USS Tortuga Arrives in Indonesia for Exercise CARAT ‘13

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda S. Kitchner, PHIBRON 11 Public Affairs

JAKARTA, Indonesia – The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived in Jakarta today, marking the beginning of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2013 (CARAT ‘13), May 21.

CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships between the United States and partner nations. The exercise serves as a model of how the navies can cooperate and work together to address shared security concerns.

“The U.S. and Indonesia have a working relationship that is continuing to grow stronger with common shared goals,” said Cmdr. John Barnett, Commanding Officer, USS Tortuga. “We share democratic and seafaring traditions as well as a mutual desire to maintain stability in this region.”

The exercise will be comprised of a series of events directed to strengthening both navies’ ability to respond to humanitarian and disaster assistance events, maintain maritime security, and improving communications procedures.

“CARAT increases our interoperability during humanitarian operations,” said Cmdr. Doug Patterson, Executive Officer, USS Tortuga. “That continued development is paramount, given the collaborative efforts our navies have provided during major humanitarian assistance operations in recent years.”

During the exercise, Sailors and embarked personnel will be afforded opportunities to explore the rich culture and heritage of Indonesia as well as interact directly with their Indonesian military counterparts.

“It’s always important to be able to share our knowledge with our Indonesian partners and receive their expertise in return,” said Barnett. “It allows us to grow stronger in our abilities to maintain security and provide assistance when needed.”

The exercise will begin with an opening ceremony at Hall YosSoedarso, Western Fleet Command headquarters where members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and members of the Indonesian military will attend.

“CARAT is a great opportunity for us to serve as goodwill ambassadors of the U.S. promoting peace and stability,” said Patterson. “As well as demonstrating our commitment to regional partnerships and maintaining a strong working relationship with our Indonesian friends.”

VADM Swift Awards Legion of Merit to JMSDF Commander

By Mass Communication 1^st Class Joshua Karsten

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Commander, U.S. 7^th Fleet Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift awarded Commander in Chief, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Fleet Vice Adm. Yasushi Matsushita the Legion of Merit aboard the flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) May 20, 2013.

Swift presented the Legion of Merit, degree of officer, on behalf of the President of the United States to Matsushita for exceptionally meritorious service as the commander of JMSDF’s Fleet Escort Force from July 2010 to July 2012.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome Admiral Matsushita here to recognize his past performance. He has shown the way for all of us how to be effective and efficient commanders,” said Swift. “This award recognizes the strong relationship that the Kaijo Jettai (JMSDF) and the 7th Fleet enjoy today. I absolutely view Admiral Matsushita as my peer, my equal, as we lead our fleets and this award should be an inspiration for us all, whether we wear a U.S. Navy uniform or a Kaijo Jettai uniform.”

The event was attended by both U.S. 7^th Fleet Command Task Force (CTF) Commanders and their JMSDF counterparts as well as Japanese media.

Matsushita’s efforts achieved an unprecedented level of mutual cooperation as evidenced after the disastrous earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. Matsushita formulated a plan for both the United States Navy and the JMSDF to respond and deliver life-sustaining supplies to stranded civilians.  He was the driving force behind operation Tomodachi’s success as his efforts enabled a seamless bilateral response to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“I am still rooted with the emotion for being awarded from Vice Admiral Swift. He is my counterpart and great friend,” said Matsushita. “This is not only my achievement but the achievement of Vice Adm. Swift and all the 7^th Fleet CTF Commanders and their staffs and my staffs. They were all a great help to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The Legion of Merit, first awarded in 1942, is a United States Armed Forces military award issued both to United States military personnel and to military and political figures of foreign governments. The decoration is given for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.

USS Freedom Makes Her Debut in Singapore

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson

SINGAPORE (May 19, 2013) – USS Freedom (LCS 1) made its debut in Singapore May 14-19, participating in an international trade show and a maritime exercise with regional navies.  Freedom also hosted thousands of visitors, from Singaporean citizens to senior government and military officials, during a series of ship tours.

The week began with a visit from the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert, May 14. Greenert, the 30th CNO, emphasized his support for the LCS platform, and spoke to media and the Freedom crew about the positive impact of the ship’s maiden deployment.

