Category: Defence Intelligence

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by USS Gerald R. Ford Strike Group Public Affairs

08 January 2024

NORFOLK, Va. —

The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) returned to Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4, 2024 after an 8-month deployment to the Atlantic Ocean and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations.

McFaul served as an independently deployed ship in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and an air defense unit in the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) off the coast of Israel. McFaul completed 34 Strait of Hormuz transits to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial traffic in a highly transited and politically sensitive area of the world. McFaul also conducted 17 close escorts for maritime allies and assets, in support of U.S. maritime security objectives in the Middle East and Europe.

“USS McFaul is a family,” said Quartermaster 2nd Class Jose Vispo, a member of the ship’s crew.. “Through the adversity and struggles, we still made it through with our chins held high. I believe that we were able to get through this very long deployment with such success because every member of the crew is treated like a brother or a sister. That family mentality turns any challenge, no matter how difficult, into a simple task. I think McFaul answered the call just as our namesake suggests: with courage, honor and sacrifice.”

In 250 days, the crew of McFaul conducted 26 replenishments at sea, sailed over 50,000 nautical miles, and safely transferred over 5,500,000 gallons of fuel. McFaul transited the Atlantic Ocean and began patrols the Gulf of Oman and Southern Arabian Gulf after transiting through the Suez Canal.

“McFaul and Team 74 return to our families and loved ones today from a record-setting eight month deployment to Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Responsibility,” said Cmdr. Antonia Shey, the commanding officer of McFaul. “During our 192 days in Fifth Fleet, McFaul prevented the Iranian seizure of two motor tankers, completed an unprecedented 34 Strait of Hormuz transits, conducted rescue and assistance of distressed mariners, and escorted numerous merchant vessels to ensure free flow of commerce. Additionally, McFaul participated in joint and bi-lateral exercises strengthening partnerships and building relationships with five nations and the U.S. Air Force. The grit, determination, and hard work from every member of Team 74 contributed to McFaul’s successful deployment and I could not be prouder of Team 74.”

McFaul crew conducted maritime security operations and engaged with allied and partner nations in the 5th Fleet area of operations. McFaul navigated throughout the region providing assurance and deterring aggression, especially in the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks on Israel. While conducting patrols in the Gulf of Oman and Southern Arabian Gulf, McFaul conducted more than 130 hours of UAV operations. McFaul also hosted officers from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, participated in joint operations with the U.S. Air Force, operated at sea with a Qatari ship and joined bi-lateral exercises with the Omanis in order to strengthen ties in the region. 

Strengthening partnerships during the deployment to the Naval Forces Central Command area of operations builds enduring relationships and emphasizes the shared commitment to promoting safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability as close allies.

The GRFCSG is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa area of operations, employed by U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. 5th Fleet to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group 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).

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by Carrier Strike Group 2 Public Affairs

14 October 2023

NORFOLK, Va. —

Aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), departed on a scheduled deployment, Oct. 14.

The strike group is scheduled to deploy to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility where it will engage with allies and partners in support of maritime statecraft, which encompasses naval diplomacy and national efforts to build comprehensive U.S. and allied maritime power.

“Each entity that comprises IKECSG has worked exceptionally hard over the last several months, and we are ready to bring maritime power in support of any tasking,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, IKECSG. “Our presence will undoubtedly strengthen relationships with our allies and partners, as we share the goal to deter aggression, and if required, deliver overwhelming combat power.”

The flagship Dwight D. Eisenhower will join guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107), who departed Naval Station Norfolk, and guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), who departed Naval Station Mayport, Oct. 13.

The IKECSG is an integrated combat weapons system that delivers superior combat capability to deter, and if necessary, defeat America’s adversaries in support of national security. It is comprised of more than 5,000 Sailors of CSG-2 staff, commanded by Miguez; flagship Dwight D. Eisenhower, commanded by Capt. Christopher Hill; Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 squadrons, commanded by Capt. Mitch McCallister; Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff and units, commanded by Capt. David Wroe; guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), commanded by Capt. Michelle Nakamura; and the Information Warfare Commander, Capt. Mitchell Finke.

“President Eisenhower once said, ‘never send a battalion to take a hill if a regiment is available.’ As the flagship of the strike group, the Mighty IKE is ready to provide overwhelming air power to deter aggression and promote world peace,” said Hill. “We trained rigorously for this deployment, and we are excited to celebrate the Navy’s 248th birthday by sending the best damn ship in the Navy to sea.”

