AHM AHM AHM AHM AHM TOP NEWS AHM TOP NEWS AHM Rating Modernization: AHM AHM02 2019 Fighting For Freedom ALL HANDSAHM MAGAZINE By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Tatyana M. Freeman, USS George Washington Public Affairs What’s new with it? A lot! MAGAZINE OF THE U.S. NAVY By Rear Adm. John Nowell AHM r. Martin Luther King Jr. once through nonviolent protest, sisters, but so all her grandchildren treating everyone with dignity SECRETARY OF THE NAVY Dsaid, “The ultimate measure together with other civil rights could have a better life. and respect. ave you heard about rating AHMThe Honorable Richard V. Spencer of a man is not where he stands activists, King founded the In 1964, King was awarded “He embodied the meaning Hmodernization? Do you know AHM AHM in moments of comfort and Southern Christian Leadership the Nobel Peace Prize for his of peaceful justice,” said what it is and why we are doing it? CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS convenience, but where he stands at Conference (SCLC) in 1957. As nonviolent resistance to racial Electronics Technician Seaman Chief of Naval Personnel Vice ADM John M. RichardsonAHM times of challenge and controversy.” president of the SCLC, he gave prejudice in America. Kade Gibbs, a Sailor assigned Adm. Robert Burke presented Rating AHM King was an American Baptist lectures on nonviolent protest He also supported and advocated to George Washington. “His Modernization to Congress in 2018. NAVY CHIEF OF INFORMATION, ACTING minister and social activist who and civil rights, and met with for all those who were economically life and his work symbolized Capt. GregoryAHM L. Hicks The first pillar of Sailor 2025 is a played a vital role in the American religious figures, activists and disadvantaged and all victims the quest for equality and wholesale modernization of our entire DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY civil rights movement. political leaders. of injustice. He helped raise the nondiscrimination that lies at personnel system. We are creating In honor of his birthday, the He also helped organize the 1963 national awareness of human the heart of the American, and flexible policies and additional career PAO / EXECUTIVE EDITOR heritage committee aboard the March on Washington, where he rights, peaceful demonstrations human, dream.” choices, and empowering commanding Cmdr. John Sharpe Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS delivered his famous “I Have A and social justice. King made it his life’s work to officers with tools to retain the best George Washington (CVN 73) Dream” speech: “Martin Luther King dedicated bring people together, but there and brightest Sailors. We have already SEA / SENIOR EDITOR hosted a ceremony, Jan. 16, to “Now, I say to you today my his life to love and to justice for his were those that didn’t support implemented programs, including the MCCS Josh Thompson remember the impact King had on friends, even though we face the fellow human beings, and he died his vision. His life was cut short Meritorious Advancement Program, and U.S. Navy Photo by MC2 William Sykes our country. difficulties of today and tomorrow, because of that effort,” Robert F. on Apr. 4, 1968, when he was increased credentialing and graduate EDITOR-IN-CHIEF “He stood up for equality for I still have a dream,” said King. Kennedy, an American politician assassinated by James Earl Ray education opportunities, as well as more career choices and expand In the military, we tend to develop Andrew Carlson every man and woman on this “It is a dream deeply rooted in the and Navy veteran, said in a speech on a balcony of the Lorraine tours with industry. We are also working their professional development campaign plans that have lines of effort, LCPO / MANAGING EDITOR planet,” said Command Master American dream. I have a dream after King’s death. Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. to expand ‘Detailing Marketplace’ pilot opportunities. We started this effort so we developed a campaign plan for MCC Ryan Tabios Chief Maurice Coffey, the command that one day this nation will rise Thanks to King’s dedicated His legacy lives on today in those initiatives, overhaul the performance back in December 2016 to modernize rating modernization with four key master chief aboard George up and live out the true meaning leadership and peaceful ideals, that continue to fight for equality evaluation system, modernize delivery our ratings in a way that had never been lines of effort: enlisted career fields, COPY EDITOR Washington. “We as Sailors, as of its creed: ‘We hold these truths the civil rights movement made for all. King said it best when and tailor advancement examinations in done before, and it was long overdue. marketplace detailing, the advancement Elizabeth Collins those who wear the cloth of this to be self-evident, that all men are significant progress and was exposed he said, "Injustice anywhere is conjunction with a rating