08 Feb 2010 Footnote.com has announced a new addition to its Vietnam War Collection: Army Photos and Unit Service Awards.

As you may know Footnote.com is usually a subscription service but the company is making its Vietnam War collection free for the month of February. You can access it at http://go.footnote.com/vietnam/.

The Army Photos are directly available at http://www.footnote.com/documents/241910021/photosvietnamwar_army/. There are almost 29,000 images available here and at this writing the collection is denoted as “76% complete.” The first page has lists of recent comments and “discoveries” that have been made, but there’s also a search box. I did a search for patrol and got 400 results. You can also browse items via 31 categories (from aerials to vehicles.)

The Army Unit Service Awards cover documents related to Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and Meritorious Unit Commendations. The documents cover duties of service, duties performed, and letters of recommendation, and are available at http://www.footnote.com/documents/241893090/vietnamunitservice_awards/. You can browse these items if you like (they’re organized by unit) and you can also do a keyword search. Remember these are unit citations, and not individual citations.

You can get more information on unit citations at http://www.homeofheroes.com/medals/ribbons/1ribbonsunit.html.

As long as you’re here, you might want to check out some of the other materials relating to the Footnote.com Vietnam War collection, including Marine Corps photos (almost 20,000) and an interactive version of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where you can leave a tribute to one of the people listed on the wall, or provide other information (like a picture.)

Source: LTC Tom Lasser, AUS (RET)

ALAMEDA, CA (KGO) — The newest addition to the Coast Guard’s fleet arrived at its new home in Alameda Sunday.

Officials say the Coast Guard Cutter Waesche is one of the most technologically advanced vessels of its kind. The 418-foot ship has cutting-edge sensors, the ability to move at high speeds, a range of 12,000 miles and a crew of 110.

It is the second of eight similar cutters the Coast Guard is planning to build.

USCG News Release February 26, 2010

Coast Guard’s newest National Security Cutter to arrive at Alameda, Calif. Contact: PACS Keith Alholm - (510) 388-1313

ALAMEDA, Calif. -The Coast Guard’s newest cutter is scheduled to arrive at its new homeport of Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m.

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche, named for Adm. Russell R. Waesche, is the second of eight planned Legend Class cutters preceding the Coast Guard Cutter Dorothy Stratton and following the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf.

“We are proud to bring the Coast Guard’s newest and most technologically advanced ship to its home in Alameda,” said Coast Guard Capt. Lance Bardo, commanding officer of Waesche.

The 418-foot cutter has a top speed of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 miles and a crew of 110. It’s equipped with a 4,000 square-foot flight deck that is outfitted with an automated landing and dual track hangaring system.

Waesche is also equipped with two Short Range Prosecutor small boats that can be deployed and recovered from the stern launch system, increasing the ability to launch and recover boats in heavy seas.

The ship will be commissioned at a ceremony on Coast Guard Island in May.

“I look forward to the future accomplishments of this ship and crew as it contributes to the safety of America’s coasts,” said Bardo.

Adm. Russell R. Waesche was the Coast Guard’s longest serving Commandant who presided over the greatest expansion of the service in history. Waesche ensured the integration of the U.S. Lighthouse Service into the Coast Guard and is also credited with the organization of the Coast Guard Reserve. He graduated from the Revenue Cutter School of Instruction and was commissioned as an Ensign in 1906. Waesche retired from active duty Coast Guard service and passed away shortly thereafter in 1946. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

SAN DIEGO - History was made when two of the Coast Guard’s Legend-class National Security Cutters; Bertholf and Waesche were documented during their transit together on the waters off the coast of Southern California, Friday, Feb. 26, 2010. Crewmembers from each of the cutters gathered on the flight deck in formation of the cutters’ perspective hull numbers. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta H. Disco) The National Security Cutter (NSC)is the flagship of the fleet, capable of meeting all maritime security mission needs. It is the largest and most technically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard, with robust capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement and national defense missions.

