Navy League Honolulu August 2025 Fore n' Aft

Fore n' Aft

August 2025

Navy League of the United States - Honolulu Council

U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Flag Merchant Marine

PHNSY Intermediate Maintenance Facility's Graduation

Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility Commander Capt. Ryan McCrillis speaks at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility’s Trades Graduation Ceremony at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, on August 1, 2025.

The Trades Graduation Ceremony combined graduates of both the shipyard’s Apprentice Program and Worker Skills Progression Program, totaling 191 new certified tradespeople at Hawaii’s largest industrial employer.

The Apprentice Program is a partnership between the shipyard, U.S. Department of Labor, and Honolulu Community College. The four-year program allows apprentices to earn an associate’s degree in applied trades, be nationally certified as journey workers in their respective trades by DOL, and work at the shipyard.

PHNSY & IMF’s mission is to keep the Navy’s fleet “Fit to Fight" by repairing, maintaining, and modernizing the Navy's fast-attack submarines and surface ships.

The Honolulu Navy League annually supports the apprenticeship program providing awards to the top graduates. This year they recognized Machinist Grant Woo as Outstanding Scholar, Welder Andy Dao, as superior-Craftsman Apprentice and Shipwright Kahu Sabala, as Superior Craftsman - WSPP.

Navy Region Hawaii Change of Command

Honolulu Navy League leadership was on hand to witness Rear Adm. Stephen Barnett relinquished command of Navy Region Hawaii to Rear Adm. Brad Collins at a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Aug. 5, 2025.

Barnett assumed command of the region in June 2022 and has overseen an area of responsibility that extends across 34,000 acres of land and water, serving as the Hawaii regional coordinator for more than 40,000 military and government service personnel working at more than 270 shore-based commands located on Oahu and Kauai.

ADM Barnett was a good friend to the Navy League and always made himself available to discuss Navy League and NAVREGHI collaboration. Fair winds and following seas to you and Naema in Norfolk!

Restoring Hope: Windward Wounded Warriors

Thanks to the generosity of donors who supported the Honolulu Navy League's Friends of Windward Wounded Warriors at their transition retreat in August. The impact was profound-several participants shared that the experience gave them the strength to choose life when they had nearly given up hope.

As one Marine Gunnery Sergeant put it: “This reunion wasn’t just a gathering of old friends; it was a restoration of spirit, a reset button for souls carrying the invisible weight of war. Through your vision, we found a sanctuary where vulnerability became a bridge back to strength. You taught us we are not broken, only bent—and bent things can be made beautiful again.”

Thanks to your support, this retreat was not only a time of laughter and camaraderie, but also a turning point of healing, hope, and renewed purpose.

Change of Command for the Office in Charge of Construction Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard.

On August 20, 2025, the Honolulu Navy League attended the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Change of Command Ceremony at Kilo Pier 7/8, Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam.

Capt. Chris Coggins relieved Capt. Steve Padhi as Officer in Charge of Construction Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (OICC PHNSY).

NAVFAC Pacific Commander Rear Adm. Omarr Tobias delivered the keynote address, and all three leaders participated in a ceremonial cake-cutting.

COMPACFLT Chief's Mess Volunteers

It was Chief Season again!

On August 25, the COMPACFLT Chief's Mess and their Chief Selects, generously volunteered their time, energy and teamwork at the Honolulu Navy League office. They rolled up their sleeves and tackled weeds and rearranged plants, and painted.

The Navy League location, overlooking the Arizona Memorial Visitor Center and the Ford Island Bridge offers an accessible gathering space for our service members, families, FRGs, and members. Efforts like these help ensure that the site continues to serve as a welcoming place to connect, celebrate, and support our Sea Services while preserving its historical significance.

Fast Growing NROTC Program Maintains Enrollment Momentum, First Graduate Hailed as Trailblazer

Ensign Mahinalani Vongsy, the first graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), was commissioned in 2023 and is now serving aboard USS Shiloh (CG 67) as a surface warfare officer in training.

The UH Mānoa NROTC program-the nation's newest and fastest growing ROTC program in the country and has achieved several milestones since its establishment just four years ago. This past May, it graduated its first three Marine Corps officers, an overall enrollment has grown by more than 400%.

“I couldn’t be prouder that she represents us as the first surface warfare officer we’ve produced,” said Commander Phillip Moore, executive officer of the program. “Now she’s out in the fleet, representing both her alma mater and this NROTC unit with distinction.”

Moore, a surface warfare officer with 22 years of Navy service, has overseen the development of the NROTC classes since the program’s inception.

