The following news articles seek to capture what is available of events of the last couple of weeks – from carrier battle groups returning to others sailing into Harm’s Way and still others enjoying port visits, one being hosted by the ANA Sandgropers, from aviation Flag Officer assignments to new helos in JAX – PASS THE WORD to All Hands – tell our elected representatives of the critical importance of Naval Aviation and the absolute need for them to support it in every way!

Sea Trials For U.S. Carrier Carl Vinson

(DEFENSE NEWS 01 JUL 09) ... Christopher P. Cavas

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson returned to Norfolk, Va., on Wednesday after four days of sea trials - the flattop's first taste of the open sea after more than three years in overhaul.

The Vinson got underway June 28 from Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard for the first set of trials to check out the ship's refurbished systems. The trials are to be completed by July 11, according to the U.S. Navy.

The refueling overhaul takes place once in a nuclear-powered carrier's life, which is scheduled to last up to 50 years. The Vinson was built at Newport News and commissioned in March 1982.

The carrier entered the shipyard in November 2005. The overhaul, which cost more than $3 billion, included refueling the ship's two nuclear reactors, repairing and replacing ship systems and components, and updates to technology and other critical systems, according to the Naval Sea Systems Command. Virtually all of the ship's 2,300 compartments were refurbished.

As a unit of the Pacific fleet, the Vinson was based before the overhaul at Bremerton, Wash. The Navy announced in March 2007 that the ship would likely shift its homeport to San Diego, which hosts the carriers Nimitz and Ronald Reagan.

Next up for a refueling overhaul is the Norfolk-based carrier Theodore Roosevelt, scheduled to enter Newport News by September. The carrier Abraham Lincoln, based at Everett, Wash., is to begin its refueling overhaul at Newport News in fiscal 2013.

BT
UNCLAS//N01040//
NAVADMIN 187/09
MSGID/GENADMIN/CNO WASHINGTON DC/N1/JUN//

SUBJ/POST 9-11 GI BILL ELIGIBILITY AND BENEFITS//

REF/A/DOC//HR2642/30JUN08//

AMPN/REF A IS PUBLIC LAW 110-252, THE SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT
OF 2008. TITLE V OF REF A IS THE POST 9-11 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT
OF 2008.//

RMKS/1. THE POST 9-11 GI BILL BECOMES EFFECTIVE 1 AUGUST 2009.
THIS EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OFFERS SAILORS AND THEIR FAMILIES A
TAX FREE OPTION TO PAY FOR COLLEGE AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS YOU PLAN
YOUR NAVY CAREER AND SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY'S EDUCATION NEEDS.

2. THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (DVA) IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FINAL
DETERMINATION OF SERVICE MEMBER ELIGIBILITY. NAVY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
VERIFYING APPLICATIONS FOR TRANSFERABILITY.
GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA ARE AS FOLLOWS:
    A. SAILORS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR POST 9-11 GI BILL IF THEY HAVE ACCRUED
SPECIFIC ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE, ON OR AFTER, 11 SEPTEMBER
2001 OF:
        (1) AT LEAST 30 CONTINUOUS DAYS IF DISCHARGED DUE TO A SERVICE-
CONNECTED DISABILITY OR;
        (2) BETWEEN 90 DAYS AND 36 MONTHS OR MORE OF TOTAL QUALIFYING
ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE.
    B. QUALIFYING ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE IS DEFINED AS:
        (1) FOR ACTIVE DUTY MEMBERS, ACTIVE DUTY SERVED IN THE REGULAR
COMPONENT OF THE NAVY.
        (2) FOR SELECTED RESERVE MEMBERS (SELRES), ORDERED TO ACTIVE
DUTY SERVICE UNDER TITLE 10.
    C. SAILORS MUST HAVE RECEIVED AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE TO BE
ELIGIBLE FOR THE BENEFIT.

3. EXCEPTIONS TO QUALIFYING ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE:
    A. INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING (BOOTCAMP AND "A" SCHOOL PIPELINE
TRAINING) DOES NOT COUNT TOWARDS THE TOTAL SERVICE FOR SELRES OR
VETERANS WHO HAVE LESS THAN 24 MONTHS OF ACTIVE DUTY TIME. HOWEVER,
THIS TIME WILL BE ADDED AFTER THE MEMBER HAS SERVED 24 MONTHS OF
QUALIFYING ACTIVE DUTY.
    B. THE MINIMUM ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE REQUIREMENT FOR NAVAL ACADEMY
GRADUATES AND NAVY RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS SCHOLARSHIP
RECIPIENTS DOES NOT COUNT AS QUALIFYING ACTIVE
DUTY TIME.
    C. SERVICE COMMITMENTS FOR SAILORS PARTICIPATING IN THE STUDENT
LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM (LRP) DO NOT COUNT AS QUALIFYING ACTIVE DUTY.

