Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691) participated in her final “deplaquing” ceremony at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Jan. 19 signifying the end of the maintenance period as the 33-year old submarine prepares for her official decommissioning. Normally the “deplaquing” ceremony signif
Sailors assigned to the visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted training while underway Jan. 18. Porter is underway in the Atlantic Ocean to better prepare for real-world threats it may encounter on deployment
The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group (CSG) arrived for a routine deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations (AOO), Jan. 19. Abraham Lincoln conducted work-ups for months to train, man and equip the CSG prior to it deploying to the U.S. 5th Fleet AOO, to support maritime security operati
Sailors and Marines aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) enjoyed a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tour to the Rock of Gibraltar during a port visit to Rota, Spain, Jan. 17. After over 300 days deployed from their homeport of Norfolk, Va., Bataan service members apprec
Sailors from the Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine USS West Virginia (SSBN-736) volunteered with the non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity in Virginia Beach, Va., Jan. 18. The crew of volunteers helped put the finishing touches on four newly constructed three bedroom, two bathroom homes,
Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) successfully completed a live-fire exercise of its entire array of gun weapon systems while underway conducting its composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Jan. 17. P
The US may start combat actions against Iran even in two weeks; escalation of America’s military presence in the Persian Gulf goes on openly, Igor Korotchenko, presidium member of social council at Defense Ministry and editor of The National Defense magazine said on Jan 17. The situation around the
Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus, presented the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device to a former Sailor during a ceremony on Moffett Field in Mountain View, Calif., Jan. 17. Mabus presented the long-awaited medal to Carl E. Clark, a 95-year-old African-A
Sailors and Marines from USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) volunteered at a monastery in Jerez De La Frontera during a port visit to Rota, Spain Jan. 17. More than 30 volunteers went to the “La Cartuja” Our Lady of the Defense monastery and assisted with yard work and minor renovations to the chapel and livin
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) is participating in a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) while underway in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 16 to certify the ship for its upcoming fourth deployment. The goal of the exercise is to integrate and assess t
Multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) hosted French aviators and engineers interested in the capabilities of the MV-22 Osprey Jan. 14. A small group of French aviators and aircraft specialists flew out to USS Bataan while the ship was transiting the Strait of Bonifacio in order to
Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) concluded a four-day port visit in Valetta, Malta, Jan. 16. The crew hosted a dinner reception aboard the ship Jan. 13, assisted with refurbishing a public park Jan. 14, and enjoyed tours and time off around
While underway in the Atlantic Ocean Jan. 14, Sailors and Marines assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) paused to remember the catastrophic fire that took place on its flight deck in 1969. Capt. William C. Hamilton Jr., commanding officer of Enterprise, addressed the crew over the
Submarine Squadron 4 held a change of command ceremony at Naval Submarine Base New London’s Shepherd of the Sea Chapel in Groton Jan. 13. Capt. Michael Holland relieved Capt. Michael Bernacchi. In conjunction with the change of command, Submarine Squadron (COMSUBRON) 2 disestablished. The disestabli
