NetNews Usenet Archive 1992 #27/NN_1992_27.iso/spool/sci/military/11265

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From: "Navy News Service" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Navy News Service - 18 Nov 92
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From "Navy News Service" <[e-mail]>

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NAVY NEWS SERVICE - 18 NOV 92 - NAVNEWS 057/92
     Navy News Service (NAVNEWS) contains official news and
information and is intended for distribution to all Navy people.
Please help pass the word.  NAVNEWS is available:
     -- by message to the NAVNEWS collective address
     -- on the CNO bulletin board, 1-800-582-2355/6940 or (703)
695-6198/6388
     -- by electronic mail from NAVNEWS(at)NCTAMSLANT.NAVY.MIL
     -- and on the BUPERS ACCESS bulletin board, 1-800-346-
0217/18/27, 1-800-762-8567 or [phone]/6059/8076, (DSN) 224-
8070.
                            - USN -
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR NAVNEWS 057/92
   Top News and Policy Stories
NNS254.  First-Termer PRDs to Match Standard Tour Lengths
NNS255.  Navy Expands Exit Benefits to Officers
NNS256.  Naval Safety Center Targets Impaired Driving Mishaps
NNS257.  DoD Conference Emphasizes Importance of Family
NNS258.  Kitty Hawk Battle Group Deploys to Western Pacific
NNS259.  All Hands "Navy Rights and Benefits" Issue Available
   Around the Fleet
NNS260.  Notable Quotable:  Acting SECNAV O'Keefe
NNS261.  Salute to Excellence:  USS Nimitz (CVN 68)
NNS262.  Navy Task Group Completes UNITAS Exercise
NNS263.  USS Tortuga (LSD 46) Supports WW II Commemoration
NNS264.  MWR Announces Fleet Recreation Award Winners
NNS265.  Marine Rescues Boy from Alaska's Frigid Waters
NNS266.  Navy Commissions USS Vicksburg (CG 69)
NNS267.  This Week in the Navy:  November 17, 1917
   Personnel Notes
NNS268.  SECDEF, SECNAV Send Thanksgiving Day Messages
NNS269.  Federal Voting Assistance Program Conducts Survey
NNS270.  Spirit of "Sharing Thanksgiving" Spreads Navywide
NNS271.  Rape Prevention Series Available to Commands
   Short Splices
NNS272.  Navy News This Week
                               -USN-
         Top News and Policy Stories
NNS254.  First-Termer PRDs to Match Standard Tour Lengths
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- To create greater stability for first-term
sailors and to reduce the rate of turnover at commands, the Bureau
of Naval Personnel (BUPERS) is changing the rotation dates of
first-term sailors to match prescribed tour lengths for their
ratings.
     According to a new policy which will be effective July 1,
1993, all first-term sailors will have a projected rotation date
(PRD) that conforms to their prescribed sea tour (PST) or nominal
shore tour (NST) completion date.  The PST and NST dates are the
prescribed time at a duty station, and are set for each community
or rating to meet manning requirements and establish equitable sea-
shore rotation.
     In the past, first-term sailors were often transferred from
their first commands after the end of the first period of obligated
service and reenlistment.  As many as 80 percent of first-termers
are not completing their initial PST or NST, while the majority of
second-term and career sailors complete normal tour lengths.  This
creates unnecessary personnel turnover and PCS moves, and sometimes
gapped billets, said Chief of Naval Personnel VADM R. J. Zlatoper.
     "As the Navy continues to look for ways to work smarter, more
efficiently, and satisfy each sailor's desires, it is apparent that
first-term sailors should be detailed as we detail careerists," he
explained.
     Zlatoper said the change will help the Navy maintain fair sea-
shore rotation for all sailors, while making sure that junior
personnel establish a solid foundation of professional experience
in their rating and service.
     Along with the change in rotation date policy, BUPERS is
giving first-term sailors more lead time to apply for reenlistment
under the Enlisted Navy Career Options for Enlistment (ENCORE)
program.
     The window has been expanded from nine to 12 months to give
sailors three more opportunities to be considered for reenlistment
and more time to make plans based on results of their requests.
Each month BUPERS ranks ENCORE requests, then assigns quotas and
recommends conversions based on the latest manning needs of the
Navy.