4. SAILORS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO CONTRIBUTE THEIR OWN FUNDS TO QUALIFY
FOR POST 9-11 GI BILL BENEFITS.

5. TRANSFERABILITY ENTITLEMENT TO FAMILY MEMBERS:
    A. SAILORS MAY ELECT TO TRANSFER ALL OR A PORTION OF THEIR
ENTITLEMENT TO THEIR DEPENDENTS LISTED IN THE DEFENSE ENROLLMENT
ELIGIBILITY REPORTING SYSTEM (DEERS) AT THE TIME OF TRANSFER. ALL OR A
PORTION OF THE BENEFITS MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO SPOUSE, ONE OR MORE
DEPENDENT CHILDREN OR A COMBINATION OF UP TO 36 MONTHS OF UNUSED
BENEFITS. POLICY, PROCESS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES WILL BE FURTHER
DELINEATED IN A FOLLOW ON NAVADMIN.
    B. TRANSFERABILITY ELIGIBILITY:
        (1) ELIGIBLE FOR THE POST 9-11 GI BILL.
        (2) IN THE ARMED FORCES (DEFINED AS ACTIVE DUTY OR
SELRES) WHEN ELECTION IS MADE.
        (3) COMPLETED A MINIMUM OF SIX (6) YEARS IN THE ARMED FORCES ON
THE DATE OF ELECTION.
        (4) OBLIGATE FOR AN ADDITIONAL FOUR (4) YEARS.
        (5) ACTIVE DUTY SAILORS THAT SEPARATE, RETIRE, TRANSFER TO THE
FLEET RESERVE OR WHO ARE DISCHARGED PRIOR TO 1 AUGUST 2009 ARE NOT
ELIGIBLE TO ELECT TRANSFERABILITY.
HOWEVER, SAILORS WHO SEPARATE OR ARE DISCHARGED FROM ACTIVE DUTY PRIOR
TO 1 AUGUST 2009, AND SUBSEQUENTLY AFFILIATE WITH THE SELRES, MAY
QUALIFY FOR TRANSFERABILITY (ALL OTHER CRITERIA MET).
        (6) SELRES WHO TRANSFER TO THE RETIRED RESERVE (WITH OR WITHOUT
PAY), THE INDIVIDUAL READY RESERVE (IRR), A VOLUNTARY TRAINING UNIT
(VTU) OR WHO ARE DISCHARGED PRIOR TO
1 AUGUST 2009, ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO ELECT TRANSFERABILITY.
    C. USE OF ENTITLEMENT BY FAMILY MEMBER:
        (1) SPOUSES MAY ONLY USE THE ENTITLEMENT AFTER THEIR SPONSOR
COMPLETES THE MINIMUM SIX (6) YEARS ON ACTIVE DUTY OR SELRES AND HAS
OBLIGATED FOR AN ADDITIONAL FOUR (4) YEARS.
SPOUSES ENTITLEMENT EXPIRES AFTER 15 YEARS OF THE SERVICE MEMBERS LAST
DATE OF DISCHARGE OR RELEASE FROM ACTIVE DUTY OF AT LEAST 90
CONSECUTIVE DAYS.
        (2) DEPENDENT CHILD(REN) MAY USE THE ENTITLEMENT AFTER THEIR
SPONSOR HAS COMPLETED 10 YEARS IN THE ARMED FORCES (ACTIVE DUTY/SELRES)
AND OBLIGATED FOR THE ADDITIONAL FOUR YEARS OF SERVICE. THE
ENTITLEMENT MAY NOT BE USED UNTIL A SECONDARY DIPLOMA (OR EQUIVALENCY
CERTIFICATE) HAS BEEN ATTAINED OR THEY ARE 18 YEARS OF AGE. DEPENDENTS
MAY CONTINUE TO USE THE BENEFIT AFTER THE SPONSOR SEPARATES FROM ACTIVE
DUTY AFTER COMPLETING THE REQUIRED ADDITIONAL SERVICE. ENTITLEMENT MAY
NOT BE USED AFTER THE DEPENDENT CHILD(REN) HAS REACHED THE AGE OF 26
YEARS.
    D. SAILORS MAY ADD NEW DEPENDENT(S), MODIFY OR REVOKE
TRANSFERABILITY ELECTION(S) OF EXISTING DEPENDENTS WHILE SERVING IN THE
ARMED FORCES. UPON SEPARATION OR RETIREMENT, VETERANS MAY NOT ADD NEW
DEPENDENTS, BUT MAY MODIFY OR REVOKE TRANSFERABILITY ELECTIONS.

6. EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS:
    A. TUITION AND FEES. PAID BY THE DVA DIRECTLY TO THE INSTITUTION
OF HIGHER LEARNING (IHL). PAYMENTS WILL MEET THE HIGHEST ESTABLISHED
CHARGES (BY DVA) FOR IN-STATE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AT A PUBLIC IHL IN
THE STATE WHERE THE
INSTITUTION IS LOCATED.
        (1) ACTIVE DUTY. RECEIVE FULL TUITION AND FEES.
        (2) VETERANS AND SELRES. TUITION AND FEES PAID BY THE VA WILL
MEET THE HIGHEST ESTABLISHED CHARGES FOR IN-STATE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
AT A PUBLIC IHL IN THE STATE THE INSTITUTION IS LOCATED.
        (3) SPOUSES. IF SPONSOR IS ON ACTIVE DUTY, SPOUSE RECEIVES
FULL TUITION AND FEES. IF SPONSOR IS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY, TUITION AND
FEES PAYMENT WILL MEET THE HIGHEST ESTABLISHED CHARGES (BY THE DVA) FOR
IN-STATE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AT A PUBLIC IHL IN THE STATE IN WHICH
THE MEMBER IS ENROLLED.
        (4) DEPENDENT CHILDREN. PAYMENT WILL NOT EXCEED THE HIGHEST
ESTABLISHED CHARGES (BY THE DVA) FOR IN-STATE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AT
A PUBLIC IHL IN THE STATE IN WHICH THE MEMBER IS ENROLLED.
    B. MONTHLY STIPEND. PAID DIRECTLY TO THE STUDENT.
THE MONTHLY STIPEND IS BASED UPON THE E-5 WITH DEPENDENTS BAH RATE OF
THE ZIP CODE OF THE IHL THE STUDENT IS ENROLLED MORE THAN HALF-TIME,
AND NOT ENROLLED SOLELY IN DISTANCE LEARNING (DL) COURSES.
         (1) ACTIVE DUTY. DO NOT RECEIVE THE MONTHLY STIPEND.
         (2) VETERANS AND SELRES. ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE MONTHLY
STIPEND.
         (3) SPOUSES. IF SPONSOR IS ON ACTIVE DUTY, THE SPOUSE IS NOT
ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE MONTHLY STIPEND. IF SPONSOR IS NOT ON ACTIVE
DUTY, THE SPOUSE WILL RECEIVE THE MONTHLY STIPEND.
         (4) DEPENDENT CHILD(REN). ELIGIBLE REGARDLESS OF SPONSORS
STATUS.
    C. BOOK STIPEND. UP TO $1,000 ANNUALLY, IS PAYABLE TO THE
INDIVIDUAL FOR BOOKS, SUPPLIES, EQUIPMENT, ETC. PAYMENTS WILL BE
ISSUED DIRECTLY TO THE STUDENT IN A LUMP SUM FOR EACH QUARTER, SEMESTER
OR TERM.
          (1) ACTIVE DUTY. DO NOT RECEIVE BOOK STIPEND.
          (2) VETERANS AND SELRES. ELIGIBLE FOR THE BOOK STIPEND.
          (3) SPOUSE. IF SPONSOR IS ON ACTIVE DUTY, THE SPOUSE IS NOT
ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE BOOK STIPEND. IF SPONSOR IS NOT ON ACTIVE DUTY,
SPOUSE WILL RECEIVE YEARLY BOOK STIPEND.
          (4) DEPENDENT CHILD(REN). WILL RECEIVE THE YEARLY BOOK
STIPEND WHILE ENROLLED AT AN IHL.
    D. TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE: UP TO $100 PER MONTH, NOT TO EXCEED A
TOTAL OF $1,200.
    E. CERTIFICATE OR LICENSE: REIMBURSEMENT FOR ONE LICENSE OR
CERTIFICATION TEST, NOT TO EXCEED $2,000.

7. PERCENTAGE OF BENEFITS PAYABLE. THE PERCENT OF EDUCATIONAL
ASSISTANCE IS BASED ON QUALIFYING ACTIVE TIME. A BREAKDOWN OF THE
PERCENTAGE OF BENEFITS IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.GIBILL.VA.GOV.

8. SAILORS HAVE 15 YEARS FROM DATE OF LAST HONORABLE DISCHARGE, OR
SEPARATION FROM ACTIVE DUTY OF 90 DAYS OR MORE, TO USE THE BENEFIT.

9. FOR ADDITIONAL POST 9-11 GI BILL ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS, REFER TO
THE DVA GI BILL WEB SITE AT WWW.GIBILL.VA.GOV.

10. POINTS OF CONTACT:
- THE NPC CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER 1-866-U-ASK-NPC (1-866-827-5672)/DSN
882 -ANN HUNTER, OPNAV N153, AT (703) 614-9629/DSN 224 OR EMAIL AT
ANN.HUNTER(AT)NAVY.MIL.

