials drew to a close March 13, concluding a week of successful sporting events and family-oriented symposiums.

The athletes competed in basketball, volleyball, swimming, marksmanship and cycling events as a way to establish meaningful connections with other NWWs and experience positive connectivity through their challenges.

Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, personally commended the approximately 60 warriors who participated in this year's trials at the closing ceremony in Waikiki. 

"On your journey to be here today, I know there were many obstacles that seemed insurmountable. All of you have not only overcome those obstacles, you've strived for new challenges," said Harris. "In pursuit of a dream, every one of you has shown incredible mental and physical toughness. These Trials have provided an opportunity for all of us to celebrate your athletic achievements, your perseverance, your drive and your desire to succeed. So I thank you, and congratulate you for your tremendous achievements."

The wounded warrior athletes competing in the trials were comprised of active-duty and retired service members with upper-body, lower-body and spinal cord injuries; serious illnesses; traumatic brain injuries; visual impairment; and post-traumatic stress. The wounded warrior athletes were competing for selection to the Team Navy roster and advancement to the annual joint-service Warrior Games, which will take place this summer. 

Retired Lt.j.g. Laura Root, a gold medalist winner in the 2013 and 2014 Warrior Games, said the trials are a great way for wounded service members to stay active and continue to support their country.

PEARL HARBOR (March 12, 2015) Retired Airman Sadie Strong reloads during a shooting event at the 2015 Wounded Warrior Pacific Trials at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Strong hopes that moving through this qualifying event will lead to a second consecutive gold medal at the Warrior Games scheduled to be held this fall. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Omari K. Way/Released)

"I know first-hand, when facing disability or when things in your life are going wrong, sports are one place where you can focus on what's right, and here you have a great group of people who understand what you have been through," said Root. "When we come together like this, it's really about the comradery we share. We heal ourselves a little bit by having a good time with each other and by doing something we enjoy." 

Perhaps most importantly, the trials are a way for wounded veterans to prove to themselves that they have the strength and the courage to move forward and continue to excel.

"There are a lot of sports in America today that have Wounded Warriors in mind," said Retired Army Staff Sergeant David Kimes, coach of the Pacific Trials rifle shooting team. "To get out there and do something, and realize that even though you have that setback in your life, you can get out there and enjoy life, and succeed, and maybe even compete and win or turn a lot of heads - it can be huge for self-esteem and self-respect. That's what we try to show with these events; that it's just a temporary setback."

LAST CHANCE AT THIS LOW PRICE!
EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Doug Mills newest documentary "Windjammer" on DVD plus "The Great American Windjammer Vol.1" 

200 pages with nearly 100 8x10 photos.

ONLY: $40.00 for the package!

USS Constitution to Get Underway for Final Time Until 2018

CHARLESTOWN, Mass. (NNS) -- USS Constitution will get underway in Boston Harbor on Friday, Oct. 17, in commemoration of the U.S. Navy's 239th birthday and the ship's upcoming 217th birthday.

More than 500 guests, made up of individuals and organizations with long-standing ties of support to both the ship and the Navy, will accompany Old Ironsides on her fifth and final underway demonstration of 2014. This will also be the historic warship's final Boston Harbor underway until 2018, as she is scheduled to enter dry dock in March 2015 for a three-year planned restoration period.

The ship is scheduled to get underway at 10 a.m. EST. There will be a 21-gun salute off Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston at approximately 11 a.m. Constitution Sailors will also conduct an additional 17-gun salute near U.S. Coast Guard Base Boston prior to the ship's 1 p.m. return to her berth at Charlestown Navy Yard.

Due to the post-underway commencement of large-scale dry dock preparations, including de-rigging and removal of the ship's upper masts and offloading the ship's long guns, Constitution will be open for public tours from Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting the week of Oct. 20.

*Below is a summary of the restoration work planned for USS Constitution from 2015-2018:

Fall 2014/Spring 2015 - CONSTITUTION ENTERS DRY DOCK
* Remove CONSTITUTION's upper mast sections, yards and bowsprit
* Remove all guns, ballast & rudder
* CONSTITUTION enters dry dock 1 in Charlestown Navy Yard
* Install staging, then remove copper from hull below the waterline

2015 - 2017 - ONGOING INSPECTION AND REPAIRS 
* Inspect hull and replace hull planks as needed
* Inspect rigging and replace as needed
* Inspect and preserve fighting tops for all three masts