modernization By joining rating modernization with process and credentialing. When nation, that is something that we created equal.’” to nationwide attention. This helped a threat to justice everywhere. effort. We are also working to achieve the transformation of our enlisted you combine these lines of effort, CONTENT EDITOR do. We do it a little differently than Coffey’s grandmother protested bring about pivotal legislation, such We are caught in an inescapable greater permeability between the active personnel business processes, we’re they support a long list of Sailor 2025 MC2 Taylor Stinson Dr. King did, but we stand for peace, with King, something he said she as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and network of mutuality, tied in and reserve components. going to provide our Sailors better initiatives that will redefine Navy’s and we stand for equality.” always spoke about with pride. She the Voting Rights Act of 1965. a single garment of destiny. career fields and improve our talent DESIGNER In an effort bring about full felt she did the right thing, not only King was passionate about racial Whatever affects one directly, management and the detailing process. MC3 Timothy Hale equality for African-Americans for his mother and her brothers and equality, and the importance of affects all indirectly." As I mentioned, it will offer more career All Hands Number 2, 2019 is published by choices and more flexibility to our the Defense Media Activity, Navy Production Sailors. But make no mistake, we’re Department, 6700 Taylor Avenue, Fort George G. doing this because the Navy has to do Meade, Maryland 20755. CONUS Sailors Have New Leave it, because it’s going to help increase FRONT COVER: A gun crew of six Sailors who were given our fleet readiness, it’s going to make the Navy Cross for standing by their gun when their us more sustainable in the future when Scheduling Tool ship was damaged by enemy attack in the Philippine By Cmdr. Erik Wells, Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240) Public Affairs resources will continue to be scarce, area. and it’s going to help us with our fit. Rating modernization is the future of BACK COVER: Enlisted men serving on Espiritu Santo in The Navy launched an “eLeave” said Vice Adm. Robert Burke, chief “When it comes to managing their in and check out of leave, and view the growing workforce in the Navy. In the New Hebrides...placing 6-inch shells in magazines self-service tool capability within of naval personnel (CNP). careers, Sailors are asking for more their leave balances. August, we released NAVADMIN 196/18, at the Naval Ammunition Depot MyNavy Portal (MNP), Jan. 17, The new MNP eLeave feature control and more simplicity,” said “We are keeping our promise to which provided an update on those four which allows CONUS-based Sailors does not replace the Navy Standard David Driegert, program manager Sailors to continuously deliver U.S. Navy Photo by MC3 Alan Lewis lines of effort. This is the first of five OUR MISSION IS SHARING THE NAVY STORY to manage their ordinary leave Integrated Personnel System for the Navy’s Sea Warrior Program more options within MyNavy Portal blogs that will talk about the updates to using MNP. (NSIPS) leave function, but provides (PMW 240). “The eLeave self- that are interactive and user- Ultimately, rating modernization is all talent management, career flexibility rating modernization. The remaining “Allowing Sailors to easily manage Sailors another option to manage service tool does this by letting friendly,” said Burke. “When fully about bringing our personnel systems and more relevant training they’re four blogs will each zero in on one of their ordinary leave through their ordinary leave. All other forms CONUS-based Sailors route their developed, MyNavy Portal will be and the processes that we use into the going to need for their next jobs. And the lines of effort to give you a little MyNavy Portal’s eLeave self- of leave must still be completed in ordinary leave through their chains the single point of entry for Sailors 21st century. We are modernizing our it’s also going to add widely recognized more clarity on what all these updates service tool is the latest example NSIPS. Future updates of the eLeave of command, request an extension to manage their careers using rating system to redefine enlisted career credentials that translate both within mean for you. We also have a series of of transforming how we deliver self-service tool will incorporate or cancel their leave through an accurate data from a single, reliable fields, improve talent management and the Navy and the civilian work force to six rating modernization podcasts that human resources – personnel, pay OCONUS Sailors and provide interactive dashboard.” source within an intuitive, self- our detailing processes, offer Sailors their resumes. mirror the blogs. and training – services to Sailors,” additional leave options. Sailors will also be able to check service environment.”

