The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) with embarked 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) entered U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of operations Mar. 12.

Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet’s area of responsibility encompasses about 7.5 million square miles and includes the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, Gulf of Oman and parts of the Indian Ocean. This expanse, which comprises 25 countries, includes three critical chokepoints at the Suez Canal, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

While deployed to the region, Bataan will conduct maritime security

operations, which will help establish conditions for security and promote regional stability and global prosperity.

“Our Marines and Sailors are here to provide a flexible, adaptable and persistent force in the region,” said Col. William Dunn, 22nd MEU commanding officer. “Through commitment to our partner nations, we seek to deter destabilizing activities and uphold lawful maritime order.”

Maritime security

operations hone security skills in a maritime environment and assist in the development of counterterrorism and security protocols of allied nations in the

5th Fleet cont. page 2

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Enters U.S. 5th FleetBy MC1 John J. Belanger

March 14, 2014Volume: 2 Issue: 5

Look Inside! New Sea Pay, Page 3 | Lisbon Comrel, Pages 4 & 5 | Lisbon Port Visit, Pages 6

Search and Rescue (SAR) swimmers aboard the amphibious assault ship, USS Bataan (LHD 5), responded to a vessel in distress in the Aegean Sea March 8.

When the SAR team from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22 arrived on-scene, they observed the Turkish-flagged container vessel, Yusuf Cepnioglu, had run aground.

The vessel was listing with the stern completely submerged and leaning against the rocky shoreline. Two individuals were seen on the ship’s bridge wing and upon request for assistance from the vessel’s chief officer, the SAR team requested they move to the top of the bridge.

“Initially we saw a vessel listing on the rocks, an overturned life boat, a beached raft, and two guys on the bridge,” said Naval Aircrewman (Helicopter) 3rd Class Taylor Gehricke a search and rescue swimmer from Tampa, Fla. “We conducted

a search looking for others, but there was no one else on the vessel.”

While the SAR helicopter was hovering over the crash sight, the crew encountered heavy winds and rough seas. Despite these conditions, the team lowered Gehricke to the top of the vessel’s bridge to rescue to two stranded mariners. Gehricke placed the rescue strap around the first individual and they were lifted 70 feet back to the helicopter. The vessel was listing even more as the rescue swimmer approached the top of the bridge to save the second mariner. Despite Gehricke and the mariner falling to the deck multiple times the strap was attached and both brought back to the helicopter safely.

“The ship started rocking and shaking really hard,” said Gehricke. “I fell multiple times rescuing the second mariner. Situations like this are why I joined the Navy, to help people.”

Once the mariners had been rescued, the SAR team brought them back to the flight deck aboard Bataan where the medical team was standing by to assist.

“The initial word reported was for possible hypothermia,” said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Thomas Ramocki from Wakefield, Mass. “When the mariners arrived they were able to walk to the ship’s medical facilities where they were assessed by staff.”

Ramocki said that Bataan’s medical team assessed the mariners from head to toe, and determined they were in good health.

The Bataan Amphibious Readiness Group is on a scheduled deployment supporting maritime security operations, providing crisis response capability and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.

Bataan Rescues Stranded Turkish Mariners in Agean SeaBy MC3 Mark Hays

Photo by MC3 Chase Hawley

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The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by Bataan’s Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services at sea. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof.

Commanding OfficerCaptain George J. Vassilakis

Executive OfficerCaptain John “J.C.” Carter

Command Master ChiefCMDCM(SW/AW) Kevin M. Goodrich

Public Affairs Officer MCC(SW/SCW) Dennis Herring

News Team 5MC1(SW/AW) John BelangerMC1(AW/SW) RJ StratchkoMC3 Erik Foster MC3 Mark Hays

MC3 Chase HawleyMCSN Nicholas Frank CottoneMCSA Michael LieberknechtMCSA Aaron Kiser

Layout and Design MC3 Chase Hawley

Editor MC1(AW/SW) RJ Stratchko

5th Fleet from Front page

CTF 51/59 Talks About Importance of 5th Fleet RegionBy MCSA Michael J. Lieberknecht

The Navy’s 5th Fleet of Responsibility can be a confusing, seemingly arbitrary location in the world. It contains the Suez Canal, the Straight of Harmuz, the Arabian Gulf, and countries with notorious and ambiguous reputations.

