On Jan. 24, then-Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced his decision to rescind the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule. This recession required the Navy to submit detailed plans for the implementation of this policy change, which would allow the integration of women into previously-closed occupational specialties. However, these changes could not be implemented until the proposed changes were submitted to Congress and approved after 30 days of continuous session. The Navy is now preparing for several significant changes, including the assignment of women to Naval Special Warfare, U.S. Marine Corps ground combat element support, and surface and submarine platforms.

Sailors participating in the Riverine Combat Skills course (RCS) prepare for a field training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 24, 2012. This class was the first RCS training group composed of Coastal Riverine Force Sailors and the first to incorporate women into the course. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heather M. Paape/Released)

How does rescinding this policy affect the Navy?

The rescission of the 1994 Direct Ground Combat Definition and Assignment Rule will increase assignment opportunity for women in the Navy. The Navy will have no closed occupations, very limited number of closed positions, and equal professional opportunity for females in every officer designator and enlisted rating in the Navy by Jan. 1, 2016.

88 percent of Navy billets are open to the assignment of women. The Navy supports integrating women into newly opened positions and units as expeditiously as possible, considering good order and judicious use of fiscal resources. The Navy’s implementation plan addressed all positions currently closed to the assignment of women, maximizing all feasible professional opportunities for females in the Navy. In order to preserve unit readiness, cohesion, and morale, lessons learned from the surface, aviation, and submarine integration will be used to ensure success.

How many Navy positions will this open?

Pending OSD(P&R) submission and Congressional notification and approval, more than 400 Navy positions in the Coastal Riverine Force Riverine Boat Crews will open in the near future. As directed by the secretary of Defense, the Navy will review all currently closed billets. As ships and submarines are modified or commissioned that fulfill privacy and berthing requirements, we will continue to see an increase in the number of positions available for the assignment of women. The Navy will follow the U.S. Special Operations Command developed integrated timeline for the integration of women into Special Forces.

88 percent of Navy billets are open to the assignment of women. The Navy supports integrating women into newly opened positions and units as expeditiously as possible, considering good order and judicious use of fiscal resources. The Navy is committed to integrating women into occupational fields to the maximum extent possible successfully without sacrificing our warfighting capability or the trust of the American people.

Chief Engineman Patricia Cooper, a student in the Riverine Combat Skills course, patrols the training grounds during a field training exercise in Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 24, 2012. This class was the first Riverine Combat Skills training group composed of Coastal Riverine Force Sailors and the first to incorporate women into the course. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Heather M. Paape/Released)

What is a summary of Navy’s implementation plan?

In accordance with the Secretary of Defense’s February 2013 memo rescinding the direct ground combat exclusion, the Navy submitted an implementation plan that maximizes all feasible professional opportunities for females in the Navy. With this plan, we fully envision the Navy will have no closed occupations, very limited number of closed positions, and equal professional opportunities for females in every officer designator and enlisted rating in the Navy by January 2016.

The Navy intends to open Coastal Riverine Force Riverine Boat Crews to female officers and enlisted. Upon approval, there will be no restrictions to the assignment of females in the Coastal Riverine Force.

As coordinated with the U.S. Marine Corps, the Navy intends to assign females to the U.S. Marine Corps ground combat element as positions are opened. Navy personnel will adhere to U.S. Marine Corps occupational standards where applicable.

As coordinated with U.S. Special Operations Command, Navy and Naval Special Warfare Command intend to follow the integrated timeline for the potential integration of females into Special Forces. U.S. Special Operations Command will conduct specific research and analysis on the impact of integrating women into small, elite teams that operate in remote, austere environments. These assessments will be completed no later than July 1, 2014.

The Navy has opened opportunities to women officers on all submarine types (SSN, SSBN, SSGN). The Navy will decide no later than March 2015, in addition to service on Virginia class submarines, whether women officers will be assigned to Los Angels class submarines and Seawolf class submarines. As publicly announced in January 2013, the Navy intends to assign enlisted women to Virginia class submarines. The Navy will decide no later than March 2015 whether to expand assignment of enlisted women to other submarine classes.

