[navy] Digest (12/04/2002 18:01) (#2002-49)
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(#2002-49) - Topics this issue:
1) NavNews for Wednesday, December 04, 2002, <>
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Date: Wed, 04 Dec 2002 15:26:40 -0800
Subject: NavNews for Wednesday, December 04, 2002
NavNews for Wednesday, December 04, 2002
NNS021203-08. USS Harry S. Truman Battle Group to Deploy
NNS021203-01. USS Paul F. Foster Completes Visit to Qingdao, China
NNS021202-09. USS Oklahoma City Commander Relieved
NNS021202-08. What You Do Today Buys the Next 200 Years of American History
NNS021203-14. Navy Transfers 33 Acres of Property to City of Key West
NNS021203-13. Aircraft Gets a Makeover in Phase Maintenance
NNS021203-02. Marines Celebrate Birthday in Unlikely Place
NNS021202-07. Tortuga Plays Host to Ambassador and Guests
NNS021202-10. 7th Fleet Band's Far East Edition Takes Budokan Stage
NNS021022-06. 2002 Holiday Season Mailing Dates Announced
NNS021203-12. Daily News Update for Dec. 3, 2002
NNS011210-07. This Day in Naval History - Dec. 04
Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day
-- http://www.news.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=3499
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NNS021203-08. USS Harry S. Truman Battle Group to
Deploy
From 2nd Fleet Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- More than 8,000 Sailors and
Marines from the ships and squadrons that comprise the USS
Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Battle Group will depart on
a regularly scheduled deployment Dec. 5.
Most of the Sailors and Marines will deploy from the Hampton
Roads area and relieve the USS George Washington (CVN 73)
Carrier Battle Group, whose return date has not yet been
announced.
The entire battle group has prepared for deployment over the
last eight months through a series of increasingly demanding
exercises and operations, culminating in the recently completed
Joint Task Force Exercise 03-1, which certified them as ready to
deploy.
The battle group is commanded by Rear Adm. John D.
Stufflebeem. Units in the group include Harry S. Truman with
Carrier Air Wing 3 and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 22
embarked; guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56);
guided-missile destroyers USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), USS
Mitscher (DDG 57) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75);
destroyers USS Briscoe (DD 977) and USS Deyo (DD 989);
guided-missile frigate USS Hawes (FFG 53); and oilers USNS
Kanawha (T-AO 196) and USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34).
For related news, visit the Atlantic Fleet Navy NewsStand page
at www.news.navy.mil/local/clf.
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NNS021203-01. USS Paul F. Foster Completes Visit to
Qingdao, China
By Journalist 2nd Class Shawn E. Burns, 7th Fleet Public Affairs
QINGDAO, China (NNS) -- USS Paul F. Foster (DD 964)
departed Qingdao, China, Nov. 28 after a four-day port visit,
completing the first U.S. Navy ship visit to mainland China since
March 2001.
The Spruance-class destroyer's visit was one in a series of recent
exchanges between China and the United States.
During the visit, the ship's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Chuck
Nygaard, met with military and government officials including
Vice Adm. Ding Yi Ping, China's Commander, North Sea Naval
Fleet, Senior Capt. Guo Shouqian, China's Deputy Chief of
Staff, North Sea Naval Fleet and the Deputy Mayor of Qingdao.
"Paul F. Foster's port visit success was compared to President
Nixon's visit to China 30 years ago by leaders in Qingdao,"
Nygaard said. He also noted that local leaders believed the visit
reflected a progressive warming of political and military relations
between the two countries.
Prior to the visit, Paul F. Foster participated in exercises with the
USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Battle Group, and the Qingdao port
visit was another opportunity for the destroyer's crew to receive
valuable training. The port visit was also a great chance to
develop mutual respect between the U.S. and Chinese navies,
and for the crew to wrap up an extended training period,
according to Nygaard.
