WritingSamples_Nancy Kanter
- 1. 1 Writing Samples Contact: Nancy Kanter nancylynne9@yahoo.com LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/nancy-kanter/1a/811/711 Contents: ! Technical Article ! Feature Story ! Press Release ! Speech
- 2. 2 SAMPLE TECHNICAL ARTICLE NSWC Port Hueneme tests digital ship-to-shore communications with 26th MEU By: Nancy Kanter, NSWC PHD Command Communications Staff In a joint warfare effort between the Navy and the Marines, Naval Sea Systems Command Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme Division has been collaborating with the Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) during the past year. NSWC Port Hueneme is testing ship-to-shore digital capabilities with the MEU in order to simulate joint combat exercises. The efforts are in preparation for a test event on August 21, 2006 on USS Bataan (LHD-5). NSWC Port Hueneme has conducted similar tests often as part of system integration testing to validate the new capabilities and functionalities installed for SACC-A for all Landing Helicopter Assault (LHA) and Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) class ships. In the last ten months, NSWC Port Hueneme has participating in testing with the 11th , 13th , and 24th MEU. The purpose of the testing is to upgrade system software and groom shipboard Supporting Arms Coordination Center-Automation (SACC-A) equipment for Expeditionary Strike Group Integration Testing (ESGINT), which will take place in the Atlantic for several weeks. Benefits created by this technology include an enhanced ability of the warfighter to accumulate, interpret, display, and exchange numerous types and quantities of data with his or her counterparts. For this specific application, the construct of a digital network provides the means to transport this data, which is necessary to process fire missions and engage enemy targets with improved accuracy and precision. During ESGINT, the Marines conduct exercises to simulate digital data links and communications exchanged between ship and the MEU on shore. The SACC-A system utilized in these scenarios is fielded by both military services, thereby providing the ability to communicate in either direction. However, information exchange is generally dependent upon the command and support structure of the units utilizing this information and specific processing protocols. For this application, information is typically generated by a Forward Observer (FO) and then sent up the chain to be processed. During the testing, the top deck of the ship and several different locations inside the Naval Station, away from the ship, are used to simulate the shore site, while the Marines use a Humvee to transport radio equipment for the testing. A real-world battle application of this testing might involve the following scenario: An FO identifies a target, from which data is entered into his handheld device and transmitted to the SACC. The FO is responsible for directing supporting arms fires onto enemy positions and serves as the eyes of the supporting arms, calling target locations, which translates into firing solutions for the guns. This Call for Fire (CFF) is received by the SACC command workstations (AFATDS) system and goes through processing to ensure it is deconflicted and meets the Commander’s Guidance. Once processing is complete, the fire mission is sent digitally to the designated supporting arms asset, in this case, a naval surface fires ship, received as a Fire Order. The system on the NSFS also processes the order deconflicts. If the fire order meets mission and system guidance, the ship engages and fires on the target. This process has been designed to transpire in a very short time period and while processing multiple missions. The test objectives were to validate the ability of ship and shore sites to exchange digital and voice communications via High Frequency (HF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) radios. The testing involved a great deal of system configuration and set-up time, requiring that the AFATDS systems onboard ship and shore site were configured properly with parameters that both workstations could recognize, such as the unit’s unique number, IP address, data rate, and frequency. Both the ship’s force and shore-based personnel also needed to load crypto and configure radio equipment for transmission and reception. The ship’s force, NSWC Port Hueneme engineers, and the 26th MEU had to make several adjustments and system re-configuration efforts before they could get satisfactory test results. The AFATDS systems are currently employed and fielded by ground forces in the Army and Marines, and now has been integrated by the SACC-A program on the amphibious command ships in
- 3. 3 order to provide the Navy a common digital link the fires community. This capability will enable the Navy an application to process missions and joint fires support among the services and allows this distribution of information vital to the conduct of joint military planning and operations. “The ship-to-shore testing was very successful. Both the ship and shore-based Marines were able to exchange voice and digital communications, which are the critical capability elements of the deployed Expeditionary Strike Group,” said Ho Trieu, NSWC Port Hueneme SACC-A Systems Engineering Team Lead.