The strike group’s deployment coincides with the Navy’s birthday weekend, marking 248 years of power, presence, and protection. The aircraft carrier’s deployment coincides with President Eisenhower’s birthday on Oct. 14 and is days ahead of the aircraft carrier’s 46th year of commissioned naval service on Oct. 18. IKECSG’s deployment embodies the Navy’s historical and long-standing commitment to being forward deployed, highly trained, and dedicated to defending American interests at sea, on land, and in the sky.

The Italian Navy Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Virginio Fasan (F 591) will integrate with IKECSG during the deployment. IKECSG practiced interchangeability and transfer of authority with Fasan during CSG-4-led composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in July.

Squadrons of CVW-3 include the “Gunslingers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 105, the “Fighting Swordsmen” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 32, the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, the “Wildcats” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 131, the “Screwtops” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123, the “Zappers” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 130, the “Dusty Dogs” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7, the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 and the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40.

Ships of DESRON 22 include guided-missile destroyers Mason and Gravely.

For more information about Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group, head to Facebook (/CSGTWO & /TheCVN69); Instagram (@CarrierStrikeGroupTwo & @TheCVN69); LinkedIn (Carrier-Strike-Group-TWO).

U.S. Navy photos are available at: 

and

U.S. Navy videos are available at:

and

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by Ensign Stephen “Nick” Willis, USS Mason (DDG 87) Public Affairs Officer

14 October 2023

MAYPORT, Fla. —

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) departed its homeport at Naval Station Mayport for a scheduled deployment as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), Oct. 13.

The strike group will engage with allies and partners in support of maritime statecraft, which encompasses naval diplomacy and national efforts to build comprehensive U.S. and allied maritime power.

“I am extremely proud of the incredible work this crew has put in over the past year and a half,” said Cmdr. Justin B. Smith, Mason’s commanding officer. “I am excited to see us excel in our assignments as we head east with the strike group. Mason is more than ready to answer the call for any tasking we may receive.”

Sailors said goodbye to their friends and families on the pier as they departed from Mayport, Fla., with their motto “Proudly We Serve” displayed on command ballcaps as they commenced deployment on the Navy’s 248th birthday.

“Mason is ready to complete the mission, as we have shown time and time again through the rigorous work ups and training cycle,” said Command Master Chief Carlos Slade. “The crew has executed flawlessly, and they have my full confidence for every mission. I believe the same success the crew has had will continue throughout our deployment.”

Mason has spent much of the last year underway, completing a series of certifications to develop proficiency in naval dominance.

 “We never stopped preparing and executing at a high level throughout our basic, integrated, and advanced training phases. Every certification has been building up for this very moment,” Slade said.

Along with Mason, IKECSG includes the CSG 2 staff, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22 staff, the flagship aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), and the DESRON 22 Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107).

Join the conversation with Mason on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MASONDDG87/.

Find more news from USS Mason (DDG 87) at www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/ddg87/.

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti

10 January 2024

WASHINGTON —

WASHINGTON (Jan. 9, 2023) – Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti released her priorities in a paper titled “America’s Warfighting Navy,” at the Surface Navy Association’s National Symposium, Jan. 9.

The text of America’s Warfighting Navy reads as follows:

Who We Are. We are the United States Navy, the most powerful navy in the world. We are the Sailors and Civilians who have answered our Nation’s call to service. We are Americans who embody character, competence, and dedication to our mission. Our identity is forged by the sea and we serve with honor, courage, and commitment.

What We Do. We are here to preserve the peace, respond in crisis, and win decisively in war. We operate far forward, around the world and around the clock, from the seabed to space, in cyberspace, and in the information environment to promote our Nation’s prosperity and security, deter aggression, and provide options to our nation’s leaders. We deliver power for peace, but are always postured and ready to fight and win as part of the Joint Force and alongside our Allies and partners.

