NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #31/NN_1992_31.iso/spool/sci/military/12224

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Navy News Service - NAVNEWS BY EMAIL - [e-mail]
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NAVY NEWS SERVICE - 23 DEC 1992 - NAVNEWS 066/92
     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 [phone]/6059/8076, (DSN) 224-
8070.
                               -USN-
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR NAVNEWS 066/92
   Top News and Policy Stories
NNS357.  Operation Restore Hope Moves into Kismayo, Somalia
NNS358.  O'Keefe sworn in as Navy Secretary
NNS359.  USS Omaha Visits Australia
   Around the Fleet
NNS360.  Notable Quotable:
NNS361.  Salute to Excellence:  CINCUSNAVEUR Announces Leadership
         Award Winners
NNS362.  "Can Do" Spirit Gets Things Moving In Somalia
NNS363.  Setting Up Housekeeping in Somalia
NNS364.  Free Mail and Phone Calls For Restore Hope Deployers
NNS365.  Outstanding Bachelor Quarters Announced
NNS366.  Naval Station New York Sailors Help in the Wake of Storm
NNS367.  Naval Weapons Facility St. Mawgan, U.K. closes
NNS368.  U.S. Navy and Russian Ships Conduct Exercise
NNS369.  Navy Corpsman Provides Assistance in Roadside Delivery
NNS370.  This Week in the Navy:
   Personnel Notes
NNS371.  President Bush Sends Holiday Greetings
NNS372.  Personnel Receiving BAQ, VHA Must Recertify Eligibility
NNS373.  Career Opportunities Forecast For General Detail Sailors
NNS374.  Sailors Can Cast Their Vote in Personnel Survey
NNS375.  Health Care Survey Sent To Military Beneficiaries
NNS376.  Navy League Announces Three Scholarships
   Short Splices
NNS377.  Navy News This Week
                              -USN-
         Top News and Policy Stories
NNS357.  Operation restore Hope Moves Into Kismayo, Somalia
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As dawn broke over the Somalian port city
Kismayo, six jets from aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) roared
overhead providing air cover as American Marines and Belgian troops
landed from the sea.
     Encountering no resistance, the city was quickly secured.  The
Marines returned to their ships turning security responsibilities
over to Belgian forces and elements of the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain
Division.
     This was the first amphibious landing supported by the Kitty
Hawk battle group and the second straight day of flight operations
since it relieved the Ranger Battle group off the coast of Somalia.
Since its arrival on Dec. 18, Kitty Hawk's air wing has conducted
numerous photo reconnaissance, and close air support missions.  In
addition, VAW-114, the air wing's airborne early warning squadron,
has teamed with cruiser USS Leahy (CG 16) to play an important role
in air traffic control (ATC).  With ATC radars not operating at
Mogadishu's airport, Leahy and carrier-based E-2C Hawkeyes have
provided the initial air traffic control guidance for incoming relief
flights.
     According to Pentagon spokesman Pete Williams, the next
operations scheduled include the Marines going into Bardera on Dec.
24.  The following day -- Christmas Day -- U.S. Marines and French
Legionnaires will go into Oddur.  On the 27th, U.S. Army and Italian
troops will enter Gialalassi and on the 28th U.S. Army and Canadian
Troops will head into Belet Wen.
     As of Dec. 22, there were 8,400 U.S. military personnel on the
ground in Somalia, and they are supported by about 9,000 sailors and
Marines aboard Navy ships off the coast.  There are a number of
countries in addition to the U.S. which have personnel on the ground
in Somalia as part of the Joint Task Force coalition.  They are
Belgium, Botswana, Britain, Canada, France, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait,
Morocco, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
     Humanitarian flights continue and since the operation's
beginning have delivered over 15,600 metric tons of food on
approximately 1,360 flights.
                               -USN-
NNS358.  O'Keefe sworn in as Navy Secretary
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Sean O'Keefe, Acting Secretary of the Navy since
July 7, was formally sworn in as Navy Secretary Dec. 16
following appointment to the position by President Bush.
     Defense Secretary Dick Cheney presided at a Pentagon ceremony at
which O'Keefe became the 69th secretary of the 217-year-old U.S.
Navy.  Deputy Secretary Don Atwood administered the oath of office.
