Sppt 031315

March 13, 2015

SOUTH POTOMAC PILOT NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY SOUTH POTOMAC DEFENSE COMMUNITY

Range personnel battle harsh conditions to preserve safety

By Zack Shelby NSASP Public Affairs

Link directly to the NSASP Facebook page on your smart phone

INSIDE:

PRESORT STD US POSTAGE PAID SO. MD. NEWSPAPERS PERMIT #1

eDIVO Mobile App Available Page 2

AAs snow and extreme low temperatures made its presence felt here and seemingly everywhere else during the winter months, range operations have been altered to keep Naval Support Facility (NSF) Dahlgren, including the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Potomac River Test Range (PRTR), safe and operable.

According to Mike White, NSWCDD Range Operations Center, last fiscal year, PRTR lost 40 range days due to inclement weather. Over half of those days were lost during the winter months.

“This fiscal year started out more favorably until February,” White explained. He added that 13.5 range days were lost in February to inclement weather out of a possible 19 working days.

Losing that many range days has caused testing to slip, creating a tremendous back

log on the range schedule.

“Our workforce understands how critical it is to meet the center’s mission,” he said.

“As a result, the crews work tirelessly to battle the conditions while maintaining a high safety posture. If not for the efforts of the entire team, more range days would have certainly been lost.”

Brad Johnson, ammunition services site (referred to as the ‘Shell House’) supervisor for the NSWCDD Range Operations Branch, described the effort. “We basically use snow shovels and whatever loaders and trucks with snow blades we have available,” he said. “We just have to go out and dig the areas out.”

Johnson said it takes his entire work force a full day to get areas affected by snow dug out. He said he coordinates with the Main Range and Explosive Experimental Area (EEA) supervisors to prioritize and determine what their needs are for snow removal and those re-

Roy “Slick” Mason, Range Control, holds a landing craft steady as crews work to break up ice around their dock March 2.

lated to ammunition needs.

“We know what ammunition is needed for sched-

uled testing,” Johnson said.

“So those areas become one of our primary areas of

concern. Range Operations Center, EEA, Shell House, and Main Range employees pull together in a coordinated team effort to handle the snow removal.”

Donnie Preston, primary range control console operator at the Range Operations Center, said the ammunition routes are a primary concern.

“There are dedicated ammunition routes here on base,” Preston said. He added that ammunition routes are chosen based on certain criteria and written directives, which facilitate the safe transportation of ammunition with the least amount of impact on personnel and work areas.

These routes must be free

See Harsh, Page 7

Navy Engineer Honored with Prestigious Modern Day Technology Leader Award

By John Joyce NSWCDD Corporate Communications A Navy engineer who impacts the safety of military technologies - including the electromagnetic railgun received the 2015 ModernDay Technology Leader Award, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) announced March 11.

U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine presented its award to Tiffany Owens at the 29th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) gala during the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Global Competitiveness Conference.

“I was very excited and humbled to receive the Modern Day Technology Leader Award,” said Owens. “I’m grateful to have a chance to work on exciting projects utilizing so many new technologies in unmanned vehicles and the railgun.”

Twenty other category

award winners were also recognized at the BEYA gala for technical excellence, innovation, career advancement and diversity programs.

“Modern day technology leaders are men and women who are demonstrating outstanding performance and will shape the future course of engineering, science, and technology,” said Tyrone Taborn, Career Communications Group chief executive officer and publisher of U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine in his letter to Owens upon her selection for the award. “You and the other technology leaders are individuals whose stories of phenomenal success merit national recognition.”

The conference’s prestigious awards ceremony provided employers with the unique opportunity to acknowledge and share the achievements of minorities who are leaders in the fields of math, science, engineering, and information technology.

“The impact of the work we perform at Dahlgren is

Tiffany Owens, Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) systems safety engineer, holds her certificate after being honored with the 2015 Modern-Day Technology Leader Award at the 29th annual Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) gala. Standing left to right are Rear Adm. Anita Lopez, Deputy Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps; Dr. Kendall Harris, Dean of Prairie View A&M University’s College of Engineering; and Dr. Robin Coger, Dean of North Carolina A&T State University’s College of Engineering. so far reaching and it’s very gratifying to know that I helped to make a contribution,” said Owens, regarding the award’s recognition of her accomplishments. “I feel that it’s also important to look back, and help inspire the future generation

of scientists and engineers to pursue careers in STEM. For this reason, I do a lot of outreach, mentoring and volunteering in STEM and share what I do as an engineer so youth can see engineering as an interesting, fun and achievable career

path.”

The purpose of the BEYA STEM Conference is to shed light on the underrepresentation of all minorities in the STEM industry, and to honor the successful modern-day minority inventors, technical innovators, gifted scientists, budding engineers, and high-level managers and executives whose careers are “Going Beyond the Limits” in private industry, government agencies, and the military, and who are living proof of the benefits of opening doors to opportunity.

“We hope this certificate (Modern-Day Technology Leaders Certificate of Recognition) will validate what you must already know: that you are a special and gifted person,” Taborn added in his letter to Owens.

“This recognition will also highlight for thousands of young women and men the breadth of opportunities that await them.”

