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 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.

Aloha Navy Leaguers,

I just want to remind everyone that April 11th, 2008 marks the 108th Birthday of the Submarine Force.  To get tickets for their ball, call Tyrone Oien, chair of the Ball at 391-2782.

 We have some exciting events planned for Navy Leaguers in the next few weeks…here is just a Sample:

Scheduled Events:

• General Membership event     02/28/08   @ 1800 till 2000     Oahu Vet Center     Alan Lloyd Battle of Midway Speech
• Bridge Event               03/07/08          TBD                  HAFB                      C-17 trainer Briefing with hands on time!
• General Membership event    03/19/09    @ 1800 til 2000      Oahu Vet Center      Bob Sigal, Military Hist. in Hawaii …Why is Trippler in Pink? Etc..
• Bridge Event      TBD for March General Membership event    
•  04/04/08    @ 1200 til Pau         Navy Marine G.C.   Spring Golf Tournament  ….Golf with us for $85.00 at Navy Marine….Great Fun!      
• Flag Mess      04/10/08    @ 1800 til 2030       3660 on the Rise   Leadership event, by invatation only…topic.. NAVFAC
• PACFLT SOY       04/17/08          @ 1130 til 1330          Ala Moana Hotel     Admiral Bird speaker ….Also, Lt. Gov. Aiona will speak….Corp. Table Sponsorships are avialable for the Pacific Fleet Sailor of the Year on 4/17/08.  Please consider purchasing a table of 10 for $400.00 dollars and sponsoring 8 hard working sailors in the process.   They are the best and the brightest our country has to offer us.    

Our New President Don Morrison is off to a fantastic Start.  Membership Chairman Carl Devoe just signed up 20 new Members….Way to go Carl!  

If you have any questions, feel free to call me anytime at 422-9404 or my cell, 371-4605.  With Much Aloha,

Bob McDermott

Executive Director, US Navy League, Honolulu Council           

Aloha Navy League Members,

We had a great annual meeting last week thanks to our annual meeting organizer Mildred Courtney and the young staff in our office.  The food was magnificent and we got to honor some very special poeple like Mrs. Courtney, Shirleanne Chew, Bob Dewitz, Dave Livingston, Tim Gaurd, Mrs. P. Pasha Baker, Mel Ing, and four Legislators who support us as well, Sen. Norman Sakamoto, former rep. Mark Moses, Rep.’s Magaoay and Ito.   A grand time was had by all as Admiral Willard briefed us on the state of our Navy. 

Lastly, Congrats to outgoing President Jack Flanagan for a job well done!  We all look forward to the energy and ideas our new President Don Morrison brings to the table!   

Next event up:  PACFLT Sailor of the Year, 4/17/08 at the Ala Moana Hotel.  Please call 422-9404 for reservations.