Jbjournal 010915

Joint Base Journal Vol. 6, No. 1

January 9, 2015

News and information for and about Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling www.facebook.com/JBABdc

J OINT B ASE A NACOSTIA-B OLLING

www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab

Year in Review: A Look Back at 2014

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling welcomes new base commander

BY ROBERT W. MITCHELL

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our March 28, 2014 issue.

Navy Capt. Frank Mays took command of Joint Base AnacostiaBolling (JBAB) in an official installation ceremony held Mar. 20.

Mays relieves the outgoing commander, Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra.

“It’s an honor to command the nation’s premier Joint Base and the installation of choice in the National Capital Region,” Mays said during the Change of Command ceremony held at the JBAB Bolling Club.

Mays said he intends to create a climate of professional growth and development while combining the talents of a diverse pool of military and civilian personnel.

“I plan to foster an inclusive environment of excellence that will lay the foundation for both your personal and professional

success. We all come from many backgrounds, but we are one team with one mission and I’m truly humbled by the opportunity to be your skipper,” Mays told ceremony attendees.

Mays brings more than 22 years of military experience serving in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy and emphasized the importance of keeping their respective heritages and legacies intact as commander of an installation that houses both branches.

“I’ve got Navy and Air Force coursing through my blood and I intend to make sure both entities are shepherded,” he said.

He also pointed to the historical make up of JBAB. “My understanding is that this is the birthplace of the U.S. Air Force and I don’t want to dilute that in any fashion. There is also plenty of Navy history on this base,” he said.

Mays served as an enlisted Airman before earning his flight

See COMMANDER, Page 7

PHOTO BY LT. CMDR. JIM REMINGTON

On March 20, Navy Capt. Frank Mays (left) assumed command of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, the nation’s premier joint base, located in the nation’s capital. Mays became JBAB’s third commander, relieving Navy Capt.

Anthony T. Calandra, of Cresson, Pa., who led the military base since April 2011.

Youth Center cardboard boat regatta sails to a good time

BY ERIC D. RITTER JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our Sept. 5, 2014 issue.

U.S. NAVY PHOTOS BY ERIC D. RITTER

The cardboard boats prove to be sturdy vessels as contestants race from one end of the Joint Base AnacostiaBolling (JBAB) pool to the other during the annual JBAB Youth Center Cardboard Boat Regatta Race, Labor Day.

Armed with cardboard, duct tape and some good imagination, contestants took to the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) pool to race their cardboard boat creations during the annual JBAB Youth Center Cardboard Boat Regatta Race, Labor Day. The Youth Center hosted the race as a way for the base military, civilians and their families to come together and have a good time with each other before the end of summer and the pool’s closing.

“This is something we came up with several years ago, and it turned out to be very popular,” said JBAB Youth Center Director, Joyce Sheridan. “It turned into an annual event we plan to keep doing.”

Sheridan said 24 boats entered the race with ages ranging from

5-7, 8-10, 11-13 and 14 and older.

She added the Youth Center provided the cardboard and duct tape.

The rules were simple for the construction of the boats, she said.

The participants could only use the material provided and only the seams of the cardboard could be duct taped.

There was no lack of creativity in some of the boat construction.

There was a Viking longship and even a pirate ship in the mix— along with their crews in era-replicated costumes.

Although some of the boats appeared sturdy and seaworthy while dry docked on the lawn, a few proved more worthy of a submarine as they quickly took on water, sinking to a chlorinated grave.

“That’s half the fun we have,” Sheridan added. “You never really know how the boats are going to do until we put them in the water.

So it’s fun just to see how they do.”

Medals were awarded to the top three in each age group, but

See BOAT, Page 6

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Joint Base Journal

Air Force Singing Sergeants Super Bowl bound JOINT BASE ANACOSTIABOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our Jan. 31, 2014 issue.

For the first time in its history, vocalists from the U.S. Air Force Band will be performing in the mecca of all sporting events – the Super Bowl.

Ten members from the band’s Singing Sergeants are on their way to New Jersey for this year’s gridiron classic between the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. Senior Master Sgt. Christine Germain, a native of Newington, Conn., has been in the Air Force Band just shy of 19 years. A member of the Singing Sergeants for seven of those years, she is looking forward to the experience – despite the New England Patriots not being in there.

“We’ll be part of a 32 joint chorus group comprised of members from all branches of service. Together we’ll be backing up Renee Fleming, who is a renowned opera soprano, as she sings the national anthem. We’re really excited,” Germain said. “We want to show how well we work together as one team representing service members from around the globe. It’s a one of a kind event.

