ISSUE 19 USSUSS MICHAELMICHAEL MURPHYMURPHY COMMISSIONEDCOMMISSIONED issueissue contentscontents Year 1 Complete 1919 As we close 2012, Admiral McRaven, commander, FEATURES DEPARTMENTS USSOCOM, looks back on his first year in command and shares his plans for the future of SOF. 6 A Fitting End, New Beginning to a Historical Journey FORCE The commissioning and journey of NEWS USS Michael Murphy to its home port of Hawaii. 2 News from Around the Force This issue takes a comprehensive look at leader is almost complete. Page 18 looks at 24. The Jamaican Defense Force received Wounded Warriors Find Jobs, the commissioning of the USS Michael Murphy the remarkable 45-year career of Rear Adm. training from NAVSCIATTS. The story on page Training of the Future 27th Annual Muster, “Take a Vet on page 6, from christening, commissioning Garry Bonelli. In addition to having the best 26 details the importance which is highlighted 12 A new era of training begins with to School Day” and more. the latest laser technology being and eventual arrival at its new home port in warriors, NSW also has some of the best on page 26 details the importance of distributed throughout the Force. Hawaii. We continue to highlight 50 years of medical care available. LOGSU Medical’s staff expanding SOF partnerships throughout the FOCUS ON THE SEALs on page 14, looking at the evolution and equipment are beginning to make a big world. We wrap up this issue with commentary From Seaman to Admiral FORCE 18 and accomplishments throughout their impact on the Force on page 22. Five warriors from retired Capt. Roger Herbert answering 18 A look at NSW Deputy Commander, 14 Celebrating 50 Years history. Lasers enhance training; learn how sacrificed their lives in 2012 in defense of the question “Why would I follow you?” on Rear Adm. Garry Bonelli’s service our freedom and we recognize them on page page 28. after a remarkable 45-year career. A look at the evolution and on page 12. The military career of a great accomplishments of SEALs through their 50-year history. 22 Stepping Up the Medical Game LOGSU Medical’s new top-notch How has your perspective about U.S. Special Operations changed since SOF component in the short/near term (1-3 years)? staff and state-of-the-art equipment taking over the leadership of SOF a year ago? I think our priorities are clear: Primarily, we need to continue our focus on ON begin making an impact. YOUYROUR I don’t think my perspective about SOF has changed. I believe SOF supporting operations in Afghanistan. I just returned from there and I was MIND has and will continue to play an exceedingly important role in our Nation’s very pleased with the overall progress – especially in how SOF supports Honoring the 2012 Fallen security. And while I don’t think the role will change much, I do believe the Gen. Allen and ISAF. We need to sustain this across the SOF enterprise. 24 Leadership A dedication to the fallen NSW 28 challenges we face will. One emerging challenge entails learning how to Additionally, we need to continue to build and further develop the force to operators of 2012. Retired SEAL Capt. Roger Herbert answers the question adjust to operating in an era of economic austerity; something many of us effectively support the Defense Strategic Guidance and address current and “Why would I follow you?” after 11 years of war are not use to. future challenges to our Nation’s security while simultaneously ensuring the 26 Joining Forces I think this era of austerity will impact the Services which indirectly affects preservation of its force and its families. The last is very important because SOCSOUTH and members of us because of the inter-relationship between our communities. However, our men and women – and their families deserve it. And ultimately, we will NAVASCIATTS team up for a JCET with the Jamacian Defense Force. 22 from a strictly SOF sense, I think we will remain very relevant to the Nation. not be able to sustain this great capability in the future without them. I base this on the Defensive Strategic Guidance which calls for a force that What do you see as long term priorities (5-15 years) in order for NSW is agile, innovative, low-cost, small in footprint and capable of conducting to adequately plan for future threats and new or different operational counter-terrorism and security force assistance. In my opinion, this environments? 12 describes SOF. Overall, I think we need to continue to select the right people and The Naval Special Warfare Community is 50 years old. What does that then provide them with the right skills to be successful. We have a great mean to you? track record of finding and selecting problem solvers and people who are It means a great deal to me as I am proud to be part of the community. adaptable and we will need this to continue into the future. We also need At the USS Michael Murphy commissioning this October, I had the to ensure they have the right skills - language, critical thinking, problem opportunity to reflect upon Murph’s life and the sacrifice he made for his solving, amongst others. This will help our ability to build enduring On Our Cover The guided-missile destroyer Teammates. His story is similar to many others in the community - a legacy partnerships – especially as we draw down from Afghanistan and begin to USS Michael Murphy (DDG of selflessness that has permeated from one generation to the next. meet the demand for SOF in other locations. 