THE ASHINGTON URVEYOR W S May 28, 2018

By Naval History and Heritage Command PRELIMINARY EVENTS

THE ATTACK ON THE YORKTOWN

By MCSN Kyle Loree BROKEN CRAYONS

SAILORS STAND TOGETHER AGAINST SUICIDE

By MCSA Adam Ferrero KEEP IT RUNNING

THE 3M TRAINING TEAM

By MCSA Steven Young

HERITAGE MONTH

ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER On the cover: (May 9, 2018) Sailors aboard USS George Washington hug after the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training night of remembrance. (Photo by MCSN Kyle Loree) The Washington Surveyor SAILOR in the Commanding Officer PHOTO CAPT Glenn Jamison of theWEEK Executive Officer SPOTLIGHT CAPT Colin Day Command Master Chief CMDCM Maurice Coffey Public Affairs Officer LCDR Gregory L. Flores

Deputy Public Affairs Officer LT Andrew Bertucci Departmental LCPO MCCS Reginald Buggs Divisional LCPO MCC Mary Popejoy

Editors MCSN Zack Thomas

(May 26, 2018) Lt. Anthony Kozak, assigned to the PCU USS Indianapolis (LCS 17), places a flower next to a wreath during an Indy 500 memorial service. (Photo by MC3 Kashif Basharat) Content MC3 Kashif Basharat MC3 Jamin Gordon MC3 Trey Hutcheson MC3 Alan Lewis QUESTIONSof theWEEK MC3 Brian Sipe MC3 Kristen Yarber MCSN Michael Botts MCSN Kyle Loree MCSN Marlan Sawyer ABH1 Yvette Amerman Q: What are the Basic objectives of shipboard damage control? MCSA Adam Ferrero TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT DAMAGE, MINIMIZE AND LOCALIZE MCSA Steven Young DEPARTMENT: Air/V-5 DC A: DAMAGE AS IT OCCURS, ACCOMPLISH REPAIRS A SOON AS POSSIBLE, Why I joined the Navy: I joined the Navy to explore the RESTORE EQUIPMENT TO OPERATION AND CARE FOR INJURED world. PERSONNEL. The Washington Surveyor is an authorized Q: What provides for efficient, uniform methods of conducting and recording publication for Sailors serving aboard HOMETOWN: El Paso, Texas preventive and corrective maintenance? USS George Washington (CVN 73). Contents 3M herein are not the visios of, or endorsed MAINTENANCE AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. by the U.S. government, the Department WHAT SHE LIKES ABOUT HER DEPARTMENT: I like A: of Defense, the Department of the Navy being the air department career counselor because I am able or the Commanding Officer of USS George Washington. All news releases, photos to help Sailors with any career question they may have. or information for publication in The Washington Surveyor must be submitted Q: What program aboard has been established to prevent Sailors from to the Public Affairs Officer (7726). FAVORITE PART OF THE JOB: I love it when Sailors drinking and driving? Reenlist. SAFETY A: GEORGE WASHINGTON SAFE RIDE PROGRAM. *For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at [email protected]* heard to ask our carriers’ position 4 only 8 bombers broke through to meet its bomb tumbled on the Yorktown’s minutes after our planes approached the formidable screen of antiaircraft deck just abaft the number two PRELIMINARY EVENTS his carriers. fire thrown up by our ships. elevator. The third plane dove and --27-- When the attack took place the was hit at the instant its pilot released Returned were on deck being Yorktown was accompanied by two his bomb, which fell so close astern refueled when at 1159 radar picked up cruisers, the Astoria and Portland , that fragments wounded gunners on a large number of planes, estimated at and five destroyers, the Hammann, the fantail and started small fires, 30 or 40, on bearing 250° at a distance Morris, Russell, Anderson, and while pieces of the plane fell in the of 46 miles. There seemed to be 5 Hughes, cruising in disposition Yorktown’s wake. Three planes dove ATTACK ON THE YORKTOWN groups, apparently