Navy News Service 20/95 - 26 Apr 95

[Navy News Service]

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NAVY NEWS SERVICE - 26 APR 95 - NAVNEWS 020/95
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR NAVNEWS 020/95
Top News and Policy Stories
NNS287. Sailors and Marines Rush to Aid Bombing Victims
Personnel Notes
NNS288. CNO Career Team Provides Latest Personnel Information
NNS289. Some Officers Eligible for Early Retirement
NNS290. Continuation Policy Keeps Officers Retirement Eligible
NNS291. Detailer Space Renovation to Cause Phone Outages
NNS292. New Contractor to Operate Family Dental Plan
NNS293. BUPERS Lists Important Dates for Navy Personnel
Salute to Excellence
NNS294. USS Pensacola Sailor Presented Purple Heart
Around the Fleet
NNS295. Notable Quotable: CDR Richard L. Snead
NNS296. Navy Captain Recommended for Removal from Promotion List
NNS297. Punishment Given in NTC San Diego Harassment Cases
NNS298. CINCPAC Discusses Military Issues with China
NNS299. Status of U.S. Navy on April 24, 1995
NNS300. This Week in the Navy: April 24, 1862
Short Splices
NNS301. Commander in Chief Honors Installations for Excellence
NNS302. DOD Announces Environmental Award Winners
NNS303. CVN 74 Namesake Dies
NNS304. Flag Announcements
NNS305. Navy-Marine Corps News
-USN-
Top News and Policy Stories
NNS287. Sailors and Marines Rush to Aid Bombing Victims
OKLAHOMA CITY (NNS) -- Oklahoma City Sailors and Marines
assisted search and rescue efforts, treated wounded, set up triage
areas and performed security duty within hours of a bomb explosion
at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building April 19.
Husband and wife Alex and Michelle Alejandro, both hospital
corpsmen third class assigned to the reserve unit affiliated with
Naval Hospital Pensacola, rushed to the scene from their separate
work places in downtown Oklahoma City moments after the blast. The
Alejandros provided medical assistance to those injured in the
blast without knowing until the end of day whether the other was
injured in the explosion.
Chief Hospital Corpsman Bruce McKee, and Hospital Corpsmen
First Class Nils Carlstrom and Mike Schatz, members of the Naval
Reserve Readiness Center in Oklahoma City, responded immediately to
the scene after learning of the explosion.
Schatz answered the call for help from Ponca City, Okla.,
about 110 miles away. After arriving at the scene, he organized
other Sailors and Marines into two-person squads which were tasked
with search and rescue efforts inside the federal building, and
providing medical assistance and security duty at the scene.
McKee and Carlstrom were working at the reserve center, about
seven miles from the federal building, at the time of the
explosion. After initially reporting to St. Anthony's Hospital,
they reported to a triage unit at the site of the explosion.
"These types of injuries are what we're trained to deal with
in the Navy on a daily basis," said Carlstrom. "You anticipate
having to do something like this sometime in your Navy career."
by LT Dennis Moynihan, Office of Information, and JOCS Mike Beal,
Commander Naval Reserve Force Public Affairs
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA521, 522 and 524)
-USN-
Personnel Notes
NNS288. CNO Career Team Provides Latest Personnel Information
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations' Career
Information Team provides the latest on personnel policy and
reports Sailors' concerns back to Navy leaders in Washington.
The team, chartered 17 years ago, has two missions. The first
is to provide Sailors with updated information on current personnel
policy. The team briefs a wide range of audiences at almost all
Navy areas, roughly once a year. The briefs are divided into
officer and enlisted segments in order to tailor them to specific
audiences.
The second mission of the team is to report Sailors'
concerns back to senior leadership in Washington, D.C. This
information is important to Sailors and their families. The Chief
of Naval Personnel, VADM Skip Bowman, personally reviews the
feedback gathered during the trips.
Recently, the team has begun conducting focus group
discussions with officer and enlisted personnel who are
voluntarily separating from the service. The results obtained from
the groups are helping forge future personnel policies.
The team's next trips include the Great Lakes area, May 15;
Western Pacific, starting June 12; and the Northeast U.S.,
starting Aug. 28. Sailors are encouraged to attend the scheduled
briefings, ask questions and provide feedback.
More information is available in NAVADMIN 89/95.
by LT Dan Bates, BUPERS Public Affairs
-USN-
NNS289. Some Officers Eligible for Early Retirement
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Officers with at least 15 years of
service, if qualified, are eligible for 15-year retirement under
the Temporary Early Retirement Program (TERA).
CDR's, LCDR's, LT's, and CWO2/3's in most officer
communities are eligible for the 100 voluntary quotas. Officers
with at least 15 years of service who have twice failed of
selection for promotion (FOS), officers who are being
involuntarily released from active duty (IRAD) or any officer
previously continued and whose continuation expires in Fiscal Year
(FY) 1996, must retire under the plan.