"Everyone benefits from a port call like this one, because it
promotes greater understanding between our two navies, and it's
fun for the Sailors, too," said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Brown,
spokesman for Battle Force 7th Fleet.
The crew enjoyed recreational activities such as a basketball
game, tug-o-war contest and a ping-pong tournament with the
Chinese sailors, boosting morale between the two nations'
maritime forces.
According to Nygaard, not only was the interaction between the
two country's militaries enjoyable, but everyday city life in
Qingdao was also exciting.
"Every crew member was impressed beyond expectations," he
said. "Qingdao is a great city with great shopping, friendly
people and incredible food. What a great port visit, and what a
great country."
More than one-third of Paul F. Foster's Sailors enjoyed a trip to
the Great Wall of China, where a few Sailors chose to reenlist,
and various other sightseeing locations, affording the crew an
opportunity to interact with local citizens.
One of the Sailors who did reenlist at the Great Wall, Chief
Damage Controlman (SW) Edward Calkins, said that he wanted
to reenlist at a location that only the Navy could offer him.
"This reenlistment means a lot to me," said Calkins. "Just last
year, I was on terminal leave and due to retire from the Navy
Sept. 31, after 20 years of service. I was watching the news on
Sept. 11 and could not believe the devastation that I was
witnessing. After long talks with my wife, we decided that this
was not the time for me to turn my back on the Navy or my
country. I contacted my detailer and canceled my retirement for
orders to USS Paul F. Foster. Doing my reenlistment at the
Great Wall of China is an experience that I will never regret or
forget. Being a part of things that others only dream about will
always have a special place in my heart. To me, this is one of
many benefits that we enjoy and cherish for serving in the United
States Navy."
For related news, visit the Commander 7th Fleet Navy
NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/c7f.
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NNS021202-09. USS Oklahoma City Commander Relieved
From U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs
GAETA, Italy (NNS) -- Cmdr. Richard Voter, commanding
officer of USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723), was relieved of
command Nov. 30 in La Maddalena, Sardinia.
Rear Adm. Kirkland Donald, Commander, Submarine Group 8,
took this action after reviewing the investigation into the collision
between the submarine and a Norwegian commercial vessel
Nov. 13. Donald ordered him to be relieved after he lost
confidence in Voter's ability to command.
Voter, one other officer and two enlisted crew members were
also disciplined in a non-judicial punishment proceeding Dec. 2.
Charged with dereliction of duty, they each received punishment
ranging from punitive letters of reprimand to reduction in rank.
The officers were relieved of their duties and ordered to return to
their parent squadron, Submarine Squadron 8, in Norfolk, Va.
The enlisted crew members will remain aboard the submarine.
Capt. Howard Reese, Commander, Submarine Squadron 22,
assumed command of Oklahoma City. Reese will turn command
over to Cmdr. Ronald LaSalvia, Deputy Commander,
Submarine Squadron 8 later this week.
Oklahoma City remains in port, undergoing repair at the Naval
Support Activity, La Maddalena, Sardinia. The submarine
suffered damage to its periscope and sail area. The submarine's
propulsion system was not affected, and there were no injuries
reported in this accident.
When repairs to the submarine are completed, the ship will
undergo a recertification procedure to ensure the ship is ready to
resume operations. Oklahoma City began a scheduled six-month
deployment with the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Battle
Group in June 2002.
For related news, visit the Commander 6th Fleet Navy
NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/c6f.
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NNS021202-08. What You Do Today Buys the Next 200
Years of American History
By Senior Airman Nicole Bickford, 363rd AEW Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (NNS) -- "What you do for your country
every day purchases the next 200 years of American history."
said Army Gen. Tommy R. Franks, commander, U.S. Central
Command, as he addressed hundreds of Operation Southern
Watch (OSW) troops recently.
The general conducted the troop call en route to a forward
deployed location, where he will lead "Internal Look," a
theater-wide exercise conducted once every one to two years
since 1992.
"About 14 months ago, some terrorists made a real bad
mistake," said Franks of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. "They
figured if they slapped us upside the head, we'd fold and just
give our country up."