NSC: Project Description

Any Mission, Anytime, Anywhere

At 418 feet, the lead ship in the new Legend-class of national security cutters is designed to be the flagship of the U.S. Coast Guard’s fleet, capable of executing the most challenging maritime security missions including supporting the mission requirements of the joint U.S. combatant commanders. The NSC is the largest and most technically advanced class of the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) program’s three major classes of cutters and will replace the aging 378′ High Endurance Hamilton class cutters that have been in service since the 1960s.

Sister ships stand side-by-side as Bertholf undergoes testing and preparation for sea trials later this year. (Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems)

Capability Compared to legacy cutters, the NSC’s design will provide better sea keeping and higher sustained transit speeds, greater endurance and range, and the ability for launch and recovery, in higher sea states of improved small boats, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles - all key attributes in enabling the Coast Guard to implement increased security responsibilities. Such duties include exerting more effective jurisdiction over foreign-flagged ships transiting U.S. waters. Deepwater’s more capable maritime security cutters, for example, will enable the Coast Guard to screen and target vessels faster, more safely and reliably before they arrive in U.S. waters - to include conducting onboard verification through boardings and, if necessary, taking enforcement-control actions.The NSC will serve as an integral part of the Coast Guard’s collaborative inter-agency effort to achieve maritime domain awareness and ensure the safety of the American public and sovereignty of U.S. maritime borders.

Evolving Mission Requirements Just as the multiple maritime and military roles of the U.S. Coast Guard have grown in scope and significance since the 9/11 terrorist attacks against the United States, so too have the NSC’s capability requirements evolved to be responsive to today’s ever-more challenging operational missions and threats. ” The Coast Guard’s Deepwater Program existed prior to 9/11″, said Blore at the keel-laying ceremony for “Waesche”, “as did our Coast Guard, as did this shipyard. For Deepwater to modernize and recapitalize the Coast Guard, we need to change with the threat.”

NSC Structural Design Not atypically for a first-in-class ship, during the Coast Guard’s review of the NSC’s design from 2002 to 2004, concerns were raised about certain aspects of the ship’s structure that could prevent it from achieving its required 30-year service life. Specifically, Coast Guard and independent technical experts questioned whether some of the cutter’s structural components would experience fatigue damage prior to the service-life objective, a critical consideration given the extended, high-tempo operations expected of the NSC. After thorough review, the Coast Guard determined that it is in the U.S. Government’s interest to increase the fatigue tolerance of the NSC to ensure that the ship’s basic structures will meet its projected 30-year service life. Engineering changes to address the desired structural enhancements were developed in collaboration with the U.S. Navy and other naval engineering experts for approval by the Deepwater Program’s technical authority, the Engineering and Logistics Directorate at U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

In the end, Coast Guard officials say, the NSC will be designed to achieve a 30-year fatigue life and built to deliver 21st Century capabilities to the Coast Guard in a way that will enhance the safety of its crew and allow the Coast Guard to execute its central missions more effectively, efficiently, and safely.

Status

The U.S. Coast Guard conducted preliminary acceptance of Waesche (WMSL 751)on Nov. 6, 2009. Stratton is 35% complete.

USCGC WAESCHE (WMSL 751) COMMISSIONING AND RECEPTION

Note: There will also be a change of command and retirement at Coast Guard Island, VADM. Jody Breckenridge transfers command of USCG Pacific Area to RADM. Manson Brown. Then she retires. Date and time to be announced.

Title: USCGC WAESCHE (WMSL 751) COMMISSIONING AND RECEPTION

Location: Coast Guard Island, Alameda, CA

Start Time: 5/07/2010 10:00 AM

End Time: 5/07/2010 1:30 PM

Description

USCGC WAESCHE (WMSL 751) is the second ship in a new class of National Security Cutters (NSC). She is a state-of-the-art 418-foot vessel designed to meet the challenges that the Coast Guard will face for years to come. The Navy League of the United States, WAESCHE Commissioning Committee is coordinating the ceremony of this new ship. The NSC is the largest and most technically advanced class of the Integrated Deepwater System (IDS) program’s three major classes of cutters and will replace the aging 378′ High Endurance Hamilton class cutters that have been in service since the 1960s. Make history and be part of this important event! Take ownership interest in the first day of the USCGC WAESCHE, named for Admiral R.R. WAESCHE, Commandant of the Coast Guard during World War Two. Share the pride when this beautiful ship comes to life, manned by the outstanding men and women of today’s modern Coast Guard. Your tax-deductable contribution makes a real difference in the lives of the Coast Guard personnel. Come and show your support, stand alongside us, and applaud the sacrifices of our men and women.

