Tester 111215 flipbook by DCMilitary.Com

TESTER Naval Air Station Patuxent River

Vol. 72, No. 45

Celebrating 72 Years of Community Partnership

DOD award Page 2

History beneath the runway Page 3

Accolades Page 4w

November 12, 2015

Are you willing to ASIST a shipmate? What you need to know:

U.S. Navy graphic

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is for everyone 16 or older-regardless of prior experience-who wants to be able to provide suicide first aid. Shown by major studies to significantly reduce suicidality, the ASIST model teaches effective intervention skills while helping to build suicide prevention networks in the community. If you’re a service member in crisis or know one who is, confidential support is only a phone call, click, or text away — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

• Has been in use since 1983 and has been consistently updated to ensure the training is as relevant and helpful in today’s society as possible. • Is a research based, peer reviewed process that has been evolving for 30 years. • Is the most widely recognized and used model for suicide prevention techniques in the nation • For more info on ASIST, visit www.livingworks.net/programs/ asist/ • Call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (Option 1), text 838255 from a mobile device or visit www.militarycrisisline.net for confidential chat.

Commemorating Disability Employment Awareness Month By Emily Funderburk Total Force communications

October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which serves to recognize the contributions people with disabilities make to the economy. The theme for this year — which marked 70 years since the first observance — was “my disability is one part of who I am.” As of September 2015, 3,674 individuals with disabilities, including wounded warriors, work at NAVAIR, with 1,043 of them here at Patuxent River. NAVAIR’s Individuals with Disabilities Advisory Team, established in 2006, focuses on recruiting and retaining individuals with disabilities, individuals with targeted disabilities and wounded warriors. “Hiring, developing and retaining individuals with disabilities is critical for enhancing the culture of NAVAIR and, ultimately, succeeding in our mission,” said team member Janna Roberts. “NAVAIR’s emphasis on attracting and developing talent with diverse experiences and perspectives empowers the command to bring together individuals of different backgrounds and talents to develop innovative solutions for the Warfighter.” While studies by firms such as DuPont show

employees with disabilities are not absent any more than employees without disabilities, employment remains a problem. As of September 2015, people with disabilities experience a 10.4 percent unemployment rate, while people without disabilities are at 4.7 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy. NAVAIR’s team participates in annual disability mentoring days for students, meet-andgreet sessions and individuals with disabilities interviewer training for managers. NAVAIR also participates in an Active Duty Intern Program and the Naval Acquisition Development Program for wounded warriors to help recruit, hire, train and retain wounded warriors and people with disabilities. Most recently, the team hosted an informational fair Oct. 27 at three buildings at Patuxent River to spread awareness about reasonable accommodations and the Schedule A hiring authority. “More events like this will further educate the workforce and eliminate barriers for individuals with disabilities,” said team member Liz Strandberg. For more information on the Individuals with Disabilities Advisory Team, call 1-800-787-9804.

U.S. Navy photo by Steven Kays

Michelle Baker, far left, and Steve Cricchi discuss the Individuals with Disabilities Advisory Team and the reasonable accommodations process with employees in Building 2272 on Oct. 27 as part of a commemoration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Accessibility etiquette

There are times when people are unsure how to interact with someone with a disability. Appropriate etiquette is based primarily on normal respect and courtesy. • Focus on effective communication, not on disability-related issues. • Talk directly to the individual, not through his/her interpreter or assistant. • Offer assistance before helping. Do not automatically take someone’s arm or assist him/her without asking. • If in doubt, ask what to do. Then, listen and follow the individual’s recommendation.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

PMA-242’s guns team provides fleet training to improve readiness, safety Courtesy of NAVAIR

From operations in Afghanistan to training exercises around the world, crew-served weapons are employed from almost every Navy and Marine Corps platform in service today. In the past year, Sailors and Marines fired more than eight million rounds of small arms ammunition using over 2,600 different crewserved weapons. “There are a lot of weapon systems that are important, but these weapons are used every day.someone is firing a machine gun right now in training or contingency operations,” said John Leckemby, Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Program Office’s (PMA-242) crewserve weapons lead at Patuxent River. “These weapons never sit idle.” The growing arsenal of crew-served weapons Crew served weapons, which require more than one person to operate efficiently, are employed from 10 different types of tilt rotor and rotary-wing aircraft. “When I began my service, crew-served gunnery was basically Marine only, but in recent years the Navy has been playing a much larger role with crew served weapons on their MH60S and MH-60R helicopters,” said Maj. Scott Roland, PMA-242’s aircraft gun systems deputy program manager. Over time, as the demand for these weapons has increased, the Navy and Marine Corps have realized deficiencies in reporting structure, supply support and maintenance, Roland said. To mitigate these challenges, Marine Corps Headquarters and Commander, Naval Air Forces requested PMA-242 set up mobile training to address maintenance practices, inspection and administrative reports, and overall safety and handling of the weapons. The ‘guns roadshow’ Covering both U.S. coasts, Hawaii and Japan, Gregg Edwards, who supports PMA-242 as deputy program manager for logistics for aircraft gun systems, and his colleagues in China

