From: NAVNEWS@nctamslant.navy.mil (Navy News Service)
Newsgroups: soc.veterans
Subject: Navy News Service - 4 Nov 92
Date: 5 Nov 1992 14:14:41 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

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Navy News Service - NAVNEWS BY EMAIL - navnews@nctamslant.navy.mil
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NAVY NEWS SERVICE - 4 NOV 92 - NAVNEWS 055/92
     Navy News Service (NAVNEWS) contains official news and
information and is intended for distribution to all Navy people.
Please help pass the word.  NAVNEWS is available:
     -- by message to the NAVNEWS collective address 
     -- on the CNO bulletin board, 1-800-582-2355/6940 or (703)
695-6198/6388 
     -- by electronic mail from NAVNEWS(at)NCTAMSLANT.NAVY.MIL 
     -- and on the BUPERS ACCESS bulletin board, 1-800-346-
0217/18/27, 1-800-762-8567 or (703) 614-8070/6059/8076, (DSN) 224-
8070.                                        
                            - USN -                       
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR NAVNEWS 055/92
   Top News and Policy Stories
NNS214.  Presidential Commission Votes on Women in Combat           
NNS215.  Personnel Chief Says Manpower Reductions on Track          
NNS216.  New Law Increases Benefits for Service Personnel
NNS217.  Congress Authorizes Joint Duty Credit for Gulf War Vets
NNS218.  U.S. Submarine Operates in Persian Gulf  
   Around the Fleet
NNS219.  Notable Quotable:  Vice Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff  
NNS220.  Salute to Excellence:  USS Tarawa Amphibious Ready Group   
NNS221.  Exercise "Eager Sentry 93-1" Gets Underway                 
NNS222.  Fleet Combat Training Center Holds Bone Marrow Donor Drive
NNS223.  USS Saratoga Battle Group Returns Home                    
NNS224.  USS St. Louis Ends 23-year Career
NNS225.  NATO's Standing Naval Forces Atlantic Visits Bulgaria      
NNS226.  Navy Musician Wins International Jazz Competition
NNS227.  Blue Angels Complete European Tour
NNS228.  This Week in the Navy:  November 5, 1915  
   Personnel Notes
NNS229.  Veterans Day Message from Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff 
NNS230.  CNO Sends Birthday Message to Marine Corps                
NNS231.  BUPERS Provides Reminder of Upcoming Important Dates
   Short Splices
NNS232.  Editor's Note
NNS233.  Flag Announcement
NNS234.  Navy News This Week                                   
                            -USN-
         Top News and Policy Stories
NNS214.  Presidential Commission Votes on Women in Combat
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Voting on a number of issues after nine months
of hearings and numerous visits to military commands, the
Presidential Commission on the Assignment of Women in the Armed
Forces said that "military readiness should be the driving concern
regarding assignment policies" and recommended that women in the
military be assigned to combat positions under certain
circumstances.
     By narrow margins, commission members recommended allowing
women to serve on some Navy combatant ships, but recommended
against allowing military women to fly in combat.
     According to the FY-92 Defense Authorization Act, the
commission must send its report and recommendations to the
President by Nov. 15.  The President must forward the commission's
conclusions, together with his own, to Congress by Dec. 15.  
     The commission's recommendations are not binding and several,
including repeal of current law banning permanent assignment of
Navy women to combatants, would require Congressional action as
well as consideration by the White House and DoD.  According to the
Washington Post and other news media, President-elect Bill Clinton
has said he will await the commission's report before stating his
views on the subject of women in combat.
     The commission voted on a total of 20 issues concerning
assignments on women and parents in the military.  By a 10-0 vote,
the commission said that DoD should continue a policy excluding
women from "direct land combat units and positions," and that
Congress should enact this as law.  To clarify the definition of
combat units and positions, the commission said that service
Secretaries should "recommend to the Congress which units and
positions should fall under the land combat exclusion."
     In an 8-6 vote with one abstention, commissioners recommended
that Congress "repeal existing laws and modify service policies for
servicewomen to serve on combatant vessels except submarines and
amphibious vessels."  
     In another close vote, 8-7, the commission recommended that
current DoD and service policies barring assignment of women to
aircraft on combat missions should be retained and reenacted into
law.  Congress amended the combat exclusion law in 1991 to remove
the ban on women flying combat missions, but DoD did not change
related policy pending recommendations of the Presidential
Commission.  
     According to the Associated Press, some of the commissioners
that voted against women flying in combat were influenced by
concerns about women aviators becoming prisoners of war.
     The commission concluded that military women, as well as men,
should be subject to involuntary assignment to any job open to them
by law and policy.
     On other issues, the commission recommended that DoD consider
new guidelines on recruitment, retention and deployment of single
parents -- citing potential negative effects on their children. 
The commission recommended that DoD review current policies and
"either adopt new policies or better implement current policies to
reflect concerns of the public and military communities."
     Among alternatives recommended for consideration, the panel
suggested "a waivable policy that single parents with custodial
care of children up to two years of age must accept assignment to a
nondeployable position, if available, or be discharged from the
service with the opportunity to re-enter the service without loss
of rank or position" if they have "approved and reliable" child
care.  Commissioners also suggested that single parents with
custody of children under school age not be allowed to deploy, or
that one parent in a dual-service couple be forced to separate.
     The commission endorsed the current DoD policy of "gender-
norming," in which the services establish physical fitness
standards appropriate for members of different gender and age. 
However, commissioners recommended the services establish physical
requirements for military occupations in which a person's strength
and endurance matter.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS215.  Personnel Chief Says Manpower Reductions On Track
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Speaking to a recent meeting of senior enlisted
leaders from Naval medical and dental commands, the Chief of Naval
Personnel said that Navy personnel reductions are on track.
     "There are a lot of good things happening in the Navy, and one
of the things going right is our manpower reduction strategy," said
VADM R. J. Zlatoper.  "That's no accident because people are the
Navy's top priority today."
     Zlatoper was briefing the second annual Bureau of Medicine and
Surgery Senior Enlisted Conference in Washington, D.C., with nearly
200 command master chiefs and other senior enlisted personnel from
medical and dental communities.  The admiral discussed the Navy's
manpower strategy, the recent Enlisted Selective Early Retirement
(SER) boards, and several initiatives to improve the quality of
life for Navy personnel and their families.  Later the Bureau of
Naval Personnel (BUPERS) community managers and detailers for the
hospitalman (HM) and dental technician (DT) ratings met with the
group.
     According to Zlatoper, the Navy has 20,000 fewer people on
active duty now than a year ago, and is starting FY-93 ahead of the
curve for currently required reductions of about 15,500.  The Navy
is continuing to make reductions through lower accessions of new
recruits and officers, voluntary separations and retirements, and
some selective early retirements and limitations on first-term
personnel entering the career force. 
     "This set of policies and programs has kept us on glide slope
without forcing any career personnel out of the service before they
are retirement eligible," Zlatoper told the group.  He also said
that the current strategy "ensures continued upward mobility for
top-performing enlisted and officer personnel, and gives us some
flexibility in the event of future changes to reduction numbers...
still without resorting to RIF's (reductions-in-force)."
     Zlatoper noted that first-term reenlistment requests under
ENCORE (Enlisted Navy Career Options for Reenlistment) are flowing
well, permitting the Navy to reenlist the best qualified personnel
in ratings where there are shortages and growing requirements.  He
said that reenlistment quotas have been denied to only two percent
of first-term sailors requesting reenlistment since implementation
of ENCORE in March.
     Questions from the group included one asking if BUPERS could
speed up transfer to the Fleet Reserve for a retirement-eligible
chief petty officer who has found a civilian job.  Zlatoper said
that BUPERS will try to accommodate individual needs whenever
possible -- especially when someone has the opportunity to make a
smooth transition to a second career.       
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                              - USN -
NNS216.  New Law Increases Benefits for Service Personnel
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Veterans Benefits Act of 1992, signed into
law by the President Oct. 29, increased many benefits for active
duty members, surviving spouses and dependents.  Key changes
included in the law are:
     MONTGOMERY GI BILL
     Effective April 1, 1993, Montgomery GI Bill benefits (MGIB)
benefits will be increased from $350 to $400 per month for 36
months for active duty service members.  Participants in the
reserve MGIB will see their benefits rise from $170 to $190 per
month for 36 months.
     Active duty members who were not eligible for MGIB benefits
because they lacked a high school diploma or GED will now have 24
months from April 1, 1993 to meet this requirement if they were on
active duty Aug. 2, 1990.
     Personnel discharged after less than 12 months of active duty
who later reenlisted are now considered to have no break in service
for MGIB eligibility purposes.  A NAVADMIN outlining further
details on all of the educational changes included in the law will
be distributed fleetwide soon.  Specific questions can be directed
to the MGIB toll free number at 1-800-962-1425.
     LIFE INSURANCE
     The new law increases maximum coverage under Servicemen's
Group Life Insurance (SGLI).  Coverage can be increased up to
$100,000 above basic coverage of $100,000, in $10,000 increments,
for a total of $200,000.
     Coverage under Veteran's Group Life Insurance has also been
increased and is now available for up to $200,000, with renewable
policies.  Previously, maximum coverage was $100,000 and policies
could not be renewed.
     DEPENDENT AND INDEMNITY COMPENSATION
     Compensation for survivors of veterans who die of service-
connected reasons will receive a monthly payment of $750, plus an
additional $100 per child.  This is an increase for the majority of
survivors currently receiving benefits.  If the death occurred
before Jan. 1, 1993, survivors will receive monthly payments under
the old system or the new system, whichever is more advantageous.
     Details and additional changes will be explained in greater
detail in upcoming messages.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                              -USN- 
NNS217.  Congress Authorizes Joint Duty Credit for Gulf War Vets
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Defense, Joint Chiefs of
Staff and the services are making plans to grant joint credit for
certain duty performed during Operations Desert Shield and Desert
Storm, as authorized by Congress in the recently enacted Defense
Authorization Act for FY-93.
     The law gives the Secretary of Defense authority to award
credit for service in the previously defined Persian Gulf "combat
zone."  Congress directed DoD to establish criteria "to be used in
determining whether to give an officer credit for completion of a
full tour of duty, or credit countable for determining cumulative
service, in a joint duty assignment."
     Like the other services, the Navy will be advising officers
soon on eligibility requirements and procedures for applying for
joint credit.  Gulf War duty that provided significant experience
in joint matters, including the integrated employment of land, sea
and air forces, is expected to qualify for consideration.
     CDR J. A. Baker, head of the Joint Office Manning Branch of
the Bureau of Naval Personnel (BUPERS), said that eligible officers
will be encouraged to take advantage of this chance to earn full or
partial joint duty credit. 
     "Line officers must complete a joint duty assignment prior to
promotion to flag rank, and only a limited number of waivers are
available," said Baker.  "Especially with joint equivalency credit
expiring in January 1994 as a transition measure, this is an
important opportunity for qualified Navy officers to get credit for
joint experience gained during Desert Shield and Desert Storm."
     Also expiring in January 1994, under current law, are the
nuclear-qualified officer exemption and the waiver for officers
selected for flag rank while serving in a joint tour, Baker added. 
DoD's authority to grant joint credit for Gulf War service goes
only through April 1993, so BUPERS is advising potentially eligible
officers to be ready to document qualifying service once the final
requirements are determined.
     Officers with questions on joint requirements or Gulf War
credit should consult PERS-455 at (703) 693-2345 or (DSN) 223-2345.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS218.  U.S. Submarine Operates in Persian Gulf
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- USS Topeka (SSN 754) became the first U.S.
nuclear submarine to enter the Persian Gulf when it sailed through
the Strait of Hormuz Nov. 1.
     Topeka will be in the Persian Gulf for approximately 30 days
to conduct a routine scheduled maintenance period alongside
submarine tender USS Dixon (AS 37).  Topeka is deployed as part of
the USS Ranger Battle Group.
     The United States has had naval forces in the Middle East
since the end of World War II.  Since Desert Storm, the Navy has
maintained a constant presence in the Gulf region, with at least
one carrier battle group operating in the area.  Submarines have
routinely operated in the region as an integral part of carrier
battle groups, but this is the first time a submarine has actually
entered the Gulf.
     Homeported in San Diego, Calif., Topeka is an improved Los
Angeles class submarine, and is capable of speeds in excess of 20
knots and depths in excess of 400 feet.  The submarine can carry 12
Tomahawk missiles in its vertical launch tubes and up to 25
Tomahawks in its torpedo room.  Topeka is also capable of carrying
Mark 48 torpedoes and submarine-launched mobile mines.
     Topeka is commanded by CDR Edward Jablowski, and sails with a
crew of 140 personnel.
                              -USN-  
         Around the Fleet
NNS219.  Notable Quotable:  "...We can't afford to have American
servicemen and women detailed to hold horses just because we want
to stick with the old, comfortable ways of doing things.  We can
already see some things our future weapons will allow.  With longer
range, greater precision and real-time intelligence and targeting,
future weapons will be able to reach out and strike enemy forces at
great distances.  It may no longer be necessary to 'close with' the
enemy in order to destroy him.  Traditional modes of thinking, and
even traditional unit organizations, may not be appropriate to such
a future.  We need to find out what is, and we need to get it
first."  -- ADM David E. Jeremiah, Vice Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, in an address to the Surface Navy Association in
Arlington, Va., on Oct. 28.  
                               -USN-
         Salute to Excellence 
NNS220.  USS Tarawa ARG "Passes the Hat" for Ailing Young Girl
PERTH, Australia (NNS) -- A 12 year-old American girl living in
Perth, Australia, recently felt the overwhelming outpouring of
generosity that 4,000 Marines and sailors can provide when an
Amphibious Readiness Group (ARG) sails into town.
     A few days prior to arriving in Perth for a Port visit,
sailors and Marines from amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA
1), amphibious transport dock USS Ogden (LPD 5), dock landing ship
USS Fort Fisher (LSD 40) and guided missile frigate USS Curts (FFG
38) learned of a young American girl suffering from a rare and
potentially fatal heart problem. 
     The girl's parents were trying to raise $35,000 to send their
daughter to New York's Columbia Presbyterian Center -- the one
medical facility in the world that specializes in treating the
disorder.  With half the money raised through donations in Perth,
the parents still searched for ways to meet the expense.
     Alerted to the little girl's plight, crew members from the
Tarawa ARG went to work.  Sailors and Marines "passed the hat" and
held a bingo benefit for the young girl.  When the contributions
and bingo proceeds were totaled, $18,000 was presented to the young
girl and her parents during a small ceremony aboard Tarawa.  The
donation by the sailors and Marines was enough to make the trip to
New York and medical treatment a reality.
     The generosity of the Navy-Marine Corps Team was just a small
part of the ARG's successful trip "Down Under."  Ships also
participated in the joint U.S.-Australian-United Kingdom naval
amphibious exercise "Valiant Usher."  Prior to its Perth port
visit, the group provided support to Somalia relief operations and
participated in operation "Southern Watch."
Story by COMSEVENTHFLT Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS221.  Exercise "Eager Sentry 93-1" Gets Underway
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- A combined U.S.-Kuwaiti naval training
exercise, Eager Sentry 93-1, began in the Persian Gulf Oct. 31 and
will continue through Nov. 4.  The exercise is being conducted
within the framework of the Defense Cooperation Agreement between
the U.S. and Kuwait.
     Eager Sentry 93-1 is a surface exercise designed to improve
the readiness and interoperability of Kuwaiti and U.S. naval
forces.  The exercise is intended to provide mutual training,
develop professional and social ties between the two navies, and
continue development of formal operational and exercise procedures
between the forces.  The exercise will also demonstrate U.S.
seaborne capabilities and the continuing U.S. commitment to the
security and stability of the Persian Gulf region.
     U.S. units participating include elements of Surface Squadron
Five, including destroyer USS Paul F. Foster (DD 964) and guided
missile frigate USS Taylor (FFG 50).  Aircraft assigned to aircraft
carrier USS Ranger (CV 61), as well as a Law Enforcement Detachment
from the U.S. Coast Guard will also participate.  Approximately 500
personnel will be involved in the exercise.
                               -USN-
NNS222.  Fleet Combat Training Center Holds Bone Marrow Donor Drive 
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- If there was a one in 20,000 chance
you could save somebody's life, would you take that chance?  Fleet
Combat Training Center, Atlantic (FCTCLANT) Dam Neck, located in
Virginia Beach, Va., offered Tidewater area sailors, their families
and civilian employees the opportunity to do just that during its
third bone marrow donor drive held Nov. 4.
     The process requires the donation of four small vials of
blood.  The blood is then sent to the Naval Medical Research
Institute in Bethesda, Md., where it is tested and typed.  The
results of the tests are kept in the computerized registry of the
National Marrow Donor Program. 
     Although the number of participants in the most recent bone
marrow drive was not available, Operations Specialist 1st Class
Mark Morgan, FCTCLANT's bone marrow donor drive coordinator, was
expecting a large turnout.  In their first drive FCTCLANT reached
100 percent of their goal; they achieved 154 percent of their goal
during the second drive.
     According to Morgan, the drive is very important to some
people stationed in the area.  He said a lieutenant commander
supported the program so strongly that he drove 45 miles from
Norfolk to Dam Neck to donate.  
     Bone marrow transplants offer the best chance of recovery for
people afflicted with blood diseases such as aplastic anemia and
leukemia.  Bone marrow is the tissue inside certain bones that
produces essential elements of blood such as red and white blood
cells and platelets.
     Because a person's bone marrow is inherited in the same way as
hair or eye color, the odds of finding a match among family
members, which is about one in four, is greater than the odds of
finding a compatible unrelated donor.  However, despite the one in
20,000 odds, the national registry coordinates about 40 unrelated
bone marrow transplants per month.
     The Department of Defense has been encouraging service members
and their families to support bone marrow donation drives since
1990.  If your command would like to take part in this lifesaving
effort, call the National Marrow Donor Program, headquartered in
Bethesda, Md., at 1-800-627-7693.  According to Morgan, they will
send a representative to your command to help get you started, and
will also provide you with all of the necessary supplies.
Story by FCTCLANT, Dam Neck
                               -USN-
NNS223.  USS Saratoga Battle Group Returns Home
NORFOLK (NNS) -- Nearly 10,000 sailors and Marines of the USS
Saratoga Battle Group will return to their east coast homeports
Nov. 6, following a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean Sea.
     Throughout the deployment, the battle group operated across
the Mediterranean and conducted a variety of missions, including
joint exercises with French, Portuguese and Spanish national
forces, as well as NATO's Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean.
     In addition, USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) conducted operations in
the Black Sea with the Bulgarian and Romanian navies, and several
battle group ships participated in NATO exercises "Dragon Hammer
'92" and "Display Determination '92."
     The USS Saratoga Battle Group also performed several "real
world" missions during its deployment.  USS Saratoga (CV 60), which
is homeported in Mayport, along with Norfolk-based guided missile
cruisers USS Biddle (CG 34) and USS Thomas S. Gates (CG 51),
operated in the Adriatic Sea, near the coasts of war-torn former
Yugoslav republics.  Saratoga was the first aircraft carrier to
operate in the Adriatic Sea since USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) in
1986.
     Mayport-based frigates USS Jack Williams (FFG 24) and John L.
Hall also served as part of the Maritime Interdiction Force in the
Red Sea, enforcing United Nations sanctions against Iraq.
Story by U.S. Atlantic Fleet Public Affairs
                               -USN-    
NNS224.  USS St. Louis Ends 23-year Career
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- A proud 23-year history came to an end Nov.
2 as amphibious cargo ship USS St. Louis (LKA 116) was
decommissioned in Sasebo, Japan.
     St. Louis arrived in Sasebo from its original homeport of San
Diego in October 1983.  The ship's achievements during its nine
years in Sasebo were highlighted by its humanitarian relief efforts
during "Operation Sea Angel" in May 1991, when it provided relief
to victims of a massive cyclone in Bangladesh.  The ship also aided
the victims of the Mount Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines
during "Operation Fiery Vigil."
     The ship departed by tow several hours after the
decommissioning ceremony, en route to Pearl Harbor's Inactive Ships
Facility.
     St. Louis was replaced Nov. 3 in Sasebo by dock landing ship
USS Germantown (LSD 42).  Germantown's arrival completes Amphibious
Squadron 11, an amphibious ready group that is made up of four
amphibious units assigned to Sasebo.
     A multi-purpose amphibious platform, Germantown is designed to
support amphibious assault, is capable of operating up to four air
cushion landing craft (LCAC) and can conduct heliborne and surface
amphibious operations.
Story by U.S. Fleet Activities, Sasebo, Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS225.  NATO's Standing Naval Forces Atlantic Visits Bulgaria
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- NATO's Standing Naval Forces Atlantic
(STANAVFORLANT) became the first NATO-flagged force to visit a non-
NATO port in the Black Sea during a visit to the Bulgarian port of
Varna from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.
     The visit was approved by the NATO Defense Planning Committee
in July as part of a series of visits by NATO Standing Naval Forces
to non-NATO ports.  It is part of a military contact program which
has already seen exchanges of visits between military delegations
from NATO and the Republic of Bulgaria.
     STANAVFORLANT was inaugurated in 1968 as the first active
permanent international naval squadron ever formed.  Since then it
has operated under the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT). 
The force was temporarily deployed to the Mediterranean to relieve
NATO's Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) for NATO
operation "Maritime Monitor" in the Adriatic Sea from Sept. 9-26. 
Thereafter, STANAVFORLANT remained in the Mediterranean to conduct
further training, which included participation in NATO exercise
"Display Determination '92."
     The deployment of STANAVFORLANT demonstrates the inherent
mobility and flexibility of NATO's Standing Forces as part of
NATO's Immediate Reaction Forces.
     STANAVFORLANT is currently comprised of flagship USS Harry
Yarnell (CG 17), a U.S. cruiser; Canadian frigate HMCS Gatineau
(DDE 236); Dutch frigate HNLMS Piet Heyn (F 811); German frigate
FGS Emden (F 210); Norwegian frigate HNOMS Bergen (F 301); Spanish
frigate SPS Victoria (F 82); United Kingdom frigate HMS Andromeda
(F 57); and Turkish destroyer TCG9 Savastepe (D 348).
     Command of the force rotates among the five nations that
contribute ships on a permanent basis.  The current commander is
RADM Donald A. Dyer, United States Navy.  He leads a multinational
officer and enlisted staff.
Story by NAVEUR News Service
                              -USN-  
NNS226.  Navy Musician Wins International Jazz Competition
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Musician 1st Class Harold F. Summey Jr.,
percussionist with the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C., topped a
field of 200 drummers to win the sixth annual "Thelonious Monk
International Jazz Competition" held Oct. 25 at Lincoln Center in
New York City.
     Summey reported to the Navy Band in 1990.  He began his
musical studies on violin at age 10 and added drums three years
later.  A 1981 graduate of McDonogh High School in McDonogh, Md.,
he received a bachelor's degree from Hampton University (Va.) in
1985 and attended Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., in
1986.  
     The Newport News, Va., native has performed in three national
tours with the Navy Band, and recently participated in the Swedish
Army Tattoo in Stockholm, Sweden.  As a volunteer with the Navy's
"Personal Excellence Program," he has also shared his musical
talents with elementary and junior high school students in the
District of Columbia.   
Story by U.S. Navy Band Public Affairs
                               -USN-    
NNS227.  Blue Angels Complete European Tour
PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS)  -- The U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration
Squadron, the Blue Angels, recently completed its first European
tour since 1973.
     The 1992 European deployment began Aug. 26, and included
performances in Stockholm, Sweden; Turku, Finland; Moscow, Russia;
Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Sigonella, Italy; Baneasa, Romania; Finningley,
England; and Seville, Spain.
     The Blue Angels were the first U.S. military flight
demonstration team to fly in Russia, Romania and Bulgaria.  The
team performed for more than one million people, including crowds
of 120,000 in Sweden; 75,000 in Finland; 150,000 in Moscow; 200,000
in Bulgaria; 375,000 in Romania; 150,000 in Italy and England; and
50,000 in Spain.
Story by Blue Angels Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS228.  This Week in the Navy:  
November 5, 1915 -- It was on this day that the first catapult
launching from a ship underway took place on board USS North
Carolina.                             
                               -USN-
         Personnel Notes
NNS229.  Veterans Day Message from Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The following is the text of the Veterans Day
message from the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff to the men and
women of the armed forces:
     QUOTE:  We, as a people, have set aside today as a national
day of recognition and special tribute to all veterans -- past and
present -- for their dedication, sacrifice, and exceptional service
to their country.
     On behalf of a grateful America, a special thanks and sincere
gratitude to:
     -- Those men and women who have served our country during
times of peace and during times of war;
     -- Those who realize that man's struggle for freedom is
eternal, and like all things of value must be earned and preserved;
     -- Those who meet loneliness, sacrifice, hardship,
uncertainty, and risk with undaunted valor and pride;
     -- Those who have contributed time, determination, commitment,
courage and their lives to the promotion of American ideals; and
     -- Those who have served as guardians of freedom and
protectors of democracy.
     We commemorate this legacy of strength, compassion and
achievement as displayed by America's veterans.  You have created
and upheld a tradition of excellence.  Your selfless devotion to
service has not gone unnoticed.  Today's free world stands as
testimony to your commitment to independence and democracy.  Your
diligence and devotion have safeguarded this nation through war and
in peace.  We remember you, and we thank you.
     On behalf of the members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I
salute all veterans who have served this great nation.  I am
particularly proud of our Armed Forces today -- of the spirit and
fortitude, of the strength and discipline, of the men and women who
dedicate themselves each day to the preservation of security and
freedom.  -- Gen. Colin L. Powell, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff
                               -USN-
NNS230.  CNO Sends Birthday Greeting to Marine Corps
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In recognition of the 217th birthday of the
U.S. Marine Corps Nov. 10, the Chief of Naval Operations sent the
following birthday message to Marines worldwide:
     QUOTE:  As we mark the 217th birthday of the Corps, Marines
are on station around the world, ready, relevant and capable -- in
any clime and place -- to preserve our peace, guard our freedoms
and serve our great nation.
     The examples of courage and strength Marines have set for more
than two centuries inspire our young service men and women to this
day.  Certainly what Americans see in our impressive sailors and
Marines -- in the men and women of all our armed services -- are
the traditions of victory and commitment Marines established with
their blood, their sacrifices and their valor.
     Marines have much to be proud of as they embark on another
year of service to their Corps and their country.  We in the Navy
look forward to even closer ties with the U.S. Marine Corps as we
operate together from the sea for the cause of peace.  Happy
birthday from the men and women of the United States Navy.  -- ADM
Frank B. Kelso, II, Chief of Naval Operations
                              -USN-  
NNS231.  BUPERS Provides Reminder of Important Upcoming Dates
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Many took the time to vote on election day,
Nov. 3.  Here are some other important dates coming up for Navy
personnel:
     Nov. 11   Veterans Day
     Nov. 16   Olmsted Scholarship board convenes
               Surface Commander Command board convenes
     Nov. 18   Night detailing at BUPERS (1600 to 2200 EST)
     Nov. 26   Thanksgiving Day
     Nov. 30   E-6 Evaluations due
               Operation Deep Freeze board convenes
               O-5 Line Selective Early Retirement board convenes
     Approaching application deadlines include:
     Dec. 5    BOOST/4 Year NROTC Scholarship Program
     Jan. 1    Astronaut Candidate Selection Program 
Information provided by BUPERS Public Affairs
                              - USN -
         "Short Splices"
NNS232.  Editor's Note
This message follows NAVNEWS 054/92, DTG 292300Z Oct 92.
     NNS 054/92 contained the following stories:
NNS212.  CNO Outlines Core Values of the United States Navy
NNS213.  Navy Revises Tuition Assistance Policies
     Our policy is to release news when it is news.  An informed
sailor is a smarter sailor.
                               -USN-
NNS233.  Flag Announcement
     RADM Bruce B. Bremner, from Commander, Medium Attack Tactical
Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, to Director for
Operations, J-3, U.S. Space Command, Peterson Air Force Base,
Colorado Springs, Colo., January 1993.
                               -USN-
NNS234.  Navy News This Week
     The Nov. 4, 1992 edition of Navy News This Week -- a
videotaped newscast generated for broadcast to Navy/Marine Corps
fleet and shore units -- includes the following stories: 
HEADLINES:  Combined Federal Campaign Makes Worldwide Difference;
Naval Reserve Fights Against Drugs in America's Schools; Navy
Increases Funding for Tuition Assistance Program; VADM James
Stockdale (Ret.) Helps Present Namesake Award; Two New Submarines
Announced:  Louisiana and Connecticut; USS Topeka Awaits Iran's New
Russian Submarine in Arabian Gulf; BMCM Bobby Scott (Ret.) Killed
in Accident; Commission on Military Women Announces
Recommendations; Sailors and Marines Provide Humanitarian Relief in
Somalia; Sailor Risks Life to Save Another Man After Highway
Accident; Norfolk Area Citizen of the Year is Announced; New
Program Sets High Standards for Navy Housing; Fleet Hometown News
Center Keeps Family and Friends Informed; Medical Consultants
Discuss Future of Military Medicine; Navy Exchanges Stateside
Introduce Home Layaway Service; Navy Experimental Diving Unit
Conducts Underwater Study; World's Fastest Boats Participate in
Fundraiser for Sailors.
     QUESTIONS?  CONTACT Navy Broadcasting Service, Navy News This
Week, Bldg. 168, NAVSTA Anacostia, Washington, D.C. 20374-1682 or
call (202) 433-5844, (AV) 288-5844.
     Input from fleet units ensures our most complete coverage of
global events affecting the Navy and Marine Corps.  Your video
contributions, on 3/4-inch, 1/2-inch or Hi-8 videotape, are needed. 
                               -USN-
     Feedback on this issue, inputs for the next issue, questions
about distribution, and suggestions for improving NAVNEWS are
invited.  Help us make NAVNEWS better.  Contact NAVNEWS
     -- by message to NAVINRELACT WASHINGTON DC//NNS//
     -- by electronic mail to NAVNEWS(at)NCTAMSLANT.NAVY.MIL
     -- by U.S. mail to Editor, Navy News Service, Pentagon 2D340,
Washington, D.C. 20350-1200
     -- by fax to (703) 695-6180 or DSN 225-6180
     -- or by calling us at (703) 695-1888; (DSN) 225-1888.
                            - USN -