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Growing Medical Capacity Side-by-Side During Pacific Partnership 24-1

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

During Pacific Partnership 24-1, the largest humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission in the Indo-Pacific region, U.S. Navy and partner nation surgeons conducted 74 side-by-side surgeries alongside host nation medical professionals onboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) and at local hospitals.

During the four-month mission, medical providers visited the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Republic of Palau, and Federated States of Micronesia from October 2023 to February 2024.

Cmdr. Erik Olson, a U.S. Navy surgeon was one of the many medical providers that conducted side-by-side surgeries with host nation surgeons to share capabilities and knowledge in surgical care.

One example of side-by-side surgeries was performed onboard USNS Mercy, where Olson worked alongside Dr. Glenda Santos, a general surgeon with Belau National Hospital in Palau.

“I love the fact that we have developed a partnership,” said Santos. “The learning is very valuable for us because we have very limited resources at the hospital. These learning side-by-side opportunities are really valuable, not just for me, but for all the other doctors who have benefited from this visit by Mercy ship doctors.”

Side-by-sides are a critical part of the medical line of effort for Pacific Partnership, which works to improve host nation medical capabilities. Pacific Partnership is focused on collective capacity building which has evolved from the previous approach that centered on providing direct care. Any direct care provided is shoulder-to-shoulder with the host and partner nations in order to share knowledge and skills that are enduring and applicable well after the mission.

“We did a laparoscopic cholecystectomy which means removing the gallbladder with small instruments and a camera,” said Olson. “That surgery takes anywhere from about 30 minutes to about an hour and a half depending on the severity of the patient’s gallbladder disease.”

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure in which a fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the abdominal wall to view the organs in the abdomen or to permit a surgical procedure.

“We do not have laparoscopic surgery capabilities in our hospital, so this gives us a very good learning opportunity and exposure to these types of surgeries,” said Santos. “Hopefully in the future when we do get the instruments, we will be able to perform the surgeries.”

The side-by-side training allowed Mercy surgeons to leave a lasting impact on the medical capabilities of the host nations visited during Pacific Partnership.

“I love the opportunity to work with our host nations,” Olson said. “Dr. Santos hasn’t done laparoscopic surgery in multiple years. To be able to give her a refresher, and hopefully give her some ammunition for getting these resources, is a very rewarding experience.”

Date Taken: 02.05.2024
Date Posted: 02.06.2024 14:14
Story ID: 463309
Location: PW
Web Views: 3
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Pacific Partnership 24-1 Side-by-Side Surgeries

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

From the left, U.S. Navy Cmdr. Erik Olson, from Gardnerville, Nev., Belau National Hospital general surgeon Dr. Glenda Santos, and U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jason Butler, from Forest, La, perform a laparoscopic gall bladder surgery onboard the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), anchored off of Koror, Palau, as part of Pacific Partnership 2024-1, Jan. 3, 2024. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. (U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Cheryl Collins)

Date Taken: 01.03.2024
Date Posted: 02.06.2024 14:14
Photo ID: 8227670
VIRIN: 240103-N-FB085-1010
Resolution: 4032×3024
Size: 3.19 MB
Location: PW
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USNS Mercy Arrives at Pearl Harbor [Image 4 of 12]

Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

PEARL HARBOR (Jan. 30, 2024) – Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrives at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam during Pacific Partnership 2024. Pacific Partnership, now in its 19th iteration, is the largest multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific and works to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Joseph M. Buliavac)

Date Taken: 01.30.2024
Date Posted: 02.04.2024 18:04
Photo ID: 8216577
VIRIN: 240130-N-RC734-1153
Resolution: 6720×4480
Size: 13.26 MB
Location: PEARL HARBOR, HI, US
Web Views: 4
Downloads: 2

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Maxwell welcomes first active-duty flying training unit since 1945

Source: United States Air Force

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) —  

The 908th Airlift Wing has an active-duty associate mission partner on Maxwell Air Force Base, for the first time. 

Detachment 3 of the 58th Operations Group had an official activation ceremony Jan. 31, 2024, at Maxwell AFB. 

