October 25, 2013
SOUTH POTOMAC PILOT NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUTH POTOMAC DEFENSE COMMUNITY
Dahlgren History and Heritage Museum opens doors
By Andrew Revelos Staff Writer
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Dahlgren School Alums Reunite Page 3
Community and military leaders joined members of the Dahlgren Heritage Board on Oct. 16 to cut the ribbon and open the long-awaited Dahlgren Heritage Museum. The ribbon-cutting marked the end of a three-year effort organized by the boardsupported by King George County and the base-to establish a museum to tell the story of Dahlgren. The museum is located on the site formerly occupied by the Virginia Welcome Center and features exhibits detailing the accomplishments of Dahlgren’s scientists, engineers and Sailors in the installation’s more than nine decades of service. Banners presented those achievements by decade alongside historic items, such as the shells of naval guns. Capt. Pete Nette, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, said he enjoyed working with community leaders and was pleased to see the project come to fruition.
U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos
From left to right, Capt. Pete Nette, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Ruby Brabo, member of the King George County Board of Supervisors for Dahlgren, Ed Jones, president of the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation, Robert Gates, vice president of the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation, John LoBuglio, vice chairman of the King George County Board of Supervisors, and Dale Sisson, chairman-at-large of the King George County Board of Supervisors, cut the ribbon opening the Dahlgren Heritage Museum on Oct. 19. Dale Sisson, chairmanat-large of the King George County Board of Supervisors and an employee at Dahlgren, praised the effort. “This is a great day and a
great facility,” he said. “It’s come a long way since it was a visitor center.” Sisson hoped the museum would bring more visibility to Dahlgren’s his-
toric role supporting the national defense. “One of the things I think is so important about this facility, is that it reminds us of the contributions that go on just
across [Route] 301,” he said. “Those 95 years of history are just outstanding. In my day job, I get to lead one of our technical departments for the Naval Surface Warfare Center {Dahlgren Division}. I look forward to seeing the great work that our scientists and engineers are doing today giving you the next row of banners, not just for us here locally, but as a reminder nationally of the contributions of Dahlgren.” Ruby Brabo, member of the King George County Board of Supervisors for Dahlgren, seconded Sisson’s praise. “I’ve been so impressed with all the work everybody has done to put this together, to make this vision a reality,” she said. An avowed history buff, Brabo hoped the museum would help bring more tourism to the area. “Tourism is a $21 billion industry here in Virginia, so I look forward to King George County finally capitalizing on [this],” she said. Ed Jones, president of the privately-funded Dahlgren Heritage Foundation,
See Museum, Page 3
Dahlgren Day: Celebrating 95 years of innovation
By Andrew Revelos Staff Writer
Members of the Dahlgren community gathered Oct. 16 at the University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus to celebrate the installation’s 95th anniversary. The festive occasion, sponsored by the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation, brought together service members, community leaders and employees past and present. “Thank you so much for being here for this very special occasion, the commemorative celebration of the 95th anniversary of the Navy base now known as Naval Support Facility Dahlgren,” said Ed Jones, president of the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation, welcoming attendees. Jones updated the audience about the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation’s progress in establishing a museum, which opened Oct. 19. “It’s an exciting time to talk about the story of Dahlgren,” he said. “I like to tell people that the only thing that’s more exciting than Dahlgren’s history, is Dahlgren’s future, because with the development of multiple
commands on the base, it seems that more than ever, this center of research, innovation, testing, training and support for the warfighter, is more and more essential for this nation.” Dahlgren was a remote piece of marshland in rural King George County before the Navy fired its first test shot at the new base in the fall of 1918. Though the nature of the work at Dahlgren has evolved during its more than nine decades of existence, the base continues to be called “a crown jewel of national defense,” said Jones. Marines supervised by Navy Lt. Cmdr. H.K. Lewis fired that first shot from a tractor-mounted, 7-inch, 45-caliber naval gun, hurling a 153-pound projectile 24,000 yards down the Potomac. The restored gun was on display this week at Dahlgren’s parade field. Jones mused about the effect of that thunderous first shot on local wildlife, which has since grown used to the noise. “That must have been pretty jarring. But you know, in the next nine and a half decades, there were a lot of booms. I grew up on base in the 1950s and that was major
U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos
Del. Margaret Ransone, left, and state Sen. Richard Stuart, right, present Capt. Pete Nette, center, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, with Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proclamation declaring Oct. 16, 2013 Dahlgren Day. boom time, let me tell you.” Before Dahlgren could fall into its rhythm of methodical research, development, training and evaluation, it suffered from a few growing pains, said Jones. One of the early issues faced by the Navy was what to call its new test range. “There were a number of finalists for that. Were it not for that final decision, we may be talking about not Dahlgren, Virginia, but Stockton, Virginia, or Daschle, Virginia, or maybe Alger, Virginia. Boy, Dahlgren sounds better and better, doesn’t it?”
