Navy

OTARU, Japan – Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan concluded a visit to Otaru in the northern Japanese island prefecture of Hokkaido Feb. 10.

Prior to arrival, Antietam conducted routine exercises in the Philippine Sea alongside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), to include a replenishment-at-sea with Mashu-class replenishment ship JS Oumi (AOE 426). These exercises and cooperative operations are aimed at enhancing interoperability between forward deployed naval forces and Allied forces in U.S. 7th Fleet.

“Without the support of the citizens of Otaru, organizations like the Self-Defense Force supporters association, and the government of Japan, this opportunity would not have been possible,” said Capt. Warren Smith, commanding officer, USS Antietam.

While at the port, the Antietam crew hosted a tour and reception for members of the local Otaru government and local news media organizations. The tour took visitors and reporters through the ship where subject matter experts explained the many ways the crew safely operates and navigates the ship.

In addition to hosting visitors, the Antietam’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) team arranged for tours to give the crew chances to experience the local culture and festival activities. The crew visited the Ice Festival in Sapporo and went on a skiing tour in Niseko.

“All the locals were very friendly,” said Religious Program Specialist Second Class Geno Macerelli, recounting his time exploring the museums and shops in Otaru. “They were more than happy to help you out when you were lost.”

Port visits are a critical mission for the U.S. Navy. This port visit facilitated the building of relationships and the exchanging of culture between the citizens and Sailors of Japan and Antietam Sailors. It also allowed for the demonstration of the life of a U.S. Navy Sailor and of the capabilities of a U.S. Navy cruiser.

The Antietam’s last visit to Hokkaido took place in February of 2019 when the ship arrived at the port of Ishikari for a routine port visit. Antietam’s recent visit to Otaru is the first time a U.S. Navy warship has conducted such a port visit in Otaru since USS Mustin (DDG 89) visited for the Snow Festival in 2018, making this a very special visit.

The Antietam is underway conducting routine operations and exercises building warfighting proficiency and increasing allied interoperability. Antietam is part of Commander, Task Force (CTF 70) which is theater strike warfare commander and theater air and missile defense commander.

CTF 70 is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo Pacific region.

NAPLES, Italy — Within Italy and across the world, it is common for people to tour important landmarks and areas to learn about the history and lifestyle in an area.

In service of this, Community Relations Specialist, Teresa Merola, is bringing the tour experience back to U.S. Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples for Italian students.

“Like much of the Italian community, the students may see U.S. Navy members in their local communities. However, it is not typical for them to see how Sailors operate on base. The base tour gives students a glimpse of U.S. military life here in Naples,” said Merola.

Seventeen middle school students were welcomed onboard the Capodichino base Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 to see NSA Naples’ facilities and operations.

The tour began at the base chapel. Students were able to sit in the pews while learning about the services base personnel are offered at the chapel.

After viewing the chapel, Merola along with other tour guides escorted the students to the library and gym to view recreational opportunities available to those stationed onboard Capodichino. Merola took the students to see the base’s air terminal and a firetruck, temporarily housed outside of the fire station.

Towards the end of the tour the students were surprised with a brief rehearsal performance by members of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Band. Finally, they visited the USO offices back at the air terminal where the tour concluded.

The students, visiting from Istituto Comprensivo 1 Ariosto in Arzano, Italy, are the first student tour since 2019. Prior to the pause on tours due to COVID-19, students from the school toured the base routinely.

“We’ve been coming here for 20 years and every time is a wonderful experience,” said Sveva Ricciardi,” said Sveva Ricciardi, the class teacher from Istituto Comprensivo 1 Ariosto.

With COVID-19 measures and regulations lifting, Merola plans to safely conduct tours throughout the Italian school year.

“Hosting Italian students on base has always been very exciting for everyone involved—from the students and teachers to the base personnel they come in contact with. Both the students and teachers are always very impressed with the base facilities,” said Merola.

Commanding Officer of NSA Naples Capt. James Stewart expressed his support of the continuation of base tours for Italian students.

“The relaunch of our Italian student base tours allows us to further connect with our local community,” said Stewart. “Through these experiences, we are able to show younger generations some of the ways we support our bilateral cooperation here at NSA Naples.”

NSA Naples is an operational ashore base that enables U.S., allied, and partner nation forces to be where they are needed, when they are needed to ensure security and stability in the European, African, and Central Command areas of responsibility.

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 030/23, released Feb. 9, 2023, announced the April 2023 through September 2023 Advancement Examination Readiness Review (AERR) schedule.

Navy chief petty officers (E-7 through E-9) are needed to serve as rating fleet subject matter experts (FSMEs) for upcoming AERRs to be held in Pensacola, Florida. FSMEs provide their expertise by reviewing, validating, and updating the Navy-wide advancement exam question back for their respective ratings.