University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa NROTC Midshipmen Complete 2025 New Student Orientation

The midshipmen of the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa NROTC unit recently completed their 2025 New Student Orientation (NSO). This program is designed to familiarize new midshipmen with the campus, introduce them to the broader community, and lay the foundation for camaraderie and unit cohesion. Their experience included a visit to the USS Shiloh and the USS Arizona Memorial.

The Honolulu Navy League was proud to host the midshipmen for lunch at our headquarters and provide an overview of our mission and role in supporting the Sea Services. We wish all the midshipmen a successful and rewarding school year ahead!

2025 Navy Ombudsman Appreciation Dinner

On August 23, the Honolulu Navy League proudly supported the Ombudsman Appreciation Dinner at Tradewinds on Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam. This year’s theme—the 1970s—paid tribute to the founding of the Ombudsman Program on September 14, 1970.

Beyond the fun theme and retro attire, the evening was a heartfelt celebration of the selfless service of Navy ombudsmen. These dedicated volunteers give countless hours to support Sailors and their families, ensuring they remain ready and resilient. We join their commands in thanking them for all they do.

A Navy ombudsman is a volunteer appointed by the Commanding Officer to serve as a vital link between the command and its families. They share information, connect families with resources, and provide support in times of need—making them an essential part of Navy family readiness.

Dan Del Monte is going over the Edge

Navy League Members giving back!

Sea Cadets

On Saturday, August 30th, the Battleship Missouri Division (BSM) and R.D. Stethem Battalion (RDS) held a combined drill to launch their unit reorganization. Sea Cadets, age 10 to 13 are assigned to the to the RDS Battalion , while the League Cadets 13-17, are aligned with the (BSM) Battalion. This change allows training to be tailored to each age group, gives League Cadets a greater sense of achievement as they transition into Sea Cadets, and set the stage for more joint drills in the future.

Instructors led team-building workshops where cadets worked through group challenges designed to strengthen communication, problem-solving, and camaraderie. What began with some nervous hesitation quickly grew into teamwork and confidence, as cadets bonded with their new shipmates.

The day wrapped up with a Family Day barbecue, complete with games, hamburgers, and hot dogs generously provided by the Navy League. These gatherings not only celebrate cadet accomplishments but also thank families for their continued support. This year’s event gave parents the added opportunity to meet instructors from their cadets’ newly assigned units.

Thanks to thoughtful planning and enthusiastic participation, the combined drill and Family Day were a resounding success. Mission accomplished—Hooyah Sea Cadets!

Sea Cadets is the Navy League's youth development program. The program develops knowledge, skills, and confidence through an amazing variety of training opportunities in a

disciplined environment. Cadets adhere to the core values of honor, respect, commitment,

and service.

If your keiki are from ages 10 to17, and want to get in on the adventure, give us a call or send an email, and we’ll make the connection!

Connect with us:

R.D. Stethem Battalion

rdsseacadets@gmail.com

facebook.com/RDSBattalion

www.seacadets.org/join/

To find out more about this program that incorporates hands-on training and teamwork.

Mission

We serve Because you Serve.

*The Navy League of the United States is a civilian organization founded in 1902 and is the foremost Citizens' organization to serve, support, and stand with all U.S sea Services.

Mission

*Inform the public on the importance of our Sea Services to our nation's defense and economic prosperity while highlighting Hawaii's unique and vital role in the Indo-Pacific region.

*Enhance the morale of Sea Service personnel and their families.

*Support youth leadership development programs such as the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Navy, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard Junior ROTC.

The Navy League's Legislative Affairs

programs continue to grow, increasing our presence at events on Capital Hill, and with our annual Fly-In, regular publications, expanding participation among Navy League membership and so much more. To stay informed, to learn everything you need to know to be an advocate, and to see what the priorities are for the Navy League, visit

^{https://navyleague.quorum.us/homepage}^.

The Missing Board of Director

We left one off one of our Directors in the August Newsletter!

Dave Livingston has been part of the Navy League since 1979, starting with the Corona/Norco Council, then serving in San Bernardino, Pasadena, and finally Honolulu. He joined the Honolulu Board in 1992, after being “roped in” by Harold Estes for fundraisers, and has been a dedicated photographer at Navy League events—including National Conventions—for decades.

He has served as Past President of the Honolulu Council, Past Area President, and Past Pacific Region President. This year, he and Jane received the Highest Honor, the Scroll of Honor award, at the National Convention of the Navy League of the United States.

Dave’s Navy adventures are memorable: descending 800 feet on the USS Hawaii, landing on the Carl Vinson, Nimitz, and twice on the Ronald Reagan, and even firing weapons with the Marines—a thrill for a former Drill Sergeant!

Yet for Dave, the real reward is the people: meeting our nation’s finest leaders, honoring heroes as American Patriots, and connecting with the brave men and women who serve our country.