Message from the CO
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Get to know AIR 4.0 Pages 8 & 9
Logistics specialists graduate Page 12
NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MARYLAND Celebrating 70 years of community partnership
VOLUME 70, NUMBER 36
September 19, 2013
SMECO to bore below Patuxent River at NRC Solomons By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer Phase II of SMECO’s Southern Maryland Reliability Project — boring below the Patuxent River — has begun on the St. Mary’s County side and will end on the Calvert County side, near Point Patience, at Naval Recreation Center Solomons. According to the SMECO website, the Reliability Project will upgrade 30 miles of existing 69 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and create a continuous 230kV capacity power line loop around the utility company’s service area to ensure system reliability, minimize power outages and enhance emergency preparedness in a region where the number of customers has tripled over the past 30 years and energy demand is now five times greater. “The river crossing is the most critical and complex portion of the transmission upgrade, which will connect
northern Calvert County down to Lexington Park,” said Tom Dennison, SMECO government and public affairs director. “This is an underground boring process utilizing a drill below the Patuxent River bottom. At no point of the process will we ever be in the water.” With rigs, equipment and supplies at sites on both sides of the river, minimizing inconvenience to nearby communities was a SMECO priority, the company said. “It’s part of our job and it’s a responsibility we take seriously,” Dennison said. “We care a lot about it and that’s why we worked collaboratively, in advance, with our affected property owners in St. Mary’s County and with Navy officials at the NRC.” Carrie Jay-Rose, installation director at NRC Solomons, was initially concerned about how the project would impact her customers — people who visit the recreation site for the sole purpose of relaxation; but she needn’t have worried.
U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni
The phase of Southern Maryland Electric Company’s electrical upgrade, which involves boring 50 feet below the bottom of the Patuxent River to lay conduit that will house new cable, has begun. The boring drill, shown here at its site on North Patuxent Beach Road, will operate 12 hours per day, six days a week through mid-December. “The project was planned to begin deliberately during our slower time of year when most of our facilities
and programs are open only on weekends and traffic is lighter so as to affect as few of our customers as possi-
ble,” she said. “SMECO was very conscious of the situation and very professional to work with.”
Jay-Rose described some of what visitors to the installation might experience, such as relocated dumpsters or portable toilets; temporary berm bridges to get around the project site and access facilities; and a few road detours. A portion of the fishing pier parking lot has also been corralled for supplies, such as frack tanks and the equipment needed to fuse the conduit that will traverse the river. “But the fishing pier remains open,” she said, “and detours are well marked with signage in jargon our customers will easily understand. SMECO also constructed acoustic barriers to negate noise, printed road maps for distribution to educate our customers about the detours, and built barriers around our pier comfort station to allow safe customer access throughout the project.” Drilling below the river
See Boring, Page 11
Newly pinned CPOs
Courtesy graphic
Honoring survivors of the fallen
Naval air station commemorates Gold Star Mother’s Day By Naval Air Station Patuxent River Public Affairs Office Since World War I, mothers of fallen service members have been call-
ing themselves “Gold Star Mothers” and, starting in 1936, the United States began honoring them by observing Gold Star Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of September.
In 2013, the 75th year of this tradition, Gold Star Mother’s Day is officially Sept. 29, but on Sept. 27, Naval Air Station Patuxent River will hold a remembrance ceremony at 7:40 a.m. which includes morning Colors, followed by a
See Star, Page 7
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kenneth Abbate
New chief petty officers, the leaders of the enlisted Sailor ranks, face the audience after their CPO pinning ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Sept. 13. More photos of the ceremony will be featured soon on the NAS Facebook page.
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
Pax River electrical grid upgrade enters final year By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer Capital improvements to upgrade Naval Air Station Patuxent River’s electrical grid — a power distribution system more than 50 years old and showing its age — are entering their fifth and final year. In August 2009, the Navy signed a privatization contract with Southern Maryland Electric Company (SMECO) that turned over the installation’s electrical operation maintenance to the utility company, which includes the capital improvements currently underway. Completion is expected by August 2014. “They’re updating the old 5 kilovolt (kV) voltage electric systems with 15kV, which is capable of handling a lot of load and allows room for growth,” said Mike Oliver, utility and energy management branch head with Naval Facilities Engineering Command. “We’ll be consolidating from four substations down to two, and they’re building in redundancy on the distribution system.” Oliver, an electrical engineer by profession, explained that redundancy is the duplicating of critical components or functions within an electrical grid that increases the reliability of the system and reduces outages. “We’ll be able to switch Pax River around with this new dis-
Reporting an Outage The proper procedure for reporting an electrical outage in any building is to first contact your facility manager or phone the Pax River duty desk at 301-342-1095. They will know what steps to follow from there. tribution system,” Oliver said. “If one substation goes down, we can pick it up from another substation. Right now, if there’s a failure, an entire area can go out. The new system enhancements help to isolate outages to where they occur only.” The scope of work throughout the years includes replacing wood poles, overhead conductors and cross arms; the tie-in of substation No. 1 with substation No. 4 on Cedar Point Road; converting the 5kV loads to 15kV; phasing out substation No. 2; and running a 15kV feeder from substation No. 3 to pick up building No. 1461, the A/C Electrical Evaluation Facility, which Oliver called “a marvel from an engineering perspective due to the amount of power it uses per square foot.” New electronic smart meters
Courtesy photo
SMECO crews have been upgrading the electrical grid across Naval Air Station Patuxent River for the past five years. The new system will reduce the impact from system failures, isolate those failures and allow faster response. that automatically transmit data to SMECO were also installed on all facilities; the outdated and unsafe
power vaults present in the majority of hangars were eliminated and the high voltage gear they held
See Grid, Page 11
We will never forget Courtesy photo
Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, presents the Oreta B. Stinson Business Advocacy Award to Robert Smith, director of Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division research and engineering, for his work with Department of the Navy small business.