Capt. Pete Nette, commanding officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, praised the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation for making the celebration possible and the thanked University of Mary Washington Dahlgren Campus for hosting the event. “By any measure, 95 years is a long time,” said Nette. “It’s a milestone worthy of celebrating in itself, an exceptional achievement.” Nette said the work of the Dahlgren History Project, part of the Naval Surface Warfare Center
Dahlgren Division, together with the privately-funded Dahlgren Heritage Foundation, have done a great job telling Dahlgren’s story. “As a result of these efforts, we have a new realm of opportunity to highlight the important legacy represented by Dahlgren,” he said. “It’s remarkable that all these developments have coincided with the base’s 95th anniversary, just shy of its centennial five years from now.” The success of the base through the decades would not have been possible without the support of the communities that surround it, said Nette. “The deep connections between the Dahlgren base and this community represent an invaluable asset that we in the military should never take for granted.” The leader of Dahlgren’s largest tenant command shared some behind-the scenes insight about the effort to name the base. “It’s the policy of the Department of Defense to name a proving ground after the geographic location it goes in, not to name it after a person,” said Capt. Michael Smith, commanding officer of
See Innovation, Page 8
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Friday, October 25, 2013
NSF Dahlgren Pumpkin Harvest Festival
The leaves turning colors and a chill in the air meant it was time for the NSF Dahlgren Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Annual Harvest Pumpkin festival last Thursday on the Parade Field. Approximately 500 children and their parents participated in the fun, family oriented evening. Children were able to pick their favorite pumpkin and decorate it, there was
face painting, harvest crafts, games and music, pony rides, dunk tank, football toss and the highlight of the evening, the costume contest. This year’s costume contest judges were Captain Pete Nette, Commanding Officer of NSA South Potomac, his wife Pauline and NSA South Potomac Command Master Chief’s wife Evelyn Honea. MWR provided a wide range of other activities that also included the bubble gum contest, guess the candy corn in the jar, and the hot pumpkin toss. This brought out the competitive spirit in a family friendly atmosphere. Prizes were awarded by age groups, but everyone was a winner and fun was had by all. The evening would not have been a success without the gracious support of the NSWC Federal Credit Union, USO, NSF Dahlgren Subway and the NSF Dahlgren Navy Exchange. Special thanks to the King George Wal-Mart who provided the pumpkins for the event. The MWR department wishes to extend its appreciation to all of the members of our military and civilian community for coming out to support the event for the children’s enjoyment.
Ground broken on Cruiser/Destroyer Training Facility By Andrew Revelos Staff Reporter Aegis Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) broke ground on the Cruiser/Destroyer Upgrade Training Facility on Oct. 18 during a ceremony outside the schoolhouse located onboard Naval Support Facility Dahlgren. The ceremony marked the official beginning of construction for Military Construction Project P-290, a new 27,051-square-foot expansion to ATRC that will provide critical infrastructure to train the future Surface Force. The construction contract was awarded for $12.495 million to John C. Grimberg Company, Inc. on Aug. 19. The project is scheduled to be completed by March 2015 and will contain laboratories, classrooms, offices, meeting spaces and an auditorium. The two-story addition will be a LEED Silver certified facility. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally recognized building certification that verifies buildings and communities constructed for environmental benefit. It judges buildings based on energy efficiency, water usage and materials used.
“The last addition to our training facility was in 1999, Huchting Hall,” said Capt. Ian Hall, ATRC’s commanding officer. “Aegis ships continue to be built and with the establishment of the Cruiser/ Destroyer Modernization Program, the average number of classes held at ATRC will continue to increase. “This wing will provide the additional space required for the upgraded baseline equipment sets and classrooms needed to train our Sailors for the life of the Aegis program,” Hall said. At ATRC, nearly 650 enlisted Fire Controlmen and 550 officers graduate annually. Electronic classrooms, electronic technical manuals, and long-range connectivity allow for continued expansion of the quantity and quality of training to meet growing training requirements. ATRC’s ongoing efforts include examining new technologies and training methods for innovative, less costly ways to train to meet new challenges and needs of the U.S. Navy. Those needs continue to grow as the Navy modernizes its destroyer and cruiser fleet. There are currently more than 100 Aegis-equipped ships in service with the U.S. and allied navies. “We need greater
