Tester 021915

TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Vol. 72, No. 7

Vinson Welcomes Support Team Page 2

Bloodsworth Island Off Limits Page 3

Peer Choice Award Page 11

Celebrating 71 Years of Community Partnership

February 19, 2015

Pax marks Black History U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

Diners place orders recently during a visit to the River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center (RECCC) at NAS Patuxent River. RECCC is offering a free, on-base shuttle service for their guests. Shuttle services are scheduled to start March 2.

River’s Edge launches free shuttle service

By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center understands that parking on NAS Patuxent River can sometimes be a challenge. For this reason, River’s Edge is offering a free, on-base shuttle service for their guests. Shuttle services are scheduled to start March 2.

“We wanted more customers and realized some people didn’t want to relinquish their parking spots so we came up with a plan to get them here,” said Laura Monto, River’s Edge general manager.

“We’ve heard a lot of positive feedback since the change was announced, and our customers are

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

Capt. Heidi Fleming, NAS Patuxent River commanding officer, speaks to attendees of the Black History Month ceremony at Lincoln Military Housing Community Center Feb. 11. The ceremony featured several speakers, musical tributes and presentations. This year’s theme is, “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture.”

See River’s Edge, Page 4

Energy Culture: Changing behavior through awareness

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

T

he Navy’s Energy Warrior webpage says it best: Energy is our greatest enabler and our greatest vulnerability. Our ability to keep ships and aircraft on station and in the fight is directly tied to decisions we make every day that affect how much energy we use. Ashore, every kilowatt hour we save makes us more resilient and more able to support the warfighter.

NAS Patuxent River — where NAS Commanding Officer Capt. Heidi Fleming reported that last year alone, the installation’s utility bill was approximately $34 million — has embraced Naval District

Washington’s comprehensive Five Energy Pillars program, with the first of those pillars being Energy Culture.

Energy Culture is described as the shared vision serving as the foundation of the energy program. With naval leadership calling on all personnel to take it upon themselves to use energy wisely, educating and involving those personnel becomes an important component.

“It’s all about awareness,” said Karl Bryan, installation energy manager. “We want to influence people’s behavior by bringing energy consumption and conservation to the forefront. We want to make it part of their everyday routine.”

A number of methods are being employed at Pax River to accomplish that task, including engaging tenant command leadership thorough monthly Energy Management Team meetings and quarterly Energy Conservation Board meetings; and through the use of Building Energy Monitors (BEM), who are posting monthly facility usage information throughout their buildings.

“BEMs help coordinate repairs and maintenance and have the ability to monitor building consumption and identify potential energy projects for future development,” Bryan explained. “They also provide a personal contact for employees with energy

Serving by Conserving

NAS Patuxent River Energy Incentive Contest:

For information and rules, and to see if your building is eligible, visit www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/ndw/installations/ om/energy.html.

Become an Energy Warrior The Navy has launched an Energy Warrior app to look at some of its most pressing energy challenges. Available for iOS and Android devices. Search U.S. Department of Navy Energy Warrior for the website link. concerns or questions.”

A public relations campaign is also underway using various communications tools. Energy savings reminders and tips can be found on the base marquees, in the NAS Plan of the Week, on Facebook and in Tester,

which will continue to include articles on how people can and should contribute to energy and water usage reductions.

Also launched last month was the energy reduction incentive contest, where the top three Pax buildings to re-

duce their annual energy and water use can win as much as $50,000 toward facility improvements next January.

“Each pillar of the five pillar program has multiple approaches to help support setting a goal and moving forward toward meeting that goal through knowledge and cooperation,” Bryan said. “All of these efforts will hopefully increase energy awareness and encourage our workforce to conserve as part of their daily routine. Resources are not infinite, they are limited.

We all must adopt a conservationist mindset to combat waste and save energy. We can’t perform our mission without energy.”

Tester

2

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Pax turns into winter wonderland Check out photos of the first major snowfall of the year in our area.

Parts of St. Mary’s County received between six-10 inches in less than 24 hours.

Be sure to check next week’s Tester for an article on how base delay decisions are made.

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Aviation Structural Mechanic Jeff Bucklin

USS Carl Vinson welcomes squadron support team

By USS Carl Vinson Public Affairs

M

embers assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, based at NAS Patuxent River embarked aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to ensure the ship and its aircraft’s Precision Approach Landing System (PALS) and Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) are operating at their full capabilities, Feb. 1.

Normally the VX-23 crew will maintain both systems before a ship departs for deployment and upon its return to homeport, but due to the length of Carl Vinson’s current deployment, experts felt the need to inspect Vinson’s systems before the ship returned home.

“This was a very unique opportunity for NAVAIR and the ship,” said Lt. Matthew Dominick, VX-23 Carrier Suitability Department

project officer. “We were able to conduct flight tests while having no impact on the ship’s mission readiness and its support of Operation Inherent Resolve.”

During their visit, the team conducted 21 fully automatic coupled landings with a 100 percent completion rate.

“Complex pieces of equipment such as these require a unique amount of maintenance,” said Kevin Nolin, NAVAIR Patuxent River senior technical specialist. “If we receive news that the systems aren’t as accurate as they should be, we have the capacity and experience to address and fix any problem that may arise. We are confident that both systems will be fully functional throughout the duration of the ship’s current deployment.”

