COMMISSIONED

Navy Ensign Darrell A. Deitenbeck, son of Lauralee B. and William H. Deitenbeck, of Troup, recently graduated from Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned to his current rank while assigned at Officer Training Command, Newport, R.I.

The mission of OCS is to develop civilians, enlisted, and newly commissioned personnel morally, mentally, and physically and imbue them with the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment in order to prepare graduates for service in the fleet as Naval Officers.

He served in the Navy reserve for 10 years reaching the rate of Logistics Specialist First Class (E6) before being selected of OCS.

Deitenbeck is a 2000 graduate of Long Beach High School of Long Beach, Miss. He is a 2012 graduate of The University of Texas at Tyler, with a MBA degree and a 2010 graduate of The University of Texas at Tyler, with a BS degree.

 

DEPLOYMENT

Navy Seaman Apprentice Justin W. Layton, a 2009 graduate of Westwood High School, Palestine, along with other Sailors stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Naval Station Norfolk, VA., marking the start of the ship’s eight- to nine-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf.

Layton, along with the other components of the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (HST CSG), completed a composite training unit exercise in January prior to their originally scheduled February deployment, and also a sustainment exercise and fleet synthetic training exercise in June.

The February deployment was delayed due to sequestration and the change of aircraft carrier presence requirements in the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility.

The current deployment is part of an ongoing rotation of forward-deployed forces to support maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of operations.

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment and complements the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations. MSO denies international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Truman is the flagship for HST CSG. It can travel in excess of 30 knots, and has a ship’s company of approximately 3, 000. With the embarked air wing and staffs, the number rises to about 5,000.

HST CSG also consists of USS Bulkeley (DDG 84), USS Gettysburg (CG 64), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS San Jacinto (CG 56), 1st Combined Destroyer Squadron staff and Carrier Air Wing 3.

Layton joined the Navy in April 2012.

 

REPORTS FOR DUTY

July 19, 2013(FHTNC)–Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Savioa D. Powell, a 2001 graduate of Palestine High School recently reported for duty at Naval Support Activity, Souda Bay, Greece.

Powell joined the Navy in August 2005.

 

COMPLETES BASIC

Navy Seaman Mary D. Hipp, granddaughter of Pamala Hipp of Whitehouse, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

During the eight-week program, Hipp completed a variety of training which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.