space as we maintain the ships we’ve got and the ships we bring into the fleet,” said Hall. “We need more space to train our young enlisted personnel and our officers here and effectively execute the nation’s missions. That’s what we’re here to celebrate. That’s why we’re expanding ATRC; it will give us additional capacity to handle our fleet’s needs.” Hall praised the effort that moved the project forward at a time when the Navy and the nation are operating on tight budgets. “I want to thank everyone who was working behind the scenes,” he said. Capt. Tony Edmunds, commanding officer of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Washington, said his command would work to ensure ATRC has the facility is needs despite ongoing budgets uncertainty. “There is no doubt that only the most important requirements have survived,” he said. “This project would not be going forward if it were not as important and as critical as it clearly is.” Though many military construction projects involve outside architects, the Cruiser/Destroyer Upgrade Training Facility was designed by the Navy. “We actually did
U.S. Navy photo by Andrew Revelos
From left to right, Skip Wichert, construction manager for Naval Facilities and Engineering Command Washington, Lt. Cmdr. Jake Segalla, director of facility engineering and acquisition division for NAVFACWASH, Cmdr. Elvis Mikel, executive officer of Naval Support Activity South Potomac, Pete Grimberg, president of John C. Grimberg Company, Inc., Capt. Ian Hall, commanding officer of the Aegis Training and Readiness Center, Capt. Tony Edmunds, commanding officer of NAVFACWASH, and Capt. Donald Schmieley, commanding officer of the Center for Surface Combat Systems, break ground on Military Construction Project P-290 at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren on Oct. 18. this design in-house with our own engineers at NAVFAC Atlantic down in Norfolk,” said Edmunds. “This is an in-house, tried and true Navy design for this facility.” Edmunds emphasized the importance of safety, quality, timeliness and cost control as the construction phase
begins and said the Navy had a “great partner” in John C. Grimberg Company, Inc. Pete Grimberg, president of John C. Grimberg Company Inc., said his company would focus on safety, schedule and satisfaction. Though unforeseen complications are a part of every major con-
struction project, he continued, Grimberg would “react and lead the way in solving issues.” “We want to be proud of a high-quality finished product,” said Grimberg. “We want to build a facility that meets and exceeds expectations.”
Friday, October 25, 2013
The South Potomac Pilot
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Dahlgren School alums reunite By Andrew Revelos Staff Writer
CARPOOL/VANPOOL WANTED Riders Needed for Vanpool from commuter lot at the corner of Houser Dr. and Rt. 208 in Spotsylvania. Depart 6 a.m., arrive on base 7 a.m. Depart base at 4 p.m. Mon. - Thurs., 3 p.m. on Fri. Drops at both sides of the base. Contact Nick Sunshine, 540-6533816. Rider wanted for 7-passenger vanpool. Departs F’burg/Gordon Rd Commuter lot at 7AM. Departs NSWCDD/Dahlgren at 4:30PM. Transportation Incentive Program System (TIPS) qualified van. Contact Antonio at (540) 653-1512 Rider seeks rideshare from La Plata to Indian Head. Call Louie, 276-971-9837 Employee moving to either Fredericksburg, Va. or Maryland is in need of commute to NSF Dahlgren. Ideal commuting arrangement would be transportation that could pick-up and drop-off at or close to place of residence. Please call for more information, Sheila 214-529-3690. Starting a Van Pool, 7-passenger van, departs NLT at 6:35 a.m. from Fieldhouse/ Courthouse Rd. commuter lot to Dahlgren, Mon-Thurs 7:15 a.m. to 3:45p.m.; Friday 7:15 a.m. to 3:15p.m. Call Cheng at 540653-5909. A-Gate commuter wanted only. Van/carpool desired from any rideshare parking area or Reston Town Center. Depart between 6 to 7a.m., return from Indian Head between 4 to 5 p.m. Call Moses, 301-743-4180. Van or Car pool desired from Fredericksburg or King George to Indian Head, Monday thru Friday with one RDO, prefer 7a.m. to 4:30p.m., but hours can be negotiated. 703-909-3380.
Want to start a carpool? Need riders? “Commuter Clearinghouse” is a source for information on carpools or vanpools that already exist and need passengers, as well as a place for employees to advertise to start a carpool or vanpool. Whether you already operate a carpool or vanpool and are open to accepting new riders or need drivers, or if you are looking for a carpool or vanpool, provide us with information that might help you find or start a commuter opportunity, such as, where you will need to commute from and to, preferred schedule and contact information. You can send your information via e-mail to nsasp_pao_dlgr@ navy.mil or contact our office toll free at 866-359-5540, or DSN 249-8153, or 540653-8153.
FREDERICKSBURG RIDESHARING GWRideConnect is a free ridesharing service that assists persons who are seeking daily transportation from Fredericksburg, Stafford, Spotsylvania, Caroline and King George counties to employment locations in Dahlgren among other employment sites. www.gwregion.org/gwride connect.html.