2 3 isitors to the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum may wish to Seabees." On Oct. 24, 1942, the Navy fifteen predominantly African-American Initially, nothing appeared out of order huts. African-American petty officers Vwalk to the display of battalion plaques from World commissioned the African-American 34th stevedore construction battalions, termed with either battalion. In the Pacific, the 34th were used for unskilled manual labor and War II. Among the blur of polished wood, painted plaster NCB which shipped out of Port Hueneme, “specials,” was commissioned. All but endured Japanese bombing raids and lost never placed in charge of working parties. and engraved metal one may gaze upon the plaques of the California for the Pacific. The men served one of these specials served in the Pacific. five men killed and 35 wounded in their first With morale low, the African-American 34th, 20th (special) and 80th Naval Construction Battalions 20 months overseas, constructing naval These battalions varied considerably deployment. Their work in the Solomons personnel of the battalion staged a hunger (NCB). The plaque for the 20th bears the motto “Proving facilities at Espiritu Santo and in the in composition from the 34th and 80th garnered numerous commendations strike from Mar. 2 – 3, 1945, refusing to eat Our Worth,” an apt description for men fighting for victory Solomon Islands before returning to Camp NCBs. While still commanded by white and citations for exceptional service. In but continuing to perform all scheduled over both fascism abroad and discrimination at home. Rousseau, Port Hueneme in October 1944. officers, the 15th, 17th, 21st, 22nd, and Trinidad, the 80th constructed a massive duties. In response, following a board More than 12,500 African-Americans served in Seabee Around the time the 34th shipped out 23rd Specials had at least one African- airship hangar and other airfield facilities of investigation, BuDocks relieved the units in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during World War in January 1943, the second African- American chief petty officer, and the white in defense of the Caribbean from German commanding officer, his executive officer, II, a group largely forgotten today. During the war, these American construction battalion, the leadership consisted predominately of non U-boat operations. First Lady Eleanor and 20 percent of the original officers men not only built advanced bases and offloaded cargo, 80th NCB, formed at Camp Allen, and southerners, less inclined to impose the Roosevelt, Moreell and other dignitaries and petty officers. Their replacements they helped break institutional conceptions of race, paving commissioned on Feb. 2. After advanced edifice of segregation in the workplace or visited the unit to inspect their progress. were all screened for racial prejudices the road toward complete integration of the Navy. training, the unit moved to Gulfport, at the base camps. Upon returning to the United States in and southern men were predominately Prior to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Mississippi before embarking to Trinidad While deployed, the men of the two late 1944, racial tensions in the 34th boiled avoided. The new commanding officer, a December 7, 1941, the Navy had debated its exclusionary in July. As with the 34th, the 80th’s officers construction battalions performed their over at Camp Rousseau. While rebuilding New Yorker, organized a training program and discriminatory race policies. In June 1940, only 2.3 and chiefs were also white southerners, assignments admirably and efficiently, for its next deployment, the commanding for enlisted personnel to be rerated and percent of the Navy’s personnel were African-American, although the battalion’s African-American but the corrosive effects of commander- officer refused to rate any African-American ensured that qualified men received the almost all serving as stewards for white officers and chiefs personnel mostly came from northern imposed racism and discrimination would as a chief petty officer, and instituted promotions unfairly denied them under in the messman branch. Passage of the Selective Service states. Also in July 1943, the first of result in two imbroglios for the Navy. segregated barracks, mess lines and mess the previous commander. and Training Act in September 1940 forced the Navy to change its policies, as the legislation stated that “any person, regardless of race or color . . . shall be afforded an opportunity to volunteer for . . . the land and naval forces "Wherever we of the United States.” Subsequently, Navy Secretary Frank Knox established a committee to investigate the integration of African-Americans into the service. The committee’s go, whatever our December 1941 report, however, argued against enlisting African-Americans n rates other than mess attendant due Building to “the limitations of the characteristics of members of assignment may certain races.” But after Dec. 7, the National Association for For a Nation the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) lobbied the be, we still employ White House and Knox to accept African-Americans for service other than stewards. and for Equality President Franklin D. Roosevelt, balancing the issue all our talents African-American Seabees in World War II of race while pursuing a two-front war, pressed for a compromise solution. In January 1942, Knox asked the Navy’s General Board to submit plans for African- and efforts to do Americans to serve in billets outside of the steward branch, but the new plans only reinforced prejudices a good job" and suggested views that African-Americans exclusively remain in the messman branch. Roosevelt ordered Knox to reinvestigate the matter. In late February, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Harold