Category: Defence Intelligence

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Coughing, hacking and sneezing might not be the official sounds of winter, but these sounds of sinus are a reminder that cold and flu season is still in the air.

Such respiratory illnesses – along with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID – are on the rise, being easily spread and affecting millions across the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been at least 5.3 million illnesses, 54,000 hospitalizations, and 3,200 deaths from just the flu so far this season.

More locally, the most recent Kitsap Public Health District weekly report showed a similar rising with more residents visiting emergency rooms and urgent care clinics for respiratory illness. Two flu-related fatalities were reported in Kitsap just one week before the holidays.

Cmdr. Carolyn Ellison, Naval Hospital Bremerton Director for Public Health, advocates the CDC recommendation that everyone six months and older get the annual flu vaccine to help protect themselves and others, especially with increased flu activity in Washington State.

“Now is still a good time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already,” stressed Ellison.

Towards that need, NHB’s Immunization Clinic offers walk-in first come, first serve availability for all eligible beneficiaries for the influenza vaccine, as well as COVID vaccine.

The annual influenza vaccination is required for all active duty military personnel, selected Reservists and healthcare workers.

Last year NHB gave approximately 13,300 COVID and influenza vaccinations.

Those who are at high risk – such as older adults, people with underlying medical conditions, infants/young children, and expectant mothers – can become severely ill and potentially deal with a host of complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and the worsening of any chronic medical condition.

“As we do every year, we strongly encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine,” said Dr. Dan Frederick, NHB population health officer and public health emergency officer. “It is especially important for pregnant women and people with chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes, and those that have weakened immune systems.”

“Being vaccinated strengthens our immune system against seasonal respiratory illnesses helping to reduce symptom severity and significantly decreasing the chance of hospitalization,” added Frederick.

The flu, COVID-19 and RSV viruses are spread from person to person, especially between those in close contact – six feet or less – with each other. All can be spread by droplets that occur when someone with the illness coughs, sneezes, or talks. The droplets spray out and land on someone else and get inhaled into their lungs. A person can also get physically infected by shaking hands, touching a handrail or doorknob that has the virus on it and then touching their own nose, eyes or mouth.

There are a number of protective measures everyone can apply daily to reduce the potential spread of the viruses, such as hand washing; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; try to avoid close contact with sick people and maintain social distancing of at least six feet.

And for those sounds of sinus? If coughing and sneezing, the CDC recommends covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, then discard the used tissue in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands, and always remember to wash hands immediately afterwards.

Symptoms of infectious and contagious respiratory illnesses can include fever, cough, chills, muscle-aches, and shortness of breath. Those who have received their flu and COVID vaccination may experience milder symptoms such as headache, congestion, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue.

The most common symptoms are fever, cough, chills and shortness of breath. Those have received their flu and COVID vaccination may experience milder symptoms such as congestion, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue.

It typically takes one to four days after someone is infected to begin to experience any of the symptoms just mentioned. People who have no symptoms or who are yet to have symptoms may still be able to infect others.

The CDC notes that most people who get a cold in the winter usually recover in 7-10 days. Yet those with weakened immune systems, asthma, or conditions that affect the lungs and breathing passages could develop serious illness, such as pneumonia. Common colds are also a main reason for children to miss school and adults miss work.

Frederick attests that immunization is the primary method of reducing seasonal influenza illness, along with helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. The use of masks, particularly in crowded settings, may also be of benefit.

“The influenza vaccination and COVID-19 vaccination not only helps protect vaccinated individuals, but also helps protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of the disease,” added Frederick.

The Immunization Clinic is located on NHB’s third floor of the Family Care Center wing and is open Mon-Wed-Thurs-Fri from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by Carrier Strike Group 12 Public Affairs

20 January 2024

NORFOLK, Va. —

The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) – part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) – returned to homeport in Norfolk after an 8-month deployment to the U.S. Naval Forces Europe area of operations, Jan. 20, 2024.

Normandy steamed more 61,000 nautical miles while serving as the air defense commander for the strike group.