The event was hosted

by U.S. Black Engineer and

See Honored, Page 3

FREE CLASSIFIED ADS FOR MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES E-mail nsasp_pao_dlgr@navy.mil or Call (540) 653-8153

The South Potomac Pilot

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Friday, March 13, 2015

eDIVO Mobile App for U.S. Navy DIVOs and CPOs now available From Sea Warrior Program (PEO EIS PMW 240) Public Affairs The Navy launched a new app today named eDIVO, designed to provide junior officers and chief petty officers with quick access to information and resources all conveniently located within one mobile application.

The eDIVO app is the creation of two junior officers, Lt. Charlie Hymen and Lt. John Harry, who were frustrated with the arduous task of sifting through numerous websites and documents in search of military guidance. Today, their idea and determination has led to the eDIVO app, developed by the Navy and now available for free in the App Store and Google Play Store.

The eDIVO app aggregates publicly available information providing quick access to more than 44 documents and 8,300 pages of information in one convenient place significantly decreasing the amount of time it takes to search for frequently needed information. In addition, the eDIVO app works disconnected thus

enabling use anywhere, whether ashore or afloat.

“The basic concept was to design a mobile app to help division officers and chief petty officers with their day-to-day management of personnel and divisional affairs, as well as give them the tools to succeed as effective leaders,” said Hymen. “Actually seeing our app turn into a reality is very fulfilling.”

“We are thrilled to see this app launched today in both the Apple and Android platforms because we understand first-hand how this product will make life easier for the division officer,” said Harry. eDIVO is a bring-yourown-device (BYOD) tool available for smartphones and tablets, and allows the division officers to find applicable information such as basic military requirements, evaluation writing, sexual assault and harassment, legal issues, enlisted advancement, equal opportunity, and navigation basics. It is designed to help DIVOs take the appropriate steps when faced with typical situations they encounter day-to-day.

Beta testers of eDIVO have given the app positive reviews. Lt. j.g. Da-

U.S. Navy photo by Krishna Jackson

A visitor to the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association-U.S. Naval Institute (AFCEA/USNI) West 2015 convention tries the eDIVO application on a smart phone. eDIVO is a Navy division officer information and management tool for mobile devices that aggregates documents, providing easy access to the most commonly used and referenced official U.S. Navy information and resources. vid Galiyas, assistant plans and policies officer, Amphibious Squadron (COMPHIBRON) 6 said, “Instead of spending countless hours searching for instructions, forms and other essential administration, division

officers have all of the necessary tools at their fingertips, and can spend more time leading and developing their Sailors.

I can’t stress enough how much of a positive impact eDIVO will have on the Surface Navy.”

Also included with the app is a Rules of the Road quiz that includes a question bank of more than 1200 questions (and answers) ensuring that those standing watch are equipped with the resources and training they

need to keep their ships safe.

Lt. j.g. Hans Lauzen, eDIVO tester and combat information center officer, USS Essex (LHD 2) stated, “eDIVO revolutionizes the way a DIVO can work, and brings being a naval officer into the 21st century. Being able to access key publications, helpful tips, and Rules of the Road quizzes from my phone, I am able to immediately make an impact within my division. It even works on airplane mode so I can use it on the high seas!”

The division officer app was developed by the U.S. Navy Sea Warrior Program (PMW 240) and produced under an agile development process that allowed an operational utility prototype to be released within six months. This process was specifically designed to develop the eDIVO app, and future apps, on a short timeline and small budget.

Tracen Technologies Inc., a company that specializes in integrated mobile and web solutions, was the software developer.

For more news from PEO for Enterprise Information Systems Command, visit www.navy. mil/local/peoeis/.

2nd IH Joint Land Use Study public forum March 25 A second public forum will be held for the Indian Head Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) on Wednesday, March 25 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Village Green Pavilion, 100 Walter Thomas Road, Indian Head. The purpose of the forum is to present the preliminary findings and recommendations of this cooperative land use planning effort and give community members an opportunity to share their inputs.

The Indian Head JLUS, in collaboration with Naval Support Facility (NSF) Indian Head, the Town of Indian Head, and Charles County, is investigating how changes in land use around the installation could affect the Navy’s mission, as well as how current and future operations at the base may impact the surrounding areas.

“We want to share what we’ve learned with the community and get feedback,” says Project Manager Amy Blessinger, Charles County Department of Planning & Growth Management. Citizens are also encouraged to provide input by taking the stakeholder survey on the Indian Head JLUS website, www.indianheadjlus. com .

“The JLUS is as much about the process as it is the final document,” says Blessinger. “It provides an open forum for dialogue between the community and NSF Indian Head to identify and resolve any issues.”

website prior to the meeting. Compatibility issues assessed in the study include: • Land Restrictions • Noise • Community Growth • Frequency Spectrum Interference • Endangered Species and Critical Habitat • Water, Water Quality and Wetlands Protection • Historic, Scenic, and Cultural Resources and Viewshed Protection • Unexploded Ordnance and Munitions • Transport of Hazardous Materials • Marine Resources • Energy Compatibility and Availability • Security (Anti-terrorism and Force Protection) • Natural Factors • Current and Planned Range Operations • Height Restrictions • Impacts from Blasts Through the JLUS, the community and NSF Indian Head are working to identify potential conflicts and strategies to maintain compatibility between community development and Navy missions. The study’s goal is to sustain the Navy mission while supporting continued economic and community growth, as well as protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare.

A preliminary summary of compatibility factors and findings will be placed on the Indian Head JLUS

To learn more about the Indian Head Joint Land Use Study or to provide input, visit www.indianheadjlus.com or contact Project Manager Amy Blessinger, Department of Planning & Growth Management, at 301-645-0650 or BlessingA@CharlesCountyMD.gov.