See Vinson, Page 6

U.S. Navy photo

Lightning flashes over the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as the ship transits the Arabian Gulf. Carl Vinson is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the region.

Tester

Thursday, February 19, 2015

3

Past, present and future of a Chesapeake island

By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Located in the Chesapeake Bay about 18 miles southeast of NAS Patuxent River, Bloodsworth Island had its share of owners before the Navy acquired it over 70 years ago.

According to the Cultural Resource Survey of the Bloodsworth Island Archaeological District, the first recorded ownership of the island dates back to George Thompson of St. Mary’s County in 1672. From that time throughout the 1700s, the island passed ownership in whole or in parcels to various individuals until, finally, in 1799, Robert Bloodsworth, Sr. became the sole owner of what was then known as Thompson’s Island. It wasn’t until sometime around 1850 that the island became known as Bloodsworth.

Family members, oystermen by trade, inhabited

the island until 1918 when the last residents relocated to the Dorchester County mainland.

In 1921, the island was purchased by Albanus Phillips of the Cambridge, Maryland-based Phillips Packing Company, which, among other items, packed food rations for the military during World Wars I and II. No canning factories were ever erected on the island, but small crab houses operated there. In 1923, it was transferred to The Bloodsworth Island Game Preserve and ultimately acquired by the Navy, July 1942, during World War II.

Navy ownership Bloodsworth Island is part of the combined 6,013-acre Bloodsworth Island Range (BIR), comprising four islands: Adam, Northeast, Pone and Bloodsworth, the largest, at approximately 5,300 acres. A fifth island, Grand

Cove, was formerly part of the BIR, but is now completely submerged.

“Back in the 1940s, in the WWI timeframe, the Navy utilized the island as a bombardment range and they were shooting and dropping ordnance on there for a long time,” explained Chris Jarboe, Atlantic Test Ranges (ATR) Sustainability Office team lead. “It was in continuous use for operations until 1996.”

With the exception of a no-fire zone on the northern part of the island — the location of a historic Bloodsworth family cemetery — the island was designated as an impact zone for naval and aircraft bombardment.

During that period, both live and nonexplosive ordnance was fired or dropped on impact areas on Bloodsworth and Pone Islands, and a range-spotting tower was constructed on Adam Island to provide scoring capability.

In 1996, the decision was made by Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk, Virginia, to cease range impact operations, and the island stood abandoned for a number of years.

“At one point, there was discussion to turn it over to the fish and wildlife service, but it was determined it could be an asset to us,” Jarboe explained. “So Little Creek transferred it and we took over ownership in March 2001.”

With that transfer of ownership, management of the island became the responsibility of the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division and NAS Patuxent River.

In 2005, the Navy conducted an environmental assessment to open up the range again for military operations, but Eastern Shore residents pushedback against the idea.

“The Navy paid attention and while it is

still considered an active range, we no longer do impact operations out there,” Jarboe said.

Current operations at the BIR involve the test and evaluation of aircraft, including their flying qualities and performance, propulsion, aircrew and mission systems; electronic warfare; search and rescue; flight crew proficiency; and evaluation of radar systems, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned combat aerial systems (UCAS) sensors, night vision systems, directed energy systems and other electronic systems.

What lies ahead Salt water encroachment — due to rising sea level — is inundating the island, leaving the ground wet and spongy, with waves continuing to wear away its shoreline. Environmental studies indicate the island is eroding at a rate of about 7.5 acres per year.

The increased salinity in the soil has dramatically changed the landscape, killing off large trees and reducing the number of suitable nesting sites for Great Blue heron which gather there.

In an effort to assist the heron population, the Navy, along with the help of other environmental organizations, designed and erected man-made nesting platforms in 2002 which, today, still help support a large heron rookery on the island.

“When you approach by boat, you see [vegetation] but have to get right up on top of it to see land because it’s maybe only a foot above the water,” Jarboe said.

“The highest point on the island is only about five feet above high tide.”

Environmental estimates suggest that within 300 years, Bloodsworth Island will be completely submerged by the Chesapeake Bay.

Bloodsworth Island Range: Off limits to the public

By Shawn Graham NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

Bloodsworth Island Range (BIR) has been a Navy range for more than 70 years and consists of five islands: Bloodsworth, Pone, Adam, Northeast, and the submerged Great Cove Island. The bombing and bombardment has left the island a dangerous place for visitors.

“When you walk out there, you can find small impact craters from errant rounds,” said Chris Jarboe, Atlantic Test Ranges Sustainability Office team lead.

“The ships would set up out in the Bay and launch in at the island. Probably 10 targets are still on the island and more are located in the water several hundred yards off beach.”

From 1942 to 1995, the Navy used the range as a shore bombardment and bombing range for firing and dropping live ordnance from ships and aircraft. This included bombs, small and large caliber ammunition, rockets, and missiles that contained explosives, propellants, and other energetics.

Unexploded Ordnance Military munitions that

U.S. Navy photo

Unexploded ordnance comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are dangerous and may not be easily recognizable. Never touch, move, or disturb a munition or suspect munition. were used but did not explode are called unexploded ordnance. Unexploded ordnance is dangerous and can cause serious injury or even death. Due to the presence of unexploded ordnance on BIR, access is not permitted.

