Who's Who Directory Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Americans for a Stronger Navy

March 21, 2023April 3, 2023

Navy discusses training sites in Louisiana – Rear Admiral Dion D. English, (RDML)

The Shreveport Time reports that Rear Admiral Dion D. English, (RDML) with the United States Navy. met with Caddo Parish, Louisiana residents to discuss potential plans for a training site. Navy representatives addressed concerns about noise, environmental impact, and potential land acquisition. The meeting was part of a larger process to gather public input and assess potential sites for training operations.

Key takeaways:

The United States Navy is considering potential sites for a training facility and held a meeting with Caddo Parish residents to gather public input
Navy representatives discussed concerns about noise, environmental impact, and potential land acquisition.
The meeting was part of a larger process to assess potential sites for training operations.

About Caddo Parish, Louisiana

Caddo Parish is a parish located in the northwest corner of the U.S. state of Louisiana. According to the 2020 U.S. census, the parish had a population of 237,848. The parish seat is Shreveport, which developed along the Red River.

About Admiral Dion D. English, (RDML) with the United States Navy

Rear Adm. Dion English is a native of Monroeville, Alabama and Slidell, Louisiana. English entered the Navy’s Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection Training program in 1987. In 1993, he graduated from Louisiana State University and was subsequently commissioned through the Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program at Southern University. He earned master’s degrees in business administration from Old Dominion University and in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College. He is also a 2007 graduate of the Joint Forces Staff College, and attended the Executive Program in Strategy and Organization at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

His afloat assignments include disbursing and sales officer, USS Scott (DDG 995); cargo and stock control officer, USNS San Diego (T-AFS 6); supply officer, USS Barry (DDG 52); and commanding officer, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Expeditionary Support Unit One.

His shore assignment include ship force support officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia; executive assistant to the Commander, Defense Supply Center Columbus, Ohio; deputy logistics operations officer, Joint Task Force Civil Support (JTF-CS), Fort Monroe Virginia; Logistics readiness officer, Logistics Current Operations Division, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; director, Supply Corps Detailing, Navy Personnel Command (PERS-4412); commanding officer, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center (FLC) Sigonella; deputy director, supply and distribution, J44, Joint Staff, Washington, District of Columbia; and director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, N4, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

English is designated as a Surface Warfare Supply Corps Officer and as a Navy Expeditionary Supply Corps Officer. He is a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and is a Joint Qualified Officer. While under his command, NAVSUP FLC Sigonella earned recognition in partnership with the team that received the prestigious Admiral Stan Arthur Award for 2018 Logistics Team of the Year.

His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal.

March 20, 2023March 21, 2023

U.S. Navy’s Readiness Questioned – Admiral Samuel Paparo Provides Key Insights

The U.S. Navy’s readiness is being tested as China continues to build up its naval forces and threatens Taiwan. These concerns were highlighted in a recent 60 Minutes story featuring Admiral Samuel Paparo, onboard the USS Nimitz, deployed near the U.S. territory of Guam, southeast of Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China, or PRC.

Admiral Samuel Paparo commands the U.S. Pacific Fleet, whose 200 ships and 150,000 sailors and civilians make up 60% of the entire U.S. Navy.

“The Navy’s always on alert. One third of the Navy is always deployed and operating at all times. The Navy’s mustering right now about 300 ships, and there are about 100 ships at sea right now all around the globe.” – Admiral Samuel Paparo.

The story emphasized the challenge posed by China’s rapidly growing navy, which now boasts the world’s largest fleet of ships.

CBS 60 minutes with Admiral Samuel Paparo

“The Chinese have made a great effort over the last decade-plus to modernize their navy, and in many cases to achieve parity with us.” – Admiral Samuel Paparo.

The 60 Minutes story also emphasized the need for the U.S. to maintain a strong and capable navy in the face of China’s rise, while also working with its allies in the region to counter China’s ambitions. The story also discussed the situation in Taiwan, where tensions have been rising as China increases its military activities in the region.

“I’ll tell you this: we are here to stay, right, in the South China Sea, and in this part of the world. And I think that’s the message that we really want to convey to not only China, but the entire world. We will sail wherever international law allows.” – Lt. Cmdr. David Ash.

Key takeaways from the story include:

The need to increase the Navy’s readiness through more training and better equipment, as well as concerns about a shortage of ships and the impact of budget cuts on the Navy’s ability to maintain its readiness.

The saying, which is, “Si Pacem, Para Bellum,” which is, “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Admiral Samuel Paparo.

About Si vis pacem, para bellum

This ancient Latin adage means “If you want peace, prepare for war.” For additional information on this topic click here for earlier post from the Americans for a Stronger Navy blog.

Amidst these challenges, organizations such as the Americans for a Stronger Navy will advocate for a stronger and better-equipped Navy.

The mission of the Americans for a Stronger Navy is to educate the public and policymakers about the importance of a strong Navy to national security and economic prosperity.