NAWCAD engineer recognized for small business support By Wanda Norris Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Small Business Office
U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel
Service members and civilians line Cedar Point Road as they cheer on first responders from Naval Air Station Patuxent River and the surrounding communities during this year’s 9/11 remembrance event at the parade field. The event, which was attended by Sailors and civilians from across the station, Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes and Marines from the Marine Corps Aviation Detachment, included morning Colors, inspirational words from chief petty officer selects and a moment of silence followed by a parade of the fire apparatus. This was the second year CPO selects have led the observance to honor those lost during the events of Sept. 11, 2001.
A Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) engineer in charge of a team tasked with ensuring small businesses participation in the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) procurement process was recently recognized by the Department of the Navy (DON) for his efforts. Robert Smith, director of NAWCAD research and engineering and leader of NAVAIR’s Executive Small Business Council (ESBC) Performance Analysis team was presented the 2012 Office of Small Business Programs’ Oreta B. Stinson Business
See NAVAIR, Page 5
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NAVAIR Fellows inducts new members, recognizes achievements By Andrea Hein Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division Communications Support The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Fellows organization inducted nearly 40 new members during a ceremony held at Naval Air Station Patuxent River last month. Thirty-eight engineers from NAVAIR joined the fellowship that was established in 1999 by former Naval Air Warfare Center Aviation Division (NAWCAD) commander Rear Adm. James Dyer. The peer-oriented program recognizes the significant accomplishments and contributions that support naval aviation, which are made by engineers who
have at least 15 years of experience and are considered in the top 75 percent of their occupation at Pax River. “The things that get into the hands of our warfighters, the technologies that go from the first infant stages to some kind of a deployed system is in your hands — you are the folks who are doing that,” said NAVAIR commander Vice Adm. David Dunaway during the ceremony, Aug. 29. “This is an opportunity to celebrate something that is very important to all of us — the best of the best are sitting right here.” “Since 1999, we’ve built the NAVAIR Fellows into a very robust program,” said Dr. James Sheehy, Naval Aviation Enterprise Chief Technology Officer and one of the original founders. Six other NAVAIR engi-
From the CO:
Semper Fortis — Security Readiness Pax River Pros, At the outset of this week, we lost 12 members of our Navy family in a terrible and senseless attack at the Navy Yard. I ask for your partnership in praying for the grieving families, the numerous friends and co-workers impacted by the tragedy, and for our Navy and nation as our sense of security was shaken. We are committed to Capt. Ben Shevchuk supporting the injured now, both physically and emotionally. Our NAS has answered the call by providing the requested number of security professionals to stabilize the situation at NSA Washington. We have sent clinical counselors to provide services to families at an Emergency Family Assistance Center (EFAC) established at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. Additional resources, capabilities, and personnel are on standby. Our duty is to be ready for anything. Upon report of the attack, the NAS immediately elevated to Force Protection Condition (FPCON) Bravo, with building setbacks that affect parking and additional sentries at key points around the airfield. We have since re-established FPCON Alpha Plus, which includes some FPCON Bravo measures to ensure the safety and security of our personnel and equipment. As of Sept. 18, we are under a Regional Commander mandate to ensure 100 percent ID card checks at our buildings. NAS Pax River security staff and tenants are not manned with enough active-duty service members to perform this function at all buildings on base. I call upon the entire DON team to ensure our facilities are only accessed by authorized personnel. Leadership at all levels in tenant organizations are expected to support the limited Bravo measures that make up “Alpha +.” NAVAIR Commander Vice Adm. Dunaway communicated his guidance to the workforce and reminded us to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity, pay attention to threat conditions on base, and comply with changes to facility/building security. We will continue investing in our base-wide readiness so as to remain “semper fortis.” The active shooter
See CO, Page 11
neers were also recognized for their hard work receiving the 2012 Delores M. Etter award. The award, established in 2006, recognizes scientists and engineers for their contributions in their field and to the fleet. Dunaway presented the Etter award to James Denham for advanced carrier flight controls and display research program; Frank Narducci for detection of changes in magnetic field potentially caused by submarines; and Linda Mullen, Derek Alley, Brandon Cochenour and Alan Laux for their laser imaging system work. “The Etter award is one of the most significant awards within DOD for technical accomplishments,” Sheehy said.
U.S. Navy photo by Steve Kays
From left, Brandon Cochenhour, Derek Alley and Linda Mullen receive the 2012 Dr. Delores M. Etter award presented by Vice Adm. David Dunaway, commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, for their work with laser imaging systems.
News Briefs On base:
Off base:
Event: Oct. 11 Cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center Tickets for the 238th Navy Ball at Naval Air Station Patuxent River are on sale now. This year’s theme highlights the air station’s 70 years of community partnership. The event is open to all station personnel and their guests. Prices vary according to rank and grade. Dress: full dress blues or better for military and formal attire for non-military. Join your shipmates in celebrating this time-honored tradition. Tickets and pricing, email PaxRiverNavyBall@gmail.com.