U.S. Navy graphic

Lake, California, visited 10 sites and trained more than 1300 personnel over a three-month period from July to October 2015. They worked closely with the management team at Patuxent River to execute this fleet-wide training. Edwards has spent his 30 years of Marine and civil service supporting aircraft gun systems. During his tenure, he has seen the use of crew-

served weapons increase substantially and has witnessed first-hand some of the challenges. “We really learned a lot by visiting the squadrons from a program perspective and a fleet perspective,” Edwards said. “Everywhere we went we found new challenges, differences between Navy and Marine Corps procedures, between platforms and squadrons. We realized

we needed to better facilitate the fleet’s supply support sustainment and create standard procedures that everyone is on board with.” The PMA-242 team spent three days at each site. The first day they presented briefs to all levels of squadron personnel on topics ranging from program requirements to implementation of new weapon components. During the second and third day of training, they visited the individual squadrons and provided hands on training to each of their work centers focusing on documentation, supply practices and overall maintenance. “This training evolution was definitely needed and as a result will directly impact the proper usage and maintenance of our crew served weapons and associated equipment,” said Maj. Jermaine Cadogan, an aviation ordnance officer at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. Implementing change The team conducted similar training two years ago but this time the Navy had a bigger presence, Leckemby said. “Training this time was much more successful because the Navy had a larger part in the process,” he said. “The amount of action items that came out of this training shadowed what had been discovered before. The Navy and Marine Corps do things differently so this training helped to bridge gaps to get the two services closer to doing things the same way using the same instruction.” The training gave PMA-242 a better understanding of their operational environment and the tools needed to improve their processes. They are reworking references, policy manuals, logs and records management and maintenance requirement cards to increase readiness, reliability and safety of these weapons systems. “We hope to change the way we do business as a program and as a fleet regarding how we manage these guns, Edwards said. “The end state is these weapons are supported, sustained, standardized, safe and reliable.”

PMA-261 obsolescence lead wins 2015 Department of Defense DMSMS award Courtesy of NAVAIR

David Hall, Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) obsolescence lead, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) H-53 Heavy Lift Helicopters Program Office (PMA-261), is the winner of the 2015 Department of Defense DMSMS individual award. Hall’s management and implementation strategy allowed the program to rapidly identify and mitigate issues that affect the overall reliability and availability of H-53 systems and equipment. During fiscal year 2015, more than 490 potential issues and risks were resolved. Hall’s disciplined approach to DMSMS yielded cost avoidances of more than $32.2 million since fiscal year 2010, with $7.3 million in savings realized during 2015. In addition to cost savings, his efforts prevented equally costly production schedule slips to the H-53K and aircraft availability impacts to the in-service fleet. “I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be as deep-

U.S. Navy photo

ment can provide to current and future H-53 platforms,” Hall said. “DMSMS issues can arise at any point in

time,” he continued. “To ensure we are best serving the needs of the warfighter it’s imperative to focus on DMSMS management and obsolescence issues early on. PMA-261 and NAVAIR truly ‘get it,’ recognizing the quantifiable benefits of having a management program in place early while actively pursuing acquisition of the future heavy lift replacement, the CH-53K King Stallion.” Hall says he is honored to receive this award, especially “knowing that what we do has a direct effect on the mission of the warfighter.” The awards — five team awards and one individual award — are presented by the Defense Standardization Program Office and the Department of Defense DMSMS working group to recognize individuals and organizations of military departments and defense agencies who have made significant accomplishments through robust DMSMS management. The winners will be recognized at the annual DMSMS Conference in early December in Phoenix, Arizona.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

The history beneath Pax River’s runway The H8 catapult Catapults are a critical element of NAS Patuxent River’s mission to test U.S. Navy aircraft, particularly for carrier suitability trials. A hydraulic catapult was constructed shortly after Pax River’s opening in 1943; and the TC-7 steam catapult is currently in operation. The plans for the H8 catapult facility, abandoned for many years and scheduled for demolition in 2016, are dated Oct. 11, 1951 and construction was completed in 1952. Located at the extreme end of Runway 14/32, H8 was built for the introduction of jets into the Navy’s airplane inventory and in response to increased usage of the catapult system at Pax. Developed for jet aircraft, the H8 could launch a 15,000 pound aircraft at 120 mph, or a 62,500 pound aircraft at 70 mph with 40second intervals between launches, representing the upper limit of the hydro-pneumatic design. The H8 catapult facility consisted of: • shuttle tracks • associated holdback pit • catapult machine pit • associated auxiliary pit • instrument pit • deck control pit • aircraft service pit • four camera pits • towing sheave pit • sheave pit • service tunnel

Visiting an abandoned underground catapult By Donna Cipolloni NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs

On a recent Sunday morning — when the busy airfield at NAS Patuxent River was finally quiet enough to allow such an excursion — a small group descended into history beneath one of the installation’s runways, entering the long-abandoned subterranean H8 hydraulic catapult facility. The group, accompanied by Air Operations personnel, included historians, writers, a representative from the Maryland Historical Trust, a museum curator from Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), and Pax River’s Cultural Resources Manager, Mike Smolek. H8, believed to be one of the last two hydraulic aircraft catapults to survive in the world, is slated for demolition sometime around April, when a large runway repair renovation project is expected to be underway. “This catapult is at the end of the runway, so they’ll do it at the same time the runway will already be shut down for repairs,” Smolek said. “There are plans to demo the three abandoned underground