We’re honored to have been asked to participate.”

Her colleague, Senior Master Sgt. Robert Harrelson, has been with the Singing Sergeants for 15 years. He said members are naturally excited.

“The group is looking forward to it.

U.S. AIR FORCE BAND PHOTO

Members of the U.S. Air Force Band Singing Sergeants join other joint chorus members as they rehearse in preparation for this year’s Super Bowl.

That’s for sure,” Harrelson said. “I’ve often found that it’s not so much about us as chorus members. It’s about us as military members. This is a great stage to show your passion for country.”

Both Germain and Harrelson said the initial request from the Department of Defense (DoD) initially wanted members of the U.S. Army Men’s Chorus. Though, it soon evolved into becoming a joint-chorus showcase. Air Force members have been

Naval District Washington representatives discuss reduction in force impact at town hall meeting

BY ROBERT W. MITCHELL JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our April 4, 2014 issue.

At a town hall meeting at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) last month, senior military and civilian leaders presented an overview of a federal workforce reduction plan that is set to impact hundreds of positions at military installations throughout the National Capital Region (NCR).

“This was information giving people an update on where Naval District Washington (NDW) region is [in the process]. So we constantly update and stay engaged with the employees and show them the impact regarding what management is doing, what they have done and what is still expected of us,” NDW Human Resource Office Director Felix Petersen said at the March 25 meeting at JBAB’s Bolling Club.

Implementation of the reduction in force (RIF), which had previously been delayed, goes into effect Aug. 23. It will eliminate 31 specific billets on that date and impact hundreds of positions throughout the NCR, according to NDW. “Three things can occur: involuntary separation, involuntary demotion, and reassignment resulting from a displaced or another employee. Those are the three things that can occur in a RIF,” Petersen said.

In calculating who goes and who stays the RIF applies a retention registration tool to determine the retention status of the federal employees in the region, Petersen explained.

That tool looks at key categories such as length of service and veteran’s preference to establish whether an employee will be retained, reassigned or separated, he said.

Employees should receive notices May 9 about their retention status indicating whether they are in fact affected, retained, reassigned or separated, Petersen said.

According to district commandant Rear Adm. Mark Rich, the majority of the funding at Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is spent on people and labor costs. And the RIF is a way to reduce those expenses by shrinking operations in the face of one the harshest economic climate she has witnessed over the past three decades.

The elimination of 31 billets does not translate into the loss of only 31 jobs, Rich said. It will, rather, impact approximately 124 positions throughout the region, he said.

Rich projects one in four employees will be impacted by the RIF. He urged all workers to be informed of their protections and rights concerning the RIF in order to minimize the likelihood of an unfavorable shift in their career paths.

NDW Regional Executive Director Tom McGuire believes many are starting to get a clearer picture what is taking place and how they can better position themselves for success.

“I think now people are starting to understand fully well. Our main focus is [asking], are we doing everything we can to help people get a good outcome,” McGuire said.

Employees affected by the RIF have strong protections available to them and informational sessions like this one are an excellent starting point.

“It is good for us to get out and have this discussion. It is also good to get out and field questions about absolutely anything whether its RIF related or something else,” McGuire said.

The next and final town hall meeting will take place on the same RIF implementation date, according to Petersen.

practicing the last two weeks with their contemporaries at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB).

“Weather shouldn’t be an issue. We’re usually in a holding area just before going out on the field,” Harrelson said. “I don’t think the cold weather elements will really affect us. Even so, I doubt anyone from the group would mind.”

Another Singing Sergeant, Master Sgt. Matthew Irish, isn’t really a football fan, but

said it’s every singer’s dream to sing with someone like Fleming.

“It’s an honor to share the spotlight with her. It’s a double-honor to be participating in such an event like this,” Irish said. “No matter the experience, every event is unique in its own way. The national anthem is one of the most important things we will do in our careers. This opportunity means a lot to us.”

Joint Base conducts emergency response, readiness exercise

BY ROBERT W. MITCHELL JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our May 16, 2014 issue.

With hurricane season fast approaching Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) conducted an emergency readiness and response exercise during the last two weeks.

The Navy-wide exercise called “Hurricane Exercise 2014 (HURREX-14)” tested the preparation, response, flexibility, resiliency and recovery of naval installations, including JBAB. The Defense Department’s northern command (NORTHCOM) provided an Emergency Preparedness Liasion Officer (ELPO) Air Force Col. Rolandrias Bradford to the the national capital region.