Voluntary retirements must occur by Feb. 1, 1996. TERA offers
early retirement at a somewhat reduced monthly stipend to eligible
members. Training and Administration of Reserves (TAR) officers
are also eligible for the program, if qualified.
More information on eligibility is available from NAVADMIN
93/95.
by LT Dan Bates, BUPERS Public Affairs
-USN-
NNS290. Continuation Policy Keeps Officers Retirement Eligible
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy's FY96 Continuation Policy,
announced April 21, ensures career officers, primarily lieutenant
commanders, are continued on active duty to initial retirement
eligibility.
This policy, expected to remain in effect through FY99,
permits continuation of officers who are fully qualified to remain
in the service until retirement eligibility, either under Temporary
Early Retirement Authority (non-medical/dental officers) or until
the completion of 20 years of active service (medical/dental
officers).
More information is available in NAVADMIN 87/95.
by LT Dan Bates, BUPERS Public Affairs
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA533)
-USN-
NNS291. Detailer Space Renovation to Cause Phone Outages
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Beginning this week, some work spaces at
the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) are undergoing
renovations so detailers can continue to provide top quality
service.
During the renovations, temporary phone outages will be
necessary while some branches move to temporary work spaces.
Specific dates of temporary loss of phone service for affected
offices will be published on BUPERS Access under bulletins in each
detailing conference.
The renovations, which should be completed by mid-June, will
affect Pers-401, Seabee/UDT/EOD/SEAL assignments; Pers-402,
Engineering/Hull assignments; Pers-409, Sea Special Programs; and
Pers-4010, Shore Special Programs.
by LT Dan Bates, BUPERS Public Affairs
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA532)
-USN-
NNS292. New Contractor to Operate Family Dental Plan
AURORA, Colo. (NNS) -- The Defense Department chose a
Pennsylvania firm to operate its Active Duty Family Member Dental
Plan for the next five years.
In competitive bidding, United Concordia Companies Inc., of
Camp Hill, Pa., was awarded the $1.7 billion contract Feb. 6. The
firm will take over operation of the program Aug. 1, 1995, from the
current contractor, Delta Dental.
Monthly premiums will be $6.77 for one enrolled family member
and $16.92 for two or more beginning in August. Rates are
currently $10 and $20, respectively.
The plan is a voluntary program. Sponsors or enrolled
families pay a small monthly premium by payroll deduction.
Enrolled family members may then receive certain basic
preventive, diagnostic and restorative services. Covered
diagnostic and preventive services are fully paid. The plan covers
80 percent of the cost of basic restorative services and 60 percent
of some more complex services such as root canals and oral surgery.
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA517)
-USN-
NNS293. BUPERS Lists Important Dates for Navy Personnel
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) is
reminding Navy people of upcoming selection boards, application
deadlines and other dates that are important for Navy men and
women.
May 1 Surface Department Head board convenes
NJROTC Instructor Certification board convenes
May 2 Joint Specialty Officer board convenes
May 8 Submarine CO/XO board convenes
May 9 Active O-4 Line board convenes
Morning (6 to 8 a.m. EDT) and Night Detailing
(until 10 p.m. EDT)
May 15 Reserve Staff LDO, Medical Corps, Dental Corps, Nurse
Corps, Supply Corps, Medical Service Corps, Judge
Advocate General, Civil Engineering Corps and
Chaplain O-6 and O-5 boards convene.
May 22 NFO to Pilot board convenes
TAR Aviation OIC board convenes
May 23 Morning (6 to 8 a.m. EDT) and Night Detailing
(until 10 p.m. EDT)
May 30 Aviation Command Screen board convenes
May 31 Senior Enlisted Academy board convenes
Ensign FITREPS Due
by BUPERS Public Affairs
-USN-
Salute to Excellence
NNS294. USS Pensacola Sailor Presented Purple Heart
ABOARD USS PENSACOLA (NNS) -- Fireman Apprentice Jose Joseph
received the Purple Heart from Secretary of the Navy John Dalton
during a ceremony on board USS Pensacola (LSD 38) off the southern
coast of Spain, April 22.
