Bowfin | July 18, 2024

Your primary ballot packet has been mailed out today, if you don’t get your’s by July 23, contact your County Elections Division HERE to get a replacement ballot.

Earlier this week the State Office of Elections announced the availability of the 2024 Digital Voter Guide. To be prepared to make an informed vote, please click HERE to not only download your copy of the voter guide but to also see and download a sample of your ballot. Be sure to compare your online ballot sample with the one received in your ballot packet to ensure they are the same.

Vote Smart Best Practices

1. Do your research about the candidates! Check out their social media, websites, email or call them if you have questions (https://olvr.hawaii.gov/Controls/CandidateFiling.aspx?elid=92), and read responses to public surveys like on Civil Beat (https://www.civilbeat.org/category/candidates-2024/).
2. Make your voting plan to include how you’ll vote, when you’ll vote, and where you’ll vote. Then faithfully implement it!
3. Fill out your ballot by following the directions on your ballot closely:
   (a) Completely fill in the box to the left of your choice with a black or blue pen;
   (b) If you vote for more candidates than allowed in a contest, your votes for that contest will note be counted;
   (c) If you make a mistake, request a replacement ballot immediately from your County Elections Division or go vote in-person, DO NOT USE WHITE OUT. I also encourage you to take a picture of your completed ballot;
4. If voting via mail: Be sure to mail in your voted ballot, using the security sleeve and return envelope, in sufficient time to ensure your ballot arrives before 7pm on Saturday August 10th.
5. If voting via a dropbox: I strongly encourage you to use a dropbox that is covered by security cameras or in a USPS facility (https://histategis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=40a88743b85b4fbfb8cf6128bacfedcf).
6. If voting in person which I strongly encourage:
   (a) Early voting is July 29th to August 9th at a County Voting Service Center, times vary but is usually 8am to 4:30pm. Some Counties will have satellite Voting Service Centers (https://elections.hawaii.gov/voter-service-centers-and-places-of-deposit/);
   (b) Primary day voting on Saturday August 10th is from 7am to 7pm at each County’s primary voting service centers.

Key Dates to Remember

July 23: Look for your Primary Election ballot packet to be delivered in the mail.
July 29: Voter Service Centers are open through Election Day for voter registration and accessible in-person voting. Visit elections.hawaii.gov for locations, dates, and hours.
July 31: Final day for first-time voters to submit a paper Voter Registration Application for the Primary Election.
August 10: Primary Election Day. ALL voted ballots must be received by 7:00 PM.

Defense One | July 11, 2024

The move follows two other pilot efforts with Naval Submarine Forces, said Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, the service’s outgoing “I-boss.”

The Navy has been experimenting with embedding information warfare officers and sailors on submarines, starting with two pilot efforts off the East Coast. Later this year, it wants to expand the idea to the Pacific, said the service’s IW chief. 

“We have been piloting having a permanent integration of an IW officer—as well as IW sailors—on submarines,” Vice Adm. Kelly Aeschbach, leader of Naval Information Forces, told reporters Wednesday. 

Read more HERE.

The Virginian-Pilot | Published April 26, 2024; Updated May 1, 2024

Newport News Shipbuilding recently delivered fast-attack submarine USS New Jersey to the Navy, officials announced Thursday.

The 7,800-ton submarine was built as part of a team agreement between Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut. The New Jersey is the 11th Virginia-class submarine to be delivered by the Newport News shipyard to the Navy, the company said.

The delivery comes as the companies face major ship- building delays. Blocks Four and Five of Virginia-class submarines, the Navy said earlier this month, are now delayed 24-36 months.

The New Jersey, which is part of the Fifth Block, was delivered roughly two years late. Construction began in March 2016, according to Newport News Shipbuilding. The company said in March 2021 the ship was scheduled to be delivered in 2022.

According to the USS New Jersey Commission Committee, the ship will be put into active service in September with a commissioning ceremony.
It is the first submarine designed to accommodate coed crews after the Navy announced in 2011 the inclusion of women in the submarine community. The ship is part of the class of nuclear-powered submarines that will replace the Navy’s aging Los Angeles-class submarines as they
are retired.

“The mission ahead for New Jersey and her crew is clear, and we applaud our shipbuilders for delivering this critical capability to the fleet, while maintaining our highest standards of safety and quality,” said Jason Ward, Newport News Shipbuilding vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction.

Caitlyn Burchett, caitlyn.burchett@virginiamedia.com.

Commander U.S. Pacific Fleet | June 28, 2024

Approximately 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, over 150 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel will train and operate in and around the Hawaiian Islands during the exercise, which runs until August 1st. RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity while fostering and sustaining cooperative relationships among participants critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

“The Rim of the Pacific exercise has grown over the years to be the world’s largest and premier joint combined maritime training opportunity,” said Vice Adm. John Wade, commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and RIMPAC 2024 Combined Task Force (CTF) commander. “The exercise’s purpose is to build relationships, to enhance interoperability and proficiency and, ultimately, contribute to the peace and stability in the vitally-important Indo-Pacific region.”

The theme of RIMPAC 2024 is “Partners: Integrated and Prepared.”

Read Full Story HERE.

For more RIMPAC 2024 information and updates, visit https://www.cpf.navy.mil/rimpac/. Any additional questions or queries should be sent to rimpac.media@gmail.com.

Stars & Stripes | June 26, 2024

Hundreds gathered that morning at Yokosuka’s Fleet Theater to see Rear Adm. Ian Johnson relieve Rear Adm. Carl Lahti as commander of Naval Forces Japan and Navy Region Japan.

Johnson served aboard at least four submarines, including as executive officer for the attack submarine USS Memphis and commander of the attack submarine USS Connecticut.

Originally from Wakefield, R.I., he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 with a bachelor’s in aeronautical engineering. He also holds a master’s in engineering management from Catholic University of America.

Read Full Story HERE.