Please make checks payable to “CCCNLUS” and mail your donation to:

Navy League

875-A Island Drive, Suite 398

Alameda, CA 94502

Websites: http://www.uscgcwaesche.com and http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/CGCWaesche/

Point of Contact: Jeanne Sharkey Navy League of the United States bjsharkey at yahoo dot com | (925) 228-1375

Source: Phelps Hobart

The following companies provide major discounts of 10% - 20% off to veterans, active duty troops, and federal employees; all you have to do is ask:

RESTAURANTS

Arby’s, A & W, Back Yard Burgers, Burger King, Captain D’s, Chick-Fil-A, Cotton Patch, Denny’s, Dunkin Donuts, IHOP (20% discount), Java Café, KFC, Long John Silver, Pancho’s Mexican Buffet, Pizza Hut

SERVICES

AT & T, California Cryobank, Geico, Jiffy Lube, Meineke, Sears Portrait Studio,

TRAVEL and LEISURE

Blockbuster, Movie Theaters, Ripley’s Attractions and Museums, Professional Sports Teams

RESTURANTS

Quizno’s, Sizzler, Sonic, Taco Bell, Whataburger

PRODUCTS

Apple Computers, AutoZone, Barnhill’s, Bass Pro Shop, Bath and Body Works, Big 10 Tires

PRODUCTS

The Buckle, Champ Sports, Copeland’s Sports, Dell, The Discovery Channel Store, Dress Barn, The Finish Line, Foot Action, Footlocker, Gadzooks, GNC, Goody’s, Great Party, Happy Harry’s

PRODUCTS

Jockey, Lerner, Michael’s, NAPA Auto Parts, New York & Company, Pac Sun, Payless Shoes, Play It Again Sports, Pure Beauty, Sally Beauty Supply, Spencer Gifts, Suncoast, Timberland Outlets, Wilson’s Leather

CELL PHONE SERVICE DISCOUNT

All Federal employees are able to get a 15% discount on their personal cell phones by calling their carrier and mentioning the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996 – Discount to Federal Employees Past and Present. Military members must indicate supervisor’s name, telephone number, and full address so that military status can be verified.

Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon

Source: LTC Tom Lasser, USA (RET)

How far is it from the Alamo to Baghdad?

What is this? A geography quiz?

No, just the tweaking of events that brought to mind that I am writing this on the 23rd of February and the anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo.

Yes, there are those who sit on the other side of the border who reject the battle. However, history is written in the blood of men, which once shed can not be put back to bleed in a different manner.

This was driven home to me by a Master Sergeant who has served in the political action section of our military forces in Iraq. He related that this was his seventh tour beginning with Gulf War One. Just as he has grown in rank and age, so also he had “grown” two Purple Hearts and other awards.

The words he shared with us were not about himself, but about the young men and women who faced their “Alamo” in the geography of a place and a nation foreign to them. Maybe much like the troops at the original Alamo.

The orders were to fight to the death. Really, it does not make a bit of difference who shoots and kills you: You die regardless. Yet you die with purpose for your family and the enjoyment of life you had with them.

The Sergeant spoke of the commitment he had to make sure that the Iraqi people would come to understand how to create a constitution and by laws so they could live in a democratic nation. Did they understand all the bits and pieces of the democratic way of life? Probably no more than the American men and women who made it possible for the vote to be cast on “Purple Finger Day.” Yet, our men and women were not there for financial gain. Or even personal social status gain. Down and dirty it is this: Freedom has meaning only as long as it is coupled with responsibility. The Responsibility to God and Country.

A pole will not stand by itself, but if you stand with it two more, the Triangle will stand. The two other poles are Patriotism and Morality. The three are bound together. Knock out one, and the other two will fall as well.