Joseph, a native of Haiti, received national attention as the
translator injured in the fire fight between U.S. Marines and
Haitian police in Cap Hatien, Haiti, during Operation Uphold
Democracy. Joseph recently returned to USS Pensacola from his
temporary assignment in Haiti.
by LT James St.Clair, USS Pensacola
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA534)
-USN-
Around the Fleet
NNS295. Notable Quotable: "The officers, crew and families of the
USS Oklahoma City send our deepest sympathy to the people of
Oklahoma City on your devastating loss. To those who have lost
loved ones and to those who are hurt, please accept our most
heartfelt condolences. We on this ship feel very close to the
generous and loving people of Oklahoma City and share both your
heartbreak and your outrage. Our thoughts and prayers are with
you." -- CDR Richard L. Snead, commanding officer of USS Oklahoma
City (SSN 723), in a letter to the editor of The Sunday Oklahoman,
April 23, following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal
Building
-USN-
NNS296. Navy Captain Recommended for Removal from Promotion List
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton is
recommending to the Secretary of Defense and the President that
CAPT Mark Rogers' name be removed from the FY96 Rear Admiral (Lower
Half) promotion list. The Secretary made this decision based on
the results of a Navy Inspector General investigation into
allegations that Rogers had, on several occasions, made
inappropriate remarks while assigned as Deputy Director of the
White House Military Office.
The Navy IG concluded that the statements made by CAPT Rogers
would fall within the Navy Department's definition of sexual
harassment. But the IG report was also clear that only statements
were made and that there was no allegation of physical misconduct.
Rogers was counseled on this matter by the Vice Chief of Naval
Operations, who also gave him a punitive letter of admonition.
Secretary Dalton concluded that he could not recommend Rogers
for promotion to rear admiral given these facts.
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA529)
-USN-
NNS297. Punishment Given in NTC San Diego Harassment Cases
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Commander, Naval Training Center (NTC),
San Diego, CAPT John C. Ensch, announced April 25 the conclusion of
disciplinary proceedings stemming from alleged incidents of sexual
harassment at Service Schools Command (SSC) in San Diego. The
incidents, involving a total of 11 suspects, allegedly occurred at
the Interior Communications (IC) school between January 1993 and
September 1994. In November 1994, seven of the 11 original
suspects received nonjudicial punishment (NJP) from Ensch.
Based on investigations, the remaining four were referred to
individual Navy Special courts-martial (SPCM).
Staff member IC1(SW) Joel Hernandez was found guilty for
violating the following Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)
articles: Article 92 - Sexual Harassment (one specification) and
Dereliction of Duty (one specification) and; Article 134 -
Indecent Language (two specifications).
Hernandez was sentenced on April 14 to a punitive letter of
reprimand and forfeiture of $1,000 pay per month for one month.
Staff member ICC(SW) Eduardo A. Moncada was charged with
violation of Article 92, Fraternization (three specifications);
Article 134, Indecent Assault (three specifications) and Indecent
Language (one specification). Some SPCM charges were withdrawn
because of insufficient evidence and NJP was awarded for violation
of Article 92, Fraternization (two specifications); and Article
128, Assault (one specification). Moncada was found guilty and
received a punitive letter of reprimand and forfeiture of $1,060
pay for two months.
IC1(SW) Francisco Torres was charged with violation of Article
92, Fraternization (one specification) and Sexual Harassment (four
specifications); Article 134, Graft (two specifications) and
Indecent Language (two specifications). Some SPCM charges were
withdrawn because of insufficient evidence and NJP was awarded for
violation of Article 134, Indecent Language (one specification).
Torres was found guilty and was reduced in rate to E-5 and received
a punitive letter of reprimand and forfeiture of $820 pay for two
months. One month's forfeiture was suspended for six months.
ICCS(SW) Mark D. Wiss was charged with violation of Article
92, Fraternization (one specification). The SPCM charge was
withdrawn because of insufficient evidence. No further action will
be taken in this case.
These actions complete all cases arising from the
investigation.
"It is important to recognize that the Navy will not
tolerate the actions of those who choose to harass other
individuals," Ensch said. "Harassment of any form within the ranks
of the Navy cannot and will not be tolerated. Zero tolerance is
the Navy's policy and we will continue our efforts through
education and other means as required to convey that policy. The
cooperation and swift action of those commands involved in the
investigation clearly demonstrate the support throughout the Navy
for the policy of treating all people with mutual respect and
dignity. There is a system in place to deal with violations of the
policy and the system is working."
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA528)
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NNS298. CINCPAC Discusses Military Issues with China
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- ADM Richard C. Macke, Commander-in-Chief,
U.S. Pacific Command, arrived in the People's Republic of China
(PRC) April 26 to meet with senior officers of the Chinese People's
Liberation Army (PLA) and representatives of the government of
China.
The four-day visit is part of the U.S. Government's dialogue
with the PRC and is intended to further enhance
military-to-military relationships. ADM Macke will engage the PRC
in discussions on military and regional security issues. His visit
allows the U.S. to exchange views on matters of mutual concern
directly with the PRC military.