Franks said that the men and women of the U.S. military
responded and are continuing to send a message that America
will never fold, but will always fight for its freedom.
"Nobody wearing a uniform for the U.S. has done as much or
has worked as hard as you are," he said. "Your nation owes you
a great deal. In our line of work, we never quit."
While the general said that there is no way to determine how
long it will take to win the nation's war on terrorism, "We do
know that at the end of this, we win," said Franks.
The hundreds of Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines gathered
strongly agreed with the general's statement, exploding into
applause and yelling "hooahs."
"I don't want anyone to get anxious, to get nervous or get in a
hurry," said Franks. "You and I are here for as long as it takes.
"The one thing that we cannot do, is we cannot let anybody
change the country our kids and grandkids will grow up in."
OSW troops will spend the holiday season thousands of miles
away from their loved ones, but Franks reassured all gathered
that the job they are doing every day is vital in protecting those
freedoms.
"We're coming up on the holiday season," he said. "A time we
give thanks for our freedom in the United States of America - a
country where we can be anything we are man enough or
woman enough to be.
The general said he realizes that some days, it is harder to
remember why we are here, but "one of the common
characteristics of all of us who wear this uniform, is that there is
not a single one of us who was drafted."
He also reminded people that they have the support of the
president and of the majority of America.
"To the American people, you are all heroes," he said. "I've
never seen support like this in my life, and I've been doing this
for a long time. On behalf of everyone in your country, you are
loved. So don't ever get too tired, don't ever get too worn out,
don't ever get too (frustrated), to keep on going - for as long as
it takes."
For more news you can use, go to www.news.navy.mil.
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NNS021203-14. Navy Transfers 33 Acres of Property to City
of Key West
By Journalist 2nd Class Rob Wesselman, NAF Key West
Public Affairs
KEY WEST, Fla. (NNS) -- Adm. Robert J. Natter,
Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, along with Rear Adm. Annette
E. Brown, Commander, Navy Region Southeast, and Key West
Mayor Jimmy Weekley recently participated in a land-transfer
signing ceremony at the Key West Museum of Arts and History.
The ceremony marked a no-cost conveyance of nearly 33 acres
of property, the East Quay, eight buildings and various other
structures and personal property on Naval Air Facility (NAF)
Key West's Truman Annex from the Navy to the city of Key
West.
After NAF Key West Commanding Officer Capt. Lawrence S.
Cotton welcomed the guests, both Natter and Weekley took
time to share a few words before moving on to the actual
document signing.
The planning for the conveyance began August of 1995, when
President Clinton accepted the Department of Defense Base
Realignment and Closure Commission's recommendation to
realign Naval Air Station Key West to a Naval Air Facility. As a
result, the installation was directed to dispose of all property not
required to support its operational commitments.
According to Natter, the property conveyance reinforces the
already good relationship between the Navy and the city of Key
West. "One hundred and eighty years ago, the Navy built a small
settlement in Key West, and we have had a great relationship
with the citizens ever since - one where we are not only
respected, but well-liked in the neighborhood," Natter said.
"This land transfer is one of many ways the Navy lends its
support to the local community."
The land transfer, according to Weekley, was a win-win
situation. "This is a day the citizens of Key West have been
looking forward to for some time. The green space this land
transfer represents will certainly increase the quality of life for our
citizens," Weekley added.
In conjunction with the property transfer, NAF Key West plans
to replace 2,600 linear feet of cyclone fencing that currently
separates its property from the city of Key West's property.
The project calls for a more aesthetically pleasing wrought iron
fence to be erected where the old fence now sits. The new fence
will look similar to those the Navy has already put up near
Bahama Village and the Southernmost Point.
NAF Key West resident officer in charge of construction has
awarded the $578,600 contract to Sauer Inc. The project is
scheduled to be completed by June 2003.