It is only when men like the Sergeant come among us that we learn of the daily “Alamos” engaged by our troops. Our women fight with valor and are awarded the highest of military awards for bravery action above and beyond.

To my knowledge, the Medal of Honor has not been awarded to one of our female warriors in this engagement. And that may be because the one who saw the action did not live to write it up, therefore………..

God gave to us, in our Holy Judeo and Christian Scriptures, the factors of individual worth, integrity, and the freedom to practice faith as a matter of love and devotion to our Heavenly God and Father.

And as the Sergeant refreshed our memory: the freedom to fight for liberty and independence was the heritage given to us from Lexington and Concord. The love and devotion was fought for by men and women who spoke a variety languages but held to the one factor: they lived to bring the message of freedom and independence to the world. And the world responded by beating the trail to our shores - many of whom served in our military to gain their citizenship.

How far from the Alamo to Baghdad? The oath of enlistment and commissioning puts it this way: I will fight all enemies, foreign and domestic. It is a commitment that is not limited by time or miles.

Blessings,

Padre Jeff

Francis E. Jeffery

Copyright 23 February 2010 by Francis E. Jeffery. You are free to use this article as long as ascription is given. No changes or deletions may be made. If changes are desired, please contact me before using. Thanks, Pr. Jeff

Used by Permission.

San Francisco Bay Area

Sunday March 14 - Friday March 19, 2010

Sunday March 14, 2010

10:00 AM Stanford University Chapel/Guest Choir at Morning Worship Service/Open to all/No tickets required.

Monday March 15, 2010

7:30 PM In Concert at Grace Cathedral/1100 California Street/San Francisco, CA 94108/Tickets available for purchase online at http://www.cityboxoffice.com, by phone at 515-392-4400 and at the door.

Thursday March 18, 2010

7:30 PM In Concert at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph/80 South Market Street/San Jose, CA 95113/Tickets available for purchase online at/http://www.stjosephcathedral.org/Home/, by phone at 408-283-8100 and at the door.

Friday March 19, 2010

7:30 PM In Concert at Gallo Center for the Arts/1000 I Street/Modesto, CA 95354/Tickets available for purchase online at http://www.galloarts.org, by phone at 209-338-2100 and at the door.

Source: Phelps Hobart

Dear Mr. Dunn:

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your views with me. Your comments will help me continue to represent you and other Californians to the best of my ability. Be assured that I will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers legislation on this or similar issues.

If you would like additional information about my work in the U.S. Senate, I invite you to visit my website, http://boxer.senate.gov. From this site, you can send a message to me about current events or pending legislation, access my statements and press releases, request copies of legislation and government reports, and receive detailed information about the many services that I am privileged to provide for my constituents. You may also wish to visit http://thomas.loc.gov to track current and past federal legislation.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I appreciate hearing from you.

Barbara Boxer

United States Senator

Source: Ivan Dunn

The couple were first time attendees in our Sunday morning worship which three of us retired military chaplains conduct in a retirement center for military persons. Both were well past the half century mark. They both looked in good health and carried themselves in good posture. They asked me if they could discuss a remark made by the chaplain during his sermon. I said that we welcomed such discussions.

The remark that set them to thinking was that the Judeo-Christian scriptures forbade human sacrifice as had been mentioned by the Chaplain sermoner. I asked them what else had triggered their interest in the remark. He told me that he had been a senior NCO in the USMC. She replied that she had been a senior NCO in the Army. Both had served in combat areas. Both had seen the deaths of individuals of both genders and varied ages. As an active duty Marine, he had seen people killed as well as been instrumental in killing them. She had cared for those military and civilians wounded in combat areas. Both had worshipped in a joint military installation and had made their decisions to dedicate their lives to the service of our Heavenly God and Father.

The matter of abortions was significant because they were unable to have children. The essence of their thought was “How could Christians, who were against human sacrifice, accept the practice of abortions in which living babies were killed?” To them, this was the practice of human sacrifice for the individual desire of the persons involved: the mother carrying the child and the father who has procreated the child. We spent hours in the discussion. And in true military style, drank many cups of coffee. We parted company neither agreeing or disagreeing on their concept of human sacrifice vs abortion.

