Alcatraz and the Rule of Law
MC2 Chablis J. Torrence

NPS Global Public Policy Academic Group (GPPAG) students pose for a photograph prior to a  National Park Service tour of Alcatraz Island, May 24. Students discussed the incarceration of inmates at Alcatraz and its affect upon public perceptions of law and authority.

"Research is demonstrating the benefits of “immersive” experiences to complement traditional, text-based, Socratic and didactic interactions," said Program Director Karen Guttieri. "We brought our class to Alcatraz for an experiential connection to our conversations about the role of the military in establishing order, the systems that support the rule of law, and the changes in the wider world that shaped Alcatraz as an archetype fortress and prison.”  

Rule of Law refers primarily to the authority and influence of law in society, especially when viewed as a constraint on individual and institutional behavior. Program organizers contend that the standards of law enforcement personnel in places like Alcatraz can influence public perception and can lead to weakening public confidence in government institutions.

Local Union Leaders Meet With Congressional Representatives at the Capitol

National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) Local 1690 President Pete Randazzo, left, meets with Congressman Sam Farr, center, and NFFE Legislative Director Randy Erwin, right, during the NFFE's annual legislative week in Washington, D.C., May 15.

"It is so important to have our elected officials like Congressman Farr and their staffs working so hard on our behalf," said Randazzo. "This was our second annual attendance at Legislative Week and 'The Hil'" was busy with people on all sides of the issues!

"We are very lucky to have Congressman Farr working for us. While he and Rochelle Dornatt, his Chief of Staff, took time to meet with myself and our NFFE National Legislative Director Randy Erwin, there were other representatives sending their aides to collect information as well. The fact that he valued our visit was meaningful. We discussed local issues regarding NPS and the Monterey community, as well as the larger issues facing federal employees such as furlough, pay freezes, increased retirement contributions, and medical costs."

Local NJROTC Cadets Explore Military Careers
MC3 Shawn J. Stewart

Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) cadets listen as NPS students teach them about military logistics during a job fair in the McNitt Ballroom, May 23. The fair is designed to give the cadets a chance to learn about military occupational specialties spanning all branches of service.

“We are opening up their eyes to some of the avenues available to them once they graduate college or even high school,” said Naval Science Instructor at Monterey High School, David Duffield. “We follow a college preparation concept, so our aim is to show NJROTC members that the military is also a way to get to college,” he said. “They get some exposure to the military, and were able to learn first-hand exactly what a broad range of jobs service members do,” he added.

“It was a great experience for us and we are extremely excited about working with NPS on this kind of program in the future,” he said.

USPTC Senior Staff Recognized for Outstanding Navy Contributions
MCSN Danica M. Sirmans

Nathan Christensen, a research associate with the United States Partnership for Peace Training and Education Center (USPTC) Program Office is presented a certificate of recognition at the USPTC office, May 15. USPTC Program Office Director Thomas Hazard, left, presented the award.

Deputy Director Alan Howard was also honored at the ceremony, presented with the Navy’s Meritorious Civilian Service award, one of the highest awards issued to Navy civilians. “It’s very rewarding and fulfilling to be recognized for this award and to know that the work I’ve done has contributed to NPS, the Navy and my country in a positive way,” said Howard.  “I see this more as a team achievement … Everything I’ve done is a part of a broader team of smart, hard-working professionals here at NPS.”

The USPTC is one of 24 Partnership for Peace Training and Education Centers recognized by NATO, and represents the U.S. contribution to NATO’s effort to build a collaborative approach to training and education throughout the NATO alliance through the development of long-term strategic, partnership capacity building programs.

Promotion, Tenure and a Surprise
MC2 Chablis J. Torrence

NPS Interim President Rear Admiral Jan E. Tighe, front right, and Acting Provost Dr. O. Douglas Moses, front left, are pictured with this year’s honored faculty during the university’s annual Promotion and Tenure ceremony held in the Barbara McNitt Ballroom, May 16.

During the ceremony, Tighe surprised Moses with the Navy’s Superior Civilian Service Award for his exemplary service as NPS’ acting provost. The award is the Navy’s second highest civilian service honor. “[Moses] was awarded the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award in recognition of the superior leadership he has provided as acting provost and for his selfless dedication to this institution over these difficult last six months,” said Tighe.  