Now that the land parcel has transferred, to comply with public
safety mandates and city property liability insurance
requirements, both the city and Navy will implement new security
procedures. While the new procedures may at times restrict
access to the properties (including the pier and small beach
area), the Navy and the city will work together to restore access
as quickly as possible.
For more information about Naval Air Facility Key West, go to
www2.clf.navy.mil/commands/comm22199992037.nsf
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NNS021203-13. Aircraft Gets a Makeover in Phase
Maintenance
By Journalist 2nd Class Phil Hasenkamp, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Public Affairs
KANEOHE, Hawaii (NNS) -- Looking up from a thick stack of
maintenance cards, Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Elizabeth
Simpson glances at her day's project before going to work on it.
The massive hulk of aircraft fuselage in front of her needs a lot of
work, and it's come to the right place.
Simpson's shop is where P-3C Orion mission readiness begins
and ends. As a member of the Phase Maintenance Team at
Patrol Squadron Four (VP-4) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii,
Simpson helps give complete makeovers to aircraft before they
get back on the runway.
"We're doing 'man on stand turns.' They turn on the engines,
and we get close enough to check for air leaks inside," she said,
dwarfed by the exposed Allison T-56-A-14 turboprop, 4,600
horsepower beast she'll examine this day.
With propellers attached, four of these engines are the means by
which a P-3C Orion takes to the air. "I've always liked big
engines. There's just something about the power," Simpson said.
Armed with a helmet, goggles and a peerless attention to detail,
Simpson plays a pivotal role in her squadron's ability to meet its
operational requirements. She's on the front lines in a war against
aircraft attrition.
"It feels good to get the engines up and running. It makes you
feel good to be able to say: 'I helped in fixing that engine.'" she
said. "It feels like I'm doing something to help the squadron with
the missions that we have."
But she's not alone in her effort. Phase maintenance represents a
total team effort.
"When you come in each morning, you pretty much know what
you have to do. You can count on working hard the whole time,"
Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Blake Metcalf said,
wiping his hands clean after a morning spent working on the
body of a P-3. "The length of your day depends on the quality of
your work, and how well you cooperate with other people."
As a structural mechanic, Metcalf spends his days repairing the
skin of the aircraft. "Generally, there is a lot of external corrosion
and exfoliation. It's not really something you can see coming, but
you have to know how to take care of it if and when it happens,"
he said, adding that much of what he does involves two staple
Navy activities - sanding and painting.
The phase maintenance shop is a congregation of specialists from
throughout the command. It's a place where people from many
different work backgrounds come together to complete a
finished product.
"We pretty much strip down the plane, replace the stuff that
needs to be replaced, repair everything, troubleshoot stuff, and
then put everything back together again," Metcalf added.
VP-4 owns 10 P-3C Orion aircraft. After 224 days of
operation, each aircraft must enter phase, or overhaul
maintenance.
"Every phase in phase maintenance corresponds to a set of
engines," Aviation Electrician 2nd Class Jason West said of
phases alpha, bravo, charlie and delta. West's job is to work on
the complicated electronics systems in the engines.
"We test and retest one engine with an alternate. The whole time,
other people are working on different parts of the aircraft. So by
the end, we have the whole package ready to go," he added.
Teamwork is not undervalued.
"Everyone in this shop relies on each other and works with one
another in some way. It's impossible to do a solo job," West
said. "If you don't do your job right, the plane won't take off. Or
worse yet, if it takes off, it might crash if something wasn't done
right in phase maintenance."
But matching the right specialties and training to the right job is a
labor in it's own right. Aviation Maintenance Administrationman
1st Class AoaPoa Augafa, phase maintenance leading petty
officer, calls it a conundrum.
"The challenge is getting to know the aircraft and the aircraft
systems," he said. "After that, you can start putting together the
maintenance puzzle. That involves matching the right people to
the right jobs."
Often, doing a job in the phase maintenance shop can serve a
dual purpose.