The Indian Head Joint Land Use Study is sponsored

by Charles County and funded by a Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) grant.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, March 13, 2015

Honored:

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Dahlgren welcomes new NEX branch manager

Continued from page 1

Information Technology magazine, the Council of Engineering Deans of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Lockheed Martin Corp.

The three-day February conference attracted about 8,000 attendees, including students, college administrators, recruiters, engineering and IT professionals, scientists, and high-level decision-makers from the corporate, government, and military communities, in an effort to broaden diversity in this country’s technical and scientific workforces.

Attendees participated in more than 40 training and networking events focused on career development, diversity in STEM, and innovation.

“The timing of the event was not accidental,” said Dr. Eugene DeLoatch, veteran dean of the School of Engineering at Morgan State and longtime chairman of the Council of Engineering Deans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“It was planned to coincide with observance of National Engineers Week and to serve historically as a fitting tribute to those close to Black History Month.”

The 30th Annual BEYA STEM Global Competiveness Conference will be held February 18-20, 2016 at the Philadelphia Convention Center.

By Zack Shelby NSASP Public Affairs The South Potomac Pilot sat down with Naval Support Facility Dahlgren’s new Navy Exchange branch manager, Shawn Miles, and discussed his background and his goals in his new position.

How long have you been working at your profession?

I’ve been with the Navy Exchange for two years, but have been in retail for over 18 years.

How do you plan to support the commands and activities aboard Dahlgren and Indian Head?

I plan to lead my team here at the Dahlgren NEX to continue providing Premier customer service to our Active Duty, Retirees and their dependents.

What are your goals in your position?

To continue to learn and develop great partnerships with the commands here on base.

How would you describe your personality?

What should people know about you?

I’m easy going, respectful and always willing to lend a hand. I’m also a single dad of four.

One daughter and three sons, with ages ranging from 14-24.

Shawn Miles

What are some of your hobbies, interests and passions?

I love spending time with family and friends. I love traveling and fishing.

Commandant’s Corner RDML Markham Rich Commandant, Naval District Washington In the installation management business, we have two fundamental responsibilities which guide what we do: first, ours is a supporting role - we exist to provide the operations, facilities and services that ensure the success of our mission partners - their success is our success.

Second, we have an enduring responsibility, as caretakers of the resources entrusted to us, to ensure the long-term viability of our installations and ranges. As a practical matter, the installations and ranges we manage today must also serve the Navy of the future. This is why good stewardship of our resources is absolutely critical - we aren’t standing up new bases or ranges - we already have what we will have in the future. This month I will address two key areas of stewardship - environment and energy.

Environmental stewardship enables our Sailors to carry out their missions while minimizing impacts on the environment, both afloat and ashore. Here at Naval District Washington we are committed to being an environmentally responsible neighbor that operates with public health and safety and protecting the environment in mind. NDW employees, whether military, civilian or private contractor, regardless of rank or grade, are responsible for performing their duties in a manner that protects

the environment, prevents pollution, and conserves our natural and cultural resources.

Throughout the region we have a legacy of responsible care of the environment as evidenced by several environmental projects that preserve our natural and cultural resources. For example, at NSA Annapolis the Navy is proposing to repair and restore approximately 28,000 linear feet of shoreline at the North Severn Complex along Mill Creek, Carr Creek, the Severn River, and the Chesapeake Bay. The shoreline erosion in these areas is occurring at a dramatic rate, resulting in vertical embankments, threats to infrastructure, and degradation of water quality.

At NSF Dahlgren construction to the Willow Oaks Constructed Storm Water Wetland (wetland built to filter water that drains from the base to the Potomac River) at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, was completed in January to complement the already completed Upper Machodoc Constructed Storm Water Wetland nearby. Its completion brings NSF Dahlgren into compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency’s new maximum daily load rules.

The rules, which limit the amount of pollutants that enter the Chesapeake Bay in storm water, came into effect in 2012 and will become progressively stricter until 2028. Dahlgren’s storm water wetlands will put it very close to meeting the 2028 requirement. Once weath-

er permits, replanting will occur on both sides of the wetland. The area will also serve as a successful wildlife habitat with emergent wetland vegetation, shrubs and trees. The site will provide an excellent opportunity for viewing wildlife.

NAVFAC Washington is in the process of moving a historic watchbox from NSF Indian Head to the Washington Navy Yard. The watchbox was constructed ca. 1853-1854 at the Washington Navy Yard. The watchbox stood just inside the Latrobe Gate (8th and M Streets SE) and functioned as a sentry post manned

by Marines assigned to the Washington Navy Yard. In approximately 1905, the building was moved to the Naval Proving Ground at Indian Head. The watchbox is currently undergoing preparation work at Indian Head and will be moved by barge from Indian Head back to the Washington Navy Yard in March or April. It will be reinstalled in West Leutze Park and will be restored as a display piece with interpretive signage. Region wide we have completed renovations and upgrades to three waste water treatment plants to control point source discharges over the past three years. The upgrades reduced contaminant discharges of nitrogen and phosphorous releases by 74% for nitrogen and 86% for phosphorous per year.

