#mass communication specialist

Levitation act….

PACIFIC OCEAN (November 20, 2020) – A CMV-22B Osprey from the “Titans” of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30(based at Naval Air Station North Island, California) lands on the flight deck of United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSCarl Vinson (CVN 70).

Hanging there in the air above the carrier deck gives the impression the flight deck crew (left) is levitating the aircraft.

The CMV-22B Osprey is a Navy variant of the United States Marine Corps’MV-22B and is the replacement for the venerable C-2A Greyhound for the Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD)mission.In plain English: it brings the mail, needed spare parts, personnel, ice cream, and anything else a warship at sea might need.

                    Touchdown….and time for a drink….of fuel.

The Osprey is a tiltrotor V/STOL aircraft that can takeoff and land as a helicopter but transit as a turboprop aircraft. This evolution marked the first time a CMV-22B Osprey has landed on an aircraft carrier. They’ll be routine visitors from now onwards to every carrier – and other big-deckwarships – in the Fleet.

                                   USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) 

                                        __________________

>>Top two photos: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Aaron T. Smith, USN

     Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30 insignia

World Warships….

NORTH ARABIAN SEA (November 17, 2020) – Warships from the Royal Australian Navy,Indian Navy,United States Navyand Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force sail in formation during an allied training exercise.

The training exercise was called Malabar 2020.…an annual event since 2002. Here’s more of the group….as we zoom-out from the top photo. (If you look closely, you’ll see the tip of a submarine’s conning tower poking above the water, and leaving a wake, to the far left of the third photo above.)

Over a dozens ships, a submarine, multiple aircraft, and other naval assets from the four allied navies participated in the two-week-long event.

This alliance of Pacific Ocean and Indian Ocean powers projects a unified maritime encirclement of China as the Communist regime continues its aggressive, and sometimes hostile, encroachment on vast regions of the Indian OceanandWestern Pacific Ocean.

                                        *          *          *          * 

Serving as lead ships for the four participating navies (top photo….from top to bottom) and the insignia for each naval force working together in Malabar 2020:

>>Australia….HMASBallarat (FFH 155)–frigate

             *          *          *          *

>>India….INSVikramaditya–aircraft carrier; Indian Navy flagship

            *          *          *          *

>>United States….USSNimitz (CVN 68) – nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

            *          *          *          *

>>Japan….JSMurasame (DD 101)–destroyer

                                         ________________________

>>CLICK on the photos for a closer look at this impressive naval force….

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Keenan Daniels, USN; photos #2 & 3: Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elliot Schaud, USN

Death Rattler….

ARABIAN SEA (November 19, 2020) – An F/A-18C Hornet, from the “Death Rattlers”ofMarine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, flies over United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSNimitz (CVN 68).

The supercarrier, her airwing, and her escorting carrier strike groupcruisersanddestroyers are approaching the end of a long deployment to the other side of the world.

                                            *          *          *          *

E V O L V I N G     S T O R Y….

TheNimitz carrier strike group – including the “Death Rattlers” – has interrupted their long journey home….reversed course….and returned to the volatile Persian Gulf (within 100 nm – 185 km / 115 miles –ofIran from time to time)….as November morphs into December 2020….likely delaying their (over 7,000 Sailors) return home to Norfolk, VAuntilafter the upcoming year-end Holidays, and current volatile tensions between Iran and Israelcalm.

(Note: This is over the alleged-Israeli assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist by remote control near the capital city of Tehran a few days ago. Iran, understandably, could lash out violently, igniting a Middle East war. This is a potentially very dangerous situation.)

                                           ** December 1, 2020 **

                                           USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

                                         ______________________

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Cheyenne Geletka, USN

United States Marine Corps Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 323 insignia

Skylines….

SAN DIEGO, CA (October 13, 2020) – United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSTheodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) becomes part of the skyline in its homeport.

The warship and it’s crew of nearly 6,000 men and women is preparing for its next overseas deployment in early 2021.

                                 USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

                                           _____________________

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Kyle Hafer, USN

Acreage at sea….

ATLANTIC OCEAN (November 9, 2020) – The vast size of the flight deck aboard the United States Navy’s newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USSGerald R. Ford (CVN 78), is evident….

….as an Aviation Boatswain’s Mate directs an E-2C Hawkeye into position for an electromagnetic catapultlaunch.

The flight deck on the new Gerald R. Ford-class carriers covers 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares)….or, 196,000 square feet (18,200 square meters)….or, space for 65 large (3,000 square foot / 279 square meter) suburban homes.

                                   USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

                                       _____________________

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Ryan Seelbach, USN

Pumping gas….

     …..way out to sea….

          …..on the far side of the planet from home….