For your own safety, there is no trespassing on land or in adjacent waters within 75 yards of BIR without the express consent of the Navy. There are two potential risks associated with these and any underwater munitions: immediate detonation or exposure to toxic chemical agents and long-term prolonged exposure.

“There is still unexploded ordnance out there,” Jarboe explained. Before you can go out, we have safeguards set up. You must schedule

U.S. Navy graphic

Prohibited areas Federal law prohibits trespassing in areas shown on the map above.

• All land • Waters within 75 yards of land • Waters within a circle 0.5 mile in radius on the west side of Bloodsworth and Pone Islands Entering these areas is unsafe due to the presence of unexploded ordnance and anyone found within the prohibited areas can be prosecuted under U.S. Code Title 18. travel to the island through ATR and then you must have unexploded ordnance awareness training.”

An Active Range Although

the

Navy

continues to voluntarily cease impact operations at BIR, including the dropping of live and inert ordnance, it is still an active military range owned and managed by NAS

Patuxent River. Unexploded ordnance can be found on the range and in near shore waters. While BIR is considered off-limits, citizens can still hunt and fish in nearby waters with the proper state issued permits.

Fishing & Hunting near BIR Waterfowl hunting is only authorized by Maryland Department of Natural Resources permit at designated sites in the waters around the islands. At no time may hunters set foot on BIR land. A complete description of the permit

application is available from Maryland DNR. In addition to the prohibited areas, the surrounding waters are part of a restricted military area called a Surface Danger Zone (SDZ). Fishing, crabbing, and boating are allowed in the waters of the SDZ but users must vacate during military operations. Due to submerged obstructions, use extreme caution when navigating the waters around BIR. For more information, please contact NAS Patuxent River public affairs office at 301-757-6748.

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

Carter swears in as new defense secretary

RIVER’S EDGE Continued from 1

By Cheryl Pellerin DOD News, Defense Media Activity

With his wife, Stephanie, holding the Bible upon which he swore to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, Ash Carter took the oath of office as the 25th secretary of defense in a ceremony at the White House Feb. 17.

Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath in the Roosevelt Room, characterizing Carter as a genuine scholar of strategic military affairs and nuclear weapons policy and as a profoundly capable manager “with universal respect and affection from the people you work with, reflected in a near-unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate.”

“For me,” Carter said after taking the oath, “this is the highest honor, to be the 25th secretary of defense. I’m grateful to [President Barack Obama] and the vice president for your trust and confidence, and to the U.S. Senate as well for their trust and confidence.”

Attending the ceremony were Carter’s son, Will, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., members of Carter’s transition team, and several men and women in uniform.

A Driving Intellectual Force In his introduction, Biden called Carter a “physicist and a genuine expert on the acquisition and technical capabilities that are going to help guarantee the U.S. military is second to none in the world.”

Carter has a driving intellectual force behind all he does and all the administration has been doing, the vice president added, including strengthening

DOD photo

Vice President Joe Biden, left, swears in Ash Carter as the 25th defense secretary as Carter’s wife, Stephanie, looks on during a private ceremony at the White House, Feb. 17. the nation’s cyber capabilities, improving the way the Pentagon does business, and implementing the Asia-Pacific rebalance, including deepening defense cooperation with India.

“Most important of all, you’ve been a fighter,” Biden told Carter, “like the men and women in uniform here today, for the women and men who serve in uniform.”

The defense secretary, like his predecessor, Biden added, “understands that while this country has many obligations, it only has one truly sacred obligation, and that’s to equip and protect those we send to war, care for their families while they’re there, and care for them and their families when they come home.”

Tough Missions Ahead Many tough missions lie ahead, the vice president said, from fighting against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, strengthening NATO, and rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific region, to maintaining the nation’s technological edge and continuous efforts to make the most out of every dollar invested in defense.

“Dr. Carter,” Biden said, “as you take leadership of the greatest military in

the history of mankind, . you do so with the confidence of everyone in your building, confidence of the United States Senate, confidence of President Obama and me, and so many other people who admire your work.”

Carter thanked his wife and children, his transition team and the team he joins at the Pentagon, including Work, Dempsey, Winnefeld and others.

The defense secretary characterized the defense of the nation as “the highest calling,” and he made three commitments to the men and women of the Defense Department, to the president and vice president, and to his fellow citizens.

Three Commitments “The first is to help our president make the best possible decisions about our security and the [world’s] security, and then to ensure that our department executes those decisions with its long accustomed competence and effectiveness,” he said.

While dealing with challenges to national security, Carter said, he wants to help the nation’s leadership grab hold of opportunities that lie before the country, and to help make the world safer and a bet-

ter place for the next generation.

“My second commitment is to the men and women of the Department of Defense, whom I will lead, to reflect in everything I do and to honor the commitment and dedication that brought them into service,” Carter said, “and to protect their dignity, their safety, their well-being, [and] to make decisions about sending them into harm’s way with the greatest reflection and care.”

A Force for the Future Carter’s third commitment was to the future, he said, “to building a force for our future that involves not only securing the resources we need but making...the best use of the taxpayers’ dollar, making sure we embrace change so that years from now,... we continue to be a place where America’s finest want to serve, and a place that is a beacon to the rest of the world.”

