Navy

A U.S. Navy aviation rescue swimmer, assigned to Pacific Partnership 24-1 (PP24-1), served as a water sports safety expert for the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands, during PP24-1.

At the request of the Solomon Islands’ government, USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) amplified the nation’s medical infrastructure during the 2023 Pacific Games providing augmentation to local clinics, the National Referral Hospital and the Pacific Games with a wide range of medical support as part of PP24-1.

U.S. Naval Air Crewman (Helicopter) 2nd Class Chris Upton, PP24-1’s search and rescue swim swimmer, operated as the lead rescue swimmer for all open water events, such as sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing, and open water swim and relay.

“Here at the Pacific Games, my role has become advising the locals, as well as the aquatics committee, to make sure that we can provide a safe environment for all of the competitors here at the Pacific Games,” said Upton.

Pacific Partnership builds trust among nations to work efficiently together and that trust creates lasting bonds of friendship between the United States, mission partners, and host nations.

“It’s been amazing working with the locals here trying to tie everything together and give our expertise, and then also learn from them and learn about what their capabilities are,” said Upton. “It’s been awesome to meet a bunch of different people from different nations. We have Australia, New Zealand, and water aquatics people along with the Navy and medical personnel from the Mercy. I’ve had an amazing experience learning here, and then being able to provide the expertise that I have to come together and create a safe environment.”

The Pacific Partnership mission brings a unique opportunity for collaboration and cooperation to the Indo-Pacific in a deliberate, sustainable, and transparent way by working to enhance the knowledge, experience, and capacity of all participants.

“The biggest thing that took away from being here in the Solomon Islands and being on the crew with the Mercy, is being able to learn from the different cultures and the different people, and again teach them what I have to offer,” said Upton. “Being able to be involved in these Pacific Games has been a great experience. I never thought I’d be able to be out on the water, and be a part of the Pacific Games itself.”

This visit marks Mercy’s second visit to the Solomon Islands and the sixth for Pacific Partnership.

Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships

SAN DIEGO – Commander, Submarine Squadron 11 (CSS-11) hosted a closing ceremony for the 2023 Diesel-Electric Submarine Initiative (DESI) program onboard Naval Base Point Loma, Nov. 21.

DESI, established in 2001 by U.S. Fleet Forces Command, partners with South American submarine-operating navies as they participate in fleet readiness exercises. This year, the Chilean submarine CS Carrera (SS 22) came to San Diego to participate in the program.

During the ceremony, the Commander in Chief of the Chilean Submarine Force, Commodore Oscar Manzano addressed the crowd, saying, “It is an honor for Chile to conclude the participation of the Carrera Submarine in the DESI 2023 deployment. The Carrera Submarine of the Scorpene Class remains the most modern Diesel-Electric submarine in the American continent, equipped with state-of-the-art systems and at the forefront of submarine technology.”

Commander, CSS-11, Capt. Ken Douglas, expressed his appreciation to Carrera’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Sven Barckhahn and his crew for their outstanding professionalism and dedication over the past few months.

“It has been an honor to have you as part of our team during your deployment,” said Douglas. “The partnerships we have forged and exercised during this time speak volumes to the strong ties between the United States and Chile. You and your men have spent more than four months deployed, with many of those days underway, and this was made possible by the professionalism and drive of the crew and the enduring partnership between our navies.”

During their time in San Diego, Carrera participated in bilateral exercises, advancing partnership goals between the United States and Chile. They supported antisubmarine warfare (ASW) training exercises with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Pacific and Patrol & Reconnaissance Wing 10. “These ASW exercises are the pinnacle and serve as the final certification for [U.S.] carrier strike groups prior to overseas deployments,” said Capt. Michael Van Poots, Reserve Deputy Commander for Submarine Force Atlantic. “Commander Barckhahn, you and your crew performed admirably. You have continued the DESI tradition of ‘top-notch’ Chilean submarine support to the U.S. Navy. You have set the bar high and have challenged those who will follow you.”

Carrera’s deployment was designed to strengthen regional cooperation and security operations theater-wide. The completion of this exercise marks the Chilean Navy’s 10th deployment as part of the DESI program, which began in 2007. Chilean submarines have participated in more than 800 days of ASW training exercises and events with the U.S. in both the Pacific and Atlantic fleets.

Submarine Squadron 11 is based at Naval Base Point Loma and consists of four Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines, the floating dry dock ARCO (ARDM 5) and Undersea Rescue Command (URC). The squadron staff is responsible for providing training, material and personnel readiness support for each of these units.

Earning the title ‘Mustang’ in the United States Navy is a sought-out and hard-earned title. A Mustang is someone who went from an enlisted service member to an officer.

In the weapons department aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), there are two aviation ordnancemen (AO) who are excited to soon be commissioned as Aviation Ordnance Officers and earn the moniker “Gunners” in the Navy. Not all Mustangs are Gunners, but all Gunners are Mustangs.

Gunners are officers in the weapons department who are in charge of all things ordnance and weapons. Depending on their department and role, they are involved in bomb builds, ordnance on the flight deck, movement of weapons, and gun shoots.

Senior Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Kirk Godair, leading chief petty officer for G-5 division in weapons department, from Wichita Falls, Texas, shared his excitement to commission as a chief warrant officer (CWO) and become a Gunner. Godair said he is excited to see the officer side of the Navy and be part of shaping the future of the Navy in a new role.

