The US Navy is deploying more chaplains aboard ships to address the growing mental health concerns among its sailors, including an increase in suicides.
Chaplains are being deployed to connect with sailors, regardless of their religious affiliation, and provide them with confidential counseling.
Navy officials hope to have 47 chaplains on ships based in Norfolk, Virginia, up from 37 today, and to enhance access to mental health care without stigma or retaliation.
Suicide and mental health concerns among enlisted men under 29 are rising, with more than 500 service members taking their own lives in 2021.
US Navy Chaplain Responsibilities
According to the official website of the Navy Chaplain Corps, the daily responsibilities of a US Navy Chaplain include:
Providing religious ministry: The chaplain conducts religious services and sacraments, such as Mass, Communion, and Baptism, to meet the religious needs of sailors and their families.
Counseling and pastoral care: Chaplains provide confidential counseling to sailors and their families on a variety of issues, including marital problems, financial difficulties, and personal stress.
Advising the command: The chaplain advises the command on the religious and spiritual needs of the crew and provides guidance on ethical and moral issues.
Crisis response: Chaplains are trained to provide crisis response and emotional support during natural disasters, accidents, and combat situations.
Training and development: The chaplain also provides training and development programs to sailors and their families on religious and spiritual topics.
Source: United States Navy Chaplain Corps, “Roles and Responsibilities,” accessed March 30, 2023, https://www.public.navy.mil/bupers-npc/support/chaplain/Pages/Roles-and-Responsibilities.aspx.
Raytheon Technologies has been awarded a $619 million contract to produce AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy. This contract is the second option exercised from the March 2022 hardware, production, and sustainment contract, which is valued up to $3 billion over five years.
The SPY-6 radars can defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft, and surface ships simultaneously, and provide significantly greater detection range, increased sensitivity, and more accurate discrimination than legacy radars.
The radars are being integrated into the US fleet, and this contract will enable them to be added to more ships, including the first of existing Flight IIA destroyers that will be modernized.
About Raytheon Technologies Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) is the world’s largest aerospace and defense company. Our global team of 180,000 employees pushes the limits of known science and redefines how we connect and protect our world. We are advancing aviation, building smarter defense systems and creating innovations to take us deeper into space. The company, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
The commander of a US Navy aircraft carrier in Northeast Asia, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, has said that American forces will not be deterred by China’s warnings of conflict.
On Board the USS Nimitz courtesy of Sky News
“We’re resolute in that we’re not going to be bullied, we’re not going to be coerced, and we are going to stay here and fly and operate in international norms,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, who heads up Carrier Strike Group 11, a flotilla of warships led by the “supercarrier” USS Nimitz.The USS Nimitz and its escorts have arrived in South Korea after back-to-back war games with Japan and South Korea.
China is challenging America’s right to operate in the region, but Sweeney stated that the Navy will sail, operate and fly wherever international law allows, and they do not seek conflict with China.
About Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney
Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney Commander, Carrier Strike Group ELEVEN
Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney is a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, a 1991 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and also a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, with a master’s degree in International Policy and Practice.
Sweeney has served in a diverse range of sea and shore assignments. As a surface warfare officer, he commanded Destroyer Squadron 15 (CDS 15) from 2015 to 2016 in the Western Pacific and the Destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73) from 2009 to 2010, deploying twice to the Arabian Gulf in support of U.S. and Coalition Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.
His service at sea since 1992 includes assignments aboard USS Russell (DDG 59), USS Port Royal (CG 73), USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), USS Cyclone (PC 1) and USS San Jacinto (CG 56) deployed to the Middle East, Western Pacific, Mediterranean and South America.
His shore tours included deputy for Combat Systems and Warfighting Integration, responsible for future surface combatant force requirements and integration of warfighting investments for the Director of Surface Warfare (N-96). He has also served as the branch head for Integrated Air & Missile Defense for the Director of Surface Warfare (N-96) and as a strategic and political-military planner on the staffs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-5) and the Chief of Naval Operations.
His first flag tour was as the deputy director for Policy, Plans, Strategy, Capabilities and Resources (J-5/8), U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. He is currently serving as commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven.
His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal and various personal, unit, service and campaign awards.
Task Force 39, commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Wilcox, Jr., sails from Portland, Maine, for Scapa Flow, Orkeny Islands, Scotland, to reinforce the British Home Fleet due the British Fleets involvement in Operation Ironclad, the British invasion of the Vichy French controlled Madagascar. The following day, Rear Adm. Wilcox, while taking an unaccompanied walk on his flagship, USS Washington (BB 56), is washed overboard and disappears in the heavy seas.