EAST CHINA SEA (November 7, 2020) – Cryptologic Technician (Technical)Seaman Jacob Fischer, USN, (top)andFire Controlman3rd Class Kyle Soriano, USN, heave a line aboard United States Navy guided-missile cruiser USSShiloh (CG 67) during a replenishment-at-sea (UNREP)withMilitary Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNSCharles Drew (T-AKE 10).

A complex evolution like a refueling/resupplying at sea requires an almost all-hands effort beyond just the deck crew. From necessary raw manpower, to stowing supplies below decks, to safety protocols….it takes a huge team effort.

                                         _____________________

>>Top two photos: Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Ryre Arciaga, USN

The two ships involved here:

                              USS Shiloh (CG 67)….needing fuel

              USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10)….the floating gas station

BIG anchors….

NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD,VIRGINIA (October 22, 2020) – Master-at-Arms (law enforcement)1st Class Brian Dunne, USN (left) is reenlisted for a few more years of Naval service by LTJG Asa Calloway, USN, on the starboard anchor of United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSHarry S. Truman (CVN 75).

Operational conditions permitting, Sailors are allowed to pick their “spot” for traditional reenlistment ceremonies. Normally, the location maintains a special meaning or significance for the Sailor extending his or her contract with the Navy.

            This is how they got out to the perch on the anchor.

That anchor looks a bit beaten-up right now only because the aircraft carrier is in the shipyard for an extensive maintenance period between overseas deployments. That anchor will be gleaming again soon….

                                   USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75)

                                    _________________________

>>Top four photos: Mass Communication SpecialistSeaman Bela Chambers, USN

>>Note: A couple more examples of some of the unusual places Sailors pick for their reenlistment ceremonies….

        Ninety feet (27 meters) under the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii.

        At the North Pole when your submarine makes a stop there.

Tricky maneuvering….

PHILIPPINE SEA (November 2, 2020) – United States Military Sealift Command dry cargo and ammunition ship USNSAlan Shepard (T-AKE 3)(left) sails a steady course and speed….as United States Navy guided-missile destroyer USSBarry (DDG 52) moves into position 120-150 feet (35-45 meters) alongside for a refueling/resupplying (UNREP) operation.

Note the wave action against the side of the destroyer as it approaches the much larger ship. Wind, ocean waves, ship-generated waves and currents….as well of the physics of two large floating machines getting so close to each other….make this a tricky maneuver….no matter how many times you do it.

(I performed this maneuver at least 100 times – and probably a whole lot more than that – during my seagoing career in the Navy.)

                                         ________________________

>>CLICK the photo for a closer look….

>>Photo:Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Ryre Arciaga , USN

Naval tradition….

NAVAL STATION ROTA,SPAIN (October 30, 2020) – Sailors aboard United States Navy guided-missile destroyer USSDonald Cook (DDG 75)man the rails as the ship departs its forward-deployed homeport for another patrol across the MediterraneanandBlack Seas.

USSDonald Cook (DDG 75) and her crew of nearly 300 will patrol thousands of miles of ocean in the weeks ahead.

Manning the rails is a traditional method of saluting or rendering honors used by naval vessels. Here, the ship’s crew, in working uniforms (as they handle mooring lines and heavy equipment for the departure from port), render honors to the allied nation of Spain….and to all those on the Naval Base who made their timely and “ready” departure possible.

                                    USS Donald Cook (DDG 75)

                                     ______________________

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Will Hardy, USN

Putting on a sunny face….

PERSIAN GULF (November 2, 2020) – An E-2C Hawkeyerests (note the chains securing the aircraft) on the flight deck of United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSNimitz (CVN 68)….

….looking almost “happy” as a new day dawns….

An E-2C Hawkeye tactical airborne early warning (AEW) aircraft approaches a landing on USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

….and the massive warship and her cruiser/destroyer escorts continue their deployment to this troubled region of the world.

                                           USS Nimitz (CVN 68)

                                         ______________________

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Elliot Schaudt, USN

A universe….

GULF OF OMAN (October 30, 2020) – Seaman Travis Snipes, USN, from Irving, Texas, prepares a mooring line for stowage below deck aboard United States Navy guided-missile destroyer USSSterett(DDG 104)….

….as he takes a moment to absorb his universe of blazing setting-sun….the shimmering sea….and his sleek warship….

….on the other side of the planet from home.

A universe all its own.

                                           USS Sterett (DDG 104)

                                           ____________________

>>ZOOM-IN on the top photo….and feel the warmth of the glowing sunset-at-sea….

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Drace Wilson, USN

Armed and Ready….

PERSIAN GULF (October 29, 2020) – A flight deck crew member signals while an F/A-18E Super Hornet is armed and readied for launch from United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSNimitz (CVN 68).

Moments later, LT Charlotte Thayer, USN, piloted her fighter jet into the skies in this often troubled part of the world….