climbing as they “Victor”.23 Radius of the screen was from the port beam and released their approached. one mile, speed 25 knots. The course bombs before our gunners found By Naval History and Heritage Command Immediately refueling operations and axis of the force were 225°, but them. Two bombs were ______t was on the same eventful day, Undoubtedly the enemy intended miles for the fourth Japanese carrier. were suspended. The 16 VSB planes as the enemy planes came into sight 23 Disposition “Victor” is a circular June 4th that the Yorktown to launch a second attack, this time Three hours later (1430) while which had recently returned from on bearing 255° course was changed formation for meeting air attack. Each suffered the first two of the three directed at our carriers, as soon as the Yorktown was under attack by I attacking the Japanese carriers and to 110°, then to 145°. When at 1206 screening vessel is on an assigned attacks which ultimately sent her to his planes could be refueled and torpedo planes, a plane of this group were still in the landing circle were fire was opened at a range of 9,000 true bearing from the carrier at the the bottom. The first of these was rearmed. But the attack of our torpedo discovered the Hiryu and made a ordered to clear the ship. Fuel lines yards the Portland on the Yorktown’s center. As the carrier maneuvers, the made by dive bombers, the second by squadrons came just in time to prevent report which enabled the Enterprise were drained and C02 introduced starboard bow and the Astoria on her screening vessels conform to maintain torpedo planes. his launching, and our dive bombing and the Hornet to attack her. under pressure. An auxiliary gasoline starboard quarter were near the line of their distance and true bearing At 0815 that morning, while our attack caught a large number of his About the same time that this search tank on the stern was dropped attack and had a clear field of fire. (though not their relative position) carriers were launching their last planes on deck. group was launched, a combat air overboard. Since only eight bombers succeeded from the carrier. planes for the attack on the Japanese However, one of the enemy carriers, patrol of 12 fighters took off. The Our fighters were ordered out in two in evading our fighters, our gunners 24 Reports of the action, while striking force, the radar of Task Force the Hiryu, remained undamaged and patrol of 6 planes which was thus waves to intercept the approaching had to choose individual targets rather agreeing in essentials, vary SUGAR detected a Japanese twin- had withdrawn to the north. It was relieved, and the surviving 4 fighters planes. At 15 or 20 miles they than lay a barrage.24 One plane was considerably in detail. This account float seaplane 36 miles to the south. It from this ship that the planes came to of the escort force which had just encountered about 18 single-engine shot down soon after coming within depicts the bombing as seen from the is thought that this plane reported the attack the Yorktown. ______Bakugeki type 99 Navy dive bombers range. As the next plane came in and Yorktown. position of our carriers - probably the At 1130 the Yorktown sent out and 18 fighters at 8,000-10,000 feet. dove to its bomb release point it was --28-- first intimation the enemy had of their 10 scout bombers, each with one 22 It is possible that the enemy So effective were our fighters that cut to pieces by antiaircraft fire, but Misses, one wide and one close to presence. 22 At that time the Japanese 1,000-pound bomb, to search between did not know of the presence of our bombers were returning from Midway. 280° and 20° to a distance of 200 carriers until we attacked. He was first