Where We Are Going. The threats to our nation and our interests are real and growing. The strategic environment has changed; gone are the days of operating from a maritime sanctuary against competitors who cannot threaten us. The National Defense Strategy makes clear that we must defend our homeland, deter strategic attack, deter and be prepared to prevail in conflict against the People’s Republic of China, and meet the acute challenge of an aggressive Russia and other persistent threats. Our adversaries have designed their militaries to overcome our traditional sources of strength. We must move rapidly to stay ahead and continuously create warfighting advantages. We must think, act, and operate differently, leveraging wargaming and experimentation to integrate conventional capability with hybrid, unmanned, and disruptive technologies. Tomorrow’s battlefield will be incredibly challenging and complex. To win decisively in that environment, our Sailors must be the best warfighters in the world with the best systems, weapons, and platforms to ensure we can defeat our adversaries. We will put more players on the field—platforms that are ready with the right capabilities, weapons and sustainment, and people who are ready with the right skills, tools, training, and mindset.

Our Priorities. We will focus on Warfighting, Warfighters, and the Foundation that supports them.

Warfighting: Deliver Decisive Combat Power. We will view everything we do through a warfighting lens to ensure our Navy remains the world’s preeminent fighting force. We will prioritize the readiness and capabilities required to fight and win at sea, and the logistics and shore support required to keep our Navy fit to fight. We recognize that we will never fight alone. We will advance naval integration with the Marine Corps, and synchronize and align our warfighting efforts with the Joint Force. We will design and drive interoperability with our Allies and partners to deliver combined lethality.

Warfighters: Strengthen the Navy Team. We will use the principles of mission command to empower leaders at all levels to operate in uncertain, complex, and rapidly changing environments, ready to take initiative and bold action with confidence. We will build strong warfighting teams, recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America. We will provide      world-class training and education to our Sailors and Civilians, honing their skills and giving them every opportunity to succeed. We will ensure our quality of service meets the highest standards, and we will look after our families and support networks, who enable us to accomplish our warfighting mission.

Foundation: Build Trust, Align Resources, Be Ready. We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American People every day. We will work with Congress to field and maintain the world’s most powerful Navy and the infrastructure that sustains it. We will team with industry and academia to solve our most pressing challenges. We will cooperate with the interagency to bolster integrated deterrence. We will align what we do ashore with the warfighting needs of our Fleet.

Our Charge. America is counting on us to deter aggression, defend our national security interests, and preserve our way of life. With the right tools, a winning mindset, and the highest levels of integrity, we will operate safely as a team to deliver warfighting excellence.

I am proud to serve alongside you. I thank you and your families for your continued commitment to ensuring we are always ready.

We have taken a fix and set our course. Together we will deliver the Navy the Nation Needs. The time is now to move with purpose and urgency: ALL AHEAD FLANK!

America’s Warfighting Navy can be found online here.

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by Rear Adm. Max “Pepper” McCoy

03 January 2024

NORFOLK, Virginia —

The Sailors and Marines of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps team operate the most advanced weapons systems and platforms 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They deploy as integrated warfighting teams designed to operate with the joint services, partners, and allies. Today’s strategic realities underscore the mission and sense of urgency for Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 4 to train, mentor, and assess carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and independent deployers to deter, defend, and if necessary, defeat the enemy in combat. 

CSG-4’s vision is increasing the Navy’s warfighting advantage to win the high-end fight through the deliberate development of warfighting capability on a foundation of tactical expertise guided by root cause analysis. This focus directly supports the Secretary of the Navy’s strategic guidance, the Chief of Naval Operations’ Navigation Plan, and Distributed Maritime Operations Concept, and it is realized along five lines of effort – Integrated Warfare; Live, Virtual, Constructive (LVC) training; Fleet Response Training Plan (FRTP) alignment; Assessment; and Requirements Development. 

The command’s core mission to train, mentor, and assess integrated maritime forces for worldwide assignment is informed by the current and projected strategic security environment. Recent armed conflicts remind us of the imperative for naval forces to train to any threat environment they may encounter, and underscores the complexity facing commanders leading teams from the East Coast who may operate in the U.S. Sixth, Fifth, or Seventh Fleet areas of operation. Each natural, security, and defense environment around the globe has its own unique challenges in all warfare domains. Current conflicts also emphasize the importance of relationships with allies and partners and the trust built through combined training exercises.

Maritime diplomacy and integration are a priority in CSG-4’s pre-deployment training. In 2020, Allied Vision NATO training events were incorporated into Composite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX). The support of U.S. and NATO operational commanders has been critical in developing the program to include direct engagement with Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) in Lisbon, Portugal. These efforts directly contribute to interoperability in the Euro-Atlantic region, and perhaps more importantly, develop the personal and professional relationships between units and Sailors that deliver the ability to operate cohesively at the speed of trust. 