Rear Adm. John W. Wilcox, Jr.
John Walter Wilcox Jr. (22 March 1882 – 27 March 1942) was a rear admiral of the United States Navy. He saw service in World War I and in the opening weeks of United States involvement in World War II before being lost overboard from his flagship in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1942.
March 27, 2007 The last known female veteran of World War I, Charlotte Louise Berry Winters, dies at the age of 109. She enlisted in the Navy in 1917.
March 28, 1953 USS Philippine Sea (CV 47), USS Princeton (CV 37), and USS Oriskany (CV 34) launch 216 sorties against a North Korean supply depot during the Korean War.
March 29, 1960 The first fully integrated Fleet Ballistic Missile system test, an A1X test vehicle, is launched from USS Observation Island (EAG 154).
March 30, 1991 USS Princeton (CG-59) and crew are awarded the Combat Action Ribbon in recognition of the superior and arduous work the crew put in to keep the ship in war-fighting status following the Feb. 18 mining of the ship where three crew members were injured and the ships propeller was damaged during Operation Desert Storm.
March 31, 1917 Rear Adm. James H. Oliver takes possession of the Danish West Indies for the United States, and they are renamed the U.S. Virgin Islands. He also becomes the first governor of the islands under American control.
April 1, 1899 A landing party of 60 men from USS Philadelphia (C 4) and a force of 100 friendly natives join 62 men from HMS Porpoise and Royal Isle in Samoa to establish order over Samoan throne.
*Source: Naval History and Heritage Command. https://www.history.navy.mil
USS Nimitz (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr/Released)
Kyodo News, a nonprofit cooperative organization and the leading news agency in Japan, reports that the US aircraft carrier Nimitz has entered the South Korean port of Busan for a scheduled port visit amidst recent North Korean missile tests and military posturing.
The port visit is part of the ongoing partnership and security alliance between the US and South Korea. The USS Nimitz’s presence in the region is seen as a show of force and a signal to North Korea of the US commitment to its allies in the region. North Korea has recently conducted several missile tests, including a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, which has raised concerns about its military capabilities and intentions.
The US and South Korea have been conducting joint military exercises in the region, which North Korea has criticized as a provocation.
The situation on the Korean peninsula remains tense, with North Korea continuing to pursue its nuclear and missile programs, and the US and its allies monitoring the situation closely.
The US Navy’s aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has arrived in the South Korean port of Busan for a scheduled port visit. The campaign aims to ensure that the US Navy remains the world’s most powerful maritime force, capable of maintaining peace, protecting US interests, and deterring potential adversaries. The USS Nimitz’s presence in the region is seen as a demonstration of the US Navy’s commitment to supporting its allies in the region and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific. Despite recent North Korean missile tests and military posturing, the US and its allies remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the security of the Korean peninsula and the broader region.
Key takeaways from the article “US aircraft carrier enters S. Korea port amid N. Korean posturing” are:
The US Navy’s aircraft carrier, USS Nimitz, has arrived in the South Korean port of Busan for a scheduled port visit amid recent North Korean missile tests and military posturing.
The port visit is part of the ongoing partnership and security alliance between the US and South Korea.
The USS Nimitz presence in the region is seen as a show of force and a signal to North Korea of the US commitment to its allies in the region.
North Korea has recently conducted several missile tests, including a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, which has raised concerns about its military capabilities and intentions.
The US and South Korea have been conducting joint military exercises in the region, which North Korea has criticized as a provocation.
The situation on the Korean peninsula remains tense, with North Korea continuing to pursue its nuclear and missile programs, and the US and its allies monitoring the situation closely.
The United States Navy has long been a symbol of strength and security around the world. As tensions rise in various regions, the importance of maintaining a strong Navy is more critical than ever. In recent news, North Korea test-fired two missiles into the sea of Japan while the US conducted military exercises with South Korea. The situation highlights the importance of a strong navy and the need for the US to continue to support and strengthen its naval capabilities. As members or subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy, let’s dive deeper into this issue and why it is crucial to support our naval forces.
North Korea’s Missile Tests:
North Korea’s recent missile tests have raised tensions in the region. The tests were conducted while the US and South Korea were conducting joint military exercises. The missiles are believed to be short-range ballistic missiles, and while they do not pose an immediate threat to the US, they do show that North Korea continues to develop its missile capabilities.
