Tag: Navy Week

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Naval News Weekly – July 4, 2023

A blog that brings you the latest and most positive news about the US navy and its activities around the world.

We are Americans for a Stronger Navy, an organization that supports and advocates for a robust and capable naval force that can protect our nation’s interests and values.

We believe that the US navy is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the global maritime domain, and we want to share with you the stories that showcase its achievements and innovations.

Naval News

In this section, we will highlight some of the recent events and operations that the US navy has participated in or conducted, and explain why they are important and relevant for our national security and global leadership.

  • USS Nimitz concludes seven-month-long deployment to Indo-Pacific: The carrier and its strike group headed to the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet area of operations in December. They conducted operations with allies and partners, such as Australia, India, Japan, France, and the United Kingdom, to enhance maritime security and stability in the region. They also supported Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Octave Quartz, and participated in exercises such as Malabar 2020 and La Perouse 2021. This deployment demonstrates the US navy’s commitment to maintaining a strong presence and readiness in the Indo-Pacific, which is vital for deterring aggression, ensuring freedom of navigation, and advancing our strategic interests. You can read more about this deployment here.
  • USS Wasp Arrives in The Bahamas to Celebrate Nation’s 50th Year of Independence: On June 28, amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) arrived in Nassau, The Bahamas for a port visit aimed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of U.S. – The Bahamas relations and the 50th anniversary of Bahamian independence. The visit also showcased the strong partnership and friendship between the two countries, as well as the US navy’s commitment to regional security and cooperation. The USS Wasp is part of the USS Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, which provides a versatile sea-based expeditionary force that can respond to a range of missions, from humanitarian assistance to crisis response. You can read more about this port visit here.
  • USS Ronald Reagan Arrives in Da Nang for Port Visit: The U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) arrived in Da Nang, Vietnam, for a scheduled port call June 25, marking the third time a U.S. aircraft carrier has visited the country since 2018. The port visit demonstrated the enduring relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam, as well as the U.S. Navy’s support for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The USS Ronald Reagan is part of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which operates in support of a rules-based international order that promotes peace, stability, and prosperity. You can read more about this port visit here.

The key takeaways from these news stories are:

  • The US navy is actively engaged in strengthening its alliances and partnerships with like-minded countries in the Indo-Pacific region, which is critical for addressing common challenges and opportunities.
  • The US navy is capable of projecting power and presence across multiple domains and regions, which is essential for deterring potential adversaries and defending our national interests.
  • The US navy is respectful of the sovereignty and culture of other nations, which is important for building trust and goodwill among our friends and partners.

Naval Technology

In this section, we will showcase some of the latest developments and innovations in naval technology that enhance the performance and capabilities of the US navy and its platforms.

  • Navy Establishes Cyber Warfare Technician Rating: The Navy announced today the establishment of the Cyber Warfare Technician (CWT) rating via Naval Administrative Message (NAVADMIN) 147/23. The new rating will provide a dedicated career path for Sailors who specialize in cyber warfare operations, cyber defense analysis, digital forensics, cyber tool development, and cyber planning. The CWT rating will enhance the Navy’s cyber capabilities and readiness by creating a highly skilled workforce that can operate in the cyber domain. You can read more about this new rating here.
  • Navy Accepts Delivery of Future USS Jack H. Lucas: The Navy accepted delivery of the future guided missile destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), the Navy’s first Flight III destroyer from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division on June 27. The Flight III configuration adds the SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), which provides improved sensitivity, range, and accuracy, as well as increased ballistic missile defense capability. The USS Jack H. Lucas is named after Marine Corps Capt. Jack H. Lucas, who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. You can read more about this delivery here.
  • Keel Authenticated for the Future USNS Point Loma: The keel for the future USNS Point Loma, Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship (EPF 15), the second of the Spearhead-class EPF Flight II configuration, was laid at Austal USA, June 27. The EPF is a high-speed, shallow-draft catamaran that can transport personnel and cargo in support of a variety of missions, such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, theater security cooperation, and special operations. The EPF Flight II configuration adds a flight deck and additional medical capabilities to the original design. The USNS Point Loma is named after a neighborhood in San Diego, California, which is home to several naval facilities. You can read more about this keel laying here.

