Navy

Rota Elementary School held its third annual STEAM Expo Family Night, April 26, 2023. The evening included interactive STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art and math – presentations as well as a sevillanas dance performance and students’ science projects spread throughout the school complex.

The family night was held in conjunction with the conclusion of third through fifth grade students’ science projects. During the event, community members could view the students’ projects and findings as well as the winners from each grade.

“It is important for our community and parents to see the hard work our students do every day,” said Mary Chambers, a fifth grade teacher at Rota Elementary School and the event coordinator. “It’s amazing to see the students beaming with pride and excitement. Our students need these opportunities to ‘show off.’”

The students didn’t only show off their science knowledge, but their dancing too! The event kicked off with bright colors, ruffles and clapping as the school’s sevillanas club held its recital. Students in first through fifth grades learned the traditional Spanish dance, sevillanas, seen at spring fairs throughout Spain called feria.

“Their favorite part is showing off what they have learned during the recital,” said Yadira Cuba-Bizardi, a second grade teacher at Rota Elementary School and the club coordinator. “They love to get dressed up in their beautiful feria outfits.”

Once the performance had concluded, students and families were able to wander the halls for a variety of presentations on everything from household chemistry magic and robots to escape rooms and germs.

“The importance of this event is that we’re able to bring in the community members,” said Chambers. “That really gets the kids into a position where they are able to see how different careers in science, technology, engineering, [art] and math play out in the real world.”

This year there were 16 community presentations which included personnel from U.S. Naval Hospital (USNH) Rota, Navy Environmental Preventive Medical Unit (NEPMU) 7, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, and Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota Fire Department in addition to school teachers and community members. Even the high school chemistry club was there putting on a dazzling display of fire, explosions and science!

Chambers said over 165 families came out to support the family night, including this year’s addition of a few activities geared towards the younger learners.

“Primary read aloud and games was a huge hit,” said Chambers. “And not just with the littlest people…I saw adults sneaking in to make cookie houses!”

Overall, students and families engaged, learned, and grew together which was Chambers’ goal for the family night.

“I love seeing the students and families smiling and having a great time with each other,” said Chambers. “Hopefully we are also sparking a love for a future career!”

Rota Elementary School is Department of Defense Education Activites (DoDEA) school located on Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota military base. In conjunction with David Glasgow Farragut (DGF) Middle/High School, the combined campus provides education for installation children, kindergarten through 12th grade. Rota Elementary School was awarded the National Blue Ribbon Award for 2022.

As the “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” NAVSTA Rota provides U.S, NATO and allied forces a strategic hub for operations in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NAVSTA Rota is a force multiplier, capable of promptly deploying and supporting combat-ready forces through land, air and sea, enabling warfighters and their families, sustaining the fleet and fostering the U.S. and Spanish partnership.

U.S. Navy story by Lt. Brandon Barr Deneen, USS Nevada (Blue) (SSBN 733) Public Affairs Officer

NAVAL BASE KITSAP – BANGOR, Wash. (May 5, 2023) The blue crew of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nevada (SSBN 733) conducted a change of command ceremony at the Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor Chapel, in Silverdale, Washington, May 5, 2023.

During the ceremony. Cmdr. Derek M. Goebel relieved Cmdr. Andres J. Aviles as commanding officer of Nevada.

David A. Adams, the director of Warfighting Effectiveness, Assessments, and Readiness for the U.S. Pacific Fleet, served as guest speaker during the ceremony.

“Challenges are important,” Adams said. “I’ve watched [Cmdr. Aviles] overcome many challenges to be where he is today, selected for captain in the United States Navy. He did it in a way that I couldn’t believe. He was always optimistic. He is a determined optimist and should be an example to all of you when you go through challenges.”

Aviles is a 2001 graduate of the University of Florida and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He commissioned in April 2002. He also holds a Master of Arts in National Security Affairs (East Asia Security) from the Naval Postgraduate School and a Master of Science in Military History from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

“I am very proud to have served with such an outstanding crew,” Aviles said. “This truly has been the highlight of my naval career. You are an amazing team of Sailors and I know that you will have continued success going forward.”

