Peace Through Strength – Community Driven – Membership Supported
Category: Tell Us Your Story
The “Tell us your Story” focuses on the day and the life of every former and actve duty sailor’s everywhere and we invite you to participate. All stories submitted to the “Tell Us Your Story,” podcast include men and women who are or have proudly served in the U.S. Navy an opportunity to share their stories to help educate the public about the importance of a strong U.S. Navy.
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.
Seaman Isaiah Harris and Seaman Devon Harris, both assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, are the stars of the deck as the ship arrives in Souda Bay, Greece. As the vessel, along with the embarked staff of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, gets ready for its scheduled port visit, these two sailors are hard at work heaving a line.
This may seem like a simple task, but it plays a crucial role on board a Navy ship. It’s a time-honored tradition that ensures safe mooring and docking, and for Seaman Harris and Seaman Harris, it’s an opportunity to showcase their teamwork and precision in a high-pressure environment.
Their dedication and hard work represent the kind of professionalism that makes the George H.W. Bush CSG a force to be reckoned with in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, where they defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
Americans for a Stronger Navy, a non-profit organization committed to advocating and supporting the United States Navy, is proud to announce the launch of its “Who’s Who” initiative. This exciting program is designed to showcase the achievements of individual sailors, units, and departments within the US Navy, highlighting the dedication and hard work of those who serve our nation. Each week, Americans for a Stronger Navy will feature a new “Who’s Who” honoree, providing a glimpse into the outstanding contributions made by members of the Navy community. Through this initiative, Americans for a Stronger Navy hopes to demonstrate the importance of a strong, capable Navy and to promote greater appreciation for the individuals who make it all possible.
Admiral Michael M. Gilday
The current Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) for the United States Navy is Admiral Michael M. Gilday. Admiral Gilday has a distinguished career spanning over 30 years in the Navy, and he assumed the role of CNO on August 22, 2019.
Admiral Gilday was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on February 20, 1962. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He later earned a Master of Science degree in national security affairs from the National Defense University’s Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Throughout his career, Admiral Gilday has held a variety of positions, including commanding officer of the destroyer USS Benfold, commander of Destroyer Squadron 7, and commander of Carrier Strike Group 11.
Admiral Gilday’s vision for the future of the Navy centers around maintaining global maritime superiority through a combination of technological advancement and strategic partnerships. He has emphasized the importance of developing and deploying new technologies, such as unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, to enhance the Navy’s capabilities. He has also stressed the need for the Navy to work closely with international partners to maintain stability and security in key regions around the world.
We have been told but have not confirmed that, “one of Admiral Gilday’s notable personal characteristics is his love of music. He is an accomplished guitarist and singer, and he has performed with a number of bands throughout his career” said the source.
Admiral Gilday is also known for his commitment to diversity and inclusion within the Navy. He has been a vocal advocate for ensuring that all sailors are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background or identity. In a speech to the crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford in 2020, Admiral Gilday emphasized that “diversity is a warfighting imperative” and called on all sailors to embrace the Navy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment.
Overall, Admiral Michael M. Gilday is a highly respected and accomplished leader who is committed to maintaining the Navy’s global maritime superiority through innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. His personal passion for music and his dedication to supporting charitable causes and promoting diversity and inclusion have earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow sailors and the broader military community.
The New York Times reports that, “He is a high-speed intellect with low-drag ego, which is a very rare quality at the upper echelons of any government,” said James G. Stavridis, a retired admiral and former NATO commander.
“He knows D.C. and how D.C. works, but he’s not part of the D.C. crowd,” said Adm. Scott H. Swift, a retired commander of the Navy’s Pacific Fleet. “He has an outsider’s understanding of the challenges facing the fleet.”
Indeed, colleagues and friends say he is a sailor’s admiral — a quiet, self-effacing, no-nonsense officer who is comfortable in his own skin making what might be politically unpopular decisions.
Admiral Mike Gilday is the son of a Navy Sailor. A surface warfare officer, he is a native of Lowell, Massachusetts and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He holds master’s degrees from the Harvard Kennedy School and the National War College.