The key takeaways from these news stories are:

  • The US navy is constantly adapting and evolving its technology and workforce to meet the emerging and dynamic threats in the cyber domain, which is crucial for maintaining information superiority and operational security.
  • The US navy is acquiring and delivering new and advanced platforms that enhance its air and missile defense capabilities, which is vital for protecting our forces and allies from various aerial threats.
  • The US navy is expanding and modernizing its expeditionary transport capabilities, which is important for providing rapid and flexible support to various missions across the globe.

Naval Personnel

In this section, we will recognize some of the achievements and accomplishments of the US navy personnel who serve with honor and excellence.

  • Physiological issues in flight are going down, but still persist: Five years after a spike in reports of dangerous mental and physical effects in flight, military aviators are breathing easier. But problems persist. A Navy Times investigation found that physiological episodes — or PEs — have decreased significantly since 2017, when they reached a peak of 125 incidents in Navy and Marine Corps aircraft. In 2020, there were only 34 PEs reported, a 73 percent drop. The improvement is attributed to several factors, such as better training, maintenance, equipment, and research. However, some aviators still experience PEs, which can cause symptoms such as hypoxia, decompression sickness, vertigo, and spatial disorientation. The Navy continues to work on finding solutions and mitigating risks for its pilots and aircrew. You can read more about this issue here.
  • NRL Scientists Use Pulsar Timing to Measure Gravitational Waves from the Distant Universe: The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory’s Space Science Division along with a team of international scientists discovered groundbreaking evidence for gravitational waves that stretch and squeeze spacetime. The gravitational wave signal was observed in pulsar observations taken over 13 years by the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves (NANOBing, 11:07 PM
    Grav) collaboration using radio telescopes across North America. Gravitational waves are ripples in spacetime caused by massive objects accelerating or colliding with each other. The signal detected by NANOGrav is likely caused by supermassive black hole binaries orbiting each other in distant galaxies. This discovery opens a new window to explore the universe and test fundamental physics theories. You can read more about this discovery here.
  • Navy Entomologist Augments Warfighter Research Across INDOPACOM: Lt. Thomas McGlynn, a medical entomologist with the Navy Entomology Center of Excellence (NECE), Jacksonville Florida, recently provided “entomological” support to the Navy Medical Research Unit TWO (NAMRU-2), Singapore, carrying out mission critical research and surveillance activities across the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility. McGlynn assisted NAMRU-2 in conducting vector-borne disease surveillance, outbreak response, and capacity building in several countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand. His work contributed to enhancing the health and readiness of U.S. and partner forces, as well as strengthening the regional partnerships and collaborations. You can read more about his work here.

The key takeaways from these news stories are:

  • The US navy is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of its personnel, especially those who face challenging and demanding conditions in flight, which is essential for maintaining operational excellence and effectiveness.
  • The US navy is involved in cutting-edge scientific research and discovery, especially those that expand our knowledge and understanding of the universe and its phenomena, which is important for advancing our technological and intellectual edge.
  • The US navy is providing valuable expertise and assistance to its counterparts and partners in the Indo-Pacific region, especially those that improve the health and security of the populations and environments, which is crucial for fostering trust and cooperation.

Thank you for reading Naval News Weekly. We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new about the US navy and its achievements and innovations. Please stay tuned for more positive news about the US navy in the future.

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Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader: Strengthening the Bonds between the U.S. Navy and the Community

Introduction:

The Americans for a Stronger Navy, an organization steadfast in its mission to support and advocate for the United States Navy, recently had the unique opportunity to engage with Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader during Navy Week in Saint Louis, MO in May, 2023.

Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader

A highly decorated and accomplished naval officer, Rader’s insights are of great value to the organization and its members, illuminating the importance of community engagement and the transformative power of Navy Weeks.

As advocates and supporters, the members of the Americans for a Stronger Navy understand that their efforts and engagement directly impact the Navy’s mission readiness. Speaking with Rader, a leader who navigates the crucial intersection of naval operations and community relationships, offers a fresh perspective on how their involvement makes a tangible difference. It underscores the value of their advocacy work and affirms their continued commitment to fostering a resilient, robust, and respected Navy.