We are also aggressively implementing storm water management upgrades to help control and filter nonpoint source discharges. We

have made improvements to shorelines, stream beds, impervious surface reductions, and storm water management structures in order to better control rain water runoff to the Chesapeake Bay. Since 2006, in Maryland we have completed projects that are estimated to gain NDW credit for 778 acres of treated impervious surface area with another 1,300 acres of projects in planning or design. This 778 acres of work represents 38% of our 2,031 acres of untreated impervious surface area. The combined in-place and planned 2,078 acres of work represents 102% of our 2,031 acres of untreated impervious surface area. These projects are just a few examples of projects occurring throughout the region that demonstrate our commitment to environmental responsibility.

Energy is a key priority of the Secretary of the Navy.

Energy security is critical to our Navy’s mission. The NDW energy program supports specific SECNAV priorities and is driven by our five pillars: energy culture, energy information, energy efficiency, renewable energy and energy security. Energy security is the bottom line.

It means having a resilient and reliable energy supply - sufficient to meet the demands of the mission. The Navy seeks to reduce energy demand and increase alternative and renewable energy supplies. So what have we done? Over the past year we completed renewable energy assessments for all of our installations and are

now moving forward with projects from our best opportunities: large solar photovoltaic projects at both Joint Base Anacostia Bolling and Naval Air Station Patuxent River. Alternative fuels is another important part of our renewable energy program and we continue to increase integration of alternative fuels vehicles and supporting infrastructure into our transportation fleets to reduce petroleum consumption, increase energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Any meaningful progress in increasing our energy security requires thinking creatively. Naval Air Station Patuxent River recently launched an energy reduction incentive contest with the goal of reducing annual energy and water usage for every eligible building on station. The top facility winner can win up to $50,000 toward facility improvements next January. NAS Patuxent River’s objective is to achieve greater energy reductions while at the same time raising awareness and improving behavior. At Naval Support Activity Washington a pilot program with the National Renewable Energy laboratory is using customizable off-the-shelf software to produce automated alerts of energy related HVAC building performance issues. The software collects, consolidates, filters and analyzes data to identify energy and operational cost reduction opportunities.

Installation of energy smart devices at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling is one

measure the installation estimates will help reduce energy cost. A $2.3 million investment has included the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with more energy efficient LED bulbs and occupancy sensors in building hallways and rooms, turning lights on only when an area is occupied. JBAB also installed electric meters that provide energy managers with the ability to monitor electric consumption in buildings.

The data collected from the meters enables the energy managers to determine the reduction in energy consumption and the amount of savings achieved. As a result of our collective efforts and commitment to continuously improve our energy posture, the NDW/ NAVFAC Washington Energy Program was recognized as a 2014 Federal Energy and Water Program Management Award Winner.

Next month’s annual Earth Day celebration is a perfect opportunity for you to get involved and help your command demonstrate positive stewardship practices.

Navy and Marine Corps commands worldwide celebrate Earth Day on 22 April and throughout the months of April and May. Earth Day activities allow commands to build relationships across command departments, with sister services and government agencies, and the local communities where we live and work. Installations throughout the region will be holding Earth Day events and I encourage your participation.

The South Potomac Pilot

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Friday, March 13, 2015

27th Annual Potomac River Watershed Cleanup Set for April 11

Base Happenings Bald Eagle Nest Survey

The Center for Conservation Biology at the College of William and Mary and Virginia Commonwealth University has been contracted to perform the annual aerial bald eagle nest survey for NSF Dahlgren and NSF Indian Head. The aerial survey will be conducted at both installations on Sunday, 15 March, between 1100 and 1500. The aircraft to be used for the survey will be a Cessna 172.

Total survey time for each installation is approximately 30-60 minutes.During the survey, the aircraft will maintain an elevation of 500 feet or greater. POCs are LCDR Dennis La (APWO Indian Head) and LT Robert DelgadoNavarro (APWO Dahlgren).

Volunteers are needed for this year’s Potomac River Watershed Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m. - Noon.

Help improve Charles County’s waterways and combat litter by volunteering in a watershed cleanup. Volunteer opportunities range from collecting litter to leading and organizing a cleanup site.

Charles County has nearly two dozen established sites and is al-

Second Tour Thrift Store, a Dahlgren Officers’ Spouses Club volunteer-run organization, offers free uniforms (gently used) for active duty military members are always available on the porch. Store profits are donated back to the community in the form of scholarships for military families who have served at Naval Support Facility Dahlgren and support for local charities serving King George County. The store is located at 722 Sampson Rd. and is open on Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Indian Head

“Treasures” Thrift Store Needs Donations

The Indian Head Thrift Store “Treasures” is open on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The store is located at 12 Strauss Ave. next door to the USO. Donations of gently used items are currently being accepted.

Barbeque Truck at IH and Stump Neck

Enjoy delicious T&J Barbeque at NSF Indian Head on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., next to the library, and at the NSF Indian Head Stump Neck Annex on Tuesday, from approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., next to Building 2195.

To publish information on your event or program under “Base Happenings,” contact Andrew Revelos at 540-653-6012 or email andrew.revelos1@navy.mil

tomac River Watershed Cleanup event will be held rain or shine.

For details, please call the Charles County Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources Division, at 301-932-3599 or visit www.potomaccleanup.org and click on find an event. Potomac River Watershed Cleanup is made possible with the support of the Charles County Board of Commissioners.

This Week in Navy History

Dahlgren

Second Tour Thrift Store

ways interested in welcoming new sites to this program.