I will admit that military congregants are not shy in asking questions. Maybe because they have seen what occurs when death happens. But I will also admit that this couple’s question was the first I remember having been asked phrased in this perspective.

One of their remarks had been that our national church medical plan permitted abortions as a necessary medical procedure in cases other than the toxic reaction which could or would cause the death of the mother and therefore the child as well. How could the church accept this broad basis of abortion?

I thought of the Sarah Palin who as a Christian refused to abort Trigg when it was confirmed that he would be a Down Syndrome child. Here was a woman who rejected that form of human sacrifice for any reason – religious, moral, social.

In the course of conversation it became very apparent that this couple’s concepts were not “Holier than thou” but rather the deep questioning that goes on with anyone who has committed mind, body, and soul to the service of Our Heavenly God and Father.

As a Pastor/Chaplain I have had funeral services for the aborted remains of a child. The service jolted me more than a regular memorial services. Somewhere during the procedure the mother had determined that this was a child and should be buried accordingly. I agreed when she asked.

And so: Human sacrifice? The Lord gave us a mind to think. The thoughts which occur are not always pleasant yet are necessary for our spiritual welfare - and not so incidentally, for others whom we meet along life’s pathway. Psalm 139:13-16 forms a primary foundation for thought. Blessings,

Padre Jeff

The Rev. Dr. Francis E. Jeffery

Copyright 23 February 2010 by Francis E. Jeffery. You are free to use this article as long as ascription is given. No changes or deletions may be made. If changes are desired, please contact me before using. Thanks, Pr. Jeff

Used By permission.

by Fred Edwards

March 5, 2010 — The dispute about don’t ask, don’t tell (DADT) is creating more questions than answers. The first questions concern a statement by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates: “We have a degree of latitude within the existing law to change our internal procedures in a manner that is more appropriate and fair to our men and women in uniform.”

Is he saying that the Department of Defense — not the Supreme Court — is going to interpret Section 654, Title 10, of the U.S. Code that bars active homosexuals from military service? The more accurate word is “re-interpret,” because that statute has been followed since it was enacted in 1993.

If Gates is referring to “selective enforcement,” is he starting down the slippery slope that social scientists call selective morality? Does he propose to circumvent a law that plainly states: “The presence in the armed forces of persons who demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability.”?

At least, Gates is proposing a study of possible consequences. But Sen. Joseph I. Lieberman, I-Conn., isn’t waiting for any study. On March 3, he introduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, which would yank DADT right out of the U.S. Code. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl M. Levin, D-Mich., supports the bill, and said he expects his panel to take it up in May as part of the national defense authorization bill (NDAA).

But isn’t the NDAA supposed to authorize funds. This year, will it authorize social engineering to push homosexuals in the faces of the Pentagon chiefs who have cautioned that a study is needed?

Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North, the host of “War Stories” on Fox News, asked more questions in a commentary in Washington Times February 6.

• If Section 654 is modified, will members of the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) be allowed to serve?

• Will the armed forces have to accept same-sex marriages?

• Will military chaplains be required to perform same-sex marriages?

• Will same-sex couples rate military housing?

• Will same-sex couples be allowed to serve in the same unit or aboard the same ship?

For readers who are not familiar with NAMBLA, this organization declares “We support the rights of youth as well as adults to choose the partners with whom they wish to share and enjoy their bodies.” and adds, “It’s the love of a man for a boy, and of a boy for a man. Enjoyable, consensual, beautiful.” The question is, how can this philosophy be applied to a 25-year-old military noncommissioned officer and an 18-year-old private just out of basic training?

The next question concerns those — such as Joint Chiefs chairman, Admiral Mike Mullen — who insist that the existing law “forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens.” The statute states, “There is no constitutional right to serve in the armed forces.” It adds that “the term ‘homosexual’ means a person, regardless of sex, who engages in, attempts to engage in, has a propensity to engage in, or intends to engage in homosexual acts.” So what makes a professed homosexual different from any other person who is not wanted in the armed forces?