"Sometimes, we like to have an untrained person tag along with
someone who is going to do a specific task," Augafa, an 18-year
Navy veteran said. "You tend to learn from experience that
way."
A single P-3 can provide a hefty workload for phase maintainers
at VP-4, but oftentimes they have much more to deal with.
"If you have one aircraft in the shop, you can count on eight to
nine hour workdays," West said. "But it's pretty common to
have two or three P-3s in here. At that point, we're coming in
for 12 or 13 hours per day. We're here on weekends, too, if
necessary."
But hard work at VP-4 results in a unique feeling of satisfaction.
"It's hard to see the results of your work on home-cycle," West
added. "But when we're on deployment, doing missions, there is
a real sense of pride associated with knowing that the planes
coming back from successful missions wouldn't have flown if it
wasn't for your hard work."
With a little more than six months before their next deployment,
Sailors in VP-4's phase maintenance shop are preparing the
workhorses of their squadron's upcoming missions. Dedicated to
their never-ending task, the maintainers are contributing to the
overall readiness of the fleet.
For related news, visit the Pacific Fleet Navy NewsStand page
at www.news.navy.mil/local/cpf.
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NNS021203-02. Marines Celebrate Birthday in Unlikely Place
By Ensign Justin Cole, USS Tortuga Public Affairs
ABOARD USS TORTUGA (NNS) -- Marines and Sailors
have a very special relationship. At some point in a Marine's
career, he or she will most likely find themselves on a Navy ship,
forward-deployed to do their mission.
This is exactly where the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
found themselves for their biggest holiday of the year - the
Marine Corps Birthday.
This year, crew members of USS Tortuga (LSD 46), operating
as part of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) Amphibious Ready Group,
were able to help make their celebration something special.
"This is the Marine way. It's tough to imagine having the birthday
on the flight deck of a ship, but that's what it's all about -
adapting. We couldn't even celebrate on the real birthday this
year, because we knew that we would be on shore doing an
exercise. So, we celebrated a few days early. The most
important thing is teaching the young Marines how important the
day is. I think they got the picture," said 1st Lt. Jeffery Keating.
The celebration held on Tortuga's flight deck included the usual
characteristics of all Marine birthdays. Mess management
specialists worked throughout the night to prepare one of the
largest, most elaborately decorated cakes Tortuga had ever
seen.
The ceremony included the oldest and youngest Marine aboard
cutting the cake. Even the Sailors on Tortuga recognized how
special the event was.
"You could tell it meant a lot to them," said Operations Specialist
2nd Class Paul Malkerson. "They've got a lot of pride, and it
was a really nice ceremony. I couldn't imagine a better group of
guys to be deployed with."
Members of the 24th MEU are deployed aboard Tortuga as
part of a regularly-scheduled deployment in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom.
For related news, visit the USS Tortuga (LSD 46) Navy
NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lsd46.
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NNS021202-07. Tortuga Plays Host to Ambassador and
Guests
By Ensign Justin Cole, USS Tortuga Public Affairs
ABOARD USS TORTUGA (NNS) -- While in port for a visit
to the island-country of Malta recently, USS Tortuga (LSD 46)
played host to three international ambassadors and a party of
VIPs.
Among the guests were U.S. Ambassador to Malta Anthony
Gioia, Chinese Ambassador to Malta Yang Guirong and
Tunisian Ambassador to Malta Abdessalem Hetira. The crew
provided guests with a tour of the ship and a first-rate luncheon.
"The officers and crew onboard Tortuga should take great pride
in their ship," said Gioia. "They were absolutely perfect hosts,
and I couldn't have been more impressed. I couldn't get over
how clean everything was."
The tour of the ship took the guests through the pilot house,
combat information center, medical facilities and well-deck area.
"The Sailors were so excited to show off the ship," said Guirong.
"I was very impressed with their knowledge and enthusiasm."
Following the tour, the guests were treated to the best food
Tortuga has to offer.