Women officers and enlisted currently serve on virtually every surface ship class in the Navy and we will continue to expand opportunities as new ships and ship classes are commissioned. The Navy will decide no later than June 2014 whether to expand assignment opportunities for enlisted women to frigates, mine countermeasure ships and patrol coastal crafts.

Operations Specialist 1st Class Megan Garcia, tactical operations watchstander for Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah, provides security at a key leader engagement with the Director of Women’s Affairs, Jan. 29, 2013. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Hospital Corpsman Josh Ives/Released)

When will women actually be assigned to closed positions?

Closed positions will be opened to the assignment of women following Navy’s request, OSD(P&R) submission and Congressional notification and approval. In the Coastal Riverine Force, about 400 enlisted and officer positions will be opened to the assignment of women. In the U.S. Marine Corps ground combat element, about 5,000 enlisted and 150 officer positions will be opened to the assignment of women in coordination with U.S. Marine Corps implementation plans. Positions in Naval Special Warfare will be opened in coordination with the U.S. Special Operations Command implementation plans. Once positions have been opened, women will be assigned through the normal personnel assignment process.

Quarterly progress reports on the elimination of gender-restrictive policies will be made to the secretary of Defense through the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the under secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. The Navy will have no closed occupations, very limited number of closed positions, and equal professional opportunity for females in every officer designator and enlisted rating in the Navy by Jan. 1, 2016.

Navy SEALs conduct a capabilities exercise at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story during the 43rd annual Underwater Demolition Team-Sea, Air and Land East Coast Reunion, July 21, 2012. The annual reunion started in 1969 and has expanded into a weekend of events, contests, and a SEAL capabilities exercise. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William S. Parker/Released)

When will women be allowed to become Navy SEALs?

The repeal of Direct Ground Combat Rule does not immediately affect the assignment of women to Navy Special Warfare, and approximately 3,000 positions in Naval Special Warfare remain closed to the assignment of women. All of the services, including the Navy, and U.S. Special Operations Command will proceed in a deliberate, measured and responsible way to assign women to currently closed positions as assessments are completed. U.S. Special Operations Command is working closely with the services to tie their occupational standards to operational requirements and research and analyze social impacts of integrations on small, elite units operating in austere and remote environments. All studies are scheduled to be complete by July 1, 2014.

Assigning women to Navy Special Warfare elements will not begin until assessments are complete and Congress has been notified. Congressional notification for Naval Special Warfare integration will occur no later than July 2015. According to the Special Operations Command integration plan, election for enlisted boot camp and officer selection is scheduled to begin in October 2015, with the SEAL/SWCC pipeline opening to females and cadre placement beginning in January 2016. The first opportunity for enlisted to ship to SEAL/SWCC training is currently scheduled for March 2016, and the first opportunity for officers to ship to SEAL/SWCC training June 2016. All special operations forces position will continue to be filled by the most qualified candidates, regardless of gender.

What do you think about this policy? Let us know by commenting below.

Although the name of hospital corpsmen has changed from the Corps’ inception in the Continental Navy, from loblolly boy to pharmacists mate to hospital corpsman, the core values of the Hospital Corps remain the same.

Did you know these facts?

Information source: Navy Medicine Commemorates Hospital Corps’ 115th birthday

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) approaches the Friendship Bridge in El Qantara, Egypt while transiting the Suez Canal. Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ensign Timothy McDaniel, right, braces Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Andrew Kepner as he signals an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Dusty Dogs of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 7 to place cargo on the forecastle of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) during a vertical replenishment.

Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus is briefed on equipment, capabilities and ongoing missions by SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) command members at their facility near Pearl Harbor.

Sailors assigned to the “Wolf Pack” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 75 extend the tail of an MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

The second of eight MV-22 Osprey aircraft assigned to the Dragons of Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 265 lands on the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and German frigate FGS Hamburg (F220) conduct a replenishment-at-sea in the Mediterranean Sea.

What’s your favorite shot? Leave us a comment below.

The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) enters Subic Bay before mooring alongside the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40).