During the second week of the exercise, Air Force Col. Rolandrias Bradford provided an overview of NORTHCOM’s role, capabilities and expectations during a real emergency or disaster.

His presentation focused on the availability of resources at JBAB and its ability to accommodate special requests made by high command to provide or stage equipment or supplies on the installation.

Leaders should adequately communicate their capabilities upward to ensure the installation’s optimal readiness during an emergency situation such as hurricane or other natural disaster, Bradford stressed.

Senior officials at NORTHCOM wanting to assemble their emergency response strategies throughout the region will look to military installations like JBAB for solutions.

“So when we talk about mission assignments and where to put stuff here at JBAB, it is going to come from NORTHCOM saying

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ROBERT W. MITCHELL

Emergency Preparedness Liasion Officer Air Force Col. Rolandrias Bradford briefs key military and civilian personnel during a training exercise at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling.

‘yes, we can do that’,” he said.

“But it has to start with you guys telling them, ‘yes, we can accommodate or not we cannot’,” he added.

A special request from higher command, for example, could call for more active duty and reserve military personnel or federal emergency personnel to be placed in specific area.

JBAB, because of its “heart of the district” location, could be used to house emergency response assets and materials needed by federal authorities to distribute throughout the greater region in the event of a natural disaster.

“We at the local level are here trying to make contact with the bases and make sure you understand that you are also recovering, but we also might use you to be a staging ground for DoD access or FEMA access,” he said.

HURREX-14 is set to measure the response time, coordination and activity of its installations faced with a major storm traveling along up the east coast. The intent is to test installations operational forces and readiness within its area of responsibility.

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Grammy award winning singer tells Joint Base crowd: Y’all keep defending and I’ll keep on singing

BY ROBERT W. MITCHELL JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our June 27, 2014 issue.

Hundreds of fans flocked to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) to see three-time Grammy award winning singer and songwriter Regina Belle perform her greatest songs including the widely popular “A Whole New World,” from the 1992 Disney movie, “Aladdin.”

The audience sang along as Belle belted out love ballads and up tempo dance tracks in two separate performances at JBAB’s Bolling Club. The club provided patrons with a southern-styled soul food dinner and beverages before the show.

“She brought a lot of people out

to the club. People who had not be here in years, came out tonight to here Regina sing,” said Belle fan Aurelia Glenn.

Long-time fans of Belle’s songs, Dennis Brown and his wife Tina, both came to JBAB for the first time for the performance.

“This was a surprise for my husband. He had no idea that I had been planning to take him to see his favorite singer tonight,” Mrs. Brown said.

Greg Willis, a program manager on the installation, described Belle as a “terrific vocalist” not just for her singing, but because she chose to sing for the military and District of Columbia residents at JBAB. “Anybody singing for the military now, with what our country has gone through and what is it trying to do for other countries around the world, is a tremendous asset. It is shows that they under-

stand just how much these people [military personnel and their families] give up for our country,” he said as Belle and her stage managers walked through a rehearsal session at the club.

The songstress performed fan favorites like “Baby Come to Me,” and “Make it Like it Was.” She invited male vocalist Orlando Dixon, a winner of the television talent competition show, the “Voice,” to join her in singing the Disney duet.

Belle expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for those who serve in the armed forces.

“It takes a special kind of person that says I am going to dedicate myself to preserving my country, defending my country and taking care of people that you don’t even know, that goes a long way with a sister named Regina.

Y’all keep defending and I’ll keep on singing,” she said.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ROBERT W. MITCHELL

Grammy award-winning singer and songwriter Regina Belle sings soulful melodies at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s (JBAB) Bolling Club.

Joint professional development seminar held at Joint Base

BY NICOLE M. WOODS JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our Nov. 21, 2014 issue.

Junior enlisted service members representing all five services stationed throughout the national capital region, visited Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) for a three-day professional development seminar held Nov. 12-14.

The focus of the seminar was providing deliberate and organized professional development and enhanced leadership qualities, tailored to meet junior noncommissioned officer (NCO) and petty officer (PO) needs, within the context and culture of the armed forces.

According to Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Tanisha Crosby, career assistance advisor for 11th Force Support Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, the goal of the workshop was to bring all five branches together, specifically the junior enlisted service members of each, to share commonalities and differences.