112) arrives at its homeport Additionally, I remain impressed with the incredible courage and sacrifice In the long term, I also think we need to increase our support to the of Joint Base Pearl Harbor- the men, the women and most importantly, the families have made over the Theater Special Operations Commands which really serve as the SOF Hickam for the first time. last 11 years. It truly is remarkable and I think that we need to remember centers of gravity within the Geographic Combatant Commanders AORs. To Photo by: MC2 Jon Dashach our lineage and these sacrifices. do so, all of our SOF communities have to start looking at the problem with What if anything do today’s NSW operators need to do better or a SOF Enterprise perspective. We are already moving in that direction, but differently? over the long term, it has to be institutionalized and not just a conceptual COMMANDER > Rear Adm. Sean A. Pybus ASSOCIATE EDITOR > MC1 (SW/AW) John Scorza The SOF and NSW community provide me, the Nation and our senior framework. This ultimately provides us with better capabilities to support the FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER > Capt. William Fenick PRODUCTION MANAGER > MC1 (SW/EXW) Geronimo Aquino decision-makers an exceedingly important warfighting capability – believe Geographic Combatant Commanders which is clearly why we exist. DEPUTY PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER > Ms. Patricia O’Connor STAFF > MC1 (SW/AW) Dominique Canales, MC2 Megan Anuci, me I know. However, there is always room for improvement. In particular, Are there any parting thoughtsm, Admiral? ASST. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER > Lt. Cmdr. David McKinney MC3 Geneva G. Brier EDITOR > MCCS (SW/AW) Michael Raney ISSUE 19 > October - December 2012 I think we need greater emphasis on maintaining our credibility. Honestly After a year in command, I can still say that everyday I learn about a feat, STAFF speaking, this issue affects the entire community – not just NSW and not just an accomplishment or an exploit carried out by the menRear and Adm. women Garry of Bonelli,this Ethos is an official production of the Naval Special Warfare Command Public Affairs Office, 2000 Trident Way, San Diego, CA 92155-5599. operators. For NSW the answer is simple – follow the Ethos and remember great command. They make up arguably theDeputy greatest Commander, Special NSWOperations Command Send electronic submissions and correspondence to [email protected] or call (619) 522-2825. each of us must earn the privilege to wear the Trident and be a part of the Force the world has ever seen and I am honored to represent each and STAFF community everyday. every one of them. What do you see as the operational imperatives/priorities for the Navy ETHOS 1 Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) is now an ‘A’ FORCE Navy lieutenant. who represented the SEAL of time in different locations training. school. So by signing a contract with the community. “I have been extremely honored “When we are talking about deployments recruiter, one goes straight from recruit NEWS to have the opportunity to be a leader among in a post 9/11 world, it is important to training to BUD/S. some of the most professional and highly remember that flexibility has been key to our The lieutenant added interested candidates educated Sailors you will ever see.” success,” added the senior chief petty officer who are already in the Navy should contact The audience was given the opportunity SEAL panel member. “One of the greatest their command career counselor for SEALs, SWCC Address to ask the NSW representatives questions, advantages we have in the war we are information about becoming a SEAL or Students and Veterans which included the number and locations currently fighting in is the ability to change SWCC. of SEAL Teams currently in the Navy’s our tactics and deploy rapidly as situations “For those who are interested in becoming inventory. unfold.” a SEAL or SWCC, focus on physical WASHINGTON D.C.—Five U.S. Navy “There are currently eight SEAL Teams, One audience member asked what makes fitness and increasing your Armed Services officers and a chief petty officer assigned to four stationed in Coronado, California and the NSW community different than other Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Naval Special Warfare (NSW) addressed a four in Little Creek, Virginia., a SEAL SOF communities.