A landing craft utility loaded with Pacific Partnership 2013 non-governmental organization volunteers, U.S. and partner nation service members departs the well deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) for the mission port of Tonga

An F/A-18F Super Hornet assigned to the Jolly Rogers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 103 flies over the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Airman Patrick Ramsey, from Enumclaw, Wash., cleans tie-down chains on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Sailors move ordnance across the flight deck aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

The U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge transits the South China Sea.

What’s your favorite photo? Leave us a comment below.

Status of the Navy:

Navy leadership recognizes the impact furloughs will have on the workforce and their families. We are committed to keeping our talented and dedicated civilian workforce informed.

As a part of that commitment, we asked for questions on the Navy’s Facebook page earlier this week about upcoming civilian furloughs. Below are some of those questions and our responses.

Rigger Rick Howard, right, and ammunition handler Joseph Sprague, members of Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Mid-Atlantic, load crates of ammunition aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) in Yorktown, Va., April 18, 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aaron Chase/Released)

Are there any furloughs that will last longer than 11 days?
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel directed 11 furlough days. He indicated, if the budgetary situation allowed the department to end the furloughs early, he would be inclined to do so.

Can employees substitute annual leave for their furlough time?
No, employees may not use annual leave, comp time earned or sick leave to replace the furlough days.

With sequestration already taking its toll, who will fill the positions of those being furloughed?

No one will replace civilians while they are furloughed. The furlough not only results in the 20 percent loss of a civilian’s salary from July 8 through the end of the fiscal year, but also will impact operations and productivity.

Are contractors being hired to replace furloughed civilian workers?

Budget submitting office commanders may not use contractors or service members to replace civilians who are furloughed. Additionally and aside from the furlough, contractors are not permitted to perform inherently governmental functions. Further, given the budget reductions as a result of sequestration, many commands have had to make cuts in their contracts and also have been directed to review all current contracts.

Other than “Navy shipyard workers, nuclear maintenance workers, and those stationed in combat zones,” what other civilian Department of Defense occupations will be exempt from being furloughed?

About 78 percent of the workforce is subject to the furlough with exceptions (in addition to those stated):

• Child care workers to meet regulatory requirements
• Employees at sea
• Employees paid by Foreign Military Sales trust fund
• Employees fully funded by the National Intelligence Program funds
• Medical employees needed to provide 24-hour in patient care
• Nuclear reactor response teams
• Those responsible for 24-hour life and property
• Employees needed for 24-hour sexual assault prevention response

Will civilians be furloughed next year too?
The furloughs are planned only for FY13.

As we said above, we’re committed to keeping our workforce informed. Civilian employees are encouraged to discuss concerns with their supervisors. 

Recent media reports about public leaks of protected U.S. Government information may have you wondering what, as a Sailor, you should do when you come across classified material in media reports or elsewhere online.

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Jessica Cummins performs her duties at the U.S. Fleet Cyber Command Maritime Operations Center at Fort Meade, Md., Oct. 3, 2012. (DOD courtesy photo)

Therefore, this is a good time for a reminder about our responsibility to properly protect classified information and maintain good “cyber hygiene.”

First and foremost, as a Department of Navy employee within the Department of Defense, while on the web on unclassified government systems (Think your computer at your workstation), you are prohibited from accessing or downloading documents that are known or suspected to contain classified information.

Leaked information remains classified until and unless declassified by proper authorities.

So, specific to the recent reports of possibly leaked classified information, remember:

1. You should not search for this information on an unclassified information system
2. Report any unintentional (inadvertent) viewing of potentially leaked information to your command Security officials immediately.

The official DOD memorandum that provides guidance on classified information in the public domain is available online. Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper released a statement last Thursday about the unauthorized disclosures.

If you find that you have inadvertently viewed leaked information, it should not – repeat – should not immediately be treated as a spill, however. Report it to your security manager and the data/information owner will be contacted for specific handling instructions of unclassified information systems that may be exposed to possibly leaked information.

