Navy News Service

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Bookmark and Share You are subscribed to Navy News for U.S. Navy. This information has recently been updated, and is now available. Navy News Service NNS151222-01. Navy Announces Combining of Builder, Engineering Aide and Steelworker Ratings Senior Chiefs to Constructionman -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92529 NNS151222-16. Navy Announces USS Nimitz Extending Stay in Bremerton -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92544 NNS151222-11. CNO Rapid Innovation Cell Call for Applications -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92542 NNS151222-09. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Commander Receives Second Star -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92539 NNS151222-08. USS Texas visits Yokosuka during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92533 NNS151222-03. USS Hartford Returns from 6-Month Deployment -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92535 NNS151222-07. USNS Spearhead Prepares for its Pending Deployment -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92532 NNS151222-02. Santa, Elves on Motorcycles Bring 'Operation Bright Light' to NMCP -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92530 DNU -- See Something Say something, Saudi Arabia visits Truman, 21 Days of Fitmas (Finding motivation to Quit Tobacco) -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=21051 DNU -- Sailors participate in cooking competition -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=21052 DNU -- How to transfer your education benefits to family members. -- http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=21053 NNS151222-10. Current All Hands Update -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=92540 NNS011212-10. This Day in Naval History - Dec. 22 -- http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=326 Eye on the Fleet - U.S. Navy Photo of The Day -- http://www.navy.mil/list_single.asp?id=207617 -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-01. Navy Announces Combining of Builder, Engineering Aide and Steelworker Ratings Senior Chiefs to Constructionman From Chief of Naval Personnel Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Active duty and Reserve senior chief builder (BU), engineering aide (EA) and steelworker (SW) general ratings will be combined into the constructionman senior chief (CUCS) according to NAVADMIN 294/15, announced Dec. 21. The goal of the change is to strengthen the advancement opportunity, career diversity and duty assignments for Sailors in the BUCS, EACS and SWCS ratings. Sailors in these ratings will continue wear their current rating badge as their source rating badge and will use the same badge criteria as master chief constructionman (CUCM). The first CUCS selection boards will be the fiscal year 2017 boards, to convene Feb. 29 for Reserves and April 18 for active duty. All valid letters to the board received from prior BUCS, EACS and SWCS candidates will be considered in the CUCS competitive group. All billets previously coded as BUCS, EACS and SWCS will now be coded as CUCS and available for any CUCS to fill. Sea-shore flow will follow source rate tour lengths as outlined in NAVADMIN 361/12. For more information, read NAVADMIN 294/15 at the NPC website www.npc.navy.mil. For more news from Chief of Naval Personnel, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnp/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-16. Navy Announces USS Nimitz Extending Stay in Bremerton By Office of the Chief of Information WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy announced Dec. 22, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) will remain stationed in Bremerton, Washington, through fiscal year 2019 as part of a decision that avoids the possibility of three homeport changes over a four-year period for the ship's crewmembers and families. Nimitz, the Navy's oldest aircraft carrier in service, arrived at Bremerton's Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in January for a 16-month extended planned incremental availability (EPIA). Nimitz was scheduled to shift her homeport to Everett, Washington, in the summer of 2016, return to Bremerton in fiscal year 2018 for another extended maintenance period and move back to Everett in 2019. "The prospect of successive homeport changes and the inevitable impact on Sailors and their families resulted in my decision to extend the temporary stationing of USS Nimitz in Bremerton," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. Nimitz has completed three homeport changes in the past five years, including a move from San Diego to Bremerton in December 2010 for a yearlong maintenance period, a homeport change from Bremerton to Everett in December 2011 and the move from Everett to Bremerton in January. The vast majority of Nimitz's approximately 3,100 Sailors and their families reside in the Bremerton area due to the duration of the ship's current EPIA. "Sailors can now continue to focus on training and getting the ship ready