Reflective of the rapidly evolving nature of integrated warfare, CSG-4 works across the Navy and Joint team to increase Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) capacity for the high-end fight. The CSG-4 headquarters along with subordinate commands at Tactical Training Group Atlantic (TTGL), Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic (EWTGL), Training Support Vessel Squadron (TSVRON) 4, and CSG-4 Navy Reserve units are rapidly developing and informing an LVC training environment that will accelerate tactical and operational warfighting capability. CSG-4 employs Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) training in each COMPTUEX, as well as integrating LVC into training opportunities throughout the deployment training cycle. LVC is a transformative capability that increases readiness through high-fidelity, rapid learning from the individual watch stander to the carrier strike group commander.  

CSG-4 partners with Type Commanders, CSG-15, and the Navy’s five Warfighting Development Centers (WDC) to increase tactical proficiency earlier in the training cycle, while also meeting Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) goals for high-end fight capabilities. Each of the WDCs were founded on the hard-earned legacy of TOPGUN and the Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center. And further, each is moving rapidly to deliver integrated warfighting capability since the model expanded from aviation to undersea, information, surface, mine, and expeditionary warfare communities in the past decade. Continued investment and development of each of the WDCs informed by Fleet Commander training exercises is required to pace strategic competitors.  

Similarly, CSG-4 works closely with II Marine Expeditionary Force’s Expeditionary Operations Training Group (EOTG) to align and synchronize Blue-Green team training which supports naval integration and DMO goals. This effort goes beyond Composite Unit Training Exercises (COMPTUEX) and is integrated into events such as Large Scale Exercises 21 and 23. CSG-4 also takes every opportunity to incorporate in-service teammates from Naval Special Warfare and Navy Expeditionary Combat Command, as well as the joint force.

CSG-4 operates as a supporting command in service to the Fleet – Sailors, Marines, and their families. To borrow from U.S. Special Operations Command – humans are more important than hardware. This is a warfighting imperative. History teaches that the greatest tactical – and strategic – advantages are the corporals, petty officers, first lieutenants, and lieutenants junior grade capable of leading in conflict and who comprehend the significance of their role in our naval force.

CSG-4 will continue to push the training envelope. The teams at CSG-4’s headquarters, TTGL, EWTGL, TSVRON 4, and our CSG-4 Navy Reserve units are actively engaged in training, mentoring, and assessing carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, and independent deployers to deter, defend, and if necessary, defeat the enemy in combat. CSG-4 will continue to work as if today is the last day of peace.

Rear Adm. Max McCoy is a career naval aviator with more than 5,400 hours of flight time. His operational assignments include tours with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 and VFA 136, and command of VFA 86 and Carrier Air Wing TWO (CVW 2). Shore assignments include tours as a strike fighter tactics instructor, demonstration pilot with the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, Blue Angels, vice commander, 33rd Fighter Wing, and the first commodore of the Joint Strike Fighter Wing. As a flag officer he served as Commander, Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center and currently serves as Commander, Carrier Strike Group Four (CSG-4).

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by Chief Petty Officer Eva-Marie Ramsaran

03 January 2024

MEDITERRANEAN SEA —

Sailors and Marines assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) MEU((SOC)) arrived in Piraeus, Greece for a regularly scheduled port visit, Jan. 02, 2024.
During this port visit, the Sailors and Marines will have the opportunity to experience the historical city of Piraeus, while strengthening the bond with a fellow NATO ally, Greece.
“We are excited to be welcomed to Greece again,” said Mesa Verde’s Commanding Officer Capt. Marc Davis. “This is a great opportunity for the Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Mesa Verde to further strengthen the continued relationship with our NATO ally, as well as enjoy Greece’s vibrant culture.”
Prior to porting in Piraeus, the ship and embarked 26th MEU (SOC) conducted a bilateral training exercise with the 32nd Hellenic Marine Brigade, increasing interoperability and overall readiness between the two nations.
“This port visit is a great opportunity for the Marines and Sailors of the 26th MEU (SOC) to enjoy some well-earned liberty and a unique opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of Greece,” said 26th MEU (SOC) Commanding Officer Col. Dennis Sampson.
Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, composed of Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), and USS Mesa Verde, are on a scheduled deployment as the tri-geographic combatant command crisis response force with elements deployed in the U.S. 6th Fleet and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operation to increase maritime security and stability, and to defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
The 26th MEU (SOC) serves as one of the United States’ premier crisis response forces capable of conducting amphibious operations, crisis response, and limited contingency operations, to include enabling the introduction of follow-on-forces and designated special operations, in support of theater requirements of the geographic combatant commander. The 26th MEU(SOC) serves as a premier stand-in force with all-domain operational capabilities necessary to compete and win within the littorals and weapons engagement zones of an adversary in any clime or place.
Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa (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 NAVEUR/NAVAF/SIXTH FLEET Public Affairs