“This was meant to solidify that we can work well together and for all of us to have a better understanding of what the other services do,” said Crosby. “Having a cohe-

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NICOLE M. WOODS

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, advised junior enlisted service members from all five services, on what it takes to be a good leader. He also provided tips on working in a joint environment, at the joint professional development seminar held at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling Nov. 12. sive understanding between the services is important because we work together at joint bases and we also deploy together.”

The seminar included a variety of topics, such as building partnerships, joint perspective, team building and motivation, resiliency, standards and discipline, profession of arms, customs and courtesies.

Master Chief Petty Officer ofthe Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens kicked-off the seminar with his per-

Joint Base Journal JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING WASHINGTON, D.C. PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE: PHONE: 202-767-4781 EMAIL: MICHELLE.GORDON@NAVY.MIL This commercial enterprise Navy newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services, retirees, DoD civilians and their family members. Contents of Joint Base Journal do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. government, Department of Defense, U.S. Navy or U.S. Air Force and does not imply endorsement thereof.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Navy, Air Force, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling or Comprint Military Publications of the

spective on leadership and how to be an effective leader.

“Leadership is one’s ability to influence others,” he said. “As a leader, you have to remember that when you’re put in charge, the ability of the organization that you’re leading is going to max out your ability to lead. So, if you’re a seven out of ten today, then the best your group will ever be is a seven. If you want your organization to be a ten, then improvement begins with you.”

Stevens also mentioned that in order to improve leadership and work quality, it is necessary to read as much as possible. He encouraged the young leaders to educate themselves and take training courses which will enhance their knowledge and experience.

Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, initiated the idea for the joint seminar and joined Stevens in advising the young service members on what it takes to be a good leader and provided tips on working in a joint environment.

Battaglia explained that in order to be a good leader, one has to know how to solve problems and also know how to prevent them.

He said the best way to effectively prevent problems, is to know those who work for you and those for whom you work.

“There comes a time where you have to set aside what you’ve learned in your service-unique culture and widen your aperture, like right now,” he said. “You’ve got to learn to receive, to accept, and to be receptive to, other thoughts and ideas.”

Seminar attendee, Petty Officer 2nd Class Barbaralynn Peretti, stationed at Telecommunication and

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Information Systems Command in Alexandria, Virginia, explained that she enjoyed being able to work with the different branches of the military throughout the seminar, since she doesn’t often have that opportunity the Coast Guard.

Also hoping to gain a new perspective and fresh take on leadership in a joint environment, Army Staff Sgt. Francisco Browne, originally from Chile, who is currently stationed in Quantico, Virginia, said, “It is nice to see the different services working together for a better understanding of what one another does.”

With two workshops now completed for the year, Crosby said she plans to continue the joint training opportunity for junior enlisted service members on a bi-annual basis - one held during the week of Armed Forces Day and another near Veterans Day. In closing, Stevens told the junior service members that the foundation of leadership is respect.

“As leaders we can be most effective by treating one another with dignity and respect,” he said.

“I think when we treat one another with dignity and respect, especially as leaders, a lot of the other challenges that we face simply melt away.”

Capt. Frank Mays, USN

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Joint Base Journal

Preventing domestic violence is an obligation to ensure a safe, nurturing environment

BY NICOLE M. WOODS JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our Oct. 10, 2014 issue.

Military and civilian leaders at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) resorted to action, not just words, to let the 18,000 personnel at the military installation know that domestic violence is not acceptable.

JBAB Commander, Navy Capt.

Frank Mays and Vice Commander, Air Force Col. Kendall Peters, signed a proclamation to promote awareness of, and foster the efforts associated with, preventing domestic violence.

Following the signing ceremony, Mays and Peters joined military, DOD civilian and contractor personnel and family members in the annual Domestic Violence Awareness 5K run, Oct. 3 at JBAB. The run helped kick-off Domestic Violence Awareness Month at JBAB. JBAB’s Military and Family Support Center (MFSC) hosted the proclamation signing and run, bringing the onbase community together to raise awareness and support efforts to prevent domestic abuse and educate participants on the many resources available for civilians and service members.

Mays said, “Anytime we can bring awareness to something like this and prevent pain and suffering in any family, it’s always important.”

The proclamation states: “...All citizens should become involved in supporting their colleagues, neighbors, and friends by utilizing resources to prevent domestic violence or seeking help if they are in an abusive situation, whether they are the aggressor or the victim.”