for future missions without the added stress of relocating themselves and their families," said Nimitz Commanding Officer Capt. John Ring. In addition to eliminating back and forth moves between Bremerton and Everett, the decision to keep Nimitz in Bremerton through fiscal year 2019 alleviates a four-hour roundtrip commute between Bremerton and Everett for Sailors and families who may have stayed in Bremerton to avoid the multiple moves. Nimitz is scheduled to return to the Navy's installation in Everett at the earliest possible opportunity following completion of her scheduled 2018-2019 docking planned incremental availability in Bremerton. Naval Station Everett is a deep water port that never needs to be dredged, providing unobstructed access to the Puget Sound for the Navy's largest vessels. In September, the Navy announced plans to move destroyers USS Gridley (DDG 101), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Kidd (DDG 100) to Everett next year. Naval Station Everett currently supports USS Shoup (DDG 86), USS Momsen (DDG 92) and approximately 2,000 Navy personnel. The installation is scheduled to support five destroyers by the end of 2016. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-11. CNO Rapid Innovation Cell Call for Applications From Navy Warfare Development Command Public Affairs NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Have a radical idea to solve a naval problem? The Chief of Naval Operations and the Navy Warfare Development Command (NWDC) invite Junior Officers and Enlisted, O-4 and below, to apply for the CNO Rapid Innovation Cell (CRIC) for 2016. Interested individuals can prepare now to apply by visiting HERE. Application deadline is Jan. 31. Successful 2016 applicants will develop innovative technology or processes as part of the CRIC, established in 2012 to take advantage of opportunities outside the Navy mainstream. The CRIC empowers junior leaders with flag leadership advocacy and financial resources to develop prototypes that can be rapidly transitioned to the fleet. Volunteers from cross-sections of Navy communities are sought to participate as a collateral duty without a geographic relocation or release from present duty assignment. "CRIC members generally travel or participate in innovation events about four days every other month outside of their regular duties," said Cmdr. Benjamin Salazar, director of the CRIC. Project management is in addition to normally assigned duties. Verified command support is required for membership. "CRIC candidates must have exceptional drive, passion and the vision necessary to carry their project to completion," Salazar said. "In return, successful applicants will be provided funding, oversight, training, administration and logistics support via the CRIC NWDC that manages the CRIC program on behalf of the CNO." CRIC applicants should not be leaving the Navy or anticipating PCS orders to sea duty prior to September 2018. Project duration is normally not to exceed 24 months. "During their tenure, CRIC members will travel to meet with government and industry science, technology and innovation leaders throughout the world," Salazar said. "They will also have the opportunity to meet and brief the CNO on their projects." Chosen applicants will join a group of successful current CRIC members. Recently Lt. Jason Knudson led an open architecture initiative for afloat platforms that resulted in multiple demonstrations of rapidly reconfigurable mission packages aboard Stiletto and in Trident Spectre. Lt. Cmdr. Rollie Wicks is leading an initiative to develop a next-generation computer modeling language, which was recently adopted as an international standard and it is being implemented by the Department of Veteran's Affairs for medical systems. Direct intelligence community and DoD application of the modeling language and semantic technologies are ongoing under the leadership of Lt. Cmdr. Wicks who is working towards a National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency/Navy enterprise solution to semi-automate Notice to Mariners updates to Naval charts, eliminating a multi-year backlog of these products and producing near real-time maritime Safety of Navigation content in support of the safety of life at sea for U.S. Naval Forces. Lt. Eric Regnier leads a renewable energy initiative to produce electricity from naval galley food waste via solid state anaerobic digestion, developing and installing a prototype at the U.S. Naval Academy in less than 10 months from project start. Project data and lessons learned will inform further initiatives to implement waste to energy technologies at navy bases worldwide. Logistics Specialist Petty Officer Second Class Michael Crowley and Logistics Specialist Petty Officer Second Class Robert Kennedy lead an initiative to streamline on board materiel distribution by automating the documentation of repair part issues. For more information on CRIC projects or how to apply, visit CRIC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NavyCRIC and look for CRIC updates posted on our Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/NavyCRIC. Applications and information can also be obtained through contacting NWDC point of contacts: Ms. Cameron Cooper at cameron.cooper@navy.mil or (757)341-4731; Lt. j.g. Josie Lenny, at josie.lenny@navy.mil or (757)341-4687; or Cdr. Benjamin Salazar at benjamin.salazar@navy.mil or (757)341-4090. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-09. Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Commander Receives Second Star From Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Public Affairs NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The commander of the Navy's 20-state Mid-Atlantic Region, Rear Adm. Rick Williamson, received his second star today and will be reassigned in March as Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia (EURASWA), headquartered in Naples, Italy. Williamson has been the Mid-Atlantic regional commander since September 2014. U.S. Fleet Forces Commander, Adm. Phil Davidson, presented Williamson with his second star and frocked him to rear admiral (upper half) during a ceremony this morning at the Fleet headquarters in Norfolk. Williamson's new assignment will provide shore service support to U.S. and allied forces and families in the Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia area of responsibility. Williamson will also serve as commander, Maritime Air Forces, Naples. "My time in service has afforded me a wonderful opportunity to meet and work with talented professionals across this great country," Williamson said. "I look forward to continuing to support our fleet, fighter and family, not only here in Hampton Roads, but also worldwide." Rear Adm. Jack Scorby, currently serving as the EURASWA commander will be the next commander of the Mid-Atlantic Region. Williamson is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. He is a 1985 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science in computer science. For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrma/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-08. USS Texas visits Yokosuka during Indo-Asia-Pacific Deployment By Lt. j.g. Eric Wooten, USS Texas Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Texas (SSN 775) arrived at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, Dec. 22 for a visit as part of its Indo-Asia-Pacific deployment. The visit strengthens the already positive alliance between the U.S. and Japan through the crews' interaction with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. It also demonstrates the U.S. Navy's commitment to regional stability and maritime security in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. "The ship and crew performed exceedingly well," said Cmdr. Todd Nethercott, Texas' commanding officer. "The ship's motto, 'Don't Mess With Texas,' clearly depicts the ship's capabilities and the crew's spirit. The crew is looking forward to experiencing Yokosuka and working with our close regional allies." Texas is the second Virginia-class fast-attack submarine commissioned by the United States. It is capable of executing a multitude of missions including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, mine warfare, and shallow water operations. To maintain the stealth advantage inherent in submarines, the U.S. Navy does not normally release information about what specifically a submarine did while on patrol. "Texas conducted extensive training prior to deployment and is ready to execute the full spectrum of submarine force missions worldwide," said Nethercott. "Texas Sailors are hardworking and dedicated individuals," said Master Chief Machinist's Mate Daniel Kloepfer, Texas's chief of the boat. "Maintaining a forward-deployed nuclear submarine is not an easy task and Yokosuka will allow for some much deserved rest for the crew." Many crew members said they were excited to experience the rich culture of Japan. "One of the reasons I joined the Navy was to see the world," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Anthony Amos. "I'm looking forward to seeing Tokyo and maybe trying some of the world's best sushi." Measuring more than 377 feet long and weighing more than 7,800 tons when submerged, Texas is one of the quietest and most technologically advanced submarines in the ocean. Built in Newport News, Virginia, Texas home ported in Groton Connecticut before transferring to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 2009. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 7, visit www.navy.mil/local/csg7/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-03. USS Hartford Returns from 6-Month Deployment By Chief Mass Communication Steve Owsley, Naval Submarine Support Center, New London Public Affairs GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768) returned to its homeport at Naval Submarine Base New London, in Groton, Conn., from a regularly scheduled deployment, Dec. 18. Under the command of Cmdr. Thomas Aydt, Hartford returned from the European Command (EUCOM) areas of responsibility (AOR) where the crew executed the Chief of Naval Operations' maritime strategy in supporting national security interests and maritime security operations. The crew spent the last year getting the Hartford ready to deploy, following an 18-month maintenance period, Aydt said. "We deployed for six months to the European theater ... conducting missions of vital national security," Aydt said. "Hartford made three port calls in the United Kingdom and one in Rota, Spain, while operating in multiple environments throughout the Atlantic." During the deployment Hartford steamed approximately 40,000 nautical miles, equal to 1.85 trips around the world or nearly eight round trips from New London, Conn., to San Diego. Port visits along the way included Faslane, Scotland, and Rota, Spain. Aydt attributed the deployment's success to the Hartford crew's hard work and dedication. "The guys worked very hard during the training period; they performed above and beyond," said Aydt. "They're very eager to learn and very eager to keep facing each new challenge." One person in the crowd of friends and family understood the types of challenges and accomplishments the Hartford crew faced on deployment more than most. Retired Senior Chief Fire Controlman Jeff Traylor completed 17 patrols in his 21-year submarine career. Traylor welcomed his grandson, Fire Control Technician 3rd Class Jordan Davidson, home from his second deployment. Traylor's pride in his service, the submarine community and his grandson came together as he watched the sub steam toward its homeport. "We were out watching her (Hartford) come past Avery Point and I couldn't help but feel great pride," said Traylor. "My heart kind of swells when you look at the United States Navy - the most powerful submarine force in the world - coming up the river and my grandson is on that boat." Rachel Green was starting a new adventure with her husband, Electronic's Technician 1st Class Matthew Green. Rachel held a hand-painted sign that said, "Green party of three," to share the news that the couple would be having their first child. "I visited him in Scotland at one of their port calls and the odds were absolutely in our favor, and two weeks later I found out I was pregnant," said Rachel. Santa Claus rode topside on the Hartford and waved to all the children in the crowd. After Hartford moored, he walked through the crowd greeting the children and handing out small presents. One of the best early Christmas presents went to young Mary Storer, but it didn't come from Santa. She along with her brother, John, and mother, Lizzie, won the first hug with her father, Lt. Gregory Storer. Lizzie said the homecoming ceremony was, "incredibly special and it makes the sacrifices of the last six months worth it." Fast-attack submarines like USS Hartford are multi-mission platforms enabling five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence. The submarine is designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare. The sub can handle a variety of missions, from open ocean anti-submarine warfare to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to projecting power ashore with special operation forces and tomahawk cruise missiles in the prevention or preparation of regional crises. Commissioned Dec. 10, 1994, Hartford is the second ship to be named for Hartford, Conn. It is 360 feet long with a beam of almost 33 feet and draft of 29 feet. For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-07. USNS Spearhead Prepares for its Pending Deployment By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amy M. Ressler, USNS Spearhead Public Affairs VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Navy's Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel USNS Spearhead (T-EPF 1) are preparing for their scheduled deployment in early 2016 to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to support the international collaborative capacity-building program Africa Partnership Station (APS). Cmdr. Tim Ferracci is assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) but will serve as the officer in charge of the military attachment aboard Spearhead. "These Sailors are excited and ready to execute the African Partnership Station mission where the focus will be on increasing African partner nation maritime law enforcement capabilities and enhancing interoperability throughout the region, said Ferracci. "I'm proud of what these Sailors have accomplished in such a short time to prepare for this deployment and looking forward to accomplishing great things." Sailors participated in a two-week training at the Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story to become better acquainted and equipped for the upcoming mission. "My crew and I are looking forward to working with such a diverse group of Sailors," said Captain Doug Cassavant, Spearhead's master, "This year's APS is an exciting opportunity to continue to build our relationships with our African partner nations and expand maritime capabilities." Cmdr. John Lucas, assigned to Navy Expeditionary Warfighting Development Center, added the uniqueness of the Spearhead mission is that it brings together the right people to carry out the