Embedded journalists travel with Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group through Staight of Hormuz

STRAIT OF HORMUZ (Feb. 14, 2012) Capt. Don Gabrielson, commanding officer of the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Cape St. George (CG 71), shares his binoculars with CBS News reporter Allen Pizzey during the ship's transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Cape St. George is deployed as part of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by MC3 Christopher S. Johnson

Commander, Navy Region Southwest receives Second Star
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Rear Adm. Dixon R. Smith was frocked Feb. 10 with his second star in a brief ceremony held at Naval Base Coronado. Conducting the intimate ceremony at his headquarters building aboard the Naval Amphibious Base complex, Vice Adm. Richard W. Hunt and Mrs. Kiki Smith pinned a second star on the collar of the Navy Region Southwest Commander, Dixon Smith. Hunt is the Commander of Naval Surface Forces and Surface Forces Pacific.
Rear Adm. Smith is from Green's Farms, Conn., and received his commission from the United States Naval Academy in 1983 and was designated a surface warfare officer in 1985. He holds a master's degree in business from Webster University and is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
After serving as commander of both Navy Region Hawaii and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific, Smith took command Navy Region Southwest in December 2011.
Navy Region Southwest encompasses six states with a large military presence. More than 75,000 active duty Sailors serve at 11 installations throughout the region

Navy League seeks DON safety role models
2/10/2012
From Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Safety
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy League of the United States is seeking Navy and Marine Corps organizations and individuals who have made the Department of the Navy safer.
The Navy League is now accepting nominations for the FY11 Admiral Vern Clark and General James L. Jones Safety Awards to recognize individuals or groups whose actions and example have significantly improved the safety culture within the Navy or the Marine Corps.
"The Navy League sponsors these awards to stimulate safety ideas, suggestions, or programs that will reduce mishaps and fatalities by providing special recognition to individuals, units or organizations that exemplify and advance a culture of safety," said Navy League President Philip L. Dunmire.
In addition to a Navy League commemorative scroll, recipients will receive a cash award from proceeds generated by an endowment established by former Secretary of the Navy Gordon England and his wife as well as multiple corporate sponsors. The amount of the award is determined by the Navy League Awards Selection Board.
The awards will be presented at the Secretary of the Navy Luncheon during the Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition, April 16, 2012, at the Gaylord National Resort and Conference Center, National Harbor, Md.
The nomination deadline is March 02, 2012.
For criteria and submission guidelines, visit www.navyleague.org/public_relations/awards.php.

Naval Base Coronado's Green Energy Initative
2/10/2012
by MC3 Stephen Votaw, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy is continuing its progress in going green aboard Naval Base Coronado with construction of 15 solar panels along the bayfront scheduled for completion in late February.
The solar panels will produce approximately 400,000 kilowatts per year, saving the Navy approximately $500,000 a year in power costs.
"As part of the Navy's energy initiative we constructed 15 solar panels, called solar trees, that will rotate with the sun throughout the day," said Lt. j.g. Brett Sauers, the assistant public works officer for Naval Base Coronado. "Each of the solar trees will convert enough solar energy during a single day to power three to four standard households."
Sauers went on to explain how the solar trees will be equipped with electronic car ports allowing energy-efficient vehicles to charge during the day while their drivers are at work.
Fred Speece, resource efficiency manager for Naval Base Coronado, has been working to convert the base to more energy-efficient power sources for the past several years.
"It's pretty exciting to be in this field," said Speece. "Helping to reduce the energy we use, whether it's through placing better, more efficient lighting in our buildings, or helping with the construction of solar panels around the base that convert sunlight into real usable energy, it is one of the most rewarding jobs I could ever imagine doing."
The base's switch to green energy, along with the ground-breaking for a 118-acre solar farm at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake in January 2012, are both a part of the Navy's green energy initiative.
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus laid out five aggressive energy goals in October 2009 to improve energy security and efficiency, increase energy independence, and help lead the nation toward a clean energy economy. This initiative assists in achieving the energy goal of increasing alternative energy afloat and ashore where by 2020, the Department of the Navy (DON) will produce at least 50 percent of shore-based energy requirements from alternative sources and 50 percent of DON installations will be net-zero.

PHIBRON 5 changes command

ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 12, 2012) Capt. Humberto L. Quintanilla II reads his orders, as Capt. Donald R. Cuddington stands by to assume command of Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, during a change of command ceremony aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8). Makin Island is the command ship for PHIBRON 5 and is deployed, along with embarked Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU), supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by MC2 Alan Grag

Renovations completed at Camp Pendleton Regimental Headquarters Building
by Mario Icari,
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest Public Affairs Office
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Representatives from Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest, RORE Inc., and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton celebrated the completion of renovations and repairs at the Regimental Headquarters Building with a ribbon cutting ceremony Feb. 1 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
NAVFAC Southwest awarded the $2.4 million contract Jan. 20, 2011, to RORE Inc. to complete the renovations. The renovated building is an 8,925 square foot, two-story structure that was built in 1968.
"It was a real privilege to oversee this project knowing that when the troops return from their assignment they will have newly refurbished and modernized offices to work in," said Joseph Hill, NAVFAC Southwest construction manager for this project. "This building will be one of the safest in the area in case of an earthquake. It is anchored to the ground by 31 helical screws, some as long as 245 feet and as deep as 196 feet. New, cast-in-place steel reinforced concrete shear walls throughout the building will ensure the safety of its occupants."
The project provides an improved and more efficient administrative space for the 1st Marine Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division of Camp Pendleton. The project added new interior finishes including doors, walls, ceiling, seismic upgrading, base and floor finishes. Some of the offices were reconfigured to provide more efficient uses of the building.
"The project came across some challenges especially on the seismic upgrade, but the partnering effort of the design-build team and government team prevailed over them," said Michelle Puentespina, NAVFAC Southwest design manager for this project. "The overall outcome provided a safe, comfortable and functional facility for our Marines to execute their mission and operation."