     Together, these changes will mean that many first-term sailors
serving now will have their PRD extended beyond the end of active
obligated service (EAOS) to match the end of their rating's PST or
NST.  This revised PRD will remain effective for those who reenlist
under ENCORE.
     Sailors who do not apply for reenlistment under ENCORE, who do
not receive an ENCORE quota six months prior to EAOS, or who decide
not to use an ENCORE quota to reenlist will have their PRD changed
to EAOS dates, triggering a requisition to BUPERS to find a
replacement.  If these sailors do receive an ENCORE quota later,
their PRD will be revised to match PST or NST again.
     Details on these policy changes can be found in NAVADMIN
186/92 (CNO WASHINGTON DC 122233Z Nov 92).
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS255.  Navy Expands Exit Benefits to Officers
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy is expanding eligibility for the
Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) and Special Separation Benefit
(SSB) programs to include all active-duty lieutenants and
lieutenant commanders, with a few exceptions, on a first-come,
first-served basis.
     VSI and SSB are financial incentive programs designed to
encourage selected military personnel to leave the service
voluntarily before retirement.  VSI is paid in an amount equal to
2.5 percent times monthly base pay times 12, multiplied by the
individual's years of service.  This amount is paid in equal
installments, commencing upon separation from active duty, and on
each separation anniversary date for an amount equal to twice the
number of years of active duty service.
     The second option, SSB, is a lump-sum payment made at the time
of separation.  The amount is equal to 15 percent of monthly base
pay times 12 multiplied by the years of service.
     In October, the Navy offered VSI and SSB to officers for the
first time, but only to lieutenant commanders "passed over" for
O-5.  With the expansion of the offer to include almost all Navy
O-3's and O-4's, a total of over 13,500 officers are eligible to
apply for separation under one of these programs.
     As before, BUPERS is stressing that participation in these
programs is strictly voluntary, with no threat of involuntary
separation or reduction-in-force (RIF) action for those who decide
to continue their careers until eligible for regular retirement.
     Applications for these programs must be received no earlier
than Dec. 1, 1992, and not later than Dec. 31, 1992.  All
separations are to be completed by March 30, 1993, and regular and
reserve officers must complete a minimum three-year reserve
appointment in addition to any obligated reserve service remaining.
     Other details, including information on transition benefits
and assistance for those selecting VSI and SSB, are explained in
NAVADMIN 189/92 (CNO WASHINGTON DC 181752Z Nov 92).
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS256.  Naval Safety Center Targets Impaired Driving Mishaps
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- December has been designated as National Drunk
and Drugged Driving Prevention Month, and this year's theme is,
"Let's Take a Stand -- Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk."
     Drivers or pedestrians impaired by alcohol account for one
death every 22 minutes, or about 60 deaths per day on U.S.
highways.  In FY-92, 126 of our finest died in motor vehicle
related accidents while off-duty, and alcohol was a factor in about
half of the accidents.
     Even though progress has been made in educating sailors on the
hazards of drinking and driving and the use of other drugs, we
still have a long way to go.  Naval Safety Center studies show that
any measurable alcohol intake puts a large number of our shipmates
at risk, and that risk increases substantially at or above the .08
blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level.
     The Naval Safety Center challenges commanders, division
officers, chief petty officers and supervisors to actively
participate in Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.  The key
is to ensure the word gets down to the work center.  Areas to be
emphasized include:
     -- Discourage serving alcohol when planning command-sponsored
functions.
     -- If alcohol will be a factor at off-duty gatherings,
encourage the use of the designated driver program.  All that is
required is to have volunteers drink non-alcoholic beverages, then
drive their fellow shipmates home.  Party hosts should also be
responsible hosts; serve food as well as non-alcoholic beverages,
and ensure that guests have safe transportation home.
     -- Place articles in the plan of the day and local newspapers
on the hazards of drinking and driving.  In addition, remind all
hands that many prescription and over-the-counter medicines warn
personnel of drowsiness and the dangers of operating a motor
vehicle, etc.
     -- Re-emphasize the Navy's policy on the use of motorcycle
personal protective equipment and vehicle safety belts.  When
properly worn, these items are the best defense against drunk
drivers.  Remind motorcyclists that skills gained through required
training may save lives.
     -- Stress defensive driving techniques, as well as the effects
of fatigue when traveling long distances, bad weather, unsafe road
and environmental conditions.  Remember that drunk drivers compound
these circumstances.
     -- Set a good example; you never know who you are influencing.
     -- Piggy-back your efforts with the local community.
     -- Be innovative and share ideas with other commands.
     Remember that there's nothing "accidental" about impaired
driving mishaps.  We can change our grim statistics, but it is
going to take an all hands effort to reduce the irresponsible use
of alcohol and drugs while driving.
     The Naval Safety Center has a limited number of 3D program
planners developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration available for distribution.  For further information
or assistance on National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention
Month, contact Mrs. Brigham at the Naval Safety Center (Code 423),
(DSN) 564-8184/1470, or [phone]/1470.
Released by Naval Safety Center
                               -USN-
NNS257.  DoD Conference Emphasizes Role of Family
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The success of U.S. forces during the Persian
Gulf War taught military leaders the value of joint operations.
The Gulf War also cemented the military's view of the importance of
the family and the role it plays in mission readiness.
     This was the focus of the 1992 DoD Family Conference held Nov.
4-6 in Orlando, Fla.  The conference theme, "Work and Family in the
Military:  Change and Challenge," brought together representatives
from the family service's field of all military branches of service
in an effort to exchange ideas on a wide-ranging number of
important topics that effect military members and their families.
     "We now fully understand that families 'go to war' in a very
real sense, and family readiness is a critical component of overall
force readiness," said Christopher Jehn, Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Force Management and Personnel.
     "Family support is also a key ingredient in maintaining our
military strength as we reduce.  The investment made in family
programs over the last decade has paid great dividends," added
Jehn.
     Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) John Hagan,
along with other senior enlisted military leaders, discussed the
essential role that non-commissioned officer leadership plays in
support of programs that assist service members and their families.
     While recounting his Navy career, Hagan explained that in his
wildest dreams he never imagined a Navy that had the kind of family
support network seen today.  According to Hagan, there was no
family service center to assist sailors during the stressful
permanent change of station (PCS) move, and there was no such thing
as a Variable Housing Allowance.  "One of my goals is to hold on to
what (benefits) we've got and add to (them) during my two years as
MCPON."
     Hagan and Jehn were in good company when they told more than
500 military family service workers that the bond between military
readiness and family support is an invisible but crucial link.
     Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Personnel Support,
Families and Education, Millicent W. Woods, agreed, "We need to
consider families as part and parcel of what it means to maintain
and deploy a force."
     Recommendations put forth at the conference will set the
agenda for the future DoD leadership role in the military's effort
to improve the lives of all military members and their families.
Story by Navy Internal Relations Activity
                              -USN-
NNS258.  Kitty Hawk Battle Group Deploys to Western Pacific
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Led by aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63),
eight U.S. Navy ships departed their West Coast homeports Nov. 3
for a scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific.
     Deployed with Kitty Hawk are guided missile cruisers USS
Cowpens (CG 63), USS Leahy (CG 16), and USS William H. Standley (CG
32); frigate USS Jarrett (FFG 33); replenishment ship USS
Sacramento (AOE 1); and attack submarines USS Houston (SSN 713) and
USS Louisville (SSN 724).  Deployed aboard Kitty Hawk are nine
squadrons from Carrier Air Wing 15 and the staff of Destroyer
Squadron 17.
     This deployment will be the first for Kitty Hawk in more than
five years.  The carrier underwent a Service Life Extension program
overhaul at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.  During the four-year
overhaul, Kitty Hawk's combat systems, engineering plant, aircraft
launch and recovery systems were upgraded and modernized.  Kitty
Hawk rejoined the Pacific Fleet in December 1991.
     The deployment is also the first for Cowpens, one of the
Navy's newest Aegis cruisers.  Commissioned in March 1991, the
technological advances of the cruiser include the Aegis weapon
system and vertical launching system (VLS), which are capable of
launching Tomahawk land-attack missiles as well as Standard
surface-to-air missiles.
Story by CINCPACFLT Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS259.  All Hands "Navy Rights and Benefits" Issue Available
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The combined October-November issue of All
Hands magazine seems destined to become a collector's edition --
not because of its great rarity, but because it is devoted to a
clear explanation of the rights and benefits available to sailors
and their families.
     Designed as a career planning guide, the special "Navy Rights
and Benefits" (R & B) issue of All Hands contains detailed
information on pay and allowances, health care, educational
opportunities, and much more.  Sections on transition assistance
and retirement will be of special interest to Navy men and women
approaching the end of their active service.
     Filled with information of an enduring nature, the "R & B"
issue is an excellent reference source for commanding officers,
career counselors, division officers and command master chiefs.  It
will also be a valuable reference tool for ombudsmen, chaplains and
command financial specialists, as well as a tremendous asset to
sailors and their families in their personal planning.
     The special "R & B" issue is being distributed through normal
All Hands magazine channels which provide one copy of the magazine
for every six sailors.  This is the first magazine of its kind in
12 years -- don't miss it.
                               -USN-
         Around the Fleet
NNS260.  Notable Quotable:  "As the holiday season draws near, it
is most appropriate that Navy people everywhere reflect on the
significant contributions and sacrifices made by Navy families.
Every family member should know of our deep respect and
appreciation for their contribution to our great Navy." -- Acting
Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe, from a recent message
designating Nov. 22-29 as Navy Family Week (ALNAV 117/92).
                               -USN-
         Salute to Excellence
NNS261.  USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Receives Aviation Safety Award
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Crew members and air wing personnel from USS
Nimitz (CVN 68) recently received the 1991 ADM James H. Flatley
Award for Naval Aviation Safety in a flight deck ceremony held at
Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Calif.
     VADM Edwin R. Kohn, Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific,
presented the award, which recognized Nimitz's naval aviation
safety record during a year that featured a deployment to the
Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm.
     The admiral emphasized that Nimitz and Carrier Air Wing Nine
(CVW-9) personnel supported 25,000 flight hours, exceeding the
average of 18,000 hours for other West Coast carriers, and he
commended Nimitz's 15,000 catapult launches, which surpassed the
average of 11,500 launches by other carriers.  Kohn also noted that
Nimitz spent 212 days at sea in 1991.
     "All of this was done with a great consciousness of safety and
everybody came back from the cruise," Kohn said of Nimitz's 1991
Persian Gulf deployment.  "It is a reflection of professionalism.
It's a reflection of pride, concern, self-discipline and awareness.
It reflects that you look out for one another."
     Nimitz is the fourth Pacific Fleet carrier to earn the award
in the past five years.
Story by USS Nimitz Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS262.  Navy Task Group Completes UNITAS Exercise
ROOSEVELT ROADS, Puerto Rico (NNS) -- The Navy's UNITAS 33-92 Task
Group recently returned to Naval Station Roosevelt Roads, Puerto
Rico, marking the end of the annual exercise with eight South
American Navies.
     Under the command of RADM T. C. Lockhart, Commander, South
Atlantic Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, headquartered in Roosevelt
Roads, the task group operated with the navies of Brazil,
Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Colombia and
Venezuela.  More than 2,500 U.S. service members were joined by
25,000 South American military personnel during the exercises.
     U.S. task group ships and squadrons came from bases around the
world and included active and reserve components from the Navy,
Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.
     UNITAS is an annual operation designed to increase the
interoperability of U.S. and South American navies and enhance the
defense of sea lanes in the western hemisphere during time of war.
Consisting of ten phases, the exercise began in Caribbean waters in
June with forces from the U.S., Brazil and Argentina.  As the task
group sailed south, it was joined by other countries.  Five months
and 12,000 nautical miles later, the exercise ended in the
Caribbean after the navies circumnavigated the continent and
transited the Panama Canal.
     Air, surface and subsurface exercises provided training
opportunities in a number of tactics, including over-the-horizon
targeting, naval gunfire support, ship handling, underway
replenishment and towed target gunnery.
     During 15 port visits, task force crews gave up valuable
liberty time to work on community relations projects as part of
Project Handclasp.  The projects included painting, electrical
work, plumbing, carpentry and other repairs to orphanages,
hospitals, old age homes and charitable institutions.  Over 400
volunteer man-days and more than $8,000 in supplies were used for
these projects.
     Project Handclasp supplies were carried by the task group and
donated to worthy organizations as the ships visited each port.
More than 25 tons of food, clothing, books and medical supplies
were distributed throughout South America on behalf of the Navy's
people-to-people program.
     The Navy show band also reached millions of enthusiastic South
Americans through nearly 100 concerts and television appearances.
     Commenting on the spirit of all the players in this year's
UNITAS exercise, Lockhart said, "Our navies worked together
enthusiastically and professionally throughout South America.
Innovations and improvements in interoperability are evident and
will continue to be the cornerstone of future multi-national
exercises."
Story by USCOMSOLANT Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS263.  USS Tortuga (LSD 46) Supports WW II Commemoration
LONDON, UK (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46) recently hosted the World
War II 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the allied landings in
North Africa when crew members paid a port visit to Casablanca,
Morocco.
     The ship's crew supported many official events, including a
ceremony at the Allied Cemetery, where fallen American servicemen
were originally interred.  An American monument was dedicated to
commemorate those involved in "Operation Torch" 50 years ago.
     The landings in North Africa, code named "Operation Torch,"
forced the German Africa Corps out of North Africa and opened up
shipping lanes in the Mediterranean in the Fall of 1942.
     In 1943, Casablanca was also the site where former U.S.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston
Churchill met and decided on the now-famous Unconditional Terms of
Surrender for Germany in World War II.
Story by NAVEUR News Service
                               -USN-
NNS264.  MWR Announces Fleet Recreation Award Winners
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Six U.S. Navy ships have been selected as
winners of the 1992 Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Awards for
outstanding recreation programs conducted while at sea and inport.
     Winners for the "Underway Special Event" awards were USS
Michigan (SSBN 727 BLUE) in the small ship category; USS Mahan (DDG
42) for medium ships; and USS Simon Lake (AS 33) for large ships.
     First-place recipients for "Inport Special Events" were USS
Implicit (MSO 455) for small ships; USS Lake Champaign (CG 57) for
medium ships; and USS McKee (AS 41) for large ships.
     The award winners, announced in a Nov. 5 message from RADM
Paul E. Tobin, Assistant Chief of Naval Personnel for Personal
Readiness and Community Support, were selected for the quality and
variety of programs provided for fleet sailors.
     First-place winners received cash awards of $1,000 each to be
used for the ship's recreation fund.  Fifty-one ships entered the
1992 program, for a total of 71 submissions for the two awards
categories.
Story by BUPERS Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division
                               -USN-
NNS265.  Marine Rescues Boy from Alaska's Frigid Waters
ADAK, Alaska (NNS) -- A corporal assigned to the Company I Marine
Support Battalion at Naval Security Group, Adak, Alaska, was
awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for heroism Nov. 7 for
saving the life of a 9-year-old boy who was stranded 50-feet
offshore in Adak's turbulent, 40-degree waters.
     William D. Griesmeyer and another fisherman were returning
from a halibut trip in late June when they noticed some children
playing along the bank toward the channel of the boat basin.
     "We saw one of the children floating on what looked like a
homemade raft about five to 10 feet offshore," said Griesmeyer.
     After cleaning their catch, the fishermen noticed the child
had drifted more than 20 feet, and was trying to paddle his way
back to shore with a piece of wood.  The raft began breaking up and
the child began screaming for help, according to the Marine.
     "As soon as I saw him fall in (the water), I ran down the boat
ramp and along the beach to where the rocks started," Griesmeyer
explained.  "There wasn't any other alternative but going in after
the boy."
     By the time Griesmeyer reached the boy, they were about 50
feet from shore.
     "When I got to him he was screaming and crying that his legs
and arms were numb," said the corporal.  He tried swimming back to
shore with the boy on his stomach, but the current and headwind
were too strong.  Remembering his Combat Safety Survival Swimming
training, the Marine lifted the child as high out of the water as
possible by the back of his collar and side-stroked the rest of the
way through the water to safety.
     The medal, which is the military's highest peacetime
decoration, was presented to Griesmeyer by Col. John W. Hust, the
chief of the Military Operation Support Division, Naval Support
Activity, Fort Meade, Md., in ceremonies held at the Marine Corps
Ball in Adak.
Story by JO2 Michael R. Hart, NSGA Adak, Alaska
                               -USN-
NNS266.  Navy Commissions USS Vicksburg (CG 69)
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Department of the Navy commissioned guided
missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) in ceremonies held Nov. 14 at
Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Miss.
     Vicksburg is the 23rd of 27 Ticonderoga class Aegis guided
missile cruisers scheduled to be built.  The cruisers are designed
to provide the primary anti-air warfare protection for the Navy's
battle forces.  The ship's Aegis combat system, made up of radars,
computers and weapons, is designed to function effectively in all
weather and in any hostile electronic environment.
