Commander, Naval Surface Forces Visits Sasebo
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060731-05
Release Date: 7/31/2006 4:00:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs
SASEBO, Japan (NNS) -- Vice Adm. Terrance T. Etnyre, commander, Naval Surface Forces (COMNAVSURFOR) made a visit July 27-28 to thank Sailors based on ships here for their service and to convey a vision for the way ahead for the Navy's surface forces.
In addition to imparting important words to Task Force 76 Sailors, Etnyre’s surface force staff was able to have valuable planning time with the staff of Commander, Amphibious Group (CPG) 1, which is led by Rear Adm. Victor G. Guillory, who also serves as Commander, Amphibious Forces, U.S. 7th Fleet, in order to align both staffs under the emerging Surface Warfare Enterprise strategy.
"Commander, Naval Surfaces Forces' visit to Sasebo has been tremendously successful on many levels,” said Guillory. “Our superb Sailors got to hear firsthand from the boss about the future of our Surface Navy and exciting platforms like the littoral combat ship that will soon enter the U.S. Navy inventory.
“Vice Adm. Etnyre also got to hear from our Sailors and to visit with their families here in Sasebo. This was a win-win experience for all concerned, and we anxiously look forward to his next visit to the 'Land of 99 Islands,'” he added.
Etnyre spoke about how challenging the new global battle space was and will be, and emphasized that as commander of Naval Surface Forces, he will provide the necessary tools - both in assets and training - to ensure that Sailors are ready for the fight. He told Sailors explicitly to prepare for a new brown-water Navy led by the new littoral combat ship (LCS), which many forward-deployed Sailors may soon man.
Of the benefits of the LCS-class vessels, Etnyre mentioned that it will be able to patrol closer to shore, operate at high speeds, and deliver unmanned vehicle capability, all with a crew of about 75, that will swap in and out with another crew.
"It is going to change the way we do business," said Etnyre. “This is our moment. This is our test. It is you who make our success.”
Although much time was dedicated to work at the staff level during the visit, Etnyre made sure to add a personal touch with Sailors. At an all-hands call at Assault Craft Unit 5, Detachment Western Pacific, he presented a coin to Electronics Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Jeffery Whittington, the unit’s Sailor of the Year.
Besides reaching out to Sailors, Etnyre reaffirmed unity and commitment to maritime security with the Japanese as he visited the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) headquarters to meet with JMSDF Vice Adm. Yoji Koda, commander, JMSDF Sasebo District Headquarters. The two vice admirals exchanged warm words and small gifts.
Koda and other JMSDF officers and enlisted sailors were also present at a Surface Navy Association luncheon. Despite the addition of littoral elements to the U.S. Navy, Entrye assured his Japanese counterparts that the U.S. naval pact with Japan would remain strong, as the need for a blue-water force in the region, especially in terms ballistic weapons defense, remains ever present.
“We will always have a blue water force, and we will always have strong allies to help us protect the deep blue ocean,” said Etnyre. “But we must now also accept our role in the littorals, and many of you will soon take up positions on the LCS ships coming out.”
Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
For more information on CTF 76, visit www.ctf76.navy.mil.
For related news, visit the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.
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