11. RELEASED BY VADM MARK FERGUSON, N1.//

Top-Of-The-Line Hangar, Aircraft Debut At Jacksonville NAS

Several More Cutting-Edge Helicopters Will Eventually Be Brought To The Naval Air Station.

(FLORIDA TIMES-UNION 01 JUL 09) ... Timothy J. Gibbons

The Navy's newest helicopter officially moved into its newest hangar Tuesday, giving a home to the first squadron on the East Coast to use the aircraft.

The fancy new hangar at Jacksonville Naval Air Station will house a fancy new helicopter, one on the cutting edge of fighting against submarines and surface threats.

"These are special moments," Rear Adm. Tim Alexander, who began his career flying helicopters, said at the ribbon-cutting for the building. "Not everyone gets the opportunity to fly a new platform and operate out of a new hangar."

The Sikorsky MH-60R, known as the Romeo, can launch from a variety of ships and is packed with an array of technological upgrades, from better radar and sonar to more room for missiles and digital displays rather than gauges.

"This could detect a soda can floating in the ocean," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Yehl, who is overseeing the transition to the Romeos from its older counterparts.

Moving to the new aircraft is just a matter of training, said Lt. Sean O'Lone, who spent six months in San Diego learning to do just that before coming to Jacksonville.

"It will be real nice to be here," he said about the new hangar. "We just didn't have enough room before."

Four aircraft are at the base now, with seven more coming in the next six months. As a result of the shift to the new aircraft, Mayport Naval Station will lose two squadrons, but the three squadrons left will get bigger.

Eventually, 57 helicopters and more than 1,400 personnel will call the place home.

The crews will be moving in from World War II-era buildings, ones that don't have enough room for the modern aircraft or the number of people required to work with them.

The new hangar is the second "green" building in the Navy, with touches like natural light illumination in much of the building and a rain collection system that will provide water for toilets and helicopter washing. (The Navy's other environmentally friendly building is the recently opened P-3 hangar, also at Jacksonville NAS.)

"It's awesome compared to what we're in now," said Chief Petty Officer Robert Gonzales. "Everyone's excited to be in a clean, great building."

CNO Announces Flag Officer Assignments
Story Number: NNS090702-16
Release Date: 7/2/2009 3:45:00 PM

From Chief of Naval Operations

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead announced July 2 the following flag officer assignments:

Rear Adm. (lower half) Paul A. Grosklags will be assigned as vice commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md. Grosklags is currently serving as commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, Patuxent River, Md.

Rear Admiral ( Select) Paul A. Grosklags Rear Admiral (Select) Grosklags is a native of DeKalb, Ill., and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1982. Designated a Naval Aviator in October 1983, he immediately reported to VT-3 as a T-34C flight instructor.

During operational tours in HSL-34, flying the SH-2F, and HSL-42, flying the SH-60B, Grosklags made multiple deployments in USS John Hancock (DD-981), USS Donald B Beary (FF-1085), USS Comte De Grasse (DD-974), and USS Leyte Gulf (CG-55).

From July 1999 through July 2001, Grosklags served as the executive officer and commanding officer of Helicopter Training Squadron Eighteen (HT-18).

Grosklags has served in numerous acquisition billets, including as an engineering test pilot, assistant program manager for Systems Engineering for the MH-60R, assistant program manager for Test and Evaluation for H-60 programs, deputy program manager for the MH-60R development program, and operations officer for the Program Executive Office for Air ASW, Assault and Special Mission Programs (PEO(A)).

From July 2004 through August 2007 Grosklags was the program manager for Multi-Mission Helicopters (PMA-299), during which time the MH-60R was successfully introduced to the Fleet.

Grosklags is currently serving as deputy PEO(A), with oversight responsibility for seven ACAT 1 Major Acquisition Programs.

Grosklags earned a Masters of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Post-Graduate School and is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Test Pilot School Class 99. He has more than 5,000 military flight hours in numerous types of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft.

Personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3), and other individual and unit awards.

Updated: 3 December 2008

VAQ-138 Completes 2009 Deployment
Story Number: NNS090702-07
Release Date: 7/2/2009 1:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Owsley, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- The "Yellow Jackets" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 completed their 2009 Western Pacific deployment when USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) pulled into Naval Station Everett, Wash., June 29.

VAQ-138 deployed Jan. 17, as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 embarked aboard Stennis.

This was the "Yellow Jackets'" last scheduled deployment with the EA-6B Prowler.

VAQ-138 will continue to fly the Prowler to sustain their pilots' qualifications, conduct training missions and take part in a joint training exercise before beginning the transition to the E/A-18G Growler in March. The transition is expected to take approximately six months and be completed in the fall of 2010.

SPECIAL THANKS!!

…to ANA 55 in Perth, Australia – the SANDGROPERS – who continued their outstanding tradition of hosting USN carriers to Southwestern Australia by providing greatly of time and talent and resources to host USS GEORGE WASHINGTON during her very recent visit there. BZ to GT and his gang of SANDGROPERS!

