Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Press Release: Mursau Secures Funding for Oconto County D.A.
Madison … Representative
Jeff Mursau (R–Crivitz) has
secured funding for an additional half time Assistant District Attorney for
Oconto County. Mursau sent a letter detailing Oconto County’s needs and
available funding options to the Joint Finance Committee on May 13th. Mursau’s request was made pursuant to his
discussions with Oconto County board members last October.
“Oconto
County’s District Attorney and his staff are stretched thin to properly
prosecute cases,” Mursau said. “Oconto County officials and I are working
together to ensure we have the prosecutors necessary to handle our rising
caseload, including a rise in heroine abuse.”
Oconto County is the only county in Wisconsin with
more judges (2) than prosecutors (1.5 FTE). Oconto County is 68th out of 71 counties providing prosecutors on
a per capital basis.
“Oconto
County victims, courts and law enforcement deserve the resources to provide
timely and effective justice,” Mursau said. “I am pleased the Joint Finance
Committee agrees with me that the State can and will provide full support Oconto
County’s citizens and justice system.”
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USS Tortuga Arrives in Indonesia for Exercise CARAT '13
USS Tortuga Arrives in Indonesia for Exercise CARAT '13
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda S. Kitchner
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amanda S. Kitchner
JAKARTA, Indonesia (NNS) -- JAKARTA, Indonesia - The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived in Jakarta today, marking the beginning of exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2013 (CARAT '13), May 21.
CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships between the United States and partner nations. The exercise serves as a model of how the navies can cooperate and work together to address shared security concerns.
"The U.S. and Indonesia have a working relationship that is continuing to grow stronger with common shared goals," said Cmdr. John Barnett, Commanding Officer, USS Tortuga. "We share democratic and seafaring traditions as well as a mutual desire to maintain stability in this region."
The exercise will be comprised of a series of events directed to strengthening both navies' ability to respond to humanitarian and disaster assistance events, maintain maritime security, and improving communications procedures.
"CARAT increases our interoperability during humanitarian operations," said Cmdr. Doug Patterson, Executive Officer, USS Tortuga. "That continued development is paramount, given the collaborative efforts our navies have provided during major humanitarian assistance operations in recent years."
During the exercise, Sailors and embarked personnel will be afforded opportunities to explore the rich culture and heritage of Indonesia as well as interact directly with their Indonesian military counterparts.
"It's always important to be able to share our knowledge with our Indonesian partners and receive their expertise in return," said Barnett. "It allows us to grow stronger in our abilities to maintain security and provide assistance when needed."
The exercise will begin with an opening ceremony at Hall YosSoedarso, Western Fleet Command headquarters where members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and members of the Indonesian military will attend.
"CARAT is a great opportunity for us to serve as goodwill ambassadors of the U.S. promoting peace and stability," said Patterson. "As well as demonstrating our commitment to regional partnerships and maintaining a strong working relationship with our Indonesian friends."
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.
CARAT is a series of bilateral exercises held annually in Southeast Asia to strengthen relationships between the United States and partner nations. The exercise serves as a model of how the navies can cooperate and work together to address shared security concerns.
"The U.S. and Indonesia have a working relationship that is continuing to grow stronger with common shared goals," said Cmdr. John Barnett, Commanding Officer, USS Tortuga. "We share democratic and seafaring traditions as well as a mutual desire to maintain stability in this region."
The exercise will be comprised of a series of events directed to strengthening both navies' ability to respond to humanitarian and disaster assistance events, maintain maritime security, and improving communications procedures.
"CARAT increases our interoperability during humanitarian operations," said Cmdr. Doug Patterson, Executive Officer, USS Tortuga. "That continued development is paramount, given the collaborative efforts our navies have provided during major humanitarian assistance operations in recent years."
During the exercise, Sailors and embarked personnel will be afforded opportunities to explore the rich culture and heritage of Indonesia as well as interact directly with their Indonesian military counterparts.
"It's always important to be able to share our knowledge with our Indonesian partners and receive their expertise in return," said Barnett. "It allows us to grow stronger in our abilities to maintain security and provide assistance when needed."
The exercise will begin with an opening ceremony at Hall YosSoedarso, Western Fleet Command headquarters where members of the United States Navy, Marine Corps, and members of the Indonesian military will attend.