At sea, he deployed with USS Chandler (DDG 996), USS Princeton (CG 59), and USS Gettysburg (CG 64). He commanded destroyers USS Higgins (DDG 76) and USS Benfold (DDG 65) and subsequently, commanded Destroyer Squadron 7, serving as sea combat commander for the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group.
As a flag officer, he served as commander Carrier Strike Group 8 embarked aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), and as commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command and U.S 10th Fleet.
His staff assignments include the Bureau of Naval Personnel; staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, and staff of the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. Joint assignments include executive assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and naval aide to the President.
As a flag officer, he served in joint positions as director of operations for NATO’s Joint Force Command Lisbon; as chief of staff for Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO; director of operations, J3, for U.S. Cyber Command; and as director of operations, J3, for the Joint Staff. He recently served as director, Joint Staff.
He has served on teams that have been recognized with numerous awards and is the recipient of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (four awards), Legion of Merit (three awards), Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Gilday began serving as the 32nd Chief of Naval Operations August 22, 2019.
This “Tell us Your Story” blog post is dedicated to the Sailors of the USS Mobile. This post shares a story about those that serve on the USS Mobile. Also included is key takeaways of an article written by a crew member of the USS Mobile and a note of thanks to the crew from the founding members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Watchstanders
Watchstanders on board the USS Mobile, a naval vessel that provides support to military and humanitarian missions around the world play an important role. These watchstanders are responsible for operating the ship’s various systems, maintaining communications, and ensuring the safety and security of the crew and the ship itself. The article below provides insight into the day-to-day experiences of the watchstanders, including the challenges they face and the satisfaction they derive from their work. The article emphasizes the vital importance of watchstanders in ensuring the success of naval missions and protecting the interests of the United States.
Key takeaways
“This Tell us Your Story” blog post discusses the crucial role of watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile in operating systems, maintaining communication, and ensuring the safety of the crew and ship.
Whether it is plotting the ship’s course, managing the decks, signaling to a helicopter during flight quarters or compiling a training report, Sailors aboard Mobile are supporting the needs of the ship and each other which, in turn, supports the mission
It also highlights the challenges and rewards of their work and emphasizes their importance in supporting military and humanitarian missions.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Victoria Granado:
Aboard Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Mobile (LCS 26), Sailors of varying rank and rate stand watch on the ship’s bridge – from driving the ship to watching the ocean surface for contacts. Twenty-four hours a day, Mobile’s Sailors man their watch stations. Optimally-manned, LCS demand each Sailor perform the duties of three legacy Sailors.
Boatswain’s Mate Chief Petty Officer Jesus Hernandez has served every one of his 19 years in the U.S Navy on destroyers and cruisers. Though no stranger to standing watch on a smaller ship, Hernandez noted some significant differences during his first deployment on an LCS. The assigning of watches that are typically reserved for officers are also assigned to senior enlisted Sailors.
“I stand Junior Officer of the Deck,” said Hernandez. “On this deck it’s a mixture of Quartermaster of the Watch, Boatswain’s Mate of the Watch and everything else that comes with being a JOOD. An LCS is completely different from any other ship I have been on.”
Hernandez explained that on ships with a traditional watch configuration there would be a minimum of three officers on the bridge at one time, each with a very specific role to fill.
“On the Mobile, a lot of duties and functions are combined into one watch,” continued Hernandez. “Which means a much longer and intensive training pipeline to get qualified.”
To stand JOOD on Mobile, Hernandez took courses to learn how to drive the ship as well as how to operate the ship’s navigation system. As the ship’s Deck Leading Chief Petty Officer, Hernandez stands his watches and carries out his duties in anchoring evolutions, flight deck evolutions, small boat operations, and search and rescue operations.
Lt. Calvin Davies, navigator for Mobile, stands watch as Officer of the Deck and is also well acquainted with the consolidation of watch positions.
“When I’m standing watch on the bridge, I’m the OOD, the helmsman and the conning officer all wrapped up into one,” said Davies.
When not on the bridge, Davies serves as the legal officer, the training officer, and is the head of the ship’s administration department.