Always a finalist or winner of awards recognizing the best food in
the fleet, Tortuga again put its best foot forward and showed its
visitors exactly what fine cooking was all about.
A feast including grilled ribeye steaks and seafood scampi were
served to the guests - much to their satisfaction. The cooks also
enjoyed the experience.
"Having guests visit the ship is just another opportunity to show
off," said Mess Management Specialist 2nd Class Ricky Marks
of Herrin, Ill. "We know the crew is appreciative of our efforts,
but it is always nice to hear that others enjoy the meals as well.
We have a lot of pride in what we do."
After the meal, the guests visited with crew members before
departing the ship.
"What a wonderful experience the entire day was," said Donna
Gioia, the American ambassador's wife. "I don't know how they
do it, but I sure am glad that they do. It makes me sleep well at
night knowing that we have Sailors like that protecting us out on
the sea."
Tortuga is homeported in Little Creek, Va. They are currently
deployed in the Mediterranean Sea and are expected to return
home in early spring.
For related news, visit the USS Tortuga (LSD 46) Navy
NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lsd46.
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NNS021202-10. 7th Fleet Band's Far East Edition Takes
Budokan Stage
By Journalist 1st Class Bruce Cummins, 7th Fleet Public Affairs
TOKYO (NNS) -- On a stage where the Rolling Stones
recorded what is considered one of the premier live albums of
the band's 40-year career, members of the 7th Fleet Band's Far
East Edition, a big band brass and wind ensemble, took the
stage.
The event at the Budokan, Tokyo's world-renowned concert
hall and sports venue, was held during the Japanese Ground Self
Defense Force (JGSDF)-sponsored 2002 Marching Festival
Nov. 22-23.
The series of concerts, a two-day affair highlighting military
bands from Japan, Korea and the United States, drew more than
35,000 people, according to JGSDF Maj. Shusaku Morina, one
of the event organizers.
Morina said the event's meaning reaches far beyond
entertainment.
"This is a joint exercise we conduct in November," he said. "This
allows many Japanese citizens the opportunity to become familiar
with the JSDF, and not just in a military sense. The festival
shows cooperation between Japan and other countries' forces
and is an important factor in making and keeping peace."
Lt. Michael Grant, the 7th Fleet bandmaster, said the event
highlighted the relationships forged between the bands
throughout a week of practices.
"This strengthened the relationships between the participating
countries and is an outreach and positive community relations
event," he said. "It also allowed us to demonstrate to the 30,000
attendees our ability to work together in cooperation. This is one
of those events that is 'win-win' for all who participate."
According to Grant, the Marching Festival is an event in which
the 7th Fleet Band has always wished to participate. With
another engagement already scheduled, however, only some
members of the band were able to make the trip to Tokyo.
With only 11 musicians on a stage which held nearly 10 times
that many during the JGSDF, Japan Maritime Self Defense
Force (JMSDF) and Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF)
band performances, the U.S. Navy contingent played a 7-minute
solo set halfway through the program.
Each military band was afforded a few minutes for solo
performances, while all the bands combined on stage for a finale
featuring an honor guard bearing the U.S., Japanese and Korean
national ensigns.
Other participants in the event included the U.S. Army Band, the
Korean Air Force Band, taiko drumming troupes composed of
Japanese service members, and bands from the JGSDF,
JMSDF and JASDF.
According to Grant, both performing on stage and the fellowship
surrounding the weeklong event only served to further relations
between the participating countries.
"Performing with other military bands is always a great
experience," he said. "There is certainly a common bond
between musicians, and being military musicians is no different.
We are all professionals and have chosen music as a career field.
Although the military has brought us together from different
countries and cultures, music was the primary topic of
discussion, and friendship was the typical outcome to the six
days of rehearsals and performances."
The 7th Fleet Band is regularly engaged in a variety of concerts
and appearances throughout the Asia-Pacific area of operations.
For related news, visit the Commander 7th Fleet Navy
NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/c7f.