Riders needed for current Waldorf to Naval Air Station Patuxent River vanpool. The vanpool leaves from the Park N Ride at 3165 Mattawoman Beantown Road in Waldorf at 6:30 a.m. and travels to the Rear Adm. William A. Moffett Building atrium, building 2272, with a 7:30 a.m. arrival time. The vanpool leaves building 2272 at 5 p.m. and returns to the Mattawoman Park N Ride by 6 p.m. For pricing and information, contact Jessica Collert at 301-212-6490 or George Clark at 240-216-5571. Find a car/vanpool to other locations at www.commuterconnections.org.
Navy Ball Tickets On Sale
Influenza vaccinations
Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River is offering the flu vaccine based on the following schedule: active duty from 8-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Preventive Medicine Department; all other eligible beneficiaries from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays in the Immunization Department. For questions or concerns, call 301342-4062.
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Hotline
Safe Helpline, 877-995-5247; text the Safe Helpline, at 55247; Duty Victim Advocate, 301-481-1057; Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, 301-580-8212
Naval District Washington Winter Uniform
NDW shifts to winter uniform effective Oct. 7. There is no transition period. Uniform of the day: officers/chief petty officers: service dress blue, service khaki or Navy working uniform; E-1 to E-6: service dress blue, service uniform or Navy working uniform.
September at the Commissary
In place of September case lot sales, the commissary is featuring smaller, more frequent sales events and in-store promotions. To find out what promotional savings are available, visit www.commissaries.com, click on the “Shopping” tab, then “Savings Aisle.”
Where’s Gnorman?
Somewhere in this issue we’ve hidden Gnorman the gnome. Be the first to call in his location and receive one Center Stage Theater movie ticket; good for any Center Stage movie. The same person cannot win more than once a month. Calls are only accepted between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Fridays. Call the Tester staff at 301-342-4163. Last week’s winner was Lt. Cmdr. Erik Kjellgren.
Vanpool Openings Charles County to Pax River
New bus route: Dunkirk to Huntingtown
Sept. 30 This new bus route runs weekdays and provides easy access to shopping, healthcare, employment and more in northern Calvert County, including the Dunkirk Town Center, Dunkirk District Park and Fairview Library. Destinations served by the new route include the Sunderland Park and Ride, Skinners Turn Road, Grovers Turn Road, Mount Harmony Road and the town centers of Huntingtown, Owings and Dunkirk. At the Sunderland Park and Ride, riders can connect to the county’s other northern bus route leading to Chesapeake Beach and North Beach. Information on the route, fares and passes, commuter bus connections, services for disabled and more is available at www.co.cal.md.us/ transportation, or by calling 410-535-4268.
SchoolPool While many families rely on their public school systems’ bus networks, other students, including those who attend private schools, can benefit from SchoolPool. SchoolPool is a new, free service to connect parents of children who attend the same school and are interested in sharing driving duties. In addition, SchoolPool can match parents who want to form bicycling and walking groups to school for their children. Almost a dozen schools from Frederick County to Saint Mary’s County have registered with the service, and Commuter Connections encourages additional schools in Southern Maryland to participate. Visit commuterconnections.org/schoolpool.
Volunteer opportunities: Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum
Volunteers needed for the annual 1812 Fair and Reenactment slated for Sept. 28. Volunteer dates include: Sept. 27, 28 and 30. Contact Erin Atkinson at 410-586-8512.
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
Liquor sales policy changes Navywide By Donna Cipolloni Tester staff writer Employees of the mini mart at Naval Air Station Patuxent River recently cleared the shelves of distilled liquor — also known as spirits — in compliance with a July 18 directive from Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert. To support the intent of the 21st Century Sailor and Marine Initiative — a set of objectives and policies that maximize personal readiness — Greenert directed Naval Exchange Command to restrict the sale of spirits to main exchanges or dedicated package store facilities; limit the floor space dedicated to the sale and display of alcoholic beverages in locations other than package stores to no more than 10 percent of the total retail floor space available; and to relocate alcoholic products and displays in a consolidated location at the rear of the facility. “For the NEX Pax River complex, this directive applies to the mini mart only; not the NEX,” explained Cathie Reihl,
general manager of the Pax River Navy Exchange. “We were required to relocate 15 linear feet of spirits from the mini mart to the main store. Wine and beer will continue to be sold at the mini mart.” The hours to sell liquor have also been restricted from 6 a.m. through 10 p.m., although neither the NEX nor the mini mart are open before or after those required hours here at Pax River. The beer and wine previously located near the front of the mini mart were moved to the back aisle of the store, closer to the beer in coolers, and the space vacated will be filled with a variety of convenience foods, meat snacks, grab-and-go sports nutrition products and healthier snacks. “We worked with headquarters in Virginia Beach to determine how to expand our variety of products to include convenience foods as well as healthier options for our customers,” Reihl said. Also available for $1.99 each, at both the mini mart and the NEX, are single-use alcohol detection devices to help promote safety and educate service members on the effects of their alcohol-use decisions.
Personal Communication
Sept. 23, 8-9:30 a.m. This class provides information on different communication styles and ways to develop more effective speaking and listening skills. Participants practice insightful, productive and rewarding ways to interact with people.
Budgeting for Baby @ Bldg. 401
Sept. 25, 10 a.m. to noon The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) illustrates the hidden costs associated with a growing family. All Navy and Marine Corps service members who attend receive a new layette worth more than $100.