During the ceremony, six NPS professors were awarded tenure, five were promoted to full professor, two to associate professor, and one to senior lecturer. “I would encourage you to be patient and hold tight to the reasons that brought you here and the tremendous service that you are providing to the Navy, DOD, and the nation through the education of our future leaders,” Tighe noted to the group of honored faculty. “Mission success at NPS rests squarely on the shoulders of its faculty and we are counting on you.”

Mechanical Engineering Alumnus Talks Leadership With EDO Students
MC3 Shawn Stewart

Deputy Commander for Logistics, Maintenance and Industrial Operations at the Naval Sea Systems Command, Rear Adm. Mark R. Whitney, addresses NPS engineering duty officer (EDO) students, along with select faculty and staff, in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Auditorium, May 17. Whitney focused his discussions on leadership, accountability and the need to balance work and home life.

“I’m going to be talking mostly about leadership,” said Whitney. “We want you to be judicious and not settle for the status quo.”

In response to a student question, Whitney also discussed strategies for managing professional and family life. “You have to tailor your situation to what works for you … No matter what you do, make it work,” continued Whitney. “Don’t convince yourself that work is more important [than family], it’s not.”

New CRUSER Director Takes the Helm
MCSN Danica Sirmans

Retired Navy Capt. and operations research Professor of Practice Jeff Kline, right, passes the Consortium for Robotics and Unmanned Systems Education and Research (CRUSER) ceremonial pennant to incoming director Dr. Ray Buettner, left, in NPS’ Root Hall, May 15. Kline served as CRUSER’s founding director since 2011, and will continue to serve on CRUSER’s advisory board.

“Over two years ago, Dr. Buettner worked personally with Undersecretary of the Navy [Robert] Work to lay the foundation for the CRUSER community,” said Kline.  “On May 1, I happily turned over the CRUSER directorship to him and will now assume a position on the NPS CRUSER advisory board”

In his first address as CRUSER director, Buettner thanked Kline for his work. “I can’t think of anyone that could have done better than Jeff,” said Buettner.  “He gave us a really solid foundation and we’re going to stick with what works.”

Starbucks Construction in Full Gear
Javier Chagoya

It doesn't look like the coffee is ready yet, but over the next several months workers from the Navy's Southwest Region Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Projects will be preparing 1,800 square feet of former library space into a full-service Starbucks Coffee house.  

The MWR project team is currently cutting through 8 inch thick cement flooring and rebar. Library users might have noticed the rat-tat-tat coming from the walls. The preparations consist of electrical, plumbing, tiling, framing and drywall. The interior design is by Starbucks Coffee Company, but the team will also be installing all of the counters, paneling and trademark gear to achieve a flawless presentation. The area will also sport comfy seating, WiFi, electrical ports and of course, baristas.

"Having Starbucks Coffee here will make a great addition to the dining services,” said NPS MWR Executive Chef Hugh Butler. "It will be the Starbuck's experience that everyone anticipates as part of their morning and afternoon ritual.”

NPS Workshop Helps Senior Leaders Apply Innovation Across the Service
MCSN Danica Sirmans

Future Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, Vice Admiral (sel.) William Hilarides and Leading Innovation Course Program Manager, Dr. Neal Thornberry, above, take a moment to pose for a picture between courses at NPS’ Center for Executive Education (CEE). The courses are designed to provide Navy leaders with senior level management skills and to encourage innovation as it relates to organizational success in the Navy.

“The courses gets the flag officers to critically think about the organization by taking a step outside for a few days. While understanding what the limitations and constraints are, they look for innovative ways to create more value within those constraints,” said Lt. Cmdr. William Beaglhey. Beaghley works with flag officers to ensure that course expectations are met.

The Navy Executive Development Program (NEDP) was created to develop senior leaders and their strategic level of execution beyond the operational aspects of senior leader development. The NEDP requires senior leadership at the flag level to take a number of courses to ensure their development as an effective leader. “There’s a couple of courses that are the core essentials for all flag officers to go to,” said Beaglhey. “The Leading  Innovation workshop is one of them.”

Local NNOA Chapter Helps Area Students With College Scholarships
Javier Chagoya

National Naval Officers Association (NNOA) Monterey Chapter Treasurer, Marine Corps Capt. Garry Colbert and President, Lt. Roosevelt White offer a popular brand of doughnuts in exchange for a modest donation to a worthy cause in front of the Dudley Knox Library, May 8.