U.S. Navy photos

The H8 catapult’s hydraulic accumulators, where hydraulic fluid was stored under pressure. catapults and this is the first to go.” One member of the group was Jeff Bowdoin, deputy head of NHHC’s Curator Branch, whose mission is to identify, collect, preserve, interpret and disseminate the material history and heritage of the U. S. Navy. “The catapult is representative of the long history of naval aviation testing and development at NAS Patuxent River,” Bowdoin said. “I was involved with the inspection so I could ascertain if there were any materials that could be removed and saved that would illustrate that history.” Long pry bars were necessary to force open the rusted, ground-level hatch of the cat-

apult facility before the group could cautiously descend the stairs into the dark, dank rooms below. Smolek described walking long corridors with shafts of light from the visitor’s multiple flashlights streaking erratically through the darkness, revealing peeling paint, a rusty water cooler, abandoned furniture, and decaying offices and workshops that once bustled with personnel as far back as 1952. “In the distance loomed huge pieces of unrecognizable machinery with cables, large pulleys and a spider web of piping and hydraulic shafts,” he added. “A ladder disappeared further downward into ink-black water; once a lower level, but now completely flooded.” The group spent a little

Professionally lit to obtain photos during a 2011 Basis of Design Report of the H8 catapult, this hallway of deteriorating offices, workshops and storerooms leads to the equipment room. more than an hour underground, but it was decided no artifacts could be saved. “Unfortunately, due to the immense scale of most of the equipment that was visibly seen, recovering artifacts from the catapult will not be possible,” Bowdoin said. “There was an additional level but it was completely submerged and we weren’t able to descend any lower. If I had been able to acquire anything, my plan was to speak with the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Fla., one of the museums within the NHHC, about displaying the material.” Throughout its history, Pax River has seen its share of catapult technology.

Source: Historic American Engineering Record, November 2007

Partially dismantled compressor. Located on the lower level of the abandoned H8 catapult, it is now completely submerged in water.

Rusted cabling and piston from the launching engine, the hydraulic machinery that launches an aircraft.

“There were six different kinds here, including gunpowder, jet-powered, two hydraulics, electric and steam,” Smolek noted. “Our current TC-7 facility was probably the first steam catapult built in the U.S.” The location — under the airfield — of the three deteriorating catapult facilities requires that they be removed because of the potential hazards to the planes above, Smolek explained. “About 10 years ago, research was done to record these facilities, and we have since further investigated and documented the surviving electric catapult, called the Electropult,” he said. “Only two were ever built; the one at Pax is the lone survivor and is completely intact underground.” Smolek said that after World War II, the Navy chose not to pursue electricity to power catapults; however, in an interesting twist of fate, some 70 years later, the Navy returned to it with the development of EMALS — the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, which is being installed in the latest aircraft carrier now under construction.

Naval Air Station Patuxent River • tester@dcmilitary.com • www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver • www.flickr.com/photos/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 appearance 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 of this publication is the responsibility of the NAS Patuxent River Public Affairs Office. All editorial content submitted to Tester is subject to editing and is approved by the Public Affairs Office of NAS Patuxent River. Editorial content should be submitted by Friday one week prior to be considered for the following week’s edition. To inquire about news copy, call 301-342-4163 or fax the Tester at 301863-9296. 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 and Tester Editor Donna Cipolloni Staff Writer Matthew Getz Layout Designer

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

ACCOLADES AROUND THE AIR STATION Rino Pivirotto, Navy International Program Office executive director, recognized staff with awards Oct. 27:

Next Generation Jammer completes preliminary design review By Cindy Mattingly, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B Program (PMA234) communications

U.S. Navy photos by J. Raynel Koch

Charles Cramer, Foreign Military Sales program manager for Specialized and Proven Aircraft Program Office (PMA226) receives the Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Lawrence Shields, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) international team integrated project team lead for Precision Strike Weapons Program Office (PMA-201), receives a Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Lisa O’Neill, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case manager for Air Combat Electronics Program Office (PMA-209), receives a Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

Lt. Robert Files, NAS Patuxent River security officer, reenlisted Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Michelle Runge Nov. 9, at Building 469.

U.S. Navy photo by Shawn Graham

Dennis West, deputy commander for Commander, Fleet Readiness Center (COMFRC), presents the Distinguished Civilian Service Award to Deborah Vergos, former director for COMFRC Future Plans and Capabilities department, during the COMFRC All-Hands meeting on Oct. 27 at Pax River.

The Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B Program Office (PMA-234) conducted the Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) Increment 1 (Inc. 1) Preliminary Design Review (PDR) at Raytheon, El Segundo, California, Oct. 27-29, advancing the weapon systems’ acquisition. PDR assesses the maturity of the NGJ preliminary design supported by the results of requirements trades, prototyping, and critical technology demonstrations. The PDR will establish the allocated baseline and confirm that the system under review is ready to proceed into detailed design. NGJ Inc. 1, an external jamming pod that will replace the existing AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system currently used on EA-18G Growler aircraft, will address the emerging, advanced threats and increased number of threats, using the latest digital, software-based and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technologies. It will provide enhanced airborne electronic attack capabilities to disrupt and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems. PDR advanced NGJ that much closer to a Milestone B decision slated for early 2016. Once complete, the system will enter the engineering and manufacturing development phase.