Chiefs, senior chiefs, and master chiefs on active duty, Training and Administration of the Reserves (TAR), and Reservists on Active Duty for Operational Support are encouraged to take part in the process by contacting their Type Commander (TYCOM) or rating sponsor point of contact (POC) for application information.

“Type Commanders and other rating sponsors select a diverse group of FSMEs to represent each rating and their unique job requirements,” said Naval Education and Training Professional Development Center (NETPDC) Director for the Navy Advancement Center (NAC), Cmdr. Shane Beavers. “The AERR selection process ensures all platforms, skillsets and communities throughout the fleet are well represented. Having the right mix of rating experts is key to determining appropriate and timely exam content for each administration.”

Chief Hospital Corpsman Luis Figueroa, who attended the Hospital Corpsman AERR in July 2022, believes AERRs are important in order to keep the exams current.

“The AERR process is vital to ensure the Sailors are receiving the most current, important, relevant and correct information in preparation for their advancement examinations,” said Figueroa. “It also ensures we are promoting the most qualified Sailors in our rate.”

In addition to being beneficial to the Navy as a whole, the AERRs benefit the FSMEs who attend for their rating.

“The AERR has helped me personally by ensuring that I remain current on all up-to-date policies and programs across the Hospital Corpsman rating,” said Figueroa. “It also ensures I can better equip my Sailors with the tools and training to prepare for their future exams.”

AERRs can vary in length between one and two weeks are held throughout the year, with each specific rating reviewed on average once a year. Normally, four to eight nominees are selected to be panel members for each AERR, with travel paid for by NETPDC.

The April 2023 through September 2023 schedule is as follows:

Convene Date: Rating (number of FSMEs required):

2 – 15 April GSE (6), IC (6), YNS (6)

9 – 15 April AWA (6), OS (6)

9 – 22 April AWV (8)

16 – 22 April AC (6), QM (6)

16 – 29 April CM (8), GSM (6)

23 – 29 April AWE (6)

23 April – 6 May AME (8), DC (6), GM (7), PR (8)

30 April – 6 May NCR (6)

7 – 20 May AM (6), ETV (7), FCA (6), UT (8)

14 – 20 May NCC (6)

14 – 27 May CS (6), CTI (6), RS (7), SB (6)

4 – 17 June CTN (6), ET (6) ND (6)

9 – 15 July ATO (6)

9 – 22 July ABF (6), AD (6), EO (6), FC (7), IT (6), MN (6)

16 – 29 July CTT (6)

30 July – 12 August AS (8), MT (7)

13 -26 August FT (7), HM (6), MA (8)

20 August – 2 September MMN (6)

10 -23 September CSS (6), ETN (6), MU (8)

17 – 30 September EA (6)

To view the annual AERR schedule, locate a specific rating point of contact, or view AERR eligibility requirements, log into MyNavy Portal at www.my.navy.mil. Search under “Professional Resources,” then “Navy Advancement Center,” then “Advancement Examination Readiness Review.” Contact the TYCOM or rating sponsor POC to determine submission deadlines.

Those selected to participate will receive a selection email from the NAC approximately 45 days prior to the start of the AERR. Selectees should make early contact with NAC staff to answer any questions they may have concerning the AERR process.

As part of the MyNavy HR Force Development team, NETPDC provided products and services that enable and enhance education, training, career development, and personnel development throughout the Navy. Primary elements of the command include the Voluntary Education Department, the NAC, and the Resources Management Department.

Additional information about NETPDC can be found at https://www.netc.navy.mil/NETPDC.

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – A KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base and the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., successfully circumnavigated the Southern Hemisphere in an endurance mission covering more than 23,000 nautical miles Jan. 23-30.

This mission was the first-time aerial refueling aircraft from two different air refueling squadrons across the continental United States flew such an incredible endurance mission, showcasing the strength and global reach capabilities of the KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

The total trip was 168 hours in duration with 49.5 hours in the air for the MacDill crew and 53.5 hours for Fairchild.

“This was a unique mission, one that speaks volumes on how capable our tanker fleet is,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Taylor Johnston, aircraft commander for Operation Vespucci. “We were able to truly prove our mission statement, ‘anytime, anywhere.’”

The crews made their first stop in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, then Cape Town, South Africa, Perth, Australia, and Christchurch, New Zealand, before making their final stop in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

After landing in each country, the aircrew met with local representatives and government officials to strengthen relationships between the countries and thank them for their hospitality. They worked with each nation to coordinate with local customs, immigration, support vehicles and fuel to ensure the smooth transition between each country.

“The support of our international partners is crucial to maintaining global reach and global power,” said Johnston.

The aircrew and maintainers went through numerous time zones, including the international dateline, but that didn’t slow them down. Operations continued on schedule as the 6th ARW’s maintainers’ efforts ensured each aircraft’s on-time arrival at each new destination.