Goebel, the incoming commanding officer, graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. He was commissioned in 2004 upon graduating from Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. His most recent position was deputy commodore at Commander, Submarine Squadron 17.

“I am honored to take command of this submarine and its motivated crew,” Goebel sail. “I wish fair winds and following seas to Cmdr. Aviles and I look forward to working with the entire crew to carry put the most important mission in the military.”

Since the 1960s, ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) have provided the United States with its most survivable and enduring strategic strike capability. Each SSBN utilizes two crews to maximize the time it is at sea and providing constant national deterrent while allowing time for crew training, and morale.

Nevada is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to bear the name Nevada and was commissioned in Groton, Connecticut, Aug. 16, 1986. It is homeported at Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor.

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Harry Andrew D. Gordon, Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Everett

JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING – (May 5, 2023) – Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command (REDCOM), Everett hosted a Returning Warriors Workshop (RWW) at the Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

RWW, a component of the Yellow Ribbon Program, provides an opportunity for Reserve Component (RC) Sailors that have recently returned from a deployment, mobilization or individual augmentation to gain knowledge and support as they acclimate back into their civilian lives and relationships. The Sailors are encouraged to invite a designated representative who the Sailor identifies as anyone that provided them support during their deployment. It is usually a spouse, family member or friend but can be anyone the Sailor chooses to invite.

The Sailors and guests attend the event in civilian clothes and normally in locations away from military bases. The casual dress code and location are intended to provide a relaxed atmosphere where they can explore and address stressors and difficulties of post-deployment life. Facilitators provide a weekend is full of presentations, counseling sessions, workshops and resource booths.

“We have a wonderful group of REDCOM Everett staff members, facilitators who volunteer their time and expertise, dynamic speakers, and representatives from supporting resource organizations who come together to provide an incredible weekend for the attendees. We provide workshops to give Sailors and family members alike the tools to address potential reintegration issues and enhance their overall mental and emotional well-being.” Jolie Harris, Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program Specialist, REDCOM, Everett.

The workshop has breakout sessions scheduled throughout the weekend that cover topics like couples reconnecting, communication skills, temperament and parenting, financial planning, finding happiness, and mindfulness and meditation. The facilitators also offer free group, couples’ and one-on-one counseling sessions with mental health trained professionals. Guests have the opportunity to pick and choose which breakout sessions appeal to them most.

“My wife and I have enjoyed the weekend and topics covered. There have been some things that have come to our attention that we had not considered prior to the workshop. The facilitators and counselors have been helpful and caring. The location is beautiful and I would recommend an RWW to any Sailor returning from a deployment,” said Equipment Operator 1st Class Anthony Ferris, Reservist Sailor and attendee, assigned to Navy Reserve Center Cheyenne.

The weekend peaks on Saturday night with the Banquet of Honor. The guests are encouraged to change into formal attire. The evening starts with a social hour to mingle, decompress and take photos. The guests and facilitators then take time to recognize those that have come before them and those who paid the ultimate price. Sailors assigned to REDCOM Everett conduct a prisoner of war/missing in action ceremony to honor those service members. Guests then enjoy dinner and the night concludes with a guest speaker.

“It was an honor to be the guest speaker and share the weekend with these amazing warriors and family members. I’ve learned so much from their stories and challenges. I’m overwhelmed and humbled with their resolve, unwavering motivation and most cherished support system,” said Rear Admiral Jackie McClelland, Vice Director, Navy Staff, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations and Deputy Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command.

The last day of the workshop continues with more breakout sessions and general presentations followed by guest reviews and evaluations of the event.

“I think it is great the Navy provides a workshop like this for RC Sailors. We hope they have learned a few things to add to their resiliency and fortitude tools boxes. Hopefully they are able to apply these new skills to allow themselves and their families to have a happier and healthier life,” said Command Master Chief Jerry Dotson, Senior Enlisted Leader REDCOM, Everett.

For more information about Returning Warrior Workshops and the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, visit the YRRP website at www.yellowribbon.mil.

SEA OF JAPAN (May 5, 2023) A San Diego native and 2018 graduate of the University of Arizona is serving aboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG 113).

Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Naftalin is a Sonar Technician (Surface), also known as STG, serving aboard USS John Finn, forward-deployed to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan.