“We had to get the littoral combat ship out here, and figure out what it’s made of,” said Greenert, speaking to the Freedom crew. “You guys are setting the pace for the future, and let me tell you, you all did a magnificent job. So don’t underestimate what you do during this deployment and during the crew swap.”

Freedom also hosted more than a dozen foreign delegations and hundreds of Sailors from foreign warships in port for Singapore’s International Maritime Defense Expedition and Conference (IMDEX).  On May 14 , Singapore Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen toured Freedom as well as other ships on the waterfront.  On May15, Freedom held a reception on board for more than 200 guests, including Singapore’s Chief of Navy and several representatives of other international navies.

The highlight of the week was Freedom’s participation in the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) Western Pacific Multi-lateral Sea Exercise (WMSX). Getting underway as the Surface Action Group commander for Singaporean, Indian and Indonesian ships, Freedom provided command and control during a simulated small boat threat, a search and rescue exercise, and a Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) scenario.

“We’ve been working hard for the past year to get this ship on deployment and successfully deploy here on time,” said Freedom’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Tom Wilke. “The support we had up the chain of command, the drive and determination to get us what we needed, knowing that we had a tight schedule and a mandate to deploy on time, is what made us successful.”

The crew also had the opportunity to highlight key features of the ship during the two-day RSN Navy Open House May 16, 18 and 19.  More than 7,000 people toured the ship, interacted with crewmembers and learned about the Freedom’s systems and gear.

“I had a really good time interacting with people of different cultures this weekend,” said Engineman Fireman Jennifer Ordenana. “They were very friendly, seemed very interested in this class of ship, and its technology and took lots of pictures with us. I enjoyed the energy.”

Fast, agile and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surfaces warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare. Her “Gold” crew of 91 Sailors includes mission package personnel and an aviation detachment to operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter initially mans freedom.

Freedom will remain homeported in San Diego throughout this rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. Midway through Freedom’s deployment, a crew-swap will be conducted with her “Blue” crew.

USS Fitzgerald Arrives in Shimoda for Black Ship Festival

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class N. Ross Taylor, USS Fitzgerald Public Affairs

SHIMODA, Japan — Arleigh burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), with a crew of approximately 300 Sailors, anchored in Shimoda, May 16 to participate in the city’s 74th annual Black Ship Festival.

The festival promotes the peaceful relations between the Japanese and American people and commemorates the 159th anniversary of the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry to Japan in 1854, an event which marked the beginning of diplomacy and trade agreements between U.S. and Japan.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship, JDS Murasame (DD 101), is also making a port call here alongside Fitzgerald.

“The U.S. and Japan are allies and this visit is an outward demonstration of U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan and to maintaining peace and stability throughout the entire region,” said Cmdr. Jonathan Schmitz, Fitzgerald’s commanding officer.  “The officers and crew of Fitzgerald are very excited to not only experience the city of Shimoda, but at the opportunity to interact and work with our Japanese counterparts aboard the Murasame during our visit.”

As the primary U.S. Navy representatives to the Black Ship Festival, Fitzgerald Sailors will march alongside Murasame sailors and local citizens through downtown Shimoda during a parade. The U.S. 7th Fleet Band will also perform during the parade ceremonies and at other events.

Fitzgerald Sailors will also participate in goodwill events, including a visit to several local elementary schools to interact with students and engage in various sports activities with local organizations. This visit allows the U.S. Sailors a chance to learn about Shimoda and experience the local culture.

“The Sailors of Fitzgerald represent the finest the Navy has to offer,” said Fitzgerald’s Command Master Chief Joshua Davis. “They work hard, day in and day out, doing their job to help preserve one of the strongest alliances in the world. Being selected to represent a major milestone in U.S. and Japanese history, as well as a continuing friendship means a lot to our Sailors and I know we are all looking forward to the next couple of days.”

Fitzgerald is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, to support security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

GW Sailors, UFC Fighters Share Warrior Spirit

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Erin Devenberg

 YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 13, 2013) The U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted four Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighters May 13.

UFC fighters Anthony Njokuani, Todd Duffee, Matt Brown and Kurt Shrout toured the ship’s hangar bay, flight deck and navigation bridge learning about shipboard operations and the lifestyle of Sailors stationed aboard.