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY DAWN POWELL

Navy Capt. Frank Mays, commander of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) signs a proclamation to promote awareness of, and foster the efforts associated with, preventing domestic violence.

“Effective domestic violence programs succeed because of partnerships created among leadership, social service agencies, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, and law enforcement agencies,” it continued.

“We in the military community have an obligation to become actively involved in prevention by supporting our service members and their families to live and raise children in a safe and nurturing environment..,” it concludes.

JBAB Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Amelia Flores explained that the purpose of the event was to bring awareness to domestic violence, and also support the silent victims who are afraid to speak out about their situation.

“Domestic violence can sometimes go on for years before victims say anything or seek help. As you can imagine, it can be very hard to say things like, ‘the father of my children abuses me’, or for a male who might say, ‘I’m an officer and my wife hits me’. It’s very hard for victims to come out about these things,” Flores explained.

“For example, in sexual assault cases, victims don’t usually live with their offenders whereas domestic violence victims typically have children with the offenders and live with them. They depend on their offenders. A lot of the times victims feel like they don’t have a safe place to go and they don’t want to jeopardize their

loved one’s career.”

“It can be difficult when you depend on the offender for daily survival and when victims are just hoping the violence will eventually stop, because they just want things to go back to normal,” Mays said.

Flores is dedicated to ensuring that victims, or friends of victims, have a place to seek help and information.

“We provide resources and educate victims; you can get medical attention and clinical counseling,” she said. “Sometimes it can be too late. We just don’t want anyone to have to pay that price under any circumstances,” Mays said.

Flores also explained the im-

portance of knowing the two options for reporting incidents - restricted and unrestricted reporting.

If a victim is not ready for anyone to know what’s happening and don’t want the offender to be held accountable, they can opt for filing a restricted report which is a confidential method, giving them direct access to Flores, the clinical staff, and to all of the resources available at the MFSC. Flores said it is only when you convert to an unrestricted report that an investigation occurs, the command gets involved, and legal actions are taken, as necessary.

Although October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the resources are available 24/7, year-round.

Throughout the year, the MFSC hosts several events and activities to raise awareness and educate the on-base community.

Some of those activities include the “Hands are not for Hitting” book readings at each of the Child Development Centers and a shirt painting event, where people can decorate shirts provided by the MFSC, which also provides the paint.

The shirt painting is an opportunity for victims, their friends and family, to express their feelings through meaningful messages and drawings. The shirts will go on display to encourage others to speak up and get the help they need. “For those who are afraid, sometimes they need another voice,” Flores explained.

If domestic violence is happening, victims are encouraged to first contact the police (202-4333333 on-base or 9-1-1 off-base) and then contact Flores and her team at 202-767-0450 or 202-4047393.

Joint Base pool goes to the dogs during Pet Palooza

BY NICOLE M. WOODS JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our Sept. 12, 2014 issue.

Dogs, pups and the humans who love them took over the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) community pool, Sept. 6 for the annual Pet Palooza.

“This is an opportunity to have families come out with their pets and enjoy time together on the last day of the pool being open,” said Cheryl Hammond, Warfighter and Family Readiness (WFR) Pool Program coordinator.

Pet Palooza was a free event that features free swim, activities and giveaways.

In addition to a fun day, this WFR-hosted event provides dogs in the Washington, D.C. area with food and plenty of squishy toys

for entertainment.

Hammond said, “We will turn over the donations to the Washington Humane Society,” which is an open-access shelter that provides care to homeless animals.

Donations from the event will go to needy families who cannot provide for their pets, in addition to the animals living at the shelter.

Although Admission to the event was free, many people honored the request for a donation of either dog food or toys.

“It’s a hot day today, so this is a great way to cool down and bond with family,” said Gregory Wheeless, event coordinator and Fitness Center director.

Guests and their vaccinated pets participated in a few friendly competitions throughout the day, from the long jump to the big-dog and little-dog pool races.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY NICOLE M. WOODS

Bruce Lee, a 9 month-old Bernese Mountain Dog, and his owner, Quinn, swim at the annual Pet Palooza at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling pool, Sept. 6.

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Joint Base invests in energy savings, enhances environmental stewardship

BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS ergy measures should equal the ready underway to install other energy [gas/ electrical/ water] bill upgrades at JBAB for Fiscal Year PEDRO A. RODRIGUEZ NAVAL DISTRICT WASHINGTON PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our June 27, 2014 issue.