     "Sean has done a superb job leading the Navy.  He has taken on
some of the biggest challenges with great skill.  He deserves this
honor," Cheney said.
     The appointment was made under the President's constitutional
authority to fill vacancies during Congressional recess.
     Prior to serving as Secretary of the Navy, O'Keefe was
Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer of the Defense Department.
                               -USN-
NNS359.  USS Omaha Visits Australia
PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS
Omaha (SSN 692) became the first nuclear powered warship to visit
Melbourne, Australia in 13 years when it paid a six-day visit to the
port city Nov. 30 through Dec 5.
     The people of Melbourne greeted Omaha's crew with open arms as
the boat sailed into Port Philip Bay.
     During the visit, CDR R.W. Pohtos, commanding officer of Omaha,
visited with the Victoria State Governor, the Premier and Melbourne's
Lord Mayor.
     "We consider the U.S. fleet friends of Victoria as obviously the
Federal Government considers the friends of Australia," said Premiere
Kennet, who presented Pohtos a Victorian coat of arms.  Seven members
of the Victorian Parliament, the Lord Mayor, dozens of media
representatives, and numerous others toured Omaha.  All who toured
the ship came away with an appreciation for the crew's
professionalism and commitment to safety.
     Omaha's "ambassadors" also impressed other Australians
throughout Melbourne and across the nation.  Twenty Omaha crewmen
played basketball with local orphans and stuffed packages for the
Salvation Army.  Additionally, Pohtos was interviewed on an
Australian version of "The Today Show" which was broadcast
nationally.
Story by COMSUBPAC Public Affairs
                               -USN-
         Around the Fleet
NNS360.  Notable Quotable:  "I very much believe that we stand at a
crossroads in naval history, when the Navy and Marine Corps are in
the process of reinventing themselves, much as we did in the naval
renaissance at the end of the 19th century... we must rethink our
strategic concepts and develop new approaches to the international
security environment.  Historians will judge this era as comparable
in momentous change -- the lingering question is whether we've
tailored our forces properly for future challenges.  Only time will
tell." -- Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe, in an address to the
National Security Industrial Association's Amphibious Warfare
Conference, in Coronado, Calif. on Nov. 19.
                               -USN-
         Salute to Excellence
NNS361.  CINCUSNAVEUR Announces Leadership Award Winners
Commander in Chief U.S. Naval Forces Europe ADM Mike Boorda recently
announced the winners of CINCUSNAVEUR's Leadership awards.  The
winners were CWO3 Bernard Boston of Naval Station Rota, Spain
representing the officer community, ATCS(AW) Michael Wolfe from NAS
Sigonella, Italy was selected from the E-7 through E-9 community and
AE1(AW) Charles Bergstol from helicopter combat support squadron four
represented the E-6 and below community.
     "These superb individuals were selected from a highly
competitive field of impressive Navy and Marine Corps men and women
nominated by virtually every command in the European theater," said
Boorda in a message to all NAVEUR units.  "I extend my heartiest
congratulations to the winners and all nominees for their proven
outstanding leadership.  With men and women like you, our Navy is in
great shape today and (will continue to be so) in the future."
     Runners up included LCDR Paul Williamson of Personnel Support
Detachment London, England, CTRCS Mark Gano Naval Security Group
Activity (NSGA) Edzell, Scotland and CTM1 Robert Kilgo from NSGA San
Vito, Italy.
Released by CINCUSNAVEUR
                               -USN-
NNS362.  "Can Do" Spirit Gets Things Moving In Somalia
MOGADISHU, Somalia (NNS) -- In the dawning days of the humanitarian
relief effort, Operation Restore Hope, it became apparent that the
third world airport of Somalia's capitol, Mogadishu, was not equipped
to handle the massive cargo planes that would be flying there.
     Noticeably absent were beacons to tell pilots where the end of
the runway was.  In a hurry to get supplies flowing into Somalia, air
traffic controllers from amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LPH
10), who had been providing air control for the region, turned to the
communication and navigation division of Tripoli's Aircraft
Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD).