In the rich tapestry of her naval career, Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader interweaves the influence of her father’s service, invaluable life lessons, and the transformative power of community engagement. As she reflects on her journey, Rader elucidates the significant role of Navy Weeks in bridging the gap between America’s Navy and its citizens.

The Making of a Leader: Lessons and Growth:

Growing up in a Navy family, the core values of military service were deeply ingrained in Rader from an early age. As she ventured into her own naval journey, the robust exchanges with her fellow sailors enriched her understanding of teamwork, leadership, and resilience. These experiences were instrumental in shaping Rader into the influential leader she is today. A proud testament to her father’s legacy, she attributes her personal and professional growth to these valuable naval lessons.

Navy Weeks: Fostering Bonds with the Community:

Navy Weeks serve as a linchpin in nurturing a symbiotic relationship between the Navy and communities with limited military exposure. Rader emphasizes the imperative of community support during these events, expressing, “When we bring Navy Weeks to areas without a significant naval presence, we are not just visiting—we are building connections.” The enthusiastic reception from St. Louis during a Navy Week program attests to the potential of such cultural exchanges in establishing enduring bonds between sailors and citizens.

The Power of Public Understanding:

For Rader, public understanding underpins the Navy’s mission. By facilitating interactions between the Navy and the public, Navy Weeks allow citizens to delve into the Navy’s pivotal role in safeguarding national security. “When we share our experiences,” Rader notes, “we are not just showcasing the Navy; we are fostering a mutual respect that enhances our mission readiness.”

Inspiring Leadership: Admiral Rader’s Legacy:

With a military lineage and an unswerving dedication to service, Rear Admiral Rader’s leadership has been an exemplar of excellence, earning her recognition both within and beyond the Navy. Her commitment to education and her steadfast command have solidified her standing as a trailblazer. Rader’s passion for community engagement underlines her conviction in the Navy’s vital relationship with the public, encouraging others to comprehend the significance of community support and the indomitable spirit of America’s Navy.

Conclusion:

Rear Admiral Rader’s reflection reveals the profound influence of her naval career on her life and the broader implications of community engagement during Navy Weeks. Rader’s wise words echo: “Community engagement is not just about public support for the Navy; it’s about understanding, appreciation, and collaboration that ultimately reinforces our mission readiness.” As Navy Weeks continue to bridge the divide between sailors and citizens, they symbolize the strength and dedication of America’s Navy. Rader’s leadership serves as a beacon for all, underscoring the remarkable power of community engagement and its transformative impact on the Navy and its personnel.

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Celebrating Navy Week in St. Louis: Honoring our Sailors and the Importance of a Strong Navy

Sailors from the USS Saint Louis

Introduction:

The United States Navy plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and security of our nation. This week, during Navy Week in St. Louis, we have the opportunity to honor and celebrate the men and women who serve in the Navy. Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to be a part of this community and to support the Navy’s mission of protecting our country and promoting peace around the world.

Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, the Reserve Deputy Director Maritime Information Warfare, U.S. Pacific Fleet

Summary:

Navy Week in St. Louis is an opportunity to highlight the important work that the Navy does and to celebrate the sailors who serve our country.

The week is filled with events and activities that showcase the Navy’s commitment to service, including volunteering at local organizations, visiting schools, and performing at public venues.

US Navy Ceremonial Guards and Navy Band Great Lakes

Through these activities, the Navy is able to connect with the community and demonstrate the importance of a strong Navy to the American public.

Key Takeaways:

Navy Week in St. Louis celebrates the men and women who serve in the Navy and promotes the importance of a strong Navy to the American public.
The Navy is committed to service, and participates in a variety of volunteer activities during Navy Week.
Navy Week provides an opportunity for the Navy to connect with the community and showcase its mission.

US NAVY Jass Band Great Laked

Conclusion:

As Americans, we owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who serve in the Navy and protect our country. Navy Week in St. Louis is a chance to honor and celebrate these individuals, and to promote the importance of a strong Navy to our nation’s security.

USS Saint Louis

Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support the Navy’s mission and to encourage others to do the same. Let’s show our sailors some love and respect, and recognize the critical role that they play in keeping us safe.