The Japanese carrier Hiryu’s Type 97 shipboard attack aircraft fly through anti-aircraft shell bursts while closing on USS Yorktown (CV-5) to deliver a torpedo attack, during the mid-afternoon of 4 . Photographed from USS Pensacola (CA-24). At least three Japanese aircraft are visible USS Yorktwon (CV-5) Anchored in a Haitian harbor, circa 1938-40. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives. in this image, in a shallow arc from near the left side to below and right of the camera aiming cross. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the U.S. National Archives. USS Yorktown (CV-5) being abandoned by her crew after she was hit by two Japanese Type 91 aerial torpedoes, 4 June 1942. USS Balch (DD-363) is standing by at right. Note oil slick surrounding the damaged carrier, and inflatable life raft being deployed off her stern. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives. starboard, but the third hit the deck on deck on the starboard side, and, Repairs were made quickly. The the starboard side and penetrated the still traveling outward to starboard, hole in the flight deck was covered in uptakes, where it exploded. The plane penetrated the uptakes, where it less than half an hour. By 1340 repairs which dropped it crashed into the exploded just above the third deck to the uptakes permitted the other USS Yorktown (CV-5) sinking, just after dawn on 7 June 1942, as seen from an accompanying destroyer. The ship has capsized to port, exposing the turn of her starboard bilge, and is settling rapidly by the stern. This view looks over the ship’s upper starboard structure, with her forefoot and front sea beside the ship. A seventh plane level. It was this hit which stopped boilers to be cut in, except for Nos. 2 edge of the flight deck in the left center. Note froth at right from escaping air. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph. circled and dove from ahead. The the Yorktown. The concussion and 3, which were disabled. By 1350 bomb, dropped an instant before the extinguished the fires in all boilers the ship was in condition to do about Yorktown had to hold their fire till our headed to pass astern of the Pensacola through the fire of her escorting plane was shot down, hit the number except number one. It also wrecked 20 knots, and fires were sufficiently own planes got clear. toward the Yorktown, and two or three vessels. It is believed that not one of one elevator and exploded above the the Executive Officer’s office and under control to permit refueling of When this attack developed the to pass ahead of her. They had already the attacking squadron returned to its fourth deck, starting a fire. The last ignited paint on the stack. It ruptured fighters on deck. Yorktown was screened by the two started their glide when our vessels to carrier.26 By 1447 firing ceased. The plane missed on the starboard beam. the uptake from 1, 2, and 3 boilers in Fueling of these planes had just cruisers and five destroyers of Task port of the Yorktown Yorktown, listing heavily to port, was Three hits had been made. the forward fire room and completely begun when at 1427 the Pensacola, Force FOX, and by the Vincennes, --30-- losing speed and turning in a small It was all over by 1215. Not one of disabled boilers 2 and 3. All boiler which had assumed radar guard after Pensacola, Balch, and Benham, Opened fire at 1441 at a range of circle to port. She stopped and white the bombers escaped.25 The Yorktown rooms were filled with smoke, as No. the Yorktown was damaged, picked up which had been sent from Task Force 12,000 yards. The curtain of fire smoke poured from her stacks. The was smoking heavily and had come to 1 boiler was discharging through the enemy planes bearing 340°, distance SUGAR after the first attack on the thrown up by our ships was so heavy screening vessels began to circle. a stop. Her screening vessels circled ruptured uptake into the air intake. 33 miles. There was already in the carrier. This force was in “Victor” that it seemed impossible for a plane Inside the Yorktown all lights had her at 2,000 yards, zigzagging at high Steam pressure dropped and the air a combat patrol of six Yorktown formation on course 90°, so that the to pass through it and survive. Indeed, gone out. The Diesel generators speed. An hour later (1320) they were Yorktown lost speed. However, the fighters which had rearmed and attack came from port or the port according to some reports, a few were cut in, but the circuit breakers joined by the Vincennes, Pensacola, personnel of No. 1 boiler remained refueled on board the Enterprise. Four quarter. The Yorktown’s speed had enemy planes circled outside, not would not hold and the ship remained Benham, and Balch from Task Force at their station despite heavy smoke of these were vectored out to intercept been gradually increased to about 20 daring to come in. Seven or eight, in darkness. The list gradually SUGAR. and gas and kept it going. When the the enemy, and in a few seconds knots. however, came through. As they increased to 26°. Without power Damage to the Yorktown proved throttle was closed, this single boiler the other two followed. The first The planes which our fighters passed our screening vessels our nothing could be done to correct it. not to be serious. The first bomb, was able to maintain pressure for the four, flying at 10,000 to 12,000 feet, intercepted at about 12 miles distance gunners followed them even though The Commanding Officer and the mentioned above, blew a hole 10 feet auxiliary equipment. The third bomb, overran the enemy planes, which were proved to be 12 to 16 type 97 our own ships lay beyond in the line Damage Control Officer thought it in diameter in the flight deck. It killed probably an 800-pounder, struck on coming in at 5,000 feet, and had to Kogekiki (Navy torpedo bombers), of fire. It seems that only four or five probable that the ship would capsize and wounded many men on 1.1-inch the starboard side and penetrated to turn back to find them. The other two escorted by about the same number of survived long enough to drop their in a few minutes, and at 1455 orders gun mounts 3 and 4, as well as those the fourth deck, where it exploded and met the Japanese 10 to 14 miles out. fighters. Our fighters shot down 5 to 7 torpedoes. Two of these the Yorktown were given to abandon ship. Inside, on machine guns at the after end of started a fire in a rag stowage space. Meanwhile on the Yorktown fueling of the torpedo planes before our ships avoided by skillful maneuvering, so men clambered over steeply sloping the island and in the hangar. It set fires This was near a 5-inch magazine, of the planes on deck was hastily opened fire. About 8 came on, one of that they passed under her bow. Two decks in total darkness to remove in planes on the hangar deck, some which had to be flooded, and near a suspended and CO2 again introduced which fell soon after coming within others, however, could not be avoided, the wounded. After an inspection on of which were loaded with torpedoes, gasoline tank, which was protected by into the gasoline system. Of the 10 range of our anti-aircraft fire. and they caught her admidships on which no living personnel were found, but the prompt release of the sprinkler CO2. fighters on deck, 8 had sufficient When fire was opened, the the port side. The two explosions at the Commanding Officer left the ship. system by Lt. Alberto C. Emerson ______gasoline to go into action. The fourth Pensacola and Portland were on the 1445 were about 30 seconds apart. Destroyers closed in to pick up prevented a serious conflagration. 25 According to some reports, one of these was being launched when the side of the screen advanced toward The planes which scored these hits survivors. The second bomb, coming from plane may have got away. Yorktown’s port battery opened fire, the attack. The approaching planes were shot down either in passing the the port side, went through the flight --29-- and the vessels to starboard of the were in two groups. One of five Yorktown or in attempting to pass SAILORS STAND TOGETHER AGAINST SUICIDE