2016-2017 - ONGOING PRESERVATION PROJECTS
* Preserve all masts and yards
* Preserve ship's wheel & headboards 
* Preserve gun carriages
* Preserve ship's boats

2016 - FOCUS ON BOW (front of Ship)
* Replace planking in bow
* Inspect and repair trail-boards at bow

2017 - FOCUS ON STERN (back of Ship)
* Remove, inspect, replace and repair ship's stern ornamentation
* Repairs to Captain's Cabin

2017 - CONSTITUTION RETURNS TO THE WATER
* Replace planking on gun deck and berth deck (lower decks)
* Install rudder
* Re-copper ship's hull beneath the waterline
* Reef out and re-caulk spar deck (top deck)
* Refloat ship 
* Re-rig ship once afloat and return guns and furniture

Spring/Summer 2018 - CONSTITUTION RETURNS TO PIER 1, CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD

*Note: All dates subject to change as the actual conditions of USS Constitution are inspected and discovered.

USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat, actively defended sea lanes against global threats from 1797 to 1855. Now a featured destination on Boston's Freedom Trail, Constitution and her crew of U.S. Navy Sailors offer community outreach and education about the ship's history and the importance of naval seapower to more than 500,000 visitors each year.

For more news and information on USS Constitution, visit www.history.navy.mil/ussconstitution, www.facebook.com/ussconstitutionofficial and www.navy.mil/local/constitution/.

"Let your dreams take flight."

Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor Announces Team Navy Roster

By Patty Babb, Navy Wounded Warrior - Safe Harbor

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Forty seriously wounded, ill and injured Navy athletes have been chosen to represent Team Navy at the 2014 Warrior Games this fall.

The athletes were evaluated during the Wounded Warrior Team Navy Trials, which took place May 31-June 7 in Norfolk, Virginia. During the event, 65 Team Navy hopefuls faced off in the seven sports - archery, cycling, seated volleyball, shooting, swimming, track and field, and wheelchair basketball - that will be contested during the Warrior Games.

"At the trials, we saw our largest turnout for a Navy adaptive athletics event to date," said Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor Director Capt. Brent Breining. "This made selection of the final athletes to represent Team Navy very difficult. Our staff took great care during the selection process to put together the strongest possible team, and no decision was made lightly. I offer heartfelt congratulations to the accomplished athletes who made the team, and I look forward to watching them compete.

"I encourage all of the athletes who took part in the trials - not only those who made the cut - to remain active and continue training. Sports can have a very powerful impact on their physical and mental well-being and has the potential to accelerate their recovery," he added.

NWW is the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. All of the athletes who participated in the trials are enrolled in the program, which has provided non-medical care throughout their recoveries.

The 2014 Team Navy roster includes a diverse collection of athletes. It brings together service members from around the country, from both the enlisted and officer communities, with incredibly varied backgrounds and skill sets. The team will practice together for the first time at a training camp July 8-13 at Naval Base Ventura County, California.

The 2014 Warrior Games - a Paralympic-like competition among wounded warriors from all branches of military service - will take place Sept. 28-Oct. 4 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Once again, NWW will sponsor Team Navy.

The Warrior Games will be preceded by the inaugural INVICTUS Games, an international athletic competition for wounded warriors hosted by the U.K.'s Prince Harry. NWW will send 22 wounded warrior athletes to London Sept. 10-14 to participate in the event. The Navy's INVICTUS Games participant list is available in the NWW website.

The complete 2014 Team Navy roster is below:

Navy Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Adviento
Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Angelo Anderson
Retired Navy Legalman 1st Class Shahnaz Askins
Retired Navy Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Patrick Blair
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Brian Canich
Retired Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jim Castaneda
Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Daniel Crossley
Navy Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Michael Dacanay
Retired Navy Aviation Electrician's Mate Steven Davis
Navy Machinist's Mate 1st Class Michael Dayton
Navy Chief Counselor Ching Dressel
Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class John Dusseau
Retired Navy Lieutenant John Edmonston
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jacob Emmott
Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Roel Espino
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Isaac Francois
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jaime Garza
Navy Sonar Technician Surface 2nd Class Shericka Goza
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Nathaniel Hamilton
Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Aircraft Handler) 3rd Class Donald Jackson
Retired Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class John Kremer
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sonny Lemerande
Navy Seaman La'Mar Linton
Navy Chief Logistics Specialist Averill Malone
Retired Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Stephan Miller
Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Kenyactha Myers
Navy Airman Brett Parks
Retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Redmond Ramos
Retired Navy Aviation Technician 3rd Class Kathleen Ray
Navy Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician Ryan Reese
Navy Chief Yeoman Javier Rodriguez Santiago
Retired Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade Laura Root
Retired Navy Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Henry Sawyer
Retired Navy Aviation Technician 3rd Class Angel Segarra
Navy Airman Sadie Strong
Navy Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Chris Suter
Navy Counselor 1st Class Misty Taylor
Navy Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Marijka Temple
Retired Navy Chief Gunner's Mate Hector Varela
Retired Navy Chief Yeoman Sharona Young

The above roster may change in the future due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check the NWW website (below) for any updates.