                                           ____________________

>>ZOOM-IN on the top photo to get a closer look….and note the pilot’s name and an award-winning flight-crew member’s name stenciled on the aircraft – points  of professional pride, and a traditional honor for both.

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Elliot Schaudt, USN

             USS Nimitz (CVN 68) on patrol in the Persian Gulf

To the rescue….

          ….it’s a bird….

                    ….it’s a plane….

                              …it’s an Osprey….

PHILIPPINE SEA (October 28, 2020) – A United States Air ForceCV-22 Osprey operating out of Yokota Air Base,Japan, conducts a search-and-rescue exercise in conjunction with United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSRonald Reagan (CVN 76).

The ability of the tilt-rotor Ospreys to operate as both a helicopter and propeller-driven aircraft make it a unique asset to the military services….operating from aircraft carrier flight decks to land air bases….and including missions such as search-and-rescue, humanitarian support, administrative tasking and supply logistics.

AUnited States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey flying as an aircraft….rather than as a helicopter in the images at the top of the post.

                                         ______________________

>>Top four photos: Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Erica Bechard, USN

USSRonald Reagan (CVN 76)….behind the camera in the Osprey photos at the top of this post….

Like there’s a Warp Factor….

                        ….launching from a nuclear carrier….

PHILIPPINE SEA (October 23, 2020) – An E/A-18G Growlerelectronic warfare jet launches from the flight deck of United States Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USSRonald Reagan (CVN 76).

Star-date 20201023….on the far side of planet Earth, Milky Waygalaxy

                                    ________________________

>>Top two photos: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Gabriel A. Martinez, USN

                                  USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76)

A new day dawning….

PACIFIC OCEAN (October 24, 2020) – United States NavyArleigh Burke-classguided missiledestroyerUSSHalsey (DDG 97) on patrol thousands of miles from home….on the other side of the planet….

….at the start of another day for the proud warship carrying the name of one of the Nation’s most distinguished military leaders….

….Fleet AdmiralWilliam Frederick “Bull” Halsey Jr.….who played a huge role in leading American and Allied forces to victory in the Pacific theater of World War II….

….and another hard-working day on the same high seas for the nearly 300 21st-century American men and women who make her a fightingship.

                                           USS Halsey (DDG 97)

With a little luck, those Sailors hope to be back in their homeport of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in the early part of 2021….

     Meanwhile….USS Halsey (DDG 97) sails for new horizons….

                                         _____________________

>>Top three photos: Mass Communication Specialist3rd Class Andrew Langholf, USN

To far horizons….

        ….with good friends….

                  ….to prevent a war….

SOUTH CHINA SEA (October 20, 2020) – United States NavyArleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyerUSSJohn S. McCain (DDG 56) sails in formation with JSKirisame (DD 104) of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force(at the middle of the formation), and HMASArunta (FFH 151) of the Royal Australian Navy(out in front)….

….while conducting multi-national integrated maritime security operations in this increasingly volatile region (<<CLICK for the sordid details.)….

                                      The Asian “hemisphere”

(Basically, they are training as allies to put up an increasingly united hemispheric front against Communist Chineseaggression,territorial seizure and subsequent militarization….posing a serious threat (existentialto hundreds of millions of people in a dozen large nations) to one of the world’s foremost ocean trade routes – over $3 Trillion dollars-worth each year.)

Friends, warriors, professionals….with a serious diplomatic and military mission….

                                Australia: HMAS Arunta (FFH 151)

                                      Japan: JS Kirisame (DD 104)

                       United States: USS John S. McCain (DDG 56)

The South China Sea….ancient cultures, vast populations, crowded waters….and, now, increasingly dangerous tension….

                                        ______________________

>>Top photo: Mass Communication Specialist2nd Class Markus Castaneda, USN

The old and the new….

PACIFIC OCEAN (October 19, 2020) – Past and future intersected when a quadcopter-style drone resupplied, at sea, one of the United States Navy’soldestsubmarines,Ohio-class ballistic missile submarineUSSHenry M. Jackson (SSBN 730).(The submarine was commissioned in 1984.)

                   Delivery complete….the drone heads for home.

The test event was successful….with the 21st century drone depositing its package (look to the far right in the video) for pick-up on the submarine’s hull by waiting crew members….and returning to operators aboard a nearby surface ship.

Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation,1st Class Carlos Gonzalez, USN and Chief Electronics Technician, Submarine, Navigation Michael Inman, USN, pilot the drone from a nearby surface vessel.

While short in distance and small in size, the experimental operation demonstrated potential for future resupply operations without the need for ports or, even, nearby ships. (OrAmazon Prime!)

                                         ___________________

>>Turn up the sound on the video….you can hear the submarine crew members on deck clapping at the successful delivery….

>>Video:Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Devin M. Langer, USN; Photos: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael B. Zingaro, USN