GW Anchors Off Fremantle, Prepares for First Australian Port Visit
Story Number: NNS090702-11
Release Date: 7/2/2009 2:09:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dave Reynolds

FREMANTLE, Australia (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73), the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, anchored off the coast of Fremantle, Australia, as the USS Cowpens (CG 63) steamed into port July 2 to begin a scheduled five-day port visit.

This is GW's first Australian port visit in its nearly 17-year history and the first port visit of GW's inaugural summer deployment since replacing the USS Kitty Hawk last September. The ship, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and their combined crew of nearly 5,000 Sailors departed their forward-deployed port at Yokosuka, Japan, June 10.

The Aegis guided-missile cruiser, Cowpens, also known as the "Thundering Herd," was commissioned in 1991. Her primary mission is to provide air-defense to the George Washington Carrier Strike Group.

"As the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, we look forward to this visit and to our first opportunity to work with our Australian allies," said GW Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lausman.

"This part of our summer deployment operationalizes the chief of naval operations' global maritime strategy and partnerships as we move throughout the expansive Seventh Fleet Area of Responsibility. The initial acquaintances and professional relationships we make benefit all concerned. Together, we improve stability, understanding and cooperation with our partner nations."

Lausman pointed out that more than 300 GW/CVW-5 Sailors plan to use their liberty time by volunteering at one of 14 community relations (COMREL) projects.

"These projects remain the most sought-after and popular events among the 5,000-plus combined crew of GW/CVW-5," he said.

Projects include cleaning, maintenance and painting work at a variety of locations throughout Fremantle and nearby Perth, including the Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth Hebrew Congregation, a Salvation Army rehabilitation center, Perth Zoo, Cohunu Koala Park and other animal refuges.

"I think these Sailors will greatly benefit from taking part, and it says a lot about them as Sailors taking time to volunteer, out of a spirit of cooperation and goodwill," said Lt. Cmdr. David Yang, GW chaplain and COMREL coordinator.

The ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation division has scheduled 18 different trips and tours to help Sailors make the most of their visit while enjoying the distinct sights, sounds and tastes of western Australia.

Tour options include: a trip to Caversham Wildlife Park and Nambung National Park, a tour of wineries throughout the Swan Valley, mountain biking on the Munda Biddi Trail and scuba-diving at Rottnest Island.

"For a majority of the GW crew, who brought the ship to Yokosuka from Norfolk last fall, this is their first visit to Australia," Lausman said. "I know our Sailors are looking forward to experiencing the rich culture and interacting with the friendly citizens of Australia during our brief stay."

Lockheed Gets $442 Million Navy F-35 Contract

(REUTERS 02 JUL 09) ... Jim Wolf

WASHINGTON - Lockheed Martin Corp has won a $441.9 million modification to a previously awarded U.S. Navy F-35 fighter contract, the Pentagon said on Thursday.

The modification changes a low-rate initial production "advance acquisition" contract to a "cost-plus-incentive-fee/award-fee contract," the Pentagon said in its daily contract digest. Under a cost-plus contract, the contractor is compensated in a way that equals its expenses plus a profit.

In addition, the change provides for logistics support and hardware for the sustainment of seven U.S. Air Force and one Dutch conventional take-off and landing aircraft; and seven U.S. Marine Corps and two UK short take-off vertical-landing aircraft, among other things, the Pentagon said.

The radar-evading F-35 is in the early stages of production.

HSM-71 Completes Maiden Deployment
Story Number: NNS090704-12
Release Date: 7/4/2009 10:47:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dmitry Chepusov, USS John C. Stennis Public Affairs

PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- The "Raptors" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 will complete their maiden deployment when the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) pulls into San Diego July 6.

HSM-71 was commissioned Oct. 3, 2007 and started its first deployment on Jan. 17, 2009.

In 2007 the squadron was comprised of two aircraft and a handful of personnel. Now it has more than 270 Sailors and 11 MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters. HSM-71 serves aboard Stennis and mans detachments aboard USS Antietam (CG 54), USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Kidd (DDG 100).

"Raptors" Commanding Officer Cmdr. Jeffrey Dodge said he has seen the squadron grow as they experienced their first deployment.

"Many of our people had never gone to sea before," said Dodge. "There was a lot of training we had to do, but everyone rose to the challenge."

Dodge said a large part of their training was on the helicopter systems, which were new to everyone in the squadron.

"Most of our training was [on the job training], and we've made more than 500 changes to the maintenance and flight publications," said Dodge. "We've had three major upgrades since we've gotten the aircraft and have set the foundation for the entire community to build upon."

Maintenance Master Chief (AFCM) (AW) Walter Butac, who has been with the squadron since its commissioning, said the major challenge was working with brand new aircraft, which were the first ones of their type to be manufactured in the world.