As Obama enters the fourth quarter of his presidency, the defense secretary added, “these commitments,...I think, will help me help him and help the vice president to ensure that those years are productive, and that they leave our country’s future in the best possible place — in the best possible hands.”

excited. Everyone will be happy with the service.”

“This will appeal to many people across the base,” Monto said.

“We are initially starting with three stops but plan to expand to 10,” explained Monto. “The first three stops will be Atlantic Test Ranges, Building 2187 (South Engineering) and Building 2185 (North Engineering). We want to keep people inside the gate so they won’t have to leave the base for lunch.”

Monto, who has been a food service professional for more than 20 years, said the changes happening at River’s Edge are geared to make River’s Edge operations and patronage even stronger.

“We have to think carefully about all of our programs and what methods are most effective to keep River’s Edge operating at peak efficiency,” she said. “Our team wants to please our customers and meet all their needs. We have even started a pro-

• Shuttle bus can accommodate 23 passengers • Shuttle service will arrive at the predetermined pick up sites and continuously loop from the sites to River’s Edge • Open to all military and civilian employees who work aboard Pax gram for our active duty service members.”

Monto said River’s Edge started giving servicemembers in uniform 10 percent off of their meals about a month ago.

“Providing an affordable service for our troops is very important,” she said. “They sacrifice a lot and should be taken care of. This service offers them a convenient place to buy nutritious and reasonably priced food.”

For questions about any of these changes, contact Monto at 301342-3241.

PSD Corner

Navywide Advancement Exams will be held March 5 at Center Stage Theater

Doors open at 6:30 a.m. As a reminder, worksheet signing is in progress for all exams and worksheets must be signed prior to testing unless permission is granted from the ESO. Good luck to all candidates. For more information please contact the base ESO Diane Sherkow at 301-342-7305.

Change in leave policy As of Sep. 30 any military leave accrued over 60 days will be lost. The policy for special leave accrual for service members assigned to hostile fire or imminent danger areas and certain deployable ships, mobile units, or smaller units remains unchanged. For further information reference NAVADMIN 026/13, or call PSD customer service at 342-7303.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River • tester@dcmilitary.com • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver The name Tester is a registered mark in the state of Maryland.

This paper is published by Comprint, Inc., 9030 Comprint Ct., Gaithersburg, Md. 20877, 301-948-1520, a private firm 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 Tester are not necessarily the official views of, nor endorsed by the U.S. Government, the DoD, or the Department of the Navy. The appear-

ance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the DoD 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. News copy should be submitted

by 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 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301-863-9296.

Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.

Capt. Heidi Fleming Commanding Officer Capt. Scott Starkey Executive Officer CMDCM Jeffrey Owejan Command Master Chief Connie Hempel Public Affairs Officer

Shawn Graham Public Affairs Specialist Donna Cipolloni Staff Writer Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry Copy/layout editors

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Tester

Thursday, February 19, 2015

5

ACCOLADES AROUND THE AIR STATION

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Carr U.S. Navy photo

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Rico Harris

Newly promoted Cmdr. Branton “BJ” Joaquin and his wife, Angie Soto-Joaquin, get ready to cut a celebratory cake after his promotion ceremony Jan. 29 at the Rivers Edge Conference Center at NAS Pax River, Md. Joaquin is the deputy assistant program manager for Systems Engineering in the Common Aviation Support Equipment Program Office (PMA-260).

Larry Wolfe, left, receives a Secretary of the Navy career service award from Gary Kurtz, assistant commander, Corporate Operations and Total Force, Feb. 12. Wolfe, who was thanked and recognized for 40 years of service, began his career as a mechanical engineer at Naval Air Rework Facility North Island, Calif., now known as Fleet Readiness Center Southwest. Wolfe currently serves as the Logistics element manager for facilities at Patuxent River, Md.

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Daniel Day, left, administers the oath of enlistment to U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Nicholas Brown during Brown’s promotion ceremony Feb. 2 at the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md. Brown works as the Reconfigurable Transportable Consolidated Automated Support System (RTCASS) ancillary program manager in the Common Aviation Support Equipment Program Office (PMA-260).

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

Capt. Heidi Fleming, left, NAS Patuxent River commanding officer, re-enlisted Electronics Technician 2nd Class Brian Campbell Feb. 4 for five years. Campbell has been on board Pax for nearly three years. He was recently selected serve aboard the future USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115).

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) Command Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen, left, presents a Fleet Facilitator of the Week certificate Feb. 10 to Matt Johnson, T-56 series engine production coordinator.

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Jeff Howard, right, is recognized for 25 years of federal service by Rear Adm. Paul Sohl, Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC) during a COMFRC All-Hands meeting at Nas Pax River Feb. 3. Howard is a discrepancy reporting manager for COMFRC.

U.S. Navy photo by Gary Younger

Rear Adm. Paul Sohl, Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers (COMFRC), left, presents Debbie Tice with a Fleet Facilitator of the Week certificate during a COMFRC All-Hands meeting at NAS Pax River Feb. 3. Sohl also presented Tice, acting personnel administration team lead for COMFRC, with a commander’s coin.

Capt. Heidi Fleming, NAS commanding officer, recognized numerous NAS staff with awards and Bravo Zulus during a recent command quarters, at Center Stage Theater:

Melissa Daugherty for her support in making the 2014 Navy Ball a success.