- 4. 4 SAMPLE FEATURE STORY NAVSEA Port Hueneme employee awarded Bronze Star while serving in Iraq By: Nancy Kanter, NSWC PHD Command Communications Staff George Martinez, Technical Manual Editor for Naval Systems Data Support Activity (NSDSA), recently returned to NAVSEA Port Hueneme after a 16-month tour of duty in Iraq. Stationed in Baghdad, Martinez served as Master Sergeant and was recently promoted to 1st Sergeant in the Army National Guard’s 250th Military Intelligence Unit. In addition to 1st Sergeant, Martinez also served as Convoy Commander and is now in charge of Intelligence Collectors and Interpreters. His duties included sending human tactical teams out to pick up insurgents and collect weapon cachets, attempting to minimize casualty rates. Martinez spent much of his time with convoys that traveled in areas notorious for enemy mortar attacks – an effort which earned him the Bronze Star, a high military honor. While in Iraq, Martinez traveled over 280,000 miles in 28 armored vehicles in extremely challenging weather. A typical day’s temperature topped 130 degrees, and well over 150 degrees inside a Humvee. If the heat wasn’t bad enough, he and the members of his battalion each carried close to 60 pounds of body armor, helmets, weapons, and equipment. They also experienced severe sandstorms in which they could see only three feet in front of them. Although they constantly remained vigilant to danger, unfortunately, some members of his battalion were badly wounded by Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), more commonly known as roadside bombs. One rewarding aspect of Martinez’s tour of duty was supplying schools in Baghdad with pencils, paper, books, and other supplies donated by Americans. He remembered how the Iraqi children would run up to the soldiers and say, “I love American GIs!” as his battalion tossed them candy and even their own MREs. For two weeks out of the year, the troops stationed in Iraq were able to return home on leave to see their families. During one of Martinez’s visits back to the U.S., he was extremely touched to find a group of WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans waiting at the airport to support and to thank the returning troops. Many of the veterans were elderly, some were in wheelchairs, but nevertheless, they came to honor the men and women fighting overseas. “It humbles you,” said Martinez. “After everything they’ve done, they still came to honor us.” Martinez comes from a family that highly regards military service; all five of his brothers have served. He mentioned, “For soldiers, the hardest part is being away from family.” It was, of course, a difficult time for his family as well. He remembered how they would worry about him every time they heard a report on CNN about soldiers being wounded, or worse. Fortunately, the Army offered counseling services to both him and his family, a service that proved helpful. He met his wife Cathy, who was also employed at NAVSEA Port Hueneme, 27 years ago and then soon after, he joined the Army National Guard. Before his recent promotion to 1st Sergeant, he served as Battalion Mortar Officer and Platoon Sergeant. This tour of duty in Iraq was Martinez’s second mobilization. The first was after September 11, 2001 during Operation Noble Eagle where he was called upon as a member of the National Guard, to ensure airport security. He served from October 2001 to June 2002. Martinez has worked at NAVSEA Port Hueneme for 31 years. In addition to serving as Technical Manual Editor for NSDSA, he is also the lead point of contact for SPAWAR in regards to technical manuals. He was very grateful to his NSDSA co-workers for sending care packages to him while he was in Iraq. Simple things like tissues, gum, and basic toiletries become luxuries to soldiers on deployment. “Keep supporting the troops – no matter how you feel about the war,” Martinez strongly insists. Witnessing and participating in war had profound effects on Martinez. He’s still trying to adjust to the mundane aspects of life and the slower pace, as well as to all the changes that occurred in the 16
- 5. 5 months that he was away. His experience has helped him put little annoyances into perspective, as they seem inconsequential now. While in Iraq, his gun was his security blanket – he carried it with him everywhere. He grew so accustomed to having it by his side that even though he’s back in the safety of his own home and his own country, Martinez, a man who has never owned a gun before, now considers getting one to alleviate the feeling that he’s missing something. “I’m not too macho to admit that I was scared almost everyday,” revealed Martinez. “It was a long year.” In addition to the Bronze Star, Martinez was awarded several other medals during his 16-month tour including: the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Reserve Medal with M Device, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Driver’s Badge, and the Mechanic’s Badge.