     The ship is equipped with Standard surface-to-air missiles,
Harpoon anti-ship missiles, anti-submarine rockets, torpedoes, and
Tomahawk cruise missiles in forward and aft vertical launching
systems; two fully automated, radar controlled Phalanx close-in
weapons systems; and one five-inch gun and electronic warfare
systems.
     Vicksburg is also equipped with the Light Airborne
Multipurpose System (LAMPS) MK III combat suite, which encompasses
the launch, recovery, stowage and electronic support for the SH-60B
Seahawk helicopter.
     Vicksburg is 567 feet long, has a beam of 55 feet and
displaces approximately 9,500 tons fully loaded.  The ship will
sail with a crew of 29 officers and 347 enlisted personnel.
                               -USN-
NNS267.  This Week in the Navy:
November 17, 1917 -- It was on this day that destroyers USS
Nicholson and USS Fanning became the first U.S. ships to sink an
enemy submarine.
                               -USN-
         Personnel Notes
NNS268.  SECDEF, SECNAV Send Thanksgiving Day Messages
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Secretary of Defense Richard B. Cheney and
Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe recently sent
Thanksgiving greetings to the men and women of the U.S. Armed
Forces.  The text of their messages follows:
     QUOTE:  Thanksgiving is a time for families to gather around
the table and give thanks for their blessings.  But for thousands
of America's men and women in uniform, I know that Thanksgiving
will be spent away from home and family providing for the nation's
security in a rapidly changing world.  Many of you will have your
Thanksgiving feasts while serving in faraway lands or aboard ship.
That is just one sacrifice that you make to defend the values we
treasure.
     As you give thanks this day, you can take pride in the fact
that millions of people around the world can now have their own
celebration because of what you have done.  Many can give thanks
for their freedom from a repressive communist regime.  They can do
so because you, and those who have served before you, stood firm
when that regime threatened to spread its ideology by force of
arms.
     Others in the world, including some in the former Soviet Union
who once counted on us as foes, can give thanks for the assistance
you provided in time of need.  You have shown your determination in
the face of danger, as well as compassion in the face of tragedy.
     When Americans gather around their tables this holiday, they
will give thanks for their freedom, and they will give thanks to
you for volunteering to protect that freedom.  To all of you and
your families, I extend my best wishes for a happy, healthy and
joyous Thanksgiving. -- Secretary of Defense Richard B. Cheney
     QUOTE:  As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I join all Americans
in expressing the deepest gratitude and respect for the courage,
honor and commitment of the brave men and women who serve today in
the world's finest Navy and Marine Corps.
     Throughout a dangerous and restless world, you are serving on
the front lines of freedom in a time of challenge and change.  Rest
assured that our grateful nation will remember your sacrifice and
devotion to duty on this most American of holidays.  God Bless and
happy Thanksgiving.  -- Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean O'Keefe
                               -USN-
NNS269.  Federal Voting Assistance Program Conducts Survey
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Thousands of military personnel, federally-
employed civilian personnel and overseas citizens will soon receive
an extensive post-election survey to help determine voter
participation and identify problems encountered during the voting
process.
     After each Presidential election, the Federal Voting
Assistance Program (FVAP) conducts an extensive survey which is
sent at random to persons covered by the Uniformed and Overseas
Citizens Voting Act.  Local election officials and unit voting
officers will also be surveyed to get their comments on processing
requests for ballots and other factors that are important to the
voting process.
     Survey results will be compiled and presented in a formal
report to the President and Congress, and will also be used to
improve the voting program and make it easier for military and
overseas citizens to register and vote.  In addition, the survey
will be discussed at the state level to solicit changes in state
laws which would simplify the absentee voting process.
     Survey recipients are encouraged to complete the
questionnaire, include any pertinent comments, and return the
survey in a timely manner.  Only persons involved in collecting or
preparing the information for analysis will have access to
completed questionnaires, and the formal report will only include
group statistics.
     Questions which cannot be answered locally may be addressed
to:  Director, FVAP, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Room
1B457, The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  20301-1155.
Story by Director, Federal Voting Assistance Program
                               -USN-
NNS270.  Spirit of "Sharing Thanksgiving" Spreads Navywide
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, many
Navy personnel and families are making plans to share their time,
spirit, or possessions with others.
