Navy

CHANIA, Greece – Boatswain’s mate is one of the oldest rates in the Navy. The rate dates back to the days of sail but continues to play a vital role, both on ships and ashore, to this day. Although the U.S. Navy has embraced new technologies, and the responsibilities of a boatswain’s mate have evolved over time, the calloused hands of the boatswain’s mates aboard the first-in-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), still tie knots and handle lines in much the same fashion as those who came before.

In advance of their port visit to Souda Bay, Greece, the boatswain’s mates aboard Wasp used the time-honored tradition of knot tying to construct nets for soccer goals as part of community relations event at the Daily Care Center for Children and Young Adults of Chania in Chania, Greece. Established in 1922 and located a short drive from the port of Souda Bay, the Daily Care Center for Children and Young Adults of Chania is a state-funded boys home, which provides support to boys from the ages of 12 to 16 and young adults in need of special care aged 18 or older.

A team of Sailors from Wasp and Marines of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Special Operation Capable (SOC) first visited the care center during a previous port visit to Souda Bay in September. The visit was organized by the 24th MEU (SOC) Command Element Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Jim Campbell, and Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class Nancy Guillermo, both part of the ministry team assigned to the 24th MEU (SOC). While at the care center, Guillermo noticed that the soccer goals lacked nets. After the first visit, Guillermo contacted Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate Brandon Ortiz, leading chief petty officer of Wasp’s Deck Department, and inquired if the boatswain’s mates aboard Wasp could use their skills to make new nets to be presented when Wasp returned to Souda Bay mid-November.

“It’s something really easy,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Landing Coly, as he described the process of constructing the nets from scratch. “We used an over hand knot, started from the top and worked our way to the bottom […] I’m really excited to see [the boys’] faces and play soccer with them.”

Since departing Norfolk in early April, Wasp and 24th MEU (SOC) Sailors and Marines have visited Souda Bay seven times during their scheduled deployment for port visits and brief stops for fuel and supplies. During two of those visits, the ministry team was able to orchestrate community outreach events that brought the Sailors and Marines aboard Wasp together with the boys at the Daily Care Center.

“[Our] goal is to be good ambassadors for the United States and provide encouragement to a great group of boys and young men,” said Guillermo. “Volunteerism with Allied and partner nations shows the host community how the U.S. military is a force for good.”

Wasp is the flagship of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th MEU (SOC) operating in the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations since June, supporting U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea, to continue promoting regional stability and deterring aggression.

The 24th MEU (SOC) is a Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) with a command element, Aviation Combat Element (Medium Marine Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced), Ground Combat Element (Battalion Landing Team 1/8), and Logistics Combat Element (Combat Logistics Battalion 24).

Amphibious ready groups and larger amphibious task forces provide military commanders a wide range of flexible capabilities including maritime security operations, expeditionary power projection, strike operations, forward naval presence, crisis response, sea control, deterrence, counter-terrorism, information operations, security cooperation and counter-proliferation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

You can follow Wasp’s adventures on Facebook and Instagram (@usswasp_lhd1).

To learn more about WSP ARG and 24th MEU (SOC) “Team of Teams,” visit their DVIDS feature page at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/wasparg24thmeu.

The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) welcomed former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, John J. Sullivan, who shared candid insights on leadership lessons and the world’s most pressing security challenges during the most recent Fireside Chat format Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture (SGL), November 12.

During a 90-minute discussion followed by a Q&A with more than 1,200 students and faculty in attendance, Sullivan drew from his extensive diplomatic experience to outline the risks facing U.S. and global security, emphasizing unity, the growing threats from authoritarian regimes, and the critical need for strong U.S. leadership.

To open, Sullivan was asked by the Fireside Chat moderator, retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Eric Wendt, about the most important lesson he had learned about leadership.

“My biggest lesson on leadership sounds simple but it is not always easy: believe in what you are doing,” Sullivan stated, with conviction. “Leaders must be credible, and that comes from pursuing what you are passionate about and believe in. You will accrue knowledge and expertise because of your pursuits, but you must be authentic as a leader.”