- 6. 6 SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE NAVSEA PORT HUENEME Command Communications Office Steve Robertson, Command Communications Manager (805) 228-0362, (805) 228-6150 steve.robertson@navy.mil June 1, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SPANISH, NORWEGIAN, AND U.S. SHIPS TO VISIT NAVSEA PORT HUENEME PORT HUENEME , CA – Three visiting ships will moor at Port Hueneme during international fleet training exercises in the Pacific Ocean. The Spanish SPS MENDEZ-NUNEZ (F-104), Norwegian HNoMS FRIDTJOF NANSEN (F-310), and USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) are scheduled to arrive at Port Hueneme on Friday, June 8, 2007 for a series of technical briefings, tours, social events, and goodwill with military and civilian personnel of NAVSEA Port Hueneme. This event will be a combined Spanish Navy, Norwegian Navy, and U.S. Navy Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT). CSSQT is a series of at-sea exercises and tests to verify that shipboard systems have been installed correctly and can be operated and maintained safely and effectively. This visit provides an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen the cause for international relations. The visiting crewmembers will receive a ceremonial welcome at Naval Base Ventura County’s Wharf 3 on Saturday, June 9, at 10:00 a.m., where local dignitaries will join in the festivities. With flags waving and music playing, guests can expect to witness U.S. military traditions in commemoration of this unique event. High-ranking Norwegian and Spanish military and government officials are anticipated to attend because of the priorities these governments place on their Aegis frigate programs. In addition to the welcoming ceremony, NAVSEA Port Hueneme will host a BBQ and other social events throughout the weekend in honor of their guests. These events not only give the visiting sailors time for some recreation and relief from their rigorous duties during the fleet exercises, but they also allow time to strengthen the relationship between the U.S., Spanish, and Norwegian Naval forces. The combined CSSQT objectives are to enhance coalition warfare, improve interoperability between the three navies, and identify potential areas for improvement in system performance. It is scheduled to take place on the west coast during May and June 2007. The Spanish CSSQT is conducted through a Project Agreement, under a framework Memorandum of Agreement, between the Spanish Navy and the U.S. Navy. The SPS MENDEZ-NUNEZ (F-104) is the fourth ship of the Spanish Navy’s F-100 Class Aegis Frigate. The Norwegian Navy CSSQT is through a Foreign Military Sales case. The HNoMS FRIDTJOF NANSEN (F-310) is the first of five Norwegian Navy Aegis Frigates. The F-310 CSSQT includes an Operational Evaluation of the ship acquisition program and, if successful, it is expected that four subsequent CSSQTs will follow. Located at Naval Base Ventura County, NAVSEA Port Hueneme, a component of the Naval Sea Systems Command, is the Navy’s premier in-service engineering and logistics center and has been in existence for over 40 years. NAVSEA Port Hueneme provides test and evaluation, in-service engineering, and integrated logistics support for weapon systems installed in the United States Navy fleet, United States Coast Guard fleet, and many foreign Navy fleets. For more information, contact the NAVSEA Port Hueneme Command Communications Office at (805) 228-6150. ###
- 7. 7 SAMPLE SPEECH Black History Month Celebration Opening Remarks – Captain John Ailes Commander, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division Welcome and thank you for being here. This year’s recognition of Black History Month is particularly symbolic. We celebrate an immensely proud moment in not only black history, but in our nation’s history – the election of our new president. Over the years, men and women of every race and class have made contributions that have helped to shape and strengthen this country. African-Americans have had a significant impact on our development, and now President Obama has an opportunity to impact our country like no other before him. Diversity of perspectives and thoughts contributes to the viability of our nation, as well as to the mission readiness of the Navy. Everyone has their own unique skills that enhance our capabilities and make us more operationally proficient, effective, and flexible. Diversity is key to the Navy’s success. It enables us to come up with innovative solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s toughest problems. A strong Navy objective is to employ the best and the brightest by continually removing barriers and offering equal opportunity to everyone in achieving their personal and professional goals. I’m proud to work for an organization that values the contributions and diverse perspectives of everyone. Unfortunately, it wasn’t always this way. Today, we are honored to be visited by a unique group of pioneers in the fight for equality – the Tuskegee Airmen. The airmen served in World War II and were the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. The Tuskegee Airmen were subjected to racial discrimination, both within and outside the army. They fought segregation and paved the way for full racial integration of the U.S. military. Please welcome them. Just last month, we recognized another leader in the fight for civil rights – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His birthday is recognized annually as the King Day of Service, but that spirit of service should last for longer than a day. If you haven’t done so already, I would encourage you to serve as mentors to the younger generations in your community. I challenge you to look to the future by inspiring others to achieve greatness – whether they decide to run for president themselves in thirty years or they simply opt to strive for their own personal best. Black History Month is a time to honor the many contributions that African-Americans have made to this country. As we recognize this month, we tend to think of notable African-Americans such as President Obama, the Tuskegee Airmen, Dr. King, and so on. By recognizing these accomplished individuals, we’re also recognizing the contributions of the African-American community as a whole. The hope is that future generations feel valued and visible as our nation continues to become more equitable for all of its citizens. Thank you.