The Boy Scouts of America are celebrating their 100th anniversary this year and welcomed the opportunity to learn about the Comfort’s mission and abilities.

“Both organizations promote strong character and leadership,” said Scout Master Chip Galloway, of Troop 944 from Ellicott City, Md. “Touring this ship gives our boys a sense of what their Navy is doing on a day to day basis.”

During a quarterdeck address and ceremony, Rear Adm. Scott A. Weikert, deputy commander, 1st Naval Construction Division, addressed the Scouts directly and highlighted the link between Boy Scouts and the Navy.

“The Boy Scout oath of honor, duty, courage jumps out at me because it so closely parallels the Navy core values of honor, courage and commitment,” said Weikert. “To each of the scouts here today, I hope you realize how unique and special you are in today’s society. You have chosen a path filled with learning that others can only dream about.”

Following Weikert’s speech, Ethan Draddy, chief executive officer and scout executive of the Boy Scouts, also spoke to the Scouts and Comfort’s crew.

“I can’t think of a finer group of men and women to be with than the Sailors of the U.S. Navy,” said Draddy. “I want our Boy Scouts to grow up and be just like you. We need you to be ambassadors for scouting. Congratulations on a great Navy Week.”

After his speech, Draddy then awarded the Boy Scouts of America’s 100th anniversary sterling silver dollar commemorative coins to Capt. David K. Weiss, Comfort’s commanding officer; Weikert; and retired Navy Vice Adm. James A. Sagerholm, of Timonium, Md.

Following lunch, the Boy Scouts went below deck to view Comfort’s floating 1,000 bed medical capabilities and operating rooms.

“The tour was fun, and I learned a lot,” said Boy Scout Peter Lay, from Columbia, Md. “I think it’s great that people are willing to serve in the Navy to protect us from people who can harm us.”

Baltimore Navy Week 2010 is one of 20 Navy Weeks planned across America this year. Navy Weeks show Americans the investment they have made in their Navy and increase awareness in cities that do not have a significant Navy presence.

For more news from Navy Office of Community Outreach, visit www.navy.mil/local/navco/.

MMD/MMC Requirements

Third Mate of Steam or Motor Vessels of Any Gross Tons Upon Oceans (or higher) and Radar Observer Unlimited, valid STCW 95 certificate endorsed CAPACITY as Officer-In-Charge of Navigation Watch STCW may not include limitations of Validity of Vessels Operating in the Global Maritime Distress & Safety System (GMDSS), or aboard Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) or radar-equipped vessels. A GMDSS certificate and Automatic Radar Plotting Aids (ARPA) certificate.

DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) — The hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) concluded operations in Timor-Leste Aug. 24, marking the end of the ship’s participation in Pacific Partnership 2010.

Mercy left San Diego May 1 and will return its homeport of San Diego in late September 2010.

“It is hard to believe that just 11 days ago we opened Pacific Partnership 2010 in Timor-Leste,” said Capt. Lisa M. Franchetti, Pacific Partnership 2010′s mission commander. “We should all take great pride in what we have accomplished in such a short time.”

Franchetti also thanked Timorese officials and volunteers for their efforts to ensure the mission was a success.

“Watching Pacific Partnership 2010 develop from a simple vision of what ‘could be’ to the reality of seeing our collective teams in action has been a rewarding experience for me and everyone involved,” said Franchetti.

Col. Falur Rate Laek, Timor-Leste Military chief of staff, was extremely pleased with the mission, the fourth visit of its kind to his country.

“This cooperation is a continuation of previous cooperations, but this year builds greatly upon the others,” said Laek. “All of the activities were performed successfully, and the work has been fruitful.”

During the four-and-a-half month deployment the Pacific Partnership team conducted humanitarian and civic action activities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

Capt. David Bradshaw, master of Mercy, was thrilled with the mission.

“Mercy is operated by the Military Sealift Command and has a crew of 67 civilian mariners, 13 of whom have been on board Mercy for all of her Pacific Partnership missions, as well as the response to the Indonesian Tsunami in 2004-2005,” said Bradshaw.

In addition to the civilian mariners, Mercy was manned with more than 1,000 personnel from all four U.S. military services and 10 partner nations, including Australia, Canada, Cambodia, France, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Embarked non-governmental organizations (NGOs) included East-Meets West, International Relief Teams, Latter-day Saint Charities, Operation Smile, Project Hope, Hope Worldwide, University of California San Diego Pre-Dental Society, Vets Without Borders and World Vets.

The Japan Maritime Self Defense Force ship Kunisaki (LST 4003) and Royal Australian Navy HMAS Labuan (L 128), HMAS Tarakan (L 129) and HMAS Tobruk (L 50) also participated in various phases of Pacific Partnership 2010.

By conducting surgery on board and setting up multiple health care clinics ashore each day, the Pacific Partnership medical team was able to treat more than 101,000 patients in the four countries, including more than 20,000 in Timor-Leste. On board Mercy, the surgical team performed 775 life-changing surgeries during the deployment, ranging from cataract removal and cleft palate/lip repair to orthopedic surgery and other surgical procedures not readily available to the people served.

“Pacific Partnership 2010 embodied a spirit of collaboration among all participants, from patients, to partner nation colleagues, to U.S. military and non-military staff. We worked as a team, learning from one another and establishing a solid foundation for future efforts involving humanitarian assistance or disaster relief,” said Capt. Jeffery Paulson, the Medical Treatment Facility’s commanding officer.

As part of the medical outreach effort, more than 58,000 pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses were also distributed at medical civic action projects. The dental services provided on board Mercy and at the clinical outreach sites provided care for 1,505 patients. A notable example of integrated medical care occurred as the audiology department identified children with treatable ear problems on shore and brought them on board Mercy for care by the ear, nose and throat surgeon. Mercy’s Biomedical Equipment Repair Team repaired 124 pieces of equipment, an estimated repair value of $5.8 million.

In addition, the Pacific Partnership team conducted a series of extremely well received subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) in each country, on topics requested by the host nation during the planning process. These events, held on board Mercy and ashore in the Dili area, covered a wide variety of topics including first aid, nursing, cardiology, orthopedics, nutrition, disaster response, water and food safety and public health promotion. More than 11,000 hours of exchange classes were attended by 2,350 service providers across the four countries.

Sixty community service projects, the majority of them at schools and orphanages, and 6 major performances by the U.S. Pacific Fleet Band throughout the four countries provided additional opportunities to strengthen the bonds between the United States and our host nations.

Donations from Project Handclasp, the Navy’s program which coordinates transportation and delivery of donated humanitarian, educational and goodwill material to needy recipients in foreign countries, and Latter-day Saint Charities also provided essential medical, comfort and school supplies to each of the countries visited.

Using three advance fly-in teams, Pacific Partnership was able to take on extensive construction and renovation projects involving the host nation at every step of the way. Eighteen engineering civic action projects renovated a variety of structures, including a school for disabled children in Vietnam, seven clinics and the renovation of the Nu Laran School, as well as a six-building school and community center complex in Dili. In a project that required more than a year of planning and three months to complete, U.S. Navy Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 drilled three wells in Cambodia, providing thousands of people with readily available fresh drinking water.

“The numbers of people we were able to see and projects completed really only tell part of the story,” said Franchetti. “What is most important for the long term are the strong relationships we were able to build with our host nations as well as our partner nations and NGO volunteers throughout this challenging mission. The skills we have all developed have made us significantly more ready to respond to a natural disaster or other humanitarian crisis in the future.”

Although Mercy is on her way home, Pacific Partnership continues. A 64-person team from Mercy has transferred to the HMAS Tobruk (LSH 50) and are proceeding to Papua New Guinea – the last mission country. Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, a 25-person Australian contingent, USS Crommelin (FFG 37), Labuan and Tarakan will also participate in the 10-day mission to Papua New Guinea.

Pacific Partnership 2010 is the fifth in a series of annual U.S. Pacific Fleet humanitarian and civic assistance endeavors aimed at strengthening regional partnerships among host nations, partner nations, U.S. government organizations and international humanitarian and relief organizations.

For more news from Pacific Partnership, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacificpartnership/.

Now aboard USNS Patuxent, Edwin said everyone seems to like caldo gallego the best. It’s a warm, hearty Spanish soup made with beans, greens and meat. Edwin’s other specialties that draw applause include Spanish-style chicken and rice and seafood paella.

Rodriguez enjoys cooking these special dishes, “Especially when I have the right ingredients,” he said.

Indeed, Rodriguez himself obviously has the right ingredients for building a long, successful career with MSC. He started with the command in 1972 as a wiper in the engine department. In 1976, he changed gears to work in the supply department.