US Commitment to Defending Its Allies:
The US has reaffirmed its commitment to defending its allies in the region. The joint military exercises with South Korea demonstrate the US’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. As a member or subscriber of Americans for a Stronger Navy, it is important to understand that a strong Navy is necessary to support this commitment. A strong Navy ensures that the US can respond to any potential threat quickly and effectively.
The Importance of a Strong Navy:
A strong Navy is essential to US national security. A strong Navy can deter potential adversaries, ensure the safety of US citizens, and project US power around the world. As the US faces growing challenges from various regions, it is critical to continue to support and strengthen the Navy. This includes investing in new ships, submarines, and aircraft carriers, as well as modernizing existing assets. The US Navy must remain a technologically advanced and highly trained force to maintain its global presence.
Conclusion:
The recent missile tests by North Korea and joint military exercises by the US and South Korea highlight the importance of a strong Navy. As a member or subscriber of Americans for a Stronger Navy, it is essential to support and advocate for a strong Navy to ensure US national security. The US Navy must continue to be a symbol of strength and security around the globe.
Thanks to the U.S. Departnent of Defense and their “Medal of Honor Monday” program we are pleased to recognize Navy Lt. Cmdr. Donald A. Gary, Medal of Honor recipient.
Navy Lt. Cmdr. Donald A. Gary, Medal of Honor recipient.
Navy Cmdr. Donald A. Gary was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during World War II.
As an engineering officer on the USS Franklin, Gary saved hundreds of men who were trapped when the ship was nearly destroyed by the Japanese.
Despite intense flames, floodwaters, and threats of more explosions, Gary used his knowledge of the ship to lead the men to safety. He continued to rally the men to organize themselves and fight the fires still plaguing the ship.
Gary retired from active duty on June 1, 1950, and was advanced to the rank of commander thanks to his stellar service record. He passed away on April 9, 1977, and was buried at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.
About USS Franklin
USS Franklin (CV-13, later CVA/CVS-13, then AVT-8) Essex-class aircraft carrier, USS Franklin (CV-13) was commissioned on January 31, 1944, and departed for service in the Pacific during World War II. Arriving in the region, she took part in the Mariana Island Campaign where her aircraft provided aerial strikes for landing forces at Bonin Islands, Guam, Palau Islands amongst others.
USS Franklin (CV-13), March 19, 1945 Shown in smoke and flames as a result of an attack of Japanese dive-bomber.
Supporting the Peleliu landing in September, Franklin continued in her supporting role during the landing at Leyte in October, where she also participated in the Battle of Sibuyan Sea and the Battle of Cape Engano during the Battle of Leyte Gulf. On October 30, she was attacked by Japanese Kamikazes, which hit the flight deck and crashed through to the galley. Due to the damage, she departed for repairs at Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, Washington.
Returning for service in the Pacific in March 1945, Franklin joined Task Force 58 for air attacks on the Japanese homeland to support the Okinawa landings. On March 19, a Japanese aircraft attacked, with one of her bombs striking the flight deck. Penetrating the hangar deck, the bomb caused destruction and fires. In the resulting chaos, Lieutenant Commander Joseph T. O’Callahan, the Catholic chaplain, and Lieutenant Donald A. Gary, both were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic efforts attending to the wounded and saving numerous lives. In the attack, 807 men perished and 487 were wounded. Following temporary repairs, she made the journey to Brooklyn Navy Yard, New York City, for restorations.
Following World War II, Franklin was decommissioned in February 1947 at Bayonne, New Jersey. While in the reserve fleet, she was redesiginated as an attack aircraft carrier, CVA-13, in October 1952, then as antisubmarine support carrier, CVS-13, in August 1953. Finally, in May 1959, she was redesignated as an aircraft transport, AVT-8. In October 1964, Franklin was stricken from the Naval Reserve Register and was sold for scrap two years later.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Tallinn, Estonia, March 20, 2023 for a scheduled port visit to enhance U.S.-Estonia relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous Europe.
The ship’s presence in the Baltic Sea is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy’s continued commitment to collective defense of the European region and reinforces the strong bond between the United States and Estonia.
While inport Tallinn, the ship and her crew will have the opportunity to partake in several Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours and see many historical sights and experience the rich culture of Estonia and its citizens.