To learn more about NWW, the Warrior Games and adaptive athletics, visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil; call 855-NAVY WWP (628-9997) or email navywoundedwarrior@navy.mil. 

USS Constitution gets underway in Boston

BOSTON (June 6, 2014) USS Constitution gets underway in Boston Harbor for her first cruise of 2014. More than 400 visitors embarked Old Ironsides for the underway demonstration, which commemorated the 72nd anniversary of the Battle of Midway and the 70th anniversary of D-Day. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John P. Benson/Released)

USS Bataan Rescues 282 Persons in Distress

By Lt. Patricia Kreuzberger, Amphibious Squadron 6 Public Affairs

MEDITTERANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transferred 277 persons in distress to the Armed Forces of Malta offshore patrol vessel P61, and another five persons were medically evacuated to Malta, June 7.

Bataan and USS Elrod (FFG 55) rendered assistance June 6 to persons in distress at sea in the Mediterranean after receiving a report of a sinking small vessel. Bataan provided food, water, medical attention and temporary shelter. 

Elrod and Bataan received a report from an Italian military marine patrol aircraft that sighted six small vessels, one of which was sinking, at approximately 3 p.m., June 6.

Bataan launched two Search and Rescue (SAR) MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters to investigate. Once on scene, Bataan's SAR helicopters confirmed a small vessel was sinking. The SAR helicopters then deployed the SAR swimmers to start extracting persons from the water. Elrod deployed their 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB); Bataan deployed their 11-meter Captain's Gig and 7-meter RHIB to assist. 282 persons were recovered and brought on board Bataan. 

Bataan, with elements of 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. 

Join the conversation on Twitter and follow us on Facebook. 

USS Oscar Austin Pays Tribute during D-Day Memorial Ceremony

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class DJ Revell, Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East

CHERBOURG, France (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) stood alongside veterans and dignitaries at a Navy memorial ceremony overlooking Utah Beach in France, June 5.

Oscar Austin Sailors honored those service members who were lost during the largest one-day amphibious assault ever recorded. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion along Normandy's coastline June 6, 1944.

U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert was also in attendance for the memorial ceremony.

"I'm so honored that Oscar Austin is here in support of this year's D-Day commemorations," said Quartermaster 2nd Class Alexandra Wood, a member of Oscar Austin. "To be here at Utah Beach is one of the most humbling experiences I've had so far in my naval career."

During the ceremony, Greenert placed a wreath at the Navy Memorial to pay tribute to the heroism and sacrifice of the more than 160,000 allied troops 70 years ago. 

"The sacrifices made by those 70 years ago continue to be an inspiration to myself and Sailors in today's Navy," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class James Jansma, who was also reenlisted by Greenert. "This day is very important to remember."

The event was one of several commemorations of the 70th anniversary of D-Day operations conducted by Allied forces during World War II June 5-6, 1944. More than 650 U.S. military personnel have joined troops from several NATO nations to participate in ceremonies to honor the events at the invitation of the French government.

Oscar Austin, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with coalition, joint, interagency, and other partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Join the conversation on Twitter and follow us on Facebook. 

Sailors Attend "The Last Ship" Premiere

http://www.tntdrama.com/shows/the-last-ship.html

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (EXW/IDW) Xander Gamble

WASHINGTON (NNS)- Sailors attended Michael Bay's "The Last Ship" premiere at the Newseum, June 4.

The cast and producers of the show invited Sailors to join them for the premiere screening two-and-a-half weeks before the scheduled TNT airing.

Capt. Brian Quin, executive officer of USS Essex (LHD 2), served as the Navy surface warfare expert for the show. He served as the commanding officer of USS Gridley (DDG 101) from 2009 to 2011. His expertise leading a destroyer helped provide real-world knowledge for the show. 

"My favorite part of production was when the actors turned and saluted the national ensign during morning colors. It showed the depth of respect the actors had for the uniform and the Sailors who wear it every day. What they did was never going to show up on camera, but they did it anyway," said Quin.