01 January 2024

NAPLES, Italy —

Immediately following HAMAS’s brutal attack on Israel, the USS GERALD R. FORD Carrier Strike Group was ordered to the eastern Mediterranean to contribute to our regional deterrence and defense posture.  In the coming days, the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group will redeploy to its home port as scheduled to prepare for future deployments. 

 

The Department of Defense continually evaluates force posture globally and will retain extensive capability both in the Mediterranean and across the Middle East.  This includes the current deployment of the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER Carrier Strike Group to the Middle East, the deployment of additional cruisers and destroyers in the Mediterranean and Middle East, and the recent arrival of the Wasp-class amphibious ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.  The USS Bataan and USS Carter Hall join the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), these ships have re-aggregated as the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the eastern Mediterranean. The ARG/MEU consists of three ships and approximately 2,000 Marines that provide sea-based expeditionary forces capable of supporting a wide range of missions.

 

Also, we are collaborating with Allies and partners to bolster maritime security in the region. DoD will continue to leverage its collective force posture in the region to deter any state or non-state actor from escalating this crisis beyond Gaza. And we continue to extend our appreciation to the U.S. service members still abroad, and their families and loved ones at home, in support of our steadfast commitment to global security.

Source: United States Navy (Fleet Command)

by U.S Naval Forces Europe/Africa

28 December 2023

NAPLES, Italy —

The Wasp-class amphibious ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) transited Dec. 28, 2023, from the Red Sea to the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and will join the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19). With the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), these ships will re-aggregate as the Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) in the eastern Mediterranean.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

For anyone seeking Cmdr. Teri Ryals, Naval Hospital Bremerton OB/GYN clinic department head and certified nurse midwife on a Friday morning, there’s only one place to look.

Ryals oversees NHB’s OB/GYN clinic in providing Walk-In Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic every Friday, from 8 a.m. until noon, for those 21 and older.

With January designated as Cervical Health Awareness Month, Ryals readily advocates the importance for women to routinely schedule their cervical cancer screening, also known as a pap smear or pap test.

“Cervical cancer can be preventable through routine screening. If detected early, it is very manageable,” said Ryals, explaining that cervical cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells which cervical cancer screening, also referred to as a pap smear/pap test, is crucial in the identification process of cancer of the cervix.

“There are also certain types of the human papillomavirus infections that have been linked to cancer,” continued Ryals. “Although there are over 100 types of HPV, there are two types, 16 and 18 which have been linked to about 70 percent of cancers and precancerous cervical lesions.”

According to compiled statistics, there are approximately 11,500 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. as cervical cancer each year, resulting in nearly 4,000 deaths.

Ryals attests that all those new cases and especially the fatalities can be averted with vaccination and appropriate screening. Which makes the start of the new year as an ideal opportunity for women to be more attentive to their health.

“Screening is dependent on age, results and risk factors,” said Ryals, citing American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology guidelines which advocates screening can begin at age 21.

“Screening is [recommended] every three years for ages 21 to 29. For ages 30 to 65, screening is every five years. Patients who have abnormal screening results will require more frequent surveillance and possible treatment,” Ryals said.

Only women can get cervical cancer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention affirms that all women are at risk for getting the disease, which occurs most often in women over age 30.

Cervical cancer is also the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide, following the top three of breast, colorectal and lung cancers.

Yet because it takes time to develop, it is also highly preventable.

‘Obtaining a routine pap smear is the best way to combat one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer. Please make sure you participate in routine screening and consult with your primary care provider or gynecology provider for follow up treatment as indicated,” said Ryals.