By MCSN Kyle Loree (May 9, 2018) ABHAN Oliver Rodriguez, an attendee at the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training night of remembrance, and Valencia Faulkner, an attendee at the night of remembrance mourn their late husband and friend. (Photo by MCSN Kyle Loree)

“ASIST is important because Deployment Resiliency Counselor. many people as possible. it gives Sailors someone to lean Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, command “Together the professionals on on,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd chaplain aboard the George board teamed with Sailors in ASIST (May 9, 2018) Cmdr. Philip Bagrow speaks to Sailors and their families during an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training night of remembrance. (Photo by MCSN Kyle Loree) Class Katelynn Phillips, George Washington is one such resource. make the best team,” said Bagrow. ailors aboard the Nimitz-class causes of death for service members. aboard the George Washington to Washington’s ASIST program “There are people here to help in “When we unite we cover as many USS George According to the Defense Suicide have a safe place to share and talk manager. an official capacity, but with ASIST bases as possible to provide help to Washington (CVN 73) are Prevention Office’s Department of about their personal experiences “It is vital for those struggling you have Sailors that want to help those in need.” S to be able to talk to someone who out in addition to all their other Phillips and Bagrow both agreed standing together to fight suicide. Defense Quarterly Suicide Report, with suicide and depression. The The George Washington’s Applied over 200 active duty service member night was to remember those lost can help them get the treatment they responsibilities,” said Bagrow. talking is one of the most effective Suicide Intervention Skills Training, committed suicide in 2016. It is to suicide and raise awareness that need.” “That to me is amazingly ways of getting those in need the or ASIST team are working towards ASIST’s goal to prevent as many there is help available to those in There are resources available powerful and that connects with proper help. Between ASIST and making sure Sailors get the help suicides as possible. need. The ASIST mission is to train to those in need, said Phillips. If Sailors in a different way.” other personnel aboard the ship the they need. AISIT recently held the Night as many people as possible how to a Sailor needs to talk to someone Chaplin and other resources that George Washington are working Suicide is one of the leading of Remembrance for the Sailors help someone considering suicide. they can reach out to an ASIST provide help for Sailors in need together to fight against suicide. member, talk to a chaplain, or the work closely with ASIST to help as