Alumni of Dahlgren School traveled from around the country for a reunion and tour of the base on Oct. 19. The day began with hugs and handshakes as former classmates gathered at Dahlgren School and caught up with each other. The group got a sneak peak at the Dahlgren Heritage Museum hours before its official opening and later enjoyed lunch at Gray’s Landing on the Potomac. The reunion brought together several generations of former students, some whom went to Dahlgren School before its current facility was built during World War 2. Carlton Griffin’s Dahlgren School was housed in what is today the Chapel Annex. The King George County resident “graduated” in 1940, when he and other high school students at Dahlgren School began attending the county high school. Ever since that year, Dahlgren School hosted students only through the eighth grade. The transition did not go smoothly at first. Griffin and the other transferees found out about the decision only days before the start of the new school year, as did, apparently, the administrators at King George County schools. “For two days, we couldn’t get into the school at King George,” said Griffin. “There wasn’t any space for us.” Once the logistical issues were ironed out, Griffin found his years at Dahlgren School prepared him well for his academic future. “We were ahead because we had taken a lot of subjects King George didn’t have,” he said. “We did alright.” Griffin had fond memories of Dahlgren School’s first principal, Haley Settle, who began his tenure in the 1920s and retired in the 1960s. “He was a gentleman and a good teacher,” Griffin recounted. During Griffin’s professional career, he worked for decades at the Dahlgren’s Public Works Department. He witnessed the construction of Dahlgren School and remembered touring the site. “I remember going up into the cupola on top and how nice the breeze was coming through that thing,” he said. “They didn’t have any [air conditioners] on base in those days.” His professional duties frequently took him to the current Dahlgren School, where among other responsibilities, he looked after the now-nonfunctional clock and school bell system. Griffin was surprised that the old system, which operated by means of punched paper code, still hangs on the wall. “Is that thing still in there?” he asked. “You could interchange the tape; the tape was made
Museum: Continued from page 1
thanked a long list of people for their contributions to the project. Jones called the museum “a dream come true” when the site was unveiled to Dahlgren School alumni before the ribbon-cutting. Sadly, one person who was part of the effort to establish the museum was not present. Ruth Herrink, publisher of the King George Journal and a supporter of the museum, passed away a week before it opened. “She has been with us since day one,” said Jones. “We’re so sorry she couldn’t be here for this. It was something she worked on for so long.” Jones offered special recognition for a
U.S. Navy photos by Andrew Revelos
Dahlgren School alums Sheila Wolfe and Carlton Griffin at the reunion Oct. 19. for this school system.” Griffin and his wife, Lois, who herself spent her career at Dahlgren, were looking over the clock when they were greeted by Sheila Wolfe, a Dahlgren School alumnus whose father was Griffin’s fishing buddy. Wolfe’s mother, Virginia Dahlgren Reynolds, was the first baby born on the base. Known to her friends as “Dahl,” she was born in 1919 in one of the houses by the circle not far from the school. Wolfe attended Dahlgren School until her sixth grade year and smiled as she recalled memories of riding mules on the weekend, spending time at the pool and going to dances at the Officers Club. “It was a great place to grow up,” she said. That was a theme of many reunion attendees as they embarked on a bus tour of Dahlgren. “It reminded me of a back-intime type of town,” said Corie Dickson-Jeffers, who moved on from Dahlgren School in 1983. “Everyone knew everybody and we could walk everywhere.” Jeffers and her family came all the way from Savannah, Ga., driving all night to attend the reunion. Like many alums, she had especially fond memories of the musical and theatrical productions she participated in while attending Dahlgren School. “My favorite thing about the school was the programs we put on,” she said. “The whole school was involved. I learned so much here.” As the tour progressed, oohs and ahs rang out from the entourage as the buses passed familiar sights. “That’s my house!” said Amy Kasdorf-Gonzalez, who graduated Dahlgren School in 1967 and now resides in Richmond. Of course, Dahlgren has changed in the years since many alumni saw the base. Boomtown, the residential area built during World War II in the area now occupied
by the Aegis Training and Readiness Center, no longer exists. When the last of the installation’s civilian residents moved off base in the early 1970s, many of Boomtown’s houses were moved just outside the fence line to Dahlgren Harbor, said Dr. Robert Gates, vice president of the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation and a tour guide for the reunion. “So that’s why they look so familiar,” said Gonzales, who laughed about one feature shared by just about every house on or near Dahlgren. “We never had straight pictures in the house.” The underlying cause of that particular phenomenon is Dahlgren’s main range, the source of countless booms, bangs and blasts in its more than nine decades of operation. The tour took the group through the range and offered a new perspective to at least one alumnus who last saw the range on Armed Forces Day some decades ago. “This is the first time I’ve been in front of the gun line!” said Joe Hanzel, class of 1955. Hanzel and his wife Donna journeyed to Dahlgren all the way from Stanford, Calif., to see his old classmates. That so many traveled so far to see their school and their pals is testament to the close-knit community that still exists at Dahlgren. Though much has changed, much remains the same. “[My] house over there looks exactly like it did,” said Nancy Hopkins, class of 1952, pointing to 776 Hall Road. Drizzling rain was not enough to discourage Hopkins from walking the streets around Dahlgren School, smiling cheerfully from underneath her umbrella. “I feel as safe as a baby in its mother’s arms,” said Hopkins.