Quin spent time reviewing the scripts, on set with the set designers, and on location with the actors and producers. Every step of the process, he focused on maintaining the spirit and authenticity of how the Sailors and ship were portrayed in the series. 

"I had a lot of fun acting with the Sailors," said Eric Dane, who plays Cmdr. Tom Chandler, the commanding officer, in the series. "The Sailors are really good actors. You get them in the environment where they know what they are doing, because they do it day in and day out, they really add a lot to the show."

The Last Ship will play on TNT Sunday nights starting June 22.

US Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet Impacts Water During Approach to USS Carl Vinson

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 81 based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Va., impacted the water during an approach to USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) at approximately 10 p.m. PST on June 4 while operating off the coast of Southern California.

The pilot ejected from the aircraft, was recovered safely and is currently aboard Carl Vinson in stable condition. 

The F/A-18E Super Hornet has not been recovered.

All remaining airborne aircraft were safely diverted to NAS North Island in Coronado, Calif., landing at approximately 11 p.m. PST.

All air operations have ceased aboard Carl Vinson until further notice.

A safety investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the mishap.

Carl Vinson and embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 are currently underway conducting Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). JTFEX is designed to test a strike group's ability to operate in hostile and complex environments with other U.S. and coalition forces. The integrated exercise combines specific warfare areas with the purpose of making preparations for the strike group's upcoming deployment.

Wounded Warriors Hit the Ground Running

By Patty Babb, Navy Wounded Warrior -- Safe Harbor

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Wounded Warrior Team Navy Trials begin June 4 in Norfolk, Va., as seriously wounded, ill and injured service members face off in archery, shooting, swimming and wheelchair basketball.

The trials - which take place at Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk State University and Virginia Wesleyan College - run through June 7. They also will include cycling; track and field; and sitting volleyball competitions.

"I'm excited to see where I stand, and how I stack up against the others here," said Navy Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Donald Jackson, who was diagnosed with a serious illness. "It's a fun experience, and I'm happy I'm here."

Jackson, who hails from Kent, Washington, is new to competitive adaptive sports. He is taking part in archery and cycling competitions.

Sixty-five wounded warrior athletes are battling for a place on the Team Navy roster at the fifth annual Warrior Games Sept. 28 - Oct. 4 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. More than half of the trials participants have never before competed at the Warrior Games.

"I'm so happy to be here. There are a lot of new people, so we're making new friends," said retired Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Sonny Lemerande, a Warrior Games veteran who was wounded in combat. "A lot of us [returning athletes] are moving on to other competitions and making room for new faces."

Lemerande, who is from Twentynine Palms, California, will take part in field events, shooting, sitting volleyball and wheelchair basketball competitions. He says he most enjoys the camaraderie of the team sports.

Throughout the coming days, medals will awarded to the top three athletes in the events or heats within each sport. The athletes selected for Team Navy will be contacted after the Wounded Warrior Team Navy Trials with an official invitation.

The trials are hosted by Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic (CNRMA) and Navy Wounded Warrior (NWW) - Safe Harbor, the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program.

"Meeting these athletes for the first time, hearing their inspiring stories, and witnessing firsthand their teamwork, is something that everyone needs to experience," said Navy Capt. John Malfitano, CNRMA Fleet and Family Readiness program director.

"I never thought, after all I've been through, that I wouldn't be afraid to show my injuries," said retired Navy Seaman La'Mar Linton, who was wounded in combat. "It's made me realize that my injuries are part of who I am now."

Linton, who lives in Portsmouth, Virginia, will compete in track and field. He credits his fiancee, Tiffany, with inspiring him to participate in the trials and stay positive.

NWW coordinates the non-medical care of more than 2,500 seriously wounded, ill and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen and provides resources and support for their families. NWW is sponsoring Team Navy at the 2014 Warrior Games.

To learn more about NWW and adaptive athletics, call 855-NAVY WWP (628-9997) or email navywoundedwarrior@navy.mil.

To access the full schedule of events, visit http://safeharbor.navylive.dodlive.mil. The latest news also will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/navysafeharbor. 

For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cni/.

T-34C Crashes At Sea Near Corpus Christi, No Reports of Injuries

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- A U.S. Navy T-34C Turbo Mentor aircraft assigned to Training Squadron 28 (VT-28) with two pilots aboard crashed today while conducting a routine training mission over the Gulf of Mexico at approximately 10:20 a.m., CST.

