Aptitude Update with Nurse Corps Skill Sustainment Fair at Naval Hospital Bremerton

Source: United States Navy (Medical)

They came from Urgent Care Clinic, Family Medicine Department, the Main Operating Room and elsewhere.

Including the command suite.

All were welcomed participants at Naval Hospital Bremerton’s Nurse Corps Skills Sustainment Fair – billed as a nursing fair for nurses by nurses – held over a two-day period in mid-January 2024.

According to Lt. Barbara Kent, NHB Pediatrics Clinic department head and lead coordinator of the multi-disciplinary and collaborative event, the event was tailored on competency refresher training for several high risk, low volume duties which any Nurse Corps officer might be called upon to render timely support in handling.

“For many nurses within an ambulatory care setting, certain inpatient skills are not as easily obtained or mastered through the work done within clinics. Clinics vary in the variety of skills that the nurses are able to provide to our beneficiaries. It is pertinent that we not only pass our online exams but can apply the knowledge learned,” explained Kent.

“We wanted to bring this back and effectively bridge any gap for staff in skill sustainment and clinical competency,” Kent added. “Without these hands on skills sessions and the ability to simulate skills, the majority of our competencies were only validated online via general training vice hands-on applicable care.”

The competencies covered both clinic skills and inpatient skills pertaining to the variety of nursing specialties at NHB.

“This skills fair was a culmination of a year’s work with the help of subject matter experts from each specialty represented. We chose two training sessions that would appeal to both types of training schedules and ended up with a wonderful turnout. We compiled a list of a number of practical skills which we considered to focus on first. Based on input from many, we then consolidated that list down to the six proficiencies presented,” Kent explained.

Kent attested that the challenge in putting the event together was ensuring that a wide variety of necessary skills were covered, which included everything from the most basic medication administration to airway management, within a specified timeframe that would be beneficial for nurses without pulling them heavily from patient care.

Each of the six stations set up offered static displays, informational presentations and practical hands-on training opportunities.

“This is really well done. It’s a great reintroduction to some skills I haven’t used in a while like Foley catheters and tubes. I can see a lot of happy staff getting their skills enhanced and competencies signed off,” remarked Cmdr. Marc Silfies, NHB Surgical Services director.

There was an Airway Station to review competencies on proper airway management techniques and demonstrate proper use and handling of airway equipment and supplies.

Intravenous Fluid Administration/Medication Pumps and Patient-Controlled Analgesia pumps were on display to revisit on proper usage and knowledge of the settings, along with demonstrating handling and understanding, from priming to responding to any potential adverse reactions.

The Manual Cardiac Monitors/Defibrillators and Electrocardiograms station was designed to refamiliarize and demonstrate to participants with proper use and then practice how to appropriately apply when needed.

Reviewing competencies for the Foleys and Gastrointestinal Tube Management centered on demonstrating proper use and handling to familiarize participants with proper urinary catheter insertion and gastrointestinal tubes.

The Access Line and Management Care station went over proper techniques and use of central, intravenous and arterial [catheter] lines such as explaining differences and therapeutic indications to demonstrating dressing changes and specimen collection.

Training on Intraosseous Devices – used in placing a specific needle through bone tissue to administer such needs as fluid restoration and drug delivery – and the associated intramuscular and subcutaneous Medication Administration, included such crucial steps of the process as hand hygiene before patient contact to stressing the six rights of medication safety; right medication, right dose, right time, right route, right patient and right documentation, as well as disposal and finishing norms to follow.

Kent noted that the most gratifying part of this event was the comradery felt by having junior and senior nurses training together as one.

“A feeling that most of us desire both home and operationally,” said Kent.

The initial success has bolstered the goal to hold the skills fair on a quarterly basis and open up to others beyond assigned Nurse Corps officers.

“We intend to branch out to our civilian nursing staff and hospital corps staff with more exciting skills sessions and simulations gaining traction each quarter. We appreciate the opportunity to be able to train one another for a more prepared medical force overall,” stated Kent.

NAVFAC HQ Selects 2024 Top Civilian and Military Engineers

Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey, commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC)/chief of Civil Engineers, announced the selection of the 2024 NAVFAC Civilian and Military Engineers of the Year.

Reyn Hashiro from NAVFAC Pacific is the civilian awardee, and Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Dahms from NAVFAC Officer in Charge of Construction (OICC) China Lake is the military winner.

“We are truly fortunate to have extraordinary engineers who serve NAVFAC and the Navy with selfless dedication and technical acumen,” said VanderLey. “Both individuals help us continue to build on our 180-year legacy of outstanding support to the Navy and Marine Corps.”

Hashiro and Dahms will represent NAVFAC in competition for the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) Federal Engineer of the Year Awards, Feb. 23 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.

The Federal Engineer of the Year Awards recognize exceptional contributions made by federal engineers to the engineering profession and to the organizations and communities they serve.