R. Stark suggested that African- For the men of the 80th, discrimination counsel, Thurgood Marshall, a review how, regardless of what the color of his 1945, as American forces closed in Americans could be rated in construction battalions or in Gulfport prior to embarkation continued board upgraded the discharges of 14 of personnel is, that is the man we want as an on Japan, several African-American serve in the naval shore establishment. On Apr. 7, 1942, on their transport at sea and at Trinidad, the men in April 1945. Meanwhile, after officer for our colored Seabees.” The work Seabee specials integrated, and white Knox announced that the Navy would enlist African- where segregated facilities manifested the battalion returned to Port Hueneme in of African-American units proved equal and black Seabees found themselves Americans for general service, with open enlistment for themselves. After the officer in charge July 1944, BuDocks ordered the removal of to that of white units. Leadership – as with unloading ships or constructing advance messmen and the new Seabees. heard complaints from a group of Seabees the officer in charge and all of the original any military unit – made the difference in bases, united together for victory. The Bureau of Yards and Docks (BuDocks) began recruit about racial discrimination in the battalion white officers and chiefs, aside from the morale and efficiency. This is particularly These constituted, arguably, the Navy’s and organizng African-American construction battalions in in September 1943, the commander medical and supply officers, and replaced noted in the African-American special first fully-integrated units in the 20th April 1942. In September, 880 African-American men from initiated the discharge of 19 members them with non southerners. battalions, which often reported high century. Perhaps more importantly for 37 states reported to Camp Allen near Norfolk, Virginia to for what he deemed seditious behavior BuDocks could have easily disbanded morale and performance. After replacing these Seabees, they recognized how their become Seabees. To command the new units, BuDocks bordering on mutiny. The commanding both battalions and declared African- the leadership of the two construction work in the Pacific factored into the fight

Story By Dr. Frank A. Blazich Jr. decided to use southern white men, chosen for “their officer of the Naval Operating Base, Americans incompatible with the Seabees, battalions, BuDocks redeployed both units against discrimination at home. Writing U.S. Navy Seabee Museum, Naval History and Heritage Command ability and knowledge in handling” African-Americans, Trinidad and commandant of the Tenth but instead chose to recognize the error to the Pacific in 1945, where they worked in April 1945, 80th NCB member CM1c but who also received orders to treat all personnel fairly in Naval District approved the discharges. of its way and change its policies. A Civil without incident and with high morale. Arthur H. Turner of Detroit, Michigan regards to promotions and assignments. With almost 80 The discharged men thereafter contacted Engineer Corps officer noted during the The accomplishments of African- declared: “Wherever we go, whatever percent of the enlisted men hailing from the South, Rear the NAACP and the African-American war how when choosing officers for a American Seabees in World War II our assignment may be, we still employ Adm. Ben Moreell and other senior BuDocks leaders felt media, who demanded answers from Seabee unit, “A man may be from the demonstrated then and now that the all our talents and efforts to do a good this arrangement would help producea "crack battalion" the secretary of the navy. Under the legal North, South, East or West. If his attitude spirit of “Can Do” does not differentiate job, one that will be a lasting monument one which will be proud of themselvees and and to the guidance of the NAACP and their special is to do the best possible job he knows between age, race or gender. By late to the navy and to the negro race.” So you want to be a Flag Writer? Flag Writers Get The Job Done Sailor - Leader - Yeoman - Flag Writer Story By MC2 Brittney Kinsey & Graphic By MC3 Timothy Hale 2019 Flag Writer Training 27 - 28 February 2019 ou have speeches to write, naval explained. Flag writers also incur a service I came to a point in my career where it was Ycorrespondence on your desk to be edited obligation of 36 months. time to make a decision to do something that Wind and Sea Auditorium, Bldg. C-9, 1731 Gilbert St., Norfolk, VA 23511 and travel plans to be scheduled. Days “We are currently in the process of a was more challenging. Being a flag writer Please RSVP by February @ https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=428049&k=06634A097F5E are a balancing act between meticulously recruiting campaign where our goal is to is something you hear about as a yeoman scheduled events and last minute changes, attract yeoman that are eager to take that extra that’s exciting. It presents situations but no day is ever the same as the one before. step and challenge themselves in a high-stress you don’t get to experience as a regular Flag Writer Core Competencies It’s a fast-paced environment at times, but environment.” said Master Chief Yeoman yeoman, so I was ready to do something you've got what it takes. Why? Because you Tanesha Wheeler, flag writer to Vice Admiral different,” said Harris. “It’s not a regular are a Navy flag writer. Bruce Lindsey, deputy commander, U.S. Fleet setting where you go into work and just do “There is no ‘normal’ day in the life of a Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. correspondence or write awards. You go flag writer. Every day begins with something Sanchez cautioned that being able to manage into work and you’re helping