Blue Angels announce enlisted opportunities for 2013 team
2/15/2012
by MC1 Class Eric Rowley, Blue Angels Public Affairs
EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) -- The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, encourage qualified Navy and Marine Corps enlisted personnel to apply for the 2013 and follow-on seasons.
Navy E-5 and above, and outstanding E-4, Sailors from multiple aviation platforms are considered for this type-two sea duty billet.
Blue Angels Command Master Chief Yoshimi Core explained the Blue Angels team is not locked into selecting Sailors solely based on naval enlisted codes (NECs) or F/A-18 experience.
However, Marine Corps applicants must be F/A-18 specific electricians, communication/navigation (COMNAV), power plants or air frames.
The squadron's Enlisted Applications Chief, Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Patrick Hosterman, said the team has a variety of opportunities available for the following rates: aviation machinist's mate (AD), aviation electrician's mate (AE), aviation structural mechanic (AM and AME), aviation ordnanceman (AO), aviation support equipmentmen (AS), aviation electronics technician (AT), aviation maintenance administrationman (AZ), aircrew survival equipmentman (PR), mass communication specialist (MC), logistics specialist (LS), and yeoman (YN). The team is also looking for a hospital corpsman (HM) with an 8406 NEC and E-7s in aviation maintenance ratings.
Core explained team members must have a strong work ethic, exceptional communication skills, the enthusiasm to represent the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps and the desire to uphold the traditions of the Blue Angels organization.
"The Blue Angels Navy and Marine Corps members are all about team work," said Core. "Ultimately, you can be the best technician in the world but if you do not thrive on teamwork you are not the right fit for this team."
It is common to see Blue Angel HM's, YN's, MC's and LS's on the flight line servicing jets. Team members in different work centers help other shops with heavier or higher priority workloads. Each member adds their skills to the team and they are refined in an intense training process.
"The Blue Angels have a very comprehensive preparation period new team members go through," said Hosterman.
"Prospective chief, limited duty officer and Seamen to Admiral candidates benefit from sustained superior performance, and selection to the team is just another good bullet in their resume," said Core. "The Blue Angels are a small sample of the best Sailors and Marines in the fleet."
Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic (Safety Equipment) Brian Williamson, the Blue Angels detailer, says Sailors should not be concerned about getting penalized if they do not get picked for the team. They will be given one more look in Career Management System/Interactive Detailing (CMS/ID) before they are considered needs of the Navy.
"If you are accepted for the team, the exposure you get and the military bearing you learn will last the rest of your career," said Williamson.
For more information on how to apply visit the Blue Angels' web site: www.blueangels.navy.mil or contact Hosterman at: patrick.hosterman@navy.mil.

Blue Angels seek officer applicants
2/15/2012
by MC1 Eric Rowley, Blue Angels Public Affairs
EL CENTRO, Calif. (NNS) -- U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, encourages Navy and Marine Corps officers to apply for the 2013 team and follow-on seasons.
The Blue Angels team is seeking two Navy or Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots, a flight surgeon and one naval flight officer for the events coordinator position, for the 2013 and follows-on seasons. The team is also seeking one Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilot, a public affairs officer and a maintenance officer for the 2014 and follow-on seasons.
"We are looking for highly motivated career-oriented officers who desire an opportunity to represent the finest men and women of the United States Navy and Marine Corps," said Blue Angels Opposing Solo Pilot Lt. Dave Tickle.
The opportunity to demonstrate the teamwork and dedication of our military to citizens across the country is a rare and unique privilege, Tickle added. It is important the individuals selected are well rounded and proficient in their fields.
"Applying is easy," Tickle said. "However, once we enter the decision-making process we take time to ensure the right applicants are selected to uphold the standards of excellence found throughout the fleet."
Once individuals are considered "active applicants," they are invited to attend any pre-show briefing during the normal show season and attend social functions at the air shows. This gives prospective members insight into the overall routine of the Blue Angels and allows team members to meet the applicants.
Future Blue Angels must have a strong work ethic, exceptional communication skills, the enthusiasm to represent the men and women of the Navy and Marine Corps and the desire to uphold the traditions of the Blue Angels organization.
"My favorite part about being a part of this team is having the opportunity to talk to children at the show sites and see their faces light up with enjoyment," said Blue Angels Lead Solo Pilot Lt. C.J Simonsen. "Our hope is to inspire them to pursue careers in the Navy and Marine Corps and focus their studies in math, science and technology."
Navy and Marine Corps F/A-18 demonstration pilots and naval flight officers are required to have a minimum 1,250 tactical jet hours and be carrier-qualified. Marine Corps C-130 demonstration pilots are required to have 1,200 flight hours and be an aircraft commander.
"The dedication and teamwork of the Blue Angels is absolutely amazing," said Blue Angels Flight Surgeon Lt. Cmdr. Jason Smith. "Applicants, if selected, can expect a challenging and rewarding experience."
Officers must be comfortable in dealing with groups and individuals while demonstrating professionalism, motivation and integrity.
For information on how to apply visit the Blue Angels' web site: www.blueangels.navy.mil.