Wendt, a retired Special Forces Green Beret, NPS distinguished alumnus, and current NPS professor of practice in the defense analysis department, asked a question which quickly shifted the conversation to the security landscape of today, where Sullivan outlined what he described as the “top three threats” facing the United States and global stability.

“The greatest security threat to the United States is the United States itself,” Sullivan began. “To prevail in any strategic competition or conflict, we must first be united. Our adversaries do all they can to prevent this domestically and with our allies. The health, vigor, and unity of this country are prerequisites for the U.S. to remain atop as the world’s leader. We must be true to our values and find common ground.”

His words resonated with the room, especially as he reflected on the growing challenges within American society, warning that America cannot afford to be divided. He continued by noting that we must also recognize how division weakens us and strengthens America’s adversaries who are determined to undermine our standing in the world.

Next, Sullivan turned his attention to the global stage and the increasing alignment between authoritarian regimes, particularly the China-led axis that includes Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

“These authoritarian nations find refuge in each other and work to actively undermine the international rules-based order to advance their illegitimate power and claims,” he said. “The threats to global security today are some of the worst I’ve seen in my lifetime. We’ve seen these powers challenge democratic institutions, and they are emboldened as we struggle to maintain unity at home.”

Sullivan pointed to the critical role of the U.S. and NATO in standing against this growing alliance. He noted how the U.S. historically stood with its allies during the Cold War and how the U.S. currently faces a similar challenge with new adversaries working together to “destabilize the global international order.”

The conversation then shifted to his third concern, the Russia-Ukraine war, and specifically about Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“In short, Putin is pursuing his vision for the reestablishment of the Russian empire,” he said. “His justification for invading Ukraine was based-on false pretenses. Despite the people of Ukraine, choosing the West and a democratic future, as did many other millions in former Soviet Bloc countries, Putin will not stop.”

Sullivan characterized Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as a profound miscalculation with Ukraine being far more willing to fight than Putin anticipated.

“With U.S. and European support, Ukraine has held its ground against a far superior military force,” he stated. “U.S. and NATO must remain steadfast in their resolve.”

The Ambassador underscored the strategic significance of a firm alliance in Europe also “deterring similar aggression elsewhere in the world.”

In his closing remarks, Sullivan turned to the role of leaders in voicing these concerns to advance meaningful conversation with the American public about global security threats and why it matters.

“There is not enough public discourse on the magnitude of the risks and potential insecurity in the world, but I am encouraged by what I see happening here at NPS,” he stated. “The potential for a much greater conflict is real and we must help our neighbors understand, or we may lack the will to coalesce as a nation if that time comes.”

“Seeing the bright, patriotic leaders here at NPS gives me confidence that the future of our military and our nation lies in capable hands. You are the leaders we need, right now.”

For students at NPS, Sullivan’s lecture offered a rare and valuable perspective on the complex challenges facing the U.S. and the world from someone with recent, relevant experience. And while conflict is not inevitable, Sullivan emphasized that understanding historical lessons is crucial to maintaining peace.

NPS Defense Management student U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brittany Saulsberry was grateful for the Ambassador’s insights.

“Understanding our adversaries from someone who’s been at the table with them allows us to mitigate risks and recognize the obvious threats before they become more significant,” said Saulsberry. “The key takeaway for me was how important it is to truly know your adversary. Deterrence is our priority, and the more we understand adversary motivations and strategies, the better positioned we’ll be to achieve that, protect our national interests, and uphold our principles.”

For more information on the Secretary of the Navy Guest Lecture program at NPS, and to watch past lectures, visit https://nps.edu/sgls

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Located in Monterey, California, NPS provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership, and warfighting advantage of the Naval service.

GREAT LAKES (NNS) – Seaman Keiana Yardley graduated as the top Sailor from Recruit Training Command, earning the Military Excellence Award (MEA) November 14, 2024.

Yardley, from Herriman, Utah, said she enlisted for a variety of reasons, including the many career opportunities the Navy will provide.