Installation of energy smart devices at Joint Base AnacostiaBolling (JBAB) improves energy savings, enhances environmental stewardship and supports the Secretary of the Navy’s Energy Program of Security and Independence.

Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Ray Mabus’ energy goals include a reduction in the Navy and Marine Corps’ overall consumption of energy, decrease reliance on petroleum, and significantly increase the use of alternative energy.

A $2.3 million investment at JBAB has included the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient light emitting diode (L.E.D.) bulbs and occupancy sensors (motion and infrared detectors) in building hallways and rooms, turning lights on only when an area is occupied.

“The cost of installing the en-

savings over the span of 15 years,” said Wendy McCoy, JBAB project manager for fiscal year 2014 energy projects. “Theoretically, they will pay for themselves.”

The new energy efficient equipment is being installed in several locations throughout the base, including parking lots.

The motion and body heat occupancy sensors reduce the lights being left on in any given work space by as much as 75 percent, reducing energy waste and improving energy conservation.

“We have also installed electric meters that provide us with the ability to monitor electric consumption in our buildings. The data we collect from the meters will enable us to determine the reduction in energy consumption and the amount of savings we get, resulting from our installation of the sensors, L.E.D and other low energy alternative lighting,” McCoy said.

The data will also enable JBAB energy managers and planners to take other additional actions to optimize the savings even further.

McCoy said that plans are al-

2015, which begins in October.

The additional energy saving upgrades include faucet aerators for sinks, replacing old heating, ventilation and air conditioning motors, with more efficient equipment, replacing weather stripping on doors, caulking windows and repositioning brick, to better insulate walls.

Navy and Marine Corps leadership has also made renewable energy a priority to successfully meet the SECNAV’s energy savings goals.

The renewable energy strategy is an aid for base commanders and other leaders to seek ways to further enhance their energy posture and contribute even more to the energy goals of the Department of the Navy.

At JBAB, solar power collectors are just one example of how the base helps contribute to meeting the SECNAV renewable energy goals.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY LT. CMDR. JIM REMINGTON

A contract electrician installs motion and infrared occupancy sensors at Joseph P. Cirone, Joint Base Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling as part of the command’s efforts to reduce Anacostia-Bolling Public Affairs energy consumption by approximately 75 percent. contributed to this story.

Spring’s April showers arrive at Joint Base Navy, District of Columbia

firefighters, Coast Guard and police pull five from river

BY JOSEPH P. CIRONE JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our June 20, 2014 issue.

PHOTOS BY LT.CMDR. JIM REMINGTON

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our April 11, 2014 issue.

Above: After a long cold winter the much-awaited Spring is finally in bloom on Joint Base AnacostiaBolling’s cherry trees in the commissary parking lot.

Left: A heavy rain soaks the U.S. Air Force star outside Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling’s headquarters building and the Honor Guard grounds on Monday.

Firefighters and Coast Guardsmen from Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) and the District of Columbia (D.C.) police and fire departments rescued two people from the Potomac River June 16.

Three good samaritans from JBAB were also pulled from the river by the rescue forces, according to sources at the scene.

JBAB-based Coast Guard Station Washington and Naval District Washington Fire and Emergency Services (NDW F&ES) personnel teamed with D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (D.C. FEMS) and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) boats to perform the rescues off JBAB’s shoreline at approximately 6:20 p.m.

JBAB-based Coast Guard Rescue response boat 29107, four JBAB DOD Police units, F&ES Engine Company 41, Tower Ladder Company 21 and Battalion 41, along with Hazmat Company 43 from the adjacent Naval Research Laboratory, responded to the scene and found the five people in the water.

The two rescued people included an adult male and an

adult female. Both were initially aboard a boat operating on the river. The female was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

The male was evaluated at the scene and released from the JBAB marina. The boat they were aboard was taken in tow by an MPD boat and safely moored at a nearby marina.

A male Air Force lieutenant colonel, a female retired Navy commander, and a male DOD civilian employee, who were all on land at JBAB saw the distressed boaters and entered the water to provide assistance, until the rescue boats arrived.

Four other people were rescued from the Potomac River earlier in the day. NDW F&ES Engine Company 752, based in Carderock, Maryland, assisted Montgomery County, Maryland and Fairfax County, Virginia Fire-Rescue and U.S. Park Police personnel in rescuing the people from the river near Carderock.

In addition to performing rescues, fight fires, mitigate hazardous materials incidents and provide emergency medical services at naval installations, NDW F&ES personnel often assist local communities in providing those same essential services in order to save lives and property.

