The Gryphon's Beak
July, 2022Printable PDF
Flag Sends
One of the things I am glad I managed to do is secure Worldcon-specific items for those who participate. If you have already signed up, I will be in touch around the middle of the month with more information.
If you want your chance as some exclusive Worldcon items, I need you to sign up ASAP! Some items will be available last-minute, but others won’t be…so join the team today!
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I want to thank everyone for their online actions (well, lack thereof) in this highly politically charged environment. We have managed to keep our personal political views personal, and not cross them over onto tRMN spaces. At the same time, we have felt free to express those opinions on our personal pages. I have always encouraged people to have, and express, personal opinions, and am glad to see it!
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Let’s keep up the great work, and I hope to see you in September in Chicago! We are going to have a great time, and you won’t want to miss it!
The Tradition Lives!
Oak Forest
Comings & Goings
Naval Directive 22JU-02
TO: LCDR Dame Betty J. Osthoff, KDE, OG, QBM, RMN
FR: VADM McCovey Cove, GCE, KCR, RMN
RE: Attachment of HMS Galahad to Task Group 22.4
Dame Betty:
Directive 22JU-02.01: DD-478 (HMS Galahad) is directed to be permanently attached to Task Group 22.4, an element of Task Force 22. Task Group 22.4 is under the command of CAPTSG Sir Samuel W. Dietzmann, QCB, GCE, MC, KR, SC, OG, CGM, GS, QBM, CBM, RMN, aboard CLAC-62 (HMS Demon).
Directive 22JU-02.02: All previous orders pertaining to the mission, assignment, or attachment for Galahad are hereby rescinded or overridden, as required.
The above directives are issued with an effective date of 06 June 2022.
In Service to Her Majesty,
Michael D. Garcia, GCE, KCR, OC, SC, OG, CGM, GS
Vice Admiral of the Green, RMN
Deputy First Space Lord of the Royal Manticoran Navy
The Right Honorable The Lord McCovey Cove
Nominations for HMS Unconquered
To: All Officers and Enlisted of the Royal Manticoran Navy
From: RADM Calabasas, GCE, MC, OC, RMN
Re: Nominations for HMS Unconquered Class of 2021 (BuShips Directive 2109-02)
Greetings ladies and gentlemen of the Grand Alliance,
Pursuant to Admiralty Order 1511-04, the Bureau of Ships is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the HMS Unconquered’s Class of 2021. Nominations will be accepted at buships@trmn.org until 2359 CDT (GMT -0500) on 15 October 2021.
Nominations MUST be sent by a Royal Manticoran Naval Commissioned Officer holding the billet of Commanding Officer of a Light Attack Craft, Hyper-Capable Craft, Echelon, Fleet, Bureau, Navy, or Admiralty House. Nominations form allied navies regarding RMN personnel serving their vessels will also be accepted.
Eligibility requirements for each nominee include:
Nominee must have been a member of The Royal Manticoran Navy: The Official Honor Harrington Fan Association for at least one year.
Nominee must be a current or previous member of the Royal Manticoran Naval Branch and have served that branch for at least one full year.
Nominees not meeting the above requirements shall be deemed ineligible and dropped from consideration. Nominees from the Royal Manticoran Marine Corps are handled by the Marshal of the Corps’ Office per AO 1511-04.
Nominees from the Grayson Space Navy are handled by the Office of the High Admiral for the Protector’s Own nomination period, to be announced by the High Admiral.
The ideal nominee has made substantive contributions to the Star Kingdom in the shining example of Edward Saganami, himself. Equivalency in TRMN would be sustained, outstanding contributions with a high quality and service to the Organization as a whole.
The ideal nomination will have detailed information about the nominee and his or her specific contributions between the start of his or her membership up to 30 August 2021 and should include all dates of each action or contribution worthy of nomination. Nominations may also include letters of concurrent recommendation from other ranking officers that bore witness or were directly affected by those contributions.