     "It's an important part of Navy tradition to reach out to
others, especially during the holiday season," said Master Chief
Petty Officer of the Navy John Hagan.  "Our actions can make a
genuine difference."
     One way Navy members can make a difference is to adopt sailors
who are unable to return home for the holiday, and welcome them
into homes for Thanksgiving dinner.  "Individual commands can match
up sailors who have no holiday plans with families who want to
share their holiday plans," said Hagan.  Fleet recreation
coordinators, family service centers, command master chiefs and
others coordinate such programs at various locations.
     Support doesn't stop at helping fellow shipmates, said Hagan.
"We have hundreds of sailors who volunteer to work on the holiday
in local soup kitchens or at homeless shelters."  He added that
many volunteers from the Navy join efforts by local churches and
community organizations to sponsor food drives for the needy, and
host traditional turkey dinners and other special activities.
     Armed Forces YMCAs, USOs, family service centers, local Navy-
Marine Corps Relief offices, chief petty officer associations,
ombudsmen and base chaplains often organize and coordinate such
volunteer efforts.  "The Navy is full of resources for those who
want to help, and for those who need help," said Hagan.
     In a related message (NAVOP 029/92), Chief of Naval Operations
ADM Frank B. Kelso, II suggested several specific ways that Navy
people can share their Thanksgiving with others in the Navy or
neighboring communities.  He stressed that "every effort counts, no
matter how small or limited in time."
Story by BUPERS Public Affairs
                               -USN-
NNS271.  Rape Prevention Series Available to Commands
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Navy News This Week is offering commands its
five-part series on rape prevention to use as a training resource
for military members and dependents.
     The 16-minute tape contains valuable information on ways to
safeguard against rape; information on how to seek help if raped;
and how to help a family member, friend or shipmate who has been
raped.
     Commands interested in receiving a copy of the tape should
contact LT Kelly Becker at (DSN) 288-6275, [phone]; or write
to:  Navy News This Week, Bldg. 168, Naval Station Anacostia,
Washington, D.C.  20374-1682.
                               -USN-
         "Short Splices"
NNS272.  Navy News This Week
     The Nov. 18, 1992 edition of Navy News This Week -- a
videotaped newscast generated for broadcast to Navy/Marine Corps
fleet and shore units -- includes the following stories:
HEADLINES:  Navywide Personnel Survey Being Sent to the Fleet;
First-Term Sailors Reassignment Policy Changes; Desert Shield/Storm
Medals Presented to 29 Civilians; Navy Lieutenant Makes Glamour
Magazine's 1992 List of Women of the Year; Navy Reinstates
Homosexual Sailor; Navy Expands VSI/SSB Program to Include Chief
Petty Officers; New SRB Levels for Undermanned Ratings Released;
Cubi Point Naval Air Station Closes Down; VP-26 Returns to Maine
After Six Months in Adriatic; Recognizing Native Americans During
Month of November; Navy Offers Program to Help Military Couples;
High Technology is Changing Naval Photography; Traveling Space-A
Cuts Down on Expenses During Holidays; PCU John Paul Jones Prepares
for Commissioning; L. Y. Spear Pursues Total Recycling Program;
Motorcycle Safety Course Helps Decrease Navy Fatalities; Little
Creek Amphibious Base Hosts Armed Forces Soccer Championship.
     QUESTIONS?  Contact Navy Broadcasting Service, Navy News This
Week, Bldg. 168, NAVSTA Anacostia, Washington, D.C. 20374-1682 or
call [phone], (AV) 288-5844.
     Input from fleet units ensures our most complete coverage of
global events affecting the Navy and Marine Corps.  Your video
contributions, on 3/4-inch, 1/2-inch or Hi-8 videotape, are needed.
                               -USN-
     Feedback on this issue, inputs for the next issue, questions
about distribution, and suggestions for improving NAVNEWS are
invited.  Help us make NAVNEWS better.  Contact NAVNEWS
     -- by message to NAVINRELACT WASHINGTON DC//NNS//
     -- by electronic mail to NAVNEWS(at)NCTAMSLANT.NAVY.MIL
     -- by U.S. mail to Editor, Navy News Service, Pentagon 2D340,
Washington, D.C. 20350-1200
     -- by fax to [phone] or DSN 225-6180
     -- or by calling us at [phone]; (DSN) 225-1888.
                            - USN -