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NNS021022-06. 2002 Holiday Season Mailing Dates
Announced
From NAVSUP Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Naval Supply Systems
Command's (NAVSUP) Postal Policy Division, in cooperation
with the U. S. Postal Service and military postal officials from all
of the services, notes that it's not too early to mail your 2002
Christmas cards and packages to and from military addresses
overseas.
In fact, everyone is encouraged to beat the last minute rush and
bring holiday mail and packages to the nearest U.S. Post Office
or APO/FPO military post office by the suggested dates listed
below.
For military mail addressed to APO and FPO addresses, the
mailing dates are: - Parcel post - Nov. 6 - Space available -
Nov. 27 - Parcel airlift - Dec. 4 - Air letters, air cards and
priority mail - Dec. 11
For military mail from APO and FPO addresses, the mailing
dates are: - Space available - Nov. 20 - Parcel airlift - Dec. 4 -
Priority mail, first-class air letters and air cards - Dec. 11 -
Express mail - Dec. 18
NAVSUP's primary mission is to provide U.S. Naval forces
with quality supplies and services. With headquarters in
Mechanicsburg, Pa., and employing a worldwide work force of
more than 24,000 military and civilian personnel, NAVSUP
oversees logistics programs in the areas of supply operations,
conventional ordnance, contracting, resale, fuel, transportation
and security assistance. In addition, NAVSUP is responsible for
quality of life issues for our naval forces, including food service,
postal services, Navy Exchanges and movement of household
goods.
For related news, visit the Naval Supply Systems Command
Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/NAVSUP.
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NNS021203-12. Daily News Update for Dec. 3, 2002
From the Navy News Service
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The following stories are airing on
Television Direct-to-Sailor (TV-DTS), a satellite television
service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy
NewsStand Web site at www.news.navy.mil.
Two-minute newscast-
- President Bush signed the FY03 Defense Authorization Bill in a
ceremony at the Pentagon Dec. 2.
- The commander of USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) was
relieved of duty Nov. 30.
One-minute newscast-
- The author of "Run Silent, Run Deep," retired Capt. Edward
Beach, died Dec. 1.
Navy News Service headlines newscast-
- USS Oklahoma City (SSN 723) commander relieved of his
duty.
- Striking Fleet Atlantic celebrates 50 years.
Daily News Update features three newscasts each day -- one
two-minute cast, a one-minute cast and a one-minute Navy
News Service headlines cast.
Daily News Update can be seen broadcast throughout the day
and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor satellite network. Check
your local DTS program schedule for air times. Daily News
Update can also be seen throughout the world on the Armed
Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS).
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NNS011210-07. This Day in Naval History - Dec. 04
By Navy News Service
1918 - President Woodrow Wilson sails in USS George
Washington for Paris Peace Conference.
1943 - Aircraft from USS Lexington (CV-16) and USS
Independence (CVL-22) attack Kwajalein Atoll, sinking four
Japanese ships and damaging five others, while only three U.S.
ships suffered damage.
1944 - USS Flasher (SS-249) sinks Japanese destroyer
Kishinami and damages a merchant ship in South China Sea.
Flasher is only U.S. submarine to sink over 100,000 tons of
enemy shipping in World War II.
1965 - Launch of Gemini 7 piloted by CDR James A. Lovell,
USN. This flight consisted of 206 orbits at an altitude of 327 km
and lasted 13 days and 18 hours. Recovery by HS-11
helicopters from USS Wasp (CVS-18)
1983 - Aircraft from USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) and USS
Independence (CV-62) launch strike against anti-aircraft
positions in Lebanon that fired on U.S. aircraft. Two U.S. Navy
planes shot down.
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NavNews (NNS) is the official newsletter of the U.S. Navy,
containing stories recently posted to the Navy NewsStand Web
site at www.news.navy.mil. It is a product of the Naval Media
Center, 2713 Mitscher Rd. SW, Anacostia Annex, D.C.,
20373-5819. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News
Service (NNS).
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