“The ship is amazing,” said Brown, from Columbus, Ohio. “The pictures and video you see on television do not do it justice and the Sailors are awesome. I relate to them because the Sailors are warriors and we are warriors too, so there’s a mutual respect.”

Sailors were also given the opportunity to receive autographs and meet with the fighters one-on-one.

“It’s a childhood moment for me,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Jeffery Vaillant, from Bronx, N.Y. “I’m a huge fan of mixed martial arts and having the fighters come out and meet with us has been a great experience.”

Armed Forces Entertainment, in collaboration with Morale Welfare and Recreation, arrange visits from celebrities and athletes to provide opportunities for Sailors stationed overseas to meet with positive role models and boost morale.

“Servicemembers are a big part of our support base and it’s exciting to meet all of the fans that are involved in the sport,” said Duffee, from Raleigh, Ill. “We had the chance to meet with [George Washington Sailors] and they are doing a service for our country that isn’t always noticed. It’s a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation.”

The UFC fighters also met with Yokosuka-area Sailors in the evening at the Fleet Activities Yokosuka Fleet Recreation Center to share grappling moves, fighting techniques and their experiences in mixed martial arts.

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that supports and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Navy to Conduct Operations off the Korean Peninsula

From U.S. 7^th Fleet Public Affairs

ABOARD USS BLUE RIDGE – The U.S. Navy is conducting routine carrier operations in international waters east of the Korean Peninsula May 13-14.

Following their port visit in Busan, Republic of Korea, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group (NIMCSG) began routine operations today with the Republic of Korea Navy.

U.S. Navy ships scheduled to participate include the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) with the embarked Commander Carrier Strike Group 11 and carrier Air Wing 11; the guided-missile cruisers USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Chosin (CG 65); and guided missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88).

The operations are taking place beyond the territorial seas of any coastal nations and are intended to reinforce regional security and stability, enhance interoperability with our allies, and increase operational proficiency and readiness. The operations include integrated flight operations, air defense events, surface warfare training events, precision ship maneuvers, and liaison officer exchanges.

The U.S. Navy frequently operates in international waters around the world and has conducted numerous operations and exercises in this area. Most recently, the USS George Washington (CVN 73) CSG conducted similar operations in the waters west of the Korean Peninsula in June 2012. Similarly, and aside from Nimitz’s visit that concluded yesterday, U.S. aircraft carriers frequently visit the Korean Peninsula; most recently USS George Washington in June 2012.

The U.S. Navy is committed to helping enhance the security and stability of the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, and our forward-presence activities and engagements in this region are routine. U.S. military operations and exercises are a part of a larger forward-presence posture to strengthen our alliances and partnerships, and established security cooperation activities. U.S. forward presence is in accordance with international law, preserves the rights, freedoms, and uses of the sea guaranteed to all nations, and contributes to economic development and international commerce.

For a list of participating Republic of Korea Navy assets, please contact the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense.

For information regarding U.S. Navy participation, contact Cmdr. Ron Steiner at U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, Comm: 808-653-2152, or by e-mail: pao@c7f.navy.mil.

USS Nimitz Arrives in Busan, Republic of Korea

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan R. McDonald

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (May 11, 2013) – Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 11, comprised of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) along with embarked Carrier Air Wing 11, Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88) and Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Princeton (CG 59) and USS Chosin (CG 65), arrived in Busan, Republic of Korea May 11.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the bond between the two nations, a bond Rear Adm. Michael White, commander, Carrier Strike Group 11, said has only strengthened with time.

“It is always a pleasure when we have the opportunity to meet with our allies in the Republic of Korea,” said White. “I’m looking forward to deepening the close friendship enjoyed by the Republic of Korea and the United States.”

Nimitz Sailors will have an opportunity to visit with the local community and businesses and take in a variety of sight-seeing activities while in Busan.

“It’s great to be able to meet our friends from the Republic of Korea,” Capt. Jeff Ruth, USS Nimitz commanding officer, said, adding, “This port visit will provide our Sailors and Marines the opportunity to experience this beautiful city.”

CSG 11 is currently deployed in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts.