George Martinez, a technical manual editor at NSWC Port Hueneme, recently returned from a 16-month tour of duty in Iraq where he served as a Master Sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star. Martinez led convoys through dangerous areas and oversaw intelligence operations. He has worked at NSWC Port Hueneme for 31 years and was grateful for the support from his coworkers during his deployment.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.
###

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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.