The Monterey NNOA chapter consists of several NPS students with a priority on volunteerism in the local community with programs like Breakfast for your Brains, which helps students of all ages in math and science. Their current fund-raising efforts will help support scholarship programs for local teens.

"We also want to establish and maintain a positive image of the sea services in the local community, and local educational institutions,” said White. “We love visiting with students in speaking engagements at their schools and sharing our personal experiences with them. And there is nothing better than seeing students achieve their goals, and knowing you were able to help them reach it.”

Egyptian Delegation Attends NPS Border Security and Terrorism Seminar
MC3 Shawn Stewart

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. and defense analysis Senior Lecturer Brian Greenshields accepts a papyrus hieroglyphic translation chart from members of the Egyptian Police and Customs Ministry during NPS’ Border Security and Terrorism Seminar at the Monterey Hyatt hotel, May 13. The four-day seminar covered a diverse series of counter-terrorism and security related topics.

“Our students discuss a plethora of subjects,” said U.S. Partnership for Peace Training and Education Center Project Manager, Nathan Christensen. “Subjects include everything from terrorism, crime and insurgency to terrorist financing and how these issues are interrelated.

“There are a variety of issues that plague each discipline of a security task force,” continued Christensen. “Our seminar helps attendees see the overall picture … this allows them the ability to apply solutions to their respective problems.”

NPS Students, Faculty Introduced to Innovative Radio Technology
MC3 Shawn Stewart

Dr. Sudharman K. Jayaweera, pictured left, details the technology behind cognitive radio systems during an NPS guest seminar, May 9. Cognitive radios are computationally-intelligent radio systems capable of using radio resources and computer-to-computer communications to autonomously detect user communications needs.

“A cognitive radio has the ability to make its own decisions,” said Jayaweera. “It can adapt to the environment to better meet the user’s needs.” Cognitive radio systems were born from the realization that existing systems were too rigid. Radio users in the ‘90s recognized the need for a system that could meet demands for greater flexibility.

Jayaweera intends to return to NPS later in the year to further cognitive radio interest and research. “It is always a great opportunity to gather interest for cognitive radio … I plan on coming back this summer to partake in research using cognitive radio with satellite communication, and also signal intelligence,” said Jayaweera.

Campus Collaboration Leads to Greater Understanding of Satellite Control
MCSN Danica Sirmans

Space systems Research Associate Jim Horning, left, and mechanical and aerospace engineering Research Assistant Professor Mark Karpenko, right, conduct a demonstration in the Non-Linear Control Lab, May 3, in support of the NPS Spacecraft Architecture and Technology Satellite project.

Faculty and researchers from the MOVES Institute and the NPS Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) have teamed up to replace aging, motion-capture cameras with an HD 4K camera to support satellite diagnostics. “We’re on the cusp of something really innovative,” said Weekley.

Researchers with the NPS Spacecraft Architecture and Technology Satellite (NPSAT1) project are working with MOVES to effectively evaluate their satellite utilizing the advanced camera system. “In many cases, the issue isn’t what we want to do, it’s how we are going to achieve it,” said MAE Research Assistant Professor Mark Karpenko. “Working with MOVES and Jeff Weekley gives us a better understanding of what’s working and what’s not when it comes to the way we’re controlling our satellite.”

General Faculty Council Meeting Provides Key Organizational Updates
MCSN Danica Sirmans

NPS Interim President Rear Adm. Jan E. Tighe addresses a large contingent of university faculty on recent and upcoming  organizational changes to NPS during the general Faculty Council meeting, May 9 in Ingersoll Hall.

Tighe provided an update to the group on several key items of general interest, highlighting the progress of the university’s Team Inspector General Inspection Response (TIGIR) teams. She noted that many of the teams had completed their work, more were nearing completion, and stressed that there was still hard work to come.

“We’ve done some great work so far, and now our focus is making sure that we have good processes that comply with federal policy and law,” Tighe said. “If we identify mission areas would benefit from additional authorities, we will seek them to ensure that we can accomplish our mission.”