“When I was a supply utiliyman, I helped out the cooks in the galley, when needed,” Edwin said. “Like peeling potatoes or cutting fresh vegetables and fruits for the salad bar.”

With this experience, he set his sights on a chief cook position – and the bump in salary that would go with it. His initial experience helping out in the galley was the beginning of his culinary training. He followed up with a full slate of classes, all provided by MSC.

Between his academic and shipboard responsibilities, Edwin worked hard – and moved up quickly. Between 1976 and 1982, he advanced from third cook, to second cook, to cook baker – and finally to chief cook.

Edwin’s success can be credited to working hard, his willingness to learn – and having an innate determination. It’s a determination driven by one primary factor – building a better life for his family.

“I was a warehouse worker and shipping clerk in New York,” Edwin said. “My cousin was sailing with a commercial company and he told me about MSC. I was drawn to the salary and benefits.”

Over the last 28 years, Edwin said he’s become more responsible and has gained a tremendous sense of pride working for the federal government. It has, of course, not come without sacrifice. “I still miss my wife and children,” he said. “But after all these years, the kids are all grown up. And I’m happy because they turned out great.”

Edwin and his wife, Lorane, have six children – the youngest is Lorena, who is still in college.

He tries to get home to his family every six months or so. He goes to the mountains and spends time on the farm. And when he’s at sea and not working, he calls home when he can. He also enjoys reading, watching TV and exercising a bit.

Edwin said, “I have fun doing my job, especially at sea.” In particular, he said “I’ve enjoyed meeting so many nice people and seeing beautiful scenery in every country I’ve visited.”

He singles out his time aboard USNS Saturn as his favorite assignment because of the variety of ports he visited, the camaraderie with the crew. And, perhaps most importantly – because it’s a supply ship, there was always a variety of ingredients available for cooking something special for the crew.

Edwin, along with the rest of his culinary team aboard USNS Saturn, was one of four ships singled out in 2003 by MSC’s food service program for an award. The honor was presented at the Food Service Executives Association Joint Military Food Service Awards.

This year, Supply Officer James Johnson recommended Rodriguez for the “MSFSC Shipmate of the Year” award. In February, he learned he won the award.

“I really feel good that my hard work is recognized,” Edwin said. “I got an extra $1,000 in my pay – but the most important part is the award itself.”

Edwin said he eventually plans to retire from MSC and enjoy a good pension – a key ingredient in a happy retirement. However, for now, “I’m proud to be a chief cook and happy to provide good meals to the crew.”

The Second Officer (Watch) is the Navigation Officer responsible for the navigational operations, reports, equipment, supplies, maintenance and resources of the ship. The 2/O also provides training to all watch personnel on bridge in safe navigational practices and in the proper use of navigational equipment. This position ensures all standard navigation day’s work is performed by all watches and that operational checklists are maintained.

Second Officer (Cargo)

The Second Officer (Cargo) is responsible for the operational readiness of all rig crews, underway replenishment gear, all running and standing gear, and the stowage and condition of the cargo holds on Cargo Vessels. In addition, the 2nd Officer on board ammunition capable ships is responsible for receiving, issuing, inventory and administration of all conventional type ammunition as the Retail Ordinance Logistics Management System (ROLMS) Administrator.

Also, the 2nd Officer Acts as the Operation-Officers (OPSO), responsible for the scheduling of operational tasking and harbor movements, naval message operational traffic, tactical maneuvering coordination and communication underway and Helicopter Control Officer (HCO). Performs other duties as required.

MMD/MMC Requirements

A United States Coast Guard License endorsed Second Mate of Steam or Motor Vessels of any gross tons upon Oceans (or higher), and Radar Observer – Unlimited.  A STCW 95 Certificate endorsed capacity – Officer-In-Charge of a Navigation Watch, or Chief Mate, or Master; STCW may not include limitations of validity on vessels operating in the GMDSS system, or aboard ARPA or radar-equipped vessels. A Merchant Mariner Document endorsed Any Unlicensed Rating in the Deck Department, or Able Seaman – Unlimited. A Federal Communications Commission GMDSS Radio Operator’s License Above credentials and endorsements must be valid for at least seven months.

MMD/MMC Requirements

Able Seaman Special, Limited, or Unlimited and STCW 95 certification for Ratings Forming Part of the Navigation Watch (RFPNW).