Senior Chief Air Traffic Controller Shane Edwards for his support in making the 2014 Navy Ball a success while serving as the event cochairperson.

Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Marilyn Brewer with a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for professional achievement while serving as the radar air traffic control facility controller from January 2012 to February 2015.

U.S. Navy photos by Connie Hempel

Pat Anderson with a Letter of Commendation for exceptional achievement while serving as the miitary housing director at NAS Pax River from September 2008 to January 2015.

Tester

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

For Navy’s C-20A ‘CATBIRD,’ a chance for nine lives

By PEO(A) Public Affairs

A U.S. Navy Gulfstream III C-20A aircraft scheduled for disposal received new life when it was donated Feb. 3 to Southern Illinois University.

The CATBIRD was removed from the Navy’s operational inventory, which marked the end of its flying days and will begin its second life as a part of Carbondale’s aviation technologies program at Southern Illinois.

“Donating the aircraft to the university will help build future highly trained technicians to manage hardware, troubleshoot systems and maintain airframe structures,” said Doug Dawson, Tactical Airlift Program Office (PMA-207) program manager, who manages procurement and life-cycle support of Navy-owned commercial derivative aircraft, including the C-20A. Built in 1982, the donated

C-20A aircraft, originally an Air Force executive transport, was transferred to the Navy Reserve in 2004. The aircraft accumulated 17,658 hours and served its final 4,000 hours as a “CATBIRD,” a name for aircraft performing command and control missions for the Navy. The aircraft was primarily used in Europe and Africa, providing logistics support for senior leadership, dignitaries and fleet battle group commanders.

In November 2014, the Navy decided the aircraft was beyond economical repair due to age and degradation.

Instead of sending the aircraft to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), in Tucson, Arizona, for deconstruction, Commander, Naval Air Forces Reserve agreed to an alternative arrangement by donating it to aviation academia.

C-20A Final Flight: U.S. Navy Gulfstream III C-20A taxiing after its final flight Feb. 2 from Cahokia, Ill., to Carbondale, Ill., arriving at Southern Illinois University.

ence in both systems.

“These [VX-23] professionals are the experts in these systems,” said Dominick. “Some of them have been working with these systems for decades and were there when the systems were designed. It provided the crew with insight from indi-

viduals with a vast amount of knowledge and experience on these systems.”

Nicole Thompson, NAVAIR Patuxent River computer scientist, said this type of cross-training is vital to the Navy’s ability to safely and effectively support its mission.

VINSON

Continued from 2 The visit also served as an opportunity for the ship’s technicians to receive first-hand training from specialists with extensive knowledge and experi-

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Tester

Thursday, February 19, 2015

7

It’s time to start ‘Crewsin’

U.S. Navy photo

Crews Into Shape is held every March and is a four-week challenge that uses a team approach to promote wellness. Last year’s challenge brought together nearly 1,800 crew members from across the DOD.

By Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River

Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River would like you to start Crewsin’! The Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center is excited to announce the 15th Annual Crews Into Shape Challenge, which will take place March 1-28. You must register

by Feb. 28.

Crews Into Shape is held every March in conjunction with National Nutrition Month. It is a four-week challenge that uses

a team approach to promote wellness, combining the support of friends, colleagues, and family members to work toward a healthier lifestyle. The challenge is open to all Active Duty and Reserve service members in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as Department of Defense family members and civilians.

Participants form a crew of two to 10 members, create a crew name, and earn points based on a standardized rule

and scoring system. Points are accrued for eating two cups of fruit and three cups of vegetables daily, performing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise or 15 minutes of vigorous exercise daily, maintaining or achieving a goal weight, and engaging in other healthy activities.

Last year’s challenge brought together 1,786 registered crew members and 267 crews from across the DOD. Please register your crew at http://go.usa.gov/3q6kF

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Thursday, February 19, 2015

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Phone directory • Information, Tickets and Travel Office: 301-342-3648 • Drill Hall: 301-757-3943 • River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center: 301-342-3656

Naval Officers’ Spouses Club of Washington, D.C. 2015 Scholarship Program

• NRC Solomons: 410-326-2840 • Rassieur Youth Center: 301-342-1694

The Naval Officers’ Spouses Club (NOSC) of Washington, D.C. is accepting applications from dependents of USN officer and enlisted active duty or retired personnel. Scholarship awards will be given to dependents in the following categories: • High School Seniors • Spouses Blank applications are available at http://www.noscdc. com.

Completed applications must be postmarked by April 1st, 2015.

Direct all queries to Mary K Page at scholarship@ noscdc.com.

• Energy Zone: 301-342-4559 • Fleet and Family Support Center: 301-342-4911 • Center Stage Theater: 301-342-5033 • Special Events: 410-326-6830/ 301-342-3214 For all MWR news, visit www.cnic. navy.mil/Patuxent and click on the Fleet and Family Readiness tab.

River’s Edge Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays ITT Tickets available Washington Capitals

Peaceful living

Philadelphia Freedom Excursion March 7

Great Wolf Lodge Special April 18 (cutoff date is March 18) $206 for one night stay in a family suite that sleeps 6. Includes 6 waterpark passes and $8 worth of arcade tokens.

Romantic Rhine River Cruise Oct. 30 - Nov. 8 $4,688 per person based on double occupancy, includes airfare.