required expeditionary mission under the Adaptive Force Package. "This mission is bringing together various capabilities that can operate together interchangeably and successfully," said Lucas. Ferracci added that the command element for the Adaptive Force Package comprises Sailors from a wide range of commands and backgrounds who have distinct capabilities. Operations Specialist 1st Class Dawana Brown, one of the Sailors who will deploy aboard Spearhead for the first time, said she found the training useful. "The training taught us a lot as far as mission requirements," said Brown. "It accelerates you to the next level of being ready." Started in 2007, APS is a spectrum of activities that develop skill sets and interoperability among regional partners. APS works to develop the maritime capacity of countries under the four pillars of the maritime capacity-building continuum: Maritime Professionals, Maritime Domain Awareness, Infrastructure, and Response Capabilities. Lt. Cmdr. Jason Smith, deputy mission commander and military detachment assistant officer in charge, discussed the various missions Spearhead will provide to include Theater Security Cooperation exercises to build partner national capabilities. "The mission is designed to help those countries learn the best practices and gain experience in maritime law enforcement and how they enforce their laws on the high seas and territorial waters," said Smith. Spearhead is the first of 11 expeditionary fast transport vessels planned for the Navy's Military Sealift Command. The ship is on her third deployment supporting theater security cooperation efforts and the international collaborative capacity-building program, Africa Partnership Station, in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations. Spearhead is scheduled to work with and visit more than six nations during her deployment. T-EPF 1 is a 338-foot long aluminum catamaran capable of transporting 600 tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots, and is designed to operate in austere ports and waterways, providing added flexibility to U.S. warfighters worldwide. The ship's flight deck can also support flight operations for a wide variety of aircraft, including a CH-53 Super Stallion. For more news from Navy Expeditionary Combat Command , visit www.navy.mil/local/necc/. -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS151222-02. Santa, Elves on Motorcycles Bring 'Operation Bright Light' to NMCP By Mass Communication Specialist (SW) Liz Vlahos, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Public Affairs PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Santa led a caravan of roaring motorcycles onto the grounds of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Dec. 19 for Operation Bright Light, an annual visit by area motorcycle clubs to deliver presents and holiday cheer to the children of hospitalized service members. Members of Rolling Thunder Chapter 5, the V-Twin Cruisers, the Sons of Poseidon, and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association braved chilly temperatures to haul and deliver more than 300 gifts to lift the spirits of children receiving inpatient treatment at NMCP. "This is very important to the command and to the patients who are here," said Capt. Bradford Smith, NMCP's executive officer, to the bikers. "As a pediatrician, I know the incredible value that these gifts bring to the kids. They are at their very worst at that time, and so are their parents, and they're trying to get better. We've found that not only medicine, but that healing touch - those gifts that you give, bringing their spirits up - goes a million miles toward making them better." Members of NMCP's American Red Cross station coordinated the event, along with NMCP's Chief Petty Officer, First Class Petty Officer, Second Class Petty Officer, and Junior Enlisted Associations. "It's a great way for the community to reach out and help us take care of our military kids," said Chris Brogan, child life specialist at NMCP. "It can be tough being in the hospital throughout the year, especially around the holidays. I think a lot of people want to help, but don't know how to, and Rolling Thunder is one of those groups that make that happen." The first stop for the convoy of volunteers was the emergency room, and from that point Santa and his troops of leather-clad elves traveled to the pediatrics ward and the pediatric intensive care unit, where they handed out presents and put smiles on the faces of young patients. "I've been doing Operation Bright Light for two years, and the best part is the looks on the children's faces, then the look on the parents' faces," said Susanne Rice, a member of Rolling Thunder Chapter 5. "Christmas is through the eyes of the child, but when you see the eyes of the parents who are looking at their child's eyes, and seeing Santa, it gives me goose bumps. You don't need any verbal feedback. All you have to do is look at the child's face and see the smile. That's what Christmas is all about." Rice remembered her first experience with Operation Bright Light. "I'm a