your boss on a coming up,” said Chief Yeoman Dimo personnel and tasks with other responsibilities daily basis meet his mission goals.” Leader Administrator Advisor Communicator Sanchez, flag writer to U.S. Ambassador requires a certain set of management skills Sanchez believes that being in a position Alexander Laskaris at U.S. Africa Command that take time to learn. to help leaders succeed is what makes flag influence, motivate, and Execute all functions Display integrity and Act as a trusted (USAFRICOM) in Stuggart, Germany, All yeoman chosen to become flag writers writers such important members of flag enable others to work of a Front Office. use sound judgment on conduit of information and co-lead recruiter for the flag writer must complete training to strengthen those staffs. community. “There are a lot of moving capabilities before being assigned. The “You have to be ethically sound in all toward common goals. ethical issues. flow. parts that come with being a flag writer, and flag writer’s course, located in Meridian, your judgements when working with it keeps us on our toes because you work Mississippi, is the only Navy enlisted senior officers and be able to deliver the alongside high-level leadership and help classification (NEC) granting school for news, whether it’s good or bad. I think our Flag Writer Billets manage their complex schedules. But it is yeoman. The “C” school is five weeks long and admirals and generals appreciate that, and also great because you get to see the level teaches Sailors the ins and outs of front office it’s one of the reasons our flag writers have Ashore CONUS (TYPE 1) Afloat overseas (TYPE 4) of impact on things you discuss in the office administration, protocol, English composition been successful,” he said. VPOTUS, SECDEF, OPNAV, csg, esg, 7th fleet, have an effect across the military.” and military bearing. As flag writers, yeoman are often witness Flag writers are Navy yeoman selected “The ‘C’ school is great. It’s very hands on, exposed to the decision-making processes Cocoms, USFF, SUBFOR, nato, subgru to work for flag officers and high-level direct, and really gets to what it takes to be a of their lag officers firsthand. This requires NETC, USNA, #FLEETS diplomats to provide office management, flag writer. It also forces you to make decisions a mutual level of trust. Establishing those correspondence, protocol and other because you might not have a day or two to relationships is a process, not something Ashore overseas (TYPE 6) administrative support. With billets in fleet- process information; you may have 15 to 30 you always get right away, said Harris. AFloat CONUS (TYPE 1) wide concentration areas like Washington minutes to make a decision and act on it. I “Building a relationship with your cocoms, dos, naveur, D.C., Norfolk, Virginia, San Diego, Hawaii, loved every minute of it,” said Yeoman First boss is something that takes time and CSG and ESG cnfj, cnfk, clwp, 5th & 6th Japan, Europe and aboard deployed carrier Class Tanisha Harris who has been a flag patience,” she explained. “Being around and expeditionary strike groups, flag writers writer for one year. your leadership and getting that one- Fleets are capable of deploying anywhere in the During the five-week school, Sailors are taught on-one relationship, you get to see their Total Billets 154 | Commands World Wide 117 world, including on the staff of the secretary office administration skills and how to write inner workings of how they think and how of defense and the office of the vice president. official and personal correspondence; manage they operate. Sometimes, you have to be Once Sailors are nominated by their social calendars, honors and ceremonies; and that listening ear when they’re working Are You Eligible? Nomination Package commands, they are screened to ensure prepare personnel reports and evaluations. In through things so we can figure out a plan (check MPM 1306-913 for full eligibility criteria) (candidates will submit 1306 approved by coc) they meet eligibility requirements before addition to these duties, they also learn more and move forward.” taking part in interviews with community about the Defense Travel System, such as how “Being a flag writer, you get to see the daily Full front and side view digital photos in service uniform leaders to determine whether they are the to create and process travel orders. operations and the decision-making processes Warfare Qualified YN1 w/ 6 years of service & 1 yr TIG in reg Navy right fit. Once on the job, flag writers are often of the Navy, and that’s a great place to be,” biography listing all duty stations In addition to having strong organizational required to sharpen their time-management ontinued Harris. “I think ... knowing that even Outstanding verbal skills & be free of any speech impediments skills, a prospective flag writer should also be skills on the go and work with other members if it’s small, in some way I helped the Navy [it is at least first class yeaman petty officer's with of the personal staff to plan for changes that great] meet its mission [is very satisfying]. For Required obliserv for this program is 36 months last 5 years of evaluations six years iotal service or one year time and develop throughout the day. It was just the me, just knowing that by helping my boss meet rate, warfare-qualified, worldwide deployable type of challenge Harris needed when she his or her mission goals daily, I have a small part and free of any speech impediments in order was ready to move on to her next command. in that process. That’s the best part of being a maintain bca standards and have passed the most recent pfa Interview Appraisal completed by regional coordinator to be nominated by their commands Sanchez “I wanted to become a flag writer because flag writer, being able to help.”

