Story and photo by
MC2 (SW) Mark Logico
Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

Commander, Navy Region Hawaii (CNRH) and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH) Emergency Management teams hosted the "Operation Prepare-Hurricane Awareness" campaign on May 14.

JBPHH-based Sailors, Airmen and civilians provided specific information on hurricanes in Hawaii and on several non-perishable items for disaster kits that are available at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange (NEX) and Hickam Army and Air Force Exchange Services (AAFES).

Story by
Lt. j.g. Andrea M. Gordon
Naval Legal Service Office

Property crimes make up an overwhelming majority of all crimes. Homes, garages, cars and computers are all susceptible to the attention of thieves. Generally, most property crimes occur when you are not there. Locks only keep honest people out.

Single service members often have no one to watch their personal belongings during a deployment or a period underway. Married service members may also want to consider additional steps to protect their personal belongings, their identity and their credit while they are away. The bottom line for all of us: Our absence is a critical component in planning for our security.

Protect your home

Story and photo by
MC2 Robert Stirrup
Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

Sailors and civilians assigned to Commander, Navy Region Hawaii celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on May 19 at Lockwood Hall.

This year's theme for Asian Pacific Heritage Month was "Diverse Leadership for a Diverse Workforce."

Vice Adm. (retired) Robert Kihune served as the guest speaker for the event.

Story and photo by
Randy Dela Cruz
Contributing Writer

As part of May's celebration of Military Appreciation Month, the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii welcomed members of the Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines and Coast Guard to the 25th Annual Military Recognition Luncheon at the Coral Ballroom of the Hilton Hawaiian Village on May 18.

The event highlighted the unique relationship between the armed forces and the state of Hawaii with opening remarks from Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and an inspiring address from keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Herbert J. Carlisle, Commander 13th Air Force, Hickam Air Force Base.

Story by
Ensign Lauren St. Pierre-Hetz
USS O'Kane (DDG 77) Public Affairs

In a time-honored ceremony held May 7 on the flight deck of USS O'Kane (DDG 77), Cmdr. Derek Trinque relieved Cmdr. Timothy Steadman as commanding officer of O'Kane.

Story by
Katie Vanes
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard successfully undocked USS Hawaii (SSN 776) on May 5 and USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) on May 7.

Hawaii, in Dry Dock two since March 31 as part of her continuous maintenance availability (CMAV), became the inaugural U.S. Pacific fleet Virginia-class (VACL) submarine to undock at Pearl Harbor. Shipyard workers then rapidly transitioned to Dry Dock four to remove Paul Hamilton two days later.

Story and photo by
Victor Flint, Battalion Chief
Federal Fire Department, Hawaii

Effective in April, the Federal Fire Department (FFD), Hawaii expanded emergency medical service (EMS) to the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station (NCTAMS) Pacific.

FFD will initiate basic life support (BLS) ambulance transport services for the people and command of NCTAMS.

FFD EMS is a Hawaii state-licensed EMS ambulance provider.

The new ambulance unit will be designated as Medic 7 and will be quartered at FFD Fire Station Seven, Wahiawa.

Story and photo by
MC2 (SW) Mark Logico
Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on May 8 while en route to its Pacific Partnership 2010 (PP10) mission.

Mercy is led by Capt. Lisa Franchetti, Mercy's mission commander; Military Sealift Command Capt. David Bradshaw, Mercy's civil service master; and Capt. Jeffery Paulson, commanding officer of Mercy's shipboard hospital.

Story and photo by
MC2 Robert Stirrup
Navy Region Hawaii Public Affairs

Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Pacific (NCTAMS PAC) held a dedication and maile lei ceremony for the opening of the Senior Chief Information Systems Technician (SEAL) Daniel R. Healy Communications Center at NCTAMS PAC in Wahiawa on May 11.

Personnel assigned to NCTAMS PAC and Seal Delivery Vehicle Team One (SDVT-1) and Healy's family were in attendance to observe the opening of the center.

Story and photo by
Lt. j.g. Thomas W Gallagher
Patrol Squadron Nine Public Affairs Officer

The Patrol Squadron Nine (VP-9) Golden Eagles welcomed a new commanding officer on May 6. Cmdr. Dave Whitehead assumed command of the Golden Eagles, replacing Cmdr. Lance Scott. The occasion was marked with a morning ceremony held with the squadron and the friends and families of both men.