USS McCampbell to forward deploy to Japan, replace USS Antietam

Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

24 January 2024

From U.S. Naval Forces Japan and Naval Surface Force Public Affairs
 

The U.S. Navy announced that USS McCampbell (DDG 85) will forward deploy to Yokosuka, Japan. McCampbell will replace USS Antietam (CG 54), which will depart Yokosuka, Japan, and move to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, as part of a scheduled rotation of forces in the Pacific. Upon arrival in Yokosuka, McCampbell will join Commander, Task Force 71/Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the Navy’s largest DESRON and the U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force.

The forward presence of McCampbell enhances the national security of the United States and improves its ability to protect strategic interests. It will directly support the Defense Strategic Guidance to posture the most capable units forward in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The United States values Japan’s contributions to the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and its long-term commitment and hospitality in hosting U.S. forces forward deployed there. These forces, along with their counterparts in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, make up the core capabilities needed by the alliance to meet our common strategic objectives.

The security environment in the Indo-Pacific requires that the U.S. Navy station the most capable ships forward. This postureenables rapid response times for maritime and joint forces, and brings our most capable ships with the greatest amount of striking power and operational capability to bear.

Maintaining a forward-deployed naval forces capability with the most advanced ships supports the United States’ commitment to the defense of Japan and the security and stability of the vital Indo-Pacific region.

 

Ecuador Joins Combined Maritime Forces in Middle East as 40th Member

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

On Jan. 11, the Combined Maritime Forces welcomed Ecuador as the 40th member of the world’s largest maritime security partnership.

“Ecuador joining CMF only makes us stronger,” said Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, CMF commander. “This growing international naval coalition benefits mightily from having Ecuadorians standing shoulder-to-shoulder with other CMF nations, dedicated to maritime security and stability in the Middle East region, and protecting some of the world’s most important waterways. I look forward to being ‘Ready Together’ with such maritime professionals.”

CMF is comprised of a headquarters staff and five combined task forces focusing on defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and promoting a safe maritime environment. The naval partnership upholds the international rules-based order by supporting security and stability across 3.2 million square miles of water encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

First Drug Interdiction of the Year for CMF French-led Combined Task Force 150

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

A U.S. Coast Guard cutter operating under the French-led Combined Task Force 150 of the Combined Maritime Forces seized about $11 million worth of illegal drugs from a vessel while operating in the international waters of the Gulf of Oman, Jan. 5.

Coast Guardsmen from the Sentinel-class fast response cutter USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145), seized 37 kilograms of heroin, 187 kilograms of methamphetamine and five kilograms of cocaine from the vessel following a search. Following the seizure, the Emlen Tunnell team released the dhow and disposed of the illicit drugs.

Prior to the seizure, while in support to CTF 150, Royal Navy frigate HMS Lancaster gathered intelligence on the dhow, which had been identified as a vessel of interest. Information including imagery and location of the dhow was shared with the Emlen Tunnell and the French maritime patrol aircraft Wallaby, which allowed the Emlen Tunnell to track and execute the interdiction.

This interdiction marked the first seizure of the year for CTF 150 and follows on from a highly successful 2023, with 12 drug busts since the French assumed command in July 2023.

This latest seizure for CTF 150 demonstrated the value of CMF nations working together to share information, leading to another successful narcotics seizure.

CTF 150 is one of five task forces under Combined Maritime Forces, the world’s largest multinational naval partnership, and focuses on maritime security operations in the Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.

The 39-nation naval partnership is committed to disrupting criminal and terrorist activities by restricting freedom of maneuver across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters encompassing some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.

Since 2021, Combined Maritime Forces has seized more than $1 billion in illegal drugs while patrolling waters across the Middle East.

International Night at CENTCOM

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

TAMPA, Fla. – Each year, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) hosts a celebration that includes Coalition personnel present at MacDill Air Force Base. This celebration brings together many of CENTCOM’s Senior National Representatives (SNRs) and non-commissioned officers, who represent their respective countries at the command. These representatives and their families volunteer to cook and serve foods and sweets, for which their country is famous, to MacDill Air Force Base personnel and members of the Tampa Bay community.

The CENTCOM Coalition’s contributions alongside U.S. efforts, help promote peace not only within CENTCOM’s area of responsibility, but globally. Maintaining that unity is of utmost importance to all. One good way to do that is to bring all the partners under one roof where they can share food and learn about their respective cultures, stressing the importance of cooperation. This year, the celebration occurred on Wednesday, December 7, 2023.

This special event aims to introduce the military personnel and their families to the various indigenous foods, folklore clothing, and customs of the different nations at the MacDill Air Force Base Coalition Village. The dinner was held in an aircraft hangar that was deliberately chosen to accommodate the large number of people that usually come, especially since eating and drinking are free!!!

While wandering among the tables of the participating countries, one cannot help but notice the importance of diversity and cooperation, as well as the importance of understanding and appreciating other peoples’ cultures, because in diversity lies creativity, and creativity enhances progress.

A quick tour of the different countries shows that understanding and accepting other peoples and their cultures is essential to progress and development.
As for the food, it was delicious, thanks to the Coalition and Partner Nations’ military personnel and their families.