See more FFSC classes on Facebook.
All classes are held at the Fleet and Family Support Center unless otherwise noted. Classes and programs are open to active duty, retired military and Reservist. Reservations are necessary and can be made at FFSC or by calling 301-342-4911.
FFSC is closed Sept. 24 Ready Navy/Operation Prepare Hurricane season is in full swing. If you would like an information packet on how to prepare for hurricane season and other emergencies, stop by the Fleet and Family Support Center to get a free bag packed with information.
Playgroup at Glenn Forest Community Center Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. Moms, dads, and caregivers are invited to bring their children for playtime at the Glenn Forest Community Center.
Consumer Awareness and I.D. Theft
Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Identity theft is a serious crime. It can disrupt one’s finances, credit history and reputation, and it takes time, money and patience to resolve. The rigors of military life can compound the problems that identity theft creates. This workshop offers steps to take to prevent it and what to do if it happens.
Ten Steps to a Federal Job
Sept. 25, 1-4 p.m. Learn how to navigate the federal job system. A 137-page training guide is provided.
Stress Management
Sept. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. Stress is a part of life. In this class you will understand how your beliefs and thought process has an impact on how you deal with stress. Participants learn specific actions to manage stress that they can incorporate into their life.
Transition GPS (Retiree)
Sept. 30 through Oct. 7 Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
U.S. Navy photo by Donna Cipolloni
On Sept. 9, Warehouse Manager Shawn Miles, front, and Operations/Service Manager Chriss Knisley, removed the last bottles of distilled liquor from the shelves of the mini mart at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in compliance with a July 18 directive from Chief of Naval Operations that put restrictions on the sale of liquor Navywide.
Online IG survey for mil/civ/dep at NAS Pax River The Naval Inspector General and NAS Patuxent River Commanding Officer Capt. Ben Shevchuk request your assistance in completing a survey regarding job satisfaction, health and safety and overall quality of life aboard our installation. The survey takes approximately 30-45 minutes to complete and is available online through Oct. 11. This survey is voluntary, open to both tenant and NAS employees as well as active-duty military spouses. Responses will remain anonymous and be kept strictly confidential. Please take the time to participate, so your views can be represented. The findings will be used by the NAVIG to evaluate command climate, quality of work life, and further guide the area visit, which will take place from Nov. 12-26. The internet-based survey is available at http:// www.ig.navy.mil/NDW-AreaVisit.htm. Thank you for your willingness to provide input. Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. TAP is for separating and retiring military members. ETAP is for the retiring E8/E9 and O5 and above. It is a joint venture by the FFSC and the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, workshop topics include skills assessment, résumé writing, interview techniques, salary negotiations, financial considerations and an overview of veterans benefits. Seating is limited; see your Career Counselor to register.
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 Department of Defense, or the Department of the Navy. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-
Capt. Ben Shevchuk
Commanding Officer
Capt. Heidi Fleming Executive Officer
Cmd. Master Chief William Lloyd-Owen
Command Master Chief
ment by the Department of Defense or Southern Maryland Newspapers and Printing of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron. If a violation or rejection of this equal opportunity policy by an advertiser is confirmed, the publisher shall refuse to print advertising from that source until the violation is corrected. Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office. News copy should be submitted by Friday to be
Connie Hempel
Public Affairs Officer
Donna Cipolloni Staff Writer
Breton Helsel and Deirdre Parry
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 301-8639296.
Commercial advertising may be placed with the publisher by calling 301-862-2111.
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Tester
Thursday, September 19, 2013
An evening of food, music and dancing. Half-hour dance lessons available from 5:30-6 p.m. with advance enrollment. Serving from 5:30-7 p.m. Menu: carved prime rib, baked potatoes, pasta station, oyster bar, fruit cobbler and more. Dancing until 10 p.m. Call for reservations and details. Cost: members, $16.95; non-members, $18.95. Coupons are redeemable.
Comics on Duty
Scan to see more MWR events on Facebook.
Oct. 17, appetizers at 5:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m. An evening of entertainers, appetizers and cash bar. Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door. This show normally sells out, so pick up your tickets early. Tickets go on sale Sept. 20 at River’s Edge or Information, Tickets and Tours.
For all MWR news, visit www.cnic. navy.mil/patuxent and click on Fleet and Family Readiness.
Cedar Point Golf Course
Drill Hall Rassieur Youth Center Intramural Sports Energy Zone River’s Edge Liberty
301-757-3943 301-342-1694 301-757-3943 301-995-3869 301-342-3656 301-342-3565
Shaun Canon and Friends
Tickets are on sale at the Information, Tickets and Tours Office. Show date: Oct. 24, 7 p.m. Naval Air Station Patuxent River Drill Hall Don’t miss this one of a kind show. American Idol Season 7 finalist Shaun Canon brings his high energy concert along with Ryan and Ashleigh DiLello, finalists on “So You Think You Can Dance,” to NAS Pax River. Cost: $10 per person, includes a coupon for a free Chick-Fil-A sandwich). Activeduty military and their dependents receive free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at the ITT Office. Email Market.MWR-PAXR.fcm@navy.mil for more information. Please thank our sponsors: Northrop Grumman, Exelis and Chick-Fil-A.