Fla be within 13 - 18 months from your PRD Wite commanding officer’s letter of recommendation

The Flag Writer mission is to provide executive level administrative support while serving on the personal staff of a Flag Officer or General Officer. Flag Writers serve in highly visible positions and must conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Visit the flag writer facebook page or email at [email protected] "

Story by He’d be proud to know that the ship is his namesake. … The ship will represent Mikey Elizabeth M. Collins and it will be a message to the world that no matter what, no matter the cost, we will act. We will fight back evil; we will eradicate it from this earth, no matter the cost.

“Monsoor is an incredible honor that the Navy has in the area before,” Sarraille recalled. “We knew it, and “Being behind Mikey,” Oleson said, “what I remember" bestowed upon him and his family,” said Oleson. “I went we had chosen a prominent building that would give us hearing was, ‘Grenade!’ and the next thing I knew was the out to the christening event, and I was completely blown a marked advantage over the enemy, high up, high over explosion. I got knocked out for a few seconds, and when away [by] the sheer size of what this ship represents. I think the positions on the street. When the morning hours hit I came to, I had three of my very close friends … wounded, if Mikey saw the ship, he’d be like, ‘That’s too much. That’s and the sunlight came up, we almost immediately came and quickly tried to assess the situation. ... What was kind not for me. I’m just laid back.’ But I think it’s truly an honor under contact and eliminated a few fighters. … There were of going through my mind was, ‘I’m in a really terrible that the Navy did this, especially the type of destroyer that intermittent attacks throughout the day.” location.’ I took small fragments to my calves, but I’m the it is ... [with] its cutting-edge, advanced technology. I think, At the same time, Iraqi civilians blocked off the streets most maneuverable, operable out of all four of us that with Mikey in the platoon, always at the front, leading the near the Americans’ position, at once isolating them and were there.” way, the way the ship is designed, it’s going to be leading slowing down any potential reinforcements, even as a local He pulled Monsoor to the center of the rooftop and began the way in the future.” mosque issued a call-to-arms for insurgents. treating him. Sarraille managed to low crawl to a terrified It was actually Monsoor’s first deployment, but you Sarraille repositioned Monsoor’s heavy machine gun, Iraqi and appropriated his outdated radio. He eventually would never know it, his teammates said. He treated even facing him toward the direction from which most of the reached another SEAL. Help arrived in minutes, although the most junior personnel with respect, and was kind to attacks were coming. it felt like hours because their rescuers had to fight through Iraqi children. He was laser-focused, so squared away that enemy forces on the ground to get there. leaders moved his position in the squad to the front, where “They threw myself, Mikey and Doug into the Bradley his heavy machine gun could protect their point man and [fighting vehicle], and then we took off for an aid station,” where he could immediately respond to the near-daily said Sarraille. “Again, it seemed like ages. It probably took enemy attacks. about 20, 25 minutes. … All I remember is another SEAL … “As soon as that contact would start,” Oleson said, “you doing chest compressions on Mikey to keep him alive. He would just hear that 48 rock off and you knew it was going was declared deceased when we got to that aid station.” It to be OK.” was a sobering, heart-breaking moment, and the beginning That happened a lot throughout the deployment. Delta of a new mission for his survivors. Platoon was based at Camp Corregidor, in eastern Ramadi. “We’re all trying to live in Mikey’s memory to the best There, the SEALs lived in a squalid, dilapidated shack of our ability,” said Sarraille. Monsoor is the first thing he they built up and nicknamed “Full Metal Jacket.” Off duty, thinks of in the morning, and the last before he falls asleep they worked out and joked, talked about home. A devout at night. He even named his son after his fallen brother. Will Catholic, Monsoor also visited the chapel whenever he “That’s our job now. … When Mikey saved me and Doug, I could. On duty, the SEALs supported the 1st Battalion, the only thing you can do is look in the mirror and do a 506th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in the brutal, honest self-assessment.” brutal fight to win back the city. And on every mission after, he said, he “would always, in “We basically tried squeezing off Ramadi from all sides,” the back of my head, say, ‘God help me if there is something said Oleson. “That tactic wasn’t working. So what could “All of a sudden,” Sarraille remembered, “a grenade I fail to do that didn’t bring home one of my guys.’ I was we do next? We came up with the idea of building these came over the lip of the wall, barely cleared the wall and adamant about never losing another man in combat. … combat posts within the city limits.” With some help hit Mikey right in the chest. … It fell to the ground. I was to Unfortunately, that’s just not the way it works.” Defend from the Army Corps of Engineers , the SEALs were able to his right three feet, seated, and Doug Wallace was to his left “I miss him,” Oleson added. “Part of me wishes he The Michael Monsoor Story methodically push further into the city to secure it. three feet, also seated on the ground. wouldn’t have [done it] because he was a great friend. But Through it all, the SEALs relied on the quiet, steadying “Of the three of us, Mikey probably had the greatest … I am very thankful because I am here today. … By him presence of Monsoor. He was already up for the Silver Star. chance of survival. All he had to do was turn the other going down on that grenade, I now have a family. I have During a firefight the previous May, he had fought his way direction, jump and he would have lived. … But due to three kids, and I owe that all to Mikey.” through enemy fire to reach a wounded SEAL, and then Mikey’s character and his quick train of thought, he knew Monsoor posthumously received the Medal of Honor for peration Kentucky Jumper was supposed to be for communications, so he played two key roles on dragged him to safety. that if he chose self-preservation, which is sometimes “undaunted courage” in April 2008. His legacy of honor, Otheir last mission. It was a clearance and isolation the mission, according to Chief Warrant Officer 3 “As a SEAL, one of the greatest accolades you can have needed on the battlefield, Doug and I would most likely of sacrifice, of protecting the innocent will live on in the operation . It had been a long, hard deployment to Benjamin Oleson. is being known as reliable,” said Monsoor’s team leader, perish, and he was right.” ship that bears his name, just like he lived up to his own Ramadi, Iraq – six months of near-daily firefights as they Together with two other SEALs, the men hunkered retired Lt. Cmdr. Michael Sarraille. “Reputation in the Instead, Monsoor dove onto the grenade, and Sarraille namesake, the Archangel Michael, patron saint of warriors, worked with the Army and Marine Corps to retake the down on a rooftop, taking up an overwatch position SEAL teams is everything. It starts day one of Basic and Wallace were wounded. Sarraille ended up with about the saint on whose feast day, Sept. 29, he gave his life so that city, street by street, from al-Qaida insurgents. The men in the overnight hours of Sept. 29. None of them Underwater Demolition School. Especially if you’re a 30 shrapnel wounds . others could live. Monsoor himself was a saint, Sarraille of SEAL Team 3, Delta Platoon were exhausted, but they realized that their lives were about to change quiet guy who just performs, your reputation skyrockets, “All I felt was pain. I quickly looked back toward Mikey’s believes, certainly the finest man he has ever known. were days from going home, so close they could almost forever. Before sunset, three would be wounded and and Mikey was that guy. He was dependable, especially in direction. His head was facing my direction. His eyes “Represent Mikey and represent Mikey well,” he advised smell the salty San Diego air. In fact, Operation Kentucky Monsoor would be gone forever, taken in a blaze of a firefight in the streets of Ramadi. … When Mikey was to were open. I yelled, ‘Mikey! Mikey! Mikey!’ and there was the Sailors of USS Michael Monsoor. “He’d be proud Jumper, in late September 2006, was volunteer, as much valor so stunning that he would not only receive the your side, you felt safe.” nothing. He was just lifeless, and my heart sunk. to know that the ship is his namesake. … The ship will of the detachment was needed to pack up gear. Medal of Honor but would also be immortalized by During Operation Kentucky Jumper it was no different. “And then it just got worse from there.” The team came represent Mikey and it will be a message to the world One of the first men to raise his hand was Master- the Navy he so loved. USS Michael Monsoor (DDG Together with eight Iraqi scouts, the four-man SEAL team under automatic weapons fire. The radio had been that no matter what, no matter the cost, we will act. We at-Arms 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, the platoon’s 1001), a Zumwalt-class destroyer, as commissioned infiltrated enemy-held territory in the Mulaab district of destroyed. Most of the Iraqi soldiers ran off. The only man will fight back evil; we will eradicate it from this earth, no heavy machine gunner. He was also responsible in California last month. Ramadi under the cover of darkness. “We had operated capable of responding was Oleson. matter the cost.” DOES THE NEWEST TRANSMITTING TOOL THE LI-FI FUTURE HAVE A PLACE IN OUR FLEET? Story and Graphic By: MC2 Taylor Stinson