Furthermore, why does the chairman speak only of young men and women? What will happen if young, openly homosexual service members become old, senior, career members? The NAMBLA questions come to mind.

A former combat comrade who now runs an international leadership academy sent me some questions of his own. He said he has problems with the possibility of intimate relationships developing between a section, patrol, or fire team commander and someone in their command, irrespective of whether the relationship is heterosexual (men and women in combat teams) or homosexual. He quoted an Australian Special Air Service adage that leaders at all levels should be fair, firm and friendly but never familiar. He asked, “How can leaders deal with all their team members fairly if they have a special (and possibly intimate) relationship with one of them — particularly if disciplinary action needs to be taken with the object of the leader’s familiarity?”

All of these questions demand answers before making an irrevocable jump into the unknown. Military commanders are taught that every decision they make must be predicated upon how it will affect the mission. If it does not affect the mission, then the decision should be based upon its effect on the troops. We’re fighting two wars and must make decisions involving winning first. Then we might have time for an experiment with social engineering.

Source: Crosshairs - Military Matters in Review at www.milmat.net by Fred Edwards. Used By Permission.

Bud, please share this with the MOAA community. It is a paid internship in the Military Aftermarket group. The position reports to me. I’d like someone with prior service. Please highlight that the person must be a current college student.

Semper fidelis,

Ted

Hamilton Sundstrand Internship Program - San Diego Requisition Number: 1794035 Location: San Diego, CA

Hamilton Sundstrand is among the largest global suppliers of technologically advanced aerospace and industrial products. We design and manufacture aerospace systems for commercial, regional, corporate and military aircraft and are a major supplier for international space programs. Our industrial products serve industries ranging from hydrocarbon, chemical and food processing to construction and mining.

The Hamilton Sundstrand Internship and Co-operative Education Programs are the cornerstones of the company's college recruiting strategy. Students hired into these programs represent our pipeline of talent - our future executives! Both programs provide opportunities for short term work assignments for students pursuing degree programs directly related to Hamilton's core business. INTERNSHIPS Internships are for students who prefer shorter work periods, usually three months during the summer. A formal agreement is not required with the school. The company's goal is to relate employment opportunities to the student's academic majors to ensure maximum productivity for all parties involved. The goal of the Intern program is to enhance the student's academic training, professional growth, and personal development.The majority of our interns work during the summer months, but there are occasionally opportunities for students to work on a part-time basis throughout the school year.

Minimum Requirements: * Pursuing a degree directly related to Hamilton's core business * 3.0+ GPA preferred Hamilton Sundstrand seeks students currently enrolled in degree programs directly related to our core business: ENGINEERING: Aerospace, Computer Systems, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Material Science, Mechanical, Metallurgical BUSINESS: General Business, Accounting, Finance, Procurement, Operations, Marketing, Supply Chain Management TECHNICAL/NON-ENGINEERING: Computer Information Systems, Information Technology, Information Systems NATURAL SCIENCES: Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Health & Safety Must be US Citizen or Permanent resident United Technologies Corporation is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

The port call to Mayport, FL is delayed, at least. Carl Vinson will remain in the vicinity of Joint Operating Area Haiti (JOA-H) until further notice. I’ll reiterate - not the benign trip around the horn I was expecting. Many now anticipate that we will resume our transit around Valentine’s Day, but that is purely Lieutenant speculation. Later is a possibility. If it were just a matter of fuel and provisions we could stay on scene longer than anybody would care to continue reading my droning comments. The unfortunate truth is that the ship has many other obligations that are most commonly related to scheduled maintenance. Boring as it may seem, the laundry list of work to be completed prior to preparations for a traditional deployment is long, necessary, and right around the corner. Even in light of Haiti, that is not forgotten.