Walk a Peaceful Mile
Oct. 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mattapany House Circle off Millstone Road Domestic Violence Awareness Month Event: Morale, Welfare and Recreation and the Fleet and Family Support Center partner in this walk to stop Domestic Violence. Register in advance by calling 301-342-4911. Same-day registration begins at 10:40 a.m. Participants may begin walking at anytime during the event. Open to everyone with base access. Drawings held hourly.
River’s Edge
Dinner and Dancing at the River’s Edge Sept. 27
NAVAIR Continued from 2
Advocacy Award at a ceremony at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on July 23. The award is part of the DON Acquisition Excellence Awards Program, presented to a non-small business professional who demonstrates direct strong support for DON small business and contributes significantly to improving the opportunity for small business success. Smith’s team was tasked with developing a capability to provide NAVAIR’s leadership with Program Executive Office (PEO) prime contract and competency small business performance measures. “Increasing small business opportunities is a priority of the Secretary of Defense and the President,” said Emily Harmon, associate director of NAVAIR’s Office of Small Business Programs. “We are proud that NAVAIR’s ESBC is working to make that priority a reality and that Smith’s foresight and contributions are being recognized.” Smith led the team in overcoming the challenge of fusing data from several sources and displaying it in a usable format so small business performance can be assessed in numerous parameters. The result is an interactive electronic dashboard allowing users across the organization to examine small busi-
Admiral’s Open Golf Tournament Oct. 5-6 Shotgun starts: Oct. 5 at noon and Oct. 6 at 9 a.m. Hosted by Rear Adm. Mark Darrah Registration starts 7:30 a.m. Sept.7 at the Clubhouse. Registration open to the first 50 paid entrants with a valid U.S.G.A handicap. Patrons may enter self plus one other. Telephone and email entries are not accepted. Entry fee: $100 per person, includes all Titliest favor bag, greens fees, carts, lunch buffet at awards ceremony. Tournament is a 36-hole stroke play, top 10 gross and net prizes and eight closest to the Green prizes. Call 301-342-3597. MWR programming proudly supported by Exelis, Taylor Gas and Christie Dentistry.
Senior Men’s Club Championship Registration: Sept. 14 to Oct. 7 Event: Oct. 12-13 Must be age 50 or older as of Oct. 12 with a valid U.S.G.A handicap and base access. Cost: $ 60 per player, $40 for pass holders, includes greens fees and prizes. This is a 36-hole stroke play, two-day competition. Assigned tee times and pairings. Flights by handicap.
Rassieur Youth Center
Movie and Munchy Family Night Sept. 27, 5:30-8 p.m. Cost: $2 per person Families, come dressed in pajamas to watch a movie and munch on snacks. Register at the Youth Center up and pay no later than close of business on the Wednesday prior. NAS Patuxent River sincerely thanks the sponsors of this event. However, neither the Navy, nor any other part of the Federal Government officially endorse any person, company or their products or services. ness performance from organizational, socio-economical, geographical, business unit and small business initiative perspectives. Additionally, Smith established fiscal 2013 Small Business targets for each competency and PEO, pairing historical performance with acquisition forecasting. Insight and understanding of small business metrics are key elements to providing small businesses opportunities in future acquisitions as both prime and subcontractors. “It was an honor and I am proud of the team,” Smith said. Naval Air Systems Command established the ESBC in 2011 to ensure small businesses have the maximum opportunity to participate in NAVAIR procurements as both prime and subcontractors, enhancing performance in the command’s small business area. The Council’s objectives include improving workforce awareness and initiating manager, supervisor and team lead accountability for NAVAIR small business contract participation. Opportunities exist for government employees to participate on one of the three ESBC teams (Performance Analysis, Process and Communications). Employees can participate on a part time basis or perform a rotation in the NAVAIR Office of Small Business Programs. For additional information on these excellent opportunities, contact Emily Harman, associate director of the NAVAIR Office of Small Business Programs, at Emily.Harman@navy. mil or 301-757-9044.
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Chaplain’s corner:
A sense of purpose By Father Mike Dolan St. Nicolas Chapel When reading Scripture, one gets the clear sense of purpose, mission and haste. Reading from Kings, for instance, there is the interesting situation where Elijah, wearied by Israel’s infidelity to God, wants to retire and find some measure of peace. While the Lord listened to his frustration, he was not about to accept Elijah’s resignation. Elijah’s mission was not yet fulfilled. Elijah, like the rest of us, has a purpose in life to serve God as God needs. It was only at the completion of his purpose and mission that Elijah would be given rest and that rest would not be some measure of peace, but eternal peace. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, we are given directions on how to live our purpose and mission, and do so in the freedom Christ gives. This is done by living in the spirit rather than gratifying the desires of the flesh. The gospel tells us not to become distracted in
Father Mike Dolan performing our mission. Our actions or reactions, however well intentioned, should not become a deterrence to doing what we are supposed to do. For Jesus, his focus was on the mission he would accomplish in Jerusalem. Nothing was going to delay him or distract him. Norshould it for us. Jesus pulls no punches in telling his followers exactly what they have to look forward to. All activity is secondary to proclaiming the kingdom of God and looking back can only serve to delay the completion of the mission. We have but little time to fulfill the purpose for which we were made.
