Showing posts with label U.S. NAVY PHOTOS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. NAVY PHOTOS. Show all posts

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

THE SHIPS COME IN, THE SHIPS GO OUT






FROM: U.S. NAVY

130419-N-DH124-045 SAN DIEGO (April 19, 2013) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) returns to homeport San Diego, April 19, after completing an eight-month, ballistic missile defense deployment to the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation. While operating in the Arabian Gulf, the ship and her boarding team conducted 88 "approach-and-visit" operations that helped strengthen U.S. Navy ties with local mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rosalie Garcia/Released)




130419-N-DH124-125 SAN DIEGO (April 19, 2013)- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) departs homeport San Diego, April 19, for a six-month deployment to the 7th Fleet area of operations. While deployed, Preble is scheduled to participate in Cooperation and Readiness Afloat Training (CARAT) with partner nations in the region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Rosalie Garcia/Released)

 

Saturday, October 27, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTO




FROM: U.S. NAVY
The guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) prepares to sortie in advance of Hurricane Sandy. Adm. Bill Gortney, commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, ordered all U.S. Navy ships in the Hampton Roads, Va., area to set Sortie Condition Alpha Oct. 26 in preparation of Hurricane Sandy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tamekia L. Perdue (Released) 121026-N-JX924-163

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS







FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Cmdr. Jeff Saville, a Navy chaplain, tours his son around the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52) during a family day cruise. Bunker Hill hosted more than 180 guests to show them the operational capabilities and life aboard the ship. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Karolina A. Martinez (Released) 120907-N-JN664-516






Aircraft land aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during nighttime flight operations in the Arabian Sea. Enterprise is deployed 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 Information Systems Technician Stephen Wolff (Released) 120908-N-ZZ999-001

Friday, September 7, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS






FROM: U.S. NAVY

120823-N-DA827-041 EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (Aug. 23, 2012) Congressman Jeff Miller discusses a remote controlled Talon EOD robot with Senior Chief Explosive Ordnance Disposal Joseph Severino, the Improvised Explosive Device Division non-commissioned officer in charge, while on a tour at Naval School Explosive Ordnance Disposal. The school, located at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. provides high-risk, specialized, basic and advanced EOD training to over 2,200 U.S. and partner nation military and selected U.S. government personnel each year. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Elizabeth Allen/Released)






120904-N-CH661-012 ARABIAN SEA (Sept. 4, 2012) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to the Rooks of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137 is the 100,000th launch from catapult three aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed 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 Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jared King/Released)

Saturday, September 1, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

 
 


FROM: U.S. NAVY

120826-N-KB563-346 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 26, 2012) An AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 approaches the flight deck during flight operations aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed amphibious assault group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell/Released)

 


120830-N-KB563-091 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 30, 2012) AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft assigned to Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 542 sit on the flight deck aboard the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) at sunset off the coast of White Beach Naval Facility. Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Russell/Released)

Thursday, August 30, 2012

U.S. NAVY PHOTOS OF 9-11 ATTACK






 
FROM: U.S. NAVY
010914-N-3995K-015 New York, N.Y. (Sept. 15, 2001) -- A New York City fireman calls for 10 more rescue workers to make their way into the rubble of the World Trade Center. U.S. Navy Photo by Journalist 1st Class Preston Keres. (RELEASED)

 
 



010914-N-1350W-003 New York, N.Y. (Sept. 14, 2001) -- Rescue workers conduct search and rescue attempts, descending deep into the rubble of the World Trade Center. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Jim Watson. (RELEASED)


 



010911-N-3783H-174 Arlington, Virginia (Sept. 11, 2001) -– Smoke and flames rose over the Pentagon late into the night, following a suspected terrorist crash of a commercial airliner into the southwest corner of the Pentagon. Part of the building has collapsed meanwhile firefighters continue to battle the flames and look for survivors. An exact number of casualties is unknown. The building was evacuated, as were the federal buildings in the Capitol area, including the White House. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Bob Houlihan (Released)

