What’s INSIDE
May 18, 2018
Pearl Harbor Kai Elementary celebrates May Day, Makahiki See page A-2
Federal employees invited to give feedback See page A-6
Fitness frenzy See page B-1
Pukin Dogs take on Jefferson City See page B-3
www.issuu.com/navyregionhawaii www.hookelenews.com
Volume 9 Issue 19
U.S. Pacific Fleet conducts change of command MC1 Phillip Pavlovich U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Adm. John C. Aquilino relieved Adm. Scott Swift as commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT) during a change of command ceremony on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam May 17. During his remarks, Swift reflected on his time in the Navy and thanked the Sailors and civilians at PACFLT for their hard work at the command. “I am grateful for the opportunities the Navy has provided,” Swift said. “Most of all I love the Navy for the relationships I have developed. But to finish my career here, in the Pacific Fleet, the only fleet I have ever sailed in, headquartered in the city I was born in, in the harbor of my father’s first command, doing what I
love is something dreams are made of.” Adm. Harry Harris, commander, U.S. Pacific Command, said it was a great honor to publically commend Swift for a spectacular tour and commended him for his leadership over the past three years. “Thank you to the women and men of Pacific Fleet for being where it matters, when it matters, and with what matters to decisively prevail in all contingencies from peace to war,” Harris said. “Your efforts have advanced maritime security and enhanced stability not only in the Indo Pacific, but also the world.” With the historic USS Arizona and Battleship Missouri memorials as the backdrop, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson welcomed Aquilino and recognized Swift’s
Photo by MC3 Jessica O. Blackwell
Adm. John C. Aquilino, left, salutes Adm. John M. Richardson, Chief of Naval Operations, assuming command of U.S. Pacific Fleet, during a change of command ceremony. achievements as PACFLT commander. “This is a celebration of the Pacific Fleet,” Richardson said. “In the action of a single salute, all authority, all responsibility and all accountability
will transfer from Adm. Swift to Adm. Aquilino. And with that transfer of command, with that salute, so too goes our loyalties. So we are indeed saddened to see (Adm. Swift) and Trish go, but
they are being replaced by another superb leadership team (Adm. Aquilino) and Laura. Congratulations on your selection to this unbelievably vital position. You are the perfect team to lead the fleet
to a new level of performance.” After assuming command, Aquilino said his mission was clear - be ready to execute prompt and sustained combat operations at sea against any adversary, and win. “A great power competition has reemerged as the central challenge to security and prosperity against our nation. Nowhere are the stakes of that great power competition higher than here in the Indo-Pacific region,” Aquilino said. “To any potential adversary that wishes to challenge us, the Secretary of Defense said it best, ‘You can have no better friend, or you can have no worse enemy’ than the U.S. Pacific Fleet, that choice will be yours.” For more news from U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ cpf/.
USS Halsey returns to Pearl Harbor after deployment MC3 Nicholas Burgains USS Halsey (DDG 97) Public Affairs The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) returned to its homeport, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, May 14, after a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations. Halsey departed Pearl Harbor, Oct. 16, to join the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TRCSG). During its deployment, Halsey supported maritime security operations, freedom of navigation operations, and theater security cooperation efforts Photo by ATAN Joshua Markwith in the South China Sea, USS Halsey Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Celina A. Arabian Sea, and surMiller reunites with her family. rounding waters.