“It’s great that my main billet as the ship’s navigator goes hand-in-hand with my watch standing,” said Davies. “Outside of that, I am constantly considering what perspective I need to approach something. From a legal officer’s perspective? Or a training officer’s?”
Assuming multiple and varied responsibilities extends to Mobile’s junior enlisted as well. For instance, Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Michelle Venegas, from Phoenix, Ariz., stands watch as a lookout on the bridge wings.
“I have a lot of professional pride in being a lookout for the ship,” said Venegas. “We’re the ‘watchful eye’ for the crew. It’s important that the rest of the team on the bridge has a visual of what is out there outside of what the radars can tell them.”
When not scanning the horizon for surface contacts, Venegas is the supervisor for her work center, the command’s training petty officer, the secretary for the Junior Enlisted Association and administrator of official correspondence for the entire crew. Whether it is plotting the ship’s course, signaling to a helicopter during flight quarters or compiling a training report, Sailors aboard Mobile are supporting the needs of the ship and each other which, in turn, supports the mission.
“Serving on an LCS has really shown me what a Sailor is capable of,” said Hernandez. “It’s been exciting to see how we can work together and sync up to get the job done.”
Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally-manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward-presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
Letter from the Founding Members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy to the crew of the USS Mobile
Dear Watchstanders of USS Mobile: The Bridge and Beyond,
On behalf of Americans for a Stronger Navy, we would like to express our gratitude for your article highlighting the dedication and sacrifice of the watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile. We recognize the vital role that watchstanders play in ensuring the success of naval missions and protecting the interests of the United States.
We also appreciate the challenges that come with this critical responsibility and the rewards that come with ensuring the safety and security of the crew and ship. We are committed to supporting the watchstanders and all members of the Navy by advocating for a stronger Navy and ensuring that they have the resources and support they need to carry out their duties effectively.
Thank you for shedding light on the crucial work of the watchstanders aboard the USS Mobile, and please convey our appreciation to them and the entire crew for their service and sacrifice.
Brittani Raub, a 2015 graduate of Corning Painted Post High School and native of Corning, New York, was recognized as Junior Sailor of the Year aboard the USS George Washington. She is a Petty Officer 2nd Class and was selected by a board of senior enlisted for her exemplary service. The USS George Washington is currently undergoing refueling and complex overhaul work at the Newport News Shipyard, including the refueling of its two nuclear reactors and significant repairs, upgrades, and modernization.
The USS Ronald Reagan, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, has seen a significant increase in the number of women serving onboard in recent years. Women now make up a significant portion of the crew and serve in a wide range of roles, from pilots and engineers to medical personnel and support staff. The women on board the USS Ronald Reagan are highly trained and skilled professionals who have broken down barriers and proven that they are just as capable and dedicated as their male counterparts. The Navy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been a key factor in making this possible, and it serves as a model for other organizations to follow.
The United States Navy has been at the forefront of global military power for decades. As an institution, it has always upheld the highest standards of professionalism and dedication, and has long been a symbol of American pride and strength. However, it has not always been an inclusive organization, especially when it comes to women serving on ships.
That has changed in recent years, as more and more women have been welcomed into the Navy and given the opportunity to serve their country aboard some of the most advanced ships in the world. One of the most notable examples of this is the USS Ronald Reagan, which has seen a significant increase in the number of women serving onboard in recent years.
The USS Ronald Reagan is a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier that was commissioned in 2003. It is one of the most powerful warships in the world, with a crew of over 5,000 men and women who work together to keep the ship operational and ready for any mission. The ship is based in Yokosuka, Japan, and serves as the flagship of the Seventh Fleet.
While women have been serving on Navy ships for decades, their roles have been limited, and they have often faced discrimination and harassment. However, the Navy has made a concerted effort in recent years to increase diversity and inclusion across all ranks and positions, including on the USS Ronald Reagan.
Today, women make up a significant portion of the crew on the USS Ronald Reagan, serving in a wide range of roles, from pilots and engineers to medical personnel and support staff. These women are highly trained and skilled professionals who are just as capable as their male counterparts, and their contributions to the ship’s mission are invaluable.