Cleanup sites in need of volunteers: Cobb Island Chapel Point State Park (RSVP requested) Mallows Bay (RSVP requested) Marshall Hall Nanjemoy This is an excellent opportunity for students and scouts to earn community service hours! The Po-

March 13

1942 - United States Naval Forces Europe established to plan joint operations with British.

1958 - A Navy Vanguard rocket launches a 3.25-lbs. sphere from Cape Canaveral.

1959 - USS Skate (SSN578) surfaces at North Pole.

1895 - Award of the first submarine building contract goes to John P. Holland Torpedo Boat Co. 1917 - Armed merchant ships authorized to take action against U-boats.

1959 - Naval Research Laboratory takes first ultraviolet pictures of sun.

1963 - USS Albany (CG10) and aircraft from Navy Airborne Early Warning Squadron Four from Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, aid five ill crewmembers of the Norwegian freighter Jotunfjell.

March 18

1945 - Carriers begin a three-month Okinawa Campaign by destroying aircraft on Kyushu, Japan.

1974 - U.S. Navy is sent to sweep mines from Suez Canal.

March 14

1863 - Rear Adm. David Farragut’s squadron of seven ships forces its way up the Mississippi River to support Union troops at Vicksburg and Baton Rouge.

1929 - Naval Air Station Pensacola aircraft make 113 flights for flood rescue and relief.

March 15

1943 - Numbered fleet system established.

1947 - Ensign John W. Lee becomes first the African American officer commissioned in the regular Navy. He was assigned to USS Kearsage (CV-12).

1957 - Airship ZPG-2

U.S. Navy Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy Arctic Submarine Laboratory.

Three crew-members of USS Skate (SSN-578) checking the ice on deck while above the Arctic Circle in 1959. Skate surfaced at the North Pole March 17, 1959. lands Naval Air Station Key West after an 11-day nonstop flight across the Atlantic.

1966 - Establishment of River Squadron Five in Vietnam.

March 16

1911 - Hulk of USS Maine sunk at sea in deep water with full military honors.

1945 - Iwo Jima declared secure.

1966 - Launch of Gemini 8. Former naval aviator Neil Armstrong flew on this mission which completed seven orbits in 10 hours and 41 minutes at an altitude of 161.3 nautical miles. Recovery was made by USS Leonard F. Mason (DD-852).

March 17

1898 - USS Holland, the first practical submarine, launched.

March 19

1898 - USS Oregon (BB3) departs San Francisco for a 14,000-mile trip around South America to join the U.S. Squadron off Cub. 1917 - Navy Department authorizes enrollment of women in the Naval Reserve with ratings of yeoman, radio electrician, or other essential ratings.

1942 - Secretary of the Navy gives the Civil Engineering Corps command of the Seabees.

2003 - Operation Iraqi Freedom begins with Tomahawk strikes from Navy ships and submarines.

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 mem-

bers 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 supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or Southern Mary-

land 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 viola-

tion 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.

Capt. Mary Feinberg

Jeron Hayes

Andrew Revelos

Zack Shelby

Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry

Commanding Officer, NSA South Potomac

Public Affairs Officer, NSA South Potomac

Editor

Staff writer

Copy/layout editors

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, March 13, 2015

5

MWR Highlights

Dahlgren Movie Theater

for spring break camp. Spaces are limited. Cost: $4/hour for hourly care up to 25 hours per week or full time care for the week with cost based on total family income.

Karaoke Family Night

Aquatics Center 540-653-8088

Spring-Chicken Adult Swim Meet

March 20 at 5 p.m. March 13th is the last day to register!

You’re still a spring-chicken. Come out and show it! Join the Dahlgren Aquatics Center for an adult swim meet. All with base access, age 18 and older are invited! Cost: $15 to participate in four events and $5 for each additional event.

Wet & Wild Easter Egg Hunt

March 28 from 1 to 3 p.m. The Easter Bunny tripped and spilled his basket of eggs in the pool! All children ages 5 to 12, with base access are invited to the underwater Easter egg hunt. Eggs will be at different depths for different ages.

Kids MUST be able to get in the water and retrieve their own eggs in order to participate. Please register at the aquatics center by March 23rd. Cost: Regular admission.

Bingo

540-653-8785

Higher Jackpot, New Games

Thursday Evenings at the Community House. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Early Bird games start at 5 p.m. Bingo is growing and so is the excitement! The jackpot now starts at $1,000 and 48 numbers and will increase $100 and 1 number each week it is not won. Payouts for regular games start at $50. Two new games have been added for a total of 11 games. Double Action is a coverall game. Cards are an additional $1, but offer a $75 payout! MWR Appreciation is a coverall game as well for an additional $1. The payout is 90% of sales brought in for that card. Food and beverages (non-alcoholic and adult beverages) are available for purchase. All with base access are invited. Participants playing bingo must be 18 years of age or older. A valid form of identification must be shown to purchase alcoholic beverages. For more information, please contact the ITT office at 540-653-8785.

Cannonball Lanes 540-653-7327

St. Patrick’s Day Bowl

March 17 All Day! Irish or not, celebrate and wear green!

Every patron who wears green will receive one free game of bowling! Shoe rental fee applies.

9-Pin Tournament

March 21 from 6 to 8 p.m. Join Cannonball Lanes on the third Saturday of every other month for a 9-pin tournament.

9 pins count as strikes. The highest scratch wins. A prize will be awarded to the first place finisher. Please register no later than March 18th. Cost: $10/person.