In addition to regular cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination is an important way to help protect against the HPV infections that most commonly cause cancer. HPV vaccination is recommended for persons from age nine to 45. The HPV vaccination is still beneficial even if someone has already been exposed to HPV or had an abnormal pap smear in the past.

The walk-in service is for any eligible patient – active duty, retiree, dependent – with patients seen on a first-come, first-served basis. For those who prefer a scheduled appointment, it is advised to request a referral from their physician/primary care manager or simply speaking to an OB/GYN clinic nurse to help coordinate a suitable date and time.

The entire screening visit takes approximately 30 minutes. Patients are recommended to wear comfortable attire. A gown can be provided by the clinic, if needed. It is also advocated to avoid douching, intercourse, vaginal medications, creams and jellies for two days prior to the screening procedure. For those in their menstrual cycle, it is best to postpone the procedure to prevent inadequate – or uncertain – results.

For active duty personnel, along with activated reservists, it is advisable to ensure their pap test screening is up to date before deploying. This includes factoring in the time needed for walk-in availability or scheduling an appointment followed by obtaining the results.

NHB’S OB/GYN clinic also offers other screenings available, including those for sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Patients should consult with their provider to coordinate, as well as discuss if the HPV vaccine – a three shot series – is needed.

Along with the Walk-In Cervical Cancer Screening Clinic on Friday, although closed for federal holidays and on days of limited activity, there are two more readily offered clinics.

The nurse-run, self-collected vaginal discharge clinic for eligible patients 18 to 65 is held Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The Walk-In Contraceptive Clinic for eligible patients 13 and older is available on Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Services offered include contraception counseling on the range of birth control options available; Prescription – for pills, patch, ring – which can be placed at the time requested for Pharmacy pickup (or retail pharmacy if so chosen); Same-day insertion of IUDs and Nexplanon (if pregnancy is ruled out); Emergency Contraception pill options; Depo-Provera Injections can be provided without requiring a pharmacy visit; Vasectomy preoperative referrals; and Prophylactics.

Services for the walk-in clinics is on a first-come, first-served basis and available to all eligible beneficiaries – active duty, retirees, family member – requesting the services. Wait times and appointment availability may vary due to clinic volume. For more information on NHB’s OB/GYN support and services, please call 360-475-4995.

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

On January 10, the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived in Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, in support of Pacific Partnership 24-1.

The arrival of USNS Mercy to Chuuk marks the final stop of Pacific Partnership 24-1, the largest multinational humanitarian and disaster relief mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Mercy’s arrival to Chuuk marks the seventh time Pacific Partnership has worked side-by-side with the Federated States of Micronesia, with an earlier stop in Pohnpei in December 2023.

At the invitation of host nations, Pacific Partnership’s mission partners conduct tailored humanitarian civil action preparedness activities in areas such as engineering, disaster response, public health, and host nation outreach events.

The U.S. Pacific Partnership Band, comprised of musicians from the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band and the Royal Australian Navy, will perform in a variety of community engagements.

“The Pacific Partnership’s visit to Pohnpei last month reached FSM citizens through health and community service outreach—from eye and dental care to subject matter expert training to medical procedures,” said U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Johnson, ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. “Seeing people of all ages enjoy the talented musicians of the Pacific Fleet Band was a great highlight of the visit. We look forward to this second phase of the mission in Chuuk, where the Mercy can provide an even greater range of medical assistance.”

In addition to activities aboard the hospital ship, Pacific Partnership medical providers will work shoulder-to-shoulder with providers at Chuuk State Hospital, ensuring that information exchanges result in more sustainable medical practices once USNS Mercy leaves Chuuk.

This year’s mission will also feature nearly 1,300 personnel from allies and partner nations including Australia, Chile, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand.

Born out of the devastation brought by the December 2004 tsunami that swept through parts of South and Southeast Asia, Pacific Partnership began as a military-led humanitarian response to one of the world’s most catastrophic natural disasters. Building on the success and goodwill of this operation, the United States helped spearhead the inaugural Pacific Partnership mission in 2006.

Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific.

For more information about Pacific Partnership visit www.facebook.com/pacificpartnership, www.instagram.com/pacific_partnership/ or https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/PacificPartnership. Pacific Partnership public affairs can be reached via email at cherylcollins.pp24@gmail.com.