-USN-
NNS299. Status of U.S. Navy on April 24, 1995
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The status of the U.S. Navy on April 24
Personnel: approximately 446,600 active duty
approximately 100,700 selected reserves
Ships: 375
Aircraft: approximately 5,400
Underway: 169 ships (45%)
SSNs Underway: 38 (46%)
Deployed: 109 ships (29%)
Exercises: 11
Port Visits: 10
Carriers/Air Wings Deployed:
USS Theodore Roosevelt/CVW 8 - local operations, Red Sea
USS Constellation/CVW 2 - en route port visit, Pearl Harbor
USS Independence/CVW 5 - port visit, Hong Kong
USS Abraham Lincoln/CVW 11 - en route Western Pacific
Carriers Underway:
USS Nimitz - en route North Island
USS America - local operations, Western Atlantic
USS Carl Vinson - local operations, Eastern Pacific
LHAs/LHDs/LPHs Underway:
USS Kearsarge - en route port visit, Alicante
USS Belleau Wood - en route port visit, Singapore
USS Essex - en route home port
USS New Orleans - Fleetex 95-1, Eastern Pacific
USS Tripoli - en route home port
USS Tarawa - local operations, Eastern Pacific
USS Peleliu - local operations, Eastern Pacific
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA525)
-USN-
NNS300. This Week in the Navy: April 24, 1862 -- Flag Officer
David G. Farragut led his squadron past Fort St. Phillip and Fort
Jackson up the Mississippi River to a commanding position above New
Orleans, which surrendered the next day. (TB 11, DD 300, DD 348,
and DDG 37 honor Farragut.)
-USN-
Short Splices
NNS301. Commander in Chief Honors Installations for Excellence
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense William J. Perry
announced April 19 the winners of the Commander in Chief's Award
for Installation Excellence. The installations are: Naval Air
Station, Lemoore, Calif.; Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Ga.;
Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.; Robins Air Force Base, Warner Robins,
Ga.; and Defense Personnel Support Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Commander in Chief's Annual Award for Installation
Excellence recognizes outstanding and innovative efforts of the
people who operate and maintain U.S. military installations. The
five recipients of this highly competitive award were selected for
their great support of the DOD mission.
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA512)
-USN-
NNS302. DOD Announces Environmental Award Winners
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense William Perry kicked
off DOD's observance of Earth Day by announcing the winners of the
1994 Defense Natural Resources Conservation, Environmental Quality,
Pollution Prevention, Recycling and Environmental Cleanup Awards
during a ceremony held at the Pentagon April 17.
Navy awardees are as follows:
- Natural Resources Conservation Award (Installation): Naval
Air Warfare Center, Patuxent River, Md.
- Pollution Prevention - Non-Industrial Award (Installation):
Naval Construction Battalion Center Port Hueneme, Calif.
- Environmental Cleanup Award: Naval Air Station, Whidbey
Island, Wash.
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA505)
-USN-
NNS303. CVN 74 Namesake Dies
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- John C. Stennis, former U.S. senator from
Mississippi and the namesake of the next Nimitz-class aircraft
carrier scheduled for commissioning, died April 23 at age 93.
Sen. Stennis, who was born in Kemper County, Miss., Aug. 3,
1901, served with eight presidents, beginning with Harry S. Truman
in 1947 and ending with Ronald Reagan in 1988. His 41 years of
consistent support for a strong military led President Reagan to
recognize him as "The Father of America's Modern Navy."
(This story appeared on Navy Wire Service as NWSA530)
-USN-
NNS304. Flag Announcements
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The following flag officer assignments
were announced recently by the Department of the Navy.
RADM Robert S. Cole, from Commander, Amphibious Group Four, to
Commander, Naval Base Norfolk, Va., September 1995.
RADM John T. Scudi, from Deputy Director, Plans, Analysis and
Resources, J-4, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C., to Director,
Logistic Plans and Policy, N40, OPNAV, and Director, Shore
Installation Management Division, N46, OPNAV, Washington, D.C.,
June 1995.
RADM Edison L. Watkins III, from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces,
Korea, to Commander, Naval Base Charleston, S.C., August 1995.
-USN-
NNS305. Navy-Marine Corps News
The April 28 edition of Navy-Marine Corps News -- a videotaped
newscast generated for broadcast to Navy-Marine Corps fleet and
shore units -- includes the following stories:
-- Sailors and Marines become heroes at Oklahoma City explosion
-- USS Oklahoma City Sailors donate blood to victims of bombing
-- CNO praises crew at USS George Washington change of command
-- USS Bunker Hill Sailors meet Chinese counterparts during visit
-- Marine reflects on America's final hours in Vietnam
-- USS Richmond K. Turner Sailors prepare for decommissioning
-- Healthbeat: Prepare for this year's allergy season
-- Sailor and Marine wrestlers pursuing Olympic dreams
We need your input on the show, so call our HOTLINE at (202)
433-6108 or DSN 288-6108 and leave a message or send us an E-Mail
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-USN-
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-USN-
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-USN-
Released by CAPT C.D. Connor, USN.