March 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. All youth and their families with base access are invited to the Youth Center for karaoke.

Be a star for one night and showcase your singing talent!

Please register at the Youth Center by March 16th. Cost: FREE.

Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza

March 28 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. All children, infants to youth age 17 are invited to participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt Extravaganza! Please be on time. Parents should bring a bag or basket to collect the candy-filled eggs and as always, monitor the candy when children open them up.

There will be a Golden Egg for each age group, to receive a special prize! Age groups will be: Mobile infants to age 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 12 and 13 to17. Parents should sign up before the event. Cost: FREE.

Fitness Center 540-653-8580

St. Paddy’s Day Poker Run

March 17 at 11 a.m. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Dahlgren Fitness Center’s annual St. Paddy’s Day Poker Run! Please register at the fitness center by the morning of the event. T-shirts will be given to the first 25 registrants.

Cost: Military, Reservists and Retirees, free. All Others, $5.

Spring Intramural Sports

March 18 & 25 at 11:30 a.m. Spring sports will be starting soon! Come to the Dahlgren Fitness Center for an organizational meeting for the intramural soccer league on March 18th and an organizational meeting for the intramural softball league on March 25th. All with base access age 16 and up, and invited guests are welcome to attend the meetings and join the leagues. League costs: Active Duty, free; Retiree/Active Duty Dependent, $15; DoD Civilian, $30; Contractor/Other, $40.

General Library 540-653-7474

Storytime at the Library

Every Friday at 10 a.m. Short or tall, big or small, enjoy storytime and crafts for all! Join the General Library every Friday to read a story and make a craft. Cost: FREE.

540-653-7277

Liberty Shuttle Service

March 13 & 27 from 7 to 11:45 p.m. Liberty Center Patrons Only: E1- E6 Single/Unaccompanied Active Duty Military. Liberty is providing a shuttle service in the local area. Please call or stop in the Liberty Center to get more information.

Friday, March 13th, 7 p.m.

Seventh Son, PG-13 Saturday, March 14th, 4 p.m.

The Sponge Bob Movie: Sponge Out of Water, PG Saturday, March 14th, 7 p.m.

McFarland, USA, PG Friday, March 20th, 7 p.m.

Jupiter Ascending, PG-13 Saturday, March 21st, 4 p.m.

The DUFF, PG-13 Saturday, March 21st, 7 p.m.

Focus R

General Library 301-744-4623

One-on-One Computer Help

1st Monday of Every Month, by appointment only. Need help with a computer program? Don’t know where to start?

Sign up for your one-on-one, 30 minute session at the library to work on anything you’d like. Please call on the previous Friday to make an appointment.

Storytime at the Library

2nd and 4th Tuesday of Every Month at 10 a.m. Join us at the library every other Tuesday for a story and a craft!

Liberty Center 301-744-4524

Donut Day

March 20 at 11 a.m. Take a break at the Liberty Center with donuts, juice and coffee! Free while supplies last.

Bubble Soccer

March 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. There’s a new game in town: Bubble Soccer! A blast to watch and play!

301-744-4761

Strike It Green

March14 from 5 to 10 p.m. Wear your green and bowl 2 games for free! Open to all with base access.

Weight House Fitness Center

Give Parents a Break

At the Youth Center. Register now at the Youth Center

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

Stars & Strikes Bowling Center

CDC 540-653-4994 YAC 540-653-8009

Spring Break Camp

Price of Shows

Liberty Center

Child & Youth

At the Child Development Center. Eligible patrons include all children 6 weeks to 5 years of age (not in kindergarten). The CDC is offering extended hourly care scheduled for the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month and the 2nd Saturday of each month. This care is free with a respite care referral and $4/hour for all other eligible patrons. Please call the center for more information and to register.

540-653-7336

Child & Youth CDC 301-744-4458

Easter Egg Hunt

March 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Youth Center. Egg Hunt Begins at 11:30 a.m. Enjoy an egg hunt, music, games, crafts, pictures with the Easter Bunny and much more! Free for all with base access.

301-744-4661

St. Patrick’s Day 5K

March 17 at 11 a.m. Use the luck of the Irish to predict your 5K time and win the pot of gold. All Leprechauns are welcome but no watches or time trackers please. Prize for 1st and 2nd closest predicted times and for best dressed leprechaun. Open to all with base access ages 10 and up.

Parent signature is required for youth under age 18. Cost: Military, free; All Others, $5.

The South Potomac Pilot

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Friday, March 13, 2015

Community Notes Dahlgren Fly-Tying Marathon at the National Museum of the Marine Corps

March 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A river “doesn’t” run through it, but you can bring your own supplies and tie flies or watch others in this fly-tying marathon to benefit Project Healing Waters. Free admission, free parking.

Moncure Elementary Clothing Sale

March 21 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Moncure Elementary School in Stafford. This is the oldest and largest 2nd hand clothing sale in Stafford. The Clothing Sale proceeds go to benefit the students of Moncure Elementary School. Patrons will find Strollers, highchairs, clothes (newborn -teen), bedding, shoes (all sizes), toys (puzzles, stuffed animals, games),electronics (video games, DVDs, videos), books, accessories (belts, hats, purses), and furniture (dressers, cribs, pack-n-plays).

From 7 to 11a.m. - regular sale, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.--closed. From 12:30 to 2 p.m.--discount sale period.