“The crew performed absolutely phenomenally throughout this deployment,” said Cmdr. David L. Reyes, Halsey’s commanding officer. “We’ve led from the front with every exercise and operation we’ve conducted and I’m extremely proud of every Sailor in our crew.” Throughout the deployment, Halsey conducted numerous strait transits and several high-value asset escort missions in 5th Fleet. Halsey participated in the trilateral exercise Intrepid Sentinel with the Royal Australian Navy and French Marine Nationale, improving interoperability in multiple warfare areas. The crew later participated in exercise Guardian Sea with the Royal Thai Navy, enhancing the anti-submarine capabilities
of both navies. Halsey successfully completed port visits to Santa Rita, Guam; Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain; Muscat, Oman; Changi, Republic of Singapore; and Phuket, Thailand. “It almost felt like a completely different world compared to being back home but I definitely enjoyed it,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Termaine Pruitt. “I feel I really built a lot of strong bonds this deployment and I’m already looking forward to revisiting some of the places.” While in port, Sailors participated in community service projects, enjoyed rest and recreation, and participated in tours presented by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. Sailors renovated side-
Attendees peruse brochures and fliers from Morale, Welfare and Recreation during the inaugural Aloha Welcome Academy at the Club Pearl Complex, May 14.
AWA informs Story and photo by Kristen Wong Life & Leisure Editor Ho‘okele More than 70 service members and families attended the inaugural Aloha Welcome Academy (AWA) at Club Pearl Complex, May 14. Eligible service members (regardless of branch) and their spouses may attend this weekly class, which runs Monday through Wednesday. The three days include information about Hawaiian culture, various activities, base amenities, the history of the Navy and Air Force in Hawaii and more. On Monday, attendees listened to a presentation, took a bus tour of Hickam and Pearl Harbor, and a boat ride past the USS Arizona Memorial. On Tuesday, after a morning informational session, the Honolulu
Navy League provided a bus tour of Oahu. Wednesday included information on topics such as travel, pay and healthcare. “I think this is a great way to welcome our military ohana that’s getting stationed to the island and help them acclimate to all the unique, different and wonderful opportunities that we have living here for a few years,” said Shelly Habeck, a program analyst with Navy Region Hawaii, and an AWA presenter. “As the program continues to grow and the information gets out there I think it’ll help make everybody’s lives a little bit easier and transitioning here to the island easier.” Habeck is also a military spouse, and having moved to six different duty stations, added her personal experiences to her presentation. “The AWA allows attendees to be in a com-
walks in Guam, painted buildings at American Mission Hospital in Manama, and prepared meals at Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen in Singapore. “Even though you’re out at sea, it still feels good being able to give something back to the community when you get the chance,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Fernandez Boose. “Just talking to locals in the area helps you realize that we’re not all that different.” As Halsey steamed home, Sailors looked forward to returning to their homes and families. “It’s definitely going to be weird at first,” said Pruitt. “It’s going to feel great though, being able to go home after work every day or the little things like driving and just relaxing with friends.”
fortable environment and adjust faster,” she said. “The sooner they get an introduction, the better.” Habeck said attending the AWA can help with several aspects of transitioning. For instance, because there are multiple bases in close proximity to each other, there are more opportunities for the service member, from renting a cabin at Bellows Air Force Station to competing in a race. Logistically, they can also find out necessities
such as registering a vehicle in the state. In addition, service members can learn what makes Hawaii unique, from learning about historic sights to pronouncing Hawaiian words. “Hawaii has a deeply rooted culture and history you won’t find anywhere,” she said. The tour highlighted Nuuanu Pali Lookout, Mokoli‘i (Chinaman’s Hat) at Kualoa Beach Park, and lunch at one of the shrimp trucks parked
near Kahuku. The attendees visited beaches along the North Shore and Haleiwa Town. “I think (the AWA is) a great thing,” said Lt. Robert Torrison, the suicide prevention program manager for Navy Region Hawaii and an AWA presenter. “When I came to the island, I didn’t know where anything was; I didn’t now what there was to do,” he said. “There are a lot of growing pains in trying to figure out where to go and
how to do it.” Torrison said it initially took him months of trial and error to find simple needs such as the gym or the grocery store. “If you come in and have an opportunity to take a class where somebody can tell you or teach you all of that stuff up front than you don’t struggle as much trying to figure everything out,” he said. “(The AWA) gives the service member an opportunity to hit the ground running.”