During a recent visit to the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), Marine Brig. Gen. Gregg P. Olson, commander of Task Force 51/59, 5th Fleet Amphibious and Crisis Response

Task Force talked about the many friendly relationships, agreements, wars, arguments, and history in the area and how complicated maintaining a decent understanding of what exactly is going on.

Bataan Sailors along with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) are currently deployed and scheduled to conduct operations in 5th Fleet as part of Bataan Amphibious Ready Group

(BATARG). BATARG consists of the Bataan, amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).

The 5th Fleet region is home to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (COMUSNAVCENT) which is the naval component command for U.S. Central

Command that conducts maritime operations to help ensure security and stability throughout the region, promotes U.S. interests, prevents regional conflict and defeats our adversaries.

“The area of responsibility contains many challenges and opportunities,” warned Olson. “We are at the hub of the energy resource movement, freedom of commerce, and potential conflicts between nations that have long standing adverse relationships,” he added.

Olson points out 30 nations in the area who share common concerns about freedom of navigation, free flow of goods and services, safety of life at sea, and reducing the influence of people who use the sea for illegal purposes such as pirates.

The region is also home to some pretty significant terrorist organizations, said Olson. The area contains a lot of potential conflict between nations with different beliefs, all while there is still conflict going on. BATARG and 22nd MEU will have to be ready for anything from humanitarian assistance to major combat operations. That’s what’s so special about

region. Security forms the foundation from which stability arises, resulting in global economic prosperity. These operations are designed and implemented to disrupt violent extremists’ illegal activities, such as hijacking, piracy, weapons smuggling and slavery, also known as human trafficking.

The 22nd MEU comprises a ground combat element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment; aviation combat element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 263

(Reinforced); logistics combat element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its command element.

The BATARG is commanded by Capt. Neil A. Karnes, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Six, and comprises the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).

The BATARG and 22nd MEU team

will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based, expeditionary force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options in maritime, littoral and inland environments in support of the nation’s maritime strategy.

USS Bataan (LHD 5), commanded by Capt. George Vassilakis, left her homeport in Norfolk, Va., Feb. 8, on a regularly-scheduled deployment as the flagship of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group.

Photo by MCSA Michael J. Leiberknecht BATARG cont. page 7

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MARCHCRUISE TO LOSE SIGN UPS

SHAMROCK 5K RUN PUSH UP COMPETITION

OREO EATING CHALLENGE

DODGEBALL SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

BINGO

TWO BALL COMPETITION

SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

ZUMBA STARTS TIME/PLACE TBA

DOMINOS TOURNAMENT

INDOOR HORSESHOES

FREE PLAY BASKETBALL

BINGO

SPADES TOURNAMENT

POKER TOURNAMENT TABLE TOP GAME NIGHT

SPADES TOURNAMENT

1. All Sailors with three or more years of total career sea duty will see their sea pay increase by 25 percent.

2. The current $100 career sea pay premium (CSP-P) will double to $200.

3. Career sea pay premium (CSP-P) is an extra payment for Sailors with more than 36 consecutive months on sea duty.

4. In lieu of receiving CSP-P, Sailors and Marines in grades E5-E9 with eight years of cumulative sea duty receive a higher CSP rate equivalent to receiving CSP-P whenever assigned to a ship regardless of consecutive sea time.

5. Pending final coordination with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, it is expected that the new CSP rates will take effect early this summer. An announcement on the exact date is forthcoming.

Five Things to Know About New Sea Pay and the Table

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2014 Sea Pay Rates

Sailors and Marines from USS Bataan volunteered to pick oranges at the Palacio Nacional de Queleuz for the Banco Alimentar, a local food bank, near Lisbon February 28.

“We were able to collect over 60 crates of oranges, which was approximately 900 kilos,” said Lt. Hardy Owens, a staff chaplain aboard Bataan. “The people there stated that we far exceeded their estimated projection.”

The service members were also treated to a free tour of the national palace and the chance to see and help falconry experts training hawks for future exhibitions there.

“Not only are you seeing a different side of whatever port you’re at, you have a chance to meet and work with the actual native people there,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Ahren Eisenmenger, leading petty officer of the personnel office aboard Bataan. “You’re not just going there to buy drinks from them or pay them money for something and not really know what’s going on. You actually get to learn a little more about the city.”

Apart from the 19 Sailors and Marines at the palace, six others went to Lar Maria Droske, a convent near Lisbon, to

help with gardening work and maintaining the grounds. The convent welcomes children and young women in residential settings and has the overall aim to promote academic and/or vocational training.