Gospel Fest 2015

March 21 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Fredericksburg Christian Upper School Gym. This is the sixth annual Fredericksburg Gospel Fest Choir concert. Multi-generational, multi-denominational, cross-cultural celebration of gospel music. Under the direction of Mrs. Elaine B. Ramos, the Gospel Fest Choir is a 200+ member choir which performs with a live band and orchestra. This is a night for the whole family!

Fredericksburg Spring Home & Garden Show

March 13- 15 at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. This will be the 10th annual Spring Home Show and always features the latest trends in home and garden design and advice from the area’s top home related professionals. The Expo Center will be transformed into a virtual Garden Oasis. You will be able to walk through the gardens see the fish in the ponds listen to the waterfalls pick out your new fire pit or imagine the outdoor entertainment area of your dreams. About 200 exhibitors will be showcasing their newest and best products to service your house. Just about every facet of the home industry is represented. Get out of the house and be inspired at the Fredericksburg Spring Home and Garden Show. Door cost: $10, Online: $9, Senior: (60+) $9, Kids: Free.

Fredericksburg Spring Arts & Crafts Faire

March 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Expo Center. Visit the 9th Annual Fredericksburg Spring Arts & Crafts Faire to get all of your gift shopping done in one place. Vendors will display their handcrafted artwork pottery bath products jewelry woodwork gourmet foods and so much more. You’ll have a blast searching for unique gifts but don’t forget a very important person on your shopping list: you! This event is free.

Trash to Art Contest at Caledon State Park

April 18 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Environmentally- and artistically- minded volunteers

sought for the 4th annual Trash to Art contest. Volunteers spend the morning collecting trash and helping to keep the shoreline at Caledon State Park pristine. In the afternoon, artist-volunteers will compete as they turn the trash they collected into creative, whimsical works of art. Art will be judged and prizes awarded to winners in several categories. This event is a partnership between Caledon State Park and these organizations: Fredericksburg Center for the Creative Arts (FCCA); The Alice Ferguson Foundation; and the Dahlgren Chief Petty Officers Association. Participants should wear shoes appropriate for walking in areas with broken glass and rusty nails. Prepare for sun exposure with hats, long sleeves, and sun screen. For the creative part of the event participants also are asked to bring basic supplies and tools, such as lightweight wire, string, utility scissors, pliers or wire cutters and a hole punch or awl. Registration for the event is required. Contact the park via phone at (540) 663-3861 or email iam.simleface@va.metrocast.net indicating: your name, phone number, and number of persons in the your party.

NSBE 5K Run

The National Society of Black Engineers Potomac River Professionals and the King George Family YMCA presents “STEMulate Your Body! 5K Run/Walk and Healthy Kids Day Race”. This event will be held on Saturday, April 25 in King George. Walk or Run to STEMulate Your Body on a 3.1 mile course which takes you through the scenic county of King George. The kid’s race is on the same course but is 1 mile in distance.

All proceeds from the 5K Run/Walk event will benefit both organizations efforts to stimulate and develop children’s interest in the various science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines. Refreshments and great entertainment will be provided! Please consider supporting the 5K Run/Walk event by signing up today at: http://www.stemulateyourbody.com/

Indian Head Greenwell Camp Registration

Registration opens for all Greenwell Foundation Spring Break and Summer Camps on March 1. Camps include something for every child and are based at Greenwell State Park in Hollywood, Md. Camp Greenwell and Horse Camp are offered this year during the Spring Break from St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Camp Greenwell, Horse Camp, Fishing Camp, Kayak Fishing Camp, Adventure Camp and Evening Exploration offered during nine weeks of summer. Before and after extended care available. Drop-in after care available too! For dates, rates and reservations, visit www.greenwellfoundation.org.

Our Lady of the Wayside Pancake Dinner

March 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Wayside Church. Prices are $10-Adults $6-Children 6-12 and Children 5 and under are free. The menu includes Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, coffee and orange juice. Carry outs are also available.

For more information please contact Brenda Russell at 301-247-1871 or rsbrssll@aol.com.

Family Camping at Tilghman Lake Park

The La Plata Town Council has approved

six family camping dates for 2015 at Tilghman Lake Park. The first two dates are Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. Space is limited to the first 50 registrants each date. If you are among the first 50 registrants, a parking pass will be mailed to you to allow overnight parking in the parking lot behind the restrooms. If you sign up too late, your parking pass fee will be returned to you. Please sign up by Tuesday, March 17 to allow time for mailing the parking pass. Camping is only permitted in Tilghman Lake Park on select days, and participants are required to obtain one of the limited parking passes. Overnight visitors who do not display the parking pass may be towed. For more information, visit www.townoflaplata.org.

Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival

March 13 and 14 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. Over 60 beers, 40 bourbons, lots of barbeque, live music and more. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an all-you-care-to-taste sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music all day. For more information, visit www.beerandbourbon.com/maryland/ show-info.

Farm to Table Breakfast

March 21 from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Calvert County Fairgrounds. The Calvert County Farm Bureau and Calvert County Young Farmers are hosting a Farm to Table Breakfast in celebration of National Agricul-

ture Week. Tickets are $12, children six and under are free. Breakfast will feature locally sourced meats, eggs, preserves and honey from Calvert County Farms as well as dairy and other products from Maryland farms.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Calvert County Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund and young farmer leadership programs. For more information, visit www.calvertfarmbureau. com.