But, before getting to the point, similar to the age old wisdom of “when in doubt, salute,” –when online and in doubt, do not click! This goes not only for classified information as with the recent leaks being reported, but always for questionable links, whether in an email or on a website. Being ready requires all hands to protect classified information and observe smart practices when operating in the cyber domain.

This brings us to good cyber hygiene, which is another way of saying being smart online to keep your work and family computers safe from both thieves and adversaries. Phishing scams, for example, where spoofed email contains a link to malware that can infect your computer or provide unauthorized access to private information and questionable websites could put both your family and the Nation’s security at risk.

Good cyber hygiene equals cyber security, which is every Sailor’s responsibility.

As Vice Adm. Michal S. Rogers, commander, U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. Tenth Fleet, recently said in an interview with American Forces Press Service, one of the things that makes cyber different from the land, sea, air and space domains, is that it’s the only one in which every member of the organization is an operator.

“If we’ve given you access to a keyboard, you’re operating in our domain,” he added. “You can’t really say that about the air or the maritime or the subsurface. Elements of our force are operating in those domains – don’t get me wrong – but not everybody is an operator all the time.”

This reality, the admiral went on to say, “represents to us [not only] an opportunity to gain advantage, but also a potential opportunity for vulnerability for others to exploit, whether it’s intentional or unintentional.”

Adapting to this challenge and succeeding in the cyber domain means changing the mindset of everyone in the Navy who uses a keyboard, Rogers said.

It doesn’t matter, he said, “whether you’re sitting on shore duty in the middle of the United States or you are out on the USS Eisenhower in the Strait of Hormuz. You’re an operator in this domain.”

Finally, being smart online also applies to your interactions on social media. Watch these videos from the Naval Operations Security Team:

Stay tuned for any updates and to learn more about the cyber domain and cyber security. In the meantime, visit www.fcc.navy.mil.

U.S. Fleet Cyber Command serves as the Navy component command to U.S. Strategic Command and U.S. Cyber Command, providing operational employment of the Navy’s cyber, network operations, information operations, cryptologic, and space forces and the Navy’s service cryptologic component commander to the National Security Agency/Central Security Service.

What advice do you have about staying safe online?

Recent natural disasters are a reminder of the catastrophic volatility of weather and the profound human suffering such events can create. The subsequent outpouring of aid also is a reminder of Americans’ desire to render assistance to those afflicted.

A U.S. flag stands amid the ruins of Briarwood Elementary School in Moore, Okla., May 22, 2013, two days after an EF5 tornado with winds exceeding 200 miles per hour tore through the Oklahoma City suburb, destroying the school and numerous other buildings. The Oklahoma National Guard assisted with disaster response efforts in the aftermath of the tornado, which killed at least 24 people, injured more than 200 and displaced thousands. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Caroline Hayworth/Released)

At home and overseas, U.S. Navy forces are often at the forefront of relief operations during humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. While not a core function, humanitarian assistance and disaster response is an historic and ongoing activity for U.S. Navy forces – from providing relief in Halifax, Nova Scotia after the city was decimated by a munitions explosion in 1917 to the large-scale naval response during Operation Tomodachi following the unprecedented earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster that struck Japan in 2011. Our persistently forward and ready posture, using the seas to lift and sustain a national or multinational response, is precisely what enables the Navy to provide relief and assistance.

A child holds a sign thanking the U.S. Sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and members from the Royal Thai Armed Forces during a community service event organized by the Princess Pa Foundation, Thai Red Cross Society, Oct. 23, 2011. More than 40 Sailors from Mustin volunteered their time with the local community and members from the Royal Thai Armed Forces with assisting in preparing more than 5,000 packages. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jennifer A. Villalovos/Released)

Humanitarian assistance and disaster response is best understood as two complementary but differing concepts of employment: proactive humanitarian assistance, and reactive humanitarian assistance and disaster response. While naval forces are not specifically designed for humanitarian assistance and disaster response, these activities capitalize on many of the enduring attributes of our fleet — for example, mobility, adaptability, scalability and interoperability — while bringing into play our naval core functions of sea control, power projection and maritime security. Our ability to use the seas as maneuver space and project power ashore means we are able to respond rapidly with relief supplies and personnel anywhere they are needed – in particular, our littoral combat ships, joint high-speed vessels, and combat logistics force ships provide ideal platforms for providing rapid relief from the sea. Our expertise in maritime security provides the knowledge and training to operate in some of the most vulnerable littoral regions while providing a stabilizing presence.