On behalf of the members of the Americans for Stronger Navy, we would like to salute both Admiral Samuel Paparo, Lt. Cmdr. David Ash, the entire crew for their service and CBS 60 Minutes for covering this important story.

“It is crucial to raise awareness about the threats facing the U.S. Navy and the need to maintain a strong and capable naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.” – Americans for a Stronger Navy.

More about Adm. Samuel Paparo

Adm. Samuel Paparo, a native of Morton, Pennsylvania graduated from Villanova University and was commissioned in 1987. He is the son of a former enlisted Marine and the grandson of a World War II enlisted Sailor. He has earned a Master of Arts in International Studies from Old Dominion University and a Master of Science in Systems Analysis from the Naval Postgraduate School.

A U.S. Naval Aviator, he is a TOPGUN graduate and has flown over 6,000 hours in the F-14, F-15 and F/A-18 and 1,100 carrier landings.

Operational command tours at sea include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 195 in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces, Yokosuka, Japan, deploying in Kitty Hawk Strike Group; VFA 106, NAS Oceana, Va; Commander, Carrier Air Wing 7, embarked in Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group and Commander, Carrier Strike Group 10.

Other operational assignments at sea include Fighter Squadron (VF) 14, flying the F-14 Tomcat with USS John F. Kennedy and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Groups and VFA-15, flying the F/A-18 Hornet with USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Enterprise Strike Groups.

In joint operational service, he was Director of Operations (J3) at U.S. Central Command, Tampa, Florida; Battle Director at the Combined Air and Space Operations Center, Al Udeid, Qatar; and Commanding Officer of Provincial Reconstruction Team, Nuristan Province, Afghanistan with the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He served also on exchange duty with the U.S. Air Force flying the F-15C Eagle with the 71st Fighter Squadron, deploying multiple times to Saudi Arabia and Keflavik, Iceland.

Shore assignments include the staff of Commander, Naval Air Forces, as F/A-18 training, readiness and requirements officer. He was Programming Division (OPNAV N80), Strategy and Resource and Requirements Review Board branch head.

Executive staff tours include service as executive assistant to Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and executive assistant to the 31st Chief of Naval Operations.

His most recent assignment was commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces, Manama, Bahrain.

Source: US Navy

March 17, 2023March 18, 2023

Welcome Home USS Barry (DDG-52)

Dear Crew of the USS Barry,

Welcome home! On behalf of Americans for a Stronger Navy, we want to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude for your service to our country over the past six years.

The USS Barry has accomplished so much during its time in Japan, including participating in several multinational exercises and conducting numerous successful operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Your service has helped to promote stability, peace, and security in the region, and we are all incredibly proud of the contributions you have made to the defense of our nation.

Serving your country is an incredible honor and a cherished responsibility that is respected and admired by those at home. Your efforts to protect our freedoms and values, and we are grateful for your unwavering dedication and commitment to duty. Your service and sacrifice remind us of the importance of the Navy’s mission and the vital role it plays in ensuring the safety and security of our nation.

We know that the past six years have been challenging, with long deployments and time away from family and loved ones. We are grateful for the sacrifices you have made and the personal challenges you have overcome to serve our country.

We hope that as you reunite with your families and loved ones, you feel the gratitude and appreciation of a grateful nation. Thank you for your service, and your dedication to the Navy and to our country.

Sincerely, Americans for a Stronger Navy

Barry’s namesake honors Commodore John Barry, the Father of the American Navy, Revolutionary War hero, and first commissioned officer in the United States Navy. Barry is assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

#ussbarry. #ddg52

March 11, 2023March 11, 2023

Who’s Who – Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Michael M. Gilday

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.

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.

March 9, 2023March 9, 2023

Tell us Your Story – Watchstanders of USS Mobile: The Bridge and Beyond

What’s inside

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.

Sincerely,
Americans for a Stronger Navy

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

Who’s Who – Capt. Janet H. Days, Naval Station Norfolk

An Old Dominion University is reporting that an alumna made history on Friday, becoming the first Black female commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base.

Janet Days is the first Black woman named commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk,

An Old Dominion University is reporting that an alumna made history on Friday, becoming the first Black female commanding officer of Naval Station Norfolk, the world’s largest naval base.

Capt. Janet H. Days, 54, was installed as the 51st commanding officer of the 106-year-old base during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, which employs more than 67,000 military and civilian personnel.

Days, a Chicago native, relieved Capt. David Dees, who moved on to become the chief of staff for the commander of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic.

“I wandered down the halls of (the) headquarters where my office resides and took note of the majestic pictures and leadership boards displaying the previous commanding officers of Naval Station Norfolk … As my eyes moved from name plate to name plate, it was painfully obvious that in 31 years from the day I enter the Navy, still not one person of color was displayed. And finally today, that changes,” Days said during the ceremony, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

She recognized the responsibilities that come with the position.