Like most men wearing eagles on their collars, my Captain, a 1982 Naval Academy graduate, is one of those discerning individuals who frequently attacks a situation with three solutions. It’s a bit of a mantra. He likes redundancy in his problem solving. Each evening when I take the bridge with my empty cup of coffee and two apples, task number one is to read the Captain’s night orders. They are bound in a black binder bearing the title of what they are. His hand written passage follows guidance from the Navigator, the status of the ship, and the plan for the day. It is not infrequent that CAPT Bruce Lindsey reminds us to always have a couple of contingency plans. In the night orders he is referring to options with respect to ship handling and the avoidance of precarious situations. That same mentality, however, is how he addresses considerations of how long we should remain, what events are worth sacrificing in order to remain, and what the best course of action is for Carl Vinson. Moreover, he balances those considerations against what is right for American interests and what is necessary to meet the mission in Haiti. Time, succinctly, is on everybody’s mind.

They just keep coming. When in doubt, send more people. There are more than 12,000 troops and aid workers in JOA-H. Some are arriving so fast that a plan of employment will have to follow. I think every command under the umbrella of US Fleet Forces was required to send 2 bodies to Haiti. Lean forward and get here seems to be the theme. Let no man say that the United States did not do more than any other nation. Operation Unified Response is now host to approximately 27 US and foreign military ships and a rotation of merchant vessels floating in, anchoring, and departing on a regular basis. The US Coast Guard is doing an outstanding job of managing traffic and tracking vessels, while simultaneously manning an impressive aid station on land. Port Au Prince Bay is mottled with numerous ships lacking blatant individuality, save USNS Comfort, whose white paint and Red Cross draws immediate attention. Outside of the bay just west of Saint Marc Point on the open ocean side of the like named canal is the Nassau Amphibious Readiness Group, fresh on the scene and consisting of USS Ashland, Mesa Verde, and of course, Nassau. Several others are on the south side of La Ganave Island conducting slightly more distant support operations.

The media is largely camped out in Port Au Prince where the devastation continues to take its toll. What lacks coverage is the story of the outlying areas which were also hit very hard. The Marines, in particular, are conducting beach landings in the more desolate regions and are forging access routes through treacherous terrain. Not that I doubt the ability of Marines for one second, but I do find it remarkable that they are so incredibly efficient in this environment when they have largely been focused on the desert for the past 8 years. Regardless, they are here and as expected, they are jumping in with both feet.

Announcements on Carl Vinson that only a week ago conjured up a sense of anxiety are now commonplace. The 1MC rings throughout the ship and Sailors react, yet none are surprised to hear the activation of the walking blood bank, or the call for 24 man stretcher bearer teams to report to the flight deck, or the order for all Haitian linguists to report to medical. Remember, these are not medics or corpsmen. These Sailors are mechanics, cooks, electricians, boatswain mates, etc.. Whatever they are, they stop what they are doing and jump into action. It’s absolutely distinctive of military service. They say every Sailor is a firefighter, but many are blood donors and stretcher bearers as well. They are life savers.

Despite 19 patients visiting Carl Vinson as distinguished guests of the Medical Department, last night was the first night that I can recall not having a baby on board. I won’t say that anything is going back to normal, but I did take notice. All the same, our doctors and nurses continue to work around the clock. Without consideration for space and supplies, I wonder how long they can keep up their feverish pace. As an aviator I am accustomed to a certain amount of mandatory crew rest. It is expected that I get 8 hours of sleep before stepping onto a P-3. The studies are inarguable. Fatigue fuels human error. Even so, I feel that I have a certain amount of room for miscalculation. Doctors, conversely, do not have that luxury. 24/7 manning of the inpatient ward, outpatient services, force health protection, physicals, emergency casualties - they continue to do it all despite the odds, despite the manning, despite everything. This story will never get old.

Today is Sunday. On Sunday the Wardroom serves brunch. Almost every other day is the same. It’s a work day. There are no days off on Carl Vinson. If you ask me on Wednesday to name the day of the week, I probably could not. Only Friday and Sunday stand apart. On Friday the watch changes; it rotates backwards. I am now standing watch from 2200- 0200. The downside is that there is no sunrise, no scheduled flight ops, no setup for the morning events. The upside is that it is only 4 hours and I get a little more sleep. The sea is black, the wind picks up, and the stars are bright. It is a great time for personal reflection. It’s also predominately uneventful, so I pass the time by training others, timing turns, and jockeying the engines. Today, however, is Sunday. On Sunday the Wardroom serves brunch.

Chad