“From the North Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean, this deployment has enhanced and reinforced regional stability, as we worked with our allies and partners to uphold our mutual commitment to maritime security,” said Capt. Errol A. Robinson, Normandy’s commanding officer. “Our Sailors expertly executed complex multi-ship maneuvers with our allies and tactically controlled aircraft and the airspace, while maintaining the material readiness of the ship.  During my two tours aboard Normandy, as division officer and 23 years later as her commanding officer, I can say that my Sailors’ tireless and exacting performance was in keeping with Normandy’s 34 years of superb service.”

Over the course of 262 days, Normandy’s crew conducted over 40 replenishments-at-sea, and manned flight quarters 670 times. Normandy’s embarked air detachment, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, flew 393 sorties, totaling 1,132 hours flown.

Normandy’s culinary team prepared and served over 388,500 meals, which included over 68,619 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables, 4,382 lbs. of steak, 10,520 hot dogs, 3,207 lbs. of bacon, 89,000 individual eggs and 800 lbs. of coffee.

After departing Naval Station Norfolk on May 2, 2023, the strike group spent a month steaming in the High North before transiting the Strait of Gibraltar on June 15, entering the Mediterranean Sea where the strike group would spend the rest of deployment working with allies and partners to provide maritime stability and security in the region.

Normandy participated in two named multinational naval exercises while in the Mediterranean: NATO vigilance activity Neptune Strike in July and Sage Wolverine in August. During Neptune Strike, command and control of all participating vessels was transferred to Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) to synchronize the U.S. and the NATO Alliance’s planning teams and to improve the Alliance’s ability to provide assurance, deterrence, and collective defense. Sage Wolverine consisted of 10 days of high-end maritime training events and air defense exercises with NATO allies. In concert with U.S. allies over the eight months Normandy was underway, the ship completed 24 air defense exercises, 12 low slow flier exercises, and 7 simulated air defense exercises.

Throughout deployment, Normandy’s crew embraced numerous opportunities to strengthen partnerships with allied navies, hosting crew exchanges with the U.K. royal navy Duke-class frigate HMS Kent (F 78), the Italian navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Carabiniere (F 593), the Turkish navy Gabya-class frigate TCG Gökçeada (F 494), and the first-in-class Hellenic navy frigate HS Elli (F 450). In addition to these crew exchanges, the 2023 deployment saw Normandy steam with frigates of the Croatian, Dutch, French, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, and Swedish navies, demonstrating a shared commitment to promoting safety and stability in Europe.

Port visits in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations made Normandy’s Sailors de facto ambassadors, as the ship moored in: Gothenburg, Sweden; Koper, Slovenia; Rijeka, Croatia; Aksaz, Türkiye; Bar, Montenegro; and Athens, Greece. Office calls to local navy leadership, and community relations events in nearly every country Normandy visited, bolstered valuable partnerships. In Bar, Montenegro, Normandy hosted Nicole Otallah, the charges d’affaires of the U.S. embassy in Montenegro, at a reception for Montenegrin civil and military leaders held on the ship’s flight deck.

Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel from the Gaza Strip, Normandy and the strike group were ordered to the Eastern Mediterranean by the secretary of defense to provide a constant and stabilizing presence that would prevent regional escalation of the conflict.

“For almost 70% of Normandy’s crew, this was their first deployment,” said Command Master Chief William Palmer. “That did not deter them from seizing opportunities to excel and gain further expertise in their fields. Normandy’s Sailors are returning home more accomplished and more resilient, and their families should be proud of the work they have done.”

The GRFCSG is comprised of its flagship and namesake, the Ford-class aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Carrier Air Wing Eight (CVW-8), Destroyer Squadron Two (DESRON-2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG-60), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Ramage (DDG 61), USS McFaul (DDG 74), and USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116).

The squadrons of CVW-8 embarked aboard Gerald R. Ford are the “Tridents” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, the “Spartans” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 70, the “Bear Aces” of Airborne Command and Control Squadron (VAW) 124, the “Ragin’ Bulls” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, the “Blacklions” of VFA-213, the “Golden Warriors” of VFA-87, the “Tomcatters” of VFA-31, the “Gray Wolves” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 142, and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations.