“I decided to join the Navy because I knew from when I was 14 that I was going to go into the military,” said Naftalin. “I’m the 4th generation in my family to do so and the first one to enlist, and the Navy seemed like the best fit for me at the time.”

Sonar Technician’s track, classify and localize contacts of interest. They operate surface sonar and other oceanographic systems and operate surface ship underwater fire control systems.

“Sonar Technicians are responsible for locating and tracking surface and sub-surface ships to protect either our ship or those in a Task Force,” said Naftalin. “We provide an early warning against ships attempting to close in on vital assets in the Navy.”

John Finn recently shifted homeports from San Diego to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Naftalin is prepared to enjoy life to the fullest while stationed in Japan.

“I cannot wait to try all the sushi I can get my hands on,” said Naftalin. “Between that, and getting to explore a brand new country that I never would have been able to go to otherwise, I’m pretty excited to be here.”

Even though it can be exciting to be stationed in a foreign country, there can be some drawbacks for forward-deployed service members.

“I definitely miss my family,” said Naftalin. “They’re extremely proud of what I’m doing and are nothing but supportive when I talk to them. Their support definitely helps me stay grounded.”

Some Sailors might find it difficult to be halfway across the world, but Naftalin says that the people he works with make it easier.

“The people of this command, especially those of Weapons Department, are some of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Naftalin. “It is a privilege getting to work alongside and learn from them every day.”

John Finn is forward-deployed to Commander, Task Force 71, U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. CTF 71 is responsible for the readiness, tactical and administrative responsibilities for forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers as well as any surface unit conducting independent operations in the region. Navy’s 7th Fleet is the largest forward-deployed fleet and routinely operates and interacts with 35 maritime nations while conducting missions to preserve and protect critical regional partnerships.

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Capt. Todd E. Whalen relieved Rear Adm. Randall “Randy” W. Peck as President of the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), Joint Expeditionary Base – Little Creek (JEBLC) during a change of command ceremony held at the Drexler Manor Conference Center on JEBLC, Virginia Beach, VA, May 5, 2023.

The change of command is an important event and honored ceremony that signifies the transfer of authority, responsibility, and accountability from one commander to another.

INSURV, as most Sailors in the fleet know it, is responsible for inspecting the fleet’s in-service and new construction ships, determine their material readiness, and report this assessment to Congress, and Navy Leadership.

“Since I reported in April 2021, you have conducted 121 ship Material Inspections and Trials, 465 craft inspections and 48 inspections on Military Sealift Command Ships,” said Rear Adm. Peck. “These inspections included direct inspector surveillance on over 6 million shipboard components, which is also 6 million Sailor interactions on every Naval Vessel Registry Platform across the globe.”

Peck thanked his team for their impact to the fleet saying, “your insights have fueled 49 significant recommendations and 14 Technical Issue Papers and resolved 12 major technical deficiencies affecting the Fleet, problems they will never have to work around in the future.”

Vice Adm. Jim Kilby, commander, Task Force 80 and deputy commander, U.S. Fleet Forces served as presiding officer and guest speaker.

“INSURV Inspection Results are used to improve our commanding officers’ ability to self-assess – this is foundational to our ability to self-correct and to improve our platform’s abilities to be self-sufficient,” said Kilby.

“Randy, you and your team have greatly increased the performance and output of the Board of Inspection and Survey – in the words of the Boy Scouts, ‘you left it better than you found it.’ Thank you for your dedication and leadership in this critical role of our Navy.”

Capt. Whalen assumed command as the 70th President of the Board of Inspection and Survey having previously served as chief of staff, commander, Surfaces Forces Atlantic.

The Board of Inspection and Survey was initially established in 1870 to ensure that the ships of the United States Navy were properly equipped for prompt, reliable, sustained mission readiness at sea. In 1882, Congress enacted legislation which established the Board of Inspection and Survey under statutory authority. U.S. Code Title X, 7304 requires a Board of Naval Officers to conduct a Material Inspection of all naval ships at least once every three years, if practicable. INSURV has been operating continuously under this authority since that date.

Today INSURV is comprised of nearly 200 high talented military, civilian, and contractors dispersed in various locations in the United States, and concentrated in San Diego and Virginia Beach.

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