“We’re grateful for the chance to see Estonia and to enhance our relationship with a key NATO ally,” said Cmdr. Joe Hamilton, Porter’s commanding officer. “This is a great opportunity for our crew to experience Estonian culture and meet the people of Tallinn.”
The ship has conducted previous port stops in Funchal, Portugal and Rostock, Germany while on its current deployment.
Porter’s deployment to the NAVEUR-NAVAF area of operations comes months after a homeport shift from Naval Station Rota, Spain to Naval Station Norfolk in October 2022. Porter spent seven years in Spain as part of the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe force, conducting eleven patrols in that time period. The patrols took Porter throughout the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations, including the Baltic, North, Norwegian, and Mediterranean Seas, as well as the Eastern Atlantic Ocean, in support of U.S., allied, and partner interests.
“Porter’s crew has performed superbly since our return to the region for this deployment,” said Hamilton. “We’ve learned and enjoyed our training with our allied and partner Navies. We are looking forward to this interoperability training with the Estonian Navy.”
The ship’s visit to Tallinn follows multiple port calls from U.S. Navy ships in recent years, including the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in May 2022 and guided-missile destroyers on deployment from the United States East Coast and on patrol from the Forward Deployed Naval Forces-Europe (FDNF-E) force stationed at Naval Station Rota, Spain.
The U.S. and Estonia are committed to working together and improving interoperability through port visits, operations, and exercises like Siil and Baltic Operations (BALTOPS).
For over 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) has forged strategic relationships with our allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values to preserve security and stability.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.
History
lUSS Porter is the fifth ship to bear the name of two naval legends: Commodore David Porter (1780-1843) and his son, Admiral David Dixon Porter (1813-1891). Their legendary naval exploits earned them a place of honor iNaval History.
Commissioned on February 20, 1897 in Newport, RI, USS Porter (TB-6) was a torpedo patrol boat that helped enforce the blockade of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. When the United States declared war on Spain, Porter was ready patrolling the waters of Key West. She soon made contact with the enemy by capturing two Spanish schooners. TB-6 resumed blockade duty off Cape Haiteien, Haiti, keeping a watchful eye out for the Spanish squadron. She participated in the three-hour bombardment of San Juan in May 1898 with the 9 ships of Rear Admiral W. T. Sampson’s fleet. During the attack, Porter maintained a close position under the batteries but was not hit. Later, she supported the Marine beachhead landing at Guantanamo Bay. The first USS Porter (TB-6) was struck from the Navy List on November 6, 1912.
USS Porter (DD-59) was commissioned April 17, 1916 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After shakedown in the Caribbean, USS Porter (DD-59) sailed in convoy duty escorting the first USS troops to Europe during WWI. She arrived at Queenstown, Ireland, where she was based during World War I, meeting and escorting convoys from the U.S. as they transited from Ireland to France. Kept busy as a convoy escort, she severely damaged U-108 on April 28, 1918. The second USS Porter (DD-59) was struck from the Navy List July 5, 1934.
The third USS Porter (DD-356) was also commissioned in Philadelphia on August 25, 1936. After shakedown in waters off northern Europe, DD-356 visited St. Johns, Newfoundland for coronation with the Pacific Fleet. On December 5, 1941, Porter got underway from Pearl Harbor, escaping the Japanese attack by two days. She vigorously patrolled with cruisers and destroyers in Hawaiian waters. In late October 1942 Task Force 16 exchanged air attacks with strong Japanese forces northeast of Guadalcanal in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands. During the ensuing action, Porter was torpedoed by a submarine and her crew was forced to abandoned ship. Her name was struck from the Navy List November 2, 1942. For her valiant service in WWII, USS Porter (DD-356) earned on battle star for World War II service which is represented by a star on the DDG 78 crest.
The fourth Porter (DD-800) was commissioned June 24, 1944 in Seattle, Washington. After shakedown off San Diego, Porter trained with Task Force 92 and made an offensive sweep against the Japanese naval base at Suribachi Wan, Paramushiru. Porter participated in the first extensive sweep by surface vessels into the Japanese-controlled Sea of Okhotsk. In doing so, DD-800 encountered a small convoy and sank a 2,000-ton Japanese merchantman with gunfire. During the Korean conflict, USS Porter (DD-800) served in Korean waters with Task Force 95 and joined the ranks of the “Trainbusters Club,” destroying one North Korean train and damaging 2. She was placed out of commission on August 10, 1953. Porter earned one battle star for World War II service and one battle star for Korean War service. These are represented on the DDG 78 crest
(Navy) funds in the amount of $30,925,000 will be obligated at time of award, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity.