The Bureau of Ships Committee for HMS Unconquered shall convene beginning 15 October 2021 to consider nominations received thus far. This committee is made up of the senior officers of the Bureau along with the sitting Annual Commanding Officer of Unconquered. The committee will also include representatives from the Bureau of Personnel to advise the committee. Please be advised that this committee shall render decisions based on the strength of the nomination for each nominee; it is therefore important that the nominations be as detailed as possible to provide said nominee with the best possible chance for selection and induction.
Nominations for the billet of Annual Commanding Officer of HMS Unconquered will not be accepted by this Committee. The selection of the Annual Commanding Officer is reserved for the Third Space Lord per Admiralty Order. Any endorsements or recommendations may be sent directly to the Third Space Lord at 3sl@trmn.org.
The Unconquered Class of 2021 and their Annual Commanding Officer shall be announced November 1st, 2021. Certificates shall be mailed to the individuals after announcements have been made.
If you should have any questions or require guidance on nominations, please contact buships@trmn.org, where the senior members of our staff will be happy to provide that information to you.
Nominations for The Protector’s Own
To: All Officers and Enlisted in the Grayson Space Navy, the Royal Manticoran Forces, Imperial Andermani Navy, Republic of Haven Navy and All Other Members of the Grand Alliance
From: High Admiral James Jones, GSN
Re: Protector’s Own Class of 2021 – Call for Nominations
Here Ye and Pray Attend All Grayson Citizens and All Members of the Grand Alliance:
I am pleased and honored to announce that the nomination period for the Protector’s Own is open, and will remain open until 23:59 EST 18 November 2021 (GMT -0500).
Any person, regardless of rank or branch, may submit nominations for the Protector’s Own.
The requirements for nomination:
Any Grayson may be nominated and considered for their contributions to the Grayson Space Navy and to the TRMN organization as a whole.
Those who are not Grayson may be eligible to be nominated for HMS Unconquered for their exemplary contributions to the TRMN organization as a whole, and nominations for them should be submitted to the Bureau of Ships for inclusion in this year’s deliberation. Nominations will be accepted at buships@trmn.org until 2359 CDT (GMT -0500) on 15 October 2021.
However, any TRMN member, of any rank and from any branch of service, may be nominated for the Protector’s Own, provided that they have profoundly benefitted, specifically, the Grayson Space Navy. Their nominations may include their contributions to TRMN, but the contributions to the GSN are the paramount requirement of the nomination and the decisive factor for their inclusion and in any deliberation.
It is preferred that the nominees have had at least 1 year in service to TRMN, but that will not be a bar from entry if the nomination thoroughly demonstrates exemplary contributions.
Please be as detailed as possible regarding the contributions of the nominee and how they have benefitted the GSN. Nominations must include the name and rank of the nominator and the full name of the nominee, including rank if known. It should have detailed information about the nominee’s specific contributions to the GSN and, if Grayson, to the TRMN as a whole. Please include dates and events or contributions, when possible. Any supporting documentation will be appreciated in the process and should be included in the nomination as attached files.
Nominations that are not detailed will be considered, but, will make the deliberation process more difficult and may hinder the nominee’s induction.
Please only submit one person per nomination email. Nominators may nominate as many members as they believe are worthy to receive this honor.
Individuals may not nominate themselves.
Please nominate any who you believe are worthy of this honor.
Protector’s Own Committee will be empaneled from current members of the Protector’s Own and members of the Office of the High Admiral. The Committee will begin deliberations on 19 November 2021.
The Command Triad for the Protector’s Own will be decided from all members of the Protector’s Own, including new inductees, except for those who are currently in the Protector’s Own Command Triad.
The Protector’s Own Class of 2021 and its Command Triad will be announced on 21 December 2021, in honor, and as part, of the Protector’s Birthday Celebrations.
Please send all nominations to ohagsn@gmail.com.
Chapter Reports
This is a reminder that your Chapter and MarDet reports are due between the 1st and 10th of every EVEN numbered month. One thing I found amazingly helpful when filling them out was to use an online document (Google Docs, Word Online) to keep things organized as they happened. Then, when the reporting month hit, I could just copy and paste them into the reports form, and be done. No trying to remember what happened two months ago at the last minute!