     Since there were no beacons of the type needed, AIMD decided to
build some.  Their first step was to figure out exactly what was
needed.  With Mogadishu's short runway, heavily-laden cargo planes
would have difficulty stopping if they weren't using all of the
available runway surface.  However, in bad weather the runway was not
clearly visible.  What was needed was a pair of beacons, one at each
end of the runway, that would relay a signal back to Tripoli, telling
controllers where the end of the runway was in relation to
approaching aircraft.
     This project was placed in the hands of AIMD on the afternoon of
Dec. 10.  By dawn the next morning a functioning transmitter was
ready to be taken ashore and set up.  Made up of aircraft components
and a dry cell battery and with a casing of scrap wood from an ammo
box, the transmitter might not have been a picture of state-of-the-
art elegance, but it worked -- a testament to the ingenuity of
Tripoli's AIMD and their dedication to the mission of feeding the
starving people of Somalia.
Story by USS Tripoli Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS363.  Setting Up Housekeeping in Somalia
NORFOLK (NNS) -- As the number of U.S. forces in Somalia begins to
rise the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFACENGCOM) is
preparing to assist with the task of setting up housekeeping.
     Using a contract awarded by the Army Corps of Engineers to a
civilian contractor, NAVFACENGCOM's Atlantic Division (LANTDIV) has
begun preparations to help the Joint Task Force (JTF) receive troops
and provide camps which include all basic life support services such
as shelter, sanitation, food and laundry.
     The $4 million contract was originally awarded to Brown and Root
Service Corporation in Aug. by the Army as a contingency to cover any
area to which the U.S. might deploy troops.  When the operation in
Somalia got underway, the Army turned the contract over to LANTDIV
which is the Department of Defense construction agent for Africa.
     Brown and Root should be mobilized in Somalia within 21 days and
may also be called upon by the JTF commander to provide other
Logistical support services as needed.
Story by LANTDIV Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS364.  Free Mail and Phone Calls For Restore Hope Deployers
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- On Dec. 18, Secretary of Defense Richard Cheney
authorized members of the Armed Forces who are deployed in Operation
Restore Hope on station in Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti and the adjacent
waters to send mail at no cost.
     The free mail is limited to letters, video or sound recording
tapes that consist of personal correspondence sent to any place in
the U.S., any possession of the U.S. or any military post office.
     Mail to sailors and marines embarked aboard ships off the coast
should still be sent through normal channels -- it will follow
personnel who go ashore.  Mail destined to personnel assigned to
commands deploying to the area should be sent to the FPO or APO
address provided to each command before they deployed.
     There are military postal workers on the ground now making
preparations to stay ahead of the flow of mail.  In the meantime, the
U.S. Postal Service and the Military Postal Service Agency are
advising that mailing to Somalia should be restricted to those who
have the actual names, unit numbers and FPO/APO zip codes of troops
serving in the area.
     In addition to free mail, service members serving in Operation
Restore Hope may place free morale calls to the states during the
holiday season, courtesy of Sprint.
     The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines will have several Military
Affiliated Radio System (MARS) stations in Somalia to support
deployed personnel.  If a MARS station is not available, personnel
may use any military high frequency (HF) radio to connect with one of
over 150 MARS operators standing by throughout the U.S.  A MARS
operator will transfer the call to Sprint, who will switch the call
to anywhere in the U.S. free of charge.  Each call will last three to
four minutes.
     Another method of placing calls to the U.S. is through stateside
amateur radio stations.  About 32 Amateur Radio operators will
receive and process calls from any military HF radio utilizing
frequency 14.200 MHZ or 14.313 MHZ.  The stateside amateur radio call
sign is "WA5ORS HOPE."
     Also, COMSAT Corp. will provide users of INMARSAT land and
shipboard terminals free telephone service to the states on Dec. 26
and 27 from 8:01 p.m. (Zulu) to 4:00 a.m. (Zulu).  Ships will be
allotted different amounts of free air time depending on the size of
their crew.
     Finally, Sprint will provide free phone calls from Camp
Pendleton to all Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their immediate
family members through Dec. 26 during the hours of 11:00 a.m. (PST)
to 6:00 p.m. (PST).  Unfortunately there are no phone lines to
Somalia, however personnel may call anywhere else in the world.
Compiled from official releases
                               -USN-
NNS365.  Outstanding Bachelor Quarters Announced
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The recipients of the FY92 Admiral Elmo R.
