USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLET TER

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 1
JANUARY 2013

F ROM THE CO S D ESK

Team MILIUS, Happy New Year and welcome to Januarys Newsletter. We officially entered the shipyard on December 17th and the industrial work aboard the ship is in full swing. For those Sailors who havent experienced a shipyard period before, especially this extensive of an overhaul, it can be daunting and exciting. Every day I walk the ship and see some welder cutting a new access hole for equipment rip-out. Ventilation hoses, temporary lighting and cables for other services snake through the overheads of all the passageways. The ship is alive with activity and noise. As Ive mentioned before, this overhaul is the midlife hull, mechanical and engineering (HM&E) modernization for our 16 year old ship. This a critical period in the life of USS MILIUS. The work done now will get the ship to 35 years of expected service life. So whats in store for your Sailor during this period? There are certainly a lot of things the crew needs to work on and accomplish during the yard period. Its also a time with no underway periods, which provides a great chance for family time and pursuit of personal goals. January through March, I expect some tough work days at times and balanced work-life schedules other times. April through June, the crew will focus more heavily on returning the ship to normal conditions and preparing for the key milestones planned for the July and August timeframe. These milestones include the Light Off Assessment (LOA), Crew Certification and Sea Trials. June, July and August are going to be tough months for work schedules as we press hard to get the ship out of the yards and pass inspections. I appreciate the hard work and dedication displayed by all of our Sailors and I also greatly appreciate all the hard work our spouses and family members do on the home front. Its a great start to 2013. CDR Steve Shedd Commanding Officer

I NSIDE

THIS ISSUE :

CMCs Call Ccc news CALENDAR OF EVENTS OMBUDSMEN MEMOS

2 2 3 4

Its a holiday party! 5 Crew photos Crew photos MILIUS frontline news Give the gift of life RESOURCES
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USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER

CMCs CALL
Happy New Year, MILIUS Families! The last few months have been very busy while we have been entering the yards, and the next few months will be even more challenging. As many of the system upgrades will truly begin in the next 90 days the ship will be a beehive of activity. Many of our Sailors will have to attend schools showing them how to operate the new equipment or configuration. This will strain the work force and duty sections that remain here to support ships work. So while being in the yards means we are not getting underway, we are still actively employed doing the ships business. Advancement exams should be on the minds of your Sailors now. The Chiefs exam is January 17th and E-4 through E-6 exams will be in March. Now is the time to study and prepare for the exams. We had record advancement last year even with the busy schedule and deployment, so with additional time to study we should be able to continue the trend of high advancement into the new year. Remember you are a very important part in the success of MILIUS with your support of your Sailor to complete our mission. Take care and thank you for your support of your Sailor. We appreciate it! Happy New Year!
A big BRAVO ZULU to the following Sailors on their recent Reenlistments, Advancement, and Awards:

Sincerely, CMC

Reenlistments: GM2 Montoya HTC Ribeiro Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal LT Irons Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal LTJG Flores LTJG Kelly DCC Jack FC2 Beard OS2 Fejeran FC2 Sigler Officer Advancements: LT Sciortino Enlisted Advancements: GSE2 Ramos GSE3 Dulski Senior Sailor of the Year: ET1 Kelly Junior Sailor of the Year: LS2 Salinas Blue Jacket Sailor of the Year: DC2 Merkelbach

FROM THE COMMAND CAREER COUNSELOR

Greetings, MILUS Crew, Family & Friends, NAVADMIN 359/12 and 361/12 were recently released which could affect Sailors in the future. NAVADMIN 359/12 announces cancellation of enlisted early transition program. Effective immediately requests to separate under this program will no longer be accepted by COMNAVPERSCOM (PERS 832). This is in conjunction with ongoing efforts to stabilize and align the force. NAVADMIN 361/12 addresses changes in Sea Shore Flow enlisted career paths. It announces sea shore flow for ratings adjustments to improve fleet readiness, higher fleet manning levels, increased geographic stability, enhanced rating experience levels, and greater advancement opportunities. The following ten enlisted communities are impacted by this update: ET(SRF), MA, MM(SSW), MM(SW), MT, NC, ND, PS, SH, and YN. If your Sailor is one of these rates and is transferring after August 2013 it affects their sea/shore flow. If you have any questions, please ask your Sailor. I hope that you all enjoyed the Holidays with your family and friends and looking forward to a wonderful 2013! Sincerely, NC1 (SW/AW) D. Gutierrez