Hiking Trail Maintenance Day

March 28 from 9 a.m. to noon at the American Chestnut Land Trust. 676 Double Oak Rd., Prince Frederick. Come out for a fun morning with ACLT as we spend a few hours to help clear winter away from our trails. Volunteers needed for building projects, sign placement, and general trail maintenance. Fun people, laughter, water, equipment and a free picnic lunch will be provided! Register at acltweb. org.

Mount Aventine at Chapman State Park

April 5 through October 25 between 3 and 5 p.m. at 3252 Ferry Place, Indian Head. Tours of the 1750s manor house, guided nature walks, history presentations and children’s activities.

Preserved in 1998 by the State of Maryland’s Program Open Space (POS), Chapman State Park stretches from the Potomac River to Mattawoman Creek, in western Charles County.

The park is a dramatic reminder of the great woodlands that once cradled the Potomac tidewater region. For more information, visit http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/chapman.aspx.

The South Potomac Pilot

Friday, March 13, 2015

7

Harsh: Safely accomplishing the mission, coming back the next day ready to roll Continued from page 1

of all ice and snow before they can be utilized. Public Works performs the majority of the snow and ice removal on these routes.

Johnson said there are a host of issues related to the weather.

“You go out the first day after it has snowed and clear everything off, but then as the snow starts to melt off the buildings and falls onto the magazine ledges, it melts and refreezes,” he said. “Then you have to go back out the next day and chip ice. We then coordinate with Public Works to come out to salt and sand because the snow that had been pushed off the previous day melts back into the road and freezes at night, making driving conditions more treacherous.”

The challenges don’t stop there.

“While that’s happening, you also have the folks at Main Range and EEA clearing ranges, weapons, test equipment and operating buildings,” Preston said. “We have to be able to safely access everything that we would normally access, including the roads to close up our barricades and to close the ranges up for testing operations.”

Not only are there landbased issues, but range personnel must also account for water-based issues when it comes to ice and freezing weather conditions.

“Our range boat personnel are simultaneously try-

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U.S. Navy photos by Andrew Revelos

Radar is encased in ice on a range boat on March 2. Crews worked tirelessly to free boats and instrumentation of ice and keep the range open for test operations. ing to clear ice and snow and possible debris from the entire dock area including the boat ramp, as well as the range vessels needed to clear the firing range during test operations,” Preston said. “When we have ice like we do right now, they have to break that ice up around all the boats and docks in hopes that it will float out with the tide, so we can resume normal operations.

During severe cold weather, an extraordinary amount of extra effort goes into trying to ensure that we have all equipment up and running, including boat engines, on-board generators and bilge pumps, to name a few things. The goal is always to be ready to go out and clear the range for test operations, but the harsh winter conditions prevent that from happening at times.”

Johnson said that barge ammunition runs to EEA, conducted on Range Control’s two landing craft, are

The show goes on: after a few days of warming temperatures, crews use a landing craft to break through ice on Upper Machodoc Creek and open the Potomac River Test Range for test operations. Over the course of several hours, the crew slowly but surely achieved their goal.

Large chunks of ice broken up by one of the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division’s two landing craft; the truck in the background provides some size scale. Ice was as thick as eight inches along parts of the Potomac River Test Range as winter wound down. more difficult when ice is present.

“You don’t just break a small path,” Johnson said.

“You have to break the ice up enough to allow sufficient room for a second vessel to assist if the barge carrying the ammunition was to have a mechanical problem or it started taking on water. There has to be enough room around the barge for the stand by vessel to approach and maneuver as needed.”

Preston added that contingency plans must be in place for all of our range operations, “We place a safety buffer on everything we do here, and safety for

our personnel comes first.

Snow and ice pose an obvious added risk”.

Range supervisors and personnel plan in advance for harsh conditions. “We do try to plan ahead of time,” Johnson said.

“We’re ready,” says Johnson. “People are here during the night time, if needed. They’re salting and sanding roads if they know it’s going to snow. If they need to start doing shift work to keep us going so we can test sooner, that’s what we’re going to do. We have a contingency plan for folks to get out and get the snow and ice removed.”

Preston said everyone just wants to safely do their job, accomplish the mission at hand, go home and come back the next day ready to roll.

“You have to be on point at all times; there is no room for waffling when it comes to safety,” Preston said.

“We, as a group have to be ready to make clear, decisive, and sound decisions based upon the mission at hand.”

[Editor’s note: the author thanks Donnie Preston, Brad Johnson and Mike White for contributions to this article]

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The South Potomac Pilot

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BUILD YOUR CUSTOM HOME

5

YYear ear Anniversary

Celebration Celebration MARCH 14 • 10-6

MUSIC BY JUKEBOX MEMORIES The Candy Lady • Raffle Drawing BBQ by Kittrells BBQ & Ribs

Best Dressed 50s style costume wins $25 gift certificate!

We’re 8 miles over the bridge!

RiverCreek is 22.5 miles West of the Harry Nice Bridge (Rt 301).

YOU go West of Rt 301 for 4.6 miles and turn right (west) on Rt 206 for 9.3 miles, turn right (West) on Rt 3 for 8.7 miles. RiverCreek in on the left (South side of Rt 3).

9600 James Madison Pkwy Route 301, King George, VA

540-625-2006

Friday, March 13, 2015

Check out what’s happening at all Military Installations around MD/DC/VA!

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www.uniqueantiquesmall.net Unique Antiques

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Go to

DCMilitary.com 1034330

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