St. Nicolas Chapel Service Schedule Catholic Services Mass: Sundays at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Weekdays at 11:35 a.m. Continuing Catholic Development (CCD): Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Protestant Services Worship: Sundays at 11 a.m. Men’s Discipleship: Sunday, 6-7:30 p.m. at the Religious Programming Center Women’s Study: Tuesday, 6:30-8 p.m. and Thursday, 10-11:30 a.m. at the Religious Programming Center
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Thursday, September 19, 2013
Wednesday, September 18 6:30 p.m., Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (Not in 3D) Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon, continues his epic journey to fulfill his destiny, as he teams with his demigod friends to retrieve the Golden Fleece, which has the power to save their home and training ground, Camp Half-Blood. (Rated: PG; 1 hr. 46 mins.) Thursday, September 19 6:30 p.m., We’re the Millers David Burke is a smalltime pot dealer whose clientele includes chefs and soccer moms. Preferring to keep a low profile, he learns the hard way that no good deed goes unpunished when he tries to help out some local teens and winds up getting jumped by a trio of gutter punks. Stealing his stash and his cash, they leave him in major debt to his supplier, Brad. In order to wipe the slate clean-and maintain a
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equality to these worlds is Max. (Rated: R; 1 hr. 49 mins.)
clean bill of health-David must now become a big-time drug smuggler by bringing Brad’s latest shipment in from Mexico. Twisting the arms of his neighbors, cynical stripper Rose and wannabe customer Kenny, and the tatted-and-pierced streetwise teen Casey, he devises a foolproof plan. One fake wife, two pretend kids and a huge, shiny RV later, the “Millers” are headed south
of the border for a Fourth of July weekend that is sure to end with a bang. (Rated: R; 1 hr. 49 mins.) Friday, September 20 6:30 p.m., Kick-Ass 2 When we last saw junior assassin Hit Girl and young vigilante Kick-Ass, they were trying to live as normal teenagers Mindy and Dave. With graduation looming and uncertain what to do, Dave de-
cides to start the world’s first superhero team with Mindy. Dave joins forces with Justice Forever. Just as they start to make a real difference, the world’s first super villain assembles his own evil league and puts a plan in motion to make Kick-Ass and Hit Girl pay for what they did to his dad. (Rated: R; 1 hr. 43 mins.) 9:00 p.m., Elysium In the year 2154, two classes of people exist: the
very wealthy, who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. The people of Earth are desperate to escape the planet’s crime and poverty to get the stateof-the-art medical care available on Elysium - but some in Elysium will stop at nothing to preserve their citizens’ luxurious lifestyle. The only man with the chance to bring
Saturday, September 21 4:00 p.m., Jobs In 1976, college dropout Steve Jobs heralded a revolution within the confines of his parents’ garage. Jobs, along with friend and technical wizard Steve Wozniak, unleashed the homebrew Apple 1 personal computer kit onto an unsuspecting public, producing 200 units by hand and shipping each one themselves. Apple Inc. was born, and the world would never be the same. (Rated: PG-13; 2 hrs. 2 mins.) 7:00 p.m., Kick-Ass 2 9:30 p.m., Elysium Sunday, September 22 2:00 p.m., Planes Monday and Tuesday No Movies Wednesday, September 25 6:30 p.m., Jobs
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This week’s best
Pax Pros of the Week are submitted to and selected by the naval air station’s Command Master Chief, William Lloyd-Owen. The certificates presented serve as recognition for the “hard work and dedication” the individuals display on a daily basis.
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2013 ST. MARY’S COUNTY FAIR
Courtesy photos
Pam Kobus, N6 Information Technology; presented Sept. 11.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 ENTRY DAY Bring your exhibit to the Fair. Check catalog for entry rules ant times. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 - QUEEN OF TOLERANCE DAY - 4 PM - 9 PM Exhibits are judged from 10 AM to 3 PM. Gates open at 3 PM; exhibit buildings open at 4 PM. The Fair opens with the Queen of Tolerance Pageant. Miniature horse pull at 7pm. This is a good day to tour the grounds while the exhibit is fresh. The carnival will feature one-price ticket for event this evening.
STAR
Continued from 1 21-Gun Salute by the Navy Ceremonial Guard. Join us at the flag pole on the parade field to pay tribute to these special mothers who have lost a son or daughter serving in the armed forces. “We want to honor our Gold Star Mothers and show our support for the families of our fallen brothers and sisters in arms,” said Capt. Ben Shevchuk, NAS Patuxent River commanding officer. “It’s important for our Gold Star Mothers to know how much their son’s or daughter’s sacrifice has done to secure the values that define us as Americans. I hope these wonderful ladies are encouraged by the tribute of Gold Star Mother’s Day, as we remember the loved ones who are left behind.” Today the Navy has more than 7,000 surviving family members — parents, siblings, spouses and children. As a symbol of gratitude for their sacrifice and that of the loved one who died in service, the installations across the Navy established designated parking spaces for Gold Star Family members. At NAS Pax River, these spaces can be found at the commissary, Drill Hall, naval health clinic, Navy Exchange, and the River’s Edge Catering and Conference Center. On this Gold Star Mother’s Day, honor these mothers with a few kind words acknowledging the loss of their loved one, or even with a moment of silence. For the latest information on the Navy Gold Star Family Initiative, visit www.facebook.com/NavyGoldStar.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 - SCHOOL AND 4-H ACTIVITIES DAY - 9 AM - 9 PM All elementary, middle and high school students are admitted FREE until 5 PM. 4-H activities include horse and livestock shows and judging contests. Magic shows, chain saw sculptures, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department K-9 demonstration and pig races provide continuous entertainment throughout the day. Don’t miss the unique display of scholastic exhibits from St. Mary’s County schools in the Education Building, the speech contest, and a concert by a Middle School Band, a Maryland birthday cake decorating contest and the light weight horse pull will complete the day’s events. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 - PARADE DAY - 9 AM - 9 PM The featured event is the Fair Parade. Open class livestock show. 4-H livestock auction, pig races, chain saw sculptures, jousting tournament and line dancing will complement the everyday Fair displays. The heavyweight horse will provide an exciting conclusion to the day’s activities. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 - FAMILY DAY - 9 AM - 6 PM Sunday is a good day to bring the whole family to the Fair. Parents will enjoy the baby contest, gospel music concert, and the horse show, while the kids take advantage of the carnival “ride all day” ticket offer, pig races, and magic shows. The popular antique tractor pull is a return attraction. Sheep shearing, spinning and weaving demonstrations in the sheep show are all afternoon. In addition to the entertainment available, the Fair provides an opportunity to learn about our agricultural heritage, and its relevancy to our life today. Please take time to enrich your educational experience by touring the Thurston Baxter Farm Museum. Visit all the exhibit buildings and view the educational exhibits in the Co-operative Extension building. You will be glad you did. Please leave your pets at home. Ride the free STS shuttle bus on Fri, Sat, and Sun. from the Governmental Center in Leonardtown. Gate fees: adults $5, student 6 - 12 $1, children under 6 admitted free. Season passes, Adults $9, children $2. The fairgrounds are located on St. Route 5, two miles south of Leonardtown.
