The first ship in the Navy’s new Joint High Speed Vessel class, the future USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1), completed Builder’s Sea Trials, April 19, in Mobile, Ala. JHSV 1 is a versatile, non-combatant, transport ship that will be used for fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles, and
Ten ships from 12 host nations kicked-off Saharan Express 2012, a multinational exercise in support of Africa Partnership Station (APS), at the pre-sail conference in Dakar April 23. The countries met to coordinate maritime operations prior to the exercise, which focuses on combating illicit activit
Two Sailors assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 11, were each awarded their Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist (SCWS) qualification by Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus in a ceremony held on Camp Leatherneck, April 24. Yeoman 2nd Class Deron M. Bennett, from Lakewood, N.J., a
Just three months since announced, more than 360 Sailors have applied for the Voluntary Sea Duty Program (VSDP), officials said April 24. “We’re very pleased with the response from the Fleet,” said Capt. Kent Miller, director, Enlisted Distribution Division, Navy Personnel Command. “The intent of th
USS Underwood (FFG 36) departed on its final deployment in support of Southern Seas 2012, April 23. The deployment will begin by participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMTUEX) with the Eisenhower Strike Group as part of their pre-deployment training. The ship and crew will then deploy t
Families and friends welcomed back the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell (DDG 59) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, April 23, following completion of a successful eight-month deployment to the western Pacific and Arabian Gulf. “I am exceptionally pleased and proud of the tremendous performance o
USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) recently began its annual fundraising drive in support of the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS). Led by Chief Storekeeper (SW) Aundra Lockett, the ship donated in excess of $16,000 last year and has a goal of raising $18,000 this year. The ship offers several way
The U.S. Navy has purchased two more radar systems from Raytheon Company as part of a continuing effort to replace outdated analog air traffic control systems with digital technology. The new radars will be installed at military bases in New River, N.C., and Quantico, Va. The Digital Airport Surveil
The U.S. Navy began naval exchange activities with the Vietnamese navy April 23 in various locations throughout Vietnam, continuing a series of naval activities between the U.S. and Vietnam that last occurred in July 2011. This five-day collaboration will focus on non-combatant events and skills exc
A Sailor from multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), competed against culinary specialists from various U.S. and foreign Navy commands, in the “LA Seafood Cook-Off” at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park during Navy Week New Orleans April 20. Eleven well-known Louisiana chefs were paired
Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) completed a replenishment-at-sea (RAS) with Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 6), April 18. During the RAS, Enterprise took on supplies, such as food, mail and fuel, among other necessities, essential to
Throughout the week of April 16-20, approximately 40 staff members from Naval Hospital Bremerton (NHB) have departed to report for Pacific Partnership 2012. Pacific Partnership 2012 (PP12), the largest annual humanitarian and civic action (HCA) mission in the Asia-Pacific region, will begin May 1, a
More than 300 Sailors, spouses and their guests gathered in celebration of the 112th Submarine Birthday Ball held at the New Sanno Hotel in Tokyo April 20. Rear Adm. Phillip G. Sawyer, commander, Submarine Group (COMSUBGRU) 7, Commander Task Force (CTF) 54/74, hosted the event for Yokosuka’s submari
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)in conjunction with the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) completed joint and bilateral exercise CJCS Exercise African Lion 2012, April 17. The exercise between the Kingdom of Morocco and the U.S. military services served as integrated field training for t