Friday, August 24, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS IN 2012







FROM: U.S. NAVY
Chief petty officer selectees practice 17th-century-era boarding pike drills during USS Constitution's Chief Petty Officer Heritage Week. During the week the selectees will live and train aboard USS Constitution, the world's oldest commissioned warship afloat. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Achterling (Released) 120822-N-BJ178-187




 



Members of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 observe an injured green sea turtle with SeaWorld Rescue Program representatives at Naval Air Station North Island. VRC-30 partnered with SeaWorld to transport the 160 pound sea creature from Oregon to San Diego. The rescue effort was conducted during one of the squadron's routine training missions, which helps prepare pilots and air crewmen to perform efficient medical evacuations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Wilyanna Harper (Released) 120821-N-HW704-022

NAVY ESTIMATES SUBMARINE FIRE REPAIR BILL AT $450 MILLION


FROM: U.S. NAVY
Official U.S. Navy file photo of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755) entering dry dock March 15, 2012 to begin an engineered overhaul at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. (U.S. Navy photo by Jim Cleveland/Released)

From Naval Sea Systems Command Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's revised cost estimate to restore USS Miami (SSN 755) is approximately $450 million, with an estimated date of completion for the repairs of April 30, 2015 officials announced Aug. 22.

The estimate includes 10 percent variability due to the unique nature of the repair and the cost impacts of shifting the planned maintenance availabilities of other ships and submarines.

Navy is committed to delivering the submarine back to the fleet with no operational limitations. Once returned to service, Miami will serve for an additional 10 years with five planned full-length deployments, ready to respond to any combatant commander tasking.

The resources and workforce to support the repair effort are expected to come from the Portsmouth Naval shipyard, private sector, as well as the local New Hampshire and Maine trades workforce. The Navy expects to award an advanced planning contract in September to support engineering efforts to guide the accomplishment of repairs and procure repair material, followed by the repair contract in late spring 2013.

Since June, the Navy has continued its engineered overhaul work in areas unaffected by the May 23 fire; cleaning and ripping out areas affected by fire and water damage; completing the technical assessment of the damage; developing a strategy for completing repair; and refining the cost estimate.

A lessons-learned oversight board composed of three-star flag officers from Naval Sea Systems Command, Commander Naval Installations Command and Commander Submarine Forces was formed in July 2012 to ensure that all valuable issues and lessons are identified and corrective actions are developed.

The fire that damaged the submarine was set May 23. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service launched an investigation which resulted in the arrest July 20 of Casey James Fury, a 24-year-old civilian worker at the Shipyard. Fury had a first appearance hearing before a federal magistrate in Portland, Maine July 23 and was charged in connection with the May 23 fire as well as a second minor fire in the Shipyard's Dry Dock #2 area June 16. Fury remains in custody at the Cumberland County Jail in Portland Maine.

Monday, August 6, 2012

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN AUGUST 6, 2012

120327-M-VH365-057 MANAS AIR FORCE BASE, Kyrgyzstan (March 27, 2012) U.S. Marines and Sailors assigned to Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 6, are seated in a U.S. Air Force Boeing C-17 Globe Master III military transport aircraft at Manas Air Force Base, Manas, Kyrgyzstan. Marines and Sailors were in transition to Afghanistan to begin a 7-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Sean M. Searfus/Released)
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Airstrike Kills Several Insurgents in Afghanistan
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2012 - A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents during a search for a Taliban leader in the Achin district of Afghanistan's Nangarhar province today, military officials reported.

During the operation, an armed group of insurgents attempted to attack the Afghan and coalition troops, officials said. The security force positively identified the armed insurgents and engaged them with a precision airstrike.

While conducting a post-strike assessment, the security force confirmed the strike had killed several of the insurgent attackers, officials said. The security force also confirmed the strike had not injured any civilians or damaged any civilian property. The security force detained one suspected insurgent.