(May 9, 2018) CS3 Katelynn Phillips speaks to Sailors and their families during an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training night of remembrance. (Photo by MCSN Kyle Loree) (May 9, 2018) CS3 Jalynn Mcfadden speaks to Sailors and their families during an Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training night of remembrance. there will be more maintenance in that every communications (May 22, 2018) SN Jett Bollinger climbs down a ladder to check aspect. On top of that, equipment is also path available to us. a tag-out. (Photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero) being removed and/or replaced. Spaces, These include all hands The Maintenance systems and so on. A lot of tracking.” emails, departmental Tracking priorities are certainly not 3M Assistants meetings, Material Management the only things changing because of 3MTT meetings and the RCOH. quarterly command khaki “RCOH makes managing the 3M brief.” Training Team program very challenging,” said Despite this difficulty, Veasley. “With old systems being or perhaps because of it, removed and new systems getting effective communication By MCSA Adam Ferrero installed, the 3M databases are in can be one of the most constant change. It is very easy to miss rewarding aspects of hen a Sailor first arrives at “The Navy’s Maintenance Material 3M system, the material maintenance a maintenance task or lose track of the working in 3M. the Nimitz-class aircraft Management system is designed condition on the ship would be ships configuration if you’re not careful. “I get to go home each carrier USS George to provide Sailors with structure degraded,” said Lt. Cmdr. Carlos 3MTT will mitigate the challenges night knowing that I’m W of RCOH by training their respective part of a team that is Washington (CVN 73), they attend and guidance in order to maintain Veasley, the 3M Officer (3MO) aboard ship Indoctrination where they learn the operational capability of naval George Washington. “It would risk the departments on the functions of 3M working hard, teaching about ship life, the local area, damage vessels and equipment,” said Chief ship not meeting its 50-year life cycle.” and the systems that support it, which well and effectively control and the importance of the 3M: Damage Controlman Freddie Garcia, As George Washington’s 3MO, will in turn ensure databases are kept communicating,” evaluate the effectiveness of the ships Maintenance Material Management. a 3M Coordinator (3MC) aboard Veasley leads the 3M team onboard, up-to-date as systems change and will said Garcia. “I get to wake up each 3M program, I have made it my goal The importance of understanding George Washington. “By keeping our which is currently working out of the ensure proper maintenance actions are day knowing we are really driving to ensure the crew knows the 3M team 3M is something Sailors hear a lot equipment in good working order, we 3M trailer on the flight deck. performed on time.” our production and completing our is not here to poke you in the eye. We about, but with so many facets to the support the Navy’s overall mission “I coordinate all administrative Because supporting a functional mission.” are one team, and the 3M Office is a 3M system however, it can be difficult readiness. As a training team, we plan, functions of the 3M program,” said 3M system is a ship-wide team effort, For Sailors that have 3M questions or resource that should be used to ensure to understand exactly what it’s for, train, track and document maintenance Lt. Cmdr. Carlos Veasley, the 3MO sometimes the biggest challenge is concerns, the 3M office is always open your respective programs are effective. why they should learn about it, and and maintenance personnel aboard the aboard George Washington. “This simply communication. to them. One team! One fight!” who is overseeing all the moving parts ship.” includes evaluating the effectiveness “On a ship that has over 2000 Sailors, “I am a people person and I love To a Sailor first approaching it, involved. It is important to the ship that 3M is of 3M operations utilizing SKED it’s very tough to keep everyone working with Sailors,” said Veasley. the 3M system may seem incredibly That’s where the 3M Training Team being properly supported. 3.2 and OMMS-NG (Organizational informed on the many changes that “My team is standing by to provide overwhelming. However, with the (3MTT) comes in. “If we don’t properly support the Maintenance Management System Next happen within 3M, especially during answers to your 3M questions and any guidance and support of the 3MTT, it’s Generation), monitoring an active self- RCOH,” said Veasley. “My team and I training you need on any 3M database. a language that everyone can learn to critical spot check program, training overcome these challenges by utilizing Although our job is to constantly speak. and updating department heads (HOD) and principle assistants (PA) on all fleet changes within the 3M organization, acting as the chief engineer’s PA on all matter concerning the ships material condition, and acting as the executive officer’s PA on all 3M matters.” That may sound like a lot, but given the current state of George Washington as it undergoes RCOH (Refueling and Complex Overhaul) in Newport News Shipyard, there is even more emphasis on maintenance. “One thing that we’ve really had to focus on is the tracking of equipment,”

said Garcia. “Most equipment will be (April 23, 2018) From left, Lt. Cmdr. Carlos Veasley, the 3M Officer, BMCM John McCauley, MRCS Henry Freeman, MMC Huburn Angus and DCC (May 22, 2018) BM3 James Coley checks a tag-out. (Photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero) worked on in some form or fashion, so Freddie Garcia, 3M Coordinators assigned to George Washington, pose for a photo. (Photo by MCSA Adam Ferrero) ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