Zumwalt Award for Excellence in Bachelor Quarters Management have
been announced by Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe. This award
recognizes the Navy's best managed and most comfortable bachelor
quarters (BQs).  "Our sailors who reside in outstanding BQs are the
real winners in the Zumwalt Award competition," said O'Keefe.
     The award has four competitive categories -- Jumbo (2500 or more
spaces), Large (1000 to 2400 spaces), Medium (300 to 999 spaces), and
Small (up to 299 total spaces). This year a total of 20 commands
(five in each category) competed in the finals.
Winners are:
First place --
     Jumbo category: Naval Station San Diego and Naval Construction
Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS
     Large category: Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound, WA
     Medium category: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren, VA
     Small category: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, IN
Runners up --
     Jumbo category: None (due to tie for first place)
     Large category: Naval Station, Mayport, FL
     Medium category: Naval Security Group Activity, Misawa, Japan
     Small category: Naval Computer and Telecommunications Station,
          Washington, DC
Third place --
      Jumbo category: Fleet Combat Training Center, Atlantic,
          Dam Neck, VA
      Large category: Naval Station Rota, Spain
      Medium category: Naval Air Station, South Weymouth, MA
      Small category: Navy Support Office, La Maddalena, Italy
     In one of several actions to improve quality of life as the
service becomes smaller, the Navy recently approved plans to improve
bachelor housing with new BQ management guidance and training courses
stressing customer service, a survey of BQ residents to identify
needs and concerns, improvements in furniture and maintenance, and
increased funding for BQ construction and renovation.  Announcing the
1992 Zumwalt Award winners in ALNAV 130/92, SECNAV urged installation
commanders operating BQs to bring their standards up to award-level
performance.
     The awards are named in honor of ADM Elmo Zumwalt, who served as
Chief of Naval Operations from July 1970 to June 1974 and was known
for his efforts to improve the lives of sailors.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                                 -USN-
NNS366.  Naval Station New York Sailors Help in the Wake of Storm
NEW YORK, N.Y. (NNS) -- When New York City was hit by one of the
worst storms in decades, the men and women of Naval Station New York
were called to action.
     As high tides, gale force winds and heavy rains assaulted the
area Dec. 11, the Navy answered an urgent call for assistance.
Divers from the Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity (SIMA) worked
hand-in-hand with the Army National Guard and area firefighters
evacuating residents from storm-ravaged Staten Island.  Using canoes
and flat bottomed boats, Navy personnel travelled up and down city
streets that were under as much as five feet of water rescuing people
trapped in homes and cars.
     The following day, guided missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60),
training frigate USS Bowen (FFT 1079) and guided missile frigate USS
Clifton Sprague (FFG 16) provided dewatering teams to help local
residents and agencies with flooding.  They worked throughout the
weekend using P-250 and peri-jet eductors, pumping more than 950,000
gallons of water.
     The Navy's disaster relief efforts continued during the week
following the storm, with sailors assisting the Red Cross with damage
assessment, delivery of Red Cross clean up materials and dewatering.
Story by JO2(SW) Marc McCormick, NAVSTA New York Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS367.  Naval Weapons facility St. Mawgan, U.K. Closes
LONDON, England (NNS) -- On Dec. 15 the Stars and Stripes were
lowered for the last time at Naval Weapons Facility (NWF) St. Mawgan
in the United Kingdom.
     For over 27 years the U.S. Navy received, stored, maintained,
issued and transhipped munitions in support of U.S. Navy and NATO
operations from Royal Air Force Base St. Mawgan.  The weapons
facility, which had over 200 sailors and Marines assigned at its
peak, was down to fewer than 15 sailors at the time of its closing.
Located in the Southwest corner of England, the command had won the
Ambassador's Award for having the best U.S. Navy community relations
program for a small command in the U.K. for the past two consecutive
years.
     The command, which was also recently awarded a Secretary of the
Navy Commendation for "unequalled performance of the Navy-Marine
Corps team" mission, was closed as part of the Defense Department
drawdown and the changing military climate following the end of the
cold war.
Story by CINCUSNAVEUR Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS368.  U.S. Navy and Russian Ships Conduct Exercise
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- In yet another example of new world friendships,
guided missile cruiser USS Cowpens (CG 63) one of the newest U.S.