Proactive humanitarian assistance is a form of our larger cooperation and stability mission that incorporates Navy skillsets in theater security, partner capacity-building, and mutual training. These planned events allow the U.S. Navy to share skills and build partnerships with our international counterparts, other U.S. Government organizations, and relief organizations while also providing immensely valuable training for our own personnel. An example of proactive humanitarian assistance is the eighth iteration of the U.S. Pacific Fleet’s annual Pacific Partnership mission to improve maritime security, conduct humanitarian assistance and strengthen disaster response preparedness. Pacific Partnership, which began in May, is taking place in the Oceania region over a four-month period. This year’s mission is the first time in which our partner nations such as Australia and New Zealand are leading individual phases. Adm. Cecil D. Haney, commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, recently said,

“Missions such as Pacific Partnership strengthen relationships that are critical to deter conflict. They build trust, enhance cooperation, and open dialogues between leaders, a multilateral approach that benefits all nations including the United States.”

U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps personnel from a working party while loading food into a waiting CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter belonging to Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM-262) at the Sultan Iskandar Muda Air Force Base, Banda Aceh, Jan. 15, 2005 (U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Nicholas B. Morton/Released)

In comparison, reactive humanitarian assistance and disaster response is a type of crisis response mission and is conducted in the wake of disasters and calamitous events. Reactive humanitarian assistance and disaster response can include direct relief efforts – medical care, logistics or engineering assistance – or it can include more robust assistance such as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support, command and control, and stabilizing support to civil authorities in the affected region. For example, following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Sailors and Marines were on scene in a matter of days providing direct and immediate assistance to decimated regions, and remained on station for months afterward. Operation Unified Assistance was able to provide this reactive humanitarian assistance and disaster response because the Navy-Marine Corps team relied on already honed skills and experience gained in proactive humanitarian assistance missions as well as other naval missions such as power projection, sealift, rapid response and sea-basing.

When disasters occur, the American people are moved by human suffering to act, and in doing so offer the capabilities and unique skills of the U.S. Navy to provide both immediate aid and prolonged assistance. The Navy is well-suited for these missions because our expeditionary naval forces are already on station and can quickly respond when crises arise. Our ships are ideal platforms for rapid response with their self-contained, multi-mission capabilities: able to operate without reliance on ports and airfields ashore, while bringing the organic medical support, strategic and tactical lift, and robust communications needed in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.

Because of our unique forward and ready posture, the U.S. Navy is more often than not at the forefront of these efforts. These efforts remain a priority, but the effects of sequestration may jeopardize our ability to execute humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the coming years. Sequestration forces us to consider support to humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations against other competing priorities. Nevertheless, we will continue to lend this helping hand when called upon to do so. Our Navy and our Nation are strengthened by our participation in proactive humanitarian assistance and reactive humanitarian assistance and disaster response missions around the globe.

What do you think? Let us know by commenting below.

Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Dennis Nemeth, from California City, Calif., braises copper-nickel piping aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68).

Seaman Shirley Emmanuel, left, Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Vincent Kilcollins, and Seaman John Rakestraw, assigned to Deck Department aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), ease out line to lower a rigid-hull inflatable boat in the water during a man overboard drill.

Midshipman 1st Class Abigail Meyer prepares to fire a Browning M2 machine gun during a live-fire exercise on the fantail aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70).

Aviation Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class Jeff Mendoza from Austin, Texas uses a microscope to repair a circuit card aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

Pacific Partnership 2013 non-governmental organization volunteers, U.S. and partner nation service members stretch before a friendly Samoan long boat race as part of a cultural exchange.

Naval Air Crewman 2nd Class Steven Porter, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21, demonstrates how to rescue a passive drowning victim from a pool as part of search and rescue petty officer training.