“Teenagers who lived there that were coming from difficult backgrounds and this convent was a blessing to them to help them back onto their feet,” said Owens. “They were extremely appreciative for our service.”

Community relation events, or comrels, give Sailors and Marines a chance to volunteer while on deployment or at homeports and provide a great opportunity to give back to the community.

“We exceeded the limit for the comrel in the first 40 minutes and had quite a few people who were interested that we had to say no to right now, but we encourage them to participate in upcoming comrels as they become available,” said Owens.

The U.S. Navy’s participation in community relation events help achieve its mission in projecting global force by promoting partnerships with other countries. It shows that a sincere interest in helping other countries and their people.

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Sailors and Marines on board USS Bataan (LHD 5) recently stopped in Lisbon for their first port visit during their eight-month deployment.

The humble cobble stone sidewalks, warm cafes, and public squares decorated with aged statues set the stage for the easy-going streets of Lisbon. The smell of fresh fish, and the welcoming sounds of friendly conversations filled the air. After a lot of hard work, any place will seem perfect for rest and recreation. Lisbon, however, gives the impression that it was made for relaxation.

While in port, some Bataan Sailors and Marines explored the city on their own, while others went on pre-planned tours and volunteered for community relation trips. The Bataan also hosted a reception for Portuguese Navy members and several ambassadors in the ship’s hangar bay to share conversations and culture.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) set up tours in advance to the arrival of Bataan. Including vineyard visits, jeep

excursions, and cathedral and art tours, the variety of ways to spend liberty not only gave Sailors and Marines the opportunity to enjoy their time off while learning about foreign culture, but also displayed the diversity and charm of Lisbon.

Liberty only lasted a few days for the crew of Bataan, but that didn’t stop 25 Sailors and Marines from spending their free time to help a local food bank and convent.

The Palacio Nacional de Queleuz for the Banco Alimentar welcomed Bataan volunteers looking to help by picking oranges. More than 60 crates, which was approximately 900 kilos of oranges were

picked. Locals from the food bank said that the help far exceeded their expectation.

A smaller group from the Bataan went to Lar Maria Droske, a convent, which welcomes children and young women to promote academic and vocational training, to perform some yard work and gardening.

Near the end of their time in Lisbon, the Bataan held a reception in the ship’s hangar

bay for Portuguese navy officials and many other foreign dignitaries.

The ceremony began with a speech by both Capt. George Vassilakis, commanding officer USS Bataan, and John Olson, the Chargè d’ Affaries ad interim, which culminated in the color guard being lowered by the ship’s port aircraft elevator.

Guests were then treated to a variety of refreshments, tours and information about equipment displayed in the ship’s hangar bay as well as the flight deck before spending time mingling and enjoying a live jazz band comprised of members from the Portuguese navy.

Capt. Vassilakis congratulated the crew of Bataan while departing Lisbon, and thanked them for a successful liberty port. Stories of time spent on tours, or community relation trips can be heard throughout out the ship, and tales of schmoozing with dignitaries of several countries are told with reminiscent smiles.

Bataan’s Crew Gets First Port Visit of 2014 DeploymentBy MCSA Michael J. Lieberknecht

Photo by MC1 RJ Stratchko

Photo by MCSA Michael Lieberknecht

Photo by MCSA Aaron Kiser

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5th Fleet.Olson said he is sure, and assures

Sailors and Marines of BATARG, that they will be successful while in 5th Fleet as long as they keep a heavy concentration on teamwork.

He believes as a team that understands reacting to new challenges on very short notice, BATARG Sailors and 22nd MEU Marines are capable of

thinking through complex problems and solving those problems with a minimum amount of resources necessary.

“Navy and Marine Corps Team is not just a cliché,” said Olson.

Even when Marines may be ashore, they always know the ship is their home and sea base. That ship provides sovereign U.S. territory to operate from. It’s where the 22nd MEU’s supplies and

ammunition will be. Take away the ship and Marines are just another land force, explains Olson.

“Sometimes problems relate to things that the Marine Corps need, and vice-versa with the Navy,” Olson assures. “As the two naval services, the Navy and Marine Corps will always easily and effectively work together in 5th Fleet.”

BATARG from page 2

Photo by MC3 Chase Hawley

Celebrating Women of Character, Courage and Commitment in the U.S. Navy