“I do recognize that my presence is uplifting and empowering … So the importance of that is to be representative, but also to show young ladies — not just African American young ladies — that the opportunities you get are all based on hard work,” Days said according to The Pilot.

Days graduated from ODU in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in business and received her commission through the Naval ROTC via the Enlisted Commissioning Program.

“Her leadership will have a positive impact on Naval Station Norfolk and the local community.” – Cmdr. John Peter Drosinos, executive officer for the Naval ROTC Hampton Roads Consortium

She earned a master’s degree in business administration from the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College command and staff diploma. She also is a graduate of Joint and Combined Warfighting School at Joint Forces Staff College and is a qualified joint specialty officer.

“It is great to see a friend and colleague in one of the most important Navy positions in the Hampton Roads area,” Cmdr. John Peter Drosinos, executive officer for the ODU-based Naval ROTC Hampton Roads Consortium, told ODU News. “Her leadership will have a positive impact on Naval Station Norfolk and the local community.”

“It was an honor and a pleasure to attend the Naval Station Norfolk change of command ceremony on Friday to witness Capt. Janet Days, an alum of Old Dominion University, take the helm of the world’s largest and most operationally complex Naval Installation,” added Robert Clark, military activities liaison and special projects director at ODU. “I know the sailors and civilian personnel who work at NSN are in great hands under Capt. Days’ outstanding leadership.

Days’ sea assignments include tours aboard the submarine tender Simon Lake, homeported at La Maddalena, Italy; the destroyer Mahan; and the destroyer Forrest Sherman as engineer officer, completing two deployments, one to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to conduct theater security cooperation and a subsequent deployment to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility to conduct counternarcotics operations. Days served as the Destroyer Squadron 28 material officer and staff director embarked aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower, where she completed two deployments to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During her tour as executive officer and commanding officer of the destroyer McFaul, she deployed independently to the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Ashore, Days was assigned to the Joint Staff J7 joint and coalition warfighting directorate as a military analyst and observer trainer augment to the deployable training team; she also deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, as the Joint Staff J7 liaison officer to the International Security Assistance Force headquarters. Days completed a tour at Afloat Training Group Norfolk as a combat systems tactical mentor and graduated from the pilot Warfare Tactics Instructor/Integrated Air and Missile Defense course. As the director of Maritime Warfare at Surface Warfare Officers School, she was responsible for training and development of all surface warfare department heads as well as providing instruction for prospective executive officers, commanding officers and major command students.

After a tour as the executive officer of Surface Warfare Schools Command in Newport, Rhode Island, Days was appointed Naval Station Norfolk’s executive officer in 2021. She was also the first Black female to hold that position, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

Days’ awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Army Commendation Medal (two awards), Army Achievement Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

Secretary of the Navy warns China’s warship production outpacing US, emphasizes need for acceleration

The Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, has expressed concerns over China’s faster production of warships, which could impact the future of the US Navy. Del Toro has called for an acceleration of efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization by building more warships and expanding its fleet. The report emphasizes the significance of the US Navy’s industrial base in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies. Del Toro made these remarks during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

Takeaways

The Secretary of the Navy has warned that China is outpacing the US in warship production, posing a threat to American naval supremacy.

The US needs to accelerate its efforts to keep up with China’s naval modernization, including building more warships and expanding its fleet.

The US Navy’s industrial base is crucial in supporting the production of advanced naval technologies.

These remarks were made by the Secretary of the Navy during a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

March 8, 2023March 8, 2023

Petty Officer 2nd Class Brittani Raub,recognized as Junior Sailor of the Year

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.

March 7, 2023March 8, 2023

Who’s Who – The Women of the USS Ronald Reagan

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.

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023

USS Ronald Reagan Rotation Scheduled

The United States plans to replace its Japan-based aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, by 2025 with a newer, more advanced vessel capable of accommodating new fighter jets and other advanced systems. The move is seen as part of the US efforts to maintain its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region amid increasing security challenges from China and North Korea. The new carrier is expected to be larger and morpadvanced than the current Ronald Reagan, and will be able to accommodate the latest F-35B fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles.

In November 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan participated in a joint naval exercise with South Korea, which involved aircraft carrier operations, anti-submarine warfare, and other training scenarios aimed at enhancing the allies’ ability to work together in defending against potential threats from North Korea.

In August 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan arrived in Hawaii for a scheduled port visit, during which sailors had the opportunity to participate in community outreach events and explore the local area.

In July 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan departed from its home port in Yokosuka, Japan, to begin a scheduled deployment in the Indo-Pacific region, during which it would conduct a variety of training exercises and operations aimed at promoting stability and security in the region.

In May 2021, the USS Ronald Reagan participated in a joint naval exercise with the Royal Australian Navy, which involved training in anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and other scenarios aimed at improving the two countries’ interoperability and ability to operate together in the region.