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Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Friday, January 9, 2015

Joint Base Journal

Liberty Center celebration brings people together at Joint Base

BY ROBERT W. MITCHELL JOINT BASE ANACOSTIABOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our July 4, 2014 issue.

U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ERIC D. RITTER

The cardboard boats prove to be sturdy vessels as contestants race from one end of the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) pool to the other during the annual JBAB Youth Center Cardboard Boat Regatta Race, Labor Day.

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everyone received a participation medal as an added memento for the waterbound journey.

The event has become so popular that

Sheridan said some kids begin planning next year’s regatta entry even before this year’s boat is out of the water.

“Everyone has so much fun with this event,” Sheridan said. “I love seeing all the smiles on their faces every time we do this. Of all the events we do all year, this is one of the ones I look most forward to doing.”

Six years after opening its doors offering respite recreational programs and activities for the junior enlisted ranks, the Liberty Center held an anniversary celebration with outdoor games, free food and a raffle at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) June 26.

JBAB Liberty Center, a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) quality of life program housed at JBAB’s Enterprise Hall, targets unaccompanied enlisted personnel from E-1 to E-6. Its main focus is on the 1826 year-old service members.

On the grounds of Furnari Hall, home to the Navy Ceremonial Guard at JBAB, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Soldiers competed in Sumo wrestling, bungee basketball and inflatable activities set up by the Liberty Center.

The food served included barbecue chicken and ribs with cornbread and vegetables.

“We are celebrating the opening of the Liberty Center. We are in our sixth year and this event is a reward to the service members who come here and use our services,” said Liberty Center Assistant Manager Chelton Wynter.

“This is our way of saying thank you. We depend on how often people use us to stay open,” he said.

Navy Ceremonial Guard members Seamen Joshua Taione and Abdoul Adjanakrou spend time at the Liberty Center after the duty day. They appreciated the event and expressed excitement about the outdoor activities.

“It’s a nice way to relax,” Taione said.

Adjanakrou agreed. “I just came from a two-hour workout and I was tired, but I said let me see what’s going over here,” he said.

Both Sailors go to the Liberty Center to play soccer video games.

“I like the Liberty Center. I go there often to play Joshua [Taione] in [Federation Internationale de Football Association] FIFA every single day,” Adjanakrou said.

“We play FIFA every time we are in there, but now since it’s the FIFA World Cup, we

are also in there to watch the soccer games too,” Taione said.

Navy Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Third Class James Brightwell also enjoyed the outdoor event.

“This is a great idea, a great way to get everybody out of the barracks and out having some fun,” Brightwell said.

He said he wished the event had been marketed better to attract more people.

Marines at the celebration paid special attention to the inflatable with multiple obstacles at the event.

“I am having a lot fun out here today. I especially like the inflatable Boot Camp Challenge obstacle course,” said Marine Lance Cpl. Jorge Gonzales-Acosta, a motor transportation driver with the 2nd Civil Affairs Group (CAG) at JBAB. Gonzales-Acosta has been at JBAB for three years and said he enjoys the scenery at the installation.

“I like the view when I go running in the morning,” he said.

Marine Lance Cpl. Keith Deras, a field operator with the 2nd CAG, lost his footing when the bungee cord he had been attached to yanked him backward plunging him into the soft inflatable floor.

“This is interesting. We’ve been playing some snatch grab [bungee basketball] and that was fun,” he said.

Like Gonzales-Acosta, Deras has been on JBAB for three years.

Liberty Center recognizes its anniversary and its customers who utilize its services every year just before the Independence Day celebration, according to Wynter.

“Participation at the center goes up and down. The Navy Ceremonial Guard increases in size around the [presidential] inauguration years. During those years our numbers at the center are very high. But that eventually changes as personnel move out and go to a different duty station. Then those numbers start to go down,” he said.

Wynter called working at the center his dream job because his customers sincerely appreciate what he and other staff members provide for them.

“Doing this work is very rewarding for me because they truly appreciate it. They really

See CELEBRATION, Page 7

Joint Base community aids fire victims

BY SHAWN MILLER JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our Aug. 1, 2014 issue.

Rockville

T6619010

Two families were forced from their homes after a fire struck two residences along March Lane aboard Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), on the afternoon of July 26.

No injuries were reported, and the Joint Base Housing Management Office and Hunt Military Communities are joining the local community in aiding and relocating those affected by the fire.