nurse, so I'm used to seeing sick kids," Rice said. "Even if you don't like seeing sick kids, you gear yourself up for it and put that aside. When you look the kids square in the eye and see them looking at Santa Claus, it's just marvelous." LaFrancis Francis, the American Red Cross station chair for NMCP, shared Rice's sentiments. "The best part of Operation Bright Light is seeing the children and the motorcycle riders meet," Francis said. "When they get to meet, it's almost like both of them are seeing Santa Claus as 7 year olds. The eyes light up, the faces twinkle, the cheeks turn rosy on everybody. The sweetest time about Operation Bright Light is when that connection happens." Santa didn't just reserve his bounty for the young patients, however. He also gave presents to their siblings, much to their delight and their parents. "I thought it was really awesome, and my older kids thought it was fabulous," said Jamie Atkins, whose youngest daughter is undergoing care at NMCP. "They looked out the window and were really excited to see Santa. We've been through a lot, and it's really hard on my 8 and 7 year olds, so anytime the hospital has something special going on for them, it's something to make them happy when they have a lot emotionally going on." After Santa visited all the children, NMCP's chiefs, petty officers and junior enlisted treated the motorcyclists and volunteers to a lunch of fried chicken and potato salad in the galley. The presents that where not passed out will be saved and distributed to future pediatric patients by Red Cross volunteers and wounded warriors recovering at NMCP. The motorcycle clubs visit twice a year. In addition to the December event, Rolling Thunder and the other clubs visit bring Santa during the summer for "Christmas in July," and also pass out gifts to children who are in the hospital. For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/. NNS151222-10. Current All Hands Update From Defense Media Activity - Navy WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Hands Update features three one-minute newscasts today. First one-minute newscast - See Something Say Something, Saudi Arabia Visits Truman, 21 Days of Fitmas (Finding Motivation to Quit Tobacco) links: https://youtu.be/YusqUnFaYUo http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=21051 Second one-minute newscast - YKA-Chopped competition links: https://youtu.be/SbIfhsryq1A http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=21052 Third one-minute newscast - G.I. Bill links: https://youtu.be/u1Uf6a_F9iE http://www.navy.mil/viewVideo.asp?id=21053 Defense Media Activity-Navy produces All Hands Update (AHU) newscasts each day. AHU can be seen throughout the day and evening on the Direct-to-Sailor (DTS)satellite television service available aboard 160 ships of the fleet and via the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. Check your local DTS program schedule for air times. AHU can also be seen throughout the world on the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- -USN- NNS011212-10. This Day in Naval History - Dec. 22 From Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division 1775 - Congress commissions the first naval officers: Commander-in-Chief of the Fleet Esek Hopkins; Captains Dudley Saltonstall, Abraham Whipple, Nicolas Biddle, and John Hopkins; and 13 lieutenants including John Paul Jones. 1841 - The Navy's first ocean-going side-wheel steam ship, the Mississippi, is commissioned at Philadelphia, Pa. 1942 - Sue Dauser takes the oath of office as Superintendent of Navy Nurse Corps, becoming the first woman with the relative rank of captain in U.S. Navy. She is promoted to the rank of captain Feb. 26, 1944. 1942 - On board USS Silversides (SS 236), Pharmacists Mate 1st Class Thomas A. Moore performs an emergency appendectomy on Fireman 3rd Class George M. Platter while the submarine is submerged and on war patrol in the Solomon Islands. Platter returned to duty within a few days of the operation. 1960 - HS-3 and HU-2 helicopters, operating from USS Valley Forge, rescue 28 men from oiler SS Pine Ridge breaking up in heavy seas off Cape Hatteras, N.C. -USN- -USN- -USN- Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy, containing stories recently posted to the Navy Web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Navy - 6700 Taylor Rd., Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS). For the latest in Navy news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil. For all Navy-related questions, review the FAQs posted at www.navy.mil or visit www.history.navy.mil. Media queries should be directed to the Navy News Desk at (703) 697-5342. -USN- Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com. This service is provided to you at no charge by U.S. Navy. Navy News Service is the official news wire service of the U.S. Navy containing stories recently posted to the Navy web site at www.navy.mil. It is a product of the Defense Media Activity - Navy, 6700 Taylor Ave, Fort Meade, MD 20755. Reprints should be credited to the Navy News Service (NNS). Powered by GovDelivery