RELIEF Helps First Responders Evaluate Modern HA/DR Technologies, Scenarios
MC3 Shawn J. Stewart

A participant catapults an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) during a launch-initiating sequence while participating in the Research & Experimentation for Local & International Emergency & First Responders (RELIEF) field-training exercise in Camp Roberts, May 8. RELIEF is an NPS-led, field-training exercise designed to bring together students, engineers and emergency and first responders to synergize their efforts for common goals.

“The idea is to create a multi-institutional learning environment,” said RELIEF Director, NPS Department of Information Sciences Associate Professor Dr. Ray Buettner. “Product providers can be briefed by civilians and service members who will provide expert opinions on their products in-person, creating a powerful synergy."

Others in attendance, such as annual participant and Monterey County Emergency Services Manager Sherrie Collins, believe the event helps participants understand the needs of humanitarian personnel. “Combining the research and development from a multitude of organizations has and will continue to prove invaluable to humanitarian efforts and those in need of it,” said Collins. “Opportunities like RELIEF allow local, military, government and private sector individuals a chance to synergize and create a think-tank for the benefit of humanitarian and disaster response.”

CSRS Holds Defense Governance Engagement Workshop
MC1 Grant P. Ammon

Attendees of the Issues in Defense Governance engagement workshop participate in a round table discussion in the Center for Civil-Military Relations (CCMR) conference facility, May 7. Issues in Defense Governance is hosted by CCMR’s Center for Stabilization and Reconstruction Studies (CSRS), and aims to explore collaboration, leadership and management processes of an effective ministry of defense, expand and enhance defense governance practitioner networks, as well as identify conceptual and cultural challenges associated with the reform of defense governance structures and processes.

“Essentially the workshop brings together international representatives from their respective ministries of defense to talk about different issues relating to the organization and structure of governance,” said Ashley Dusenbury, program coordinator for CSRS. “Participants will gain a deeper level of understanding of the different ministries of defense and their structures.”

Participants in the workshop include representatives from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Montenegro, Norway and Ukraine.

NPS Students and Staff Relay for Life
MCSN Danica Sirmans

The Morale, Welfare & Recreation program established a relay team to participate in this year’s Relay for Life – Monterey County. Team captain Lindsay Carver, left, and NPS student, Marine Corps Capt. Joshua Lum, right, sign the “Fight Back” banner at the Monterey County Fairgrounds, May 4.

Carver and Seaman Breana Ruiz banded together to create a fundraising team that they named, “Keep Calm and Fight On.”  The team worked to raise funds for the American Cancer Society by asking for donations and selling baked goods at the relay. Ruiz, who has supported Relay for Life for the past three years said, “Relay for Life is a great way for the community to learn about cancer.  It’s a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have been affected by cancer.”

The American Cancer Society hosted over 400 Relay for Life events on the weekend of May 4 alone. Monterey County raised more than $60,000.

NWC Monterey Graduates Honored for Academic Excellence

Select students graduating with distinction from the Naval War College (NWC) Monterey Program gather in front of Halligan Hall on the NPS campus. The students' achievements were recognized during a brief ceremony, April 23. A total of 15 students earned academic honors from the NWC Monterey Program for the second quarter of the 2013 academic year.

Pictured, from left to right, on the first row are Navy Lts. Angela Weyrick and Meghan Gray, Marine Corps Capt. Ryan Kelly, Lt. Cmdr. William Riley, and Army Maj. Jason Pardee. In the second row, from left to right, are Army Majs. Edward Sanford, Luke Wittmer and William Hansen.

Earning with “Highest Distinction” by completing the program in the top five percent of their class were Kelly, Wittmer along with Army Maj. Manuel Gonzalez and Lt. Richard Tuininga, not pictured.   Earning with “Distinction” by completing the program in the top 15 percent of their class were Gray, Hansen, Pardee, Riley, Sanford and Weyrick, along with Lt. Sean Davis, Army Maj. Alexander Ford, Lt. Sean Jurgensen, Army Maj. Thomas Lutz, and Lt. Jacob Maddox, not pictured.

NPS Community Gathers to Commemorate ANZAC Day
MC1 Grant P. Ammon

Members of the NPS community render honors during a ceremony, April 25, to honor the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps’ (ANZAC) participation in the Gallipoli Campaign of the first World War.

“This morning we gather to remember the Australians, New Zealanders, and allied and Turkish troops that died as a result of the Gallipoli campaign,” said Australian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Chris Barry during a formal address to the gathering.