U.S., Japan ships complete bilateral exercise in Gulf of Aden

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

GULF OF ADEN – The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Murasame-class destroyer FS Akebono (DD 108) conducted bilateral exercise in the Gulf of Aden, Nov. 25.

Meeting at sea, the ships practiced a range of surface warfare events, including visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS), helicopter deck landing qualifications (DLQ), divisional tactics (DIVTACs), and personnel exchanges.

“Mason and Akebono sailing together demonstrated our shared resolve to maintain freedom of the high seas and open sea lines of communication,” said Cmdr. Justin B. Smith, Mason’s commanding officer. “Our combined presence sends a strong message to those who would challenge us as we continue to support global security.”

Rendezvousing with partners and allies at sea allows the U.S. Navy to operate closely with other navies and in ways shore exercises do not allow. It further provides the crews with real-world situations and hands-on training to practice everyday watchstanding and communication skills with foreign navies.

An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, attached to the “Swamp Foxes” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74, deployed aboard Mason, performed DLQs on the Japanese destroyer. The personnel exchange included the cross-decking crewmembers between Mason and Akebono via a small boat, where they toured each other’s ship, interacted with one another, and ate lunch with the crew, increasing cultural understanding.

“We enjoyed meaningful conversation and are all looking forward to working with the crew of Akebono again in the future,” said Lt. Mitchell Kempisty, Mason’s Operations Officer, who visited Akebono.

The DIVTACs included coordinated tactical maneuvering at close quarters, meant to hone communication skills and techniques for the ships operating with one another. Mason’s VBSS team briefed Akebono’s team on boarding procedures, tactical movements, and lessons learned from operational experiences, which will assist both countries in improving international maritime security in the region.

Mason departed its homeport of Mayport, Florida, on Oct. 13 for a scheduled deployment. As a part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG), Mason is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses approximately 2.5 million square miles of water space and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Strait of Bab al-Mandeb.

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

IKE Strike Group Transits the Strait of Hormuz

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKECSG) completed a scheduled transit through the Strait of Hormuz into the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 26.

“Our passage through this important strait and continued presence in the area plays a critical role in maintaining the freedom of navigation that is key to regional security and stability,” said Rear Adm. Marc Miguez, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, IKECSG. “I am incredibly proud of the sustained professionalism of each IKECSG Sailor, especially in evolutions like a strait transit, where detailed planning, precision navigation and the proficiency of our warfighting teams are on full display.”

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the busiest shipping lanes, with one-fifth of the world’s energy supply transiting through the strait annually. This waterway is critical to ensuring and safeguarding the stability of global commerce.

More than 500 ships sail through the Strait of Hormuz in a typical week, a steady flow of maritime traffic crucial to the vitality of the nations in the Middle East region.

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) passed through the strait with the guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58), guided missile destroyers USS Gravely (DDG 107) and USS Stethem (DDG 63), and French Navy destroyer FS Languedoc (D 653) along with air support from a French Navy E-2C Hawkeye and French Air Force Rafale strike aircrafts.

“The Mighty IKE brings unmatched capabilities wherever it goes,” said Capt. Christopher Hill, commanding officer of IKE, flagship of IKECSG. “We place ourselves where our nation’s leaders need us to be and on time, in order to meet the full range of maritime security requirements of the mission at hand.”

The IKECSG’s transit through the Strait of Hormuz marks the first aircraft carrier to operate in the Arabian Gulf since the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in September 2020. IKECSG presence in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, where it has operated since Nov. 4, demonstrates the U.S. and its partners’ commitment to the free flow of commerce, regional security and freedom of navigation.

The Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Middle East Region. Along with IKE, deployed strike group assets include staffs, ships and aircraft of CSG 2, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22, USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3.

IKECSG units departed their homeports of Norfolk, Virginia, and Mayport, Florida, on Oct. 13 and 14 for a scheduled deployment.

U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, comprising 21 nations, includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb.

Houthis Attack Commercial Shipping Vessel with Anti-Ship Missiles

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Jan. 24, 2024 

Release Number 20240124-01 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

TAMPA, Fla. – On Jan. 24 at approximately 2 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen toward the U.S.-flagged, owned, and operated container ship M/V Maersk Detroit, transiting the Gulf of Aden. One missile impacted in the sea. The two other missiles were successfully engaged and shot down by the USS Gravely (DDG 107). There were no reported injuries or damage to the ship. 

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U.S. CENTCOM Destroys Two Houthi Terrorists’ Anti-Ship Missile

Source: United States Central Command (CENTCOM)

Jan. 23, 2024

Release Number 20240123 – 02

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla. – On Jan. 24 at approximately 2:30 a.m. (Sanaa time), U.S. Central Command forces conducted strikes against two Houthi anti-ship missiles that were aimed into the Southern Red Sea and were prepared to launch. U.S. forces identified the missiles in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and determined that they presented an imminent threat to merchant vessels and the U.S. Navy ships in the region. U.S. forces subsequently struck and destroyed the missiles in self-defense. This action will protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. Navy vessels and merchant vessels.