Also today in the Terayzai district of Khost province, an Afghan-led, coalition-supported force detained several suspects during a search for a Haqqani leader. The sought-after Haqqani leader has conducted several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in recent months. He also is responsible for acquiring weapons for insurgents in the province.

In operations yesterday:

-- Haqqani network leader Hakimi was killed by a coalition airstrike in the Muhammad Aghah district of Logar province. Hakimi had served directly under the Haqqani leader for the Muhammad Aghah district and was directly involved in the transport of explosives and weapons to insurgents throughout the region. The airstrike did not injure any civilians or damage civilian property.

-- A coalition airstrike killed several insurgents during a search for a Haqqani leader in the Tsamkani district of Paktia province. The airstrike did not injure any civilians or damage any civilian property.

-- In Ghanzi province, a combined force found and cleared an improvised explosive device in the Gelan district and cleared another IED in the Ghazni district.

-- A combined force detained five insurgents who were emplacing an IED in Khost province's Sabari district.

-- A combined force detained five insurgents in Khost province's Gurbuz district.

-- A combined force discovered an ammunition cache in Khost province's Sabari district.

-- In Nangarhar province, a combined force detained two insurgents who were emplacing an IED in the Bati Kot district.

-- A combined force killed two insurgents and wounded two others in the Jani Khel district of Paktika province.

-- In Wardak province, a combined force found and cleared an IED in the Sayyidabad district and another in the Maidan Shahr district.

-- A combined force detained an insurgent who was found with IED-making materials in Wardak province's Maidan Shahr district.

-- In the Baraki Barak district of Logar province, a combined force killed an insurgent, detained several suspects and seized multiple weapons during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader.

In other news, Mufti Assad, also known as Mufti Punjabi, Abdul Qudus and Sufyan, the al-Qaida network leader for Kunar province, was killed Aug. 3 in an airstrike in the Watahpur district of Kunar province. Assad led dozens of al-Qaida affiliated fighters throughout eastern Afghanistan and provided IED training to insurgents. Yusuf, Assad's al-Qaida network deputy, also was killed in the airstrike. Yusuf, also known as Omar and Rayhman, was an IED expert who directed insurgent attacks across eastern Afghanistan.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS



FROM: U.S. NAVY
PUGET SOUND
Sailors man the rails aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) during the Parade of Ships during the 63rd annual Seattle Seafair. Seafair activities allow U.S. and Canadian Sailors and Coast Guard personnel to experience the local community and to promote awareness of the maritime forces. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy A. Hazel (Released) 120801-N-TZ605-802




 
PEARL HARBOR
Sailors and Marines man the rails aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the ship returns to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam following operations supporting the Rim of the Pacific 2012 exercise. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel took part in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Barker (Released) 120801-N-RI884-005



PACIFIC OCEAN
Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) 32, assigned to Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, prepares to enter the well deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2). Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in the biennial RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Eric T. Crosby (Released) 120801-N-SS993-354



PACIFIC OCEAN
A rigid-hull inflatable boat transports personnel to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47). Rushmore is part of the Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group and is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in the Pacific Ocean with the amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20). U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Michael Duran (Released) 120731-N-ZM744-062

Saturday, August 4, 2012

USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65) ON FINAL DEPLOYMENT


120714-N-AP176-079
ARABIAN SEA (July 14, 2012) An aircraft takes off from the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65). Enterprise is deployed 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 Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeff Atherton/Released)


FROM: U.S. NAVY, USS ENTERPRISE
Records Reveal Enterprise is on 25th Deployment
By USS Enterprise Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Aug. 3, marks the 50th anniversary of the first deployment of USS Enterprise (CVN 65), and historians recently discovered the actual number of deployments is higher than commonly reported.

Now as the Big E continues her final deployment, scores of Sailors and historians are reviewing and double checking all aspects of the carrier's storied career.