Initial reports indicate the pilots were able to bail out of the aircraft, and that neither pilot was injured. They are being evaluated at a local hospital. Both crew members were recovered by U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue personnel.

An investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.

USS Taylor to Enter Black Sea

AEGEAN SEA (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50), homeported in Mayport, Fla., will enter the Black Sea April 22 to promote peace and stability in the region.

The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law. Taylor's mission is to reassure NATO allies of the U.S. Navy's commitment to strengthen and improve interoperability while working toward mutual goals in the region.

Taylor recently completed repairs at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Greece. After a round of sea trials that measured the vessel's performance, general seaworthiness, speed and maneuverability, she has now resumed her operations.

Taylor is deployed in a multi-mission role in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to contribute to regional maritime security, conduct bilateral and multilateral training missions, and to support NATO operations and deployments throughout the region.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full range of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation missions in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

Bonhomme Richard Assists in Korean Search and Rescue Efforts

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) is engaged in search and rescue operations, April 17, near the site of Korean passenger ship Sewol that sank near the island of Jindo off the southwestern coast of the Republic of Korea.

The Bonhomme Richard has been assigned a search area five to 15 nautical miles from the shipwreck site. Two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters from the ship are conducting search and rescue operations within the assigned search area. 

Additionally, the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies will exchange liaison officers to facilitate communications for the search operations.

"Our partners in the Republic of Korea coast guard and navy have the lead during this operation and the South Korean responders have been very efficient with their efforts," said Capt. Joey "JT" Tynch, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard. "We remain ready to offer whatever help is required. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the passengers and crew of Sewol and their families."

The Korean passenger ship Sewol had more than 450 people embarked and was traveling from Incheon, South Korea to Jeju island at the time of the incident on the morning of April 16. Bonhomme Richard was on a routine patrol in international waters west of the Korean peninsula at the time of the incident. 

"When we were alerted to the accident, we immediately diverted to the scene to render assistance," said Capt. Heidi C. Agle, commodore of U.S. Amphibious Squadron 11. "However, the efficiency of the Korean response eclipsed the immediate need for our assets. We will provide support as requested by the Korean on-scene commander."

Bonhomme Richard is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. With its embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit, Bonhomme Richard is capable of both combat and humanitarian operations. The ship's primary mission is to embark, deploy and land elements of a Marine Landing Force in amphibious assault operations by helicopter, landing craft, amphibious vehicle or any combination of these methods. 

Bonhomme Richard is also equipped with MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and small boats with the capability of conducting search and rescue operations. The U.S. 7th Fleet will continue to provide assistance to the search and rescue operation as requested by Republic of Korea rescue authorities.

Russian Aircraft Flies Near U.S. Navy Ship in Black Sea

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- A Russian attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the USS Donald Cook in international waters in the Black Sea on April 12, a Pentagon spokesman said today.

The USS Cook was patrolling in the western Black Sea when an unarmed Russian Su-24 Fencer attack aircraft repeatedly flew near the Navy ship, Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters.

"The aircraft did not respond to multiple queries and warnings from Donald Cook, and the event ended without incident after approximately 90 minutes," Warren said. "This provocative and unprofessional Russian action is inconsistent with international protocols and previous agreements on the professional interaction between our militaries."

Two Russian aircraft were present, but only one took part in the provocative actions, Warren said. The aircraft flew from near sea level to a couple of thousand feet, he added, but never overflew the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

"The Russian plane made a total of 12 passes," he said.

The wingman stayed at a considerably higher altitude, Warren said.

Officials later said the aircraft approached within about 1,000 yards of the ship. The USS Cook was never in danger, Warren said.

"The Donald Cook is more than capable of defending itself against two Su-24s," the colonel said.

Warren said he does not think this is an example of a young pilot joyriding. "I would have difficulty believing that two Russian pilots, on their own, would chose to take such an action," he said. "We've seen the Russians conduct themselves unprofessionally and in violation of international norms in Ukraine for several months, and these continued acts of provocation and unprofessionalism do nothing to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine, which we called on the Russians to do."

The Cook arrived in the Black Sea on April 10. The ship is now making a port call in Constanta, Romania.

USS Vandegrift Returns to San Diego following Rescue at Sea

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) arrived at Naval Base San Diego April 9 following the rescue of a family with a sick infant on a disabled sailboat approximately 1,300 miles south of San Diego.

The rescue at sea was a joint-interagency rescue effort involving Navy, Coast Guard and California Air National Guard personnel that started April 3 after the Coast Guard received a distress call from the sailing vessel, Rebel Heart, requesting assistance for a sick one-year old child.