"We have been learning how to maintain it from day one," said Butac.

Butac said the squadron's electronics technicians had to be retrained to maintain the new helicopter.
When the Navy first established the squadron, personnel being assigned to the "Raptors" came from various backgrounds and job experiences.

"We had people coming from fixed-wing aircraft and different helicopter squadrons, and they all had different ways of doing business," said Butac. "That was the real challenge – to make them work together. But we learned a lot during the workups, and it worked out pretty good."

According to Dodge, the high point of HSM-71's maiden deployment was the USWEX [undersea warfare exercise].

"Since one of our primary missions is ASW [anti-submarine warfare], the USWEX that we did in February really showed the tactical capabilities of what we can do with the aircraft," said Dodge. "It was nice to see because it validated everything else that we've done."

During the USWEX, HSM-71 deployed multiple aircraft to simulate engagements with U.S. and Japanese submarines.

The squadron kept three helos airborne throughout the entire four-day exercise for a total 222 flight hours and conducted 28 simulated attacks on two U.S. and two Japanese submarines.

Dodge said he was proud of what his squadron accomplished during the USWEX, but he really saw them come together as a team when a helo had to be downed due to mechanical failure.

"One of the aircraft had a problem with its sensors," said Dodge. "It was replaced by another aircraft that launched within 15 minutes. So the crew and the maintainers had that aircraft prepped and ready to go. The failed system was fixed within two hours and was ready to go back into the rotation. From the warfare commander's perspective, there was no gap. It was pretty impressive."

As the "Raptors" approach the end of their first deployment, Dodge said the squadron has been blessed to be incident free while still meeting all their mission requirements.

During their workups and maiden deployment, HSM-71 flew more than 4,690 hours with a 95 percent sortie completion rate and earned the right to fly the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Pennant.

Eisenhower Strike Group Hands Off Afghanistan Mission

(NORFOLK VIRGINIAN-PILOT 06 JUL 09)

The Norfolk-based Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group has flown its final sorties over Afghanistan during its current deployment and has been relieved by the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, the Navy's Fifth Fleet announced.

Carrier Air Wing Seven flew more than 2,000 sorties over Afghanistan since leaving Norfolk in February. Ships in the strike group also patrolled for pirates and one, the destroyer Bainbridge, assisted in the rescue of the captain of the hijacked merchant ship Maersk Alabama.

Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Eisenhower's commanding officer, said in a news release that his crew "supported coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan with utmost professionalism."

The strike group is comprised of the Eisenhower, the Bainbridge, the underway replenishment oiler Big Horn, the dry cargo/ammunition ship Sacagawea, the guided-missile cruisers Gettysburg and Vicksburg and the guided-missile friage Halyburton. Carrier Air Wing Seven consists of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121; strike fighter squadrons 83, 103, 131 and 143; electronic attack squadron 140; and helicopter anti-submarine squadron 5.

The Navy has not yet announced a homecoming date for the strike group.

==================================================================

Reagan Relieves Eisenhower, Launches Sorties in Support of OEF

(NAVY.MIL 06 JUL 09)

USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea -- The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group relieved the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group as Commander, Task Force (CTF) 50 July 6 and launched its first sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 departed the decks of the strike group's flagship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) bound for Afghanistan to support coalition ground forces.

"I'm excited to get this started because, in essence, what we're doing is saving American and coalition lives," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "The Eisenhower strike group did a fantastic job in theater, and we're ready to continue that level of support. We have a lot of experience on board Ronald Reagan and with the air wing. Our crew knows how to execute this mission effectively."

While Ronald Reagan and CVW-14 are returning to a mission they did a year ago, they understand that conditions in Afghanistan have changed. Already focused on minimizing collateral damage, they understand processes are even more rigorous. There are new, stricter guidelines put in place by Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal to do even more to help minimize civilian casualties and collateral damage in Afghanistan.

According to Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, the strike group's commander, the group's more than 7,500 Sailors are trained and equipped to carry out their mission.

"Our Sailors are focused and serious minded about what is ahead; they know the Navy and our country is counting on them," Hebner said. "They are ready to demonstrate their impressive capabilities across the spectrum of our maritime strategy."

The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group operated in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations since March.

"Our preparations last fall allowed us to deliver exactly what the fleet commander asked for -- persistent U.S. naval power, in perfect partnership with our joint and coalition partners, delivering security and stability for the good of all mariners in this vital area of the world," said Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander, Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group.

Eisenhower's embarked air wing, CVW-7, flew more than 2,000 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ships of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group also were vital in counterpiracy operations, including the USS Bainbridge's (DDG 96) direct role in the rescue of the captain of the cargo ship Maersk Alabama, Richard Phillips.