One of the most visible examples of the important role women play on the USS Ronald Reagan is in the ship’s air wing. The air wing is responsible for operating the ship’s aircraft, including F/A-18 Hornets and E-2C Hawkeyes, which are used for a variety of missions, from air defense to reconnaissance.
Women pilots and aircrew members have been flying and maintaining these aircraft for years, and their contributions have been crucial to the success of the USS Ronald Reagan’s missions. Women also serve as air traffic controllers, coordinating the movement of aircraft on and off the carrier’s deck.
In addition to their roles in the air wing, women also serve in a variety of other positions onboard the USS Ronald Reagan. They work in the ship’s engine room, maintaining and repairing the ship’s engines and propulsion systems. They also serve in the ship’s medical department, providing care to the ship’s crew and responding to emergencies.
Overall, women have become an integral part of the crew on the USS Ronald Reagan, and their contributions are essential to the ship’s mission. They have broken down barriers and proven that they are just as capable and dedicated as their male counterparts. The Navy’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been a key factor in making this possible, and it serves as a model for other organizations to follow.
In conclusion, the women serving on the USS Ronald Reagan are an inspiration to us all. They have shown that gender should not be a barrier to serving one’s country, and that diversity and inclusion are essential to the success of any organization. As we look to the future, we can take pride in the progress that has been made, and look forward to a more inclusive and equitable society.
The Navy is celebrating Women’s History Month: admiral says females ‘can do anything in today’s military’ and the Americans for a Stronger Navy is covering the news.
Press reports reflect that in 2023, Naval Station Norfolk gets its first Black woman commanding officer, while the Blue Angels get their first female F/A-18 E/F demonstration pilot.
For the Navy, 2023 has been a year of firsts.
Captain Janet Days became the first Black woman to become the commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk for the first time in the base’s 106-year history.
2023 also saw former Naval Air Station Oceana pilot Lt. Amanda Lee becoming their first female F/A-18E/F demo pilot for the Navy flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels.
According to the Naval History and Heritage Command, the first women to serve in the U.S. Navy were nurses, beginning with the Navy Nurse Corps in 1908.
In 1974, the Navy designated the first woman as an aviator.
The U.S. Naval Academy admitted its first women in 1976.
In 1994, the Navy issued the first orders for women to be assigned aboard a combatant ship, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In 2010, the Navy lifted its ban on women serving aboard submarines.
And although the Navy has yet to have its first female Navy SEAL, a woman completed the grueling 37-week course last year to become the Navy’s first Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman.
On Monday, a group of female military leaders discussed women’s role in 2023, as part of the Department of Defense’s annual Women’s History Month celebration every March.
“I know when I came in the Navy in 1985, a lot of the doors were closed,” said the Vice Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Lisa Franchetti. “And now, 10 years after the repeal of all combat exclusions, I can see that the doors are not just open, but they’re completely gone. And I think the question for women today is no longer, ‘What can I do?’ It’s ‘What do I want to do?’ because you can do anything in today’s military.”
Musician 1st Class Adele Demi, of Colorado Springs, CO.
Musician 1st Class Adele Demi, a 2003 Coronado High School graduate, was selected as the Washington, D.C.-based command’s Sailor of the Year for 2022, according to Navy officials as reported in
“I’m just so honored to be selected because everyone I work with is so hardworking and talented,” Demi said. “I feel very lucky that they selected me out of all the wonderful people who work here.” she was quoted as saying.
Enlisting into the Navy was a career left turn for Demi. Having earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and a master’s in clarinet performance from the University of Northern Colorado, she seemed well on her way to becoming a classical musician when she learned about the Navy’s music program.
When she realized she could serve her country and pursue a music career at the same time, she decided it was too good an opportunity to pass up and joined the Navy in 2012.
“I became aware that the Navy provided one of the most stable, secure and fulfilling careers that I could possibly want,” Demi said. “I realized that this incredible opportunity was out there if I was willing to go for it. So I went for it.”