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Petty Officer 2nd Class (AW/SW) Kenneth Landers, a culinary specialist assigned bachelor housing; presented Sept. 12.
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Drill Hall: Pax’s best kept secret offers more than fitness By Frederick C. Fair Naval Air Station Patuxent River Public Affairs Volunteer Believe it or not, New Year’s resolutions are only a few months off and a majority of them are usually centered on fitness. Why not get a jump start on these notions by frequenting a diamond in the rough — the Drill Hall at Naval Air Station Patuxent River. “Fitness is a personal preference; most people come in on their own accord,” Hal Willard, fitness and sports director, said about Drill Hall patrons. “It’s a healthy lifestyle — what we promote here.” From volleyball to treadmills, to swimming and more, there are options galore at this family friendly location. Drill Hall is home to the station’s 12-lane bowling alley, an indoor swimming pool, weight and fitness rooms, racquetball courts, basketball courts, and indoor and outdoor volleyball courts — one even comes complete with sand. Use of the Drill Hall is free for active-duty military,
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Coming soon to the Drill Hall near you
U.S. Navy photo by Frederick C. Fair
Mark Easter, a Naval Air Systems Command employee, doesn’t let Drill Hall renovations impede his workout. retirees, Reservist and DOD civilians. NAS Pax River contractors and their family members can use the gym for an annual fee some say pales in comparison to other local gyms in the area. Economically speaking, “the price is right and it’s a great facility,” said Wendell
Raum, a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) employee. “The gym has a good variety of equipment, it’s never overcrowded like some gyms, and it’s close to work.” Lockers are also available for men and women, with no waiting list, at $40 per year; a lock is provided
with the rental. Both women and men find themselves working out through motivation, not intimidation. Stephanie Gleason, another NAVAIR employee, said, “I am encouraged by fellow gymgoers to intensify my workout and often get
It may be a 70-year-old facility, but recent renovations have transformed it into a modern fitness and recreation center. During his 32 years at Pax’s Drill Hall, Hal Willard, fitness and sports director, said he’s seen the facility undergo numerous modifications. “We’re always looking to improve services and equipment, but it depends on funding,” Willard said. “Through grants, we do our best to improve the facility.” In the past year, renovations have included additional high-tech wireless fans, new reflective insulation, lights and the recently opened revamped women’s and men’s locker rooms. A fitness room improvement project, which started in August, is expected to be completed April 2014. When finished, the area will be combined into one fitness room; this includes the space of the current three racquetball courts. The project includes building a second deck above this fitness room area which will house two racquetball courts. The new courts will come with glass fronts and a viewing area. good ideas for other fitness exercise by seeing others working out.” In addition to its fitness opportunities, Drill Hall also has recreational opportunities for the whole family such as pool parties, swim lessons, scuba certification, base running events and specialty fitness classes
and activities. It also runs the base’s intramural sports program which has leagues for golf, softball, football, volleyball and more. Bottom line, one of Pax’s best keep secrets is now exposed. Take advantage of it. Stay healthy, fit and mentally challenged. Get a buddy system and make it happen.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
CO
Continued from 3 scenario was a precise focus of Solid Curtain exercises in spring 2012 and 2013. Our NAS police officers regularly employ a highly interactive virtual training system to practice intense engagements with hostile gunmen in the workplace. The Antiterrorism Working Group (ATWG) is my Security Officer’s engine for distributed security operations. Members of the ATWG include
BORING
Continued from 1 bottom meant delicate oyster beds and underwater ecosystems would remain undisturbed, but Naval Air Station Patuxent River Conservation Director Kyle Rambo had other serious concerns regarding the placement of the excavated bore pits and their potential impact to important prehistoric and Colonial 17th and 18th century archaeological sites at Solomons. “The prehistoric Woodland period site adjacent to the bore pit area was carefully avoided and excluded from SMECO’s easement, and both SMECO and the Navy consulted with the Maryland Historic Trust to be sure that no archaeological sites or other historic resources will be adversely affected,” Rambo said. “In addition, SMECO will have an archaeologist present when they are boring beneath those sites. Their staff understood and appreciated our concerns.” Dennison said the drill path of the technologically advanced operation begins on North Patuxent Beach Road and continues
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Continued from 2
was moved outside to enclosed transformer boxes. One critical piece of the upgrade still to be completed is the coordination with affected tenant commands to schedule a shutdown of the airfield for as much as one week to bore beneath it and run necessary high voltage cables. “We try to do as much work as possible after hours or during weekends, but there just aren’t enough weekends in a year to get it all done,” Oliver said. “We know [the airfield] can’t operate without power and