“Being able to support myself and achieve my goals is important to me,” Yardley said. “I love challenges and learning new things. A career in the intelligence rating will allow me to become fluent in another language and acquire skills I don’t currently have. I think it’s pretty cool to have a job that I’m passionate about and be able to serve my country at the same time.”

Yardley, 18, graduated from Herriman High School, where she was a member of the NJROTC and the varsity drill team. In addition, Yardley was a peer mentor for physics students and is an avid rock climber in her spare time.

The Navy Club of the United States Military Excellence Award is the top award presented to the recruit that best exemplifies the qualities of enthusiasm, devotion to duty, military bearing, and teamwork. The award places her at the pinnacle of today’s newest Sailors. Yardley is awarded a flag letter of commendation as part of her recognition.

The award, according to Yardley, is the best possible first step to start her naval career.

“When I found out that I’d won the award, I thought they’d made a mistake,” said Yardley. “All the other recruits I was around are great people, so I was really shocked. At the start of training, I tried to lay low and just get through it. But as time went by, I started to try to push myself more to get the most out of my experience. Winning an award like this builds the foundation for the rest of my career. I want to strive to not just do the bare minimum, but to be the best I can possibly be and help those I work with to do their best as well.”

Yardley’s RDCs (Recruit Division Commanders) are Chief Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen (PRC) Karl Soratorio, Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (HM1) Steven Gajovski and Quartermaster 2nd Class (QM2) Meghan Kawaski, and they guided her through the 10-week process.

“It’s easy to think that your RDCs are just there looking for things you’re doing wrong,” she said. “In reality, they are there to help you become a better person and mold you into a Sailor that’s ready for the fleet. Looking back, I’ve learned so many things from the time I arrived here, and a lot of that is due to the lessons I learned from all of them. I’m really thankful for that.”

Along with her RDCs, Yardley found inspiration from the command chaplain.

“Chaplain Barry helped me a lot while I was here. There were times when I struggled and had a lot of self-doubt, and I went to him during counseling hours for advice. He was able to keep my mind centered on the present moment and reminded me that the hard work I did today would pay off in the future. There are times when you can only rely on yourself, and things won’t necessarily get easier. He helped me to realize this and find the internal motivation that I needed to succeed.”

Yardley said her biggest challenge was being separated from all the support she has back home.

“Sundays were always tough for me,” said Yardley. “We’d get a phone call sometimes and have a part of the day to ourselves. When you get a chance to think about things and talk to your family, sometimes you start to miss your old life. I realized that I couldn’t be there for people like I used to be. To stay in the present, I tried to get to know more people in my division and talked to them about whatever I was struggling with. We were all going through the same things together, and talking with them helped to keep me calm and not feel as alone. Bonding with the other recruits is what made this experience so memorable and is the part that will stick with me when all of this over.”

After graduation, Yardley will attend Cryptologic Technician Interpretive (CTI) “A” School in Monterey, California, for comprehensive language instruction.

Training at RTC is approximately 10 weeks, and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 Recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp.

The Chrysler Hall theater was filled with cheers as family and friends gathered to celebrate the 153 graduates during the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) 2024 Apprentice Graduation Ceremony Nov. 7.

The graduates, representing 21 trades across the shipyard, have completed a four-year training program combining academics, trade theory, and on-the-job experience, are now promoted to journeymen within their trade.

“With this four-year program existing for more than 100 years, our apprenticeships have welcomed thousands of talented individuals through our gates who have dedicated years of time and energy to build lasting careers. As our shipyard continues its mission in modernizing, repairing, and inactivating our Navy’s warships, know that it’s because of your efforts that we’re able to succeed in our roles to protect our freedoms,” said Shipyard Commander Capt. Jip Mosman. “You – our apprentices – are the backbone and such a vital part of our shipyard team. You are the heart and soul of our mission and each of you brings something special to the plate, contributing the knowledge and skillsets needed to get the job done. Without you, none of what we do would be possible.”

The keynote speaker for the event was City of Portsmouth Councilman Mark Hugel, the 100th Shipyard Commander and a retired Navy Rear Admiral, who shared his congratulations for those taking the next step in their career servicing the nation’s fleet.