The number of arrested landings, historic milestones, major evolutions, and, yes, even number of deployments are being checked and double checked for accuracy. As the Navy entered into the digital age, many of the historical documents associated with the carrier were made available online.

Cases in point are the command history reports, which outline the milestones and accomplishments that occur over each calendar year. Research into these and other documents have led researchers to a startling new discovery.

Tracing the number of deployments that Enterprise has completed would seem like a relatively easy task - simply tally up the number from the command history reports. Unfortunately, a few format changes over the years made for a task a bit more challenging than expected.

According to retired Navy captain Todd Creekman, executive director of the Naval Historical Foundation in Washington D.C., researchers at the foundation have unearthed some surprising news.

"In reviewing Enterprise's operational history, we made an interesting discovery" Creekman said. "All the current reports say that the ship is on her 22nd deployment. Actually, it is on the 25th deployment."

Research from the Naval Historical and Heritage Command's (NHHC) online database and other reports reveal that the carrier has "been there, done that" more often than commonly thought.

"We've run it by NHHC historian Mark Evans and it matches his data," Creekman said.

As researchers worked to piece together what happened, it appeared that a focus on the ship's WestPac deployments led to the error.

In a number of accounts, including command history reports, a particular deployment would be listed, for example, as "the tenth WestPac deployment," which would be accurate counting from the ship's first 1965-66 epic "first nuclear carrier in combat" deployment to the Vietnam War.

The carrier completed its fourteenth and last sequential WestPac in 1990, before entering Newport News Shipyard in 1990 for the ship's third refueling.

Following the final refueling, Enterprise made Norfolk, Va., her homeport once again and only made deployments to the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf.

"The problem began when later history reports used the same number sequence but dropped "WestPac" from the description," Evans explained. "The refueling reports failed to re-account for the three deployments Big E made to the Mediterranean Sea between 1962-1964."

One example is the command history report from the ship's historic 2001 deployment, which reads: "On April 25, the Enterprise Navigation Department set Special Sea and Anchor Detail to begin a historic 17th deployment for operations in the Mediterranean Sea, Arabian Gulf and North Arabian Sea."

This was, in fact, the ship's 20th deployment.

As the 51-year-old carrier steams along today on its 25th and final deployment, researchers continue to verify and cross reference important facts and milestones to ensure accuracy.

"It's already exciting to be a part of Enterprise's final deployment, but each day we are discovering more and more about the rich history of which we are a part," said Capt. William C. Hamilton, Enterprise's commanding officer. "We estimate over 200,000 Sailors and Marines have served aboard the Big E, and every one has helped in making her the legend we serve aboard today. We are a very, very proud crew."

The eighth ship to bear the name Enterprise is scheduled to inactivate from service on December 1, 2012, in a Ceremony in Norfolk, Va., in preparation for her defueling and decommissioning in 2016.

Friday, August 3, 2012

WEST NILE VIRUS STRIKES EARLY THIS YEAR

050910-N-2653P-132 Naval Air Station (NAS) Joint Reserve Base (JRB) New Orleans, La. (Sept. 10, 2005) - Preventative Medicine Technician (PMT), Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Jonathan Wells, assigned to Forward Deployable Preventive Medicine Unit (FDPMU) East, removes a Light Trap provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from a tent city area on board NAS JRB New Orleans. The FDPMU is assisting the CDC and the Louisiana Department of Public Health to eliminate vector-borne disease and other insect-related problems associated with Louisiana’s mosquito population. Diseases like West Nile Virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes, which thrive in wet ecological terrain like that inherent to Louisiana. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class James Pinsky (RLEASED)

FROM: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging people to take steps to prevent West Nile virus infections. Outbreaks of West Nile virus disease occur each summer in the United States. This year, some areas of the country are experiencing earlier and greater activity.