Aegis cruisers and the Russian ship Admiral Vinogradov one of the
newest Russian destroyers, conducted a brief exercise while operating
in international waters in the Bay of Bengal.
     The exercise included communications drills using English and
international codes, a simple vertical replenishment and an exchange
of greetings as the two ships passed within visual range of each
other.
     Air operations in support of the exercise included flights by
both of Cowpens' SH-60B Seahawk helicopters who got practice
transferring supplies when they delivered two cases of American soda
and several Cowpens ballcaps.
     Communications were established early in the day and were used
throughout the exercise to coordinate a rendezvous.  When the ships
passed within visual range of each other, the crews of both ships
came out on deck to take advantage of the excellent photo
opportunity.
     As the two ships parted, CAPT Edward Moore, Jr., Cowpens
Commanding Officer, commented, "This represented an opportunity to
further goodwill and understanding between our two navies and will
provide a foundation (on which) to build future operations."
Story by SURFPAC Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS369.  Navy Corpsman Provides Assistance in Roadside Delivery
BEAUFORT, S.C. (NNS) -- While travelling on leave, Hospital Corpsman
Apprentice Angela Holladay saw a man frantically waving his arms on
the side of the road.  Sensing something was wrong, she stopped to
hear him say, "My wife is having a baby!"
     Holladay, who is assigned to the pediatric clinic of Naval
Hospital Beaufort, S.C., sprung into action.  The woman was in full
labor with the baby's head starting to show.  Together with another
stopped passerby who had recently graduated from nursing school,
Holladay helped deliver a healthy baby boy.
     "The thought never crossed my mind not to stop," Holladay said.
"If I had to, I'd stop for the next person."
     Holladay, who ironically is 8 months pregnant herself, said the
incident strengthened her for her upcoming big day.
Story by Naval Hospital Beaufort Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS370.  This Week in the Navy:
December 27, 1956 -- The keel of aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-
63) was laid.  Kitty Hawk, now on duty off the coast of Somalia, is
the fifth in the Forrestal-class of ships.
                               -USN-
         Personnel Notes
NNS371.  President Bush Sends Holiday Greetings
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- President Bush recently sent holiday greetings to
the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.  The text of the
President's message follows.
     QUOTE: "As Americans celebrate this season that includes
Christmas and Hanukkah, we offer a special salute to our outstanding
men and women in uniform.  Each of you has played an integral role in
preserving our freedom and security -- blessings that are especially
precious to us as we turn our hearts toward home and family and enjoy
holiday festivities.
     I consider it a great honor to serve as your Commander in Chief,
and you can be very proud of America's achievements.  Thanks, in
large part, to your courage and sacrifices, we have won the cold war
-- communism has been thoroughly discredited, and the threat of
thermonuclear war has been radically reduced.  Those of you who have
served as part of NATO Defense Forces have helped to achieve a Europe
whole and free.  Veterans of Operation Just Cause drove a ruthless
dictator from Panama and participants in Operations Desert
Shield/Desert Storm liberated a small defenseless country while
promoting the stability of the Persian Gulf region.  Together, you
have proved the wisdom of America's policy of peace through strength.
In humanitarian operations from Bangladesh and Northern Iraq to the
former Yugoslavia and Somalia, you have also shown Americans' deep
sense of compassion.
     While we have achieved great things for our country and for the
world, we know that many challenges remain.  The security of the
United States will continue to depend on the dedication and
professionalism of our Armed Forces, and I am confident that you will
maintain your shining commitment to excellence.
     Barbara joins me in sending warmest greetings to you and your
families during this joyous season.  God bless you. -- President
George Bush
                               -USN-
NNS372.  Personnel Receiving BAQ, VHA Must Recertify Eligibility
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- All Navy personnel who are receiving Basic
Allowance for Quarters (BAQ) and Variable Housing Allowance (VHA) are
reminded to recertify their eligibility by Jan. 1, 1993.  Failure to
do so will result in the member's loss of BAQ/VHA entitlements.  See
NAVADMIN 042/92 (DTG 021431Z Apr 92) for more details.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS373.  Career Opportunities Forecast For General Detail Sailors
Washington (NNS) --  "A" school quotas for more than 40 ratings will
be available to General Detail (GENDET) sailors in 1993, giving these
sailors an opportunity to learn a rating and earn advancement to
petty officer third class upon graduation.