And a reminder that Marksmanship submissions are due the 20th of the month, so we have time to correlate and get things set for the award issuance.
Marines – you now have a new online form to fill out for Bi-Monthly reports. The link is below. It will send the reports to your command triad, your Ship’s CO and to ComForceCom. Please use this form to send in your report that is due on the 5th.
There is only one stipulation with the form at this time. Please do not use autofill. Autofill does not work properly and that information is deleted in the report. You can copy and paste information into the report but forgo the autofill function.
https://buships.trmnbureaus.info/rmmc/
Worldcon YA Ticket Available
Due to a change in circumstances we have a Young Adult (18-24) Worldcon membership available. Firstly, I want to thank the donor, this is amazing.
There has been a suggestion to raffle it off, with half to charity and half to the Worldcon Fund. After a lot of thought, and due to the age restrictions of this ticket, I decided to not.
So! I am opening this up to anyone who will be between 18 & 24 as of September 1. Send me an email at co@gryphonfleet.org, and let me know why you are the best choice! It doesn’t need to be long, just a bit so I can understand who’s who. This will be live in May & June, with a decision announced in the July newsletter.
Thanks to everyone who’s interested, and I look forward to seeing you in Chicago!
Upcoming Events
The Bureau of Planning is excited to announce the launch of ConStack. This cooperative project between BuPlan and BuComm is now a fabulous new tool that puts information about over 2,000 conventions at your fingertips. All members of TRMN and the public can view ConStack at:
https://constack.trmnbureaus.info/
If you see that an event is missing or has incorrect information, contact your Fleet’s BuPlan Intel Agent or Branch Liaison and they will get it updated.
Marksmanship Update
By order of CO 2nd Fleet, the following marksmanship awards are issued effective 1 June, 2022:
PISTOL MARKSMANSHIP CERTIFICATE:
- PO2 Sharon Lee PATTERSON, RMN HMS Hexapuma
- CWO Daniel TOOLE, RMN HMS Enterprise
- S3C David WILLIAMS, RMN HMS Interloper
RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP CERTIFICATE:
- WO2 Jonathan Wayne ATKINS, RMN HMS Interloper
- S2C Nathan A CAMARDA, RMN HMS Interloper
- CIVILIAN Justin EKIS, CIVIL HMS Interloper
- CR3 Brad ZEAK II, CIVIL HMS Interloper
PISTOL SHARPSHOOTER AWARD:
- WO2 Jonathan Wayne ATKINS, RMN HMS Interloper
- CIVILIAN Nathaniel BECKWITH, SFC HMS Interloper
- S2C Nathan A CAMARDA, RMN HMS Interloper
- RADM Sherman DAY, RMN HMS Demon
- LTJG Tiffany Marie KAMPERSAL, RMN HMS Hexapuma
- SCPO David PELLETIER, RMN HMS Hexapuma
RIFLE EXPERT AWARD:
- LTSG Steve GALPIN, RMN HMS Interloper
PISTOL HIGH EXPERT AWARD:
- CAPTSG Kerry KUHN, RMN HMS Hexapuma
- ENS Emi UHILA, RMN HMS Interloper
- LTCOL Brad Anthony ZEAK Sr, RMMC MARDET Interloper
The Tradition Lives!
For CO 2nd Fleet:
Issued by:
KEVIN WALSH, NS
Senior Chief Petty Officer, RMN
2nd Fleet Range Officer
Gryphon’s Wings Fleet Relief Project
On May 23rd we launched the Gryphon’s Wings Fleet Relief Project. The response has been overwhelming, and I am humbled by the generosity of our members.
We are currently in the midst of a Global pandemic. However, while we are all in the same storm, we are navigating the waters on different ships. Sometimes these waters will be more than we can handle on our own, and we need an extra hand on deck. We want you to know that the 2nd fleet is here for you.