Tour the Rhine River from Amsterdam, Holland to Basel, Switzerland.

Drill Hall Couch to 5K Training Program Thinking about running your first 5K? Haven’t run in a while? Looking to improve your short distance pace? This program is for everyone! We will begin training on Tuesday, Feb. 10, meeting twice weekly with at least one additional run per week on your own. We meet as a group on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m., and begin training just in time to prepare for the Earth Day 5K! Water Warriors — Active Duty Military personnel only Mondays; 1-1:30 p.m.

March 2, 9, 16, 23 Did you know that jogging 1000 yards in the water burns as many calories as running 5 miles on a track?

Join us for an exciting new program guaranteed to give you more bang for your exercise buck. This new aquatics class is based on jogging while in waist/chest deep water. It is offered only to Active Duty Military personnel and is free! All necessary equipment is provided. All abilities are welcome.

So suit up and join this fun impact-free way to boost your cardio endurance.

No registration is required.

Spring Intramural Sports Organizational Meeting Softball - March 2; 1 p.m. in the Bowling Center In-Line Hockey - March 3; 1 p.m. in the Bowling Center Golf - March 18; 1 p.m. at the Cedar Point Golf Course Club House Points 2 Fitness Beginning in March, and running for 10 weeks, you will be challenged to earn as many points as possible by logging your food, working out daily, weighing in weekly, losing pounds, and making your goal weight! Weigh-ins will take place weekly.

First Weigh-In: March 4, 2015 Last Weigh-In: May 6, 2015 Pre-registration required. There will be a maximum of 50 participants.

Registrations deadline is March 2, 2015.

Rassieur Youth Center Career Launch (Postponed to Snow Date) 6-9 p.m. Feb. 24 This event is mandatory for any teen with base access interested in the Summer Employment Program.

Teens interested in the Career Launch Summer Employment Program attend this information session to gain insight on job opportunities on Patuxent River Naval Base. Teens between ages 13-14 are eligible to volunteer as Leaders in Training (LIT) and teens between ages 15-18 are eligible to be employed as Work Wise (WW). Resume building, interview process and job training information will be provided. Teens are expected to stay the entire duration of this information session. Parent attendance is encouraged and welcomed.

Navy Flying Club Private Pilot Ground School 5-8 p.m. Mondays, beginning Jan. 26 Building 2189 auditorium Patuxent River Navy Flying Club is offering Private Pilot Ground School from January to May. The course meets the requirements for the FAA knowledge test and for Navy Continuous Learning credits. For more information or to enroll in the course, contact Joe Dziewit at 301-862-1110, or come to the Club office located behind and next to the Post Office on base.

IN A QUIET SETTING EXCELLENT SCHOOLS

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1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments • 24 Hour Maintenance (for leasing information)

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Welcoming Kim to our Team

To register for classes onsite at the Southern MD Higher Education Center, please contact a Stevenson Enrollment counselor at 443-352-4058

BACK ROW LEFT TO RIGHT: SOOK, NINA, KIM AND ADEL FRONT ROW: BILLY REGULAR HAIRCUT $1400 Active Military, Police Officers, Firefighters, Seniors and Children

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Center Stage Theater

Fleet and Family Support Center All classes are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center in Building 2090 off Bundy Road unless otherwise noted. Classes are open to active-duty and retired military and reservists. Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.

• Movie Line: 301-342-5033 • Reservations: 301-342-3648 • Ticket Prices: E-1 to E-5 category: adults, $3.50 and youths ages 6-11, $2.50. All others: adults, $4.50; youths ages 6-11, $3.50.

• 3-D glasses: $1

Playgroup at Glen Forrest Community Center: 10-11 a.m., Feb. 19 & 26

• Authorized ID required for admission Thursday, Feb. 19 6:30 p.m., The Wedding Ringer (Rated: R, 1 hr. 41 mins.)

Doug Harris is a loveable but socially awkward groom-to-be with a problem: he has no best man. With less than two weeks to go until he marries the girl of his dreams, Doug is referred to Jimmy Callahan, owner and CEO of Best Man, Inc., a company that provides flattering best men for socially challenged guys in need. What ensues is a hilarious wedding charade as they try to pull off the big con, and an unexpected budding bromance between Doug and his fake best man Jimmy.

Friday, Feb. 20 6:30 p.m., Selma (Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 8 mins.)

This is the story of a movement. The film chronicles the tumultuous threemonth period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement.

9:30 p.m., The Boy Next Door (Rated: R, 1 hr. 31 mins.)

A psychological thriller that explores a forbidden attraction that goes much too far.

Saturday, Feb. 21 4 p.m., Big Eyes (Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 46 mins.)

Big Eyes tells the outrageous true story of one of the most epic art frauds in

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Anger Management: p.m. Feb. 19

history. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, painter Walter Keane had reached success beyond belief, revolutionizing the commercialization of popular art with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. The bizarre and shocking truth would eventually be discovered though: Walter’s works were actually not created by him at all, but by his wife Margaret.

The Keanes, it seemed, had been living a colossal lie that had fooled the entire

world. A tale too incredible to be fiction, BIG EYES centers on Margaret’s awakening as an artist, the phenomenal success of her paintings, and her tumultuous relationship with her husband, who was catapulted to international fame while taking credit for her work.

6:30 p.m., Selma (Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 8 mins.)