Sailors from the U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) interact with children during a visit to Child at Street 11 for a community service project.

Which is your favorite photo and why?

These are the five things every Sailor needs to know about the Fleet-Wide Sexual Assault Awareness Stand-down.

Capt. Daniel Prince, chief of staff of Commander, Submarine Group (SUBGRU) 9, speaks to Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor submarine senior leadership to kick off all-hands sexual assault awareness training as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Apr. 11, 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ahron Arendes/Released)

1) There has been SAPR training throughout the fleet recently. Why are we having an additional stand-down?

Sexual assault continues to be a problem in Navy and throughout the Department of Defense. While we have implemented a number of important initiatives to address this crime, recent events, assessments and reports continue to demonstrate that we have much work to do. The sexual assault stand-down enables us to refocus our attention on this very serious challenge. It will allow purposeful and direct commander and leader engagements with Navy service members and civilian employees on SAPR principles and the climate of dignity and respect necessary in every work place across Navy.

2) What will the training include?

The training is a two-hour interactive discussion between Sailors and command leadership.  There will be videos by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens, though the majority of the training will be facilitated discussion.

3) When will the training take place?

The training began June 10. Active component units will complete the training by  July 1. Reserve component and deployed personnel will complete as much training as possible by July 1 and will complete the training no later than July 22.

4) Will Navy civilians take the training?

Navy civilians are invited and encouraged to participate in the training alongside their military co-workers.

5) What will Sailors get out of this training?

This training builds on the SAPR Fleet and SAPR Leadership Training and is designed to emphasize that positive culture change and the eradication of sexual assault in individual commands and in the Navy, is every Sailor’s responsibility – military personnel and civilian employees alike.

Join the Navy’s conversation about sexual assault on social media and help raise awareness by using #NavySAPR.

Rear Adm. Bill Lescher, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 5, holds an all hands call during exercise Eager Lion with Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Exercise Eager Lion 2013 is an annual, multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and enhance security and stability in the region by responding to realistic, modern-day security scenarios. San Antonio is part of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theatre security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abraham Essenmacher/Released)

Our Navy-Marine Corps team launched participation in the annual U.S. Central Command exercise Eager Lion this week, during which we will be executing training events from multiple locations in Jordan and its littorals over the period June 9-20. 

Expeditionary Strike Group FIVE, serving as the maritime component commander, brings the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group; USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), USS San Antonio (LPD 17) and USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), USS Stockdale (DDG-106), an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and U.S. Coast Guard Advanced Interdiction Team (AIT) to the effort.  This naval force is part of 19 total nations and more than 8,000 participants in Jordan working toward the shared goal of strengthening regional security and stability.

Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) prepare to board a landing craft utility (LCU) while participating in exercise Eager Lion aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Exercise Eager Lion 2013 is an annual, multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and enhance security and stability in the region by responding to realistic, modern-day security scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Abraham Essenmacher/Released)

The amphibious ships and MEU are impressively demonstrating the power of an integrated naval force – the Navy-Marine Corps team – in conducting a complex and rapid build-up of force ashore, followed by fast-paced and closely-integrated live fire training with our Jordanian Armed Forces partners.  26th MEU Marines are leaning forward and eager to work closely with their Jordanian counterparts to strengthen interoperability, proficiency and friendships.  Events include field training, multiple live-fire exercises, reconnaissance training and a broad scope of integrated aviation evolutions involving Harriers, Cobras and Ospreys.

Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) exit a Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) during an offload evolution in preparation of Exercise Eager Lion 2013. Exercise Eager Lion 2013 is an annual, multinational exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships and enhance security and stability in the region by responding to realistic, modern-day security scenarios. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lacordrick Wilson/Released)

USS Stockdale, the EOD and AIT teams are similarly active, conducting visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) exercises; explosive ordnance disposal drills; at-sea formation drills; and search and rescue exercises with the Royal Jordanian Navy. 

Overall, the exercise is superbly demonstrating the capability of our integrated naval team to provide fast, forward and flexible combat power supporting the core U.S. Central Command missions of strengthening regional security and stability, and building multinational partnerships.