Employees at the base library nearby reportedly spotted flames coming from one of the homes Saturday afternoon after hearing noises in the vicinity, and immediately notified the fire department. Emergency crews arrived within minutes to battle the spreading fire.

Two homes were rendered uninhabitable, and a neighboring home sustained minor

damage to the siding, according to reports.

After emergency crews extinguished the blaze, housing officials, neighbors, and command leadership arrived at the scene to offer assistance to the families.

“We were on-site,” said Iris Jones from the JBAB Housing Management Office.

“They contacted us when it happened, so we went there to ensure they were going to be able to have hotels or another apartment to stay in.”

Jones said personnel from her office and Hunt Military Communities, who owns the buildings, stayed at the scene until everyone found alternate housing accommodations while searching for more permanent homes.

“We’re always there for service members and their families,” Jones said of the housing office. “We’re also setting up so [the community] can bring donations here to housing and we’ll make sure the families get them. The community and the military commanders are all in support of that and seeing what we can do to ensure that the families continue to get what they need until they’re settled.”

Joint Base Journal

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling

Friday, January 9, 2015

7

Joint Base hosts Bavarian spirit with Oktoberfest

BY ERIC RITTER

JOINT BASE ANACOSTIABOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Editor’s note: This story first ran in our Oct. 3, 2014 issue.

Oktoberfest is a set of days, where just about anyone can feel a little more Bavarian. Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) helped celebrate that heritage Sept. 26 at the Slip Inn, with traditional German music, food and, of course, beer.

This is the third year the event has been held at JBAB. The band, Heidi und Heimat Echo, outfitted with a variety of instruments from percussion, to horns and bells, put on a show for a crowd of all ages. The band’s presence is unique for being on a military installation, since most of the members are actually retired U.S. military.

The event was also a bit of a homecoming for Ola Karabin and Stephen Karabin Sr. They have been in Germany over the past few years working for the U.S. government and have re-

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wings with the U.S. Navy in September 1992. He flew the EA-6B Prowler with VAQ-134 and was the training officer for VAQ-131. He deployed to the Arabian Gulf with the USS Constellation.

He was the deputy lead planner for the U.S. European Command in Stuggart, Germany and also served as the Naval Aviation Congressional liaison in Washington, D.C. Calandra welcomed his successor and expressed great confidence in him.

cently moved to the Washington area to continue work.

“It warms our heart to hear the music,” Stephen said. “It’s nice to hear those sounds again, and the location at the [JBAB] Slip Inn makes it even more enjoyable.”

They agreed that JBAB could never truly match the size of the actual Oktoberfest in Germany, but it did match it in spirit.

Oktoberfest is the world’s largest funfair, held annually in Munich, Bavaria in Germany. It runs for 16 days, from late September to the first weekend in October, with millions of people from around the world attending the event every year. The festival has been celebrated since 1810 and is an important part of Bavarian culture.

For the dozens of people who attended the fest at JBAB, they might be saying “danke schoen” to JBAB’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation division for taking the time to host such a festive event.

“There is no doubt in my mind that you are going to take this installation to new heights of excellence. You have a great team here and you, my friend, are a great leader. I wish you all the best and hope you have at least as much fun here as I have,” he said.

Calandra, a native of Cresson, Pa., earned his flight wings in May 1998 and held numerous positions before coming to JBAB. He served with the Silver Foxes of VA-155 and the main battery of VA-196. He transitioned to the EA-6B Prowler and later deployed with the

U.S NAVY PHOTO BY ERIC D. RITTER

The Heidi und Heimat Echo Band performs popular, traditional Bavarian songs to a crowd of JBAB revelers at the Slip Inn, Sept. 26, to usher in the Oktoberfest celebration.

Scorpions of VAQ-132, the Yellow Jackets of VAQ 138 and the Lancers of VAQ-131.

He commanded the Cougars of VAQ-139 and served as the operations officer for the USS George Washington.

Joint Base Vice Commander Air Force Col. Mike Saunders called the ceremony a “bitter sweet day” with the moving on of a great leader in Calandra and the incoming of another in Mays.

“I look forward to Capt.

Mays’ leadership and supporting him as his new deputy,” Saunders said.

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work hard, especially, the Ceremonial Guard who perform at different ceremonies and funerals. They are basically the face of the Navy and the Air Force, because we have some from the Air Force Honor Guard here too,” Wynter said.

“You hear a lot of thank yous here and you know they really appreciate what we are doing. It makes my job very rewarding,” he said.

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