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January 2013
Sun
6 13 20 27

Mon
7 14 21 28

Tue
1 8 15 22 29

Wed
2 9 16 23 30

Thu
3 10 17 24 31

Fri
4 11 18 25

Sat
5 12 19 26

JANUARY
Wednesday, January 16 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 5K Run/1 Mile Walk 10 AM * FREE * NBSD * Admiral Prout Track Check-in starts at 9 am. Free t-shirt to the first 500 to pre-register by Tuesday, January 15, 2013 and participate! Open to all I.D. cardholders. For more information, call 619-556-7444 or visit http://navylifesw.com/sandiego/ Wednesday, January 16 Fleet & Family Support Center's Creativity Connection Instant CRAFTIFICATION! Get the creative juices flowing and meet other military spouses.at VFW Post 3788, 7785 Othello Avenue, San Diego. R.S.V.P is required, call 619-556-7404. Thursday, January 17 E-7 Advancement Exam Monday, January 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Federal holiday. Duty section only.

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USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER

OMBUDSMAN MEMO
Ombudsman Info: ombudsman69@gmail.com OMB Phone 619.417.9980 Careline 619.338.1754
Happy New Year to our USS MILIUS family and friends!! As we embark on another year in this wonderful journey called military life, take a moment to reflect and dream of whats to come. When you think back on 2012 remember its only a reflection point. Begin the New Year with a hope for a better tomorrow. Let the past stay in the past and move foward, remember you can accomplish anything this year. Our hope for you and yours is blessings in 2013 with all the good things life has to offer. As the New Year begins there are several changes coming up, the crew and ship will begin an extensive yard period, with long days and hot tempers. Our Public Affairs Officer, LTJG David Gardner, has graciously agreed to take over the newsletter duties, a huge thank you to him for taking on this task. Please let us know of any thoughts, suggestions or items of interest you would like to see in upcoming editions of the newsletter. We want it to be informative but also enjoyable and something you look forward to reading. Lastly, we have some volunteer opportunities that are coming available in the next few months in regards to our FRG and Co-Ombudsman positions. If you would like to know more about these positions and what is expected, please let us know. As a reminder, your Ombudsman team is here with resources that can assist you in reaching your goals, whether its getting a new job, going back to school, or learning about ways to better communicate with your Sailor. We are always accessible, available and approachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Ombudsman are Lighthouses to Navy familieshave you met yours?? Happy New Year, Your Ombudsman Team, Jeri Nix and Teresa Tillman

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IT A HOLIDAY PARTY! S
By LS2(SW) Mariaciara Salinas

On December 6, the MILIUS Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Committee sponsored the command holiday party at the Omni Hotel in downtown San Diego. The party was the perfect occasion for MILIUS Sailors and their guests to unwind, socialize, and enjoy the venue s elegant atmosphere, food, music, and dancing. Many of the crew members were excited to win one of fifty raffle prizes given away that night. XBox and PS3 game consoles, Samsung tablets, Ipads, Ipods, movie tickets, Spa gift cards and Visa gift cards were among the many prizes in the raffle. I will always remember the delight of GM3 Vykesha Smith when she won the $1000 NEX gift card; the laughs that the crew shared when HT2 Louie Trevino won the $350 Spa gift certificate; and the generosity of GSM3 Morady Gadow when she shared her Xbox console winning with her sister; and when the Operations Officer, LT Jacob Ferrari, won the new IPAD and returned the prize for someone else to win. The holiday party also served as an opportunity for one of the Navy programs to be officially s established in the command. The Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), a peer-to-peer mentorship program, was formally launched as MILIUSCommanding Officer, CDR Stephen Shedd, signed the CSADD certification. Over 30 Sailors initially volunteered in leading the program to make a difference by helping each other avoid making destructive decisions in their career and personal life and also to reinforce the culture of shipmates helping shipmates throughout the command. In United States Navy, we are always up to face new challenges and I firmly believe that Sailors are the most important factor in executing an effective mission. When we heighten a Sailor capability by feeds ing a positive environment, positive results show as well. The teamwork and dedication of all MWR representatives to put up this big event is evidence of success because of the good camaraderie displayed that night. Most of us consider our shipmates as our mentor, friend and family. The unity of our Sailors to keep our shipmates safe is a proof that it doesn really matter whether before, during or after the comt mand event, we are all committed to watch out for each other, 24/7, on or off duty, and will continue to do so in all future MILIUS endeavors.