     The Navy recruited 15,000 GENDET sailors in Fiscal Year 1991 for
two-year enlistments, with the option to apply for "A" school after
two years, as vacancies become available, and receive promotion to E-
4 upon successful completion of school.  The Bureau of Naval
Personnel (BUPERS) is encouraging top-performing GENDET sailors to
take advantage of this option and "A" school openings in 1993.
     GENDET's wanting an "A" school quota should submit their
Enlisted Navy Career Options for Reenlistment (ENCORE) and "A" school
requests together through their career counselor and chain of command
up to 12 months before the sailor's end of obligated service (EAOS).
All ENCORE requests should have at least one evaluation to ensure
competitiveness.
     Quotas are readily available for many "A" schools.  Currently,
for qualified sailors, there are 29 wide-open ratings for males and
11 ratings for females.  They are, for male GENDET's:  AD, AMH, AMS,
AO, AW, AE, AT, BT, CTM, CTR, DC, DT, DS, FC, GM, HM, MM, MR, OS, MS,
RM, YN, PN, RP, SH, SK, TM, STG and IS.
     Ratings and "A" schools now open to female GENDET's are:  ABH,
AD, AMS, AO, ET, DC, HM, DT, MS, SH and TM.
     In some other ratings, "A" school quotas may be harder to come
by. Even so, quotas often open up on short notice.  For that reason
it is important for GENDET sailors to work closely with career
counselors, who can check by telephone or computer modem and BUPERS
Access for the latest quota availability.  If a desired rating is not
available, a match to a similar rating may be available through the
ENCORE process.
     CWO4 Jack O'Leary, head of the BUPERS Schools Management Branch
(PERS-291), said that some GENDET's may not realize that there are
opportunities to reenlist for "A" school, even though the Navy is
reducing in size.  Others may believe that low ASVAB scores, for
which the test can be re-taken, disqualify them for entry into a
particular "A" school or a rating.  "Neither are true," said O'Leary.
"ASVAB qualifications play an important role for selection to "A"
schools, but if a good sailor does not have the necessary ASVAB
scores to qualify, the JOBS [Jobs Oriented Basic Skills] program can
provide prerequisite skills training on the way to 'A' school."  JOBS
prepares sailors for Navy technical schools and follow-on assignments
by enhancing education and eliminating skill deficiencies.
     "A" school seats in six basic skills are guaranteed to JOBS
program graduates.  Those skills, called "strands," are offered in
engineering, operations, administration, electronics, electrical and
navigation areas.  A new strand will be opened in January 1993 for
aviation mechanical skills.
     More information on JOBS, ENCORE and "A" schools for GENDET
sailors is available from command career counselors, BUPERS Access
(1-800-352-0217/8) or CWO-4  Jack O'Leary at (DSN) 223-1326 or (703)
693-1326.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                              - USN -
NNS374.  Sailors Can Cast Their "Vote" in Personnel Survey
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The third annual Navy-wide Personnel Survey is
giving Navy personnel the chance to voice their attitudes, concerns
and opinions.
     Mailed recently to a randomly selected sample of officer and
enlisted personnel, the survey requires about 30 minutes to complete.
Individuals can take more time if they choose to make written
comments in optional sections.
     The survey gives one out of every twenty Navy personnel the
chance for a direct input on a number of personnel programs and
issues.  First conducted in 1990, previous surveys have helped the
Navy justify increased money and effort for family and bachelor
housing, child care and relocation assistance.
     New to this year's survey are questions on Navy exchanges, Navy
fitness and health promotion, and possible uniform changes.  In the
area of detailing, there are new questions about the desirability of
homesteading, the overseas tour extension incentives program, and
communications with detailers at the Bureau of Naval Personnel.
Questions on qualify of life, pay and benefits, rotation policies and
organization climate are included again in this year's survey.
     In cover letter from the Chief of Naval Personnel, VADM R.J.
Zlatoper explained the importance of the survey adding, "Help us to
serve all the Navy better by letting us know what you think."  The
questionnaires are to be completed and returned to the Navy Personnel
Research and Development Center within two weeks of receipt.