U.S. Navy photo by Denise Krumenacker

Turkey fryers not allowed at Pax installations Courtesy of Naval District Washington Fire and Emergency Services

Naval District Washington Fire and Emergency Services reminds personnel and residents that the use of turkey fryers is prohibited aboard NAS Patuxent River, Webster Outlying Field and Naval Recreation Center Solomons. While the use of turkey fryers is not recommended, if you still plan to use one off of the installations, heed the following safety tips: Select the appropriate size turkey. Make sure the turkey can fit into the pot without having to be forced. Always cook outside. Cooking inside may cause your house to catch on fire; deaths can also result if an unattended burner flame goes out, releasing propane into your house causing carbon monoxide poisoning. Set up the fryer off decks and porches. If a fire should start, it will quickly spread to your house Keep the fryer out of the normal path of travel. Fryers get

extremely hot and can cause serious burns. Don’t overfill the oil. When filling the pot with oil, keep in mind the size of the turkey and the amount of space it will take up. A good suggestion for determining the amount of oil is to first place the turkey in the empty pot then fill the pot with water so the turkey is covered no less than 6 inches from the top. Remove the turkey and mark the outside of the pot at the remaining water level. This mark will indicate how much oil you need. Completely dry pot before use. Keep the oil at the right temperature. The oil should be heated at 350 degrees Fahrenheit; overheating can result in the oil vapors igniting. Avoid splashing the oil. Oil that splashes outside of the pots can cause serious burns and fires. To help prevent these incidents gently place and remove turkey from pot, completely thaw the turkey so that the “ice” does not cause the oil to “pop”, and avoid use in rain or snow, as this will also result in the oil “popping.”

Courtesy photo

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Pax remembers naval history, honors USS Tulip NAS Patuxent River personnel conducted a memorial service at the USS Tulip Monument in St. Inigoes, remembering the 47 Sailors lost when Tulip, a Union gunboat, exploded due to a faulty boiler on Nov. 11, 1864 on its way to Washington for repairs. Eight unidentifiable bodies washed ashore near what is now Webster Outlying Field and are buried there.

U.S. Navy photos by Donna Cipolloni

Courtesy of TRICARE

November is Warrior Care Month

TRICARE is a health care program for Uniformed Service members, National Guard and Reserve members, retirees, survivors and their families around the world. We ensure our beneficiaries receive care that is proven both safe and effective. This month, make time to learn about all the health care benefits, programs and resources available to our service members and their families. Active duty service members mainly receive their primary care at military hospitals and clinics. If stationed in a remote location, active duty service members may receive primary care with a civilian network provider. If you are injured on active duty, there are additional programs and resources as well as special benefits like respite

care for primary caregivers of injured service members. National Guard and Reserve members who are on active duty for more than 30 days receive the same benefits as an active duty service member. While serving on active duty for

DOD Graphic

30 days or less for active duty training, an annual tour, individual duty training or drill and you are injured or become severely ill in the line of duty, your unit must issue a Line of Duty determination (LOD) to authorize health care coverage under TRICARE related specifically

to that injury or illness. This includes travel time to and from your place of duty. Keep in mind, you will not show as TRICARE eligible for care in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System, so it is important to coordinate LOD care with your unit administrator. Taking care of our warriors means ensuring their families also have the care they need. The Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) is a suite of benefits available to active duty family members with qualifying mental or physical disabilities. ECHO benefits must be pre-authorized from a TRICARE-authorized provider. TRICARE offers many programs and benefits to our warriors and their families. For details and specific information about your TRICARE coverage, visit the TRICARE website.

News Briefs St. Nicholas Chapel Temporary Services Schedule The chapel is temporarily closed while a new boiler is being installed. Religious service will be held at the following times in the Religious Programs Center, Building 401, until further notice: • Protestant Services 10-11 a.m. Sunday. Children’s church, ages 4-14, is provided • Prayer and Reflection 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday, Room 15 • Next base-wide Christian worship service Noon to 1 p.m., Nov. 18 ON BASE: Open Season Health Benefits Fair 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Today Building 1489 lobby Total Force Strategy and Management Department (TFSMD) is sponsoring the fair, where representatives from several bene-

fits carriers will be available to answer your questions. The health benefits open season begins Nov. 9 and ends Dec. 14. For more information, contact Karen Brandon at 301342-6860 or karen.brandon@navy.mil. Pilot Ground School Courses Beginning January The Patuxent River Navy Flying Club will be offering Private Pilot Ground School and Instrument Pilot Ground School, beginning January and ending May. The Private Pilot course will be held Mondays, 5-8 p.m., Building 2189 auditorium; and the Instrument Pilot Ground School will he held Wednesdays at the same time, same location. The courses meet the requirements for the FAA knowledge tests and for Navy Continuous Learning credits. For more information or to enroll, contact Joe Dziewit at 301-862-1110, or come to the Club office behind and nest to the base post office. Free Identity Theft Mobile App Department of the Navy Chief Information Office announced a new mobile app