To that end, we are asking for donations to create an emergency relief fund to be used for TRMN 2nd Fleet members. This fund’s target is to provide immediate short term relief of an urgent crisis. For example: Sending someone grocery money for a weeks worth of groceries (as a lot of food banks are running out of food, short on volunteers, and closing), providing gas money for a week so someone can still travel back and forth providing care-giving to a family member, covering the co-pay cost of a doctors visit, and other small emergency expenses. Anything helps. I am asking for a $5 monthly commitment – the cost of a Starbucks coffee – to assist. Please join me, and those who have already donated, in making TRMN more than just a fan group. Click here, or the banner below, to donate. Meet the Test.
At the same time, we know some are being affected by the effort to combat the virus,including job loss, other reduction of income, medical difficulties, etc. This can result in a tough choice between shelter, transportation, food, or medical care. That is an impossible choice no one should be required to face, and we want to help how we can.
To apply for a Visa Gift Card for you or another member, please click here.
Only the 2nd Fleet CO will see who the requester and/or the potential recipient is. This will never be held against you in any way. We don’t ask for or expect repayment. This is not charity, we are simply keeping the RMN tradition of seeing that a Queen’s Navy is well rested, well fed, and healthy before going into battle. And this is a battle where victory will be measured in not just survivors but in the quality of that survival.
To request assistance, please click here.
July Honors – Awards
Queen's Bravery Medal
CAPTSG Kerry KUHN, RMN HMS Hexapuma
Conspicuous Bravery Medal
PVT Geoff R DZIURA, RMMC MARDET Vixen
S3C Blake BARNETT, RMN HMS Vixen
S3C Michael M DEL GARBINO, RMN HMS Vixen
S3C Magpie Lee KANE, RMN HMS Vixen
PVT Daniel RODGERS, RMMC HMS Vixen
S3C Paul J GRUTZMACHER IV, RMN HMS Vixen
Navy Commendation Decoration
LCDR Yrica Eloise BUTT, RHN HMS Vixen
Silesian Anti-Piracy Campaign Medal
OSBdF Daniel Casey O’DONOVAN, IAN HMS Galahad
CAPTSG Kerry KUHN, RMN HMS Hexapuma
SSGT Barry TAYLOR Jr, RMMC MARDET Interloper
CPO James Matthew FORGIE, RMN HMS Interloper
CDR Lisa Ann WIEDEMANN, RMN HMS Vixen
Masadan Occupation Medal
CAPTSG Samuel DIETZMANN, RMN HMS Demon
CAPTSG Kerry KUHN, RMN HMS Hexapuma
SCPO David PELLETIER, RMN HMS Hexapuma
PO2 Sharon Lee PATTERSON, RMN HMS Hexapuma
LTJG Tiffany Marie KAMPERSAL, RMN HMS Hexapuma
Havenite War Campaign Medal
Havenite Operational Service Medal
LCDR Betty J OSTHOFF, RMN HMS Galahad
CAPTJG John Ryan CHAMBERS, RMN HMS Interloper
SMCPO Rick WATERSON, RMN HMS Demon
SCPO David PELLETIER, RMN HMS Hexapuma
PO2 Sharon Lee PATTERSON, RMN HMS Hexapuma
CPO Stephen BAKER, RMN HMS Galahad
Manticoran Combat Action Medal
10th Award
COL Larry Dale FRENCH Sr, RMMC MARDET Demon
Recruit Training Ribbon
OSBdF Daniel Casey O’DONOVAN, IAN HMS Galahad
CAPTSG Kerry KUHN, RMN HMS Hexapuma
SSGT Barry TAYLOR Jr, RMMC MARDET Interloper
CPO James Matthew FORGIE, RMN HMS Interloper
Ranks on awards are listed at the time of award, and may have changed by publication.
June Honors – Promotions
Congratulations are extended to the following members on the occasion of their promotions as noted.
HMS Death Claw
- Laurie Davenport to Petty Officer 3rd Class, effective 11 June, 2022
HMS Demon
- Brian Krem to Lance Corporal, effective 2 June, 2022
- Nix S Vulpix to Spacer 1st Class, effective 2 June, 2022
HMS Interloper
- Gerrit Johan Rademeyer to Petty Officer 3rd Class, effective 17 June, 2022
- Lucien Tua Uhila to Cadet Ranger Three , effective 17 June, 2022
- Jerine Rademeyer to Spacer 2nd Class, effective 24 June, 2022
HMS Vixen
- Terra Bathory to Corporal, effective 1 June, 2022
Fleet Command & Staff Information
CO, Gryphon Fleet
co@gryphonfleet.org
Rear Admiral of the Green Geoffrey Strayer, GCE, KR, SC, OG, CGM, GS
Baron Oak Forest
XO, Gryphon Fleet
Rear Admiral of the Green Wayne Bruns, GCE, OM, KCGL, MC, OC, CR, SC, OG, CGM, GS, QBM, CBM, PC
Baron Grosvenor
Bosun, Gryphon Fleet
bosun@2ndfleet.trmn.org
Senior Master Chief Intelligence Mate
Kevin Walsh, NS, QBM
Chief of Staff
cos@gryphonfleet.org
Captain, Senior Grade Kerry Kuhn
Flag Captain
co@hmsgryphon.trmn.org
Captain, Junior Grade Christina Swanson
Flag Lieutenant
flaglt@gryphonfleet.org
Captain Senior Grade Kerry Kuhn
Fleet Medical NCOIC
medical@gryphonfleet.org
PO2 Steven Bobula
Intelligence Specialist
intel@2ndfleet.trmn.org
JAG Ombudsman
Vacant
Legalman
Vacant
Operations Officer
operations@gryphonfleet.org
Lieutenant Commander Patrick Giese
Personnel Officer
Captain (SG)
Jamey Salsberg
KDE, MC, OC
Range Officer
marksmanship@2ndfleet.trmn.org
Senior Master Chief Intelligence Mate
Kevin Walsh, NS, QBM
RMACS Liaison
ascl@gryphonfleet.org
Captain, Junior Grade Christina Swanson
Training Officer
bosun@hmsgryphon.trmn.org
Senior Chief Petty Officer
Derek Firehawk Sauls
Gryphon Fleet Order of Battle
Task Force 21
Covering Minnesota, Wisconsin, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Task Group 21.1
Destroyer Squadron 265
HMS Javelin (DD-264), Big Lake, MN
HMS Lodestone (DD-64), Elk River, MN
HMS Merlin (CA-270), St. Cloud, MN
Independent Commands
HMS Hellhound (DD-446), St. Paul, MN
HMS Invincible (SD-455), Plymouth, MN
HMS Intrepid (SD-463), Willmar, MN
HMS Leonidas (BC-584), Grand Forks, ND
HMS Valkyrie (SD-355), Minneapolis, MN
Task Group 21.2
Independent Commands
HMS Borzoi (DD-438), River Falls, WI
HMS Gawain (DD-481), Madison, WI
HMS Musashi (BC-775), Milwaukee, WI
Task Force 22
Covering Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and the Lower Peninsula of Michigan
Task Group 22.1
LAC Wing 62
GSNLAC Lilla Björn, Marquette, MI
HMLAC Scythe, Portage, Indiana
Independent Commands
HMS Apollo (CL-80), Lafayette, IN
HMS Gryphon (SD-153), Indianapolis, IN
HMS Hotspur (DD-02), Rantoul, IL
HMS Samurai (CL-356), Goshen, IN
HMS Wolfhound (DD-437), Mt. Prospect, IL
Task Group 22.3
Cruiser Division 711
Independent Commands
Task Group 22.4
Independent Commands
Echelon Commanders
Task Force 21
RADM Wayne Bruns
Task Group 21.1
CAPTSG Jill McTavish
Destroyer Squadron 265
CAPTSG Paladin Meyer
Task Group 21.2
CAPTJG Timothy Bailey
Task Force 22
CDRE Justin Dupras
Task Group 22.1
CAPTSG Michael Flanagan
Task Group 22.3
CAPTSG Jackie Snedden
Cruiser Division 711
CAPTJG Kevin Johnson
Task Group 22.4
CAPTSG Samuel Dietzmann