Det. 3 will provide mission support to the 908th’s flying training mission and local support to Air Education and Training Command’s mission of managing MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter training courseware and syllabi. The detachment will also assist in the responsibility of providing trained Grey Wolf pilots and special mission aviators to four major commands, ensuring aircrew are members are trained and qualified for worldwide employment in nuclear security, VIP transportation operations, and survival, evasion, resistance, and escape training support. 

Col. Derek Price, 58th OG commander, was the presiding official for the activation ceremony and for the assumption of command where the Air Force’s newest detachment welcomed Lt. Col. Derek Cumbie as its commander. 

“Today, after 60 years of remarkable service, we are taking a significant stride towards the eventual retirement of the Huey fleet, and welcoming its replacement,” Price said. “Since the inception of the MH-139A Grey Wolf in 2018, it has been a long road of research, development, testing, coordinating with international agencies, battling delays, overcoming logistical challenges, and finding a new home for the [formal training unit]. An FTU that will shape professional rotary wing aviators for many decades to come.” 

Price then touched on the significance of Det 3 being at Maxwell AFB. 

“I can think of no other base across our Air Force that is more suited to this mission than Maxwell,” said Price. “This is arguably one of the most profound institutions in our history, and it is the heartbeat of the Air Force. Where we stand, was once used by Wilber and Orville Wright to open up their very first civilian flying school. nd in the 1930s, the Army Air Corps Tactical School moved here, followed by numerous initial and advanced flight training units. Add in the doctrinal foundation of Air University and I’m confident that no other base in the Air Force can match the historical significance and perfect operating environment for the 908th and Detachment 3 to thrive and provide Grey Wolf crews well into the future.” 

After Price spoke about the detachment, he then turned his focus to Cumbie. 

“No base and no aircraft can operate completely on its own,” Price explained. “It takes professional leadership to run and especially to standup a new schoolhouse. And more importantly, it takes a heavy reliance on the ability to establish and build relationships, which is why you’re sitting on this stage today, Derek. You’ve spent several years doing exactly that, building relationships and setting the stage for the success of this program. And today, your duty title changes, to reflect commander, a change that comes with an additional responsibility, leading Airmen. Your task is now to guide the team in front of you, to lead them while they continue the work you’ve been doing. They will face challenges and make mistakes along the way, but as the commander, your role shifts to removing the roadblocks they encounter. Use the relationships and trust you’ve built with Team Maxwell, to enable your Airmen and help them become successful. Lead them and lead them well.” 

Cumbie is a senior pilot with more than 2,000 flying hours and more than 17 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He has various flying and staff assignments in Texas, Maryland, North Dakota, New Mexico and Alabama, where he has provided distinguished visitor support for the national capitol region, UH-1N flying training instruction, nuclear security support and academic instruction at AETC’s Air University. 

After Cumbie thanked his family, friends, Maxwell AFB members and other helicopter crew members from throughout the Air Force that were in attendance, he then turned his focus to Price. 

“Col. Price, sir, thank you for presiding today and for your advocacy,” Cumbie said. “Thank you for entrusting me with this role, and for your guidance and leadership over the past couple of years. Taking command is a privilege and I will make every effort to live up to the standards that the position demands. I will daily do my best to earn the right to lead those entrusted to this unit. I’m humbled and honored. Thank you.” 

Cumbie then turned his attention the detachment’s mission.

 “Det 3’s activation is another small step in the journey toward graduating MH-139A students at Maxwell,” Cumbie explained. “This activation is significant for several reasons. First off, Det 3’s activation marks the first time in history that the 908th Airlift Wing will have an associated partner. Since the 1960s the 908th Airlift Wing has faithfully executed a tactical airlift mission here at Maxwell. They’ve done it solely with their Reserve personnel. Today, they have an associative partner in Det 3. Active-duty members, along with Air Force Reserve members will work, train and fly side-by-side. We hope to make our Total Force Integration an example of success for others to follow. To all my active-duty friends here today, I want to assure you, that the 908th has risen to this massive challenge. The MH-139 FTU is in good hands here.” 