“Graduates, four years ago, you chose to join the workforce at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. I have told the workforce at every public shipyard you are part of a national treasure. Nobody else in the world knows how to do what you do as well as you do it,” said Hugel. “We are one of six nations with nuclear-powered submarines. Eight out of ten days, the U.S. is ready to go out to sea and serve our nation. That means two out of those ten days, those submarines are in our care. Those submarines cannot be out of commission three days out of ten or more, because if they do, then we become average. We’re not average. And we’re not average – because of YOU. You all are world-class.”

He added, “We need you to be the very best at what you do. You know what you’re doing, you know how to do it well, your challenge is to go out there and do it.”

This year’s class valedictorian, Lucas Cooper, a Shop 99 Industrial Equipment Mechanic, finished the NNSY Apprentice Program with a 3.952 GPA, which also earned him an early promotion.

“Looking back now, it’s hard to believe that four years has gone by so quickly. I don’t know about you all but I still remember that first day in the Drydock Club. A little nervous from not knowing anyone or what that day might’ve entailed, but we made it,” said Cooper in his address to the graduates. “Our class has navigated through many obstacles like having to go through a pandemic for one; with all the masks, social distancing and no one knowing what to expect on a daily basis, but we managed to overcome it. We managed to succeed through all the trade theory courses, competency tests, and six months of college to get us to this point. We made it through all the early mornings, late nights, shift changes and balancing work/home life. I’m proud to be a member of this class, as we all should be. I hope the remaining years of our careers are blessed with knowledge and success.”

He continued, “I challenge every one of us to never stop learning, never stop growing, and never stop trying to be the best version of yourself. Together we will continue to uphold the NNSY mission and support the U.S. Navy so that they can defend our great country. Keep up the great work graduates, we made it!”

This year marked the 111th anniversary of NNSY’s Apprentice Program, one of the most historic and honored apprentice programs in the Nation. The program has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (ACA), as a 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship Trailblazer and Innovator as well as one of the leading apprenticeships in the region.

Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10, visited the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Nov. 7, to tour the ship and meet with Iwo Jima’s junior surface warfare officers.

Rear Adm. Alexis Walker, a career surface warfare officer, discussed important topics with the ship’s junior officers and highlighted several focus-areas on how to be effective Navy warfighters.

“Warfighting, warfighting, warfighting,” said Walker. “I say that because I spent a 30-year career posturing and thinking about the things you are now doing. We spent our whole careers planning, training, and developing this and never really had a Red Sea. You have got to be really focused on your fighting efficacy throughout this.”

As Iwo Jima prepares the ship for sea, there are many factors at play that can pull Sailors in multiple directions. Walker gave the junior officers advice on work-life balance and being mentally present.

“I think you should try for work-life focus,” said Walker. “When you are here, you are focused and doing everything that you can to be as efficient and as effective as you can be while you are here, so that when you go home, you can focus there and maintain and remind the people that you care about that they are the reason that you get up in the morning and leave them every day and then leave them for months at a time.”

With a strong focus on ship readiness in preparing for the next high-end fight, Walker discussed the importance of leading Sailors and the role it plays in the grander scheme.

“Help your Sailors understand their why,” said Walker. “When you ask your Sailors their why, most of them are going to default to why they joined the Navy. But do they understand their why in terms of how they fit into the broader efforts that we are trying to do.”

In addition to Sailors understanding their why, he stressed the importance of each Sailor understanding how they are a crucial piece to the overall puzzle.

“Everybody at this command has raised their right hand, sworn an oath to support and defend up to their lives in that effort, they should understand why.” Said walker. “ How they fit not just in the specific job that they are doing, but how that ties into the CNO’s strategy which ties into national military strategy, national defense strategy, national security strategy, and how you’re not just a CS, or MM, or DC-man, you are an instrument of national power.”

Amphibious assault ships like USS Iwo Jima—homeported at Naval Station Norfolk—project power and maintain presence by serving as the flagship of the Amphibious Readiness Group and Expeditionary Strike Group at sea.