Dahlgren School alumnus whose family treasures are no on display at the museum. “One of our alums deserves special thanks and that is my friend Carlton Middlebrook, from Dahlgren School, who has loaned us two very important artifacts,” he said. Those two historic items on display at the museum-a Norden bombsight and N-9 seaplane propeller-were graciously loaned by Middlebrook, son of legendary Dahlgren avionics mechanic Charles Middlebrook. The elder Middlebrook was trained by Carl Norden and inspected the bombsights bearing his name as they were delivered to the Navy, from the 1930s through World War 2. The seaplane propeller was part of a lesser known aspect of Dahlgren history. On Sept. 15, 1924, the Naval Research
Laboratory conducted the first radiocontrolled, pilotless flight from the installation, the first in the United States. The N9 seaplane was fitted with gyroactuated automatic controls adjusted by Charles Middlebrook. Though that first pilotless flight lasted less than 15 minutes, the experiment marked the first milestone on a technological path that eventually led to today’s unmanned aerial vehicles. Jones said the museum has more exhibits in store for the public in the future. “We going to be building this museum in the months and years ahead,” he said. “It’s going to be a great space to have [science and technology] programs. We also want to tell the story of the community at Dahlgren-the school and the residential areas.”
The South Potomac Pilot
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Base Happenings Dahlgren Hispanic Heritage Observance
NSF Dahlgren will hold a Hispanic Heritage Observance on Wed., Oct. 30 from 12. - 1 p.m. at the Aegis Auditorium. Guest speaker with be Rafael Landaeta, Associate Professor, Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Department, Old Dominion University. This program is open to all with base access.
Army vs. Navy Blood Drive at NSF Dahlgren
For the second year, NSF Dahlgren will host the Army vs. Navy Blood Drive Challenge. The Armed Services Blood Program team will collect blood donations from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Dec. 7 at the Community House. At the Army/Navy football game on Dec. 14 in Philadelphia, a trophy will be awarded to the service that receives the most donations. All blood collected benefits military members and their families at home, overseas, in harm’s way and recovering from injuries. Give our troops the most precious gift of all, the gift of life - give blood!
Second Tour Thrift Store Open
Starting in October, the Second Tour Thrift Store will be open from 12:30 - 3 p.m. every Thursday. The store currently has some great Halloween costumes and lots of fall and winter items available. Second Tour accepts donations of gently used items at their store on Sampson Road next to the USO. All proceeds from sales at Second Tour are donated to charities in the Dahlgren/King George and surrounding communities, and provide scholarship funds to dependents of military personnel that are or were stationed on Dahlgren. Uniforms on the porch are free and available 24/7!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Excavations Support Pipe Thickness Survey Excavations are underway through the end of October at a number of locations across Naval Support Facility Indian Head as part of survey to measure thicknesses of underground water pipes on the installation. Some segments of the water piping system date to the early 1900s. There are no expected impacts to water services or road closures. Excavations on the non-restricted side will be backfilled the same day. Excavations on the restricted side will be barricaded and holes covered up with plywood during the duration of this project. Base personnel are requested to maintain a safe distance from these sites to avoid any injuries or mishaps. Please contact the Indian Head assistant public works officer at 301-744-2153 or dennis.la@navy.mil for further information.
Dahlgren Commander on the Radio
Indian Head IH Spouses’ Club “Treasures” Thrift Store Needs Your Donations!
The Indian Head Thrift Store “Treasures” is now open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We’re sure you’ll love all the treasures you’ll find. Open to everyone - military and civilian! Come by and check us out. The store is located at 12 Strauss Ave. next door to the USO. Donations of gently used items are currently being accepted. Want to earn up to $5 in free items from the thrift store every month? Volunteer! Stop by the thrift store during operating hours or email ihspouseclub@live.com for information. To publish information on your event or program under “Base Happenings,” contact NSASP Public Affairs at 540-653-8153 or email jeron.hayes@navy.mil.
U.S. Navy photo by Gary Wagner
Capt. Peter Nette, commanding officer for Naval Support Activity South Potomac, tapes a radio interview with Frank Hammond, news director for WFLS and WNTX radio stations. The interview, which will air on Oct. 26 for the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce’s weekly Business Link feature program, highlights Capt. Nette’s military experience and topics related to military missions and activities at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, Va., where he serves as the base commander.
NSA South Potomac • Office: 540-653-8153 • 540-284-0129 www.dcmilitary.com/dahlgren
The South Potomac Pilot Newspaper is published weekly by Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing, 7 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf, Md. 20602, a private company in no way connected with the U.S. Navy, under exclusive written contract with Naval District Washington. This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the military services. Contents of The South Potomac Pilot are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple-
Capt. Peter Nette
Commanding Officer, NSA South Potomac
Gary R. Wagner
Public Affairs Officer, NSA South Potomac
ments, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation
is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office, NSA South Potomac. News copy should be submitted by noon on Friday to be considered for the following week’s edition. All material is edited for accuracy, brevity, clarity, and conformity to regulations. To inquire about news copy, call 540-653-8153 or fax The South Potomac Pilot at 540-653-4269. Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-645-9480.
Jeron Hayes
Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry
NSA South Potomac Managing Editor
Andrew Revelos Staff Reporter
Copy/layout editors, The Gazette/ Comprint Military Publications
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Friday, October 25, 2013
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MWR Highlights Liberty Center 540-653-7277
Liberty Pizza Night
October 29, 3 p.m. Eligible patrons include all with base access. Have dinner with Liberty and enjoy the newest movies. For more information, please call the Liberty Center at 540653-7277.
Liberty Tailgate Party
Every Sunday during the NFL Season at 1 p.m. Open to Liberty Center patrons only: E1- E6 single/unaccompanied active duty Military. Come over to the Liberty Center and watch your favorite team battle it out on the gridiron. Food and beverages will be provided. For more information, please contact the Liberty Center at 540-653-7277.
Friday Karaoke Night
place on Friday, November 22 at noon. The winning name picked will receive a free Thanksgiving turkey! For more information, please contact Cannonball Lanes at 540-6537327.
Youth Learn-2-Bowl
November 2, 2 - 4 p.m. Eligible patrons include children ages (5 to 12) with base access. Cost: $7.50 per child. Bowling instruction will be provided for children (ages 5-12) who want to learn how to bowl. Price includes two games and shoes. For more information, please contact Cannonball Lanes at 540-653-7327.
Fitness Center 540-653-8580
Halloween Dodge ball Tournament
Every Friday in November at 7 p.m. Open to Liberty Center patrons only Join us for music, singing and fun, every Friday in November! For more information, please contact the Liberty Center at 540-653-7277.
October 29, 4 p.m. Eligible patrons include all with base access. The new dodge ball series is starting up again! Please register at the Fitness Center anytime between now and the morning of the event. For more information, please contact the Fitness Center at 540-653-8580.
Bowling Center
General Library
540-653-7327
Costume Bowl Ball
October 30, 5 p.m. Eligible patrons include all with base access. Cannonball Lanes will be hosting a costume ball for $8.50 per person. Cost includes three games and shoes per person. Please participate in a family friendly costume! For more information, please contact Cannonball Lanes at 540653-7327.
Turkey Bowl
November 1 - 22 Eligible patrons include all with base access. Bowl a turkey, three strikes in a row, and drop your name in the box with your phone number. The drawing will take
540-653-7474
Daddy & Me Mustache Bash
October 25, 4:30 p.m. Eligible patrons include all with base access. Put on your mustaches and get ready for some fun! Make a mustache necklace and say cheese! For more information, please contact the Library at 540-653-7474.
Holiday Cards to the Troops
November 1 - 8 Eligible patrons include all with base access. Come to library and make Christmas cards to send to our troops! We will have all of the supplies you will need to make the perfect card. For more information, please contact the Library at 540-653-7474.
Trick or Treat hours for Base Residents
Capt. Pete Nette, Commanding Officer, Naval Support Activity South Potomac, has advised that trick-ortreating by children in base housing at Dahlgren and Indian Head will be held on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6 - 8 p.m.
Residents who are participating should keep their outside lights on and residents who are not participating should keep their outside lights off. Please remember that trick-ortreating on base is for children who
live on base and that children should always be accompanied by a responsible adult and every effort should be made to protect the safety of you and your children during this activity. Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Movie Theater 540-653-7336 Friday and Saturday: 7 p.m. Showings Price of Shows Civilians - $5 AD, Retired, Reserve, Family Members (E7 - above) $4 AD, Reserve, Family Members (E6 - below) - $2.50 Child (6-11) - $2; Child (5 and under) - Free Tickets for a movie shown in 3-D are an additional $1 Friday, October 25th 7 p.m., Insidious Chapter 2, PG-13 Saturday, October 26th 2 p.m., Hotel Transylvania*, PG Saturday, October 26th 4 p.m., Monsters vs. Aliens*, PG Saturday, October 26th 6 p.m., Frankenweenie*, PG Saturday, October 26th 8 p.m., Evil Dead*, R Saturday, October 26th 10 p.m., Nightmare on Elm Street 2010*, R Saturday, October 26th 11:50 p.m., Poltergeist*, R Friday, November 1st 7 p.m., The Family, R Saturday, November 2nd 7 p.m., Rush, R *The theater wants to get you in the Halloween spirit and to do that; all movies being played on Saturday, October 26th will be FREE!
Runners turn out for Dahlgren 95th Anniversary 5K Run
Over 40 runners turned out on Oct. 16 to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the first gun firing at Dahlgren. The 95th Anniversary 5k Run brought runners out to celebrate the anniversary. Runners completed the run at the Parade Field, the site of the Anniversary/Diversity Day celebration.
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The South Potomac Pilot
Friday, October 25, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
The South Potomac Pilot
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Dahlgren Celebrates 95 Years/Diversity Day
U.S. Navy photos by Andrew Revelos
Service members and employees at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren celebrated diversity and the base’s 95th anniversary at the parade ďŹ eld Oct. 16. Music, art, food and displays highlighted the diversity that helped make Dahlgren so successful through the years. The many commands and departments that call Dahlgren home displayed their contributions to national defense, as well as the various off-duty talents of employees. Local farmers also showed off some of their locally-grown produce available at the King George Farmers Market.
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Innovation: Continued from page 1
NSWCDD. A post office called “Dido” existed in the area prior to the establishment of the base, said Smith, but the Navy wanted to name the installation in honor of Adm. John Augustus Dahlgren, the father of modern
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The South Potomac Pilot naval ordnance. “So they convinced the state of Virginia to rename the post office Dahlgren, which then allowed the Navy to name the proving grounds after Dahlgren.” Smith seconded Nette’s praise for the Dahlgren Heritage Foundation. “Through your efforts, you honor then men and women who throughout the years have been pioneers in research and development efforts that have resulted in many and great solutions that have proved so vital to surface and sub-surface Navy,” he said. “Because of Dahlgren’s history museum, we have added assurance that our story will be told as we move forward in developing systems that are increasingly flexible and more effective.” Smith also thanked the communities surrounding Dahlgren for their continuing support. “Since arriving here three years ago, I have been impressed by local residents and members of the work force that have testified about Dahlgren’s integral role to the history of the surrounding region,” he said. “It is clear that this community has always worked exceptionally well with the Navy.” Two leaders from that community, Del. Margaret Ransone and state Sen. Richard Stuart, discussed the installation’s history and future. “Let me tell you, as a little boy growing up in the Northern Neck, listening to those booms, we heard those booms and we didn’t pay a bit of attention,” said Stuart. “But I’ll tell you what we did pay attention to was the fact that we had this base here in the Northern Neck and we appreciated it. We wanted it here and we all worked together to make sure the base felt welcomed and would stay here. I think that’s a critical issue.” The base also serves as a vital employer in the area. “[Dahlgren] is such a tremendous asset to this region,” said Stuart. Ransone also grew up along the Potomac River and is well acquainted with the noise. “I’m humbled to stand before so many decorated officers and military personnel and civilians and defense contractors this evening, honoring 95 years of Navy heritage based right here at Dahlgren in King George County,” she said. “Because of your hard work, we’ve been blessed with 95 years of dedicated service to our great nation.” Ransone read a proclamation from Governor Bob McDonnell declaring Oct. 16, 2013 Dahlgren Day, in recognition of the installation’s contributions to both the national defense and the commonwealth of Virginia. Ransone presented each commanding officer at Dahlgren’s commands with copies of the proclamation. The guest speaker at the anniversary ceremony is no stranger to Dahlgren. Rear Adm. Brad Hicks (Ret.) commanded Navy Air and Missile Defense Command and was the program director for Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense at Dahlgren prior to his retirement from the Navy in 2009. During his tour, he led the mission that successfully shot down a damaged satellite threatening an uncontrolled reentry into the
Friday, October 25, 2013
earth’s atmosphere. Hicks is currently a vice president at Lockheed Martin. Hicks said it was an “honor” to speak at the ceremony and pondered the challenges of Dahlgren’s past, present and future. The base’s establishment in 1918, he said, also coincided with America’s postWorld War 1 disarmament. “The Navy got real small. Only through the perseverance of families [like the] Roosevelts and some others that we maintained a Navy, per our Constitution.” When Dahlgren increased its output for World War II, anti-aircraft proximity fuses helped win the war. “Those algorithms, those mathematical models were envisioned here at Dahlgren,” said Hicks. American consumers have also benefit from research and development on the base. “Your car’s navigation system, its GPS system and the science behind it, came from [Dahlgren],” Hicks continued. “So the base has seen good times and innovated and delivered. Questioning people, men and women from engineering backgrounds all over the country came here. In 1973, there was one stoplight, I believe. If you wanted to get a good meal, other than local down home food, you were just kind of out of luck. But people persevered down here.” Hicks said the colocation of many Navy commands at Dahlgren is a major factor in the installation’s continued success, a situation set in motion by the late Rear Adm. Wayne Meyer, “father” of the Aegis Combat System. Colocation allowed engineers to work closely with the officers and Sailors that would maintain and use Aegis. “We had learned painfully that as weapons systems got more complex, if you didn’t do that, you might not get it right,” said Hicks. Meyer’s decision to base all things Aegis at Dahlgren has paid dividends to both the Navy and the base, said Hicks, but efforts to improve warfighting capability must be ongoing. “The legacy lives on. As Admiral Meyer said to the workforce down here, when everyone thought we’d reached a milestone, he’d remind them we ain’t done yet, in his Missouri drawl.” That kind of foresight and perseverance is Dahlgren’s way forward. “When you look at the innovation that’s come out this lab, it has survived good times and bad times,” said Hicks. Though the nation’s budgetary troubles and their effect on the military remains to be solved, Hicks thinks Dahlgren has a bright future ahead of it. “I will tell you that Dahlgren always stands at the top of the list of things we have to preserve.” Hicks recounted his conversations with then-Rear Adm. Mike Mullen about the prospects of locating NAMDC in Dahlgren. “Why Dahlgren?” asked Hicks. “Because again, the training, the technical excellence is here.”