9:30 p.m., The Boy Next Door (Rated: R, 1 hr. 31 mins.)

Sunday, Feb. 22 2 p.m., Paddington (Rated: PG, 1 hr. 35 mins.)

Paddington has grown up deep in the Peruvian jungle with his Aunt Lucy who, inspired by a chance encounter with an English explorer, has raised her nephew to dream of an exciting life in London.

When an earthquake destroys their home, Aunt Lucy decides to smuggle her young nephew on board a boat bound for England, in search of a better life. Arriving alone at Paddington Station, Paddington soon finds that city life is not all he had imagined - until he meets the kindly Brown family, who find him with a label tied around his neck which reads ‘Please look after this bear. Thank you.’ They offer him a temporary home whilst he searches for the explorer who impressed Aunt Lucy all those years before. But when Paddington catches the eye of a sinister, seductive taxidermist, it isn’t long before his home and very existence - is under threat...

Monday, Feb. 23 - Tuesday, Feb. 24 Theater is not open Wednesday, Feb. 25 6:30 p.m., Selma (Rated: PG-13, 2 hrs. 8 mins.)

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Infant Massage at the Glen Forrest Community Center: 9-9:45 a.m. Feb. 19 SAPR Refresher Training: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 24 Command Financial Specialist Training 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. April 13-17 CFS training is designed to provide financial education and training counseling and information referral at the command level. To qualify for this CFS training the candidate must be E-6 or above, highly motivated and financially stable. Trained individuals will represent their command and provide education at the command level. If you have any questions about signing up for the class please contact Jim Walsh at the Fleet & family Support Center 301-342-5442, No cost, local orders required.

Ready Navywww.ready.navy.mil Hazardous weather is possible any time. Get a free information packet on how to prepare for hurricanes, severe weather

and other potential emergencies at the Fleet and Family Support Center.

Clinical Counseling Services Clinical Counseling services can directly improve the quality of life of service members and their family by addressing the stressors facing today’s military.

To make an appointment with a counselor, call 301-342-4911 or 202-685-6019.

Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) EFMP is a DOD program that addresses the special needs of military families. Sailors with an exceptional family member — a family member with special needs such as a medical or educational disability — are encouraged to enroll in the EFMP so the Navy can do its part in caring for EFM needs. Email James Lettner at james.lettner@navy.mil.

Financial Counseling Services The Personal Financial Educator can help individuals and families in managing their finances, resolving financial problems and to reach long-term goals. Take control of your finances and make an appointment with a counselor by calling 301-342-5442.

Find Your Command Ombudsman Find out who your Ombudsman is. Visit www.ombudsmanregistry.org, click on “Contact Your Ombudsman” and follow the prompts, or call 301-7571861 to speak with the NAS Patuxent River Ombudsman Coordinator.

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News Briefs ON BASE SBIR 16.1 Topic Call Through March 6 The NAVAIR Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 16.1 Topic Call is currently open.

Submit innovative research and R&D topics that can be solved by small businesses to the T3 site, h t t p : / / n a v a i r. t 3 s b i r. c o m / l o g i n .

Email navair.sbir@navy.mil or visit https://myteam.navair.navy.mil/ air/40/40t/MySBIR. NHC Patuxent River’s Relay Health It’s now possible to get a non-urgent medical question answered, or a medication renewed without making a trip. Sign up for Relay Health to securely email the care teams at Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River. Visit https://app. relayhealth.com/RegistrationV2. aspx.

Update Absentee Voter Info Remember to keep your absentee voter information up to date by completing the Federal Post Card Application online at www.fvap. gov/military-voter/registration-ballots. Contact the Voting Assistance Officer at vote.patuxentriver@ navy.mil or 301-757-0025.

Where’s Gnorman?

Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Anyone spotting Gnorman can email tester@dcmilitary.com or phone 301-342-4163 now through 5 p.m.

Friday, and include a brief description of where he’s located. One name is drawn from all entries and wins a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. The Feb. 12 winner ATC Jason Gapusan who found Gnorman on Page 6, sitting on the floor amongst the red balloons.

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OFF BASE Veterans Stand Down 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 21 Huntingtown American Legion Post 82 hosts a free Veteran Stand Down event for all active-duty military, veterans and their family. The focus of the event is for veterans to connect with agencies and service providers concerning Veterans Affairs enrollment, healthcare, burial benefits, assistance with writing a job résumé, transition from military to civilian, and assist those who are homeless.

Contact George Hawley at 240-3676489 or ghawley83@gmail.com.

Beth Israel Synagogue Services 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20 and 9:30 a.m.

Feb. 21 Beth Israel Synagogue of Lexington Park will hold a regular services with Rabbi Kenneth Cohen.

See bethisraelmd.org for sermon topics and other events.

5th Annual Ladies’ Night for Veterans 6-9 p.m. Feb. 27 D.C. VA Medical Center This outreach event is an opportunity for women veterans to engage with the VA Medical Center, Veteran Service Organizations, Veterans Benefits Administration representatives and community partners. Many attendees are currently enrolled for VA health care and some are seeking enrollment and VA benefits information. The evening includes health screenings, flu shots, informational booths, music, light fare and alternative therapies such as acupuncture, Reiki and meditation. Interested participants can RSVP at LadiesNightDC@va.gov.