The Gallipoli Campaign took place on the Gallipoli peninsula in the Ottoman Empire between April 25, 1915 and Jan. 9, 1916. A joint British and French operation was mounted to capture the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (Istanbul) and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed, with heavy casualties on both sides. The campaign was considered one of the greatest victories of the Turks and was reflected on as a major failure by the Allies.

“Today, we remember all men and women who have served in all wars,” stressed Barry. “Be it the first or second world wars or conflicts such as in Korea, Malaya, Borneo, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan.”

Latest Defense Energy Seminar Details the Complexities of Spent Nuclear Fuel
MC3 Shawn J. Stewart

Lead Advisor for the Secretary of Energy's Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, Thomas Isaacs, addresses faculty, staff and students in NPS' Watkins Hall, May 1. The lecture, entitled “Spent Nuclear Fuel – A Barrier to the Deployment of Fission Plants: Results of the Blue Ribbon Commission” featured talking points ranging from energy usage to future options for nuclear waste disposal.

Isaacs’ hour-long speech emphasized the need for better waste disposal strategies, options and the challenges those solutions present. “This isn’t a theoretical issue,” said Isaac. “The waste already exists. We have an obligation to start dealing with nuclear waste issues now … We’ve got to start working on a geologic repository and a nuclear storage facility. It’s not one or the other, we need both.” Isaacs also stressed that every issue harbors multiple complexities with social, political and worldwide consequences.

Thomas Isaacs is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board, is a strategic advisor to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's LIFE fusion energy concept, and has advised the U.S. and allied nation governments across the world.

NATO Training and Education Director Visits NPS
MC1 Grant P. Ammon

German Air Force Lt. Gen. Karlheinz Viereck, Deputy Chief of Staff for Joint Force Training at NATO Supreme Allied Command Transformation (SACT), meets with university representatives during a visit to the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) campus, April 30.

In support of a restructuring of NATO training and education requirements, Viereck visited the NPS campus to meet with university officials to develop new partnerships between NATO, SACT and NPS.

During the visit, Viereck conducted an office call with NPS Interim President Rear Adm. Jan E. Tighe, key university faculty, and representatives from the NPS U.S. Partnership for Peace Training and Education Center (USPTC) program office. Viereck’s visit, focused specifically on exploring the establishment of NPS as a training hub for maritime strategy and security, also included presentations on other areas of potential academic collaboration between NPS and NATO.

NPS International Day Returns With Rave Reviews
MC2 Chablis J. Torrence

The Naval Postgraduate School’s International Executive Committee celebrated the return International Day, a showcase of the cultural diversity of more than 25 countries on the quad near Root Hall, April 27. “Over 1,500 guests attended the event Saturday,” said International Executive Committee (IEC) International Co-Chair, Turkish Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Gokay Huz.

“The guests we interacted with throughout the day continually praised the student-led country booths for the quality of food, enthusiasm in showcasing their countries, and the overall atmosphere of the day,” added International Executive Committee (IEC) United States Co-Chair, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Adam Yang.

Representatives from all over the world participated in the celebration with food, varying demonstrations of culture including dancing, singing and handcrafts, all performed by NPS students and their families. Each booth featured some of the respective country’s most popular dishes, including German sausage, baklava, a Brazilian soda, and Turkish coffee.

For more information on the event, read the full story on the NPS.edu. To view more photos from the celebration, or to post your own, visit the official NPS Facebook

NPS, NSA Monterey Communities Raise Sexual Assault Awareness, Prevention
MC2 Chablis J. Torrence

“Ready, Set, Boom,” shouted Naval Support Activity (NSA) Monterey Commanding Officer, Capt. Gerral David, at the start off the Fleet & Family Support Program’s 3rd Annual Run/Walk for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM), April 12. The 5,000-meter run or walk around the Naval Postgraduate School is held in recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention month.

NPS leaders participated in the event in support of Department of Defense policies and directives that emphasize a renewed commitment to maintaining an environment that rejects sexual assault and reinforces a culture of prevention, response and accountability.

“Let’s use SAAPM to underscore the Navy’s commitment to supporting victims, reinforcing the importance of bystander intervention, and demonstrating our courage as Shipmates to take the helm,” said Chief of Naval Personnel, Vice Adm. Scott R. Buskirk in a recent directive.