Thus far in 2012, 42 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes. A total of 241 cases of West Nile virus disease, including four deaths, have been reported to CDC. This is the highest number of cases reported through the end of July since 2004. Almost 80 percent of the cases have been reported from three states, Texas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people by infected mosquitoes. In the United States, most people are infected from June through September, and the number of these infections usually peaks in mid-August. Seasonal outbreaks often occur in local areas that can vary from year to year. Many factors impact when and where outbreaks occur, such as weather, numbers of mosquitoes that spread the virus, and human behavior.

"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," said Marc Fischer, M.D., M.P.H., medical epidemiologist with CDC’s Arboviral Diseases Branch. "Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family."

The best way to prevent West Nile virus disease is to avoid mosquito bites:
Use insect repellents when you go outdoors.
Wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk.
Install or repair screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning, if you have it.
Empty standing water from items outside your home such as flowerpots, buckets, and kiddie pools.

Approximately 1 in 5 people who are infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to West Nile virus will die. People over 50 years of age and those with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and organ transplants, are at greater risk for serious illness.

There are no medications to treat, or vaccines to prevent, West Nile virus infection. People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, although symptoms may last for several weeks. In more severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care. Anyone who has symptoms that cause concern should contact a health care provider.

Friday, July 27, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS


FROM:  U.S. NAVY
An MV-22 Osprey aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 (Reinforced) takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21). New York is part of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group with the embarked 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zane Ecklund (Released) 120714-N-NN926-123 




U.S. Navy and Royal Canadian Navy sailors watch a MK 45 5-inch gun fire during a live-fire exercise aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG 65) as part of Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to August 3 in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raul Moreno Jr. (Released) 120716-N-LP801-035

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

NEWS FROM AFGHANISTAN JULY 24, 2012

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Afghans children look on as U.S. Army Pfc. Loren Gaboni and other soldiers interact with the village leaders during a joint combined patrol with Afghan police in Baghoulmast village, Afghanistan, April 29, 2011. Gaboni is assigned to the 1st Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment, 170th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Peter Lee   

Combined Force Detains 2 Suspected Insurgents
Compiled from International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Releases

WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 - An Afghan and coalition security force detained two suspected insurgents during an operation to arrest a Taliban leader in the Baraki Barak district of Afghanistan's Logar province today, military officials reported.

The sought-after Taliban leader transports insurgents throughout the region and directs improvised explosive device and direct-fire attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the district, officials said.

Also in Logar today, a combined force detained several suspects during an operation to arrest a Taliban financier in the Muhammad Aghah district. The Taliban financier provides money and explosives to insurgents for use in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces in the region.

In operations yesterday:

-- A combined force killed Khadim, also known as Qari Hamza, an Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan senior leader, in the Chahar Darah district of Kunduz province. Khadim was an explosives expert responsible for recruiting and training insurgents for suicide attacks. He also planned and led attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the region.

-- A combined force found and cleared two IEDs in Ghazni province's Ab Band district.

-- A combined force discovered a weapons cache containing homemade explosives and other items used to make IEDs in the Sarobi district of Kapisa province.

-- In Khost province's Sabari district, a combined force detained one insurgent and one other suspect.

-- A combined force found and cleared an IED in Laghman province's Mehtar Lam district.

-- In Logar province's Pul-e Alam district, a combined force discovered an insurgent cache containing military personnel items.

-- A combined force found and cleared two IEDs in Nangarhar province -- one in the Jalalabad district and another in the Bati Kot district.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
Navy SEALs conduct a capabilities exercise at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story during the 43rd annual U.S. Navy SEAL Reunion. The annual reunion started in 1969 and has expanded into a weekend of events, contests, and a SEAL capabilities exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William S. Parker (Released) 120721-N-AT856-131

 

Seabees construct a building to treat tsunami victims during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exercise. Twenty-two nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel are participating in RIMPAC exercise from June 29 to Aug. 3, in and around the Hawaiian Islands. The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security of the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Daniel Johnston (Released) 120719-N-RJ303-078

Culinary Specialist Seaman John Blas enters a smoke-filled space aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) to attack a simulated fire during a general quarters drill. McCampbell is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, and is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleer area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes (Released) 120721-N-TG831-030