"CARAT is a great opportunity for us to serve as goodwill ambassadors of the U.S. promoting peace and stability," said Patterson. "As well as demonstrating our commitment to regional partnerships and maintaining a strong working relationship with our Indonesian friends."
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.
For more news from Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Future USS Minnesota Successfully Completes Sea Trials
Future USS Minnesota Successfully Completes Sea Trials
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
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| Official U.S. Navy file photo. |
By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, Va (NNS) -- Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Minnesota (SSN 783), the nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, moored May 16 at Huntington Ingalls Industry's Newport News Shipbuilding following its successful completion of Alpha and Bravo sea trials.
Testing evolutions completed during Alpha sea trials included diving to test depth, conducting an emergency surfacing, and testing the submarine's propulsion plant to evaluate the ship's seaworthiness and operational performance. Bravo trials consisted of testing Minnesota's acoustic performance and combat systems.
The tenth ship of the Virginia-class, Minnesota is scheduled to be delivered approximately one year earlier than its contract delivery date. Starting in August of 2008 with USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), the last five boats have been delivered early, and all Virginia-class submarines currently under construction are scheduled to be delivered prior to their contract delivery dates.
Minnesota is commanded by Cmdr. John Fancher, a native of Hammond, Ind., who reflected on the transformation he has seen with his crew from initial construction of the attack submarine to the recent completion of sea trials.
"I could not be more proud of the crew. The events required during sea trials are some of the most demanding tasks a submarine can be asked to do," said Fancher. "All our preparation and training really paid off. I also cannot say enough about the support from the entire Sea Trials Team. Their insight and experience was vital to Minnesota's success."
Capt. David Goggins, Virginia Class Program Manager reflected on the completion of the Alpha and Bravo Sea Trials.
"PCU Minnesota's successful run through Alpha and Bravo Trials is indicative of the quality and dedication of the crew and our Navy/shipbuilding team," said Goggins. "Minnesota continues the Virginia Class' trend of delivering these outstanding assets to the fleet early to contract, within budget, and ready for operational tasking."
Rear Adm. Ken Perry, Commander, Submarine Group Two participated in Minnesota's Alpha trials as Officer in Tactical Command and praised Fancher and his crew for their performance.
"I want to commend Cmdr. John Fancher and his officers and crew for completing this major milestone very successfully," said Perry, who also recognized the integral partnership between the shipbuilders Newport News and General Dynamic Electric Boat and support from Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Reactors, PEO Submarines and stakeholders throughout the Navy and industry who have designed, built and delivered this most modern attack submarine for the nation.
Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. Perry further reflected on the success of the Virginia-class program and its ability to deliver these state-of-the-art warships ahead of schedule and under budget.
"Minnesota's sea trials are a testament to the success of the Virginia-class program's ability to deliver high-quality and extremely capable boats early and on cost," said Perry.
Minnesota is the third ship to be named after the state, with the last one being more than a century ago. The attack submarine is the last of the block II Virginia-class submarines and is in the final stages of construction and testing at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Construction began in February 2008, and the keel was authenticated in May 2011. The boat was christened Oct. 27, 2012.
Virginia-class submarines are built to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting Anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; special operation forces; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, firepower, and sensor suite directly enable them to support five of the six Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy .
For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/ .
Testing evolutions completed during Alpha sea trials included diving to test depth, conducting an emergency surfacing, and testing the submarine's propulsion plant to evaluate the ship's seaworthiness and operational performance. Bravo trials consisted of testing Minnesota's acoustic performance and combat systems.
The tenth ship of the Virginia-class, Minnesota is scheduled to be delivered approximately one year earlier than its contract delivery date. Starting in August of 2008 with USS New Hampshire (SSN 778), the last five boats have been delivered early, and all Virginia-class submarines currently under construction are scheduled to be delivered prior to their contract delivery dates.
Minnesota is commanded by Cmdr. John Fancher, a native of Hammond, Ind., who reflected on the transformation he has seen with his crew from initial construction of the attack submarine to the recent completion of sea trials.
"I could not be more proud of the crew. The events required during sea trials are some of the most demanding tasks a submarine can be asked to do," said Fancher. "All our preparation and training really paid off. I also cannot say enough about the support from the entire Sea Trials Team. Their insight and experience was vital to Minnesota's success."
Capt. David Goggins, Virginia Class Program Manager reflected on the completion of the Alpha and Bravo Sea Trials.