"I am extremely proud of the 4,500 men and women on USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). They have performed magnificently this entire deployment," said Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, Eisenhower's commanding officer. "They supported coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan with utmost professionalism while providing regional security and stability. Without question, their service made a difference."

USS Ronald Reagan is joined by the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62). Other Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group ships will support maritime security operations (MSO) while deployed to the region. The guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) will help deter destabilizing activities and ensure a lawful maritime order in the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea.

The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22, the "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25, the "Stingers" of VFA-113, the "Eagles" of VFA-115, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4. A detachment from Fleet Logistics Squadron (VRC) 30 is providing logistics support to the carrier.

The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is on a regularly scheduled deployment to the region. Operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

USS John C. Stennis Arrives In San Diego

(KGTV 06 JUL 09)

SAN DIEGO -- The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis arrived in San Diego Monday to drop off about 1,800 sailors and 70 aircraft before departing for its homeport in Bremerton, Wash.

The Stennis is wrapping up a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific, where the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and ships in its strike group took part in maritime security operations.

While deployed, sailors with the John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group also participated in the "Northern Edge 2009" joint military training

Last week, the San Diego-based USS Antietam, a guided-missile cruiser attached to the Stennis Carrier Strike Group, returned to Naval Base San Diego.

Perth Says Farewell To U.S. Sailors

(WEST AUSTRALIAN 06 JUL 09)

After a shore break that has included an anti-war protest, a vicious scissor attack and visits to local brothels, more than 5400 US sailors bid farewell to Perth today.

It has been an eventful five-day break for the US Navy convoy, which docked off Fremantle last Thursday aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington and guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens. The convoy will head for a series of war games between US and Australian forces later this month on the east coast.

More than 300 sailors used their break productively, taking part in community relations activities that included horticultural work at Perth Zoo and visiting sick children in hospital. However many more poured into the streets of Fremantle and Perth late last week asking people on the street “where do you go to party?”

The owner of Perth brothel Langtrees, Beverly Clarke put on five extra staff in anticipation of a busy weekend, after the business was forced to shut its doors because of demand in 2002 when a similar number of sailors visited Perth.

However Ms Clarke said today it had been business as usual at her premises over the weekend, with as few as half a dozen bookings each night from sailors.

“It was no different to normal, really…(the visit had) little or no impact with us. It’s not like it used to be,” Ms Clarke said.

“I think the longer the sailors are in town the more opportunity there is for them to liaise with the local girls.”

Madison Avenue brothel declined to comment.

While many of the sailors marked Independence Day on Saturday, veteran peace activist Jo Vallentine was arrested for a breach of the peace following her participation in an anti-nuclear and peace rally on the Fremantle wharf.

Ms Vallentine, 63, was arrested after being given a move-on order by WA police during a protest near the E-Shed market car park.

In another incident early on Sunday morning, four sailors were assaulted while walking through Perth train station, including one who was slashed in the face with scissors.

Police are hoping to question three Aboriginal men and two Aboriginal women in relation to an assault

This was the first visit to WA for the USS George Washington, the US Navy’s only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier.

The ship’s flight deck is more than 330m long and carries about 70 aircraft, including F/A 18 Hornets, F/A 18 E/F Superhornets and SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

It is equipped with more than 4000 telephones, seven galleys capable of serving 18,000 meals a day, the capacity to distil more than 15,000 litres of fresh water and enough electrical capacity to power several thousand single family homes.

USS Carl Vinson Set To Be Redelivered

(NEWPORT NEWS DAILY-PRESS 06 JUL 09) ... Peter Frost

While Northrop Grumman's Newport News shipyard will not redeliver the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson to the Navy on time, the ship is on track to come in under its original budget of about $3.2 billion.

With the flat top's 43-month complex overhaul and nuclear refueling nearly complete, Northrop and the Navy say the massive maintenance project will cost about $3.1 billion, a significant victory for the Newport News shipyard and the service.

The Vinson is due to be redelivered to the Navy this weekend once it passes a final round of sea trials.

Northrop and the Navy attributed the overhaul's under-budget success to their unique partnership, in which sailors and shipyard workers labored side-by-side to extend the ship's life to 50 years.

Part of the savings came from the help of the ship's company, who combined to save the project about $40 million, said Lt. Cmdr. Jim Krohne, a spokesman for the Vinson.

The ship's company replaced 1,284 racks of berthing, replaced 2,275 lockers, painted more than 1,400 spaces and assigned a fire-watch team to hazardous projects replacing yard workers, an initiative that cut nearly $12 million in costs.

An engineering crew composed completely of sailors completed more than 10,000 tasks representing about 302,000 man hours, saving an estimated $14 million, Krohne said.

"Everybody feels good," he said. "We feel like we've contributed a lot to the quality of this ship, and it's something everybody is proud of."

Last week, the carrier performed well during four days at sea, but material in the water restricted the intake of one of the ship's systems, said Jennifer Dellapenta, a shipyard spokeswoman. That system — along with a few others — will be retested on Friday, when the Vinson will begin a scheduled underway period in which the ship will recertify its flight deck.

The Navy had targeted March 2009 as an original delivery date, but a combination of factors led to a three-month delay.

Problems with some critical ship components and some new work items identified during the project required more time to complete, Northrop said.

The company also was forced to divert some workers from the Vinson to the George H.W. Bush carrier, which also fell behind schedule, Krohne said.

"We didn't make marks," he said. "But we're now getting under way — and we're coming out of the yard the most operationally ready carrier to do so" after a midlife overhaul.

The Refueling and Complex Overhaul, or RCOH, is a massive undertaking in which carriers are essentially gutted and refitted with new equipment, defueled and refueled.

Crews upgraded the flight deck, catapults and arresting gear, updated combat and communications systems and refurbished the ship's propellors, hull, rudders, pumps and internal piping.

About 35 percent of all maintenance and modernization done to the 27-year-old Vinson takes place during its midlife overhaul.

Once the Vinson completes its flight-deck certifications and carrier qualifications, it is scheduled to return to the Newport News shipyard in August for a postdelivery maintenance period.

This fall, the Vinson will join the Enterprise, the Theodore Roosevelt, the George H.W. Bush and the under-construction Gerald R. Ford in the Newport News yard, marking only the second time that many carriers have been on the James River waterfront.

The Vinson will remain in Newport News until December, when it will begin preparing to cruise to San Diego, where it will be homeported.

Senate Panel Says Yes To Dredging Harbor In Carrier Project

It's Necessary Work If A Nuclear-Powered Carrier Is To Come To Mayport.

(FLORIDA TIMES-UNION 08 JUL 09) ... Timothy J. Gibbons

The Senate Appropriations Committee agreed to pay $46.3 million to dredge the harbor of the St. Johns River, a project that's necessary if Mayport Naval Station is to become a home port for a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

The appropriations measure approved by the committee also included $29.6 million for improvements at the pier where a carrier would tie up.

Having the committee appropriate the money is another step toward getting the work under way. The full House of Representatives still has to approve the bill that has the funding for the measure. It is expected to vote on it next week.

After the full Senate approves its bill, which contains permission for the work as well as the funding, the two chambers of Congress will have to get together to hash out their differences: The House version does not include permission for the project.

Even if the pier work and dredging - which could begin in 2010 or 2011 and take about two years - gets passed, Mayport is still a ways from getting a carrier. While the political machinations have been going on in Congress, the Pentagon has begun its Quadrennial Defense Review, a project done every four years in which the military plots out its strategy and force structure plans.

The broad decision of whether the East Coast carrier fleet should be split between Mayport and Norfolk, Va. - an idea the Navy brass has committed to - will be reviewed as part of that process, with a final decision expected early next year.

Half Of Australian Super Hornet Buy Wired For Growler Conversion

(DEFENSE DAILY 08 JUL 09) ... Marina Malenic

ST LOUIS--Australia is acquiring 12 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets wired with the capability of being converted to EA-18 G Growler airborne electronic attack platforms.

Boeing [BA] yesterday unveiled the first of 24 Super Hornets being purchased for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

"We are wiring the last 12 aircraft to be capable to be converted to Growlers," Air Marshal Mark Binskin, the chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, said here yesterday.

"Whether we continue down the Growler path is a decision for the government well into the future," he added.

Binskin declined to specify a time frame for the move but said changes in the Australian security environment would inform the decision.

"It would be a good move to support [the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter] and the classic Hornets" already in the Australian fleet, he said.

Australia spent an additional U.S. $31 million to wire the 12 aircraft for the electronic attack capability, according to one Australian official.

Binskin added that his country has no "plan B" to purchase more Super Hornets if the F-35 is not able to enter the inventory as currently scheduled.

Australia is spending approximately U.S. $4.6 billion over 10 years on the 24 Super Hornets, according to a statement released yesterday by the country's defense ministry.

"The RAAF Super Hornet will bring a new generation of air power to Australia," said Group Capt. Steve Robertson of the RAAF. "Its advanced, networked weapons system will deliver enhanced air combat capability across the spectrum of air-to-air, strategic land attack and maritime strike. It is a true multi-role aircraft."

Binskin also expressed optimism about the planned integration of the Lockheed Martin [LMT] Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) on the country's older Hornets.

"We're fully aware of the issues that are happening with the program," he said. "But we still see it as the weapon we want to put on the classic Hornets.

U.S. Air Force officials have said the stealth cruise missile program is in danger of termination if it does not pass reliability tests scheduled for later this summer.

"I'm confident with where it's going at the moment," Binskin added, "but we'll just have to wait and see."