Monday, July 23, 2012

U.S. DEPUTY OF DEFENSE CARTER MEETS WITH JAPANES OFFICIALS IN TOKYO

U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter meets with Japanese Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto in Tokyo, July 20, 2012. Japan is the third stop for Carter during a 10-day Asia-Pacific tour meeting with leaders in Hawaii, Guam, Thailand, India and South Korea. DOD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Offier 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley.
FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Carter: U.S., Japan Both 'Thinking Big' on StrategyBy Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

TOKYO, July 21, 2012 - Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter told reporters here today that as the United States rebalances its defense strategy toward the Asia-Pacific, "our central and anchoring" ally, Japan, is also beginning a strategic shift.

The deputy secretary, who arrived here July 20 as part of a 10-day Asia-Pacific tour, has met with Japanese government leaders including Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba, Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto and Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister of Defense Shu Watanabe. Carter said those meetings left him feeling Japan's government leaders are expanding their strategic thinking "both functionally and geographically."

The deputy secretary spoke here during a press briefing with a number of regional media representatives. He said U.S. leaders welcome Japan's growing strategic interests, and will "work with the government of Japan and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to realize that vision."

"We're both, in a sense, thinking big and thinking strategically at the same time," he added. "That has great potential."

Carter noted his visit to Asia-Pacific nations, which will also include stops in Thailand, India and South Korea, follows similar trips by President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta.

Those visits, Carter noted, focused on articulating the new strategy, which the president announced in January. His own presence here, he added, is aimed at getting the gears turning.

"They sent me here because my job as the chief management officer of the Department of Defense is to implement that vision," the deputy secretary said. "I came to this region to meet with our friends and partners and allies -- [and] to meet with and assess our own forces throughout the region -- with an eye to carrying out that turning of the strategic corner."

Carter said while growth is slowing in the United States' defense budget, the necessary resources are available to fund the new Asia-Pacific focus.

"All of the capacity that has been tied up in Iraq and Afghanistan for the last 10 years is capacity that we can focus now on the Asia-Pacific region, and that's a tremendous amount of capability," he said.

Within the existing defense budget, Carter added, "We are shifting the weight of our innovation and investment from counterinsurgency-type warfare to the kinds of capabilities that are most relevant to the Asia-Pacific theater."

He noted putting the strategy in place is "just a matter of making it happen, and deciding which specific things to do."

Defense leaders are determined to make those decisions in consultation with U.S. friends and allies, the deputy secretary said.

Carter said Japan is America's central regional ally and has been for many decades.

"Naturally I come here first, to Tokyo," he said.

The U.S. and Japan, he added, have "tremendous momentum in many, many areas: joint planning, technology sharing, [and] joint exercises and training."

Carter traveled to Japan from Guam. He noted that Guam, an island U.S. territory, offers important training opportunities for both U.S. and Japanese forces.

"In both of our countries, it becomes more and more difficult to do the kind of training that requires access to wide areas of territory," he said. "And that is possible in Guam, so that's a great opportunity for both of us."

Carter added that Guam is also important to both nations as a consequence of the "2+2" agreement U.S. and Japanese defense and diplomatic leaders signed in April.

Under that agreement, nearly 5,000 U.S. Marines currently stationed on the Japanese island of Okinawa will transfer to Guam, while the United States will return to Japan much of the land in Okinawa those forces now use.

"The 2+2 agreement with respect to the movement of Marines to Guam was a great milestone," Carter said. "From my point of view I'm very optimistic that there's momentum on both sides to implement the agreement. I think that's the way forward."

The U.S. and Japan have long debated how to relocate many of the Marines on Guam, Carter said, noting the issue was settled "by the 2+2 agreement and I think that is a very good thing."

Carter added that Guam represents more than just a new site for the rotational deployment of Marines.