"PCU Minnesota's successful run through Alpha and Bravo Trials is indicative of the quality and dedication of the crew and our Navy/shipbuilding team," said Goggins. "Minnesota continues the Virginia Class' trend of delivering these outstanding assets to the fleet early to contract, within budget, and ready for operational tasking."
Rear Adm. Ken Perry, Commander, Submarine Group Two participated in Minnesota's Alpha trials as Officer in Tactical Command and praised Fancher and his crew for their performance.
"I want to commend Cmdr. John Fancher and his officers and crew for completing this major milestone very successfully," said Perry, who also recognized the integral partnership between the shipbuilders Newport News and General Dynamic Electric Boat and support from Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Reactors, PEO Submarines and stakeholders throughout the Navy and industry who have designed, built and delivered this most modern attack submarine for the nation.
Virginia-class submarines are built under a unique teaming arrangement between General Dynamics Electric Boat and Newport News Shipbuilding. Perry further reflected on the success of the Virginia-class program and its ability to deliver these state-of-the-art warships ahead of schedule and under budget.
"Minnesota's sea trials are a testament to the success of the Virginia-class program's ability to deliver high-quality and extremely capable boats early and on cost," said Perry.
Minnesota is the third ship to be named after the state, with the last one being more than a century ago. The attack submarine is the last of the block II Virginia-class submarines and is in the final stages of construction and testing at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Construction began in February 2008, and the keel was authenticated in May 2011. The boat was christened Oct. 27, 2012.
Virginia-class submarines are built to dominate the world's littoral and deep waters while conducting Anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; special operation forces; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; irregular warfare; and mine warfare missions. Their inherent stealth, endurance, firepower, and sensor suite directly enable them to support five of the six Maritime Strategy Core Capabilities - sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.
For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy .
For more news from Commander Submarine Group 2, visit www.navy.mil/local/Subgru2/ .
USS Freedom Makes Debut in Singapore
USS Freedom Makes Debut in Singapore
By By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson
 |
| SINGAPORE (May 17, 2013) Sailors prepare to get underway on the forecastle aboard the littoral combat ship USS Freedom (LCS 1). Freedom is underway as part of the Republic of Singapore navy's western Pacific Multi-lateral Sea Exercise after participating in the International Maritime Defense Expedition and Conference in Singapore. Freedom is on an eight-month deployment to Southeast Asia. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh/Released) |
By By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson
SINGAPORE (NNS) -- USS Freedom (LCS 1) made its debut in Singapore May 14-19, participating in an international trade show and a maritime exercise with regional navies. Freedom also hosted thousands of visitors, from Singaporean citizens to senior government and military officials, during a series of ship tours.
The week began with a visit from the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert, May 14. Greenert, the 30th CNO, emphasized his support
for the LCS platform, and spoke to media and the Freedom crew about the positive impact of the ship's maiden deployment.
"We had to get the littoral combat ship out here, and figure out what it's made of," said Greenert, speaking to the Freedom crew. "You guys are setting the pace for the future, and let me tell you, you all did a magnificent job. So don't underestimate what you do during this deployment and during the crew swap."
Freedom also hosted more than a dozen foreign delegations and hundreds of Sailors from foreign warships in port for Singapore's International Maritime
Defense Expedition and Conference (IMDEX). On May 14 , Singapore Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen toured Freedom as well as other ships on the waterfront. On May 15, Freedom held a reception on board for more than 200 guests, including Singapore's Chief of Navy and several representatives of other international navies.
The highlight of the week was Freedom's participation in the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Western Pacific Multi-lateral Sea Exercise (WMSX). Getting underway as the Surface Action Group commander for Singaporean, Indian and Indonesian ships, Freedom provided command and control during a simulated small boat threat, a search and rescue exercise, and a wisit,
board, search and seizure (VBSS) scenario.
"We've been working hard for the past year to get this ship on deployment and successfully deploy here on time," said Freedom's commanding officer, Cmdr. Tom Wilke. "The support we had up the chain of command, the drive and determination to get us what we needed, knowing that we had a tight schedule and a mandate to deploy on time, is what made us successful."
The crew also had the opportunity to highlight key features of the ship during the two-day RSN Navy Open House May 16, 18 and 19. More than 7,000 people toured the ship, interacted with crewmembers and learned about the Freedom's systems and gear.