Since joining the Navy in 2004, becoming a Gunner was always Godair’s goal. He saw the impact he could make in that role and had wonderful mentors who showed him the path to achieve his goals.

“The Navy taught me to control the things I can control and to have patience,” said Godair. “My advice to a new Sailor joining the Navy is to take pride in what you do and your job. Learn everything you can and find a good mentor.”

Chief Aviation Ordnanceman Jose Vargas, part of G-3 division in weapons department, from Yonkers, New York, is also transitioning from Chief to Gunner through the limited duty officer (LDO) program and will commission as an Ensign in the Navy in 2024.

“What drew me to wanting to be a Gunner was that our rate had a direct designator. I could be an aviation ordnanceman and then transition into a Gunner and stay a subject matter expert in my field,” said Vargas. “I’m excited and eager for the new challenge. Looking forward to everything my Sailors will achieve and giving back to the ‘Ordie’ community.”

Both men spoke about the importance of learning and how being stationed on an aircraft carrier during the application process to commission provides endless opportunities to expand knowledge in the ordnance field. Being on the new first-in-class aircraft carrier allows for them to stay up to date on the new technologies and better assist the future weapons departments on the other Ford-class aircraft carriers.

Between Gerald R. Ford and Carrier Air Wing 8, there are 14 Gunners and 440 aviation ordnancemen aboard. Across 5 divisions and 7 squadrons, they are in charge of all weapons aboard the ship and aircraft, all gun shoots, and protecting the ship while anchored during port.

Godair explained it is important to be open to constructive criticism when it comes to applying to the LDO/CWO program in order to become a Gunner and the way to get better is to let people help you. He credits the Weapons Officer, Cmdr. Jim Fish, and Ordnance Handling Officer (OHO), Lt. Cmdr. Sampson Keaton, the squadron Gunners, and all of weapons department for helping him reach this goal.

Vargas expressed the importance of always learning. “Never get too high up that you can’t crack open a book or a publication and read up,” said Vargas. “My advice to new Sailors is to be the best at your rate and educate yourself. The Navy’s biggest weapon is its people, never forget that as you move up in the ranks.”

When asked about what the Navy has taught him, Vargas explained his ability to adapt and stay flexible because of the dynamic, ever-changing situation happening in the Navy.

“I want to shout-out the ‘mag rats,’ team leaders, QA/SO’s, G-3 and la familia for always helping and supporting me,” said Vargas. He credits his technical expertise to the last three years working on Gerald R. Ford, stating the experience gained at the command greatly helped his commissioning package.

Both men are excited to finish deployment strong and start a new chapter in their lives in San Diego. Godair is going to the USS Essex (LHD 2) as the OHO and Vargas will be the Gunner at Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 71. They are ready and proud to commission and continue serving as Mustangs in the United States Navy.

Café 8901, the main dining facility at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, remains open for business, amid kitchen repairs.

According to U.S. Navy Cmdr. Russell Jarvis, the chief of facilities, personnel from the base’s fire department alerted facilities crews that an issue with the restaurant’s main kitchen ductwork needed repairs, prompting Café 8901 managers to curtail preparing hot meals in that kitchen.

“We are providing cold options for the staff and visitors on a takeout or dine in basis, with no reduction in service for hospitalized patients opting for hot meals,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alicia Valdez, the chief of food operations at Café 8901.

Just a few days prior to shifting to a cold service menu, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Deydre Teyhen, the Defense Health Network-National Capital Region director, and Walter Reed director U.S. Navy Capt. Melissa Austin, and the rest of the hospital’s leadership bowed their heads in prayer before serving immaculately prepared roasted turkeys with all the trimmings for the annual Thanksgiving Meal held in Café 8901.

Enthusiastic staffers and visitors still congregate at Café 8901, ready to swap stories while feasting on stout deli sandwiches or an array of festive salads.

When running at full tilt, Walter Reed’s food operations feed about 3,000 people a day Monday through Friday, providing nearly round-the-clock service.

On a regular basis, Café 8901’s dietitians and chefs conduct menu meetings, review customer satisfaction surveys, and stay abreast of the best practices in the food and beverage industry. The goal is to provide patients and patrons with an array of delicious, nutritious food choices in an atmosphere that gives diners a “time-out” before they “time-in” to the balance of their day.

The most popular food stations inside Café 8901 include the World Bistro, Fit and Flavorful, the Chef’s Table, and the Grille.

“Our menus are more diverse than what you might find in other military settings,” said Kevin Lamont Moses, Sr., a food service worker who customizes meal plans for diabetics, seniors, and other patients with dietary preferences.

Operations managers remain cautiously optimistic that kitchen repairs will be made within the next several weeks – but are prioritizing the health and safety of staff before restoring hot meal options.

According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), an ideal kitchen environment should be between 70°F and 75°F with 50% relative humidity. These experts say cooking produces grease, steam, smoke, heat, and in some cases other byproducts such as nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, which could detrimentally affect the well-being of staff.

Operations managers must comply with the highest industry standards to ensure that Café 8901’s ventilation systems are good to go before restoring hot meal favorites such as the Caribbean Bar’s Cuban flavored shredded chicken – drizzled with cilantro sauce and paired with savory sauteed rice.

“We’re all looking forward to returning to full operational status,” shared Valdez.