Jan. 29, 2008

SECNAV Views ASW Exercise Aboard Lincoln

PACIFIC OCEAN — The Honorable Donald C. Winter, Secretary of the Navy, and several reporters visited the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) Jan. 26 to observe how the Navy conducts Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) training using mid-frequency, active sonar while protecting marine life.

Dec. 20, 2007

Navy Invests in Protecting Marine Mammals

WASHINGTON — No injuries to marine mammals have been attributed to sonar use since the Navy began taking additional steps to minimize harm to such animals, a Navy official said Dec. 19.

Nov. 14, 2007

Navy Buoyed by Appeals Court Ruling

PEARL HARBOR — Navy officials said they are optimistic that a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Nov. 13 ordered a lower court to rewrite restrictions on the Navy's use of sonar in certain Southern California exercises.

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.