REPLENISHMENT AT SEA AND FIREFIGHTING EXERCISE

 

  FROM: U.S. NAVY
The Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200) transits alongside the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) during a replenishment-at-sea. Princeton is deployed with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11 to the western Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chris Bartlett (Released) 130429-N-KE148-240

Sailors perform a firefighting exercise during a damage control competition in the hangar bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is underway on a deployment to the western Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Derek A. Harkins (Released) 130502-N-TW634-173

USS NIMITZ TRANSITS PACIFIC AND THE 7 SUBMARINES OF APRA HARBOR

FROM: U.S. NAVY

The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) transits the Pacific Ocean behind the Military SEaliftCommand fleet replenishment oiler USNS Henry J. Kaiser (T-AO 187) as it conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59). Nimitz is underway for a sustainment training exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raul Moreno Jr. (Released) 130412-N-LP801-006

With the mooring of the Los Angeles-class submarine USS Bremerton (SSN 698) on April 16, Apra Harbor now has seven submarines in port. This is the highest number of submarines in the harbor since the re-establishment of Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 15 in 2001. The submarines are conducting maintenance prior to continuing their deployments. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Jay Price (Released) 130417-N-LS794-001

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S. NAVY

130409-N-GA424-179 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 9, 2013) Lt. Mary Gresko directs an F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Black Knights of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154 before a launch from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing 11 are underway for a sustainment training exercise in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jacquelyn D. Childs/Released)

130410-N-YW024-211 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 10, 2013) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter from the Eightballers of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 carries ordnance from the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) to the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) during a weapons transfer. John C. Stennis is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Katarzyna Kobiljak/Released)

 

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM: U.S NAVY
121108-N-BT887-022 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 8, 2012) Sailors stand by as fuel lines are connected during a replenishment-at-sea aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway participating in the ship's joint task force exercise (JTFEX). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Benjamin Crossley-Released)

121107-N-LP801-044 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 7, 2012) Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Airman Jordon Howard maneuvers a fixed-wing aircraft in the hanger bay of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz is currently underway participating in the ship's joint task force exercise (JTFEX). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Raul Moreno Jr./Released)
 

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTO

FROM: U.S. NAVY
An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dragon Whales of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 transfers ammunition from the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) to the Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2) during the carrier's last ammunition offload before returning to homeport. Enterprise is completing its final scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts. America's Sailors are Warfighters, a fast and flexible force deployed worldwide. Join the conversation on social media using #warfighting. U.S. Navy photo by Information Systems Technician 1st Class Stephen Wolff (Released) 121025-N-ZZ999-084

U.S. NAVY LOOKS TO BIOFUELS

FROM: U.S. NAVY
120718-N-XA289-035 PACIFIC OCEAN (July 18, 2012) Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Ray Mabus and Rear Adm. Tim Barrett, commander of the Australian Fleet, shake hands after signing an energy efficiency pact during the Great Green Fleet demonstration portion of the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2012 exerciseexercise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz took on 200,000 gallons of biofuel for the demonstration. 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 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 Renee Candelario/Released)

NPS Researchers Evaluate Biofuels for Powering the Fleet

Amanda D. Stein, Naval Postgraduate School Public Affairs

MONTEREY, Calif. (NNS) -- Researchers at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) are applying their experience in combustion to help the Navy meet one of Secretary of of the Navy's goals for the future.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced a number of energy initiatives for the Navy in 2009, including a 50 percent reduction in petroleum-based fuel consumption in the fleet by 2020.

NPS Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Associate Professor Dr. Christopher Brophy, and MAE Professor and Chairman Dr. Knox Millsaps, are working to help the Navy understand how alternative fuels will perform in existing gas turbine and diesel engines. The goal is to seamlessly transition to the biofuel blends without having to change any engine components.

"The Naval Postgraduate School's part in this is really helping with certification, to give the Navy confidence through fundamental measurements that the fuels look, smell and taste the same, so to speak," said Millsaps. "These fuels should have the form, fit and function to serve as direct drop-in replacements. They don't want to modify any of the systems to accommodate these fuels.

"Our research focuses on the fundamental combustion and engine-use part of the fuels, and not the production of them," said Millsaps. "Once it's in an engine, does it physically spray the same as a regular fuel? Does it burn the same? Does it have the same emissions characteristics? We have seen that biofuels actually tend to burn cleaner. Petroleum-based fuels have some contaminants - high sulfur, and trace metals like vanadium, for example, and gas turbine blades have thermal barrier coatings that hate vanadium. These biofuels, since they are essentially built from the ground up, don't have as many contaminants, and in some sense, they burn a lot cleaner than conventional petroleum-based fuels."

The NPS team is testing the combustion of the alternatives to the Navy's current JP-5 and F-76 fuels, including algae-based, hydro-reformed diesel, and camelina-based, hydro-reformed jet fuel blends. The 50/50 blends would incorporate half of the petroleum-based fuels currently being used, and half of either the algae or camelina fuels. The blending of the fuels will make the transition easier on the engines, and help the Navy reduce the amount of petroleum-based fuels needed to run the fleet.