"As a Navy warship we prepare for all types of contingencies and several different missions. I will say that my crew was able to turn on a dime to complete the exercise that we were doing and then get ready for a real life rescue mission," said Lt. Cmdr. Daryl Robbin, executive officer of Vandegrift.

Following the distress call, the U.S. Coast Guard requested assistance from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing, stationed at Moffet Field, Calif. and the Navy. The 129th Rescue Wing launched an Air Force MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft and four pararescuemen who arrived on scene and rendered medical assistance. U.S. 3rd Fleet directed Vandegrift, which was conducting routine operations off the coast off San Diego, to render assistance to the distressed vessel.

"It was a little bit tough since we are rolling into a deployment soon, everyone knew it was a real situation and we came together for that," said Lt.j.g Chris Cheezem, boat officer during the rescue. "It was great job satisfaction to have been put through drills inspections and then to be able to use it in a real world rescue mission."

Vandegrift arrived on scene April 6 and brought the family and four pararescuemen aboard using the ship's 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). 

"We would like to express how grateful we are to the men and women of the Coast Guard, California Air National Guard and Navy who rescued our family, especially the pararescuemen and crew of USS Vandegrift," said Eric and Charlotte Kaufman, family rescued from sailing vessel Rebel Heart. 

Prior to mooring at Naval Base San Diego, the ship made a previously scheduled stop at Naval Air Station North Island to load ordnance. The family disembarked at that time to proceed to their family physician. 

"The Vandegrift was in the right place at the right time and we were happy to help," said Cmdr. Luis Alva, commanding officer of Vandegrift. 

Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

US 7th Fleet Adds Second P-8 Poseidon to MH370 Search

PERTH, Australia (NNS) -- In an effort to pinpoint the exact location Malaysian Air MH370 landed in the Indian Ocean, U.S. 7th Fleet is sending a second P-8 Poseidon Patrol aircraft to Perth, Australia to aid in the search efforts.

The P-8 will fly from Okinawa, Japan to Perth March 28 to join an international coalition of search aircraft being coordinated by the Australian Defence Force.

"It's critical to continue searching for debris so we can reverse-forecast the wind, current and sea state since March 8th to recreate the position where MH370 possibly went into the water. We've got to get this initial position right prior to deploying the Towed Pinger Locator since the MH370's black box has a limited battery life and we can't afford to lose time searching in the wrong area," said Cmdr. Tom Moneymaker, U.S. 7th Fleet oceanographer

Harsh weather conditions, including ceilings as low as 800 feet and potential icing conditions, make the addition of the all-weather P-8 extremely valuable. In total, 7th Fleet patrol aircraft have flown 16 missions, flying more than 150 flight hours covering 220,000 square nautical miles.

In anticipation of finding MH370 debris and pinpointing a close approximation of the crash coordinates, U.S. Pacific Fleet moved a Towed Pinger Locator hydrophone and Bluefin-21 Side-scan sonar into Perth for future positioning to the crash site. 

This movement is a prudent effort to preposition equipment and trained personnel closer to the search area so that if debris is found, search coordinators will be able to respond as quickly as possible since the battery life of the black box's pinger is limited.

The P-3 Orion previously searching in the Northern Indian Ocean will return to previously assigned 7th Fleet missions.

In terms of mission effectiveness and reliability, the P-8A represents a leap forward for the Navy's maritime patrol and reconnaissance community. The aircraft has a maximum speed of 490 knots, a ceiling of 41,000 feet, and provides a range of more than 1,200 nautical miles with four hours on station. For a mission such as the MH370 search, the P-8 will typically fly at 5,000 feet at 350 knots, dropping to 1,000 feet to get a visual identification of any radar returns. It may also fly at 1,000 feet for an extended period of the flight, depending on the environment and mission for the flight. It has a search time of approximately eight, nine hours depending on distance to search area, though during this mission the search time on station is greatly reduced due to the distance of the search area from Perth. 

The P-8A is the most advanced long range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world. A true multi-mission aircraft, it also provides superior maritime intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability. Built on the proven Boeing 737 airframe, the P-8A brings with it enhanced safety and reduced maintenance.

The new P-8A is part of the Navy's commitment to the Pacific rebalance, bringing newer and more capable aircraft to 7th Fleet to ensure the Navy is best postured to honor its security commitments to the Indo-Asia-Pacific and contribute to regional security and stability.