Sept. 20, 2007

Latest Pacific Fleet Podcast: Training, Environment Top Priority

PEARL HARBOR — Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Robert F. Willard released his second edition of the "Rat-Pac Report" podcast Sept. 19 relaying to Sailors, civilians, Navy families and the public his messages on the importance of training in the Navy and our responsibilities to the environment.

Sept. 19, 2007

Navy Recognized for Doing Its Part for Ozone Protection

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Navy was awarded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) "Best-of-the-Best" Stratospheric Ozone Protection Awards for 2007 in a ceremony Sept. 19.

Aug. 6, 2007

Documents Add Perspective to 2004 Hanalei Whale Incident

PEARL HARBOR — Two documents shed new light on the aggregation of melon-headed whales that occurred on July 3, 2004, in Hanalei Bay on the north shore of Kauai.

July 7, 2007

Temporary Restraining Order Lifted for Sonar Activities in RIMPAC

WASHINGTON — The temporary restraining order that prevented the U.S. Navy from using mid-frequency active sonar during the 2006 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise has been lifted following successful negotiations between Navy and the plaintiffs.

May 19, 2007

Navy Disappointed With Lawsuit Against Anti-Submarine Warfare Training

PEARL HARBOR — The Navy is disappointed with EarthJustice's decision to pursue litigation against critical training activities in Hawaiian waters, the deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet said.

Feb. 23, 2007

New National Defense Exemption to MMPA Authorized for Navy

WASHINGTON — Following consultation with the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense announced Jan. 23, authorization of a two-year National Defense Exemption from requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for naval activity involving mid-frequency active sonar use, and a new sensor that uses small explosive charges, during major training exercises and on established ranges and operating areas.

July 4, 2006

RIMPAC Maritime Operations to Continue Without Mid-Frequency Active Sonar

WASHINGTON — U.S. District Court Judge issued a temporary restraining order July 3 barring the use of mid-frequency active sonar during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2006 multinational exercise.

June 30, 2006

National Defense Exemption to MMPA Authorized for Navy

WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense announced June 30 the authorization of a six-month national defense exemption from requirements of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) for naval activity involving mid-frequency active sonar use during major training exercises and on established ranges and operating areas.

June 27, 2006

NOAA Grants Permit for Sonar Activities for Rim of the Pacific 2006

WASHINGTON — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued three key documents June 27 that support the critical international naval exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) while carefully protecting marine life. These documents enable naval forces from eight nations gathering this week in Pearl Harbor to begin RIMPAC 2006.

March 29, 2006

No Definitive Cause for 2005 North Carolina Stranding: Injuries Not Consistent With Sonar Use

NORFOLK, Va. — The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released the final National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) report March 29 regarding the marine mammal stranding that occured at Oregon Inlet, N.C. on Jan. 15, 2005.