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Community Notes
Great Night Out
Spooky Harvest Party
The Rotary Club of King George-Dahlgren presents a Great Night Out with the famous dueling pianos as seen at Bobby McKey’s at National Harbor on Sat., Nov. 16 from 6 p.m. - midnight at the Riverboat on the Potomac in Colonial Beach. Tickets are $40 each and include dinner and the show. Event will also include a silent auction featuring items such as sporting event tickets, restaurant certificates, YMCA memberships, vacations and more. Tickets are available by contacting kgdahlgrenrotary@gmail.com or calling Deanna Kroner, (540) 226-1252.
King George County Veteran’s Day Ceremony
Indian Head
Dahlgren
Trinity United Methodist Church, Rt. 3 in King George will hold a Spooky Harvest Party this Friday, Oct. 25 from 6 8 p.m. Enjoy a Mad Scientist’s Lab, Fortune Telling, Spooky Storytelling and a Costume Contest. Free and open to everyone!
King George County Ruritan Club will hold a Veteran’s Day Ceremony on Mon., Nov. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at King George High School Auditorium. Please come and honor our local veterans and their service to our country. This event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.
Stafford Musicians to Unite Against Hunger
Marching Band Students across Stafford County will BAND together on Veteran’s Day to fight hunger. They perform on the football field of Mountain View High School on Monday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. This will be the third event, where 400 students from each of the five Stafford high schools will perform as one as an example of working together to help others. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and concessions will be available. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food or money to donate to the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank. The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps will perform at the event. Mountain View High School is located at 2135 Mountain View Road in Stafford. All proceeds will go to benefit the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank and provide food back to the hungry of our community.
CSM Faculty Music Showcase
CSM’s Faculty Music Showcase will be held Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at College of Southern Maryland, La Plata Campus, Fine Arts Center, 8730 Mitchell Road, La Plata. Members of CSM’s music faculty plus colleagues from the communication and dance departments, as well as community friends will perform an evening of music and dance ranging in styles from classical to popular, including original works as
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well as time-tested classics. Admission is $5 in advance, $7 day of concert. For tickets, contact the box office at bxoffc@ csmd.edu or call 301-934-7828. www.csmd.edu/Arts.
Free Rabies Clinic Offered on Nov. 10
Protect the ones you love! Maryland law requires all dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated for rabies. Bring your pet to a free rabies clinic on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at Ironsides Volunteer Rescue Squad located at 6120 Port Tobacco Road, Ironsides. The clinic is sponsored by the volunteers of the Charles County Animal Response Team, Charles County Animal Control, and the Charles County Department of Health. Dog and Cat licenses will also be available for purchase. The fee for a pet license is $5 if your animal is altered; $25 is your animal is not altered. All dogs must be leashed. All cats and ferrets must be contained in a carrier. For more information about the free clinic, contact the Charles County Department of Emergency Services at 301609-3425 or e-mail Debbie Yost at YostD@CharlesCounty. org. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711, or Relay Service TDD: 800-735-2258.
Richard Gonzaludo is recognized by Rear Admiral Randall Hendrickson as NAMDC Contractor of the Quarter a recent ceremony.
Contractor of the Quarter Navy Air and Missile Defense Command recognized its Contractor of the Quarter during a recent awards ceremony here. Richard Gonzaludo, assigned to the Doctrine and Plans directorate, was recognized for his work developing joint integrated air defense command tactics, techniques and procedures. Gonzaludo collaborated with the Joint Staff, Navy commands and other military services to produce a document that provides guidance for command and control, planning and interoperability for a multiservice integrated air defense system. “Rich epitomizes the kind of diverse talent we need in the missile defense arena,” said Tom Reale, General Dynamics Information Technologies program manager.
“A career in the Air Force, his work with the Joint Staff, and the Missile Defense Agency provides him a broad perspective of needs and requirements.” Gonzaludo joined NAMDC in August 2010. He is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel with 23 years of service. His last active duty assignment was commanding a Site Activation Task Force responsible for bedding down the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense mission at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Gonzaludo is employed by General Dynamics Information Technologies. He resides in Stafford, Va., with his wife and two children. NAMDC is the Navy’s primary authority and lead organization for Naval Joint and Coalition Integrated Air and Missile Defense matters.
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Friday, October 25, 2013
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