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by U.S. 2nd Fleet Public Affairs Office

12 January 2024

NORFOLK, Va. —

Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet held a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) at Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 12.

Vice Adm. Doug Perry relieved Vice Adm. Daniel Dwyer as commander of JFC Norfolk and U.S. 2nd Fleet, and as director of the Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence (CJOS COE).

Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker emphasizing the significance of the command’s mission highlighting Alliance cohesion. Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Adm. Daryl Caudle, presided over the U.S. 2nd Fleet change of command ceremony where Perry was formally directed to assume leadership of the U.S. East Coast fleet. NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe, Gen. Christopher Cavoli, presided as Perry took the helm of JFC Norfolk. Perry received the command’s flag, symbolizing the beginning of his service as a NATO commander.

“Today’s alignment of JFC-Norfolk with 2nd Fleet demonstrates American resolve, for it joins my 2nd Fleet Naval headquarters with NATO strength and values,” said Perry. “This year, NATO celebrates its 75th Anniversary.  Given the ongoing global security situation, the relevance of NATO has never been more important. NATO started with 12 member states, and now there are 31, soon to be 32. This is a testament to the longevity and strength of the Alliance.”

After taking command, Perry emphasized the critical responsibilities of his combined commands’ during this pivotal time. Both operational commands contribute to a peaceful, stable, and conflict-free Atlantic region, and enable joint operations and training with naval forces to bolster the capabilities of the NATO Alliance.  CJOS-COE is a NATO-accredited think tank focused on innovative maritime strategies. 

Perry pointed out that successful global missions hinge on a collaborative approach with allies, underscored by a shared dedication to freedom and bolstered by cooperation, respect, and determination. He highlighted the importance of fostering trust within the command and with international partners.

 “Trust empowers our international military partnerships and underpins our collective warfighting readiness. Our ability to trust teams far forward, under mission command, distinguishes us from our strategic competitors,” said Perry. 

The U.S. and NATO continue to face distinct threats from all strategic directions. JFC Norfolk, founded in 2018, is a critical part of NATO’s adaption to changing geopolitical realties. The command remains keenly focused on multi-domain protection of the transatlantic link and the Arctic.

When discussing the growth and evolution of JFC Norfolk since 2021, Cavoli said Dwyer was the right leader at the right time to guide the command as it assumed new crucial roles in the territorial defense of the Alliance.

“JFC Norfolk’s core mission is to secure the transatlantic link to ensure the resupply and reinforcement of Europe is assured, while defending every inch of NATO territory in our assigned area of responsibility,” said Dwyer. “The work done by each member of this incredible team has done just that, and by doing so, provided for the collective defense of one billion NATO citizens. I am incredibly proud to have served alongside each and every one of you and wish you nothing but success going forward.”

U.S. 2nd Fleet disbanded in 2011 after 65 years of service and was re-established in 2018. Dwyer served as 2nd Fleet’s second commander since reestablishment. Dwyer’s next assignment will be deputy chief of naval operations for Warfighting Development, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, in Washington, D.C.

“The men and women of 2nd Fleet, no matter the mission, answered ‘all bells’ and achieved mission success every time,” said Dwyer as he reflected on his tenure. “In this new security environment during this time of strategic competition, 2nd Fleet demonstrated it is ready to defend the United States through the maritime approaches from the Atlantic and the Arctic, and for that, I will be forever grateful and proud to have served alongside each of you.”

The U.S. 2nd Fleet, reactivated in response to the evolving global security landscape, focuses on maritime operations in the Atlantic and Arctic. The CJOS Centre of Excellence, a maritime-focused NATO-accredited military think tank established in May 2006, includes 13 member nations. It is the only such center in North America and one of 25 NATO centers globally, contributing to Alliance readiness.

For more information about these units, visit their official social media pages and websites.

Joint Force Command Norfolk

www.jfcnorfolk.nato.int

U.S. Second Fleet

www.c2f.usff.navy.mil

Combined Joint Operations from the Sea Centre of Excellence

www.cjoscoe.org