"There's a large Air Force base, there's a large Navy base; Japanese forces have been to each and exercised from each, and those are important capabilities irrespective of the Marine Corps issue," he said.

Carter has also taken part on discussions with the new commander of U.S. Forces Japan, Air Force Lt. Gen. Salvatore A. Angelella, who took command July 20. The deputy secretary told reporters the general "will be a great partner for the government of Japan."

In every way, the deputy secretary said, there is a lot of forward progress in the U.S.-Japanese alliance.

"It's a great time to be here, [and a] great time of new purpose and new horizons," Carter said.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

DEPUTY DEFENSE SECRETARY CARTER THANKS SERVICE MEMBERS FROM ONBARD THE USS MISSOURI

120718-N-WX059-066 PEARL HARBOR (July 18, 2012) Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter delivers remarks to service members aboard the USS Missouri Memorial. Carter wanted to personally thank service members for their Participation in the military. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Furey/Released

FROM: U.S. DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
Presenter: Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter July 18, 2012 remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Carter Aboard the Battleship Missouri
Thank you, Admiral Watters. Good morning, everybody. (inaudible). Thanks for being here this morning, and what a spectacular vessel this is. This is -- as you all know -- here, right here in Pearl Harbor, is where World War II started and right here on the deck of this ship is where World War II ended. And the folks who fought that war were about your age, or some for you, who are younger, and they were -- they were the greatest generation of that time.

And I guess the main thing I want to say for myself and for Secretary Panetta is, you all are the greatest generation of this time. And so, the first thing that we all have in our minds in Washington when we think about you and what you're doing out here, is to thank you. And I want each and every one of you to go home tonight, to your family or your close friends, or call your parents or whomever is close to you, and say that today, you were thanked by the leadership of the Department of Defense, and your country, for what you do. We don't take it for granted, and it's incredibly important to us.

And I think for you, if you're like me and most of us who work in national defense, it's a great feeling to wake up in the morning and to go to work doing something that's bigger than yourself. What we do is bigger than us; it's even bigger than the great country that we all serve, because the United States still provides security to much of the world.

Especially to the Asia-Pacific region, and you know what you do out here to build military capability that serves as a deterrent to violence in this part of the world; to build the partnerships, alliances and friendships upon which our security and the security of everyone else in this region depends; to build the capacities of partner militaries -- that's being done right now, here, at the RIMPAC fleet exercises, right off the coast here of Hawaii, at this moment.

So it's a good feeling to do what we do, and I hope you share and feel that good feeling.

And you all, right here, right now, in PACOM, are at the heart of the great transition that our country's defense is undergoing in these coming years. We have been, as you all know, understandably and justifiably preoccupied with two wars -- in Iraq and Afghanistan -- two wars of a certain kind. Counterinsurgency war. And with fighting a battle against the terrorism that we first saw evidence of on September 11th of 2011 [sic 2001]. Those are important things to do, and they're important things to bring to an end. And we have, and we will.

Iraq we have brought to an end, and in Afghanistan, we have a plan that is shared with all our coalition partners, to bring that down -- our activity in Afghanistan -- to an enduring presence starting in 2015. What the President and Secretary of Defense have told us is that they understand that as this era -- the era of Iraq and Afghanistan -- ends, we need to lift our heads up out of the foxhole we've been in, look up, look around, and see what the problems are, and the security opportunities there are, that will define our future -- your future. And those issues, those challenges and those opportunities are, very importantly, in the Asia-Pacific region, which you now serve. So this is where our future lies, and you, right here, right now, are a very important part of that transition, that great transition that this great military is embarked upon.

Secretary Panetta was out here not long ago, the President was out here, the Secretary of State was out here. And I'm out here in their wake, to show that when they talked about rebalancing our security effort to the Asia-Pacific theater, that we aren't just talking the talk, we're walking the walk. And so in all of the allies and partnerships where we have forces deployed or forces rotating and acting in partnership, I want to check on their status -- our own people. I want to check on the health of our alliances and relationships; make sure that we're doing all the things that we can do, all the things that we said we would do, all the things that we're planning to do, to rebalance our effort to this region.