"We know you can't go 100 percent biofuel because in aviation or ground-based systems, existing seals rely on particular ingredients found in conventional petroleum fuels which causes them to swell and provide proper sealing," said Brophy. "If you put them in biofuel, they tend to swell only a fraction of what is expected. Liquids contained within the engine are kept in by seals around a piston or a shaft, and if the seal is not expanding as expected, they leak. This has resulted in aircraft returning with significant leaks, so it's a big problem."

"The question was how much biofuel can the engines handle, and 50/50 worked," Brophy said. "But can you do 70/30? We don't really know the demarcation line between what fraction of biofuel you can run, but 50/50 is what the Navy has selected to date because we know it works."

One of the challenges with biofuels is that the scarcity of the product makes it more expensive than the fuels the Navy currently uses. To harvest algae and camelina, a member of the mustard family, in quantities large enough to fuel the fleet is a challenge, and one that has driven up the cost of production for the biofuels. For the three-day Great Green Fleet Exercise that took place during the 23rd Rim of the Pacific Exercise in July, the Navy purchased 450,000 gallons of biofuel to run the blend in two destroyers and several dozen planes for two to three days.

The cost per barrel of the biofuels led to questions on the Great Green Fleet exercise at a time when the defense department's expenses are being scrutinized. Mabus addressed them in the Navy's "Currents" magazine, explaining the importance of finding alternatives to fossil fuels.

"Throughout the Navy's history, we have pioneered the way we fueled the fleet," wrote Mabus. "In the 1850s, we moved from sail to coal. In the early 20th Century, we left coal to transition to oil and we led the way to nuclear power in the 1950s. At the time of each energy transformation, there were doubters and naysayers who said trading a known source of energy for an unknown one was too risky and too costly. But the Navy pursued innovation because it improved the capability of the fleet and made us better warfighters."

"The critics were wrong then, and they are wrong today," said Mabus. "The U.S. military, time and time again, has led in the introduction of new technologies, including the Internet, Global Positioning System, and flat-screen televisions. In each case, we pursued innovation because it strengthened our national security and our capability as a military."

Mabus visited NPS in 2011 to tour the biofuels lab, and learned about the university's new energy degree program and ways that students are helping address the energy challenges facing the Navy. Since NPS has become involved in biofuels research, the team has had three recent mechanical engineering graduates explore the topic in their theses research, and three more are currently involved - Navy Ensign Warren Fischer, Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Adam Paz, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps Lt. j.g. John Petersen.

Petersen is a part-time student while stationed at the nearby Point Pinos Lighthouse. The NOAA Corps, the smallest uniformed service in the country, is responsible for the operation of research ships and aircraft. Petersen was immediately drawn to biofuels as a topic for his thesis research, and sees energy independence as an important step for energy security.

"This research will not only greatly benefit the Navy but our entire nation," said Petersen. "About 60 percent of the oil used in the U.S. is imported. The Navy values energy as a strategic resource and it is fundamental for its mission. Supplementing our use of conventional fossil fuels with renewable fuels will significantly increase our energy independence and energy security. In addition to the tactical benefits, there are many environmental benefits that renewable fuels have over the use of fossil fuels. As an NOAA Corps officer, I am proud to be working on a project that will have a positive impact, not only on the Navy, but on our nation and the global environment overall."

Paz will be exploring the combustion performance of bio-derived synthetic fuels in his thesis, and noted that the value of biofuels extend beyond the desire for the U.S. to be independent of foreign oil.

"As petroleum becomes less cost effective to refine into usable grades of fuel for bulk military, and ultimately governmental or even industrial use, the need for alternatives will become apparent," said Paz. "It is not just a question of 'energy independence' for the United States. I think the U.S. will always require resources from non-domestic sources. It is whether the world market can be sustained by current known reserves. These bio-derived fuels will be a drop-in replacement for fossil fuels, allowing us to continue to use the same internal-combustion-centric infrastructure currently in place until something better is developed."

RECENT U.S. NAVY PHOTOS

FROM U.S. NAVY
Capt. Jeffrey L. Trent, the outgoing commander of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1, inspects the rotor blades of an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 before his change of command flight 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 Scott Pittman (Released) 120815-N-FI736-070

　
Surgical staff members assigned to the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) prep Cpl. Aaron Morice for a surgical procedure before the final surgery of Pacific Partnership 2012. Pacific Partnership, an annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance mission, brings together U.S. military personnel, host and partner nations, non-government organizations and international agencies to build stronger relationships and develop disaster response capabilities throughout the Asia-Pacific region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Roadell Hickman (Released) 120814-N-KW566-006

　
An E/A-18G Growler, assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129, lands on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), making it the 300,000th arresting gear trap since Nimitz was commissioned. Nimitz is underway conducting fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications in the Pacific Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan A. Colon (Released) 120815-N-FR671-185

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 OCEANLanding 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

USS NIMITZ PASSES THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL IN PEARL HARBOR

US. NAVY
Sailors man the rails aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as it passes the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. Nimitz is participating in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise 2012, the world's largest international maritime 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. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Keith W. DeVinney (Released) 120702-N-VD564-016