hether Sailors are aviation maintenance administrationmen penetrates solid objects and is therefore at risk of interception Wdocumenting maintenance before an inspection or from outside the ship. machinist's mate looking up standard operating procedures for The Office of Naval Research is also working with firms to develop preventative maintenance on equipment in the main engine, a the Tactical Line-of-Sight Optical Network (TALON), which would use common problem they face aboard ships is the lack of access to a Li-Fi for ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communication. The system computer during crunch time. has the potential to fill gaps in the U.S. Navy's communication But what if it were possible to look up information or exchange infrastructure, specifically with the transfer of intelligence, maintenance documents and data within the ship's network without surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) data. However, the new actually needing to use a desktop or laptop? Li-Fi (“light fidelity”) technology still faces some limitations. technology could make it possible for any Sailor to complete his or “The overall limitation is that it's short-ranged,” said Carlton Harris, her daily tasks via a tablet or hand-held device, without waiting in chief of cyber technologies and experimentation at the Defense the queue for the next desktop machine. Information Systems Agency (DISA). “It only communicates as far as Li-Fi is a light-based communication technology that uses light 10 meters, whereas Wi-Fi can communicate up to about 30 meters instead of radio waves to deliver data. It is a high-speed network away. In my view, interference is another potential limitation. For communication protocol that is similar to Wi-Fi, but is capable of example, if someone can block the light, then the communication will speeds up to 10 times faster. Li-Fi uses a signal-processing element stop. ... Lastly, although it has the potential to be cheaper, to convert to convert data into binary light signals and a photo-detector to [from older technologies] and implement this [new] technology will receive signals. In other words, data is converted to light signals and initially be at a high cost.” transmitted by an LED light bulb that sends the data at rapid speeds Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) has also to the photo-detector. The signal is then converted back into a binary recently worked with the John Hopkins University Applied Physics data stream that would be recognized as web, video and audio Laboratory (APL) to evaluate Li-Fi. The capability was tested aboard applications running on Wi-Fi enabled devices. USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), in coordination with more than 20 other In theory, this would provide the U.S. Navy with the ability to have an Navy platforms, during Trident Warrior 2018 in August. internal wireless broadcast network that could be used with personal “The Navy wanted to see what the effects of shock and vibration tablet devices. Sailors would be able to use the tablets for everyday would be on the wireless link and the equipment,” explained APL functions, such as connecting to maintenance servers or uploading communications engineer Ryan Mennecke, who, along with APL's paperwork, without actually having to rely upon a desktop computer. Eddie Holzinger, led the Li-Fi experiments. “We designed and Besides transmitting data at faster speeds, Li-Fi is also manufactured custom mounts to install commercial Li-Fi equipment superior in terms of security. Since Li-Fi accomplishes its with the library of the aircraft carrier, which is located underneath wireless data exchange by using signals in the visible light catapult three. The test included setting up a standalone network spectrum, its data signals cannot be intercepted by receiving to stream live video and collect test data off the optical link. ... The devices outside the skin of the ship because light cannot travel system performed flawlessly.” through walls — especially steel bulkheads. This is different While it may take a long time before Sailors begin to see Li-Fi from Wi-Fi, based on radio-frequency radiation, which capabilities aboard ships, the possibilities for the future are very real.

LI-FI IS A LIGHT-BASED COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY THAT USES LIGHT INSTEAD OF RADIO WAVES TO DELIVER DATA.