Raytheon Missiles and Defense, Tucson, Arizona, is awarded a $13,383,172 firm-fixed-price modification to indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract M67854-21-D-0073 for the production and delivery of full-rate production air-to-air launchers (ATAL), item unique identification registration for ATAL systems, and other direct services and supplies in support of the Program Manager Ground-Based Air Defense, Marine Air Defense Integrated System. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (66%); and Dine, New Mexico (34%), with an expected completion date of September 2026. Fiscal 2023 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $6,684,164 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-21-D-0073).
The US Navy conducted a freedom of navigation operation in the disputed waters around the Paracel Islands, which are claimed by both China and Vietnam. The operation was carried out by the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius, which sailed within 12 nautical miles of the islands to challenge China’s maritime claims in the region according to press reports.
In response to the operation, US Navy spokesperson Lt. j.g. Luka Bakic stated, “The United States conducts routine and regular freedom of navigation operations, as we have done in the past and will continue to do so in the future. These operations are designed to uphold the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.”
China has claimed almost the entire South China Sea as its own, a claim that is disputed by other countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan. The US has been conducting freedom of navigation operations in the region to challenge China’s excessive claims and assert its right to sail through what it sees as international waters.
The operation comes amid tensions between the US and China over a range of issues, including trade, human rights, and the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. China has accused the US of “provocation” and “interference” in the region, while the US has said it will continue to challenge what it sees as China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea.
In a report from PBS, the U.S. has no South China Sea claims itself, but has deployed Naval and Air Force assets for decades to patrol the strategic waterway, through which around $5 trillion in global trade transits each year and which holds highly valuable fish stocks and undersea mineral resources.
A United Nations-backed arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 that the historical claim from China on the waters had no legal basis under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas, and Washington maintains that freedom of navigation and overflight of the waterway are in the American national interest.
U.S. forces currently operate daily in the South China Sea, and have been present for more than a century. China regularly responds angrily, accusing the U.S. of meddling in Asian affairs and impinging upon its sovereignty.
China’s claims have frequently brought it into conflict with other nations in the region as well. Filipino diplomats unleashed a slew of protests Friday over China’s recent targeting of a Philippine coast guard ship with a powerful military laser and other aggressive behavior.
.In 2018, CNN also reported on the Paracel Islands, a group of islands in the South China Sea that are claimed by both China and Vietnam. The islands have long been a source of tension between the two countries, with China asserting its sovereignty over the region and Vietnam claiming that the islands are part of its territory. This conflict has escalated in recent years, with China building military facilities on some of the islands and Vietnam protesting these actions.
The Paracel Islands are a group of around 130 small islands, reefs, and atolls that are located in the South China Sea, approximately equidistant from the coasts of Vietnam and China. The islands are located in an area that is rich in natural resources, including oil, gas, and fish, which has made them a source of contention between the two countries. Both China and Vietnam claim historical rights to the islands, with China pointing to records dating back to the Han Dynasty and Vietnam citing evidence of its control of the islands during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Despite the competing claims, China has taken steps to assert its sovereignty over the Paracel Islands in recent years. China has built military installations on several of the islands, including airstrips, radar systems, and naval bases. This has led to concerns among Vietnam and other countries in the region that China is seeking to establish de facto control over the South China Sea.
Vietnam has responded to China’s actions by protesting its sovereignty over the islands and conducting its own military exercises in the region. In 2016, Vietnam’s prime minister called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, stating that “Vietnam will resolutely and persistently protect its sovereignty and legitimate rights and interests in the East Sea [South China Sea].”
The Paracel Islands dispute is just one of several territorial disputes in the South China Sea, which has become a key flashpoint in the region. China’s claims to the islands are part of a larger effort to assert its dominance over the region, which has led to tensions with other countries in the region, including the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei.
The dispute over the Paracel Islands is likely to continue in the coming years, as both China and Vietnam remain committed to their competing claims to the region. The United States and other countries in the region have called for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, but it remains to be seen whether this will be possible given the complex geopolitical factors at play.
In conclusion, the Paracel Islands dispute is a complex and contentious issue that has significant implications for the region. While China has taken steps to assert its sovereignty over the islands, Vietnam and other countries in the region have expressed concern over China’s actions. The dispute is likely to continue for the foreseeable future, as both China and Vietnam remain committed to their claims to the region