developed by the Identify Theft Resource Center (ITRC) to help victims and potential victims of identify fraud. ITRC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide no cost assistance to victims of identity fraud. For more information about the app, go to: www.idtheftcenter.org/itrc-app.html. View Special Events and Awards Photos Ever wonder where to find the photos from awards ceremonies, reenlistments, and other events that were captured by PAO? Not only are they published in Tester monthly, but you can find them and download them on Facebook and Flickr too. Visit www.flickr.com/photos/naspaxriver/; or www.facebook.com/NASPaxRiver. 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. Monday with a brief description of his location. One name is drawn from the correct

entries and wins a Center Stage Theater movie ticket. The same person cannot win more than once per month. Last week’s winner was Charrelle Johnson who found Gnorman on Page 5 in the flags hanging from the ceiling in the expeditionary students photo on the right. OFF BASE: Disabled American Veterans Information Seminar: Get Straight Answers About Your Rights and Benefits 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 Lexington Park Volunteer Rescue Squad, 21685 FDR Blvd. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) St. Marys Chapter #26 is hosting highly trained National Service Officers from the DAV’s Baltimore office to offer you the best counseling and claim filing assistance you and your family can get. Free. You need not be a DAV Member to take advantage of the DAV service. Entries Sought for Americanism

Essay Contest Deadline: Dec. 1 Fleet Reserve Association Branch 93 invites students in grades 7 through 12 to submit a 350-word essay about “What the U.S. Flag Stands For.” This national contest offers a grand prize of $5,000, with other recognition in each grade category. Open to all students, including home-schooled, and each entrant must be sponsored by an FRA member or branch. For all the details, contact Thomas Vatter at 240-434-5182 or tfvatter@md.metrocast.net. Wrestling Coaches Wanted The St. Mary’s Wrestling Club is looking for youth coaches with college or high school wrestling experience interested in teaching St. Mary’s County youth, ages 4-18, the lessons taught through wrestling. Contact Dan Smith at 831-524-5888 or daniel.b.smith1973@gmail.com; Steve Appell at 240-577-4811 or appellsf@gmail.com; or Dwain Ash at 240-577-0259 or dwainash1975@gmail.com.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

What’s Happening With MWR For all MWR news, events and programs visit www.NavyMWRPaxRiver.com. Phone directory Information, Tickets and Travel Office 301342-3648 Drill Hall 301-757-3943 River’s Edge 301-342-3656 NRC Solomons 410-326-6903 Fleet & Family Support Center 301-342-4911 Center Stage Theater 301-342-5033 Customized Creations 301-342-6293 Rassieur Youth Center 301-342-1694 Black Friday Shopping Spree Let MWR give you something to be thankful for this holiday season. Sign up to win one of two Navy Exchange $500 Gift Cards. Visit www.NavyMWRPaxRiver.com for details. River’s Edge Open for lunch 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays “We Proudly Serve Starbucks” 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday — Friday River’s Edge and Eddie’s Cafes in Buildings 2185 and 2187. Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go November 2-20 River’s Edge Order a fully cooked Thanksgiving dinner and all you’ll have to do is “heat & eat.” Orders must be picked up on Nov. 24 or 25 and payment is due at the time of ordering. Get more information at www.NavyMWRPaxRiver.com St. Maries Musica Dinner 5:30-7 p.m. Dec. 3 River’s Edge Join us for a delicious dinner buffet and then

be treated to a spectacular performance by St. Maries Musica. In Renaissance period costume, St. Maries Musica will sing holiday carols from several different time periods. Seats are limited and reservations are required. Members: $19.95; non-members: $22.95; children 6-11: $9.95; five years and under: $3.95. Customized Creations 38th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 5 Drill Hall Come shop for the holidays with over 175 vendors featuring hand-made crafts. NRC Solomons Cookies with the Clauses 4:30-6 p.m. and 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 11; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1-2:30 p.m., 3-4:30 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 1-2:30 p.m. and 3-4:30 p.m. Dec. 13 Enjoy an afternoon of family fun when the Clauses visit NRC. Do arts-n-crafts with Santa’s elves and make a special cookie with Mrs. Claus, including a surprise visit and story time with Santa. Register via phone by Dec. 7.. Registration begins Nov. 16. Max registration of 25 per seating. Open to all Active Duty, Retired, Reservist, DOD and their guests. Cost: $7 E1-E5; $8 all others, per person. For more info or to register contact 410-326-2840 or CommunityRecreationPaxRiver@gmail.com ITT Tickets available Navy Football Washington Capitals

Ruddy Duck Adventures MWR now offers a discount on adventure packages through Ruddy Duck Adventures, offering kayaking, nature exhibits, stand up paddle-boarding, sculpture gardens, boat rides and more in the Southern Maryland area. Offered with all-inclusive packages to help you get the most out of your adventure. Visit http://www.ruddyduckadventures.com/ and use coupon code: 114 Available for all Pax River patrons. Drill Hall 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and holidays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays 15th Annual Canine Run/Walk 1 p.m. Nov. 14 Drill Hall Celebrate man’s best friend during a 1.5 mile walk. All canine competitors eligible for random prizes and treats at post-event social. There will be no trophies, awards or t-shirts to the canine owners. Registration is open the day of the event at noon. Cost is $5 per family. Rassieur Youth Center Santa’s Calling 6-8 p.m. Dec. 8-10 Send a special message to a child this Christmas with a call from Santa. Operators are standing by at the North Pole phone center to put your child’s name on Santa’s telephone list. Complete the information form below and leave it at one of these MWR locations: Rassieur Youth Center, bowling center, theater, ITT Office, MWR administration building, CDC 2030 and CDC 2813. Register by noon, Dec. 10. Volunteers accepted.