Cumbie then closed his comments by turning to the Airmen of Det 3 that he now commands. 

“Members of Det 3, ownership of our mission starts now, and I have all the confidence in the world that we are ready for the challenge,” Cumbie said.

Det 3, and the 58th OG both belong to the 58th Special Operations Wing, based at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. The 58th SOW’s parent organization is the 19th Air Force located at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, which belongs to Air Education and Training Command.

Prior to taking command of Det 3, Cumbie served as the AETC liaison and director of operations for the 58th OG OL-A MH-139A, Flying Training Unit Program Integration Office, 908th Airlift Wing. He assisted major command functional leads with requirements and on-site execution of flying training unit beddown activities and assisted the relationship between AETC and the Air Force Reserve Command to help develop the U.S. Air Force’s only MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter flying training wing. 

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Air Force Historical Foundation names 432nd Wing 2023 Doolittle Award winner

Source: United States Air Force

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) —  

The 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, received the Air Force Historical Foundation’s 2023, James H. “Jimmy” Doolittle Award, Jan. 23.

The award is earned by the U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force for displaying bravery, determination, discipline, esprit de corps and superior management of joint operations while accomplishing its mission under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions in multiple conflicts.

The 432nd Wing is the only wing to win the award twice, last earning the honor in 2017.

“None of this would have been possible without our Airmen and their families,” said Col. Nicholas Pederson, 432nd Wing commander. “I am supremely impressed with the personnel in this wing and their performance this last year. They rose to challenges in and out of combat operations and increased their capabilities with training while flying 24/7/365 combat in four combatant commands.”

From January to December 2023, the wing generated more than 8,579 sorties, which comprised of 222,000 intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance hours and advanced the use of satellite launch and recovery, effectively aligning operations with Air Force Force Generation and Agile Combat Employment.

While the wing received the award in 2017 because of significant combat actions in the Central Command area of operations, the wing, its Airmen and the mission capabilities of the aircraft have expanded exponentially since, now flying in European Command, Africa Command, and Indo Pacific Command in addition to CENTCOM.

“Everywhere Col. Pederson and I go, we meet absolute professionals regardless of AFSC,” said Chief Master Sgt. Cory Shipp, 432nd Wing command chief. “It’s an honor to be a part of the wing’s leadership team and see all the phenomenal things our Airmen do. They’re a phenomenal team.”

Hunters now operate MQ-9s in four combatant commands around the globe, 24 hours a day, with operations expanding in Indo-Pacific Command as the most recent addition.

“We are shaping the future,” Pederson said. “We are not being shaped by the future. We are flying missions against all five threats in the National Defense Strategy, and we are tasked with more than just defeating enemies. We are actively deterring them through our presence and our persistent reconnaissance which informs our Joint partners in preparation for a potential high-end fight with peer adversaries.”

This year’s award also recognized the wing’s efforts to integrate with joint and Total Force partners through exercises with the U.S. Marine Corps and Air National Guard. These exercises tested and validated the footprint for forward operating and contingency sites and upgraded satellite communication capabilities. They also proved Hunters can operate in austere conditions with enhanced joint interoperability and combat readiness anytime, anywhere.

“The aircraft are technological marvels, but it’s the professional Airmen we have, regardless of AFSC, who allow us to execute our mission and enable our future,” Pederson said.

The 432nd Wing and 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing is comprised of more than 4,000 Airmen across five groups and 20 squadrons located at four bases, operating more than 30 MQ-9 Reaper and RQ-170 Sentinel aircraft around the globe, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

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NHC Lemoore doctor brings rural care specialty to military clinic

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

LEMOORE, Calif. (Feb. 2, 2023) Dr. Dustin Schleif is a physician in the Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) at Naval Health Clinic (NHC) Lemoore since the department reopened in the fall of 2017. He came to the Central Valley while completing the Rural Track for Loma Linda University’s Family Medicine residency program.

Schleif provides patient care and helps guide corpsman-led care of patients at the military treatment facility. He takes pride in being a part of a healthcare team that genuinely cares for patients and their wellbeing.