SMECO Scholarships for High School Seniors Deadline March 6 High school

seniors living with a parent or guardian who is a SMECO customer-member can apply to receive one of four $1,500 scholarships available for the 2015-2016 school year. The student must be enrolled or plan to enroll full-time in an accredited college, university or trade school. Visit www.smeco. coop.

SMECO Scam Warning Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) has been alerted to a fraud scam in which customers are asked to provide payment information in order to avoid having their electric service disconnected. If customers receive a phone call from someone threatening to disconnect their power, they may hang up and call SMECO directly at 1-888-440-3311, 24 hours a day, every day.

Naval Officers’ Spouses Scholarship Application Deadline April 1 Naval Officers’ Spouses of Washington, D.C. is accepting applications from dependents -- high school seniors or spouses -- of Naval District Washington USN officers and enlisted active-duty or retired personnel. Blank applications are available at www.noscdc. com. For questions, contact Mary K Page at scholarship@noscdc. com.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Command Volunteer Coordinator Training 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mar. 19 Washington Navy Yard, Building 101, conference room 132 Naval District Washington (NDW) Regional Community Service Program will conduct training for new command volunteer coordinators.

This is a comprehensive training

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Around Town Highlight Tours Celebrate Black History Month 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Feb. 22 Calvert Marine Museum Celebrate Black History Month with highlight tours in the Maritime History Hall. Free with museum admission.

with a credit card at https://eventbrite. com/event/15696766451 or obtain a registration form at www.extension. umd.edy/woodland. For more information, contact Jonathan Kays at jkays@ umd.edu or 301-432-2767, extension 323.

Night at the Museum 5 p.m. Feb. 19 Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Bring your friends and coworkers to hang out and decompress at the museum. Enjoy food and drinks available for sale. Regular admission fees apply.

Stories Skin Deep Series: The Culture of Tattoos Month of March Calvert Marine Museum Explore the connections between ancient tattoo practices, the maritime influence in spreading the practices and the modern take on “inking.” Includes a photography exhibit, lectures and a living art event. Tattoo artists and individuals are invited to submit photos of their tattoos -- personal, symbolic or mystical. Selected images will be shared on the museum’s online Skin Deep website and up to 20 images will be selected for display in the photography exhibit: Personal Tattoo Stories, in the lobby. Visit www.bit.ly/ StoriesSkinDeep for more info and to submit your entry.

that covers the Navy Community Service Program Reference Guidebook.

Topics will cover: Navy community service overview; the role of a Command Volunteer Coordinator; implementation of the Navy community service program; developing community flagship partnerships; recruiting volunteers; risk management issues associated with commitment of navy resources; navy volunteer recognition; program monitoring and evaluation. Commanding Officers, Unit Commanders and Officers in Charge are encouraged to identify a Command Volunteer Coordinator to attend training and to represent their command. The Navy Community Service Program is committed to making a difference in national youth educational partnerships and community outreach programs. Provisions of quality training for command volunteer coordinators have been an effective way to address that commitment.

All participants must register no later than Mar. 16 by sending an email to Olivia.hunter@navy.mil.

For more information, call 202433-6854.

School Emergency Preparedness for Parents and Guardians 6 p.m. March 3 Central Administration Office, board meeting room 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown St. Mary’s County presents a program designed to provide parents and guardians with information on school emergency preparedness, increase understanding of required school emergency drills, and specifically explain what they can do to help and assist during the mitigation of any school emergency.

Training sessions are open to the public.

Find out more at http://www.smcps.org/ news/school-emergency-preparednessfor-parents-and-guardians.

St. Nicholas Chapel Services Schedule Protestant Services • Worship 11 a.m. Sunday • Men’s Discipleship 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday Religious Programming Center • Women’s Study 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday and 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday Religious Programming Center Catholic Services • Mass 5 p.m. Sundays • Continuing Catholic Development (CCD) Postponed until further notice

Backyard Woodland Workshop 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 7 Agricultural Service Center, 26737 Radio Station Way, Suite C, Leonardtown Want to learn how to better manage the natural areas on your property or convert some lawn into natural area? This workshop will provide the basics of woodland and wildlife management for small acreage property owners with more than one acre. It will combine presentation and small group activities. Registration fee is $20 per person; $30 per couple and includes a color 130-page guide. Register online

. Discover other fun, interesting and educational things to do and places to go throughout the area by visiting: St. Mary’s County events: www.visitstmarysmd.com/eventsentertainment/ St. Mary’s County libraries: www.stmlib.org Calvert County events: www.co.cal.md.us Calvert Marine Museum: www.calvertmarinemuseum.com Calvert County libraries: www.calvert.lib.md.us Charles County events: www.charlescountymd.gov/calendar-date/month

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Peer Choice Award

U.S. Navy photo by Noel Hepp

NAVAIR Comptroller Jerry Short, left, and Jennifer Chermansky, AIR 10.1.2 division head, recognize the AIR 10.0 Peer Choice award winner for the first quarter fiscal year 2015, Chris Mashek, financial analyst, Feb. 11. Mashek was selected by his coworkers based on his commitment to the team and positive attitude. The program managers he supports consider him an expert financial analyst. Since 2010, the Air 10.0 Peer Choice Award has recognized a non-supervisory employee who exhibits outstanding effort and inspires others.

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