US DEMONSTRATES HIGH CONFIDENCE IN INTERCEPTING MISSILES

FROM NORTH KOREA AND IRAN

September 30th, Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii:  target in its ascent phase. Time of interception was  at 5:43pm HST, 3 minutes after the target missile was launched from the Pacific Test Range Facility (PRMF) located on Barking Sands, Kauai. The target missile represented a ballistic missile similar in speed, acceleration and burn of the same short range missiles fired by North Korea on July 2nd and 4th of this year. This i ntercept marks a first by a U.S. Aegis Destroyer  and the second intercept in the  ascent phase by the Aegis missile defense system.

The ascent phase intercept is a concept of striking a missile after its initial boost phase as it continues to climb to its apogee, and that is what the current administration and the Missile Defense Agency are emphasizing as one of their future growth areas. They believe it will add another important layer to the mid-course and terminal layer defenses deployed today.

Another ARAV target ballistic missile was launched approximately an hour later from PRMF in Barking Sands that was tracked and discriminated by the newest software upgrade 4.0. 1 of the current Navy Aegis system and its SPY radar installed on the USS Lake Erie (CG 70). This new sensoring capability enables the Aegis Missile Defense to expand and enhance its existing radar capability so that it can have more range and be more effective in its early ascent phase defense mission as well as the mid-course mission, to do more than the current deployed versions. This system will be used with the future SM3 block1b and the SM3 block 2 missiles,  and that will allow the United States more reach into North Korea and Iran from the adjacent seas.

The USS Lake Erie (CG-70) and the USS Hopper (DDG 70) were accompanied by the USS Destroyer O’Kane (DDG 77).  The USS Destroyer O’Kane  was also involved in the test as=2 0it simulated tracking and interception of the target ballistic missile. The US Navy Aegis system is one of the most successful missile defense systems that  the US has developed and deployed.”  The Aegis missile defense systems has had 19 successful intercepts over the recent years.

This demonstration of US technical prowess in a system that is in place today in the oceans and seas of the world brings high confidence to the US military and our allies to defend and  protect against ballistic missile threats from North Korea and Iran.  It is has been a great investment by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Congress, the current Administration and past Administrations that is making ou r world safer.

Riki Ellison is available for on-the-record interviews to share his perspectives on the importance of this test.  Call Mike Terrill at 602 885-1955 to arrange.

Press Advisory:                                              Poc: Mr. Bob McDermott(808) 371-4605Navyleague@hawaiibiz.rr.com  

The Navy League Partners with Oceanic Cable to Welcome USS Hawaii (SSN 776).

The Navy League is sponsoring the arrival reception for the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) to Pearl Harbor in late July for its official Home porting.  Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii was the third Virginia class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the island state.  Her crew is excited to represent its namesake state, as they continue to build upon our already sustained relationships with our multi-national partners in the Asia-Pacific Region. 

The Navy League will be holding a reception for the crew and their families, sponsored in part, by Oceanic Cable and other great companies.  Navy League executive Director Bob McDermott said, “Without community partners like Oceanic Cable, we would not be able to welcome and host these brave service members in a proper fashion.  I am consistently amazed at how Oceanic seems to step up to the plate and support our military and community at large.”

USS Hawaii Measuring 377 feet long, weighing 7,800 tons when submerged and with a complement of more than 130 crewmembers, is one of the Navy’s newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.  is a state-of-the-art submarine capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, strike group support, and mine warfare.  She will join the force of fifteen Los Angeles-class submarines presently home ported in Pearl Harbor.

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                                  1st Annual Merchant Mariner of the Year Awards  Aloha Navy League Member, 

For your information.
Marine Corps Air Facility and Marine Corps Base Hawaii will host a
Re-designation Ceremony today at 2 p.m. Marine Corps Air Facility will be
renamed to Marine Corps Air Station.
V.R.
Sgt. Macario Mora
Media Chief
MCB Hawaii
808-257-8838

MCAF Re-designation and Commemorative Naming Ceremony

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, Oahu - Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay and
Marine Corps Base Hawaii will co-host a renaming ceremony today, May 22, at
2 p.m. in Hangar 105. The Commandant of the Marine Corps has approved the
requests to re-designate Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay as a Marine
Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay and to commemoratively name the air field in
honor of retired Marine Maj. Gen. Marion E. Carl, deceased.
The renaming comes as the air facility is expected to expand to
accommodate additional squadrons in the future as the Marine Corps expands
its aviations assets in order to meet operational requirements.
“Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay has become a strategic training and
logistics hub that supports the deployment of forces to OIF and OEF, and
also supports DoD, Allied and Federal inter-agency requirements,” said Lt.
Col. Michael Antonio, commanding officer, Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe
Bay.
Marine Corps Air Facility Kaneohe Bay has conducted more than 70,000
flights hours annually since 1999, which is already comparable to other
Marine Corps air stations. Between 2007 and 2008, MCAF transported roughly
six million pounds of cargo, transported 9,000 passengers and provided
services for 1,075 transient aircraft. There are roughly 4,000 Marines and
Sailors who work at MCAF.
“The redesignation of our Marine Corps Air Facility as a Marine
Corps Air Station is a well-deserved and overdue change that accurately
reflects the significant amount of operations and air traffic the airfield
supports on a daily basis.  It’s also testament to the incredible work the
MCAS and MCB Hawaii Marines, Sailors, and civilian Marines perform on a
routine basis in
support of our warfighters and their families,” said Lt. Col. Glen Butler,
deputy commander, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
The facility will become the ninth MCAS in the Marine Corps. The air
facility was initially designated a Naval Air Station from 1939 to 1949. It
was decommissioned until 1952 when it was re-commissioned as a MCAS. It was
re-designated as a MCAF in 1994.
Carl, the first air “ace” to down 10 enemy aircraft during the battle for
Guadalcanal in 1942, was twice awarded the Navy Cross. As a section leader
in a Marine fighter squadron during the Battle of Midway, he earned the Navy
Cross while leading an attack against a vastly superior number of Japanese
bomber and fighter planes. Later, in the fight for Guadalcanal, he earned a
second Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism in aerial combat as a pilot in
VMF-223 on Aug. 26, 1942.
“Similarly, it is fitting that on the 97th birthday of Marine Corps
Aviation, we are also able to honor a true Marine hero and great American by
commemoratively naming the airfield as Major General Marion E. Carl Field,”
Butler said. “Maj. Gen. Carl’s wartime heroism, test pilot records, and
lifetime achievements–not only as a Marine, but as a father, husband, and
citizen–stand as inspiration for all of us today.” 
“I hope that honoring Maj .Gen. Carl in this fashion also serves as a worthy
reminder of the sacrifices our service members continue to make in defense
of freedom and liberty across the globe, particularly this Memorial Day
weekend as we remember those who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Butler
said.
He finished World War II with 18 enemy kills. Carl’s exploits in the Pacific
will be remembered and honored at the ceremony.
News media who wish to cover the arrival should notify the Media
Office prior to arrival, and be at the Marine Corps Base Hawaii Main Gate
(H-3 Gate) no later than 1:30 p.m. today, May 22, for escort to the arrival
area. 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             MEDIA CONTACT:                                                                                                Caroline Witherspoon                                                                                                 Becker Communications, Inc.                                                                                                (808) 533-4165  HONOLULU NAVY LEAGUE AND GEICO PARTNER TO RECOGNIZE HAWAII SAILORS AND MARINES WHO DEPLOY ALONE *Inaugural IA Recognition Awards Luncheon to be Held on March 17, 2009* HONOLULU (REVISED 2/18) – Each year, hundreds of Hawaii-based Sailors and Marines are sent on assignment alone as Individual Augmentees (IAs) to Iraq, Horn of Africa, Afghanistan and Philippine Islands theaters of operations with little or no ceremony marking their deployments or returns.  Showing their appreciation to IAs and their spouses, the Honolulu Navy League and title sponsor GEICO will host the inaugural IA Recognition Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at the Hickam Air Force Base Officers Club. Many times, with very little notice, IAs are asked to head to unknown territories, face unknown enemies and spend over a year away from their homes and families.  “Because IAs are deployed individually, they often leave and return with little fanfare,” said Don Morrison, Honolulu Navy League president.  “The Navy League recognition program is an opportunity to celebrate their return and show appreciation to the IAs and their spouses and families for their service.” Held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the IA Recognition Awards Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Admiral Robert F. Willard, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.  