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All Hands on Deck: Our Coverage of Navy Week in St. Louis

Navy Blue Angels

Attention everyone! Navy Week is coming to St. Louis, Missouri from May 8-14, 2023, and we’ve got you covered! Our team will be blogging to bring you all the latest news and highlights of the week-long event.

During Navy Week, 75 Sailors from across the fleet will be participating in various education and community outreach events throughout the city. There will be opportunities to meet Namesake Sailors from USS Harry S. Truman, USS St. Louis, and USS Constitution, enjoy musical performances by Navy Band Great Lakes, witness exciting demonstrations by various Navy organizations, and even participate in volunteer activities with local organizations.

Our coverage will include interviews with Navy personnel and local leaders, photos and videos of the events, and live updates here on StrongerNavy.org. Stay tuned for more information on Navy Week in St. Louis, and join us in celebrating and honoring the men and women who serve in America’s Navy

The Navy’s senior executive for the week is Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, Reserve Deputy Director for Maritime Information Warfare, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rader is participating in community engagements, meeting with students and speaking with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

“I am excited to represent the Navy and engage with the city of St. Louis and surrounding areas,” said Rader. “Being able to share the Navy’s story and interact with the citizens is both an honor and privilege.”

Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like St. Louis.

“We are excited to bring the Navy Week program to St. Louis,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo. “Seapower and America’s Navy are more important now than ever before. The U.S. Navy remains our nation’s most powerful instrument of military influence and Navy Weeks allow us to showcase how the Navy serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore.”

Throughout the week, Sailors will participate in various community events, including volunteering with organizations such as the Veterans Community Project, Girl Scouts, St. Louis Food Pantry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, and the Black Girls Do STEM. Additionally, Rear Admiral Ingrid Rader, Reserve Deputy Director for Maritime Information Warfare, U.S. Pacific Fleet, will serve as the Navy’s senior executive for the week, participating in community engagements, meeting with students, and speaking with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

The Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence since 2005. Navy Weeks allow the Navy to showcase how it serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore, and each year the program reaches more than 140 million people, about half the U.S. population.

The calendar of events for St. Louis Navy Week includes various volunteering opportunities, meetings with local leaders and students, performances by Navy Band Great Lakes, and more. The Navy Week concludes with an air show performance by the Blue Angels, which is sure to be a highlight of the week.

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The Importance of Navy Weeks: Bringing the Navy and “Peace Through Strength” to Communities Near You

Introduction to Navy Weeks

USS San Jacinto in Wilmington, NC in support Navy Weeks 2023

Navy Weeks is a program organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO) that brings the Navy’s outreach efforts to cities and towns without a significant Navy presence.

Selection Criteria and Scope of Navy Weeks

Since 2005, up to 15 cities across the country are selected each year based on a range of criteria.

Objectives of Navy Weeks

Navy Weeks focus on outreach assets, equipment, and personnel to host a week-long series of events in partnership with corporate, civic, government, education, media, veterans, community service, and diversity organizations throughout the city.

The program is designed to educate Americans on the importance of naval service, showcase the Navy’s global deployment, and increase awareness in cities that might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.

Anchor Events and Community Outreach

Navy Weeks are organized around an anchor event or large community event, such as a state fair or public holiday celebration, to increase awareness of a larger number of people from diverse geographic areas.

Components of a Navy Week

a. Navy Band Performances
The program includes Navy Band performances in the selected city at multiple locations.
b. Speaking Engagements by Navy Admirals or Flag Officers
A Navy Admiral or Flag Officer will speak to civic and educational organizations at various public speaking engagements in the area.
c. Participation from Active-Duty and Reserve Navy Personnel

In addition to the Flag officer and Navy Band, participating in any given Navy Week are active-duty and reserve Navy Public Affairs Officers, local civic organizations, as well as local sailors and recruiters from the regional Navy Recruiting District (NRD).

Impact of Navy Weeks on Communities

Navy Weeks are designed to educate Americans on the importance of Naval service, understand the investment they make in their Navy, and to increase awareness in cities which might not otherwise see the Navy at work on a regular basis.