Tester

Thursday, November 12, 2015

7 PAID ADVERTISING

Thousands in Southern Maryland pay for dentistry they never get done! BY: JEFF TOMCSIK Research Reporter

Statistically about 50% of the local population have dental insurance. Of that percentage only 50% of them properly use the dental benefits they are paying for. Most of them have no idea what benefits they have and how easy it is to lose them. To make the most of their dental benefits the consumer needs to understand how dental insurance works. Dental insurance plans can be confusing. There are several components to a dental insurance plan. First there is the monthly premium that must be paid by the consumer, or in some cases their employer. There is the discount that is applied to all the dental codes that the insurance company negotiates with the dental offices. These discounts only effect “in-network” dentists and usually average about 30% off the usual and customary rate that a person without insurance would pay. Then there is the annual maximum. This is the amount that the insurance company is willing to pay on the insured’s behalf per year. This typically ranges between $1000 and $3000 depending on the plan and how much the premium is per month. While it certainly is a benefit to the consumer to have the lower fees that are negotiated on their behalf between the insurance company and the dental practices that are in-network, this discount doesn’t make the cost of the annual fees worth the

value. Those who have a healthy smile, would likely never use the restorative benefit or at least not much of it. In other words, a 30% discount on something not being used or purchased doesn’t hold any value. Most of the insurance plans pick up the entire or at least most of the insured consumers’ preventative maintenance. This is usually the procedures that are recommended to be done twice per year by your hygienist. This may include cleanings, x-rays, fluoride, exam, and the like. The insurance company would have you believe they are the hero for paying for these visits, but in fact, the consumer paid for them. They just allowed the consumer to spread the payments out throughout the year in monthly payments or weekly deductions from their payroll. Insured individuals that don’t take advantage of their preventative visits by seeing their hygienist twice a year are literally throwing their money away. It would be the equivalent of paying for two nights in an upscale hotel in DC but never showing up for the stay! Who would do that? These dental visits are of equivalent value; but yet 25% of the insured public throws these visits they paid for away. Regular preventative maintenance visits drastically reduce the likelihood of major restorative procedures in the future. It is a known fact that preventative dental care not only saves the integrity of the smile but it truly saves the patient from high cost restorative care in the future.

The dental insurance company wins when the patient waits to go to the dentist. Those who pay for dental insurance every year but never go to the dentist are writing a free check to the insurance company. The insurance companies are keeping the money they’ve earmarked for preventative care as well as the entire annual maximum for those patients. Putting off dentistry until it hurts could easily escalate to $5000 worth of treatment or much more in one year. The dental insurance company will only contribute $1500 because that is the average maximum on any given plan which leaves the out-of-pocket due at $3500 for the insured individual in this example. Whereas, had they gone to the dentist every year and had the work done as needed over the course of four years, their out-of-pocket may have been zero, as the $1500 per year ($1500 x 4 years = $6000) would have covered $6000 over the four year period. But the insurance companies do not let annual maximums roll over. They have a strict use it or you lose it policy. One would think that the insured consumer would be able to accrue his or her benefits since they literally paid for them and did not use them. Not the case; leftover benefits become pure profit for the insurance companies. The insurance companies are in business to make money, not to save smiles. Dental providers see patients every day who put off dentistry and then struggle to pay for the work

they need to have done. It is very sad for both the dental provider who wants to help the patient and for the patient who is in pain or embarrassed by the condition of their smile. Dental providers want their patients to see them as recommended but can’t force anyone to do anything. This is why they try to educate them about the benefits that they have with their insurance company, so that when they need work, they understand how to best take advantage of their insurance. Most dental plans end at the end of a calendar years. The average plan allows for a $1500 annual maximum. Someone treatment planned today to have $3000 in restorative treatment done, can start the procedures in November or December and finish them in January. This will allow them to take maximum advantage of the dental insurance they’ve paid for. Call your dental office. Ask them if they are innetwork with your insurance. If they are, schedule an appointment for a cleaning and a checkup. See if you have any dental work that needs to be done. Then ask your dental office what your annual limit is and how much remains. If you have work that needs to be done, use your annual benefit before the end of the year. Remember, if you don’t use it, you lose it. This article is curtesy of Tidewater Dental with locations is St. Mary’s and Calvert Counties. Visit them on the web at www.TidewaterDental.com

Schedule your appointment today! The practices of David J. Cooper, DDS Lexington Park: 301-862-3900 Prince Frederick: 410-414-8333 Solomons: 410-394-9435

www.TidewaterDental.com • Most Dental Insurances Accepted • Interest Free Payment Plans

• Implant Dentistry

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Call today & ask us about your insurance benefits before their December expiration date.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

Around Town Special Needs Family Fun Night 5-7 p.m. Nov. 13 Calvert Marine Museum The museum is open and free exclusively for families with special needs. The museum otter mascot will visit from 6- 7 p.m. Seated massage provided, courtesy of College of Southern Maryland’s Massage Therapy Department.