We do this at a time of great strategic transition, as I've already said. We also do it at a time when the country is trying to rebalance its own fiscal situation. And the other thing I'd tell you is that we understand that, and we can do what we need to do here within the constraints of the amount of money that the country is able to give us -- in important measure because much of the capacity that we have been using in Iraq and Afghanistan we can now apply to this region. So we're going to do it, we can do it even within the budgetary circumstances that we find ourselves. And so, as I go on from here to Guam, and then to Japan, and then to Thailand, and then to India and finally to Korea, I'll be looking at our relationships with those countries and implicitly with all of the other countries in this area, and saying, "What is it that I need to go back to Washington and make sure we're doing on our end to hold up our bargain with you, out here, who are at the point of the spear on this effort?"

There are a number of different aspects to the rebalancing here. I'll just say that it really starts with the principles that we stand up for, that we uphold, and that we have stood for in this part of the world for 70 years now, since World War II ended aboard this vessel. I always try to summarize it in the following way: I say that this region of the world has enjoyed peace and prosperity for 70 years now. It's a remarkable achievement. In that environment of peace and security, first Japan was able to rise; then Korea was able to rise; and now, yes, China, able to rise to develop their own people, to develop economically. And that's only possible in an environment of peace and security.

And that doesn't come automatically out here. It was the United States and our presence -- constant and strong -- in this region over a period of 70 years, that created that environment of peace and security. We think that's been a good thing. It's been good for us, and it's been good for every other country in this region. We aim to keep that going. We aim to continue to be the pivotal factor for peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

That's what you're about. It's about the whole region. It's not about us; it's not about any one country, or any one group of countries. It's about the entire region.

So that's why we're here; that's why you're here. It's a period, it's a moment in history, that you should always, as you go forward in your lives and your careers, keep in your mind. This was an important moment to be here, to be doing what you're doing.

So once again, thank you from us in Washington. Go home tonight, call a parent, say this to a spouse, to kids, to a good friend, whatever -- say that you were thanked today for what you do for our country, and that you were summoned to a new purpose in a new moment in our nation's national security history.

I look forward to getting a chance to chat with some of you, standing out here in this lovely weather -- a lot better than Washington. So please come on up. We have some photographers, we can take pictures, we can chat a little bit, I've got coins. And once again, well done, thank you. I have high hopes for you and high expectations of you. Thanks in advance.

Friday, July 6, 2012

RECENT U.S NAVY PHOTOS



 FROM:  U.S. NAVY
A Sailor watches an MV-22B Osprey assigned to the Raging Bulls of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 261 lifts off from the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Lincoln is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and combat flight operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Tim D. Godbee120705-N-SK590-200




FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations while F/A-18s from its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, fly in formation over. George Washington and CVW 5 are underway on routine training in the western Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Declan Barnes (Released) 120704-N-TG831-275 UUU



FROM:  U.S. NAVY
Navy Diver 2nd Class Christopher Vanriper, assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 5, Platoon 503, repels from an HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 14, onto the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) while participating in a fast rope and repelling exercise. George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing 5, provide a combat-ready force that will protect and defend the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos (Released) 120705-N-WW409

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER CONDUCTS UNDERWAY REPLENISHMENT




FROM:  U.S. NAVY
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) conduct an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet-replenishment oiler USNS Big Horn (T-AO 198) as the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) transit behind. Eisenhower, Winston S. Churchill, Jason Dunham and Hue City are on a deployment 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 Ship Serviceman 3rd Class Matthew Thomson (Released) 120630-N-EW884-267

Thursday, June 28, 2012

THE HORNET IN THE HANGER



An F/A-18C Hornet is in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway conducting carrier qualifications in preparation for Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012, the world'??s largest international maritime exercise. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Ian A. Cotter (Released) 120625-N-IR734-00

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