ailors in the US Navy hail you’re going from America into community where everyone knows from nations all around the this small island that has their own each other, but it’s always nice to S world. The representation culture. We’re working with each meet new people.” of different nationalities and other, but we still have to go there The diversity among backgrounds provides a diverse and be able to respect everything Sailors is a benefit that offers an work force where Sailors are able that they came from to be able to opportunity for growth through to work alongside individuals from successfully work alongside each exposure to different values various upbringings and learn from other.” and ideologies shared by their one another. The transition for an individual shipmates that come from different May is recognized as Asian- from a small island in the Pacific walks of life that their own. American and Pacific Islander to the United States can be “It’s basically finding who to heritage month and highlights the overwhelming. Moving from an network with,” said Cruz. “Finding culture, heritage and contributions island country with less than out who’s genuine and who you of Asian-Americans and Pacific 200,000 inhabitants to a nation want to surround yourself with Islanders and their contributions to of more than 325 million is to help you get to the next level. the military and the development of understandably daunting. When you come here and you’re our nation. “It was a big culture shock to on a ship with 3000 or more people Asian/Pacific is a broad term me,” said Operations Specialist 2nd it’s like you have 3000 people that that encompasses all of the Asian Class Joseph Mejares, a George you have to live with, work with continent and the Pacific islands Washington Sailor from Dededo, and get to know. When you come of Melanesia, Micronesia and Guam. “Mainly because in Guam from somewhere with a smaller Polynesia – over 60 countries in all. you know a lot of people because population that’s a lot easier to “Our culture is very strong,” it’s a tiny island. It’s basically accomplish.” said Jena Cruz, a Sailor from like everyone knows each other. The rich heritage of Asian- Chalan Pago, Guam, assigned to the Anywhere you go you’re going Americans and Pacific Islanders Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS to run into someone you know. spans throughout American history. George Washington (CVN 73). “We Everything here is all new to These proud individuals have love being a part of the U.S. (Guam me. It’s all new people and new forged a legacy that reflects the became a U.S. territory in 1898 experiences. It’s a lot more diverse. spirit of a nation that values the following the Spanish-American Growing up in Guam I really contributions of all. War) but you have to know that enjoyed having that close-knit USS Milius Joins Forward HEALTH/WELLNESS Deployed Naval Forces in CVN NAVY Yokosuka, Japan NEWS By Garrett Zopfi

The Arleigh Burke-class guided that bond with the missile-destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) Japan Maritime arrived at U.S. Fleet Activities (FLEACT) Self-Defense Yokosuka, to become part of the Forward Force and the local Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Japan, community.” Tuesday, May 22. The excitement The arrival of Milius to the 7th Fleet of service overseas adds another upgraded Aegis Baseline 9 wasn’t lost on destroyer to the waterfront in Yokosuka. the crew who, “The crew has trained extremely hard after months of to get the ship fully certified and ready for preparation, are tasking,” said Milius Commanding Officer anxious to explore Cmdr. Jennifer Pontius. “There is a lot of their new home and planning and preparation that goes into be reunited with getting a ship ready to forward deploy their families. and to transition a crew and their families “I’m not just overseas; I could not be prouder of this going to confine crew and their hard work.” myself to base,” Milius moored pier-side to the sounds said Information of the 7th Fleet band’s fanfare and cheers Systems Technician 180522-N-JT445-095 YOKOSUKA, Japan (May 22, 2018) The Arleigh Burke- class guided missile-destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) arrives at U.S. Fleet from family and friends. 2nd Class, Tanisha Activities (FLEACT) Yokosuka, to become part of the Forward Deployed On hand to welcome Milius to their new Canedo, who looks Naval Forces (FDNF) in Japan. FLEACT Yokosuka provides, maintains, and operates base facilities and services in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet’s home Tuesday, were senior members of forward to Japan’s forward-deployed naval forces, 71 tenant commands and more than the naval forces leadership in Yokosuka, “culture, activities 27,000military and civilian personnel. (U.S. Navy photo by Ryo Isobe/ Released) including Fleet Activities Yokosuka’s and the food.” presence, maritime security, sea control Commanding Officer, Capt. Jeffrey Kim. “You try to hold and deterrence. “Fleet Activities Yokosuka is very back the emotion but it’s touching,” said These combatants operate in a network happy to welcome the entire Milius team, Information Systems Technician 1st Class centric warfare environment and execute including their families, to their new Cameran Heckenlaible who was reunited multi-mission tasking to include air, home,” said Kim, who oversees the U.S. with his wife and children after six surface, undersea, space and cyber Navy’s largest overseas installation. months apart. warfare. Destroyers coordinate with “As a community, we look forward “Thank you again for welcoming us to units of a task group to conduct naval to supporting USS Milius as one of 13 your wonderful city,” concluded Pontius operations and execute the Maritime Forward Deployed Naval Force ships to the crowds gathered at Yokosuka’s Strategy under a naval component stationed here in Yokosuka.” berth 7 pier. “We are incredibly excited to commander. “My crew and I are very excited to be here and look forward to exploring and Maintaining the most technologically arrive in Yokosuka today and join this learning about the Japanese culture.” advanced ships is vital to support the elite team of Forward Deployed Naval Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile United States’ commitment to the security, Forces,” said Pontius. “For more than 50 destroyers perform key roles in support stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific years, the U.S.-Japan alliance has been of carrier strike groups, expeditionary region. the foundation of peace, security and the strike groups or surface action groups. Milius left its former home port of San cornerstone of U.S. engagement in the Destroyers are capable of sustained Diego, April 20. region. We aim to foster and strengthen combat operations supporting forward