Thank You

To the men, women and families who have served our great nation and to those who have given their lives in service to our country, we thank you for your commitment, dedication and sacriﬁce. We honor your service with • 90+ programs and specializations, many

Book signing: Harnessing the Sky 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 14 Patuxent River Naval Air Museum Ever wonder why NAS Patuxent River’s runway complex is called Trapnell Field? PRNAM presents one of the best untold stories in 100 years of naval aviation — that of Frederick Trapnell, one of the premier test pilots of all time. Author presentation at 11:15 a.m.; book signing and lunch available following. Who Owns James Bond? 5 p.m. Nov. 14 Auerbach Auditorium, St. Mary’s Hall, St. Mary’s College A dispute over the suave British spy started in 1959, and the conflict is finally resolved. Hear a witty presentation about how the decades-long James Bond copyright dispute was settled. Fun for

students planning a career in law, politics or film; or just anyone who enjoys a good Bond film. National Youth 5K Race 3 p.m. Nov. 15 Leonardtown Wharf The third annual run begins with an uphill climb from Leonardtown Wharf and snakes through historic downtown Leonardtown before heading back to the wharf for a downhill sprint to the finish line. Participants can choose a timed 5k or one-mile fun run. Learn more at www.nationalyouth5k.com or email Cynthia@nationalyouth5k.com for more information. Maritime Performance Series: Bumper Jacksons 7 p.m. Nov. 20 Calvert Marine Museum Harms Gallery Unafraid to scrap together new sounds from forgotten 78’s, the Bumper Jacksons boldly and elegantly pay homage to the traditions while fashioning their own unique style. Recognized as D.C.’s “Best Traditional Folk Band” at the 2013 Washington Area Music Awards, the group has positioned themselves squarely at the helm of the young roots music scene in DC, pioneering a new, fresh take on American music, and all the while throwing

one heck of a party. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; beer and wine for sale. Tickets are $10 in advance at www. bit.ly//MaritimeConcerts or $15 at the door; cash or check only. Chopticon High Choirs Madrigal Dinner and Concert Nov. 20 deadline for reservations Three-course meal, Dec. 4 and 5, at 6:30 p.m.; dinner and concert tickets $35 per person. The Dec. 5 performance at 2 p.m. is a combination of delightful music and delicious desserts; tickets $15 per person. Hearth and Home: A Kingly Feast 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 27 and 28 St. Mary’s City Watch demonstrations in various methods of venison cooking and preservation while discovering the 17th-century versions of a refrigerator, stove and food processor. Lend a hand grinding corn, stir a pot or two, and take home a free recipe booklet so your family can re-create foods Maryland’s first “royal” citizens would have enjoyed. Cost: $10 adult; $9 senior; $6 children age 6-18; and free for 5 years and younger. Bring a non-perishable food item for the Southern Maryland Food Bank and enjoy a $1 discount.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com. THANK YOU TO OUR VETERANS

in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, IT, business and management, to help you succeed. • Dedicated veterans advisors to help you find the right program for you and make the most of your education benefits.

"Out of the Squall Line" By: William S. Phillips

• A range of resources speciﬁcally for veterans, including the Veterans Resource Center, a one-stop source designed to give you the support you need to succeed in school and in your career.

Read our tributes and thanks at military.umuc.edu/thanksvets

"Stars & Stripes" By: Dru Blair "So Proudly We Hail" By: Paul McGehee

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Center Stage Theatre Thursday, Nov. 12 6:30 p.m., Bridge of Spies (Rated: PG-13; 2 hrs.) The story of James Donovan, a Brooklyn lawyer who finds himself thrust into the center of the Cold War when the CIA sends him on the near-impossible task to negotiate the release of a captured American U-2 pilot. Friday, Nov. 13 6:30 p.m., Love the Coopers (Rated: PG-13; 1 hr. 46 mins.) Love The Coopers follows the Cooper clan as four generations of extended family come together for their annual Christmas Eve celebration. As the evening unfolds, a

series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events turn the night upside down, leading them all toward a surprising rediscovery of family bonds and the spirit of the holidays. 9p.m., Crimson Peak (Rated: R, 1 hr. 59 mins.) In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds — and remembers. Saturday, Nov. 14 4 p.m., Goosebumps (Rated: PG; 1 hr. 43 mins.)