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NAS and tenant security staff members and facility managers who receive, set, and report attainment of FPCON measures. The ATWG performed its duties well on Monday and needs your ongoing support. The NAS Admin staff underwent active shooter training this FY and learned the proper way to “shelter in place.” Are you and your colleagues trained and ready? My priorities as CO are active safety, assertive security and amazing services. Please consider your role in protecting our people and our mission through watchful readiness and united responsiveness. a minimum of 50 feet below the river bottom – which is as deep as 100 feet in some areas. The process uses a remotely guided gyro steering tool, operated from a control house located on the St. Mary’s side of the river, which tracks the location, depth under the river, and the fluid pressure around the drill head and bore hole. The first pilot hole, which Dennison described as “a major milestone,” was completed on Sept. 14 and the driller has now begun the process of widening the hole to accommodate the conduit that will be pulled under the river from the NRC side back over to the N. Patuxent Road site. “We’ll do that twice because we have two circuits going under the river,” Dennison said. “The distance is more than 4,500 feet and only conduit is being laid at this point. The cable will be installed next year.” Construction of the Southern Maryland Reliability Project began in spring 2012, is occurring in phases, and is planned to be completed by 2015. SMECO reports the total cost of the project is expected to come in around $110 million. we respect their mission, so we’re working hand in hand with them.” In fact, Oliver wanted to say thanks to all of the customers around base who have been inconvenienced by outages as much as eight to 10 hours in duration while certain work was being done. “It hasn’t always been smooth, and we expected that,” Oliver said. “And while we can never guarantee 100 percent power all the time, the new system will put measures into place that will reduce the impact from system failures, isolate those failures and allow faster response. I’m here to provide the best product I can — to make sure the utilities are there and fully functional, so our customers can carry out their mission.”
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Logistics specialists complete Acquisition Development program By Connie Hempel NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Eight logistics management specialists at Naval Air Station Patuxent River reached the first of many career milestones with Commander, Fleet Readiness Centers and Naval Air Systems Command Logistics and Industrial Operations (AIR 6.0) as they graduated from the Naval Acquisition Developmental Program on Sept. 10. During a ceremony among co-workers and peers at building 446 in the Logistics Industrial Complex, the program participants, including associates and interns, heard inspirational words from Todd Balazs, the deputy assistant commander for AIR 6.0. They learned from the senior executive some steps they must take to get ahead in their career. “When you graduate
from this program, you’re not done,” Balazs said. “This is a time for you to think about continuing to grow in your professional acumen. Leverage everything you have, your peer groups other professional organizations … and don’t stop there. I feel like there’s always something that I can learn from the job.” Balazs also emphasized the importance of continuing with the mentor program, whether it’s as a mentee or a mentor. “I had a lot of people mentor me through my career and got me where I am,” he said. The Naval Acquisition Development Program offers opportunities for those who desire to advance their professional career. For more information on the program, visit http://acquisition. navy.mil, click on Acquisition Workforce, Career Development and then Naval Acquisition Development Program.
U.S. Navy photo by Connie Hempel
Naval Air Systems Command logistics management specialists celebrate their graduation from the Naval Acquisition Developmental Program on Sept. 10. From left, Dan Nega, director of Naval Air System Command’s Aviation Readiness and Resource Analysis Department; David Solomon; April Rollins, NAVAIR logistics intern coordinator; Mike Whisler, Stuart Holladay, Scott Madden, Duane Henry, Ryan Christopher and Todd Balazs, deputy assistant commander for NAVAIR Logistics and Industrial Operations. (Graduates not pictured are Steve O’Brien and Jim Young)
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Around Town
Thursday, September 19, 2013
St. Mary’s County:
Calvert County events:
JobSource Mobile Career Clinic
The Maryland Lighthouse Challenge
Monday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Lexington Park library Providing assistance with job searches using the Maryland Workforce Exchange.
Introduction to the Internet
Monday, 2-4 p.m. Leonardtown library Adults, learn the terms and basic page features of the Internet. Pick up tips on browsing and evaluating sites. Register at 301-475-2846.
Help with Documents in English for Spanish Speakers
Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Lexington Park library We can help you with forms, homework children bring home, flyers from school, etc. Come with your questions.
Saturday and Sunday, see website below for full schedule Calvert Marine Museum Offering even more lighthouses to see and enjoy this year. Drum Point and Cove Point Lighthouse will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and a shuttle will be provided from the museum to Cove Point lighthouse. Visit www.cheslights.org for full details on all participating lighthouses.
Artsfest ‘13
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Road, Dowell Enjoy more than 170 artist booths, 25 performers on two stages and great food, wine and beer. Kids can participate in activities in the Discovery Tent, Studio School and the Zany Zone. Lots more.
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