"I had a really good time interacting with people of different cultures this weekend," said Engineman Fireman Jennifer Ordenana. "They were very friendly, seemed very interested in this class of ship, and its technology and took lots of pictures with us. I enjoyed the energy."
Fast, agile and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surfaces warfare, mine
countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare. Her "Gold" crew of 91 Sailors includes mission package personnel and an aviation detachment to operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter initially mans freedom.
Freedom will remain homeported in San Diego throughout this rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. Midway through Freedom's deployment, a crew-swap will be conducted with her "Blue" crew.
For more news from U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil
The week began with a visit from the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Adm. Jonathan Greenert, May 14. Greenert, the 30th CNO, emphasized his support
for the LCS platform, and spoke to media and the Freedom crew about the positive impact of the ship's maiden deployment.
"We had to get the littoral combat ship out here, and figure out what it's made of," said Greenert, speaking to the Freedom crew. "You guys are setting the pace for the future, and let me tell you, you all did a magnificent job. So don't underestimate what you do during this deployment and during the crew swap."
Freedom also hosted more than a dozen foreign delegations and hundreds of Sailors from foreign warships in port for Singapore's International Maritime
Defense Expedition and Conference (IMDEX). On May 14 , Singapore Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen toured Freedom as well as other ships on the waterfront. On May 15, Freedom held a reception on board for more than 200 guests, including Singapore's Chief of Navy and several representatives of other international navies.
The highlight of the week was Freedom's participation in the Republic of Singapore Navy's (RSN) Western Pacific Multi-lateral Sea Exercise (WMSX). Getting underway as the Surface Action Group commander for Singaporean, Indian and Indonesian ships, Freedom provided command and control during a simulated small boat threat, a search and rescue exercise, and a wisit,
board, search and seizure (VBSS) scenario.
"We've been working hard for the past year to get this ship on deployment and successfully deploy here on time," said Freedom's commanding officer, Cmdr. Tom Wilke. "The support we had up the chain of command, the drive and determination to get us what we needed, knowing that we had a tight schedule and a mandate to deploy on time, is what made us successful."
The crew also had the opportunity to highlight key features of the ship during the two-day RSN Navy Open House May 16, 18 and 19. More than 7,000 people toured the ship, interacted with crewmembers and learned about the Freedom's systems and gear.
"I had a really good time interacting with people of different cultures this weekend," said Engineman Fireman Jennifer Ordenana. "They were very friendly, seemed very interested in this class of ship, and its technology and took lots of pictures with us. I enjoyed the energy."
Fast, agile and mission-focused, LCS platforms are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for three separate purposes: surfaces warfare, mine
countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare. Her "Gold" crew of 91 Sailors includes mission package personnel and an aviation detachment to operate an embarked MH-60 helicopter initially mans freedom.
Freedom will remain homeported in San Diego throughout this rotational deployment to Southeast Asia. Midway through Freedom's deployment, a crew-swap will be conducted with her "Blue" crew.
For more news from U.S. Pacific Fleet, visit www.cpf.navy.mil
Catholic League: Twin Philly Scandals
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Saturday, May 18, 2013
Armed Forces Day
On this Armed Forces Day we remember our military personnel through out the World who are selflessly serving our great Republic. I would also like to thank all the family members and the veterans who have served before.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Sen. Tiffany's E-update
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WI DNR - Warden Wire: Statewide suspension of burning permits lifted; DNR FLIR plane used to find hot spots
Two quick updates from the Douglas County wildfire, also known as the Germann
Road Fire:
The DNR has lifted its statewide suspension of all burning permits. However, there are some counties with restrictions. Please check your county's status at this link below. You also are encouraged to check with your local officials for any additional restsrictions.
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestfire/restrictions.asp
The DNR's FLIR plane (this is the aircraft equipped with the infrared camera) flew over the wildfire area last night detecting hot spots. Fire crews today are working to suppress those spots.
Stay safe!
The DNR has lifted its statewide suspension of all burning permits. However, there are some counties with restrictions. Please check your county's status at this link below. You also are encouraged to check with your local officials for any additional restsrictions.
http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestfire/restrictions.asp
The DNR's FLIR plane (this is the aircraft equipped with the infrared camera) flew over the wildfire area last night detecting hot spots. Fire crews today are working to suppress those spots.
Stay safe!
PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Representative Massie Speaks Against the Internet Sales Tax on House Floor
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