“I have previously been a primary care provider, hospitalist, and a medical director of civilian rural health clinics,” said Schleif. “Working in the UCC has been my most enjoyable and satisfying job.”

Schleif hopes to continue his contract at NHC Lemoore for many more years.

“I am honored to work with medical assistants, nurses, and corpsman who go above and beyond their UCC responsibilities to help people in need, including jump starting a car or two in the parking lot.”

He is also the designated mac-and-cheese provider for potlucks, his coworkers joke.

“When possible, I like to bring fun and humor into the workplace,” said Schleif. “I believe people work better together when work is something to look forward to. I also believe every person in a team is equally important, we just have different roles to fill.”

The best part of his job is working with the Navy’s hospital corpsman.

“I enjoy showing them a lighter, more fun side of healthcare, and hopefully life in general,” said Schleif.

Naval Health Clinic Lemoore, co-located with Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Lemoore, ensures the readiness of its active-duty service members and improves the lives of military families through the delivery of high-quality healthcare to over 18,000 eligible beneficiaries at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California and NAS Fallon, Nevada.

The command also provides dental care and medical administrative support to Navy, Marine Corps, and international students at the Naval Postgraduate School, Defense Language Institute and the Center for Information Dominance in Monterey, California.

The command’s mission is to advance the readiness and health of our warfighters and beneficiaries and to invest in our people and partnerships.

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U.S. 2nd Fleet hosts Fleet Medical Symposium

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Health Service Support team hosted the 2024 Fleet Medical Symposium at Naval Warfare Development Center aboard Naval Station Norfolk, Jan. 30-31, 2024.

Vice Adm. Doug Perry, commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, kicked off the two-day conference speaking about how critical it is that 2nd Fleet and Navy Medicine remain synchronized for mission readiness and success.

“This year marks the sixth anniversary since 2nd Fleet was reestablished, and today we face a dangerous and unpredictable security environment,” Perry said. “Our mission is more critical than ever in increasingly contested environments, and we remain committed to setting the conditions for success with your medical teams.”

This year’s symposium brought Hampton Roads area medical teams together with representatives from U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet to synchronize health service support and share operational medicine best practices and lessons learned to ensure mission readiness across Fleets and services.

Rear Adm. Pamela Miller, medical officer of the Marine Corps and vice chief of Bureau of Medicine and Surgery for Reserve Policy and Integration, believes it is imperative that Marine Corps and Navy health services work to align efforts to the greatest extent possible.

“Leaders at all levels in operational health service support of both services must seek opportunities to train as we fight,” said Miller. “Integral to our future training is the concept that we must partner not only as a Naval Force but as a Joint Force. We must gain efficiencies and effectiveness regarding our materiel management and health service support capabilities to optimize the critical support provided to the warfighting effort of our Sailors and Marines.”

Capt. Carolyn Rice, fleet surgeon of U.S. 2nd Fleet, explained that synchronizing with the medical communities drives the evolution of medical processes.

“Our symposium focused on the road to crisis specifically the medical response to include patient movement and cold weather operations,” said Rice. “It was truly a ‘One Navy Medicine’ response and agenda to align and learn from recent deployers and experts and leverage novel solutions and capabilities to support warfighting and the warfighters.”

U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime ready forces to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests.
For more U.S. 2nd Fleet news and photos, visit facebook.com/US2ndFleet, https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/, X – @US2ndFleet, and https://www.linkedin.com/company/commander-u-s-2nd-fleet.

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FITZGERALD FAMILY HONORED AT CEREMONY ABOARD THE HISTORIC DESTROYER

Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

by GM1 Canterbury

02 February 2024

San Diego – For the first time in twenty-seven years, the Fitzgerald family conducted a visit onboard the legendary destroyer named after their father and grandfather, LT William Fitzgerald.

LT William Fitzgerald joined the Navy as an enlisted sailor and earned his commission on the 15th of June, 1963. On the 7th of August, 1967, LT Fitzgerald was mortally wounded while covering the escape of his men while under heavy Viet Cong fire. LT Fitzgerald earned the US Navy’s highest decoration for valor, the Navy Cross, as a result of his sacrifice and actions in Vietnam. LT Fitzgerald’s late wife, Betty Ann Fitzgerald, was designated as the ship’s sponsor for USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), named in his honor, and dedicated the remainder of her life to being an active member of the ship. Upon her passing, that honor was inherited by her daughter, Lynda Shultz.