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS375.  Health Care Survey Sent To Military Beneficiaries WASHINGTON
(NNS) -- The Department of Defense Health Care Survey has been mailed
by the office of the assistant Secretary of Defense for Force
Management and Personnel to 42,000 active duty members and retirees
worldwide.  The sample of active duty members and retirees was
scientifically drawn to be representative of beneficiary families
among the Armed Forces and retirees.
     The purpose of the survey is to evaluate access to and use of
inpatient and outpatient medical care services and beneficiaries'
attitudes and knowledge regarding the military medical care systems
policies benefits and costs.  The questionnaire asks beneficiaries
for their opinions about their health care benefits and their recent
medical and dental history.  Active duty members and retirees are
urged to discuss the questionnaire with their spouses and dependents.
Spouses may fill out all or parts of the questionnaire.
     The Department is conducting the survey as part of a
comprehensive two-year review of the military medical benefit, which
was directed by the Congress in the FY92 Defense Authorization Act.
In his letter to survey participants, Assistant Secretary Christopher
Jehn states, "As the Department of Defense reduces the size of its
military force, the quality of health care benefits for military
members, retirees and their families is a top priority.  We are
undertaking a special survey to learn how beneficiaries view the
quality and availability of their health and dental care."
     A report analyzing the survey results is scheduled to be
completed and available in December 1993.
Story by OASD (Public Affairs)
                               -USN-
NNS376.  Navy League Announces Three Scholarships
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy League of the United States will make
the financial burden of college a little lighter for three college
students this year when it awards three different scholarships.
     The Renee and Earnest G. Campbell Scholarship and the Stanley
Levinson Scholarship are available to students who will enter college
in the fall of 1993.  In order to qualify, the prospective student
must be a citizen of the U.S. and a high school senior under the age
of 25, demonstrate a financial need, be of good character, well
motivated and possess an excellent academic record.  He or she must
also demonstrate an appreciation of the laws, traditions and values
of the United States.
     The Subic Bay-Cubi Point Scholarship offers an opportunity for
the sons and daughters of personnel who were permanently stationed in
the Subic Bay-Cubi Point area of the Philippines from 1980 through
1992.  Awards under this program may be made for post high school
education at any level.
     All these scholarships will be awarded with preference given to
those who express an interest in and an intention to continue their
education in mathematics, engineering and/or the sciences.  Children
of current or former (including deceased) members of the U.S. sea
services will also be given preference.
     Application forms and instructions for the three scholarships
are obtainable by sending a self addressed, stamped, business-size
envelope to Navy League of the United States, ATTN: Scholarship,
2300 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22201.
Story by Navy League of the United States
                               -USN-
         "Short Splices"
NNS377.  Navy News This Week
     The Dec. 23, 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: Amphibious Assault Ship USS Okinawa Retires, Navy
Commissions USS Pioneer, USS Barry Joins the Fleet, Navy Christens
Submarine USS Santa Fe, Children Get Early Christmas at Bureau of
Naval Personnel, Electronic Engineer Chief Gets Community Service
Award, Imminent Danger Pay Authorized For Sailors in Somalia,
Variable Housing Allowance Set To Increase, Some Airlines Offer
Refunds For Somalia-Deployed Sailors, Navy-Wide Survey Gives Sailors
a Voice in Personnel Matters, U.N. Forces Continue to Widen Supply
Lines in Somalia, Marines From Kaneohe Bay, Hi. Join Operation
Restore Hope, Chief of Naval Personnel Discusses Navy of '92, '93,
Sailors Aboard USS John F. Kennedy Save Navy Money, Earn Award,
Environmental Team Protects Waters of Hampton Roads, Va., Montgomery
G.I. Bill Adapts to Sailors' Education Needs, Montel Williams Talk
Show Focuses On Military Families, New NEX Opens At Oceana, Local
Radio Station Helps Marine Corps Toys For Tots Program, Hurricane
Iniki Victims Benefit From Toys for Toys Program, CH-53E Pilots
Support Somalia Off USS Tripoli.
     QUESTIONS?  Contact Navy Broadcasting Service, Navy News This
Week, Bldg. 168, NAVSTA Anacostia, Washington, D.C. 20374-1682 or
call [phone], (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 [phone] or DSN 225-6180
     -- or by calling us at [phone]; (DSN) 225-1888.
                               -USN-