In addition, all IAs at the luncheon will receive a commemorative certificate and special IA “Boots on the Ground” coin presented by the Honolulu Navy League and GEICO. “As part of our commitment to giving back to Hawaii, GEICO is pleased to partner with the Honolulu Navy League on this inaugural luncheon thanking Hawaii’s IAs for a job well done,” said Ron Addington, Regional Event Marketing Coordinator for GEICO Hawaii. Tickets to the IA Recognition Awards Luncheon are $30 per person and reservations are required. For more information, please call (808) 422-9404.  The Navy League of the United States, Honolulu Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating citizens and elected officials about naval matters and the importance of sea power to the general peace and well-being of our Nation, and the importance of this on their way of life. The Navy League supports all members of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and their families.  Our goal is to generate sufficient funding to enable us to continue support of our mission’s youth programs including the Navy Sea Cadet Corps., NJROTC, support services to families of deployed personnel, scholarships for military spouses, and recognition for our active service personnel.  For more information, visit www.HonoluluNavyLeague.org.   Title Event Sponsor GEICO, a longtime auto insurer in the Hawaii market, is proud to support patriotic Americans in uniform serving their country – particularly our Individual Augmentees. The men and women of GEICO are proud to be part of the Honolulu Navy League recognition of these outstanding citizens, and to be a Member of the Family of Navy League Sponsors. Through events like this, GEICO is letting civilians and military know about its “giving back” program that can reduce the average premium of auto insurance for vehicle owners in Hawaii. For more information about GEICO, visit www.geico.com. For an online rate quote that you can compare with your current premium, visit: http://www.geico.com/landingpage/go49.htm?soa.  # # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             MEDIA CONTACT:                                                                                                Caroline Witherspoon                                                                                                 Becker Communications, Inc.                                                                                                (808) 533-4165  HONOLULU NAVY LEAGUE AND GEICO PARTNER TO RECOGNIZE HAWAII SAILORS AND MARINES WHO DEPLOY ALONE *Inaugural IA Recognition Awards Luncheon to be Held on March 17, 2009* HONOLULU (REVISED 2/18) – Each year, hundreds of Hawaii-based Sailors and Marines are sent on assignment alone as Individual Augmentees (IAs) to Iraq, Horn of Africa, Afghanistan and Philippine Islands theaters of operations with little or no ceremony marking their deployments or returns.  Showing their appreciation to IAs and their spouses, the Honolulu Navy League and title sponsor GEICO will host the inaugural IA Recognition Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at the Hickam Air Force Base Officers Club. Many times, with very little notice, IAs are asked to head to unknown territories, face unknown enemies and spend over a year away from their homes and families.  “Because IAs are deployed individually, they often leave and return with little fanfare,” said Don Morrison, Honolulu Navy League president.  “The Navy League recognition program is an opportunity to celebrate their return and show appreciation to the IAs and their spouses and families for their service.” Held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the IA Recognition Awards Luncheon will feature keynote speaker Admiral Robert F. Willard, USN, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.  In addition, all IAs at the luncheon will receive a commemorative certificate and special IA “Boots on the Ground” coin presented by the Honolulu Navy League and GEICO. “As part of our commitment to giving back to Hawaii, GEICO is pleased to partner with the Honolulu Navy League on this inaugural luncheon thanking Hawaii’s IAs for a job well done,” said Ron Addington, Regional Event Marketing Coordinator for GEICO Hawaii. Tickets to the IA Recognition Awards Luncheon are $30 per person and reservations are required. For more information, please call (808) 422-9404.  The Navy League of the United States, Honolulu Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating citizens and elected officials about naval matters and the importance of sea power to the general peace and well-being of our Nation, and the importance of this on their way of life. The Navy League supports all members of the Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and their families.  Our goal is to generate sufficient funding to enable us to continue support of our mission’s youth programs including the Navy Sea Cadet Corps., NJROTC, support services to families of deployed personnel, scholarships for military spouses, and recognition for our active service personnel.  For more information, visit www.HonoluluNavyLeague.org.   Title Event Sponsor GEICO, a longtime auto insurer in the Hawaii market, is proud to support patriotic Americans in uniform serving their country – particularly our Individual Augmentees. The men and women of GEICO are proud to be part of the Honolulu Navy League recognition of these outstanding citizens, and to be a Member of the Family of Navy League Sponsors. Through events like this, GEICO is letting civilians and military know about its “giving back” program that can reduce the average premium of auto insurance for vehicle owners in Hawaii. For more information about GEICO, visit www.geico.com. For an online rate quote that you can compare with your current premium, visit: http://www.geico.com/landingpage/go49.htm?soa.  # # #

USS Hawaii To Be Home Ported At Pearl Harbor
By Mass Communications Specialist Third Class Luciano Marano, COMSUBPAC Public Affairs, December 1, 2008

Commander, Submarine Force Pacific Rear Adm. Douglas McAneny announced today USS Hawaii (SSN 776) will be the first Virginia-class submarine to be home ported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor this summer.

“SUBPAC is thrilled to be welcoming the most technologically advanced submarine in the U.S. inventory to our ohana, said McAneny Virginia class submarines like USS Hawaii are the first to be designed post Cold War to excel in the littorals, while maintaining the ability to conduct open ocean operations, which will directly support my ability to meet and defeat threats to maritime security in the Pacific.”

Commissioned May 5, 2007, Hawaii was the third Virginia class attack submarine constructed and the first submarine to be named after the island state.  Her crew is excited to represent its namesake state, as they continue to build upon our already sustained relationships with our multi-national partners in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Adm. Robert Willard, Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet, was eager to take advantage of the capabilities USS Hawaii will bring to the Pacific USS Hawaii represents our very newest technologies and advancements in submarine design and capability, said Willard.  These boats contribute to a great deal of what we do to maritime security, to the employment of our special operations forces, and all dimensions of warfare in the Pacific.”
Hawaii’s Governor Linda Lingle, the submarine‚s sponsor, was also pleased with the announcement of USS Hawaii‚s new homeport. As Governor, I am elated the USS Hawaii (SSN 776) will make Pearl Harbor home,” said Lingle.  “This fabulous journey began with the keel laying in 2004, continued with the christening in 2006 and the proud day of commissioning in 2007.  As the submarine‚s sponsor, watching our submarine be brought to life‚ has been an honor and a privilege. Now, to have our namesake submarine call Hawai`i home is the culmination of an important and exciting venture.  I look forward to welcoming the entire crew and the families to our state.

Measuring 377 feet long, weighing 7,800 tons when submerged and with a complement of more than 130 crewmembers, Hawaii is one of the Navy’s newest and most technologically sophisticated submarines.  USS Hawaii conducted its first operational deployment prior to its post-shakedown availability, demonstrating the Virginia-class program‚s capability to immediately support the fleet.
Hawaii‚s senior Senator Daniel Inouye reflected on the importance of USS Hawaii‚s home porting in the Aloha State It is indeed fitting that the first Virginia Class submarine to arrive into Pearl Harbor will be the USS Hawaii, said Inouye.  I have no doubt that the men and women of the shipyard will ensure that she is fit and remains fit to fight today and in the years to follow.  The USS Hawaii will be a national security beacon throughout the Asia-Pacific region.  I wish its crew Godspeed and calm seas.

USS Hawaii is a state-of-the-art submarine capable of supporting a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, naval special warfare involving special operations forces, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, strike group support, and mine warfare.  She will join the force of fifteen Los Angeles-class submarines presently home ported in Pearl Harbor.

Navy: USS Hawaii To Be Based At Pearl Harbor
Associated Press, December 4, 2008

The Navy has officially announced it will base the USS Hawaii submarine at Pearl Harbor.

Gov. Linda Lingle and Hawaii Sen. Daniel Inouye have long said the submarine would be based in the islands. But the Navy didn’t make a formal announcement until Thursday.

The Hawaii is only the third Virginia-class submarine, the Navy’s most advanced underwater vessel.

The 377-foot ship has a crew of more than 130 sailors and officers.

It will join 15 Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered submarines at Pearl Harbor.

The Hawaii is the first submarine to be named after the island state.

Inouye has also said two other Virginia-class submarines ˆ the USS Texas and the USS North Carolina ˆ would join the Hawaii at Pearl Harbor.

USS Hawai`i Might Arrive In Time For Statehood Day Celebration
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser, December 5, 2008

The Navy has speeded up the arrival of Pearl Harbor’s first Virginia-class attack submarine, the USS Hawai`i, with the state-named sub expected be in its new home port around June, officials said.

Officials hope the namesake submarine can take part in the 50th anniversary of Statehood Day, which is celebrated on the third Friday in August. On Aug. 21, 1959, Hawai`i became the 50th state in the union.

Pearl Harbor is expected to receive three of the first four of the latest-generation subs to be built after the lead ship in the class, the USS Virginia.

The Hawai`i, Texas and North Carolina would be based here and augment and begin to replace the 15 older Los Angeles-class attack subs that operate out of Pearl Harbor.

The Texas was projected to arrive first in 2009, but the arrival of the Hawai`i has now been moved up ahead of the Texas. Officials said the flip-flop is a result of some political clout working to bring the USS Hawai`i to Pearl Harbor as fast as possible and the need for some work on the Texas.

Maj. Gen. Robert G.F. Lee, the state adjutant general, said it’s hard to say what the new submarine’s operational commitments will be, but “we would like to work with the Navy to see how we could work in the USS Hawai`i as part of statehood celebrations.”

U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, D-Hawai`i, said it is fitting that the first Virginia-class submarine to be home-ported at Pearl Harbor will be the USS Hawai`i.

“I have no doubt that the men and women of the shipyard will ensure that she is fit and remains fit to fight today and in the years to follow,” Inouye said.

The 377-foot Virginia-class subs are expected to provide work for the shipyard, the state’s largest industrial employer. Inouye in August 2007 announced that the Hawai`i, Texas and North Carolina would be coming to Pearl Harbor.

The $2.4 billion to $2.7 billion high-tech submarines are designed to operate in both the open ocean and nearshore shallows, and have improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements.

“USS Hawai`i represents our very newest technologies and advancements in submarine design and capability,” said Adm. Robert Willard, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet.

NAVY LEAGUE GOLF, it is fun and it helps others.

In recent years, the Navy League’s golf program has not only continued to gain in public popularity, but has been a significant financial resource to help fund the many invaluable programs that support the men and women of our Sea Serices - Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.  Programs such as Sea Cadets, Navy-Marine Relief, Enlisted Person of the Year, and Toys for Tots have been supported in the past by the profits from the Navy League’s golf program.  By year’s end, the program over the last five years would have raised approximately $100,000, as well as hundreds of toys for the Toys for Tots program.  Of course, all this would not have been possilbe without the many golfers who play in the tournaments; the generous sponsors who provide financial support; and the many volunteers who willingly give their time and effort to ensure a successful tournament.

We continually strive to make the golf program a success.  We encourage golfers to participate in our tournaments as we play on military golf courses, which are not readily available to the general public.  We are constantly looking for sponsors that will enable us to provide the financial support for the Navy League’s programs.  Lastly, we encourage individuals to volunteer their time to help make these tournaments such an enjoyable experience for the golfers.

The next golf tournament is the 5th Annual Golf Tournament which will be held on Friday, August 22nd at the Klipper Golf Course on Marine Corps Base Hawaii-Kaneohe.  For those that have never played the course, it has probably the most spectacular hole on any military golf course.  For those that have played the course, you know it as Hole #13, which is along the ocean.  This major tournament will include lunch, buffet dinner, on-course refreshments, and many, many prizes.  ADM Thomas B. Fargo, USN (ret.) has graciously consented to be our Honorary Chairperson.  If you would like to be involved, please contact the Navy League’s office at 422-9404.

The men and women who serve in our Sea Services and their families deserve our support and to know we appreciate their sacrifices.  To the many golfers, gracious sponsors, and wonderful volunteers, a special MAHALO!  The Honolulu Council of the Navy League asks for your continued support so we can help those that serve our great nation.

Melvin H. W. Ing

The Honolulu Council of the Navy League has many wonderful programs, but the one program that offers a unique insight into the military is the Navy League Bridge program.  The purpose of this program is to provide Bridge members not only a better understanding as to how the military function, but the unique requirements and situations that each military service faces, whether it is threats to our national security or the well being of it’s service members and their families.

Monthly briefing sessions by notable military leaders such as ADM Tom Keating, USN, Commander, PACOM; Lt. Gen. John F. Goodman, USMC, Command General, MARFORPAC; and RADM Sally Brice-Ohara, USCG, Commandant, 14th Coast Guard District have provided highly informative and insightful perspectives on many issues that confront our military.  Other events have included a visitation to the C-17 Squadron based on Hickam AFB, tours of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Red Hill fuel storage facilities, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii-Kaneohe; as well as the ever popular tour of visiting aircraft carriers.

The military not only play such a critical role in the security of our country, but has a tremendous impact on our local community.  Whether it is the home porting of ships or basing of units; deployment of units to meet security threats; or restructuring of the services for the ever changing challenges of the 21st century, there are implications to our state from both an economic to a human perspective.  The Bridge provides a forum to better understand these implications.

If you are interested in a membership into the Bridge, please contact Bob McDermott, Executive Director, Honolulu Council of the Navy League at 422-9404 for more information.  We invite you to attend one of our monthly sessions as a guest of the Bridge.

Melvin H. W. Ing