“It was an amazing experience to witness so many cultures in such a short amount of time,” said Capt. Andres Velez, a KC-135 pilot assigned to the 50th Air Refueling Squadron. “It really put into perspective how important these relationships with our international partners are.”

The KC-135 Stratotanker provides the core aerial refueling capability for the U.S. Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This unique asset enhances the Air Force’s capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft. The KC-135 is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations.

Air Mobility Command provides unrivaled airlift, air refueling, aeromedical evacuation, global air mobility support and Global Mobility Mission Command to project, connect, maneuver and sustain the Joint Force to achieve national objectives.

SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two mariners, and responders are searching for the third missing mariner between Guam and Rota on Feb. 9.

The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) crew rescued two of the three mariners about halfway between Guam and Rota midday after being vectored into the debris field by a Guam Army Air National Guard UH-72 Lakota helicopter crew who found the debris initially. They are currently aboard the Myrtle Hazard, in good condition and uninjured.

The search is ongoing for the third mariner. The rescued mariners confirmed the vessel sank and reported the third person was alive and with them but became separated from them during the night.

The three mariners departed Guam aboard a 42-foot vessel, the Senior Dong, heading from Guam to Rota on Feb. 8. Anyone with information should call the U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam Joint Rescue Sub-Center at +1 671-355-4824. Continuing the search are crews from USCGC Myrtle Hazard, Station Apra Harbor, and military aircrews.

Responders involved to date include crews from:

– Guam Fire Department

– Rota Department of Public Safety

– U.S. Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron Two-Five

– Guam Army Air National Guard

– U.S. Air Force

– USCGC Myrtle Hazard

– U.S. Coast Guard Station Apra Harbor

– U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Sector Guam Joint Rescue Sub-center

At 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, watchstanders at the FM/SG JSRC received a mayday call over VHF-FM Channel reporting the vessel Senior Dong taking on water between Rota and Guam. The master stated there were three people aboard, and the vessel was sinking. Communications were lost while gathering information from the master. Guam Fire Department confirmed seeing the vessel depart Hagåtña Marina earlier in the day.

Watchstanders immediately diverted the USCGC Myrtle Hazard from patrol northwest of the scene and directed the launch of a Station Apra Harbor 45-foot Response Boat-Medium rescue boat crew. They requested assistance from Guam Fire Department rescue boat crews and HSC-25 using their MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter. Daylight searches on Feb. 9 include efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard, Guam Army Air National Guard, and HC-130s attached to the U.S. Air Force 36th Airlift Squadron out of Yokota Air Base in Japan in Guam for the Cope North exercises.

Weather on scene is forecast as a northeast wind of 15 to 20 knots with wind waves of 3 to 4 feet and an east swell of 5 to 7 feet. A small craft advisory and a rip current statement are in effect.

-USCG-

MILLINGTON, Tenn. – The Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community is hosting a webinar for anyone interested in learning about becoming a Navy EOD officer.

The officer webinar is scheduled to be held March 1 from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST and will cover the community’s accession and selection process, initial training pipeline, mission areas, and an opportunity for interested applicants to ask questions.

The virtual event will feature active-duty Navy EOD officers speaking about the Navy EOD community mission and what it takes to join the premiere maritime EOD force.

The Navy EOD community is looking for leaders driven to solve high-risk, technical problems to provide the fleet access to denied environments. Navy EOD’s mission is to eliminate explosive threats so the fleet and nation can win – whenever, wherever, and however it chooses.

The community is looking for officers with agile minds and strong character who can excel in the most demanding and threatening environments. Navy EOD continues to look forward with focus on core missions and skills that the Navy needs, such as demolition, diving, render safe procedures, rigging, communications, and logistics. Its training focuses on preparation for major combat operations where Navy EOD enables maneuver for the fleet and joint forces in contested environments.

Navy EOD Officers are charged with small-unit leadership and receive specialized training to detect, locate, render safe, and dispose of explosive threats that include conventional ordnance, homemade explosives, sea mines, and weapons of mass destruction on land, at sea, and underwater. Navy EOD Officers are flexible and mobile. They train in diving and parachuting, which enables them to work closely with special operations and conventional forces to provide them access to areas necessary to achieve their missions.

Navy EOD Officers also routinely work with the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. State Department, helping to protect the president, vice president, and other state and foreign officials and dignitaries.

Interested attendees should register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/507785479037.

For more information on the Navy EOD officer accession program, visit https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Career-Management/Community-Management/Officer/Active-OCM/Unrestricted-Line/EOD-Warfare-OCM/

For more information on the Navy EOD community, visit http://www.navy.com/careers/explosive-ordnance-disposal-technician