Key Takeaways

  • Navy Weeks is a program organized by the Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO).
  • The program brings the Navy’s outreach efforts to cities and towns without a significant Navy presence.
  • Navy Weeks are designed to educate Americans on the importance of naval service and showcase the Navy’s global deployment.
  • The program includes Navy Band performances, speaking engagements by Navy Admirals or Flag Officers, and participation from active-duty and reserve Navy personnel.
  • Navy Weeks are organized around an anchor event or large community event to increase awareness of a larger number of people from diverse geographic areas.

Conclusion

At Americans for a Stronger Navy, we believe that a strong Navy is vital to protecting the American way of life. Navy Weeks is an excellent outreach effort that helps educate Americans on the importance of Naval service and showcase the Navy’s global deployment.

We hope that you are inspired by the Navy’s dedication to our country and will join us in supporting a Stronger Navy. To stay informed about our mission and the Navy’s efforts, please subscribe to our newsletter. Thank you for your time and for supporting a Stronger Navy.

Dates and Communities Near You

April 10-16, 2023 – Wilmington, North Carolina
May 8-14, 2023 – St. Louis, Missouri
June 26 – July 2, 2023 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
July 17-23, 2023 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 7-13, 2023 – Billings, Montana
August 21-27, 2023 – Lincoln/Omaha, Nebraska
September 4-10, 2023 – Cleveland, Ohio
September 11-17, 2023 – Salt Lake City, Utah
September 25 – October 1, 2023 – Salem, Oregon
October 9-15, 2023- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
October 23-29, 2023 Indianapolis, Indiana

#PeaceThroughStrength #StrongerNavy #USNavy

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U.S. Navy Week returns to Wilmington, NC after 3 years

The U.S. Navy has announced that Navy Week will bring demonstrations, performances and events to Wilmington, NC for the week of April 10 to 16, 2023.

Americans for a Stronger Navy is proud to support U.S. Navy Week, a community outreach initiative that showcases the brave men and women who serve in our nation’s Navy.

Navy Week provides an opportunity for communities to interact with sailors, learn about the Navy’s mission, and show support for our servicemen and women. As an organization dedicated to promoting peace through strength, we believe that a strong Navy is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of our nation.

This year’s Navy Week in Wilmington, NC is especially exciting as it marks the return of the event after a three-year absence. We hope that this week will inspire more people to become active supporters of the Navy and its mission.

Wilmington will host the city’s first Navy Week since 2019 when the Navy visits the area for a week of events April 10-16, in conjunction with the Azalea Festival.

Wilmington Navy Week brings Sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Wilmington, the state of North Carolina, and the nation.

Participating Navy assets include USS Constitution, USS San Jacinto (CG-56), Navy Reserve Center Raleigh, Navy Talent Acquisition Group Carolina, Naval History & Heritage Command, Navy Band Southeast, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2, Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 15, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, USS North Carolina (SSN-777), U.S. Navy Parachute Team (Leap Frogs), Navy Medical Center Camp Lejeune, Office of Small Business Programs, and U.S. Fleet Forces.

More than 75 Sailors will participate in education and community outreach events throughout the city, including the Azalea Festival Parade.

The Navy’s senior executive attending is Admiral Daryl Caudle, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. Adm. Caudle is a native of Winston-Salem and a graduate of North Carolina State University. During Wilmington Navy Week, he will participate in community engagements, meet leaders in education, and speak with local businesses, veterans, and government leaders.

Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has served as the Navy’s flagship outreach effort into areas of the country without a significant Navy presence, providing the public a firsthand look at why the Navy matters to cities like Wilmington.

“We are excited to bring the Navy Week program to Wilmington,” said NAVCO’s director, Cmdr. Anthony Falvo. “Seapower and America’s Navy are more important now than ever before. The U.S. Navy remains our nation’s most powerful instrument of military influence and Navy Weeks allow us to showcase how the Navy serves America at sea, in the air, and ashore.”

Throughout the week, Sailors will participate in various community events across the area, including engaging with visitors at the Children’s Museum of Wilmington and NC Aquarium Fort Fisher, and volunteering at the Brigade Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. Residents will also enjoy free live music by Navy Band Southeast at venues throughout the week.

Wilmington Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2023, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.