Hailing from Montpelier, VT, Lynda Shultz and her family were hosted by the officers and crew of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer for a tour of their namesake’s vessel. Once onboard, they conducted tours of the ship’s warfighting and engineering spaces. They ate in the Crew’s Mess, Chiefs’ Mess, and Wardroom, and were the guests of honor for a ceremony highlighting the family’s contribution to United States naval history. At the ceremony, the family shared a scrapbook highlighting LT Fitzgerald’s Naval career and achievements with the Commanding Officer, CDR Jayson Larsen.

During her time onboard, Lynda Shultz delivered a speech at the command’s All Hands Call where she expressed the importance of each Sailor and how the USS Fitzgerald helps keep her father’s legacy alive. Lynda explained her late mother’s tradition of hand writing and sending Christmas cards to each Fitzgerald sailor annually. Due to the ship being homeported overseas for an extended period of time, the Fitzgerald family was unable to visit until this year.

CDR Larsen visited the Fitzgerald family in March of 2023 and told them the ship would be in San Diego for most of the year. Upon hearing this, Lynda Shultz “had an overwhelming urge to fulfill [her] mother’s dream of hand-delivering the Christmas cards.” Lynda was grateful to finally be given the chance to do this.

CDR Larsen said “it was an inspiration to be in the presence of the family that keeps LT Fitzgerald’s legacy alive and that the Fitzgerald crew proudly represents every day. We are so grateful for Lynda’s ongoing support as the ship’s sponsor, which makes being a Fitzgerald Sailor so unique.”

The FITZGERALD crew executed their holiday leave period in high spirits following the ceremony. In early 2024, the ship is undergoing preparations for basic phase trials in anticipation of being certified as deployment-ready.

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Multinational Allies and partners conduct elephant walk during Cope North 24

Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam  –  

U.S. Air Force, Marines and Navy, Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, French Air and Space Force, and Republic of Korea Air Force aircraft participated in an Elephant Walk for Cope North 2024, Feb. 5, 2024.

This Elephant Walk was a coalition of 33 aircraft, operating together to present a united front with Allies and partners to enhance integrated deterrence.

The United States does not fight alone, nor do we deter alone. Relationships and increased operational capabilities with Allies and partners are vital to preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

“Being able to direct and oversee this amazing showing of interoperability from Andersen AFB has filled me with awe,” said SrA Robert Rennie, Air Traffic Controller. “The sheer amount of aircraft and the way our Allies and partners operate together with us is inspiring.”

Elephant Walks date back to World War II, where aircraft assembled in a single file line. Events like this demonstrate the airpower presence, strength, and preparedness that exists across the Indo-Pacific region.

“When I see something like an Elephant Walk, I know we are moving in the right direction to ensure deterrence,” said Rennie. “This showcase proves to our adversaries that we aren’t afraid to work together, and we are the best at it.”

As long-term strategic competition persists and continues to challenge international institutions, it is vital that bonds are strengthened with Allies and partners to sharpen the competitive edge, secure common interests, and promote shared values.

“On behalf of RAAF, JASDF and the USAF exercise leadership, we are excited to kick off Cope North 24 with this successful demonstration of interoperability through the Elephant Walk,” said Lt Col David Overstreet, Cope North Lead planner. “Throughout the exercise we aim to aggressively practice combat air forces and mobility air forces dispersal activities in concert with all six participating nations. Our network of alliances and partnerships remains the backbone of global security.”

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CENTCOM Self-Defense Strikes

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Feb. 5, 2024

Release Number 20240205-02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Feb. 5, at approximately 3:30 p.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted a strike in self-defense against two Houthi explosive uncrewed surface vehicles (USV).

U.S. forces identified the explosive USVs in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined they presented an imminent threat to U.S. Navy ships and merchant vessels in the region. These actions will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels.