From: CLFPAO@nctamslant.navy.mil (CINCLANTFLT PAO)
Newsgroups: soc.veterans
Subject: Navy News Service - 26 Aug 92
Date: 28 Aug 1992 14:36:47 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

NAVY NEWS SERVICE - 26 AUG 92 - NAVNEWS 037/92
     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 037/92
   Top News and Policy Stories
NNS3.  USS Independence Communicates With World While Underway
NNS4.  CNO Addresses Key Navy Issues [*see note below] 
NNS5.  Bushey to Retire, Hagan Takes Helm as 8th MCPON
NNS6.  VA Drops Interest Rate on Home Loans 
NNS7.  VA Establishes Referral Centers for Persian Gulf Vets     
   Around the Fleet
NNS8.  Notable Quotable:  Sean O'Keefe   
NNS9.  Salute to Excellence:  Naval Dental Clinic, Camp Pendleton
NNS10. USS John L. Hall Conducts Historic Visit to Malta
NNS11. Navy CH-46 Crew Rescued Following Crash
NNS12. This Week in the Navy:  Sept. 2, 1945:  Japanese surrender
signed on board USS Missouri, Tokyo Bay.
   Personnel Notes:
NNS13. Need Money for College? -- Use "Need A Lift"
NNS14. New Course Definitions Planned
NNS15. Navy Ombudsman Day                                    
   Short Splices
NNS16. Fleet Home Town News Sends Your Stories Home
NNS17. Flag Move
NNS18. Editor's Note:  How to Use NNS
NNS19. Navy News This Week 
[*The complete text of ADM Kelso's message is available on request 
by e-mail from navnews@nctamslant.navy.mil.]
                               -USN-

       Top News and Policy Stories
NNS3.  USS Independence Communicates With World While Underway
WASHINGTON (NNS) --  While the world waited in anticipation of
President George Bush's announcement of Coalition intent to establish
a no-fly zone in Southern Iraq, aircraft carrier USS Independence (CV
62), underway in the Persian Gulf, instantaneously became the center
of attention when CNN Correspondent Tom Mintier broadcast live voice
reports from the bridge using a cellular telephone.
     The live reports were broadcast internationally before and after
the President's announcement, and emphasized the Navy was on scene
ready to enforce Coalition mandates as well as the Independence's
expected transition from training to operations.  
     Key points from the President's announcement include:
     -- Coalition will conduct surveillance flights below 32 degrees
north latitude to monitor Iraqi violations of United Nations Security
Council Resolution 688.
     -- In order to safely monitor this region, Iraq will be
prohibited from flying fixed- or rotary-wing aircraft south of the
32nd parallel.
     -- The United Nations and Coalition is seeking Iraq's total
compliance.         
     In other news, as Hurricane Andrew roared through South Florida
and the Gulf Coast, several Navy units got underway to avoid the
storm, demonstrating the U.S. Navy's unique mobility and flexibility.
     Shore-based units reported no casualties, and structural damage
so far has been minimal to naval facilities.  The U.S. Navy also
initiated humanitarian assistance projects in Florida:
     -- Navy personnel from Cecil Field are helping displaced Air
Force families from Homestead find shelter;
     -- Mayport's Family Service Center is conducting food drives;
     -- Jacksonville's Family Service Center is providing a phone
counseling/referral service.
     Other commands and organizations are also beginning to provide
much needed assistance to the South Florida and Louisiana areas.
                               -USN-

NNS4.  CNO Addresses Key Navy Issues
     "The Navy is the fleet and the fleet is its people.  Your
interests have been, are, and continue to be my top concern," said
ADM Frank B. Kelso II, Chief of Naval Operations, in a message issued
fleetwide after he visited bases and fleet units in Norfolk,
Jacksonville and San Diego.  [*see note below]   
     Kelso said he met with hundreds of Navy men and women who are
intensely interested in the direction the Navy is taking.  He
addressed their concerns in NAVOP 17/92, with a status report that
outlined where the Navy stands on several core issues of interest:
     Operations
     -- Nearly half of the Navy's 481 ships are operating at sea, 113
of them on deployments overseas.  In the past few weeks, when our
Commander in Chief called upon the Navy to be ready in the Adriatic,
eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf and elsewhere, our ships
and sailors responded promptly and professionally.   
     -- We are still recovering from schedule changes associated with
Operation Desert Storm.  The leadership of the Department of Defense,
the Joint Staff and our Navy are staunchly committed to providing the
highest quality of life possible for our sailors by holding true to
our perstempo goals.  
     Personnel
     -- We are working very hard to maximize stability for the
benefit of our sailors, their families and the Navy's readiness.
     -- Required personnel reductions are well on track.  Response to
voluntary early-out opportunities including early release from
service obligations, the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) and
Special Separation Benefit (SSB) by sailors in overmanned skill areas
has given added flexibility.
     -- We are reducing numbers while protecting career Navy
personnel from involuntary separation before they are eligible to
retire.
     -- We are preserving good career opportunities for junior
personnel as well.  Though vacancies and overall advancement are down
temporarily, top performers are still moving up.  Ninety-eight
percent of sailors applying for reenlistment under the Encore Program
are receiving approval to move into the career force.
     -- Personnel reductions are tied directly to planned
decommissionings of ships and squadrons and closures to realignments
of shore activities.  Remaining units will be manned properly, and
sea/shore rotation will be stable for career enlisted personnel.
     Compensation and Quality of Life
     -- Congress is supporting our requested 3.7 percent increase in
basic pay and allowances for 1993.
     -- We have also accepted the challenge to improve the
accessibility of getting health care when our people need it.  One-
stop shopping in terms of coordinated care is becoming a reality at
many of our hospitals and clinics.  If you don't have it where you
are now, you will have it in the not too distant future.
     -- Several initiatives are underway to improve the quality and
availability of Navy housing.  These include better management and
oversight, as well as additional dollars budgeted for housing
acquisition, leasing, renovation and upkeep.  
     -- Funding committed to Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) 
activities has increased, and will continue to rise.  In FY 93, 195
million dollars in appropriated funds will go to MWR, a 4 million
dollar increase over FY92.  A 10.8 percent increase in appropriated
funding for child care is also planned for next year.
     Preparing for the Future
     -- The recently announced OPNAV reorganization is a landmark
change that will align the Navy staff with the Joint staff,
streamline the functions of the Navy staff, allow us to speak with
one voice on programs and procurement, communicate better with other
organizations, and first and foremost reduce personnel and funding
requirements at the headquarters level rather than in the fleet.  Our
goal is to be more efficient, responsive and effective; to continue
improving the Navy even as we reduce in size.
     -- Concerns are inevitable when an organization is going through
significant changes in size and structure.  But there are many good
things happening around the Navy, and plenty of indicators that we
are moving in the right direction.  Good news stories abound.  You
are still a part of the finest Navy in the world and don't let
anybody tell you different.
[*The complete text of ADM Kelso's message is available on request 
by e-mail from navnews@nctamslant.navy.mil.]
                               -USN-

NNS5.  Bushey to Retire, Hagan Takes Helm as 8th MCPON
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON)
Duane R. Bushey will retire Aug. 28, and will be relieved by Master
Chief Electronics Technician (Surface Warfare) John Hagan in
ceremonies aboard the historic Washington Navy Yard in Washington,
D.C.
     The office of the MCPON was established as a result of
recommendations from the Secretary of the Navy's Task Force on
Navy/Marine Corps Personnel Retention in 1966.  The MCPON serves as
the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations and
Chief of Naval Personnel on all matters pertaining to enlisted
sailors.
     In the execution of his duties, when called upon, the MCPON will
testify before various Congressional committees and subcommittees. 
The MCPON also serves in an advisory capacity on various boards
pertaining to enlisted sailors.  The Navy's senior bluejacket is
responsible for recommendations leading to the development of
effective leadership training; improvement of morale, retention and
career enhancement; and issues associated with quality of life.
     Master Chief Hagan, 46, was born in Luton, England, and later
grew up and attended schools in Asheville, N.C.  After his enlistment
in December 1964 and completion of recruit training and electronics
technician school, he was briefly assigned to Naval Air Test Center
Patuxent River.  After completion of Ground Control Approach Radar
Technician School in Glynco, Ga., he reported to Naval Air Station
Whidbey Island.  During this tour he earned an associate of arts
degree.
     His next tour of duty was on board the USS Lester (DE 1022) in
Naples, Italy.  During a subsequent tour of sea with Underwater
Demolition Team 21 in Little Creek, Va., he was advanced to chief
petty officer and qualified as a parachutist.  While assigned with
Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center Louisville, Ky., he was
advanced to senior chief petty officer and also received a bachelor
of science degree in business administration from McKeendree College.
     In September 1980 he reported on board USS Richmond K. Turner
(CG 20) in Charleston, S.C., where he qualified as an Enlisted
Surface Warfare Specialist and was advanced to master chief petty
officer.  Shortly after reporting to Naval Air Technical Training
Center Memphis, he was assigned as Force Master Chief for the Chief
of Naval Technical Training.
     In April 1988 Hagan reported to Pre-Commissioning Unit
Philippine Sea (CG 58) in Norfolk as the ship's Command Master Chief. 
After commissioning, the ship was homeported in Mayport, Fla., and
subsequently deployed to the Red and Mediterranean Seas in support of
Operations Desert Shield and Storm.  During this tour of duty, Hagan
qualified as an officer of the deck (underway).  After reporting to
Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 48 (HSL 48) as the Command
Master Chief, Hagan was selected to become the eighth Master Chief
Petty Officer of the Navy.
     He is married to the former Catherine Mosher; they have three
children:  Robert, a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps; Melissa
and Melody.  After retirement, the Bushey family will reside in
Norfolk.    
Story by MCPON Public Affairs
                              -USN- 

NNS6.  VA Drops Interest Rate on Home Loans to 7.5 Percent
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reduced
its maximum home loan interest rate from 8 to 7.5 percent, effective
Aug. 12.  This is the lowest VA rate in 19 years, and it is the
second time in less than two months that the rate has been lowered.
     "The drop in the rate will mean more veterans will qualify for
home loans, which will have the practical effect of stimulating the
economy and boosting the housing industry.  It also means that many
veterans can take advantage of the lower rate and refinance their
existing loans at a great savings," said VA Secretary Edward J.
Derwinski.
     One year ago the interest rate on VA-guaranteed home loans was
9.5 percent.  The decline to 7.5 percent means the monthly payment on
a typical VA loan of $86,000 has decreased by $121.25 -- from $723.26
to $602.00.
     Also effective Aug. 12, VA decreased by one-half percentage
point the maximum rates for graduated payment mortgages to 7.75
percent; home improvement loans to 9 percent; manufactured home loans
to 10 percent; manufactured home lot-only loans to 9.5 percent; and
manufactured home and lot loans to 9.5 percent.
     The lower rate is also good news for veterans interested in
refinancing their existing mortgage loans -- more than 33,000
veterans have recently refinaced their loans to take advantage of
lower interest rates.  Veterans are encouraged to contact a private
lending agency for more information on refinancing VA loans.
Story by VA Public Affairs
                               -USN-

NNS7.  VA Establishes Referral Centers for Persian Gulf Vets
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is
establishing special environmental medicine referral centers at its
hospitals in West Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington, D.C., to
handle cases of unusual symptoms in veterans of the Persian Gulf
conflict.
     The action was prompted by reports of symptoms possibly related
to environmental contaminants among Gulf-veteran cases in the DoD
health-care system that may ultimately reach VA's network of
hospitals and clinics.  Candidates for referral would be
incapacitated veterans whose evaluation at a local VA medical center
has evaded diagnosis.
     Last month VA sought legislative authority to give Persian Gulf
veterans special access to VA for a thorough physical examination and
the entry of health-related data into a computerized tracking
registry.
     "While we await upcoming congressional hearings or deliberations
on this proposal," VA Secretary Edward J. Derwinski said, "we are
prepared to assist any Gulf veteran who may be experiencing health
problems right now."
     The three centers were selected based on availability of
clinical and academic expertise in such areas as pulmonary and
infectious diseases, immunology, neuropsychology and access to
toxicology expertise.  The centers will have an emphasis on groups of
symptoms that may suggest responses to toxic environmental agents.
     VA facilities are also streamlining access for Persian Gulf
veterans who may have service-related problems, providing review of
their symptoms and collecting any diagnostic findings and service
data that will later be entered into a computerized tracking registry
that would provide long-term surveillance and suggest patterns for
research.
     In addition, VA is in the process of establishing 32 Persian
Gulf War Family Support Centers in 26 states.  The centers will
provide marriage and family counseling services for Persian Gulf War
veterans, their spouses and children.  
Story by VA Public Affairs  
                               -USN-

       Around the Fleet
NNS8.  Notable Quotable:  
     "In the Navy and Marine Corps today, we have some very
challenging problems...indeed, among the most complex ever to face
our naval establishment.  As we move forward, I try to remember H. L.
Mencken's comment that 'There is a simple answer to every complex
problem -- neat, easy, and wrong.'  As you work with problems,
remember that very few will respond to gimmicks or quick fixes.  Most
require the painful application of thought, imagination, and effort."
     -- Sean O'Keefe, Acting Secretary of the Navy, addressing 
graduates at the Penn State Commencement Ceremony on Aug. 15. 
                               -USN-

       Salute to Excellence 
NNS9.  Dental Command Forms Partnership
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- In support of the Chief of Naval
Operations Personal Excellence Partnership Program, personnel from
the Navy Dental Command at Camp Pendleton used their expertise to
form a partnership with the Mary Fay Pendleton Elementary School.
     Highlights of the first year of this program included:  tutoring
services in mathematics and language arts; presentations on oral
health awareness to students in kindergarten through fourth grades;
assistance to teachers during manual arts and crafts evolutions; and
collecting soup product labels to support the "Labels for Play
Equipment" program.
Story by BUMED Public Affairs
                               -USN-

NNS10. USS John L. Hall Conducts Historic Visit to Malta
MALTA, Sicily (NNS) -- USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) opened a frontier
closed for more than two decades on Aug. 13 as she berthed pierside
in Malta's grand harbor.
     Malta is an island nation located midway between the southern
tip of Sicily and the coast of North Africa.  A British colony until
its independence in 1962, Malta's location in the central
Mediterranean makes it commercially and militarily strategic.  Not
since a shift of power to Malta's anti-military socialist government
in the early 1970's had an American warship entered the harbor. 
     USS Hall's Commanding Officer, CDR Don Geiger, said the visit
gave him and his crew the opportunity to come face to face with a new
culture.  "The goal of each sailor," said Geiger, "as it has been in
the last eight port visits we've made, is to get out and meet the
people and experience something that's very unique for Americans --
certainly for American sailors."
     New experiences have been an integral part of the Mayport
frigate's deployment.  Deployed since May, the ship has operated with
the Portuguese Navy in Lisbon; visited ports in the Red and
Mediterranean Seas; and made port calls in the recently opened Black
Sea ports of Varna, Bulgaria and Constanta, Romania.
Story by CINCUSNAVEUR Public Affairs
                             -USN-    

NNS11. Navy CH-46 Crew Rescued Following Crash
NORFOLK (NNS) -- All four crewmen of a Navy CH-46 were uninjured
following the crash of their helicopter Aug. 20 on a Navy ship
operating off the U.S. East coast.
     The CH-46 "Sea Knight" helicopter, assigned to Helicopter Combat
Support Squadron 6 (HC 6) based at Naval Air Station Norfolk, was
conducting vertical replenishment operations from the aircraft
carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) and the ammunition ship USS
Suribachi (AE 21).  The accident occurred while the ship was
approximately 150 miles southeast of Morehead City, N.C.
     Initial reports indicate the helicopter lost power in one of its
two engines and attempted to land on Suribachi.  The helicopter
rolled on its side after making an emergency landing on Suribachi's
flight deck.  One crewman evacuated the helicopter by jumping into
the sea after the landing.  He was quickly rescued by another
helicopter.
     The Navy is investigating the cause of the accident.
Story by NAVAIRLANT Public Affairs
                               -USN-

NNS12. This Week in the Navy
Sept. 2, 1945 -- It was on this day the Japanese surrender was signed
on board USS Missouri, Tokyo Bay.
                               -USN-

       Personnel Notes
NNS13. Need Money for College?  Use "Need a Lift"
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sailors concerned with the rising cost of college
education should send for "Need a Lift," an American Legion
publication.   
     The booklet provides information on a variety of scholarships
and other financial resources for children of Navy members, their
spouses, and active duty personnel who will be leaving the service
soon and want to go to college.  It provides a list of agencies,
organizations, clubs, military-affiliated groups and federal and
state benefits which can help pay for continuing education.
     Members can purchase a copy of "Need a Lift" by mailing a $2
check or money order to The American Legion, National Emblem Sales,
P.O. Box 1050, Indianapolis, IN 46206.  Pamphlets will be available
by mid-September.  
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-

NNS14. New Course Definitions Planned
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy has moved to improve planning,
programming and tracking of training courses for officers and
enlisted personnel by modifying some course definitions and adding
others.  The revisions culminate nearly three years of fleet testing
and validation.
     Key changes include the addition of non-pipeline refresher
training ("D" course), team functional skill training by fleet or
type commanders ("T" course) and NEC professional and pipeline
segments ("G" course).  However, the impact of the changes will not
be apparent in the fleet for several years.  Full implementation will
be delayed pending FY-95 budget action.  Detailed guidelines to
implement the changes will be outlined at that time.
     For details refer to NAVADMIN 130/92 or contact CDR D. K. Gerou,
OP-112H, DSN 225-8671, (703) 695-8671, or Mr. R. McNair, CNET N-311,
DSN 922-4904, (904) 452-4904.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                             -USN-    

NNS15. Navy Ombudsman Day
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sept. 14 is Navy Ombudsman Day -- an opportunity
for the Navy and individual commands to recognize the unique
contributions these important members bring to the Navy.
     The Navy's Ombudsman program was created in 1970 to offer
families friendship, information, problem-solving and a helping hand,
especially during deployments.  An ombudsman is a Navy spouse,
appointed by the commanding officer, who serves as the official
liaison between families and the commanding officer.  Ombudsmen are
volunteers, and any Navy spouse is eligible to serve as an ombudsman.
     "The position requires time and dedication.  Ombudsmen establish
and maintain good communication links between families and the
commanding officer," said Dorothy Benford, Ombudsman Program Manager
at the Bureau of Naval Personnel.  "These are volunteers who often
have full time jobs and families, but are ready and willing to help
others," she added.
     All commands are encouraged to take time to recognize Ombudsmen. 
Contact the office of the commanding officer or your base Family
Service Center for more information.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-

       "Short Splices"
NNS16. Fleet Home Town News Sends Your Stories Home
NORFOLK (NNS) -- One of the best ways to send your story home is
through the Fleet Home Town News Center (FHTNC).  More than 11,500
local newspapers, college alumni publications, television and radio
stations use the releases to inform the community about the
achievements of men and women of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast
Guard.
     The procedure is easy -- you simply fill out the form, and the
Center does the rest.  The more information the form contains, the
more releases can be mailed to the media.  Attach an extra piece of
paper to the form if you run out of room.
     Between now and Sept. 30, the Center will offer a free one-year
U.S. Naval Institute membership (or extension) to the individual
whose FHTNC form generates the most news releases.  The public
affairs officer that sends in the form will get a USNI coffee mug and
the command will receive a USNI art print.  Five sets of winners will
be named.
     Use the FHTNC to help build public awareness and support for the
sea services...that makes everyone a winner.  For more information
call DSN 564-2221 or (804) 444-2221.
Story by Fleet Home Town News Center
                               -USN-

NNS17. Flag Officer Announcement
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The following flag officer move was recently
announced:
     VADM Michael P. Kalleres, USN, relieved VADM Francis R. Donovan,
USN, as Commander, Military Sealift Command during change of command
ceremonies at the Washington Navy Yard on Aug. 17.
                               -USN-

NNS18. Editor's Note
     Navy News Service is now providing more timely information to
the fleet; our policy is to release news when it is news.  Effective
with NAVNEWS 035/92, stories are numbered consecutively.  To avoid
confusion, the following is provided for your reference:
     NAVNEWS 035/92:  DTG 211700Z AUG 92
               NNS1:  USS John F. Kennedy Group to Deploy
     NAVNEWS 036/92:  DTG 242200Z AUG 92
               NNS2:  VFW Adopts Resolution Supporting Naval Aviators
     The purpose of NNS is to keep sailors informed.  Some ways NNS
is used include:  
     -- base and shipboard newspapers;
     -- plan of the day/week notes;
     -- familygrams;
     -- at quarters;
     -- reproduce all or portions of the message and post on bulletin
boards.
     An informed sailor is a smarter sailor.      
                               -USN-

NNS19. Navy News This Week 
     The Aug. 26, 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:  U.S. and allies declare no-
fly zone over Southern Iraq; Sailors onboard USS Independence react
to President's announcement; SPECIAL SEGMENT:  GULF UPDATE -- USS
Acadia crew keeps the fleet in top shape; Three Marines die during
EAGER MACE; USMC Combat Development Commandwelcomes new Commanding
General; Master Chief Duane Bushey reflects back on thirty-year
career; Marine Corps offers Voluntary Separation Programs for FY 93;
USS John L. Hall visits island of Malta; FLEET HEADLINES:  USS Lake
Erie hosts crew of 19th Century Brig Niagara; New program helps
Sigonella sailors see the Sicilian sites; U.S. and Italians team up
in air traffic control tower; Burial at sea marks the anniversary of
the Battle of Guadalcanal; Navy, Marine Corps take on other services
in women's softball; Race car roars down runway at NAS Miramar.
     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-