Story and photo by
Grace Hew Len
Navy Region Hawaii Environmental Public Affairs Officer

In the heart of Waianae Valley, where lo`i kalo, or taro patches, grow in the gentle sloping valley floor of Ka`ala Farm, a new and historic partnership has been formalized. Navy Region Hawaii joined the State Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Army Garrison Hawaii, Board of Water Supply and other leaders of the Waianae community in signing the Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony April 22 at Ka`ala Farm.

Story and photo by
Blair Martin
Contributing Writer

The phrase "until they are home" is one that is familiar to many military families. However, for the chosen few who work at Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC), it is not only their command's motto but also the hopeful promise of closure for families of missing American service members who left for war and never returned.

Story by
Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two Public Affairs

Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two (CPRW-2) conducted a "pie in the face" fundraiser April 27 to raise money for the Navy - Marine Corps Relief Society for
the benefit of fellow Sailors, Marines and their families.

Story by
Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two Public Affairs

Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Two (CPRW-2) staff members wore jeans on "Denim Day 2010" on April 21 in honor of victims of sexual assault and in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April.

Story and photo by
MC2 John W. Ciccarelli Jr.
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Hawaii

Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam held a class May 3-4 to inform service members about the benefits of the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP).
"The program gives the military member the opportunity, while active, to complete their apprenticeship and journeyman certificate just like their civilian counterparts," said Kenneth
Ledbetter, market outreach coordinator for USMAPS.

Story and photo by
MC2 Ronald Gutridge
Commander Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Office

The Los Angeles-class, fast-attack nuclear-powered submarine USS Columbia (SSN 771) returned to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on May 3, following a six-month deployment to the western Pacific region.

Story and photo by
MC2 Michael Hight
U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

Rear Adm. Scott R. Van Buskirk, deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, and Pacific Fleet Master Chief John Minyard announced the 2010 Pacific Fleet Sea and Shore Sailors of the Year on April 22 during a ceremony held at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu.
Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Samira McBride was named the Pacific Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year and Legalman 1st Class (SW/AW) Jessica Byard was named the Pacific Fleet Shore Sailor of the Year.

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

Navy College Office Hawaii (NCOH) hosted its annual education fair at the Pearl Harbor Navy Exchange on April 30.
Hundreds of Sailors and families met with representatives from colleges, universities and government agencies to find out about educational programs and degrees that they can pursue.
"Education is all about you," said Bill McCormick, the director of NCOH and a retired master chief petty officer. "If you don't get it while you're on active duty, it is your own fault."

Story and photo by
Liane Nakahara

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Public Affairs

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard's lifting and handling department recently won a Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Excellence Award for the first quarter of 2010 for its major improvements in crane safety and operational productivity.

Story and photo by
MC1 (AW) Jason Swink
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Detachment Hawaii

The prospect of becoming a new parent can be a challenge for first time parents and for growing families alike.
For Navy members and their families, the stress of long deployments and being stationed away from the support of family can only make the experience more intimidating.