St. John's School CATHOLIC IDENTITY • ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE • INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES STEM • STEWARDSHIP • EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES • BAND • SPORTS CLUBS ROBOTICS • TECHNOLOGY • PRAYER • FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION • SERVICE LIFETIME OF LEARNING • FUTURE OF FAITH • COMMUNITY

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Upset about moving from a big city to a small town, teenager Zach Cooper finds a silver lining when he meets the beautiful girl, Hannah, living right next door, and makes a quick friend in Champ. But every silver lining has a cloud, and Zach’s comes when he learns that Hannah’s mysterious dad is in fact R.L. Stine, the author of the bestselling Goosebumps series. As Zach starts learning about the strange family next door, he soon discovers that Stine holds a dangerous secret: the creatures that his stories made famous are real, and Stine protects his readers by keeping them locked up in their books. When Stine’s creations are unintentionally released from their manuscripts, Zach’s life takes a turn for the weird. 6:30 p.m., Love the Coopers (Rated: PG-13; 1 hr. 46 mins.) 9 p.m., Crimson Peak (Rated: R, 1 hr. 59 mins.) Sunday, Nov. 15 2 p.m., Goosebumps (3D) (Rated: PG; 1 hr. 43 mins.) Monday, Nov. 16 — Tuesday, November 17 Theater is not open

Wednesday, Nov. 18 6:30 p.m., Love the Coopers (Rated: PG-13; 1 hr. 46 mins.) Sunday, Nov. 22 2 p.m., Creed (Free sneak preview) (Rated: PG-13; 2 hrs. 12 mins.) Adonis Johnson never knew his famous father, world heavy weight champion Apollo Creed, who died before he was born. Still, there’s no denying that boxing is in his blood, so Adonis heads to Philadelphia, the site of Apollo Creed’s legendary match with a tough upstart named Rocky Balboa. Rocky sees in Adonis the strength and determination he had known in Apollo — the fierce rival who became his closest friend. First come first served. Admission will begin at 1 p.m. No camera phones, camcorders or any other recording devices will be permitted in the theater. This includes tablets and hand held gaming systems that have a camera.

Newly Reopened Sleep Lab at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital

A Good Night

Means a Better Day If you are one of the millions of Americans who struggle to get a decent night’s sleep, our newly renovated Sleep Lab at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is a dream come true. Designed to feel like a luxury hotel, the lab is equipped with the latest technological advances and highly-trained staff who are trained to figure out what’s keeping you awake. With detailed personalized follow ups, you’ll get the answers you need to get the sleep you want.

Spend the night with us, and get wired up for a good night’s sleep. Call 301-475-6399 for scheduling or visit MedStarStMarys.org for more information.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Physician referral required.

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. Playgroup at Glenn Forest Community Center: 10-11 a.m. Nov. 12 and 19 Paying for College: 6-8 p.m. Nov. 12 SAPR Refresher Training: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12 Sponsor Training: 9-10 a.m. Nov. 16 Suicide Awareness / Prevention: 1-2 p.m. Nov. 17 Social Media, Networking and the Job Hunt: 9-11 a.m. Nov. 17 Acing the Interview: 1-4 p.m. Nov. 19 Ten Steps to a Federal Job.with a Kick: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 21 Holiday Stress: 9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 23 Budgeting for Baby: 10 a.m. to noon. Nov. 25 Closed for Thanksgiving: Nov. 26 Ready Navy- www.ready. navy.mil If you would like an information

packet on how to prepare for hurricanes, severe weather, and other potential emergencies, please stop by the Fleet and Family Support Center for your free information bag. 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 301-3424911 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. For more information, please contact the EFMP coordinator at 301-757-1861. 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 301-757-1861 to speak with the NAS Patuxent River Ombudsman Coordinator.

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Thursday, November 12, 2015

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UnitedHealthcare Vision® coverage provided by or through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, located in Hartford, Connecticut, or its affiliates. Administrative services provided by Spectera, Inc., United HealthCare Services, Inc. or their affiliates. This policy has exclusions, limitations and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of the coverage contact UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. ©2015 United HealthCare Services, Inc.

Military Publication Account Executive The Military Newspapers of APG Media of Chesapeake is in search of a full time Account Executive to join our team!

Real Estate Services

Houses for Rent LEONARDTOWN: (Single Tree), 3BR, 2.5BA, LR, DR, kitchen, garage, $1695; 301-481-8237

Residential/ Recreational Properties and Raw Land For Sale Located in Hardy/Grant and Pendleton Counties. Please visit our Website:

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Call 1-888-406-7663 to place your web ad today! www.dcmilitary.com/ classifieds

Wanted to Buy Small collector pays CASH for Coins/Collections/Gold. Will come to you. Call Al at: 301-807-3266

This position will sell and service local and regional accounts as assigned and/or located within a geographical territory. The primary sales effort will be to solicit current and new business prospects to use one or more of the publications and website in our product portfolio. Generally, the Account Executive will be focusing on several publications at any given time that are published monthly, quarterly or annually. This position will report directly to an Advertising Sales Manager as well as work with members of their team and Advertising Director and Digital Sales Director of the region. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have effective presentation skills, creativity, strategic thinker, idea generator, good oral and written comprehension, deductive reasoning, strong work ethic, high computer aptitude, effective public speaking and ability to present to senior marketing executives and business owners. Preferred primary location will be the DC Metropolitan Region area or in the nearby communities. The Military Publications of APG is part of a larger family of media holdings APG Media of Chesapeake, LLC. APG’s Maryland, Virginia and DC properties include thirty-two publications, nine websites, and five mobile apps. These products cover fifteen counties in the two states and the District of Columbia and each week nearly 1.4 million people read the content they produce.

For all interested candidates, please email resumes to hr@chespub.com APG Media of Chesapeake LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants due to race,ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Visit us online at dcmilitary.com

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Thursday, November 12, 2015