An enlisted sailor with a bachelor’s and a postgraduate degree would be atypical just about anywhere except for the Navy Band, Demi said.
“This command is really unique in that just about everybody has at least one degree in music, if not two,” she said. “That surprised me at first.”
One of the highlights of Demi’s career took place on March 6, 2022. In recognition of International Women’s Day, NBC’s “Today” show highlighted Cmdr. Billie Farrell, commanding officer of the USS Constitution. Farrell, who assumed command of “Old Ironsides” in January 2022, is the first woman to helm the warship in its 225-year history.
Demi’s band was asked to travel to New York City and play the Navy’s anthem, “Anchors Aweigh,” during the television segment honoring Farrell. When Demi was asked to conduct the band, she didn’t hesitate.
“It was an opportunity that came up at the last minute, as our jobs sometimes do,” she said. “We went up (to New York City) the night before, and the next morning, there we were, playing ‘Anchors Aweigh’ on the ‘Today’ show. It was awesome.”
The Navy Band’s travel itinerary is approaching full swing after being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Demi said. It is touring the western part of the U.S. with plans to visit Kansas, Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Nevada and California.
After that, Demi will prepare to join the Navy’s officer ranks. Last month, she was selected for commission as a limited duty officer. In October, she will commission as a Navy bandmaster — one of about 30 in the entire service, officials said.
Barring the unforeseen, Demi plans to make the Navy a career.
“I’m in it for the long haul,” she said. “I really believe in the mission of the Navy bands. I see the work that they’re doing, and I want to (continue to) be a part of that.”
Demi, who last year helped facilitate a nationwide audition talent search that filled 17 critical vacancies, said she’d like more people to know about the music program’s existence.
“We have the distinct honor of representing 350,000 active-duty sailors and telling their story,” she said. “I’m really proud that I’m able to do that.”
The Navy has released a mental health playbook to guide leaders on how to broach the subject of mental health with their sailors, and how to help them access resources for help. The playbook aims to address challenges sailors have expressed, including access to services, and encourages conversations with sailors to direct them to the available services. It also highlights the importance of preventative maintenance for people. Under the playbook, naval leaders are tasked with three roles: ensuring an environment where conversations can happen, being on the lookout for signs that sailors are at risk, and helping sailors get services while allowing them to stay in the fleet.
The aim of the Navy is preventing, mitigating, or addressing mental health issues within their commands. The playbook emphasizes the importance of creating a climate of trust and respect, recognizing mental health issues, and getting people the care they need. The three key roles of leaders are identified as setting conditions, recognizing mental health issues, and getting people the care they need, and keeping them in the team. The handbook is intended to be read thoroughly and incorporated into training, with a focus on preventative maintenance for personnel. The playbook encourages leaders to eliminate the stigma around mental health concerns and to provide warm hand-offs to clinical providers.
The members at Americans for a Stronger Navy salutes this effort and we sincerely hope the best for all.
One of the areas we feel we can help is with our “Tell Us Your Story” initiative aims to support mental health by promoting an added sense of purpose for those that serve and have served in the U.S. Navy in the past.
For examlle, the Tell Us Your Story initiative is a project launched by Americans for a Stronger Navy, which aims to shine a spotlight on the stories of those who have served or are currently serving in the Navy. The initiative provides a platform for Navy personnel to share their experiences, insights, and challenges with the broader community. By doing so, it seeks to foster a sense of connection and mutual understanding between Navy personnel and the general public.
One of the key objectives of the Tell Us Your Story initiative is to promote a sense of purpose among Navy personnel. By sharing their stories, Navy personnel can highlight the important role they play in the defense and security of the nation, as well as the broader impact of their work on society. This sense of purpose can be a powerful source of motivation and resilience, particularly in challenging times.
In addition to promoting a sense of purpose, the Tell Us Your Story initiative also seeks to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by Navy personnel. By sharing their stories of personal struggle and triumph, Navy personnel can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage others to seek support when needed.
Overall, the Tell Us Your Story initiative is an important effort to support the mental health and well-being of Navy personnel by promoting a sense of purpose and fostering a greater sense of connection and understanding between the Navy and the broader community.