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USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER

CREW PHOTOS

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CREW PHOTOS

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USS MILIUS COMMAND NEWSLETTER

MILIUS FRONTLINE NEWS

SAN DIEGO NAVAL STATION (Dec 17, 2012) The guided missile destroyer, USS MILIUS (DDG 69), reached a major milestone toward sustained combat readiness today, as she entered an Extended Drydocked Selective Restricted Availability (EDSRA) period at BAE Shipyard in San Diego, Ca. The planned maintenance period is part of the DDG Modernization program and will focus on mid-life upgrades to hull, mechanical and engineering systems to enable the 16 year-old ship to meet her expected 35 year service life. MILIUScrew will work alongside contractors and shipyard personnel to accomplish the overhaul, which is expected to last through August 2013. MILIUS will receive upgrades including the Integrated Bridge System, Single Central Control Station, Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System and a bowstrengthening modifications among several others. MILIUS also plans to be the first ship to receive the Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) network, the follow-on to the current Integrated Shipboard Network System (ISNS) aboard ships today. MILIUSCommanding Officer, CDR Steve Shedd, explained the importance of the maintenance period to meet the Navy long term goals. These modifications and upgrades are crucial in getting MILIUS to her s expected service life, said. The crew has done a magnificent job maintaining the ship over the past 20 he months, but it time for some heavy-duty work to upgrade systems and keep the ship mission ready for s years to come. Planning for the multi-staged overhaul began over two years ago within Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), and has required collaboration between NAVSEA, BAE, Bath Iron Works (BIW), Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC), Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), and MILIUSleadership and crew. Over the last 12 months, the SWRMC led Integrated Process Team Development (IPTD) construct brought all stakeholders together with periodic conferences aligned with key planning milestone dates. The planning process and coordination has been very positive, said LT Cameron Norris, MILIUScoordinator for the overhaul. Getting all the key entities together early in the planning greatly helped with expectations and teamwork. On MILIUS deckplates, the results of this extensive planning can be witnessed first-hand. In midNovember, MILIUS Sailors began a massive offload, which required the removal of all gear from the ship. This included personal items, office equipment, food, repair parts, tools and damage control equipment. Each MILIUS Sailor played a key role in the offload. The move-off process has been a huge undertaking, commented AEGIS Fire Controlman Third Class (Surface Warfare) Sarah Mercer. It taken a lot of plans ning and effort on everyone part, but it important to clear the way for all the maintenance about to haps s pen, added. she MILIUS will remain at BAE Shipyard through June 2013.
If you have questions, comments or suggestions for MILIUS FRONTLINE NEWS, please email the Public Affairs Officer at PAO@ddg69.navy.mil. Also, please check the Facebook

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Give the Gift of Life...

Since 1970, January has been declared National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and with good reason. Above all other times of the year, its the month that presents the most challenges in recruiting people to give blood. This January is no exception with the local Red Cross in an urgent need for more donors. Changing weather, busy holiday schedules, increased cold and flu symptoms and even the winter blues can keep the most dedicated blood donors from making or keeping an appointment to give.Yet winter weather can lead to more traumatic injuries on the roads and may increase the need for blood. The local Red Cross needs about 650 blood donors every day to meet the needs of patients at area hospitals. The Red Cross is trying to recruit donors; a high number of people asked to give are reporting cold or flu symptoms, which make them unable to donate. There are so many unpredictable factors at play that can affect the blood supply during January; its a critical time to remind everyone of the need for more donors. If you are in good health, now is the time to share that good health with patients in need. The Red Cross urges everyone to make donating blood a priority this winter.Your help could mean hope for those in need. There is a donation need in the blood inventory of key blood types including O-negative, A-negative and B-negative. To find out where you can give blood and to schedule your appointment, go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS, for additional information.

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RESOURCES
Naval Base San Diego FFSC (619) 556-7404 or (866) 923-6478 American Red Cross (877) 272-7337 www.redcross.org Military OneSource (800) 342-9647 www.militaryonesource.com FOCUS (619) 556-6075 www.focusproject.org NBSD Legal (619) 556-2211 www.jag.navy.mil/legal_services/nlso/nlso_southwest.htm Tri-West Healthcare Alliance (888) 874-9378 www.triwest.com TRICARE Dental Program (800) 866-8499 www.TRICAREdentalprogram.com NMCRS (619) 238-1587/88 www.nmcrs.org USO Downtown Center (619) 235-6503 www.usosandiego.org Naval Base Chapel (619) 556-2658 www.chaplincare.navy.mil Armed Services YMCA (858) 751-5755 www.militaryymca.org Child Development Center (619) 556-8491 Operation Home front (866) 424-5210 www.operationhomefront.net 211 www.211sandiego.org Sitter city www.sittercity.com/dod Women, Infant, & Children (WIC ) Program (800) 500-6411 www.sandiegowic.org Monthly Bread Ministries & Monthly FREE Food Ministries (858)688-5015 Bring your ID card, bags to carry food items. Please contact them for locations and times. We have plenty of other resources for you from Healthy Military Families and Toddler Time to Furniture and Used Items to Websites and Re Sale Goods Items. Call the Ombudsman for more details.