186 BALES OF MARIJUANA SIZED WITH EFFORTS COORDINATED BY USS NIMITZ

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
120616-N-ZZ999-032 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 16, 2012) Sailors in a rigid-hull inflatable boat from the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59) retrieve 186 bales of marijuana, June 16, which were apparently destined for the United States. The counter narcotics effort was coordinated with crew from the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Princeton (CG 59), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 75 and the Mexican navy. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)June 19, 2012 

USS Nimitz Coordinates Counter Narcotics Seizure
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Winn, USS Nimitz Public Affairs
PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The crew of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) coordinated efforts with USS Princeton (CG 59), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 6, Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 75 and the Mexican navy to retrieve 186 bales of marijuana, June 16, which were apparently destined for the United States.

"The coordinated response of all hands involved was phenomenal," remarked Nimitz Strike Group Commander Rear Adm. Pete Gumataotao. "The combined efforts of each of our strike group components demonstrated the flexibility and capability that defines how we conduct business."

"This crew's response was amazing," said USS Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. Jeff Ruth. "To operationally shift gears quickly and safely from carrier qualifications to a real-world response shows what true professionals work here."

At approximately 1:50 p.m., USS Nimitz starboard lookouts, spotted two surface vessels, or contacts, approximately four nautical miles away and reported the contacts up the chain of command. The USS Nimitz crew then coordinated with HSC-6 to send MH-60S Seahawk helicopter 613 to perform a visual identification (VID) on the vessels.

"The [helicopter] was already in the air acting as plane guard for flight ops," said USS Nimitz' tactical action officer at the time. "When the Seahawk got overhead, they reported two white single engine boats about 25 feet in length, which immediately began dumping black hefty bags over the side. The small boats raced up to about 25 knots and fled to the east."

As the two small vessels fled at 2:22 p.m., USS Princeton, part of Carrier Strike Group 11, sent their rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIB) to investigate and retrieve the bags as evidence.

Eighty bales of marijuana, each weighing approximately 100 pounds, were recovered at that time.

At 5:05 p.m. USS Nimitz' officer of the deck spotted a small craft at approximately three nautical miles, which also appeared to be dumping in the sea. The USS Princeton positioned HSM-75's Lone Wolf 722, which is assigned to the USS Princeton, flying as a spotter for the rigid hull inflatable boats, or RHIBs, for further investigation. This caused those craft to flee as well.

"I thought it was pretty cool," said an HSC-6 pilot in the air at the time of the second spotting. "Most of the time we're a just-in-case asset. It was cool to be part of a situation where none of our guys got hurt and we were able to be a part of something bigger."
USS Princeton and a Mexican naval ship that came on scene retrieved more than 186 bales. The bales were then transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Edisto for transport to shore.

The USS Nimitz Strike Group is operating in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California conducting carrier qualification operations.

RIM OF THE PACIFIC EXERCISE BEGINS JUNE 29, 2012

FROM:  U.S. NAVY
 EVERETT, Wash. (March 9, 2012) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrives at its new homeport at Naval Station Everett after the completion of a docked planned incremental availability maintenance period at Bremerton, Wash. Nimitz is replacing USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), which had been homeported at Naval Station Everett since January 1997. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Joan E. Jennings/Released) 

RIMPAC to begin June 29
By Commander, U.S. Third Fleet Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Twenty-two nations, 42 ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel will participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise scheduled 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.

Hosted by U.S. Pacific Fleet, and led by Vice Adm. Gerald Beaman, commander of the U.S. Third Fleet (C3F), RIMPAC 2012 marks the first time non-U.S. officers will command components of the combined task force during the exercise. Commodore Stuart Mayer of the Royal Australian Navy will command the Maritime Component and Brig. Gen. Michael Hood of the Royal Canadian Air Force will command the Air Component. Other key leaders of the multinational force include Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. Ron Lloyd, deputy commander of the Combined Task Force (CTF), and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force Rear Adm. Fumiyuki Kitagawa, vice commander of the CTF.

The theme of RIMPAC 2012 is "Capable, Adaptive, Partners." The participating nations and forces will exercise a wide range of capabilities and demonstrate the inherent flexibility of maritime forces. These capabilities range from disaster relief and maritime security operations to sea control and complex warfighting. The relevant, realistic training syllabus includes amphibious operations; gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises as well as counter-piracy, mine clearance operations, explosive ordnance disposal and diving and salvage operations.

RIMPAC 2012 will feature the first demonstration of a U.S. Navy "Great Green Fleet," during which U.S. surface combatants and carrier-based aircraft will test, evaluate and demonstrate the cross-platform utility and functionality of biofuels. This demonstration will also incorporate prototype energy efficiency initiatives such as solid state lighting, on-line gas turbine waterwash and energy management tools.

This year's exercise includes units or personnel from Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, France, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Tonga, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Details of RIMPAC activities and imagery are available at http://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac. Media interested in covering the exercise should contact the C3F Public Affairs Officer at (619) 767-4382. Contact information for the RIMPAC Combined Information Bureau will be made available prior to the beginning of the exercise.